The Messenger | June 2021

JUNE 2021

@MemorialDriveUMC @mdumc

A N OTE FROM RANDY L E E MDUMC Family, As you probably know by now, I have decided to retire, effective June 30. Many of you were at my retirement Par-Tee on May 23, 2021, and if you were there, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. What a wonderful evening of memories and celebration it was.

I have been so blessed by you, the members of MDUMC, during my time on staff. You helped make my job fun and rewarding by your participation and enthusiasm. We may not have always agreed on everything, but we were always focused on sharing the love of Christ to the world. You truly know how to love God and neighbor.

I want to thank Dr. Gene Cragg, Dr. Chuck Simmons, and Dr. John Robbins for their help and encouragement all along the way. These devoted men of God have had a tremendous influence on my faith journey and ministry here at MDUMC, and I am grateful to them for all they have given to me. I am also thankful to Dr. Brad Morgan, whom I have come to love during this last year. Unexpectedly, he arrived in a time of online church, and he learned how to be a digital voice of love and care. He led us through some very difficult times and is just now getting to know you, seeing your faces, and shaking your hands.

He, like our other senior pastors, is a devoted man of God, and is looking forward to getting to know you and leading us into whatever the future holds.

To the rest of the clergy, thank you for your work and friendship. I have enjoyed knowing each of you and I am certain you will be great leaders in the Church as you continue pursuing your calling.

Finally, to the best staff anywhere: I send my thanks and appreciation for you and all you have given to this community of believers. You have made a difference in the lives of so many in this community and around the world. You made my job easy, and I think we had fun doing it.

Ellen and I will still be around. We are not moving and will continue to call MDUMC our church home.

I look forward to what God has in store for us, and cannot wait to see what more He wants us to be.

MDUMC is an amazing place. We have stood on the shoulders of so many who have taken us this far and I know that you - our congregation, clergy, and staff - will take us far beyond our wildest dreams and to heights only known by God. May God bless each and every one of you in the days ahead.

With all my love, appreciation, and thanks.

RANDY LEE CHIEF OF STAFF

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MESSENGER JUNE 2021 FEATURES

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READY FOR VBS?

Adult and teen volunteers are needed for Vacation Bible School! Sign up today and join us this July!

MISSIONS

Find a way to serve our community this summer! There is a place just for you.

CARING FOREVER

Learn how you can support the Foundation.

SMALL GROUPS

Interested in finding community this summer? Take your next step.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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POP-UP TOUR

Pop-up Worship is coming to a neighborhood near you this summer!

Details are coming soon.

PASTORS’ PLAYLIST

Start listening to the songs our pastors will be sharing in worship.

MD UMC KIDS

For more information contact AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org.

VBS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED JULY 12-16

Help our MDUMC Kids discover Adventure Island and go on a quest for God’s great light. Adult and teen volunteers are needed! Spaces are still available for class leaders, arts and crafts, classroom assistants, Bible story helpers, and more! Head over to mdumc.org/vbs to sign up today!

AFTER VBS SPORTS CAMP JULY 12-16 | 12 - 4 PM

Space is still available for our After VBS Sports Camp with Armored Sports! For AFTER VBS programs, your child will be escorted by church staff at the conclusion of VBS to Sports Camp, where they will meet Armored Staff and eat their sack lunch. Parents, you may drop off at the start of VBS and don’t have to pick up until the end of Sports Camp. Learn more and register at mdumc.org/vbs.

INDOOR PLAYGROUND

OPEN TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS | 10 AM - NOON THE JOURNEY WORSHIP CENTER | 13186 MEMORIAL DRIVE

Escape the summer heat (and rainy weather) in our indoor playground on our West Campus! Invite a friend and comeand-go during our open hours. We’d love to see you there!

MDUMC KITCHEN

For more information contact Kitchen@mdumc.org.

BUSH FIRE BBQ

JUNE 30 | 3:30 - 6:30 PM MAIN CAMPUS - EAST ENTRANCE

BBQ made by the MDUMC Kitchen is back for summer! Place your order online at mdumc.org/register and pick up in our East Parking Lot.

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THEMESSENGER

MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JUNE 2021

YOUTH

For more information contact MarkBogart@mdumc.org.

WORKCAMP

HIGH SCHOOL WORKCAMP | JUNE 15 - 17 MIDDLE SCHOOL 7.8 WORKCAMP | JUNE 21 - 23

Workcamp is a cornerstone of our ministry and remains one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences in students’ lives. This year, we looking forward to hosting Workcamp right here in Houston. Please pray for the hundreds of campers and counselors that will be working all over Houston.

SHOE DRIVE FOR CROSSROADS HOMELESS MINISTRY THROUGH JUNE AND JULY COLLECTION BINS ON BOTH CAMPUSES

The youth are having a shoe drive in June and July. Please bring a pair of new or gently used walking shoes with sturdy soles. You can bring them to the drop boxes by the Youth Office (east entrance), The Journey or the MDUMC Main Entrance. If you don’t have time to get shoes we are also taking monetary donations and will shop on your behalf! The shoes will be taken to Crossroads Homeless Ministry for distribution.

FA M I L I E S A N D YO U N G ADU LTS

For more information contact CarrieNeal@mdumc.org.

FAMILY & YOUNG ADULT TRIVIA JUNE 24 | 8:30 PM | VIA ZOOM

Trivia has been a highlight for our Families and Young Adults. Join us as we answer some challenging questions, laugh, and find community with one another. You can sign up with a team or as an individual. Contact CarrieNeal@ mdumc.org with any questions and for the Zoom link!

YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY JUNE 9 & 23 | 7:30 PM

Join us for our Young Adult Bible Study as we go through the Gospel of John together! We meet every other week in the Young Adult room (C201) and will have pizza each time for $3. Contact CarrieNeal@mdumc.org with any questions!

YOUNG ADULT SERVICE DAY SATURDAY, JUNE 26

On Saturday, June 26 we are going to work with The Restoration Team on a house that has been affected by an extreme weather event. Details TBD, but we will work in the morning and will go eat lunch after we work! Contact CarrieNeal@mdumc.org with any questions.

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M I SSI O N S A N D OU TREAC H

For more information contact KandiceKirby@mdumc.org.

FAM POLLINATOR GARDEN FUNDRAISER THROUGH JUNE 13

As part of our new partnership with FAM Houston, MDUMC will be planting and tending a pollinator garden at Shamba Ya Amani, the Farm of Peace. Through June 13, we’re collecting funds to go directly to this project. Checks can be made out to MDUMC with the memo “FAM,” or you can give online at mdumc.org/give and select “outreach”.

FAM HOUSTON - SHAMBA YA AMANI FARM DAYS ONGOING

You’re invited to be a part of our upcoming Saturday Farm Days as we help on the farm and install pollinator gardens. Sign up and find out more information about our partnership with FAM Houston at mdumc.org/fam.

Contact GinnyGriggs@mdumc.org if you have any questions.

KIDS’ MEALS

JUNE 12 | JULY 17 | AUGUST 14 (+ ADDITIONAL DATES THROUGH 2021) 9 - 11:30 AM | 330 GARDEN OAKS BOULEVARD | HOUSTON, TX 77018 Join us each month beginning June 12th as we serve with our new feeding ministries partner, Kids’ Meals Inc! As a volunteer at Kids’ Meals, you join the fight against childhood hunger as you prepare nutritious meals for children who are living food insecure, assemble in the packing room, help in the warehouse, or decorate bags. Register online as a volunteer at mdumc.org/missions.

GROCERY AND DIAPER DONATIONS NEEDED

DROP OFF DURING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP OR TUESDAYS FROM 10AM - NOON AT THE ADULT MINISTRIES CENTER We are assembling meal packs to be distributed to Houston families to help supplement continuing food shortage while schools are out for summer break. You can help continue this ministry by donating any of the following supplies (no glass jars, please!): Peanut Butter, Canned Vegetables, Soups, Pasta Sauce, Pasta, Canned Chicken or Tuna, and Diapers (any size).

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

JUNE 19 | JULY 10 | JULY 31 8 - 11 AM | MAIN CAMPUS SOUTH LOT Your donations make it possible for us to assemble meal packs to be distributed to individuals, families, and isolated seniors to help supplement food shortages during this time. Our summer community drive-thru food distributions will take place on Saturdays, June 19, July 10, July 31! If you’re looking for a place to serve, this is a perfect place to volunteer your time! Your help is needed to pack and distribute meals to West Houston families.

Register online at mdumc.org/missions.

CARING FOREVER FOUNDATION

For more information contact StacyStepler@mdumc.org.

CARING FOREVER PATRONS

We invite you to consider supporting the life-giving work of The Caring Forever Foundation by becoming a Caring Forever Patron. This new group of supporters will help underwrite the annual operating costs of the Caring Forever Foundation, thus directly increasing the amount the Foundation gives to ministries and programs at MDUMC and in the Houston community. To join in our work, please enroll online at mdumc.org/cff.

MDUMC MEMORIAL GARDEN

The Memorial Garden offers a quiet, comforting space to draw close to God, to give thanks, and to remember. It is a link with the Church Triumphant and proclaims the Christian faith: the beginning and the end of human life rest with God. Practically speaking, The Memorial Garden is a columbarium with niches engraved with personal markers for the deceased. Each niche has been entrusted to the perpetual care of MDUMC and is the responsibility of the Caring Forever Foundation. If you are a church member desiring to learn more about purchasing inurnment rights in The Memorial Garden, contact the CFF office at 713-468-8356 ext. 241.

M U S I C A N D F I N E ART S

For more information contact AnnAbles@mdumc.org.

AGAPE YOUTH CHOIR TOUR AND HOME SHOWS HOME SHOWS: JULY 9, 10, AND 11 THE JOURNEY WORSHIP CENTER

The Agape Singers Youth Choir will be journeying to the Texas Hill Country June 26- July 2 to present the musical Joseph and the Amazing Dreamcoat to congregations in Kerrville, Fredricksburg, and Bourne. Upon return to Houston the singers will present the show at the Journey Worship Center July 9, 10, and 11. The Agape Singers would like to thank their mission supporters for all the help in making this year’s tour possible

THE SPOTLIGHT PROJECT: INCLUSIVE MUSICAL THEATER CAMPS JULY 19 - 23 | 9 AM - 2 PM MDUMC WEST CAMPUS - MUSIC AND ARTS CENTER

At the Spotlight project, students will take dance, acting, and music classes as well as rehearse and perform a final show on the last day of camp for family and friends. (This is a long day camp with a break to eat lunch brought from home and an extra craft time). This camp is designed to teach beginner musical theater to children of all levels of development, ability , and experience.

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B E C A U S E Y O U G I V E TO T H E C A R I N G F O R E V E R F O U N D AT I O N

READ OUR 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

The Caring Forever Foundation is the 501c3 supporting organization for Memorial Drive United Methodist Church established in 1999 exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes. The Foundation receives gifts, bequests, and donations and administers them for the perpetual benefit of the Church's ministries and missions. At the end of 2020 The Foundation’s assets totaled more than $6.7 million.

Visit mdumc.org/cff to learn about what we have done together this year, and know that we appreciate you and the contributions that make it possible..

CFF Award Grants

MDUMC Programming......................... $51,905

Because you give, The Caring Forever Foundation gave out

Church Beautification...............................$3,508

$109,824 in 2020.

Pastoral Scholarships............................. $17,570 Parishioner Support .................................$4,681 Texas Annual Conference........................$5,000 Local Missions........................................ $27,160

CFF Encourages Thoughtful Giving from Church Members • The Foundation welcomes gifts of cash, marketable securities, and real property at any time. Many donors make a one-time gift in memory or honor of someone or to recognize a significant milestone.

• Donors may choose to make the Foundation a beneficiary of assets from these sources: bequest from wills or trusts, retirement accounts, life insurance, donor advised fund or private foundation.

• The Foundation applies its contributions to its permanent endowment funds.

Earnings from our endowment funds enable the Foundation to award grants and scholarships as well as cover administrative costs. The Foundation maintains separate bank accounts, investments, and financial records from the church. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation, and as a result, gifts made to the Foundation are typically deductible for federal income tax purposes.

CFF Maintains the MDUMC Memorial Garden On the east side of the church courtyard is the final resting place for the cremated remains of members and loved ones. The Memorial Garden offers a quiet, comforting space to draw close to God, to give thanks, and to remember. It is a link with the Church Triumphant and proclaims the Christian faith: the beginning and the end of human life rest with God. Practically speaking, The Memorial Garden is a columbarium with niches held in a polished wall of granite engraved with personal markers for the deceased. Each niche has been entrusted to the perpetual care of MDUMC and is the responsibility of the Caring Forever Foundation.

OL D E R ADULTS ( BO O M E RS , S E N I O R S , A N D S I N G L E S )

For more information contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org.

BODY, MIND, & SPIRIT

SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH (JUNE 10) | 12 - 1 PM | WESLEY HALL

Body, Mind, & Spirit Lunch includes fellowship and a devotional! Attendees can bring their own lunch, or they can purchase lunch for $7 from the church kitchen. The next lunch will be June 10.

CARD CONNECTION

FOURTH THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH (JUNE 24) | 12 - 1 PM | WESLEY HALL

The Card Connection Ministry meets on the fourth Thursdays of each month to write cards to MDUMC members for birthdays, get well, sympathy, thinking of you, etc. New folks are always welcome! We meet at 12-1 PM in Wesley Hall on June 24 for lunch from the church kitchen at $7/person. E-mail SheriKelley@mdumc.org for more information or to sign up.

SINGLES AND TENNIS

THURSDAYS AND SUNDAYS | 6 PM | PLAZA OAKS COURTS

The Singles play tennis on Thursdays and Sundays at 6 PM at Plaza Oaks Club courts, 744 Brittmore. R.S.V.P. is encouraged - Ian at ian.goepfert@yahoo.com. All are welcome!

DINNER & A MOVIE

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 | 5:30 PM

On Friday, June 11, we’ll meet for dinner at 5:30 PM at Pampa Grill. Afterward, we’ll gather at 7:30 PM at the Adult Ministry Center to watch the Academy Award-nominated movie, The Father. Van transportation for dinner will depart from the West Campus at 5:15 PM. To participate in either or both events, contact Jo Ann at jrobisheaux@yahoo.com.

SINGLES

For more information contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org.

SACRED WEEK IN MISSION

JULY 19 - 22 | TIMES AND LOCATIONS VARY All are welcome to join our singles group for Sacred Week in Mission (S.W.I.M.). Participate in one day, or all week.

The registration fee is $5 per day, and you’re invited to wear an MDUMC Welcome Home or mission trip t-shirt each day.

Register online at mdumc.org/register.

Monday, July 19 Houston Food Bank – 1:30 - 4 PM Tuesday, July 20 Books for Development – 10 AM - Noon - sort/box donations which will then be shipped globally Wednesday, July 21 Ronald McDonald House - Noon - deliver food cooked by the kitchen staff (By this date, we may be able to prepare the meal at RMH & then serve it.)

Wednesday, July 21 Church kitchen - 5:30 PM - - prepare meal for Camp Hope Thursday, July 22 Camp Hope - 6 PM - deliver dinner to be served to support group members Friday, July 23 Ballard House – 5:30 PM - cook-out and games

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S PI RI TUA L F ORM ATION

For more information contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org.

MEDITATION FOR CHRISTIANS

TUESDAYS | 3 – 3:50 PM | VIA ZOOM | LEADER: BETTY CARTMELL

This class is for entering into the practice of Christian meditation. We have short contemplative times before our meditation. There is time for questions and responses plus suggestions for reading and practice. Think of it as heartfulness and listening for God. All it requires is an open heart and a desire to learn this ancient practice.

WALK TO EMMAUS: A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST MEN’S WALK - APRIL 22 - 25, 2021 WOMEN’S WALK - APRIL 29 - MAY 2, 2021

The Walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity. The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action in our homes, churches, communities and places of work. MDUMC has over 100 people who have participated and about 40 people who meet weekly in small groups to talk about their spiritual life.

Countless members have served in many of the Emmaus activities over many years. If you are interested, please contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org.

SMALL GROUP. BIG DIFFERENCE.

Find community this summer.

SM A L L GROU P S IN TE RE S T M E E T I NG S UNDAY, J UN E 6 | 12:30 - 1:30 PM TH E RE F U GE - WE S T C A M P U S

* Also available at 2 PM Via Zoom

If you’re ready to join a small group for the summer, we’re sharing details at a Small Group interest meeting. Come for a brief introduction, pick up a starter kit for your group, and connect with others looking for community - or plan to join us via Zoom. We hope to see you there!

Let us know you’ll be there at mdumc.org/register.

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THEMESSENGER

MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JUNE 2021

P OP - U P WORS H I P coming to a neighborhood near you

J U N E 2 7 | J U LY 7 | J U LY 1 8 | J U LY 2 1 | J U LY 2 8 | A U G U S T 1

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Please take hold of my hand That I might understand you. Give me love, Give me peace on earth, Give me light, Give me life. • Believe, believe in me, believe, believe That life can change that you're not stuck in vain We're not the same, we're different. Tonight, tonight. • When you're weary, Feeling small. When tears are in your eyes I'll dry them all.I'm on your side. Oh, when times get roughAnd friends just can't be found Like a bridge over troubled water• When this is over When this underA foot of waterHold me forever Don't stopTrying to find me here amidst the chaosThough and I know it's blinding There's a way out •And we go running on faithAll of our dreams will come true.And our world will be right When love comes over me and you I know it's hard, know it's hard To remember sometimes,But you gotta keep your head up, oh,And you can let your hair down • I dont think you have to leave, If to change is what you need YouListen can atchange right next to . me. When mdumc.org/playlist. mdumc.org/playlist you’re high, I’ll take the lows, You can ebb and I R E V. M I C H A E L J A R B O E – G R O W A S W E G O ( B E N P L A T T )

R E V. V I C T O R R E S E N D I Z – G I V E M E L O V E ( G E O R G E H A R R I S O N ) R E V. G I N N Y G R I G G S – O R P H E U S ( S A R A B A R E I L L E S )

R E V. J E N N I F E R V E R E S - S C H R E C E N G O S T – T O N I G H T, T O N I G H T ( S M A S H I N G P U M P K I N S ) R E V. C O L I N B A G B Y – E N D L E S S ( P I N E G R O V E )

DR. BRAD MORGAN – RUNNING ON FAITH (ERIC CL APTON)

R E V. J I M M C P H A I L – B R I D G E O V E R T R O U B L E D W A T E R ( S I M O N & G A R F U N K E L ) R E V. D R E W E S S E N – K E E P Y O U R H E A D U P ( A N D Y G R A M M E R )

WORSHIP WITH US EACH WEEK

Classic and Contemporary Worship | In-Person and Online at 9:30 & 11 AM Available throughout the week at mdumc.org/stream.

12955 MEMORIAL DRIVE

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HOUSTON, TX

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(713) 468 - 8356

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MDUMC.ORG