the connection

SEPTEMBER.12.2011

people helping people find fullness in Christ

worship • connect • grow • serve

change

Christ United Methodist Churchwww.cumcsl.org

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In his book, Managing Transitions, William Bridges says that it’s not the change that

does us in; it’s the transition. Change is external;

transition is internal. Change happens; transition

is a process. Change requires adjustments;

transition involves emotions. Change is often

outside our control; transition invites us to take

control of what we can in order to move forward

in positive directions.

A big change has already occurred,

and we celebrate with Rev. Matthis and his

family as he begins a new role in ministry and

servant leadership. Now what’s before them

and the rest of us—staff and leadership, members

and visitors—is the internal and emotional

process of entering faithfully into the transition.

They already have, and we are beginning to.

The biblical story that immediately

comes to mind is the Exodus. Once Pharaoh let

the people go, they experienced a huge change,

with a transition period that lasted at least the

forty years they wandered in the wilderness.

God realized this was going to be a really

stressful time for them so they were given signs

of God’s constant presence—water from a rock

and manna from the sky; a billowing cloud by

day and pillar of fire at night. Even with all these

gifts of God’s presence and Moses’ leadership,

they managed to whine considerably, complain

bitterly, fashion a golden calf from what the

Egyptians had given them, and otherwise

rebel against God. They felt sadness, anxiety,

confusion, and perhaps even emptiness.

We may feel some of the same things

as we enter into our transition time. But God

is with us, blessing us with signs of God’s

presence in the reliable and repeated rhythm

of uplifting Sunday worship, in the commitment

of our staff and leaders to our mission of being

people who help other people find fullness in

Christ, and in the dedication and devotion of

teachers, leaders and facilitators who want to

deepen their faith and help us deepen ours.

Wilderness periods should not

be rushed. That’s because they are full of

opportunities, especially for thinking about

what has changed, looking for the “positives”

in the change, praying constantly for strength

and discernment, and rededicating ourselves

to faithful service to Christ and His church.

We may not know for a while who will follow

Rev. Matthis, for we have chosen to wait for

the “best fit” for our church rather than accept

the quickest replacement. We do believe God

was at work in the change and will continue

to work throughout the transition. The good

news is there’s always a new beginning after

wilderness wanderings. The reason for this is

we serve a God who is constantly making all

things new.

I invite you to join me, the rest of

the staff and the members of our Staff Parish

Relations Committee in praying, praying some

more, watching for the positives, accepting the

opportunities, and rededicating yourselves to

faithful service to the One who is Sovereign

over all our earthly leaders and whose will we

seek.

Grace and Peace.


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Change & TransitionBY REV. LINDA SUMMERS PIERCEEXECUTIVE ASSOCIATE PASTOR


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Our United Methodist Way UNITED METHODIST MOMENT

Some denominations “call” their new pastors. This means a committee of members receive applications, hold interviews, have the most appealing applicants come preach, and then choose whom they

will invite to be their new pastor. They literally “call” him or her and offer them the position. In these denominations, pastors are free to consider openings and apply, and churches are free to say they need a change. A pastor’s move may be initiated by the pastor or by the church. The question considered by the pastor is “What’s best for me?” The question considered by the church is “What’s best for our church?”

United Methodist pastors are “sent.” Because our denomination is a “connectional” church, Ordained Elders, such as Morris and I, and Licensed Local Pastors, such as Jason, are “appointed” year-to-year. In other words, we are sent back to where we had served the year before for another year, or we are sent to serve another “mission field.” This process is not quite as arbitrary as it may sound, because each congregation has a Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) with whom their District Superintendent consults whenever there is the possibility of, or need for, a move. That District Superintendent then meets with all the other District Superintendents and the Bishop (together, they are called the “Cabinet”). The Cabinet is charged with seeing the big picture of the entire conference (all its “mission fields” and their needs, and all the pastors and their gifts). The question on the table is “What’s best for the connection?” After much prayer, holy conversation, and discernment, this group decides on moves that will be good for the connection. Then pastors get a phone call and moves happen.

All Methodist clergy subject to appointment actually take a vow in which they promise to submit to “itinerant ministry,” which is our name for this process. By definition itinerants come and go; they stay on the move. The historical roots for this go all the way back to John Wesley, who made his “circuit riders” itinerant on purpose so they wouldn’t be tempted to settle in or let their message grow stale. By doing so, Wesley believed he would keep his congregations connected and nurtured by the Sacraments and he would keep his pastors ready to address the needs of the mission field before them as they offered the Sacraments. Back then, the day-to-day tasks of ministry, including the preaching and teaching, were handled by members of the local congregation.

This is still our process even though times have changed and local congregations have pastors who stay at least a year and who are expected to preach as well as administer the Sacraments. Thankfully, longer stays are more common now than they once were, because Bishops and Cabinets have learned they’re more fruitful, and greater fruitfulness is good for the connection. The prayer is that when changes are made, they will result in bringing much needed gifts into the mission field of that local church and will also keep the pastor who’s been moved refreshed and ready to serve as effectively as possible in his or her new setting. Someone on our staff said it well, when she said (and I paraphrase), “I’ve been here with every one of our pastors, and I’ve learned something from every one of them. Some are better at one thing than another, but they all have gifts, and they’ve all helped us grow.” This is the aim, so keep praying and expecting the best.

We will be publishing periodic articles on our United Methodist heritage and beliefs. If you have a topic you would

like addressed, please send your requests to Karen LaMotta at [email protected].

BY REV. LINDA SUMMERS PIERCEEXECUTIVE ASSOCIATE PASTOR


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An old saying proclaims, “The only

thing constant in life is change.” I’m sure we can

all attest to the truth of that adage! My husband,

Gary, and I certainly experienced a protracted

season of change when our only child, Jeffrey,

departed for college and we assumed the role

of “empty nesters.” Some friends, themselves

“empty nesters,” encouraged us to embrace

this new chapter in our lives, promising it would

provide us with time to fulfill all those dreams we

set aside while raising Jeffrey. They described

to us an existence that included the freedom to

travel to exotic destinations, sole custody of the

TV remote, full and uninterrupted access to the

computer and printer, and weeknights free from

test reviews and paper re-writes. It all sounded

so glamorous; so very exciting! Still, Gary and

I would have gladly continued life on its current

terms had it been fair to Jeffrey, maybe because

we sought to avoid the struggles that typically

accompany any time of transition. But God

has allowed great things to evolve from this

change—Gary and I are grateful for the chance

to reconnect, and our hearts are full as we

observe Jeffrey spreading his proverbial wings

and learning to fly “solo.”

Change is inevitable. And, for a

Christian, change is necessary to effect

transformation. I’m sure you’ve heard the story

of a man who observed a butterfly fighting

to free itself from its cocoon. Disturbed by the

creature’s struggle and desiring to help, the

man used his pocketknife to slit an opening into

the edge of the cocoon. Through that opening,

the butterfly easily escaped his pupal prison…

but died very shortly thereafter. Why? Perhaps

God permits the butterfly’s struggle because

the struggle begets an amazing transformation.

The struggle causes the butterfly’s tiny heart

to beat more resiliently and allows life-

sustaining blood to flow into its wings so that,

at the God-appointed time, it can break free

of its cocoon and soar. Likewise, the changes

that we Christians endure serve to shape and

strengthen us, and enable Christ’s life-sustaining

blood to flow more freely within. In God’s time

and with His help, an amazing transformation

occurs as we morph from creeping caterpillars

into beautiful butterflies!

Our beloved Christ Church will soon

enter into a season of change. In short order,

we will say farewell to Reverend Morris

Matthis, who has faithfully and tirelessly served

our congregation during the last five years.

We will welcome into our hearts and lives

a new pastor, one whose leadership style,

philosophy and vision may differ from that to

which we are accustomed. Growing pains will

likely accompany the changes ahead, but God

will utilize them to shape and strengthen us so

that we might become more like that beautiful

butterfly, soaring throughout our community

and to the ends of the earth, sharing the love

of Christ with all those we meet. May the love

we extend be like a butterfly, “going where it

pleases and pleasing wherever it goes.”

Seasons of ChangeBY LYNN TAYLOR


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GROW

DISCIPLE 1 CLASS

STARTING SEPTEMBER 18 • 6:00 PM DISCIPLE Bible Study is a life-changing program which encourages participants to nourish their faith and live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Disciple I is the first class in the DISCIPLE Bible Study series, and a prerequisite for further Disciple studies. Being part of this small group Bible study will: •Help you understand what you read in the Bible.•Help you read 70% of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, in 34 weeks.•Help you grow closer to God.•Help you develop new friendships with others in your group.This class requires a commitment to attend the weekly 2 ½ hour group sessions along with daily study of approximately 40 minutes. Registration is available at www.cumcsl.org/studies, and the class is $40. Contact Jeanne Damon at [email protected] or 281.690.4756 for more information.

Francis S. Collins was the

head of one of the most

herculean tasks of our time:

decoding the human genome

or in other words, listing the

alphabet in which our DNA

is written, the manual of how

we are made. He holds degrees in chemistry, physical

chemistry, and biochemistry. He is a physician as well.

Collins describes his own path from atheism to devoted

believer and how science itself not only offers some of

the answers and supports the existence of God, but also

rebukes the idea that the creation and evolution are

mutually exclusive. If you have an inquisitive and skeptical

mind like mine that plays tricks on your heart and your faith

every now and then or of you just want to have more facts

to defend your belief against “scientific atheists,” this is the

book for you.

Ulises Baltazar, MD FACS

THE LANGUAGE OF GOD

Book ReviewBY FRANCIS S. COLLINS

DISCIPLE 2 CLASS ADDED!

STARTING SEPTEMBER 18 • 6:00 PM Christ Church will also be offering a Disciple 2 class this fall. Disciple 2, Into the Word, Into the World, is an in-depth study of Genesis, Exodus, Luke & Acts. Register at www.cumcsl.org/studies.

Bring this copy of the Connection with you to

receive an additional 20% off your entire purchase.

dhjkla

FINDING FULLNESS IN CHRIST

WEDNESDAYS STARTING OCTOBER 5 • 7:00 PM “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)Jesus promised His disciples that when He left, the Father would send His Holy Spirit to be with us and in us. This Spirit is what gives us the power to do greater things than Jesus. Do we really believe that we can do greater things than Jesus? Why do so many claim to be Christians, yet never experience the power of God’s Holy Spirit? Does this describe you? Would you like to experience firsthand God’s Holy Spirit in your life? “Finding Fullness in Christ” is a four week Bible Study that opens our eyes to the depth of our faith by uncovering the barriers that squelch God’s Spirit in us. Register at www.cumcsl.org/studies.

COMPANIONS IN CHRIST

STARTING SEPTEMBER 18 • 5:00 PM • SCOUT SHACKAre you seeking deeper spiritual growth? Do you sense there is “something more” spiritually for you, but you’re not quite sure what it is? Enrich your spiritual growth through Companions in Christ. Companions in Christ is a spiritual formation experience engaging you in a journey of spiritual growth and discovery. This 28-week journey utilizes daily individual readings and exercises along with a weekly small group meeting creating a setting where you can respond to God’s call to an ever-deepening communion and wholeness in Christ. This class is free, but participants are asked to visit www.cumcsl.org/studies and register.

FINE ARTS ACADEMY PREPARES FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR

REGISTRATION OPEN NOWRegister now for the Fine Arts Academy fall semester! We offer piano, guitar, voice and oil painting lessons throughout the school year. More information can be found at www.cumcsl.org/music, or you can contact the Director, Lahonda Sharp, at 281.690.4741 for more information.

FACEBOOK.COM/CUMCSL

TWITTER.COM/CUMCSL

Normal bookstore hours are Sundays, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm & Thursdays, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm.


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MIDDLE SCHOOL

FLIPSIDE • SUNDAYS • 5 - 7:15 PM • GYMAll middle school youth (6th – 8th grade) are invited to join us in the Family Life Center Gym every Sunday night from 5:00 - 7:15 pm. We will begin with games, then move to a small group time and end with worship.

HIGH SCHOOL

THE LOFT • SUNDAYS • 6:15 - 8:30 PM • FLCThis is a great place for high school youth to hang out and relax together in Christian fellowship, Sundays from 6:15 - 8:30 pm in the Family Life Center.THE ENCOUNTER • WEDNESDAYS • 7 - 8:30 PM • CHAPELHigh school students are invited to this weekly Bible study, Wednesday evenings from 7 - 8:30 pm in the Chapel.

ALPHA STARTING SEPTEMBER 15 • THURSDAYS • 6:30 - 8:30 PMAlpha is a course which explores the validity and relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity and offers a relaxed, comfortable place to ask questions. Alpha will meet Thursdays from 6:30 - 8:30 pm, and each session includes a delicious dinner. Childcare is available. Register at www.cumcsl.org/studies or contact Jeanne Damon at [email protected] or 281.690.4756 for more information.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

8:30 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

CRUSADERSThis class is composed of singles and couples of all ages with a participatory format and Bible-based studies. Meets in the Bride’s Room.9:45 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSESADVENTURERSThis class consists of couples in their 30’s - 50’s, with children of all ages. This group is a discussion-oriented class studying a variety of Biblical topics. We use study guides, videos, guest speakers and music to enhance our studies. Meets in room 302/303 in the Family Life Center.BARNABASThis class is a friendly community consisting of adults in their 40’s - 60’s united by a shared belief in Christ, seeking and providing encouragement to one another through prayer, Bible study, topical studies and lots of fellowship. Meets in the Chapel.CELEBRATE SINGLES SUNDAY SCHOOLAll singles are invited to join us for our new Sunday School class. Meets in room 309 in the Family Life Center. COUPLES FOR CHRISTThis class consists of married couples in their 20’s - 40’s with or without children. It is a relaxed, yet engaging class that provides Christ-centered fellowship, support, and opportunities for service. Meets in the Bride’s Room (across from Sanctuary).GRACE ABOUNDSAll ages and stages of life are welcome (married, single, single on Sunday). This class has a participatory rather than lecture format. We love a great discussion! Study facilitators rotate among interested class members. Meets in room 312 in the Family Life Center.GRACE NOTESThis class is composed of choir members who love to study God’s word and discuss relevant issues. Meets in the Choir Room.H.O.P.E. 24/7 (HEAR OUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY 24/7)Our name reflects our focus on prayer. Discussion-oriented studies cover a range of topics to encourage spiritual growth. Socials and missions round out our activities for members, ages 40’s - 70’s. Meets in room 311 in the Family Life Center.JUBILEEThis class is made up of mature individuals, ages 50+ who enjoy the fellowship of others and share in the nourishment gained from Bible-based studies. Lively discussions abound under the leadership of Jan Randolph. Meets in rooms 11/12.SEEKERSThis is a class of mixed ages with couples, singles, and single on Sundays that concentrates on Bible study, missions and lively discussion. Meets in room 308 in the Family Life Center.STAGESThis class consists of single parents, remarried couples, and blended families, ages 30-50’s, exploring a mix of Biblical studies and contemporary issues. Meets in room 310 in the Family Life Center.TGIS (THANK GOD IT’S SUNDAY)This class is made up of couples and singles of all ages who enjoy lively discussion and fellowship. Topics range from Bible study to contemporary issues and books. Meets in the Scout Shack.THE HUB LIFEGROUPFrom 9:45 - 10:45 in the Family Life Center Gym each Sunday morning. Come explore God’s Word in a relaxed and comfortable setting. WEAVERSThis class is made up of marrieds and singles, ages 55+, dedicated to Bible study, fellowship and service. This class is very mission-oriented. Meets in the Library (upstairs across from the Sanctuary).WOMEN’S CLASSThis class is made up of women of all ages whether married, single, widowed or divorced. We primarily do Bible-based studies and various service projects. Meets in room 307 in the Family Life Center.

CELEBRATION OF NEW LIFE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 • ALL FOUR SERVICESThis year’s Celebration of New Life will be held on Sunday, September 25, during all four Worship Services. Families with children born during the last year are invited to attend for a time of recognition, prayer, and blessing. To prepare for this celebration, you are asked to attend a Celebration of New Life Faith Milestone Parent and Child Class on Saturday, September 10, at 10:00 am. Breakfast will be served, and childcare will be available for siblings during the class. Register at www.cumcsl.org/children on the Children’s Ministry page.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR REGISTRATION NOW OPENThe Children’s Choirs are preparing for another terrific year. The Choirs are for Pre-K (age 4 by September 1st) – 5th grade children. The choirs sing periodically during services and produce two children’s musicals each year. Choirs meet on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 - 6:30 pm and/or on Sunday mornings during the 8:15 and 11:05 services. In addition, we offer Choir Chimes for 3rd – 5th graders on Wednesday from 5 – 5:30 pm. Registration is now online at www.cumcsl.org/music. If you are interested in more information please contact Lahonda Sharp at 281.690.4741 or [email protected] or Tracei Wilson at 281.690.4759 or [email protected].

FALL YOUTH RETREAT

OCTOBER 28 - 29 • FOREST GLENAll youth in grades 7 through 12 are invited to join us for our fall retreat in October. Come take a break from your crazy school schedule, and join your friends in fellowship in the piney woods of Texas. This one-night retreat will take place at Forest Glen Christian Camp in Huntsville. Hope to see you there! Cost $75 (Youth); $40 (adults). Registration Deadline is October 19. For details or to register on-line, go to www.cumcsl.org/youth.

For a full listing of activities and ways you can get involved at Christ Church, please visit

WWW.CUMCSL.ORG


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WORSHIP

ALTAR PRAYER PARTNERSPrayer partners connect people in need with the power and presence of God. Just reach out your hands at the altar rail during Communion or after worship, and a prayer partner will come pray with you.

HEALING PRAYER SERVICES - MONTHLY SEPTEMBER 13 & OCTOBER 11 • 7 PM • SANCTUARYIf you are experiencing the grief of loss or suffering due to illness or brokenness, God is ready to bring healing, wholeness and salvation to you. Christ Church offers monthly services of hope and healing every second Tuesday of the month.

WEEKLY WORSHIP SCHEDULE - SUNDAYS CONTEMPORARY • 8:15 AM • SANCTUARY TRADITIONAL• 9:45 & 11:05 AM • SANCTUARY CASUAL - the hub• 11:00 AM • FAMILY LIFE CENTER GYM

GROW (CON’T)

WOMEN’S FALL RETREAT

OCTOBER 7 - 9 • CAMP TEJASWomen, you’re invited to step away from the stresses and demands of life to be refreshed and renewed at our annual women’s retreat in beautiful Giddings, TX. Our speaker, Rev. Jessica LaGrone, Pastor of Worship at The Woodlands UMC, will present Broken and Blessed: How One Dysfunctional Family Changed the World. Find out how God can use one person to change a family and how God can use one family to change the world. Register online at www.cumcsl.org/women. Cost $175 ($50 deposit available; balance due by September 18). Contact Jeanne Damon at [email protected] or 281.690.4756 for more information.SECOND HALF OF MARRIAGE STUDY STARTING OCTOBER 9 • SUNDAYS • 6:00 PM“Facing the 8 Challenges of Empty Nest Years” is a 4-week study. The authors reveal marital challenges every long term marriage faces in those empty nest years. The study will take place at the home of Ace and Cathy Alexander. Register at www.cumcsl.org/studies or contact Jeanne Damon at [email protected] or 281.690.4756 for more information.

MEMORIAL PAVER CONSECRATION NOVEMBER 6 • 12:30 PMChrist Church will celebrate a special service after morning worship at 12:30 pm on Sunday, November 6 in front of the Sanctuary. This service is in addition to our All Saints remembrance as part of our morning worship the same day. If you would like to purchase an engraved paver to be placed in the walk before November 6, forms may be filled out online under “Giving” or picked up in the church office as well as in the Ministry Center (Sundays 8/21-9/18).

The paver proceeds will benefit Christ Church’s Endowment Fund. The Endowment Fund provides members and friends of Christ Church an opportunity to make charitable gifts to Christ Church that will become a permanent endowment of financial support and a living memorial. Please consider giving over and above the cost of the paver in honor or in memory of your loved one. Minimum suggested donation is $100.

The fund will not be used for those parts of the Church’s established programs which are normally included in the operating budget and funded through the regular giving of its members. The earnings are to be used exclusively for: • special mission projects locally and beyond the local church, • unusual expenses for the maintenance, repair, alteration, improvement and replacement of the real and personal property owned by the Church.

For more information on Christ Church’s Endowment Fund, please visit our website at www.cumcsl.org and navigate to the finance page. All orders are due by September 18, please include your check with your order. Contact Debbie Meier at [email protected] or 281.980.6888, ext. 4740.

OLDER ADULT MINISTRIES - ONE ROOM BOOK CLUB SEPTEMBER 21 • 9:30 AM • VOLUNTEER CENTERThis group meets once a month to discuss a book chosen at the previous meeting. The September meeting will be a discussion of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy: A Righteous Gentile vs. The Third Reich written by Eric Metaxas. If you enjoy reading and conversation about books, you are invited to join Book Club.SAGE - A USER GUIDE TO THE ER SEPTEMBER 14 • NOON - 1 PM • ROOMS 11/12Christ Church and Sugar Land Methodist Hospital work together to present monthly seminars where specialists come with a presentation about their field, preventive medicine recommendations, and the latest news in treatment options. In September the Director of the Emergency Room at SLMH, Dr. Scott Rivenes, will be sharing information about use of the ER.

UMW BOOKCLUB SECOND TUES. OF EACH MONTH • VOLUNTEER CENTERPlease join us on the second Tuesday of each month through December as we read and explore Just Choose Happiness: A Guide to Joyous Living by Nell W. Mohney. For more information, please contact Benita Sebesta at [email protected].

FACEBOOK.COM/CUMCSL

TWITTER.COM/CUMCSL

For a full listing of activities and ways you can get involved at Christ Church, please visit

WWW.CUMCSL.ORG


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CONNECTNEW MEMBER CLASS OCTOBER 14Membership is about much more than having your name on a roster; it is a commitment to grow spiritually and to participate in our life together at Christ Church. If you are looking for a new church home, we invite you to participate in our New Member Class. It is a great opportunity to learn more about spiritual growth and how we can help one another in our journey to find fullness in Christ. You will get to know the pastors, meet staff, make new friends, learn the vision of our church, find your unique ways to serve, and discover how to connect to a greater involvement within the church. Reserve your spot at our Welcome Center or online.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MONDAYS & FRIDAYS • 9 AM • VOLUNTEER CENTERJoin members of all ages as they create tangible expressions of the prayers of our church for those needing comfort, healing, assurance, and presence. We meet every Friday and Monday. If you don’t know how to crochet or knit, we will teach you! Email Jan Randolph at [email protected] for information.

FREEDOM WALK TOUR OCTOBER 13 • CAROL VANCE PRISON UNITThe Freedom Walks are very moving and a lot of fun. They are on Thursdays at either 2:00 or 7:30 pm and only take 1 hour. We can also arrange tours for Bible studies and other groups if needed. Individuals and groups should signup at least a week in advance. Contact Betty Waedemon at 281.980.5368 to sign up for a walk or to get more information.

SERVE

THE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN ARE COLLECTING ITEMS FOR HEALTH KITS THROUGH SEPTEMBER18 • MINISTRY CENTERYou may obtain a list of the items we’re collecting at www.cumcsl.org/umw. You may also make a donation by indicating “health kit” in the memo line of your check; each kit is approximately $12. Questions? Contact Lajuan Ellis-Thayer at 832.659.3529. Drop off items in the collection bins downstairs.

OUR NEXT HABITAT HOUSE BUILD FALL 2011Christ Church will begin construction of its 11th Habitat for Humanity house this fall in the Teal Run Subdivision. Each Saturday we will need approximately 20 volunteers to work alongside the recipient of the home to complete the construction. If hammers and nails are not your strength, we also need folks to paint, install insulation, work on landscaping, and prepare and serve food for the volunteers. Financial contributions, used to purchase the building materials, are also needed and can be made through the church office or during worship. Please write “Habitat” on the memo line. For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Stanton Brown ([email protected]) or Mark Buhrke ([email protected]). Won’t you help us make someone’s dream of owning a home come true?

4TH AND 5TH GRADE “GUYS AND DADS TIME”SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 • 1 - 2:20 PM • LAZERZONEAll 4th and 5th grade guys and their dads are invited to join us as we kick off a new year of “Guy Time.” Meet us at LazerZone on Hwy 6 in Sugar Land for some fellowship and friendly competition. Bring $13/person and a snack to share. RSVP to Ingred Lathrop at [email protected] or 281.690.4748.

SAVE THE DATE - NEW ACOLYTE TRAINING

SEPTEMBER 25 • NOON • SANCTUARYAcolytes are very special worship leaders who bring in the light of Christ to begin worship and take it out into the world at the end of worship. It is an honor to serve as an Acolyte. All 3rd - 8th graders are invited. For more information, contact Judy Hicks at [email protected].

HANDBELL CHOIRS RESUMEMONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • CHOIR ROOMSenior Ringers meet at 5 pm, Joy Bells at 6 pm, and Jubilation Ringers at 7:15 pm. Whether you’re experienced or just beginning, there is a place for you. Questions? Contact Molly at 381.797.2276. OUR HERO’S MISSIONSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 • 8 - 10 AM • FLC GYMThe Adventurer’s Sunday School class is sponsoring “Our Hero’s” mission, in which we send holiday gift boxes to our troops in harm’s way in Iraq and Afghanistan. The response we got back from the troops was tremendous, and the things they enjoyed the most were the sweet cards and letters from our children at Christ Church. We want everyone to help by donating personal use items (see web for complete list) or helping financially or with letters/cards. Bring your donations to the church gym on Saturday, November 5 between 8 and 10 am and we’ll collect everything and take care of getting it packaged for shipping on that day.

2011 SOLES FOR SOULS CAMPAIGN THROUGH OCTOBER 16The 2011 campaign for Soles for Souls is underway. Soles for Souls is a Christ Church mission program which provides brand NEW tennis shoes for local students (K-12) in need who are serviced through the FBISD Shared Dreams or Lamar CISD Common Threads programs. Stop by the Ministry Center on September 18, 25, or October 2 to pick up “shoe cards” to purchase specific sizes of shoes for an underprivileged student right here in our area. All NEW tennis shoes (preferably in boxes for storage purposes) can be dropped off in the Ministry Center or the Soles for Souls Collection Bin through October 16. Monetary donations can be made by designating “Soles for Souls” in the memo line of your check made out to CUMC. Questions? Contact Sandra Vautrain at [email protected] or 281.265.2404. BABY BAGS!Do you like to share in the celebration of new life? The Baby Bag ministry is for you! We are in need of volunteers to help in this ministry. The bags are created and delivered to member families that have had a new baby as a way to welcome the baby and celebrate God’s new addition to their family. If you have a desire to help please contact Leigh Anne Diekroeger at [email protected].

ADULT CHOIRS BEGINIf you enjoy music and singing and fellowship now is a GREAT time to serve in one of our choirs. Joyful Noise sings at the 9:45 service and rehearses Sunday mornings at 8:30 am in the Choir Room. Chancel Choir sings at the 11:05 services and rehearses Wednesdays from 7 - 9 pm in the Choir room. For more information, contact Lahonda Sharp at [email protected] or 281.690.4741.

3300 AUSTIN PARKWAYSUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77479

NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE PAIDSUGAR LAND, TX

PERMIT #129

worship • connect • grow • servepeople helping people find fullness in Christ


WE’RE HERE TO HELP!We are delighted you are part of Christ Church. If you have a question or if we can help you within the life of the church, please feel free to contact us. CHRIST CHURCH STAFF Rev. Morris Matthis, Senior PastorRev. Linda Summers Pierce, Executive Associate Pastor Rev. Jason Nelson, Exec. Director of Discipleship Ministries

Jeanne Damon, Discipleship Ministries Stacey Fleck, Business ManagerRoland Huysman, FacilitiesTripp Kerth, Youth MinistriesKaren LaMotta, Exec. Dir. of Outreach MinistriesIngred Lathrop, Children’s MinistriesJan Randolph, Older Adult MinistriesLahonda Sharp, Music MinistriesRenee Teel, Mission Ministries

For a complete staff listing, please visit our website at www.cumcsl.org

PHONE: 281.980.6888 • WWW.CUMCSL.ORG • FACEBOOK.COM/CUMCSL

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PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS... Brenda Lowery’s mother, Matt Duggan, Beth Morrow’s sister, Emma Gonzalez’s mother-in-law,

Robert Doerr’s mother, Al Guerrero’s son, Sam Olive’s friend, Diana Gordon’s step-son, Vicki Alexander’s step-son, Lahonda Sharp’s father, Bill and Robbin Mallett’s son, Mark Smith, Sherry Heitzenrater’s friend , Brita Minin, Pat Hood’s sister-in-law, Sylvia & Chuck Smyth’s grandbaby, Heather Rathnau’s brother, Margey Mabry’s mother-in-law, Susan Brubaker’s cousin’s husband, Betty Snyder’s husband, and all those serving in the military. ANSWERED PRAYERS... Brent Kirkendall’s sister, Lois Tracy, Sherry Heitzenrater’s cousin, Richard Jordan, David

Daniel’s son’s friend, Pam Ross, Tracy Walker’s brother, Jo Ann Eck’s friend, Sherri Heitzenrater’s cousin, Leigh Anne Diekroeger’s daughter, Richard West, Ruby Langley.

CHRIST CHURCH EXTENDS ITS SYMPATHY TO... Lynda Miller on the death of her sister, Wayne Smith on the death of his mother, Phyllis Crandall on

the death of her granddaughter, Aimee Schultheis on the death of her father.

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SHARE YOUR JOYS AND CONCERNS WITH USYour pastoral staff and leaders of Christ Church’s Member Care Ministries want to share in your joys and

concerns. You might not know this, but hospitals do not contact churches – even when you give them your church name, address, and contact information. Part of this is due to HIPPA laws. So whether you’re about to enter the

hospital or you’re celebrating the birth of a baby, please call Sandy White in the church office at 281.980.6888. She will forward your message to the pastors and appropriate member care ministry leaders.

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Please celebrate with the Matthis family

as they begin their transition to new

endeavors. Come join in the festivities as

we remember Morris' years here at Christ

Church. The going-away party will be on

Saturday, September 17 from 4 - 7:30 pm

in the Family Life Center Gym. An accurate

head-count is needed for catering purposes,

so RVSP to Allison Thummel at [email protected]. All (including families with

young children) are welcome and encouraged to attend. Childcare will be available

for preschool aged children; contact Kim Ripley at 281.980.6888, ext. 4784 or

[email protected] at least 48 hours in advance to make your childcare reservation.

You won't want to miss this night!

the connection

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control transition

transition time

huge change

transition period

big change

adjustments transition

external transition

new beginning