Welcome, SEJ Association of United Methodist Foundations

In a season of change for the United Methodist Church, foundations can provide leadership worthy of the moment. It is in that spirit that we will gather in April.

Who: Southeastern Jurisdiction Association of United Methodist Foundations

When: Sunday, April 21 to Tuesday, April 23

Where: United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina (Click for map)

Register: Please click here to complete an online registration form.

Lodging: SpringHill Suites by Marriott (Details and map here)

• • Please make hotel reservations soon. The hotel is expected to be busy as the General Board of Global Ministries will have a block of rooms at the same time. Be sure to ask for the WNCC-UMC rate, which is different from GBGM.

The staff and Board of Directors of the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina are excited to welcome you for the 2024 Meeting of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Association of United Methodist Foundations.

This year’s theme relates to preparing for a future beyond the pandemic and disaffiliation. Many of us are asking, “Who are we now?” and “Do we have what it takes to move forward?” Our hope and prayer is that we can learn from one another to navigate these questions in healthy, productive ways.

Based on your responses to a survey, our time together will include panel discussions on two topics. Guest panelists (highlighted below) will be joined by Foundation staff members.

Storytelling That Moves People:
Advice to Humanize Your Communications
A well-told story builds a connection, illuminates a message or idea, makes people remember and sets us apart from the competition. Hear from pros on how to put stories at the heart of your communications strategy.

Strategic Visioning for Tomorrow and Beyond:
How to Navigate Your Next Planning Process
Staff and leadership of the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina reflect on the process of creating a strategic vision. What worked well? What would we do differently? And what did our final product look like?

Below, please find a schedule of events as well as opportunities for spouses. Business will conclude Tuesday at noon so that we may attend opening worship at General Conference.

Sunday, April 21

4:00 p.m. – Registration at SpringHill Suites by Marriott
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Gathering Dinner at North Harbor Club on Lake Norman (van transportation provided)

Monday, April 22

• Breakfast at SpringHill Suites by Marriott
• 9:00 a.m. – Morning Gathering and Devotion led by Bob Fletcher
• 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Panel Discussion: Storytelling That Moves People
• 10:30 to 10:35 a.m. – Break
• 10:35 a.m. to Noon – Panel Discussion Part II: Storytelling That Moves People
• Noon to 1:30 p.m. – Lunch
• 1:30 p.m. – Small Group Power Conversations
  • What are the biggest challenges facing your Foundation in today’s environment?
  • How do you respond?
  • Are there ways we can support one another through our connectional ministry?
  • What will be your commitment to this group moving forward?
• 2:00 to 3:15 p.m. – Panel Discussion: Strategic Visioning for Tomorrow and Beyond
• 3:15 to 3:20 p.m. – Break
• 3:20 to 4:15 p.m. – Panel Discussion Part II: Strategic Visioning for Tomorrow and Beyond
• 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. – Free time before dinner
• 5:30 p.m. – Depart from hotel for evening activities (van transportation provided)
• 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. – Free time on Main Street in Town of Davidson (pictured below)
• 6:30 p.m. – Banquet at Davidson United Methodist Church
  • Performance by DUMC youth handbell choir with contemporary selections from Led Zeppelin, Coldplay and others (Watch the handbell choir on Youtube).

Tuesday, April 23

• Breakfast at SpringHill Suites by Marriott
• 9:00 a.m. – Morning Gathering and Devotion led by Jane Wood; Communion led by David Snipes
• 9:30 a.m. – Annual Business Meeting
• 10:30 to 11 a.m. – Break/hotel checkout
• 11:00 a.m. – Light lunch and reflection time
  • What did we hear?
  • Where do we go from here?
  • What is something you are excited about?
• 1:00 p.m. – Depart for General Conference Opening Worship at Charlotte Convention Center (worship starts at 2:00 p.m.)

Opportunities for Spouses – Monday, April 22

• 10:30 a.m. – Guided tour of Davidson College campus sculpture collection (van will depart from hotel at 10 a.m.)
  • Beginning at the Visual Arts Center (315 N. Main Street), we’ll see a student art exhibition with prize-winning works from each class. Afterward, we’ll cross Main Street for a tour of outdoor sculptures.
  • Please wear comfortable shoes as there will be light walking.
  • There are places to pause, sit, rest and relax during the tour.
• Noon – Lunch in Town of Davidson at Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse (van will return to hotel afterward)
• Afternoon – Optional time on your own at Birkdale Village in Huntersville, an open-air shopping, dining and residential district with 60+ shops and restaurants (pictured below)
• 5:30 p.m. – Depart from hotel for evening activities (van transportation provided)

Learn more about the area

• North Harbor Club
• Lake Norman
• Davidson United Methodist Church
• Town of Davidson
• Birkdale Village
• Davidson College Art Galleries
• Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse