News

Registration Deadline Extended for Feb. 11 'Pathway to Renewal' Event

The deadline to register for "Pathway to Renewal: An Introduction to Leading Transformational Ministry for Congregational Teams," on Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Fairfield United Methodist Church, has been extended. Register by Thursday, February 9 to take advantage of this one-day workshop in which participants will be given the tools, principles, and skills to affect change and renewal in their church.   Congregational renewal is more than re-tooling your...

'Grow Spiritually Through Daily Discipline': A District Lay Speaking Workshop, Feb. 25

Register now for the district lay speaking training, "Grow Spiritually through Daily Discipline," on Saturday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Easter Hill United Methodist Church in Richmond, California. The training will be led by the Rev. Gaye Benson, pastor of El Sobrante United Methodist Church.   Cost of $25 includes instruction materials and lunch. Childcare is not available.   Register online here. (Pre-registration is required.)   Download...

Bishop Announces Cabinet Change

Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. has announced a Cabinet change, effective July 1, 2012. After six years, the Rev. Jerry Smith (upper right) will be completing his service on the Cabinet. Rev. Smith is superintendent for the Great Northern District. "I am extremely grateful for Jerry's faithful leadership during some challenging years for the California-Nevada Conference," the bishop said. "He has led the formation of the Great Northern District and has a deep love for that region...

Dates, Times, Locations of Discovery Events Are Set

The dates, times, and locations for this spring's Discovery Events have been finalized. The schedule is as follows: Great Northern District: Oroville Saturday, February 25, 2012 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Registration 9:30 a.m.) First United Methodist Church, 45 Acacia Avenue, Oroville, CA 95966   Bridges District: Fairfield Sunday, March 25, 2012 2-6 p.m. Fairfield UMC, 1875 Fairfield Avenue, Fairfield, CA 94533   El Camino Real District: San Jose Saturday, March 31, 2012 10...

Discovery Event Registration Opens

Online registration is open now, for a series of Discovery Events focused on being, seeing, and doing what matters to God. Join Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., Conference and district superintendents, and other clergy and laity for a time of re-connecting with our passion for Jesus Christ and our compassion for all, as preparation for reaching those who are close to the heart of Jesus.   Explore the resources available to each church to help it fulfill its part in God's mission, and learn...

'Living Bread, Living Stories': A Preaching Workshop, Feb. 3-5

"Living Bread; Living Stories," a preaching workshop and refresher course featuring the Rev. Jim Walker, is scheduled for Feb. 3-5 (Friday-Sunday) at Clovis Memorial United Methodist Church. It is sponsored by the Central Valley District Committee on Ministry. Walker, an Elder in full connection in The United Methodist Church and pastor of Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, uses a dynamic preaching style to bring life to biblical narratives....

Plan to Attend a Discovery Event in 2012

Over the last several years, we in the California-Nevada Annual Conference have been changing how we live as a connection of churches. Many things have taken place: we have sought to "rethink, renew, and reform" around a network of circuits; we have devised a plan to encourage, equip, and position servant leaders – both lay and clergy – to join with God's mission in the world; we have dedicated ourselves not only to revitalizing existing congregations but also to creating...

United Methodists See 'Occupy' Protest Ties

By Sandra Brands* They may have begun as a protest against corporations and greed, but for a growing number of United Methodists taking part in the Occupy Wall Street movement, the protests are a statement about the spiritual bankruptcy of materialism as well as a call to transform the world.   "This movement articulates [our call] for a more just society," said the Rev. Sandy Gess, pastor at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Vacaville, California, and a long-time...

Longtime Conference Employee, Pam McKee, Retires

The time has come to celebrate and give thanks for the work of Pam McKee, longtime administrative assistant for the San Jose District and now, the El Camino Real District.  On July 1, Pam retires from her work with the California-Nevada Annual Conference. (The work of the district offices has been consolidated into a Districts Administration Center, located at the Conference offices in West Sacramento.) She plans to keep busy teaching business courses as adjunct faculty at Foothill...

Great Northern Pre-Conference Orientations Scheduled

The Great Northern District (East Area) will host two pre-Annual Conference Session orientations.  One will be offered on Friday, June 3 in Auburn, California, at Pioneer United Methodist Church, Room 4, at 6:30 p.m.    The following week, on Saturday, June 11, an orientation will be offered in Reno, Nevada, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, in the Fellowship Hall, at 10 a.m.    The meetings are designed to help new lay members to Annual Conference...

Bridges District Schedules Pre-Conference Orientation on June 4

The Bridges District has scheduled a pre-Annual Conference Session orientation session for Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to noon, at Fairfield United Methodist Church ("Community UMC"). If you have been elected by your church to serve as a member or alternate member to ACS, please make plans to attend this session.   It will begin at "9 o'clock sharp" with an overview of two primary responsibilities members will have during the June 15-18 conference: to act on...

Shasta Family Camp 2011: 'Where God Happens'

Where does God happen? Find out through Scripture, discussion, reflection, and a variety of other activities as you explore how God happens in your family, school, work, social life, and in the lives of others – at this year's Shasta Family Camp, Saturday, July 23-Friday, July 29. Campers will experience fellowship over tasty meals, worship, and Bible study/discussion each morning; have free time to swim, hike, explore, socialize, or rest during the afternoon; and enjoy dinner and...

Who, What, When, Where? Uncover the Mystery!

The Shasta District School of Witness and Service is hosting "Uncover the Mystery: An Introduction to the Bible for Youth" from 5 p.m. Friday, April 29 through 5 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at Shasta Lake United Methodist Church, 1509 Hardenbrook Avenue, Shasta Lake, CA, 96019. Grab your sleeping bag, pack your pillow, and prepare to uncover the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW, WHY, and SO, WHAT of the Bible. Add in awesome live music, games, prizes (cha-ching!), great food, and the...

Lay Speaking Classes Scheduled on May 14 in Great Northern District

The Great Northern District is sponsoring four Lay Speaking classes – each covering a different subject – on Saturday, May 14 in the western portion of the district. The classes are not restricted to those in Great Northern, however: they are open to any and all who wish to attend.  The Coastal Region class (at Eureka UMC) is titled "Ways of Prayer: Praying Alone … Praying Together." In the Mountains Region (at Clear Lake UMC in Anderson), learn about...

Two Basic Lay Speaking Classes Available in April

Have you felt a call into service and wish to develop your skills and talents? The El Camino Real District School of Lay Ministries of the United Methodist Church is sponsoring two Basic Lay Speaking classes this spring – April 2 and April 9, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Calvary United Methodist Church, 729 Morse St., San Jose, CA 95126. The classes, available to all active church members, will encourage spiritual growth and provide opportunities to stretch in the fellowship of...

Registration Deadline is October 4 for Transformational Leadership Seminar

If you missed the Transformational Leadership classes held in Redding and Nevada City this year, there's still an opportunity for both clergy and laity to experience this dynamic and inspiring class. The Great Northern District (West) is hosting Anne Dilenschneider and her Transformational Leadership Seminar, October 15-16 and October 29-30 at Fortuna United Methodist Church. The seminar consists of two Friday night/Saturday sessions, with a registration fee of $100 to...

Task Force Organized in Response to San Bruno Fire

By the Rev. Kristie Olah Superintendent, El Camino Real District In response to the devastating explosion and fire in San Bruno, United Methodist clergy and lay persons of our area are coming together to provide support for the community. At the request of Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has given a grant of up to $10,000 to our Conference for this work.   There are many who have offered food, clothing, shelter, and other physical...

Superintendent Asks for Continued Prayer for San Bruno Victims

The Rev. Kristie Olah, Superintendent of El Camino Real District, has written circuit leaders of the district asking for continued prayer for victims of the San Bruno gas explosion and fire. "Since San Bruno is now in El Camino Real District, we have a special connection with the pain and sorrow in the area after the recent tragedy," writes Olah. "I know many of you have been lifting the neighborhood people in prayer as they grieve their losses and seek appropriate care...

Map of New Districts, New Circuits List Are Available on Website

A map showing the four new districts of the California-Nevada Annual Conference has been posted, along with the 2010 Circuits list, to a "Circuits & Districts" page on the Conference website. "Circuits & Districts" is a Quick Link on the right side of the Home Page at cnumc.org.   The change in the number of districts (from seven to four) was approved by the Annual Conference Session last week. Boundaries and names for the districts were determined by Bishop...

Shasta District Men's Retreat Is August 20-22

The Shasta District Men's Retreat, offered August 20-22 at the district camp near Mt. Shasta, will provide a wonderful opportunity to build comradeship through prayer and fellowship. Pastors Dave Samelson and Neal Neuenburg will expound on this year's theme, "Running with a Confusing God." Along with "yummy food," hiking, fishing, and boating, there also will be music by John Villani, and others. Golf will be available during free time.   Cost for early registration...