Discipleship Opportunities

Emmaus Leadership Training Seminar       Monthly    One-day ELTS events held in each district open to anyone serving a walk, particularly lay directors, board reps and spiritual directors. Asst LDs and others are also welcome. Lay directors and board reps are required to attend ELTS within 15 months of assigned walks, and spiritual directors within 3 years of a walk.
Contact Jack Trenkelbach or Cheri Riddle      888-349-4193

Summer Camps 2007               Adults, children, youth and families attend camp to learn more about God’s creation, love, and grace. Pray for (or join!) a camp team. Provide monetary support for campers needing “Camper$hips” (Advance Special #2021) and Kingdom Kampers (Advance #2005) for mentally challenged adults age 18+. Contact Sharla Mullen smullen@gvtc.com 830.899.7104

Weekday Ministries Events July 28, 2007
Continuing education with keynote speaker, multiple workshops & vendors for volunteer or paid workers with children in churches with programs for MDO, day care, and weekday preschool. One event only at Windcrest UMC, San Antonio, July 28. Sponsored by SWTC Council on Children’s Ministry.
Contact Margaret Persky mmpersky@hctc.net 325.347.5105

Kingdom Kamp September 1-3, 2007 A gentle camp for mentally challenged adults age 18 & older. Led by volunteers who enjoy a relaxed pace and serving others. Campers must meet mobility & other medical requirements.
All are blessed at Kingdom Kamp through giving time (volunteer staff needed) or funds (Advance #2005). Contact Dean Dick West to serve. Sponsored by SWTC Council on Adult Ministries.
Contact Leadership Development Office 888.349.4191

Senior Christian Retreat       September 18-20, 2007 Annual Christian fellowship, Bible study, worship, exercise, singing, dancing & creative activities in the relaxing atmosphere of Mount Wesley. “September In The Hills” sponsored by SWTC Council on Adult Ministries.
Contact Laura Rhodes llrhodes@hctc.net 830.995.3357

Discovery Zone                                                    TBA
A free-event for youth and young adults, ages 12-22, exploring a call to ministry. Hear intriguing speakers, inspiring worship, informative ministry and small groups. Meet interesting people just like you! If you’re thinking about ministry don't miss out on this awesome annual event. (lunch & ministry fair included). Contact Rusty Freeman        rhf143@aol.com     210.408.4510

Evangelism Explosion Event Spring 2008
An energizing & inspirational training for leaders in the local church to mentor their congregations in telling their faith stories as we offer Christ to All. Sponsored by SWTX Evangelism Committee.
ContactFrank Heffern fheffern@yahoo.com 512-260-9585

Symposium on Older Adult Ministry Fall 2008
Join Dr. Rick Gentzler, General Board of Discipleship’s Center on Older Adult Ministry, Nashville, and equip your congregation with the latest in OA ministry. Location in SWTX Conference to be announced. Sponsored by the SWTX Council on Older Adult Ministry.
Contact Wilma Williams wwilliams1@stx.rr.com 361-985-6582

Marriage Encounter Weekend   TBA
A “spiritual work weekend” for couples who want to make their good marriage better by rediscovering shared values, com-munication skills, and commitment to God in marriage. Weekends held in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas. Sponsored by San Antonio Area ME-UM Community collaborating with SWTC Family Council. More info
Contact Dan & Ronda Miller dnrcyh@gvtc.com 830-885-5159

Worship Workshop September 2007
Traditional, contemporary, blended, emerging, liturgical, and non-liturgical describe the diversities of corporate worship in our congregations. On one sacred Saturday, laity, pastors, musicians & worship planners will receive a variety of resources to meet differing needs of worshipers. Sponsored by SWTC Board of Discipleship Worship & Music Committee.
Contact Valeri Sansing vansing@oakhillumc.org    512-337-1335

Engaged Encounter-United Methodist                   TBA EE-UM is a weekend experience designed to help engaged couples (& those married up to 6 months) prepare individually and as a couple for marriage. The focus is on the marriage, not the wedding, hence the theme "A wedding is a day--a marriage is a lifetime.” Learn communication, decision-making techniques to use throughout a lifetime together. More info
Contact Leadership Development Office     888-349-4191

Parish Christian Educator School   Jan 07 & Jun 07 Professional courses held in Jan & June over three years. Jan 10-13, 07–Bible with Rev. Judi Mayne; June 20-23, 07-Worship with Dr. Lynn Barton; Jan 9-12, 08-Faith Development with Carol Krau; June 18-21, 08–United Methodist Doctrine with Rev Jim Mayfield. Sponsored by SWTC Board of Discipleship Christian Formation Committee. Contact Lois Duewall loisduewall@sbcglobal.net    210.344.8393

Two-Year Academy for Spiritual Formation® For lay & clergy persons who hunger for a deeper spiritual life, the Academy® is a disciplined Christian commu-nity emphasizing holistic spirituality, nurturing body, mind, and spirit, through a rhythm of study & prayer, rest & exercise, solitude & relationship…a redis-covering of our rich spiritual heritage thru worship, learning, & common life, time and space to discern direction, make covenants, & practice commitments. Eight 5-day sessions, beginning January 23-28, 2007 gathering 7 more times over two years (40 days) at Oblate Renewal Center, San Antonio. Register now. 20-pg prospectus available on request. Sponsored by Upper Room Ministries in connection with SWTC. Contact Jean Poenitske jpoenitske@gbod.org 877.899.2780

Partners In Ministry Date determined by Congregation Learn skills needed to be a visionary, effective team member in your local church. Apply “H.E.A.R.T.” principles for spiritual empowerment at home, work and church by attending this intensive, quality training event scheduled through your local church. Sponsored by SWTC Board of Laity.

Contact Nell Martin nelway@axs4u.net 830.379.1405