Lambuth University named One of the Top 100

Washington Post Staff Writer Jay Mathews named Lambuth University one of “the top 100 outstanding (but under-appreciated) colleges” in the nation. Lambuth is among the “hidden gems” identified by Mathews in his book “Harvard Schmarvard: Getting Beyond the Ivy League to the College That Is Best for You.” Other Tennessee schools in the top 100 include Rhodes and the University of the South. The article was written following a year of research and surveys of guidance counselors and teachers, as well as feedback from readers, parents and students. An excerpt from his book states about Lambuth, “This United Methodist Church-related school has a liberal arts tradition with small classes.”

“Taking Care of Family” is theme of AC 2003 offering for African Ministry

The offering at Annual Conference 2003 will be directed to Kamina, a school and ministry for children in the North Katanga Conference of the Congo. One question often heard is: “Didn’t we raise money for the Congo in 2000 and 2002?” The answer, in a nutshell, is “Yes.” In 2000, we raised $110,634 to build the Bishop Carder Bantu Home School. In 2002, we donated $74,079 for medical care and nutrition for the orphaned and abandoned children. Through the Bishop’s Initiative on Children and Poverty, the North Katanga Conference (Congo) was named the sister conference of the Nashville Area (Memphis and Tennessee Annual Conferences). The Memphis Conference is helping to provide long term solutions to the problems of nutrition, health, education and shelter for the children of this war-torn African nation. Any money raised in 2003 will be used to continue this vital support.

Bishop William Morris writes: “Together, we can make a difference by “Taking Care of Family” in Kamina in the year 2003! Please prayerfully consider giving of your own resources to make food, housing, and medical care a reality for these children. We have set a minimum goal of $100,000 for the Memphis Conference and we can meet that goal if each and every adult and child contributes just $1.10.”

On Sunday evening, June 1, during the opening worship service of Annual Conference in Jackson, Tenn., each church will be asked to bring their contribution forward.

Tate receives Lambuth Award for leadership

Craig Tate, one of the first Bishop’s Scholars at Lambuth University, recently received the annual Lambuth Campus Congregation Christian Leadership Award. The award is presented by the Religious Life Committee to the student who exhibits the best qualities of leadership on behalf of religious life endeavors at the university. Tate graduates this year and plans to attend Candler School of Theology, Emory University. He is a certified candidate for ordained ministry in the Memphis Conference. The Rev. Andrew Thompson, Lambuth’s associate chaplain, said, “Lambuth is a better place because Craig passed this way.” Tate is the son of Rev. Bill Tate and his wife Marcia.

Internet expert offers online resource for church’s future

Beginning in April, a new online community will give United Methodists a chance to shape the future of their church. A New Connection: Shaping The United Methodist Church for the 21st Century will feature online resources and discussion directed by the Rev. Ken Bedell, an expert on the Internet and the church. Reporter Interactive, the online edition of the United Methodist Reporter will sponsor the site which is intended to provide an open forum to engage all levels of the United Methodist Church in discussion of organizational structure. Check www.reporterinteractive.org/newconnect/.

‘Welcoming’ a lifestyle at Trenton First

  “Embracing newcomers and providing opportunities for discipleship in our congregations is a lifestyle!”

 Proudly displaying the plaque that names Trenton First UMC an “Official Welcoming Congregation,” are L-R) Gloria Jones, Joseta Barker and the Rev. Steve Mischke

By Cathy Farmer

Fewer than 100 United Methodist churches across the nation have earned the designation “Official Welcoming Congregation” from Igniting Ministry.

First United Methodist Church in Trenton, Tenn. is one of them.

“The designation is recognition for churches engaged in good welcoming skills,” said Jackie Vaughan, Director of Matching Grants for the national evangelism campaign.

“The churches we’ve recognized with a plaque are those where welcoming has become a life style.”

The Rev. Steve Mischke, pastor of Trenton First, says the West Tennessee church filled out a very detailed checklist and provided follow-up information and documentation in order to win the award.

“But it really wasn’t that difficult,” he said. “Our church was already doing many of the required tasks.” He ticked off “a weekly hospitality time” as an example. “We were already gathering for coffee before Sunday School and then between Sunday School and church.”

Trenton First received 5 points (of the required 100) for its weekly follow-up visit by laity to first-time guests.

Joseta Barker and Gloria Jones volunteered for the duty at the church’s annual planning retreat.

“We visit newcomers about once a month,” said Ms. Jones, “but we wish it were every week!”

The two women bake pies, bread, cake or cheesecake to take along with them on the house call. “Pretty much whatever’s handy and we feel like baking,” they agreed.

Gloria chuckled. “The visitors feel obligated to come back after you bring them a pie!” she said.

Trenton First also received points for

• A church brochure (10)

• Participation in Open House Month (15)

• Greeters (5)

• Church newsletter to visitors (10)

• Follow-up by clergy in first week (5)

• Renovation of entry (10)

• Internal signage (5)

• Up-to-date Website with welcoming page (10)

• Weekly hospitality time (20)

• Accessibility (15)

• Newcomer-friendly worship bulletin (15).

“We had a total of 125 points,” said Mischke.

Some of the points were earned because Trenton First made changes after participating in Igniting Ministry Open House Month.

“Our Greeters Program began after that,” Mischke said, “and we renovated the entry, adding directional signs.”

The church’s Sunday bulletins now have features that make worship easier for first-time guests. The Lord’s Prayer, the words to the Doxology and the Affirmation of Faith are printed inside as well as the page numbers for the weekly scriptures.

“We welcome everyone to God’s House,” Mischke said.

In addition to receiving a plaque in recognition of the church’s welcoming lifestyle, Trenton First is also acknowledged on the “Find-a-Church”   (www.unitedmethodist.org) seeker site as a welcoming congregation. To see the listing, go to the website and key in the church’s ZIP code (38382).

Deeann Bogle, Certification Coordinator for Igniting Ministry, sent a letter to Trenton First congratulating the congregation on its welcoming lifestyle.

“On behalf of the entire Igniting Ministry Team, we thank you for all that you do to ensure that newcomers know the people of The United Methodist Church have open hearts, open minds and open doors,” she wrote. “Our denomination recognizes hospitality as a vital ministry. Embracing newcomers and providing opportunities for discipleship in our congregations IS a lifestyle!”