Men's Events are scheduled throughout the year all over the Southeast. Click for a link to a list of wonderful upcoming events designed to enhance Men's walk with Jesus Christ. Events are listed in chronological order.
You might notice several recent articles for our active Men's Fellowships in North Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina & Tennessee. We are always pleased to share news from all the conferences, districts and local churches. Keep in touch and let us hear from you, too.
Send your news and photos to mensnews@sejumm.org
Alabama-West Florida UMMen at Work
AWFC unit landscapes conference assembly grounds
Eleven men from the Fairhope, Alabama, UMC did more than plant a seed: they planted 80 ornamental shrubs at the Alabama-West Florida Conference’s campground, Blue Lake. The men spent November 29th planting and mulching camellias, magnolias, sweet olives, Indian hawthorn, encore azaleas and Scarlet’s peak hollies in highly visible spots around the assembly’s three campground areas.
The work is part of the conference UMM’s 100 under 100 Project—an ongoing ministry to maintain and beautify the Blue Lake grounds. Other UMM units have updated lighting in campers’ cabins, covered windows with screens, built wheelchair ramps, recovered gables, installed benches at a vesper point for physically challenged campers, maintained individual cabins, replaced and repaired doors, and aided Blue Lake workers in rehabbing a wing of rooms and the camp’s largest kitchen.
In addition to serving Blue Lake, the men of the Fairhope UMC also sponsor an annual softball tourney to support the conference’s United Methodist Children’s Home.
Share your men's activities and events with us - mensnews@sejumm.org
A Christmas Message for Men
from John Dowell, President, UMM National Association of Conference Presidents and man of the Florida Conference. |
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The year was 1983. I was not attending a church, and I was single.
Occasionally I would stop by a little pub. This particular year, Christmas Eve was on a Saturday, and I stopped by the pub on the Wednesday before to have a little Christmas cheer with a few of my friends.
The owner of the pub told us he was going have a Christmas Eve party and he needed someone to play Santa Claus. Would any of us do it? Everyone was quiet, so I volunteered.
Remember, we were in a pub; there wouldn’t be any little kids coming up to sit on Santa’s lap—only young women.
This was going to be fun.
Saturday evening came. I dressed up in my Santa Claus suit, beard and all. I was given a bag of little wrapped gifts the owner had provided for anyone who wanted to talk to Old Santa. I walked in through the back door saying, “Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas everyone.” I went to my chair, and said, “Come up and tell old Santa what you want for Christmas.” Young ladies lined up and the fun began.
I got crazy requests like, “I’d like a Mercedes Benz.”
click for the complete story...
At the semi-annual meeting of the SEJ Association of Conference Presidents at Lake Junaluska, NC your new officers were elected for 2012-13, effective Jan. 1, 2012.
New SEJUMM officers (L-R): Ingram Howard, TN Conf President, 1st Vice President; John Croft, AL/WFL President, Secretary; Larry Price – Former President SGA Conf, President 2012-2016; Tom Starnes, NC President, Treasurer; Dick Strachan – former president WNC, 2nd VP; Henry Dozier, WNC President, 3rd VP.
Officers were elected unanimously after the Nominations Committee report at the fall gatheriing/annual meeting of the SEJ Association of UMMen Conference Presidents, Novembver 11-13 at Lake Junaluska.
All officers, except the president, will assume their office January 1, 2012 and serve a two year term. The President is elected in accordance with the Book of Discipline and has a term concurrent with the quadrenniam. Larry is now the president-elect, and will assume office immediately following the SEJ General Conference in July 2012, at the completion of LW Smith’s 4 year term.
We congratulate all the newly elected officers. With a combination of new and experienced SEJ leaders, we are confident of a bright future for UMMen in the SEJ.
(pictures and commentary by Bill Smith, Chair of the Nominating Committee and outgoing 2nd VP after some 12 years in the SEJ, 10 as an officer)
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Fifty Year Celebration of Rock Eagle,
A Blessing in North Georgia
On the weekend of 23-25 September 2011 the men of the North GA Conference celebrated 50 years of ministry at Rock Eagle. From the leadership of men like Joe Dekle, Dick Fleet, Robert Story, Jimmy Hale, Johnny Fowler, Eddie Freeman, and others our Conference men began a spiritual gathering at Rock Eagle in the fall of 1961 which has continued through this fall. |
Dr. Timothy Tennent |
We only missed meeting in 2005 as a result of the Rock Eagle facility being used to house folks displaced by hurricane Katrina. In addition from 1977 through 1990 there were two weekends each September and two of those years 1987 and 1988 there were three weekends.
Our Keynote speaker this year was Dr. Timothy Tennent President of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. Dr. Tennent is a member of the North GA Conference. His messages (4) were very inspirational and challenging. His Saturday morning message on the first and second Adam was described by several of the men I heard as the best sermon those men had ever heard. All the workshops were well attended with Allen Stewart, Allan Coppedge, Gary Whetstone, and Chris Lasky with Charles Cason drawing the most men.
One of the special features of the 50th celebration was inviting back speakers and leaders from the past which included former keynoters Allan Coppedge (1989), Joe Peabody (1993), Tom Atkins (1995), a video of Paul Blair (1998), Allen Stewart (2007), and Steve Wood (2008). We also welcomed back past Conference Presidents Bob Martin (1978), Ken Weatherford (1980), Stan England (1986), Sam McIntyre (1991), Joe Kilpatrick (1993), Norman Johnson (1997), and Jasper Russell (2007). Lastly we recognized past Executive Directors Walter Johnson (1992), Walter Boyd (2000), and Cary Loesing (2007), and our Administrative Assistant Judy Koch (1993). Mike Pniewski our excellent emcee brought back a couple of offering skits from the past to help us see how we can contribute and pledge to keep this ministry going for the next fifty years.
We enjoyed excellent praise and worship music from Crystal River, Ralph Freeman, Crosswalk, and our volunteer choir and the singing of our congregation led by Bud Sears. Other highlights included cabin sharing, the Upper Room prayer line, prayer & fasting at Collinswood on Thursday night, Bible Study on the Lake with Carey Gibson, the Rock Eagle toast, Putt Putt golf for missions as well as Eric Owen's well planned Cross & Flame Run/Walk for missions, Youth activities including rock wall climbing, Zip Line, youth workshops, and Wii games Madden 2012, and a Red Cross blood drive for the second year in a row. Other favorite ministries conducted at Rock Eagle are the annual "Potato Drop" and the new Canned Soup Drive, as well as enjoying Walt Stephens tell us the latest on Scouting Ministry.
The Rock Eagle staff led by Terri Camp were a great help to us and we are enjoying the new dining hall and three, soon to be four, new cabins and all the refurbished classrooms and the Senior Pavilion on the lake.
Start planning now to attend the 51st Rock Eagle on September 28-30 2012 with our own Bishop B. Michael Watson as our Keynote Speaker.
Questions always contact Cary Loesing and Judy Koch at our office 678-533-1455
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UMMen of Andalusia, Alabama remember 9-11
The UMM of Andalusia FUMC in Andalusia, AL, dedicated a U. S. flag to first responders in their community as part of their 911 observance. The flag will be among the 70 the church displays on its grounds on patriotic holidays. The group has also sold over 80 more flags to the city and other churches for display on those holidays. Holding the flag is John Howard, the unit’s flag chair. Also in the picture are representatives of the city’s police and fire departments and the county sheriff’s department. Last year, the unit presented copies of Strength for Service to members of the same groups.
9-11 Remembered
in Western North Carolina
“9-11: Remembering those who were slain
by honoring those still serving”
Public Safety personnel honored at 9/11 remembrance
The Western North Carolina Conference of United Methodist Men partnered with Collaborative Ventures, a Charlotte business resource group, to sponsor a 9-11 remembrance event: “9-11: Remembering those who were slain by honoring those still serving”.
800 copies of the "Strength for Service" devotional were presented to the represented groups as the memory of those lost in 9/11 was honored in the recognition of those who continue to serve.
click to see the full article with photos
This year six pastors from six different annual conferences of The United Methodist Church have been honored (l-r; row 1): Rev. Ross Carter of the North Carolina Conference; Rev. R. Phillip Short Jr. of the Florida Conference; Rev. Geneva Stafford of the South Carolina Conference; (l-r; row 2) Rev. Dr. A. Lynn Hill of the Tennessee Conference; Rev. Paul Milton of the Western North Carolina Conference; Rev. Eddie Braswell of the South Georgia Conference..
G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award for 2011 presented to six pastors in the Southeast
Honoring their work with men’s ministry for Jesus Christ
In recognition of outstanding work for the glory of God with men’s ministry in the local church, the Southeastern Jurisdiction United Methodist Men in partnership with the G. Ross Freeman Foundation presented the G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award to these pastors as nominated by their local men’s fellowship through their annual conference United Methodist Men.
This year six pastors from six different annual conferences of The United Methodist Church have been so honored: Rev. R. Phillip Short Jr. of the Florida Conference; Rev. Ross Carter of the North Carolina Conference; Rev. Dr. A. Lynn Hill of the Tennessee Conference; Rev. Geneva Stafford of the South Carolina Conference; Rev. Eddie Braswell of the South Georgia Conference; Rev. Paul Milton of the Western North Carolina Conference.
For the complete citation honoring each recipient, click on the pastor’s name.
The G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award was designed to affirm, encourage and recognize pastors who carry on the faithful commitment of its namesake, the Rev. Dr. G. Ross Freeman. Dr. Freeman has been an inspiration and mentor to men throughout the Southeastern Jurisdiction, across this nation and beyond with his years of service and leadership of the men of the church. His long history of promoting the spiritual growth of men has blessed generations of men around the world seeking a closer walk with Jesus Christ.
This year’s honorees are following in those footsteps as they share their love for the Lord Jesus Christ in their work with the men of their church.
St. James UMC Greenville presented awards to eight men of their UMM fellowship. It has been said that it is good to "give folks flowers while they can still smell 'em!"
If you have stories that glorify God in men's service for the King, share them with us at mensnews@sejumm.org
Click to read the whole story
Revised Opportunities for Service
in response to the Storms
in the Southeastern US,
Missouri & Oklahoma
The recent tragedy across the Southeastern US, Oklahoma and Missouri calls for our response with our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service as we witness the love of Jesus to our neighbors in need.
Here are the latest links for ways you can help, including connection to the Missouri & Oklahoma conferences for the latest needs there as of June 27, 2011.
reprinted courtesy of UMVIM SEJ
Conference Updates after the 2011 Spring Storms:
Below are requests from each conference. For more information, click each link.
Alabama West Florida:
Requesting roofing and re-building teams. Two debris removal teams can be used immediately. These teams will work in the Demopolis District just south and east of Tuscaloosa. Teams may call 1.866.689.5705 or go to the conference website: www.awfumc.org for more information. Charles Walters is the Tornado Response Coordinator and may be reached at charlesuwalters@gmail.com
Holston:
Now in long-term recovery mode in all sites. There are six active disaster sites in Holston and all are in need of work teams. Teams can come for days, weekends, or full weeks, and they can provide housing at each site. Teams wishing to serve can call the Call Center at 865-309-9530 or 865-309-9563. For more information, visit: http://www.holston.org/
Kentucky:
After recent flooding in Western Kentucky, the Elizabethtown District is assisting victims. They are collecting flood buckets. Cleaning supplies and volunteers for cleanup will be needed in the summer as the waters subside.For more information, visit:
http://www.kyumc.org/
Memphis Conference:
For the second year in a row, historic flooding has impacted west Tennessee. First United Methodist Church in Dyersburg will house volunteer teams and coordinate recovery projects for the northwest Tennessee area. The muck out process is underway and will continue through July 2011. Rebuilding efforts have begun and will continue through summer of 2012. Teams are housed in several rooms in the church's family life center, a kitchen, showers, WiFi, and cable TV are provided at no cost to teams. Team donations toward work projects are welcomed but not required. Teams of 25 or fewer are ideal but larger groups can be accommodated. Contact Rev. Robert Craig at FUMC. 731.285.6454 or email: rcraig@fumcdyersburg.com
Mississippi Conference:
The MS Conference is scheduling teams through MS UMVIM's new Volunteer Coordinator for 2011 tornado and flood recovery, Beth Dean. Beth is the current Volunteer Coordinator for Katrina Recovery.
Developments: It will be at least late August before we are able to schedule teams. At this time we are not soliciting teams from outside the Conference. A few teams from outside MS have made inquiries and been scheduled when and where appropriate. We are unable to house teams in excess of 50.
FEMA is in the process of forced buyouts in areas they deem not suitable for rebuilding (flood). A large portion of the homes impacted were hunting and fishing cabins and will not be part of our recovery efforts.
Thankfully the levees have held! We are expecting a rise of up to four feet in the MS River from Missouri Riverflooding. Contact information: Beth Dean, Volunteer Coordinator 866-435-7091 or email: disastercenter@meridianumc.org
North Alabama:
For the latest updates please visit: http://www.northalabamaumc.org/pages/detail/1608
Teams wishing to serve can call the Call Center for the most recent updates: 855.862.8657
North Carolina:
In response to the April 16 storms, to volunteer or for more information, click here:http://nccumc.org/outreach/
Virginia:
Outside of the Southeastern Jurisdiction:
Oklahoma: Heavily impacted areas are still off-limits, however teams are being scheduled to help with rebuilding efforts for the future. If you are a certified team leader and are ready to put together a team to serve in Tushka, please contact the Oklahoma office and Richard Norman at:rnorman@okumc.org for more information. All teams going on mission must have a certified OKVIM team leader. If you do not have a person in your church who has been to training in the last 3 years, the first step is to attend a team leader training. There will be two trainings in 2011: Sept 17 and Nov 5. You can register at: www.okvim.org
Missouri: There have been NO calls for ERTs to Joplin. No one is to go to the area uninvited. They are accepting Emergency Clean-Up Buckets and Personal Hygiene packs. Content requirements and drop-off locations can be found on their website: http://www.umocm.com/page23/page26/page26.html
If you wish to donate, any money can be sent directly to the individual Conference Offices or to the UMCOR Advance #3021326 for all US Spring Storms
Understanding Men's Ministry
Training Event a great success
Greenville District SCC UMM
The Understanding Men's Ministry Lay Speaking Course was recently approved by the General Commission on United Methodist Men working with the General Board Of Discipleship and with cooperation with Man in the Mirror.
It covers the concept of reaching men and making disciples, wherever they may be on their spiritual journey. the 12 hour course is based on the MIM book "No Man Left Behind". This was the first one held in SCC.
Though conducted by UMMen with cooperation with Lay Speaking, one does not have to be a lay speaker to participate. 14 participants from 9 churches were in attendance, 5 of whom qualified for advanced Lay Speaking credit. Several others plan to go to the Lay Speaking Basic course and receive advanced credit for this course upon completion. Dick Stachan, one of the principal co-authors of this course participated in leadership at this event..
UMMen of South Carolina
present James Award to Hardy Auston
The Greenville District, UMMen has presented a James Award to Hardy D. Auston, III, former president of the Greenville (SC) District UMMen.
L-R, Bill Smith, former president of SCC UMM and vice president of the SEJ UMM, Hardy Austen III, and Scott Bach-Hansen, the new president of the Greenville District UMMen.
click to read the entire article
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UMMen award life membership to three
at South Carolina Annual Spiritual Retreat
At their annual "spring" Spiritual Retreat, Feb 11-13 at the Radisson Hotel in Columbia, the United Methodist Men award three Life Member awards to two past presidents and to the retiring Prayer Advocate.
 l-r: L.W. Smith, past-President of SCCUMM & current President of SEJ UMMen Conference Presidents , and award recipients,Robert Scarborough, Clayton Easter, & Bill Smith.
Click for the entire article.
42,000 Pounds of Spuds Distributed Saturday Oct 30
Tennessee UMM have been hard at work disributing potatos to local food agencies.Click to read the whole story.
To read previous notices and news, click on our Archive page. |
