TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW June 26, 2009
Articles in the June 26th issue of THE REVIEW
1. Allison Social Holiness Award Winners – Don Abbott, The Rev. Bill Miller
2. Setting the Vision for Hispanic Ministries at Brentwood United Methodist Church
3. Loyd Mabry’s Reflections on Passionate Worship
4. Youth Annual Conference helps young people examine their own personal story
5. Grand Re-Opening of The Shopping Bag Community Thrift Store
6. Five Amendments to the United Methodist Constitution are affirmed by the Tennessee Annual
7. Youth Ministry Institute graduates ten
8. Three Special Ministries Become Conference Advance Specials
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Allison Social Holiness Award Winners
This award was established by the 2001 Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference to recognize persons whose lives and ministries are focused on ministries of love and justice. Each year one layperson and one clergy person is selected. Sadly, we had no layperson recommended this year. This award remembers the persons who have answered the call of Christ to feed the hungry, visit the imprisoned, clothe the naked, visit the sick and help to bring about God’s kingdom here on earth. J. Richard Allison, for whom the award is named, was a pastor in the TN Conference, and a missionary, and a social activist in Nashville. Dick Allison was described by one of his peers as “a man of God with a mission of doing what he did best--building bridges between the needs of the community and the resources of the church.” This year, we celebrate the choice of Don Abbott (Laity) and William J. Miller (Clergy):
Don Abbott
Don Abbott is a member of Rehoboth United Methodist Church, Gallatin, Tennessee, and has been honored partially because of his efforts on behalf of the Gallatin Shalom Zone ministry.
Don Abbott (center), family and friends at the 2009 Annual Conference.
The Gallatin Shalom Zone was formed in response to a need to provide safety and security for persons living in Gallatin’s Clearview Community. From the work of the Shalom Zone there came a vision to renovate Union High School, formerly an African American High School, and source of great pride from the African American Community.
A major focus in the renovation has been Don Abbot who stepped forward and threw himself into learning the complexities of construction, fire codes, building codes, plumbing, etc., etc. The building has now been partially renovated and several social and educational programs are housed there along with a precinct station for the Gallatin Police Department. Because of Don’s faith and dedication, the people of the Clearview Community have a chance at a better life now in the present as well as a brighter future. Old social barriers between peoples are being broken down and hope is again present for a neighborhood where God’s peace, Shalom, is over the community.
In the area where the old Union High School is located, notes Shalom Zone Executive Director PJ Davis, “the average income is just $12,500 a year and access to services by community members is a problem. Don Abbot and the Shalom Board envisioned a community resource center to service the area as a “one-stop-shop” social service agency – feeling that this could be the answer to helping the underserved persons living there. The Gallatin Shalom Zone is one of 300 Shalom Zones nationwide.
As an international airline pilot Don has been to some of the richest and most exciting cities in the world. Now retired, he has turned his attention to assisting the underserved community in his hometown. Upon joining the Shalom Board of Directors he became actively involved in The Shalom Zone’s efforts to allow children and adults to empower themselves in a peaceful environment.” He has always felt that some people need a helping hand to build stronger and more purposeful lives. He has worked full time – forty hours plus – weekly since the start of the Union High building and remodeling project.
Shalom Zone Board chairperson Brenda Payne has many stories of Don’s commitment to love and justice ministry. “I vividly remember one particular night after hours when the toilets had overflowed, and we had to get the problem resolved as fast as possible. We could clean it up, but we had to find the source of the issue. We called Don, who was on his way to dinner with his wife (who is another saint by the way) and some friends. He dropped her off and came back to help. We were able to get some plumbers on site and they and Don spent the better part of the evening crawling under parts of the building to find the break. It was almost midnight when he left knowing what had to be completed in the coming days to correct the problems.
“The most endearing element to all of this,” says Payne, “is Don’s quiet resolve and unending patience to do what has to be done in service to the mission. He shies away from any attention and wants no recognition for the accomplishments we could not have achieved without him.”
Don Abbott’s pastor at Rehoboth, the Rev. Michael Potts, almost shakes his head in wonder with the amount of time, energy, and love Abbott has expended in love and justice ministries. “Don and his wife Alpha are chairpersons of the missions committee here at Rehoboth. In addition to the Shalom Zone work, Don has spearheaded a new ministry with a veteran’s home in Gallatin. He was instrumental in getting the home a new freezer as well as organizing a monthly hot meal in which Rehoboth’s members prepare food for the veterans living in the home. Don was also instrumental in getting our congregation involved with Meals on Wheels here in Gallatin. Several of the biweekly routes are handled by Don and other members of our church. The leadership he has brought to this church is invaluable in helping our members understand the need for the role of love and justice ministries as part of our overall mission effort. Don moved us from just wishing we could be involved in love and justice ministries to an active role, mostly due to his willingness to lead by example.”
The Rev. William J. Miller
Bill Miller is a retired United Methodist minister who attends West End United Methodist Church in Nashville.
Born the eighth of ten children to a parsonage family, he learned at an early age about teamwork and cooperation. He was responsible for certain chores before he could play and still shares with others the value of always completing tasks to the best of one’s ability. Ever gracious, his concern is always for the other person and how he can improve any situation, program, or outcome. His patience is evident whether he is patching a leaky church roof, working on a budget, or counseling an individual who is slow to grasp the lesson. Looking to God and then to neighbor, this nominee has been influential in the lives of countless people who admire, respect, and count him as mentor and friend.
Bill and Sue Ann Miller after the Social Holiness award presentation.
His ministry was formed in the Evangelical United Brethren tradition in Iowa, His first churches were in Ohio before he came to the General Board of Discipleship in the Stewardship Section in 1978.
Miller’s passion is giving: giving to God and giving to others. He does not hesitate to respond to persons in great need—spiritually, emotionally, or financially. One of his great gifts is his ability to listen.
Early on he became convinced of the value of Disciple Bible Study, and from one of these classes he taught at Christ UMC, came a vibrant and effective ministry at Riverbend Maximum Security Prison in Nashville. He not only led several of the church members to teach and begin a ministry at the prison, but he went and taught also. He continues his involvement in this ministry by offering, at least once a month, communion at the prison to a growing number of participants.
Jerry Nail, one of the congregants at Christ UMC who got involved in prison ministry under Miller’s guidance, reflects: “Bill Miller is the man who delivered the message seven years ago that I needed to go to prison, thus starting a connectional ministry where none had existed between the people attending Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and the men incarcerated at Riverbend Maximum Security Prison in Nashville.”
He laid the groundwork for this by facilitating Disciple Bible classes at Christ UMC; then continued this vital contribution by doing the same at Riverbend. So, he went to prison too! Through his untiring efforts the bible class of 15 men has grown to two bible classes with an enrollment of 40 men. In addition, he had the primary responsibility of setting up a communion service every Sunday morning and encouraging other pastors to participate. This service started 5 years ago with 12 in attendance and the participation of three other ministers. This “church” has grown to over 50 men (standing room only) and there are now ministers and retired bishops anxious to participate.” Nail quotes Kenneth L. Carder, retired bishop of this conference, who himself was quoting a noted jurist, “Pastors should be as familiar with the inside of the local jails and prisons as they are the local hospitals.” Nail concludes, “Bill Miller is! Thank God.”
Aline C. Wesley, Chair of the Residency Process Team, Tennessee Board of Ordained Ministry, feels strongly about Miller’s contributions to the Tennessee Conference. “It is not easy to describe in words how a person carries out acts of justice and social holiness. However, when you know Bill, his total being radiates a deep desire to find and carry out all that is represented by the Richard J. Allison Holiness Award. His calm thoughtful spirit searches for ways to bring love, social holiness, and justice to every situation, and he then has the resolve and determination to see that this is carried out. Here I quote some of Bill’s own words on why he does this, ‘It is the mandate of love that we have come to know through Jesus Christ.’”
Setting the Vision for Hispanic Ministries at Brentwood United Methodist Church
by Joaquin Garcia
Brentwood Hispanic Leadership team, Left to right, Rev. Mack Strange, John Frame, Anne Frame, Rev. Joaquin Garcia, Mark Hill, Raquel Hinojosa, Steve Singelton, Rev. Alejandro Hinojosa, Bilha Alegria, District Superintendent John Collette, and Hispanic Ministries coach Rev. Enrique Gonzalez.
Brentwood UMC Associate Pastor Mack Strange, and newly appointed Hispanic Pastor, Alejandro Hinojosa, met with a Lay Leadership Team to further develop the Hispanic Ministries at Brentwood United Methodist. The Reverend Enrique Gonzalez, pastor in Elgin UMC in Illinois, an Hispanic coach with experience in starting new Hispanic congregations and revitalizing existing ones, will be working with this team for one year to share and apply best practices in Hispanic Ministry. Each one of these best practices are defined and sustained as “proven and successful” working plans and programs that can make a substantial and sustained positive impact on the life of the ministry.
The pastors and the Lay Leadership Team have jointly developed a practical vision for Hispanic Ministries at Brentwood UMC and a MAP [Ministry Action Plan] which include benchmarks for each of the best practices adopted. They have also identified underlying contradictions that might block that vision.
The coach will be meeting both by conference call and face-to-face visits during the whole year.
This new Hispanic project is possible through funds from three sources: Brentwood United Methodist Church, Hispanic/Latino Academy New Hispanic Ministries Grant, and New Congregational Development Grant. This new model has the support of the Nashville District.
Primera Iglesia Leadeship team, Left to right, Martha Segarra, Javier Salinas, Pastor Enrique Hernandez, Santiago McKlean, Teresa Hidalgo, Blanca Miranda, Leadership Team coach Pastor Enrique Gonzalez, Elza Salinas, Maria McKlean.
This model of working with a coach to accompany the congregation and the pastor will also be used at Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida at Woodbine to revitalize its ministry with the new appointment of Pastor Enrique Hernandez.
For more information contact: Rev. Joaquin Garcia, Director, Hispanic Latino Academy email: jgarcia@tnumc.org
Loyd Mabry’s Reflections on Passionate Worship
Loyd Mabry addresses the 2009 Annual Conference
Our theme for Annual Conference was Passionate Worship. I, like many of you, wondered how one teaches worship without actually worshipping. Sally Morgenthaler, a well-known author and friend of Bishop Wills, lead those sessions at Annual Conference.
To be honest I am still trying to grasp what she said. When one does not present in a linear fashion, I find it harder to put the pieces together. I appreciated the imagery and the challenge to expand my thinking regarding worship. Still, I find myself more oriented to the practical.
For what it is worth I offer the following reflections:
· Passionate worship takes time and requires thoughtful planning. It is not just putting all the parts together. It is creating an experience that is long lasting.
· Planning for worship is best done as a team. Cooperation and teamwork creates a synergy that is contagious.
· I need to know my congregation and the people I am seeking to reach. What are their likes, dislikes, learning styles, etc.?
· Multi-sensory experiences offer the greatest opportunity for lasting and meaningful worship.
I am simple-minded and sometimes the visionary, ethereal experiences allude me, but I do think I can do these things. I know we are stronger when we work together. I know the experience is greater when I collaborate with others. After all, I want others to know the amazing love of God and I value the opportunity to worship my Lord and Savior in a communion with others.
I offer these simple reflections.
Youth Annual Conference helps young people examine their own personal story
By Brad Fiscus
New leaders were elected for the Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) Executive Committee and were warmly and enthusiastically applauded by delegates to the 2009 Tennessee Annual Conference. (L to R) Devin Penner, Hannah Lamon, Rachael Junard, Brianna Martin, Todd Cox, Joshua McKlean, Brett Hillesheim
FRESH, the Youth Annual Conference gathering was held on June 13th and 14th at Brentwood United Methodist Church. The theme for the weekend was STORYLINE. The youth and adults participated in activities that helped them see their own personal story as part of God’s story. Time was spent creating artwork, scripts, and skits that helped them begin to think creatively about how to share the story of their life with each other.
They explored the positive and negative opinions about the Bible and then wrestled with where to place them on a positive to negative continuum. Participants gleaned powerful insights from this experience exposing the need to contradict the negativity by sharing their faith-filled story with the world. After reviewing the continuum, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 was read and dissected to reveal the truth about God’s Word. After this discovery, the youth and adults were challenged to ponder where their personal story and God’s story intersect to become their faith story.
During the retreat, stories were shared from youth groups who received Youth Service Fund grants for mission projects during the 2008 summer. Stories were told of trips of service in Mississippi, Chicago, Louisiana, Sager Brown, Appalachian Service Project, Henderson Settlement, and the Nashville Synergy project. Each told of how youth and adults were engaged in sharing the love of Christ with those they encountered. The stories told of life changing moments and acts of kindness from those who served and those who were served.
FRESH also is a time to elect new leaders for the Conference Council on Youth Ministries and the District Youth Councils. Each of the candidates were given the opportunity to share their story with the group in hopes that they might be chosen for the various positions elected. Each of the seven districts elected their leadership during this event. The new officers for each district were challenged with developing gatherings for the fall and spring to bring youth together for fellowship and spiritual reflection. Saturday evening they had the opportunity to share their ideas at dinner with their District Superintendent. The Bishop, the Cabinet and the Extended Cabinet joined the youth leadership group for a time of fellowship and refreshment. The following youth were chosen to help lead each district:
Clarksville District
President -Michelle Undis of Waverly UMC
Vice-President - Brianna Martin of Hilldale UMC
District Co-Coordinators - Betsy Haley of Waverly, Jesse Fleck of Pleasant View
Columbia District
President - Luke Growden of Westview UMC
Vice-President - Elizabeth Roten of Epworth UMC
Secretary - Zan Wilson of Nunnelly UMC
District Coordinator - Christine Penner of Westview
Cookeville
President - Trey Taylor of Gainesboro UMC
Vice-President - Rose Newman of Gainesboro UMC
District Coordinator - Roger Brown of McMinnville First
Cumberland
Co-Presidents - Hannah Lamon of Grace UMC and Todd Cox of Cooks UMC
District Coordinator - Gavin Richardson of Hendersonville First
Murfreesboro
President - Carl Glenn of St. Mark’s UMC
Vice-President - Lilly Clark of St. Mark’s UMC
Secretary - Chelsea Reed of Smyrna First UMC
District Coordinator - Daryn Chavis of Murfreesboro First
Nashville
President - Rachael Junard of Hillcrest UMC
Vice-President - Callie Worden of Hillcrest UMC
Secretary - Marie Stephens of Arlington
District Coordinator - Mike Worden of Hillcrest UMC
Pulaski
President - Chris Moore of Dunn UMC
Vice-President- Jessica Moore of Dunn UMC
Officers were also elected for the Conference Council on Youth Ministry(CCYM). The CCYM Executive Committee desires to be a representation the great diversity of the conference. Every effort is made to provide room at the table for youth who want to participate and have a voice in leading the conference, from every district, from every size church, and from every ethnicity. As we strive to claim all youth for Christ, it takes every believer of every age reaching out to share the love of Christ. This will help us fulfill the mission God calls us to do - “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” The following were elected to serve on the CCYM Executive Committee:
President - Jessica Hall of Hendersonville First in the Cumberland District
Vice-President - Harris Smith of Smyrna First in the Murfreesboro District
Secretary - Hannah Lamon of Grace UMC in the Cumberland District
Conference Representative - Rachael Junard of Hillcrest UMC in the Nashville District
Middle School Representative - Todd Cox of Cooks UMC in the Cumberland District
Middle School Representative - Elizabeth Roten of Epworth UMC in the Columbia District
Hispanic Youth Representative - Joshua McKlean of Primera Iglesia Methodista
Black Methodist Church Renewal Youth Representatives-
Marquice Cartwright of Key-Stewart UMC in the Cumberland District
Epiphany Fields of Gordon Memorial in the Nashville District
Southeast Jurisdictional Youth Chair - Devin Penner of Westview UMC in the Columbia District
Conference Youth Coordinator - Brett Hillesheim of St. Mark’s UMC in the Murfreesboro District
Additional youth representation will be added from the Hispanic, Korean/Asian, and Native American Ethnic Caucus groups.
Two resolutions were presented and passed during the CCYM business session. Resolution 1 proposed that the title of Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries be changed to Director of Young People’s Ministry as designated in the Book of Discipline. This area encompasses youth and young adults ages 12 to 30. Resolution 2 asked that the Director of Young People’s Ministry form a Task Force to examine ways to increase the activity and participation of the designated ethnic caucus groups of the CCYM and present an opinion at the 2010 FRESH Conference.
The 2010 FRESH Conference will be June 12-13, 2010 at Brentwood United Methodist Church.
Grand Re-Opening of The Shopping Bag Community Thrift Store
New front entrance to The Shopping Bag
Nashville, Tenn. – Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, a social service agency promoting self-reliance and positive life choices for children, youths and adults in Middle Tennessee, celebrated the grand re-opening of The Shopping Bag on Thursday, June 18. Shopping Bag is a unique secondhand store that sells gently used clothing items and accessories for men, women and children. The store closed in 2007 to move into an expanded, renovated location within the Bethlehem Centers facility. The grand re-opening ceremony featured a speech by Bethlehem Centers President and CEO Joyce Espy Searcy, a ribbon cutting, welcome reception and tour of the new store. “We are thrilled to open the Bethlehem Centers’ new and improved Shopping Bag store, which provides affordable clothing to local families and helps fund vital community services at the Bethlehem Centers,” Searcy said. “Thanks to a generous grant through Tennessee State University, we have a beautiful, renovated store, and we welcome everyone to visit The Shopping Bag and find a great bargain.”
Joyce Searcy shows guests around the remodeled and revitalized Shopping Bag.
The renovations in The Shopping Bag’s new location, which include new windows, an attractive blue awning with the store’s logo and a larger space to sort and hang clothing, were made possible by a grant secured by Tennessee State University (TSU). In 2005, TSU’s Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement was awarded a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) grant program. This program is designed to assist HBCUs in expanding their role in effectively addressing community development needs in their localities, which includes neighborhood revitalization, housing, and economic development, principally for people of low- and moderate-income.
“I am delighted that TSU could support the good works of Bethlehem Centers of Nashville by creating an incredible retail space that will provide quality resale items for the community,” said Ginger Hausser Pepper, Assistant Director of the Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement at TSU. “Not only have the grant funds created a great space, but our students, staff, and faculty have donated items, created marketing plans, provided interior design ideas, and volunteered to assist in the grand re-opening of the store.”
The Shopping Bag was founded in 1981 by a group of United Methodist Church women who began collecting donated clothing and household items in their homes. They made arrangements with Bethlehem Centers of Nashville to use the Centers’ basement as a resale shop, and The Shopping Bag was created. With its new space, the Shopping Bag is focused on reinvigorating sales and continuing to support the work and mission of the Bethlehem Centers of Nashville.
The Shopping Bag is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The store is in need of volunteers and gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for all ages. Clothing should be cleaned and on hangers. No other items will be accepted. Drop-off days are Monday and Wednesday. All donations should be delivered to 1417 Charlotte Avenue. For more information or to donate items or volunteer at The Shopping Bag, please call (615) 329-3386.
Five Amendments to the United Methodist Constitution are affirmed by the Tennessee Annual Conference
Twenty-seven receive strong negative vote
Thirty-two Amendments to the Constitution of the United Methodist Church were passed by General Conference. These Amendments are being brought before all Annual Conferences and votes taken. A positive or “yes” vote amounting to two-thirds of the aggregate vote from ALL Annual Conferences on each amendment is required before the Constitution can be changed.
During the 2009 session of the Tennessee Annual Conference roughly 72% of delegates, lay and clergy, voted against a cluster of 23 amendments to the Constitution of the United Methodist Church that would allow the General Conference to create a new structures for all of our world-wide United Methodist church. Each Annual Conference would belong to a Regional Conference. In the United States a Regional Conference would be able to organize sub-units called Jurisdictional Conferences. While almost all person voting against the proposed legislation felt that changes in structure will be needed because of the increasingly world-wide nature of the United Methodist Church – it was generally felt that we should wait for a report on a special study committee created by General Conference to present specifics on how the World Wide United Methodist Church would look and operate before we voted on the concept of “regional conferences.”
Only five amendments were passed with “yes” votes by the Tennessee Annual Conference. Amendment #8, receiving a positive vote of 70% percent, recommends adding “gender” to the categories of persons protected against discriminatory treatment in the denominations global foundations document. The wording in the Constitution will read:
“To define and fix the conditions, privileges, and duties of Church membership, which shall in every case be with reference to race, gender or status”
“To secure the rights and privileges of membership in all agencies, programs, and institutions in the United Methodist Church regardless of race, gender or status.”
Amendment #9, which will ensure a minimum basis of support for the election of bishops at Jurisdictional Conferences, received a positive vote of 67%. It will read, if passed by 2/3 of voting delegates from ALL Annual Conferences: “The jurisdictional conferences shall be composed of as many representatives from the annual conferences and missionary conferences as shall be determined by a uniform basis established by the General Conference, provided that no jurisdictional conference shall have fewer than 100 delegates.”
Amendment #17, affirmed by about 60% of Tennessee Conference delegates would allow lay persons on the Conference Committee on Investigation to vote on matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy.
Amendment #19 garnered the strongest affirmative vote, 78% -- and it makes a change in who is able to vote for clergy delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences – The basic change allows local pastors who have completed course of study or an M.Div. degree and have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment to vote for clergy delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences.
The final “yes” vote, nearly 72%, was on amendment #22 which would add Bermuda to the listing of the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference . . . something that has been done in practice but now is formally recognized.
Remember – the Tennessee Conference vote will be part of an aggregate total from all Annual Conferences. It could be that items with a 72% “no” vote in Tennessee could be passed by major “yes” votes in other conferences when all votes are tallied. Or, those items that received major support in Tennessee could be voted down by other conferences.
New Class forming in the fall
Youth Ministry Institute graduates ten
By Brad Fiscus
(L to R) Becky Grigsby, Betsy Haley, James Marks, Rev. Gwen Brown-Felder, Maria McKlean, and Jammie Robertson – six of the ten graduates.
The Youth Ministry Institute, a partnership with The Cal Turner, Jr Center for Church Leadership at Martin Methodist College, the Youth Ministries of the Tennessee Conference, and the Youth Worker Movement, continues to build strong, competent Youth Leaders. Now in it’s 8th year and with over 70 graduates, this institute provides theological training, leadership, and youth ministry skill sets to equip youth ministers with the tools they need to build sustainable youth ministries in the local churches of the Tennessee Conference. This year, ten youth ministers from across the Tennessee Conference participated and completed this intensive training program. In addition to receiving practical skills and hands-on ideas, the relationships that are formed during this nine month course help create a network of support across the conference.
The graduates of this year’s course are Lynne Anderson of Centerville United Methodist, Rev. Gwen Brown-Felder the pastor of Ernest Newman United Methodist and the Wesley Foundation director at Fisk University, Jessica Fleck of Pleasant View United Methodist, Becky Grigsby of Riverside United Methodist, Betsy Haley of Waverly United Methodist, James Marks of Craft Memorial and St. Luke’s United Methodist Churches, Maria McKlean of Primera Iglesia Methodista, Jammie Robertson of Huntland and Walnut Grove United Methodist Churches, Andrew Scott of Dickson First United Methodist, and Pamela Smith-Villalvoza of Friendship United Methodist.
The class would like to thank the following instructors for their time and commitment during the year: Rev. Domenic Nigrelli, Dr. Pat Whittemore, and Jack Radcliff of Martin Methodist College, Rev. Terry Carty of the Youth Worker Movement, Beth Morris, Gavin Richardson, Jason Sansbury, Jacob Fasig, Will Penner, Brad Fiscus, Darla Hall, Jessica Hall, Rev. Deech Kirk, Rev. Mary Noble Parrish, Rev. Alecia Fischer and Hank Hilliard from the General Board of Discipleship Division on Young People’s Ministry. Special thanks also to Ginna Waggoner, Debbie McHaffie, Tijunia Brooks, Blake Thornell, and Shanna Scrimpshire for sharing their gifts of administration and music.
A new class is forming for the Fall of 2009. It will combine all of the great aspects that have been a part of YMI from its beginning and will move from a mentor model to a coaching model.
The coaching model will utilize exemplary youth workers from the conference who will initiate contact and offer support to the youth workers in their YMI Ministry Team. This gives the participating youth minister a guide to help them through the course and answer questions about their local ministry.
If you are interested in joining this class please contact Debbie McHaffie or Brad Fiscus at the conference office, phone 615-329-1177. A brochure and registration form is available for download at http://www.tnumcyouth.org/,
Three Special Ministries Become Conference Advance SpecialsConference
Advance Specials provide opportunity for second mile giving within the Tennessee Annual Conference.
Delegates to the 2009 Tennessee Annual Conference approved two ministries as Conference Advance Specials, the Sixty-First Avenue United Methodist Church After School Program, and Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON). They approved a third program, Feed America First, contingent on review by the Conference Committee on Mercy and Mission.
Sixty-First Avenue United Methodist Church After School Program. The Sixty-First Avenue UMC After School Program is a free ministry that serves approximately 40 low-income children and youth (K-10) who attend nearby Cockrill Elementary School, several middle schools, and Hillwood or Pearl-Cohn High Schools in West Nashville. It is held Tuesday-Thursday, September through the end of April, on days that Metro Schools are in session. The After School Program is a safe place during a period which studies have shown to be the most dangerous time of day for young people who might otherwise be latch-key kids. It is a place where children and youth are helped with academic skills and where they are fed physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The young children (K-4) are at the church three days a week. The older children and youth meet once a week in two separate groups, one for girls and one for boys. The boys group is called “Heads Up Hoops” and combines teaching basketball skills with opportunities for sharing and learning about discipleship.
“Lydia’s Little Sisters” is a program in which older women act as mentors and engage in faith building, life skills learning, and self-esteem activities with the young girls/women. All of these young people have tremendous God-given potential, but due to their circumstances they also face many challenges to realizing that potential. It is the goal of the project to provide them with a safe place where they are loved and encouraged to become the good, creative, and loving people God made them to be.
“We believe, says After School Program director Nita Haywood, “that our congregation, Sixty-First Avenue United Methodist Church, has a calling to act as one ‘front-line’ presence for the Tennessee Conference in its ministries with ‘the least of these.’ We are a small congregation of seventy members, and with just one or two exceptions, all of our members have incomes below the poverty line. This fact gives our congregation a high level of empathy for, understanding of, and commitment to ministries with hurting people. That is a good thing. However, it also means that we are dependent upon the broader connection (especially churches and individuals in the Tennessee Conference) to provide resources in terms of time, talent, and dollars to keep our congregation and its ministries vital.”
Contributions to the Sixty-First Avenue UMC After School Program Advance Special can be sent to Sixth-First United Methodist Church, 6018 New York Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209, or can be made through your local church and the Tennessee Conference Treasurer.
Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors. JFON’s mission is to provide high-quality, free immigration legal services, warm welcome and hospitality to migrants and newcomers. Its mission is also to engage in a program of education and advocacy about issues of immigration for the sake of cross-cultural community building.
The organization needs funding for attorney’s salary and to increase the capacity of legal services for migrants whose income in below federal poverty guidelines. Increased funding will mean being able to expand the geographical area served as well as increasing the number of monthly clinic sites. JFON hopes through its ministry to continue cultivating and strengthening relationships with the Tennessee Conference, the seven districts, and with local churches.
In its work JFON is acutely aware of the current reality which is that complex legal issues resulting from the broken immigration policy of our country have left countless immigrants without affordable legal resources. Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors (TN JFON) attempts to respond to the dire needs of the immigrant community primarily through a network of volunteers drawn from United Methodist churches and community organization. In the process TN JFON partners with local UMC churches and other faith communities, to coordinate community-wide efforts to build unity of purpose, empowerment, and advocacy on issues of basic human need and dignity.
Currently free legal clinics are held on the 3rd Saturday of each month at Hillcrest United Methodist Church, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. The JFON appointment and message line is 615-823-1945.
Contributions to the Justice for Our Neighbors program can be sent directly to JFON, Belmont United Methodist Church, 2007 Acklen Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212, or made through your local church and the conference treasurer to The Justice For Your Neighbors Tennessee Conference Advance Special.
Feed America First. A motion from the floor requested that Feed America First also become a Tennessee Conference Advance Special—this motion was approved contingent on review and approval by the Tennessee Conference Committee on Mercy and Mission.
Feed America First serves about 130 small, mostly rural agencies within a 150-200 mile radius of its Murfreesboro, TN warehouse. Founder and Executive Director of Feed America First, Tom Henry, is passionate about the agency’s mission: “Hunger will cease to be a problem in America when we REFUSE to allow our neighbors to go hungry. Every dollar donated to Feed America First,” says Henry, “provides enough food for 12-15 meals for hungry families.”
Local churches will now be able to assist Feed America First through local church financial gifts or through the office of the Tennessee Annual Conference treasurer. Donations to Feed America First can also be sent to Feed America First, 1105 Blue Springs Road, Franklin, TN 37069.
1. Allison Social Holiness Award Winners – Don Abbott, The Rev. Bill Miller
2. Setting the Vision for Hispanic Ministries at Brentwood United Methodist Church
3. Loyd Mabry’s Reflections on Passionate Worship
4. Youth Annual Conference helps young people examine their own personal story
5. Grand Re-Opening of The Shopping Bag Community Thrift Store
6. Five Amendments to the United Methodist Constitution are affirmed by the Tennessee Annual
7. Youth Ministry Institute graduates ten
8. Three Special Ministries Become Conference Advance Specials
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Allison Social Holiness Award Winners
This award was established by the 2001 Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference to recognize persons whose lives and ministries are focused on ministries of love and justice. Each year one layperson and one clergy person is selected. Sadly, we had no layperson recommended this year. This award remembers the persons who have answered the call of Christ to feed the hungry, visit the imprisoned, clothe the naked, visit the sick and help to bring about God’s kingdom here on earth. J. Richard Allison, for whom the award is named, was a pastor in the TN Conference, and a missionary, and a social activist in Nashville. Dick Allison was described by one of his peers as “a man of God with a mission of doing what he did best--building bridges between the needs of the community and the resources of the church.” This year, we celebrate the choice of Don Abbott (Laity) and William J. Miller (Clergy):
Don Abbott
Don Abbott is a member of Rehoboth United Methodist Church, Gallatin, Tennessee, and has been honored partially because of his efforts on behalf of the Gallatin Shalom Zone ministry.
Don Abbott (center), family and friends at the 2009 Annual Conference.The Gallatin Shalom Zone was formed in response to a need to provide safety and security for persons living in Gallatin’s Clearview Community. From the work of the Shalom Zone there came a vision to renovate Union High School, formerly an African American High School, and source of great pride from the African American Community.
A major focus in the renovation has been Don Abbot who stepped forward and threw himself into learning the complexities of construction, fire codes, building codes, plumbing, etc., etc. The building has now been partially renovated and several social and educational programs are housed there along with a precinct station for the Gallatin Police Department. Because of Don’s faith and dedication, the people of the Clearview Community have a chance at a better life now in the present as well as a brighter future. Old social barriers between peoples are being broken down and hope is again present for a neighborhood where God’s peace, Shalom, is over the community.
In the area where the old Union High School is located, notes Shalom Zone Executive Director PJ Davis, “the average income is just $12,500 a year and access to services by community members is a problem. Don Abbot and the Shalom Board envisioned a community resource center to service the area as a “one-stop-shop” social service agency – feeling that this could be the answer to helping the underserved persons living there. The Gallatin Shalom Zone is one of 300 Shalom Zones nationwide.
As an international airline pilot Don has been to some of the richest and most exciting cities in the world. Now retired, he has turned his attention to assisting the underserved community in his hometown. Upon joining the Shalom Board of Directors he became actively involved in The Shalom Zone’s efforts to allow children and adults to empower themselves in a peaceful environment.” He has always felt that some people need a helping hand to build stronger and more purposeful lives. He has worked full time – forty hours plus – weekly since the start of the Union High building and remodeling project.
Shalom Zone Board chairperson Brenda Payne has many stories of Don’s commitment to love and justice ministry. “I vividly remember one particular night after hours when the toilets had overflowed, and we had to get the problem resolved as fast as possible. We could clean it up, but we had to find the source of the issue. We called Don, who was on his way to dinner with his wife (who is another saint by the way) and some friends. He dropped her off and came back to help. We were able to get some plumbers on site and they and Don spent the better part of the evening crawling under parts of the building to find the break. It was almost midnight when he left knowing what had to be completed in the coming days to correct the problems.
“The most endearing element to all of this,” says Payne, “is Don’s quiet resolve and unending patience to do what has to be done in service to the mission. He shies away from any attention and wants no recognition for the accomplishments we could not have achieved without him.”
Don Abbott’s pastor at Rehoboth, the Rev. Michael Potts, almost shakes his head in wonder with the amount of time, energy, and love Abbott has expended in love and justice ministries. “Don and his wife Alpha are chairpersons of the missions committee here at Rehoboth. In addition to the Shalom Zone work, Don has spearheaded a new ministry with a veteran’s home in Gallatin. He was instrumental in getting the home a new freezer as well as organizing a monthly hot meal in which Rehoboth’s members prepare food for the veterans living in the home. Don was also instrumental in getting our congregation involved with Meals on Wheels here in Gallatin. Several of the biweekly routes are handled by Don and other members of our church. The leadership he has brought to this church is invaluable in helping our members understand the need for the role of love and justice ministries as part of our overall mission effort. Don moved us from just wishing we could be involved in love and justice ministries to an active role, mostly due to his willingness to lead by example.”
The Rev. William J. Miller
Bill Miller is a retired United Methodist minister who attends West End United Methodist Church in Nashville.
Born the eighth of ten children to a parsonage family, he learned at an early age about teamwork and cooperation. He was responsible for certain chores before he could play and still shares with others the value of always completing tasks to the best of one’s ability. Ever gracious, his concern is always for the other person and how he can improve any situation, program, or outcome. His patience is evident whether he is patching a leaky church roof, working on a budget, or counseling an individual who is slow to grasp the lesson. Looking to God and then to neighbor, this nominee has been influential in the lives of countless people who admire, respect, and count him as mentor and friend.
Bill and Sue Ann Miller after the Social Holiness award presentation.His ministry was formed in the Evangelical United Brethren tradition in Iowa, His first churches were in Ohio before he came to the General Board of Discipleship in the Stewardship Section in 1978.
Miller’s passion is giving: giving to God and giving to others. He does not hesitate to respond to persons in great need—spiritually, emotionally, or financially. One of his great gifts is his ability to listen.
Early on he became convinced of the value of Disciple Bible Study, and from one of these classes he taught at Christ UMC, came a vibrant and effective ministry at Riverbend Maximum Security Prison in Nashville. He not only led several of the church members to teach and begin a ministry at the prison, but he went and taught also. He continues his involvement in this ministry by offering, at least once a month, communion at the prison to a growing number of participants.
Jerry Nail, one of the congregants at Christ UMC who got involved in prison ministry under Miller’s guidance, reflects: “Bill Miller is the man who delivered the message seven years ago that I needed to go to prison, thus starting a connectional ministry where none had existed between the people attending Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and the men incarcerated at Riverbend Maximum Security Prison in Nashville.”
He laid the groundwork for this by facilitating Disciple Bible classes at Christ UMC; then continued this vital contribution by doing the same at Riverbend. So, he went to prison too! Through his untiring efforts the bible class of 15 men has grown to two bible classes with an enrollment of 40 men. In addition, he had the primary responsibility of setting up a communion service every Sunday morning and encouraging other pastors to participate. This service started 5 years ago with 12 in attendance and the participation of three other ministers. This “church” has grown to over 50 men (standing room only) and there are now ministers and retired bishops anxious to participate.” Nail quotes Kenneth L. Carder, retired bishop of this conference, who himself was quoting a noted jurist, “Pastors should be as familiar with the inside of the local jails and prisons as they are the local hospitals.” Nail concludes, “Bill Miller is! Thank God.”
Aline C. Wesley, Chair of the Residency Process Team, Tennessee Board of Ordained Ministry, feels strongly about Miller’s contributions to the Tennessee Conference. “It is not easy to describe in words how a person carries out acts of justice and social holiness. However, when you know Bill, his total being radiates a deep desire to find and carry out all that is represented by the Richard J. Allison Holiness Award. His calm thoughtful spirit searches for ways to bring love, social holiness, and justice to every situation, and he then has the resolve and determination to see that this is carried out. Here I quote some of Bill’s own words on why he does this, ‘It is the mandate of love that we have come to know through Jesus Christ.’”
Setting the Vision for Hispanic Ministries at Brentwood United Methodist Church
by Joaquin Garcia
Brentwood Hispanic Leadership team, Left to right, Rev. Mack Strange, John Frame, Anne Frame, Rev. Joaquin Garcia, Mark Hill, Raquel Hinojosa, Steve Singelton, Rev. Alejandro Hinojosa, Bilha Alegria, District Superintendent John Collette, and Hispanic Ministries coach Rev. Enrique Gonzalez.Brentwood UMC Associate Pastor Mack Strange, and newly appointed Hispanic Pastor, Alejandro Hinojosa, met with a Lay Leadership Team to further develop the Hispanic Ministries at Brentwood United Methodist. The Reverend Enrique Gonzalez, pastor in Elgin UMC in Illinois, an Hispanic coach with experience in starting new Hispanic congregations and revitalizing existing ones, will be working with this team for one year to share and apply best practices in Hispanic Ministry. Each one of these best practices are defined and sustained as “proven and successful” working plans and programs that can make a substantial and sustained positive impact on the life of the ministry.
The pastors and the Lay Leadership Team have jointly developed a practical vision for Hispanic Ministries at Brentwood UMC and a MAP [Ministry Action Plan] which include benchmarks for each of the best practices adopted. They have also identified underlying contradictions that might block that vision.
The coach will be meeting both by conference call and face-to-face visits during the whole year.
This new Hispanic project is possible through funds from three sources: Brentwood United Methodist Church, Hispanic/Latino Academy New Hispanic Ministries Grant, and New Congregational Development Grant. This new model has the support of the Nashville District.
Primera Iglesia Leadeship team, Left to right, Martha Segarra, Javier Salinas, Pastor Enrique Hernandez, Santiago McKlean, Teresa Hidalgo, Blanca Miranda, Leadership Team coach Pastor Enrique Gonzalez, Elza Salinas, Maria McKlean.This model of working with a coach to accompany the congregation and the pastor will also be used at Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida at Woodbine to revitalize its ministry with the new appointment of Pastor Enrique Hernandez.
For more information contact: Rev. Joaquin Garcia, Director, Hispanic Latino Academy email: jgarcia@tnumc.org
Loyd Mabry’s Reflections on Passionate Worship
Loyd Mabry addresses the 2009 Annual ConferenceOur theme for Annual Conference was Passionate Worship. I, like many of you, wondered how one teaches worship without actually worshipping. Sally Morgenthaler, a well-known author and friend of Bishop Wills, lead those sessions at Annual Conference.
To be honest I am still trying to grasp what she said. When one does not present in a linear fashion, I find it harder to put the pieces together. I appreciated the imagery and the challenge to expand my thinking regarding worship. Still, I find myself more oriented to the practical.
For what it is worth I offer the following reflections:
· Passionate worship takes time and requires thoughtful planning. It is not just putting all the parts together. It is creating an experience that is long lasting.
· Planning for worship is best done as a team. Cooperation and teamwork creates a synergy that is contagious.
· I need to know my congregation and the people I am seeking to reach. What are their likes, dislikes, learning styles, etc.?
· Multi-sensory experiences offer the greatest opportunity for lasting and meaningful worship.
I am simple-minded and sometimes the visionary, ethereal experiences allude me, but I do think I can do these things. I know we are stronger when we work together. I know the experience is greater when I collaborate with others. After all, I want others to know the amazing love of God and I value the opportunity to worship my Lord and Savior in a communion with others.
I offer these simple reflections.
Youth Annual Conference helps young people examine their own personal story
By Brad Fiscus
New leaders were elected for the Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) Executive Committee and were warmly and enthusiastically applauded by delegates to the 2009 Tennessee Annual Conference. (L to R) Devin Penner, Hannah Lamon, Rachael Junard, Brianna Martin, Todd Cox, Joshua McKlean, Brett HillesheimFRESH, the Youth Annual Conference gathering was held on June 13th and 14th at Brentwood United Methodist Church. The theme for the weekend was STORYLINE. The youth and adults participated in activities that helped them see their own personal story as part of God’s story. Time was spent creating artwork, scripts, and skits that helped them begin to think creatively about how to share the story of their life with each other.
They explored the positive and negative opinions about the Bible and then wrestled with where to place them on a positive to negative continuum. Participants gleaned powerful insights from this experience exposing the need to contradict the negativity by sharing their faith-filled story with the world. After reviewing the continuum, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 was read and dissected to reveal the truth about God’s Word. After this discovery, the youth and adults were challenged to ponder where their personal story and God’s story intersect to become their faith story.
During the retreat, stories were shared from youth groups who received Youth Service Fund grants for mission projects during the 2008 summer. Stories were told of trips of service in Mississippi, Chicago, Louisiana, Sager Brown, Appalachian Service Project, Henderson Settlement, and the Nashville Synergy project. Each told of how youth and adults were engaged in sharing the love of Christ with those they encountered. The stories told of life changing moments and acts of kindness from those who served and those who were served.
FRESH also is a time to elect new leaders for the Conference Council on Youth Ministries and the District Youth Councils. Each of the candidates were given the opportunity to share their story with the group in hopes that they might be chosen for the various positions elected. Each of the seven districts elected their leadership during this event. The new officers for each district were challenged with developing gatherings for the fall and spring to bring youth together for fellowship and spiritual reflection. Saturday evening they had the opportunity to share their ideas at dinner with their District Superintendent. The Bishop, the Cabinet and the Extended Cabinet joined the youth leadership group for a time of fellowship and refreshment. The following youth were chosen to help lead each district:
Clarksville District
President -Michelle Undis of Waverly UMC
Vice-President - Brianna Martin of Hilldale UMC
District Co-Coordinators - Betsy Haley of Waverly, Jesse Fleck of Pleasant View
Columbia District
President - Luke Growden of Westview UMC
Vice-President - Elizabeth Roten of Epworth UMC
Secretary - Zan Wilson of Nunnelly UMC
District Coordinator - Christine Penner of Westview
Cookeville
President - Trey Taylor of Gainesboro UMC
Vice-President - Rose Newman of Gainesboro UMC
District Coordinator - Roger Brown of McMinnville First
Cumberland
Co-Presidents - Hannah Lamon of Grace UMC and Todd Cox of Cooks UMC
District Coordinator - Gavin Richardson of Hendersonville First
Murfreesboro
President - Carl Glenn of St. Mark’s UMC
Vice-President - Lilly Clark of St. Mark’s UMC
Secretary - Chelsea Reed of Smyrna First UMC
District Coordinator - Daryn Chavis of Murfreesboro First
Nashville
President - Rachael Junard of Hillcrest UMC
Vice-President - Callie Worden of Hillcrest UMC
Secretary - Marie Stephens of Arlington
District Coordinator - Mike Worden of Hillcrest UMC
Pulaski
President - Chris Moore of Dunn UMC
Vice-President- Jessica Moore of Dunn UMC
Officers were also elected for the Conference Council on Youth Ministry(CCYM). The CCYM Executive Committee desires to be a representation the great diversity of the conference. Every effort is made to provide room at the table for youth who want to participate and have a voice in leading the conference, from every district, from every size church, and from every ethnicity. As we strive to claim all youth for Christ, it takes every believer of every age reaching out to share the love of Christ. This will help us fulfill the mission God calls us to do - “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” The following were elected to serve on the CCYM Executive Committee:
President - Jessica Hall of Hendersonville First in the Cumberland District
Vice-President - Harris Smith of Smyrna First in the Murfreesboro District
Secretary - Hannah Lamon of Grace UMC in the Cumberland District
Conference Representative - Rachael Junard of Hillcrest UMC in the Nashville District
Middle School Representative - Todd Cox of Cooks UMC in the Cumberland District
Middle School Representative - Elizabeth Roten of Epworth UMC in the Columbia District
Hispanic Youth Representative - Joshua McKlean of Primera Iglesia Methodista
Black Methodist Church Renewal Youth Representatives-
Marquice Cartwright of Key-Stewart UMC in the Cumberland District
Epiphany Fields of Gordon Memorial in the Nashville District
Southeast Jurisdictional Youth Chair - Devin Penner of Westview UMC in the Columbia District
Conference Youth Coordinator - Brett Hillesheim of St. Mark’s UMC in the Murfreesboro District
Additional youth representation will be added from the Hispanic, Korean/Asian, and Native American Ethnic Caucus groups.
Two resolutions were presented and passed during the CCYM business session. Resolution 1 proposed that the title of Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries be changed to Director of Young People’s Ministry as designated in the Book of Discipline. This area encompasses youth and young adults ages 12 to 30. Resolution 2 asked that the Director of Young People’s Ministry form a Task Force to examine ways to increase the activity and participation of the designated ethnic caucus groups of the CCYM and present an opinion at the 2010 FRESH Conference.
The 2010 FRESH Conference will be June 12-13, 2010 at Brentwood United Methodist Church.
Grand Re-Opening of The Shopping Bag Community Thrift Store
New front entrance to The Shopping BagNashville, Tenn. – Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, a social service agency promoting self-reliance and positive life choices for children, youths and adults in Middle Tennessee, celebrated the grand re-opening of The Shopping Bag on Thursday, June 18. Shopping Bag is a unique secondhand store that sells gently used clothing items and accessories for men, women and children. The store closed in 2007 to move into an expanded, renovated location within the Bethlehem Centers facility. The grand re-opening ceremony featured a speech by Bethlehem Centers President and CEO Joyce Espy Searcy, a ribbon cutting, welcome reception and tour of the new store. “We are thrilled to open the Bethlehem Centers’ new and improved Shopping Bag store, which provides affordable clothing to local families and helps fund vital community services at the Bethlehem Centers,” Searcy said. “Thanks to a generous grant through Tennessee State University, we have a beautiful, renovated store, and we welcome everyone to visit The Shopping Bag and find a great bargain.”
Joyce Searcy shows guests around the remodeled and revitalized Shopping Bag.The renovations in The Shopping Bag’s new location, which include new windows, an attractive blue awning with the store’s logo and a larger space to sort and hang clothing, were made possible by a grant secured by Tennessee State University (TSU). In 2005, TSU’s Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement was awarded a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) grant program. This program is designed to assist HBCUs in expanding their role in effectively addressing community development needs in their localities, which includes neighborhood revitalization, housing, and economic development, principally for people of low- and moderate-income.
“I am delighted that TSU could support the good works of Bethlehem Centers of Nashville by creating an incredible retail space that will provide quality resale items for the community,” said Ginger Hausser Pepper, Assistant Director of the Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement at TSU. “Not only have the grant funds created a great space, but our students, staff, and faculty have donated items, created marketing plans, provided interior design ideas, and volunteered to assist in the grand re-opening of the store.”
The Shopping Bag was founded in 1981 by a group of United Methodist Church women who began collecting donated clothing and household items in their homes. They made arrangements with Bethlehem Centers of Nashville to use the Centers’ basement as a resale shop, and The Shopping Bag was created. With its new space, the Shopping Bag is focused on reinvigorating sales and continuing to support the work and mission of the Bethlehem Centers of Nashville.
The Shopping Bag is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The store is in need of volunteers and gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for all ages. Clothing should be cleaned and on hangers. No other items will be accepted. Drop-off days are Monday and Wednesday. All donations should be delivered to 1417 Charlotte Avenue. For more information or to donate items or volunteer at The Shopping Bag, please call (615) 329-3386.
Five Amendments to the United Methodist Constitution are affirmed by the Tennessee Annual Conference
Twenty-seven receive strong negative vote
Thirty-two Amendments to the Constitution of the United Methodist Church were passed by General Conference. These Amendments are being brought before all Annual Conferences and votes taken. A positive or “yes” vote amounting to two-thirds of the aggregate vote from ALL Annual Conferences on each amendment is required before the Constitution can be changed.
During the 2009 session of the Tennessee Annual Conference roughly 72% of delegates, lay and clergy, voted against a cluster of 23 amendments to the Constitution of the United Methodist Church that would allow the General Conference to create a new structures for all of our world-wide United Methodist church. Each Annual Conference would belong to a Regional Conference. In the United States a Regional Conference would be able to organize sub-units called Jurisdictional Conferences. While almost all person voting against the proposed legislation felt that changes in structure will be needed because of the increasingly world-wide nature of the United Methodist Church – it was generally felt that we should wait for a report on a special study committee created by General Conference to present specifics on how the World Wide United Methodist Church would look and operate before we voted on the concept of “regional conferences.”
Only five amendments were passed with “yes” votes by the Tennessee Annual Conference. Amendment #8, receiving a positive vote of 70% percent, recommends adding “gender” to the categories of persons protected against discriminatory treatment in the denominations global foundations document. The wording in the Constitution will read:
“To define and fix the conditions, privileges, and duties of Church membership, which shall in every case be with reference to race, gender or status”
“To secure the rights and privileges of membership in all agencies, programs, and institutions in the United Methodist Church regardless of race, gender or status.”
Amendment #9, which will ensure a minimum basis of support for the election of bishops at Jurisdictional Conferences, received a positive vote of 67%. It will read, if passed by 2/3 of voting delegates from ALL Annual Conferences: “The jurisdictional conferences shall be composed of as many representatives from the annual conferences and missionary conferences as shall be determined by a uniform basis established by the General Conference, provided that no jurisdictional conference shall have fewer than 100 delegates.”
Amendment #17, affirmed by about 60% of Tennessee Conference delegates would allow lay persons on the Conference Committee on Investigation to vote on matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy.
Amendment #19 garnered the strongest affirmative vote, 78% -- and it makes a change in who is able to vote for clergy delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences – The basic change allows local pastors who have completed course of study or an M.Div. degree and have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment to vote for clergy delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences.
The final “yes” vote, nearly 72%, was on amendment #22 which would add Bermuda to the listing of the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference . . . something that has been done in practice but now is formally recognized.
Remember – the Tennessee Conference vote will be part of an aggregate total from all Annual Conferences. It could be that items with a 72% “no” vote in Tennessee could be passed by major “yes” votes in other conferences when all votes are tallied. Or, those items that received major support in Tennessee could be voted down by other conferences.
New Class forming in the fall
Youth Ministry Institute graduates ten
By Brad Fiscus
(L to R) Becky Grigsby, Betsy Haley, James Marks, Rev. Gwen Brown-Felder, Maria McKlean, and Jammie Robertson – six of the ten graduates.The Youth Ministry Institute, a partnership with The Cal Turner, Jr Center for Church Leadership at Martin Methodist College, the Youth Ministries of the Tennessee Conference, and the Youth Worker Movement, continues to build strong, competent Youth Leaders. Now in it’s 8th year and with over 70 graduates, this institute provides theological training, leadership, and youth ministry skill sets to equip youth ministers with the tools they need to build sustainable youth ministries in the local churches of the Tennessee Conference. This year, ten youth ministers from across the Tennessee Conference participated and completed this intensive training program. In addition to receiving practical skills and hands-on ideas, the relationships that are formed during this nine month course help create a network of support across the conference.
The graduates of this year’s course are Lynne Anderson of Centerville United Methodist, Rev. Gwen Brown-Felder the pastor of Ernest Newman United Methodist and the Wesley Foundation director at Fisk University, Jessica Fleck of Pleasant View United Methodist, Becky Grigsby of Riverside United Methodist, Betsy Haley of Waverly United Methodist, James Marks of Craft Memorial and St. Luke’s United Methodist Churches, Maria McKlean of Primera Iglesia Methodista, Jammie Robertson of Huntland and Walnut Grove United Methodist Churches, Andrew Scott of Dickson First United Methodist, and Pamela Smith-Villalvoza of Friendship United Methodist.
The class would like to thank the following instructors for their time and commitment during the year: Rev. Domenic Nigrelli, Dr. Pat Whittemore, and Jack Radcliff of Martin Methodist College, Rev. Terry Carty of the Youth Worker Movement, Beth Morris, Gavin Richardson, Jason Sansbury, Jacob Fasig, Will Penner, Brad Fiscus, Darla Hall, Jessica Hall, Rev. Deech Kirk, Rev. Mary Noble Parrish, Rev. Alecia Fischer and Hank Hilliard from the General Board of Discipleship Division on Young People’s Ministry. Special thanks also to Ginna Waggoner, Debbie McHaffie, Tijunia Brooks, Blake Thornell, and Shanna Scrimpshire for sharing their gifts of administration and music.
A new class is forming for the Fall of 2009. It will combine all of the great aspects that have been a part of YMI from its beginning and will move from a mentor model to a coaching model.
The coaching model will utilize exemplary youth workers from the conference who will initiate contact and offer support to the youth workers in their YMI Ministry Team. This gives the participating youth minister a guide to help them through the course and answer questions about their local ministry.
If you are interested in joining this class please contact Debbie McHaffie or Brad Fiscus at the conference office, phone 615-329-1177. A brochure and registration form is available for download at http://www.tnumcyouth.org/,
Three Special Ministries Become Conference Advance SpecialsConference
Advance Specials provide opportunity for second mile giving within the Tennessee Annual Conference.
Delegates to the 2009 Tennessee Annual Conference approved two ministries as Conference Advance Specials, the Sixty-First Avenue United Methodist Church After School Program, and Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON). They approved a third program, Feed America First, contingent on review by the Conference Committee on Mercy and Mission.
Sixty-First Avenue United Methodist Church After School Program. The Sixty-First Avenue UMC After School Program is a free ministry that serves approximately 40 low-income children and youth (K-10) who attend nearby Cockrill Elementary School, several middle schools, and Hillwood or Pearl-Cohn High Schools in West Nashville. It is held Tuesday-Thursday, September through the end of April, on days that Metro Schools are in session. The After School Program is a safe place during a period which studies have shown to be the most dangerous time of day for young people who might otherwise be latch-key kids. It is a place where children and youth are helped with academic skills and where they are fed physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The young children (K-4) are at the church three days a week. The older children and youth meet once a week in two separate groups, one for girls and one for boys. The boys group is called “Heads Up Hoops” and combines teaching basketball skills with opportunities for sharing and learning about discipleship.
“Lydia’s Little Sisters” is a program in which older women act as mentors and engage in faith building, life skills learning, and self-esteem activities with the young girls/women. All of these young people have tremendous God-given potential, but due to their circumstances they also face many challenges to realizing that potential. It is the goal of the project to provide them with a safe place where they are loved and encouraged to become the good, creative, and loving people God made them to be.
“We believe, says After School Program director Nita Haywood, “that our congregation, Sixty-First Avenue United Methodist Church, has a calling to act as one ‘front-line’ presence for the Tennessee Conference in its ministries with ‘the least of these.’ We are a small congregation of seventy members, and with just one or two exceptions, all of our members have incomes below the poverty line. This fact gives our congregation a high level of empathy for, understanding of, and commitment to ministries with hurting people. That is a good thing. However, it also means that we are dependent upon the broader connection (especially churches and individuals in the Tennessee Conference) to provide resources in terms of time, talent, and dollars to keep our congregation and its ministries vital.”
Contributions to the Sixty-First Avenue UMC After School Program Advance Special can be sent to Sixth-First United Methodist Church, 6018 New York Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209, or can be made through your local church and the Tennessee Conference Treasurer.
Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors. JFON’s mission is to provide high-quality, free immigration legal services, warm welcome and hospitality to migrants and newcomers. Its mission is also to engage in a program of education and advocacy about issues of immigration for the sake of cross-cultural community building.
The organization needs funding for attorney’s salary and to increase the capacity of legal services for migrants whose income in below federal poverty guidelines. Increased funding will mean being able to expand the geographical area served as well as increasing the number of monthly clinic sites. JFON hopes through its ministry to continue cultivating and strengthening relationships with the Tennessee Conference, the seven districts, and with local churches.
In its work JFON is acutely aware of the current reality which is that complex legal issues resulting from the broken immigration policy of our country have left countless immigrants without affordable legal resources. Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors (TN JFON) attempts to respond to the dire needs of the immigrant community primarily through a network of volunteers drawn from United Methodist churches and community organization. In the process TN JFON partners with local UMC churches and other faith communities, to coordinate community-wide efforts to build unity of purpose, empowerment, and advocacy on issues of basic human need and dignity.
Currently free legal clinics are held on the 3rd Saturday of each month at Hillcrest United Methodist Church, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. The JFON appointment and message line is 615-823-1945.
Contributions to the Justice for Our Neighbors program can be sent directly to JFON, Belmont United Methodist Church, 2007 Acklen Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212, or made through your local church and the conference treasurer to The Justice For Your Neighbors Tennessee Conference Advance Special.
Feed America First. A motion from the floor requested that Feed America First also become a Tennessee Conference Advance Special—this motion was approved contingent on review and approval by the Tennessee Conference Committee on Mercy and Mission.
Feed America First serves about 130 small, mostly rural agencies within a 150-200 mile radius of its Murfreesboro, TN warehouse. Founder and Executive Director of Feed America First, Tom Henry, is passionate about the agency’s mission: “Hunger will cease to be a problem in America when we REFUSE to allow our neighbors to go hungry. Every dollar donated to Feed America First,” says Henry, “provides enough food for 12-15 meals for hungry families.”
Local churches will now be able to assist Feed America First through local church financial gifts or through the office of the Tennessee Annual Conference treasurer. Donations to Feed America First can also be sent to Feed America First, 1105 Blue Springs Road, Franklin, TN 37069.
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 7:13 AM
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