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March 11, 2021

Church serves the community despite severe damage

Helping neighbors while watching the action outside of Ebenezer UMC in Houston, you would never suspect that inside church doors, the building is severely damaged. The past couple of weekends, since a winter storm wreaked havoc in Texas, Ebenezer UMC has hosted drive-up food drives and COVID-19 drive-through vaccinations. Senior Pastor Enid Henderson is keeping her eyes focused on mission, and the church continues to help neighbors in need – even though the congregation itself is in need of help.

Pastoring while Positive

Pastors are usually the caregivers – tending to the well-being of their flock. Seeking care for themselves can be a challenge. But there are times when clergy do not have a choice, especially if they test positive for COVID-19. In the past few months, Pastors Ray Hughes and Carmen Rickel in the Texas Annual Conference had that experience firsthand. Now fully recovered, both have gained insights from their time as patients.

Some 800K pounds of food distributed at Houston area church since April

The onset of the coronavirus pandemic may have caused most outreach efforts to grind to a halt – but not at the Windsor Village Church Family (WVCF), a 15,000-member congregation in Houston. Instead, the church saw an opportunity to help even more people at a time when the need was greatest.

How 2021 has taught a TAC church to transform mission

FUMC Grand Saline was prepared to become a shelter during the winter storm. When no one arrived, however, church members saw an opportunity to begin a new conversation. The congregation has a heart for outreach – and continually seeks ways to do more and serve better, even in the midst of the pandemic.

 

 

 

Two congregations merge, finding new life

On Sunday, March 7, members of Fairbanks UMC in north Houston gathered for their last sermon. This church, however, is not saying goodbye. Instead, members are merging with The Foundry, only about 5 miles away. Together, the congregations are discovering an opportunity for new life.

 

Discipleship's top executive dies of cancer?

The Rev. Junius B. Dotson, the top executive of Discipleship Ministries, died early Feb. 25, less than a month after announcing his battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 55. 

 

  
 
Other News

Opportunities

 

Bishop Scott Jones announced today that Rev. Robert Besser has been appointed as the new Associate Director of Church Leadership in the Center for Leadership Formation beginning July 1, 2021. Besser currently serves as the Director for Congregational Excellence. 

TAC 2021 FAQs 

Last year we introduced our virtual session of Annual Conference with the acknowledgement, “We’ve Never Done It This Way Before.” This year’s session will be more like, “Didn’t We Do Something Like This Last Time.” Our amazing Tech Team helped to develop a list of Frequently Asked Questions to make this year’s session easier for you. 

Lent and Easter resources

The Texas Annual Conference has put put together some great resources to help you, your family and your congregation plan and prepare for this Easter season.

Find Worship Online

Looking for a way to worship without leaving the house?

A number of churches in the Texas Annual Conference are posting sermons online.

You don’t have to miss a service if you’re out of town or if you prefer to stay at home. Viewers can also enjoy multiple preaching styles and even virtually “attend” different churches. There’s a lot going on Sundays in the TAC that you won’t want to miss. 
Sermons are often available to livestream on Sunday and several congregations also record services for on-demand viewing. Check them out at: https://www.txcumc.org/sermons 

We would like to include your church in this list. Please let us know if you are posting a resource online by sending a link to: communications@txcumc.org

 

Churches in the News

United Methodist Churches are making headlines – leading the way through ministry, outreach and discipleship. Amazing stories about our local congregations in the Texas Annual Conference are popping up – and news publications around the country are spreading the word about UM churches. Read all about it.

Mar. 15
Pastors Moving Now What? Webinar

Mar. 15, 23  Apr. 14, 22 
Covid Can't Stop Discipleship Webinar

Mar. 19-20
Perkins Summit for Faith and Learning virtual event "looking Forward Learning Together" 

Mar. 28
Preparing Your Heart for Holy Week and Good Friday. Sponsored by the Black Methodists for Church Renewal

April 15, 29
Coping with stress: honest space for pastors Webinar

Multiple Dates
Loving Houston has multiple upcoming workshops on Church School Partnerships & Leadership Gatherings
 The Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
5215 Main St. Houston TX 77002 | Phone: 713-521-9383
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