3 more Southwest Texas congregations earn welcoming certification

Three more churches joined the list of welcoming congregations during late September.
The Southwest Texas Conference now has 73 certified welcoming congregations. That’s the most of any conference in the United States.
In addition, First UMC, McAllen, renewed its certification Sept. 18 for a second straight year. Welcoming certification must be renewed annually.
New welcoming congregations are:
> First UMC, Elgin, Austin District, certified Sept. 18.
> Jefferson UMC, San Antonio District, certified Sept. 19.
> Oak Hill UMC, Austin District, certified Sept. 28.
The count of welcoming congregations by district now stands at Austin, 10; Corpus Christi, 8; Kerrville, 10; McAllen, 21; San Angelo, 6; San Antonio, 10; and Victoria, 8.
Lay Leader Jay Brim called on district lay leaders in June to help all current welcoming congregations renew their certifications this year. He challenged leaders to inspire at least half the remaining churches in their districts to be certified.
Granted by the General Commission on Communication, certification means a congregation has systematically evaluated its hospitality and intentionally embraced a lifestyle of welcoming newcomers.
The certification program is part of the denominationwide Igniting Ministry hospitality and image campaign. Certified congregations earn a plaque and a special designation in the “Find a church” database at www.unitedmethodist.org.
To earn certification, congregations must qualify for at least 100 points on a yearly checklist of welcoming activities. Checklists are available at www.ignitingministry.org.