The Messenger | October 2020

WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME WELCOME HOME OCTOBER 2020

@MemorialDriveUMC @mdumc

WELCOME HOME To In-Person Worship

Classic and Contemporary Worship Sundays | 9:30 & 11 AM Registration is required to attend worship in person and will open at noon each Sunday for the following week!

Reserve your space and find answers to frequently asked questions at mdumc.org/welcomehome.

Not ready to attend in person?

Stream worship live at 9:30 and 11 AM. Find everything you need at mdumc.org/stream.

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MESSENGER OCTOBER 2020 FEATURES

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HEARTS AND HANDS

Our Holiday Market is moving online!

Learn more about when you can shop and how to become a vendor.

MISSIONS

You can help support our SBISD teachers and school staff during this difficult season.

AMPLIFY MEDIA

Introducing our new digital resource platform.

MDUMC PUMPKIN PATCH Help support our Youth by purchasing fall pumpkins!

UPCOMING EVENTS

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ROMANS WITH PASTOR BRAD

A verse-by-verse study incorporating humor and stories along with sound biblical interpretation.

POP-UP WORSHIP

Join us for a safe way to worship together outdoors.

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V I R T U A L

H O L I D A Y

M A R K E T

October 19th - November 2nd HeartsandHandsMarket.org

All proceeds support missions for women and children.

Life as we know it has completely changed because of the Covid 19 pandemic. We all think, work and shop differently now. As the pandemic continues, we have made the responsible decision to keep our vendors, volunteers, staff and shoppers safe by changing our Hearts and Hands Holiday Market this year to a virtual event.

This decision was not made lightly, as Hearts and Hands is so important to our community.

Thanks to our outstanding vendors and happy shoppers each year, all proceeds from the market are given to women’s and children’s ministries. Now, more than ever, too much is at stake to cancel the event. These ministries are counting on our Virtual Holiday Market so they can continue to help others.

Although we will miss all the excitement of our 34th physical market, shoppers will have the opportunity to do their holiday shopping with their favorite vendors while staying safe. Mission Stitchers will have all their beautiful handcrafted items on the website for your shopping pleasure.

If you have any questions about the market, or if you’d like to volunteer in any way, please contact JudyBrewer@mdumc.org for details about becoming a part of this rewarding event.

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

For more information contact KandiceKirby@mdumc.org.

SBISD ADOPT A TEACHER 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR

This school year will be extremely difficult for teachers and school staff, so we hope you will join us in supporting our schools by participating in a new ministry to “Adopt-a-Teacher” for the 2020-2021 school year. Our hope is to pair up each teacher and support staff at Hollibrook and Thornwood Elementary with a church member that will walk alongside them this school year by sending encouraging e-mails, cards, and being in prayer for them. Sign up to support a teacher at mdumc.org/missions. If you have any questions, please contact KandiceKirby@mdumc.org.

THE RESTORATION TEAM

OCTOBER 17 & NOVEMBER 14 Three years after Hurricane Harvey, there are still thousands of families waiting to move back into their homes. MDUMC is committed to working with these families and The Restoration Team to ensure they are not forgotten. Join us on Saturday, October 17 at 9 AM for our next workday to help repair and restore homes. Individuals or groups can register at mdumc.org/missions. Volunteers age 13+ and all skill levels are encouraged to participate!

FOOD AND HOME CARE DONATIONS

SUNDAY MORNINGS ON BOTH CAMPUSES TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS | WEST CAMPUS - ADULT MINISTRIES CENTER | 10 AM - NOON MDUMC will continue to collect both non-perishable food items, as well as home care items such as toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning products, laundry detergent, trash bags, shampoo, and bar soap for area school families. Please drop these items off in the outside bins located on both campuses Sunday mornings, at our next Pop-Up Worship Service, or at the Adult Ministries Center on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 AM - Noon.

CROSSWALK HOUSTON UPDATE It’s a joy to welcome students and volunteers back to CrossWalk Houston as classes slowly resume. While some students improvised with zoom tutorials most of our adults do not have those capabilities and rely on CrossWalk for education and community support. In addition, your donations make it possible for CWH to provide groceries for students in need during these difficult times. In September CWH brought afternoon snacks and meals to Family Point families as students returned to school.

As many of you know, CrossWalk Houston is housed at The Outreach Center of West Houston. The center is a huge blessing to our community providing discounted rent to many non-profits including Young Life, Family Point Resources, PDAP and others. Their fall golf tournament raises funds necessary to keep these much needed services in our neighborhood. Grab your clubs and enjoy a round of golf at one of Texas’s premier courses, The Clubs at Houston Oaks.

Thank you for your continued support as CrossWalk Houston takes the love of Christ into our community.

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

For more information contact CarrieNeal@mdumc.org.

HALLOWEEN THEMED THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA OCTOBER 29 | 8:30 PM

Mark your calendars for our monthly Family and Young Adult Trivia game! Virtual teams of 4-8 people will join together to 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!

“We have loved trivia with the Families and Young Adults. We look forward to it each week! It has truly filled a large part of our empty ‘social bucket.’

We also really enjoy the breakout rooms with our team. They have allowed us to have all kinds of conversations we otherwise might not be having right now. Everything from Beyonce to Jesus and in between. It has also been nice seeing so many of the faces we used to see on Sunday mornings and getting to put a name with a face. Join us!

- Lauren and Adam Oblath

YOUNG ADULT PICNIC AT THE PARK

OCTOBER 26 | 7 PM | BENDWOOD PARK Bring your own dinner and meet us for a picnoc in the park! All are welcome - invite a friend. Contact CarrieNeal@mdumc.org for details.

YOUNG ADULT FALL BIBLE STUDY | ALPHA WEDNESDAYS | 7 PM

Our weekly Bible Study is going to join in with MDUMC’s Alpha group this Fall. Alpha is an 8-week series meant to tackle some of life’s biggest questions of faith. We will still be in discussion groups with other Young Adults so it will still be a good opportunity for us to continue to grow with one another. I hope you will consider joining us! E-mail CarrieNeal@mdumc.org with any questions. For more information and to register visit mdumc.org/alpha.

FAMILY AND YOUNG ADULT SMALL GROUPS ONGOING

We are pivoting from our original plan of having a Family and Young Adult Bible study. Instead, we are going to work to make small groups that can meet together at different times. Please contact Carrie Neal if you are interested in being a part of a Family and Young Adult small group!

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MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OCTOBER 2020

AMPLIFY MEDIA

Our New Digital Resource Platform We are excited to announce that through the generosity of a Caring Forever Foundation grant, we are launching a new multimedia service called Amplify. Amplify is home to thousands of videos that will allow you to explore and grow your faith in new ways. There are videos centered around study, reflection, worship and more; and content geared toward adults, students, and children.

Best of all, you can watch these videos anytime on almost any device whenever and wherever you need them!

Spending time connecting to God and the church is more important than ever, so be sure to log in after launch to see what we’ve done.

VISIT: myamplifymedia.com/mdumchoustontx MDUMC ACCESS CODE: BVPGRH Questions? Contact JenniferVS@mdumc.org.

M D UMC KIDS

For more information contact AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org.

SUNDAY MORNING NURSERY AVAILABLE BEGINNING OCTOBER 11

Nursery care is available for children ages 0-4 during in-person Sunday morning worship! Register for worship and indicate your childcare needs online at mdumc.org/welcomehome.

MDUMC KIDS: STRONG AND COURAGEOUS T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE | $10

We are celebrating our strong MDUMC kids through this season! We love seeing these courgeous kids wearing their shirts. Youth shirts are still available and half of the proceeds support our MDUMC feeding ministries. Contact MelissaSimmons@mdumc.org for size availability and to order.

LOVE GOD, LOVE NEIGHBOR, SPREAD KINDNESS ONGOING

MDUMC Kids are spreading kindness in our community with home baked treats, thank you cards for our postal service, and even treats for the pets at home! We love seeing our kids Loving God, Loving Neighbors and spreading kindness.

If you would like to help us spread more kindness, contact LaurenBedevian@mdumc.org for your sign.

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THEMESSENGER

MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OCTOBER 2020

CARING FOREVER FOUNDATION

For more information contact StacyStepler@mdumc.org.

BECOME A CARING FOREVER FOUNDATION PATRON

Each year, The Caring Forever Foundation (the supporting organization of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church) provides MDUMC with grants to fund ministries and programs that the church’s regular budget does not cover. The Caring Forever Foundation has a General Fund that allows the CFF Board to award grants at their discretion, as well as eleven different funds that award grants for student and clergy scholarships, missions, landscaping, media ministries, music, religious education, and other specific ministries and programs at MDUMC. We invite you to consider supporting the life-giving work of The Caring Forever Foundation by becoming a Caring Forever Patron. Please enroll at mdumc.org/cff. If you have any questions, contact Stacy Stepler at 713-468-8356 or StacyStepler@mdumc.org.

MEMORIAL GARDEN

MDUMC’s Memorial Garden on the east side of the church courtyard 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. 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.

FACE M A S K M I N I ST RY

For more information contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org.

FACE MASKS AVAILABLE

TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS FROM 10 AM - 12 PM | SUNDAYS FROM 6 - 8 PM ADULT MINISTRIES CENTER | MDUMC WEST CAMPUS | 13194 MEMORIAL DRIVE Fabric face masks made by our Face Mask Ministry are available weekly for a love offering. Stop by the Adult Ministry Center on our West Campus to pick up. For more information, please contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org.

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S PI RI TUA L F ORM ATION

For more information contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org.

THE BOOK OF ROMANS WITH DR. BRAD MORGAN WEDNESDAYS | 10 - 10:50 AM OR 6:30 - 7:20 PM VIA ZOOM | ID: 987-1936-3709

Pastor Brad teaches a verse-by-verse study of the Book of Romans. He incorporates humor and stories along with sound biblical interpretation. You’re invited to bring your questions and your Bible to this interactive study!

ACTS: CATCHING UP WITH THE SPIRIT

THURSDAYS BEGINNING OCTOBER 8 (6 WEEKS) | 9:30 – 11:30 AM VIA ZOOM | LEADER: VICKY HARRIS | $13

There’s no better explanation for how to live out the Great Commission—following the instruction of the resurrected Jesus Christ to spread his teachings to all the nations of the world—than in the book of Acts. Explore key themes that illustrate the ways in which reading Acts is capable of igniting our imagination about the character of the Christian gospel, the work of God’s people (the church), and the challenges of living faithfully in a complex and changing world in this study by Matthew L. Skinner.

PROVERBS: PATHWAYS TO WISDOM BY DOMINICK HERNANDEZ WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING OCTOBER 21 (4 WEEKS) | 11 AM - 12 PM LIBRARY | LEADER: SANDY EARTHMAN

There is a lot of talk these days about “the good life.” It’s not a new topic—the Book of Proverbs talked about just that. Its sayings and bits of wisdom were collected to make the lives of people just like us run a little more smoothly. This study explores the biblical book’s well-known verses and prevalent themes in a manner that offers various interpretations, opening the way for us to see how they apply to our modern world.

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.

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THEMESSENGER

MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OCTOBER 2020

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.

PHONE ANGELS ONGOING

As soon as the city and our church went into stay-at-home mode due to the virus, a Phone Angel Calling Team of 45 members was assembled to periodically call our members in the 75+ age category. Many of the Angels and recipients became friends and are looking forward to one day meeting face-to-face. Thank you to the devoted Angels who committed to calling regularly, and thank you to the call receivers for graciously accepting the calls and sharing their everyday joys and concerns as well as their stories! Being the church is all about connecting! If you’d like to join the Phone Angel Team, contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org.

FACE MASKS & CROCHETED CAPS

TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS FROM 10 AM - 12 PM | SUNDAYS FROM 6 - 8 PM ADULT MINISTRIES CENTER

There are hundreds of beautiful face masks available for you to choose from. An anonymous donor has crocheted some colorful caps that are also available for your choosing at the same times as the masks. Love offerings for both masks and caps are accepted with proceeds funding our feeding ministries.

BODY, MIND, & SPIRIT

2ND AND 4TH THURSDAYS | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | WESLEY HALL

Body, Mind, & Spirit returns in an abbreviated form. We’ll meet in Wesley Hall for lunch for $7, devotional, and fellowship. Attendance is limited to 20 persons. Visit mdumc.org/olderadults and click on the tab that takes you to registration.

SUNDAY DINNER DATE

SUNDAYS | 6 PM | ADULT MINISTRIES CENTER

The Singles Ministry gathers for dinner & conversation every Sunday at 6 PM under the porte-cochere at the Adult Ministry Center. Everyone is asked to bring their own fast food or individual meals from home and a lawn chair.

Remember to bring your mask in the event we can’t safely socially distance.

SINGLES AND TENNIS THURSDAYS | 7 PM

The Singles have begun playing tennis on Thursdays at 7 PM at Plaza Oaks Club courts (744 Brittmore). If interested, contact Ian at ian.goepfert@yahoo.com. All are welcome!

WEDNESDAY SINGLES COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY THURSDAYS | 7 PM

Everyone is welcome to attend the Singles Ministry’s Bible Study held on Wednesdays at 7:45 PM on Zoom. The current study is entitled Anxiety: Finding Comfort and Reassurance from God. The link for the Zoom meeting is zoom.us/j/81290959177. .

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M USI C MIN ISTRY

For more information contact AnnAbles@mdumc.org.

PRIVATE LESSONS AT THE MUSIC AND ARTS CENTER ONGOING

We will start offering private lessons on piano, guitar, voice, flute, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, Trumpet, low brass, an ukulele in September. Lessons will be taught in the large rehearsal room with Social distancing measures in place. We’re excited to introduce our new French horn instructor, Hope Ayers, to the Center. For more information please contact Terry Tullos at TerryTullos@mdumc.org, or at 713-579-7651.

WO ME N’S M IN ISTRY

For more information contact JudyBrewer@mdumc.org.

HEARTS AND HANDS | A VIRTUAL HOLIDAY MARKEY

OCTOBER 19 - NOVEMBER 2 | HEARTSANDHANDSMARKET.ORG

Life as we know it has completely changed because of the Covid 19 pandemic. We all think, work and shop differently now.

As the pandemic continues, we have made the responsible decision to keep our vendors, volunteers, staff and shoppers safe by changing our Hearts and Hands Holiday Market this year to a virtual event. Although we will miss all the excitement of our 34th physical market, shoppers will have the opportunity to do their holiday shopping with their favorite vendors while staying safe. For more information on becoming a part of this rewarding event, please contact JudyBrewer@ mdumc.org.

MOTHERS OF YOUNGER CHILDREN

2ND AND 4TH TUESDAYS | 9 - 10:30 AM | START DATE TBD

We will gather for coffee and light snacks, then a devotional to discuss and we close with prayer concerns. Our topics are almost exclusive issues that surround ‘mommying.’ Our goal is to create a community of Christian moms just doing their best to raise little humans and help each other! Please contact CarrieNeal@mdumc.org for more information.

MDUMC MOMS OF CHILDREN IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TUESDAYS | 10-11:15 AM

This semester, MDUMC Moms will study Fierce - Women of the Bible Who Changed the World by Jennifer Cowart. We will meet either on campus or on Zoom. The cost of the study is that of the book.

Contact AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org for more information.

UMW OCTOBER READING CIRCLE OCTOBER 20 | 10 AM

Helen Williams will lead us in a discussion of the book, Sold On A Monday by Kristina McMorris. If you would like to join us please contact either Becky Finch at rjfinch@gmail.com, or Joan Garofalo at jegarofalo@sbcglobal.net.

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THEMESSENGER

MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OCTOBER 2020

YO UTH MIN ISTRY

For more information contact MarkBogart@mdumc.org.

MDUMC PUMPKIN PATCH

THROUGH OCTOBER | MDUMC FRONT LAWN The MDUMC Pumpkin Patch is deeply important to our community and our church. While this year’s endeavor will look a bit different, we still have a lovely space filled with amazing pumpkins. We are taking several measures to help ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone. Stop by the Main Campus front lawn to pick your favorites while supporting our youth summer missions! Volunteer opportunities are available at mdumc.org/pumpkins. All are encouraged to come help unload the pumpkin truck on October 3 at 10 AM, October 18 at 1 PM, and October 25 at 1 PM.

CURBSIDE CANESADILLAS OCTOBER 6 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM

Drive by The Refuge and pick up some delicious fresh Canesadillas for $5!

7.8 KICKBALL

OCTOBER 16 | 6 - 7:30 PM | MAIN CAMPUS WEST SOCCER FIELD All 7th & 8th graders are invited to an evening of Kickball, pizza and fun on Friday, October 16 from 6 – 7:30 PM. Meet on the MDUMC West Field – wear shoes you can run in and bring your mask. $3 for Pizza and drinks. Friends are always welcome.

ST EPHE N M IN ISTRY

For more information contact JenniferVS@mdumc.org.

STEPHEN MINISTRY ONGOING

Are you feeling exhausted from all the disruptions to life brought on by the pandemic? Are you or someone you know struggling with challenges like . . . isolation and lonelines, anxiety over health, grief due to many different kinds of losses, tension from juggling work, childcare, and schooling, financial strain or job loss, uncertainty about the future?

If so, you don’t have to face it alone. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. A Stephen Minister will meet with you privately—by phone, by video chat, or, if safely possible, in person—to offer care and support. It’s free and completely confidential. For more information, call our church office, or contact JenniferVS@mdumc.org.

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Discovering the gift of God’s presence.

A 4-week online conversation in partnership with our new worship series.

Sundays Beginning October 11 | 5 - 6 PM Available Via YouTube, Facebook, and mdumc.org/stream Rev. Victor Resendiz and Dr. Jerry Webber will dialogue on discovering intimacy with God in the daily pace of life - exploring spiritual practices that will help us process our uncertainty and our longing for God’s manifestation in our spiritual journey.

God is Love Conversations on Compassion, Justice, and Spirituality Tuesdays | 1 - 2 PM October 6 - November 3 Available Via YouTube, Facebook, and mdumc.org/stream

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 6 & 7 PM

PUMPKIN PATCH

Coming Soon to MDUMC

Some things thankfully stay the same, and our Pumpkin Patch is one of those things. The money raised from pumpkin sales supports our Youth Ministry and helps to fund our summer Youth Workcamps. We hope you’ll stop by the patch this October, pick up a few pumpkins, and support our youth! You can learn more about the patch opening date, hours, and more at mdumc.org/pumpkins.

Interested in helping to set up the patch? Unloading the pumpkins will look a little different this year, but we will still need your help on the following dates:

OCTOBER 3 | 10 AM OCTOBER 18 | 1 PM OCTOBER 25 | 1 PM

New Worship Series Begins Sunday, October 11

WORSHIP WITH US ONLINE AND IN PERSON

Classic and Contemporary Worship | Streamed at 9:30 & 11 AM Register at mdumc.org/welcomehome. Stream live 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