Prayer Requests

Mrs. Pat Pierce, surviving spouse of Rev. Ben Allen Pierce, recently had a stroke. She is recuperating at her daughter’s home in Dallas , Texas .

Rev. Brenda Lucas, St. Mark’s, Marshall , Texas , had surgery on her spine, Monday, October 9. Longview Regional, Rm. 242. From all indications, the surgery went well.

Rev. Rusty Watkins, Holy Trinity UMC, Central South District, has been admitted to Methodist Hospital , Dunn Tower , Rm. 658 with respiratory problems.

Births

Addie Nicole was born to Rev. Tommy & Bethany Williams, October 3, 5:33 p.m., 8 lbs., 11 oz., 20" long.

This Week’s Events

For a ‘list’ of October events go to: http://www.txcumc.org/events_find.asp
For a ‘calendar’ view of ctober events go to: http://www.txcumc.org/calendar.asp



Order of St. Luke Annual Renewal of Vows, Tuesday, October 10, 1 p.m. Monthly meetings, St. Paul 's, Houston Chapel, rotating time schedule. Members /interested inquirers encouraged. cherylsmith@firstumcpasadena.org

Open House, The Cramer Retreat Center, Wednesday, Oct 11, 11a.m. - 1p.m. Conference members learn how this facility can help local congregations & ministries. RSVP neradke@CramerCenter.org ; http://www.cramercenter.org/

Clergy, have you taken our 10 minute Anonymous Clergy Survey? The Center for Clergy Excellence is interested in your level of satisfaction; we want to know whether you feel supported, encouraged, and affirmed. The survey will be closed Friday, October 13. Some survey questions are reprinted with permission from the 2001 Pulpit & Pew telephone interview project included in the book God’s Potter’s by Jackson W. Carroll. To purchase the book or read an interview with the author discussing the project, go to www.eerdmans.com. 10 minute Anonymous Clergy Survey, click here: http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB225P9M5BFR3

Singles @ The Ridge, “One Is A Whole Number”, Friday-Sunday, October 13-15, Blueridge UMC, 2929 Reed Road , Houston , Texas . City-wide event for Singles of all ages: Friday, Oct. 13, Worship & Praise Service, 7 p.m. Free. Saturday, Adult Singles Workshop: 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Registration Fee: $20-Group Discounts Available. Sunday, Laity Sunday featuring Singles @ the Ridge, 10 a.m. & 12 noon services, Marilyn Evans, 713-433-0911, mylne@sbcglobal.net

“Revelation: Sense or Nonsense?” Saturday, October 14, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., First UMC, Missouri City , Texas , 281-499-3502. Dr. James “Mickey” Efird, world renowned Bible scholar & speaker is most qualified to lead us in a seminar on Revelation and end-times theology. Pre-registration: $12; $15 day of the event. Lunch provided.

Board of Managers, Cooperative School of Christian Mission Meeting, Saturday, October 14, 10 a.m. Lon Morris College , Administration Bldg., 800 College Ave , Jacksonville , Texas , 903-589-4000. Meeting moved to consider moving the School for 2007. Lunch provided.

McMahan Chapel Day, Saturday, October 14, 10:30 a.m. Speaker: Dr. Keith Whitaker, East District Superintendent. The church is the oldest Protestant church in Texas with continuous worship services located east from San Augustine, State Hwy 21, turn onto Spur 35. Everyone attending is asked to bring a covered dish to share in the new museum/activities building after the service. 936-699-2213.

Romantic Deception Speaker, Sunday, October 15, 2 p.m., Memorial Drive UMC, Rm. D126, 12955 Memorial Dr., Sheri Kelley, 713/468-8356, ext. 119. Speaker: Dr. Sally Caldwell, author of the book Romantic Deception. After 25 years of research, she has interesting findings about people who pathologically lie & deceive while pledging their undying commitment & love to another. Support group for victims of romantic deception.

Extravagant Generosity Workshops, Sponsored by The Center for Congregational Excellence, Rev. Cliff Christopher of Horizons Stewardship will discuss issues related to the general budget, capital campaigns, & developing relationships with persons who can make generous gifts to significant ministry. Cost: $10. October 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Paul ’s UMC, 5501 Main Street , Houston , Texas , 77004 . Lunch included. Register by Oct. 9. October 15, 2-6 p.m., Marvin UMC, 300 W Erwin Street , Tyler , Texas , 75702 . Refreshments provided.

UMM, Texas Annual Conference, Kenneth Tielke, President, 281-342-9677; 713-724-9755, Kenwtielke@aol.com District Officer Election Meetings: East: Saturday, October14 , 10a.m.-12 noon, First UMC, Nacogdoches; Southwest: Sunday, October 15, 3-4:30p.m., First UMC, Sugarland

Revival, October 15-17, Sunday, October 15, 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. nightly. Speaker: Dr. W. Gerald Neff, Longview District Superintendent, Allison Chapel is the oldest, active UMC in Panola County . Hwy 79 south, Fairplay Community, Carthage Texas .

Upcoming Events

Camp 2007, Curriculum Writing Input wanted! Monday, October 16, 6-8p.m., First UMC, Crockett, Cindy Parker, 936-544-2044, cindyfumcc@valornet.com; Tuesday, October 17, 6-8 p.m., First UMC, Missouri City, Jen Hanson, 281-499-3502, jhanson@fumcmc.org. Interested camp directors, age level coordinators of past district camps, & anyone with a passion for Children/Youth summer camp.

The Cramer Retreat Center, "Sabbath Rest" Day Retreat, Wednesday, Oct 18th, 9a.m - 3 p.m. RSVP, 281-350-1355, neradke@CramerCenter.org, .5 CEU credits. http://www.cramercenter.org/Programs.html

Texas Conference Clergy Spouses Association 2006 Retreat, ‘Celebrate Life With Sabbath Rest’ Friday-Saturday, October 20-21, leabynum@sbcglobal.net, 903-759 9353.

"7 Principles for a Healthy Congregation", Rev. Tom Ehrich, Church & Society Fall Retreat, open to all, Friday, October 20, 7 p.m., Saturday, October 21, 3 p.m., Wesley UMC, Huntsville, Glynden Bode, 281-537-5628, glyndenbode@gmail.com. Block of rooms reserved, Holiday Inn Express, Friday night. Registration: $25, Lunch included.


Deer Park UMC Fall Festival & Annual Car & Bike Show, Saturday, October 21, Activities include: Exotic, classic cars & motorcycles show, moon-walk, petting zoo, train rides, face painting, silent auction, bake sale, art show, pumpkin decorating & carving contest, BBQ, sno-cones, flu shots, blood drive. Fun for the whole family! www.dpumc.org

The Center for Congregational Excellence presents: “Starting a New Church --Is It For You?” A workshop for pastors interested in starting a new church, October 23, 9-11:30 a.m., The Woodlands UMC and “Ever Thought About Giving Birth? What it Takes to Mother a New Church .” A workshop for pastors & lay leadership of churches that would like to mother a new congregation. 1-3:30 p.m. *Please note that these dates appeared incorrectly in the Cross Connection and are being corrected in this announcement.

The Center for Congregational Excellence presents: “Starting a New Church --Is It For You?” A workshop for pastors interested in starting a new church, October 24, 9-11:30 a.m., Marvin UMC, Tyler and “Ever Thought About Giving Birth? What it Takes to Mother a New Church .” A workshop for pastors & lay leadership of churches that would like to mother a new congregation. 1-3:30 p.m. *Please note that these dates appeared incorrectly in the Cross Connection and are being corrected in this announcement.

Mission Opportunities

Restorative Justice: John W. Harrington, jwhfaye@ih2000.net

Robert L. Zachary, 1702 Village East, Port Arthur. Texas , 77843

Dereck Ryan Gray, 5770 La Belle Rd. , Beaumont , Texas , 77707

Steven Seymore, P.O. Box 859 , Bridgeport , Texas , 76426 , 940-683-5558 (Please relay to a helpful person at a church).

Gary Herr, 2495 Gulf Street, Beaumont Texas, 77703 (Gary will not be able to get out of the half-way house for 2 weeks to procure clothes:36x34 Pants, XXL Shirt, 10 1/2 shoes)

Employment Opportunities

For a complete listing of employment opportunities, go to http://www.txcumc.org/jobs_find.asp.

Church Secretary, First UMC, Rev. Alan Van Hooser, P.O. Box 757, Groves, Texas, 77619 409-962-1076; 409-962-1076 Fax, revavanhooser@aol.com. Between Beaumont & Pt. Arthur, SE District. The candidate must be people oriented, familiar with Windows Office software and able to learn the Power Church Operating system. Send Resume. Call for appointment.

UPDATE: Full-Time Finance Director, First UMC, Alvin , Texas , Rev. Jim Flagg, jimflagg@alvinmethodist.org, Marcia Bunch, SPR Chair, 281-331-6779.

1300+ congregation. Director should be a Christ-follower familiar with fund accounting, government report & tax filing, general book keeping and have a team attitude. Experience with Shelby software, a plus, willing to learn Shelby a must. Salary package includes insurance.

Full-Time Youth Director,
Director should be dynamic, Christ-centered, willing to take our 60+ Jr./Sr. High youth group to the next level. Responsible for overseeing Sunday School, Sunday night worship/small group time, Mid-week, Confirmation Class (as needed), Mission activities and several community events. Experience with programming, recruiting and working with volunteers. Benefits.

Classifieds

For a complete listing of Classifieds (such as: For Sale, Free or Wanted Items), go to: http://www.txcumc.org/classifieds_find.asp.