North Texas Conference News

Tornado Disaster Update: May 16, 2013

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:13:00 GMT

Last night several tornados touched down in the DFW area, with major damage in the Central Texas Conference. Granbury and Cleburne were severely affected. Granbury neighborhoods are still in lockdown this morning with access restricted to emergency crews. Despite what you may have heard about volunteers being wanted at FUMC Granbury on the morning news today, the neighborhoods are not open right now. Marji Bishir, Associate Director for the Center for Missional Outreach, has been in touch with the Central Texas Conference since early this morning and will keep everyone posted as needs are defined and volunteers are requested.

Click here or on the button below to follow Central Texas Conference news.

CENTRAL TEXAS CONFERENCE NEWS

As of this morning the Central Texas Conference is asking for prayers and donations. North Texans are urged to give to UMCOR US Disaster Response Advance #901670. Checks made out to your church with this designation in the memo line and placed in your church offering plate will go to UMCOR, and 100% of it will be used to help survivors.

DONATE TO HELP

Christ United Methodist Church celebrates 40 years: May 19, 2013

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:25:00 GMT

Celebrations will take place in all services
on Sunday, May 19, 2013

Join Christ United Methodist Church Plano on Sunday, May 19 to celebrate 40 years in North Texas! The celebration will take place in all services (8:45 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m. sanctuary services and 11 a.m. IMPACT contemporary worship service). Lunch and fellowship in the Christian Life Center will be held after the 11 a.m. service.

40 Years of Worship

May 20, 1973 marked the opening service for CUMC Plano (the first United Methodist Church west of Interstate 75) with 107 adults and children in attendance at Sigler Elementary School. Two years later, CUMC completed construction on its first sanctuary on Glencliff Drive where the congregation would worship until outgrowing the location. In 1991 the church purchased 14 acres for future expansion. The relocation of the church occurred in 1997 to the new property at Coit and Parker Road following Phase I Building completion. In 2010, the church finished the Phase 4 building of a new sanctuary and atrium. In the 40 year history, church membership has grown to over 5,000 members.

A Missional Church

CUMC is a church committed to mission work. Even in the beginning when membership and financial resources were small, they found ways to serve the community. In 1976, CUMC’s Missions Committee backed its first foreign mission endeavor by donating a small amount of money to support Korean missionary work. Since then they have sent mission teams to numerous places, including Bolivia, Africa, Guatemala and Poland. The youth’s first APPA mission trip was to the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky in 1981. Locally, CUMC has been committed to serving Collin County and the surrounding area through programs such as Project Hope, House On The Corner, Family Promise, various food and clothing drives as well as projects that address homelessness.

Dedicated Leadership

CUMC has had only two senior ministers in its 40 year history. The first was Fred Kandeler, who was appointed to start the church in 1973, and worked tirelessly as the church grew to more than 2,000 members. Don Underwood was appointed as Sr. Minister in 1983, leading the church through the relocation to the current campus. Don gave his first sermon at CUMC, "The Right Place at The Right Time" on June 12, 1983.

In addition to leading this large, missional church, Don has written a weekly column that is distributed around the world.

Learn More

Click here for more information about the programs of CUMC.

Christ United Methodist Church is an active and vibrant community of believers. Since the church was founded in 1973, the members of CUMC have been dedicated to a mission of sharing God's love with each other and with those around us. Our ministries are as varied as our congregation and offer something for every age group. Adults can choose from as many as 25 different Sunday school classes, all of which offer opportunities for spiritual growth with fellowship both in and outside of church. Our facility at Coit and Parker Roads gives us the opportunity to reach out to more people and to touch more lives. It will provide a vital place of worship for generations to come!

Please come and see what CUMC has to offer!

CUMC House on the Corner 10-year kick-off: May 18, 2013

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:55:00 GMT

Join us for the construction kick-off of the 10th home for CUMC Plano’s House on the Corner

Saturday, May 18, 2013
11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
3101 Coit Rd.
Plano, Texas 75075

Christ United Methodist Church will kick-off 10 years of House on the Corner with a bang! All are invited to celebrate in a surprise viral video event with free lunch, music, entertainment and blessings for the site. The event will take place between 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., Saturday, May 18 at the southwest corner of Coit and Parker Road in Plano in the parking lot. Enter off of Parker Road.

Each year, Christ United Methodist Church builds a house for a Collin County family in need, in the church parking lot. Every Saturday from May through August, 1,000 volunteers from CUMC, the surrounding community and various faith groups, work to construct the home from the ground up. The home is then moved to its permanent location in East Plano to finalize construction. The family is selected through a rigorous process to determine eligibility. Once selected, the family members work with the volunteers to construct their home. House on the Corner is made possible through generous donations of church and community members, as well as a grant from the city of Plano.

Click here or on the button below for more information about House on the Corner.

Learn more about House on the Corner

RV Group Marks 25 Years in April 2013

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Merry Mobile Methodists, a group that camps together twice a year, observed its 25th anniversary in April. Rev. Byron Myrick, right, participated in singing, part of the worship. Far right, from left: Damon Briggs, Rev. Myrick, Terry Smotherman and Walter Smith got ready to tend to dinner.

First UMC DeSoto to Host Job Search Expert: May 14, 2013

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Are you in a rut with your job search?

First UMC DeSoto, at 310 Roaring Springs Drive in DeSoto, is hosting Abby Kohut from 4:45 PM to 6:00 PM Tuesday, May 14, 2013, on Taking Your Job Search by Storm.

"Absolutely Abby" is a job recruiter who will spill the secrets of the profession at the free seminar.

Forestburg UMC Burns Note on Parsonage: April 21, 2013

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Dan Gentry, left, chair of the trustees and building committee, and Ramon Wood, administrative council chair burned the bank note on the church's 3-year-old parsonage.

Forestburg UMC, in the Northwest district of the North Texas Conference, celebrated paying off its 3-year-old parsonage on April 21, 2013 with a note burning and Bring a Friend Sunday.

Northwest Superintendent Marvin Guier and his wife, Kathy, were on hand for the occasion. The church, now led by the Rev. Chuck Jestis, decided in spring 2009 to build a parsonage and become a single point charge (no longer sharing a pastor with other churches) under the leadership of the Rev. E. Sam Campbell.

Ramon Wood, administrative council chair, in his address to the church at the celebration, said the church "had proven that when Forestburg UMC decides to do something for the Lord, you can either get on board or get out of the way." Dan Gentry, trustees and building committee chair, thanked everyone who helped make the dream a reality.

After the service, attendees enjoyed grilled hamburgers with all the fixings.

Where is God When Violence Erupts? You Needn't Fear

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Opened and emptied fireworks were found in the dorm room of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, held in the Boston Marathon bombings. Three died in the April 15, 2013 blasts. (Photo from FBI)

By JULIE YARBROUGH
Special Contributor

When an act of random violence kills innocent people, wounds and maims dozens of others, and brings an entire city to its knees, there are only questions — who did this, why, how? From the depths of our minds and hearts, we may ask, "Where is God?"

We want to know. We insist on answers when there are none; we probe our faith; again, we ask, "Where is God?"

I grew up in Dallas. The lingering, collective grief of Nov. 22, 1963, will always be part of our city, even as we prepare to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy later this year.

On September 11, 2001, I was alone in New York City when the horrific events of that day occurred.

Like other Americans, I was overcome by shock and dark grief because of the incomprehensible acts of terrorism. For me, it was a crash course in grief, intensified by the sights and smells and fear that permeated a seemingly invincible city.

The kind of urban tragedy visited on Boston on April 15, 2013 is shattering and tests our faith. I heard one commentator say that Boston is a tough city that will emerge stronger.

Certainly cities rebuild, the infrastructure recovers, but there's always a scar. Museums, memorials, monuments, fountains, gardens and squares remind us of our loss and vulnerability even as they do the cathartic work of thoughtful remembrance.

When people die violently, suddenly, unexpectedly, the human heart is forever changed in ways unlike any other grief. The immediate shock co-exists with anger, outrage, fear, helplessness and an overwhelming sense of loss. The question "Where is God?" comes from this place.

Intellectually, spiritually, we know that God does not cause violence and terrorism. God does not plot against us or plan harm or punish us. When we pause to pray and reflect, we discern that slowly, gently, lovingly God is moving us beyond the unanswerable "why did this happen?" to the tentative hope of "how will I go on?"

How do we know that God is present in these unalterable circumstances?

God is in the outpouring of the loving kindness as strangers spontaneously reach out to help.

God is in families suddenly brought closer together by a greater understanding of the gifts of life and love.

God is in the strength and wisdom of leaders, first responders, professionals and volunteers.

God is at the heart of an interfaith service where those who seek meaning in tragedy join hands and hearts to call on the power and comfort of God.

God is in the anonymous acts that bear witness to God's love for us all.

God is in each act of self-sacrifice, selflessness and quiet heroism.

God is in each whispered prayer for those whose grief is much newer than ours.

God is in life's worst tragedies when we are inspired to new heights of human goodness and compassion for others.

God is power over evil, destruction and death. God is strength in our grief, the victorious right hand that guides us through the darkness toward the light: "Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41:10 NRSV)

God is here, God is everywhere, actively present to comfort us with triumphant grace. "Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16 NRSV)

Keep me this day, O God, in the strength of your presence. Amen.

Read more from Julie Yarbrough, a grief expert, at www.beyondthebrokenheart.com.

It's Not Just Another Revival, as Martin Memorial Delves into Revitalizing Church

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Dr. Donald Haynes, known for his writings in the United Methodist Reporter, had Martin Memorial members go out into the community to invite people to their revival. He then talked with each family in the church in preparation for a "Blueprint for a New Church."

By JERRY IRVIN
Martin Memorial Pastor

Dr. Donald Haynes, the well-known contributor to the United Methodist Reporter, recently led a revitalization revival at Martin Memorial UMC of Detroit, in the East District.

The congregations of Martin and its sister church, Woodland UMC, didn't just show up and listen to Dr. Haynes.

Beforehand, he required them to do six hours of intensive Bible study of specified scriptures, conduct a focused and intentional prayer vigil, canvass the area on Sunday mornings during the worship hour to gather addresses where it was obvious that folks were at home rather than attending church somewhere, begin a marketing campaign of invitational mailings and door hangers, and pledge to fill the back seats of their cars with friends and neighbors for every service.

Then, on the first day of the event, Dr. Haynes interviewed every family of the church, exploring members' visions for the church and discussing what they like and don't like.

Dr. Haynes is preparing a "Blueprint for a New Future" for the church and will send it to the church for implementation.

Indeed, the services, which began Sunday, April 21, 2013, at morning worship and continued each evening through April 24, 2013, doubled to tripled the number of people who usually attend Sunday morning. The evening services also drew members of other area churches and their pastors, who were asked to participate in the invitational and commitment closings of each service.

Dr. Haynes, who has preached all over Methodism, both here and abroad, delivered challenging and uplifting sermons. Teresa Harmening Ministries also enhanced the services with inspiring music.

Project Transformation: C'mon, Summertime!

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Intern Jeremy Page of First UMC Lewisville worked with children at Chapel Hill UMC.

By SHERON C. PATTERSON
Editor

Project Transformation is gearing up for another strong summer in North Texas.

Since its founding in 1998, the ministry embraces three groups at once: churches, college students and children in low-income areas.

About 100 college-age interns plan and implement free summer day camps and after-school programs for roughly 1,000 children and teens in underserved neighborhoods, Project Transformation says. The interns see first-hand the uphill battle facing children and families in impoverished neighborhoods. The interns also meet each week with church and nonprofit leaders, exploring a vocational call to service and ministry.

The programs are held at United Methodist churches in the heart of low-income neighborhoods and help those churches connect in meaningful ways with their neighborhoods.

Estephania Iracheta with children from Pleasant Mound-Urban Park UMC.

"The connectional nature of The United Methodist Church truly comes to life when we witness hundreds of volunteers giving their time to help children improve their reading skills or encouraging our young adults in their service and ministry exploration," said Eric Lindh, executive director of Project Transformation.

Summer is a time when academics can slip for children, so Project Transformation works with them on reading and math skills. Lindh said 96 percent of the campers maintain or improve their reading and 86 percent maintain or increase their math skills.

This year, Project Transformation iis expanding its Leaders in Training Experience, or LITE, program and expects at least 75 former campers to return to work with its elementary school children as well as develop their leadership skills.

"How incredible it is to see an increasing number of former child participants return to serve as LITE participants and even work as college interns!" Lindh said.

"I am so grateful to the churches and volunteers who continue to support this ministry," he said.

"This investment over the years has yielded results beyond our expectations."

Project Transformation Summer Calendar
June 1: Interns arrive
June 17: Reading program begins
June 25 and 27: A Family Fun Night
July 31: Last day of day camp
Aug. 1: Celebration banquet

Volunteers Welcome
Want to get involved in Project Transformation?

Contact volunteer coordinator Janalee Shadburn Wiles at 214-946-3600 or shadburn@projecttransformation.org.

St. Luke Celebrates Its 80th Anniversary

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Photos by Sheron C. Patterson

St. Luke "Community" UMC observed its 80th anniversary April 28, 2013. And its pastor, the Rev. Dr. Henry Masters, right, used the occasion to celebrate the birth of another congregation — The Village UMC, a daughter church that recently got its own charter. "There are not many who can boast of having a baby at 80!" he said. "St. Luke is very proud to be able to say our present and our future are as strong and glorious as our past. If you can still have babies at 80, you gotta be strong. Thus, our theme Continuing Strong in the Lord."

The choir was clapping and members were showing off their commemorative Bibles at the 80th anniversary celebration of St. Luke "Community" UMC on April 28, 2013. Even the Texas Legislature got into the act, declaring March 19, 2013 as St. Luke Day.

An acolyte and brightly dressed ushers stood ready to collect the offering. St. Luke has come a long way since it began as a mission in the Great Depression. It added "Community" to its name under the legendary Rev. Dr. Zan W. Holmes Jr.

Eyes of World on Highland Park Pastor at Bush Library

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

On April 25, 2013, a historic day that rose above politics, the Rev. Mark Craig, senior pastor of Highland Park UMC, gave the invocation at the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the Southern Methodist University campus. The day was notable for the presence of the five living men who have served as U.S. president – Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter.

Here is the invocation that the Rev. Mark Craig, senior pastor of Highland Park UMC, gave for the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the Southern Methodist University campus. It was a historic day as all five living U.S. presidents, including current President Barack Obama, attended the dedication.

We have gathered here today, O God, to offer thanks for the life and legacy of President and Mrs. George W. Bush. We thank you for their distinguished leadership to our nation. Moreover, we are grateful for their moral courage and commitment to public service.

O God, today we honor a man who genuinely believes in your quest of freedom for all. We ask that President Bush and his family continue to feel the prayers and support of people all over the world who recognize his past and continued work for the expansion of freedom.

We ask your blessing upon the George W. Bush Presidential Center and all those who will walk through its doors. We pray that it will serve as a beacon of hope and freedom throughout the world. We pray that it will remind us all of our nation's heroic past and generate noble insights for future leaders of our country.

Grant that each of us will rededicate our lives to the values of this great institution. As we continue to learn the lesson of history, help us to live out the words of the prophet Micah "to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God."

We pray all these things in thy name.

Amen

All in a day for FUMC Richardson, as 600 volunteers prepare 142,928 meals

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:20:00 GMT

The Rogers family measures out ingredients for food packages for Stop Hunger Now. Participants put together rice, dehydrated vegetables and protein-vitamin powder.

What does it take to prepare 142,928 meals in one day? If you ask First UMC Richardson, the answer is 600 willing volunteers, plus an Easter offering to pay for 10 pallets of rice, dehydrated vegetables and protein-vitamin powder.

The church held a Stop Hunger Now bagging event on Sunday, April 7, 2013.

Participants ages 4 to 94 filled 23,988 quart-size bags that will provide nutritious meals to children in developing countries. Just add water!

This project allowed a hands-on mission experience for all ages to make an impact across the globe.

"It was so special to see our church come together for this project, knowing that hungry people will be fed as a result," said Beth Smith, director of leadership development for the church. "People working side by side who might never have had contact with each other, getting to know one another, was just an added benefit."

Stop Hunger Now is an international hunger relief organization that coordinates the distribution of food and other lifesaving aid around the world and promotes a global commitment to mobilize the necessary resources.

View more pictures from the event

Clergy: Submit Photos of Church for 2013 Annual Conference

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:20:00 GMT

Submit Photo of your Church for 2013 Annual Conference

ANNUAL CONFERENCE CHANGE: The 2013 Annual Conference will be different in many ways. One of the changes is that clergy names will not be read by their district superintendents at the close of the conference. Instead, photos of the churches they serve or their places of work will be displayed on screens. Live music will play as the Sacrament of Holy Communion is taking place.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: Clergy, please submit an exterior shot of your church building or ministry setting.

Please submit high-resolution photos from your digital camera or smartphone.

Submission deadline: May 1, 2013

Clergy: Add your Photos

Friberg-Cooper UMW makes, blesses blankets

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:20:00 GMT

The Friberg-Cooper UMW in Wichita Falls handmade blankets for a second straight year.

On Sunday, April 14, 2013, Friberg-Cooper UMC in Wichita Falls held a ceremony to bless 18 fleece blankets made by the church's United Methodist Women at the group's Second Annual Blanket Making Party.

Blankets throughout the year are taken to people in the hospital and nursing homes, those who are house-bound or those who just need to know their church family is praying for them.

Each blanket given out is accompanied by a card that tells the recipient that the UMW has prayed over it and quotes Philippians 4:6: "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."

First UMC DeSoto to host job search expert May 14, 2013

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:20:00 GMT

Are you in a rut with your job search?

First UMC DeSoto, at 310 Roaring Springs Drive in DeSoto, is hosting Abby Kohut from 4:45 PM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday, May 14, 2013 on Taking Your Job Search by Storm.

"Absolutely Abby" is a job recruiter who will spill the secrets of the profession at the free seminar.

More Information

North Texas Conference News

Tornado Disaster Update: May 16, 2013

Christ United Methodist Church celebrates 40 years: May 19, 2013

Celebrations will take place in all services on Sunday, May 19, 2013

40 Years of Worship

A Missional Church

Dedicated Leadership

Learn More

CUMC House on the Corner 10-year kick-off: May 18, 2013

Join us for the construction kick-off of the 10th home for CUMC Plano’s House on the Corner

Saturday, May 18, 2013 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. 3101 Coit Rd. Plano, Texas 75075

RV Group Marks 25 Years in April 2013

First UMC DeSoto to Host Job Search Expert: May 14, 2013

Forestburg UMC Burns Note on Parsonage: April 21, 2013

Where is God When Violence Erupts? You Needn't Fear

It's Not Just Another Revival, as Martin Memorial Delves into Revitalizing Church

Project Transformation: C'mon, Summertime!

St. Luke Celebrates Its 80th Anniversary

Eyes of World on Highland Park Pastor at Bush Library

All in a day for FUMC Richardson, as 600 volunteers prepare 142,928 meals

Clergy: Submit Photos of Church for 2013 Annual Conference

Submit Photo of your Church for 2013 Annual Conference

Submission deadline: May 1, 2013

Friberg-Cooper UMW makes, blesses blankets

First UMC DeSoto to host job search expert May 14, 2013

Celebrations will take place in all services
on Sunday, May 19, 2013

Saturday, May 18, 2013
11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
3101 Coit Rd.
Plano, Texas 75075