ADVENT 2016 MDUMC MESSENGER D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6
This is our time to rejoice... God chose to come into the world as one of us. DR. JOHN ROBBINS SENIOR MINISTER As we begin the season of Advent, we are reminded that this is the time of year when we focus our lives on the joy of preparing ourselves for the celebration of the birth of the Christ child into the world. Advent comes from the Latin word that means Coming. In other words, we are preparing for the coming celebration of his birth two thousand years ago. Advent can be a very challenging time as we try to focus on what the birth of Christ means to the world in the midst of all our busyness. Stores are already decorated and Santa Claus is ready to have his picture taken holding the excited children. Sale items are abundant. Sunday school parties and get-togethers with family and friends are an annual ritual for many this time of year. Our challenge is to remember whose birthday we are celebrating. One of the primary responsibilities of the church is to keep us focused on Jesus. Christmas shopping and parties are very much a part of this season, as they should be, but we have to remember the story of a tiny, helpless baby, born in a manger to a young virgin. His birth into the world would change human history forever. That is the good news we celebrate as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Our faith declares that the one born in a manger in Bethlehem is God in flesh. He is the one who saves those of us lost in sin. He is the one who includes the wretched and the broken. He is the one who loves sinners and saints. He is deserving of our time and attention, even as we enjoy all the holiday festivities. PAGE 1 I hope this is a very special Advent season for you. I pray you experience the presence of the Christ child as he comes to you in people, events, and circumstances in which you find yourself this December. This is our time to rejoice that God chose to come into the world as one of us. If you want to give a special gift to those you love, then remind them of the Good News of Great Joy Our savior is born! ME S SE N G E R D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 Love God, Love Neighbor
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES A SERVICE OF HOPE AND REMEMBRANCE 4 PM DECEMBER 18 MAIN CAMPUS TRAVELERS EVE 7 PM DECEMBER 19 MAIN CAMPUS CHRISTMAS EVE - Candlelight & Communion Services MAIN CAMPUS 3 (Children s), 5, 7, 9 & 11 PM WEST CAMPUS 5 & 7 PM CHRISTMAS DAY COMBINED WORSHIP MAIN CAMPUS 10 AM (NO SUNDAY SCHOOL ON DEC. 25) 2017 NEW YEAR S DAY SERVICES MAIN CAMPUS - 9 & 11 AM WEST CAMPUS - 10 AM (NO SUNDAY SCHOOL ON JAN. 1) Childcare will be available for Christmas & New Year s Day Services CHILDREN S CHOIR ADVENT CONCERTS CHANCEL CHOIR 2016 AGAPE SINGERS JOURNEY BAND 3 PM 7 PM Sunday, Dec. 4 Sanctuary Sunday, Dec. 11 Sanctuary 6 PM Sunday, Dec. 18 The Well 5-8 PM Sunday, Dec. 18 CityCentre MUSIC MINISTRY AT ARTSNOW! For more information contact TerryTullos@mdumc.org. SPOTLIGHT MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP Inclusive musical theatre camp running December 19-21 is designed for both special needs students and traditionally developing students, ages 5-11. Campers will learn the three aspects of musical theatre: singing, dancing and acting. A winter themed show will be held at the end of the camp. GIFT CERTIFICATES Now is a great time to purchase ArtsNow! gift certificates for those on your holiday list. ArtsNow! is a ministry of MDUMC located on the West Campus where classes in voice, instruments, and art are offered. Contact JudyTurner@mdumc.org (713-579-7655) to discover, develop, use and enjoy your God-given gifts. MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH www.mdumc.org PAGE 2
MISSIONS AND OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES MDUMC Holiday Helpers have many outreach opportunities through which to share the light of Christ during the Advent season. Please give prayerful consideration toward participating in the following activities: ANGEL TREE DELIVER GIFTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS Provide and deliver gifts for a child on behalf of his or her incarcerated parent. Look for the Angel Tree in Friendship Court or at the Well. MAM CHRISTMAS SHARE THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 Help Santa this year by adopting a child through Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM). Shop for one child and drop gifts off at MDUMC. GOODIE BAGS THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 Pick up a Goodie Bag in Friendship Court and fill it with the items from the attached list. These bags will be taken to Wesley Community Center during the Moveable Feast event and given to seniors in the community. MOVABLE FEAST SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 Join the fun as MDUMC teams prepare and serve holiday meals to groups throughout our city: CrossWalk Houston, MAM, Wesley Community Center, and Stop Hunger Now. Contact RandyLee@mdumc.org or AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org for more information on Stop Hunger Now. BLANKET BUDDY THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Help a child stay warm this winter. Purchase a twin-size blanket to be delivered to children in Houston. THORNWOOD CHRISTMAS LUNCH THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Help us provide a Christmas lunch for the faculty and staff of Thornwood Elementary! Donations are accepted in advance, and volunteers are needed the day of to help serve lunch. OZARK FOUNDATION CHRISTMAS PARTY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Sign up for a one-hour shift at a booth at the Ozark Foundation Christmas party! We will be hosting a hot chocolate booth and a cookie decorating table. SEAFARERS BOXES THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 Pick up a white box in Friendship Court or the Well and fill it with the items on the included list. These boxes will be delivered to the Seafarers Center, where they will be distributed to workers entering the Port of Houston during the holiday season. Questions? Contact RandyLee@mdumc.org. CHILDREN S MINISTRY For more information contact AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org. CHILDREN S TEAM BASKETBALL REGISTRATION KINDER - GRADE 7 THROUGH NOVEMBER 27 Online registrations are open now through 11/27/16 for Team Basketball for children in grades Kindergarten - 7th. Cost is $110 per player. Sibling discount applied if registering 2 or more siblings at same registration session. Partial or full scholarships are available upon confidential request. To register your child to play, please visit: https://mdumc.siplay.org, click the green Login button and then Create An Account. Contact KimKennedy@mdumc.org for more information or to request a scholarship. STOP HUNGER NOW MEAL-PACKAGING EVENT 9 AM DECEMBER 10 GYM Join us for a meal-packaging event and help us reach our goal of 10,000 meals! Stop Hunger Now meal-packaging events are a fun, hands-on way to make a difference and impact the lives of those suffering from hunger. Fun for all ages! Register online to sign up. An offering is suggested to help us support the event. CREATED BY GOD WORKSHOP 7-9 PM JANUARY 20 THE REFUGE 9 AM - 3 PM JANUARY 21 THE REFUGE Created By God is a Christian-Based Human Sexuality Education workshop for fifth and sixth grade boys and girls. Allyson George, MDUMC Children s Director, has been teaching this class for over 10 years. Cost is $25 (includes, snacks, meals, book). Register online at mdumc.org. A parent information meeting will be on January 17 from 7-8:15 PM in D126. SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP AND RESOURCE FAIR 9 AM FEBRUARY 11 FRIENDSHIP COURT This is a chance for caregivers to meet camp providers and other disability-related service providers while the kids play in our fun kids area. Free event for the whole family. All ages and disabilities welcome. Bring your questions and leave inspired, empowered and informed. Complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn. Hosted by Mikey s Place and MDUMC. For more information, contact AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org. PAGE 3 MESSENGER D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 Love God, Love Neighbor
YOUTH MINISTRY For more information contact MarkBogart@mdumc.org. O HAY RIDE AT HIGH STAR FARMS 6 9 PM DECEMBER 4 $10 Join us for fun times, hot dogs, s mores, a hay ride and Christmas trees. Middle School students meet at the east entrance of the church. High School students meet at the Refuge. YOUTH WORSHIP & CHRISTMAS BRUNCH 9:30 AM DECEMBER 18 REFUGE Our annual Christmas brunch festivus at the Refuge is coming up. It is a great time of celebration for a great year for all of our youth. If you would like to help provide breakfast for the event, please sign up at www.mdumcyouth.org/christmas_brunch_ signups. MIDDLE SCHOOL 7.8 EVENTS For more information contact LynellKennedy@mdumc.org. GIRLS GROUP OUTLET MALL 9:30 AM 2 PM DECEMBER 10 Get your Christmas shopping done somewhere you can afford! Meet at the east entrance of the church. Bring your friends and money for shopping and lunch. IMPACT CHRISTMAS PROGRESSIVE DINNER 6 8 PM DECEMBER 11 Wear your tacky Christmas sweater, t-shirt and socks. HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS For more information contact CarrieNeal@mdumc.org. The Live Nativity DECEMBER 13 6 PM 6:30 PM 7 PM JOY FOR THE WORLD 3 5 PM DECEMBER 10 REFUGE $5 We are hosting a Christmas party for Westside Homeless Prevention again this year for Joy for the World. We will cook and serve a meal, build candy churches with the kids, and have general merriment. Come and help others less fortunate than yourself. * No high school Sunday School on December 25 or January 1. WOMEN S MINISTRY For more information contact JeanIrving@mdumc.org. UNITED METHODIST WOMEN DECEMBER PROGRAM 11 AM DECEMBER 6 WESLEY HALL Join the UMW for a special program featuring the Houston Tuesday Musical Club Chorus. Fellowship and coffee start at 11 AM. Program starts at 11:30 AM with lunch served afterwards. All are invited. First time visitors are guests for lunch. Contact JeanIrving@ mdumc.org for reservations. MISSION STITCHERS DECEMBER SALE 9 AM DECEMBER 4 FRIENDSHIP COURT 9 AM DECEMBER 11 ARTS NOW! Mission Stitchers will be holding their pre-christmas sales only two Sundays before Christmas. All proceeds benefit women and children in the Houston area and around the world. This is a great time to shop for gifts for your friends and family! MEN S MINISTRY MEN OF ACTION 7 AM WEDNESDAYS WESLEY HALL The Men of Action meet each Wednesday morning for breakfast and a program. All are invited. Contact RichardSelke@mdumc.org. December Schedule: 12/7 John Sauri, Traditional Christmas Music 12/14 Energy City Saxophone Ensemble 12/21 & 12/28 No Meeting MEN S LIFE 6:30 AM RESUMES JANUARY 17 THE REFUGE We will have breakfast tacos, followed by a short lesson from Rev. Daniel Irving and time to get to know each other. We will have you out the door by 7:30 to get on the road to work as better men, dads, husbands and disciples of Jesus Christ! Contact DanielIrving@mdumc.org. MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH www.mdumc.org PAGE 4
ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION For more information contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org. EVENING MEDITATION FOR CHRISTIANS 7-8 PM TUESDAYS D219 LEADERS: BETTY CARTMELL, PAMELA LUCIA, AND VICTOR RESENDIZ NO CHARGE Often called prayer of the heart, centering prayer, or contemplation, this quiet prayer discipline cultivates a deeper relationship with Christ who dwells in each of us as we read and discuss short topics. MORNING MEDITATION FOR CHRISTIANS 9 10 AM WEDNESDAYS D216 LEADER: BETTY CARTMELL NO CHARGE This class is for anyone who would like to know about Christian meditation and centering prayer. There will be time for teaching and learning, a question-and-answer period, and experiential practice. All it requires is an open heart and a desire to explore this ancient practice. THE REDEMPTION OF SCROOGE 12 1 PM THURSDAYS DECEMBER 1-22 D219 LEADER: REV. MICHAEL JARBOE $10 Ebenezer Scrooge is a man in dire need of a second chance. Is redemption possible for such a greedy, dark and sad character? This study from Matt Rawle shows us how the teachings of Jesus can be found in Dickens Christmas classic. Please watch the movie before the first lesson. Feel free to bring your lunch. WALK TO EMMAUS MEN S WALKS FEBRUARY 16-19 & APRIL 20-23 WOMEN S WALKS FEBRUARY 23-26 & APRIL 27-30 The Walk to Emmaus is a 72-hour (Thurs Sun evening) spiritual renewal program that is wrapped in prayer and meditation with special times of worship and daily celebration of Holy Communion. Rediscover Christ s presence in your life, and form friendships that foster faith and support spiritual maturity! For more information, contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org. * Books and study guides are available in the library for group and personal study as we journey through Advent to Christmas. SINGLES MINISTRY For more information contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org. REGULARLY OCCURRING ACTIVITIES SINGLES SUNDAY LUNCH twice a month GOLF LESSONS 10:30 AM Dec. 10 The Gate WALKING GROUPS Street Hikers 7 PM Mondays Meet at Rummel Creek Elementary Parking Lot Walk in the Park 9 AM Second Saturdays Meet at 1001 S. Dairy Ashford (between Briar Forest & Memorial Dr.) TENNIS 6:30 PM Tuesdays Plaza Oaks Courts on Brittmore ZUMBA 5:45 PM Mondays Scout House ZUMBA 5:45 PM Wednesdays Scout House SINGLES BIBLE STUDY 7:15PM Wednesdays D127 FABULOUS FIRST FRIDAYS FIRST FRIDAY FLICKS 7 PM Feb. 3 The Gate FIRST FRIDAY FUN & GAMES 7 PM Jan. 6 The Refuge FIRST FRIDAY KICK BACK KOFFEE HOUSE 7 PM Dec. 2 The Gate (Justin Gambino, Karl Brunig, Almost Heaven) SENIOR ADULTS For more information contact JimMcPhail@mdumc.org. PRIME TIMERS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON 11:30 AM DECEMBER 15 WESLEY HALL All senior adults are invited to join the prime timers at their Christmas luncheon featuring the Houston Choral Showcase. They will present a program of Christmas music. Lunch will be catered by our kitchen staff for $15. Tickets are available Sundays in Friendship Court and during the week in the church business office. Contact George Byers at gtbyers@att.net. HOUSTON Christmas Lights TOUR DECEMBER 12 6:30-9PM THE GATE TANGLEWOOD RIVER OAKS DOWNTOWN THE GALLERIA RESERVE YOUR SPACE WITH BARBARA LEFLAR AT THE GATE PAGE 5 MESSENGER D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 Love God, Love Neighbor
OUR CHURCH FAMILY NEWS CARING MINISTRIES BAPTISMS Luke Shumate, son of Jacqueline and William Shumate, Jr. on 11/3. Quentin Richard Denis, son of Sylvain and Katie Denis on 11/3. Linden Rose, and Austin Edward Brierley, daughter and son of Sean and Kendra Brierley on 11/20. Perry Frances Lodde, son of John and Alli Lodde on 11/20. MARRIAGES Linda Peace and Art McGimsey on 11/12. Lauren Johnson and Stephen Miller on 11/12. SYMPATHY TO... Family and friends in the death of Janet Charlene Willson on 10/7. Teresa Driskell, in the death of her husband David on 11/1. Family and friends in the death of Mary E. Campbell on 11/6. NEW MEMBERS Ryan and Kaley Garin and children Parker and Sophie on 10/30. Lindsey Erin Wise on 10/30. Jim and Rogie Peyton on 11/6. Rachel Keely and children Rebekah, Joshua and Caleb on 11/13. William Bill and Carole Metcalf on 11/15. Kristen Baker on 11/20. A.A. HELPING OTHERS GROUP 7:30 PM Tuesdays F225 Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org DIVORCECARE 6 PM Thursdays D221 Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org GRIEF SHARE 6 PM Thursdays D222 Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org JOBS MINISTRY/TEXAS HR PROS IN TRANSITION 6:30 PM Wednesdays The Gate Meeting for Job Seekers Contact Eric - 713-459-1045 THANK YOU, BLOOD DONORS Many thank you s to everyone who made the time to give the Gift of Life at our November blood drive. We are pleased to report that 129 total blood products were collected, which will help, and may even save the lives of, almost 400 area hospital patients! Future Blood Drive Dates in 2017: FEBRUARY 4 & 5 APRIL 1 & 2 JULY 8 & 9 NOVEMBER 4 & 5 CROSSWALK HOUSTON We are in need of instructors to facilitate our ESL classes starting at the end of January. You don t have to have experience or be bilingual. If you d like to know more about how to get involved, contact Victor Resendiz via email at VictorResendiz@mdumc.org or at 832-782-0864. MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH www.mdumc.org PAGE 6
MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 12955 MEMORIAL DRIVE 713.468.8356 mdumc.org 2017 SAVE THE DATE CREATED BY GOD WORKSHOP 7-8 PM JAN 17 PARENT MEETING D126 7-9 PM JAN 20 THE REFUGE 9 AM - 3 PM JAN 21 THE REFUGE MISSION COUNCIL LUNCH AND LEARN JAN 22 REGISTER IN FRIENDSHIP COURT YOUTH CONFIRMATION FOR 7-12 GRADERS NOT PREVIOUSLY CONFIRMED. JAN 22 JAN. 29 FEB 5 FEB 12 SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP & RESOURCE FAIR 9 AM FEB 11 FRIENDSHIP COURT MDUMC DAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEB 16 5-7 PM FRIENDSHIP COURT DISCOVER MDUMC FEB 19 MAIN CAMPUS OGDOS MARCH 4 CONTACT RANDYLEE@MDUMC.ORG MDUMC MINISTERS & PROGRAM STAFF Dr. John Robbins - Senior Minister Dr. Suzanne Cox Reedstrom - Lead Associate Minister Rev. T. Daniel Irving - Associate Minister Rev. Michael Jarboe - Associate Minister Rev. James H. McPhail - Associate Minister Dr. Richard Selke - Associate Minister Rev. Ginny Griggs Tincher - Associate Minister Ann Ables - Director of Music and Fine Arts Jon Gray - Business Administrator Drew Essen - Director of Strategic Communications Allyson George - Director of Children s Ministry Mark Bogart - Director of Youth & Recreational Ministry Vicky Harris - Director of Spiritual Formation Sheri Kelley - Director of Singles Ministry Ellen Lee - Director of Hospitality Randy Lee - Director of Missions and Outreach