GBCS grant deadlines approaching
Apply now for two grants from the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS): the Peace with Justice grant, funded by the Peace with Justice Special Sunday offering, is available either to United Methodist or other affiliated organizations, or an ecumenical group working with and through at least one United Methodist agency or organization. Preference will be given to institutions related to The United Methodist Church, then to first-time requests, and finally to those including an advocacy component in their program or project. Deadline is Jan. 6. Download the application for instructions and more details.

The 2012 Ethnic Young Adult (EYA) Summer Internship is for people, ages 18-22, who have an interest in exploring issues of public policy, social justice advocacy and social change. Interns work in social justice placements in the U.S. capital June through July, and visit the United Nations office in New York City. Applicants must be in good academic standing at their college or university, demonstrate concern for social justice through extracurricular activity and have a history of involvement in their church and/or community. GBCS provides round trip transportation, housing during internship, and $1,500 stipend. Deadline is Feb. 1. Application and instructions are available here.

Prayers of the People
Dorothy Bennett, surviving spouse of Rev. Sustin Bennett, died Nov. 16. Her funeral will be Nov. 22 at 11 a.m., at Unity UMC, 1433 Edmondson Ave., Baltimore, with viewing a half-hour before. Condolences may be sent to her son, Sustin Bennett Jr., 2773 Baker St., Baltimore, MD 21218.

The Rev. John D. Snowden, a retired Elder, died Nov. 5 after a lengthy illness. Condolences may be sent to his wife, Cecelia Snowden, 5428 Whitfield Chapel Road, Lanham, MD 20706.

Joyce Harrison, Olivia Gross’ mother, died Nov. 10. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, at 1:30 p.m. at Locust UMC, 6851 Martin Road in Columbia. She had volunteered for the conference to help with annual conference registration. In lieu of flowers, you may make monetary donations to the family that will be used to send bedding, towels, personal items and toiletries for seniors at Hogar Atlantico, a nursing home in Colon, Panama, the city where Ms. Harrison was born. Donations for the nursing home may be sent to Olivia Gross, 6756 Great News Lane, Columbia, MD 21044 or condolences may be sent to her at ogross@bwcumc.org.  more >>

Discipleship Opportunities
'A Wish for the Holidays: That All Families Be Able to Stay Together' is a letter-writing campaign for children and young people to write letters in support of children (American citizens) of immigrant parents, to raise concerns about the separation of families due to US immigration policy. To learn more, get background information, educational materials and activity guides for a range of ages, visit the website. Letters must be received by Dec. 5. The United Methodist Women are part of the coalition sponsoring the campaign.

All clergywomen are invited to the annual Christmas brunch Monday, Dec. 5, at 11:30 a.m. at the Morningside Inn. Menu is potato soup, make-your-own sandwich and chocolate dessert. Cost is $17 per person. For more information and confirmation of attendance, send an e-mail to revdeb8@aol.com. Reservations must be in by Nov. 28. more >>

Learning Events
Five training events will be offered at the BWC Mission Center in Fulton to assist local churches with the completion of their 2011 statistical reports.The sessions will be held Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. Additional sessions will be offered at a later date for those in the Western Region. Register online. Attendance at each session is limited to 50 people. more >>

Mission Experiences
A “Super Vigil” will be held Sunday, Nov. 20, at 3 p.m. in Lafayette Park (16th & H streets), across the street from the White House. The reality of the U.S.’s fiscal situation calls people of faith from around the country to unite in prayer to ask God to move the hearts of policy makers and encourage the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration to draft a fair federal budget that does not place an undue burden on the poor "while shielding the wealthiest from any additional sacrifice." Join the Washington “Super Vigil” to express your concerns for justice and the common good. Sponsored in part by the General Board of Church & Society.  More information can be found online.

Classifieds
View the listings for job opportunities and classified ads. List your classified in the Web connection, free of charge. more >>

Women, clergypersons of color earn less

U.S. clergywomen in The United Methodist Church on average earn 13% less than their male counterparts, and clergypersons of color – Black, Hispanic/Latina, Native American, Asian- and Pacific Island-Americans – earn 9% to 15% less than white clergy.

These were the findings of a recent study of U.S. clergy salaries, led by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), with support from the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW), the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR), the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA), the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBPHB) and United Methodist Communications (UMCom). Learn more.