We have received many calls concerning memorial gifts in memory of our granddaughter. Hannah spoke often of wanting to be a veterinarian, and a scholarship/endowment fund is being established to benefit students studying veterinary medicine.

Checks should be made payable to:

Texas Methodist Foundation
11709 Boulder Lane, Suite 100
Austin, TX 78726

In the memo line, please note “In memory of Hannah Moran.”

We are so appreciative of the many calls, cards, and notes. We have felt your love and prayers during this difficult time, and are truly grateful for your presence in our lives.

Please click here for service information for Hannah Moran.

Hannah Moran, 9-year-old granddaughter of Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe, died at Cooks Children’s Hospital last night following an accident at her home in Fort Worth.

Arrangements have been made as follows:

Funeral home:

Johnson Family Mortuary
1051 S. Handley Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76112
Phone: 817.496.8946

Please remember the Bledsoe and Moran families in your prayers.

Please click here for information on memorial gifts in honor of Hannah Moran.

After several months of study, the 30-member delegation from the North Texas Annual Conference voted unanimously to support the basic recommendations of the Connectional Table, knowing that the legislation will be perfected at General Conference.

Lay delegates are particularly passionate about the proposed changes because they are consistent with how effective organizations function, delegate leaders say.

"The most important piece of the Call to Action for the North Texas delegation is the emphasis on vital congregations. We are unanimous in our belief that the local congregation is the key for church renewal in North America," said the Rev. Don Underwood, chairman of the NTC delegates. "The research completed by the Call to Action team demonstrates that we can both measure and help create missional vitality. We are excited about the possibilities that open up if we, as a denomination, will truly focus on developing and sustaining vital congregations."

The delegation also supports general church structural and governance proposals, including the merger of nine of the general agencies led by an executive general secretary, Underwood said.

The changes "are essential in enabling the general church to effectively support congregations in their quest for missional vitality." he said.

Elzie Odom, the first African- American mayor of Arlington, Texas, will sign copies of his new book, Counting My Blessings, at Dallas' St. Paul UMC, where his son is pastor.

Odom, 82, the descendant of a slave, wrote the memoir to show how a life of gratitude, courage and determination can produce blessings despite obstacles.

Counting My Blessings is a first-hand look at Odom's ascent from the small community of Shankleville in southeast Texas to become mayor from 1997 to 2003 of what is now the third largest city in North Texas.

Odom's son, Elzie Odom Jr., will host a reception and book-signing Thursday, Feb. 16. On Sunday, Feb. 19, the former Mayor Odom will deliver the message during morning worship.

AuthorHouse published the book, which is available online for $12 at Amazon.com and at Barnes & Noble through bn.com.

Walking the labyrinth is an ancient spiritual practice found in many traditions around the world. Within the Christian tradition, it was sometimes seen as a symbol of a pilgrimage. For contemporary people, the labyrinth offers a way of meditative prayer, of centering, of drawing nearer to God and to a person’s own soul, of letting go.

Jeanie Miley, a Chartres-trained labyrinth facilitator, spiritual director, speaker and author, will present a brief overview of the history and practice of labyrinth-walking at First UMC Allen and lead a candlelit walk of the beautiful labyrinth at FUMC Allen.

The event will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 30, at First UMC Allen, 601 S. Greenville Ave. in Allen. The cost is $40, including a light supper. Click here to register or call the church at 972-727-8561. Registration deadline is March 1.