Celebrate The Season Finding Joy in Giving
Stop and Start Dates
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Miscellaneous Bible Study
Youth Ministries
Dave’s Bible Study Wednesdays | Amphitheater |7:00 - 8:00 AM or 6:30 - 7:30 PM Thanksgiving Break: November 25 Christmas Break: December 16, 23, 30 Resumes: January 6, 2010
Thanksgiving Break for Life Groups: November 25 Christmas Break for Connection: December 27 Break: No Life Groups December 23 and 30 Resumes: Week of January 3 (unless otherwise noted
Children’s Ministries
Kristin’s Bible Study Tuesdays | Summit Room | 9:00 - 10:00 AM Thanksgiving Break: November 24 Fall Session ends: December 1 Resumes: January 19, 2010
Children’s Day Inn (CDI) Weekdays| Preschool Hallway Thanksgiving Break: Monday-Friday, November 23-27 Christmas Break: Monday, December 21, through Friday January 1, 2010 Resumes: January 4, 2010 Yellow School Thanksgiving Break: Monday through Friday, November 23-27 Christmas Break: Thursday, December 17 at 12:00 PM, through Friday, January 1, 2010 Resumes: Monday, January 4, 2010 Sunday School Sunday, December 27, 2009 No Sunday morning programs for Children’s Ministries. Childcare available for preschool age children and younger.
Bible Study Discussion (BSD) Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays | Various locations and times Thanksgiving Break: November 25 - 29 (all groups) Christmas Break: December 17 - January 7 (Thursday group); December 20 - January 10 (Sunday group); and December 23 - January 13 (Wednesday group)
Outreach and Connections
Career Transitions Wednesdays | Various locations |6:00 - 8:00 PM Thanksgiving Break: November 25 Christmas Break: December 23 and 30 Resumes: January 6, 2010 New Member Classes (see page 2) Sundays |The Parlor |11:00 AM - 12:15 PM Final Class of 2009: November 1-December 6 First Class of 2010: Next: January 10-February 14 Dave’s Gathering Sundays | The Gathering Room |10:45 - 11:10 AM January 3, 2010 ALPHA Fall Class concludes Wednesday, November 18
Children’s Music
Glory Bees | Lights, Camera, Action Wednesday Evening | Various Fall Season concludes with Advent Festival, December 6 Resumes: January 6, 2010
Music Ministries
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Thanksgiving Break: No Rehearsal Wednesday, November 25 Resumes: Sunday, November 29 Note: December 9, rehearsal times of 7:00–9:00 PM resume. Note: Performing at Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at 6:00, 8:00, and 10:00 PM Verify
Food Service Ministries
Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 25, after lunch, through Sunday, November 29 Christmas Break: Wednesday, December 16, after lunch, through Sunday, January 3, 2010
Caring Ministries
Prime Timers Fall Season concludes with Christmas Party, December 4 Resumes: With Antique Appraisals, January 19, 2010 Venturers Fall Season concludes with Dinner-Dance, December 3 Resumes: With Pat Lykos, January 4, 2010
Wednesday Night Dinners: November 4, 11, and 18 December 2 and 9 Note: All-Church Lunch on Sundays, December 6, 2009 and January 10, 2010
Relationships Ministries
First Tuesdays of the Month| Fellowship Hall Men’s Life: Giving Back; 6:15 - 7:45 AM Women’s Ministries: An Hour of Conversation; 10:30 - 11:30 AM
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E
very November I have the same thought: where has the year gone?! For many, the holidays sweep in a flurry of chaos, obligations, and…stuff. What we hope you find in these pages are inspirational and
practical ways to move through this most blessed season and appreciate its true significance. Turn chaos into peace by attending the Advent Teaching series or Advent Retreat (see page 6). Turn obligations into fun-filled outings no matter your age, whether in service to others, or in celebration of the season at one of MDPC’s many concerts (see page 4) or events. Instead of “stuff”, consider giving tangible gifts of hope by making your first Christmas gift-shopping stop Mission Market (see page 7 and 8). And join us for Worship through the months of November and December! Dave Peterson continues his year-long examination of Luke, offers us ways to count our blessings, and brings the Incarnation of Christ to the fore. See (page 5) for more details. We pray you experience the birth of Christ in new and profound ways this season. Merry Christmas! —Anne Selin, Communications and Media Director
Restore
Sunday Morning Worship
Life Rules Sundays, November 15–December 20 11:15 AM–12:15 PM | Room 171 (CLC) When we were kids, half the fun was breaking the rules without getting caught. In life though, there’s nothing fun about broken promises, broken relationships, or a broken heart. In this six-part DVD series, Andy Stanley explains that God has given us a set of life rules that can improve our current relationships and help restore a damaged or broken one. DVD followed by small group discussion Contact: Patty Leonard pleonard@mdpc.org| 713-490-0931 Registration: www.mdpc.org (Search “Life Rules”)
Dave Peterson preaching Sunday, November 1: All-Saints Day Faith In Practice - Luke 17:1-19 Sunday, November 8: Count Your Blessings What Time Is It? - Luke 17:20-37 Sunday, November 15: Covenant Sunday The Language of God - Luke 18:1-14 Sunday, November 22: A Thanksgiving Message Christianity 101 - Luke 18:15-30
Pray
Partners in Prayer: Praying for every member, everyday! If you have already signed up for 2010 Partners in Prayer prior to receiving Dave Peterson’s letter, then you are registered and you do not need to sign up again. If you still need to register, visit www.pip.mdpc.org. Thank you again for your participation in Partners in Prayer. Contact: Kakki Thompson kthompson@mdpc.org | 713-490-9541 Registration: www.pip.mdpc.org
Connect
All Church Lunch – Free for ALL VISITORS! Sunday, December 6 Fellowship Hall Please pick up a coupon in the Connection Center. New Member Class Sundays, November 1 – December 6 | 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM Parlor | Registration: www.register.mdpc.org
Inspire
Coffee Talk with the Pastors Sundays, November 8 and 22, and December 6 and 20 10:45-11:10 AM Sanctuary Lobby
A 9-11 Survivor’s Story Thursday, November 19 11:30 AM-1:00 PM Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch) Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Brian Birdwell shares his chilling yet inspiring story, reliving his survival of the September 11 attack on the Pentagon. His presentation gives witness to the fact that he is alive only because God has a calling for him, for which he was spared. www.facethefire.org Contact: Becky Weatherall bweatherall@mdpc.org| 713-953-2581 Registration: www.birdwell.mdpc.org
Contact: Diann Turet dturet@mdpc.org | 713-490-9553
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Give Better… Christmas For Kids Sign up Sundays through November 8 Between Services | Sanctuary Breezeway Gifts due no later than Sunday, November 15 Return to the Front Office, unwrapped and in the provided plastic bag with the child’s form inside Women’s Ministry has the names of children at Casa de Esperanza de los Niños that you can help to have a Merry Christmas. Stop by to select the child’s name for whom you will shop. Contact: Janell Kelleher janellk64@yahoo.com | 713-444-7934
Westside Homeless Shelter: Adopt a family for Christmas! Deadline for return of gift items: Thursday, December 3 Volunteers needed for the Christmas Party: Friday, December 4 Sunday School classes, and other groups are encouraged to provide for one family. The average cost for a family of four is $400. We will provide you with a wish list that includes clothing sizes. A suggested budget of $50-75 per person should include the cost of one toy for a child, and one household item for an adult, plus new clothing items (shirt, pants, and shoes) for each individual. In addition, you are asked to fill up a laundry basket with $100 worth of household items. Gift cards are a welcome option. Contact: Nancy McMurray johnnancymcmurray@comcast.net | 713-465-3133
Thanksgiving Food Bags Food collection through Thursday, November 19 Bring groceries to the MDPC Sports Office weekdays, between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM Sports Ministry is collecting food for a typical Thanksgiving meal for families in need in Spring Branch. Items needed: Turkeys, corn, green beans, mushrooms, onions, yams crunchy french fried onions, mash potato mix, rolls, cranberry sauce, gravy, chicken broth, stuffing, rice, beans, marshmallows canned fruit, pumpkin, apple or sweet potato pies, and canned vegetables. Iglesia Fuente de Esperanza will distribute them to the families after serving lunch on Sunday, November 22. Cash donations towards the turkeys are greatly appreciated. (Make checks out to MDPC and write Fuente Turkey donation on the MEMO line.) Contacts: Kim Stehr at kstehr@mdpc.org or Diane Seckinger at dianes@mdpc.org| 713-490-9568
Toy Train Sunday, November 15-Friday, December 11 Share Christmas and God’s blessings this year with less-fortunate children in the community. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the hallway across from Equipping Ministries. Toys will be taken out on the Mobile Unit to the eight inner-city stops. Contact: Maritza Pujols mpujols@mdpc.org | 713-490-9556 Toy Drive: Children’s Ministries Sunday, December 6–Sunday, December 20 Join us as we bless and love others in Jesus’ name in our Houston community! We invite our MDPC children to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Galaxy and the Preschool Areas. They will be shared with children and families in need this Christmas.
Sewing for Missions - Open House Thursday, November 19 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM CLC | Rm 170 Enjoy holiday treats and view items made by this ministry. Handmade items will be for sale and proceeds used to purchase yarn, fabrics, and sewing items. The ladies meet weekly and make items for Ben Taub and LBJ hospitals, local nursing homes, the Mobile Unit, and our global mission partners and missionaries. Contact: Fran Gantt | 713-468-6969
Boxing Days (a tradition in the UK, when gifts are given to those in need the day after Christmas) Saturday, December 26, and Monday through Wednesday, December 28, 29, 30 | 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Drop off your gently used items at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church’s gymnasium, 12535 Perthshire Road, 77024, to help the families of Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) and West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM). New or gently-used items needed: Children’s backpacks, winter coats, solid color polo-style shirts, shoes, and dictionaries. Adult blankets, bedrolls, coats, knit caps, gloves, shoes insoles, socks, and hand-held can-openers. Contact: Robert Zimmerman | 713-562-7631 3
MDPC Concert Series Christmas International House - 10 host families needed Saturday, December 19, 2009-Saturday, January 2, 2010 A Presbyterian ministry designed to offer hospitality, develop friendships, and share Christ’s love with international students who are unable to return to their home country for the Christmas break. Housing and some meals and transportation are provided by the host family. Students are away from home during many of the days due to participation in local excursions. Contact: Sharon Cooper scooper056@att.net | 713-721-6534
The Houston Brass Band Sunday, November 15 | 6:00 PM Sanctuary The only traditional British-style brass band in southeast Texas Volunteer opportunities: Ushers-Help distribute programs and take up offering Greeters-Greet guests at various campus entrances Childcare is not available for this event Contact: Tracy Curtis tcurtis@mdpc.org | 713-490-0946 Laud To The Nativity Masterworks of the Christmas Season Sunday, December 6 | 7:00 PM | Sanctuary Volunteer opportunities: Ushers-Help distribute programs and take up offering Greeters-Greet guests at various campus entrances
Mission Market Booth (see pages 7 and 8 for more details) Sundays, November 29-December 20 Sanctuary Lobby Volunteers are needed to help run the Mission Market booth. Contact: Melody Dunne mdunne@mdpc.org | 713-490-9554
Contact: Tracy Curtis tcurtis@mdpc.org | 713-490-0946 Childcare reservations at: childcare@mdpc.org | 713-490-9265 Children’s Advent Festival (see page 9 for more details) 4:30-6:30 PM | Fellowship Hall Children’s Advent Festival (includes a meal and a children’s Christmas musical)
Contemporary Christmas Concert
Come And See Presented by Olivette and Friends Friday, December 11 | 7:00 PM | Chapel A special Christmas Worship concert! Through music, video, scripture, and testimony they will tell the story of the birth of Christ and give listeners an opportunity to respond in worship and service. You’ll sing your favorite Christmas hymns and learn some new ones. Volunteer opportunities: Ushers-Help distribute programs and take up Mission Market offering Childcare reservations at: childcare@mdpc.org | 713-490-9265
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Being Transformed into His Likeness
Advent Worship Services Dave Peterson preaching Sunday, November 29 Jesus Christ in You John 14:15-17 Here Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure, but in John’s gospel, whenever He talks about this He also reassures them that He will be with them, and more than with them, He will be in them! Sunday, December 6 Knowing Jesus 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Paul describes the central challenge for the Christian— knowing Christ. And Paul says that the more you know Him, the more your life demonstrates what you know.
T
he incarnation of Christ reveals that absolute truth in Christianity
Sunday, December 13 Degrees of Jesus 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Many people speak of the moment and circumstance of their salvation, but the real story is the long slow process of transformation that follows. Transformation is by degrees—one degree at a time— so slow you hardly notice.
does not come in the form of a rule, of laws, or of an idea, but in a man. This man reveals to us the true meaning and purpose of life and restores to us the
Sunday, December 20 Representing Jesus Galatians 2:19-21 Christ in us means that we receive a fresh start. The transformation is expressed in the remarkable statement, It is no longer I…
glory of our own creation. Not only was Christ the incarnation of God, but He becomes incarnate in those who believe in Him. Here are four expressions
Sunday Morning Worship Blended Service: 8:30 AM | Chapel Contemporary Service: 9:45 AM | Sanctuary Traditional Service: 11:15 AM | Sanctuary
of this from the New Testament. 5
Ad-vent
-noun The period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world.
Advent Retreat: A Feast for the Soul
Monday, November 23 | 9:00 AM-3:00 PM Villa de Matel | $40 Join us on the beautiful grounds of the Villa de Matel in Southwest Houston for a day of silence and reflection. Prepare your hearts to receive the feast that awaits us during the holy days of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Set this day aside to be still, to wait, and to listen for how the power and the splendor of God is pressing in upon our small souls. Our time together will be led by Sr. Adeline, the much-loved and respected Director of the Villa’s Ruah Center. Contact: Cindy Booth cbooth@mdpc.org | 713-490-0940 Registration: www.pathways.mdpc.org
Advent Teaching Series:
A Savior is Born; Preparing Our Hearts to Celebrate the Birth of Christ. This is a Sunday class series presented by the MDPC Associate Pastors. For the Advent Worship schedule, please see the preceding page. Sundays, November 29 - December 20 9:45 and 11:15 AM | MDPC Amphitheater
The Children’s Advent Festival and Dinner See page 9 for details
Christmas Eve Worship Services Thursday, December 24
Family Service Children’s Ministries | 4:00 PM Childcare available; no reservation required Happy Birthday, Jesus! Party | 3:00-4:00 PM Bring your family and join us as we celebrate Jesus’ Birthday! Come meet the animals, share a special birthday treat, and at 3:30 PM, sing ‘Happy Birthday”! Candlelight Services Dave Peterson preaching MDPC Sanctruary Choir 6:00*, 8:00*, and 10:00 PM *Childcare available; no reservation required Offering The special offerings taken during Christmas Eve Worship services are our ten Missionary families and six of our local ministry partners. Contact: Melody Dunne mdunne@mdpc.org | 713-490-9554
November 29 - Hope Reverend Kristin Huffman December 6 - Peace Reverend Rick Myers December 13 - Love Reverend Scott Thayer December 20 - Joy Reverend Vicky Jones Contact: Vicki Levins Adminstrative Coordinator of Equipping Ministries vlevins@mdpc.org or 713-490-9561
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Mission Market
A gift that Blesses others in Jesus’ name Sundays, November 29-December 20
Mission Market Cards will be available in the MDPC Sanctuary Lobby. Honor a loved one with a customized gift that helps those in need. It’s simple. 1. Choose a ministry you wish to help 2. Choose an amount you wish to spend 3. Choose a card to fit the occasion 4. Know that you helped change the world, in Jesus’ name!
African Enterprise www.africanenterprise.org African Enterprise’s ultimate vision is to share the love of Jesus with every age and class so all will know the hope Christ offers. Prostitutes and single mothers are given vocational direction by learning how to sew.
Be An Angel Helps with the overwhelming needs of multiple handicapped and profoundly deaf children by providing adaptive equipment, hearing aids, and select services which improve the quality of life for them.
Berea Bible Institute Monterrey, Mexico Berea Bible Institute is a seminary where young people are trained to serve the Lord. Berea’s students are typically poor. It is their priority to give both practical and spiritual support to those in need.
CanCare of Houston www.cancare.org CanCare of Houston is an interfaith cancer support network that partners with Houston area congregations, corporations, and hospitals. Trained volunteers, who have personal experience with cancer diagnosis, provide one-to-one support and encouragement based on shared experience.
Casa de Esperanza de los Niños Houston www.casahope.org Casa de Esperanza de los Niños, or “The House of Hope for Children,” is a residential home for indigent children, ages birth to six, who are in crisis due to abuse, neglect, or the effects of H.I.V.
CEDCAS Los Lagos, Costa Rica www.cedcas.org In Costa Rica, owning a cow can greatly increase a person’s quality of life. Help buy one for a poor family in rural Costa Rica, which will, in turn, provide milk and food.
Faith in Practice Guatemala www.faithinpractice.org Volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, and support teams serve thousands of people each year. They give medical treatment to patients in an Antigua hospital, and to those living in the villages of Guatemala.
Faith Ministry Reynosa, Mexico www.faithministry.org Faith Ministry provides medical care and helps mission teams build homes and relationships with the poorest of the poor in Reynosa, all in the name of Jesus.
I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. —Genesis 12:2 7
Far East Broadcasting Co. (FEBC) www.febc.org FEBC broadcasts the Good News of Jesus Christ, through radio broadcasts and community development, to those who have little or no opportunity to hear about God’s love. Their broadcasts are heard in many countries with limited access to Christian ministry or with tremendous political and cultural opposition to the Gospel.
Inwood North Community Outreach North Houston An excellent program that provides families with spiritual support, guidance and instruction in a very difficult community. For at-risk children before and after school, feeding and transporting them to school, and providing safe shelter. They introduce the Bible to the children and invite the parents to attend church and Bible study.
LIFE/Houston www.lifehouston.org LIFE/Houston provides emergency food and formula to help infants in need, from birth to one year of age, and provides parents information on proper infant nutrition.
Living Water International (LWI) www.water.cc To honor the Great Commission, LWI drills water wells where there is no clean water. In addition, teams teach hygiene, and share the Gospel message with the local communities. The Facts: 1.6 billion people live without access to clean water, and 1.8 million children die each year from water-borne illnesses.
Local Food Pantries Spring Branch Fairhaven and East Spring Food pantries provide food, free of cost, to families in urgent need. These pantries are 100% run by volunteers.
Lulwanda Children’s Home Mbale, Uganda www.ugandaorphans.org The Lulwanda Children’s Home was built to be the permanent home for some of Uganda’s abandoned and orphaned children. The children are loved and taught how to love others in the Name of Christ. Lulwanda provides education, and the children are taught life skills that will prepare them to be leaders for Jesus in their country, and in the world.
The Micah Project Tegucigalpa, Honduras www.micahcentral.org The Micah Project is a group home where former street boys learn how to be Christian leaders through discipleship, formal education, and serving the street kids in the community. Fact: Thirteen of the young men have graduated high school and are in college!
Mission of Yahweh www.missionofyahweh.org Mission of Yahweh is a Christian mission for homeless women (and their children) in crisis. It helps them heal, and empowers them to rebuild their lives and become selfsufficient, productive members of society.
Piney Point Elementary School http://es.houstonisd.org/ PineypointES/Default.html
Transitions Antigua, Guatemala www.transitionsfoundation.org
An HISD school near MDPC where our church family has invested their hearts and time tutoring 2nd graders; assisting teachers in the classrooms; helping with painting, repairs, and gardening projects; and praying for the families and staff.
Through the ministry of Transitions, the disabled learn to build wheelchairs for their community. The ministry provides educational scholarships to poor and physically-disabled elementary school students in Antigua. Nueva Vida is a school for physically and learning-disabled students in Santa Maria de Jesus.
Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship (PFF) www.pff.net Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship works to see the Kingdom of God expand into ethnic groups the Gospel has not yet penetrated. PFF works for proclamation of the Gospel, church planting movements, and changed lives through holistic means. In Ethiopia, the Light of Hope Ministry is building schools in Muslim villages among the Arssi Oromo people. They train Christian teachers and equip them to plant churches in culturally-sensitive ways.
Rebuilding Together Houston (RTH) www.rebuildingtogetherhouston.org RTH offers essential repairs to houses owned and occupied by low-income seniors, or disabled residents of Harris County, free of charge. Their programs include restoring home exteriors, replacing roofs, and making energyefficient or safety modifications.
Westside Homeless Partnership www.westsidehomeless.org Westside Homeless Partnership helps homeless families that have children in SBISD. The ministry works to prevent or end homelessness for families by providing them with resources and support services that take them through a twostage program leading to self-sufficiency.
Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Budapest, Hungary www.ywambudapest.hu MDPC missionaries Steve and Barbara Johnson lead Hungarian youth toward a relationship with Christ through casual conversations in their coffee house and by leading worship on the street corners of Budapest.
Contacts Local Outreach: Jan Roe jroe@mdpc.org | 713-490-9552
Global Outreach: Melody Dunne mdunne@mdpc.org | 713-490-9554
Order forms are available at the Front Office, Outreach Ministries, and information areas throughout campus.
MISSION MARKET ORDER FORM
www.mdpc.org
GlobalMissionPartners MISSION PARTNER
LOCATION
THEIR MISSION PURPOSE
African Enterprise
Africa
Mission to provide the love of God through word and action; assist women in business
Berea Bible Institute
Monterrey, Mexico
Small seminary that equips young pastors for the mission field
CEDCAS
Los Lagos, Costa Rica
Clinic whose cow project provides poor families with milk and food
Faith Ministry
Reynosa, Mexico
Build new homes and clinics on the border
Faith in Practice
Antigua, Guatemala
Surgery and medical care for Guatemalans
Far East Broadcasting Co.
Indonesia
Providing Christian radio broadcasts and Children's Ministry for Muslims
Free Wheelchair Mission
Global
Providing wheelchairs to the disabled in third world countries
Living Water International
Global
Drill clean water wells, teach hygiene, and share the Gospel
Lulwanda Children's Home
Mbale, Uganda
Christian home and school for orphans
The Micah Project
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Christian home and school for former street boys; assisting their mothers with sewing skills
Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship
Ethiopia
Supplies and training for Christian teachers who educate Muslim children
Transitions
Antigua, Guatemala
The disabled learn to build wheelchairs and prosthetics for their community
Youth With A Mission
Budapest, Hungary
Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to young adults in a coffee-house setting
No.
AMT.
No.
AMT.
LocalMissionPartners MISSION PARTNER
LOCATION
THEIR MISSION PURPOSE
Be An Angel
Houston, Texas
Provide hearing aids and other adaptive equipment for low-income children
CanCare of Houston
Houston, Texas
Support for cancer patients and their famliies
Casa de Esperanza
Houston, Texas
Residential home for children in crisis (birth-6 years)
Two Food Pantries: Fair Haven and East Spring Branch Food Pantries
Houston, Texas
Providing food for families and individuals living in the Spring Branch area
Inwood North Community Outreach
Houston, Texas
Spiritual support, education, and training outreach to families and individuals
Life/Houston
Houston, Texas
Emergency food for infants, and parenting education for new mothers
Mission of Yahweh
Houston, Texas
Christian homeless shelter for women in crisis
Piney Point Elementary
Houston, Texas
Tutoring and volunteering at this HISD school
Rebuilding Together Houston
Harris County
Repairing the homes of seniors and the disabled
Westside Homeless Partnership
Houston, Texas
Helps transform lives of homeless families who have children in Spring Branch ISD
TOTALS
8
Name (please print) ___________________________________________________________ Checks should be made payable to: MDPC
Date _________/_________/_________
Email _____________________________________________________________________
Paid: Cash Check # ____________
Families and Children Advent “Christmas PJ Party” Festival Sunday, December 6 | 4:30-6:30 PM Opening with “Christmas County Spelling Bee” | 4:30-5:00 PM MDPC Chapel | FREE “Brinner” (Breakfast for Dinner) | 5:00-6:30 PM Fellowship Hall $5.00 per person | $25.00 Maximum Family Cost Wear your favorite Christmas Pajamas and join us for “Brinner” (Breakfast for Dinner). Take part in our Christmas gift making stations, taking family pictures, and a few surprises! Bring your favorite cereal to benefit Iglesia Fuente de Esperanza.
Family Movie Night /Family Flashback Saturday, November 14 | 5:00 PM MDPC Ball field (held in MDPC gym if raining) Join us as we have fun watching some of our old favorite family sitcoms! Pack a picnic, invite your neighbors, bring your blankets, lawn chairs, flashlights, and most importantly your friends! Popcorn drinks, and special treats will be provided. Contact: Alicia Boykin aboykin@mdpc.org | 713-490-9261 Gingerbread House Event Saturday, December 5 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM Fellowship Hall | $28 per house Come and enjoy a wonderful event to start the Christmas season-two hours of creativity and fellowship while designing a masterpiece for the holidays. This is one of the most popular events for our congregation and community during the Christmas season! Registration: www.reach.mdpc.org
Family Christmas Eve Service and Happy Birthday, Jesus! Party (see page 6) Thursday, December 24 | 3:00-4:00 PM Join us as we celebrate Jesus’ Birthday! Come meet the animals, share a special birthday treat, and at 3:30 sing ‘Happy Birthday”! 4:00 PM: Family Christmas Eve Service: Join us as we experience the birth of Jesus and worship Him together. A Look Ahead Galaxy Pizza Party! Students and small group leaders join us for pizza and a time to play, hang out, and celebrate our new space. More information to come! See the dates, times and classes below.
The Gift of Time - Saturdays, November 21 and December 12 Give yourself the gift of time with friends and family, or to shop while we care for your children, ages 12 weeks to 12 years. We focus on family, sharing fun times, caring for others, and bonding through breaking bread as we celebrate the life God has given us. Space is limited so register soon!
January 10, 2010 12:30 PM-2:00 PM “4th -5th Grade” January 17, 2010 12:30-2:00 PM: “2nd and 3rd Grade”
Registration: Forms available at the Child Care Plus office or www.mdpc.org (search “child care plus”). $20 per child | $15 per sibling $40 for family with 3 or more children
January 24, 2010 12:30-2:00 PM: “Kindergarten and 1st Grade”
Harvest Festival November 21 | 9:15 AM-3:00 PM
3rd Grade Bibles January 31, 2010 Bibles will be presented at the 9:45 and 11:15 AM services. Additional information will be available soon.
Parents’ Night Out Saturday, December 12 | 4:30-9:00 PM “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
Gifts and Greetings: CDI and Yellow School Baby Supply Drive for Spring Branch Teen Parents Monday, November 2–Friday, November 13 Donations of unopened diapers, formula, and diaper wipes may be brought to the CDI Hallway
Contact: Mimi Wells mwells@mdcp.org | 713-490-9265
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Youth Ministries Kyle’s Amazing Living Water Adventure to El Salvador High School Students will be filling a trunk with supplies that Kyle will take down to El Salvador on the MDPC Living Water mission trip. Supplies will be collected thru November 10th. Toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, frisbees, soccer balls, jump rope, hacky sacs, pencils, art supplies, small spiral, notebooks, temporary tatoos. Registration: www.youth.mdpc.org Advent Conspiracy Dollar Tree In the month of December; middle school and high school students will be participating in Advent Conspiracy. Students will be learning about this on Sunday mornings and will have the opportunity to give money and put it on our Dollar Tree. The money will be given to Living Water International (www.water.cc).
Dads and Doughnuts Monday through Friday, November 2–6 CDI Dads, bring your child to school, have doughnuts, and do a craft activity—we’ll take the pictures. Nativity Story readings to the children of CDI 1st two weeks in December ( MDPC staff and CDI parents) An opportunity to read to our precious children! Card Collection for our Sailors Through April 2010 We are collecting unused greeting cards of all kinds to send to Sailors, for them to use to send to their loved ones. Cards can be left at the MDPC Front Office or at the Yellow School, to the attention of Naomi Black.
Middle School Brompton Christmas Party Saturday, December 12 | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM Students need to meet at MDPC | 9:00 AM We are throwing a Christmas Party for the children at the Brompton Square Apartments Community Center.
Christmas Gifts We are accepting Christmas gifts for children at Settegast Heights, a low income housing project. Bicycles of all sizes and in good condition, NEW toys, clothing, and Christmas wrapping paper are needed. Bring the unwrapped items to Yellow School. Donations due: Friday, December 4.
Christmas Parties Middle School DUDE Sunday, December 13 |5:30-7:30 PM|Backyard (CLC) High School Tacky Sweater Christmas Party Sunday, December 13 | 5:30-7:30 PM|Living Room (CLC)
CDI Contact: Candice Alexander calexander@mdpc.org | 713-490-9267
Youth Summer Internship (Paid) May 19–August 11, 2010 Youth Ministries is looking for college sophomores or older to be middle school and high school interns. Do you love Jesus and want to share His love with students? Apply today! Visit www.youth.mdpc.org; then click on the intern tab for applications and more information.
Yellow School Contact: Naomi Black nblack@mdpc.org | 713-784-0820
Save the Date! Friday, December 11 Leader Christmas Party (details forthcoming) Friday, January 8, 2010 Youth Broomball at Memorial City Mall (details forthcoming) Confirmation Class! (grades 8-12) Sundays, January 10, 17, 24, 31, and February 14 and 21, 2010* *Retreat: Friday and Saturday, February 5 and 6 Confirmation Sunday: February 28, 2010 Contacts: Tera Rush trush@mdpc.org | 713-490-9291 10
Robin Stephens rstephens@mdpc.org | 713-490-9291
Non-Profit ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 9227 Houston, Texas
MDPC
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church 11612 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77024
www.mdpc.org • 713-782-1710 Produced November, 2009
MDPC Church Office Closures Thursday, November 26 Friday, November 27
Offices Closed Offices Closed
Friday, December 24 Ministry Offices Closed Front Office will be open from 3:15 to 11:15 PM Friday, December 31 Friday, January 1, 2010
Financial Office hours TBA Offices Closed
MDPC Books 713-490-0909 Sundays Tuesdays Thursdays
9:00 AM to 12:30 PM 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Visit MDPC Books for thoughtful gifts, and books to buy or borrow.
Enjoy Delicious Homemade Treats From the Kitchen of Chef Michael Lieb
At Thanksgiving, add to your table one of Michael's sumptuous Pumpkin or Pecan Pies. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, November 18, and will be available for pick-up on Wednesday, November 25, by 2:00 PM. Pumpkin Pie: Pecan Pie:
$ 8.00 $10.00
Your Christmas meal will be complete with Michael's flavorful Cranberry Pecan Bread. Orders placed by Monday, December 14, may be picked up on Wednesday, December 16, by 2:00 PM.
pastoral staff Dave Peterson Senior Pastor Dave Steane Executive Pastor & Head of Staff Kristin Huffman Associate Pastor, Outreach Ministries Rick Myers Associate Pastor, Caring Ministries Victoria Jones Associate Pastor, Caring Ministries Brett Hurst Minister, Relationships Ministries Scott Thayer Associate Pastor, Equipping Ministries Mauricio ChacÓn Associate Pastor, Iglesia Fuente de Esperanza Gary Bowker Pastor Emeritus
Contact Us www.mdpc.org Front Office Outreach Ministries
713-782-1710 713-490-9551
Connections Ministries
713-490-0940
Caring Ministries Bereavement Line
713-490-9541 713-953-2550 Ext. 5403
Prayer Chain
713-953-2558
Relationships Ministries
713-490-0931
See inside cover for Food Ministries' Holiday Closures.
Children’s Ministries
713-490-9261
Children’s Day Inn (CDI)
713-490-9267
MYMDPC
Youth Ministries
713-490-9291
Equipping Ministries
713-490-9561
Worship & Music Ministries
713-490-0946
Cranberry Bread:
$ 4.00
Our online Membership Directory is available! It is the same information available in our printed directories, but now made accessible electronically. If you have not received a church email explaining this feature, we don’t have a valid email address for you. Contact Cinnamon McDade at mymdpc@mdpc.org and provide her with your email address. You will then receive login credentials to start the process. Try it, we think you'll like it!
Yellow School
713-784-0820
REACH Office
713-490-9564
Food Ministries
713-490-0916