Central E-LinkWeekly Newsletter of the Central Texas Conference
September 8, 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
Hurricane Katrina Response Responses by our faith conference community to Hurricane Katrina are widespread and creative, just as the needs of the survivors are widespread and growing. The dynamics of this situation are changing moment to moment. The best way to keep in touch with both needs and responses is to visit the Conference website each day www.ctxumc.org which is being updated regularly by Director of Humanitarian Services Jennifer Coggins and Disaster Response Coordinator Chuck Graff. Be sure to see the website for information on the collection locations for UMCOR relief supplies at First UMC Hillsboro (315 E. Elm St., Hillsboro 76645). Please take a few moments to inventory your contributions. If you have a story or pictures to share about your congregation’s efforts (also posted on the website), please contact Carolyn Stephens at Carolyn@ctcumc.org. Brief profiles on what our churches are doing will be updated on the website www.ctxumc.org as they are received.
Counseling training for clergy, Stephen Ministers Dr. Joe E. Fogle, a Dallas area clinical social worker, psychologist and UM minister, will lead a training session on counseling those affected by crises such as Hurricane Katrina at 7 p.m. today, Sept. 8, at Spring Valley UMC (7700 Spring Valley Road, just west of Spring Valley & Coit Road, Dallas). The training is open to clergy and Stephen Ministers of all denominations. Dr. Fogle has been in the private practice of psychology for 20 years, served UM congregations in Louisiana for eight years, and was under special appointment in mental health settings for another 20 years. He has led critical incident stress debriefings for national entities, including in New York after 9-11. He has spent the last 30 years helping people cope with life changes and challenges. For more details, contact Duane VanGiesen at 972-490-3438, 800-969-8201. Since the program is this evening, it would be best to call and not use his e-mail (vangiesen@ntcumc.org).
Texas Wesleyan offers hospitality to Louisiana students 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.
CONNECT ’05 participants can see stewardship in action About 300 have registered to date for the Conference Stewardship Task Force-sponsored CONNECT ’05 comprehensive educational event Sept. 17 at Central UMC in Waco. While Herb Mather, former director of the Center for Christian Stewardship at the denomination’s General Board of Discipleship, offers “not your daddy’s stewardship” but instead “Stewardship for the 21st Century, a significant witness to stewardship is being played out as Central UMC hosts a number of families displaced by Hurricane Katrina. A few adjustments must be made for lunch service and perhaps even the four breakout sessions, but it’s a small sacrifice as Central shares its gifts of hospitality and shelter with others in need. If you are on your church’s administrative council, finance committee, or stewardship committee, or if you are a pastor or lay leader, this is an important educational event for you — and an opportunity to witness stewardship and hospitality in action.
We will take an offering during the worship service that afternoon, which will be given to Central UMC for supporting their evacuee guests. They will be invited to join our worship service at 3 p.m. if they wish to. Central and our other congregations throughout the conference are exhibiting their stewardship of God’s gifts through their ministries to evacuees during this time. Thanks for everyone for all you are doing. For late registration, contact Susan Briles at susan@ctcumc.org.
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, but not in the Central Link newspaper that comes out today (Thursday). Some churches that are committing their facilities to sheltering persons displaced by Hurricane Katrina may be canceling their fall festivals. This is the case with Benbrook UMC. The website list will be the most up-to-date.
Open air revival / musical at Morningside The Evangelism Committee of Morningside UMC (2860 Evans, Fort Worth 76104) will host an Open Air Revival at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m. on the front lawn of the church. The speakers for the event are Larry and Angela Dunaway of Dallas. Refreshments will be served, and all are invited to attend.
Texas Wesleyan/Polytechnic event Polytechnic UMC (1310 Collard, Fort Worth) will host the annual Texas Wesleyan University Sunday, Sept. 11, at the 10:30 a.m. worship service. A reception will immediately follow the service. This event celebrates the longstanding relationship between Texas Wesleyan University and the church. Texas Wesleyan President Harold G. Jeffcoat will offer remarks prior to the sermon by Georgia Allen, senior pastor. Guests are welcome.
Ferris Heights Academy Ferris Heights UMC (108 Center, Waxahachie 75165) will host a community event 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 10, at Chautauque Auditorium at Getzendaner Park to introduce the adults of Waxahachie and the Ellis County area with educational opportunities for spiritual growth, personal and family enrichment. The academy classes will be on Wednesday evenings and run from Sept. 21 to Nov. 16. The Sept. 10 event will feature music, speakers about the academy, booths, free refreshments and registrations. For more details, please contact the church at 972-937-2344.
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.
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.
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News
UMC urges Americans to “Be the Hope” The UMC has been sending messages of hope and compassion to those affected by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath through a full-page advertisement yesterday (Sept. 7) in USA Today and both the standard and special message Igniting Ministry spots on cable and satellite TV. The USA Today ad, sponsored by the denomination’s communications agency, calls upon people of all faiths to work together to “Be the Hope” and to support relief efforts by volunteering and giving through whatever means they choose. The ad shows a couple embracing in front of the flattened remains of a home. The copy reads:
“The devastation in some parts of the Gulf Coast is nearly total. The loss of life is beyond our comprehension. Through this crisis, people of all faiths are coming together to aid those they have never met. Many are opening their hearts, their minds, and their doors to feed, clothe, and give shelter. When we work together for the good of all, we achieve our best, we heal our broken community and we restore hope.
At this time of great loss, let us become a hopeful, compassionate community, now and for the long-term future. Give through whatever means you choose. Volunteer. Be the Hope. The United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, is the humanitarian relief agency of The United Methodist Church.”
The logo/tag line reads: “Be the Hope. Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors. The people of The United Methodist Church. Donations can be made to www.MethodistRelief.org)
Historic UM center totally destroyed Gulf Assembly, a historic UM center in Waveland, Miss., was “totally destroyed” by Hurricane Katrina, according to its board of trustees and the Southeast Jurisdiction of the UMC. According to center director Marian Martin and board president Mollie M. Stewart, “From the new building that we consecrated three weeks ago, the only thing left were the piling.” Gulfside was located on 60 acres alongside the Gulf of Mexico and Hwy. 90. As of Sept. 1, while Martin and Wilma Dunbar, a missionary assigned to Gulfside, were know to be safe, other employees had not been reached. News reports said that Waveland, a town of 7,000 neighboring Bay St. Louis, was nearly completely destroyed.
Churches lost, perhaps clergy also Unofficial reports claim that 50 or more UM churches in Louisiana have been “lost” and that not all clergy have been accounted for. Those numbers will surely increase as reports from Louisiana and Mississippi are developed.
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Int’l. Eastern Europe and Balkans Consultation II 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 (800 W. Fifth St., Fort Worth 76102) will offer a new eight-week “Survivors of Suicide” group beginning at 7-9 p.m. Sept. 27. 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. 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)
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.
Holy Land
tour with Bishop Chamness
(repeat)
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Resources
Resources for hurricane response available 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. 1005 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, the offer suggestions for how we can make more significant the journey along the way and following.
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.
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.
India and Pakistan: Glory Dharmaraj — 2005 Mission Study Guide by Diane Miller. GBGM. This study explores existing links of the friendships and partnerships between The United Methodist Church in the United States, the Methodist Church in India, and the United Church of Pakistan. 207 pages.
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— Looking Ahead —
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 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.
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.
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.
Administrative Assistant Flexible
part-time position available for administrative assistant in the
Worship Arts Department of First UMC- Mansfield. This position
requires a pleasant phone personality, ability to multi-task, work
at a fast pace, good with math and proficient at Word and
Publisher. 10-12 flexible hours per week at $10 per hour; perfect
for moms with school age kids or college students. Contact Leigh
Smith at 817-477-2287 ext 116 for more information. Return to Top
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 |