Central E-LinkWeekly Newsletter of the Central Texas Conference
September 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
Preparing for Thanksliving Offering While we as a nation have been consumed over the past couple weeks by Hurricane Katrina, people in Africa are facing famine and hunger every day! Isn’t it comforting that while we focus our attention on natural disasters close to home, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is ALWAYS at work in the most needy areas of the world?
UMCOR is working to relieve famine in seven countries in Africa where people are dying because of severe food shortages. Niger, where drought killed off last year’s harvest of mostly small millet and pumpkin crops, has been among the more prominently reported African nations.
Our annual Thanksliving offering in November helps UMCOR to work directly and through partner agencies such as ACT International to relieve suffering in these areas. They provide immediate relief by supporting feeding centers and preventing future food shortages through long-term solutions. Hurricane Katrina relief efforts will be with us for several years, but hunger in the world in ALWAYS with us. Please urge your congregations to share their gifts with UMCOR Advance #101250, All Africa Drought & Famine Relief. A bulletin insert is available at http://gbgm-umc/umcor/print/bulletininserts/niger.cfm to assist in your promotion.
The Central Texas Conference Council on Finance & Administration recommends the annual Thanksliving offering be taken in November. The Conference Task Force on Hunger has designated Africa: All Africa Famine Relief as the recipient of the offering.
130th celebration at Evant (repeat) First UMC in Evant will be celebrating 130 years of Methodist ministry next month. All month the church has been recognizing its Methodist heritage with a Wednesday Bible study focusing on the history, development, principles, theology and teaching of 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.
Revival at Bethesda Bethesda UMC, Weatherford, will have a revival on Sept 25-27 beginning at 7 p.m. each evening. Preaching on Sunday will be Rev. Bobby Baggett, pastor at North Richland Hills UMC, and on Monday and Tuesday, Dr. Davis Mosser, pastor at First Arlington UMC. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the revival. Bring your friends, family and neighbors. For directions or more information, please call the church at 940-682-7339 or bethesda@airmail.net.
Brazosgrass concert at Lake Shore UMC, Waco Brazosgrass will perform bluegrass, gospel and ole tyme music Sunday, Sept. 25, at Lake Shore UMC (3311 Park Lake Drive, Waco 76708). The outdoor service begins at 10:30 a.m., then back inside for a potluck lunch and the concert.
“Singing Along the Trail” at Arlington Heights, Fort Worth Arlington Heights UMC (4200 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth 76107) will present “Singing Along the Trail” with some 75 voices of the Chancel Choir performing its annual Lord’s Acre Concert. Dr. Stephen Simons will be conducting with accompaniment by Martha Michael at the piano. Western themes, along with a few popular pieces, will be sung. The concert is open to the public at no charge, preceded by a barbeque dinner in the Fellowship Hall at 5 p.m. Reservations must be made for the dinner by calling the church at 817-737-3161.
Good Sense Budget
Course
SMU Mustangs vs
Tulane Green Wave tickets for evacuees
Hurricane Rita/Katrina Updates by Jennifer Coggins, director of Humanitarian Services Change in Waco supply collection: Due to the extreme weather coming into Waco on Saturday, the supply drop for Sager Brown Depot will take place on FRIDAY ONLY from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the old Target store on Hwy. 6 & Sanger Road in Waco. We still need more volunteers during the day to help unload cars and trucks. Supplies needed are bottled water, health kits, school supplies, blankets, pillows, sheets, shovels, brooms, cleaning supplies, chain saws.
Volunteer opportunity: The City of Fort Worth needs teams of 6 or more people, ages 16 and older, to help assemble starter home kits (basic household and furniture items) for hurricane evacuee guests moving from shelters into apartments. The assembly will be at the old Sam’s Club off Hwy. 183 in Richland Hills on Saturday, Sept. 24. Please contact the Fort Worth Volunteer Center at 817-392-7400 if you are interested in this or any other volunteer opportunity in Tarrant County. Groups are also needed to help move families into their new homes.
Gearing up for Hurricane Rita response: While continuing to respond to the needs presented by Hurricane Katrina, the Central Texas Conference is tracking Hurricane Rita, which now threatens the Texas coastline. We will respond to this new disaster in the same manner that we have responded to previous disasters. Please continue to give generously to UMCOR’s 2005 Hurricanes Global, Advance #982523. Your tax-deductible gift may be placed in UM church offering plates or sent directly to UMCOR, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068. We will also be planning another conference-wide collection of relief supplies, so please continue to visit www.ctcumc.org for the latest updates on opportunities to contribute your time and resources. Conference churches have responded with impressive generosity and compassion thus far, and we encourage you to continue that support with those who will be affected by Hurricane Rita. Should you have any questions, please contact Chuck Graff, conference disaster response coordinator, at cgraff@fumcftw.org or 817-339-5065 or Jennifer Coggins at Jennifer@ctcumc.org or 817-877-5222.
Another tip: In light of the severe weather this weekend and the influx of Galveston/Houston area guests who will, no doubt, arrive with empty gas tanks, several districts are suggesting their pastors fill up their vehicle’s fuel tank today and try to maintain full fuel levels so that they will be ready to respond to any congregational emergencies.
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News
UMCOR response (update) Assistant treasurer Thane Arther reports that as of today, Sept. 22, the conference has received $229,250.42 designated for response to 2005 hurricanes. As of this week churchwide contributions to UMCOR for Hurricane Katrina relief totals $3.7 million. That figure includes donations made online, by telephone, and mail but does not include giving through Annual Conferences. (Hurricanes 2005 Global, Advance #982523)
Younger theological students The Methodist Theological School in Ohio reported last month that this year, the school has the most students younger than 30 years of age than it has had in the past 10 years … nearly 30% of the student body is younger than 30, with 22% younger than 25 years old. Source: Newscope Return to Top Events-Opportunities
LifePoint seeks launch team The name LifePoint United Methodist Church has been chosen and work is well underway to begin our conference’s newest church start in North Fort Worth. LifePoint is currently forming a launch team, so if you or anyone you know in the North Fort Worth/West Keller area might be interested in signing up, please contact Thomas Childs at 817-602-8616 or e-mail Pastor@LifePointUMC.com. Short-term (6 to 12 months) commitments from partnering church members are requested as well in order to help LifePoint achieve “critical mass” for 6 to 12 months and then return to your home church.
Events scheduled to find a launch team began with a block part on Sept. 18 and now following with: • an 8-week Love & Marriage Seminar beginning Oct. 2 • passing out bottled water and an information booth at Saturday morning soccer games in the area • a Fall Festival on Oct. 23rd • involvement in the Keller Chamber of Commerce • extensive marketing • lots of prayer, and much more
The mission for LifePoint is “to grow a Christian community where non-religious and nominally religious people are becoming highly effective Christians.” And, the vision is to: (1) teach people about Christianity in positive ways; (2) offer meaningful and relevant worship in a state-of-the-art audio-visual setting; (3) disciple people in small groups; and (4) relieve suffering.
For more information about this new church start, to to www.LifePointUMC.com.
New community choir Ken McIntosh, executive director for the Tarrant Area Community of Churches, reports a new opportunity for young people of various faith backgrounds in Tarrant County. “A group of retired musicians and choir directors has decided to start a new community choir, dedicated to the best in sacred and secular music. The choir is called Cantus Novus (Latin for "new song"). Details can be found at www.cantusnovusfortworth.org. The first meeting is Oct. 2 at First Presbyterian Church (1000 Penn St., Fort Worth).
Sexual Harassment Misconduct Prevention Training (repeat) 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 (repeat)
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 (repeat) 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.
Survivors of Suicide (repeat) 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.
Renewal of the Graying Church (repeat) 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
(repeat) 3rd- 4th grader dates are Oct. 14-15, 2005 and April 7-8, 2006 5th-6th grader dates are Jan. 20-21, 2006
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
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.
Children of Biblical Lands: 2005 Mission Study for Children. GBGM 2005 — This book is designed to enlighten children of all ages about the children that live in the biblical lands today. 24 pages. Illustrated.
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— Looking Ahead —
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
Loan of fish fryers Kingswood UMC is looking for the loan of one or more fish fryers. If you or your church can help, please contact Midred George at kingsumc@flash.net.
Program director Meadowbrook UMC in east Fort Worth has an immediate opening for a director of outreach, nurture and children’s ministries. Depending on time availability and experience, it can be full or part-time. For more details, contact Larry Van Zile at larry@meadowbrookumc.org or call 817-534-1741. Salary depends on hours available and experience.
Director of student
(youth) ministries
Director of music
ministries
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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