_________________________PRAYER CONCERNS________________________

FROM Gail Ford Smith, Southwest District Superintendent~
Rev. Wayne Calder, pastor of Shepherd of the Heart, Pearland, continues
in MICU at Memorial Hermann, but he is improving each day, praise God.
The family asks that you refrain from calls and visits, but prayers are
welcome and emails can be sent to the family in care of Rev. Steffon
Arrington at steffon@aol.com.

__________________________DEATHS/FUNERALS________________________

FROM Francelle Ward~
Elaine Laster, mother of Rev. Richard Laster of Fair Haven UMC and a
member of St. Philip's UMC, passed away this morning at 7:00 a.m. under
Hospice Care at M.D. Anderson.
Visitation hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday night, August 4th at
Forest Park Funeral Home on Westheimer. Celebration of Life Service will
be Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of St. Philip's
United Methodist Church, 5501 Beechnut.
Elaine was the Vice President of our UMW and one of our
Representatives to Church Women United. She was a Great Lady and a JOY to be in
conversation with. She loved hot tea, and I know God prepared and shared a
cup with her today.

__________________________CONFERENCE NEWS________________________

FROM Dr. Karen Dorris, Dir. Congregational Excellence~
We are excited to announce the "Extravagant Generosity Workshop" being
taught by Cliff Christopher from Horizon Stewardship on the following
dates:.

October 14, 2006 9:00 am to 3:00 pm St. Paul's UMC in
Houston

October 15, 2006 2:00 to 6:00 pm Marvin UMC in
Tyler

Cost is $10.00 per person for the event.

We are delighted to have Cliff Christopher come and share his wealth of
knowledge. He is an excellent speaker and teacher to clergy as well as
lay persons in the church. He will talk about Annual Stewardship
Campaigns, Building Relationships with people who can make a difference, and
Capital Campaigns.
Please put this in your District newsletters and on the calendars as
each church will want to send representatives to attend this
informative teaching event being offered by our new "Congregational Excellence"
department. Registration information will be available shortly.

____________________NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS___________________

FROM Dr. Glenna Kyker Brayton~
A reminder to all clergy and staff who complete the church report for
inclusion in the conference journal: Please give members of the
congregation an opportunity to identify themselves as Native American.
Last year's composite report shows there are only about 450 Native
Americans in Texas Conference churches. That is probably off by more
than 1000 %. Because there is no blood quantum requirement or
qualification, anyone with Native American ancestry may be included, e.g.,
registered with federally-recognized tribes and having CDIB cards, registered
with state-recognized tribes only, voting tribal members,
TINEA-registered, non-registered, freedmen and -women, and "Black Indians."
If you would like to learn more about Native American ministry in
this conference, please call Dr. Glenna Kyker Brayton at 281-391-5797 or
713-557-8756. You will be connected with a committee member close to
your area.

_________________________YOUTH NEWS & VIEWS_______________________

FROM Michael Hunter~
Big House is about to have a GREAT 10th Anniversary Celebration on
August 12, 2006, 7 PM, with Wayne Kerr and By The Tree, down at Moody
Gardens Convention Center, Galveston, TX. Cost is $7 per person - get
tickets by calling Kristen Cleveland
(281) 930-1300 x. 326 or order with form on Web site.
Web site is: www.bighousetx.org - click on Registration Forms and
then, 10th Anniversary Celebration Registration Form or Flyer (need Adobe
Reader to print flyer and/or ticket form).
This has been a Great outreach tool for youth that are in Junior
high. Come on and support this wonderful celebration.

______________________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.
In addition, if you are seeking a position that involves working
with children or youth in any capacity, bear in mind that if accepted, you
will be required to be certified through the Conference's Safe
Sanctuary policy. Thank you.

FROM Stephanie Hughes ~
Chapelwood UMC is seeking a part-time nursery worker for Sunday
mornings and Wednesday evenings. Pays $10 per hour. If anyone is interested or
knows anyone, please call Stephanie Hughes at 903-838-5885.

FROM Mike Mayhugh~
Livingston First UMC is seeking a full-time youth director. Our
facilities include a climbing wall with zip line, softball field,
basketball pavilion, and large youth room.
Requirements: College degree with emphasis in a field of Christian
study. Experience in a Methodist Church preferred. Proven leadership in
UMARMY, BIG HOUSE, or district camp is a major advantage. Must have an
ability to lead and organize Bible study groups in addition to United
Methodist Fellowship.
Competitive salary available. We are also prepared to create a
Student Pastor position for a seminary student.
Please submit resume', pictures, and references to the Sr. Pastor
at wmmayhugh@yahoo.com

FROM Karen Helton, vice president for institutional advancement, at
Wiley College~
Position: Director of Development -
...will be responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive
fund-raising program targeting corporations and foundations. ...is
expected to make 40-50 calls annually and follow-up with high-quality
appeals. and ...continually cultivate prospective major gifts donors.
... A Bachelor's degree is required with a minimum of five years of
successful fund-raising experience. Should have strong-to-excellent
written, oral and, interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work
as a member of the Advancement team, as well as maintain professional
work relationships with internal and external publics. Must be capable
of handling sensitive and confidential information. Preferred
qualifications: major gifts and capital campaign experience.
Interested persons should submit a letter of interest, resume and
portfolio to the:
Office of Human Resources; Attn: Mary Mearlon Dees; Wiley College; 711
Wiley Ave.;
Marshall, TX 75670 - PHONE (903) 927-3345 - FAX (903) 927-1145 -
Email: wwinkley@wileyc.edu