The Foothills District

Clergy Connection

Volume 1, Issue 5 Home Newsletter Archive December 2006

Fruitful Churches

What if every church in the Foothills District increased their average worship attendance by at least one person? What if every church in the Foothills District baptized at least one person in the year? What if every church in the Foothills District brought into membership at least one person by profession of faith? What if every church increased the number of people participating in Sunday School classes, Bible studies, and small groups? What if every church paid their apportionments in full?

How would that change the ministry of your church, if you experienced that kind of vitality? What would God be doing in your community, if you experienced that kind of energy and spirit?

There are six criteria for an Acts 2 Church. An Acts 2 church is a church that “acts” like the church described in Acts 2: 41-47. It is a direct result of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit falling upon the followers of Jesus. The six criteria are:

· Membership increase

· Worship attendance increase

· Baptisms

· Professions of Faith

· Discipleship: classes, groups, and studies

· Stewardship reflected in apportionments and other financial giving

Thirteen churches in the Foothills District met all six criteria in 2005. They are: River of Life, Athens First, Carmel-Sutton, Ebenezer (Muskingum), Gibisonville Mt. Olive, McArthur, Middleport Heath, Morningstar, Stewart, Tunnel, Bremen Calvary, Rolling Plains, and Zanesville Faith. Thirty-one more churches in the Foothills District met 5 of the 6 criteria in 2005.

These are churches that are the healthiest and most fruitful in our district. They are churches of all sizes and locations. They are served by pastors of all kinds, shapes, and statuses. It is possible for every church to grow and bear fruit.

I am eagerly looking forward to the year-end reports to see how many of our churches meet the criteria in 2006. I am even more interested in which churches will commit themselves to growing more fruitful in 2007.

Do you need help? How can we as a district together share our experiences, our skills, and our prayers to help each other bear fruit for the Kingdom?

Tom

NEWS

2007 Health Care Rates Announced

The 2007 Health Care Insurance rates were just announced.

Single – 6,756

Family of 2 - 13,380

Family of 3 or more 16,416

These are approximately a 7% increase over 2006, considerably less than the standard in other areas. Pastors can check the calculator on the district web site to determine the appropriate amount for personal deductions.

CRSP 2007 Pension Plan

The 2004 General Conference authorized a new pension plan to be launched Jan 2007. If you are already retired, these changes will not affect you.

There will be no change in the method for pension billing. The new pension plan will bill at the same level as the old MPP – 12%. However, in 2007 CPP will decrease from 4.4% to 3%.

Mentors and Guides Trained

Nearly 30 persons from across the Foothills District completed training in November to serve as guides and mentors for persons entering the candidacy process. Rev. Cean Wilson, Conference Board of Ministry, led the training.

Candidacy is the route traveled by persons discerning God’s call to ministry. Many pastors and lay persons volunteer their services as guides. Only ordained elders, associate members, and licensed pastors who have completed the course of study may serve as mentors.

If you or someone you know is contemplating God’s call to ministry as a pastoral leader in the United Methodist Church, you can help connect the candidate with the District Committee on Ordained Ministry and the District Superintendent.

If you are interested in serving as a candidacy guide or mentor and missed this training, call the District office. We appreciate your help.

Spouse Email

Would you prefer your spouse receive his/her own emails directly? Send their email address to Cathy Hanover (chanover1@verizon.net) or Susie Watson (watsonfamily@ohiohills.com).

UPCOMING DATES

Jan 31 – Stewardship Seminar with David Bell at Jackson, 9:30 – 3:30

Feb 6 – Stewardship Seminar with David Bell in Grove City, 9:30 – 3:30

Please call the District Office to reserve your spot for whichever date and location serves you.

Pastor Parish Relations Committee Training
This training is for PPR Committees and other key leaders. Select the date and location most convenient for you:

Jan 7, 3 p.m. - Gallipolis Grace

Jan 10, 7 pm - God’s Net, Pomeroy

Jan 14, 3 pm - Racine

Jan 16, 7 pm - Belpre Rockland

Jan 21, 3 pm - Marietta Christ

Jan 24, 7 pm - Athens Richland Ave

Jan 28, 3 pm - McArthur

Jan 28, 7 pm - Nelsonville

Feb 5, 7 pm - Logan Trinity

Feb 6, 7 pm - Gibisonville

Feb 11, 3 pm - New Lex First

Feb 18 , 3 pm - Bremen First

Feb 25, 3 pm - Malta

Feb 27, 7 pm - Crooksville First

Mar 5, 7 pm - Somerset

Mar 6, 7 pm - Rolling Plains

Mar 13, 7 pm - Zanesville Coburn

May 23, 2007 Clergy Session. This will be an all day session!! It will have a

mandatory sexual ethics training/renewal piece in the afternoon.

July 22-28, 2007 Local Pastors School at Widewater Retreat Center

Women’s Scholarship Program

The Georgia Harkness Scholarship Program is available for women over 35 who have received a bachelor of arts or equivalent degree, are enrolled full time in a University Senate accredited school of theology in the master of divinity program, and who are currently certified as candidates for ordained ministry as an elder in The United Methodist Church.

This program offers 10 scholarships at $5,000 each to be awarded each year by the first of June. The deadline for the applications is March 1st. Applications and more information about the program can be found at GBHEM's Clergywomen's website at www.gbhem.org/clergywomen or the application can be downloaded and printed at http://www.gbhem.org/ResourceLibrary/HARKNESSAppform.pdf. The reference form can be downloaded and 4 copies printed at http://www.gbhem.org/ResourceLibrary/ResourceLetter.pdf.

If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact Rita Stephens at 615-340-7409 or by e-mail at rstephens@gbhem.org.

Messiah Sing-a-Long

The district is invited to participate in a Messiah Sing-a-Long on Friday, December 8, 8 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, 2 South College Street, Athens. Conducted by Dr. Peter Jarjisian and other area guest conductors, this event is free and open to all. Please bring your own score or borrow one at the church that evening. Parking is available across the street in the parking garage. For questions, contact the church at 593-3977.