In this episode, Melissa sits down with Rev. Amy Coles, the Western North Carolina Conference Episcopal nominee to talk about faith, her calling, and the future of the church. You can learn more about Amy's nomination on our website, along with her biographical info and her statement of call.

In the Passions of Jesus study, we look at the interconnectedness of Christ's passion for us, Christ's passion for others, and our passion reflected back, for Christ and for others. Rev. Gloria Hughes will lead six weeks of video conversations to accompany a digital study guide. Do the video conversations leave you wanting more? Each week, throughout Lent, Means of Grace will feature the 15- to 30-minute conversations in full.

Hosts: Jesse Ennis and Kim Ingram

The people we are interviewing are

Rev. Rodvegas Ingram, pastor of Memorial UMC in High Point, North Carolina

Rev. Tom Latimer, pastor of Jamestown UMC in Jamestown, North Carolina

Rev. Maria King, Church Vitality Associate, Northern Piedmont District

Poor People's Campaign https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/

Reconstructing the Gospel: Finding Freedom from Slaveholder Religion by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

Many Colors: Cultural Intelligence for a Changing Church by Soong-Chan Rah

Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Greensboro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnT4q384JTk

In this two-part episode, Kim and Jesse talk with clergy and laity in Western North Carolina about the importance of taking time to "stay in love with God." Each one shares a particular spiritual practice or renewal opportunity that helps them stay connected and grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus. We hope that you will be inspired to make your own renewal and practices a priority.

Episode 2: Rev. Jeff Patterson, Rev. Willis Greene, Rev. Joseph Kim

Email Jeff at [email protected] about the Friday gathering at the Belmont Abbey Monastery (https://belmontabbey.org/) Willis Greene references Pete Scazzero.

Learn more at www.emotionallyhealthy.org. You can find Spiritual Directors Joseph Kim references on the website: https://www.wnccumc.org/resourcedetail/9296397

Spiritual renewal information and scholarships for clergy and ministry professionals: https://www.wnccumc.org/resourcedetail/spiritual-renewal-13146069

In this two-part episode, we talk with clergy and laity in Western North Carolina about the importance of taking time to "stay in love with God." Each one shares a particular spiritual practice or renewal opportunity that helps them stay connected and grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus. We hope that you will be inspired to make your own renewal and practices a priority.

Episode 1: Rev. Angela Pleasants, Caroline Wood, Rev. Kate May, Rev. Noel Sweezy

For more information art and spiritual direction from our conversation with Caroline Wood, contact Katie Warren [email protected]

For her personal retreats, Kate May stays at Well of Mercy.

The Icon Noel Sweezy mentioned is the Sinai Pantocrator. If you would like to stay at the Sweezy cabin in Shelby for Solitude contact Noel at [email protected]. It's free, but has an outhouse.

Kim has a conversation with Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell, PhD and Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee on the efforts of the Clergy Health Initiative to improve clergy health and reduce stress. Rae Jean and Jason co-authored a book, Faithful and Fractured, which can also be found in our Resource Center. To learn more about the new iteration of Spirited Life: Selah and to find a link to register, visit www.spiritedlife.org

In today's episode, Luke Edwards reflects back on his experience being a part of a new worship service launching at Boone United Methodist Church and has a conversation with Dan Pezet, Director of Church Development, about why churches should consider launching a new service.

Sign up for the Launching Worship Workshop here.

You can learn more about Crossroads at Boone UMC here.

In this episode of Means of Grace, Melissa sits down with Rev. Toni Ruth Smith to talk about experiencing grief in this time of great joy and how churches can create space for stillness, hope and even sadness in the midst of the holiday rush.

Resources for Longest Night/Blue Christmas Worship:

https://www.harrisburgumc.org/event/blue-christmas-2/

https://youngclergywomen.org/blue-christmas-service-when-christmas-hurts/

http://www.wellsprings.org.uk/liturgies/blue_christmas.htm

In this episode of Means of Grace, Melissa and Luke explore seasonal ways churches can engage their communities. Melissa visits Free Haircut Day in Ramseur with Rev. Samuel Moore of McCrary Chapel UMC and Rev. Joshua Kurtz with Jordan Memorial UMC. Luke Edwards visits the Pumpkin Church aka Myers Memorial UMC in Gastonia and speaks with Rev. Sally Queen and Rev. Sarah Watkins Davis. How is your church engaging its surrounding community? Email us at [email protected].

Luke Edwards meets up with three outdoor fresh expressions of church in the Smoky Mountain district – the Smoky Mountain Hiking Community, River of Life and the Appalachian Trail Ministry of Robbinsville UMC. The leaders of these fresh expressions share how their churches are connecting with hikers and paddlers in their communities. If you're interested in starting a Fresh Expression, contact Associate Director of Church Development Luke Edwards at [email protected].