TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW February 8, 2008
Articles in this edition of THE REVIEW
1 . ESL and Indoor Soccer: Tools of Radical Hospitality, Evangelism and Outreach
2. The Rev. Jay Archer announced as new Cookeville District Superintendent starting in June.
3. The Rev. Jim Beaty Receives Conference-time appointment as District Superintendent of the Pulaski District.
4. Salvus Center aids working uninsured, article reprinted from the TENNESSEAN, copyrighted by THE TENNESSEAN and used with permission.
5. Friendships--Some more special than others--.
6. Convicted Enthusiasm: a 30-something’s personal response to Restoring Methodism.
7. Hispanic/Latino Incubator Covenant Group sets evangelism goals.
8. Two Tennessee Conference youth receive national awards.
9. Heads of Delegations and Conference Communicators Receive Briefing on Issues Relating to the 2008 General Conference.
10. St. Andrew Award offers a way to honor those who have been important in our faith journeys
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ESL and Indoor Soccer: Tools of Radical Hospitality, Evangelism and Outreach
By Barbara Garcia
Rocio Corea leads an orientation session for a new Hillcrest English as a Second Language (ESL) class
Just off Nolensville Pike at Tusculum Road East you look up and see it: Hillcrest United Methodist, a beacon on the hill, both for the congregation and the community! In the midst of one of the most changing neighborhoods in Nashville, it is often described as a mature-in-the-faith congregation, but Hillcrest UMC is also called "My Family" by Norman and Rocio Corea, active members of Hillcrest for the last few years.
The Coreas joined Hillcrest after attending ESL classes there and because they wanted their baby to be baptized. That was the first bi-lingual service ever at Hillcrest, --a very meaningful experience for the congregation-- and it was also a very real opportunity for the congregation to live out the baptismal vows of being a nurturing, loving and supporting family of Christ for a young family starting out in a new culture and community.
The congregation has always been there for the Coreas, and even more so when their daughter began to experience serious health problems and surgeries. They asked how they could express gratitude to the congregation, and the reply from several persons was, "Teach us Spanish!"
So, Spanish classes were offered! But that was only the beginning of a new and exciting adventure! As the group met over the weeks, they became more and more aware of the community around them. Hispanic/Latino students make up 46-49% of the student body and up to 18 different languages are spoken!
Then the Spanish class began to say, "We want to reach out to our neighbors! We want to really be the Church! We want to show Christian hospitality! We have been so blessed through this relationship, and we want to be a blessing to others!
Norman Corea (second from the right) volunteers for Saturday night’s indoor soccer
That's how "Our Neighbors" began in August, 2007, an ad hoc group under the umbrella of the Missions and Outreach Team at Hillcrest. Now, in January, new ESL classes began with 32 students the first night! Transportation is provided for refugees in English Classes conducted by Metro Schools at Hillcrest. Indoor Soccer is offered in the gym for 12-18 year olds on Saturday nights. A new Girl Scout troop has begun with African American, Euro American and Hispanic/Latino girls.
Is it just the Spanish Class of 16-18 persons excited about this? NO! Hillcrest had already been growing into an increasingly multi-cultural congregation. On World Communion Sunday, persons from 14 different countries as well as African American and Native American families provided the bread and served Communion! With the deep commitment of the pastors, staff, lots of very hard-working laity, and support from the Hispanic/Latino Academy and other community agencies, Hillcrest is becoming a more effective "beacon on the hill" for the community.
And it is not only the "Our Neighbors" group that is excited about reaching out to the community and sharing radical hospitality and radical generosity! Whenever the planners and organizers have asked the church trustees and leaders for space, support, and volunteers, they have been met with responses like: Of course! This congregation and this building is here to serve the community! To do less is not being who Jesus has called us to be!
So, YES! ESL and Indoor Soccer ARE tools for reaching out to God's people and building relationships that in turn lead persons to faith and service. It is a cycle of blessing and growth for everyone!
The Rev. Jay Archer announced as new Cookeville District Superintendent starting in June
The Rev. Jay E. Archer
Bishop Richard Wills has announced the appointment of the Rev. Jay Archer as District Superintendent of the Cookeville District.. Archer is currently senior pastor of Manchester First United Methodist Church, and has served a variety of churches within the Tennessee Conference including White House, Love’s Chapel, Westview, Cook’s, Antioch, Fayetteville First UMC.
Reverend Archer is married to Christine Archer. Both Jay and Christine hold Master of Divinity degrees from Yale University, where they met and married. Christine also holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Tennessee and has been employed as a counselor in the various communities in which the Archers have served. Jay and Christine have two children, Rosemary (born in 1982) and Luke (born in 1986). Rosemary will be married in March to David Rawsthorn and the couple will be moving to Great Britain. Luke will be graduating from Rhodes College in Memphis this coming May.
After the Archer’s first appointment, both Jay and Christine took a year’s leave of absence to be a part of a Christian community called Karatana. Karatana was a network of Christian families who, though often separated geographically by some distance, were bound together in the Christian life for mutual support and accountability for growth in discipleship. The learning, experience, and growth gained from this year in Christian community has continued to be a foundation for spiritual development and faithful living in the lives of the Archers.
Reverend Archer is convinced of the reality and power of a loving God who acts to redeem His creation, and Reverend Archer is grateful to this God who has invited him and all people to join God in this venture. Reverend Archer’s dream for the church is that the church would come to be more fully “the church”—a community of people living in the name of Christ Jesus who offer the grace of God to this world by word, by deed, and by life lived in the Spirit of God.
Archer has served the conference as Chair person of the Conference Board of Pensions, Chair of the Conference Health Insurance Committee, Chair of the Conference Stewardship Committee, and Chair of the Cumberland District Committee on Ordained Ministry. Through the years he has also been part of the Religion and Race Commission, the Evangelism Committee, and Board of Ordained Ministry. He feels strongly that a number of continuing education experiences have left a positive mark on his ministry: New Life Mission training, Church growth training, the Academy of Preaching, the Wesleyan Restoring Methodism Convocation, and several Congresses on Evangelism. His faith journey has also been enriched by participation in Laywitness Mission, Emmaus and Chrysalis. For a time he served as Spiritual Director of the Nashville Chrysalis Community.
Wife Christine is currently serving as the Family Resource Director of Manchester City Schools. She is very active in the community. She is a founding partner of the Coffee County Anti-drug Coalition, and through her Family Resource position, teaches Parenting Classes and organizes the annual We Care event (providing free shoes, backpacks, school supplies, personal items, health checks, etc, to underprivileged children in the Manchester School system).
As he prepares to become the new Cookeville District Superintendent, he is facing the future with anticipation. He recently noted, “Christine and I look forward to becoming partners in the Gospel with the pastors and churches of the Cookeville District as we all seek to grow in our love of God and neighbor, making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
The Rev. Jim Beaty Receives Conference-time appointment as District Superintendent of the Pulaski District.
By Dawn Hankins
The Rev. James R. Beaty
When Rev. Jim Beaty of Tullahoma moves to the Pulaski District Office this year, it’s pretty certain he won’t need a road map to help him find his way around Giles County.
By recommendation of the Cabinet and Bishop Dick Wills, the reverend, affectionately known as “Big Jim,” will be leaving his pastoral duties at First United Methodist Church in June after Tennessee Annual Conference. The Rev. Beaty is quite familiar with the Pulaski area, having served as pastor of First United Methodist, Pulaski, from 1995 to 1999.
“I am very humbled, honored and pleased that the Bishop and his Cabinet have chosen me to serve in this new position,” said the Rev. Beaty. “I look forward to the challenges of these new responsibilities. I am God’s servant and I know God will lead me into this phase of my ministry.”
While whistling loudly an old Dr. Hook tune, Rev. Beaty said he’s prepared to Walk Right In to his new position. Though he will transition from years of pulpit ministry to a lot of administrative responsibility, Rev. Beaty said his call to serve Christ will forever remain the same.
“My first and foremost commitment will be to the ministers and churches of the Pulaski District,” said Rev. Beaty. “I look forward to forming relationships with the many congregations. I have many friends in the surrounding area, and look forward to meeting new ones.
Rev. Beaty has served over the last 41 years churches from Pulaski to Livingston to Waverly. He and his wife, Barbara, have enjoyed calling Tullahoma their home since 1999. The Beatys have two daughters, Margie Griffin, and Jennifer Rose (Charlie), both who live in the middle Tennessee area, and four beautiful grandchildren (all under the age of 5!) Abby, Emma, Mitch and Carolina.
“After years of serving as a full time elder in the United Methodist Church, I am ready to seize the opportunity to serve fellow churches and congregates in an administrative leadership capacity,” said Rev. Beaty, who turns 59 in March. “I am of course nervous, as any pastor would be, about leaving my current position, but I consider this to be a wonderful time in my personal life and for that of my family. After 8+ years of faithful ministry at FUMC Tullahoma, we are prayerfully ready to make this move.”
“I’ve been with the Tullahoma church for the last 8+ years,” said Rev. Beaty. “I love its people and the community. Working with the congregation and staff has been such a great joy in my life.”
“But now it is time to look forward to visiting many churches in the Pulaski District, and other areas,” Rev. Beaty added. “I will serve as Pulaski’s District superintendent faithfully and will fulfill the duties with my prayers, presence, gifts and service.”
Rev. Beaty was most excited to share this good news with his father, Rev. James L. Beaty, a former Cookeville and Murfreesboro District superintendent, and his mother, Sue, now retired and living in Savannah, TN.
The Rev. Beaty Sr., has been suffering from poor health over the last 3+ years.
“One of my greatest privileges was being able to tell my father, who served so faithfully, that I was going to follow in his footsteps,” said Rev. Beaty. “Though he is not well, it pleased him to be told the news. I will now also be closer each day to my father and will be serving his district.”
Rev. Beaty, who is an avid reader, said, “We are closing the chapter in one book and opening another. “I would ask everyone to please pray for the Pulaski District and for my family as make we make the move this year.”
Salvus Center aids working uninsured
By Jennifer Easton/Staff
This article on the Salvus Center appeared in the January 24, 2008 issue of THE TENNESSEAN, and is used here by permission. Copyright 2008 The Tennessean.
Fran Parker knew she was long overdue for a mammogram when she reluctantly walked through the doors of the Salvus Center in Gallatin in April 2006.
"It was probably 10 years since I�d had my last one. I knew I was at higher risk because my mom had died from breast cancer, and my sister had been diagnosed, too." Because she had pre-existing health conditions and her husband, Tim, is self-employed, health insurance premiums were either unaffordable or unattainable for the couple.
My husband worked, but I was non-insurable. So we lived years and years without insurance for ourselves.
"I wasn't afraid to go to the doctor because I was afraid they were going to find anything," she explained. "I didn't go to the doctor because of the financial burden it would put on my family."
When a friend told her about the Salvus Center, a faith-based, nonprofit organization that provides health care for the working uninsured in Sumner County, Parker decided it was time for a checkup.
"They didn't make me feel bad for not having insurance. They made me feel like part of a family."
It's fortunate Parker didn't put off her checkup any longer. Tests revealed she had cancer in both breasts.
"The hardest thing was telling my children and dealing with the guilt I felt from worrying about how are we going to pay for this. I had heard stories of people with medical problems being financially ruined."
Patients often put off seeking medical attention because they don't have insurance, says Dr. Ted Hill, the Salvus Center's Medical Director and staff physician.
Hill, who has practiced medicine in Gallatin for 28 years, is also a minister who says he feels called by God to serve Sumner County's growing population of people without insurance.
The number of people who do have access to ongoing health care is staggering and has created a health care crisis, he explained.
"There are about 47 million Americans without health insurance. We believe there are about 22,000 people in Sumner County who work but are uninsured."
"It's an underserved population that typically uses the emergency room as a primary care. The care there is putting a band-aid on the boo-boo. The emergency room is not for treating long-term problems like high blood pressure or a chronic illnesses."
Hill says Tennessee's uninsured can usually be divided by two different demographics.
"We have the 25-40-year-olds who work, but their jobs do not provide insurance. The other group is the disenrolled TennCare patients between 40-60 years old who don't qualify or can't afford insurance."
Fees are based on a sliding scale, depending on how much a person makes at work - usually between $5 and $35 a visit, Hill explained.
Since opening in March 2006, the clinic has logged more than 3,000 patient visits, according to Shelley Ames, executive director for the center.
With an annual operating budget of $300,000, the center receives support through donations. In addition, health care professionals and businesses donate time, medical supplies or expertise.
Hill says the clinic works with a network of more than 100 area physicians who help patients needing specialty care.
"If someone needs gall bladder surgery, we have general surgeons in Gallatin and Hendersonville who will perform the surgery at about one-third of the costs."
Plans are in the works to add another practitioner, and a second Salvus Center is scheduled to open in Hendersonville later this year, Hill said.
The word "Salvus" is Greek, meaning "healing and salvation," and the clinic's mission is to take care of people's physical needs and also to minister to them spiritually, Hill said.
"I think the care you get really means more when (health care professionals) care about how you really feel emotionally."
As far Parker, she has been cancer-free for nearly one year and now enjoys spending time with her 10-month-old granddaughter, Jaedyn.
"Dr. Hill and the Salvus Center saved my life. How do you thank someone for that?"
Note from Jason Brock, Director of Tennessee Conference Love and Justice Ministries: Do you Wonder what Methodists are doing in response to our healthcare crisis? This article from The Tennessean talks about the work of the Salvus Center, led by our own Dr. Ted Hill in the Cumberland District. The Salvus Center is a TN Conference Advance Special. If you would like to contribute to this vital mission outreach, make checks out to the Tennessee Conference the United Methodist Church, marked Salvus Center, 304 S. Perimeter Park Dr., Suite 1, Nashville, TN 37211.
Visitor on Death Row
Friendships--Some more special than others--
By Jerry R., January 2008
After having positive experiences at several events (a Bible study and a Christmas dinner) at Riverbend Maximum Security Institute in Nashville, in early 2004, I volunteered to participate in a program known as Visitor on Death Row. The aim of this program is to ensure inmates in that part of the facility have someone to correspond with and perhaps visit with face-to-face. Interestingly enough, I thought I would be doing someone a favor with my action; more on that later!
I was “assigned” to a young man named Tyrone. For good reason, which won’t be elaborated on here, it was suggested there be several months of correspondence before seeking clearance for face-to-face meetings.
Our initial attempts at correspondence left us both a bit skeptical relative to the merit of either of us investing any further effort in correspondence because, at first glance, it seemed we had so little in common as a basis for a possible friendship. For example:
.Tyrone is a few months younger than my youngest child.
.We are of different faiths.
.We had quite different childhoods.
.We have had very different adult years
.Etc.
However, after a few more letters, it became clear we not only had good reason to continue the correspondence but also we had the basis for a very special friendship.
After about six months of correspondence, it was clear that a mutual level of respect and trust had developed and it was time to meet face-to-face. The necessary forms were processed and our first meeting took place in late 2004. I imagine both of us were a bit more stressed than we wanted to show at the first meeting. For me, it became a banner day, i.e., one of those days I’ll happily remember for as long as I have memory.
In the approximately 3 years since our first meeting, the visits have been about once a month with several pieces of correspondence between visits. Our friendship has developed well beyond what I ever imagined or could have hoped for. Without question, Tyrone has become my best friend.
Do you remember in the opening paragraph of this document when I said I thought I would be doing someone a favor by becoming a Visitor on Death Row; then I mentioned our differences? I sincerely doubt Tyrone has benefited as much from our friendship as I have. Also, while our friendship may be “seasoned” by our differences, it thrives on our similarities:
.We both “demand” honesty and loyalty in a relationship.
.We both “demand” trust; real trust where anything can be discussed in confidence.
.Although we practice different religious faiths, we worship and pray to the same, one and only Almighty God, the God who created us, loves us and watches over us regardless of our situation.
.We both understand that Almighty God never promised any of us smooth sailing. But He does assure those who believe, and try to live by His word, a “safe landing” in eternity.
.We both understand the importance of family -- to love and to be loved by. (Although our families haven’t met, we care deeply about, and pray for, each other.)
.We also understand the importance of laughter and not taking ourselves too seriously.
Often my acquaintances have asked, “What do you and Tyrone talk about or correspond about?” Given that we’re good friends, we talk about the same things you probably talk about with your true friends, i.e., family, personal issues, current events, sports, spiritual matters, books we’ve read, philosophy, childhood memories, etc. There is no planned agenda. We just talk, share, laugh and even argue a bit now and then.
As I write this, I’ve no idea who will ultimately read it but I do hope it might cause increased interest on the part of others, regardless of which side of the tall fence you are on, to give someone on the other side of the fence a chance to get to know you and for you to know them.
While I don’t expect any of you to be as fortunate as I have been with my friendship with Tyrone, even at only 50% it will still be a win:win!
Just remember that regardless of which side of the fence you are on, neither of you has led a perfect life nor made your last mistake. However, you are both loved by, cared for and offered peace, grace, salvation and eternal life by the One Almighty God.
We want to share "the wealth" with you. Please prayerfully consider being a mentor to an incarcerated person. The benefits for both are literally too great to measure. If your curiosity is aroused and want to know more before making a decision, contact Jerry Nail at Christ United Methodist Church, 615-790-2112. Modern Christians should remember the parable of Jesus in which he tells his followers that visiting prisoners is indicative of a right relationship with God. Think and pray about that, then call!
Convicted Enthusiasm: a 30-something’s personal response to Restoring Methodism
By Bart Stewart*
The church saved the life of Leslie, my wife and the mother of Jaden and Leah, not once, but twice during the last eight years.
What do I mean by this? Be assured I speak in the most literal sense. My wife suffers from bulimia which has three possible phases: active, remission and death.
Our family was steaming full speed ahead toward being without a matriarch when the Holy Spirit intervened through the actions of the body of Christ. This was the “hook” for me, but there is more.
The church, made up of “the people who call themselves Methodist,” is the best place I have seen to accomplish what we are all called to do–make disciples.
And I don’t mean merely adding numbers by a one-time acceptance of Christ, but by making real disciples–people who have gone on to be consumed by Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit.
You probably noticed I did not say the United Methodist Church (UMC) and that was intentional.
What happens in 10 years?
What will the United Methodist Church look like in ten years if we, the church, do nothing?
The buildings will still be here. We thirty-somethings will be driving Corvettes or motorcycles purchased at the onset of mid-life crises (I like red). And many members from the generation closest to the authentic church will have gone home.
If we do implement the changes outlined in Jim and Molly Davis Scott’s book Restoring Methodism, some of these things will still happen (except maybe not the Corvettes and motorcycles), but that is not all that will happen.
The United Methodist Church will start to look more like John Wesley’s methodist societies which were very close to the first century church.
Reading the Scotts’ book and attending the subsequent Bishop’s Convocation, was deeply convicting for me as a layperson who is a member of the United Methodist Church.
I had been sitting back coasting while piling the work of the church higher and deeper on our professional ministry team. But you and I are called to “be the church,” not subcontract the responsibility out to our clergy.
I have also learned that personal holiness is not only refraining from killing my neighbor or having sex with his wife, but it’s doing what Jesus told us–loving God and loving our neighbor.
We will bear fruit as a result of our love if it is genuine. Abstaining from buying that red Corvette for myself when I know my neighbor’s kid doesn’t have a coat or a house for that matter, is very sweet fruit indeed.
As I learned more about Wesley’s method and the Holy Spirit, enthusiasm overcame me.
It turns out the thing that made Methodism so successful as a movement was its structure. The system of classes, bands, societies, class leaders, local ministers, and traveling ministers served to teach the people who called themselves methodist how to be the Church. The structure facilitated interaction with and reliance on one another as the body of Christ.
This is exciting because we need to learn reliance on the body now more than they did 200 years ago.
I believe Wesley’s structure would be even more effective at retraining us today than it was in his time. It seems to me that we’re less dependent on God and each other than we have been at any time in history.
The church that saved Leslie’s life the first time was not a United Methodist church, but it had a structure that was almost identical to that of early methodism.
The second time the Holy Spirit intervened was through a small group meeting during a Lay Witness Mission event.
The significant thing in both instances is that the Spirit worked through the structure of a small group of believers watching over each other in love.
It seems to me that the Spirit prefers the small group over large corporate worship or solitary soul searching.
What can we do?
I have some specific recommendations that I believe will facilitate the successful implementation of Restoring Methodism.
The first thing I hope the church will engage in is a study of spiritual warfare.
Past experiences have taught me to be terrified to begin any activity opposing the Devil without first putting on armor and readying all weapons. Satan would be stupid not to do everything he can to oppose the restoration of Methodism, and one thing Satan is not is stupid.
The second thing would be to seek congregational unity on the three tables (to use the Scotts’ tmetaphor) of theology, structure and language.
The Scotts talk about the United Methodist Church setting a table that is wide, but a table that has definite edges. Congregations should agree on what is flexible–what’s on the table–and what we will not compromise on–what’s off the table–in the areas of theology, structure and language.
I’m grateful for the sacrifices and dedication of those who went before us–from the first century church to the early Methodists to the recent members of the United Methodist Church who have kept the church alive during hard times.
I’m also grateful to the Scotts for writing Restoring Methodism and having the love of the United Methodist Church that drives them to spread the word.
I’m most grateful to the Holy Trinity for life, rebirth and life anew walking with the Holy Ghost.
What is my response to all this? It is an overwhelming feeling of Convicted Enthusiasm.
Whatever I, we, do next is a decision, so let it be intentional.
Lord, thank you for your patience. Please open my heart to the whispers of Your spirit, and please drive my hands to right actions so Your kingdom may come and Your will be done. •
*Bart Stewart is a member, Manchester First UMC
Hispanic/Latino Incubator Covenant Group sets evangelism goals
The Covenant Group is seen here with Joaquin Garcia (back row on the right), director of the Tennessee Conference Hispanic/Latino academy
Twelve Hispanic/Latino pastors and lay missioners gathered for discussion at the regular monthly meeting of their Tennessee Hispanic Incubator Covenant Group. The agenda of the day was to work on their Ministry Action Plan (M.A.P.). During the discussion it was determined that the group needed to be more intentional and focused on their evangelistic thrust to reach the Hispanic/Latino communities. The group committed itself to the distribution of 200 Spanish-language Bibles and 2000 Spanish-language flyers.
If you want to support this evangelistic effort and make a contribution to obtain the Bibles and tracks in Spanish, you can send it to the Hispanic/Latino Academy, Tennessee Conference, 304 S. Perimeter Park Drive, Suite 1, Nashville, TN 37211. Mark checks “for Bibles and tracks in Spanish.”
Two Tennessee Conference youth receive national awards
By Rich Peck*
WESTMORELAND, Tenn.––Steven Frye and Daniel Schofield , members of Mt. Olive United Methodist Church, received the top youth awards from the Nashville-based General Commission on United Methodist Men.
The pair received Good Samaritan Awards for their work on a mission trip to La-Gloria, Mexico last summer.
The pair was part of a 15-member youth group that repaired the roof and improved the wiring of an orphanage and led activities for young people living in a camp near a dump. “The conditions were horrible by our standards,” said Daniel. “Trash was everywhere. If it rained, their water was collected off the roof into barrels, but during the dry season, they drank out of a canal full of raw sewage.”
The enterprising Scouts made a water purification system with a PCV pipe, sand, screens, duct tape and cheese cloth. After the water was been filtered, it was boiled for 20 minutes. “Our system will become part of the dump campsites drinking water supply, allowing the decontaminated and purified water to be used for drinking and cooking,” said Steven.
The Good Samaritan Award was created by the General Commission on United Methodist Men to honor young people from 12 to 21 who demonstrate the attributes of the Good Samaritan described in Luke 10:25-37. Recipients must be a United Methodist or registered with a youth-serving agency related to a United Methodist Church. Recipients must be nominated by adults familiar with the youth’s service.
For information, contact Office of Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting, General Commission on United Methodist Men, P.O. Box 340006, Nashville, TN 37203-0006
Heads of Delegations and Conference Communicators Receive Briefing on Issues Relating to the 2008 General Conference
Final two paragraphs excerpted from a longer article by UMCOM staff person Marta W. Aldrich.
(RtoL)Mr. C. Don Ladd, the Rev. Dr. A. Lynn Hill, and the Rev. David C. Adams frequently sat together to compare notes during presentations and discussions at the Pre-General Conference briefing in Fort Worth.
From January 24th through noon on January 26th the heads of delegations from nearly all United Methodist Annual Conferences came together with Conference communications persons, Conference Council Directors, general agency staff persons, and others, for an intensive preview of major issues and resolutions being brought before the 2008 General Conference. The Pre-General Conference briefing was held at the Hilton Fort Worth Hotel, directly across the street from the site of the 2008 General Conference, the Fort Worth Convention Center. United Methodist Communications, with input from the denomination’s other General Agency, designed the three day event. The Tennessee Annual Conference was represented by Ministerial and Lay delegation heads, Dr. Lynn Hill and Mr. Don Ladd as well as Conference Communication Coordinator Tom Nankervis. Others with a strong Tennessee Conference connection were also present including the Rev. David Adams, an Elder in the Tennessee Conference, and since 2006 the General Secretary of the National United Methodist Men’s organization.
Left to right: Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher, Illinois Area, will deliver the Bishop’s Address; Mary Brooke Casad, Executive Secretary, Connectional Table, served as panel moderator; Lyn Powell, North Georgia Conference Lay Leader will present the Laity Address: and Matt Lockett, young adult from the Northwest Conference, is one of six teens and young adults set to present the Young People’s Address.
The 2008 General Conference will meet for 10 days--two fewer than the 2004 gathering in Pittsburgh and with no break--but still must sort through more than 1,500 petitions, which is about the same amount of business conducted at the previous assembly. In addition to hearing opening addresses from a United Methodist bishop and lay person, delegates will hear the first-ever Young People's Address--delivered jointly by six teens and young adults who promise a presentation "different from anything that's ever been presented to General Conference before."
Weary of decades of the church's top legislative meeting being consumed by debate over homosexuality and other hot-button issues, the Council of Bishops and other denominational leaders have shaped a new churchwide agenda with the overarching purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The agenda includes four areas of focus: developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world; creating "new places for new generations" by starting new churches and renewing existing ones; engaging in ministry with the poor; and fighting the killer diseases of poverty such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
St. Andrew Award offers a way to honor those who have been important in our faith journeys
The Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation established in 2001 the Nashville Area Order of St. Andrew Endowment Fund to honor ministers and laity of the Memphis and Tennessee Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church. In honoring those who have served faithfully and blessed lives in our churches, The Fund will provide scholarships for individuals pursuing pastoral ministry and enrolled in a seminary.
The Fund is named for Andrew, “the bringer.” He brought his brother, Peter, the little boy with the loaves and fish, and the Greeks to Jesus. Jesus saw in this ordinary man something that others did not see. The Nashville Area Order of St. Andrew Fund was established to honor those who have been the “Andrew” for people across these two conferences. The honorees may be clergy or laity. You may wish to honor a Sunday School teacher, a pastor, a Lay Leader, an quiet encourager. Anyone who is a “bringer” of people into relationship with Christ may be honored as a recipient of a “St. Andrew Award.”
Those wishing to honor a minister or lay person may do so by making a contribution to The Fund through the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation. A brief biographical statement about the honoree, a minimum contribution of $1,250, and a picture of honoree can be sent to Dr. Vin Walkup at 304 S. perimeter Park Dr., Suite 3, Nashville, TN 37211. You may also contact him with questions or brochures to share with others at 615-259-2008 or vwalkup@nashaumf.org.
1 . ESL and Indoor Soccer: Tools of Radical Hospitality, Evangelism and Outreach
2. The Rev. Jay Archer announced as new Cookeville District Superintendent starting in June.
3. The Rev. Jim Beaty Receives Conference-time appointment as District Superintendent of the Pulaski District.
4. Salvus Center aids working uninsured, article reprinted from the TENNESSEAN, copyrighted by THE TENNESSEAN and used with permission.
5. Friendships--Some more special than others--.
6. Convicted Enthusiasm: a 30-something’s personal response to Restoring Methodism.
7. Hispanic/Latino Incubator Covenant Group sets evangelism goals.
8. Two Tennessee Conference youth receive national awards.
9. Heads of Delegations and Conference Communicators Receive Briefing on Issues Relating to the 2008 General Conference.
10. St. Andrew Award offers a way to honor those who have been important in our faith journeys
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ESL and Indoor Soccer: Tools of Radical Hospitality, Evangelism and Outreach
By Barbara Garcia
Rocio Corea leads an orientation session for a new Hillcrest English as a Second Language (ESL) classJust off Nolensville Pike at Tusculum Road East you look up and see it: Hillcrest United Methodist, a beacon on the hill, both for the congregation and the community! In the midst of one of the most changing neighborhoods in Nashville, it is often described as a mature-in-the-faith congregation, but Hillcrest UMC is also called "My Family" by Norman and Rocio Corea, active members of Hillcrest for the last few years.
The Coreas joined Hillcrest after attending ESL classes there and because they wanted their baby to be baptized. That was the first bi-lingual service ever at Hillcrest, --a very meaningful experience for the congregation-- and it was also a very real opportunity for the congregation to live out the baptismal vows of being a nurturing, loving and supporting family of Christ for a young family starting out in a new culture and community.
The congregation has always been there for the Coreas, and even more so when their daughter began to experience serious health problems and surgeries. They asked how they could express gratitude to the congregation, and the reply from several persons was, "Teach us Spanish!"
So, Spanish classes were offered! But that was only the beginning of a new and exciting adventure! As the group met over the weeks, they became more and more aware of the community around them. Hispanic/Latino students make up 46-49% of the student body and up to 18 different languages are spoken!
Then the Spanish class began to say, "We want to reach out to our neighbors! We want to really be the Church! We want to show Christian hospitality! We have been so blessed through this relationship, and we want to be a blessing to others!
Norman Corea (second from the right) volunteers for Saturday night’s indoor soccerThat's how "Our Neighbors" began in August, 2007, an ad hoc group under the umbrella of the Missions and Outreach Team at Hillcrest. Now, in January, new ESL classes began with 32 students the first night! Transportation is provided for refugees in English Classes conducted by Metro Schools at Hillcrest. Indoor Soccer is offered in the gym for 12-18 year olds on Saturday nights. A new Girl Scout troop has begun with African American, Euro American and Hispanic/Latino girls.
Is it just the Spanish Class of 16-18 persons excited about this? NO! Hillcrest had already been growing into an increasingly multi-cultural congregation. On World Communion Sunday, persons from 14 different countries as well as African American and Native American families provided the bread and served Communion! With the deep commitment of the pastors, staff, lots of very hard-working laity, and support from the Hispanic/Latino Academy and other community agencies, Hillcrest is becoming a more effective "beacon on the hill" for the community.
And it is not only the "Our Neighbors" group that is excited about reaching out to the community and sharing radical hospitality and radical generosity! Whenever the planners and organizers have asked the church trustees and leaders for space, support, and volunteers, they have been met with responses like: Of course! This congregation and this building is here to serve the community! To do less is not being who Jesus has called us to be!
So, YES! ESL and Indoor Soccer ARE tools for reaching out to God's people and building relationships that in turn lead persons to faith and service. It is a cycle of blessing and growth for everyone!
The Rev. Jay Archer announced as new Cookeville District Superintendent starting in June
The Rev. Jay E. ArcherBishop Richard Wills has announced the appointment of the Rev. Jay Archer as District Superintendent of the Cookeville District.. Archer is currently senior pastor of Manchester First United Methodist Church, and has served a variety of churches within the Tennessee Conference including White House, Love’s Chapel, Westview, Cook’s, Antioch, Fayetteville First UMC.
Reverend Archer is married to Christine Archer. Both Jay and Christine hold Master of Divinity degrees from Yale University, where they met and married. Christine also holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Tennessee and has been employed as a counselor in the various communities in which the Archers have served. Jay and Christine have two children, Rosemary (born in 1982) and Luke (born in 1986). Rosemary will be married in March to David Rawsthorn and the couple will be moving to Great Britain. Luke will be graduating from Rhodes College in Memphis this coming May.
After the Archer’s first appointment, both Jay and Christine took a year’s leave of absence to be a part of a Christian community called Karatana. Karatana was a network of Christian families who, though often separated geographically by some distance, were bound together in the Christian life for mutual support and accountability for growth in discipleship. The learning, experience, and growth gained from this year in Christian community has continued to be a foundation for spiritual development and faithful living in the lives of the Archers.
Reverend Archer is convinced of the reality and power of a loving God who acts to redeem His creation, and Reverend Archer is grateful to this God who has invited him and all people to join God in this venture. Reverend Archer’s dream for the church is that the church would come to be more fully “the church”—a community of people living in the name of Christ Jesus who offer the grace of God to this world by word, by deed, and by life lived in the Spirit of God.
Archer has served the conference as Chair person of the Conference Board of Pensions, Chair of the Conference Health Insurance Committee, Chair of the Conference Stewardship Committee, and Chair of the Cumberland District Committee on Ordained Ministry. Through the years he has also been part of the Religion and Race Commission, the Evangelism Committee, and Board of Ordained Ministry. He feels strongly that a number of continuing education experiences have left a positive mark on his ministry: New Life Mission training, Church growth training, the Academy of Preaching, the Wesleyan Restoring Methodism Convocation, and several Congresses on Evangelism. His faith journey has also been enriched by participation in Laywitness Mission, Emmaus and Chrysalis. For a time he served as Spiritual Director of the Nashville Chrysalis Community.
Wife Christine is currently serving as the Family Resource Director of Manchester City Schools. She is very active in the community. She is a founding partner of the Coffee County Anti-drug Coalition, and through her Family Resource position, teaches Parenting Classes and organizes the annual We Care event (providing free shoes, backpacks, school supplies, personal items, health checks, etc, to underprivileged children in the Manchester School system).
As he prepares to become the new Cookeville District Superintendent, he is facing the future with anticipation. He recently noted, “Christine and I look forward to becoming partners in the Gospel with the pastors and churches of the Cookeville District as we all seek to grow in our love of God and neighbor, making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
The Rev. Jim Beaty Receives Conference-time appointment as District Superintendent of the Pulaski District.
By Dawn Hankins
The Rev. James R. BeatyWhen Rev. Jim Beaty of Tullahoma moves to the Pulaski District Office this year, it’s pretty certain he won’t need a road map to help him find his way around Giles County.
By recommendation of the Cabinet and Bishop Dick Wills, the reverend, affectionately known as “Big Jim,” will be leaving his pastoral duties at First United Methodist Church in June after Tennessee Annual Conference. The Rev. Beaty is quite familiar with the Pulaski area, having served as pastor of First United Methodist, Pulaski, from 1995 to 1999.
“I am very humbled, honored and pleased that the Bishop and his Cabinet have chosen me to serve in this new position,” said the Rev. Beaty. “I look forward to the challenges of these new responsibilities. I am God’s servant and I know God will lead me into this phase of my ministry.”
While whistling loudly an old Dr. Hook tune, Rev. Beaty said he’s prepared to Walk Right In to his new position. Though he will transition from years of pulpit ministry to a lot of administrative responsibility, Rev. Beaty said his call to serve Christ will forever remain the same.
“My first and foremost commitment will be to the ministers and churches of the Pulaski District,” said Rev. Beaty. “I look forward to forming relationships with the many congregations. I have many friends in the surrounding area, and look forward to meeting new ones.
Rev. Beaty has served over the last 41 years churches from Pulaski to Livingston to Waverly. He and his wife, Barbara, have enjoyed calling Tullahoma their home since 1999. The Beatys have two daughters, Margie Griffin, and Jennifer Rose (Charlie), both who live in the middle Tennessee area, and four beautiful grandchildren (all under the age of 5!) Abby, Emma, Mitch and Carolina.
“After years of serving as a full time elder in the United Methodist Church, I am ready to seize the opportunity to serve fellow churches and congregates in an administrative leadership capacity,” said Rev. Beaty, who turns 59 in March. “I am of course nervous, as any pastor would be, about leaving my current position, but I consider this to be a wonderful time in my personal life and for that of my family. After 8+ years of faithful ministry at FUMC Tullahoma, we are prayerfully ready to make this move.”
“I’ve been with the Tullahoma church for the last 8+ years,” said Rev. Beaty. “I love its people and the community. Working with the congregation and staff has been such a great joy in my life.”
“But now it is time to look forward to visiting many churches in the Pulaski District, and other areas,” Rev. Beaty added. “I will serve as Pulaski’s District superintendent faithfully and will fulfill the duties with my prayers, presence, gifts and service.”
Rev. Beaty was most excited to share this good news with his father, Rev. James L. Beaty, a former Cookeville and Murfreesboro District superintendent, and his mother, Sue, now retired and living in Savannah, TN.
The Rev. Beaty Sr., has been suffering from poor health over the last 3+ years.
“One of my greatest privileges was being able to tell my father, who served so faithfully, that I was going to follow in his footsteps,” said Rev. Beaty. “Though he is not well, it pleased him to be told the news. I will now also be closer each day to my father and will be serving his district.”
Rev. Beaty, who is an avid reader, said, “We are closing the chapter in one book and opening another. “I would ask everyone to please pray for the Pulaski District and for my family as make we make the move this year.”
Salvus Center aids working uninsured
By Jennifer Easton/Staff
This article on the Salvus Center appeared in the January 24, 2008 issue of THE TENNESSEAN, and is used here by permission. Copyright 2008 The Tennessean.
Fran Parker knew she was long overdue for a mammogram when she reluctantly walked through the doors of the Salvus Center in Gallatin in April 2006.
"It was probably 10 years since I�d had my last one. I knew I was at higher risk because my mom had died from breast cancer, and my sister had been diagnosed, too." Because she had pre-existing health conditions and her husband, Tim, is self-employed, health insurance premiums were either unaffordable or unattainable for the couple.
My husband worked, but I was non-insurable. So we lived years and years without insurance for ourselves.
"I wasn't afraid to go to the doctor because I was afraid they were going to find anything," she explained. "I didn't go to the doctor because of the financial burden it would put on my family."
When a friend told her about the Salvus Center, a faith-based, nonprofit organization that provides health care for the working uninsured in Sumner County, Parker decided it was time for a checkup.
"They didn't make me feel bad for not having insurance. They made me feel like part of a family."
It's fortunate Parker didn't put off her checkup any longer. Tests revealed she had cancer in both breasts.
"The hardest thing was telling my children and dealing with the guilt I felt from worrying about how are we going to pay for this. I had heard stories of people with medical problems being financially ruined."
Patients often put off seeking medical attention because they don't have insurance, says Dr. Ted Hill, the Salvus Center's Medical Director and staff physician.
Hill, who has practiced medicine in Gallatin for 28 years, is also a minister who says he feels called by God to serve Sumner County's growing population of people without insurance.
The number of people who do have access to ongoing health care is staggering and has created a health care crisis, he explained.
"There are about 47 million Americans without health insurance. We believe there are about 22,000 people in Sumner County who work but are uninsured."
"It's an underserved population that typically uses the emergency room as a primary care. The care there is putting a band-aid on the boo-boo. The emergency room is not for treating long-term problems like high blood pressure or a chronic illnesses."
Hill says Tennessee's uninsured can usually be divided by two different demographics.
"We have the 25-40-year-olds who work, but their jobs do not provide insurance. The other group is the disenrolled TennCare patients between 40-60 years old who don't qualify or can't afford insurance."
Fees are based on a sliding scale, depending on how much a person makes at work - usually between $5 and $35 a visit, Hill explained.
Since opening in March 2006, the clinic has logged more than 3,000 patient visits, according to Shelley Ames, executive director for the center.
With an annual operating budget of $300,000, the center receives support through donations. In addition, health care professionals and businesses donate time, medical supplies or expertise.
Hill says the clinic works with a network of more than 100 area physicians who help patients needing specialty care.
"If someone needs gall bladder surgery, we have general surgeons in Gallatin and Hendersonville who will perform the surgery at about one-third of the costs."
Plans are in the works to add another practitioner, and a second Salvus Center is scheduled to open in Hendersonville later this year, Hill said.
The word "Salvus" is Greek, meaning "healing and salvation," and the clinic's mission is to take care of people's physical needs and also to minister to them spiritually, Hill said.
"I think the care you get really means more when (health care professionals) care about how you really feel emotionally."
As far Parker, she has been cancer-free for nearly one year and now enjoys spending time with her 10-month-old granddaughter, Jaedyn.
"Dr. Hill and the Salvus Center saved my life. How do you thank someone for that?"
Note from Jason Brock, Director of Tennessee Conference Love and Justice Ministries: Do you Wonder what Methodists are doing in response to our healthcare crisis? This article from The Tennessean talks about the work of the Salvus Center, led by our own Dr. Ted Hill in the Cumberland District. The Salvus Center is a TN Conference Advance Special. If you would like to contribute to this vital mission outreach, make checks out to the Tennessee Conference the United Methodist Church, marked Salvus Center, 304 S. Perimeter Park Dr., Suite 1, Nashville, TN 37211.
Visitor on Death Row
Friendships--Some more special than others--
By Jerry R., January 2008
After having positive experiences at several events (a Bible study and a Christmas dinner) at Riverbend Maximum Security Institute in Nashville, in early 2004, I volunteered to participate in a program known as Visitor on Death Row. The aim of this program is to ensure inmates in that part of the facility have someone to correspond with and perhaps visit with face-to-face. Interestingly enough, I thought I would be doing someone a favor with my action; more on that later!
I was “assigned” to a young man named Tyrone. For good reason, which won’t be elaborated on here, it was suggested there be several months of correspondence before seeking clearance for face-to-face meetings.
Our initial attempts at correspondence left us both a bit skeptical relative to the merit of either of us investing any further effort in correspondence because, at first glance, it seemed we had so little in common as a basis for a possible friendship. For example:
.Tyrone is a few months younger than my youngest child.
.We are of different faiths.
.We had quite different childhoods.
.We have had very different adult years
.Etc.
However, after a few more letters, it became clear we not only had good reason to continue the correspondence but also we had the basis for a very special friendship.
After about six months of correspondence, it was clear that a mutual level of respect and trust had developed and it was time to meet face-to-face. The necessary forms were processed and our first meeting took place in late 2004. I imagine both of us were a bit more stressed than we wanted to show at the first meeting. For me, it became a banner day, i.e., one of those days I’ll happily remember for as long as I have memory.
In the approximately 3 years since our first meeting, the visits have been about once a month with several pieces of correspondence between visits. Our friendship has developed well beyond what I ever imagined or could have hoped for. Without question, Tyrone has become my best friend.
Do you remember in the opening paragraph of this document when I said I thought I would be doing someone a favor by becoming a Visitor on Death Row; then I mentioned our differences? I sincerely doubt Tyrone has benefited as much from our friendship as I have. Also, while our friendship may be “seasoned” by our differences, it thrives on our similarities:
.We both “demand” honesty and loyalty in a relationship.
.We both “demand” trust; real trust where anything can be discussed in confidence.
.Although we practice different religious faiths, we worship and pray to the same, one and only Almighty God, the God who created us, loves us and watches over us regardless of our situation.
.We both understand that Almighty God never promised any of us smooth sailing. But He does assure those who believe, and try to live by His word, a “safe landing” in eternity.
.We both understand the importance of family -- to love and to be loved by. (Although our families haven’t met, we care deeply about, and pray for, each other.)
.We also understand the importance of laughter and not taking ourselves too seriously.
Often my acquaintances have asked, “What do you and Tyrone talk about or correspond about?” Given that we’re good friends, we talk about the same things you probably talk about with your true friends, i.e., family, personal issues, current events, sports, spiritual matters, books we’ve read, philosophy, childhood memories, etc. There is no planned agenda. We just talk, share, laugh and even argue a bit now and then.
As I write this, I’ve no idea who will ultimately read it but I do hope it might cause increased interest on the part of others, regardless of which side of the tall fence you are on, to give someone on the other side of the fence a chance to get to know you and for you to know them.
While I don’t expect any of you to be as fortunate as I have been with my friendship with Tyrone, even at only 50% it will still be a win:win!
Just remember that regardless of which side of the fence you are on, neither of you has led a perfect life nor made your last mistake. However, you are both loved by, cared for and offered peace, grace, salvation and eternal life by the One Almighty God.
We want to share "the wealth" with you. Please prayerfully consider being a mentor to an incarcerated person. The benefits for both are literally too great to measure. If your curiosity is aroused and want to know more before making a decision, contact Jerry Nail at Christ United Methodist Church, 615-790-2112. Modern Christians should remember the parable of Jesus in which he tells his followers that visiting prisoners is indicative of a right relationship with God. Think and pray about that, then call!
Convicted Enthusiasm: a 30-something’s personal response to Restoring Methodism
By Bart Stewart*
The church saved the life of Leslie, my wife and the mother of Jaden and Leah, not once, but twice during the last eight years.
What do I mean by this? Be assured I speak in the most literal sense. My wife suffers from bulimia which has three possible phases: active, remission and death.
Our family was steaming full speed ahead toward being without a matriarch when the Holy Spirit intervened through the actions of the body of Christ. This was the “hook” for me, but there is more.
The church, made up of “the people who call themselves Methodist,” is the best place I have seen to accomplish what we are all called to do–make disciples.
And I don’t mean merely adding numbers by a one-time acceptance of Christ, but by making real disciples–people who have gone on to be consumed by Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit.
You probably noticed I did not say the United Methodist Church (UMC) and that was intentional.
What happens in 10 years?
What will the United Methodist Church look like in ten years if we, the church, do nothing?
The buildings will still be here. We thirty-somethings will be driving Corvettes or motorcycles purchased at the onset of mid-life crises (I like red). And many members from the generation closest to the authentic church will have gone home.
If we do implement the changes outlined in Jim and Molly Davis Scott’s book Restoring Methodism, some of these things will still happen (except maybe not the Corvettes and motorcycles), but that is not all that will happen.
The United Methodist Church will start to look more like John Wesley’s methodist societies which were very close to the first century church.
Reading the Scotts’ book and attending the subsequent Bishop’s Convocation, was deeply convicting for me as a layperson who is a member of the United Methodist Church.
I had been sitting back coasting while piling the work of the church higher and deeper on our professional ministry team. But you and I are called to “be the church,” not subcontract the responsibility out to our clergy.
I have also learned that personal holiness is not only refraining from killing my neighbor or having sex with his wife, but it’s doing what Jesus told us–loving God and loving our neighbor.
We will bear fruit as a result of our love if it is genuine. Abstaining from buying that red Corvette for myself when I know my neighbor’s kid doesn’t have a coat or a house for that matter, is very sweet fruit indeed.
As I learned more about Wesley’s method and the Holy Spirit, enthusiasm overcame me.
It turns out the thing that made Methodism so successful as a movement was its structure. The system of classes, bands, societies, class leaders, local ministers, and traveling ministers served to teach the people who called themselves methodist how to be the Church. The structure facilitated interaction with and reliance on one another as the body of Christ.
This is exciting because we need to learn reliance on the body now more than they did 200 years ago.
I believe Wesley’s structure would be even more effective at retraining us today than it was in his time. It seems to me that we’re less dependent on God and each other than we have been at any time in history.
The church that saved Leslie’s life the first time was not a United Methodist church, but it had a structure that was almost identical to that of early methodism.
The second time the Holy Spirit intervened was through a small group meeting during a Lay Witness Mission event.
The significant thing in both instances is that the Spirit worked through the structure of a small group of believers watching over each other in love.
It seems to me that the Spirit prefers the small group over large corporate worship or solitary soul searching.
What can we do?
I have some specific recommendations that I believe will facilitate the successful implementation of Restoring Methodism.
The first thing I hope the church will engage in is a study of spiritual warfare.
Past experiences have taught me to be terrified to begin any activity opposing the Devil without first putting on armor and readying all weapons. Satan would be stupid not to do everything he can to oppose the restoration of Methodism, and one thing Satan is not is stupid.
The second thing would be to seek congregational unity on the three tables (to use the Scotts’ tmetaphor) of theology, structure and language.
The Scotts talk about the United Methodist Church setting a table that is wide, but a table that has definite edges. Congregations should agree on what is flexible–what’s on the table–and what we will not compromise on–what’s off the table–in the areas of theology, structure and language.
I’m grateful for the sacrifices and dedication of those who went before us–from the first century church to the early Methodists to the recent members of the United Methodist Church who have kept the church alive during hard times.
I’m also grateful to the Scotts for writing Restoring Methodism and having the love of the United Methodist Church that drives them to spread the word.
I’m most grateful to the Holy Trinity for life, rebirth and life anew walking with the Holy Ghost.
What is my response to all this? It is an overwhelming feeling of Convicted Enthusiasm.
Whatever I, we, do next is a decision, so let it be intentional.
Lord, thank you for your patience. Please open my heart to the whispers of Your spirit, and please drive my hands to right actions so Your kingdom may come and Your will be done. •
*Bart Stewart is a member, Manchester First UMC
Hispanic/Latino Incubator Covenant Group sets evangelism goals
The Covenant Group is seen here with Joaquin Garcia (back row on the right), director of the Tennessee Conference Hispanic/Latino academyTwelve Hispanic/Latino pastors and lay missioners gathered for discussion at the regular monthly meeting of their Tennessee Hispanic Incubator Covenant Group. The agenda of the day was to work on their Ministry Action Plan (M.A.P.). During the discussion it was determined that the group needed to be more intentional and focused on their evangelistic thrust to reach the Hispanic/Latino communities. The group committed itself to the distribution of 200 Spanish-language Bibles and 2000 Spanish-language flyers.
If you want to support this evangelistic effort and make a contribution to obtain the Bibles and tracks in Spanish, you can send it to the Hispanic/Latino Academy, Tennessee Conference, 304 S. Perimeter Park Drive, Suite 1, Nashville, TN 37211. Mark checks “for Bibles and tracks in Spanish.”
Two Tennessee Conference youth receive national awards
By Rich Peck*
WESTMORELAND, Tenn.––Steven Frye and Daniel Schofield , members of Mt. Olive United Methodist Church, received the top youth awards from the Nashville-based General Commission on United Methodist Men.
The pair received Good Samaritan Awards for their work on a mission trip to La-Gloria, Mexico last summer.
The pair was part of a 15-member youth group that repaired the roof and improved the wiring of an orphanage and led activities for young people living in a camp near a dump. “The conditions were horrible by our standards,” said Daniel. “Trash was everywhere. If it rained, their water was collected off the roof into barrels, but during the dry season, they drank out of a canal full of raw sewage.”
The enterprising Scouts made a water purification system with a PCV pipe, sand, screens, duct tape and cheese cloth. After the water was been filtered, it was boiled for 20 minutes. “Our system will become part of the dump campsites drinking water supply, allowing the decontaminated and purified water to be used for drinking and cooking,” said Steven.
The Good Samaritan Award was created by the General Commission on United Methodist Men to honor young people from 12 to 21 who demonstrate the attributes of the Good Samaritan described in Luke 10:25-37. Recipients must be a United Methodist or registered with a youth-serving agency related to a United Methodist Church. Recipients must be nominated by adults familiar with the youth’s service.
For information, contact Office of Civic Youth-Serving Agencies/Scouting, General Commission on United Methodist Men, P.O. Box 340006, Nashville, TN 37203-0006
Heads of Delegations and Conference Communicators Receive Briefing on Issues Relating to the 2008 General Conference
Final two paragraphs excerpted from a longer article by UMCOM staff person Marta W. Aldrich.
(RtoL)Mr. C. Don Ladd, the Rev. Dr. A. Lynn Hill, and the Rev. David C. Adams frequently sat together to compare notes during presentations and discussions at the Pre-General Conference briefing in Fort Worth.From January 24th through noon on January 26th the heads of delegations from nearly all United Methodist Annual Conferences came together with Conference communications persons, Conference Council Directors, general agency staff persons, and others, for an intensive preview of major issues and resolutions being brought before the 2008 General Conference. The Pre-General Conference briefing was held at the Hilton Fort Worth Hotel, directly across the street from the site of the 2008 General Conference, the Fort Worth Convention Center. United Methodist Communications, with input from the denomination’s other General Agency, designed the three day event. The Tennessee Annual Conference was represented by Ministerial and Lay delegation heads, Dr. Lynn Hill and Mr. Don Ladd as well as Conference Communication Coordinator Tom Nankervis. Others with a strong Tennessee Conference connection were also present including the Rev. David Adams, an Elder in the Tennessee Conference, and since 2006 the General Secretary of the National United Methodist Men’s organization.
Left to right: Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher, Illinois Area, will deliver the Bishop’s Address; Mary Brooke Casad, Executive Secretary, Connectional Table, served as panel moderator; Lyn Powell, North Georgia Conference Lay Leader will present the Laity Address: and Matt Lockett, young adult from the Northwest Conference, is one of six teens and young adults set to present the Young People’s Address.The 2008 General Conference will meet for 10 days--two fewer than the 2004 gathering in Pittsburgh and with no break--but still must sort through more than 1,500 petitions, which is about the same amount of business conducted at the previous assembly. In addition to hearing opening addresses from a United Methodist bishop and lay person, delegates will hear the first-ever Young People's Address--delivered jointly by six teens and young adults who promise a presentation "different from anything that's ever been presented to General Conference before."
Weary of decades of the church's top legislative meeting being consumed by debate over homosexuality and other hot-button issues, the Council of Bishops and other denominational leaders have shaped a new churchwide agenda with the overarching purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The agenda includes four areas of focus: developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world; creating "new places for new generations" by starting new churches and renewing existing ones; engaging in ministry with the poor; and fighting the killer diseases of poverty such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
St. Andrew Award offers a way to honor those who have been important in our faith journeys
The Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation established in 2001 the Nashville Area Order of St. Andrew Endowment Fund to honor ministers and laity of the Memphis and Tennessee Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church. In honoring those who have served faithfully and blessed lives in our churches, The Fund will provide scholarships for individuals pursuing pastoral ministry and enrolled in a seminary.
The Fund is named for Andrew, “the bringer.” He brought his brother, Peter, the little boy with the loaves and fish, and the Greeks to Jesus. Jesus saw in this ordinary man something that others did not see. The Nashville Area Order of St. Andrew Fund was established to honor those who have been the “Andrew” for people across these two conferences. The honorees may be clergy or laity. You may wish to honor a Sunday School teacher, a pastor, a Lay Leader, an quiet encourager. Anyone who is a “bringer” of people into relationship with Christ may be honored as a recipient of a “St. Andrew Award.”
Those wishing to honor a minister or lay person may do so by making a contribution to The Fund through the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation. A brief biographical statement about the honoree, a minimum contribution of $1,250, and a picture of honoree can be sent to Dr. Vin Walkup at 304 S. perimeter Park Dr., Suite 3, Nashville, TN 37211. You may also contact him with questions or brochures to share with others at 615-259-2008 or vwalkup@nashaumf.org.
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 6:41 AM
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