McAllen District United Methodist Church

News Brief ARCHIVE

McAllen District Office

Week of May 16 - May 22, 2010

Message from Larry Howard:

I am pleased to invite you and your guests to a celebration ceremony honoring the meaningful work of Camp Thicket and transferring the camp from the United Methodist Church to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on May 24th. There will be a time during the ceremony for brief sharing of memories as well as transfer of symbols to Emmaus and youth and the state parks department.

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MYF @ Camp Thicket
May 23, 2010 3:00 – 6:00 pm
Todd Jones & Selina Brandon will be leading off with some ice breakers.
Main Event: AMAZING RACE!
Wesley’s men’s group will be preparing dinner for us.
The goal of this event is to get our kids together for a night of Christian fellowship and hopefully get some friendships started for future district events.
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Greetings and Salutations:

It is time to unveil the coming of the 1st annual SWTX Conference and McAllen Dist. all night fishing event. Yep you heard right we are gonna fish our way through one entire night in down town Port Mansfield. Your Methodist Men have obtained permission to use an apartment on the water with private fishing pier and swimming pool for the entire evening. Festivities will start about 6PM on Friday August 6th and end up around the same time on Saturday August 7th.

I am still working on the event and there will be more communications to come but for right now just put it on your calendars and get ready. As I said we have a private fishing pier to use and I am trying to find some folks who might want to bring their boats to this event so I will give everyone updates as we get closer to August 6th.

If there are any of you guys out there who might want to help with this event we could sure use you. So, contact me at 956- 492-5888 or email me at trvresorts@sbcglobal.net I'd really like to here from you.

Jim Callaway Pres. McAllen Dist. UMM

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If you were at the district conference at FUMC McAllen, you saw the presentation made by Dr. Kim Cape.

One of the items that was included in the video is each church that has a Prayer Shawl Ministry is asked to bring a prayer shawl to the Laity assembly Wednesday afternoon of annual conference. If your church has this ministry please be sure to bring a prayer shawl with you.

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I understand some of you have not received a copy of this year's district camp registration form. I have attached the form to this email. If you have trouble opening it or still have not received the registration form please let me know. Thanks.

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Once again, it's time to come asking for much
needed help providing video to the Annual Conference.

We need 4 individuals (3 cameras and 1 assist. for each of the 5 business sessions. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this opportunity to serve please let me know ASAP. TIA

Randy Mahoney
Producer, Visual Communications
Office of Communication & Public Witness
SWTX Conference, United Methodist Church
361 550 5281, 210 408 4539

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Rusty Freeman will be coming down on Tuesday May 18^th for this month’s DYPS meeting.

We will meet at 11:00 at First UMC La Feria for about an hour and then head out for lunch.

Hope you can join us.

(331 South Main Street, Phone: (956) 797-1393)

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Annual Conference items for
youth, young adult and young clergy

Hey friends,
We need these items in the hands of our young adults, young clergy and youth leaders. Can you help get this out to them? Thanks - Rusty

1) Joshua Group Dinner & Hang Out
Dinner at Macaroni Grill on SPID in Corpus, Tuesday June 1 at 7 PM. Starbucks to follow. (RSVP with Rusty at rhf143@aol.com)

2) Southwest Methodist Renewal Movement
presents Rev. Dr. Steve Wende “A Call to Engagement”
Thursday, June 3, 2010 - 7 – 9 AM - Selena Rotunda room of the ABC Center
Breakfast included, Cost: $10, Register online at: www.register.uchurch.tv
(find the event under June and click on “register here”)
Space is limited to this much anticipated event, so register soon!

3) Youth and Young Adult Lunches (all are invited!)
Youth Lunch, Thursday, June 3 12:30 at Jasons Deli on Staples
Young Adult Lunch, Friday, June 4 12:30 at Chilis on SPID (RSVP with Rusty at rhf143@aol.com)

Hope you all can join us for these events! Its sometimes hard to feel connected as a youth or young adult at Annual Conference. If you are going to be at Annual Conference we would love to hang out with you!

For more questions call Rusty at 210.382.4581.

Blessings!

Rusty Freeman <rhf143@aol.com>
www.reachingyouth.org

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Please find attached the invitation to
Eddie Valverde's farewell reception.
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The following was sent to us as a "just in case it's true" measure. It was received by the office personnel at the Good Neighbor Settlement in Brownsville. You might want to pass this info along if you have mission teams in the area or youth trips planned for this weekend. Better safe than sorry.

Week of May 9 - May 15, 2010

Hi friends,

Dale and I have new cell phone numbers....Please change your phonebook for me/us.

CAROLE (956) 310-3378

DALE (956) 310-3377

Thanks!

Carole Lahti

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Annual Chapter Luncheon of SWTC Christian Educators Fellowship

Attached is a luncheon reservation flier if you’re interested in attending the annual Chapter Luncheon of SWTC Christian Educators Fellowship on Thursday of Annual Conference. All are welcome and this year it will be held in the American Bank Center. Please forward this to Christian Educators and Children’s Ministers you believe may be interested in connecting or re-connecting. Among other luncheon news, we’ll have an exciting announcement about Children’s Ministry Forum 2011!

You’re invited to bookmark the web link for SWTC CEF: http://www.umcswtx.org/christian-educators-fellowship.html

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The 2010 Pre-Conference Journal

is now available on the conference website (www.umcswtx.org) for you to download and print. This email has also been sent to your 2010 delegates that I have an email address for. If your delegate does not have email, please print an extra copy for them. Thanks.

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There is still time to register for the McAllen District Breakfast at Annual Conference. I have attached the registration form for your convenience. Please complete the form and mail it along with your check to the district office. I have also sent this info to all delegates with email addresses. If your delegate does not have email, please print an extra copy of the registration form for them.

P.S. Thank you to all of you that have registered. You do not need to register again.

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Please find attached the registration form for this year's Clergy Spice (Spouse) luncheon at Annual Conference. If you cannot open the form, let me know and I will mail it to you. Thanks.

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The FCA will be hosting the third annual Los Fresnos National Day of Prayer at the Leo Aguilar Stadium on Thursday May 6, 2010 at 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. We are trying to get the word out to as many people in the community as possible. We hope to have a strong community showing for this great day. Please, pass the word on to other people who may be interested in sharing in this event.

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MYF @ Camp Thicket

May 23, 2010 3:00 – 6:00 pm

Todd Jones & Selina Brandon will be leading off with some ice breakers.

Main Event: AMAZING RACE!

Wesley’s men’s group will be preparing dinner for us.

The goal of this event is to get our kids together for a night of Christian fellowship and hopefully get some friendships started for future district events.

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Week of May 2- May 8, 2010

Hi friends,

Dale and I have new cell phone numbers....Please change your phonebook for me/us.

CAROLE (956) 310-3378

DALE (956) 310-3377

Thanks!

Carole Lahti

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Annual Chapter Luncheon of SWTC Christian Educators Fellowship

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The 2010 Pre-Conference Journal

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Please find attached the registration form for this year's Clergy Spice (Spouse) luncheon at Annual Conference. If you cannot open the form, let me know and I will mail it to you. Thanks.

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Week of April 25 - May 1, 2010

Reminder: the farewell reception for Larry and Mary Howard is this Sunday, May 2nd at FUMC Falfurrias from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Also we are still collecting for Larry's gift which is a scholarship fund through the Texs Methodist Foundation. Please send your check made payable to the McAllen District to the district office at 1909 W. Harrison, Harlingen 78550. You will receive an acknowledgement from TMF for your gift. If you have any questions, please let me know.

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Please find attached the registration form for this year's Clergy Spice (Spouse) luncheon at Annual Conference. If you cannot open the form, let me know and I will mail it to you. Thanks.

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Last Sunday was the "last Sunday" in April and your vital signs report is now due. Please be sure to email or fax by May 5th. Thanks.

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MYF @ Camp Thicket

May 23, 2010 3:00 – 6:00 pm

Todd Jones & Selina Brandon will be leading off with some ice breakers.

Main Event: AMAZING RACE!

Wesley’s men’s group will be preparing dinner for us.

The goal of this event is to get our kids together for a night of Christian fellowship and hopefully get some friendships started for future district events.

Week of April 18 - April 24, 2010

Scholarships for Youth Camps in Kerrville

I have received partial scholarships from the conference office for the summer youth camps at Kerrville (Mt. Wesley & HEB camp). If you have a youth in need of assistance in order to attend one of these camps, please let me know. As always, first come first served.

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For those that don't know it, today, April 21st is "Administrative Professionals Day".

So do something nice for those that do so much to make your life easier. Let them know how much you appreciate them and all that they do!

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I wanted to remind everyone of our schedule for the weekend. See you at the island!

The schedule is the same as last year:

Friday - Check in and dinner on your own.

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - First Session

Saturday - Continental Breakfast at Hotel

9:00 a.m. Second Session

10:00 a.m. Break

10:20 a.m. Third Session
11:30 a.m. Break for lunch (on your own)

12:00 to 6:00 p.m. - Free Time

6:00 p.m. - Dinner at Hotel - Furnished by District

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Fourth Session

Sunday - Continental Breakfast at Hotel

10:00 a.m. Worship with Communion Service

11:00 a.m. Dismissed

To those that are unable to attend, "going to have a great time - miss you - wish you were here" !

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POSTAGE RATES INCREASE: May 11, 2010 ex: 42 cent stamps go up to 44 cents

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Week of April 11 - April 17, 2010

Greetings and Salutations:

We meet Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at FUMC Mercedes for our monthly bible study. This month we are studying Joshua. For you guys who like to think of God as a loving benefactor this is gonna be a real wake up call. Remember, Moses, the consummate Sheppard ticked God off and God told him he was not going to live to enter the "Promised Land". Well God was true to His word, as always, and He killed old Moses off and replaced him with Joshua, a man who loved killing in the name of the Lord.

This was a take charge type of guy who believed in action and he had a no quarter attitude when it came to following God's instructions. This was a man who took his calling seriously and he didn't just kill you and walk away. More times than not he killed you, your wife, the kids, the in-laws, the neighbors, the live stock and any other breathing thing that was dumb enough to stick around long enough for Joshua to draw a sword. This man was good at what he did and God loved him for it. His role in life was to do God's bidding and if that meant killing everything that walked then so be it, that is just what he would do!

Join us Tuesday at 6:30 in Mercedes for an in depth look at Joshua as we try to understand this complex man and his role in God's great plan for the fate of mankind.

As always you can contact me at 956-492-5888, 24-7. Hope to see you Tuesday night.

Jim Callaway

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Larry & Mary's Farewell Reception

Knowing that the past few weeks has been a pretty busy time due to Holy Week, Easter, etc. I wanted to provide you a reminder regarding the farewell reception and going away gift for Larry & Mary ....More Info

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In the past few years the Conference has put churches in contact with Spark Energy as a bulk electric rate provider at a considerable savings on electric bills compared to the major providers. As many of you are aware, as those contracts have come up for renewal much of the savings has disappeared.

Brad Morgan, a member of Los Fresnos United Methodist Church, is an electric rate broker (performing pretty much what Spark Energy did). He has set us up on a rate plan that beats what Spark Energy did for our renewals and for a longer period of time than Spark did. He is also local and can do energy audits of church buildings.

If you are interested, you can contact him at South Texas Sales & Service Energy Group,
local 956-350-4040
toll free 866-668-1781
e-mail brad@stss-energy.com
www.stss-energy.com

Blessings,
Emet Huntsman
Los Fresnos UMC

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Please see the attached flyer concerning the upcoming Confirmation Rally.

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Annual Conference is fast approaching and will be here before you know it. As in the past, our McAllen District Breakfast will be held on Friday morning, June 4th at 7:00 a.m. at FUMC Corpus Christi. I have attached the registration form for your convenience. Please complete the form and mail your check to the district office. If you know of delegates that do no have access to a computer please print off a second form and pass it along to them. We look forward to having all of you attend the breakfast. Come welcome our new District Superintendent and new pastors to the district and say farwell to Rev. Larry Howard and the pastors leaving the district.

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Knowing that the past few weeks has been a pretty busy time due to Holy Week, Easter, etc. I wanted to provide you a reminder regarding the farewell reception and going away gift for Larry & Mary.

Please remember that there will be a reception from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 2 at First UMC Falfurrias.

Also, for those wishing to provide a going away gift for Larry and Mary, they have requested that any gift be made to a fund that has been established at Texas Methodist Foundation to provide seminary scholarships for SWTX folk. Although gifts can be sent directly to TMF, the easiest way would be to send a check to Linda at the District Office, made out to the McAllen District. She then will send one check to TMF, along with the necessary information so you will receive a receipt from them.

If you do intend to contribute to this gift, please do so soon, in order that it might be included with the others and also in order that we might be able to announce it at the reception.

Thank you.

In Christ,

Charlie Baskin

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St. Mark Preschool is doing a fundraiser on April 15 with Barnes and Noble. Attached is the voucher that people might need to participate.

You can also order online for this one, so it would be good for all of the district. Barnes & Nobel Book Fair Vouchers

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All pastors,

I am looking forward to our spending time together at the District Retreat on South Padre Island on the weekend of April 23-25. I need that time of relaxation with you.

However, I hope that you will encourage your laity to find a way to get to the World Malaria Day Extravaganza and Imagine NO Malaria Kick-off in Austin on the evening of April 25. Below is a promotional paragraph that you might print in your newsletter or send out to your people who are interested in the INM emphasis.

Larry Howard

...More Info

Week of April 4 - April 10, 2010

Subject: DYPS Meeting

WHO: Pastors, youth directors, anyone who works with youth!

WHAT: District Youth Professionals Meeting

WHEN: Tuesday April 8th, 2010 @ 11:30

WHERE: Applebee’s in Harlingen on Tyler & Harrison

We would like to discuss:

1. Methodist Youth Fellowship at Camp Thicket on May 23rd

2. Brainstorm for a District wide fundraiser for Imagine No Malaria

3. Discuss planning a rally that will ROCK the Valley Youth!!!!!!!!

4. Setting a regular date for us to meet ….(ie…the third Thursday of every month)

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Subject: The Upper Room and Travis Park UMC

Bishop Dorff invites all (laity and clergy) to join in the 75th Anniversary Celebration of The Upper Room at Travis Park UMC on April 10-11, 2010. As part the yearlong anniversary celebration, A Closer Walk with God, a day apart for prayer and spiritual formation will be held April 10 from 9:00-3:30 at Travis Park UMC. This day features 11 workshops designed for personal renewal and church revitalization. The workshops will be led by key church leaders including Rev. Jerry Haas, Rev. Terrence Hayes, Dr. Deborah Hanus, Rev. Taylor Boone, and Rev. Victor Perez, among others. Complete details and registration information can be found at www.upperroom.org/75 or at www.travispark.org.

On Sunday April 11 at 11:00, Bishop Dorff will be preaching at the Celebration Worship. The Upper Room daily devotional guide, which is now available in over 100 countries and in 40 languages and one of the church’s most accessible resources, was literally prayed into existence by a women’s Sunday school class from Travis Park Methodist during the Great Depression. Their desire for a “little devotional book” resulted in a motion being made during a 1934 meeting of the denomination’s Board of Home Missions and Evangelism in Nashville. We celebrate that The Upper Room roots are here in the Southwest Texas Conference and look forward to many more years in ministry together.

For additional information, please contact Sherry Elliott with The Upper Room at selliott@upperroom.org or by calling 1-615-340-7250.

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Hey friends & pastors,

Don't forget to sign up your youth for the YOUTH WORSHIP CONFERENCE, April 16-18, 10 at FUMC Boerne. Its going to be a Holy Spirit worship event. Although we have workshops, times of training, the primary focus is worship and God will be glorified. I truly believe Revival is happening in our midst. Please join us as the Movement of Christ continues among the youth of the SWTC. The cost is $50 per youth plus your housing costs (hotels or floors of churches.) Here's the Registration Form.

Over 110 churches and almost 1300 youth and adults participated in the Midwinter Retreats. I hope and pray you are encouraging your students to become the hands and feet of Christ. I heard recently where students in the local churches are doing just that. FUMC Goldthwaite has a student putting on a Compassion Walk for Haiti , Dripping Springs youth are leading Bible studies, and Kerrville students are leading their friends to the Lord. I know there are many other stories you have of students being Christ in their schools and community. Let's pray for them and encourage this all we can.

And finally, the YOUTH LEADERS SABBATH is a one-day even for youth directors who need a break from the real world. We will meet on Tuesday, April 27, from 10 AM to 7 PM, starting at my home in Marble Falls at 100 Gateway Pwky, for Bible study led by Rev. Will Rice of San Antonio, worship led by James Sanderson of Llano. We will spend time in the pool (or hot tub), on the lake, or just on the porch with a Starbucks in your hand (it's in walking distance from my house.) Our website has more info plus hotel options if you want to really escape. The cost is only $25 per adult. Let this be a time for you as a youth leader to be encouraged, resource with other youth leaders, and find rest in the Lord.

May the Lord bless you and refresh you during the Holy Season. May you realize His grace is upon you and that through this time, Jesus will rise again.

In Christ,

Rev. Rusty Freeman
Dir. of Youth, SWTC
www.reachingyouth.org

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So far, only one person has registered for the Basic Lay Speaking class April 17.
Attached is the registration form in Adobe format so almost any computer should be able to open it. If you could send it to the pastors and see if we can get some interest going. - Donald Lantz

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The vital signs report for March is now due. If you have not previously sent in your report, please do so by Monday, April 5th.

Thank you to all that have already sent in their report.

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The district office will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, April 1st in observance of Easter. We will reopen Monday morning April 5th.

Hope everyone has a blessed Easter.

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Subject: Scholarships for Youth Camps in Kerrville

I have received partial scholarships from the conference office for the summer youth camps at Kerrville (Mt. Wesley & HEB camp). If you have a youth in need of assistance in order to attend one of these camps, please let me know. As always, first come first served.

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Week of March 28 - April 3, 2010

MEMO

On behalf of Bishop Jim Dorff

RE: Scholarship Assistance –

LIVING CONGREGATIONS INSTITUTE, April 12-15, 2010 at University UMC, San Antonio

Please be aware that the registration brochure information, under The Fine Print, states:

Scholarships are available through the SWTC Conference Center office; please contact your District Superintendent for more information.

For clarification, a limited number of scholarships are being funded through the HEALTH, WHOLENESS & EDUCATION grant provided by Methodist Healthcare Ministries; however, these are intended for SWTC clergy only.

Our office has received inquiries from lay persons regarding scholarship assistance and, as stated in the brochure, they will be directed to contact their District Superintendent. At this point, each district is encouraged to consider providing scholarship assistance, as you are able, for those who may call.

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Don't forget to sign up your youth for the
YOUTH WORSHIP CONFERENCE,
April 16-18, 10 at FUMC Boerne.

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Week of March 21 - March 27, 2010

UMM- WHAT DO YOU THINK

GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS:

THE UNITED METHODIST MEN WILL HAVE THEIR MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY ON TUESDAY MARCH 23RD. WE ARE MEETING AT THE LOS FRESNOS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AT 6:30 IN THE EVENING AND EMET HUNTSMAN WILL ONCE AGAIN LEAD OUR DISCUSSION AS WE GROPE BLINDLY FOR THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW PATH.

ACTUALLY WE WILL ONCE AGAIN BE STUDYING THE MEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT AND COMPARING THEIR LIVES WITH OUR OWN. IT MIGHT SURPRISE SOME OF YOU TO KNOW THAT FOR THE MOST PART THEY WERE JUST REGULAR MEN, THEY FALTERED AND STUMBLED THROUGH MOST OF THEIR LIVES. THESE GUYS WERE ONLY GREAT WHILE GOD WAS USING THEM FOR HIS PURPOSES. THE REST OF THE TIME THEY WERE JUST MEN LIKE US. WELL, PROBABLY NOT LIKE JIMMY GREEN BUT LIKE MOST OF US. I'D LIKE TO INVITE YOU GUYS TO COME AND JOIN US ON THE 23RD IN LOS FRESNOS. AS USUAL WE WILL HAVE A ROUSING (THAT MEANS LOUD AND DISCOURTEOUS) DISCUSSION AND FULL EXCHANGE OF OPINIONS (NO LACK OF THESE) ABOUT THINGS OF WHICH WE KNOW VERY LITTLE.

(I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT WOMEN HERE, EVEN IF IT DOES SOUND LIKE IT.)

SEE YOU TUESDAY THE 23RD AT LOS FRESNOS UMC AT 6:30 PM. READ NOAH, WE'LL BE TALKING ABOUT BEING GOD'S STABLE BOY.

Any questions, please contact Jim Callaway at 956-492-5888 or Email trvresorts@sbcglobal.net

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Greetings! I wanted to remind you of the deadline for tickets for the Vipers Game on Saturday, March 27th. The last day to purchase tickets is March 21st, but we need to know by March 19th of the probable number of tickets that will be purchased. If you have any questions or if I can help you in any way in getting your tickets, don't hesitate to call me at 956-975-1301. Hope you all have a great week!
Blessings, Mary Catherine Email: MCEDWARDS@donnaisd.net

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Pastors,

Once again we are headed to South Padre Island for our annual District Pastor's Retreat April 23, 24 & 25. Pack your swimsuit, flip flops, bermuda shorts, beach ball and sand bucket and get ready for a great time at the island.

To all those new to our district, this is a time of renewal, refreshment, relaxation and family time for you and your loved ones. As a reminder to everyone, the district is paying for your two night hotel stay at Howard Johnsons. The only cost to you is your dinner Friday night, lunch Saturday and whatever activity you plan for your free time on Saturday afternoon (golf, fishing, bird watching, beach, movies, dolphin watch, etc...). There is a free continental breakfast furnished by the hotel and the district will furnish the Saturday night dinner. If you have any questions please let me know. ...read more

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Here are some photos from the MM skeet shoot at Cody King's.

Week of March 14 - March 20, 2010

Los Fresnos UMC has 24 Pilgrims signed up for the Men's Walk on March 25, at Cone Oasis Camp. We still have openings that we would love to fill with Pilgrims ready to attend.

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We have now received word that the Bishop has a chance to go to the Congo with Imagine No Malaria; so, he will NOT be present for our district retreat in April. We will certainly miss his presence among us but wish him well and a safe journey on his trip to Africa.

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A Letter from Larry

Pastors,

You will need to call Howard Johnsons at SPI and make your reservations for April 23rd and 24th. Please call 956-761-5658 and ask for Pam. She is the manager and familiar with our set up. If you have any problems please let me know and also please let me know that you have made your reservation.

As of this writing, Bishop Dorff and his wife Barbara, are planning to join us, and our guest speaker for the weekend is Rev. Laura Heikes from FUMC New Braunfels and her family. It's a fun time for all and we want everyone to come enjoy themselves.

Our agenda for the weekend is pretty much the same as last year. In fact it is the same as last year. ;)

Friday afternoon - Hotel check-in and dinner on your own.

7:00 p.m. - Welcome & first session - in the conference room at the hotel

8:00 p.m. - Closing devotion

Saturday morning - free continental breakfast at the hotel

9:00 a.m. - Second session

10:00 a.m. - Break

10:20 a.m. - Third session

11:30 a.m. - Break for lunch and afternoon activities

(Lunch and afternoon activities on your own)

6:00 p.m. - Dinner at hotel (furnished by the district)

7:00 p.m. - Fourth session

8:00 p.m. - Good night

Sunday morning - free continental breakfast at hotel

10:00 - Worship & Communion service

11:00 a.m. - Dismiss

Please contact Don Lantz, director for Lay Speaking, to arrange for a lay speaker to fill the pulpit for your Sunday morning service on April 25th. We have excellent lay speakers in our district and they are ready and able to assist you. Don will be expecting your call. You may reach him by phone at 956-423-8319 or by email at dlantz@swbell.net

Week of March 7 - March 14, 2010

Save the dates!!!

The Camping Committee has set the dates for this year's summer camps at Camp Thicket.

The Elementary camp is June 16 thru 19 and the Youth camp is scheduled for July 7 thru 10.

Please be sure to include the dates in your newsletters and bulletins and help to get the word out. The brochures with all of the camp information will go out some time late March or early April. Be on the look out.

Any questions please contact Jacob Hunter at
fumcb-jacob@sbcglobal.net or 956-546-5364

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The Methodist Men

United Methodist Men Skeet Shoot and bar-b-que

March 7, 2010 in Mercedes @ 3:00 pm RSVP no later than Mar. 4th, call Devlon Goodman at 565-1301 or the district off. 428-0200

Guests are welcome, as are youth. If shotguns and shells are a problem, don't worry about it...there will be extras to borrow. This would be a great parent/child event.

....map and more info

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I would like to share this invitation with our District's pastors. I'm sure that anyone that attends the team training event at Ginghamsburg this coming October will be blessed. My lay leader and I went to a training event two years ago and we returned with much information and motivation. Grace and peace, Laura Brewster

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The District Superintendency committee has announced the date and place for Larry Howard's farewell reception.

It will be a "come and go" reception on Sunday afternoon, May 2, 2010 at FUMC Falfurrias from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. More details will follow so please place this important event on your church calendar and include it in your bulletins and newsletters. Thanks.

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Subject: Vipers Fundraiser for Imagine No Malaria

A deadline for church members ordering could be Sunday, 21st of March, (or until Monday or Tuesday) to have order forms into the church office along with all monies or creditcard info on the order forms. (Church co-coordinator should have copies, on Sat just in case) Shu will come to churches that week and collect the forms, monies; credit card info on forms and take back to Dodge Arena where he will complete transactions and will have tickets available at the will call window on Saturday nite for all orders.

(To obtain printed flyers, contact Shu Muthyala with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at (956) 972-1144 or shu@rgvipers.com)

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Valley Interfaith invite you to:

Immigration Conference

“Building Bridges”

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Week of February 28 - March 6, 2010

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Map to skeet shoot & phone #s

Attached is the map to the skeet shoot. If you get lost, call my cell phone. Hopefully I'll remember to turn it on after church Sunday.
This is a good chance to invite men to come who might not normally come to a Bible study, so start inviting! If we need more food I'll go buy it.
Cody will provide 2 skeet throwers and a grill and some meat. I guess I'll leave and go buy ice and whatever else we need after we get an idea of how many people are there. If you want to bring something to drink and if you have any plates and cups handy, that will be that much less to buy. Jim, did you get any responses yet from people saying they're coming? Looking forward to seeing you,

Devlon Goodman
O- 565-1301
H- 351-5298
C- 373-8148
(my cell is a pay as you go deal, so usually if I'm near a land line I won't answer, I'll call you back on the land line.)

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Subject: UMM Skeet Shoot
Subject: phone broke

Dropped my phone and the stupid thing broke in half. No way to get the phone numbers back. so send me your phone numbers if you want me to be able to call you or call my new phone and I will save your numbers. The number is the same. Thanks Jim trvresorts@sbcglobal.net

Greetings and salutations:

It is a beautiful Monday morning and things are looking good! As usual, I am late getting this article about the up coming UMM skeet shoot out, but making a living seems to have it's benefits even if it does get in the way of having fun.

This Sunday March 7th at 3 PM the skeet shoot and bar-be-queue will be held at the home of Cody King who has graciously offered to host the event and provide the clay's and the food. Bring your shot guns and your own shells. Mr. king lives on the north side of mile 8 road, east of mile 2E road. Off of 83, turn NO on mile 2E, right on mile 8, about 1/2 mile down you'll see his mailbox on the left and his 2 story house is 50 yards from the road. It's about 1 mile northeast of the outlet mall in Mercedes.

There is no charge for the event but we will be asking for donations to defer Mr. Kings costs with the food and clays. Before the shooting starts Mr. Stewart Alcorn a certified NRA safety instructor will give us a short course on shooting safety and some information on the types of courses that are offered by the NRA for hunters and hand gun enthusiasts. Be sure and bring your sons and any other men, young or old, who might be interested in the safe use of fire arms.

Those of us involved with the McAllen Dist. UMM have decided that our role in the life of the church is to act as mentors to our younger men and youth. We are striving to show those younger men that you can lead a Christian life without giving up any of your man hood. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ never backed up or took any guff off of anyone. He was aggressive and assertive and he stood tall his entire life. The strength of a man that will die the way he did for a world that spurned him is unimaginable. He was no weakling, no Casper milk toast, he was a man's man and while none of us can ever live up to what He is we can at least try to be what He wants us to be.

We are not a macho bunch of men trying to prove our toughness to the world we are just a bunch of regular guys who feel a call to follow Christ through men's ministries. Come and join us, bring your sons. We will also be discussing the annual spring camping trip to Big Bend National Park and you are all invited to that too.

It would really be nice to have some sort of count for Mr Cody since he is providing the food. Please call me at 956-492-5888 or call Linda at the district office at 956-428-0200.

JIM

===========================

Your vital signs report is now due. Please email or fax it to the district office before Monday, March 8th. Thanks.

MEMO

On behalf of Bishop Jim Dorff

RE: Scholarship Assistance - LIVING CONGREGATIONS INSTITUTE, April 12-15, 2010 at University UMC, San Antonio

Please be aware that the registration brochure information, under The Fine Print, states:

Scholarships are available through the SWTC Conference Center office; please contact your District Superintendent for more information.

For clarification, a limited number of scholarships are being funded through the HEALTH, WHOLENESS & EDUCATION grant provided by Methodist Healthcare Ministries; however, these are intended for SWTC clergy only. Our office has received inquiries from lay persons regarding scholarship assistance and, as stated in the brochure, they will be directed to contact their District Superintendent. At this point, each district is encouraged to consider providing scholarship assistance, as you are able, for those who may call.

Shannon Wolfe, Administrative Assistant

Episcopal Office

Southwest Texas Conference

The United Methodist Church

16400 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX 78248-1693

210.408.4500; 210-349-4191 - Toll Free

210.408.4501 - Fax

Week of February 21 - February 27, 2010

===========================

Valley Interfaith

invite you to:

Immigration Conference

“Building Bridges”

===========================

If you know of someone that would be interested in this job opportunity,

please have them contact the church directly at f

umcbrownsville@sbcglobal.net or 956-546-5364.

Great Job Opportunity

Full time coordinator of church programs and volunteer recruiter needed.

Must have good job skills in administration, organization, multi-tasking and computer use (please specify specific experience), with friendly, outgoing personality, good communication skills, and a team spirit. Bilingual a plus.

Salary range $27,000 - $30,000 commensurate with experience. Vacation benefits and sick leave. No health benefits.

Resumes will be received through Tuesday, March 2nd at the church office or by fax at (956) 546-0450.

Selected applicants will be contacted on March 3rd to set up an interview on Thursday, March 4th.

This position begins March 8th.

Our Church Home is located at 1225 Boca Chica Blvd.
Brownsville, Texas

(956) 546-5364

fumcbrownsville@sbcglobal.net

===========================

I received the following information concerning ticket sales for the Vipers game on March 27th. Please see below.

If you have any questions please contact Diane at FUMC Weslaco at office@weslacofumc.com
-----------------------

Subject: Re: Vipers Fundraiser for Imagine No Malaria

OK, I just talked to Shu @ the Vipers, (he called quickly after me emailing him. Good service!)
The info for handling is clearer now, and we have worked out some kinks:
A deadline for church members ordering could be Sunday, 21st of March, (or until Monday or Tuesday) to have order forms into the church office along with all monies or creditcard info on the order forms. (Church co-coordinator should have copies, on Sat just in case) Shu will come to churches that week and collect the forms, monies; credit card info on forms and take back to Dodge Arena where he will complete transactions and will have tickets available at the will call window on Saturday nite for all orders.

(To obtain printed flyers, contact Shu Muthyala with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at (956) 972-1144 or shu@rgvipers.com)
Like I said, Shu was very accommodating to work with us, I think this system sounds aok... but call him for any questions anyone may have, Thanks Linda, please pass on this info.

Week of February 14 - February 20, 2010

Thank you to all of you that have mailed me your checks.

If you have not mailed your check yet, please mail it to the district office. DO NOT take checks or money to the banquet.

As always, I hope everyone has a very enjoyable time.

===========================

Our next Pastors/Prof. meeting is tomorrow, Feb. 18th at FUMC Brownsville beginning at 9:00 a.m. The District Committee on Ordained Ministry will meet immediately following lunch. Lunch will be provided at $5.00 per person.

===========================

FUMC Mercedes is in need to borrow a few more hymnals. If you have about 30 to lend please contact Devlon at devlon_goodman@hotmail.com or 956-373-8148

===========================

I have a new question for everyone concerning Jr High & HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRIES:

Does any church out there have an after school or weekly ministry geared to High School students? What is it; What do you call it; When do you meet; How many volunteers lead it; and what activities are available to them? If so, please contact me.

Blessings! Diane Bleibdrey
Administrative Assistant
Weslaco First United Methodist Church
520 S. Illinois Ave.
Weslaco, TX 78596
956-968-7561

===========================

Men's Emmaus Walk

March 25-28

Camp Cone Oasis

Cost is $145.00

Sheldon Johnson, Spiritual Director

Charles Cherrington, Lay Director

===========================

I want the district to celebrate with me this appointment.

Larry Howard

Greetings!

Bishop Dorff called Wednesday night to inform the District Superintendency Committee of his choice for the new District Superintendent for our district. Accordingly, I am passing that information along so that you will be informed.

The new Superintendent will be Rev. Laura Merrill, who currently is appointed as senior pastor of Wimberley UMC. Some of you personally may be familiar with Laura, as she previously served as pastor of the Los Fresnos church for a couple of years.

Larry Howard sent me an email subsequent to Bishop Dorff's call which contained the following information regarding Laura.

"Laura is a spiritually centered, hard working, effective listener who speaks Spanish fluently, loves the United Methodist Church, and knows the Valley. She has two children: a daughter 8 years of age and a son 13. Her husband is presently a professor of education at Texas State, but has previously taught at South Texas College when he was in the Valley five years ago with Laura."

Both Larry and Bishop Dorff expressed gratitude for the D.S. Committee's input regarding the attributes we would like to see in the new Superintendent. And in that regard, in Larry's email he commented, "Be assured that the Bishop did take the committee's work seriously...and I believe the choice demonstrates that the DS Committee's recommendations were heard."

So, thank you once again for your efforts on behalf of Christ's Church through this Committee.

Because of full schedules, etc., it looks like it won't be until April before Laura will be able to come to the Valley to see the parsonage and office and to meet with members of the D.S. Committee. But I'm sure we will be hearing more as things develop.

Although it will be difficult for us to say goodbye to Larry, I hope you share my enthusiasm over this news, and that together we look forward to the leadership and gifts that Laura will bring to the McAllen District.

In Christ,

Charlie Baskin

===========================

Date:	02/15/2010 09:37 AM
Subject:	Reservations for Laity Banquets

Today is the last day to turn in reservations for the upcoming laity banquets. If you have not already done so, please email me the list of names for your reservations and mail your check to the district office made payable to McAllen District.

We cannot accept walk ins at the banquets so please stress the importance of reservations. Thanks.

===========================

This year's Confirmation Rally will be held on Saturday May 15th at FUMC San Benito. The time will be 9:30 am. to 2:00p.m. Please mark your calendars and further information will be forth coming.

===========================

CHECK THE LAST PARAGRAPH FOR THE CHANGE

If you have any questions please contact Jim Callaway at trvresorts@sbcglobal.net

Greetings and salutations:

(I wish I knew what salutations meant but what the heck it sounds good)

Our monthly meeting (UMM) will be held in McAllen this time so you guys who can't drive to the mid-valley will have a chance to join us. The esteemed Fernando Garza will be our host at St. Marks UMC in beautiful down town McAllen, 301 West Pecan St. to be exact, at 6:30 PM on Tuesday Feb. 23rd. We will be taking a break from our study of the Men of the old Testament. This time we will be watching a DVD (for Jimmy Green ,that's a new fangled form of VCR) titled Everything is Spiritual.

IN THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES THERE IS NO WORD FOR "SPIRITUAL"

JESUS NEVER USED THE PHRASE "SPIRITUAL LIFE"

BECAUSE FOR JESUS AND HIS TRADITION, ALL LIFE IS SPIRITUAL

What does this mean? Come and watch the video, see if you agree with the author's premise or not. I've seen the DVD and find it interesting but Rob Bell, the creator of the DVD, and I do not see eye to eye on everything. Never the less, (I like this phrase too) it did make me think and ponder and grow a little. Come and join us, stretch the envelope you live in. It's never too late to grow. I ought to know.

On another matter we will be discussing the up coming skeet shooting event that we are going to hold in early March. Devlon Goodman has graciously invited us to the Mercedes area for this and we will be finalizing our plans. The event is planned for 3:PM on March 7th at the home of Cody King.

He lives on the north side of mile 8 road, east of mile 2E road. Off of 83, turn N on mile 2E, right on mile 8, about 1/2 mile down you'll see his mailbox on the left and his 2 story house is 50 yards from the road. It's about 1 mile northeast of the outlet mall in Mercedes.

We are going to have a certified NRA instructor give us a short course on gun safety before we start shooting so be sure and bring your sons along. They will enjoy the day as much as we do.

One last item we have decided to have bar-b- que at the skeet shoot and we will have to know ahead of time how many folks we are going to have. So please RSVP no later that March 4th. That will give everyone time to buy the needed food.Call me at 956-492-5888 or the district office at 428-0200 and let us know.

Jim

Week of February 7 - February 13, 2010

Save the dates!!!

The Camping Committee has set the dates for this year's summer camps at Camp Thicket. The Elementary camp is June 16 thru 19 and the Youth camp is scheduled for July 7 thru 10. Please be sure to include the dates in your newsletters and bulletins and help to get the word out. The brochures with all of the camp information will go out some time late March or early April. Be on the look out.

Any questions please contact Jacob Hunter at fumcb-jacob@sbcglobal.net or 956-546-5364

===========================

Thank you for an overwhelming response to Bishop Dorff’s request for Health Kits! Gene Hileman our conference Disaster Response Coordinator is driving the largest U-haul truck they rent to Sager Brown today delivering 10,254 health kits!

If you still have health kits or are planning to make them, UMCOR still wants and needs kits. Here is the shipping information to get them directly to UMCOR’s distribution center Sager Brown in Baldwin, LA.

     UMCOR Sager Brown Depot
    P.O Box 850 131 Sager Brown Road
    Baldwin, LA 70514-0850

We appreciate everyone’s hard work and generosity.

Week of January 31 - February 6, 2010

Please find attached a flyer concerning the upcoming Immigration Event to be held at FUMC McAllen in March

Also, Rio Grande Conference Flyer in Spanish

===========================

ATTENTION CLERGY! If while at The Bishop's Conference March 1-2 at Mount Wesley, you would be so inclined to tell a funny story, sing a great song or tap dance, or whatever would you please email Sue White or call her - THIS IS FOR THE "FUN" TIME ON MONDAY EVENING.

Email: theway3737@sbcglobal.net Cell: 210-415-6340

===========================

Please see the email message below. If you have health kits to send to the conference office in San Antonio, they need them in San Antonio by next Monday or Tuesday.

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Marta Rose <mrose@umcswtx.org>
To: districtoffices@umcswtx.org
Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 3:51:05 PM
Subject: Health Kits

Please send this to your pastors.

We have had a wonderful response to our request for the Health Kits - 3,000+. We need to let you know that we will need them by Monday or Tuesday of next week (2/8-9/2010). We will be renting a U-Haul truck to take the kits to Sager Brown.

We would like to thank each of your churches for the wonderful response.

Grace & Peace,

Marta Rose

Communications

United Methodist Church

SW Texas Conference

16400 Huebner Rd.

San Antonio TX 78248

Phone: (210) 408-4550

(888) 349-4191

Fax: (210) 408-4515

mrose@umcswtx.org

===========================

Subject: FW: Vipers Fundraiser for Imagine No Malaria - see flyer

Dear Pastors and Youth Directors of the McAllen District,

I want to invite you to join us in a special event on Saturday, March 27th, for a Vipers Game at the Dodge Arena. There was a group of about 100 youth, adults, and families from the McAllen District who attended a Vipers Game a couple of years ago and had a great time.

The Vipers have invited us to join them in helping to fight malaria in Africa. The event will be called the United Methodist Faith Night to Fight Malaria. Please read the note and share the flyer with your congregation and youth groups. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call me at 956-975-1301 or Debbie Buchanan at 956-262-6867.

Please join us for this fun night as we share together in ministry! Blessings, Mary Catherine Edwards

===========================

Church members and the community are invited to attend the game on March 27^th, knowing that $5 from each $10 ticket will go toward the Imagine No Malaria ministry. This can be part of your church's effort to reach your congregational goal to save lives – just list the number of tickets your church sells on the “Record of Contribution Form” when you send the rest of the funds to UMC–Imagine No Malaria in Nashville.

As a fun part of game day, United Methodists will be singing the national anthem, and we want choir members from every church to help sing! You can help by identifying a soprano, alto, tenor, and bass singer (or as many of these as you can) from your choir. Let Debby Buchanan at (956) 262-6867 know who can join us for the anthem – a practice session will be held the day of the game.

During the game we will sell "Buzz Kill" T-shirts, auction a basketball signed by the Houston Rockets, and have an informational booth about Imagine No Malaria set up to raise awareness about our denominational effort to fight this disease.

So mark your calendars, because on March 27 we are going to beat the L.A. D-Fenders and Malaria!

(To obtain printed flyers, contact Shu Muthyala with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at (956) 972-1144 or shu@rgvipers.com)

Week of January 24 - 23, 2010

From: Rusty Freeman <rhf143@aol.com>
Thought you might want to know about this.

From: Tami Prostrollo <tami@uchurch.tv>

Date: January 26, 2010 5:18:17 PM CST

To: <swtcclergy@umcswtx.org>

Subject: An Invitation from Charles Anderson at San Antonio-University United Methodist Church

Dear Fellow Southwest Texas Conference Clergy
As host pastor, I want to encourage you and your congregation’s lay leaders to attend our Living Congregations Institute here in San Antonio on April 12-15. University United Methodist Church is partnering with Bishop Dorff, the Conference Staff, and Texas Methodist Foundation to provide a continuing education event of cutting-edge speakers, workshops, breakout sessions, and events designed to help you better lead your congregation. Our keynote speakers are nationally known: Gil Rendle, Reggie McNeal, Lovett Weems, Will Mancini, Peter Steinke, Bob Whitesel, Randy Frazee, Joy Moore and Nancy Ortberg, just to name a few. The Institute also has opportunities for you to have conversations and hands-on demonstrations/workshops with vendors such as Shelby Systems, Texas Methodist Foundation, Alpha USA, Generis Group, and Auxano Group, the General Board of Global Ministries, the Mission Society, and Interactive Church.

The Annual Conference believes that the Living Congregations Institute is so important is that it is helping to underwrite registration. Therefore, your cost is only $199 for the Institute if you register before March 31. To register for the Institute, or to find more detailed information and schedules, go to http://livingcongregations.com/.

I strongly encourage your participation as well as that of other leaders in your church. I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio April 12-15.

Charles W. Anderson, Directing Pastor
University United Methodist Church
5084 De Zavala Road
San Antonio, TX 78249
210-696-1033
Charles@uchurch.tv
www.uchurch.tv

===========================

If you have someone you would like to nominate for the Bishop's Exemplar Award, please send me their name and a brief paragraph by Monday, February 8th.

===========================

Remember: I need your Lay Person of the Year and a brief paragraph. Please send that in ASAP. Thanks to all that have submitted.

===========================

Reminder:

Pastors/Professionals meeting Thursday, January 28 at FUMC Falfurrias.

This is a combined meeting with pastors from the Southern district of the Rio Grande Conference.

The meeting will start at 10:00 am and last until 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided at $5.00 per person.

Week of January 17 - 30, 2010

Congratulations Peggy & Terry. You certainly deserve it!

First UMC Administrative Council has nominated Terry Hadsall and Peggy Card as our Lay People of the Year. Laity from across the southern end of the McAllen District will gather on February 21st at 5:30pm at St. Marks UMC in McAllen for a celebration.
All are invited to attend. If you would like to go please make reservations in the church office no later than February 14th. The price of the meal is $10 per person and must be prepaid. For futher information please read the following note from the McAllen District office.

This year's Laity Banquets will be held as follows: McSouth - Sunday, February 21st at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mark UMC

The cost will be $10 per person and everyone must have a reservation.

In fairness to the caterers, we cannot accept "walk-ins" so please stress to everyone the need to make a reservation.

===========================

This year's Laity Banquets will be held as follows:

McNorth - Saturday, February 20th at 12:00 noon at FUMC Laredo

McSouth - Sunday, February 21st at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mark UMC

The cost will be $10 per person and everyone must have a reservation. In fairness to the caterers, we cannot accept "walk-ins" so please stress to everyone the need to make a reservation. The last day to make reservations will be Monday, February 15th. Also, we need one check for all of your reservations. Please send your reservation list and check made payable to the McAllen District. If you have any questions please let me know.

If you have not done so, please send me the name of your Lay Person of the Year and a brief paragraph for the booklet.

===========================

From: Marta Rose <mrose@umcswtx.org>
Sent: Thu, January 21, 2010 2:58:58 PM
Subject: Services for Clint Rabb

Memorial Service:

The memorial service for Clinton Rabb will be held at noon on Saturday, January 23 at University UMC in Austin. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. If you are planning to attending the service, please enter the church through the 24th Street entrance into the Sanctuary. Rev. Bob Huie will be giving the sermon, and Bishop Janice Huie will also be speaking.

Attached is a map of the area and where to park near the church. You can get more information and directions on the church website, http://www.uumc.org/ and click on directions and parking for more information.

Memorial Contributions:

The family has started a charity in Clint's name that they would like people to consider for memorial contributions. Here is the website link:

http://www.clintonclarkrabbcharity.org The website will not be online until Friday, January 22 with PayPal available.

Checks may also be mailed to:

The Clinton Clark Rabb Charity

PO Box 72115

Dallas TX 75372

Grace & Peace,

Marta Rose

Communications

United Methodist Church

SW Texas Conference

16400 Huebner Rd.

San Antonio TX 78248

Phone: (210) 408-4550

(888) 349-4191

Fax: (210) 408-4515

mrose@umcswtx.org

===========================

From: Rusty Freeman <Rhf143@aol.com>
Subject: Midwinter 5 is Full!!

Dear friends,

As of today, Midwinter 5 is officially capped. We are at our limit for this Midwinter and will not be taking any more registrations. Please begin to redirect your students and sponsors toward other weekends.

Midwinter 3 MIX, Jan 29-31, 10 at Mt. Wesley, is in two weeks and has plenty of space, as does Midwinter 4, Sr. High only at HEB Camp, on Feb 12-15, 10. There's still plenty of time to begin to look at other Midwinters and join this exciting Movement of God's spirit.

I celebrate MW5 filling so quickly and next year we will most likely add a second Mix early on to help with this growing demand of the MIX weekend.

Email if you have questions.

Blessings

Rusty Freeman

SWTC Dir. of Youth Ministries

www.reachingyouth.org

===========================

From: Larry Howard <larryhowardds@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Sun, January 17, 2010 7:04:01 PM
Subject: email to pastors and district leaders

All pastors under appointment and all laity serving on a committee in the McAllen District,

With this email I announce my intention to seek the retired relationship in the Southwest Texas Annual Conference as of the end of business of the upcoming annual conference session in June of this year. I have been honored to serve God and the Church in general, the United Methodist Church and the Southwest Texas Conference in particular, and the McAllen District specifically and most recently.

Thirty-six years ago I joined St. Luke UMC in San Angelo and served as Lay Leader of that congregation. From there I moved to the lay staff of First UMC in San Angelo where I heard my call to pastoral ministry. In June of 1980 and 1984 I was ordained Deacon and Elder respectively. This conference welcomed me into ministry when many in the denomination of my birth did not. You have loved me, worked with me, and followed Jesus together with me. I am thankful for you and the UMC.

I sense God calling me to the retired ministry. Mary and I have plans for travel and work together. We will live in San Antonio, a city we enjoy fully. We will miss the hard but fulfilling work, the challenging but faithful people. However, we will delight in the activities that we are dreaming about.

You can trust Bishop Dorff to be aware of and to look out for the unique interests of the McAllen District when considering and choosing a new Superintendent. Your District Superintendency Committee is already communicating with our Bishop the qualities and skills needed in the new Superintendent.

There is much work to do before June and retirement come. I will be your DS until the end of the annual conference session. Let us move forward into the future with confidence in God's grace and trust in the wisdom of the Bishop and Cabinet. May God bless us all.

Larry Howard

Superintendent
McAllen District, UMC
1909 W. Harrison
Harlingen, TX 78550
956-428-0200

===========================

If your church is interested in assembling and shipping health kits for Haiti, please visit the General Board of Global Ministries website.

UMCOR Sager Brown is coordinating a shipment of health kits to provide individuals with basic necessities. Instructions for assembling and shipping health kits are available at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/health-kit/ .

The address for Health Kits is:

UMCOR Depot

131 Sager Brown Rd.

Baldwin, Louisana 70514

===========================

I received the following email from a company called "DollarDays" wanting to supply our churches with the items required for assembling health kits for Haiti. I know nothing about this company and am not endorsing them in any way. If you feel this is a company you would like to do business with or would like more information from please contact their sales rep. Mr. Al Prosek.

===========================

Some of you are having some confusion concerning our "Check Out" date. It is not the 20th. ...read more

===========================

Subject: Local Church Reports

Pay particular attention to Line 57 – Other Cash Allowances. Apportionments will be calculated using lines 53 – 62 this year. Line 57 – Other Cash Allowances Paid to Pastor and Associate(s) – should be “0” or a very small amount. A few items that might be included on this line – bonus, continuing education not included in ARP, Annual Conference money given to clergy that would not be included in ARP, etc. Money paid to Clergy that is not included in Accountable Reimbursement Plan.

This line does not include health insurance for clergy and/or family that is billed through the Conference Office. Those figures (along with CRSP and CPP) will be imported into lines 51 and 52 (apportionment giving will also be imported) and be shown on the final copy that is sent to each church for review. An extra $15,000 on Line 57 for a small church could really impact the amount of apportionments to be paid by the church.

If you have any questions please let me know. Thanks.

===========================

Don't Forget!

Saturday February 20, 2010 - McNorth Laity Banquet - 12:00 noon - FUMC Laredo

Sunday, February 21, 2010 - McSouth Laity Banquet - 5:30 p.m. - St. Mark UMC

Sunday, May 16, 2010 - McAllen District Conference - 4:00 p.m. - FUMC McAllen (please make sure your delegates to Annual Conference are made aware of this date)

===========================

Week of January 10 -16, 2010

Don't forget Thursday, Jan. 14th is our "Check Out" date. If you have any problems or need assistance don't hesitate to call me or Charlie Baskin in Mission. You can log on at any time and enter your information. Be sure to print off your report and send me a copy. Also, Table two needs to be signed and sent to the Conference office.

===========================

Reminder: District Communications committee will meet Thursday, Jan. 14th at 12:00 noon at Pharr UMC.

===========================

We have three important dates that have now been added to the district calendar. More information will be forth coming but I wanted you to have these dates on your calendar as soon as possible.

Saturday February 20, 2010 - McNorth Laity Banquet - 12:00 noon - FUMC Laredo

Sunday, February 21, 2010 - McSouth Laity Banquet - 5:30 p.m. - St. Mark UMC

Sunday, May 16, 2010 - McAllen District Conference - 4:00 p.m. - FUMC McAllen (please make sure your delegates to Annual Conference are made aware of this date)

===========================

BUBBA and COOTER

Jesus didn't appear on the edge of a river in Mississippi and talk to Bubba and Cooter and then just vanish without a trace. We know he lived and we know when, how and why he died. We even know that he rose again from the dead and not just because Bubba and Cooter saw him in some beer soaked haze. ...READ MORE

JOIN US IN LA FERIA, TUESDAY JANUARY 19TH AT 6:30 PM AND WE WILL BEGIN THIS YEARS JOURNEY AND THE ADVENTURE THAT IS SURE TO ACCOMPANY IT.

Week of January 3 - January 9, 2010

I have attached the flyer for the upcoming leadership training event to be held this Sunday, January 10th at FUMC Laredo and FUMC Harlingen and again January 31st at FUMC Alice and St. Mark UMC. Please encourage and bring with you your leadership to these informative workshops. We look forward to a large turn out as we had last year.

The new mileage allowance effective January 1, 2010 is $.50 cents per mile per David Seilheimer's office.

Also, if you have not received your end of the year "Check Out" packet from the conference office, please let me know.

It is now time for selection of your Lay Person of the Year. As soon as you have made your selection please send me a BRIEF paragraph about that person. As yet we do not have dates for the Laity banquets but as soon as that is confirmed I will get the word out to you. Thanks.

12-30-09

Attached is the latest report of percentages paid toward apportionments as of December 29th. The McAllen district report is on page 5 of the percentage report. Remember in order to be accounted for the year 2009, all apportionment payments must be on David Seilheimer's desk (not "in the mail") no later than Monday, January 11th by 12:00 noon.

Happy New Year!

12-30-09

As you may know, Mercedes FUMC had a fire this week in the church. Please keep them in your prayers.

Dear Church Family and Friends,
I was awoken at 5:30 this morning while on vacation at my parents house in Alabama, with a call on my cell phone from a mission team member at the church who told me there was a fire in the sanctuary and then gave me the fire chief's phone number. Chief Gonzalez told me that there was extensive damage to the south end of the sanctuary. Barry Jones, treasurer, was already arriving when I called him next and he then spoke with the fire chief and said it looks like the chancel and choir room area were gutted.

I solicit your prayers as we go forward from here. We are blessed to have a fellowship hall that works very well as a worship facility, so I do not expect any interruption in the worship life of the church. I will let you know more as I hear it myself. I'm not scheduled to return to the Valley until Friday, but I may return sooner now.

Peace and Grace to you all,
Devlon

12-28-09

Please be in prayer for the First Methodist Chuch of Mercedes, which suffered extensive damage in a fire in the sanctuary early morning (Monday). A mission team was staying in the Education Building, but no one was hurt. Fire contained to main building. Devlon and I received the call here in Alabama, so we have not seen the building.

pastor@weslacofumc.com

Rev. Roberta B. Goodman

Pastor: First United Methodist Church

520 S. Illinois Avenue

Weslaco, Texas 78596

Phone: 956-968-7561

12-27-09

Reminder: be sure your December vital signs report also includes your totals and averages for the total year for 2009. Thanks.

12-18-09

Conference Statement and The Percentage Paid Report

Attached is the latest report from David Seilheimer concerning the amounts paid on apportionments as recorded by his office up to Dec. 16. If the figures for your church are incorrect, please check with your treasurer or finance secretary to verify that what you think is paid was actually paid. If so, then let me and David know that the figure is incorrect.

12-16-09

I have been advised by the conference office the Year End Report forms for the McAllen district are going out in today's (Wednesday) mail. If you do not receive your packet by late next week, please let me know. Thanks.

12-12-09

"I Hear the Prophet Callin'" by Pepper Choplin, will be presented with the combined choirs of FUMC Mercedes and FUMC Weslaco at 7:00 on Wednesday, December 16 at FUMC Mercedes, and at 5:00 on Sunday, December 20, at FUMC Weslaco. The Christmas Eve Candlelighting Service will be at 7:00 and will include an original drama called "Ana's Christmas Eve Story."

12-11-09

What activities you have done or are in the planning stage to address the Imagine No Malaria campaign? Please send a brief outline of your events to Linda. Thanks and if we could have those by Monday, 12-14-09 it would help.

12-11-09

Don't forget, Consultation forms (Clergy & SPRC) are due in to the district office by next Tuesday, December 15th.

12-7-09 From Devlon Goodman:

My daughter and I will be giving a concert this Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4:00, at First United Methodist Church, Mercedes. It will include solos, duets, and voice and violin renditions of songs like O Holy Night, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, and Mary Did You Know, and I will be singing 4 arias from the Messiah.

We also have a REAL PIANIST (Allie Haden from Weslaco) to accompany us this time!

We will be taking a love offering for World Service Fund like we did at the recital.

I hope you have a blessed Advent and Christmas season, and thanks for helping me spread the news!
Devlon

PS - carolling and Christmas party will follow the concert!

12-5-09 The registration has been extended to January 4, 2010.

5-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation 2010 - see flyer for info and registration

12-2-09 You are invited to a Christmas Concert at First Methodist in Mercedes featuring the talents of Devlon Goodman and Sara in voice, and our own Allie Haden on the piano. The concert will be Sunday, December 13 at 4:00 p.m. at the Methodist Church on 16^th St. between S. Ohio and Capisallo Rds in Mercedes. There will be many Christmas favorites including “O Holy Night” and a sort of one-man “Handel’s Messiah.” There will be a love offering to benefit the United Methodist World Service Fund.

11-24-09 Here is an important message from Josh at FUMC Edinburg about Cokesbury account numbers. Thanks Josh for the "heads up".

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "edinburgfirst@sbcglobal.net" <edinburgfirst@sbcglobal.net>
To: Methodist District <umcmcallen@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Wed, November 18, 2009 10:25:28 AM
Subject: Large Security Gap with Cokesbury.com

Thought I'd share this with everyone, since I know we order from Cokesbury quite frequently.

DOUBLE CHECK ALL YOUR COKESBURY INVOICES, AND KEEP YOUR COKESBURY ACCOUNT NUMBER A SECRET!

Heres the story. A member of our church noticed on a packing slip from Cokesbury, that a box of candles we had ordered was being billed to the Floresville UMC. Pulling out the invoice, indeed showed that the Edinburg church had never been billed for the candles. Cokesbury Customer service was very helpful in getting the matter resolved, but it left one glaring weakness, that the Customer Service Agent said she would pass on to her superiors.

If you are logged into Cokesbury, you can order an item with /any/ account number, regardless if it is your account. (Which also means that someone else can order something with /your/ account number.) It turns out that Floresville and Edinburg's account numbers are very close together, and a simple mistype lead to Floresville getting billed.

So just a reminder, double check your Cokesbury invoices and make sure they are for items your church actually ordered, and if there is any confusion, call Cokesbury Customer Service at 1-800-672-1789.

Blessings,

Josh
Edinburg First United Methodist Church
3707 W. University
Edinburg, TX 78541

11-24-09 I still have available (5) five SWTX conference Mid Winter Scholarships in the amount of $50 each. As always, they are first come first serve.

The camp dates for 2010 are:

Sr. HIgh - January 15-18 HEB/Echo Valley
Jr. High - January 22-24 - Mt. Wesley
Jr.High - January 29-31 - Mt. Wesley
Sr. High - February 12-15 - HEB/Echo Valley
Jr. & Sr. High - February 19-21 - Mt. Wesley
Please let me know if you have a Jr. or Sr. High youth that is interested in attending any of these camps. - Linda

11-17-09 Attached you will find a flyer for the upcoming Men of Light conference to be held in the Victoria District.

11-14-09

Hi guys !! This is just a reminder that this month's bible study is going to be held on Monday November 16th at Los Fresnos UMC. Pastor Devlon Goodman is going to be leading us in the study of Abraham and his dysfunctional family. Talk about problems, these folks could be the poster family for how not to live happily ever after. Illegitimate children, sex out of marriage with the house hold staff ( I see a law suit here ) with the wife's knowledge and approval and a family feud that has lasted for more than 2000 years. This could be the pilot for the old Dallas soap opera that was so popular back in the 80's.

If you think we as modern men have a hard time living a good and Godly life then you need to come study the men of the old testament. They could really take messing up to a higher level. The mid east problems of today are supposed to be a direct result of Abraham's little fling with the maid. Don't know if that's true or not but it makes me feel better to think it might be. I mean, my kids weren't perfect but I don't know of any wars they've caused.

Yep, life could be worse !! Come join us: Monday Nov. 16 - 6:30 PM at Los Fresnos UMC

Thanks - Jim Callaway

11-14-09 5-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation 2010 - see flyer for info and registration

11-9-09 from Larry - Please RSVP to Linda

Dear Pastors, I'm writing to remind you that we have been asked to serve as a demonstration district for the Imagine No Malaria initiative. Our effort offers us the chance to extend Christian love to those in need that suffer needlessly or die from malaria. We can set a strong example for the rest of the denomination - starting right here in South Texas. (read more...)

11-7-09

We received the following invitation for all of the Methodist churches in our district, from the UT Pan-Am Dept. of Social Work. Bishop Minerva Carcano, formerly from this area, is to be the featured speaker. The public is welcome and there is no admission charge. They look forward to a great turn out of Methodists in our area to this event. Blessings, Linda

Dear Linda Jewell:
Thanks so much for helping our department by informing the McAllen district United Methodist Churches about Bishop Carcano's visit on November 12. I am attaching a document with relevant information. I will also copy and paste the document into this message (below my signature with my contact information) in case you have difficulty with attachments. Please contact me if you have questions. We would be delighted to have a great turn-out of area Methodists at this event. Thanks again.
Best regards,
Catherine A. Faver, Ph.D., LMSW
Professor
Department of Social Work
University of Texas Pan American
1201 W. Univesity Dr..
Edinburg, TX 78539
956-381-2628
cfaver@utpa.edu

11-7-09

First UMC, Port Isabel is looking for a piano......a good choir practice type of piano. Would appreciate help in finding one. Thanks!

11-7-09
At the Pastors/Prof. meeting last Wednesday, Oct. 28th, we had the pleasure of having Margo Jacobs of UMCOM make a presentation on the "Imagine No Malaria" campaign. She also will be holding informative workshops on this subject in four areas of our district.

We encourage you to attend one of the workshops with members of the lay leadership of your church. The following workshops have been scheduled in the McAllen District:

Monday, November 16th - FUMC Laredo - 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, November 17th - FUMC Kingsville - 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, November 18th - Trinity UMC, McAllen - 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, November 19th - FUMC San Benito - 10:00 a.m.

As you can see, we have tried to scheduled these workshops in locations easily accessible throughout the district.

11-7-09

New Date for

LaFeria UM Church Drive Thru Nativity

Dec. 19 and 20, 2009 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Please mark your calendars....

10-21-09

Please pass along the attached luncheon invitation to the Christian Educators of your church. Thanks.

10-14-09

Attached you will find a flyer and information concerning the upcoming Grant Writing workshop scheduled for Satruday, October 17th at FUMC McAllen. To date I have three persons registered for this workshop. If you or someone from your church plans to attend the workshop, please let me know ASAP. Thanks.

10-11-09 The Kerrville district office has asked us to pass along the following email message. If you have any questions or need further information please contact the Kerrville district office or Rev. Scott Bradford. - Blessings, Linda

This email came from Rev. Scott Bradford from FUMC, Uvalde in the Kerrville District. He asked that this information be given to our churches.

Blessings – Liz Cover - Kerrville District Office

Moose Pass UMC (Alaska), is a small congregation Pastored Peter Perry (intersting enough) Peter was at the church in Arizona where John Flowers and Karen went when Peter moved to Alaska to mission pastor these two small churches. (Seward and Moose Pass UMC's).

Moose Pass is needing some renovations and is trying to raise $15,000 (I have a letter and flier and more info)... Peter writes "Moose Pass UMC has no running water and single electric circuit powering the entire church". A Mission team fron North Carolina is coming in June 2010 to do the badly needed work but they are needing to raise the funds for the supplies. Donations can be made to Advance Special 931015.

For more information about this Advance Special opportunity please contact Rev. Scott Bradford , FUMC Uvalde, at 830-278-3135.

10-7-09 We want to welcome Rev. Dale Guckenberger as the interim pastor at FUMC Donna. He may be reached at the Donna office 956-464-3421 and his email address is degucken@gmail.com. Welcome to the McAllen district Dale.

10-7-09 Yes, believe it, the Conference office is already asking me for our "Check Out" date. Our official Check Out date is Thursday, January 14, 2010. I understand the paperwork will go out to you from the Conference office sometime in December but I had to submit our date now. So mark your calendars to be on the lookout for your forms.

As in the past, you will be able to enter your information via the internet at your leisure but it must be submitted no later than January 14th. Once again if you need assistance, you are welcome to call me and set up a time to come to the district office for help in submitting your information. Or you may call Charlie Baskin in Mission if you are on the west side of the district. Plus, with the internet system, if you get stuck you can call me, I can log on to your information and we can work through the problem together. Whichever way is easiest for you will be fine with me.

Thanks and be sure to MARK YOUR CALENDAR!! - Blessings, Linda

10-7-09 Please be sure when completing your forms you include in Larry's folder, the completed Witness form and also a copy of the completed Lay Delegate registration form. The original of the Lay Delegate registration form should go to the conference office with a copy to us. Thanks.- Blessings, Linda

10-7-09 From: James Callaway (Jim Callaway's email address is trvresorts@sbcglobal.net )

Gentlemen: ( a very loose description of the men in the church)

It is with great excitement that I write to you a reminder of our next district Bible study. On October 20th we will meet at 1st UMC Mercedes at 6:30 in the evening. Cookies and coffee will be provided for those of you who need sustenance after a hard day at work.

This week we will be discussing ( during the first half of the meeting) the book "Why Men Hate Going to Church" by David Murrow. This book has already garnered much discussion, both pro and con. Most of the con from people who had not read the book, but what the heck we are Methodists and not reading "THE BOOK" has never stopped us from arguing before.

Finally, the second half of our little get together will be the beginning of the study of Moses. The first hero of the old testament. We will look at his failings and his successes, his weakness as a man and the strength he came to know through his connection to God. We will try to portray him as the man he was with all the fears, doubts and insecurities that we all have. We will also try to show how he over came these failings through God and how God accepted him and used him, imperfections and all.

We had 20 men at our first meeting. Some came from as far away as Kingsville. All are welcome. If you need transportation let me know and we will provide a ride. Hope you all come. - Jim

10-7-09 - LETTER FROM LARRY Subject: Workshop on strategic planning and grant writing

Several of you have asked for a grant-writing workshop with Methodist Healthcare Ministries. So, here it is.

It would be helpful if you would let Linda know how many of you are planning to attend this strategic planning and grant writing workshop being offered next Saturday at FUMC McAllen by the Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

On Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. until noon at FUMC McAllen, Mr. Variak Khus from Methodist Healthcare Ministries will present a workshop on strategic planning, program development, and grant writing for your church. This workshop will review the development of grant writing over time and focus attention on a comprehensive process (named Logic) for outlining a grant/proposal. The objective is to make sure that our church leaders and planners have the necessary tools to help successfully plan, solicit and implement a church project.

Remember that the workshop will teach you how to plan strategically and develop your own grant-writing capability. It will not provide info on how Methodist Healthcare Ministries will write your grants for you. Nevertheless, the time can be valuable for you and leaders from your congregation. - Larry Howard, Superintendent McAllen District, UMC

Date: 09/17/2009 02:20 PM
Subject: 2010 Compensation Forms

A reminder your 2010 compensation forms are due Sept. 24 if your charge conference is in October and October 15 if your charge conference is in November.

If your form has not yet been completed, please have everyone sign the form in BLUE ink. This helps to differentiate between a copy and the original. Thanks for your help.

From: Larry Howard <larryhowardds@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: workshop on strategic planning and grant writing

All,

Several of you have asked for a grant-writing workshop with Methodist Healthcare Ministries. So, here it is.

On Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. until noon at FUMC McAllen, Mr. Variak Khus from Methodist Healthcare Ministries will present a workshop on strategic planning, program development, and grant writing for your church. This workshop will review the development of grant writing over time and focus attention on a comprehensive process (named Logic) for outlining a grant/proposal. The objective is to make sure that our church leaders and planners have the necessary tools to help successfully plan, solicit and implement a church project.

Remember that the workshop will teach you how to plan strategically and develop your own grant-writing capability. It will not provide info on how Methodist Healthcare Ministries will write your grants for you. Nevertheless, the time can be valuable for you and leaders from your congregation.

Larry Howard

9-11-09

Small Membership Church Workshops

All pastors,

The Small Church Committee of our annual conference is sponsoring several Small Church Workshops across our conference. The closest one will be in Kingsville on October 8. I invite you to look over the attachments to this email which give more information about the workshop, its leader, and the registration. (You may fill out the registration form online and then save a copy to your computer then send a copy by email to cynthiab@umcswtx.org, or you may print and send the completed form through snail-mail to the address indicated.)

Further, I urge you and your leaders to be present at this important workshop. Since this district contains so many small churches, I am pleased that the conference is bringing close to us an opportunity to learn more about leading smaller congregations. See you in Kingsville on October 8.

Larry Howard

Superintendent

SPRC Chairs,

I wanted to make sure you received the message concerning the new procedure for your pastor's compensation form for 2010.

Rev. Howard is requiring the form be completed, approved and signed and returned to the district office PRIOR to your charge conference.

If your charge conference is scheduled in October, your approved and signed compensation form must be in the district office no later than September 24th.

If your charge conference is scheduled in November, your approved and signed form must be in the district office no later than October 15th.

If you have any questions, please let us know. Thanks

To: Pastors and Trustees Chairs

Subject: disaster preparedness plans

Dear Pastors and Chairs of Trustees:

Eugene Hileman, the new conference disaster response coordinator, is encouraging every congregation to develop a disaster preparedness plan. If a congregation already has such a plan, he is urging the congregation to update and follow its plan. I join with him in encouraging every congregation in the McAllen District to develop (or update) and follow such a plan. Last year's invasion of Dolly reminded us all of the harsh reality and the imminent possibility of a disaster befalling our congregations. There are other difficulties like fire that are possible, too.

I urge you pastors and trustees to develop a disaster plan for your congregation, to educate the congregation about that plan, and put in place the necessary human and facility resources to make the plan viable. Please send me a copy of your plan, if you have one, or send me a copy of the plan that you develop. I want every congregation to have a disaster plan by the start of church conference season on October 1, 2009.

Resources for developing a plan are available from Eugene Hileman: aehileman@sbcglobal.net. He has shared how to develop a disaster preparedness plan at three of the four Leadership Training events in our district. So, you may already be working on yours. I will be checking back with you to see how its going in writing your plan.

Larry Howard

Attached you will find the list of this year's charge conference dates. Please note the date and time of your charge conference and mark your calendar accordingly. As in the past, the list is based on Larry's schedule. Therefore, there isn't any "wiggle" room. Please watch your mail as charge conference packets will be going out in the mail sometime this week. If you do not receive your packet by September 1st, please let me know. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you at charge conference.

6-2-09

Please change your calendars' - I received word that the Women's Walk previously scheduled for October 22-25 has been changed to October 15-18. The date was changed by the conference Emmaus.

9-29-09

All those involved in Christian Education (Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Adult Ministry…Bible Study leaders, Sunday School leaders…paid and volunteer…) are invited to attend a gathering at Cokesbury in San Antonio on Thursday, October 15 from 10:00-2:00.

We are hoping to get our Conference CEF Chapter up and running again.

In the morning we will learn about some of the new curriculum and see what Cokesbury has to offer for all ages and all groups.

We will spend some time talking about “The Most Important Space in the Church…The Nursery” by Rita B. Hays

We will break for lunch and walk to a nearby restaurant.

After lunch, you are welcome to return to Cokebury for some shopping and networking opportunities! We should wrap up around 2:00pm.

Please RSVP to Orlene Kitzman at Hunt UMC (830-238-4360) or Martha Hagan at First UMC in Uvalde (830-278-3135).

9-24-09

Subject:15 Passenger Van for Sale

I received a call today from AutoMasters here in Harlingen. They have a 1999 Dodge 3500 series 1 ton 5.9 liter engine 15 passenger van for sale. It has 82,000 miles, very clean, runs good, AC good, power windows, etc... They are asking $4,000

If you are interested, please call Keevin (key-vin) at 956-425-7000. AutoMasters is located on N. Stuart Place Road, south of Wilson Road in Harlilngen.

Date: 09/16/2009 01:09 PM
Subject: District info

Marta Rose in the Conference office is asking for information concerning church attendance and first time visitors. Please see her email message below. Send your information to her at mrose@umcswtx.org and if you have any questions, please email her direct at mrose@umcswtx.org. Thanks.

From: Marta Rose <mrose@umcswtx.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 12:28:06 PM
Subject: District info

We are working on some reports for UMCOM. Can you please send the following information from your church:

*
Church Attendance during this time period: March 29th through Easter Sunday April 12th, 2009 and for the same time period 3 weeks before Easter 2008.
*
We also need for this same time period 1st time visitors and 1st time visitors plus all repeat visitors. Same info for 2008 as well.

The sooner we can get this information the better. We are trying to set up grants for next year.

Grace & Peace,
Marta Rose
Communications
United Methodist Church
SW Texas Conference
16400 Huebner Rd.
San Antonio TX 78248
Phone: (210) 408-4550
(888) 349-4191
Fax: (210) 408-4515
mrose@umcswtx.org

Hi folks,

Thanks to all the UM Men who attended the Bible Study Tuesday night.

If you will consider going to help us work on the El Buen Pastor School in Nuevo Progresso, the date I'm looking at is the last Saturday in September. I'll send more details when I figure them out, but please let me know how that date works for you and if you're up for morning or afternoon or all day.

Remember the next Men's Bible Study will be at Mercedes FUMC, 200 W 16th St., on the 3rd Tuesday, at 6:30(?).

If you didn't get to go on the retreat, the slides (click here to view) show some of what you missed and I hope you can make it next time. Our big theological discussions (seriously) happened sitting around on the porch in the dark at night, so no pictures of those!

If you went, thanks for making it a great get away, and pass this on to anyone whose address I may not have (for instance, I don't have Clint's email.)

If you see any particular pics you want copies of, let me know and I'll email them.
Thanks again to Jim Calloway for hosting us!

Keep the Faith, but don't keep it to yourself!
Devlon Goodman
Pastor, FUMC Mercedes

9-9-09

You will be pleased to know we have been advised by David Seilheimer's office, the Board of Pensions has determined it will not be necessary to increase the health benefit rates for 2010.

McAllen District News Archive

For previous articles, please use the link above to access our archive.

MESSAGES FROM Larry

9-11-09

Small Membership Church Workshops

All pastors,

Larry Howard

Superintendent

New law says those who don't evacuate can be arrested

6-11-09

All,

There are many important mission projects in the McAllen District. If your church is typical, you are involved in more than one of these.

However, I want to bring to your attention two projects which have importance and consequence beyond the McAllen District. Although both of these projects are based in the Valley, both can serve as models of doing ministry which could be replicated in many other geographic locations with similar demographics and need.

The projects are:

1) the Justice for our Neighbor (JFON) ministry led by the Pharr United Methodist Church but supported by the McAllen District and the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and

2)the Faith Community Project Outreach (FCPO) led by the Pharr Literacy Project but supported by the McAllen District and grants from the Gen. Board of Church of Society and the Gen. Board of Global Ministries.

Attached are two articles which further describe the valuable work of these ministries. But, in short, let me share that the JFON ministry seeks to provide legal assistance for persons with immigration issues. Already, several families have been assisted by this ministry in Pharr.

The FCPO ministry provides social services like GED and ESL classes to area colonias as well as personnel and connecting congregations to form and build up faith communities in those colonias. Both Rio Grande and Southwest Texas Conference churches are involved with this project.

As Superintendent of the McAllen District, I encourage you to become aware of these ministries and communicate them to your people. Ask your missions committee, United Methodist Women or Sunday School classes to pledge monetary support or host a fundraiser to support the activities of these mission projects and include them in your prayers. For more information or to invite a speaker from one of them, call 783-7746 or 648-2488 for the FCPO at the Pharr Literacy Project and/or 956-787-4447 for the JFON at Pharr UMC.

Pharr Literacy Project - we appeal to our District Churches....Please read all 3 of the following attachments:

Literacy Congregational Development JFON

Larry Howard

Dear Pastors and Involved Laity,

The McAllen District in association with the New Church Development Commission of the Southwest Texas Conference has authorized Community Development Strategies (CDS) of Houston to undertake a demographic study of the McAllen District in order to identify where the population growth areas are located in our district and to recommend where new UMC churches might be started here. CDS has finished that study and is now ready to share their data and recommendations with persons in our district.

So, you are invited to gather on Wednesday, September 16 at ~~7 p.m~~. at FUMC McAllen to hear a representative from CDS share the results of the study and to give your response and comments. I look forward to seeing you there.

Larry Howard
Superintendent

CORRECTION: The meeting with Community Development Strategies on September 16th has been moved up to 6:30 p.m. instead of 7:00 p.m., at FUMC McAllen.

8-23-09

This class is well worth our pastors' time. I attended an earlier version of this class. If you have any questions please contact Pam Kilpatrick at fumcb-pam@sbcglobal.net
Please see her email message below.
Larry

From: Pamela Kilpatrick <fumcb-pam@sbcglobal.net>
Dear Friends in Ministry,

One of the most helpful continuing education classes that I've taken is on family systems process, and how that works in church families. Dr. Doug Hester is a great teacher and facilitator, and offers monthly classes in the fall and spring.

This year, he is offering ongoing classes in Kingsville on the first Thursday of the month, 11 am - 2 pm. Classes will be held at the Presbyterian Pan American School, 223 N. FM 772, and meets in a conference room in the dining hall. As you enter the campus, you'll take the road around to the right and go about a quarter mile or so. The dining hall is the building next to the big bell you'll see. They also serve us lunch (for free).

The dates, times and locations, costs, and a registration form for the classes are posted on his website:
www.ministryleadershipconcepts.com

The two books he plans to use this year are:

What Are You Going To Do With Your Life? which is a collection of Ed Friedman's writings and diaries. You can order the book at Amazon for $18.48. The link is:

http://www.amazon.com/What-Are-Going-Your-Life/dp/1596271140/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=12495
83881&sr=1-1

A Family Genogram Workbook by Israel Galindo. You can also order this at Amazon for $16.00. The link is:

http://www.amazon.com/Family-Genogram-Workbook-Israel-Galindo/dp/097157653X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=b
ooks&qid=1249584341&sr=1-1

The class is not full, so I invite you to join myself and others -- and pass the information along to colleagues, staff members, church members, business associates, and other leaders, as you'd like. We always have some lively, helpful conversations, in a confidential circle. Hope to see you there.

Blessings,
Pam Kilpatrick
FUMC Brownsville

Sent: Monday, August 3, 2009 3:11:14 PM
Subject: Reaching Out

All,

I received the email below last month and feel it is of crucial importance to all pastors. Except for the Episcopal reference toward the end of the email, I could have written this message. Please rely and share with trusted colleagues. So, I am sending it out to you for your blessing and encouragement.

Larry Howard

8-5-09

All,

I found the following excerpt from an article by Rev. Katy Fitzhugh, one of the pastors at FUMC Harlingen, to be really helpful in describing the upcoming Disaster Preparedness Workshop. I pass it on to you to assist recruiting persons for this seminar.

"It was about this time, one year ago, that we encountered a great beast by the name of Dolly! ... As many of us were standing in shell-shocked awe of the destruction which swept through our community, others were jumping to action. ... As I saw huge trucks filled with water bottles and food entering the city, it struck me that these churches had not just created a phone tree that morning and implemented a plan out of nothing, but had spent considerable time and energy preparing themselves and their congregations for what they would do in the event of a disaster."

"The McAllen District of the United Methodist Church has seen the overwhelming need for congregations to have such a plan, and is calling for all congregations to develop a Disaster Response Plan by no later than September 2009. Recognizing that many of us have no clue where to begin such a daunting task, our conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Eugene Hileman, will be conducting workshop on the how-to's of developing a disaster response plan. Each congregation is asked to bring a solid contingent of people to be equipped for creating a plan by our September deadline...this is where you come in!!"

The workshop will take place in the southern part of the district at Wesley UMC Harlingen on August 15, 9 a.m. until noon

and in the northern part of the district at FUMC Hebbronville

on August 16, 3 to 6pm

Please call the district office by August 9 to let us know how many will be coming from your church.

Larry Howard

5-26-09

All,

I will be on renewal leave from June 15 until August 2. I will review email and answer my cell phone only sporadically while I am away. However, I have arranged for others to cover for me.

In my absence for pastoral care assistance, please contact Rev. Charlie Baskin (office: 956-585-1665 or cell: 956-566-1723) or Rev. Sheldon Johnson (office: 361-592-2632 or cell: 361-522-5422). Let them know of pastoral care issues in your family that you would normally call me about.

For superintendency administrative issues in my absence, you may call Rev. Bob Allen, DS of the Kerrville District, (office: 830-896-6400 or cell: 210-379-5648) or Dr. Kim Cape (office: 210-408-4508 or cell: 210-382-4587) who will be on call for me to handle such things.

Linda Jewell will be away from McAllen during July when the district office is closed. However, as is her usual procedure, she will be checking the phone answering machine and district email in her absence. Her cell phone number is 956-367-0317.

In a dire emergency, the persons listed above will be able to reach me.

Larry Howard

3-17-09

All,

I have arranged a special opportunity to sit down with the Methodist Healthcare Ministries folks and hear the latest news from those ministries (e.g. grant writing education, Wesley Nurse and Counselor info, grant possibilities, etc.). Dr. George Joehnk will bring them to us on April 1 at First UMC McAllen from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. There will not be a chance for us to hear them in a regular Pros meeting this year; so, this will be your only possibility to meet them face to face. You are invited to participate, if you can.

Larry Howard

Superintendent

To: Pastors and Trustees Chairs

Subject: disaster preparedness plans

Dear Pastors and Chairs of Trustees:

Larry Howard

The McAllen District United Methodist Men are again trekking to the Big Bend area of west Texas. We will leave Thursday, April 30 and return on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 5th. The itinerary is still up in the air but we are planning some special treats for those who are want to travel with us. read more...

4-20-09

We are sending a mailing on Wednesday, April 22 regarding the pre-conference report. Remember, we are only mailing one pre-conference report per church so it is important that delegates get the message and know that the report is available on-line.

Please make sure your delegates get this message. Thanks.

3-31-09

It's now time to call Howard Johnsons, South Padre Island and make your reservations for the District Clergy Retreat weekend of April 24, 25 & 26. Their number is 956-761-5658. Tell them you are with the "United Methodist Church".

The deadline for making reservations is Friday, April 17th. As in the past the district will pay for your room for two nights (Fri. & Sat.) and furnish dinner on Saturday night. Please email me and let me know you have made your reservation so I will have a count of how many will be attending the event. If you have any problems or questions, please let me know. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you on the 24th.

The schedule is pretty much the same as years past:

Friday - Check in and dinner on your own.

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - First Session

Saturday - Continental Breakfast at Hotel

9:00 a.m. Second Session

10:00 a.m. Break

10:20 a.m. Third Session
11:30 a.m. Break for lunch (on your own)

12:00 to 6:00 p.m. - Free Time

6:00 p.m. - Dinner at Hotel - Furnished by District

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Fourth Session

Sunday - Continental Breakfast at Hotel

10:00 a.m. Worship with Communion Service

11:00 a.m. Dismissed

4-20-09

District Clergy Retreat at South Padre Island

Several of you have asked me again for the schedule for our upcoming retreat, so here goes.

As in the past the district will pay for your room for two nights (Fri. & Sat.) and furnish dinner on Saturday night. Drinks and snacks are also furnished by the district. Your only costs are for dinner Friday night, lunch Saturday and any "free time" expenses on Saturday. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you on the 24th. If you have any other questions, please let me know.

The schedule is pretty much the same as years past:

Friday - Check in and dinner on your own.

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - First Session

Saturday - Continental Breakfast at Hotel

9:00 a.m. Second Session

10:00 a.m. Break

10:20 a.m. Third Session
11:30 a.m. Break for lunch (on your own)

12:00 to 6:00 p.m. - Free Time

6:00 p.m. - Dinner at Hotel - Furnished by District

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Fourth Session

Sunday - Continental Breakfast at Hotel

10:00 a.m. Worship with Communion Service

11:00 a.m. Dismissed

4-20-09

Please make sure your delegates get this message. Thanks.

updated 2-14-09

A postage increase becomes affective May 2009.
The following is a link that gives you all of the different postage requirements
and price list.

3-24-09

EVERYDAY MASKS

A Teen Women’s Retreat for ages 12-18

Hosted by United Methodist Women

May 2, 2009 from 8:30am – 3:00pm

La Trinidad UMC

105 E. Warren , Pharr , Texas

Early Registration Fee is only $5 if paid by April 17, 2009

For More information contact: Kattia Garcia @ 956-686-7880 Southern UMW District, RGC edwkatg@gmail.com or Shirley Melton @ 956-519-7880 McAllen UMW District,SWTXC dsmelton@sbcglobal.net

Please mail Registration Forms with $5 fee (payable to Southern District UMW) to Event Registrar: Lydia Munoz, 1009 E. Kathy, Pharr , TX 78577 , e-mail lydiagmunoz@aol.com

Flyer and Registration forms are attached and are also available on the
SWTC UMW Web Site at http://www.gbgm-umc.org/swtxumw

Date: 02/16/2009 11:21 AM
Subject:
Laity Banquets & Lay Person of the Year Info

If you have not already done so, please send me the name of your Lay Person of the Year along with a short write up for the booklet.

The McNorth banquet will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 28th at FUMC Alice.
The McSouth banquet will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 29th at FUMC Harlingen.

Reservations are required for both banquets and in order to be prepared for all of our guests, not to mention consideration for our caterers - no walk-ins please! So please get the word out in your bulletins, newsletters, small groups and services.

The deadline for reservations is Monday, March 16th and the cost is $10.00 per person. As in the past, it is a tremendous help to me if, prior to the banquets, your church will mail me one check for all of your reservations.

Thanks for all of your help and I look forward to seeing all of you at the banquets.

Blessings,
Linda

Linda Jewell, Administrative Assistant

3-17-09

Subject:

Annual District Clergy Retreat

Grab your beach ball, sun screen and the kiddies, we are off to the island again! And Larry has a message for all of you!

All,

I encourage each of you to try to join the rest of us at our annual District Retreat on South Padre Island. The dates are April 24, 25, and 26. Don Lantz stands ready to get a Lay Speaker to preach for you on that Sunday (April 26) so that you can devote your full attention to resting and playing at South Padre. (Call him earlier rather than later.) Your families are urged to be present, too.

More information about registration and agenda will follow. However, I can announce that our guest speaker will be Bob Allen, the Superintendent of the Kerrville District. I have found Bob to be a moving speaker and I look forward to his enriching and inspiring us in April at the retreat.

Larry C. Howard

We are hoping local churches will support this very important fundraiser for JFON. Thanks!

The McAllen district United Methodist Men are sponsoring a district wide bible study. If you are a man.... you'll want to read more!

6-9-09

All,

Mary Howard has turned over her district reporting duties and creating the "amens" for the Witness to Luvy Carrasco. Henceforth, please send Luvy a hard copy of your church newsletters so that she can glean from those the "amens" that she sends to San Antonio. Please still send me your newsletters to the district office I do enjoy reading them and keeping up with your ministries. You do not need to send your newsletters to Mary Howard anymore.

I thank Mary Howard for her stellar work in listening and inquiring well about your ministries so that she could broadcast your good ideas and activities. I welcome Luvy Carrasco to our district team as the new district reporter.

Luvy's address is:
Luvy Carrasco
P.O. Box 411
Hebbronville, TX 78301
(Please send your newsletters to her PO Box.)

Luvy's email is:
luvcar_23@hotmail.com
(Please submit your "amen" suggestions to her email.)

Larry Howard

8-18-09 As a reminder, Clergy Effectiveness Assessment forms are due in to the district office no later than Tuesday, September 1st.

The district Church Location and Building committee will be meeting Wednesday, September 9th at 7:00 p.m. at FUMC McAllen. If you have an issue that you want to bring before this committee, please email me with the information. Thanks.

Sent: Monday, August 3, 2009 2:49:19 PM
Subject: recommended reading

All pastors,

I found this article sent out by Ed Engleking to be right on target. I want to share it with you. Some of you may be on Ed's email list already; so, excuse me please if you are getting it twice!

Larry Howard

8-6-09

Gentlemen and all the rest of you:

The McAllen Dist. Methodist Men are holding their fall get together in Leakey Texas this year. We will be leaving Tuesday Sept. 1st and returning Friday Sept. 4th. We have 2 houses at our disposal on the Frio River, Approx. 1 mile down stream from Garner State Park, and we can sleep 17 men on beds and couches. I put a series of pictures on the dist. web site so that any of you who are interested in going may see what you are getting into. As you will see this is camping lite with 4 bathrooms and air conditioning. (here's photos our last Big Bend III Trip)

It will still be warm enough at this time of year to enjoy the river (if it hasn't gone completely dry by then) and we will have other activities planned. While this is not the great out doors of West Texas it still has the allure of the Texas hill country and by early September the crowds will have departed and the week nights, especially, are quiet and peaceful. Sitting on the padded chairs of the patio is a lot tamer than crowding around a camp fire in Big Bend but the night sky is almost as clear and the stars are almost as bright. The green of grass and trees replaces the stark nakedness of the desert and the lightening bugs flittering around the trees and above the Frio are a nice change of pace. This will be more of a laid back and restful get away than an adventure. It will be a time to relax and to plan the year ahead.

So, come join us, sit with us at night on the porch and join in on our contentious discussions about life , the church, God and who knows what else. Good food, good friends and good times will be enjoyed by all.

All men are welcome and we will make accommodations for those with special needs. We leave no one behind.

If you are interested call me at 956-492-5888 it is on 24/7 and I look forward to talking with you. Rides will be provided for those who want them and as always all we ask is that you share the cost of fuel with who ever is driving. Other than fuel the only cost for this trip will be food and as usual we will split that equally.

As I said we can sleep 17 men on the beds available and a few more on blow up mattresses but we will probably limit the number of men to around 20.

Sincerely

Jim Callaway

If you have any questions please contact Jim Callaway at trvresorts@sbcglobal.net or 956-492-5888

The Girls Chrysalis that was originally scheduled to start on Wednesday, July 29, has been cancelled, as not enough butterflies were signed up by the deadline.

7-31-09

Gathering:
The Valley Emmaus Fourth Day Group and Chrysalis Community will have a Gathering on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Los Fresnos.

The church is located at 300 East Ocean Blvd. in Los Fresnos. The telephone number is 956-233-5713.

Child care will be provided. Please call the church and rsvp for Child Care. This helps so we know how many child care providers we need to have available.

All the community is invited as is their prospective pilgrims.

Board member elections will be held at this Gathering.

WHAT TO BRING TO GATHERINGS:

o A friend or spouse who has not attended a walk and is interested in learning more about the Walk to Emmaus
o Your purple worship book
o Name tag
o Cross
o A guest or guests who have not attended an Emmaus Walk
o A covered dish of food, enough to nourish at least 4 people
o The host church will provide child care

De Colores!

From: Rusty Freeman <rhf143@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 1:00:44 PM
Subject: Texas Conference Youth Academy / SWTC of UMC

Hey SWTC friends,

The Texas Annual Conference Youth Academy for Christian Formation will be held July 5-18, 2009 at Southwestern University in Georgetown Texas . This event is for High school sophomores and juniors with a desire to explore their faith and future.

We are still hoping to send a few students to the Texas Conference Youth Academy this summer. If you have anyone interested, or that you might recommend, please email me or Kim Cape at kcape@umcswtx.org.

Blessings!
Rev. Rusty Freeman

Director of Youth, SWTC

www.reachingyouth.org

8-3-09

This is a reminder of the upcoming Disaster Preparedness workshop coming up on Saturday, August 15th at Wesley UMC from 9 to 12. (READ MORE BELOW)

Please be sure to PRE-REGISTER to assist us in the planning.

8-5-09

For those in the northern section of the district, the second Disaster Preparedness workshop will be held on Sunday, August 16th at FUMC Hebbronville from 3 to 6pm. Please be sure to PRE-REGISTER for this workshop as well.

6-28-09

“Wesley Foundation seeks names of students coming to U.T. 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 info to the Texas Wesley Director, Rusty Teeter at rusty@texaswesley.com. Thank you!

Thank you and God Bless,

Allison Worley, Intern

Texas Wesley United Methodist Campus Ministry

www.Texaswesley.com

512-474-1151

6-25-09

From: Gene Palmos [mailto:gdpalmos@sbcglobal.net]
Subject: RGV Jeremy Camp Concert - June 28, 7:00p.m.

Jeremy Camp, one of the most dynamic Christian artists in the world, will be in concert this Sunday, June 28 at the RGV Livestock Showgrounds in Mercedes. This is an opportunity that the Body of Christ in the Rio Grande Valley does not want to miss.

In fact he just won the 2009 CCM Magazine Readers Choice Award for Best Artist / Best Songwriter http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11603524/

He seems to be a young man who loves worshiping God and bringing others closer to Christ. Here is a recent Blog entry of his from Europe :
“It's been encouraging to see the hearts for Jesus all over the world! Keep us in your prayers!”5:04 AM Jun 12th

I can’t wait for him to see the Valley believers and our hearts for Christ. Let’s pack this thing out!

If you can’t go, prayerfully consider buying a ticket for a youth in your church. Spread the word – email, text, and call everyone. Bring a friend who isn’t a Christian.

If you need more info or tickets delivered, please call or email me.

Yours in Christ, gene 956-428-8428

www.jeremycamprgv.com Show starts at 7:00 p.m.

Faith Book Store. 421 Paredes Line Rd. Brownsville , TX (956) 550-0900

Viva Life Christian Bookstore, 2700 N 10th St , Mcallen , 631-2291

Molly's Gifts & Bibles, 1710 Morgan Blvd , Harlingen , Map ,425-5600

6-27-09

Subject: Elementary Camp at Camp Thicket

To date I have only received eight (8) camp registrations for the upcoming elementary camp. Deadline for registration is Friday, July 3rd.

WALK-INS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.

Please take a few minutes and send in your completed camp registration forms and checks ASAP in order to insure a spot for your campers. Thanks.

6-29-09

According to the following email, the Girls Chrysalis has been moved to St. Mark UMC and will start on Wednesday, July 29th. If you have any questions I suggest you contact the email address listed below v_emmaus@sbcglobal.net

Girls Chrysalis will start on Wednesday, July 29, and end on Saturday, August 1. It will be held at St. Marks UMC, 301 W. Pecan St. in McAllen, TX 78504. Candelight will be on Friday, and the Closing ceremony will be on Saturday.

For more information, click here:

http://valleyemmaus.com/walksched.htm

6-18-09

Any one interested in a lectionary group that would meet on Monday before lunch? We could move around the Valley depending on who signs up. Have them email me: revtbrewer@hotmail..com Tim Brewer

6-5-09 For anyone planning on going to SpiLiRa.

It is with much regret that I inform you that SpiLiRa 2009 has been cancelled. There are many reasons for this decision, the top of which is that the economy seems to have put a dent in our registrations. We tried every way we could to make this work but it seems that we are in a situation now where we will lose less money by cancelling the event than by hoping to have enough youth and adults show up to break even.

Will you please pass on to the churches in your conference this information and that if any of them have registered, refunds will be in the mail as soon as they can be processed. (All registrants will be receiving a direct e-mail to this effect, but they may need to hear it from you as well.)

Again, my apologies and I pray that you understand this action.

Blessings,

Rod

(A JYT meeting is planned for Labor Day weekend at C2K in Dallas . This will be a legislative meeting as well as the meeting to elect youth and young adult delegates to the global conference in Berlin next year. Diana Northcutt or Steve Heyduck will be in touch with you soon so that you can get word to your JYTs.)

Rod Hocott
Minister of Youth & Young Adults
rhocott@arumc.org

Subject: Re: Men's Kairos July 23-26 Prayer vigil HELP!

Time slots begin Thursday July 23rd, 4:30-5 pm through Sunday July 26, 3:30-4 pm

PLEASE PASS THIS ON!
I am helping Ken Wilson with the Kairos prayer chain for the event at the Segovia Unit on July 23 - 28 NEXT WEEKEND!! There are ALL and MANY 1/2 hours times available, many in the middle of the night as well. If you would be willing to commit to ANY time to pray for a half hour for the team, the men attending and for the event, please just email me back a time to dibleibs@sbcglobal.net and I will put it down as a definite to fill in these slots. The time is next weekend and just commit to whatever time you give me. Thanks! God Bless You and De Colores!!!! Diane Bleibdrey

'Every adversity is an opportunity for God's word to come alive in your life and see you through to victory! ~ Blessings, Diane Bleibdrey

The Girls Chrysalis that was originally scheduled to start on Wednesday, July 29, has been cancelled, as not enough butterflies were signed up by the deadline.

Beat the Heat and Join the Fan Club

The Salvation Army Helps Hidalgo County Stay Cool This Summer - see flyer

Subject: Vital Signs Report for June

To those of you that fax your vital signs report into the district office, please DO NOT FAX your report for this month.

I will be out of town the entire month of July and I will need to do my vital signs report to the Bishop by email from where ever I am at the time. If you fax your report to the office, I will not receive it.

I have attached the form in both Excel and Word. Please EMAIL your report on either of the forms to this address. That way I can retrieve your emailed report (laptop will travel) and complete & submit my report to the conference office.

Be sure to email your report no later than Monday, July 6th.

Thanks for your help on this.

5-21-09

Trinity UMC is asking if there are others in the district that are planning to attend Jam Camp and Quest Camp. Please see Laurie's email below.

Can you put a e-mail out to all the churches? We are wondering if any of the churches are going to the Jam Camp or Quest Camp that one of our members can hitch a ride up to Mount Wesley with them.

Please have them contact me here at the church. Thanks Linda.

Blessings!
Laurie Micheletti
Administrative Assistant
Trinity United Methodist Church
1801 Trenton Road,
McAllen, TX 78504
956-631-2926
trinityumchurch@sbcglobal.net

5-12-09

We have two partial scholarships available for young persons needing financial assistance to attend camp at Mt. Wesley and/or HEB Foundation Camp. As always, first come first served. LMK if you have a need in your youth group for a scholarship.

5-2-09

IMPORTANT - Please read these 3 items regarding the flu -

Swine Flu Pandemic, How to respond to Swine Flu if your community is affected-By Bishop Dorff, Methodist Health Care Flu Info

6-9-09
HELP WANTED at San Benito FUMC
We are looking to hire a part-time (20 hours) secretary. The hours are from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. If interested, please come by the church office at 400 N. Sam Houston Blvd., San Benito, TX 78586. Thank you.

4-9-09
HELP WANTED! VISTA workers needed.
Pharr UMC
Flyer Attached

Contact: Carole Lahti, Project Director
The Open Arms Project
Pharr United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 626, 119 E. Kelly Avenue, Pharr, TX 78577
Phone: (956) 787-4529 (956) 787-4667

4-9-09

HELP WANTED! FUMC Harlingen is now hiring.

FULL TIME SECRETARY-RECEPTIONIST
FUMC-Harlingen is in immediate need of a full-time Secretary-Receptionist. Fax resume with references and salary requirements to 423.4663. NO phone calls please.

3-27-09

HELP WANTED! FUMC Weslaco is now hiring.

CHURCH JANITOR/LIGHT MAINTENANCE
Church cleaning, changing light bulbs, doing other light maintenance, set up rooms for meetings (moving tables & chairs), preparing buildings for Sunday worship (coffee, air conditioning, opening rooms, closing afterward). Contact Pastor Roberta Goodman (968-7561).

PRAISE TEAM KEYBOARDIST
Keyboard accompaniment (usually from lead sheets) for contemporary praise team at the 11:15 Sunday service, Wednesday 5:30 p.m. rehearsals, instrumental offertories. Contact David Hill (975-1731) or Pastor Roberta Goodman (968-7561).

3-31-09

Hey youth leaders

Below is an email from Mark Swayze. He is going to play at Annual Conference this year. His heart to have a lot of youth attend is awesome and I echo this need. Bishop Dorff also wants a lot of students to participate. So, I am passing this on to you. If you happen to bring a youth group, you might contact Wesley UMC, Grace UMC, Asbury UMC, Portland UMC, or St. John's UMC to see if they might have space for your group to sleep over.

The only downer is that Annual Conference is the last week of school for lots of our students. So maybe, only Corpus Churches can attend. Regardless, help us spread the word and get lots of youth to attend this Wednesday night service on June 3rd.

Blessings

Rusty Freeman

Dir. of Youth, SWTC

From: "Mark Swayze" <mark@uchurch.tv>

Date: March 25, 2009 3:36:15 PM CDT

To: "Rusty Freeman" <rhf143@aol.com>

Subject: Annual Conference

Rusty,

Thanks to you I am going to be apart of annual conference this year. I am so pumped. What an unbelievable opportunity to share the Movement!!!

We are playing a 30 minute worship set before the first gathering worship service on Wednesday, June 3^rd at 6:30pm then during the actual service as well. I met with Monte Marshall today and he showed me the service and the plans. The service is called “Calling Forth Young Clergy” which I thought was really cool. I wish there was a way to have lots of youth come and be apart of the service. Bring the camp experience and worship to the room. Are there any youth that will be there? Can we ask kids to come? Can Corpus Christi bring youth groups?

Just some thoughts. I am not interested in promoting the Mark Swayze Band. But I am interested in promoting the glory of God and His Movement in our conference.

Let me know what you think!

Love ya bro,

Swayze

5-18-09

As Cynthia mentioned yesterday at our district conference, attached is Part I of the amendments and how the paragraphs in the Discipline would be changed (see Cynthia's message below). Please be sure to pass these on to your delegates, especially those that do not have email.

Lynda--

Here is Part I of what I will be sending you to send to the delegates.
It is the changes imbedded in the 2004 Discipline along with the full
reading of the amendment.

Thanks,
Cynthia

6-8-09

Don't forget, Friday, June 12th is the deadline for registration for Youth Camp June 17 thru 20. If you have youth that plan to register, please help them get those registration forms in to the district office ASAP.

Also, it's not too early to register for Elementary camp July 8 thru 11. The sooner the better.

5-4-09 Please let me know if you have NOT received confirmation from the hotel for your room at
Annual Conference at Corpus Christi.

updated 2-10-09

Please let Linda know if you are having a confirmation class this year and how many are in your class. This year's Confirmation Rally will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2009 (Saturday after Mother's day). The location is yet to be determined.

4-16-09

The following is a list of the churches that have notified us of their confirmation classes. If you are not on the list but have a confirmation class, please let me know the number in your class. We are in the process of making plans for the upcoming rally on May 16th.. Thanks.

Brownsville - 11	LaFeria - 2	Mercedes - 7	Edinburg - 8
Los Fresnos - 18	Mission - 10	Harl. 1st - 18	McAllen 1st - 8
Kingsville 1st - (Please let me know your number)	Wesley - 7	St. Mark - 1

Harlengen Men's Breakfast 5-6-09 with special speaker, Jerry Grote - 1969 Miracle Mets

3-31-09 District Breakfast at Annual Conference

Annual Conference is fast approaching us and it is time again to make your reservation for the McAllen District Annual Breakfast meeting at FUMC Corpus Christi. Please complete your form and mail the form and your $8.00 check made payable to the District Office. As you can see from the attached registration form, reservations are $8.00 and due in by May 12th. After the 12th, reservations are $10 and walk-ins are $12.00. (The church's rules, not mine) So I encourage you to get your reservation in to me as soon as you can. Thanks and once again we look forward to seeing you at the breakfast.

5-2-09

District Breakfast at Annual Conference

Thank you to all of you that have signed up for our district breakfast at annual conference.

To those of you that have not signed up, don't forget the deadline to make a reservation is Tuesday, May 12th. After that date, reservations are $10 and walk-ins at the breakfast are $12. I have attached a registration form for your convenience. Don't delay, do it today!

We look forward to seeing everyone at the breakfast. Thanks.

3-24-09

EVERYDAY MASKS

A Teen Women’s Retreat for ages 12-18

Hosted by United Methodist Women

May 2, 2009 from 8:30am – 3:00pm

La Trinidad UMC

105 E. Warren , Pharr , Texas

Early Registration Fee is only $5 if paid by April 17, 2009

For More information contact: Kattia Garcia @ 956-686-7880 Southern UMW District, RGC edwkatg@gmail.com or Shirley Melton @ 956-519-7880 McAllen UMW District,SWTXC dsmelton@sbcglobal.net

Please mail Registration Forms with $5 fee (payable to Southern District UMW) to Event Registrar: Lydia Munoz, 1009 E. Kathy, Pharr , TX 78577 , e-mail lydiagmunoz@aol.com

Flyer and Registration forms are attached and are also available on the
SWTC UMW Web Site at http://www.gbgm-umc.org/swtxumw

3-19-09

You are cordially invited to FUMC-Harlingen

Tuesday, March 24 at 9 am

Meet at the Raimond Christian Center

206 So. 4^th Street

park in the East Parking Lot (corner of 4^th & Harrison )

Gather for coffee, juice and rolls

Lunch: One quarter chicken, beans ala charra, potato salad, cole slaw, bread, pickles, onion and jalapenos

AND MOST OF ALL…A GREAT PROGRAM PLANNED BY

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT LARRY HOWARD

3-17-09

Subject:

Annual District Clergy Retreat

Grab your beach ball, sun screen and the kiddies, we are off to the island again! And Larry has a message for all of you!

All,

Larry C. Howard

2-18-09

Please add "McAllen District Candidacy Mentor Training" to the District calendar for March 24th from 1-4 p.m, also at FUMC, Harlingen.

Laity banquets

Our dates for the Laity banquets have been confirmed with Bishop Dorff's office. Please mark your calendars and include the dates in your bulletins and newsletters.

McNorth Laity Banquet is Saturday, March 28, 2009 at FUMC Alice at 12:00 noon

McSouth Laity Banquet is Sunday, March 29, 2009 at FUMC Harlingen at 5:30 p.m.

updated 2-14-09

A postage increase becomes affective May 2009.
The following is a link that gives you all of the different postage requirements
and price list.

updated 2-10-09

Mid Winter Youth Retreats

for 2009

By now you should have received brochures for the up coming SWTC Mid Winter Youth retreats for 2009 to be held in Kerrville. Once again we have $50 scholarships available. These scholarships are to be made available to those who need them the most.

If you have a youth that is in need of financial aid, please let me know. And as always, first come first served.

Office: 1909 West Harrison Harlingen, Texas 78550 Phone: 956-428-0200 Fax: 956-428-1728 Email: umcmcallen@sbcglobal.net