HISTORY:  1998 - Welcoming, Working, Worshiping

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In 1998,  AUMC again extended its goal of making everyone feel welcome when attending our church.  In the past, ushers would normally also serve as the first contact to those attending worship.  The evangelism committee formally initiated the use of greeters before each service.  This meant that each person attending worship would be warmly greeted by name, often before they entered the door.  Visitors were immediately welcomed and often personally escorted to a seat and introduced to other members.  This program improved on our already well-known reputation as a friendly congregation.  

The Missions team increased our presence at Westheimer Ecumenical Social Ministries (Later renamed West Houston Assistance Ministries) by leading the way in a fundraising drive that resulted in $42,000 for the agency's permanent building fund .... well over the goal of $25,000!  We also took part in the Linus project, which made blankets for children suffering from serious illnesses, a home repair project, and two blood drives.  

Vacation Bible School this year was offered in the evenings with two separate programs:  A traditional VBS agenda aimed at children, and a second aimed at adults.  The program was well received by all age levels.  

Our youth program also took off. We did not hire a Youth director as was planned, but Reverend Wehn-Glowski, along with volunteers began a missions-centric program.  The youth were active in food collection for the needy, creating and distributing care packages for the Houston Sea Farer's center, and the San Marcos River Work Project. 

Some unique new fundraisers were begun this year, including a Sunday afternoon "Malt Shop" in which Fellowship Hall was decorated 50's style and appropriately dress youth would serve up freshly grilled hamburgers and hot dogs along with home-made chocolate malts.  Dr. White noted in his Charge Conference report, however, that there were still some vacancies in leadership positions.  That, too, proved to be a blessing because the next year would bring a whole new host of faces to run our various ministry areas. 

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Ashford United Methodist Church - 2201 S. Dairy Ashford - Houston, TX 77077
Ph: 281-497-1146 - Fax: 281-497-7574