August 5 2009

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

Annual Listing of Church/Ministry Fall Fundraisers — Deadline Sept. 1

It may seem early, but churches are planning now for their annual fall fundraisers. Once again the conference will publish in the Central Link newspaper and on the Web site a listing of all the church and ministry fundraisers. Please get your information to Carolyn Stephens (Carolyn@ctcumc.org) by Sept. 1. This is a hard deadline, so please don’t miss it! Give church name and event location, name of the event, date/time, and any activities that make your event unique or special. This is an opportunity for folks to share in the delight of their own church’s event as well as those of neighboring communities.

Special Coverage on Youth Ministry Trends — Aug. 21

The Aug. 21 issue of Central Link newspaper will include a special supplement highlighting “Youth Ministry Trends.” Readers can expect to gain ideas on empowering youth to do ministry during contemporary services -- from greeting members to delivering the sermon and taking up the collection -- as well as how online social networking sites are changing the way youth directors reach youth. Watch for your issue and explore how some of these ideas might be applied to your church!

Two Items from RST

Receiving About 100 New Refugees — Refugee Services of Texas, one of the organizations our conference Refugee & Immigration Ministries Task Force supports, is entering a very busy time of year for refugee resettlement. RST will be receiving approximately 100 new clients between now and the end of September and is in need of volunteers to assist with preparing their apartments in Fort Worth. This will include gathering household items, placing them in the apartment, and making sure that everything is set for the arrival. If this is of interest to you or your congregation, please contact RST’s Fort Worth Area Director Laila Amara at 817-457-8110 or rstfw@sbcglobal.net. (See the next Central Link newspaper — Aug. 7^th issue— for a story of how one church gave greater meaning to their Independence Day celebration by sharing it with refugees who just recently found freedom.)

August Donation-of-the-Month Requests — Refugee Services of Texas invites you to contribute in August in meaningful ways. July’s donation-of-the-month emphasis has been on school supplies (new or lightly used backpacks and school supplies for incoming refugee clients). The donation-of-the-month emphasis for August is on toiletries (toilet paper, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, personal/feminine hygiene products and deodorant). For more information on making these donations or directions to the RST office (5009 Brentwood Stair, Fort Worth 76112), call the RST at 817-457-8110.

Attn. Pastors: Pre-marital Education Curriculum

Do you do pre-marital education? Would you like to find good curriculum? Do you know about the help you will get from the State of Texas? There is a pastor's education event to introduce curriculum, resources and the State of Texas Twogether in Texas program from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at Central UMC, Waco. This is a free event sponsored by the Conference Nurture Council to encourage and educate pastors and anyone who does pre-marital education. There is no charge for this event, but please place this date on your calendar and plan to be there to learn ways to improve your ministry to couples wanting to get married. Contact: Allen Grant at pastor@chinaspringumc.com.

Hope for Africa Children’s Choir — Aug. 12 & Aug. 16

All are invited to join the Hope for Africa Children’s Choir in their ministry of music. The children, from the East Africa Annual Conference, attend the Humble UM School in Uganda, and are currently touring through the U.S. The CTC is blessed to host them for the second year in a row during mid-August. Please mark your calendars to see the children during one of the following opportunities in our area:
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m. at St. Barnabas UMC (5011 W. Pleasant Ridge, Arlington 76016)
Sunday, Aug. 16, 9:30 a.m. at Silver Creek UMC (2200 Church Road, Azle 76020)
Sunday, Aug. 16, 11 a.m. at Aledo UMC (100 Pecan St, Aledo 76008)
The choir is touring to raise awareness about orphans in Africa and to raise funds for the Humble UM School. For more information about their ministry, visit www.hopeforafricachildrenschoir.org.

Early Responder Training — Aug. 15

The CTC Disaster Response Task Force will present early Response Team Training from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 15 at Saginaw UMC. Please visit www.ctcumc.org/disaster to download a registration form.

CTC Planning for 100^th Anniversary

The CTC’s 100th anniversary will be observed next year with the creation of conference history book and special events. For those who wish to make a contribution to help defray the costs, send a check marked “100th celebration” to the CTC, 464 Bailey Ave., Fort Worth 76107. One suggestion is for individuals to contribute $1 per year for the number of years a person has been in the bounds of the CTC. Contacts for questions or to volunteer are Henry Radde (hradde@tmf-fdn.org), Michael Patison (mpatison@charter.net) or Carol Roszell (carol@ctcumc.org).

School of Christian Mission — Aug. 4-6 & Aug. 7-9

Best Kept Secret in the CTC for Mission and Outreach education!

The Cooperative School of Christian Mission is a wonderful opportunity for Christian education, spiritual growth and Christian fellowship. The CTC Cooperative School of Christian Mission will be held this year at First UMC in Hurst on Aug. 4-6 for the weekday event and at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Glen Rose Aug. 7-9 for the weekend event. There are classes and activities for all ages: children, youth and adults. Study themes are "Food and Faith," "The Courage and Beauty of Sudan" and "Giving Our Hearts Away - Native American Study." More information and registration forms are available from local church UMW units or on the conference Web site at www.ctcumc.org. The CTC Outreach Council and CTC United Methodist Women sponsor this event! If your HEART is in mission, you need to be at the school!

Training for dCOMs / Candidacy Mentors — Sept. 9 & Sept. 10
The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) will be presenting quadrennial training for the District Committees on Ordained Ministry (dCOMs) in the southern part of the conference at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Central UMC, Waco. The same training will be presented for dCOMs in the northern part of the conference at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Arborlawn UMC, Fort Worth. Lunch will be provided for those who RSVP to their respective district offices. Sharon Robertson, candidacy registrar for the BOM, assisted by Nancy Schusler of the Mid-Cities District office, will be presenting training for the new quadrennium for all who are or wish to be candidacy mentors. Candidacy mentors work with prospective clergy candidates from the “exploring” stage until they are recommended to the BOM for commissioning as probationary (provisional) members. This training will take place immediately following dCOM training, beginning around 11 a.m. Sept. 9, at Waco Central and around 11 a.m., Sept. 10, at Arborlawn. Again, lunch will be provided for those who RSVP to their respective district offices. Clergy who wish to mentor candidates during this important, formative time of candidacy must take this training each new quadrennium before they may be listed by GBHEM as approved candidacy mentors.

College Preview Day for High School Juniors/Seniors — Sept. 12

Making the right or wrong selection of a college/university can spell success or disaster for a student. And knowing how to access student scholarships and/or loans can make a huge difference for families anticipating that expense one or two years down the road. The 2009 College & University Preview Event, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Methodist Children’s Home gym in Waco, is designed to help both junior/senior high school students and their parents maneuver through the process of:

• making the right selections for an individual student,

• accessing information and financial resources, and

• making contact with campus ministry groups.

Nineteen colleges and universities from across a multi-state area have been invited to participate along with four seminaries and campus ministers/chaplains from UM and other schools. They will be present to answer questions for students and their parents. Plan to participate.

Keeping the Flame Alive — Sept. 26

Keeping the Flame Alive gives training to Stephens Ministers and those in Nurture/Care Ministries. It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at First UMC, Fort Worth’s Wesley Hall. Sponsors for the event are Crime Victims Council and CTC Mental Health Concerns. Among the topics are: Lighting a Candle Without Burning Yourself Out!, How We can Be Better Care Givers Than Job’s Friends, and What Victims Want the Church and Its Care Givers to Know. For more information and to register, contact Sandra Lydick at 817-675-6367 or sandralydick@crimevictimscouncil.org.

An Evening of Compassion — Sept. 27
Getting to Know the Migrants Among Us
This will be a 2-hour event beginning at 7 p.m. at Polytechnic UMC (1310 S. Collard St., Fort Worth 76105) and will include a prayer vigil, screening of the acclaimed film “Made in L.A.,” and an opportunity to gather resources about immigration issues. “Made in L.A.” has been promoted by the UMC’s General Board of Church & Society as a poignant vehicle to better understand issues facing today’s immigrants. Organizers are part of the Welcoming Immigrants Network (WIN), a faith-based network of Texans who reach out in love to immigrants. For more information about WIN or to find out how to join this effort, please contact Dean Reed at rdr17@me.com.

Five-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation — Nov. 1-6

The Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation offers a daily rhythm designed for rest and renewal and includes worship, study, silence and solitude, prayer, spiritual friends — all within the context of Christian community. Sponsors for the event, scheduled for Nov. 1-6 at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, Palestine, are the Center for Congregational Excellence, Center for Clergy Excellence, churches and individuals of the Texas Annual Conference. For more details, contact Denice Foose at 713-203-0783 or dsfoose@comcast.net.

Academy of Christian Education — Nov. 9-13

The 2009 Academy of Christian Education will be held Nov. 9-13 at Still Water Lodge, Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Glen Rose. Last year 23 Central Texas educators attended this event and were inspired, energized and equipped to do great things in Christian Education in their local churches. This event is for all persons who lead education and spiritual formation ministries in our CTC churches, for all age-levels. A brochure and registration information is on the conference website, www.ctcumc.org, or you can contact Karen Granderson, 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622, karen@ctcumc.org. Some scholarship assistance is available for early registrations (Sept. 1), especially for small and ethnic minority churches.

Who Will Your Church Send to Exploration 2009? — Nov. 13-15

Video available on YouTube and on DVD – contact www.gbhem.org/exploration to order a copy.
Exploration 2009 (Nov. 13-15 at Dallas Sheraton Hotel) is a three-day event for high school seniors to young adults age 24 to hear, discern and respond to God’s call to ordained ministry and to explore their gifts for service as a deacon or elder in the UMC. If you have sensed that God might be calling you to ordained ministry, wondered what ministry in the UMC is all about, would like some help sorting through the issues surrounding a Christian vocation, or want to find out more about UM seminaries and theological schools, this gathering is for you. Often times church leaders and people in the congregation are the first to encourage this path to students who they discern as having special gifts and may be struggling with how God is calling them. The cost of $150 includes the hotel room and conference, a fee that churches might want to cover for their participating member(s). Details: www.gbhem.org/exploration.

Names & Contact Information Needed for Entering College Students

One of the best ministries the UMC offers our graduating high school students is the opportunity to connect with a campus ministry at their new college or university. As a pastor, you can help that process by sending the names of your students who are planning to attend any of the institutions where this conference has campus ministries to the campus minister as soon as possible. Since most schools now comply with HIPPA rules and do not make names and contact information available, pastors need to send their students’ names and their contact information. The CTC has campus ministries at Tarleton State, Baylor, TCU, UTA, Weatherford College, Navarro College and Hill College and chaplains at Southwestern and Texas Wesleyan. Their contact information is in the Conference Journal at pages 231-232.

News Briefs — The Denomination

Companions in Ministry Opportunity for 20, 30, 40-Year Old Pastors — Sept. 15 Deadline

Thanks to a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Upper Room Ministries is offering a unique program for pastors in their 20s, 30s and 40s called Companions in Ministry Two (or CiM2). The goal of the program is to provide two years of guidance and support through readings, a five-day residential session in Nashville (Oct. 26-31) and “companion guides” who will serve as mentors/coaches/spiritual directors. Rev. Jerry Haas, director of the Academy for Spiritual Formation, is project director for CiM2. Speakers in October include Rev. Marjorie Thompson, a Presbyterian minister well-known for her work in spiritual formation, and Rev. Trevor Hudson, a Methodist pastor from South Africa, whose writings include The Way of Transforming Discipleship, published by The Upper Room.

A previous grant from Lilly funded the first CiM, which proved successful but not financially sustainable. CiM2 will help pastors develop the support systems they need “back home,” after input at the five-day gathering. Participants will be expected to do some reading and contribute to a “virtual community” through the Web. Cost for the two-year program, which ends with a three-day conference in Nashville in 2011, is minimal thanks to the grant. Approximately 50 pastors will be selected. For more information and the application form, visit www.upperroom.org/CiM2, call Donna Bryant at 877-899-2781 (ext. 7233) or e-mail dbryant@gbod.org.

Social Media Dishonorably Discharged by Marine Corp.

Those who have been kept in touch with our military troops via social media networks may be interested in an announced that appeared in Wired: The U.S. Marine Corps has banned Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and other social media sites from its networks, effective immediately. "These internet sites in general are a proven haven for malicious actors and content and are particularly high risk due to information exposure, user generated content and targeting by adversaries," reads a Marine Corps order, issued this week. "The very nature of SNS [social network sites] creates a larger attack and exploitation window, exposes unnecessary information to adversaries and provides an easy conduit for information leakage that puts OPSEC [operational security], COMSEC [communications security], [and] personnel… at an elevated risk of compromise," the order reads, Wired reports.

The Marines' ban will last a year. It was drawn up in response to a late July warning from U.S. Strategic Command, which told the rest of the military it was considering a Defense Department-wide ban on the Web 2.0 sites, due to network security concerns. Scams, worms and Trojans often spread unchecked throughout social media sites, passed along from one online friend to the next. "The mechanisms for social networking were never designed for security and filtering. They make it way too easy for people with bad intentions to push malicious code to unsuspecting users," a Stratcom source said, reports Wired writer Noah Shachtman.

Yet many within the Pentagon's highest ranks find value in the Web 2.0 tools. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has 4,000 followers on Twitter. The Department of Defense is getting ready to unveil a new home page, packed with social media tools. The Army recently ordered all U.S. bases to provide access to Facebook. Top generals now blog from the battlefield. "OPSEC is paramount. We will have procedures in place to deal with that," said Price Floyd, the Pentagon's newly-appointed social media czar. "What we can't do is let security concerns trump doing business. We have to do business… We need to be everywhere men and women in uniform are and the public is. If that's MySpace and YouTube, that's where we need to be, too." The Marines say they will issue waivers to the Web 2.0 blockade, if a "mission critical need" can be proven. And they will continue to allow access to the military's internal "SNS-like services." But for most members of the Corps, access to the real, public social networks is now shut off for the next year.

Texas Interfaith Sermon Contest

Texas Impact is conducting a statewide sermon contest for 2009 on the topic of health justice. Submit a 10-minute video of your sermon/homily/other “pulpit presentation” by Aug. 14 for a chance to win cash, have your entry showcased on YouTube and be part of the national interfaith conversation about health care in America. For more details about the contest and how to enter, visit www.texasimpact.org/sermoncontest.

Educational Opportunities Beyond Central Texas

Church Security Course — Aug. 25 & 26

We must Pray, Prepare, Prevent & Prevail. This Inter-Faith Church Security & Intruder Awareness/Response course will offer the option of a 1 or 2-day seminar Aug. 25 & 26 at Mount Sequoyah Conference center, Fayetteville, Ark. The course is conducted by Strategos International. Day 1 provides information and tools to start a church safety/security ministry or formalize/professionalize an existing security system. Day 2 provides intruder awareness/response and conflict management plus training on how to educate church security, ushers, greeters, parking attendance and reception personnel to recognize behavioral pre-cursors to suspicious behavior. For complete details and registration, click on www.mountsequoyah.org and then programs/training from the menu. Contact: Marilyn at 800-760-8126 or programs@mountsequoyah.org.

UM Course of Study — Sept. 8-15

The South Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops is offering a UM Course of Study for clergy Sept. 8-15 at SCJ Mount Sequoyah Conference Center (Fayetteville, Ark). This event is planned for persons who need to fulfill their UM Doctrine, Polity or History requirement in the Course of Study. Each is a 30-hour course with required reading prior to Sept. 8. For more information and registration, call Susan Steuber at 316-686-0600 or email ssteuber@kswestumc.org.

Intentional Interim Ministry Training — Sept. 15-18

The South Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops, in conjunction with The Intentional Growth Center, offers an Interim Ministry Training Seminar. It is a three-phase training program and will be held at Mount Sequoyah Conference Center in Fayetteville, Ark. Phase I will be Sept. 15-18, 2009, Phase III will be scheduled in 2010 and Phase II is a five-month period of work in one’s home parish under a mentor’s guidance. Dr. Jan Hill from the IGC will conduct the training. For program information contact Hill at janhill@IntentionalGrowthCenter.org, 800-482-1442 or 910-382-2535. For meals and lodging contact Mount Sequoyah registration@mountsequoyah.org or call 800-760-8126.

Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders — Oct. 5-9

While conflict is normal and inevitable, leaders in all walks of life often have a responsibility to help others work through their conflicts. Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders will be held at three times and locations, but most strategically located for CTC leaders is the Oct. 5-9 program in Arlington. Others are Aug. 3-7 in the Chicago area and Nov. 16-20 in North Carolina. The program is presented by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. Although focused primarily on the church setting, the skills learned are directly transferable to other settings. For more details and to register, visit www.LMPeaceCenter.org.

Worship Planning Retreat with Marcia McFee — Oct. 11-14 at Lake Tahoe

What if you had the whole liturgical year mapped out with general directions, themes, symbols and ideas? And what if you had three concentrated days in a beautiful retreat setting with someone to guide you through the process and in the company of others with which to share energy and ideas? Famed worship leader Marcia McFee will lead her second annual "Worship Design Studio Tahoe" Planning Retreat at Zephyr Point on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Pastors, music directors, worship team leaders, visual and media artists can get a jump-start on their planning for the year. For details, visit http://www.marciamcfee.com.

Leading the Small Church Seminar
The Small Church Leadership Institute is offering a seminar to equip laity and pastors with the knowledge and skills for leading their small attendance church into the future. The seminar will be Nov. 15-19 at Mount Sequoyah, Fayetteville, Ark. Click for more information http://www.ctxumc.org/weatherford/Forms%20and%20Resources/09%20Final%20Small%20Church%20Initiative.pdf and registration http://www.ctxumc.org/weatherford/Forms%20and%20Resources/Small%20Church%20Registration%20Nov%202009.pdf.

News Briefs — Local Congregations & Ministry Groups

Recovering from Religious Trauma and Abuse — Aug. 11, 18

Religion is a powerful force for good in the world, but some people have had their religious experiences turn to trauma or abuse. More than any other institution, faith groups wield significant power in the emotional lives of participants and sometimes that power is abused. For some this involves betrayal, manipulation, deceit, fear and shame that have deeply affected their lives and their experience of trust. Through sharing our stories we can discover commonalities and insights into recovering from trauma.

Join a journey of healing painful memories and find support for re-imagining life and faith. The group is free and open to the public and is led by Charles Gaby, MA. LPC. It meets the Tuesday nights in August at First UMC of Fort Worth (800 West Fifth St. in downtown Fort Worth). Register with Marianne Wilson at 817/339-5071 or email mwilson@MyFUMC.org.

Job Transition Support Group Continues to Meet at FUMC Fort Worth

As many people are facing the challenge of unemployment or job transition First UMC of Fort Worth (800 W. Fifth St.) has chosen to offer two new groups for support and resources. Job search coaching and job loss support are both available. For more information contact Marianne Wilson at 817-339-5071 or email her at MWilson@MyFUMC.org.

Grief Recovery Workshop — Aug. 9, 16, 23

A Grief Recovery Workshop will be held 9:30-10:30 a.m. Sundays (Aug. 9, 16, 23) at First UMC in downtown Fort Worth. The group will meet on the 2nd floor of the Foundation Building, 750 West Fifth St. The workshop will cover some models for handling grief, provide exercises to facilitate healing and provide time for open sharing for those who wish to do so. Grief is a natural part of life that comes when we experience change of any kind. If it is dealt with honestly and openly, it can move us toward new health and vitality. Larry Grubb, a leader of grief recovery workshops for FUMC and in many other settings for the last 35 years, will lead the group. He is a member of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.

There is no charge for the class. An optional guidebook for grieving is available in the church office or during the workshop, cost: $5. There is no need to pre-register. For more information, please contact Rev. Grubb at 817-339-5098 or LGrubb@MyFUMC.org.

Sparks Memorial Concert — Aug. 8

Sparks Memorial UMC (900 Maxfield, Waco 254-716-9550) will have a free (with love offering) concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 with Bobby Bowen, former lead vocalist of the Gram, my-nominated Dove and CCMA Award winning band, Midsouth, performing. For groups larger than 10, please call for reserved space. The young adults of Sparks Memorial will host a meal prior to the concert at $6/adults and $3/children 10 and under. Call the church for dinner reservations. Proceeds from the meal will benefit the Young Adult Ministry and UM ministries throughout the world. Contact: the church at 254-799-5124 or pastor Jimmy Sansom at 254-716-9550.

“Radio Gals” Summer Musical — Aug. 6-9
Meadowbrook UMC (3900 Meadowbrook Drive, Fort Worth) presents The 24th Annual Summer Musical “Radio Gals” Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 6-8, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 9. at 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Tickets are $12 ($10 in advance). Call 817-534-1741 for tickets or to place an advertisement in the playbill. www.mbrookumc.org.

Mid-Cities District Live Out LOUD!!! — Aug. 7-8

Join First UMC in Euless at 8 p.m. for a memorable worship service. The worship will be led by youth and will include awesome music, testimonials, drama, and more! Special guest speaker is Robert Flowers.

Afterward, there will be a Lock-In at the Incredible Pizza Company from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. There will be lots of food, fun and fellowship all night and morning long. The attractions include Mini Golf, Bumper Cars, Go-Kart Races, Mini-Bowling and a Huge Game Room. Cost is $35 for the entire event!

Please make sure to RSVP your youth group by Friday, July 24, with John Beckling at 817-706-4305 or midcitiesslt@yahoo.com.

Pastors Introductory Brunch – Roots of the Change Experience — Aug. 13
An Overview of the Roots of Change Experience will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 13 at First UMC, Fort Worth. Be our guest for brunch and learn about what this program can offer your congregation. Host: Center for Creative Transformation at FUMC Fort Worth (750 W. 5th Street, Fort Worth 76102). RSVP by Aug. 6 to Marianne at 817-339-5071.

M.U.S.T. Is Free Program on Self-Defense — Aug. 16

First UMC Joshua (Hwy. 174 & Paula Drive, Joshua) will host Mentally Useful Safety Techniques (M.U.S.T.), a self-defense class for women and girls, at 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. All are invited to learn mentally useful safety techniques to increase your chances of avoiding or surviving an assault by a stranger or known attacker, including date rape situations. Bring your daughters, granddaughters, neighbors and friends. For more details call 817-558-9801.

Dedication Celebration at Cross Plains — Aug. 16

First UMC of Cross Plains (1000 N. Main St., Cross Plains 76442) extends an open invitation to share the joy of their dedication celebration for their new building Sunday, Aug. 16. There will be welcoming refreshments at 10 a.m. followed by worship service dedication at 10:45 a.m., celebration luncheon at 12 noon and parsonage dedication at 1:30 p.m. For luncheon reservations call 254-725-7377 or e-mail fumccrossplains@gmail.com.

Boots, Not Suits — Aug. 16
Christ UMC in Fort Worth will conduct its 3rd annual "Cowboy Church" service at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 16. For this annual event, the congregation and visitors are we encouraged to dust off those boots and go "cowboy"! Mark Winter of "The One Man Show" will make a special appearance as well as Christian country music artist Jay Johnson. There will be a BBQ lunch with all the trimmings. After that the kids (and adults alike) can enjoy the horse rides and try their hand at roping. Come join Christ UMC. For more details, visit Christ UMC at http://cumcfw.com, call 817-346-2400 or contact Allen Heinecke at aheinecke@sbcglobal.net.

End of Summer Concert Series at First Waxahachie — Aug. 16, 23

Admission is free for the End of the Summer Concert Series at First UMC, Waxahachie, with the following lineup of concerts at 6 p.m. each Sunday:

Aug. 16 — Classical Pianist Jimmy Emery
Aug. 23 — Gospel Singing Group/Audible Lights – Allen Asbury & the Brook Brothers

Understanding Mood Disorders – Aug. 22
Acton UMC is hosting a workshop on “Understanding Mood Disorders” from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 22. Learn about types and symptoms of mood disorders; how to develop a wellness program to treat and stabilize mood disorders; the value of support groups; tools for family and friends to better support loved ones suffering from mood disorders. The event is co-sponsored by AUMC, Texas Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) and Pecan Valley MHMR. To register, please contact Joseph Nader at joseph@actonumc.org, 817-326-4242. The event is free, but a $15 donation is welcomed to help defray the cost. For more information, please go to www.actonumc.org.

Roots of Change Group for Pastors/Church Staff in Fort Worth Area — Aug. 27-Nov. 19
This group is facilitated by Charles Gaby from 8-10:30 a.m. Thursdays, Aug. 27-Nov. 19, at First UMC Fort Worth (750 W. 5^th St., Fort Worth 76102). The cost for this group is a donation to the Roots of Change program - minimum donation $100. Limited to 10 participants. Meets in the Larry Grubb Group Room of the Center for Creative Transformation at First UMC. Registration ends when full or by Aug. 20^.Contact: Marianne at 817-339-5071.

Ken Medema Is Coming to Acton — Sept. 6

Bring your friends, family, youth group, your whole congregation to Acton UMC, Granbury at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, to hear the incomparable Ken Medema sing, play, make up songs on the spot, tickle your funny bone and warm your heart. This totally unique singer/songwriter/ pianist, blind from birth, has a minister’s heart and an evangelistic fervor in his performance. Stay after the free concert for water slide fun for the kids and teens and a delicious hot dog and watermelon dinner. Please bring a love offering to help us defray expenses and please also bring a can of food for People Helping People of Hood County. Contact Suzanne Cate for more information at 817-326-4242 or Suzanne@actonumc.org.

Josh McDowell Is Willson Lecturer at Texas Wesleyan — Sept 14
Josh McDowell will be the speaker for the Willson Lecture Series at Texas Wesleyan University (Fort Worth) Monday, Sept. 14. During his 47 yeas of ministry, McDowell (http://www.josh.org/site/c.ddKDIMNtEqG/b.4023555/k.BE5B/Home.htm) has authored or co-authored 108 books, including More Than a Carpenter, which has been translated into more than 85 languages, and New Evidence That Demands a Verdict, which has been recognized by World Magazine as one of the century’s most influential books. Two events will be occurring on that day — a noon luncheon with the author/lecturer for area pastors at $10 per person (Sept. 9 deadline to sign up) and the formal lecture at 7 p.m. at Polytechnic UMC, which is free and open to all. If interested in either of the events, contact Gladys Childs at 817-531-4461 or gchilds@txwes.edu.

Gifts of the Labyrinth — Oct. 23-25
East Fort Worth Montessori Academy (501 Oakland Blvd., Fort Worth) is hosting Gifts of the Labyrinth with Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress Friday-Tuesday, Oct. 23-27. Activities begin with a public lecture on Friday evening and continues with a full day workshop on Saturday, which includes a sunset labyrinth walk with music. Sunday begins and ends with a sunrise/sunset labyrinth walks and Monday and Tuesday focus on Veriditas facilitator training. www.veriditas.org.

Trinity, Arlington Seeks Ride Share to “Leaves of Gold” — Oct. 19-20

Trinity UMC in Arlington will be taking a group of older adults to Mt. Sequoyah’s “Leaves of Gold” Conference Oct. 19-22, and would like to share transportation costs with other church groups also planning to go. James Moore, popular author and speaker and retired from a successful 22-year tenure as senior minister of St. Luke’s UMC in Houston, is the keynote speaker for this conference. If interested, please call Brenda Beaver at 817-274-1345.

Adult Mission Trip to Nicaragua — Oct. 3-11

Aledo UMC, in conjunction with M.E.D.I.C.O., is planning its annual health care mission trip. They invite others to join them for an adventure to Nicaragua Oct. 3-11. Help them minister to people who have little or no health care available to them. This life-changing experience enables participants to share God’s love and reach out to others in need. Be part of a team representing our churches, our communities, and our faith. Who may apply: all health care professionals - physicians, dentists, nurses, dental assistants, pharmacists, optometrists, chiropractors and Spanish speakers. Cost: $700 plus airfare. For more information contact Peggy Badlato at 817-443-0284 or pbadlato@att.net.

Take the Journey — Oct. 16-18

Take the Journey is a spiritual growth opportunity offered by Smithfield UMC Oct. 16-18 at Bridgeport Methodist Camp (3280 FM 2952, Bridgeport 76426). For more details or to register, visit www.smithfieldumc.org, click on “Upcoming” and select “Retreat” from the dropdown menu. Contact: Susie Butcher at 817-501-9167 or retreat@smithfieldumc.org.

The Worship Workshop Live! — Oct. 17

First UMC of Burleson will host a Worship Workshop with Marcia McFee from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. This event, co-sponsored by the CTC Nurture Council, is for lay and clergy throughout the conference. McFee designs and leads worship for local, regional and national gatherings — including the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth — and clients consistently report they have been moved by the weaving together of all worship components into a spirit filled encounter with God. More details later.

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 more resources, contact Carol Roszell at 817-877-5222 or 800-460-8622.

Praying with the Body: Bringing the Psalms to Life. Don’t just pray with your mind and voice, learn to pray like a psalmist. This DVD and book guide you step by step as you discover how to use motion, together with the vibrant words of the Psalms, to reinvigorate your daily prayer life. These meditations and reflections will connect you to your deepest needs, and to your hunger and longing for contentment.

Online Access to Clergy Sexual Misconduct Prevention Course

An Internet course on Preventing Clergy Sexual Misconduct (PCSM) is available to all clergy and to all supply pastors who are appointed to a charge in the CTC. All pastors, associates, supply pastors appointed to a charge, and other CTC clergy can now go to www.careermarriage.org/pcsm, click on “Login” and set up their personal PCSM access. Completing this course meets the requirement for training in preventing clergy sexual misconduct. There is no cost to clergy for this Internet course. To access the PCSM each eligible clergy needs to enter his/her name and work e-mail address as it is listed in CTC records. Clergy who encounter any technical difficulty contact Richard Hunt at pcsm@careermarriage.org. To verify that your name and e-mail address are correct in the conference database, contact Susan Briles at susan@ctcumc.org, 817-877-5222 or 800-460-8622. All information a person enters through his or her personal PCSM access account is strictly confidential and will not be shared with anyone. At the www.careermarriage.org/pcsm, all the buttons at the left side of the page are freely available to anyone at any time. This enables anyone with any misconduct concerns to access appropriate help. Access to all the top tool buttons is limited to those who are eligible to participate in the PCSM course.

Crime Victims Council Information at www.crimevictimscouncil.org

The new Crime Victims Council website (www.crimevictimscouncil.org), sponsored with a generous grant from Downtown Fort Worth Rotary, offers many resources. If you are a survivor who would like to share your story or pass along a word of encouragement to one of our survivors or post a picture and other information about a victim, please email your submission to encouragement@crimevictimscouncil.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.

Youth Director

Youth director, part-time up to 20 hours per week. 7-12 youth with great possibilities in a growing church outside of Waco. Contact: Allen Grant at pastor@chinaspringumc.com or 254-836-1107.

Associate Director of Music Ministries

First UMC of Burleson seeks candidates for associate director of music ministries to: assist and support the director in leading vocal and bell choirs, provides leadership for the Sunday Morning Blend, direct the youth, drama and Glory Ringers (bell) choirs, serves as a back for the accompanist and participate in staff development and meetings as needed. For more details, contact Mark Stamper at 817-723-9397 (cell) or maest1020@yahoo.com.

P-T Worship Leader

First UMC of Fort Worth (www.fumcftw.org) seeks a part-time worship leader to create an engaging, welcoming environment in which youth in grades 7-12 will experience real Christian community through worship, teaching, music, media and other creative venues. Responsibilities for the position include coordinating the youth worship service with the youth ministry staff and leading the student band for Sunday worship and fellowship opportunities on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Our candidate should have multiple musical abilities and experience in leading worship. Please send resume to Brandon Frenzel at FUMC Fort Worth, Director of Youth Ministries, 800 W. 5th Street, Fort Worth 76102 or bfrenzel@myfumc.org.

P-T Praise Team Leader

First UMC of Corsicana seeks a part-time praise team leader to lead the existing Praise Team. The ideal candidate will be a devoted and energetic person with a passion for Christ and a desire and ability to share that passion with the congregation through music. This person must possess strong musical leadership, have a broad knowledge of contemporary Christian music, be able to utilize the latest multi-media technology, and have strong leadership and communication skills. Other desired attributes are friendly, creative, collaborative, adaptable and outgoing, and someone who wants to become a part of our church family. The church’s goal is for the new contemporary worship to grow in the community as well as within the church walls. If God is calling you to this ministry, please contact Steve Moss, associate pastor, at 214-803-3609 or e-mail your resume to stevem@fumccorsicana.org.

Director of Music & Worship

Woodway First UMC (21000 Woodway Dr., Waco 76712) is accepting applications for director of music and worship until Sept. 1 with the position to be filled by Oct. 1. Candidates should be able to provide: leadership in a spiritual ministry through music, primary oversight of all music staff, oversight and management of the music and worship programs, oversight and leadership for all worship services; serve as primary choir director for sanctuary choir; establish and lead choral and instrumental ensembles for worship and other events; arrange and schedule vocalists for worship; flexibility in worship planning and execution. An advanced music degree with at least five years experience in professional choral conducting preferred. Experience in church choral programs is preferred. This is a part-time position; salary is negotiable dependent on experience. Submit applications to Linda Smith at 254-751-0411. Contact: Search Committee Chair Danny Londenberg for more details at 254-751-0411.

Hammond Organ

First UMC of Dawson is giving away a Hammond Organ, model M-101. The upper and lower keyboards (along with the associated stops and drawbars) work just fine. The volume control pedal works, but the bass pedals do not work very well, but they may simply need a cleaning. The organ is free to anyone who can pick it up. Contact Michael Redmond at 903-229-2123 or michaelr@valornet.com to arrange for a time. The organ needs a good home with someone who will play it.

Programming Director for Glen Lake Camp

Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center, owned by the CTC and located in Glen Rose, seeks an energetic and dedication person to fill the position of program director. Qualified applicants will have a deep commitment to Jesus Christ, a thorough understanding and appreciation for UMism and will have training and experience in Christian education. This position requires a commitment to and a passion for children, youth and young adults as well as the ability to work in a team environment with staff, volunteers and guests from all walks of life. Preferable qualities include experience in Christian camping and curriculum writing as well. The salary package includes on-site housing/utilities provided as well as health insurance and pension benefits upon eligibility. Please send resume including a one page or less paragraph stating your reasons for pursuing the position to: Steve Nance, Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center, P.O. Box 928,

Glen Rose 76043. Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center is an equal-opportunity employer.

Administrative Assistant

St. Paul UMC of Hurst seeks an experienced, part-time administrative assistant. Knowledge of Microsoft Publisher and Word, with Web-maintenance skills is necessary. Please send resume to; St. Paul UMC of Hurst, 852 Bedford-Euless Road, Hurst 76053, Saintpaul06@charterinternet.com, 817-284-7181.

Music Director

Stephenville First UMC seeks a full-time music director for their 1300-member church in rural central Texas. Duties include oversight of the entire music program (including part-time positions for pianist and contemporary music leader), conducting the chancel choir, recruiting and resourcing volunteer directors of children’s, youth and handbell choirs, and leading or assisting with a variety of special programs or services throughout the year. Salary will be commensurate with experience and skill level. Health insurance and other benefits included. Motivated, organized servant leaders who enjoy creating excellent worship should apply. Contact Search Committee at fumc@our-town.com or 254-965-5046. The full job description is available at www.fumcville.org.

Church Steeple

Alliance UMC in Fort Worth posted recently the sale of a 31-foot tall steeple. While there were a few
inquiries, there has been no sale. The trustees are now prepared to drop the price to the low, low price of nothing, zero, free. If interested, please contact Ken Damon at 940-566-7420.

Worship Leaders/Musician/Vocalist

Troy UMC seeks a part-time (10 hours per week) worship leader, guitarist and vocalist to lead the praise team. Applicants will need to demonstrate a commitment to Christ, possess knowledge of contemporary Christian music and offer strong leadership and organizational skills. Applications may be obtained through the church office 254-938-2364 or by e-mail at troymethodist@sbcglobal.net.

Director of Children’s Ministries

Silver Creek UMC seeks a part-time director of children’s ministries. This is a vibrant and growing congregation just west of Fort Worth in northeast Parker County. Responsibilities include creating children’s programming that disciples and attracts the children of the growing community as well as coordinating volunteers and teachers for existing classes. Salary commensurate with experience. This position will close upon receiving 3 qualifying candidates. Send resumes and questions to Jason Hamilton at jason@silvercreekumc.org or Silver Creek UMC 2200 Church Rd. Azle 76020.

Part-time Choir Director

Hico FUMC seeks a choir director for the 10:50 a.m. worship service and possibly as worship leader

for a contemporary service in the planning stages. This person should have a heart for sharing the Gospel through the music ministry, must have experience directing a church choir, be confident in making

decisions about weekly anthems and special music at Christmas and Easter, be available for Wednesday evening rehearsals and Sunday morning worship. Please contact SPRC Chair Buddy Teague at

fumchico@embarqmail.com.

Full-time Director of Youth Ministries

St. John’s UMC, Georgetown, is expanding a vital youth program and needs a person who is committed to Christ; knows, loves and relates to youth; and is capable of planning and directing programs for youth and their families. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Send resume and questions to Jim Fagg, SPRC Chair, St John’s UMC, 311 E. University Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78626.

Organist/Accompanist (Part Time-20 hrs. wk)
First UMC of Keller, a growing church 25 minutes north of Fort Worth with an average attendance of 700, seeks an accomplished organist/accompanist who is also a committed person of faith to provide musical leadership in two weekly traditional worship services and other seasonal services in the Wesleyan tradition. This position also includes accompanying weekly Chancel Choir and youth choir rehearsals and accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists as scheduled by the director of music and worship. The church owns a three rank Baldwin 636 electronic organ, a 7 ft. Boston Steinway grand, and a 6 ft. Hobart Cable grand. Salary negotiable and competitive. Send resume to David Gerig, director of music and worship at davidg@kellerumc.org or FUMC of Keller, 1025 Johnson Road, Keller 76248. 817-431-1332. www.kellerumc.com.

Pew Cushions

First UMC Georgetown found a new home for their previously advertised 34 choir robes at Discovery UMC in Hutto. However, they still have some pew cushions in various sizes from a recent renovation. Contact Scotty Rundell or Wanda Foster at 512-863-2370 for specifics.

Theatre Organ

A member at Bethesda UMC (Weatherford) would like to donate a “Conn 645 theatre organ” with full pedal board, antique white cabinet. It needs a service call, but service manual provided. Will donate to a nonprofit organization. If interested, call Imogene Hammond at 940-445-0311.

Family Ministries
First UMC of Waco, an innovative 4,000-member church in a college town, seeks a full-time person committed to ministering to families, who is passionately committed to discipleship and growth and will serve as part of the executive staff team in implementing the church’s vision for ministry to children and families. The newly created minister to families will work with dedicated volunteers and an excellent paid children’s ministry staff to enhance and focus the children’s ministry and develop intergenerational programming to empower families and the congregation to more faithfully provide for the Christian nurture of their children. The ideal candidate will have a heart for ministering to the whole family, will be theologically trained, and have at least 5 years experience in Christian Education. Submit resumes and direct questions by e-mail to Lynn Barger Elliott at lynn@ymarchitects.com.

Pianist/Organist

Midlothian is seeking applicants for pianist/organist position. This is a part-time position that includes accompanying the Adult Choir at Wednesday night rehearsal and playing for two services each Sunday morning. Salary and hours are negotiable. Position opens mid-June. Please submit applications to Billy Pritchett at billyp@fumc-midlothian.org. For more information call 682-465-1371.

Part-time Music Director

First UMC of Glen Rose seeks a part-time music director. Some of the responsibilities include preparing and leading adult choir for weekly services, choosing hymns for worship services, working with pianist, organist and pastor for worship and special services. If interested, e-mail resume to fumc@valornet.com or mail to FUMC, P.O. Box 426, Glen Rose 76043. For information you may call the church office at 254-897-2572.

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Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world