ADVENT2016

MESSENGERD E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

M D U M C

As we begin the season of Advent, we are reminded that this is the time of year when we focus our lives on the joy of preparing ourselves for the celebration of the birth of the Christ child into the world. Advent comes from the Latin word that means “Coming.” In other words, we are preparing for the coming celebration of his birth two thousand years ago.

Advent can be a very challenging time as we try to focus on what the birth of Christ means to the world in the midst of all our busyness. Stores are already decorated and Santa Claus is ready to have his picture taken holding the excited children. Sale items are abundant. Sunday school parties and get-togethers with family and friends are an annual ritual for many this time of year. Our challenge is to remember whose birthday we are celebrating.

One of the primary responsibilities of the church is to keep us focused on Jesus. Christmas shopping and parties are very much a part of this season, as they should be, but we have to remember the story of a tiny, helpless baby, born in a manger to a young virgin. His birth into the world would change human history forever. That is the good news we celebrate as faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

Our faith declares that the one born in a manger in Bethlehem is God in flesh. He is the one who saves those of us lost in sin. He is the one who includes the wretched and the broken. He is the one who loves sinners and saints. He is deserving of our time and attention, even as we enjoy all the holiday festivities.

I hope this is a very special Advent season for you. I pray you experience the presence of the Christ child as he comes to you in people, events, and circumstances in which you find yourself this December. This is our time to rejoice that God chose to come into the world as one of us. If you want to give a special gift to those you love, then remind them of the “Good News of Great Joy…Our savior is born!”

SENIOR MINISTER

“This is our time to rejoice...

PAG

E 1 MESSENGER

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Love God, Love Neighbor

God chose to come into the world as one of us.”

DR. JOHNROBBINS

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES

2017 NEW YEAR’S DAY SERVICES

CHILDREN’S

ADVENT CONCERTS

CHOIR

Sunday, Dec. 4Sanctuary

CHANCELCHOIR

Sunday, Dec. 11Sanctuary

AGAPE

6 PM

SINGERS

Sunday, Dec. 18The Well

JOURNEY

5-8 PM

BAND

Sunday, Dec. 18CityCentre

20 16

3 PM 7 PM

MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCHwww.mdumc.org

PAG

E 2

SPOTLIGHT MUSICAL THEATRE CAMPInclusive musical theatre camp running December 19-21 is designed for both special needs students and traditionally developing students, ages 5-11. Campers will learn the three aspects of musical theatre: singing, dancing and acting. A winter themed show will be held at the end of the camp.

GIFT CERTIFICATESNow is a great time to purchase ArtsNow! gift certificates for those on your holiday list. ArtsNow! is a ministry of MDUMC located on the West Campus where classes in voice, instruments, and art are offered. Contact JudyTurner@mdumc.org (713-579-7655) to discover, develop, use and enjoy your God-given gifts.

MUSIC MINISTRY AT ARTSNOW!

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICESA SERVICE OF HOPE AND REMEMBRANCE4 PM | DECEMBER 18 | MAIN CAMPUS

TRAVELERS’ EVE7 PM | DECEMBER 19 | MAIN CAMPUS

CHRISTMAS EVE - Candlelight & Communion ServicesMAIN CAMPUS | 3 (Children’s), 5, 7, 9 & 11 PMWEST CAMPUS | 5 & 7 PM

CHRISTMAS DAYCOMBINED WORSHIP | MAIN CAMPUS | 10 AM(NO SUNDAY SCHOOL ON DEC. 25)

2017 NEW YEAR’S DAY SERVICESMAIN CAMPUS - 9 & 11 AM WEST CAMPUS - 10 AM

(NO SUNDAY SCHOOL ON JAN. 1)

Childcare will be available for Christmas & New Year’s Day Services

For more information contact TerryTullos@mdumc.org.

MDUMC Holiday Helpers have many outreach opportunities through which to share the light of Christ during the Advent season. Please give prayerful consideration toward participating in the following activities:

Questions? Contact RandyLee@mdumc.org.

MISSIONS AND OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIESPA

GE

3 MESSENGERD E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

CHILDREN’S TEAM BASKETBALL REGISTRATIONKINDER - GRADE 7 | THROUGH NOVEMBER 27 Online registrations are open now through 11/27/16 for Team Basketball for children in grades Kindergarten - 7th. Cost is $110 per player. Sibling discount applied if registering 2 or more siblings at same registration session. Partial or full scholarships are available upon confidential request.To register your child to play, please visit: https://mdumc.siplay.org, click the green Login button and then Create An Account.Contact KimKennedy@mdumc.org for more information or to request a scholarship.

STOP HUNGER NOW MEAL-PACKAGING EVENT9 AM | DECEMBER 10 | GYMJoin us for a meal-packaging event and help us reach our goal of 10,000 meals! Stop Hunger Now meal-packaging events are a fun, hands-on way to make a difference and impact the lives of those suffering from hunger. Fun for all ages! Register online to sign up. An offering is suggested to help us support the event.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

CREATED BY GOD WORKSHOP7 - 9 PM | JANUARY 20 | THE REFUGE9 AM - 3 PM | JANUARY 21 | THE REFUGECreated By God is a Christian-Based Human Sexuality Education workshop for fifth and sixth grade boys and girls. Allyson George, MDUMC Children’s Director, has been teaching this class for over 10 years. Cost is $25 (includes, snacks, meals, book). Register online at mdumc.org.A parent information meeting will be on January 17 from 7-8:15 PM in D126.

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP AND RESOURCE FAIR9 AM | FEBRUARY 11 | FRIENDSHIP COURTThis is a chance for caregivers to meet camp providers and other disability-related service providers while the kids play in our fun kids’ area. Free event for the whole family. All ages and disabilities welcome. Bring your questions and leave inspired, empowered and informed. Complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn. Hosted by Mikey’s Place and MDUMC. For more information, contact AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org.

• ANGEL TREE | DELIVER GIFTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS Provide and deliver gifts for a child on behalf of his or her incarcerated parent. Look for the Angel Tree in Friendship Court or at the Well.

• MAM CHRISTMAS SHARE | THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 Help Santa this year by adopting a child through Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM). Shop for one child and drop gifts off at MDUMC.

• GOODIE BAGS | THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 Pick up a Goodie Bag in Friendship Court and fill it with the items from the attached list. These bags will be taken to Wesley Community Center during the Moveable Feast event and given to seniors in the community.

• MOVABLE FEAST | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 Join the fun as MDUMC teams prepare and serve holiday meals to groups throughout our city: CrossWalk Houston, MAM, Wesley Community Center, and Stop Hunger Now. Contact RandyLee@mdumc.org or AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org for more information on Stop Hunger Now.

• BLANKET BUDDY | THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Help a child stay warm this winter. Purchase a twin-size blanket to be delivered to children in Houston.

• THORNWOOD CHRISTMAS LUNCH | THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Help us provide a Christmas lunch for the faculty and staff of Thornwood Elementary! Donations are accepted in advance, and volunteers are needed the day of to help serve lunch.

• OZARK FOUNDATION CHRISTMAS PARTY | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Sign up for a one-hour shift at a booth at the Ozark Foundation Christmas party! We will be hosting a hot chocolate booth and a cookie decorating table.

• SEAFARERS’ BOXES | THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 Pick up a white box in Friendship Court or the Well and fill it with the items on the included list. These boxes will be delivered to the Seafarers’ Center, where they will be distributed to workers entering the Port of Houston during the holiday season.

Love God, Love Neighbor

For more information contact AllysonGeorge@mdumc.org.

YOUTH MINISTRY

O’HAY RIDE AT HIGH STAR FARMS6 – 9 PM | DECEMBER 4 | $10 Join us for fun times, hot dogs, s’mores, a hay ride and Christmas trees. Middle School students meet at the east entrance of the church. High School students meet at the Refuge.

YOUTH WORSHIP & CHRISTMAS BRUNCH9:30 AM | DECEMBER 18 | REFUGEOur annual Christmas brunch festivus at the Refuge is coming up. It is a great time of celebration for a great year for all of our youth. If you would like to help provide breakfast for the event, please sign up at www.mdumcyouth.org/christmas_brunch_signups.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 7.8 EVENTS

For more information contact LynellKennedy@mdumc.org.

GIRLS GROUP OUTLET MALL 9:30 AM – 2 PM | DECEMBER 10Get your Christmas shopping done somewhere you can afford! Meet at the east entrance of the church. Bring your friends and money for shopping and lunch.

IMPACT CHRISTMAS PROGRESSIVE DINNER6 – 8 PM | DECEMBER 11Wear your tacky Christmas sweater, t-shirt and socks.

HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS

For more information contact CarrieNeal@mdumc.org.

JOY FOR THE WORLD3 – 5 PM | DECEMBER 10 | REFUGE | $5We are hosting a Christmas party for Westside Homeless Prevention again this year for Joy for the World. We will cook and serve a meal, build candy churches with the kids, and have general merriment. Come and help others less fortunate than yourself.

* No high school Sunday School on December 25 or January 1.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

For more information contact JeanIrving@mdumc.org.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN DECEMBER PROGRAM11 AM | DECEMBER 6 | WESLEY HALLJoin the UMW for a special program featuring the Houston Tuesday Musical Club Chorus. Fellowship and coffee start at 11 AM. Program starts at 11:30 AM with lunch served afterwards. All are invited. First time visitors are guests for lunch. Contact JeanIrving@ mdumc.org for reservations.

MISSION STITCHERS DECEMBER SALE9 AM | DECEMBER 4 | FRIENDSHIP COURT9 AM | DECEMBER 11 | ARTS NOW!Mission Stitchers will be holding their pre-Christmas sales only two Sundays before Christmas. All proceeds benefit women and children in the Houston area and around the world. This is a great time to shop for gifts for your friends and family!

MEN’S MINISTRY

MEN OF ACTION7 AM | WEDNESDAYS | WESLEY HALLThe Men of Action meet each Wednesday morning for breakfast and a program. All are invited. Contact RichardSelke@mdumc.org.December Schedule:12/7 – John Sauri, Traditional Christmas Music12/14 – Energy City Saxophone Ensemble12/21 & 12/28 – No Meeting

MEN’S LIFE6:30 AM | RESUMES JANUARY 17 | THE REFUGEWe will have breakfast tacos, followed by a short lesson from Rev. Daniel Irving and time to get to know each other. We will have you out the door by 7:30 to get on the road to work as better men, dads, husbands and disciples of Jesus Christ! Contact DanielIrving@mdumc.org.

MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCHwww.mdumc.org

PAG

E 4

For more information contact MarkBogart@mdumc.org.

Live NativityThe

D E C E M B E R 1 36 P M | 6 : 3 0 P M | 7 P M

ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION

For more information contact SheriKelley@mdumc.org.

SINGLES MINISTRY

PAG

E 5 MESSENGER

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

REGULARLY OCCURRING ACTIVITIES

SINGLES SUNDAY LUNCH – twice a month GOLF LESSONS – 10:30 AM | Dec. 10 | The GateWALKING GROUPS

• Street Hikers – 7 PM | Mondays | Meet at Rummel Creek Elementary Parking Lot• Walk in the Park – 9 AM | Second Saturdays | Meet at 1001 S. Dairy Ashford (between Briar Forest & Memorial Dr.)

TENNIS – 6:30 PM | Tuesdays | Plaza Oaks Courts on BrittmoreZUMBA – 5:45 PM | Mondays | Scout HouseZUMBA – 5:45 PM | Wednesdays | Scout HouseSINGLES BIBLE STUDY – 7:15PM | Wednesdays | D127

FABULOUS FIRST FRIDAYS

FIRST FRIDAY FLICKS – 7 PM | Feb. 3 | The GateFIRST FRIDAY FUN & GAMES – 7 PM | Jan. 6 | The RefugeFIRST FRIDAY KICK BACK KOFFEE HOUSE – 7 PM | Dec. 2 | The Gate (Justin Gambino, Karl Brunig, Almost Heaven)

SENIOR ADULTS

PRIME TIMERS’ CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON 11:30 AM | DECEMBER 15 | WESLEY HALLAll senior adults are invited to join the prime timers at their Christmas luncheon featuring the Houston Choral Showcase.They will present a program of Christmas music. Lunch will be catered by our kitchen staff for $15. Tickets are available Sundays in Friendship Court and during the week in the church business office. Contact George Byers at gtbyers@att.net.

EVENING MEDITATION FOR CHRISTIANS7 - 8 PM | TUESDAYS | D219 LEADERS: BETTY CARTMELL, PAMELA LUCIA, AND VICTOR RESENDIZ | NO CHARGEOften called prayer of the heart, centering prayer, or contemplation, this quiet prayer discipline cultivates a deeper relationship with Christ who dwells in each of us as we read and discuss short topics.

MORNING MEDITATION FOR CHRISTIANS 9 – 10 AM | WEDNESDAYS | D216 LEADER: BETTY CARTMELL | NO CHARGEThis class is for anyone who would like to know about Christian meditation and centering prayer. There will be time for teaching and learning, a question-and-answer period, and experiential practice. All it requires is an open heart and a desire to explore this ancient practice.

THE REDEMPTION OF SCROOGE12 – 1 PM | THURSDAYS | DECEMBER 1 - 22 | D219LEADER: REV. MICHAEL JARBOE | $10Ebenezer Scrooge is a man in dire need of a second chance. Is redemption possible for such a greedy, dark and sad character? This study from Matt Rawle shows us how the teachings of Jesus can be found in Dickens’ Christmas classic. Please watch the movie before the first lesson. Feel free to bring your lunch.

WALK TO EMMAUS MEN’S WALKS | FEBRUARY 16 - 19 & APRIL 20 - 23WOMEN’S WALKS | FEBRUARY 23 - 26 & APRIL 27 - 30The Walk to Emmaus is a 72-hour (Thurs–Sun evening) spiritual renewal program that is wrapped in prayer and meditation with special times of worship and daily celebration of Holy Communion. Rediscover Christ’s presence in your life, and form friendships that foster faith and support spiritual maturity! For more information, contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org.

HOUSTON

Christmas Lights

TOUR

DECEMBER 12 6:30-9PM THE GATE

TANGLEWOOD RIVER OAKS DOWNTOWN THE GALLERIA

RESERVE YOUR SPACE WITH BARBARA LEFLAR AT THE GATE

Love God, Love Neighbor

For more information contact JimMcPhail@mdumc.org.

For more information contact VickyHarris@mdumc.org.

* Books and study guides are available in the library for group and personal study as we journey through Advent to Christmas.

OUR CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

BAPTISMSLuke Shumate, son of Jacqueline and William Shumate, Jr. on 11/3.Quentin Richard Denis, son of Sylvain and Katie Denis on 11/3.Linden Rose, and Austin Edward Brierley, daughter and son of Sean and Kendra Brierley on 11/20.Perry Frances Lodde, son of John and Alli Lodde on 11/20.

MARRIAGESLinda Peace and Art McGimsey on 11/12.Lauren Johnson and Stephen Miller on 11/12.

SYMPATHY TO...Family and friends in the death of Janet Charlene Willson on 10/7.Teresa Driskell, in the death of her husband David on 11/1.Family and friends in the death of Mary E. Campbell on 11/6.

NEW MEMBERSRyan and Kaley Garin and children Parker and Sophie on 10/30.Lindsey Erin Wise on 10/30.Jim and Rogie Peyton on 11/6.Rachel Keely and children Rebekah, Joshua and Caleb on 11/13.William “Bill” and Carole Metcalf on 11/15.Kristen Baker on 11/20.

CARING MINISTRIES

MEMORIAL DRIVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCHwww.mdumc.org

PAG

E 6

THANK YOU, BLOOD DONORSMany thank you’s to everyone who made the time to give the Gift of Life at our November blood drive. We are pleased to report that 129 total blood products were collected, which will help, and may even save the lives of, almost 400 area hospital patients! Future Blood Drive Dates in 2017:FEBRUARY 4 & 5 | APRIL 1 & 2 | JULY 8 & 9 | NOVEMBER 4 & 5

CROSSWALK HOUSTONWe are in need of instructors to facilitate our ESL classes starting at the end of January. You don’t have to have experience or be bilingual. If you’d like to know more about how to get involved, contact Victor Resendiz via email at VictorResendiz@mdumc.org or at 832-782-0864.

A.A. HELPING OTHERS GROUP – 7:30 PM | Tuesdays | F225 Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.orgDIVORCECARE – 6 PM | Thursdays | D221 Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.orgGRIEF SHARE – 6 PM | Thursdays | D222Contact SheriKelley@mdumc.orgJOBS MINISTRY/TEXAS HR PROS IN TRANSITION6:30 PM | Wednesdays | The GateMeeting for Job Seekers | Contact Eric - 713-459-1045

2017 SAVE THE DATECREATED BY GOD WORKSHOP7 - 8 PM | JAN 17 | PARENT MEETING | D1267 - 9 PM | JAN 20 | THE REFUGE9 AM - 3 PM | JAN 21 | THE REFUGE

MISSION COUNCIL LUNCH AND LEARNJAN 22 | REGISTER IN FRIENDSHIP COURT

YOUTH CONFIRMATION FOR 7-12 GRADERS NOT PREVIOUSLY CONFIRMED.JAN 22 | JAN. 29 | FEB 5 | FEB 12

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP & RESOURCE FAIR9 AM | FEB 11 | FRIENDSHIP COURT

MDUMC DAY SCHOOL REGISTRATIONFEB 16 | 5 - 7 PM | FRIENDSHIP COURT

DISCOVER MDUMCFEB 19 | MAIN CAMPUSOGDOSMARCH 4 | CONTACT RANDYLEE@MDUMC.ORG

MDUMC MINISTERS & PROGRAM STAFFDr. John Robbins - Senior MinisterDr. Suzanne Cox Reedstrom - Lead Associate MinisterRev. T. Daniel Irving - Associate MinisterRev. Michael Jarboe - Associate MinisterRev. James H. McPhail - Associate MinisterDr. Richard Selke - Associate MinisterRev. Ginny Griggs Tincher - Associate MinisterAnn Ables - Director of Music and Fine ArtsJon Gray - Business AdministratorDrew Essen - Director of Strategic CommunicationsAllyson George - Director of Children’s MinistryMark Bogart - Director of Youth & Recreational MinistryVicky Harris - Director of Spiritual FormationSheri Kelley - Director of Singles MinistryEllen Lee - Director of HospitalityRandy Lee - Director of Missions and Outreach

12955 MEMORIAL DRIVE713.468.8356 | mdumc.org

U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C HMEMORIAL DRIVE