Every month we send you just 5 ways you can better equip Vital Congregations and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Here’s this month’s issue!
Want to know what a paschal candle is? Watch Chuck Knows Church — a new weekly online video series interpreting the objects, symbols and terms used in church. Do you know why there’s both a pulpit and a lectern? And, really, what’s the purpose of a narthex? The Chuck Knows Church series produced by GBOD stars a fun, witty, fount of knowledge named Chuck who knows and tells all about things in church. To watch or download video segments for free, go to www.ChuckKnowsChurch.com, or find Chuck on YouTube atwww.YouTube.com/ChuckKnowsChurch.
Discover missions for youth and young adults. Opportunities in missions for all ages and experience levels are listed through UM Youth Missions. The website, maintained by DYPM, contains a searchable map where you can find locations close to home or around the world. Mission organizers can apply to become a listed mission site at no cost. Check it out at http://bit.ly/TI5ZHb.
Help busy church members find hope and promise this Advent. Urge them to join an e-Retreat featuring John Strohman’s new titleSinging Mary’s Song from Upper Room Books. The online retreat goes from Nov. 30 – Dec. 29 and offers daily meditations, guided audio reflections and online group discussions focusing on the promises of hope and deliverance. Cost of the e-Retreat, conducted in partnership with BeADisciple, is $45. Sign up here: http://beadisciple.com/upperroom.html
Find and equip lay people to plant new churches. Use the Lay Missionary Planting Network from GBOD’s New Church Starts (Path 1) to train people interested in starting new UM congregations. The network helps prospective planters clarify their sense of calling and solidify their commitment. Learn more about the Lay Missionary Planting Network at www.path1.org/lmpn.
Start a planned giving program in your church. Learn more by attending the Planned Giving School Jan. 21-24 in Scottsdale, Ariz. This three-day course will provide inexpensive but intensive Christian-oriented training. It is designed for people who either want to begin a planned giving program or to sharpen their skills in this growing field of funding ministry. For more information or to register, go to www.gbod.org/PlannedGiving2013.
That’s all this month. 5 more ideas coming your way in December!
