'One Great Hour of Sharing' - UMCOR

March 22 is designated as 2009 One Great Hour of Sharing, the offering that supports UMCOR infrastructure. North Texas Conference United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Coordinator, Rev. Clay Womack, First UMC, Garland, has challenged NTC churches to make a strong response to the 2009 One Great Hour of Sharing collection. Though March 22 is the official Sunday, churches are free to schedule the collection at a time convenient to them. UMCOR receives no apportionment funds. The gifts of...

A 'stimulus' plan for NTC churches

BY REV. JIM OZIER Director of New Church Development/Transformation Music to the ears of any stimulus package. Experts agree – To stimulate this economy we need projects, “shove a green energy, or a building complex, the sooner its ‘ready,’ ready.” Be it a bridge, a road, the sooner we’ll see larger results. “Readiness” is the key. In many ways, Congregational Transformation can be considered the church’s version of a stimulus plan,...

Bethlehem Center: Easter Benefit set March 30

The Dallas Bethlehem Center (DBC) will hold its annual  “Remembrance Program and Easter Luncheon” at 10:00 a.m.  March 30 at University Park UMC, Dallas. Lunch will be served at noon. The morning will feature comic entertainment by the Shepherd Center Thespians and Story Tellers, presenting a rollicking hour of fun with “Lucy and Ethel.” The Easter Luncheon for adults and young children will be a special treat, and the Easter Bunny will be present to lead an...

First UMC, Richardson, presents 'Stamps Quartet' Gospel concert

First UMC, Richardson, will present the Stamps Quartet at 7:00 p.m. March 27. The quartet bears the oldest quartet name in America, with roots going back to Upshur County, TX, where the original quartet began singing gospel music together in 1924. The original quartet was the first to record Gospel songs for a major record company. “Give the World a Smile” was released by RCA Victor in 1934. Now based in Nashville, the present quartet will celebrate an 85-year tradition of making...

Internet-based advertising set for Lent/Easter

As the Lent/Easter North Texas Conference advertising season approaches, expect change and innovation. The NTC Igniting Ministry Team is offering a variety of marketing support initiatives for the 2009 Lent/Easter season, including increased use of internet-based media and collaboration with the Central Texas Conference as a way to maximize impact on the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as well benefit from the economies of shared expenses. As has been the case for more than a decade, the conference...

Around the Conference

First UMC, Richardson, announces its ”Employment Transition Ministry,” each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in Room 209 of the Education Building. Also, “Career Jump Start” meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. featuring speakers and free pizza. Both offer networking and assistance to anyone seeking employment. For more informatiuon, please call 972-235-8385. *** First UMC, Forestburg, announces “The Ole Country Church Gathering Song Fest,” March 21, 7:00 p.m. at the Forestburg...