NEWS CENTRAL 

Scott UMC pastor earns prestigious award (Web story, 2/22/12)

Source: Tennessee Bar Association

The Napier-Looby Bar Foundation Thursday night recognized community leaders, law firms and lawyers during its 8th Annual Barristers' Banquet. Former ABA President Dennis Archer was keynote speaker at the event. Honored with the Justice A. A. Birch Outstanding Service Award was Robin Harris Kimbrough, who is the legal counsel for the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.

Along with her professional work there, she is also pastor of Scott United Methodist Church and an active volunteer in the community. Presented a J. C. Napier Trailblazer Award was the Hon. Keta Barnes, who is currently the Smyrna Municipal/General Sessions Court judge. She is the city's first African-American elected official and the first African-American female judge elected in Rutherford County.

Also recognized with a J. C. Napier Trailblazer Award was General Sessions Judge Angelita Blackshear Dalton, who was the first African-American woman elected to a judgeship in Nashville. In addition to these awards, the organization also presented the Z. Alexander Looby Lifetime Achievement Award to Criminal Court Judge Monte Watkins.

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Cokesbury announces new children’s curriculum releasing Fall 2012 (Press release, 2/22/12)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Cokesbury
Contact: Jason Marin (email)

Cokesbury is proud to announce their new children’s curriculum, Grow, Proclaim, Serve! Visit the website to watch videos, preview sample lessons and learn more!

Grow, Proclaim, Serve! incorporates Bible stories, activities, crafts, media, and games into a full faith experience for children. With Grow, Proclaim, Serve! children will develop the skills to unlock the Bible and grow their faith by leaps and bounds.

With Grow, Proclaim, Serve! children will grow in mind and body, they will also grow in heart and soul. Grow, Proclaim, Serve! will nourish and enrich children, from birth through tweens, in their faith. They will be able to proclaim the good news of God’s love and serve God and neighbor. Children will realize that their faith goes with them as they grow.

Parents can get involved too! As a parent, finding a church home that reinforces and encourages the spiritual development of your child’s faith is very important. The resources that a church utilizes to accomplish that task can be equally important. Encourage your church to us Grow, Proclaim, Serve!

Sign up for the Grow, Proclaim, Serve! email newsletter to stay up-to-date on top of all the latest announcements!

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Free training for congregational leaders - March 2012 (from TNUMConnects 2/22/12)

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United Methodist ecumenical workshop offered in conjunction with national gathering (Press release, 2/22/12)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Gen. Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns
Contact: Jeannette Nunez, 212.870.3800 (email)

New York, NY - The General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns is happy to bring to you information on the 4th United Methodist Ecumenical and Interreligious Training (UMEIT)  which will be held in conjunction with the 44th National Workshop on Christian Unity (NWCU) in Oklahoma City, April 16-19, 2012. UMEIT provides training for local leaders engaged in ecumenical and interreligious ministries and projects.  It also provides a forum for local ecumenists to share ideas and models.
 
We've planned for presentations, followed by discussions with noted scholars, general church leadership, and UMEIT leaders. The NWCU will feature a combined luncheon and plenary session on Tuesday, focusing on the 500th anniversary of Vatican II , and on Wednesday a focus on racism as a church-dividing issue. Wednesday evening you will have a chance to attend a memorial service at the Alfred P. Murrah Building Memorial site. The Episcopalian and Lutheran networks and UMEIT will offer a combined seminar on Organizing Local Ecumenical Ministries.
 
Lunch will be provided on Monday for UMEIT registrants, and your NWCU registration fee includes lunch for the combined plenaries on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as, the Closing Luncheon on Thursday. Following the Monday Opening Worship, a reception will provide nibbles. In addition, the base rate for hotel accommodation is $99.00! This is a good year to attend for the first time or return.
 
Registration and workshop information can be found at www.nwcu.org. UMEIT information, network registration, and homily contest information can be found at www.gccuic-umc.org.
 
We look forward to seeing you in Oklahoma City!

> DOWNLOAD more info

> A.N.O.W.: Advocacy, Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns

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Prayer ministry for the 2012 General Conference (from TNUMConnects 2/22/12)

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Bishop names committee on uniting conferences (from TNUMConnects 2/22/12)

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Free Lenten resources, Common English Bible (from TNUMConnects 2/22/12)

This will be the first Lenten season when the complete Common English Bible translation is available. To help you lead your churches in preparing for their Lenten observance, we are providing a free CEB Lenten PowerPoint ® (DOWNLOAD LINK 1, DOWNLOAD LINK 2). These links can be placed on your site or used in communication to your members.
 
It’s a presentation consisting of vivid color photography of nature scenes combined with Scripture verses from the Common English Bible. The presentation is comprised of 9 Bible readings relating to Ash Wednesday, each Sunday of Lent, Good Friday, and Easter. It’s flexible enough to display only portions from it or all the slides, and to present them prior to or during church services, embed in blogs and other websites, or email to friends. Verses are selected from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B).
 
Here’s an example from the readings for Ash Wednesday: “Purify me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and celebration again; let the bones you crushed rejoice once more. Hide your face from my sins; wipe away all my guilty deeds! Create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!” Psalm 51:7-10 (CEB).
 
We hope this presentation will enhance church services that are now being planned.

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Book your hotel room for Annual Conference 2012 today! (from TNUMConnects 2/15/12)

The following hotels have agreed to offer special rates for reservations made surrounding Annual Conference 2012 in Brentwood, TN. If you plan to stay in the vicinity of Brentwood UMC (MAP) during Annual Conference, please consider staying at one of the hotels on the following list. Booking deadlines vary, please note the deadline to the corresponding hotel with which you would like to make a reservation.

> Check out the deadlines for submitting your Annual Conference reports, resolutions, files, and content | CLICK HERE

> Check out the Annual Conference page on TNUMC.org | CLICK HERE

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Zimbabwean acapella group travels to TN Conference, host a concert! (from TNUMConnects 2/15/12)

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'Gift Legacy e-Newsletter' is new weekly electronic publication from the UM Foundation for the Memphis and TN Conferences (Web story, 2/15/12)

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Eden Seminary professor tells MMC ‘words can create worlds’ (Press release, 2/14/12)

Martin Methodist College
Contact: Grant Vosburgh, Dir. of Communications (gvosburgh@martinmethodist.edu)

Dr. Leah Gunning Francis speaks at annual Convocation on Religion and Race

PULASKI, Tenn. – As a young girl, she heard the adage that “sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you,” but as she grew into adulthood, Dr. Leah Gunning Francis learned that was not completely true.

“Even as a child I knew there was something illogical about that familiar refrain, but it was not until adulthood that I came to understand how sticks, stones and names have the power to hurt the body and bring sullenness to the soul,” she said. “Fortunate for me, my childhood world was filled with words of affirmation, hope and love, so the occasional zinger from a peer didn’t do too much damage, I don’t think. But what about people whose worlds are dominated with negative and dehumanizing words. What kind of world has been created for them?”

Gunning Francis was the keynote speaker at Martin Methodist College’s annual Convocation on Religion and Race, held Jan. 24. As assistant professor of Christian education at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, she is a passionate teacher, drawing on her marketing experience, pastoral leadership and academic training to creatively equip graduate students for transformative leadership in congregations and society.

But standing at the podium in the Curry Christian Life Center on the Martin Methodist campus, just eight days after the national holiday celebrating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, she had a single focus and a powerful message: words and the different types of worlds they can create.

“Ask any advertising executive, seventh grade English teacher, psychologist or speechwriter, and he or she will elaborate on the nature and scope of the power of words, and the meanings we attach to them,” she said. “Words can persuade, influence and inspire. Words can heal. Words can hurt. Words can empower. Words can oppress. It is no wonder the writer of (the biblical book of) James cautions us to listen more quickly than we speak, so that our actions and words might correspond with God’s idea of righteousness. We can bless and praise God, yet curse those who are made in God’s image? My brothers and sisters, the writer goes on to say, this ought not be so.”

Once that truth is established, she told the Martin Methodist students, faculty and staff assembled for the convocation, a larger question comes into focus.

“So instead of diminishing the effects of words with the sticks and stones logic, what if we took seriously the claim that words create worlds, and ask ourselves, ‘What type of world are your words creating?’ In our classrooms, are our words subtly reinforcing antiquated patterns of exclusivity, subjugation and indifference? Or do they open the way for the classroom to become a sacred space where critical thought, exchange of ideas, and construction of new realities can take place without diminishing or devaluing anyone in the room? What about our common spaces on campus and out and about town? Do our words create a world that is conducive and healthy for all people, or only a select few?”

Dr. King, she reminded the audience, dreamed of a different world than the one facing the United States during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s, and he chose his words – both those he said and those he chose not to say – carefully, with the hope that his words would help create that world.

“What if we, through our words, embodied the type of world we long for, hope for?” Gunning Francis asked. “What if we, like King, mustered the courage to dream a world where love was the order of the day, and peace and justice were inextricable bedfellows? We may not be about to always influence discourse in the public square, but what worlds do our words create in our homes, among our friends, on this campus, in this town?

“Are our words creating a world where God’s tenets of faith, hope and love can take on flesh in ways that transform us, and the world we inhabit? Or do they regularly contribute to the promulgation of indifference, prejudice or even despair? Do we believe that our words have the power to create a pattern of action that inspires a new reality?” she added.

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Bishop Chamness: 'set aside a Sunday to honor Native Americans' (Press release, 2/15/12)

TN UMC Committee on Native American Ministries
Contact: Mary T Newman (mtnewman@tnumc.org)

Native American Resource Day, March 4, 2012 - Bishop Chamness encourages Special Sunday be set aside in your church to honor Native Americans

"In reading the history of Tennessee I have discovered that there were several tribes of Native Americans in this part of the country when the English and French came here. They have been here much longer than the Caucasians and others who now inhabit the great state of Tennessee. Some 18,000-20,000 Native Americans still live in the state. We are fortunate to have them as friends and neighbors--and some of them are members of The United Methodist Church.

It is very appropriate that we set aside a day each year to honor the Native Americans with their proud history and traditions. They enrich our churches and our Annual Conference. So it is a privilege for me to recommend that all our churches in the Tennessee Conference set aside a Sunday to honor and recognize the contributions of Native Americans that are a part of our church and our state. May God bless the contributions they make to our way of life and the contributions many of them make to The United Methodist Church." - Bishop Ben R. Chamness

> DOWNLOAD Native American Resource Day flyer
> See this on the calendar

> A.N.O.W.: Advocacy, Native American Ministries

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Mission trip spots still available (TNUMConnects 2/15/12)

There are a few spots for medical professionals to go with a March 1st  trip to the Tennessee Conference-sponsored TB hospital in Port-au-Prince Haiti. Interested folks should contact the conference office at 615.695.2765 or by email at disasterresponse@tnumc.com.



> A.N.O.W.: Outreach, Disaster Recovery & Response

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Conference continues support of Meharry Community Wellness Center (from TNUMConnects 2/8/12)

In the spirit of the United Methodist Global Health Initiative the Tennessee Conference recently delivered several cases of medications to the Meharry Community Wellness Center as part of the Conference outreach to those struggling with HIV/AIDS in Middle Tennessee.

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Bi-lingual (Spanish-English) volunteers needed (from TNUMConnects 2/8/12)

Bi-lingual (Spanish-English) volunteers needed to work with children in Hispanic Ministry at Sixty-First Avenue UMC in West Nashville

Myriam Cortes is a United Methodist lay person who is working on her candidacy to become a local pastor. She is leading a group of Hispanic families who live close to 61st Avenue UMC (MAP) West Nashville. The name of this ministry is Ebenezer Hispanic Ministry. A Spanish worship service is held on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 pm and a Bible Study is held on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. Both are held at 61st Avenue UMC.

This ministry is in need of volunteers who could work with the children (preferably teaching and not just child care) during either or both of those times. Most of the children speak English while many of the parents do not. If you feel called to help with this ministry, please be in touch with Ms. Cortes at the following e-mail address: myriam.vmg@gmail.com.

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Clergy Day on the Hill set for March 13 (from TNUMConnects 2/8/12)

> REGISTER ONLINE

The deadline has passed, and 30-plus immigration bills either have been carried over from last year or introduced in the State House and Senate. Clergy for Tolerance is keeping a close eye on these bills (we're up there for every committee meeting dealing with immigration), and you can find out more about them - including the full text, House and Senate sponsors, and the next date for action on these bills - by CLICKING HERE.

It is more important than ever that your voices are heard by State Legislators from both parties - they need to know that Tennessee's clergy are aware of these bills, watching them, and are ready to engage.

That's why we've scheduled the first ever Clergy Day on the Hill. It's not for any one particular denomination or faith tradition, as those days already exist. Rather, it is a day for all of us, from all our traditions, to gather at the State Capitol and raise our voices together to say, "Not in our state!" We will not become another Alabama, where the voices of the clergy were not heard in earnest until after the legislation passed.

Remember Bishop Will Willimon's comments at our breakfast last November:
"I'm sorry that those of us faith leaders in Alabama, with the exception of the Catholics, were slow to realize how nefarious this immigration legislation would be for us and for our state...[p]lease don't leave these matters to your politicians. It has proven to be infinitely more difficult to speak against a law that has been duly constituted."

Sign up today to take part in this important event. More information to come, including the date of a training event that will give you all the information you need on the bills and how they will affect Tennessee, the people who live here (or desire to live here), and your ability to carry out your ministries.

> REGISTER ONLINE

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Immigration Reform 101, key terms and advocacy opportunities (from TNUMConnects 2/8/12)

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Please observe Camp & Retreat Ministry Sunday this March 18 (from TNUMConnects 2/8/12)

“The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.” (Mark 6:30–32)

The outdoor ministry and retreat sites of the TN Conference serves thousands of United Methodists and guests every year. We are partners in growing the church and enriching the faith walk of all who participate in these ministries. Many clergy and lay leaders realize their call at our sites, while many youth find a place where they are safe and feel God’s endless love.

On Sunday, Mar. 18, 2012 we are asking that you support these ministries through your congregation, community and self. There are many ways to support your camping and retreat ministry sites. Help us continue this strong and important tradition our faith.

Below are some helpful ideas and resources to support your Camp & Retrat Ministry Sunday plans.

Downloadable resources:
> Order of worship template for Camp & Retreat Ministry Sunday
> Church bulletin insert template
> Church bulletin cover template

For more, please contact:
Cedar Crest Camp
7900 Cedar Crest Camp Rd
Lyles, TN 37098
931.670.3025
crestcrest@tnumc.org
www.tnumcamps.org

Beersheba Assembly
55 Hege Ave
Box 577
Beersheba Springs, TN, 37305

931.692.3669
David.Johnston@tnumc.com
www.tnumcamps.org

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Church organ available for donation (from TNUMConnects 2/8/12)

College Grove UMC in the Columbia District has a working Lowrey Celebration C-500 Organ, which we are willing to donate to any church who would put it to good use. By our knowledge, everything is in great working order.

Call or email Trustee Chair Gary Lorow at sccagary@yahoo.com or 716.573.4814 with any questions. Please make arrangements for pick up.

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Celebrate the Promise Old Hollywood Style (Press release, 2/8/12)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Miriam's Promise
Contact: Dietz Osborne (dietzo@miriamspromise.org)

Signature dinner/dance set for March 24, 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn - Old Hollywood style will transform The Factory at Franklin’s Liberty Hall into a vintage movie studio for the March 24 “Celebrate the Promise” dinner and dance with popular big band, The Kadillacs, benefitting Middle Tennessee’s premier pregnancy, parenting and adoption services agency.

With over a quarter century of service, Miriam’s Promise is hosting its annual benefit with regional artists Michael and Madonna Bush. Michael has created the event’s signature painting capturing the magic and whimsy of the night according to event chairman, Dietz Osborne.

“In addition to the event’s signature piece, Michael Bush is creating several custom pieces benefitting the important work of Miriam’s Promise available for purchase that evening and generously allowing 50% of the art proceeds for the agency’s benefit.  Also, Michael’s wife Madonna will have her one-of-a-kind jewelry available. With a delicious dinner presented by Chef Jason McConnell of Red Pony Catering and executed by Chef, Carl Schultheis and dancing to the hits from the Kadillacs, this is one of the year’s top events for fun while supporting a very worthy cause,” Osborne said.

[ Pictured above: Capturing the magic and whimsy of the annual Celebrate the Promise dinner/dance, regional artist Michael Bush created “Celebrate…Dance to the Music!” as the event’s signature piece—a focal point of the live auction the evening of the event. ]

Last year, over 100 families were served by the non-profit organization including its service to incarcerated mothers in the Davidson, Rutherford and Sumner County jails in addition to the many expectant parents who sought counseling in the midst of a crisis pregnancy. Critical to the agency’s work are the tireless volunteers who give so generously of their time and talents. At this year’s event, Miriam’s Promise is honoring the contributions of founding board member Dr. Jan van Eys. Agency Executive Director Debbie Robinson said his support has been essential.

“Children and families throughout the Middle Tennessee area have benefitted from the leadership and vision of Dr. van Eys. We are taking a moment during the night of music and fun to honor and celebrate his contributions to the families served by Miriam’s Promise,” Robinson said.

Tickets are $125 per person or $900 for a table of eight and include dinner, dancing and adult beverages. Corporate partnership opportunities are also available. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Miriam’s Promise at 615.292.3500 or visit www.miriamspromise.org.

Miriam’s Promise is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization founded in 1985 to offer hope and healing with those coping with issues of grief, loss and transition with a mission to ensure the well-being of children—before, during and after birth by providing pregnancy, parenting and adoption services.

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Conference member writes sermon series for Lenten (from TNUMConnects 2/1/12)

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Important Vital Congregations training events, mark your calendars today! (from TNUMConnects 1/18/12)

Call To Action/Vital Congregations - upcoming transformation training for leaders

Webinar: PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH RENEWAL - January 18 at 1:30 pm cst
> Key factors for setting a path toward renewal of district congregations
> Register at www.gbod.org/committee_resources

Webinar: GOAL SETTING FOR VITAL CONGREGATIONS - January 31 at 6:30 pm cst
> A guide for setting realistic numerical goals for your congregation on the website umvitalcongregations.org
Also, will include information on filling out vital congregations chart Betsey Heavner, Director of Leadership for Renewal, GBOD
> Register at www.gbod.org/committee_resources

Webinar: 10 COMMANDMENTS FOR CHURCH WEBSITES - February 9 at 6:30 pm cst
> A website is the new front door to your church. Patrick Steil, Webmaster for the North Texas Conference and owner of ChurchBuzz.org, will walk you through 10 Commandments that transform your website into the BEST outreach and communications tool that has ever been possible.
> Register at www.gbod.org/committee_resources

Webinar: HEALTHY CHURCH LEADERS - KEY FACTORS - February 23 at 6:30 pm cst
> SPRC has a key role for health of body, mind and soul for your pastor and leaders. GBPHB's Center for Health shares key factors for a healthy ministry environment.
> Register at www.gbod.org/committee_resources

Training for new church leaders is also available.
One-hour recorded modules are available for the Church Council. Trustees, Nominating Committees, Finance leaders, and S/PPRC. Individuals can watch at home or church groups can view the modules when they meet.
> These modules are posted at www.gbod.org/committee_resources

Have you submitted your goals to the Vital Congregations website? Unsure how?? Check out the video below for information on how to enter your data...it's really easy!

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Freed Up financial living training (from TNUMConnects 2/1/12)

The United Methodist Foundation for the Memphis and Tennessee Conferences is proud to present leader training sessions for Freed Up Financial Living, a DVD based Good $ense Budget Course. This course is a core curriculum designed for everyone in the congregation, regardless of their financial situation. Good $ense resources can be utilized to teach, train, and support and encourage your congregation in the core value of biblical stewardship. You may choose to attend either the session on Saturday, Feb. 25, at Jackson First UMC in Jackson, TN or the session in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, Mar. 10 at the TN Conference Center. The sessions will begin at 9:00 am and will end approximately at Noon. To pre-register at either of the two training locations, contact us via this online form or call us at 615.259.2008.

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> See it on the calendar (Feb. 25)
> See it on the calendar (Mar. 10)

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Safe Sanctuaries & Healthy Boundaries training for 2012 (from TNUMConnects 1/11/12)

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