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A ‘Flood’ of Response: Westbury UMC Serves as “Command Central” Following May’s historic flooding in Houston, Westbury UMC is serving as headquarters for a multi-agency resource center showcasing collaborative cleanup response at its best. Many people across Texas – particularly in Houston -- can now personally relate to the Bible story of Noah’s Ark. In fact, the National Weather Service calculated the devastating statewide rainfall totals in May alone and estimate it was enough moisture to cover the entire state of Texas in eight inches of water. During the week of Annual Conference, Houston’s lingering thunderstorms dumped in excess of 10 inches of rain, flooded major freeways, submerged over 2,500 vehicles and damaged over 4,000 homes and properties. In addition to trapping attendees at the conference hotel and preventing others from attending various sessions, the torrential storms even forced hundreds of Houston Rockets fans to spend the night at the Toyota Center. A Multi-Faceted Relief Operation Social Media played an important role in early response to the disaster. Facebook Groups such as “Moms & Ladies of Westbury, Meyerland, Bellaire, West U, and Rice Village” began organizing collection and delivery of packing materials and food within days of the disaster. Churches and neighborhood groups began working together quickly to gather and deploy volunteers to remove carpet, haul furniture, and meet the many needs of flooded residents. “There were moms canvassing the neighborhood, pulling their toddlers in wagons full of cleaning supplies and sack lunches for those in need,” shares Rev. Taylor Fuerst of Westbury UMC. Early on, Westbury UMC partnered with Westbury Baptist Church and other grassroots groups to serve as a hub for volunteers and donations for the Meyerland Area. “As a Pastor, I could not have been more amazed by the response. On Friday afternoon, I emailed our congregation to request volunteers and donations, and on Saturday morning, there were over 60 people in the gym, ready to go!” Westbury’s Rev. Hannah Terry has served as a key connector between the church, community, and TACCOR consultants. “An amazing grassroots community is organizing in the city of Houston against the backdrop of Westbury UMC where a significant amount of the worst flooding took place,” Hannah says. “It’s so much fun to watch dots connect among friends, neighbors, leaders and city officials. We are achieving solidarity in blessing and caring for Houston.” Westbury UMC Steps Up as Command Central Volunteer mobilization became even more successful thanks to the United Methodist Connection. “The Body of Christ has been tangible in these last few weeks as volunteers from across districts and congregations gather daily to help with flood cleanup,” says Diane McGehee, Director of the TAC Center for Missional Excellence. TACCOR Consultant Carol Greenslate, who has been at the forefront of the disaster response effort, adds, “As a native Houstonian who grew up in this area I have not witnessed this type of flood damage before.” Adds Carol, “We have deployed Methodist volunteers that came in from as all over our Central North, Southeast, South West and Central South Districts including pastors and district superintendents. Our goal is to be the Christian presence in the midst of a disaster to this community.” In early June, TACCOR’s Volunteer Flood Relief Center at Westbury UMC was asked to serve as the MARC or Multi-Agency Relief Center, allowing residents to have access to a variety of agencies without leaving the neighborhood. I have witnessed the body of Christ

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working together and serving others in amazing ways in a short time, and I am so proud to be a Methodist.” Blessings Amidst the Mud and Mess Faithbridge UMC, Spring volunteer Julie Ewers was one of five volunteers who recently drove down to help with cleanup and special projects. “We delivered medical items to one home, and to another, we brought clothes that had been washed for the homeowner who was very thankful. Hearing how the water came in so quickly, rising to the point they lost everything including cars, was heartbreaking. Especially to hear they had just renovated the house bringing it all the way down to the studs and now it was all ruined,” she shares. “We prayed with them before we left and were glad to know they were able to find an apartment while they work on saving what they can from their home.” The ‘Faithbridge five some’ then went to help a 92-year old man who had lived in his house for 40+ years. Notes Julie, “He told us that he woke up in the middle of the night and when he got out of bed, the water was already up to his shins. One of his daughters, recovering from cancer surgery, was able to get her mom, who has Alzheimer’s, to dry ground, leaving a very overwhelmed second daughter who needed us to help pack items that could be saved.” When the group finished packing, they posed for a picture (see photo) and prayed with the homeowners. “With tears in his eyes, he also prayed for us, which was such a blessing. We are all thankful for this wonderful opportunity to serve.” Bishop Requests Special Offering Bishop Janice Riggle Huie is proud of the response across the conference and in Houston. “Westbury UMC is the location of a Multi-Agency Resource Center for the City of Houston’s response. Our disaster response teams and volunteers are working side by side with the City of Houston, FEMA, the Red Cross and others to insure that funds donated are utilized where most needed. It is our privilege to be called upon to provide this service,” she says. On Thursday, she sent a special appeal for funding to cover the dramatic losses on behalf of the uninsured and underinsured. “Recovery is going to be a long-term process as insurance and FEMA claims are processed and resources allocated,” adds Bishop Huie. “We want to be ready to fill in the gap where families and individuals are not made whole by those resources. Your generous gifts will allow us to continue to meet the needs of those most affected throughout the conference by these recent disasters. Thank you in advance for always stepping up to the plate and meeting the need.” Donations and Volunteers Welcome Sign up to volunteer at http://taccor.ivolunteer.com/houstonfloodmay2015 You can also give to help those impacted by Houston flooding at http://www.txcumc.org/houstonflooddonation

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If you prefer to send a check, please make it out to The Texas Annual Conference with the memo line marked “Houston Flood Recovery” and send it to: Fiscal Office / Flood Recovery Texas Annual Conference 5215 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 Volunteers will be needed for several weeks, as those displaced from their homes continue to clean up and others begin to move back in. To keep up to date on the status of volunteer needs, visit http://www.taccor.org/activeresponse.htm or http://www.westburyumc.org

Meet Rev. Elizabeth Duffin: Joining TAC Staff this Summer As Rev. Michelle Hall heads to serve as Associate, Christ United Methodist Church Sugar Land, Rev. Elizabeth Duffin prepares to step into the role of Associate Director of the Center for Clergy Excellence. Her face lights up when she talks about how the Texas Conference clergy recruitment effort changed her life and made ministry a fulfilling reality after she graduated from Duke University. Rev. Elizabeth Duffin is more than excited to “pay it forward” by encouraging other up and coming clergy to join our conference. Since she has chaired the conference Clergy Recruitment Committee for several years, this role will expand when she assumes the position of Associate Director of the Center for Clergy Excellence next month. “One of my passions is meeting young candidates and understanding what they are excited about,” she shares, “then there will always be the challenges of finding the right mix of clergy that help us meet existing needs while discerning the environment years away.” Adds Elizabeth, “Seeing college pastoral interns experience ministry firsthand is also an exciting part of this new role.” Elizabeth grew up at St. Luke’s UMC, Houston and pursued an art history degree from Davidson College before serving as a US2 missionary in a domestic mission project based in Salt Lake City, Utah. “I worked directly with clients of the food pantry for part of the week and did advocacy work in between,” she adds. During this phase of her spiritual development, she attended a young adult retreat with others in the Rocky Mountain Conference where she was serving. “That was what I call my inner calling moment, and my outer calling affirmation took place at St. Luke’s.” She met husband Seann while at Duke, they got married and she persuaded him to talk to the transfer committee that provided him his first appointment in Liberty, Texas, followed by her appointment to Wesley UMC Beaumont. Soon thereafter the Duffins shared a double appointment to Lakewood UMC, Houston. Now that Seann is moving to Bellaire UMC, the parsonage will soon be their next destination – convenient also to the Texas Annual Conference offices. Looking Back, Looking Ahead “I will greatly miss preaching where I know the congregation, but will get that experience to some degree with Seann, and I will enjoy being a guest preacher on behalf of the TAC,” she says. “I will also miss getting to lay hands on the kids on Confirmation Sunday and 3rd grade Bible Sunday, and I must say it was an awesome experience to get to lead worship with Seann, work closely with him all week and be a part of what he does best.”

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Adds Elizabeth, “One thing I am really looking forward to as Associate Director, is to get to work with clergy development and learn from Gail Ford Smith’s wisdom and experience. I will be receiving a great deal of on the job training, which will be exciting for me.” She is also excited to continue partnering with Eddie Erwin, incoming Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Texas Annual Conference, who is also transferring from Lakewood UMC. “In June, we began meeting with others on staff and the committees to discuss how we can nurture, mentor and connect with students who experience a call to ministry since that might occur at camp, a retreat, at Sunday school or Texas Youth Academy among many other places. We have a very big conference and there is lots of movement with youth and personnel, so we are excited to design a system for keeping up with them through their various phases of student life.” Elizabeth and Seann have a toddler named James, whose favorite story is currently that of Samuel being beckoned by God. “I’ll be the first to admit that the special urging to enter the ministry can happen early,” she says, from experience.

Kyle Germany: A Volunteer Leader with Super Powers Leadership comes naturally to lay member Kyle Germany who is an active volunteer in most every aspect of Cheatham Memorial UMC in Edgewood. To say that Kyle Germany went from inactive church member to hyperactive church member might still be an understatement. Much to Rev. Alan Van Hooser’s delight, Kyle is a “Yes” man in the very best sense of the word. “Kyle is active on the worship team, VCI, communications and technology, the music and youth ministries – and is growing as a person and a disciple right before our eyes,” he says. “By becoming extremely involved over the last two years at Cheatham Memorial UMC in Edgewood,” he shares, “I quickly realized how much I had been missing by cutting in and out on occasion or just going for service and leaving,” admits Kyle. “I actually took my parents there to find their church home, and I walked them into the church and I never left! A longtime member said ‘Welcome home, Kyle’ and it truly felt like I was home, since I had taken my young son to many events many years earlier.” In no time, the current pastor had drafted Kyle to be on the Vibrant Church Initiative (VCI) team, a project he felt ill equipped for, but one that ultimately fueled several latent passions he has since pursued. “I’m thankful Rev. Pam Jackson saw something in me that I certainly did not see,” he says. “Being a part of the rebuilding team was eye opening as all 10 of us realized how much our church needed to go through this process to be stronger, and we grew stronger at the same time. My volunteer involvement just ballooned after that.” After many years of inactive dormancy, Kyle had a spiritual awakening. He became an active attendee at the weekly prayer meeting, and even wandered back to his love of music by becoming a choir member and later a member of the praise band. “It’s funny because I did not particularly want to be in the choir, and I had been having discussions with God about it when someone asked me to come to practice and consider even sitting in the back for awhile.” Truth be told, he shares, his musical roots from younger years in an acapella choir, bands and a

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number of spiritual musical productions came back to life and before he knew I, he was in the choir and in the praise band. “After sitting out for awhile I’m finding these activities far more fulfilling and they are making a huge difference in my life,” Kyle adds. “Instead of just playing and singing in the band, I am an active member of the worship team and Rev. Alan has recruited me to serve on Communications/Technology team, as well.” One of his long list of super powers has been teaching himself to play the bass guitar. “I don’t read a lick of music, but I can somehow pick up on the chords and join right in – which is amazing considering I tried lessons and all kinds of things in my younger years but that didn’t all click until recently when I got a guitar for Christmas.” Adding to his long list of leadership contributions, Kyle agreed to teach youth Sunday school, which has added to his enriched church experience. “The one thing I am most excited about is when the students relate to the lesson and the light bulb goes off. That is way cool,” he says. Kyle awakened another super power when he taught himself how to make a video for the church’s 175th anniversary. He researched the software, took lots of pictures and video clips and says it “somehow came together.” If all of these roles were not enough to keep him busy, along with his full time job at a local distribution center, Kyle is also serving a several-year term as a Trustee. “Hey, Will You…” Leaders in other congregations can learn by Kyle’s example of willingness to step in and fill a void, even when he doesn’t feel qualified. “God’s hand is in it for sure,” he acknowledges, “because I have not sought any of this but if there is a need I will do it or find someone who can. I live in the country on 30 acres and never planned to be in the band or teach Sunday school or make a video. It is just so enjoyable to see everyone working together to make the church better, so I try to say yes now when someone says, Hey will you… and I highly recommend others try it!”

How to Reach Millennials Authenticity and interactivity will help keep the elusive millennials engaged in faith-forming relationships and happenings. Churches are not the only groups struggling to truly connect with the often-elusive millennials – those born between the early 1980s through the early 2000s. “They are likely the most studied demographic group because they tend to be full of contradictions and they’re challenging to predict,” Danielia Argueta, business development manager of ConneXionResearch told communication professionals recently. “But they are an important generation because by the year 2025 they will represent 75% of the global workplace.” According to Danielia, “Gen Y” as they are also called, prefers an “experience” over “things,” as organizations such as Starbucks have leveraged. Millennials are ethnically diverse and opinionated and these young adults desire to have a voice. “Unlike previous generations,” she adds, “35% of millennials express themselves with 1-6 tattoos.” How does this translate to churches? Millennials gravitate to organizations that engage their hearts, minds and senses, and they long to be associated with a cause. Research experts note this generation’s entire life has been unfolding within a wired, connected, digital world, so

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visuals and video and social media play an integral part in their lives. Texting is almost as natural, and essential to them, as breathing. Adds Danielia, “When organizations can engage their attention, these young adults make great cheerleaders for your cause, message and brand.”

Lesson 1: Think mobile In 2014, about 30% of the population conducted internet searches on their cell phones as compared to 60% today. Almost 90% of millennials across the globe have digital devices. “Websites that are not responsive and mobile friendly will suffer in Google rankings and lose a great deal of traffic. If you are not able to have an entirely responsive website, focus on the homepage and a few other key pages,” she advises. It can also be helpful to study web analytics to learn more about who is finding your site and what they deem important – and ‘social analytics’ that reveal interests and preferences.”

Lesson 2: Be authentic and engaging: Match your mission to their values Some 62% of millennials say that those organizations that engage them on social networks are likely to keep their attention. They seek to connect where their values are reinforced and understood, where others show interest in them and where they can provide input. In fact, most will take a lower paying job that is fulfilling over a higher paying one that is not. They place a high value on family and they look for ‘deals’ so providing parenting training and support groups and meals at events might be an effective strategy. Seeking authenticity, Gen Y’ers often prefer preaching styles and environments that offer a safe place for sharing challenges. Over 61% are concerned about global matters and seeking to make a difference and 80% of millennials donate money, goods and services.

Lesson 3: Get to know them The best way to know what millennials prefer and seek is to ask them. They tend to gravitate to churches and leaders they feel are culturally engaged. To engage them, consider social media posts that pose questions and solicit stories related to personal experiences and the sermon topic -- or current events. Facebook is still the number one avenue to reach them, but more visual forums like Instagram and Snapchat are quickly gaining traction. Researchers suggest organizational leaders identify subgroups and target communication accordingly as one size does not fit all in this eclectic generation. In fact, some ethnic groups have different social media favorites than others. To access recent research specifically focused on Latinos, see www.connexionresearch.com/latinamillennials.

Success Story: Building Relationships with Latino Youth First UMC Pasadena is striving to be known as the church that loves kids. This year, they initiated a number of real “conversations” with Hispanic students in schools neighboring the church. Exciting opportunities often begin over lunch. Early this year, Rev. John Stephenson and Rev. Emily Everett of First UMC Pasadena invited Vanessa Reyes, the principal from Miller Intermediate (located directly across the street from the church) to lunch. “Our main goal was to ask her how we could be better neighbors and partner in the good things that Miller was already doing on their campus,” Emily shares. “After throwing around several possibilities, she said that the biggest need was for conversation partners with the ESL students. Miller

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Intermediate has a student body that is 87% Hispanic and they also have almost 40 level one or two ESL students, meaning they have been in the country for less than two years.” Bridging to the Community The idea was to simply have volunteers go into the classroom and have conversations with the students. By practicing their English skills, students could become more comfortable with the language and have more opportunities to succeed as they continued through their education. “But our initiative was also about building relationships,” adds Emily. “Mrs. Reyes said it was really important for her students to get to know people who didn’t look like them. She also hoped this would help them learn how to build trust and understand differences. Since this was also our goal as a church, we were excited by how easy it was for the church to begin building relationships with the Latino community, seeing as that our mission field of Pasadena is now 73% Hispanic.” Starting in March, about 15 volunteers began visiting the ESL (English/Second Language) classes and working with the students and ESL teacher, Martha De la Paz, every Tuesday. The school adopted the program known as RISE: Reassuring, Inspiring, and Supporting English Learners - a first of its kind in the Pasadena School District. Conversations have since centered on sharing diverse backgrounds and cultures, whether from Central, South or North America. Paula, a Columbian student, told a volunteer that she wanted to become a doctor. “Voy a ser la esperanza de mi país!”(I am going to be the hope of my country!) Max Kehlmeier, one of First UMC Pasadena’s volunteers, had this to say about the experience thus far, “When I first went to Miller I didn't know what to expect, but when I met with the kids, their excitement and joy was immediately contagious. Most of the students were ready to learn and so were we.” Adds Max, “Each group I work with has so many positive attributes and each group has their own way of wanting to learn. I find myself very excited about the next session and feel this will be a great influence on the students and the mentors as well. I could go on and on because this experience is so much more important than I originally imagined." Not only have the volunteers spent time in the classroom, they also escorted the students on two field trips: a Dynamos soccer game and the Museum of Natural Science and the Butterfly Exhibit. Adds Emily, “Many of the kids had never been to the museum or the IMAX and it was quite the ordeal getting them back on the bus to head home! Although the school year is coming to a close, there are already discussions around how to expand and involve more people in the program next year. The excitement from the volunteers is as contagious as the students’ laughter. What a gift it is to be partnering with God in investing in the education of our youth and learning about the diversity with which God creates all of God’s children.” For more information about the program, please contact Rev. Emily Everett at emilyeverett@firstumcpasadena.org.

Mission Grant Recipients Share Insight from New Apartment Ministry Willie and Bernadette Blair are using their Texas Annual Conference mission grant to take the church to the children through the Southwest Glen Mission, a nonprofit they created in 2013. Willie and Bernadette Blair are uniquely qualified for their most recent ministry adventure. Bernadette grew up with a dozen other siblings. She brought Willie into this large family over 40 years ago so he slides easily into the ‘kid zone’ as the founder of an apartment based ministry to

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students age 4-18 in southwest Houston. Willie, guided by the Holy Spirit, decided to visit the manager at Winding Trails Apartment, and after hearing the needs, he and wife Bernadette, members of Covenant Glen UMC, Missouri City, formed a nonprofit called Southwest Glen Mission in 2013. “We now supply homework assistance, computer access, groceries, music therapy and Kids KLUB Bible studies in two locations,” says Bernadette, Executive Director. “This ministry continues to grow, and we are so thankful for the ministry grant from the Texas Annual Conference this year as well as for funding from the Moody Foundation, our home church and First UMC, Missouri City. With an average of 100 kids in one location and more than 75 in the second apartment complex, we are learning to stretch our dollars and collaborate with other community groups such as the Houston Children’s Charity.” “We know that 85% of the people in this area don’t go to church, so we bring the church to them,” adds Willie, who serves as the Chief Operations Officer, “knowing when you change a household you change a community. Our prayer is to make a difference in the entire southwest area.” His organization provides children “mission bags” with groceries, bedding and school supplies on a regular basis, knowing the apartment residents are living on very little. “We have teachers and volunteers that will continue to provide challenging workbooks and activities through the summer to exercise their brains, as we reinforce rules, good behavior and how to recognize right from wrong,” adds Willie. Retired teacher Karen LaBlanc is one of the mission's most enthusiastic fans. Shares Karen, "I review math concepts with the children, provide curriculum and help motivate them with prizes to enjoy learning. This apartment ministry is doing wonderful work which is obvious in the variety of age-appropriate strategies used on homework review and by the fact that their scores are increasing. This is a valuable ministry for these residents and a blessing for those involved." The Empowerment Mission Model in Action What makes this nonprofit different from most, is that it fosters two-way covenant relationships. “We are mentoring parents through parenting classes, and training them to be volunteers in this effort. We are empowering them for job opportunities and in language development so they can strengthen themselves and their families for the future,” adds Willie. Bernadette also teaches sewing twice a month to classes of girls, boys and adults. Additionally, the mission has sponsored several field trips -- a first for many of the children to attend a Dynamo soccer game or visit a local museum. Success Stories Abound “We call this mission our United Nations,” adds Willie, “because we have children who are Hispanic, African, Black American, Indian and most everything in between. The neighboring schools have reported increased school attendance, improved academic performance, and the community is coming together in a number of ways. This program is so popular that the apartment managers are experiencing 100% occupancy and a noticeable reduction in gang activity.” In fact, Willie is excited that the project has been so successful, the Blairs are receiving calls from other apartment managers to expand to their properties. Next steps “We would love nothing more than to widen the impact of Southwest Glen Mission,” adds Willie, “but that will require more volunteers and funding, which is our daily prayer request.” The Blairs are excited to have interns from local colleges and churches to help them host several

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special summer events, complete with puppet shows and nutritious snacks. Additional goals include conducting fundraising campaigns and awarding a scholarship to a child from the southwest community once resources can sustain the organization. Everything is Bible based at Southwest Glen Mission, inspired to a large degree by Mission Arlington where Willie personally experienced a spiritual and personal rebirth many years ago. “It’s a great feeling to see the kids lined up at the apartment clubhouse waiting for you,” adds Bernadette. “We give the glory to God and feel it is an honor and privilege to help these families – and even more of them someday -- in any way.” To learn more, volunteer or donate, visit www.swglenmission.org.

Heartspring Methodist Foundation: Financial Expertise for All Seasons and Sizes Heartspring Foundation experts facilitate faith-based goals and help churches and individuals cultivate generosity in a variety of ways that can be an encouragement to others. Interested in expanding your church to better serve God and your congregation? Does your church need help with its endowment and/or ongoing stewardship? Maybe you are hoping to share your personal good fortune with your church or other cause close to your heart. Heartspring Methodist Foundation is a great resource to help achieve your goals. As the financial partner to the Texas Annual Conference, Heartspring serves the churches, agencies and members of the conference by expanding resources to best advance God’s calling. “Our ministry is helping your ministry succeed,” says C.J. Taylor, Heartspring president and CEO. “We bring the educational resources and financial acumen that can help turn your inspiration into bottom line benefits to meet your goals.” Realizing that financial know-how is important in the success of any ministry, education is a key component of Heartspring’s mission. The foundation offers a variety of free educational seminars and other resources to church committees and individual Methodists. Rev. Taylor and other staff members are available to preach, lead worship, host seminars, conduct workshops and give presentations on a variety of topics. For Churches: Whether a church needs to build, invest or educate, Heartspring can help. The foundation can provide the expertise, advice and financial tools to help churches build a secure financial base so congregations thrive and churches can do even more of God’s work. Heartspring offers loans, a range of investment options and special-purpose funds. The foundation can help with capital campaigns, stewardship, endowments and planned giving programs. It also offers a variety of educational seminars and programs for clergy, lay leadership and church members.

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If your investment, finance, endowment or church leadership committee is interested in learning more about investment planning options, stewardship education, loans, capital campaigns, or endowment development, contact Heartspring to discuss next steps. For Individuals: Is your Sunday school class, United Methodist Women’s/Men’s organization or other small group looking for a guest speaker? Heartspring offers multiple presentations to benefit individual Methodists covering personal family finance, life income gifts, wills and estate planning. Heartspring’s most popular seminar for individuals is “Provide & Protect: New Ideas for Financial Peace and Security.” This free program offers information, tools and resources for making important life and death decisions, and will help you create the best long-term financial plan for your situation. Learn how to provide for your spouse, children, and/or loved ones with special needs. Hear about how to protect yourself, your family and your property. Find out how to receive income for life, learn ways to reduce your taxes, and hear ideas about how to make your charitable dollars go further. CASE STUDY: Klein UMC reinvigorates endowment program Successful endowment development requires diligent long-term planning, and consistent efforts to educate the congregation and keep them informed. Klein UMC in Spring understands the important role endowments play in fulfilling and perpetuating the mission of its church. The congregation recently decided to take a proactive approach to developing and promoting an endowment through its Klein UMC Foundation, and church leadership turned to Heartspring for help. “The biggest challenge has always been raising awareness,” notes Dana Croswhite, former president of the Klein UMC Foundation and current Heartspring board member. She invited Heartspring President and CEO C. J. Taylor to consult with the Klein committee. He suggested resources to help and offered to present Heartspring’s “Provide & Protect” seminar to the congregation during the Sunday school hour. Church staff and volunteers promoted the event, attracting more than 100 people to the free seminar. “We’ve tried many different things over the years to raise awareness, but one of the more successful efforts was offering Heartspring’s “Provide & Protect” seminar,” she adds. “We were able to offer education on the basics of wills and estate planning, and remind people to include the church in their charitable plans.” Another important factor in endowment development is keeping the congregation informed about the purpose and benefits behind having a perpetual fund. “Even if you have a small endowment, start making gifts to the church now,” C.J. advises. “The best way to build an endowment is to show members what it can do.” The Klein UMC Foundation’s first grant helped fund the church’s Habitat for Humanity project. “One of the biggest turning points for Klein UMC Foundation’s endowment came from following C.J.’s advice to start making gifts to the church from the endowment,” she shares. News of the

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grant helped raise awareness of the endowment, and the donors were happy to see their contributions in action. Heartspring Methodist Foundation can help you establish a new endowment or enhance an existing one. For more information or to discuss your particular needs, contact us today at 713-533-3780, 800-521-9617, or office@heartspringmethodist.org.

Lakeview Ribbon Cutting Lakeview’s 'For Such a Time as This' Capital Campaign successes include the completion of the Sisk Maintenance Shop that was originally on the site of the new Camp Hearn and Bagley Hall. The second major project was Camp Hearn and Bagley Hall. Lakeview Development Director Brandy Kines says, “Through the generosity of Moody Methodist Permanent Endowment Fund, Lakeview has been able to take this dream from conceptual drawings to real life.” A number of honorary guests, former bishops, pastors and leaders from the community helped dedicate the buildings at the ribbon cutting June 6. Camp Hearn is named in honor of Bishop Woodrow Hearn, former bishop to the Texas Annual Conference and the auditorium bears the name of Bagley Hall in recognition of Reverend Bert Bagley, current pastor of Moody Memorial UMC of Galveston. According to B.T. Williamson, Assistant to the Bishop, the sacrificial gifts of the Moody Methodist Permanent Endowment Fund and individual donors will be remembered via framed documents in the new facility. See more photos at https://www.facebook.com/iheartlakeview

Highest Conference Giving: TAC Kudos Each year, Global Ministries gives awards that recognize excellence in giving through The Advance, an official program of The United Methodist Church for voluntary, designated, second-mile giving. Through The Advance, United Methodist annual conferences, districts, local churches, and organizations, as well as individuals and families, may choose to support mission programs or mission personnel with their financial gifts. Each Advance project has been vetted and approved by Global Ministries and Advance staff. The Texas Annual Conference led the denomination in giving to United States Disaster Response, Advance #901670. This project helps fund relief and recovery efforts by UMCOR to people in need in the United States. Find out more about how the funds are used here: http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Programs/Disaster-Response/US-Disaster-Response Churches and individuals in the United Methodist Church raised $2,357,800 for US Disaster Response in 2014. The Texas Annual Conference raised $166,868 of that total, more than any conference in the denomination. “As Mission Advocate for the South Central Jurisdiction,” notes Becky Harrell, “I am very proud of the Texas Conference and their continued outreach in response to the needs of others during and after disasters.”

South Central Jurisdiction Mission Camp The first 30 people to register for the South Central Jurisdiction Mission Academy get a $20 discount! With topics ranging from Disaster to Poverty to Leadership, you can create an academy experience that is all your own at Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian, TX this September 25-27. Make your course selections as you register.

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Congrats TAC Retirees! About 170 were in attendance on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 for the Retiree Worship Service and Luncheon hosted by the Board of Pension and Center for Clergy Excellence. Among the honored guests, 23 pastors chose the new appointment of “Retired” since the last Annual Conference. Several of those new retirees joined past retirees and surviving spouses to enjoy the festivities at Annual Conference. The Energy City New Horizon Saxophone Ensemble from Memorial Drive UMC brought the “Ragtime” entertainment as everyone enjoyed the good food and fellowship. Pictured: Front row – Sandra Smith, Ruby Nelson, Sara Curley, Carla Reed, Stephanie Scott Back row – Mark Young, Linda Summers Pierce, Harold Travis, Jim foster, Bruce Wood, Sue Carter, Jim Turley List of Retirees – 2014-2015 Rev. Danny Carter, Dr. Suzan (Sue) Carter, Rev. Sara Curley, Rev. James (Jim) Foster, Rev. Wineva Hankamer, Dr. Kathy Harrell, Dr. Keith Jenkins, Rev. Joel McMahon, Rev. Ruby Nelson, Dr. William (Bill) Newcomb, Rev. Linda Summer Pierce, Rev. Carla Reed, Rev. Karl Mervin Scott, Rev. Stephanie Scott, Rev. Willie Sears, Rev. D. Nick Sholars, Rev. Randall K. Smith, Rev. Sandra Smith, Rev. Harold Travis, Rev. James (Jim) Turley, Rev. Karen Williams, Dr. Bruce Wood, Dr. Mark Young See Retiree Videos at http://www.txcumc.org/2015annualconferenceretireevideos

Bishop Hayes to Preach at Riverside UMC The final service in Riverside's year-long celebration of its 75th Anniversary will feature special guest: Bishop Robert E. Hayes at 3 pm on Sunday, June 21 in the Riverside sanctuary at. 4920 Cullen Boulevard in Houston. Rev. Hayes' message entitled “In the name of God, Amen” will be the fourth in a series of sermons delivered by former pastors of Riverside over the past year.

Trinity UMC, Houston Hosting 150 Year Junteenth Celebration Events Trinity UMC is Hosting Several Events Celebrating 150 years since the abolition of Slavery in Texas. They are scheduled June 13-17. Learn more at http://www.juneteenthfest.com.