Dear Pastor/Friends,

It was so awesome to meet with district-licensed ministers last Friday and Saturday for this year’s Discovery Weekend. Drs. Linda and Rich Cantwell from SNU were our presenters again this year as we focused on “Strength Finders” material. Special thanks to Euless First Church pastors, Zach and Brookelyn Nelson, for hosting the event!



All licensed ministers are required to participate in a Discovery Weekend prior to their ordination. The location alternates between the east and west sides of the district annually.

Congratulations to retired ministerial couple, Rev. Tommy and Doris McNutt, who were honored by the Cleburne congregation on October 27th as Tommy was recognized as “Pastor Emeritus.” It was my distinct privilege to participate. We love the McNutts!

Pastor Robert Wallace, who has served as interim pastor in Cleburne for the past three months has recently been appointed as the new pastor of our Whitney congregation.  

Robert and his wife, Tracy, will begin their work in Whitney on December 1st. He will continue his organic church-planting work in the Whitney area as well, through “Quill” ministries. Pastor Terry Porter will take over as interim pastor in Cleburne.

Assistant DS and Hispanic Ministry Coordinator, Pastor Jose Palacios, led an outstanding Latino Men’s Retreat at Camp Arrowhead this past weekend. Even though it was cold and rainy, the event was a big success. They are hoping this retreat will be an annual event.

Pastors, below, please see the dates and registration information for this year’s Shepherds’ Sabbath, which will be held on January 10-12 in Abilene. We are very pleased that Dr. David Graves will be our speaker. Bruno and Gabby Ponce will lead worship. It’s going to be a great weekend. Please make every effort, unless providentially hindered, to register and attend.

Also, please be sure to update your congregation’s Ministry Safe participation prior to the district assembly. Each church leader, and particularly teen's and children's workers are asked to receive this vitally important training…as well as undergoing appropriate background checks. Guidance regarding this policy and how to enact it is available on the district app and website.

Pastors, please remember that your church is required to have liability insurance as well as property or renters' insurance. You received a Leader’s Link from the district office on October 2nd (You can CLICK HERE to view that Leaders’ Link ) providing some valuable resources to help you with the rising cost of insurance.

I want to welcome Greg Key, our Copastor at Arlington Renewed Life Church as the new zone coordinator for the Mid- Cities zone. Churches on the Mid-cities zone including: Arlington Antioch, Arlington First, Arlington Naya Jeevan, Arlington Primera, Arlington Renewed Life, Arlington Rescue Hill International (Bridgepointe. PAC), Arlington Restoration Community, DFW Living Christian, Euless First, Euless First Hispanic, Fort Worth Crossroads Tabernacle, Hurst Pursuit Fellowship, and Mid-Cities African United Fellowship.

Finally, can you believe we are only four months away from the end of the annual church year? It’s definitely time for each pastor to double check your church’s Funding the Mission status. Please make every effort to participate fully in your support of missions, our district, SNU, and our pastors’ pensions. CLICK HERE for the latest update.

Pastors, please remember that Susan and I admire and appreciate you. We are here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out whenever we can serve, help, or encourage you.

For you and with you,

Pastor David Downs.

P.S. 

Please notice the newsletter section below related to District Secretary items. You will find important reporting information and dates as well as an updated copy of the district journal.

Greetings Dear West Texas Family,

Important Application Submission Dates and Interview Locations to Remember.

1. Application for District Minister’s License (New and Renewals), Ordination/Recognition Questionnaire, and 2025 West Texas District Ministerial Credentials Board Annual Questionnaire are due on December 1st, 2024.
2. The deadline for scheduling appointments in Amarillo for Credentials and Ministerial Board Interviews is January 2nd, 2025, 3:00pm.
3. The deadline for scheduling appointments in Fort Worth Northside for Credentials and Ordination Interviews is January 7th, 2025, 3:00pm.
4. Amarillo Credentials and Studies Interviews on January 7th, 2025, from 10am till 1:30pm. Address: 5201 S Soncy Rd, Amarillo, TX 79119.
5. Fort Worth Northside Credentials and Studies Interviews on January 13th, 2025, from 2pm till 4:30pm. Address: 6750 Denton Hwy, Watauga, TX 76148.
6. Ordination/Recognition Interviews on January 14th, 2025, at Fort Worth North Side from 9am till 4pm. Address: 6750 Denton Hwy, Watauga, TX 76148.

Application for District Minister's License, Ordination/Recognition Questionnaire, 2025 West Texas District Ministerial Credentials Board Annual Questionnaire, Recommendation for District Assembly, Fort Worth North Side Interviews Information, and Amarillo Interviews Information can be accessed below.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email: 

premal@westexnaz.org or call 817.897.3558.

Grace and Peace

Rev. Premal A. Awasarmal

District Secretary-West Texas

premal@westexnaz.org

817.897.3558

It is the time of year for giving! Please donate your lightly used, or new, shoes to help provide for some of the families in need in Cactus. We will be accepting shoe donations until December.