August 2009

Abilene District News

Abilene District Office Northwest Texas Conference United Methodist Church

Mailing Address:

1389 Santos Street Rev. Don Boren, District Superintendent

Abilene, TX. 79605 Carol J. Waggoner, Ministry Assistant

Email: adnwtc.ds@nts-online.net (Don) Ph. 325-675-6672 FAX 325-675-6673

adnwtc.sec@nts-online.net (Carol) District Website: www.nwtx-abilene.org

*Note: The District Newsletter is being sent to you because of your affiliation with the District Office, United Methodist Church. If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, e-mail or paper copy, please notify the Abilene District Office, giving us your complete name, address & e-mail address.

NOTE FROM THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT:

Affinities

I will have to admit that I never got excited about starting school. This applied from Kindergarten through seminary. What I did get excited about was the start of football season, especially when I was playing. I loved every part of it: two-a-days, running, hitting, games, etc. As I think back to those days long ago, I realize what I loved as much as anything was my coaches and teammates. I had a real affinity for the whole thing. I just took my youngest son to his first day of two-a-day practices this morning. We will soon see if he has the same affinity.

I just spend part of last week in Chicago for the School of Congregational Development. Much of what I learned dealt with new church starts, but a great deal of it applies to all churches. One of the things that seemed to be stressed on more than one occasion was the need for affinity. The workshop leaders said that a good match between pastor and congregation always included a strong affinity. They said that it has to be reciprocal. It is not enough just for a pastor to “like” his or her congregation, but that the feelings need to be mutual. A pastor is more easily able to reach people who like him or her, who have that natural affinity. Do you “like” the people you serve? Do they “like” you? We have all heard the phrase: “the Bible says that we have to love all people, but it doesn’t say we have to like them”. I get a sense from reading the gospels that Jesus had a real affinity for the people he related to and that the feeling was mutual.

District Setup Meeting

Speaking of affinities, I know that some of you have more of a natural affinity for district meetings than others. We will have our district setup meeting on Thursday, August 27, 2009 at Elmwood West UMC in Abilene from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. This is a required meeting for all pastors to attend and recommended for others who help with charge conference forms. We will discuss the upcoming charge conference season including: filling out forms, agenda of the charge conference, schedule, etc. We will also discuss some other important item for the coming year. Please make plans to attend. We will also try to make it a good time of fellowship and worship as well.

With affinity for you all,

Don

NOTICES

Abilene District Set Up Meeting, , 4 PM, August 27, 2009 Elmwood West UMC.

Abilene District Pastor’s Retreat, 8:30-4 PM, Sept. 17, 2009, Caps UMC. For all Abilene District Pastors, retired pastors, (and spouses that would like to attend). See article below under NUTURE.

Bishops Whitfield Visits Abilene District, 7 PM, Sept. 29, 2009, Wylie UMC. Pastors, SPRC Committee members and other interested members should attend.

Stewardship Workshop, Sat., Oct. 31, 2009, 9 AM to 3 PM, St. Paul UMC-Wesley Fellowship Hall. Registration information in article under Equip.

Change in 2010 Annual Conference Dates! It changed to Friday, June 11, 2010 10 AM to Sun. June 13, 1:00 PM, First UMC, Lubbock. Please note the change on your calendars.

INVITE

The Journey, Abilene’s new church, is meeting at 2565 South Danville, Abilene beginning June 7. Sunday worship time is at 10:00 AM. Contact Pastor Bailey Barkley at 325-260-7801 or bailey@journeyabilene.com

Order of St. Luke , meets each Wednesday, 9:30 AM at St. James UMC, 3100 Barrow Street, Abilene for morning prayer and weekly, Wednesdays, 5:15 PM for Holy Communions in the Chapel at St. Paul UMC, 525

Beech Street.

Garage Sale Fund Raiser for the Methodist Service Center and Food Pantries, August 15, 2009. It will be held in Melody Hunt’s yard. Gather unneeded items, then contact Melody at 325-695-7106 or melody@huntdirectmarketing.com to make arrangements to deliver the items to her home. It’s a great chance to clean out closets, storage sheds, and garages and will help raise money for the Methodist Service Center and Food Pantries.

Weatherization Project Teams Needed for October 2009

Volunteers are needed to weatherize homes of the local elderly and disabled folk in Abilene. No experience is necessary, and our United Methodist Churches are encouraged to assist with this worthwhile project in our community. Many of these folks needing our help are the same ones we serve at the Methodist Service Center and Food Pantries. You may volunteer as an individual or as a team. The Abilene Volunteer Weatherization program is a ONE DAY WORK PROJECT, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, from about 8:00 AM to 3 PM. Training is provided.

Things repaired include, caulking windows, installing plastic window coverings, weather stripping on doors, installing smoke/CO detectors, draining/covering evaporative coolers, sealing electrical outlets and switches, repairing holes/gaps in walls, puttying loose window panes, replacing broken glass, doing some minor heating/plumbing repairs. You do not need to be a master builder to work this project. If you can swing a hammer, drive a nail, staple up window covers and do other minor repairs, you are qualified and needed!

Training dates are:

Tues, Sept. 22, 7 PM-8 PM at West Texas Rehab Board Room.

Wed., Sept. 23, 2009, 1 PM-2:30 PM at the Dyess AFB Community Center.

Sat. Sept. 26, 10 AM-11 AM at the West Texas Rehab Board Room.

You only need to attend one training.

Lunch is furnished on the work day by the Weatherization Executive Committee and local businessmen. Teams consist of a team leader and 7-8 volunteer workers. The team leader attends a training workshop, coordinates with his team members about the address of the home they are working on, and picks up supplies from a central location. Workers and team leaders will need to furnish hammers, Phillips screwdrivers, flathead screwdrivers, box knives scissors, wire brushes, pliers, prybars and basic tools, Men, bring your toolbox.

Team leaders, line up your teams and call Stacia Ellison at 325-795-3812 or ellisonstacia@yahoo.com

United Methodists, let’s help serve our community with this worthwhile endeavor! We need teams to begin forming now, and to plan on attending one of the training dates!

NURTURE

Abilene District Pastor’s Retreat, FOR ALL ABILENE DISTRICT PASTORS AND RETIRED PASTORS, and any spouse that would like to attend: 8:30-4 PM, Sept. 17, 2009, Caps UMC-led by Pastors Larry Magnuson and Mike Schafer, of SonScape Retreats in Colorado, also by Rev. Lewis Holland. Retreat will focus on rest, renewal and life change. Are you really experiencing rest for your soul on a daily basis? Those serving in the ministry are very familiar with weariness and burnout. Pastors Larry Magnuson and Mike Schafer will share their own struggles in ministry and how God began to move them toward a different, life-giving path. The day will be filled with teaching, group interaction and lots of good discussion. We will identify what is causing many pastors to live in weariness and discouragement. More importantly, the day will focus on how to live in daily intimacy with God who has called us to serve Him. All Abilene District Pastors are encouraged to attend and we look forward to seeing you for this restful day, which includes lunch at no cost to you. Reservations Deadline must be made to the District Office by Sept. 14, 2009, 9 AM.

Growing Love in Christian Marriage Instructor Training Seminar, Oct. 14, 2009, 1-4 PM, First UMC, Canyon, SPONSORED BY THE Nurture Team of the NW Texas Annual Conference. The goal is to have two-three clergy per District who would then offer seminars for other clergy and laity to work with persons planning to be married. The event follows Pastor’s School at Ceta Canyon for your convenience. For more information, contact Ava Berry at the Conference Service Center 806-762-0201 Ex 16 or berry@nwtxconf.org.

United Methodist Service Center & Food Pantries Report

She sat at the Food Pantry, quietly crying. When I talked to her, she said, “There are so many.” There was a big crowd, and we helped 99 families on Tuesday night:

. . . a baby born the day the eviction notice was posted on the door. . .

. . . family men and construction workers, who have never asked for help before, humbly asking for the first time. . .

. . . utility bills soared and SSI, SSDI, and Social Security recipients need help, having to choose between rent and utility help. . .

The United Methodist Service Center was able to help 44 families with rent, medicine and utilities this month. Thank for donations from: Aldersgate $964.39, First UMC, $222.00, Nolan $100, St. James $175, St. Paul $5160.94, Southwest Drive $50, and Wylie $250.

The United Methodist Food Pantry helped 419 families with food for a week. Thanks for donations from: Aldersgate $236.04, Caps, $150.86, Elmwood West $603.55, Epworth/Grace $185, First UMC $2382.56, Friends of the Pantry $344.25, Hamby $114.53, The Journey $74.50, Potosi $129, St. James $227.55, St. Paul $4447.88, Southwest Drive $295.62, Tuscola $56.00, And Wylie $452.94.

Beginning in August, funds will be combined and used at the discretion of the coordinator per direction of the Abilene Area Board of Missions Executive Board.

Please make checks out to the United Methodist Service Center and Food Pantries and mail to Coordinator, Jean Butler, 1478 Westview Drive, Abilene, TX 79603.  Remember 100% goes directly to the families and the need is great. 

May God bless each and everyone,

Jean Butler, Coordinator

Phone 665-1444

Congregational Renewal Worships for Clergy and Laity, Consultation and Coaching. For information, contact www.CourageousSpace.com or contact Dan Smith 206-618-5369 or Mary Huycke 509-961-8138.

EQUIP

Roundup 2009 , August 15, 2009, First UMC, 1411 Broadway, Lubbock. Empower the laity. Offer Christ to people outside our walls. Help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God. Love our neighbors in church, community and worldwide. For registrations and class information, go to the NWTX Conference Web site, www.nwtxconf.org/Round_Up

From Detours to Destinations: for those starting new churches or new worship services. Presented by Jim Ozier and the North Texas Conference, August 20-21, 2009, begins Thursday at 1 PM and ends Friday at noon, North Texas Conference Ministry Center, Plano, (Dallas), Texas. Contact Holly Wright 800-815-6690. Aimed at new church pastors moving to a new mission field, pastors and worship teams adding a new worship service.

Stewardship Workshop, St. Paul UMC, Abilene, Sat. Oct. 31, 2009, 9 AM to 3 PM. This five hour workshop, led by Rev. Sanford Coon, Executive Director of the New Mexico Conference Methodist Foundation, equips pastors, stewardship/finance committees and administrative/church council members with practical, “how-to” insights, ideas and methods that maximize financial stewardship in congregations. Churches obtain optimum workshop benefits by sending their pastor and six stewardship and or finance committee members and administrative/church council members. Registration fee is $100, which covers six laity plus the pastor including lunch and all material. Workshops will also be held in Amarillo on Sept. 19, Lubbock on Sept. 26, Big Spring on Oct.24. All pastors should plan on attending one of the presentations

with their key leaders. For more information and registration, go to www.nwtxconf.org//stewardshiplifters.

Music Minister and Children’s Minister Needed at The Journey: If you or anyone you know is interested in shaping the future of The Journey through these positions, an application may be downloaded on The Journey’s website, www.journeyabilene.com

NEEDED: 2 televisions, oscillating fans, (3-4 floor or standing type), a large conference table, approximately 6 by 8 feet in size. If you have these items and are willing to donate them, please contact Pastor Bailey Barkley 325-260-7801 or email bailey@journeyabilene.com

Wesley Foundation Seeks Names of Students Coming to UT and Austin Area: Do you have students in your church or youth group who are going to school at UT or another school in the Austin area? The Texas Wesley college ministry would love to get in contact with them and invite them to be a part of our community. Please send their names and contact information to the Texas Wesley Director, Rusty Teeter at rusty@texaswesley.com Additional contact: www.Texaswesley.com 512-474-1151.

Creating Team Alignment for Effectiveness, A multiple Staff Retreat, Sept. 28-30, 2009 at Lake Junaluska, NC. For: pastors, directors of education, music directors, church secretaries, ministers of visitation, and other church professionals. Email Larry Ousley at larryousley@intentionalygrowthcenter.org or phone 800-482-1442 for more information.

The Alzheimer’s Project: A Documentary taped series changing the way America thinks about Alzheimer’s Disease. For caregivers, family, friends, pastors, & professionals. This is the series telecast on HBO, and for those that do not get HBO or missed the series, this is your chance to see it! It is an effort to encourage individuals to learn more about the disease, the research being done, and to gain a greater understanding of the issues surrounding it. Plus, Mindy Bannister, case manager, is there to answer questions, and lead discussion after the telecast.

Aug. 11, 2009, 6-8:30 PM, “Momentum in Science”, at Abilene Regional Medical Center, Women’s Center Classroom #3, Free.

Sept. 15, 2009, 6-7:30 PM, “Caregivers”, at Abilene Regional Medical Center, Women’s Center Classroom #3, Free.

Onsite respite care is available, please contact the Area Agency on Aging at 325-672-8544 or 1-800-928-2262 to sign up., or you may bring the patient.

Please register in advance so they have enough popcorn and sodas! In Abilene, contact Mindy Bannister, 325-672-2907.

FREE CHURCH ORGAN: Caps UMC has an organ to give away. It works well, but needs tuning and cleaning. Last used 3 yr. ago. Brand name is Conn Rhapsody, 15 years old, Model 628, Type 004, style 012, finish 033, 120 volt. If interested, contact Caps UMC 325-691-6241 and leave a message.

Free- Hammond Spinet Organ to church, or for a choir director to use in their home. Contact Barbara Robinson, 817-292-4966.

Three wheeled tricycle to give away to someone who would benefit from it. Contact Amy Wilson, pastor at Grace UMC, Abilene. wilsonamyx@gmail.com

ONLINE SAFE SANCTUARY TRAINING for those churches that are GuideOne customers. GuideOne has provided a new web site that will be very helpful to you. If you go to www.safechurch.com you will find excellent resources. Other resources are available and most of the material is free to the GuideOne insured’s.

Student Life in Colorado for Youth, God centered worship in the Rocky Mountains, several dates and places. Information: www.studentlife.com/colorado or phone 800-718-2267.

New Web Ministry a self-directed series of online courses is offered by the United Methodist Church and provided by United Methodist Communications, five-part online course designed to provide foundational information and biblical and theological basis for developing a Web ministry for the local church. This is the first in a new Web Ministry series of online courses that will prepare you to create and maintain a dynamic Web ministry. To learn more or to register for this online course, visit our Web ministry website. For additional information, contact Cheryl A. Hemmerle toll-free at 888-278-4862 or email training@umcom.org

Discover God’s Call Retreat, Oct. 2, 6:30 PM through 4:0 PM Oct. 4, 2009 at Circle 6 Baptist Encampment in Stanton. Partial scholarships are available. Call Norma Mounts 432-366-7190 or register on-line at www.discovergodscall.org Registration deadline is Aug. 21.

Exploration 2009, Nov. 13-15, 2009, Dallas, TX addresses the United Methodist Church’s need for young clergy by offering youth and young adults who feel God’s call a chance to explore that call. “Today, more than ever, the denomination needs to sponsor events that invite, train and support young people as they answer their call to ordained ministry,” said the Rev. Meg Lassiat, director of Student Ministries, Vocation, and Enlistment at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, which sponsors EXPLORATION. “In the past three years, we have seen a growth in the numbers and percentage of young adult clergy in the UMC. Last fall, The Lewis Center for Church Leadership released the 20088 Clergy Age Trends report that shows for the first time this century the percentage of young elders has risen to greater than 5 percent. The report said the percentage of young adult elders was 5.21 percent and the percentage of young adults deacons had risen to 7.69 percent.”

These statistics show a positive tend since this data was first reported in 2005, and the increase helps to demonstrate the importance of events and ministries that encourage youth and young adults to consider ordained ministry as a profession.” The national event is for high school seniors through young adults aged 24 who are considering a call to ordained ministry as a deacon or elder in the United Methodist Church. “By attending EXPLORATION, youth and young adults will have the opportunity to explore a variety of ways to serve in ordained ministry.” Keynote speakers for the event are Rev. Tyrone Gordon, Dr. William B. Lawrence, Bishop Sally Dyck, and Rev. Motoe Yamada. Participants will also have the chance to talk with admissions staff from the 13 United Methodist School of Theology, attend workshops and take part in small group discussions. For more information, or to register, visit www.bbhem.org/exploration or http://www.explorecalling.org/

Background Checks Information on background checks can be found at www.nwtxconf.org/background_checks. GuideOne customers can receive discounts with both these companies. Church Mutual customers can receive discounts with ScreenNow.

BUTMAN AND CETA NEWS AND EVENTS

Events happening at Butman Methodist Camp and Retreat Center can be found at www.butmancamp.org/

Events happening at Ceta Canyon can be found at www.cetacanyon.org

Job Openings can be found on the Conference Web site under Quick Link for Classifieds, found on the left side of the page under the search areas.

THANKSGIVING, PRAYER, SYMPATHY, PRAISE, CONGRATULATIONS

(If you have additions or deletions to this section of the newsletter, please contact the District Office)

Congratulations To:

Wayne Norman , retired member of our Conference on the birth of his 16^th grandchild, Reagan Andrew born on June 24, 2009.. Reagan was born to Wayne’s daughter Angela & Shad Flemming in New Braunfels, TX. Reagan joined 5 brothers.

Rosemary Prumer, Office Manager and Ordained Ministry Services for NWTX Conf. Office, on the birth of her granddaughter, Kate Rose Ward on July 18, weighing 4 lb. 10 oz, 16” long. Parents are Cathy and JB. Kate is welcomed at home by brothers Jack and Ethan.

Pray for the following concerns:

Those in the military:

Ryan Sanders, son of John Sanders, St. James UMC, Navy flight engineer.

Timothy Cross, USAF, C-130 crewmember and son of Laird Cross, pastor at Vista Ysleta UMC, ElPaso, TX.

Health Concerns: (Note: Names will be removed from this list after 60 days. Please contact us if you’d like to remain on the list.)

Ken Metzger, retired member of our conference. A CaringBridge site has been set up for Ken by his family. You can visit the site at: http://caringbridge.org/visit/kenmetzger. Ken is a retired member of our conference, and former District Superintendent.

Sally Dominguez, cardiac problems, wife of Jack Dominguez, pastor of Rotan UMC. 7/09

Cleta Holt, surgery, wife of Irl Holt, pastor of Fargo UMC. Cleta is undergoing chemo. 6/09

Jim Berry, AZ .,infection, brother of Michael Berry, pastor of Tuscola UMC. 6/09

Richard Bales, retired pastor, moved from Covenant Hospital, MICU to a private room, Lubbock. 6/09

Milton Chester, retired member of the New Mexico and NWTX Conferences, quadruple bypass surgery. 6/09

Brian Brown low, pastor of Abernathy UMC, knee surgery. 6/09

Mike Wentz, Executive Director of Ceuta Canyon Camp & Retreat Center, appendectomy. 6/09

Evelyn Petree, broken hip, mother of Richard Petree, pastor of Nolan & Pioneer Memorial Ump’s 6/09

Quita Jones, pneumonia & second round of treatment. Quite is the pastor of Trinity/Union Snyder UMC’s. 6/09

Richard and Mary Ann Chaffin, as Richard had surgery for a detached retina. Richard is a retired member of our Conference. 6/09

Lewis Holland, Retired member of our conference and former Abilene DS, recovering from gall bladder surgery. 6/09

Mother of Kirk Watson, who is experiencing health problems. Kirk is the pastor of Vega UMC. 6/09

Valerie Whitfield, wife of Bishop Max Whitfield, knee surgery. 7/09

Other Concerns:

Our President and Government Officials

Bishop, District Superintendents, Pastors

Our military & their families

Sympathy To:

Family of Elsie McAnally who died on July 11, 2009, Lockney. Mrs. McAnally was the surviving spouse of Russell McAnally.

Evagene Wilson on the death of husband, Tommy Wilson. Rev.Wilson died July 12, 2009. Tommy was a retired member of our Conference.

Marilyn McMillan on the death of her mother, Inez Moore. Mrs. Moore died July 8, 2009. Marilyn is the wife of Bobby McMillian, retired member of our Conference.

Family of Rita Minor, surviving spouse of Claudius Minor, who died on June 1, 2009.

Julie Boles and family on the death of her father, Louie Ray Carter, who died on July 10, 2009. Julie is the wife of Gary Boles, pastor of Littlefield UMC.

ABILENE DISTRICT CALENDAR

2009

Aug.

15 Round Up-Lubbock

27 Abilene District Set-Up Meeting, 4 PM, Elmwood West UMC, Abilene

Sept.

7 Labor Day-Office closed

17 Abilene District Pastor Retreat, 8:30 AM- 4 PM, Caps UMC, 6501 Hwy. 277, Abilene. Led by Sonscape

presenters and Lewis Holland, All pastors to attend.

20 Charge Conferences Begin

28 Bishop Whitfield Visits Abilene District, Wylie UMC, 7 PM.

Oct.

12 Office Closed-Columbus Day

16 McMurry Board Mt., 8 AM

29 Abilene Area Board of Mission Meeting, 6 PM, Aldersgate (Note date change to Thursdays!)

31 Abilene District Stewardship Workshop, St. Paul UMC, 9 AM-3 PM

Nov.

11 Office Closed-Veterans Day

14 St. Paul’s Centennial Dinner with Bishop Whitfield

15 St. Paul’s 100^th Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Whitfield

22 End of Charge Conferences

25-27 Office Closed-Thanksgiving

Dec.

11 Cabinet Meeting-Albuquerque

21-Jan.4 Office Closed for Christmas Break