Fitness and faith, Dr. Ted Campbell new archivist, fighting hunger, clergy follow Paul, prison ministry

November 10, 2023

Churches inspire the community to get fit and grow faith

The church can play a role in encouraging health and fitness and congregations around the Texas Annual Conference are finding ways to promote exercise. For some, it may be as simple as hosting an exercise class in an unused classroom. Others manage full-time facilities dedicated to sports and recreation.

The Rev Dr. Ted Campbell excited to assume new role as TAC archivist

Dr. Ted A. Campbell will soon step into a new role as archivist for the Texas Annual Conference. While the position might be new to the scholar, he is no stranger to the TAC. “The Texas Conference is really my home,” he said. “It’s coming home to my roots.”

TAC churches focus on fighting hunger to help families in need

Fighting hunger has been a core focus for a number of churches in the Texas Annual Conference, long before COVID-19 seemed to increase the need tenfold. Now, post-pandemic, a number of challenges, including higher costs at the grocery store and tighter family budgets, has placed increasing strain on food-relief agencies.

Prison ministry offers a safe haven and beacon of hope

Houston’s Newgate Fellowship UMC might look like any other church – but Pastor Marvin Hood explained there is a key difference. “We’re not a traditional church,” he said. “We’re a mission church.” The congregation is completely focused on restorative justice. “That’s what we do,” Hood said. “The nature of our ministry is to help men and women who have been incarcerated.” read more

TAC clergy travel to Turkey, Greece to experience the journey of Paul

Join The Rev. Trey Comstock as he describes his APL cohort’s October trip to visit the spaces travelled by the apostle Paul.

Bishop Thomas Bickerton gives presidential speech at COB

During his presidential address at the Council of Bishops’ gathering on November 7, Bishop Thomas Bickerton spoke about his experience during the 2023 Texas Annual Conference: (This segment begins at 45:53).

Watch the Recorded Livestream

Innovation Grants offered through the Conference Leadership Team are an excellent way to find new ways of loving our neighbors. If you missed the most recent Innovation Lab, the recording is now available along with tips on writing a grant and building a process of innovation. Learn more about the process and checkout stories from previous grant recipients at: w ww.txcumc.org/tacinnovation

Annual Conference 2024 will be held June 9-12 at the Marriott Westchase.

Save the Date

NEWS

Churches in the News

United Methodist Churches are making headlines – leading the way through ministry, outreach and discipleship. Amazing stories about our local congregations in the Texas Annual Conference are popping up – and news publications around the country are spreading the word about UM churches. Read all about it.

Online Services

You don’t have to miss a service if you’re out of town or if you prefer to stay at home. Viewers can also enjoy multiple preaching styles and even virtually “attend” different churches. There’s a lot going on Sundays in the TAC that you won’t want to miss.

We would like to include your church in this list. Please let us know if you are posting a resource online by sending a link to:

communications@txcumc.org

EVENTS

November 11, 2023

Central South Thanksgiving Brunch

December 2, 2023

Central South Christmas Brunch

We are looking for interesting story ideas about your church, or how you are reaching new people in your community.

Texas Annual Conference of the

United Methodist Church

5215 Main Street

Houston, TX 77002

713-521-9383