The Messenger | December 2019

THE

MESSENGER DECEMBER AUGUST 2019

MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

@MemorialDriveUMC @mdumc

CELEBRATING ADVENT

While living in Evanston, I worked the opening shift at a coffee shop with Leah. Almost every Thursday and Friday, this holy experience began with our trying out the first pull of espresso. When it was perfect, we would both nod our head in agreement and high-five. We both loved to pay special attention to our very first customers: butchers from the meat department at Whole Foods, who weren’t the most jovial gentlemen before 6 a.m. After they got their coffee, though, it was like a light bulb turned on in their souls. I know it sounds weird, but helping to make these guys morning a little better brought Leah and me a great deal of satisfaction.

One thing I loved on early mornings at the coffee shop, was hearing Leah sing the Shema while she was cleaning dishes. Mind you, I don’t know if she knew I liked this, nor do I know if she was aware that I understood what she was singing (Thanks, seminary!)

Leah was the president of the Hillel Jewish Student Center at Northwestern.

She had plans to attend rabbinic school, and we had some really interesting conversation about God. She, from the Bronx, and I, a Christian from Texas, spent countless mornings asking questions and listening to each other’s stories. But, for some reason, we never really talked about her singing the Shema.

Sh'ma Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Ehad.

She sang it softly and repeated it multiple times. It translates to, “Hear, O Israel: the LORD is our God, the LORD is One.” How interesting it is that the first word of the shema is “hear.” The book of Deuteronomy states that this prayer should be spoken “when you lie down, and when your rise up.”

So, Leah’s singing it in the morning seemed to make sense. I learned later, however, that it doesn’t just have to do with our sleep cycles. Rising up and lying down are also metaphors for birth and death.

I wonder, how many of the disciples caught Jesus humming those words as he walked through life. He had to have known the Shema as rabbi, learning it as a child through his parents and teachers. All the while, those first words he would utter, “Hear, O Israel.” Some would believe his message, but all could hear his words.

That’s my hope every day during this season of Advent. When I doubt, or forget, or get off track, or turn my attention to something else: I still try to be attuned. I still try to hear The Word all around me. The good news is God, like Leah, sings to us when we rise and when we sleep. We just have be close enough to listen.

Advent Blessings, Rev. Michael Jarboe

SENIOR ASSOCIATE PASTOR

IN THIS

MESSENGER DECEMBER 2019

FEATURES

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MDUMC MISSIONS

Interested in serving with our neighbors in Puerto Rico and Belize?

Teams are forming soon!

POINSETTIA ORDER FORM

Honor or remember a loved one this Christmas with a poinesttia. Orders are due December 15.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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LIVE NATIVITY

See the story of Christmas come to life in these performances by our students!

HOLIDAY HELPERS

Share the love of Christ this Christmas through partnerships with MAM, Thornwood Elementary, and more.

UPCOMING CONCERTS

Join us for these musical opportunities as we celebrate fall and move towards Christmas!

CHRISTMAS FOR HTX

A look at all the special events happening this Christmas season.

M D UMC KIDS

For more information contact AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP

DECEMBER 24 | 2 PM | MAIN CAMPUS SANCTUARY This Christmas Eve service is designed especially for children and incorporates stories, songs, and performances by our Children’s Choir. We’ll light kid-friendly candles and welcome the Christ Child together. All are welcome.

8:15 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL AT THE JOURNEY WEEKLY

We’re making room for more to worship at The Journey with new 8:15 AM worship, and children’s Sunday School will be offered during all three services. Contact LaurenBedevian@mdumc.org for more information or to volunteer to teach.

ADVENT WORKSHOP AND CANDY CHURCHES DECEMBER 1 | 4 - 5:30 PM | GYM

Help your children prepare for the Christmas season! All are invited to this family Advent event with crafts and candy church decorating. A $10 offering is suggested.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT DECEMBER 8 | 3 PM | SANCTUARY

Our children’s choirs and handbells will present their annual Christmas pageant. All are invited!

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THEMESSENGER

MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DECEMBER 2019

YOUTH MI N ISTRY

For more information contact MarkBogart@mdumc.org.

LIVE NATIVITY

DECEMBER 17 | 5:30, 6 & 6:30 PM | MAIN CAMPUS GYM All are welcome to come experience the wonder of Christ’s birth as portrayed by our students at the Live Nativity. Three identical performances will take place in the Main Campus Gym at 5:30, 6, and 6:30 PM. Refreshments are served between performances in Friendship Court. We hope you’ll join us as we bring the Christmas story to life for all ages!

JOY TO THE WORLD CHRISTMAS MISSION EVENT

YOUTH WORSHIP AND CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

On December 7th we will be hosting a Christmas Brunch and Party for the families from Gracewood Shelter.

Arrive at 9:45 AM to help set up. We will be done by 12:15 PM. We hope you’ll join us for this outreach event where we’ll share God’s love with our neighbors.

Join us for our annual Christmas Brunch Festivus at the Refuge! It is a great time of celebration of a great year for all of our youth. If you would like to help provide breakfast for the event, sign up at mdumc. org/youth.

DECEMBER 7 | 9:45 AM - 12:15 PM | THE REFUGE

DECEMBER 15 | 9:30 AM | THE REFUGE

GIRLS GROUP OUTLET MALL TRIP

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FESTIVUS

Get your Christmas shopping done with friends! We will leave from the Refuge right after our Joy to the World Christmas Party for Gracewood Shelter. Bring your friends and $ for shopping and lunch.

All 7th - 12th graders are invited to join us for food, music and worship. Sign up to bring your favorite dish at mdumc.org/youth.

RAISE UP FAMILIES CHRISTMAS PARTY

DECEMBER 15 | 6 - 7:30 PM

DECEMBER 7 | 12:15 AM – 4 PM

DECEMBER 8 | 3 - 5 PM | THE REFUGE

We are hosting a Christmas party for Westside Homeless Prevention this year, and you can take part!

We will cook and serve a meal, build candy churches with the kids, and have general merriment. Come and help make it a great Christmas party.

DECEMBER 15 | 9:30 AM | THE REFUGE

7.8 CHRISTMAS PROGRESSIVE DINNER We love to hang out together, we love to eat good food and we love Christmas – so why not combine all of these for a Christmas Progressive Dinner? Meet in the East Lobby of MDUMC at 6 PM. We will travel to different homes for our appetizer, main course and dessert. Back to the church by 7:30 PM.

ALL YOUTH HAYRIDE

DECEMBER 8 | 5 - 8:30 PM

We are going to High Star Christmas Tree Farm to have some fun on a hayride! We will hang out by the campfire, cook hotdogs and smores, and then take a ride through all the Christmas trees. Bring $10 for food and fun.

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MI SSI ON S A N D OU TRE AC H

For more information contact KandiceKirby@mdumc.org.

HOLIDAY HELPERS

THROUGH DECEMBER 8 You can help make someone’s holiday season brighter by picking up a tag and fulfilling a wish for a child and their family in our community this Christmas. Opportunities include providing toys and blankets through Memorial Assistance Ministries, connecting a child with their parent behind bars and offering joy and hope to a prisoner’s family through our Angel Tree, purchasing gifts for a family in need through Raise Up Families, providing gift cards for local teachers, and more. Stop by the display on either campus, or visit mdumc.org/holidayhelpers to learn more. Interested in helping us deliver gifts? Contact KandiceKirby@mdumc.org.

BELIZE AND PUERTO RICO INTEREST MEETINGS DECEMBER 10 | 6:30 PM PUERTO RICO | ROOM D205 BELIZE | ROOM D206

We’re excited to serve alongside our neighbors in Puerto Rico and Belize in 2020! All are welcome to come meet team leaders and learn more about each trip. Contact KandiceKirby@mdumc.org with any questions.

CROSSWALK HOUSTON

This has been one amazing year at CrossWalk Houston. We started the year with the challenge of adding Adult Basic Education and now have over 30 students and almost 20 different volunteers for that program. We continue to offer ESL at both CWH and on SBISD campuses. Our newly added monthly lunch, Community Table, has been overwhelmingly well-received, and is a beautiful opportunity for volunteers and students to share time together.

In addition, CWH continues to be a force in the community supporting Thornwood staff and Family Point camp activities. We’re so thankful for all of your support - the many volunteers and donations allow us to bring the love of MDUMC and Jesus Christ to our community. If you’re looking for a place to serve in 2020, please consider CrossWalk Houston. Contact Director, Sedonia Finstad at SedoniaFinstad@mdumc.org.

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MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DECEMBER 2019

MDUMC MISSIONS: PUERTO RICO

Puerto Rico’s recovery since Hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017 has progressed slowly but steadily, thanks largely to the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico and the expertise, partnerships, and resources it has gained and shared in that arduous effort. Leading the way is its “social holiness” ministry, the aptly named ReHACE, Rebuilding Communities with Hope.

ReHACE has deployed resources and work teams into 25 heavily populated areas, aided by the United Methodist Committee on Relief and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission. The two collaborative work areas of Global Ministries came to the MCPR’s aid in the wake of the storms to help repair homes that were uninsured and not served by FEMA, aiding struggling residents who had nowhere else to turn.

There was extensive damage to structures from severe winds and flooding, lack of food and water and a loss of electricity for many months because of a devastated antiquated power grid. More than 400,000 residents have left the island since the storm; and many who remain have suffered from illness and depression.

Since February 2018, more than 2,300 U.S. mission volunteers have provided well over 70,000 hours of labor to repair mostly homes.

ReHACE’s case managers identify, vet and report critical needs and conditions among hurricane-affected residents and families. Local and U.S. volunteers are deployed to worksites to respond to urgent home repair needs, while also offering emotional support to homeowners.

“It still amazes me to see people coming from other places just to work here, just to show us the love of Jesus” said Stephanie Acosta, a translator. “Seeing the before and after of the houses?

That’s hope right there.”

“We can rebuild our homeland together,” said MCPR Bishop Hector Ortiz. “We are grateful for The United Methodist Church’s support, especially for UMCOR and the volunteers who have come to help us recover. Over 4,000 of our people died from this tragedy; but we have actually saved lives, and now we have a comprehensive plan for full recovery.”

If you would like to be a part of the 2020 MDUMC mission team to help families in Puerto Rico rebuild and recover, please join us at our next interest meeting on December 10 at 6:30pm in room D205 or by contacting kellyvicente@mdumc.org.

Adapted from an article published by John W. Coleman for umcmission.org.

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MUSI C M IN ISTRY

For more information contact AnnAbles@mdumc.org.

CHANCEL CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT | HANDEL’S MESSIAH DECEMBER 15 | 7 PM | MAIN CAMPUS SANCTUARY

The Chancel Choir and Concert Singers will sing Part I, the Christmas section, of the classic masterwork, Messiah by G.F. Handel. The 90+ voices will be accompanied by a string ensemble and Stephen Distad, organist, and feature MDUMC soloists.

CHILDREN’S CHOIRS | ROOM FOR CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 8 | 3 PM | MAIN CAMPUS SANCTUARY

The Children’s Choirs (STARS Choir, Sonshine Singers, and STARS Handbells) present Room for Christmas, a musical about a musical, complete with a bossy angel, wisecracking shepherds, unruly sheep and know it all wisemen.

AGAPE SINGERS | THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 22 | 7:30 PM | THE JOURNEY WORSHIP CENTER

Our youth musicians, The Agape Singers and Covenant Carillon, present music of the season through The Sounds of Christmas. Come at 7 PM to enjoy fellowship and a dessert buffet.

ME N’S MIN ISTRY

For more information contact MichaelJarboe@mdumc.org.

MEN’S LIFE

TUESDAY MORNINGS | 6:30 - 7:30 AM | THE REFUGE

Join us for breakfast, a short Advent devotion, and 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!

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!

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MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DECEMBER 2019

WO ME N’S M IN ISTRY

For more information contact JudyBrewer@mdumc.org.

THE RADIANCE OF LOVE: A PRAYERFUL DAY FOR WOMEN JANUARY 11 | 9 AM - 3 PM | WESLEY HALL

We hope you’ll take time after the rush of the holidays to join us for a prayerful retreat with guest speaker, Lori Anderson. Lori nurtures sacred connections on retreats and in small groups. After 25 years of ministry in the local church, she transitioned to an intentional season of Sabbath and listening. Lori’s passions include exploring the contemplative spirit of the Gospels and discovering God’s presence in the created world. Lori lives with her family in Houston, Texas. Cost for the retreat is $35. Register at mdumc.org/women beginning December 1.

MDUMC MOMS

TUESDAYS THROUGH MAY 19 | 9:10 AM | C201

This year we’ll study the power of God. In Miracles of Jesus: A Study of What Jesus Makes Possible, you will spend time exploring all four gospels of the Bible and discovering the ways Jesus healed, provided, calmed, and resurrected. Cost is $25 + $20 for childcare.

MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS (MOPS)

MISSION STITCHERS CHRISTMAS SALE

MOPS is open to all moms of young children. Come join other Christian women on the mom journey. Cost for the year is $40 + $20 for childcare. For more info, contact AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org.

Support missions through the purchase of beautiful handmade items that make great gifts.

2ND AND 4TH TUESDAYS | 9 AM | C200

UMW DECEMBER PROGRAM

DECEMBER 3 | 9:30 – 11 AM | WESLEY HALL

We’ll enjoy brunch followed by the installation of new officers and our holiday program featuring Christmas music by Drew Essen. Devotional and brunch by the Ann Ables Music Circle.

DECEMBER 8 | 9 AM – 12:15 PM | FRIENDSHIP COURT DECEMBER 15 | 9 AM - 12:15 PM | THE JOURNEY

SAVE THE DATE: WOMEN’S DINNER 2020 MARCH 30, 2020 | 6 PM | WESLEY HALL

Join us for a Women’s Dinner with guest speaker Darla Baerg. Registration will open January 1, 2020 at mdumc. org/women.

HEARTS AND HANDS THANK YOU

Thank you to all those who helped make the 33rd Annual Hearts & Hands Market a success! The weather was spectacular and the Gym, Wesley Hall and Friendship Court were buzzing with holiday shoppers! Many thanks go to our Committee Chairwomen who did an outstanding job of setting the stage for this annual Market! This event would not be possible without the many, many volunteers who sold tickets, baked yummy goodies for our bake sale, provided food donations for the Preview Party and volunteered in a variety of ways during Hearts & Hands. We are appreciative of everyone’s helping hands and generous hearts! We’d like to thank the MDUMC Staff - especially our go-to gal, Judy Brewer; Julia Jordan, the amazing graphic and design specialist; Carrie Neal for her help with Preview Party tickets and our web page, and the fabulous Facilities Staff!

MDUMC’s UMW is blessed to be able to use the funds raised to give grants to missions for women, children and youth.

Be sure to Save the Date for the 34th Annual Hearts & Hands – A Holiday Market which will be October 19 - 21, 2020. We look forward to seeing you next year!

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OL D E R ADULTS

(BOOMERS & SENIORS)

For more information contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org.

A BLUEGRASS CHRISTMAS - ADVENT BOOMER & SENIOR LUNCHEON

DECEMBER 5 | 11:30 AM | WESLEY HALL

A delicious catered meal prepared by the MDUMC kitchen staff will be served by the MDUMC program staff.

Entertainment will be provided by Almost Heaven, a well-known local bluegrass band. Everyone is asked to bring a new book to be given as a Christmas gift to a child (toddler through teens). The cost for this event is only $10 per person. If interested, register mdumc.org/register or contact peggystilwell@yahoo.com.

BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT THURSDAYS | ONGOING

This mid-day opportunity is held each Thursday with a rotating schedule of activities. We’re taking a break for December, but we hope you’ll join us in 2020.

FUTURE EVENTS - SAVE THE DATE

Registrations are open for the following outings. Please invite your friends and neighbors. Register soon to ensure transportation availability! Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org.

Tour Columbus Courthouse and the Santa Clause Museum (December 6), Cher: Here We Go Again! (December 15), Houston Symphony presents A Very Merry Pops (December 15), Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert (December 22)

SI NGL E S M IN ISTRY SINGLES SUNDAY SCHOOL

SUNDAY MORNINGS | 9:30 AM | DANCE ROOM

The Singles in Action class meets from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Dance Room. The Advent study is entitled Christmas Gift That Won’t Break by James Moore. All single adults are invited to attend.

REGULAR ACTIVITIES

Sundays | Singles Sunday lunch Mondays | Zumba at 5:45 PM in the Scout House and Street Hikers at 7 PM at Rummel Creek Elementary Tuesdays | Tennis at 7 PM at Plaza Oaks Club courts Wednesdays | Zumba at 5:45 PM in the Scout House and Texas HR Pros Jobs Ministry from 6:30 - 9:30 PM at The Adult Ministries Center Thursdays | Grief Share at 6 PM in Room D206 and DivorceCare at 6 PM in Room D205 Fridays | Fabulous Fridays at 7 PM Saturdays | Walk in the Park at 8:30 AM (2nd Saturdays)

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MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DECEMBER 2019

For more information contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org.

SPECIAL DECEMBER ACTIVITIES

There are many upcoming Singles activities throughout the month. For a full schedule, visit mdumc.org/singles.

December 5 – A Bluegrass Christmas Advent Luncheon December 6 – Soupmobile lunch-making December 6 – First Friday Fun & Games and Potluck Dinner December 7 – Setting up books for the book sale at 10 AM December 8 – Food for Thought Used Book Sale December 8 – Children’s Christmas Musical December 14 – Single Vision Council Christmas Party December 15 – Cher: Here We Go Again!

December 15 – Very Merry Pops December 15 – Chancel Choir Christmas Concert December 17 – Live Nativity December 18 – Travelers’ Eve Service December 21 – Miracle on 34th Street December 22 – Service of the Longest Night December 22 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert December 22 – Agape Choir Christmas Concert

A D ULT SPI RITUA L F ORM AT ION

For more information contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org.

To register, contact KellyVicente@mdumc.org, register online at mdumc.org, or sign up in Friendship Court on Sunday mornings.

DR. ROBBINS’ WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY THE GOSPEL OF MARK

MORNING STUDY AT 10 AM, DINNER AT 5:15 PM, AND EVENING STUDY AT 6:30 PM All are welcome at this churchwide opportunity for fellowship and study as we join together to read the Gospel of Mark! December 4th is the last study of 2019 and we hope you’ll join us when we resume on January 8th, 2020 as Dr. Robbins incorporates humor and stories along with sound biblical interpretation. Mornings are study only, and evenings include weekly dinner (find the menu on page 12) for $8 per person ($5 for children ages 4 - 10 and free for children under 4 - no more than $25 per family). All anyone needs to bring is a Bible. Invite a friend and plan to join us!

WALK TO EMMAUS: A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST

MEN’S WALK #113 | FEBRUARY 20 - 23 WOMEN’S WALK#114 | FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 1

CHRISTIANITY GOES GLOBAL: HOW AN UNLIKELY RELIGION MADE IT MONDAYS, DECEMBER 2 & 9 3:30 - 5 PM | D204 LEADER: MICHAEL HICK

This study is an interesting examination of Christianity throughout the years and throughout the world. Come and learn more about the Church!

MEDITATION FOR CHRISTIANS

WEDNESDAYS | 11 – 11:50 AM | D200 LEADER: BETTY CARTMELL

This class is for anyone who would like to know about Christian meditation and centering prayer.

We have time for teaching and learning, a question and answer period, plus experiential practice. All it requires is an open heart and a desire to explore this ancient practice.

The Walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a threeday short course in Christianity. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed to us through other believers. Please contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org.

CARING FOREVER FOUNDATION

For more information contact StacyStepler@mdumc.org.

PLANNED GIVING

The Caring Forever Foundation recently received a $122,000 gift. The Foundation was named the second beneficiary of a Charitable Remainder Trust that was established with The Texas Methodist Foundation. A Charitable Remainder Trust provides income for the trust’s income beneficiary for their lifetime. Then The CFF receives the principal of the trust after the trust’s income beneficiary passes away. We are so grateful for this gift and are excited for how this will allow us to increase our giving to MDUMC and our community.

To learn more about the many ways to leave a planned gift to The Caring Forever Foundation, contact Stacy Stepler at 713-468-8356 or StacyStepler@mdumc.org.

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YOU N G A DU LT S & YO U N G FAMI L I ES

For more information contact CarrieNeal@mdumc.org.

YOUNG ADULT AND YOUNG FAMILY BIBLE STUDY WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING JANUARY 22

Starting in January, we will have a brand new opportunity for Young Adults and Families to join together in a time of learning and fellowship. The study will be led each week by one of our pastors and there will be a time of teaching and discussion with peers. Dinner will be available before the study begins and there will be childcare and activities for kids. Please contact CarrieNeal@mdumc.org with any questions.

G I VI NG

For more information contact NinaDavis@mdumc.org.

TAX PLANNING - QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DONATION

Owners of an individual retirement account (IRA) should be aware of a popular tax planning strategy. Under IRS rules, an owner of an IRA must begin taking an annual required minimum distribution from the IRA starting in the year in which the owner reaches age 70 ½ and include the required minimum distribution in his/her taxable income. The failure to follow the required minimum distribution rules subjects the owner to a tax penalty.

Church members should know that there is a way to (1) satisfy the IRA required minimum distribution rules, (2) avoid tax on all or a portion of the required minimum distribution and (3) help Memorial Drive United Methodist Church.

Instead of having the required minimum distribution paid to the owner, the owner can direct that the IRA pay all or a portion of the required minimum distribution to MDUMC (up to $100,000). Following that strategy the owner’s IRA stays in compliance with the required minimum distribution rules and the payment to MDUMC is not included in the owner’s taxable income. Further, the rules are also not “all or nothing” – some of the required minimum distribution may be directed to MDUMC and the balance may be paid to the owner. In that instance, the owner only pays tax on the payment that the owner receives from the IRA. If you are interested in implementing this tax planning strategy, direct your questions to NinaDavis@mdumc.org or (713) 468-8356.

CARI NG M IN ISTRY

For more information contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org.

Part of living in community means caring for and supporting one another in a variety of ways. Care and Support ministry at MDUMC includes a variety of programs that meet consistantly throughout the week. For more information about any of these opportunities, please visit mdumc.org/care or contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org.

SERVICE OF THE LONGEST NIGHT

DECEMBER 22 | 4 PM | MAIN CAMPUS SANCTUARY This opportunity for worship is centered around hope and healing for those struggling with grief, loss, or sadness during the Christmas Season. All are welcome.

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THEMESSENGER

MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DECEMBER 2019

Poinsettias HONORING AND REMEMBERING LOVED ONES THIS SEASON

DUE BY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 | $10 Help decorate MDUMC with poinsettias given in honor or in memory of family or friends, then take your plant home following the final service on Christmas Eve. Fill out the form below, cut along the dashed line, and submit it with payment attached to either campus on Sunday mornings, or the Main Campus front desk throughout the week. Thank you!

MDUMC

POINSE TTIA ORDER

2019

We invite you to contribute one or more plants to help decorate our worship space on Christmas Eve in honor or memory of loved ones. Please complete the fields below, attach your payment, and return both by Sunday, December 15. Each poinsettia is $10 and may be picked up after the 8 PM service at the Journey or the 11 PM service at the Main Campus on Christmas Eve. #

IN HONOR OF:

#

IN MEMORY OF:

G I V E N BY :

PHONE:

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MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NOVEMBER 2019

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ADVENT WORKSHOP & CANDY CHURCHES

4 - 5:30 PM | GYM Bring the whole family for crafts and snacks as we prepare for the Christmas season! A $10 donation is suggested.

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CHANCEL CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT

7 PM | SANCTUARY 90+ voices singing Part I of G.F. Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, will be accompanied by a string ensemble and Stephen Distad, organist, and feature MDUMC

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AGAPE SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT

7 PM | THE JOURNEY Our youth musicians, The Agape Singers and Covenant Carillon, present music of the season through The Sounds of Christmas. Come and enjoy fellowship and a dessert buffet.

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ADVENT BOOMER & SENIOR LUNCHEON

11:30 AM | WESLEY HALL Come for lunch and live music.

We’ll collect new books to be given as Christmas gifts to children in need. Visit mdumc. org/register for tickets; cost is $10.

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LIVE NATIVITY

5:30, 6, 6:30 PM | GYM

All ages are welcome to join us as our youth present their annual performance that brings the Christmas story to life. We’ll host three identical performances, all followed by refreshments in Friendship Court.

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SERVICE OF THE LONGEST NIGHT

4 PM | SANCTUARY

Gather with us for worship centered around hope and healing for those struggling with grief, loss, or sadness during the Christmas Season. All are welcome.

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CHILDREN’S CHOIRS CHRISTMAS CONCERT

3 PM | SANCTUARY The Children’s Choirs (STARS Choir, Sonshine Singers, and STARS Handbells) present the musical, Room for Christmas.

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TRAVELER’S EVE

6:30 PM | SANCTUARY If you’re heading out of town for Christmas, we invite you to be part of this service which will be identical to Christmas Eve worship with candlelighting and communion. We’ll see you there!

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CHRISTMAS FOR HTX Join us for Christmas Eve!

2 PM | SANCTUARY Children’s Worship 4, 6 & 8 PM | THE JOURNEY Contemporary Worship 4, 6, 8 & 11 PM | SANCTUARY 13 Classic Worship

WORSHIP WITH US ON SUNDAYS

Classic Worship | Main Campus Sanctuary | 8:15, 9:30 & 11 AM Contemporary Worship | West Campus - The Journey | 8:15, 9:30 & 11 AM

12955 MEMORIAL DRIVE

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HOUSTON, TX

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(713) 468 - 8356

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MDUMC.ORG