– Kim R. Smith, Sound District Lay Leader
In May, the Sound District United Women in Faith hosted a Spiritual Retreat. All day long, I kept hearing women of all ages make the same comment…” I need more of this.” As I tried to narrow down what they meant by “this” I discovered the answer was a bit complicated.
We needed more of Jesus because our souls were weary. We needed to be around other women of faith who made us see things through a new lens. We needed to learn new things and to be challenged in new ways but with support, so we were comfortable. We needed to SING! The women needed…each
other. If we don’t stay connected, we feel isolated. We need that connection of other women from churches across eastern NC.
This summer, there are so many opportunities happening across the Sound District that will offer some of “this.” Beginning with the Annual Conference being held at the Greenville Convention Center
June 15th -17th. Even if you aren’t a delegate, the conference is open to all hearts and there are some exciting things taking place that might interest you. On Thursday, the conference opens with sessions for both Clergy and Laity. During the Laity session, inspiring stories of God at work will be shared. Come and be energized! You can watch through the NCCUMC App also.
On Friday, Rev. Adam Hamilton will be speaking at 1:30pm. Many of you follow Rev. Hamilton on social media and know that you will feel energized and inspired to go and share the good news after he
speaks. Here is the full agenda of the Annual Conference. You might see something else that sparks your interest.
The Lay Servant Ministries team is offering hybrid learning opportunities as well! Laity Ministries Upcoming Courses
- July 22nd – For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts, will be offered at Trinity UMC in New Bern.
- August 5th – Leading Worship, will be offered at Oriental UMC
- August 26th – Basics, will be offered at Cherry Point UMC
The United Women in Faith are offering Mission u opportunities in several locations and via Zoom. Living the Kin-dom: Exploring the Lord’s Prayer as a Spiritual Practice for Social Transformation by Riva Tabelisma is the text that will be used. Childcare is available and you have choices of locations including Northwoods UMC in Jacksonville here in the Sound District. Women across the conference will be learning and growing TOGETHER. You can find out more and register at www.soundumw.org.
Don’t forget that we can read together too! The Summer Lunch N’ Learn series continues with Tattoos of the Heart by Gregory Boyle. Read it in June and then join women and men… clergy and laity…and even people from the community trying to find out what is happening here in the Sound with these folks called United Methodists. The Lunch N’Learn will take place via Zoom on July 17th at Noon.
This summer, seek out the opportunities all around you to grow closer to Jesus and each other. Then TOGETHER we can GO to share the love and grace that comes with a life in Christ and a faith family that is connected beyond our doors to hearts across the Sound. Let’s grow TOGETHER this summer.
If you have any questions about any of the things shared here, reach out!