'Pastoring in Conflict'...NTC Clergy Retreat at Tanglewood, Oct. 15-17

Rev. Gilbert R. Rendle, senior consultant for the Texas Methodist Foundation Institute for Clergy and Congregational Excellence, and Rev. Evelyn L. Parker, associate professor of Christian Education at Perkins School of Theology, SMU, are keynote speakers for the Oct. 15-17 NTC Clergy Retreat at Tanglewood Resort Hotel and Conference Center in Pottsboro. Registration is from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Monday, Oct. 15. Area Provost Rev. Jim Dorff is the preacher for the gathering worship at 3:30...

Angels poised to celebrate, First UMC, Denton

"In the beginning, was the town - and the town was without church and steeple." Of course, the Methodists of Denton had other plans for the next 150 years; and their story is intertwined with the story of small town America, as it moves from being a the small frontier town of the 19th century to the urban community it is today. Betty Roy and Carol Phillips, members of the Sesquicentennial Committee of First UMC, Denton, thought that using the church's affinity for music would be a natural way...

Camp Wisdom prayer brunch

BY MILSE FURTADO Communications Fellow "Women of God Instrument of Praise" was the theme for the Annual Prayer Brunch, based on the Bible passage in Romans 6:13. The Aug. 18 event was sponsored by the United Methodist Women of Camp Wisdom UMC at The Golf Club, formerly known as The Oak Cliff Country Club. A total of 85 participants, including about a dozen men, enjoyed a special morning focusing on the role women play in church and society. "The Prayer Brunch's purpose is to set a time...

Fellowship UMC, Trophy Club, consecrates new sanctuary

BY JOHN A. LOVELACE Special Contributor Behind the white columns and red bricks of Fellowship UMC, Trophy Club, stands a new 550-seat sanctuary -coincidentally, one for each of the church's current approximately 550 members - and a legacy dating to 1881. An overflow crowd of 675 - more than double the average worship attendance - capped the church's latest building campaign on Sunday, Sept. 9, at a consecration service for thenew $2 million structure and also for a new pulpit, communion...

JFON helps immigrants, communities

BY MILSE FURTADO Communications Fellow As communities continue to change, with more people immigrating into their midst, churches struggle with how to welcome and treat the newcomers, often making the adjustment process awkward and traumatic for both sides. A United Methodist initiative,  Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON), can help churches reflect upon these changes, understanding the plight of the immigrants in their communities, and help members begin to be advocates for those who...

Katrina appeal honors volunteers

Bishop Alfred L. Norris dances to "When the Saints Come Marching In" at the UM Katrina Summit in New Orleans, Sept 6-7, thanking relief workers and encouraging continued donations to the Katrina Church Recovery Appeal to rebuild ministries in the Gulf Coast. More than 63,000 volunteers from 42 states, two foreign countries and 60 annual conferences have come to the aid of the Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina stormed ashore Aug. 29, 2005. The 24-member Promiseland Singers children's choir...

Oct. 29 golf tournament benefits Juntos Servimos

Juntos Servimos is hosting a benefit golf tournament at the prestigious Pete Dye Signature Course at Stonebridge Ranch on Oct. 29. The four-player scramble begins at 8:30 a.m. for $150 per person, before Oct. 8, and $175 thereafter, including, lunch buffet, range balls, green fees and cart. Juntos Servimos, which means "Together We Serve," grew out of the North Texas Conference-sponsored Volunteer in Mission outreach in Matamoros, Mexico, directed by Larry Cox. Though Juntos Servimos is now...

Rev. Jim Ozier appointed New Church Development Officer

Bishop Alfred L. Norris has announced the appointment of Rev. Jim Ozier, pastor of Trietsch Memorial UMC, Flower Mound, to the position of New Church Development Officer, effective Nov. 1. This new leadership position comes as the result of a new strategy for planting churches announced as part of the Creating Congregations report to the 2007 annual conference. During Dr. Ozier's 18 years at Trietsch Memorial, the congregation has tripled in size, attendance, and stewardship. More than 1500...

Around the Conference

Floral Heights UMC, Wichita Falls, announces "Christian Parenting," four free sessions on "Raising Kids Who Turn Our Right" authored by Dr. Tim Kimmel, Sundays, Sept. 23 to Nov. 11 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call 940-723-7151. HomecomingRev. Georjean Blanton, PathWays extension ministry, and Mike Requist announce the homecoming of grandson, Linus Jackson Blanton Wettreich, son of Alex and Sonnet Blanton Wettreich, born May 15 weighing 1 lb. 9 oz, home Sept. 5,...