Mid Maine District E-News 

April 16, 2019

Second in our Courageous Conversations

Topic Series:  Judicial Council Guest Columnist

 Rev. Scott Campbell

What is Before the Judicial Council

 The Judicial Council is the highest legal body in the United Methodist Church.  The Discipline authorizes it to make what are called declaratory decisions regarding the constitutionality of legislation passed by the General Conference.  There are currently two items on the Judicial Council’s docket for its meeting at the end of April. 
 
The first is a request submitted by delegate Timothy Bruster of the Central Texas Annual Conference that was supported by a majority of the General Conference to ask the Judicial Council to review the entire Traditional Plan as is was amended and passed by the General Conference.  Some parts of the legislation that had been submitted in relation to this plan had already been ruled unconstitutional by the Judicial Council in Decision 1377, but the plan in its entirety, as amended, has not yet been reviewed by the Council.  Briefs have been submitted to the Council urging it to accept the entire plan, and other briefs have argued that its defects are substantial enough to rule the entire plan unconstitutional.  The Council has the authority to declare the plan constitutional in its entirety, unconstitutional in its entirety or to excise certain unconstitutional portions of the plan.
 
The second item on the docket is a request from the Council of Bishops to determine the constitutionality of petition 90066, a piece of legislation that was moved forward by a vote of 402 to 400, that allows churches to disaffiliate or withdraw from the United Methodist Church.  This petition had earlier been ruled unconstitutional by the Judicial Council in Decision 1377, but was subsequently passed by the General Conference.
 
The Judicial Council will rule on both of these matters at its meeting from April 23-26 in Evanston, Illinois.  Its decisions are normally reported to the public at the conclusion of its meeting.  

Holy Week, 2019  Rev. Dr. Karen Munson, DS   The first months of 2019 have been a tumble of voices and thoughts in the United Methodist connection.  Before, during, and after the meeting in St Louis, there is a sense of being pushed, pulled and gathered into community where momentous conversations are underway. I am caught up in, and trying to help lead part of, a global crowd in tumultuous circumstances. So perhaps it’s not surprising that I’m very aware of the crowd in Luke’s holy week narrative.   Read more……..

Bishop hosting 'Holy Conferencing Office Hours' in Mid Maine on April 20th Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar brings his open door policy to MidMaine with “office hours” on Saturday, April 20th from 3-6PM. Cox Memorial UMC will host at 29 Middle Street Hallowell, ME. This is a wonderful opportunity for informal conversation with your Bishop before 2019 Annual Conference.

MME Judicial Council 2019 Information Session Join MidMaine District Superintendent Karen Munson for an information session Sunday, May 5, from 2:00-4:00 PM, following the UMC’s Judicial Council April 23-14 rulings. We will talk through all legislation entering the Book of Discipline as well as what is not. We will also survey movements emerging in the UMC. Brunswick UMC will once again host our gathering. May 18, 2019, Resource Day with the United Methodist Foundation of New England 9:00-2:00. No matter how you figure it... [JESUS] is our center [GIVING JESUS] is our mission [JESUS GENEROSITY] is our lifestyle The goal of this resource day is to empower laity to become leaders in the practice of individual and communal generosity as a spiritual discipline. Bring a team from your congregation to learn the biblical, personal, and practical perspectives of stewardship and generosity and how to apply it to the life of your faith community. Share together in this learning and interactive process AND bring your pastor as well! This Resource Day is especially designed for laity, though clergy are welcome to attend.  Location: Brunswick UMC 320 Church Road, Brunswick ME REGISTER HERE   MME Lay Servant Ministry offering 2 Basic Courses - Spring 2019 Lay Servant Ministry Basic Course Dates:  Sunday afternoons - April 28, May 5, May 19, and June 2, 2019 Time:  2:00 pm – 4:30 pm Location: Winthrop UMC, 58 Main Street, Winthrop, Maine Please purchase the textbook beforehand:  Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant’s Book (Sandy Jackson & Brian Jackson). The book is available through Cokesbury, Upper Room, or Amazon.  For more information and registration, click here! Lay Servant Ministry Basic Course  at Brunswick UMC Saturdays, June 22 and June 29, 2019 9 am- 3 pm.  Soup and salad will be served for lunch the first Saturday. The second week we will all share pot luck. NO PEANUTS due to severe allergy.  ?Read:  Before the first class, read Chapters 1-3 for June 22; Chapters 3-5 will need to be read for June 29.  Worship will be celebrated June 29. For more information and registration,click here!

Mid Maine Pre-Conference Briefing May 18th at 2:30 All members of Annual Conference (Clergy, Lay Members to AC, Equalization Members) are encouraged to attend one of the Pre-Conference briefing sessions scheduled around the Conference. Learn about the proposed legislation and proposed 2020 budget, ask questions about the upcoming session and more. Hosted by the Brunswick UMC, 320 Church Road, Brunswick ME News about AC19 and hotel registration  Registration for the 2019 Annual  Conference session and for  accommodations will open in April. Deadline extended for proposed legislation regarding GC 2019  In anticipation of the Judicial Council ruling April 23-26 pertaining to legislation adopted at the 2019 special session of General Conference, the agenda committee of Annual Conference has extended the deadline for submission of resolutions pertaining to this matter only (including petitions to General Conference) to May 1, 2019. secretary@neumc.org Do you think you might like to be a delegate to General Conference or the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference? Our delegations to the 2020 General and Jurisdictional conferences will be elected at our 2019 Annual Conference session.  Find everything you need to know about who is eligible to be a delegate, how to get nominated, and who can vote in the election.  Find more deadlines here Find all the latest news about AC 19 here   You are Invited to Mechuwana's  Annual Golf Tournament Calling All Golfers!  Join us on Saturday, June 22nd at Springbrook Golf Course in Leeds. We'll have a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start, rain or shine! Come play for a cause in Mechuwana's fourth annual golf tournament, which is open to golfers of all abilities. All funds raised will support Mechuwana's scholarship program.  Visit our website for your registration form. Final Ministry Day May 9th at Camp Mechuwana Clergy and Lay Supply, please mark your calendars now for May 9, our final Ministry Day before summer break. Help send Rev. Joe Chamberland into retirement with words of wisdom and love.  Worship Leader:  Rev. Dr. Thom Blackstone Program Leader:  Dr. Heather Josselyn-Cranson, “Creating and Leading Worship in Anxious Times”   Dr. Josselyn-Cranson is the Sister Margaret William McCarthy endowed chair in Music at Regis College. Her most recent book is “The Reason Why We Sing.” 8:30 bible study with Karen 9:15 fellowship 9:30 Worship  10:30 Program 12:00 Closing    Mid Maine District Events Calendar

"This and That" Stained Glass Window Repair: The Mid Maine District would like to gather a list of businesses you use to repair your stained glass windows in your church. Please email Lori with their contact information.   Join MidMaine DS Karen Munson exploring Journeys of Paul – Sept. 30 - Oct. 9, 2019. 2019 pilgrimage to Greece  Looking for a guest speaker? Mechuwana has speakers available to share their mission story with your church. Contact 207-377-2924   Clergy, is any one wondering how to afford a restful get away? Check out The Preachers Aid Society’s generous offer of gorgeous free retreat space in Wells. info@preachersaid.org. (Do you know a retired clergy with a dream?  Encourage them to apply for a Taylor Award). Classifieds

FREE: Cokesbury Bible Study and SundaySchool Sample Curriculum

Twice a year, Cokesbury sends the district office sample curriculum and bible study material.  We have just received a box- please let me know if you are interested in a particular sample and I will send it to you. First come first serve- email Lori

Spring 2019 Adult Bible Studies (DVD, Teacher Book and Student Book):  Discipleship and Mission

Spring 2019 One Room Schoolhouse Curriculum

Spring 2019 Bible Lessons for Youth Leader's Guide and Student Guide: Call

FREE: Offering Envelopes

Damariscotta UMC has given the district a lot of Cokesbury offering envelopes.  They are free. Please let me know if you could use all or some.  Thank you, Lori 

Organist Wanted in Augusta

Green Street United Methodist Church, Augusta, Maine Part time salaried position (approximately 10 hours per week) accompanying rehearsals for the Chancel Choir, and playing the organ and piano for two worship services each Sunday morning and at other traditional holy day services throughout the year. Playing for weddings and funerals will also be requested of this individual from time to time and will be compensated separately.  The organ is an Allen hybrid (with both pump and electronic capabilities). We are looking for a person who can work well with others and who has the desire and ability to bring a wide range of Christian music to the congregation.

If interested please send a letter of interest and resume to GSUMC, 13 Green Street, Augusta, ME or e-mail greenst@myfairpoint.net (207-622-0843)

Part-time Choir Director in Winthrop

The United Methodist Church of Winthrop, ME seeks a creative team-player as part-time Choir Director.   Responsibilities include directing the adult choir during the Sunday worship service as well as setting up other special music throughout the year.  Salary commensurate with experience. 
Submit resume, including address, telephone, and/or email address, and professional references to Winthrop UMC, P.O. Box 136, Winthrop, ME 04364 or office@winthropumc.org
 

Please pray for the following...       Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar Rev. Dr. Karen Munson, DS April 21: Monmouth United Church, New Harbor UMC, New Sharon UMC, North Pownal UMC, North Searsport UMC April 28:  North Sebago UMC, North Vienna UMC, North Woolwich UMC, Oakland-Sidney UMC, People's UMC, Union May 5: People's UMC, South Thomaston, Pleasant Street UMC, Randolph UMC, Readfield UMC, Round Pond UMC DS Coverage during Karen's Vacation Karen is on vacation until April 28th. The Rev. Jim McPhee, DS in the Tri State District is covering for her.  If you need pastoral care or an emergency where you need a DS, please contact his office at 1-978-682-7775 x 270 or email at mcphee@neumc,org.  Lori will be out of the office April 18th and 19th but can be reached via cell phone at 207-837-8694 if you need to be in touch.  Please leave a message or text and she will get back to you.  District Office Hours AA (Lori's) Spring office hours  M-TH 7:30-2:00 F 7:30-10:30

NEW information, events, and ministry opportunities below .
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