JANUARY 2017 A PLACE AT THE TABLE ARE WE A TABLE FOR OUR ZIP CODES? MDUMC MESSENGER
REV. DANIEL IRVING ASSOCIATE PASTOR Will you please set the table for dinner? Growing up, this motherly request was nothing but an interruption to my adolescent plans. But no matter if I was reading a new book, practicing soccer, riding my bike or playing video games, whenever mom made this petition, I knew it took priority. And so over the years, I learned the importance of setting a table well; napkins nicely folded, water glasses filled, utensils correctly placed (knife and spoon on one side, fork on the other). This way, when the dinner was ready, everyone could be seated and the food served. A well set table was the important entrée after which the feasting, conversation and celebration could begin. One of my joys as your pastor is the opportunity to set the table for The Lord s Supper. When we gather at the altar to receive the bread and juice, we celebrate what God has done in Jesus Christ and hear the good news that through Him we all have a place at the table. At His table we learn our identity in Christ and find our purpose to go into the world to serve Him. At His table we learn what it means to open a place at the table for all. This January, in classic and contemporary worship, our sermon series will explore what it means for all to find A Place at The Table. We ll look at stories of scripture that give evidence to the grace, friendship and welcome that are found there and we ll receive a call for us to open our tables to the world around us. Good things happen at the table. You ve got a place and I hope you will join me there. PAGE 1 MESSENGER J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 Love God, Love Neighbor
COMMUNICATIONS UPDATE At MDUMC,. we are continually looking for ways to show hospitality to those who come onto our campuses. We believe that hospitality is a form of evangelism, and we want to continue to be intentional about inviting people to our church and making sure they feel welcome once they re here. A large part of having a welcoming church is to make sure that the church has effective and useful signage to direct and lead those who come onto our campuses. Over the past few months, we have come to realize that our campus signage is in need of a major facelift. In September, a team consisting of Director of Hospitality Ellen Lee, Associate Pastor Michael Jarboe and myself began to evaluate the interior and exterior signage on both of our campuses with the help of several signage and marketing professionals. We received many suggestions and recommendations, and in addition to updating all interior and exterior signage, they recommended that we look at the ways that we name certain spaces and sections of our campuses before installation of any new signage. For example, how would anyone who sees a sign that says ArtsNow know about the incredible ministry and advancement of Music and Arts for the church that happens there? We set out to look at how we could improve this. Our team entered into conversations with staff and lay ministry leaders, including our Board of Trustees, to examine some of the names that we use to identify spaces - especially on the West Campus - and to think about how they could be renamed in order to help people know more about the impactful ministry that takes place on our campuses. With approval of our Board of Trustees, effective upon the installation of new signage in early 2017, we are excited to announce the following name changes on the West Campus: By using names that more accurately and clearly describe the ministry that takes place in each space, we are able to show better hospitality to those who visit our campuses. Be looking out for more updates on this project and others as we continue to look at the ways that our church can practice intentional hospitality! If you have any questions about these improvements, feel free to contact me at DrewEssen@mdumc.org In Christ, DREW ESSEN DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS TELLING THE STORY-OUTREACH THANK YOU! ADVENT HOLIDAY HELPERS The season of Advent is one of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace and at MDUMC we try to bring that to everyone we meet. We are a blessed community of God s holy people and during Advent you proved yourselves worthy. Below are some of the highlights of this year s Advent Holiday Helpers. You served Thanksgiving Feast sponsored by the Singles ministry which involved over 200 of you as you served almost 1,500meals through 10 different organizations. You filled 200 Seafarer s boxes which will be provided to every sailor that comes through the port during Christmas by the Port of Houston Chaplain. You provided over 100 blankets for children to stay warm during the winter. These blankets were given to the children of the families we serve at CrossWalk Houston and at Westside Homeless Prevention. You adopted 10 Westside Homeless families and provided gifts to each family member. You filled goodie bags for seniors at Wesley Community Center with lots of everyday products. You generously respondedto the MAM Christmas Share program which provides Christmas gifts for over 600 kids. You shopped and delivered gifts for 65 children in the Angel Tree program. You prepared, during Moveable Feast, over 12,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now, Wesley Community Center, St James UMC and House of AMOS. What a wonderful and blessed Christmas these children and families had because of everything you were willing to do. Your efforts during Advent have brought the light of the world to this community and reminded each of us of our call to be the one God asked us to be. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow! RANDY LEE DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS & OUTREACH MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH www.mdumc.org PAGE 2
MISSIONS AND OUTREACH For more information contact RandyLee@mdumc.org. CROSSWALK HOUSTON ESL FACILITATORS NEEDED We are in need of instructors to facilitate our ESL Classes. You don t have to be bilingual or have experience. Our curriculum is user-friendly. Contact Victor at VictorResendiz@mdumc.org or 832-598-7448. MISSION COUNCIL ANNUAL LUNCH & LEARN NOON JANUARY 22 WESLEY HALL Find out how you can help others and see more of the world at our lunch & learn. Ask questions. Talk to former missioners. Complimentary lunch served. Register in Friendship Court on Sundays. GRAPPLING WITH RACISM AS FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST 5:30 PM JANUARY 29 THE GATE Join the GRAPPLE group as we begin an ongoing conversation about the Christian response to racism and racial reconciliation. WHO are we called to be as the Body of Christ? OGDOS 2017 ONE GREAT DAY OF SERVICE MARCH 4 WHERE WILL YOU JUST SERVE! Soupmobile, House of Amos, Houston Food Bank, Backpack Blessings, Memorial Assistance Ministries, Westside Homeless Partnership, Stop Hunger Now, Spring Branch and Alief Elementary Schools...AND MORE! Online Registrations begin in JANUARY! mdumc.org Register on Sundays through February at The Well & Friendship Court. SOUPMOBILE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED As we begin a new year and think about new things to do and get involved with this year, consider participating in our Soupmobile ministry. If you have an interest in helping feed the hungry, please contact RandyLee@mdumc.org. We are in need of the following: Drivers to pick up supplies and deliver meals Volunteers to prepare our meals on any given Thursday or Saturday Your financial support can help maintain this ministry. On the first Sunday of each month place your change, dollars or checks in the soup pot in Friendship Court or the Contemporary Worship Center, or place a check in the offering plate with Soupmobile in the memo section. Thank you Christie Petrie!...Welcome Linda Linderman! Christie Petrie has been our Soupmobile Coordinator for the last couple of years and has decided to put away the soup pots and turn over our ministry to some fresh hands. Linda Linderman will be our new Volunteer Coordinator starting January 1. Christie did a remarkable job in organizing and growing our Soupmobile ministry and keeping others involved as the hand and feet of Christ in the world. She will be sorely missed. So, when you see Christie or her husband Jim, be sure to thank them for their years of service to this ministry. MUSIC & ARTS MINISTRY For more information contact AnnAbles@mdumc.org or TerryTullos@mdumc.org. SING IN MDUMC S FESTIVAL CHORUS BEGINNING IN JANUARY 2017 Do you enjoy singing but cannot make the weekly commitment to a choir? Then you can join our Festival Chorus and be a part of the Music Ministry Palm Sunday concert on April 9. Rehearsals will begin in January. Contact AnnAbles@mdumc.org for more information. UTA A CAPELLA CHOIR CONCERT 7 PM SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 SANCTUARY The University of Texas at Arlington A Cappella Choir, directed by Dr. Karen Kenaston-French, is the premiere choral ensemble of the university. Performing a diverse array of choral literature from the Renaissance to the present, the A Cappella Choir presents several concerts each year, tours annually, and periodically presents major works with orchestra. This concert, presented by the MDUMC Music Ministry, is free and open to the community. Child care available. Contact AnnAbles@mdumc.org. SPRING OFFERINGS AT ARTSNOW! NO REGISTRATION DEADLINES FOR MOST OFFERINGS Student & Adult Private Music Lessons voice, piano, violin, flute, trumpet & guitar Home School Music Lessons Beginning Piano Classes Ages 6-12 Little Mozart Piano Classes - Ages 4-5 For information, call 713-579-7655 or email JudyTurner@mdumc.org. ArtClasses Watercolor, Pastel, Collage, Acrylics, Printmaking and Drawing For more information go to LauriCragg.com. SINGLES MINISTRY For more information contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org. REGULARLY OCCURRING ACTIVITIES SINGLES SUNDAY LUNCH twice a month GOLF LESSONS 10:30 AM Jan 7 & 12 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 DIVORCECARE 6 PM Thursdays D221 GRIEF SHARE 6 PM Thursdays D222 FABULOUS FIRST FRIDAYS FIRST FRIDAY FLICKS 7 PM Feb 3 The Gate FIRST FRIDAY FUN & GAMES 7 PM Jan 6 The Gate FIRST FRIDAY KICK BACK KOFFEE HOUSE 7 PM Mar 3 The Gate (Pairadox, Jeffrey Scott Stewart, & One Way Home) PAGE 3 MESSENGER J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 Love God, Love Neighbor
ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION 2017 BIBLE STUDIES & EVENTS For more information contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org. To register contact JudyBrewer@mdumc.org or go to mdumc.org BIBLE STUDIES Start off the New Year by joining one of our Bible studies and events. Sign up at mdumc.org or in Friendship Court on Sunday mornings. THE GOSPEL OF LUKE WITH DR. ROBBINS 10 AM & 6:30 PM WED. RESUMING JAN 4 WESLEY HALL Dr. Robbins will continue teaching a verse by verse study of the Gospel of Luke. He incorporates humor and stories along with sound biblical interpretation. All anyone needs to bring is a Bible. SET APART: HOLY HABITS OF PROPHETS AND KINGS 10-11:30 AM WED JAN 11-APRIL 26 D219 LEADER SANDY EARTHMAN $11 Examine the holy habits of the prophets and kings who were set apart by their close walk with God. Each week we explore the specific practice each observed, and what the Bible teaches about this practice. We discover that even prophets and kings struggled and grew in their faith through spiritual practice. We also learn how to follow God s purposes for us. A DISCIPLE S PATH: DEEPENING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND THE CHURCH 9:30-11:30 AM THURS JAN 12 6 WKS D220 LEADER VICKY HARRIS This approach to discipleship is from a distinctly Wesleyan perspective. The study combines an understanding of our growth in God s love and grace with the membership vows to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Participants will develop spiritual practices, discover their unique gifts, and become engaged in ministry that brings transformation in their own lives, the lives of others, and the world. BROKEN AND BLESSED: HOW GOD USES ONE IMPERFECT FAMILY TO CHANGE THE WORLD 6:30-8 PM TUES JAN 17 6 WKS D218 LEADERS ROBERT PLEDGER & PAUL SMITH $11 This Jessica LaGrone study traces the story of the Genesis family from Adam and Eve through the generations to Joseph, bringing blessing from brokenness. We will see that, despite both good and bad traits that were passed down, God worked for good in every generation determined to transform those within and outside the family bloodlines. JAMES: MERCY TRIUMPHS 6:30-8:30 AM MON JAN 23 7 WKS D216 LEADERS REBECCA PICKETT & ANGE GROUT $20 James, Jesus own brother, started out as a skeptic. See how one glimpse of the resurrected Savior turned an unbeliever into a disciple. We ll learn how Bible scholars compare James to the prophet Amos in this in-depth Bible study. THE DIVINE DANCE: THE TRINITY & YOUR TRANSFORMATION 7-8:30 PM MON JAN 23 8 WKS D217 LEADER VICTOR RESENDIZ $12 The Divine Dance by Richard Rohr explores the early Christian image of the Trinity: perichoresis, a circle dance. The unending flow of giving and receiving between Father, Son, and Spirit is the pattern of reality. God is not only a dancer, but the Dance itself! THE EPISTLES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT NOT WRITTEN BY PAUL 1-2:30 PM or 7-8:30 PM THURS JAN 26 6 WKS D220 LEADER GARLAND SMITH NO CHARGE The Epistles of the New Testament are messages written in the first and early second centuries to guide the early church. There were many other documents which could have been chosen. Why do we have the ones we have in the Bible? What do they say? What do they not say? Join us as we examine what they mean today and their role in the formation of the early church. MORNING & EVENING MEDITATION FOR CHRISTIANS 9-10 AM & 7-8 PM TUES & WED ONGOING D219 NO CHARGE LEADERS BETTY CARTMEL, PAMELA LUCIA & VICTOR RESENDIZ Often called prayer of the heart, the quiet prayer discipline of meditation has been used by Christians for centuries to cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ who dwells in each of us. We read and discuss short topics on this gentle prayer nd we will spend time praying silently together. SPIRITUAL GROWTH EVENTS LABYRINTH WALK 8 AM-12:30 PM SUN JAN 22 GYM Are you too busy to pray? Do you need some quiet time or time to listen to God? The labyrinth is a powerful walking path for reflection, meditation, and a deeper knowledge of God. Someone will be there to answer questions. THE GOLD STANDARD CLASS - NO CHARGE Contact Maggie Parker at MaggieParker1@comcast.net or VickyHarris@mdumc.org. This course of study will inform, enrich and challenge those interested in teaching, or in becoming better teachers for adult classes. A flexible schedule can be set up for this eight-hour course that is provided through one-on-one tutoring. ADULT CLASS LEADERS LUNCHEON MEETING 12-2 PM SUN JAN 29 D126 RSVP BY JAN 19 Dr. Robbins will lead our adult Sunday school class leaders and members in The Spiritual Power of Sunday School. He will discuss the supreme importance of the Sunday School hour being a time of Christian teaching. It is the time when we focus on developing and nurturing our understanding of the faith. LIGHTEN UP 12 PM TUES THE REFUGE Lighten Up invites you to be a part of our weekly community. Each Tuesday starts with lunch followed by a short video and small group time. Call Karen Crawford for more infomation. Paticipants can register online. MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH www.mdumc.org PAGE 4
CHILDREN S MINISTRY For more information contact AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org. 7-9 PM & 9-2:30 PM JANUARY 20 & 21 REFUGE Created by God is a Christian-Based Human Sexuality Education workshop for 5th and 6th grade boys and girls. Allyson George, MDUMC Children s Director, has been teaching this class for over 10 years. Cost is $30 (includes snacks, meals, book). Register online at mdumc.org. A parent information meeting will be held January 17 from 7-8:15 PM in D126. (Please notice the price change and ending time change from the DECEMBER Messenger.) WEEKDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION FOR MDUMC CHURCH MEMBERS 5 7 PM FEBRUARY 16 FRIENDSHIP COURT Weekday School registration for the 2017-18 school year is open to church members this one day only. Registration in previous years has taken place in the morning. Please note this change to an evening time. Registration will open to the community on February 21. For more information contact LindaHopper@mdumc.org. 4TH & 5TH GRADE FUN NIGHT 7 9 PM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5 REGISTER ONLINE YOUTH MINISTRY For more information contact MarkBogart@mdumc.org. O HAY RIDE AT HIGH STAR FARMS - RESCHEDULED 6-9 PM JANUARY 8 $10 Join us for fun times, hot dogs, s mores, a hay ride and New Year s trees. 7.8 students meet at the entrance of the church. High School students meet at the Refuge. YOUTH CONFIRMATION: CREDO SUNDAY JANUARY 22 - FEBRUARY 12 7-12 grade students will embrace Credo, a curriculum that encourages them to explore their own stories, learn what they believe, live the commitment Christ calls them to live and confirm their faith. Students who desire to be confirmed will also have the opportunity to join the church after the completion of Youth Confirmation. Email Mark with any questions at MarkBogart@mdumc.org. HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS For more information contact CarrieNeal@mdumc.org. SPIRITUAL LIFE PART 2 FEBRUARY 11-12 FOREST GLEN We are going to Forest Glen for Spiritual Life Part 2 this year! It s a great weekend of fellowship and faith. Forms are due February 2, because we need numbers to give the camp. Get your form at mdumcyouth.org/ permission_slips. We always have scholarships available. MISSION OP 10:45-1:30 PM JANUARY 29 Join us in serving others on Sunday, January 29. We will leave after Sunday School and be back around 1:30 PM. Bring money for a lunch stop. MIDDLE SCHOOL - 7.8 EVENTS For more information contact LynellKennedy@mdumc.org. HOMELESS OVERNIGHT 10 PM - 10 AM JANUARY 28 WEST FIELD Get just a little taste of what it would be like to live on the streets of Houston. Bring a large box to sleep in, sleeping bag, pillow, personal items (toothbrush, toothpaste, contact case, etc.), and the clothes on your back think layers. We will spend the night on the West Field, even if it is cold. Bring some $ for breakfast at Buffalo Grill. Permission slip at mdumcyouth.org. IGNITE RETREAT 4:30 PM FEBRUARY 24-3 PM FEBRUARY 26 FOREST GLEN HUNTSVILLE, TX COST: $125 Come spend a great weekend of fun, music, games and hanging out with kids from other Methodist Churches at Ignite. Get your Registration forms online at mdumcyouth.org, or pick one up at the Family Life Center or Refuge. Forms are due on or before January 15. We are not in charge of this registration, so your forms must be in by that date. Yes, bring your friends! Parents welcome! 7.8 WORKCAMP - JUNE 18-22 This is an awesome week of fun, work, play and fellowship for those who have finished 7th or 8th grade. Please pay attention to this newsletter in the new year. If you want to invite a friend to Workcamp, get them coming to our events so we can get to know them. IMPORTANT DATES MARCH 4 OGDOS (One Great Day of Service) March 5 7.8 Bubble Soccer April 7 9 8th Grade Mystery Trip April 10 13 Holy Week Bible Study April 23 Mission OP, Unbirthday Boxes & Party June 4 10 H S Workcamp June 18 22 7.8 Workcamp PAGE 5 MESSENGER J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 Love God, Love Neighbor
OUR CHURCH FAMILY NEWS BAPTISMS Van Aaron Michaelson, son of Seth and Stephanie Michaelson on 11/27. Charlotte Reese Woodward, daughter of Brian Woodward and Adelia Metcalf on 12/11. Brian Leigh Woodward, Charlotte s father, also baptised on 12/11. Lilly Jane Lyons, daughter of Aaron and Catharine Lyons baptised on 12/11. James Tyler Owens, son of John and Dayna Owens baptised on 12/18. SYMPATHY TO... Patricia Hicks on the death of her mother Mary Lawanda Dunaway on 11/10. Candice Podvorec on the death of her mother Florine Parlevliet on 11/18. Ruth Sublett, Judy Wild and family on the death of Chuk Sublett on 11/ 20. Chuck Conant and family on the death of his wife Patricia on 11/20. Allie White and family on the death of her father Lee White on 11/28. Family and friends on the death of Michael G. Dyer on 12/9. Ruth Nell Powers on the death of her brother Roy Ramsey on 12/13. NEW MEMBERS Randy and Joyce Keller joined on 11/27. Brent Carter and Amanda Custer joined on 12/18. Robbie Perry joined on 12/18. CARING MINISTRIES SECOND FAMILY CARE TEAM Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org Every once in a while, we could all use a little help from our friends. If you know of people who could benefit from a helping hand, please let us know. We are also looking for caring, compassionate people with a variety of skills, interests, and talents who would like to serve on a Second Family Care Team. Sometimes, the First Family Care Team (the immediate family) just needs a break. That s where the Second Family can step in to assist. It might be a meal or taking someone to a doctor s appointment or just spending time with someone! The opportunities are endless. ADULT CHILDREN OF AGING PARENTS 7 PM First Monday of each month D216 Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org ALZHEIMER S SUPPORT GROUP AND RESPITE CARE 1 PM Second Wednesday of each month The Gate Contact Nancy & Bill Rawl at 713-461-3861 PRAYER MINISTRY Request prayers at www.mdumc.org SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY Contact AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org STROKE SUPPORT GROUP 10:30 AM Tuesdays The Gate MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH www.mdumc.org PAGE 6
MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 12955 MEMORIAL DRIVE Houston, Texas 77079-7302 713.468.8356 mdumc.org SAVE THE DATE YOUTH CONFIRMATION FOR 7-12 GRADERS NOT PREVIOUSLY CONFIRMED. JAN 22 JAN. 29 FEB 5 FEB 12 BLOOD DRIVES FEB 4 & 5 APRIL 1 & 2 JULY 8 & 9 NOV. 4 & 5 SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP & RESOURCE FAIR 9 AM SAT. FEB 11 FRIENDSHIP COURT WALK TO EMMAUS MEN S WALKS FEBRUARY 16-19 & APRIL 20-23 WOMEN S WALKS FEBRUARY 23-26 & APRIL 27-30 DISCOVER MDUMC SUN. FEB 19 OGDOS SAT. MARCH 4 CONTACT RANDYLEE@MDUMC.ORG WORKCAMP JUNE 4 10 HIGH SCHOOL JUNE 18 22 7.8 VBS JULY 17-21 MDUMC PASTORS & PROGRAM STAFF Dr. John Robbins - Senior Pastor Dr. Richard Selke - Executive Pastor Rev. T. Daniel Irving - Associate Pastor Rev. Michael Jarboe - Associate Pastor Rev. James H. McPhail - Associate Pastor Rev. Ginny Griggs Tincher - Associate Pastor 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