Meetings & Announcements

Task Force on Israel/Palestine

The Board of Church and Society

Southwest Texas Conference UMC

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” and peace is greatly needed in the area of Israel and Palestine. Our call is to be peacemakers even when others are urging otherwise.

With the leadership of the United Methodist Women, we have made a start toward equipping ourselves for this difficult task, but more must be done to clarify and sharpen the perceptions we have concerning current conditions and future possibilities.

There have been some recent hopeful signs: The Annapolis conference in November reaffirmed a two-state solution and the Donors Conference in Paris in December pledged another $7.4 billion to peaceful development of the Palestinian economy. But good will is not enough.

The situation in the Holy Land is complex indeed. Lengthy and careful study is a prerequisite to bringing an effective resolution to this difficulty. Informed congregations are more empowered to help create peace.

Therefore, we are encouraging every congregation in the Southwest Texas Conference to participate in a special study of the issues related to Israel and Palestine. The Task Force is prepared to provide training packets, including a construct for such purpose.

For more information on where and how to obtain packets and a list of United Methodists that are prepared to conduct training please contact: Wanda Holcombe, IP Task Force member wandaholcomb@umc.swtx.org, 512-619-3469, Mary Beth Grimes, IP Task Force member, Mbg7401@sbcglobal.net, 210-877-0569; B.J. Lee, IP Task Force Member, Beej527@austin.rr.com, 512-453-0444; or Alberta Shelton, IP Task Force member, umaoma@sbcglobal.net,

512-926-8645.

From the Book of Resolutions 2004:

We join with Palestinian Christians, as well as our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters, in feeling a deep sense of rootedness to the land where our three religious traditions were born. We celebrate the diversity of religious customs and traditions throughout the Middle East.

November 15
Designed especially for churches of the Kerrville District
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Finding & Welcoming

Families for Faith
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Saturday, November 15, 2008
Hondo UMC

Join us from 9:30 am until 2:30 pm on Saturday as we explore ways that your church can find children & young families in your communities. Learn how to be especially welcoming to young families. Lunch will be provided at a nominal cost. To register, call or email the Kerrville District Office at (830) 896-6400 or kdumc@texxa.net

This workshop is being sponsored by the Kerrville District Office & is offered at no charge. Watch for details to come on two more follow-up workshops this spring: Forming & Firming Families of Faith!

CHANGE OF LOCATION!!!

“Finding and Welcoming Families for Faith” Workshop scheduled to take place in Hondo on Saturday, November 15th (from 9:00 - 3:00) is being moved to St. Paul's UMC in Kerrville. The site change is in response to the participants who all live closer to Kerrville. Join us as we learn about finding young families in your community and ensuring that your church is welcoming to this population. Help the children and young families in your community learn about God through your faithful outreach. Call Rev. Nancy McDougall at 325-388-3752 if you have any questions. This program is designed especially for the churches of the Kerrville District.