Austin District happenings
Advanced lay-speaker training slated for Nov. 3, 10 in Austin
The Austin District Lay Speaking Committee is pleased to announce that Northwest Hills UMC, Austin, is playing host to advanced training for lay speakers this fall during the first two Saturdays in November.
The training event in the Family Life Building is an advanced course designed to fulfill the requirements of The Book of Discipline for recognition of lay speakers as Certified Lay Speakers. Titled “Lay Speakers Share Their Faith Stories,” the course is based on the book Faith Sharing Congregations by Roger Swanson and Shirley Clement.
A registration confirmation and copy of the curriculum will be sent to each participant upon receipt of his or her registration form and fee payment.
Lay speaker texts, videos and other items will be available at the Cokes-bury table, which is to be present at the event (methods of payment include cash and check).
Registration deadline for the training is Oct. 19. Go to www.umcad.org/LaySpeakers/Home.html to print a registration form, or contact Emmett Eary at emmett.eary@sbcglobal.net.
Evangelism consultant to lead session on sharing faith stories
The Rev. Sue White, Southwest Texas Conference evangelism consultant, is to train Austin District United Methodists from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 3 in the Northwest Hills UMC Family Life Center on how to tell their faith stories.
Bishop Joel N. Martinez named White the conference evangelism consultant in May. To learn more about her, go to: http://www.umcswtxprograms.org/evangelize.
Early Response Team training scheduled Oct. 20 at Oak Hill
Disaster Early Response Team training is planned for Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oak Hill UMC, 7815 U.S. 290 West, Austin.
Cost is $30 and includes a meal, a T-shirt, a badge and manuals. Make checks payable to SWTX Conference UMC, and mail to Registrar, 16400 Huebner Road, San Antonio 78248-1693.
For more information contact Emmett Eary at (512) 251-2145 or emmett.eary@sbcglobal.net.
Sabbath celebration for kids encourages prayer, education
The Children’s Defense Fund national observance of Children’s Sabbath celebrations encourages prayer, education and service to help children and families.
Congregations plan special worship services, education programs and other activities to help people of faith learn more about problems facing children and poor families.
This year’s celebration will be Oct. 19-21. For more information visit www.childrensdefense.org.
District Office has information on free Baldwin organ, bench
A Baldwin Studio III Super Series Electronic Organ (Model 232) with a bench is available for donation. It’s in excellent condition. Contact Jill at the District Office for more information.
