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April 2, 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.] -- Looking ahead to General Conference -- Seedlings for General Conference worship Marcia McFee, co-worship leader for the 2008 General Conference, contacted us yesterday with concern that there will be enough of the 4-inch seedling pots to make an impact at the worship events April 23-May 2 in Fort Worth. If you and your church have forgotten about the seedlings, please revisit the conference Web site at www.ctcumc.org and check out how you can participate. There is complete information on the size of the pot and plastic saucer and plantings. If you're too late to sprout seedlings, please consider planting a small herb, ivy or bedding flower plant. There are also instructions on how to get your seedlings to the Fort Worth Convention Center. "The seedlings are featured prominently in our GC worship plans," she says, noting special need from the very beginning and especially for the worship on Friday, April 25, when "all the people will be passing them in the rows during prayer." (See the next story for one example.) Needed: Worship participants for General Conference Confirmands needed for General Conference worship Bishop Chamness calls for Day of Prayer Sunday -- April 6 Bishop Ben Chamness has called for Sunday, April 6, to be a Day of Prayer for General Conference in the Central Texas Conference. "We ask that all churches in our conference use the liturgy [provided below] at some point in your worship services on this date," he said in his article in the March 21 Central Link newspaper. "The idea is to have nearly 48,000 worshippers in all of our churches praying the exact same prayer on Sunday. There is power in prayer," he said. "With your support, we are confident that, not only General Conference, but the role of the Central Texas Conference in offering gracious hospitality to our brothers and sisters from all around the globe will be both a blessing and a joy for all involved." LEADER: On this day, with all the churches of the Central Texas Conference, we lift our hearts in prayer and joyous thanksgiving for the opportunities and blessings of the upcoming General Conference of The United Methodist Church. ALL: We lift our hearts in thanksgiving and praise for the privilege of gathering as the United Methodist body in Christ's name at General Conference. We pray for the bishops, the Judicial Council, the delegates from the United States, the delegates from other countries, the paid staff, the Host Committee, the volunteers and finally the guests and visitors. For them all, we pray they may be strengthened, guided and filled with the wisdom and power of Your Holy Spirit, O God. We pray that the warmth, light and love of Christ be shown to the world through our conference. We pray that all involved freely and heartily yield all things to Your pleasure and disposal, that Your will be done, and that Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. ATTN: Pastors -- Newsroom volunteers needed If computers/networks are familiar territory to you, your help is needed for the General Conference newsroom. If you haven't already volunteered, or if you know someone in your congregation who could help in the IT (Information Technology/tech support) area, please contact Carolyn Stephens at 817-877-5222 or Carolyn@ctcumc.org. Also needed are a few volunteers to help log tapes from the daily plenary sessions. This requires no special skills, but attention to details. People may volunteer for one or more shifts/days. The specific jobs/times needed are: IT assistance 8 am-5 pm April 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, May 1, 2 IT assistance 2:30-10:30 pm April 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, May 1 Log tapes 8 am-5 pm April 22, 24, 25, 26 Log tapes 2:30-10:30 pm April 22, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, May 1, 2 About the parking dilemma at General Conference It is strongly suggested that people in eastern Tarrant County use the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) to attend or visit General Conference. Parking is going to be at a premium in downtown Fort Worth. Pastors are asked to make this announcement in their church newsletters and Web sites. For more details on TRE, visit their Web site at http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/newweekeb.html. Appeal for robes for General Conference Show your support Consider showing your support for our hosting of the 2008 General Conference by purchasing and using some of the GC08 signature merchandise: tote bags, T-shirts. Wear them to General Conference, around your church gatherings, youth meetings, etc. As Bishop Chamness explained at Annual Conference last June, the sale of these items is helping to off set our hosting costs. The pricing and mailing address for orders is on the General Conference Web site that can be found through www.umc.org. You can download the order to post in your church newsletter or worship bulletin. * * * * * * * Messages from Pensions & Health Benefits office: HealthFlex Incentive Program 2007 - First level achieved, rebate on premium again in 2008 -- In 2006, The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOP) began a multi-year HealthFlex Plan Sponsor Incentive Program which is designed to provide the conferences in HealthFlex with the opportunity to earn a rebate on their total active plan premium. In 2006, the rebate was based upon the active insured's and enrolled spouse's (lay and clergy) participation in the HealthQuotient (HQ) health assessment on WebMD. Our Conference received a 1% rebate from GBOP which was passed on in 2007 to those enrollees/enrolled spouses who participated. In 2007, the incentive involved an additional activity, a wellness exam. We are extremely pleased to announce that we have again reached our Tier 1 goals in both the HQ and the wellness exam and will receive a 3% rebate from GBOP this year. We will again be passing on the premium savings to those who participated as premium rebate on the May 2008 invoices. We are very excited with our results and we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the 227 enrollees who took their wellness exams and the 305 enrollees who completed the HQ. Let's see if we can get the trifecta and make our goal three years running! HealthFlex Incentive Program 2008 - Year 3 -- There will be no change in the required activities or incentive levels for year 3, which began January 1, 2008. The incentives are still divided so that we can meet one of the activities and still receive part of the rebate. This year, there is a participant level "Blitz Incentive" being offered by GBOP in 2008. Every eligible participant and enrolled spouse, if applicable, in the active HealthFlex medical plans that takes their HealthQuotient (HQ) on WebMD between January 1 and June 30, 2008 will receive a $100 Visa gift card from GBOP by August 31. Medicare Companion plan participants are not eligible. Those taking the HQ after June 30 are not eligible for this incentive. In addition, both the participant and enrolled spouse must take the HQ to earn the incentive. If either the participant or enrolled spouse does not take the HQ, neither earns the incentive. However, if both take the HQ, they will each receive the $100 Visa gift card, $200 total. We anticipate again reaching our goal, and we will again pass along this savings to those who successful completed the required activities in 2008 when we receive our rebate in 2009.
Learn more about ZOE Ministry/Giving Hope program in Rwanda & Kenya -- April 8 Greg Jenks with ZOE Ministry and Epiphanie Mujawimana, creator and program coordinator of the Giving Hope program in Rwanda, are coming to the Central Texas area. They will be meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, at First UMC, Fort Worth (Room 334). They will be giving an update on the Giving Hope project in Rwanda & Kenya. They also will be discussing a mission trip to Rwanda in September 2008, which will be a Texas team. This would be a great time to ask questions about the trip and get an update on what ZOE Ministry is doing in Africa. This meeting is open to any who would like to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Michele McCaslin at 817-688-7637. Attention archivists -- mark your calendars The Convocation of Archivists will be held July 11-12 at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, TX. This event, sponsored by the Commission on Archives & History of the Texas Annual Conference, is geared to church historians. Golden Cross Sunday – May 4 News items from Glen Lake Camp Spring Bible Retreat: April 11-12, 3rd & 4th graders are invited to Glen Lake for our Spring Bible Retreat. Campers and adults will enjoy exploring the Bible through games, music, outdoor activities and more. Registration is available online at http://www.glenlake.org/bible-retreat. Glen Lake Golf Classic: Join us as we golf for the children and youth of Glen Lake May 1 at Squaw Valley Golf Course in Glen Rose. Your entry fee for the 6th Annual Glen Lake Golf Classic will include lunch, cart, green fee and range balls (of course you can't forget the prizes). Not a golfer or can't make it that day? No problem, you can still support the ministry by sponsoring our event. Visit http://www.glenlake.org/golf for sponsor information and registration forms. Conference opens application process for Glen Lake Camp administrator/director The Central Texas Conference seeks applications for administrator/director for Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center, a vital ministry of the conference that serves more than 20,000 guests to the Glen Rose campus each year. Current director Grant Harris, who has successfully led Glen Lake in several expansion projects over the past two and one-half years, has accepted another position with a medical facility in Fort Worth. Glen Lake's administrator/director oversees five departments that operate year-round with approximately 15 permanent staff and an annual budget of more than $1 million. The summer camping program serves children and youth seven days a week with 50+ summer staff and 95 percent occupancy -- an experience that influences the faith formation of our young people and often leads to a lifetime commitment to ministry. Another element to the camping program in recent years is Camp On The Road where teams bring the camping program to children in multiple settings. Applicant requirements include experiences that would equip the candidate for ministry in a hospitality setting that includes an understanding of programming, food service, housekeeping, finances and development. Other preferences include: • demonstrated ability to oversee multiple employees (permanent and summer staff) • experience and/or ability to become involved with professional Christian camping organizations • working knowledge of development and fund raising • excellent communication verbal and written skills • familiarity with United Methodist polity and theological structure • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university • physical stamina sufficient for a Background checks and references are required. The salary is negotiable; benefits are provided. For additional information, contact Dr. Doyle Allen at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or doyle@ctcumc.org. Send resume by April 15 to Dr. Doyle Allen, Central Texas Conference, 464 Bailey Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76207-2153 or doyle@ctcumc.org.
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." News Briefs -- The Denomination
Midwest flood response UMCOR is helping those affected by massive flooding caused by last week's torrential rains throughout several Midwestern states through financial and personnel support. In Arkansas, the flooding was another blow that trailed closely behind recent tornadoes and ice storms, making it the worst flooding in nearly a century. For Missouri, Ohio, and Illinois, heavy rains and major flash floods forced several hundred people from their homes. UMCOR is working with the affected annual conferences to assess their recovery needs and help put long-term recovery plans into action. The waters are still rising in these states. Help us respond effectively through your prayers and gifts to Domestic Disaster Response--Midwestern Floods, UMCOR Advance #901670 Flood buckets for the Midwest UMCOR is responding to floods caused by several storms and torrential rains in the Midwest over the past week. UMCOR Sager Brown shipped some 1,700 flood buckets filled with cleaning supplies and disaster response team members are preparing to go to Arkansas and some areas of Missouri to assist with clean-up. As the rain continues this week pushing river levels higher--the threat of overflowing river banks remains for Arkansas and Missouri. You can help the Midwest in their time of need by purchasing flood buckets which contain cleaning agents like bleach, disinfectant dish soap, laundry detergent, gloves, scrub brushes and more. These basic materials make a huge difference in recovery. Please send your gifts to UMCOR Material Resources Advance # 901440 which will enable UMCOR to purchase the needed relief supplies JFON: Help in time of need UMCOR's Justice for Our Neighbors program helps people in the midst of crisis and guides them through the confusing maze of US immigration law. One JFON Texas regional attorney helped a survivor of domestic violence in her time of distress. The woman fled from her husband with her two children as he was threatening to take them if she tried to leave him. Today, she is safe and has received legal status to stay in the US and will soon be granted lawful permanent residence. Most of JFON's clients are women and families with children. The majority of cases involve naturalization of immigrants and reuniting families. This ministry provides free, high-quality immigration services and a warm welcome to immigrants in our congregations and communities. Continue to support JFON's work in the lives of people who have few advocates and seemingly no place to turn. Please give to Justice for Our Neighbors, UMCOR Advance #901285. JFON is also recipient of this year's Annual Conference offering. Lighten the Burden II event On April 22, the UM Global AIDS Fund Committee will sponsor Lighten the Burden II, an HIV/AIDS event intended to heighten awareness among UMs about HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. The event will be held at First UMC in Fort Worth from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will address the realities surrounding these diseases and how the UMC is responding. Kay Warren, a two-time cancer survivor and wife of Rick Warren, author of "The Purpose-Driven Life," will be the keynote speaker to this day-long event. A personal testimony about living with HIV/AIDS will be shared by Shane Stanford, author and teaching pastor for Main Street UMC in Hattiesburg, Miss., and Dr. Cherian Thomas, executive secretary for GBGM's Health and Welfare will speak on how to access resources from the UM Global AIDS Fund. The Hope for Africa Children's Choir, hosted by the Central Texas Conference, will sing at this event. You can also send your gifts of support to United Methodist Global AIDS Fund, UMCOR Advance #982345.
News Briefs -- Local Churches & Ministry Groups
Crime Victims Council holds community interfaith worship -- April 13 The Tarrant County Crime Victims Council will sponsor a Community Interfaith Worship Service of Help, Hope & Healing for crime victims, their families and friends and the community Sunday, April 13, in observation of National Crime Victims Rights Awareness Week. The service will be held at the Garden Community Center, Goodwill Industries (4005 Campus Drive, Fort Worth 76119). Contact Sandra Lydick, executive director and chaplain for the Crime Victims Council, for more details on the service at 817-675-6367 or sandralydick@hotmail.com. Alive & Well Health Fair -- April 26 Join White's Chapel UMC (185 So. White's DecemberRadio performs at White's Chapel -- April 30 Grammy-nominated Christian rock band DecembeRadio will perform at White's Chapel UMC Wednesday, April 30. Micah Blalock and the WC Student Band will kick off the concert, which will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. in The Bridge worship center. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and may be purchased at iTickets.com. For more information, please visit www.wcstudents.org or call (817) 313-0605. 136th anniversary at Saint's Delight UMC -- April Saint's Delight United Methodist Church in Brushie Prairie, TX, which was formed by an assemblage of former slaves in April 1872, is celebrating its 136th year this month. Great Garage Sale -- April 4 & 5 The youth ministry at First UMC, Fort Worth extends an open invitation to their Great Garage Sale – 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 4, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at 1970 W. White Settlement Rd., behind the Sweet Shop west of downtown Fort Worth. The warehouse provides over 23,000 sq. feet of bargains waiting for you. Proceeds from the Great Garage Sale will benefit youth mission trips. The is an entry fee of $1/adults and free/children. Community Interfaith Worship for Help, Hope & Healing -- April 13 A Community Interfaith Worship Service of Help, Hope and Healing for crime victims, their families and friends and the community will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13, At the Garden Community Center, Goodwill Industries, ATTN: UM Motorhome/campers -- April 17-20 Rally The All Texas Rally will be held April 17-20 at Riverview Campground in Waco (www.campingfriend.com/RiverviewCampground) with group meals, fellowship, Methodist Children's home introduction/update, and a "First Century Ministries." For more details, contact Leonard Radde at radde@htcomp.net. Same Kind of Different as Me authors to speak at First UMC, Fort Worth -- May 6 Ron Hall and Denver Moore, authors of the acclaimed Same Kind of Different as Me, will be featured by the United Methodist Women of First UMC of Fort Worth at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 6. Guests are welcome to hear the journey of these two incredible men -- one out of poverty and the other out of abundance, both service God and the homeless community in a way they had never imagined. For advance reservation (required for dinner) contact the church office at 817-336-7277. If you wish to order a book ($16), please contact Gay Ingram(gringram@flash.net 817/281-6486) or Nancy Bryant (nancekb@sbcglobal.net 817-735-1747) no later than Friday, April 11. Payment due the evening of the program. Life After Loss –Grief Recovery Group Dealing with the range of emotions and the life changes that follow the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming. Healing can be aided by sharing in a nurturing and caring group that understands the emotional and spiritual agony of going on without the one(s) you love. A new grief support group is opening at St. Paul UMC, Hurst, on Wednesday afternoons, April 2 - June 25. Marilyn Schiffman will facilitate the twelve-week process using the book, Life After Loss, by Bob Deits. St. Paul UMC is conveniently located about one minute east of Northeast Mall in Hurst at 852 W. Bedford Euless Road. For more information or to sign up for this group, call Pastor Marilyn at 817-284-7181 or email pastormarilyn@gmail.com. Basic Lay Speaker training at First UMC Temple will host a Basic Lay Speaker course at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28 and 2 to 5:30 p.m. June 29. There is no cost, but bring a sack lunch, a study Bible, a Book of Worship, a Book of Discipline and hymnal. Local church offices may have the books of worship and discipline to borrow. Faculty: Dr. Sandra Oliver. Barclay College Choir at First Bedford -- April 11 The Barclay College Choir, under the direction of Jarod Ross, will perform at First UMC of Bedford (Bedford Rd. and Airport Fwy. in Bedford) at 7 p.m. April 11. Barclay College, located in Haviland, Kansas, is a Bible college that welcomes students from many different faith backgrounds. Their focus is on "...Preparing students in a Bible-centered environment for effective Christian life, service, and leadership." Degree programs include bachelor degrees in youth ministry, pastoral ministry, music ministry, Bible/theology, missions, psychology and family studies, bi-vocational missions, Christian school elementary education, and business administration. The choir will only be in this area for one evening before moving on to south Texas, so you won't want to miss this performance. Contact: 817-283-5536 or www.fumcbedford.com. Spring Praise Band Music Festival -- April 5 Richland Hills UMC will be hosting the 1st Annual Spring Praise Band Music Festival at 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 5. Praise teams and bands from six UM churches will be performing on the grounds at 7301 Glenview Drive in North Richland Hills. The concert is free, with concession stands available for hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks and snacks. The churches that will be represented include St. Luke UMC (Haltom City), Davis Memorial UMC (N. Richland Hills), Alliance UMC (Keller) and First UMC (Hurst), with an appearance by the group "Salt & Light." Come enjoy a fun-filled worshipful experience. For more information, contact Richland Hills UMC at 817-284-9371, or info@rhumc.net. Praying Makes a Difference Ferris Heights UMC, Waxahachie, is hosting a prayer conference led by Jim and Kay Johns on April 5. A $15 registration for the conference also includes snacks and lunch. Childcare will be provided for an extra fee. Registration begins today and continues through March 28. For more information or to register please call Ferris Height UMC at 972-937-2344 or email fhumc@sbcglobal.net. Adults Relating to Kids Facilitator Training 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. April 11 at First Keller Christ UMC - Praise Phest 2008 -- April 12 Calling all singles -- April 27 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.
Writer & Storyteller's Conference -- April 11-12 UMC Singles event -- April 4-5 UMC Singles invites all CTC singles to Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center and Still Water Lodge for our Conferencewide 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 and click on the singles link or call Ellen Bauman at 817-564-5595. Marriage Conference with Les & Leslie Parrott -- April 12
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. Invitation to Psalms: Short Term Disciple Bible Study. 10 DVD based sessions that invite you to explore scripture that gives voice to our struggle to understand our great needs, and the promises of God. It explores how Psalms record the experiences of God's people, who try to make sense of who God is. Includes leader's guide and participant's guide. 2008 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. Arborlawn needs hymnals Arborlawn UMC is in need of 100 additional UM Hymnals for their growing congregation. If your church has any to spare, please contact Sherry Roth at sherry@arborlawnumc.org or 817-731-0701. Summer Youth Intern Epworth UMC in Youth Leader Ovilla UMC, a growing church 30 minutes south of Dallas, seeks a part-time youth leader. Applicants should be able to work on Wednesday nights and Sunday with Jr. & Sr. High youth programs. Responsibilities include working with adults, a youth council, summer youth mission trips, summer camp, and leading Bible studies. Flexibility and personal maturity are required. With a youth program of 20 active, well-rounded youth, this ministry desires an energetic, personable self-starter to grow the youth ministry to the next level. Salary negotiable & competitive. For more details and to request an application contact Ovilla UMC at 972-617-8840 or e-mail Cal Hoffman at ovillaumc@sbcglobal.net. Ovilla UMC, 1403 Red Oak Creek Rd., Ovilla 75154 Financial Secretary – FUMC Director of Children's Ministries Granbury- First UMC, a large dynamic church 30 miles south of Fort Worth, is seeking a dedicated individual with strong leadership skills and a love for Jesus Christ to fill our full time director of children's ministries position. The children's minister is required to lead the overall operation of the children's ministry program. In particular, a majority of time is spent supervising and directing the volunteers (i.e. recruiting, training, and scheduling), ensuring excellence in all children's ministry environments, and maintaining safety and security within the children's ministry. This is a full time position. Salary is commensurate with experience. All interested candidates may submit a resume via e-mail to Senior Pastor Neil Norman at nnorman@fumcgranbury.org or call the church office at 817-573-5573. Director of Your Ministries Killeen First UMC seeks a part-time director of youth ministries. Successful candidate must be 21 and CDL eligible. Prior experience working with youth and an associates degree or completion of 60 college hours is required. Email your resume to Jennifer Heath at communications@fumc-killeen.org or call 254-634-6363. Youth Director St. Paul UMC in Hurst seeks a part-time youth director to create a dynamic new youth program. The youth director should be mature and spiritually grounded in Methodist theology. Applicants should possess strong communication, organization and planning skills and experience in growing youth programs. The youth director will be an essential member of the church staff and is expected to become integrated into the life of the church and participate in its programs and ministries. Salary negotiable from $9,000 a year. Inquire at 852 W. Bedford-Euless Rd., Hurst 76053 or 817-284-7181 or saintpaul06@charterinternet.com. Nursery Worker St. Mark UMC, Cleburne seeks nursery worker to assist the nursery coordinate in all aspects of childcare and the nursery. Experience preferred. Sunday morning and Wednesday evenings and additional times as needed. Minimum age 17– must have basic first aid and CPR training. Call St. Mark UMC, Cleburne at 817-641-3311. Bookkeeper Director of Music Ministries/Organist First UMC Stephenville seeks a spiritually grounded, energetic, personable self-starter with experience in building a strong, dynamic music ministry. This church of 1250+ members is located in a vibrant college town 60 miles SW of the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex. Job includes organizing and leading the Entire music program, recruiting new choir members, worship planning, playing organ/piano in worship, accompanying choirs, directing bell choirs, youth, and children's choirs. Individuals should contact the search committee by e-mail at fumc@our-town.com. Salary negotiable and competitive. Part-Time Director of Youth Ministries Electric Organ and Bench A church member in Aledo UMC has a one-year-old Kimball Model M70 - Temptation Electric Organ with a padded bench that they are willing to give away. Contact: Cindy or Steve at 817-441-7413. Adult Discipleship Director 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. 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. Music Director 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 5th 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 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 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. 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. Conference Merit Scholarship Award(s) & Stephens Scholarships in Finance/Accounting and Journalism/Public Relations -- The Conference Higher Education Task Force awards the Merit and Stephens Scholarships each year at Annual Conference (Merit Award amount to be determined by total monies given to the UM Student Day Offering) to a newly admitted student in a school identified as UM by the University Senate of the UMC. Applicants must meet the following qualifications: (1) membership in a UM church for at least one year, (2) acceptance to a UM-related school, (3) nomination by the pastor and chairperson of Higher Education of a congregation within the bounds of the CTC that participated in the Student Day offering in the year preceding nomination, (4) evidence that the student is one who will help undergird the UMC now and, potentially, in the future and that the individual merits this special recognition. Application forms are on the conference website at www.ctcumc.org, available from local church pastors or by contacting Susan Briles at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or Susan@ctcumc.org. The deadline for applications is May 1. Scholarships available through BOM -- The conference Board of Ministry is accepting applications for the several scholarships it administers. These scholarships require that the applicant be a certified candidate for clergy, currently enrolled in a seminary approved by the University Senate. Applications must be post-marked by midnight April 3 or delivered to the BOM office on the Texas Wesleyan Campus by 5 p.m. April 3 to be eligible for consideration. The application form is located on the Board Website, www.ctcbom.org on the Board Policies and Forms page. Scholarships will be awarded at Annual Conference in June 2008. Five Star Program Recognition -- The conference wants to recognize your church's mission efforts through the Five Star Program, and the April 15 application deadline is just around the corner. At the 2008 Annual Conference churches that completed the requirements of the Five Star Program during the 2007 calendar year will be recognized. The requirements are: 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 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." If you know someone in your church, district or even outside the Central Texas Conference who might appreciate receiving this weekly electronic newsletter -- or to unsubscribe your own listing -- please contact Susan Briles at Susan@ctcumc.org. > |
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