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instagram twitter facebookNovember 12, 2020

Area churches preparing to serve neighbors in need for Thanksgiving

At Katy FUMC, 1,000 cans of cranberry sauce and 500 jars of turkey gravy stand ready. A few miles down I-10, St. Peter’s UMC is collecting 1,000 boxes of stuffing, and at nearby Holy Covenant UMC, a mountain of boxed mashed potatoes is rising. These three United Methodist churches are part of an ecumenical tradition – the Katy Thanksgiving Feast, which provides holiday meals to families in need. This November, however, instead of creating an in-person dinner, each church is donating sides for at-home feasts. By changing their approach, the congregations refuse to let COVID-19 stand in the way of celebrating Thanksgiving.

Small town NASA church member takes teens to robotics state championship

The first time, Martin’s Mill’s high school team headed to Dallas to compete at the BEST of Texas Robotics Championship, the teens were nervous. One of their mentors Marvin Shaw, a volunteer from Holly Springs UMC in Canton, drove the team – and at the time, they all fit in a Chevy Suburban. “They were extremely intimidated,” he recalled. “But they went from feeling intimidated to sticking out their chests and saying, ‘We’ve got this.’”

Clergy couples’ shared interest in technology brings them together

Media ministry or using technology to share the message of the church, initially brought Revs. Johnnie and Lataya Simpson together. Little did they know that what started as a friendship over a shared interest in audio-visual communications would become an enduring love. They also became each other’s support system, as they pursued a new ministry on the pulpit. Now, Johnnie and Lataya are both pastors serving in the Texas Annual Conference. 

Church offers free drive through health fair with flu shots, lab tests, blood pressure monitoring and more

Imagine a pit stop at NASCAR, where a crew stands ready to refuel, change tires and repair racing cars. Now, instead of race car experts, picture nurses with clipboards, prepared to give free flu vaccines and process lab work, with patients in the safety of their cars. That’s the vision that transformed the Mt. Pleasant Community Health Fair this year. The event, held Oct. 10, was hosted by Tennison Memorial UMC and Titus Regional Medical Center.

 

 

The best way to connect with members is with a hug over the phone

Strawbridge UMC is giving “HUGS” to every member -- over the phone. While the ministry “His Unmeasurable Grace Saves” began prior to COVID-19, the need for connection seems so much more urgent now. Participants have found a “hug” from the church goes a long way.
 
Other News

Opportunities

Called to Serve

A video series featuring people across the Texas Annual Conference and their stories as they discuss their unique, personal calls to ministry and what being called to serve means to them. Visit: txcumc.org/calledtoserve
 

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.
 

Nov. 12
Loving Houston 101: How to Start a School Partnership.

Deadline Nov. 30
Global Ministries is excited to announce the applications for the next cohort of Global Mission Fellows, US2 Track, is open!

Deadline Dec. 1
Nominations for Perkins School of Theology Woodrow B. Seals Award

Dec. 5
The annual Good Gifts Market is going virtual! Shop the market over Zoom on Saturday, December 5, from 11:00 am–12:00 pm. This market allows people to “shop for change,” supporting artisans who are making a difference.

Jan. 18 - Feb. 12 2021
BeADisciple.com is holding an Introduction to the Enneagram workshop and retreat.

Jan. 21        Jan 23
Men's Ministry Virtual Gathering

 The Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
5215 Main St., Houston TX 77002 | Phone: 713-521-9383
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