District gatherings are scheduled for laity and clergy to meet with Bishop Hope Morgan Ward. The gatherings will focus on the 2013-2014 North Carolina Conference theme: “From Strength to Strength: Thrive!”

Laity who serve as leaders in local churches are urged to attend along with clergy as we think together about questions such as: How do lay and clergy thrive in discipleship and leadership of congregations? How do congregations thrive in mission and ministry? How can we pray, think and work toward the thriving of all people and of the whole creation?

Check the list below for gathering locations. To register, go to the District webpage. If clergy and laity in one district cannot be present for their district meeting, feel free to attend another district meeting. All gatherings will be on Sundays from 3–5 p.m.

Capital
Aug. 11 – Centenary UMC, 140 E. Market St., Smithfield, NC 27577
Beacon
Sept. 8 – First UMC, 201 South Road St., Elizabeth City, NC 27907
Sound
Sept. 15 – Garber UMC, 4201 Country Club Rd, New Bern, NC 28562
Fairway
Sept. 22 – St Luke UMC, 2916 Wicker St., Sanford, NC 27312
Heritage
Sept. 29 – Louisburg UMC, 402 North Main St., Louisburg, NC 27549
Harbor
Oct. 6 – First UMC, 208 Sampson St., Clinton, NC 28328
Gateway
Oct. 20 – Chestnut Street UMC, 200 East 8th St., Lumberton, NC 28358
Corridor
Oct. 27 – First UMC, 1630 Westbrook Avenue, Elon, NC 27244

AUMC’s Chicken on a Mission is back! This important event to raise funds for missions will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19. Tickets are $7.50 for ½ BBQ chicken, slaw, baked beans, roll and a dessert. Plates will be available for dine-in or take-out.

Volunteers Needed!

Chicken on a Mission is truly an all-church effort, and we need you! Volunteers are needed for a wide range of positions. Sign-up sheets are in the Fellowship Hall. Even if you can’t participate the day of the event, you can help us by spreading the word and selling tickets. For more information, contact Bunny Clothier, Sandra Jones or Stacy Bawtinhimer.

Join us for a “Back to School” themed missions dinner from at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10! Sandwiches and ice cream are on the menu as we kick off our Backpack Buddies program for the 2013 – 2014 school year.

If you would like to help us fill our backpacks with school supplies, please bring your items with you to the Missions Dinner. More information about what students need can be found on the table in the Narthex.

Backpack Buddies is a program that provides 36 students in our local elementary school with a “backpack” of food each Friday. This food stands in the gap on Saturday and Sunday, when students do not have access to regular meals at school. All donations collected at our monthly missions dinner are used to support this program.

During this year’s Homecoming, Ayden UMC will welcome our district superintendent, Rev. Linda Taylor, as guest speaker. The 10:55 worship service will be followed by a potluck lunch. Bring your favorite dish to share and join us as we fellowship together.

The 8:45 early service is canceled for Homecoming and will resume the following week at 9 a.m.