Junior high students head to Midwinter in Kerrville
Saturday session shows how to grow old gracefully
Special offering Sunday supports human relations
Registration deadline nears for Jan. 28-29 choir rally
Opportunities

Junior high students head to Midwinter in Kerrville
Nearly 100 junior high students are expected today in Kerrville for the first of six 2005 Midwinter retreats.
The first session, for students in sixth through eighth grades, runs through Sunday at Mount Wesley Conference Center. Other junior high sessions are scheduled for Jan. 28 to 30 at the H.E. Butt Foundation Camp near Hunt and Feb. 11 to 13 at Mount Wesley.
Retreats for senior high students—grades nine through 12—are slated for Jan. 21 to 23 at Mount Wesley, Feb. 4 to 6 at Mount Wesley and Feb. 18 to 20 at H.E. Butt.
The Southwest Texas Conference Youth Ministry Office sponsors the six Midwinter retreats. More than 1,100 teens attended the 2004 sessions.

Saturday session shows how to grow old gracefully
Southwest Texans can explore “Growing Old Gracefully” Saturday in San Antonio.
The Stephen Ministry of Colonial Hills UMC is presenting the free 9 a.m. to noon program. It is to cover legal issues, home healthcare, nursing home living, funeral planning, and bereavement and hospice care.

Special offering Sunday supports human relations
Southwest Texas UMs can join church members around the globe Sunday in collecting a special offering for Human Relations Day.
The offering, one of six on the UMC calendar each year, supports church-based community developers in low-income neighborhoods, grass-roots social-justice organizations and local youth-offender rehabilitation programs.

Registration deadline nears for Jan. 28-29 choir rally
Tuesday is the early registration deadline for the 2005 Adult Choir Rally Jan. 28-29 at Manchaca UMC.
Benjamin Harlan, associate professor of church music at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, is featured clinician for the two-day event.
The annual workshop, sponsored by the Board of Discipleship, brings singers, choir directors and accompanists together to experience new music, improve musicianship and gain insights into worship leadership.
Registration fee before Jan. 18 is $30 per person, which includes lunch and a music packet. Fee is $35 per person after that date. People registering late may not get meals or music packets.

Opportunities
First UMC, La Grange, seeks to fill three part-time positions: program/youth director (20 hours per week), program director (15 hours per week) and youth director. The program director will coordinate activities planned by many committees. The youth director will work with two youth groups, which meet weekly, and plan other activities through the year. Contact (979) 968-8051 or fumcsecretary@fais.net.
First UMC, Marble Falls, seeks an accompanist/organist. Responsibilities include playing for three Sunday morning services, accompanying Wednesday evening choir rehearsals, and being available for special evening performances and holiday services. Additional responsibilities could include directing hand bell choirs or assisting with youth or children’s choirs. Contact Joni at joni@ 281.com or (830) 693-4341.
The South Central Jurisdiction, Dallas, seeks quarter-time director of mission and administration. Application deadline is Jan. 31. Person is primary mission officer for the eight-state jurisdiction. Contact Dalila Cruz, dcruiz1114@sbcglobal.net or (210) 364-8953.
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, Nashville, Tenn., seeks an associate editor for the Office of Interpretation. Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communication and two years of writing experience required. Knowledge of UM polity preferred. Contact Cheryl Stacker, (615) 340-7360.