MUMC MESSENGER Volume 23 Issue 4
April 2018
Inside This Issue Daily Scripture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.2 Worship Opportunities. . . . . . . . . p.2 Note from Music Minister. . . . . . . p.2 Stewardship Page . . . . . . . . . . . . p.3 - We Pray for ... - Attendance ... - Financial Report - Coming Events ... Youth News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.4 CDC Fundraiser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.4 Children’s Ministries . . . . . . . . . . p.5 - Frolic Parent Me - Easter Eggstravaganza - Teddy Bear Collection - Children’s Choir Musical - FISH - VBS - VBS Wish List Sunshine Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spring Sale from Craft Group . . . Spring FeATt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open Hearts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reminder from Craft Group. . . . .
p.6 p.6 p.6 p.6 p.6
Stephen Minister Symbol . . . . . . Preparing for Next Disaster . . . . . Care Corp Training . . . . . . . . . . . Kairos Outsidet . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p.7 p.7 p.7 p.7
Message from Pastor Rosie . . . . . p.8 Newsletter Deadline . . . . . . . . . . First Sunday Fellowship . . . . . . . Grounded in Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . When God Doesn’t Fix It . . . . . . .
p.9 p.9 p.9 p.9
t has been a long journey, but we are finally on the verge of launching our new church management software. Over the last six months, we’ve been working with Shelby Systems to upgrade our platforms and to create a new church app and website. Once everything is in place, our communication and connection as a church family will vastly improve. Allow me to explain how and why this is important.
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It all begins with Shelby Next Membership. This software manages the information of church members, guests, and volunteers and will keep track of worship participation and involvement in all aspects of ministry. By moving our data to the cloud, we will be able to access and work with this information in ways we couldn’t before. This will actually increase interactions beyond the walls of the church and allow us to better manage our membership, small groups and ministries. This software will help streamline the use and publication of our church calendar and events. Once established, the calendar will communicate with our new church app and website, allowing members and guests to have access to the latest schedules, times, and news. Even though our church app has been live for a few months, its true capabilities will be seen when it’s linked to the Membership software. Our church app is available through iTunes or Google Play. Simply search for Manchaca UMC. And if you allow for ‘push notifications’ then you can receive special announcements or news published through the church app. You’ll even be able to tithe, listen to sermons, or view the latest events. Finally, we have our new website. I’m very excited about the capabilities of this new platform. Its main function is to serve as a virtual welcome center for those looking for a church home. But the website will be fully responsive and publish the latest ministry events through its connection with the Shelby Membership calendar. In other words, our news and information will always be up-to-date and a useful tool to stay connected to the life and ministries of Manchaca UMC. After launching our new platforms, we will add kiosks in the Family Life Center and hospitality area outside the main sanctuary. These kiosks can be used for electronic giving and to sign up for Bible studies or other church events. We will be offering training sessions to help you learn more about these platforms and how to use them on your phone, tablets, or computers. I’m very excited with how this technology will increase our communication and connection as a church family! In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Andy
Volume 23 Issue 4
April 2018
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DAILY SCRIPTURE
Worship Opportunities
Week of April 2 Monday John 20:19-23 Tuesday John 20:24-31 Wednesday Acts 4:32-35 Thursday Acts 4:32-35 Friday Psalm 133 Saturday 1 John 1:1-4 Sunday Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8
8:30 & 11 a.m.
Traditional Services Sanctuary - Rev. Andy Smith preaching
9:45-10:45 a.m.
Sunday School for all ages
11 a.m.
Praise Worship (Life on the Road) Family Life Center - Rev. Rosie Grattan preaching
Week of April 9 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Acts 3:12-10 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:36b-48 Psalm 4 Acts 3:3:12-19 Luke 24:44-48 Acts 3:12-19 Psalm 4 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:36b-48
Week of April 16 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Acts 4:5-12 Acts 4:11-12 Psalm 23 Psalm 1 John 3:16-24 1 John 3:21-24 John 10:11-15a Acts 4:5-12 Psalm 23 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18
Week of April 23 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Psalm 22:25-31 Acts 8:26-40 Acts 8::26-31 1 John 4:7-21 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8 Acts 8:26-40 Psalm 22:25-31 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8
Week of April 30 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Psalm 98 John 15:9-11 Acts 10:44-48 1 John 5:1-6 John 15:12-17 Acts 10:44-48 Acts 10:44-48 1 John 5:1-6
have always admired the work of the artist Salvador Dali. Many of his art pieces are thought-provoking and interesting. There are some Dali pieces that I don’t fully understand, yet I can appreciate the artist’s work. While Dali is known as a surrealist, often using strange and striking images, there are a few works that have a religious theme. One of them, his depiction of the Last Supper, I have hanging in my office. He also has paintings of Christ’s crucifixion, the Madonna, and the Sacred Heart of Christ. With some of Dali’s works, you may have trouble recognizing the object he has painted. However, in his paintings that depict Christ, there is no question about which figure is Christ. In the painting “Christ of St. John on the Cross,” the figure of Christ is shown at a downward angle. Christ’s head is bent down and his hands and feet are clearly visible. It is clear what Dali is conveying. As “Christians” we carry Christ with us into the world. We are called to be Christ-like in our thoughts and actions. When people look at us, what depiction of Christ do they see? Is Christ clearly visible? Dali may have been a surrealist, but he painted Christ realistically. Through our lives, we should be depicting Christ realistically, not surrealistically or abstractly. In his song “Christ In Me,” Christian artist Jeremy Camp writes “...come and empty me, so it’s you I breathe...I need the world to see that it’s Christ in me.” Visitors to a Dali art exhibit would clearly see the image of Christ in Dali’s paintings. May the world see Christ in you and me.
I
--Mark Hixon, Director of Music and Fine Arts
Psalm 98 John 15:9-17
“A Technicolor Promise” Appears April 29 On Sunday, April 29, the children’s choir will present “A Technicolor Promise.” This musical tells the story of faithful Noah and his family and how they followed God’s command to build an ark and save the animals. Most importantly, the musical is about God’s overwhelming love and grace and the sign of God’s covenant with us - the rainbow. Don’t miss this special presentation!
Volume 23 Issue 4
April 2018
We Pray for the Following:
Attendance
Helen & Albert Almanza Donald & Rebecca Bagby Rick Beale Ainsley Beck Family of Doug Bell Loretta Bennett Family of Julia Bradley Cari Brownlee Jan Buckley Nancy Buentello & Paul, Eric Juliana Ken Butler Kathy Capehart Bob Carroll Tina Carter Caulin & Family Karen Davis Joan Dekle Bethany Douglas Travis & Chelsey Fallin Roy Gordon Imogene Gray Tena Hammond Robin Hansen Sonia Hernandez Harold Hoffmeister Kim Hollifield ArIel Holly Cassie Howard Sandra Hubbard Alice Hurt Scott & Maria Jackson Norma Jacobson Chuck & Eleanor Jett Forest Jordan III Robin Julien Doug Jumper Teresia Kasperek Mitch Kirchner Amy Koch Mary Ann Kollman Julie Linnard Laura Lopez Amy Lopez Annette Lostak Nichole Lupo Molly McBride Eithan McBride Chris McKean Dick Meyer Mark Monteith Charlotte Morahan Declan Mullan Carol Stirling Myers David Nancarrow Alice Nelson Dorma Nickels Kerry Nixon Pat Nixon Margie Osborn Jana Pankratz Natasha Pelayo Mimi Raper Mary Lynne Reagan Shirley Riddell Phyllis Robertson Ray Rust Rex Ryan Seth Rye Lucretia Scalise Chris Scholle Cary Sitterly Eleanor Smith Matthew Sweet Diana Thomas Rick Thorpe Robert Todd Leo Torres Carolyn Vail Seth & Erika Tucker Patrick Tucker Kat Vice Randy Waters Christlyn Wells Geri & Mike Williams Jacqueline Wilson Ines Zippe Chuck Zaloga Debbie
Sunday 2-25-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School Visitors First time visitors 1 Sunday 3-4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School Visitors First time visitors 9 Sunday 3-11-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School Visitors First time visitors 2 Sunday 3-18-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School Visitors First time visitors 5
Welcome new member: L Dylan Paul McClintock
Coming Events 279 152 24 271 184 29 246 125 30 272 138 32
Financial Report February Operating Income . . . . $65,953.00 Operating Expenses . . $65,051.00 Net Op.Income . . . . . . $ 902.00 YTD (Feb) Operating Income $137,024.00 Operating Expenses $134.096.00 Net Op . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,928.00 February Special Offering Rec’d Food Pantry . . . . . . . . . $ 365.00 Memorials . . . . . . . . . . . $ 529 .00 Build Serve Grow. . . . . . $3,984.00 Debt Reduction . . . . . $1,680.00 UMCOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 35.00 Missions. . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,467.00 Sponsorship 5K Run . . $ 651.00 The Church’s financial reports are available for review, by any Church member, in the Church’s office, during normal working hours. Please contact Dick for assistance and to make an appointment.
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EASTER SUNRISE - 6:45 AM . . . . . . APR 1 EGGSTRAVAGANZA - 9:45AM . . . . APR 1 WORSHIP SERVICES - 9:30 & 11 AM APR 1 OFFICE CLOSED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APR 2 Coloring Café - 10 am. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 2 Hays High School Choir - 7 pm . . . . . . Apr 3 Stephen Ministry Supervision - 7 pm . . Apr 3 Church Writing Group - 9 am . . . . . . . . Apr 5 Stephen Ministry Leaders Mtg - 9 am . . Apr 5 Sunshine Café - 10 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 5 Frolic/Parent and Me - 9:45 am . . . . . . Apr 8 Pastor’s Coffee - 9:45 am . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 8 Kairos Outside Presentation - 12:30 pm Apr 8 1st Sunday Fellowship - 5:30 pm. . . . . . Apr 8 MUMC Staff Meeting - 1 pm . . . . . . . . . Apr 9 Stitches from the Heart - 6 pm . . . . . . . Apr 9 TWEEN Ministry (FISH) -6:30 pm. . . . . Apr 10 5K Packet Packing Event - 4:30 pm . . . Apr 12 WOW - 9:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 13 5K Spring FeAt - 7 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 14 BSA Training - 8 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 14 Ravenscroft Townhome - 10 am. . . . . . Apr 14 Care Corp Lunch and Learn - 12 noon . Apr 15 CDCStaff Meeting - 6:30 pm. . . . . . . . . Apr 16 Newsletter Deadline - noon . . . . . . . . . Apr 17 Stephen Minstry Supervision - 7 pm . . . Apr 17 South Austin Hospital Auxilary- 9 :30 am Apr 18 Church Council - 7 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 19 Kairos Team Meeting - 8 am . . . . . . . . Apr 21 Stitches from the Heart - 9:30 am . . . . . Apr 23 FLAMS - 9 am. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 25 Hillcrest HOA - 7:15 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 26 WOW - 9:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 27 Scrapbooking - 6 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 27 Scrapbooking - 7 am. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apr 28 Children’s Musical - 11 am Sanctuary . Apr 29
Weekly Opportunities Sundays: Worship - Sanctuary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30 am Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:45 am Worship - Sanctuary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 am Worship - Family Life Center . . . . . . . . . 11 am UMYF - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 pm
On-Going - Meetings: Youth Activities -2-5 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sun Daniel Plan Support - 6 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . Mon AA Meetings -7:30 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mon Boomers - Exercise - 9/10 am . . . Tue. & Thur Craft Group -7 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tue Stephen Ministry -7 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tue Craft Group - 9 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wed Such as These Praise Band-6:30 pm. . . . Wed Sanctuary Choir - 6:45 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . Wed Glory Bells - 7 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thur
Volume 23 Issue 4
April 2018
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/ Weekly Youth Schedule Sunday 8:30 or 11:00 a.m. - Worship 9:45-10:45 a.m. - Sunday School 2-3 p.m. - Godspring youth Choir 3-5 p.m. - Youth Group High School Bible Study - Wednesday - 7-8 p.m. @the Konde’s
/ Upcoming 2018 Mission Trips!!! High School: This summer we will be going to Birmingham, AL for our mission trip. This town has a lot of culture and history, and I am really excited to go there with you all. Also, this site comes with a 99.999% chance of there being ZERO tropical storms! Please let us know if you are going to be able to join us this year as soon as you can! We have limited space and want everyone to be there! When: July 8th – 13th. Cost: $279 per student. Lots more info to come!
Middle School: We will be staying in Texas for our Middle School trip this year and going with UM ARMY BASIC. We have been given some dates and locations to choose from, and a survey has been put together to gather data so we know which week works best for everyone! Be on the lookout for that survey, or if you have already filled it out, be on the lookout for more information to come! When: 7/15-19th
/ 2018 MUMC SCHOLARSHIPS The MUMC Scholarship Committee announces the 2018 Manchaca United Methodist Church Chris Brown and Don Banker College Scholarships. Application forms are available in the church office. Applicants should be entering or enrolling in an accredited college or vocational school for the fall semester of 2018. This year the deadline for submitting applications to the church office will be Monday, April 16, 2018, at 5 p.m. MUMC members and visitors are reminded that donations to the MUMC Scholarship Fund are accepted anytime during the year.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER NEW PLAYSCAPE FUNDRAISER Our playscape on the large playground is being retired. For the last fourteen years, the playscape has been lovingly played on by hundreds of children. We are asking for monetary donations for our fundraiser. Please share our fundraising event with anyone you think would like to help support the CDC Playscape fund. The cost of the playscape is $24,425. Our goal is to reach $26,000 to allow additional money be used to purchase new climbing structures on the Toddler/Two Playground also. We even take corporate donations! This is the unit we are purchasing except the yellow plastic sections will be green. Our goal deadline date is April 6th. Please make donations to MUMC CDC. Thank you, Leigh Anne Moore
Volume 23 Issue 4
Frolic Parent & Me Faith Classes April 8: Jesus Dies and Rises! Due to Easter, Frolic moves to the 2nd Sunday this month! Frolic Faith classes are for very young children (ages 0-2) and their parents to explore basic Bible stories together. We meet during the Sunday school hour (9:45-10:45) in the Fellowship Hall. Children are invited to come with a parent, grandparent, or other caring adult. All children in the nursery during the Sunday school hour will attend with one of our nurturing childcare staff.
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FISH Pre-Teen Youth Group th th
Our FISH Group for 4 and 5 grade students will meet on Wednesday, April 11, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Our theme this month is “Fit for God!” Tweens will explore how to take care of these bodies that God has given to us through proper nutrition, staying active and getting rest!
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Easter Sunday, April 1 Family Celebration in the Sunday School Hour (9:45-10:45 a.m.) Families are invited to participate in the Easter EGGstravaganza during the Sunday school hour on Easter morning. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall for Easter-themed family games, crafts and snacks. Kids will also hunt for color-coded eggs that lead them through the story of Holy Week. We'll end with the sharing of the Easter story with a butterfly release! Come join us and invite your neighbors to participate in the fun!
VBS 2018: Rolling River Rampage We’re on a quest to experience the ride of a lifetime with God! As we raft down the river, we’ll discover Adventure, Acceptance, Joy, Rest and Peace! • Monday – Friday, July 30 – August 3 • 9:00 – Noon, with early drop-off at 8 a.m. • For Ages 4 Years Old – 5th Grade • Cost: $20/child, $10 additional children • Registration begins May 1!
VBS Wish List: Teddy Bear Collection In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, you can bring a ray of hope to children in crisis by donating new and gently used teddy bears and other stuffed animals to our annual Teddy Bear Collection. Children learn what it means to share God’s love when they go through their own collection picking out gifts to give others. Drop off your donations in the playpens in the Hospitality Area and Family Life Center. The donations will be blessed during the Children’s Time on the last Sunday in April.
Children’s Choir Musical The Children’s Choir will present their annual Spring musical on Sunday, April 29 in worship. Come out and support the children!
Please begin collecting these items, but don’t bring them to church until June! • Reusable grocery bags (can be canvas or like the red HEB bags, but not thin plastic) • Paper milk cartons (rinsed) • Cereal boxes • Egg cartons • River rocks and small pebble rocks • Birdseed • Muffin liners • Wooden clothespins • Bright and colorful yarn • Empty, clean 2-liter bottle with cap • Blue disposable tablecloths and rolls of blue cellophane We would also like to BORROW the following: (Please label with your name and phone number.) • Blue or white Christmas lights • Adult life vests • Inflatable boat rafts and oars/paddles • Small camping tents (we need 3 for decoration only)
Volume 23 Issue 4
April 2018
Sunshine Café 2018 Join us in 2018 for the Sunshine Café Thursday, April 5th Italian Theme Lunch 11:30-12:00 Italian Fare Games and conversation 12:00-2:00 p.m. Seniors and other adults are invited to attend a fun afternoon of lunch, activities and conversation on Thursday, April 5, from 11:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Parlor. The Sunshine Cafe will now be open 5 Thursdays in 2018! February 1, April 5, June 14, October 4 and December 6. New Game!! Bunco will be added starting in April!! Mark your calendars!!
Spring Sale From the Craft Group Hand crafted towels to brighten your kitchen only 2/$5. Assorted colors and designs and they attach to the refrigerator or oven door handles. Washable, dryable, and priced right! Any 2 for $5.
Remember to sign up as a runner or to become a sponsor for the rd 3 Annual Kids Dash and 5K Run, April 14, 2018!
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OPEN HEARTS Tuesday, April 3 @ 7 PM Room 8 –
Main Building across from the Sanctuary Starting a new group is never easy. It takes time, determination, and “a passion”. Changes to the structure of the UMC are upon us. The same can be said for the LGBTQ Community. A Support Group is a great way to know you are not alone. It is a safe space to share and know you will be heard and not judged. Accepting that one has an LGBTQ child, relative, or friend can be difficult. Your dreams for your child suddenly may have been changed. We are here to support you as we make this journey together. While each story is unique, the journey itself basically is the same. We are each somewhere on that path; but we all remember those first tentative steps. Join us and experience the Love and Acceptance that we have to give OR come offer your love and support to someone else in need. You may have just the words they need to hear! If you need more information or just want to talk before that time, call Loretta [mother of a gay son] 281-615-6149 [cell] or Kim 512-2827274 [at the church]. Join us and feel free to bring a friend. Allies and members of the LGBTQ Community are welcome.
REMINDER Now that Spring is here and winter coats not needed, the Craft Group will be accepting donations for our fourth year of participation in Coats for Kids. With a budget of $200 and donations of coats we were able to contribute 103 coats last year. Our goal this year is to equal or surpass that number. Just bring them to the church marked for Craft Group. Thanks!
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April 2018
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The Stephen Ministry Symbol
Care Corp (Lay Visitation Team)
The logo's most dominant feature is the cross of Jesus to remind us that Christ is at the center of Stephen Ministry and all Stephen Ministry relationships. The broken person behind the cross symbolizes how we are all broken people and the whole person in front of the cross signifies the wholeness we encounter through the transforming power of Jesus' love. The circle is a symbol of God's eternal and never-ending love for us...a love that surrounds us, holds us, heals us. The logo serves as a simple reminder that it is not the Stephen Minister who restores and heals but, rather, it is God's love working through each Stephen Minister and each care receiver as they meet together. The logo serves to remind us that we are a caring congregation. And, most importantly, the logo also serves to remind us to remember our Stephen Ministry program whenever we see someone in need of one-to-one care. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. Matthew 18:20.
TRAINING COMING IN APRIL! Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 11th Would you like the opportunity to make a significant difference in another's life? Those who serve on Care Corp visit and pray with people connected with the church who are in the hospital or rehab centers. Care Corp folks may also minister to people who are homebound and struggling to stay connected to the church. We know of a broad range of opportunities to serve that can fit into any schedule. To prepare you to be in ministry in this unique and meaningful way, our first of two training sessions is scheduled for Sunday, April 15, 2018, from 12:30 to 4:00 pm. Lunch will be provided. We will decide on a second training date at that first meeting that meets everyone's schedule. The class will be co-led by Pastor Rosie and Dinny Lauger, Care Corp Chair, and other Care Corp representatives. Both sessions will be a combination of presentation, discussion, and practice of caring skills. We'll cover topics like: • Prayer • Do's and Don'ts • Compassionate Listening • Biblical and Other Resources • Care Corp Guidelines • Ways We'll Support Each Other There is no cost for the course and all materials will be provided. If you are interested or have questions, please email or call Pastor Rosie Grattan at
[email protected] or 512-282-7274, extension 329. Once you have decided to sign up, please register for this training by contacting Pastor Rosie by email or phone. Thank you for your interest!
PLEASE COME--YOU ARE INVITED YOUR STEPHEN MINISTRY would like to invite the congregation to join us on
Sunday, April 22, immediately after the 11am worship services, to enjoy a casual lunch in the Fellowship Hall. You will have the opportunity to visit with the Stephen Ministers and ask questions about our Stephen Ministry program. We hope you will mark your calendar now and plan to lunch with us.
Come join us!!!
COMING APRIL 14 PREPARING FOR THE NEXT DISASTER The Rio Texas Conference is offering Early Response Team (ERT) Training with the goal of providing caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster. It makes sense - the best time to prepare for a disaster is BEFORE it starts. This training prepares volunteers to participate in disaster response soon after disaster strikes. The Conference currently has a training opportunity scheduled on April 14th at FUMC Pflugerville (Basic ERT) from 8:30 - 4:30 pm. The training fee is $30 and this includes training materials, lunch, break with snacks, T-shirt, background check and ID badge (payment will be made the day of the training). For more information about the training or to register go to riotexasresponse.org.
KAIROS OUTSIDE PRISON MINISTRY INFORMATIONAL! When: SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2018 Location of informational meal: After the 11AM Life on the Road Service in the Family Life Center Regina Ruiz, Kairos Outside Representative, will be sharing with us what Kairos Outside is all about... And while you listen, we will be serving delicious Arroz Con Pollo, Frijoles and Tortillas! “When all hope was lost, Kairos saved my life!” Regina Ruiz You do not have to have a loved one in prison to attend a weekend retreat... if you or someone you know is experiencing brokenness, feeling lost, alone or exhausted with grief...we are here for you... to support you. You are not alone in your journey.
What is Kairos Outside? Kairos of Texas Outside Kairos Outside is a special weekend retreat designed to support the female loved ones of men and women who are or have been incarcerated. Families of the incarcerated "do time" right along with their loved ones. In a safe environment with loving people, women interact with other women who are in similar situations and learn to form small support groups to give them strength for the challenges they face.
Volume 23 Issue 4
April 2018
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One Day Matters… 1-3 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could embalm him. Very early on Sunday morning, as the sun rose, they went to the tomb. They worried out loud to each other, “Who will roll back the stone from the tomb for us?” 4-5 Then they looked up, saw that it had been rolled back—it was a huge stone—and walked right in. They saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed all in white. They were completely taken aback, astonished. 6-7 He said, “Don’t be afraid. I know you’re looking for Jesus the Nazarene, the One they nailed on the cross. He’s been raised up; he’s here no longer. You can see for yourselves that the place is empty. Now—on your way. Tell his disciples and Peter that he is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You’ll see him there, exactly as he said.” 8 They got out as fast as they could, beside themselves, their heads swimming. Stunned, they said nothing to anyone. (Mark 16:1-8, The Message)
It must have been supremely important for the women in Mark’s story to collect spices after the Sabbath was over, so that they might go and anoint Jesus’ body for burial. But early the next day of the week, just after sunrise, as they were on their way to the tomb, they found something that surprised them. Jesus was no longer there. A young man dressed in a white robe (an angel) declared: “He has risen. He is not here…” One day really does matter. Because they didn’t seem to believe his promise to them that he would rise again, they weren’t really expecting Jesus to be gone. But one more day mattered. Imagine if they had given up hope and had not bothered to go back to the tomb that bright new morning. We celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Easter Sunday because that one day long ago mattered to the women, and that one day matters to us. A day that made a difference. He’s no longer there. He is risen. Oftentimes, in our despair, life will seem hopeless as if life is going nowhere. In a hopeless state of mind, we might rise in the morning, thinking “I’ll just go and bury my dreams, my hopes for anything really good happening. It seems like it’s over.” But if we can just take heart, we will hopefully find that that one day really does matter. Each new day God gives us is a day filled with purpose and possibilities. Your day might start out feeling hopeless with no opportunity for good, but then God sends you a reminder, an encouragement of some kind, a child whispering in your ear “I love you.” Like the women who went to bury Jesus’ body that Sunday morning but ended up finding his promises to be true, may we live each day knowing God’s promises are real and his plans for us are good. Knowing Jesus is NOT dead, but that he is ALIVE, and he lives in me, helps me get up every morning with purpose and joy. Practice a few daily affirmations that help you head into each new day: …I can make it through another day…With God’s help, I can enjoy this day…God does have something vitally important for me to do today...Each day really does matter. God made it for a reason. Live like it! Hard as it may seem to understand sometimes, I believe each new day has something significant that God wants you to experience and do. Look what the women found. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10, New International Version) In Christ’s Love, Always,
Pastor Rosie
Volume 23 Issue 4
Manchaca United Methodist Church . .offers varied worship experiences each Sunday a.m. Worship Schedule: 8:30-9:30 a.m.- Traditional Worship w/Communion in the Sanctuary 11 a.m. - 12 noon - Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary 11 a.m. - 12 noon - Praise Worship in the Family Life Center Sunday School: 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Rev. Andy Smith - Sr. Pastor Rev. Rosie Grattan - Assoc. Pastor Office: 512-282-7274 FAX:512-282-7508 email:
[email protected] web address: ManchacaUMC.org
April 2018
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First Sunday Fellowship Our 1st Sunday Fellowship moves to the 2nd Sunday this month due to Easter. Don’t miss the last potluck and games fellowship opportunity of the school year! We meet in the Parlor from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. Bring a dish to share and a family game to play. The First Sunday Fellowship is open to all – so come and eat and play with us!
Grounded In Prayer 6-Week Small Group Study on Sunday Afternoons Begins April 8, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Prayer is a crucial way for us to experience and live in God's grace. Jesus used the Lord's Prayer to teach all disciples about how to communicate with God, providing us with a template for how to bring our needs, concerns and challenges to God, who cares for each of us. This FREE 6week study will be led by Kim Carroll. Please sign up by Easter Sunday, April 1. We must have a minimum of 7 participants for the class to make .
Child Development Center: Pre School: 512-280-2552
NEXT NEWSLETTER WILL BE MAILED April 25, 2018 DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES Tuesday, April 17 - noon
Sunday Worship Times 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:45 a.m
When God Doesn’t Fix It 5-Week Women's Bible Study on Wednesday Mornings Begins April 18, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Laura Story's life took and unexpected turn when her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In this 5-session study, the Christian artist and author examines the twists and turns of her own life story, but also in the lives of many of our Biblical faith heroes. She reveals how God used crisis in the lives of people such as Abraham, Sarah, David and Paul to bring them closer to God and set them on the path God wanted them to take. The cost of the class is $7 for the study guide which will be used in the class.
Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage Pd. Permit #3 Manchaca, TX 78652
P.O. BOX 460, MANCHACA, TX 78652
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