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January 27, 2022

Students benefit from churches partnering with local school

Elkhart UMC is only a one-minute drive from the intermediate school, which is sandwiched between the middle school and the Elkhart ISD’s office. It’s not unusual for students to volunteer at the church -- or for Pastor Carmen Rickel to respond to a teacher’s prayer request. Working together for the greater good is simply how it’s done, Rickel explained.

Reaching today’s youth with back to the basics

John Wesley UMC is rethinking youth ministry. The congregation, located north of Houston in Champion Forest, is reaching its youngest members in new ways – and walking with them through their faith journey.

Ideas turn to cash at TAC Innovation Lab

As pandemic shutdowns began two years ago, churches moved quickly to acquire the technical know-how for streaming services to stranded parishoners via Zoom, YouTube or Facebook Live. Clergy have since embraced TikTok and other platforms as well.

MLK’s legacy remembered at BMCR celebration

“Legacy Moving Forward” was the theme of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, presented by the Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) on Jan. 17. In the virtual event, Bishop Scott J. Jones said, “We want to remember his legacy and continue our prayers that someday the sin of racism will be eradicated, justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like an everlasting spring.”

Church ladies sew for CPS children leaving in a rush

The beginning of the year was a return to work for the women of Huntington UMC. Their  Loose Threads ministry reconvened Jan. 6. Sewing machines were humming, pumping out blankets for adoptions in the area. Church members were also assembling birthday surprise boxes for foster children, a new ministry that started in the spring.
 
Other News

Opportunities

Inspiration, expertise for Black churches

“We have to shift to do ministry in unconventional, creative and innovative ways,” said the Rev. Michael L. Bowie Jr., national executive director of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century (SBC21), “and that happens on the right side of the boat.” A conference called, Shift Happens, Doing Ministry from the right side was held at St. John’s UMC, Houston during the 25th anniversary of SBC21.
 
 
 

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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ongoing
FREE COVID TESTING KITS for all employees covered under the TAC Group Health Plan.
Feb. 3
The Church vs human trafficking webinar. Find out how you can make a difference.
Feb. 5
Lay Servant Ministries has several upcoming class opportunities both online and in person.

Feb. 17
The vision of the Texas Ministry Conference is to provide tools and resources for people in all types of ministry and ministry support. 

March 26
The TAC Innovation Lab is the place to turn your ideas into cash. This will fill up fast! Registration now open and ends March 14.

Feb. 21-23
It's time to grill, chill and refill at the Gathering at Lakeview Methodist Center  deadline for registration is Feb. 7.
 The Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
5215 Main St. Houston TX 77002 | Phone: 713-521-9383
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