February 1, 2007

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

Near Time Items:

Feb. 2 VBS Consultation at Cokesbury store offers 20% discount — A money-saving Vacation Bible School consultation is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at the Fort Worth Cokesbury Store (6333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Suite 207, West Fort Worth). Joyce Brown, Cokesbury curriculum consultant, will be in the store that day to answer questions about Cokesbury’s 2007 VBS – LIFT OFF: SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH GOD. Joyce will also help you gather needed resources so that you can receive a 20% discount on all Cokesbury VBS resources purchased that day. For more details contact Joyce Brown at 817-249-2626 or joyce@danbrownart.com.

Super Bowl Commercials Sermon — The folks at First UMC Grapevine have been invited to watch the Super Bowl commercials this Sunday so they will be ready for their pastor’s yearly “Super Bowl Commercials Sermon” on the following Sunday, Feb. 11. Notice of the assignment and the sermon are on the church’s website (http://www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/) with an "e-vite" to use for inviting friends and family to join the congregation on Feb. 11. Ken Diehm’s sermon will be based on the content and messages of this year’s Super Bowl commercials. “I find the Super Bowl commercials are creative, entertaining, funny and most have a message of some kind. I enjoy having the opportunity to reflect on the messages … in the context of the Christian faith,” he says. His message will be delivered at all four worship services (8:50, 9, 10:10 and 11:15 a.m. on Feb. 11. The church is located at 422 Church St., one block west of Main Street in historic downtown Grapevine.

HUNGER: Support Souper Bowl of Caring — The Souper Bowl of Caring is a simple but significant youth- and young-adult-led effort to fight hunger and poverty. The Souper Bowl of Caring encourages people to give one dollar and/or a canned food item as they leave worship on Feb. 4, Super Bowl Sunday. All collections are sent by the youth to the kitchen, food bank, or other hunger organization of their choice. In addition, the youth are encouraged to participate in a "Service Blitz" in which they volunteer at a local food bank or charity in their neighborhood. Over 2,800 UMCs are registered to participate in this year's event. Last year UMs raised nearly $746,000 to help our hungry and hurting neighbors both locally and around the world. This year, UMs want to double their giving with a goal of $1.4 million. UMCs are encouraged to give a portion of the collected offerings to a local charity and UMCOR's World Hunger/Poverty Advance #982920 http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/donations/advance/donate.cfm?code=982920&id=3019089. Get involved and make this goal a reality! Learn more at www.souperbowl.org.

Paul Nixon Workshop on Multi-site, Satellite, Second Campus, Parent/Daughter Models of Congregational Expansion — Feb. 8 at First Burleson — Church Growth & Development extends an invitation to a workshop with Paul Nixon, congregational developer for the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference and author of Fling Open the Doors, the story of the second campus of Gulf Breeze UMC in Pensacola, Fla. He was the founding pastor of the second campus and knows the personal story of how it all happened. Participants will explore the options for multi-site, satellite and second campus ministries. The invitation is being extended to pastors of churches with an average attendance in 2005 of 300 or more. You may invite your associates and other members of your staff to attend with you. You are encouraged to invite laity from your church who might benefit by hearing the story. The cost is $50 for the first person to register from a church and $15 for each additional person and includes lunch at the church. The workshop will be held at 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 8 at First UMC of Burleson. Contact: Sharon Conger at Sharon@ctcumc.org to register so lunches can be provided. Payment will be received at the door by cash or check. Questions: contact Allen Goss at allen@ctcumc.org.

Intensive Spanish weekend — The Bridges of the Spirit Hispanic Ministries Training Institute is offering a Spanish immersion weekend workshop Feb. 9-10 at Mansfield FUMC. As the Spanish-speaking population continues to increase in our area, so does the need for church leaders who speak Spanish. This workshop will provide beginners with the basic skills to communicate and a boost to intermediate Spanish skills. For more information and registration, just click on this brochure http://ct.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/Spanish_Immersion_2007_2_QGLQNYB6.pdf. Also, feel free to contact Sam Rodriguez any time at Sam@ctcumc.org or 817-877-5222.

A Night Under the Stars Christian Winter Ball — St. James UMC in Waco is sponsoring “A Night Under the Stars Christian Winter Ball” at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at the Brazo Bell. Dress is formal/semi-formal and there will be live jazz entertainment, dinner and beverage served. Tickets: $25 per person, open to UMs and other Christian persons. Phone: 254-752-4292 or 254-715- 0000. POC: Stephanie Taylor and Phyllis Ewing. Come and enjoy yourself with some clean FUN!

iPraise Mid-Winter Retreat — The CTC Student Leadership Team presents “iPraise,” a Mid Winter Retreat for grades 6-12, Feb. 10-11 and Feb. 16-17 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center. Information and registration deadlines and forms can be found at www.glenlake.org.

Debt-free society program — Bracks UMC in Waco is sponsoring a debt-free society program, "Working Toward Financial Freedom," that teaches budgeting, debt management, and more. The program begins Feb. 13. For details, call 254-756-0128 or visit Bracks’ website at www.gbgm-umc.org/bracksumc and click on the "Debt Free Society" link, to print a registration form.

Last day for bargains at MOP — Today is the last day for Midnight Oil Productions’ yearly

compilation disc of 2006 freebies. Get this limited edition CD-ROM with 12 sets of Midnight Oil Productions’ worship media for only $25. Or buy this year's disc along with 2004 and 2005 for a reduced bundle price. See previews at https://www.midnightoilproductions.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=33_36_78.

Depression Seminar — First UMC Mansfield is hosting Tony Campbell's Depression Seminar which began on Jan.29 but will continue on Feb. 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All churches are welcome. Questions? Contact Jim Gause at 817-475-8749.

Singles Leadership Retreat — UMC Singles - Tarrant Area will host a Singles Leadership Retreat from 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, through 4 p..m. Saturday, Feb 3, at Lyle Lodge on Eagle Mountain Lake. This leadership development retreat is designed for both leadership team building and personal growth. Retreat leaders are Karen Granderson (associate director of CTC Mission Ministries) and Charles Gaby (director of the Center for Creative Transformation at First UMC, Fort Worth. All members of the UMC Singles - Tarrant Area Council should attend. If your church's designated member can't make it, please send an alternate representative. In addition, we're extending the invitation to all members of your singles leadership team at each UM church in our area, which includes Tarrant County and surrounding counties except Dallas. If your church's singles program is not yet active in the Council, this is the best time to send a lay representative to check it out and start participating in this area-wide singles ministry. UMC Singles - Tarrant Area was created by the CTC Nurture Council to provide events and fellowship for area UM singles. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Ellen Bauman at ellen.bauman@fumcburleson.org or 817-564-5595.

Deaf Christian Fellowship at New World UMC — The 13th Deaf Saturday Night Live Christian Fellowship joins New World UMC (2201 N. Davis Drive, Arlington 76012) Saturday Night Alive on Saturday, Feb. 10. This is a get together for all DEAF Christians and deaf ministries for fellowship, praising the Lord through songs, skits, and testimonies. Check it out at www.deafsaturdaynightlive.com.

5 p.m. Fellowship with sandwiches and drinks provided by host church

6:30 p.m. Songs, skits and testimonies (all signed and voiced so everyone understands)

If you or your deaf ministry would be interested in presenting a song, choir song, skit or testimony please contact Connie Miller, as soon as possible at connmill9@aol.com. For more info contact Rick Springer at New World UMC Rick@NWUMC.org or check the church website is www.NWUMC.org.

Remember Aldersgate Sunday — Aldersgate Enrichment Center Sunday will be held on Feb. 18. Aldersgate provides meaningful work and residential facilities to about half its mildly to moderately mentally challenged “associates” at the campus just outside Brownwood. Flyers featuring Aldergate associate Jill Millican are available for distribution at your church for this special offering on Feb. 18. “We appreciate the help in getting the word out for this much needed ministry called Aldersgate Enrichment Center, and we are grateful for all donations received,” states development director Megan Cook. She can be contacted at 325-646-5608.

News

Ministry Report Online, Loan Funds Available

Ministry Commission Recommendations, Survey Now Online — A draft report by the Study of Ministry Commission for the 2008 General Conference proposes eight important recommendations about the ordering of ministry, including the creation of three classifications of ordained elders and separation of ordination from full conference membership. The report, which is framed in the historic form of Methodist conferences as “minutes of several conversations,” is available at www.gbhem.org along with an online survey to collect reaction to the report.

Student Loans Available Now, Scholarship Applications Open — College students who find they need additional funds for the semester beginning in January can apply for a United Methodist student loan. “We are accepting applications for loans for the winter/spring semester right now,” said James Harding, assistant executive director of loans administration and operations at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. “Often, students find that they get to the spring semester and the money they thought would cover everything they needed doesn’t go quite as far as they thought it would.” To apply for a loan, visit www.gbhem.org.

GC’08 website for volunteer registration

At last, the CTC website’s volunteer registration program is up and running. Many volunteers will be needed to help our conference host the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth April 23-May 2. Please look for the GC’08 logo (see top of this newsletter) and follow the instructions. Thanks for you patience, and thanks in advance to all those who are eager to volunteer.

UMC revamped website launched

After more than two years of development, UM Communications has launched of the newly redesigned UMC.org, the website of the people of The United Methodist Church. UM Communications invites you to visit http://www.umc.org/ today and take a look at the new resources and features available to you and your members. As a church leader, you will be able to use UMC.org to find leadership resources, learn more about what’s going on in the church globally, register your congregation’s needs to connect with volunteers, help seekers find your church, and much more.

We encourage you to visit http://www.umc.org/Launch to download a bulletin insert and sample announcement that highlight the UMC.org features of interest to your members, including tools to discover their spiritual gifts, find volunteer opportunities, and connect with people of faith around the world. UM Communications hopes that you will share these important messages with your congregation. UMC.org was designed to be the website of the people of the UMC.

Morris Walker Award nominations (repeat)

The Board of Laity Screening Committee is accepting applications for the 2007 Morris Walker Awards. Two Morris Walker Awards are given each year at Annual Conference, one to clergy and one to a layperson. The application may be either a letter or e-mail in which the nominee is cited for the extended good works he/she has performed for the church.

The award is named for a former conference lay leader and carries with it a $500 stipend to be used for Christian education or some other such use. The deadline for nominations is May 1, and anyone in the conference may nominate another individual. Once nominations are in, a conference committee will select the winners, according to Ed Komandosky, Conference Lay leader and Morris Walker Committee chair. Nominations may be mailed to Ed Komandosky, 2007 Gladnell St., Taylor, TX 76574 or e-mailed to ekomandosky@yahoo.com.

Events-Opportunities

Doctors needed for conference UMVIM team to Zimbabwe

There will be a CTC medical mission trip to Zimbabwe Sept. 15-29 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 team still needs three doctors to go on this medical mission trip! Team members will go to schools where ZOE is assisting AIDS orphans to provide medical care for the children. Also included will be a trip to Victoria Falls at the end of the project. The cost will be approximately $3,500 per person. Team members will also need to make a commitment to either raise funds for or receive donations for approximately $6,000 in medical supplies that will be shipped ahead. (This will be a great way to get participants’ churches and/or hospitals involved.) The goal is to take a committed group of medical and non-medical volunteers 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. Greg Jenks, director of ZOE, will talk with interested persons from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 6 in the conference office during a team orientation meeting. If you have an interest in joining the team, plan on attending. The first step is completion of the application that is required by ZOE. Please go to the ZOE website (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 contact Jennifer Coggins as soon as possible and send the application to: Jennifer Coggins, director of humanitarian services, 464 Bailey Ave., Fort Worth 76107. Please call or e-mail with any questions or concerns: 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622, jennifer@ctcumc.org.

Feb. 18 VBS Preview offers 20% discount to Brownwood area churches
A money-saving VBS Preview is scheduled from 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18 at Early UMC (1073 Early Blvd., Early 76803). Joyce Brown, Cokesbury curriculum consultant, will lead the hands-on preview of Cokesbury’s 2007 VBS – LIFT OFF: SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH GOD. A 20% discount will be given on all VBS resources ordered at this event. If you have questions, contact Joyce Brown at 1-800-747-4174 or joyce@danbrownart.com.

Certified Lay Minister training at the Lay Speaker Annual Training

The Fourth Annual Lay Speaker event will be held Feb. 23-24-25 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Glen Rose. Please announce this event in your local churches and let your congregations know that this event is open to all UMs who would like to become a lay speaker, recertify as a lay speaker, or begin the process of certified lay ministry. A pilot program of this year's schedule of studies is "Certified Lay Ministry" the component of the

training specific to the unique roles of the certified lay minister will be taught by ordained faculty from the Temple district. All persons interested in pursuing certified lay ministry are encouraged to attend. This information is available at every church office, through the district offices and on the conference website at www.ctcumc.org.

For more details, contact: Sandra K. Oliver at skoliver@swmail.sw.org.

Order of Elders meeting
There will be a meeting of the Order of Elders on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at First UMC Burleson beginning at 10 a.m. and ending before noon. The topic of conversation is the Study of Ministry Commission report and the highlights of the 2007 Gathering of the Chairs of the Orders of Elders, Deacons, and Fellowship of Local Pastors. This information may be particularly useful as we move toward Annual Conference 2007 and General Conference 2008.

Texas United Methodist Historical Society 2007 Annual Meeting back in Dallas …

Texas UM Historical Society and all other interested persons are invited to attend the up-coming annual meeting to be held at Highland Park UMC in Dallas, March 9-10, noon to noon, including the annual Friday night banquet. The overall theme is “Controversies, 1939-Present,” featuring presentations and remarks by several bishops of the UMC and others personally involved. For registration or information, contact the registrar, Dr. John C. Johnson, 6766 Silver Saddle Rd., Fort Worth 76126 or jcjohn0100@sbcglobal.net.

Don’t let this opportunity slip by. Not only will it help you bond with others that have historical interests in your conference but also will give you all a sense of being connected to historians and archivists across our state and jurisdiction.

Youth mission opportunity
Join the group for PUMP 2007, a summer mission weekend for youth groups from across Texas. PUMP is a four- day youth gathering (May 31 - June 3) offered by First UMC in Palmer. Youth grades 4-12 and adults are given the opportunity to serve those in need living in the Palmer area. In addition to the mission projects, participants will experience small group study, meaningful daily worship, wonderful music by Mikeschair of Nashville and planned activities designed to help everyone let loose, experience God and have fun. Contact: Debbi Mitchell by phone at 214-683-1501 or palmerpump2007@yahoo.com. Space is limited so please indicate interest early! Sign up deadline is April 1, 2007.

Glen Lake Bible Retreat

Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center has expanded the program for the April Bible Retreat. The program is now offered to 3rd - 6^th graders. Visit http://www.glenlake.org/ to download a registration form. Cost: $40 for adults & $45 for campers. Dates: April 13-14, 2007. Schedule: Check in at Glen Lake Friday from 6:15-7:30 p.m (Siceloff) and campers leave at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, and the camp store will be open until 5 p.m. Who: Campers currently in grades 3-6 and adult sponsors (ratio is 1 gender specific adult for every 6 campers). Please email Anna with any questions at anna@glenlake.org or call the Glen Lake office at 254-897-2247.

Spiritual Formation (repeat)

The Five-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation March 4-9 provides rest and renewal in a lovely setting, inspiration on topics of interest to Christians who are serious about their faith, beautiful worship experiences, and/or meeting and connecting with others on a spiritual journey. This year’s Academy is at the Prothro Center, an amenity-rich facility located on beautiful Lake Texoma. Faculty members are Greg Clapper (history of Christian spirituality) and Sr. Dawn Mills (discernment and ways of prayer), both of whom will inspire and enrich participants. Worship will be in the rhythm of the Academy with morning prayer, daily Eucharist, and evening prayer. Team members are Katherine Godby, Martha Jacobson, Steve Langford, Annette Breazeale, and Anna Parrish. Contact Katherine (817-946-2149, or email katherine501@sbcglobal.net for questions or a brochure. To register, send a check for $425 ($450 after Feb. 1) made out to “TBA” to Registrar Anna Parrish, 916 Summerlin Drive, Granbury 76048.

Program on hearing loss communication strategies and coping skills (repeat)

“Hearing Loss: Communication Strategies, Coping Skills & Technology” will be offered as a Winter Academy course at First UMC, Fort Worth at 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at Wesley Hall. There is no charge. For additional information, contact Virginia Covaleski at 817-339-5078 or Vcovaleski@fumcftw.org. Learn about the misconceptions of hearing loss, others’ perception of those with hearing loss, recognizing communication breakdowns and repairing them, and important information on the latest technology related to hearing loss and deafness.

Join the FAYM meetings (repeat)

FAYM (Fellowship of Adults in Youth Ministry) meetings are a time for sharing ideas, discussing and planning youth events, and utilizing the knowledge and experience of other youth directors in your area. Meetings are once a month for lunch with schedule below. Visit the “Student” page at www.ctcumc.org for additional information.

Feb. 8 – Northern Area FAYM at Arlington Heights UMC

Feb. 15 – Waco Area FAYM at World Cup Café

Feb. 22 – Temple Area FAYM at Schoepfs BBQ

Adult mission trip to Cross Plains (repeat)

An adult mission trip to Cross Plains is sponsored by the Waco District for Sunday-Friday, March 25-30, and others are welcome to join the group. It has been a little over a year since fires destroyed much of the Cross Plains community. While the response to their needs has been overwhelming, the number of groups helping has declined. There is still work to be done. There are at least two new homes where construction was started, but work has been delayed due to funding issues or lack of help. The group will be working to help complete the construction of these two homes and need workers skilled in or can help with carpentry, drywall, cabinetry, plumbing and electrical. The cost for the mission trip is $175. Lodging will be at the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church of Cross Plains. For registration form or additional information, contact Tim Thomas at pastorthomas@valornet.com or 254-576-2313 or Allen Grant at pastor@chinaspringumc.org or 254-836-1107.

Call for Annual Conference Special Offering applicants (repeat)

The Central Texas Conference is receiving applications for the special offering that is taken every year at Annual Conference. The amount collected in the past has ranged between $2,500 and $35,000, which has, in part, been determined by the “cause” and the effectiveness of the organization in promoting the offering. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 22. Please provide the following information: Name, address and phone of the requesting organization; name and position of the submitter; brief description of the mission/ministry of the organization; and a brief but specific description of how the funds would be used. More details and a sample form are on the conference website at www.ctcumc.org. Please send the completed request to Dr. Doyle Allen, 464 Bailey Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107.

Glen Lake Camp “Save a Spot” payment plan (repeat)

2007 summer camp at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center: Glen Lake is offering the popular "Save a Spot" payment now through March 1. Register online or download the form from www.glenlake.org, and you can pay half of your campers fees now, and the second half of the payment isn't due until May 1. Hurry and register early since the Save a Spot payment plan expires March 1. All registrations received after March 1 must include full payment. GLC is also excited to announce, that registering for camp couldn't be easier! GLC is no longer required to get copies of your insurance card or shot records, if the registration form is filled out completely.

Visit the website at www.glenlake.org to view summer camp dates and costs. Please call 254-897-2247 or email

michelle@glenlake.org with any questions.

Invitation to musicians, artists, dancers for GC08 (repeat)

United Methodist choirs/ensembles/bands, instrumentalists, singers, dancers/dance groups, visual/video/textile and performing artists are invited to apply to share their gifts in worship with the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth. Submit a recording (DVD, CD, VHS, cassette tape, mpeg, mp3, jpg) brief bio, and other supporting materials either by postal mail or email by March 20, 2007 to: Mark A. Miller, director of music, Drew Theological School, 36 Madison Ave., Madison, NJ 07940, mamiller@drew.edu.

Straight Talk About God’s Deliverance

First UMC, Waco, will be a host site for Beth Moore live via satellite 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, in

the sanctuary. Moore's topic, "Straight Talk About God's Deliverance," will be based on her new book, Get Out of That Pit. Tickets are $10 and may be picked up at FUMC, Waco (4901 Cobbs Drive). Lunch on your own; childcare not available. For more information, visit www.fumcwaco.org or call Cindy P. at 254/772-5630.

Mark your calendars (repeat)

A service of Help, Hope, and Healing for crime victims to be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22, First UMC Fort Worth’s Wesley Hall. Contact: Rev. Sandra Lydick, chaplain, Crime Victims Council, First UMC Foundation Building, 817/675-6367. The service, held on the first day of National Crime Victims Rights Awareness Week, is sponsored by Crime Victims Council and Tarrant Area Community of Churches for crime victims, families, and friends.

Resources

Scholarships available through BOM

The conference Board of Ministry is accepting applications for the seven scholarships it administers. These scholarships require that the applicant be a certified candidate for clergy, currently enrolled in a seminary approved by the University Senate. Applications must be post-marked by March 1 to be eligible for consideration. The application form is located on the Board website, www.ctcbom.org on the Board Policies and Forms page. Scholarships will be awarded at Annual Conference in June 2007.

Conference 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.

36 Parables. For 2000 years the parables of Christ have instructed and inspired. Now these powerful stories are retold for today’s audiences. Each DVD in the series contains three short films depicting three beloved parables in modern settings and situations. Includes study guide. Older youth to adults. 3 parables per DVD, 5 to 12 minutes per parable. CYAN: features the parables of the rich fool, the new wine in old wineskins, and the two sons. YELLOW: features the parables of the Good Samaritan, the talents, and the lost coin. PURPLE: features the parables of the friend at midnight, the shrewd manager, and the barren fig tree.

Calendar

Board of Ordained Ministry — meeting at 10:15 a.m. Feb. 13 at Arlington Heights UMC, Fort Worth (Executive Committee at 9 a.m.)

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.

Check It Out!

Items up for grabs at Arborlawn UMC (5001 Briarhaven Rd., Fort Worth 76109)! Large paper mache Joseph & Mary; dry erase boards with wood frame; Bibles; various religious pictures; coffee cups/mugs. Most of these items are in storage off-site. If interested, please call Sherry at 817-731-0701 x124.

Director of Early Childhood & Children’s Ministry

Vista Ridge UMC, Lewisville, TX, seeks PT children’s director. 35 hours per week. Responsibilities include, but not limited to, children birth through 5^th grade. Curriculum planning, Easter events, Vacation Bible School, and Christmas pageant. Working with Sunday school superintendent, nursery supervisor, children’s council and volunteers on all programming. Degree in children’s education preferred. Flexibility required. Fax resume to Bill at 972-315-5226, or email bill@vrumc.org.

Director of Senior High Youth Ministry

Vista Ridge UMC Lewisville, TX, seeks PT senior high youth director. Promote spiritual growth and Christian discipleship among school-age youth. Provide vision for new and existing ministries. Promote youth participation in church-related ministries and missions. Ensure planning, organization, implementation and continuing growth of all youth ministries including UMYF, Sunday school, retreats and mission trips. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Flexibility required. Fax resume to Bill at 972-315-5226 or email bill@vrumc.org.

Summer Minister

A pastor for the position of summer minister at the historic Little Church in the Pines, located in Island Park, Idaho, is needed from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This is a diverse ecumenical congregation located in rural mountain vacation area, 25 miles from Yellowstone National Park. The Island Park community desires a pastor with seminary education and some experience in ministering to small, isolated populations. This job is a seasonal, part-time position. Full hookup trailer spot provided plus negotiable weekly stipend and travel allowance. Arrangements for suitable housing can be made if you do not own a travel trailer or RV. If interested, request an application for summer minister from the Regional Council for Christian Ministry office at P.O. Box 2236, Idaho Falls, ID 83403-2236 or via email to LittleChurch@onewest.net. If you have any questions, please call the office at 208-524-9935 between 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Deadline for applications is February 28, 2007.

Praise Team / Worship Leader (repeat)

Acton UMC in Granbury seeks a part-time praise team leader for their contemporary worship service. Please visit www.actonumc.org/worship for more information or contact Alan McGrath at Alan@actonumc.org

Associate Mission Ministries Director-Student Leadership (repeat)

The Central Texas Conference has opened the application process for the full-time position of associate director for Mission Ministries with primary responsibilities in student leadership. This youth professional is responsible for empowering the youth in all levels of the church: conference, district, local church. Membership in and commitment to the UMC is a requirement. Other highly desirable skills and personal qualities are the ability to coordinate and manage large events and meetings; flexibility and openness to new ideas; willingness to work a varied schedule; excellent written and verbal skills; a positive and supportive attitude; able to work within a budget and with a multi-cultural society; and skilled in strategic planning. Must have a bachelor’s degree; certification in UM Youth Ministries preferred; masters degree in Christian Education with youth emphasis or master of divinity preferred; lay or clergy. Send resume to: Dr. Doyle Allen, 464 Bailey Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107-2153 or doyle@ctcumc.org.

Ministry available to local church/youth group (repeat)

Ray Jordan, licensed as a local pastor within the UMC, holds both a bachelor of science in health and a master of arts in education while currently earning a Master of Divinity. Within three distinct groups (rural, urban, and suburban), Jordan has served as a local pastor, youth pastor, as well as a public school teacher. He is currently available for youth (and parent) human sexuality seminars, Revival/conferences, and training workshops for church/youth workers and volunteers. Contact Ray Jordan at 214-491-8028 or rayjordan@comcast.net.

Part-time Sales Associate (repeat)

Cokesbury Bookstore seeks a part time sales associate for weekday afternoons and Saturdays,
25-30 hours per week. Please apply at 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd. (behind Baker Brothers Deli), Fort Worth.
Phone: 817-763-9560 e-mail: fortworth@cokesbury.com.

Child-care 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. Send resume to: Director of Children’s Ministry, First UMC of Bedford, 1245 Bedford Rd., Bedford, TX 76021, or email to jholston@fumcbedford.com.

Organist/Accompanist (repeat)

St. Philip Presbyterian Church in Hurst seeks a part-time organist/accompanist. The position is 12-15 hours per week, which includes 2 Sunday services (8:30 and 11 a.m.) and choir practice on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The organist would also play for special services such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Christmas Eve and special evenings of music as well as weddings and funerals. Interested organists can send their resume to personnel@stphilippresbyterian.org. For more information on the church and a job description, they can check our website, www.stphilippresbyterian.org.

Youth Minister (report)

St. Philip’s UMC in Round Rock is accepting resumes for the position of youth minister. This full-time position leads a dynamic student ministry of junior and senior high youth in a 1,000-member church. Candidates need to have effective youth ministry experience including involvement in outreach mission, undergraduate degree, willingness to serve in a team leadership setting, high level of organizational skills, and knowledge of Microsoft Office software. The position is available April 1. Please electronically forward resume in Word to Dr. Dale Schultz, lead pastor, at office@stphilipsumc.org or send to 16321 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681.

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