TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW February 19, 2010
Articles in the February 19, 2010 edition of The Tennessee Conference REVIEW
1. Tennessee Conference selected as pilot conference for new scouting ministry position
2. Older Adult Spring Retreat focuses on Staying Spiritually Fit and Active
3. Pilot program for Lay Minister Certification established in the Tennessee Conference
4. “Change the World” can re-invigorate the Tennessee Conference, by Nancy Neelley
5. Applications Being Accepted for Tom and Betty Cloyd Scholarship
6. National Scout Jamboree will celebrate centennial of scouting
7. Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation, October 17-22, Camp Garner Creek
8. Conference Youth Go the Distance at Warmth In Winter 2010
9. Crying Through the Crisis, by Lucy Neeley Adams
10. Hello Beautiful People!, by Bishop James King
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Tennessee Conference selected as pilot conference for new scouting ministry position
NASHVILLE, Tenn.––The United Methodist Office of Scouting Ministries has selected Tennessee Conference as a pilot area to test a volunteer position to help local churches establish and expand scouting ministry opportunities.
Montee Sneed, the scouting coordinator for Tennessee Conference, is the first to register as a “scouting ministry specialist,” a person who will encourage neighboring United Methodist Churches to launch Boy and Girl Scout troops, Venturing Crews, 4-H and Camp Fire clubs, and programs of Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
The specialist will also provide information about the Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (PRAY), training opportunities, and various awards for young people and adults.
“A family recently moved here from California,” said Sneed. “They asked someone on the way to Tennessee how to find a Scout troop. The gentleman answered, ‘It’s simple in the South. Just start at the courthouse and start circling the square in blocks. Very close by will be a United Methodist Church. You will find one there.’ They found us,” said Sneed who also serves as assistant scoutmaster for a troop related to First United Methodist Church of Columbia. “From the beginning, the Methodists taught civic virtues. So we still do. My prayer is that every United Methodist Church will be involved with at least one of the youth-serving agencies.”
Tennessee Conference has seven districts with varying numbers of churches. The Murfreesboro District is the largest with 67 churches and the Clarksville District has 65. The Columbia and Pulaski Districts each have 48 churches.
In an average district, 14 or fewer churches sponsor one or more Scout units. District scouting coordinators spend most of their time resourcing the churches that already have scouting units; they seldom have the time to help the other churches understand how scouting can enrich the lives of their youth and reach non-churched members.
“To say that our current model is flawed would be an understatement,” said Larry Coppock, director of scouting ministries and youth-serving agencies for the General Commission on UM Men. He noted that most general church programs effectively reach the 488 district superintendents, but the programs seldom reach the 26,000 pastoral charges.
For an annual registration of $30, each specialist will receive a laminated membership card, a free subscription to Scouting News, training opportunities, and access to a series of pamphlets and information sheets describing scouting awards and programs.
The Office of Scouting Ministry is an arm of the Nashville-based General Commission on UM Men.
For further information, contact LaNisha Sayles (lsayles@gcumm.org) or 866-297-4312. If you are interested in helping churches develop scouting ministries, please fill out the information, detach and mail to the address listed below. If you prefer, you may e-mail this information to LaNisha Sayles.
Name_____________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________
City/State/Zip_______________________________________________
Phone______________________________________________________
E-mail______________________________________________________
Home Church________________________________________________
Mail to:
Director of Scouting Ministries, GCUMM
PO Box 340006
Nashville, TN 37203-0006
E-mail to: LSayles@gcumm.org
Older Adult Spring Retreat focuses on Staying Spiritually Fit and Active
Winter 2009-2010 has been extremely cold in Tennessee but spring with its beautiful foliage and stunning views will be in full swing at Beersheba Springs Assembly for the 2010 Older Adult Retreat, April 27th and 28th, 2010.
The Rev. Roger Hopson
Taking a cue from large television and newspaper campaigns related to physical fitness, the Retreat will help us determine how “spiritually fit” our faith is. Leader for the retreat is the Rev. Roger Hopson who presently serves as Assistant to the Bishop of the Nashville Area. Prior to joining the Bishop’s staff Roger was a local church pastor, a Superintendent of the Paris District (Memphis Conference), and then Director of the Program Ministries Team for five years (the PMT is known as the Conference Council on Ministries in the Tennessee Conference). Over the past several years he has become a well-known speaker and preacher throughout the Tennessee Conference.
This exciting, constantly invigorating event is sponsored by the Adult/Old Adult Ministries Committee of the Tennessee Conference, Helen Noffsinger, chairperson. As always there will be major opportunity to join old friends and new in an experience as joyful as it is spiritually enriching.
For further information or to receive direct mailing, contact Mary T Newman, Program Staff Assistant, Tennessee Conference Council on Ministry, 616-329-1177, 800-403-5795. Email mtnewman@tnumc.org
Pilot program for Lay Minister Certification established in the Tennessee Conference
Certified Lay Minister candidacy program for the TN Annual Conference is now open for interested persons with Lay Speaking background and a desire to serve.
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008, page 220, Paragraph 271 states: “In order to enhance the quality of ministry to small membership churches, expand team ministry in churches and in deference to an expression of gifts and evidence of God’s grace associated with the lay ministry of early Methodism, the certified lay minister is to be recognized and utilized.
“The certified lay minister shall preach the Word, provide a care ministry to the congregation, assist in program leadership, and be a witness in the community for the growth, missional and connectional thrust of the United Methodist Church as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergy person.”
In response to the Book of Discipline’s description of a Certified Lay Minister, the Tennessee Conference has established a pilot program for Certified Lay Speakers to use in obtaining Lay Minister certification. This process includes attendance at the Academy for Certified Lay Ministers. Gloria Watts-Jones will be the Conference Certified Lay Minister Coach/Facilitator for this process. The first Academy for Certified Lay Ministers will be May 21-23, 2010 at the Beersheba Methodist Assembly. Deadline for Registration is April 15, 2010. Cost of the Academy is $200, $250 for a single room.
There are guidelines in place for persons interested in this field of ministry. For more information contact your District Superintendent or Gloria Watts-Jones, 517 Tinsley Lane, Columbia, TN 37401 or call 931-388-1098.
“Change the World” can re-invigorate the Tennessee Conference
by Nancy Neelley*
Years ago after Aunt Louise died, I came across a poem from 1945 named “If I Can Help Somebody” that she had cut out of a magazine. The part I remember the most is “if I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.” Now and then, certain things bring that poem to mind – most recently, the event “Change the World” (April 24-25, 2010). Change the World is a connectional day…connectional because it involves United Methodists everywhere – over 11 million worldwide. And it’s connectional because it challenges all of us to connect with the people we often pass by in our own communities and abroad. I am directly involved with Change the World through my work at United Methodist Communications, and want to share my excitement about the event.
So far, the response has been terrific. When Change the World was listed as an event on Facebook’s United Methodist Church page, people immediately responded. One response was from my friend and colleague Priscilla Muzerangwa from East Zimbabwe Annual Conference who said her conference will raise awareness and funds for malaria prevention as part of World Malaria Day (April 25). They know the cost of this deadly disease firsthand as they witness children in their community die from it so often. Statistics tell us that every thirty seconds a child dies from this preventable, treatable disease.
In January 2008, John began a discernment process with a group of church leaders. Realizing that the congregation had been in a steady decline (in numbers) since the 1990’s, the team knew that change lay ahead and that it would not necessarily be easy. Committed to scriptural and traditional study of the church, they also accessed a demographics tool called Percept which helped them learn more about their community. What they found was eye opening. They learned that in their area, there are over forty languages spoken; that there are millionaires, homeless persons and every socio-economic class in between. With all that information and more, Arlington UMC began engaging community leaders and police officers to learn more about their community’s needs. Through a food pantry (open Monday-Friday 11-1), a community breakfast on Sunday mornings, and so much more, Arlington has seen members grow in faith as they serve those who have come to better understand a faith that calls us to actively love one another. On April 24-25, Arlington will continue reaching out to build community locally, and join the fight against malaria globally.
Change the World reminds me of World Communion Sunday because once again we feel the global connection of God’s love. On April 24-25, we’ll feel the strength of Christ’s heartbeat around the world as we actively love one another. Go to www.rethinkchurch.org/changetheworld to register your event to show up on Google Earth, and to download resources to help get the word out. Build community locally. Fight malaria globally. By God’s grace, we can make the world a better place.
*Nancy Neelley is a Deacon in the Tennessee Conference and works as a staff person with United Methodist Communications.
Applications Being Accepted for Tom and Betty Cloyd Scholarship
The Tom and Betty Cloyd Scholarship was established at Belle Meade United Methodist Church for United Methodist students from the Tennessee Conference attending United Methodist colleges or universities. The scholarship honors Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Cloyd and Betty Shannon Cloyd through gifts made by their family and friends. The Cloyds served faithfully for over forty-five years and now make their home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Tom Cloyd
Each year a student is awarded a scholarship through The Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation as a part of the Dollars for Scholars program at the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. To qualify for this scholarship, an applicant must be a United Methodist in the Tennessee Conference (for a minimum of one year) and enrolled in or accepted by a United Methodist College or University.
Pastors and others working with youth and young adults are asked to publicize this scholarship in the churches of the Tennessee Conference. To receive more information contact Rev. Dr. Vincent (Vin) Walkup at The Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation, 304 S. Perimeter Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37211 (615-259-2008 or vwalkup@nashaumf.org). To apply directly with the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation, go to this online site: http://www.umhef.org/pdf_library/2010_UMDFS_Application.pdf. The application deadline is March 1, 2010.
National Scout Jamboree will celebrate centennial of scouting
Reprinted from the winter 2010 issue of UMMen, the quarterly magazine of the General Commission on United Methodist Men. Used here by permission
FORT A.P. HILL, Va.––Some 43,000 Scouts and leaders will build a city on 3,000 acres of this 76,000 acre facility July 26-Aug. 4, 2010.
The jamboree will teach scouting skills including physical fitness, environmental conservation, our national heritage, and the true spirit of scouting.
Scouts may choose rappelling, scuba diving, kayaking, rafting, and sailing. They may also participate in trap shooting, archery, bikeathlons, buckskin games, confidence courses, and hikes on a conservation trail.
Scouts gather for the United Methodist Service during the 2005 National Jamboree at Fort AP Hill, Va.
Opening and closing arena shows of the jamboree will be unforgettable. The closing by a professional entertainment company will focus on the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.
Larry Coppock, director of scouting for the General Commission on UM Men, will be in attendance along with 20 UM chaplains he has recruited. The chaplains will be trained by the Rev. Greg Godwin and the Rev. Don Scandrol, who will serve as headquarter chaplains. Eleven of the 20 chaplains are Eagle Scouts, two are women, and one is African American. Four of the UM chaplains are in the military, and two recently served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Coppock will also lead an 11-member team manning a UM scouting ministry exhibit.
Scandrol is in charge of planning the Sunday, Aug. 1, UM worship service. Pittsburg Area Bishop Thomas Bickerton, national spokesman for the Nothing But Nets campaign, will preach at the service. The offering will go to that national campaign to provide treated mosquito bed nets to protect African families from malaria. .
Some 370,000 young people are involved in 12,000 Cub Scout Packs, Boy and Girl Scout troops and Venturing crews sponsored by 7,000 UM congregations making the UMC, the second largest sponsor of BSA units in the world.
West Virginia will be the new site
This will be the last time the national jamboree will be held at Fort A.P. Hill. Recently, the U.S. Department of Defense increased its use of the facility for extensive military training. That, coupled with the Boy Scout’s desire to invest in a permanent infrastructure, sparked the search for a long-term jamboree home.
In October, the BSA National Executive Board approved the purchase of more than 10,000 acres in the New River Gorge area of West Virginia. “This is an area that offers some of the best rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking anywhere in the country,” said Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca. “It is a perfect site for the full complement of activities we intend to offer at our new facility: extreme sports, leadership training, camping, high adventure-anything you can imagine doing in the great outdoors, and, of course, the national jamboree.”
Following a $50 million grant from the Bechtel Foundation, the new site will be called the Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. BSA plans to spend an additional $300 million on the project. At least 80 full-time jobs will be created and another 1,200 seasonal workers will be hired.
Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation, October 17-22, Camp Garner Creek
The 5-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation will be held October 17-22, 2010, at Camp Garner Creek near Dickson, Tennessee. The Theme of the Academy is “Journey into Joy: the Pathway & the Pilgrimage,” reflecting Jeremiah 6: 16a – “Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”
The purpose of the Five Day Academy is to provide a place to discover a longing for God. For some, this may be a kind of renewal. For others, it may be a new exploration into deeper aspects of Christian spirituality. There have always been four great ‘teachers’ of Christian faith: silence, worship, community, and individual guides. The Academy embodies this balance in the day’s overall rhythm.
The Academy is sponsored by the Memphis and Tennessee Annual Conferences, the Nashville Area Order of Elders and Deacon, the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members, in partnership with The Upper Room Ministries. Persons from any denomination who are seeking spiritual balance in their lives are welcome to attend whether they be clergy or laity.
Rev. Marjorie Thompson
Presenting faculty are Rev. Marjorie Thompson and Dr. Loyd Allen. Rev. Marjorie Thompson is a nationally acclaimed leader in Christian spiritual formation. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, and is author of the classic resource for spiritual formation, Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life. Marjorie helped create and author the Companions in Christ program.
Dr. Loyd Allen
Dr. Loyd Allen teaches Christian spirituality like a traveler telling stories about places to visit. He has ecumenical Christian roots, has experienced the Celtic heritage of Wales, and also leads an annual pilgrimage to Israel. Dr. Allen is a dynamic lecturer and is the Sylvan Hills Professor of Church History and Spiritual Formation at McAfee School of Theology, Atlanta, Georgia.
Cost, including lodging, meals, and program is $420 before August 1st, and $450 after August 1st. A non-refundable deposit of $75 reserves your space and is applied to your balance. Make checks payable to Memphis Conference of the United Methodist Church, and send to Jennifer Hays, Memphis Conf. Program Ministries, 24 Corporate Blvd., Jackson, TN 37305. For information updates go to www.memphis-umc.org and if you have questions contact Linda Douty lindadouty@aol.com, 901-725-7744.
Conference Youth Go the Distance at Warmth In Winter 2010
Despite freezing rain, sleet, and snow covered roads over a thousand youth and youth workers made the trek to Warmth In Winter 2010. During the weekend retreat, youth experienced God’s presence through speakers, artists, worship bands and most importantly building relationships with each other. Nationally known speaker, Brenda Salter McNeil, called those present to action by making an impact for the kingdom in the world. Capitalizing on the energy of the youth, Crazy Dance Man, Don Washburn helped the group learn new ways to express themselves in a positive way.
Joe Castillo, a United Methodist Pastor from Kentucky, amazed the youth with his gift of storytelling with sand art. Words cannot describe the message that he presented but you can see for yourself at www.sandstory.com. Nationally known prayer and Sacred Space author, Lilly Lewin, designed a prayer room experience that focused on digging deeper into a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. All of these experiences and messages were tied together by Dove nominated worship band, Pocket Full of Rocks, who led the youth in worship that rocked their hearts and souls.
Throughout the weekend, participants were charged to “Go the Distance” with their faith not just while they were together in Murfreesboro but daily in their lives. Using running a race as an example Brenda encouraged people to see their faith journey as a marathon instead of a sprint, inspiring them to know their pace and to pull others into the race in order to gain energy and support. D.J. Dixon, Director of Youth Ministry at Carthage UMC, said that his youth were hyper focused on the messages that Brenda presented and spent time each evening discussing how to apply them to their lives. Brenda emphatically challenged the youth with these words, “The highest act of worship of God any of us can do individually is to become who God created us to be.”
Youth worker briefing.
Our conference is blessed to have such dedicated youth and youth workers who inspite of life’s difficulties and challenges(including treacherous weather) are willing to Go the Distance to make an eternal difference in the lives of others.
Springfield First United Methodist Church
The winter weather hit with such ferocity that nearly half of those registered were not able to attend the event at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center in Murfreesboro. Through the use of the internet, those who didn’t make it were encouraged to go the distance with their faith by joining the festivities online. Shane Martin, youth chair of the communications design team, made the live stream possible through the use of the cameras provided by the production team. The sessions are archived at www.ustream.tv/channel/warmth-in-winter. Enjoy the pictures presented here and find more online at http://tnumcyouth.org.
And the award for the most vibrant shirts goes to . . .
Pocket Full of Sharpies, Warmth in Winter’s walking billboards.
Crazy Dances are the order of the day
Conference speaker Brenda Salter McNeil enjoys the Crazy Dancing
Pocket Full of Rocks
Rachael Junard as Warm Fuzzy
Kyle Guth and Lizzie Williams
Experiencing worship
Crying Through the Crisis
by Lucy Neeley Adams*
From the Herald Citizen, Cookeville, Tennessee, Jan. 15, 2010
But, even the phone calls proved to be a new adventure of nerves. Each one spelled CRISIS to me and I finally said, "Cliff, when I say hello, that's all I know!" His compassionate heart was evident and he encouraged me. So it wasn't long before his confidence and my perseverance paid off. I began to appreciate the opportunity to work at this wonderful place.
However, I was not prepared for the phone call that came one afternoon. "Hi, Lucy, I am so glad you are at the phone. I can't come back as a counselor. Please tell Cliff that I must resign." My questions were answered with the sounds of crying. "Susan", I quietly said, "please calm down and tell me why you can't come in to talk with Cliff."
The story unfolded that she thought her own daughter was pregnant. How could she come and counsel others to abstain from having pre-marital sexual relations, when she could not counsel her own daughter? How could she even help others to find answers to life, when she had none of her own? But she finally agreed to come back just for a visit and to say goodbye.
Within a few weeks her daughter, Janie, came in for the pregnancy test and yes, it was positive. I now felt confident at my work and was glad that she was my client. I loved her whole family.
It did not take long to discover that she was making her plans to go to a maternity home. She would also keep her baby. "My boyfriend has said he will not marry me. I have also heard that he has gotten another girl pregnant. So I will not show my face at that high school again." That was understandable, but I told her this was usually a family decision to choose the maternity home she went to.
My next question was bedrock to her whole future. "Who will help you after the baby is born?" Janie said she never thought of that being a problem because her family was so close and full of love. And she responded ,"Oh, I'll come back home, of course."
I was struck with a tinge of doubt that it would be that simple. In fact, the whole situation was getting more complex. Within a few days I was at the Center again and my first client was a young girl whose name was familiar. But I couldn't quite remember where I had heard of her.
Yes, the test showed that she was pregnant. When she wrote down the name of the father, I recognized who she was. The same boy who was Janie's boyfriend had also gotten her pregnant. This crisis was turning into a disaster!
Therefore, when I talked with Susan and Janie that afternoon, I agreed that getting away from town would be a good idea. We made plans to visit several maternity homes in the area. That was not a part of my volunteer work but this family was close to my heart.
That day the conversation didn't go very far until Janie dropped the bombshell. "Mom does not want my baby. I will not be able to return home. Now we have to find me and my baby a place to live." Susan immediately cried out, "Janie, you know this is a bi-racial baby and it needs an African American home."
Janie replied, "Mother, I have not told you yet. I saw Dr. Sawyer last week." She patted her tummy and said, " this is not an ;it'. My baby is a girl. She will be precious and you will love her dearly if you will just take us back home when I leave the hospital." They bickered back and forth before getting up to leave. We had a closing prayer in a room full of tension.
I knew there would be many words between the two as they returned home to Susan's husband, Janie's father and the grandfather-to-be. He was an outstanding leader in our town and had a very quiet strength. I felt he would be a strong decision maker for this confusion.
Susan keep me posted on every new detail. Since they were a loving Christian family and they prayed about every move they needed to make, the maternity home was easily decided upon. The hospital was nearby which made it easier for them to visit when the baby came.
However, Susan continued with her own plans for adoption of the baby. She even chose an adoption center where a counselor would help with the choice of a family. She visited one day before Janie's baby was born to look through the pictures of parents who wanted to adopt.
Tears flowed from her eyes and a prayer immediately formed in her heart as she prayed: "Oh God, I see all of these beautiful people who long to be parents. Thank you for blessing us with our dear daughter, Janie. Now, do you want to bless us with her baby? Are we to be the grandparents who will welcome them into our home?"
Words from Psalm 37, that Susan had memorized during these difficult months, came to her heart and her mind. "Do not fret" seemed to flow directly from the voice of God. In fact, it is written three times in the first eight verses of that Psalm. She knew if she did not fret, God would show the way!
Peace flooded her heart and she left the adoption center with new determination not to fret as she prayed for God's will in her family. But these new thoughts were big news and the first person she must tell was her husband. She tearfully explained about her prayer as she opened her Bible to Psalm 37. Yes, there it was. In fact, the 8th verse states: "Do not fret, it only causes harm". Important decisions unfolded and Janie returned home carrying her sweet baby girl, Molly.
That big news came to us at the Crisis Pregnancy Center the day Susan came to announce that the baby was born. She and her husband had lovingly received their granddaughter into their home. The big event happened on a bright day in March and Susan said it was a symbol of new life and new love in their family.
Not all stories at our Crisis Pregnancy Center end in such glory but God's love and power are there. So we trust Him and rejoice - especially for Susan, Janie and precious little Molly with the soft brown skin.
*Writer Lucy Neeley Adams is author of 52 Hymn Story Devotions
Hello Beautiful People!
by Bishop James R. King, Jr.
From the Southeastern Jurisdiction News, SEJ 2010 Events and News, January 19, 2010
Bishop James R. King, Jr.
BEGIN AGAIN
Every moment in space and time comes with an opportunity to begin again. Woven into the year since early civilization, are the recognitions of seasons that permit us to start over...wiping out the old and embracing a clean slate open to new possibilities. Below are some basic points to consider as you begin again.
Begin with Grace
You are here today because God has sustained you. Something in addition to and beyond your effort has kept you. God continues to bless you to be here on earth. God's wonderful grace abounds. Hallelujah!
Begin with Thanksgiving and Celebration
If you begin with the acknowledgement of the gift of grace in your life, it should not be too difficult to move on to thankfulness. Praise God! God's goodness is all over your existence. Give God the praise. Celebrate God's goodness each day.
Begin with Purpose
Put God in the very center of your life. If life is going to make sense it is due to your theology. In other words, your belief in God and how God is at work in your life is essential for a meaningful life. The Bible tells us what God expects:
• "Be fruitful and multiply" Genesis 1:28
• " ...do justice...love kindness and walk humbly with your God" Micah 6:8
• "...love God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27
• There are two truths about what God places on your heart to do. One: it is not easy, and two: it is possible. A great year awaits you.
I believe you are here because God has more for you to be and do.
Begin with Forgiveness
We can learn from history but we cannot change it.
We must stop beating ourselves up because of the past.
The past may be filled with a basket of valuable lessons, but you cannot rewrite the past.
We must look forward now.
The player who is preoccupied with the last dropped ball is losing ground on catching the next one.
Begin with Focus
Distractions have one purpose and that is keeping you so busy that you do not have time to satisfy your deepest longings. You must concentrate! If you keep your hands filled with good tasks, you will not have any room for the most important things in your life. You cannot do everything that the world asks of you but you can do all that God has anointed you to do. If you do what God is calling you to do, there is one thing for sure...you will have the best year of your life. Do not be afraid; God promises you a wonderful future! Have a blessed and Spirit-filled New Year!
Remember, God's will for us is good. We must do the rest.
Bishop James R. King, Jr.
Resident Bishop, South Georgia Conference
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 1:37 PM
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