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Central E-LinkWeekly Newsletter of the Central Texas Conference
November 17, 2005 Welcome! This is the conference’s weekly update to church leaders — lay and clergy — for things you probably need to know. Information to be shared must be submitted to Carolyn@ctcumc.org by 4 p.m. Wednesday in order to be e-mailed on Thursday. Articles should be as brief with active links to websites or contact persons for details. Use this information for announcements, in church newsletters and/or bulletins. The E-Link and the Central Link newspaper are posted on the conference website at www.ctxumc.org. Read them online or download and copy to share with others. To add a colleague or church member to E-Link’s weekly distribution, send their addresses to susan@ctcumc.org.
— Editor: Carolyn Stephens Carolyn@ctcumc.org.
Shortcuts: Top News Events Resources Calendar Needs ______________________________________________________________________________ For worldwide news of our denomination click here! www.reporterinteractive.org
Near-Time Items
Reception for Terri
Ford
United Methodist Men’s
Survey
GBGM missionaries
Bill/Helen Lovelace visit Central Texas
(repeat) Ministries at (817) 326-4242 or dawne@actonumc.org.
United Community Centers Thanksgiving baskets United Community Centers, Inc., a national mission of the UMC, is still accepting cash donations for its Thanksgiving Baskets Program that will help our agency provide a meaningful Thanksgiving experience for over 1000 families. You may mail your donation to Thanksgiving Baskets, United Community Centers, Inc., 1200 E. Maddox, Fort Worth 76104" or you may donate on-line at www.unitedcommunitycenters.org.
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News
UM ads run on Times Square billboard The UMC kicks off their holiday advertising campaign this week on the giant NBC Astrovision billboard screen above New York City’s Times Square. “The Gift,” a message about how sharing our gifts with others can also reap rewards for ourselves, is expected to reach an estimated 2 million people flowing daily through Times Square. The 30-second spots will be shown on the 30’ X 40’ screen eight times a day for a two week period (beginning Nov. 14), including during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
“The holiday season is a time when many people are feeling alone, or are perhaps seeking some deeper meaning and purpose in their lives,” said Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of UM Communications. “One of the gifts that the UMC has to offer is the sureness of hope that we are neither abandoned by God or by the faith community. Our doors are open for anyone who is seeking a deeper understanding of their place in the world to come and participate in that search in relationship with others.”
In addition to advertising on one of the world’s most famous outdoor video screens this holiday season, the denomination will also air 2 TV commercials on 18 cable networks Dec. 5 through Christmas Eve. The second spot, entitled “I Believe,” is about how the church embraces diversity. The commercials will air on 18 national cable networks. This year’s $1.8 Christmas season campaign will be the longest, most in-depth ever. The ads are part of UMC’s “Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors. The People of The United Methodist Church” media campaign, now in its 5th year. The campaign utilizes television, radio, movie theaters, outdoor advertising, and direct mail to share messages of love and hope with people seeking a spiritual home. (Source: UM Communication’s Office of Public Information)
UMCOR is FEMA choice to oversee case management The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has chosen United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the humanitarian relief and development arm of the UMC, to receive a federal grant of $66 million to oversee case management for 300,000 people displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
UMCOR was the organization of choice because of its reputation for long-term disaster response. The grant was funded by foreign government donations to hurricane-relief efforts and will cover a 2-year period. UMCOR director Paul Dirdak said it is unusual for the federal government to provide assistance through a religious organization, but that UMCOR had earned the recognition. “FEMA turned to UMCOR because of our competence in this sector and their confidence that we can provide accountability,” Dirdak said in a written statement, adding the grant is the largest ever received by the agency. UMCOR will have the oversight role for the network of disaster response agencies that will be providing case managers for evacuees now spread across the country. UMCOR specializes in case management during a disaster response—listening, documenting, connecting survivors with services, helping them devise action plans and leading them toward self-sufficiency and recovery. The UM agency’s role will be to coordinate, monitor and report on the work of 3,000 professional and volunteer case managers who will help people who were living in Alabama, Louisiana or Mississippi when Hurricane Katrina forced them to evacuate. (Source: UM Reporter)
Holiday Six Flags tickets available at discount Tickets for Six Flags Over Texas Holiday in the Park are now available for $10 each. These are valid for one day only during the weekend of November 25, 26, 27 or December 16, 17, 18, 2005. Please contact Lisa McCutcheon at Lisa@ctcumc.org or 817-877-5222/800-460-8622 if you are interested in purchasing tickets.
Africa: All Africa Famine Relief As news of famine in Niger continues to grab world headlines, the numbers of starving people throughout the African continent continues to grow. According to the Famine Early Warning network and USAID, 7 countries in Africa are facing severe food shortages: Niger, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Zimbabwe.
Drought killed off last year’s harvest in Niger’s inhospitable habitat where Tourareg and Haoussa farmers plant small crops of millet and pumpkins. Now as many as 3.5 million rural people face severe malnutrition, famine, and the anguish of the dying children. Even in the best of times, child mortality in the second-poorest nation in the world is high. Many children never make it past their 5th birthdays — just 262 children in every thousand. Up to 150,000 children could die of starvation without immediate intervention that religious and humanitarian organizations are struggling to supply.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is working to relieve suffering in several of these areas either directly or through partner agencies such as ACT International. UMCOR is providing immediate relief by supporting feeding centers and is looking to prevent future food shortages through long-term solutions. Your gifts to UMCOR Advance #101250, All Africa Drought and Famine Relief will support this important work of providing food for the hungry. For bulletin insert: http://gbgm-umc/umcor/print/bulletininsert/niger.cfm.
Responses to UMC Judicial Council rulings Bishops, the UM News Services, and other denominational centers are besieged with comments and questions concern the Judicial Council’s ruling last month on a local church pastor’s right/responsibility to “qualify” persons for membership. You can stay up to date by reading the “UM Reporter – Central Link” newspaper or visit www.ReporterInteractive.org online or the UM News Service (www.umns.org).
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UMW upcoming events Put the following events on your calendar for the United Methodist Women of the Central Texas Conference: Jan. 21 Charter of Racial Justice at St. Andrews, Fort Worth Jan. 29-31 Legislative Event in Austin Feb. 4 School of Mission Planning Team meeting
Spanish Immersion Weekend (repeat) The Spanish Immersion Weekend is a comprehensive program planned for Feb. 24-25, 2006, at First UMC of Burleson (590 NE McAlister, Burleson 76028). If you or anyone in your congregation is interested, you are invited to visit the conference website at www.ctxumc.org/hispanic.asp and download the brochure and registration form. For those who are unable to access the website, please contact Sam Rodriguez at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or sam@ctcumc.org.
The Conference Marriage Ministries Advisory Council asks that church leaders reserve these dates: • January 14 -- Marriage Ministries Workshop and Summit for clergy and/or laity who (1) are interested in beginning marriage ministries in their congregations or (2) have begun marriage ministries and would like to learn from other churches. Speakers will address the theological undergirding of marriage ministries and resources for addressing spirituality types in marriage, family emotional process, finances and communication. Then there will be time to learn what other congregations are doing. This area of ministry is often a "gap" in many congregations. The workshop and summit is at Glen Lake Camp from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $15 or $20 a couple. For more information, please contact Dr. Katie Long at kfmalong@yahoo.com or 817-320-2123. • March 3-5 -- Conference Marriage Retreat. This will be an opportunity for couples to attend helpful workshops, as well as having time to reflect with each other. Workshop sessions, led by a team of well-qualified presenters will include spirituality types, family emotional process, communication, blended families and sexual/spiritual intimacy. This retreat format received high marks from participants when it was offered for the first time last year. It will be held at Glen Lake Camp (with an option for staying in Glen Rose motels or bed and breakfasts) from 7 p.m. Friday through 11 a.m. Sunday. Cost is $95 per couple, or $230 with lodging at Glen Lake. Please get the word out to your congregations. For more information, please contact Dr. Katie Long at kfmalong@yahoo.com or 817-320-2123.
Large Church Initiative (repeat) The Large Church Initiative and Cokesbury’s Worship Connection invite worship teams and other interested persons to a worship conference designed just for large churches. The event will be Jan. 17-19, 2006 at First UMC, Grapevine. Updated information is available at www.worshipconnection.com.
The Singles of St. Barnabas UMC in Arlington will begin a book study at 7 p.m. Tuesdays starting Jan. 10. Single adults in the area are invited to join the group. Free childcare will be provided. The goal is to connect with other singles and form more Christian friendships while growing in our walk with God and others. E-mail Sheila@sbumc.org for more information and to indicate interest in this type of activity.
Lay Speaker event next February (repeat) Training is planned for United Methodists who wish to become lay speakers and lay speakers who wish to fulfill renewal requirements. Lay Speakers who have not taken a basic or an advance course since February 2003 should sign up for one of the advanced courses. Basic and advanced courses will be available, all held at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Glen Rose. Applications can be attained through the district direct of lay speaker ministry or online at www.ctxumc.org.
Friday, 2-24-06 — registration starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, 2-25-06 — all day instruction Sunday, 2-26-05 — check out by 1 p.m.
Sexual Harassment Misconduct Prevention Training (repeat) The next Central Texas Conference-sponsored Sexual Harassment Misconduct Prevention Training will be March 18 at St. Andrews UMC in Fort Worth at 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is recommended that clergy, local church staff, district office staff, church daycare/nursery workers, staff/parish relations committees, campus ministry staff and all volunteers should attend this workshop if you have not already completed the October training event.
This experience will help people define and understand sexual harassment and misconduct. The presenters will provide information that will help individuals be better aware of issues of power and misuse of power, and be able to identify unethical conduct/potential abusive situations within ministerial relationships. The cost is $25 for the workbook (at least one per five people is recommended) and $7.50 for lunch. If you have questions, please contact Susan Briles at 800-460-8622, 817-877-5222 or susan@ctcumc.org.
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Resources
Let’s go to Narnia! In December 2005 the big screen will feature “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” introducing a new generation to C.S. Lewis’ stories of faith. We’ll have two different resources to help leaders make the most of this opportunity: • An Ongoing Invitation is a one-session downloadable resource that is a perfect follow up to a group movie outing. • Lessons at the Lamppost provides four session (downloadable) that can be used in conjunction with seeing the movie or reading the book. Many of the Scriptures used correspond with the Advent lectionaries, so this study is great for the Advent season. • Download only (ileadyouth.com or cokesbury.com. Available in November.
New Advent wreath and candlelighting meditations As you plan Advent and Christmas worship services, find new Advent wreath candlelighting meditations at the General Board of Discipleship website (www.gbod.org). This set of brief meditations and Scriptures may be used in lighting the candles of the Advent wreath in worship at church or home. Each meditation uses one of the 2005 lectionary readings for that day. The readings are divided into sections that may be assigned to various people participating, including children. A suggested hymn from both The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing is provided, as an option, to conclude each meditation. Find many others worship and music suggestions for year-round use at this site.
Grants for older adult ministries Does your church have intentional ministries with older adults, or does it have a vision for ministry with older adults that it hopes to turn into a reality? A grant from the Center for Aging and Older Adult Ministries (part of the UM General Board of Discipleship) may help. Find a grant application at www.aging-umc.org or contact Teri Kline at 615-340-7071. Apply before the end of the year.
New from Cokesbury Claim the Name goes multimedia! — It’s the latest thing — PowerPoints, music, games, and video. Claim the Name Multimedia Teaching Tools (CD-ROM) puts sight and sound together to teach more about being UM Christians. Nine slideshows present our Jewish roots, our Catholic roots, the role of women, conferencing, the role of laypersons, education, spreading the Good News, splits and mergers, and social justice. Presentations also have a different kind of game for a fun way to reinforce the learning. Three original songs teach the fruits of the Spirit, seasons of the Christian year, and the different kinds of grace in Wesleyan theology. And the ever-popular video “Clayride: A Gallop Through United Methodist History” is also included. This multimedia resource will also be great for adult groups who want to know more about being UM. Available in early December.
Resource Center new arrival New resources highlighted at the Conference Resource Center this week are described below. For these and many more resources, contact Carol Roszell at 817-877-5222 or 800-460-8622.
The Graying of the Church: A Leader’s Guide for Older-Adult Ministry in the United Methodist Church- provides the tools and knowledge for equipping church leaders to engage in older adult ministries. Discover what the Center on Aging and Older-Adult Ministries and the Institute for American Church Growth, along with a major survey of 338 United Methodist congregations; have learned about ministries with older adults.96 pg.
Digital music downloads for UMs There are hundreds of FREE digital downloads of music for The United Methodist Hymnal, The Faith We Sing available now at http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=15198&loc_id=17.823. In addition, hymns and songs for handbells, choirs, children’s events, instruments, praise bands and teams, Psalm singing, communion responses, solos, choir music, piano and organ music, and much more are available on the General Board of Discipleship website (www.umcworship.org) plus links to digital music from Cokesbury.
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— Looking Ahead — Alarga Walk to Emmaus — Nov. 17-20, 2005 event postponed to Nov. 16-19, 2006 at Glen Lake Camp United Methodist Student Day — Nov. 27 Metropolitan Board of Mission “Gift of Love” annual fundraiser — Dec. 3 ( 5:30-8:30 p.m.) at Meadowbrook UMC, Fort Worth Congress on Evangelism — Jan. 3-6 at The Opryland Hotel, Nashville Hurst 3D Youth presentation: Pressure Points — Jan. 15 at First Hurst UMC Conference Lay Speaker Annual Training Event — Feb. 24-26 at Glen Lake Camp, Glen Rose Spring Board of Ministry interviews — March 27-29, 2006 at Glen Lake Camp
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Needs, Resources, Opportunities
Part-time Secretary Ridglea UMC is accepting applications for a part-time secretary to work 20 hours a week. If you are a dedicated, disciplined and dependable mature Christian, please send us your resume. You will need good telephone and computer skills, and to be knowledgeable of office routines. To apply, please forward your resume to: idlegate@aol.com or Ridglea UMC, c/o Idella Gates, 3040 Tex Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76116-4222.
Director of Young Adults Ministries Schweitzer UMC in Springfield, MO has an immediate full-time position opening for director of young adult ministries. Primary function is to partner with young adults in building Christian community for this generation. Minimum education and skills requirements: Passion about the life changing message of Jesus Christ is essential. Must interact effectively with young adults and their culture. Bachelors in related field is preferred. Knowledge of the Bible required. Knowledge of and experience in the UMC preferred. Computer and technology skills essential. Ability to communicate with and work with others essential. Time management skills and ability to meet deadlines is critical. Excellent salary and benefit package. Please send resume to Schweitzer United Methodist Church, 2747 E. Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65804 Attn: Bob Casady, pastor
Director of connectional ministries West Ohio Conference seeks to employee a director of connectional ministries to direct its Connectional Ministry Council, agencies and staff to resource districts for the purpose of implementing the following conference priorities: (1) new church development and church reproduction, (2) local church discipleship systems for local church transformation and growth, and (3) strengthen and ensure connectional ministry and mission. The context for these three (3) priorities ("pathways") is more fully described in the "2001 Episcopal Address" given by Bishop Bruce Ough. Interested applicants will also find it advantageous to be knowledgeable of information contained in the "Progress Report on Alignment" document by John Keeny. The desired starting date is April 1, 2006. The salary range is $68,000-$72,000. The deadline for applications is Dec. 15. Please submit any other documents of information with your application that you believe would be helpful in explaining or demonstrating your qualifications for the position. It is anticipated that interviews will be held in late January or early February, 2006. For more details, contact Joyce Fry by email at jfry@wocumc.org or by phone at 800-437-0028.
Teachers needed for Korean school Teachers are needed to work in a United Methodist-supported school in Korea. Those who apply need a college degree, but don't have to be certified. The commitment is for a year or just 6 months. Teachers receive a salary and housing. Those staying for a year also receive round-trip plane fare. The school is hoping to expand classes to include science, music, and art classes taught in English. Please consider the ministry of teaching in this church school in Korea. For more information please email Leta Gorham at lbgorham@msn.com.
Glen
Lake Camp & Retreat Center director
Associate CORR General Secretary The General Commission on Religion & Race has launched a search for an associate general secretary position for the Northeastern Jurisdiction and the White Constituency Portfolio. This is one of five associate general secretary positions on the Commission staff. For more details, visit www.gcorr.org or contact Kimberly Dixon Harris at kdixon@gcorr.org or 202-547-2271.
Director of Music Grace UMC (101 West Avenue F, Copperas Cove 76522) seeks applicants for director of music position to lead the congregation in worshipping the living God through the gift of music by planning music, rehearsing and directing all choirs. Part-time, salaried position requiring 15-20 hrs/week. Requires degree in music and/or minimum of three years experience in conducting choral church music. Job description available at the church of by calling 254-547-3729.
Small Wurlitzer Organ
Available
Children’s Church
Coordinator
Hispanic Ministry
Coordinator/Youth Coordinator
Mother's Day Out
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If you know someone in your church, district or even outside the Central Texas Conference who might appreciate receiving this weekly electronic newsletter — or to unsubscribe your own listing — contact Susan Briles at Susan@ctcumc.org
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