Complete 2012 Journal - 2012 NC Conference Journal

Section iV: Legislation and Reports 201
and canned or dried goods, frozen or refrigerated items, fresh vegetables, and toiletries are
distributed to any who have need. The pantry is also open other days of the week.
Rockingham District: St. John UMC—“Emergency Food and Shelter Ministry”
St John UMC has provided food for 4,500 families in the community over the last 3 years.
The also provide temporary emergency shelter for those in need.
Rocky Mount District: First UMC Rocky Mount—“Jobs for Life”
This ministry offers 16 class sessions that empower individuals in need to find and maintain
meaningful employment. During each 2 hour session students learn job skills as well as life
skills through timeless biblical principles. Over the last 2 years 28 persons have graduated,
most of which have greatly improved their employment situation as they attempt to break the
cycle of poverty.
Wilmington District: Grace UMC—“Children Feeding Children”
This ministry has provided 7,000 non- perishable meals over the last year for children to take
home for the weekend and at other times when school in not in session. They also provide
toiletries, small gifts, and winter coats for the children.
North Carolina Pastors’ School
and Duke Divinity School Convocation
While the church’s celebrations and teachings follow a steady cadence, we continue to seek new and
vibrant ways of interpreting the Word. The arts – in their varied forms – can provide a source of
inspiration.
These words set the stage for the 2011 Convocation & Pastors’ School on the theme: “Drawn
into Scripture: Arts and the Life of the Church.” Held at Duke Divinity School October
10-11, 2011, the event featured professor and musician Jeremy Begbie, author Marilynne
Robinson, professor and musician Anthony Kelley and the BLAK Ensemble, and author and
pastor Lillian Daniel, who helped participants explore art’s illuminating power. In addition
to worship services and 18 continuing education seminars, the 2011 event included several
noteworthy additions tied to the arts theme. These included an Arts Fair – which enabled
participants to meet featured artists, see their work, and discuss its connection to their faith
– and an exhibition of the Saint John’s Bible, a remarkable hand-lettered and illuminated
rendition of Scripture.
The 2012 Convocation & Pastors’ School will be held October 15-16, 2012, on the theme:
“Form/Reform: Cultivating Christian Leaders.” Those gathered will explore questions such
as: What do congregations need to do to form Christians for today…and tomorrow? And
what formation and reformation is needed for pastors and professors to equip the saints for
the work of ministry? Fuller Theological Seminary president Richard J. Mouw, author Andy
Crouch, theologian Sarah Coakley, and pastor Prince Raney Rivers will help guide discussion
of how to shape Christians for leadership in an increasingly diverse and evolving social
landscape.
The Convocation & Pastors’ School Board of Managers is comprised of representatives the
North Carolina and Western North Carolina Annual Conferences, and it advises and works
with Duke Divinity School to offer a quality continuing education event annually.