News from us [link removed] December 14, 2021
Churches Prepare to Receive Refugees from Afghanistan
Several communities across Missouri have begun to receive new neighbors from Afghanistan. Following the U.S. military withdrawal from the country, Operation Allies Refuge airlifted certain at-risk Afghan civilians, particularly interpreters, U.S. embassy employees and other prospective Special Immigrant Visa applicants from Afghanistan. Several of them are being resettled in the U.S. and in Missouri.
The sudden change has created challenges for resettlement agencies and opportunities for the churches that support them. Yet, several Missouri United Methodists have stepped up to serve.
[link removed] Read more on how Missouri UMC churches are welcoming their new neighbors →
Upcoming Events
INSPIRE Hybrid Discernment Event
Have you ever dreamed of starting something new that will reach new people? God is doing new things throughout the world and in the most unlikely places. If you have felt that nudge to do something different and wonder how you can make that possible, then INSPIRE is for you. Join us online or in-person, 1-5 p.m. on January 8. This event is a great opportunity to kick-off 2022 with your local church leadership team.
[link removed] Learn more and RSVP for this free event →
Other Upcoming Events
Dec. 27 - Year-end Stats Module Opens
Jan. 13 - [link removed] EO Holy Land Cruise Info Session
Save the Date
Thursdays, Feb. 3-March 22 - Connecting New People to Christ Online Workshop
Feb. 4-5 and 11-12 - Online Early Response Team Training
Feb. 15 - [link removed] MOAC Awards Deadline
Feb. 21-23 - Preaching Academy
Tuesdays, March 8-22 - [link removed] Thinking Theologically: Theology of Place
March 31 - April 2 - SoulConnections Retreat: Journey
See the full events calendars at [link removed] www.moumethodist.org/events
Wesley Pilgrimage Scholarships
The 2022 Wesley Pilgrimage in England will take place July 9–July 19. It features visits to six cities important to the Wesley family and the founding of Methodism, and it will include talks from faculty members who specialize in Methodism. The pilgrimage is a partnership of Discipleship Ministries, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and the General Commission on Archives and History. Scholarship funds are available for those preparing for Christian service, including United Methodist Church commissioned provisional elders and deacons, licensed local pastors, lay servants, lay speakers, and certified lay ministers. [link removed] Learn more →
Featured Resource
Collaborating for Community Impact with Rev. Lia McIntosh
The Black Church is a force for good, especially when it is empowered together. But how can ministry leaders work collaboratively in this unique moment in history? Rev. Lia McIntosh, author of Blank Slate and Church/School/Community, teaches you how to wipe the slate clean and imagine community engagement in a fresh way. [link removed] Watch the video →
More Resources
[link removed] Recommended Reading on Race and Culture
A curated list of books specifically related to race and culture.
[link removed] The Art of Neighboring
What if Jesus meant it when he told us to love our neighbors? This study will provide practical tools and advice on how to be intentional in living out the great commandment. How to neighbor is something every Christian needs to hear, take to heart, and put into practice for their community. When we love our actual neighbors, it can change everything. It is a powerful and profound way to live, no matter your age or gender.
[link removed] Faith and Race Podcast - Seasons 1 and 2 and Curriculum
The Faith and Race Podcast is designed to help predominately white churches host constructive dialogue about faith, race and the church. Every episode has a specific focus to help us intentionally think about the intersection of history, institutions, scripture, prayer, race and justice. The audio recordings bring diverse insights and experiences into churches, homes and hearts across Missouri and beyond.
See the full resource library at [link removed] www.moumethodist.org/resourcelibrary
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Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202 | 573-441-1770
www.moumethodist.org
