APRIL/MAYCIRCUIT PUBLISHED BY THE WEST VIRGINIA CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
GROWING CHURCH LEADERS The way people become members of The Chapel, a United Methodist Church in Brunswick, Georgia is a little different from what we are used to in the UMC. For starters, you join the church as a partner rather than a member. Curious? Keep reading for five takeaways from Growing Church Leaders, a workshop led by the staff of The Chapel last month at Dunbar United Methodist Church in Dunbar, W.Va.
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A session of the Growing Church Leaders event at Dunbar UMC last month. Photo: Amy Shanholtzer
“I don’t want people to feel guilt, I want them to feel freedom,” said Hanson, while leading a breakout session during the workshop. What that means is that the church is open to anybody. You can worship and be spiritually fed any time. Through a process the church calls “trust and become,” you can choose to join the church. The concept resonated with folks:
1. This partners thing is a really good idea. At The Chapel, members are called “partners,” and the relationship between partner and church is examined every year. But lead pastor Jay Hanson doesn’t want that to scare you off. Continued on page 3
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YOUTH 2015 UPDATE
WE REMEMBER Virginia Maxine Burdette, mother of Rev. Michael Amory (FE) Naomi Bumgarner, mother of John Bumgarner (PTLP)
CALENDAR
Trinity UMC in the Northern District have registered 17 people to go
APRIL 3 Good Friday (Conference Center Closed) 5 Easter Sunday 9-10, 11-12 UMW Spiritual Growth Retreat 12 United Methodist Foundation Special Sunday 18 Volunteers in Mission Training. Trinity UMC - Parkersburg
wvumc.org/VIM
Dear Conference,
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I hope you have YOUTH 2015 on your the radar for the youth and youth leaders you know in the conference.
MAY 1-2
UMW Mission Encounter. Upshur Parish House -
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Heritage Special Sunday Peace with Justice Special Sunday
to Orlando this Summer for Youth 2015. Pictured here are the Rev.
Michael Rowe, Kaitlyn and Shamus making subs for a fundraiser to help get them there.
This is the event held once every four years for United Methodist youth and leaders to gather for exciting worship and studies, awesome music and speakers, and tons of fun with other youth from around the world. The “Go On” event will be in Orlando, Florida June 24-28, 2015. You can get a lot of info at youth2015.com. Check out it out and share with other youth/parents. The Conference will once again charter buses for travel and plan to arrive the Monday before the official start of the event. You can consider other things your group might want to do for that free day (service mission work, Disney, Universal, etc). While I cannot be a ‘travel guide’ for all plans for all groups going – I am willing to work with the groups going with us to see that you might coordinate. We hope to get the bus cost per person as low as we can with donations and budget money. Our goal as an annual conference is to have 250 people attend! Help us get there and we’ll do our best to help you too! Plan now, mark the dates, and “GO ON” with us to Florida for Youth 2015! - Rev. Nancy White nancywhite@suddenlinkmail.com
Native American Ministries Special Sunday Bishop’s Dinner for Scouting. The Summit - Glen Jean Growing Your Church. Emmanuel UMC - White Sulphur Spr. Golden Cross Special Sunday
Buckhannon
JUNE 11-14 Annual Conference
STAY IN THE LOOP! Check out other dates in this publication including COME and the Denman Award Nomination deadline. View the full calendar at wvumc.org/events.
The Mountain Circuit P.O. Box 2313 Charleston, WV 25328 Voice: (304) 344-8331 Fax: (304) 344-2871 email kthaxton@wvumc.org
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Resident Bishop: Sandra Steiner Ball Editor: Laura Harbert Allen Associate Editor: Adam Cunningham Production: Shawn Withrow Find us online: wvumc.org
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GROWING CHURCH LEADERS “Partner” implies mutual accountability. There are tools and processes for church partners to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and the church community. And those yearly checkups I mentioned earlier? They are a good way to create real engagement and authenticity in the disciple walk. 2. Trust and Become is a good system. Without trust, people don’t feel safe. When they don’t feel safe, it’s hard to become who God calls them to be. Check out the video on The Chapel’s approach to growing discipleship and leadership at vimeo.com - the link is on their website at http://thechapelbrunswick.com “Trust and Become are key words for leadership development,” said the Rev. Scott Sears, via a twitter discussion. Sears leads First UMC in Princeton, West Virginia (southern district). Sarah Lowther Hensley (Life UMC, Fairmont, WV) agreed.
Continued from front page.
4. Focus and do what you do well Pastors wear robes, not capes - and they shouldn’t expect themselves to do everything. Instead focus on finding your strengths and making sure what you offer is done well. The same can be said for the church as a community. Find your mission field, and lead from your strengths as a congregation. 5. When change happens, people will get angry. They may leave. The church cannot be all things to all people; and when leaders begin to focus on doing some things well and giving up or changing “the way we’ve always done it,” people will get angry and leave the church. Rev. Whit Kirkland told workshop attendees that effective church leaders must remember to take care of themselves in the midst of the chaos that change brings. Kirkland leads Taylors Chapel UMC, which is part of The Chapel’s ministry. The key, said Kirkland, is to make sure you take care of yourself. Sabbath and prayer are vitally important to help manage the stress of change in the local church. By Laura Allen
BLESSED DRESSED Anne Bosarge, who directs discipleship for The Chapel summed up the experience the church seeks to provide this way: “The bottom line is, everything we do helps people encounter God and fall in love with Jesus.” 3. Leadership is really important. Seriously. Leadership development should begin as young as the fourth grade, and young people should be more than cute performers in the church. They should be given responsibility and the tools to lead well. Other key points for growing leaders? There must be an environment where experimentation and constructive feedback are everyday practices.
According a 2014 Visa survey, it cost nearly $1000 to send a child to the prom. Blessed Dressed, a ministry of Peterstown United Methodist Church, helps low-income families in Monroe County cover the costs of prom attendance. The church provides gowns and accessories at no charge every year at the Blessed Dressed Prom Gown Give-Away. This year’s event is April 18, 2015 from 12-4pm. Donations of gowns, accessories or financial assistance is always appreciated. Contact Peterstown United Methodist Church in Monroe County, Greenbrier District at 304-753-9504. Submission and Photo: Judy Pysell, Greenbrier District Communications Coordinator
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CELEBRATION OF MISSION EVENTS The annual Celebration of Mission Events (COME) begin in a few districts April 25. A COME is an opportunity for all people and churches to learn more about and support the United Methodist Mission Projects affiliated with the West Virginia Conference. COME events also support Church and Community Ministries, and Volunteers in Mission. Last year COME raised nearly $100,000 to benefit these ministries. Learn more at wvumc.org/COME or contact your district office.
2015 C.O.M.E. SCHEDULE GREENBRIER DISTRICT: April 25, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM St. Luke’s UMC in Craigsville
Tangible goods for Community Development Outreach Ministries in Charleston and Tyrand Cooperative Ministries in Mill Creek. Each designated Sunday people are bringing specific articles for assigned projects. Handmade wood items for sale (benches, stools, cutting blocks, etc).
LITTLE KANAWHA DISTRICT: A pril 25, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM South Parkersburg UMC
Tangible goods for Heart and Hand House in Philippi and Scott’s Run Settlement House in Osage. Craft Show/Flea Market, Hot Food Sale, Bake Sale, Rental Tables, Silent Auction, Entertainment, Using Mass Media Advertising including appearing on New Early Show day before the Event.
MIDLAND SOUTH DISTRICT: A pril 26, 3:00 PM St. Peter’s UMC-St. Albans
Tangible goods for Ebenezer Community Outreach Center in Huntington and Greater Clarksburg Cooperative Parish. Combined with District Conference. Banks have been mailed to children and youth to decorate and return with funds for COME.
MONVALLEY DISTRICT: A pril 25, 10:00 AM -3:00 PM Middletown Mall at Fairmont
Tangible goods for United Methodist Coalfields Ministries in McDowell County and The House of The Carpenter in Wheeling. Food Served, Bake Sale, Craft Sale, Silent Auction of Theme Baskets, Kids’ Karnival with face painting and bounce house, Potted Flowers, Ongoing Entertainment on Stage, Walk-A-Mile for Missions.
NORTHERN DISTRICT: May 17, 3:00 PM Elm Grove UMC
Tangible goods for Upshur Parish House in Buckhannon. Additional emphasis: Volunteers in Mission (VIM). COME Combined with District Conference. Each church given $5.00 to raise at least $100.00.
Clergy in the Potomac Highlands District got a head start on raising money for COME by jumping into the waters of Mount Storm Lake.
The annual event is used as a fundraiser for a Conference initiative.
POTOMAC HIGHLANDS DISTRICT: May 3, 3:00 PM Burlington UM Family Services Gym
Tangible goods for Scott’s Run Settlement House in Osage, Heart and Hand House- Philippi, and United Methodist Coalfields Ministries in McDowell County. Combined with District Conference. “Polar Plunge” on February 28. Each church challenged to raise at least $50.00 cash plus tangible goods for the mission ministries assigned to the district.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT: May 3, 2:00-4:00 PM Greenview UMC and Oak Hill UMC
Tangible goods for Ebenezer Community Outreach Center in Huntington. Additional emphasis: Volunteers in Mission (VIM). May 3 meetings to be showers for Ebenezer. VIM speaker at District Conference on May 17 at 3:00 PM at First UMC-Welch.
WESLEYAN DISTRICT: April 25, 9:15 AM-1:00 PM St. Matthew UMC in Weston
Tangible goods for The House of The Carpenter in Wheeling and Upshur Parish House in Buckhannon. COME begins with worship led by guest musicians. Lunch Served, Homemade Pie Auction, Theme Baskets.
WESTERN DISTRICT: May 3, 12:30-3:00 PM Community of Grace UMC in Huntington
Tangible goods for Community Development Outreach Ministries in Charleston, Greater Clarksburg Cooperative Parish and Tyrand Cooperative Ministries in Mill Creek. COME combined with District Conference. Dinner Theater held at First UMC-Huntington.
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RADICAL DISCIPLESHIP HARRY DENMAN AWARD ACADEMY OF APPALACHIA
Do you know a youth who seeks God, who longs for a more in-depth look at their relationship with Christ? If you are or know a youth who will finish grades 8 - 11 this spring, consider The Radical Discipleship Academy of Appalachia (RDAA). RDAA is a 12-month process for youth who want to grow in faith, be connected with others who feel the same, and want it to mean something in their day to day lives. The Academy begins with a summer week at Spring Heights (July 12 - 17, 2015). This week is different than a typical week at camp. While there will be opportunities to participate in the usual camp fun, special time and attention will be given to worship experiences, learning new spiritual practices to help you connect with God, and theological formation (or in other words, learning ways to think and talk about God and our relationship to God). The Academy will also give you a chance to learn more about yourself, your gifts, and where God might be calling you next! After the summer week, you will be a part of a covenant group that meets monthly over the next 11 months to continue learning and growing together, and to help you begin leading in new ways in your own church and community. During this time, a mentor will guide your time together, which will include discussions, reflection, prayer, and support. The Academy wants to help you discover your call and help you live into it! Learn more and apply at springheights.org /radical-discipleship
The Harry Denman Evangelism Awards honor a United Methodist clergy, youth, and lay person in each annual conference who has exhibited outstanding efforts in Wesleyan evangelism by faithfully carrying out the mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ.” Those eligible for this prestigious award practice the Great Last year’s winners were: Sam Benson, Commission. Rev. Beverly Colombo, and pictured
This can involve personal here, Jonathan O’Dell and Erin Sears. Photo: Judy Pysell witnessing, speaking, and inspiring individual persons or the local church to be actively involved helping people to experience the transforming love of God through Jesus Christ. Neither the size of the local church with which the person is affiliated, the age or gender of the person, nor the length of their service should limit one’s eligibility. What is important are the people whose lives have been changed by the life and ministry of the nominee. Nominations are due by April 15.
READY TO NOMINATE? Nominate someone using the form on page 7 of this publication, or online at wvumc.org/evangelism.
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LENT PHOTO-A-DAY
Rethink Church hosted a photo-a-day project for Lent this year. The idea: to be intentional about the introspective aspect of Lent. Photographers used a word each day as a ‘cue’ for the images they create. Josh Webb, who attends Community of Grace UMC in Huntington turned his photos into a starting point for a brief devotional. He posted his photos to Instagram; participants can also post to Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and Pinterest. Both Josh and Erin Sears posted photos for the conference’s Instagram account. The photos on this page are some of our favorites.
#Lent Day 13 Bless: Italian throwback..... All over Assisi, St.
#Lent Day 1 Announce: There will be no ashes placed on
Francis’s motto of Peace and Goodness is posted throughout
the forehead today because of the weather but as the snow
the city. Today may you be blessed with peace and goodness
eventually melts and spring arrives this time.
and share it with those you meet along the way. #rethinkchurch
God has gifted so many people to share their talents in many
Lent Day 22 Stop: Italy Throwback. We run and rush and jump
forms to help us increase our #knowledge of life and God. May
from one place to another so much that we often forget to stop,
we take the time to be open to all that is around us.#40days
to look around, to take in what’s around us. Today let’s try to
#lent #wvumc #rethinkchurch
stop, be more present and intentional about slowing down..... You’ll never know what you might find. #rethinkchurch
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HARRY DENMAN AWARD FORM I nominate this person for their efforts to bring others to Christ. Name of Nominee: ____________________________ This person is a: c Youth Layperson c Adult Layperson c Clergy Nominee Street Address: _________________________________________ City: _______________________________ State: _______________
Zip Code: ____________
Nominee E-mail: _______________________________ Nominee Phone Number: _____________________ Church: ____________________________
District: _____________________________________
Please describe how the nominee lives their commitment to evangelism, and provide specific examples of how they make a difference in their church and community (attach additional page if needed): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ YOUR INFORMATION Name: ____________________________ Street Address: ___________________________________________ City: _______________________________ State: _______________ E-mail: _______________________________ Church: ______________________________
Zip Code: ____________
Phone Number: _____________________ District: ____________________________
PLEASE MAIL COMPLETED FORM TO: WVUMC Attn.: Denman Award Nomination PO Box 2313 Charleston, WV 25328
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“I have great passion to continue Christ’s quest to develop The United Methodist Church in the West Virginia conference as a fresh wind of the Spirit that brings transformation to God’s people, the church, and the world,” said Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball in her letter to members of the conference. Discover is the theme of this year’s Annual Conference session, which meets June 11-14 at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, WV. The bishop invites you to join her in 40 days of prayer and fasting before Annual Conference - learn more about this year’s AC and register at wvumc. org/conference. If you have never been to Annual Conference, consider coming as a guest for a day. It’s a great place to see and learn about the United Methodist connection, and the worship services are truly wonderful. Guests and members should register online at wvumc.org/conference.