THE 2018 MESSENGER MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH THIS MONTH IN WORSHIP: IN THIS ISSUE: ASH WEDNESDAY SAVE THE DATE PG. 1 Upcoming February events and special services to put on your calendar. LENTEN STUDIES PG. 3 A listing of the new classes and studies beginning as we move into Lent. CHURCH NEWS PG. 7 See recent sympathies and baptisms. 14 ELECTRONICA SANCTUARY 7 AM & 9 PM CONTEMPORARY THE JOURNEY NOON CLASSIC SANCTUARY 6 PM REGULAR SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES: Classic Worship Main Campus Sanctuary 8:15, 9:30 & 11 AM Contemporary Worship West Campus - The Journey 9:30 & 11 AM
LENT STUDIES BY OUR PASTORS SOUNDTRACK A FORTY DAY PLAYLIST THROUGH THE PSALMS SUNDAY, 18 WEST CAMPUS MISSIONS ROOM Come learn more about Methodism, MDUMC, and ways to engage with our faith community. Whether you re new to MDUMC, or just looking for new ways to get involved - you re welcome to attend! Lunch and nursery provided. QUESTIONS? CONTACT JENNIFERVS@MDUMC.ORG LED BY REV. GINNY GRIGGS TINCHER & REV. JENNIFER VERES SCHRECENGOST WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING 21 7 WEEKS 6:30-7:30 PM D202 THE FINAL WORDS OF JESUS LED BY REV. MICHAEL JARBOE TUESDAYS IN MARCH 5 WEEKS 6:30-7:30 PM THE JOURNEY CHILDCARE PROVIDED 04 SOUPer Bowl Sunday for Soupmobile 12 Youth Plant Sale Begins 14 Ash Wednesday SAVETHEDATE + ADD THESE UPCOMING BIG EVENTS IN TO YOUR CALENDAR Continue for a full listing of upcoming events. 18 Discover MDUMC Sunday 21 Soundtrack Study Begins 25 MDUMC Organ Series Concert
MISSIONS AND OUTREACH SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY FEED HOUSTON S HUNGRY 4 BOTH CAMPUSES Every week the Soupmobile program funds supplies, prepares sandwiches and assembles sack lunches that are then delivered to hungry people in Houston. All of this is made possible by your generous donations dropped in the soup pots on the first Sunday of each month. Donations will be accepted on both campuses - look for the soup pots and give what you can this Souper Bowl Sunday. Thank you! If you have questions about the Soupmobile Ministry, or would like to volunteer, please contact Linda Linderman at Linderman_Family@earthlink.net or RandyLee@mdumc.org. ONE GREAT DAY OF SERVICE 2018 MARCH 3 8:30 AM FRIENDSHIP COURT We are excited to serve with you during ODGOS 2018! Projects supporting Soupmobile, House of Amos, Houston Food Bank, Backpack Blessings, Memorial Assistance Ministries, Westside Homeless Partnership, Stop Hunger Now, Crosswalk Houston, Spring Branch and Alief Elementary Schools, and more are available for all ages to participate! Online registrations are open at mdumc.org/register, and table registrations are open on Sunday mornings through February. We look forward to involving many of you on our campuses as well as various ministries and nonprofits across the Houston area. Childcare provided for our little missioners. OGDOS COLLECTIONS We need your help in collecting items for our OGDOS assembly projects. Listed below are the needed items that can be dropped off on Sunday mornings on either campus, or during the week at the reception desk. Word on Thee Street Bags - granola & breakfast bars, black socks, peanut butter or cheese crackers, pop-top chili / tuna / sausages, bottled water, and disposable grocery bags. Backpack Blessings - canned meat, fruit cups, granola bars, crackers, boxes of macaroni & cheese, individual packages of oatmeal and grits, snacks (goldfish, pretzels, teddy grahams). SERVE AT CROSSWALK HOUSTON CrossWalk Houston is bringing ESL classes to Spring Forest Middle School this month. By offering classes on campus, CrossWalk partners with the district s E3 initiative to engage, educate and empower parents. CrossWalk is also working alongside Family Point Resources to build relationships with the adult community in the area. Monthly potluck dinners along with other opportunities to serve are beginning soon. You can support CrossWalk Houston by becoming a volunteer ESL teacher (no foreign language necessary), sharing an expertise with CWH adult learners, signing up to work at the center during our One Great Day of Service, organizing a girls group for Thornwood Elementary, teaching basic computer skills, leading a citizenship course, and many other ways. To learn more about volunteering at CrossWalk Houston, visit mdumc.org/ crosswalk, or contact SedoniaFinstad@mdumc.org. For more information contact RandyLee@mdumc.org. OUTREACH GRANTS Please celebrate our grant recipients for 2018 and identify a place where you might be able to share the love of Christ and volunteer your time to help these community partners. None of the grants would be possible without your faithful and generous donations to the operating budget in 2017. Your donations allow us to support the extraordinary non-profit organizations throughout this community who are taking care of those in need. Camp Blessing Brad DeLoach - Ministry Director Providing a spring break camp opportunity to children and young adults with special needs, their families and those who are called to serve them. For more information, visit campblessing.org. Family Point Resources Stephanie Hruzek Director Committed to empowering children and families in our community to overcome cycles of poverty through after school programs (arts, sports, education) for children in Nottingham Park and combining efforts with CrossWalk Houston. For more information, visit familypointresources.com Neighbors in Action Kathrin Meier Kargbo Director Helping families in Houston grow spiritually, physically, emotionally and intellectually, resulting in a stronger community. For more information, visit neighborsinaction.com. TSU Wesley Foundation Julius Wardley Director Barbara Jordan Student Leadership Project providing positive role models and mentors to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds develop into successful students and leaders at Texas Southern University. For more information, visit tsuwesley.com. Westside Homeless Prevention Susan Boling Director Providing homeless and at-risk families with children enrolled in SBISD with resources and support services to help them attain self-sufficiency. For more information, visit westsidehomeless.org. The WorkFaith Connection Sandy Schultz Director Helping disadvantaged job seekers and people in transition build new lives through job training skills, education and faith. For more information, visit workfaithconnection.org. 2018 MISSIONS TEAMS Looking for the trip of a lifetime? Join us on one of our 2018 mission trips. Sandra Roberson (shopper1220@gmail.com) will lead a group to Jamaica from July 14-21. Marc Shellum (mcshellum@sbcglobal.net) will lead a group to Guatemala from July 22 28. Elaine White (white6044@msn.com) will lead a trip to Cuba in 2018 probably late December / early January, so look for more information, and contact Elaine with any interest or questions. We look forward to serving with you this year! 2
ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION For more information contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org. To register, contact DonnaJuul@mdumc.org, register online at mdumc.org, or sign up in Friendship Court on Sunday mornings. THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 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. Dr. Robbins incorporates humor and stories along with sound biblical interpretation. All anyone needs to bring is a Bible. Join us for study in the morning or evening - 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. There will be no Wednesday activities on February 14 or March 14. SILENT PRAYER RETREAT 10 9:30 AM 3:30 PM WESLEY HALL $15 (INCLUDES LUNCH) LEADERS: BETTY CARTMELL, PAMELA LUCIA, AND VICTOR RESENDIZ Come devote a day to deepen your relationship with God and broaden your practice of prayer. The peaceful setting offers time and space to listen to God away from the distractions and demands of daily life. SEASONS OF THE CHURCH YEAR: THE ADULT CLASS LEADERS LUNCHEON 11 12 2 PM D100 Dr. Robbins will lead all of our adult Sunday school class leaders and members in Seasons of the Church Year: Advent, Epiphany, Lent, and Pentecost. Dr. Robbins will discuss their purpose and the reason we use certain liturgical colors in worship. Please RSVP by February 5 to join us for this very interesting luncheon. THE MIRACLES OF JESUS: FINDING GOD IN DESPERATE MOMENTS TUESDAYS BEGINNING 13 (7 WEEKS) 6:30-8 PM D202 LEADER: PAUL SMITH $12 In this Lenten Bible study, author Jessica LaGrone leads us in a captivating exploration of the miracles of Jesus, helping us to see that our weakness is an invitation for God to work powerfully in our lives and reminding us that we need God on our best days just as much as we do on our worst. A WAY OTHER THAN OUR OWN MONDAYS BEGINNING 12 (7 WEEKS) 7 8:30 PM D201 LEADER: VICTOR RESENDIZ $10 Walter Brueggemann s thought-provoking reflections for the season of Lent invite us to consider the challenging, beautiful life that comes with walking the way of grace. SACRED SPACE SUNDAYS BEGINNING 18 9:30-10:30 AM Formerly known as The Journey Sunday School. All are welcome to join us as we reflect, discuss and pray before the 11 AM worship service. This hour compliments the topic that will preached on that day. SOUNDTRACK: A FORTY-DAY PLAYLIST THROUGH THE PSALMS WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING 21 7 WEEKS 6:30 7:30 PM D202 LEADERS: REV. GINNY GRIGGS TINCHER AND REV. JENNIFER VERES-SCHRECENGOST Journey through Lent by listening to the Psalms with fresh ears and open hearts with discussion around topics including: Why Queen s We Are the Champions is Actually a Lament,. No reading required in advance, but participants can opt to purchase a devotional book to explore this soundtrack more fully. WAY OF LIFE: A STUDY BASED ON THE GREAT SPIRITUAL MIGRATION TUESDAYS BEGINNING 20 (4 WEEKS) 2:30 4 PM D200 LEADER: BETTY CARTMELL $9 Author Brian McLaren argues that in order to survive, Christianity must shift away from an outdated system of beliefs to a way of life based on love. McLaren outlines three migrations: spiritually, theologically, and missionally. FIRST CORINTHIANS: LIVING LOVE WHEN WE DISAGREE THURSDAYS BEGINNING 22 (6 WEEKS) 9:30 11:30 AM D204 LEADER: VICKY HARRIS $11 With more ways to communicate in a culture that encourages sharing the details of our lives, there exists greater opportunity for disagreement. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians living in Corinth to encourage them to not ridicule one another but to work together to show the love of Christ. THE FINAL WORDS OF CHRIST TUESDAYS BEGINNING 27 (5 WEEKS) 6:30 PM THE JOURNEY LEADER: REV. MICHAEL JARBOE Join us for this 5 week study through Lent with Rev. Jarboe focusing on the final words of Christ on the cross. Childcare is provided. WOMEN OF THE WORD STUDY: SEEKING ALLAH, FINDING JESUS MONDAYS BEGINNING MARCH 12 (8 WEEKS - EXCLUDING APRIL 2) 6:30 8:30 PM D200 LEADERS: REBECCA PICKETT AND ANGE GROUT $18 Nabeel Qureshi and co-author Kevin Harney explore Muslim culture, the most common Muslim objections to Christianity, and the core doctrines upon which Islam stands or falls. Compassionate and clear, this study will be a useful tool for believers wanting to engage Muslims in spiritual conversations. HOLY WEEK PRAYER VIGIL & LABYRINTH WALK MARCH 28 10 AM 6:30 PM WESLEY HALL Join us as we pray for our world, our community, our families, and ourselves during our Holy Week prayer vigil. If you have never walked a labyrinth, this is a great time to experience the gift of this type of prayer. 3 THEMESSENGER MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2018
MDUMC KIDS KIDS LENT STUDY WEDNESDAYS FEB 21 - MARCH 21 (SKIP MARCH 14) 6:45-7:30 PM C200 / C201 Join us as we learn about Lent and the last weeks of Jesus earthly journey leading to Easter and the Resurrection. Please email AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org if your child will be attending. 4TH AND 5TH GRADE FUN NIGHT 9 7-9 PM THE REFUGE Join us for this time of fun and friends. Pizza is provided. Registration is open online at mdumc.org/register. WINTER AND SPRING PLAYGROUND HOURS WEDNESDAYS: 10 AM - 12 PM & 2-4 PM THURSDAYS: 10 AM - 12 PM The indoor playground on our West Campus (inside The Journey) is open again! All children under 10 are welcome with adult supervision! Bring a friend - we hope to see you soon! For more information contact AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org. SAVE THE DATE: EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA MARCH 31 10:30 AM WESLEY HALL Join us for this time of fun and friends. Pizza is provided. Registration is open online at mdumc.org/register. SAVE THE DATE: 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. SAVE THE DATE: VBS AND VBX EXTREME JULY 16-20 9 AM - 12 PM BOTH CAMPUSES Experience the ride of a lifetime with God at Rolling River Rampage VBS and VBX Extreme! Registration begins March 1, and there are limited spaces available. VBS 4 Years - 2nd Grade (as of Sept. 1, 2018) VBX 3rd Grade - 6th Grade (as of Sept. 1, 2018) When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. - Isaiah 43:2 YOUTH MINISTRY 7.8 CHILI BOWL MISSION OP 4 10:45 AM - 12:30 PM EAST LOBBY Dress casually for Sunday School because we are going to go serve and share a delicious chili lunch to our friends on the streets of downtown Houston. 7.8 IGNITE RETREAT 16-18 4:30 PM - 2 PM CAROLINA CREEK CHRISTIAN CAMP HUNTSVILLE, TX All students registered for the Ignite Retreat should meet at the Refuge at 4:30 PM on Friday, February 16 th. We will return by 2 PM on Sunday, February 18 th. 7.8 ONE GREAT DAY OF SERVICE MARCH 3 9 AM EAST LOBBY 7 th & 8 th graders will meet in the East Lobby by the youth offices at 9 AM to go share some love in downtown Houston. Bring yourself, your friends, $5 + some $ for lunch at JAX Grill on the way back. 7.8 BUBBLE SOCCER MARCH 4 6-8 PM RECREATION FIELD $12 All 7 th & 8 th graders are welcome to join us for a fun filled, flipping and bouncing game of Bubble Soccer and a cookout. Wear tennis shoes and bring your friends! 7.8 WORKCAMP - SAVE THE DATE JUNE 20-24 Workcamp is an awesome week of fun, work, play and fellowship for those who have finished 7th or 8th grade. Please pay attention to your monthly newsletters for upcoming information. Start inviting friends and help us get to know them before camp. For more information contact MarkBogart@mdumc.org. 7.8 2018 IMPORTANT DATES February 16-18 Ignite Retreat at Carolina Creek March 3 OGDOS (One Great Day of Service) March 4 Bubble Soccer March 26 29 Holy Week Bible Study April 13-15 8th Grade Mystery Trip April 22 Mission OP - Unbirthday Boxes & Party June 20-24 7.8 Workcamp FAT TUESDAYS - ALL YOUTH TUESDAYS 5:30-7 PM THE REFUGE Come eat a delicious meal for $5 and spend time with friends. February 6 - Sliders and Family Feud February 13 - Philly Cheese Steaks and Bingo February 20 Canesadillas and Smashball Tournament February 27 - Brisket Sandwiches with Cheesy Taters HIGH SCHOOL SPIRITUAL LIFE PART 2 10-11 JONES CREEK RANCH It s a great weekend of fellowship and faith. Forms are available at at mdumc.org/youth and are due February 6. We always have scholarships available. Contact Carrie with any questions (CarrieNeal@mdumc.org). YOUTH PLANT SALE 12-25 All proceeds go to help make the Refuge a better place for students. You will be able to purchase plants online at mdumc.org/youth. Please contact Karen Crawford with any questions (KarenCrawford@mdumc.org). 4
MUSIC MINISTRY MDUMC ORGAN SERIES: DANIEL BRONDEL 25 7 PM MAIN CAMPUS SANCTUARY Memorial Drive Organ Concert Series presents Daniel Brondel. Daniel is the organist at St. Patrick s Cathedral in New York City. We hope you ll join us for this evening of beautiful music. Admission is free and childcare is provided. AGAPE STOCK IN YOUTH FUNDRAISER 5 - MARCH 11 The Agape Singers annual fundraiser will help to fund their journey to Louisiana to present the newly revised version of Godspell to congregations in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Stocks are available for $10 or more on Sunday mornings on both campuses. For more information contact AnnAbles@mdumc.org. SAVE THE DATE: THE AGAPE SINGERS PRESENT: GODSPELL JULY 6-8 THE JOURNEY WORSHIP CENTER This summer our Agape Singers will perform the reboot of the musical Godspell. This 2012 version is a masterful retelling of the original sensation, injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements. Godspell was the first major musical theater offering by three-time Grammy and Academy Award winning Stephen Schwartz and it took the world by storm with songs like Day by Day, Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord, and Learn Your Lessons Well, among many others. A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing. We hope you ll join us in July! WOMEN S MINISTRY For more information contact JudyBrewer@mdumc.org. 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. We ll begin with the Karen Stubbs study, Make It Count followed by Numbers: Learning Contentment in a Culture of More. UMW PROGRAM 6 10:30 AM WESLEY HALL Join us for a meet and greet brunch followed by speaker Samantha Sherman from Wesley Community Center. The UMW annual Service of Rememberance of members lost in 2017 will be conducted by Rev. Susan Wiley. Donations of wipes and diapers for Wesley Community Center will be collected. Child care available upon request to JudyBrewer@ mdumc.org. MISSION STITCHERS THURSDAYS BEGINNING 1 10 AM ADULT MINISTRIES CENTER Women who enjoy sewing, quilting, knitting or crocheting, or helping others with their projects are welcome to join Mission Stitchers at their weekly Thursday meetings. KENDALL BEE QUILTING GROUP MONDAYS 1-3 PM D203 Join us for this weekly quilt block lesson. These blocks can be used to make a row quilt, a sampler quilt, or many other smaller projects. All are welcome - especially beginners. Please contact Linda Garside at 713-789-8021 for more information. SAVE THE DATE: 2018 WOMEN S DINNER APRIL 9 6 PM WESLEY HALL NURSERY AVAILABLE 9-11 AM Join us for a fabulous dinner, beautiful tablescapes and an evening with a wonderful speaker, the Rev. Sarah Condon, an Episcopal Priest at St. Martin s in Houston. Cost of the dinner is $25, or tables can be bought for $250 and will seat 10 each. 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. SAVE THE DATE: HEARTS AND HANDS OCTOBER 22-24 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. SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY For more information contact SusanWiley@mdumc.org. GRAPPLE: MANY RIVERS TO CROSS FEB. 11, 18 & 25, & MARCH 4 4-6 PM ADULT MINISTRIES CENTER Join us as we explore Many Rivers to Cross - African American history from its beginning until now. We ll watch a film together followed by a time of group discussion. 5 THEMESSENGER MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2018
MEN S MINISTRY MEN S LIFE TUESDAY MORNINGS 6:30-7:30 AM THE REFUGE Men s Life meets for breakfast and a short lesson followed by small group discussion. We ll have you out the door by 7:30 AM to get on the road to work as better men, dads, husbands, and disciples of Christ. For more information contact MichaelJarboe@mdumc.org. 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! SINGLES MINISTRY LEARNING ACTIVITIES Sunday school classes, Singles Weekly Bible study (currently Hebrews), DivorceCare (Thursdays), Grief Share (Thursdays) MISSIONS PROJECT OGDOS MARCH 3 8:30 AM FRIENDSHIP COURT The Singles project for OGDOS this year will be goody bags for Texas Children s Hospital. We will be purchasing and collecting new coloring/activity books, crayons or markers, new stuffed animals, small toys, and DVDs. Monetary donations are appreciated, too. We will be stuffing and delivering on March 3rd during our churchwide One Great Day of Service. Ongoing donations of pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House, and travel-size toiletries for various agencies are still appreciated. For more information contact DonnaJuul@mdumc.org. SPECIAL ACTIVITIES February 9 Winter Olympics Watch Party February 10 The Great Society at Alley Theater February 17 Hobby Wings and Wheels Day Trip Katy Rodeo February 18 Sunday Lunch at Saltgrass Steakhouse February 24 Ann at Stages Theatre FABULOUS FRIDAYS Join us for Friday Night Live on March 3, and a game night on April 6. All are welcome! OLDER ADULT MINISTRY 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 D100. 1 st & 3 rd Thursdays 1-2 PM Memory Makers Singalong D100 2 nd Thursdays 1-3 PM Movie and discussion or Bingo and games D100-101 4 th Thursdays 1-3 PM Classes offered on medical issues, conversational Spanish, stretching & chair exercises, & Smart Phone training 5 th Thursdays lunch at a nearby restaurant with transportation provided Contact Sheri at SheriKelley@mdumc.org or 713-468-8356, ext. 119 for more information! WACO WEEKEND UPCOMING IN EARLY SPRING Watch for details about a weekend trip to Waco in the early spring - sponsored by the Boomers but open to everyone! OPPORTUNITIES TO BE THE CHURCH Altar Flower Delivery - Deliver flowers to shut-ins on the 2 nd, 3 rd, 4 th, and 5 th Sundays of each month. Contact George Byers at gtbyers@att.net. Pancake Servers Needed for Fat Tuesday 8 people needed to help serve pancakes and bacon at the Pancake Supper on February 13 at 6 PM. Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org. 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? Contact SheriKelley@ mdumc.org. Storytime Ministry Read stories to children in our day school or in Sunday school. Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org. Volunteer in the Office Help twice a month with filing, organizing, etc. Easy tasks with nice people! Contact JenaeJordan@mdumc.org. 6
7 CARING MINISTRY OUR CHURCH FAMILY NEWS BAPTISMS January 7 Ellie Albright Fitzjarrald, daughter of Ryan and Jennifer Fitzjarrald January 28 Charlotte Evelyn Troy, daughter of Steven and Brenna Troy SYMPATHIES MDUMC member Klaus Schmidt passed away on January 6. Klaus was the husband of Jerrylin Schmidt. Amy Bergeron passed away on January 10. Amy was the sister of MDUMC member Garland Smith (Elaine). MDUMC member Bob Shetler passed away on January 10. Bob was the husband of Lillian Shetler. MDUMC member Richard Stallings passed away on January 10. Richard was the father of Jack Stallings and Wesley Stallings (sons of MDUMC member Rebecca Cruse). MDUMC member Maggie Atkinson passed away on January 19. Maggie was the wife of Bob Atkinson. Mildred Ruth Wanja passed away on January 20. Mildred was the mother of MDUMC member Nancy Gifford. MDUMC member Bonnie Ranzau passed away on January 21. Bonnie was the grandmother of Taylor Ranzau. MDUMC member Emily Croom passed away on January 21. Emily was the wife of Robert Shelby. MDUMC member Bob Thomas passed away on January 24. Bob was the husband of Gail Thomas, father of MDUMC member Tim Thomas (Susan), and grandfather to MDUMC members Hailey Thomas, Loren Thomas, and Kate Thomas. MDUMC member Berry Robitaille passed away on January 26. Berry was the husband of Pat Robitaille and father of Marcia Robitaille. Maxine Lofton passed away on January 27. Maxine was the sister of MDUMC member Martha White. THEMESSENGER MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2018 For more information contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org. JANUARY BLOOD DRIVE - THANK YOU BLOOD DONORS Sincere thanks are due to all those who gave, or attempted to give blood, at the January drive during a time of urgent need! Total blood products collected were 122, which will help or even save the lives of over 360 area hospital patients! Everyone please mark your calendars for the next drive on May 5 and 6! 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 BEGINNING 1 6-8 PM D206 If you are looking for a place to share with others, our Grief Share group begins a 13-week series this month. There is a one-time fee of $20 which covers the cost of the workbook. This group is open to the community. CONTINUED HARVEY SUPPORT 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAYS 6-7:30 PM ADULT MINISTRIES CENTER Many of you were affected by Harvey nearly 5 months ago. Know we have been praying for you regularly and are here to help in any way we can. Join us for our monthly After the Storm Support groups, and contact RandyLee@ mdumc.org if you are in need of assistance as rebuilding progresses. WHAT S COOKING? Join us for Wednesday Night at MDUMC dinner each week at 5:30 PM in Friendship Court and Wesley Hall. February 7 BBQ Baked Potatoes February 14 Ash Wednesday - No Dinner February 21 Fried Catfish February 28 Spaghetti MDUMC PASTORS AND PROGRAM STAFF Dr. John Robbins Senior Pastor Rev. Michael Jarboe Rev. Ginny Griggs Tincher Rev. Jennifer Veres-Schrecengost Rev. Jim McPhail Rev. Susan Wiley Victor Resendiz Lay Pastor Randy Lee Chief of Staff Ann Ables Director of Music and Fine Arts Mark Bogart Director of Youth and Recreational Ministry Judy Brewer Director of Hospitality and Women s Ministry Nina Davis Business Administrator Drew Essen Director of Strategic Communications Allyson George Director of Children s Ministry Vicky Harris Director of Spiritual Formation Sheri Kelley Director of Singles, Older Adults, and Caring Ministries