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Fire Burns Sanctuary, Not Church
Written: 2/9/2010 9:20:14 AM
By Jill Krone, TAC Communications Only days after fire destroyed their historical sanctuary, Russell Memorial United Methodist Church members move forward with their mission and ministry.  During worship service on Sunday morning, the church offered prayers and began the healing process as ...

One Great Hour of Sharing - 2010
Written: 2/8/2010
UMCOR: COMING IN MARCH - ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING When a massive earthquake leveled the capital city of Port-au-Prince in Haiti and decimated outlying areas last month, UMCOR was there to bring comfort to survivors and set a direction for long-term recovery efforts. UMCOR used 100 percent of ...


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Wills Point Church Destroyed By Fire
Written: 2/4/2010
courtesy photo by Kenneth Dean, Tyler Morning Telegraph   By KENNETH DEAN, Staff Writer, Tyler Morning Telegraph (Reprinted with Permission – See Original Story)   WILLS POINT – Members of the Russell Memorial United Methodist Church continue to march forward in their fai...


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Information for Potential Haiti Volunteers
Written: 2/3/2010 6:13:23 PM
All team members interested in volunteering in Haiti in the next year must register on-line at www.umrespond.org/Haiti. You will not be considered as a team member unless you register on this site. Once your name is registered, I will receive your information and be in contact with you.&nb...


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Harvey to Link Haiti Relief Work to US Churches
Written: 2/2/2010
File Photo By Mike Dubose, UMNS By Elliott Wright, GBGM A Texas mission leader with extensive experience in disaster relief will serve as liaison between United Methodist operations in Haiti following the January 12 earthquake and the enormous response of annual conferences and congregations in t...

Texas Surgeon Conducts 50 Surgeries in Haiti
Written: 2/2/2010
By Eleanor L. Colvin, Communications Director   It is simple math: Five days plus 50 surgeries equals a forever changed man.   United Methodist surgeon Dr. Michael Kent recently returned from an “adventure of a lifetime,” providing emergency medical relief to the people of...

Haiti Update
Written: 2/2/2010
Here is the latest news from the Methodist Church in Haiti. Please let your churches know that UMCOR is at work in Haiti but much has to be done before teams can begin to go in.    The Texas Annual Conference probably will not have teams going in early because one of the criteria f...

Food, Water, Housing Top Priorities for Haitians
Written: 1/28/2010 10:40:11 AM
By Kathy Gilbert, UMNS   Food. Potable water. Shelter.   Those are the top needs a group of 29 church and community leaders told three executives from the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Asked which is the most important, the group said all three.   The Jan. 12 earthquake ...

Haiti Assessments Begin
Written: 1/27/2010
HAITI: EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY Haiti Assessment Begins UMCOR executives Melissa Crutchfield and Sharad Aggarwal crossed the border from Dominican Republic into Haiti late last week to begin an official assessment of damages in Port-au-Prince, including unreached and underserved communities in out...


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BMCR - Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Written: 1/26/2010 12:34:54 PM
Youth across the Texas Annual Conference connection recently observed the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday by chronicling the history of African-Americans - from slavery to freedom, from the back of the bus to a black president.   "African-American History: the Unending Journey" was ...

A New Episcopal Residence
Written: 1/26/2010 11:53:17 AM
At Annual Conference in May, 2009, a resolution was passed giving authority to the Committee on Episcopal Residence to recommend to the Council on Finance and Administration and the Conference Trustees, the sale of the old Episcopal residence and the purchase of a new one.   The home which ha...

Texan Rescued from Earthquake, Dies of Injuries
Written: 1/26/2010 11:49:59 AM
By Elliott Wright, General Board of Global Ministries   The Rev. Clinton Rabb, 61, a leader in the United Methodist Church’s extensive mission volunteer program, died on January 17 in a Florida hospital of injuries caused when he was trapped for 55 hours in the ruins of a hotel destroye...

UM Relief Executive Dies in Haiti
Written: 1/26/2010 11:47:47 AM
By Elliot Wright, General Board of Global Ministries   The Rev. Dr. Sam Dixon, head of the humanitarian relief agency of The United Methodist Church, died doing what he loved to do: working for the welfare of the poor and rejected of the world in the name of Jesus Christ. His life ended befor...


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Lutherans and Methodists Celebrate Connection Through Faith and Service
Written: 1/26/2010 11:43:41 AM
By Eleanor L. Colvin, Director of Communications   Shared faith is the foundation upon which the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and the United Methodist Church officially celebrated full communion together on Sunday, January 17.   Approximately 300 people gathered St. Paul&rsqu...

Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation - 2010
Written: 1/26/2010 10:51:44 AM
The 2010 Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation will be held March 7-12 at the Prothro Center at Lake Texoma.   The theme for this Upper Room Ministries Retreat will be “Markings - “Following a path prepared by others… Preparing a path for others to follow”  ...


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Call to Lay Ministry Not a Suggestion
Written: 1/26/2010
Early Christians did not receive a suggestion, but a call, to faithfully express their baptism vows, according to the Apostle Paul. And, contemporary Christians are no different. Laypersons are called to serve in accordance with the charisms or gifts they have received through the Holy Spirit in t...

Remembering the Lives of Sam Dixon and Clint Rabb
Written: 1/25/2010 10:00:56 AM
Sam Dixon and Clint Rabb, Christian ministers with The United Methodist Church's mission and humanitarian organization, the General Board of Global Ministries, died of injuries received in the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. They were trapped with four other people, who survived, for 55 hours in th...

Haiti journal: Home is a field, but families remain families
Written: 1/25/2010 9:49:23 AM
By Kathy L. Gilbert, UMNS A soccer field has become home to more than 5,000 traumatized Haitians here. It is one of many makeshift communities tucked in every corner of the city and in open fields in the outlying areas. A massive earthquake Jan. 12 shook more than 400,000 people from the safety...

Haitians Get Keys to Clean Water Through UMCOR Partnership
Written: 1/25/2010 9:46:01 AM
By Kathy L. Gilbert, UMNS   January 24, 2010—In 20 minutes, Sharlene Jean learned how to save her community. Jean, one of the thousands of Haitians living out in the open since an earthquake destroyed their homes Jan. 12, learned to take muddy river water and turn it into clean drinkin...


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Register for TAC 2010
Written: 1/25/2010
Pre-registration for Texas Annual Conference 2010 is now open.   This registration is for clergy, clergy spouses and laity delegates to the Texas Annual Conference.   If you wish to receive a Pre-Conference Journal, we need you to register early and select your pre...

HAITI: Response Update from UMCOR
Written: 1/20/2010 2:21:14 PM
HAITI: EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE Providing Clean Water UMCOR is providing emergency grants to the Methodist Church in Haiti and GlobalMedic to address the needs of those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12. UMCOR is partnering with GlobalMedic to provide clean drink...


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A Hand in Haiti's Recovery
Written: 1/20/2010
A portable medical clinic donated by A&M United Methodist Church in College Station is lowered into resting place in Haiti, where it is being put to good use after the recent earthquake. By CASSIE SMITH, The Bryan-College Station Eagle Two years ago, members of A&M United Methodist Church ...


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Taking Ministry to New Heights
Written: 1/20/2010
This article is part of a series offering a snapshot of extension ministries of the Texas Annual Conference. Please watch the conference website and Cross Connection for future articles.   By Brant Mills, Web Content Manager Chaplain Captain Buddy Walker has served in many places around the ...


Written: 1/19/2010 10:08:18 AM


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Interfaith Event Calls People of Faith to Welcome the Stranger
Written: 1/19/2010
By Eleanor L. Colvin, Director of Communications   Cintia Perez would like to work as a genetic researcher in a forensics lab or a cancer research center. Instead, the 24-year-old works at a pizzeria – answering the phone, making pizzas and mopping the floors. She has the degrees &ndash...

United Methodists Respond with Prayer, Aid for Haiti
Written: 1/13/2010 10:46:17 AM
By Linda Bloom and Kathy L. Gilbert, UMNS “We are OK, the building held up, thanks for your prayers.” After hours of uncertainty in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake that rocked Haiti, those words from his wife, Pam, and two other members of a mission team were an answered prayer ...


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Souper Bowl of Caring February 7
Written: 1/13/2010
      United Methodists are encouraged to participate in Souper Bowl of Caring on Feb. 7, by collecting canned goods and making donations through local church offerings. Last year, 13,794 United Methodist church groups participated in Souper Bowl of Caring events across the U...


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2010 Tax Seminars
Written: 1/13/2010
Heartspring Methodist Foundation and the Texas Annual Conference Center for Connectional Resources are sponsoring seminars for clergy, as well as staff and laity who participate in the financial management of a local church.   Cost is $45.00 for each session or $80.00 for both and includes al...


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Human Relations Day
Written: 1/7/2010
January 17, 2010 - This Special Sunday celebrates the connectional work of United Methodist Churches. It supports Community Developers and United Methodist Voluntary Service (UMVS), both of which are Global Ministries programs, and the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program administered by the Genera...

Lutherans and Methodists Celebrate Full Communion
Written: 1/7/2010
Houston Lutherans and Methodists will celebrate a historic event at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on January 17, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.   Last August at a meeting in Minneapolis, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted 958 to 51 to adopt a full communion agreement with th...

Gil Hanke Named Top Executive of United Methodist Men
Written: 1/5/2010
By Kathy L. Gilbert, UMNS The United Methodist Church needs men, and men need a spiritual home. The challenge is bringing the two together, said Gilbert C. Hanke, new top executive for the Commission on United Methodist Men. Hanke, 59, will become top staff executive of the agency Feb. 1. &ldqu...


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Breaking the Silence - January Event
Written: 1/5/2010
Breaking the Silence, an organization of United Methodist clergy and laity, is hosting a half-day educational event, "Sexual Orientation and the Church: A Conversation from Three Perspectives,"  on Saturday, January 30, 2010, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Houston.  ...


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Church launches ‘Voice of Hope’ Radio in Côte d’Ivoire
Written: 12/29/2009
Lydie Acquah and Bishop Benjamin Boni pray in the studio of the new United Methodist radio station in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. UMNS photos by Ginny Underwood. By Tim Tanton, UMNS People in this West African country are receiving messages of hope along with information to enhance their l...


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Beyond Expectations - Cote d’Ivoire Radio Installation is Blessed
Written: 12/29/2009
By Isaac Broune, Conference Communicator Cote d’Ivoire Annual Conference   “Alleluia! (Glory be to God).” This is how we can summarize our impressions at the end of Day I of radio station installation. Indeed, there is a reason to be grateful to God. We did not expect t...


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Broadcasting Live: Peace, Goodwill and Glory to God
Written: 12/29/2009
By Eleanor L. Colvin, Director of Communications   The Cote d’Ivoire Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church began broadcasting from its own radio station on Christmas Eve.   Radio is a necessary form of communication in developing nations like Cote d’Ivoire, wher...

No One is Too Small for Ministry
Written: 12/28/2009 11:13:18 AM
By Thelma Jones, Editor - Cross Connection   A church does not have to be a mega-size church in order to accomplish big things for God. Paul Horton UMC in Huntsville has a congregation of approximately 100 members. The church participated in a big way in the city’s annual Christmas even...


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Year-Round Santa
Written: 12/28/2009 11:07:18 AM
Former NASA engineer has a new mission: making toys for children.   By Thelma Jones, Editor - Cross Connection   It’s that time of the year again; Christmas time, when Christians the world over celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  We remember the child who brings the gift o...


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Tailgate with a Hero
Written: 12/28/2009 11:04:02 AM
The Just Us Guys Sunday School class at Mission Bend United Methodist Church banded together with volunteers from all over the Houston to feed patients, veterans and their families, and staff at the Veterans’ Hospital.    Over 70 volunteers aged eight to seventy-eight, from all di...

District Events Empower Leaders Conference-Wide
Written: 12/28/2009 10:59:35 AM
Help! I have a new lay leadership position at my church and I don’t know where to start!   Help! Our church wants to develop a Young Adult ministry, have a more effective children’s program, and enhance worship involvement.   Help! I have been in leadership for years, ...

A Walk Becomes a Journey
Written: 12/28/2009 10:49:07 AM
By Susan Wiley, Associate Minister, Memorial Drive UMC   Like being Methodist, The Walk to Emmaus has become a “connectional” journey of sorts for my husband, Sam, and me.  Beyond our initial 72 hour experience, we have continued to be blessed by the many Emmaus brothers and ...


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Perkins to Waive Application Fees
Written: 12/28/2009
Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University is waiving its $50 application fee through March 1, 2010 for applicants to the Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Church Ministries, and Master of Sacred Music degree programs, as well as for all non-degree applica...


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Sitting at the Feet of a Messianic Rabbi
Written: 12/28/2009
By Rev. Lillie Ferrell, TAC Passionate Worship Ministry Team   Christianity today is rediscovering its Hebraic roots. Therefore, many churches are seeking to learn more about our Judeo-Christian foundation by turning to Messianic Rabbi’s for instruction and leadership. Consequently, the...


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Resolve to Have Passionate Worship in 2010
Written: 12/28/2009
By The Center for Congregational Excellence Passionate Worship Team   Are you ready to take your worship services to new levels for the next decade?  Do your worship services inspire, stimulate and educate, while drawing people nearer to God?    The Texas Annual Conference C...

Giving Thanks at Year’s End – Consider the Possibilities
Written: 12/28/2009
By Heartspring Methodist Foundation   December is one of the most generous months of the year. Churches and charities count on generous year-end gifts to fund their mission and ministries. Living in the United States also rewards generosity. U.S. laws allow one to contribute to the good of s...


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Layaway Gifts for Christ
Written: 12/28/2009
By Rev. Melvin Amerson, Texas Methodist Foundation   The Christmas shopping season seems to begin earlier and earlier every year. Perhaps the Wise Men in the gospel of Matthew 2:1-12, who brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to recognize and celebrate his birth, started saving ...


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2010 Passionate Worship Seminar
Written: 12/25/2009
Experience passionate worship through three diverse worship services and learn from others through an assortment of workshops at the 2010 Passionate Worship Seminar. This special event will be held January 29th-30th at Clear Lake UMC. Friday's sessions will include Rabbi Yisreal Avraham and Mi...


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Cote d'Ivoire Radio Initiative
Written: 12/18/2009
Cote d'Ivoire Annual Conference Communications Coordinator Isaac Broune at a training session on broadcasting. Below are links to audio of Bishop Huie discussing the Texas Annual Conference partnership with Cote d'Ivoire. Bishop Huie - Radio Address Bishop Huie - Ivoirian Connection Part 1 Bisho...

ABC to Air United Methodist Christmas Eve Service
Written: 12/15/2009
ABC television affiliates nationwide will broadcast a United Methodist-produced Christmas Eve candlelight service on Dec. 24 and 25.   “We are privileged to open our doors, via television, to viewers who seek a Christmas Eve worship experience,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief e...

SpouseConnect: New Blog for Clergy Spouses
Written: 12/15/2009
A new blog called "SpouseConnect" is available for clergy spouses to connect and support each other.   Created by a small group of United Methodist pastors' spouses, SpouseConnect seeks to provide a safe space for the husbands and wives of pastors and others in congregational ...

A Learning Circle on Ministry with the Poor
Written: 12/15/2009
The first of a series of open conversations on Ministry with the Poor, a current priority of The United Methodist Church, will be held on Wednesday, December 16, and will be broadcast live on the internet.   The hours of the broadcast are 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EST and can be accessed online ...