Jan. 21, 2025

Talking Race and Culture

Culture Coach Nikki Lerner shared guidance and practical tips for recommitting to race and culture work – both personally and as a worshipping body – at a recent Jump Start workshop. Read the recap story at this link and catch Rev. Mark Sheets in conversation with Lerner on the Jump Start podcast, linked below:

Jump Start Podcast: Courageous Leadership in Race and Culture - How can I be more courageous while engaging in race and culture work?
Jump Start Podcast: Leveling-Up Your Race and Culture Commitment - How can I level-up my commitment to and leadership skillset for race and culture work?
Jump Start Podcast: Race and Culture in Your Ministry Context - How can I help my ministry context be more receptive to race and culture work?
The Beloved Community - Our newest sermon series and small group resource created in partnership with Rev. Jasmine Rose Smothers.
The Art of Multicultural Worship: Creating Unity in Diversity - A free online course led by Nikki Lerner.

MOAC Awards Submission Deadline - Feb. 14

Every year we celebrate and honor the ministry of churches and United Methodists across the state through the MOAC Awards. You’re invited to nominate an individual or church for their work in mission, discipleship, evangelism, or inclusiveness, justice and worth. Deadline is Feb. 14. Learn more at www.moumethodist.org/moac-awards

Upcoming Events

UMC Conversation on Immigration

Join the South Central Jurisdiction for a conversation on immigration at 12 p.m. next Tuesday, Jan. 28. During this webinar session, we will hear from panelists who will share their experiences in welcoming and offering hospitality to the migrant, immigrant, and refugee community reflecting on what has been, what is changing, and what is anticipated. Learn more and get the Zoom link →

Lay Education Classes

Feb. 15 - Class Meetings Course - In-Person in Springfield
Feb. 15 - Ministry of All Believers - In-Person in Springfield
Feb. 22 - Christian Leadership and Casting a Visioning - In-Person in Kirksville
March 1 - Christian Leadership and Casting a Visioning - In-Person in Columbia
Mondays in March - UMC Polity - Online via Zoom

More Events

Feb. 4 - Jump Start: Leveraging Your Gifts
Feb. 21-22 - Converge Youth Conference
March 4 - Jump Start: Supercharging Your Local Church Communications
March 7 - An Evening with Nadia Bolz-Weber

See the full events calendars at www.moumethodist.org/events

Laity Quick Links

Conference Lay Ministry Team Listing
Conference Lay Education Coordinator Listing
Interested in pursuing certified lay ministry? View the process here.
Absorb on-demand learning platform with lay education courses