cross connection february 27, 2014 from poverty to self ... · meanwhile, back in houston,...

Cross Connection – February 27, 2014

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From Poverty to Self Reliance in Just Three Years ZOE’s unique mission model offers congregations a way to take part in a three-year

empowerment program to help vulnerable children and orphans build a better life for

themselves. Bishop Janice Huie appointed Rev. Gaston Warner as Executive Director of ZOE and

encourages churches across the conference to explore this unique global change initiative, and

participate in the blessings.

Faith Karambu, age 18, has three younger siblings living with her in Kenya. They became

orphans several years ago living in poverty until they joined a unique ministry called ZOE.

Through ZOE, Faith connected to an orphan named Catherine who had recently graduated from

ZOE’s three-year mentoring program and started a tailoring shop. Catherine is now teaching

Faith how to generate an income for her family.

Meanwhile, back in Houston, Contemporary Worship Leader Faith Ayers is still talking about her unforgettable journey to meet the orphans that St. Luke’s UMC members are helping to move from extreme poverty to self-sufficiency in partnership with ZOE.

“St. Luke’s supports three working groups of about 230 African orphans,” shares Faith. “Our kids are doing amazingly well as they approach the third year of the program. When we arrived to meet them last summer, they were cultivating a field that is the responsibility of one of the orphans in the group. In this program, they support and help each other just like a family. The ZOE model teaches them how to create business plans, learn life skills, and learn about child and human rights.”

Faith was further touched when the orphans offered their visitors a beautiful celebration of millet porridge from their crops, a passionate praise song to God, and they expressed their commitment to praying for St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Texas every day. She adds, “I pray that we continue to work with ZOE so that we can empower a generation that otherwise might be lost. I think that this generation can lead its community out of poverty and change the trajectory of the country’s future for the better.”

How you can become an “Inside Out” church with ZOE ZOE’s empowerment approach, developed and initially implemented by Africans in Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi and Zimbabwe, has already changed the lives of over 30,000 orphans across Africa.

Woodlands UMC Missions Pastor John Hull also has great confidence in this ministry model. “From start to finish, they utilize practices and principles that are Christ-centered, that empower rather than conform, and it is all done within the contextual African setting and worldview,” he says. “Our church began supporting ZOE in 2010, sponsoring a working group in Kenya with approximately 73 orphans in 24 family groups. In three years, the children grew in their faith in Jesus Christ, in their ability to survive, in their status in the community, in their sense of personal worth, and in their hope and vision for the future.”

Adds John, “This year, we have doubled our support. In this three-year commitment, there are 54 family groups (151 orphans) who live in Rwanda. On June 25, we are taking a mission team to meet them, hear their stories, and pray with them.”


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“What excites me about the ZOE program,” adds Rev. Diane McGehee, Director of TAC Center for Missional Excellence, “is that it honors the dignity of the children, families and communities with which ZOE works. By calling forth and developing the God-given gifts and skills of these children and connecting them deeply with their own communities, ZOE helps these children learn that they have the power in Christ to manage their lives and contribute to their families and communities. It’s a relational, empowering model rather than a model of dependency. It’s the model of the church, the body of Christ, in which each member has a valuable contribution to make which is just as important as the contribution of any other member of the body. It’s a model that the Center for Missional Excellence is encouraging all churches to emulate in their missional work.”

Through the support of congregations like Woodlands UMC, St. Luke’s UMC -- and a new partnership with the Texas Annual Conference -- this effective program for eradicating extreme poverty among vulnerable children is expanding to new areas.

Next Steps Executive Director Rev. Gaston Warner is eager to do presentations and introductory meetings with churches across Texas and create partnerships customized to each location’s circumstances. Alice King, Outreach Director for St. Luke’s UMC, says, “In one day, Gaston visited with our Men’s Life group, Board of Stewards, staff chapel service, the youth department and other groups to give them tangible ways to involve the congregation in this relational ministry. Additionally, St. Luke’s has dedicated Advent offerings and hosted fundraisers to help ZOE expand and develop a different model for vulnerable children in Guatemala. “I so much appreciate St. Luke’s, Woodlands UMC and the Texas Annual Conference for being willing to risk involving the congregation with a mission that is outside of the typical framework,” adds Gaston. “ZOE involvement is transformational for each of us on the church side,” adds Alice. “We love creating a list of ways that every department, ministry and individuals can be involved far beyond just writing a check.” “I would encourage other United Methodist churches to join in the work with ZOE,” says John. “By empowering orphans within their own cultures to become confident, educated, self-sufficient, and Christ-centered, we can help provide them with a solid future that includes becoming leaders within their villages and their churches.”

Jeff Boyer, who heads up the Outreach Committee for St. Luke's UMC loves the transformative

nature of this ministry. "I think one of the amazing things about ZOE is that the

transformation requires action. The transformation of the church comes by seeking to

understand the program, and then being fully engaged. Following along with the children's

stories through the website helps us understand what change is happening, and the "Stories of

Hope" really spotlight individual children and the transformation they are going through."

Call to Action The Center for Missional Excellence encourages churches across the Texas Annual Conference to participate in, and learn from, ZOE. If one church is unable to support the full 3-year program for a working group of child families, churches can combine together to support one group. Last year, churches throughout the TAC joined together to contribute $80,472., to launch and fully support three new TAC-sponsored ZOE working groups, empowering hundreds of children to


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move out of poverty and build strong supportive ties with each other and their communities in and through the love of Christ. Look for the ZOE table at Annual Conference and/or contact the Center for Missional Excellence to learn more about how you and your church can participate.

Learn more by visiting the website: http://www.zoehelps.org/.

Rev. Justin Coleman to Assume Senior Post at Chief Ministry Officer at the United Methodist Publishing House this Summer Rev. Justin Coleman, the lead pastor at Gethsemane Campus of St. Luke’s UMC in Houston, will soon be relocating to Nashville to focus on his new leadership role of providing ministry and spiritual formation resources in a changing and global context. How should the denomination embrace the digital marketplace? What resources are available to congregations seeking to grow in discipleship? What curriculum options are available in Spanish? These are the types of questions rolling through the mind of Rev. Justin Coleman who will shift leadership gears from pastoring at St. Luke’s UMC Gethsemane campus to serving in the newly created position of Chief Ministry Officer (CMO) for The United Methodist Publishing House in July. “Most of us in ministry are facing a variety of adaptive challenges,” notes Justin of this new role, “and the Publishing House thought it important to create a position that would help imagine and facilitate how to best resource for United Methodism across the globe. I am already thinking of ways we can be more relevant, diverse, and innovative in our message and mission. We want to be a Publishing House that the entire church can be excited about.” Neil Alexander, President and Publisher of The United Methodist Publishing House says, “Reverend Coleman brings in-depth experience as a pastor, theological insights, training and hands-on experience with managing change and developing people for Christian life and service.” Bishop Janice Riggle Huie adds, “I have no doubt that Justin will make tremendous contributions in his new position. He has served the Texas Annual Conference well and is just the kind of leader that our Church is calling for today. We will miss his creativity and passion for young people. However, I eagerly anticipate great things from Justin and know that he will make the Texas Annual Conference proud.” Married to Chaka Coleman and the father of their three sons, Rev. Coleman combines skills as a pastor, teacher, social innovator, developer of leaders, and team builder. He has studied at the Divinity School, Duke University and Perkins School of Theology, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Southern Methodist University. Adds Justin, “This job has many facets. It is certainly a big change but I am part of a generation that enjoys adventure. I see this as a new frontier and want to think about how we might offer helpful content and resources throughout the print and digital frontiers in order to connect the heart of the Publishing House with the heart of the church.” As he prepares to transition from

http://www.zoehelps.org/


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the Gethsemane campus, Justin surmises of someday writing a book about his journey. “It has been a great journey. I pray that the community development and redevelopment that is underway at Gethsemane will someday become a model that others can benefit from in their congregational outreach. If I ever write a book about it, maybe the Publishing House can publish it.”

The Deacon on Sabbatical: Ministry Never Truly Stops While experiencing the Caribbean culture during her recent sabbatical, Rev. Wineva Hankamer

found herself helping out in many capacities at Mizpah Methodist Church.

Most leaders are compelled to make a difference regardless of their environment. One such

leader, a Deacon at Wesley UMC, Beaumont in the Southeast District, gravitated to a rewarding

ministry opportunity while on a tropical island sabbatical.

Wineva’s adventure actually originated several years ago when one of Wesley UMC’s mission

reports caught her eye. “When I saw mention of a place called Utila, I asked the associate pastor

about it, and he directed me to a lay person named Dana Timaeus,” she explains. “It seems,

after being stranded on Utila during Hurricane Mitch, this avid scuba diver decided to look

around on land and he found a Methodist Church nearby.”

According to Wineva, after making friends in the church and in the community there, Dana

returned to Wesley and gathered up a mission team to return to the island to do work projects.

“I was able to serve on the work team that visited Utila in June of 2013,” she adds.

“Participating on the June team created a desire to return to Utila and spend some time

experiencing the island’s Caribbean culture, and exploring the Mizpah Methodist Church which

was founded as a British Methodist Church and is now part of the Belize Honduras Circuit of the

Methodist Church of the Caribbean and the Americas. I applied for a short term sabbatical which

was granted, and my local pastor parish committee approved my plan.”

Arriving to the island in mid December 2013, Wineva was welcomed by the Pastor, Esther

Hanners, who will be ordained next year at their conference in Belize. “I was allowed to occupy

the Mission House, or the manse, as they called it. The mission house has become a place for

teams to stay when traveling to Utila.”

On her first Sunday there, she got a call early in the morning that the pastor’s brother had

passed away during the night. Recalls Wineva, “I discovered very quickly that this congregation

knows the meaning of the priesthood of all believers. They just took over and did everything

they could, to allow the pastor the time she needed with her family. I found myself helping out

with various things in the life of the church until the pastor could return, but the laity preached,

visited, led singing, held Bible study and prayer meeting, kept the usual schedule of Sunday

School and Christian Endeavor (their youth program).”

Soon, Wineva was asked to assist with the youth group, which meets on Monday nights. “As

their local leader and I worked together, we formed a close bond and I hope I was helpful as her


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encourager, as she does a great job with the youth. Under her leadership, they performed a

song and recitations before the whole conference in Roatan. They came back all excited, with a

new slogan: Fully on Board, Fully Committed, Pressing on For Christ. Their new theme song is

Siyahamba, done in English and Spanish with a little Zulu in there, too.”

She was also blessed to help welcome a team from Wesley at the first of this year. “The

construction team that I had been on led to a medical mission which completed its work on Utila

over Martin Luther King Holiday weekend,” she says. Working together, the team served almost

100 residents by performing ear, nose, throat and respiratory exams, eye tests and dental

procedures.

As her return to Beaumont draws near, she considers her blessings. This blog post from her first

week sums it up:

“Time away from our routines presents us with opportunities to examine everything, including

ourselves. As I examine another cultural style, it is easy to reflect on and refine my own style

and approach to things, people, and life in general. I am not alone here, as the church has

provided me with many sisters and brothers on Utila. But even though it is a different place,

with its own schedule, there is time to think and reflect and enjoy things like the gentle rainfall

that is happening right now. It is refreshing, calming, and serene.”

Adds Wineva, “This sabbatical time has been wonder-filled and blessing-abounded. God is still

smiling on Utila and her friendly people. The members of the Mizpah Church have a great heart

and much hope. Please pray for the youth of the island, so that they will see the church as

a navigational beacon.”

The role of Deacon in the United Methodist Church, and also in the Methodist Church of the

Caribbean and the Americas, is to bridge the church with the community. “As I walked to and

from the church, clinic, or school, people on the street would make the connection, talk to me,

and say affirming things about what the Methodists are doing on Utila. I was glad to be able to

participate in that and encourage the church to reach out even more. My last Sunday here was

Christian Education Sunday; what a great day to end my sabbatical time.”

Midwinter Camps Include Fireside Chats About God Hundreds of youth tackled topics such as God and Pop Culture and Risk-taking Mission during

Midwinter weekends in February.

Trees and a breeze, at Forest Glen and Lakeview Conference Center, provided a cozy backdrop

for the annual Midwinter 2014 weekends this month. Almost 900 leaders and students from 6-

12th grades had their respective spiritual spaces for camps at both Lakeview Conference Center

and Forest Glen across several weekends. Sessions included: “Hot cocoa with Jesus” and “How

to be a Christian and an athlete.” Students serving on the Conference Youth Council planned


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each gathering to be powerful in faith and good for the soul as attendees explored the Old

Testament in Exodus, along the theme of “I am who I am.”

The early February camps at Forest Glen went well, according to youth leader Audrua Malvaez

of Faith UMC, Spring. “The first Midwinter weekend featured Russ Bowlin of First UMC, Victoria

and Stephen Mackey of First UMC, Houston-Westchase who spoke on Exodus 3,” she shares.

“Students discussed the identity of Moses, of God, and ultimately, of themselves in the

redemption story of Christ. Breakout workshops included theological conversations around the

campfire, ‘God and Pop Culture’, and how God is still active and moving in social media and hip

hop music. Our conversations around risk-taking mission explored what missions in the UMC

look like and how teenagers can be a part of it.” The second weekend of Forest Glen camps,

directed by Eddie Erwin, featured guest speaker Alaina Kleinbeck, director of Duke Youth

Academy.

On February 21-23, students at Lakeview also enjoyed hanging out with friends and worshipping

with their peer groups, in spring-like temperatures. Lakeview speakers inspiring hundreds of

attendees included Mark Sorenson (Woodlands UMC) and Jamison Doehring (A&M UMC,

College Station). “These environments are ideal for making new friends, hanging out with old

friends and enjoying God’s creation,” adds Audrua. One of the seventh grader campers shared

this, “Midwinter was the time of my life!! This was my very first church retreat being away with

my mom and I was completely welcomed into Lakeview. Worship was a phenomenal! You could

see the Lord’s presence moving throughout the room. My favorite part was small groups. My

wonderful group was full of girls who were going through what I was, and that really helped me

know that I'm not the only one. The last day was the worst because we had to say goodbye to

our Lakeview family, but we know we will remain connected in the daily world as we transform

lives as the hands and feet of Jesus!”

Lakeview Camp Director Carmen Rickel says, "It warmed my heart to see 375 youth and adults

come together at Lakeview from across the conference to join in worship and fellowship. It

warmed my heart to hear first year participants say things like: I've never been to Lakeview or

Mid-winter, but I will be back; this was an amazing weekend; I had no idea what I was

missing! Seeing that many youth and adults filled with the spirit and growing in their faith

energized and refreshed my soul to go back and serve my home congregation."

“I served as Dean of Women for Senior High and cannot say enough about how wonderful this

weekend was for all of us!” adds Amanda Boyd, youth director from Woodville UMC.

“I love the opportunities that midwinter opens up for students,” says Rev. Thera Freeman, TAC

Youth/Young Adults Director. “These weekends away during the school year help pattern times

for rest, renewal, play and reflection for the young people of our conference. They open up

space for deepening of friendships old and new alike across the connection and allow a new

place for deep conversation, especially this year as we discussed identity. Special thanks go to


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the Conference Youth Council and the adult volunteers who were faithful in prayer and planning

of the 2014 Midwinter weekends.”

Youth 2015 National Gathering is Coming to Orlando A diverse group of United Methodist youth and adults are planning a once-every-four-years kind

of event for 2015 that should be of interest to all TAC young people. Read about the exciting

forecast for this extravaganza of youth groups from across America in late June of 2015.

Break out your calendar and dust off your sunglasses. It may seem a long way off, but Youth 2015 is already ramping up to be the ‘don’t-miss’ event for all Methodist youth and their leaders from across the connection. The event design team is made up of about 30 youth and adults from across the US – representing a rainbow of ages, racial backgrounds and regions. The theme: “Go On” is grounded in scripture and John Wesley’s message to encourage young people to “go on” toward Christian perfection. TAC youth director, Eddie Erwin of Lakewood UMC is excited to imagine 6,500 youth and leaders at the event next summer. “The true measure of success,” he says, “ happens after our final worship at the event – when United Methodist youth are inspired to continue doing acts of piety and mercy when they return home, and then share stories about the impact of doing those things.” Everything will take place in the Marriott World Center – activities, lodging, and meals will occur at this one site, which simplifies the experience for all. The conference lodging rate can be extended a few days before and after the event for families and youth groups that want to experience Disney, Universal Studios or other Orlando amenities as an extension of the conference. Youth 2015 will offer a wide variety of experiences and national level speakers and musical artists, plus small group times, workshops, mission projects, concerts and prayer opportunities that represent different acts of piety or mercy.

2014 Preview Watch for the large-scale preview via the “Go On” Tour – a low-drama, focused and fun outreach preview of the worship experiences that will make a stop at Highland Park UMC in Dallas on October 26. Visit www.youth2015.com for updates. “We want to encourage parents, youth leaders and churches to start planning for this incredible event,” adds Eddie. “This will be a great venue to connect in meaningful ways to other United Methodists and deepen their faith by practicing acts of piety and mercy.”

Evangelism in Action, HOPE Church Style ‘Super Saturdays of Service’ and a ‘Sacred Season of Success’ are jam packed with members of

HOPE Church of Pearland who walk the talk when it comes to gospel-inspired outreach. This

500-member church regularly blesses the young in area schools and adults who struggle with

homelessness.

http://www.youth2015.com/


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Have HOPE Angel Tractor Trailer, Will Travel could be the missions motto for HOPE Church of

Pearland. The trailer has been used for everything from school supply collections in a retail

parking lot to the timely wintertime delivery of jackets, hats, blankets and toiletries to the

homeless living near the Pierce elevated bridge in downtown Houston.

In its 13-year history, Rev. Thaddeus Eastland has led HOPE – Pearland, in the South District, to

become known for bringing healing, wholeness, reconciliation, and HOPE to individuals and

families. Inspired by the church value of “evangelism,” some 150 out of approximately 500

members are actively involved in local community outreach to children, the elderly and

everyone in between. “This value is supported by HOPE Church Pearland’s mission to Save Souls,

Heal Hurts and Share HOPE,” says OUTreach Leader Rev. Bill Russell, “and serves to provide

focus and significance that brings vitality to the congregation.”

HOPE Pearland’s reputation as a beacon in the community has led to successful partnerships

with longstanding community entities such as Neighborhood Centers and Walmart – which have

helped raise visibility for local needs and growth for the church within the community.

HOPE for the Homeless

In November, many members participated in a 3-mile HOPE Walk for the Homeless to help raise

money to purchase HOPE bags at the annual Christmas Block Party under the Bridge. Each

winter, this event kicks off HOPE Pearland’s Sacred Season of Success and its Super Saturdays of

Service every weekend in December. To empathize more fully with the homeless, many in the

congregation participate in the spiritual discipline of fasting. According to Rev. Bill Russell, this

9th annual Block Party allowed members to distribute 300 HOPE bags of blankets, socks, jackets,

toiletries and 100 pairs of shoes to men and women who would otherwise be without these

basic needs. “Our praise team and praise dancers also led praises to the Lord at the block

party,” Bill adds. Additionally, for the last nine years church members have helped serve

breakfast to the homeless on Saturdays at the Bread of Life kitchen.

Offering HOPE to local children

Over the last year, HOPE Pearland partnered with Walmart and collected eight shopping carts of

school supplies, stuffed 200 backpacks with supplies for two different schools, hosted an annual

Breakfast with Santa event for 200, and adopted 50 children of inmates for the Angel Tree

project. OUTreach Directors, Bill and Debra Russell were thrilled that the church school supply

drive was featured in the Pearland Journal online and in the Xtra section of the newspaper in

August, including photos of backpack deliveries posted on the Pearland Independent School

District Facebook page. The church also donated book bags and backpacks to schools in La Porte

and Houston. “And, in September, HOPE Church Pearland was recognized by the school board

with the Golden Pear of Achievement award,” she adds.


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HOPE is always on call

Rev. Bill and Debra Russell facilitate this culture of evangelism in several ways. According to

Debra, “HOPE Church Pearland creates an atmosphere to encourage all ministries and entire

families to be a blessing by participating in Outreach events. Pictures of outreach events are

posted on the church Facebook page to celebrate God at work, and encourage others to

participate." In addition to investing in the young and serving the homeless in many ways, HOPE

Pearland also encourages ministry beyond the walls of the church through these avenues:

Compassion & Covenant Care

Maker’s Marriage Ministry

Journey to Wholeness

Veterans Affairs Ministry

Women’s Empowerment Ministry

Stephen’s Ministry

Prayer

Singles Ministry

“Getting involved in supporting a foreign mission is one of our goals for 2014,” adds Bill. “We

will be exploring how to start or partner with another church that has a global focus. We are

committed to saving souls by spreading the message of Jesus and healing hurts by providing

scripturally based teaching.” Pastor Eastland teaches his congregation to live on purpose. Notes

Debra, "This external focus makes our church more vibrant because we know that faith works

and faith is an action word. We all have something to give back to our family, church, and our

community. We value that we are blessed to be a blessing."

Ministries Expand Support for Caregivers and Loved Ones with

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Chapelwood UMC Lake Jackson, Memorial Drive UMC and First Methodist Angleton are on the growing list of TAC churches to provide caregivers a break while providing Alzheimer patients mental, physical, emotional and spiritual stimulation – and plenty of hugs. Caregiver burnout is a growing need, particularly for those who care for loved ones who require

round-the-clock patience and close supervision. Taking time off from this demanding role is

often next to impossible. That is where several UMC churches in the Brazosport area step in to

provide a “Gathering Place” event that helps caregiver and family members at the same time.

The Southern Brazoria County Gathering Place Interfaith Ministries was started in August, 2007. The group searched for a way to help caregivers of family members with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. These caregivers are badly in need of support to break the cycle of fatigue and frustration. Gathering Place volunteers are committed to the concept that patients with Alzheimer's can experience joy through the last stages of the disease, and they are committed to creating those


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moments by providing stimulating activities and forming emotional connections with the persons served. In January of 2008, First UMC, Angleton was added to the list of ministries called Gathering Places. Chapelwood UMC in Lake Jackson joined the resource list in September of 2011. Columbia UMC became part of this regional ministry when an abbreviated four-hour “Reunion” event was created. “Our mission committee has many different areas that offer volunteer opportunities to the congregation and one of them is Alzheimer's related,” says Sherri Archer, Chapelwood Mission's chair. “During this time we provide our guests with mental, physical, emotional and spiritual stimulation through a variety of activities.” Adds Sherri, “Being the head of Outreach Ministries has helped me be more involved in missions, but being the Team leader for the Gathering Place has really touched me. This is the third year for our church to host these events, and most of the volunteers have had family members with Alzheimer’s and this is their way to give back to their loved one. For me it was my mother, so this touches all of us in a special way. Also, seeing the joy on their faces to interact with new people, and knowing their caregiver has had that time to rest and run errands gives us great pleasure.” The group participates in exercises together, singing songs, making crafts and doing memory skill activities like bingo. Some events include devotionals, table talk, and lunch, and even seasonal activities such as a Flag Day parade. To facilitate mission voluntarism, Chapelwood has a pledge form online that creates a commitment statement to the church. It reads: In grateful recognition that all my (our) time, treasure(s) and ability(ies) come from God I (we) gladly join with others in the support of Christ's church. Additionally, the volunteer WISH LIST on the website lists what is needed, the job description and contact person. “Chapelwood UMC, Lake Jackson was formed as a mission-oriented church and we encourage truly hands-on projects,” she says. More than 200 of the approximately 800 members are active in outreach activities beyond the Gathering Place. “Members find their niche and connect with each other on a Habitat construction site, the Guatemala Medical Mission trip, local food pantry, Special Olympics, our prison ministry, or local school reading buddies – to name a few.” Additionally, retired nurse Nancy Rawls and husband Jim started an Alzheimer’s support group and respite care at Memorial Drive UMC at The Gate facility where senior adults often gather. Their events are open to the public on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 1pm.

Safe Sanctuary Process Updated Those seeking training for Safe Sanctuary may have noticed recent changes to the process.

“The Conference safe sanctuary committee needed to address some issues with regard to

training content,” Safe Sanctuary Consultant Dan Ramsey noted. The addendum training is

certified by the state and addresses more in-depth issues in regards to abuse and how to

recognize it. Effective March 1, the addendum kicks into place.


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“Part of the reason for the training changes is we wanted to bring it more in line with the

required training for Lakeview,” Ramsey added. “Previously, you had the local church policy for

Safe Sanctuary, the conference policy for Safe Sanctuary, and then if you volunteered at

Lakeview, there was a state mandated training. This training is the same that Lakeview has, so it

has really combined that into one process.”

Streamlined Process

“It’s really user friendly,” Ramsey said, noting that people will still need to read the policy. Those

wishing to be trained send a request including their name, e-mail address and district and they

will receive an e-mail invite asking them to visit trainright.org and to register and create their

password. After they sign in, they can begin training right away. Training is set up in sections and

testing is done at the end of each section.

Similar to the old system, when training is completed, trainees receive a certificate indicating

their name and the date they completed the training. It is good for two years and will have to be

retaken within that window.

This means the new training needs to be taken unless you’ve had training for Lakeview within

the last year, in which case you have another full year before you have to take it again. “They

only had to take the original training once, but now it’s required that it be done every two

years... At some point – probably within the first year - everyone will need to go through it,”

Ramsey concluded.

Background checks

Ramsey said that the background check company is also different. “The company we were using

made some changes, so we have to go to a different company. The process and pricing are

similar to before.” Conference policy still requires that background checks are done annually.

The new process for Safe Sanctuary training is available at:

http://www.txcumc.org/safesanctuary

Lakeview

Lakeview Methodist Conference Center has completed a comprehensive improvement plan that

requires a $15 million capital campaign. The campaign, entitled FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS, will

begin its public phase this coming June. This past week the campaign received an amazing gift

when Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church Permanent Endowment Fund presented

a gift of $6.5 million toward that goal. The gift is a great way to kick start a campaign that will

vastly improve the quality of the Lakeview facility. Because of the Moody gift, ground will be

broken in March 2014 for the first of two new dormitory complexes with an anticipated

construction period of 10 months.

http://www.txcumc.org/safesanctuary


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The balance of the capital campaign will seek to raise an additional $8.5 million for the full

completion of Phase 1 over the next 4 years.

Phase 1 Phase one of the project includes replacing the Windham and Wesley dorms, renovations to

Roy Hall, the Snack Shack and game room, and relocating the laundry facility and maintenance

shop. Additional improvements include adding an upscale RV park, hiking and biking trails, a

rustic/scout camp on the east side of Lake Wilson, and landscaping/design of the central plaza.

Infrastructure improvements will include the water and wastewater systems and uniform

signage.

Phase 2 Phase two will see the expansion of Fair Village from 7 to 14 cabins and expansion of offices and family life centers as well as the renovation of the central building and coffee shop. Additions will include a labyrinth, columbarium, and outdoor worship court adjacent to Peace Chapel, as well as an arboretum. New entry ways will be added at all three points of egress to the campus – main entrance and the east and west entrances. Phase 3 Phase three will offer new recreation venues including BMX and extreme games as well as

outdoor sports and ball fields, a water park and an outdoor amphitheater. Also, an outdoor

education center and residential summer staff quarters will be created through a conversion of

the A. Frank Smith dorms.

The order of the projects in each phase is representative of the most urgent needs as

determined by the feasibility study Lakeview conducted in early 2013. However, any one with a

passion or interest in supporting a specific project in the latter phases will help assure its

completion at an earlier date.

Lakeview anticipates launching the public phase of the capital campaign, FOR SUCH A TIME AS

THIS, in June. However, pledges and donations for the four year campaign are welcome at any

time. Contact and questions should be directed to Brandy Kines, Director of Development and

Marketing. [email protected]

Annual Native American Culture Day April 12 The TAC Committee on North American Ministries is hosting a fellowship powwow with arts and craft demonstrations, storytelling, food, intertribal dancing exhibition, fellowship and a celebration of Native cultures on Saturday, April 12. The entrance fee is $5 for adults or $10 maximum for a family at McKaskle Retreat Center, 23893 Kickapoo Road in Hockley, TX 77484. For more information: call Dave Lund 281-413-0247 or Rose Brewer 713-504-0855 Also, join us on Sunday, April 13 at McKaskle for Lunch at 12 noon and Native American Worship afterwards. Email [email protected] for additional info, map, and vendor opportunities.

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Managing Your Message During Crisis An increase of violence and tragedy at schools and churches, coupled with an on-demand information culture makes it critical for organizations to understand what to expect when they find themselves in a "breaking news" story. Get prepared by attending a crisis education workshop, sponsored by Interfaith Ministries’ Office of Disaster Preparedness and Response, on March 27 from 11:30-3pm at St. Paul’s UMC in Houston. Featured speakers are Francisco Sanchez, Public Information Officer for the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, and Ted Oberg, Investigative Journalist for KTRK-TV Channel 13 News. Join other faith community leaders in this conversation hosted by Interfaith Ministries’ HIDRA (Houston Interfaith Disaster Response Alliance) Cost is $25 for individuals (including lunch) or $100 for groups up to 6 from the same organization. Information and registration: www.IMGH.org/Disaster.

Central North District Youth Kickball Tournament

The District Council of Youth Ministry (DCYM) of the Central North District is hosting a fellowship opportunity for all district youth. The annual kickball tournament will be held at Carl Barton Park in Conroe, TX from 2:30-6:30 pm on March 23. Cost is $5 per participant. For more information, contact Audrua Malvaez at [email protected].

TSU Wesley Foundation Gala

At the upcoming FUNdraiser for Texas Southern University’s United Methodist Wesley Foundation, you will hear about the great vision God has inspired since the TSU United Methodist Wesley Foundation was re-launched on June 1, 2010. Director Julius Wardley shares, “Our vision is to help students find meaning and purpose for their lives by building relationships, connecting to local United Methodist churches in the area, partnering with the University and being a mission focused ministry serving our local and global community.” He invites all to enjoy a family-friendly dinner, dancing and shopping at the silent auction on Saturday, April 26 from 4:30-7:30 at Sage Events Museum District, 200 Milam, in Houston.

http://www.imgh.org/Disaster


cross connection february 27, 2014 from poverty to self ... · meanwhile, back in houston,...

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