District Workshops
Mission in a New Day
New England Conference staff workshops come to Vermont!
In these days, we are being challenged to "Rethink Church" and to focus our congregation's energies outward into mission in our communities and world. The New England Conference staff has been conducting a variety of practical workshops to give local churches information and resources to help enhance and empower mission work and experiences. This Winter, these workshops will come to Vermont! All clergy and local church members are invited.
Dates and Agenda
Wednesday, January 27 – RUTLAND UMC, Rutland, VT
6:30 pm - Gathering
6:45 pm - Worship
7:00 to 8:00 pm - Workshop choice 1
8:15 to 9:15 pm - Workshops choice 2
Thursday, January 28 – WILLISTON FEDERATED CHURCH, Williston, VT
1:30 pm - Gathering
1:45 pm - Worship
2:00 to 3:00 pm - Workshop choice 1
3:15 to 4:15 pm - Workshops choice 2
Thursday, January 28 – HEDDING UMC, Barre, VT
6:30 pm - Gathering
6:45 pm - Worship
7:00 to 8:00 pm - Workshop choice 1
8:15 to 9:15 pm - Workshops choice 2
Workshops Offered
There are 5 workshops, each exploring a different aspect of Mission in a New Day. Each workshop will be offered twice during the evening, so participants can choose two of the offerings.
Doing What is Needed.
Curtis Brown, Director of Congregational Development.
Becoming a relevant and powerful church requires a deep understanding of the ministry needs of the neighborhoods and communities that you are serving. In this workshop, you will learn how to assess the deep needs of your ministry area by asking good questions, conducting some research, and building relationships. From this basis, you will learn the first steps in developing a ministry plan that engages these needs. This workshop is great for pastors and laity involved in missions, outreach, justice and evangelism ministries.
Connecting with Mission Resources.
Alexx Wood, Director of Communications.
This workshop will provide an overview and materials to help you and your church discover and learn about mission opportunities within your community, the New England Conference, and the world. Details on a variety of mission resources will help you connect with agencies, resources, and ideas for involving everyone in your church in serving and supporting the missional goals of your congregation.
Being Mission: Deepening Discipleship Through Mission Experiences.
Wanda Stahl, Director of Spiritual Formation.
Mission projects and trips are more than just opportunities to complete helpful tasks. They are prime nurturing ground for deepening our commitment to Christ and strengthening our call to do Christ's work in the world. This workshop will explore strategies for helping mission experiences become holistic spiritual practices.
As a Fire is Meant for Burning.
James McPhee, Director of Connectional Ministries
Starting from Ruth Duck's poem, this workshop will recall that Christianity and Methodism are deeply rooted in building "a bridge of care". How do we understand our role as "missionaries" even in our own communities? How would our Church be transformed by re-capturing the motivating and enlivening power of witness, work, and solidarity with others near to us and far away?
Youth and Young Adults in Mission.
Lorraine Macpherson, Director, United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth - Northeast
Youth and Young Adults are natural missionaries. Developmentally they may be unsure of their role in the church but they find connection with God through serving others. Let's explore together why mission work is vital for this age group. How can churches reach young people through mission work and how can we help them grow as Christian leaders through the mission experience?
Registration
All clergy and laity are invited to attend! Registration is FREE. As a courtesy, please contact the local church to let them know how many are coming from your church.
NEW! DOWNLOAD a Bulletin Insert for Sunday services or to distribute to your church members via email.
You may also contact Rosemary McNulty at rmcnulty@neumc.org or 978-682-7676 ext. 201 with any questions.