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Central E-LinkWeekly Newsletter of the Central Texas Conference
September 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
Hurricane Katrina Response From Jennifer Coggins, conference director of humanitarian services: Because you gave your hearts so generously to the people of the Gulf Coast, you have made our conference-wide collection of UMCOR relief supplies a success! On Sunday, Sept. 11, 45 volunteers came to First Hillsboro to help fill a 53-foot semi trailer to capacity. Among the volunteers were two youth groups and members of the United Methodist Motorcycle Enthusiasts. Along with a massive amount of toiletries, sheet sets, air mattresses, toys, pillows, water jugs and medical supplies, drivers from as far away as 125 miles brought more than 7,000 health kits, 255 flood buckets, 203 cases of water, and 131 blankets.
Many churches have expressed
interest in “adopting” a family—now is your chance! We have
been notified by the staff at the Will Rogers shelter in Fort
Worth about families who have been placed in homes and are now
in need of furniture and other household items. This
opportunity is open to churches in all areas of the conference,
although most of the families will be living in the Fort Worth
area. Please let me know as soon as possible if your
congregation is interested in supporting a family as they settle
into a more permanent situation. Local churches and the media From Carolyn Stephens, associate director for Mission Ministries and director of communications: On August 29, our conference contacted all the larger community newspapers and some of the television stations in Central Texas with information about the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) as a vehicle for contributing to both immediate and long-term relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina. It was noted that UMCOR was carried along with Red Cross and the Salvation Army by most news outlets in Central Texas as an organization that applies 100% of donations to the disaster. All overhead is covered by the UMC.
Our local churches are meeting needs in many creative and generous ways. Many details are available on the conference website which will be updated again Friday. We urge you to think about sharing your story — especially when working collaboratively with other churches and community groups — with your local media. It can be as simple as a brief “media alert” giving just the basic facts and a contact person. It can be a phone call to a reporter whose interest in community involvement is evident in previous or current stories. Most media today appreciate the brief facts approach communicated by e-mail. If the story fits into their mix of news and space they will contact you. If you are approaching a television station, please be prepared to suggest something highly visual to carry the story. For a list of media outlets in Texas and how to contact them, visit http://www.usnpl.com/txnews.html and look for your community.
Texas Wesleyan offers hospitality to Louisiana students (repeat) Texas Wesleyan University is offering free room and board for Louisiana college/university students who wish to transfer to TWU’s Fort Worth historic campus. Tuition assistance will have to be handled on an individual basis due to the variety of state, federal and scholarships programs involved. For details, please contact Gary Cumbie at 817-531-4494.
Fall Fund Raisers The most complete listing to date for our local congregations’ fall fund raising events is posted on the website (www.ctxumc.org). New listings may be added on this site by contacting Carolyn@ctcumc.org. Please note that the Harvest Festival at China Spring will be at the Elementary School (not at the Gorham Circle address as noted in the Central Link newspaper), and the Moody-Leon Lord’s Acre has been moved from Oct. 15 to Oct. 22.
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News
UMCOR response Assistant treasurer Thane Arther reports that as of today, Sept. 15, the conference has received $150,031.83 designated for response to 2005 hurricanes. As of Sept. 14, churchwide contributions to UMCOR for Hurricane Katrina relief totals $2.6 million. That figure includes donations made online, by telephone, and in two days worth of mail. (Hurricanes 2005 Global, Advance #982523)
Igniting Ministry The web page for posting prayers and laments in the wake of Hurricane Katrina is the newest of a growing array of prayer and devotional resources. “Lord, Hear Our Prayers,” the joint venture of the General Board of Discipleship and UMCom, can be accessed at the following link: http://blog.umc.org/blogs/hurricane_prayers/default.aspx. Other worship and prayer resources include “Words of Comfort” from The Upper Room and The Upper Room Living Prayer Center. Both can be found at www.upperroom.org. The prayer center can also be reached at 800-251-2468. Prayers can be submitted in both English and Spanish. Prayers for emergency workers and caregivers from the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry are at www.gbhem.org/hurricaneresponse.html. Source: Interpreter (UMNS)
A note of appreciation Rose Selenge, a refugee in resettlement with the Outreach Committee of McMillan UMC, was in need of funds for her son. Many readers of E-Link responded to the call, and Mary shares her appreciation: “Thank you my Church Family of the United Methodist Church Central Texas Conference for coming together in support of me and my children in Congo. Because of all your gifts, prayers and love, my son, Paul, now has the money to travel from Brazzaville to Camroon to complete the application process for his VISA. I hope to hear from Paul soon and will make sure to keep my church family informed of his progress. Thank you for your continued prayers. In Christ, Rose Selenge.”
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Teacher/author Greg Baer at White’s Chapel Dr. Greg Baer, author and teacher, will lead a program on “Real Love in Action” this weekend at White’s Chapel, UMC (185 South White’s Chapel, Southlake 76092). The program is at 6 to 9 p.m. (with dinner) on Friday and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Many people have had life-changing experiences as they’ve heard the message of Dr. Baer’s seminars and in his book, “Real Love: The Truth About Finding Unconditional Love and Fulfilling Relationships.” Admission of $85/person with discounts to groups. For details, visit www.whiteschapelumc.org or call Tracy Christensen at 817-481-4147.
Sexual Harassment Misconduct Prevention Training The Central Texas Conference is sponsoring Sexual Harassment Misconduct Prevention Training at two locations this fall and next spring: Oct. 18 at First UMC Hillsboro and March 18 at St. Andrews UMC in Fort Worth — both 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.
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.
Disaster response/VIM training and experiences
Disaster response training:
Anyone interested in CTC Disaster Response and the UM Committee
on Relief (UMCOR) is invited to a training conducted by Tom
Hazelwood, UMCOR executive director for disaster response in the
U.S. The training will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday, Oct. 22, at
Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center. There is a $10 registration fee
to cover lunch and materials. Please contact Jennifer Coggins,
director of humanitarian services, for more information
(817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or
Jennifer@ctcumc.org).
Advanced Lay Course An Advanced Lay Speaking Course will be offered Oct. 15-16 at the First UMC, Comanche (Brownwood District). Scheduled times are 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2-5 p.m. on Sunday. The study will be “Lay Speakers Lead Worship” using the Contemporary Worship for the 21st Century as the study book. The cost if $20 and includes study materials. The sign up deadline is Oct. 1. Contact: Howard Hagood at 254-734-2977 or 254-734-5729.
Int’l. Eastern Europe and Balkans Consultation II (repeat) First UMC Keller (1025 Johnson Road, Keller 76248) is hosting the International Eastern Europe & Balkans Consultation II Nov. 17-19, an event sponsored by the General Board of Global Ministries’ In Mission Together program. The primary purpose is to celebrate mission opportunities in this area and assist the churches spiritually and financially in their basic service and witness. Participants will hear from Bishops Heinrich Bolleter and Patrick Streiff, meet with and hear from individual area representatives, and share opportunities for Volunteers In Mission. For additional information and registration forms, visit www.inmissiontogether.com.
Survivors of Suicide First UMC Fort Worth will offer a new eight-week “Survivors of Suicide” group beginning at 7-9 p.m. Oct. 4 at University Christian Church (2720 S. University Drive, Fort Worth 76109). A professional counselor and a person who has had a family member commit suicide will lead the group. There is a two-year follow up to these groups that meets monthly for those who want it. The SOS group is one of only 196 groups nationally approved by the American Association of Suicidology. In Tarrant County alone, there are two suicides every three days. Pre-registration is required. For more details or to register, please contact Larry Grubb at lapat@airmail.net.
UMME Rally in mid-September (repeat) The 2nd Annual United Methodist Motorcycle 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.
Dr. Fred
Craddock guest preaching at Trinity, Arlington
(repeat)
Good Sense
Budget Course
130 celebration at Evant (repeat) First UMC in Evant will be celebrating 130 years of Methodist ministry next month. All month the church will be recognizing its Methodist heritage with a Wednesday Bible study focusing on the history, development, principles, theology and teaching John Wesley and the American Methodists. This event will culminate with a grand celebration at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, with a visit from Susanna Wesley, singing of the Wesleyan hymns, dinner on the grounds, and dedication of the church as a UM historic site. All are invited — especially those who share in the history of the church. Contact: evantumcd@centex.net.
Renewal of the Graying Church Renewal of the Graying Church: Is Discipling Elders Worth the Effort? is an event offered by the Central Texas Conference Mission Ministries Nurture Council and the Wesleyan Home in Georgetown. This event is just right for you if: • 25% or more of your congregation’s active membership is 45 or older • your community’s median age is 45 or higher • your congregation’s leaders still long to reach new people for Christ and His church • your congregation’s leaders believe meaningful life does not end at retirement • growing in discipleship is a life-long process • you are clergy or laity • you want to be part of the solution
Dr. Richard Gentzler, director of aging and older adult ministries for the General Board of Discipleship, and Dr. Dan Bonner, vice president for development at Wesleyan Homes, will lead the program from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at Central UMC, Waco. Gentzler’s ministry involves providing resources and training support for leaders of midlife and older adult ministries. Bonner is an experienced pastor of renewing and growing congregations in which elders play important ministry roles. A brochure for this event is available on the conference website (www.ctxumc.org). If you have questions, contact Karen Granderson at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or Karen@ctcumc.org.
New Testament
scholar at SMU
Holy Land
tour with Bishop Chamness
(repeat)
Bible Retreat
dates 3rd- 4th grader dates are Oct. 14-15, 2005 and April 7-8, 2006 5th-6th grader dates are Jan. 20-21, 2005
Check out the website at www.glenlake.org for details and registration forms. If you have further questions, please contact Michelle at michelle@glenlake.org or 254-897-2247.
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Resources
Resources for hurricane response available (repeat) Ad individuals, local churches, conferences, and general agencies develop their response to the devastation, a variety of resources are being made available. Worship resources are available from the General Board of Discipleship at www.umcworship.org. There, one can find a variety of hymns, liturgies, and prayers reflecting on the hurricane and times of tragedy. For study, Cokesbury is developing an issue of the curriculum FaithLink that will look at the sense of incredible loss many are experiencing as well as the positive hope and other contributions the church can provide. This curriculum will be available by Sept. 17 at www.Cokesbury.com/FaithLink. — Source: Newscope
Christmas Before and After: Celebrating the Journey The days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can be so much richer and more meaningful if we can find ways to make the time, to celebrate the themes, to explore as individuals, families, and churches what it means for God to be born in human flesh. Dean McIntyre, director of music resources with the General Board of Discipleship, releases an article (www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=14618&loc_id=17,823) as the cover article for Cokesbury’s Church Music Workshop magazine Sept.-Dec. 2005 issue. Advent consists of the four Sundays before Christmas Day, and there are nearly two more weeks after Christmas Day until Epiphany. Without minimizing the importance of Christmas Eve or morning, they offer suggestions for how we can make more significant the journey along the way and following.
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.
Here I Am Lord: Missionaries of the United Methodist Church - UMCom. 2005. Exciting, new easy to use resources to help you share how the Advance for Christ and His church embraces the world with God’s love. Includes “Partnership in Mission 2006” catalog, “Here I Am Lord” DVD featuring a 14 minute overview with testimonials, “Covenant Relationship” a brochure describing how congregations can support missionaries and “An Offering of Hope” devotional guide with liturgical resources, a meditation and basic information.
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— Looking Ahead —
Connect ’05 “Stewardship for the 21st Century” – Sept. 17, 2005 at Central UMC, Waco Annual Conference Agenda Committee — 10 a.m. Sept. 20 at the Conference Center World Communion Sunday — Oct. 2 Connecting the Pieces: Body Mind & Spirit singles road trip/retreat — Oct. 7-9 at Mt. Sequoyah, Fayetteville, Arkansas Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center Golf Tournament — Oct. 20 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
Administrative assistant The associate director for Central Texas Conference Mission Ministries-Student Ministries has an opening for administrative 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, well organized, and proficient in computer skills — Access, MS Word, Excel and web publishing. Inquiries and resumes should be directed to Doug Vaughn at doug@ctcumc.org, 817-877-5222 or 800-460-8622. Resumes will be accepted through Monday, Sept. 19.
Director of
student (youth) ministries
Director of
music ministries
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.
Director of Music Ministries Christ UMC (3301 Sycamore School Road, Fort Worth 76123) seeks a part-time director of music ministries. Responsibilities include praise band, chancel choir and developing new music programs. For more information, contact Vaughn Baker at 817-346-2400.
Bell Choir director Smithfield UMC (6701 Smithfield, Fort Worth 76180) is accepting resumes for part-time Bell Choir director. If interested, please contact Tim Boeglin at pastor@smithfield.org or 817-281-0314.
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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
Susan Briles
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