Schedule an Open Meeting

HOST CHURCH

As a host church (or group) sponsoring a presentation by an NIC VOICE speaker at an OPEN MEETING, this communication was designed to:

·        Help you convey to potential attendees the purpose of the OPEN MEETING

·        Help you to prepare for the OPEN MEETING

THEME - "A Watershed Moment for United Methodists"   

 NIC VOICE is a growing network of concerned laity whose purpose is to provide balanced information and dialog within the Northern Illinois Conference of the UMC about Doctrinal Issues raised by the Bishop Sprague Complaint & Dismissal. This is in harmony with the recommendations by the Supervisory Response Team's dismissal of charges.  They urged that the laity become involved in the process of "serious theological reflection on issues of Biblical Authority, Christology and the Mission of the Church".

 In addition, Bishop Ough's Supervisory Team characterized their 'Dismissal of Charges' as a potential Watershed Moment for the UMC.  Their recommendations indicated their desire for open dialogue:  "The purpose of the dialogue would be to discover and explore the points of continuity or disconnect between the traditional and new interpretations of our doctrinal standards".  

OBJECTIVES

·         Education through information dissemination

-          What does Bishop Sprague say about certain essential doctrines of the Bible?

-          What are the charges brought against Bishop Sprague in the Complaint?

-          What does the Book of Discipline have to say about these essential doctrines?

-          Does the Bible set forth these core doctrines?

-          Why did the Supervisory Response Team dismiss the charges?

·         Explore why it matters what you affirm about the Virgin Birth, Physical Resurrection, Atonement, Jesus is the only Way -- and why everyone needs to decide if they:

-          Affirm or Deny Biblical Authority

-          Affirm or Deny tenants of John Wesley as defined in The Book of Discipline. 

-          Affirm or Deny traditional interpretations and beliefs

-          Affirm or Deny Orthodox Creeds

·         Acquire input and ideas from the attendees

-          Discussion Time provided for "Questions & Answers"

PREPARATION

·         Lectern or podium should be provided for the speaker

·         Set-up for PowerPoint Presentation

-          Projector designed for connecting with laptop PC for Microsoft PowerPoint presentation

-          Table to house the projector and laptop computer

-          Chair for computer/projector operator to sit

-          Power source with multiple outlets

·         Sound System Needs -- Depends on size of the sanctuary or room, and number of attendees

-          Speaker mic - A lapel mike for the speaker is preferable

-          A 'floor mike', to be controlled by designated monitor, for audience questions and opinions.

·         Handouts to be distributed to attendees as they arrive:

-     3 x 5 index cards on which to pose questions (do not have to be signed)

-          Pencils or pens for participants to jot down questions

-          Request for Information (Enables attendees to request copies of reference materials)

-          Presentation Summary (May be reproduced back-to-back for single page distribution)

PUBLICITY & ANNOUNCEMENT 

• Include "Open Meeting Announcement" and “Open Meeting Bulletin Insert”  in church newsletter and bulletins beginning several weeks before the OPEN MEETING
• Reproduce "Open Meeting Poster" to place on bulletin boards
• Welcome other "sister" UM churches in your vicinity to participate, and give them copies of the Open Meeting Announcement, Open Meeting Bulletin Insert  and Meeting Poster to publicize the OPEN MEETING
• Encourage person-to-person networking, spreading the word to attend the OPEN MEETING

PRAYER

• Encourage individual and corporate daily prayer for God's blessing for an effective Open Meeting by incorporating into your prayer team

CONTACT

• Contact assigned speaker for this Open Meeting for additional information or questions (will be provided upon confirmation of speaker and open meeting):
•  

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OPEN MEETING Announcement
Sample 1<<Word Document>>

Discussion of Complaint Filed Against UM Bishop Sprague
Date
Location
X:XX0 PM – X:XX PM

Bishop C. Joseph Sprague has been charged with "dissemination of doctrines contrary to the established standards of doctrine of the UMC" and "disobedience to the Order and discipline of the UMC". A transcript of the Bishop's recorded speech made at Iliff Seminary in Denver, Colorado was included and reference was made to his newly published controversial book, Affirmations of a Dissenter.

The complaint called for Bishop Sprague to recant his positions or be removed from office. Although a 'Supervisory Response Team", headed by Bishop Ough has dismissed these charges, the team "recognizes this [complaint] as a potential Watershed Moment in our denomination". Further, the Response Team recommended an open process "to enter into serious theological discussion on issues of Christology, Biblical authority and the mission of the Church".

Because he is Bishop of our Northern Illinois Conference, our membership, along with other NIC churches are placed squarely in the maelstrom of these doctrinal controversies. To become more fully informed about the book and the complaint, we have invited a speaker from a network of concerned laity, NIC VOICE (www.nicvoice.org), to assist us in examining the theology behind Bishop Sprague's controversial statements. The NIC VOICE presentation includes various responses made by other Bishops and additional information pertinent to all NIC churches. During the presentation, there will be time for discussion on the doctrinal issues.

Sample 2<<Word Document>>

DATE:    Saturday, October 25th from 6:30 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.
Your Church UMC • Street, City State

For more information, contact Your Name  (XXX) XXX-XXXX • youremail@address.com
or visit www.nicvoice.org

Driving directions:
Use map from www.mapquest.com or put in driving directions.

If what you believed were challenged, would your faith stand fast?

A Presentation concerning the “Watershed Moment” triggered by the complaint against Bishop Sprague.

On December 30, 2002 a complaint was filed with the UMJC, charging Bishop C. Joseph Sprague, with “dissemination of doctrines contrary to the established standards of doctrine of the UMC” and “disobedience to the Order and discipline of the UMC.” The complaint called for Bishop Sprague to recant his positions (recently expressed in his speech at Iliff Seminary in Denver, Colorado, and in his controversial book, Affirmations of a Dissenter) or be removed from office.

A Supervisory Response Team headed by Bishop Ough dismissed the complaint. In doing so, however, the team acknowledged that this complaint represents “a Watershed Moment in our denomination” and recommended an open process “to enter into serious theological discussion on issues of Christology, Biblical authority and the mission of the Church.”

What does it mean to be a Methodist? What does it mean to be a Christian? It behooves every member of the Northern Illinois Conference to understand how other teachings bear on these profound questions.

To this critical end, we have invited a speaker from NIC VOICE (www.nicvoice.org), a network of concerned laity, to give a presentation designed to bring some clarity to the issues raised by Bishop Sprague’s book and recent speeches. This presentation will include an examination of the theology behind many of Bishop Sprague’s controversial positions, as well as the responses of other Methodist Bishops. After the presentation, there will be time dedicated to answering questions and discussing the doctrinal issues.

DATE:    Saturday, October 25th from 6:30 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.
Your Church UMC • Street, City State

For more information, contact Your Name  (XXX) XXX-XXXX • youremail@address.com
or visit www.nicvoice.org

Driving directions:
Use map from www.mapquest.com or put in driving directions.

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Open Meeting Poster

• NIC VOICE Open Meeting Poster - Sample 1
• NIC VOICE Open Meeting Poster - Sample 2

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