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April 20, 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. ______________________________________________________________________________ For worldwide news of our denomination click here! www.reporterinteractive.org Near-Time Items
Events this week(end): After Easter slump? — Ever have that after Easter slump and want to have your spirit continue to be renewed after Easter? First UMC of Moody will host a revival beginning 9:30 a.m. this Sunday and continue at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. Former district superintendent Bobby Weathers will bring the messages. There will be hymn singing and music specials. Everyone is welcome to attend. Inquiries: Laraine Waughtal at 254-853-3106. Face To Face — You’re invited to the Face to Face praise worship service this Friday, April 21, and opportunity to get “Face to Face” with God. This month's message is about "Doubts- We all have them." Music, message and meal starts at 7 p.m. at Davis Memorial UMC (5301 Davis Blvd. in North Richland Hills 761800). Contact: Robert @ 817-909-3442 or www.facetofacenrh.org. David’s Song at Poolville worship — The musical group, David's Song, will be bringing the morning worship message in song at Poolville UMC on April 23. The worship service is at 9:30 a.m. VBS Samplers — Bring your VBS workers and leaders to the 2006 VBS Samplers at 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at one of the three locations listed below. All walk-ins will be accepted. There is no charge for attending these samplers. First UMC Hurst, 521 W. Pipeline, Hurst 76053 Lorena UMC, 205 Bordon St., Lorena 76655 Early UMC, 1073 Early Blvd., Early 76803 Participants will visit activity centers to sample and experience the music, crafts, games, snacks, storytelling and mission ideas for this year’s Cokesbury VBS curriculum, Adventure of the Treasure Seekers: Exploring God’s Promises. To register, contact Susan Briles at 817-877-5222, 1-800-460-8622, or susan@ctcumc.org. Please include how many children attend your local VBS. Be sure to bring your VBS Starter Kits with you. Glen Lake Camp Golf Classic (repeat) Join other golfers (and “phantom golfers”) for the 4th Annual Glen Lake Golf Classic April 28 at Squaw Valley Golf Course in Glen Rose. Visit www.glenlake.org for registration forms and sponsor information or contact Grant Harris at 254-897-2247 or email grant@glenlake.org. Registration fee includes green fee, cart and lunch provided by the Ben E Keith Monster Grill. News
Immigration rallies include UMs UMs from all levels participated in many of the April 10 marches and rallies regarding immigration policy. Bishop Minerva Carcano (Phoenix Area) was one of the speakers in Washington, DC. “It was exciting to see the first Latina bishop of the UMC telling her own story of her immigrant family,” said Eliezer Valentin-Castanon of the UMC’s General Commission on Religion and Race. Bishop Jeremiah Park (New York Area) led a prayer vigil at John Street UMC in New York City before the City Hall Park where he also spoke. Park is a first-generation Korean immigrant. … Directors of the General Board of Global Ministries asked Congress, in an April 6 statement, “to refrain from passing laws relating to immigration that would divide families; make felons out of millions of workers now in the U.S. who are without green cards or visas; encourage mistreatment of immigrants; or criminalize the efforts of the Christian church, other faith traditions, and social service organizations to help people in need, regardless of their citizenship status.” — Source: UM Newscope Web-based statistical input system Long-term work in Gulf region Thirty to forty percent of UM gifts provide for direct aid, such as payment for rent, utilities, and childcare. Trained case managers assist with family-by-family problem solving. As of Feb. 1, some $6.5 million already had been spent by UMCOR for hurricane assistance. During the spring meeting, UMCOR directors approved $52.3 million to support recovery work in a seven-state area devastated last year by multiple hurricanes. Direct assistance was the largest category in each budget submitted by annual conferences. — Source: UM Newscope National Minority Cancer Awareness America’s favorite weatherman and co-host of the Today Show, Al Roker, has teamed up with ACS as an advocate for cancer prevention and early detection. As part of the Awareness Week, Roker recorded a public service radio announcement to encourage colon cancer testing for anyone 50 or older but especially for African Americans who have the highest incidence and death rates from colon cancer of any racial or ethnic group. To advocate for greater access to care and more cancer research funding, the American Cancer Society and its Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are jointly hosting Celebration on the Hill in Washington, DC on Sept. 19-20. What can your church/congregation do to help support this effort in your community? Events-Opportunities
Mandatory Pension Program (repeat) General Conference 2004 approved a new United Methodist Pension Program for all eligible clergy … Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP). In order to introduce and explain this new pension program and its funding prior to its presentation at Annual Conference (June 4-7), the Central Texas Conference Board of Pensions has scheduled an event in each district. These district meetings are critically important for every clergy person and chairs of each local church Pastor Parish Relations Committee, Finance Committee, and business administrator. Put the appropriate date on your calendar and expect to attend: Mid-Cities District April 20 – 7 p.m. First Hurst UMC Temple District April 23 – 3 p.m. First Belton UMC Waco District April 23 – 6:30 p.m. First Waco UMC Waxahachie District April 24 - 7 p.m. First Waxahachie UMC Weatherford District May 7 – 3 p.m. Aledo UMC “Offering Sanctuary” at Austin Avenue UMC Austin Avenue UMC (1300 Austin Avenue, Waco 76710, 254-754-4685, rhull@austinavenueumc.org) is sponsoring a seminar on "Offering Sanctuary: Understanding the Religious Responses of Sexual Violence Survivors" at 9 a.m. to 12 noon Tuesday, May 23. The featured speakers are David Davis, M.Div., LCSW and Meredith Jones, M. Div., of the Waco Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children. Research indicates that victims often seek clergy for help. When clergy are not prepared to respond appropriately, victims react by turning away from the church. This seminar is an attempt to equip clergy with an appropriate response to a devastating situation that can lead to healing. RSVP is encouraged. All clergy are invited to attend. Brahms requiem at Arborlawn Arborlawn UMC’s Sanctuary Choir and full orchestra will present Brahms’ A German Requiem on Sunday, May 7 at 7 p.m. Experience this immortal music in the comfort of the Ed Landreth Auditorium on Texas Christian University’s campus. The concert is open to the public without cost. Tickets are available at the church beginning this Sunday, but no ticket is necessary in advance and seating is first come-first seated. Valet parking is available. In conjunction with this special performance, Tom Stoker – conductor on May 7 and minister of music at Arborlawn – will present an overview of this mighty choral work on Sunday, April 30, at the 9:45 a.m. at Arborlawn. Monday, May 8 · Revival, 6 p.m. · Ice cream social, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9 · Potluck, 6 p.m. · Revival, 7 p.m. Please join us! Frost is in the Waxahachie District, about 20 miles east of Hillsboro and 20 miles west of Corsicana on Hwy 22. Contact: Jonathan Mellette at 903/682-2031 or jonathan@mellette.net. Wednesday Night Live events at First Grapevine For Gardening Buffs: April 26 - Earth Kind Roses with Linda Krimm May 3 - Trees and Shrubs for May 10 - Organic Gardening with Barbara Atkins For Senior Adults: April 26 - Simplifying Medicare with Mark Maness May 3 - Body Balance - tips for enhancing balance with Martha Fiddes, PT/Geriatric Clinical Specialist May 10 - Making Your Home Safe for Senior Living with Stu Spencer For Parents: May 3 - Madelyn Swift (http://www.childright.com/) presents "Discipline for Life" May 10 - Billy Edwards (http://www.behavioral-innovations.com/) presents "Behavioral Issues in the Family" For the Business-Minded: April 26 - Website Questions with Melissia Mason May 3 - Endowment Fund with Allen Mossman May 10 - Financial Planning Basics for Families with Steve Blankenship Study Groups (each week): Bible Study & Basketball with Dr. Ken Diehm Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts and Spiritual Type with Rev. Rick Mang Deeper and C-Groups for Youth BibleVenture for Kids Deacons/diaconal ministers retreat (repeat) Order of Deacons and Diaconal Ministers annual retreat is May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First UMC Fort Worth's Lyle Lodge on Eagle Mountain Lake. Directions are available at http://snipurl.com/p1me. Rebekah Miles will share issues and possible 2008 General Conference legislation of special interest to deacons and diaconal ministers. Miles is an elder in the Arkansas Conference and associate professor of ethics at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. Learn more about this talented woman at http://snipurl.com/p1nq. Walk to Emmaus program Stephen Bryant, world editor and publisher for Upper Room Ministries Richard Gilmore, international lay director for the Walk to Emmaus Julie Ann Allen, UM deacon in music ministry and competitor in the 1988 Olympic cycling trials Victor Perez Silvestry, international spiritual director for Upper Room/Walk to Emmaus/Chrysalis Advance registration (before June 9) is $20/adults and $10/children and includes meals. Registration after June 9 is $25/$15. Youth activities and nursery care provided as needed. Lunch and dinner are included in the registration fee. Pre-registration forms and schedule are available at the CTC Emmaus website - www.ctcemmaus.org. For additional information contact ctcemmaus@onr.com . Spring Singles Mingle - Italian dinner/game night, April 29 Gospel word from John, Luke and Paul
Palmer hosts Zan Holmes (repeat)) Palmer UMC will host the inspiring preacher Zan Holmes in revival services beginning Sunday, May 7. Services times are 10:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday and 7 p.m. on Monday. Everyone welcome! Palmer is in the Waxahachie District, about 8 miles north of Ennis on I-45 South and 15 miles east of Waxahachie on FM 878. Contact: Annette Sowell at 972-449-3283 or fumc_palmer@ectisp.net. A “Central Celebration” (repeat) The combined music ministries of Central Presbyterian and Central UM churches of Waco will present a concert to benefit Waco Habitat for Humanity. The May 7 concert begins at 3 p.m. at Central UMC (corner of Highway 6 & Bagby). Choral selections will range from contemporary to traditional. There will also be a performance from the combined handbell choirs. A brass ensemble will accompany the choir and congregational singing. Admission is free. A love offering will be taken. For further information, please contact Karen Hogue at khogue@cumcwaco.com or David Fleuriet at fleurietmhbr@yahoo.com. First UMC, Arlington hosts “Letters From Dad” (repeat) Men from all churches are invited to attend a free (donations accepted, but not required) Bar-B-Q at First UMC of Arlington to learn about this great Christian Legacy program for Dads. The BBQ will be on Tuesday, May 2 and starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. Music, fellowship, and information from Greg Vaughn, the founder of Letters From Dad, will be the highlights of the evening. UMR Reporter Robin Russell highlighted Letters From Dad on November 23, 2005. We encourage the men and leaders of churches to visit the UMR Interactive site to review that article and visit www.lettersfromdad.com for additional information. To reserve seats for the men in your church contact the church at 817-274-2571 or Ted McIlvain at ted@arlingtonmethodist.org. St. James, Waco music ministry (repeat) Ralph Steele, senior pastor St. James UMC, Waco, invites all interested persons to a special music ministry program at St James at 6 p.m. May 19 with Lee Williams. Tickets are $20 per person, $25 at the door. For tickets and details, contact St. James at 254-752-4294. FUSE celebrates Youth In Mission program (repeat) CTCYM invites everyone in the Central Texas Conference to FUSE (potentially the largest single event) at 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 4, at the Heart of Texas Coliseum in Waco. FUSE will be an opportunity for celebration, reunion, and worship energized by the Central Texas Conference Youth in Mission program. The two-time Dove Award winning band By the Tree (http://bythetree.com) will be there leading us in worship and celebration. If you have ever been on one of our CTCYM trips, or have supported those who have gone, put this event on your calendar now! Contact: FUSE coordinator Steve Heyduck at sheyduck@sbcglobal.net or CTCYM coordinator Rachel Giessen at Rachel@ctcumc.org. Mission messages Assistance to Louisiana churches affected by Hurricane Katrina: (repeat) The Louisiana Conference UMC is providing opportunities for churches outside of their conference to partner with churches in Louisiana that were deeply affected by Hurricane Katrina. Partnering churches can commit to provide prayer support, volunteer support, and various types of financial support to a local church or cooperative parish. If you are interested in partnering with a church in Louisiana, you may do so by going to the Louisiana Conference Disaster Recovery website at www.laumcstormrelief.com. You will find a link for “Partnering with Louisiana Churches.” If you have further questions, please contact Jennifer Coggins at jennifer@ctcumc.org or 817-877-5222. Also, we would love to hear stories about the work you are doing, so please let us know the results of your partnership efforts. Older youth and adult UM Volunteers in Mission trip: (repeat) In celebration of a 10-year covenant with the Eastern Mexico Annual Conference, an UMVIM team from the Central Texas Conference will be serving in Reynosa, Mexico from July 23-29, 2006. The trip is open to individuals age 16 years and older. The team will be working on a construction project at a local church and will also lead Vacation Bible School for the children in the community. No experience is necessary, but we would like to have some team members with expertise in tiling, sheetrock installation, and other carpentry. For additional information, contact Jennifer Coggins or Janet Wood at the Central Texas Conference Office. 817/877-5222, 800/460-8622 or jan@ctcumc.org or jennifer@ctcumc.org. Download a registration form at www.ctxumc.org/missions/vim.html. Resources
Midnight Oil discounts Midnight Oil, the digital worship resource team, offers discounts on it Easter resources through the end of the month. “Beyond the Tomb” and “Let Go” are 50% off the regular price. Plan ahead for next year's Easter now: https://www.midnightoilproductions.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=67_42. Also, with next weekend's NFL draft approaching, now may be a good time to read up on one of its oddities, "Mr. Irrelevant." The newest article in our reading section looks at the attention given to the last player picked in each year's draft and asks some questions about relevancy in worship. http://midnightoilproductions.com/reading/?p=27 What’s New at the Resource Center (repeat) 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. New arrivals include: Faith Under Fire. DVD. Four volumes containing four sessions each. Four-session DVD small group curriculum based on Lee Strobel’s popular PAX-TV program. Using video clips from the popular PAX-TV program Faith Under Fire, this cutting-edge curriculum features spirited discussions between well-respected Christians, people of other faiths, or people with no faith at all on important spiritual and social issues. Host Lee Strobel, best-selling author of The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith, provides additional comments to g, uide small group discussion. Each volume contains a four-session DVD and leader’s guide, and a corresponding partic, ipant’s guide. D.E.A.L. Grant deadline April 30 UM students are invited to apply for two $500 grants. These grants will be awarded to an upper classman or returning UM college student. One grant is to be awarded to a student who has a handicapping condition and a second grant to a student who has a declared major in assisting individuals with handicapping conditions, i.e., special education, speech pathology, hearing and visual impairment, social work, counseling, physical and/or occupational therapies. Both grants will be awarded in May 2006 and presented at CTC Annual Conference in June. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2006. Address applications to: Jane Gates, c/o Central Texas Conference, 114 Rebecca Rd., Moody, TX 76557-3546 Email: jane@pasotx.com Phone: 254-853-2976
If you have a deserving student in your congregation who would benefit from a scholarship, check out the Conference Merit Award scholarship of $500 for first-time students attending a UM-related school or university. New this year is the $1,000 Stephens Scholarship in Finance/Accounting offered to a UM student preparing for a career in finance/accounting. For this scholarship, the applicant is asked to provide a statement on how their education will help to undergird good stewardship in the church today and in the future. Information on these programs and application forms have been e-mailed to all pastors and is also available by contacting Susan Briles at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or susan@ctcumc.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. — Looking Ahead — Conference Pension Program — 7 p.m. April 20 at First Hurst Sager Brown (Baldwin, LA) mission trip — April 20-23 Conference Pension Program — 3 p.m. April 23 at First Belton Conference Pension Program — 6:30 p.m. April 23 at First Waco VBS Samplers — 3-5 p.m. April 23 at 3 locations: First Hurst, Lorena, Early Conference Pension Program — 7 p.m. April 24 at First Waxahachie Glen Lake Camp Golf Classic — April 28 at Squaw Valley Golf Course, Glen Rose Spring Singles Mingle — April 29 at First UMC Burleson Youth Choir Rally — April 29-30 at Granbury First UMC Changing Lives Through Stewardship training — April 29 and 30 (two locations) Deadline for DEAL grant — April 30 Deadline for CTC Merit Award and Stephens Finance/Accounting scholarship applications — May 1 Start-Up Seminar — May 2 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center Letters to Dad program — May 2 at First UMC Arlington Deacons/Diaconal Ministers Retreat — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 4 at First UMC Fort Worth’s Lyle Lodge UMW Assembly at Anaheim, Calif. — May 4-7 Conference Pension Program – 3 p.m. May 7 at Aledo UMC Revival featuring Zan Holmes — May 7 at Palmer UMC Central Music Celebration — Central UMC & Central Presbyterian (Waco) concert to benefit Habitat for Humanity — May 7 at Central UMC, Waco Frost UMC Revival — May 7-9 evenings at From UMC Christian Educators Fellowship — May 8 at Metropolitan Board of Missions Offering Sanctuary: Understanding the Religious Responses of Sexual Violence Survivors — 9 a.m.-noon May 23 at Austin Avenue UMC, Waco FUSE – reunion/celebration of CTCYM — June 4 at Heart of Texas Coliseum, Waco Central Texas Annual Conference — June 4-7, Waco Convention Center Bishop’s Week — June 22-24 at Mt. Sequoyah, Fayetteville, Arkansas Conference-wide Walk to Emmaus program — June 24 at First UMC Arlington Older adult / adult UM VIM trip to Reynosa, Mexico — July 23-29 GBGM Health & Wellness – Congregation Health Ministries (see article) — Oct. 8-11 Needs, Resources, Opportunities NOTE TO LISTERS: Please contact Carolyn Stephens at Carolyn@ctcumc.org to pull your listing when your opening has been filled. Musician Full-time Executive Director H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Pupils Excel) Tutoring Center, Inc. a faith-based non-profit service organization with eight sites in Arlington, seeks a full time executive director. H.O.P.E.’s mission is to provide a safe, caring environment where children can learn and grow. Volunteer tutors give free tutoring for students in fourth through eighth grades. Send resume to H.O.P.E. Tutoring Center, Inc. at: 2020 S. Collins St., Arlington, TX 76010. For further information and a job description please contact Nila Geisel at 817-860-7757. Summer Workers and Vehicles United Community Centers, Inc. (Fort Worth), a national mission institution of the UM General Board of Global Ministries, has several opportunities for summer work and has a need for assistance with transportation. UCC’s 11-week Summer Day Camp program operates in 3 Fort Worth locations, serving over 300 children and youth. Needed are vans, mini-buses or buses for transportation to various field trips. If your church or organization has a vehicle that UCC could use on loan or rental or if you would like to apply for the summer work, please contact program director Sherry Dunn at 817-927-5556 or sdunn@unitedcommunitycenters.org. Accountant Martin UMC located in Bedford seeks a part-time staff accountant to start immediately. Experience needed in all aspects of accounting and budgets. This position will coordinate with appropriate church committees and staff, and prepare and present reports necessary for effective decision making. Knowledge of ACS or other accounting software necessary. Hours to vary between 20 to 25 hours per week, some weekend and evenings hours required. Email your resume and salary requirements to Bayardp@martin-methodist.org for consideration. Director of Youth Ministry Polytechnic UMC (1310 S. Collard St., Fort Worth 76105) seeks a permanent part-time director of youth ministry to instruct and train youth to understand and implement the Word of God in their lives, especially as it relates to worship, service, outreach, Christian growth, and family. This person would also be designing programming and activities, integrating youth into the life of the church, recruiting and training volunteers, and working with other staff members. Apply to: Pastor, Polytechnic UMC, 1310 S. Collard St., Fort Worth 76105. For more details, call the church office at 817/534-0278. Choir Director Smithfield UMC is accepting inquiries for the position of part-time choir director. Call 817/281-0314 or e-mail pastor@smithfieldumc.org. Finance Manager (repeat) Youth Director (repeat) Director of Children’s Ministries (repeat) First United Methodist Church of Keller seeks a passionate and dynamic leader for the position of full-time director of children's ministries. The ideal candidate will have a personal commitment to the UMC and have a heart and passion for children. They will oversee all aspects of the children's ministry, from birth to 6th grade, Including programs and budget oversight. Please send inquiries and resumes to Jason M. Jones at jasonj@kellerumc.org. General Conference 2008 Volunteer Opportunity (repeat) 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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