Travis Park United Methodist Church
Friday, May 24, 2013
Unconditional Love and Justice in Action
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News & Calendar Click for Church Calendars
WORSHIP AT TRAVIS PARK
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013
Pentecost
Message: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Rev. Monte Marshall preaching
8:45 am Liturgical Service
Sanctuary Choir
Holy Communion every Sunday
11:00 am Celebration Service
Celebration Band and Singers
NEWS
AT TRAVIS PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Read Our Cross to Bear: Religious Expressions of the Homeless at Travis Park Church by Trinity University student Isaiah Ellis. Isaiah is a resident of Hope Hall, a living and learning community focusing on homelessness. He has been a volunteer with Corazon Ministries this year.
 BUILDING NEWS Over the course of the next several months, our historic building will require some much needed updates to comply with fire codes and keep the rain off of our ceilings and out of our hallways. In some cases, needed systems have not been inspected for over a decade.
Among the current issues we face:
Within our halls, we also need to review our technology assets that our staff uses to sustain the wonderful ministries of our church. Our central server that maintains most of our computer files needs to be replaced and many of our staff members are working on obsolete systems.
These needed repairs are being overseen by the Trustees Committee who are busy negotiating with contractors and communicating with the city offices to make sure we’re making the best economic decisions while not compromising our duty as a congregation to care for our property. While we don’t have final estimates, we know these updates will come at a significant cost.
If you have any interest in helping with these current needs either with your expertise and time or financially, please reach out to Rob Jackson (rob@nofrowns.net), Trustees Chair, who can point you in the right direction.
LEARN ABOUT SPIRITUAL DIRECTION 10 am, June 16, Travis Park Youth Center (Third Floor)
Presented by the TPUMC Reconciling Ministries Network
Have you ever felt an interest in entering spiritual direction? Would you like to learn more about this ecumenical spiritual practice? Have you wondered what makes spiritual direction different from psychotherapy or from religious counseling? In this presentation, Rev. James Empereur, SJ, will explain the purpose and process of Christian spiritual direction.
Rev. Empereur is currently a priest at St. Matthew Catholic Church in San Antonio. Previously, he has been the vicar and liturgist at San Fernando Cathedral. Founder of the Institute of Spirituality and Worship and founding editor of Modern Liturgy magazine, he was professor of liturgical and systematic theology at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley and chair of the doctoral faculty in the arts, worship, and proclamation at the Graduate Theological Union. He has authored four books: The Enneagram and Spiritual Direction: Nine Paths to Spiritual Guidance (1990), The Liturgy That Does Justice (1990), Spiritual Direction and the Gay Person (1998), and La Vida Sacra: Contemporary Hispanic Sacramental Theology (2006).
 TWO DOLLAR CAMPAIGN - $1,711.20 GIVEN
Our campaign to fund the hygiene kits for Corazon Ministries guests was a huge success.
We raised over $1700! - Thanks to all who contributed.
POSITION AVAILABLE: WEDDINGS AND EVENTS COORDINATOR
Travis Park United Methodist Church is seeking to hire a Weddings and Events Coordinator to provide effective service in promoting the availability of TPUMC for weddings and events, and coordinating such activities as contracted. The minimum experience qualification for the position is demonstrated skill in effectively promoting and coordinating at least one event as a volunteer or professional. Other core competencies and job essentials are included in the full job description. To apply, contact Pastor Monte Marshall at mmarshall@travispark.org, or at 210-226-8341. The job description and application form are available online at www.travispark.org.
Click to download application form in
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
In Sunday School (10 am, 3rd floor) we will continue to learn about The Four Friends, a story from the Gospel of Luke. This is the story that Through the Roof!, Joyful Noise’s spring musical, is based on. The musical will be performed in both worship services on June 2.
In Children’s Church we will discuss "What is Success?."
Joyful Noise! and Kids' Club will NOT meet this week due to Mother's Day.
There will be a Children’s Council meeting at 10 am on Sunday May 19 in Room 316. All parents of preschool and grade school children are welcome. This is a chance for you to share ideas about what you want for children at Travis Park UMC.
 Save the dates for Vacation Bible School - July 8-13, 2013. Everywhere Fun Fair takes children to a global celebration with the look and feel of a world’s fair. Children will make friends with neighbors around the world and discover that God’s love can be found everywhere, including their own neighborhoods. Children will be introduced to special places all over the world and discover that we are all neighbors and all God’s children. Questions? Contact Carol Kohrs: ckohrs@travispark.org.
 ENTRY POINT CLASS
This monthly class will meet Sunday, June 9, 4-6 pm, in the Office Conference Room. Entry Point is for anyone who is interested in joining or learning more about Travis Park UMC and our ministries. During this pastor-led session, you will learn about who we are as a community of faith, some of our history and opportunities to get involved. Contact Taylor Brown -tbrown@travispark.org.
 TRAVIS PARK DINNER OUT
Thursday, June 20, 6:00-8:00 pm (come and go) at EZ’s in The Quarry
These dinners happen every third Thursday of the month and are a time for us as a congregation to get together, Dutch treat, for food and fellowship. No need to RSVP, just come when you can and as you are. Please contact Taylor Brown at tbrown@travispark.org with questions.
 UNITED METHODISTS ASSIST WEST, TEXAS COMMUNITYAfter a powerful explosion at a fertilizer factory in West, Texas flattened homes and caused dozens of casualties, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) approved an emergency grant to the Central Texas Annual (regional) Conference of The United Methodist Church to assist in relief efforts. Your donation to US Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670, will support UMCOR’s efforts to bring relief to the survivors of this and other disasters. Please make check payable to TPUMC and note “UMCOR Disaster Relief.”
To learn more about the work of the Central Texas Conference in West, click here.
  The Board of Deborah’s House is happy to report the appointment of an Executive Director: Kate Campbell! We are excited about the progress of this new outreach ministry and its promising future.
 DO YOU HAVE VIDEO EXPERTISE? SEWING SKILLS?The Southwest Texas Reconciling Ministries Team is working hard to advance the cause of opening hearts, minds and doors.
Video Project: Each United Methodist Church that is affiliated with RMN in our Annual Conference is making video featuring church members telling what it means to them personally to belong to a Reconciling congregation or community. These videos are very effective because they feature individual testimony, which is very moving. We need to pull together TPUMC volunteers to make our own video. We especially need folks with video editing experience and access to better technology than a cell phone camera. Are you called to be in ministry through this project? Contact Rachel - Rachel.Jennings@utsa.edu
Sewing Stoles for Annual Conference: We are working to make the Reconciling movement more visible by making rainbow -colored stoles to distribute at Annual Conference, which meets in June in Corpus Christi. Two years ago, many TPUMC volunteers helped with this hands-on community project and had a great time working together. People are needed to trace, cut, sew, iron, provide food for the crew, etc. On-the-job training provided!
Work sessions are planned for Friday evenings May 24 and 31. Contact Susan Snow about the Friday evening events: fenskesnow@yahoo.com.
YOUNG ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
If are between the ages of 20-35 and are looking for somewhere to spend your Sunday school hour, look no further than the Young Adult Sunday school class! We meet every Sunday from 10am-11am for fellowship and theological discussion. Currently, we are using the curriculum “Dream. Think. Be. Do.” from the Living the Questions series. Please contact Taylor Brown at tbrown@travispark.org with any questions!
VISIONING/HOLY CONVERSATIONS
From Pastor Monte:
When I arrived last July to become the senior pastor of Travis Park United Methodist Church, I heard a common refrain among our church leaders: It’s time for us to reexamine who we are and what our purpose is as we seek to move forward into the future God dreams for us.
Toward this end, in the fall of last year, the Church Council of TPUMC decided to secure the services of a facilitator from the Texas Methodist Foundation to guide us in a two-year process of strategic planning based on the book Holy Conversations by Gil Rendle and Alice Mann.
Under the leadership of a Coordinating Team to be chaired by Phil Watkins, a series of structured conversations throughout the congregation will be facilitated over the next two years between members of the congregation and other constituents and stakeholders to address three questions: Who are we? What has God called us to do or be? Who is our neighbor? Data will be gathered from internal and external sources that will help us understand where we’ve come from, how TPUMC is viewed, and what dynamics are likely to shape our identity and mission in the future. Integral to the whole process is spiritual discernment that invites us all to seek God’s direction for ourselves and our church. The ultimate aim is not a strategic plan that will gather dust on a shelf, but an actionable vision that will be implemented in the years to come.
The costs for Holy Conversations are being covered outside the church budget. A significant amount has already been underwritten through the generosity of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. Please stay tuned for additional updates on the Holy Conversations process. Feel free to begin seeking the Spirit’s direction now, in the ways that are the most meaningful to you, as TPUMC begins this process. Grace and peace, Monte
IMAGINE NO MALARIA
Just a couple of years ago, malaria claimed a life every 30 seconds. Today, it has become one every 60 seconds. That is significant progress…thanks to your financial support. Your decision to stand together with the 11.5 million people of The United Methodist Church allows us to reach the most remote areas where care and treatment is needed most. With your help, we can continue to reduce malaria deaths and suffering in Africa. As we lead up to Mother’s Day, please consider a gift today of $10 or more to Imagine No Malaria. Will you make a donation today in honor of a mother, aunt, sister, teacher, friend or a woman who has nurtured you over the years? Share the Love and Save a Life at www.imaginenomalaria.org.
 RECONCILING MINISTRIES NETWORK NEWS
What is RMN?
A growing organization, mobilizing United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.
Big thanks for a great RMN event hosted at TPUMC!
By all accounts, the Reconciling Ministries Training Event was a great success. Special thanks to Kate Campbell and Fred Kandeler for their leadership and hard work.
Become a R.U.M.!
During the RMN training, we learned that each of us can support RMN individually, not just as a church whole. Please go the http://www.rmnetwork.org/join-us/ and become an official Reconciling United Methodist (RUM.) By joining and telling about yourself, you help RMN demonstrate how deep and wide the reconciling movement is.
2013 MLK MARCH
           PURCHASE A MAT FOR MISSION 
The Travis Park Youth has a fundraiser that focuses on both social justice and environmental issues. In the next few weeks (and beyond) the youth will be selling recycled tire mats. These mats are not only made from used car tires but also help supply hard-to-find jobs for those living in the Cookson Hills, OK area. this is the area where our Senior High Youth have worked during their annual summer Mission Trip. Contact Taylor Brown at tbrown@travispark.org for more information. Click here to learn about Recycle Rebound, where the mats are made.
CLOTHES CLOSET NEEDS
Donations of clean, machine washable clothes for adults are always needed in the TPUMC Clothes Closet. Right now, we are especially in need of men’s shirts. You can drop off donations at the church office any time Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
 Look over the schedule below and click here to learn more details.
SNL is a weekly church community event with activities for all ages.
4:00-8:00 Nursery open for infant - K (all ages from 4:00-5:00)
5:00-6:00 Joyful Noise! grades 1-5
5:00-6:00 Emmaus Singers, grades 6-12
5:00-6:00 Travis Park Ringers for adults
6:00-6:30 Light Supper for participants in SNL
6:30-8:00 Kids’ Club, grades 1-5
6:30-8:00 Travis Park Youth, grades 6-12
6:30-8:00 Sanctuary Choir for adults
6:30-8:00 GLBT Theology and Spirituality Discussion Group for adults
PRIDE PARADE IN AUSTIN - SEPTEMBER 22
On Saturday, September, 22nd 2012 TPUMC made history in the MFSA/RMN movement for equality and inclusion by joining forces with other Southwest Texas Conference ministries and marching in the Austin Pride Parade. We marched right past the capital in the heart of Texas to show that at TPUMC we stand for unconditional love and justice in action for all people. At our church, all are welcome, and all means all.
Thanks to Joe Tanasi, Fred Kandeler and David Lodge for their leadership in this great event.
A fundraising package is being prepared and will be released soon. You can still participate by purchasing the package which will include pictures taken from the event, the beautiful Purple and Gray Love Your Neighbor t-shirt our marchers wore, and some pins you can wear to church and around town to show your support for equality and inclusion. Here are a couple of pictures that will be included in the package. Proceeds will go toward future projects of the Reconciling Ministries Team at Travis Park Church.
  Details on pricing and the dates the fundraiser will begin will be released soon so stay tuned to your TPUMC news!
Open now at the Methodist Mission Home: An 8-bed home for women warriors in recovery.
Read the article by Rachel Toalson on the Southwest Texas Conference website:
 Open House
The Travis Park UMC community and representatives of referring treatment programs had an opportunity to see the new home and learn more about Deborah’s House.
The vision:
Every year, two dozen previously-homeless veteran women are employed, sober and sane remain active in a 12 step group and therapy, while growing spiritually in a home church, each being mentored by a wise woman. The women are supported as they move back in relationship with God, family and friends--that's a miracle of God at work!
To make donations of items, please contact Judy Fields, 210-695-1102.
If you need to arrange for pick up and transport of large donations, contact Bill Irwin wildtaz@satx.rr.com 830-613-1008.
To donate money:
Click to make a secure donation online through PayPal.
Cash or check donations should be marked “Deborah’s House” and put it in the offering plate or send to TPUMC (230 E. Travis, San Antonio, TX 78205.)
Both large and small donations are deeply appreciated.
Visit www.travispark.org for updates; www.mmhome.org for an overview of Methodist Mission Home ministries.
Contact Administrator Judy Fields - 210.226.8341 x 313.
 OUR NEW PASTOR Our new Senior Pastor, Rev. Monte Marshall, is a native of Beeville, Texas. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1975 with a Bachelor or Arts degree in History. He also received a Master of Divinity degree, magna cum laude, in 1983 from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.
Monte has over thirty years experience serving churches in The United Methodist Church. He served four years on the staff of First UMC in Beeville; two years as the youth director at Mt. Olivet UMC in Arlington, VA; seven years as the Director of Ministry at Asbury UMC in Corpus Christi; four years as associate pastor at University UMC in Austin; two years as the pastor of the United Methodist churches in Hilda and Castell; and seven years as an associate pastor at Fredericksburg UMC. Monte served as the senior pastor of First UMC in Pflugerville from 2006 until this move to Travis Park UMC.
Monte was consecrated a diaconal minister in 1983, licensed as a local pastor in 1987, ordained a deacon in 1988, and an elder in 1990. In the various positions he has held on church staffs, his ministry has focused primarily on Christian education and the planning and coordination of other program ministries of the church. He is currently serving on the Board of Discipleship and the Worship Committee of the Southwest Texas Annual Conference, and served on the Amos Commission of the Austin District. His community involvements have included service on the Citizens Advisory Committee for the development of a new city master plan for Pflugerville, a city Health Care Task Force, and the New Life Institute’s Board of Directors.
In addition to his church experience, Monte served on the staff of the Admiral Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, TX, from October, 1994 through May, 1999. He coordinated the museum’s national commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II held on September 2-3, 1995. Following this assignment, he became the museum’s Director of Education.
Monte enjoys playing the drums, jogging, taking walks with his wife, reading, and going to the movies. Monte and Laura Jean have been married for thirty-four years. Their family includes oldest son Brian, age 30, Brian’s wife, Kara, and youngest son James, age 24.
SERMONS ONLINE
Pdfs of Pastor Monte’s sermons are now on the website. Click here to go to the "Sermons" page. Plans are under way to record the sermons and make the audio recordings available on the website, too. Want to help with this project? Contact Betty Curry - bcurry@travispark.org.
 THANKS FOR A GREAT WELCOMEWow! Travis Park really knows how to welcome a new pastor and his wife to town! This past Sunday was a day that we will not soon forget. Laura Jean and I were both overwhelmed by your responsiveness in worship and your warm hospitality. The reception between the services was laden with delicious morsels and cold drink that provided refreshment for all and a great opportunity to get acquainted with folks. The meals provided for us at home were a Godsend in the midst of packing boxes and the general chaos that goes with moving. The church staff has bent over backwards to provide a smooth transition. We are so excited to be in San Antonio at Travis Park UMC. God has great things in store for this incredible congregation, and we are thankful for the opportunity to work together and walk together with you, side-by-side, to see that justice and unconditional love are put into action. By the way, it would help us out immensely if you could keep sharing your names with us until we get them down.
Thank you, Travis Park! Grace and peace, Pastor Monte
PASTORAL CARE
Please contact us at 226-8341 or prayerchain@travispark.org if you know of anyone ill, hospitalized or in need of pastoral care. If you have news of the death of a loved-one, please let us know.
 PARKING GARAGE REMINDER
Just a reminder about Sunday parking in the Travis Plaza Parking Garage across the street: Keep the ticket you get as you enter. Please park on the 5th or 6th floor. Pick up a validation ticket at the Information Desk in the church foyer. Use both ticket when you leave the garage at no charge.
CORAZON VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Please contact Rev. Dale Tremper (279-5743) if you would like to volunteer to help with the services provided during breakfast on Sunday mornings.
 CLOTHES CLOSET NEEDS
The Clothes Closet needs restocking! Please stop by the Info Desk in the Foyer to pick up a flyer(or download one here) and hold your own clothing drive for the Travis Park Clothes Closet.
Needed: All adult sizes of pants, shirts, shoes, coats and sweaters.
Please note: clothing should be clean and machine washable.
Also needed: plastic grocery bags.
 UNITED METHODIST PASTOR OPTS FOR LIFE OF PROTEST ON THE STREET by Michael Barajas, SA Current (excerpt)
Lorenza Andrade-Smith’s Christian testimony has involved selling all her possessions (except the cell phone...and a screwdriver) and braving the South Texas summer as a voluntary member of our sizable homeless community.
...At 42, Smith has already led several lives: that of a U.S. Air Force cadet, a housewife and mother, and the pastor of a United Methodist congregation in San Antonio. Now an outspoken advocate with a penchant for protest, Smith has sold all her possessions, rejected her church salary and benefits and traded her bed for benches, park grass, and parking-lot asphalt. This life has become her newest protest on behalf of the poor and marginalized, she says, a fight for “systematic change.”
Over the past month, Smith has shifted between shelters, social rallies, the U.S./Mexico border, jail cells, and meetings with local faith leaders at a furious pace. Belying her short stature and soft-spoken nature, she’s latched onto politically charged social movements that have begun to push her into the spotlight.
Sitting on her park bench, Smith tells me what’s behind her new cause. “Really, the goal of this is to be in community with those who do not have a voice....I’m learning from them, this isn’t charity.”
...“I feel like I’ve already learned so much....Just the idea of wanting a little bit of respect, feeling looked down on all the time out here...I now know how it lifts the soul when someone shows genuine kindness out here. That’s the kind of thing I’m trying to learn.”
Bishop Dorff has appointed Rev. Smith to ministry with the poor and marginalized to advance systematic change. Travis Park UMC, La Trinidad UMC and University UMC, Austin are her "home base" churches in this appointment.
 
DO YOU RECEIVE OUR WEEKLY EMAILS?
TPUMC keeps in touch with our church family each week by email. If you don’t receive these emails and would like to, please contact us at bcurry@travispark.org. To save funds and trees, we no longer send newsletters by snail mail, so stay informed by giving us your email address.
230 East Travis Street San Antonio, Texas 78205 (210) 226-8341
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