February 22, 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

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.

Cross cultural worship experience — White’s Chapel UMC, Southlake Choir will join with the Faithful Missionary Baptist Church of Dallas choir this weekend for a unique time of worship. They will merge styles and faiths to create dynamic evening services to take place at both White’s Chapel UMC and Faithful Missionary Baptist Church. Saturday, Feb. 24, at 5:30 p.m. the combined music ministries of both churches will lead worship at White’s Chapel with Rev. N.C. Sargent of FMBC preaching. Babe’s Fried Chicken will cater a dinner following the service in Wesley Hall. All are invited! Sunday, Feb. 25, they will repeat the worship experience at FMBC with Dr. John McKellar preaching for their congregation. FMBC is located at 6255 Bonnie View Rd. in Dallas. Contacts for this incredible event are
Shaunna LaCroix at slacroix@whiteschapelumc.com, Micah Blalock at mblalock@whiteschapelumc.com,
Donovan Howard at dhoward972@yahoo.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.

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! Young child care will be provided.

Spanish/English worship service — As a way to create community and bring people together, the Fort Worth and Mid-Cities District Committees on Hispanic Ministry have joined to offer a Bi-District Bilingual worship service this Sunday, Feb. 25, at First UMC, Fort Worth’s Wesley Hall. Gathering music will begin at 5:30 p.m. and be led by Aliento de Vida, the praise band from El Buen Samaritano UMC. Service will begin at 6 p.m. with a reception following. Bilingual speaker will be Dr. Elaine Robinson, associate professor of theology and Methodist studies at Brite Divinity School, TCU and pastor of Nueva Vida UMC of the Rio Grande Conference. All are invited! For more information, a flyer is available in English http://ct.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/BiDistrct_worship_service_WHAEXSGP.pdf and Spanish. http://ct.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/Bilingual_Worship_Service_Spanish_JJCVD3ET.pdf. If you would like to help us get the word out, this flyer can be printed and hung in public places.

7th annual celebration of African American History Month in Song and Praise — 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 — 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.

Black History Month concert — 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.

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.

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.

CTCYM registration deadline nearing — 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.

News

UMCOR: Everything changes when there’s hope
One Great Hour of Sharing is your opportunity to ensure that UMCOR can meet its costs of doing business. A generous response to this special offering March 18 means we can keep our promise that designated donations — gifts that buy so much hope in a troubled world — will go entirely to specific causes. Please give! It's not too late to order materials. Download UMCOR's church bulletin insert for this special offering at:
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/resources/cbi/archives07/index.cfm?i=9306

You can order additional offering materials online at:
https://secure.umcom.org/store/Dept.asp?Cat_ID=211&web_name=One+Great+Hour+of+Sharing+-+March+18,+2007&mscsid=XKTUFVBX28PN9HK4U9C7WP121LJXFWVF <https://secure.umcom.org/store/Dept.asp?Cat_ID=211&web_name=One+Great+Hour+of+Sharing+-+March+18,+2007&mscsid=XKTUFVBX28PN9HK4U9C7WP121LJXFWVF>
or call toll free, 1-888-346-3862. But don't wait! And thank you for your partnership.

Perkins appoints assistant professor of church history

Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology announced the appointment of Dr. Jessica Boon to assistant professor of church history, effective Jan. 1. Her work focuses on medieval and early modern Christian mystical texts. She explains: “I explore how mystics choose to represent experiences that by definition lie outside the norms of human language and thought. I concentrate primarily on the ways mystics break beyond typical linguistic choices through the denial of language, through the manipulation of metaphors and visual images, or through wielding forms of speech that go against cultural norms of gender and racial/ religious heritage. My specialty is in medieval trends and their incorporation into Counter-Reformation Spanish spirituality.” She comes to Perkins from Duke University where she was a Mellon Lecturing Fellow in Writing and Religion during the past two-and-a-half years.

Perkins names new director of Bridwell Library

Roberta A. Schaafsma will be the new director of Bridwell Library at Perkins School of Theology, SMU. She will assume the role of J. S. Bridwell Endowed Librarian on April 1. She is currently the associate director of the Duke Divinity School Library, where she has served since 1993. She will bring a broad range of experience to her new responsibilities at Perkins School of Theology.

Reporter previews

Here are some of the stories you might want to read in the March 2 issue of The United Methodist Reporter and on www.ReporterInteractive.com:

YOUTH ONLINE: Ministers are using MySpace to keep an eye on kids in church youth groups. By Chansin Bird of RNS.

UM MINISTERS TUNE IN: Social networking online is the "communication vehicle of choice" for UM teens, youth ministers say. So adults who want to do missional-centered youth ministry should try 'hanging out' online. By Robin Russell.

http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=1824

MYSPACE FOR MOM: Social networking sites like MySpace are a source of endless entertainment for teens. They also create anxiety for parents who worry about sexual predators. Author Connie Neal offers help. Q&A by Mary Jacobs.

http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=1822

BATTLING ADDICTIONS: The Faith Partners Team Ministry is providing training for UMs in addiction and recovery problems. By Constance Bovier.

http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=1828

NICE TURNAROUND: Former hard-charging Enron executive Cathy Abbott is now a UM pastor in Washington, D.C., ministering to the poor and the homeless. Special reprint from the Houston Chronicle (print version only).

COLOR SPREAD:

GIFT OF LIFE: Members of a UM church in Tennessee have come up with a simple and inexpensive way to save the lives of starving children in Sierra Leone. It’s peanut butter nutrition, says contributor Elyse Bell.

http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=1823

DYING CHILD: Pastor Joe Geary of Paris UMC in Tennessee says a dying child still haunts his mission team.

http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=1825

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

Spring Leadership Summit

The Spring Leadership Summit, sponsored by Mission Ministries’ Nurture, Outreach and Witness Councils, will be held 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at First UMC, Arlington. The full program and registration form are on the conference website at www.ctcumc.org — click on “Spring Leadership Summit.” Dr. Roberta Gilbert, a psychiatrist whose special interest is Bowen Family Systems Theory and its applications to individuals, organizations and families, will lead the plenary session on Extraordinary Leadership. This program helps churches look at some of the many dilemmas posed by the emotional side of congregations. How do we deal with difficult people? How does one promote creativity in congregations? What about the energy-less group? How does one work with a very anxious group?

For the remainder of the day, participants will select one of the three ministry area studies:

• The Power of Personal Testimony, led by international evangelist Joy Griffin

• What Is This Thing Called Restorative Justice and How Do We Do It? led by Rev. Penny Yaites of the Tarrant County Restorative Justice Center and Rev. Sandra Lydick of Crime Victims Council

• Extraordinary Marriages, led by Dr. Roberta Gilbert

Spring District Days
Your Spring District Day, sponsored by Church Growth and Development, is near. This District Day will cover the topic of “Generational and Cultural Diversity Within the Hispanic Community,” presented by Sam Rodriguez. The presentation provides to clergy and laity insights into how Hispanics are both similar and different to the U.S. culture, thereby opening doors to a better understanding of one another and perhaps opportunities for ministry. The next district scheduled is Waxahachie District to be held on March 8 at Ferris Heights UMC, Waxahachie. Click here http://ct.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/CGDDistrictDay_Schedule_spring_2007_A6YSKDPI.doc for more information. RSVP at Katie@ctcumc.org.

Beginners Spanish Class
Want to learn Spanish? The Bridges of the Spirit Hispanic Ministries Training Institute is offering a 10-week Spanish language class on Thursday mornings at the Metropolitan Board of Missions building beginning March 1. 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. There is still space!! For more information and registration, just click on this brochure <, SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">http://ct.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/Spanish_10_week_course_sp_07_RXHTMCSN.pdf. Also, feel free to contact Sam Rodriguez any time at Sam@ctcumc.org or 817-877-5222.

Morningside College Choir in concert

Morningside College Choir of Iowa will perform in concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, at Faith UMC (3419 E. Belknap St., Fort Worth). The concert is open to the public. A free will offering will be received. The concert is part of a 10-day tour through nine Midwest and southern cities during Morningside’s spring break, March 1-11. During each concert, the choir will pay tribute to those who have died in service to our country with the musical selection “How They So Softly Rest” by composer Healey Willan. For more information, contact the Morningside music department at 712-274-5210 or the office of public relations at 712-274-5320.

ZOE Children’s Charity Event
There will be silent and live auctions, dinner buffet and entertainment with proceeds benefiting orphans in Zimbabwe on March 15 at Texas & Pacific Station (221 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth 76102). Tickets may be purchased at Texas & Pacific Lofts Sales Center or Lighthouse Fellowship (7200 Robertson Rd., Fort Worth 76135). Contact: Mila Milan 817-714-4808. Tickets are $35 at the door or $30 advance purchase. Donations are tax deductible. For information on ZOE Ministry, please go to www.zoeministry.org.

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. 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

“Fall on Your Knees-Pray!” A Lenten Guide for Prayer
Dr. Gary Kindley is offering the above referenced Lenten Guide for sale at a discounted price to congregations in our conference. To purchase the finished product, contact Gary Kindley at FUMC Colleyville 817-312-9919.

Worship Design Teams That Work

This is the third in the current series “Worship Design Teams That Work” online by Midnight Oil Productions. This one is about the most critical, and funniest, part of the team experience. Where do great ideas come from? The answer is quite simple — brainstorming. Whether working alone, or with a group of other creative teammates, great ideas often start with brainstorms. But, loose as the process is, there are some techniques to apply to make sure your team brainstorms well and with a purpose. Learn more: Brainstorming: The Power of the Worship Design Team.

Midnight Oil Productions | 732 Caspian Way Grand Prairie TX 75052 | 972-841-3488

Scholarships available through BOM (repeat)

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. There are always new resources; check them out! For these and many more resources, contact Carol Roszell at 817-877-5222 or 800-460-8622.

Lives For Sale: A Documentary on Immigration & Human Trafficking. Aired on PBS, this harrowing film goes beyond the rhetoric to show why immigrants are willing to risk everything, even virtual slavery, for the American Dream. It exposes the painful, rarely seen human side of illegal immigration and looks at some practical alternatives to these tragic realities. DVD. 2006. 58 minutes.

Ready to Go Retreats and Lock-Ins: 16 Complete Plans for Fun and Soulful Events. Beth Miller. This book takes the work out of planning the sessions. Each retreat and lock-in is theme based and designed to let you piece its options together to fit your style. Includes a CD Rom with lock-in plans, handouts, and sample forms. 2006.

Calendar

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

Basic Lay Speaking Course — March 24-25 at St. Andrews UMC, Killeen (Contact: Gary Hunt at ghunt@sunbeltusa.com)

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.

Kneelers With Pads

Woodway UMC, Waco has two eight-foot (8’) kneelers with pads and is willing to give them to a church that might need them. They are portable, previously used during Woodway’s interim ministry, made of oak, and are very nice. Contact: Woodway at 245-751-0411.

Support Group Facilitators Needed

Depression Connection has eight support groups located throughout Tarrant County. New ones are being established on a regular basis. Each group is staffed with two facilitators who are paid up to $30 per meeting. At this time, we need additional facilitators in Northeast Tarrant County, Arlington, Fort Worth, Benbrook, and White Settlement. We are looking for people who have depression or bipolar disorder and are in a

successful program of recovery. Facilitators can be non-professional as well as mental health professionals. Depression Connection trains each facilitator for this work. Facilitators can take groups whether or not their own church is a sponsor. If you are interested or know someone else who is, contact Tony Campbell at 817-810-9599 or tony@depressionconnection.org. If you would like for your church to consider sponsoring a group it would be good for you to have someone take the training. This way, your church would gain insight into the program.

Organist - part time

First UMC, Midlothian seeks an organist beginning in April. Responsibilities include service playing for two Sunday morning worship services (8:30 and 11:00 a.m.) and all special services (e.g. Christmas Eve, Good Friday, etc.) as well as accompaniment of the adult Chancel Choir (one Wednesday evening rehearsal, as well as 3-5 called rehearsals a year for special Chancel Choir events). Organist is expected to be equally comfortable at the piano, possess excellent sight-reading skills, accompany a variety of groups on Sunday morning. (e.g. children’s choirs and a variety of vocal and instrumental soloists with a minimum of rehearsal). Applicants should have a knowledge of sacred and classical music; the ability to effectively and creatively support congregational hymn singing, a willingness to play a variety of worships styles, a Christian philosophy compatible with UM traditions, and a demonstrated ability to work well with church staff and a variety of individuals. First UMC Midlothian has a 3-manual Rodgers digital organ in it’s sanctuary. Contact: Carol Freeto at 972-723-3993 or cfreeto76065@sbcglobal.net.

Pianist/Organist (repeat)

St. James UMC Temple seek a gospel pianist/organist part-time. Primary responsibilities will be rehearsal one day per week and morning service on Sunday. On occasion, the need may arise for an evening service. Contact Myrtle McDaniel at lawyer1611@aol.com for more information.

Pianist/Accompanist (repeat)

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 (repeat)

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! (repeat)

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 (repeat)

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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Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world