February 15, 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

Easter — Again and Again and Again — Dr. David Mosser, senior pastor at First UMC Arlington and editor of the 2003-2009 Editions of The Abingdon Preaching Annual, will conduct a preaching workshop at 9:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 19, at St. Philip’s UMC, Round Rock. The Reservations are due by Feb. 16 to Anne Marie Dayton at office@stphilipsumc.org. The $25 registration includes lunch.

Veritas… is one-year old! — This Saturday Richland Hills UMC (7301 Glenview Drive) will celebrate the one-year anniversary of veritas..., an emergent worship gathering. Worshipers will give thanks to God for the incredible things that the Spirit has done through veritas... with food, drinks, discussion, communion, praise and the word. Everyone who comes will walk out the door with a sweet gift to help them celebrate after the evening is over. Mike Baughman is preaching “Even Greater Things Than These? To Infinity and Beyond!” veritas... meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. Contact: Mike Baughman at 817-201-1178.

Face To Face Worship Service — will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Davis Memorial United Methodist Church (5301 Davis Blvd., North Richland Hills, TX). There will be music, message and a meal .... all free like God's Grace. Bring a friend.

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.

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. “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.

Volunteers are needed now and later for GC’08 — 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) on the conference website (www.ctcumc.org) and follow the volunteer registration instructions.

News

CTCYM registration deadline March 10 (repeat)

March 10 is the deadline for registered churches to turn in CTCYM individual registration forms with a group roster and first payment for the 2007 mission trips. Please contact Lisa McCutcheon at 817-877-5222 or lisa@ctcumc.org if you have questions.

Reporter previews

A special focus in the Feb. 16 issue of The United Methodist Reporter and on www.ReporterInteractive.com will be on Black History Month. Here are some of the stories you can expect to see in the Feb. 23, 2007 issue:

ANTI-SLAVERY MOVEMENT: Amazing Grace will open in the United Kingdom on March 25 -- the 200th anniversary of a Parliamentary act outlawing slave transport on British ships. But the film's producers say slavery still happens today, and have launched a campaign to raise awareness. http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=1806

EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY: A congregation that is financially generous is probably also thriving in other areas, says Bishop Robert Schnase. And not because of some feel-good, prosperity-gospel theology. By Robin Russell. http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=1794

MONEY AND WEALTH: John Wesley had strong words about accumulating wealth, but scholars say his own life preached better than his sermons. More on Perkins School of Theology’s Ministers Week focus on “Faith and Money.” By Robin Russell. http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=1795

BILLY BOB METHODIST: Moviegoers may be surprised to see actor Billy Bob Thornton playing a devoted family man in The Astronaut Farmer. But it won’t surprise members of FUMC in Malvern, Ark., the church where Mr. Thornton grew up. Mary Jacobs got the story. http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=1796

COLOR SPREAD – More on Wilberforce: http://www.reporterinteractive.org/main/Feeds/tabid/116/newsid/1483/Default.aspxFAITH & FILM: Faith and politics often mix so badly that it's easy to forget that throughout history, a few brave souls have done it well. One of these, British abolitionist William Wilberforce (1759-1833), is the subject of a potent biopic. Bill Fentum. http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=1800

PERSISTENT PRODUCER: Producer Ken Wales' career in Hollywood is a lesson in persistence – as he brings Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce's campaign against the slave trade in England. A Q&A by Bill Fentum. http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=1799

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

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.

Christian Celtic Band

The Ric Blair Christian Celtic Band will be in concert at First UMC, Arlington at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25. Admission is FREE. A love offering will be taken and several CDs will be available to purchase. The group’s music is not only enjoyable, it appeals to all ages!

Bishop invites others to tour Paris and Rome

Bishop Ben Chamness and his wife Joye will lead a group of Central Texas Methodists on a tour to Paris and Rome this summer. The trip departs July 26 for the 12-educational tour. Time will be divided between seeing the sights in these two world-class cities, including a free day in each for shopping, etc. In addition an optional pre-tour excursion to Versailles and an optional post-tour extension to Northern Italy and Switzerland will be available. There will be a series of no obligation informational meetings about the trip as listed below. Also, a brochure or information about the trip may be obtained by contacting Charles McClure at 817-367-7507 or email chasmcclure@charter.net.

Tuesday, Feb. 20, First UMC Mansfield 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 22, First UMC Grapevine 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 27, First UMC Hurst 7 p.m.
Wednesday, February 28th, First UMC Georgetown 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 4, Trinity UMC Arlington 6:30 p.m.
Monday, March 5, Woodway UMC Waco, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 6, First UMC Fort Worth 7 p.m.

Take cruise/support Aldersgate

Radio KYOX (94.3 in the Brownwood area) and Aldersgate Enrichment Center are behind a 5-day Western Caribbean fundraiser group cruise from Galveston to benefit the ministry of Aldersgate. The cruise departs May 5 at $409 (interior) and $459 (oceanview) per person. The price of the cruise includes a $25 donation to Aldersgate. Carnival Cruise Lines lowered the price for this special cruise. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Megan Cook at 325646-5608 or megcook20@gmail.com.

National Convocation

The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts national convocation will be held July 16-19 in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition to the 300 already registered, others expected to attend are 70 youth, guests, and staff members. This is almost 2/3 of the capacity for the event. The Convocation "sold out" in 2005 and all indications are that the 2007 event will reach capacity as well. Register today at www.FUMMWAConvo.org. Hotel accommodations can be booked at: www.millenniumhotels.com/stlouis (enter the group code FUMMWA where prompted) or 800-325-7353 (ask for "The Fellowship" rate).

Fusebox to Lead Worship at Youth2007

Several cutting-edge Christian bands will perform during Youth2007 slated to meet in Greensboro, NC, July 11-15. While several bands have signed on for the event, Fusebox will be the worship band for the entire week. The Katinas, Superchic[k], and Kutless will also perform. Sponsored by GBOD’s Young People’s Ministries, over 10,000 UM youth from across the globe will gather for Youth2007, the largest quadrennial youth event of the UMC. Over 5000 youth and their leaders have already registered for the event. For more information, go to www.Youth2007.org, or call the Youth2007 Event Office toll-free at 877-899-2780, Ext. 7058.

Faith Community nursing scholarships

In 2006, nine nurses in the Central Texas Conference were awarded scholarships for the purpose of attending one of the Parish Nursing certification programs. While the official designation has changed to Faith Community Nursing from Parish or Congregational Nursing, we are once again providing a limited number of scholarships for qualified applicants. A small portion of the Golden Cross offering is used to provide the $375 scholarships. Two courses are offered in the CTC area. The first is a 5-day course held in Flower Mound, sponsored by the DFW Faith and Health Collaborative, and historically has cost $750. This course is five days straight, and includes lodging and food in a retreat-type setting. There are usually 2 courses offered by Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing: one is held in the summer, in Waco, over two 3-day week-ends; and the other is offered in the fall, in Dallas, over four 2-day week-ends. These courses in the past have been $375 and do not include lodging or food. The deadline for submission of applications for the scholarships is March 31. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, contact Mona Bailey, the CTC Health & Welfare chair, at billmona_1@charter.net, or 817-379-0959.

Holocaust & Christianity

“The Holocaust Is a Christian Issue,” a complimentary public panel discussion, will take place on the Texas Christian University campus in Robert Carr Chapel at 7 p.m. Monday, March 26. Sponsored by Brite Divinity School and the Program in Jewish Studies, the panel will feature a range of scholars of theology and religion who will discuss the centrality of the Holocaust for Christian theology and identity formation. Dr. Clark Williamson (Indiana Prof. of Christian Thought Emeritus, Christian Theological Seminary) will deliver the keynote address "Why the Holocaust is a Christian Issue," which will be followed by a moderated discussion of the topic among the members of the panel and questions from the audience. This event, and the reception that follows, are free and open to the public. For more information and to RSVP visit www.Brite.tcu.edu or call 817-257-6646.

Metro Board annual dinner (repeat)

The annual dinner of the Metropolitan Board of Missions will be held at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at Round-Up Inn, Will Rogers Complex, Fort Worth. This year’s theme is Living in the NOW: Celebrating Our Ministries. For more details and reservations, contact the Metro Board at 817-569-1454. Metro Board is the mission arm of the Fort Worth and Mid-Cities districts.

The 7th annual celebration of African American History Month in Song and Praise (repeat)

Among the participates at this event 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, are child prodigy Roderick Demmings of Dallas, Greater Community MBC and pianist Dean Pieske. The program will be held at St. Stephen UMC (1800 W Randol Mill Road, Arlington) and will be followed by refreshments and fellowship. For additional information, please contact the church office at 817-460-8655 or ssumc@sbcglobal.net http://us.f818.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=ssumc@sbcglobal.net.

Celebration of Faith, Love & Hope (repeat)

Some 300 to 500 pastors are expected for "A Celebration of Faith, Love and Hope" 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Feb 24 at Ruthe Jackson Center (3113 S. Carrier Pkwy., Grand Prairie). The purpose of the event is:

• celebrate our current faith-based partners

• cultivate new partners and brand Amachi Texas and Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas as a home for those of faith who are interested in putting their faith into action.

We envision the event to be all about mentoring and how faith, hope and love are essential in the relationship between a Big and Little, especially those children who have a family member incarcerated, on parole or on probation. Guests will enjoy a complimentary brunch, soulful gospel music by various local artists, spiritual presentations from former and current Littles and guest of honor Dr. Rev. Wilson Goode, Jr. - father of the Amachi mentoring program. For questions, registration or to volunteer, please contact:
Sarah Campbell at Amachi Texas Volunteer Recruiter - Americorp*VISTA scampbell@bbbsnt.org

Support Groups are helping people (repeat)

Christ UMC (3301 Sycamore School Road at McCart, Fort Worth) has expanded it's ministry by sponsoring a Depression/Bipolar support group at their church. The group is for their church members and for people from their community at large. The group is facilitated by Rev. Jim Abel, a retired but still very active UM minister.
Christ UMC is sponsoring the group in collaboration with Depression Connection Support Groups. To inquire or to join the group, please call Tony Campbell at (817)-810-9599.

Stewards of Body, Mind & Spirit (repeat)

Stewards of Body, Mind & Spirit workshop, part of the Central Texas Conference’s continue focus on promoting healthy lifestyles/healthy people, is a collaboration of several health-related groups within the conference. This event will be held at 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at Central UMC, Waco. There is no charge for the program, but participants are asked to contribute $10 for the box lunch or to bring their own sack lunch. A registration form in online at www.ctcucm.org and questions can be directed to the conference office at 817-877-5222 or 800-460-8622. Topic will include:

• Keeping You Chin Up in Challenging Times

• Alzheimer’s Disease: What Is It? What Can You Do About It?

• Let Me In! How to Make Your Church Accessible to Persons With Disabilities

• Family Violence: A Private Maters … Or Is It?

• Living the GoodNEWS: Genes, Nutrition, Exercise, Wellness & Spiritual Growth

• Booze, Butts & Betting: How the Addictions Industries Addict People

• HIV/AIDS: Moving From Silence to Action

SCJ Spirit of Youth Ministry (repeat)

April 24-26 † Mount Sequoyah Conference Center (150 NW Skyline Drive, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701 800-760-8126 and 479-443-4531) — Get the tools you need for youth ministry at the South Central Jurisdictional training event for youth ministry leaders April 24-26 at Mount Sequoyah Conference & Retreat Center in Fayetteville, Ark. The youth ministry training will focus on how congregations establish a safe environment for youth workers, youth and young adults. All youth ministers, directors, pastors, and everyone who is concerned about the youth in their conference are invited to attend. Dr. Karen A McClintock, pastor and clinical psychologist, will be keynote presenter. For six years she has provided consultations with congregations, schools, and non-profit organizations. She is the author of Sexual Shame: An Urgent Call to Healing by Fortress Press and her new release Preventing Sexual Abuse in Congregations by the Alban Institute. To download copies of the registration form or to register online visit: www.okumc.org/youth/home.htm. For additional information contact event coordinators : Rod Hocott, Arkansas Conference director of youth ministries, 877-646-1816, rhocott@arumc.org or Rev. Diana Northcutt, Oklahoma Conference director of youth ministries, 800-231-4166, Ext 2144, dnorthcutt@okumc.org. Forms may also be downloaded at www.mountsequoyah.org.

Black History Month concert (repeat)

Sylvester Key, pastor of McMillan UMC, will perform a benefit concert with freewill offering to be held at New World UMC at 4 p.m. Feb. 25. This is a fund raiser to benefit the Wesley Foundation -UTA

and honor Black History Month.

Adult Mission Trip to Cross Plains, Texas (repeat)

Sponsored by the Waco District Sunday, March 25 - Friday, March 30

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. We will be working to help complete the construction of these two homes.

Type of work may include: Carpentry, Drywall, Cabinetry, Plumbing, Electrical. Cost for the mission trip will be at least $175.00. Lodging will be at the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church of Cross Plains. For a registration form or for additional information contact: Tim Thomas at pastorthomas@valornet.com or 254-576-2313 or Allen Grant at pastor@chinaspringumc.com or 254-836-1107. Please note: While this mission trip is sponsored by the Waco District, all churches of the Central Texas Conference are invited and encouraged to participate.

Order of Elders meeting (repeat)
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 … (repeat)

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 (repeat)
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 (repeat)

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.

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.

Straight Talk About God’s Deliverance (repeat)

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

Easter resources

Midnight Oil Productions offers resources for powerful worship this Easter season with their new volume of videos and matching graphics, Easter Loops. These subtle looping background videos capture a variety of timeless and trendy visual styles and are the perfect backdrop to songs, sermons, prayer, communion, and more.

Easter Loops retails for $60 and is available at a discount at the Midnight Oil store through. Feb 24 for $50:

https://www.midnightoilproductions.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=381

Each of the 10 videos comes with matching, customizable still images. Insert your own theme line, edit for sermon notes, and more. Easily whip up a seamless, connected collection of media for worship and present using any presentation software. Or, download each video and/or still set individually for immediate use through Midnight Oil's Downloadables section online. Themes include: 1. Communion, 2. Crown of Thorns, 3. Empty Tomb, 4. Foot of the Cross, 5. Glowing Tomb, 6. Hammer and Nails, 7. Last Supper, 8. Palm Branch, 9. Three Crosses, 10. Three Empty Crosses. Easter Loops joins a growing collection of popular Easter titles. Be

sure to check out the entire Easter collection online here: https://www.midnightoilproductions.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=67_42

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.

The Usher’s Book: Creating a Welcoming and Safe Environment for Worship. Gilbert, John P. 2005. A concise guide to the tasks and responsibilities of the church usher intended to be used by church staff or volunteers to train new ushers and to help experienced ushers learn new ways to create a welcoming and safe environment for the congregation and visitors.

How to Motivate, Train and Nurture Acolytes. Eaton, Robert. 2001. This book was written to help adults who work with acolytes discover creative ways to teach skills, encourage teamwork, and provide a strong spiritual foundation in the ministry.

Church Safety and Security: A Practical Guide. Robert. 2005. This book provides a wealth of practical information to help you prepare for and respond to the challenges of a dangerous world. It outlines a how-to approach full of specific proactive steps your church can take to ensure the safety and security of its facility, staff, and worshipers, and reduce the risk of costly lawsuits.

Calendar

Aldersgate Enrichment Center Sunday — Feb. 18

Metropolitan Board of Missions Annual Dinner — Feb. 22

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

Black History Month concert — Feb. 25 at McMillan UMC, Fort Worth

7^th Annual Celebration of African American History Month in Song & Praise — Feb. 25 at St. Stephen UMC, Arlington

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

CTC Order of Elders — Feb. 28 at First UMC Burleson

Five-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation — March 4-9 at Prothro Center, Lake Texoma

Texas UM Historical Society Annual Meeting — March 9-10 at Highland Park UMC, Dallas

CTCYM registration deadline — March 10

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

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

Adult mission trip to Cross Plains — March 25-30

Faith Community nursing scholarship application deadline — March 31

Spring Leadership Summit — April 14 at First UMC Arlington

Morris Walker Award nominations deadline — May 1

PUMP youth mission opportunity — May 31-June 3

CTC Annual Conference — June 3-6 at Fort Worth

Youth2007 gathering — July 11-15 in Greensboro, NC

Fellowship of UMs in Music & Worship Arts National Convocation — July 16-19 in St. Louis

Bishop’s Trip to Paris & Rome — July 26

Needs, Resources, Opportunities

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

to pull your listing when your opening has been filled.

Pianist/Accompanist

First UMC Burleson seeks a part-time pianist/accompanist. Primary responsibilities are Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Please send resumes to Pam Sears at pam.sears@fumcburleson.org or fax to 817-295-8151. If you have any questions contact Pam Sears, Adminstrative Assistant at 817-295-1166 ext. #224.

Director of Youth Ministries

St. Barnabas UMC, a 2,000-member congregation in Arlington, seeks a dynamic individual for a full time position as director of youth ministries. The church is located next door to one of the largest high schools in Texas. The current youth ministry program includes weekly Bible study, UMYF, Sunday school, youth choir, retreats and has been taking over 150 youth and adults on our mission trips each summer. Minimum requirements are: Effective youth ministry experience; high-level of interpersonal, leadership and organizational skills; outstanding ability to recruit, train, and nurture adult youth workers; an undergraduate degree or youth ministry certification or equivalent work experience; willing to serve in a team leadership setting; uncommonly positive and upbeat mindset. The position is open and available. For information or to send a resume please contact Randy Wild at randy@sbumc.org or send to SBUMC, 5011 W. Pleasant Ridge Road. Arlington 76016.

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 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.

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

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.

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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