9th National Gathering of United Methodist Men July 15-17, 2005

UMMen also 'win with Mavericks'

By Dr. Joan Gray LaBarr
Editor

NTC UMMen president Todd Bristow following United Methodist Men’s night at the Dallas Mavericks basketball game at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

A special group was in the stands cheering as the Dallas Mavericks deftly defeated the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Arena on March 7. That group – NTC United Methodist Men (UMMen) – enjoyed themselves as they made history, if not for Dallas’ playoff-bound National Basketball Association Team, for the UMMen movement in our area.
 

Todd Bristow, the energetic young president of the NTC UMMen, is intent on attracting men of all ages. The intent is to help form biblically informed, mission-minded, Christ-centered men. There are different ways to reach the goal, and the success of UMMen Night at the Maverick’s game points to basketball as one.
 

The game itself was only part of a full evening. Prior to tipoff, Mavericks President/CEO Terdema Ussery challenged and inspired the men as he shared parts of his journey from boyhood poverty to success and worldwide recognition along with the Christian faith that sustained him on the way.
 

“I feel blessed to say that I am a man of God,” he said. Recalling terrifying turbulence on a flight from San Francisco to Tokyo, Ussery said he remembers thinking, “What are people going to say about me if they find me in the Sea of Japan?”
 

That experience gave Ussery new insights on what really matters in life. “It’s not the stuff I’ve done. It’s who I am,” he said. He decided to have a set of dog tags made that read: “Terdema Ussery II, Christian, husband, father,” and his date of birth. “At the end of the day, this is who I am, and what I do,” he said.
 

In his challenge to the UMMen, Ussery said: “We need people to raise young men and young women to be people of faith… Everything has been done. God has been consistent in love, grace, and forgiveness. Thank you for being men of faith that you do not hide.”
 

Randell R. Holmes, an account executive for the Mavericks, was the staff member who worked with Bristow to organize the UMMen event. He described how the two of them shared a passion to shape a Methodist Men’s Night that would generate funds for the organization’s mission and most importantly, get the Word of God out to men.
 

“There is a real hunger in the Christian community for men to be fed and to define what it means to be a man and a Christian in today’s society, not only in the home, but in the workplace as well,” Holmes explained.
 

He sees a wonderful synergy in groups like UMMen. “Most men compete by nature. It is wonderful to have a place to share their lives, testimony, and their personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” he said.
 

By using high-level entertainment venues like the Mavericks to reach men, Holmes sees a unique opportunity to glorify God and help satisfy their needs. He considers the potential of making such events inter-denominational, a place where men of all denominations can gather to seek God’s will for their lives through non-traditional ministry.
 

The UMMen night was one of three special nights focusing on Christian men’s groups, and the only one dedicated to a particular denomination. On March 18 there was a Scouting night that also involved NTC participation.
 

Bristow agrees. “I think it’s important that UMMen have activities where they can fellowship and grow in discipleship together. Going to a game, service projects, and short and long-term Bible studies are effective,” he says.
 

The UMMen celebrate the fulfillment of their goals for the evening. They had long hoped to sponsor a first-rate event that connected them with a first-class organization that excels in its field. to "Hearing an inspiring message of what God is doing in a professional setting outside the church, and gathering in that setting to celebrate is reason to give God all the glory, honor, and praise." Bristow said.
 

NTC UMMen plan to continue to find innovative ways to reach out to men and to be in ministry in unique ways. Men interested in becoming part of the organization are invited to contact Bristow at todd.Bristow@eds.com, or online at: http://gbgmchurches.gbgm-umc.org/ntcumm/contact.htm.

NTC UMMen 'Potato Drop' at Richardson
2/27/2005

NTC UMM president Todd Bristow, center, holds a bag of potatoes dropped at First UMC, Richardson, destined for an area food bank. From left, Jeff Kempf, Andres Construction, the contractors for the new First UMC, Richardson building; Dr. Clayton Oliphint, senior pastor, First UMC, Richardson; Tim Janssen, Boy Scout Troop 778; Bristow; Allen Avery, Boy Scout Troop 914, NTC Scouting Coordinator; and Susie Marshall, program director of the Society of St. Andrew.

North Texas United Methodist Men demonstrated that the UM connection is alive and well, continuing in a rich tradition of fellowship and service at the Feb. 27 “Potato Drop” sponsored by the First UMC, Richardson, group.

Despite a chill drizzle, UMM from several congregations, Cub and Boy Scouts and family members, and volunteers from agencies that provide food for needy persons in their communities reported for duty at the construction site for the Richardson church’s new building.

The Society of St. Andrew provided a “mountain” of potatoes for the volunteers to sort and bag. Volunteers loaded the bounty into trucks for transport to Dallas area food pantries.

From the very young to senior citizens, the volunteers pitched in as the potato mountain began to shrink as bags filled up. “Part of our goal was to have a leveraged event, to bring in families, and a diversified group of God’s people working together,” says NTC UMM president Todd Bristow, a member at First UMC, Richardson.

“The UMM want to emphasize ways we are able to provide for those less fortunate in the midst of building a new church,” Bristow continued. First UMC, Richardson, pastor Rev. Clayton Oliphint reinforced Bristow’s point, explaining that the congregation is intent on demonstrating the church is a place to serve the community, even before the walls go up.

For more information on either the UMM ministries, please call Todd Bristow, 972-604-4947, or online: http://gbgmchurches.gbgm-umc.org/ntcumm, for First UMC, Richardson, please call 972-301-0104 or visit Web site: www.fumcr.com, or for the Society of St. Andrew, call Suzie Marshall, 972-253-4559.

Opportunity for Men in Mission
9/23/2004
From: Priority UMVIM Needs <sejinfo@umvim.org>
To: Bill Bache <billbache@earthlink.net>
Date: 9/23/2004 9:15:10 PM
Subject: Additional Ivan Info
Additional info from the Mobile UMVIM Coordinator
 

Dear Friends,

Teams are needed to respond to communities affected by Hurricane Ivan. Communities along the Alabama and northwest Florida coast along with numerous inland communities have been devastated by tornados or flooding or severe wind damage. Teams can be composed of as few as three to five people.  The tasks involved range from simple limb and debris removal to more complex projects like tree removal.  There is a pressing, immediate need for teams right now!!! 

In the future recovery effort there will be a need for teams to help with rebuilding homes or reroofing homes for those who are least able to rebuild. 

There are two ways that you can respond to this call for teams.

1. Reporting Needs – if you live in an area that was affected by Hurricane Ivan you can report needs for teams directly by calling the Hurricane Response Hot Line operated by the Alabama – West Florida Conference (United Methodist Church).  Your reporting of needs will help us reach those who are least able to clear their homes of debris begin the rebuilding process.  All requests will be researched by volunteer case managers who will verify the need as well as the type of work team needed for the task.

2.Sending Teams – you, your church, or other community organization can assemble team one team or several teams that can travel to affected communities to help with debris clean up, tree removal, or assisting homeowners with recovery of personal effects.  Later teams can help with the rebuilding effort.

Call 1-866-340-1956 to report a need or to offer the assistance of a

work team.  Call 251-340-1990 or 251-340 1985 if you are calling from the Mobile/Baldwin Co. area, or, if you have difficulty using the toll-free number.  Once you make the call a disaster response volunteer will collect the necessary information.  Case managers will make a site visit to proposed work sites for complete evaluation.  Team leaders will be contacted by the UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) Coordinator with team assignments and the expectations of all volunteer teams serving in disaster response.  It is important to remember that all teams need to be self sufficient as most communities are in no condition to host a work team.  In many situations though, a church fellowship hall or kitchen may be made available to lodge team members.

You are needed to make sure that no person or family in need gets overlooked.

What can I do to help if I can’t do strenuous work or take off from work to join a work team?  Even folks who are not able to participate on a work team can be a part of helping our brothers and sisters who have been hard hit by this devastating storm.  Below are things that an individual, group, or children’s Sunday School class can do to help: 

Make a donation – Individuals, church groups, and other

community groups can contribute to hurricane relief by sending a donation to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) 100% of your donation goes to relief efforts. Nothing is used for administrative costs.  Checks should be made payable to UMCOR and marked Hurricane Ivan Advance # 982410.  Your donation should be mailed to Hurricane Relief, c/o AWF Resource Center, P.O. Drawer 700 Andalusia, AL 36420-0700

Collect vital relief supplies for Flood Buckets, Hygiene Kits or School Kits –

Flood Bucket Contents and Instructions:
http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/kits.cfm#flood

Health/Hygiene Kit Contents and Instructions:
http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/kits.cfm#Health

School Kit Contents and Instructions:
http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/kits.cfm#schoolkits

If you collect completed kits you can all the Hurricane Response Hotline for further direction on getting the kits to the proper distribution site.

Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
In Christ,
Rob Gulledge
Volunteers in Mission Coordinator for Mobile, AL
thebeekeeper@thebeehive.us 

In Christ,
UMVIM SEJ
315 W Ponce de Leon #750
Decatur GA 30030
404-377-7424 (o)
"Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action."  1 John 3:18
404-377-8182 (fax)
sejinfo@umvim.org
www.umvim.org

********************************************

9/14/2004

Dear Brothers in Christ:

The Josephine United Methodist Church, built in 1935, is in need of some repair.  We recently updated the kitchen and now must tackle rotted window cells and frames three Sunday school rooms and a very outdated restroom and sitting area.

             Although the active membership has grown this year from 3 to 11, our average Sunday attendance is remaining steady at 31, and we have been assigned a Pastor, we still need support from our sister churches when it comes to projects such as remodeling and updating.

             If your men’s group is looking for a project and updating this old country church would be of interest to them please let me know.  The projects will be spread throughout the coming year as funds allow.

            Thank you.
            In His Name, 

Kim McClanahan,
Chair of the Administrative Council
kmcclana@garlandisd.net
(972) 843-8396

United Methodist Men  Leadership Training September 17-18, 2004

• General Commission of United Methodist Men Headquarters  Nashville Training Weekend
  And Jesus said, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." Mark 9:35
  Who should attend: Local Presidents, District Presidents, Clergy interested in Men's Ministry, Scouting Coordinators, Men on the Move in local church Men's ministry, yet have not recertified their group to date. Those who have not attended this Leadership Training event within the last two years it is highly recommended. Training conducted by General Commission United Methodist Men staff. Training will help strengthen our connection and build a strong men's ministry.
  
  Follow detailed information connect to this link. Download the registration form and send in right away.
  http://gcumm.org/Events/UMM%20Leader%20Training%202004.PDF

October 2004 Men's Month @ St. Luke "Community" UMC
9/17/2004

Theme: Men Trusting and Believing
Scripture reference: " [We] can do all things through Christ who strengthens [us]."   Phil 4:13
Events: Annual Cajun Feast; Men and Boys Outting; Male Chours Concert; Annual Awards Brunch; Annual Men's Day

Saturday, September 25, 2004  6:30pm  The Annual Cajun Feast
Its one of the very few fund-raiser that St. Luke allows - it benefits the Methodist Breadbasket, which is a United Methodist-wide Ministry that provides emergency food and funds for families in need.  

St. Luke serves as one of major hubs for much of the food and aid distribution- servicing Dallas at large, but specifically the South Dallas area.  Aid is given to anyone- they do not have to be Methodist- just in need!   Due to the economic times The Breadbasket Ministry has been challenged with keeping food and funds because SO many people are out of work and in need.

We will hold the event, featuring Cajun Food, and a display of Talent (gifts) on
Sept. 25 at 6:30pm at the Zan W. Holmes "Community" Life Center.
Tickets are $10 for Adults and $5 for children under 12.

The event is always lots of fun the Men of the church prepare all the Cajun cooking.   If you are unable to make the event, I still would encourage you to purchase tickets because the proceeds are needed for the Breadbasket ministry

October 2004 Men's Month @ St. Luke "Community" UMC
9/17/2004

Theme: Men Trusting and Believing
Scripture reference: " [We] can do all things through Christ who strengthens [us]."   Phil 4:13
Events: Annual Cajun Feast; Men and Boys Outting; Male Chours Concert; Annual Awards Brunch; Annual Men's Day
 

Saturday October 16, 2004 8:00am  Men and Boys Outing
Day of fun and mentoring with the youth of the church. The men are coordinating a day of games and activities to fellowship with the young boys and youth of the church and community at Owenwood Park.

Friday October 22, 2004 7:00pm  Male Chorus Concert
This time of Song and Praise will inspire, encourage, uplift.  Make a joyful noise to the Lord with the Men of the St. Luke Male Chorus and other featured guest. Contact St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church for details.

Saturday October 23, 2004 11:00pm Annual Awards Brunch
The Awards Brunch is a time in which the United Methodist Men of St. Luke pay respects with an expression of thanks. Awards are given to those men of St. Luke who have been activity engaged in the life of the church through out the 2004 calendar year.  The United Methodist Men has identified these special men who have displayed a servant leadership qualities in church service.

Sunday October 24, 2004 8:00am and 11:00am Annual Men's Day
Dr. Harold Carter, Jr. Baltimore, MD will be the speaker at both services. Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. is a third generation preacher and Pastor. He joined his father in pastoral ministry at New Shiloh on Sunday, August 4, 1996, by unanimous vote of the church's congregation. He sees his call to ministry as "the Divine Compulsion to do God's Will."

He has earned the Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. He has shared the Gospel throughout the United States and abroad.