January 25, 2022
Where to Begin When You Don't Know Where to Begin
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Perhaps in this new year you are seeking for your ministry to reflect the kingdom of God in rich, healthy, multicultural ways. With that desire comes tough conversations and actions, but where do we start when the way feels unclear?
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Upcoming Events
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Missouri Preaching Academy
In a world filled with divisions, the Gospel can connect with God and one another. One way that we can bridge the gaps within our congregation is by sharing our stories and the stories of Christ. This year's virtual Preaching Academy, hosted online on February 21-23, will focus on effective storytelling and practical ways to learn from the stories of others. During the Academy, there is an opportunity to update your preaching toolkit and to learn new narrative preaching techniques.
Learn more and sign up →
Other Upcoming Events
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See the full events calendars at www.moumethodist.org/events
Race and Culture Event
Join Bishop Farr and other Conference leaders at 6 p.m. CT on Thursday, January 27, for an update on the ongoing work around race and culture in the Missouri Conference. Visit www.moumethodist.org/race-and-culture for a timeline and milestones over the past year. This event will be streamed via the Conference’s Facebook page and recorded for later viewing.
Local Church Internships
Applications are open for Crossroads and Cole summer Crossroads internships. Interns get hands-on ministry experience and can discover their passion within the Church in summer 2022. Host churches help make it possible. Learn more and apply at www.moumethodist.org/internships.
Featured Resource
Thinking Theologically
With some recent exceptions, a Christian theology of place has been much neglected. We live in an age that favors time and space over place, and the doctrine of God’s omnipresence has tended to view place in universal terms. The incarnation tells a different story. God embraces the particular, and the particularity of place mediates our relationship with God. This three-part series takes a nuanced approach to sacred places, explores the theological distinctions between space and place, and discusses the spirituality of differentiated places. Emphasizing the embodied nature of the Christian life, the series presents language, theories and concepts that resonate with our modern-day journey of faith. View the resource →
Additional Resources
Created to Love: 7 Week Online Course
By the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the UMC
Let us gather in the next seven weeks to draw in God’s sustaining breath. Come sojourners — disciples, seekers, skeptics, new Jesus followers, wanderers — into a rhythm of renewal. May our different perspectives and cultures enrich our appreciation for one another and God’s created order. In this moment, may we slow down to fully embrace the power of repentance and our humanity. May God’s Holy Spirit empower us for the work of love to come.
Faithful Lent: Religion and Race Resource
Faithful Lent: Connecting the Practices of Lent and Anti-racism is a new Lenten resource for congregations to use in a small group setting. The purpose of this study is to make explicit connections between the traditions of Lent and the work of anti-racism without forcing either one to be what they are not.
Recorded Sermons for Sabbath Rest
In order to give pastors and worship teams a chance at Sabbath rest, the Missouri Conference has recorded four sermons and made them available to your local church. The sermons are available for download individually or you may request an entire worship service, complete with prayers, music and a giving moment.
See the full resource library at www.moumethodist.org/resourcelibrary
