District happenings

Transformation training slated
Feb. 23 for pastors, laypeople
A Church Transformation Process training event for pastors and lay-people is scheduled for Feb. 23 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Grace UMC, 11222 Leopard St., Corpus Christi.
The topic is “Dealing with Difficult People: Building Teams and Dreams and Overcoming Extremes.”
Another CTP training event is scheduled for April 6 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s UMC, 3151 Reid Drive, Corpus Christi.
The topic is “High-Impact Churches: Changing Your Community in Significant Ways.”
The event continues April 7-10 with a schedule and format determined by pastor-laity feedback from February.

UMCs drop 1,246 dozen diapers
at Wesley Community Center
The December “Diaper Drop” for Wesley Community Center brought in 1,246 dozen diapers.
The following churches participated:
> Asbury UMC, Corpus Christi.
> First UMC, Corpus Christi.
> Grace UMC, Corpus Christi.
> Island in the Son UMC, Corpus Christi.
> St. Luke’s UMC, Corpus Christi.
> St. John’s UMC, Corpus Christi.
> St. Peter’s by the Sea UMC, Corpus Christi.
> Wesley UMC, Corpus Christi.
> Ingleside UMC.
Kelsey Memorial UMC, Corpus Christi, brought diapers and other baby items.
Some churches still have diapers to drop off.
Wesley Community Center thanks everyone who participated in this event.

St. Luke’s UMC youths host
pancake supper, prepare food
The St. Luke’s United Methodist Youth Fellowship celebrated Shrove Tuesday with an All You Can Eat Pancake Supper Feb. 5.
Members of the congregation and visitors were treated to hundreds of pancakes with Canadian bacon and sausage and with various toppings, all prepared by the youths and their parents.
Zule Moncada, outgoing youth director, and Brenda Hanson, incoming youth director, were both on hand to lead the young people.
The youth division of the pancake contest, which required eating six pancakes, was won by Carson Gatzmeyer. Adult division was won by Bobby Alvarado, who is now the three-time champion.
The King and Queen of the 2007 Pancake Supper, John and Jan Durr, made their last round of Moore Hall before the 2008 King and Queen were introduced.
Marti and Bobby Parr were crowned the 2008 Queen and King of the Pancake Supper.
Other entrants were Janis and Buddy Wood and Laurie and Jason Burkett. Each couple chose a favorite charity to receive their votes.

Presenter to examine whether
secular movies can be spiritual
Robert Johnston, professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, is to visit St. John’s UMC, 5300 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi, Feb. 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Johnston is to speak about “Viewing Movies Through the Lens of Faith.”

Feb. 28 children’s hospital event
to consider spirituality in film
The Christus Spohn Health System and the Driscoll Children’s Hospital are sponsoring “Reel Spirituality” Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Driscoll Children’s Hospital auditorium, 3533 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi.
Rob Johnston, professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, and Catherine Barsotti, a doctoral candidate at the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, are the presenters.
During the event, participants are to recognize the significance of film in our culture, understand five approaches for interpreting film and theology, and explore how film may be used to introduce complex moral dilemmas and provide reflective conversation to deepen one’s faith.
Registration fee is $15, to be paid at the door. Please R.S.V.P. by Feb. 22 to Elizabeth Mendoza at (361) 881-3616.

Next Body Recall exercise class
begins March 17, is open to all
Body Recall, a new exercise program offered at First UMC, Corpus Christi, was originally developed for older adults but is beneficial to all and is being offered to everyone.
The second 10-week session is to begin March 17, but participants can join anytime.
Each 10-week session meets three times a week—Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Meetings begin at 9 a.m. in the gym and last for one hour.
For those 60 years or older, Body Recall is free. The cost for everyone else is $20 for a 10-week session (30 classes).
Body Recall works to improve strength, agility, flexibility and balance. For questions call Sherry Benick at (361) 884-0391, ext. 216.