Resourcing local pastors and churches in the Beacon District to help make disciples of all nations for the transformation of the world.
(Lay Speaking Required Course in UM History) This course is offered by the Beacon District Lay Servant Ministries Team on August 14th. It will be held virtually (via ZOOM) from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm that day. This session will be facilitated by Ginny Crocker and Tom Santa. Faithful Christian discipleship requires a foundation in… Continue Reading→
Spiritual Gifts will be offered virtually on June 5th and June 12th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on ZOOM. The Rev Benny Oakes, Pastor of First UMC in Elizabeth City, NC and Suzanne Nelson, Beacon District LSM Co-Director, will facilitate this course. The course focuses on gaining a better understanding of the church and its ministry needs… Continue Reading→
Month of May A good word spoken in season can be life giving. May is a month that we appreciate our school teachers, our Mothers and the Asian Pacific Community. Everyone can use a kind word of appreciation. These words should be spoken throughout the year and we know our human tendency to forget, so… Continue Reading→
Prayer for Elizabeth City Elizabeth City has become a part of the story that consumes our society. Another death, another police officer and another time of questioning why did this happen. Where does it all end? Where is God in all of this troublesome time? The AMEZ Church and the UMC in Elizabeth City are… Continue Reading→
Beginning May 3rd, First United Methodist Church will offer a series of seminars on the conversation around human sexuality in the United Methodist Church. These seminars will concentrate on topics before the General Conference of the world church, in particular possible changes in the ordination of LGBTQIA+ clergy and the recognition of same sex unions, which may come to a vote at… Continue Reading→
I was an elementary school teacher for 15 years before becoming the AADS for the Beacon District. This sort of paradigm shift caused me to change the way I thought about my career. As a teacher, I always felt so rushed, stressed out, and overworked. Now, I am more balanced than ever because my work is… Continue Reading→
Up, Up, Up!!! Holy Week holds a special place in my heart and in the lives of our family of United Methodists. This week captures so many emotions and the witness of God’s love for us all through Jesus Christ brings a crescendo celebration on Easter morning. The Christian Culture of life, love and hope… Continue Reading→
Sands of the Seashore and Stars in the Heaven Our coastal communities have a unique view of the world. When walking on the beach, your feet connect with grains of sand too numerous to count. Looking to the heavens, the stars seem brighter than anywhere else you have gazed and the multitude is far too… Continue Reading→
Seasons of Pandemic and Lent This message was delivered to the Beacon District Clergy at their gathering on Zoom on Saturday, February 27, 2021. Please read Psalm 22:23-31 and Mark 8:27-29 before reading this message. In a season of pandemic, in a season of Lent, it is challenging to say the least to stay in… Continue Reading→