Church leaders gather for
‘sooner,’ ‘later’ Laity Assemblies

Southwest Texas Conference Lay Leader Jay Brim briefs participants at the “sooner” Laity Assembly about four initiatives that the Council on Ministries is to consider in March. Nearly 150 lay leaders attended the Feb. 23-24 “sooner” event at Mount Wesley Conference Center, Kerrville. They came primarily from the Austin, Kerrville, San Angelo, San Antonio and Victoria districts. Another 80 lay leaders—primarily from the Corpus Christi, McAllen and Victoria districts—gathered March 2-3 at First UMC, Kingsville, for the “later” Laity Assembly. The Rev. J. Michael Lowry, executive director of new church development and transformation, led sessions on transforming the Methodist movement at both events.




Southwest Texas news> Lenten activities prepare UMs for Easter
> UM women to attend faith gathering
> New name signals San Antonio church’s transformation
> Ads set backdrop for invitation campaign
> 2 more churches join welcoming-congregation list
> Hebbronville, San Benito laymen get Exemplar Awards
> San Antonio pastor picked to lead Kerrville District

Austin District news > Northwest Hills UMC, Austin, marks 40 years of ministry, serving community
> Giving up complaints, condemnation, criticism for Lent helps focus on positive
> Austin District happenings
> District Calendar
> Opportunities

Commentary> One thing humanity doesn’t need is more intolerance
> Let’s rise above forces of division, unite for Christ
> Letters to the editor