December 5, 2007

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.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

News Briefs — The Conference

[New and/or changed information is printed in blue.]

ALERT, Christmas shoppers

There have been reports of muggings and purse snatchings around shopping malls and grocery stores in the west Fort Worth area. It is unfortunate that this type of activity takes place, but it serves as a reminder that we need to be aware of our surroundings and go out in pairs while shopping. This can happen anywhere, anytime and with or without a crowd.

Conference treasurer lists important dates

The last day to mail remittance payments is Friday, Dec. 21. Mailed remittances sometimes take a week for delivery to the lockbox, processing, and then delivery to the Conference office for posting. Do not take a chance on that last apportionment payment. The last day to hand deliver is Wednesday, Jan. 9. The Conference office is open Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Other noteworthy dates:

Jan. 11 — DS apportionment check

Jan. 15 — Council on Finance & Administration meeting

Jan. 22 — Last day for local church check out (all year-end check out is online with assistance available if needed)

Feb. 1 — Last day to submit resolutions to conference secretary

Feb. 1 — Last day to submit recommendations to Rules Committee

Feb. 11 — Deadline for 2009 budget requests to CFA

Board of Ministry message

BOM administrative assistant Gala Trimble will be following a GBHEM directive that all candidacy registration must be completed online at https://public.gbhem.org/candidacy/default.aspx. If you or your candidates have any questions, please contact Gala at 817-795-7120 or board@ctcbom.org.

A Glen Lake Christmas — Dec. 12-15

Don’t let the warm weather fool you. Preparations are well underway for Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center’s second annual "A Glen Lake Christmas" that welcomes visitors on four consecutive evenings — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 12-15. Experience the sights and sounds of Christmas from your personal vehicle, church van, or join Glen Lake for an old fashion hayride. Still Water Lodge, GLC’s new adult conference center, will also be open for tours. You can view information about "A Glen Lake Christmas" at http://www.glenlake.org/christmas.

5^th Annual Lay Speakers Event — Feb. 22-24

It’s time to pre-register for the 5th Annual Meeting of Lay Speakers of the CTC Feb. 22-24 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Glen Rose. Participants will meet from 7 p.m. Feb. 22 to 1 p.m. Feb. 24. For more information, contact Sandra Oliver at skoliver@swmail.sw.org or 254-939-0208 or visit the conference website at www.ctcumc.org.

Adult mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico — Feb. 23-29

The Central Texas Conference Volunteers in Mission is sponsoring an adult (ages 18 and older) UMVIM mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico, Feb. 23-29. The mission team will serve in the Las Milpas Colonia just outside of Reynosa, across the border from McAllen, TX. Passports are required. Accommodations will be at a guest house adjacent to Pueblo de Dios, a Methodist church in Reynosa. The cost of the trip is $275 plus meals on the road. Team members will also be asked to help raise funds for project materials. The team orientation is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at a location to be determined based on centrality to team members. If interested, please contact Teresa Sherwood at teresas@fumcmansfield.org (817-473-6650) or Jennifer Coggins at Jennifer@ctcumc.org (817-877-5222, 800-460-8622).

Talent Bank Forms for volunteer service are online

Please remember that this year we are asking both clergy and lay people who are interested in serving at the district or conference level to complete a Talent Bank Form online! You can access the form at www.ctcumc.org/talentbank.

Choirs for 2008 Annual Conference
If you would like for your choir to be considered to sing at the 2008 Annual Conference, please send a CD recording of your choir to Tom Robbins at First UMC Temple, Box 773, Temple 76503.

News Briefs — The Denomination

****Central Texans will benefit from General Conference training online****

UM Communications is offering a five-session online course for those who want to learn more about General Conference. The free course has garnered more than 150 participants in only the first three days, and is expected to gain momentum as General Conference 2008 approaches.

“The course is ideal for anyone attending the 2008 General Conference, including communicators and delegates, as well as UMs interested in learning more about how the denomination makes decisions,” said site administrator Cheryl A. Hemmerle. “Participants can begin the course at any time between Nov. 15 and Dec. 26, and move through the sessions at their own pace.” To register for the course, visit http://training.umcom.org . For more information, call 888-278-4862 or e-mail training@umcom.org. Additional sessions will be offered from January to May 2008 leading up to the 2008 General Conference.

Sand and Sorrow program on Darfur — Dec. 6

Join thousands of activists and viewers across the country to watch the HBO premier of “Sand and Sorrow,” a powerful film about the tragic and ongoing genocide in Darfur, on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. Central Time. ENOUGH and Campus Progress have teamed to coordinate and organize house parties across the U.S. to view and discuss the film. A conference call will be conducted following the film. The call will give you the opportunity to talk about the film and discover practical ways to make a difference to stop the genocide. http://www.umc-gbcs.org/site/apps/nl/content.asp?c=fsJNK0PKJrH&b=3634611&ct=4687195.

Church and Society names Wayne Rhodes director of communications

Wayne Rhodes of Glen Allen, VA, has been named communications director for the General Board of Church and Society, the public witness and advocacy arm of The United Methodist Church. The announcement was made by Jim Winkler, chief executive of the agency that has offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City. Rhodes will edit the agency’s weekly electronic newsletter “Faith in Action,” develop program materials for its ministry areas and serve as a media relations contact.

Emergent Church for the Existing Church Conference — April 8-10, 2008

This conference is geared to those who want to know more about the Emerging Church movement, its ideas and ideals, and how the existing church can work with this growing movement. The program, hosted April 8-10 by St. Luke’s UMC in the Denver suburb of Highlands Ranch, will feature presentations from leaders of both the Existing Church and the Emerging Church together in a Post-Modern context. For more details, contact Bob Pierson at Leadership Nexus (bpierson@leadershipnexus.net).

South Central Jurisdiction retreat center promotes GREEN — March 7-9

Before “green” became a popular buzzword, the Mount Sequoyah Conference Center in Fayetteville, Ark.’s staff began working with environmental advisors to plan a conference led by national and regional on environmental concerns. They offer March 7-9 the Caring for Creation Conference to provide information and working applications for faith-based congregations to apply and implement within their local communities. For more details on this critical, timely opportunity, please visit http://www.mountsequoyah.org/CaringforCreation.pdf or contact Marilyn Braswell at 800-760-8126.

News Briefs — Local Churches & Ministry Groups

4^th Annual La Posada — Dec. 17

Everyone welcome / bienvenidos todos
Gratis / Free Rain or shine / Lloviendo o dia claro

The 4^th Annual La Posada walk (Caminata empieze) begins 5:30 p.m. at Grace UMC (4028 Calmont, Fort Worth 76107) and ends with a live Nativity / Natividad at 6:15 p.m. at Arlington Heights UMC (4200 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth 76107). This notice is a correction to a previous notice in the Entre Nos / Between Us newsletter. There will be bebidas/drinks, sweet bread/pan dulce, tamales, a children’s petting zoo/ zoologico para los ninos.

Christmas Posada – Dec. 15
El Buen Samaritano UMC will be welcoming Christmas with a traditional Latin-American celebration of La Posada at 4 p.m. Dec. 15. Come out and join the fun. There will be hot chocolate, a drama, live animals. You are encouraged to dress in the garb of biblical times and to wear comfortable walking shoes!

First Euless hosts church growth seminar – Jan. 29
First UMC Euless will host on Jan. 29 "The Engaging Church," a seminar offering latest practical tools for effective outreach and church growth. The event is presented by three experienced and cutting-edge organizations: Church Growth, Inc.; Connection Power.com; Outreach, Inc. Don't miss this great learning experience. Call 800-844-9286 or visit www.churchgrowth.net for more information and to register.

First Mansfield Advent concerts and services — Dec, 9 & 16
12/9 “Messiah” at 7 p.m.
First Mansfield will host Mansfield’s first “Sing a Long Messiah” under the direction of Dr. Scott Ferrell with a 90-voice choir and full orchestra Sunday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. Choral scores are available for those who wish to “sing a long” and childcare is provided by calling in advance 817 477-2287.
12/16 Remembrance Service at 6 p.m.
A service of prayer and remembrance will be held in the sanctuary of First Mansfield to remember and honor those loved ones who have passed on. Pictures will be placed on the altar and candles will be lit to represent the eternal flame of love that never dies. Special music and a message by Jim Gause will be offered.
12/16 Bell and Chime Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m.
Beth LaMee, director of Bell and Chime Ministries, will conduct First Mansfield’s Bell and Chime Concert featuring three adult bell choirs, one youth bell choir, two bell quartets and bell duets in a evening of joyous Christmas music that will delight both young and old.

When Spirits Soar – Venture Into Life

Dr. Arthur Buhl, retired UMC minister in the Central Texas Conference, has written a new book entitled When Spirits Soar – Venture Into Life. This compilation of thoughts, reflections and devotions from Buhl, who uses his special gift of writing to share meaningful and inspirational words of faith with his readers, also includes 10 hymns (lyrics by Buhl) sung during the past 13 years at Central Texas Annual Conference sessions and 10 original poems for our New Millennium. New proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Arborlawn UMC Building Fund. The cost is $10 and may be purchased by contacting Sherry Roth at Arborlawn UMC (817-731-0701 x124 or sherry@arborlawnumc.org).

Arlington Heights UMC Christmas music ministry

Arlington Heights UMC (4200 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth) will host several Advent-related events, all open to the public:

• 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 — The Messiah featuring the Arlington Heights Chancel Choir accompanied by a Chamber Orchestra followed by a reception

• 12 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12 — The Sounds of Christmas music in the Atrium followed by a light lunch (RSVP at 817-737-3161 by Dev. 10)

• 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 — Bells at Christmastide featuring Joy Ringers from University UMC and Murray Handbell Choir from Arlington Heights; reception follows in Atrium

ZOE Ministry staff to speak at FUMC Fort Worth

Greg Jenks, founder and director of ZOE Ministry, will be at First UMC Fort Worth from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, to present the exciting activities of this organization. ZOE Ministry cares for orphans in Africa by providing food, medical care, and empowerment opportunities. Ms. Epiphanie Mujawimana, director of operations for ZOE in Rwanda, will also speak about how ZOE is empowering Rwandan orphans toward self-sufficiency. Please make plans to attend and learn about ways that your congregation can support ZOE Ministry.

Community Christmas candlelight service at First Holland — Dec. 16

First UMC of Holland will host the Community Christmas Candlelight Service at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16. Everyone is invited. Communion will be served. Further information can be obtained from Judy Gotcher, Certified Layleader at judyg@vvm.com or 254/982-9046.

A Celebration of Women — Feb. 7-9

“High Heels, High Hopes, High Calling: A Celebration of Women” is being billed as America’s largest women’s conference Feb. 7-9 San Antonio’s Alamodome. This is the Women of Faith National Conference with more details on speakers and activities available at www.womenoffaith.com or 1-888-49-FAITH. The Women of Faith’s 2008 National Conference will be in San Antonio Feb 7-9th. Max Lucado and Anita Renfroe will be two of the speakers! If anyone is interested and would like more information or materials such as flyers and/or brochures or would like someone to bring a presentation to their church, contact Alicia Adkins 512-635-3964 or aadkins@womenoffaith.com.

Fifth Annual Lay Speakers’ Event – Feb. 22 - 24

This event is organized by the Central Texas Conference Committee on Lay Speaking Ministries. Who should attend? United Methodists who wish to become Lay Speakers and Lay Speakers who wish to fulfill renewal requirements. This is an opportunity to become a Lay Speaker, take an Advanced Lay Speaker Course and Fellowship with Lay Speakers. Payment & Registration Information for Lay Speaking Event:

Check/money order payable to Dr. Sandra Oliver, 6200 W. FM 436, Belton 76513
Registration - $90 Desk registration - $99 RV registration - $70

Mission education opportunity — Feb. 2

The North Texas Conference has invited mission-minded folks in the CTC to attend their annual Mission Forum on Saturday, Feb. 2, at St. Luke “Community” UMC in Dallas. Save the date and visit the UM Volunteers in Mission page on the CTC website (www.ctcumc.org) for more information.

First Arlington hosts music programs — Dec. 9 & Dec. 12

The Chancel Choir and Orchestra of First Arlington present The Song of Christmas – A Musical Worship Celebration at 8:15, 9:30, and 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, in the church sanctuary. This beautiful and moving music service is based on What Child Is This by John Leavitt and Noel Masterworks by Ruth Elaine Schram. Featured soloists are Deborah Cope and Todd Hart. Congregational singing with the
choir and orchestra will also be included.

First Arlington’s 3rd annual Christmas Swings! Dinner, Jazz Band, Holiday Singers and Carol-Sing is 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, in the Great Hall. Tickets for the catered dinner are available in the church office Sunday mornings and weekdays @ $11 per person. Music (no charge but limited seating) begins at 7:00 p.m.

Depression is real in our churches, our communities

There is a critical need for mental health services in our communities and our churches can help. Pastors have already or will receive soon a letter from the Depression Connection Team with three requests. Please take them seriously and cooperate for the sake of those within your congregation who are struggling with depression — either personally or along with their family member(s) or friend(s). Here’s what you can do to help educate and/or refer to consultation and support groups:

(1) Appoint two volunteers from the congregation who are familiar with and interested in mental health concerns to coordinate an educational seminar. Without encouragement, many people are intimidated or stigmatized about acknowledging their difficulties with mental illness.

(2) Obtain committee support to assume responsibility for planning and promoting the mental health education seminar.

(3) Host a Depression Connection Team Seminar facilitated by Tony Campbell. Funding is available for educational seminars through a grant from the Central Texas Conference Committee on Mental Health, coordinated by Bliss Dodd.

Depression Connection program coordinator Ed Jones is available to assist your church with the

logistics of scheduling an education seminar, providing promotional materials, and assisting in identifying existing support groups or establishing a support group at your church. Contact him at 817-810-9599 or depressionconnection@ce-corp.net.

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.

New! Powerful, thought-provoking modern parable studies:

36 Parables: Purple. This DVD contains short films depicting three beloved parables in modern situations. Each film clip is 4-6 minutes. “Out of Reach” based on the parable of the Friend at Midnight. “The Car Lot” based on the parable of the Shrewd Manager. “Sean” based on the parable of the Barren Fig Tree. Includes facilitator/discussion guide. 2006.

36 Parables: Yellow. This DVD contains short films depicting three beloved parables in modern situations. Film clips range from 5-12 minutes. “Buen Vecino” based on the parable of the Good Samaritan. “Buried Talent” based on the parable of the Talents. “Found” based on the parable of the Lost Coin. Includes facilitator/discussion guide. 2005

I Have Climbed

Sara Andrews, director of Sonshine Ministries, forwards this message as a reminder to be mindful of others in our midst who are living — and contributing — with disabilities. Dale S. Brown, who grew up not knowing she had attention deficit disorder, shares the following verse. You as a church leader can show these children with ADD love as they enter your Sunday school.

I Have Climbed

I have climbed from the valley to the plain,

I know I can climb the mountain.

I have traveled long and far to get where my peers are.

So now I can go and reach my star.

Nothing But Nets T-shirts available

Cokesbury Bookstore is supporting the Nothing But Nets campaign by offering T-shirts for sale. The entire $20 goes to the purchase of a mosquito net for a family. Please stop by the store and learn more about how you can help save lives.

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.

Communications Secretary

Come and join a dynamic ministry team at Meadowbrook UMC in Fort Worth. This position requires a 32-hour work week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Strong computer, organizational and communication skills are a must. The church is located in an urban area rich with the multi-cultures of east Fort Worth. Send resume (including specific software experience) to the attention of Diane Griffin, SPRC chair at Meadowbrook UMC, 3900 Meadowbrook Dr., Fort Worth 76103 or email to mumc@sbcglobal.net.

Glen Lake Summer Employment Opportunities
Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center currently has openings for summer staff positions. If you are a college student, or know of one, with a love of Christ and have the desire to be a part of the Glen Lake summer camp ministry, please visit www.glenlake.org/summerstaff. Please send your applications before Dec. 14 in order to schedule an interview over the holidays.

Glen Lake Summer Volunteer Opportunities
Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center is looking for volunteers and LINK’s for the 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! LINK applicants should be current high school juniors or seniors and be willing to attend a mandatory training in February, please visit http://www.glenlake.org/link for an application.

P-T Youth Ministry Intern
Part-time youth intern position open at First UMC, Bedford. Primarily working with Junior high ministries, this person will assist the director of student ministries with all areas of care and outreach to youth and their families. Approximately ten hours a week with the possibility of becoming half-time. Contact Lynn Moore, pastor, or Dawn Martin, director of student ministries, at 817-283-5536 for any question and send your resume to lmoore@fumcbedford.com.

Director of Student Ministries

First UMC of 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 area. 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.

Web Producer / Web Ministry Team

UM Communications in Nashville seeks applicants for the position of web producer/web ministry team. The deadline for applications Dec. 21. Any interested applicants should apply to the Human Resources Office, P. O. Box 320, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-742-5137 or fax resumes to 615-742-5428.

P-T Choir Director

First UMC Coleman is looking for someone with a passion for music and worship to lead and further develop the choral music of the church. The choir is a vital part of the church's ministry within the church and the Coleman community. The person needs to be willing to be a team player, flexible and a self-starter, with some experience with both contemporary and liturgical (traditional) music. This is a part-time position (approximately 10 hours per week). To inquire further or apply please send brief cover letter and resume to Jeff Miller, fax #325-625-4859 or e-mail to fumclmn@web-access.net (please put choir director in the subject line).

Job Openings at UM Communications

Administrative Assistant III, Global Health Initiative

Closing: November 23

Resumes post marked by closing date: Helen R. Allen at hallen@umcom.org or Fax: 615-742-5428

Project Coordinator, Global Health Initiative

Closing: December 11

Resumes post marked by closing date: Helen R. Allen at hallen@umcom.org or Fax: 615-742-5428

Children's Ministries

First UMC of Midlothian seeks an experienced children's programs leader for a thriving program in a growing church. Your love for Christ and for children will help to transform many lives. This position requires strong organizational and administrative skills plus the ability to recruit, encourage, and guide our large pool of parent and adult volunteers. 25 hrs/weekly.$19,000 annual. Contact: Allyson Paxton, pastorpaxton@aol.com, or call 972-775-3993.

Stewardship Campaign Resource

First UMC Grapevine has about 100 audio CDs that are related to a stewardship campaign they did a couple of years ago. Each set contains two CDs. They are designed to listen to one set of scripture readings every day for 40 days. The jewel case does have an insert that has First Grapevine’s name on it, but a generic case could replace it. Any church interested in using these resources may contact Melissia Mason at melissiam@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559, ext. 109.

Pianist available for weddings

Cindy Hitt, a pianist at Covenant Methodist in Arlington, is also available to play for weddings in the Metroplex area and southward toward the Waco area. If interested, contact her at 817-415-5550 or cindy.hitt@crmstudios.tv for rates.

Part time worship leader/planner

This position is open at first UMC, Bedford, with opportunities for creative ministry in the areas of blended worship planning, choir directing, praise team rehearsals and leading worship for two Sunday morning services. In addition, being part of an exciting cross-trained team who share in the vision of a church with all the ministry areas in full cooperation with each other. Contact Lynn Moore for more details, or send resume to lmoore@fumcbedford.com.

Minister of Music & Worship
FUMC-Midlothian seeks leader to continue development of a strong music ministry: 3 Sunday services (gospel, blended, contemporary), seasonal special programs, general oversight of children's program & contemporary service worship. 25 hrs/wk. $25,000/yr. Prefer B.A.Music & record of program building. Keyboard/MIDI/organ skills are an advantage. Send resume to Allyson Paxton, pastorpaxton@aol.com, or call for more info. 972-775-3993.

Director of Adult Ministries & Missions

Keller UMC (1025 Johnson Road, Keller 76248) seeks a full-time director of adult ministries and mission for their growing church in Northeast Tarrant County — average worship attendance of 720. Applicants must have a passion for developing committed disciples of Jesus Christ who are active in transformational ministries in the world. The director will be in charge of the administration, supervision, and leadership of adult programming and missions, with a special emphasis in adult education. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and have an understanding and willingness to support UM theology and practice. Submit resume to Shelly Brooks at shellyb@kellerumc.org by Oct. 31 or call at 817- 431-1332.

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.

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world