Sunday, July 23: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

VBS Sunday

Celebration Service 8:30 am

Sunday School 9:40 am

Traditional Worship 11:00 am

Sunday, July 30: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Celebration Service

8:30 am

Sunday School 9:40 am

Traditional Worship 11:00 am

Listen to sermons at: http://www.stsumc.org/listen/

The Evangel S t . S t e p h e n ’ s U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h

July 21, 2017 Volume 22, No. 15

OUR MISSION is to know God and make God known!

When we publish this newsletter, we’ll be wrapping up a crazy week of Vacation Bible School with well over 100 children running up and down the halls, laughing and playing and screaming and jumping and dancing and singing and generally living into what it means to make a joyful noise to the Lord! There are a lot of things to love about kids, and a lot of things they can teach us about who God really is and who we are called to be. Here are a few of the things I’ve learned from children, in no particular order:

• Ask the question that’s on your mind. It’s better to wonder about God and the world than to think you should know the answer already. • Don’t be scared of your emotions. God created us to think, but God also created us to feel. • Sometimes, a nap is really the solution to all of your problems. No explanation needed for this one! • Show and tell people that you love them. Kind words, a hug, a note or just a big smile can go a long way. • Playing and laughing are joyful noise. Silliness can be next to Godliness, too. • Singing is fun. So many adults are afraid to sing. God doesn’t need you to be a pop star, just to lift your voice! We know that Jesus welcomed children to his side in the midst of adults who were nervous that kids might say or do the wrong thing, be too loud, or too rambunctious. I have to tell you, I’m grateful to serve at a church that throws wide the doors, transforms its hallways into a super hero themed cityscape and its fellowship hall into a bible village, and is filled for a week with joyful, joyful laughter. Thanks be to God! Paz,

Nathan

A Message from the Pastor

Summer Worship Series

Nathan will continue the summer worship series, “Absurd Grace”, this coming Sunday, July 23, asking the question, “I’m just supposed to let these weeds keep growing?” from Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. The gospel texts from the lectionary through August 20 are from Matthew. They’re texts where Jesus takes normal and reasonable ideas and turns them upside down, stretches them, plays with them, or generally shows people just how absurd it is that God extends so much grace to us. On Sunday, July 30, we’ll consider, “What ISN’T the kingdom of God like?” We hope you’ll be able to join us as we explore God’s absurd grace.

Hero Central’s Captain Shield (aka Nathan)

Nathan wants to meet you!

Give us a call at the office or set up an appointment for yourself at calendly.com/revnayte.

THE EVANGEL Vol. 22 Issue 15, July 21, 2017 (USPS 019-947) is published bi-weekly free of charge to subscribers by St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 West 43rd St., Houston, TX 77018-3009. Periodicals postage paid at Houston, TX. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 West 43rd St., Houston, TX 77018-3009.

Evangel Deadlines

2 Attendance and Contributions at St. Stephen’s:

Publication Date News Deadline August 4 Noon-Monday, July 31 August 18 Noon-Monday, August 14

Send articles to maryellen@stsumc.org or call the church office.

Mi le s ton es

8:30 am 11:00 am Sunday School Operating Building Missions/ Communion

Other Fundraiser

July 9 54 166 109 $11,810.40 $233.50 $270.00 $247.79 —

July 16

63 171 119 $8,133.79 $272.50 $25.00 $156.36 —

Note of Thanks

Monday, July 10, 2017

To be part of such a loving congregation is a wonderful blessing. Thanks to all for your cards, calls, food, prayers and love during this latest illness. It means so much to have this spirit around.

Thanks again,

Peggy Bickel

Celebrating William and Mildred Gandin

On Sunday, July 16, St. Stephen’s celebrated several milestones in the lives of an amazing couple in our church family, William and Mildred Gandin. Bill and Mildred were married 75 years ago, on July 17, 1942! Bill also celebrated his 96th birthday on July 17, 2017, and Mildred will be 96 on August 17, 2017! Although Bill and Mildred were unable to attend the worship service due to health issues, a video of the celebration was shared with them by Nathan during individual visits this past week. Here is their current address for all who wish to send them cards and congratulations personally:

Clarewood House 7400 Clarewood Drive #200

Houston, Texas 77036

In Memory

We extend our prayers and sympathy to the family of Nina Myers, who passed away Monday, July 10, in Navasota, Texas. Nina had been a member of St. Stephen’s since 1960. Graveside services were held for her on Thursday, July 13, at Ebenezer Cemetery in Camp County, Texas.

In Memory

Our prayers and sympathy are also extended to Marylee Spears and her family upon the sudden death of her granddaughter, Victoria Griffith, on July 16, in Norwalk, Connecticut. Victoria was the daughter of Marylee’s late son, Matthew Spears. Funeral arrangements were pending at the time of print.

Welcome, Little One!

Congratulations to Inez Brewer upon the birth of her seventh great-grandchild! Kelsey Jean Brewer arrived on July 10, 2017. Her proud parents are Kevin and Marsha Brewer.

New Ministry for Mary Gossett

Mary Gossett, who has served as our Director of Student Ministries for the past 3 1/2 years, will begin a new ministry in August as Director of Children’s Ministries at Tomball United Methodist Church. Although she will be greatly missed, along with her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Grace, we are excited about what God has planned for her in Tomball. Her new position will provide her the added blessing of being able to enroll Grace in the onsite day school.

We are grateful for the work Mary has done at St. Stephen’s with our children and youth, and our prayers go with her. Mary will be with us through Sunday, July 31.

St . S tephen’s UMC —Calend ar of Events

Friday, July 28: J.U.M.M.P. Camp Departs 6:00 am—Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Denny’s @ 34th & 290) 11:30 am—Solitaires Luncheon (Fellowship Hall) 5:00 pm—Family Picnic (Jaycee Park, 1300 Seamist Dr.)

Saturday, July 29: 8:00 pm—Narcotics Anonymous Support Group (Scout House)

Sunday, July 30: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost 7:30 am—Sonrise (Celebration Service) Choir Practice (Sanctuary) 8:30 am—Celebration Service (Sanctuary) 9:40 am—Sunday School for Children, Youth & Adults (Education Bldg) 11:00 am—Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 12:15 pm—Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group Meeting (Youth Rom 205)

Monday, July 31: Vacation Bible School Week 12:00 pm—Deadline to turn in articles for August 4 Evangel (Send to maryellen@stsumc.org or call the church office.) 7:00 pm—Trustees Board Meeting (Church Library) 7:00 pm—Boy Scouts Troop 604 Meeting (Scout House)

Tuesday, August 1: 9:30 am—Line Dancing Class (Fellowship Hall) 7:30 pm—Sea Scouts Ship 24 Meeting (Scout House)

Wednesday, August 2: 6:00 am—Men’s Bible Study (Room 112) 9:30 am—Senior Activities Day Games & Luncheon (Fellowship Hall) 6:00 pm—Sonrise (Celebration Service) Choir Practice (Sanctuary) ?7:00 pm—Education Committee Meeting (Room 112)

Thursday, August 3: 10:00 am—Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting (Room 112) 6:15 pm—Handbell Choir Practice (Room 101) 7:30 pm—Chancel Choir Practice (Choir Room)

Friday, August 4: 6:00 am—Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Denny’s @ 34th & 290)

Friday, July 21: Vacation Bible School 6:00 am—Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Denny’s @ W 34th & 290) 8:30 am-Noon—Vacation Bible School (Sanctuary, Education Bldg, Fellowship Hall) 7:00 pm—Serving Snacks at Star of Hope

Saturday, July 22: 7:00 am—Garden Angels Dirt Diggers Workday (Work on flowerbeds.) 8:00 pm—Narcotics Anonymous Support Group (Scout House)

Sunday, July 23: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost VBS Sunday 7:30 am—Sonrise (Celebration Service) Choir Practice (Sanctuary) 8:30 am—Celebration Service (Sanctuary) 9:40 am—Sunday School for Children, Youth & Adults (Education Bldg) 10:00 am—Breakfast for VBS Families (Fellowship Hall) 11:00 am—Traditional Worship (Sanctuary)

Monday, July 24: St. Stephen’s Hosts J.U.M.M.P. Camp 11:30 am—Fun4Seniors Luncheon (Fellowship Hall) 7:00 pm—Boy Scouts Troop 604 Committee Meeting (Scout House)

Tuesday, July 25: J.U.M.M.P. Camp 12:30 pm—Office/Program Staff Meeting (Room 101) 7:30 pm—Sea Scouts Ship 24 Meeting (Scout House)

Wednesday, July 26: J.U.M.M.P. Camp 9:30 am—Senior Games (Fellowship Hall/Bring a sack lunch.) 2:00 pm—Fine Arts Meeting

Thursday, July 27: J.U.M.M.P Camp No meetings scheduled at St. Stephen’s

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Pack up your picnic basket with dinner for your family and join us for some fun at Jaycee Park, 1300 Seamist Drive, Friday, July 28, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The park has a wonderful playground with a splash pad, so don’t forget your swimsuits!

Calendar Changes

Be sure to check the church calendar for changes to the regular schedule next week. Some events and meetings have had date and location changes, and some have been cancelled, due to the J.U.M.M.P Camp we are hosting here in our building. (Read more about the J.U.M.M.P. Camp on page 4.)

Adults age 50 and better are welcome to attend a Fun4Seniors “Hot Tamale Luncheon”, sponsored by Harris County Precinct 4’s Senior Adult Program, Monday, July 24, at 11:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. The cost is $10 per person and includes live, musical entertainment and a catered meal. The menu will include beef and chicken fajitas, beans, rice, tortillas and dessert. Please RSVP to Fun4Seniors at 281-893-3726.

Our next Senior Activities Day will be held Wednesday, August 2, in the fellowship hall. Domino games begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a delicious homemade soup and sandwich lunch at 11:45 a.m. Love offerings are encouraged to help cover the cost of lunch.

Family Picnic

Senior Luncheons Line Dancing Class

The Line Dancing Class will resume Tuesday, August 1, at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. This class is open to adults of all ages and older teens. Take a break from the summer heat and join us for a fun way to stay fit. The class is free!

In Ou r Prayers

In the Mil itary Dirk Ray Jr., Allen Troth

Pr ayer Co ncer n s

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In the Hospital

Memorial Hermann Southwest—Effygene Bull Methodist-Texas Medical Center—Bill Gandin St. Luke’s-Vintage Park—Nancy Hunt

Mission and Volunteer Opportunities

Snacks for Star of Hope

Who doesn’t love an evening snack? It can be a long time between dinner and breakfast when you can’t raid the fridge for a snack. Volunteers at the Star of Hope Women’s and Family Emergency Center have a wonderful time visiting with clients as they provide and serve an evening snack. Volunteers arrive at 7:00 p.m. to set up. Clients are invited to come by for a snack beginning at 7:15 p.m. Snack time is over at 8:00 p.m. Volunteers then sweep up and are out the door.

We have been invited to host Snacks and Goodnight at the Women’s and Family Shelter, 419 Emancipation Ave., this Friday, July 21, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.; and to provide cookies for approximately 200 shelter guests. If you would like to volunteer to help serve snacks, please contact Jonathan Lowe at jonathan.david.lowe@gmail.com to register.

J.U.M.M.P. Camp

We are excited about hosting our first J.U.M.M.P. Camp at St. Stephen’s next week, July 24-28! J.U.M.M.P., Junior High United Methodist Mission Project, is a leadership work camp the helps 6th, 7th and 8th grade students foster their passion for God and His people. Its mission is to develop junior high youth as student leaders. During camp weeks, the youth spend Monday through Friday staying at churches in the towns they are serving. The work they do ranges from scraping and painting to installing wheelchair ramps, roof repairs, yard work, replacing screen doors and windows, weatherizing, and other general household repairs.

Please be in prayer for the J.U.M.M.P. campers while they are staying with us and ministering to others in need. Let’s help the campers feel welcome by bringing homemade sweet treats and snacks to the church kitchen Monday through Friday of next week.

Volunteers Needed for Fine Arts Camp

We are in need of volunteers to assist with dinner, administration and shepherding our groups for our Fine Arts Camp to be held Sunday through Thursday, August 6-10, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Please join us as we serve our neighborhood children and enrich their lives through the arts and most importantly, in sharing the love of Christ with them! If you are interested in volunteering for our Fine Arts Camp, please contact Lindsay Smith at 713-686-8241 or lindsay@stsumc.org. UMCOR Church-Wide Project

The United Methodist Women are coordinating this year’s Church-Wide UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Project: Health Kits. These kits provide basic necessities to people who have been forced to leave their homes because of human conflict or natural disaster. Health kits are also used as learning tools in personal hygiene, literacy, nutrition and cooking classes. A list of supplies needed for the kits and a collection basket are available in the Narthex. It’s getting close to the deadline, Sunday, August 13, so please consider bringing one or more new items from the list soon. The kits will be assembled at the August 16 meeting of the Hope Mission Group. Women of all ages are welcome to join us.

Homebound Visitation

Many thanks to Peggy Aldredge and Frances Mayberry who have volunteered to coordinate our Homebound Visitation Ministry! We invite you to be a part of this ministry by joining our team and visiting our homebound members each month to let them know they are still a part of our church family. We will be taking a break from the summer heat in August, and will resume our monthly visits on Wednesday, September 13.

Ed & Claytie Abrahams, John & Dorothy Artz, Chappie Ashburn, Ruth Austin, Robert Baldwin, Carolyn Belk, Anita Bishop, Paula Brady, Nancy Buck, Chappie Collins, Earl & Gloria Collins, Dorothy Cox, the family of Margaret Demuth, Elizabeth Dennard, Charlotte Dorton, Gerald Dupree, Cameron Elliott, the Emerson family, Penny Gadmer, Mildred Gandin, Louise Glaze, Betty Gleason, Dorothy Haschke, Ann Hill, Betsy Hill, Elizabeth Huebner, Damian Janacek, Thelma Jones, Lee Kruse, Angus & Virginia Lewis, Lavon Mahon, Bonnie Maple, Michelle Maurizi, Frances Mayberry, Ed Mills, Bill Moan, the family of Nina Myers, Michael Niederhofer, Gary & Dian Parker, Jody Parker, Betty Parks, Jean Parks, Margie Perron, Gloria Powell, Ky and Anna Ruth Putnam, Milton & Noni Ray, Caroline Reaves, Betty Roberts, Rogers & Jane Roberts, Kathleen Saathoff, Michael Sackett, Donna Schmidt, Barbara Smith, Lura Smith, Marylee Spears and family upon the death of her granddaughter, Victoria Griffith; Billy Stephens, Carol Stone, Hazel Swearingen, the Swint family, Danny Thomason, Hazel Thompson, Pete Trevino, Rosalie Turner, Ronnie Vance, Bitsy Vilven, Virginia Wells, the Wilson family, Margaret White (hospice), Paul Wieting, George Wood, Julia Woodhull

THE PRAYER CONNECTION is a ministry that is at the heart of the church - caring for each other in sorrow and in joy. Please help us minister and reach out to you and our faith community more effectively. Please let us know when and how God answers.

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From the Director of Student Ministries

Big House at St. Matthew’s - We had a great week at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church. We completed a total of 7 different worksites in Houston, and the youth and adults all had a great time. The groups worked on sites like Grace UMC in the Heights, painting their rooms upstairs, and The Garcia’s house where the students all shared that they were very moved by the owner’s prayers about how the students were an answer to their prayer.

Picnic in the Park! - On Friday, July 28 from 5-7pm, we will gather for a family picnic at Jaycee Park. This is a fun park with a splash pad, a playground, and a rock wall. Bring your dinner, and we will have some great fellowship time together.

Fine Arts Camp - Our second Fine Arts Camp is August 6-10, and it starts at 5pm each evening with dinner and ends at 7:30pm after an evening of art, drama, dance, and music. The camp is open to those going into kindergarten through the 6th grade. Please contact Pastor Lindsay for more information.

God Be With You Until We Meet Again

I will never forget the blessing that my college chaplain gave my graduating class from my church careers group, “You come, I fall in love with you, and then you go away.” It is never easy for me to leave a church because I fall in love with all of the members as we do the work of Christ together.

When I first came, unbeknownst to you, Nathan and I had been praying that we would be able to have a child. After two years of waiting, we found out, the week I started here, that we were expecting! We were blessed with your gifts and prayers as we prepared for Grace, and we have really witnessed your commitment to the pledges you made at her baptism to help raise and support her. I will be the Director of Children’s Ministries, for children from birth through the 6th grade, and Grace will be going to the church every day with me so that she can attend their Susanna Wesley Dayschool.

I have seen you grow as a church in ministry during my time here. We have started new programs, some more successful than others, and we have worked and reworked a few of the ministries that we do here. For the past four years, we have received the Five Stars of Excellence in Christian Education, and this year we received our first Shooting Star Award for our Messy Church program. I implore you to remember the pledges that you make at baptisms that you will support those who have been put into your care that you will help them on their walk with God. Support the ministries of the youth and children however you can. Volunteer to be a substitute Sunday School Teacher, read to a student at Stevens Elementary, purchase supplies for a mission project the children are doing, go on a mission trip, cook a meal for Messy Church or Fine Arts Camp, send packages to college students near finals, or be a shopper for our Christmas Basket Program. We are all called to help raise up the young people in our lives so that they can grow to be Disciples of Jesus Christ. The research I have read says that young people need 7 adults in their lives so that they can grow to be autonomous adults. Be one of those adults in a young person’s life so that they can grow up well and know Christ through you.

I am confident that the ministries that I helped to begin will continue. Pastor Nathan and Pastor Lindsay are both committed to making sure that the ministries to children and youth continue, and I know that the volunteers that I have worked with are committed as well. I am very excited to hear where the youth go on mission trips next year, and how the ministry of Messy Church continues to grow and reach the young families of our community.

Goodbyes are never easy, but in the Methodist Church, instead of “goodbye” it is really more of a “see you at our next connectional meeting.” God be with you until we meet again.

Love,

Mary, Nathan, and Grace Gossett

Child ren and You th News

Please visit our Facebook page, facebook.com/ststephenshoustontx, to see lots more photos of children and youth ministries and activities!

BIG HOUSE Crew

VBS VBS and Bible Village

St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church 2003 West 43rd Street Houston, Texas 77018 Phone: (713) 686-8241 Fax: (713) 686-8427 www.stsumc.org

Visit us on Facebook: facebook.com/ststephenshoustontx St. Stephen’s United Methodist Women Young Energetic Adults

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

PERIODICA L

PAID

HOUSTON, TX

Mary Gossett Director of Student Ministries youth@stsumc.org

Juyeon Kim Organist

Candice Croker Director, Johnson Memorial School jms@stsumc.org

Melissa Soto Nursery Coordinator

Anita Cabrera, Brittany Hietpas, Adriana Montes, Rachel Montes Nursery Staff

Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe Senior Pastor nathan@stsumc.org

Mary Jessie Accounting Manager mary@stsumc.org

Mary Ellen King Executive Secretary maryellen@stsumc.org

Administrative Staff

Program Staff

When I arrived at St. Stephen’s, I was greeted by three wonderful Mary’s, each of which is unique and gifted in many ways. Each of them are a joy to work with and do ministry with, and I consider each of them a friend. Now, one of the Mary’s is leaving us, and while I am happy for her and her family in this next step, I am sad for myself. Mary Gossett has become a sister to me, and I am so grateful for these days of ministry together. It was a blessed time we had working together, planning side by side, worshiping together, and dreaming together of the coming of God’s kingdom. We have laughed and cried together. We have supported one another in our endeavors. We even sang a duet together for VIPs! Mary has poured love into my children, and all of our children!

One of the most precious gifts I have ever received was the beautiful stole Mary and Nathan made for me, and each time I put it on, I will thank God for my friend and sister in Christ. Even though we won’t work together at the same church any longer, we will still share the same mission, the same Savior, the same passion for serving God’s people. I am so grateful for her and for the many and varied gifts God has given her and which she gives back to the congregations she serves! Mary Gossett will be missed by us, but she will be treasured by Tomball UMC, and I can only rejoice for all that God continues to do in her life. Let’s all join together to pray for the Gossetts through this transition and pray for St. Stephen’s and Tomball UMC, too. I believe God has big plans for all of us!

Notes from the Pastor of Music and Worship

Register for Defensive Driving

St. Stephen’s will host a Defensive Driving Class, sponsored by AARP and open to adults age 50+, Monday, September 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-AARP members. Donuts and coffee will be served.

Please note that this class is for insurance discount purposes and does not qualify for traffic ticket dismissal. RSVP to Florence Bowman at 713-682-4513.

GriefShare

When you are grieving the death of someone close, friends and family often want to help, but don't know how. Our GriefShare group is led by caring people who have experienced grief and understand how you feel because we’ve been in the same place. GriefShare offers support and encouragement for your grief journey. A new GriefShare support group will

meet weekly at St. Stephen’s on Tuesdays beginning August 22 at 6:30 pm in Room 201. Each of the 13 sessions includes a Christian-based video teaching by top experts in the field of grief recovery, followed by small group discussion, where you’ll have the opportunity to share with others who have experienced a loss such as yours.

There is a small fee to cover the cost of a workbook. Scholarships are available. For more information, please visit www.griefshare.org or contact the church office.

Rev. Lindsay Smith Pastor of Music & Worship lindsay@stsumc.org