Laity Convocation
The Board of Laity and Discipleship annually hosts conferences offering education, inspiration and worship. The Fall 2008 event is no exception. The event is scheduled for Nov. 14-15, at Horizons Communitiy UMC in Lincoln. Anyone interested in United Methodism won't want to miss this event.Laity Conference—United Methodist 101, Nov. 14-15
For Immediate ReleaseContact: Deanna Holland, HollandFarms1@gmail.com 402-228-0720
Laity Convocation--United Methodism 101, set for Nov. 14-15, Horizons Community UMC, Lincoln, Neb.
Beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday and concluding at 6 p.m. on Saturday, the 24-hour event offers spiritual formation and learning opportunities for congregations in the Nebraska Conference. For those wanting to know more about their United Methodist heritage and theology, this is a don't-want-to-miss event.
The keynote speaker is the Rev. F. Cole Fowler (Aurora/Bradshaw UMCs). His theme is United Methodism 101--he'll cover history, theology, and social principles of John Wesley. Fowler has served in numerous congregations all across Nebraska and has served on United Methodist general agency boards and commissions.
Other workshop leaders include Camping and Outdoor Retreat Ministries Director John Jones, presenting Safe Sanctuary Training. Materials for this workshop are an additional $20. Upon completion and a successful background check, attendees will be certified to be in leadership to children, youth and people who are disabled. This is a conference-wide initiative to ensure our churches are safe for all people.
Communications Director Kathryn Witte and Media Center Director Diane Dunkerson will present "Resources: How do we get them? How can they help us?"
Witte and Dunkerson are Nebraska United Methodist staff people. Witte works with publications and media and does training and facilitation across the conference. Dunkerson manages and maintains material for the ecumenical resource library housed at the conference office.
Anita Hall from the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Division and a Nebraska clergy person will lead a session on Holy Conferencing. Holy Conferencing is a respectful and spiritual model for discussing difficult topics and issues in order that all participants have an opportunity to voice their opinions and be heard.
Bette Trumble from the Springfield UMC and long-time office holder in the Nebraska Conference will present "Appreciating Your Pastor." The focus will be on making the most out of a congregation's relationship with its pastor, creating an environment of mutual trust, respect and care.
Melody Adams from the Cambridge UMC, Laity Convocation Coordinator and head of the Nebraska delegation to the 2008 General Conference, will present "Mission Shares (aka Apportionments) and Connectional Giving: Why do we have apportionments? Where does our connectional money go?"
Registration information and registration forms can be obtained from Deanna Holland, convocation registrar, at HollandFarms1@gmail.com.