The Final Week: A Lenten Series

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Jodie Osborne
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to contribute items for publication subject to minimal editing and space limitations. Contributions may be sent to news@schertzumc.com.

death and rising. Typically, the forty days of Lent culminate in what is termed Holy Week.

1 This monthly newsletter is a publication by Schertz United Methodist Church in Schertz, TX. Its purpose is to inform congregation members of news and events within the church community. All SUMC members are welcome to contribute items for publication subject to minimal editing and space limitations. Contributions may be sent to news@schertzumc.com. Volume 11 Issue 2 February 2016 The Final Week: A Lenten Series Ash Wednesday is February 10, and it marks the beginning of Lent, a special period of reflection and remembrance leading up to Christ s death and rising. Typically, the forty days of Lent culminate in what is termed Holy Week. Holy Week is a remembrance of the last week of Christ s human life, and we offer special opportunities for worship on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Holy Week is a sacred time for Christians everywhere, but the week passes by so quickly that we don t have time to reflect deeply on what it means. So in our worship this Lent, we are going to slow down and spend the entire season studying, analyzing, and reflecting on the biblical events that took place during Holy Week. Each Sunday of Lent, we will examine one of the seven days of Christ s last week as a human on earth. On February 14, we ll start with Jesus triumphant, palm-filled entry into Jerusalem, and pose the question, What kind of King is Jesus? In the following weeks, we ll continue reading Mark s day-by-day account of Jesus last week. You are encouraged to prepare and participate in our Lenten worship by reading about Jesus final week on your own in Mark 11:1-16:8 and spending time each day praying about what you ve read. Most importantly, be present in worship each Sunday of Lent, and attend services during Holy Week. Maundy Thursday service will be March 24 at 6:30, and the Good Friday tenebrae service The Seven Last Days will be March 25 at 6:30 pm. Schertz United Methodist Church 3460 Roy Richard Drive Schertz, Texas 78154

11 2 An adult book study on Adam Hamilton s John: The Gospel of Light and Life will be held during the Sunday School hour this Lent. The class will be facilitated by Eilene Wollslager and Mike Vlk.

..The writing is filled with rich images and profound truths, but John notes that his aim in writing the gospel is that his readers will not only believe in Jesus Christ, but that they "may have life

org Study begins Sunday, February 14 @ 10:15 am in the Fellowship Hall. 2016 Confirmation Classes start this month! The Confirmation class is open to all 6th - 12th graders.

com Or call the church office. Monthly Happenings The Diamond Club meets on the last Monday of every month. Those aged 50 and older are invited to attend this fun potluck lunch.

Moms enjoy enriching programs and fellowship while nursery volunteers care for and provide activities for the children.

2 11 2 An adult book study on Adam Hamilton s John: The Gospel of Light and Life will be held during the Sunday School hour this Lent. The class will be facilitated by Eilene Wollslager and Mike Vlk. The Gospel of John is the most deeply spiritual of the four gospels. It includes some of the loftiest and most loved verses in all the Bible...The writing is filled with rich images and profound truths, but John notes that his aim in writing the gospel is that his readers will not only believe in Jesus Christ, but that they "may have life in his name." This Lent, join Adam Hamilton and experience a season of spiritual growth and life-changing renewal while reading the entire Gospel of John. -adamhamilton.org Study begins Sunday, February 10:15 am in the Fellowship Hall Confirmation Classes start this month! The Confirmation class is open to all 6th - 12th graders. In class we will study, play games, have fun, and even do a service project. When: Sundays beginning Feb 7 Time: 3-4 PM Where: Quad Room (4-plex) FMI: lmontgomery@schertzumc.com Or call the church office. Monthly Happenings The Diamond Club meets on the last Monday of every month. Those aged 50 and older are invited to attend this fun potluck lunch. Every month features a presentation on a different topic. MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the months during the school year at 9am. Moms enjoy enriching programs and fellowship while nursery volunteers care for and provide activities for the children. The United Methodist Women meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm for a potluck and special program. The Wuest Circle meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. This is a ladies fellowship group with fun and interesting programs. The United Methodist Men meet on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 7pm for food, singing, and general fellowship. Ladies Bible Study is led by Alice Sutherlun and meets Thursday mornings at 9am. Thursday Morning Bible Study is led by Pastor Linda every Thursday at 10am. The Mesquite Magnolias meet on Thursday mornings at 11am. For more information, contact Allie Kuhlmann (210) The Round Tuits meet every Friday at 10am. Do you have a project that needs to get done, but you never seem to get around to it? Bring your project and sit and enjoy the company of others in the same predicament. It makes your project a lot more fun! Men s Bible Study meets every Saturday at 7am.

10 3 Norm Harrell (2/3) Larry McAllister (2/3) Joann Strom (2/4) Maria Anderson (2/4) Anna Timberlake (2/12) Kyson McBride (2/12) Valentina Alexander (2/14) Max Armstrong (2/16) Wenona Ray (2/17)

Hill (2/22) Carolyn Stockton (2/24) Stephen Fisher (2/24) Bill Runkle (2/24) Kevin Wright (2/25) Michelle Neal (2/25) Jeanette Leethy (2/26) Matthew Runkle (2/26) Leah Krenek (2/28) Wayne Dilworth

to have NO FEAR. No fear in giving of our time, talents, and treasure. As with any stewardship campaign, emphasis was placed on the treasure part.

3 10 3 Norm Harrell (2/3) Larry McAllister (2/3) Joann Strom (2/4) Maria Anderson (2/4) Anna Timberlake (2/12) Kyson McBride (2/12) Valentina Alexander (2/14) Max Armstrong (2/16) Wenona Ray (2/17) Ricky Barboza III (2/18) Nick Behun (2/22) Alaina Campbell (2/22) In Memory of Roberta Bailey (sister of Royce Stockton) Sandy Bryant s Brother By Billy and Anna Timberlake Arnold Gittens (2/22) Walt Hill (2/22) Carolyn Stockton (2/24) Stephen Fisher (2/24) Bill Runkle (2/24) Kevin Wright (2/25) Michelle Neal (2/25) Jeanette Leethy (2/26) Matthew Runkle (2/26) Leah Krenek (2/28) Wayne Dilworth (2/28) In Honor of Bill and Bert Lynch By Billy and Anna Timberlake Submitted by Leah Krenek If we have learned anything from the scriptures and sermons last month in worship, it ought to have been to have NO FEAR. No fear in giving of our time, talents, and treasure. As with any stewardship campaign, emphasis was placed on the treasure part. But it is just as important to give your time and talents in service to God. As we approach Lent, and consider giving up something, making agape sacrifices to God, I ask you to give your time and talents to serve God in the arts of worship. There are avenues for creative expression for people of all ages and levels of experience. Here are some highlighted opportunities for you to cast off fear and come forward with your hidden talents this Lent. Chancel Choir: Now is the perfect time to join the Chancel Choir for a short-term project. We are beginning to learn a large work for Good Friday entitled The Seven Last Days. The music of this tenebrae service is beautiful and gratifying to sing, yet easy to learn. It s perfect for the shy or beginning singer. Perhaps the best thing about it is that rehearsal of this music will offer an opportunity for reflection and extra time with the Gospel texts read in church during Lent. Both the sermon series for Lent and this tenebrae service draw on the Gospel of Mark to offer insight into Jesus last week on earth. Instrumentalists Needed: Worshipful music doesn t always have words. You can bless this congregation with the gift of instrumental music. All instrumentalists are welcome to participate in worship music on an ongoing or periodic basis. Right now, the Praise Band would be blessed to find a bassist, and/or additional percussionists. I am also in search of 2 instrumentalists for the Good Friday tenebrae service to play oboe and cello. If this is you, please come forward and let me know! Or if you have a friend with these instrumental skills, invite them to participate. Drama: The Drama Team is a safe place to practice one of the most feared activities: Public Speaking! Through fun and games, drama team members are able to come out of their shells and build confidence. This month s focus is character development. Visual Arts: Participants in visual arts for worship have the ability to create ambiance and set the mood for our worship services. This is a quiet ministry, but an important one. During the transition from Lent to Easter, we need to experience a change in the artistic displays in the sanctuary. The liturgical colors change from purple to white, as Jesus changed the world when he rose from the dead. We d love to have more volunteers with an artistic eye to help set the stage so to speak for meaningful, enriching worship in the upcoming seasons.

4 99 Great Pancake Supper Hosted by our own Saturday, February 6 6-8 pm Fellowship Hall Your donation provides you

Proceeds support the many programs sponsored by SUMM that benefit our church and members.

One of our biggest Special Sundays, One Great Hour of Sharing, is on the horizon.

On March 6, 2016, we invite you to join with thousands of other congregations across the connection in a special

When our congregations participate in One Great Hour of Sharing, we help cover the operating budget of UMCOR.

Your support makes it possible for UMCOR to direct 100% of all other contributions to the projects our donors

It is a powerful statement that your gifts enable UMCOR to respond in times of crisis.

on the Wandikweza program on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Ms.

The Wandikweza program seeks to develop communities that are healthy, strong, sustainable and equitable.

the world and lives of people in Malawi and surrounding areas. Everyone is welcome! RSVP: Lucy Mccann lucymcc@gmail.

We thank you for your continued support and sincerely hope you and your congregation will join us on March 6.

4 4 99 Great Pancake Supper Hosted by our own Saturday, February pm Fellowship Hall Your donation provides you with as much as you can eat: pancakes, sausages, and drinks. Come enjoy a meal and fellowship with your church family. Proceeds support the many programs sponsored by SUMM that benefit our church and members. A Word from A new year is here, and with it, great potential for hope, generosity and compassion. One of our biggest Special Sundays, One Great Hour of Sharing, is on the horizon. We want to make sure it is on your calendar. On March 6, 2016, we invite you to join with thousands of other congregations across the connection in a special offering to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). When our congregations participate in One Great Hour of Sharing, we help cover the operating budget of UMCOR. This is a powerful story. Your support makes it possible for UMCOR to direct 100% of all other contributions to the projects our donors specify, instead of using this money on administrative or fundraising costs. It is a powerful statement that your gifts enable UMCOR to respond in times of crisis. The Schertz United Methodist Women are pleased to announce that Mercy Chikhosi Nyirongo from Malawi will be speaking on the Wandikweza program on Wednesday, March 2, 2016, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Nyirongo established the Wandikweza program in Malawi. The Wandikweza program seeks to develop communities that are healthy, strong, sustainable and equitable. Please join us for fellowship, coffee and sweets and hear first-hand of the impact our UMC Connectional Funds make in the world and lives of people in Malawi and surrounding areas. Everyone is welcome! RSVP: Lucy Mccann lucymcc@gmail.com (708) Prayer Requests can be ed to mimcooper@satx.rr.com or call Millie at We thank you for your continued support and sincerely hope you and your congregation will join us on March 6. God bless you! Happy New Year! The Rev. J. Denise Honeycutt Deputy General Secretary United Methodist Committee on Relief Prayer Garden Update Submitted by George Ricks The SUMC Community Prayer Garden is getting close to completion. 90% of the construction is complete and the construction fence has been removed. A big Thank You goes out to Brad Barrows and the Venturing Crew of Troop 51. The group set all of the posts in concrete for us and the lattice panels were installed. Some trim work remains on the lattice, but landscaping should begin this month. It won't be long now until we are done.

8 5 Have you been looking for different ways to give to God s work? Here are some opportunities to give this month.

Bring your cans to the RACAP collection stations in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall entryway.

This month, your altar rail offering supports the Texas Ramp Project. Were you unable to gather up your unwanted items for the Goodwill truck on January 31?

All you have to do is pay a $10 pre-registration fee to reserve a space for your car ($15 for trucks).

You get rid of your stuff and make a few bucks. If you have any leftovers, you can drive down to Goodwill and donate them. What could be better than that?

The Texas Ramp Project does it hundreds of times a year! We build wheelchair ramps for disabled or elderly people who can t afford to buy one.

5 8 5 Have you been looking for different ways to give to God s work? Here are some opportunities to give this month. The Annual UMYF Valentine s Day Sweetheart Dinner will be held on Sunday, February 14 at 6pm. Sign up early for a fantastic steak dinner, and first class entertainment from our very talented teens. Tickets are $12.50 and go on sale February 7. You won t want to miss this! Every month Schertz UMC collects a single needed item for RACAP (our local food pantry). February s food item is Canned Pasta with Meat. Bring your cans to the RACAP collection stations in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall entryway. On the first Sunday of every month you have the opportunity to give a donation to the designated mission project of the month. This month, your altar rail offering supports the Texas Ramp Project. Were you unable to gather up your unwanted items for the Goodwill truck on January 31? Or, do you still have stuff you no longer want? Well, check this out! On Saturday, April 9, Schertz United Methodist Church will have a Junk in Your Trunk event. All you have to do is pay a $10 pre-registration fee to reserve a space for your car ($15 for trucks). Then, on April 9, just drive your vehicle with all your unwanted treasures to the church, park in your assigned space, open your trunk, and sell away! You get rid of your stuff and make a few bucks. If you have any leftovers, you can drive down to Goodwill and donate them. What could be better than that? Call for more information. (Schertz UMC will gratefully accept a small donation from your proceeds.) Have you ever changed a person s life in a single day? The Texas Ramp Project does it hundreds of times a year! We build wheelchair ramps for disabled or elderly people who can t afford to buy one. In a few hours on a Saturday morning, we give these folks the freedom to leave their home again the home where they want to remain but whose steps have imprisoned them. You can support us with your time and talent, by becoming a local leader or volunteer builder. You can support us with your funding, which we can use to purchase lumber and tools for ramp construction. Or you can support us with your good will, by spreading the word about how the Texas Ramp Project brings freedom to the homebound. - Spread the news Submit articles and Church news to share by ing news@schertzumc.com

6 6 7 FEBRUARY 2016 Regular Sunday Schedule 9:00 AM - Family Praise Service 10:15 AM - Sunday School 11:15 AM - Traditional Family Service 1 3PM - Pre Youth Group (5th & 6th) UMYF (7th12th) 3 PM - Praise Band Practice Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday PM - Sonrise Emmaus 3 10 AM - KNOTS 6 PM - Drama Team 6:30 PM - United Methodist Women 4 9 AM - Ladies Bible Study 11 AM - Mesquite Magnolias PM - UMM Pancake Supper 7 12:30 PM - Worship Committee 8 6 PM - Evangelism Team 9 9 AM - MOPs 10 Lent Day 1: Pray for your enemies ASH WEDNESDAY 10 AM - KNOTS 6:30 PM - Ash Wednesday Worship Service 11 Lent Day 2: Walk, carpool, bike, or bus it 9 AM - Ladies Bible Study 12 Lent Day 3: Don t turn on the car radio 13 Lent Day 4: Give $20 to a nonprofit of your choosing 14 12:30 PM - Trustees Meeting 6 PM - Sweetheart Dinner 15 Lent Day 5: Take 5 minutes of silence at noon 16 Lent Day 6: Look out the window until you find something of beauty you had not noticed before 6:30 PM - Finance 17 Lent Day 7: Give 5 items of clothing to Goodwill Lent Day 8: No complaining day 9 AM - Ladies Bible Study 10 AM - Wuest Circle 11 AM - Mesquite Magnolias 6 PM - Drama Team 19 Lent Day 9: Do someone else s chore 20 Lent Day 10: Buy a few $5 fast food gift cards to give to homeless people you encounter Lent Day 11: Call an old friend 7 PM - Mission Team 23 Lent Day 12: Pray the Paper (say a prayer for people and situations in today s news) 9 AM - MOPs 24 Lent Day 13: Read Psalm AM - KNOTS 6 PM - Drama Team 7 PM - United Methodist Men 25 Lent Day 14: Pay a few sincere compliments 18 9 AM - Ladies Bible Study 11 AM - Mesquite Magnolias 26 Lent Day 15: Bring your own mug 27 Lent Day 16: Educate yourself about human trafficking Lent Day 17: Forgive someone 12 PM - Diamond Club The red instructions on this calendar are 40 Ideas for Keeping Lent Holy by Nadia Bolz-Weber. The full list can be found on her website, Like Schertz UMC on Facebook or on Twitter to view these ideas on your newsfeed each day of Lent.

Volume 11 Issue 8 Volume 13 Issue 4 August 2016 April 2017

Volume 11 Issue 8 Volume 13 Issue 4 August 2016 April 2017 Lent is almost over. By the time you are reading this, it will almost be Easter. This is a season of examining ourselves, admitting our mistakes