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SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE
of the United Church of Christ
9022 Long Point Road Houston, Texas 77055
(713) 647-9204-office(800) 565-5025-toll free
(713) 647-9200-faxsccucc.org
CONFERENCE STAFF
REV. DR. DON LONGBOTTOM DESIGNATED CONFERENCE
MINISTER
MRS. PAMELA MAYO OFFICE MANAGER AND
MINISTRY ASSISTANT
MINISTER CHERYL VON EHRENKROOK
MINISTER FOR SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES
REV. CHARLES l. STARK DIRECTOR OF OUTDOOR
MINISTRY
ASSOCIATION MINISTERS (employed by associations)
REV. DR. ELIZABETH K. NASH HEART OF TEXAS ASSOCIATION
REV. JASMINE QUINERLY HOUSTON ASSOCIATION
REV. STEVE WILSON NORTH TEXAS ASSOCIATION
“God is still speaking,”
Perfectly Imperfect on the Potter’s Wheel: Jeremiah 18:1-4 2016 CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING
Hilton Houston Post Oak
Table of Contents
Welcome to the Annual Meeting ……………………………………………………………2
Annual Meeting Agenda & Schedule ………………………………………………………3
Marriott Hotel Layout Map …………………………………………………………………….6
Speaker Biographies
Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer ……………………………………………………………....7
Rev. Dr. Don Longbottom …………………………………………………………….9
Kathy Blossom ……………………………………………………………………………11
Report of the Committee for New & Renewing Churches …………………….13
SCC Financial Reports ……………………………………………………………………………15
Back Bay Mission Annual Report …………………………………………………………. 25
Slumber Falls Camp and Retreat Center Annual Report ………………………. 26
Heart of Texas Association Report…………………………………………………………27
Houston Association Minister’s Annual Report ………................................29
New Orleans Association Moderator’s Report ………………………………………32
North Texas Association Minister’s Annual Report ….…............................33
Eden Hill Communities Annual Report ……………………………………………….....35
2016 Slate of Nominees & Biographies for Open Positions ……………….…..37
Roster of Workshops …………………………………………………………………………....43
2016 Annual Meeting Offerings……………………………………………………………..47
2016 Vendors ………………………………………………………………………………………..53
,
TO THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOUTH CENTRAL
CONFERENCE 2016
ALL OF THE CHURCHES OF THE HOUSTON ASSOCIATION ARE THRILLED
THAT YOU HAVE TRAVELED TO HOUSTON TO EXPERIENCE THE UNIQUE
FLAVOR OF SOUTH EAST TEXAS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOU ENJOYING NOT
ONLY THE CONFERENCE BUT ALSO THE MANY INTERESTING SITES AND
ENTERTAINMENT VENUES OF THE CITY.
WE WANT EACH OF YOU TO HAVE THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME THAT MAKES
YOU WANT TO RETURN AGAIN AND AGAIN TO HOUSTON.
THE CHURCHES OF THE HOUSTON ASSOCIATION:
BETHEL CHURCH UCC: REV. TEDDI KISSEL
CATHEDRAL OF HOPE UCC: REV. LYNETTE ROSS
CHRIST UNITED CHURCH OF CYPRESS; REV. JEFFREY WILLEY
FRIEDENS UCC OF BEASLEY: REV JOSHUA LAWRENCE
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UCC: REV. JON PAGE
GRACE UCC: REV. DAVID PANTERMUEHL
IMMANUEL UCC OF SPRING: REV. RON KRUEGER
JUST LOVE: REV. DARNELL FENNELL
PILGRIM UCC: PASTOR KEITH EDWARDS
PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL UCC BEAUMONT: PASTORS RHONDA & MATT HOPSON PLYMOUTH
UCC SPRING: REV. KRISTIN GALLE
ST. JOHN UCC OF HOUSTON: REV. DALE STAGGEMEIER
ST. JOHN’S UCC OF ROSENBERG: DANIEL HAAS
ST. PAUL’S UCC OF CORPUS CHRISTI: REV. BURTON BAGBY-GROSS
ST. PETER UCC: REV. VICKI SHEIL-HOPPER
VISION CHURCH UCC: REV. JOO KANG
MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE: REV. JASMINE QUINERLY, PAM MAYO,
RENEE THOMPSON AND REV. VICKI SHEIL-HOPPER.
2
Welcome
3
Perfectly Imperfect on the Potter's Wheel: Jeremiah 18:1-4 Time Event Location Speaker/s Coordinator/s
Friday
8:30-9:00 Executive Committee Meeting Board Room 2nd Floor Rev. Dan De Leon
8:30-12:30 Boundary Training 201 Westheimer Room 1st Floor Minister Cheryl Van Ehrenkrook
Rev. Vicki Sheil-Hopper
9:00-12:30 SCC BoD Meeting Board Room 2nd Floor Rev. Dan De Leon Stephen Baumgartner
11:00-1:00 Registration Foyer 1st Floor Pamela Mayo Pilgrim UCC and Immanuel Spring UCC
11:00 am Silent Auction Opens Concorde B & C *** Rev. Leslie Jackson and Marcus Carter
11:00 am CUE Book Sale Open Foyer 1st Floor *** Rev. Lori Keaton
11:00 am Vendors Open Concorde B & C *** Rev. Teddy Kissel and Bethel UCC
12:00-12:30 Delegate Training Wheel Alignment Concorde A 1st Floor James Wilson
Roberts Rules of Order Dwayne Simpson
12:30-12:45 Break
12:45-1:15 Opening Ceremony Rev. Kathy Fox Choir Ballroom A 1st Floor Rev. David Pantermuehl Minister Sabrina Jennings
1:15-1:30 Speak Out Ballroom A 1st Floor Rev. Joshua Lawrence 1:30-2:15 Plenary Meeting Ballroom A 1st Floor
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2:15-2:30 Break
2:30-3:30 Workshop 1 Reshaping the Wheel Westheimer 1st Floor Dr. Dana Smith Pastor Rhonda Hopson
2:30-3:30 Workshop 2 Earthen Vessels’…Golden Opportunites
Concorde A 1st Floor Terry Martinez and Rev. Lori Keaton
2:30-3:30 Workshop 3 In the Potter’s Hand Galleria C Rev. Nikki Stahl Minister Sylvia Richards
2:30-3:30 Workshop 4 The Blessings in the Vessels Director’s Room 1st Floor Pamela Mayo
2:30-3:30 Workshop 5 What’s in Your Church Kiln? Ballroom A Rev. Bill and Gail Royster Margaret Smith
3:45-4:15 Planning for Southern Regional Women’s Conference
Westheimer 1st Floor Rev. Jasmine Quinerly Evette Scales
5:30-6:30 Reception Outside Blvd. Ballroom
6:30-8:00 Banquet
Pots of Every Age Blvd. Ballroom 1st Floor Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer
Dale Bonds-Introduction Rev. Burton Bagby-Grose- MC Rev. Dale Staggemeier-Presenter
8:00-9:00 Worship A Variety of Pots Plymouth Spring UCC Choir
Ballroom A 1st Floor Rev. Dr. Don Longbottom Rev. Daniel Haas and Rev. Tim Marquez
5
Time Event Location Speaker Coordinator
Saturday
8:00-8:45 Clergy Breakfast Clay Post Oak Room Rev. Dr. Don Longbottom
Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer Rev. Vicki-Sheil Hopper
9:00-10:15 Worship Pilgrim UCC Choir Ballroom A 1st Floor Kathy Blossom
Rev. Ron Krueger and Beth Gleason
10:15-10:30 Break Eden Hill Communities
10:30-12:00 Statements of Hope and Q and A Ballroom A 1st Floor Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer
Rev. Sid Hall and Rev. Bill Royster
12:30-1:30 Lunch Music- Soul Fruit Blvd. Ballroom 1st Floor Rev. Dr. Sharon Beazer
1:30 Silent Auction closes Concorde B & C Rev. Leslie Jackson and Marcus Carter
2:00-2:15 Speak Out Ballroom A 1st Floor Rev. Teddy Kissell Rev. Joshua Lawrence
2:15-3:00 Plenary Ballroom A 1st Floor
3:00-3:30 Closing Ceremony Ballroom A 1st Floor Pastor Keith Edwards Vendors Close Concorde B & C
Sunday
Time Event Location Speakers Coordinator
8:30-3:30 Boundary Training 101 Westheimer Room 1st Floor Minister Cheryl Von Ehrenkrook
1st Floor
6
2nd Floor
7
The South Central Conference Welcomes
Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer (John) goes where he feels a sense of call. This has sometimes taken him down paths he didn’t choose. Rev. Dorhauer says he believes that the sacred moves among us and when his openness to her is genuine, he feels God’s pleasure. By the urging of the sacred and a nudge from friends, Rev. Dorhauer has surrendered to the call to serve the church in this way and at this time in his ministry. Rev. Dorhauer feels that the best days of the United Church of Christ are ahead of us. That being said, Rev. Dorhauer also feels that the United Church of Christ’s “future mission must remain consistent with our historic commitments to maintain the unity of the body in the spirit of peace and our current call to offer God’s extravagant love to all.” As a result of his passion for the vitality of our shared mission, and his conviction that adaptive abilities are essential to our ongoing health, John’s new book Beyond Resistance: The Institutional Church Meets the Postmodern World, addresses what we can be doing to prepare well for a time a great change. It is due out in print early in June.
Rev. Dorhauer is passionate about justice. Two statements that shape his theology are: God is love. God is just. His passion for love and justice drives
8
him. His entire ministry has been a response to the call to help recreate the church in the image of a God who shows no partiality.
On the day that Arizona became a marriage equality state, Rev. Dorhauer was positioned on the steps of the county court house with a sign, “We stand ready to marry you,” and therefore Rev. Dorhauer became the first person to perform a legal same sex wedding in the state of Arizona when he joined David Laurence and Kevin Patterson in holy matrimony.
Rev. Dorhauer focused his doctoral studies on White Privilege. He intends to lead the church’s Sacred Conversations on Race by calling the Church into a similar broad and ongoing conversation on the role and impact of White Privilege on our denomination. Rev. Dorhauer invites the United Church of Christ into a deep, nuanced, and honest examination of and meaningful dialogue about what George Lipsitz calls ‘our possessive investment in whiteness.’
Along with his passion for justice, Rev. Dorhauer has a passion for and love of baseball, specifically the St. Louis Cardinals. He can quote to you some unbelievable stats, not just about the Cards, but other teams, as well, and yet the person he most wants to meet from history: Jackie Robinson – not at all a St. Louis Cardinal. When Rev. Dorhauer is not extolling the goodness of the Cards, his recreation time includes a love of golf and long bike rides.
Rev. Dorhauer married the first woman he ever kissed and has been in love with her ever since, a span of time soon to hit 31 years of marriage. They have three children: a composer, an artist, and a poet. Rev. Dorhauer’s favorite hymn is “Be Thou My Vision.” He loves music of all kinds; his favorite artist are Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Nancy Griffith, and Mozart. He almost always has music playing around him. Along with that love of music is also an appreciation of good literature and poetry. Fyodor Dostoevsky is his favorite author and Emily Dickenson is his favorite poet.
9
Meet Rev. Dr. Don Longbottom, The south Central Conference’s New Designated
Conference Minister
The South Central Conference Board of Directors is pleased to announce the call of the Rev. Dr. Donald Longbottom to serve as Designated Conference Minister in service to the South Central Conference. After meeting with the Board at our April 16th quarterly business meeting, presenting his vision for how the SCC is to move forward, responding to the Board’s questions and concerns, and dialoging with us about the future of our Conference, Dr. Longbottom proved to be clearly called by God to serve the SCC and to have the experience and skill set to effectively minister to, among, and with our SCC churches. After being officially extended the call to serve as Designated Conference Minister for the South Central Conference, Dr. Longbottom enthusiastically accepted.
Dr. Don, as he is affectionately called, grew up in Yuma, Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University with both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Political Science. After working the next few years, Dr. Don attended Golden Gate Seminary where he graduated with honors. His first congregation was Immanuel Baptist Church in Alameda, Ca. While serving this congregation, he was accepted into the PhD program at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Ca. His field
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of study was social ethics. Ultimately, Don received his doctorate in 2001 from Andover Newton School of Religion.
As his theological convictions matured, Dr. Don was attracted to the Mennonite Church over issues of social justice as defined by the life of Christ. After having served Mennonite congregations in Ohio and Kansas, he served as a chaplain at Prairie Psychiatric Hospital in Newton, Kansas.
Since 1991, Dr. Don has served throughout the United States as a Senior Minister in the United Church of Christ. His final settled ministry was at Countryside Community UCC, a 2,000-member congregation. While serving at Countryside, he was invited by Senator Chuck Hagel to open the U.S. Senate with prayer.
Beginning in 2006 he began serving highly conflicted congregations. Utilizing techniques taken from Appreciative Inquiry and insights gained over many years as a church leader, Dr. Don has helped numerous fractured congregations to work their way back to health and wholeness.
Rev. Dr. Longbottom is currently the Designated Senior Minister at Church of the Beatitudes in Phoenix, Arizona. He lives north of Phoenix with his spouse Mary Ann and his 91-year-old mother, June. They have two beloved Vizslas (aka Hungarian Pointers). Dr. Don is a lifelong Cowboys fan having attended ASU during the Danny White era.
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Kathy Blossom
Featured Speaker
Saturday Morning Worship
Kathy Blossom was born and raised in Oklahoma. Marriage to her husband, Stan, who had a career in the oil industry, has been an adventure of living in several different states but they now call Montgomery, Texas, “home.” Kathy considers her first and most rewarding career to be the stay-at-home mother of their two sons, but when both her sons went off to college, Kathy went back to school, as well, to complete her bachelor’s degree in Fine Art that she had started before the kids came along. She graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2002. Her artwork has been shown in galleries across Texas and she was recently featured in Texas Highways magazine. Kathy and Stan are enjoying life on Lake Conroe where they built their home and her pottery studio.
The idea for Kathy’s program that she brings to us this weekend began while in college and it has become a dream-come-true for her as her ministry of bringing God’s message from the “potter’s house” continues to grow and be blessed.
SCHOLARSHIP
JUSTICE
PRACTICE
Brite Divinity School educates women and men to lead
in the ministry of Christ’s church, the academy, and
public life as witnesses to God’s reconciling and
transforming love and justice.
In recognition of our shared commitment to the church,
Brite Divinity School celebrates the
2016 Annual Meeting of the
South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ.
2925 Princeton Street Fort Worth, Texas 76129
(817) 257-7575www.brite.edu
13
Report of the New & Renewing Churches Committee
Dear Members of the South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ,
I am pleased to report to you that the South Central Conference Committee for New & Renewing Churches took action to facilitate the growth of our churches, both in number and in spirit, during this past year! We continued to work with new congregation development and affiliation. We also continued the New Beginnings Program that was offered through our national office to strengthen existing churches. We met regularly to discuss our progress as a committee and make any decisions regarding the congregations and their pastors under our care. Please make an effort to thank committee members as you see them this weekend for being a crucial and necessary part of this challenging work.
Committee members are Rev. Karen Schmeltekopf, founding and former pastor of The Gathering in San Angelo, TX, Rev. Jon Haack, Senior Pastor of Promise UCC, Dallas, TX, Ann Stockert, Lay Member and long time UCC leader, Rev. Bill Royster, retired Pastor and Conference leader, Ted Neely, dedicated UCC lay leader in our conference, and Rev. Kathy Fox, Pastor of Christ Church Firewheel.
New Church Statistics & Highlights
First of all, it has been very exciting to see 2 of our new church starts move through the entire process of development – from conception to full standing in an association.
Congratulations to Rev. Ron Trimmer and Hope United, Georgetown, TX!
Congratulations to Rev. Ken Erhke and Embrace United Church of Christ, Mid Cities, Dallas, TX!!
Secondly, we want to congratulate Rev. Sid Hall and Trinity UMC/UCC who took a very bold step to initiate and conceive of being a dually affiliated church in Austin, TX. The process to fulfill this undertaking was extensive and filled with lots of prayer. We were overjoyed to be a part of this process and its completion during the past year.
Other churches have contacted us to work with them toward affiliation as well but we are still in the very early stages of that work. We are nurturing these churches to become a vibrant part of our conference when they become official.
Presently we officially have 4 new church starts in the SCC:
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The Gathering, San Angelo, TX. Rev. Steve Davis, Interim Pastor
Christ Church Firewheel, Garland, TX. Rev. Kathy Fox, Pastor
Just Love UCC, Houston, TX, Rev. Darrell Fennnell, Pastor
Open Cathedral, (location yet to be determined), Rev. Ron Hart, Pastor
We invest a great deal of time and energy to educate and promote the covenantal relationship of local UCC churches with the wider church, and the ways that these covenants undergird our response to be open to how and where God’s Spirit leads us.
Our committee offered financial support to renewing churches entering the New Beginnings Program of the UCC, and Bill Royster has continued to serve as our committee Liaison to work with this project.
The Committee also set up a liaison arrangement so that each member of the committee is a partner with one of our new church pastors.
During 2015 each of our new churches was offered a $1000 grant from our funds to pursue an outreach project of their creative conceiving. We were also able to offer reimbursement to Pastors of new or renewing churches to participate in the webinars provided by the Center for Progressive Renewal. We have also helped several of our churches with a minimal amount of dollars for rent, church insurance, and pastor’s health insurance. We DO NOT pay Pastor’s salaries. Salaries and other new church related expenses are raised through the fund-raising efforts of the new church start and the Pastor herself.
2016 Outlook
We are thankful for the support you have provided to us and give thanks to God for the many blessings we receive as we strive to dream of new ways to reach God’s people. Our work is a great example of the imagination and innovation that can be experienced through God’s amazing grace and Spirit moving through our conference!
In God’s love & grace,
Rev. Kathy Fox
Chairperson for the New & Renewing Committee of the SCC of the UCC
South Central Conference U.C.C. Income By Church Summary
January through December 2015
Special offerings report for South Central Conference as of 12/31/2015 ~ - I
I
I-
5 for 5 January - December 2015 OCWM OGHS NIN voe ---
~ -,Annual Meeting SSC 1,206.00
x 0320 Hope United-Georgetown 1,360.00 168.00 100.00 20.00 X 0415 'Church of the Savior 1,342.89 I 100.00 100.00 100.00
1-- t
X 0330 Congregational U.C.C.-Austin 14,499.96 302.00 1 739.00 246.00 X 0380 - Faith U.C.C. - Bryan 2,914.00 440.00 405.00 659.00
0560 Friedens U.C.C. Gay Hill
X 0980 Friedens U.C.C.- Washington 120.00 245.53 25.00 80.00 X 0425 Friends Congregational - C.Station 5,024.00 1,979.00 1,867.00 1,644.12 X 0750 Evangelical U.C.C. 2,600.00 322.00 150.00 369.00
-f---
0722 Rolling Hills Community -Lago Vista 1,712.51 X 0390 St. John U.C.C.-Burton 12,999.63 25.00 25.00 25.00
1----
X 0450 St. Peters Church-Coupland 6,127.00 249.00 100.00 1,931.00 0340 United Christian Church-Austin 5,004.00 I 1
X 10990 Weimar U.C.C-Weimer 8,820.00 294.00 185.00 1 412.00 I 62,523.99 4,124.53 3,696.00 5,486.12
I f---
0600 Bethel U.C.C.-Houston 215.00 ~ ~ --X 0460 Christ U.C.C.-Cypress 513.00 497.00 425.00 389.00 - - 1--- -
0605 Community of Faith-Houston
-;10510 Cathedral of Hope-Houston 1,500.00 405.00 229.00 260.00l X 0620 First Congregational-Houston 17,000.00 1,455.00 1,653.00 2,445.00
1--+ X 0350 Friedens U.C.C.-Beasley 1,180.00 75.00 90.00 119.00 --I-
X 10655 Grace U.C.C.-Houston 8,568.00 724.00l 422.00 ' 1,164.00
~ 780 t mmanuel U.C.C.-Needville I
- --x ~0940 Immanuel U.C.C.-Spring 7,500.00 948.85 1,250.00 1,857.92
- 1--
i0660 Pilgrim Congregational-Houston 324.50 626.00 455.00 775.62
X j036~ ~mouth Cong. U.C.C.-Beaumont 200.00 30.00 120.00 140.00 ~ -
0945 Plymouth U.C.C.-Spring 4,055.50 540.00 566.00 -f--- -
X 0670 St. John U.C.C.-Houston 300.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 f-
431 .00 1 x 0870 St. John-Rosenberg 3,674.48 . 250.00 , 560.00 ~ 0690 1st. Peter U.C.C.-Houston I 4,727.63 1 155.00 160.00 1 125.00 X 0955 Vission Church of Houston 200.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 )
0695 St. Thomas CSI I I
49,743.11 6,226.85 5,745.00 7,960.54 1
r - - I
I I
X 0160 St Paul UCC New Iberia 300.00 300.00 300.00 300.00 -0180 Beecher Memorial-New Orleans
-X 0210 CENTRAL St Mathewl-New Orleans 6,000.00 I 870.00 1,077.00 258.00
0213 First Trinty Evangel-New Orleans I 0255 I Freedom Fellowship
-250.00
521.oo l X 10215 Good Shepherd-Metairie 100.00 300.00 1 225.00 - I
~240 Little Farms U.C.C.-New Orleans 3,622.38 107.00 86.00 190.00
10280 Salem U.C.C.-New Orleans 1,565.00 70.00 25.00 10270 St. Paul U.C.C.-New Orleans r --
X 0170 Teche U.C.C.-New Iberia 2,800.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 New Orleans Assn 123.00 305.00
STC other Total Suppor
-f---·
141 .50 1
I 429.50
100.00 400.00 522.00T 1,809.00 215.00 1,719.00
0.00 80.00 3,500.00 3,930.53
1,632.00 7,122.12 62.00 903.00
0.00 25.00 100.00
117.00 1 2,397.00 ; 0.00
98.00 1 989.00 2,992.50 3,500.00 19,799.15
128.00 343.00 449.00 1,760.00
0.00 286.00 1,180.00 180.00 5,733.00 25.00 309.00
489.00 2,799.00 0.00
620.00 4,676.77 1,856.62
30.00 320.00 1,054.00 2,160.00
100.00 400.00 390.00 1,631 .00 170.00 , 610.00 25.00 1 100.00
0.00 3,946.00 0.00 23,878.39
300.00 1,500.00 0.00
742.00 8,947.00 0.00
r 0.00 310.18 285.00 1 1,641 .18 164.00 547.00
95.00 - - -
0.00 200.00 800.00
_,,_ I VI.._
_J_ 1--~
X 0885 The Gathering-San Angelo
X 0365 Embrace UCC
0555 Christ Church United Dallas 1--~ -- -X 0465 Cathedral of Hope Dallas
x 0470 !Central Congregational-Dallas
~ 85 Cosmopolitan U.C.C. - Dallas -
0490 T First Community -Dallas ~
X 0495 Promise UCC
X 0530 First Congregational-Ft. Worth t---
0320 First Samoan Con Christian-Arlington
X 1000 First United Church - West
0850 Friedens E & R UCC Riesel 1--1--
0730 Round Grove United Church-LewisvillE
0820 St. John U.C.C. Otto I ~ ~
X 0860 St. John U.C.C.-Robinson 1--f-- + X 10570 St. Paul U.C.C.-Gerald
x 0770 1st. Paul U.C.C.-Marlin L X 0500 St. Paul's E & R U.C.C.,-Dallas ,__ ~
X 0550 Union Congregational-Friona
X 0745 United Congregational U.C.C.-Lubbock
10744 Woodland Christian Church
X 10420 Zion U.C.C.-Clifton - -I-
X 11015 New Church
I I
I X 0890 Bethany Congregational-San Antonio
x 10900 Community UCC - San Antonio 10930 1Cross U.C.C.-Seguin
X 10795_ Faith U.C.C.-New Braunfels I- -
X 0580 Friedens U.C.C.-Geronimo
X 10760 Redeemer U.C.C.(Zuehl)-Marion
x 10440 St. Paul U.C.C.-Corpus Christi
l!074o St. Paul U.C.C.-Lockhart --
1south Texas Association I f 0120 Trinity U.C.C.(Niederwald)-Kyle I
I r -I - - -
1----··-- ----Individual gifts to OCWM National
South Central Conference U.C.C. Income By Church Summary
January through December 2015
L 14,760.38 2,082.00 1,958.00 1,494.00 -
I 148.00 81.00 105.00 228.00 282.00 135.00 1 200.00 263.00
18,000.00 350.00 1 350.00 350.00 17,500.08 540.00 10.00 1,060.00
-245.00 75.00
3,800.00 237.00 130.00 130.00 15,350.00 1,198.00 1,306.00
--25.00 25.00 30.00 85.00
-+ 80.00
2,500.00 438.00 230.00 I 602.93
618.00 1 500.00 441 .00 5,605.00 436.00 335.00 535.00
945.00 110.00 259.00 360.00 2,344.00 213.00 405.00 275.00 1,300.00 482.00 296.00 481 .00 1,000.00 150.00 70.00 69.00 2,500.00 340.00 285.00 296.00
1,392.28 105.00 95.00 633.00 1,000.00 I 500.00 500.00 500.00
73,691 .36 6,283.00 5,106.00 6,383.93
I
298.00 1 2,132.99 245.00 326.00 1,600.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
310.00 4,502.63 490.00 415.00 1,456.00
100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 1,706.50 430.00 245.00 101 .00 1,700.00 455.00 297.91 296.00
1,716.18
136.00 105.00
350.00 211 .00
130.00 605.00
25.00
- -
-315.00 -125.00 1 175.00 233.00 45.00
190.00
15.00 500.00
3,160.00 1
I ~
210.oof 100.00 1
374.00 --100.00 170.00 301 .00
-I
- +--
-f--
12,052.12 1,873.00 1,402.91 2,379.00 1,315.00 175.00 I
_J 214,151.96 20,589.38 17,907.91 I 23,703.59 13,129.68 ~ -
Plymouth Spring VOC 911.92
First Cong Ft. Worth VOC 1845.00 - - +
-f
: - - --I - - - I - -+- - --
Received to late for 2015 reporting
285.00 13,530.18
550.00 703.00
0.00 1,400.00
I 1,821:00 0.00
320.00 627.00
3,109.00 0.00
165.00 80.00
1,270.93 1,559.00 1,621 .00
854.00 393.00 1,461 .00
1,492.00 334.00
1,111 .00 0.00
848.00 2,000.00
393.oo I 19,325.93
·1,139.00 400.00
0.00 2,735.00
400.00 946.00
1,349.91 0.00 0.00 -0.00
0.00 6,969.91 0.00
4,178.00 83,503.56
- -- --
Page 2 of 2
04/13/16
South Central Conference UCC Pass Through Accounts for Budget, Mission, National UCC
Income and Disbursements year to date
Ordinary Income/Expense Income
Contribution-Conference Mission 4150 · Eden Seminary 4250 · Church World Service 4300 · Eden Hill Communities 4350 · Slumber Falls Camp 4400 · The Master's Workshop Camp 4450 · CUE Seminaries 4550 · Back Bay Mission 4900 · Misc Receipts From Churches 4950 · Pastor's Insurance Fund 4980 · New Church Development
Total Contribution-Conference Mission
Contributions-Conference Budget 4043 · OCWM - Individual 4200 · OCWM 4201 · OCWM rec after close of books 4240 · OCWM - Conference Only 4910 · FRIENDS of the Conference
Total Contributions-Conference Budget
Contributions-National UCC 4130 · ONA Coalition 4600 · OGHS -One Great Hour of Shar ... 4650 · NIN - Neighbors in Need 4700 · STC Strenghten The Church 4750 · voe (Christmas Fund)
Total Contributions-National UCC
Total Income
Gross Profit
Expense Disbursement-Conference Mission
5150 · Eden Seminary 5250 · Church World Service 5300 · Eden Hill Communities 5350 · Slumber Falls Camp 5400 · The Master's Workshop Camp 5450 · CUE Seminaries 5550 · Back Bay Mission 5741 · STC 50% for Church Developm .. . 5900 · Miscellaneous Transmittals 5950 · Pastor's Insurance Fund 5980 · New Church Development
Total Disbursement-Conference Mission
Disbursements-National UCC 5130 · ONA Coalition 5200 · OCWM-16% transmitted Natio .. . 5600 · OGHS -One Great Hour of Shar .. . 5650 · NIN - Neighbors In Need 5700 · STC - 50% Strenghten The Chu ... 5750 · voe -Veterans Of The Cross
Total Disbursements-National UCC
Jan - Dec 15
1,110.00 1,240.00 1,437.00 4,233.00 1,400.00 7,285.63 2,140.00 3,208.45
444.00 535.00
- - --23,033.08
10.00 214,151.96
455.00 3,500.00 7,165.00
225,281 .96
350.00 20,589.38 17,907.91 13,129.68 23,703.59
---
75,680.56 -----
323,995.60
323,995.60
1,110.00 1,240.00 1,437.00 4,233.00 1,400.00 7,285.63 2,140.00 6,564.84 3,208.45
444.00 535.00
29,597.92
350.00 34,264.30 20,589.38 17,907.91 6,564.84
23,703.59
103,380.02
Page 1
04/13/16
South Central Conference UCC Pass Through Accounts for Budget, Mission, National UCC
Income and Disbursements year to date
Trans. Conference Budget Income 5043 · OCWM - Individual 5210 · OCWM 84% Retained Conferen ... 5240 · OCWM - Conference Only 5910 · FRIENDS of the Conference
Total Trans. Conference Budget Income
Total Expense
Net Ordinary Income
Net Income
Jan - Dec 15
10.00 179,887.66
3,955.00 7,165.00
---191 ,017.66
----323,995.60
---
0.00
0.00
\(\:, Page2
12:33 PM
04/13/16
Cash Basis
South Central Conference UCC Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2015
ASSETS Current Assets
Checking/Savings 1000 · #1-Frost Checking/Gen Operating
Make a Difference Van Dyke Funds Just Peace Youth account Clergy Continuing Education Boundary Training Conf Ministers Relief Fund Conf/New Church Development Conference Disaster Ministry General Synod Escrow Leadership Development Fund ONA Convocation Pass Thru Church Apportionment Women's Ministries Annual Meeting Operating Acct. Annual Meeting projects Beecher Church Reserve Friends of sec Reserve Reserve for Office Furnishings Reserve for Audit Reserve Search Com/Relocation Reserve Continuing Education Reserve Conference Truck lnsura Reserve for Sabbatical General Operating Balance Acct.
Total 1000 · #1-Frost Checking/Gen Opera ...
Total Checking/Savings
Other Current Assets United Church Funds
1141 · New Church Development 1142 · Van Dyke Fund 1142b · Van Dyke Restricted 1143 · Make a Difference 1145 · Operating Reserve 1150 · FMV Excess Over Book
Total United Church Funds
Total Other Current Assets
Total Current Assets
Fixed Assets 1500 · Sharp MX-3501 N office copier 1510 · Office Equipment- Houston 1511 · Tool Equipment Hurricane Relief 1515 · HP L2005 Laptop Computer 1516 · Trucks (2) Slumber Falls Camp 1517 · CampTrailers 1520 · Slumber Falls Camp
Total Fixed Assets
TOTAL ASSETS
Dec 31, 15
7,709.50 6,768.05 4,701 .59 3,342.65
36.86 (181 92)
12,803.24 40,461 .73
5,000.00 10,426.54 19,130.77
211 .93 295.00
1,313.99 6,414.80 3,939.51 7,500.00 6,688.82 7,021 .44 2,000.00
11 ,176.84 350.00 834.02
10,418.48 70,450.09
238,813.93
238,813.93
153,311 .71 51 ,869.69 34,800.00 28,895.64 17,238.64
111 ,996.78 ---
398, 112.46 ----
398, 112.46
636,926.39
8,237.50 3,107.34 4,000.00 2,027.28
49,600.00 8,175.00
395,100.00
470,247.12
1,107,173.51
Page 1
12:33 PM
04/13/16
Cash Basis
South Central Conference UCC Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2015
Dec31 , 15
LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities
Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities
2099 · Payroll Liabilities SOCIAL SECURITY
Total 2099 · Payroll Liabilities
Total Other Current Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities
Total Liabilities
Equity 3010 · Fund Balance 3900 · Retained Earnings Net Income
Total Equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY
(0.07)
(0.07)
(007)
(0.07)
(0.07)
822,742.76 300,304.22 ( 5.873.40)
1,107,173.58
1,107,173.51
Page2
04/13/16
South Central Conference UCC Income by Church Summary (OCWM)
January through December 2015
Eden Hills 700 Brazos Association
0330-Congregational U.C.C.-Austin 0340-United Christian Church-Austin 0380-Faith U.C.C. - Bryan 0390-St. John U.C.C.-Burton 0415-Church of the Saviour 0425-Friends Congregational - C.Station 0450-St. Peters Church of Coupland U.C.C. 0565 Hope United 0722-Rolling Hills Community -Lago Vista 0750-Evangelical U.C.C. 0980-Friedens U.C.C.- Washington 0990-Weimar U.C.C-Weimer
Total 700 Brazos Association
704 Houston Association 0955-Vision Church of Houston 0350-Friedens U.C.C.-Beasley 0360-Plymouth Cong. U.C.C.-Beaumont 0460-Christ U.C.C.-Cypress 0600-Bethel U.C.C.-Houston 0605-Community of Faith-Houston 0610 Cathedral of Hope Houston UCC 0620-First Congregational-Houston 0655-Grace U.C.C. (Philippino merger) 0660-Pilgrim Congregational-Houston 0670-St. John U.C.C.-Houston 0690-St. Peter U.C.C.-Houston 0780-lmmanuel U.C.C.-Needville 0870-St. John-Rosenberg 0940-lmmanuel U.C.C.-Spring 0945-Plymouth U.C.C.-Spring
Total 704 Houston Association
708 New Orleans Association 0170-Teche U.C.C.-New Iberia 0180-Beecher Memorial-New Orleans 0210-CENTRAL St Mathewl-New Orleans 0255- Freedom Fellowship UCC 0215-Good Shepherd-Metairie 0240-Little Farms U.C.C.-New Orleans 0270-St. Paul U.C.C.-New Orleans 0280-Salem U.C.C.-New Orleans 708 New Orleans Association - Other
Total 708 New Orleans Association
712 North Texas Association 1015 New Church 0365 Embrace UCC 0555 Christ Church United 0420-Zion U.C.C.-Clifton 0465-Cathedral of Hope 04 70-Central Congregational-Dallas 0485-Cosmopolitan U.C.C.-Dallas 0490-First Community -Dallas 0495 Promise UCC 0500-St. Paul's E & R U.C.C.-Dallas 0530-First Congregational-Ft. Worth 0550-Union Congregational-Friona 0570-St. Paul U.C.C.-Gerald 0730-Round Grove United Church-Lewis ... 0744-Woodland Christian Church 0745-United Congregational U.C.C.-Lubb ...
Jan - Dec 15
14,499.96 5,004.00 2,914.00
12,999.63 1,342.89 5,024.00 6,127.00 1,360.00 1,712.51 2,600.00
120.00 8,820.00
0.00
62,523.99
200.00 1,180.00
200.00 513.00
0.00 0.00
1,500.00 17,000.00 8,568.00
324.50 300.00
4,727.63 0.00
3,674.48 7,500.00 4,055.50
49,743.1 1
2,800.00 0.00
6,000.00 250.00 100.00
3,622.38 300.00
1,565.00 123.00
14,760.38
1,000.00 282.00
0.00 1,392.28
18,000.00 17,500.08
0.00 0.00
3,800.00 1,300.00
15,350.00 1,000.00
945.00 2,500.00
0.00 2,500.00
Jan - Dec 14
1,000.00
14,600.00 5,000.00 1,250.00
12,950.46 1,014.35 4,556.00 4,000.00
900.00 1,284.37 2,600.00
0.00 8,820.00
56,975.18
0.00 962.00 300.00 469.00 374.23
1,000.00 3,000.00
17,000.00 8,598.00
300.00 300.00
4,709.39 7,100.00 3,640.50 7,500.00 4,356.00
59,609.12
3,000.00 1,322.00 7,195.00
500.00 25.00
3,380.19 500.00
1,380.00 0.00
17,302.19
0.00 1,000.00
300.00 1,670.71
17,215.00 17,000.04 2,000.00 6,400.00 6,000.00 1,300.00
16,050.08 1,000.00 1,330.00 5,000.00
150.00 2,000.00
$ Change
(1,000.00)
(100.04) 4.00
1,664.00 49.17
328.54 468.00
2,127.00 460.00 428.14
0.00 120.00
0.00
5,548.81
200.00 218.00
(100.00) 44.00
(374.23) (1,000.00) (1,500.00)
0.00 (30.00) 24.50
0.00 18.24
(7,100.00) 33.98
0.00 (300.50)
(9,866.01)
(200.00) (1,322.00) (1,195.00)
(250.00) 75.00
242.19 (200.00) 185.00 123.00
(2,541 .81)
1,000.00 (718.00) (300.00) (278.43) 785.00 500.04
(2,000.00) (6,400.00) (2,200.00)
0.00 (700.08)
0.00 (385.00)
(2,500.00) (150.00) 500.00
Page 1
04/13/16
South Central Conference UCC Income by Church Summary (OCWM)
January through December 2015
Jan - Dec 15 Jan - Dec 14
0770-St. Paul U.C.C.-Marlin 2,344.00 1,869.00 0860-St. John U.C.C.-Robinson 5,605.00 6,085.00 0885 The Gathering 148.00 167.50 1000-First United Church-West 25.00 100.00
Total 712 North Texas Association 73,691.36 86,637.33
716 South Texas Association 0440-St. Paul U.C.C.-Corpus Christi 1,700.00 1,700.00 0580-Friedens U.C.C.-Geronimo 100.00 500.00 0760-Redeemer U.C.C.(Zuehl)-Marion 1,706.50 2,598.00 0795-Faith U.C.C.-New Braunfels 4,502.63 4,465.00 0890-Bethany Congregational-San Antonio 2,132.99 2,526.18 0900-Community UCC - San Antonio 1,600.00 1,000.00 0930-Cross U.C.C.-Seguin 310.00 395.00
Total 716 South Texas Association 12,052.12 13,184.18
South Central Cont. 1,206.00 1,030.00
TOTAL 213,976.96 235,738.00
$ Change
475.00 (480.00)
(19.50) (75.00)
(12,945.97)
0.00 (400.00) (891.50)
37.63 (393.19) 600.00 (85.00)
(1 132.06)
176.00
(21,761.04)
\,, I
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12:44 PM South Central Conference UCC 04/13/16 2015 Actual Income and Expenses vs. Annual Budget Cash Basis Income and Expenses year to date vs. annual budget
Jan - Dec 15 Budget $ Over Budget
Ordinary Income/Expense Income
Contributions-Conference Budget 4043 · OCWM - Individual 10.00 200.00 (190.00) 4200 · OCWM 214,151 .96 225,000.00 (10,848.04) 4201 · OCWM rec after close of books 455.00 4240 · OCWM - Conference Only 3,500.00 2,000.00 1,500.00 4243 · Reserve Income if needed 1,000.30 1,000.30 0.00 4910 · FRIENDS of the Conference 7,165.00 9,000.00 (1 ,835.00)
Total Contributions-Conference Budget 226,282.26 237,200.30 (10,918.04)
Total Income 226,282.26 237,200.30 (10,918.04)
Gross Profit 226,282.26 237,200.30 (10,918.04)
Expense Conference Minister
6714 · Salary Conference Minister 20,312.50 20,350.00 (37.50) 6724 · Housing Conference Minister 24,375.00 24,375.00 0.00 6713 · Cont Minister living adjust 1,340.57 1,350.00 (9.43) 6734 · Pension Conference Minister 3,937.48 4,000.00 (62.52) 6735 · Insurance Conference Minister 8,540.00 8,550.00 (10.00)
Total Conference Minister 58,505.55 58,625.00 (119.45)
Boards/Committees 6200 · Conference Committees/Ministry 75.11 750.00 (674.89) 6300 · Board of Directors 3,246.62 1,700.00 1,546.62 6886 · Cont. Minister's Discretionary 100.00 1,000.00 (900.00)
Total Boards/Committees 3,421.73 3,450.00 (28.27)
Conference Expense 6360 · General Synod Delegates 6,500.00 6,500.00 0.00 6568 · Search Committee/Relocation 4,200.00 4,200.00 0.00 6740 · Property & Liability 11 ,654.00 12,000.00 (346.00) 6741 · Worker's Compensation 324.00 460.00 (136.00)
Total Conference Expense 22,678.00 23,160.00 (482.00)
Conference Office Operations Operations/Administration
6770 · Professional Fees 0.00 500.00 (500.00) 6780 · Rent 11 ,600.00 12,000.00 (400.00) 6790 · Conference Minister Travel 11 ,170.27 12,000.00 (829.73) 6800 · Supplies and postage 10,342.30 10,500.00 (157.70) 6805 · Cont. Min. Continuing Educati... 1,146.94 1,300.00 (153.06) 6810 ·Telephone/ Technology 4,295.70 6,500.00 (2 ,204.30) 6885 · Misc. monthly fees 299.07 600.00 (300.93)
Total Operations/Administration 38,854.28 43,400.00 (4,545.72)
Payroll Interim Conference Minister
6799 · Interim Cont Minister Pension 4,876.67 4,876.67 0.00 6797 · Interim Cont Min Health & D ... 3,708.97 3,993.97 (285.00) 6798 · Interim Cont. Minister cont .... 950.00 1,200.00 (250.00) 6794 · Interim Cont. Minister Salary 12,833.37 12,833.37 0.00 6792 · Interim Cont. Minister Housi... 22,000.00 22,000.00 0.00 6793 · Interim Cont. Minister Travel 7,279.70 8,000.00 (720.30)
Total Interim Conference Minister 51 ,648.71 52,904.01 (1 ,255.30)
Office Administrator 6702 · Ministry Assistant Salary 6,804.26 6,900.00 (95.74) 6567 · Newsletter Contract 6,242.43 6,280.00 (37.57)
Total Office Administrator 13,046.69 13,180.00 (133.31)
Page 1
12:44 PM
04/13/16
Cash Basis
South Central Conference UCC 2015 Actual Income and Expenses vs. Annual Budget
Income and Expenses year to date vs. annual budget
Jan - Dec 15 Budget $ Over Budget
Other Payroll Expenses 6560 · SS and Medicare-Staff 501 .40 1,010.00 (508.60)
6566 · Ministerial Support 430.00 500.00 (70.00)
Total Other Payroll Expenses 931.40 1,510.00 (578.60)
Total Payroll 65,626.80 67,594.01 (1,967.21)
Total Conference Office Operations 104,481 .08 110,994.01 (6,512.93)
Cooperative Affiliations 6020 · National Legal Fees 1,575.60 1,625.00 (49.40) 6830 · Council of Conference Ministers 805.00 830.00 (25.00) 6840 · CUE Seminaries 551 .00 575.00 (24.00)
Total Cooperative Affiliations 2,931 .60 3,030.00 (98.40)
Disbursements-National UCC 5200 · OCWM-16% transmitted National 34,264.30 36,000.00 (1,735.70)
Total Disbursements-National UCC 34,264.30 36,000.00 (1,735.70)
Total Expense 226,282.26 235,259.01 (8,976.75)
Net Ordinary Income 0.00 1,941.29 (1,941.29)
Net Income 0.00 1,941.29 (1,941 .29)
"\ I ,
Page2
25
Back Bay Mission, a community ministry of the United Church of Christ in Biloxi, Mississippi, has had an exciting year!
In January, Back Bay Mission was recognized for helping end veteran homelessness in Biloxi and Gulfport. While not every instance of veteran homelessness can be prevented, there are now the resources to keep those instances rare, brief, and nonrecurring.
In February, Back Bay Mission opened God’s Green Acres, a client-suggested and client-led community garden on the Mission campus. Clients will be able to use the produce they grow and are donated some of the produce to the food pantry!
The Mission also began work on a new build in Gulfport. This property will be sold as affordable housing when completed.
In March, the Mission posted new worship materials on its website. Please feel free to use these materials to host a Mission-themed service in your congregation!
In April, the Mission released a statement opposing Mississippi’s HB 1523, which allows businesses, nonprofits, and government employees to discriminate against LGBT members of our community. The Mission also announced the 2016 Shari Prestemon Social Justice Interns: Sheryl Garcia and Sherell Shippen.
You can read about all of this and more on our website: thebackbaymission.org. You can also sign up for our email newsletter on the site.
Thank you, South Central Conference, for all of your wonderful support!
Back Bay Mission is a community ministry of the United Church of Christ in Biloxi, Mississippi, and the only presence of the United Church of Christ on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Mission meets the urgent needs of those living in poverty while building pathways to social justice. It leads the way in delivering services, creating collaborative solutions, and transforming lives through mission immersion experiences.
26
2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE
This year is shaping up to be another exciting year at Slumber Falls Camp, your SCC Outdoor Ministry Site. This summer we are proud to announce that our summer camp program will be under the direction of the Rev. Jeremy Albers. He is a product of the SFC SALT program and a long time director. Jeremy is an ordained DOC minister who has experience as Program Director for the Disciples Trinity-Brazos Area. Jeremy has hired 4 U.S. SALT workers and 4 International SALT workers who will serve primarily as counselors for each of our camps. There is still time to register for camp so I encourage you to do so.
With the ever increasing costs of a week of camp, scholarship support is an essential part of making this powerful experience open to more people. I am thankful that we are able to provide these scholarships which make it possible for campers with limited resources to attend camp.
We continue to depend on the financial support of the congregations in the conference. Please remind your congregations that their support of the camp is essential to our shared ministry. If you would like a visit to help explain the vital importance of Outdoor Ministry to the life and mission of the wider church, please contact the camp office.
Slumber Falls Camp was blessed by the major gifts that we received from the sale of Community UCC in San Antonio. These gifts will make a significant impact on our ministry for years to come. Thanks to the members at Community Church for their commitment to supporting our outdoor ministry program.
We have color brochures with information about our 2016 summer camp program available at the annual meeting display table. Please pick some up and share them with friends, neighbors and in your workplace.
We are still recruiting Volunteer Staff for each of our camps. You can apply online at our web site and then follow the process which includes criminal background checks and an online boundary training course. Please remember that we have a Volunteer Incentive Program. If you agree to be a counselor for a week of camp, your child can attend a week of camp for free!
If you visit the camp, be sure and check out our new State Historical Marker at our entrance. This beautiful marker is a testament to the incredible history of the site. This marker was funded by memorial funds for long time camp supporter Ann Schoeneman.
I hope to see you soon.
Rev. Charles L Stark Director of Outdoor Ministry
"Camp for a Week, Friends for Life"™
SLUMBER FALLS CAMP & RETREAT CENTER 3610 River Road • New Braunfels, TX 78132
Office 830-625-2212 Fax 830-625-4688
[email protected] www.slumberfalls.org
27
Heart of Texas Association Minister’s Report
This past year, the Heart of Texas Association has continued the detailed work of joining the former South Texas and Brazos Associations after we voted to merge last spring. During the summer, several of us on the Executive Board worked on a new Constitution and By-Laws, with Moderator John Boydston providing the leadership. We voted to approve this document last fall, although it remains a work in progress as we continue to see what will work in terms of the makeup of the Executive Board, the schedule of fall and spring meetings, and the location of meetings. Our two Associations, of course, had different ways of doing things, and we continue to evaluate what will work for this group that is expanded in distance and number of churches. Our co-treasurers, Larry Winkelmann and Joe Ward, did the work of combining and transferring accounts as of last January. We continue with Joe as treasurer, and offered Larry our profound thanks at our spring meeting for his many years of faithful work. Our Committee on Ministry has been able to merge effectively, with members representing churches from all over the Association. All of this has been a major part of my work for the past year. With the continued goodwill of our member churches, who have been gracious and positive, we will develop new ways of meeting and being together as we do Christ’s ministry.
A joyous part of my ministry this year has been getting to know new churches and new people. As with the Heart of Texas churches from the former Brazos Association (where I had served as Association Minister for several years), the churches new to my ministry from the former South Texas Association are full of welcoming and warm people. It is a privilege to be able to visit with them to get to know them.
Another joyous part of this work has been to welcome new churches. This past fall, we met as an Association at Trinity United Church of Austin (formerly Trinity United Methodist), voting to grant them dual standing as a United Methodist and a UCC church. At our spring meeting, we gathered at the worship space of Hope United in Georgetown, voting to give our friends at this church born five years ago full standing now in the Heart of Texas Association. Both of these churches are full of life, creative ministries, and a rich faith dedicated to including all people. It has been inspiring to work with both of them, and I look forward to our ongoing ministry together.
One bittersweet time this year was to be part of the closing service of Community UCC in San Antonio. Community decided to close after engaging in the UCC New Beginnings process. They did so in a generous and good way, inviting members, supporters, and friends to a lovely worship service and dinner, and giving major gifts to ongoing ministries from the sale of their building.
28
A continuing privilege of my ministry is to work with Members in Discernment, including those preparing for ordination and licensure, as well as with new licensed ministers. I am currently teaching History and Polity in the UCC and in the Christian Church/Disciples of Christ at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with students preparing for ministry. A special joy has been being part of the process to license Janet Sherman as a minister to serve with Scott Martin at Faith New Braunfels, welcoming Janet to continue to share her gifts after serving Trinity Niederwald as their pastor.
In other areas of my work and ministry this year, both in the wider church and in my personal faith journey, I have traveled with a UCC group to El Salvador, served as a General Synod delegate, joined a group led by Pilgrim UCC Houston on a Back Bay Mission work camp, and been an adult leader on the UCC/DOC Austin area and Friends Congregational Mission trip to Dallas. Right now, I am helping coordinate transportation from our Association churches to the UCC National Youth Event next July in Orlando, and look forward to being part of that trip with our youth.
My ministry in the Heart of Texas Association continues to be a great privilege, serving in Christ with many very fine and faithful people.
Blessings in Christ, Liz Nash, Heart of Texas Association Minister
29
Houston Association Minister’s Report
The assignment of the Houston Association Minister to stay connected to the congregations and clergy of the Association with pastoral support. A growth atmosphere is created for clergy to fellowship, support, encourage and enlighten each other regarding theological concepts, worship activities, and congregational visions. Support is offered to Executive Committee of the Houston Association, and the Committee on Ministry. As the position has demanded there has been a wonderful opportunity to invest in the ordinations, installations, and ecclesiastic councils to support the ministry journey of the Association.
This year following the communication activities of this Association, social media has been utilized to show the activities. The exposure of the joys and challenges of ministry lends support to between churches and congregations.
The Synod in Cleveland was a time of enlightenment for exposure to the working and education regarding The United Church of Christ. The last year’s education included exposure to the Resolutions, and the Credentials Committee, the election of a new national minister, and the exit of the former.
Some Houston Association interaction was very challenging as farewells were delivered to Rev. Douglas Anders, after 8 years of service to the Conference. The Association also had to say good bye some stabilizing clergy figures. Reverend Rosa Smith Williams left her Plymouth – Beaumont after more than 22 years of ministry, Reverend Ginny Brown Daniels left Plymouth –Spring after 11 years, and Cathi Cline, Minister of Justice and Witness moved to be near family. These persons were vital in leadership positions within not only with the Houston Association and the South Central Conference. Fortunately, God provided training, talent, and gifts to carry on the work of the Association. The Home Going Celebration of Rev. Fred Nixon, of Community of Faith was a challenge to release to God one of his servants, there was an introduction to leadership within the Disciples of Christ, and those relationships and communications are growing.
The joys of the year include the installation of Matthew and Rhonda Hopson at Plymouth – Beaumont, Joshua Lawrence at Friedens UCC - Beasley, Jon Page at First Congregational, and Mirjam Haas at St Paul's Presbyterian Needville. The ministry covenant relationship was established with Rev. Gail Kennebrew, Chairperson of Chaplain Services at M. D. Anderson Cancer Hospital, and Mona Lopez with Hospice Care Team - Texas City. Ordination of Leslie Jackson presented the covenant relationship with Cathedral of Hope – Houston, and the Association welcomed the spiritual gifts of Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner. The creation and training of a local Disaster Minister was timely, as soon after completion, that training was put to its task under the leadership of Rev. Mona Lopez.
30
Ecumenical events was enriching to the Association. Rev. David Mason assured the United Church of Christ had a voice with the new Mayor of Houston and soon after election hosted a prayer lunch. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, included Rev. Daniel Haas, and Rev. Joshua Lawrence and its planning. Several Houston clergy were in attendance. The United Campus Ministry at University of Houston has grown and increased activities with area denominations, while assisting students in their spiritual growth. As a result of these relationships, news information services have included the UCC in faith positions regarding gun control and other social justice issues. The expansion of the relationship also appears to be beneficial the clergy as employment and call to serve in ministry is increasing. Understanding we serve One God, always strengthens ministry and opportunities to serve all God’s people.
We continue to build partnerships with The Disciples of Christ, as the Houston Association supports and continues to support Rev. Darnell Fennell and the Just Love Launch which is meeting the needs of a growing community in the Medical Center area, with the assistance of Rev. Georgia Chambers, and Michelle Freeman.
The Houston Association continues to work in several rewarding volunteer opportunities including the Houston Food Bank, Settegast Heights, Back Bay Mission and most importantly assisting Cypress United UCC in their time of need when the rain waters impacted their church building and grounds. A spirit of cooperation on projects builds not only fellowship within the Association, but markets the UCC to the wider community, and is expected to reinforce the biblical principle that we all have a purpose in service. We are able to proudly report this Association owns and operates two of the finest Affordable Housing Complexes in the region being Settegast Heights and Plymouth Village. Rev. Lynnette Ross has provided leadership by identifying other opportunities to serve at the Houston Bank and congregations are excited to participate. In addition, Pulpit Exchanges, Crop Walk Against Hunger, Advent Worship and other cooperation efforts are planned to support fundraisers, ministry projects, and spiritual growth.
A building of ministry goals is the vital witness to God. This community of Faith will support and maintain its future by supporting young people with the National Youth Event, in Florida, and camp sessions at Slumber Falls. Financially and spiritually the youth are the future leaders in the denomination, and investment in this area will pay great dividends for years to come.
Association with the African Americans Women in Ministry, Houston Association Women’s Retreat, South Central Conference Search Committee, Back Bay Mission Board of Directors, CHISM Annual Meeting, Southern Women’s Retreat in Alabama, National Disaster Ministry supporting Louisiana, Cypress Texas and Flint Michigan, Committee on Ministry, and being Chairperson of the South Central Conference Annual Meeting has presented a wonderful opportunity to grow in God.
31
The Word of God that presently excites my soul…“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48, NIV) Rev. Jasmine Coleman Quinerly
32
NEW ORLEANS ASSOCIAITON OF SOUTH CENTRAL
CONFERENCE
GREETINGS FROM THE THIRTEEN (13) MEMBER CHURCHES, LOCATED FROM ABBEYVILLE, LA TO NEW ORLEANS, LA. OUR ASSOCIATION ALSO INCLUDES BACK BAY MISSION, LOCATED IN BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI.
SINCE THE ANNUAL MEETING 2015, OUR FALL MEETING WAS HELD AT LITTLE FARMS UCC, SENIOR PASTOR, REV, SUSAN LASALLE. THE MEETING INCLUDED THE ELECTION OF OFFICIERS FOR 2015-2017 TERM. THE FOLLOWING PERSONS WERE ELECTED, DEBRA JOSEPH- MODERATOR; GREG JOHNSON-VICE-MODERATOR; CAROL ETTER-TREASURER; AND MARTHA HUIE AS SECRETARY. THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE NOT ELECTED BUT SELECTED BY EACH CHURCH. PLANS WERE DISCUSSED FOR OUR 2016 INVITATION OF EDEN SEMINARY STUDENTS AND STAFF TO VISIT OUR CHURCHES. THREE CHURCHES –CENTRAL ST MATTHEW UCC, LITTLE FARMS UCC AND ST. PAUL’S UCC -VOLUNTEERED TO SPONSOR A STUDENT FOR A MARCH 2016 VISIT.
OUR SPRING ASSOCIATION MEETING WAS HELD ON MARCH 3 AT GOOD SHEPHERD UCC, SENIOR PASTOR RANDY GRAF. OUR THREE EDEN STUDENT ATTENDED OUR MEETING, ALONG WITH AN EDEN STAFF. A MEET AND GREET WAS HOSTED BY THE ASSOCIATION FOR OUR GUEST. TWO CANDIDATES PRESENTED THEIR ECCELESIATICAL PAPERS, WITH AFFIRMATION BY THE COUNCIL TO BE APPROVED FOR SPECIFIC MINISTRIES. THE STUDENTS AND STAFF FROM EDEN SEMINARY EACH PREACHED FROM CHURCH PULPITS ON SUNDAY MARCH 3. WE BEGAN PLANS FOR THE FALL ASSOCIATION MEETING AT BACK BAY MISSION ON OCTOBER 5. WE WILL SECURE A BUS FOR TRAVEL AND SPEND ABOUT 3 TO 4 HOURS DOING HANDS-ON COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
WE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE CONFERENCE AND THE NATIONAL CHURCH WITH OUT FINANCIAL SUPPORT. SUBMITTED BY DEBRA JOSEPH, MODERATOR
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North Texas Association Report
June 2016 Dear brothers and sisters, It has been almost eight months since I was called to serve as Association Minister of the North Texas Association in October 2015. It has been a wonderful time of fellowship and learning as I have met with ministers and congregations across the North Texas area. Much has occurred, many plans have been hatched and many changes have taken place in the Association over the past year, all as we seek to worship and serve God together. We thank God for the gift of new clergy who are serving among us. The Committee on Ministry installed Rev. Dr. Neil Cazares-Thomas as Senior Pastor at Cathedral of Hope, Rev. Ray Jordan as Associate Minister at Central Congregational UCC, and Rev. Allen Pope as Associate Minister for Outreach at Central Congregational UCC. The Association approved Rev. Ken Crawford, serving as Interim Pastor at St. Paul’s E&R UCC in Dallas, as an Ordained Ministerial Partner and approved Robert (Bobby) Kates for ordination pending receipt of a call. The Association approved Rev. Bern Bassig for Privilege of Call, altering his status from Dual Standing. Rev. Bassig serves as Pastor of Cosmopolitan UCC. We licensed Isabel Marquez, Yadi Martinez and Yinessa Romero for ministry at Cathedral of Hope, licensed Chad Stevick as Pastor of United Congregational Church in Lubbock and renewed the license of Ludi Manthei as Pastor of St. Paul UCC in Marlin. The Association approved Andre Volk as a Minister in Discernment and approved as Members in Discernment, Melissa Ashmore, Isabel Marquez, Yadi Martinez, Melanie Machann, Yinessa Romero, James “Cody” Trader, Jay Fuller, Todd Whitley and Eve Gorrell. The Committee on Ministry ordained Heather Roderborg at First Community UCC and she has begun her ministry in chaplaincy in Chicago. We praise God for the blessing of these new ministers in the NTA and for all those who are pursuing a call to ministry! The NTA was also blessed to receive two new congregations into covenantal membership in the United Church of Christ. Embrace UCC (formerly Cathedral of Hope Mid-Cities) in Bedford was received in November 2015. Embrace UCC is led by Rev. Ken Ehrke. New Church - Chiesa Nuovo in North Dallas was received in December 2015. New Church - Chiesa Nuovo is led by Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson and Rev. Alejandro De La Torre. Members of the Association and First Community UCC celebrated the ministry of Rev. Ed Middleton as he announced his retirement after eighteen years at FCC. Rev. Manda Lynn Adams has been called by First Community to serve as Designated Minister and is expected to begin her service this month. We were saddened that Rev. Anna Humble resigned from the position of Association Minister due to the relocation of her family to Austin but we remain grateful for the wonderful work that she did while she was here.
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Zion United Church recognized a milestone as they celebrated 125 years of service to God in the communities of Womack and Clifton.
We continue to see the fruits of renewal work commenced last year by the Executive Board of the Association and Rev. Anna Humble, the prior Association Minister; the financial standing of the NTA is stronger than it has been in years! Thank you to our treasurer Alice Miller and to all of the congregations of the NTA for your overwhelming support of our covenantal life together!
Another joy in our life together this past year has been the opportunity for clergy to come together, support each other, and grow. Thanks to Rev. Ken Crawford and Rev. Gary Kindley for coordinating clergy lunches in the DFW area. A number of UCC clergy in the NTA were also glad to accept an invitation for fellowship at an Advent Lunch hosted by the North Texas Area of the Christian Church (DOC).
Meanwhile, the Master’s Workshop Camp in Robinson is busy preparing for three camps this summer under the direction of their camp director and site manager Donnell Smith. The camp hosted the Spring Meeting of the NTA and all were impressed by the work that is being done to rejuvenate the camp. This great camp serves predominantly low-income children from the Waco area, and welcomes your support of their children in volunteer hours or donations! Talk to a member of the NTA Camp Advisory Board or check out their website (www.tmwcamp.com) for more information on how you or your church might support this ministry.
Peace be with you,
Rev. Steve Wilson
Association Minister North Texas Association
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Serving Seniors Since 1910 WITH PROFOUND THANKS AND GRATITUDE In March 2016, EdenHill Communities was presented with a donation of $150,000.00 from our trusted friends of Community United Church of Christ, San Antonio TX. The funds are restricted for construction of EdenHill Lakeview Park, an 8-acre greenspace that will be used for wellness activities and visitor and employee parking.
Dennis and Sharon Wendel, with EdenHill CEO Larry Dahl, board president Paul Neilson, and board member and fund development advisory council chair Cindy Williams.
CHAPLAIN SARAH CURRIE We are pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Sarah Currie as EdenHill's new fulltime chaplain. Chaplain Currie brings 25 years of ministry experience with the United Methodist Church. She has served Central and South Texas parish churches, two area hospice organizations, and been actively involved in ecumenical and interfaith engagement and service throughout her pastoral career.
EdenHill is home to 5 retired UCC ministers and 10 retired clergy overall.
EDENHILL IS • A faith-based, not-for-profit senior community providing independent living, assisted living,
skilled healthcare, memory care, cardio recovery, rehabilitation services, and affordable,subsidized housing.
• A covenantal and special ministry of the United Church of Christ; charter member of the UCC’sCouncil for Health and Human Services Ministries.
• The largest provider of senior services in the South Central Conference. It serves 850 seniorsannually and provides $1.2 million in charitable and/or unreimbursed care annually.
www.edenhill.org Please visit us next time you are in our area!
Annual Report to the South Central Conference
From Laurence Dahl, Executive Director/CEO
June 3, 2016
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“EdenHill Communities surrounds seniors in a culture immersed in faith. Our calling and responsibility is not just to meet the physical needs of our residents, but the spiritual, social, and psychological as well.”
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The South Central Conference
of the United Church of Christ
Wishes to Thank
for Sponsoring Our
Saturday Morning Coffee
Break
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2016 Slate of Nominees & Biographies for Open Positions (Once the slate of nominees is finalized and published, insert here.)
39
Slumber Falls Camp Council (Class of 2019)
Amanda Palm-Heart of Texas Association
Mandy has a long family history with Slumber Falls Camp. Since her first week as a camper in 1984, Mandy has spent every summer at Slumber Falls, first as a camper, then counselor-in-training, counselor, director, SALT worker and she currently serves on the camp council. She loves everything about Slumber Falls and is excited to watch a new generation of kids fall in love with the camping program. Mandy graduated from Texas A&M in 1999 with a degree in journalism. She lives in Austin and works for Sport Clips as corporate communications manager.
Rev. Ed Middleton-North Texas Association
The Reverend Ed Middleton recently retired as pastor of First Community Church in Dallas after serving eighteen-and-a-half years. During his tenure he served as Moderator of the North Texas Association, on the Committee on Ministry, and on the Board of Directors of the South Central Conference. He has been committed to outdoor ministry throughout his thirty-five years in the United Church of Christ. He has directed camps in both the Southern and Central Atlantic Conferences, and at the Master’s Workshop as well. Ed has served several terms on the Camp Council of Slumber Falls. He continues to work as an activist in the field of workers’ justice and immigration, and is a participant in the Economic Justice League of the UCC.
Kevin Graham-Heart of Texas Association
Kevin Graham has been a member of Friends Congregational Church in College Station for the past 17 years. He and his husband, Jess Wade, live in College Station. The two of them, along with their four legged child Grady, have enjoyed making Friends Congregational Church an important part of their lives and faith journeys. Kevin says, “It has been a privilege to serve my community of faith in a variety of roles from Sunday school teacher, Choir member, Fellowship Committee Chair, Pastoral Relations Committee, and Moderator of Church Council to his current role as Chair of our Associate Pastor Search Committee.” He currently serves as Board President for United Campus Ministries, a multi-ecumenical ministry partnership that supports the students that attend Texas A&M University and Blinn College. He also works in the field of healthcare management, finance, and regulatory affairs. He and his husband have been active participants in the life of their local church community as well as the larger South Central conference. They continue to be richly blessed and nurtured by their pastor, members of Friends Congregational Church, and shared ministries.
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Austin Manning-Heart of Texas Association
Austin is a Detroit native, but don't hold that against him. Moving to Houston while still a toddler, Austin was raised in Spring and baptized at Plymouth UCC where he attended Sunday School. Sunday school was taught by his aunts and coincidentally many previous campers from Slumber Falls. Austin attended Slumber Falls Camp starting as a junior camper with Bert Johnson and went on to serve as a CIT, Counselor, and has directed camp at both Woelke and Retreat Center facilities during the summer. In 2012, Austin spent a couple weeks helping SFC maintenance staff dig piers for the observatory addition. From Landa Park and cookouts to midnight flood evacuations, Austin has experienced and participated in many notable SFC moments. A graduate of Texas Lutheran University and the University of Virginia, Austin holds the hands-on learning moments at camp in the same esteem as his academic achievements.
The beautiful Guadalupe River at Slumber Falls Camp.
WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP MEAN TO YOU?
Membership is free to all UCC churches.
Visit the Insurance Board website
www.InsuranceBoard.org to begin using
your member benefits.
To become a participant, call
800.437.8830.
As a United Church of Christ church, you are automatically a member of
the Insurance Board. You are entitled to certain benefits, many of which
are free, aimed at protecting your church and its ministry, and reducing
the likelihood and magnitude of a disruptive loss. All of our programs have
been developed for the unique needs of your church.
All UCC churches and related-ministries are members of the Insur-
ance Board, a non-profit financial ministry owned by the Confer-
ences of the UCC. Benefits available to you include:
Discounted electrical inspection program
FREE abuse prevention training that includes online video
classes
Property valuation programs
Loss prevention on-site inspection that addresses: conditions
of buildings and grounds, financial management controls,
abuse prevention, officers and directors risk analysis, tenant
management and more
Discounted background checking services
Free support for boundary training for clergy
Free risk management advice
Free newsletters
Free webinars, seminars, and more
MEMBER PARTICIPANT
All of the benefits of membership PLUS:
A comprehensive insurance package that EXCEEDS almost
every other carrier
A suite of coverage unsurpassed by others including, but not
limited to: Custom Property, General Liability, Abusive Acts
Liability, Pastoral Counseling Liability, Hired & Non-Owned
Auto Liability, and Directors & Officers Liability including Em-
ployment-Related Practices Liabilities such as sexual harass-
ment, wrongful termination & discrimination. Also includes:
Employers’ Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Cemetery
Professional Liability, and Crime (Employee Dishonesty).
Substantial coverage and higher limits from A-rated carriers.
Our goal is to provide the greatest scope of protection for the
churches we serve. Participants enjoy the following limits
which are not shared: $30M umbrella, $3M directors & officers
liability, $2M pastoral counseling, $2M employee benefits lia-
bility, $2M hired & non-owned automobile liability, $1M sexual
misconduct liability per victim (up to $2M annual limit), $1M
employee dishonesty, and more.
Claims advocacy. We are not an insurance carrier, we are
YOUR program and we work hard to ensure your claims get
covered and serviced properly!
IBpropertyFLEX and IBpropertyCLASSIC: two products de-
signed to help best meet your church’s needs.
We are honored and blessed to have
served churches for 30 years! We in-
vite you to submit to us what you or
your church is celebrating in 2015.
Go to www.InsuranceBoard.org and
click on the 30th Celebration logo.
We will choose 30 winners to honor
and celebrate.
Thank You, South Central Conference for Supporting CUE Seminaries In 2015, 28 churches in the South Central Conference gave $18, 483.
Thanks to your support, our United Church of Christ seminaries continue to offer vital gifts to the church:
! Preparing leaders for ministry in congregational and community settings
! Continuing education and renewal for the current leadership of our churches
! Resources and support for congregational growth and worship vitality
! Support of local lay theological education programs throughout the region
Chicago, United and Eden Seminaries are grateful for your faithful support!
Thank you to all 28 congregations and associations that supported CUE in 2015:
Congregational Church, Austin Saint John UCC, Burton Evangelical UCC, Caldwell Church of the Savior, Cedar Park Saint Peters UCC, Coupland Christ UCC, Cypress Saint Paul Evangelical& Reformed UCC, Dallas Cathedral of Hope, Dallas Central Congregational UCC, Dallas First Congregational UCC, Fort Worth First Congregational UCC, Houston Grace UCC, Houston Saint Peter UCC, Houston
Round Grove UCC, Lewisville Redeemer UCC, Marion Immanuel UCC, Needville Faith UCC, New Braunfels Saint Paul UCC, New Orleans Little Farms UCC, River Ridge Saint John UCC, Robinson Saint John’s UCC, Rosenberg Community Evangelical UCC, San Antonio Bethany Congregational UCC, San Antonio Plymouth UCC, Spring Immanuel UCC, Spring Friedens Church of Washington United Church of Christ, Weimar
CUE Seminaries – PO Box 120357 St. Paul, MN 55112 Ph: 651-255-6121 Fax: 651-633-4315 www.cueseminaries.org
43
1.) Title: Reshaping the Wheel
2.) Description: Always fund raising? Sick of making dinners and selling raffle tickets in order to complete a mission or community project for your church. Let’s apply for a grant! The church has an opportunity to perform mission work in a new and exciting way. Tips and points regarding grant writing to impact your missions and community presence will be presented.
3.) Target Audience: Those interested in learning an alternative way to raise funds for mission work.
4.) Biography: Dr. Smith is the former Executive Director of Texas AHEC East – Greater Houston Region, a nonprofit agency focused on health care workforce development and health literacy activities. Under her eight-year leadership, the organization’s grant funding tripled and the staff grew from five to seventeen employees. Currently Dr. Smith Serves as Director of Field Education and Instructor at the University of Houston Downtown. She enjoys reading, international travel, and the honor of being the mother to one son, Alec, a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
1.) Title: Earthen Vessels…Golden Opportunities
2.) Description: Is your Congregation aware of the A2A designation? Are you familiar with the United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries’ work? Here’s an opportunity to learn about some of the resources available to assist Congregations with inclusion of people with differing abilities into the whole life of your church.
Workshop 1: Dr. Dana Smith
Location: Westheimer Room-1st Floor
Workshop 2: Terry Martinez and Rev. Lori Keaton
Location: Concorde A-1st Floor
South Central Conference 2016 Annual Meeting
Workshops
44
3.) Target Audience: Those interested in diversifying their congregations and leadership to include people of various abilities.
4.) Biographies: Terry Martinez is a member of Plymouth United Church, UCC in Spring, Texas. She has served Plymouth as a lay leader, and participates in various ministries within her local church, Houston Association and South Central Conference. She is a new member to the UCC Disabilities Ministries Board of Directors- Class of 2021. There she serves on the Finance Committee as Liaison to the Virginia Kreyer Scholarship Endowment Fund, and UCCDM Historian.
Rev. Lori Dirk Keaton is a minister with standing in the SCCUCC Houston
Association and a member of Plymouth United Church (UCC) in Spring Texas.
Throughout her ministry, she has been a strong advocate of Full Inclusion and
Accessibility for ALL and continues to encourage best practices through
resourcing, consultation and by example.
1.) Title: In the Potter’s Hand
2.) Description: The sound of silence about mental health, and particularly mental
illness, can be profound. The Church as an advocate for all persons with mental
illness and their families is an act of Christian love. According to recent research,
"one in four Americans experience some form of mental illness in a given year"
and "one in two experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime." Come
learn how your congregation can become more aware of mental health related
issues and take steps to ensure that all are welcome and included in the life and
work of the church.
3.) Target Audience: Those interested in providing a loving and supportive
environment for those suffering from mental illness in their church.
4.) Biography: Rev. Stahl is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin ('99,
'10) and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary ('10). She is ordained in the
United Church of Christ and is a licensed social worker. Her passion is
congregational care/counseling, and she is involved with various caring
ministries at United Christian Church in Austin working as Associate Pastor and
On-Site Social Worker. Currently, Nikki is working on her LCSW (Licensed
Workshop 3: Rev. Nikki Stahl, LMSW
Location: Concorde B-1st Floor
45
Clinical Social Worker) designation. She enjoys facilitating adult/youth small
discussion groups. Nikki spends most of her spare time, along with her husband
(Ian), caring for her three daughters (Marian, Emmalee and Cora).
1.) Title: The Blessings in the Vessels…A Collection of Children’s Lessons Using
Religious Fine Art
2.) Description: Looking for new ways to reach children in worship? Retired
elementary art teacher, Pam Mayo, will help Pastors and religious educators
incorporate religious fine art and other visuals into their children’s sermons
and Sunday school lessons.
3.) Target Audience: Art lovers and those who wish to learn ways to create
engaging religious lessons for children.
4.) Biography: Pam is a retired Kindergarten-Fifth grade elementary art teacher
from the Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D. and current Office Manager for the South
Central Conference of the United Church of Christ. She enjoys traveling,
visiting museums, and spending time with family. Pam lives in Cypress, TX
with her husband Greg. Pam is also a life-long member of Immanuel UCC,
Spring, TX and serves as Consistory President.
1.) Title: "What's in Your Church Kiln?":
New Beginnings and Eight (or 7 or 10) "clays" to Shape Your Ministry and Mission"
1.) Description: New Beginnings is the latest Visioning process offered by our
denomination (and the DoC). Members from Immanuel in Old Town Spring will
Workshop 4: Pamela Mayo
Location: Director’s Room 1st Floor
Workshop 5: Rev. Bill & Gail Royster
Margaret Smith
Location: Ballroom A
46
give an overview and share the impact of the process on that SCC church. We’ll also
mix some other “clays” that can help mold renewal like - curb appeal, a giant
Howdy, Kids, what we see, what we sing - and say, using our hands and feet.
The goal is to encourage you to look at your church’s ministry and mission in a
differently shaped vessel - all in an hour!
2.) Target Audience: Clergy and church members who are looking for ways to
revitalize their church.
3.) Biographies: Margaret Smith holds a bachelors’ and masters’ degrees from Sam
Houston University and taught English and drama in the Texas public schools.
As a lifetime member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Spring, Texas,
Margaret has been integrally involved in the activities of the church.
Rev. Bill Royster is a retired clergy from the United Church of Christ. During his
tenure, Rev. Royster was called to serve several churches in the domination and
also served as Interim Conference Minister of the South Central Conference.
Bill’s wife, Gail, is a delightful speaker. She is concerned with creating a
welcoming environment in the church and has been known to use some
interesting visuals to enhance the worship experience. Rev. Royster and Gail are
members of Immanuel UCC, Spring, TX.
2016 ANNUAL MEETING OFFERINGS
NOTE: All checks payable to the South Central Conference; indicate offering designation in your check memo. You may turn in any offering at any worship service (be sure it is clearly designated) or give to Conference Treasurer, Ann Stockert.
Worship Offerings:
I. Friday Afternoon Opening WorshipII. Friday Night Worship: Back Bay Mission & Slumber Falls CampIII. Saturday Morning Worship: OCWM, Friends of the Conference
& Disaster Aid
Other Designated Offerings:
IV. CUE Seminaries:You can turn in an additional contribution at the CUESeminaries Book Sale or in the offering plate
V. Mission Kit Shipping: To help ship CWS School Kits overseas.
Mission Projects: VI. CUE Seminaries Book Sale Coordinator: Rev. Lori Keaton
.50 for paperback books, $1.00 for hardback books. Sponsored by the Conference CUE Seminaries Committee
VII. Annual Meeting Mission KitsCoordinators: Debra & Roosevelt NeelyA. Back Bay Mission Hygiene KitsB. CWS-Church World Service School Kits
FAITH HERITAG E CO M M UNITY CO M FO RT VALUECourtesy of Moxie! Magazine
Emma Lou and Rev. Ray Bizer, residents since
2007
A faith-based, not-for-profit senior communityMember, UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries
Announcing EdenHill Altenheim DaySaturday, October 15, 11am to 5pm Eagles Hall, New Braunfels, TX
It’s a day to celebrate EdenHill; a reunion, a homecoming, and an in-gathering, all in one. There will be a family friendly picnic and
dance, and fun and entertainment throughout. Please join us!
Services include: Pinnacle and Village Independent Living, Heritage Assisted Living, Legacy Rehabilitation and Nursing Care,
Wellness and Life Enrichment CenterFor more information, (830) 500-2353
631 Lakeview Blvd. | New Braunfels, TX 78130(830) 625-6291 | www.EdenHill.org License #129514
Cosponsoring the Vital Ministry Webinars as a collaborative partnership with
the South Central Conference, UCC. Online @ iVitalMinistry.org/resources
Additional offerings from the Institute for Vital Ministry: For Groups…
• Missional Context Engagement• Onboarding for New Leaders• Strategic Planning Facilitation• Peer Group Design and Direction
For Individuals…
• Leadership & Life Coaching• Spiritual Direction & Formation• Intern Supervision• Retreats & Workshops
Rev. Dr. Ken G. Crawford, Executive Director [email protected] ~ 214.288.1663 ~ @iVitalMinistry on FB & TW
The Institute for
Vital Ministry
Companions for your journey.
“Wherever your road leads… …you don’t have to travel alone.”
Are you seeking a fuller and more faithful integration of your faith with the rest of life? Do you feel called to make a meaningful impact on the world, but don’t know how?
Are you longing for peace, wholeness and flourishing? Contact us today.
1390 Broadway St.Beaumont, Texas 77701Office: 409-833-8947Fax: 409-833-7302
Email:Web:
J. Allen Management supports theUnited Church of Christ as Community
partners.
52
The South Central Conference
Wishes to Thank
For Sponsoring our
Friday Night Reception
During Our Annual Meeting
53
Don’t Miss Out on Visiting:
Silent Auction-Concorde B and C
CUE Book Sale-Foyer
&
Vendors-Concorde B and C
Brite Divinity School-Nathan Russell
Eden Hill Communities-Steve Sucher
Educational Opportunities Tours-Rev. Jerry Carpenter
Excel Retreat Ministries-Terry Talley
Global Ministries-Rebekah Choate
ICHTHYS Designs-Lynn Ronkainen
Institute for Vital Ministry-Rev. Ken Crawford
Blossom of Clay Studio-Kathy Blossom
Paparazzi Accessories-Jackie Williams
Slumber Falls Camp-Rev. Charles Stark
The Insurance Board-Jennifer Perri
United Church Funds-Matt Wagner
54
Paparazzi Accessories Jewelry $5.00
Star Consultant www.paparazziaccessories.com/16521
Jackie Regina Williams [email protected]
Investments to buildyour future.
Loans to build your church’s dreams.
cornerstonefund.org
This is not an offer to sell our securities to you, and we are not soliciting you to buy our securities. We will sell our securities only in states where authorized. The offering is made solely by our Offering Circular, which may be obtained by calling us at (888) 822-3863. Our securities are not insured by the FDIC or any other state or federally regulated institution. Investment involves certain risks as more fully described in the Offering Circular. Rates may change without notice.
Individuals and churches may invest with the cornerstone fund.
Investments are loaned to churches for facility improvements to strengthen their ministries.
It’s the Cornerstone Fund’s Mission:
Investing from the heartBuilding for the future.