Opportunities abound in district this spring, summer


Good things are happening!

Here are just a few reminders about several important things coming soon.
Ed Engleking from the Texas Methodist Foundation will be coming April 30 to First UMC, Weslaco, to present a districtwide seminar “Good Sense” for clergy families. Our hope is that clergy members will come to receive this training so that they, in turn, will be able to offer it in their churches.
This event is an excellent opportunity to learn a biblically sound process for faithful personal use of faith and money that you can share with your laity. The cost is $10 for materials. The seminar will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. First UMC, Weslaco, is preparing lunch for a $5 donation. Please make reservations with Linda Jewell at the District Office.
Pastors, if you are unable to attend, encourage key laypeople to come so that they will be able to lead this class in your church. We are lucky to have Ed come to our district to provide this very important training.
Also, please remember that our District Conference will be May 15 at 2:30 p.m. in Falfurrias. The Rev. Austin Frederick Jr. will be here from the Conference Office to lead us through a review of the issues that will be before us at annual conference.
Then Bishop Joel N. Martinez will be coming for our district confirmation retreat May 2 at Pharr UMC. It is important that every church with a confirmation class bring the class to this event. It is a great way to show your confirmation class what connectionalism looks like.
Don Nations came and met with 15 churches April 4-8, three a day for two hours each for five days. Pastors and laypeople have said that this time was excellent, and they received very helpful feedback from Don. Much of the work you have done is beginning to pay off.
Remember that your Welcoming Congregation certification is still needed before annual conference.
News flash! The showers in the south building at Camp Thicket have been tiled! Good things are happening throughout the district by the grace of God, and I am grateful to share this ministry with you.