News

Get Acquainted with New Conference Staff

We invite you to get acquainted with three new staff members at the United Methodist Center (Conference Center) in West Sacramento. Please welcome them as new members of the Conference team that works to support local churches – in our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Administrative Assistants Jasmine Johnson and Allison Oster have joined Office Coordinator Cindy Buna and Receptionist/Hospitality Specialist Becky Sheldon in the Districts...

Offering Hope to Our Neighbors

A workshop on Attracting and Connecting with Visitors takes place Saturday, Aug. 18 at First UMC of Loomis By Dave Bunje Circuit leader, Circuit on the Rise   Within a mile of each of our churches are scores of people yearning for a connection to a grace-filled fellowship, desiring reminders for making ethical daily choices, and hungering for grounding in the holy, which would give their lives meaning and hope.   Worried about just maintaining our own programs, we find it...

Workshops, Mealtime Events, and District Dinners: Don't Forget to Sign up!

There are things you just shouldn't miss. For example: The chance to attend a mealtime event – or your district dinner – at Annual Conference Session! Don't forget to sign up. And if you're going to be attending ACS as an observer (non-voting), you definitely should not miss the opportunity to attend a workshop led by one of this year's special guests.   The Rev. Rudy Rasmus, keynote speaker, will lead one workshop and the Rev. Dr. Lisa Allen, worship planner and leader,...

Don't Forget: Register for June 9 Pre-ACS Legislative Workshop in Fremont

The El Camino Real District is hosting a pre-ACS legislative workshop on Saturday, June 9 in Fremont, California. All lay members to Annual Conference Session, lay leaders, lay speakers, and interested congregation members are encouraged to attend. Topics to be reviewed and discussed are: Orientation to proposed legislation General Conference actions Annual Conference Session process The workshop is scheduled for 9:15-11:45 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 2950...

Monterey Bay Extension Society's Annual Celebracion Is Scheduled for May 6

You are invited to attend Monterey Bay Church Extension Society's Annual Celebration/Celebración, taking place Sunday, May 6, 2012, 3-5:30 p.m., at La Santísima Trinidad United Methodist Church.   There will be a worship Service and time of fellowship (Servicio de Adoración y Compañerismo) and Hispanic Ministry Worship & Retirement Dinner (Servicio para Ministerios Hispanos & Cena de Despedida al Pastor Frank Gómez). Suggested Donation...

Remember to Register for Sunday's Discovery Event in Fairfield!

The second Discovery Event of the spring will take place this Sunday, 2-6 p.m., at Fairfield United Methodist Church, 1875 Fairfield Avenue, Fairfield, CA 94533. The event will feature inspirational messages from Conference and Bridges District leaders – including a sermon by Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr.   It's an event you will not want to miss! Sign up here now, or go to www.cnumc.org/register. "Be-See-Do What Matters to God: A Series of Discovery Events" is the first...

First Discovery Event Is This Weekend: Sign up Today!

This Saturday (Feb. 25), Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. and other Conference leaders will be among 80-some people gathered at First United Methodist Church in Oroville for a day of "being, seeing, and doing what matters to God." It is the first in a series of Discovery Events – one in each of the districts in the California-Nevada Annual Conference – intended to reconnect us with our passion for Jesus Christ and our compassion for all.   In January, each district...

Registration Deadline Extended for Feb. 11 'Pathway to Renewal' Event

The deadline to register for "Pathway to Renewal: An Introduction to Leading Transformational Ministry for Congregational Teams," on Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Fairfield United Methodist Church, has been extended. Register by Thursday, February 9 to take advantage of this one-day workshop in which participants will be given the tools, principles, and skills to affect change and renewal in their church.   Congregational renewal is more than re-tooling your...

'Grow Spiritually Through Daily Discipline': A District Lay Speaking Workshop, Feb. 25

Register now for the district lay speaking training, "Grow Spiritually through Daily Discipline," on Saturday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Easter Hill United Methodist Church in Richmond, California. The training will be led by the Rev. Gaye Benson, pastor of El Sobrante United Methodist Church.   Cost of $25 includes instruction materials and lunch. Childcare is not available.   Register online here. (Pre-registration is required.)   Download...

Bishop Announces Cabinet Change

Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. has announced a Cabinet change, effective July 1, 2012. After six years, the Rev. Jerry Smith (upper right) will be completing his service on the Cabinet. Rev. Smith is superintendent for the Great Northern District. "I am extremely grateful for Jerry's faithful leadership during some challenging years for the California-Nevada Conference," the bishop said. "He has led the formation of the Great Northern District and has a deep love for that region...

Dates, Times, Locations of Discovery Events Are Set

The dates, times, and locations for this spring's Discovery Events have been finalized. The schedule is as follows: Great Northern District: Oroville Saturday, February 25, 2012 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Registration 9:30 a.m.) First United Methodist Church, 45 Acacia Avenue, Oroville, CA 95966   Bridges District: Fairfield Sunday, March 25, 2012 2-6 p.m. Fairfield UMC, 1875 Fairfield Avenue, Fairfield, CA 94533   El Camino Real District: San Jose Saturday, March 31, 2012 10...

Discovery Event Registration Opens

Online registration is open now, for a series of Discovery Events focused on being, seeing, and doing what matters to God. Join Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., Conference and district superintendents, and other clergy and laity for a time of re-connecting with our passion for Jesus Christ and our compassion for all, as preparation for reaching those who are close to the heart of Jesus.   Explore the resources available to each church to help it fulfill its part in God's mission, and learn...

'Living Bread, Living Stories': A Preaching Workshop, Feb. 3-5

"Living Bread; Living Stories," a preaching workshop and refresher course featuring the Rev. Jim Walker, is scheduled for Feb. 3-5 (Friday-Sunday) at Clovis Memorial United Methodist Church. It is sponsored by the Central Valley District Committee on Ministry. Walker, an Elder in full connection in The United Methodist Church and pastor of Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, uses a dynamic preaching style to bring life to biblical narratives....

Plan to Attend a Discovery Event in 2012

Over the last several years, we in the California-Nevada Annual Conference have been changing how we live as a connection of churches. Many things have taken place: we have sought to "rethink, renew, and reform" around a network of circuits; we have devised a plan to encourage, equip, and position servant leaders – both lay and clergy – to join with God's mission in the world; we have dedicated ourselves not only to revitalizing existing congregations but also to creating...

United Methodists See 'Occupy' Protest Ties

By Sandra Brands* They may have begun as a protest against corporations and greed, but for a growing number of United Methodists taking part in the Occupy Wall Street movement, the protests are a statement about the spiritual bankruptcy of materialism as well as a call to transform the world.   "This movement articulates [our call] for a more just society," said the Rev. Sandy Gess, pastor at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Vacaville, California, and a long-time...

Longtime Conference Employee, Pam McKee, Retires

The time has come to celebrate and give thanks for the work of Pam McKee, longtime administrative assistant for the San Jose District and now, the El Camino Real District.  On July 1, Pam retires from her work with the California-Nevada Annual Conference. (The work of the district offices has been consolidated into a Districts Administration Center, located at the Conference offices in West Sacramento.) She plans to keep busy teaching business courses as adjunct faculty at Foothill...

Great Northern Pre-Conference Orientations Scheduled

The Great Northern District (East Area) will host two pre-Annual Conference Session orientations.  One will be offered on Friday, June 3 in Auburn, California, at Pioneer United Methodist Church, Room 4, at 6:30 p.m.    The following week, on Saturday, June 11, an orientation will be offered in Reno, Nevada, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, in the Fellowship Hall, at 10 a.m.    The meetings are designed to help new lay members to Annual Conference...

Bridges District Schedules Pre-Conference Orientation on June 4

The Bridges District has scheduled a pre-Annual Conference Session orientation session for Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to noon, at Fairfield United Methodist Church ("Community UMC"). If you have been elected by your church to serve as a member or alternate member to ACS, please make plans to attend this session.   It will begin at "9 o'clock sharp" with an overview of two primary responsibilities members will have during the June 15-18 conference: to act on...

Shasta Family Camp 2011: 'Where God Happens'

Where does God happen? Find out through Scripture, discussion, reflection, and a variety of other activities as you explore how God happens in your family, school, work, social life, and in the lives of others – at this year's Shasta Family Camp, Saturday, July 23-Friday, July 29. Campers will experience fellowship over tasty meals, worship, and Bible study/discussion each morning; have free time to swim, hike, explore, socialize, or rest during the afternoon; and enjoy dinner and...

Who, What, When, Where? Uncover the Mystery!

The Shasta District School of Witness and Service is hosting "Uncover the Mystery: An Introduction to the Bible for Youth" from 5 p.m. Friday, April 29 through 5 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at Shasta Lake United Methodist Church, 1509 Hardenbrook Avenue, Shasta Lake, CA, 96019. Grab your sleeping bag, pack your pillow, and prepare to uncover the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW, WHY, and SO, WHAT of the Bible. Add in awesome live music, games, prizes (cha-ching!), great food, and the...