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...

Charting the course; leading the way

NTC Bishop Alfred L. Norris  It always has been my contention that leaders must be willing to go where they are requesting and challenging others to travel. Or, to put it another way, leaders must lead by example. The Africa University campaign committee has twenty (20) members, myself included. They are lay and clergy of the North Texas Conference; they are female and male; a few are from the Conference staff; one is a district superintendent. All are committed Christians, and each one...

Bishop announces new leader for NTC Board of Ordained Ministry

Bishop Alfred L. Norris has announced that Rev. Kathleen Baskin-Ball, Suncreek UMC, Allen, has assumed the responsibilities as the chairperson of the NTC Board of Ordained Ministry as of Jan. 1. Rev. Baskin-Ball succeeds Rev. Clara Reed who has become Superintendent of the Sherman-McKinney District. The Bishop indicated that he is consulting with Board members in respect to filling the position of residency chairperson, which Rev. Baskin-Ball held until the change. Bishop Norris has expressed...

Bishop Benjamin Ray Oliphint, a life of service to Christ and the church

Bishop Benjamin Ray Oliphint, who was elected to the Episcopacy in 1980 while serving as pastor of First UMC, Dallas, died in a Houston hospital July 7 from complications following a heart attack. He was 83. A graveside service was held July 10 in Pineville, LA, and memorial service July 11 at Saint Luke's UMC, Houston. Bishop Oliphint was married to Nancy Kelley Oliphint on June 7, 1952, at First UMC, Alexandria, LA. The two were a vibrant ministry team for five decades. Their children and...