september 2014 messenger
DESCRIPTION
Monthly newsletter of A&M United Methodist Church, College Station, TexasTRANSCRIPT
417 University Drive, College Station, Texas • www.am-umc.org • [email protected] • 979-846-8731
September 2014
Sharing the Heart of Christ
A&M United Methodist Church
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Reasons Reflections ................ 2
Music Ministry ........................ 2
Adult Discipleship ................... 3
Children/Family Ministries .... 4
Youth ....................................... 5
College Ministries ................... 6
News/Announcements...……...7-8
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST Wednesday Night Suppers Resume
9/10
Wednesday Evening Classes &
Small Groups Resume 9/10
Parking Lot Fundraisers 9/6, 9/13
Financial Peace University Begins
9/14
Church Directory Photos 9/16-
9/27
Student Joining Sunday 9/21
Parent’s Nite Out 9/26
Operation Christmas Child Begins
9/28
A&M UMC Photo Directory— Help Us Complete the Picture!
A&M UMC is creating a new photo directory and we need you to help make it complete! By participating in the photo sessions, you will receive a free 8x10 photo and a printed directory. Photo sessions will be held
September 16th – 20th and September 23rd – September 27th. Sign up for your professional photography session in three convenient ways:
1.Schedule your appointment online at our website: www.am-umc.org 2.Look for sign-up tables on Sundays, located in the Welcome Area, outside the
Great Hall or during your Sunday School class. 3.Or for assistance, contact Nancy Browning at [email protected] or
(979) 846-8731.
Our directory won’t be complete without you. Sign up today! Military Photos—Are you a currently serving in the military? Do you know of members of A&M United Methodist Church who are currently serving in the armed forces? We need their military picture for the new church photo directory—submit photos to [email protected] or bring them to the church office. Scenes from A&M UMC—We need photos that represent the life of the church. Are you gathering for Sunday School classes, Small Groups or mission work? Take some photos of your gathering and submit them to Nancy Browning at [email protected].
Take a break from the kitchen and join us for our weekly Wednesday Church Suppers. Bible Studies, and children and youth activities will begin immediately following the meals. A $5 dollar per person donation is gratefully accepted, with a $20 maximum for families. Come and fellowship with your Church family.
Wednesday Night Suppers Begin September 10th at 5:30 P.M.
Suggested donation for meals is $5 per person with a $20 family max
Classes and groups meet at 6:15 P.M.
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The question is sometimes asked, “If your church were to suddenly disappear, who beyond your members would notice?” One of the ways we make sure people will notice is through intentionally engaging in mission and
service work. To be sure the call of Christ is for us to live our whole lives as a part of the mission of God and in service to God through serving our neighbors, but intentionally choosing to invest in our community gives us the opportunity to make a larger, more focused positive impact on a situation; plus it gives us a great outlet to go and serve in places and ways that might not otherwise cross our daily paths. On August 21st, we had a group provide breakfast for the teachers of South Knoll Elementary, who were getting ready for the new school year, as a part of our growing commitment to bless the community through South Knoll. We got this word of thanks back that I want to share with you:
What an absolute blessing A&M UMC was to South Knoll teachers yesterday!! We can’t thank you enough for getting here EARLY and bringing more food than we could ever eat! By the way, we are still eating it today, and it’s still amazing! Thank you for ‘adopting’ our school. Being a teacher is the absolute BEST job in the world, and we are so fortunate to have our church praying for us and blessing us with such love and compassion throughout the year!! Hugs and love to all the members of the church and especially those involved in supporting our school!!
Rachel (Rayburn) Beachy
Way to go church! Keep it up!
Rev. John Reasons
Pastor
Dr. Sterling Martin Allen, baritone
and
Ben Sieben, pianist
IN RECITAL
with Northgate Polyphony
Sunday, September 28th at 5pm A&M United Methodist Church Sanctuary
$10 suggested donation
All proceeds benefit the Northgate Polyphony Youth Choir.
Do you sing? Play an instrument? Love to worship God in song? Then we need you in one of the church’s music ensembles!
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" Production Canceled Due to National Tour
In the meantime, we are still planning a
collaborative production of "Over the River and Through the Woods" by Joe DiPietro in the Spring
of 2015.
Ensemble: Rehearsal Day and Time: Contact Information:
Chancel Choir Wed. 7:00 P.M.-8:30pm [email protected]
University Choir Thurs. Free Lunch 11:45am-12:15pm, Rehearsal 12:15-1:00pm
Northgate Polyphony Youth Choir Wed. 4:30-6:00pm [email protected]
Adult Handbells Thurs. 6:30-7:30pm [email protected]
Northgate Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra Sun. 4:00-5:30pm [email protected]
Children's Choir Begins September 14th at 9:45am! [email protected]
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Anne Campbell-Smith Adult Discipleship Coordinator
News & Notes on
Adult Discipleship “For where two or three have gathered in My name, I am there in their midst.”
Matthew 18:20
Financial Peace offered Sundays, 5:00 P.M. in Room S-113. Contact Sandie Bennett at [email protected] to register. Class starts on 9/14. The Trouble with the Truth, balancing Biblical truths with grace, offered Monday 11A.M.-12:00 P.M. in Room S-202. Contact Sterling Allen at [email protected] to register. Class starts 9/8 Children of the Day, the newest Beth Moore study on Thessalonians 1 and 2 is offered Mondays 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. in Room C-211. Contact DeEsta Garrett to at [email protected] to register. Class starts 9/8
Embraced by God, written by Babbie Mason, centers on seven promises God gives to all women. Offered Thursdays 10:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. in Room C-211 Contact Jacque Halverson at [email protected] to register. Class starts 9/11 Honeymooners at Heart will study The Art of Marriage. This is a Bible study combined with date nights. Whether you have been married 5 months, 5 years or 5 decades, this is a wonderful way to keep the love and joy alive. Offered Wednesdays 6:30 P.M.-8:00 P.M. in Room S-219. Contact Steve and DeEsta Garrett at [email protected] to register. Class starts 9/10
If the Shoe Fits: A Women’s Retreat Worth Kicking Your Shoes Off For
October 25th
9:00 A.M.– 3:00 P.M. $25 (includes lunch)
A&M UMC Great Hall National speaker, recording artist, and author Shannon Perry will lead a one-day spiritual conference for women. Visit Shannon’s web site at www.shannonperry.com. Childcare is available by advance reservation only. Each child will need to bring a lunch, drink and snacks. Registration for the event is available online at www.am-umc.org or registration forms are available before and after services in the Welcome Area or Great Hall. New and gently used women’s shoes will be collected for local mission projects. Donations may be brought to the church, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Chrome Salon and Morgan Fitzgerald.
You can become a part of a small group at A&M United Methodist Church.
Several in-home small groups are forming. Small groups are made up of 8 to 12 participants who meet together weekly for one hour. These groups will help mentor and foster a depth of spiritual formation and a love for God in the way that Jesus knew and modeled for us. Sign-ups will be held September 7th and 14th in the Welcome Area of the Sanctuary building and in the Great Hall of the CLC building. Groups will hold their first meetings the second and third weeks of September. If you are interested in joining, hosting or facilitating a small group, please contact Anne Campbell-Smith at [email protected].
CUPCAKES FOR SALE Sunday September 7th
$1 per Cupcake The “Revive and Thrive” Women’s Ministry Event is hosting a cupcake sale - proceeds will help fund the “If the Shoe Fits” event. Cupcakes will be available for purchase in the Sanctuary and CLC buildings before and after each worship service.
Mom to Mom is a mentoring group based on Titus 2:4, geared to mentor, mature, equip and encourage women at all stages of motherhood in their relationships with their husbands and children. Offered Wednesdays at 6:15 P.M. Class starts 9/10. Pastor-led Bible study will meet Wednesdays 6:15 P.M.-7:30 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall. Class will focus on The Good and Beautiful God.
Fall 2014 Bible Studies & Small Group Opportunities
THE MOMENT HAS ARRIVED! NEW SMALL GROUPS ARE NOW FORMING
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A&M UMC Children & Family Ministries Please feel free to join in on any of these activities.
Questions about A&M UMC Children & Family Ministries? Contact Gwenda Beavers at 846-8731 or
[email protected]. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/269920456499608
Are you on the Children’s & Family Ministry E-mail List?
Send an e-mail to Gwenda Beavers ([email protected]) to be added to the contact list and receive all the reminders
and breaking news from the Children’s & Family Ministry program.
Children’s Ministries and College Ministries are excited to provide an opportunity to care for your children while you enjoy some much needed time together or with friends! Children ages six months through 6th grade are eligible to participate, and all member and non-member families are welcome!
Wednesday Night Suppers
Begin September 10th at 5:30 P.M.
Donations for meals are $5 per person with a $20 family max. You may bring outside food in as well. I will send out the Wednesday night menu early in the week via email. If you are not on the Children and Family Ministry email list contact Nancy Browning at [email protected] to be placed on the list.
Parents’ Nite Out Friday, September 26th, 6:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M.
$10 per child/ $25 family maximum
Volunteers Needed! South Knoll Elementary Volunteers Needed—A&M UMC is partnering with South Knoll Elementary to assist teachers and students at the school. Activities include assisting in the classroom and tutoring. Interested in being a part of this ministry opportunity? E-mail Gwenda Beavers at [email protected].
JC Club JC Club will resume on September 10th following the Wednesday Night Supper. JC Club is 6:30 P.M.– 7:30 P.M. It is designed for children in 1st grade - 6th grade. During our first meeting, we will put our
candy rolls together for children in Mexico for Christmas. We are participating in OCC (Operation Christmas Child). We have two Food Bank Mission work dates set for fall.: October 8th at 4:00 P.M. and October 15th 4:00 P.M. We will have sign up sheets to serve. We also understand that CSISD Secondary Schools have later release times this year. Come to the Food Bank as you are able to on those dates. JC Club T-shirts are available for order again this year (adult and children sizes). If your child’s shirt fits from last year then you do not have to order a new one.
TEAM 456 is BACK! September 14th, 6:00 P.M.- 7:30 P.M.
What is Team 456? It is a program designed for children in grades 4, 5 & 6. Its creation comes out of a need to promote and support Christian values by creating a close bond within the group though activities, games and Bible study. We start with a snack supper. Bring your friends.
Wednesday Nights for 3 - 5 year olds… Every Wednesday night, 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Ms. Tory is BACK!!!! Children ages 3 years through Kindergarten will meet in “Nursery 121” for a fun Bible based time created just for them!
Confirmation Class Confirmation class began Sunday, August 31st. We meet in Room C -217 in the Christian Life Center. The Confirmation parent meeting will be held Sunday September 7th, 5:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. in the Children’s Common area.
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April Place: [email protected]
Follow Us On Facebook:
A&M UMC Youth
A&M UMC
YOUTH
Important Youth Dates! Youth Bible Study
9/4, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24
UMYF 9/7, 9/14, 9/28
SFR Sign Up Deadline 9/10
Striving for Righteousness: 9/19-21
Youth Missions Fundraiser Be on the look-out for our next fundraiser! We will be posting a Wall-O-Money in the Welcome Areas in October. Simply select an envelope with a number written on it and donate the corresponding amount. Choose early so you can select your favorite number, anniversary date, birthday, etc. All proceeds will benefit our Youth Missions Funds which help send youth on mission trips throughout the year.
Striving for Righteousness Retreat September 19th—21st
Camp Cho-Yeh
Join us on our annual retreat where we look at pursuing righteousness in relationships. This year, we are going to Camp Cho-Yeh September 19th-21st. Cost of the retreat is $120 plus $10 for din-ner on the road. This retreat is open for all Jr. High and High School students. Sign up deadline is September 10th. Sign up here: https://amumcyouth.wufoo.com/forms/striving-for-righteousness-retreat-2014/
Youth Summer Fun!
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College Ministries
College Small Group and Bible Study Leaders Needed We are in need of individuals passionate about sharing the love of Christ with college students through studying of scripture and meeting together to train our souls in the way of Christ. You can invite students to join an existing group or start a new one! If you are interested in joining with students on our journey toward wholeness in prayer and study let CJ know at [email protected].
Student Joining Sunday—September 21st Student Joining Sunday is an invitation for college students to join A&M United Methodist Church. There are three different ways students can join: Affiliate Member: For those students who are currently a member of another United Methodist Church, this is the chance to make A&M UMC your church home while you are attending school. We ask that students wishing to join as Affiliate members renew their membership each year. Associate Member: For those students who are currently a member of a church in a denomination other than the United Methodist Church, this is your chance to make A&M UMC your home church away from home. This, like the Affiliate membership, is a membership that will be renewed each year. Full Member: For those students who are not currently a member of a church, but who have been baptized and made a public profession of faith, we invite you join A&M UMC and make this your church home. If you are making College Station your home and would like to join the church, this would be a great opportunity for you as well. If you have never been baptized or made a public profession of faith, you are invited to meet with one of our pastors to talk more about your decision to join the church. During each of the services on Sunday, September 21st, we will call forward all students who are interested in joining. At this time, please come forward and we will welcome the entire group of new students at one time. Following the service, we will have a reception outside of the Main Sanctuary (8:30 and 11:00) and the Great Hall (9:45), so that the members of the congregation can welcome you into the church. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact CJ Stachurski at [email protected].
The Coffee House is a fully functional coffee bar and study space. We offer free
quality coffee, Wi-Fi, and snacks. Everyone is welcome to come. If you have any questions about the Coffee House contact Blake Casey, [email protected]. Hours of Operation: Sundays - 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. Mondays - Thursdays 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Fridays - 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Interested in volunteering at the Coffee House? Read the Volunteer Agreement Form and sign Up here: http://goo.gl/sRovfi
Thursdays @ 6:30 P.M. Student led worship creates a unique opportunity to grow spiritually with your peer group. If college worship is something you are interested in or something you are curious to learn more about, come join us in the Great Hall for a FREE DINNER at 6:30 P.M. We’ll then have a time of worship together in the Annex Sanctuary at 7:30 P.M.
Parent’s Nite Out Is Back! September 26th
6:00 P.M.- 10:00 P.M. Volunteers are needed - proceeds benefit college ministries. Grab your friends and come help with this great ministry. Contact CJ Stachurski for details.
Join us to reboot for the fall with #FreeFood & #FreeMusic!
Free of cost! Come join the college ministry as we kick off our year with a BANG! Enjoy the Mark Swayze Band, opened by our own Mark Fangue, while meeting new friends and munching on pizza!
For info: visit our Facebook page: A&M United Methodist College Ministries.
CJ Stachurski Director of College Ministries
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Linda Polansky; Bob Waters; Carol Buckley; Pam Roberts, daughter-in-law of Joyce Roberts; Sue Foy; Sally Jarrott, mother of Billy Jarrott; Anna Diller; Andrew Shelby, son of John and Rhonda Hanson; Jim Boone; Lowell and Wanda Stewart, parents of Cindy Allen; Buddy Van Cleave; John Eugene Wilson, brother of Robert Wilson; Mike Goldwater; Keta Jones; Bettye Clements, mother of Sandie Bennett; Ken Lee; Lawrence & Mary Margaret Smith; Jenny Barker; Ron Hart; Edwina Granberry, mother of Jay Granberry; Allie Lutz and her mother, Renate; Joe and Mary Majors; Mary Jane Hirsch; Tex Owens; Pearl Kiser; Dorothy Holland; Cleve Walkup; Clare and Mary Alice Gunn; Betty Gilbreath; Marj Benson; Stephan Munion; Frances Henry; and Jean Gresham. Prayers of Comfort for: the family and friends of Sharon Stewart, following the passing of her mother on 8/12; for the family and friends of Joy Wurzbach, following the passing of her mother on 8/11; for the family and friends of Steve Skrabanek, following the passing of his father on 8/28; for the family and friends of Cody and Michaela Thomas, following the passing of their son, Carson Lee Thomas on 8/29; and for the family and friends of Kim Lardon, following the passing of her mother on 9/1.
Welcome Our New Members Jo Yount
Mac & Sylvia McMullen
Welcome Our New Babies John Rapsilver Griffin (8/11) son of Michael & Laura Griffin Braylee Harper King (7/15), daughter of Grant & Stephanie King
Operation Christmas Child
September 29th-November 9th
Now is the time to gather supplies for the Operation Christmas Child project. JC Club will begin accepting donations on September 29th. Suggested items include: crayons markers sharpeners map pencils glue sticks (no liquid glue) pencils
Finding parking on game day anywhere near Kyle Field can be a challenge without an on campus parking permit. Did you know that A&M UMC helps solve that challenge and funds several ministries of the church at the same time? For a suggested donation of $20, game day revelers are invited to park in the church parking lot for the game. The parking lot opens 3 hours prior to kick off.
A&M United Methodist Church invites you and your friends to support our ministries by parking in the church parking lot on game day. Tell your friends! Remember - the parking lot opens 3 hours prior to kick off and the donation for parking is $20.
Date Game Ministry
9/6 A&M vs Lamar Youth Ministries
9/13 A&M vs Rice Week Day School / Adult Discipleship
10/11 A&M vs Ole’ Miss Children & Family Ministries
11/1 A&M vs La. Monroe College Ministries
11/15 A&M vs Missouri Music Ministries
11/27 A&M vs LSU Ekklesia
Parking Lot Fundraiser Benefits Several A&M UMC Ministries
In the Community... SOS Ministries is seeking after school volunteers (bike mechanics, music & carpentry) on Mondays or Tuesday 3:45 P.M.—4:45 P.M. Contact Jolynn Easter at (979) 775-5375 for details. Voices for Children Casa Brazos Valley Men’s Breakfast—September 9th, 7:00 A.M. Contact Kate Mason at (979) 822-9700 for information. Crest view Volunteers 50th Anniversary Style Show & Brunch—Thursday, October 14th 10-12 at Christ UMC. $15 per person. Contact Jeanette Hackethorn at (979) 693-9310 to order tickets.
August YTD
Contributions $ 111,161.48 $ 868,170.63
Expenses $ 126,978.61 $ 996,009.09 2013 Carry Over $ 99,213.34
A&M United Methodist Church
Sign up online to receive weekly
e-news updates: www.am-umc.org
A&M UMC Publication Deadlines Do you have information you need to share about your ministry area? Here are the deadlines to keep in mind:
Bulletin Announcements - due the Monday prior to the Sunday to be published (length should be no more than 2 lines)
E-News Announcements - due Wednesday of the week you need to publicize the info
Printed Newsletter—9/25, 10/30, and 11/18 Publication of information is subject to approval and space limitations. Have questions? Contact Nancy Browning at [email protected] or (979) 846-8731.
Part Time Sound Tech
A&M UMC is accepting applications for a part-time sound tech to set-up and operate the soundboard during the 9:45 A.M. Ekklesia service. The hours for this position are 8:15 A.M.- 11:15 A.M. each Sunday, plus additional hours as needed. Please send a cover letter and resume to Mark Fangue at [email protected].
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
September 24th at 7:00 am
Fellowship Hall
UMW General Meeting October 7th at 9:30 A.M. In the Annex Fellowship Hall
Program: Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly