Tuesday, 31 January 2012
WnW Weekend: wrap-up by Elizabeth Roten
 by Elizabeth Roten, reporting at Warmth In Winter
A sophomore at Independence High School and a WnW 2012 participant, Elizabeth shars her thoughts from the "thinkBIG320" weekend! You can follow her on Twitter at @littlelizzie69
A mid-Warmth In Winter 2012 thought
 Checking Facebook is a regular thing for me. I do it compulsively and at the same time without even thinking about it. Just now, I saw something that made me stop mid-scroll. I’m almost positive that this woman knows nothing about what is taking place in Murfreesboro this weekend, regardless, this is pretty cool:
Megan ******
"Two years ago right now, we were in the hospital surgical waiting room at Vandy, watching a monitor that said, 'Amanda ****** - in surgery.' Today, she's off with a friend traipsing around Disney World. That's my story of a big God."
A very BIG God, indeed.
Strike A Pose webcam
The fourth and final installment of the "Strike A Pose" webcam from Warmth In Winter 2012 has been added to the album on the TNUMC Facebook page. Click HERE to view the album. If you can't view the album, make sure you're a member on Facebook and then "LIKE" the TNUMC Facebook page. This was a HUGE hit at WnW 2012!
Final session: A look back on a BIG weekend
 It’s that time of the weekend. The time of the weekend that you look back and say “wow.” This is the time, after countelss hours of preparation, when you can’t believe how quickly it came to a close! Brad’s voice is now gone, but like a trooper will make it through this final session of Warmth In Winter 2012.
Megan and Tiffanie are prayerfully preparing for their last speaking moments and Unnamed Servant is getting ready with eagerness. The teen visual artists are spending time with God to insure that what they brush onto the canvas, is a reflection of Christ. As I type this, design team members are preparing for the final session which will be, in a word, BIG.
This has been a big weekend. Warmth in Winter has hosted more youth this year than it ever has before, totaling over 2,000 students. Personally, I’ve reconnected with Jesus again. While busy reporting this weekend, I was away from my youth group, but know that there were some big changes in their hearts.
The weekend is coming to a close, but there is still more to do. This weekend was designed to change you, and a BIG change at that. Take it to heart, and make the change that God is calling you to make. Allow for the warmth you found here spill over and fire-up someone else in your life. To say it one more time, “God is able to do EXCEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, and BEYOND all you are able to ask or think according to the power in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:20)
> A.N.O.W.: Nurture, Young People's Ministry
Posted on 01/31/2012 4:26 PM by Elizabeth Roten
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Conference member writes sermon series for Lenten
Open a new door this Lent and find the hope that changes everything - Conference member Rev. Neelley Hicks writes sermon series for Lenten 2012
Rethink Church invites you to take your church on a 7-week Journey to Hope. We’ll travel with Jesus to the cross and discover the Hope that can be found in the midst of life’s most difficult circumstances. This series was previously released in 2010 and has been updated to include small group, children and youth/young adult supplements.
Journey to Hope will inspire people to reflect on Jesus’ experiences on the path to the cross in new ways. It will encourage them to see to real life situations with fresh eyes. And it will challenge people to interact with God no matter their “mile marker” in life. By addressing real life circumstances of relationships, self-esteem, work, temptation, money problems, suffering and death, travelers on the journey discover how faith in Christ is relevant to everyday life and how having a faith community can make all the difference.
The Journey to Hope series includes relational and relevant bible experiences for children, youth, young adults, and small groups. During each lesson, participants will experience scripture, explore media messages, participate in reflective journaling, and reach out to others through hands-on mission efforts in age-appropriate ways.
The Journey to Hope lessons can be used during Sunday school, youth gatherings, Wednesday night programming, children’s church or other ministry setting. The main point of each lesson is based on the weekly “mile marker” discussed during worship and is consistent throughout the age-levels. This provides an opportunity for intergenerational faith conversations outside of worship and beyond the classroom setting.
Journey to Hope from United Methodist Communications on Vimeo.
> TNUMC.org: RESOURCES; Helpful Materials, Multimedia
Posted on 01/31/2012 5:48 PM by Neelley Hicks
Saturday, 28 January 2012
WnW Weekend: Changed
by Elizabeth Roten, reporting at Warmth In Winter
Tweet your story ideas and happenings to Elizabeth while you're here at WnW! - @littlelizzie69
 “I am so THANKFUL to meet you!” were the first words that came out of Megan Hutchinson's mouth as I introduced myself. I had been taking a photograph of her while she watched Unnamed Servant set up in the ballroom. I was taken by surprise! I immediately knew that this year's Warmth In Winter was going to be an experience like none other before.
Less than 24-hours later, I found myself being broken to my core. During the second worship service, barely into the second day, Megan's message had me crying like a toddler with a bitten lip. I soon surrended from holding back the tears and suppressing sad memories and opened my heart as God spoke power into Megan's words.
“You are his WORKMANSHIP!” echoed through my head as I attempted to keep the camera still enough to capture the scene that was unfolding in front of me. Over one-thousand youth, with tears streaming down their faces, began to lay their struggles down in front of the cross - struggles that were intentionally and emotionally written out by each of the student's.
After Megan poitioned herself on the floor of the ballroom, I found myself hugging her and repeatedly saying “thank you...thank you...” “Go. Be free.” she responded as I continued to cry.
Many shared a similar experience at this second worship session. I know that many others were changed! There are moments of BIG changes occurring in people’s hearts and minds, as Warmth In Winter continues on. “You won’t relent until you have it all / my heart is yours” were poignant words sung during this second worship session.
Warmth In Winter 2012 is the definition of BIG. Open your heart for God to provide some BIG moments for you this weekend.
> For more on Megan Hutchinson, please CLICK HERE
> A.N.O.W.: Nurture, Young People's Ministry
Posted on 01/28/2012 2:18 PM by Elizabeth Roten
Friday, 27 January 2012
WnW Weekend: Sacred Space
by Elizabeth Roten, reporting at Warmth In Winter
Tweet your story ideas and happenings to Elizabeth while you're here at WnW! - @littlelizzie69
Are you feeling alone, sad, or scared? Is this “big” event slightly too much for you? It might just be time to spend a few minutes, or hours, with God. Just you and Him. A personal escape where you get all the attention, you get all the love, and you get all the support you could possibly need. Perhaps that will help you through this weekend and furthermore emerge changed and refreshed - ready to light up the world with God’s love!
But where could you do this during Warmth In Winter? There is one room just for this purpose. For the entire weekend this room will be available for you to feel the presence of God’s love and to let Him take over your heart. This is a stress-free space - a space free of the drama going on in your youth group, the worrying about that kid who is mistreating you, the guilt of what you may have done last week, etc. This is a space to let God’s hand wipe away your tears and erase those scars.
The Sacred Space at Warmth In Winter is designated in Cambridge A. Want to pray? Do it there. Want to draw? Do it there. Intended as a holy space set aside in the hotel, the only requirement for entrance is silence.
With the theme of the weekend resounding all over Embassy Suites of Murfreesboro, it is also present in the Sacred  Space. You will be encouraged to think BIG and beyond.
After you make your way through the various stations, take note of how you feel at that moment and what emotions may be traveling through your mind. After such a spiritually charged weekend, many of us often go right back to their old ways. Remember to "take in" what you feel in those Sacred Spaces moments. Challenge yourself to take that with you when you leave Warmth In Winter.
Make your own Sacred Space. It can be in your room, a closet, in your backyard, even your bathroom! It can be portable, it can be stationery, it can be just for you, but you can always share. Make this space where you know you can reach the feeling of calm and peace you feel in your Sacred Space. Find this area to do what you need to do and make a habit of visiting. Visit when you feel bad, visit when you feel good - visit when you need to feel God's presence.
Take this and every part of Warmth in Winter home with you! Don’t let this be just another weekend of hanging out with friends and playing silly games spoons in the hotel hallways. This weekend has the opportunity to be so much more, allow it to be!
> A.N.O.W.: Nurture, Young People's Ministry
Posted on 01/27/2012 9:07 PM by Elizabeth Roten
Thursday, 26 January 2012
WnW 2012, the conversation has already begun
If you are a participant or a part of Warmth In Winter 2012, or want to follow the conversation, it has already begun! Use and follow the hashtag #WnW2012 on Twitter...
SLAM Multimedia
For the first time ever, take home Warmth In Winter on DVD! Our friends at SLAM Multimedia will be producing an incredible way for you to always remember your WnW 2012 experience! For $15.00, the DVD will feature each of the main thinkBIG320 sessions plus highlight videos from every area all on one DVD! Purchase your copy at WnW or DOWNLOAD the order form here and pre-order right now...
See you this weekend!
> A.N.O.W.: Nurture, Young People's MinistryPosted on 01/26/2012 6:21 PM by Brad Fiscus
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
A statement by the College of Bishops, SEJ UMC
For Immediate Release | Nashville Area Episcopal Office
Contact: 615.742.8834
> DOWNLOAD official statement by the College of Bishops, Southeastern Jurisdiction
 It is true that the Southeastern Jurisdictional College of Bishops, in consultation with the Southeastern Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee, approved a statement of resolution at its January 5-6, 2012 meeting in Wilmington, NC "strongly recommending" the Memphis and Tennessee conferences begin moving toward a merger. The officers of the College of Bishops and I conveyed this message to our Conference Lay Leaders and our representatives to the two conferences on the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee who were present in Wilmington at the time.
There is a strong feeling in the College that these two conferences would be a more viable witness and a stronger participant in the Jurisdiction and The United Methodist Church if they would unite structurally, spiritually, and
economically. With the denomination moving into the Call to Action/Vital Congregations, it is felt that this is an appropriate time to move forward on this matter as well.
I am aware that the conferences have voted on a merger twice in the past. The last time was about 20 years ago. Since I have been here, I have heard a great deal of undercurrent from people in both conferences that they should merge.
It is my intention in response to this statement by the College to have the two conference cabinets begin meeting regularly as the Nashville Area Cabinet to do business, make appointments, and lead the conferences as one Cabinet. Additionally, after consultation with the Cabinet and others, I intend to appoint a Committee to Study Uniting the Memphis and Tennessee Conferences. This committee will have representation from both conferences. They will explore the best way to move forward.
I would ask that everyone be prayerful about the future as we explore where this may take us. We certainly want
to seek God's will for us at this time and at this place. Please pray for the study committee and for all who are engaged in exploring the road map to God's future for us.
- Bishop Ben R. Chamness
Resident Bishop (interim)
The Nashville Area
> DOWNLOAD official statement by the College of Bishops, Southeastern Jurisdiction
> READ MORE about Bishop Ben R. Chamness and the Nashville Area Episcopal OfficePosted on 01/25/2012 2:17 AM by Ben R. Chamness
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Still working on Vital Congregations goals, there's a webinar for that!
Join Betsy Heavner of the General Board of Discipleship by webinar on Tuesday, January 31, 6:30 – 7:30 pm cst and she will give a helpful introduction on where to start as you set S.M.A.R.T. Goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely), which is mch more than just placing in numbers into a virtual box. You can participate in this webinar one of two ways:
1: Participate in the webinar online from a location of convenience. To do so, please REGISTER NOW
2: As a special inviation to those in the TN Conference, you are invited to attend the live remote broadcast. This will take place at the time of the scheduled webinar at Brentwood UMC (Haney Hall A).
To attend remote broadcast, please email Jason Brock (jbrock@tnumc.org) and meet at Brentwood UMC at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Enter main sanctuary/narthex entrance, turn left, Haney Hall A is located oto the left past the bathrooms.
> The webinar will be available for download AFTER Tuesday, Jan. 31. Details for downloading the webinar will be released on February 1, 2012.
If you have any questions about this webinar or Vital Congregations, please contact Rev. Jason Brock, Dir. Church Vitality and Justice (jbrock@tnumc.org or 615.329.1177).
> A.N.O.W.: Outreach, Congregational Development
> TNUMC.org: Vital CongregationsPosted on 01/24/2012 7:07 PM by Jason Brock
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Hartsville youth are thinking BIG for WnW and Project Transformation!
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| Hartsville Youth are thinking BIG for WnW 2012 and Project Transformation Tennessee! |
The TN UMC Young People's Ministry wanted to share with you one way that your group can start thinking BIG320! Hartsville First UMC Youth shared this picture of their children's book and art supply drive for Project Transformation Tennessee.
They are planning on bringing these to WnW2012 to help hundreds of Middle Tennessee children who will participate in Project Transformation Tennessee this summer and beyond.
We want your group to also thinkBIG so take some time to download the Start thinkingBIG320 resource which you can download from www.warmthinwinter.com.
To find out more about Project Transformation Tennessee visit www.pttennessee.org.
The WnW2012:thinkBIG320 team
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| Keep up-to-date with Young People's Ministry in the new year. Visit http://tnumcyouth.org for the latest youth ministry happenings, visit http://tnumcya.org for the latest information about young adult ministry in the Tennessee Conference. Follow us on twitter @tnumcyngpeople. |
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> A.N.O.W.: Nurture, Young People's Ministry
Posted on 01/19/2012 10:59 AM by Brad Fiscus
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Pre-General Conference News Briefing live Twitter feed
 
What are all of those United Methodist's tweeting about?! Furthermore, what does "#gc2012" mean??
Check out TNUMC.org's GENERAL CONFERENCE 2012 page to stay current with the real-time conversation happening in Tampa, FL this weekend at the Pre-General Conference News Briefing sessions.
> Or check out the FEED directly on Twitter.com
> See TN UMC's tweets roll along the timeline on its Facebook page
> TNUMC.org: General Conference 2012Posted on 01/19/2012 2:32 PM by TNUMC Communications
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Project Transformation Tennessee launches this summer
Program will address void with college-aged students
 As a teen, Keller Hawkins loved youth group at Nashville’s Belmont UMC, but experienced a spiritual void once she became a college student.
“I was so consumed with school and studying and being on the varsity swim team,” says Hawkins, 19, now a sophomore at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash. “I just got wrapped up in college life.”
Fortunately, she recognized the void and, for the first summer after her freshman year, sought out an internship with Project Transformation to reinvigorate her faith and feed her mission-minded inclinations.
“I needed to be able to give my heart to something significant,” Hawkins says of the United Methodist-supported ministry. “I didn’t really know much about Project Transformation, but the experience far surpassed my expectations.”
Today, Hawkins is considering seminary and a ministry vocation, thanks in part to her Project Transformation internship last summer in Texas. However, her more immediate plans are to apply to intern this summer with Project Transformation Tennessee.
The Nashville-based nonprofit organization will launch this May modeled after Project Transformation Texas. Tennessee leaders are actively recruiting 32 college-age students from Tennessee and beyond for its first class of interns.
The interns will live on the campus of Belmont University and commute each day to operate free eight-week summer day camps for children in four underserved Nashville neighborhoods. The camps will be held at Ernest Newman United Methodist Church, Nancy Webb Kelly United Methodist Church, Sixty-First Avenue United Methodist Church, and Tulip Street United Methodist Church.
“Project Transformation offers a structure for serving low-income children and youth, connecting churches with their neighborhoods, and helping other area churches partner in a new and relevant ministry. But most importantly, it’s about giving young adults an opportunity to develop as principled, knowledgeable and Christ-centered leaders, right at the time when they are trying to discern how they want to invest their lives,” says Courtney Aldrich, executive director of Project Transformation Tennessee, who interned for three summers with Project Transformation Texas.
The interns will plan and operate the camps four days a week; hear speakers and attend ministry exploration outings every Friday; and participate in worship with their camp site churches on Sundays. They will receive room and board and a $1,500 living stipend. The inaugural program runs May 26-July 28, with time off each week from Friday afternoon
to Saturday evening.
“I’ve told church leaders that, if you want to help your young adults, get them to do Project Transformation,” says the Rev. Vona Wilson, associate pastor at Franklin First UMC, which has sponsored four college students in the last four years at Project Transformation Texas.
Wilson says Project Transformation helps churches to fill the significant void in ministries that resonate with young adults.
“For the most part, the Church is missing and losing its young adults, especially its college-age students. This generation does not respond to the traditional model, where we ask our young adults to sit inside our walls, in a classroom or in one hour of worship on Sunday mornings. This generation is about making a difference in the world. What Project Transformation does is to show our young adults that, if you’re a leader and a Christian leader, you’re going to make a difference in whatever field you choose,” says Wilson, vice president of the leadership team for Project Transformation Tennessee.
Hawkins left last summer’s internship wanting to make a difference with her life. Her experience was enriched by living and working for 10 weeks with nine other interns on her team and by attending Friday ministry exploration outings such as visiting the Perkins School of Theology in Dallas. But mostly, she was transformed by interacting daily with about 100 children, grades 1 through 6, in Denison, a small town in rural North Texas.
“It wasn’t just working with these interns and these kids, but it was working with them every day and really getting to know them,” she says. “The kids were amazing, and I learned a lot of things about myself and where I want to go in life. On the last day of camp, it was so hard to say goodbye. I was sobbing. I came to love the children so much.”
Hawkins says Project Transformation is for anyone who is open to experiencing transformation and being part of transformational experiences for others.
“If you want an experience that really changes you and helps you become more aware of the world around you, then definitely apply for Project Transformation,” she says of the new Tennessee ministry. “What better time than when you’re still in college and your summer is a wide-open slate. It’s something you can put your whole heart into.”
> Jan. 31 is the priority deadline for submitting internship applications to Project Transformation Tennessee. To learn more, visit www.pttennessee.org.
> VIEW internship posting on TNUMC.org CAREERS page
 This article or a version of it was featured in the TN Conference newsletter The TNUMConnector. Get a full year for only $12!
Click the button to subscribe now!
Posted on 01/18/2012 9:52 PM by Courtney Aldrich
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