Austin District happenings

Peter Storey to lead workshop on prophetic traditions May 8
The Amos Commission of the Austin District, in association with Texas Impact, is pleased to announce that the Rev. Peter J. Storey, a renowned preacher, teacher, Duke University professor, activist and prophetic leader from South Africa, will lead a workshop for clergy May 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at First UMC, 1201 Lavaca, Austin.
The event is called “Gospel, Truth and Power: Preaching, Teaching and Leading in the Prophetic Tradition and Shaping Prophetic Congregations.”
The occasion provides a rare opportunity to learn from one who has walked in the fire of Caesar’s wrath and injustice to encounter the Jesus we are called to follow and to build new skills to transform the world.
Parking is available. Registration fee is $25, including lunch, and registration is essential. E-mail info@amoscommission.org, or call Cindy at (512) 478-5684.
Other event sponsors include Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas.

10th Jody Damron golf tourney set for April 14 at Lions course
The 10th Annual Jody Damron Northwest Hills United Methodist Men’s Golf Tournament will be April 14 at the Lions Municipal Golf Course in Austin. Everyone—including women and youths—is invited to play.

Austin District men’s quarterly meeting scheduled for May 12
All men are invited to the Austin District men’s quarterly meeting May 12 at Dripping Springs UMC. The purpose of the gathering is for men to grow in their relationship with the community.
Speakers will be Chaplain Mario Renteria and Chaplain Rick Randall of the Austin Police Department.
Dripping Springs UMC is at 28900 Ranch Road 12. Phone number is (512) 894-7123, and Web site link is http://www.dsumc.org.
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. We are making a special request for teddy bears for the Victim Services Unit of the Austin Police Department. These are for children of families in
crisis during domestic disputes.

Basic lay speaking course slated for April 21, 28 at St. Mark’s
A two-day “Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course” will be offered April 21 and April 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s UMC, 601 W. Braker Lane, Austin. Both days are required. Cost for the classes is $40.
The Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course focuses on the many ways lay speakers are called to be in ministry through such things as preaching, leading, teaching, serving, proclaiming the gospel, disciple-making, storytelling and growing through personal spiritual formation.
Completion of the basic course is required for Lay Speaker certification.
Please make check payable to Austin District Lay Speakers, and mail to Elley Morgan, ATTN: Austin District Lay Speaking, 8603 Brookfield Drive, Austin 78758-7201.
Should you have questions, contact Emmett Eary, coordinator, at (512) 251-2145 or Emmett.eary@sbcglobal.net.

District book group to discuss Elizabeth Gilbert work April 16
The District Professionals Book Group will meet April 16 at noon to discuss Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything across Italy, India, and Indonesia.
We will meet at the District Office to discuss this delightful travelogue of soul-searching and self-discov-ery. Bring a sack lunch.

Marriage Encounter weekend to help revitalize relationships
A Marriage Encounter-United Methodist Weekend is scheduled for April 20 to 22 in Austin. It is a 44-hour experience in deepening communication for married couples.
Marriage Encounter-United Methodist is affiliated with the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church.
This program lets couples spend a weekend in a hotel away from the distractions of home, job, children and other activities to rediscover each other. The program is designed to help couples with good marriages make them into great marriages.
The weekend will be at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, North Interstate 35 at U.S. 183 in north Austin. It begins at 8 p.m. April 20 and concludes at 4 p.m. April 22.
For more information contact Carl or Jan Dodd at (512) 468-0691.

District confirmation gathering to be April 29 in Manchaca
The Austin District is to offer “Confirmation: Whoop It Up” April 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Manchaca UMC.
All confirmands—those who have been confirmed and those who are in the confirmation process—are invited to join the celebration. It will include a barbecue picnic, fellowship and worship. R.S.V.P. for your group to amy@umcad.org by April 25.

April 29 Mission Haiti reception to include music, food, prayer
Join Susan Dubois and Loretta Loyd April 29 for music, fellowship and prayers in celebration of their teaching mission in Haiti, June 27 to July 6. The celebration will run from 2 to 5 p.m. at Stotts Hall in the McCord Community Center at Austin Presbyterian Seminary, 100 E. 27th St. Refreshments will be served, and Buffalo Grass will provide music. A love offering will be collected to benefit CONASPEH. A table will have Haitian handicrafts for sale. Funds raised will be returned to Haiti during the mission trip.