'John 10:10 Challenge' calls people of faith to work for health-care reform
New website provides resources to empower advocacy in community and with Congress.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — United Methodists are invited to participate in the “John 10:10 Challenge” to raise the faith community’s voice in support of comprehensive U.S. health-care reform. The challenge, issued by the General Board of Church & Society (GBCS), is based on Jesus’ declaration that he came so all “may have life, and have it abundantly.” A new website, www.1010challenge.org, contains resources to enable persons to be informed, engaged and empowered to begin advocacy for U.S. health-care reform.
The United Methodist Church states in its Social Principles (¶162.V) that it believes health care is “a basic human right.” Last year, the denomination’s highest policy-making body, the General Conference, adopted a resolution that supports a single-payer system. That resolution, #3201 in the 2008 Book of Resolutions, urges United Methodists to exert influence through all structures and means “to connectionally advocate and fervently lobby the federal government for the adoption and implementation of a totally nonprofit health-insurance system, a single-payer system administered by the federal government.”
More than 47 million people are without health care in this country, and 14,000 people are losing their coverage daily, according to both health-care industry and congressional estimates. While the U.S. Congress deliberates on health-care reform, the 10:10 Challenge will enable the faith community to learn about details under consideration, start dialogues around reform, and to act on behalf of the United Methodist witness that health care is a basic human right.
The 10:10 Challenge website offers a “justice-filled prescription for health care.” People who visit the site are asked to make a commitment to take action in the next 10 weeks to help convince Congress that reform is necessary.
The website offers 10 actions that persons who accept the challenge can choose to take during these 10 intensive weeks of congressional advocacy. Actions are suitable for individuals or groups, such as United Methodist Women or Men, youth fellowships or Sunday school classes. The website encourages persons to start a team challenge and invite others to join to commit to being a part of health-care reform.
Actions include:
• Signing a “Prescription for Health-care Reform.” The petition will be forwarded to the White House and Congress. The petition gives a strong endorsement to a public option to insure everyone.
• Conducting a Health-care Justice Sabbath. The website contains a suggested worship service, including litanies, prayers and Bible verses.
• Holding prayer vigils. The website offers an enhanced prayer service that supports the United Methodist position on health-care reform.
• Contacting members of Congress. The website includes scripts that feature faith-based messaging.
The website is predicated on United Methodist principles that health care should be inclusive, available, accessible and accountable for all. The site states: “As people of faith, we envision a society where each person is afforded health, wholeness and human dignity.”
A one-page 10:10 Challenge overview is available in .pdf format.
For more information about the 10:10 Challenge or United Methodist positions on comprehensive health-care reform, contact the Rev. Cynthia Abrams, director of GBCS’s work area on Alcohol, Other Addictions & Health Care, (202) 488-5636 or by e-mail to cabrams@umc-gbcs.org.
The General Board of Church & Society is one of four international general program boards of The United Methodist Church. The board’s primary areas of ministry are Advocacy, Education and Leadership Formation, United Nations and International Affairs, and resourcing these areas for the denomination. It has offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and at the Church Center at the United Nations in New York City.
To reach the website click on the address http:www.1010challenge.org
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Church of the Resurrection Leadership Institute, October 8-9, 2009
Hello! I am Debi Nixon and I serve as one of the Executive Directors at Church of the Resurrection with direct oversight of our annual Leadership Institute team. Our Institute design team just completed a planning meeting with our Senior Pastor Adam Hamilton. I can't tell you how excited I am about this year's Institute! As we dream and plan, we are also praying about the impact the Institute will have throughout the church. We understand, from our own experience, that this year in particular all of us as church leaders have to make careful decisions about how to spend valuable (and limited) church resources. Knowing that, we want to tell you why we believe that, this year more than ever, you need to be at the Leadership Institute in October.
This year has been one of tremendous growth at Resurrection in both the depth and the reach of our ministries, and we are thrilled to share what we have leanred. At Leadership Institute, we are going to share powerful new ministry ideas we implemented since last year's Institute. These ideas have never before been shared at the Institute. We wil be particularly sharing ideas emerging from our efforts to reach young adults and to lead our congregation through a time of economic struggle.
We will also share innovations we have used in Children's Ministry, Student Ministry, Congregational Care, Media Technology, Worship, and more. You'll also gain learning and inspiration from our Keynote Speaker Michael Slaughter, Senior Pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC in Tipp City, Ohio.
This year we have intentionally planned for young adults. As a part of our Young Adult Focus, we are inviting men and women 25 and under to attend the Institute for a deeply discounted rate of $49 (including a Special Pre-Institute). We encourage you to indentify young people who are leaders in the church, considering vocational or lay ministry, or who are key volunteers in your congregation. Bring them with your team or sponsor them to attend this incredible opportunity.
Our team is committed to giving you the maximum possible value for your training investment including opportunities for great networking with others from across the country and of course, awesome Kansas City barbeque. This year's Institute is so packed with great ideas aimed directly at the most pressing issues for the church right now, I believe it's a "can't miss" exprience.
For more information and to register go to www.cor.org/li2009 (includes a video incerpt featuring Debi Nixon)
We look forward to welcoming you and your team at the Institute October 8-9! If I can serve in any way as you prepare to register or make your travel plans, please email me at debi.nixon@cor.org. See you at the Institute.
Debi Nixon
Church of the Resurrection
Hello! I am Debi Nixon and I serve as one of the Executive Directors at Church of the Resurrection with direct oversight of our annual Leadership Institute team. Our Institute design team just completed a planning meeting with our Senior Pastor Adam Hamilton. I can't tell you how excited I am about this year's Institute! As we dream and plan, we are also praying about the impact the Institute will have throughout the church. We understand, from our own experience, that this year in particular all of us as church leaders have to make careful decisions about how to spend valuable (and limited) church resources. Knowing that, we want to tell you why we believe that, this year more than ever, you need to be at the Leadership Institute in October.
This year has been one of tremendous growth at Resurrection in both the depth and the reach of our ministries, and we are thrilled to share what we have leanred. At Leadership Institute, we are going to share powerful new ministry ideas we implemented since last year's Institute. These ideas have never before been shared at the Institute. We wil be particularly sharing ideas emerging from our efforts to reach young adults and to lead our congregation through a time of economic struggle.
We will also share innovations we have used in Children's Ministry, Student Ministry, Congregational Care, Media Technology, Worship, and more. You'll also gain learning and inspiration from our Keynote Speaker Michael Slaughter, Senior Pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC in Tipp City, Ohio.
This year we have intentionally planned for young adults. As a part of our Young Adult Focus, we are inviting men and women 25 and under to attend the Institute for a deeply discounted rate of $49 (including a Special Pre-Institute). We encourage you to indentify young people who are leaders in the church, considering vocational or lay ministry, or who are key volunteers in your congregation. Bring them with your team or sponsor them to attend this incredible opportunity.
Our team is committed to giving you the maximum possible value for your training investment including opportunities for great networking with others from across the country and of course, awesome Kansas City barbeque. This year's Institute is so packed with great ideas aimed directly at the most pressing issues for the church right now, I believe it's a "can't miss" exprience.
For more information and to register go to www.cor.org/li2009 (includes a video incerpt featuring Debi Nixon)
We look forward to welcoming you and your team at the Institute October 8-9! If I can serve in any way as you prepare to register or make your travel plans, please email me at debi.nixon@cor.org. See you at the Institute.
Debi Nixon
Church of the Resurrection
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Call to Action Steering Committee Begins Review
Note: To read and or download the full Call to Action issued by the Council of Bishops in May CLICK on the words Call to Action
Chicago: The steering committee formed in response to the Call to Action issued in May by the Council of Bishops began work on its task last week during an organizational meeting in Chicago.
The purpose of the steering committee is to further align the mission of the church and the four areas of focus, and to refashion and reposition the church for the future. The committee will look at the current realities and systems of The United Methodist Church to better understand how they affect our ability to reach desired outcomes, and generate dramtic alternative options to reshape and reorder the life of the denomination.
"We have a vision of a church that is vital, growing, diverse, relevant, appealing to youth and young adults, and engaged in effective, life-changing ministry -- but we're limited by an outdated organizational structure. We must have the courage to change that which no longer works for that vision to become a reality," said Bishop Larry Boodpaster, project director.
Other members of the steering committee are: Bishop Gregory Palmer, chair, Bishop John Hopkins, Bishop Sharon Rader, Bishop Joel Martinez, Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, Bishop John Yambasu, Bishop Grant Hagiya, Neil Alexander, the Rev. Larry Hollon, Barbara Boigegrain, Erin Hawkins, Moses Kumar, the Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, Benjamin Boruff, Jay Brim, and the Rev. Deborah McLeod.
The committee will generate proposals to be presented to the Council of Bishops and Connectional Table in November 2009. A consulting firm experienced in organizational change management, systems analysis, and renewal/redesign has been retained to assist the committee in its work.
The formation of the steering committee was one element of a five-point call to action by the Council of Bishops that outlines the need for urgent response to the economic crisis and its impact on an already declining church. "The current global financial our hesitancy to act, but it has also gifted us with a sense of urgency and an opportuntiy to lead courageously," the Call to Action states.
Other steps outlined in the Call to Action address freezing the salaries of active U.S. bishops at the 2008 level, shartening semi-annual Council meetings, redesigning the operation of the 2012 General Conference, convening a series of "conversation circles" around the four areas of focus, gathering information about economic challenges and how congregations are adapting creatively to economic stress, and a commitment to raise $20 million for the Central Conference Pension Initiative and $75 million for the Global Health Initiative to help eliminate malaria.
Note: To read and or download the full Call to Action issued by the Council of Bishops in May CLICK on the words Call to Action
Chicago: The steering committee formed in response to the Call to Action issued in May by the Council of Bishops began work on its task last week during an organizational meeting in Chicago.
The purpose of the steering committee is to further align the mission of the church and the four areas of focus, and to refashion and reposition the church for the future. The committee will look at the current realities and systems of The United Methodist Church to better understand how they affect our ability to reach desired outcomes, and generate dramtic alternative options to reshape and reorder the life of the denomination.
"We have a vision of a church that is vital, growing, diverse, relevant, appealing to youth and young adults, and engaged in effective, life-changing ministry -- but we're limited by an outdated organizational structure. We must have the courage to change that which no longer works for that vision to become a reality," said Bishop Larry Boodpaster, project director.
Other members of the steering committee are: Bishop Gregory Palmer, chair, Bishop John Hopkins, Bishop Sharon Rader, Bishop Joel Martinez, Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, Bishop John Yambasu, Bishop Grant Hagiya, Neil Alexander, the Rev. Larry Hollon, Barbara Boigegrain, Erin Hawkins, Moses Kumar, the Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, Benjamin Boruff, Jay Brim, and the Rev. Deborah McLeod.
The committee will generate proposals to be presented to the Council of Bishops and Connectional Table in November 2009. A consulting firm experienced in organizational change management, systems analysis, and renewal/redesign has been retained to assist the committee in its work.
The formation of the steering committee was one element of a five-point call to action by the Council of Bishops that outlines the need for urgent response to the economic crisis and its impact on an already declining church. "The current global financial our hesitancy to act, but it has also gifted us with a sense of urgency and an opportuntiy to lead courageously," the Call to Action states.
Other steps outlined in the Call to Action address freezing the salaries of active U.S. bishops at the 2008 level, shartening semi-annual Council meetings, redesigning the operation of the 2012 General Conference, convening a series of "conversation circles" around the four areas of focus, gathering information about economic challenges and how congregations are adapting creatively to economic stress, and a commitment to raise $20 million for the Central Conference Pension Initiative and $75 million for the Global Health Initiative to help eliminate malaria.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Finance agency thanks church members for support
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:
Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ.
We wonder at times – particularly at financially difficult times like these – how did we get in this situation? We are all aware that giving within the Church has decreased, which diminishes the amount of monies available for mission and ministry. We’ve been worried and anxious about where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going. We’ve been concerned with protecting what we have; worrying that life as a United Methodist as we know it – being in ministry and doing mission work to the world – just can’t go on as it is.
It’s okay to be concerned. Healthy concern allows us to open our hearts and minds to the existing situation. It is the nature of the community to be concerned about our collective futures. And this is not a time to chastise or criticize each other for expressing these concerns. This is a time for the faithful to take action to curb the effects of the economic challenges we face today. Out of our concerns can grow constructive actions.
In many arenas, bold and deliberate actions are being taken to curb the downturn and look to the future. Annual conferences across the connection have prayerfully given consideration to their expenses by rethinking finances and focusing on ministry. They are redirecting their efforts to enhance current and developing new ministries. Praise God for this creative thinking on the part of so many United Methodists across the connection.
The United Methodist Church is in the forefront of compassionate giving. A few examples of the way groups within the connection are living into the reality of a strained economy are exemplified in the reports from annual conferences and agency board meetings. Among them are included: reduction or no increase in salaries for conference staff in 2010; decreases or a freeze in current missional budgets among several annual conferences; the Council of Bishops voted to return bishop salaries to the 2008 level beginning in 2010; and general agencies of the church adjusted spending plans for 2009 and re-evaluating 2010 spending plans. These are just a few.
Experts tell us the economy will begin a turnaround near the end of the year. When? No one knows the exact day, or time, or event, or even by how much. We should be encouraged by some of the early signs of economic recovery: credit markets are thawing and the financial sector is showing early signs of growth. At the same time, our optimism should be tempered with patience. Many in our communities will continue to bear the burdens of this economic crisis and they will need our prayers and support in these difficult times. Although the likely slow pace of recovery will continue to challenge our churches, conferences, and agencies, United Methodists are still a generous people.
The Economic Advisory Committee of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GFCA) continues to monitor the situation and provide their insights to our leaders. Their models indicate that giving to apportionments in 2009 and 2010 will be below the levels of previous years, but similar to the lowered levels experienced during previous recessions.
As Methodists committed to the lessons of John Wesley, we remain faithful to the word of God as the director of our faith. As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we know that during these times, God continues to show us a new thing: mission work around the world is still continuing, leaders are developing in their effectiveness to shepherd congregations into a new path of growth, donations are being made to purchase life-sustaining supplies that will help stamp out killer diseases associated with poverty. God has, is currently, and will continue to supply all that we need to carry out our ministries, as stated in Philippians 4:19: And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (NRSV)
Thank you for your continued support of the mission and ministry of The United Methodist
Church.
Bishop Lindsey Davis
President, Board of Directors,
The General Council on Finance and Administration
A. Moses Rathan Kumar
General Secretary and Treasurer
The General Council on Finance and Administration
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:
Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ.
We wonder at times – particularly at financially difficult times like these – how did we get in this situation? We are all aware that giving within the Church has decreased, which diminishes the amount of monies available for mission and ministry. We’ve been worried and anxious about where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going. We’ve been concerned with protecting what we have; worrying that life as a United Methodist as we know it – being in ministry and doing mission work to the world – just can’t go on as it is.
It’s okay to be concerned. Healthy concern allows us to open our hearts and minds to the existing situation. It is the nature of the community to be concerned about our collective futures. And this is not a time to chastise or criticize each other for expressing these concerns. This is a time for the faithful to take action to curb the effects of the economic challenges we face today. Out of our concerns can grow constructive actions.
In many arenas, bold and deliberate actions are being taken to curb the downturn and look to the future. Annual conferences across the connection have prayerfully given consideration to their expenses by rethinking finances and focusing on ministry. They are redirecting their efforts to enhance current and developing new ministries. Praise God for this creative thinking on the part of so many United Methodists across the connection.
The United Methodist Church is in the forefront of compassionate giving. A few examples of the way groups within the connection are living into the reality of a strained economy are exemplified in the reports from annual conferences and agency board meetings. Among them are included: reduction or no increase in salaries for conference staff in 2010; decreases or a freeze in current missional budgets among several annual conferences; the Council of Bishops voted to return bishop salaries to the 2008 level beginning in 2010; and general agencies of the church adjusted spending plans for 2009 and re-evaluating 2010 spending plans. These are just a few.
Experts tell us the economy will begin a turnaround near the end of the year. When? No one knows the exact day, or time, or event, or even by how much. We should be encouraged by some of the early signs of economic recovery: credit markets are thawing and the financial sector is showing early signs of growth. At the same time, our optimism should be tempered with patience. Many in our communities will continue to bear the burdens of this economic crisis and they will need our prayers and support in these difficult times. Although the likely slow pace of recovery will continue to challenge our churches, conferences, and agencies, United Methodists are still a generous people.
The Economic Advisory Committee of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GFCA) continues to monitor the situation and provide their insights to our leaders. Their models indicate that giving to apportionments in 2009 and 2010 will be below the levels of previous years, but similar to the lowered levels experienced during previous recessions.
As Methodists committed to the lessons of John Wesley, we remain faithful to the word of God as the director of our faith. As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we know that during these times, God continues to show us a new thing: mission work around the world is still continuing, leaders are developing in their effectiveness to shepherd congregations into a new path of growth, donations are being made to purchase life-sustaining supplies that will help stamp out killer diseases associated with poverty. God has, is currently, and will continue to supply all that we need to carry out our ministries, as stated in Philippians 4:19: And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (NRSV)
Thank you for your continued support of the mission and ministry of The United Methodist
Church.
Bishop Lindsey Davis
President, Board of Directors,
The General Council on Finance and Administration
A. Moses Rathan Kumar
General Secretary and Treasurer
The General Council on Finance and Administration
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
The “Love Doctor” to Speak at National Black Church Health Summit
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – Dr. Sheron C. Patterson, senior pastor of Highland Hills United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas, will speak at the National Black Church Health Summit, being held August 5-7, 2009 at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.
The Office of African-American Ministries of the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center and Nia’s Ark, Inc. is co-hosting the summit, whose theme is “Building Bridges Between the Faith Community and Public Health,” to bring together members of the faith community, academia, health agencies and clergy leaders to address health disparities to strengthen community partnerships.
Being nationally recognized as a Christian relationship expert, Dr. Patterson has offered a helping word to many couples and had her advice broadcast via Black Entertainment Television (BET) and Jet Magazine. She has a broadcast on the syndicated ABC radio format REJOICE, called the “Love Doctor.” In addition to her experience, she is also the “relationship expert” for the Good Morning Texas television broadcast on WFAA and Channel 8.
Facing one of the biggest and most unexpected challenges of her life, Dr. Patterson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She kept hope in her heart and decided to use her illness to help others by making her recovery steps public. In doing so she created a radio, print and television education/inspiration campaign to help others face their health issues at their onset.
Dr. Patterson decided to become a health and wellness advocate in hopes of helping other women who might be facing a similar struggle. Because of her determination she became the driving force behind The Patterson Pledge, a program that motivates thousands to take control of their health. In addition to her numerous projects Dr. Patterson began to collaborate with the U.S. State Department in 2007 to host international delegations of breast cancer survivors. The intent of these delegations is to inform and inspire patients and breast survivors alike.
Breast Cancer Builds, a program that Dr. Patterson launched in 2008, brings survivors of breast cancer together to build a Habitat for Humanity house. Dr. Patterson calls Breast Cancer Builds a gratitude project, because just like the other survivors, she is grateful to God to be alive and this is one way to give back. This project raises awareness about breast cancer prevention and raises funding to provide low income women with free mammograms via a second project called Mammograms for the Masses launched in 2007 with the help of two Dallas hospitals.
Dr. Patterson is also the author of eight books. She is a member of the Southern Methodist University Board of Trustees, the Dallas Assembly, Methodist Health Care System Board of Trustees, Perkins School of Theology Board of Directors and The UMR Communications Board of Directors.
For further information about the National Black Church Health Summit, go to www.lakejunaluska.com/health-summit.aspx
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – Dr. Sheron C. Patterson, senior pastor of Highland Hills United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas, will speak at the National Black Church Health Summit, being held August 5-7, 2009 at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.The Office of African-American Ministries of the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center and Nia’s Ark, Inc. is co-hosting the summit, whose theme is “Building Bridges Between the Faith Community and Public Health,” to bring together members of the faith community, academia, health agencies and clergy leaders to address health disparities to strengthen community partnerships.
Being nationally recognized as a Christian relationship expert, Dr. Patterson has offered a helping word to many couples and had her advice broadcast via Black Entertainment Television (BET) and Jet Magazine. She has a broadcast on the syndicated ABC radio format REJOICE, called the “Love Doctor.” In addition to her experience, she is also the “relationship expert” for the Good Morning Texas television broadcast on WFAA and Channel 8.
Facing one of the biggest and most unexpected challenges of her life, Dr. Patterson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She kept hope in her heart and decided to use her illness to help others by making her recovery steps public. In doing so she created a radio, print and television education/inspiration campaign to help others face their health issues at their onset.
Dr. Patterson decided to become a health and wellness advocate in hopes of helping other women who might be facing a similar struggle. Because of her determination she became the driving force behind The Patterson Pledge, a program that motivates thousands to take control of their health. In addition to her numerous projects Dr. Patterson began to collaborate with the U.S. State Department in 2007 to host international delegations of breast cancer survivors. The intent of these delegations is to inform and inspire patients and breast survivors alike.
Breast Cancer Builds, a program that Dr. Patterson launched in 2008, brings survivors of breast cancer together to build a Habitat for Humanity house. Dr. Patterson calls Breast Cancer Builds a gratitude project, because just like the other survivors, she is grateful to God to be alive and this is one way to give back. This project raises awareness about breast cancer prevention and raises funding to provide low income women with free mammograms via a second project called Mammograms for the Masses launched in 2007 with the help of two Dallas hospitals.
Dr. Patterson is also the author of eight books. She is a member of the Southern Methodist University Board of Trustees, the Dallas Assembly, Methodist Health Care System Board of Trustees, Perkins School of Theology Board of Directors and The UMR Communications Board of Directors.
For further information about the National Black Church Health Summit, go to www.lakejunaluska.com/health-summit.aspx
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