| August 14, 2009
Volume 156, Number 15
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| Youths commit to ‘rebuilding the wall’
Summer camps urge students to
join God’s movement around them
 High school students at River Camp worshiped together every evening and then listened to a teaching from Nehemiah.
Managing Editor
In the corner of the worship space, a world map lay covered in rocks that marked places where students felt called to spread the word of God.
In the center of the area lay a makeshift wooden cross, where many of those students had fallen, humbled and broken, to pray for their world, their churches, their place in it all.
And just removed from it all sat leaders, praying over, embracing, rejoicing with students who had responded to God’s call to leadership in The United Methodist Church.
It was an emotionally charged night for high school students at River Camp July 15, but nearly every Southwest Texas Conference summer camp had seen a night like it, said the Rev. Rusty Freeman, conference youth ministries director.
“The number of young people responding was off the charts,” he said. “More than 85 accepted Christ, and 50 affirmed either a new or existing call to ministry. But above all that, God showed up and spoke to the youth in a strong way about being a part of the ‘movement of spreading the Gospel to the nations.’”
This year’s theme, Freeman said, was Rethink Church: Rebuilding the Walls, which focused on the “call for renewal and redemption in the church of today.”
 The Rev. Rusty Freeman baptizes a student in the river at one of his summer camps. Students joined in prayer, singing and celebration on the bank of the river.
“And mostly it called us forth to join God’s movement in spreading the Gospel to those around us.”
Attendance for this year’s camps, including My Mission, was up near 750 participants, Freeman said.
Shadia Rezaie, one of Freeman’s summer interns, said the response this year was “phenomenal” at every camp, but she said the students really felt a connection at River Camp, which was held at H.E. Butt Foundation Camp in Leakey, Texas.
“Because there are no distractions,” she said. “We’re away from everything. “We don’t have cell phone service. Kids aren’t distracted talking to their moms and their dads or their boyfriends and girlfriends.
“Overall, though, I would say the kids felt a deeper connection with God this year than they did last year.”
Freeman said the conference camps are not the typical “only have fun” summer camps.
“Our camps are a center for God’s presence to come alive,” he said. “We are not ashamed to invite the Holy Spirit to dwell with us, change us and call us forth into the mission or Christ. We have a culture of call at all our summer events, which helps engage young people with Jesus Christ and the church. Our summers are looking less like your traditional ‘church camp’ and more like the old-time tent revival meetings.
“And on that note—I believe revival is breaking forth. Our students and leaders are no longer satisfied with a mediocre spiritual life. They want more, and that dependence falls upon the person of Christ.”
Freeman said the significant increase in the number of participants in summer camps suggests a growing thirst in students to become who Jesus calls them to be.
“It also indicates the fruitfulness of this ministry—not what I do—but what God is allowing us to do through His power,” he said. “I still believe there is no greater force in the church than when young people come together and get fired up for the things of God. Not only does it bless our communities but it begins a revolution that can help change the face of the earth.”
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| Early ‘societies’ gathered in homes, schools, barns
This is the fourth of eight articles related to the
sesquicentennial celebration of the
Southwest Texas Conference.
By Robert Sledge
The connectional nature of the Rio Grande Mission in 1859 was best expressed in the quarterly conference. Each presiding elder’s district had only a few pastoral charges; San Antonio, the largest, had eight. But each charge might have as many as a dozen “societies”—congregations, preaching places. Many societies did not have a church building, but gathered in homes, barns, schoolhouses, courthouses, brush arbors, or businesses for worship. Most were not in towns, but in rural neighborhoods, frequently centered around a campground on a creek—water, wood, and grass.
There were no parsonages recorded in the first year, though there may have been a few. Sometimes, if a society could erect a church building, a small space at the back of the structure might be made into quarters for the pastor. Nehemiah Cravens described his new church in 1850 as “a building 60 feet long; 20 feet wide, ten feet cut off for bedroom and study for the preacher.” Usually, the circuit pastor was away from his home base most of the time anyway, putting up in the spare room of one of his members, or relying on the hospitality of an isolated settler, or simply sleeping in the open.
Although it may seem that the presiding elders had little to do, they actually were busy men. Each charge met four times a year for what was called “quarterly conference.” The presiding elder could publish the schedule for “the quarterly conference round” in the Texas Christian Advocate by noting the name of the charge and the location of the host society. One or another of the societies on the circuit hosted the meeting, at which time the society and the pastor explained to the presiding elder what progress they had made over the preceding three months. We call this accountability today; they called it discipline. The societies of the charge rotated as hosts of the quarterly conference. The stewards of the circuit collected what offerings they could from the members and brought the proceeds to the quarterly conference, where it was dispensed to the P.C. (pastor in charge) and the P.E. (presiding elder) according to formula. The payment was called “quarterage” and constituted their salaries for the quarter.
Worship services were intensely evangelistic. Texas was a “field ripe unto harvest” since the vast majority of Anglo Texans was unchurched. Preaching was aimed at conversion rather than maintenance. The minister always took a text of scripture as his point of departure and went from there. Often the service would ring with a shouted “Amen” or a “Praise God” or something unintelligible. These were “shouting Methodists,” a practice that continued to near the end of the century. If one was converted at a service, he or she could be admitted to the congregation as a probationary member. A service might last for two hours, most of it preaching and prayer and singing. There was a prescribed liturgy but it was seldom followed. As might be guessed from above, an offering was not part of the service. Stewards collected funds for salaries and building upkeep, but the pastors were personally responsible for collecting funds for missions, higher administration, and the like – what we call today “apportionments.” They were held publicly to account for this at annual conference time.
There were a few Sunday school classes for children, but none for adults. Women might teach the children’s classes, but were allowed no other official role. In some cases, however, a society might wink at this rule. The spiritual growth of adults was entrusted to the “class meetings,” each led by a designated layman. Here the church promoted Bible study, personal sharing, and internal discipline. The class leaders were honored officials of the church, and made their reports regularly to the quarterly conferences.
Official membership of the quarterly conference was to be made up of (a) the presiding elder, (b) the pastor in charge, (c) the stewards of the several societies on the charge, (d) the class leaders, and (e) the “local preachers,” men who had been tested and certified to preach in the absence of the pastor. In the background would be squads of women preparing food and adding female voices to the singing. If the pastor of the charge was not yet ordained, the presiding elder would administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to the assembled group.
Since there was as yet no provision for a district conference, quarterly conference was the vital link between the local congregation and the larger church.
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| The day I was homeless is the day
I learned what it means to be poor
Today I was homeless…today I walked the streets of Waco, with three friends in search of lunch. We were hungry. We had had nothing to eat since the day before and we were broke. We didn’t know where to go, where to turn or what to do. It was only a prayer at the beginning of our venture that reminded us that God would meet our needs.
Today I was homeless…wandering with a group of 24 members of the SWTC Servant Team going through the Waco Mission Poverty Simulation. We signed up for this as a beginning to our summer training not really knowing what we would encounter. I never thought I would endure something that I both loved and hated.
Today I was homeless… from Friday to Saturday I had only a few possessions, very little food, a sheet for sleeping, and a will to make it through. I have never known any kind of poverty or homelessness before, but after today, I promise never to forget it again.
You see we were set out on the streets with absolutely nothing. We were hungry, extremely hot, and going on little sleep from the night before when we heard gunshots and fights in the streets. It was high noon and we were hungry. We walked by the wealthy and the rich without a compassionate glance.
We gathered aluminum cans in dumpsters, were given some oranges, water, and directions on how to find the Salvation Army. We were homeless.
We didn’t just act homeless. We looked it too. I found a shirt in the dumpster and put it on. A girl in my group found shoes in the trash and walked in them for miles. Cars drove by; people looked our way, some with sorrow, some with anger. We were homeless. We had crossed over the line from accepted to outcast.
I have never felt like I did this weekend. Never the fear, never the cluelessness, never the lack of courage. My feeling of self-awareness was strong. Not my typical needs of newer clothes, a nicer car, a larger house. Not my needs for retirement savings, health insurance or mortgage payments.
No, now my needs were real—and I was hungry. My needs for food, a safe place to sleep, water to drink and someone to acknowledge my existence. I had become homeless and I felt it.
By God’s grace my homeless simulation concluded after just a weekend. But the disheartening fact is for many it does not. One man we met, Calvin, was on the streets for the first weekend after losing his job. John was a war veteran trying to find his next meal.
And millions of people each day, people we overlook, are looking for hope. And we can help.
As you can guess, God woke me up this weekend and told me that I needed to do three things in response to this poverty simulation. First, I need to share a lot more of my possessions with those who are poor. Second, I need to take time on a daily basis to hand out water and money to those on the street corners. And third, I need to involve my family in ministry to the poor.
My dear friends in the Church—dare I challenge you to do the same? Three dollars goes a long way when you are hungry.
A bottle of water is priceless in the summer heat.
And a friendly smile with a “God loves you” can bring absolute hope.
You can help. You can make a difference. You must make a difference if you call yourself a Child of God. What will you do today?
Please don’t pass the homeless by the next time you see them. Please don’t look the other way because next time, it might just be you or me.
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| Starting new churches will help reach
millions of people in growth areas
 Reese Henry, associate pastor at Bulverde UMC, preaches at Gruene UMC, a recent church plant in the Southwest Texas Conference. Henry’s new church plant is slated to begin in September 2010.
Managing Editor
The need is almost unprecedented.
Population studies have shown that in the next decade, millions of people will be flocking to the corridor between Austin and San Antonio, to the outlying areas in those same cities and in Corpus Christi and Kerrville and McAllen where few or no homes currently exist, to places that don’t have a United Methodist presence in them today.
The need is almost unprecedented.
Except that The United Methodist Church has been here before, hundreds of years ago.
“We need to embrace our heritage and follow the people,” said the Rev. Kim Cape, executive director of New Church Development and Transformation for the Southwest Texas Conference. “We need to reach these new people because we have what they’re looking for.
“The ancient church was wildly successful because it freed people from guilt and fear of death, and it was egalitarian. You could be a peasant or a rich person. It gave women a role. It gave people a community of support and accountability. We’re still doing that today. While people feel less guilty today, they are no less hopeless. Methodism offers people grace.”
New churches are the way that United Methodists can hope to reach the new people, Cape said—which was the point of the Offering Christ Today for Tomorrow capital campaign. She urged churches and individuals to follow through with their pledges and to make pledges if people haven’t yet done it.
Starting new churches is urgent in light of the population increase the entire conference will see in the next decade, she said. Funds collected through the capital campaign will help new church plants get off the ground financially.
The Rev. Mark Deaton, pastor of Bulverde UMC, said his church recently approved at its charge conference a new church plant that will target the Marshall Road area of San Antonio because the area is growing so quickly. The church plant, he said, has been a 10-year process of prayer and discernment.
“Because of limited land that Bulverde has, it has been necessary for us to expand our mission beyond our five acres,” he said. “We have maxed out our ability to build and save people on this location. We also know that without a new and fresh mission, the church grows stagnant and begins to decline. BUMC is doing its mission well. It’s time to expand.
“I believe the Great Commission and the Great Commandment challenge us to continually be expanding our ministries. As long as God grants a congregation the resources and ability to advance the kingdom of God, we must continue to follow these basics of faith. God has delivered to us the willing spirit of a vibrant congregation with an explosion of new people to serve.”
The Bulverde launch is only in its beginning stages, said Reese Henry, an associate pastor at Bulverde who will be commissioned as the new church’s pastor in June 2010. He and Bulverde leaders are finalizing the leadership team for the new church plant and plan to begin officially meeting as a church congregation the Sunday after Labor Day in 2010.
Henry said his church will target young families, since much of the population consists of couples in their early 30s with one or two children, but leaders are also discussing how to make the church a diverse community since the population also includes retirees and singles.
Cape said she is encouraging other churches in the conference to consider parenting a new church plant like Bulverde UMC has done because she is moving away from the “parachute drop” church.
“The parachute church is not as successful as a parenting church,” Cape said. “A parented church is much more likely to succeed. This is the way almost every church did growth in the previous generation. This is our tradition that we’re trying to reclaim.”
Cape said parent churches would continue helping a new church plant for three to five years or until the church is financially self sufficient and has 200 to 250 people in attendance. Then the new church plant would become chartered on its own.
The financial help the first three to five years enables new churches to focus more on reaching the people, Cape added.
Both Henry and Deaton said their main purpose for the new church plant is to heal the hurts of the community.
“Our experience is that even though Bulverde is kind of the nice part of town,” Henry said, “even though people have nice homes and jobs, what we know to be true is that there are still a lot of hurting people inside those homes. There are people suffering from the loss of loved ones, from divorces, from all the things the world puts on us. There are so many who need for us to offer them Christ.”
“We hope that the suffering, the pain and the hurts of this community will be healed by our ministry with and to them,” Deaton said. “We know these people are like the people of Bulverde UMC and all people. Behind their closed doors and in their private lives, they are broken people, lost people, hurting people who need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
“There is no other reason to begin a church than to spread the healing gospel of Jesus Christ.”
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| Bishop says The United Methodist Church is on forefront of giving
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:
Trust and Joy in the Midst of Trouble
Though the fig tree does not blossom, and
no fruit is on the vines; though the produce
of the olive fails and the fields yield no
food; though the flock is cut off from
the fold and there is no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will exult
in the God of my salvation.
GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes
my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes
me tread upon the heights. (NRSV)
Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
We wonder at times—particularly at financially difficult times like these—how did we get in this situation? We are all aware that giving within the Church has decreased, which diminishes the amount of monies available for mission and ministry. We’ve been worried and anxious about where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going. We’ve been concerned with protecting what we have; worrying that life as a United Methodist as we know it—being in ministry and doing mission work to the world—just can’t go on as it is. It’s okay to be concerned. Healthy concern allows us to open our hearts and minds to the existing situation. It is the nature of the community to be concerned about our collective futures. And this is not a time to chastise or criticize each other for expressing these concerns. This is a time for the faithful to take action to curb the effects of the economic challenges we face today. Out of our concerns can grow constructive actions.
In many arenas, bold and deliberate actions are being taken to curb the downturn and look to the future. Annual conferences across the connection have prayerfully given consideration to their expenses by rethinking finances and focusing on ministry. They are redirecting their efforts to enhance current and developing new ministries. Praise God for this creative thinking on the part of so many United Methodists across the connection.
The United Methodist Church is in the forefront of compassionate giving. A few examples of the way groups within the connection are living into the reality of a strained economy are exemplified in the reports from annual conferences and agency board meetings. Among them are included: reduction or no increase in salaries for conference staff in 2010; decreases or a freeze in current missional budgets among several annual conferences; the Council of Bishops voted to return bishop salaries to the 2008 level beginning in 2010; and general agencies of the church adjusted spending plans for 2009 and re-evaluating 2010 spending plans. These are just a few.
Experts tell us the economy will begin a turnaround near the end of the year. When? No one knows the exact day, or time, or event or even by how much. We should be encouraged by some of the early signs of economic recovery: credit markets are thawing and the financial sector is showing early signs of growth. At the same time, our optimism should be tempered with patience. Many in our communities will continue to bear the burdens of this economic crisis and they will need our prayers and support in these difficult times. Although the likely slow pace of recovery will continue to challenge our churches, conferences and agencies, United Methodists are still a generous people.
The Economic Advisory Committee of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GFCA) continues to monitor the situation and provide their insights to our leaders. Their models indicate that giving to apportionments in 2009 and 2010 will be below the levels of previous years, but similar to the lowered levels experienced during previous recessions.
As Methodists committed to the lessons of John Wesley, we remain faithful to the word of God as the director of our faith. As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we know that during these times, God continues to show us a new thing: mission work around the world is still continuing, leaders are developing in their effectiveness to shepherd congregations into a new path of growth, donations are being made to purchase life-sustaining supplies that will help stamp out killer diseases associated with poverty. God has, is currently, and will continue to supply all that we need to carry out our ministries, as stated in Philippians 4:19: And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (NRSV)
Thank you for your continued support of the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church.
Bishop Lindsey Davis A. Moses Rathan Kumar
President, Board of Directors, General Secretary and Treasurer
The General Council on Finance and Administration
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| San Antonio District news
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| Diving and fishing can change lives
 The Parrot fish is one of the beauties God shows us.
San Antonio District Superintendent
Acacia and I spent two weeks in our favorite diving spot: Cozumel. We had great dives and visited with old friends from the island. We have gone to Cozumel for many years, and through that time, we have made many friends. This time, it was so wonderful to talk to some of those friends whose lives have changed because they now have a relationship with Jesus Christ. In years past, during the long boat rides to diving sites, we would talk about sting rays, nurse sharks, file fish and eventually, about personal issues. Gently, respectfully, I would share about my faith and about Jesus Christ.
Many ears were not receptive, but there are several persons who now lead different lives because they confess Christ as their Savior. It is wonderful to learn about their current activities, joys, accomplishments and even frustrations. One of them was sharing his disappointment because their Pastor is moving in the next couple of weeks. He disagreed with those who made the decision of asking the Pastor to move. Another was sad that his previous example has led one of his sons to be an alcoholic, like he was. Another is concerned about job security due to the world economic crisis that has been profoundly felt in that area.
What a difference from years past when their conversations were about raunchy stuff and merciless teasing!
Have you talked to someone about your faith, lately? You do not have to be pushy about it. Please! Do not be a “holier than thou,” obnoxious witness. But make sure to share your faith every time you get a chance. Christ will do the rest.
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| September means the joy of back
to school, learning and sharing
As you watch the children in and around your life begin to get excited about going back to school, is there a little part of you that secretly wishes you were a part of that excitement? The joy of a brand new pen and notebook, the smell of a freshly sharpened wooden pencil, of being in an atmosphere of learning and sharing – the clamor of “back to school!” Well, we have just the ticket. Whether you are looking for a one-time event that will “fire you up” for Christian education in your church and family, a continuing opportunity to develop as a leader and lay speaker, or a long-term, in-depth exploration of theology, we’ve got you covered.
The first learning opportunity will take place on September 19th, at Windcrest UMC. Rev. Linda Gwathmey and Rev. Nancy McDougal will lead our latest Sacred Saturday entitled “Light My Fire! – Firing up Your Christian Education.” It is all about intentional faith development through spiritual formation and Christian education. You will learn how to be more aware of the cultural influences affecting your church and to be more creative when it comes to sharing and telling the “old, old story” to those who long to hear. There is no charge for this event. It begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 3:30 p.m. with a break for lunch, “on-your-own.”
The second opportunity is scheduled for September 26th, at Oxford UMC. The San Antonio District Lay Speaking Ministries will be conducting a wide spectrum of lay speaker training. The Basic Course, one for adults and one designed especially for junior and senior high youth, establish the foundation in a journey toward certification as a Lay Speaker. Both are designed to encourage you to recognize and employ your personal spiritual gifts, and to lead you to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership. Recognizing that our youth are not just the church of the future but a vital part of the church today, the Youth Basic Course offers a similar experience, designed especially for youth, to help you recognize and claim the ministries to which God is calling you. An Advanced Course: “Lay Speakers Interpret to Others Our United Methodist Heritage” is also being offered. This class is the second step toward certification as a lay speaker and is designed to provide a basic understanding of the distinctive traditions and emphases of the United Methodist Church. There is a $25 charge that covers lunch and materials.
The third opportunity which begins on September 8th at the UM Center, is Introduction to Christian Theology: A Survey Course. This 20-session class is designed to lead you to understand the nature of theology, particularly from a Christian viewpoint. Throughout the course you will learn a systematic approach for connecting theology and how your own personal theology is constructed so that you are better able to integrate the doctrines of faith into your own life. This is lecture and textbook based course with lively dialogue and discussion. While there are no written assignments or exams, there are reading assignments to prepare for each session. There is no charge to attend this class other than the purchase of the required textbook. The sessions are on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., beginning in September and extend through February with breaks for the holidays.
Three opportunities to learn. Three different levels of time commitment. One great month of opportunities to grow in your faith and knowledge. Will one or more fit into your schedule? For more information about any or all of these events, please contact Terry McCandless at the District Office.
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| Freyburg UMC Celebrates
130th with a Heritage Sonntag
Freyburg UMC is planning its 130th anniversary at its annual Heritage Sonntag service on September 27, 2009 at 10 a.m. The special celebration will alternate between German, the language of the founding congregation, and English at the church, which is located at 4520 FM2238, northwest of Schulenburg. Worship will be followed by brunch and time for fellowship on the grounds, weather permitting.
“Our annual heritage celebration grows larger each year as descendents of those families who established the church come back to join our 32-member congregation. In addition, many new families who have moved into the area have a deep respect for our little church’s history and also help us celebrate,” said Junette Rodecap, chair of the administration council.
Two descendents of the Rev. Friede Bohmfalk, pastor of Freyburg UMC more than 100 years ago, will participate in the service. Rick Meinen from Temple will play a medley of old German hymns in the quiet time before the service and Sharon Spiess of Industry will lead the German and English versions of the hymns: Immer Frochlich (Always Joyful) and Jesu Nam’ Sei Dein Geleite (Take the Name of Jesus With You). Pastor Robert H. White, who will officiate at the service, and Sharon will sing What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Sharon in German and Pastor White in English.
The seeds of Freyburg UMC were sown by circuit riders who brought Methodism to the German pioneers of this community shortly after the Civil War. Services began in the homes of local families in 1868. As the congregation grew, it moved to Thulemeyer’s Store and later to the school. In 1874, Rev. Gustavus Elley was appointed as its first pastor.
In 1877, local farmer Anton Kortlang sold six acres to the trustees of the Freyburg Methodist Episcopal Church “to be kept, maintained and disposed of as a place of ministry and membership.” In 1879, builder H. Griezendorf and members of the congregation and community constructed the sanctuary that we know today. With its soaring ceilings and tall steeple, Freyburg was one of the most admired churches of its time.
A member of the first congregation, Gottlieb Stickler, gave Rev. Jacob Ott a gold coin to purchase a cast iron bell for the church. Engraved on the bell in German are the words of Matthew 11:28, “Come to me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” The bell has announced regular church services, funerals and important world events ever since.
Church services originally conducted in German, switched to English around the time of the Second World War.
For more than 120 years, men traditionally sat on the left side of the church and women sat on the right, but today couples sit together. Pianos have been replaced by an organist who uses an electric keyboard. A modern sound system fills the sanctuary with the old hymns along with modern worship music. In preparation for the celebration of its 125th anniversary in 2004, Freyburg UMC underwent a complete restoration. Last year, stunning etched glass with a silhouette of a cross in the center was installed in front of the top pane in every window.
A Texas Historic Site and a UMC Historic Site, Freyburg UMC welcomes visitors at its second, fourth and fifth Sundays for worship services or during the week. The doors are never locked and the sanctuary is handicap-accessible. For more information about the Heritage Sonntag Celebration, please contact Junette Rodecap, 979-561-8355 or Elaine Thomas at 979-263-5630.
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| UM Women keeping busy schedule
Among the 255 attendees at the United Methodist Women’s School of Christian Mission at Mount Wesley, July 16 -19 were 22 women and children from the Victoria District. The studies this summer included Food and Faith, The Beauty and Courage of Sudan, and Giving Our Hearts Away/Native American Survival. Approximately 1366 Health kits for the UMCOR Depot in Baldwin, LA were brought for the mission project as well as $2000.
Saturday was “Green Day”, raising our environmental awareness by wearing green clothing and eating green food. Our district led the Morning Praise on Sunday at Vesper Point.
Victoria District United Methodist Women Annual Meeting. This will take place September 19th at First United Methodist Church, Columbus, with the theme “Together at the Table”. The mission project will be the Columbus Food Pantry. Cost of the meal is $6.50.
Gonzales Will host the Annual United Methodist Women Conference Meeting October 9th and 10th. The theme is “Come, Take, the Table is Set”. “United Methodist Women Come and Take God’s Love to the World”. Mrs. Barbara Dorff, Educator, and wife of Bishop Dorff, will be the guest speaker.
The Spring District Retreat will be March 10, 2010, at Cathedral Oaks chapel and activity center. District Supervisor, Reverend Terrence Hayes is expected to officiate.
Victoria District happenings
Altire Male Chorus
Altair Male chorus will be in concert on August 1, 2009 at 7 p.m. in Altair at Wesley UMC under the dynamic and spirit filled direction of Gwen Knight. Come and join with us in worship, praise and fellowship.
Narcotics Anonymous meeting
St. Paul UMC Columbus Drug Ministry will start a weekly Narcotics Anonymous Meeting (St Paul - Columbus NA Meeting) on August 1, 2009 @ 7 p.m. in the Education bldg. This meeting is open to all who are suffering from addiction and are looking for a new way of life without using mind altering substance. Contact person is Mr. Laverne Brown Sr. 832-387-9511 or church phone 979-732-2352 (916 Fannin St. Columbus, TX 78934)
New Contemporary service
St. Paul UMC Worship, Mission and Evangelist Ministry is starting a new contemporary church service on Friday August 14, 2009 at 7 p.m. called “Flaming Friday” Worship services. This service is open to all people who want to worship and praise God openly. Come as you are. Are you feeling down and out? Do you feel a strong need to talk with someone? Come and we will be waiting for you. Musicians led by and filled with the Holy Spirit will lead us in worship and praise. Call Pastor Debra Brown at St. Paul UMC, 916 Fannin St., Columbus TX 78934 979-732-2352 or 979-732-3653.
Parents Helping Parents (PHP)
St. Paul UMC is hosting an informational and training for Parents Helping Parents (PHP) workshop on August 22, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Troy Montes PHP Coordinator from Methodist Healthcare Ministries will conduct the training. The focus is on Teen Moms and the community in which we all live. This program calls on all of the community to bring their resources to the table as we address the elements of life that are distressful and destructive. This ministry is based on a 10-12 weeks time frame but looks to help offer life time changes.
Vacation Bible School at Eagle Lake
Here in Eagle Lake Vacation Bible School is open to the entire community. UMC Eagle Lake partnered with 1st Baptist Church of Eagle Lake for this year’s VBC. UMC Eagle Lake hosted close to 100 children. A great time was had by all.
Austin District news
One small step might be bigger than we think
By the Rev. Bobbi Kaye Jones
Austin District Superintendent
Always a fan of ‘space,’ I spent many dark nights outside watching satellites crossing above me in the south Texas summer sky. As a young girl I wrote an essay about why I wanted to be an astronaut. (not so good at science slowed that calling down…..) I loved the historic moon landing the first time it happened and when David and I visited NASA many years ago we were delightfully staggered at the scope of the projects and the size of the rockets!
This past summer’s Moon Walk anniversary brought much nostalgia and a small sense of synchronicity as we in the Austin district find ourselves a ‘pilot’ district for numerous projects and regularly approached by other souls eager to sign us on for even more. I went downstairs laughing after another such call and Rachel reminded me that our family systems coach Gina Campbell would say, “what are you putting out into the universe that is resulting in this recurring experience?” I’m not sure. I don’t know.
I do know that those first moon walkers were test pilots. They were brave and risk-taking. They trained like crazy and did not get behind the wheel of one of those big boys until they were really good both at following orders and at improvising when plan A was no longer an option. What they accomplished made it possible for everyone on earth to see ourselves in new ways, literally and imaginatively. Much of what we take for granted today stems from those first brilliant steps near the Sea of Tranquility.
I write this at the tail end of the 5 day School for Congregational Development and am feeling a bit like I’ve been through G-Force training myself. So much to learn. So much to accomplish.
Some days we feel like our pay-load is topped out; that we are taking all the risks we are able to take, that perhaps we are flying above our training already. But then we catch just a glimpse of the stars. Eradicate malaria. Extend health care to thousands of former refugees. Engage a new generation of church leaders. Expect new people, younger people, more diverse people and make room for them.
Risk taking and improvisation seem like proficiencies we church folk need every day. Leadership comes from people willing to imagine the future and become adept at the skills needed for even a few brilliant steps. Will everything be different for the whole world because of what we do in our ‘pilot’ projects? Maybe not. But how will we know unless we try.
Austin District happenings
GriefShare Boot Camp Training
GriefShare (www.griefshare.org) is a national network of faith-based grief recovery support. On August 29, Manchaca UMC will be offering GriefShare Boot Camp training from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. This workshop uses the GriefShare Boot Camp DVD to train persons who are considering helping facilitating a GriefShare group and is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the GriefShare program.. Each participant will receive a training manual.
There is no fee for the class, only a small charge to cover lunch. For additional information, please contact GriefShare facilitator Susan Feldkamp at 512-280-7241 or sfeldkamp@sbcglobal.net. Please call the church office at 512- 282-7274 to register for GriefShare Boot Camp.
Manchaca UMC begins its next 13-week GriefShare session on September 13. Classes will meet each Sunday afternoon from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the church. GriefShare classes are open to anyone who is dealing with the death of spouse, child, family member, or friend.
Covenant to join others in September welcome campaign
Covenant UMC, 4410 Duval Road, is reaching out to neighbors and neighborhoods by hosting a “Hi Neighbor” Picnic on Sunday, September 20 at 12:30 PM. There will be moon-walks with special games and activities for the children plus a special concert performed by the Austin Wonder Brass division of the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble at 1:30 pm.
Covenant is intentionally inviting everyone who is searching for a new or beginning relationship with Jesus to come and share in an unforgettable worship experience in the morning, (worship at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. with Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.), then stay for food, fun, games, and music directly after. For more information and directions call the church office: 346-3124.
Advanced lay speaker training to focus on our Wesleyan heritage
September 26th and October 3rd, the Austin District is hosting an Advanced Lay Speaking Certification Course to be held at Oak Hill UMC. This is a two-day course that will be held from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. The fee for this course is $40, which covers your meals, book and tuition.
What is a lay speaker? A lay speaker is a dedicated Christian who is called by God to serve others in their local congregation and community by preaching sermons and advocating for Jesus Christ.
The focus of this course is United Methodist heritage. It will serve to answer the “who, what, when, where and why” of our Methodist history, mission, and core values. Who we are and how we came to be United Methodists continue to influence our daily lives in Christ.
Please prayerfully consider this course for preparation on becoming a Lay Speaker. For more information contact Timothy Taylor at ttaylor@smithville-umc.org.
First UMC-Austin Connects to the Community
The Missions Team at First UMC-Austin has found that one of the best ways to maximize resources for missions that benefit the Austin/Travis County Community is to form partnerships with local nonprofits dedicated to helping those in poverty and with local schools. Rather than forming its own nonprofit, it has found that connecting with diverse groups like Foundation for the Homeless, Coats for Kids, Youth Pathways, Trinity Center, and Ortega and Pickle Elementary Schools provides many opportunities for FUMC members to practice their faith in the Austin area and ensures that resources for these services remain strong.
For more information about FUMC-Austin missions and ways to connect with non-profit service providers in the greater Austin area, please go to the church’s website at www.fumcaustin.org.
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