Online help for scheduling meetings!

Jerry Newsome, a retired North Georgia pastor in Smyrna, just shared his new website with me. His goal is to help ministers by offering a "week by week exposition of the Sunday lectionary." He writes a synopsis of each lesson, gives worship suggestions and shares other ideas.

I presented a power point to the Athens District yesterday full of great ideas I've seen around the conference. Feel free to check it out.

Imagine No Malaria is offering an online Lent devotional. Sign up today at http://www.imaginenomalaria.org/imagine-no-malaria-lent-devotional/

United Methodist Communications says that advertising on Facebook is a great idea.

Anne Rex of Field's Chapel in Canton shared this "Master" Card that her church gives out before the Christmas shopping season. It is intended to be tucked in your purse or wallet in front of credit cards and it asks five questions to consider with every purchase.

Will Zant, pastor at North Springs UMC, had a great idea for getting the word out about Advent services at the church -- door hangers.

Rethink Church posted resources for a four-week lectionary-based sermon series called “A Life-giving Christmas.” They have sermon starters, graphics downloads, devotional material and other worship resources meant to challenge your community to experience Christmas differently this year by practicing hope, peace, joy and love beyond the walls. It's good stuff.

The General Board of Finance and Administration has partnered with Vanco Services to allow local churches to set up Electronice Funds Transfer Service -- UM EFT. Has anyone begun using the service?

United Methodist Communications just announced the release of the Rethink Church Edition Common English Bible (New Testament). Churches may order their own copies at $5 each to give away to church visitors or at Rethink Church events in their communities.

United Methodist Communication shared 8 Church Communication Faux Pas in its e-newsletter this week. From "I don't need a marketing plan" to "I went to seminary and I want everyone to know it," these are some good things to avoid.

I recently spoke with Stephen Skelton, the author of some creative Bible studies you might want to check out (Andy Griffith, Gilligan's Island and John Wayne, to name a few). He sent this link to a video from the Mayberry series.

Dr. Bob Winstead, Director of Lifelong Learning & Assistant Professor in the Practice of Church Leadership at Candler, recently shared this list of short stories with me.

If someone is ill, elderly, or has had a new baby, oftentimes church members rally around these families to take them meals.We've come across a few useful tools lately for church meal-maker ministries.  Check out the two we've come across and post a comment if you know of others.

Have you seen this John Wesley Clayride? It has 'confirmation' written all over it.