Prayer Requests

Dr. Ernie Phifer, 90, is in St. Josephs Hospital, Bryan, with pneumonia and heart issues.

Rev. Tom Gray, 61, (Retired, North District) is in Christus St. Michael Hospital, Texarkana.

Events

Engaged Encounter UM Weekend: August 20 - 22, Friday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 12 p.m., Marriott Hotel North at Greenspoint, 255 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. East, Houston, 77060, Rev. Don and Vivian White, 281-429-7686; 832-794-8162, donvivwhite@juno.com. Christian-based, UM approved, marriage preparation for engaged and newly-married couples. State-approved certificate waives $60 state portion of marriage license fee. Cost: $ 400 per couple; Includes lodging, meals, and supplies. Register: www.encounter.org.

Healing the Brokenness Series: Monday, September 13, 8:30 a.m., Victual Event Room, 3814 Lyons Ave., Houston, 77020, Joel Goza, 713-224-0052, joelgoza@hotmail.com. An ongoing, interdenominational dialogue with well-known speakers who address pertinent ministry topics. Bishop William Willimon discusses Leading and Changing Prophetic Organizations. Cost: $15 includes breakfast; RSVP by September 8.

African American Clergy Health Summit: Monday-Tuesday, September 2728, Lake Junaluska Conference Center, North Carolina, 828-454-6656, pnaplen@lakejunaluska.com. A Self-Care Covenant Workshop; Theme: Wanting to Heal and Be Healed. Cost: $89; after August 31, $129; www.lakejunaluska.com/health-summit.

Central South District

Caregiver Conference: Equipping and Encouraging Family Caregivers: Saturday, August 21, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., St. Lukes UMC, 3741 Westheimer, Houston, 770207, Marlys Barry, 713-402-5008, mbarry@stlukes-hou.org. Skill-building workshops and resources; Information and Registration: online, www.stlukesmethodist.org/caregiver. Free; lunch included.

Southeast District

Passionate Worship: Sunday, August 29, 10:45 a.m., Rev. Patricia Wells or Kristal Whitley, 409-985-9977, stpaul_revwells@att.net, stpaulseckw@aol.com. Join St. Paul UMC and guest speaker, Dr. Lawanda Finney for UM Womens Sunday. Due to repairs at our church, we are meeting at Aldersgate Trinity UMC, 3600 Memorial Blvd., Port Arthur, 77640 until further notice.

Southeast District Education Expo: Sunday, August 29, 3-5:30 p.m., Wesley UMC, 3810 N. Major Dr., Beaumont, 77713, Robert Besser, rbesser@wesleyumc.com. Workshops for leaders of children, youth, adults and pastors. Cost: $25; www.wesleyumc.com.

Southwest District

Kick Back Koffee House: Friday, August 27, 8-10 p.m., Memorial Drive UMC, The Well, 13186 Memorial Dr., Houston, 77079, Sheri Kelley, 713-468-8356 x 119, sherikelley@mdumc.org. Performers: Brendon & Venessa Mak and Pairadox. Bring a snack to share! www.mdumc.org/learn/singles.aspx.

Ground-Breaking Ceremony: Sunday, August 29, 11 a.m., Newman Chapel UMC, 14 Lum Rd., Kendleton, 77451, Rev. Albert Reed, 713-876-4045, ashane2311reed@aol.com. Ceremony for new Multipurpose Worship Center.

Empowering the Connection

2011 Annual Conference: http://www.txcumc.org/tac2011info.

Mission Opportunities

Churches get creative with Special Fabric: http://www.txcumc.org/creativefabric.

Cote dIvoire Mission Trip: January 14-24, St. Johns UMC, Richmond, Carmen Rickel, 281-342-6631, carmen.rickel@stjohnsumc-richmond.org. Team will work on The Dabou Methodist Hospital. Cost: $3,000; Register by September 1.

Questions for the Connection

Did you know that the church loses 70-80% of its ACTIVE youth each year after they leave for college? http://www.txcumc.org/campusministryinfo.

Does your church need a free Wurlitzer Organ in near perfect condition? Contact Rev. John Warren, 512-446-5853, St. John's UMC, Rockdale.

Employment Opportunities

Full-Time Christian Education Director: Trinity UMC, Beaumont, Nicole Watzlavik, nicole@trinitybmt.org. Director will oversee all areas of Christian Education; Must be team member on large staff. Bachelors or graduate theological degree and/or certification. Send resume.

Full-Time Music Ministries Director: Trinity UMC, Beaumont, Nicole Watzlavik, nicole@trinitybmt.org. Skills and experience with traditional and contemporary worship; Must be team member on large staff; work with a variety of groups and ages. Masters Degree in Sacred Music or work equivalent. Send resume.

Part-Time Youth Choir Director: Klein UMC, 5920 FM 2920 Rd., Spring, 77388, Rev. Chris De Luise, 281-353-8202 x 308, chris@kleinumc.org. Weekly practices during school year; summer choir trip with great volunteer support. Deadline: October 1.

Full-Time Music Ministries Director: Westbury UMC, 5200 Willowbend, Houston, 77096, Search Committee, Rev. Tommy Williams, 713-723-0175, tommy1@westburyumc.org. Director will be creative, energetic; demonstrate versatility in musical styles, worship expressions and cultural appreciation of this multi-ethnic, diverse congregation. Bachelors degree and experience directing choirs. Send resume. Position begins January 1, 2011.

Please submit Event information in the following format:

Event Name, Day, Date, Time, Place, Address, City, State, Zip, Contact Persons Name, Phone Number, Email, Brief description (do not repeat the above information in description), Cost (if any), Web site links (if applicable), No photos please.

E-mail your Announcements to Rebecca G. Hernandez, garciar@methodists.net.