(click on logo for electronic version. pdf)

                               April 2008

                               This month's stories include:

Noted experts to lead Annual Conference Session

Marjorie Kimbrough brings expertise, caring to Session

Council approves minimum program budget

Bishop Lyght appoints new superintendent

Mission School for Children

Mission School to study Palestine-Israel situation

Noted experts on evangelism, spirituality to lead 2008 Annual Conference Session

For over a quarter of a century, The Reverend Walter L. Kimbrough’s ministry has been characterized by evangelism, pastoral care, teaching and community service. Further, he has provided leadership at all levels of his denomination, the United Methodist Church. It is only fitting that he should return to the church that he helped to become recognized as "A Light in the Community". In June 1992, Rev. Kimbrough was reassigned to Cascade United Methodist Church as Senior Pastor.

Currently, Rev. Kimbrough serves as National Vice Chair of Black Methodists for Church Renewal, member of North Georgia Conference Committee on Finance and Administration, member of the Coordinating Committee to Strengthen the Black Church of the United Methodist Church, and member, State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless Commission. He is also a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

A noted workshop leader, Bible Study teacher, motivator, administrator and preacher, Reverend Kimbrough receives more invitations each year than he can possibly accept. He is well-known throughout Methodism having served as past Treasurer of the General Council on Ministries of the United Methodist Church; a former Trustee of the Lake Junaluska Assembly; and member of the North Georgia Conference Committee on Evangelism for eight consecutive years, four of which he served as chairperson.

Being an active participant in community affairs, Reverend Kimbrough has served on the boards of many community based organizations including the Board of Directors of United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta; Board of the American Red Cross, Atlanta Chapter; and a former Trustee of Reinhardt College. He is the recipient of many honors and awards, some of which include an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Morris Brown College, 1991 and the Denman Award for Excellence in Evangelism in 1988.

A native Atlantan, Reverend Kimbrough received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Morris Brown College and his Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center, both of which are in Atlanta, Georgia.  His address, "Reclaiming Our Mission to the City" appears in the book The World Forever Our Parish, and he is the author of the book, Nothing is Impossible, 1992.  Additionally, he is the presenter in the Lesson 13 video of the Disciple Two Bible Study Series. Covenant

Marjorie Kimbrough brings expertise, caring to Session

Marjorie L. Kimbrough was valedictorian of her high school class in Berkeley, California, and was graduated Phi Beta Kappa in Mathematics from the University of California. She holds a Master's Degree, summa cum laude, in Christian Education from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.

Mrs. Kimbrough worked for twenty-eight years in the data processing industry. Her background includes positions as Mathematical Engineer for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Systems Representative for Burroughs Corporation, Programming Languages Consultant and Lecturer for the University Computing Company and Advanced Systems, Inc., and Human Resources Consultant and Sales Training Specialist for Management Science America, Inc. In addition, she held the positions of Instructor in Christian Education for the Interdenominational Theological Center and Professor of Religion at Clark Atlanta University.

Her first book, Accept No Limitations (A Black Woman Encounters Corporate America), won for her the 1991 Georgia Author of the Year in the area of nonfiction. Her other books include Beyond Limitations, She is Worthy (Encounters with Biblical Women), Everyday Miracles, Stories Between the Testaments: Meeting the People of the Apocrypha, Coffee Breaks of Faith, Coffee Break Devotions, Strong in Heart (Biblical Men of Compassion),  and One More Miracle. She was also a contributing author to 365 More Meditations for Women, 365 Meditations for Mothers of Teens, 365 Meditations for Families, Women of Color Bible, Devotions, and Devotional Bible.

Mrs. Kimbrough is active in church and community life. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 15 year Grady Hospital volunteer, three year member of the Georgia Council for the Arts, recipient of the H. Ross Research Woman of the Year Award; three consecutive Clark Atlanta University Faculty Excellence in Teaching Awards; the 1991 Trailblazer Award for Enhancing the Role and Status of Women in Education; the 1993 Bennett College Phenomenal Woman Award; and was named by Mirabella Magazine as one of the most influential women of the 90's.

Council approves minimum program budget

The Conference Covenant Council has approved a program budget request for 2009. Meeting last month at North Bend State Park, the Council asked the Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) to approve allocations for the program ministries of the Conference totaling $2,059,717, less than a one percent increase over 2008. Dr. Bill Wilson, director of Connectional Ministries and assistant to the Bishop, said the budget is a little more than CFA wanted, but it was the least the agencies could come up with. The budget includes no new money to increase salaries of mission project directors. Directors’ salaries are determined by the various project boards of directors.

In other business, the Council also called for a detailed accounting of the Hope for Tomorrow Major Funds Campaign. The Council asked that such an accounting be printed and accessible. Dr. Ellis Conley, pastor at First UMC, Elkins, suggested the motion because he felt contributors were entitled to know where their money is being spent.

The Rev. Randy Mitchell is coordinating the Conference effort in support of the Global AIDS Fund. He introduced to the Council a visual presentation that will soon be available to churches encouraging contributions to the Fund.

The Rev. Jim McCune, chairman of the Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, announced that the proceeds from the Bishop’s Bike Ride to the Conference session this year will be designated for the Global AIDS Fund.

Dr. Tom McDowell, chairman of the Conference Program Committee, said the Conference Session will include “more music, more worship, and more teaching.” He said the Session will be led by Walter Kimbrough and his wife Marjorie, noted authorities on evangelism and spirituality.

Dr. McDowell said the Conference will revolve around the theme of “Building a Home.” “It is our hope that those attending Conference will be inspired to return home and invite people to join our fellowship,” he said.

The Council also approved two new ministries for older and young adults. Lauren Godwin said the church must meet the needs of young adults if the church is to grown in the future.

The Rev. Amy Shanholtzer (rt), director of Evangelism and Congregational Development, announced plans for the fall “Commission Possible” evangelism gathering to be held in September in Summersville. She said arrangements are being made to accommodate a large number of people in a state of the art, comfortable meeting center.

The Rev. Don Keller, director of the Conference Camps and Education Center at Spring Heights, said the facility will celebrate its 50^th Anniversary July 26.  “All are invited,” he said.

 Bishop Lyght appoints new superintendent

Bishop Ernest S. Lyght, W.Va. Area, has announced his intention to appoint the Rev. Dr. Edward L. Grant, pastor at Steele Memorial UMC, Barboursville, to become superintendent of the Midland South District. Dr. Grant will replace Dr. Chuck Pullins, whom the bishop attends to appoint to United Methodist Temple, Beckley.

Dr. Grant grew up in Sissonville, near Charleston, and graduated from Sissonville High School and W.Va. State College. His seminary degrees are from Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY.

He has served on the following boards and agencies: Division of Health and Welfare Ministries (Vice-Chair); Board of Discipleship  (Chair); United Methodist Foundation Trustee (Treasurer); Board of Ordained Ministry; and Western District Committee on Ordained Ministry,  (Chair).

He and his wife Brenda are the parents of  son  Jeremy

     Dr. Grant said, “As District Superintendent, I will serve as a pastor to the pastors of the Midland South District.  My focus will be on encouragement and building both spiritual and numerical growth though partnership with those called to ministry. “He said, “I look forward to getting to know the pastors, their families and the people of the Midland South District as we strive together to make disciples for Jesus Christ.”  He said his goal as pastor has been to win people to Jesus Christ, and to build vital congregations through nurture, care, and equipping the members to make disciples.”

     His appointment is effective July 1.

Mission School for Children to feature study on Indians

Millie Scarberry

The West Virginia Conference UMW Children’s School of Christian Mission is shaping up to be a wonderful experience for children and youth.

According to Judy Raines, children’s school dean, “Much hard work and planning has already gone into the curriculum and faculty for the school. We are really excited about the programs and activities that are being prepared for the children. Children’s school is an exceptional way to provide your child with a first class learning experience this summer.”  CSOCM is a wonderful way to spend time with your child and provide him or her with a great multi-faceted educational experience.  It is a great value for the cost.

Brooke and Josie Fisher from Trinity UMC in Pt. Pleasant, and first-time youth attendees at last year’s School of Christian Mission, are ready to go again this year.  According to Brooke, “SOCM was totally great! We made new friends, we learned a lot, and we can’t wait to go again.” 

The School of Christian Mission for children and youth will be held concurrently with the adult school this year.  The youth study is “I Believe in Jesus.”  The children’s study will be “Creator Sang a Welcoming Song: Native America for Children.” The leaders for children (grades 1-4) will be Joshua Rider and Lynn Rupp.  Youth leaders will be Rev. Meredith Gudger-Raines and Rev. Christopher Gudger-Raines. In addition to classroom lessons, the kids will experience worship, music, crafts, games, swimming, and food.

     Scholarships for children and youth are available.  Study books for children and youth classes are available online at www.missionresourcecenter.org or by calling 1-800-305-9857.  For more information contact Judy Raines at 1624 Ohio Street, Bluefield, WV 24701, or 304-327-6956.

Mission School to study Palestine-Israel situation

Preparation is already underway for the 2008 West Virginia Conference UMW School of Christian Mission which will be held July 17-19 on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon. 

According to Diane Braun, SOCM dean, “We have a wonderful faculty in place.  We have made some adjustments based on the evaluations from last year’s school and we hope that this year’s school will be a good experience for everyone.  We are excited!” The conference theme for this year’s school is “To Know God Is to Be Mission-Minded Women.”

     The spiritual growth study this year is “I Believe in Jesus.”  This study deals with four key components:  (1) the gift of faith in Jesus Christ, (2) the meaning of faith in Jesus, (3) whose faith counts, and (4) faith in Jesus in a post-modern world.   

     The study will also include the development of Christian doctrines, the historical expressions of the co-opting of Christian faith, and the prayerful consideration of who Jesus is for us and the world.  The leader for this study will be the Rev. Dr. John Hardman.

The mission study for this year is “Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival.”  The purposes of this study are to learn about the inter-relatedness between the indigenous peoples and their land, to identify selected key issues affecting the Native Americans in the United States and to examine the root causes of these issues, to understand and appreciate the “Give Away” culture of the Native Americans in the areas of spirituality, ecology, language, storytelling, and food, and to lead the participants to act as responsible U.S. citizens and Christians in accompaniment and solidarity with Native Americans.  The study will search for appropriate ways for United Methodists to be engaged in mission with Native Americans. Leaders for this study include Brenda Connelly, Dr. Carol Markstrom, Jane Morse, and Rosetta Schaffner.

The 2008 geographic study is Israel/Palestine.  The purpose of this study is to help participants learn about the history and complexities of relationships between Israel and Palestine, to understand the concepts of security and freedom that dominate the lives of these peoples, and to challenge participants to move through tolerance and respect to achieve a just peace.  Leaders for this study are Jim and Marcia Florkey.

The Women’s Division theme for this year is “Living the Sacred.”  “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good” concludes the unfolding story of God’s creation of the earth and its living creatures as revealed in Genesis, Chapter 1.  Native American traditions teach us that creation includes all that comes from the heart and mind of God is sacred.  To Believe in Jesus is to love as God loved and live as Christ lived, valuing all creation. While God has given humanity the gift of life and relationship, too often we have created barriers between people and lands as in Israel and Palestine.

Study books are I Believe in Jesus by Bishop Minerva Carcano with a study guide by Glory Dharmaraj; Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival by Thom White Wolf Fassett with study guide by Brenda Connelly; and Israel and Palestine by Steve Goldstein with study guide by Sandra Olewine.  Books may be ordered online at www.missionresourcecenter.org or by telephoning 1-800-305-9857. Rhonda Adkins will be doing the music and Rev. Richard Work will be doing the worship centers and AV’s.

Scholarships are available and registration materials will be available at the Spiritual Growth Retreat and any time thereafter. Betty Bailey is serving as the registrar.  She can be reached at 2179 Right French Creek Rd., St. Marys, WV 26170, 304-684-7135, or bettybwv@peoplepc.com.  The special event for this year’s school will be a banquet and Native American entertainment on Friday evening.

FUTURE PREPARATION—Clergy members of the Conference listen for information that will help them prepare for retirement. The Treasurer’s Office sponsored the workshop. The United Methodist Foundation is sponsoring two workshops this month.