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April 16, 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.] E-Link's editor and circulation manager are committed through the duration of General Conference (April 22-May 3), so the weekly e-newsletter will be on hiatus for the next two weeks. Any information to be included in the May 7 issue should be sent by May 2 to Carolyn@ctcmc.org. -- Looking ahead to General Conference -- Cookies by UMW Myrtis Parker, United Methodist Women president for the CTC, is interviewed by UMTV online (http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=1723949&ct=5174751&undefined) about the thousands of cookies UMW members are providing for General Conference participants. It's a delightful profile every UMW unit will want to see and hear. The latest word on cookies is UMW members have exceeded the goal of 100,000 cookies by producing 8,674 dozen cookies (that's 104,088 cookies!) to be delivered to the General Conference. "Every district is to be commended for their help. We could not have done it without you," states GC08 Host Committee chair Allen Goss. If he had had to bake them himself, he said he would have had to start the day he accepting the hosting job, July 17, 2003. 44 bishops to be in area pulpits this Sunday In an unprecedented response to invitations, 44 United Methodists bishops from the U.S., Africa, Eurasia and the Philippines will be in pulpits in churches in the greater Fort Worth, Dallas and Denton area this Sunday, April 20. For a story on this remarkable response of so many bishops and a listing of where they will be preaching, please visit the conference Web site at www.ctcumc.org. Seedlings for General Conference worship -- especially April 25 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 Potato drop to combat hunger -- April 25 Putting into action one of the four areas of focus – ministry with the poor – established by UMC leaders, the Society of St. Andrew (Advance #801600) is sponsoring a Potato Drop during General Conference. Co-sponsored by the CTC Hunger Task Force, the event will be held during the lunch break 1-2 p.m. at the Fort Worth Convention Center. UMC agency leaders, and delegates will work together for about an hour loading agency vehicles with bags of potatoes that will provide nutritious food for the hungry throughout the region. Local and national media will be on hand to cover the event and let the world know of the church's commitment to ending hunger. WHEN: Friday, April 25 / 1 – 2 pm WHERE: Fort Worth Convention Center (outside the Commerce Arena Lobby and Door #6) WHAT: Providing 40,000 pounds of fresh potatoes for people in need throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Grace2 WHO: Sponsored by the Society of St. Andrew and the Hunger Task Force of the 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. * * * * * * * Golden Cross Sunday – May 4 UM scholarships and loans The CTC Campus Ministry Task Force remembers members that on each of the campuses where there is a UM Campus Ministry unit, the director/campus minister is the contact for UM Student Loans. Also, this is the time for UM students to apply for UM scholarships and loans. Deadlines are approaching. Applications may be downloaded from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry website, www.gbhem.org. News items from Glen Lake Camp 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. Glen Lake summer volunteer opportunities: Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center is looking for volunteers and LINK's for our 2008 summer camps. Volunteer forms are available online at http://www.glenlake.org/volunteer, you will have the opportunity to bring your love of Christ to a child this summer! Accessibility Grants for local churches The conference Committee on Disability Concerns hopes to motivate local churches to be in ministry with persons and their families who are effected and affected by disabling conditions. They are offering Accessibility Grants that focus on the elimination of barriers that make access to the life of the church difficult. For more details and an application form, visit www.ctcumc.org under "Ministry Areas" and select "Outreach." News Briefs -- The Denomination
Two hymns for Mother's Day -- May 11 Dean McIntyre, director of music resources at the General Board of Discipleship, offers the following new hymns for Mother's Day May 11: "God, We Praise You for the Women" http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45589&loc_id=17,823 Dan Damon is a UM pastor in Richmond, Calif., and a gifted musician, piano player, composer, arranger, and hymn writer. In this hymn he has put his gifts to the task of writing a Mother's Day hymn that celebrates mothers, their roles and gifts, reflecting the demands placed upon them and the strength they often exhibit. "Arise All Mighty Women" http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=34163&loc_id=733,1151,54 This text by Lisa Quoresimo is based on Julia Ward Howe's original "Mother's Day Proclamation," which led to the creation of Mothers Day as we know. It uses the music of another hymn text by Howe, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" (UM Hymnal no. 717). Lisa Quoresimo is the Music Director at Temple UMC in San Francisco. News Briefs -- Local Churches & Ministry Groups
HIV/AIDS Briefing -- April 22 Pancake Brunch -- April 19 April 19 Temple Hall UMC will host a pancake brunch at 10 a.m. April 19 with proceeds to go to Glen Lake Camp golf team support and a computer lab project. For tickets or directions, call 817-594-7940 or shopjay3@pwhome.com, Helen Jones, pastor. Just up the road is the Shaw-Kemp Ranch with fun, buggy rides, Basic Lay Speaker Training -- May 3-4 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on May 3 / 2 - 5 p.m. on May 4 General Conference groups perform at First Grapevine -- April 24 and 27 First UMC in Grapevine ( Central UMC, Brownwood Spring Festival -- April 24 Special Event: Teens in Crises – What Every Parent Needs to Know -- April 18 Handel's "Messiah" at First Hurst -- April 27 First UMC Hurst presents Handel's "Messiah" at 7 p.m. April 27. The music ministry presents the Easter portion of Handel's "Messiah," including such wonderful selections as "Hallelujah!," "Worthy is the Lamb," and "The Trumpet Shall Sound." The concert will feature full orchestra, chorus, and soloists. Admission is free, and child care will be provided. FUMC Hurst is located at 521 W. Pipeline Rd., Hurst, 76053; 817.282.7384; www.fumchurst.org. 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. 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. 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. 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. Good Sense Budget Course: Biblical Financial Principles for Transforming Your Finances and Life. Six 50-minute sessions. Discover tools and develop skills that will enable you to control your finances rather than allowing your finances to control you. Includes leader's guide, participant's guide, DVD, VHS and CD-ROM. 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. Camp Director of Guest Services Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center is now taking applications for a director of guest services. Please email your resume directly to Mike Linnabery at mike@glenlake.org or Rob Jackson at rob@glenlake.org. Minister of Music / Director of Music Ministries Student Ministries Director Community of Hope UMC in Mansfield, an energetic and growing church, seeks a part-time student ministries director. This key member of the church ministry leadership team will be responsible for directing and leading our high school and middle school ministry by developing personal and spiritual growth opportunities for youth. A strong candidate must be willing to build relationships with youth, volunteers and parents; will be active in the church; have an undergraduate degree; be able to utilize a variety of communication skills; and at least 2-3 years experience in planning and leading student mission trips. Organizational skills are a plus which include the ability to plan events for a long range calendar and managing an annual budget. A successful candidate will have a positive history in working with a church staff. If you meet the above criteria, and if serving God in student ministry is your passion, please send your resume along with references to youthsearch@communityofhope.com Infant & Toddler Caregivers First UMC of Bedford seeks caregivers for infant and toddler classes. Experience preferred. Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, Wednesday evenings and additional time needed for special events. Must be 18 years or older and be CPR certified or willing to obtain certification. Call FUMC Bedford at 817-283-5536 and ask for Diane. Nursery Workers Staff Positions for First Azle Assistant to the Pastor -- First UMC, Azle seeks retired elder as part-time (20/hrs/week) assistant to the pastor. The job responsibilities include visitation of new members, assimilation of new members, sharing pastoral care responsibilities, assisting in worship, attending staff meeting and occasional preaching. Salary is negotiable. Please contact Dean Posey at 817-444-3323 or dposey@fumcazle.org. Assistant Worship Leader -- First UMC Azle seeks an assistant worship leader to lead a new worship service. The position is available now, but the new worship will not begin until Sept. 7. The new service will be at 11 a.m. and the focus is for people 35 years of age and under. Job responsibilities include recruiting a worship team, weekly rehearsals, planning and leading 11a.m. Sunday worship, and staff meetings. Salary is negotiable. Please contact Dean Posey at 817-444-3323 or dposey@fumcazle.org. Director of Ministries First UMC of Glen Rose seeks a full time director of youth ministries to be responsible for the oversight of the youth programs serving 6th through 12th grade students. The director would be responsible for continuing and improving a program that integrates educational, spiritual and recreational activities to foster the faith and life of youth in the congregation and the community – at – large. Recruiting and training the youth ministry team will be an important part of this job. Housing is provided along with health insurance, an expense account, and continuing education. To apply contact David Leach at 254-897-2572 or cell 254-396-5772 or go to our Web site at www.glenroseumc.org where you can read the job description and download an application. You may also e-m, ail in your resume' and application to fumc@valornet.com. Television / DVD Player Dennis Chapel UMC is in need of television and DVD player suitable for small group Sunday School and Bible Study. Please contact Valda Jean Combs at valjd817@yahoo.com. 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 Youth 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. 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 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. 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. 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 today. 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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