I love to share what is going on in our churches across the district. Here are two examples. If you too have news you want to share that could possibly be of interest to the Lynchburg District please feel free to email me.
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Hey Larry, I just returned from a terrific Conference in Atlanta. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. I was encouraged by Rev. Tyrone Gordon, from Dallas, Texas.
Tyrone has been at his first and only appointment for almost 30 years. When he was assigned to St. Lukes, the church had an average attendance of 30. They now have nearly 5,000.
Bishop Larry Goodpaster also spoke at the conference. As chair of the Council of Bishops he told us the results of a recent study concerning the United Methodist Church in North America. He said the study revealed the following facts:
· The average age of United Methodist in the US is 59. At this rate in 20 years the United Methodist Church could die out.
· Most growing churches had the same pastor for more than 10 years.
· Churches that have a pastoral turnover every four years seem to be in decline.
I was encouraged, because Salem seems to be going against the trend seen nationwide. I was also encouraged because many of the church growth tools presented are things we are trying.
My next move is to propose "Rotational Sunday School". As with all new things some will resist, but I think once they see how well it can work, they will come around.
Sincerely, Chuck Schooler
Pastor Of Salem UMC, Friend To All
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Hey Larry, As you requested I am sending you the information on the Concord Cluster's Charge Conference project with the YWCA/Frannie's House. Recently the cluster of churches including Bethany, Bethel, Bethlehem, Early's Chapel, Indian Hill, Mt. Comfort & Trinity UMC gave a check for $5,500.oo to assist the new shelter for abused and battered women. At the time the check was presented the YWCA took a picture of the presentation and is putting it on their web site and on Frannie's House web site.
Sincerely, Rev. Ron Litten
Pastor of Bethany Charge
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Thursday Morning Clergy Leadership Group
Every Thursday morning at 8:00 AM a group of clergy have been meeting to share ideas and pray for each other. For the last six months we’ve been discussing the book, Leadership Gold by John Maxwell. Next week we will begin another book as we continue. It’s a great time to stop by and check it out. Ministry improved and lives were changed. Don’t miss out. Come join us.
Important Dates to keep on your Calendar
October 5: 7:00 PM - Common Table, Fort Hill UMC
October 12: 9:00 - District Clergy Meeting, Court Street UMC
October 21: 9:00 - District Committee on Ordained Ministry, Court Street UMC
October 22-23 Lay Speakers Training, Location Fort Hill UMC
October 30: 9:00 - Staff/Pastor/Parrish Relations Training, Court Street UMC
November 2 Common Table, Fort Hill UMC, 7:00 pm
November 24-26 Thanksgiving Holidays, District Office Closed
December 5 District Conference, Amelon UMC, 3:00 pm
December 11-12 Lynchburg District hosting Cabinet Meeting
December 23-28 Christmas Holidays, District Office Closed
January 29, 2011 Leadership Training Event, Heritage UMC 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Spring – 2011 Leadership Training Event – Focus on Missions
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