Metro District Lay Servant Training

March 2, 2026

2026 Metro District Lay Servant Training registration is now open! Click here for more info!


Here's a description of what a Lay Servant is:


In 2012, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church changed the name of Lay Speaking Ministries to Lay Servant Ministries. The term servant was chosen to expand the reach of this leadership development program. No longer should participants view this as a training for only those who feel called to “fill the pulpit” when the pastor is away.

There is no change in the process of becoming a local church or certified lay servant.

Local Church Lay Speaker is now a Local Church Lay Servant – One receives this designation once he/she take the basic lay servant class. A lay servant will receive training to be a more effective Sunday School Class teacher, coordinator of Vacation Bible School, outreach ministry leader, etc.

Certified Lay Speaker is now a Certified Lay Servant – One receives this designation after having taken the basic class and then an advanced class. Certified Lay Servants will undergo leadership development training in order to serve their local church, district, and/or the conference in a multitude of ways. For example, this program would be appropriate for those called to be an UMW or UMM district officer; those desiring to lead a mission project for a missional network; or someone who feels called to volunteer with Hospice, etc.  Certified Lay Servants who feel called to speak or preach at other churches in the district will be asked to meet with and be approved by the District Committee on Lay Servant Ministries. This team will review a sermon preached by the certified lay servant and give constructive feedback on content and delivery. A new servant ministry role has also been added to this program.

Lenten Bible Study

By William Benson • March 2, 2026
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Lenten Art Challenge

March 2, 2026
Participation is now open for this year’s Lenten Art Challenge , themed “The Cross.” Artists of all ages are invited to create a cross using any artistic medium. Completed artwork may be submitted either in the UC Kids Worship Kit area or directly to Janice Cloninger anytime between now and Palm Sunday .  Beginning Sunday, March 1 , take‑home art kits will be available for anyone who would like materials to use. Finished pieces from these kits—or any independently created works—will be featured in the Easter Art Display .

Dahlia Grove Donation Drive

March 2, 2026
We will be collecting items for Dahlia Grove on March 8 and March 15. This ministry provides a two-year rent-free restorative care home for women to live in, while also providing resources for healing and recovery. We will be collecting the following items to help resource the home with bathroom and cleaning supplies needed daily: toilet paper feminine protection (pads for medium -heavy flow, tampons sized plus-ultra) Febreeze or other room spray Ziploc bags (gallon, quart, and sandwich) Swiffer mop liners Lysol wipes all-purpose cleaners (bathroom and kitchen) kitchen trash bags cleaning sponges Don’t feel obligated to donate everything on the list… but please know, anything you provide will be greatly appreciated. Simply bring the items you wish to donate to UCUMC on Sunday, March 8th or Sunday, March 15 th . We will have folks at the front entrance to assist you with your items starting at 9am both Sundays. You may also drop items in the black and yellow bins outside of the church office entrance during the week. Thanks so much for your support as we continue to REACH Around The Corner and REACH Around The World!