Annual Conference 2010 Daily Digest - June 8
Partnership in the Gospel: Nurturing Disciples
Members of the Annual Conference join hands today in prayer
for the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
In The News
Mickey Efird Leads Two Days of Bible Study
Dr. Mickey Efird concluded two days of inspiring Bible studies this morning. In Monday's session - "Is Morality Still Relevant?" he discussed Paul's dealing with Gnosticism and its moral consequences, focusing on the extremes while looking at several passages from his letters. During Tuesdays session "What Kind of Leaders Does the Church Need?" he discussed Paul's dealing with leadership in the church and how Christian leaders are supposed to set examples for the church by looking at several passages in his letters.
Imathiu Challenges Conference to 'Avoid Titles'
Rev. Grace Imathiu led two teaching sessions today, highlighting what it meant to be a "Bethany church." She discussed Luke 15 with those gathered and encouraged them to look deeper, avoiding the urge to "title" everything. Order a copy of her teaching sessions here to share with others in your church.
Stevens shares Christian Medical Perspective
Dr. David Stevens, author of Jesus, M.D., delivered the 2nd Annual "Mary Ellen Bullard Leadership Address" during tonight's Laity Banquet. He shared with those present his thoughts on nurturing disciples from the perspective of a Christian physician, while learning from the Great Physician.
News to Note
Nurturing Video: Three AWF Conference churches were profiled today in a video showcasing how they are nurturing disciples. Look for in-depth video profiles from each of these churches coming in July!
Denman Evangelism Awards: Rev. Jerry Dooling (clergy) and Mrs. Frances Snell, age 89, (lay) were awarded the Harry Denman Award for Evangelism today. Said Nell, "I was privileged to meet Mr. Denman at Lake Junaluska in 1970, and it is such an honor to receive this award."
Gulf Oil Spill Update: Rev. Larry Teasley led the conference today in another time of prayer for the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. In groups of two or three, annual conference members prayed aloud together for God to intervene in the situation. "My prayer is that God will raise us up to be instruments of redemptive nurturing to those who are affected by what is going on in the gulf," said Teasley.
Visit www.awfumc.org/oilspill for helpful information regarding the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, including information on how to initiate the BP claims process. Churches are encouraged to share this information with those in their community who have experienced diminished resources (careers in tourism, fishing, etc.) as a result of the spill. Contact Amelia Fletcher, AWF Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, for more ideas on how churches may be involved in the response effort.
Laity Report: Dr. Steve Furr, AWF Conference Lay Leader, highlighted the work of the laity during today's Board of Laity report. He shared various ways in which the laity are advancing the kingdom of God within the annual conference. Need an example? Last year 194 churches in the conference had their pulpits filled by lay speakers.
"She's a barrier-breaker and a bridge builder!": Mrs. Ruth Gynther was presented with COSROW's Alice Lee Award today.
Bishop Morris Sings! Did you miss Bishop William Morris' closing song during last night's Service of Ordination and Commissioning? If so, click here to watch it now.
Blue Lake Camp Continues to Grow! Phyllis Murray, Director of Blue Lake Camp, told the annual conference today (among other exciting camp news) that the camp expects to see another year of increase in summer camps in 2010 and has added seven new camps due to high demand. Find out more on the Blue Lake campaign website.
Mae Edwards UMC Celebrates Heritage: Rev. Ed Shirley, dressed as a Methodist circuit rider, presented the AWF Conference Local Church Heritage Award to Mae Edwards UMC (Milton, Fla.) today.
Advancing Hope: David Malloy, Annual Conference Liaison, greeted the annual conference on behalf of the The Advance, part of the General Board of Global Ministries. In 2009, the AWF Conference contributed over $262,000 to The Advance and as of today has contributed over $496,000 to the Haiti Relief fund.
Andalusia FUMC Awarded for Scouting Initiative: Andalusia First United Methodist Church (Andalusia, Ala.) was awarded the Bishop's Award of Excellence in Scouting during tonight's Laity Banquet. There are 122 churches in the AWF Conference with scouting units. Andalusia FUMC is the third recepient of this award in the conference.
WalkingWorks: If you are a participant in the AWF Conference's BC/BS Health Insurance program, don't forget to register to be a part of the new WalkingWorks program - the challenge begins July 4 and you must register by July 2. Stop by the booth in the atrium to pick up your free pedometer!
UMCOR Relief Kit Drive: Don't forget to deliver your UMCOR relief kits to the trailer parked in the Frazer UMC parking lot.
Christina Hale recognized as scholar: Ms. Christina Hale was presented as the AWF Conference Foundation Scholar today by Mrs. Terri Turner, foundation director.
Get a Copy: DVD copies of many segments of the Annual Conference session are available for purchase. Click here for an order form.
Multimedia
Photos
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Videos
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Live Streaming
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Remaining Streaming Schedule (*All times are CST):
Wednesday, June 9: Service of Sending Forth
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