We're an official "Welcoming Congregation!"

March 15, 2010


First United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Charles Alkula
1601 S. Burleson Ave.
McCamey, TX 79752

Dear Rev. Alkula and church members:

United Methodist Communications is pleased to award First United Methodist Church initial certification as an official Welcoming Congregation in 2010.  Because The United Methodist Church places a high value on radical hospitality as a vital ministry, we know you will want to celebrate this important achievement in your congregation by continuing to embrace newcomers and provide opportunities for discipleship through your welcoming lifestyle.

Your welcoming plaque and original copy of certification letter will be sent via UPS to the church address. In addition to the plaque, your church is recognized as a certified Welcoming Congregation on the denomination’s Find-A-Church.org website. Your church’s profile displays this designation. We encourage you to visit Find-A-Church.org to update your church information with pictures, worship times, ministry listing and a word of welcome!

We hope you will continue to participate in annual renewal of the welcoming certification program so every member of your congregation can embrace welcoming as a lifestyle, and your church can maintain a dynamic welcoming ministry for all people. Details concerning the annual renewal process will be sent to you after April 1, 2010.

To help you strengthen and maintain a dynamic welcoming ministry in your congregation and to help you extend your welcome into the community and the world, we invite you to visit RethinkChurch.org and review the information and resources available. In addition, we have added your church email address to our database so you can begin receiving email updates about Welcoming Certification and welcoming ministry training and resources.

On behalf of United Methodist Communications, we thank you for ensuring newcomers know the people of The United Methodist Church have open hearts, open minds and open doors.

Sincerely,

Sheila Harrison
Certification Coordinator
United Methodist Communications

cc: District Superintendent, Rev. Larry Altman
     SWTX Conference Communications, Thomas Monahan