NTC Ministry Center open for God's business'
Jubilant NTC leaders hold aloft pieces of the ribbon they helped cut following the June 4 consecration service.
The Ministry Center sign goes up just days following the consecration and open house.
Editor
Dark clouds coming in from the southwest may have accelerated the beginning of the June 4 outdoor consecration service for the new North Texas Conference Ministry Center, but couldn't dampen the spirits of laity and clergy gathered outside the front entrance.
Bishop Alfred L. Norris presided over the brief service that ended with a ceremonial ribbon cutting declaring the 18,000 square foot facility open for business --- God's business.
The Ministry Center represents the completion of a long-held dream that began with Bishop William B. Oden. The property at 500 Maplelawn, Plano, immediately north of the intersection of the George Bush Turnpike and Coit Road, was purchased during Bishop Oden's tenure.
Bishop Rhymes H. Moncure, Jr. enthusiastically embraced the vision and dreamed of the Ministry Center as a place where laity and clergy from throughout the conference could come to be unified in one ministry. He called the center a "drawstring" that "would bring us together."
Bishop Moncure presided at the groundbreaking ceremonies for the building on September 18, 2005, a scorching Sunday afternoon where temperatures soared above 100 degrees.
Bishop Norris has helped guide the final decisions as the building neared completion and provided exemplary leadership and encouragement during the moving in process.
The consecration service included a deeply moving moment as Bishop Norris dedicated the center's chapel and declared it to be the Bishop Rhymes H. Moncure, Jr. Bishops' Chapel, in memory of the late bishop who died in August 2006. Weekly chapel worship services are now being held on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.
Mrs. Jewell Moncure and daughter, Roxanne, were present for the consecration and presentation of a resolution from the Texas State Legislature. The presentation, which was held in the Bishop Rhymes H. Moncure, Jr. Bishops' Chapel following the consecration, included the following declaration:
WHEREAS, Bishop Moncure has left behind an immeasurable legacy of service to others, and his memory will long inspire those who shared in his love and friendship; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the 80th legislature of the State of Texas hereby pay tribute to the life of Bishop Rhymes H. Moncure, Jr., and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Jewell Moncure; to his children, Roxanne Moncure and Jason Moncure; to his brother, Robert Moncure; to his grandsons; and to his other relatives and many friends..."
During the consecration, Building Committee chair Rev. Gary Mueller, First UMC,
Rev. Muller also lifted up the commitment and hard work of David Franck, First UMC, Allen, who served as owner's representative during the building process. He presented Franck with a special plaque that included a photo of the completed building.
He especially lauded the hard work of NTC staff members who managed to move into the
Rev. Mueller also recognized
After Rev. Mueller's expressions of gratitude, Bishop Norris recognized him, praising how Rev. Mueller had accepted the responsibility of chairing the building committee and followed through with unflagging commitment to the task.
The
Preparing for the consecration service as storm clouds gather in the background.
A contemplative moment...guests pause to light candles on the altar of the Rhymes H. Moncure, Jr., Bishops’ chapel.
Representatives of the Moncure family receive a resolution of tribute from the Texas State Legislature. Pictured from left are: Bishop Alfred L. Norris; Rev. Mel Caraway, First UMC, DeSoto; Roxanne and Jewell Moncure, daughter and wife of the late Bishop Rhymes H. Moncure, Jr.; Jennifer Sample, executive director, Methodist Mission Home; and Bill Avera, chair of the NTC Board of Trustees.
