The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Celebrated with Unity
One Body-Many Members, One Spirit-Many Gifts 
Liturgical Dancers & Randall Partin, Provost 
Full House - Passing the Peace 
Rev. Susan Quass Offers the Sermon 
 
Candles were lit to symbolize the commitment to 5 imperatives. 
 
Ten Ecumenical "Presiders" 
 
Dr. Kay Huggins invites participants to community dialoge
      The New Mexico Conference of Churches held a commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation on Sunday, October 29th at St. John's UMC-ABQ.  The sanctuary was full of people from all nine denominations represented:  Roman Catholic Church, Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe, Community Church of Christ, Evangelical Lutheran Church, United Church of Christ, Presbyterian Church USA, & Disciples of Christ. The service included a commitment to five imperatives signified by lighting a candle for each:  Beginning from the perspective of unity, not division; Let ourselves be continuously be transformed by the encounter with each other and by the mutual witness of faith; Commit ourselves to seek visible unity; Jointly rediscover the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ for our time; Witness together to the mercy of God in proclamation and service to the world.  Rev. Susan J. Quass, Executive Director of the NM Conference of Churches offered the sermon entitled "The Radical Power of Many-Ness". The experience was enhanced by performances by the liturgical dance company - Surgite and a wonderful choir led by Fabian Yanez.  The service was in part led in English and in part, in Spanish.   
     Following the service, attendees were invited to enter into community dialogue throughout the church.  Some of the conversation centered around how people have various faith backgrounds but receive inspiration, fulfillment or serve in different churches.  

Reformation Celebration - An Ecumenical Gathering 500 Years in the Making
On Saturday, October 28th, an ecumenical gathering was held at Mount Hope Lutheran Church in El Paso.  There were six denominations represented.  Pastor, Stephen White, who serves Emmanuel/Vista Ysleta Church in El Paso, represented the United Methodist Church. A global potluck was held after the service of ecumenical worship and hymns.   

Matt Bridges & Josh Stueve Take the "Ecumenical Plunge"



Thousands on food lines




Matt Bridges (representing NM Conference) and Josh Stueve (representing NWTX Conference) were chosen by the Bishop's Cabinet to attend the "Ecumenical Plunge".   The United Methodist Ecumenical and Interreligious Training (UMEIT) plunge group visited the World Council of Churches and the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey in Geneva, Switzerland this week. The UMEIT group is in the Geneva area doing a deep dive on ecumenism. Next following week, the group visited Taize, France. UMEIT is a ministry of The United Methodist Church Council of Bishops Office of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships. It is offered in various forms around the world. COB Ecumenical Officer Bishop Watson, Fr. Jerry Cappel and COB Ecumenical Staff Officer Rev. Dr. Jean Hawxhurst led the group of 10 young adults. 
  Click to read Reflections from Matt & Josh 


Important Note:  The HealthFlex Annual Election period is Nov. 1-16th.  You can enroll for dental and higher (than the provided) vision coverage but ALL family members under the plan must be signed up for the same coverage. In other words, one person cannot be signed up for the higher vision plan and not the rest of those covered. Questions?  Contact Dru Ann Kuntz, Conference Benefits Officer at 505-255-8786, ext. 102 
 
 

 
Be Strong and of Good Courage
Tuesday, November 7, 2017 (Tomorrow)
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
First UMC-Roswell
Join us for a conversation on being a courageous leader in an anxious time.
Guest Speaker - Rev. John Thornburg of the Texas Methodist Foundation.
Contact Rev. Tina Cross to RSVP: tinamariecross@gmail.com
UMCOR Update
Cathy Earl, UMCOR's Director of Disaster Response
Cathy Earl, UMCOR's Director of Disaster Response

UMCOM Training Center
 
United Methodist Communications offerschurch training  live, online and even provides do-it-yourself opportunities to help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective church leader.  There are online courses in improving church websites, marketing, taking good photos, etc.  Courses are free or low cost.

 Very Important Webinar on Copyrights - Save the date!
GCFA's next webinar will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 12:00 pm MT/1:00 pm CST.  The training will be on copyrights.  Because of what we do as a church, this applies to many different areas.  The training will address what copyright is, what is covered by copyright law, how it affects churches, and why churches should care about it.  Registration will be sent out in the November Ministry Minute, but we wanted you all to be aware.  We would also be happy to receive any questions prior to the training, so we can make sure they are addressed.    

 

Charge Conference Season is upon us!

Get your current forms!
Click here for Charge Conference Forms
Click here for SPRC forms

 

Upcoming Events
 
November
Nov. 3-5 - Explore Calling - Portland, OR
Nov. 7 - Be Strong & of Good Courage Workshop - FUMC-Roswell 
Nov. 10-11- CLM Training - Asbury-Odessa
Nov. 10-11 - CLM Training - University-Las Cruces   
Nov. 18 - ERT Training - First-Farmington 
 
Fall Itineration Schedule
Nov 18 - El Paso, Trinity-First 2:00 pm   
 
 
Click here for the Conference Calendar

Classifieds
Conference Calendar
UMC website
 


RELEVANT, PASSIONATE, AND LIFE-CHANGING CHURCHES

New Mexico Annual Conference  

11816 Lomas Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87112

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Receptionist Hours: 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

(800) 678-8786 toll free; (505) 255-8786; (505) 265-6184 fax

 Click here to view our staff listing  

 

 

Please send photos, articles, events, etc. to Alli Costello, Communications Director at alli@nmconfum.com.  Send classified ads to frontdesk@nmconfum.com.