April 5, 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

Reminder — NEW MATERIAL and CHANGES in printed in violet/blue. Hyperlinks, normally in blue, are still hyperlinks within the articles.

Near time items

World Health Day — World Health Day is observed April 7. The 2007 theme, “Invest in Health, Build a Safer Future,” draws attention to the need to seek long-term solutions to serious health problems such as HIV/AIDS and malaria, both diseases that ruin the quality of life for many around the world, especially those who are poor. Learn and share what UMs are doing in these areas in the World Health Day bulletin insert available at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/resources/cbi/archives07/index.cfm?i=10207. You can participate in this important day by giving to one of the following health programs:

-Malaria Control, UMCOR Advance #982009

-United Methodist Global AIDS Fund, UMCOR Advance #982345

-Mother and Child Survival, Global, UMCOR Advance #982645

Maundy Thursday Communion Worship — First UMC Cleburne will host this event at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5.

Seven Last Words on the Cross — St. Stephen UMC (1800 W Randol Mill Road, Arlington) will hold a noon worship service Friday, April 6, centered in the “Seven Last Words of the Cross.” The service will feature seven preachers giving three- to five- minute sermons on the last words from the cross. The preachers are the Luther Henry, Ceasar Rentie, Janet Bell Odom, Chauncey Nealy, Kennedy Jones, Marvin Kellar, and Debra Crumpton. A free luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the service. If you have questions please contact the church office at 817-460-8655 or ssumc@sbcglobal.net.

Spring Leadership Summit — The Spring Leadership Summit, sponsored by Mission Ministries’ Nurture, Outreach and Witness Councils, will be held 9 a.m. – 3:30 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

Mid-Cities and Fort Worth District Days! — The final two District Days, sponsored by the office of Church Growth & Development, will be for the Fort Worth District on April 10 at Arlington Heights UMC, and for the Mid-Cities District on April 12 at First UMC Arlington. These District Days will be covering the topic of "Generational and Cultural Diversity within the Hispanic Community," presented by Sam Rodriguez. Click here <http://ct.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/CGDDistrictDay_Schedule_spring_2007_A6YSKDPI.doc> for more information. Make sure also to RSVP at Katie@ctcumc.org.

Five Star Program applications due April 15 — The deadline for Five Star Program recognition applications is approaching. The conference wants to recognize your church’s mission efforts through the CTC Five Star Program, and the April 15 application is just around the corner. The 2007 Annual Conference will recognize the churches that completed the requirements of the Five Star Program during the 2006 calendar year. The requirements are as follows:

Give 100% of assigned apportionments
                Have an ongoing program of mission education
                Serve the local community through outreach
                Contribute to a conference, national, international or UMCOR Advance Special
                As a step toward becoming a Global Mission Partner, make a financial contribution of any size to a United Methodist missionary
            You may download an application for recognition at this year’s Annual Conference at www.ctcumc.org/globalmission. Please direct any questions to Tom Beaty, CTC Five Star Program coordinator, at 254-675-3984, 254-675-8831 – tomcindybeaty@earthlink.net, or Jennifer Coggins, CTC director of humanitarian services, at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622, or jennifer@ctcumc.org.

VBS Samplers — This year’s VBS Samplers will be held at First UMC Euless, Lorena UMC, and Early UMC. They will all be from 3 to 5 p.m. April 15. Participants will experience “samples” of the music, games, snacks, crafts, and Bible stories that will be a part of Lift Off: Soaring to New Heights with God. Mark the date and plan to be there to experience the fun and learning of Vacation Bible School 2007. No registration is required and the event is free.

News

Two plan-ahead items:

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 22-28. This is an ideal opportunity for churches to raise awareness about the impact of crime, victims’ rights, and the vital need for victim services. In Tarrant County the interfaith community is invited to two related events. In response to the recent murder-suicides in the area, the Tarrant Area Community of Churches is sponsoring a forum on Family Violence: A Faith Community Response at 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 19, at University Christian Church (2720 S. University, Fort Worth). The forum will provide resources for clergy and lay leaders to help them as they are confronted with domestic violence in their communities and in their congregations plus information from expert speakers and resources from city and county agencies that deal with family violence and mental health issues, including:

Ø Why should we care?

Ø Recognizing and addressing family violence

Ø Resources for victims and perpetrators of family violence

Ø Resources for faith approaches to stemming family violence

Family violence touches all our congregations in one way or another. How can we bring healing and hope to its victims now? A second event is a Tarrant County Interfaith Community Worship Service at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at First UMC, Fort Worth. This service is for crime victims, their families and friends, and the community. For more details on the forum, contact Melinda Veatch (Tarrant Area Community of Churches) at 817-737-5554 or melindav@tarrantareacc.org. For more details on the worship service, contact Sandra Lydick, crime victims chaplain, at 817-675-6367.

April 25 is Malaria Awareness Day: Skip a lunch. Send a net. Save a life. What if you could save a child’s life just by skipping lunch for one day? April 25 is Africa Malaria Day and for the first time, President Bush has also declared it Malaria Awareness Day in the U.S. in order to educate the public about a disease that kills one child in Africa every 30 seconds. On April 25, UMs are encouraged to skip lunch and donate the money saved to the Nothing But Nets campaign - www.NothingButNets.net - to purchase mosquito bed nets for children in Africa. A $10 contribution will pay for an insecticide-treated bed net, getting it to a family in Africa and teaching them how to use it properly. A challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is matching contributions dollar for dollar, so your gift will have twice the impact. Sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net can protect a child from mosquitoes at night — the time when most transmissions occur. Providing a bed net is a simple and inexpensive way to prevent malaria. To support Malaria Awareness Day, churches are encouraged to have a noon worship service with a focus on malaria on April 25 as an alternative to lunch; to hold a Wednesday evening service; or to host another activity such as a fundraiser. Nothing But Nets has been selected for the 2007 Central Texas Annual Conference offering.

2007 Annual Conference

SEE END OF E-LINK FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION

weekly updates/changes in blue/violet

June 3 – 6 at Fort Worth Convention Center, Downtown Fort Worth

Hotel: Hilton Fort Worth (815 Main St., Fort Worth) Phone: 817-870-2100

Worship: All worship services at First UMC of Fort Worth (800 W. Fifth St., Fort Worth)

Events-Opportunities

The Call 2007

The Call 2007, a young adult mission experience sponsored by the CTC, will be May 14-19. This is a mission event for college-age and high school graduates through age 25 to work together serving others in the name of Christian faith and love. The teams will make repairs and do new construction in the hurricane damaged areas around Lake Charles, La. The deadline to register is May 1. Contacts: Jake Allen at 817-274-1345 or jake@trinitystudentministries.org or Susan Briles at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or susan@ctcumc.org.

Glen Lake Camp

Summer Camp registration is still open for Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center. Visit www.glenlake.org to view

dates, prices and register online. This summer campers will be learning how they are "transformed" by the love of Christ. There are still volunteer opportunities available as well. Don't miss the chance to experience Glen Lake this summer! Call 254-897-2247 with questions or visit our website www.glenlake.org to register now!

Laity Banquet — Brownwood

The Brownwood Laity Banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 20 at First UMC Brownwood (2500 11^th St., Brownwood).

Upcoming online workshops for the Institute for Discipleship at BeADisciple.com:

Maximizing disciple in your church — Enroll now for a Disciple workshop by visiting www.beadisciple.com — an online workshop that begins April 9. It is intended for pastors and lay persons who already facilitate, and would like to grow, DISCIPLE Bible Study in their home church. With the use of a wonderful DVD featuring Dr. Wilke, participants will explore the need, purpose, structure, and expectations of DISCIPLE.

Methodism — The Mysterious Documents of Methodism —This workshop will explore the use and purpose for the UM "Journal," "Book of Discipline," and "Book of Resolutions." Begins April 30.

Liturgy Out of the Box: Patterned by Grace — How Worship Shapes Us. This workshop is offered by author, Daniel Benedict, as a study of his new book, "Patterned by Grace--How Liturgy Shapes Us." Begins May 14.
Questions and comments may be directed to Lisa Buffum at beadisciple@sckans.edu.

Leadership Effectiveness

The Leadership Nexus Foundation Effectiveness Conference will be May 1-3 at First UMC, Arlington. Among the topics are: Preaching Effectively, Benchmarks of a Great and Effective Church, Exciting Children’s Ministry, Worship Planning/Visual and Digital, Spiritual Development Today, Suggestions for Reading that Aids Preaching, Effective Pastoral Assessment, Tragedy of the “Three Points and a Poem” Sermon, Effective Youth Ministry, Evangelism that Works, and The Theology of Effectiveness. For more details, contact the Leadership Nexus Foundation at 918-477-7549 or bpierson@leadershipnexus.net.

Lay Speakers Teach Adults — an advance course

Lyle Keehn, Ulricia Lockett, and Barbara Foster will teach the advanced course "Lay Speakers Teach Adults" May 12 and 19 at First UMC Temple in Dennis Hall. This should be an interesting and informative study! The course will run from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both Saturdays. Sandwich lunches will be provided. Those with restrictive dietary needs may choose to bring lunch (a refrigerator is available). Anyone wishing to bring snacks or goodies (especially homemade ones) are welcome to do so. Participants should obtain the book Start Here by Barbara Bruce and the study guide Lay Speakers Teach Adults: Advanced Course by Diana L. Hynson. These materials can be obtained at http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/search_page.asp. Reading the

materials before the course is recommended. Those blessed individuals who are able to participate should notify

Barbara Foster as soon as possible at bfoster@abog.org

Speaker Series at Aledo UMC

Aledo UMC (corner of Oak & Pecan, Aledo) will host two author/speaker events in April. An Evening with Ron Hall and Denver Moore, authors of Same Kind of Different as Me, will be held Wednesday, April 15, and An Evening with Don Pipe, author of 90 Minutes in Heaven, will be held Wednesday, April 25. Both programs begin with a community dinner at 5:30 p.m. and the authors’ presentations at 6:30 p.m. The first book is described at “gritty with pain and betrayal and brutality … a true story that also shines with an unexpected, life-changing love.” The second book speaks of the author’s experience: “Following a tragic car accident in 1989, in which Don was declared dead on the scene, he was miraculously revived twice and has been in recovery since that time. His testimony of his death experience, visit to heaven’s gates, and struggles to regain his health is a remarkable story.” For more details, visit www.aledoumc.org.

CTC Mission Education Event

“How Can Local Churches be Global Mission Stations?” will be presented at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Acton UMC. Granbury. It will be led by Una Jones, mission education coordinator, General Board of Global Ministries. This workshop is appropriate for district mission secretaries, local church mission chairs, or mission team members, and any conference mission coordinators. Local church members interested in mission activities are encouraged to attend. To register, please contact Dawne McAlphin, CTC secretary of global ministries at 817-326-4242 or dawne@actonumc.org. Cost is $8 for lunch payable at the event. Childcare is available by request.

Stewardship Ministry with Seniors Workshop
This workshop is hosted by the Central Texas Methodist Foundation and will be held on Saturday, April 21, at the Conference Center (464 Bailey, Fort Worth). The class is limited to 25 participants and will be held at 10:00 am – 12:00 Noon. Clergy and laity in ministry with seniors and persons dealing with aging loved ones will benefit from this workshop that deals with common financial and stewardship issues important to seniors. Laymen’s terms promised! Topics will range from living issues, estate matters, powers of attorney, Wills, and maximizing income for living. No charge, but reservations are required by calling Kathy Jackson at 800-333-4096 or email kathy@ctmf.org.

St. Philip’s UMC, Round Rock hosts basic lay speaking course

Frank Holder will teach the Basic Lay Speaking course at St. Philip's UMC Round Rock Friday-Saturday, April 13-14 — 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Interested attendees may call Frank at 512-244-1734 if they would like to attend.

Glen Lake Golf Classic
Just Hit It at the 5th Annual Glen Lake Golf Classic. Sign your team up to play April 27 at Squaw Valley Golf Course in Glen Rose. Please visit our website at www.glenlake.org

<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=9uacc6bab.0.enmre6bab.4k78cybab.4713&ts=S0235&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.glenlake.org%2Findex.cfm%3FPAGE_ID%3D877%26EXPAND%3D877> for forms and information for sponsors.

Resources

Think Stewardship – NOW!!

Is your church planning to have a stewardship campaign this fall? Don’t wait until August or September to start planning. Start now. The Stewardship Task Force can provide professional help free of charge. We will come to your church and help you plan your whole campaign. You will receive all the tools you need to run a successful campaign. If you have not run a campaign lately or want to try a different look to what you have been doing, please contact Dick Swain at 817-573-7035 or dnlswain@charter.net.

Support Groups – Eleven (11) In All

Depression Connection Support Groups (DCSG) is a non-profit mental health agency established by Depression Connection Team. The purpose of DCSG is to establish and sustain multiple support groups. The support group program is funded by a $65,000 grant from The Texas State Department of Health. This grant has enabled DCSG to develop eleven (11) free groups that are serving people who have depression or bipolar disorder. For information to join a group, please call Tiffany Reagan or Tony Campbell at (817)-810-9599 or email tiffany@depressionconnection.org or tony@depresssionconnection.org.

Most of these groups are provided by DCSG in collaboration with churches and church agencies. The churches are Benbrook UMC, Christ UMC, and St. Barnabas UMC. Church agencies are Baylor All-Saints Hospital and NICA- Northside Interchurch Agency. Other collaborators are The Art Station, Mental Health Association, Arlington Human Services Center, and the White Settlement Recreation Center. Other churches have asked to collaborate with DCSG to sponsor groups. Anyone interested in inquiring about sponsoring a support group should contact DCSG at the above phone number months in advance.

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.

Yes, Lord, I Have Sinned But I Have Several Excellent Excuses. James W. Moore.-DVD with 12 weekly 10 minute video sessions. Moore observed that people often give excuses for their arrogance, dishonesty, presumptuousness, and poor choices. He reminds us that God sees through our excuses, and he challenges us to grow beyond them. Includes leader’s guide. Small group study.

Calendar

Monopoly Tournament — April 7 at Faith UMC, Fort Worth

Pre-Retirement Seminar — April 12 at Arlington Heights UMC, Fort Worth (sponsored by CTC Board of Pensions)

Basic Lay Speaker Course — April 13-14 at St. Philip’s UMC, Round Rock

Bible Retreats — April 13-14 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center

Spring Leadership Summit — April 14 at First UMC Arlington

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week — April 22-28

Interfaith Forum on Family Violence — April 10 at University Christian Church, Fort Worth (sponsored by TACC, Tarrant County Council on Family Violence, law enforcement and service agencies)

Community Worship Service for crime victims, their families and friends, and the community — 3 p.m. April 22 at First UMC, Fort Worth

Stewardship Ministry with Seniors — CTMF sponsored event at 10 a.m. to noon April 21 at Conference Center

Week of the Young Child (WOYC) — April 22-28 www.naeyc.org/about/woyc

SCJ Spirit of Youth Ministry — April 24-26 at Mount Sequoyah (contact: dnorthcutt@okumc.org or 800-760-8126)

Morris Walker Award nominations deadline — May 1

Leadership Nexus Foundation Effectiveness Conference — May 1-3 at First UMC, Arlington

Mid-Cities District Conference — 7 p.m. May 15 at Aldersgate UMC, Arlington

Waco District Conference — 6:30 p.m. May 17 at Cogdell UMC, Waco

Temple District Conference — 7 p.m. May 17 at First UMC, Temple

Waxahachie District Conference — 6 p.m. May 21 at Ferris Heights UMC, Waxahachie

Weatherford District Conference — 7 p.m. May 22 at Calvary UMC, Weatherford

SCJ Generation X/Y Gathering — May 23-26 at Mount Sequoyah (www.mountsequoyah.org)

Fort Worth District Conference — 7 p.m. May 24 at Arlington Heights UMC, Fort Worth

Brownwood District Conference — 7 p.m. May 24 at Comanche UMC

PUMP 2007 summer youth mission weekend — May 31-June 3 offered by First UMC Palmer palmerpump2007@yahoo.com

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

Basic Meditation Training for Church Laity & Clergy — June 18-30 (contact: abutcher@hillcollege.edu or 254-733-5179)

Bishop’s Trip to Paris & Rome — July 26

3^rd Annual National Congregational Health Ministries Conference — Sept. 23-26 at Wichita, KS (contact: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/health/events/conferences or jftruitt@comcast.net)

Globalization: The Challenge of Global Community — Oct. 14-19 at New York City (contact: www.primetimers.info)

Needs, Resources, Opportunities

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

to pull your listing when your opening has been filled.

Director of Student Ministries

Candidate resumes are being accepted for the Director of Student Ministries at First UMC, Grapevine (www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org). First Church is a 2,200 member congregation in Grapevine, Texas situated between Dallas and Fort Worth. The Student Ministries Director will be responsible for building and delivering a faith centered youth ministry program. Key focus areas will include coordination of church youth activities, community event and school visitation and coordination of youth outreach and service opportunities. Candidates must demonstrate a track record of enthusiasm, dedication organizational skills, and multiple priority management. Interested candidates should email their resume by April 30 to senior pastor Ken Diehm at kend@fumcg.org.

Summer Youth Intern

Epworth UMC in Arlington seeks a Youth Intern for Summer 2007 and is now accepting applications and inquiries. The internship provides the experience of leading an active relational youth ministry with middle school and high school students, which focuses on discipleship through worship, study and service while being mentored by an experienced youth director at a supportive church. Responsibilities include weekly youth meetings, special events, and more informal relational activities with the youth. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to Christ and Christian youth ministry, possess a genuine love for youth, have the ability to establish personal relationships quickly, have a strong desire to win young people for Christ, and have other ministry and administrative skills. This is a paid part-time internship. Contact info: John Beckling, director of student ministries, at 817-706-4305 or epworthyouth@sbcglobal.net

CTCYM Director

The Conference Mission Ministries seeks qualified applicants for director of the Central Texas Conference Youth in Mission program. This position annually coordinates mission trips for 2,500 junior and senior high youth. Experience with youth and administrative the ability to work with large groups is essential. Bachelor’s degree preferred, clergy or laity. Applicants should be highly motivated and flexible, and capable to:

• coordinate all written and oral communication with local churches;

• plan and participate in pre-mission trip planning;

• facilitate recruitment and training of participants, leadership teams, work coordinators, center directors and program coordinators;

• coordinate assignment of living arrangements, details of and locations for closing celebrations;

• facilitate writing, training and implementation of annual mission trip program curriculum.

If interested, send resume by April 15 to Doyle Allen, executive director of Mission Ministries and assistant to the bishop, 464 Bailey Ave., Fort Worth 76107 or doyle@ctcumc.org.

Part-time Youth Director

Ovilla UMC seeks a part-time youth director. For a job description or more information contact Cal Hoffman at 972-617-8840. Salary is negotiable, depending on experience in youth ministry. Send resumes or inquires to Cal Hoffman, 1403 Red Oak Creek Rd., Ovilla 75154.

Director of Education

Wellspring UMC in Georgetown seeks a full-time director of education. If interested, please contact Gary Whitbeck at 512-930-5959 or email resume to whitbeckg@wellspringgeorgetown.org.

Part-time Youth Director (2 positions)
First UMC Rowlett (4405 Main St, Rowlett, TX 75088) seeks two part-time youth directors for 20-25 hrs/week, working on a multi-member youth staff in a youth group of over 250. Expectations of helping lead youth weekly events, ministries, and trips. For a full description of these positions, contact Ross Reynolds at 972-977-7391 ross.reynolds@fumc-rowlett.org. This church is located in East Dallas, and is part of the North Texas Conference.

Wanted: Office Copier for JFON

Justice For Our Neighbors ministry is in need of a gently-used copier for the office. Would be willing to take over service and maintenance contract. Please contact Amy by phone at 817-534-3293 or by e-mail at amyspaur@hotmail.com.

Part-time Program Assistant
Description: 25 hours per week: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Position will assist the Director of Music/Worship and the Minister of Youth and Their Families. Will also assist the Communications Director and will cover reception desk during the lunch hour. Skills necessary: Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Publisher. Experience in Adobe and Shelby Systems a plus. Looking for positive attitude, pleasant phone etiquette, excellent organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks. Send resumes to Philip Rhodes, FUMC, Hurst, P.O. Box 1461, Hurst 76053, or prhodes@fumchurst.org.

Mission Assistant Director

First Street Methodist Mission, an outreach ministry of First UMC, Fort Worth, seeks an assistant director. Desired are bachelor's degree in social work, business, or related field. The salary range is $24,000-$28,000. Position requirements are: strong management skills with the ability to recruit, supervise, evaluate, motivate, and retain volunteer staff. Applicants must have exceptional communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task, and strong computer skills. Contact: Page Hines, director, First Street Methodist Mission (801 West First St., Fort Worth 76102) or phines@firststreetmission.org.

Children’s Coordinator
Light of the World UMC seeks a children’s coordinator. The position consists of 7 to 10 hours work per week including Sundays and involves leading Children’s Church for ages 3-5th grades, getting volunteers, coordinating Sunday school, and coordinating the nursery. Please contact Jana Wear at 817-832-6250 or janawear@sbcglobal.net for more information or to submit your resume.

Director of Christian Education

Immediate opening for full time director of Christian education who is responsible to the senior pastor. Responsible for the planning and direction of children and adult educational ministries of FUMC, Georgetown. Will work with volunteers, parents and clergy to develop Sunday school programs, missions, evangelism, family ministries and special events. Preferred background experiences in Christian education. Additional information is available at www.fumcgt.org. Closing date for applications: April 15. Send resume to First UMC, ATTN: Corlee Bosch, 410 East University Ave., Georgetown 78626. E-mail with attached resume acceptable. Send to corlee@fumcgt.org. Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.

2007 Annual Conference

weekly updates in blue/violet

June 3 – 6 at Fort Worth Convention Center, Downtown Fort Worth

Hotel: Hilton Fort Worth (815 Main St., Fort Worth) Phone: 817-870-2100

Worship: All worship services at First UMC of Fort Worth (800 W. Fifth St., Fort Worth)

District Conference — preparing members for effective representation/leadership at Annual Conference

The following dates and locations have been set for the seven district conferences where members learn more about the business and issues to be discussed at this year’s Annual Conference.

May 15             Mid-Cities District Conference                7 p.m.          Aldersgate UMC, Arlington
May 17             Waco District Conference                        6:30 p.m.     Cogdell UMC
May 17             Temple District Conference                     7 p.m.          First UMC Temple
May 21             Waxahachie District Conference             6 p.m.          Ferris Heights UMC
May 22             Weatherford District Conference            7 p.m.          Calvary UMC
May 24             Fort Worth District Conference              7 p.m.          Arlington Heights UMC
May 29             Brownwood District Conference             7 p.m.          Comanche UMC

Request from Nurture Council

The Nurture Council is requesting assistance for their report at this year’s Annual Conference so that they might share pictures of Sunday school classes, nurseries, after school programs, children’s choirs, and other children’s activities, retreats, Bible studies, spiritual growth groups studies, and other small groups that are active at your church. Please e-mail pictures to Sandra Hippman at lakeside_umc@yahool.com by April 15.

Annual Conference-related awards/recognitions:

Grants offered by Committee on Disability Concerns — The Committee on Disability Concerns will award two $500 grants each to junior or senior classified students who either have a handicapping condition, or who have a declared major in assisting individuals with handicapping conditions, i.e. special education, speech pathology, hearing and visual impairment, social work, counseling, physical, and/or occupational therapies. Both grants will be awarded in May and be presented at Annual Conference. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 30. To receive an application, contact Disability Concerns Committee, C/O Jane Gates, 114 Rebecca Rd., Moody, TX 76557-3546. Phone 254-853-2976 or e-mail jane@pasotx.com.

Morris Walker Award nominations — 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. Nominations may be mailed to Ed Komandosky, 2207 Gladnell St., Taylor, TX 76574 or e-mailed to ekomandosky@yahoo.com.

Conference Merit Scholarship Award & Stephens Scholarship in Finance/Accounting — The Conference Higher Education Task Force awards the Merit and Stephens Scholarships each year at Annual Conference (amount to be determined by total monies given to the UM Student Day Offering) to a newly admitted student in a school identified as UM by the University Senate of the UMC. Applicants must meet the following qualifications: (1) membership in a UM church for at least one year, (2) acceptance to a UM-related school, (3) nomination by the pastor and chairperson of Higher Education of a congregation within the bounds of the CTC that participated in the Student Day offering in the year preceding nomination, (4) evidence that the student is one who will help undergird the UMC now and, potentially, in the future and that the individual merits this special recognition. Application forms are on the conference website at www.ctcumc.org, available from local church pastors or by contacting Susan Briles at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or Susan@ctcumc.org. The deadline for applications is May 1.

Five Star Program Recognition — The conference wants to recognize your church’s mission efforts through the Five Star Program, and the April 15 application deadline is just around the corner. At the 2007 Annual Conference churches that completed the requirements of the Five Star Program during the 2006 calendar year will be recognized. Last year the conference recognized 34 congregations as Five Star churches, 20 of which were first-time recipients. The requirements are:
                Give 100% of assigned apportionments
                Have an ongoing program of mission education
                Serve the local community through outreach
                Contribute to a conference, national, international or UMCOR Advance Special
                As a step toward becoming a Global Mission Partner, make a financial contribution of any size to a

UM missionary

Download an application for recognition at www.ctcumc.org/globalmission. Please direct any questions to Tom Beaty, CTC Five Star Program coordinator, at 254-675-3984, 254-675-8831 – tomcindybeaty@earthlink.net, or Jennifer Coggins, CTC director of humanitarian services, at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622, or jennifer@ctcumc.org.

Annual Conference-related activities/events:

Orientation for First-Time Members of Annual Conference — 3:30 – 5 p.m. Sunday, June 3, at First UMC Fort Worth

Hispanic Ministries Cena de Amistad/Friendship Dinner — 5 – 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 3, at First UMC Fort Worth (purchase tickets ahead or at the door)

Contact: Sam Rodriguez at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or sam@ctcumc.org

Clergywomen’s Luncheon — 12 noon Monday, June 4, at First UMC, Fort Worth, Rm. 350

Contact: Patti Waser at 817-481-4147 or pwaser@whiteschapelumc.com

Clergy Spouses’ Luncheon — 12:15 p.m. Monday, June 4, at First UMC, Fort Worth Wesley Hall

Contact: Alice Torian at 325-643-1414

Partners in Ministry Luncheon — 12:15 p.m. Monday, June 4, at Fort Worth Convention Center

Contact: Steve McIver at 972-576-0988 or Smciver635@aol.com, P.O. Box 545, Ferris, TX 76125

Brite Alumni Dinner — 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 4, at Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center at TCU

Contact: Tim Thomas at 254-576-2313 or pastorthomas@valomet.com

Texas Methodist Foundation Dinner - New Elders/New Permanent Deacons — 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 4, at First UMC Fort Worth

Contact: Henry Radde at 817-336-0477 or henry@ctcumc.org

Texas Wesleyan University Breakfast — 7 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, at First UMC Fort Worth Rm. 154

Contact: Gladys Childs at 817-531-4461 or gchilds@txwes.edu

Asbury Alumni & Friends Luncheon — 12 noon Tuesday, June 5, at First UMC Fort Worth Rm. 154

Contact: Janet Woody at 817-283-5536 or jwoody@fumcbedford.com

Higher Education Scholarship Luncheon — 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, at First UMC FW Rm. 147

Contact: Carolyn Stephens at 817-877-5222 or Carolyn@ctcumc.org

Christian Educators’ Fellowship — 12 noon Tuesday, June 5 (location to be announced)

Contact: Carol Roberts at 817-292-4551 or carol@genesisumc.com

Board of Pensions Luncheon — 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, at Fort Worth Convention Center, Room 203 A,B,C

By invitation and reservation only

Contact: Bette McDowell at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or bette@ctcumc.org

United Methodist Women Luncheon — 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, at Fort Worth Convention Center, Room 202 A,B,C

Contact: Myrtis Parker at 817-292-3759 or mimp@swbell.net

Fellowship of Adults in Youth Ministry Luncheon — 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, at Arborlawn UMC

Contact: Lisa McCutcheon at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or lisa@ctcumc.org

Division of Deacons & Diaconal Ministers Breakfast — 7 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, at Arlington Heights UMC (all deacons, diaconal ministers, certified persons invited)

Contact: Barbara Elliott at 817-460-8655, 817-292-7840 or ssumc@sbcglobal.net

Perkins Alumni Breakfast — 7 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, at Petroleum Club (777 Main St., 39^th Floor)

Contact: Mary Dublin at 817-282-7384 or mdublin@fumchurst.org (mail reservation and $12 prepay check to FUMC Hurst, P.O. Box 1461, Hurst 76053 Attn: Mary Dublin)

Health & Welfare Luncheon — 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, at Fort Worth Convention Center

Hosted by conference health & welfare agencies: Harris Methodist Health System, Methodist Children’s Home, Methodist Mission Home, Wesleyan Homes, Sears Methodist Retirement System

Open to all at no charge or reservation

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Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world