Austin District happenings



Asbury UMC plays host to forum on faith-related legislative issues
Asbury UMC, 1605 E. 38th St., Austin, is playing host to “Separation of Church and State,” a panel discussion of legislative issues of interest to the faith community, Feb. 14 at 11:30 a.m.
Sponsored by the Central Texas Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council, the presentation is open to the public.
Panelists at the presentation include Ryan Valentine of the Texas Faith Network and Stephen Reeves of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Cost is $10 for RCC members and $15 for nonmembers.
R.S.V.P. for lunch to (512) 706-7556 or kkerr@lsss.org by Feb. 12. Lunch choices include roast beef, turkey or ham boxed lunch, chef salad, chicken Caesar salad or Caesar salad and a fruit plate.
Religion Communicators Council is an international interfaith organization of communicators for faith-based organizations.

District board seeks applicants for outreach-ministry grants
The Austin District Board of Missions is seeking applicants for Action Support Ministry grants.
Application deadline is March 12.
Action Support Ministries grants provide funds to facilitate outreach ministries of existing churches to relieve human suffering and establish new and creative forms of such outreach within the district.
The board strongly encourages Austin District churches to consider what needs in ministry continue to be unmet and apply for available funds.
Applications must come from organizations directly related to The United Methodist Church.
Should you have questions about the appropriateness of your needs, contact Ron Campbell, associate pastor, Tarrytown UMC, Austin, at (512) 472-3111 or ron@tarrytownumc.org.
Application form can be obtained from the District Office, (512) 444-1983 or alice@umcad.org.

Manchaca UMC to offer class for teens on faith, sexuality
The Family Life Commission and the youth director of Manchaca UMC are combining efforts to present an important event for middle school students and their parents.
“Let’s Get Real: Honest Discussions about Faith and Sexuality” will be presented Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and March 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Both days are part of the course. Participating youths are expected to attend both days. There is also a parent session Feb. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m.
The study is designed to help youths, parents and other significant adults in the church have honest discussions about beliefs, values and sexuality so that young people have guidance in their faith journey and their decision making.
This study is intended for 7th and 8th grade youths. Parents are required to attend the parent session.
“Let’s Get Real” is United Methodist curriculum.
Cost for the study is $25, which covers material, supplies and meals. Leadership will be from within Manchaca UMC.
Registration information and forms are available from Stephanie Bridwell, youth director, at (512) 282-7274 or steph@manchacaumc.com.
Questions may be directed to Bridwell; Mark Hixon, (512) 282-7274; or Carolyn Allen, (512) 447-5866.

Austin District UM Men slate quarterly meeting for Feb. 17
All men are invited to the Austin District United Methodist Men’s quarterly meeting Feb. 17 at Man-chaca UMC.
This meeting is an opportunity for local United Methodist Men groups to share their successes or to gain new ideas. Participants can hear what others are doing and add to their already thriving men’s ministry or gain new insights to help local ministries along.
Participants can renew acquaintances or make new friends in Christ, enjoy special music and eat a hearty breakfast.
Registration and coffee begin at 7:30 a.m. The morning’s program will conclude with the serving of Holy Communion.
Please bring white socks for the support of Austin Resource Center for the Homeless.
Manchaca UMC is at 1011 FM 1626, at the southeast corner of FM 1626 and Manchaca Road. Call (512) 282-7274 for additional directions.
The Web site is located at http://www.manchacaumc.com.
For a complete agenda click on “Upcoming Events” at www.gbgm-umc.org/austinumm.
Contact Jack Moncure at (512) 836-5134 or jmoncure@austin.rr.com for more information.

Terry Teykl visits Bethany UMC for Prayer Encounter March 24
Bethany UMC, Austin, is happy to announce the return of the Rev. Terry Teykl from the Woodlands UMC March 24.
Teykl is to present a one-day Prayer Encounter at Bethany from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Some may remember Teykl from his previous visit to Bethany in February 2005. More than 300 people from Bethany, other area churches and out of town attended that event.
He is to be speaking from his books, The Presence Based Church and Divine Strongholds.
Lunch is included in the $25 fee ($30 if received after March 10). Childcare available for those who preregister only.
Registration forms are available at www.Bethany-umc.org.