Download the Role of the Lay Leader handout >>>
District News
2021 Church Conferences
It’s here. It’s here…can you smell the freshly sharpened pencils and the hear the rustle of the paperwork? Charge Conference is BACK! Hopefully, better than ever.
There is so much info to share, don’t be afraid to read over this note more than once.
In this world of Covid19 we have all learned flexibility is important. We are asking for more flexibility as we change the schedule of each church conference to be on line through Zoom and no longer in person.
Just as we did last year, each Charge will meet through Zoom for a quick conference. Pastor, Lay Leader and Church Leadership/Ad Council are asked to attend to represent the whole Charge.
Sadly, we have had to cancel the training planned for beforehand to have enough time to get through all the conferences each Sunday.
Charge Conference Schedule >>>
SPRC for Charge Conferences Schedule >>>
SPRC meetings with the DS are scheduled individually and will be conducted by Zoom (as we did last year). This year we ask that all current and future SPRC attend. Pastor will not be attending this meeting.
Paperwork is due at least 10 days before each meeting. This means the SPRC paperwork is due 10 days before that scheduled meeting. The conference paperwork is due 10 days before the scheduled Charge Conference.
The forms page is broken out into categories. Each committee that is responsible for paperwork has a list. The forms must be completed, but ONLY the following forms should be emailed to the district office:
- Clergy Self-Evaluations
- SPRC Evaluation of Pastors
- Joint Dialogue Forms
- Clergy Compensation Forms
- DSA Compensation Forms
- Profile of the Church Forms
- Parsonage Information Sheets
Please remember to email them at least 10 days prior to your scheduled conference or SPRC meeting. [email protected]
For email copies of forms: If you could rename your forms it would make me cry with delight. Save them as ChurchNameFormYear (AuburnSPRCEvaluation2021). Think about it friends, wouldn’t that make your life easier also if you could identify the form at a glance?
All forms requiring a signature should be hard copy mailed to the district office: PO Box 5386, Saginaw, MI 48603.
Thanks for working through all the things to keep on shining the spotlight on Jesus.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Peace to you,
Teri Rice
Executive Assistant
Central Bay District
Michigan Conference UMC
PO Box 5386
Saginaw, MI 48603
989.793.8838
CentralBayUmc.Org
Fun Ride and Fall Social
Saturday, October 9
11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Tridge
Rev. John Kasper and Debbie will have a care tent on the lawn with doughnuts and cider from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Those who would like to ride can join with others or ride solo on the Pere Marquette rail trail which is an even straight paved path for all ages and fitness levels, or just come out to mingle, grab a doughnut, and enjoy the day!
And the Winner is…
Jennifer Lane!
Leadership is the ability of an individual or a group of individuals to influence and guide followers or other members of an organization.
According to the internet, a LEADER must possess the following characteristics:
- Positive Attitude – The ability to work with and see people and situations in a constructive way. Nothing destroys a team’s momentum than someone who is usually negative.
- Servanthood – The willingness to sacrifice time and energy for others without needing anyone to notice.
- Team Player – The mind-set of looking out for others and lifting others up.
- Follow-Through – A commitment to be responsible and to fulfill any specific ministries or jobs taken.
- Integrity – Trustworthiness and solid character; consistency in words and walk are key.
- Discipline – The willingness to do what is required regardless of personal mood.
- Relational – The ability to make others feel comfortable. Every student counts and needs to be known, greeted, and cared for.
- Sense of Humor – Ability to laugh at yourself, try new things and have a good time learning from your mistakes.
- Patience – Someone who is patient with himself/herself and with others and doesn’t stress when the learning curve is high, remembering that everyone is at a different place.
- Teachable Spirit – The ability to be humble, open to loving criticism and able to learn from others.
YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP AS LEADERS WHEN CARING ADULTS TAKE THE TIME TO GIVE THEM MEANINGFUL FEEDBACK AND BUILD THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE.
According to The Book of Discipline:
Youth ministry in The United Methodist Church provides a framework for youth to grow spiritually and relationally while they are developing physically, mentally, and socially. Strong, developmentally appropriate ministry activities and experiences provided by trained, caring adults is essential for a vital youth ministry
Our Excellence in Leadership Award recipient is exactly all those things and so much more.
She is a volunteer for the district. Mom of twin young adults, loving wife, Director of Children/Youth/Families of a local church, faithful saint and the kindest person we know.
She is the youth leader for the Central Bay District.
So how did she show leadership excellence in the middle of a pandemic?
-During Covid she STILL maintained the district youth group – through Zoom.
-Hosting video game tournaments.
-Facilitated Bible Study with youth around the district.
-Created a safe place for youth to discuss all the different ways that COVID affected them and how their world was changing.
-Spent hours creating COVID Safe events to give the district youth mission opportunities in all sections of our district.
-Planned and had to cancel (two years in a row) the district youth mission trip due to Covid19. This speaks volumes of the dedication and concern she has for the young people in this district. If the world was going to open, even for a crack, she was going to be ready to move the youth into action.
-Prayed for our youth.
-Prayed for our families.
-Prayed for our leadership.
Adapted her church VBS to be completely on line so that the entire district could benefit.
Leadership is working with others, working for others, working side by side and behind others. This person continually works for the best interest of our district youth and families.
It is my great honor to present the 2021 Excellence in Leadership Award to Jennifer Lane.
Lay Equalization Member to Annual Conference
Each congregation elects at least one lay member of annual conference. Equal numbers of clergy and laity are members of annual conference, so each congregation elects a number of lay members equal to the number of clergy for that congregation. Additional at-large equalization lay members are selected by the board of laity to reach the required number of laity, since retired clergy also attend annual conference. An effective lay member attends annual conference sessions and reports the actions taken to the congregation.
District Conference and Family Fun Fair
Voting Items:
2022 Budget >>>
2022 Leadership Nominations >>>
District Conference will be Saturday, August 28th from 9:30ish to 2:00ish at Swan Valley United Methodist Church, 9265 Geddes Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609.
We will be trying something very new and different. With being apart for so long, we want to focus on families and building relationships, strengthening our committees and having fun.
The conference will have usual district business to vote on, but we are encouraging families and youth to come and enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides, food trucks, Christian band, carnival games and….Dunk the DS!
Cost is $5 for adults (18 and under are free) and includes everything except for the optional tickets for the dunk tank. Dunk tank fundraiser tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5 and will support district mission projects.
We will also be having a kickball tournament – with the emphasis on the fun and not the athleticism. Each “game” will consist of ONE inning where each side kicks and the winner advances – the final game will be the winner vs the District team. There will be prizes for best costumes, best cheer, best team name and most spirit. Register your team of 9 – 12 people here: https://forms.gle/67xhAbQPd9HMAEbn9
District Ministry teams will be running the following booths:
Popcorn machine Cotton candy 30’ Obstacle course inflatable Face painting Inflatable dart board game duck pond game Feed the bears game Golf game Ring toss game
SCHEDULE:
9:30 – kickball tourney begins
9:30 – 12 – petting farm and pony rides
9:30 – 1 – Carnival Games
9:30– 1 – popcorn & cotton candy
9:30 – 1 – face painting
11 – 1pm – food trucks and Kona Ice truck
11:30 – 12:45pm – District Mission project Dunk Tank fundraiser
12:45 – 1pm – Dunk the DS
– Praise band
1pm – Closing worship video by VBC kids
ALL DAY
Cooling tent
Inflatables
District Voting
Fellowship
Photo booth
Questions? Please email Tina Karnath at [email protected]
Your Church’s Fall 2021 Growth Opportunity (Why It’s A Season Of Hope…)
Pastor and leaders,
It’s not yet the end of July, but we are all beginning to look forward to the fall and the startup of a new season of worship of and service to our Lord Jesus. In the following post I received from Carrey Neiuwhof he actually shares a post by Rich Birch highlighting the opportunities to reach more people in our communities. It’s an excellent read with very good points to consider. I encourage you to take the time to read and share this with your leadership teams.
With you on this marvelous journey, DS John
2021 MI-AIM Retreat
Achievement in Leadership Award
Nominations are open until August 9, 2021
Central Bay is looking to honor the excellent leadership within our district. Who do you know that has shown true leadership in ministry, missions or the community this past year? We are now accepting nominations of a superior leader within the district for a new award that will be awarded annually. Our district leadership team will choose one recipient from those nominated and award them the 2021 Central Bay Achievement in Leadership Award at our district conference on August 28 at Swan Valley UMC.
Who is eligible: everyone and anyone in the Central Bay District
How to nominate someone: Send email to [email protected] with the following information; your name, Church, who you are nominating, why.
Nominations are open until August 9th. Award will be presented at district conference.
A leader’s most important role is to provide clear and compelling direction. … Leaders ensure that all followers understand, embrace, and work toward achieving those objectives. And they provide momentum, sharing and celebrating progress toward achieving company goals, setting new targets, and providing needed resources.
Who are you going to nominate?
NEW ADDRESS!
Central Bay District is moving things around!
A year ago, when everyone was asked to stay home and work if possible, the Central Bay District did just that. It was challenging, but we all figured out the best ways to get the work done and came up with some creative ways to continue being connected to the local churches without using an actual office.
Fast forward to today, the district has decided to permanently give up the office space and continue working from each of our homes.
Rev. DS John Kasper, Teri Rice, Tina Karnath and Vicki Bork have all established home offices and will continue working together – just as we always have.
The REAL change for you, the local church, will be to immediately change our mailing address to: PO Box 5386 Saginaw, MI 48603.
A few other things to keep in mind:
Address all mail as: Central Bay District PO Box 5386, Saginaw, MI 48603
To set a meeting with the DS or staff, please email or call the district office.
The Prop Center is still located in the Clare UMC and available for all our churches to use. Contact Tina to set that up.
Local Church Treasurer: Please send all payments addressed to: Central Bay District, PO Box 5386, Saginaw, MI 48603. This may include updating the name (instead of board of missions or treasurer, please use only Central Bay District)
District Contact info:
Rev. DS John Kasper [email protected]
Teri Rice [email protected]
Tina Karnath [email protected]
Vick Bork [email protected]
District Office Phone Number: 989.793.8838
Mailing Address: PO Box 5386 Saginaw, MI 48603