Complete 2012 Journal - 2012 NC Conference Journal

270 The North Carolina Annual Conference – 2012 Journal
thanks for all that has been through the faithfulness of churches, laity and clergy and await
in confidence and trust to what new thing God is doing and will do as we become the new
Corridor District. Our prayer for the future remains, “God of grace and God of glory, grant
us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss thy Kingdom’s goal...”
Durham District
One of Wesley’s rules was “How are you staying in love with God?” The Durham District
has done many things since 1885 when it became a distinct district within our conference.
Thousands upon thousands of people have professed faith through its churches’ ministries
and many human needs have been answered through its work. In this past year the Spirit has
worked through the people of the Durham District. That has led to:
Six churches who had their first professions of faith in over 10 years.
È The launching of a new faith community, The CityWell.
È Scheduled and structured dialogues about open appointment-making
È Durham area churches beginning and sustaining a Habitat for Humanity house build
È Seven churches moving to give either back to full payment of their entire
apportionment or developing and sustaining a plan to do so in the relatively near future
È A church building project completed and consecrated at Warren’s Grove; one project
begun at Aldersgate; two other projects approved. A parsonage renovated with an
addition at Salem (Granville)
Thanks be to God for the state of the Durham District and the promise of the Holy Spirit to
lead us on.
H. Gray Southern,
District Superintendent
Fayetteville District
Located in the office of the Fayetteville District is a report dated December 1, 1974. The
resident Bishop was Robert M. Blackburn, the District Superintendent was James H. .Miller,
Jr. and the District Lay Leader was L. Stacy Weaver, Jr. The District Conference was held
at Cumberland United Methodist Church. The Fayetteville District is deeply rooted with a
Wesleyan Methodist past rich with faithful followers leading disciples to Jesus Christ.
We have completed our third Incubator group training clergy and laity.
Under the leadership of the district lay leader, Colleen Astrike, the new format for the Lay
Rally continues to be a huge success. Each church holds a one day Community Outreach
Missions day. A few great examples are, Hope Mills UMC, with the leadership of Rev.
Dennis Sheppard, held a community family fun day with games, food and a Gospel Sing. Rev.
Woody Wells and members of Haymount UMC continues their on-going Urban Ministry
and participated in Operation In-As-Much. Grace UMC served U-Care, a local domestic
violence shelter. Rev. Carol Dean and the laity at Hopewell UMC honored Fire Fighters,
Rescue and Law Enforcement. They also have a Shaw ministry with prayer for ailing people.
Rev. Kong Namkung and his congregation at St. Matthew UMC supported Roxie Center for
the mentally ill by providing pajamas and blankets and a cook-out. First UMC Clinton with