The Metro Messenger - University City. UNITED METHODIST

The Metro Messenger
E l e c t r o n i c
N e w s l e t t e r
o f
T h e
M e t r o
D i s t r i c t
o f
t h e
U M C
Volume , Issue
July 2, 2015
You have probably heard the expression, “I keep pinching myself,” for
someone who cannot believe the good things happening. Well—for four years I
have been “pinching myself” over the fact that I have had the privilege of serving
as a district superintendent. I never dreamed that I
would be called by the Bishop to be a part of his
cabinet to help lead the district and conference
toward vitality. The best part of my role as DS has
been the relationships developed as a result of our
work together. Getting to know pastors on a deeper
level and working with the excellent lay leadership
in our churches has truly been a joy. Together, we
have seen some great things happen as churches catch the vision to do the
unchanging work of Christ in a rapidly changing culture. I will miss working with
you ….and with DeEtta and Ravonda….. as we provided support, encouragement
and resources for vital ministry.
As a DS, annual conference has been a high moment in my life: To see the
appointments, over which we labored, “fixed;” to have the high honor of “laying
hands” upon the candidates as they were commissioned and ordained and to see
all of our work come together is truly gratifying. Even though I ceased to be a DS
on July 1, I hope that many of you will continue to call me if I can ever be of help to
you as a friend and colleague. Maybe next year, I will have more time to take a
walk with my grandchildren around the lake….umm, doesn’t sound so bad.
I am looking forward to once again being who I have been for 31 years….a
United Methodist pastor of a local church. I know there is stress and strain in that
role too, but I have missed the “context of relationship” with people. The Church
has been so good to me and, I just hope and pray, that I have been and will again
be a blessing to the “people called Methodist” as we worship, learn, laugh, cry and
serve together for the eternal cause of Christ.
Sincerely,
Gary
Dr. Gary C. Royals
Inside this
issue:
Clergy Apt. Calendar
2
Incoming Clergy
3
Apportionment Update
4
Gathering of the Laity
5
Leadership
5
Upcoming Events
6
Statement on
Charleston Shooting
8
Special Points of
Interest:
 Leadership Institute
 Proclamation Institute
The Metro Messenger
Volume 4, Issue 2
Page 2
2015 WNCC UMC
Clergy Appointment Calendar
June 29-July 3 Moving days
July 5
TRANSITION SUNDAY (Neither departing pastor nor incoming pastor will be
in the pulpit.)
July 12
First Sunday in pulpit for new appointments
Expressions from D. S. Royals
My Dearest Friends and Colleagues,
Please allow me to thank you from the depths of my heart for all of your
expressions of gratitude and love to me at my district farewell on Sunday, June
14th. The gifts you provided are overwhelming to me and your kind words
continue to bless me as I rehearse them in my mind. The role of D.S. is a
wonderful yet different kind of ministry. I don’t receive the stream of
compliments and confirmations that I did as a pastor. So, it can leave the soul
often barren and even wondering if any good has been accomplished. So
please know that your heartfelt and sometimes emotional expressions to me
meant more than you know. I leave the district with thanksgiving to God and to
each of you for what you are doing for the Kingdom and for how I have been
blessed to work with you “for such a time as this.”
Gary C. Royals
The Metro Messenger
We
Nathan
Arledge
Myers Park
Minister of
Missions
Gregory
Gordon
(Wanda)
Jackson
Park
Page 3
our Brothers and Sisters Into their Appointments in the Metro District!
Brian
Sarah Belles
Davidson Braunschweiger
(Judi)
Assoc.
Cole Memorial
Gregory
Hamilton
(Cheryl)
Shiloh
In-Yong Lee Adam Love
(Tracy)
(Hee Soo
First
(Landis)
Kim)
Cokesbury
Robert
Roten
(Janis)
Oak Grove
Volume 4, Issue 2
Otto Harris
(Stephanie)
St. Mark’s
(Char)
Tracy Love
(Adam)
Trinity Assoc.
Tom
Mike Scott
Schnitzlein
(Kimberly)
(Cristy)
Grace-Memorial
Broad Street
Assistant
Patience
Brumley
Commonwealth
Deacon
Katherine
Bryant
(John)
Williamson’s
Chapel Assoc.
Alexis
Coleman
(Jon)
Davidson
Assoc.
Laura Elliott
Midway
Assoc.
Michael
Goode
(Ellen)
First
(China Grove)
Neal Jones
(Mandy)
Mt. Mitchell
Rhonda
Herman
(Mike)
Blair Rd.
Deacon Assoc.
Thomas Ingalls Mandy Jones
(Sherry)
(Neal)
Vanderburg
Forest Hill
Assistant
David Melton
(Lynne)
Providence
Corey Milliet
(Michael
Fairfull)
Matthews Youth
Dir.
Sam Moore
(Marva)
Hickory
Grove
Anthony
Moreau
(Erin)
Mt. Zion
Assoc.
Jesse Smith
(Audrey)
Reactivate
new church
start)
Marilyn Smith
Morningstar
Amelia
StinsonWesley
(Tom)
Purcell
Melissa
Swofford
(Michael)
Centenary
The 2015-2016 appointment booklet is available online
at http://wnccumc.org/2015-appointments.
Nathan Finsel
(Jessica)
Trinity
Assistant
(Mt. Ulla))
Min. Adult
Educ.
Steven Kurt
(Sandra)
Commonwealth
Sally
Langford
(Andy)
Metro D.S.
Val
David Ortigoza
Rosenquist
Hispanic Min.
First (Char.)
Memorial
Randy Wall
(Lora Ann)
Ann Street
Vickie
Wilson
(Danny)
Park Avenue
The Metro Messenger
Volume 4, Issue 2
Page 4
Metro District Apportionment Update
The Metro District consists of 128 churches, 172 appointed clergy,
and 69,821 membership with an average worship attendance of 215.
At the close of June 30, 2015, the Metro District had received 31% of
its conference apportionments and 41% of district apportionments. We
are well below our 6 month goal of 50% receivables for June 2015.
Many thanks to the churches below for their faithful stewardship in
reaching or completing their goals during these economic times.
100% District Apportionment paid as of June 30, 2015: Asbury
(Huntersville), Bethel (Midland), Boger’s Chapel (Concord), Central
(Concord), Central (Mooresville), Elmwood, First Hmong, Indian Trail,
Morrow’s Chapel (Mooresville), Mount Pleasant, North Davidson, North Kannapolis, Locust, Royal
Oaks (Kannapolis), Sedgefield (Charlotte), South (China Grove), St. Mark’s (Charlotte), Unity
(Kannapolis), Waxhaw, and Westford (Concord). 27 churches have paid 50-90%; and 20 churches
42-49%.
Congratulations to Boger’s Chapel (Concord), Elmwood, Friendship, Locust, South (China Grove),
having paid 100% of their conference apportionments. 7 churches have paid 60-78%; 16 churches
50% and 17 churches 42-48%.
We encourage the continued support and connectional generosity of all our churches over the next
six months.
2015 Annual Meeting
United Methodist Women
Western North Carolina Conference
September 11, 12 & 13, 2015
Lake Junaluska
Theme: Images of Mission...through the camera lens of Paul Jeffrey
A Celebration of United Methodist Women
Click here for more information about Annual Meeting or visit http://www.wnccumw.org/
The Metro Messenger
Volume 4, Issue 2
Page 5
Join us at the 2015 "Gathering of the Laity"
"Sharing Jesus"
Celebrating 50 Years of the Gathering of the Laity!
Friday, August 7, 2015 - Saturday, August 8, 2015
Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center
A Gathering of the Laity is a spiritual retreat weekend that brings together outstanding speakers, Spirit-filled
music, and the beauty of the North Carolina mountains to create an experience that will renew your spirit and
revitalize your faith! Held at the beautiful Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center, this annual event
attracts attendees from throughout the southeast United States and beyond.
"The Gathering" has become a summer tradition for many, with many frequently returning year after year to be
challenged by powerful speakers, to engage with others in worship and prayer, and to grow spiritually through
times of personal study and reflection.
Take a few minutes to learn about this year's outstanding speakers and musical guests, then click here or visit
http://gatheringofthelaity.org/ to learn how you can register for this outstanding event! Early-bird pricing ends
July 31, 2015!
The Gathering of the Laity is sponsored by the Board of Laity of the Western NC Conference of the United
Methodist Church. Anyone can attend. If you have questions or need additional information contact Jatana
Royster, Metro District Lay Leader, 704-454-5333; jatana7@windstream.net.
CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION 2015
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Pre-Institute September 30
Leadership Institute October 1-2, 2015
Leawood, Kansas, The United Methodist Church
of the Resurrection
If your ministry team is ready to Lean into the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ? If you are ready to
improve upon your worship experiences, gain new tools for ministry, and receive a fresh breath from the Holy
Spirit, Join me, Rev. Stephanie Moore Hand, your Church Vitality Strategist, in Kansas City at the Church of
the Resurrection's 2015 Leadership Institute.
Bring your ministry leaders to the largest mainline church training event in the country and be equipped,
renewed and inspired. If you are plan to bring a team, please go online and register at http://li.cor.org/, go
ahead and purchase your plane ticket. The Holiday Inn Express is a very economic hotel and very close to
church.
Please contact me at shand@wnccumc.org if your church is planning to bring a team.
#SoThatTheWorldWillKnow!
Blessings in this new season of ministry! igniting!
Rev. Stephanie Moore Hand, Church Vitality
Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church
shand@wnccumc.org
704-535-2260 x163 office
704-724-2791 mobile
The Metro Messenger
Volume 4, Issue 2
Page 6

Greater Vision UMC, Tuesday July 14, 2015 from 7-8pm and every Tuesday afterwards at 7pm, as we
strive towards getting healthy and fit with Zumba. $2 per class. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to sign In
and sign waiver if you haven't attended before. Bring a friend, all are welcome! Church location: 11901
Eastfield Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078 (enter around back). Contact: Shaw Bennett, 704-224-6056,
Trainwithshaw@gmail.com

NAMI Union County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) invite you to a Suicide Prevention Workshop on
Tuesday, July 28 from 7-9 p.m. in the Family Life Center of Weddington UMC. Carol Gouge of Cardinal
Innovations will present warning signs and an intervention, QPR (question-persuade-refer), to support
people who are suicidal find vital professional mental services. The event is open to the community.
Weddington UMC is located at 13901 Providence Rd, Weddington, NC 28104, (704) 846-1032 .

Greater Vision UMC, 11901 Eastfield Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078. WinGS cordially invites all the ladies to
the Opening Celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of WinGS and Annual Women’s Bible Study, Theme: Still
B.A.D. (Blessed and Delivered), Friday, September 25 (7-9pm, no cost) - Join us for a night of food, fun,
fellowship, games and gifts. Saturday, September 26 (8am-5pm), Saturday’s registration fee $35- 2
women sessions and a youth session (ages 13-17). Registration deadline July 31, 2015. Additional
details and registration at http://greatervisionumc.org/.

Shine: Illuminate your Life, Friday, August 21, 2015, A One-Day Retreat for Individuals Serious about
Discerning Purpose. Learn more and register here: SHINE™ Retreat or visit http://thelydiagroup.com/.

Quiet Space Fridays is a sacred space for those seeking to encounter God in community yet alone, in the
beauty of nature, and the healing rhythm of sacred quiet. Learn more: Quiet Space Fridays or visit
http://thelydiagroup.com/.

Spiritual Gifts called PLACE. If your churches uses or would like to use this program, please contact the
district office (704-525-3395).
Several churches in our district have job opportunities available. Please visit http://wnccumc.org/careers/
for listings, job descriptions and application process.

The Metro Messenger
Volume 4, Issue 2
Page 7
Ministry Studio
The Ministry Studio is a clergy group convening to provide a place of
support, theological reflection, prayer, encouragement,
accountability, development, and friendship. The group is about:
 Growing in grace
 Honoring the work of the Spirit in each person
 Providing a place to tell what we need to tell
 Learning from practice
 Sharing resources
 Identifying the edges of our knowledge
 Balancing support and challenge
Contact Don Hester (704-553-1327; dhester@wnccumc.net) for additional details or visit
http://parsondan.com/ministry-studio/
The group will not start until August, so it's perfect if you're moving into the district.
Courage & Renewal Academy for Leaders.
If you are holding an important leadership question, are at an
inflection point in your life and leadership, or desire time alone and in
community for deep reflection on your leadership, the Academy for
Leaders might be for you.
The Academy will be co-facilitated by long-time Southern nonprofit
and philanthropy leaders Gayle Williams, John Fenner, and Sherry
Watt. All are experienced Courage and Renewal® facilitators. The
venue will be St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, NC.
Built on the ideas of Parker J. Palmer and principles stewarded by
the Center for Courage & Renewal, the Academy is designed for
experienced organizational and community leaders from diverse professions—education, health care, business, public service,
nonprofit, philanthropy, and religious life—to develop practices that strengthen trustworthy and courageous leadership. The
Academy will engage a 30- person cohort in a skillfully facilitated three-part program that unfolds over six months:
Full information about the Courage & Renewal Academy for Leaders, including alumni quotes/videos and online registration is at
http://www.couragerenewal.org/events/2015-16-leaders-academy-nc/. Register by July 31 to save $400.
With questions or to discern if this program is a fit for you at this time, contact:
John Fenner john@couragerenewal.org
Gayle Williams gaylewilliamsnc@gmail.com
The Metro Messenger
Volume 4, Issue 2
Page 8
2015 George E. Thompson Proclamation Institute
Calling All Deacons,
Elders and Local Pastors
Get excited about “What About the Baby
Jesus?” at The George E. Thompson
Proclamation Institute co-sponsored by
Pfeiffer University, The Metro District of the
WNCC and WNC Board of Ordained Ministry.
WNC Conference Annual Conference
highlights, election of General and
Jurisdictional delegates are available at
http://ac2015.org/.
The date will be Thursday, August 13 from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. The focus of this
year’s Institute will be centered around the Season of Advent in an effort to
answer the question “What About the Baby Jesus?” as we explore through
worship, innovative workshops, and stimulating discussion the purpose for
which the Good News of Jesus Christ is written and told.
We are delighted to welcome Rev. Dr. Nanette E. Roberts, Sr. Pastor, Grace
United Methodist Church, Olathe, Kansas, to proclaim the word through worship
and to lead a keynote session immediately following lunch.
Details and registration:
http://wnccumc.org/event/2015-george-thompson-preaching-institute/
Statement on Charleston Shooting from SEJ Bishops
SEJ College of Bishops
June 18, 2015
In response to the murders of the pastor and eight others during a prayer meeting
at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South
Carolina on June 17, 2015, the Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops of the
United Methodist Church offered the following response:
The College of Bishops of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist
Church stands with our Methodist family at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston,
with our brother Bishop Richard Franklin Morris of the Seventh Episcopal District of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and with our colleague Bishop Jonathan
Holston, of the South Carolina Conference.
We condemn this act of violence in the house of the Lord. We commit ourselves
anew to the work of reconciliation in the midst of hatred. And we lift high the cross of Jesus Christ, as God’s
witness to the violence and division that is our human condition.
Please join us in acts of prayer, compassion and justice on behalf of our Pan-Methodist sisters and
brothers.
Mark Your Calendar
JULY 2015
1-3
5
12
16-19
20-21
Clergy Moving Days
Transition Sunday for Moving Pastors
Clergy’s first Sunday in pulpit of new appointment
WNCC UM Women School of “Mission U” at Pfeiffer University
Cabinet
AUGUST 2015
7-9
Gathering of the Laity, Lake Junaluska (page 5)
8-10; 14-16 SPIRITUS 2015
22
Metro District UM Women Annual Meeting, Simpson-Gillespie UMC,
http://www.wnccumw.org/
TBA
Charge Conference Instructions given
SEPTEMBER 2015
7
11-13
21-23
Labor Day Observance—Conference and District Office Closed
WNCC UM Women Annual Meeting, Lake Junaluska (page 4)
Cabinet
Learn about other upcoming events/opportunities in the Western NC Conference at:
http://wnccumc.org/news/
Metro District Office of the Western NC Conference
The Rev. Sally O. Langford, Metro District Superintendent
Location: 3400 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215
(Metro District Office is located in the WNC Conference Center facility)
Mailing Address: PO Box 5622, Charlotte, NC 28299
Phone: 704-525-3395
Fax: 704-525-4238
Administrative Assistants:
Ravonda Britt (rbritt@wnccumc.org) Clergy Relations
DeEtta Rivens (drivens@wnccumc.org) Church Relations
FaceBook (https://www.facebook.com/metroumc)