Alfred Gwinn Jr., Raleigh Area Bishop

Charles Cook, District Superintendent

Rev. Linda Grider, Pastor

Disciple Bible Outreach Training for 2008: This year's DBOM DISCIPLE Bible Study training initiative schedule has now been set. Training events in the NC Conference will take place in the following districts: Feb. 16: Sanford District -St. Luke UMC; May 10: Rocky Mount District - Nashville UMC; May 17: Durham District - McMannen UMC; and May 24: Elizabeth City District - First UMC: EC. Training in all four levels of DISCIPLE Bible Study and the RINGS OF FELLOWSHIP youth study will be provided at these events. The event is free to all lay and clergy persons. Lunch will be provided for a small fee. Registration is required. For more details and to register, go to Disciple Bible Outreach

Conference Nominations Committee seek interested persons to serve: Every pastor and member of a United Methodist congregation in the North Carolina Conference is invited to prayerfully consider persons, including themselves, who might effectively serve as a member of a Conference committee, board or agency. Individuals are asked to be a part of identifying and inviting persons to serve our annual conference. At the following link, "Nominations Information" lists all the committees, boards and agencies to which people are to be elected. "Nominations Form" is the sheet to be completed by each person who is willing to serve. Nominations will be received through March 21.  Conference Nominations

Society of St. Andrew develops Lenten Devotional program: "I Wonder ..." is the theme of this year's Lenten Devotions program from the Society of St. Andrew, a national nonprofit hunger-relief ministry and Advance Special #801600. The program is a collection of personal "wonderings" and insights of ordinary people as they read, think, and pray about the symbols, people, and places that shaped Jesus' last days on Earth. The daily devotions will also enjoin readers to think about how they might be Christ to others. All materials are free and a sample packet can be ordered for review before placing a congregational order. Orders can be placed online at the End Hunger Web Site , by email at End Hunger e-Mail , or by phone at 800-333-4597.

Caring for Creation symposium to be held at Lake Junaluska: Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center and the United Methodist Women of the SEJ are offering the third Creation for Creation experience at Lake Junaluska, April 3-6. Leadership for this experience will offer challenges and directions for what individuals can do to take better care of their home - Earth. The workshops will present practical information for action and will open new avenues for participants whether persons are interested in what the Biblical challenge is about care for the earth or inexpensive solar solutions for home or church. For more information about the leadership, schedule, or registration Caring for Creation .

Materials for the 2008 Book of Recommendations & Reports is due April 15:  The absolute deadline for the 2008 Book of Recommendations and Reports is April 15. However, the Conference Secretary's Office strongly urges everyone that will have a report to turn in, to do so as soon as possible and not wait until April 15. Reports may be emailed to NCCUMC in Word or WordPerfect. Reports will not be included in the book if turned in past April 15.

ITEMS FROM YOUR TREASURER'S OFFICE

Local Church Treasurer/Finance E-mail Discussion Group: We are happy to announce the start up of an email discussion group for those interested in local church finance that will enable you to discuss issues facing you with your peers at other local churches. This list was requested by local church treasurers because of the need for an easy way to ask each other questions about local church policy and procedures, accounting software, auditing issues, etc. To join the discussion group, click on the following link: Discussion Group Church Finances .

Political Election Guidance for Churches: As the focus grows on future political elections, churches are reminded that organizations exempt from income tax under the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) may not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office. The Internal Revenue Service IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2007-41 to provide guidance on situations that may or may not be considered to fall under these guidelines. If your church has involvement in election matters or activities, you are encouraged to read the situations listed in the Revenue Ruling to make sure your involvement is not in violation of the guidelines. The Revenue Ruling can be found on IRS .

YOUTH AND CHILDREN MINISTRY NOTES

Confirmation Celebration: The Conference Confirmation Celebration will be Saturday, March 8 at Methodist University in Fayetteville from 10 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. Since the program will include lunch - groups planning to attend must pre-register by Feb. 25 and the event will cost $7 per person (paid upon arrival at the Celebration). Participants are asked to bring items for UMCOR health kits as well. Full details and other information, including the registration form are available at Youth Ministry Confirmation .

North Carolina United Methodist All-State Youth Choir: In its 14th year, the NC United Methodist All-State Youth Choir will be holding auditions in February. The Youth Choir will take place June 15-22 at Greensboro College in Greensboro. Tuition is $250 per student and includes music rehearsals, private vocal instruction, housing, and food. The choir will tour North Carolina churches June 18-22 with a final performance at Greensboro College on June 22. Auditions will be Feb.16 in Greensboro and Charlotte and Feb. 23 in Hickory and Durham. Tape/CD/MD auditions will be accepted through Feb. 24. For more information contact Dr. Jonathan Brotherton, professor of music, 815 W.Market Street Greensboro NC 27401 or (336) 272-7102.