A Special Invitation to All UMW Members. - - The UMW of First United Methodist Church are presenting a timely and informative workshop entitled "Ways of Implementing the Charter for Racial Justice." It will be held at their church Feb. 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The church is located at 915 E. Fourth Street. All units of the South District churches are invited to attend. Margaret Crawford, President of the North District UMW, Desert Southwest Conference, has been invited to present the workshop. You are invited to share a light lunch following the workshop. There is no charge for the luncheon but we do need to know how many members will be attending. Reservations must be received by February 17th. Catalina Players Present a March Show      The Catalina Players would like to thank Catalina United Methodist Church for being honored with the Alma Clayton award for the third time.      Did you know that we have a community theatre at Catalina United Methodist Church? Did you know that 82% of our last show was made up of people who do not attend Catalina? Did you know that the Catalina Players have given over $30,000 to groups that the church supports? Come out and meet some of these people and support our efforts with our next show, The Philadelphia Story, a comedy. Dates are March 19, 20, 26, 27, 1999. Your Opportunity to Make a Difference! Become involved as a volunteer in an innovative parent support program. Help with the "first steps" in parenting by offering information and support to new birth mothers in the hospital. Call Blanca or Sheryl at The Parent Connection at 321-1500 for more information on how to become a FIRST STEPS volunteer. Music is not only a path to the soul, but learning music is good for the brain! Researchers in physics and psychology (Dr. Gordon Shaw & Dr. Frances Rauscher) in 1990, "began working with inner-city pre-schoolers to see how musical training might affect their brain development. They had 4 groups: one was given keyboard lessons; the second, computer lessons; the third, singing sessions; and the fourth, no lessons, only the standard curriculum. Six months later the keyboard students performed 34% better on spatial-temporal ability tests than any other group, including the computer students.      We wish all schools could have instrumental training available, but many simply don't have the money. Carmen Kemery, principal at Pueblo Gardens and a member of Christ U.M. Church, has been working hard to bring musical opportunities to her students, but they need instruments! Used ones are fine. Do you have an instrument in a closet you or your children haven't used in years? Would you consider giving it to a school so youngsters can learn music? If so, call me. (327-4296) Rev. Ravin Gaston The United Methodist Church The World is Our Parish: Connected for Ministry A Time to Tear, A Time to Bind: A Short Course in United Methodist History      The history of the United Methodist Church, like many denominations, is a story of division and coming together. The United Methodist Church was formed in 1968, with the union of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church.      The Evangelical United Brethren Church had existed since 1946, when two U.S.-born denominations - the Evangelical Church and the Church of the United Brethren in Christ - came together.      These two former bodies - along with the Methodist Church - were similar, particularly in terms of church polity and evangelistic zeal. Help Needed For Home Repair Project      St. John's United Methodist Church, the Pima Council on Aging, and the TMM Family Service Agency are all working together on a HOME REPAIR PROJECT for those in our community who are in need of home maintenance and repairs and can't afford it. The purpose of the project is to provide free labor, and free materials when needed, to make repairs on homes of the elderly. Most of the work will be done by a team of 12 volunteers who call themselves NOMADS and are affiliated with UM Volunteers in Mission. They will be arriving in Tucson in early March and will work March 9-25.      We are being asked to make this project part of our Christmas gift list. Are there members of our congregation who can help by donating funds to make a Christmas gift to an elderly person who is in need.      If you have questions about the project, or wish to refer a homeowner for this kind of assistance, please call Debra Adams at Pima Council on Aging at 790-7262, or Rev. Peggy Ward at 792-6398 or 294-1824. If you can help please send your gifts to PIMA COUNCIL ON AGING, 5055 E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85711. Please designate your gift HOME REPAIR PROJECT. "Project Hospitality" For the Homeless      Last winter, Catalina United Methodist Church provided the evening meal, sleeping quarters, and breakfast once a week for six homeless men through a program of the Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless and the Salvation Army. There are about 30 churches in Tucson housing the homeless in this winter program.      We are exploring the possibility of including a second night this year, Tuesday and Friday, from the end of November to the end of February. As an indication of our congregation's interest we would ask your prayerful consideration in helping in this important mission. Please return this questionnaire during the offering or to the church office. There will be a planning meeting in October or early November. Thanks for your assistance. I would be willing to help in Catalina's plans for the homeless in the following areas.   Tuesday Friday ______ ______ 1. Providing part/all of the evening meal. ______ ______ 2. Providing part/all of the breakfast. ______ ______ 3. Staying with our guests 5:45 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. ______ ______ 4. Staying with our guests 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. ______ ______ 5. Staying the entire night 5:45 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. Your Name  ______________________________ Address  ________________________________ Telephone  ______________________________ Divorce Recovery Support Groups January 4    - March 8 Mondays, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Tucson Medical Center, Ocotillo Room (Enter at West entrance, room is next to cafeteria). 5301 E. Grant Road. January 21    - March 25 Thursdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m. St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church, 4440 N. Campbell (at River Road). February 2    - April 6 Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Palo Verde Hospital, Sala de Alegria Room, 2695 N. Craycroft (between Ft. Lowell and Grant, enter at Urgent Care entrance). February 16    - April 20 Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Ascension Lutheran Church, 1220 W. Magee (East of La Canada on North side of street). March 3    - May 5 Wednesdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m. First Christian Church, Room 109, 740 E. Speedway (Speedway and Euclid). March 18    - May 20 Thursdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m. St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 8051 E. Broadway (near Pantano.) On-Going Daytime Divorce Recovery Group Tuesdays, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. University of Arizona, Old Main, Room 222. Children of Divorce Group March 22    - May 10 Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m. St. Philip's in the Hills, 4440 N. Campbell (at River Road). Grades K-12.  Registration required.  Send name and names and ages of children to 209 S. Tucson Blvd., Suite F or call 323-3952. No cost, donations requested. TMM Family Services 3127 E. Adams 322-9557      Currently accepting applications for occupancy in transitional housing for low income single moms and their children and single women.      Requirements include: * Employment, looking for work or in school/training * Adhering to all program rules * Following a no-smoking, no drugs, no males on campus policy      This is a program lasting approximately 9-12 months. Residents receive services that include financial counseling and case management while they reside in a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom unit with monthly fees starting at $161, including utilities, laundry/ no telephone.      Any interested person(s) may apply between 9-3 at the office at 3127 E. Adams (off Country Club between Speedway and Pima).      For further information call Tiffany or Linda at 322-9557. From Our Church and Society Work Area     There can be no peace in the home if there is a problem gambler in the family. The expansion of gambling has been phenomenal in recent years. In 1974 the amount of money spent by Americans was $17 billion. In 1995 it had increased to an estimated $500 billion!      The average problem gambler appears to be no different from the average responsible citizen. He or she is from a good home and stable family, and often holds a steady job. He or she is likely to be clean, well dressed, and is probably at minimum a high school graduate. The average problem gambler then is well camouflaged. Unlike the alcoholic and the junkie, he or she does not reveal the signs of his/her addiction by alcohol on the breath or tracks on the arm. But the problem gambler suffers from serious illness, and because of the nature of the problem, it is likely that the illness will not be discovered until it is in its advanced stages.      Fortunately, the problem gambler can be helped. For more information contact Mark Harrison, General Board of Church and Society, 100 Maryland Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002-5664, (202) 488-5645. Can You Help? Adults with serious mental illness who receive services at La Frontera Center, a nonprofit behavioral health agency, are renovating a client-run drop-in center for use by the approximately 700 people who receive services at their southwest case management facility each year. One client who has been involved in the project stated that it "has helped me and everyone involved have increased self-esteem, self-confidence, and allowed for new friendships."  The clients have developed the following wish list for donations: Round tables (2), chairs for tables (12), comfortable chairs for viewing TV (6), coffee/end tables (2), TV and VCR in good condition, magazine rack, small bookshelves, round tablecloths (SW motif or plain), small stereo system, cassettes and videotapes, ping-pong net and balls, entertainment center, puzzles and games, arts and crafts supplies, pictures and throw pillows (SW motif), microwave oven, small fridge, coffee maker, and kitchen supplies (microwave popcorn, etc.) If you would like to donate any of the listed items, please contact Karen Chatfield at 884-9920, ext. 262 (day) or 797-9713 (evening). Are You a Single Parent? Or Would You Like to Help Single Parent Families? Single Parent Project Mission Statement We are a vehicle to provide resources to single parents. We are committed to the welfare and wholeness of families, causing a community that works! The Single Parent Project provides the following services: Individual attention to your goals and needs Information and referral Bi-monthly support group meetings Volunteer services network Baby-sitting co-op program Sponsorship by local businesses throughout Tucson Education seminars and work shops Childcare during SPP activities Evening and Saturday appointments No monetary fees For additional information on volunteer positions, donations, workshops, sponsorship opportunities, appointments, or general information please contact: (520) 571-0354. Family Information, Referral Support Team An Ecumenical Crisis Telephone Ministry      Tucson has a new interfaith support and crisis hotline. Experienced volunteers assist callers daily between 4 p.m.-10 p.m. These volunteers have completed a comprehensive training program that enables them to help callers find support systems available through the bonds of the family, the Church and the community at large.      Telephone support counseling provides an effective resource and an understanding, human voice for all who have to cope with loneliness, illness, disability, loss or advancing age. Telephone counseling is a network 'on call,' empowering callers even when they face circumstances they cannot change.      Crisis intervention offers immediate assistance to people confronted by bereavement, divorce, job loss, family crisis, traumatic events or other major life challenges. Telephone counselors help callers identify the problem and choose the 'first' step in the healing process. Crisis intervention may involve referral to a church program or community service. FIRSt maintains a comprehensive data base for various available religious and community services.      Volunteers from our churches are invited to attend a training to become part of this team. For more info, call 512-8789. United Methodist Programs on ODYSSEY CHANNELTM George Mann at Pasadena Sundays, 1 to 1:30 p.m. Lawson Live Sundays, 9 to 9:30 p.m. Faces on Faith Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11 p.m. Repeated Wednesdays, 1 a.m. and Mondays, 12 a.m. Faith and Reason Thursdays, 9:30 to 10 a.m. Repeated Fridays, 12 a.m. Scriptures Alive! Thursdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m. Repeated Fridays, 1 a.m. News Odyssey Thursday, 7 to 7:30 p.m. Repeated Thursdays at 10 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m.; Mondays, 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays, 12:30 a.m. Frazer Family Saturdays, 4:30 to 5 p.m. Check local listings for the channel in your community.

Our Day School The Day School children were treated to a wonderful presentation by Janet Tolman and John Neve on Wednesday, February 10, in the sanctu-ary. They performed Rex, the King of Instruments - a delightful rap story John reads as Janet plays out the parts on the organ. We thank you! A Thank You Note      Our 1998 Advent Festival benefited moms and kids of Shalom House. Here is a note from them:      The Shalom House would like to thank you and everyone who helped with your wonderful program! We appreciate all your support! You all brought many smiles to many people. Congratulations, Catalina UMC During December and January we sent a "grand" total of $2,888.97 to the Community Food Bank for feeding of hungry people in Tucson and Pima County. This includes our annual gift in lieu of poinsettias. Thank you to all who made contributions to this worthy cause. BorderLinks BorderLinks has become a bi-national organization which now includes Mexican staff, two of whom are Sisters. We are in need of vehicles, older and high mileage are fine, if they are dependable. BorderLinks is non-profit so donations are deductible. For more information or to make a donation call Lerry at BorderLinks at 628-8263. United Methodist Federal Credit Union Did You Know...      That as a member of any United Methodist Church in the Western United States you may be eligible to join the United Methodist Federal Credit Union.      UMFCU offers a full range of financial services. Share draft checking, VISA's, on-line banking, loans with reduced rates, IRA's Money Market accounts and much, much more.      CALL TODAY for more information! 1-800-245-0433 or http://www.umfcu.org Ever Served in a Soup Kitchen?      Many CUMC members have worked on a Saturday morning to help feed the homeless at Casa Maria Soup Kitchen. It's an eye-opener and a reminder of God's mandate to us to give some of our time and energy to the cause of the poor.      At this time there is a special need for helpers on weekday mornings. If you feel God nudging you to be such a helper don't ignore the feeling. Call me and I'll connect you with Casa Maria. Rev. Ravin Gaston When in Need of a Listening Ear, or in Crisis, Call 512-8789 Between 4 p.m.-10 p.m., 7 Days a Week FIRST - Family Information, Referral and Support Team, an interfaith support and crisis telephone hotline, is available to talk with you: ... When you have no one else to talk to ... When your pastor is not available ... When your faith is challenged by crisis ... When you feel lonely ... When you feel hopeless ... When you feel abused Tucson Centers for Women and Children Need You! Can you help with child care, sort donated goods, answer crisis line calls, assist with administrative work, cook meals, or help with maintenance? TCWC operates two shelters for women and children who are victims of domestic violence, as well as offer a children's daycare, 24-hour crisis lines, outreach counseling, transitional housing, support groups, a donation center, and other services. If you can help, or for more information, please call David Leavitt at 795-8001. Shalom House Needs Volunteers Could you help in the room where donations are stored and distributed? Families leaving the shelter to set up their own homes visit this room to get items they need. Please contact Lorraine, the volunteer coordinator, at 325-8800. DO YOU WORK? DO YOU NEED CHILD CARE? You can get help finding or paying for child care. For more information call Child Care Resource & Referral: 325-5778 Please Help an Abused Child! Be the voice of an abused, neglected or abandoned child in court. Volunteer to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). CASA volunteers are ordinary citizens from the community who are trained to work as independent child advocates to help ensure that children have the opportunity to grow in safe and loving homes. If you care about children, have compassion and time to spare, please call the CASA program office at 740-2060 or 2912. A child is waiting for your voice. Travelers Aid ...another agency working with the homeless of Tucson, is looking for the following to help those individuals and families on the streets: Sunscreen, hats, visors, lip balm, sunglasses, bottled water. Many of us have extras of these!  Bring yours to church in the next few weeks and deposit in the church office.  Let's help the homeless through this hot, hot summer! Volunteer Receptionists Needed Compassionate listeners will receive phone and in-person inquiries, assisting individuals who contact our office in both personal and professional capacities. Call Angie at 322-6601 for details. TWC (Those Who Care) Volunteer Program TWC is a non-profit Christian based ministry which provides group home care to homeless and displaced children in our community. TWC is looking for special people who will hold and rock babies, play with children, and tutor school age children, If you are interested in giving some of your time to this ministry contact Tina at the TWC administrative office, 292-0270. Mobile Meals Urgently Needs DRIVERS to deliver meals to homebound elderly persons 1 1/2 hours one day a week or willing to substitute NURSES to make home visits by appointment CLERICAL WORKERS we still need volunteers for our office 1/2 day once a week or willing to substitute You would be most welcome for whatever amount of time you could volunteer for any of these openings.    Please call 623-0344, ext. 3068. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Drivers Over 65: We Still Need Your Help!      The University of Arizona Drachman Institute continues to recruit volunteers for its Study of Older Drivers. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate programs that might help seniors driver longer safely.      The study goals is 2000 volunteers. Approximately 500 drivers have volunteered to date. Another 1500 volunteers are needed. Volunteers are being accepted through April 30, 1999.      Participants must be over 65 years of age, still driving, and residents of the greater Pima County area for at least six months per year. Due to research constraints, only one member per household may participate.      Volunteers are asked to complete a short transportation survey and a one-day travel diary. The information is strictly confidential and will be only used for research purposes. Volunteers may also be invited to participate in one of three follow-up activities: a Driver Self Assessment, a Driver Re-training Workshop, or a Healthy Driver Workshop. Survey sessions are held at a variety of locations throughout the greater Tucson area. Materials are available in both English and Spanish. This transportation study is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation with support from General Motors Corporation. For further information or to sign-up for the survey sessions, please call the Drachman Institute at 623-4993.      Para información en espanõl, favor de llamar 623-1223.