April 26, 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

[New and/or changed information is printed in blue.]

ALERT: E-Link will be on hiatus May 17. Any information or notices sent to the editor after the May 10 issue will be included in the May 24 issue.

Reminder: Nothing But Nets chosen for Conference Offering — The Nothing But Nets initiative to stamp out malaria in Africa is the designated Annual Conference Offering this year. Our conference joins others UMs across the nation, our partner organizations in the projects, and what has become a nationwide effort to help fight malaria in Africa. The disease, which can be prevented with the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, claims the life of a child every 30 second in Africa. The total cost of a bed net is $10. The UMC’s second-mile giving program has established Advance #982015 to help in the global anti-malaria campaign, but our Central Texas Conference will be launching a special initiative at the June 2007 Annual Conference in addition to the conference offering. That initiative will involve all the church of our conference with activities culminating in an event that coincides with General Conference 2008. We hope to have the LARGEST Annual Conference ever!

Immediate Need: 7 basketball enthusiasts needed to serve as district coordinators — In response to the Nothing But Nets initiative to stem the devastating spread of malaria in Africa with insecticide-treated bed nets, CTC will launch our own conference-wide initiative with the 2007 Annual Conference offering and a basketball competition. In order to do this, we need a volunteer basketball coordinator in each district — laity or clergy, but someone who loves basketball! If you can help, please contact our conference coordinator Howard Martin (Richland Hills UMC) at hmartin@rhumc.net or 817-284-9371.

Gleaning opportunity — The Gleaning Network of Texas will be hosting an opportunity to glean organic strawberries in Granbury on Sunday, April 29. If you are interested in volunteering to glean strawberries to donate to local food assistance agencies, please contact Susie Marshall of the Gleaning Network of Texas at 972-814-0928 or Susie@gleantexas.org. For more details about GNT visit www.gleantexas.org. This is obviously not a fruit that food pantries often get, so let’s give some folks a fun surprise.

Golden Cross Sunday — The UMC has designated May 6 at Golden Cross Sunday. Historically, local congregations in the Central Texas Conference have collected money designated to assist the medically indigent treated in Harris Methodist hospitals. This was expanded two years ago to address the preventative medicine needs of UM congregations through support of Faith Community Nursing, formerly known at Parish Nursing. A portion of the Golden Cross offering is used to provide scholarships for area UM nurses who wish to receive training in FCN. Last year, nine $375 scholarships were awarded.

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

District Conferences — District conferences are our way of preparing members for effective representation/leadership at Annual Conference June 3-6 at the Tarrant County Convention Center, Fort Worth.

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. The conferences are open to all who are interested.

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

News

Nothing But Nets T-shirts available

Cokesbury Bookstore is supporting the Nothing But Nets campaign by offering T-shirts for sale. The entire $20 goes to the purchase of a mosquito net for a family. Please stop by the store and learn more about how you can help save lives.

UM agency steps up missionary recruitment

The UMC is launching a long-term missionary recruitment campaign. "We need missionaries," Rev. R. Randy Day told directors of the General Board of Global Ministries at the opening of the mission agency's semi-annual meeting in Stamford, CT. on April 23. Day is chief executive of the international mission and service agency. The campaign theme is "The Face of Today's Missionary: Is It Yours?"

Personnel are needed for work in evangelism, church development, education, medical care, agriculture, legal services, and financial administration. A majority, although not all, assignments are outside the United States.

"Our recruitment initiative is quite broad," Day said. "It covers regular, or 'standard support,' missionaries as well as persons in special categories, including short-term young adult service, Hispanic ministries, and our Church and Community Workers program. It also includes a new category, Global Health Missionaries, which is currently focused on sub-Saharan Africa." Extensive information on the recruitment campaign in five languages can be found on the website of the GBGM at www.ummissionaries.org. The languages are English, French, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.

UMCOR message of hope to Virginia Tech community

UMs are responding with a message of hope for those affected by the tragedy at Virginia

Polytechnic Institute. With a grant from UMCOR coupled with matching funds, the Virginia Annual Conference will bring encouragement and healing to Blacksburg and Roanoke residents. TV spots will be aired that are aimed specifically at helping young people cope with the tragedy at this state university. The aim is to reach those most affected and to let them know they can seek solace in any UM church where they will experience open hearts, open minds, and open doors. Funds remaining will be used to support counseling for Virginia Tech students.

"The church is uniquely equipped to help people cope with grief, anger, and bewilderment in the aftermath of such enormous tragedy," said R. Randy Day, General Secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries.

"We are pleased to work with the Virginia Annual Conference in this important ministry." UMCOR is prepared to assist local congregations to help members process this traumatic event in which their sense of security was destroyed and so many young lives were lost. In response to the Columbine shooting, UMCOR provided similar support to local congregations and trained Sunday school teachers to help their classes cope with the trauma. Please continue to lift up the Virginia Tech community in your prayers, especially those families who have lost their sons and daughters, friends and neighbors.

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

Glen Lake Camp summer registration

Glen Lake Summer 2007: Registration is still open for summer 2007 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center. Summer campers will learn what it means to be "TRANSFORMED" by the love of Christ. You can view dates, register online or download forms at www.glenlake.org. 2007 volunteers are also needed, visit

www.glenlake.org to download the volunteer form. Don't lose your spot, Register now!

Resettling refugees

Refugee Services of Texas, Inc. is expecting to receive 800 refugees into Dallas/Fort Worth this summer. This is a good opportunity for individuals and community organizations to get involved with many different cultures and exciting projects. You/your congregation can help by:

Donating gently used or new furniture, dishes and kitchen items, linens, toiletries;

Funding rent, utilities, gift cards

Volunteer tutoring in ESL, transportation to appointments, introducing refugees to the community

Call 817-457-8110 (Fort Worth), 214-821-4883 (Dallas) or 512-472-9472 (Austin) to get involved today!

Paul Saik in concert in Lorena and Waco

Paul Saik will be in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 12, in the Lorena ISD Performing Arts Center. This concert is a fundraiser to purchase a piano for the facility. Tickets are $10 each and may be obtained in advance by calling Carolyn Fischer at Lorena MS at 254-857-4388 or 254-857-4621. Tax deductible donations will be accepted and checks may be made payable to: Lorena Education Foundation, Lorena ISD, P.O. Box 97, Lorena 76655. Paul Saik will be in concert on Sunday evening, May 13, at Woodway UMC, Waco. More information may be obtained by calling the church at 254-751-0411.

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

Resources

GBOD/Cokesbury resources for dealing with Virginia Tech tragedy

Due to the enormous effect on us and our nation from the Virginia Tech tragedy, Cokesbury and GBOD have placed on their websites resources for study and worship as well as helpful articles for leaders of children and youth. Included in this list is a special supplemental issue of FaithLink (curriculum for adults) available here and on the Cokesbury website free of charge. The issue of LinC dealing with this event will probably become available on May 6.

Direct link to Cokesbury’s website: http://www.cokesbury.com/portal_controller.aspx?pageid=353

Please note there are two articles for leaders of youth, one by Mike Ratcliff and another by Marcey Balcomb:
http://www.ileadyouth.com/article_reader.asp?ID=419
http://www.ileadyouth.com/article_reader.asp?ID=58

Special issue of FaithLink: FaithLink Virginia Tech tragedy.pdf

Article for children's leaders and teachers, "Helping Children Cope with Violence" Helping Children Cope With Violence.doc

Churches Refer to Support Groups

It could be like having your 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 about 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

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.

Part-time Director of Children’s Ministries
First UMC Belton seeks a part-time director of children’s ministries to work with pre-K through 6^th grade children and their families. Degree and previous experience working with children preferred. Contact First UMC Belton at 254-939-5703 or churchmail@vvm.com.

Youth Director

Bethesda UMC, located NW of Weatherford, seeks a part-time youth director. Salary negotiable, travel allowance included. There is enormous potential for growth in the youth program, and the congregation is very supportive of the youth in our community. Please email the pastor for more information at ken@bethesdaumc.com.

Contemporary Musicians
Bethesda UMC seeks contemporary musicians, both instrumental and vocalist, for a new contemporary worship service. Bethesda UMC is located NW of Weatherford with a potential for an excellent contemporary worship service. Please email the pastor for further details at: ken@bethesdaumc.com.

Director of Music/Fine Arts Ministries

Opening for a full-time director of music and fine arts ministries at First UMC Keller (1025 Johnson Road, Keller 76248), a 1300-member church in NE Tarrant County with an average worship attendance of 750. Responsibilities include oversight of the music and fine arts department, development of creative worship ideas, leading the chancel choir, bell choir, etc., oversight of the contemporary praise and worship leader, oversight of all audio/visual equipment and drama ministries. Requirements: minimum two years of similar experience and an undergraduate degree. Submit resume to Jason Jones at jasonj@kellerumc.org.

Music Director

St. Paul UMC in Hurst seeks a part-time music director. The job involves 12-15 hours per week and pays $16,000/yr. The director will select music, lead choir and oversee music ministry. Inquire at 852 W. Bedford Euless Rd., Hurst, 76053 or 817-284-7181 or saintpaul06@charterinternet.com.

Director of Music & Worship Arts

Aledo UMC seeks an energetic and experienced Christian musician for an exciting position to lead and coordinate many facets of a multi-dimensional and growing congregation, including directing the Chancel Choir, a small chorale, and overseeing the adult handbells. For more information, call the church office at 817-441-8329 or visit www.aledoumc.org.

Director of Children’s Ministry Program

Aledo UMC seeks an energetic and experienced Christian musician who enjoys working with children for a position to lead the children’s choirs. For more information, call our church office at 817-441-8329 or visit www.aledoumc.org.

Director of Children’s Ministries

First UMC, Bedford is praying for an energetic, talented and teachable director of children’s ministries — someone with experience in the field whose commitment to the Lord is evident in their lifestyle and in their mentoring of volunteers and employees, parents as well as children; a team player with the desire to invest in the families of the children as well as other areas of church life. Salary is commensurate with training and experience including a church-owned furnished home. Contact Lynn Moore with a resume and references or for more information. First UMC, Bedford Texas. 817-283-5536 or ldmoore@fumcbedford.com.

Part-time Director of Youth Ministries
Richland Hills UMC (7301 Glenview Dr., N. Richland Hills 76180, 817-284-9371) seeks a part-time director of youth ministries. Responsibilities include: Sunday and midweek programming with strong mission emphasis. Contact: Mark Hancock, mhancock@rhumc.net or fax resumes to 817-595-2068.

Part-time Director of Youth Ministries

Edge Park UMC located in Southwest Fort Worth seeks a part-time director of youth ministries. The successful applicant will work with the professional ministry staff to promote and oversee the spiritual formation of children and youth. Salary is negotiable, depending on experience in youth ministry. A full job description, submission of resumes and further inquiries may be directed to Tom Connolly, 5616 Crowley Road, Fort Worth 76134 or email epumc@earthlink.net.

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.

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

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

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Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world