| December 11, 2009
Volume 156, Number 32
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| United Methodists begin season of waiting
 The Rev. Ray Altman, an associate pastor at First UMC, Kerrville, preaches about the
Advent season. Churches across the Southwest Texas Conference began the Advent
season with series starts, special events and the lighting of the Advent candles.
By Rachel L. Toalson
Managing Editor
The Rev. Ray Altman, an associate pastor at First UMC, Kerrville, welcomed his contemporary service congregation to the season of waiting expectantly” during the first Sunday of Advent Nov. 30.
Wes Jones, a youth minister at Coker UMC, San Antonio, challenged his students to consider what they’re waiting for during a service for youth and their parents the evening of the same day.
Last week, churches all across the Southwest Texas Conference marked the Advent season with series starts,special events and the lighting of the Advent candles that sit near many of their altars.
Advent is a four-week liturgical season that prepares Christians for the birth of Christ. The Advent season marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical calendar and proclaims the coming of Christ.
Advent is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming.” Many conference leaders say Advent is a time of reparation and penitence. The season ends on Christmas Day.
The Rev. Laura Becker, pastor of First UMC, Goliad, said the season represents something special.
“It means I’m in training for the ‘waiting marathon,’” she said. “It means that I intentionally take slower steps, breathe deeper and keep looking up.”
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| Methodist Mission Home helps a couple’s dream come true
 Melissa and Keith Ford pause for a picture with their son, Brody. The Fords adopted Brody from Methodist Misison Home in 2005.
The Fords spent a lot of time researching open adoption. Their family also had questions about what “open adoption” meant exactly. “I think many people see it as ‘co-parenting,’ but it’s really nothing like that at all,” Melissa Ford said. “We had to educate our own families about all these things.”
Methodist Mission Home (MMH) Adoption Services Director Helen Huff says in an open adoption, the birth mother places her child with a family she has chosen. Once a “match” has been made, a Cooperative Plan is completed by both the birth mother and the adoptive parents. This Cooperative
Plan is a contract that is based on trust between the adoptive parents and birth mother.
“This document serves as a guideline that maps out future Melissa and Keith Ford pause for a picture with their son, Brody. The Fords adopted Brody from Methodist Misison Home in 2005. Brody Ford poses for a picture. He was adopted by Melissa and Keith Ford through Methodist Mission Home. contact between the birth mother, adoptive parents, and adoptee,” Huff said. “In most cases, the birth mother will want yearly updates and photos. In some cases, she may want some contact throughout the child’s life. In other cases, the birth mother may not want any contact at all. It depends on the comfort level of all parties. However, MMH educates adoptive families about open adoption.”
When the Fords found MMH in 2005 while searching for adoption agencies in Texas, they were pleasantly surprised when they learned it was less than a mile from their home.
“We immediately loved MMH—the staff, the program, everything,” Melissa Ford said. “At first we had questions about whether to adopt overseas or domestic. After attending an Adoption Information Seminar (AIS) at MMH, we decided that domestic was right for us.”
Soon after, a birth mother told MMH adoption counselors that she had seen the Ford’s family profile and was interested in choosing them as the adoptive family..
“Our first meeting was very short,” Melissa Ford said. “The birth mom was very emotional and couldn’t stay very long. I think that was the first time the reality of her decision really hit her. Our counselor called to assure us that her tears were only because
she liked us so much, and she wanted to know if we would adopt her baby boy.”
Thrilled and a little overwhelmed, the Fords met with the birth mother during the two months prior to the birth. The birth mother even invited Melissa to escort her to her doctor’s appointments.
“It meant a lot that she invited me,” Melissa said. “We really wanted to know her. From the talks we had at the doctor’s office, I learned things about her that we didn’t get from the paperwork. Now I can tell our son about his birth mom.”
 Brody Ford poses for a picture. He was adopted by Melissa and Keith Ford
through Methodist Mission Home.
“I started a baby book for him after we first met his birth mom and his adoption story is in there, along with pictures and his bracelet from the hospital,” Melissa said. “He likes to look through the book and talk about it all.”
Melissa says the best thing for a couple to do if they are looking into adoption is to do a lot of research before starting the process. This includes reading a lot of adoption books and passing the information on to the rest of the family who also might have questions.
“Clearing up misconceptions is the first big hurdle,” Melissa said. “Then you realize it’s not as hard as you think it’s going to be.”
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| A happy celebration of the birth of Jesus
¡Feliz Navidad! Is the normal greeting as Christmas gets closer and closer, for those who use Spanish as their language. Feliz means happy and Navidad is a little more complicated. It comes from the Latin adjective “natalis” or “natale” and the adjective is related to the verb “nascior (to be born).” In Spanish one is not born, like in English, the verb actually means that one bears one self. I know it is hard to understand from the English perspective, but it makes perfect sense in Spanish. Anyway, “Feliz Navidad”
means “happy celebration of the birth.”
Sadly, the roots of the word have little to do with the season that is near us. Navidad seems to mean Santa Claus, shopping, getting drunk at “Fiestas (parties) de Navidad.” May you have a Feliz Navidad as the roots of the word intended. A happy remembrance and celebration of the birth of a child who was born to bring salvation to a complicated, convoluted, world that can be wonderful and beautiful, as well as terrible and destructive. Jesus was born to bring good news to all people.
May you have a Feliz Navidad and may you be reborn during this season. In the midst of commercialization and secularization, may Jesus fill your hearts and souls with the joy and peace that was so evident with the shepherds in Bethlehem.
PS please be gentle with Carl Rohlfs. Treat him as well as you treated me, if not better.
¡Feliz Navidad!
From Acacia and Virgilio
Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee Training set
The San Antonio District’s “Equipping the Saints” is excited to bring you the first Sacred Saturday of 2010! Our new District Superintendent, the Rev. Carl Rohlfs, will lead the workshop that will provide training for local church Pastor/Staff Parish Relations
Committee chairpersons and members.
While specifically designed to train newly elected members of the local church P/SPRC, all persons interested in the “who, what,
when, where and how” of the P/SPRC are invited and urged to take advantage of the event. St. Matthew’s UMC, 2738 Bitters Road, will host the Sacred Saturday on January 23, 2010. Sign-in will begin at 8:30 a.m.; the session will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end by
12:00 noon.
“Equipping the Saints” is a leadership development opportunity offered by the San Antonio District through the San Antonio District Council on Ministries. There is no charge to attend and your participation is encouraged. Pre-registration, by phone, fax, or e-mail, is requested in order to assure adequate materials for all in attendance. For questions or to register, please contact Terry Mc-Candless at the District Office.
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| 750 parishioners go home barefoot after pastor challenges them to leave shoes on the altar
 More than 750 pairs of shoes were collected from parishioners at Unviversity UMC, San Antonio, when Senior Pastor
Charles Anderson challenged them to give their shoes away to Christian Assistance Ministry.
Managing Editor
The night before his Sunday sermon, the Rev. Charles Anderson, senior pastor of University UMC, San Antonio, got an e-mail that afforded him the perfect challenge for his parishioners.
He immediately called Adam Knight, outreach pastor at the church who was preaching at the contemporary service the following morning, and told him his idea. “He told me he was preaching on what it means to be a blessing and that he thought his idea would be a great way for our congregation to live into our missional calling,” Knight said. “I loved it.”
So that Sunday, during every worship service at University UMC, Knight and Anderson told parishioners that Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM) was in dire need of shoes. After taking off their own shoes, Knight and Anderson challenged every person in the building to leave their shoes on the altar. Seven hundred fifty did.
 Outreach pastor at University UMC, San Antonio, says leaders’ challenge to
leave shoes on the altar opened up parishioners’ eyes to the different ways of
giving--like that it’s not just about emptying a wallet.
CAM is an ecumenical, nonprofit charitable corporation that provides temporary and immediate assistance to people in crisis situation while still enabling those in need to step toward independence.
A friend of his told Knight he sat in his chair thinking, “I’m not going to give away my good boots. I’ll go home and get some shoes and bring them back.” His friend left his boots, though, saying since he’d immediately thought that, it probably meant he really needed to give them away.
One lady asked him if CAM would be willing to take her high heels. When Knight said he didn’t know, she left them on the altar, just in case.
“I think this showed a lot of people how lucky we really are,” Knight said. “I’d say 75 to 80 percent of people who attend University could give away the shoes they were wearing Sunday morning and then go buy another pair just like it.
“It gave people the opportunity to see that generosity comes in lots of ways, shapes and forms. We always need to be ready to be generous, and it won’t always be emptying our wallets. Sometimes it will be the shoes on our feet. I think it made people enjoy
the act of giving.”
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| Conference youth ministry creates ‘culture of call’ for all students
For 10 summers now in conference youth ministry we have been very intentional about giving students the opportunity to say “yes”
to a call to full-time ministry. It’s not just been happening at conference youth camps but in our local churches and youth groups as well.
Sometimes it is helpful to take a look back and see where just a few of those students are today. Here’s a very quick glimpse of some of those people who are helping create a culture of call.
Conner Strickland: our newest youth director. Since he was 12 years old, Conner has been attending Southwest Texas Conference youth events and has been an active member at Bethany UMC, Austin. He has participated in the Servant Team for three years and now attends Abilene Christian University. Just this month he accepted a parttime weekend position as the youth director at Bronte UMC in the San Angelo District.
Wes Cain: our newest seminary student. Like Connor, Wes grew up in the conference youth ministry. With a home church in Burnet, and near completion of his studies at Texas Lutheran University, Wes is on his way to attend Princeton Theological Seminary in the spring. Wes felt a call on his life more than eight years ago and is following God’s call to full-time ministry.
Lizzie Wright: our standout Duke Seminary student. Lizzie grew up in the Austin District and is the daughter of the Rev. Barbara Ruth, Corpus Christi District superintendent and the Rev. John Wright, pastor of Grace UMC, Corpus Christi. Lizzie is in her second year at Duke Seminary. In the past she was involved in the Conference Council on Youth Ministries, Oak Hill UMC youth group and other conference and district events. Lizzie is pursuing a call she received from the Lord many years ago. She is not only representing Christ but our conference as she pursues a Masters of Divinity degree.
Matt Pennington: our youth director turned pastor. I first got to know Matt when he was an intern at First UMC, San Marcos and attending Texas State University. Since that time, Matt married, had a child, and moved to Kentucky to attend Asbury Theological Seminary. He has been deeply involved in conference youth ministry, directing several camps and Midwinters, and is hoping to return next June to receive an appointment as a pastor in the Southwest Texas Conference. Matt continues to say “yes” to God’s
call on his life.
Bryan Rogers: our successful hill country youth director. When I met Bryan, he was a young high school student living in Corpus
Christi. The son of the Rev. BJ Rogers, former pastor in our conference, Bryan was active on CCYM as the chaplain and then
president, and discovered his call at conference youth camps and retreats. Bryan explored that call for several years while he attended Texas A&M University, and just this year accepted a position to serve as the youth director at Fredericksburg UMC.
If space permitted, I would continue by telling you about many others like Missy Allen Jenson, Ray Altman, Mark Montgomery, Walt
Lengel, Brent Phillips, Jake Leblanc, Kelsye Mire and Phil Hoeflinger, who have recently walked through doors and are responding to God’s call on their life. I am so blessed that we as a conference have created a culture of call. A culture by which young people hear, respond and act upon the movement of God’s Holy Spirit in their lives. A culture that is raising up young pastors to carry forth the torch of Jesus Christ to a restless and waiting world.
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| Peace with Justice grants awarded to four churches in conference
It is an honor to report that the Peace with Justice Grants committee reviewed all applications submitted and recommended that four churches receive funds from the 2008 Peace with Justice Offering.
A total of $3,500 will be awarded this year from 50 percent of the 2008 offering retained in the Southwest Texas Conference for Peace with Justice ministries. Your congregation can still help others receive PwJ Grants in 2010 by donating to the PwJ Offering through the conference treasurer by the end of 2009.
Grant applications are still open for congregations interested in adding a Peace Pole to their landscape. Information can be found on the PwJ Web site: www.peacewithjustice-texas.org or contact Wanda Holcombe, Peace with Justice Coordinator, at wholcomb@umcswtx.org or (512) 619-3469. 2009 Peace with Justice grants will go to:
First UMC, Boerne—Lifeline Ministry
As the body of Christ, the mission of Lifeline Ministry is to call each member of our congregation into ministry by identifying their Godgiven gifts in order to use these gifts to serve families in need. We will seek to build a sustained, personal relationship with each Lifeline family as we grow in Christ together. As the relationships develop, their needs will be identified and the Congregational Resource Team will help provide such care as needed, including prayer, tutoring, legal counseling, car/home repair, financial counseling, babysitting, transportation, sitting with the family in worship, etc.; as a part of the Christ-centered relationship with our adopted families, we will seek to help them find their God-given gifts and talents to give back to the church and the community, thus growing them into disciples.
First UMC Laredo—Brewing Justice, Eco Tree
We will be undertaking a project to save the planet one cup at a time. First UMC, Laredo, is committed to becoming stewards of
all temporal things related to the church, recognizing that in this economically challenged time we must conserve our monies in any way possible, and it is our responsibility to seek meaning of the Gospel in all issues that divide people and threaten the growth of the world community. We have installed two dishwashers and purchased dinnerware to serve 100 people—to convert to durable dinnerware for all church functions involving a meal. We will create a wooden Brewing Justice Eco Tree to house crockery and cups for each member and guest, plus serve Fair Trade Coffee. We will also implement the use of recycling bins throughout
the facility and appoint an ad hoc committee of the Ministries Council to investigate the feasibility of other “Save the Planet/Go Green” projects for FUMC.
Simpson UMC—The Journey Home—Change the Home, Change the Cycle
Our vision is to assist women offenders at the Del Valle Travis County Correctional Facility transition from an institutional mentality
to one that is capable of living in a free community for an infinite length of time. Of the incarcerated females 48 percent of the women are reported to have been physically and sexually abused and 27 percent are reported to have been raped. About 40 percent of women in state prisons were employed full time prior to arrest. Statistics also show that 58 percent of incarcerated
women will recidivate within three years and 39 percent within one year. Our mission is to provide women with 365 days of guidance and referral services. The ministry is designed to empower women by helping them achieve independence, help reconnect with their families and develop good healthy, wholesome, relationships with their children. This ministry will include the training of six Navigators/Leaders for 100 participants of the Del Valle Travis County Correctional Facility’s PRIDE (People Recognizing the Inherent Dignity of Everyone) Program for Women. This will be in collaboration with Simpson UMC, Church Women United and Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
Bethany UMC—Organic Community Garden Ministry
Our Organic Community Garden Ministry seeks to be good stewards of God’s earth by teaching sustainable, organic gardening practices to our congregation and community and providing high quality, locally grown produce to needy members of our community. Our ministry seeks to construct a garden on our church grounds, which will allow a group of people to share the expense and work of installing and maintaining an organic garden. Our goal is to provide quality low-cost produce to people who need it and provide a model organic garden for growing fresh, organic produce at reduced cost. The community garden will be used as a laboratory to teach participants organic gardening techniques. It also has the potential to have an impact on our community beyond the fences of the original garden as participants learn enough to construct gardens of their own, provide a model of care for the community and share caring methods with others in need.
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| Fortune fortunately still favors the bold
In the Victoria District we are tired of the mediocre. We would like to be a part of a United Methodist Movement that challenges the world! We want this delightful annual conference to stand up for God and Evangelize and we want to do it in creative ways that can still be spiritual and uplifting. The whole of the Victoria District are “out of the box people!”
Quote me on this! The numbers in United Methodism are falling because we are not bold enough to ask people to come to church. Ask people and they will come! Every adversity, every failure, and every heartbreak carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit! [Napoleon Hill] Be willing to risk rejection for Christ!
Look at some of the dull events we put on. Listen to how bad the music is in some of our churches. Suppose we went out of our way to create an event that was so exciting and compelling that people would sacrifice time and money to come? Could we plan a world class youth event with movie stars and country western singers, and rap? What would draw you out with excitement? We have people with name- recognition. We have men and women in this annual conference that have passion and genius in all occupations! Difficulties exist to be surmounted! [Ralph Waldo Emerson] Our churches would flourish with some calculated risks.
Suppose we invited a number of world class, innovative, entrepreneurs to a United Methodist Men or joint United Methodist Women/Men’s event to help us market our image and create a brand that would be appealing to younger people. Could we ask Mr. Red McCombs for advice in marketing instead of asking for his money? Ask Mr. McCombs to speak about how the United Methodist Church can encourage and leverage communities for the good of the community. Very few of us can only imagine the Global success of Mr. Zachary. Instead of asking for his money, let’s ask for his advice. Teach us how to fish Mr. Zachary! Maybe
instead of boring “break out” sessions, we can create the JIM DORFF INSTITUTE of Phenomenal Growth.
In ‘rethinking church’ what is it that ignites your heart?
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| Traditions; Time Honored and New at Staples UMC!
Over the river and through the woods to Staples UMC they came! Advent arrived with great rejoicing as over a hundred folks from five rural United Methodist Churches gathered for the Fifth Sunday Hymn Sing at Staples UMC Nov. 29.
Last March that Rev. Don Duvall of Martindale lifted up his birthday wish, asking that four little churches nestled along the San Marcos River (Martindale, Fentress, Prairie Lea, and Staples) to gather on the Fifth Sunday for a good “Old Fashioned Hymn Sing.”
Now this time of rejoicing and fellowship has picked up Kingsbury UMC and grown into Fifth Sunday Celebration with some New Fashioned twists. With an Advent theme, Staples Lay Leader and Children’s Ministry Director Teri Werlein and the Rev. Vanessa LeVine shared the honors of hosting the evenings praise service, but it was the work of the music team and the children that really made it shine!
Last winter Staples UMC entered a Covenant to be very intentional to make sure the youth are part of all of their “traditions.” So, as the community streamed in, it was the children who greeted folks at the door and when Staples closed the service Andrea Munk age 13, Catherine Wood age 11 and Emily Wood age 9 were right up front leading the singing. Staples Sacred Music Director, Cyndi Rollings, says that she is just trying to carry on a family tradition to be part of making new traditions. Cyndi is a United Methodist Preachers Kid who watched life in the church from the unique prospective of riding the circuit with her father, the
Rev. Jesse Long.
Rev. LeVine notes that it is a special blessing for the congregation to be enabled to vision with someone who has seen church in so many different settings. Cyndi has an acute awareness that the church needs to strive for a balance in keeping time honored traditions while allowing new generations to establish their own. “The ‘good ole days’ stuff connects the generations, but if the younger members don’t feel like they can start anything new they get the idea that there really isn’t a place for them at church.” With three daughters, Cyndi is in tune with our need to encourage younger members to notice where the Holy Spirit is moving in their lives and to allow them room enough to follow and express their praise of God.
Over the last couple of years, Cyndi Rollings and Mary Alice Webster have played guitar together while encouraging several of the youth to play along with them. They call their open praise team simply PFC, Praise For Christ.
Youth members Kelsey Rollings, Rebecca Elam and Matthew Werlein have all played with them at one time or another. This past year Mary Alice’s sister, Marci Anne Roy added her talents on the piano to the joyful noise made at Staples UMC for several special services. For the Advent Hymn Sing Cyndi developed a closing medley with something for everyone.
She has a keen ear for what the kids in her community are listening to, so she pulled in the country tune “Me and God” after hearing Josh Turner’s hit on the radio. Staples UMC may not have droves of youth right now, but since looking for ways the church can engage youth is an intentional part of all that this tiny fellowship does the future looks bright!
The next Fifth Sunday Hymn Sing will be hosted at Kingsbury UMC on January 31st. Since it has been noted that it only takes a park to get a fire going, we can imagine that the youth of the Kingsbury UMC Congregation will be participating in this New Fashioned Tradition, as well!
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| Austin District news Remembering Psalm 33 for Advent
In one week David and I leave for Spain. For the first time in more than 30 years, we won’t be working Christmas Eve. As a clergy couple, we knew getting married on December 23 guaranteed an annual Clash of Celebrations. With December 24 following so quickly on the heels of the 23rd – every year! - we sometimes missed our anniversary altogether. Eventually we adopted the habit of dinner on the 22nd and a lazy morning on the 23rd and then BACK TO WORK!
All those candles to count, musicians to rehearse, ‘stables’ to make ready for those we know are coming, and particularly for those who have not yet imagined themselves in church. But they will come, modern day shepherds, to see if it is true.
As a pastor, I dearly love Christmas Eve. But this year David and I celebrate 20 years of marriage. And I am particularly celebrating. As a woman who has been divorced, I am reminded as I read Psalm 33 of the misguided intentions and misshapen behaviors that mark us, as individuals and as nations. Looking over my shoulder, I see the waters of my own life collected and gathered
by God’s (re)creating hand. Refashioned. Repoured. Regifted.
One deep power of Advent is the resilient return of hope, year after year. This year, the modern day shepherds with whom we will flock to Christmas Eve will speak and sing in Spanish. Although someone else will have counted them, you can count on this – I will be lighting a candle for the Austin District and for the faithful folks who are readying the stable once again.
Loving God, I thank you for your faithful love upon us, O God, as once again we place all hope in you. This time, this year, may what you are creating in us, Blessed Beloved, hold its shape and shape more firmly Your hold upon our lives. Amen
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 Austin District United Methodist Women reorganized the unit at Kyle United Methodist Church on Sunday,
November 1. Kyle United Methodist Women joins nearly 1,000,000 other members worldwide. Together United
Methodist Women members raise
approximately $20 million a year for programs and projects related
to women, children and youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world.
The Austin District’s administrative training event, Rethink Leadership (formerly the My Job Workshop), is set for January 30, 2010 from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Westlake UMC. Experts will offer workshops in leadership development with special attention to the United Methodist Church’s four areas of focus. Doors open at 9:00 AM for refreshments and fellowship, followed by a brief plenary session with District Superintendent Bobbi Kaye Jones. Guests will then be able to choose from one of ten workshop oportunities. Presenters include Melissa Wiginton, Vice President for ministry programs and planning at the Fund for Theological Education; Mike Renquist, consultant and trainer in leadership development, human potential and personal communications; and Gina Campbell of the Center for Family Process. There will also be introductory workshops for newly appointed members of administrative committees such as Staff/Pastor Parish Relations, Trustees, and Finance. The event is free and childcare is available. Please contact the District office by January 12, 2010 to request childcare. Publicity packets are available electronically through the District office. To request one, or for more information, contact admin@umcad.org or call (512) 444-1983.
District welcomes new staff member to the Austin District
Next time you call or visit the District office, please welcome Michelle Packer, our new program assistant. Michelle works with Director of Congregational Excellence Rachel Wright to plan and promote all of the events of the Austin. While Rachel is away on maternity leave (beginning Dec. 11), Michelle will serve as your point of contact for programs, events and committees relating to the Austin District program office. We are grateful to have Michelle! Please contact Michelle Packer at admin@umcad.org or 512-444-1983.
Mark your calendars for Malaria
We’re ready to celebrate the good work and the lives saved because the Austin District continues to pilot a successful campaign for Imagine No Malaria. April 25, 2010 is World Malaria Day and the Austin District plans to party! Mark your calendars for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. Details will follow in the next issue of the Witness and in our regular District Announcements.
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| Hunger has many faces in communities throughout Southwest Texas
By Howard Hartman
Conference Hunger Coordinator
The face of hunger can be seen each Tuesday and Thursday morning at First UMC, Austin. Two mornings each week, First Church members and representatives of 11 other congregations of various denominations, serve breakfast to as many as 450 men, women and children. The number served has been on the rise over the last months as the economy has declined. More people are forced to rely upon extra help to make it in these difficult economic times.
David Nicastro has been a regular First Church, Austin, volunteer for the breakfast program called “Feed My People.” Feed My People is a partial recipient of the 2009 Harvest Sunday offering.
“It all starts at 5 a.m. when the volunteers arrive to open the building and begin the food preparation,” Nicastro said. “Even at that early hour, hungry people are lined up to find shelter from the night and for the food to be served from 6 to 6:45. We serve until the food has run out.”
In addition to the breakfast, showers, clothing distribution, haircuts and eye exams and eyeglass referrals are made for the Right to Sight Clinic, also housed at First Church, Austin. Volunteers work directly with those in need to provide bus passes, help in securing birth certificates and ID cards.
Across the Southwest Texas Conference, congregations are being called upon to find ways to help the poor. Many of our congregations house food pantries or cooperate with other congregations in supporting direct food assistance to those in need. Teams of United Methodist volunteers assist the various food banks serving within our conference boundaries; these are based in Austin, Corpus Christi, Houston, McAllen, San Angelo and San Antonio.
A small but growing number of United Methodists are part of vegetable and fruit gleaning programs. These programs are particularly found in the Valley and outside of San Antonio. Volunteers go into the fields or orchards to harvest produce. Others participate in community garden programs that share a portion of their produce with people in need.
A significant number of our communities are involved in supporting their local CROP Hunger Walk. These community-based events raise funds for local hunger ministries and for international needs. The Austin CROP Hunger Walk is the fifth largest in the
nation. This is a unique event as the first in the nation to offer two days to complete their walk—Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon. Now the San Antonio CROP Hunger Walk will be offered over two days. Both Austin and San Antonio CROP Hunger Walks will be held on March 7 and 8.
Serving the poor is a major focus of United Methodist outreach. Resources for assisting your congregation in finding existing or developing effective ministries to assist hungry people in your own community are available from the Conference Hunger Coordinator, Howard Hartman. He can be reached at (888) 297-2767.
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| First UMC, Johnson City begins live nativity
First UMC, Johnson City’s traditional re-enactment of the birth of the Christ child began performances Dec. 4 at the church. Brit and Katy Odiorne will be Joseph and Mary that weekend, with newborn Reese in as Baby Jesus. The Living Nativity Christmas pageant is almost 50 years old. The baby Reese will be a third-generation Odiorne performer; grand-daddy Jim was one of the early organizers. The free shows are every half-hour from 6 until 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12. Other features of the outdoor pageant include live animal performers—petting permitted between shows—a display of more than 100 nativity sets from around the world and free refreshments.
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