OUR ANNOUNCEMENTS    

Camden UMC is looking for a music director. The position may be either part-time or full-time, depending upon the availability of the person securing the position. The person could commute, since they would only be expected to be in the community one day other than the Sunday worship. The job description would require that the person lead the congregation in singing during the Sunday morning worship services, lead the sanctuary choir in anthems and music responses during the worship service, prepare for choir practices and lead the sanctuary choir in a productive rehearsal every week, coordinate music with the accompanist and pastor to make worship services meaningful, secure soloists and ensembles to provide special music during Sunday morning worship services, work with the choir to present a Christmas and Easter Cantata every year. Job skills would require that the music director be able to read music, know how to direct music in the various beat patterns and cue the choir clearly and distinctly, posses the ability to locate music resources to purchase materials to enhance the music program, desire to recruit new choir members, and motivate those in the music program to regularly participate and develop their musical talents. A salary has not been specifically set since we are unaware of whether the prospect desires this to be a part-time or full-time position. In either case we are fully prepared to financially support the person understanding factors such as travel expenses in addition to a reasonable salary. Camden is the county seat of Wilcox County. The city's population is around 2,200. Camden United Methodist Church averages around 110 in attendance at Sunday morning worship services. Out congregation has a considerable number of young couples with children. The church facility has recently been remodeled and expanded. The city has several grocery stores, restaurants, and retail stores. It is near Roland Cooper State Park and the Alabama River. We are in reasonable commute distance from Montgomery, Thomasville, Greenville, or Selma. Send inquiries to Camden United Methodist Church  c/o SPR Committee  P. O. Box 157   Camden, Alabama 36726  Office phone 334-682-4478  Pastor Ed Shirley.

Camden UMC has about 40 velvet red pew cushions around 100 inches in length available for free to any church or individual who wants them. They also have various sets of hymnals available at no costs. For more information, contact Rev. Ed Shirley at 334-682-4478.

Marion UMC is looking for a part-time pianist for worship services and to accompany their volunteer choir. Applicants must be willing to work cooperatively with the senior pastor and choir director. Please send a letter of interest, along with a brief resume to Dr. Larry Teasley, P. O. Box 85, Marion, AL 36756.

Rev. Ed Shirley is asking for your help with a project. We will celebrate 200 years of Methodism in Alabama at the 2008 Annual Conference. Bishop Goodpaster has asked him to produce 3 minute video segments that feature historic churches in Alabama and West Florida. The videos will be shown on the large projection screens during breaks between annual conference sessions. They will also be shown at the Commission on Archives and History display table. This will really make the celebration meaningful and highlight the beautiful historic churches in our conference. Here is a Word document that gives instructions on the materials needed to produce a video profiling the historic church: http://awfbrickriver.com/atch/Historic_Churches_Needed_5_13_19_PM.doc. Please pass this on to those in your church that can record historic events in your church. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

eChristianEd provides affordable and accessible training in Christian education through a comprehensive, web-based curriculum. The program is offered by Columbia College of South Carolina.

United Methodist Certification in Christian Education

By completing the five courses, students satisfy all the academic requirements toward para-professional certification in Christian education for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. (This coursework does not count for academic credit.)

Courses Offered:

        . Biblical and Theological Foundations for Ministry

        . Foundations for Christian Education

        . Children’s Ministries

        . Youth Ministries

        .  Adult Ministries

        .  Family Ministries

Course Overview:

        Each course involves two conference calls with the instructor from Columbia College and the members of the class. The rest of the course work is completed through reading, writing papers, and internet interaction.

For more information: Go to www.3ChristianEd.com/program/affiliate.asp or contact Janet Westlake at 850-791-3385 or diaconalminister@juno.com.