District happenings

Preteens invited to June camp at Mount Wesley in Kerrville
The Austin District will sponsor Preteen Camp 2005 June 5 through 8 at Mount Wesley Conference Center, Kerrville. The camp’s theme will be “God Calls to Peace.”
Contact Beth Seward, beth@umcad.org or (512) 442-9444. Information will be sent to churches during spring break.

District youth workers to meet Feb. 16 at District Office
Full-time, part-time and volunteer youth workers are to gather for the monthly District Youth Professionals meeting Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to noon.
The meeting will be at the District Office, 1221 W. Ben White Blvd., Suite 201A.
Upcoming events include the Confirmation Rally April 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Northwest Hills UMC, Neighbor 2 Neighbor Mission in April and Youth Week in August. For information contact Jay Cooper, district youth coordinator.

Children’s advocates to rally Feb. 16 on state Capitol steps
Children’s Advocacy Day Feb. 16 is to bring hundreds of child advocates from across Texas to Austin to learn about critical issues facing children and families.
Texans Care for Children, a nonpartisan, nonprofit network of individuals and organizations working to improve the well-being of Texas children, is playing host to the event. It is to run jointly with the Texas Network of Youth Services “Youth In Action” Capitol Day at First UMC, Austin.
After morning sessions, the groups are to rally on the Capitol steps and then meet with legislators, urging support for policies and programs that will improve the well-being of Texas children.
For more information go to www.texanscareforchildren.org, or call Josette Saxton at (512) 473-2274.

Terry Teykl Prayer Encounter slated for Feb. 26 at Bethany
The Rev. Terry Teykl, a longtime United Methodist pastor, is to lead a Prayer Encounter Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bethany UMC, 10010 Anderson Mill Road, Austin. The event is open to any Christian.
Teykl has a calling to mobilize local churches to pray. The Prayer Encounter includes materials from his books, How to Pray After You’ve Kicked the Dog and Praying Grace.
The $30 registration fee ($35 after Feb. 12) includes lunch and a workbook. Childcare is available for those who preregister. Please bring a sack lunch for each child.
Teykl’s books will be available for purchase at the seminar.
For a registration form or for additional information, contact Susan Harrison, (512) 331-1370 or seje1000@aol.com.

District tries to coordinate sharing of VBS materials
Please contact Beth Seward if you are interested in sharing Vacation Bible School materials. She will coordinate the various schedules and curriculums. Her e-mail address is beth@umcad.org. Her phone number is (512) 442-9444.
Covenant UMC seeking children’s ministry person
Covenant UMC, Austin, is seeking a person with a heart and passion for leading children’s ministry. Administrative skills, teaching and people skills are essential. Experience and degree in related area preferred. Send resume to the Rev. Dick West, 4410 Duval Road, Austin 78727, or fax to (512) 346-3197.