March 8, 2023

New church name inspired by David Crowder song

Finding a name was easier than expected for the new faith community forming in Conroe, Texas. Planter Tommi Hamilton created a Google Doc for suggestions and asked members of the launch team to chime in. “We got on a Zoom call, and within 30 minutes, it was settled,” Hamilton said.

A-paws on Sunday for Blessing of the Animals

Growing Vibrant Churches

Bellaire UMC’s Blessing of the Animals, now in its 11th year, is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. Furry companions of all varieties are welcome to attend – either on-leash, in carriers, cages, fish bowls or terrariums.

Church fights food insecurity with 36K free meals

Investing in the Young

The second Saturday of each month, Jim and Cindy Tierney, members of FUMC Lufkin, pull a barbecue pit into the parking lot by Herty Primary School. They start setting up around 9:30 a.m. Jim lights the charcoal, preparing to cook hundreds of hot dogs and hamburgers for families in need.

Taking your preaching to the next level

Transforming Lay & Clergy Leaders

When new pastor Kyle Tremblay wanted to make the most of Sunday worship, he turned to the Ministry Specialist Initiative (MSI). The program matches clergy or congregational leaders with guides. Tremblay was pleasantly surprised to discover his mentor would be Rev. Dr. Daniel Irving.

Faith and career collide for Methodist CEO

Transforming Lay & Clergy Leaders

Michelle Shonbeck first heard about the Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) from her church, St. Luke’s UMC in Houston and signed up as a volunteer in 1988. Now, she serves as president and CEO of the faith-based organization. Shonbeck has felt God’s hand guiding all along.

NEWS

2023 Lay Servant Training

This one-day training session on March 11 will provide resources, programs, and trainings to equip and empower Laity for their roles in ministry as disciples of Jesus Christ. Both basic and advanced trainings are available.

Churches in the News

United Methodist Churches are making headlines – leading the way through ministry, outreach and discipleship. Amazing stories about our local congregations in the Texas Annual Conference are popping up – and news publications around the country are spreading the word about UM churches. Read all about it.

Online Services

You don’t have to miss a service if you’re out of town or if you prefer to stay at home. Viewers can also enjoy multiple preaching styles and even virtually “attend” different churches. There’s a lot going on Sundays in the TAC that you won’t want to miss.

We would like to include your church in this list. Please let us know if you are posting a resource online by sending a link to:

[email protected].

EVENTS

March 26, 2023

Applications for TYA are due by Sunday, March 26

April 30, May 1 and May 2, 2023

Pre-Conference Meetings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on April 30, May 1 and May 2

May 28 to May 31, 2023

Texas Annual Conference Session

June 19 to July 1, 2023

Texas Youth Academy

July 27 to 28, 2023