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Central E-LinkWeekly Newsletter of the Central Texas Conference
December 15, 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 (updated) We will not be transmitting the E-Link on Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 since most of our readers will be otherwise involved with Christmas and New Years preparations. The next deadline for submitting information is Wednesday noon Jan. 5 for the Jan. 6, 2006 issue.
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 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.
Six Flags tickets Tickets for Six Flags Over Texas Holiday in the Park are now available for $10 each. These tickets that were originally valid for one day only during the weekend of Dec. 16-18, will be honored daily (with the exception of Dec. 24 and 25) from Dec. 14 thru Jan. 1. Please contact Lisa McCutcheon at Lisa@ctcumc.org or 817-877-5222/800-460-8622 if you are interested in purchasing tickets.
Seeking Annual Conference choirs Is your choir singing at Annual Conference next year? If you would like to recommend your choir for consideration, please do so IN WRITING, along with your contact information and a recording (cassette or CD) of the choir, singing musical style of choice (maximum 7 minutes). Submit to: Choir Selection Committee, c/o Rev. Tom Robbins, 1300 Austin Ave., Waco 76701. Deadline for submission is Jan. 23, 2007.
Shaping Up in 2006: Body, Mind & Spirit Dr. David N. Mosser, senior pastor at First UMC Arlington, will present an Advent Bible Study—Luke/Acts: “The Gospel Hits” at 6:45 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, Jan. 8-13, at St. Stephen UMC (1800 W. Randol Mill Road, Arlington 76012). A healthy snack supper will precede the Bible Study that begins at 6 p.m. All adults and youth are invited. A nursery is provided for infants and toddlers. For more information, call 817-460-8655 or email the church ssumc@sbcglobal.net.
Marriage ministries (repeat) 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.
Time Apart/Fellowship of Local Pastors Plans are underway to incorporate a meeting of the Fellowship of Local Pastors during the Clergy Time Apart Jan. 17 & 18. Exact time of the meeting is still to be determined, and will be announced at a later date.
Starting/teaching English as a Second Language workshop Saturday, Jan. 14 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Board of Mission (2601 Clover Lane, Fort Worth 76107) Guest speaker: Penny Gee, ESL Specialist Pearson Longman ESL Registration & schedule available on CTC Hispanic Ministry Webpage at www.ctxumc.org.
Journey of Faith Journey of Faith UMC will present a Christmas Eve Service of Candlelight & Communion at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. This will be a service of Lessons and Carols, and is open to persons of all ages. The church is located at 1350 Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. Additional information available at 512-255-8403.
Face to Face The last Friday night Face to Face program for 2005 is tomorrow evening at Davis Memorial UMC. As always, the Face to Face Band will be leading in worship and praise. This month Don Davis is giving a very special message. After the program, a meal will be served so please stay after the service and make new friendships. Checkout the current F2F news on our website www.facetofacenrh.org.
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News
UMCOR update The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is assisting recovery in 13 states either directly affected by 2005 hurricanes or hosting hurricane evacuees. So far Church members and friends have contributed $24 million. Still more effort and more funds will be required to respond to this year’s horrific storms, especially Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
UMCOR’s “specialty” is long-term relief and recovery work. In the case of Hurricane Katrina, UMCOR estimates that long term will translate to upwards of six years, particularly in hard-hit areas of Louisiana and Mississippi. The $24 million mark in contribution was reached at the end of November, according to Roland Fernandes, treasurer of the General Board of Global Ministries, of which UMCOR is a part.
Stories to look for this week This week’s UM Reporter devotes its cover to a nice Christmas story about a couple from New Orleans, displaced by Hurricane Katrina, who will celebrate Christmas as a new beginning. All their grown kids will be coming for Christmas – this time to Plano, Texas. Some other stories of note:
• Disaster News Network’s Susan Kim says many hurricane survivors are caught in a web of social injustice. • Some evangelical megachurches are not holding Christmas worship services, a trend some say means family time trumps a sacred holy day. (from Associated Press) • Jews and Muslims are joining the fight to preserve a Christian Christmas in the public square. Religion News Service. • Dr. H.O. (Tom) Thomas, who was an advocate for the Rev. Ed Johnson during Judicial Council hearings, writes a commentary piece for the Reporter about why he thinks the Council rightly followed Methodist understanding and practice in its ruling on Decision 1032. • High-tech tithing is gaining popularity in some churches. Associated Press. • How a Tulsa, Okla., church has grown by focusing on providing top-notch Sunday school classes for everyone, as the “Sunday School: It’s For Life!” series continues.
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.
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Christmas sale at Cokesbury bookstore All Christmas gift items NOW 60% off! All 2006 Dayspring Calendars NOW 50% off! All Children's books NOW 40% off! All Bibles NOW 30% off. Prices are good through Dec. 24 so HURRY! You can call, fax, or e-mail your orders if you like (phone: 817-763-9560, toll free: 866-784-5674, fax 817-763-8045, e-mail fortworth@cokesbury.com).
Tongan Luau
Exploring “Complicated” Mourning Author, educator and grief counselor Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. will lead two seminars on dealing with grief in January, both sponsored by First UMC of Fort Worth. To request a registration form or for more details on the Wolfelt seminars, call 817-336-7277 or metro 817-429-9020. Registrations are requested by Jan. 10.
• “Exploring ‘Complicated’ Mourning: Sudden Death, Suicide Grief and Trauma Loss” seminar for caregivers will be held at 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at New World UMC (2201 N. Davis Drive, Arlington).
• “Exploring the Heart of Grief: A ‘Companioning’ Philosophy of Caregiving” seminar for caregivers and those who grieve will be held at 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at First UMC of Fort Worth (800 W. Fifth St., Fort Worth).
Survivors of Suicide (repeat) A new Survivors of Suicide support group will start on Jan. 24 and go for eight weeks. This is a group for those persons who have had someone close to them commit suicide. The group is limited to 10-12 persons. It is always led by a professional counselor and a person who is a survivor, one who has had someone commit suicide. They meet for two hours. At the close of this group there is a monthly support group they can participate in for a period of two years. This group is endorsed by the National Society of Suicideology. Every three days two persons commit suicide in Tarrant County. This represents immense pain that requires specialized grief support.
Texas Golf Pass Over 280 Texas golf courses have teamed up with the American Cancer Society’s 2006 Texas Golf Pass to help raise money to fight cancer in Texas. And, it’s just in time for the holidays. For a $35 contribution, the American Cancer Society Texas Golf Pass provides golfers over 692 rounds of golf at 282 Texas courses. Order by calling 800-ACS-2345 or online at www.texasgolfpass.com.
La Posada “Live Nativity” (repeat)
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 Heights UMC.
Lay Speaker event in 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.
Holy Conversations Texas Methodist Foundation is hosting “Holy Conversations: Leadership, Money, and Ministry” in March for leaders of UM churches and institutions in Texas. This is a two-day event March 6-7 designed to bring together a wide array of UM leaders for dialogue about how to create passion, vision, and resources for ministry. Bishop Janice Riggle Huie and Lilly Endowment’s John Wimmer will be among the plenary speakers. For more details and a registration form, visit www.tmf-fdn.org.
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
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 — Mark Water. 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 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 Clergy Day Apart – Jan. 17-18 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center, Glen Rose 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
NOTE TO LISTERS: Please contact Carolyn Stephens at Carolyn@ctcumc.org to pull your listing when your opening has been filled.
Program Director
Creative Services Manager
UM Communication’s Igniting Ministry Team
in Nashville seeks applicants for creative services manager. This
position is responsible for assisting with development of creative
strategies and concepts for IM resources, their execution, modifying and
archiving new creative graphics for public release to churches, web
backup and IM news eUpdate, and in-house collateral customization and
graphic design assistance. Apply by Jan. 11 with resume and 3
references. Contact: UMCom/Human Resources, P.O. Box 320, Nashville, TN
37202-0320. Phone: 615-742-5137. Fax: 615-742-5428. E-mail: hr@umcom.org. 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.
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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