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"We Are Here. We Are UMC!" Revive - A New UMC in Azle - Springs Forth from Disaffiliation
3/27/2023
Following the difficult separation from their home churches due to disaffiliation, folks from the Azle/Weatherford area who wanted to #BeUMC needed to find a new church home. Thanks to some help from social media and the nudging of the Holy Spirit, a grass-roots coalition of laity got together and ...
BELIEVE: A Lenten Study with Bishop Saenz - Fifth Sunday in Lent from John 12:1-2; 9-11 "There is Life in Christ After Trauma"
3/26/2023
On this fifth Sunday of Lent, Bishop Saenz takes a unique slant on the story and tradition of Lazarus, the one whom Jesus raised from the dead, focusing on the hours and then decades after being called out of the tomb by Jesus.The resurrection of Lazarus terribly disrupted and traumatized his life. ...
POD Strangely Warmed Episode 6: "Ancient Truths for Tomorrow's Church" with Rev. Jason Valendy
3/21/2023
In this sixth episode of the Central Texas Conference's POD Strangely Warmed podcast, we continue our series focused on how the people and churches of the CTC can actively work towards laying the foundation of a vibrant and fruitful church of 2050 and beyond. This week, Rev. Daniel Hawkins and Rev. ...
BELIEVE: A Lenten Study with Bishop Saenz - Fourth Sunday in Lent from John 9:34-38 "Who Is Jesus to You?"
3/19/2023
In his reflection for the fourth Sunday in Lent, Bishop Saenz focuses on John 9:34-38 and the gospel writers account of Jesus healing a blind man with mud from the ground. As you reflect on how belief is formed in a man born blind through what he hears during his encounter with Jesus this week,...
Mentoring a Call to Ministry with Praxis Intern Cara Kusenberger
3/16/2023
The Praxis Internship in Pastoral Leadership is designed for college students who are wondering if God may be calling them into ordained ministry. This video features Cara Kusenberger's experience in the Praxis Program during the summer of 2022. To learn more about this exciting program of the ...
POD Strangely Warmed Episode 5 "Be The Church Where The Church Couldn't Be" featuring Rev. Brenda Wier
3/14/2023
In episode 5 of the POD Strangely Warmed Podcast, Rev. Brenda Wier, retired deacon, and host Rev. Daniel Hawkins continues our focus on Being Good Ancestors for those who will lead and make up the UMC of 2050 and Rev. Wiers experiences growing up and becoming a deacon in the United Methodist Church....
BELIEVE: A Lenten Study with Bishop Saenz - Third Sunday in Lent from John 4:39-42 "The Savior of the World"
3/9/2023
For his third Sunday of Lent reflection, Bishop Saenz focuses on how belief is born in a Samaritan woman through what she hears during her encounter with him and how her willingness to share what she heard led many from her community to belief in Jesus as the Messiah - the Savior of the World.
A Methodist Family’s Foundation and Future Part 3 featuring Mrs. Anne Dobbins
3/8/2023
A rich family history rooted in the Methodist tradition is important and foundational to Annie Dobbins. However, if you think for a second that this powerhouse child of God is living in the past and longing for how church used to be, then you’ve not spent much time with Miss Annie. In the final ...
Change is Possible. Hope Is Power! - POD Strangely Warmed Episode 4 Featuring Rev. Beth Evers
3/7/2023
United Methodist churches are vital and active members of the community they serve, not just a place to worship on Sundays. So when the community surrounding University UMC in Fort Worth was rocked by a deadly shooting of local high school students at a restaurant right across the street from the ...
BELIEVE: A Lenten Study with Bishop Saenz - Second Sunday in Lent from John 3:1-18 "Nicodemus and Jesus: A Model of Transitioning Discipleship"
3/3/2023
To believe in Jesus is of great importance to John. He uses the verb “believe” 84 times in his gospel, which is 50 more times than the other three gospels combined (Matthew-9, Mark-15, Luke-10). John claims that believing Christ begins not by seeing miracles but by taking Jesus at his word. ...
POD Strangely Warmed Episode 3 Featuring Dr. Luther Henry (Part 2)
2/28/2023
Episode 3 of the POD Strangely Warmed podcast continues our focus on Being Good Ancestors for those who will lead and make up the United Methodist Church of 2050 and beyond with Part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Luther Henry. In Part 1, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins and Dr. Henry explored how the Civil ...
A Methodist Family’s Foundation and Future Part 2 featuring Rev. Kyland Dobbins
2/27/2023
The Wesleyan faith tradition called Methodist has been an important spiritual foundation of families in the Central Texas Conference for generations. The Dobbins family can trace their Methodist family tree back to the abolitionist movement of the 1800s but is still hard at work laying the ...
BELIEVE: A Lenten Study with Bishop Saenz - First Sunday in Lent from John 2:1-11 "The Wedding at Cana"
2/26/2023
On this first Sunday of Lent, Bishop Saenz continues our BELIEVE Lenten journey by meditating on how belief is born in Jesus' disciples at the wedding of Cana. This passage from John 2:1-11 also offers us a unique glimpse into the collectivist societal norms of Jesus' day.
BELIEVE: A Lenten Study with Bishop Saenz - Ash Wednesday from John 1:35-39 "God's Passover Lamb"
2/22/2023
This Lent,Bishop Saenz invites all to join him on a Lenten journey to work through what it means to “BELIEVE” as understood by John the evangelist through his gospel. "I pray that you join me on this BELIEVE Lenten spiritual pilgrimage and that it blesses, strengthens and grows your faith and ...
POD Strangely Warmed Episode 2 Featuring Dr. Luther Henry
2/21/2023
In the second installment of the POD Strangely Warmed podcast, we continue our series on Being Good Ancestors for the clergy and lay leadership of the church of tomorrow by mining the vast wealth of knowledge and experience that is the CTC's own Dr. Luther Henry. As podcast host Rev. Daniel Hawkins ...
A Methodist Family’s Foundation and Future Part 1 featuring Clifton “CD” Dobbins
2/17/2023
The Wesleyan faith tradition called Methodist has been an important spiritual foundation of families in the Central Texas Conference for generations. The Dobbins family can trace their Methodist family tree back to the abolitionist movement of the 1800s but is still hard at work laying the ...
POD Strangely Warmed Podcast Debuts with Special Guest Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr.
2/13/2023
In the inaugural episode of the POD Strangely Warmed podcast, host Rev. Daniel Hawkins engages in a lively, informative and energizing conversation on the importance of being good ancestors to the church of tomorrow with Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. Click on the video player below to hear Bishop Saenz ...
Bishop Encourages UMs to Walk On Together, United in Christ
2/1/2023
“Let us pick up our mats and walk. Walk on Oh People of God. Let Walk On. Together. Forward. United in Christ. Walk on Oh People of God.” In his episcopal address to the 450+ present at the 2023 Joint Central & North Texas Conference Clergy Gathering, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. inspirationally ...
Bishop Saenz Opens Joint Clergy Gathering with a Message of Welcome, Thanks and Hope for the Future
1/31/2023
Bishop Saenz opened the 2023 Joint Central & North Texas Conference Clergy Gathering (Jan. 26) with a message of welcome, thanks, excitement and hope for all those gathered. He also shared a vision for the future of The UMC that begins now – a church that many today may never see, but one on which ...
University UMC Responds to Neighborhood Shooting with Prayer Vigil, Hope and Care
1/25/2023
One of the methods the people of University United Methodist Church in Fort Worth use to help keep their focus on God and how The Spirit is leading the church is something they call Star Words – Listen, Seek and Respond. So, when two Fort Worth ISD teenagers from Paschal High were shot Friday, Jan. ...
Bishop Saenz Invites All to Put Words Into Action to Honor MLK
1/16/2023
In his 2023 MLK Day address, Bishop Saenz celebrates and honors the life and social impact Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by reflecting on the significance of and continued relevance of Dr. King’s message of acceptance, equality, unity, and justice – particularly in the wake of the divisions that ...
A Message of Excitement and Promise for 2023
12/30/2022
Bishop Saenz offers a New Year’s message full of excitement and promise for all that the Lord God has in store for United Methodists, the Central Texas Conference and the body of Christ in the video below. According to Bishop Saenz, his excitement has little to do with the changing of the ...
Bishop Saenz Offers Greetings for Christmas 2022
12/22/2022
In his 2022 Christmas message to the Conference, Bishop Saenz shares his and Maye's greetings for Christmas and shares his thoughts on the long-standing tradition of gift giving in celebration of the birth of Jesus - particularly the kind of gifts that honor God and bless our neighbors. In these ...
New Riverside UMC Shares Our Story of Peace and the Tradition of Los Posadas
12/21/2022
During Advent, the Central Texas Conference Umbrella Team’s Advent Series “Our Shared Story” wraps up this week with a narrative of Peace and knowing that God is always with us from the good folks at New Riverside UMC. Rev. Armando Alvarado and church members Andra Villegas, Isabel Roberson and ...
A shared story of "Joy" from Ferris Heights UMC
12/14/2022
During Advent, the Central Texas Conference Umbrella team has asked churches to share stories of hope in action from their communities and congregations. We continue the “Our Shared Story” series with a narrative of "Joy" from Ferris Heights United Methodist Church. Rev. Jon Hann shares his ...
Glen Lake Staff are Looking to “Takeover” Your Church (for an evening)
12/12/2022
The staff of Glen Lake Camp have been popping up at churches around the conference as of late and staging a (very non hostile and quite love-filled) “Takeover.” Please check out the video below to learn more about these events that offer a taste of the unique, communal, Christ-led, United Methodist ...
Our Shared Story Advent Series Continues with LOVE from FUMC Clifton & Walnut Springs Memorial UMC
12/7/2022
We continue Our Shared Story Advent series with a narrative of "Love" from First UMC of Clifton and Walnut Springs Memorial UMC. Rev. Don Moore, Phyllis Gamble, and Alex Balch share how the church can be a place of hurt and harm, but because of the Love of Christ, is also a place of love and ...
W.C. Martin Opens the Our Shared Story Advent Series
11/30/2022
During this season of Advent, the Central Texas Conference Umbrella team has asked churches across the conference to share and celebrate some stories of hope in action in their communities and congregations. The first in the “Our Shared Story” series comes from W.C. Martin UMC in Bedford.
Revs. Beth Evers & Daniel Hawkins Shine on the "SPACE at the TABLE" Young Clergy Panel
11/28/2022
One of the more interesting and energizing segments of the 2022 SPACE at the TABLE: Conversations of Hope for the UMC Future event hosted by Lovers Lane UMC in Dallas was the Young Clergy Panel - a panel that featured the CTC's Revs. Beth Evers and Daniel Hawkins. A replay of that panel is available...
Bishop Saenz Featured on "SPACE at the TABLE" Episcopal Panel
11/23/2022
Earlier in November, Lovers Lane United Methodist Church (Dallas) hosted SPACE at the TABLE:Conversations of Hope for the UMC Future. As part of the event, Bishop Saenz was joined by Bishop Cynthia Fierro-Harvey (currently Louisiana; assigned to North Texas effective Jan. 1, 2023) and Bishop David ...
Bishop Saenz Reflections on the 2022 Perkins Distinguished Alumnus Award
11/18/2022
An exciting and whirlwind November continued for Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. on Monday, Nov. 14 as he was presented with the 2022 Perkins Distinguished Alumnus Award during ceremonies on the SMU campus. Just before heading into the banquet hall, Bishop Saenz took a few moments to reflect on the near 30 ...
Bishop Saenz Receives the 2022 Perkins Distinguished Alumnus Award
11/18/2022
On Monday, Nov. 14, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. was officially bestowed the 2022 Perkins Distinguished Alumnus Award. (Read more here) The SMU Perkins Alumni team recorded the ceremonies and graciously shared the following video replay of Bishop Saenz's comments at the event. You may view those remarks ...
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Oasis Fellowships: A NEW Connecting Ministry Initiative!
11/17/2022
Oasis Fellowships are part of a conference-wide initiative to join large, connecting churches in the Central Texas Conference with newly created fellowships (aka house churches) in areas in the conference where there isn't a near by United Methodist Church. This is an opportunity for persons who ...
Bishop & Maye Saenz Share a Quick Greeting and Excitement Over being Assigned to the CTC
11/15/2022
While the last several days following the SCJs decision to assign Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. as the resident bishop of the Central Texas Conference have been a whirlwind schedule for he and Mrs. Saenz, their excitement over coming home to Texas (and the CTC in particular) has only grown. A few moments ...
Bishop Saenz Delivers 2022 SCJC Episcopal Address
11/5/2022
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. delivered the 2022 South Central Jurisdictional Episcopal Address on Thursday, Nov. 3. In this address, Bishop Saenz cast a vision of the church in the future and the work that the church needs/must be doing today in order to lay a firm foundation for our children, ...
An update from Thursday of Jurisdictional Conference
11/3/2022
Following the adjournment of the South Central Jurisdictional Conference on Thursday, Nov. 3, Kim Simpson, head of the Central Texas Conference delegation and Dr. Tim Bruster, lead clergy delegate for the CTC provide an announcement about our Conference Bishop Assignment, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr who ...
An Update from Day 1 of the South Central Jurisdictional Conference
11/2/2022
Following the adjournment of the South Central Jurisdictional Conference on Wednesday, Nov. 2, Kim Simpson, head of the Central Texas Conference delegation and Dr. Tim Bruster, lead clergy delegate for the CTC provided a quick summary of the day's exciting events and a preview in what we can expect ...
CTC Youth Initiative - October Update
10/27/2022
The Central Texas Conference Youth Task Force has identified Rev. Melissa Turkett as the chair for the task force. This task force has taken on the vision and purpose of Reimagining how we as Central Texas United Methodists engage in Youth Ministry across the Conference. Please view the short video ...
Being a Disciple over Being a Leader - Week Two of a Discipleship Series with Alex & Hannah Absalom
10/13/2022
In case you missed it here is the second of three webinars, where Alex will be joined by his wife Hannah to delve into "How to Prioritize Being a Disciple over Being a Leader." Leadership in the church can be become all consuming - especially with all the political, societal and denominational ...
Five Contexts of Discipleship - Video Replay of Discipleship Webinar with Alex Absalom
10/5/2022
Have you noticed that the size of a gathering tends to shape the type of discipleship that happens? In this webinar replay, Alex shares HOW to set the right discipleship goals for different sizes of gatherings and ministry contexts.
McMillan UMC Snack Pack Ministry of Witness
9/27/2022
One of the most vital ministries is the ministry of witness, and witnessing can be done in so many ways. As part of McMillan’s Witness Ministry, to Witness to the Children as well as their Parents, by showing them they care, every Friday after school members of McMillan UMC in Ft. Worth pass out ...
Update from Dr. Will Cotton on Reimagining Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the CTC
9/21/2022
We invite you to watch a brief video of Dr. Will Cotton, Executive Director of the Smith Center for Evangelism, Mission, & Church Growth, give an update on the Task Force for Reimagining Youth and Young Adults Ministries in the Central Texas Conference.
Bishop Offers Episopal Address to the Special Session of AC22
9/19/2022
On Saturday, Sept. 17, the Central Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church came together for a Special Session of the 2022 Annual Conference to take action on 81 petitions for disaffiliation from CTC local churches and to adopt the 2023 Conference budget. Prior to voting on the issues of the...
Bishop Saenz shares about the Upper Room Devotional Ministry
9/7/2022
For many years in the United Methodist Church the Upper Room Devotional Book has been a mainstay for Bible Study for all ages in the greater connection of the United Methodist Church. Bishop Saenz in today's video shares a little about his personal experience with the Upper Room and how it has ...
The CTC Cabinet Works to Reimagine Discipleship at the Texas/Mexico Border
9/1/2022
Speaking from the Texas/Mexico Border, Bishop Saenz reminds us our call to Reimagine Discipleship in action of Crossing Over Borders that Christ calls us to cross. Borders that limit our reach because of culture, language, race, and much much more. What borders are preventing you and your local ...
CTC Cabinet Visits Texas/Mexico Border Wall
8/31/2022
Bishop Saenz provides an update from the Joint CTC and Great Plains Cabinet summit at the Texas/Mexico border. As a part of their immersive experience the teams visited a section of the border wall and an organization that helps migrants legally and effectively transition. Bishop Saenz briefly ...
CTC Cabinet "Crosses Over" in South Texas
8/30/2022
As part of the Central Texas Conference focus to Reimagine Discipleship and reach new people in new ways in our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, Bishop Saenz is leading the Cabinets from Central Texas and the Great Plains Conferences to several areas in ...
It's Game-Time!
8/18/2022
Bishop Saenz trades his sport coat and tie for a coach’s hat and whistle and shares a rousing “pre-game pep talk” to the CTC as churches begin to emerge from their summer schedules and ramp up their disciple-making ministries and community outreach initiatives for this fall and beyond. “The ...
A Special Back to School Message from Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr!
8/10/2022
Take a moment to watch and hear a special Back to School Message from Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. We are praying for all of you as you engage in discussions and study throughout the new school year. Study and learn and grow as a testimony of how much you love Jesus! Churches we invite you also to share ...
Cedar Springs UMC - A New #BeUMC Video Narrative
8/10/2022
Cedar Springs UMC is home to many who drive from far away to come to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Tragedy struck this beloved church building, but the foundation of Jesus' saving grace was still present and has propelled Cedar Springs UMC with new confessions of faith and baptisms! Rev....
First UMC Arlington Vacation Bible Camp - A NEW Video Narrative
8/3/2022
It has been said or inferred very heavily throughout the years of the church that ministry is the greatest science experiment in the church, and that is definitely at play in our young people's ministry all across the conference. At FUMC Arlington, under the leadership of the Director of Family ...
Summer Fun Day at Glen Lake Camp
7/29/2022
The Waterpark was open and available for everyone to enjoy along with other activities, and Food Trucks will be available on-site. It was a wonderful day at Glen Lake Camp Summer Fun Day in 2022. Thanks for all that came!
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Mel Bishara Shares Why He is Choosing to #BeUMC
7/14/2022
Coming to the Central Texas Conference all the way from Nazareth, yes, that Nazareth. As Mel says quite literally, "Jesus is my Homeboy." From our love of Christ to the Mission we do each and every day in the name of Christl, Rev. Mel Bishara, Senior Pastor at St Luke UMC in Haltom City, TX says ...
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Joy Dister-Dominguez Shares Why She is Choosing to #BeUMC
7/12/2022
Rev. Joy Dister-Dominguez, Associate Pastor at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, TX orginally hails from the great state of Michigan and has been a Methodist for many years. Through working with the Hotel Business she transferred to the state of Texas and the United Methodist ...
Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr Shares a Message for our CTC Laity
6/7/2022
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., Resident Episcopal Leader of the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church shared the following video message at our 2022 Annual Conference Laity Session this past Saturday. We are so thankful for all the ministry that the Laity all across the conference partner...
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Rev. Daniel Hawkins shares his reasons for choosing to #BeUMC
6/2/2022
Rev. Daniel Hawkins, Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Cleburne shares about the way of the Via Media (The Middle Way), a way of thinking now am I left or right, but where can we meet in the middle. It's true The United Methodist Church is not of one mind, but as Daniel reminds us, ...
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Rev. Lance Marshall shares his reasons for choosing to #BeUMC
5/31/2022
Rev. Lance Marshall, Co-Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church - Fort Worth, Texas shares his story of self study, listening to podcasts, and choosing to a United Methodist first before joining a church. Lance shares how important it was to him to first commit to a denomination. He chose to ...
Rev. Sharon Reid with Drs. Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual Growth
5/30/2022
Rev. Sharon Reid, East District CTC Discipleship Coordinator and Associate Pastor at First Methodist Mansfield with Drs. Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual Growth.
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Rev. Zhenya Gurina-Rodriguez shares her first experience in the UMC and how it really is all about Grace.
5/19/2022
Before she was an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, Zhenya first experienced the UMC in Russia as a translator. She experienced Grace on her first day in a UMC church and to this day she continues to experience Grace, for Zhenya it really is all about Grace and that is why she continues...
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Rev. John Woodard Shares his reasons for Choosing to #BeUMC
5/17/2022
Rev. John Woodard, Senior Pastor serving local churches Cross Plains United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church of Cisco shares about his faith journey as a young boy that was born into the Methodist Church, and our belief about Communion, that is Christ's Table, that it is a table ...
Allison Alvarado Shares her reasons for choosing to #BeUMC
5/10/2022
Allison Alvarado, serves as the Executive Director at First United Methodist Church in Downtown Fort Worth and today she shares with the Central Texas Conference why she is choosing to #BeUMC. She in her own words doesn't remain the UMC because of loyalty but instead of what it stands for and how it...
Rev. Tim Bruster Shares His Reasons for Choosing To #BeUMC
5/4/2022
"The heart cannot embrace what the mind rejects," a Pastor once shared to a teenage Tim Bruster. To this day, as a Co-Senior Pastor of FUMC Fort Worth, Dr. Tim Bruster appreciates that moment because he had questions and always appreciates that the United Methodist Church is a place for you to ...
Rev. Tomeca Richardson Shares Her Reasons for Choosing to #BeUMC
5/3/2022
Rev. Tomeca Richardson, Pastor of Morningside UMC & McMillian UMC shares her reasons for choosing to #BeUMC. The church throughout her life has been the welcoming sustaining community that taught her of the One Body of Christ. To be a part of the UMC according to Tomeca to be with people filled with...
Rev Meg Witmer-Faile on Responsive Discipleship with Matt Lake, Fresh Expressions
5/2/2022
Join Matt Lake from Fresh Expressions and Rev. Meg Witmer-Faile, Associate Director of Evangelism, Mission, and Church Growth for a conversation about Responsive Discipleship. Rev. Meg and Matt both look at programmatic, virtual, and other concepts to bring your discipleship ministries to a new ...
Rev. Armando Alvarado Shares His Reasons for Choosing to #BeUMC
4/29/2022
Rev. Armando Alvarado, Pastor at New Riverside UMC in Fort Worth, TX shares about his childhood through now being part of the UMC, from laity to now being a clergy of The United Methodist Church and why he continues to choose to #BeUMC.
UMCOR Fire Clean Up - A NEW CTC Video Narrative
4/28/2022
When wildfires ripped through the western part of Texas earlier this spring – including several counties in the Central Texas Conference – tens of thousands of acres and more than 100 homes were destroyed. As soon as the area was considered safe enough, Central Texas UMC ERT teams were sent into the...
Mark Burrows Says the Being Together, Loved, Accepted and Cared For are Why He Chooses to #BeUMC
4/26/2022
Mark Burrows is the director of Children's Ministries at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth. He believes that the more we get together as Christians the more empathy we have, the more learning and ministry that can be done and the happier we truly are. The sense of being together in a place...
Rev. Leslie Byrd Shares a Few of the Whys She Is and Will #BeUMC
4/25/2022
Rev. Leslie Byrd, Senior Pastor of New World United Methodist Church (Arlington) and the Assistant District Superintendent of the CTC's East District, shares how much she loves being able to learn and grow together in faith and her belief that we so much stronger together in the UMC Connection than ...
Dr. Mary Spradlin Discusses Having Faith Challenged and the Methodist Connection as Reasons She Chooses to #BeUMC
4/25/2022
Rev. Dr. Mary Spradlin discusses being able to disagree on the best way to confront difficult and controversial topic while still remaining a faithful Christian as one of the reasons she chooses to #BeUMC. She also touches on why being in a church that challenges your faith and beliefs is a good ...
Rev. Andy Tyler Talks About Why Choosing to #BeUMC Feels Like Coming Home
4/23/2022
After many years of living on the east coast and serving in another denomination, Rev. Andy Tyler discusses how he came to realize that Texas and the Wesleyan tradition is where his heart is. And that's why his decision to #BeUMC feels like being home.
Bishop Saenz Announces In-Person Clergy & Local Pastors/Associate Member Meetings
4/22/2022
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., episcopal leader of the Central Texas Conference has decided to convene the 2022 Clergy Executive Session and Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members meeting as in-person only events. The meetings had been previously scheduled as online meetings via Zoom. The date ...
Rev. Danny Tenney Details Why He Chooses to #BeUMC
4/22/2022
Rev. Danny Tenney, Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Burleson details Why He Chooses to #BeUMC. Hear a few the reasons why in the video below. And if you would like to share your story for why you choose to #BeUMC (especially laity, come on now, don't let our clergy have all the ...
Rev. Beverly Connelly Shares a Few Reasons Why Even a Self-Described Conservative Chooses to #BeUMC
4/21/2022
Even as a self-described "Conservative", Rev. Beverly Connelly, District Superintendent of the South Central District Area - Central Texas Conference chooses to #BeUMC. Hear a few of her reasons why in the video below. If you would like to share your story for why you choose to #BeUMC (especially ...
Rev. Dr. Chris Hayes Shares Two of the Many Reasons He Chooses to #BeUMC
4/19/2022
Rev. Dr. Chris Hayes says that the ideas of "Grace First" and "unity over uniformity are two of the many reasons he chooses to #BeUMC.
Revs. Jannette and Jeff Miller Share Why They Choose to #BeUMC
4/19/2022
Rev's Jannette and Jeff Miller (pastors at China Spring UMC and First United Methodist Church of Belton respectively) share a few of their reasons they choose to #BeUMC
First Arlington UMC Confirmation Class Loves to #BeUMC
4/18/2022
The Confirmation class of First United Methodist Church of Arlington quite adorably shares just a few of the reasons that they are excited to #BeUMC To join these young Christians in sharing your reason(s) that you choose to #BeUMC, please go to ctcumc.org/be-umc.
A Message for Easter from Bishop Saenz
4/16/2022
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. offers a message of hope for Easter.
"A Rich Man Gives His Tomb to Jesus" Station 14 of the 2022 Lenten Video Series Cross Walk
4/14/2022
The Cross Walk Lenten journey concludes as Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. leads us in contemplating the 14th and final Station – A Rich Man Gives His Tomb to Jesus. Luke 23:50-53 Joseph of Arimathea, a good, righteous, and rich member of the council, is compelled to honor Jesus, his Savior, and Lord, by...
Central Texas Methodists Show Up to #BeUMC for Granger Tornado Cleanup & Recovery
4/14/2022
One of the impactful parts of being United Methodists is how we are all connected together. Communities connect to other Communities and when disaster hits United Methodists from all across the connection come together to help. We offer the following video of United Methodists from around Granger, ...
Rev. Jason Valendy Details Why He Loves to #BeUMC
4/12/2022
Rev. Jason Valendy, co-pastor of Keller UMC loves to #BeUMC because of the grace that's found in Jesus and lived out in service to the world, AND stands over and against a culture that says that the only way for us to be in communion is if we agree on every detail of life and the church. To join...
"Jesus Commits Himself to God" Station 13 of the 2022 Lenten Video Series Cross Walk
4/12/2022
The Cross Walk Lenten journey continues as Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. leads us in contemplating the 13th Station – Jesus Commits Himself to God. Luke 23:44-46 A 2021 article by hospice physician Dr. Karen Wyatt provides experienced observations about why some people die in peace, and some don’t. She...
Rev. Don Moore on Why He Chooses to #BeUMC
4/12/2022
The warm, welcoming and accepting nature of United Methodist Churches that demonstrated Wesley's understanding of grace are just some of the reasons that brought Rev. Don Moore back to the family of Christ more than 20 years ago - reasons that are still part of why he chooses to @BeUMC. Share ...
Rev. Estee Valendy Shares a Few of Her Reasons to #BeUMC
4/11/2022
Rev. Estee Valendy, Co-Senior Pastor at Keller United Methodist Church shares a few of the reasons why she loves the United Methodist Church and why she chooses to #BeUMC.
"Jesus Creates a New Household of Faith" Station 12 of the 2022 Lenten Video Series Cross Walk
4/9/2022
The Cross Walk Lenten Devotional series continues as Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. contemplates the 12th Station of the Cross - Jesus Creates a New Household of Faith. The Old and New Testaments offer a gallery of images, metaphors, and pictures that help us grasp the totality of the meaning, purpose, ...
Rev. Bob Rainey Discusses Why He Chooses to #BeUMC
4/9/2022
Rev. Bob Rainey, Senior Pastor at Central UMC in Waco lends his voice to the growing #BeUMC chorus in the Central Texas Conference as he discusses why he chooses to #BeUMC.
Louis Carr Chooses to #BeUMC
4/8/2022
Rev. Louis Carr, District Superintendent of the North & West Districts of the Central Texas Conference of The UMC shares a few of the reasons he chooses to #BeUMC and joins the country-wide grassroots #BeUMC effort of sharing personal and inspirational narratives of United Methodists living their ...
Kevin Tully Shares Why He Chooese to #BeUMC
4/7/2022
Rev. Kevin Tully of First Waxahachie UMC joins the country-wide grassroots #BeUMC effort of sharing personal and inspirational narratives of United Methodists living their faith and celebrating what draws us to The United Methodist Church.
Bishop Saenz Shares Updates on Official CTC Disaffiliation Process
4/7/2022
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. has released a video updating the Central Texas Conference's official procedures of disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church. In the video, Bishop Saenz shares updates on... A church’s ability to take as much time as needed to prayerfully and carefully consider all ...
"Jesus Receives a Criminal in Paradise" Station 11 of the 2022 Lenten Video Series Cross Walk
4/5/2022
Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr continues the Cross Walk Lenten Devotional series by contemplating the 11th Station of the Cross - Jesus Receives a Criminal in Paradise. A King crucified on a cross on a hill surrounded by two criminals and a mocking crowd is out of place, isn’t it? But then, this King was ...
"Jesus Forgives Those Who Crucify Him" Station 10 of the 2022 Lenten Video Series Cross Walk
4/2/2022
Bishop Saenz continues his Lenten Cross Walk Journey by contemplating Station 10 of the Cross - Jesus Forgives Those Who Crucify Him. Forgiveness, humanly speaking, is hard, yet it is one of Jesus' most mentioned topics and something he ultimately modeled and taught from the cross. Our capacity to ...
Bishop Saenz Shares Why He Is Choosing to #BeUMC
3/29/2022
Bishop Ruben Saenz, episcopal leader for the Central Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church has released his statement as to why he is choosing to remain in The United Methodist Church. The heart-breaking but inevitable announcement of the launch of the Global Methodist denomination on May ...
The Mary & Elizabeth Coalition
3/29/2022
As the 2022 Women’s History Month rolls to a close, the Central Texas Conference would like to highlight one of its most vital organizations - the Mary and Elizabeth Coalition. The Mary and Elizabeth Coalition is a network of female clergy in the Central Texas Conference of The United Methodist ...
Prayers, Financial Support Needed in Wildfire Relief & Recovery Efforts
3/24/2022
Bishop Saenz offers an update on the relief and recovery efforts underway in the Central Texas Conference in response to the recent wildfires in the western part of the conference. As in all active disaster situations, the best way anyone can help at this time is to pray. Financial support is also ...
"Jesus is Scourged & Crowned with Thorns" Station 6 of the 2022 Lenten Video Series Cross Walk
3/19/2022
The Cross Walk Lenten journey continues with a contemplation of the Sixth Station of the Cross: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns. The crucifixion of Jesus reveals the depth and horror of the human capacity for cruelty and inhumanity. In the gospel of John, Pilate first orders the Roman ...
Leaning on the Good News that Christ is With Us Even in the Bad Times
3/16/2022
A WIG Narrative with Rev. Dr. Zhenya Gurina-Rodriguez On Sunday, Feb. 27, Rev. Dr. Zhenya Gurina-Rodriguez, associate pastor of Grace Groups & Discipleship, was slated to deliver the Transfiguration Sunday sermon to those gathered at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth. As she strode to the ...
"Jesus is Judged by Pilate" Station 5 of the 2022 Lenten Video Series Cross Walk
3/15/2022
Bishop Saenz continues his new video series for Lent, “Cross Walk,” today with Station 5 – “Jesus is Judged by Pilate.” In Station 5, Pontius Pilate, the Roman Govenror of Judea at the time of Jesus' crucifixion, questions Jesus not because he finds any fault in him, but because the Sanhedrin ...
"Jesus is Denied by Peter" - Station 4 of the 2022 Lenten Video Series "Cross Walk"
3/12/2022
Bishop Saenz continues his new video series for Lent, “Cross Walk,” today with Station 4 – “Jesus is Denied by Peter.” Peter, in Matthew’s gospel’s portrait and understanding of him, has an elevated role. He is the spokesperson and representative for the disciples. He is presented as a model, both ...
"Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin" - Station 3 of the 2022 Lenten Video Series "Cross Walk"
3/8/2022
Bishop Saenz continues his new video series for Lent, “Cross Walk,” today with Station 3 – “Jesus is Condemned by the Sandherin.” We like to be right. We get baffled when people don’t share our narrative or sense of reality. We get irritated and frustrated when “they don’t get it,” or “can’t see ...
"Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested" - Station 2 of the 2022 Lenten Video Series "Cross Walk"
3/5/2022
Bishop Saenz continues his new video series for Lent, “Cross Walk,” today with Station 2 – “Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested by Judas.” This Lenten journey is a contemplative pilgrimage through Christ’s sufferings, death, and burial based on fourteen biblical Stations of the Cross found in the gospels...