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April 13, 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): We are the Easter people — In the midst of a very busy week for local church leaders, your conference staff’s thoughts and prayers are with you. You are the church! We praise your ministry and say “thank you” for all you do. We welcome opportunities to meet your needs throughout the year. Women in Ministry story deadline tomorrow — April 14 is the deadline to send stories of women in ministry to the Commission on Inclusiveness for presentation at Annual Conference. Letters were mailed to all local church lay leaders and UMW presidents asking congregations for stories for publication. Only a few clergywomen have responded; it would be helpful to hear from clergymen. In anticipation of the UMC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration of Women's Full Clergy Rights, the commission seeks stories that celebrate the gifts women have brought to the church. This celebration will occur at Annual Conference June 4-7 where the collection of published stories will be available for all delegates. Please send your stories to Lisa Baumgartner at revbaum@gmail.com or c/o Bosqueville UMC, 7327 Rock Creek Rd, Waco 76708. Open Door Service — Davis Memorial UMC ( TCU Wesley Foundation invitation — "Equipping people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly" will be the topic of Gerald Iverson from "Alternatives to Simple Living" at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at Texas Christian University’s Wesley Foundation, 2750 W. Lowden, Fort Worth. A simple meal (at no charge) will be served. Contact: 817-924-5639 or methodist@tcu.edu. Iverson will talk about ways we can overcome consumerism and celebrate responsibly in our consumer-oriented culture, especially in regard to our faith lives, communities and celebrations. (see www.SimpleLiving.org) Young adults and those working with young adults are especially encouraged to attend this event sponsored by The Wesley Foundation at TCU. Contact: 817-924-5639 or methodist@tcu.edu. Good Friday service — St. Stephen UMC, Arlington will hold a noon worship service on Good Friday based on the seven last words of Jesus from the cross. This is an abbreviated 60-minute version of the traditional noon to 3 p.m. service. The following ministers will be preaching: Luther Henry, Jacquetta Chambers, Clifton Howard, Kennedy Jones, Rochelle Carr, Chauncey Nealy, and Debra Crumpton. Each minister will preach a 3- to 5-minute sermon on one of the phrases. The service will be followed by a time of fellowship with lunch provided. Please come and bring a friend. Five-Star program applications due April 15 — Let us recognize your mission involvement! If you would like for your congregation to be recognized at Annual Conference in June for completing the requirements of a Five Star Church for the 2005 calendar year, please submit your applications by April 15. You may download a brochure with information about all of the requirements for recognition, as well as an application form, on our conference website www.ctcumc.org/missions. For more information about this program, contact Tom Beaty at 254-675-3984 or Jennifer Coggins at 817-877-5222. 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. Return to Top News
Reporter preview — it’s all about women The April 21 issue of the UM Reporter is devoted to the celebration of women in ministry, as the UMC recognizes this year the 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women. There are stories on what it was like for clergywomen pioneers in the church, how ethnic minority clergywomen still face struggles and why clergywomen sometimes drop out of pulpit ministry. Note some of those stories: Breaking the Glass Ceiling: UMR’s Susan Scheib talks to several early pioneer clergywomen who tell what it was like to be some of the UMC’s first women ministers. http://www.reporterinteractive.org/main/Feeds/tabid/116/newsid/888/Default.aspx Clergywomen Dropping Out: Kathleen Baskin-Ball says one reason why women clergy struggle is that it’s still a male-dominated culture. UMR’s Bill Fentum learns that it was a support network of colleagues that kept her sane. http://www.reporterinteractive.org/main/Feeds/tabid/116/newsid/892/Default.aspx Clergywomen Gather: Some 1,500 clergywomen will celebrate the full clergy rights for women during the 2006 International UM Clergywomen’s Consultation in August, but they will also look at obstacles these women still face. http://www.reporterinteractive.org/main/Feeds/tabid/116/newsid/890/Default.aspx Trailblazers: A scholarship program to create a pool of UM women of color in theological and religious education will celebrate the successes of 18 years at the Consultation this August. Ethnic Minority Challenges: Denise Johnson Stovall says the 50th anniversary is a time for celebration, yet ethnic minority clergywomen see the need for improved opportunities and a greater acceptance level. Distributed by UMNS. Double-Whammy: Special Contributor Sheron Patterson, pastor of Highland Hills UMC in http://www.reporterinteractive.org/main/Feeds/tabid/116/newsid/886/Default.aspx Place for Ministry: Special Contributer Joan Gray LaBarr, communications director for the North Texas Conference, tells how the UMC gave her – a divorced, single mother – a place to serve in ministry. http://www.reporterinteractive.org/main/Feeds/tabid/116/newsid/887/Default.aspx Changing Face of UMC: UMR’s Gen-X Rising columnist Andrew Thompson says women are outpacing men in UM seminaries, which means female clergy will continue to impact the denomination. He adds women make it better. http://www.reporterinteractive.org/main/Feeds/tabid/116/newsid/893/Default.aspx Pioneer Impact: Special Contributor Bishop Woodie White reflects on how an early woman pastor strongly influenced the life of a future bishop—that would be him! http://www.reporterinteractive.org/main/Feeds/tabid/116/newsid/894/Default.aspx Lay Health Promoters graduate Message from UM Motorcycle Enthusiasts: We would like to send our appreciation to all in support of the "2006 Ride for the Risen," our Easter ride on April 8. It is always great to look up and see our brothers and sisters rolling in. Through your support we now have $1000 to donate to the "Arrow Project Adoption Agency." Praise God! May God bless you all! Thanks again. — Phil DeMoss, president of the UMME Corsicana Area Chapter Texas Events-Opportunities
Mandatory Pension Program 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 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.
Monday, May 8th · 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. Deacons/diaconal ministers retreat 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 Christian Educators Fellowship (repeat) The next Christian Educators Fellowship meeting at 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday, May 8, will be at the Metropolitan Board of Missions in Fort Worth. Bring your own lunch. Program: Resources for spiritual growth in all ages plus new and updated study and curriculum materials. Gospel word from John, Luke and Paul
Bishop’s Week (repeat) Bishop’s Week will be held June 22-24 at Mt. Sequoyah, Fayetteville, Arkansas. The study topic will be “Discipling Hispanics: A 21st Century Mission Challenge.” If you are interested in attending, application forms are in each of the district offices.
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. Letters From Dad was highlighted by UMR Reporter Robin Russell 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. 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. Congregational Health & Wellness (repeat) Reserve October 8 -11 for the second annual health and wellness conference sponsored by the General Board of Global Ministries Health and Wellness - Congregation Health Ministries team. The focus of this year’s conference, “Empowering Ministries of Health: Transform, Mobilize, Advocate,” promises to provide many “how to’s” for those working for health and wellness in their annual conferences and local churches. For more information, please visit the GBGM website at http://gbgmumc.org/health/congmin/secondnationalconference.cfm. 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 Mission Project Opportunity: Richland UMC, in the Waxahachie District, is in need of some repairs to the church. The work needed includes replacement of flooring, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. The church has money for materials, but needs able labor. If you are experienced in any of these areas and are looking for a mission project within our conference area, please contact Jennifer Coggins at 817/877-5222 or 800/460-8622 for more details and appropriate contact information. Wildfire response continues: There are still opportunities to participate in rebuilding after last year’s wildfires in Cross Plains and Carbon. Both communities are rebuilding homes and are in need of volunteer work teams. There is a specific need in Cross Plains for experienced construction volunteers to oversee rebuilding projects. Also, the No, rthwest Texas Conference is accepting volunteer work teams as well as contributions to its disaster relief fund in orde, r to respond to the needs of the communities affected by the , recent wildfires in the Panhandle http://www.nwtxconf.org/. If you are interested in helping any of these communities with their long-term recovery, pleas, e contact Rev. Chuck Graff at 817-339-5065 or Jennifer Coggins at 817-877-5222. Local assistance for hurricane survivors: (repeat) CTC churches have the opportunity to provide continued support for domestic displaced persons who have relocated to Tarrant County after last year’s hurricanes. Many of our guests are still struggling to get back on their feet, and Tarrant County Human Services anticipates that a number of individuals and families may be evicted from their apartments and hotel rooms beginning, in April when FEMA discontinues its rent assistance program. Tarrant County Human Services has agreed to provide half of one month’s rent for clients who have demonstrated the ability to pay rent on their own after this first month, and is seeking partner organizations and churches that might be able to assist with the second half of the month’s rent. TCHS caseworkers will also encourage the clients to pay what they can toward the rent, even if it is marginal, so the total that will be requested of partners may be less that half the month’s rent. This will be requested on a case-by-case basis. If your congregation still has funds left for hurricane survivors and would like the opportunity to provide this type of assistance, or if you would be interested in helping to raise money for this cause, please contact Jennifer Coggins, Director of Humanitarian Services. You may reach her at jennifer@ctcumc.org or 817-877-5222. 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 <http://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
What’s New at the 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. New arrivals include: Running the Rapids — Adolescence is often the most critical time to understand and relate to your child, though it can be painful at times. Learn from leading Christian psychologist, Dr. Kevin Leman, as he mixes humor and wit with wisdom and truths that will lead to a respectful and less turbulent adolescence. These six 30-minute lessons can help parents and teachers understand and deal with kids in their adolescent years. A leader's guide and workbook are included. DVD 180 min. total running time. Sessions are: 1. KNOW THE RIVER D.E.A.L. Grant available (repeat) 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 Apr. 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 — Women in Ministry story deadline — send stories by April 14 to revbaum@gmail.com 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 Youth Choir Rally — April 29-30 at Granbury First UMC Changing Lives Through Stewardship training — April 29 and 30 (two locations) Deadline for CTC Merit Award and Stephens Finance/Accounting scholarship applications — May 1 Start-Up Seminar — May 2 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center UMW Assembly at Anaheim, Calif. — May 4-7 Conference Pension Program – 3 p.m. May 7 at Aledo UMC 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 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. 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. Discipleship Minister / Associate Pastor St. Philip's UMC (repeat) NW Austin metro area, seeks a motivated and creative person to join our staff team. Primary responsibilities include coordinating Connecting Ministries (Evangelism and Assimilation) and Member Care, and resourcing Education Ministries. Deacons are especially encouraged to apply. Click here for position description www.stphilipsumc.org. Client Intervention Specialist / Mission Intern (repeat) United Community Centers, Inc., a national mission institution of the General Board of Global Ministries, seeks a part-time Client Intervention Specialist (25 hours per week) to work as a mission intern. Duties include working in the emergency food and clothing services at the Bethlehem UCC, 970 E Humbolt, Fort Worth 76104. High School diploma or GED and computer skills required; college degree or hours preferred and bi-lingual (Spanish) preferred. Fax resume to 817-924-3992 or email to probledo@unitedcommunitycenters.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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