This is how to place a video into the post real easy:

1. I went to youtube.com and found a video from our bishop.
2. I copied the link and pasted here just show you will see it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXjIHK_5II0
3. I clicked the second “Upload/Insert” box “Add a Video”
4. I clicked “From URL” and pasted the link into the “Video URL” box.

Bishop on YouTube

But all this does is place a link in the post, the one above. This isn’t very helpful.

5. Therefore I need to go back to YouTube and copy the entire box to the right of the video that says “Embed”

6. Next I need to switch from the “Visual” tab to the “HTML” tag above this post box where I am writing.

7. Once in this window I resume my typing (this line #7).

8. Now below this I will simply paste the text from YouTube that I copied from the “Embed” box just below this line.

Triplets: Ben, Margaret Elizabeth, and Will Ritchie

On Sunday, August 9th, our Charlotte District Superintendent preached at Providence UMC at the invitation of Dr. Ken Carter. The services at the church this summer are each centered upon one of the Psalms; and, for the two services this morning, the assigned text was Psalm 90. You can reference all of the services of worship at Providence UMC by audio or video by visiting their website www.providenceumc.org. Pictured here are triplets who were baptized nine years ago on Father’s Day, 2000, when George Thompson was Senior Pastor of the church. They and their parents–David and Meredith Richie–were present for the morning worship.  At this time Dr. Carter was on special mission to Liberia as the Annual Conference preacher at this vibrant and growing United Methodist conference in Africa. Dr. Carter was also the graduation speaker at this year’s commencement of the Methodist University of Liberia. He called on Liberians graduating from colleges and universities in specified career areas to avoid selfishness and share what they have achieved with their country for development. Kenneth Carter’s message to the United Methodist University graduates on August 11, 2009, was anchored in biblical theology. He said that God gives to people, but does not share with those to whom He gives. He said what God gives an individual is meant to be shared with others who do not have and therefore Liberians should make better use of their careers to develop their country.

―Education is the illumination of the mind and Liberia has been in a dark time. It is only Liberians who can bring light to their own country.

Dr. Carter also said it was about time Liberians thought of what they could do for their country and not what they could get from it. He said what an individual thinks about God is what he does with his life, noting that ―if a man thinks negatively toward God, he will always do things that will displease Him, and if good thinking he will manifest it by doing what will portray the true image of God that will positively reflect on his country.

Simpson-Gillespie serving the meal

On Tuesday evening of August 18, the Charlotte District Clergy Fellowship received the generous hospitality of the congregation of Simpson Gillespie UMC and its pastor Rev. Walter Pegues. The theme for the evening was Gilligan’s Island and many of those in attendance wore south Pacific regalia, and all were greeted with colorful Hawaiian leis. Rev. Mark Larson, Counselor with the Methodist Counseling & Consultation Services and President of the Fellowship, presided over the event and led in the singing of the satirical lyrics of a spoof on the night’s theme. The church served a delicious meal that would be a feast for anyone stranded on an island or a church in the Charlotte District. Guests included the following who were newly appointed: Sarah Kalish of Cokesbury, Tim Taylor and his wife Lisa of Purcell, Paul Milton of St. Mark’s (Charlotte), A. J. Thomas of St. Paul, and Tom Latimer and his wife Jennie of St. Stephen UMC. Each was introduced by a neighboring colleague.

In order to provide an insight into the Charlotte District’s emphasis upon co-operative ministries, several pastors of the district shared stories of passion and excitement. Charlie Rivens gave insights into how the South Tryon Mission congregation is in partnership with Myers Park UMC, providing a mutual blessing to all participants in the various facets of these unique ministries. Sam Om and Nina Wynn provided the story of recent baptisms and confirmations through the intra-cultural mission that is developing at Cambodian Mission/St. John’s. Augusto Caldera talked about the growing relationship between the His-panic community of Agua de Vida and Memorial UMC–a ministry enhancing the faithfulness of all participants. Ken Carter invited all to consider participation with mission teams to Haiti that have a thirty year history at Providence UMC–a connectional ministry of the entire church and not a congregational ministry of the initiating church. Ken witnessed to how this mission has transformed his family as he and Pam have engaged in several working pilgrimages to Haiti and the launching of a new school sponsored by the United Methodist Church.

The evening concluded with a blessing by our DS with an encouragement toward mutual supportiveness as we begin the joyous labors of an exciting fall in shared ministry.

 An excerpt from the evening‘s lyrics:

Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale

A tale of the faith-filled trip

That started from our conference shores

A one year mission trip

The DS was a mighty preaching man

The Bishop brave and sure

They sent their clergy out that day

For a one-year tour, a one-year tour