Mountain Sky Area Charge/Church Conferences 2015-2016
Jesus Leads Us into Abundant Life
Welcome and Prayer
Opening Song
District Superintendent or Presiding Elder
Sprit, Sprit of Gentleness TFWS 2120
(Or Hymn of your choice)
Litany for Holy Conferencing
Leader: God of grace and new beginnings, open our hearts to your transforming spirit.
People: Help us to trust your promise of blessing, for all your children, and for all creation.
Leader: Grant us the faith and courage to be your witnesses in this world.
People: Work in us and through us to bring abundant life to people in every place.
All:
In the name of that one who was the way, the truth, the life, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture
Sharing from District Superintendent
The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, lights; and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Isaiah 42:1-9
Holy Conferencing Time (Please share in small groups as you discuss the following)
1. What is the difference between belonging to a church and being a disciple of Jesus Christ for
the transformation of the world?
2. How are people invited into abundant life and discipleship through your church?
3. What would you do to help your church bring abundant life to your community?
4. Where is God calling you to risk, serve, and share?
Silent Prayer
Jesus the Christ calls us to a life of abundance as we live and serve in his name.
May we lift our voices together in the prayer that Jesus taught:
The Lord’s Prayer
DVD on Mountain Sky Area Shared Futures
Offering our gifts so others might know Abundant Life
Together, United Methodists do remarkable ministry around the world. We care for survivors
recovering from earthquakes and storms; we invest in vulnerable communities; we equip the next
generation to lead the church and society. Our offering this year will be used to help refugees worldwide seeking a safe-place in which to raise their families, seeking safety from indiscriminate violence,
seeking a future with hope. This offering will be divided to support refugees locally (Lutheran Family
Services) and nationally (Church World Services, a partner with the UM Board of Global Ministries.)
Church Business
Clergy are responsible for providing the agenda for the business meeting that should be sent to the
D.S. (or the presiding elder) one week prior to the Conference. We encourage you to emphasize
celebration of the past year’s ministries and consideration of your church’s vision for the future, with
minimal time on formal reports. Copies of ministry written reports, when prepared, are to be
provided to your Church Council and District Superintendent.
Please include your continuing formation and spiritual growth plan with your Pastor’s Report.
We must receive official votes on these items:
Pastor’s Compensation, Lay Leadership Nominations, Membership Roll Updates, and Candidates for
Ministry (new or continuing -- 2/3 written ballot required).
Please include the 2015-2016 Litany for Connectional Giving in your Church Business agenda.
The forms may be found on the District website (mhpp.rmcumc.org) or RMC website (rmcumc.org)
Closing Song
Benediction
Sois la Semilla (You Are the Seed) UMH 583
District Superintendent or Presiding Elder