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Central E-LinkWeekly Newsletter of the Central Texas Conference
November 22, 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
In gratitude for all our blessings This E-Link comes to you one day early due to the Thanksgiving holiday. From the conference staff, we want to express how grateful we are to be serving the churches and individuals of the Central Texas Conference. We wish you all a safe and blessed holiday. We will be back on Monday eager and grateful that we can be of service. We welcome your requests and visits.
2:30 p.m. today is deadline for Nov. 25-27 Six Flags tickets Tickets for Six Flags Over Texas Holiday in the Park are now available in the conference office 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. And please note that the conference office will close at 2:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Gift of Love Auction The Metropolitan Board of Mission reminds us to place next Saturday, Dec. 3, on our schedules to attend the annual Gift of Love Auction 5–8 p.m. at Meadowbrook UMC (3900 Meadowbrook, Fort Worth). There will be a variety of merchandise on which to bid and holiday refreshments. Great time to Christmas shop! Good time to get your Sunday school class together and have some fun outbidding one another. The auction is also an opportunity to meet some wonderful folks coming together from other churches in the Fort Worth and Mid-Cities districts. Let’s not forget, however, the focus of this event is to raise money for the ministries supported by Metro Board. We earnestly solicit your donations of new items, handmade merchandise, offers of services, baked goods – anything of value – to be placed on the auction tables. Cash donations are always welcome. You may continue to bring your items to the Metro Board office at 2601 Clover Lane prior to Dec. 1, in order to assure placement in the auction catalog. If your donation is too large to transport, please call the Metro Board office at 817-569-1454 and someone will pick it up.
Family health expo at Grace
Grace UMC Arlington (3806 Curry Road / off
Hwy. 287 in Arlington/Mansfield) will host a family health expo from 9
a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. There will be screenings for blood
pressure, vision and hearing, cholesterol/blood glucose (fasting),
Diabetes, and obesity. There will also be two breakout discussion
sessions, one for men on male issues and one for women on female issues.
A nutritious catered lunch will be available for $10. Please contact
the church office at 817-563-7500 for more information. The JPS Health
Network presents this event. United Community Centers Thanksgiving baskets (repeat) United Community Centers, Inc., a national mission of the UMC, is still accepting cash donations for its Thanksgiving Baskets Program that will help the 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 online at www.unitedcommunitycenters.org.
Advent Bible Study at
Crowley
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News
UM ads run on Times Square billboard (reminder) If you’re watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade tomorrow, watch for the UMC’s Igniting Ministry advertising message 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 that began Nov. 14. “The Gift” and “I Believe” ads will also appear on 18 cable networks Dec. 5 through Christmas Eve.
“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.”
Message of life/death
Bishop Michael J. Coyner of the Indiana
Area had the following message that may be of interest to some: “I have
just returned from our trip to Greece and Italy, following the Journeys
of Paul. I … enjoyed spending time with our … recent ordinands whose
participation was covered by the travel gifts they received at their
ordination from the Area Foundation of the United Methodist Church.
However, those ordinands had a scary moment during their trip over to
Athens. All of them were on a plane that blew an engine over the
Atlantic Ocean, and their pilot did a good job of making an emergency
landing in Ireland.
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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
4 Doxologies for Advent & Christmas worship http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=10170 Try one or all of these alternate tunes for The Doxology during the Advent and Christmas seasons, set to familiar tunes of Advent and Christmas hymns -- free music downloads from The General Board of Discipleship web site.
Stories for Survivors There is a new online resource for survivors of disaster. Stories for Survivors is a collection of Bible stories with discussion questions created for survivors of disaster. The stories are told without extensive commentary in order to allow personal and group discovery of the spiritual truths in each text that are most relevant to the needs of people who are in crisis and transition. The anticipated release for this online resource is the week of Nov. 20 on the General Board of Discipleship's evangelism web site www.umcevangelism.org.
Suggested use for Stories for Survivors: Small groups, Sunday school, home fellowships, family devotions, and narrative preaching resource.
Options for Bible storytelling: Designate a Bible storyteller, play a recording of the Bible story, read the printed Bible story dramatically. Click on the links below for More Information on Bible Storytelling: Jack and Doris Day www.biblestorytelling.org International Orality Network www.oralbible.com Chronological Bible Storying www.chronologicalbiblestorying.com Making Disciples of Oral Learners [Occasional Paper -- Lausanne Committee for World Evangelism] <http://community.gospelcom.net/lcwe/assets/LOP54_IG25.pdf>
Stories for Survivors was initiated as a joint project between the General Board of Discipleship and Jack, Doris and Sam Day of Bible Storytelling, Inc. www.biblestorytelling.org.
Let’s go to Narnia! (repeat) 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 sessions (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 (www.ileadyouth.com or www.cokesbury.com).
Grants for older adult ministries (repeat) 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.
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.
Holy Land: Christians in Peril — This video addresses some of the not often publicized plight of Christian people who also have spiritual claims in the Holy Land. Chronicles the 2002 incident of armed men that sought sanctuary in one of Christendom’s holiest sites, the Church of the Nativity. 46 minutes
Digital music downloads for UMs (repeat) 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.
Advent Study
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— Looking Ahead — Igniting Ministry Advertising Schedule — Nov. 14 through Christmas Eve on 18 cable networks United Methodist Student Day — Sunday, Nov. 27 (scholarships and loans available to only those students whose congregations participate in this offering) Six Flags Holiday in the Park (discounted tickets available at Conference Center) — Nov. 25-27 Family Health Expo at Grace UMC, Arlington — 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3 Metropolitan Board of Mission “Gift of Love” annual fundraiser — Dec. 3 (5-8 p.m.) at Meadowbrook UMC, Fort Worth Advent Bible Study — 6 p.m. Dec. 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at First UMC Crowley Six Flags Holiday in the Park (discounted tickets available at Conference Center) — Dec. 16-18 Congress on Evangelism — Jan. 3-6 at The Opryland Hotel, Nashville Singles Book Study — 7 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Jan. 10 at St. Barnabas UMC, Arlington Marriage Ministries Workshop & Summit — Jan 14 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center Hurst 3D Youth presentation: Pressure Points — Jan. 15 at First Hurst UMC Large Church Initiative & Cokesbury Worship Connection — Jan. 17-19 at First UMC Grapevine United Methodist Women’s Charter of Racial Justice — Jan. 21 at St. Andrews UMC, Fort Worth United Methodist Women’s Legislative Event — Jan. 29-31 in Austin United Methodist Women’s School of Mission Planning Team — Feb. 4 Spanish Immersion Weekend — Feb. 24-25 at First UMC Burleson Conference Lay Speaker Annual Training Event — Feb. 24-26 at Glen Lake Camp, Glen Rose Conference Marriage Retreat — March 3-5 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center Spring Board of Ministry interviews — March 27-29, 2006 at Glen Lake Camp
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Needs, Resources, Opportunities
Administrative Assistant First UMC of Keller seeks an energetic professional to fill the role of administrative assistant. Applicants must be proficient in Microsoft Office products with emphasis in Microsoft Publishing. Ideal applicant would have at least 2-3 years experience, be able to multi-task and meet deadlines. Please fax resumes to 817-337-0822 or call Lisa at 817-431-1332 for more information.
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 of 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 (deadline Dec. 15))
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.
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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