Its Charge/Church Conference Season. That means lots and lots of driving and a great opportunity to visit in all of the churches and to hear about the exciting things that are going on. Im particularly excited about this years Charge Conference season because we have some different things planned. There is a DVD of Bishop Weaver speaking to us from Farmers Market in Lawrence MA, and some material on Rethinking Church. I think that most of us can agree that we are not able to continue to do church the way we did it 50 years ago. Many of the churches have been intentional about trying to respond to a changing world with a gospel message that is as alive and important as it was back in the early church.

However, my Charge Conference schedule has developed what may be a major glitch. Some of you know that I have had a sort of chronic back problem that acts up from time to time just so I dont forget its there. The last flare up has been slow in healing and the pain has moved into the sciatic nerve and down my right leg. More recently it has become very uncomfortable if not almost impossible to stand for more than a couple of minutes, and lets just say that my walk is anything but graceful and pleasing to behold.

A recent MRI has shown bulging in three discs pressing on nerve endings. At least that explains the pain now the question is what to do about it. It may be that surgery is in the future but that has not yet been determined. I welcome your prayers during this most uncomfortable time.

On a practical level what it currently means is that I am having trouble driving and conducting Charge Conferences. (Well, actually, I have done one and postponed one). The current plan is to ask some of our elders to be the DS of the week and visit the churches scheduled for that week for charge conferences. At this point I have no idea whether this will need to continue throughout the Charge Conference season or for a short time only. Because much of the Charge Conference content is set up on DVD and Power Point, I will be asking some of you to consider doing several Charge Conferences in one week so that you can simply take the traveling show with you and then pass it along to the next elder for the next series of Charge Conferences.

While I am disappointed that this will be necessary, I do think that it will be a great opportunity to build relationships between pastors of the district and other churches. In some cases, it will be an opportunity for the elder to learn more about some of our smaller churches and the things with which you struggle. At the same time, it is a great opportunity for the churches to hear from other pastors who may have some ideas or experiences to share that may be helpful.

It will be very important that you let me know if there is anything unusual that might be coming to a Charge Conference. Remember that anything beyond the posted agenda which I sent out to all of you, has to be approved ahead of time and announced to the congregation the same way that a Charge Conference is announced. Pastors who are conducting Charge Conferences will be told not to deal with surprises so please dont put them in that situation.

Generally, this will mean that the SPRC will not meet. Probably we will ask SPRC committees if they want to meet with me or just send me the forms that we ask you to fill out and give a report on the state of the church and the mutual ministry of pastor and congregation. In some cases, it may be that the committee could meet with the elder who is coming to conduct the charge conference. In those cases where it is important to meet with me, we will try to set that up.

Im really hoping that everyone will be willing to be flexible and forgiving as we find our way through this unexpected detour. Im eager to get back on the road.

Blessings,

Beverly E Stenmark

Prayer Request

We give thanks for the recovery that Terry McKinley is experiencing.

Prayers for Kay & Wally Webb following the death of Kays brother.

Prayers for Delsa & Doug Mock following the sudden death of Dougs father in Florida.

Prayers of Thanksgiving for the many years of ministry of the Livermore United Methodist Church that voted to close and held its closing worship service on Sept. 13th and for their pastor Ami Sawtelle who has provided pastoral guidance and leadership for them during this difficult period of discernment.

District Leadership Academy and Annual Meeting

Saturday, October 17th. Sponsored by the District Ministry Team and held at Pleasant Street UMC in Waterville.

This is a great opportunity to connect with other churches and to expand your experiences with some local training. Workshops in the morning and afternoon. A District meeting at 11:15 before lunch to elect people for District Leadership positions.

Lunch provided by the Pleasant Street Church. Opening worship led by the youth of the Dresden Richmond Church. Reservations strongly encouraged.

Please contact the Pleasant Street Church at 872-7564 names, church, which workshops attending, and whether or not childcare is required. A book table will be available and will offer books that supplement the workshops as well as other books of interest. The cost for the day is $10.00. This includes the cost of the lunch that will be provided by the Pleasant Street UMC. Flyers are available on our District Web Site, or contact the District Office if you need us to mail some to you.

Workshop Descriptions

An Introduction to The Workshop Rotation Model for Sunday School (Jen Thibert, Sunday School Superintendent, Pleasant Street UMC in Waterville)

This workshop will explain what the Workshop Rotation Model (WRM) is and how it has worked for Pleasant Street UMC. Participants will have a hands-on experience as they go through an abbreviated version of the workshops our Sunday School students will be going through in October. We will discuss how our program got started, the challenges and rewards of this program, and the results PSUMC has had after three years of running WRM in our church. I will provide information about the different curricula that is available for this model as well. Come see if WRM will work for your Sunday School program and have some fun while youre at it!

Creativity in Worship (Rev. Karen Munson, Pastor, Readfield UMC)

Refresh your worship leadership. This workshop will visit the crossroads of scripture and congregational context where the soul's longing makes us vulnerable to God's vision. We will focus on creative worship possibilities for small churches with low budgets and high hopes. Even if you don't think of yourself as a "creative person," come discover what God may stir up.

Me? A Leader? (Dick Babb, Auburn UMC) is an educator and as a consultant in organization development.

For the past 20 years, my passion has been the opportunity to focus on working with the human system of organizations. Specifically, that means team development; leadership development; and future directions.

You have just been asked to assume a leadership role in your church and youre wondering what you bring to being a leader. You also wonder what the purpose is for your leadership and how you approach the group. This session is designed for a maximum of fifteen people who are thinking about assuming a leadership role or who have already begun. Our time together with be interactive.

TAPPING OUT A NEW TUNE Led by District Lay Leaders, Betty Austin and Joni Gatcombe Task Uniting Nuturing Encouraging

What does it mean to be a Lay Leader; how does that "play" out; are we following the Lord's "beat" ; what "instrument" has God called you to be; do you know the "song"; are you helping others "sing"

Called to Ministrywhat it means to be chosen as one of His own Spiritual Endeavor the Fruits of the Spirit / strengths within us Ministry as a Gift and a Task untapped resources that we need/use and are.

Pastor Parish Relations Committees Led by District Superintendent, Beverly Stenmark

This workshop will provide an overview of the responsibilities of the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committees. Central to this is connecting the pastor, staff, and congregation so that the mission and purpose of the church may be accomplished. The S/PPRC has both leadership and management functions in the congregation. Topics will include relating to the congregation, handling issues raised by members of the congregation, healthy communication with pastor, staff, and congregation, pastoral transitions and pastoral evaluations.

Committees and Prayerful Work Led by Margo Carmines

Does it feel like committee meetings are Gods work? Come and explore how we can invite God to be the center of our committee work and in the process transform boards and committee in communities of spiritual leaders.

Bare Bones of church transformation led by Rev. David Abbott, pastor Belfast UMC

At times we might feel dead an dried out as a church. Using Ezekiel 37, well explore how God can do anything if we will but allow it. Rising from dry boneswhy are we feeling dead? Are we open to being awakened? What happens if God starts an awakening? What would give us strength? Is the breath of the Spirit within us?

Acts of church transformation led by Rev. Neil Gastonguay, Pastor Bath UMC

We will look at the model for church as revealed in the early chapters of the Acts of the Apostles- The early chapters of Acts as an example of the church for the 21st century prayer, study, community, spiritual disciplines, etc.

Equipping Ourselves to Transform the Workplace led by Rev. Nancy Smith, pastor and author

We are called to transform the world! How can you equip yourself (as a layperson) or equip your people (as a pastor) to transform the workplace? We will examine the purpose of work in human life. Then we will explore issues in becoming a spiritual leader at work as they relate to your real-life experiences. Includes excerpts from Workplace Spirituality: A Complete Guide for Business Leaders.

Doing a Church Financial Audit led by Les Davis a lay person from the Green Street UMC. This workshop will only be offered in the morning.

Christian Stewardship led by Rev. Linda Campbell-Marshall, retired pastor and former District Superintendent of the former Central Maine District

Whats happening around the district?

At a recent District Ministry Day pastors shared some of the exciting things that have been happening in their churches. As we think about ways of rethinking church and doing ministry in some different ways, I thought you might want to hear about some of those things. There were many things shared but here are just a few.

The Kingfield Church reported that a fringe benefit of the abundance of rain this summer was that one of the Mission teams from the Economic Ministry was able to paint the sanctuary of the church. They have also added a ramp, a chair lift and have widened some doors. The Minot church is also installing a chair lift and has replaced the basement floor. While they have been working on their buildings people from North Pownal have been putting roofs on the homes of people who need them but cant afford to hire someone to do them. So far they have done seven roofs.

Bolsters Mills has had special fundraisers to raise money for the Economic Ministry and to support a youth who will be going on the next Mission for Peace.

Boothbay Harbor had is first Community night with a free movie, and has moved Sunday School to before Worship, allowing for an Adult Sunday School class. Waldoboro is also having a movie night for families as well as planning for their Thanksgiving meal for the Community and a Veterans Day Concert.

Dresden Richmond offers a Saturday night Worship Wide Open Service with varied leadership.

Waterville has concluded a year long visioning process and has developed a strategic plan. Bath is in the process of doing the same.

South Thomaston had a group from Mechuwana that came and had a great all day worship and singing program. Many of our churches had children, youth and adults participating in programs at Mechuwana where the 2nd mission building is almost complete.

Lewistons City Mission meal is reaching the community and bringing in people from the community including several under 30.

Fairfield Church is joining an increasing number of churches that are offering a free community meal once a month.

Union has been part of a task force to help provide a Van for a Korean War Veteran in the church who needed a new wheelchair van.

People's UMC in Union are doing a study that has included 26 people who want to know more about Methodist theology.

Farmington stepped up and keep everything going while Terry had surgery and are focusing on Its about Time to return to full time in a couple of years, and focus on several other important areas.

Camden had an exciting community rally day gathering. Lisbon will be having an exciting home coming and rally in October. They are also stretching out and connecting with a Sudanese family to hear their story.

Readfield is adding a third mission team to their ongoing ministry and Augusta is commissioning a mission team to go to Mississippi in March.

Several churches have been cleaning up and cleaning out and discovering new space when they get rid of no longer needed things. Skowhegan claimed space for a pastors office and Vassalboro found a youth space. Hallowell has discovered that praying for youth sometimes brings them in. Wayne had a Vacation Bible School that exceeded their expectations.

Sometimes I think we get focused on the problems or challenges in our churches, but these examples help remind us to keep our eyes open for the celebrations as well and to be creative in finding some new ways of being church.