TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW MAY 18, 2007
Articles in this issue of The Review:
1. Antioch Church Prepares a Batch of Love. Congregation prepares frozen biscuits for the poor. If the biscuits created were stacked one on top of the other the stack would be as high as the Empire State Building.
2. Tennessee Conference men lead effort to distribute historic book of daily devotions to U.S. Military.
3. CERTS is not just for breath enhancement—special resource persons can help create a vital Christian Education program in your church
4. Nan de Andrade reflects on her CERTS experience—one of the CERTS resource persons reflects on her experiences
5. Elizabeth R. Shadbolt Asked to Share Immigration/Refugee Expertise with Conference Committee on Global Ministries.
6. Beyond Prisons: A New Interfaith Paradigm for Our Failed Prison System, Harmon Wray, former Tennessee Annual Conference Staff person, co-authors important critique of the criminal justice system
7. Dr. Garry Speich “Roasted” upon his retirement after more than 40 years in ministry
8. Series of Clergy for Tolerance Breakfasts to Examine Faith and Immigration. Tennessee Conference United Methodists participate in discussions of the immigration issue that seems to be dividing the country.
9. Art Piece by College Grove UMC Artist Featured at Christ Church Cathedral, Emily Austin expresses her faith through works of art.
10. Bishop Richard L. Wills III leads spiritual transformation workshops for New York Annual Conference clergy and spouses, article with no graphics or photos.
11. “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me,” Refugees and Refugee Resettlement. Article by United Methodist Liz Shadbolt who has extensive experience in working with refugees.
12. Lake Junaluska: Your place in the Mountains. Many of us have gone to retreats and conferences at Lake Junaluska. Consider going to “The Lake” as a relaxing vacation destination.
Antioch Church Prepares a Batch of Love
(Editor’s note: If each biscuit was one inch thick and you piled, one upon the other, all 15,000 biscuits prepared by Antioch UMC -- you would have a stack of biscuits as tall as New York City’s Empire State Building. That’s a WHOLE lot of biscuit.)
(Antioch, TN) The people of the Antioch United Methodist Church have eaten quite a few biscuits during their 117 years of life together. Little did they know that their experience as master biscuit makers would be transformed into a way that the hungry of Middle Tennessee would be fed.
On Saturday, April 28, some fifty members of the congregation gathered to prepare frozen biscuits to distribute to local food banks. Beginning at 8 a.m. on that day, volunteers measured flour and baking powder, crumbled butter and margarine into the flour, added buttermilk and mixed it into a dough, and then rolled and cut the dough into individual biscuits. These biscuits were then taken to a 40 foot freezer truck for "flash" freezing, and then bagged into dozens for distribution. Each volunteer was given a specific task -- mixing, crumbling, etc.-- and the combined work of these volunteers led to the creation of 15,000 biscuits which will be distributed throughout Middle Tennessee.
"We have sponsored a "potato drop" for several years now, "said Brian West, Outreach Coordinator for the Nashville area congregation. "However, the past couple of years we have been unable to obtain potatoes due to changes in how the potato processors are disposing of their excess. We wanted to come up with another way to feed the hungry that led us to get dirty and go beyond simply collecting food or giving money. After some conversation with some of the local hunger relief agencies, we came up with the idea of making biscuits."
"Frankly, I couldn't imagine that it would be possible to make 5,000 biscuits in a day, let alone 15,000..." said the Rev. Jay Voorhees, pastor of the congregation. "However I knew that Brian and his team felt God's call in attempting this, and I understood that this was a tangible way of expression God's love, so we dug in as a congregation and worked hard to pull this off."
Martin and Sheila Boggs, members of the congregation, own a catering business and took on the task of developing the recipe and process of making the biscuits, as well as ensuring that health department regulations were maintained. "Our original goal was to do 20,000 biscuits in a day," said Sheila Boggs. "As you might imagine, we had to learn some things as we went since this was the first time to attempt this," she said, "but everyone pitched in and we were extremely pleased with the number of biscuits we were able to share with others."
Sarah Tuverson and Linda Ferguson learn about God as they roll out their biscuits.“This was a hard project for some to get their heads around,” said Rev. Voorhees. “One of our main tasks in doing this was to help our people understand that the purpose for this event was as much about what it does for us as how it helps the needy of our community. There are much more efficient ways of packaging biscuits (Pillsbury could probably knock out 15,000 in an hour or two).
However, this event causes us to move outside ourselves, to get dirty, and begin to understand that feeding the hungry or clothing the naked goes beyond simply throwing money at problems and rolling up our sleeves to directly share God’s love. We learned several years ago that these tangible expressions of sharing God’s love transforms us and helps us to be less focused on ourselves.”
The Antioch congregation is making plans to repeat this project next year, attempting to beat this year's record. They are also willing to share their experience with other congregations who may be considering a similar event.
A video overview of the event was shared in worship the next Sunday, and can be viewed at the church's website, www.antiochumc.net
Tennessee Conference men lead effort to distribute historic book of daily devotions to U.S. Military
By Rich Peck
United Methodist Men in the Tennessee Annual Conference are leading an effort to help provide one million copies of a historic book of daily devotions to U.S. troops. To date, 250,000 copies have been sent to deployed troops, training centers and veteran hospitals.
A United Methodist Communications mailing to all church leaders in the conference will encourage them to participate in a fund-raising effort to provide one million copies of the pocket-sized book to U.S. troops.Published in 1942
Strength for Service to God and Country was first published in 1942 just a few months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Distributed in both World War II and the Korean War, the book was nearly forgotten until six years ago when a California Boy Scout saw his dying grandfather reading from a tattered copy of the book. California Scout republishes book
Eugene Hunsberger told his grandson, Evan, that he carried the book as a Navy ensign during World War II and Korea. “It always meant a lot to me, so I continue to read from it each day,” explained Eugene, who had trouble speaking because of collapsed lungs.
Evan was looking for an Eagle Scout project and asked his grandfather if it would be a good idea to republish the historic book for U.S. troops today. “That’s not a good idea,” whispered Eugene; “that’s a great idea.”
Evan contacted the United Methodist Publishing House which first published and distributed one million copies of the book. The publishing house gave him permission to reprint the book and Evan and other scouts spent hours entering copy and asking contemporary leaders to add additional devotions.
Shortly after September 11, the General Commission on United Methodist Men agreed to support the effort.
Evan’s grandfather did not live to see the printing and distribution of 250,000 copies of the book, but military men and women are grateful to him for beginning an effort to provide them with spiritual support during difficult times.Copies given to Tennessee troops
“Thank you for the generous contribution of 2,000 copies of Strength for Service to God and Country to the 278th Regimental Combat Team,” said Randy.D Harris, Joint Public Affairs Director of the Tennessee Military Department.
“We are fortunate to have the 278th back home from nearly a year in Iraq, with only eight combat casualties out of more than 3,000 soldiers who deployed,” said Harris. Strength for Service to God and Country was the only inspirational publication some of these soldiers had after they deployed. I have talked with several of them and want to pass on to you what a profound impact this little book had on them. It is a true demonstration of God's love and how He works through organizations like United Methodist Men to spread His message of salvation. It makes me proud to be a United Methodist.”
Fort Campbell chaplains express appreciation
“All who have experienced this book have praised its value,” said Fort Campbell Chaplain Douglas McLeroy. “Recently, the hospital chaplain told me that the staff at the hospital wants copies of the text. The chaplain reads a selection each morning during the morning report and both doctors and nurses want copies. Thanks for your faithfulness in this ministry.”
“You have touched many lives in a positive, faith-promoting way. Please continue the good work,” said Chaplain Lieutenant Stuart of the 101st Airborne.How to help
If you want to help with this project, a mailing from United Methodist Communications will provide posters and additional information. You may also contact Ingram Howard, president of Tennessee Conference United Methodist Men (e-mail: ihoward@tennbank.com; phone: 771-4989
Team Stands Ready to Help Local Churches improve their Christian Education programs
CERTS is not just for breath enhancement—can help create a vital Christian Education program in your church
The acronym CERTS stands for “Christian Education Resource Team Specialists’, and is a team of professional Christian Educators willing to help guide local churches in Christian Education. CERTS, sponsored by the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church, is dedicated to the philosophy that no matter how small the church there can be a vital and growing Christian Education Program. Members on the CERTS team are not only trained and experienced in Christian Education but have participated in an intensive two-day curriculum training with the United Methodist Publishing House.
What is CERTS? CERTS Christian Education Resource Team Specialists can give you help and direction with your church’s Christian Education program for children, youth and adults. Skilled and qualified persons will come to your church to assist you at your request. They will share one of the programs listed below, or they will help you with other concerns you may have.
Your Annual Conference apportionments underwrite the majority of costs for this program. The local group sponsoring the event is asked to pay $25.00 to cover travel expenses. If finances are a problem, let us know when you call.
Possible Workshops for workers with children:
Teaching Two’s and Three’s
Teaching Preschoolers
Teaching Elementary-Age
Teaching Tweens
Choosing Children’s Curriculum
Children’s Curriculum Resources for Small Membership Churches
Rotation – A Model for Learning
Vacation Bible School
Possible Workshops for workers with Youth
Teaching Jr. High
Teaching Sr. High
Youth Curriculum Resources
Making Disciples through Confirmation
Possible Workshops for workers with Adult
Teaching Adults
DVD-enhanced Curriculum Resources for Adults
Workshops on Improving the Sunday School
What Every Teacher Should Know
Teaching through the Church Seasons
Worship and prayer in the Classroom
Recruiting, Resource, Refresh Your Teachers
Nurturing Teacher’s Spiritual Growth
Beyond the Roll Book: Sunday School and Evangelism
Workshops for Christian Education Committees
An Effective Christian Education Team
Planning a Christian Education Ministry
Local churches are the primary focus of the program. However, these workshops are also available to charges, districts or other networks of churches. To get started with CERTS training opportunities contact Tennessee Annual Conference Director of Nurture Ministries Susan Groseclose. She will discuss with you the nature of the services you desire. Susan Groseclose: 615-329-1177 or 800-403-5795; email sgroseclose@tnumc.org
As a result of this discussion, a covenant agreement will be developed which will include the nature of the program you choose, the amount of time involved, the number of participants, their interest and the fee. A leader will then be invited to join your team. You will make final preparations with your leader.
Everything we do as Christian disciples is Christian Education. We are called by God to share faith. Let’s work together as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!
Members of the Leadership Team are: Nan de Andrade, Gail Britt, Carol Bumbalough, Emily Gentry, Rhoda Preston, Aleta Sutherland, and Joan Walker.
Nan de Andrade reflects on her CERTS experience
I am a UMPH-trained volunteer for the TN Conference CERTS program. In January, I spent several days at the UMPH, as they fully presented their resources for Christian education/ nurture ministry. I wish everyone could have that benefit – the training was truly helpful and it was exciting to see all that is being developed and offered by our publishing house! Through our CERTS program, we’re trying to at least bring the most-needed information to churches who ask. I volunteered because I felt that, as a deacon serving in a local church, perhaps I could “increase my territory” by serving as a liaison for both the UMPH and our conference, sharing some of my excitement, experience and knowledge about Christian education programs with churches who need some positive influence and direction.
I did my first CERTS training for Woodbury UMC on Sunday, May 3, from 3-6 pm. Rev. Perry Whitaker and the congregation are wanting to revitalize their Sunday school, which has dwindled over some years to only one elementary class. They have many more children attending church, who are not currently participating in Christian education on Sundays.
Teachers and substitute teachers had been recruited to teach and rooms had been prepared, but they were in need of some direction in curriculum selection, as well as some other planning hurdles, such as getting families and children excited about Sunday school, facility needs, Safe Sanctuaries, and classroom management. I brought two boxes full of curriculum and resources for them to examine (my own and from Cokesbury consignment). About eight teachers attended the training.
After listening to their situation, needs and dreams, I shared some recommendations for their consideration and continued discussion. I’m afraid I showed them more “work to be done” than “solutions,” but that’s how an effective ministry works – each local church is different, and first you have to assess the needs in the congregation and community, then set priorities and goals, and then work together faithfully to achieve them! I hope and pray that I helped them on their way toward revitalizing their nurture ministry, as they are a beautiful congregation with a lot of potential for growth in numbers and quality for the Kingdom!
Elizabeth R. Shadbolt Asked to Share Immigration & Refugee Expertise with Committee on Global Ministries
Garry Speich, Nashville District Superintendent who is retiring at the 2006 session of Annual Conference, was “roasted” at a special district breakfast at Glendale United Methodist Church on Tuesday, May 9, 2007. Roast-master was friend Larry Lane. Among other things Speich was treated to jibes at his unwillingness to lose a golf ball, his hot tea in an iced tea part of the country, his pronunciation of “plateau,” and his infamous water melon teeth shtick. Speakers, including Bishop Morris, also praised his dedication, his willingness to be a “listener,” and his loving knowledge of and concern for each congregation in the district. He is seen here enjoying the show with wife Peggy.
Series of Clergy for Tolerance Breakfasts to Examine Faith and Immigration Issues
Dennis Meaker (left) participates in table discussion at the breakfast. His church, West Nashville UMC, is in the process of beginning an Hispanic congregation in a rapidly changing neighborhood.
A coalition of community organizations, concerned individuals, and clergy from a wide spectrum of faiths have organized a series of breakfasts inviting clergy and laypersons to reflect, learn, and share what their respective faith traditions say about the topic of welcoming new arrivals to our community. “Looking Beyond Policy and Politics,” the third in this breakfast series was held on Thursday, April 19, 2006 at Loews Vanderbilt Nashville Hotel, and brought together more than 100 faith leaders from a wide variety of religious traditions and denominations to discuss faith and the humanity of immigration. Inspiring congregations to “learn, act, and pray,” materials have been developed to assist clergy in addressing immigration from biblical and textual perspectives.
The goals of the Clergy for Tolerance Breakfast Series include:
· mobilizing our faith leaders to lead positive, informative, reasoned, and theologically sound conversations and activities with their congregations on the topic of immigration/new arrivals to decrease prejudice and discrimination and build tolerance as a faith-based principle within their congregations;
· inviting our faith leaders to take a stand against intolerance in our community through prayer, learning, and action;
· and providing faith leaders with inspiration, tools and resources, and follow-up to increase knowledge about the issue of immigration/new arrivals and inspire ideas for action.
Jim Cole, pastor of Woodbine United Methodist Church, speaks to the crowd. Woodbine is in a covenant relationship with Primera Iglesia Metodista Hispanic.
In the words of Rev. Becca Stevens, Rector of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church and a chief organizer of this event, “The rhetoric of intolerance has escalated in a new atmosphere of fear fed by misinformation – often encouraged by the media and extreme individuals. People of faith
are not called to change the world; they are called to love the world. Sometimes in loving the world we have to learn how to change ourselves – to encourage tolerance, fairness, and justice to help stem the current tide of hatred we are witnessing.”
Sandra Shawhan (Nolensville First UMC), Jay Voohees (Antioch UMC), and Judy Hoffman (Edgehill UMC) were part of a group of more than a dozen United Methodists at the Clergy for Tolerance Breakfast on April 19th.
Sandra Griggs (Glendale UMC) and Pam Hawkins (Associate Pastor, Belle Meade UMC) share their feelings about the presentations they have heard.
Day trips into the nearby Great Smokies are rewarding – once again persons can spot Elk and other forms of animal life
Exciting attractions in Western North Carolina can be enjoyed in a day trip. From elk and black bears to reptiles, the natural and cultural history of the Great Smoky Mountains are located 56 miles away from Lake Junaluska. Entrance to the National Smoky Mountains National Park is free.
Families can enjoy hiking, bicycling, auto touring and wildlife viewing among many other activities. If you want to view elk, the best times are usually early in the morning and late evening. Elk may also be active on cloudy summer days and before or after storms.
Other area attractions close to Lake Junaluska are the Cherokee Indian Reservation, Gatlinburg, TN and the Biltmore House and Gardens.
Doris Wilson of Knoxville, TN has been coming to Lake Junaluska for 15 years. At the end of her annual conference meeting she stays a few extra days on vacation.
"What a beautiful, relaxing place it is! I just sit and relax, walk the trail around the lake and go to Waynesville for shopping. I have driven to mount Pisgah for dinner and I am coming back this summer," Wilson said.
Lake Junaluska offers a wide array of meeting facilities, equipment and services to meet any needs. Many of the rooms can be used for special banquets or receptions.For more information go to www.lakejunaluska.com or call 800-222-4930 for reservations.
*Cintia Furtado Listenbee is the SEJ Communications Specialist
1. Antioch Church Prepares a Batch of Love. Congregation prepares frozen biscuits for the poor. If the biscuits created were stacked one on top of the other the stack would be as high as the Empire State Building.
2. Tennessee Conference men lead effort to distribute historic book of daily devotions to U.S. Military.
3. CERTS is not just for breath enhancement—special resource persons can help create a vital Christian Education program in your church
4. Nan de Andrade reflects on her CERTS experience—one of the CERTS resource persons reflects on her experiences
5. Elizabeth R. Shadbolt Asked to Share Immigration/Refugee Expertise with Conference Committee on Global Ministries.
6. Beyond Prisons: A New Interfaith Paradigm for Our Failed Prison System, Harmon Wray, former Tennessee Annual Conference Staff person, co-authors important critique of the criminal justice system
7. Dr. Garry Speich “Roasted” upon his retirement after more than 40 years in ministry
8. Series of Clergy for Tolerance Breakfasts to Examine Faith and Immigration. Tennessee Conference United Methodists participate in discussions of the immigration issue that seems to be dividing the country.
9. Art Piece by College Grove UMC Artist Featured at Christ Church Cathedral, Emily Austin expresses her faith through works of art.
10. Bishop Richard L. Wills III leads spiritual transformation workshops for New York Annual Conference clergy and spouses, article with no graphics or photos.
11. “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me,” Refugees and Refugee Resettlement. Article by United Methodist Liz Shadbolt who has extensive experience in working with refugees.
12. Lake Junaluska: Your place in the Mountains. Many of us have gone to retreats and conferences at Lake Junaluska. Consider going to “The Lake” as a relaxing vacation destination.
Antioch Church Prepares a Batch of Love
(Editor’s note: If each biscuit was one inch thick and you piled, one upon the other, all 15,000 biscuits prepared by Antioch UMC -- you would have a stack of biscuits as tall as New York City’s Empire State Building. That’s a WHOLE lot of biscuit.)
(Antioch, TN) The people of the Antioch United Methodist Church have eaten quite a few biscuits during their 117 years of life together. Little did they know that their experience as master biscuit makers would be transformed into a way that the hungry of Middle Tennessee would be fed.On Saturday, April 28, some fifty members of the congregation gathered to prepare frozen biscuits to distribute to local food banks. Beginning at 8 a.m. on that day, volunteers measured flour and baking powder, crumbled butter and margarine into the flour, added buttermilk and mixed it into a dough, and then rolled and cut the dough into individual biscuits. These biscuits were then taken to a 40 foot freezer truck for "flash" freezing, and then bagged into dozens for distribution. Each volunteer was given a specific task -- mixing, crumbling, etc.-- and the combined work of these volunteers led to the creation of 15,000 biscuits which will be distributed throughout Middle Tennessee.
"We have sponsored a "potato drop" for several years now, "said Brian West, Outreach Coordinator for the Nashville area congregation. "However, the past couple of years we have been unable to obtain potatoes due to changes in how the potato processors are disposing of their excess. We wanted to come up with another way to feed the hungry that led us to get dirty and go beyond simply collecting food or giving money. After some conversation with some of the local hunger relief agencies, we came up with the idea of making biscuits."
"Frankly, I couldn't imagine that it would be possible to make 5,000 biscuits in a day, let alone 15,000..." said the Rev. Jay Voorhees, pastor of the congregation. "However I knew that Brian and his team felt God's call in attempting this, and I understood that this was a tangible way of expression God's love, so we dug in as a congregation and worked hard to pull this off."
Martin and Sheila Boggs, members of the congregation, own a catering business and took on the task of developing the recipe and process of making the biscuits, as well as ensuring that health department regulations were maintained. "Our original goal was to do 20,000 biscuits in a day," said Sheila Boggs. "As you might imagine, we had to learn some things as we went since this was the first time to attempt this," she said, "but everyone pitched in and we were extremely pleased with the number of biscuits we were able to share with others."
Sarah Tuverson and Linda Ferguson learn about God as they roll out their biscuits.“This was a hard project for some to get their heads around,” said Rev. Voorhees. “One of our main tasks in doing this was to help our people understand that the purpose for this event was as much about what it does for us as how it helps the needy of our community. There are much more efficient ways of packaging biscuits (Pillsbury could probably knock out 15,000 in an hour or two).
However, this event causes us to move outside ourselves, to get dirty, and begin to understand that feeding the hungry or clothing the naked goes beyond simply throwing money at problems and rolling up our sleeves to directly share God’s love. We learned several years ago that these tangible expressions of sharing God’s love transforms us and helps us to be less focused on ourselves.”
The Antioch congregation is making plans to repeat this project next year, attempting to beat this year's record. They are also willing to share their experience with other congregations who may be considering a similar event.
A video overview of the event was shared in worship the next Sunday, and can be viewed at the church's website, www.antiochumc.net
Tennessee Conference men lead effort to distribute historic book of daily devotions to U.S. Military
By Rich Peck
United Methodist Men in the Tennessee Annual Conference are leading an effort to help provide one million copies of a historic book of daily devotions to U.S. troops. To date, 250,000 copies have been sent to deployed troops, training centers and veteran hospitals.
A United Methodist Communications mailing to all church leaders in the conference will encourage them to participate in a fund-raising effort to provide one million copies of the pocket-sized book to U.S. troops.Published in 1942
Strength for Service to God and Country was first published in 1942 just a few months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Distributed in both World War II and the Korean War, the book was nearly forgotten until six years ago when a California Boy Scout saw his dying grandfather reading from a tattered copy of the book. California Scout republishes book
Eugene Hunsberger told his grandson, Evan, that he carried the book as a Navy ensign during World War II and Korea. “It always meant a lot to me, so I continue to read from it each day,” explained Eugene, who had trouble speaking because of collapsed lungs.
Evan was looking for an Eagle Scout project and asked his grandfather if it would be a good idea to republish the historic book for U.S. troops today. “That’s not a good idea,” whispered Eugene; “that’s a great idea.”
Evan contacted the United Methodist Publishing House which first published and distributed one million copies of the book. The publishing house gave him permission to reprint the book and Evan and other scouts spent hours entering copy and asking contemporary leaders to add additional devotions.
Shortly after September 11, the General Commission on United Methodist Men agreed to support the effort.
Evan’s grandfather did not live to see the printing and distribution of 250,000 copies of the book, but military men and women are grateful to him for beginning an effort to provide them with spiritual support during difficult times.Copies given to Tennessee troops
“Thank you for the generous contribution of 2,000 copies of Strength for Service to God and Country to the 278th Regimental Combat Team,” said Randy.D Harris, Joint Public Affairs Director of the Tennessee Military Department.
“We are fortunate to have the 278th back home from nearly a year in Iraq, with only eight combat casualties out of more than 3,000 soldiers who deployed,” said Harris. Strength for Service to God and Country was the only inspirational publication some of these soldiers had after they deployed. I have talked with several of them and want to pass on to you what a profound impact this little book had on them. It is a true demonstration of God's love and how He works through organizations like United Methodist Men to spread His message of salvation. It makes me proud to be a United Methodist.”
Fort Campbell chaplains express appreciation
“All who have experienced this book have praised its value,” said Fort Campbell Chaplain Douglas McLeroy. “Recently, the hospital chaplain told me that the staff at the hospital wants copies of the text. The chaplain reads a selection each morning during the morning report and both doctors and nurses want copies. Thanks for your faithfulness in this ministry.”
“You have touched many lives in a positive, faith-promoting way. Please continue the good work,” said Chaplain Lieutenant Stuart of the 101st Airborne.How to help
If you want to help with this project, a mailing from United Methodist Communications will provide posters and additional information. You may also contact Ingram Howard, president of Tennessee Conference United Methodist Men (e-mail: ihoward@tennbank.com; phone: 771-4989
Team Stands Ready to Help Local Churches improve their Christian Education programs
CERTS is not just for breath enhancement—can help create a vital Christian Education program in your church
The acronym CERTS stands for “Christian Education Resource Team Specialists’, and is a team of professional Christian Educators willing to help guide local churches in Christian Education. CERTS, sponsored by the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church, is dedicated to the philosophy that no matter how small the church there can be a vital and growing Christian Education Program. Members on the CERTS team are not only trained and experienced in Christian Education but have participated in an intensive two-day curriculum training with the United Methodist Publishing House.
What is CERTS? CERTS Christian Education Resource Team Specialists can give you help and direction with your church’s Christian Education program for children, youth and adults. Skilled and qualified persons will come to your church to assist you at your request. They will share one of the programs listed below, or they will help you with other concerns you may have.
Your Annual Conference apportionments underwrite the majority of costs for this program. The local group sponsoring the event is asked to pay $25.00 to cover travel expenses. If finances are a problem, let us know when you call.
Possible Workshops for workers with children:
Teaching Two’s and Three’s
Teaching Preschoolers
Teaching Elementary-Age
Teaching Tweens
Choosing Children’s Curriculum
Children’s Curriculum Resources for Small Membership Churches
Rotation – A Model for Learning
Vacation Bible School
Possible Workshops for workers with Youth
Teaching Jr. High
Teaching Sr. High
Youth Curriculum Resources
Making Disciples through Confirmation
Possible Workshops for workers with Adult
Teaching Adults
DVD-enhanced Curriculum Resources for Adults
Workshops on Improving the Sunday School
What Every Teacher Should Know
Teaching through the Church Seasons
Worship and prayer in the Classroom
Recruiting, Resource, Refresh Your Teachers
Nurturing Teacher’s Spiritual Growth
Beyond the Roll Book: Sunday School and Evangelism
Workshops for Christian Education Committees
An Effective Christian Education Team
Planning a Christian Education Ministry
Local churches are the primary focus of the program. However, these workshops are also available to charges, districts or other networks of churches. To get started with CERTS training opportunities contact Tennessee Annual Conference Director of Nurture Ministries Susan Groseclose. She will discuss with you the nature of the services you desire. Susan Groseclose: 615-329-1177 or 800-403-5795; email sgroseclose@tnumc.org
As a result of this discussion, a covenant agreement will be developed which will include the nature of the program you choose, the amount of time involved, the number of participants, their interest and the fee. A leader will then be invited to join your team. You will make final preparations with your leader.
Everything we do as Christian disciples is Christian Education. We are called by God to share faith. Let’s work together as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!
Members of the Leadership Team are: Nan de Andrade, Gail Britt, Carol Bumbalough, Emily Gentry, Rhoda Preston, Aleta Sutherland, and Joan Walker.
Nan de Andrade reflects on her CERTS experience
I am a UMPH-trained volunteer for the TN Conference CERTS program. In January, I spent several days at the UMPH, as they fully presented their resources for Christian education/ nurture ministry. I wish everyone could have that benefit – the training was truly helpful and it was exciting to see all that is being developed and offered by our publishing house! Through our CERTS program, we’re trying to at least bring the most-needed information to churches who ask. I volunteered because I felt that, as a deacon serving in a local church, perhaps I could “increase my territory” by serving as a liaison for both the UMPH and our conference, sharing some of my excitement, experience and knowledge about Christian education programs with churches who need some positive influence and direction.I did my first CERTS training for Woodbury UMC on Sunday, May 3, from 3-6 pm. Rev. Perry Whitaker and the congregation are wanting to revitalize their Sunday school, which has dwindled over some years to only one elementary class. They have many more children attending church, who are not currently participating in Christian education on Sundays.
Teachers and substitute teachers had been recruited to teach and rooms had been prepared, but they were in need of some direction in curriculum selection, as well as some other planning hurdles, such as getting families and children excited about Sunday school, facility needs, Safe Sanctuaries, and classroom management. I brought two boxes full of curriculum and resources for them to examine (my own and from Cokesbury consignment). About eight teachers attended the training.
After listening to their situation, needs and dreams, I shared some recommendations for their consideration and continued discussion. I’m afraid I showed them more “work to be done” than “solutions,” but that’s how an effective ministry works – each local church is different, and first you have to assess the needs in the congregation and community, then set priorities and goals, and then work together faithfully to achieve them! I hope and pray that I helped them on their way toward revitalizing their nurture ministry, as they are a beautiful congregation with a lot of potential for growth in numbers and quality for the Kingdom!
Elizabeth R. Shadbolt Asked to Share Immigration & Refugee Expertise with Committee on Global Ministries
Elizabeth Shadbolt with her husband Matt Crouse and sons Eli and Isaac. Photo by Emily Gnetz.
Liz Shadbolt has been asked to bring her expertise to the Tennessee Annual Conference Committee on Global Ministries as “Immigration/Refugee Coordinator.” With her experience in working with refugees and governmental and social agencies that focus on immigration, Liz will be able to help us as a Conference have better informed, and more productive, dialogue on immigration issues.
Shadbolt and her husband Matt Crouse were raised in Columbus, Ohio, and relocated to Nashville in 2000. They are now raising two Native Nashvillians – Eli 5 and Isaac 2. Before moving to Tennessee Liz earned degrees from Capital University and Ohio State, and spent a year teaching at Sun Yat Sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China. For the past eight years she has worked in several capacities in refugee and immigration services and is presently working at Vanderbilt University. Before moving to Nashville she worked for Interfaith Refugee Services of Ohio as sponsorship developer and secured church and community sponsors for refugee families as well as developing information resources and a training program for volunteers.
She is a Board of Immigration Affairs (BIA) accredited Immigration Specialist and from May 2000 to June 2004 worked with World Relief assisting refugees in filing for adjustment of status and citizenship, worked with families in sponsoring relatives overseas, and developed/taught a citizenship class for refugees and immigrants.
After her work with World Relief she has served as a community counselor for Au Pair in America. Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, indicates that the term “Au Pair” describes a young person living on an equal basis with a host family in a foreign country. The au pair helps the family with childcare, housework, or both while staying as a guest of the family and generally receiving a small allowance (or pocket money). As community counselor, she was a local resource, mediator, and monitor for host families and au pairs, and planned and implemented monthly activities for au pairs and yearly cultural workshops.
Liz and her family attend Jordonia United Methodist Church where she is a Lay Speaker and is currently pursuing a call toward becoming a Deaconess. Working with churches to reach the “strangers” among us is a passion in her life. Jason Brock, Tennessee Conference Director of Love and Justice Ministries, is glad to have Liz on the Global Ministries Committee: “I look forward to working with Liz. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that can help us to be faithful to Christ as we reach out to our immigrant neighbors in our neighborhoods.”
Note: First of a series of articles by Liz Shadbolt, “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me,” can be found on further down the page.
Beyond Prisons: A New Interfaith Paradigm for Our Failed Prison System
Shadbolt and her husband Matt Crouse were raised in Columbus, Ohio, and relocated to Nashville in 2000. They are now raising two Native Nashvillians – Eli 5 and Isaac 2. Before moving to Tennessee Liz earned degrees from Capital University and Ohio State, and spent a year teaching at Sun Yat Sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China. For the past eight years she has worked in several capacities in refugee and immigration services and is presently working at Vanderbilt University. Before moving to Nashville she worked for Interfaith Refugee Services of Ohio as sponsorship developer and secured church and community sponsors for refugee families as well as developing information resources and a training program for volunteers.
She is a Board of Immigration Affairs (BIA) accredited Immigration Specialist and from May 2000 to June 2004 worked with World Relief assisting refugees in filing for adjustment of status and citizenship, worked with families in sponsoring relatives overseas, and developed/taught a citizenship class for refugees and immigrants.
After her work with World Relief she has served as a community counselor for Au Pair in America. Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, indicates that the term “Au Pair” describes a young person living on an equal basis with a host family in a foreign country. The au pair helps the family with childcare, housework, or both while staying as a guest of the family and generally receiving a small allowance (or pocket money). As community counselor, she was a local resource, mediator, and monitor for host families and au pairs, and planned and implemented monthly activities for au pairs and yearly cultural workshops.
Liz and her family attend Jordonia United Methodist Church where she is a Lay Speaker and is currently pursuing a call toward becoming a Deaconess. Working with churches to reach the “strangers” among us is a passion in her life. Jason Brock, Tennessee Conference Director of Love and Justice Ministries, is glad to have Liz on the Global Ministries Committee: “I look forward to working with Liz. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that can help us to be faithful to Christ as we reach out to our immigrant neighbors in our neighborhoods.”
Note: First of a series of articles by Liz Shadbolt, “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me,” can be found on further down the page.
Beyond Prisons: A New Interfaith Paradigm for Our Failed Prison System
Harmon L. Wray
Writer and Social Justice Organizer Ched Myers says of the book Beyond Prisons: A New Interfaith Paradigm for Our Failed Prison System: “This book is the fruit of years of organizing, advocacy and reflection concerning our deeply broken criminal justice system. It is the finest critique of the prison-industrial complex available.” It is hard to disagree with Myers’ conclusion—this is an exceptional look at the American criminal justice system from an interfaith perspective, and a clarion call to all those who profess to follow Christ.
Harmon Wray, co-author of the book, has many years of experience in restorative justice and at one time was a staff person for the Tennessee Annual Conference Council on Ministries in the mid-1990s and then served as Executive Director of Restorative Justice Issues for the General Board of Global Ministries. Presently he is Director of the Vanderbilt Program in Faith in Criminal Justice, one of the most innovative seminary programs in the country. Co-author Laura Magnani also has lengthy experience and approached the writing as staff person for the American Friends Service Committee. She picked up on the fact that the AFSC was looking for a replacement and update of the pivotal 1971 book, Struggle for Justice. The result of the collaboration between Wray and Magnani has been what many call a “must read” book for persons struggling with a criminal justice system that is in total disrepair. More accurately, this is a “must discuss” book for book clubs, adult church school classes, lay or ministerial discussion groups, church social concerns committee—any group that believes Christ was serious when he said, “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.”
In personal interviews Harmon L. Wray shares some frightening statistics: the United States with 5% of the world’s population has 25% of the prison population. “For the last three decades, the prison and jail population in the Untied States has more than sextupled, from just 330,000 in 1972 to 2.1 million in 2001. The increase in the number of prison and jail prisoners since 1990 is considerably greater than the number of prisoners imprisoned in 1980 (501,886).” (p. 30)
Beyond Prisons depicts a broken criminal justice system heavily weighted toward inmates that are African-American and Hispanic, with a high percentage of persons that are mentally ill. The goal, in many cases, is not rehabilitation, certainly not forgiveness or redemption—it is simply the warehousing of prisoners for the longest time allowed. The American Friends Service Committee points out that with the privatization of prisons—which profit from heavy influx of prisoners and from recidivism—there is absolutely no motivation to provide strong mental health services and meaningful job training that could result in employment and stable life.
“Although we work diligently to remove the injustices that result in crime, we recognize our responsibility to stand with the imprisoned, as well as the survivors of crime, as long as social policy results in their abandonment and isolation. Official sanction of cruelty will not produce positive change in individual lives or in social structures. Official sanction of cruelty is not justice. Rather, it leads to abuse and deeper violence.” (p. 187)
The system does not address the root causes of poverty and crime—“the rich get richer and the poor get prison.” White-collar crime robs far more money from society than street crime—yet the white-collar criminal seldom receives jail time. Nor does the system address the needs of persons who are victims of crime. This book, fortunately DOES address both issues, and explores how it just might be possible to substantially cut the number of persons incarcerated, and the rate of recidivism—and the church has got to be a vital part of the process.
Beyond Prisons: A New Interfaith Paradigm for Our Failed Prison System was published by Fortress Press. If you missed his discussion and book signing sessions at the Scarritt-Bennett Center and at Harmon’s home church, Edgehill UMC, you can order the book from Harmon L. Wray, Director, Vanderbilt Program in Faith and Criminal Justice, 1109 Graybar Lane, Nashville, TN 37204. Phone 615-297-8288, email vpfcj@bellsouth.net. The cost is $13.00 plus $2.00 shipping.
Dr. Garry Speich “Roasted” upon his retirement after more than 40 years in ministry
Harmon Wray, co-author of the book, has many years of experience in restorative justice and at one time was a staff person for the Tennessee Annual Conference Council on Ministries in the mid-1990s and then served as Executive Director of Restorative Justice Issues for the General Board of Global Ministries. Presently he is Director of the Vanderbilt Program in Faith in Criminal Justice, one of the most innovative seminary programs in the country. Co-author Laura Magnani also has lengthy experience and approached the writing as staff person for the American Friends Service Committee. She picked up on the fact that the AFSC was looking for a replacement and update of the pivotal 1971 book, Struggle for Justice. The result of the collaboration between Wray and Magnani has been what many call a “must read” book for persons struggling with a criminal justice system that is in total disrepair. More accurately, this is a “must discuss” book for book clubs, adult church school classes, lay or ministerial discussion groups, church social concerns committee—any group that believes Christ was serious when he said, “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.”
In personal interviews Harmon L. Wray shares some frightening statistics: the United States with 5% of the world’s population has 25% of the prison population. “For the last three decades, the prison and jail population in the Untied States has more than sextupled, from just 330,000 in 1972 to 2.1 million in 2001. The increase in the number of prison and jail prisoners since 1990 is considerably greater than the number of prisoners imprisoned in 1980 (501,886).” (p. 30)
Beyond Prisons depicts a broken criminal justice system heavily weighted toward inmates that are African-American and Hispanic, with a high percentage of persons that are mentally ill. The goal, in many cases, is not rehabilitation, certainly not forgiveness or redemption—it is simply the warehousing of prisoners for the longest time allowed. The American Friends Service Committee points out that with the privatization of prisons—which profit from heavy influx of prisoners and from recidivism—there is absolutely no motivation to provide strong mental health services and meaningful job training that could result in employment and stable life.
“Although we work diligently to remove the injustices that result in crime, we recognize our responsibility to stand with the imprisoned, as well as the survivors of crime, as long as social policy results in their abandonment and isolation. Official sanction of cruelty will not produce positive change in individual lives or in social structures. Official sanction of cruelty is not justice. Rather, it leads to abuse and deeper violence.” (p. 187)
The system does not address the root causes of poverty and crime—“the rich get richer and the poor get prison.” White-collar crime robs far more money from society than street crime—yet the white-collar criminal seldom receives jail time. Nor does the system address the needs of persons who are victims of crime. This book, fortunately DOES address both issues, and explores how it just might be possible to substantially cut the number of persons incarcerated, and the rate of recidivism—and the church has got to be a vital part of the process.
Beyond Prisons: A New Interfaith Paradigm for Our Failed Prison System was published by Fortress Press. If you missed his discussion and book signing sessions at the Scarritt-Bennett Center and at Harmon’s home church, Edgehill UMC, you can order the book from Harmon L. Wray, Director, Vanderbilt Program in Faith and Criminal Justice, 1109 Graybar Lane, Nashville, TN 37204. Phone 615-297-8288, email vpfcj@bellsouth.net. The cost is $13.00 plus $2.00 shipping.
Dr. Garry Speich “Roasted” upon his retirement after more than 40 years in ministry
Garry Speich, Nashville District Superintendent who is retiring at the 2006 session of Annual Conference, was “roasted” at a special district breakfast at Glendale United Methodist Church on Tuesday, May 9, 2007. Roast-master was friend Larry Lane. Among other things Speich was treated to jibes at his unwillingness to lose a golf ball, his hot tea in an iced tea part of the country, his pronunciation of “plateau,” and his infamous water melon teeth shtick. Speakers, including Bishop Morris, also praised his dedication, his willingness to be a “listener,” and his loving knowledge of and concern for each congregation in the district. He is seen here enjoying the show with wife Peggy.Series of Clergy for Tolerance Breakfasts to Examine Faith and Immigration Issues
Dennis Meaker (left) participates in table discussion at the breakfast. His church, West Nashville UMC, is in the process of beginning an Hispanic congregation in a rapidly changing neighborhood.A coalition of community organizations, concerned individuals, and clergy from a wide spectrum of faiths have organized a series of breakfasts inviting clergy and laypersons to reflect, learn, and share what their respective faith traditions say about the topic of welcoming new arrivals to our community. “Looking Beyond Policy and Politics,” the third in this breakfast series was held on Thursday, April 19, 2006 at Loews Vanderbilt Nashville Hotel, and brought together more than 100 faith leaders from a wide variety of religious traditions and denominations to discuss faith and the humanity of immigration. Inspiring congregations to “learn, act, and pray,” materials have been developed to assist clergy in addressing immigration from biblical and textual perspectives.
The goals of the Clergy for Tolerance Breakfast Series include:
· mobilizing our faith leaders to lead positive, informative, reasoned, and theologically sound conversations and activities with their congregations on the topic of immigration/new arrivals to decrease prejudice and discrimination and build tolerance as a faith-based principle within their congregations;
· inviting our faith leaders to take a stand against intolerance in our community through prayer, learning, and action;
· and providing faith leaders with inspiration, tools and resources, and follow-up to increase knowledge about the issue of immigration/new arrivals and inspire ideas for action.
Jim Cole, pastor of Woodbine United Methodist Church, speaks to the crowd. Woodbine is in a covenant relationship with Primera Iglesia Metodista Hispanic.
In the words of Rev. Becca Stevens, Rector of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church and a chief organizer of this event, “The rhetoric of intolerance has escalated in a new atmosphere of fear fed by misinformation – often encouraged by the media and extreme individuals. People of faith
are not called to change the world; they are called to love the world. Sometimes in loving the world we have to learn how to change ourselves – to encourage tolerance, fairness, and justice to help stem the current tide of hatred we are witnessing.”Sandra Shawhan (Nolensville First UMC), Jay Voohees (Antioch UMC), and Judy Hoffman (Edgehill UMC) were part of a group of more than a dozen United Methodists at the Clergy for Tolerance Breakfast on April 19th.
Sandra Griggs (Glendale UMC) and Pam Hawkins (Associate Pastor, Belle Meade UMC) share their feelings about the presentations they have heard.
For additional information on this series and initiative, contact Jose Gonzalez, Conexion Americas or visit www.strangersnolonger.org. Among groups organizing this series are Conexion Americas, CommunityNashville, Welcoming Tennessee, Strangers No Longer, and Loews Vanderbilt Nashville Hotel.
Art Piece by College Grove UMC Artist Featured at Christ Church Cathedral
Art Piece by College Grove UMC Artist Featured at Christ Church Cathedral
“The cross is laid on Simon of Cyrene” by Emily Austin
When worshipers reached the fifth station of the cross at an April 6th worship service at Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) they came to an art piece prepared by Emily Austin, a member of College Grove United Methodist Church. The title of the painting was “The cross is laid on Simon of Cyrene.” Austin also prepared art pieces used during Christ Church worship services several times in 2006—an acrylic painting for the worship service on the Friday closest to Transfiguration Sunday, and an altar piece painting for the congregation’s celebration of Dia De Los Muertos (All Soul’s Day).
Emily, wife of Murfreesboro District Lay Leader, Jim Austin, was an art major at Peabody College. Her current interest is focused on Liturgical and worship art with watercolors or mixed media collage prepared for her own church, College Grove UMC, as well as for the Cathedral. She does bulletin art work for her church and has done pen and ink/watercolor drawings for the Taize service at St. Mark’s UMC in Murfreesboro.
Bishop Richard L. Wills III leads spiritual transformation workshops for New York Annual Conference clergy and spouses
Excerpted from The Vision, newspaper of the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, March 23, 2007
Bishop Jeremiah Park is inviting all conference clergy and their spouses to participate in one of four spiritual transformation workshops to be held in the New York Annual Conference this spring. Bishop Richard Wills presented the workshops at the Bishop’s Convocation in January. Bishop Park believes that ‘what Bishop Wills shared with those who attended the Bishop’s Convocation will bring transformation to our journey as a pastor, minister and disciple. I want to make sure that all our clergy experience this.”
Bishop Wills will return to the conference for four workshops: March 29, March 30, May 24 and May 25. The workshops will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. There will be time for fellowship and a continental breakfast at 9:00, and lunch will be served at 12:00. The workshop will be held in the following locations: March 29, Christ Church United Methodist, 520 Park Ave., Manhattan, N.Y.; March 30, Westbury United Methodist Church, 265 Asbury Ave., Westbury, N.Y.; May 24, St. James United Methodist Church, 35 Pearl St., Kingston, N.Y.; May 25, First United Methodist Church, 21 Fern Drive, Torrington, Conn.
. . . It is my expectation that all of our clergy will attend one of these workshops, if you were not present at the Bishop’s Convocation. Your spouse is invited to join you for this special opportunity. The cost will be covered by the Bishop’s Partners in Mission.
Before his election to the episcopacy, Bishop Wills was pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During this time, he developed a method of Bible study, prayer, group accountability and mission (Wesley Fellowship Groups) that resulted in an incredible turnaround of the church. It is Bishop Park’s fervent prayer that pastors will find Bishop Will’s Life Journal and Wesley Fellowship group process to be personally inspiring and transforming, and that they will consider introducing it to their churches. Bishop Wills’ practice can be used by God, he observes, to help us make giant strides toward our mission of making disciples and the vision of building up a healthy Body of Christ. “I promise,” he states, “that you and your church will be richly blessed and will take the discipleship journey to a new level.”
“Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me,” Refugees and Refugee Resettlement
By Elizabeth R. Shadbolt*
“Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” We can all finish this excerpt from a parable in Matthew. It’s a Sunday School message that bears repeating in a new context – the flight and plight of refugees. “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me,” says the king of the parable.
The United States is one of a few nations of the world to offer resettlement to the world’s refugees. Congress, with the president’s approval, annually authorizes the entry of a certain number of refugees into the US. They also indicate which countries’ refugees will be considered. In past years, the US has committed to resettling 70,000 refugees per year, although this number is not usually met. The government gives contracts to a network of non-profit organizations to do the resettlement. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) works with Church World Service as part of this network. In Nashville, the two organizations contracted to provide resettlement are World Relief (on behalf of the National Association of Evangelicals) and Catholic Charities (on behalf of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops). United Methodists have partnered with both of these organizations in Nashville to provide sponsorship, volunteers, and material support.
Worldwide, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has identified over 20 million individuals as “people of concern.” These are people who have fled their own countries for safety in a second nation and cannot return due to a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, ethnicity, nationality or political opinion. Eleven million are externally displaced refugees such as Afghanis in Pakistan and Iran, Somalis in Kenya and Yemen, Burmese in Laos and Thailand. In addition, there are over 15 million considered “internally displaced.” These are people suffering persecution but have been unable to leave their country – Darfur is a current example.
Refugees have three options once they have left their home countries – they may be absorbed into the local community in their first country of refuge, they may be able to return home, or they may need to be resettled in a third country. This third option is where the US resettlement program provides assistance. In order to be approved for resettlement, refugees must first prove their case for persecution and their family relationship. The UNHCR and other agencies overseas interview applicants several times over a period of months or years. If referred to the US for resettlement, families are interviewed by the Department of State, go through a Department of Homeland Security Background check, and physical examinations. By the time a family arrives for resettlement in the US, they have been living as refugees for years, perhaps many years.
When a local agency is assigned the resettlement of a particular family, they are given 90 days in which to make the family self-sufficient. They find an apartment, furnishing, clothing, and jobs. They help the family apply for social security cards and register children for school. They see to the family’s medical needs. All of this is done with a small grant from the government and with help from churches and volunteers.
For a family arriving in the US as refugees, the experience can be overwhelming. Typically, refugee families have lived in camps for months or years with little access to employment or education, perhaps even without necessities like running water and adequate nutrition. Starting life again can be a dream come true, but the reality of being in a foreign country, speaking a different language, and facing unexpected difficulties can make the transition extraordinarily difficult. In partnering with our local resettlement agencies, we can help to ease this transition by providing the compassion to which Christ has called us.
Refugees in the US are entitled to apply for permanent residence and eventually citizenship. They are intent on creating a new life for themselves and futures of hope and peace for their children. These “strangers” among us represent the naked, the hungry, the imprisoned, the persecuted Jesus spoke of. When we are able to extend a helping hand and an open heart, we help to ease the pain of the past for a refugee.
Online resources for learning about refugees:
United Nations High Commission for Refugees www.unhcr.org
Church World Service www.churchworldservice.org/Immigration
UMCOR http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/immigration/
Reading:
The Middle of Everywhere: the world’s refugees come to our town by Mary Bray Pipher
God Grew Tired of Us: the story of one of the Lost Boys of Sudan by John Bul Dau
Calculated Kindness: refugees and America’s half-open door by John Scanlan
For Children:
Making It Home: real-life stories of children forced to flee by Beverly Naidoo
The Whispering Cloth: a refugee’s story by Peqi Shea
Brothers in Hope by Mary Williams
Bible Study Resources:
Church World Service - Welcoming the Stranger: A Bible Study
http://www.churchworldservice.org/Immigration/publications.html#faith
United Methodist Committee on Relief – How to Decide
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/immigration/newcomers/decide/
As the Conference Refugee & Immigration Coordinator, I am happy to provide materials for your congregation or small group. If you would like to explore refugee resettlement further, please contact me at 834-1331 or lizshadbolt@bellsouth.net.
*Liz Shadbolt has been nominated to the Conference Committee on Global Ministries as “Immigration/Refugee Coordinator.”
Lake Junaluska: Your place in the Mountains
by Cintia Furtado Listenbee*
Lake Junaluska grounds offer wonderful quiet places . . . for reflection and spiritual growth
Lake Junaluska, N.C.: For over 93 years Lake Junaluska Assembly has been a gathering place for families. Most United Methodists know the assembly as a place for conferences but more families choose Lake Junaluska for getaways, said Jimmy L. Carr, SEJ Executive Director.
"Many persons think that they only can come to Lake Junaluska Assembly to be involved in training and workshops but the reality is that more and more families are coming to the Lake for reunions and vacations. The mountains offer exciting opportunities for all ages to enjoy God's creation as well as recreation," he said.
"Lake Junaluska grounds offer wonderful quiet places such as the Inspiration Point, the Rose Walk, the Asbury trail and the Cross among many others for reflection and spiritual growth. Families of all sizes can enjoy swimming, tennis, mini golf, golf, basketball, barbeques and banquets right on the grounds of Lake Junaluska," Carr said.
Emily, wife of Murfreesboro District Lay Leader, Jim Austin, was an art major at Peabody College. Her current interest is focused on Liturgical and worship art with watercolors or mixed media collage prepared for her own church, College Grove UMC, as well as for the Cathedral. She does bulletin art work for her church and has done pen and ink/watercolor drawings for the Taize service at St. Mark’s UMC in Murfreesboro.
Bishop Richard L. Wills III leads spiritual transformation workshops for New York Annual Conference clergy and spouses
Excerpted from The Vision, newspaper of the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, March 23, 2007
Bishop Jeremiah Park is inviting all conference clergy and their spouses to participate in one of four spiritual transformation workshops to be held in the New York Annual Conference this spring. Bishop Richard Wills presented the workshops at the Bishop’s Convocation in January. Bishop Park believes that ‘what Bishop Wills shared with those who attended the Bishop’s Convocation will bring transformation to our journey as a pastor, minister and disciple. I want to make sure that all our clergy experience this.”
Bishop Wills will return to the conference for four workshops: March 29, March 30, May 24 and May 25. The workshops will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. There will be time for fellowship and a continental breakfast at 9:00, and lunch will be served at 12:00. The workshop will be held in the following locations: March 29, Christ Church United Methodist, 520 Park Ave., Manhattan, N.Y.; March 30, Westbury United Methodist Church, 265 Asbury Ave., Westbury, N.Y.; May 24, St. James United Methodist Church, 35 Pearl St., Kingston, N.Y.; May 25, First United Methodist Church, 21 Fern Drive, Torrington, Conn.
. . . It is my expectation that all of our clergy will attend one of these workshops, if you were not present at the Bishop’s Convocation. Your spouse is invited to join you for this special opportunity. The cost will be covered by the Bishop’s Partners in Mission.
Before his election to the episcopacy, Bishop Wills was pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During this time, he developed a method of Bible study, prayer, group accountability and mission (Wesley Fellowship Groups) that resulted in an incredible turnaround of the church. It is Bishop Park’s fervent prayer that pastors will find Bishop Will’s Life Journal and Wesley Fellowship group process to be personally inspiring and transforming, and that they will consider introducing it to their churches. Bishop Wills’ practice can be used by God, he observes, to help us make giant strides toward our mission of making disciples and the vision of building up a healthy Body of Christ. “I promise,” he states, “that you and your church will be richly blessed and will take the discipleship journey to a new level.”
“Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me,” Refugees and Refugee Resettlement
By Elizabeth R. Shadbolt*
“Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” We can all finish this excerpt from a parable in Matthew. It’s a Sunday School message that bears repeating in a new context – the flight and plight of refugees. “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me,” says the king of the parable.
The United States is one of a few nations of the world to offer resettlement to the world’s refugees. Congress, with the president’s approval, annually authorizes the entry of a certain number of refugees into the US. They also indicate which countries’ refugees will be considered. In past years, the US has committed to resettling 70,000 refugees per year, although this number is not usually met. The government gives contracts to a network of non-profit organizations to do the resettlement. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) works with Church World Service as part of this network. In Nashville, the two organizations contracted to provide resettlement are World Relief (on behalf of the National Association of Evangelicals) and Catholic Charities (on behalf of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops). United Methodists have partnered with both of these organizations in Nashville to provide sponsorship, volunteers, and material support.
Worldwide, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has identified over 20 million individuals as “people of concern.” These are people who have fled their own countries for safety in a second nation and cannot return due to a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, ethnicity, nationality or political opinion. Eleven million are externally displaced refugees such as Afghanis in Pakistan and Iran, Somalis in Kenya and Yemen, Burmese in Laos and Thailand. In addition, there are over 15 million considered “internally displaced.” These are people suffering persecution but have been unable to leave their country – Darfur is a current example.
Refugees have three options once they have left their home countries – they may be absorbed into the local community in their first country of refuge, they may be able to return home, or they may need to be resettled in a third country. This third option is where the US resettlement program provides assistance. In order to be approved for resettlement, refugees must first prove their case for persecution and their family relationship. The UNHCR and other agencies overseas interview applicants several times over a period of months or years. If referred to the US for resettlement, families are interviewed by the Department of State, go through a Department of Homeland Security Background check, and physical examinations. By the time a family arrives for resettlement in the US, they have been living as refugees for years, perhaps many years.
When a local agency is assigned the resettlement of a particular family, they are given 90 days in which to make the family self-sufficient. They find an apartment, furnishing, clothing, and jobs. They help the family apply for social security cards and register children for school. They see to the family’s medical needs. All of this is done with a small grant from the government and with help from churches and volunteers.
For a family arriving in the US as refugees, the experience can be overwhelming. Typically, refugee families have lived in camps for months or years with little access to employment or education, perhaps even without necessities like running water and adequate nutrition. Starting life again can be a dream come true, but the reality of being in a foreign country, speaking a different language, and facing unexpected difficulties can make the transition extraordinarily difficult. In partnering with our local resettlement agencies, we can help to ease this transition by providing the compassion to which Christ has called us.
Refugees in the US are entitled to apply for permanent residence and eventually citizenship. They are intent on creating a new life for themselves and futures of hope and peace for their children. These “strangers” among us represent the naked, the hungry, the imprisoned, the persecuted Jesus spoke of. When we are able to extend a helping hand and an open heart, we help to ease the pain of the past for a refugee.
Online resources for learning about refugees:
United Nations High Commission for Refugees www.unhcr.org
Church World Service www.churchworldservice.org/Immigration
UMCOR http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/immigration/
Reading:
The Middle of Everywhere: the world’s refugees come to our town by Mary Bray Pipher
God Grew Tired of Us: the story of one of the Lost Boys of Sudan by John Bul Dau
Calculated Kindness: refugees and America’s half-open door by John Scanlan
For Children:
Making It Home: real-life stories of children forced to flee by Beverly Naidoo
The Whispering Cloth: a refugee’s story by Peqi Shea
Brothers in Hope by Mary Williams
Bible Study Resources:
Church World Service - Welcoming the Stranger: A Bible Study
http://www.churchworldservice.org/Immigration/publications.html#faith
United Methodist Committee on Relief – How to Decide
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/immigration/newcomers/decide/
As the Conference Refugee & Immigration Coordinator, I am happy to provide materials for your congregation or small group. If you would like to explore refugee resettlement further, please contact me at 834-1331 or lizshadbolt@bellsouth.net.
*Liz Shadbolt has been nominated to the Conference Committee on Global Ministries as “Immigration/Refugee Coordinator.”
Lake Junaluska: Your place in the Mountains
by Cintia Furtado Listenbee*
Lake Junaluska grounds offer wonderful quiet places . . . for reflection and spiritual growthLake Junaluska, N.C.: For over 93 years Lake Junaluska Assembly has been a gathering place for families. Most United Methodists know the assembly as a place for conferences but more families choose Lake Junaluska for getaways, said Jimmy L. Carr, SEJ Executive Director.
"Many persons think that they only can come to Lake Junaluska Assembly to be involved in training and workshops but the reality is that more and more families are coming to the Lake for reunions and vacations. The mountains offer exciting opportunities for all ages to enjoy God's creation as well as recreation," he said.
"Lake Junaluska grounds offer wonderful quiet places such as the Inspiration Point, the Rose Walk, the Asbury trail and the Cross among many others for reflection and spiritual growth. Families of all sizes can enjoy swimming, tennis, mini golf, golf, basketball, barbeques and banquets right on the grounds of Lake Junaluska," Carr said.
Day trips into the nearby Great Smokies are rewarding – once again persons can spot Elk and other forms of animal life
Exciting attractions in Western North Carolina can be enjoyed in a day trip. From elk and black bears to reptiles, the natural and cultural history of the Great Smoky Mountains are located 56 miles away from Lake Junaluska. Entrance to the National Smoky Mountains National Park is free.
Families can enjoy hiking, bicycling, auto touring and wildlife viewing among many other activities. If you want to view elk, the best times are usually early in the morning and late evening. Elk may also be active on cloudy summer days and before or after storms.
Other area attractions close to Lake Junaluska are the Cherokee Indian Reservation, Gatlinburg, TN and the Biltmore House and Gardens.
Doris Wilson of Knoxville, TN has been coming to Lake Junaluska for 15 years. At the end of her annual conference meeting she stays a few extra days on vacation.
"What a beautiful, relaxing place it is! I just sit and relax, walk the trail around the lake and go to Waynesville for shopping. I have driven to mount Pisgah for dinner and I am coming back this summer," Wilson said.
Lake Junaluska offers a wide array of meeting facilities, equipment and services to meet any needs. Many of the rooms can be used for special banquets or receptions.For more information go to www.lakejunaluska.com or call 800-222-4930 for reservations.
*Cintia Furtado Listenbee is the SEJ Communications Specialist
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 12:39 PM
