School of Christian Mission - July 15-18, 2010

2010 School of Christian Mission - Registration Brochure
NEW! [Brochure - PDF]
Registration Deadline: May 1, 2010 through June 21, 2010

2010 Teen Women Mission Event Registration Form
Coming Soon! [PDF]
The Teen Women Mission Event will be Saturday, July 17th at the School of Christian Mission.
Registration Deadline: TBA

Each year, United Methodist Women gather at locations all over the United States to learn more about missions and about being in mission. In a United Methodist News Service commentary...Schools of Christian Mission were described as some of the very best lay faith education being offered in The United Methodist Church. In our Western North Carolina Conference School of Christian Mission, three courses of study are offered, along with a variety of other opportunities. Return to this site for updates...including information about our studies, our study leaders, and more!

2010 School of Christian Mission Theme: Faith. Hope. Love in Action As people of FAITH, we trust in the promise of Christ to bring light into darkness and new life to brokenness and death. As people of HOPE, we celebrate and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Together in the world we are partners in God’s mission of healing and wholeness so that all might have abundant life. As people of God, we LOVE because God first loved us. It is out of that love that we welcome all into community, unite what is divided, mend what is broken, call for peace where there is war, make just what is unjust, and offer hope where there is despair. FAITH • HOPE • LOVE IN ACTION: All God’s people in mission together in the world!
Mission Studies
Spiritual Growth Study	General Issue Study	Geographic Study
For the Love of God: John's Letters	*Mission and Evangelism*	*The Beauty & Courage of Sudan*
Written by Justo L. and Catherine Gunsalus González, this study offers an in-depth study of John’s Letters. It seeks to answer key questions such as “Who wrote the Letters?,” “To whom were they written originally?,” and “What do these Letters mean today to us?” Further the study explores the common references such as the polarity between life and death, light and darkness, truth and falsehood in John’s Letters and the Fourth Gospel. The study also examines the resemblance of images and phrases that appear in John’s Letters and the Fourth Gospel, including the view that salvation consists in “having life,” God being “light,” Christian life as “walking in light,” and many others.	This mission study reflects the conviction that for United Methodists, mission and evangelism flow from the joyous gratitude for the Good News of Jesus Christ.” Joy to the World: Mission in the Age of Global Christianity by Dana L. Robert, with study guide by Toby Gould, explores the theology of mission and evangelism in the twenty-first century context of Christianity as a world-wide religion. The study invites us to look at why we are involved in mission and how we proclaim the Good News in Jesus Christ. What are the biblical mandates for mission? Does Christ call each of us to be his evangelist?	For the past twenty years the country of Sudan has been plagued with severe drought. The shortages of food due to the drought have sometimes reached famine proportions. The climate change is not just a looming crisis, but a reality on the ground. Then there are the wars of the Sudan: unremitting, for nearly all its history. Explored in this study are an overview of history that began in Bible times; the country’s main ethnicities, religions and languages; the possible causes for the wars; and the way Sudanese women are contributing to the peace process and to the culture as a whole.
Link to complete study description [PDF]	Link to complete study description [PDF]	Link to complete study description [PDF]
Study Leader: Rev. Dana McKim	Study Leaders: Betty Swarthout Brenda Connelly Dr. Philip Wingeier-Rayo Rev. Mike Collins Lynn Sloan Barnes Rev. Mark Barden	Study Leaders: Martha Phillips Sandrea Williamson
One-Day Overview Leaders: Janet Turner Jo Pyatt	One-Day Overview Leaders: Janice Lentz Ann Aldridge
Study Resources: (Available from Mission Resource Center) Coming Soon...	Study Resources: (Available from Mission Resource Center) Coming Soon...	Study Resources: (Available from Mission Resource Center) The Beauty and Courage of Sudan, Why a Dream of Peace Is Possible, by Linda Beher with study guide by Maxine West. The mission study for 2009-2010 offers a portrait of Sudan’s spirit of courage, promising the hope that eventually they will realize their dream of peace. Piece Work / Peace Work - Working Together for Peace and Sudan, by Martha Bettis Gee. This children's study teacher's guide explores the intersection between piece work and peace work. Children examine the complex diversity in Sudan, much like pieces of a quilt. *New World Outlook* - Online Articles from May/June 2009 issue on Sudan. *The Hope of Sudan* - An audio slideshow, photos of the children of Sudan by Paul Jeffrey, a United Methodist missionary. Watch the slideshow.
þ Link to John's Letters Website	þ Link to Mission and Evangelism Website	þ Link to Sudan Website

The Spiritual Growth Study will be offered for everyone in the Chapel. Resident and Non-Resident students may also choose one of the other courses for more intensive study. One-Day Overview Students will receive overviews (1 1/2 hours each) of both the Spiritual Growth Study (For the Love of God: John's Letters) and the General Issue Study (Mission and Evangelism).
Teen Women Event Leader: Sherry Sink
Workshop for Leaders of Children: Sandy Hieronymus
Music Leaders: Amy Johnson & Donna Ireland Media & Technical Specialists: Linda Reep, Sharon Quate, Lynne Gilbert and Sara Williams

Schedule Overview & Other Information
Program Highlights / Schedule Overview	Coming Soon! 2010 School of Christian Mission - FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) [PDF] Coming in July! School of Christian Mission - 2010 Program Book [PDF]
Who Should Attend?	Local officers and members of UMW; District and Conference UMW Officers; District Chairpersons of Outreach Ministries; Ministers; All men, women, and youth of the Church; and Anyone who would like to worship God, learn new things, and enjoy the fellowship of Christians.
Registration Fees and other costs:	Resident Students	$125.00 (Optional: Additional charge for Private Room - $18.50, Additional charge for Linens - $10.75) ($25.00 of Registration Fee is non-refundable. There will be no refunds without at least 7 days notice.)
	Non-resident Students	$35.00 (no meals included) (Registration fee is non-refundable)
	One Day Overview Students	$15.00 (no meals included) (Registration fee is non-refundable)
	Teen Women Event Students	$15.00 (Lunch included) (Registration fee is non-refundable)
Registration Deadline:	All students must pre-register (Resident, Non-resident, One Day, and Teen Women Participants). See registration brochure (available here on our website, from District Presidents or in your District Newsletters). There will be NO on-site registration. All registrations must be postmarked by June 21, 2010.
One-Day Overview:	Spiritual Growth Study and General Issue Study: Either Friday OR Saturday. Registration time: See Program Book. Session times: See Program Book. The mission study texts will be available for purchase in the registration area on Friday and Saturday mornings.
Teen Women Event:	Date: Saturday, July 17, 2010 Cost: $15.00 (Includes Lunch) More information
Location:	Greensboro College, 815 West Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. College Switchboard: (336) 272-7102. Campus security: ext.245.
Contact for Questions:	Michelene Mathews, Dean, 2010 School of Christian Mission, michelenemathews@yahoo.com

Teen Women Mission Event

Each One Bring One

Date: Saturday, July 17, 2010
Cost: $15.00 (Includes Lunch)
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Leader: Sherry Sink

Join us for a day of activities, study, learning opportunities, and FUN.

It will be a special opportunity to grow in mission...begin now to invite teen women from your church to be a part of the Teen Women Event at the School of Christian Mission!

Teen women who are registered for the entire school may participate in the Teen Women Event on Saturday at no extra charge.

Click here: 2010 Teen Women Event Registration Form [PDF] - Persons attending the Saturday “Teen Women Mission Event” only need to complete the “Covenant” and “Consent of Parent” portions of the teen registration form. They do not need to fill out and turn in the 4 page Youth Participation Covenant & Consent form shown at right.

Advance registration is required, and registrations must be received by TBA.

Have you invited a young woman, or more than one, to the School of Christian Mission? What if your unit sent "ONE" (or more than one!) young woman to the participate in the whole School of Christian Mission?

The entire school will be an opportunity for young women to grow in mission. What an opportunity for you to share United Methodist Women!

Each one brings one...What an awesome idea!

Coming Soon! 2010 Youth Participation Covenant & Consent Forms [PDF] - Youth who are attending the School as residents or non-resident students or one day overview students need to fill out and mail in the Youth Participation Covenant & Consent Form.

Young Women at the School of Christian Mission

Hands On Mission Opportunity

Our Hands-On Mission Opportunity for the 2010 School of Christian Mission will be:

UMCOR Health Kits

Click here to download a flyer with complete information about our hands-on mission project

Because of the earthquake and humanitarian disaster in Haiti, UMCOR has expressed an urgent need for Health Kits. We know that churches and local units have been involved in making kits for the round of January pick-ups across the conference. That is wonderful! Thank you!

Western North Carolina Conference United Methodist Women want to continue that effort for our hands-on mission opportunity for the 2010 School of Christian Mission. The need for health kits is great, and ongoing. Not only does UMCOR need the kits for relief efforts in Haiti...they also need to continually re-supply so that UMCOR is ready to help when the next disaster happens.

Encourage others in your local unit and congregation to participate...even if they cannot attend the School of Christian Mission. We will deliver the health kits to our conference Mission Response Center for shipment to the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot. Participating in this Hands-On Mission Opportunity will help your local unit to meet Mission Today criteria #23.

Health kits provide basic necessities to people who have been forced to leave their homes because of human conflict or natural disaster. Health kits are also used as learning tools in personal hygiene, literacy, nutrition and cooking classes. When people gain the knowledge and materials to maintain personal hygiene, their overall health improves.

UMCOR Health Kit Contents:

Place the following NEW items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.

1 hand towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", no kitchen towels)
1 washcloth
1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, no child-size brushes)
6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages

In a separate envelope, please include a check payable to UMCOR Sager Brown for at least $2.00 per kit to help with the costs of buying one tube of toothpaste, and the costs of processing and shipping the kits around the world. Please do not put the money envelope in your UMCOR Health Kit bag.

If you are bringing multiple kits, it is fine to just write one check in an amount sufficient to cover all of your kits. If your whole unit is collecting the kits, it will be okay to collect the money and put it all in one envelope to be turned in when you drop off your kits at the School of Christian Mission. (NOTE: UMCOR is now purchasing toothpaste in bulk to be added to health kits before shipping to ensure that the product does not expire before it is sent.)

If at all possible, please pack your kits in a box that can be handled easily by our women and write the total number of kits on the side of the box. (Paper case boxes are a nice size.) We are trying to make it as easy as possible to collect, count and transport our Health Kits.

Important Kit Assembly Information:

All items included in kits must be NEW items.
All emergency kits are carefully planned to make them usable in the greatest number of situations. Since strict rules often govern product entry into international countries, It is important that kits contain only the requested items - nothing more.
Do NOT include any personal notes, money or additional materials in the kits. These things must be painstakingly removed and will delay the shipment.
Please do not include any religious, political or patriotic notes or emblems in any kit.

Thank you for your generous support of our hands-on mission opportunity!

2010 Information Flyer - School of Christian Mission Hands On Mission Opportunity (PDF)

Have a question? Need more information?

YouTube video about the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot

Registration Information & Logo

Registration Information
Downloadable forms, etc.

2010 Logo Graphic
Faith. Hope. Love in Action

New! Registration Brochure
[Brochure - PDF]
Registrations accepted: May 1, 2010 through June 21, 2010

Youth Participation Covenant & Consent Forms [PDF]
Required for all Youth registrations for resident, non-resident & one-day overview participation. Teen Women Event participants must complete the covenant & consent on the special Teen Women Event registration form.

Coming Soon! Teen Women Event - Registration Brochure [PDF]

Coming in June! Conference Gram - School of Christian Issue [PDF]

Coming Soon! Frequently Asked Questions - School of Christian Mission FAQ Sheet [PDF]

What's the Weather in Greensboro?

Map of Greensboro College

For more information

Related Website: Greensboro College

Related Website: City of Greensboro

Faith. Hope. Love in Action - Color JPG
Click on Color JPG link to get high resolution file

Faith. Hope. Love in Action - Grayscale JPG
Click on Grayscale JPG link to get high resolution file

Resources & Links for 2010 Mission Studies

For the Love of God: John's Letters
The Beauty and Courage of Sudan
Mission and Evangelism

Mission Resource Center Toll Free: 1-800-305-9857

Place your order online! Mission Resource Center E-Store

Mission Study texts and resources will be available at all conference events

Meet Our Study Leaders

Coming Soon!

The 2010 School Officers Welcome you!


Michelene Mathews	Karen Wilkerson	Peggy Wilkerson	Brenda Alexander
*Dean*	Assistant Dean	Business Manager	Housing Manager

2010 Hostess District:
Waynesville District
Velma Zeek, District President

2010 School of Christian Mission Committee:
Michelene Mathews (chair); Karen Wilkerson, Peggy Wilkerson, Brenda Alexander, Mildred Carter, Tonya Lanier, Ann Aldridge, Julia Willis, Dixie Tyson, Sherry Sink, Martha Phillips, Virginia Robinson, Kim Keyse, Janice Lentz, Rev. Mark Barden, Velma Zeek, and Sandy Letchworth.

Directions To Greensboro College

Map of Greensboro College

Please Note! College Place, the street that runs through the Greensboro College campus, has been partially closed. See below for more information and directions.

From the North (and the East from I-85)

From Interstate 85
I-85 South merges with I-40 past Durham. As you approach Greensboro, follow Business 85 South/I-40 West into Greensboro/Winston-Salem (exit #131). Business 85 South will then split from I-40 West. Stay to the right and Follow I-40 West (may soon be marked as Business 40) towards Winston-Salem. ** Go approximately 7 miles and take the Wendover Avenue exit (#214). Turn right when coming off the exit ramp and follow Wendover Avenue approximately 3.8 miles to the Downtown/Market Street exit. Turn right at the traffic light at the bottom of the exit ramp. Follow Market Street for 1.7 miles. Turn right onto College Place.

From Highway 29
Follow I-29 South into Greensboro until it merges with South Business 85/I-40 West. Stay to the right and follow I-40 West (may soon be marked as Business 40) towards Winston-Salem. Follow directions at the asterisk (**) from this point.

From Highway 220
Follow into Greensboro (it turns into Battleground Avenue). Continue on Battleground Avenue towards downtown Greensboro for several miles. Turn right onto Hill Street after the railroad crossing. Take immediate left onto Mendenhall Street. Continue a half a mile to the second light (West Market Street) and turn left. Take your first right onto College Place.

FROM THE SOUTH

From Interstate 85
Take the Business 85/ Business-40 West exit (#120-A) into Greensboro. From Business 85, take the Holden Road exit (#34). Turn right at the top of the ramp onto Holden Road. Follow Holden Road for approx. 10 miles. After going under the Wendover Avenue overpass take a right at the 3rd light. This is West Market Street. Follow West Market Street for approximately 2 miles and turn right onto College Place. NOTE: If you missed exit #120-A to get off on Business 85, take the first exit after that (#124 – Elm-Eugene Street) off of I-85N. Turn left off the exit ramp. Follow Elm-Eugene into downtown Greensboro (street name will change to Eugene Street). Cross West Market Street and turn left onto Friendly Avenue at the next light. Follow Friendly Avenue to the 4th light, Mendenhall Street, and turn left. Turn left at light onto West Market Street. Turn right onto College Place.

From Highway 220
Take the second I-40 West exit (#81 toward Winston-Salem). Stay on I-40 West (may soon be marked as Business 40) until you reach the Wendover Avenue exit (#214). Follow the FROM THE NORTH directions for Interstate 85 at this point.

From Highway 421
Follow Highway 421 to Business 85 South/ I-40 West. Stay on I-40 West (may soon be marked as Business 40) until you reach the Wendover Avenue exit (#214). Follow the FROM THE NORTH directions for Interstate 85 at this point.

FROM THE WEST

From Interstate 40
Take Exit #212 and follow Business 40 East into Greensboro. Stay on Business 40 East until the Wendover Avenue East exit (#214-B). Turn right at the top of the exit ramp, then stay on Wendover Avenue for 3.8 miles and take the Downtown/Market Street exit. Turn right at the traffic light at the bottom of the exit ramp and go 1.7 miles. Turn right onto College Place.

From the Piedmont Triad International Airport

From the main terminal, follow the signs to Bryan Boulevard. You will come to the stoplight and turn right onto Bryan Blvd. Travel approximately 9 miles and get into the right lane as you come into the curve. Get into the right hand turn lane and make a right onto Hill Street. Make an immediate left onto Mendenhall Street. Go half a mile and make a left onto Market Street, getting into the far right lane as you turn. Take the first right onto College Place. The Greensboro College sign is on the left and the Welcome Center is on the corner on the right as you turn.

Where Do I Go When I Get There?

Coming Soon! Click here for: FAQ Sheet - 2010 School of Christian Mission (Frequently Asked Questions) [PDF]

Registration (except for one-day overview and Teen Women Event students) will be in the Lea Center (#2 on the map).

On Friday and Saturday, registration for one-day overview students and Saturday Teen Women Event attendees will be in the lobby of the Cowan Building (#5 on the map). You will receive your registration packet, class assignment, and room assignment for resident students. Please note—the circle parking lot behind the Lea Center should be used only for drop-off of passengers & luggage, not for parking. You can enter the back of the Lea Center from the circle via the ramp.

Parking Option 1: (Mainly for resident students) Drop off your luggage & passengers at the circle behind the Lea Center (Main Building) and park in the large lot off of McGee (near #24 on the map). You can reach that lot by turning right on South Mendenhall Street (before you get to College Place), and then turn left at the second street, which is McGee Street. Turn left at College Place, and the parking lot is on your left. You can reach the circle lot behind Lea Center for dropping off luggage by continuing up College Place to the first right, which is the entrance to the circle lot.

Parking Option 2: (Mainly for day students and one-day overview students) Park in the lot on the right off of College Place just after you turn off of West Market Street. This is a convenient & easy access lot to leave your car during the day.

Note: To reach the large McGee parking lot from the Cowan parking lot, you must go back out College Place and turn right on West Market Street, staying in the right lane. Turn right at the second light onto South Spring Street, and stay in the right lane. Stay on Spring Street through the first light, and then turn right at the first street after that light, which is W. McGee Street. Continue on McGee to College Place, and then turn right onto College Place. The parking lot is on your left.

Prior Year Mission Studies / Information
Click Here to Visit General Board of Global Ministries Website pages about Mission Studies
2009 þ Link to Food and Faith Website	2009 þ Link to Native American Website	2009 þ Link to Sudan Website
2008 þ Link to I Believe in Jesus Website	2008 þ Link to Native American Website	2008 þ Link to Israel/Palestine Website
2007 þ Link to Music and Mission Website	2007 þ Link to Israel/Palestine Website	2007 þ Link to Globalization Website
NEW! Free Download PDF! Singing God's Mission Youth Spiritual Growth Study Guide [PDF]	From Women's Division Website: Additional Information for Israel/Palestine 2007-2008 Mission Study [PDF]	From Women's Division Website: Cartoon - What's Global? [PDF] Globalization Timeline [PDF]
2010 Mission Studies: For the Love of God: John's Letters Mission and Evangelism The Beauty and Courage of Sudan	2009 Mission Studies: Food and Faith Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival The Beauty and Courage of Sudan	2008 Mission Studies: I Believe in Jesus Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival Israel/Palestine
2007 Mission Studies: Music and Mission Israel / Palestine Globalization: Its Impact on People's Lives	2006 Mission Studies: Shalom - Salaam - Peace Globalization: Its Impact on People's Lives India and Pakistan	2005 Mission Studies: Children of the Bible Public Education India and Pakistan
2004 Mission Studies: Concerning Prayer Public Education Cuba	2003 Mission Studies: Exodus: The Journey to Freedom Creating Interfaith Community Mexico: Labyrinth of Faith	2002 Mission Studies: James Mexico: Labyrinth of Faith Restorative Justice
2001 Mission Studies: Jesus & Courageous Women Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos: Lands and People Global Health and Christian Response-Ability	2000 Mission Studies: Paul's Letters to the Corinthians Children of Africa God's People in an Urban Culture	1999 Mission Studies: The Bible, Part II Mission in the 21st Century Humanity Comes of Age
1998 Mission Studies: The Bible, Part I Refugees and Global Migration Indonesia	1997 Mission Studies: Joshua & the Land Brazil Living as Christians in the Midst of a Violent Society	1996 Mission Studies: John Wesley China and Hong Kong Living in a Multicultural Society
2009 School of Christian Mission Program Book (PDF) 2008 School of Christian Mission Program Book (PDF) 2007 School of Christian Mission Program Book (PDF) 2006 School of Christian Mission Program Book (PDF) 2005 School of Christian Mission Program Book (PDF) 2004 School of Christian Mission Program Book (PDF)

Images and Information from Our 2009 School

Images from the 2009 School of Christian Mission
Thanks to Jane Norman for sharing her photos!

Download Program Pieces from the 2009 School of Christian Mission:

PowerPoint - Food & Faith - Angela Pleasants
[Session 1] [Session 2] [Session 3] [Session 4a] [Session 4b]

Song - I've Been Working for Jesus - Pat Gilbert [PDF]

Sudan Plenary - PowerPoint & Script - Mark Barden
[PowerPoint] [Script - Word] [Script - PDF]
Note: The PowerPoint file for the Sudan Plenary is large...over 6MB.

Resources from the Workshop for Leaders of Children - Sandy Hieronymus
[Outline/Resources/Photos - PDF]
Note: The workshop file is large...approximately 4MB.

Thank You! 2009 Hands-On Mission Project Giving Report

At our 2009 School of Christian Mission, our hands-on mission project was a wonderful example of the generous giving of United Methodist Women across our conference. Our main project this year was to collect UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Layette Kits,, which provide basic supplies for a mother to welcome her newborn child into the world. And, as is the case at every conference UMW event, we are always willing & grateful to receive any of the other UMCOR kits and bulk items.

Here is the report from Virginia Robinson, our conference Mission Cooordinator for Education and Interpretation, on our hands-on giving at the School of Christian Mission:

We collected a number of individual items: 6 diapers, 26 blankets, 76 diaper pins, 7 sleepers, 52 washcloths, 5 onesies, and 10 miscellaneous tops, pants & dresses.

We collected 42 sewing kits, 38 health kits, and 4 cleaning buckets (formerly called flood buckets).

And, we collected 1,139 layette kits!

Based on the UMCOR estimated value of the various kits, our hands-on mission project giving totaled over $41,000...PLUS the value of the individual items received.

That is an awesome response! THANK YOU!!!

Please share this information with your local unit!

Images and Information from Our 2008 School

Check it Out!
Western North Carolina Conference School of Christian Mission Featured in
July 11th issue of United Methodist Reporter

2008 School of Christian Mission - Program Book [PDF]

The PURPOSE of United Methodist Women
The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.