October 9, 2009

Volume 156, Number 23

Children’s camps offer fun, knowledge, love


Children at the “late” 5th and 6th grade camp worship together. Leaders say the Southwest Texas Conference children’s camps are the first time some children have worshiped corporately outside of their churches.
Leaders say summer activities
help grow disciples at an early age

By Rachel L. Toalson
Managing Editor
The Rev. Leigh Gregg was looking for a nurse to take to the “late” third and fourth grade summer camp Aug. 16-19 when she got a call from a friend in Austin. Her friend told her a woman at her church wanted to go. This woman was a pediatric nurse.
So Gregg called the woman, introduced herself and found out the nurse was a daughter of a Methodist minister in the Texas Conference. Since Gregg spent her childhood connected with the Texas Conference, she asked the name of the nurse’s dad.
Turns out Gregg’s mom and the nurse’s mom were best friends. This month, Gregg will be going to spend time with her mother’s best friend, to learn more about her mother, who went into a mental hospital when Gregg was only 2.
“That’s awesome,” Gregg said, her voice wavering. “All because I did camp. Camping ministry changes people’s lives. It changes kids’ lives. It changes adults, it changes parents when they see their kids come back home.
“I love the fact that I get to do it.”
This year, the Southwest Texas Conference offered five children’s camps, two more than last year, said Linda Keen, director of leadership development for the conference.
By adding one new camp for each of the two age levels, Keen said the Council on Children’s Ministries, which sponsors the camps, took a leap of faith.
But about 300 participants came to the camps—more than any other year, said the Rev. Bill Duke, interim chair of the council and dean of the “early” third and fourth grade camp, which was June 14-17.
Gregg said her camp, although it was held the week before school started, still saw 27 campers.
This year’s camp theme was “Created in the Image of God.” Duke said it emphasized to the children that they are not a mistake, that they were created by God and that God has a purpose for them.
“I love to see that build up their self esteem and their spiritual faith,” Duke said. “That’s the anchor they all need as they go through the storms of life. To me, that’s new church development. That’s where hopefully, later down the road, if some child at camp hears a call from God, they will become ministers.
“For us to make an influence on children in their younger years, that becomes a long-lasting event in their lives. It nurtures disciplines from the very onset.”
Some of the kids at his camp had never been away from home until camp, Duke said. Some of them got homesick.
But they all stayed and learned a valuable lesson, he added.
“They know that they are created by God and that they are a child of God, no matter what they see or what somebody else may tell them,” Duke said. “Kids can be pretty cruel to each other. But these kids get to fall back on this: ‘Even if they say I’m too short or overweight and fat or wimpy, I’m still created in the image of God.’”
The Rev. Vivian Woods, who was camp director for the “early” third and fourth grade camp, said she believes the children’s camps give kids a better perspective of the spiritual.
“I really feel like a big part of what we do,” Woods said, “is to help them begin to get a grasp of our connection—that being a Christian is not just about being a Christian with the people in your building but that you are a Christian with others everywhere. It goes beyond their walls and beyond the conference. That, to me, is one of the most interesting things.
“It’s also the first time they’ve worshiped anywhere else, let alone spent the night anywhere else. They worship corporately. The faith goes beyond anything they’ve ever imagined.”
 they’re loved even when they mess up.”

Students at the “late” 3rd and 4th grade camp gather together for a picture at the Bolivian Cross at Mt. Wesley in Kerrville. Students worshiped at the cross during part of their stay at Mt. Wesley. Leaders said the kids get a picture of Methodist connectionalism through children’s summer camps.
Scholarships are an important part of the summer camps, Duke said.
“I can’t hold down the cost of camp,” he said. “And if there’s a household with multiple children, the cost could add up to close to $1,000, and you start thinking, ‘I ought to go on a cruise instead.’”
He said that donating to Advance Special 2021 helps kids get scholarship to go to camp. He would love to have more money to give, he added.
Keen agreed.
“Our successful camping ministry bears fruitful ministry really using only two things: money and people,” Keen said. “Each year requests for campership exceed available funds.”
Summer camps make a difference, Gregg said. She sees it in the stories she has to share.
Like the story of the little girl, who hardly said two words at camp but when given a certificate at her church for completing the camp “talked and talked about camp and how wonderful it was and how much fun she had and how everybody needs to go,” Gregg said.
Like the story of the three boys from Veribest UMC, where she served at one point in her career. She had known one of the boys well because of her time there and she saw him again at camp. Old friends of hers told her the boy grew an inch when he was presented with the certificate for attending camp.
Like the story of the adult counselor who helped out with the camp. She had met Gregg 12 years ago, when she herself had been a camper. She’s in college now and wanted to help out with the camp she credited to setting her on the right path, Gregg said.
“At camp, kids have an opportunity to be themselves in a very safe environment,” she said. “They’re away from family and away from the ‘this is who you are’ kind of thing they get at school and at home and even at church, as much as we want church to always be a safe place for them to be who they really are.
“When kids come to camp, they are not automatically put into this ‘this is who I am’ category. They can open up and experience what it’s like to have that unconditional love that’s expressed to them through the counselor and others who are working there. That’s always been my experience. It’s always been my goal, for the children to have time to be themselves and for them to know they’re loved even when they mess up.”



New life is springing up all throughout the conference

God is doing some amazing things through the churches and people of the Southwest Texas Conference and the San Antonio Area. People are being reached and disciples made. Many churches across our Area are growing. Many of our pastors continue to find new ways to serve ever more effectively. Leaders are emerging and being formed. Young people are responding to the invitation to consider God’s call into ministry. In short, a culture of growth is being created among us. We are Rethinking Church.

Where is God leading us? What does God expect of us? What are God’s dreams for us? These are questions that can and should be asked. These are questions that are being asked. We ask them of each other. God asks them of us all. They are just as appropriate for the Bishop and Cabinet as they are for the local church pastor and person in the pew. I believe that God is continually leading us forward into God’s desired future. I believe that God is expecting us to grow in accordance with the divine will. Does this sound difficult or too profound or too much trouble? Not at all. Sharing together in this journey is the joy, mystery and excitement of faith.

There are inspiring stories of new life in many places across our Area. Imagine No Malaria: a world-wide partnership that is committed to eradicating the killer disease of malaria from the continent of Africa by 2015. It’s doable, and we are a significant part of the effort. New communities of faith are emerging in the colonias of South Texas as local congregations are sending lay people to begin Bible studies and share the love of Christ. Many existing churches are becoming actively engaged in partnering in the process of starting new churches all across our Area. One church is starting its own system of developing laity as leaders who could lead to people moving on into ministry. The list of new and creative ministries taking place in the Area is too long to list here. However, we shall make every effort to keep you informed. You need to know what God is doing in our midst.

I believe that God is always asking us questions. Pastors, people and congregations are called to listen and respond. We are in motion, by the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Let’s keep growing in faith and discipleship. I look forward to what God has in store for us all.



Peace with Justice grant applications
due Nov. 1, to be awarded Nov. 15

By Wanda Holcombe
Southwest Texas Conference Peace with Justice Coordinator
It is time again to receive applications from any church in the Southwest Texas Conference that would like to receive funds to assist in the start up of a new justice ministry or assist the development of one already in being. A Peace with Justice Grants committee will review all applications and decisions about who will receive a grant will be made by Nov. 15. An individual grant request can be from $200 up to $1,000. A total of $3,000 will be awarded this year from the 50% of the 2008 offering retained in the conference for Peace with Justice ministries.

All applications are to be mailed to Wanda Holcombe by Nov. 1 at 14900 Yellowleaf Trail, Austin, TX 78728. Call or e-mail Wanda at (512) 619-3469 or wholcomb@umcswtx.org for an application format or download and print from the Peace with Justice portion of the conference Web site under OUTREACH: www.umcswtx.org/peace-with-justice.html.

In 2008, three churches received Peace with Justice grants from the 2007 offering:

*Faith UMC of Woodsboro received a Peace with Justice grant to “Go Green.”  They received funds to install two dishwashers and the Church Council pledged to ban disposable dinnerware and cups from being used on the campus.

Neal Haertig, Faith United’s lay leader, said, “We had cabinets full of china and silverware, yet we were buying all these disposable supplies for our church meals. It was really a waste.”

Scott Hewitt took the lead in applying for the grant.

“As treasurer, I saw us serving more than 1,000 meals a year on disposable dinnerware,” he said. “For the cost of a year’s worth of disposable dinnerware we could have purchased one of the dishwashers outright ourselves! That’s not to mention the many two-hour round trips our members made to purchase the dinnerware through the year. Think of the gas and pollution, on top of the problem we were creating by throwing all that foam dinnerware away.”

Faith UMC matched the grant with its pledge to ban foam dinnerware and to provide all the labor needed to install the dishwashers.
“Going Green” has touched every area of church life, leaders say. The before worship coffee time now uses the crockery coffee cups the church has had for years. Wednesday night Bible study now loads the washer after the meal and turns it on once the study’s over. The VBS leaders are meeting soon to consider purchasing sets of durable plates and cups for the children to use. The children’s ministry wants to be green as well.

Pastor Michael Mumme said, “Coming to the table in fellowship as a church family is part of our pattern of faith since Christ gathered the disciples at the table. Our fellowship is a sacred moment and shouldn’t cause harm to God’s creation. Going Green is just good stewardship.”

The Peace with Justice grant to “Go Green” fit perfectly along the lines of efforts Faith United had already taken to reduce its energy consumption by installing programmable thermostats, replacing inefficient air conditioning units with newer and more efficient models and installing ceiling fans in the sanctuary.

“We can keep it comfortable in the sanctuary now even with the thermostat set a few degrees higher,” said Sonny Tuttle, trustee chair. “And, in a year when energy costs went sky high and we had greater use of our facilities, our combined efforts resulted in only a 1-percent utility increase.”



UM Men national gathering held in Nashville



Pictured are men gathered for an impromptu photo between sessions of the 2009 National Gathering of United Methodist Men in Nashville. Top row, left to right: Paul Diehl, Ken Moyer, Jack Moncure (all from the Austin District). Middle row, left to right: Tommy Amerson (San Antonio District), Ralph Eckwall, Bob Reinhart (Austin District). Bottom row, left to right: Johnny Thompson, Ernie McClure (San Antonio District), Jim McComb (Austin District).
By Ernest R. McClure
For the past 36 years, United Methodist men from across the United States and other countries have met to share a common spiritual bond. These meetings were held on the campus of Purdue University in Lafayette, Ind. This year the gathering was held on the beautiful campus of Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. Although the number in attendance was down from the previous years, there was no loss in spirit. This year more than 1,270 men and young boys came together for a weekend of spiritual renewal. Among this number were 17 from the Southwest Texas Conference. Pictured in the accompanying photo are men from some of the districts gathered for an impromptu photo between sessions. The districts represented are: Austin, Corpus Christi, Kerrville, San Antonio and Victoria.

The theme was “Focus on the Cross.” All the music and the messages related to: Man to God, Man to Man, Man to Boy. The theme was emphasized throughout the weekend by a slate of outstanding speakers. Some of the speakers were Bishop Hee -Soo lung, Patrick Morley, Reginald Ponder, the Rev. Kevass Harding and Bishop William Morris. Music participants included Vince Gill, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame; Steve Hornbeak from the Tonight Show and Sheltered Reality; a percussion group of young people from across the country. They were joined by old time favorites Paul Saik and Richard Alegria as well as The Mighty Male Chorus from Newark, New Jersey. In addition to the outstanding and stimulating speeches and the heart rending music there were three workshops, 25 seminars and three outreach experiences. For those so inclined there were outdoor activities such as basketball, rock climbing, walking and jogging. The exhibits at “The Ministry Fair” had something for young and old alike.

The men left the weekend inspired and committed to:
  • call and equip other men to grow spiritually
  • encourage our local church groups to support the pastor through prayer and service
  • build a more biblically accountable men’s unit
  • focus on keeping young men in the church and leading them into Christian adulthood

A special thanks go to all those who supported the men through financial means for this event. Also the men of the San Antonio District and the St. Paul UMC men’s unit want to express their gratitude for their gracious financial support. It is our desire that more of our men from the conference and from our churches will attend the next gathering in 2013. We encourage our youth and our young men to become a vital part of this great movement.




Ethnic diversity in the Southwest
Texas Conference begins in 1859

This is the sixth of eight articles related
to the sesquicentennial celebration of the Southwest Texas Conference.
By Robert Sledg

The Rio Grande Mission Conference did not bear the name mission because it was considered a mission to another race. Rather, it received support from the church’s mission board as a frontier situation. But it had some elements of a mission conference—several ethnic identities were visible.

The white English-speaking southerners were the majority in 1859, with 999 full members, 340 probationers and 12 local preachers. While they set the tone of the conference, and dominated its leadership, other ethnic identities were very much present.

The most significant were the Germans, either immigrants, or children of immigrants, from the several German-speaking principalities in Central Europe (Germany did not exist as a nation until 1870). Both the Texas Conference and the Rio Grande Mission Conference had German-language districts. Three of the thirteen Rio Grande Conference members were German—Gustavus Elly, Frederick Vordenbaumen and August Engel, while August Tamke was a member on trial. The presiding elder of the New Braunfels German District, John Wesley DeVilbiss, had learned enough German to be able to preach in the language. While never numerous, the German Methodists were devoted members and often held leadership positions in the years following. Though the German district was disbanded in 1859, its appointments still held the ethnic designation—San Antonio, New Fountain, Fredericksburg, Llano Circuit and New Braunfels German Missions. The churches reported 258 full members, 37 probationers and one local preacher in 1859.

The African slaves were another interest. The M.E. Church, South believed that ministry to the slaves was its most significant mission outreach, one that no other denomination could perform. In several conferences, there were almost as many black members as white. In the South Carolina Conference, slaves were an actual majority of the membership. While that ratio could not be present in Texas, there were nevertheless 138 “colored” full members and 58 probationers …almost half of them on the Clinton Circuit and the Helena Circuit. Unlike the other parts of the slave domain, the Rio Grande Mission slave ministry was adjunct to the white appointments the first year. In 1859, the conference began to move toward appointments dedicated exclusively to the slave ministry when the “Guadalupe Colored Mission” appeared on the list. Conferences farther east had numerous appointments like that.

From the time of his first visit to Texas, Bishop Pierce had been especially eager to open a Spanish-language ministry. A few Mexicans had been converted at San Antonio, maybe elsewhere too, prior to the organization of the new conference. Pierce wrote in May, 1859 that “our true missionary field lies near us, and San Antonio is the place to begin. I hope, when I reach Goliad next November to hold the first session of the New Mission Conference, to be furnished with men and means to begin a Mexican mission.” Pierce’s appointments for 1859 included not only a San Antonio Mexican Mission but also a San Antonio River Mexican Mission, and a Laredo Mexican Mission, two of them left “to be supplied” with a pastor. In addition, there were appointments to several border towns, including El Paso, with the avowed intent of opening bilingual ministries. It was a start.

In some ways, all this was distinctively Texan. Geographer D.W. Meinig identified the “core area” of the Texas identity as the triangle bounded by Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Some of the Rio Grande Mission fell within that zone. The Texas identity, he further argued, developed out of the unusual amalgam of “four clearly identifiable traditions . . . Southern Anglo, Southern Black, Hispanic and European.” In this definition, the Rio Grande Mission Conference precisely embodied the heart of what it meant to be Texan.


San Antonio District news


Imagine a world with no malaria!

During my childhood, it was so interesting to hear the tales of the truck drivers who lived in our neighborhood - Especially Melitón, a fun man with a contagious laugh and a great story teller style. The best part was that he not only told stories about his trips to southern Mexico, but he also brought animals, fruits, foods, and clothing from the “exotic” lands he visited. I remember the monkey, the marta, and the iguana, animals that became part of our playground (the common yard for about 12 homes). I remember the sugar cane, the chocolate covered grasshoppers, the purple corn tortillas and the “queso de tuna” that we tasted.

After one trip to Chiapas, he returned with something that was not pleasant: malaria! The doctors in Monterrey took some time before they could diagnose what his problem was. Malaria was not a known illness in the Monterrey area.

I remember helping my aunt Haydee, who was the “nurse/doctor” of our neighborhood, helping his family take care of him. I remember the fever, the shivering even when it was 95 degrees that summer, the vomiting and his moans.

Meliton survived, but millions of human beings do not.

Malaria used to be found in parts of the southern United States. In 1947 there were 15,000 cases of malaria in the USA, but after a successful campaign to eradicate the disease, in 1950 there were only 2,000 cases and by 1951 there were no reported cases.

There has been no malaria in the USA, since then.

Imagine No Malaria is a campaign to continue with the battle against this disease. In 1947 someone imagined a USA with no malaria. It is our turn: Imagine a world with no Malaria!


Become a part of “Imagine No Malaria!”

Every 30 Seconds…
For you or me, a mosquito bite is a nuisance at most.  But for a mother or father in sub-Saharan Africa, a mosquito bite changes their world forever – it can take the life of their child.  We have within our power not only the ability to prevent transmission of this disease, but the medicines to effectively treat it.  Not a single child needs to lose their life to this disease.

Imagine No Malaria is our collective, comprehensive response to this pervasive disease.  The United Methodist Church has embraced the life-saving power of a bed net by partnering in “Nothing But Nets.”  A bed net can help to prevent malaria, but we know that more is now needed.  Without continuing education, one in two families will not consistently use their bed net, or will use it improperly.  Through Imagine No Malaria, we will train community health workers to provide that essential education to their own villages and neighbors.  We will also strengthen health delivery systems by equipping clinics and hospitals with effective treatments that can eliminate malaria as a major source of death and suffering in Africa.

As United Methodists, we are committed to a common mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  Imagine No Malaria is an outstanding opportunity to do just that.  Joining together, we can envision a world free of malaria and be an agent of change for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Africa.  You can be part of the solution.  Across the San Antonio District, United Methodists are joining the fight to eliminate malaria.  Please plan to attend one of the training sessions listed below to learn how YOUR CHURCH can be a part of Imagine No Malaria!

  • Thursday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at Pollard Memorial UMC
  • Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at Resurrection UMC
  • Wednesday, October 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at Helotes Hills UMC
  • Saturday, October 17th from 10 a.m. to noon at Oak Meadows UMC

For more information on the Imagine No Malaria initiative, or to RSVP for a training session, contact Terry McCandless, Program Director for the San Antonio District, at 210.408.4533.



Equipping leaders

Our “Equipping the Saints presents a Sacred Saturday” series for 2009, culminated in a great workshop on igniting the fires of spiritual passion and intentional faith development within the local church. Rev. Nancy McDougall and Rev. Linda Gwathmey, both ordained deacons in the Southwest Texas Annual Conference, spent a great day of learning and sharing with those in attendance. Attendees received new ideas, shared “tried-and-true” methods, and gained new insights on how to reach, teach, and witness in this post-modern world. For more information on this or other events within the San Antonio District, please contact Terry McCandless at the District Office. 


Lay Speakers training event

Each year, the San Antonio District Lay Speaking Ministries offers two opportunities for Basic Lay Speaker Training and at least one opportunity for Advanced Lay Speaker Training. Over sixty people, some of whom are teenagers, representing twenty local churches spent their entire Saturday training for leadership in the United Methodist Church. United Methodist Lay Speaking Ministries now offers a curriculum designed specifically for youth pursuing Lay Speaker training. As a District, we are committed to encouraging our younger members to take leadership roles in our churches and to consider God’s call upon their lives. Lay Speaker training for youth is a strong step in that direction and we intend to continue to encourage youth participation in all District leadership development opportunities. Who do you know in your congregation, youth or adult, who would benefit from the quality training that is offered through Lay Speaker Ministries? For more information, visit with your pastor or contact the District Coordinator of Lay Speaking Ministries, Ms. Patti Zaiontz.


Austin District news


No one knows it all do they?

Friday night lights draw school buses from stadium to stadium like migrating yellowtail butterflies.  Was that wet stuff rain?  People, it is fall! As first time teachers look a bit fatigued coming into church on Sunday morning, I am trying to learn something again myself.   Consider these words from the resurrection story in John’s gospel:

“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ Which means Teacher.”  John 20.16

This single verse suggests what happened the moment Jesus’ dear friend and disciple believed he was alive.  Mary thought he was dead and gone; and out of respect she went looking for his body.  Yet what we discover is that Jesus actually sought and found her, and called her by name.

Next, the story says, ‘she turned’, and in that turning her life was forever changed.  In that instant she knew in her heart that Jesus was alive and present.  I have long been captivated by a tiny detail in this text.  In that turning point in Mary’s life, and really in the history of the world, what does she call him:  Master?  Lord?  Savior?  None of these.  In that moment of Easter recognition Mary called him, “Rabbouni,” which means teacher.  

This strikes me as a powerful clue to who Jesus was and is for those who know him:  a teacher of God’s word, God’s way and God’s will.  Surely everyone who would follow Jesus should be willing to be his student, and we all have something to learn. This fall, as we get in step with marching bands, roar with crowds, cheer our teams, attend to students in and around our lives, I hope you will attend to one more thing.  Ask your Teacher what you most need to learn at this very point in your life.  I absolutely believe that if you ask, and you listen, you will hear your ‘name’. 

And I absolutely believe that if you place yourself in a learning community with other seekers you will find far more than facts.  You may well get a ‘turning’ and an Easter of your own.  Is this a guarantee?  Nope, it’s a gift. 


Austin District happenings

Imagine No Malaria challenge issued by children of Oak Hill UMC
Recently, Madison Wright, Olivia Hanna, and Luke Hanna, all children at Oak Hill UMC, set up a lemonade stand on their block.  The sign in front of the stand read, “We are donating half of our sales to buy a mosquito net to help save a family from malaria in Africa”. In one day they were able to buy four nets!

Inspired by their efforts, the SPROUTS at Oak Hill (kindergartners through Third Graders and their parents) are building a “Lemon-AID” stand that will be open for business at Oak Hill UMC on October 11. They plan to use it several times at Oak Hill, but their aspirations don’t end there!

The children of Oak Hill would like to challenge all the churches in the District to do something similar.  If your congregation would like to participate and you need help with set up, or you would like more information about Oak Hill’s traveling “Lemon-AID” stand, please contact Rev. Suzanne Steves at suzanne@oakhillumc.org or 512.288.3836.

Students welcome at fifth annual dodgeball tournament
Junior and Senior high students from across the District will gather on Sunday, October 25, 2009 for pizza, laughter, and a chance to dodge their opponents!  The fifth annual Dodgeball tournament will be held from 2-6 PM at the Austin Sports Center, 425 Woodward Street.

Students compete on teams in one of three catagories: 6-12th grade co-ed, middle school male, or high school male.  Teams are allowed up to eight players, but for those who are less competitively inclined—spectators are welcomed too! This year, the District Youth Professionals ask that all participants bring gently used clothing items to donate to a local United Methodist clothing closet.  (Men’s clothes are particularly needed!)  There will be prizes for the churches with the most donated clothing items brought to the tournament.  What a way to win the day!  Cost to each participant (including spectators) is $6 and includes pizza.  Forms are available through your local youth director or the District office and should be returned to Clay Smallwood at clay@tarrytownumc.org by midnight. October 18, 2009.


Victoria District news


Is your church A commissioned out-post of heaven?


I believe that the United Methodist Churches in the Southwest Texas Annual Conference are “Commissioned Outposts” of the Kingdom of God.  The churches are small outposts of heaven where people worship God and work to be the best people they can become.  Our places of Worship are where you can smell taste and feel the “presence of the Living God.”  There is no ranker or disputes.  The laity is a people who believe in Jesus Christ, and they follow the cross because they call Christ Savior.

The people of Southwest Texas believe him to be King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14). King of Peace (Hebrews 7:2). King of Righteousness (Hebrews 7:2). Light of the world (John 1:8; 8:12).Lord and Savior (2 Peter 1:11; 3:18). Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). Messenger of the covenant (Malachi 3:1). Messiah (Daniel 9:25; John 1:41).  Son of God (Luke 1:35; John 1:49). Way (John 14:6).  Wisdom (Proverbs 8:12).Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). Wonderful (Isaiah 9:6) Word (John 1:1; 1 John 5:7). Word of God (Revelation 19:13). Word of Life (1 John 1:1). And there are many more names that we call Jesus the Christ.

However, there are some churches that don’t seem to carry the banner of God in their churches, especially in their Staff Pastor Parish Meetings, in their Administrative Council Sessions, or in Sunday School Classes.

Finances personally and across the church are a source of fear and consternation.  The quality of ministry is always a topic of discussion.  Blame and death are waged on other laity, the pastor and the community at large.  And suddenly the Church ceases to become the church.  The Arch Angel of Heaven came one day and Decommissioned the church and nobody was aware that the angel was there.     When I think about how deeply troubled I have personally been at some church meetings I can start a flow of tears. 

Look at this! When a Hilton Hotel or Holiday Inn property becomes less than the quality that they set as standard - the national corporation will “De-commission the name of the parent brand”.  I believe that heaven itself has quietly decommissioned some of our churches. Those are the churches that don’t look like heaven.  They don’t sound like heaven.  There is no feeling of euphoria, and no fruits of the Spirit.  The decommissioning of the kingdoms property can be slow, and it can happen in a flash.

There is a way to keep the branding of heaven.  It is simple.  
1.    The people called United Methodist Must start to pray…
      a. Pray for the church, the people, the pastor, the children, and the unchurched….. When a church is known as a praying church     the money will come.  When a church is known as a church that visits and prays, people are healed.  
      b. When a church is known as a praying church things happen.  The smell becomes sweeter, the visible evidence of the Holy Spirit appears and the lives of people are transformed and the church grows numerically and spiritually.
      c. The people begin to have hope in themselves no matter who is in the White House or the Out-House.

When people pray verbal abuse lessens, men women and children start to sing whether they are good at it or not, when people pray….

One of the great fears of small membership churches is that they will be closed.  Well, if people pray, that fear is never warranted because it will be known as a House of Prayer.  Is your church a commissioned outpost for the Kingdom of Heaven?  Or has it quietly been de-commissioned and no one ever knew it.  Are you fighting at every meeting or are you rejoicing for the many things God has done.  As United Methodist we believe in the forgiveness of sins by grace through faith.  Isaiah 56: 7-8        “I will bring them also to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer….

because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.  For the Sovereign Lord, who brings back the outcasts of Israel, says:  I will bring others, too, besides my people Israel.”

I would wish that all the churches in United Methodist could be like the churches in Southwest Texas.  It is a place where Christ is incarnate in the world.  When the other churches look at our churches they don’t see the Rotary Club, the Lyons Club, Chamber of Commerce, they are seeing Christ.

You are the body of Christ. 


Twice Blessed Showroom brings blessings to all

The idea of the Twice Blessed Consignment Showroom was conceived by a few dedicated First United Methodist churchwomen in Victoria, TX.  They decided that if the women of the San Marcos Methodist Church could make a successful business out of consignment/resale shop....so could they. The San Marcos group became our mentor and inspiration. Our church agreed to hold a giant garage sale and donate the profits to Twice Blessed as seed money to help get the doors open.  When the showroom opened in April of 2005, it was sparsely decorated and only had a few items for sale.   Most of the items for sale were left over from the garage sale or donated by board members.   Business has certainly changed over the last 4 years.  Now the showroom is bulging in every direction and customers come streaming through the door.   The shop is open four and a half days a week and is completely managed volunteers.  There are thirteen women on the board who make all of the management decisions and each works at least one afternoon or morning each week.   There are approximately 35 other volunteers that help maintain the store and greet our loyal shoppers.  Since the inception of the showroom, we have accumulated approximately 11,232+ volunteer hours and contributed $43,851 to our church and community. 

A few years ago we decided that after we paid our consignees we would tithe 10% of our gross income to the church each month.  That was a real leap of faith for some of us since prior to that time there were some months when we barely made enough to pay our bills.  But after that decision was made our business began to boom and our income has increased significantly.   We also started conducting a few estate sales in our community.  The last family that we conducted an estate sale for contributed all of the proceeds to us to be used for charity. What a blessing!  Not only have monetary contributions been made to our church and community but we have given away merchandise to people in need.  Items have also been given to a variety of places such as victims of disasters, our women’s crisis center, local nursing home and Bibles to soldiers.  We are indeed Blessed.