UM volunteers learn basics of responding to disasters
By Rachel L. Toalson
Staff Writer
Nearly 60 United Methodists from across Texas learned the basics of church-sponsored disaster response Jan. 31-Feb. 2 in San Antonio.
Representatives of the United Methodist Committee on Relief discussed disaster-response planning, policies and techniques during a special three-day training academy at Coker UMC. They directed hands-on demonstrations of such activities as using chainsaws and putting tarps on roofs.
Trainers stressed the importance of practicing discipline when doing property repairs following natural disasters. Doing too much could hurt a homeowner in the long run.
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Revised report shows even higher giving for 2007
Southwest Texas congregations supported 2007 apportionments even more strongly than originally reported last month.
Treasurer David A. Seilheimer revised the year-end connectional giving totals Jan. 23. Total apportionment giving reached nearly $9.74 million. That’s nearly $6,000 more than reported Jan. 16. The updated figures included income from three more congregations.
The new total equals 96.39 percent of last year’s $10.1 million asking for ministries across the state, nation and world.
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Corpus Christi UMs inviting animals, humans
By Rachel L. Toalson
Staff Writer
On the Saturday before this year’s Bring a Friend Sunday, five Corpus Christi congregations are asking people
to bring furry or feathered friends to church.
First UMC, St. Luke’s UMC, St. John’s UMC, As-bury UMC and Grace UMC are working with veterinarians to offer free pet wellness exams March 8.
“The idea was to increase the profile of the local congregations in the community,” said Associate Pastor Steve Fieldcamp of First UMC. “We wanted to offer this as a way to meet the members of the community who may not be members of our churches.”
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Johnson City UM honored for disaster-response work
By Rachel L. Toalson
Staff Writer
More than 200 Kerrville District United Methodists recognized two men and two women Jan. 26 in Boerne for exceptional Christian service.
Twenty-three other individuals—13 women and 10 men—received distinguished discipleship honors at First UMC, Boerne, during the annual laity awards celebration.
George Barnette, First UMC, John-son City, was presented the 2008 Bishop’s Exemplar Award for disaster-response work during 2007 following tornadoes in Eagle Pass and flooding in Granite Shoals and Mar-ble Falls.
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