UMW members challenged to say ‘yes’ to mission

By Denise Johnson Stovall Special Correspondent “Called by God, Called by Name,” was the theme of the 35th annual meeting of the North Texas Conference United Methodist Women (NTC UMW). At least 257 persons converged for the Oct. 11 gathering at First UMC, McKinney. Rev. Tommy Brumett, pastor of First UMC, McKinney, and Rev. Clara Reed, superintendent, Sherman-McKinney District, welcomed participants. Dr. Reed commended the women for taking up the “cause of freedom, cause...

The Bishop: Getting our priorities straight

BY BISHOP W. EARL BLEDSOE North Texas Conference The holiday season at the Bledsoe household is full of joy and thanksgiving. Each year family members gather together to celebrate and give thanks to God for family. The large gatherings include sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfather, great grandmothers, sons, daughters, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends of the family. Needless to say, it is large....

'Evening Under the Stars' , Wesley-Rankin benefit raises $140,000

BY BILL FENTUM Special Correspondent Some 300 people gathered on Nov. 8 for “Evening Under the Stars,” an annual dinner benefi ting the Wesley-Rankin Community Center in West Dallas. The event at Love Field Airport’s Frontiers of Flight Museum raised $140,000 through admission tickets, and silent and live auctions. Special guests included honorary chair Dean Fearing, a renowned Dallas chef known as “the father of Southwestern cuisine,” and mistress of...

UM Student Day offering provides critical support

United Methodist Student Day is Nov. 30. Every year, we hear: Every year, we hear: “Tuition costs are increasing.” For many United Methodist students, the  continuous increase places an enormous financial burden that many cannot assume. However, through the Student Day offering, we can prepare students to unite faith with knowledge. Each year, the UM General Board of Higher Education and Ministry awards scholarships and loans to students attending United Methodist and other...

Around the Conference

Lovers Lane UMC, Dallas, presents its “Big Band Jazz Christmas Concert,” Dec. 14 at 3:00 p.m. in Asbury Hall. The 16th annual free, casual concert is presented by the “Lovers Lane Jazz Band.” For more information, please call Jimmy Emery, 214-691-9591. *** ArtSpirit, Dallas, an NTC ministry, announces its ‘“Open Mic Nite,” Dec. 20 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 408 W. 8th Street, No. 102. For more information, visit www.artspiritdallas....

Musings from an official 'OA'...From Bogata to Burkburnett

BY RICHARD B. HEARNE NTC Board of Laity, Chair Don’t you just hate it when you have your mind made up, you are sure that what you think is 100 percent correct and then something happens and you discover that maybe you are not right after all. This is exactly the situation I find myself in today. Two weeks ago I attended my first meeting of the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) in Washington, DC as a designated “OA” – more about this later. Based on some of...

C.C. Young, Dallas: Benefit guests learn about 'The Point'

Ray and Nancy Ann Hunt, members of First UMC, Richardson, and long-time supporters of C.C. Young, Dallas, a retirement center related to the North Texas Conference, hosted an evening of dining and music on Oct. 18 to benefi t The Point, Center for Arts and Education. The gala dinner was held at the Hunt Consolidated headquarters Building in downtown Dallas. Guests included church, business, education and civic leaders who learned more about the programs, events and educational activities...

Oak Cliff UMC at a beautiful stage

Oak Cliff UMC, Dallas, members who attend the traditional service and the new contemporary, bilingual service celebrated their first Charge Conference together on Nov. 2. They held a service of dedication for the 96-year old stage in the fellowship hall, which has been refinished after years of use and layer upon layer of paint. When stripped and refinished, the old growth, hardwood, long needle pine, which is no longer available, emerged in its original beauty. Each board spans the entire...

New Order of Saint Luke chapter forms

Members of the newly formed Trinity Chapter of the Order of Saint Luke (OSL) gathered in October to organize and renew their vows during Eucharist held at the Bishop Rhymes H. Moncure, Jr. Chapel at the NTC Ministry Center, Plano. The Order of Saint Luke, founded in 1949 by Methodist leaders, is an international, ecumenical monastic association devoted to liturgical scholarship and sacramental life and service. OSL members study Christian worship traditions and practice monastic disciplines...

See 'Road to Bethlehem,' St. Phillip's UMC, Garland

This passage from the Prophet Isaiah is one of the first of nine scenes in the St. Philip’s Live Nativity. The Christmas story comes to life as St. Philip’s UMC, Garland, presents “The Road to Bethlehem,” a free, live, drivethrough nativity on the church grounds, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Dec. 5 and 6. The church is located at 3717 Broadway Boulevard at Nickens Road in Garland. Visitors to “The Road to Bethlehem” drive through nine scenes depicting the...

Farmersville UMC honors two long-time Sunday School teachers - Maynard Cheek, Nelda Burnside

On Sept. 14 Farmersville UMC honored two long-time Sunday School teachers, Nelda Burnside and Maynard Cheek. Both had taught classes for over 50 years. The whole event was meticulously kept a surprise from both honorees. The day began with a breakfast prepared by the UM Men, led by Mike Henry. Both Burnside and Cheek were awarded plaques to recognize their service. Nelda Burnside has taught the two to four-year old class for more than a half century. Burnside says that she loves working with...

Dallas Casa View, Emmanuel churches merge to Casa Emanu-El UMC

BY JOHN A. LOVELACE Special Correspondent Forty years ago, in United Methodist infancy, one congregation gained national attention for its community involvement. In 1969, The Methodist Television, Radio and Film Commission (TRAFCO), a predecessor to United Methodist Communications, produced a documentary film titled “These Four Cozy Walls.” Five church-wide general agencies provided funding, and the film received appreciable viewing within the church and modest attention in...

Young Adult mission opportunities

Young persons with an interest in mission service have special opportunities through the UM General Board of Global Ministries GBGM). GBGM’s youth and young adult offi ce is now accepting applications for the US-2, Mission Intern and Summer Intern Programs and the US-2 and Summer Intern placement sites. US-2 Program (commissioned annually) is a twoyear leadership development and mission service program for young adults ages 20-30 interested in working with faith-based organizations to...

Foundations 'multiply' 2008 Wilkinson Center gifts

BY BRIAN BURTON Director, The Wilkinson Center The Wilkinson Center announced that two foundations will match donations up to $250,000 between now and Dec. 31. “Give now and your dollars will be multiplied like the loaves and fi shes,” said Brian Burton, executive director. The Ginger Murchison Foundation and the Harold Simmons Foundation have made this year’s match possible. “These are extraordinary foundations committed to alleviating human suffering and creating...

"Tamales for Thanksgiving"

Nueva Vida Fellowship, located at Spring Valley UMC, is taking orders for its “Tamales for Thanksgiving” fund-raiser through Nov. 22. Cost of the large tamales is $12 per dozen. Please order your choice of pork or chicken tamales by calling the church, 972-233-7671, or pastor Rev. Carlos Nascimento, 972-239-9440. Tamales will be available for delivery Nov. 24 and 25. Proceeds support the Fellowship’s Christmas Baskets outreach to Latino families in the area.  ...

A Day to Remember...C.C. Young honors veterans

BY SHARON BOGARD C.C. Young Retirement Center Yellow ribbons and flags lined the drive up to The Point, Center for Arts and Education to display the enthusiasm over the unusually expanded emphasis on Veterans Day this year at C.C. Young, the United Methodist-related retirement center near White Rock Lake in Dallas. The day started on the campus with reveille at 6:00 a.m. and a “troop-like” breakfast of chipped beef on toast with gravy. “We invited 20 different community...

Around the Conference

Cambodian UM Fellowship, Carrollton, is seeking the donation of “choir robes.” Needed are approximately 20 in small size. For more information, please call Rev. Meng Top, 972-939-7193 or e-mail: mengtop@verizon.net. *** First UMC, Allen, offers a seminar for persons having difficulty during the holiday season, on Nov. 24 at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call Rev. June Franck, 972-727-8251, ext. 124. Appointments Anna Hosemann-Butler to First UMC, Sachse, effective Jan....

The Bishop: Getting our priorities straight

BY BISHOP W. EARL BLEDSOE “Bishop, now that the election is over, do you think things will settle down and get back to normalcy in the world again?” asked a dear layperson and friend. I had to  think about what was behind the question, but I decided to answer it head on. Isaid, “That really depends on each of us doing our part to ensure that democracy andfreedom are living and active words in our lives.” I remembered a quote by Aristotle which said: “If...

College students today...future leaders:Marking UM Student Day, Nov. 30

Editor’s note: Jennifer Balcirak is a member of Trietsch Memorial UMC, Flower Mound, and an English Major at the University of North Texas (UNT). She writes on behalf of theDenton Wesley Foundation, the United Methodist student ministry serving UNT, Texas Woman’s University and North Central Texas College. BY JENNIFER BALCIRAK Denton Wesley Foundation Where do the hearts of college students lie? Our generation is not one to sit idle; for we have a strong desire to be involved...

American, Russian UMs bond in home visits

BY JEANNETTE KETON First UMC, Rockwall Mission teams from First UMC, Rockwall, visiting their sister church in Voronezh, Russia,usually go there with specific goals in mind: doing repairs, mentoring the pastor and layleaders, holding seminars on worship activities and youth programs, and counselingthose suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. An eight-member team took a different tack during their trip last July to New Commandment UMC, Voronezh, a city of about one million people some...