Bishop White Named Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agent

Bishop Woodie W. White


The Council of Bishops has named Bishop Woodie W. White (retired) as Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agent for The United Methodist Church, Dr. Jerome King Del Pino announced.

Del Pino, general secretary of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, said Bishop White will assume his responsibilities when the Rev. Patricia Barrett, assistant general secretary of the Division of Ordained Ministry and Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agent, retires at the end of 2008.

White has led retreats for chaplains in Europe and has been involved with the work of endorsing chaplains since 1987, when he worked with the former Division of Chaplains and Related Ministries, providing spiritual and episcopal leadership for the chaplains and pastoral counselors in the Far East.

“His longstanding support for, and awareness of, the ministry of chaplains and pastoral counselors will undergird his ministry as Endorsing Agent,” said Del Pino. Del Pino said the work of endorsement was originally carried out by a commission of the Council of Bishops, then shifted to the newly created General Board of Higher Education and Ministry after the 1968 merger of the Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodist Church.

Del Pino said there is a close relationship between endorsement and the appointive authority of the bishop, and that “the majority of our sister Methodist denominations exercise endorsing through the office of the bishop. After consulting with the bishops currently chairing the Endorsing Committee, Del Pino said he “determined to seek a restoration of the close relationship between the Council of Bishops and the ministry of endorsement,” and so asked the Council of Bishops to appoint White.

“Bishop White has been working with the staff of the United Methodist Endorsing Agency, which will continue to function within the Division of Ordained Ministry, in planning for a seamless transition,” Del Pino said.

To learn more about endorsement, visit www.gbhem.org/chaplains.

Calling 2009 Offers Eurasian United Methodists Chance to Consider God’s Call

Bishop Hans Vaxby and Sergei Nikolaev leading Bible Study during previous Calling event in Moscow.

Calling 2009, scheduled for April 4-5, at the Russia United Methodist Theological Seminary in Moscow will offer United Methodist Christians from all over Eurasia a chance to consider how God is calling them.

“United Methodists from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tadzhikistan, and Kyrgystan, can come and clarify for themselves whether they are called by God to active ministry and in what way,” said the Rev. Dr. Sergei Nikolaev, president of the seminary.

Nikolaev said that in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the cultural environment in Russia and other Eurasian countries shifted from religiously open to quite suspicious and confusing. He said it became apparent that The United Methodist Church in Eurasia had to articulate what it means to be ordained in The United Methodist Church.


Students during a break at Calling

“Calling events were conceived as one of the means to communicate to potential students at the seminary what God calls you to do when God calls you to ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church,” Nikolaev said.

The Russia United Methodist Theological Seminary, together with the Eurasia episcopal officem initiated the April event. Bishop Hans Växby has taken a personal interest in the event and has spoken at all three previous Calling events.

Nikolaev, former Seminary President Tobias Dietze, and the Director of Extension Course Andrei Kim all have been heavily involved in organizing the events.

“Last year the potential seminary students were addressed, as well, by visiting professors Drs. Gail O'Day and Tom Frank of Candler School of Theology; the year before - by Dr. Robert Kohler from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry,” Nikolaev said.

The 2009 event will feature the Rev. Meg Lassiat, director of Student Ministries, Vocation, and Enlistment at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

“Current full-time seminary students will be fully involved in all the states of preparation and leading of this event,” Nikolaev said.

For more information about Calling 2009, e-mail Nikolaev at
president.msumc@gmail.com.

Africa University Requests Financial Support

NASHVILLE -- Zimbabwe’s economic crisis shows few signs of easing, and United Methodist-related Africa University has issued another urgent call for financial support from the denomination.

Bishop Nkulu Ntanda Ntambo, chancellor of the 1,300-student university in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, released an open letter to United Methodists, asking churches and regional conferences to meet their financial obligations as soon as possible.

“The fact that Africa University is even open is a miracle from God,” wrote Ntambo, bishop of the North Katanga Area in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “The commitment of United Methodists from around the globe to Africa University allows us to remain open and thriving in Zimbabwe, a country enduring an unimaginable economic crisis.

“Africa desperately needs Africa University. Our graduates are vital to help meet the needs of Africans for health care, agriculture and economic development, political stability and spiritual growth,” Ntambo wrote. “It is not an overstatement to say Africa University is one of the keys to hope for Africa.”

A major part of the university’s yearly budget is supported by a $2.4 million denominational fund that is apportioned among regional conferences.

“Without your support of this fund, our university’s future would be at serious risk,” Ntambo wrote. “To maintain our day-to-day operations, we have been forced to deplete our apportionment reserves.”

For most of this fall, Africa University has been the only institution of higher education open in the entire country. Hyperinflation running into the millions of percent has paralyzed the economy.

“With the Zimbabwean currency out of control, much of the population is struggling to survive from day-to-day,” wrote Ntambo.

In an open letter in September, Fanuel Tagwira, vice-chancellor of the university, asked United Methodist congregations and conferences to fulfill their 2008 financial obligations to the college. His plea asked congregations and conferences to remit their apportionment payments early if at all possible.

“Your response to [the] request for early payment of Africa University apportionments has been heartening,” Ntambo wrote. “The apportioned fund is our lifeline in these exceedingly difficult times in Zimbabwe.”

While apportionment payments are not due in full until the end of the year, as of Oct. 31, 11 conferences have paid at least 75 percent of their apportionments for the year. Overall, October’s financial report shows the university has received more than 60 percent of the $2.4 million apportioned across the denomination. The report was compiled by the university’s Nashville-based Office of Institutional Development.

Individuals can also donate directly to Africa University with a credit card at www.support-africauniversity.org.

Convocation for Pastors of Black Churches to Build Connections

NASHVILLE, Tenn., December 9, 2008/GBOD/ -- Bringing together pastors of black churches around The United Methodist Church, the largest congregation in the denomination will host a convocation January 6-9 in Houston.

“Building Bridges Into the Future” is the theme for the 2009 Convocation for Pastors of Black Churches, hosted by Windsor Village UMC and sponsored by the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship (GBOD). The convocation will build bridges as it brings together clergy of all ages, genders and types of service. It is designed to inform, inspire and encourage pastors of black churches and those who support them.

Started in 1999 as a one-time event, the 2009 Convocation for Pastors of Black Churches will be the sixth event.

“The emphasis is: How do we become more connected as clergy leaders of black churches?" says Vance Ross, chair of the design team and deputy general secretary of GBOD. “We need not to be isolated.”

Participants will learn from renowned pastors who are recognized for their leadership in black church settings; develop strategies to aid pastoral leaders as a complement to their annual (regional) conference response to the “Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century” initiative; and discover the critical needs for growth in black churches.

Kirbyjon Caldwell, senior pastor of Windsor Village, will welcome the pastors to the convocation held at Houston’s Westin Galleria Hotel as well as to a worship service at Windsor Village on January 6 with Bishop Violet Fisher (retired) preaching. A special offering at the service will go toward Africa University and the United Methodist Black College Fund. Attendees are encouraged to bring an offering from their local congregations.

Kimberly Hall, senior pastor of Epworth UMC in Cockeysville, Md., and Cedrick Bridgeforth, superintendent of the Los Angeles District, will give voice to the younger generation of pastors, while the legendary Zan Holmes and others will speak from the wisdom of their years in successful ministry.

Sonnye Dixon, senior pastor of Hobson UMC in Nashville, Tenn., will give voice to the local pastors serving black churches. Leading a plenary on mentoring will be Herbert Marbury, professor of Hebrew Bible at Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, Tenn., and Victor L. Cyrus-Franklin, a ministerial candidate in the North Georgia Annual (regional) Conference.

For more information about the convocation, including the schedule and registration details, visit www.gbod.org/pastorsconvo. You may also register by contacting Deborah Carvin at 1-877-899-2780, ext. 7051, or at dcarvin@gbod.org.

European EXPLORATION Provides Chance for Discernment

By Vicki Brown*

Twenty-three young people from five countries gathered during European EXPLORATION to consider God’s call in their lives, while adults who work with young people used the event to connect with each other and share ideas.

"EXPLORATION is a sign of hope for The United Methodist Church in Germany: Young people gathering to discern God's calling for their lives and willing to engage in the mission of the UMC in making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” said Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, resident bishop of the German Central Conference. The event was held Oct. 31-Nov. 2 in Braunfels, Germany.

Anne Detjen, left, a member of the design team and student at Reutlingin, shown with Jennifer Mihok, a participant who is a U.S. citizen working in the General Board of Global Ministries Mission Intern program in Germany. Photo by Shalom R. Agtarap.

“Everyone who attended, including three young people from Estonia appreciated the opportunity to talk with peers and the leadership, especially the possibility to experience fellowship with people from the worldwide connection,” Wenner said.

The event was supported financially by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The Rev. Meg Lassiat, director of Student Ministries, Vocation, and Enlistment for GBHEM, said one of the most exciting aspects of European EXPLORATION was gathering together students from five different countries.

“Hearing from participants about their ministries in so many different places helps all people to learn about the strength of the United Methodist connection. The three EXPLORATION events in Germany, Russia, and the United States remind us all about the importance of leadership development and vocational discernment for young people through out the world.”

Student participants Lemme Tälle and Jennifer Mihok at EXPLORATION. Photo by Shalom R. Agtarap.

Lemme Täll, who coordinates youth work for the United Methodist Church in Estonia, brought two youth to EXPLORATION.

“I’m taking back some ideas of what we should do in Estonia to get youth together to find out their calling for their lives,” she said.

Dominik Schuler, from Basel, Switzerland, said he enjoyed the community. “I feel at home in The United Methodist Church. Now I’m coming home to the church [in Germany] after serving in another country.”

Fiona Orr, a member of the Dublin International Mission Team, said the event provided a good time to share the sense of love of the passion helping young people discern God’s will.

The keynote speaker was the Rev. Dr. Barry Sloan, a pastor from Ireland, serving in Chemnitz, in the Eastern Germany Annual Conference.

The event took place just a few weeks after the celebration of 150 years of theological education in the Methodist churches in Germany, a fact Wenner called “a wonderful coincidence.”

“One hundred and fifty years ago, Methodists recognized that we need people who are answering God's calling and are well educated in theology in order to fulfill the mission of the church of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. These two aspects are as important today as in the past,” she said.

“EXPLORATION invites people to answer to God's call and to use the services of the Theological School in Reutlingen, Germany, as well as other possibilities for leadership training,” Wenner said.

*Brown is associate editor and writer, Office of Interpretation, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Committee on Christian Unity & Interreligious Concerns encourages local churches to participate in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan. 18-25

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).

The Tennessee Conference Committee on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns (CUIC) encourages your continual prayers for unity and your participation in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2009.

Christians around the world will offer special prayers for unity during this week of prayer: “that they may be one in your hand” (Ezekiel 37:17). Ezekiel – the name meaning “God makes him strong” – was called by God to give the people hope in the desperate religious and political upheaval following the fall and occupation of Israel and the exile of many of the people. Ezekiel’s words give hope that God will gather God’s people again into one, calling them God’s own, and blessing them in order to make them a mighty people. In the reading of this text from the Old Testament, Christians may reflect on how to apply this passage in our own lives, particularly when there is strife and division.

For God is the One who restores unity, reconciles people, and brings new life and hope into our midst.

Flowing from the central text taken from Ezekiel, our reflection during the “eight days” of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is designed to bring us to a deeper awareness of how the unity of the Church is in direct correlation with the renewal of the community. The week begins with an invitation for us to pray for the various situations in our world where reconciliation is so desperately needed. On Day 2 we will pray for wisdom and guidance to overcome an end to war and violence. Day 3 will offer a meditation in addressing the disparity between the rich and the poor. The intention of Day 4 is for us to offer prayers in order to protect the gifts that God gives us in creation. On Day 5 we will pray for the cessation of prejudice and discrimination that marks our societies today. On Day 6 we will remember in prayer all those who suffer and those caregivers who serve and minister so faithfully. Day 7 will address the area of pluralism as we pray for God’s will and guidance.

Our prayers will come full circle on Day 8 when we pray that the spirit of the Beatitudes will overcome the spirit of this strife-torn world.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity offers opportunities for us to meet and pray with other Christians of different denominations in each locality. We invite you to be creative in your observation of this powerful prayer time. The International Committee has developed several useful resources for promoting and participating in this time of spiritual renewal. Worship resources are available in electronic form via the CTBI website address (http://www.rootsontheweb.com/).

Another internet resource is (http://www.geii.org/). In addition the Tennessee Conference CUIC has developed a prayer vigil commitment sheet with different time slots as an instrument for congregations and communities to utilize during this week (see attachment).

The purpose of this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is for us to pray as Christ prayed “that they may be one” and to pray for the unity of all Christians as we share in Christ’s ministry.

On behalf of the Committee on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns (CUIC) it is our prayer that each experience during this week will stir up a commitment within each of us to continue offering our prayers for unity throughout the year.


The Rev. Kimi Brown, Chair
Tennessee Conference Committee on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns


Tue 1/20/09 -- Lev 25: 8-14, Ps 146, 1 Tim 6: 9-10, Lk 4: 16-21
Wed 1/21/09 -- Gen 1:31 - 2:3, Ps 148: 1-5, Rom 8: 18-23; Mt 13: 31-32
Thu 1/22/09 -- Isa 58: 6-12, Ps 133, Gal 3: 26-29, Lk 18: 9-14
Fri 1/23/09 -- II Kings 20: 1-6, Ps 22: 1-11, Jas 5; 13-15, Mk 10: 46-52
Sat 1/24/09 -- Is 25: 6-9, Ps 117: 1-2, Rom 2: 12-16, Mk 7: 24-30
Sun 1/25/09 -- Ezek 37: 1-14, Ps 104: 24-34, Rev 21: 1 - 5a, Mt 5: 1-12

14th Russia Initiative Consultation, March 5-7, 2009, San Diego, California

The General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church
is pleased to announce and invite you to attend:

THE RUSSIA INITIATIVE CONSULTATION XIV

When:
March 5-7, 2009
Opening plenary Thursday at 2:30pm – Adjourn on Saturday at 10:00am

Where:
Marriott San Diego Mission Valley Hotel
8757 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego, CA 92108
Hotel reservation center: (800) 228-9290
Front desk: (619) 692-3800
Online hotel reservations: http://cwp.marriott.com/sanmv/russianinitiative/
Airport: San Diego (SAN)

Host Conference: California-Pacific Annual Conference

Theme: Led by the Spirit into the World

Purpose:
.Inspire and encourage the commitment for mission and ministry with the people of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia
.Strengthen relationships with friends in the Russia Initiative
.Shape the vision for the future
.Provide an opportunity for new churches to become involved

Consultation agenda highlights:
.Address by Bishop Hans Växby, Eurasia Episcopal Area
.Address by Rev. Edward Paup, General Secretary, General Board of Global Ministries
.Delegation of youth, students, young adults – emerging leaders of the Eurasia UMC
.Celebration of the 120th anniversary of the first Methodist ministry in Russia
.Information sharing with participants in Eurasia conferences and districts
.Workshops on various spiritual formation and social outreach ministries in Eurasia
.Celebrate achievements, share stories, hopes and encouragement with US and Eurasian friends

Who is invited?
.All Russia Initiative participants – lay and clergy
.Local church, district, conference and general agency leadership
.Persons desiring to learn about the Russia Initiative for the first time
.Partner Churches are encouraged to sponsor delegates from Eurasia or to contribute to the travel expense fund for the delegation of youth, students and young adults

Pre-registration and hotel reservation
You can download the forms from the GBGM Russia Initiative Consultation website:
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/initiatives/russia/consultation/

For additional information, contact:
Dr. Jim Athearn, Coordinator, Russia Initiative
116 Frasher Drive, Clear Brook, VA 22624
Tel: 540-662-2066
E-Mail: jimathearn@gmail.com