REACH MDUMC.Be the Church.
e h t e k Ta tecost Penal enge! Ch 2013 Summer catalog
Via
mdumc. Be the Church. Summer is an exciting time for the people of God. At MDUMC, the Via becomes filled with disciples reaching up to worship God; reaching in themselves to grow more fully into the women and men and boys and girls God calls them to be; reaching out to their neighbors, near and far; and reaching down into their storehouses to promote the work of the Kingdom of God. Join us on the path of the disciple. Worship, grow, witness and give in the joy of knowing that we don’t just go to church. We are the church. On the cover: Gretchen shares her interpretation of Monet’s famous Japanese footbridge over waterlilies at Giverny.
We can be the church and touch our community every day. Art is one way we reach across barriers, forming the relationships that share Christ with a world in need. Bridges are part of the Way of the Disciple.
Table
of
Contents
Worship Grow Witness Give Ages & Stages
2 5 10 14 16 1
Worship
Reach up
Commit yourself this summer
to never missing a Sunday worship. On vacation? Worship wherever you are. Join us via the Internet and hear the Pentecost sermon series at mdumc.org/worship/sermons.aspx
Getting back into town on a Sunday afternoon? Never miss worship again!
Join us at 5:01 PM at the Well.
The Challenge 2
Pentecost 2013
Be the Church Dr. Chuck Simmons, Sanctuary Services
May 19 May 26 June 2 June 9 June 30 July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28 Aug. 4 Aug. 11 Aug. 18 Aug. 25
Start with the Spirit, Acts 2:1-8, 19:1-6 Remember Who Remembers, Psalm 139 Temper the Temperature, Acts 4:32-35 Mind the Measure, Matthew 25:31-46 Pray without Pause, I Thessalonians 5:16-24 Forward the Forgiveness, Matthew 18:21-22 Know Your Neighbor, Luke 10:25-37 Trust the Trustworthy, Genesis 17:1-8, 15-17 Respect Other Religions, Matthew 16:13-20 Look like God, Genesis 33:1-12 Journey to Joy, Philippians 4:4-9 Multiply the Mercy, Matthew 9:9-13 Love to Learn, Mark 12:28-34
Rev. Daniel Irving
Be the Church: A Summer Series in Acts Worship will feature a teaching message from Rev. Daniel Irving, weekly communion and a children’s sermon. Contemporary worship led by Austin Kincannon and the journey band. Nursery care available. 11:01 AM and 5:01 PM Sundays, the Well at the Connection Center
June 2 June 8 June 15 June 22 June 30 July 7 July 14 July 20 July 27 Aug. 3 Aug. 10 Aug. 17
The Church’s Blank Check, Acts 1:1-2:47 A Bold Strategy, Acts 3:1-4:37 Unstoppable, Acts 4:1-8:40 Transformed, Acts 9:1-31 The Whole World in His Hands, Acts 9:32-12:25 What Changes the World, Acts 12:25-14:28 Legalism: Its Attraction, Absurdity and Antidote, Acts 15:1-35 Zealous for One Thing, Acts 15:36-18:22 Mighty in the Word, Acts 18:23-20:16 From Houston to Hong Kong, Acts 20:17-38 Share It Boldly, Acts 21:1-28:16 To Be Continued, Acts 28:17-31
Wednesday Contemplative Worship Dr. Suzy Reedstrom
Bring your Bible and study the Gospel of Mark. We will examine Christ as our servant-model and reflect on the many ways our lives are empowered by grace for building God’s kingdom every day. 6:30 PM Wednesdays, Friendship Court
Thursday Lunch and Worship Rev. Jim McPhail
Food, fellowship, engaging guest speakers and joyful songs. Come share your life with us as we head toward the weekend. 11:30 AM Thursdays, the Gate
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Worship with our Community Partners Community Partners need your help. Support our grant recipients for 2013 with your time and talents, and be rewarded by the families and children you serve. Each of these recipient organizations will speak with us in Sanctuary Worship during Pentecost. Be present to find out more about what they do and where you fit in. ARTreach – Bringing arts and education to underprivileged children Terri Bieber, 281-392-5341 Family Point Resources – Providing after-school activities for children in the Nottingham Park area for arts, sports and education programs Jason Roberts, 832-209-1424 Mission of Yahweh – Providing shelter and support for homeless women with children Richard Hill, 713-466-4785
Afterward, enjoy an ice cream social in Friendship Court and Wesley Hall. To help us know how much ice cream to have ready, pick up a ticket at the Restorative Justice table in Friendship Court on Sunday mornings. Free; a love offering will be taken to benefit MDUMC’s restorative justice efforts. 6:30 PM June 9, the Sanctuary CollinTaylor@mdumc.org
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Urban Outreach – Apartment ministry in Spring Branch and Alief Sid Smith, 713-869-4281 Workfaith Connection – Helping people in transition get back into society through job training and education Sandy Schultz, 713-984-9611
Kick off summer in style. and the present
Stephen Distad Come see “Rex: The King of Instruments.” Learn about the parts of the organ as cameras reveal its inner workings as it is being played.
Three Oaks Academy – Providing education and support for high school kids with substance-abuse problems John Cates / Parker Cragg, 713-459-9427
King’s Brass
Grow
Reach in
Commit yourself this summer to growing as a disciple. Each Sunday, set aside holy time for quiet study and reflection. Read each week’s scripture passage from either Sanctuary Services or the journey Worship Community. Find them in the Worship section of this catalog. Discuss with a friend the significance of the lesson for the early Church, and for us today. Ask yourself:
How can I live this out?
The Challenge
Lunch and Learn
Be the Church Be the Change Kenya Come hear Natalie Finstad, director of Be the Change Kenya, share her story about this ministry that works to eliminate poverty for the children of Kenya. Natalie, who grew up at MDUMC, will lead a discussion of the vision of this ministry, how it is changing lives and the progress that is being made. Lunch will be served. 12:15 PM July 28, Wesley Hall Luncheon reservations: CollinTaylor@mdumc.org
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4th of July Celebration Join us in the parking lot of the Connection Center for fun, food & fellowship.
Spiritual Gifts Survey
Labyrinth Walk Feel 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. 8 AM-12:30 PM May 26, June 30, July 28 & Aug. 11, the Gym
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Take an online spiritual gifts survey to help you determine where you might use your spiritual gifts in the church and community. Download both of these forms at via.mdumc.org: Spiritual Gifts Survey Spiritual Gifts Inventory for Survey
Read MDUMC has two fantastic libraries, one adult and one children’s. Check out what’s new. At home or away, on the beach or stuck in the airport, reach for a good read this summer.
Journal
Native American Ministry
During this Pentecost season, keep a journal. Dialogue with God. Share what you think, feel and need. Imagine and record how God might respond to you, knowing that God loves you and wants what’s best for you.
Be a part of this growing ministry by serving on the Native American Ministry Committee. Lunch ’N Learn about this ministry. Noon-1:30 PM July 21, D127. Betsy Beeson or RandyLee@mdumc.org
Be the Church
Acts Bible Study Rev. Daniel Irving
As Christians, we are called to do more than go to church. We are to be the Church. What does that mean for us in terms of practical, day-today discipleship? What can we learn from scripture about being the Church? How can the experiences and lessons of the women and men of the 1st Century C.E. inform our mission today? Explore the Acts of the Apostles. This 12-week
study follows the journey sermon series, but in a didactic format. Acts records the formative days of the Church, all the trials, struggles and triumphs. It records God’s faithfulness to us, the people of God. 9:35 AM Sundays, beginning June 2 or 6:30-8 PM Mondays, beginning June 3, the Well 6 AM Tuesdays for Men, beginning June 4, IHOP on Katy Freeway 9:30 AM, Thursdays, beginning June 6, D127
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VBS July 15-18
Brainfree
...and other w
Children ages up to rising sixth-graders are invited to the most fun week of summer.
ays God gets
ze
your attent
ion!
Preschool VBS: Ages 2-4 or 5 and not entering kindergarten in the fall (kids younger than 2 stay in the nursery if a parent is on campus as a volunteer). Daily Bible story, arts/crafts and ageappropriate classroom activities, a trip to Scoop’s Place, snack and fun on the playground. Younger than 4 may attend if a parent or guardian is a VBS volunteer. 9 AM - noon Monday-Thursday, main campus Early Elementary VBS: K-third-graders are based in the Sanctuary. After singing, games and an introduction to the Bible story, kids travel to crafts, snacks/activities, Bible study and recreation. 9 AM - noon Monday-Thursday, main campus Older Elementary VBS: Fourth- to sixth-graders meet at the Well for about an hour of games, activities and the Bible lesson with Rev. Irving. They then scatter to take two electives, such as cooking, woodworking, art projects, card games or missions. 8:50 AM - 12:10 PM, the Well On Thursday, all the age groups will meet in the Sanctuary for a concert with Jana Alayra, who blessed us last year with her music and is even bringing a song she’s written for us! Thursday will also be the culmination of our big mission project: collecting food for Blessings in a Backpack.
Register at mdumckids.org. Children with special needs welcome. It takes about 150 volunteers to make this a great week. Jina.leisy00@hotmail.com
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Super Place Camp A Jungle Jaunt for children with special needs Each summer, six area churches join to put on a daycamp for children with special needs. Daily Bible story, worship, missions, crafts, music, recreation, snacks and more. Each child is assigned a one-on-one buddy, and a nurse is on duty throughout the camp. For parents: a coffee Tuesday and a specialneeds financial workshop Wednesday. 9 AM-12:30 PM Aug. 5-9, Tallowood Baptist Church Register: tallowood.org/super-place-camp or Mary Lynn Smith, 832-607-8038
GPS Grow, Proclaim and Serve Summer School Version
Opportunities for children continue during the summer. We’ll be spending most of the summer in the Old Testament, talking about favorite Bible stories such as Adam and Eve, Daniel and even the Fiery Furnace. 9:30-10:30 AM Sundays, Children’s Area DonnaReed@mdumc.org
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Witness
Reach out
Love your neighbor
Be the Church Become a Hollibrook Mentor
Come share your story with a child and help him begin to write his own. Be a significant adult in the child’s life whom she can depend on and talk with. Room at the school, stocked with games, puzzles, books, etc. Share a hobby or interest, or help create a quilt, scrapbook, model bridge or airplane. SBISD personnel provide training at our church each fall. One hour per week, plus occasional special activities through the school year. Julie Eisenhauer, 281-496-0238 or JEisen777@aol.com
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Commit yourself this summer
to serving as a disciple. Research our Community Partners, come hear them speak in worship, and Get involved! ARTreach Family Point Resources Mission of Yahweh Three Oaks Academy Urban Outreach Workfaith Connection Your life experiences, talents, creativity and energy will help our neighbors fulfill their mission in the community.
The Challenge
Larkin Community Center Larkin Community Center and pre-school can always use your time in many ways.
• Update the facilities by painting shelves and classrooms, break room • Read to the children Larkin Back to School Project: In August school supplies are provided to local children Teacher-preparation needs: Teachers always need things cut out or prepped for art projects.
Among the volunteer needs: • ESL teachers • Help fill the Food Pantry • Help bag the Food Pantry for local residents • Help organize the teacher-resource rooms Shop at the Memorial Assistance Ministries Resale Store, 1625 Blalock. Find bargains on books, furniture, decorative items, toys, clothes and much more. Proceeds support MAM programs. Georgia Kimmel, gkimmel@ maministries.org Donate to the MAM Back to School program during July and August. Each $50 donation provides one child with backto-school clothing. Make check payable to MDUMC, write MAM BTS in the memo line. Georgia Kimmel, gkimmel@ maministries.org Schedule a workday at MAM
Computer assistance: help children learn to use programs Feed kids during the summer: 11 AM–noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday Leonor Hernandez, 713-869-9143 Leonor.Larkin@sbcglobal.net
for your small group, such as your Sunday School class, Women’s circle, Bible study group, etc. Ideal groups are four to 10 participants, working on various projects for two to four hours. MAM Volunteer Coordinator Angel Elza, 713-574-7540 Brighten the future of an ESL student by teaching conversational skills and practical, everyday knowledge. Volunteer positions include lead Instructors, classroom assistants and tutors.
Volunteer weekly for the fall semester. Classes are approximately three hours long, and tutoring sessions last about an hour. Training provided. Daytime and evening classes offered at MAM and 3 other locations. Georgia Kimmel, gkimmel@ maministries.org
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Visit area pastors
Engineering program at Alief Middle School Alief Middle School program introduces sixththrough eighth-graders to engineering. Volunteers will be working with staff to assist students with simple projects suitable for science and engineering contests. Being an engineer a plus,but not a requirement. FranklinOlson@sbcglobal.net
One of the keys to our work in Alief is to develop relationships with area churches, linking them with each other and the schools. Accompany an organizer or seasoned TMO MDUMC member to visit pastors and further develop relationships with them. FranklinOlson@sbcglobal.net
Neighborhood walks One sure method of engaging parents is to have neighborhood walks and talk to parents about their hopes and dreams for their children’s future. Training and supervision is provided. FranklinOlson@sbcglobal.net
Train to be a relational leader
Attend Alief ISD/TMO events
Learn how to have one-onone meetings and small group meetings that help identify possible community leaders and issues. Training geared for beginners and can be used in
Learn about the work of TMO. Attend school open houses, community town-hall meetings and other events. FranklinOlson@sbcglobal.net
Serve Soupmobile ministry needs individuals to once a month to pick up supplies for making lunches or deliver prepared meals. Small groups needed to prepare meals. Donate Pick up a collection can the first Sunday of the month in Friendship Court. Take it home, fill with spare change and return. Feed the hungry. PamBrien@comcast.net
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other venues. FranklinOlson@sbcglobal.net
Family on a Mission Families serve in a variety of mission settings. We’ll volunteer at the Houston Food Bank, make hundreds of sandwiches for underprivileged children, grocery shop for the hungry, and more. Join for one or all three days. Free except cost of lunches and $10 per child for the grocery shopping experience. We must have five families sign up by June 10. June 19-21, DonnaReed@mdumc.org
Blood drive Give life. July 20-21
Caring Ministries
Reach out into the community. Meet real needs.
Singles Week in Mission
S.W.I.M.
Half- or full-day projects in and around Houston Mon. – West Houston Community Center Tues. – Kids’ Meals Wed. – Church Under the Bridge Thurs. – Houston Food Bank Fri. – Kemah Community Garden June 17-21, $10 per day SheriKelley@mdumc.org or 713-468-8356, ext. 119
• Alzheimer’s Support Group and Respite Care • Alzheimer’s Gathering • Blood Donor Ministry • Home Bound Communion • Medical Equipment • Medical Transportation • Stroke Support Group JimMcphail@mdumc.org
Stephen Ministry
SusanWiley@mdumc.org
Support Ministries
Louisiana Mission Trip
Epworth Project outside Slidell, LA Approximately $255 for members or $340 for non-members July 21-27, sponsored by the Singles Ministry but open to all
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
ADDults Al-Anon CanCare Children in the Middle Chronic Pain & Illness Support Cracked Pots DivorceCare Family & Friends of Gays & Lesbians Grief Share Lifeway substance program National Alliance on Mental Illness Sex Addicts Anonymous Survivors of Romantic Deception
SheriKelley@mdumc.org
Guatemala
Construction & Dental treams forming now. Aug. 3-10, $1,500 Marc Shellum, mcshellum@sbcglobal.net
Krist Samaritan Counselors Ask for counselors at MDUMC campus. 281-480-7554
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Give
Reach down Always care
Be the Church Caring Forever Foundation
Perpetual Pledge Fund
Commit yourself this summer to keeping your pledge up to date. Don’t let the summer heat wither your commitment.
The Caring Forever Foundation (CFF) is establishing a fund for people who desire to put a perpetual pledge in their wills, enabling them to Be the Church even after their deaths.
Kingdom work never takes a vacation... and neither does the electric bill!
The CFF is a 501(c)(3) corporation of MDUMC organized exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes. The CFF operates exclusively for the benefit of Memorial Drive UMC, its ministries, its programs, its outreach and its facilities. The funds of the CFF are invested in such a manner as to preserve capital, offset inflation, as well as provide current income for grants from specific funds as allowed and from the General Funds for requests.
Help keep MDUMC cool and inviting and on solid budgetary footing during the busy months of summer.
RickGoodrich@mdumc.org, 713-468-8356, ext. 244
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Keep your giving current and let us continue to be a secure symbol of Christ in west Houston.
The Challenge
Ways to give
you might not have thought of In addition to your tithes to the annual operating budget, there are many ways to share God’s blessings with others through MDUMC. • Donate to the Minister’s Fund, a discretionary fund for people in need • Shop at MAM • Donate to the Soupmobile • Support the Larkin Center school • Provide a scholarship for a child for VBS • Support the Agape Singers in their Summer Musical Mission tour to Nashville, TN • Provide a scholarship for a youth to go to Workcamp • Provide a scholarship for a specialneeds camper at Super Place Camp • Support the Guatemala Dental Mission by helping to underwrite the cost of supplies • Donate to Sock it to MAM! • Contribute during the love offering at the Pomp & Pipes concert in support of Restorative Justice • Make a special grocery run in support of Blessings in a Backpack • If you haven’t already pledged to the Key Campaign, do it now! Log on and plug in at key.mdumc.org
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Ages & Stages
Reach for more
High School Workcamp
Middle School Workcamp
Fairfield June 9-15
Houston and San Antonio June 23-27
MDUMCYouth.org The AGAPE Singers
will be on a tour in Nashville, TN, performing Jesus Christ Superstar, the classic rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Tim Rice. June 29-July 6.
Young Adults
MOPS
MOPS will be finishing Disciple I Bible study and working on VBS decorations. Not a mother of a preschooler but looking for community? All are welcome! $25. Nursery provided. 11 AM Tuesdays, Youth Lounge JeanIrving@mdumc.org
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YAWNS
Glide past the middle of the week with a great dinner and fellowship. Open to young adults. $5 for meal. Nursery available. 7–8:30 PM Wednesdays, D126 Jason Smith, jasonmichaelsmith@ymail.com or Katy Sabayrac, katy.sabayrac@gmail.com
Get to know your Community Partners
SINGLES
Singles Community Bible Study 281-392-5341
832-209-14424
Serving from the Heart This study will help us consider our spiritual gifts, talents and abilities, resources, dreams, individuality and experiences. $10. 7:15 PM Wednesdays, June 5-July 17, D127
Singles Community Bible Study 713-466-4785
Elijah Look beyond the insecurity of the world to our sovereign God, who reigns forever. $6. 7:15 PM Wednesday, D127
Soupmobile 713-270-6753
Help make 244 lunches for the House of Amos, St. James UMC and Rose of Sharon. 5:15 PM May 31, July 5, Aug. 2, Scout House
Singles Fabulous Fridays
– all are welcome Kick Back Koffee House. Talent includes George Macias, Pairado and Heartstrings Bring a snack to share. $5 love offering at the door. 7PM June 7, the Gate
First Friday Flicks
Watch a contemporary movie and discuss it from a Christian perspective. Bring a snack to share. Bring movies for the kids, too. 7 PM July 5, the Gate
First Friday Fun & Games
Bring a snack and your favorite game to share. Bring games for the kids, too. 7 PM Aug. 2, the Gate
713-869-4281
Join the Men of Action
281-833-3435
for a fantastic $5 breakfast, a devotional moment and an engaging program by guest speakers. 7 AM Wednesdays, Wesley Hall DanielIrving@mdumc.org
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[worship]
[grow]
[witness]
[give]