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A B C
D E F G
H I J K
L M
N O P Q
R S T U
V W X Y
Z
ADVANCE
SPECIAL OFFERINGS - An
official United Methodist program for voluntary, second-mile giving. The Advance
is called second-mile giving because, in The United Methodist Church, the first
mile (priority) is for local churches to pay their World Service and other
apportioned funds and conference benevolence commitments.
ALPHA
COURSE, THE - A basic
introduction to Christianity. It is designed for people who have unanswered
questions about Jesus Christ and/or the Christian faith. You do not have to have
any prior experience as a Christian or church member to participate.
ANGEL TREE -
A Christmas ministry of Prison Fellowship that makes it possible for Christians
to purchase and deliver toys to children of men and women who are in prison.
ANNUAL
CONFERENCE - A regional,
organizational unit of The United Methodist Church and the yearly business
meeting of that unit, both presided over by a bishop. The business session is
composed of equal numbers of clergy and laity. At least one layperson from each
pastoral charge is a member. There are 63 annual conferences in the United
States and 59 outside the U.S. in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. The
conference is a time to review ministry, adopt policy and resolutions, and
strengthen spiritual life.
APPORTIONMENT
- The share each annual
conference or local church pays to support international, national and regional
(annual conference) mission.
BAPTISM
- The sacramental act whereby
a person is cleansed by the Holy Spirit and becomes part of the body of
Christ-the church universal. In The United Methodist Church a candidate for Holy
Baptism or his sponsors may choose any of the traditional ways baptism is
administered: sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. The most common method in
recent years has been sprinkling.
BISHOP -
An elder (ordained minister) who is elected to the office of bishop. Unlike the
Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions, The United Methodist Church
considers the episcopacy an "office" and not a third order of ministry
(along with deacon and elder). A United Methodist bishop is consecrated for the
office of bishop by other United Methodist bishops. A bishop serves as a general
superintendent of the denomination. As such, individually and collectively
bishops give general oversight to the temporal and spiritual interests of the
entire denomination. It is a responsibility of the bishops to see that the
rules, regulations, and responsibilities developed by the General Conference are
understood and effectively carried out. The Greek word for bishop is episcopos,
which is the root word for episcopal.
BISHOPS'
INITIATIVE ON CHILDREN AND POVERTY -
A church-wide effort to provide
services and establish evangelistic outreach programs that serve the children
and families in our community as led by the Bishops' Initiative Team.
BOOK OF
DISCIPLINE, THE - A
fundamental book outlining the law, doctrine, administration, organizational
work and procedures of The United Methodist Church. Each General Conference
amends The Book of Discipline, and the actions of the General Conference
are reflected in the quadrennial revision. Often referred to as The
Discipline.
BUILDING
FUND - A separate fund
dedicated to paying off the mortgage on recent building projects. Pledges may be
made to this fund in addition to the general operating fund.
CABINET
- The organization in an annual conference whose membership consists of the
resident bishop and the district superintendents. The Cabinet provides oversight
and direction for the work of the annual conference, districts, and local
churches. The Cabinet works as a unit on developing the appointments for the
ministerial members, which are made or fixed by the bishop.
CAMPING
MINISTRIES - Children and
youth and grades 3-12 can participate in one or both of our Kentucky Annual
Conference summer camping programs. Camping settings include: Aldersgate Camp
located in the hills of Irvine and Camp Loucon in Litchfield.
CARE AND
SHARE - Each Sunday we
offer purposeful care for infants and toddlers by paid staff and loving
volunteers during the 9:00 and 10:30 worship services. Care and Share for
infants - 5th graders is also offered by paid staff during evening meetings,
choir rehearsals and most programming and/or church events as requested.
CATHOLIC
- Derived from a Greek word meaning universal. When spelled with a capital
"C" in current usage Catholic has come to be accepted as a shortened
reference to the Roman Catholic Church or to one of its members. When spelled in
the lower case "c" catholic means universal. The uses in the Apostles'
Creed in the phrase "the holy catholic church" means the entire body
of Christian believers or the church universal.
CHARGE
CONFERENCE (ALSO CALLED NEW LIFE GATHERING)
- The charge conference is the basic governing body of each United Methodist
local church and is composed of all members of the church council. All members
of the charge conference must be members of the local church. The charge
conference must meet at least once per year. The charge conference directs the
work of the church and gives general oversight to the church council, reviews
and evaluates the mission and ministry of the church, sets salaries for the
pastor and staff, elects the members of the church council, and recommends
candidates for ordained ministry.
CHILDREN'S
CHOIRS -
Angel Choir- 4 and 5 year olds; Kids' Praise- 1st and 2nd graders;
Joyful Noise- 3rd-5th graders.
CHILDREN'S
AND FAMILY MINISTRY TEAM -
Ministry team charged with implementing ministry for/with children and families.
CHURCH
COUNCIL - The church
council plans and implements the programs and ministry of the local church as
well as oversees the administration of the church. The church council is
amenable to the charge conference.
CIRCLE
- A sub-unit (small group) of United Methodist Women. (See United Methodist
Women - Immanuel for more details)
CLERGY
- In United Methodism, only those who have been ordained as deacons or elders.
These persons are also ministerial members of an Annual Conference. The word clergy
comes from the Latin clericus, meaning priest. Immanuel currently has two
deacons: Ken Easley and Susan Eaton; and two elders: David Cheeks and Paul
Brunstetter.
CHRYSALIS
- The youth version of the Walk to Emmaus. See "Emmaus, Walk To" for
further details.
C.L.A.S.S. -
The Christian Life and Service Seminars (C.L.A.S.S.)
augment the teaching
ministry of Immanuel United
Methodist Church. Our goal as a church has nothing to do with the size of our
membership or facility. We want to become the most spiritually mature church we
can. We want to be effective in ministry, having members that are trained and
willing to do what God is calling us to do.
COKESBURY
- The word was formed by combining Coke and Asbury, the names of the first two
general superintendents of The Methodist Episcopal Church in America. The
primary use of the word Cokesbury today is that of The United Methodist
Publishing House as the name for its retail bookstores and mail order service.
Prior to 1939 Cokesbury Press was the trade name of the publishing house of The
Methodist Episcopal Church, South. At union in 1939, the names of the publishing
houses were combined to form Abingdon-Cokesbury. Subsequently, the name Abingdon
was used as the trade name for the publishing house and Cokesbury for the
bookstores.
COMMUNION
- One of the sacraments of The United Methodist Church. This sacrament is often
called the Lord's Supper. Eucharist, from the Greek word for thanksgiving, has
been yet another traditional name for the sacrament. It recalls the Last Supper
of Jesus with the disciples. It is a celebration and remembrance of God's grace
and mercy in Jesus, of the resurrection of Christ, and of Christ's continuing
presence with us.
COMMUNION
STEWARDS - Persons
elected by the Charge Conference to be responsible for the preparation of the
bread, wine and the communion ware for use in the Sacrament of the Lord's
Supper.
COMMUNITY
BIBLE STUDY - On-going,
in-depth Bible study groups designed to provide quality time examining God's
Word.
CONFIRMATION
- The act by which
persons who were baptized as infants or young children (or, because of other
special circumstances, could not make the baptismal vows themselves) make their
first public statement of their declaration or profession of faith. In this
sense they confirm their faith.
Confirmation is
performed in preparation for reception into full membership in The United
Methodist Church. Persons who declared their faith in Christ for themselves at
baptism are not confirmed inasmuch as they previously made their profession of
faith when baptized.
CONNECTION
- The principle, basic to The United Methodist Church, that all leaders and
congregations are connected in a network of loyalties and commitments that
support, yet supersede, local concerns.
CONVENER -
The leader of one of
Immanuel's ministry teams.
CONVERSION
- The act of a person's being born spiritually into the Kingdom of God. Through
conversion the individual recognizes Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and accepts
the doctrines of Christianity as the guide for future living. The formal
entrance of the new convert into the Christian community is through the
Sacrament of Baptism.
COUNCIL OF
BISHOPS - All
active and retired bishops of The United Methodist Church. The council meets
twice a year. According to The Book of Discipline 2000, "The Council of
Bishops is.the collegial expression of episcopal leadership in the Church and
through the Church into the world. The Church expects the Council of Bishops to
speak to the Church and from the Church to the world, and to give leadership in
the quest for Christian unity and interreligious relationships."
COVENANT -
The entering into and committing oneself to a continuing relationship.
Christians see themselves as a people of a covenant with God. The New Testament
or "New Covenant" is that covenant of the saving work of Jesus Christ
through the grace of God and the response Christians make in their profession of
faith and baptism. This understanding of covenant has been important throughout
the life of United Methodism.
COVINGTON
DISTRICT - The
district to which Immanuel belongs. See "district" for more information.
CREED
- A brief, authoritative statement of religious belief. Historically, the two
most important of these for United Methodism have been the Apostles' Creed and
the Nicene Creed.
CROSSROADS -
A worship service that
gathers in Wesley Hall at 10:30 a.m. The service features a band and worship
leaders and occasional drama, dance and other forms of creative worship.
DEACON
- An ordained clergyperson who is called to serve all people, particularly the
poor, the sick, and the oppressed, and to equip and lead the laity in ministries
of compassion, justice and service in the world. In this capacity, he or she
leads the church in relating the gathered community to their ministries in the
world, thus connecting the church's worship with its service in the world. A
deacon has the authority to teach and proclaim God's Word, to lead in worship,
to assist elders in the administration of the sacraments of Holy Baptism and
Holy Communion, to perform the marriage ceremony, and to bury the dead.
DENOMINATION
- The body of persons or the organization formed around a particular set of
religious beliefs or structure or type of government. In the United States,
various religious bodies, such as The United Methodist Church, are referred to
as denominations. Sometimes they are also referred to as communions.
DESIGNATED
GIFT - A
contribution for a specific purpose or project selected by the giver. The
Advance for Christ and His Church and World Service Special Gifts are two
avenues of designated giving in The United Methodist Church.
DISCIPLE
BIBLE STUDY - An
intense, transformational study of God's Word. A variety of Disciple Bible
Study groups are offered.
DISCIPLESHIP
- The active living of the individual Christian in accordance with the
teachings of Jesus Christ, which is, being as effective a disciple of Christ as
possible. Discipleship involves a ministry of outreaching love and witness to
others concerning Christ and God's grace. Discipleship also calls the Christian
to ministries of servanthood and service to the world to the glory of God and
for human fulfillment.
DISCIPLING
MINISTRY TEAM -
Ministry team charged with implementing adult Christian Education opportunities.
DISTRICT -
A regional group of churches or charges, supervised by a district
superintendent.
DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT -
An ordained minister appointed by a bishop to oversee the pastors and local
churches in a district. A district superintendent may not serve in that capacity
more than six years in any consecutive nine years. No minister may serve more
than a total of twelve years as a superintendent. The superintendent carries a
wide range of responsibilities for the local churches in the district and
throughout the Conference as a whole. Primary responsibilities relate to
overseeing the work of the local churches, including presiding at Charge
Conferences, and supervising the work of the pastors, including participating
with the bishop in the making of appointments.
DOCTRINAL
STANDARDS -
Key statements of historical and doctrinal importance for The United Methodist
Church. The doctrinal standards include the Articles of Religion and the
Confession of Faith. These are accompanied by the General Rules of Our United
Societies. All three of these are printed in The Book of Discipline.
ELDER
- A person ordained to a lifetime ministry of service, word, sacrament and
order. He or she is authorized to preach and teach God's word, to administer
the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion, and to order the life of the
church for mission and ministry.
EMMAUS, WALK
TO - A
program of the Upper Room division of the General Board Discipleship which calls
forth and renews Christian discipleship. The Walk to Emmaus is a three-day
experience, a highly structured weekend, which takes a New Testament look at
Christianity as a life-style. The program is designed to strengthen and renew
the faith of Christian people and through them their families, congregations,
and the world.
EPISCOPACY -
Refers to the office of bishop. Episcopacy also refers to the system of church
government in which bishops serve as general superintendents of the church and
are responsible individually and collectively for the spiritual and temporal
welfare of the denomination. The episcopal system is established by the
Constitution as an integral part of the organizational structure of United
Methodism.
EPISCOPAL
AREA - The
annual conference or conferences to which a bishop is assigned by the
Jurisdictional or Central conference. The bishop lives within the bounds of the
episcopal area and presides over the work of one or more annual conferences.
ESL (English
as Second Language) -
A ministry designed to help non-English speaking individuals to become
proficient in English.
EScuela
Dominical -
Sunday school classes for
Latino members and their families and friends.
EXPERIENCING
MINISTRY TEAM -
Ministry team charged with responsibility for carrying out tasks necessary for
corporate worship in the life of the congregation.
FINANCE
COMMITTEE -
The church ministry team charged with developing the annual church budget and
giving general oversight to the funding of the ministry of the congregation.
FOUNDING
DATE, THE DENOMINATION
- The date of the organization of the first of the antecedent
denominations of The United Methodist Church. The Methodist Episcopal Church was
organized in 1784 at the Christmas Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Therefore,
1784 is accepted as the founding date for The United Methodist Church.
GENERAL
CONFERENCE -
The highest legislative body in The United Methodist Church. The voting
membership consists of an equal number of clergy and lay delegates elected by
the annual conferences. General Conference convenes every quadrennium (four
years) to determine the denomination's future direction. It is the only body
that can speak officially for the denomination.
HEART AND
SOUL (PARISH NURSING)
- Parish Nursing is a movement that encourages churches to reclaim their role in
health care, a role that stems back to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by
promoting wellness in body, mind and spirit. The Parish health ministry uses a
holistic approach to health care, focusing on health promotion and disease
prevention. It is a means of incorporating faith into the healing process to
meet congregational members' physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
ROLE OF PARISH
NURSE/HEALTH MINISTER:
Health
Educator: Raise health awareness with a variety of formats.
Personal Health
Counselor: Available to discuss personal health problems, refer for medical
interventions, make hospital, home and nursing home visits.
Referral
Service/Liaison with Community Resources: Assess and make appropriate referrals
to services in the community.
Volunteer
Facilitator: Recruit, train and supervise volunteers connecting those who have
needs and those who have the desire and skills to meet those needs.
Developer of
Support Groups: Complete a needs assessment of the congregation and organize
support groups to meet the wide range of needs.
IDA SPENCE
MISSION - A local
mission of the United Methodist Church located in the City Heights housing
project in Covington, Ky.
Iglesia
del Camino Emaus -
Immanuel's Latino
worship service.
IMMANUEL -
Literally means "God with us."
IMMANUEL
SERVICE PROJECT (ISP)
- The Immanuel Service Project is a "home-grown" outreach
ministry that grew out of participation in the Appalachia Service Project in the
late 1980's.
For several
years, ISP was a ten-day mission project that worked out of the Morgan-Scott
Project in rural East Tennessee. Volunteers did repairs that made it possible
for disadvantaged families to remain in their homes. Thanks to the generous
support of our congregation, ISP teams were actually able to construct
completely new homes for three families.
Groups also
built a covered deck, handicap ramp, and benches for the Free Food Store at the
Morgan-Scott center.
In recent
years, ISP has evolved into a group that not only works through the Morgan-Scott
Project in Tennessee, but also teams up with a local organization called People
Working Cooperatively to do home repairs for families and individuals living in
Northern Kentucky. Recently, ISP helped to renovate a small United Methodist
Church in Flemingsburg, Ky.
INCLUSIVENESS
- The term in United Methodism that means that every level of the
denomination is to be open to all people in all settings on a fully equal basis.
There is to be no distinction made because of racial or ethnic background,
national origin, gender, age, handicapping condition, or any other criteria. It
is the policy of The United Methodist Church to be fully inclusive of all
persons in their participation in the life and work of the church.
INFOSERV
- the official information service of The United Methodist Church,
responds to over 200 questions a day by e-mail, phone, and fax. Located in
Nashville, TN, InfoServ is here to respond to not only your questions, but point
you in the right direction to locate people and necessary resources.
Where you can ask any
question about
The United Methodist Church?
(800)251-8140
(Toll free in the United
States)
8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.,
Central Time
E-mail infoserv@umcom.org
Website:
http:// infoserv.umc.org
In Nashville, call
(615) 742-5420
FAX:
(615)742-5423
Spanish and Korean-speaking consultants are available.
INSTRUCTIONAL
BASKETBALL - A
children's program designed to teach the fundamentals of the game, under a
less competitive atmosphere. This program generally runs January through
February each year. Forms for registration are available in the church office
beginning on the Monday following Thanksgiving.
INTERFAITH
HOSPITALITY NETWORK
- Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) is a program designed to help
displaced families get back on their feet after a crisis has occurred in their
lives. The families who are accepted in the program are homeless and in search
of employment. The goal of the program is to help them find appropriate housing,
improve their job skills through education and help them find gainful
employment.
Once every nine
weeks, our church becomes home for up to fifteen homeless people who reside in
our facility from Sunday afternoon through the next Sunday morning. Volunteers
from our church provide transportation between the church and the interfaith
center in Newport on a daily basis. Groups of volunteers from support churches,
as well as Immanuel members also prepare and serve evening meals and breakfast
every day the families are with us. Others spend the night at the church to help
meet any needs that might arise overnight. Still others give of their time to
play with the children and youth who are our valued guests.
ITENERACY
- The system in The United Methodist Church by which pastors are appointed
to their charges by the bishops. The pastors are under obligation to serve where
appointed. The present form of the intineracy grew from the practice of
Methodist pastors traveling widely throughout the church on circuits. Assigned
to service by a bishop, they were not to remain with one particular congregation
for any length of time.
JUNIOR HIGH "X-CELL"
GROUPS - All Junior High
students are a part of our X-Cell Groups on Sunday nights during Youth
Explosion. Here's what that means for you:
- Your
very own small group leader!
- Your
very own group to do fun stuff with!
- Your
very own journal to keep!
- Your
very own time to grow DEEPER in your faith!
JURISDICTION
- The five geographic areas in the United States, each composed of several
annual conferences as determined by the General Conference: North Central,
Northeastern, South Central, Southeastern and Western. (Immanuel is
located within the bounds of the Southeastern Jurisdiction. United Methodist
churches across the river in Cincinnati are located in the North Central
jurisdiction).
JURISDICTIONAL
CONFERENCE -
The quadrennial meeting of clergy and lay delegates from the annual conferences
within the boundaries of one of five U.S. jurisdictions: North Central,
Northeastern, South Central, Southeastern and Western. Jurisdictional
Conferences convene every four years. The business includes the election and
assignment of bishops.
KENTUCKY
ANNUAL CONFERENCE -
The annual conference to which Immanuel belongs. The conference covers most of
the Commonwealth of Kentucky, excluding counties west of the Tennessee River and
churches assigned to the Redbird Missionary Conference in Eastern Kentucky.
KIDS OF THE
KING AND KIDS KLUB:
These groups meet quarterly for fellowship and Christ centered fun! Kids get to
know one another in a casual setting in preparation for the older youth groups.
Programs are evangelical in nature and we encourage all kids to.Bring a
friend!
KIDS OWN
WORSHIP -
This worship experience is designed for children to meet God at their level. A
variety of methods are used in presenting God's Word. This program is offered at
the 9:00 worship time, with the children leaving the sanctuary at a designated
time to continue their worship in Children's Hall.
LAITY -
From laos,
meaning "people of God," and used to describe members of a
congregation or parish.
LAY LEADER
- The local church official, elected by the charge conference, who serves
as the primary lay representative of the local church. The lay leader has
specific responsibilities detailed in The Book of Discipline. Districts
and annual conferences also elect lay leaders to serve as the primary
representatives of the lay membership. (Our lay leader for 2004, is Shannon
Herold).
LAY
LEADERSHIP, COMMITTEE ON
- Recommends to the charge conference officers and members of the church
council and other committees as requires. The committee on lay leadership also
serves throughout the year to guide the church council on matters regarding
leadership (other than employed staff) and to identify, train and support
leaders in the congregation. This committee is composed of not more than nine
persons in addition to the pastor and lay leader. The pastor serves as
chairperson.
LAY MEMBER,
ANNUAL CONFERENCE -
The voting lay delegate to the annual conference. Each annual conference is
required to consist of an equal number of lay members and ministerial members.
The vast majority of lay members of Annual Conferences are elected by pastoral
charges to represent them at the sessions of Annual Conference. Lay members may
speak and vote on all items coming before the Annual Conference with the
exception of those relating to ministerial membership, relationships, ordination
and election of clergy delegates to Jurisdictional and General Conferences.
LAYPERSON
- A baptized, confirmed member of a local church.
LOCAL CHURCH
- A congregation of persons who have joined together as Christians and as
United Methodists to carry forward the message of Christ and to witness to and
serve the world. It is the fellowship of persons who have professed their belief
in Christ, have been baptized and have taken the vows of membership of The
United Methodist Church. Congregations are organized and chartered by Annual
Conferences.
LORD'S
SUPPER, HOLY COMMUNION:
The traditional name in United Methodism for the Sacrament instituted by Jesus.
Over the years the term Holy Communion has also become widely accepted as
the name for the sacrament. Eucharist, from the Greek word for thanksgiving, has
been yet another traditional name for the sacrament. "A Service of Word and
Table" is the name given for the ritual for this sacrament in The United
Methodist Hymnal (1989). This sacrament has been a central and important
service throughout the entire life of Methodism. It recalls the Last Supper of
Jesus with the disciples. It is a celebration and remembrance of God's grace and
mercy in Jesus, of the resurrection of Christ, and of Christ's continuing
presence with us. It provides the worshiper with the opportunity to renew the
covenant made with God and to be rededicated to service in Christ's name.
MEMBERSHIP
VOWS - Taken
when a person joins a United Methodist church. By taking the membership vows,
the individual agrees to covenant with God and the members of the local church
to keep the vows that are part of the reception into membership. These vows have
four parts: (1) to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; (2) to believe in
the Christian faith as contained in the Old and New Testaments; (3) to promise
to live a Christian life; and (4) to uphold The United Methodist Church with
one's prayers, presence, gifts and service.
MEMBERSHIP,
LOCAL CHURCH -
Includes those persons who have been baptized and who have been received into
membership in a local church through confession of faith or by transfer of
membership and who have taken the vows of membership. A person who is a member
of any local United Methodist church is a member of the United Methodist
denomination as a whole. It is the obligation and the responsibility of the
pastor of the local church to decide who will be admitted into membership.
METHODIST
HOME FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, THE
- The Kentucky United Methodist Homes
for Children and Youth has two locations in Versailles and Owensboro. The
Owensboro location is also called the Mary Kendall Campus. This year, the Mary
Kendall Campus celebrates 100 years of operation. Last year our Homes
cared for over 900 children who have histories of abuse, neglect, abandonment or
family trauma.
METHODIST,
METHODISM -
Two words, along with Wesleyan, used to describe the movement resulting from the
work of John Wesley and his brother Charles. The movement had its very earliest
expression in the Holy Club at Oxford. There John and Charles Wesley and others
joined together in a highly structured and disciplines pattern of worship,
prayer and study. Those outside the group derisively called the groups
"Methodists" because of their highly methodical approach to their
religion. Then name was later applied to the followers of the Wesleys as they
actively preached throughout England. Methodist and Methodism are used to refer
to a large family of churches and denominations throughout the world.
MINISTER
- The term which, in its broadest usage in United Methodism, applies to
all persons who accept Christ as Savior who are baptized, and who participate in
Christ's ministry of grace through outreach and service in the world. It is the
United Methodist conviction that all persons in Christ are called to work for
the building up of the church through worship, fellowship and service to the
world. In a more limited sense, the word minister is used to refer to
those persons who serve the church through full-time work. In its most specific
usage, minister is used as a synonym for pastor.
MISSIONARY
- A lay or clergy person selected and commissioned to serve in the work of
The United Methodist Church or related denominations in other lands or in
designated projects in the United States. Missionaries are selected, assigned,
and directed in their work by the General Board of Global Ministries or by the
Mission Society of United Methodists.
MISSIONARIES
SUPPORTED BY IMMANUEL UMC
-
Gongwer, Cam
and Anne - Dr. Cam Gongwer serves as a medical missionary in Ankasse,
a small farming village of 2500 people located near the capitol city of Kumasi.
Cam is busy helping to extend the medical ministry of the Methodist Faith
Healing Hospital and Outpatient clinic. He is also working to develop a
church-based community health program. His wife, Anne uses her art and education
training to enhance literacy and bring beauty into the lives of the patients in
the hospital. The Gongwers serve through the Mission Society for United
Methodists.
Persons, David
and Lori - David and Lorene Persons with their children Michelle,
Amber, and Andrew are based in Mulunguishi. Democratic Republic of the Congo.
David is Dean at the seminary there while Lori teaches English and household
skills. With the unstable political situation in Africa currently, many prayers
are needed for the Persons along with continued financial support. Their work is
being performed as approved missionaries through the General Board of Global
Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Immanuel provides partial financial
support for the Persons.
MUSIC
MINISTRY - Immanuel
has a varied music ministry with lots of opportunities for service.
Handbell
Choirs
Chancel
Bells
Joyous
Vibrations
Our
youth bell choir rings for worship several times per year. Jubilation is middle
school youth and Grace Notes are high school.
Choral Opportunities
Chancel Choir
occasionally, but is usually accompanied on the Wicks pipe organ or our
Yamaha grand piano.
Angel Choir
Our youngest choir, for children in kindergarten
or the last year of preschool, is primarily a learning experience. We use games
and songs to study the basics of musical sound and begin to learn to read
rhythms. Angels sing in worship a couple of times during the year.
Kids' Praise
Children's Choir is for children in first
and second grades. Songs, stories, games and crafts continue to teach music and
spiritual fundamentals to these primary grade singers. Children's Choir sings
for Sunday worship services periodically, and helps to lead one of the Christmas
Eve services.
Joyful Noise
Older elementary students, in grades
3,4 and 5, learn musical and vocal fundamentals, hymns of the church and
spiritual lessons in weekly rehearsals of Joyful Noise. This choir participates
in Sunday worship about once a month, and occasionally performs a musical. They
have primary responsibility for the earliest evening service on Christmas Eve.
NEW
TESTAMENT -
Includes the twenty-seven books accepted by Christians as authoritative or
canonical concerning the life of Christ and the experience of the early
Christian church. Article V of the United Methodist Articles of Religion affirms
"All the books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do
receive and account canonical." The New Testament serves as the source and
guide for our faith in Jesus Christ.
NURTURING
MINISTRY TEAM -
Ministry team charged with implementation of the congregational care ministries
of the church.
OFFERING
- The gifts and tithes brought by worshipers to the service.
"Offering" is also used to describe the process of collecting or
gathering the gifts, as in "taking up the offering." The term offering
is also commonly used as the name for that portion of the worship service in
which the tithes and offerings of those present are received.
OLD
TESTAMENT -
The thirty-nine books of the pre-Christian era considered authoritative and
canonical by most Protestant churches. Article V of the United Methodist
Articles of Religion specifically lists these thirty-nine books. This was done
to make clear that other books, such as Apocrypha, were not to be considered
part of the Scriptures. The historical position of the Christian church and of
United Methodism is that both the Old and New Testaments serve as sources of
primary guidance for our faith.
ONE GREAT
HOUR OF SHARING -
A special Sunday authorized by the General Conference to be observed with an
offering taken throughout the denomination on the fourth Sunday of Lent. One
Great Hour of Sharing calls United Methodists to share the goodness of life with
those in need throughout the world. The offering is to be used for a variety of
relief programs. The observance of the Sunday is under the general direction of
the United Methodist Communications. The funds are administered by the United
Methodist Committee on Relief Department, General Board of Global Ministries.
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR SERVICE - Annual
stewardship of time and talent campaign generally held in November.
ORDAINED
MINISTER - A
person, in the traditional language of United Methodism, "within the
ministry of the baptized who is called of God and set aside by the Church for
the specialized ministry of Word, Sacrament, and Order." To qualify for
ordination an individual must meet the requirements for membership set forth by
The United Methodist Church and the Annual Conference and must have completed
the necessary educational training. The individual must also receive the
recommendation of the Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and the
affirmative vote of the ministerial members of the conference to receive
ordination as a deacon or an elder. Following ordination one has the authority
to exercise the responsibilities and duties of an ordained minister.
ORDINATION
- The act of conferring ministerial orders, presided over by a bishop, for the
authorization of the church for the practice of Service, Word, Sacrament and
Order (in the case of an elder) and for the practice of Word and Service (in the
case of a deacon).
PARSONAGE
- Owned by the pastoral charge, the house provided as the residence for
the family of a pastor. A housing allowance may be granted by the pastoral
charge for the minister in lieu of a parsonage, provided this is done in
compliance with Annual Conference policy.
POLITY
- The organization and practices of a denomination.
PRAYER LINE
- The Immanuel prayer line phone number is (859) 578-3564. You may
call the Immanuel prayer line at any time to hear the prayer concerns of our
congregation and community. To leave a prayer request, call the prayer line,
listen to the current concerns, and then leave your prayer request following the
tone.
PREPARE
AFFAIR - One
Saturday in November is set aside as "Prepare Affair Day." On that
day, scores of volunteers from young children through mature adults come
together to help elderly and disabled homeowners prepare their homes and yards
for winter. This ministry requires no special skills, just a willing person and
the ability to rake leaves and pick up trash.
PREPARATORY
MEMBER - A
person who is in preparation for full membership in the local church. This
includes persons who have declared their interest in the local church or who
have enrolled in classes in preparation for taking the membership vows. In The
United Methodist Church, the term preparatory member is defined
specifically to mean all baptized children and youth eighteen years of age and
younger who are not yet members of the local church.
PURPOSE-DRIVEN
CHURCH - A congregation
that builds its ministries around the 5 Biblical purposes of the church as
taught by Jesus in what is known as the Great Commission and the Great
Commandment.
QUADRENNIUM
- The official four-year period beginning January 1 following each General
Conference, during which The United Methodist Church implements General
Conference legislation.
REAFFIRMATION
OF FAITH -
The public reaffirmation of the baptismal vows by persons who have previously
affirmed them either at the time of baptism or at confirmation. Reaffirmation of
faith is most frequent when an individual is joining a local church.
REAFFIRMATION
OF THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT
- The remembrance of the baptismal experience and the vows taken at that
time. The reaffirmation of the baptismal covenant is held during a worship
service. It focuses on God's grace extended through baptism and the response of
the individual for faithful Christian living.
ROLLS,
MEMBERSHIP -
Those records each local church is required to maintain on the membership. The
various membership rolls are:
1) Affiliate Membership Roll
2) Associate Membership Roll
3) Constituency Roll
4) Full Membership Roll
5) Members Removed by Charge Conference Action
6) Preparatory Membership Roll
RSI (Resource
Services, Inc.)
- The organization IUMC partnered with to develop our capital growth
(building fund) campaign.
SACRAMENT
- Something consecrated or holy. Traditionally, a Christian ordinance
manifesting an inward, spiritual grace by an outward, visible sign or symbol.
United Methodists recognize two sacraments: baptism and Holy Communion.
SCHOLARSHIP TEAM
- The team charged with receiving
applications and making decisions regarding local church scholarships provided
to students enrolled in higher education.
SENIOR HIGH IMPACT GROUPS
- Okay, Senior Highers! This is your
opportunity to make an IMPACT in your life and others. Join an IMPACT group
during the week to strengthen your faith. We'll meet in host homes. Groups
start in October, but make your commitment NOW to join a group. You can also
join once groups start.
SERVANT
EVANGELISM -
A ministry of the church that seeks to offer "a cup of cold water" to the
community. A "hands-on" ministry that seeks to proclaim God's love to
individuals through small, yet intentional acts of kindness.
SERVING
MINISTRY TEAM - Team
charged with responsibility for implementing the outreach ministries of the
church.
SEWING HIS
LOVE - This
ministry provides needed sewn items, with God's comfort and love through
scripture verse attached, to area cancer victims via local hospitals, the
American Cancer Society and our Church. "Sewing His Love" ministry
also serves mothers who have lost their child at the time of delivery with sewn
"Mommy Bears" to fill their empty arms.
SHARING
MINISTRY TEAM -
Team charged with responsibility for implementing the process designed to
welcome and receive individuals into the life of the church.
SISTER
CHURCH - Our
church is excited about helping provide support and have fellowship with our
Sister Church in Voronezh, Russia. The Pastor of St. Peter and Paul Methodist
Church, Igor Volovodov visited our congregation in 2000 and 2002. Our Pastor,
his family and others from Immanuel made a visit to Russia in the summer of
2000. We were excited to welcome and host three laity from our sister church on
their visit to the United States in 2003. The Methodist Church is alive
and growing in Russia. We are excited about having the opportunity to help
spread the Gospel message in partnership with our Brothers and Sisters in
Christ. Our goal is to continue to build a loving community with fellow
believers in Russia.
SMALL GROUP
- A small group is a
sub-grouping of the church that seeks to provide the following:
a.
Fellowship (Sharing)
(groups need to have time to talk and enjoy each other's company)
b.
Worship/Prayer (Experiencing)
c.
Caring (Nurturing)
d.
Study (Discipling)
e.
Mission/Service (Serving)
SOCIAL
CREED, THE -
A set of affirmations concerning United Methodist beliefs about the relationship
of the church to the social issues and the world. The Social Creed is approved
by the General Conference as part of a larger document, the Social Principles,
and the action of the General Conference recommends that the Social Creed be
used frequently in Sunday worship services. The first Social Creed was adopted
by the 1908 General Conference of The Methodist Episcopal Church. The Social
Creed has been reviewed and revised through the years by the General Conference,
and is printed in The Book of Discipline.
SOCIAL
PRINCIPLES, THE -
A document setting forth the basic position of The United Methodist Church on
important social issues. The Social Principles represent the effort of the
General Conference to speak to human issues in the contemporary world from a
sound biblical and theological foundation. The Social Principles document is
reviewed by each General Conference and is printed in full in The Book of
Discipline.
SONSHINE
SCHOOL -
Sonshine School is operated as an outreach ministry of Immanuel. As one of
Northern Kentucky's oldest private preschool programs, we have provided safe,
developmental and loving childcare in a Christian setting since 1971. Our weekly
and twice weekly class session allow parents time in four-hour blocks to attend
to personal matters with confidence that their children are happy and secure
while they learn. We believe all God's children are special, so we treat them
that way.
SPEAKING FOR
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
- The provision enacted by the General Conference that establishes clearly
how the positions of The United Methodist Church are to be given. This
regulation in The Book of Discipline states: "No person, no paper,
no organization, has the authority to speak officially for The United Methodist
Church, this right having been reserved exclusively to the General Conference
under the Constitution. Any written public policy statement issued by a general
church agency shall clearly identify either at the beginning or at the end that
the statement represents the position of The United Methodist Church. Any
individual member called to testify before a legislative body to represent The
United Methodist Church shall be allowed to do so only by reading, without
elaboration, the resolutions and positions adopted by the General Conference of
The United Methodist Church."
SPECIAL
SUNDAYS -
Those Sundays authorized by the General Conference to be set aside for a
denomination-wide emphasis. The General Conference has approved special Sundays
to be observed both with an offering and without an offering. Those special
Sundays approved which include an offering are: (1) Human Relations Day, (2) One
Great Hour of Sharing, (3) World Communion Sunday, (4) United Methodist Student
Day, (5) Peace with Justice Sunday, and (6) Native American Ministries Sunday.
Those without an offering are: (1) Heritage Sunday, (2) Laity Sunday, and (3)
Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday. In addition, the General Conference has
authorized special Sundays with offerings that may be observed at the discretion
and timing of the annual conference: (1) Christian Education Sunday, (2) Golden
Cross Sunday, (3) Rural Life Sunday, and (4) Disability Awareness Sunday.
SPIRITUAL
GIFTS - Those gifts
given to Christians to allow them to serve Christ both in the church and in the
world.
SPROUTS
(COVENANT DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS)
- Small Groups of
young people and two adult leaders meeting on a weekly basis (for 10-12 weeks)
to discover a balance between faith and good works, learning to connect actions
to faith and guiding each other into ways you can love God and neighbor through
service.
STAFF-PARISH
RELATIONS COMMITTEE
- It works closely with the pastor and staff concerning their relationship
with the congregation and the entire work of the church. This committee is in
essence the personnel committee of the pastoral charge. The committee is to be
sensitive to the opinions and concerns of the congregation concerning the pastor
and staff. It is to confer with the district superintendent or the bishop
concerning the appointment of the pastor for the church. The committee
recommends the salary for the ordained clergy to the Charge Conference. It
consists of from five to nine members of the pastoral charge.
STEPHEN
MINISTRY -
Stephen Ministry is a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to
provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing
all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and
community.
Stephen
Ministers meet the needs of people. There are times when each of us needs the
care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! These needs
include but are not limited to.
The
hospitalized
The terminally
ill and their families
People who move
into or out of our community
Those grieving
a death or serious loss
The homebound
and institutionalized
Those with a
job crisis
The aging and
elderly
Those facing
life transitions
The separated
and divorced
Those in
spiritual crisis
STEWARDSHIP
- The devout investment or use of money, time and ability. In biblical
times, a steward supervised a household or an estate. Today, as God's children,
we deem God the source of all he has, seek to hold it in trust for God and
desire to be "good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter
4:10a)
STEWARDSHIP
TEAM - The team charged
with giving oversight to the utilization of all gifts: financial, time, talent,
etc.
SUNDAY
SCHOOL - Sunday
morning spiritual growth opportunity for children, youth and adults.
SUPERINTENDENCY
- Residing in
the office of the bishop and extending to the district superintendent, the task
of overseeing the work of The United Methodist Church. Those who superintend
carry primary responsibility for ordering the life of the church. The
superintendency is to enable the church to be effective in worship and outreach
and in its program and organizational life as a whole. A method for carrying
this out is in the careful deployment of ministers to local churches through the
appointment process. The Book of Discipline states: "The formal
leadership in The United Methodist Church, located in these superintending
offices, is an integral part of the system of an intinerant ministry."
TITHE -
The setting aside of one-tenth of one's income for God as is specifically noted
in the Bible. Tithing has been the traditional minimum standard of giving for
Christians. The United Methodist Church has taken the official position that
tithing is the standard for United Methodists, and the practice of tithing is to
be actively encouraged in every local church.
TRANSFER,
LOCAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
- The movement of the membership of a lay person from one local church to
another. A lay person may transfer his or her membership either to another
United Methodist local church or to a local church of another denomination. The
lay member does this by formally requesting that the pastor of the church to
which he or she is transferring ask for the proper letter or certificate of
transfer from the former church. When the letter or certificate is sent, the lay
person ceases to be a member of the former local church.
TRUSTEES,
LOCAL CHURCH BOARD OF
- The group charged with the responsibility for the supervision and care
of all property and equipment owned by the local church. The Board is to plan
and set policies for the maintenance and use of the property and equipment, and
receives and administers all bequests to the local church. The Board of Trustees
consists of three to nine persons and at its discretion may be incorporated.
UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH -
This denomination was formed in 1968 by the union of The Evangelical United
Brethren Church and The Methodist Church. It serves members in more than seventy
Annual Conferences in five Jurisdictional Conferences in the United States and
nearly forty Annual and Provisional Annual Conferences in seven Central
Conferences in Africa, Europe and the Philippines.
UNITED
METHODIST MEN -
The agency whose purposes
are to involve men in a growing relationship to Jesus Christ and his church and
to provide resources and support for programs of evangelism, stewardship and the
needs of men. Its offices are in Nashville, Tennessee.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN - The official organization for women
in The United Methodist Church at the local church, Annual Conference, and
denominational levels. Among the purposes of the United Methodist Women are the
following: (1) to provide resources and opportunities for women that enrich
their spiritual life and increase their knowledge of the needs of the world, (2)
to enlist women in activities that have moral and religious significance for the
public welfare and that contribute to the establishment of a just global
society, (3) to secure funds for the support of the program of the church, with
special concern for the needs and responsibilities of women, and (4) to project
plans specifically directed toward leadership development of women. United
Methodist Women is related to the Women's Division of the General Board of
Global Ministries with offices in New York, New York.
UNITED
METHODIST WOMEN (IMMANUEL)
- All women in the church are invited to attend. You may join UMW directly
or join a women's Circle and you are automatically a UMW member. A General
Meeting for all members is held the 1st Wednesday of each month.
The Circles
provide a great small group opportunity while the General Meetings allow you to
get to know many women in the church and be active in ministries on a larger
scale. For more information, please call the church (859) 341-5330 or send an
e-mail to: office@immanuelumc.org. We will put you in touch with someone from
UMW who can assist you in learning more about how to get involved.
OUR CIRCLES
Deborah Circle
Joanna Circle
Mary-Martha
Circle
Phoebe Circle
Sarah Circle
Susanna Circle
UNITED
MINISTRIES -
A local agency that supports under-resourced individuals and families.
UPPER ROOM,
THE - The
daily devotional guide published for more than fifty years by the Upper Room
division of the General Board of Discipleship. In addition to its wide
distribution throughout the United States, The Upper Room is circulated
to persons throughout the world in many language editions.
VACATION
BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS)
- A week-long summer outreach event for children and adults! The
theme varies each year, but our focus is to demonstrate God's love and purpose
for all children in His world.
VOLUNTEERS IN
INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS -
Short-term missionaries who serve for one to two
weeks on special overseas projects. Our church sent a team to Ghana, West Africa
in September, 2003, a team went to Voronezh, Russia in June 2005, and a team is returning to Ghana in April 2006. Some of the members of the team planned and present a
Bible Camp for the children in the area around Ankasse and Voronezh while others did
construction work, computer maintenance and helped establish a library.
WEB SITES:
Immanuel: www.immanuelumc.org or www.iky.cc Covington District: www.covingtondistrictumc.org Kentucky Annual Conference:
www.kyumc.org;
United Methodist Church: www.umc.org
WEEKDAY
SCHOOL OF RELIGION
- A non-profit organization that exists to provide Biblical and moral
lessons for elementary aged children.
WESLEY,
CHARLES - The
younger brother of John Wesley and a formative leader in the Methodist movement.
Charles Wesley (1707-1788) attended Christ College, Oxford, England, and was a
founding member of the Holy Club. He was a missionary to Georgia, was deeply
affected by the Moravian beliefs, and had a transforming religious experience in
1738, just a few days before his brother John. He was active through the
remainder of his life preaching and overseeing the growing Methodist work in
England. His great contribution to the Wesleyan movement and to the entire
Christian church was his hymns. He was a prolific writer of hymn poems and
embodied much of the theology of Methodism in these poems.
WESLEY, JOHN
- The founder of the Methodist movement. John Wesley (1703-1791) was born
at Epworth, England, the son of a Church of England clergyman. He was graduated
from Christ College, Oxford, England. For a brief period he was a missionary to
Georgia. In 1738 he had an intense religious experience at a meeting on
Aldersgate Street, London. Following this he began to preach throughout the
country. He was a prolific preacher and writer, and his writings provided a core
of standard doctrine and interpretation to guide the new Methodist movement. In
1784, he sent instructions to America for the formation of a separate Methodist
church for the United States.
WESLEY
FOUNDATION - The
official United Methodist ministry on College and University Campuses.
WESLEYAN -
The term that applies those things related to John Wesley and the movement he
began. The word Wesleyan is in many ways synonymous with the word Methodist.
WESLEYAN
QUADRILATERAL, THE
- The phrase which has relatively recently come into use to describe the
principal factors that John Wesley believed illuminate the core of the Christian
faith for the believer. Wesley did not formulate the succinct statement now
commonly referred to as the Wesley Quadrilateral. Building on the Anglican
theological tradition, Wesley added a fourth emphasis, experience. The resulting
four components or "sides" of the quadrilateral are (1) Scripture, (2)
tradition, (3) reason, and (4) experience. For United Methodists, Scripture is
considered the primary source and standard for Christian doctrine. Tradition is
experience and the witness of development and growth of the faith through the
past centuries and in many nations and cultures. Experience is the individual's
understanding and appropriating of the faith in the light of his or her own
life. Through reason the individual Christian brings to bear on the Christian
faith discerning and cogent thought. These four elements taken together bring
the individual Christian to a mature and fulfilling understanding of the
Christian faith and the required response of worship and service.
WORLD
COMMUNION SUNDAY -
One of the special Sundays authorized by the General Conference to be observed
with the taking of an offering throughout the denomination. World Communion
Sunday is observed the first Sunday in October. The observance focuses the
attention of United Methodists on the universal and inclusive nature of the
church
WORLD
SERVICE FUND -
The primary source of support for ministry through the general agencies. The
World Service apportionment allows United Methodists to participate in God's
global mission. Basic to the financial program of The United Methodist Church,
it represents the minimum needs of the church's general agencies.
WwW.KIDS
- This Wednesday afternoon spiritual formation option is rotation based
and, after an opening celebration, kids will travel to three stations: choir,
games & small group time.
YOUTH BAND
- The
youth praise team that leads worship for Youth Explosion and other special
events.
YOUTH
COUNCIL - Team
charged with implementing ministry to/with youth.
YOUTH DANCE
MINISTRY - We
have a new dance ministry that meets on Wednesday nights from 7-8:15
pm in the Junior High room. We use this during special worship services and
other special presentations.
YOUTH DRAMA
TEAM - Our
drama team meets Wednesday afternoon from 4:30
- 6:00 pm in the Senior High room. This team performs dramas during Youth
Explosion, for Sunday morning worship, and for special youth presentations.
YOUTH
EXPLOSION - Sunday
night youth ministry activity. Great food, worship, games and tons of fun!
(6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
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