December 14, 2006

Central E-Link

Weekly Newsletter of the Central Texas Conference

Welcome! This is the conference’s weekly update to church leaders — lay and clergy — for Carolyn@ctcumc.org by 12 noon Wednesday in order to be e-mailed on Thursday. Articles should be brief and include 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

Near-Time Items

Alert:

E-Link schedule — The E-Link will be circulated again on Dec. 21, but there will be no E-Link on Dec. 28. This means any information that needs to be shared with E-Link recipients should be e-mailed by the morning of Dec. 20.

Nothing But Nets — Several members from the Central and North Texas Conference met today (Dec.14) to begin planning for the “Nothing But Nets” campaign to provides mosquito bed nets to certain areas of Africa where 3,000 children die every day from malaria. This campaign is a joint effort of the United Methodist Church, the United Nations Foundation, Sports Illustrated, and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

In order to help us in future plans, we need to identify churches that can accommodate either half-court or full-court basketball. Also, churches that are involved in basketball leagues — men’s, women’s and/or youth. Please send this information (whether or not you have facilities or a league) to Carolyn@ctcumc.org.

Near Time Items:

Annual / General Conferences — Deadline dates and guidelines for submitting resolutions to the 2007 Annual Conference and the 2008 General Conference are included in the Dec. 15^th Central Link newspaper. They will also be on the conference website next week. The dates are rapidly approaching, so please be mindful on the deadlines.

Important dates for local churches — Church leaders will want to keep the following end-of-year dates in mind:

Dec. 22 Last day to mail apportioned funds

Jan. 8 Last day to hand deliver apportioned funds to Conference Center

Jan. 16 Last day to checkout (help will be available)

Jan. 10 DS close out

First Temple presents “The Winter Rose — First UMC Temple's chancel choir and orchestra will present "The Winter Rose," a full length Christmas Cantata that is sure to focus your heart on the hope and love and joy that comes to us through the birth of the Christ child. Plan to attend on Sunday Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.

December mission trip opportunity — A mission team from New World UMC will be working in the Lake Charles, LA, area Dec. 17-23. Additional team members are needed to roof and sheetrock homes affected by Hurricane Rita. The cost of the trip is $50. If you would like to join this team, please contact Adam Hankins at adam.c.hankins@us.pwc.com or 979-574-3646.

La Posada/Live Nativity — Everyone is welcome at no cost (bienvenidos todos gratis) for the Third Annual La Posada / Live Nativity Dec. 18. The walk begins at 5:30 p.m. at Grace UMC (4028 Calmont, Fort Worth 76107) and ends at 6:30 p.m. at Arlington Heights UMC (4200 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth 76107). There will be drinks, sweet breads, tamales, and a children’s petting zoo.

A Glen Lake Christmas — This is the last night (6-9 p.m. Dec. 14) to experience Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center’s “drive through celebration.” Enjoy the beauty of lights. Celebrate the birth of Christ. Visit with Santa. You will also have a chance to stop by the new Ellis Education Center for cookies and cocoa. For more details, visit www.glenlake.org/index.cfm?PAGE_ID=1767&EXPAND=1767.

eChristian Ed — The online Certification in Christian Education registration deadline is Dec. 15, offered through Columbia University, eChristian Ed provides affordable and accessible training for anyone involved in Education and Spiritual Formation ministries of the Church. It features a comprehensive, web-based curriculum written by religion scholars and professional Christian educators. This program provides additional training and tools for ministry for those in leadership roles in our churches, whether paid staff or volunteer. By completing the two foundational courses and three of the four advanced courses, students satisfy all the academic requirements toward para-professional certification in Christian education through the UMC’s General Board of Higher Education & Ministry. The Central Texas Conference will be offering Biblical and Theological Foundations for Ministry beginning in January 2007. Information and registration forms may be found on the conference website under Christian Education. Questions? Contact Robin Stevens at rstevens@saginawumc.org or 817-232-0390.

Promise Singers from Aldersgate — Everyone is invited to come hear the "Promise Singers" from Aldersgate Enrichment Center at 2p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Forest Hill UMC (6401 Hartman Rd., Fort Worth 76119 / Corner of Hartman and I-20). This is a great group of people and you will receive a blessing when you hear them. Come enjoy and bring a friend.

Joy Ringers at University UMC — The Joy Ringers from University UMC, conducted by minister of music Frank Shoyer, and The Murray Handbell Choir of Arlington Heights UMC, conducted by minister of music Alice Walker, are combining to present “Bells At Christmastide,” a Christmas handbell concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006 in the sanctuary of Arlington Heights UMC (4200 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, 76107).

Noon concerts at Arlington Heights — The Music Ministry of Arlington Heights UMC (4200 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth 76107) extends an open invitation to their Noon Concert of Christmas Music at noon Wednesday, Dec. 20, in the church’s beautiful atrium. The songs of Christmas will fill the air. Bring your lunch and enjoy an hour of beautiful Christmas music presented by a variety of fine musicians. Beverages will be provided. There is no charge to attend the concert. For added information call the church office at 817-737-3161.

News

Grace UMC congregation

Although the Grace UMC, Arlington congregation is no longer at the Curry Road address, the congregation will continue to have worship at the Wesley Foundation at the University of Texas at Arlington (311 UTA Blvd., Arlington 76010). Services begin at 10:30 a.m. The congregation extends an invitation to all to come and celebrate the birth of Christ and all God has done for us. — Dr. Jacquetta Johnson-Chambers, pastor

Building on Faith: Making Poverty Housing History

This documentary has been scheduled by KXAS-TV Channel 5 (Fort Worth/Dallas) for 2 p.m. Dec. 30. It has been grassroots people who have called stations around the country to get this important program played and seen. Check www.interfaithbroadcasting.com and type in "housing." Click Go for other stations. If you can help to get an air date in your area, please make the contact through www.ncccusa.org/housing or 212-870-2402.

Designated mission giving program to restructure

The Advance for Christ and His Church, the UMC’s designated mission-giving program, is being restructured to better equip it to reach donors today and into the future. One major change is the reconfiguration of professional positions within the organization. Most current positions, including jurisdictional representatives, are being phased out in favor of a new network of staff coordinators and specialists. Five jurisdictional offices will be closed by March 8. Employees may apply for the new positions.

The almost 60-year-old Advance is a channel for the support of missionaries, mission projects, and emergency relief and rehabilitation. It is “second mile” mission giving, that is, contributions above the funds from the basic World Service fund of the Church. One hundred percent of each gift goes to the cause designated. The General Board of Global Ministries, the international mission agency of the denomination, pays the administrative costs. Shawn Bakker, a young woman with proven ability in fund-raising and non-profit marketing, was named director of the Advance, effective Dec. 1. In the new plan, the director will have general oversight and serve as the Advance “ambassador” to the Church and beyond.

The Advance was established in the late 1940s both to assist with post-World War II humanitarian needs and to reflect the religious revival of that period. In a typical year, some $30 million is given for a wide range of mission opportunities. In years of dramatic natural disasters, such as the South Asia tsunami in 2004 and the Gulf Coast hurricanes of 2005, much more is received for emergency relief and rehabilitation.

Events-Opportunities

Give a gift that leaves a lasting memory
Need a great Christmas gift idea? Give the gift of "SUMMER" to a loved one this Christmas! Registration is now open for Summer Camp 2007 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center. You can register now and take advantage of the payment plan. Save a spot for your camper and pay a deposit of the registration fee, with the balance being due on May 1. Register online by visiting our website or clicking the following link:
http://www.glenlake.org/index.cfm?PAGE_ID=91. Registrations received after March 1 will need to pay the full registration amount. For questions please contact the Glen Lake office at 254-897-2247 or email
michelle@glenlake.org.

Reception for Margie Cullum

Margie Cullum will be honored at a retirement reception from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007 at First UMC Fort Worth. Margie has served as administrative secretary to the bishop since 1988 when the office was established in Fort Worth. She worked with Bishops John Russell, Joe A. Wilson and Ben R. Chamness. Margie has helped clergy and laity alike throughout the conference as she has interacted with them on the telephone, counseled and communicated with them from time to time. Bishop Chamness recently said, “Margie has touched more people than any other person in the conference over the past 18 years. She has been of tremendous assistance to the bishops, the churches, and the pastors.” All are invited to the reception. A special presentation will be made to Margie at 3 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

A Day with Paul Nixon – Exploring Multi-Site, Satellite and Second Campus Models of Ministry

Church Growth and Development is sponsoring another workshop with consultant and congregational developer Paul Nixon. The workshop focus will be “Exploring Multi-site, Satellite and Second Campus Models of Ministry.” Paul is an elder in the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference and the author of Fling Open the Doors, the story of the second campus of Gulf Breeze UMC in Pensacola, Fla. The workshop will be held from 9:30 .m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8^, hosted by First UMC Burleson. The cost is $50 for the first person to register from a church and then $15 for each additional person from the same church, and includes the cost of lunch. Churches with average attendance of 300 or more will benefit most from the workshop, but all clergy and laity are invited. Persons may register with Sharon at Sharon@ctcumc.org and pay by cash or check at the door the day of the event. For further information phone Allen Goss in the Church Growth office (817-877-5222) or email Allen at Allen@ctcumc.org.

Lay Speaker annual training

The 4th Annual Lay Speaker Event will be held Feb. 23-24-25 at Glen Lake Camp. Please announce this event in your local churches and let your congregations know that this event is open to anyone who would like to become a lay speaker, recertify as a lay speaker, or begin the process of certified lay ministry. This information is also available at every church office and through the districts.

Singles New Year's Eve Celebration hosted by UMC Singles - Tarrant Area (repeat)
UMC Singles - Tarrant Area is hosting a big New Year's Eve 2007 Celebration! Join us for fun, food, live music and dancing. Plan now to bring your whole singles group or Sunday school class. The celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, at Glen Garden Country Club (2916 Glen Garden Dr., Fort Worth). This is a great opportunity to ring in the New Year with UM singles from all over the Tarrant area! Attire will be "dress casual" to "formal." It's a complete celebration package with your choice of meals — a seated dinner only, the midnight breakfast buffet only, or have both dinner and breakfast. All package prices are very inexpensive. To receive a flyer with details by email, contact Michael Anderson at mpacpatx@yahoo.com, or phone Kay Bebermeyer at 817-239-9473 for more information about the event.

UMC Singles - Tarrant Area was created by the CTC Nurture Council to provide events and fellowship for area Methodist singles, including never married, divorced, separated and widowed adults of all ages. You can view the group's Singles Events Calendar on the Central Texas Conference website at www.ctcumc.org <http://www.ctcumc.org> , under the heading "Ministry Areas" and follow the link from "Nurture" to "Singles".

2007 conference-wide medical mission trip to Africa (repeat)

Next year there will be a CTC medical mission trip to Africa to work with the Zimbabwe Orphans Endeavor. ZOE began as a feeding program for AIDS orphans and has begun to branch out, both in the area it covers and in its ministries. The tentative dates are Sat. Sept. 15 - Sat. Sept. 29; however, dates may need to be adjusted according to flight plans. The trip will be to either Zimbabwe or to Zambia, depending upon where we can most easily take supplies and where we can be the most help. Space is limited, and we will need both medical and non-medical personnel. We will go to schools where ZOE is assisting AIDS orphans to provide medical care for the children. The non-medical team members can assist with triage, intake, and also do some VBS-style activities with the children at the school. We will also include a trip to Victoria Falls at the end of the project. The cost will be approximately $3,500 per person. As a team, we will also need to make a commitment to either raise funds for or receive donations for approximately $6,000 in medical supplies that we will ship ahead of us. (This will be a great way to get your churches and/or hospitals involved.) The goal is to take a committed group from several churches to do important work for African AIDS orphans and then come back and tell their churches the story. This is where much of the “mission” begins! The hope is that the local churches represented by the team will then be inspired to continue supporting ZOE’s efforts to serve those affected by the AIDS pandemic in Africa. We will have an initial meeting in January or February to get the ball rolling. The first thing we will need to do, however, will be to complete the application that is required by ZOE. Please go to the ZOE website, www.zoeministry.org <http://www.zoeministry.org/> , to download a “mission trip application form” (there is a link at the top of the webpage). Look it over, and if you would like to join the team, please send the application to Jennifer Coggins, director of humanitarian services, at 464 Bailey Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107. Please call or e-mail with any questions or concerns: 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622, jennifer@ctcumc.org.

January Marriage Retreat - An Opportunity for Good Marriages to Grow Better (repeat)
Katie Long and the Central Texas Conference Marriage Ministries Council brings this program Jan. 19-21 at Glen Lake. Marriages often operate with an unspoken understanding, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” So this key relationship, which is foundational to other family relationships, often goes unsupported and untended, sometimes until a point of crisis is reached. There will be couples sessions addressing important aspects of strengthening marriages, time for reflection and opportunities to be alone together. The retreat begins at 7 p.m. Friday and closes with a Holy Communion and Covenant Service Sunday morning. Speakers have been selected for their expertise.

This weekend is designed for couples in all ages and stages of marriage. Cost is $230 with lodging in the Hunt-Francis Marriage Center and all meals at Glen Lake. Cost is $95 for sessions, lunches Saturday dinner, if couples stay in other lodging in Glen Rose. For a registration brochure, which has information on the speakers, go to http://ctsite.brickriver.com/page.asp?PKValue=994 or contact Long at katie.long@yahoo.com.

Time Apart (repeat)

The Clergy Time Apart for 2007 is scheduled for Jan. 23-24 at Summers Mill Retreat & Conference Center in Salado. Bishop Will Willimon will be the keynote speaker, leading two sessions on Tuesday, one session on Wednesday morning, and preaching at the closing worship service. In addition, there will be workshops by various conference clergy and “open space” on Tuesday evening to share your funniest story of ministry. The deadline for registration is Jan. 5. Please visit the conference website at www.ctcumc.org for a brochure and registration form. There are 92 places of accommodation at Summers Mill with overflow accommodation arrangements at nearby hotels including a new Holiday Inn Express. PLEASE DO NOT CALL SUMMERS MILL! They are not able to take reservations! Please MAIL your registrations to the Conference Office. If you have questions you may call Susan Briles 817-877-5222. Ginger Bassford & Melissa Nichols are organizing this event.

New partnership with Lake Charles Disaster Recovery Station (repeat)

The Executive Leadership Team approved at their meeting Oct. 24 a partnership between the Central Texas Conference and the Lake Charles Station, one of six work stations that are part of the Louisiana UM Disaster Recovery Ministry. Through this partnership, we have the unique opportunity to support hurricane recovery efforts in southwest Louisiana, an area devastated by Hurricane Rita. The Louisiana Conference and UMCOR continue to serve more than 3,000 families in the Lake Charles area that still need vital repairs to their homes. In addition to providing volunteer support for rebuilding efforts, the relationship will also allow CTC churches to establish church partnerships with local congregations in the area and to provide prayer support as well as financial support. More information will come soon regarding ways that your congregation can get involved in this important ministry. Please contact Jennifer Coggins, Director of Humanitarian Services, with pertinent questions.

Continued rebuilding opportunities in Cross Plains
Volunteers are still needed at this time for rebuilding efforts in Cross Plains. A gentleman from Stephenville is working on a few homes there, and has requested SKILLED workers to install sheetrock and siding. Please help spread the word about this continuing opportunity. The community is coming along very well, but volunteerism is down. We appreciate all of you that have communicated this need, and I thank you in advance for helping get the word out. If you or someone you know would like to include volunteering in Cross Plains in your holiday plans, please contact Hulen Lemon directly at 254-965-2093 (evenings are best). Or, if you have additional questions, please contact Jennifer Coggins, CTC director of humanitarian services, at 800-460-8622 or 817-877-5222. Your support will be very much appreciated!

Resources

Resource Center

New resources highlighted at the Conference Resource Center this week are described below. New! Powerful, thought-provoking modern parable studies. For these and many more resources, contact Carol Roszell at 817-877-5222 or 800-460-8622.

Stumbling Blocks to Faith. Many people say they would like to become a Christian believer but cannot because of some insurmountable stumbling block. This DVD study presents some of the most common reasons and Christian responses. It addresses: Hypocrisy; Intolerance; Science; Suffering; Sacrifice. Includes a leader’s/study guide. 95 minutes total running time. Five session study. 1999

Calendar

Glen Lake Camp drive through Christmas — 6 – 9 p.m. Dec. 11 - 14

Joint University & Arlington Heights Music Program — 3 p.m. Dec. 17 at Arlington Heights UMC, Fort Worth

Noon Concert — (bring brown bag lunch) 12 noon Dec. 20 at Arlington Heights UMC, Fort Worth

Marriage Retreat-An Opportunity for Good Marriages to Grow Better — Jan. 19-21 at Glen Lake Camp

Clergy Time Apart — Jan. 23-24 at Summers Mill Conference Center just outside Salado

2007 Faith Community Leadership Summit — 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 13 at Bass Performance Hall’s McDavid Studio, downtown Fort Worth

4^th Annual Meeting of Lay Speakers — Feb. 23-25 at Glen Lake

Children’s Ministry Forum – Feb. 28-March 1 at Birmingham, Alabama

Spirituality for Children & Teens — March 12-15 at Saginaw UMC

Stewards of Body, Mind & Spirit ’07 — March 24 at Central UMC, Waco

Needs, Resources, Opportunities

NOTE TO LISTERS: Please contact Carolyn Stephens at Carolyn@ctcumc.org

to pull your listing when your opening has been filled.

Director of Music

Wellspring UMC in Georgetown seeks a full-time director of music. Responsibilities include both traditional and contemporary styles with full praise band. Send resume to whitbeckg@wellspringgeorgetown.org or fax to

512-863-4089.

Donations Needed for SEARCH

SEARCH, a non-profit organization in Fort Worth that provides emergency assistance to needy families, seeks donations for 50 Somali Bantu families who have relocated to east Fort Worth. Larger size diapers are especially needed right now for older babies. Other items requested are: 10 beds, 5 tables and chairs, 5 TV’s, 5 computers, 5 sofas, 5 baby beds, food, microwaves, baby items, children’s coats, blankets, spreads, hygiene products, & laundry detergent. These items will assist the refugee families on their way to self-sufficiency. For information regarding where and when you may deliver donations or for more information about ways you can help these and other families supported by SEARCH, please contact SEARCH director Sharon Armstrong at 817-531-2211.

Baptismal Fonts (needed)

Baptismal fonts for two churches, one in Mission, Texas, and one in Comales, Mexico. If your church has redecorated and has a font that isn't being used, please contact First UMC Crowley at 817-297-4530 or info@crowleyumc.com. The Crowley church is going on a mission trip to the border Dec. 17-22, and will be taking church worship, education and kitchen furnishings, equipment and supplies for the two churches.

Summer Staff & LINKs

Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center is currently accepting applications for 2007 summer staff & LINK's. Summer staff applicants need to have their applications in by Dec. 12 in order to schedule interviews during their Christmas breaks. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and out of high school for at least one year. Mandatory training dates are March 2 - 3, 2007 and they must be able to work May 20 - July28. LINK applicants must be current 11th or 12th graders. Applications are due by Jan. 1, and there is a mandatory training February 2 - 3, 2007. All applicants should demonstrate mature Christ-like attitudes and actions. For downloadable applications and more information please visit GLC’s website at http://www.glenlake.org and

click on the Summer Camp page under the "Our Community" menu. For questions, please email Robyn at robyn@glenlake.org or Michelle michelle@glenlake.org or call the Glen Lake office at 254-897-2247.

Mission Ministries Job Coordinator

First UMC Mansfield has an opening for job coordinator in the Wesley Mission Center. This position involves assisting clients in need through the church’s financial assistance program, but also assisting clients who have lost their jobs or are looking for work. Needed is someone who is bi-lingual with good communication skills, experience working with the public in social services, human resources, or a customer service setting, The applicant would need to have good computer skills to assist clients with developing a resume, helping clients post their resumes on line, and teach introductory computer skills. If interested in this position, please contact Peggy Kiger at 817-473-6650 or email resume to peggyk@fumcmansfield.org.

Support Group Facilitators Needed (repeat)

Do you know someone whom you believe could be a good support group facilitator? If so, please call the Depression Connection with that information. Depression Connection Support Groups is taking applications for facilitators at this time. Applicants must have depression or bipolar disorder and be in a successful program of recovery. It is not necessary to be a mental health professional. We will interview applicants and provide training for those who are selected. The facilitator that you refer could facilitate a group in your own church or a group outside of your church. We are available to help churches develop support groups. Compensation for facilitators ranges from $20 to $30 per meeting. Contact: executive director Tony Campbell at 817-810-9599.

Church Nursery Workers (repeat)

Two permanent, part-time child-care workers needed for church nursery on Sunday mornings and evenings, Wednesday mornings and evenings, and other occasions as needed. Applicant must have experience and/or training in child-care, preferably with child and infant CPR/First Aid certification. Pay is commensurate with experience/training. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to working closely with the director of children’s ministry, must be reliable and have reliable transportation, be able to nurture children and their parents in a loving manner as well as be able to work with church volunteers. Caregiver will also be expected to maintain the cleanliness of the nursery facility. Ages of children range from birth to age 5 on Sunday mornings and up to 5th grade at all other times. Resume may be sent to: Director of Children’s Ministry, First UMC Bedford, 1245 Bedford Rd., Bedford, TX 76021. Phone: 817-283-5536. E-mail: jholston@fumcbedford.com.

Director of Music Ministries (repeat)

FUMC - Waxahachie is moving to the next level of ministry and is looking for the right person to join our team. We are looking for someone to grow with us from a 1/4 time position to full-time. Full-time responsibilities will include, but not limited to, adult choirs/music groups, worship design and participation, bell/chimette choir, oversight and development of children and youth music programs/choir. We are open to negotiate with salary and time dependant upon finding the right person. If you are that person or know someone who is, contact Jerry P. Galloway at 972-937-4400 or send resume with letter to fumcwax.sr.pastor@sbcglobal.net.

Youth Director (repeat)
St. Stephen UMC in Arlington seeks an active, organized, creative individual to serve as youth director. The position is approximately 10 hours per week and would be perfect for a college or seminary student. If you are interested in the position, please send a resume to: ssumc@sbcglobal.net or call 817-460-8655.

Adult Chancel Choir Director (repeat)

Faith UMC Fort Worth (3419 E. Belknap, Fort Worth 76111) seeks an adult Chancel Choir director. Candidates must have knowledge of sacred music, as well as familiarity with contemporary and liturgical music for the church. Choir rehearsal meets Wednesday evenings with one worship service on Sunday mornings. There is an accompanist/pianist already in place. Please send resume and cover letter to: Faith UMC, Attn: Rev. Lindsay D. Churchman, 3419 E. Belknap, Fort Worth 76111.

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 —

please contact Susan Briles at Susan@ctcumc.org

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world