April 19, 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

ALERT: E-Link will be on hiatus May 1. Any information or notices sent after the May 10 issue will be included in the May 24 issue.

Interfaith Community Worship Service — A Tarrant County Interfaith Community Worship Service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at First UMC, Fort Worth. This service, sponsored by Crime Victims Council, MADD, Metropolitan Board of Missions and Tarrant Area Community of Churches, kicks off National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 22-28. The worship service is intended for crime victims, their families and friends, and anyone in the community interested in helping victims of crime. A forum on family violence, previously announced for April 19, is being rescheduled for a later date. For more details on the worship service and the Crime Victims Council, contact Sandra Lydick, crime victims chaplain, at 817-675-6367. Bishop Ben R. Chamness offers this message:

“I appreciate the work and effort of the Crime Victims Council and the Tarrant Area Community of Churches in providing a worship service on April 22, 2007, as part of the National Crime Victims Rights Awareness Week. With the energies of these two organizations and others like them, we can support families and survivors of crime. With the impact violent crimes have on the individuals and communities it affects, it’s important for us to have and use the resources to support and strengthen one another in the journey.”

Africa Malaria Day: How can you get involved? — 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.

You can also be involved through the Make Malaria History campaign which offers a variety of ways to be a part of this effort to eradicate malaria through education, community training, testing, medication, and mosquito nets. Learn more through UMCOR's latest bulletin insert, Make Malaria History available at:
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/resources/cbi/archives07/?C=3631&i=10568. You can give directly to UM efforts to combat malaria through UMCOR Advance #982009, Community-Based Malaria Program.

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.

News

Former youth director/teacher found guilty

Jason Wamsley, 32-year-old former youth director at River Oaks UMC and teacher at Castleberry High School, was found guilty yesterday of sexually assaulting a teenage girl with whom he had a long-term relationship and this morning was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. The conviction was for three counts of sexual assault of a child under 17, six counts of indecency with a child, and one charge of improper relationship between a teacher and student. The jury brought the conviction is 80 minutes and the sentence in 45 minutes.

UM Reporter and ReporterInteractive preview

COVER STORY—CAMPUS VIOLENCE: United Methodists offer solace to students and families of shooting victims at Virginia Tech. By Mary Jacobs. http://www.umportal.org/main/article.asp?id=2044

MISSOURI’S NEW PATH: Radical changes are on the horizon for the Missouri Conference, with Bishop Robert Schnase and the Pathways Task Force leading the way. Report by Fred Koenig. http://www.umportal.org/main/article.asp?id=2034

DIPLOMACY OF DEEDS: Undersecretary of State Karen Hughes talks about her new role—what she calls “waging peace”—and how religion can be used to help sell the U.S. image abroad. A Q&A by RNS. (print version only)

TRASH-MOUTH SYNDROME: In his Reflections column, Retired Bishop Woodie White says “Some people excuse crudeness by saying it is a matter of free speech. I don't buy it!” http://www.umportal.org/main/article.asp?id=2028

WORDS THAT HURT: Chester Jones of GCORR shares his thoughts on the same topic: “Mr. Imus, in a sense, did us a favor by raising the consciousness level of words that hurt.” http://www.umportal.org/main/article.asp?id=2041

POLITICALLY CORRECT?: Shannon Vowell says Jesus’ message of tolerance, diversity and acceptance was subsumed by his larger intention: radical transformation, salvation, eternal joy in him.

http://www.umportal.org/main/article.asp?id=2027

Magallanes joins Perkins faculty

Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, announces a new faculty appointment. Dr. Hugo Magallanes will become the associate professor of Christianity and Cultures effective July 1. He is currently an associate professor of Church and Society and the assistant provost at Asbury Theological Seminary in Orlando, Fla. A native of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, he earned his undergraduate degree at Seminario Juan Wesley in Monterrey, his master’s degrees at Asbury Theological Seminary and at Drew University, and a Ph.D. in Religion and Society with a focus on Christian Social Ethics at Drew University. He is an ordained United Methodist elder and is a clergy member of the South Georgia Annual Conference.

Childcare at Annual Conference

Childcare at Annual Conference (June 4-6) will be at First UMC, Fort Worth (800 W. Fifth St, 76102) for children up to 12 years old. Care will be provided from 7:30 a.m. until Annual Conference session ends. Only snacks will be provided; children must bring their own lunches. Cost: $15 per day. Arrangements must be made by May 15 to Phyllis McDougal at pmcdougall@fumcftw.org or 817-339-5082. Church website: www.fumcftw.org.

Parking for Annual Conference

Carpooling to Annual Conference is highly advised by arrangements manager Troy Chapman. Parking lot maps and other information will be available at the District Conferences which are scheduled in May. Troy also suggests participants park at local churches or Park & Ride Lots to carpool together. First UMC, Fort Worth has 140 spaces with some handicapped parking at their Justin Building parking lot 801 W. 5^th St.

FW Convention Center website for other information www.fortworth.com

Lot #1 - 40 spaces – Power Lot Ninth St. and Calhoun - No Handicapped spaces

Lot #2 – FWCC Parking Garage on Commerce, 400-450 spaces with (25 Handicapped).

Other Lots on Jones St., Calhoun St. and Commerce St.

Garages and Surface Lot Rates: $6/space – No In and Out Parking

Lots are open 6 a.m. until one hour after events.

The T’s Park and Ride Lots -Six Express routes allow virtually non-stop travel weekdays from designated Park and Ride lots to Downtown Fort Worth and the New Trinity Railway Express computer rail station at the Intermodal Transportation Center at 9^th and Jones St.. Park and Ride locations are also a convenient meeting point for carpools and vanpools; all day parking is free, compliments of the T and participating businesses and churches.

Bus route maps and schedules are available on-line and require Adobe Acrobat to download and print from your computer. These can be downloaded from their website:www.the-t.com/services.hmtl. Copies will be available at District Conferences.

2007 Annual Conference

SEE END OF E-LINK FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION

weekly updates/changes in blue

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

Creating Kids Who Love to Learn

“A Day with Jim Fay: Discipline and Achievement” is a program for educators and parents in the Fort Worth area May 2 at Keller Church of Christ (205 Elms St., Keller 76248). Participants will learn: how to motivate underachieving and apathetic kids, help children become self-motivated and proud, help parents avoid reminder/rewards/punishment behaviors. For more details, visit www.loveandlogic.com.

Medema in concert at First Fort Worth - Sunday, April 29
Ken Medema is one of the most highly regarded writers and performers in church music. His career has lasted over 30 years and yet he continues to inspire audiences with beautiful melodies and heartfelt ecstatic performances. Ken is known for the impromptu songs he writes during concerts. He is a rare musical genius. On Sunday, April 29, at First UMC-Fort Worth (800 West Fifth St., Fort Worth) he will share a song during the 9:30 sanctuary worship service and will perform several pieces in the 11:11 service. At 7:30 that evening Ken will perform a concert in Wesley Hall. The concert is free and a love offering will be taken to help cover the costs. Don't miss this opportunity to see an inspiring legendary musician. A Ken Medema concert is an event to remember. For more information on Ken Medema please visit his website http://www.kenmedema.com

Potato Drop Volunteers Needed

The CTC Task Force on Hunger needs your help! We will be sponsoring a Potato Drop on Saturday, June 9, through the Gleaning Network of Texas. During the Potato Drop, volunteers will bag approximately 45,000 pounds of potatoes for local food ministries. Please contact Jennifer Coggins, CTC director of humanitarian services, at jennifer@ctcumc.org, 817-877-5222, or 800-460-8622, for more information.

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.

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

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.

Resources

Churches Refer to Support Groups

It could be like having your you own support group. Depression Connection Team now has eleven (11) groups. You may refer individuals to the groups that are most accessible to the person you are referring. All contact with DCT and our groups is confidential. Entry into our groups is by calling the Depression Connection office at 817-810-9599 or email us at depressionconnection@ce-corp.net. Please feel free to publicize these groups in your publications. If you would like for your church to sponsor a group of your own, please contact Tony Campbell at the above information.

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.

Bioethics and the Book of Life. VHS. The last few decades have seen astounding progress in the life sciences, progress that raises moral and ethical questions bout everything from the treatment of disease to the meaning of human life. What is the role of religion and ethics in grappling with the choices the new genetic knowledge presents? Includes a 24 page guide to the scientific topics covered. 10 sessions. 90 minutes total running time.

Calendar

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.

Computer Opportunities

Bobby Cullen, conference information technology director, offers the following opportunities:
• Laptops for churches: Any churches interested in being a part of a volume purchase of laptops, please contact Bobby Cullen ASAP at bobby@ctcumc.org.
• Used Computers: This summer, the conference will be receiving a shipment of donated computers from a Wells Fargo call center. If your church is in desperate need of a used computer (those churches still using machines with Windows 98 are good candidates), please contact Bobby Cullen at 817-877-5222 or bobby@ctcumc.org . These computers will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Youth Minister

First UMC Stephenville seeks a spiritually grounded, energetic, personable self-starter with experience in building a strong, dynamic youth ministry. This church of 1250+ members is located in a vibrant college town 60 miles SW of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a membership of active, well-rounded youth, this ministry is ripe for growth. Passionate, organized, open-minded, Biblically knowledgeable individuals should contact the search Ccommittee by at 254-965-6253 or fumc@our-town.com. Salary negotiable and competitive.

Director of Student Ministries

Candidate resumes are being accepted for the director of student ministries at First UMC, Grapevine — a 2,200 -member congregation 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 to Ken Diehm, senior pastor, First UMC, Grapevine at kend@fumcg.org. Resumes received after April 30 will not be considered.

Communications Director

The Dakotas Annual Conference of the UMC seeks an individual with strong writing skills and public relations know-how, who desires to work in the communications field as ministry (33K + benefits). Duties include the production of conference publications and oversight of conference communications in consultation with the Dakotas Area bishop and Conference staff. UM background preferred. Journalism degree and/or experience necessary. Residence within the Dakotas required (Mitchell, SD or Fargo, ND preferred). Send resume to Russ Whaley at 152 Ramsey Street, Pembina ND 58271 (electronic preferred: russwhaley@polarcomm.com). Postmarked no later than April 27.

Executive Director, Global Health Initiative

Posting: April 10 – May 8, 2007 by UMCom/Human Resources

Closing Date: May 8, 2007

Any interested applicants should apply to the Human Resources Office (hr@umcom.org)

P. O. Box 320, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-742-5137 or fax resumes to 615-742-5428.

Required to Apply: 3 written references, resume and application form required

Area Director of Communications

The New Mexico/Northwest Texas Episcopal Area seeks an area director of communications. Responsibilities are for both conferences and include, but are not limited to, editing the conference newspapers; overseeing content and updating content of the conference websites; giving input and oversight to area Listservs; being the public relations person; reporting first hand on major events held in the conferences; developing a network of district and sub-district reporters; assisting the bishop in his periodic messages to the area, both in writing and using video; assisting local churches to have a more effective communications ministry; and other duties as assigned. This person could live in Albuquerque, NM or Lubbock, TX. The compensation package is negotiable. Send resumes and inquires to James Large, Director of Mission and Administration of the New Mexico Annual Conference, 11816 Lomas Blvd, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112. largedir@nmconfum.com.

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.

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.

2007 Annual Conference

weekly updates in blue

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 Conferences — 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 24             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 817-313-1021 or prwaser@hotmail.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@valornet.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 CC, 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 CC, 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

If you know someone in your church, district or even outside the

Central Texas Conference who might appreciate receiving this weekly

electronic newsletter — or to unsubscribe your own listing —

please contact Susan Briles at Susan@ctcumc.org.

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world