October 19, 2021
NOMADS Live Mission in Motion
At some point, most everyone has daydreamed about cutting ties and hitting the open road for months on end. The Nomads On a Mission Active in Divine Service (NOMADS) do just that, and they provide volunteer labor for United Methodist organizations across the country along the way.
Currently, NOMADS offers about 175 projects each year and has more than 900 active members. NOMADS on regular disaster and drop-in projects donate a total of more than 110,000 hours of volunteer labor each year. In addition, multiple Disaster Rebuilding Projects are staffed each year, in various locations around the country, where needed.
NOMADS typically work a four-day week — Monday-Thursday, six hours each day. The day begins with devotions and a brief team meeting to outline work and identify any specific needs. A four-day workweek leaves a three-day weekend, giving team members time for personal endeavors such as shopping, laundry, visiting family and exploring the area.
There are about 17 NOMADS in Missouri, primarily couples. Max Marble, former director of the Office of Creative Ministries for the Missouri Conference, is one of the newest members.
Read more about mission in motion →
Upcoming Events
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College-Age Ministry Meet-and-Greet
Pastors, volunteers and youth leaders who work with high school students are invited to Columbia for a meet-and-greet with the leaders of Missouri Conference college-age ministries. From 12-2 p.m on November 11, join us for lunch and networking as we hear about the amazing work these ministries are doing with young adults across the state. Learn more and RSVP →
Other Upcoming Events
See the full events calendars at www.moumethodist.org/events
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Race and Culture Survey
The Missouri Conference of The United Methodist Church is conducting research to better understand race and culture within our connection and congregations. The survey is confidential and asks for your thoughts and experiences related to racism. Your input is critical as we develop Conference-wide strategies and tactics toward becoming a brave, empowering place for people from all diverse cultures and generations so that we can become a Church for all God’s people. This survey should take no more than 6-8 minutes to complete and will remain open until
November 1, 2021. The survey is sponsored by the Missouri Annual Conference and is being conducted by Discipleship Ministries.
Take the survey →
College-Age Ministry Grants Available
The Office of Next Generation Ministries is excited to announce the availability of college-age ministry grants. We invite local churches already engaged in college-age ministry of any type to apply for grant funding by November 5, 2021. View the application →
Featured Resource
Registration Closing for Fall Thinking Theologically Courses
Register by October 27 to participate in the Exploratory Function of Metaphors virtual, discussion-based course. This three-part series will explore metaphorical theory as a theological tool and has direct application for preaching, Bible study, pastoral care and congregational formation. Learn more, see the full course schedule (including spring 2022 dates) and sign up at www.moumethodist.org/thinkingtheologically
More Resources
5 Ways to Support College-Age Ministry
“There’s just not enough young people in the church,” is a common refrain. But how are we actually responding? The Missouri Annual Conference supports 10 college-age ministries around the state through grants. These are just a portion of the college-age ministry happening in local churches. Even so, this is an age group that many churches struggle to reach and support. Check out these five ways you can reach out and serve college-age people, as recommended by our college-age ministry leaders.
Free Books for Newsletter Subscribers
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See the full resource library at www.moumethodist.org/resourcelibrary
