February 27, 2008

Central E-Link

Weekly Newsletter of the Central Texas Conference

Welcome! This is the conference’s weekly update to church leaders — lay and clergy. Articles/requests should be submitted to Carolyn@ctcumc.org by 12 noon Tuesday in order to be e-mailed on Wednesday. Articles should be brief and include active links to websites or contact persons for details. Use this information for announcements, in church newsletters and/or bulletins. The E-Link and the Central Link newspaper are posted on the conference website at www.ctcumc.org. Read them online or download and copy to share with others. To add a colleague or church member to E-Link’s weekly distribution, send their addresses to susan@ctcumc.org.

— Editor: Carolyn Stephens Carolyn@ctcumc.org

News Briefs — The Conference

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

A message from Bishop Chamness and the Cabinet

With the high winds and dry conditions, several areas in our conference have been touched by rapidly spreading wild fires. Please remember in prayer the communities that have been touched. We have reports that the communities of Jean, Olney, Benbrook and Cross Plains are affected. Many of the wild fires fall on the boundary of our conference in the Hill Country and near Fredricksburg, which is outside of our conference.

Appeal for robes for General Conference

As part of our responsibilities as Host Conference for the 2008 General Conference, our conference clergy as asked to provide 40-50 black clergy robes/albs or white albs to be worn by bishops of the Central Conferences who will not be bringing their personal robes from their distant homes. If you (or your church) have clergy robes/albs that you would be willing to loan for them to wear for opening worship April 23 and morning worship service April 24, please contact Robin Stevens at robins@kellerumc.org or Dub Shepherd at dub@trinityumcarlington.org. They will make arrangements to get them from you and get them returned to you. They will also need white (or gold) stoles to wear for these two worship services.

Calling all Parish Nurses

Your help is needed at the 2008 General Conference April 23-May 2 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. There will be daily blood pressure checks offered 3 times each day: April 23-May 1 – 7:45 a.m.-9:15 a.m.; 12 noon-1:15 p.m.; 4:30-5:30 p.m.; and on May 2, they will be offered during those first two time frames, but not the third one. Blood pressure cuffs will be furnished. After each shift, parish nurses are asked, if possible, to stay for a couple of hours (till 8 p.m. after the 3^rd shift) and answer questions that people might have about establishing a parish nursing ministry in their local congregation. Please consider helping as often as possible. Contact: Mona Bailey at 817-577-0440.

District Listening Posts set for General/Jurisdictional info
Listening Posts for General and Jurisdictional Conferences will be held for all districts over the next month. The Listening Posts provide opportunities to meet with our delegates, ask questions about process, express viewpoints and participate in discussion so that our delegates are better prepared to represent our conference at these two critical conferences. The Listening Posts will be held:

Weatherford District: March 9 (3 p.m.) at First UMC Weatherford

Waxahachie District: March 2 (3 p.m.) at First UMC Waxahachie

Brownwood District: March 3 (7 p.m.) at First UMC Brownwood

Fort Worth/Mid-Cities Districts: March 4 (7 p.m.) at New World UMC, Arlington)

Waco District: March 6 (7 p.m.) at Central UMC, Waco

Temple District: March 6 (7 p.m.) at First UMC, Temple

Board of Ordained Ministry Dates
March 30-April 2 BOM interviews at Glen Lake Camp
April 2-3 Residency Retreat for new residents

Candidates coming for the first time for commissioning must have completed all educational requirements before they can begin participation in the residency program, although they will begin probationary membership.

News items from Glen Lake Camp

Spring Bible Retreat: April 11-12, 3rd & 4th graders are invited to Glen Lake for our Spring Bible Retreat. Campers and adults will enjoy exploring the Bible through games, music, outdoor activities and more. Registration is available online at http://www.glenlake.org/bible-retreat.

Glen Lake Golf Classic: Join us as we golf for the children and youth of Glen Lake May 1 at Squaw Valley Golf Course in Glen Rose. Your entry fee for the 6th Annual Glen Lake Golf Classic will include lunch, cart, green fee and range balls (of course you can’t forget the prizes). Not a golfer or can’t make it that day? No problem, you can still support the ministry by sponsoring our event. Visit http://www.glenlake.org/golf for sponsor information and registration forms.
Glen Lake Summer Camp 2008 registration is open online at http://www.glenlake.org/summer. This summer we will be talking about different Heroes throughout the Bible and how they relate to us. We’ll discuss a Heroe’s qualities, Christian super powers and how we get them, what our “Kryptonite” is, what we have to overcome in our pasts and how God can change a wimp into a warrior. Don’t miss the chance to find out if you are an Unlikely Hero!

Responding to disasters in your community

The American Red Cross, in partnership with the City of Azle and the Azle Christian Church, invites you to a brief presentation about how YOU can get involved helping victims of disasters in your community through sheltering and providing assistance. The Azle Christian Church will be transformed into a real-life shelter and refreshments will be served from the Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV). The event is 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at Azle Christian Church (117 Church St., Azle). For more information, please contact ARC response manager Beth Boyd at 817-335-9137, ext. 216.

NBN Basketball Tournament chair Howard Martin ( 817-284-9371) gives update

The CTC Nothing But Nets Basketball Tournament hits the district level of competition with several tournaments held last week and the Weatherford District schedule for next week. There are no activities planned for the Brownwood and Temple districts.

Weatherford District — Tournament March 1 at Granbury UMC

The Central Texas Conference Tournament is March 8 at Glen Lake Camp
The Central/North Texas Conferences Tournament is Saturday, April 26, at FUMC Fort Worth

Save the Date: The GoodNEWS Lay Health Promoter Training/Health Ministry Development Course!

You are invited to participate in The GoodNEWS (Genes, Nutrition, Exercise, Wellness and Spiritual Growth) Lifestyle Enhancement Program., sponsored by the CTC Health & Welfare Committee and the UT Southwestern Medical Center Division of Community Medicine. This unique Lay Health Promoter and Health Ministry Development training program teaches the basic principles of healthy living. It is being offered to congregations in the Temple, Waco and Brownwood Districts, March 14-16, at the Glen Lake Still Water facility, and is free of charge to UM congregations.

Churches interested in establishing or expanding health ministries in their congregations will select up to two persons interested in being trained as GoodNEWS Lay Health Promoters. These individuals do not have to be health care providers. If you are part of another district, but missed the opportunity for training when it was in your area, please feel free to sign up for the March weekend. This is the last class at least for the foreseeable future, and we want to encourage all churches in the Conference to establish this ministry in their local congregations. The registration deadline is March 1. If you need additional information, or to register, please contact J. R. Newton or Tiffany Billmeier directly at 214-648-5762 or 214-648-1042 or Johnrice.newton@utsouthwestern.edu, or Tiffany.Billmeier@utsouthwestern.edu or call Mona Bailey at 817-577-0440, if you have questions prior to registering.

Accessibility Grants for local churches

The conference Committee on Disability Concerns hopes to motivate local churches to be in ministry with persons and their families who are effected and affected by disabling conditions. They are offering Accessibility Grants that focus on the elimination of barriers that make access to the life of the church difficult. For more details and an application form, visit www.ctcumc.org under “Ministry Areas” and select “Outreach.”

Sexual Harassment Misconduct Prevention Training — March 6

Sexual Harassment Misconduct Prevention Training for elders, local pastors, deacons and probationary members will be held Thursday, March 6, at First UMC Crowley from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and led by Mary Gean Cope and Karen Granderson. There will be no charge for this training and lunch will be on your own (brown bag or local restaurants available). To register or to find out if you need to take this training, contact Susan Briles at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or susan@ctcumc.org. The policy of the Cabinet and Bishop Chamness is that all clergy must complete Sexual Harassment Misconduct Prevention Training every four years in order to receive an appointment.

5-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation — March 9-14

The 5 Day Academy for Spiritual Formation — an Upper Room ministry jointly sponsored by CTC, the North Texas Conference, and the Trinity-Brazos Area of the Disciples of Christ — is scheduled for March 9-14 at the Prothro Center at Lake Texoma, Pottsboro. Details on the event are on the conference website at www.ctcumc.org.

Preparing for the 2008 Annual Conference

Awards/Recognitions/Activities

Annual Conference Hotel Info — A brochure was mailed out to all clergy and lay members of the Annual Conference on Friday, Feb. 8. If you are representing your church as an AC member and did not get the brochure, please check with your district office.

Conference Merit Scholarship Award & Stephens Scholarship in Finance/Accounting — The Conference Higher Education Task Force awards the Merit and Stephens Scholarships each year at Annual Conference (amount to be determined by total monies given to the UM Student Day Offering) to a newly admitted student in a school identified as UM by the University Senate of the UMC. Applicants must meet the following qualifications: (1) membership in a UM church for at least one year, (2) acceptance to a UM-related school, (3) nomination by the pastor and chairperson of Higher Education of a congregation within the bounds of the CTC that participated in the Student Day offering in the year preceding nomination, (4) evidence that the student is one who will help undergird the UMC now and, potentially, in the future and that the individual merits this special recognition. Application forms are on the conference website at www.ctcumc.org, available from local church pastors or by contacting Susan Briles at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or Susan@ctcumc.org. The deadline for applications is May 1.

Five Star Program Recognition — The conference wants to recognize your church’s mission efforts through the Five Star Program, and the April 15 application deadline is just around the corner. At the 2007 Annual Conference churches that completed the requirements of the Five Star Program during the 2006 calendar year will be recognized. Last year the conference recognized 34 congregations as Five Star churches, 20 of which were first-time recipients. The requirements are:
                Give 100% of assigned apportionments
                Have an ongoing program of mission education
                Serve the local community through outreach
                Contribute to a conference, national, international or UMCOR Advance Special
                As a step toward becoming a Global Mission Partner, make a financial contribution of any size to

a UM missionary
Download an application for recognition at www.ctcumc.org/globalmission. Please direct any questions to Tom Beaty, CTC Five Star Program coordinator, at 254-675-3984, 254-675-8831 tomcindybeaty@embarqmail.com, or Jennifer Bellamy, CTC director of humanitarian services, at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622, or jennifer@ctcumc.org.

Morris Walker Award nominations — Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2008 Morris Walker Awards — one award to lay person and one award to a clergy person — which will be announced at 2008 Annual Conference June 1-4 in Fort Worth. The Morris Walker Award recognizes the "above the ordinary" service of a lay and a clergy person to their local church and within the Central Texas Conference. The award carries with it a special plaque and a $500 scholarship for continuing spiritual education. Nominations are normally a letter of recommendation signed by one or more nominators and with accompanying back-up materials or other letters of recommendation. Nominations should be mailed to CTC Lay Leader Ed Komandosky at 2207 Gladnell St., Taylor 76574 or e-mail to ekomandosky@yahoo.com. Deadline for nominations: April 30.

Disability Concerns student grants — The conference Committee on Disability Concerns seeks UM applicants for college grants, a program that is intended to educate and build awareness of handicapping conditions and issues facing people with handicapping conditions. There will be one grant to a student with a declared major that assists people with handicapping conditions and one for a student with a handicapping condition. For more details and an application form, visit www.ctcumc.org under “Ministry Areas” and select “Outreach.”

News Briefs — The Denomination

One Great Hour of Sharing: A Ministry of Presence and Hope

Fernley, Nevada., had a rough start to the New Year. Floodwaters breached the local irrigation canal and this desert town was inundated with water in the first week of January. No one would have thought that a place like Fernley—a place that needed irrigation from a dam some 30 miles away—would ever flood. Some 515 homeowners and 130 renters lost nearly everything to the water and just one homeowner had flood insurance to cover their losses.

Fernley is just one of the thousands of places in the U.S. and around the world where UMCOR is working to be there and be hope to people in desperate situations. In Fernley UMCOR is working through the California-Nevada Annual Conference where Sue King is their Domestic Disaster Response Coordinator. She notes the long hard work ahead for the people of Fernley, “after clearing mud and debris, they will have to remove the water-damaged sheetrock, insulation and flooring. They must have duct work and studs sanitized and dried, and then put the flooring and walls back together again.”

They will not be doing this hard work alone. Even though there is no UM church in Fernley, UMCOR and the annual conference have responded just the same. Bishop Beverly Shamana notes that the closest church is being used as a recovery center and other UM churches in the region are making the long trip to Fernley to help out. UMCOR has trained case managers in Fernley to help survivors to know their rights, connect them with available resources and to help them on the path to recovery. “FEMA and state funds are available for many, but only if they apply,” writes King. “Case managers keep people from falling through the cracks.”

One Great Hour of Sharing

This very real help—these hearts and hands extending to people in need—is possible because of the One Great Hour of Sharing. This single offering provides the support UMCOR needs to cover its administrative costs so that every dollar given in response to disasters such as the flood in Fernley or the recent conflict in Kenya goes 100% to that need.

Because UMCOR receives no apportionment or World Service funds of any kind, this offering provides for UMCOR’s basic needs allowing us to keep our policy of using 100% of designated gifts for the program they are designated for. And any over and above gifts given to One Great Hour of Sharing supports under-funded programs. One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday is March 2. Please give generously.

Offering Resources

One Great Hour of Sharing resources are available online at the UMCOR website, www.umcor.org. You can also order envelopes by calling 888-346-3862.

News Briefs — Local Churches & Ministry Groups

Depression Seminar

Genesis UMC (7635 S. Hulen St. in southwest Fort Worth) will host Tony Campbell for a two-part seminar series on depression from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays, March 1 and 8. Campbell is the primary presenter of this learning experience about depression and related conditions. He is the executive director of the Depression Connection Team, a non-profit organization supported in part by the CTC. Throughout his life, Campbell has been affected by a genetically inherited depression-related condition called manic depression or bipolar. His formal studies include a degree in psychology, a master’s degree in theology from SMU with clinical training in counseling at Methodist Hospital in Dallas. The seminars are aimed at youth, parents, adults, clergy and laity, teachers and counselors, and other interested persons. It is free and open to the public. Please register for the seminar series by calling Genesis UMC at 817-292-4551.

Calming the Storm — March 4

Effective response in Times of Disaster is a forum designed to connect congregations with emergency responders. Our goal is to provide both reliable information on how congregations can be prepared to respond well in times of natural disaster and an opportunity for congregations to network together as they look ahead to how they will combine resources to respond. Tarrant Area Community of Churches and its partners Catholic Charities, Faith and Life at TCU, TCU Harris School of Nursing, and the Volunteer Center of North Texas invite pastors and lay leaders to join them Tuesday, March 4, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Brookside Convention Center (1224 Brookside Drive, Hurst). A complimentary lunch will be served. To register go to www.lifelong.tcu.edu or call 817-257-7132.

Cayote UMC holds World Day of Prayer
The United Methodist Women of the Cayote UMC invite our sisters in Christ in the Bosque County area churches to join with us for the 2008 World Day of Prayer at 2 p.m. Friday, March 7. Refreshments will follow the prayer service in the Cayote Community Center. Through the 2008 World Day of Prayer women will: affirm their faith in Jesus Christ, Share their hopes and fears, joys and sorrows, their opportunities and need; become aware of the whole world and no longer live in isolation; and are enriched by the faith experience of Christians from other countries and cultures; become aware of their talents and use them in the service of society. For more information contact Cayote World Day of Prayer chair Kay Beck at 254-932-6466, UMW president Christine McMillan at 254-932-6134, or the Cayote church office at 254-934-2842.

Calling all singles

Single adults from throughout the Central Texas Conference are invited to join other singles as volunteers assisting with hosting the UMC General Conference coming to Fort Worth, April 23-May 2. Sunday, April 27, has been designated as "Singles Sunday" and singles will serve as the main volunteer pool for that day so we need many volunteers. In order to register to volunteer, please go to the Conference website www.ctcumc.org and click on the General Conference volunteer registration link. Please be sure to indicate that you are registering to work on Sunday, April 27th with the singles group. For more information and to confirm your registration, please contact the singles volunteer coordinator, Mike Stroud at mikestroud6496@sbcglobal.net or at 817-496-9436.

Handley book review — March 8

Handley UM Women will be hosting a book review by Jean Dyer on the book “Same Kind of Different as Me” by Ron Hall and Denver Moore at 10:30 a.m. on March 8. These two gentlemen have a very compelling story to tell about a mission in Fort Worth. Dyer is a retired Fort Worth Public School English teacher that is well known for her reviews. Refreshments will be provided. The church is located at 2929 Forest Avenue in Fort Worth.

Kopperl UMC hosts Southern Charm — March 2
Kopperl UMC will host the southern gospel trio Southern Charm for a concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 2. The church will also host a potluck dinner before the concert, starting at 5 p.m. Southern Charm is known throughout Texas for their music and message. The trio has won numerous awards from the Southern Gospel Music Association of Texas, including Group of the Year and Song of the Year. This concert will include selections from their new album, “Beautiful Day!” Kopperl invites all people to come and enjoy this special performance which will be sure to touch your heart and fill your soul with Christ’s love. For more information, contact Greg Henneman at 817-487-8467, e-mail grennifer@yahoo.com, or visit the church’s website at www.gbgm-umc.org/kopperlumc. For more information on Southern Charm, visit their webpage at http://www.charmtalk.net.

St. Andrews hosts college choir concerts — March 9

The Fort Worth Chapter of the Wiley College National Alumni Association presents Wiley College Choir and Adlee Trezevant Memorial Choir (formerly known as I.M. Terrell Alumni Choir) in concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at St. Andrews UMC (521 Missouri, Fort Worth 76104). Free admission with offering opportunity (checks payable to Wiley College). For more details, call 817-293-2106 or 817-292-1077.

The Darwin or God - Do I Have to Choose?

This course is for anyone who would like to understand the issues surrounding evolution that are being debated in the media and courtrooms. The basis of faith and the fundamental principles of scientific method will be reviewed before exploring the history of the controversy and identifying key elements of evolution, creationism, and intelligent design. Instructor Eilene Theilig, Brite Divinity School, brings insight into the science and theology of this topic as she is an ordained Disciples Minister and had a previous career in space exploration with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Tuesdays starting 4/1/08 3 sessions 6:30 – 8:30 PM $60.00

Writer & Storyteller’s Conference — April 11-12
As a writer, it is important to constantly be writing whether you think it is worth anything to someone else or not. Writing is a passion and should be treated like one. This spring, Mount Sequoyah is encouraging our nation of writers to take up a writer’s passion with their first annual Writer & Storyteller’s Conference April 11-12 in Fayetteville, Ark. This two day conference is designed to give writers, both experienced and not, the opportunity to write freely under the influence of great authors, perfecting and learning certain genres and styles. There will be featured readings and workshops from Ellen Gilchrist, winner of the National Book Award for Fiction and three-time recipient of the Thomas Wolfe Award. For more information call 800-760-8126 or e-mail mail@mountsequoyah.org.

UMC Singles event — April 4-5

UMC Singles invites all CTC singles to Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center and Still Water Lodge for our Conference Wide Singles Retreat. We will start with an Ice Cream Social at Still Water on Friday evening. Terry Hershey, keynote speaker, will be presenting “The Voice of Grace” beginning Friday evening through late afternoon on Saturday. Terry Hershey’s stories will lead you to nurture your soul and renew your sense of what it means to live with passion, purpose and grace. There will be special music, spiritual reflection and lots of fun. For more information go to www.ctcumc.org click on the singles link or call Ellen Bauman at 817-564-5595.

Calming the Storm: Effective Response in Times of Disaster
March 4, 2008
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Brookside Convention Center in Hurst
Space is limited so please reserve your spot!
Reservations online at www.lifelong.tcu.edu or call 817-257-7132. For more information? Visit www.tarrantareacc.org or call 817-737-5554.

Marriage Conference with Les & Leslie Parrott — April 12
First UMC Mansfield will host “Becoming Soul Mates” Marriage Conference with Les and Leslie Parrott at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 12 at 777 North Walnut Creek Drive, Mansfield 76063. Couples are invited to gather for a fun day filled with humor, fresh insight, and new strategies for lifelong love. The Becoming Soul Mates seminar is for everyone—newlyweds, “oldyweds,” seriously dating, engaged couples—those wanting to make a bad relationship better or a good relationship great. Registration is $25 per person or $50 per couple. For more information please contact Julie Harding at 817-477-2287 or visit www.fumcmansfield.org to register.

Family Reunion
The First UMC Keller family reunion will be held 6:30 – 11 p.m. March 29. This is the church’s 6th annual family reunion, a youth event that spans every denomination and group for a time of fellowship and fun! We are “one body” so let’s be just that! This event is open to all youth in Senior High and Middle School, and we are encouraging youth groups to bring unchurched. The event is FREE to all students and adults. If you want a promo video on DVD, please contact Chris Johnson at 817-431-1332 x107 or at chrisj@kellerumc.org.

First UMC Arlington hosts Men-In-Town Retreat — March 1

Jody Dean, Morning Show Host for KLUV-FM (98.7) and author of Finding God in the Evening News, will be featured speaker for the Men’s In-Town Retreat March 1 at First UMC, Arlington (313 N. Center, Arlington 76011). Contacts for more details are Ted McIlvain at 817-274-2571 or Matt Stone at 817-274-4937.

Save the date for Shane Claiborne — March 2
Shane Claiborne will be speaking at Church Under the Bridge in Waco for the 11 a.m. service Sunday, March 2, and Shane will be speaking and hosting open discussion after lunch at Woodway First UMC in Waco. This event is open to all Conference young people. A flyer and more details will be available soon. Questions? Contact Michael Honza at michael@woodwayfumc.org. For more information about Shane Claiborne, visit http://www.churchunderthebridge.org/ and http://www.thesimpleway.org/.

Concordia Choir to appear in concert at First Arlington — March 4

The Concordia Choir will provide a concert for First UMC Arlington and the community March 4. Tickets are $15/adults and $5/students. Tickets are available at FUMC of Arlington (817-274-2571) or BrownPaperTickets.com or 1-800-838-3006. For more information about The Concordia Choir visit www.cord.edu. 37 host families are needed for the students for one night with breakfast provided the next morning. If you are willing to be a host, please contact Ann White at 817-265-2028 or awhite313@tx.rr.com.

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.

Building on Faith: Making Poverty Housing History. DVD with study guide. Today people living from paycheck to paycheck often have to choose between paying the rent and buying food for their children. This documentary explores how faith groups and others are working to bring decent, affordable housing for all. Four segments, 6-21 minutes each. 52 minutes total running time. 2006

Midnight Oil Production

Sometimes it can be a challenge to do something fresh and creative for Easter. Avoid the same ol' same ol' this year with a new volume of Easter loops and images! Our Easter Loops Volume 2 is now available.

Easter Loops 2 retails for $60 but is on sale for $50 at the Midnight Oil store through March 1. Get the whole volume via download or on CD-ROM. Or, download each video and/or still set individually. Themes include:

1. Celtic Cross

2. Crown of Thorns 2

3. Easter Candle

4. Easter Eggs

5. Inside Tomb

6. Jesus in the Garden

7. The Lord's Supper

8. Stylized Profile Cross

9. Sunrise

10. Vintage Cross

Each of the 10 videos comes with matching, customizable still images. Insert your own theme line, edit for sermon notes, and more. Easily whip up a seamless, connected collection of media for worship and present using any presentation software. http://www.midnightoilproductions.com/enews/releases/easter_loops_2.html

A message from COSROW

Greetings in this season of reflecting the Holy in our lives! With Women’s History Month on the horizon, we remind church leaders of the free, downloadable resources the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women have on our website www.gcsrw.org:

Women Called to Ministry -- a 6-session study why the UMC affirms the call of God to women into church leadership

Bulletin Inserts – Available in blank and white and in color, the 2008 inserts feature UMC women in the arts. The bulletin inserts from previous years are still available too!
Worship services for March

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.

Part-Time Director of Youth Ministries
Light of the World, a new, growing UM church located in Hudson Oaks, near Weatherford, seeks a part-time youth leader to minister to youth and their families. The position includes Wednesday night and Sunday morning programs. Applicants should be active Christians who are good with students and have a passion to work with youth who are seekers with little or no Bible knowledge, mission oriented, and ready to learn about God and the Bible. The youth director is also expected to get out into the community and actively recruit youth to be a part of the program. It is also expected that the youth director become integrated into the church and participate in its programs and ministries. To receive a job description or apply contact Jana Wear at janawear@sbcglobal.net or call 817-832-6250.

Electric Organ and Bench

A church member in Aledo UMC has a one-year-old Kimball Model M70 - Temptation Electric Organ with a padded bench that they are willing to give away. Contact: Cindy or Steve at 817-441-7413.

Upright Piano

Free circa 1930 upright (former player) piano; just come and get it. The sounding board is intact, it just needs tuning. Measurement: 5' x 5' x 3'. No one plays it anymore at our house, and it needs a new home. Contact Vivian Heep at 817-596-4691 (home) or 817-705-7047 (daytime cell), or via e-mail vpheep@uwmail.com.

Adult Discipleship Director
First UMC Mansfield is a church of 6,000 members seeking a visionary, gifted and creative spiritual leader with experience in a large church setting to fill the position of adult discipleship director. Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage a large, multi-faceted ministry program are required. This position will create and direct programs for spiritual formation and Christian education of adults in growing their faith and strengthening their walk with Jesus Christ. This person will have a proven record of success in growing small groups, especially in the area of home group ministry. He or she will also show experience and success in the area of Christ-centered adult leadership development. Bachelors degree; working toward Masters Degree or seminary education preferred. Please email resume to Sharon Reid, executive pastor at sharonr@fumcmansfield.org.

Choir Robes

Lakeside U.M.C. has 25 used gold choir robes with stoles to give away. If your church is interested in having these robes, please call Rev. Sandra Hippman at 903-599-3040 or send an email to lakeside_umc@yahoo.com.

Children & Youth Intern

Granbury First UMC, Southwest of Fort Worth, seeks a children’s and youth intern for the summer of 2008 and is now accepting applications and inquiries. The ideal applicant is a committed Christian with a strong faith, has a fun loving attitude, and has a passion for children’s and youth ministries. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: assisting with Sunday morning activities, handling designated administrative tasks for the youth ministry and children’s ministry, and special summer programming activities such as VBS and Children’s Camps. Applicants must possess and exhibit a genuine love for children and youth, have the ability to learn hands-on and the desire to be mentored, establish and maintain appropriate personal relationships with children, youth, parents, volunteer leaders, and church staff, be at least 18 years of age and have completed one year of college education, and commit to one summer season (June-August 2008). This is a part-time paid internship. Please contact Blaire Scott at youth@fumcgranbury.org, Lindsay Riley at lriley@fumcgranbury.org, or contact the church office at 817-573-5573.

General Secretary — March 15 deadline
The General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns of the UMC seeks a general secretary for its New York office. The general secretary serves as the chief executive of the Commission and is responsible for giving leadership to the UMC in its quest for unity and for the development of relationships with other churches, ecumenical organizations and religious faith communities.
The ideal candidate will have the following experience and background:
• Ph.D. or equivalent, plus a minimum of five years executive level experience with a faith-based organization
• Professing member of the UMC • Five to seven years of work within the UMC
• Thorough grounding in theology • Passion for ecumenism
• Demonstrated organizational leadership and team development skills
• Successful experience networking and building collaborative partnerships
• Effective communication and facilitation skills
For detailed information on this position and an application, please visit our website at www.gccuic-umc.org. Questions may be directed to Search Committee chair Bishop Ann Sherer at Bishop@umcneb.org.

Director of Student Ministries

First UMC Stephenville seeks a spiritually grounded, energetic, personable self-starter with experience in building a strong, dynamic student ministry. This church of 1250+ members is located in a vibrant college town 60 miles SW of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a membership of active, well-rounded youth, this ministry is ripe for growth. Passionate, organized, open-minded, Biblically knowledgeable individuals should contact the search committee by e-mail at fumc@our-town.com. Salary negotiable and competitive.

Director of Youth Ministries

Ferris Heights UMC, a growing faith community in Waxahachie, is seeking the right person as director of youth ministries. This is a half-time position with opportunities for leading and further developing an active and mission-focused youth program. A growing relationship with Jesus Christ and a passion for youth and mission is a must. It is important for applicants to have excellent verbal communication, organization and project-planning skills. Flexibility and personal maturity is important. The director of youth ministries will participate as a member of the church’s program team and will be expected to be integrate into the life of the church. Compensation is competitive. Visit the church Web site at www.ferrishtsumc.org for a current job description. To apply, send a resume and letter of introduction to fhumc@sbcglobal.net or mail to Ferris Heights UMC, Attn: Youth Director Search, 108 Center St., Waxahachie 75165.

Music Director
St. Paul UMC of Hurst seeks a part-time music director. Job involves 12-15 hrs/week and pays $16,000. The director will select music, lead choir and oversee music ministry. Inquire at 852 Bedford Euless Rd, Hurst 76053. Telephone 817-284-7181 or saintpaul06@charterinternet.com.

Part-time Director of Children’s Ministries

Couts UMC in Weatherford seeks a part-time director of children's ministries to be responsible for the oversight of children's programs, Pre-K through 5^th grade. Identifying and training leaders will be a vital part of this ministry. In addition to coordinating Sunday activities, we have an afterschool program each Wednesday for which you will be responsible. You would also oversee and coordinate periodic children’s ministry activities and events. This position has the potential to become a full-time position. If you sense a calling from God to children's ministry we encourage you to apply. Send your resume to jtimothyj@sbcglobal.net or you may come by the church office for an application.

Director of Student (Youth) Ministries
Couts UMC in Weatherford seeks a part-time director of student ministries to be responsible for the oversight of our youth programs, 6th through 12th grade. Identifying and training leaders will be a vital part of this ministry. You would be working with a core of 25-30 students with the goal of building the program into full-time active ministry. We are in a phase of ministry where there is great openness to new models of student ministry. If you are interested in building a dynamic ministry for and with students and you have a contagious deep love for Christ, you are invited to apply. Our goal is for the program and position to grow into full-time. Send your resume to jtimothyj@sbcglobal.net or you may come by the church office for an application.

Director of Music Ministry

Wellspring UMC, a community of faith located in a rapidly growing city, seeks a full time Director of Music Ministry. Applicants need to demonstrate an appreciation for a variety of music genres, be energetic, personable, flexible, creative, talented, and experienced. He or she must be a visionary leader who can enhance the skills of musicians and vocalists. If interested please send your resume to Wellspring UMC Attention: Ginny Sutton, 6200 William Drive, Georgetown, TX 78633 or email it to info@wellspringgeorgetown.org.

Music Director

First UMC Olney seeks applicants for the position of music director. Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. Salary negotiable. Please call Laraine at 940-564-5622 or Rex at 940-867-7569 or email your resume to umcpastor@brazosnet.com.

Director of Children’s Ministries

Troy UMC seeks a part-time (10hrs/wk) director of children’s ministries to be responsible for the oversight of children’s programs, birth – 5th grade. The primary role will be to recruit, train, and develop leaders who will intentionally help to produce committed followers of Christ. This new position requires an individual who feels a specific calling from God to children’s ministry. Minimum high school education or equivalent is required. Applications may be obtained through the church office 254-938-2364.

Director of Music Ministries/Worship Leader

Troy UMC seeks a part-time (10 hrs/wk) director of music ministries and worship leader to be responsible for the oversight of the music ministries. The position requires a dynamic, energetic person who wants to grow and direct the church’s choir, supervise the praise team and work with the pastor to create meaningful worship experiences. Applicants will need to demonstrate a commitment to Christ, possess knowledge of Christian music (traditional and contemporary), and offer strong leadership and organizational skills. Applications may be obtained through the church office 254-938-2364.

Director of Student Ministries

First UMC Arlington, a congregation of about 5,000 located in central Arlington, seeks an experienced director to lead students in junior high, senior high, and college into a deeper level of spirituality. The director will be expected to provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their faithfulness to God and the ministries of the church as well as to secure, lead and train volunteers. The forty hour per week position will include implementing and leading programming for Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday night, and other special activities. Salary competitive. Application will be mailed to accepted candidates.

Send resume to: klancaster@arlingtonmethodist.org. Deadline for applications: March 1.

Director of Music

Bethel/Wesley UMCs seek someone to direct music and put together a choir from members of the congregation. This is a volunteer position. Please call 817-246-1242 if you are interested in helping with this opportunity.

Director of Youth Ministries

First UMC Georgetown is a growing church of 2300 members with an active and mission-focused youth program, empowering youth for leadership. The church is looking for a director with previous experience, a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, and a passion for youth and mission. It is important for applicants to have excellent verbal communication, organization and project-planning skills. Flexibility and personal maturity is important. The director of youth ministries will participate as a member of the church’s Program Team and be integrated into the administrative life of the church. Compensation is negotiable but to include health insurance and pension benefits. Visit the church Web site for a current job description. To apply, send a resume and letter of introduction to fumcgt@fumcgt.org or mail to First UMC, Attn: Search Committee, 410 E. University Ave., Georgetown, TX 78626.

Minister of Music

St. Andrews UMC (522 Missouri Ave., Fort Worth 76104) seeks applicants for minister of music with responsibility to plan, develop, implement and supervise all defined music programs within the church. Requirements include: Ability to work in a diverse Christian environment; Demonstrated musical proficiency on organ and piano; Ability to play printed music (traditional, anthems, gospel, contemporary);

Experience in playing music during worship service; Prior experience as music minister; Ability to play from UM Hymnal during worship; Prior experience in leading, teaching, developing, organizing adult/youth choirs; Must pass background check. If interested, submit resume by 4 p.m. March 31 to St. Andrews UMC, Attn: Burnham Robinson, 522 Missouri Ave., Fort Worth 76104 or e-mail to standrewsftw@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 ASAP so that interviews can be scheduled.

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