August 3, 2006

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 things you probably need to know. Information to be shared must be submitted to Carolyn@ctcumc.org by 4 p.m. Wednesday in order to be e-mailed on Thursday. Articles should be as brief with 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

2 ALERTS:

Katrina Church Recovery Bishop’s Appeal — Bishop Ben Chamness joins other bishops in the U.S. in urging all churches to show the 7-minute Katrina Church Recovery Appeal DVD and to receive an offering for the appeal on Sunday, Aug. 27. This is the DVD shown at Annual Conference; copies are available in every district office and can be ordered through UM Communications’ toll-free customer service number at 888-346-3862. In addition to the video message, the DVD features several downloadable resources that congregations may choose to use in their appeal.

Local Church Fall Fundraisers — Plans are underway in many local churches for their annual fall fundraising events. Once again, the conference will provide a listing of these events in the Central Link newspaper (Sept. 8 issue) and on the conference website so that people may visit events beyond their own churches. Send your event information (name, date, place-including address, special attractions, etc.) by Aug. 23 to Carolyn Stephens at Carolyn@ctcumc.org or Carolyn Stephens, Central Texas Conference, 464 Bailey Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76107.

Near-time events:

Veritas … — At 6 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 5, veritas... meets at Richland Hills UMC (7301 Glenview Dr, 76180). Veritas... is a post-modern/emergent/multi-sensory/don't-call-us-praise & worship gathering that launched last March. This informal setting is meant to provide a place in which people can wrestle with the intricacies of faith and the power of a good question. Veritas... is a great opportunity for pastors to worship God in a meaningful setting. We celebrate communion weekly, utilize the latest technology in worship and serve great coffee. Sermon: Passionate Forgiveness, Melissa Baggett & Laura Jones. Questions: e-mail Rev. Mike Baughman, mbaughman@rhumc.net

Made Time for God Lately? — First UMC Waxahachie (505 W. Marvin, Waxahachie 75165) invites all to join in their “Month O’ Sundays” Revival in August. The first weekend’s focus will be on children and youth; the second on women’s ministry; third on men’s men-istry, and the fourth on sharing our faith. Programs will be on Saturday afternoons, Sunday morning worship and on Sunday evenings. For more details, contact the church at 972-937-4400 or visit the website at www.fumcwax.org.

Forest Hill UMC concert — Forest Hill UMC will host a blue grass group called “No Turning Back" for a concert at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6. The concert is free, but a love offering will be taken to pay for the entertainers. There is some handicap parking in the rear of the building. We hope to see you there.

Waco prayer conference — First UMC, Waco, will host a Waco Prayer Conference 2006 on Friday and Saturday, August 18 & 19, at the church’s Family Life Center. "Live a Praying Life" conference will be led by author Jennifer Kennedy Dean, and will feature a special session, "The Privilege of Prayer," at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday for pastors and church leaders. The three sessions on Saturday run from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will include topics:

• The Problem of Prayer,

• The Promise of Prayer, and

• The Power of Prayer.

The registration includes materials and lunch on Saturday: $25 before Aug. 13; $30 after Aug. 13.

The Saturday session will include a special free seminar for attendees' children (4 yrs - 6th grade), "Teaching Children to Pray." (A sack lunch needs to accompany each child on Saturday.) Questions can be directed to me at 254/772-5630 X 218 or lhammond@fumcwaco.org.

Missionaries/mission interpreters program (repeat)

Jerri and Bill Savuto, UM missionaries and mission interpreters for the South Central Jurisdiction, will conduct a mission education event at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, at Acton UMC. This event is in support of global mission of the UMC and planned for district mission secretaries, mission outreach chairs, UMW presidents, mission leadership chairs; conference mission leadership team, UMW officers and committee of mission personnel; and anyone interested in exploring missionary support in the Central Texas Conference. RSVP by Aug. 7 to Dawne McAlpin, conference secretary of global ministries, at 817-326-4242 or dawne@actonumc.org.

News

Reporter content for Aug. 11

The UM Reporter offers a special back-to-school issue for Aug. 11. Several features are listed below. See more stories and letters to the editor at http://www.umportal.org/ or www.reporterinteractive.org

DON’T BE SLEEPING IN: So how does a college student maintain her faith when she’s away from home and parents for the first time in her life? Our summer intern Roxanne Dass talks to some college students and administrators about how Christian kids can hold steady on a new campus.

http://www.reporterinteractive.org/main/Feeds/tabid/116/newsid/1116/Default.aspx

HISTORIC MOMENT: Rev. Samuel Kobia, UM and chief executive of the World Council of Churches, told the World Methodist Conference that the ecumenical movement is “at a turning point in its history.”http://www.umc.org/site/c.gjJTJbMUIuE/b.1986707/k.DCCA/Ecumenism_at_turning_point_Kobia_tells_Methodists.htm

CAN’T BELIEVE WE’RE TALKING ABOUT THIS: Rev. James Ritchie gets kids talking about sex when he presents the UM curriculum “Created by God,” a look at human sexuality that is coupled with a faith perspective.http://www.umc.org/site/c.gjJTJbMUIuE/b.1868691/k.E95C/Created_by_God_program_targets_preteensand_parents.htm

WHAT I DID FOR SUMMER VACATION: Special contributor Boyce Bowdon has an inspirational story and photos about Camp Cavett, a camp for physically challenged children in southeast Oklahoma.

http://www.reporterinteractive.org/main/Feeds/tabid/116/newsid/1118/Default.aspx

OWNING HER FAITH: We asked our summer intern, who is a UM pastor’s daughter, how she went about growing in her faith while at college. It didn’t happen without some intentionality, she says.

http://www.reporterinteractive.org/main/Feeds/tabid/116/newsid/1119/Default.aspx

FAMILY-FOCUSED: Boyce Bowdon also has a story on a Sunday school class that focuses on nurturing its families.http://www.reporterinteractive.org/main/Feeds/tabid/116/newsid/1123/Default.aspx

Evangelical Christians speaking out on end times

Margaret Stratton, senior pastor at Robinson Drive UMC in Waco, is among those quoted in recent news reports calling activities in the Middle East signs of end of times as foretold in the scriptures. A segment on NBC’s Today Show (this morning) quoted John Hagee, pastor of the 18,000-member Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, as a leader in this movement. Earlier this week there was to have been a segment on ABC’s Nightline program that included worship at Robinson Drive, but it is not listed on their program archives or transcript order files.

A message from the CTC Board of Church & Society - Jerry Longwell, Chair (repeat)

All of us have watched in horror as the cycle of violence in the Middle East rapidly escalates. The complexity of the political situation there does not allow for simple solutions, but it is clear that the cycle of violence and retaliation continues to add tragedy upon tragedy for all who are involved. We mourn the loss of any life due to warfare, but we especially deplore the death and injury of innocent civilians, including children.

Religious leaders, including United Methodists, have quickly responded to this latest eruption of violence. Their statements point out that there are differing views of the causes and the solutions to the area’s problems, but are unanimous in the call for justice and peace for the people of the Middle East. A sampling of these statements can be found at the sites listed below. One thing we can all do is to pray for peace and compassion for all involved.

What We Believe (from the Social Principles)

http://wwws.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=519#doc_anchor

Click on “The Political Community” ¶164 I – Military Service

Click on “The World Community” ¶165 A-D — Cultures, Power, War & Peace, Justice & Law

General Board of Church & Society

http://archives.umc.org/frames.asp?url=http%3A//www.umc-gbcs.org

Brief GBCS statement and links to statements by the World Council of Churches, the U.S. National Council of Churches, plus a link to a UM News Service story with quotes from:

• Bishop Janice Huie – president, UM Council of Bishops

• Rev. R. Rand Day – chief exec., General Board of Global Ministries

• Rev. Larry Pickens — chief exec., UM Commission on Christian Unity & Interreligious Concerns

• Rev. Bob Edgar - chief exec., U.S. NCC

• Rev. John McCullough – chief exec., WCC

• Rev. Samuel Kobia of Kenya — a UM speaking on behalf of WCC

Called Executive Session of conference (repeat)

Bishop Ben R. Chamness has called a meeting of the Executive Session at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, at Central UMC, Waco. The purpose of this meeting is to complete some unfinished business from the June 5 meeting. The Executive Session is composed of all the clergy of the Central Texas Annual Conference. Only those who are full members of the conference (ordained elders and deacons) are able to attend and vote on matters of membership, character, and conference relationship. The only laity who may participate in the Executive Session are members of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

Events-Opportunities

Paperwork requests for candidate/probationary member spring interviews due Sept. 1

All eligible certified candidates and probationary members seeking full connection to the Central Texas Conference must submit requests for paperwork for 2007 Spring Interviews by Sept. 1. Requests must be in the form of a written, originally signed letter stating whether the candidate is seeking elder’s or deacons orders, under which Discipline the candidate is working, and what conference relationship the candidate is seeking: commissioning as a probationary member, continuing probationary membership, recognition of orders, ordination, etc. Those seeking elder orders should address their requests to elder’s registrar Jacquetta Johnson-Chambers, and those seeking deacon orders should address their requests to Bobby Cullen. All requests should be sent to P. O. Box 121407, Arlington, TX 76012-1407. Spring Interviews are scheduled for March 28-30, 2007 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center. This is a Wednesday through Friday schedule. Please contact Gala Trimble at 817-795-7120 if you have questions.

Ballinger UMC Celebrates 120 years of Methodism
Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, Ballinger UMC (1501 Broadway 76821) will be celebrating 120 years of Methodism in Ballinger by having an Old Fashioned Camp Meeting on the church grounds. Festivities will include Cokesbury singing, silent movie showing of current building being built, horse shoes, dominos, and more. A meal of beans and cornbread will be served. Sunday worship at 10:55 a.m. on Sept. 17 will be a special service of celebration. Come and join us. This weekend is also Ballinger's Homecoming. For info e-mail Dency McClure at dency@msn.com or contact the church office at 325-365-2323.

Backpack for Kids Program

The Tarrant Area Food Bank (2600 Cullen St., Fort Worth 76107) invites volunteer youth and senior groups, church classes and civic club members to the Wednesday night Backpack for Kids Program. At 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday, volunteers pack food that will provide meals for 797 children over the weekend. To schedule your group, contact JoAnn Biggers at 817-332-9177, ext. 109.

Stephen Ministry training

First UMC Bedford extends an invitation to anyone interested in doing Stephen Ministry. Please join the next training class beginning August 17 at First Bedford. It’ll be Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and two Saturday mornings.   It requires some reading and $50 for the books. Stephen Ministry was formed 27 years ago, and is still going strong because it’s a caring ministry that brings Christ’s healing love to people who are either hospitalized, terminally ill, grieving, homebound, in a job crisis, facing transitions, disabled, separated or divorced, lonely or experiencing other stresses in life! Direct inquiries to Rosemary Oberheu at 817-282–3160.

Sharing God's Grace — The Greatest Gift!
Discipleship Themes at First UMC Colleyville give us focus for worship, study, and action during a specific period of time--a period of weeks or a liturgical season such as Advent or Easter. First Colleyville’s summer Discipleship Theme has been "Summer of Service: Grace, Mercy, and Peace." We have participated in mission trips and a youth choir tour, offered Vacation Bible School and "Godspell Jr." to our community, undertaken local and global mission projects, and studied what Paul and Jesus taught about grace, mercy, and peace.

In September, we begin the fall focusing on sharing our faith--acting on Christ's call to us of witness, nurture, and outreach. Our Discipleship Theme will be: "Sharing God's Grace--The Greatest Gift!"   This theme coincides with a conference-wide emphasis by Bishop Chamness on evangelism, equipping the church to "make disciples of Jesus Christ." During the 9:45 a.m. Sunday school hour Sept. 10, 17, and 24, Pastor Gary Kindley will lead a Bible Study for adults and youth in the Event Center focusing on three important biblical passages: The Great Calling   Matthew 4:18-22 - Making Disciples Through Witness; The Great Commission Matthew 22:34-40 - Making Disciples Through Nurture; and The Great Commandment Matthew 28:16-20 Making Disciples Through Outreach. This study is based on a curriculum written by Dr. David Mosser, who has previously led renewal services for First Colleyville.

Lay Speaking Class opportunities

• Advanced Lay Speaking Class (Lay Speakers Lead in Evangelism and The Faith-Sharing Congregation: Developing a Strategy for the Congregation as Evangelist) – Aug. 19 & 20 at First UMC Comanche (217 E. Grand). Contact Howard Hagood, Brownwood District Director of Lay Speaking at howard@txol.net or 254-734-2977 (home) or 254-734-5729 (cell).

• Basic Lay Speaker Course (Temple District) — Sept. 15 & 16 at St. Philips UMC, Round Rock. Faculty: Don Gregory and Frank Holder. Notify Frank Holder if you will be in attendance (pnwarior@swbell.net)

• Disciple-Making Faith Communities will be offered in Temple District by Mary Duffel at 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Troy UMC. Class participants should contact www.Cokesbury.org to purchase the Disciple-Making Faith Communities Lay Speakers Guide for the class participants, and the resource text: Next Church Now, Revised Ed. with DVD. Bring a sack lunch for Saturday.

• Waco District 2006 Basic Lay Speaking Course — Saturdays Sept. 16, 23, 30 at Bracks UMC (1005 LaSalle Ave., Waco). Instructor: Corliss McBride. Register by fax (254) 776-1939, e-mail Waco@ctcumc.org. Direct inquiries to Ramona Curtis daytime 254-710-1294 & evening 254-751-9988 or Corliss McBride 254-776-4499.

Healing service

Waxahachie District Healing & Wholeness Worship Service will be held 5 p.m. Aug. 27 at Ferris Heights UMC (108 Center, Waxahachie 75165). This will be a service of prayer, laying on of hands, and anointing with oil. Sponsored by District Nurture Council. Direct inquiries to Cheryl Moseley at cmoseley@kjllp.com.

Live Out Loud!

The 2006 South Central Jurisdiction Singles Retreat will be held Nov. 3-5 at Mount Sequoyah Conference & Retreat Center, Fayetteville, Ark., with Terry Hershey at keynote speaker. Terry is an inspirational and motivational speaker, captivating storyteller, and offers a gentle reminder to slow down and focus on the few things that matter in life. Music for the retreat will be by Hannah Blaylock & Lost and Found. They won the Arkansas Acoustic Festival in 2003. Numerous honors have followed. Their first CD “Cover Me” has been met with much critical acclaim. Hannah Blaylock & Lost and Found have opened for the Legendary Judy Collins and received Honorable Mention in the 2003 Nashville Songwriters Association International Songwriting Competition.

There will also be 24 different workshops from which to choose; including Achieving Financial Freedom, Finding the One While Having Fun, Discover Your Spiritual Type, The Shape of Successful Leadership, and Real Life, Real Faith, Real Hope. In addition to the workshops, there will be a special opportunity to join Terry Hershey at Stonebridge Meadows Golf course for a round of golf. Also, NEW THIS YEAR Yoga, Disc Golf, exploring Fayetteville and work camp on the Mountain. Come join us on for the Singles Retreat on The Mountain this fall. There is something for everyone! For more information and registration forms go to www.mountsequoyah.org, call the Mount Sequoyah office at 800-760-8126 or 479-443-4531.

Aldersgate associates have opportunity for “summer camp”

Aldersgate Enrichment Center, the sheltered workshop just outside Brownwood, is planning a trip to Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Glen Rose during the month of September. To cover the cost of camp, Aldersgate associates are saving their aluminum cans and asking others to do the same. Please bring or send your aluminum cans (or money donation) to Aldersgate before September. The goal is $2,500. For more details, contact Aldersgate at 325-646-5608 or visit www.glenlake.org. If making a donation please specify that donation go into the CAMP ACCOUNT.

United Methodist Relief Agency Needs Funds for Middle East Crisis (repeat)

The UM Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has issued an urgent appeal for funds to assist civilians caught in the renewed fighting in the Middle East. "Our funds for Middle East emergencies are painfully low," said the Rev. Paul Dirdak, UMCOR director. "As Christians and as a denomination, we need to equip ourselves to do our part in responding to humanitarian needs in this tragic situation." Contributions should go to the Middle East Emergency Fund (#601740) of the Advance for Christ and His Church, the United Methodist designated mission giving fund. Donations can be made online or by telephone, mail or by putting a check in the collection plate of any United Methodist Church. One hundred percent of the contribution goes to the Advance ministry indicated. Checks may be written to UMCOR, with Middle East Emergency fund #601740 and placed in collection plates or mailed directly to: UMCOR, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068. Credit card donations may be made by calling 800-554-8583. You may also make a donation online at

http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/donations/donate.cfm?code=601740&id=30.

Opportunity to co-sponsor refugee families (repeat)
Refugee Services of Texas (RST) is seeking churches to co-sponsor refugee families that will be resettled in the Fort Worth area beginning in September. Families are placed within a 50-mile radius of the RST office in Fort Worth, and if your church is located near to the area, then the opportunity for co-sponsorship may be a very rewarding experience for your congregation. Some activities may include: furnishing the family’s apartment, meeting them at the airport, setting them up with some clothing and food to be ready for their arrival, providing some transportation to doctor’s appointments, helping them learn how to use food stamps at the grocery store, giving how to use the bus lessons, giving ESL lessons or other training to help them acclimate to their new home and community, helping them to find community resources and tap into social service agencies, assisting as a liaison at the children’s schools, and being an advocate and a friend to them. This is not an exhaustive list, and the families will certainly have varying needs and bring a wide variety in skill and education levels. All of these activities will help them become self-sufficient. The financial commitment is generally not too large, and the CTC can provide small grants for assisting refugees if necessary.

If your church is not located in the Fort Worth area, there are a number of other ways that you can support refugee resettlement and create meaningful relationships with refugees. Please be in prayer about this opportunity. If you are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity, please contact Ann Smith, CTC Refugee & Immigration Ministries Coordinator, at polarmom@charter.net; or Jennifer Coggins, director of humanitarian services at jennifer@ctcumc.org.

Church mission project: Adopt a Family (repeat)

The Adopt a Family Project sponsored by the American Red Cross in Beaumont, Texas, is a new program to help homeowners who are elderly, disabled, or single parent with children who have severe damage to their homes as a result of Hurricane Rita. The Beaumont Chapter is reaching out to churches throughout Texas to support the program. Churches that are interested in providing assistance via service or monetary will be responsible for the decision making on the allocation of the assistance. The ARC will send a picture of the damage along with all pertinent information about the family such as insurance and all financial assistance received. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. If this is a project your church would like to undertake, please contact Bernadette Nelson of the ARC at 409/832-1644 or EliaNelsonZ@usa.redcross.net. For additional information or questions contact, Jennifer Coggins, CTC director of humanitarian services at 817/877-5222, 800/460-8622 or Jennifer@ctcumc.org.

Six Flags Over Texas tickets available (repeat)

Six Flags tickets are now available through the Conference Office. These are general admission passes that are valid any regular operating day in the 2006 season. The cost is $23 with 50¢ of each ticket purchase going to the Youth Service Fund. Contact Lisa McCutcheon at 817-877-5222/800-460-8622 or lisa@ctcumc.org.

Hurricane Harbor tickets still available (repeat)

Hurricane Harbor tickets are now available through the Conference Office. These are general admission passes that are valid any operating day in the 2006 season. The cost is $18 with $1 of each ticket purchase going to the Youth Service Fund. Contact Lisa McCutcheon at 817-877-5222/800-460-8622 or lisa@ctcumc.org.

Here’s lifting our hats to you (repeat)

We still have hats! CTC Youth in Mission has hats available in both khaki and navy. The price is $8. Call Lisa at 817-877-5222 to order.

Cayote UMC plans 100^th anniversary (repeat)

Cayote UMC is in the planning stage to celebrate the church’s 100 year anniversary Sunday, Oct. 15, from noon to 3 p.m., including lunch, a worship service, and reflections from former pastors and their families. If you know the whereabouts of any former pastors, pastor's families, or former members, please email that information to vmcmethodist@clearwire.net, or call Christie Robbins at 254.934.2842.

100 years and counting! (repeat)

Everman UMC is planning a celebration of its 100th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 3. A special “Birthday Worship Service,” followed with a lunch, will honor the many years of worship and the accomplishments of church members and clergy throughout the 100 years. If you know someone who would like an invitation to this special day of celebration, please send names and addresses to mbalch@academicplanet.com.

UMVIM trip to OIMC (repeat)

Join the Adult UMVIM team Oct. 25-29 serving the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. OIMC was established in 1844 to serve “distinctly Indian congregations.” Many churches are historic, having been around since the tribes were forcibly removed from their homelands beginning in the early 1840s. The CTC team will assist with vital repairs for churches that cannot afford to contract the work nor do it on their own. The project provides a rewarding volunteer opportunity and a unique cultural experience. Visit the Conference website at www.ctcumc.org for more details. Contacts: Jennifer Coggins at Jennifer@ctcumc.org or Teresa Sherwood at teresas@fumcmansfield.org.

Mission/disaster response training programs (repeat)

UMVIM Team Leader Training will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at First UMC Mansfield. If you are interested in learning more about being a UMVIM team leader, join the CTC-sponsored UM Volunteers in Mission for a special event to train dedicated mission team leaders. Visit the Conference website at www.ctcumc.org for more details. Contacts: Jennifer Coggins at Jennifer@ctcumc.org or Teresa Sherwood at teresas@fumcmansfield.org.

The CTC Disaster Response Task Force will present early Response Training at 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 30 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center, Glen Rose. The course teaches the various ways volunteers can respond to a disaster during the earliest days. Once local emergency officials open a community to debris removal, house cleaning and tarping, volunteer teams become a sign of hope that survivors are not alone and the community, both near and far, will be present with them throughout their recovery. Early response training prevents volunteers from making costly and dangerous mistakes that could set a survivor back. Visit the Conference website at www.ctcumc.org for more details. Contacts: Jennifer Coggins at Jennifer@ctcumc.org or Chuck Graff at cgraff@fumcftw.org.

Resources

Resource Center

New resources highlighted at the Conference Resource Center this week are described below. For these and many more resources, contact Carol Roszell at 817-877-5222 or 800-460-8622.

If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat - John Ortberg. Answer Christ’s call to greater faith, power-filled deed, and a new way of knowing him. These six remarkable, interactive sessions will teach you how to discern God’s call, transcend fear, risk faith, manage failure, and trust God. VHS and DVD, leader’s guide, participant’s guide and book.

General Board of Discipleship

Sing Praise for Faithful Women from Scripture and Throughout History by Edith Downing (2006). Available online at: http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=16682&loc_id=17,823

Sing Praise for Faithful Women from Scripture and Throughout History is a major new collection of 36 hymn texts and recommended tunes by well-published hymn writer Edith Downing. The texts recall not only the women of the Bible but also important women who have struggled for equality and justice throughout history - Joan of Arc, Perpetua, Harriet Tubman, Dorothy Day, Maggie Kuhn, and Corretta Scott King. Edith Downing has a master’s degree in religious education (The University of Chicago) and theological studies with a major in worship (Trinity Lutheran Seminary). She has been an active church musician, directing choirs and serving as organist. She did not begin writing hymns until her late 60s and has gone on to publish several collections with major publishers of hymns as well as contributing texts to numerous hymnals. Now in her mid-80s, Edith continues to write hymns and play the organ in her church. She is a distinguished member of the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada. Her bio and picture are at http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?loc_id=17,22,1131&act=nav_loc.

Color printing resource

First UMC Bedford is offering an affordable alternative for all your color-printing needs. Let us help you afford color for posters, brochures, postcards, and more. Regular printing of your color Sunday bulletin can also be arranged. Contact Hilarie Mallette at 817-283-5536, or email hmallette@fumcbedford.com.

Have you planned your fall stewardship campaign? (repeat)

If you do not have a stewardship campaign scheduled, if you need to change what you have been doing, or if you just want to talk about how to do it, help is available. It won’t cost anything. Don’t pay a consultant for something that is free to your church. This is a professional program. Your CTC Stewardship Task Force will help you. Call Dick Swain at (817) 573-7035 or e-mail dnlswain@charter.net. It is important that you start planning now!!

Evangelism resource

The 2-DVD set of Dr. Woody Davis’ “Sharing Our Faith” seminar presentation at the Spring Leadership Summit is available through the conference office. An order form is on the conference website at www.ctcumc.org under “Ministry Areas” in the menu bar, then “Witness,” and then “Evangelism.”

Mount Sequoyah newsletter

Anyone wishing to stay abreast of activities and events at Mount Sequoyah, the South Central Jurisdiction retreat center in Fayetteville, Ark., can do so at programs@mountsequoyah.org.

Depression Connection support groups (repeat)

Depression Connection Team collaborates with churches to develop and operate support groups for people with depression, bipolar disorder, and related conditions. People suffering from these disorders are more likely to achieve recovery when participating in small peer support groups. Presently, we have five groups and we are developing three new ones to begin this month. Would you like to consider having your church sponsor a group? For additional information please contact Tony Campbell at Tony@depressionconnection.org or call (817)-810-9599.

Calendar

— Looking Ahead —

Forest Hill UMC bluegrass concert — 5 p.m. Aug. 6

Missionaaries/mission interpreters program — 3 p.m. Aug. 13 at Acton UMC

Waco Prayer Conference — Aug. 18-19 at First Waco UMC Family Life Center, Waco

Advanced Lay Speaker training — Aug. 19-20 at First UMC Comanche

Deadline for local church fall fundraiser event listings — Aug. 26

Katrina Church Recovery Bishop’s Appeal in local churches — Aug. 27

Deadline for certified candidates/probationary members to submit paperwork — Sept. 1

Everman UMC 100^th anniversary — Sunday, Sept. 3

Fall Leadership Summit — Sept. 9 at First UMC, Hurst

Basic Lay Speaker training — Sept. 15-16 at St. Philips UMC, Round Rock

Ballinger UMC celebrates 120 anniversary — Sept. 16

Lay Speaker training — Sept. 16, 23, 30 at Bracks UMC, Waco

UM VIM Team Leader Training — 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 16 at First UMC Mansfield

Called Executive Session — Sept. 19 at Central UMC, Waco

Advanced Lay Speaking course (Temple Dist) — Sept. 23-24 at Troy UMC

CTC Disaster Response Task Force Early Response Training — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 30 at Glen Lake Camp

Concert to benefit Zimbabwe orphans Endeavor — 3 & 7 p.m. Oct. 1 concerts at Bass Performance Hall, Downtown Fort Worth

Hearts & Minds for Mission: An Intensive Seminar for Lay Mission Volunteers — Oct. 6-7 at Perkins School of Theology, SMU, Dallas

GBGM Health & Wellness – Congregation Health Ministries (see article) — Oct. 8-11

Church Growth & Development workshops with Paul Nixon — Oct. 9 (morning for churches with 50 to 100 in worship/afternoon for churches with 150 to 200 in worship) at Arborlawn UMC, Fort Worth

Cayote UMC 100^th anniversary — noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15

Adult UM VIM trip to Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference — Oct. 25-29

Live Out Loud – SCJ Singled Retreat — Nov. 3-5 at Mount Sequoyah Conference & Retreat Center

Needs, Resources, Opportunities

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

to pull your listing when your opening has been filled.

District Secretary

The Fort Worth District office seeks applicants for administrative assistant/secretary. Weekly hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8:30 a.m. – noon Friday. The district office oversees and supervises the ministry of the clergy and the churches within the bounds of the district. The primary role of this position is to serve as assistant to the DS. She/he must be knowledgeable of the workings of the UMC, willing and able to assist clergy, local church staff, UM members, conference staff, and other district offices or organizations as needed or required. Confidentially is of the utmost importance in the district office. Starting date: Sept. 18. Requirements: computer skills in Word, Excel, Quicken and Access. Full job description sent upon request. E-mail resume to fortworth@ctcumc.org or mail to Scott Youngblood, 464 Bailey Ave., Fort Worth 76107.

Church Pianist
St. John the Apostle UMC (5440 Mansfield Rd., Arlington 76017 - behind Kohl’s department store) seeks a pianist for their 8:30 a.m. traditional worship service. If interested, please contact Lori Simmons at lori.simmons@stjohntheapostle.org or 817-468-8484.

Part-time Secretary

A part-time secretary needed at Smithfield UMC in North Richland Hills. This position is a 29-hour per week job. Would like someone outgoing and computer literate. Please send resume to Tim Boeglin pastor@smithfieldumc.org or the church office office@smithfieldumc.org.

Youth Director Available for Position
Christopher Youngblood, completing his interim director of youth services position at Genesis UMC in Fort Worth, will be available to start work on Aug. 15. He's looking for a growing youth program in the Fort Worth area that would benefit from a youth minister with strong interpersonal skills, a committed faith, and the ability to promote friendship and bonding among young people. Part-time is preferable, with the possibility of moving to full-time starting in November. For more information, contact yngbld70@gmail.com.

Choir/Praise Band Director

Wellspring UMC, Georgetown, a young, growing, exciting church, seeks a full-time choir/praise band director. Great staff and wonderful congregation. E-mail resume to: whitbeckg@wellspringgeorgetown.org.

Choir Robe Giveaway!

Crowley UMC has 37 blue choir robes to give away. Call 817-297-4530 for more information or contact Mary Gean Cope at mary-gean@crowleyumc.com

Part-time Program Assistant

First Hurst UMC (521 W. Pipeline Rd. Hurst 76053) seeks a part-time program assistant. Description: 24 ½ hours: Monday-Thursday 12 p.m. -5 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Position will assist the director of music/worship and the minister of youth and their families. Will also assist the communications director and will serve in a back-up capacity in this area. Will cover receptionist’s desk during the lunch hour. Requirements: Computer skills necessary: Word, Excel, and Publisher. Experience in Adobe and Shelby Systems a plus. Looking for person with the following traits: positive attitude, pleasant phone etiquette, excellent organizational skills, task oriented and works quickly, able to handle many tasks, works well with others. Contact: Mary Dublin at 817-181-7384 or mdublin@fumchurst.org.

Church Pianist

Eastern Hills UMC (1509 Wilson Rd., Fort Worth 76112) seeks a church pianist with the following requirements: ability to sight read hymns and play choral music, able to take direction from the choir director and pastor, available each Thursday at 6-7 p.m. for choir practice at the church, be at church by 8:15 a.m. each Sunday for choir rehearsal. Church service begins at 9 a.m. and be available for staff meetings and special church services as needed. Contact: Alfie Wines at 817-457-2758.

Organ For Sale

For Sale: E-50 Yamaha Full Pedal Organ $500. Bill Sanders 254-835-4851.

Director, Youth and Children's Ministry

Alliance UMC, an active, growing congregation in far north Fort Worth seeks that special someone to fill the position of director of youth & children's ministry. Currently a full-time position, the church is open to the possibility of splitting the job into two part-time positions (youth director and children's ministry director). Alliance youth are active in worship, mission, and service. We had over 190 children in VBS this year, and we are looking for someone to take both programs to the next level of engagement in Christian education, spirituality, and discipleship. Education and/or prior experience in youth/children's ministry required. Successful candidates will undergo a background and reference check prior to employment. AUMC will offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience and is flexible to accommodate the needs of the right candidate(s). To learn more about Alliance UMC, visit our website at www.allianceumc.org. Please submit resume of work experience to: Alliance UMC, Attn: Virginia O. (Ginger) Bassford, sr. pastor, 7904 Park Vista Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, Fax: 817-281-8195. E-mail: Please use the Subject line Youth Director/Children's Director and send to: alliance.sr.pastor@sbcglobal.net and spice_fishcar@swbell.net

Church Secretary

Church secretary position at the First UMC Brownwood. Send resume and references to Don Scroggs at 325-643-1555 or email at dscroggs@bwoodtx.com.

New Church Start-Up Items Needed

Light of the World in Hudson Oaks near Weatherford is moving into new facilities and is in need of several items (listed below). If you have or wish to donate any of these items, please contact the pastor, Jana Wear, at 817 832-6250 or janawear@sbcglobal.net..

• children's sized tables for the children's area

• children's books

• gently used toys for the nursery

• screens/partitions for sectioning off areas

• light, mobile tables for potlucks and the like; 3- or 4-shelf bookcases (reachable for children)

• gently used large area rugs for the children's area

• storage cabinets

Digital Communications Director

Contact: Frances Jett Roberts, AGS Administration/Human Resources, General Board of Church and Society, 100 Maryland Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002; e-mail: froberts@umc-gbcs.org. Picked up from Newscope

Director of Multicultural Ministries

Contact: Maria James, toll-free phone: 877-899-2780, ext. 7100; fax: 615-340-7565; e-mail: recruit@gbod.org..... Part-time youth director. Contact: Elk Grove UMC, Elk Grove, Calif.; phone:

916-686-8303; e-mail: office@elkgroveumc.org. Picked up from Newscope

Pianist & Choir Director

Silver Creek UMC in west Fort Worth seeks a pianist and choir director. If interested, please contact Jason Hamilton at jason@silvercreekumc.com.

Preschool Childcare Director

Agape School is looking for a preschool childcare director. Must be able to provide a warm Christian environment. Two years experience, education in early childhood, managerial and bookkeeping skills a must. Contact Handley UMC (Fort Worth area) at 817-451-4321.

Director of Music

First UMC, Corsicana seeks applicants to fill our part-time director of music position. While the
primary worship style in our church is traditional, we seek a director that is open to leading a variety of music styles to help meet the diverse needs of our congregation. To inquire, call Mike Alexander at 903/874-5656 or email your resume to mikea@fumccorsicana.org.

Nursery Staff
Genesis UMC seeks caring adults who desire part-time employment that demonstrates God’s love and care to our young children. Our nursery staff members work primarily on Sunday mornings (infants through kindergarten) and at Parents’ Night Out babysitting ministry on two Friday evenings per month (infants through 12-year olds). They also provide child care for scheduled special events and meetings in the church. We check references and run back ground checks. Genesis UMC is located in southwest Fort Worth at 7635 S. Hulen St. Applications are available in the church office or for more information, contact the church at 817/292-4551 or carol@genesisumc.com.

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