__________________________PRAYER CONCERNS_______________________
______________________________BIRTHS________________________________
__________________________DEATHS/FUNERALS_________________________
_____________________CONFERENCE INFORMATION______________________
________________________NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS_______________________
FROM Cindy Masterson
There is still time to register for this Saturday’s event! Call
903-794-7746 or email clmasterson@cableone.net. Celebration Women’s Ministry
presents a Leadership Connection Event, "Equipped to Pray," Saturday,
February 18, 2006 at FUMC, Gilmer, TX. Time is 9:00- 3:30.
Barbara Byerly will be our guest speaker. Barbara has traveled
extensively both nationally and internationally in her teaching ministry.
We invite all women to come be equipped and inspired. There will be
worship, teaching, prayer time, and training for local chapter Celebration
leadership. All women are invited to "experience Celebration," benefit
from Barbara’s teaching on prayer, and learn more about this exciting
ministry. Cost is $20.00 and includes breakfast and lunch. Call or
email today to register.
FROM Barberee, Sara
Mufuka Sylvie and Nkemba Ndjungu are students at Lon Morris College.
They are in the Church Careers Program and also the MasterSingers. Both
are excellent students, and neither has ever had a disciplinary report
while at LMC. They are both Phi Theta Kappa. Their parents are United
Methodist missionaries in Senegal, where they bring food, healthcare,
and the gospel to the Senegalese. This country is predominantly Muslim,
but as of last year there had been nine new Christian church starts.
Mufuka and Nkemba graduate from LMC this year. I will miss them, and I
wish I had fifty more just like them. Their parents cannot afford to
come for graduation, and the Church Careers Program is attempting to
raise $2500 to pay for their tickets to and from Senegal. The Church
Careers students are doing fund raisers (car washes, bake sales, etc.) and
contacting individuals, but we are also asking for assistance from the
churches of the Texas Annual Conference. Quite literally, no donation
is too small, and, of course, no donation is too large, either. If you
or your church can help, make your checks to Lon Morris College. In
the “memo” section, write “Ndjungu Fund.” Send your checks to Lon Morris
College, 800 College Avenue, Jacksonville, TX 75766, Attn. Judy Quitta,
Business Office. Thanks.
FROM Rev. Peter J. Cammarano, First UMC - Brazoria, TX
CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE
The call comes late at night from Florida or another state. The caller
is polite and mentions that he and his family have been in your church
recently. He mentions names, roads, landmarks enough to make you think
he knows your community. Then he tells a story of a trip, a death in
the familiy, a broken down car and a need for bus fare. He gives an exact
amount needed and a phone mumber to wire the money. Sound familiar?
This scam is still going on. Peter Cammarano and Scott McKay are
researching this story for an article and would like to hear from others who
have had this same
experience. Email us at
jscottmckay@sbcglobal.net.
________________________THIS WEEK'S EVENTS_________________________
FROM Donna V. Adair, Director of Communications, St. Paul's UMC,
Houston
St. Paul's School will host two lectures in mid-February for parents of
young children. On February 15, Dr. Arturo Volpe will present "The
Importance of a Healthy Diet to Your child's Well-Being." A doctor in
private practice, Dr. Volpe specializes in holistic solutions to chronic
health problems.
On February 16, Dr. Myron Friedman will present "Helping Young
Children Develop Self-Control." Director of Psychological Services at
Edu-Clinic, Inc., Dr. Friedman will talk about the normal development of self
control, what may interfere with this, and how it can be improved.
Both lectures are free of charge and will be from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m.
in the Jones Building Room 204. Childcare is available by advance
reservations to the school at 713-528-6779 or spschool@stpaulshouston.org.
The first school in Houston accredited by the National Academy of
Early Childhood Programs, St. Paul's School is affiliated with St. Paul's
United Methodist Church, Houston.
FROM Judy Hedderman, Bryan District Lay Speaking School Co-Director,
Aldersgate UMC College Station - (bhedd1819@aol.com) 979-693-8655
Bryan District Lay Speaking School, to be held Saturday, Feb. 18, at
Christ UMC in College Station, still has room for more students.
E-mail or call me if you would like to attend so we can have enough meals.
Cost: $25.00 for the class and books (<$20.00) are extra. Time: 8:30
am to 4:00 pm both days. Cost includes breakfast snacks and hot lunches
both Saturdays.
Basic Class in English and Spanish
ADVANCED CLASSES:
Lay Speakers Are Accountable Disciples
Lay Speakers Lead in Mission Outreach
Lay Speakers Discover Spiritual Gifts
Lay Speakers Cultivate Christian Community
SPANISH ADVANCED: La Vida de Devocion en la Tradicion Wesleyana
Completion certificates from the Bryan District can be given to your
District Superintendent or District Lay Speaking Coordinator to receive
credit for initiation or continuation of your Lay Speaking credentials.
A Lay Speaker Annual Report signed by your pastor and DS is not
required at our door to take a class, but must be presented at your district's
appropriate time.
FROM Dr. Steve Wende @ FUMC, Houston -
DR. BEN WITHERINGTON of Asbury Theological Seminary will be the annual
"Great Minds of Methodism" speaker for First Methodist Houston on
SUNDAY and MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19-20, 2006. Well-known for his writing and
speaking on various topics, he is most recently nationally recognized for
his analysis of and rebuttal to "The Da Vinci Code." His work on
various subjects has landed him spots on several television programs,
including "60 Minutes," CNN specials and A & E specials.
Dr. Witherington will preach the 9:00 a.m. service at our Westchase
location and at 11:00 a.m. in our DOWNTOWN Sanctuary. Then, Sunday
evening, February 19, at 6:00 p.m., he will present a lecture on his
investigation into "The Da Vinci Code" in our Downtown Sanctuary (directions
at our website: www.fmhouston.com). This event is open to the public.
On Monday morning, February 20, conference clergy are invited to
spend some time with Dr. Witherington at a FREE BREAKFAST beginning at
8:00 a.m. at our Downtown location. He will speak on "Objective Truth in
a Subjective Society" as well as answer questions about "The Da Vinci
Code." RESERVATIONS for the breakfast on Monday should be made through
Myra Higginbotham at 832.668.1800 no later than Wednesday, February 15.
_________________________MARK YOUR CALENDAR_______________________
FROM: Billy Watson, St. Peter's UMC, Katy
Digital Storytellers' Seminar featuring worship media pioneers from
Ginghamsburg and Lumicon, Saturday, February 25, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Register now to attend Digital Storytellers' Worship Media Seminar at
St.Peter's UMC, Katy, on Saturday, February 25. This seminar will be led
by Midnight Oil Production's Len Wilson and Jason Moore, both formerly
of Ginghamsburg and Lumicon. You will not find anyone with more
experience and expertise in the field of media in worship than these guys.
Find detailed information about the presenters and the seminar and
register online at www.midnightoilproductions.com. Download brochures at
www.stpeterskaty.org to register by mail (checks payable to St. Peter's
UMC). Email bwatson@stpeterskaty.org or call 281-492-8031, ext. 304 for
more information.
_____________________RESTORATIVE JUSTICE NOTICES__________________
_______________________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 Dr. Richard L. White -
Tomball United Methodist Church is searching for full-time Director of
Congregational Care. Applicants must have college degree, great people
skills, gifts of compassion and mercy, and an ability to organize
systems that enable caring for and caring through the laity. Please fax
resume in care of Dr. Richard L. White, or email resume to:
richard.white@tomballumc.org.
______________________WANT ADS (Items Needed/Wanted)________________
