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instagram twitter facebook October 8, 2020

Lament, Perseverance, Innovation and Purpose

Thank you for faithful, innovative ministry in a difficult year!

I asked the editor to put that opening sentence in large type so you would be sure to get my message. I have been hearing so much about the pastors and local churches of our Conference doing such great ministry under highly stressful and unusual circumstances. I am grateful for what God is doing through you!

Innovative church plant builds on home groups without a building

Most church plants start with a front door and a worship service. Members are then encouraged to join a small group and become more of a part of the church community. At Oikon UMC, that order is reversed. The Rev. Mike Whang places the focus on small groups, which meet in house churches. The strong sense of community that resulted, as well as the strong presence of God, has been remarkable to witness. 

Churches return to in-person worship after restrictions lift

Churches across the Texas Annual Conference are celebrating the return to in-person services. Still, several are retaining their online presence, one of a number of lessons learned from COVID-19. Congregations of all sizes, now seven months into the pandemic, are pushing forward, with many reporting that attendance, giving and mission remain strong.

Cuban clergy couple navigate new country and new language

When it comes to facing challenges, Pastors Frank and Elizabeth Acosta feel blessed to lean on each other. Because they know each other’s strength and how to balance duties, they are poised to divide and conquer almost any obstacle. Together, the Acostas have navigated moving to a new country, learning a new language and attending two different seminaries. They band together in marriage and parenting, as well as both pastoring at First Methodist Conroe for the Celebración ministry. Whether at work or at home, this clergy couple is a true team.

Simple ways to show you care on pastor appreciation day

Being a pastor can be hard work at times. It’s not the type of job where you can clock in and clock out -- or where calls can wait until business hours. Pastors preside over the most important moments of their congregation’s lives, baptisms, marriages and funerals. They help their church progress in mission, evangelism and discipleship. Add a pandemic to the equation, and clergy have even fuller schedules. They have spent most of 2020 caring for their flocks in the midst of uncertainty – facing new challenges head-on. That make this Pastor Appreciation Day, Sunday, Oct. 11, even more noteworthy.
 
Other News Opportunities

Called to Serve

Feeling a call to ministry? The Texas Annual Conference has developed a video series, delving into the unique, personal stories of those called into ministry.  

Called to Serve

Feeling a call to ministry? The Texas Annual Conference has developed a video series, delving into the unique, personal stories of those called into ministry.  

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.
 

Oct. 8, and Oct. 15
How do you lead an organization stuck between an ending and a new beginning - when the old way of doing things no longer works but a way forward is not yet clear? In times of uncertainty, how do we learn from our mistakes and find our way forward? How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going is a four part webinar hosted by Susan Beaumont - consultant, author and coach - to offer practical hope for tired and weary leaders who risk defining this era of ministry in terms of failure or loss. 

Oct. 15

An online panel discussion on teen stress & anxiety. This is for parents, grandparents, pastors, youth group volunteers and anyone that helps care for our young people.

Oct. 29
A webinar designed for all Active Clergy, Under 65 Early Retirees, Spouses and TAC Fiscal Office Lay Employees who are enrolled in the TAC Group Health Plan (Boon Chapman / Script Care).
 

Multiple Dates
Perkins Virtual Information sessions
   
   
 The Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
5215 Main St. Houston TX 77002-9792 | Phone: 713-521-9383
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