News (The 50 most recent)

Can't find what you're looking for? Use our news search

Fill up Your Spirit’s Tank
Written: 7/1/2009
By Eleanor L. Colvin, Director of Communications   We don’t forget that we are Christians. We forget that we are human, and that one oversight alone can debilitate the potential of our future. These are the opening words from the book “Leading on Empty,” by Rev. Wayne Cordei...

enlarge>>

Authenticity in Leadership Reflected in Congregation
Written: 6/30/2009
By Rudy Rasmus St. John's UMC, Houston When I walk into a church, I can tell almost immediately if the leader is authentic, transparent, and warm. If so, the entire congregation exudes these qualities. It is almost palpable. People greet me warmly, and there is a vibrant sense of life in the air...

enlarge>>

Churches Unite to Build Homes
Written: 6/30/2009
By Rev. Jacqui Thomas King NuFaith Community UMC 2 Corinthians 9: 7-8, 11 (New International Version)  7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you...

College-Bound Students May Apply for ‘Merit Awards’
Written: 6/30/2009
By General Board of Higher Education and Ministry   Applications are currently being accepted for Merit Award scholarships administered through annual conferences for United Methodist students attending United Methodist colleges and universities.   The awards are funded by a rebate to...

enlarge>>

School of Christian Mission Explores Cultures and Call
Written: 6/30/2009
  “Together at the Table” is the theme of this year’s Texas Conference Cooperative School of Christian Mission. The event will be held July 23-25 at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville. Sponsored by the Annual Conference and the United Methodist Women, the event is open to men...

UMCOR Relief Supplies Newsletter
Written: 6/29/2009 9:39:19 AM
UMCOR shipped more than $2,000,000 worth of relief supplies in the first 5 months of 2009. Seven international shipments to Sudan, Armenia and the Republic of Georgia delivered health kits, school kits, sewing kits, layette kits, and bedding kits to those left vulnerable due to economic disaster and...

Centennial of Methodism in Russia Observed
Written: 6/29/2009 9:18:05 AM
By Elliott Wright, UMNS A “great cloud of witnesses” surrounded United Methodists in Russia as they celebrated the 100th anniversary of Methodism with festivities that included the announcement of the opening of a new center in St. Petersburg. The anniversary was celebrated in an e...

Father's Day Worship Resources
Written: 6/18/2009
The following list was put together for Father's Day by the General Board of Discipleship.   Father's Day was first observed in Spokane, Washington, in 1910. It is a cultural holiday in the United States and serves to honor all fathers. It is observed on the third Sunday in June. Here are s...

Winterfield UMC in Mission
Written: 6/18/2009
A missions work day on May 23 in Longview caught KTYX-ABC19’s attention. There was a segment on the news that evening featuring a project that included volunteers from Winterfield UMC working in the background. Go to http://www.cbs19.tv/Global/story.asp?s=10414540 to see th...

2009 Perkins School of Theology
Course of Study at Lon Morris College
Written: 6/17/2009
Applications for the fall 2009 Perkins School of Theology Course of Study at Lon Morris are now available.  The Course of Study will be held on Saturdays, September 12, October 10 and November 14, 2009, from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. A registration fee of $75.00 is to be sent in with the application.&nb...

enlarge>>

The Advance: Ways You Can Help
Written: 6/16/2009
MYANMAR: HELPING REFUGEES The number of displaced people in the northern part of Karen State in Myanmar (Burma) continues to grow. Many have fled to Thailand from Myanmar where military presence, land confiscations and threats of violence continue. UMCOR is assisting Church World Service partners ...

enlarge>>

DISCIPLE Bible Study Mini Training Events
Written: 6/10/2009
The following are current opportunities for you, and your church leaders, to participate in a FREE* mini-training event. DISCIPLE mini-training events are available to persons, lay or clergy, wishing to gain insight about how to bring these life-changing studies to your church and community.  A...

enlarge>>

Refresh Worship Leader Workshop Series
Written: 6/9/2009
Sugar Land First United Methodist Church is pleased to present a series of free workshops designed to help local worship leaders and worship bands achieve their full potential. Led by Dr. Craig Gilbert, Director of Music Ministries and Worship Arts, all vocalists, worship leaders and instrumentalist...

Church Agencies Announce Layoffs
Written: 6/9/2009
Linda Bloom and Kathy L. Gilbert, UMNS Two of The United Methodist Church’s largest agencies are trimming more than 90 jobs in response to the economic crisis. The Board of Discipleship announced nine layoffs June 2, bringing the total positions eliminated since January to 30. The Board of G...

Clergy Parking at Methodist Hospital
Written: 6/9/2009
Methodist Hospital has graciously provided no-cost parking to clergy when visiting hospitalized parishioners and your cooperation is needed. For a vital letter from Dr. Charles Millikan and Dr. Ted Smith regarding clergy parking guidelines, click here.   ...

Mount Sequoyah News and Events
Written: 6/8/2009 10:41:11 AM
Early bird discount registration extended until June 10 for Connecting Health and Faith  ...our Call to Action, Bishops’ Conference, Wednesday –Saturday, June 24-27. Some of the topics addressed will be insurance, health costs, rural health, parish nursing & effective hea...

Center for Clergy Excellence Collaborates on Marriage Study
Written: 6/8/2009
This summer the Center for Clergy Excellence is collaborating on a research project looking at perceptions of marriage. Rev. Peter J. Cammarano, an elder in the Texas Annual Conference and a doctoral student, is surveying a number of lay and clergy regarding how they view their marriage.  &...

Buy a Ticket, Save a Life!
Written: 6/6/2009
On June 10th, Nothing But Nets Night, the purchase of a $20 ticket will not only get you into the Dynamo vs. Chivas USA match but will also save a life by buying a net to fight malaria. The ticket offer is available here. You can also visit www.nothingbutnets.net      ...

Cote d’Ivoire Partnership Advances
Written: 6/4/2009
In one of its final actions during the Wednesday morning business session, the 2009 Texas Annual Conference voted to name the Methodist Schools of Cote d’Ivoire the Advance Special of the year. All funds given to the 2009-2010 Advance Special will support students in the country’s 49 Met...

TAC 2009 Video Links
Written: 6/3/2009
District Videos from 2009 Annual Conference Glimpses of Heaven video and Episcopal Address Glimpses of Heaven Download Sending Forth Service Giving Report Côte d'Ivoire Initiative Model for Ministry Assessment 1 Model for Ministry Assessment 2 Model for Ministry Assessment ...

Five Stars of Excellence in Christian Education
Written: 6/3/2009
2009 Five Stars of Excellence in Christian Education Award Winners   On May 27th the Faith Forming Relationship and Worship Committee in conjunction with the Texas Chapter of Christian Educators Fellowship announced the 2009 recipients of the Five Stars of Excellence in Christian Education Aw...

enlarge>>

Remember the Journey, Remember to Witness
Written: 5/29/2009
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes...

enlarge>>

Drama Entertains and Enlightens
Written: 5/29/2009
Aspects of the spiritual journey --  from embarking with excitement to getting lost and losing faith in one’s divine “travel agent” – were explored in the Monday night worship service featuring the Friends of the Groom drama ministry. Based in Ohio, the group was commiss...

Services for Rev. Larry Kelley
Written: 5/28/2009
Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:y...

enlarge>>

Retirees Honored for Witness and Walk
Written: 5/27/2009 9:36:07 AM
The Texas Annual Conference celebrated the life and ministry of 26 pastors who are retiring. “One More Step” was the theme of the service that focused on the faithful steps of these leaders in their mission fields, which ranged from the local church to Christian counseling to Lakeview. ...

enlarge>>

Bishop Huie Shares Tools for Ministry Climb
Written: 5/27/2009
In a service that commissioned 14 and ordained 21 for ministry as deacons and elders, Bishop Janice Riggle Huie filled their ministry tool box with words of wisdom. She likened ministry to rock climbing and noted that they have common success indicators: one’s equipment and one’s team. ...

Voting Results
Written: 5/27/2009
Voting Results from Texas Annual Conference 2009 by amendment number. (See list of Amendments)   1 Yes - 398    No - 704 2 Yes -373     No - 716 3 Yes -166     No - 932 4 Yes -148     No - 944 5 Yes -164  &nb...

Free Concert Following Ordination Ceremony
Written: 5/26/2009 7:42:25 PM
Join worship leaders Russell Martin, Kerri Crocker, Shelly Wilson and David Davis for a free concert after the Annual Conference ordination service. It is free and everyone is welcome to attend. 9:00-10:30 and The Woodlands UMC in “The Loft” See flyer for additional information...

Assembly Celebrates Successes and Calls Laity Onward
Written: 5/26/2009 11:31:02 AM
More than 1,200 lay delegates to the Texas Annual Conference gathered Monday morning to review and preview lay ministry in the conference. The meeting took a look back at 2008-2009 accomplishments, such as lay participation in the Cote d’Ivoire net delivery. Additionally, it looked ahead to fu...

Photos from Annual Conference
Written: 5/26/2009 12:42:20 AM
You can see photos taken during Annual Conference at www.txcumc.org/acphotos. You can also create a profile, login and upload your photos to the site if you would like to share them with others. Alternately, you can send any photos to bmills@txcumc.org or send us a link if you are posting photos ...

Annual Conference Video Online
Written: 5/26/2009
You can see live streaming video of sessions online at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/texas-annual-conference The audio will go silent during music (including worship) due to copyright restrictions but will be turned back on afterwards. There are a few videos recorded from earlier s...

enlarge>>

'Glimpses of Heaven on Earth'
Written: 5/26/2009
The people of the Texas Annual Conference have persevered and are hopeful, said Bishop Janice Riggle Huie in the 2009 Episcopal Address, which challenged area Methodists to help bring heaven on earth. “At this annual conference, we rejoice that God is gracious and good,” Huie said. &ldqu...

enlarge>>

Awards Banquet Honors Faithful and Fruitful Ministries
Written: 5/26/2009
Rev. Matthew Thomas of Faith UMC Fannett received the Eric Anderson Award, which is based upon cabinet nominations. “I am deeply honored,” Thomas said, “and I look forward to serving the Lord more and more.” The award is given in memory of the late Rev. Eric Anderson of First...

Agenda - Remaining Events
Written: 5/26/2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 8:00 AM Morning Bible Study Teacher: Edgardo Colon-Emeric Sanctuary 9:00 AM Annual Conference Business Session 10:45 AM Sending Forth Service Preacher: Rev. Christi Conway Sanctuary 12:00 NOON End of Conference  Episcopal Reduction Area Meeting following close o...

2009 Retirees
Written: 5/26/2009
The following clergy are retiring in 2009. To see videos with their thoughts go to www.txcumc.org/video. Janet H. Blackburn Robert K. Breckbill Anthony Cecil John B. Cullen John A. Dawson Gerald J. DeSobe Charles R. Greene Edward E. Kester Susan K. Kester Ferel R. Little James Edgar McCon...

enlarge>>

Stansell Preaches Memorial Service
Written: 5/25/2009 8:06:12 AM
Dr. Elijah A. Stansell Jr. celebrated the witness of clergy and clergy spouses who died in 2008-2009, while challenging others to consider their witness. “This message is for those who yet have to journey – who are doing their best to do the will of God,” Stansell said.   H...

enlarge>>

Bishop calls 2009 Annual Conference to Order
Written: 5/25/2009
With a call to worship that focused on the Christian Journey, Bishop Janice Riggle Huie called the 2009 session of the Texas Annual Conference to order. Huie presided over communion at an altar adorned with lanterns representing this year’s deceased members of the conference. The Bishop will...

enlarge>>

Annual Conference Live
Written: 5/21/2009
Some simply can’t make it to Annual Conference every year, though many church members and former members of the TAC would like to. This year we are offering live-streaming video online.   We will begin streaming, beginning with the memorial service on Sunday night, May 24th. We will str...

Bishops Roll Back Wages in Sign of Sacrifice
Written: 5/18/2009 2:37:22 PM
By Linda Green, UMNS United Methodist bishops are taking a pay cut.   In a sign of solidarity with people and churches struggling in the global economic crisis, the 50 active bishops from the United States voted to forgo a pay raise for 2010 and instead roll back their salaries to 200...

“Here I Am, Lord – Send Me”
Written: 5/18/2009 2:35:52 PM
By Eddie Hilliard   Methodist?  Baptist?  You may get confused if you try to pin a label on Tim and Jennifer Schwartz.  Tim is an ordained pastor in the American Baptist Church and Jennifer is a certified occupational therapist; both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and two of...

Methodist Children’s Home Recognized on National Residential Education Day
Written: 5/18/2009 2:34:42 PM
As a homeless 12-year-old living out of her family’s truck, Heather wanted nothing more than a place to call home. After her mother passed away when Heather was 11, her family lost their home in Houston, and her only sibling, an older brother, moved to a ranch near Waco. With nothing left for ...

New Ways to Connect During Conference
Written: 5/18/2009
  This year during annual conference there will be many new ways to keep up with the latest information, connect with others, and join in the conversation.   Watch the live video stream online at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/texas-annual-conference   The latest news and inf...

UM Agencies Cope With Economic Crisis
Written: 5/18/2009
By Kathy Gilbert, UMNS Amid an economic crisis, top executives of The United Methodist Church’s agencies report they are starting new ministries to serve youth and the poor even as they make painful cuts in wages and staff to meet budget shortfalls. Top executives of the church’s 13 ge...

enlarge>>

Heartspring Methodist Foundation: New Name, Same Mission
Written: 5/18/2009
The United Methodist Foundation of the Texas Annual Conference officials recently changed its name to Heartspring Methodist Foundation. They also launched a refreshed and expanded Web site at www.heartspringmethodist.org.   “For the past two years, we’ve been conducting...

Celebrate a Special Sunday of Shalom
Written: 5/18/2009
Missionary Rick Jost found a simple way to make a difference - solar ovens. "Motivation for what we do is the crushing poverty in Haiti," Rick said.  "It brings many people to tears when they see how these people live." Peace with Justice (PwJ) Sunday, celebrated on Jun...

enlarge>>

Annual Conference Focuses on Faith-Forming Relationships
Written: 5/18/2009
By Eleanor L. Colvin Texas Annual Conference Communications Director   Faith. Formed. Together. That’s the foundational theme of the 2009 Texas Annual Conference gathering, which takes place May 24-27 at The Woodlands UMC.   As always, an atmosphere of worship will be set that ...

test
Written: 5/18/2009
test...

Scholarships for Leadership
Written: 5/13/2009 10:05:39 AM
By Elliott Wright, GBGM Scholarships totaling $1,348,321 for advanced and college-level study in the 2009-2010 academic year were approved on April 29 by directors of the General Board of Global Ministries, meeting in Stamford, Connecticut. The stipends will help to support the educational pr...

Methodists, Baptists Work Together to Improve Disaster Response
Written: 5/6/2009 4:18:51 PM
Missions volunteers from three Huntsville area churches will host a collaborative training May 15-17 for Baptist “Yellow Hats” and Methodist “Early Response Teams.”   The training is designed to help faith-based volunteers assist one another’s official disaster ...

Communications Breakfast to Serve up Tips and Tools
Written: 5/6/2009 3:45:30 PM
Join the Conference Communications Committee for a breakfast meeting during Annual Conference that is designed for anyone who helps a church or ministry with publicity or communications.   Consultant Yvon Prehn will share her communications insight through a “virtual seminar.” Pr...