North District UMC

Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds

From the District Superintendent Archive

DeSobe Group

Feb 16

Posted by Webminister in District News, From the District Superintendent, Pastors, resources | No Comments

Do you want to spend some time with neat people? Read thought-provoking books that are relevant to ministry and discuss them with other great minds?

Do you like to “get out of town” once a month or so, even for just a couple of hours? Have a chance to eat lunch in places that are not Dairy Queen?

Would you like to do these things with a person of wit, skill and experience working with clergy because he is one himself?

And do you have a pressing need to get started on those continuing education hours for 2010?

Then we have a deal for you!

Dr. Jerry DeSobe, Director of the Krist Samaritan Center in Clear Lake, will be convening a Clergy Study Group on Wednesday, February 24 from 10:00 to 12:00 a.m. at Marvin UMC in Tyler.

The group will meet monthly for conversation and study, at a time to be determined.

This is a group organized specifically by and for the North and Northwest Districts. It can be claimed as continuing education credits.

For more information, or to register, or to express interest even though you can’t make the first session, contact Dr. Jerry DeSobe at one of the following:

Office phone 281-480-7554, ext. 24

Email gdesobe@samaritanhouston.org

You’ll be glad you did!

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From The District Superintendent: Church Fires

Feb 9

Posted by Webminister in From the District Superintendent | No Comments

As many of you know, last Thursday, Russell Memorial UMC in Wills Point, Texas, had a devastating fire. In East Texas, since January 1, 2010 there have been nine church fires and fear that an arsonist is burning churches. Although arson has not been proven in the Wills Point fire the ATF and others are leaning in that direction. There was a small fire at Texarkana , Texas, First United Methodist Church last Thursday evening but fire officials do not believe arson was involved. There was little damage and the fire was quickly controlled. Several have asked me what defensive measures can be taken.

My suggestion is:

· Be vigilant.

· Review all insurance and make sure policies are up to date and in force.

· Back up all computer data and keep in a safe place off of church property.

My colleague in the Northwest District, Reverend Sandy Smith, has informed me that the ATF is doing undercover work with churches in the whole area. If you have members patrolling your property please make them aware of the possibility of ATF presence. The last thing we want is an altercation between church members and the ATF. If you see suspicious activity do not intervene but call your local police and fire departments.

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