________________________PRAYER CONCERNS__________________________

FROM Vetta Quackenbush, Lufkin District
Prayers are requested for Frances Wilson, mother of Rev. George Wilson,
who is in ICU at St. Luke's, Houston. Rev. Wilson is pastor at Lake
Rayburn.

FROM Rev. Steve Turner, UM Foundation, Development Officer
It is time to share a personal prayer request from my wife’s family. My
wife's (Nonie) younger sister, Lucy Brasington, is in the final stage
of cancer and is presently in a cancer hospital in South Carolina. he
doctors has informed the family that Lucy does not have long to live. We
would appreciate the prayers from the staff of our Conference Center
and others around our conference who may be interested.

______________________________BIRTHS_______________________________

FROM Nancy Hinshaw, Houston Area Episcopal Office
Amanda Harvey Davis (a candidate for ministry in the HNW District) and
her husband Alex welcomed their baby on January 2, 2006 at 7:37 pm.
Ashley Lynn Davis was 8 lb. 1 oz. and 21 inches long.

_________________________DEATHS/FUNERALS_________________________

FROM Doris Folser, Houston NW Dist.
There will be a time for visitation with Rev. Hill and Rev. Cramer
Johnson and family from 6-8 this evening, Jan. 5, at the Kingwood Funeral
Home. Mr. Harvey Johnson, father of Rev. Hill Johnson, passed away and
the funeral will be tomorrow at 1:00 at Kingwood Funeral Home, with
interment at Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

FROM Dr. Janice Gilbert-Williams, McKinney Memorial United Methodist
Church
Mrs. Sandra Crittenton went home to be with the Lord on January 3,
2006. The memorial service will be Thursday, January 5, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00
p.m. The funeral service will be Friday, January 6, at 11:00a.m. These
services will held at McKinney United Methodist Church in LaMarque
Texas. Pray that God's grace will strengthen and comfort this family.

_____________________CONFERENCE INFORMATION______________________


______________________NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS_________________________

FROM Donna V. Adair, Director of Communications, St. Paul's UMC,
Houston
SIBLINGS WITHOUT RIVALRY WORKSHOP
St. Paul's School will offer a six-part workshop titled "Siblings
without Rivalry" on Tuesday mornings, from January 10 to February 14.
Taught by Zane Ann Tigett, the preschool's director for more than 25
years, the goal of this workshop is to teach parents special methods
that enable siblings to deal with their negative feelings about each
other in a positive away and to resolve conflict in a helpful manner.
Among points to be discussed are "What to do when siblings fight."
and "Ways to treat children unequally and still be fair."
The workshop fee, including cost of parent manual, is $35. To
register or for more information, contact the school at 713-528-6770 or
spschool@stpaulshouston.og.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP BEGINS JANUARY 10 at St. Paul's UMC

Living with Loss is a supportive opportunity to share grief experiences
and re-examine spirituality in the wake of loss.This grief support
group will meet six consecutive Tuesday nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St.
Paul's Umc, beginning January 10, 2006.
Facilitated by Rev. Terry Thompson, St. Paul's Minister for
Congregational Care and Senior Adults, and Rev. Dan Miller, a United Methodist
minister and hospice chaplain, the group primarily is for those who
recently have experienced the death of a loved one.
Many grieving persons have found that simply being with others who are
dealing with similar loss can ease the pain of grief and encourage the
healing process.
In many ways, life after the death of a loved one is much the same as
before the loss: Daily activities go on. Vocational demands continue.
Family and household responsibilities remain.
In other ways, however, much is changed: The pain of loss permeates
everything. Grief saps energy, so that even the simplest tasks are
exhausting. Grief can alter perceptions; the world "just looks different."
--more--
Grief Support Group Begins January 10 at St. Paul's UMC
Add one


Grief also affects one's spiritual life. Some come to rely more on
faith. Others may find they have less energy for worship, prayer, and
scripture. One's relationship with God can change after a loss. All this can
add to the stress of grief.
To register or for more information, contact Rev. Thompson at
713-528-0527 or terryt@stpaulshouston.org.
St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Houston, is on the corner of Main
and Binz/Bissonnet, across from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. It is
within one block of both Museum District MetroRail

St. Paul's School is located in the Jones Building of St. Paul's
UMC, on the corner of Main and Binz/Bissonnet, across from the Museum of
Fine Arts. Free parking is available in two lots across Fannin Street
from the church.


________________________THIS WEEK'S EVENTS_________________________

FROM Rev. J. C. Dorman, Central United Methodist Church
This Saturday, January 7th, at 2:00 PM, we will begin the first of our
Healing and Wholeness Services that will become a regular 1st Saturday
event. This will be a traditional service of healing and wholeness
following the format in our Book of Worship. Please come and bring someone
with you and be prepared to seek the Lord's presence. Central United
Methodist Church is located on the corner of 33rd Street and Avenue O 1/2
in Galveston (3308 Avenue O 1/2). For additional information call
409-762-2138 or email revjcd1@aol.com.

FROM Rev. Dr. Elijah Stansell, TXCUMC Treasurer
BMCR Hosts MLK Breakfast
"Walk Together Children -- Don't Get Weary" is the theme of this year's
Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration breakfast, hosted by the Houston
Chapter of Black Merthodists for Church Renewal. Everyone is invited to
fellowship together at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, January 16, at Bethany UMC,
3511 Linkwood in Houston, where Dr. Francis E.W. Guidry is pastor. The
featured speaker is Rev. Dr. Lydia Jackson Waters of Dallas.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED AND MUST BE MADE BY MONDAY, JANUARY 9.
Individual tickets are $25 and a table of eight is $200. For reservations,
contact Frances Dunlap at 281-999-5114 or francesdunlap@msn.com or
contact Rev. Lawrence Young at 713-733-4630 or pastoryoung@joneschurch.org.
Make checks payable to BMCR and mail to 3014 Hutchins, Houston, TX
77004.

_____________________MARK YOUR CALENDAR________________________

FROM Thebe Worden,Chair
The Board of Managers, the governing board for the Cooperative
School of Christian Mission, will have its Winter meeting Friday, January
l3, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. It will be at Friendship UMC, located at 252
Ford Road, Porter, Texas. Lunch will be provided.

--Please note that the webpage address in yesterday's email
below contained an "0" that didn't belong there. The address is correct in
today's message--

FROM Rev. Paula Behrens-Lopez, St. Paul's UMC, Henderson
LEARN SPANISH FREE!!!
Beginning Monday, January 16 at 6pm -
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
2212 Hwy 79 South, Henderson, TX
(Next to McDonalds)
Classes offered weekly...
Entry level during the beginning weeks and intermediate level to be
added as necessary.
For more information, call (903) 657-4074 or email Rev. Paula
Behrens-Lopez at paula@pastorpaula.com
For directions to the church, visit our webpage
http://PastorPaula.com (this is the correct address.)

FROM Judy Gober
It's not too late -- REGISTER TODAY for the TCCEF Annual Study Retreat!
- "This Day - How is it With Your Soul?" Please join us for the Texas
Conference Christian Educators Fellowship Annual Retreat, January 17 -
19, 2006 at Lakeview Conference Center. Our retreat leaders will be
Rev. Susan Keirn Kester and Rev. Mary E. Tumulty. Please contact Judy
Gober, jgober@cypress-umc.org, 281-469-0730 x 214, for registration
information.

FROM Rev. Don & Vivian White
ENGAGED ENCOUNTER - UNITED METHODIST Weekend Jan. 27-29, 2006 in
Houston
Here is an opportunity for all engaged and newly-married couples,
and also for couples considering engagement. The Engaged Encounter-United
Methodist weekend is an approved program of the General Board of
Discipleship of The UMC and of the Family Ministries Committee of the Texas
Annual Conference. It meets the recommendation of the 2004 General
Conference Resolution #27 regarding nurturing marriage and family.
Registration deadline for the Jan. 27-29 weekend is very near. Please have
interested couples contact us immediately! Rev. Don and Vivian White, Texas
Contact Couple for Engaged Encounter-United Methodist, 281-429-7686, or
e-mail donvivwhite@juno.com

FROM Mac Vaughn
We are starting a new ministry:
United Methodist Motorcycle Enthusiasts [Cypress & the greater Houston
Area]- Chapter Dedication & Bike Blessing, Sunday, January 29, 2006,
@11am. Ministry Activity Center Cypress United Methodist Church, 13403
Cypress N. Houston Road, Cypress.
All motorcycle enthusiasts are welcome regardless of denomination
or church affiliation. We will gather around 8:30 to 8:45am and line up
and display the bikes in the front of the Ministry Activity Center.
We will be planning short rides once a month and one long ride every
quarter.
To build a fund, a donation of $5.00 or more per ride is requested
but not required. We will be working on setting up outreach & charity
runs. Any ideas or any further inforamatoin, please send an e-mail to:
(brennan_dave@sbcglobal.net, taylor.s.d.gary@sbcglobal.net), or
dab12903@yahoo.com.
We need to get photo of each rider, along with a copy of their bike
insurance and hospitalization. The Road Captain will have this
information on each ride.

FROM Alicia Coltzer, alicia@clearlakemethodist.org
CALLING ALL BIKE ENTHUSIASTS!
Join our Team!!!
You are invited to ride with the "Parkway/Clear Lake UMC" bike team, as
we gear up for our second year participating in the MS150 bike tour
from Houston to Austin, April 22-23, 2006. Last year, we raised more than
$13,000 to help in the fight against Multiple Sclerosis! Come join us
as we continue to minister to those affected by MS, riding for them and
sharing in a great time of fun, fellowship, and getting in better shape
along the way. If you'd like to join the team as a rider or volunteer
as part of our support crew, please contact Team Captain Dave Swartwout
at 281-488-8452 or Tracia Sanders at 281-992-6429 for more information.
Also, visit www.ms150.org to register. Registration is now open and
spots for the tour are going quickly.

FROM Connie Bovier, Charis Spiritual Director Training Program
Charis Spiritual Director Training Program Seeks Applicants for Class
2.
Application deadline: March 1, 2006
The Charis Spiritual Director Training Program of the Texas Annual
Conference is now accepting applications for Class 2 to enter training in
August 2006. This three-year training program equips both lay and clergy
to serve as spiritual companions to individuals who seek deeper
spiritual growth. Classes meet at Livingston UMC the second Saturday of each
month, September through April, with August and May retreats held at
Lakeview.
For more information or to request an application packet, contact
Charis Coordinator Becky Oates at 281-360-1942 or
havenofrest@earthlink.net

FROM Dr. Glenna Kyker Brayton
Native American Ministry in the Texas Conference has jump-started its
outreach. The Youth Powwow, sponsored by the Texas Conference, turned
out to be "A Dancer's Powwow," according to Native American staff, the
committee, singers, and dancers. It was such a success that we have been
asked to repeat the event in 2006.
Some of the best things coming out of the November youth powwow are
statements from young people who experienced for the first time the
dignity of a part of their heritage. All day spectators were heard to say
things like "My grandmother was half Indian" or "My grandpa told
stories about his Indian mother [or father]." We've heard recently of
United Methodist youth who have made changes in their lives because of new
feelings of worthiness and identity as Native Americans.
Healing within the church and outreach for the unchurched! What a
ministry! We ask you to consider creating a line item in your 2006
mission outreach budget for the Texas Conference Native American Ministry.
Much of the expenses for 2005, including prize money and staff fees,
was underwritten by a grant from a non-Methodist foundation, which we may
not have next year.
If you want specific information regarding 2005 powwow expenditures
or proposed budget for 2006, please call Dr. Glenna Kyker Brayton at
281-391-5797.

______________________RESTORATIVE JUSTICE NOTICES_________________

FROM John W. Harrington Restorative Justice Coordinator Beaumont
District
GIST STATE JAIL- Welcome Back and or Operation Rebound:
Floyd Struckmeyer, 23415 Honeybee Lane, New Caney, TX 77357 ph. 281 354
2109
Juan Gabriel Ramirez, 1505 Mesquite, Houston, TX 77093 ph. 832 524
3308
Kieth Lee Bell, 1504 N. Winfree, Dayton, TX 77535 ph. 936 258 0166
Earl M. Malveaux, 1643 Highway 96 South, Lumberton, TX 77657 ph. 409 -
755 0691 "A believer"
Larry Doneall Mosely, 3506 Cove View Apt. 1207, Galveston, TX 77554 -
Phone
409 740 6780
Vincent St. Cyr, 21115 Julie Lane, Montgomery, TX 77356 ph. 836 596
6996
Troy S. Robertson, 5830 Concord Rd., Beaumont, TX 77708 ph. 409 924
0870 Brandon Castille, 6095 Alpine Circle Apt. 1, Beaumont, TX 77708
409- 924 0587
Michael McDaniel, 990 West Florida, Beaumont, TX 77705
Reggie Sharp, 3150 W. Cardinal #176, Beaumont, TX 77705
Dale Weeks, 18552 Fairfield Rd., Russell, Kansas 67665 - ph. 785 483
6571

GATESVILLE WOMENS UNIT:
Lalasha Marie Moore, 2326 Glenwood Drive, Port Arthur, TX 77640 - 409
983 5507

TDCJ:
Shawn Bernard, 605 9th Ave. #210, Port Arthur, TX 77642
Leon Benjamin, 8307 Doris Ave., Port Arthur, TX 77640 ph. 409 736
1406
Kevin Haney, 4555 Hoffman, Vidor, TX 77662
Luke Jackson, 3405 Ave. H, Nederland, TX 77627 ph. 409 727 3450 "I am
a Methodist"
Bobby Leonard, 4161 Kenneth St., Beaumont, TX 77705 ph. 409 835
3317,
DOB 11/18/48

Please invite these folks in the closest distances to you to a church
function and to local job fairs! Thank you

_______________________JOB OPENINGS/JOBS WANTED__________________

Below are the most current openings and job information. Previous job
postings can be located on the conference website: www.txcumc.org.
Thank you

FROM Rev. Robert Stutes
OFFICE MANAGER position at First UMC Pasadena. Full-time position with
responsibilities for administration, publications, and supervision of
other support staff. Immediate opening. Contact Robert Stutes,
281-487-8787 or robertstutes@firstumcpasadena.org.

FACILITIES MANAGER position at First UMC Pasadena. Part-time position
with responsibilities for overseeing maintenance and operations of
physical plant. Immediate opening. Contact Robert Stutes, 281-487-8787 or
robertstutes@firstumcpasadena.org.


______________________WANT ADS (Items Needed/Wanted)________________