Central E-Link
Weekly Newsletter of the Central Texas Conference
September 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.
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Near-Time Items
Emergency Responses to Hurricane Katrina
Response statement
The following statement was distributed electronically to all pastors in our conference. It is a little lengthy, but serves as a necessary source of information for other local church and conference leaders. Many UM congregations in the hurricane area and adjacent states are hosting displaced persons and providing other assistance. The Louisiana Conference center has been housing nearly 200 guests. Sixty of the evacuees were residents of a New Orleans nursing care facility for mentally challenged people. In addition to offering shelter and food, staff members were counseling guests.
Dear Friends in Ministry,
Our hearts have been joined together this week in prayer for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. We know that you would like to respond quickly to the needs of the people of the Gulf Coast who have been so devastated by this disaster, and we want to provide information about the best ways to provide assistance.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) will be heavily involved in the recovery of the affected areas for some time. UMCOR staff is in contact with the bishops, disaster response coordinators and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) coordinators in the affected conferences, and several UMCOR consultants are working with those conferences to organize their response. An article published on the UMCOR website (www.umcor.org <http://www.umcor.org/> ) informs readers about phases of disaster response:
“UMCOR Disaster Response is a three phase process. The emergency stage is the present stage and is anticipated to last for up to 10 days. During this time rescue efforts and infrastructure repair are carried out by official agencies.
“In the second phase, the relief phase, assistance is provided to home owners who need to ‘muck out,’ assess damage, receive emotional and spiritual care, and begin their long road to recovery. During this time the local churches are very active, acting as shelters and support areas for the community.
“The third phase, long-term recovery, involves a holistic approach to people who have suffered losses, covering everything from seeking them out in their neighborhood to providing information and advocacy about their federal and state assistance rights. In coordination with other religious bodies and community service agencies, UMCOR will participate in repairing and rebuilding of homes, and assistance with living expenses.”
The Central Texas Conference Disaster Response Committee will continue to dialogue with UMCOR regarding specific needs. At this point, the primary need is for financial contributions. Please encourage members of your congregation to give to UMCOR's Hurricanes 2005 Global, Advance #982523.
UMCOR has also issued an urgent request for health kits, flood buckets, bottled water and blankets; please consider either assembling these imperative emergency kits or contributing financial donations for the kits (health kits--$12 each, flood buckets--$45 each, made to Material Resource Ministry, Advance #901440). FUMC Waxahachie has graciously offered to serve as a drop-off point for the emergency kits. If your congregation plans to assemble kits, you may bring them to the church’s Family Life Center on Sunday, September 11th from 1:00pm to 8:00pm. Please contact the conference office if you will be sending kits for delivery or if you would like to volunteer to transport the kits to the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, LA. Please refer to the UMCOR website for details on the contents of the emergency kits.
Finally, please consider volunteer opportunities to help with recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Within the next 4-5 days UMCOR will have more information on what the time line looks like for volunteers. Only the trained "First Responders" will be allowed in initially. As things unfold, food and water will be needed. But right now there is no place to send or store in the disaster area. Beginning in a few weeks, volunteer teams will be needed to assist with clean-up and rebuilding for years to come. For information on what disaster sites will be scheduling volunteers, call the Volunteer Hotline at 1-800-918-3100.
Thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and your commitment to help our sisters and brothers in the Gulf Coast. Please continue to pray for those who have lost loved ones and property in this disaster. For more information regarding any of the opportunities to assist, contact Chuck Graff at 817-339-5065 or cgraff@fumcftw.org or Jennifer Coggins at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or jennifer@ctcumc.org. Also, please go to the CTC website for periodic updates on the situation: www.ctcumc.org <http://www.ctcumc.org/> .
In Christ’s Service,
Chuck Graff, Conference Coordinator for Disaster Response
Jennifer Coggins, Director of Humanitarian Services
Media Alert
In addition to communications with our church leaders, a media alert was distributed electronically on Monday to all the major newspapers and some television stations in our conference area. Although they were advised on the UMC’s resources for disaster response and how others might choose to contribute, it would be advisable for others to follow up with their local media. Pastors of the Brownwood District are taking a paid ad in the Brownwood newspaper encouraging participation with prayers and contributions. Remember that 100% of contributions to UMCOR go to disaster relief since the UMC covers all overhead.
Resources for local churches
The General Board of Discipleship (www.gbod.org) has posted on their website several resources that local churches might use in worship. One is titled “When the Wind Blows: Worship Resources for Use After Hurricanes or Other Natural Disasters,” and others relate to the Tsunami disaster, resources for “War or Other National Crisis,” and “UMCOR Hurricane Relief.”
Near-Time Events
Christian Education Sunday
Sunday, September 4, is Christian Education Sunday in the Central Texas Conference. Traditionally, churches receive a special offering on the day for the conference’s ministries of Christian education. This year, funds from the 2004 offering were used to provide scholarships for persons to participate in FOCUS ’05, the national children’s ministry event, and eChristianEd, a certification program for persons who lead in Christian education in the local church. Your local church’s offering is an investment that is helping prepare leaders who will give back many times over through their love for God and the church. Make sure that you take a Christian Education Sunday offering some time in September and send it on a remittance form. It is listed on the form under “Special Day” offerings, Fund 403.
Harry Hosier Worship Event
The Harry Hosier Worship Event, the second part of a two-part program, will be held at 9:30 a.m. through lunch Saturday, Sept. 10, at McMillian UMC (3401 Mountcastle, Fort Worth). Rev. Harold Glenn Dangerfield, senior pastor at Hamilton Park UMC of Dallas, will lead the praise and worship service that will be followed by a fellowship meal. There will also be the awarding of the Harry Hosier scholarship for continuing education to a layperson actively involved in the ministry of the local church. Contact: Sylvester Key at 817-534-0268.
Open Air Revival
The Evangelism Committee of Morningside UMC will host an Open Air Revival at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. The service will be held on the front lawn of the church. Speakers are Revs. Larry and Angela Dunaway of Dallas. Refreshments will be served, and all are invited to attend. For more information, please contact Gale M. Nealy at galemyers88@yahoo.com
Musical
The Morningside Community Choir will present a musical at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, with the theme of Again I Say, Rejoice! All are invited to join the Morningside congregation for this exciting time of praise and worship. For more information, contact Gale M. Nealy at galemyers88@yahoo.com.
Preacher/author James Moore to speak at Aledo
Dr. James Moore, senior pastor at St. Luke’s UMC in Houston, one of the largest churches in the denomination, will be guest speaker at Aledo UMC at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14. Moore is one of the most popular writers at Abingdon, and Cokesbury indicates that he is a constant best seller. Some of his more recent books include: The Top Ten List for Christians, Attitude is Your Paintbrush, and Some Folks Feel the Rain, Others Just Get Wet. He will speak to the impact a church must make in the community, and his books will be made available after he speaks. He will also be Aledo UMC’s guest for a clergy coffee beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15. He will speak of the challenge of being a vibrant and vital mission-minded church. Come join us to hear Dr. Moore in Aledo. Contact: 817 441 8329.
Annual Lord’s Acre listing
We appreciate the courtesy of the many churches that sent their annual fall fundraiser information for publication in the Central Link newspaper. This listing will appear in the Sept. 9 issue of Central Link and also on the conference website. From the conference staff, we hope to support as many of the local church events as possible, and we urge others to embrace these events as great opportunities to pick up a new treasure, enjoy some wonderful food, bid at the auctions, and participate in the numerous fun activities.
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News
New songbook to show diversity
A songbook intended to capture the essence of 21st century worship in the African American church is one step closer to reality, and Sept. 30 is the deadline for submitting music for possible inclusion. Zion Still Sings! For Every Generation is the new resource to become available in January 2007 from Abingdon Press, an imprint of the UM Publishing House. The book will provide congregations with a resource for corporate singing with a Black church flair. The title represents a continuation of the theme of the Songs of Zion songbook, published in 1981.
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Events-Opportunities
Perkins seeks youth leaders
Perkins School of Theology at SMU is accepting applications from high school juniors who are interested in becoming youth leaders in their churches and communities. The application deadline is Sept. 30. The two-year program is structured for youth engaged in social service projects or who are interested in community or church service. It guides them in developing their ability to witness to their Christian faith and helps them reflect on their work from a religious perspective. They are paired with mentors who help them understand the importance of serving others. They commit to three service projects each month and meet monthly with their mentors. For more details, contact Tonya Burton at 214-768-1333 or www.smu.edu/youthschool.
UMME Rally in mid-September
The 2nd Annual United Methodist Motor Enthusiasts (UMME) Rally will be Saturday, Sept. 17, beginning at 10 a.m. at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Glen Rose. The rally fee of $50 covers two meals on Saturday, one night’s stay at Glen Lake Camp, and rally event that include entertainment, a ride through scenic Sommerville County, and some different games. Sunday morning worship will be at First UMC Granbury, with a police escort through town, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. For a downloadable registration form contact GMordecai@airmail.net or doug_gregory@sbcglobal.net.
Wills and Estate Planning
Wills and Estate Planning seminars are offered by the Central Texas Methodist Foundation Tuesday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Central UMC in Waco; on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and again from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at First UMC of Weatherford. No cost to participants. Reservations are required. Contact the CTMF office at 800-333-4096 or www.ctmf.org and click on What's New and go to Events.
Mission items
Volunteers have been requested for two opportunities:
Diamond Hill UMC, Fort Worth, is offering an after school program 5 days/week and is in need of volunteers to read to and listen to children read. Volunteers are especially needed for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Rev. Margaret Stratton at 817/626-0620.
First Richland UMC (Waxahachie District) is in need of repairs. Volunteers are needed to help with the construction of a nursery and a wheelchair accessible restroom as well as deconstruction of the kitchen and existing restrooms. If you are interested in assisting with these repairs, please contact Jennifer Coggins, Dir. of Humanitarian Services: 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622, or jennifer@ctcumc.org.
Mission Education Opportunity: Martin UMC, Bedford, recently returned from a mission trip to Latvia and will be sharing their experience at a Latvia Luncheon on Sunday, Aug. 28th at 12:15pm. Anyone interested in learning more about the struggling Methodist congregations in Latvia and this church’s ongoing commitment there is invited to attend to hear personal stories, pictures, and music from the journey. For more information on this important ministry, please contact Ross Carnes at challenge1@comcast.net or at 817-874-2479.
The World on Our Doorstep: Refugee Services of Texas (RST) invites you to an important fundraising event at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13. This is your opportunity to help raise much-needed funds for a new counseling program for refugees in the Metroplex area. Eat a full African dinner, bid on beautiful artwork, and watch the award-winning film “Hotel Rwanda”. Tickets are $20 for the event, which will be held at the Rose Marine Theatre in Fort Worth. Please call Kimberly Cooper, Director of the RST Fort Worth office, by Sept. 9 for more information: 817-457-8110. You may download a full-page flyer on the missions page of the CTC website (www.ctxumc.org/missions. If your congregation is interested in co-sponsoring a refugee family with RST, please contact Jennifer Coggins, director of humanitarian services: 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622, or jennifer@ctcumc.org.
Time for crop walks approaching: This fall will bring several opportunities for members of your congregation to participate in a CROP Walk, a community-based fundraising event to raise money for local hunger-fighting agencies as well as the international relief and development efforts of Church World Service. To find out where your nearest CROP Walk is, go online to http://cwscrop.org/texas/ or call the Texas CWS/CROP Regional Office at 1-888-CWS-CROP (1-888-297-2767).
Volunteer Opportunity: The United Way of Tarrant County is currently assisting a wheelchair-dependent Fort Worth man and his elderly wife with a variety of needs, and has requested volunteers to help with the removal of a large tree from their yard. The tree, split in two by lightning, is a danger to both the home of the couple and of their neighbors, but the couple is on a fixed income and cannot afford to pay a professional company to remove it. If you have the appropriate equipment and are interested in helping to remove the tree, please contact Jennifer Coggins at 817-877-5222 or jennifer@ctcumc.org.
Dr. Fred Craddock guest preaching at Trinity, Arlington (repeat)
Dr. Fred Craddock, named by Baylor University and Newsweek magazine one of the “most effective preachers” in the English speaking world, will be preaching Sunday and Monday, Sept. 18 and 19, at Trinity UMC, Arlington. An ordained minister in the Disciples of Christ Church and pastor emeritus at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, he is described as “having a unique way of presenting his message that is profoundly thought-provoking and powerful.” For more details, call the church at 817-274-1345.
Holy Land tour with Bishop Chamness (repeat)
Bishop Ben Chamness invites all to join him on another trip to the Holy Land departing Jan. 31, 2006. Stops will include Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Capernaum, Caesarea, Upper Room, Megiddo, Qumran, Via Dolorosa, & the Garden of Gethsemane. Brochures are available at district offices.
Acts 29 Prayer Encounter Experience (repeat)
Jesus said, "My house shall be called a house of prayer.” (Matt. 21:13) Outreach, day care, food pantry, worship services ... where is prayer? Terry Teykl’s “Acts 29 Prayer Encounter Experience” will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Family Life Center of First UMC, Killeen. The Center is located at 2900 East Elms Road, just east of W. S. Young Drive. The seminar will run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will focus on building a foundation of total dependence on God through prayer. The cost for the encounter is $30 with an optional lunch available. For additional information, please contact First UMC at (254) 634-6363.
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Resources
GBCS offers Labor Day resources
The General Board of Church & Society offers the following resources in relationship to the observance of Labor Day. They can be downloaded from the http://www.umc-gbcs.org website or elsewhere as noted:
• The Council of Bishops’ 2005 International Workers/Labor Day message
• Resolutions for boycott actions (both ended successfully) that were adopted by the GBCS regarding the Mt. Olive Pickle Company and Taco Bell
• Worship resources and background materials from the GBCS coalition partners on Interfaith Worker Justice (www.iwj.org), National Farm Worker Ministry (www.nfwm.org) and Lectionary Reflection.
Disciple Bible Study products
Did you know that you can buy all of your Disciple products at the Fort Worth Cokesbury store? The new eight-week Disciple study “Invitation to the New Testament” has just arrived. Contact the Cokesbury store at 817-763-9560 (phone), 817-763-8045 (fax) or by e-mail at fortworth@cokesbury.com. Or go by the store and visit.
Scholarship for minority seminar students (repeat)
The Rev. J.W. Elliott, Sr. Scholarship is a local program that awards scholarships to minority UM students in the Central Texas Conference who enter seminary to pursue a theological degree. This program is funded each year by an annual songfest and private donations. Each year up to four students will be selected to receive a maximum of $1,000 for their willingness to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and minister to those who are in Christ and lead others to Christ. For more details, please contact Minnie Gunter, Scholarship Committee chair, at 817-294-1921 or minniegun@sbcglobal.net or Carol Miles at 817-423-3396.
2007 ELCC application now online (repeat)
The 2007 Ethnic Local Church Concerns application is now available to download online. Please read the criteria and guidelines carefully before filling out this application. The deadline to submit applications for funding is Sept. 15, 2005. Send to Susan Briles, Ethnic Local Church Concerns, Central Texas Conference, 464 Bailey Ave., Fort Worth 76107. If you have any questions, contact Susan at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or susan@ctcumc.org.
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.
Life Together-Student Edition — Youth Ministry Small Group Resource. Vol. 1 contains 12 sessions on DVD with leader’s guides. “Starting to Go Where God Wants You to Be” and “Connecting Your Heart to Others.” Vol. 2 contains 12 sessions on DVD “Growing to Be Like Jesus” and “Serving Others in Love.” Vol. 3 contains 12 sessions on DVD “Sharing Your Story and God’s Story” and “Surrendering Your Life to Honor God.”
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Calendar
Christian Education Day — Sunday, Sept. 4
Harry Hosier Worship Celebration— 10:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at McMillan UMC, Fort Worth (3401 Mountcastle, 76119)
Terry Teykl’ Acts 29 Encounter: Blueprint for the House of Prayer — Saturday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.. Contact First UMC, Killeen, (254) 634-6363 for registration or information.
Connect ’05 “Stewardship for the 21st Century” – Sept. 17, 2005 at Central UMC, Waco
World Communion Sunday — Oct. 2
Connecting the Pieces: Body Mind & Spirit singles road trip/retreat — Oct. 7-9 at Mt. Sequoyah, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Alarga Walk to Emmaus — Nov. 17-20 at Glen Lake Camp
United Methodist Student Day — Nov. 27
Spring Board of Ministry interviews — March 27-29, 2006 at Glen Lake Camp
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Needs, Resources, Opportunities
Request for prayers
Richard Wier, a fireman specially trained in rescue procedures and husband of Brenda Wier of the Metropolitan Board of Mission, was called up last Saturday by FEMA and deployed to the Gulf Coast disaster area. He and his team spent Sunday and Monday in Baton Rouge and left Tuesday for a suburb of New Orleans. Richard and his team of specialists, veterans of the terrorist destruction in Oklahoma City and the New York City’s Twin Trade Towers, ask for your prayers for the victims of Katrina.
Executive assistant
The director of the Central Texas Conference Council on Stewardship, Finance & Administration has an opening for executive assistant. This is a full-time position in the Conference Center (464 Bailey Ave., Fort Worth) with medical and pension benefits provided. The ideal candidate will be personable, a self-starter, well organized, proficient in computer skills — MS Word, Excel and Access. Inquiries and resumes should be directed to Harvey Ozmer at Harvey@ctcumc.org, 817-877-5222 or 800-460-8622.
Organist
1100-member First UMC Midlothian seeks a part-time organist beginning Sept. 18. Responsibilities include two Sunday morning worship services, all special services, as well as accompaniment of Chancel Choir’s mid-week rehearsals and 3-5 called rehearsals for special events. Organist is expected to be equally comfortable at the piano, to possess sight-reading skills, and to accompany differing groups on Sunday mornings. Expected hours 9-11/week. Applicants should have a broad knowledge of sacred and classical music, an ability to effectively and creatively support congregational hymn singing, a willingness to play the occasional praise and worship chorus, a Christian philosophy compatible with UMC traditions, and a demonstrated ability to work well with church staff. FUMC has a 3-manual Rodgers digital organ in the sanctuary. Submit resume and supporting documentation to: Organist Search, First UMC, 800 S. Ninth St., Midlothian, TX 76065 or to cfreeto76065@sbcglobal.net.
Administrative assistant
Richland Hills UMC (7301 Glenview, Richland Hills 76180) seeks a part-time administrative assistant to work 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday – Friday. Applicant should be proficient in the use of a computer, specifically MS Outlook, Publisher and Word, and be familiar with Excel. The SPRC seeks a Methodist with the gifts and graces to fill this position beginning Sept. 26. Submit resume to the business manager at mhancock@rhumc.net or by fax at 817-595-2068. Church office: 817-284-9371.
Director of children’s ministries (k-5)
St. John the Apostle UMC in south Arlington seeks a director of children’s ministries (K-5th grade). Responsibilities of this half-time position (15-20 hrs/week) include working with the Children’s Council to grow the children’s ministry area in fulfillment of the vision of “nurturing children’s growth in grace in a child-friendly, age appropriate environment. The position, paying $1,000 to $1,500/month, has the possibility of growing to a full-time position. Contact: Steve Langford at steve.langford@stjohntheapostle.org, 817-468-8484, or 5450 Mansfield Road, Arlington 76017.
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