“Build a Foundation for the Future” is theme for United Methodist Appalachian Assembly, September 19-22, 2007

Hagerstown, Maryland. Annual Conferences themes this year have in someway emphasized bringing people under the mantel of being disciples for Jesus Christ.

Participants in the United Methodist Appalachian Assembly, September 19-22, 2007, will explore how their congregation can act on its gifts to “Build a Foundation for the Future.” Ten hours of the Assembly will be devoted to learning how to lead congregations and communities to take action together for strengthened ministry and healthier communities.

Luther K. Snow

Luther K. Snow a consultant and trainer in Asset Mapping, Capacity Building will lead this time of exploring practical and simple tools, and techniques to reverse the negative cycles of need and conflict in our congregations and communities and replace them with positive assets and opportunity.

Snow locates Asset Mapping in a theology of abundance, affinity, and release, and lifts up that theology in word, worship and prayer.

With over 30 years of experience in both faith-based and grassroots community development, he has been a leader of the shift in the rural development field away from “hand-wringing” and toward a positive, asset-based approach. Snow has published an inspirational book of stories and lessions from positive rural development, entitled, The Organization of Hope: A Workbook for Rural Asset-Based Community Development.
His book, The Power of Asset Mapping: How Your Congregation Can Act on Its Gifts, will serve as the guide for participants.

Snow is a graduate of Harvard College and has an MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. He has consulted for four major denominations and many judicatories, faith coalitions, and congregations. He has been a facilitator and trainer for the United Methodist Church in Town and Country Ministry, Shalom Ministry, and regional congregational coalitions, as well as for the national offices on stewardship and evangelism.

Rev. Dr. Lillie Jones

Rev. Dr. Lillie Jones, the Bible Study leader will challenge participants from a biblical perspective to identify their gifts and use them to build up the reign of God as disciples of Jesus the Christ. Themes for the Bible Study are: “A Faith that Trusts,” “My Hope is in God,” and The Love Obligation.”

Dr. Jones is a nationally distinguished educator who holds an M.S., Ed Administration degree from North Carolina and A&T State University, a Ed.D.and Ed.S. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She holds a Master’s of Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary.

A community activist in Mooresville, NC, Dr. Jones also was appointed to serve on a number of community organization’s Boards of Directors. Prior to ordination, she held offices in the North Carolina Conference as a lay person.

She is a seminar leader, consultant and life coach. Currently, Dr. Jones serves as the Ministries Team Coordinator of Ethnic and Justice Ministries for the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Participants in the Assembly will also enjoy traditional Appalachian music, storytelling, and visits to local church and community ministries that are models for ministry in Clay County, NC. Two Continuing Education Credits will be offered that meet the standards of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

For registration information interested persos can go to http://www.hintoncenter.org/ Click Appalachain Assembly