bring and item or two and UMW resources

will also be available. So put this date on

your calendar and plan on attending.

Spring will be bursting with activity includ-

ing the Spiritual Growth Retreat titled

“Replanted: A Truly Happy Person” in a new

setting at Camp Arrowhead just west of

Cleburne March 11-12. The spiritual leader

is Rev. Marilyn Jones, senior pastor at

Meadowbrook UMC. The Pursuit of Happi-

ness was the spiritual growth study last

summer and this event will build upon the

happiness theme. Come and be prepared to

be happy!

April 15 – 17 is the South Central Jurisdic-

tion Quadrennial meeting in Oklahoma City.

The theme is “A Fresh Wind Blowing.” Na-

tional leaders and speakers will be enriching

the lives of those who attend. Start saving

now so you can join us for this thrilling juris-

dictional event.

Stay safe and choose to be happy.

Linda Hutchings, President, Central Texas

Conference United Methodist Women

“Best Wishes for an Amazing New

Year!”

A Letter from Linda

2016 is already here.

Best wishes to you and all you hold

dear.

I wish you good health and happi-

ness too,

A closer walk with Christ in this year

that’s so new.

Hold your sisters in Christ so near

and dear,

Be active in mission and keep the

vision clear.

Work for peace in a kind and loving

way

And keep a smile on your face as

you greet each and every day.

I hope each of you are off to a running

start to get organized and put into place a

plan that will help you meet your goals in

this new year. We’ve many things sched-

uled to help make this 2016 year and

memorable and fabulous one.

First is the UMW Legislative Event in Aus-

tin January 24 – 26. The planning team,

under the leadership of Cynthia Rives, has

planned and worked all year. They are

striving to make this event exciting and

informative. I’m sure you don’t want to

miss the speakers, the lively discussions,

as well as the mind-expanding knowledge

you’ll receive. One of my friends went for

the first time last year and thought it was

so terrific that she’s bringing her daughter

this year. Find an interested friend and

come together. You’ll be glad you did.

February 20 is the date of the Racial Char-

ter Event, Sing-a-Rainbow, at First UMC

Alvarado, just east of I-35W. The theme

this year is “For Such a Time as This.” The

topic is mass incarceration, one of the new

UMW priorities for this quadrennium,

2016 - 2019. There is no charge for this

event but be sure to bring some delicious

“comfort food” to share. There will be a

silent auction for missions if you’d like to

Linda’s Letter

Cross Ties Dember 2015

Page 2 Cross Ties

The Way Texas Works

28th Annual Texas United Methodist Women’s Legislative Event

January 24-26, 2016

Holiday Inn Midtown- Austin, Texas

The Legislative Event is always an amazing and inspiring event and you definitely want to attend this year. Using our

theme “The Way Texas Works” TLE 2016, we will study the different issues that impact women, children, and youth

here in the state of Texas. We will learn how we can make a difference for good and advocate for justice.

It all starts Sunday, January 24, at 1:00 p.m. and continues until Tuesday noon. We’ll be learning about “The Way Tex-

as Works”, growing in our faith, meeting new friends, and becoming empowered to go home to continue to work for

good and speaking for those who have no voice.

There is a TLE registration form printed in this newsletter. You can also register online at www.texasimpact.org. If you

register before January 8, the cost is $125 . After that date the price goes up to $140. Save some $$ and register

now! You can put this on your Christmas Wish List! You will also need to reserve a hotel room at the Holiday Inn Mid-

town. The registration form has all the hotel information.

There are twenty $80 scholarships for young women (15-35) given by the TLE Planning Committee. Be sure to en-

courage a young woman to apply. You are also encouraged to bring an item for the Silent Auction. The money raised

from the Silent Auction goes to the young women’s scholarship fund.

Please join me and your CTC UMW Social Action Coordinator Darlene Alfred for “The Way Texas Works” TLE 2016

in Austin, January 24-26. Let’s make Central Texas Conference UMW the biggest group there.

Cynthia Rives

Chair, TLE Planning Committee 2016

Page 3 Cross Ties

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

TEXAS LEGISLATIVE EVENT

JANUARY 24-26, 2016

Austin, Texas

Program Planned by Texas IMPACT

Registration online at: www.texasimpact.org ($5 processing fee is non-refundable)

Early Registration Deadline: January 8, 2016

Event Chairperson: Cynthia Rives; cynrives@yahoo.com

Registrar: Terry Schoenert : terry.schoenert@gmail.com

210-601-2800 or 210-479-5911

HOTEL: HOLIDAY INN AUSTIN MIDTOWN Hotel rate guaranteed through: January 8, 2016

SCHOLARSHIPS (Twenty @ $80) are available for young women (15-35 yrs. of age) (Awarded in order requested.)

EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY: Before January 14, 2016: Registration minus $ 45.00 administration fee; Janu-ary 15-18, 2016: ½ [Registration minus $ 45.00 administration fee];

NO REFUNDS AFTER January 18, 2016. Transfer of registration is accepted at any time.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Detach Here <<<Please

Print<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

6000 Middle Fiskville Rd

Austin, TX 78752

Phone: 512-206-3069

888-300-6273

Fax: 512-206-3017

Group Rate Reservation Code “UMW”

To book online you may use the link on page

DESCRIPTION & RATES

2 Double Beds (up to 2) $99 per night (plus taxes)

2 Double Beds (3/4 ) $109 per night (plus taxes) **

** Note: difference in room cost is to cover 3rd & 4th breakfast vouchers

Group Rate: good for Jan. 22 to Jan. 27 (two days prior to and

after the event)

ADDITIONAL

No Charge: Self-parking

Free Breakfast Buffet Vouch-

ers for each room occupant

No Charge : Internet usage

REGISTRATION FORM

Enclose check payable to: RIO TX UMW

Mail to: Terry Schoenert

2907 Barrel Oak; San Antonio, TX 78231

Questions: 210.479.5911 OR 210.601.2800

terry.schoenert@gmail.com

Registration payment includes following meals:

Sunday – Banquet; Monday - lunch & dinner;

Registration: Early: $ 125 Due: January 8, 2016

Registration: $ 140 After: January 8, 2016

Registration: One-Day:

Sunday Only: $75 Monday only:$95

Additional Dinner for a guest either Sun/Mon: $40

Page 4 Cross Ties

Please see additional information on back of form

Name: Address:

Home Phone: City: Zip:

Cell Phone:: Email:

Emergency Contact Name:& Phone Number Conference: ____ Central Texas ____ New Mexico

____North Texas ____ Northwest Texas

____ Rio Texas ____Texas

Special Dietary Needs (Diabetic, Vegetarian, Gluten Free):

Amount Enclosed

CHECK ALL THAT APPLY TO YOU: Registration( $125 /$140 ) $

You are a First Timer Sunday only($75) $

YES, You will attend TOUR of Capitol Monday only($95 ) $

Tuesday After close of Event; no lunch; snack provided

You are a “Young Woman” (15-35 yr)

Contact Registrar For scholarship information

#Added Sun. Banquet:___ ($40/ea)

#Added Mon. Dinner: ____ ($40/ea)

$ __________________

$

Please complete the section on the other side Amount Enclosed $

concerning Capitol Legislative Visits …. Check : #

Page 5 Cross Ties

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

FOR HOTEL ONLINE RESERVATIONS : Be sure to copy the address below and it will take you directly to the UMW Group page: Rio Texas Methodist Women's Conference :

TRANSPORTATION from the airport will be provided by local persons upon request.

Please notify the registrar of airline and time of arrival.

TUESDAY Post-Event TOUR of the CAPITOL: Provided by Texas Impact; snack included;

For those taking the Capitol tour, a later bus will be provided for transportation back to the hotel.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

Sunday Noon to 1pm: Hotel reception with hot snacks

First Session: 1pm in main meeting room, followed by workshops

Monday: Sessions all day

Tuesday: Morning visits to the Capitol.

AT REGISTRATION you will need to do the following:

1. Get name tag 2. Sign up for bus to the Capitol

3. Sign up for Capitol tour on Tuesday 4. Check in with Texas Impact

5. Check in about your legislative visits on Tuesday morning at the Capitol

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Complete the following <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Capitol Legislative Visits

Generations of United Methodist Women have reported that meeting with their legislators is abso-lutely the best part of Legislative Event. It takes time and effort to set up an appointment, so we really need to know if you are going to come with us to the Capitol Tuesday morning.

Check the item that best describes how you feel about meeting with your Legislators on

Tuesday at the Capitol:

1) Yes! I’m a pro. Just please set up the appointment and I will lead the group

2) I’m eager but I‘d love some company

3) I’m nervous but I understand that it’s really important and will go with others

4) Darn It! I have another non-negotiable commitment on Tuesday morning, but I commit to following up with my legislator at another time.

Page 6 Cross Ties

Sing-a-Rainbow Racial Charter Event

Theme: “For Such a Time as This”

Topic: Mass Incarceration

February 20, 2016

First UMC of Alvarado 301 S. Spears

Alvarado, TX 76009 817-790-3101

Registration begins at 9am with Light Refreshments, UMW Resources, Silent Auction & Fellowship.

Gather with Song at 9:45. Program begins at 10am.

Bring “Comfort Food” to share for lunch & Silent Auction items.

REGISTRATION FORM

Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________________ District: __________________________________________________________________________________

Need child care? _______________ if so, please bring a sack lunch for each child. Names and ages of children: ____________________________________________________________

To register: Register online at ctcumw.org. or mail this form to registrar:

Sharon Gibson, 302 Salado Creek Lane, Georgetown, TX 78633. Sharon’s email is gooma@suddenlink.net. Her phone is 512-943-0625.

Directions: From I-35W, exit # 26A at Hwy 67. At Hwy 67 go east about a block to the light. At the light turn right at Wells Fargo Bank. You’ll be on South Parkway. Stay on S. Parkway until the next light. Turn left here on College. Go 3 blocks and turn right on Spears at the end of David’s Grocery parking lot. Go one block and you’ll see the church on the left. Proceed to the family life center.

Page 7 Cross Ties

Central Texas Conference

Spiritual Growth Retreat 2016

March 11-12, 2016 Camp Arrowhead

5236 North FM 199, Cleburne, TX 76033

Speaker: Rev. Marilyn Jones

Cost: $75 per person for the weekend

Scholarships available

Retreat is from 4 pm Friday to 3 pm Saturday

***Registration Form***

2016 UMW Spiritual Growth Retreat

Replanted: A Truly Happy Person

March 11-12, 2016

Camp Arrowhead

5236 North FM 199, Cleburne, TX 76033

Retreat is from 4 pm Friday to 3 pm Saturday

Name:________________________________________________

Address:______________________________________________

Phone:________________________________________________

Email:__________________________________________

Roommate Preference(s) (up to 4):_________________________________

Top Bunk? __________ Bottom Bunk? _____________

Handicap Room (more floor space, one roommate, wheelchair access shower)? _______

Any Special Dietary Needs?________________________________

District officer?________ Conference office? ___________

$75 per person for the weekend. Meals included.

$10 per person if you are only there on Saturday, plus $10 for each meal

Registration begins at 4:00 Friday. Dinner provided.

Persons with dietary restrictions can choose from what is offered, or there is a

small refrigerator and kitchenette available.

For more information and to register go to www.ctcumw.org or

Mail check and registration form to registrar:

Becky Brown

713 Parkview Dr.

Burleson, TX 76028

Phone: 817-948-3097

email: rubymontana53@gmail.com Confirmations will be sent.

Macro Priorities and Micro Priorities

Ephesians 5:1-2: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

…

Eph. 6:8-9: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light con-sists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.”

…

Eph. 6: 15-16: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. “

In the midst of our “project managing”, which may include Christmas gifts, family and food, decorations and church events, it is easy to rush past the small, simple moments. These are the moments where a person looks, listens, and encourages. What is really important?

Who do we know whose loved one is gone? Someone near us is grieving.

Someone near us is alone. Someone is hungry.

Ephesians 5: 1-2 tells us to follow God’s example, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Verses 8-9 remind us we are children of light. God admonishes us to live as children of light, and defines this for us.

Verses 15-16 admonish us to be careful how we live, as wise people, making the most of every opportunity.

Let us stand on the side of mercy and grace.

Let’s be kind to the store clerks and service personnel. Some of us are the store clerks and service personnel. Treat each person as your beloved sibling or parent or child.

Drive graciously. Pray for those who irritate us. Slow down and trust God. Let’s accept the seemingly micro priority of each relationship as an exercise in walking in the love of Christ and in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Spend less, not more. Give the money to charities.

Take time with the people whom the Lord Himself has lent us to love. Life is shorter than we imagine. Every moment counts.

Repent and seek God’s face. We celebrate the Baby Jesus’ birth. The Savior is come. In a few short weeks, we will remember His death on the cross for the redemption of our sins.

Let’s not take any one, person or God, for granted.

Blessings and Peace this season,

Beth Dorcas, UMW CTC Spiritual Growth Advocate

LEGACY FUND

United Methodist Women is celebrating its 150th anniversary by strengthening and passing on its mission inheritance with the Legacy Fund. The forward looking permanent endowment fund will provide a firm foundation for generations to come as they engage in mission with women, children and youth.

The program of United Methodist Women is mission. The interest from the Legacy Fund will be added to Mission Giving Funds to formulate the national budget of United Methodist Women.

Your District Treasurers will have Legacy Fund Pledge Cards and Legacy Fund pins to present to those who are participating in the Legacy Fund. For more information contact your conference Legacy Fund Committee, Linda Hutchings, Nancy Dobbs, Charlotte Everett or Betty Foster.

Use your Mission Today Unit Report to discover new possibilities for your UMW

Often, groups spend a great deal of time planning and working, but very little time evaluating what they’ve accomplished. The Mission Today Unit Report is a valuable tool not only for evaluating your successes in mission, but also for discovering new ways to engage your members.

Take your completed report to your leadership team, and if you are really daring, to your circles, small groups or general meeting. Spend some time celebrating what you did in 2015, and then take time to see where the gaps are in your report. In what areas have you NOT been active?

Don’t stop there. Discuss earnestly why those gaps exist. Do you need more information? Your Conference and District leadership teams are eager to share their knowledge to assist you.

Do those gaps identify mental or spiritual roadblocks? Do you need to overcome “we’ve never done it that way” or we’ve always done it this way” thinking? Maybe it just requires a tiny step outside your comfort zone to reach what seems like an unreachable goal.

Be brave. Decide as a group how you want to grow together in 2016.

South Central Jurisdictional UMW Meeting

Oklahoma City is the place to be April 15-17, 2016. Linda Hutchings, Becky Brown, Cathy Williams, Betty Foster, Marsha Pennington,

and Jennifer Higgins are going to the South Central Jurisdictional meeting as delegates of the Central Texas Conference UMW.

Lynne Grandstaff is going to serve as alternate. Cynthia Rives and Darlene Alfred are nominees for National Director. Christie Rob-

erts and Aurora Cepeda join them as Program Advisory Committee nominees. Hope you will join them. All members who want to

experience outstanding speakers and music are encouraged to attend. This meeting gives all United Methodist Women a chance to

experience the wonderful diversity of our jurisdiction. You have the opportunity to meet women from 8 different states and 12

different conferences to share ideas and network.

Registration on-line is now available on the SCJUMW website. Cost is $200.00. Book rooms from the Renaissance Hotel by Mar-

riott. Cost of the rooms is $149.00 per room per night. Rooms are going fast and are on a first come first serve basis so book now!

Meetings will be in the Cox Convention Center.

Tentative schedule:

Friday, April 15

1:00 p.m. Registration Opens

3:30 p.m. Voting Delegates Orientation

4:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

4:30 p.m. Communion Servers and Treasurers

6:30 p.m. Worship

9:30 p.m. Voting Delegates/Nominees Interviews

Saturday, April 16

7:00 – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast in Convention Center

7:00 – 9:00 a.m. Registration

8:15 a.m. Worship

12:30 p.m. Box Lunches in Workshops

Mission Visit – Neighborhood Services Org.

6:30 p.m. Banquet

Sunday, April 17

7:00 – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast in Convention Center

8:15 a.m. Worship/Communion/Offering

SEE YOU THERE!