From the Spice Cabinet...

Below you will find writings and resources directly from Weatherford District Superintendent, Ginger Bassford, to add a little spice to pastors' and lay persons' life and ministry in the church. This page will be updated regularly with words from Rev. Bassford, book reviews, and ministry resources.

Reflections of a Baby DS...

I am the youngest of four children, the “baby” of the family. My next-in-line sibling is ten years older than I, which according to birth order experts, also means that I function as the youngest, the oldest and the only child. So one should not be confounded to discover that I’m just weird – a misfit from the get-go. It should also then not be confusing to learn that I was actually “comfortable” the first time someone called me a “baby DS” – well, that is to the extent that one is ever “comfortable” with being a District Superintendent in the United Methodist Church. (But after all, I am the youngest of the group!) (Read More...)

Ginger's Words

September 3, 2009

I again thank each of you for your part in helping the Weatherford district have 100% on-time returns of the annual clergy evaluations! You get lots of gold stars for that! We have a little work yet to be done on some of them but over-all – EXCELLENT! GOOD JOB! (Read More...)

August 11, 2009

MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE?!

Last week you saw the note saying that I am challenging the Weatherford District to have AT LEAST 20 young people who participate in Exploration 2009.  This three day national event is offered to help seniors in high school and young adults up to age 24 hear, discern, and respond to God’s call to ordained ministry.  And it’s here in Texas, November 13-15! (Read More...)

July 28, 2009

August is getting close, which means that stewardship season is just around the corner! We’ve had a number of conversations around the District Office lately regarding such things. Stewardship is one of the many topics about which I’m pretty passionate!

Ken and I have not always been tithers – in fact I remember a time when we thought $10 a week (check so the church could keep track of our generous donations) was a lot of money. (...Read More)

July 21, 2009

I am so very thrilled with our pastors! Out of all the District clergy serving the local church we only had one or two who were unable to attend one of the luncheons at Antonio’s! Imagine that! And the District didn’t even buy lunch! Thank you all for your faithfulness! I have heard many positive comments about the fellowship and about being given a list of “standards.” Yea! (Read More...)

July 14, 2009

Pastors and Church Leaders: I highly recommend a regular review of the weekly newsletter “Faith and Leadership” from Duke Divinity School. I find the articles insightful, thought-provoking and very helpful. Even when they do not reflect my personal perspectives, they help me understand other points of view and expand my thinking! Also, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership sends a weekly email that is worthwhile.
Ginger

July 7, 2009

My how time is flying by! There are three things of which we need to be aware as we move toward fall. Please read carefully. First is the issue of Clergy Effectiveness. (...read more)

June 30, 2009

...I am thrilled to share with you that we added at least two new members to our United Methodist family of faith this past Sunday. One came by transfer from another denomination. The brand new pastor of her church dared to change the way things “had always been done” and wrote a congregational response in the bulletin to the invitation for discipleship and membership. The woman was moved by the Holy Spirit and the congregation was ready to warmly welcome her! Isn’t that great?! (...read more)

June 16, 2009

Thank you to each and every pastor and lay person who took the time to come to the DS Installation service last night...In case I didn’t say it last night, or if it was not evident, I am very delighted to be appointed to the Weatherford District. We have some wonderful days ahead, and I am sure some challenging ones as well. The Church has unprecedented opportunities for ministry during this particular age – opportunities that require courage, stamina, and integrity. (...read more)