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February 20, 2008

Central E-Link

Weekly Newsletter of the Central Texas Conference

Welcome! This is the conference’s weekly update to church leaders — lay and clergy. Articles/requests should be submitted to Carolyn@ctcumc.org by 12 noon Tuesday in order to be e-mailed on Wednesday. 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.ctcumc.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

News Briefs — The Conference

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

Ernst & Young financial planning services free in 2008!

This year, eligible participants in retirement plans administered by the General Board of Pension & Health Benefits (General Board) can receive free financial planning assistance from Ernst & Young, a leading global financial services firm. While this service is available all year, it might not be next year, so be sure to take advantage of this valuable benefit. Ernst & Young Financial Planning Services is available to:

Ÿ active participants,

Ÿ surviving spouses, and

Ÿ terminated and retired participants with an account balance of at least $10,000.

Consider these six benefits of using the free Ernst & Young program for your financial planning needs:

1. Unlimited phone time: This service used to be sold in three-hour blocks. However, this year, you can call Ernst & Young as often as you like and spend as much time on the phone as necessary.

2. Unbiased advice: You can rest assured that you’ll receive objective guidance—without the sales pitch. Unlike many financial planners, Ernst & Young planners will never try to sell you investment products or services, because they don’t offer any.

3. Educated in General Board-related matters: Ernst & Young financial planners have been specially trained in topics important to General Board participants, such as the clergy housing allowance, clergy tax issues and General Board-administered plans and programs.

4. Access to a customized retirement strategy: Your financial planner can develop and discuss with you a plan to help you meet your retirement goals. Your personalized plan might incorporate factors such as your estimated retirement assets, a budget that meets your needs and prudent postretirement investment strategies.

5. Wide-ranging expertise: In addition to retirement planning, your Ernst & Young planner help you with many other financial matters, such as managing debt, buying a home, financing your and/or your loved ones’ education and tax issues.

6. No need to enroll: To take advantage of this free service, just call Ernst & Young directly at 1-800-360-2539 between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).

For more information about Ernst & Young Financial Planning Services, read the brochure online at www.gbophb.org/TheWell/Root/ALL/3411.pdf.

Attention pastors: New Dove System requires your cooperation

A message from CTC IT director Tracy Dean: The conference will launch the new Dove database system this Friday. Sometime soon you should be getting an e-mail from York Technologies welcoming you to the Dove System. Do not delete this e-mail! Please read it thoroughly and follow the instructions. There will be a training video and a request to log in and change your password. Once logged in, I encourage you to update your information on past appointments, birth date, etc. Once this system is fully operational, it will be the conference’s primary resource for contacting and information sharing. Hence, it is important that everyone use this system. Thank you for your support in bringing this great new system online.

District Listening Posts set for General/Jurisdictional info
Listening Posts for General and Jurisdictional Conferences will be held for all districts over the next month. The Listening Posts provide opportunities to meet with our delegates, ask questions about process, express viewpoints and participate in discussion so that our delegates are better prepared to represent our conference at these two critical conferences. The Listening Posts will be held:

Weatherford District: March 9 (3 p.m.) at First UMC Weatherford

Waxahachie District: March 2 (3 p.m.) at First UMC Waxahachie

Brownwood District: March 3 (7 p.m.) at First UMC Brownwood

Fort Worth/Mid-Cities Districts: March 4 (7 p.m.) at New World UMC, Arlington)

Waco District: March 6 (7 p.m.) at Central UMC, Waco

Temple District: March 6 (7 p.m.) at First UMC, Temple

NBN Basketball Tournament chair Howard Martin ( 817-284-9371) gives update

The CTC Nothing But Nets Basketball Tournament hits the district level of competition with tournaments planned for the following districts:

Weatherford District — Tournament March 1 at Granbury UMC

Fort Worth District — Tournament Feb. 23 at First UMC Fort Worth

Mid-Cities District — Tournament Feb. 16 at First UMC Grapevine

Brownwood District — NO Tournament

Waxahachie District — Feb. 23 at First UMC Corsicana

Waco District — Tournament Feb. 23 at Methodist Children’s Home

Temple District — Nothing scheduled

The Central Texas Conference Tournament is March 8 at Glen Lake Camp
The Central/North Texas Conferences Tournament is April 26 at FUMC Fort Worth

Accessibility Grants for local churches

The conference Committee on Disability Concerns hopes to motivate local churches to be in ministry with persons and their families who are effected and affected by disabling conditions. They are offering Accessibility Grants that focus on the elimination of barriers that make access to the life of the church difficult. For more details and an application form, visit www.ctcumc.org under “Ministry Areas” and select “Outreach.”

Sexual Harassment Misconduct Prevention Training — March 6

Sexual Harassment Misconduct Prevention Training for elders, local pastors, deacons and probationary members will be held Thursday, March 6, at First UMC Crowley from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and led by Mary Gean Cope and Karen Granderson. There will be no charge for this training and lunch will be on your own (brown bag or local restaurants available). To register or to find out if you need to take this training, contact Susan Briles at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or susan@ctcumc.org. The policy of the Cabinet and Bishop Chamness is that all clergy must complete Sexual Harassment Misconduct Prevention Training every four years in order to receive an appointment.

5-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation — March 9-14

The 5 Day Academy for Spiritual Formation — an Upper Room ministry jointly sponsored by CTC, the North Texas Conference, and the Trinity-Brazos Area of the Disciples of Christ — is scheduled for March 9-14 at the Prothro Center at Lake Texoma, Pottsboro. Details on the event are on the conference website at www.ctcumc.org.

News from Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center

Glen Lake Summer Camp 2008 registration is open online at http://www.glenlake.org/summer. Families have the option to pay 1/2 of campers’ registration costs now thru March 1, with the remaining balance due on May 1. Are you an unlikely Hero? Come to Glen Lake this summer and find out…

Preparing for the 2008 Annual Conference — Awards/Recognitions/Activities

Annual Conference Hotel Info
A brochure was mailed out to all clergy and lay members of the Annual Conference on Friday, Feb. 8. If you are representing your church as an AC member and did not get the brochure, please check with your district office.

Morris Walker Award nominations

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2008 Morris Walker Awards — one award to lay person and one award to a clergy person — which will be announced at 2008 Annual Conference June 1-4 in Fort Worth. The Morris Walker Award recognizes the "above the ordinary" service of a lay and a clergy person to their local church and within the Central Texas Conference. The award carries with it a special plaque and a $500 scholarship for continuing spiritual education. Nominations are normally a letter of recommendation signed by one or more nominators and with accompanying back-up materials or other

letters of recommendation. Nominations should be mailed to CTC Lay Leader Ed Komandosky at 2207 Gladnell St., Taylor 76574 or e-mail to ekomandosky@yahoo.com. Deadline for nominations: April 30.

Disability Concerns student grants

The conference Committee on Disability Concerns seeks UM applicants for college grants, a program that is intended to educate and build awareness of handicapping conditions and issues facing people with handicapping conditions. There will be one grant to a student with a declared major that assists people with handicapping conditions and one for a student with a handicapping condition. For more details and an application form, visit www.ctcumc.org under “Ministry Areas” and select “Outreach.”

News Briefs — The Denomination

FW Police officer and Meadowbrook UMC featured in CBS-TV story

Jim Chandler, pastor at Meadowbrook UMC, helped Fort Worth Police officer Sergeant Richard Morris with a program related to combating drug problems on the streets. Morris, a former local pastor, was profiled on CBS-TV (Channel 11) that aired last week. “This is an example of some of the outreach ministries that Meadowbrook UMC is getting involved in,” says Chandler. Click on the link below to view the 4-minute clip which was shot in part at the church’s Ash Wednesday Service. It shows associate pastor Kyland Dobbins, the choir, Chandler and some of the congregation. “I think [the story] shows that the FWPD is a caring police department, and that the United Methodist Church is truly an “open door church,” states Sergeant Morris. http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=26277@ktvt.dayport.com

UMCOR: One Great Hour of Sharing

In times of devastating wars, monster storms, life-altering earthquakes . . . your hearts and hands are there in the wake of these disasters and in others through UMCOR. Continue to be there by celebrating One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday on March 2. One Great Hour of Sharing makes all of the other UMCOR programs possible by funding the agency’s costs of doing business. Any gifts that are over and above UMCOR’s administrative costs go to where they are most needed. Often they support under-funded programs.

It’s not too late to order your OGHS envelopes, posters, refrigerator magnets and offering boxes. Call 1-888-346-3862 to order and visit UMCOR’s OGHS website for more information and additional worship resources. UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church; by sending a check to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted. You can also give online by clicking on any of the "Give Now" links. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors. And, please pray for those who are hungry, displaced, sick or in poverty because of these and other natural and human-made disasters, and for the workers who minister to them.

News Briefs — Local Churches & Ministry Groups

Calming the Storm — March 4

Effective response in Times of Disaster is a forum designed to connect congregations with emergency responders. Our goal is to provide both reliable information on how congregations can be prepared to respond well in times of natural disaster and an opportunity for congregations to network together as they look ahead to how they will combine resources to respond. Tarrant Area Community of Churches and its partners Catholic Charities, Faith and Life at TCU, TCU Harris School of Nursing, and the Volunteer Center of North Texas invite pastors and lay leaders to join them Tuesday, March 4, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Brookside Convention Center (1224 Brookside Drive, Hurst). A complimentary lunch will be served. To register go to www.lifelong.tcu.edu or call 817-257-7132.

Calling all singles

Single adults from throughout the Central Texas Conference are invited to join other singles as volunteers assisting with hosting the UMC General Conference coming to Fort Worth, April 23-May 2. Sunday, April 27, has been designated as "Singles Sunday" and singles will serve as the main volunteer pool for that day so we need many volunteers. In order to register to volunteer, please go to the Conference website www.ctcumc.org and click on the General Conference volunteer registration link. Please be sure to indicate that you are registering to work on Sunday, April 27th with the singles group. For more information and to confirm your registration, please contact the singles volunteer coordinator, Mike Stroud at mikestroud6496@sbcglobal.net or at 817-496-9436.

Genesis UMC sponsors child behavior seminar — Feb. 23

“Does ALL BAD Behavior In Children and Adolescents Require Medication?”
9 –11a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Genesis UMC (7635 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth 76133 • 817-292-4551) presented by Mollie Kuchita, RN BSN, Psychiatric Nurse Educator for Cook Children’s Medical Center. She is also the parent chairperson for the Community Solutions Advisory Board, the Co-coordinator of the Family Connection and a volunteer for The Depression Connection Team.
Questions discussed in this seminar:
What constitutes “normal” growth and development, positives and negatives?
What are some of the symptoms of abnormal sadness, aggression, irritability, and other behavioral problems?
What behaviors indicate psychiatric or psychological disorders that may require real medical intervention?
Please make reservation. Child care available if requested in advance.
For more information, call Ed Jones at 817-263-5424.

Celebration of African American History Month — Feb. 24

Wellspring UMC in Georgetown extends an invitation to join in a musical celebration of African American Month at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. Guest choirs include St. James UMC in Temple and Greater Community MBC, Arlington. These choirs will join in a time of praise with Wellspring’s own Chancel Choir, Deep Water Band and Praise Team, and pianist Pat “Buzzi” Ball. A time of fellowship will follow this great out pouring of praise. For more information contact the church office at 512-930-5959.

Black History Month observed at Eastern Hills UMC — Feb. 24

Eastern Hills UMC & Bethlehem Baptist Church have joined together in a time of celebration for Black History Month. At 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, the program will feature children, youth, praise dancers, poems speeches, singing and musical selections. All are invited to celebrate at Eastern Hills UMC (1509 Wilson Road, Fort Worth 76112). Contact Jackie Chambers for more information and/or call the church at 817-457-2758.

Metropolitan Board of Missions Annual Dinner — Feb. 21
The Metropolitan Board of Mission Annual Dinner will be held Thursday, Feb. 21, at Round-Up Inn, Will Rogers Center. The cost is $15 per person. Food lines open at 6:15 p.m. A reservation form is available at church offices in the Fort Worth and Mid-Cities districts. Call for more information: 817/569-1454.

Handley book review — March 8

Handley UM Women will be hosting a book review by Jean Dyer on the book “Same Kind of Different as Me” by Ron Hall and Denver Moore at 10:30 a.m. on March 8. These two gentlemen have a very compelling story to tell about a mission in Fort Worth. Dyer is a retired Fort Worth Public School English teacher that is well known for her reviews. Refreshments will be provided. The church is located at 2929 Forest Avenue in Fort Worth.

Play some basketball; save a life — Feb. 23
Fort Worth District churches are invited to come and play some basketball and help save a life in the Nothing But Nets campaign to stamp out malaria in Africa. Check it out: nothingbutnets.wordpress.com.
The Fort Worth District is hosting a 3-on-3 tournament, free throw contest, and three-point contest on Feb. 23 at First UMC, Fort Worth http://nothingbutnets.wordpress.com/myfumc.com. Registration is $10 per team, but donations above that are certainly welcome. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The different divisions are: Youth Girls 15 years 17 years

Youth Boys 15 years 17 years

Women 18 years and up
Men 18 years and up

How will we play? Play will be pool play, similar to the world cup soccer tournament. Each team will play every other team in their pool, and then the top team from each division will play in a play-off style bracket. What happens to the winning team? You move on to the conference round at Glen Lake Camp in Glen Rose March 8. http://nothingbutnets.wordpress.com will continually have updated information.

UMW Supper at Everman

United Methodist Women will host a Soup & Cornbread Supper at 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Everman UMC (530 Townley Dr., Everman 76140). All are invited for food, fun, fellowship with a "bottomless" bowl of taco soup, chicken corn chowder, or ham and beans, cornbread, dessert, and drinks. Donations will be accepted to fund mission projects and programs. For more information, contact Judy Graham, UMW president, at 817-293-3991 or nanajudygraham@msn.com.

February is Black History Month — special service Feb. 23

African American History Month will be observed at Mt. Zion UMC (Belton) and Kell Branch UMC (The White Hall Community) the month of February. The observance will include bulletin board displays of African Americans within the Methodist church, book exhibits and books given away relating to African Americans, DVD, and Video presentations, and moments in African American History by children and youth. The culminating activity will be a special service Feb. 23 with George Harrison, Community Relations Director at The University of Mary Hardin Baylor, doing excerpts from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream " speech, along with musicians, dramatist, and praise dancers. Contact the following number for further information 254-939-5596 or 254-939-3161. The public is invited to attend.

Kopperl UMC hosts Southern Charm — March 2
Kopperl UMC will host the southern gospel trio Southern Charm for a concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 2. The church will also host a potluck dinner before the concert, starting at 5 p.m. Southern Charm is known throughout Texas for their music and message. The trio has won numerous awards from the Southern Gospel Music Association of Texas, including Group of the Year and Song of the Year. This concert will include selections from their new album, “Beautiful Day!” Kopperl invites all people to come and enjoy this special performance which will be sure to touch your heart and fill your soul with Christ’s love. For more information, contact Greg Henneman at 817-487-8467, e-mail grennifer@yahoo.com, or visit the church’s website at www.gbgm-umc.org/kopperlumc. For more information on Southern Charm, visit their webpage at http://www.charmtalk.net.

St. Andrews hosts college choir concerts — March 9

The Fort Worth Chapter of the Wiley College National Alumni Association presents Wiley College Choir and Adlee Trezevant Memorial Choir (formerly known as I.M. Terrell Alumni Choir) in concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at St. Andrews UMC (521 Missouri, Fort Worth 76104). Free admission with offering opportunity (checks payable to Wiley College). For more details, call 817-293-2106 or 817-292-1077.

The Darwin or God - Do I Have to Choose?

This course is for anyone who would like to understand the issues surrounding evolution that are being debated in the media and courtrooms. The basis of faith and the fundamental principles of scientific method will be reviewed before exploring the history of the controversy and identifying key elements of evolution, creationism, and intelligent design. Instructor Eilene Theilig, Brite Divinity School, brings insight into the science and theology of this topic as she is an ordained Disciples Minister and had a previous career in space exploration with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Tuesdays starting 4/1/08 3 sessions 6:30 – 8:30 PM $60.00

Writer & Storyteller’s Conference — April 11-12
As a writer, it is important to constantly be writing whether you think it is worth anything to someone else or not. Writing is a passion and should be treated like one. This spring, Mount Sequoyah is encouraging our nation of writers to take up a writer’s passion with their first annual Writer & Storyteller’s Conference April 11-12 in Fayetteville, Ark. This two day conference is designed to give writers, both experienced and not, the opportunity to write freely under the influence of great authors, perfecting and learning certain genres and styles. There will be featured readings and workshops from Ellen Gilchrist, winner of the National Book Award for Fiction and three-time recipient of the Thomas Wolfe Award. For more information call 800-760-8126 or e-mail mail@mountsequoyah.org.

UMC Singles event — April 4-5

UMC Singles invites all CTC singles to Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center and Still Water Lodge for our Conference Wide Singles Retreat. We will start with an Ice Cream Social at Still Water on Friday evening. Terry Hershey, keynote speaker, will be presenting “The Voice of Grace” beginning Friday evening through late afternoon on Saturday. Terry Hershey’s stories will lead you to nurture your soul and renew your sense of what it means to live with passion, purpose and grace. There will be special music, spiritual reflection and lots of fun. For more information go to www.ctcumc.org click on the singles link or call Ellen Bauman at 817-564-5595.

Girls of Grace Conference — Feb. 23

White’s Chapel UMC in Southlake will host “Girls of Grace Conference” for 12 to 17 year old girls at 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. , 2008. Teenage girls throughout North America will crowd hundreds of auditoriums, church sanctuaries and halls to be part of the first-ever Girls of Grace Nation simulcast hosted by White's Chapel UMC. The passionate vision of award-winning recording artist Point of Grace, this one-day conference will include an all-star line-up of speaking and musical talent. Inspired by Point of Grace's latest album, the theme for 2008 will be "How You Live" Life Lessons From Point of Grace and Friends. To purchase tickets go to www.girlsofgrace.com or 1-866-440-7880. For more information about this conference or to be part of the dynamic volunteer staff for this event contact Tracy Christensen at tchristensen@whiteschapelumc.com or 817-481-4147.

Calming the Storm: Effective Response in Times of Disaster
March 4, 2008
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Brookside Convention Center in Hurst
Space is limited so please reserve your spot!
Reservations online at www.lifelong.tcu.edu or call 817-257-7132. For more information? Visit www.tarrantareacc.org or call 817-737-5554.

Marriage Conference with Les & Leslie Parrott — April 12
First UMC Mansfield will host “Becoming Soul Mates” Marriage Conference with Les and Leslie Parrott at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 12 at 777 North Walnut Creek Drive, Mansfield 76063. Couples are invited to gather for a fun day filled with humor, fresh insight, and new strategies for lifelong love. The Becoming Soul Mates seminar is for everyone—newlyweds, “oldyweds,” seriously dating, engaged couples—those wanting to make a bad relationship better or a good relationship great. Registration is $25 per person or $50 per couple. For more information please contact Julie Harding at 817-477-2287 or visit www.fumcmansfield.org to register.

Family Reunion
The First UMC Keller family reunion will be held 6:30 – 11 p.m. March 29. This is the church’s 6th annual family reunion, a youth event that spans every denomination and group for a time of fellowship and fun! We are “one body” so let’s be just that! This event is open to all youth in Senior High and Middle School, and we are encouraging youth groups to bring unchurched. The event is FREE to all students and adults. If you want a promo video on DVD, please contact Chris Johnson at 817-431-1332 x107 or at chrisj@kellerumc.org.

First UMC Arlington hosts Men-In-Town Retreat — March 1

Jody Dean, Morning Show Host for KLUV-FM (98.7) and author of Finding God in the Evening News, will be featured speaker for the Men’s In-Town Retreat March 1 at First UMC, Arlington (313 N. Center, Arlington 76011). Contacts for more details are Ted McIlvain at 817-274-2571 or Matt Stone at 817-274-4937.

Save the date for Shane Claiborne — March 2
Shane Claiborne will be speaking at Church Under the Bridge in Waco for the 11 a.m. service Sunday, March 2, and Shane will be speaking and hosting open discussion after lunch at Woodway First UMC in Waco. This event is open to all Conference young people. A flyer and more details will be available soon. Questions? Contact Michael Honza at michael@woodwayfumc.org. For more information about Shane Claiborne, visit http://www.churchunderthebridge.org/ and http://www.thesimpleway.org/.

Concordia Choir to appear in concert at First Arlington — March 4

The Concordia Choir will provide a concert for First UMC Arlington and the community March 4. Tickets are $15/adults and $5/students. Tickets are available at FUMC of Arlington (817-274-2571) or BrownPaperTickets.com or 1-800-838-3006. For more information about The Concordia Choir visit www.cord.edu. 37 host families are needed for the students for one night with breakfast provided the next morning. If you are willing to be a host, please contact Ann White at 817-265-2028 or awhite313@tx.rr.com.

Synergy Brass Quintet in worship/concert at First Arlington — Feb. 24

Synergy Brass Quintet will perform at First UMC Arlington Feb. 24 in all three worship services and present a concert at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. Contact the church at 817-274-2571 for more information. No tickets are necessary. Everyone is invited especially parents with students participating in bands!

Resources

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.

Paradise Lost: The Religious Life of Charles Darwin. 2007. DVD. Darwin is viewed either as the devil incarnate or as the liberator of modern intellectualism. Despite significant contributions to modern science, the implications of Darwin’s theories on religious thought are of great interest. Spanning the fields of science, theology, sociology and philosophy, this DVD tells of one man’s struggle to comprehend a world explained both by religion and by science. Incorporating voice-overs from his journals and autobiography, the DVD traces Darwin’s personal and professional life as it documents his transition from theism, to deism, to agnosticism. Includes a leader’s guide. 2 sessions-30 and 21 minutes each.

Jurisdictional Retreat Center opportunities

For the latest program opportunities at Mount Sequoyah, our South Central Jurisdiction retreat center, check out their current newsletter posted on their website at www.mountsequoyah.org.

Needs, Resources, Opportunities

NOTE TO LISTERS: Please contact Carolyn Stephens at Carolyn@ctcumc.org to pull your listing when your opening has been filled.

Choir Robes

Lakeside U.M.C. has 25 used gold choir robes with stoles to give away. If your church is interested in having these robes, please call Rev. Sandra Hippman at 903-599-3040 or send an email to lakeside_umc@yahoo.com.

Children & Youth Intern

Granbury First UMC, Southwest of Fort Worth, seeks a children’s and youth intern for the summer of 2008 and is now accepting applications and inquiries. The ideal applicant is a committed Christian with a strong faith, has a fun loving attitude, and has a passion for children’s and youth ministries. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: assisting with Sunday morning activities, handling designated administrative tasks for the youth ministry and children’s ministry, and special summer programming activities such as VBS and Children’s Camps. Applicants must possess and exhibit a genuine love for children and youth, have the ability to learn hands-on and the desire to be mentored, establish and maintain appropriate personal relationships with children, youth, parents, volunteer leaders, and church staff, be at least 18 years of age and have completed one year of college education, and commit to one summer season (June-August 2008). This is a part-time paid internship. Please contact Blaire Scott at youth@fumcgranbury.org, Lindsay Riley at lriley@fumcgranbury.org, or contact the church office at 817-573-5573.

General Secretary — March 15 deadline
The General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns of the UMC seeks a general secretary for its New York office. The general secretary serves as the chief executive of the Commission and is responsible for giving leadership to the UMC in its quest for unity and for the development of relationships with other churches, ecumenical organizations and religious faith communities.
The ideal candidate will have the following experience and background:
• Ph.D. or equivalent, plus a minimum of five years executive level experience with a faith-based organization
• Professing member of the UMC • Five to seven years of work within the UMC
• Thorough grounding in theology • Passion for ecumenism
• Demonstrated organizational leadership and team development skills
• Successful experience networking and building collaborative partnerships
• Effective communication and facilitation skills
For detailed information on this position and an application, please visit our website at www.gccuic-umc.org. Questions may be directed to Search Committee chair Bishop Ann Sherer at Bishop@umcneb.org.

Director of Student Ministries

First UMC Stephenville seeks a spiritually grounded, energetic, personable self-starter with experience in building a strong, dynamic student 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 committee by e-mail at fumc@our-town.com. Salary negotiable and competitive.

Director of Youth Ministries

Ferris Heights UMC, a growing faith community in Waxahachie, is seeking the right person as director of youth ministries. This is a half-time position with opportunities for leading and further developing an active and mission-focused youth program. A growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a passion for youth and mission is a must. It is important for applicants to have excellent verbal communication, organization and project-planning skills. Flexibility and personal maturity is important. The director of youth ministries will participate as a member of the church’s program team and will be expected to be integrate into the life of the church. Compensation is competitive. Visit the church Web site at www.ferrishts.org for a current job description. To apply, send a resume and letter of introduction to fhumc@sbcglobal.net or mail to Ferris Heights UMC, Attn: Youth Director Search, 108 Center St., Waxahachie 75165.

Music Director
St. Paul UMC of Hurst seeks a part-time music director. Job involves 12-15 hrs/week and pays $16,000. The director will select music, lead choir and oversee music ministry. Inquire at 852 Bedford Euless Rd, Hurst 76053. Telephone 817-284-7181 or saintpaul06@charterinternet.com.

Choir Robes
St. John UMC in Georgetown has the following: 29 ivory-colored, fluted V-neckline, Collegiate-brand, used choir robes. Sleeves are full-length and open at end except one Velcro-cuffed director’s robe. Set includes two reversible satin stoles for every robe; one stole is purple/white; the second stole is green/red; green side embroidered front with the cross and flame. Choir has not worn these robes in several years, and the robes have hung untouched in choir room for that time. We would like this donation to bless a small or growing church choir. Contact: Justin Langford at 512-863-5886 or Justin@stjohnsumc.cc.

Part-time Director of Children’s Ministries

Couts UMC in Weatherford seeks a part-time director of children's ministries to be responsible for the oversight of children's programs, Pre-K through 5^th grade. Identifying and training leaders will be a vital part of this ministry. In addition to coordinating Sunday activities, we have an afterschool program each Wednesday for which you will be responsible. You would also oversee and coordinate periodic children’s ministry activities and events. This position has the potential to become a full-time position. If you sense a calling from God to children's ministry we encourage you to apply. Send your resume to jtimothyj@sbcglobal.net or you may come by the church office for an application.

Director of Student (Youth) Ministries
Couts UMC in Weatherford seeks a part-time director of student ministries to be responsible for the oversight of our youth programs, 6th through 12th grade. Identifying and training leaders will be a vital part of this ministry. You would be working with a core of 25-30 students with the goal of building the program into full-time active ministry. We are in a phase of ministry where there is great openness to new models of student ministry. If you are interested in building a dynamic ministry for and with students and you have a contagious deep love for Christ, you are invited to apply. Our goal is for the program and position to grow into full-time. Send your resume to jtimothyj@sbcglobal.net or you may come by the church office for an application.

Director of Music Ministry

Wellspring UMC, a community of faith located in a rapidly growing city, seeks a full time Director of Music Ministry. Applicants need to demonstrate an appreciation for a variety of music genres, be energetic, personable, flexible, creative, talented, and experienced. He or she must be a visionary leader who can enhance the skills of musicians and vocalists. If interested please send your resume to Wellspring UMC Attention: Ginny Sutton, 6200 William Drive, Georgetown, TX 78633 or email it to info@wellspringgeorgetown.org.

Music Director

Florence UMC seeks a part-time music director, someone familiar with blended services and the music that is appropriate. Please contact G. Dean Coultas at 254-793-2287 or 254-433-0133.

Music Director

First UMC Olney seeks applicants for the position of music director. Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. Salary negotiable. Please call Laraine at 940-564-5622 or Rex at 940-867-7569 or email your resume to umcpastor@brazosnet.com.

Administrative Assistant

Part-time job – 16 hours per week. The Wesley Foundation – UTA job opening is for an individual who is familiar with payroll, Quick Books, Word, Excel, preparing financial statements and other financial reports, risk management officer, excellent personal communication skills. If interested please contact Kent Seuser at 817-274-6282 or e-mail wesfnuta@swbell.net

Director of Children’s Ministries

Troy UMC seeks a part-time (10hrs/wk) director of children’s ministries to be responsible for the oversight of children’s programs, birth – 5th grade. The primary role will be to recruit, train, and develop leaders who will intentionally help to produce committed followers of Christ. This new position requires an individual who feels a specific calling from God to children’s ministry. Minimum high school education or equivalent is required. Applications may be obtained through the church office 254-938-2364.

Director of Music Ministries/Worship Leader

Troy UMC seeks a part-time (10 hrs/wk) director of music ministries and worship leader to be responsible for the oversight of the music ministries. The position requires a dynamic, energetic person who wants to grow and direct the church’s choir, supervise the praise team and work with the pastor to create meaningful worship experiences. Applicants will need to demonstrate a commitment to Christ, possess knowledge of Christian music (traditional and contemporary), and offer strong leadership and organizational skills. Applications may be obtained through the church office 254-938-2364.

Director of Student Ministries

First UMC Arlington, a congregation of about 5,000 located in central Arlington, seeks an experienced director to lead students in junior high, senior high, and college into a deeper level of spirituality. The director will be expected to provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their faithfulness to God and the ministries of the church as well as to secure, lead and train volunteers. The forty hour per week position will include implementing and leading programming for Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday night, and other special activities. Salary competitive. Application will be mailed to accepted candidates.

Send resume to: klancaster@arlingtonmethodist.org. Deadline for applications: March 1.

Director of Music

Bethel/Wesley UMCs seek someone to direct music and put together a choir from members of the congregation. This is a volunteer position. Please call 817-246-1242 if you are interested in helping with this opportunity.

Director of Youth Ministries

First UMC Georgetown is a growing church of 2300 members with an active and mission-focused youth program, empowering youth for leadership. The church is looking for a director with previous experience, a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, and a passion for youth and mission. It is important for applicants to have excellent verbal communication, organization and project-planning skills. Flexibility and personal maturity is important. The director of youth ministries will participate as a member of the church’s Program Team and be integrated into the administrative life of the church. Compensation is negotiable but to include health insurance and pension benefits. Visit the church Web site for a current job description. To apply, send a resume and letter of introduction to fumcgt@fumcgt.org or mail to First UMC, Attn: Search Committee, 410 E. University Ave., Georgetown, TX 78626.

Minister of Music

St. Andrews UMC (522 Missouri Ave., Fort Worth 76104) seeks applicants for minister of music with responsibility to plan, develop, implement and supervise all defined music programs within the church. Requirements include: Ability to work in a diverse Christian environment; Demonstrated musical proficiency on organ and piano; Ability to play printed music (traditional, anthems, gospel, contemporary);

Experience in playing music during worship service; Prior experience as music minister; Ability to play from UM Hymnal during worship; Prior experience in leading, teaching, developing, organizing adult/youth choirs; Must pass background check. If interested, submit resume by 4 p.m. March 3 to St. Andrews UMC, Attn: Burnham Robinson, 522 Missouri Ave., Fort Worth 76102 or e-mail to standrewsftw@sbcglobal.net.

Glen Lake Summer Employment Opportunities
Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center currently has openings for summer staff positions. If you are a college student, or know of one, with a love of Christ and have the desire to be a part of the Glen Lake summer camp ministry, please visit www.glenlake.org/summerstaff. Please send your applications ASAP so that interviews can be scheduled.

Glen Lake Summer Volunteer Opportunities
Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center is looking for volunteers and LINK’s for our 2008 summer camps. Volunteer forms are available online at http://www.glenlake.org/volunteer, You will have the opportunity to bring your love of Christ to a child this summer! LINK applicants should be current high school juniors or seniors and be willing to attend a mandatory training in February. Please visit http://www.glenlake.org/link for an application.

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