8 complete advanced course, qualify
to be certified lay speakers through 2010

Eight Lay Speakers from the McAllen District completed the course Interpreting Church Heritage in August at First UMC, Weslaco.
The class was conducted by the Rev. Steve Clinton, pastor.
Completing the class were Mert and Merle Bishop, Wayne Johnson and William Roth of St. Mark’s UMC, McAllen; Linda and Charles Ginnell of San Juan UMC; Nelda Lee of First UMC, Alice; and Sara Van Wyk of First UMC, Harlingen.
Each participant spent the weekend learning about the traditions and heritage of The United Methodist Church. By completing this study, participants qualified to be Certified Lay Speakers until 2010—as long as they receive the annual approval of their local congregations.
Certified Lay Speakers may serve in their own congregations and throughout the district and conference in projects and programs. They have been recommended by their pastor and local church conferences.
The next lay speaker training is scheduled for Jan. 25-26 at Pharr UMC. Both Basic and Advanced classes are to be offered. For those interested in the program, please mark these dates on your calendar.
Anyone interested in the lay speaking program may contact Donald Lantz, district director of lay speaking ministries, at (956) 423-8319.