FRANKLINTON CENTER NEWS UPDATE- 5/13/10

“A Safe Place, A Sacred Space, A Nurturing Place, God’s Place.”

Franklinton Center at Bricks (FCAB), Your Conference and Retreat Center in Whitakers NC, sends Greetings to you* and all ‘Friends of Franklinton’.

***STORY. “The institution we now call “Franklinton Center” has a richly inspiring and moving dual history which leads along a continuum of tradition. From a massive farm property where slaves were afflicted, to an institution of social and educational reform, the story of Franklinton Center at Bricks continues to evolve from a tradition of progressive and positive social change. It is the descendant of two parent visions—Franklinton Literary and Theological Christian Institute (of the Christian Church) and Joseph Keasbey Brick Agricultural, Industrial and Normal School (of the Congregational Church).” So begins our ‘History and Tradition” FCAB booklet. If you would like to read the entire story (word document), just request from FranklintonCenter@ucc.org.

***APPRECIATION. To help us celebrate many good and long relationships with our local neighbors, everyone is invited to join us for Community Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 29, 2010. The day will include: 11-12:30 Service and Singing; 12 pm Lunch available for purchase; 1-2 pm; Tours of campus and buildings; after program and until 4 pm Swimming pool open ($1 per person on this day). If you have any questions, please call (252) 437-1723 or email FranklintonCenter@ucc.org

***TRUSTEES. Franklinton Center at Bricks Board Members come from near and far and leadership is constant. Currently serving are: President, Yvonne Delk, VA; Vice President, Marvin Morgan, GA; Peter Barbosa, CA; Beatrice Barrow, NC; Mahalia Clark, VA; Jean Copeland, VA; Emmett Floyd, NC; John Gill, TN; Dian Jackson, NC; Brenda James, NC; Linda Jaramillo, OH; Edith Lee, NC; Isaac McDonald, VA; Luther Milteer, VA; Ervin Milton, NC; D.A. Pearce, VA; Julie Peeples, NC; Delia Perkins, NC; Vertie Powers, NC; Sie Chieh Redd, NC; Virgie Rodgers, NC; Rollin Russell, NC; Leon White, NC; James Wrenn, NC.

***SPRING PROGRAMS. The spring is an exciting time here at FCAB. We have well organized programs serving a diverse group of people. Already UCC members from across the southeast have shared this "sacred space." These events include the African American Women's Retreat with its 130 women, the Singles Conference with its more than 30 attendees, a sensational Church Officers Training with the highest numbers ever for this event here at FCAB and the crowning jewel, our Black Preaching and Worship Conference which featured history, praise, sermons by some of the best in the UCC including GMP Rev. Geoffrey Black. In addition, non UCC events include the African American Storytellers Conference, family reunions, birthday parties and more

***LOOK WHO’S TALKING! “The Women's Retreat was truly inspiring and uplifting. I thoroughly enjoyed the informational workshops. The entire experience was quite a blessing to me!” Arnetra Terry, Literacy Specialist, Vance County Schools, Henderson, NC. Keep those comments and evaluations coming for FCAB staff to use in its planning!

***FACILITIES. Franklinton Center at Bricks is set up to host youth and informal gatherings in its dormitory style Hospitality House I where, for many years, inspiring retreats have been hosted. If you’ve not visited FCAB, you will be pleased to see many meeting spaces for all sorts of events. The newest motel type building (Hospitality House II) with large rooms and private bathrooms is perfect for hosting adult conferences and meetings. Contact us today to reserve FCAB for your church function.

***STAFF. At your service at Franklinton Center are a dedicated staff willing to work with you when you are planning a retreat, conference or special event. Regular office hours are M-F, 9 am-5pm; (800) 345-1850 is the number (or you may leave a voice mail after hours). Emails are also welcome: Director, Ervin Milton, miltone@ucc.org; Minister for Program Development, Rose Wright Scott, scottr@ucc.org; Minister for Community Programming and Development, Hudson Barksdale, barksdah@ucc.org; Administrative Assistant, Tracey Mann, mannt@ucc.org; Coordinator for Facility Services, Mary Wilkins, wilkinm@ucc.org. This same staff will be welcoming you to programs which you may find on our web site at www.franklintoncenteratbricks.org

***BRICK by BRICK Campaign. Franklinton Center at Bricks was originally built through the generosity and sacrifice of many. We are developing this sacred space in order to grow. Inscribed bricks make up our first ‘walkway of faith’ in front of the new Hospitality House II. When you next visit FCAB be sure to look for bricks donated by folks like Raymond Hargrove, FL; John Durham, Manson NC; Lilton Marks, Smithfield VA; Sam Hummel, Hillsborough NC; Holy Covenant UCC, Charlotte NC; and Zion Bethel UCC, Portsmouth VA. For a $200 gift to FCAB you may choose what you want placed on the brick (name, a loved one’s name, family, church, scripture, etc). Order forms are available from Hudson Barksdale at (800) 345-1850 or barksdah@ucc.org

***WELCOME VOLUNTEERS! National UCC Partners in Service volunteers, Mary and Bill Ruth from Whitsett, NC, are living in Hospitality House II at Franklinton Center at Bricks for 6 months (March-September 2010). Bill is working on a facilities assessment, performing computer data entry and doing some painting. Mary is in the office compiling a master database for FCAB and communicating with FCAB friends on email. Mary and Bill have a covenant contract with National UCC and FCAB to volunteer full time while receiving housing and food from FCAB. The Ruths volunteered at Blowing Rock Conference Center in 2004-2005 and their home church is Elon Community UCC. For more information about full time volunteering visit www.ucc.org\volunteer

***YOUNG ADULT Opportunity. The Young Adult Stewards Program for the General Assembly of the National Council of Churches, USA and Church World Service offers an exciting opportunity for young adult ecumenical formation and leadership development in New Orleans, November 9-11, 2010. Young adults (ages 18-30) can get a first hand experience of the deliberations, worship and rich fellowship which are hallmarks of the biennial general assembly. All travel, room and board are covered. Ten young adults will be selected. To submit an application before September 10th, call Rev. Garland Pierce at (212) 870-2267 or email gpierce@ncccusa.org

***CONVENIENCE! How many church groups from our New England churches drive Route 95 through North Carolina on their way to work projects and other group destinations? Many, we think. And Franklinton Center at Bricks is only 10 minutes from Route 95 (exit 150 Whitakers NC)! Think about having your group overnight on its way to a service project and request an appropriate evening program by the FCAB staff. And then stay again on the way home for part 2!

***SUPPORT. Gifts and donations from churches and individuals are important and integral to the life of Franklinton Center at Bricks. Many church gifts arrive on Franklinton Center Day (August 7, 2010) when hundreds of ‘Friends of Franklinton’ come to reunite and celebrate this place. Support from many sources is welcome all year, every year. If you wish to send your annual gift to sustain the ministry at FCAB, please make checks out to FCAB and send to Franklinton Center at Bricks, PO BOX 220, Whitakers, NC 27891. Credit card payments are also accepted by calling us at (252) 437-1723.

***OPTIMUM UTILIZATION. Franklinton Center at Bricks has new facilities to attract new groups and would like to host more retreats, conferences and events every year. Your help would be great in letting other groups know of our availability. We are striving to increase our database with names and emails of leadership from denominations who have on-going relationships with the United Church of Christ primarily because FCAB is unique in what it has to offer diverse populations. Visit www.franklintoncenteratbricks.org

***YVONNE DELK. The Franklinton Center Board of Trustees has set a goal of $100,000 to name the Center’s New Fellowship Hall located in Hospitality House II (built 2008) in honor of Rev. Dr. Yvonne Delk. Some of the donors so far include: Millard Boone, D.A. Peace, Emmett Floyd, James Wrenn, Peter Barbosa, Henry Simmons, Joyce Meyers-Brown, Banks Shepherd, Ann Hanson, Janice Resseger, Paul Osgood, Susie Keele and the Southern Conference UCC. You are invited to add your name (or church) to this donor list by going to: www.ucc.org/make-a-gift/

***EMAIL BLASTS. The Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ sends a weekly ‘email blast’ to persons interested in upcoming UCC conference-wide events, conferences, installations, programs and much more. Sign up is voluntary. You may request to be added to the list by emailing Linda Carter lindacarter@soc-ucc.org at the Southern Conference UCC office in Burlington.

***LOOK WHO’S ATTENDING! A few of our African American Women’s Retreaters are: Rev. Linda Clark of Union UCC in Norfolk VA; Viola Bullock from Maple Temple UCC in Raleigh and Jamyetta Bell of Lancaster Serminary in PA. All of our Singles Conference folks came in from VA, NC and LA. Most of our Church Officer Training participants came from Christian Home UCC in Apex, Union Chapel UCC in Burlington, Fellowship UCC in Chesapeake, Red Hill UCC in Clayton, Rock Spring UCC in Creedmoor, Rocky Branch UCC in Kenly, Burchette Chapel UCC and Oak Level UCC in Manson, and Jerusalem UCC in Palmer Springs.

***BI-VOCATIONAL MINISTERS Conference. Many clergy are employed at more than one place, especially those serving smaller churches. The challenges of having more than one place to call upon clergy time, talent and treasure are many and varied. How does one balance time and devote talent? Does the amount of earthly treasure (salary etc) received from each vocation determine the priority? These and other questions will be addressed in the comfortable, healing, safe and sacred space that is Franklinton Center at Bricks. The 2009 conference was a source of knowledge, comfort, connection and worship. The September 24-25, 2010, conference promises to be even better.

***WORK CAMPS and MISSION TRIPS. Groups up to 50 people with an adult to youth ratio of 1:5 can stay at FCAB and work on projects like painting and cleaning buildings, repairing structures, and grounds work. Cost is $30 each for meals and lodging per night in dorm style building. Motel type lodging is available on site at a higher cost. The FCAB staff welcomes opportunities to engage groups in conversation around justice issues, both local and global.

***NEXT NEWS? What else would you like to read about in a Franklinton Center at Bricks ENEWS? Please submit your news and ideas to FranklintonCenter@ucc.org

*This email communication is for persons interested in Franklinton Center at Bricks. You are invited to pass this email news along to other ‘Friends of Franklinton’; more names and emails are welcome. If you want to be added to this email distribution list, update your contact information, have received this email in error, or wish not to receive further FCAB emails, please send your request to FranklintonCenter@ucc.org

Mary Ruth, Volunteer
Franklinton Center at Bricks
Conference and Retreat Center
in Ministry with Justice & Witness Ministries, United Church of Christ

www.franklintoncenteratbricks.org

(252) 437-1723
(800) 345-1850

franklintoncenter@ucc.org

281 Bricks Lane
PO Box 220
Whitakers NC 27891

"A Safe Place, A Sacred Space, A Nurturing Place, God's Place"