Youth Evangelism Retreat Scheduled:

Stephenville FUMC is hosting a youth retreat on evangelism March 26-28. $40 per youth sign up deadline March 14. The event is called Conquer.  To register or for more information, please contact Robby Balbaugh, District Youth Coordinator (254/965-5046 or fumc422@gmail.com). 

Attention Clergy Couples who have not attended a Soderquist Retreat!

The next Soderquist Center - Renew Retreat for clergy and their spouses is scheduled for July 13-15 at the Inn on Lake Granbury.  The retreat is completely free.  The only cost is the transportation to and from the retreat which will not be reimbursed.  Many Central Texas clergy couples have been given the opportunity to attend.  All have had a great experience.  We cannot accept any repeat couples.  This is the first time we have been given a summer date.  We hope this time we will be able to accommodate the clergy couples whose spouses are teachers.    If you are interested in attending this retreat, please contact the Brownwood District Office as soon as possible. 

Very Important - Laity Memorial Book Information - Deadline April 8

Now is the time to record the names of laity that passed away April 1, 2009 thru March 31, 2010.  We will be doing this again, using the dashboard. Login to the dashboard and go to My Church’s Information. There you will see a field entitled Deaths of Honored Members and the date range for this past year.   You must enter your names in that block alphabetically by last name.

This is part of a very moving and meaningful service at Annual Conference.  If the names are not entered into the dashboard they will not appear in the worship insert. We appreciate your time in preparing the list.

 Make sure to list the names in alphabetical order by last name and do not include dates. Please have the names in the dashboard no later than April 8. 

From Church Growth & Development:

Can you give us a few minutes?
Who we are:  Gary Lindley, Director of Church Growth & Development – Vicki Eldredge, Administrative Assistant
About us:  Dedicated to church growth.  Willingness to drive.  A strong desire to talk (to others).
Our commitment:  Gain 2,010 more shareholders to help us offer Christ to the many in need.
Our desire:  We would love to come to your church on the Sunday of your choice to talk about the SHARES Program and Church Growth and Development.  Our calendars are open beginning the first part of May (we’re happy to say that we have churches booked up to that point!).
Our hope:  To give every member of our conference the chance to have a SHARE in starting a new church!

How:  Call Vicki at 817-877-5222 or 800-460-8622 or email at vicki@ctcumc.org. 

This Saturday!

“God, Girls, and Giggles!”  -  Saturday, March 6th – Breckenridge FUMC

Laugh! Laugh! Laugh! with Linda Evans Shepherd a refreshing speaker.  You will be transformed with hope, faith, and love. Linda is a bestselling author and international speaker who has spoken in over 40 states and countries. She says, "I go out because between the  laughter, I see God's word transform the lives of my audiences right  before my eyes."
                 First United Methodist Church of Breckenridge is hosting this event for "a ladies' night out" on March 6, 2010. The doors will open at  6:00 p.m. and dinner served at 6:30.  There will be beautifully decorated tables, table-scapes, a catered  meal, music, much laughter and a God inspired speaker. Call the church office, 254.559.8208, for tickets. Tickets are $15.00.
                  Linda Evans Shepherd, an author, story-teller, radio host and President of Right to the Heart Ministries has authored a book,  Heart-Stirring Stories of Love, that includes contributions from Jerry Jenkins, Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley, Jill Briscoe, Terry Paulson,  Lauraine Snelling and others from all walks of life: rich, poor, discouraged, hopeful. Her book will be available at this event, God, Girls, and Giggles.  Join us for a night of laughter, encouragement, and discover a deeper relationship with God. 

Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation — March 7-12

The Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation will be held at The Prothro Center at Lake Texoma March 7-12.  Dr. Elaine Robinson, dean of Saint Paul School of Theology-Oklahoma City, and Dr. Doug Skinner, senior minister of Northway Christian Church-Dallas, are the faculty presenters. For more information, a brochure is located at www.ctcumc.org under Spiritual Growth Ministries, or contact Lindsay D. Churchman at ldchurchman@sbcglobal.net.

One Great Hour of Sharing - March 14

She's only 26 years old and came to me in tears. In a whisper the girl said to me, “I'm afraid. I think I have AIDS, but please do not tell my family." Angie Willicore tells this woman’s story to illustrate the terrible stigma of AIDS in Liberia. Angie is a registered nurse for Ganta UM Hospital in Liberia and head of the community-based HIV/AIDS counseling team. Gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing lay the foundation of all of UMCOR's work by covering the costs of doing business. This means all gifts designated to specific programs can go 100% to those programs because UMCOR's basic expenses are covered. Please give generously at www.umcgiving.org/OGHS.  For the rest of Angie’s story, visit http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=gnKPIPMnHdLLL2I&s=crIUK5OBLbLQK5NKJsH&m=hqLQJ4OzFgJ2G. 

Clergywoman’s Gathering — April 7-9

April 7-9, 2010, at Mount Sequoyah Conference Center (150 NW Skyline Drive, Fayetteville, Ark.). The gathering will focus on recapturing our creativity as well as offering a time of renewal, learning and fellowship with other women in ministry. CEUs will be available. Contact: Kim Ross at spiritualdirector@mountsequoyah.org or 800-760-8126. Cost varies from $325-$285.

Faithfully Fit Forever Leader Training — April 24

The CTC Health & Wellness Task Force is sponsoring Faithfully Fit Forever Leader Training at 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 24 at Christ UMC (3301 Sycamore School Road, Fort Worth 76123). Faithfully Fit Forever (FFF) is a non-profit, cooperative community health program created by MeritCare Hospital Parish Nursing and Cardiac Rehab staff. It attempts to eliminate the barriers that keep people from participating in exercise and health enhancing behaviors. To date, over 150 places of worship in 8 states have implemented FFF programs. The $75 cost includes 16 weeks of programming to get you started, a training manual, educational materials/references, devotional resources and exercise leadership video. More details on the conference website (www.ctcumc.org) under health and wellness.

United Methodist Night at the Ballpark! — May 8
Get discounted tickets for UMC churches for the Saturday, May 8, Ranger game against the Royals. Game time is 7:05 p.m. and tickets start at $7.50 for upper reserved and $8 for bleachers. Get order information at http://www.ctcumc.org/pages/detail/1391.
 

IMPORTANT! IF YOU TOOK THE COURSE IN 2006, YOU ARE DUE IN 2010.  THIS COURSE IS FREE THRU JUNE 2010. AFTER THAT DATE, THE COST WILL BE $50!!

New Stipulations for Online Clergy Sexual Misconduct Prevention Course
An online course on Preventing Clergy Sexual Misconduct (PCSM) is available to all clergy and supply pastors who are appointed to a charge in the CTC. The training helps clergy learn more about the nature and hazards of “dual relationship” which are inherent in the ministerial role, and to be able to strategize ways to minimize the risk of violating boundaries in their relationships with parishioners.
                To complete this course online, clergy can now go to www.careermarriage.org/pcsm, click on “login,” and set up their personal PCSM access. Completing this course meets the requirements for the sexual misconduct prevention training for clergy. To access the PCSM, each eligible clergy must enter his/her name and work e-mail address as it is listed in CTC records. Clergy who encounter any technical difficulty should consult with Richard Hunt at pcsm@careermarriage.org. To verify that your name and email address are correct in the conference database, contact Susan Briles at susan@ctcumc.org, 817-877-5222 or 800-460-8622. This course is free of charge to all CTC clergy through May 31, 2010. Effective June 1, all participants will be charged $50.

                All information a person enters through his or her personal PCSM access account is confidential and will not be shared with anyone. At the www.careermarriage.org/pcsm, all the options at the left side of the page are freely available to anyone at any time. This enables anyone with any misconduct concerns to access appropriate help. Access to all the options at the top of the page is limited to those who are eligible to participate in the PCSM course. 

Positions Available in the Brownwood District:

Full Time Church Secretary Needed for Brownwood FUMC:  Requires excellent computer skills; bookkeeping and payroll experience; good communication and people skills; the ability to multi-task in a fast paced growth oriented environment. Prior church secretary experience is preferred. E-mail resumes to: Robert Porter (robert@porterins.com) and to Don Scroggs (don.umc11@verizon.net). 

Assistant Minister with focus on Youth Ministry Needed:  First United Methodist Church in Breckenridge is seeking an enthusiastic person to further develop, organize, and lead a comprehensive youth ministry with a breadth of perspective and balance of ministry.  This will include leading and involving the youth in the Five Practices of Fruitful Youth Ministry.  There is also opportunity to assist and lead in worship and other areas of pastoral ministry as desired and time allows.  Hours and Compensation: Full-time Compensation includes:  Salary commensurate with education and experience, contribution to United Methodist Pension program, reimbursement for reasonable expenses and cell phone to an amount certain and moving allowance.  Sick leave, holidays and vacation according to office staff policy.  (Willing to accept inquires for this position as a part-time position).  For more information including full job description and/or to express interest contact Jeff Miller, FUMC, 419 West Walker, Breckenridge, Texas 76424.  email pastor@firstumcbreckenridge.org 

Centennial Celebration Needs Your Logo Ideas

A special CTC centennial celebration is planned for Oct. 23 in Fort Worth, so please save that date. Another way to participate in this historic event is to submit a logo design to be used in the Centennial Celebration. The 100th Anniversary Committee will judge entries, and the selected artist will be recognized at the event. Logo guidelines:

•  Logo may be color or black/white
•  Incorporated in the logo should be some representation of the following: Central Texas Conference, The United Methodist Church Ministry, 100th Anniversary or Centennial Celebration or 1910 - 2010
•  Artwork should be suitable for promotional materials, program cover, medallion and/or   lapel pin        

Logo designs should be submitted in digital format (TIFF, EPS, JPEG) by April 1 to Carolyn Stephens at Carolyn@ctcumc.org or on flash drive or disk to: Central Texas Conference, 464 Bailey Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107. Please include a print out of the design along with the digital format and contact information for the artist and church affiliation. 

2010 Annual Conference Business / Awards / Recognitions
Welcome to the 144th session of the Central Texas Annual Conference scheduled for June 6-9, 2010 held at Will Rogers Memorial Center.

Annual Conference Goes Green

In an effort to be more environmentally friendly and to reduce printing costs, Annual Conference information will be made available on the CTC website rather than by mailings this year.  All details concerning hotels, luncheons, childcare, as well as other aspects of Annual Conference, including the 2010 Preliminary Report, will be posted as they become available. You may view and download the information by clicking on the 2010 Annual Conference icon at www.ctcumc.org after this week.  We appreciate your support as the Central Texas Conference “goes green”! 

Denman Evangelism Award — Deadline April 20   This award recognizes a clergy, laity and youth whose life and ministry exemplify the teaching of Christ and the Great Commission.  Please use the Foundation for Evangelism’s main page at http://foundationforevangelism.org/ and then click on the box that says “Harry Denman Evangelism Awards – Download Nomination Packet.”

Scholarships Available Through BOM — Deadline March 31   The conference Board of Ministry is accepting applications for the several scholarships it administers.  Applicant must be a certified candidate for clergy, currently enrolled in a seminary approved by the University Senate.  

Five Star Recognition  — Deadline April 15    This is for congregations to be recognized for their efforts in reaching out to others in need and supporting UM missionaries committed to serving some of the most vulnerable of our sisters and brothers across the globe.   

Morris Walker Award Nominations — Deadline April 20   The Conference Board of Laity recognizes outstanding service and accomplishment with the Morris Walker Awards — one award to a layperson and one award to a clergy person.

Newgate Award Nominations — Deadline April 20     The Conference Restorative Justice Committee recognizes outstanding service for individuals serving within any area of Restorative Justice ministry.  

Disability Education/Awareness Leadership Grants — Deadline April 30   The Committee on Disability Concerns gives these grants in order to educate and create an awareness of handicapping conditions and issues with two grants to upper classmen or returning UM college student. One grant is for a student with a handicapping condition and the second to a student with a declared major in assisting individuals with handicapping conditions. 

Accessibility Project Grants — Deadline April 30   The Committee on Disability Concerns gives grants for local churches projects that lead to greater accessibility in their facility. 

Merit, Stephens and Brown Scholarships — Deadline May 1   The Conference Higher Education Task Force administers scholarships to UM students in the following categories:

Merit Scholarship to a first-year student attending a UM-related college or university (amount to be determined by conference wide contributions to the 2009 Student Day offering)

Stephens Scholarship to UM student majoring in business or accounting ($1,000)

Stephens Scholarship to UM student majoring in journalism or public relations ($1,000)

Dr. G. Alfred & Opal Brown Ministerial Scholarship for a student planning for ministry as an elder in the CTC at seminary approved by the UM University Senate ($5,000) 

Bishop’s Award for Ecumenism — Deadline April 30   The Commission on Christian Unity & Interreligious Concerns recognizes a person, clergy or laity, who exemplifies an ecumenical spirit in their local community and/or in their local church and conference relationships. 

District Calendar:

March 8:  Training Seminar for Cabinet & Assistants and CTC Staff (DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSED)
March 10-11: Cabinet Meetings
March 14:  One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering
MCj04300930000[1] March 14: Daylight Saving Time Begins!
March 25: District Committee on Superintendency Meeting, 6:30 pm, District Office
March 26-28: Conquer  - Youth Retreat on evangelism, Stephenville FUMC. 
To register or for more information, please contact Robby Balbaugh, District Youth Coordinator (254/965-5046 or fumc422@gmail.com).
March 28-April 3: Holy Week
April 2: Good Friday – District & Conference Offices Closed
April 4: Easter Sunday
April 6:  District Finance Committee, 6:00 pm. District Office
April 8:  District Clergy Meeting, DeLeon FUMC – Gather at 9:30 am, meeting begins promptly at 10:00
April 8-9: Cabinet Meetings
April 18:  Installation Service for the Brownwood District Superintendent Carol Woods, Brownwood FUMC (more information to come)
April 22: Cabinet Meeting
April 30: District Laity Banquet, Early FUMC  (more information to come)
May 11: Start Up Seminar, Glen Lake Camp
May 11-12: Cabinet Meetings
May 24:  Brownwood District Conference, 6:30 pm, Comanche FUMC
June 6-9: Annual Conference, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Ft. Worth

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