Austin District happenings
Austin Groups for Elderly offers normalcy for seniors
For many of us, Advent ushers in the busiest time of year, a time for extra worship services, extra decorating and extra counseling for the extra craziness. In the midst of extras,
how does the “normal” fit in?
Austin Groups for the Elderly maintains “normal” for seniors, even during the holidays. At AGE, seniors or their caregivers may obtain durable medical equipment free from our lending closet, learn about resources available for seniors or disabled people in Austin, take computer classes (everything from basic MS Word to Web site design), or spend the day in Elderhaven Adult Day Center.
Call (512) 451-4611 for more information.
Midwinter retreats provide
6 chances for fun, fellowship
The theme for Midwinter youth retreats this year is It’s All Good!
The Austin District is providing leadership for the junior high Midwinter at H-E-B Camp in Echo Valley Jan. 25-27 and for the senior high retreat at Mount Wesley Feb. 1-3. Cost is $90 for students 18 and younger and $50 for adults and staff. Youths are welcome to attend any of the six Midwinters.
For more details and registration forms, visit the Southwest Texas Conference youth page at
www.reachingyouth.org.
UM ARMY-SWTX Palooza makes plans for summer 2008
Join youths and adults from across the Southwest Texas Conference to celebrate the work of UM ARMY-SWTX and plan for summer 2008. The UM ARMY-SWTX Palooza will be at First UMC, Boerne, Jan. 20 from 1 to 6 p.m.
The UM ARMY-SWTX Palooza offers a chance for youths and adults to meet with 2008 camp directors, attend training sessions, worship together and have fun. Youth-led worship and dinner ($5 per person) is to follow.
Each year UM ARMY uses a local church as a home base for camp while participants spend the week providing work for low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners in the surrounding area.
In the last five years, more than 600 homes in 26 communities have been repaired with the work of 1,700 UM ARMY participants.
Visit www.umarmy.org/conference/swtx/ or contact Jenny at umarmyswtx@austin.rr.com for more information.
School of Youth Ministry celebrates 20th anniversary
The Perkins School of Youth Ministry is to celebrate its 20th anniversary in January with the theme “Coming Home.” The school in Dallas invites youth ministers to build relationships with peers, refine their vision of youth ministry and renew their calling.
School events will be Jan. 5-10. Featured speakers include Mark Yaco-nelli, co-founder of the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project and author of Contemplative Youth Ministry; Fred Winslow, pastor at Good News UMC, Leander; and singer/songwriter Celia Whitler.
For more information call (888) Theology or visit www.smu.edu/theology.
Area Food Pantry Ministry transforms those who serve
Haynie Chapel UMC serves an economically and culturally diverse population with an award-winning food pantry ministry. Last month Haynie Chapel served 316 people from 72 different families. The food pantry distributed more than 13,840 pounds of food in 2007.
Haynie Chapel’s vision is not complete. The congregation would like to expand the food pantry and provide other services including English as a Second Language, budgeting and computer literacy classes. In time, Haynie Chapel would like to provide not only a food pantry but a comprehensive ministry of outreach and community empowerment.
Women from around country to meet at Alamodome Feb. 7-9
Tens of thousands of women from around the United States are to gather in San Antonio’s Alamadome Feb. 7-9 for a jam-packed weekend of fun, fellowship, entertainment and worship—an ultimate spiritual spa.
Special guests are to include Anita Renfroe, Max Lucado, Sandy Patti, Jim Caviezel, Mandisa and Denise Jackson.
Pricing for this year’s Women of Faith event is as follows: $139 for individuals and $129 per person for groups of more than 10.
For more information, e-mail Alicia Adkins at aadkins@womenoffaith.com.
