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Central E-LinkWeekly Newsletter of the Central Texas Conference
December 1, 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
Advent publication schedule E-Link will be transmitted only three times this month: Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. We will not be transmitting on Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 since most of our readers will be otherwise involved with Christmas and New Years preparations. Please plan ahead if you need to include information about upcoming events and activities. The deadline is Wednesday noon before a publication date.
The Central Link newspaper, normally published every other week, will be a full issue on Dec. 16 and an abbreviated holiday issue on Dec. 30. The deadline for submitting information for the Dec. 16 issue is today (Dec. 1) and for the Dec. 30 issue is Dec. 15. The next full issue is Jan. 14 with a deadline of Dec. 29 to submit information. The national/global denominational pages will maintain their usual weekly schedule.
December Resources from UMCOR During this time of giving, UMCOR has several resources to help you give generously to others. Read on to learn more about the many things UMCOR has available for you.
World AIDS Day — World AIDS Day is traditionally observed on Dec. 1. UMCOR has a wealth of resources to provide education and inspiration at any time of the year. For more information visit UMCOR's World AIDS Day website: http://gbgm-umc.org/health/wad05/ and check out the following resources: • Download UMCOR's bulletin insert on HIV/AIDS and learn what UMs are doing to keep the promise to eradicate this pandemic at http://gbgmumc.org/umcor/print/bulletininserts/stopaids.cfm
• Order your free copy of the March/April 2005 New World Outlook repackaged for World AIDS Day that focuses on what UMs are doing to bring health and healing in the face of AIDS. Be inspired and informed! Order yours today by calling 1-800-554-8583.
• Order your free copy of the DVD, Generation of Hope. It is an inspiring 10-minute film about AIDS orphans in Zimbabwe and how United Methodists are helping them live at home. Call 1-800-554-8583 to order.
UMCOR Calendar — Give the gift of hope this Christmas and share with your loved ones how God is at work in the world through important programs that feed the hungry, heal the sick, and show compassion to the hurting. For just $10 you will receive the Harvest of Hope calendar and a CD containing a computer screensaver using the calendar's rich images, and bulletin inserts to print and share with others. Visit http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/print/calendar.html to learn more and order copies for you and your loved ones.
UMCOR'S Christmas Wish List — UMCOR's Christmas Wish List contains real ways you can show the indescribable love of God to those in need. Through your generosity, you and UMs anywhere can respond to Christ's call to compassion by giving a special gift through UMCOR. Learn more about UMCOR's list here: http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/news/christmaslist.cfm When you call 1-800-554-8583 to make a gift in honor of someone, UMCOR can send a special gift card for you to give to your loved one as a tangible representation of this gift.
Six Flags discounted tickets for Dec. 16, 17, 18 (updated) 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 Dec. 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.
Gift of Love Auction this weekend (updated) The Metropolitan Board of Mission’s annual Gift of Love Auction will be held at 5 to 8 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 3, at Meadowbrook UMC (3900 Meadowbrook, Fort Worth 76103). Expect a variety of merchandise on which to bid and holiday refreshments. It’s a 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.
Family health expo at Grace (repeat)
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.
Advent Bible Study at
Crowley
(repeat)
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News
UM ads run on Times Square billboard (reminder) “The Gift,” an Igniting Ministry message about how sharing our gifts with others which is now appearing on the giant NBC Astrovision billboard screen above New York City’s Times Square, 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.”
GCFA down in early December The General Council on Finance & Administration will experience a major service interruption of website and e-mail access in early December related to the agency’s relocation from Evanston, Ill., to Nashville, Tenn. Beginning on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 8, the data center in Evanston will be moved to Nashville and is expected to be complete by 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13. All GCFA computer services, including electronic mail services, will be down during this period. Any agency or person needing to contact GCFA during the service interruption should use a means other than e-mail. GCFA can be contacted by phone at 866-367-4232 or by fax at 615-329-3394.
Children helping children recover in Louisiana Children around the country have an opportunity to help rebuild Sunday school classrooms destroyed by Hurricane Katrina using construction paper, glue, and some unbroken crayons. Kids Helping Kids—Sharing God’s Love, a new ministry started by the Christian education office of the Louisiana Conference, is a way for children to get involved in recovery efforts. Construction paper, glue, notebook paper, markers, crayons, stickers, and all the typical supplies needed to operate a children’s Sunday school class are now being collected by the conference. “These supplies will be broken into start-up kits and distributed to churches as they begin offering Sunday school programs again,” said John Edd Harper, director of Christian education for the conference. The Kids Helping Kids outreach also includes the donation and receipt of church nursery supplies. “We’ll accept anything from cribs and mattresses to disposable diapers and nursery toys,” he added.
Harper got the idea for the outreach initiative after receiving numerous calls from churches and individuals throughout the connection looking for significant ways for children to become involved in response efforts. Harper’s hope is for this ministry to expand into serving residents of the temporary housing communities for displaced persons. “We hope ultimately to be allowed into these sites to distribute new clothes, shoes, school supplies, and toys for children,” said Harper. Even in the churches that were not completely flooded, there are still many needs.
Six storm-relief stations are being set up in affected areas with the help of the UM Committee on Relief. Some supplies will be stored until more severely damaged churches are reopened. “We plan to invite area children to play a role in this distribution process,” Harper said. “Hands-on participation in packing and delivering these donated supplies will help the children of Louisiana recognize that their brothers and sisters in Christ truly love and care about them.” Anyone interested in participating can contact the individual centers listed on the Louisiana conference website at www.la-umc.org to obtain information on where to send supplies. (Source: Betty Backstrom, Louisiana Now!)
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Marriage ministries Clergy and lay leadership and church member who are interested in beginning marriage ministries within their congregation — or who have existing marriage ministries but would like to share ideas and learn from other church efforts — are invited to the Marriage Ministries Workshop & Summit Jan 14 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center. The Marriage Ministries Advisory Council and the Central Texas Conference Nurture Council are offering this event, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Speakers will address the theological undergirding of marriage ministries and a wide variety of marriage ministry resources, including ones for addressing spirituality types in marriage, family emotional process, finances, and communication. For more details, visit the conference website at www.ctxumc.org or contact Susan Briles at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or susan@ctcumc.org.
Disaster relief opportunity First UMC Keller will be taking a disaster relief team to Kountze, TX, to remove downed trees and clear debris from Hurricane Rita. The team will leave from the church at 7 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 26, and return the evening of Friday, Dec. 30. The cost for participants is $100. If you are interested in participating in this project, please contact Keith Bierley at keithbierley@dkatz.com or 817-581-7461 by Tuesday, Dec. 6.
La Posada “Live Nativity”
Everyone is welcome to join a “Live Nativity” beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 19 at the parking lot of Grace UMC (4028 Calmont, Fort Worth 76107)
and ending about 6:30 p.m. at Arlington Heights UMC (4200 Camp Bowie
Blvd, Fort Worth 76107). The walk will be as a group, experiencing the
journey of Mary and Joseph on the night of Jesus’ birth. Following the
walk, there will be food, music and fellowship at Arlington Height UMC.
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.
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.
What the Bible Has to Say About Children — Water, Mark. Separate sections on babies, growing up, happy families, Jesus and Children, and God’s family, it highlights relevant biblical verses and offers an enlightening commentary to inspire further reflection. 2003. 95 pages.
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— Looking Ahead — Igniting Ministry Advertising Schedule — Now through Christmas Eve on 18 cable networks 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
Director of Youth Ministries Silver Creek UMC, located in East Parker County, seeks a part-time director of youth ministries. This position is responsible for developing and leading Christian education, worship, and outreach programming for youth 7th through 12th grades, as well as recruiting and managing adult volunteers. Interested applicants should be self-motivated, passionate about working with youth, and have the ability to vision for future growth in the context of a small but quickly expanding ministry. Salary commensurate with experience. Expected hours per week, 15-20. Please contact Jason Hamilton at revjasonallen@hotmail.com or by calling the church office at 817-444-1382.
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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