Advent, Christmas and New Year’s Blessings!
Greetings from the Conference office in Garner. I’m not planning to be here again in 2022, but looking back through my calendar, I’m remembering so many mission and ministry happenings that have been made possible because of our connection!
We have had opportunities to learn about a variety of subjects online through the Center for Leadership Excellence. Gatherings have brought us together for worship, planning and learning. Recent book studies have been offered by different committees around creation care, anti-racism, and women’s studies. Congregation members have served their neighbors in public schools through C4C. They have fed people, clothed people, and done home repairs. Information has been shared about health and wellness, and growing disciples of Jesus Christ.
As I write, Ann Huffman is sorting new Early Response I.D. badges. Several folks around the Conference have been trained to assist their neighbors in anticipation of the next disaster. We are thankful for all those who are equipped and ready when the need arises. We are also thankful for our ability to help other Conferences who have suffered this year, most notably Florida after Hurricane Ian, and Kentucky after the devastating floods. We have also loaned equipment to Western North Carolina and to Louisiana. And of course we helped the folks in Moore County who went without power and water after the attack on two substations.
As we continue to faithfully love one another, we are looking toward a future of transformational ministry. I believe God is leading us in creative new ways as the Holy Spirit reveals new possibilities for serving and witnessing. For instance, Cross and Key will soon be sharing a toolkit filled with information about education and advocacy for prison ministry. Stay tuned!
My prayer is that you all have a holy and happy Christmas, finding rest in the arms of the One who came as one of us to show us God’s will for the whole of creation.
Article written by Rev. Jaye White
Rev. Jaye N. White
Director of Outreach Ministry
North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church
jayewhite@nccumc.org
984-257-7163