April 10,  2009 Volume 155, Number 48 Leaders examine apportionment formula Expert educates group about different calculation methods, option By Rachel L. Toalson Managing Editor An expert on church finance met with Southwest Texas Conference leaders March 26 at University UMC, San Antonio, to discuss different apportionment formulas and how those formulas help fund ministries of the Church in a fair way. Don House, who chaired the general church’s task force when leaders decided to take another look at the way its apportionments were calculated, shared his expertise with about 50 people from around the conference. Bishop Jim Dorff said the meeting was scheduled after conference leaders noted some concerns about the current formula used to calculate apportionments. Dorff said the Rev. David Seilheimer, conference treasurer, who was unable to attend the meeting due to a bout with pneumonia, agreed that maybe it’s time to look at other options that exist. “It’s healthy to periodically look at what you’re doing,” House said at the beginning of the meeting. “As good stewards, we need to review what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.” House said two basic types of apportionment formulas exist: decimal and percentage. The Southwest Texas Conference currently uses the decimal formula. The old general church formula used the decimal formula. Membership, House said, was one-third of the formula and expenditures were two-thirds of it. The formula, he added, was traced back to the 1930s and was the model many annual conferences used for their own calculations. Churches were given “deductions” in the expenditures portion, House said. The deductions varied from conference to conference. Some conferences use a set number, such as 15 percent, to calculate apportionments, House said. The formula is what some call the “tithing formula.” “In the conferences that I looked at carefully, the tithing formula is a train wreck,” House said. “It has a great Biblical story behind it, but the Biblical story wasn’t written for a conference. It was written for a person. “When you use the tithing formula, you treat the churches as if they are all alike. For some of the smaller churches, it would cripple them. It would double or triple their apportionments. There are vast differences in churches, and you have to care for those differences.” The largest problem with the tithe formula, House said, is that it is unpredictable. But it’s also a major adjustment for larger churches and results in many members directing gifts away from the operating budget in order to decrease the amount that churches would have to “tithe” as an apportionment, he added. And most annual conferences cannot rely on just a flat 10-percent apportionment, he said. The first and most important step of developing a formula, House said, is understanding what is trying to be accomplished with the formula. “The process cannot just be about money collections,” House said. “You have to figure out the underlying philosophies—what is the philosophy that is driving the way we apportion local churches? “The magic of a perfect formula is that it apportions exactly what a church is willing and able to pay.” When looking at apportionment formulas, House said, leaders should take into account the differences between congregations if they want to avoid asking too little of the churches that can pay and asking too much of the churches that can’t pay. “When you’re in a large church with a very large budget, you face different kinds of competitions,” he said. “The kinds of things you have to do well are expensive. The things you have to provide—the ministries, the staff members, the music programs—to compete in this marketplace is very different than the things you would provide in a country church.” House said he does not recommend putting a cap, or maximum, on a rise in apportionments from one year to the next. “If the formula is a good formula, the church will be able to deal with the increases,” he said. “With maximums, you may have done something good for one church, but all the others have to pick that break up. There is a reason for the increase if the formula is a good one.” With any formula, House said, leaders do not want to stifle the growth of any churches. Dorff said members of CFA will be meeting and further exploring the possibility of changing the apportionment formula. He added that the conference would keep those who attended the meeting apprised of the situation through mailings or other communication. “We have a clear understanding among us all that we want to do the work of the Church,” Dorff said. “We need to figure out what it’s going to take to do the work and that the way we are sharing in that common ministry is fair and consistent.”

Sixth session officially ends urban ministry academy By Ralph Thompson Associate Southwest Texas Conference Lay Leader March 27 and 28 represented the official close of the Holy Boldness Urban Ministry Academy for the Southwest Texas and Rio Grande Conferences. As has been the tradition of the academy, the March 28 gathering gave church leaders opportunities to reveal their visions and action plans that are already reaping benefits and blessings for their members and in their mission fields. One by one, representatives of urban academy churches stood before their fellow participants and shared news of ministries, revitalized or refreshed congregations and renewed hope that have come as a result of their involvement in the two-year academy process. Relevant outreach ministries, social justice initiatives, stronger community presence, visitor-friendly worship, hospitable and welcoming church facilities and energized members were among the successes that academy churches reported. During the sixth and final session of the academy, Diane H. Johnson and the Rev. Cary Simonton of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries (which co-sponsored the Holy Boldness Urban Academy) facilitated discussions that encouraged and empowered the participating churches to continue to BOLDLY address the call to make disciples of Jesus Christ. On Saturday, Johnson shared opportunities for training, support, and funding available to congregations actively involved in efforts to reform or revitalize through ministry, education and leadership development. She stressed that the General Board of Global Ministries and other United Methodist Church agencies are particularly intentional about supporting ministries and programs that address the four focus areas adopted by the 2008 General Conference (planting new congregations and revitalizing existing ones, developing capable lay leadership, fighting poverty and stamping out global diseases). During the commissioning ceremony on Saturday Johnson stressed that the “sending forth” of the academy churches should not mark the end of fellowship and collaboration of the academy churches. She lauded the academy churches for their loyalty to the process and the passion with which they have applied the information and resources presented through the Holy Boldness Urban Academy. Accordingly, the Holy Boldness Design Team, led by the Rev. Kim Cape, executive director of New Church Development and Transformation for the Southwest Texas Conference, and the Rev. Cynthia Kepler-Karrer, will meet to discuss the format for continued Holy Boldness activities beginning later this year.

Bishop, Cabinet prayerfully considering appointments I must constantly remind myself to be sensitive to the needs of others. I suppose there is nothing new for anyone in that issue, but sometimes it’s more prominent in my thoughts and prayers than others. Maybe it’s the fact that the “appointive process” is in full swing. This time of year I am in constant prayer for our pastors, laity, churches and area. I’m also in constant prayer with our Cabinet. This time of year we prayerfully seek to determine the best way to deploy our clergy resources among our existing churches. We are also prayerfully seeking to determine the types and locations of new church starts in our conference. Who among us can lead those new faith communities? Our faithful responses in fulfilling these responsibilities are extremely important. We take all of this very seriously. The one thing we also seek to do is remember that we are appointing pastors and families to communities of God’s children. The work of the bishop and Cabinet this time of year is not institutional. Rather, it is deeply human. Our work is with people, not places. Our work is not only with buildings housing the faithful, but mission stations reaching out to a region. Making appointments is deeply personal in every respect. More importantly, it is deeply spiritual. In the process may we never cease to remind ourselves of the needs of others. May we never cease to take up the challenge of serving a deeply committed group of human beings, but for eternal purposes. In every appointment we make I pray that we will be sensitive to the needs of the pastors and churches. I also pray that we will be most sensitive to the needs of our Lord as he instructed us to “make disciples of all people.” It’s a challenge. It’s a privilege. It’s a joy!

McAllen District honors 53 individuals, 1 group during ceremony Mary Webber, member of First UMC, Laredo, was given the Bishop’s Exemplar award for the northern portion of the McAllen District. Denny Jewell, member of First UMC, San Benito, was given the Bishop’s Exemplar award for the southern portion of the McAllen District. Fifty-three individuals and one group were honored for their service to local churches March 28 and 29 during the McAllen District North and South laity celebrations. The McAllen District North laity banquet was held March 28 at First UMC, Alice. The South celebration was held March 29 at First UMC, Harlingen. Mary Webber, member of First UMC, Laredo, was given the Bishop’s Exemplar award for the northern portion of the district. Denny Jewell, member of First UMC, San Benito, was given the Bishop’s Exemplar award for the southern portion. Webber was honored for her work with the church worship committee and the program council. Jewell was honored for his work at the local, district and conference levels. Recipients of the District Superintendent’s ABCD award for service “above and beyond the call of duty” include Richard Thallman of First UMC, Kingsville, (the northern portion of the district) and Mary Catherine Edwards of First UMC, Donna (the southern portion). Others honored with laity awards include: First UMC, Alice—Judy Tiller First UMC, Brownsville—Bill Towers, Oscar Masso, Ken McCleary First UMC, Bruni—Timothy Cremar First UMC, Donna—Kim McFarland, Anna Tucker, Wayne Tucker First UMC, Edcouch—JoAnn Estep, Al Estep First UMC, Edinburg—Judy McClelland, Evelyn Hury, Amorey Plant First UMC, Falfurrias—Vanessa Curran First UMC, Freer—Beverly Little First UMC, Harlingen—Gil Paredez, Glenn Hill, Tracey Lassig Wesley UMC, Harlingen—Marlene Dugan, Earl Dugan First UMC, Hebbronville—Ken Hazard Christ UMC, Kingsville—Roger Custer, William Butler First UMC, Kingsville—Susan Wise, Blain Wise First UMC, La Feria—Virginia Harwell, Mike Harwell El Mesias UMC, Laredo—Juan Gustavo Barba Los Fresnos UMC—Bill Lipe, Henry Lipe First UMC, Lyford—Marie McGloughlin First UMC, McAllen—”The Tech Support Team” of Sonny Cavazos, Susan Geissler, Cody Gregg, James Kittleman, Margie McKenna, David Marroquin, Norma Marroquin, Nathan Olivarez, Chuck Potes, Ruth Walter St. Mark UMC, McAllen—Doris Goby Trinity UMC, McAllen—Joyce Dean, Dina Wilson First UMC, Mercedes—Jay Pendrak, Brynn Myers First UMC, Mission—Ed Visser, Rex Starkweather, Terry Harrison First UMC, Pharr—Rod Eley First UMC, Port Isabel—Karen Gillespie First UMC, Premont—Agnes Martinez First UMC, Raymondville—Carol Godwin, Robert Serna St. John UMC, Rio Grande City—Natalie Armendariz, Alonso Armendariz First UMC, Riviera—Linda Dunn First UMC, San Benito—Betty Powers, Fred Powers First UMC, San Juan—Darlene Warring First UMC, Weslaco—Barbara Kendall First UMC, Zapata—Elaine Bruns, Sylvia Cope

Passion for ministry evident at celebration Virgilio Vazquez-Garza San Antonio District Superintendent The imaginative ministries and the passion for ministry were evident during the San Antonio District Celebration at Laurel Heights UMC. What a wonderful witness! I was moved by the great variety and scope of the ministries that were mentioned during the celebration. The four emphases of The United Methodist Church were well represented that night: developing principled Christian leaders, congregational development, ministry with the poor and improving health globally. It was a marvelous testimony of the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst. The women, men, young people and children of The United Methodist Church doing ministry in the San Antonio District showed us, that night, how to live faithfully, creatively do ministry with and for a world that seems to wander without a clear sense of direction. I am convinced that the people who attended the District celebration left that event with a renewed sense of optimism. It is obvious that we are in ministry and that the Holy Spirit is moving within and through our congregations. What a wonderful testimony of the work of the Holy Spirit we had. May our congregations continue to be anointed and used in our Conference. District leadership workshop to be offered April 18 “Leadership” is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot lately. Just what is it, really? What are the qualities that make a good leader?  Did you know that the foundation of good leadership is provided for us in scripture? If you haven’t already made plans to attend, please strongly consider attending the “Leadership in the Wesleyan Tradition” workshop being offered by the San Antonio District April 18 at Oak Meadow UMC. R. L. Bramble, a member at Aldersgate UMC and a recognized expert on leadership development, will share with attendees how the scriptures inform leadership and what makes a good leader.  The Rev. Suzanne Isaacs and the Rev. Mickey McCandless will expand on that scriptural foundation and share with us how John Wesley’s perspective on leadership and spiritual formation can set the standard for leadership in our churches beyond. There is no charge to attend the workshop. However, in order to have adequate materials, please register to attend by calling Terry McCandless at the District Office. On-line registration is available or you may fax or e-mail your registration. P/SPRC members meet March 14 for training event Patti Chebultz shares with P/SPRC members March 14. On March 14, Northern Hills UMC hosted the San Antonio District training event for Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee members. Led by District Superintendent, the Rev. Virgilio Vazquez-Garza, those in attendance learned of the important role the P/SPRC plays in the smooth operation of their churches. Vazquez-Garza stressed that the role of the committee is one of support and consultation as they act as the ears of the pastor and as human resources representatives when they work with the pastor to meet the staffing needs of churches. Patti Chebultz, a member of the Southwest Texas Conference staff, provided valuable information regarding the necessary forms and reports that each church must complete and turn in every year prior to  the Annual Conference session. She was especially helpful in guiding the group through completion of the Pastor’s Compensation Report. The District offers P/SPRC training every year and will be offering it again in the spring of 2010.  However, leaders are available to answer questions, or connect you with who can, at any time throughout the year. Confirmation celebration to happen April 25 at Windcrest UMC Bishop Jim Dorff, District Superintendent Virgilio Vazquez-Garza and members of the San Antonio District of The United Methodist Church rejoice in confirmands’ response to God’s call on their lives. If you or your child have been or will soon be confirmed, you, your family and friends are cordially invited to attend a joyful and lively worship service celebrating your personal commitment to Christ. Beginning at 10 a.m. April 25 at Windcrest UMC, Dorff will preside over a yoking ceremony and service of Holy Communion. For additional information or to register your attendance or the attendance of your Confirmand(s), please contact Terry McCandless at the San Antonio District Office. Campus Ministries banquet to be May 8 One of the initiatives of the Southwest Texas Conference is to encourage and support the development of young leaders in the church. United Methodist Campus Ministries has been about that very business for many years and continues to offer a place of safety, exploration and learning for students at the various college campuses within the San Antonio area. On May 8, at 6 p.m., UMCM’s spring banquet, hosted by Laurel Heights UMC, San Antonio, will showcase the variety of activities and ministries provided by UMCM, and scholarships will be awarded.  United Methodists within the San Antonio District area are cordially invited to attend with special invitations extended to district youth ministers, graduating seniors and to United Methodist Women. Tickets for the meal, catered by Acadiana Café, are $7 for high school seniors and college students and $15 for other supporters. Tickets are available by calling (210) 733-1441 and speaking to Diane Davis or the Rev. John Feagins. R.S.V.P.s will be accepted for payment at the door.

Community shows its hospitable side Chris Rickwartz, youth minister for First UMC, McKinney, is interviewed by Laredo’s local television station. Twenty-six youths and adults from First UMC, McKinney, visited Laredo for a Spring Break mission trip. While there, students built a wall around a neighborhood. Visitors to Laredo, Texas, see kindness of Texas, not violence in Mexico By Rachel L. Toalson Managing Editor The community of Laredo is a tightly-knit one. Residents look out for each other, wave to one another on the streets, said the Rev. Peter Aguilar, pastor of First UMC, Laredo. They help out when one is in need. And when someone does something for them, gives them something they need, the residents of Laredo give right back. A group of youths from First UMC, McKinney, visited the town for a recent mission trip, and Aguilar said they built a large wall around a struggling neighborhood that needed a security wall. While the youth were building, people who lived in the neighborhood would bring them ice chests full of water. One of the families even brought out a huge pot of menudo and enough bowls and spoons for the 26 mission workers. “That’s what it’s all about,” Aguilar said. “When you come to Laredo, you will experience hospitality and the development of relationships. And that’s what the Gospel is all about.” Aguilar said some mission groups have evaded Laredo because it shares a border with Mexico. In light of the recent violence in Mexico related to drug cartels, some are concerned about safety in Laredo, he said. “One of the first questions people will ask is, ‘How safe is it?’” Aguilar said. “That’s a valid question. People get the impression from the media that there’s random mayhem everywhere. But the truth is, Laredo is extremely vigilant in the capturing and imprisoning of criminals and keeping the environment safe for its residents. “Can I guarantee safety? No. Not anymore than I can guarantee safety in people’s own neighborhoods. But it’s more dangerous in Washington, D.C., than in Laredo, Texas.” Mission groups have been canceling trips to Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Rio Bravo, Progresso and Matamoros in Mexico because of all the events. Laredo, he said, would be a great alternative. It seemed so for Chris Rickwartz, youth minister at First UMC, McKinney, who was looking to take his high school students on a Spring Break mission trip. In past years, he said, they had gone to Juarez to work on homes. “Because of the violence in the city, at the last minute we decided we weren’t going,” he said. “Being from the Dallas area, I initially thought we could go to Galveston, help with hurricane cleanup, but it was full. The UMCOR office there referred us to Laredo.” His students, he said, were disappointed at first. “Initially, when they moved from building houses for people who are living in cardboard boxes to building a wall in Laredo, they were disappointed,” he said. “They wondered what the purpose of it was.” But after mission trip devotionals on Jonah—how God called Jonah to a place he didn’t want to go—and interviews by reporters from the local television station and newspaper and visits from city council members, the students felt “pretty good about the work they did there,” Rickwartz said. In addition to the wall, he said they did some repair work and some yard work at the Holding Institute, a building that houses mission teams when they come to the area. Aguilar said he and city council members identified some of the poorest areas of Laredo—out where the colonias are—and that’s where the youth worked. For mission teams interested in visiting Laredo rather than Mexico, his church has a facility with a large commercial kitchen and areas for groups to bed down. Groups can stay in the facility on a love offering basis, he added. “People were going to Mexico, and now that’s no longer an option immediately,” Aguilar said. “That has given us the opportunity to establish relationships with the councilmen to begin looking at what it would take to build block houses and repair the homes of people who need it.” He added that the Laredo Habitat for Humanity is always looking for people to help with building projects around the city. Rickwartz said he will probably bring his junior high group back to Laredo in the future. “It’s a city that’s really beautiful, but it feels like they’re ashamed about all the stuff that’s going on,” he said. “They want people to see the good side of Laredo. “It was cool for us to be there. We were not afraid to be there. We’re not afraid of the city.” To schedule a mission trip to Laredo, contact Susan Hellums, volunteer in mission for the Southwest Texas Conference, at shellums@mcfirst.com. San Antonio District honors 23 individuals, 9 groups during banquet Steve Schuetze, member of Bracken UMC, accepts the Bishop’s Exemplar award for 2009. Thirty-three individuals and nine groups were honored for their service to local churches during the San Antonio District laity celebration banquet March 24 at Laurel Heights UMC, San Antonio. Steve Schuetze, member of Bracken UMC, was given the Bishop’s Exemplar award. Don Miller a member of La Vernia UMC, was presented with the Ted Caravantes Christian Service award. The UMW Valentine’s Hearts, a group at Floresville UMC, was given the District Superintendent’s New Ventures in Ministry award for small churches (those with a membership of less than 400). Refugee Ministry, a group from University UMC, San Antonio, was given the New Ventures in Ministry award for large churches. Ricky Bundick, a member of Alamo UMC, San Antonio, was given the District Superintendent Youth Ventures in Ministry award for small churches. Usk8 Ministry of University UMC, San Antonio, and Crystal Wilson of Schertz UMC were given the Youth Ventures in Ministry award for large churches. Others nominated for the Ted Caravantes Christian Service award include: Kristie Crisp—Floresville UMC. Chris and Lynn Domangue—Bracken UMC. Trudy Lonsberry—Schertz UMC. Charlie and Laurie Miller—Coker UMC, San Antonio. Pete and Joanie Petersen—Alamo UMC, San Antonio. Rose Pirie—Resurrection UMC. Nancy Ridenhour—Oak Meadow UMC. Sy and Betty Syvertson—Universal City UMC. Johnnie L.R. Thompson—St. Paul UMC. Other groups nominated for the New Ventures in Ministry award for large churches include: Carol Dukes—La Vernia UMC. Coker Men’s Ministry—Coker UMC, San Antonio. Dinner and a Movie Ministry Team—Universal City UMC. Faith in Action—Schertz UMC. Senior Adult Games Day—Windcrest UMC. United Methodist Men—Bracken UMC. Others nominated for the Youth Ventures in Ministry award for small churches include: Dillon Condra—Floresville UMC. Lindsey Fees—Resurrection UMC. Others nominated for the Youth Ventures in Ministry award for large churches include: Clayton Jenks and Maloree Kendall—Coker UMC, San Antonio. Douglas Lewis and Lorenzo Flores—La Vernia UMC. Faith and Alyssa Namendorff—Bracken UMC. Others nominated for the Bishop’s Exemplar award include: Lillian Cooper—Floresville UMC. Charles Dukes—La Vernia UMC. Ross and Pat Hoover—Schertz UMC. Tom Kinkead—Alamo UMC, San Antonio. Hellen Lawrence—Resurrection UMC. David Wagoner—Universal City UMC. Barbara Ford Young—St. Paul UMC. Turn off technology to spend meaningful time with the Master Rusty Freeman Director of Youth Ministires, Southwest Texas Conference Tweet this. It’s rather funny, me talking badly about technology, me turning off my iPhone or computer. But that’s what I am doing now. Turning it off to reconnect with the One who created me. I learned today about Twitter. I learned that it’s like a “micro-blog” or a “140 character mini-message (called a tweet) sent to a group of followers on a Web site at www.twitter.com.” I learned that it’s a chance to update my “status” or to answer the question “What am I doing?”—and get a response from the potentially millions of other online people who, at the same time, are posting the answer to the same question. And it took me about two hours to finally turn it off and get down to what I needed to be doing when I first begin my day—opening my Bible and begin “tweeting” with God. And so after a few hours of tweeting I mustered enough willpower to close the lid on the computer (which of course is again now open) and pull out my journal, pen and Bible and fight the urge not to check my cell phone or “you’ve got mail” emerging from my AOL account on my Mac. I found it difficult to shut off the technology in order to spend time with the Master. However, I sense it’s important for us (young people especially) to realize the importance of turning off technology. The old days included only radios and televisions—but today it’s computers, smart phones, bloggs, tweets (again, that’s a Twitter message), Xboxes, Wiis, and a dozen other things that capture our mind and keep our attention. But in the midst of it all, God says, “Be still, I am here, stop it—spend time with me.” Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:18 that those who “fast in secret” will be rewarded. Yet who has time to fast, or pray, with new Apps to download from the Apple Store? If all we do is techno “junk” then when do we connect face-to-face with others—not to mention God? I found it difficult to shut the lid on my array of Internet “urgencies,” only to realize they really aren’t so urgent. Sure it’s fun to text, to blog, to tweet, to Facebook, to browse—but it’s really not that meaningful. I mean, not when you bring God into the equation. What I think is urgent only neglects my soul. What I think is demanding is the human longing for acceptance. What I propose is necessary is solitude with the Creator. The one who established my needs, formed my heart and nourishes my soul. Where is God in the mix of all my technological yearnings? A God who says, “Stop and listen. Be still and quiet. Turn off the technology, for just a bit, and turn to Me. Remember the One who made you, the One who fulfills you, the One who satisfies your soul.” Ok, I think I get it. My Twitter account is probably not going in the trash, electronically speaking, but it will be put on hold until I first spend time with the Lord. And after I spend time with God perhaps I might open it up and just tell you how it went. I am encouraged, fearless because of people I serve By the Rev. Terrence Hayes Victoria District Superintendent The people of the Victoria District believe in the PROVIDENCE OF GOD. They know that God is in charge! “And we know that God works in everything for the good of those who love him and are called according to his plan.” Romans 8:28  Today when people are concerned about losing their jobs, their homes, their way of life and their identity, the pastors and congregations of Victoria project self-confidence, enthusiasm, and visionary leadership! They emulate God’s Providence. These churches teach me every day that remembrance of the Easter season is not just once a year.  If your faith needs a boost, come and breathe the air of confidence in any Victoria church. Bathe in the music, whether it be contemporary, standard or good old Southern Gospel. Feel the preaching of our clergy and lay speakers. Bloomington UMC gives use of its parsonage to a single parent grandmother. The person does not pay rent but contributes to the church. Members have also adopted the local high school band. First UMC, Columbus is working with the St. Paul Columbus church reaching out to high-risk youth. Pastor Robert Waddle started with one member at the St. Stephens Church; they now have 30. Recently the church joined First UMC, Schulenburg to sponsor an event for 200 teens. Travel to Altair and worship with the Wesley Chapel family, where they plan to march into their new church building debt free. Go to Eagle Lake and Lehrer Memorial, where they “sainted” their pastor, Ardith Nelson, who is working to bring Terry Tyke into the Conference to study prayer. No matter who you are or what your station is in this life, if you go to First UMC, Edna; Scruggs Chapel, or First UMC, El Campo, you will  have someone pray for you. Radical hospitality is something that you will not starve for in the El Campo church or the Flatonia congregations.  If you do not want to be hugged, don’t go to Ganado or Louise UMC.   First UMC, Gonzales will feed you stew and corn bread by its lay leader, and St. Paul UMC, El Campo will lead you to heaven with its music and spirit.  Richardson Brown/Johnson Chapel and Hope UMC bake desserts that the angels descend to eat after the passionate worship. If you want to see splendor, go the Monthalia UMC, where the sky meets the ground and farmers and ranchers sit atop their tractors preparing for Sunday school.Palacios is working toward an independent living facility and shares a Wesley Nurse with Point Comfort and Lolita. We are not fearful of loss in the Victoria District. We believe in God and that “intentional faith development”comes by way of the faith Community.  Go to Port Lavaca and feel the infectious singing. Go to Rock Island UMC and hear Pastor Jerry Greak, say “PRAISE GOD, ALL THE TIME, AND ALL THE TIME PRAISE GOD!” Pastor Greak is a professional fence builder. He has doubled the membership of the church. Steve Purdy feels that you must take risks in order to advance the Kingdom of God. One Sunday Seguin UMC  closed its doors and several hundred people went to the street to do ministry instead of holding typical Sunday service. Perhaps this is extravagant generosity.  We believe in the PROVIDENCE OF GOD. We believe that God is in charge and we step out on faith every day; fearless! Confirmation retreat discusses how to ‘Become a 5-star Christian” This year’s confirmation retreat was held at Cathedral Oaks just south of Weimar, Texas. The confirmands came from a variety of churches of the Victoria District. Boys and girls from Seguin to Columbus gathered to learn what it means to “Become A 5-Star Christian.” Friday and Saturday were filled with workshops covering the five areas of prayer, presence, gifts, service and witness. As the students progressed they received different colored stars in every workshop until they reached the total of five stars just before the yoking ceremony. Following a catered BBQ lunch for the friends and families of the confirmands, the participants were yoked in a special ceremony. The Rev. Terrence Hayes, District Superintendent of the Victoria District, blessed the teenagers and presented to each participant an olive wood cross from the Holy Land. Other highlights were meals from a real chuck wagon and worship with Mark Swayze of University UMC, San Antonio. A special thanks goes to all the volunteers and youth workers, chaperones and parents who made this event possible. Victoria District happenings Eagle Lake UMC hosts luncheons benefiting food pantry Mondays during Lent, Eagle Lake UMC hosts Lenten Luncheons to benefit the local food pantry. The event features group singing and guest speakers. Various community congregations prepare the soups and desserts. Eagle Lake UMC furnishes the cold cuts, bread, cornbread and tea for the luncheons.  The observance of Lenten Luncheons is in its 13th year. Victoria churches combine efforts to assist hurricane victims Many communities along the Gulf Coast continue to rebuild homes, churches and lives in the aftermath of several hurricanes. In October, the Rev. Marilyn Roeder of First UMC, Victoria, visited Trinity UMC in Buras, Louisiana. Buras is a small community that was submerged by 23 feet of Katrina’s floodwaters that stood stagnant for many weeks. The  Rev. Gene M. Faurie, pastor of Trinity UMC, shared that after more than three years since Katrina, residents of Buras feel forgotten.    Buras is more than an hour and a half drive from New Orleans and no housing is available there for volunteers. In more than three years, little has been repaired in the community. Sitting on rusty metal folding chairs, Trinity UMC’s congregation has worshipped under a covered a breezeway where the church once stood.  But Faurie has a vision--a vision to give volunteers a place to stay so the town can be rebuilt.   So, members of Trinity UMC are building a bunkhouse even before they complete their worship facility. It will provide housing for about 25 volunteers on twin-size beds. Two Victoria churches, First UMC and Christ the Victor Lutheran Church, collected about 63 sets of twin sheets, 34 blankets and 33 mattress pads. On Feb. 13, First UMC members Nancy Farris, Phyllis Fissel, Cliff Kunkel and Roeder delivered the goods to Trinity UMC in Buras. ‘This week in God...’ (No kidding.) By the Rev. Bobbi Kaye Jones Austin District Superintendent “This week in God” is one of my favorite segments in one of my favorite shows. Just wondering:  how would you produce a Holy Week segment of “This week in God?” That show is comedy, and we tell ourselves we are more serious in church….but I hope you know that even early Christians saw the resurrection story as an incredible joke – as in hoax, but as “the joke’s on you, death.” Playwright Eugene O’Neill could help us understand the humor. In 1927 he wrote a play about someone else whose tomb was opened: “Lazarus Laughed.” Not too successful. It closed the same week it opened on Broadway. Perhaps it was better theology than theater. Basically the play picks up where the Bible story leaves off.  Earlier in Jesus’ ministry his dear friend Lazarus died after a brief illness. After Lazarus has been buried three days, Jesus calls him out of his tomb and Lazarus emerges, still wrapped in his grave cloths. Much to the joy of his sisters, the amazement of the townspeople and the dismay of the Roman authorities!  Lazarus pretty much laughs nonstop after that. This annoys people, important people, and he is threatened with death, again, if he doesn’t stop laughing. But O’Neill’s Lazarus laughs even more saying, “There is no death, really. There is only life…only God…only incredible joy. There is nothing to fear in the next realm. The grave is open, as a doorway is open. A portal through which we move into greater and finer life. There is nothing to fear.”  Can you imagine a life in which there is nothing to fear? I fear it is fear that drives much of the world’s suffering and pain. Fear of death, for some, but others fear not having enough, not being enough, not getting enough, not saving enough, not keeping enough. Enough land, security, food, oil, power, control, certainty. Fear closes hearts, minds, doors.  Fear closes hands.  Fear closes tombs.  Fearful people believe they may be alright if they can just contain it.  Whatever it is. Nail it down, fence it in, get it in line. There is nothing wrong with order in this world, the church, our lives. Order is a gift. Fear is a thief. In Matthews’s story of the resurrection, Jesus’ first words are “Do not be afraid.”  Happy Easter, my friends. Christ is free and roaming at large in the world. Will Willimon says, “Jesus is loose.” He’s on the loose in order to loosen us, to open every tomb we find ourselves in. He wants us to live faces forward and fearless, laughing our way into greater and finer life. Austin District happenings Austin District Conference to convene May 17 at First UMC The Austin District Conference will convene May 17 at First UMC, Austin, 1201 Lavaca St. The meeting will begin at 4 p.m. for the Austin District Board of Missions. Voting membership consists of one lay person (Missions Board representative elected at charge conference) and the pastor-in-charge from each church.  Members at-large are the district lay leader, district UMW president, district UMM president, district superintendent and the executive committee.  At 5 p.m. the District Conference starts. Voting members are the lay and clergy delegates to  the Annual Conference session. Pastors, please inform your lay delegates of this meeting. District UM Men encourage you to ‘Send a Man to Pray’ The Upper Room Prayer Center and the Austin District UM Men are teaming up to support each other by asking men’s groups and/or their churches to pledge toward sending a man to pray. The Upper Room Prayer Center is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by Christian volunteers. People call and ask for prayers and the person is prayed for. Then the prayer is sent on to covenant prayer groups to continue the prayer. Those whohave participated in this ministry have mentioned how tremendously blessed they were for having participated in answering the lines. In order to send a man to pray the men’s group or their churches pledge $100 or more toward the effort. The pledges collected will be split evenly between the scholarship fund and the prayer line. This activity serves two purposes. It provides volunteers to answer the phone lines and provides funding through the pledges. To the scholarship fund it gives scholarships for camps and retreats for both Scouting and UMYF for qualifying youth. This is to take place at Wesley UMC, Austin, May 16 and will be in conjunction with the regular men’s quarterly meeting that takes place from 7:30 to 10 a.m. with breakfast at 8. The prayer line portion will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The volunteers will be provided instruction and a simple guideline on how to answer and report the prayer. Wesley UMC is located at 1160 San Bernard, Austin, TX 78702. Notify Jack Moncure at jmoncure@austin.rr.com that you are sending a man to pray. If you need further clarification on the scholarship fund, please contact Ken Moyer at KenMoyer@austin.rr.com.If you need more information regarding the Upper Room Prayer Center please contact Dave Sidney at dsidney@aceweb.com. Learn new skills at Job Seekers Forum April 15 and 25 in Austin St. John’s UMC will sponsor a job forum April 16 and 23. Men and women are invited. Ken Murdock, a member of First UMC, Austin, and the owner of a recruiting firm, will give two 45-minute presentations on the best strategy for marketing oneself to a potential employer. The first session will be April 16 and will include an intro and tips for effective resume writing.  On April 23, interview skills and negotiation tactics will be covered. There will also be opportunities for networking and individual coaching. Each session runs from 6 to 7:20 p.m. in the chapel at St. John ’s.  There is no cost, and refreshments will be provided. Reservations are required.  Please contact Mike Renquist at (512) 663-9868 or mgrenquist@sbcglobal.net or call the church at (512) 452-5737. God’s thing, God’s time, God’s people, God’s reason Five children’s summer camps and three weekday ministries conferences are set for summer 2009 in the Southwest Texas Conference. “It’s a lot of work, and well worth it because we’re developing the spiritual lives of our children and nurturing continuing education for workers with children,” said Misti Mueller, Children’s Council leader. “Our children are the church of tomorrow, and we will be in good hands due to the efforts of these adult leaders.” Five Summer Children’s Camps are scheduled in anticipation of more children than ever. “We’re taking a leap of faith that we are doing the right thing at the right time for the right people for the right reasons,” said Camp Team Leader the Rev. Bill Duke of First UMC, Beeville. Duke invites adults who wish to serve as camp leaders with children to contact him or any of the deans. Camp fees can be complimentary for leaders. Other deans are the Rev. Leigh Gregg, First UMC, Menard; the Rev. Valerie Sansing, Covenant UMC, Austin; the Rev. Jason Adams, Asbury UMC, Corpus Christi; and the Rev. Ron Welborn, LaFeria UMC. All five camps are offered at Mount Wesley Conference Center, with age levels based on the grade entering in fall: 3rd/4th Grade Camps will be held June 14-17 and Aug 16-19. 5th/6th Grade Camps will be held June 21-25 and July 5-9. Music, Art and Drama (M.A.D.) Camp is July 28-Aug 1. Three Weekday Ministries Conferences offer continuing education with emphasis on Christian learning and values for volunteer or paid workers with children in churches with programs for Mothers’ Day Out, day care and weekday preschool. The conference welcomes child care workers from other Christian denominations as well as Christian care givers who work in secular day care facilities throughout south and west Texas. Team Leader Marcy Williams said her team expects registration to top out at 400 for the central venue at Windcrest UMC, San Antonio, July 25. At the south and north venues at First UMC, Kingsville, Aug. 1, and Sierra Vista UMC, San Angelo, Aug. 8, respectively, she said she expects about 100 participants.