Boot Camp Prayer Vigil: New Church start event support set

BY REV. JIM OZIER New Church Development Officer New Church Planters and their launch teams from Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan, North Carolina, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Illinois, Wyoming, and Texas are coming to the NTC Ministry Center here in Plano for a three day “Boot Camp,” Aug. 26-28. This intensive training is to prepare new church starts to survive and thrive during the first difficult 18 months of a church “plant.” NTC Boot Camp...

Christ UMC, Farmers Branch, music director honored with special handbell arrangement

 The idea to have a piece of handbell music commissioned in honor of longtime Christ UMC Farmers Branch music director Doug Capener began long before he made the decision to retire in the summer of 2008. Capener was introduced to handbells more than 20 years ago. At that time, the church had a handbell choir, but no director. Capener, a business man educated as a musician, was asked to  direct the adult handbell choir, and he accepted. Under Capener’s direction, the...

Good comes from every situation

BY RICHARD B. HEARNE NTC Lay Leader My Dad always said that “some good comes from every situation, regardless of how bad it seems at the time.” That was a very positive statement for someone that had lived through the Flu Outbreak of 1917, World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, suffered through the death of a child and a life of poor health. However, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to learn this sage advice for it has proven very helpful throughout my...

Hamilton Park UMC sets 'Come as You Are' event

Hamilton Park UMC, Dallas, is planning a weekend of healing and celebration for its Aug. 30-31 “Bring Somebody to Church Weekend.” Activities begin at noon Saturday with a Healing Service and Counseling Session. Counselors and spiritual advisors will be on hand to help individuals with specific needs. Come as You Are Worship Service is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. Sunday. There will be a special blessing for and guardians, educators, and administrators returning to the school...

Iowa Park 'Great Days of Service' makes news

Editor’s Note, Rev. Kay is a member of the NTC Commission on Communications and pastor of First UMC, Iowa Park. BY REV. JOHN KAY First UMC, Iowa Park Great Days of Service (GDS) of Iowa Park enjoyed increased television coverage for 2008. Now in its second year in Iowa Park, a community located in central Wichita County, this work of ecumenical mission projects received coverage on the CBS and NBC affiliates in Wichita Falls. News anchor Chris Horgen from KAUZ Channel 6 came to Iowa...

Project Transformation Opportunities

Project Transformation, a UM affiliated, non-profi t organization, is seeking young adults for full and part time positions to work in after-school and summer programs, with underserved children and youth in Dallas from 1st through 9th grades, on educational, physical, and spiritual needs. Positions Available Full Time  -Sept 2008 to Aug 2009 Part-Time - - Sept 2008 to May 2009 - Sept 2008 to Aug 2009 - May 2009 to Aug 2009 Benefits Health...

Stonebridge UMC: 'Not your usual trip to the coast'

BY AMY PAWLAK Stonebridge UMC, McKinney Most high school students enjoy heading down to the coast during spring break or summer holidays. group of senior highstudents in Stonebridge UMC, McKinney’s, Upper Alley Student Ministry, a July trip south to the Texas coast was not atime to vacation. Rather, it was a time to lend a helping hand to the residents there who are still rebuilding their homesand lives after Hurricane Rita. During the week of July 7, students along with Director of...

The Bishop's Farewell to the NTC

Dear Colleagues in Ministry: Please accept our deep gratitude and appreciation for welcoming us into your hearts,  churches and institutions and ministries on November1, 2006.  That date began a new chapter in our lives and yours, and together we embarked on a journey that would enlarge our vision, increase our faith and deepen our commitment to Christ and His Church. In a few days, maybe even before you read this statement, we shall return to our home in the Atlanta area. As we...

The Enneagram: Understanding Ourselves and Others

A enneagram workshop designed to help laity and clergy determine their personality types and how to use this knowledge to enhance relationships and effectiveness at work and at home will be offered Sept. 27 and Oct. 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Palmer Hall of Suncreek UMC, Allen. Marty Jones, a professional facilitator at The Training Consultancy, will be leader. Participants are asked to make a $10 donation to cover the cost of materials and snacks. After expenses are met, proceeds...

Wintley Phipps concert, First UMC, Richardson

Gospel music recording artist Wintley Phipps will appear in a free concert at First UMC, Richardson, Aug. 24, 6:30 p.m. A prolific songwriter and author, Phipps has produced twenty recording projects including “Favorite Hymns of Billy Graham,” and joint releases with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Tramaine Hawkins, Patti LaBelle, Larnelle Harris, and Jennifer Holliday. He has attracted a new generation of fans with over two million viewers of his “Amazing Grace”...

Across the Conference

The World Federation of Methodist and United Church Women announce a seminar, “Women making a Difference,” Sept. 5-7 at Embassy Suites, Dallas. For more information, please call Dorothy Johnson, 214-376-6434. *** Asbury Theological Seminary, Beeson International Center is offering “Preach It Conference,” Oct. 27-29 at The Power Center, Houston, with guest speakers, Revs. Kirbyjon Caldwell, Sean Gladding and Bishop Janice Huie.  For more information, please call...