Interactive Comedy Dinner Theater To help raise funds for Military Ministry

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1 Lytle United Methodist Church P.O. Box 608 Lytle, Texas (830) Lytleumc.com AUGUST 2016 Interactive Comedy Dinner Theater To help raise funds for Military Ministry This Saturday, August 6, at 6 PM Or This Sunday, August 7, at 5 PM Set in a 1950's diner, the plot centers around Uncle Phil and his wait staff as they eagerly anticipate the arrival of the evening's entertainment a band called The Desotos. As it becomes increasingly apparent that the Desotos may never show up, the waiters & D.J. attempt to keep the audience busy. Come for the great food and hilarious entertainment, all for a great cause. Tickets cost $12. Call (830) for reservations or get tickets at the door. All of the profits of the theater will go to help our returning troops through Cru Military Ministry. Fall Spiritual Growth Campaign The Power of a Whisper: Hearing God, Having the Guts to Respond Sept. 18 through Oct. 9 Imagine what your life might become if you were willing to say, "God, I'm listening;" If you were hearing God's voice and obeying God's promptings. This powerful book and group study from pastor Bill Hybels provides inspiration and vision for what can happen when you intentionally listen for the Holy Spirit's promptings and respond decisively to what you hear. Leaning into personal experiences from over three decades of active ministry, Hybels offers practical wisdom on how to better listen for God's whispers of direction, challenge, and counsel and how to summon the courage to follow God's voice. This Fall Spiritual Growth Campaign will include: Individual Participation: Each person will have the opportunity to complete regular reading assignments from the companion book for the campaign, The Power of a Whisper, by Bill Hybels. These readings will challenge us to reflect on the truth of Jesus call on our lives. Group, Family or Partnership Participation: A powerful element of the campaign is encouraging us to experience true biblical community through small groups, family studies or one-on-one partnerships. The curriculum includes a Bible study taught on video, followed by a guided discussion time where group members or partners dig deep and apply the truths of the study to their lives. Weekend Service Participation: Each weekend of the campaign, the pastor, choir and worship team will put together services that glorify God and reflect on that week s theme in the campaign. Romans: The Five Joys of the Gospel of Jesus Christ A Worship Series during August

2 August 1, Monday - Food Pantry Day, 6 to 7 PM. Church Schedule August 2, Tuesday - In-Reach Team meeting at 6 PM. Interactive Comedy Dinner Theater to raise funds for military ministry. August 6, Saturday at 6 PM August 7, Sunday at 5 PM August 12, Friday - Koinonia Emmaus gathering at LakeHills UMC, starting at 7:30 PM. August 13, Saturday - 2nd Team meeting for Women s Walk to Emmaus #1. August 15, Monday - Food Pantry Day, 6 to 7 PM. August 21 - Church Movie Night, 4 to 7 PM. August 27, Saturday - Quilt club meets in the fellowship hall. August 28 - Youth Taco Sunday. August 29, Monday - Food Pantry Day, 6 to 7 PM (no Food Pantry on Sept. 5 Labor Day). September 5, Monday - Labor Day (No Food Pantry). September 11 - Church covered-dish brunch. September 18 - October 9: The Power of a Whisper Spiritual Growth Campaign. October 20-23, Thurs. evening thru Sun. - Women s Walk to Emmaus #1. UNITED METHODIST YOUTH FELLOWSHIP SCHEDULE August 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Dinner Theater 7 Dinner Theater 14 U.M.Y.F. At the Church 4pm-6pm 21 Church Movie Night, 4 to 7pm 28 Swimming At April Bodie s House 3:00 6:30pm Family Day at the River 8am 8pm Notes: August 6 & 7: Church Dinner Theater to support the Military Ministry Division of Cru Ministry. If you are not in the play, then you are needed to help serve dinner. For those helping on Saturday evening, please be at the church by 5:00 pm. For those helping on Sunday, please be at the church at 4:00 pm. August 20: Family Day at the River at Camp Sequoia near Hunt, TX. We will carpool to the river and return to the church by 8:00 pm. Youth are still allowed to attend if their family can not make it. Paddle Boats and Canoes are available. August 28: Say Good-Bye to Summer and join us at the Bodie s house for an afternoon of swimming. Meet at the church at 3:00 pm and return by 6:30 pm

3 Church Family Movie Night And Soup and Sandwich Meal Sunday, August 21 Movie 4 to 6 PM, Soup and sandwiches 6 to 7 PM It s time for our second annual church-wide family movie night, shown in the youth building and featuring popcorn and a great familyfriendly flick. We will be watching a great football movie, Woodlawn, which is kind of a mix between Remember the Titans and Facing the Giants. It is a true story and very inspiring for all ages. After the movie, we will have soup sandwiches and of course, ice cream. Please come and enjoy this time of fellowship. Turning Our Mountain into a Mole Hill Church Debt Reduction Capital Campaign Thanks to the faithfulness and generosity of so many, we have passed our goal and we still have a month left! We have received donations so far from 35 families, totally $42,475. Our goal set by the Administrative Council was $40,000 but the pastor thinks we can hit $50,000 (which means he can shoot off his confetti cannon three more times This Sunday, then at $45,000, then on the final Sunday of the campaign, August 28). Through the power of God, your faith and your generosity have moved a mountain.. "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, Go throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Mark 11:23 People who have endorsed this goal through giving so far (listed alphabetically): The Alexanders, Linda Bahlmann, The Batemans, the Baynes, the Bennetts, the Bodies, the Boyds, the Browns, Nancy Burns, Catherine Carroll, the Dominguez family, Carl Ernest, the Escalantes, the Farmers, Robert and Molly Gonzales, Doris Guidry, the Hoffman family, Kirk & Tawana Jackson, the Keiths, the Martins, the Mayhews (in honor of Guy and Juanita Mayhew), Carol McDonald, the Meyers, the Nortons, the Pruetts, the Scotts, Mary Snyder, the Stewarts, Ann VanWinkle, Frank & Pam Wanjura, Ralph Weaver, and the Wells family. New Tuesday Morning Prayer Group at the Church The call went out last February for anyone willing to be part of a Capital Campaign prayer team. For many months Becky Escalante, Linda Bahlmann and Scott Martin have been meeting every Tuesday morning (or Thursday) from 9 to 10 AM. They have prayed for the campaign and they have prayed general prayers for every family in the church, going through the church list several times. Now that the campaign is coming to an end, they have decided to continue to meet each week: to pray for those on the church prayer list, for the families of the church, and for the city, the country and the world. We would like company and invite anyone interested to join us on Tuesday mornings from 9 to 10 AM. You can join us as we finish our prayer duties with the campaign, or join us on Tuesday, September 6 for our new start. Emmaus News: Upcoming Woman s Walk! The monthly gathering of the Koinonia Emmaus Community will be at Lakehills UMC on Friday, August 12. Mark the date now and be sure to be at the gathering for lots of music, praise and testimonies, and some fun, food and fellowship. Jim Pruett is the new Lay Director of our Kononia community. Women's walk #1, led by our own Connie Norton is just 2 months away, at Mt Wesley October There is still room for pilgrims, so talk to the pastor or someone else who has already gone and get your application submitted. If you would like more information about Emmaus, a very special Christian retreat, call the church office, pick-up a brochure in the church entranceway, or see the Emmaus bulletin board.

4 Last Sunday Breakfast Taco Sales The youth group continues to feed the hungry hoards at their Last Sunday Breakfast Taco Sales. They will be selling your favorite breakfast tacos before Sunday school. The next sale is on August 28th. Tuesday Morning Movies Completed Successfully During the summer, the church offered free children s Movie Morning on Tuesdays. This program ran from June 7 until August 2 and had as many as 24 children attend. We thank all our nursery workers and volunteers who made this program possible. This program was a service to the community as well as a venue for sharing the Goods News of Jesus Christ. Monday Night Guy s Group All of the men of the church, and friends, are invited to a weekly men s gathering. It takes place on Monday evenings starting at 7 PM at the church and dinner is served. The focus is fellowship and study as the guys gather to lift one another up in their daily Christian walk. Prayer Concerns Bethel Kay Bateman knee pain, upcoming surgery Father of Gibby Moreno health issues Family of Jay Rowell who died recently Connie Norton knee pain Ann Williams health Randy and Anna Honn John O Kane death of mother Banda Family Aaliyah 5 year old having surgery Amanda Bodie health Jason Favela for employment For our nation and for the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ For upcoming play at church Cozell Foster (Shelle McMillan s father) health improving AC and Hazel Heath Cindy Haverla (friend of Kelsey Garcia) cancer, on hospice Wayne VanWinkle stroke, in rehab Rose Lynn health, and for David Anna Rhoades--health Rosie Wheeler (friend of Tawana Jackson) uterine and ovarian cancer Cathy Noll (Dustin s stepmother) diagnosed with lymphoma, starting chemotherapy Marcia Wade now in Lytle Nursing Home Cheryl Wehner (Gene Gunn s daughter) recurrence of cancer Lisa Wells chemotherapy for recurrence of lung cancer, responding well Rita Espinoza (co-worker of Tawana Jackson) pregnant, on strict bed rest (1 st trimester) Mike and Cindy Williams our missionaries on the Arabian Peninsula Dustin and Mallary Covington our missionaries in India Our president and government Our military and their families For persecuted Christians around the world For victims of human trafficking and for an end to human trafficking Our Church Family Soldiers and Civilians Working with the Military William Reichel Army, in Germany William Meyer Marines Chris Saindon friend of John Martin, Navy Forrest Keith Kevin Keith s son, Navy Kyle Pringle Army Josh Orbinati Michele Brown s nephew, Coast Guard Craig Wolf Air Force Jonathan Heiman Navy Jon and Brianna Hartwig Army, Jill Daggs daughter and son-in-law Jessica Wehner (Gene Gunn s granddaughter) Army Joyce Biggs (George Bahlmann s great-niece) Miscellaneous News! Highway Clean-Up It has now been five years since our church adopted highway 463, starting from the Lytle water tower and heading out beyond Lake Shore Estates. Our last pick-up day, July 30, went well, and our next one is scheduled for October 29. Thank you to all our volunteers. UMW Meeting - The United Methodist Women are taking their normal summer break, and will begin meeting again in September. Covered Dish Dinner We had a great time at our July covered-dish brunch. Our next covered-dish brunch will be on Sunday, September 11, starting around 10:15 AM. Don t miss this time of food and fellowship.

5 A big thank you to Sandra Cogburn and family for restaining the fence around our prayer garden. It started off as a work day task, but grew into a much bigger endeavor. Sandra also pressure washed the fence earlier in preparation. Food Pantry Ministry Continues to Serve Our workers have been terrific, but we can always use more. Just come at 5:30 PM to help prepare for the 6 to 7 PM rush on the first and third Mondays in August (August 3 and 17). The Food Pantry will also be opened the 5 th Monday in August (August 29) and will be closed the 1 st Monday in September for Labor Day. We could also use help picking up the food from the San Antonio Food Bank, and/or putting together the sacks of food. Talk to Billy Stewart, Bill Bennett or Kyle Jackson if you are available during the day on Mondays. We will again be handing out canned goods, as well as frozen meats and fresh fruits and vegetables, to over 70 families. Thank you for supporting the Methodist Food Pantry. Romans: The Five Joys of the Gospel July 24 through August 28 During August we are studying the Book of Romans during worship. We are specifically focusing on the five joys of the gospel outlined by Paul: Joy #1: Being freed from the Tyranny of Acting Good to earn our way into heaven (Romans 1:18-3:20) Joy #2: Receiving a Free Ticket to Heaven: Justification (Romans 3:21-5:21) Joy #3: Joy Here on Earth: Sanctification (Romans 6-8) Joy #4: God Has Humanity s Path Planned Out (Romans 9-11) Joy #5: The Joy of Sound Relationships (Romans 12:1-15:13) Come and learn again why as Christians we have so much joy through Jesus. A Family Adventure Vacation Bible School, July New things happened this year in Vacation Bible school: It moved from mornings to evenings and instead of buying a prepackaged program, VBS Director Ginger Meyer developed her own program, based on a whisper from God and years of VBS experience. The result of these two changes was truly a blessing. We had many more adult volunteers, lots of youth involvement, and over 75 kids each evening. The center of the program were small family units which bonded during the week and put on a play for parents on Friday. The attendance on Friday was overwhelming! VBS focused on Biblical qualities that help us protect and enjoy the family (both our immediate family and the family of God): Monday Practicing forgiveness; Bible story - Joseph and his brothers Scripture - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 Tuesday Displaying courage; Bible story - Esther Scripture - Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 Wednesday Knowing we are loved by God; Bible stories of Jesus Scripture - Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 Thursday Trusting one another; Bible story Jesus disciples developing trust Scripture In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others Romans 12:5 Friday Grace and faith make us part of God s family the reunion in heaven Scripture I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am John 14:3 Thank you to Ginger Meyer; our decorators, led by Connie Scott; all the adult and youth volunteers; our cook teams; the congregation that prayed and paid for VBS; and all the parents who brought their children to learn about God. Thank you one and all!

6 New and Revised Lytle Area Mission Project Saturday, November 12 It s not just for youth anymore, and it s not just home construction anymore. It will include yard work projects, painting projects, providing food for the Saturday night dinner, providing snacks/refreshments during the day, home improvement projects, etc. In other words, L.A.M.P is for everyone! Set Saturday, November 12 aside as we witness to the city through Christian action. Cru Military: a caring community passionate about connecting the global military community to Jesus Christ As our servicemen and women defend our freedom, they face unique challenges. We recognize they need spiritual support and guidance that addresses their specific needs. Cru Military works with recruits: Cru Military has developed a series of classes that clearly present the gospel to young recruits. Cru Military staff and volunteers serve with Chaplains to build their foundation in Christ. Cru Military works with Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists & Veterans: Through small groups, biblical resources, and partnerships with Chaplains, and church-based ministries, Cru Military helps spiritually develop our military men and women through their careers and as veterans. Cru Military provides resources and lay counselor training for recovery from PTSD and combat trauma, as well as resources and seminars to develop and maintain strong covenantal marriages and godly families. Cru Military works with military families: We prepare families to provide hope on the home front through our spiritual resources, devotional web-sites, military marriage seminars, small groups, and church-based ministries. Cru Military works with local churches: Service members and their families need welcoming communities to build them up and when its time, help them transition to civilian life. Cru Military is here to provide churches with training, resources, and strategies. Lytle UMC supports Cru Military through our summer Interactive Comedy Dinner Theater and through our support of Stephen and Karen Dorner. See more information about Cru Military at crumilitary.org.