MESSENGER THE IN THIS ISSUE: APRIL 2018 MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MEET COLIN PG. 2 CELEBRATE OGDOS PG. 4 CHURCH NEWS PG.

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1 THE MESSENGER APRIL 2018 MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN THIS ISSUE: MEET COLIN PG. 2 Meet Rev. Colin Bagby and his wife, Landon. CELEBRATE OGDOS PG projects. 650 volunteers. 1 Great Day of Service. CHURCH NEWS PG. 12 See recent sympathies, baptisms, and new members.

2 WELCOME to MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MDUMC is a vibrant, growing West Houston community of faith with ministries that impact the city and span the globe. We have two campuses to support our diverse ministries. Our Main Campus includes a sanctuary, fellowship hall, gym, Sunday School rooms, and administrative offices, just to name a few. Our West Campus houses our contemporary worship space, youth ministry facilities, arts academy, and adult programming space. Our calling and mission is Jesus Great Commandment to Love God and Love Neighbor. We practice these spiritual disciplines to deepen our faith and engage us in Christ s ministry. We re so glad that you re celebrating Easter with us at MDUMC! Whether you call MDUMC home and spend every Sunday with us, or this is your first visit, we are so glad you re here. If you re interested in learning more about different ways to get involved, then this edition of The Messenger is a great start for you. Within these pages, you ll find stories about serving on a missions team, information about various ministries, and dates for upcoming events within the life of the church. We re always here to help, so don t hesitate to let us know if we can serve you in any way. Thanks again for joining us, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

3 IN THIS MESSENGER APRIL 2018 FEATURES 02 MEET COLIN Meet Rev. Colin Bagby and his wife, Landon. 03 JAMAICA MISSIONS Sandra Roberson shares about new friends met while serving in Jamaica. 04 CELEBRATE OGDOS 25 projects. 650 volunteers. 1 Great Day of Service. 08 VBS VOLUNTEERS A look at what it s like to serve at Vacation Bible School. UPCOMING EVENTS 07 GOLF TOURNAMENT An annual event benefitting youth scholarships. 07 WOMEN S DINNER Dinner, tablescapes, and a program by Rev. Sarah Condon. 11 SPRING CONCERTS Concerts by our children s choirs, Chancel Choir, and MDUMC Orchestra.

4 WELCOME Colin & Landon Bagby We are excited to announce that the Reverend Colin Bagby has been appointed by our Bishop and Cabinet to join our clergy staff effective July 1, Colin is an ordained Elder presently serving as Pastor of Worship at First United Methodist Church of Maumelle in Arkansas. He will primarily be responsible for evangelism and discipleship as a part of our staff. Colin grew up in Russellville, Arkansas. He graduated from Hendrix College with a degree in English Literature before going to Candler School of Theology at Emory University for his MDiv. While in seminary, Colin served at Eastside Church in East Atlanta. After graduating from Emory, Colin was commissioned by the Arkansas Annual Conference to serve at First United Methodist Church of Maumelle as the associate pastor of worship. He was ordained as an Elder in June of last year. Colin loves to play guitar, listen to music, read good books, and enjoy the outdoors with his wife, Landon. They ve been married for two years and have a sweet dog named Montgomery. They are excited to meet you! 2 THEMESSENGER MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH APRIL 2018

5 MDUMC STORIES MISSIONS As time has rolled along, our friendship with Mrs. Thompson has deepened. She is always one of the first people to greet our team when we arrive at the school. In the tiny community of Hampstead, Jamaica, where mission teams from Texas have served for 25 years, lives Mrs. Thompson in a small, two-room house behind the All-Age School at Hampstead. We met Mrs. Thompson over 20 years ago, and we also became well-acquainted with her daughter, Sarah, a tiny, beautiful child with a huge smile. Actually, Sarah led us to her mom when she literally jumped into the arms of one of our team members during a Spring Break trip. As time has rolled along, our friendship with Mrs. Thompson has deepened, and she is always one of the first people to greet our team when we arrive at the school. Over the years, we have visited with her, provided a marker for her father's grave, and taken her little gifts which she treats as huge treasures. On one of our trips three years ago, Mrs. Thompson was filled with such joy, and as we walked down the dusty road of Hampstead, she let us know she was going to be baptized! This brought great joy to those of us with her that day. She said she needed a white dress for her baptism - it just so happened that one of our team members had brought a new, white dress with her. She wondered at the time of purchase, Why am I buying this? I don't ever wear white. As you can guess, the new white dress went to Mrs. Thompson for her baptism. We can see the difference in Mrs. Thompson's life since her baptism and her acceptance of Jesus Christ! This is just one of many stories we experience when we serve in Jamaica! SANDRA ROBERSON TEAM LEADER 3

6 SHARED on SOCIAL Working at Thornwood Elementary! #ogdos18 CELEBRATE OGDOS Lots of painting for #ogdos18 at CrossWalk Houston One Great Day of Service 2018! #ogdos18 #mdumc #riseagainsthunger THEMESSENGER MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH APRIL 2018 Thanks be to God for the work done around our church and in our community. On Saturday, March 3 rd, 650 of us gathered for breakfast, shared in fellowship and prayer, divided into groups, and went to work on 25 projects around both our campuses and in the community. Word on the Street bags were filled, Backpack Blessings and Soupmobile Lunches were packed, both worship spaces were cleaned, our library was organized, and 10,000 meals were packed with Rise Against Hunger - just to name a few projects done on our campuses. Outside our walls, spring flowers were planted at Hollibrook, and Thornwood Elementary schools. We helped with projects at two different food banks,painted walls at CrossWalk Houston, and worked to mend some damage left by Harvey. It is amazing what can be done when we work together to just serve. Thanks be to God for the work done around our church and in our community on this truly great day of service. KANDICE KIRBY DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS AND OUTREACH

7 MISSIONS & OUTREACH For more information contact SUMMER ACTIVITY BAGS CrossWalk Houston is collecting items to make Summer Activity Bags for elementary students at Family Point Resources. Items needed include Highlights Magazines, activity/coloring books, pencils/pens/markers, crayons (16 count), sketch books, puzzles, decks of cards, and flash cards. The bags will be handed out at the end of the school year so these young students will have activities to stretch their minds during the summer. Boxes will be around the Main Campus and in The Journey Missions Room after Easter. We will assemble the bags April 29 th in the Missions Room after worship. To make a financial contribution or get more information, contact SedoniaFinstad@mdumc.org. JAMAICA MISSION TRIP JULY There are five spaces remaining to join us as we travel to Jamaica in July. This annual trip led by Sandra Roberson focuses on construction projects, and work with schools and children. Contact shopper1220@gmail.com with any questions. GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP JULY The Guatemala Mission Team will be returning to work with Project Salud y Paz in the central mountain region of Guatemala. The primary objective of the team is to provide free dental clinics in remote locations for the Mayan people. No experience is necessary to assist the dentists and organize the clinic each day, just a willingness to help and learn. The team will also serve at the Salud y Paz clinic and Susanna Wesley School in Camanchaj where painting and light construction work are needed. If you are interested in being a part of this exciting and spiritually uplifting mission team, please contact Marc Shellum at mcshellum@sbcglobal.net for more information. Thank you to the group who came to work Saturday at Woods On Memorial. A big impact was made on the work that needs to be done for our landscaping, and it was a great day of service. I loved seeing the children participating in the work and so willingly. They will grow up knowing the gift of service. Blessings to all. SUE RHODES SOUPMOBILE MINISTRY 1 in 6 Houstonians are food insecure. Food security refers to a household s ability to meet its food needs without resorting to coping strategies like skipping meals, buying less food, or choosing between food and other necessities. Throughout the year, families are forced to make these difficult decisions, but our Soupmobile Ministry is helping to combat this by providing over 2,000 meals every month to men, women, and children in our community. Each week, we purchase supplies and assemble meals to be delivered to Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, St. James UMC, and House of Amos. All of this is made possible by your generous donations dropped in the soup pots on the first Sunday of each month. This ministry can t survive without volunteers like you each week. If you have an hour to give and want to help those in need, we are looking for more volunteers to pick up supplies on Wednesdays, or to deliver meals one Saturday or Sunday per month. If you are interested in serving with the Soupmobile Ministry, contact Linda Linderman at linderman_family@earthlink.net or KandiceKirby@mdumc.org. 5

8 ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION For more information contact To register, contact register online at mdumc.org, or sign up in Friendship Court on Sunday mornings. WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY WITH DR. ROBBINS WEDNESDAYS 10 AM AND 6:30 PM WESLEY HALL LED BY DR. JOHN ROBBINS Join us for this ongoing verse-by-verse study of the Gospel of John. Morning or evening study available - the evening study is a part of Wednesday Night at MDUMC, and dinner is served from 5:30-7 PM for $8 per person ($5 for kids 4 and under & no more than $25 per family). Children s activities provided beginning at 6 PM. ASK: FAITH QUESTIONS IN A SKEPTICAL AGE TUESDAYS BEGINNING APRIL 3 (5 WEEKS) 6:30-8 PM D202 LEADER: PAUL SMITH $10 Written by Bishop Scott Jones and his son (and UMC Pastor), Arthur Jones, this study will address hard questions that all of us face when considering faith, religion, and the church. UNAFRAID: LIVING WITH COURAGE AND HOPE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES THURSDAYS BEGINNING APRIL 5 (5 WEEKS) 9:30 11:30 AM D204 LEADER: VICKY HARRIS $12 In this study, Adam Hamilton explores the worries and fears most of us experience. You can learn to identify fears and discover practical steps for overcoming them all in the light of Scripture and a faith that promises again and again that we can live with courage and hope. WHICH WAY LORD? EXPLORING YOUR LIFE S PURPOSE IN THE JOURNEYS OF PAUL WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING APRIL 18 (6 WEEKS) 11 AM - 12:30 PM D203 LEADER: SANDY EARTHMAN $6 Through much adversity, the apostle Paul completely reoriented his understanding of faith and God s purpose for his life. Discover how to discern and follow God s lead, and persevere with hope and faith. CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER RETREAT APRIL 23 9 AM 3 PM RUAH VILLA DE MATEL (6510 LAWNDALE ST.) REGISTRATION DEADLINE: SUNDAY, APRIL 9 $25 (INCLUDES MEALS) Come and spend time in silent prayer with this unique opportunity to connect on a deeper level with God. The Ruah Center exists to provide this gift of solitude so you can learn to listen within your heart for the voice of God. Bring your favorite spiritual books, journals, Bible, or just bring yourself. 3S MINISTRIES MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT WEEKEND APRIL WESLEY HALL This experience will bless you if you have been married 2 years or 32 years! It will encourage you if you are at a low point in your marriage or even if your situation is picture perfect. There are no invasive tactics and no public sharing. It s an experiential weekend with activities and communication between you and your spouse, and materials and tools to use for years to come. THE ENNEAGRAM: A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE MONDAYS BEGINNING APRIL 30 (8 WEEKS) 6:30 8 PM D201 LEADER: LAY PASTOR VICTOR RESENDIZ $15 Richard Rohr and Andrea Ebert s best-seller shows both the basic logic of the Enneagram and its harmony with the core truths of Christian thought. The Enneagram s purpose is to help us uncover the traps that keep us from living fully and freely as our authentic self so that we can use our unique, God-given gifts. 6 THEMESSENGER MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH APRIL 2018

9 MEN S MINISTRY For more information contact MichaelJarboe@mdumc.org. MDUMC GOLF TOURNAMENT APRIL 15 3 PM TOPGOLF HOUSTON - KATY The annual MDUMC Golf Tournament, benefitting youth scholarships, has moved to Topgolf! We hope you ll plan to join us. Teams of 3 or 6, as well as individual players, are welcome! Pick up a brochure on Sunday mornings, or visit mdumc.org/golf for more information and to register. MEN OF ACTION BREAKFAST TUESDAY MORNINGS 8 AM WESLEY HALL Join us for a delicious $5 breakfast followed by a brief devotional. You ll hear from speakers on various topics from current ministries in the church to politics, health, and social issues. First-time guests are welcome to a free breakfast! WOMEN S MINISTRY For more information contact JudyBrewer@mdumc.org WOMEN S DINNER APRIL 9 6 PM WESLEY HALL AND FRIENDSHIP COURT Join us for a fabulous dinner, beautiful tablescapes and an evening with a wonderful speaker, the Rev. Sarah Condon. Sarah is an Episcopal Priest at St. Martin s in Houston, associate editor of Mockingbird Ministries, co-host on The Mockingcast, and author of Churchy. Cost of the dinner is $25, or tables can be bought for $250 and will seat 10 each. Tickets to attend the speaker s program only are available for $15. We will need hostesses and waiters to make this event a big success! Contact JudyBrewer@mdumc.org with any questions and visit mdumc.org to register online. UMW APRIL PROGRAM APRIL 3 11 AM - 1 PM WESLEY HALL Join us as guest speaker, Martha Macris (President and CEO of Memorial Assistance Ministries) shares her knowledge of helping immigrants and refugees in the Houston area. Childcare available upon request to JudyBrewer@mdumc.org. UMW MAY PROGRAM MAY 1 11 AM - 1 PM WESLEY HALL Save the date for the Presentation of the 2017 Hearts and Hands Grants by the United Methodist Women. Lunch will be served by reservation. MDUMC MOMS TUESDAYS THROUGH MAY 22 9:15-11 AM C200 NURSERY AVAILABLE 9-11 AM All moms of infant - elementary age children are invited to join us every Tuesday for fellowship and Bible Study. Our spring study is Numbers: Learning Contentment in a Culture of More. SAVE THE DATE: HEARTS AND HANDS OCTOBER Mark your calendars and plan to shop with us at this annual holiday market benefitting missions for women and children. Interested in being a vendor? Apply at mdumc.org/women. 7

10 MDUMC STORIES VBS I consider my weeks spent serving at VBS a recharge for my soul as I watch the kids sing about God, learn about His teachings, and apply His Word to their own lives. I cannot say enough about the impact that seeing hundreds of children learn and grow through Christ has had on me. When I watch these kids during VBS week, they can be described as nothing short of joyful. I consider my weeks spent serving at VBS a recharge for my soul as I watch the kids sing about God, learn about His teachings, and apply His Word to their own lives. It s so fun to witness firsthand. Plus, it s hard to ignore since those VBS songs are so darn catchy! One particular moment that touched me was when a parent picking up their child asked me about the schedule for Sunday School at MDUMC. She told me that their family doesn t regularly attend church, but that their son has enjoyed his experience here so much that he says he wants to come back every Sunday. I mean - WOW! VBS is not just for the kids. VBS is for the adult volunteers, the youth volunteers, the kids and their families as well. Don t let anything stop you from sharing in the VBS experience. The leadership and support found in Allyson George, Lauren Bedevian, and Melissa Simmons are tremendous. Any role I ve ever filled has been rewarding and fun, and (unlike many volunteer roles I ve commited to) childcare is covered at most VBS meetings and work sessions including nursery care. Volunteering at VBS can change lives, and I am looking forward to witnessing another week of that this year. I hope you ll join me! MELISSA TREADWAY VBS VOLUNTEER 8 THEMESSENGER MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH APRIL 2018

11 MDUMC KIDS For more information contact VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JULY AM - 12 PM Experience the ride of a lifetime with God at Rolling River Rampage at VBS and VBX Extreme! Registration is open online at mdumc.org/register, and there are limited spaces available. No refunds will be given after June 1. VBS 4 years 2 nd Grade as of September 1, 2018 VBX 3 rd grade 6 th grade as of September 1, 2018 Vacation Bible School can t happen without our wonderful adult and youth volunteers! Please visit mdumc.org/vbs if you can help during the week! Opportunities are available to serve as a group leader, or to help with crafts, snacks, storytelling, etc. There s a place for everyone! 2ND & 3RD GRADE JUMP NIGHT APRIL 6 6:30-8:30 PM GYM Join us for bounce houses, pizza and lots of fun! Register online at mdumc.org/register. 4TH AND 5TH GRADE FUN NIGHT MAY PM THE REFUGE All 4 th and 5 th graders are invited to join us for fun and friends! Pizza provided! Register online at mdumc.org/ register. YOUTH MINISTRY FAT TUESDAYS - ALL YOUTH TUESDAYS 5:30-7 PM THE REFUGE Come eat a delicious meal for $5 and spend time with friends. April 3 Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwiches April 10 Burger-fest in the Parking Lot April 17 Philly Cheesesteaks April 24 Build Your Own Mac and Cheese 7.8 UN-BIRTHDAY PARTY APRIL AM 1:30 PM EAST LOBBY Fill one or more shoe boxes with a pair of white socks, bottled water, lip balm, packets of cheese/peanut butter crackers, candy that won t melt, gum, a toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste, a disposable razor and shaving cream, soap, shampoo, a bandana, a pen and small pad of paper, a deck of cards, and a plastic grocery bag. Add a birthday card and wrap it in fun birthday paper. Most of these things come in multiples, so share with friends, or feel free to make as many boxes as you like. Let us know how many boxes you are bringing by April 26 th. Bring them to MDUMC on April 29 th before 10:30 AM for the Un-Birthday Party! Bring about $10 for lunch on our way home and a donation to help cover the cost of the cake, ice cream, and drinks. MIDDLE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM SCHOOL YEAR REGISTRATIONS OPEN The Middle Afterschool Program at MDUMC is accepting registrations for the school year. MAP is a program for 6 th 8 th grade students and is in its 20 th year of operation. Students are picked up from Memorial Middle School, Spring Forest Middle School, and Westchester Academy, and afterschool hours are spent at The Refuge (13150 Memorial) and at the church s main campus (12955 Memorial). MAP is staffed with counselors who truly care for our youth and will provide various activities, snacks, and homework assistance. For more information, visit mdumc.org/youth, or contact Lynell Kennedy at or LynellKennedy@mdumc.org. For more information contact MarkBogart@mdumc.org. HIGH SCHOOL WORKCAMP JUNE ONLINE REGISTRATION OPEN $250 High School Workcamp is an amazing week filled with a lot of hard work, fun, and Jesus. We spend Monday-Thursday working on various projects, and on Friday we have our Fun Day. Each night is finished with a meaningful worship session and small groups led by our college students. Registration is open online at mdumc.org/youth. Be sure to reserve you space soon as the cost goes up by $50 after April 15. MIDDLE SCHOOL WORKCAMP JUNE ONLINE REGISTRATION OPEN $175 Middle School Workcamp is an awesome week of fun, work, play and fellowship for those who have finished 7 th or 8 th grade. Please pay attention to your monthly newsletters for upcoming information. Start inviting friends and help us get to know them before camp. Registration is open online at mdumc.org/youth. Be sure to reserve you space soon as the cost goes up by $50 after April 15. SENIOR SUNDAY MAY 6 We ll honor the graduating Seniors at both 11 AM services and then have a delicious lunch after church. Go to mdumc. org/youth to register or contact CarrieNeal@mdumc.org with any questions. 9

12 FAMILIES & YOUNG ADULTS For more information contact CONSPIRE WEDNESDAYS 6:20-7:20 PM D200 This weekly gathering is an inviting space for young couples with children to come and have insightful conversation on topics on family life. It s an evening to re-center and breathe together during busy daily lives and become aware of God s presence in even our most mundane activities. COMMON WEDNESDAYS 7:30-8:30 PM C201 Common is a casual gathering of young adults (singles and couples, 18-35ish) who are interested in joining together with the shared interests of Christian community. It requires no commitment or costs. Bring a friend, read some scripture, and discuss your faith. Doubts and questions are welcome. Join us for dinner any time between 5:30 and 7 PM in Friendship Court and Wesley Hall for $8 per person. OLDER ADULTS For more information contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org. BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT THURSDAYS ONGOING This mid-day opportunity is held each Thursday with a rotating schedule of activities. Join us every Thursday from 12-1 PM for lunch and a devotional time in Room D st & 3 rd Thursdays 1-2 PM Memory Makers Singalong D100 Work on VBS Projects D101 2 nd Thursdays 1-3 PM Movie and discussion D100 4 th Thursdays 1-3 PM Classes offered on medical issues, conversational Spanish, stretching & chair exercises, & Smartphone training 5 th Thursdays lunch at church and then Memory Makers Singalong go on the road to sing at nearby retirement homes Contact Sheri at SheriKelley@mdumc.org or , ext. 119 for more information! APRIL ACTIVITIES Bluebonnets & Blue Bell (April 13), Waco Day Trip (April 14), Monday Bridge (every Monday), Quilting Group (every Monday), Zumba (Mondays and Wednesdays), Grief Share (every Thursday), Neuropathy Support (April 28) UPCOMING EVENTS Tour of the Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral (spring/summer) Festival Hill in Round Top (July 14) Federal Reserve Tour (summer) Bryan Museum in Galveston (TBD) Arkansas weekend trip (fall) QUARTERLY SENIORS LUNCHEON APRIL 29 12:15 PM WESLEY HALL Invite your friends and neighbors and join us for a spring luncheon that is sponsored by Older Adult Ministries but open to all! Music will be provided by the Rummel Creek Singers, and the program consists of a Retirement and Estate Strategies presentation by Kellan Caldwell, Financial Associate. Registration is available online at mdumc.org/register, or by contacting SheriKelley@mdumc.org. OPPORTUNITIES TO BE THE CHURCH Bingo Prizes Bring your unused treasures to Sheri s office to be used for prizes for Bingo. From Trash to Treasure Bring your paper towel and toilet paper rolls and bubble wrap to the Friendship Court or to Sheri s office. These will be used in the day school for craft projects. Rides for Seniors - Can you give someone a ride to the church so they can participate in activities? Storytime Ministry Read stories to children in our day school or in Sunday school. Second Family Care Team Make friends and show support for individuals who need some TLC. Wedding Guild Assist and direct couples on their wedding day. What a fulfilling and joy-filled ministry! Contact christenharvey@mdumc.org. 10 THEMESSENGER MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH APRIL 2018

13 SINGLES MINISTRY For more information contact FABULOUS FRIDAY: GAME NIGHT APRIL 6 7 PM ADULT MINISTRY CENTER Make plans to join us for an opportunity to learn Canasta, or join in a host of other games! Bring a snack to share. OPERA: AN ITALIAN GIRL IN ALGIERS APRIL 7 Join us for Rossini s funniest opera being performed at University of Houston. When you are shipwrecked far from home and taken prisoner by Algerian pirates, you can either surrender to a cruel fate, or you can do what our heroine does: waste no time conquering the entire nation! SUNDAY LUNCH Join us for Sunday lunch after the 11 AM services. April 15 State Fare on Gessner April 29 Goode Co. Cantina on Katy Fwy GEORGE OBSERVATORY TRIP APRIL 14 Join us for an evening under the stars at the Houston Museum of Natural Science s George Observatory located in Brazos Bend State Park. We ll leave the church at 5 PM and enjoy dinner along the way. LILIES OF THE FIELD APRIL 21 The A.D. Players present the stage version of Lilies of the Field. The movie starred Sidney Poitier, who won the Best Actor Oscar for his work. HOUSTON MUSEUM FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT APRIL 28 Join us for lunch and the museum s current exhibit, Light Charmer: Neon and Plasma in Action. MUSIC MINISTRY For more information contact AnnAbles@mdumc.org. CHILDREN S CHOIRS SPRING SHOW APRIL 8 4 PM THE JOURNEY Join us as our children s choirs: Sonshine Singers, STARS Choir, and STARS Handbells, present their spring show, Fish Tales. ECNH SPRING CONCERT APRIL :30 PM SANCTUARY Join us as Energy City New Horizons Music presents their free spring concert, Fun with the Fifties featuring music from Elvis Presley, South Pacific, The King and I, and more. Make sure to stop by the reception in the Narthex for refreshments after the concert. CHANCEL CHOIR CONCERT APRIL 22 7 PM SANCTUARY The votes are in and Our Favorite Anthems will be performed by the Chancel Choir, plus favorite piano and organ duets played by Stephen Distad and Ann Ables. PLAYING A JOYFUL SONG MAY 6 7 PM SANCTUARY Playing a Joyful Song performed by our instrumental groups: Celebration Ringers, King s Brass, Saxophone Ensemble, and the MDUMC Orchestra. 11

14 CARING MINISTRY For more information contact Visit mdumc.org/care for a full list of caring ministries offered throughout the year. HEALTH AND WELLNESS MINISTRY: HOLISTIC HEALING WITH BISHOP JONES SUNDAY, APRIL 8 THE JOURNEY AND WESLEY HALL Bishop Scott Jones will preach in both Journey services followed by lunch and a panel discussion from 12:10-2 PM in Wesley Hall. The panel will consist of Bishop Jones, Greg Nelson (chairman of the board for Methodist Hospital Systems), and others. We ll cover the church s role in health and healing for ourselves and others beyond our doors. No registration is required, and there is no cost to attend. We hope to see you there. MAY BLOOD DRIVE MAY 5 & 6 8 AM - 2 PM SATURDAY LOCATION - GYM SUNDAY LOCATIONS - GYM & REFUGE Stop by the sign-up table in Friendship Court or at The Journey to make an appointment to donate. You may also register online by visiting giveblood.org and logging in as a Digital Donor. Please use the church donor code STEPHEN MINISTRY ONGOING Struggling? Overwhelmed? A confidental, supportive connection with a Stephen Minister can help. Contact Rev. Susan Wiley at SusanWiley@mdumc.org or call the church office. GRIEF SUPPORT THURSDAYS 6-8 PM D206 If you are looking for a place to share with others, we encourage you to join our grief support group. There is a onetime fee of $20 which covers the cost of the workbook. This group is open to the community. NEW MEMBERS Help us welcome these new members to MDUMC! If you are interested in joining the church, please visit mdumc.org/join, or contact our Membership Administrator, Becky Bogart, at BeckyBogart@mdumc.org. Rachel McDaniel JOINED SUNDAY, MARCH 5 Ron and Kim Sanders JOINED SUNDAY, MARCH 5 Dan, Kenzie, Vaughn and Addison Beyer JOINED SUNDAY, MARCH 25 SYMPATHIES BAPTISMS 12 MDUMC member Carolyn Hesson joined the Church Triumphant on Monday, February 19. MDUMC member Tom Joullian joined the Church Triumphant on Saturday, February 24. MDUMC member Pat Gidden joined the Church Triumphant on Thursday, March 8. MDUMC member Brad Daniel joined the Church Triumphant on Wednesday, March 21 THEMESSENGER MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH APRIL 2018 March 4 Scarlett Rae Schmidt, daughter of Kristi and Chris Schmidt March 11 Bailey Sophia Anderson, daughter of Lizzy Anderson March 18 Audrey Pearl Sacco, daughter of Austin and Margot Sacco March 25 John Frederick Dickey II, son of John and Mercy Dickey

15 INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED? TRYING TO FIND YOUR NEXT STEP? MDUMC NIGHT AT THE SKEETERS GAME JUNE 16 5:30 PM CONSTELLATION FIELD MAY 16 5 PM WESLEY HALL Dinner Speaker Concert Join us for a Skeeters game with the journey band playing pre-game and the chancel choir singing the national anthem 13

16 Blessed are the poor in spirit. Blessed are those who mourn. Blessed are the meek. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are the peacemakers. Blessed are the persecuted. New Sermon Series Beginning April 8 WORSHIP WITH US ON SUNDAYS Classic Worship Main Campus Sanctuary 8:15, 9:30 & 11 AM Contemporary Worship West Campus - The Journey 9:30 & 11 AM MEMORIAL DRIVE HOUSTON, TX (713) MDUMC.ORG