Christmas Connection by Christ Church Sugar Land UMC

JOURNEY TO

H O P E • P E A C E • L O V E • J O Y

CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION OF THE CONNECTION 2010

THE JOURNEY B Y R E V. M O R R I S M AT T H I S

In 1865, an Episcopal clergyman by the name of Phillips Brooks visited Bethlehem. This visit inspired him to write a poem in 1867. A year later the organist of his church, Lewis Redner, created the music which will later be known as the carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” The tradition is that the song was first sung by the children of the church. Brooks may or may not have realized how accurate the image created by this timeless classic turned out to be. In actual fact, with a population of not much more than a hundred and certainly less than 200, at the time of Jesus’ birth it truly was a very little town. Yet it was a town which claimed a significant history. It’s where Rachel, the wife of Jacob and the matriarch of God’s people, died and was buried. Have you heard of the story of Ruth? Some of the key players and events of that story took place in, you guessed it, Bethlehem. Naturally David, the harp playing shepherd boy who would become king, was from Bethlehem. It was there, in fact, he was anointed by Samuel as the future king of Israel. The absence of size does not in any way diminish its significance. What took place in that little town some 2,000 years ago was significant enough to have changed the history of the world and millions upon millions of souls. The sermon series for the four weeks of advent is called “Journey to Bethlehem.” Who are the characters in the beautiful and dramatic story surrounding the birth of Jesus? There is the angel that brought the news of what was to happen to her. Naturally Mary and Joseph. Shepherds and angels. Animals in a stable. Wise men who came looking for him. Herod is a part of the story as is Ceaser Augustus. There is one more character in the story. It is the city of Bethlehem. During these weeks of Advent, I want to invite you to come with me to Bethlehem. To walk along side a faithful young couple making a journey there all the way from Nazareth. To get to know the shepherds just outside of Bethlehem who were given amazing news. To travel the streets of Bethlehem with them and search out this child. To find that place and with fear and joy approach the stable and peer in wonder into that manger. Why would I want you to walk the streets of Bethlehem with me? Why would I want you to picture its buildings, and get to know its people? Because the more real it all becomes to us, the better equipped we are to find ourselves in the story and discover the meaning of the birth of Jesus for us and for our lives. With all the special plans that go with Christmas, with all the special places we go, I hope you will put it high on your list to make it a priority to come to Bethlehem. It is the place we go to see this amazing thing that has happened. It is the place where, having encountered this baby, we leave and we are never the same. Looking forward to the journey with you, Morris Matthis, Senior Pastor

HOPE B Y R E V. L I N D A S U M M E R S P I E R C E

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE East Fort Bend Food Pantry provides all the groceries necessary to prepare a traditional holiday meal for those in our community needing a helping hand. This year the Food Pantry plans to give out 350 holiday food baskets on December 20 and we could sure use your help. Contact

I first heard the song several years ago when Point of Grace released their Christmas album, and I happened to purchase it out of curiosity. They had a Wilson Phillips kind of sound which I liked. The production was great and the songs were fun to listen to, but it was this song, the very last cut on the CD, that I found myself singing for the rest of that season and on into the new year.

Debbie Barger at 281-778-5208 or at barger.da@gmail. com. Assistance from the community is needed more than ever! If you can’t help on that day, please donate to the Food Pantry Collection Bin downstairs to help make the holidays a little brighter for our Fort Bend neighbors in need. www.cumcsl.org/missions

Maybe it was because I had been on a pilgrimage to the very place mentioned in the song, and I remembered that things weren’t as far apart in that country as I had once imagined them. Maybe it was because its beautiful and simple statement of faith took me immediately to one of those deep places of truth that can only be from God. Maybe it was the melody and the cadence that undeniably, mysteriously, and metaphorically set my feet on a journey. Likely it was all of this and more. The song has only two short verses. In the first one, Joseph offers his hand to Mary and tells her they’re not that far from the place where all their hope and joy will begin. Soon they’ll hold the Christ child in their arms and cherish Him. And then the second verse begins:

flour, gravy mix packages, canned pie filling and cake mix/ frosting.

“Let us celebrate as the Christmases go by, learn to live our days with our hearts near to the child, ever drawn, ever close to the only love that lasts, and though 2,000 years have passed. . . .We’re not that far from Bethlehem where all our hope and joy began for when our hearts still cherish Him, we’re not that far, not that far from Bethlehem.”

Hope &

Healing

The song title, of course, is “Not That Far From Bethlehem,”and it’s words are not so much about being close to the town in which Christ was born, but being in touch with what happened in His birth. In Bethlehem, God, in one of the modes of God’s own triune being, entered humanity. Jesus was born, the Word of God in the flesh. In His birth and through His life, Jesus not only represented God to humanity, He also represented humanity to God. He became the living and active presence of God in the world so that the world might know God’s ultimate desire for relationship with humanity and find itself taken up into God’s own being. When the face-to-face encounters had not been enough, and when the leadership of the great patriarchs of the faith had not been enough, and when the decisions of the judges and the kings had not been enough, and when the searing words of the prophets had not been enough, God said “enough!” and wonderfully and mysteriously commingled divinity and humanity in an act of self-sacrificial love that would seal the promise of salvation forever. Cherishing Jesus, the source of our hope, draws us closer to God and deeper into the realization that God not only wanted to live with us as one of us, but actually took the initiative to do just that. As Saint John Chrysostom said so beautifully so many years ago, “For this He assumed my body, that I may become capable of His word; taking my flesh, He gives me His Spirit; and so He bestowing and I receiving, He prepares for me the treasure of life. He takes my flesh to sanctify me; He gives me His Spirit, that He may save me.” When we can wrap our hearts around this and cherish it, then, truly, we’re not that far from Bethlehem!

SILENT NIGHT WORSHIP: A TIME OF HOPE AND HEALING DECEMBER 14 • 7:00 PM • SANCTUARY

The Christmas season can be a painful time for those who’ve experienced loss. Instead of bringing excitement and happiness, it can bring reminders of an empty place at the table and in the heart. The Silent Night Service offers a quiet time of reflection on God who weeps with us and would restore our joy. This word of hope is shared through beautiful music by the Festival Choir, an Advent wreath liturgy, a meditation by Rev. Matthis, and the ministry of prayer. Candles will be lit as “Silent Night” is sung and we celebrate the new life we have in Christ. All are invited to attend this service on Tuesday evening, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Extended family members, friends, co-workers and acquaintances are welcome! www.cumcsl.org/christmas

LOVE B Y R E V. K A T H Y K I R K PAT R I C K

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICES FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24

4:00 pm • Family (Designed for young children) 5:30 pm • Traditional* 6:00 pm • Casual* (Family Life Center) 8:00 pm • Contemporary* 11:00 pm • Traditional* * Includes Holy Communion

DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES & BREAKFAST DECEMBER 26 • 8:15, 9:45, 11:00 @ the hub, 11:05 am

Bring family and friends to enjoy breakfast and a relaxed and casual worship experience with special elements for "Making Memories." Don't miss it.

Traditions. Customs. I don’t know if there is ever a time of year than the one we’re entering that has more rituals. Some speak of one’s ethnic or national identity. Pleasing my Swedish grandmother, I remember many “Santa Lucia” days (December 13) when as eldest daughter I was charged with duty of ‘bringing the light‘ before daybreak to the family (oh, that lit candle wreath on my head was scary.) Swedish boys have much less hazardous duties as “Star Boys.” Some customs are charged with the influence of locale. For many Texans, orders are being made for the food for Christmas Eve - tamales. New Mexicans, among others, display holiday chili pepper ristas. In New York City, museum aficionados riding the subways are often seen fashioning paper origami tree decorations for the annual displays. Folks living on waterways decorate their boats. In many northern communities, this is the time of year simple, single candles are placed on window ledges. Each evening as nights get longer and longer those candles burn. How many cities feature their area’s annual production of The Nutcracker, Dickens’ Christmas Carol or Dr. Seuss’ Grinch Who Stole Christmas?

M Loved HONOR A

Some seasonal observances are neighborhood specific. Have you ever driven down the streets of the Pecan Grove community this time of year? I understand at some point there were deed restrictions for their homeowners regarding what holiday displays were expected everything from light bulb size, wattage, and hours of illumination. It is amazing to see that neighborhood’s bright decorations.

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One custom that I’ve witnessed adopted by many churches, regardless of ethnicity, denomination, or location, comes to us from the Moravians. Their holiday ‘Love Feast,’ based on the Agape meals of the early church, seems so simple to the causal observer. In the context of an uncomplicated, music filled service, the congregation is served unpretentious buns and a mug of steamy coffee infused with milk. Hardly a holiday feast. But, the first part of the event’s name reveals its focus: LOVE. By pausing in a Sanctuary, hearing the music, seeing the holiday greenery in the glow of candlelight, participants are embraced with a renewed sense of community and imbued with the spirit of harmony, goodwill, and even congeniality. In the quiet sharing of so simple a meal, people are reminded what brought them together that night - and brings them together always - their membership in Christ’s family. Do you have a grudge? Forgive. Is there conflict? Seek reconciliation. We are family - a wildly diverse, eclectic family. Love! We can’t come to the manger and seek to welcome the Christ child unless we can look at all of our extended Christian family in our church and embrace them first. Our family goes well beyond our church walls. We are a part of a very, very large family - all around the world! As we each go through our holiday preparations, indulging in a tradition or custom or two, may we enter into the spirit of the Moravian Love Feast. In a season filled with activity and busy-ness, can we pause? Can we still our souls? We must! There is no better time to seek reconciliation and express love to your family - your very, very big family!

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS ON SALE NOVEMEBER 21 - DECEMBER 5• MINISTRY CENTER

Stop by the Poinsettia table in the Ministry Center after any worship service on November 21, November 28, or December 5 to purchase a beautiful poinsettia in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone who’s blessed your life. The flowers come from Brookwood Horticulture and will arrive in time to adorn our Sanctuary on Christmas Eve. Purchasers may take their poinsettia with them after the Christmas Eve service they attend. Red order forms will be available in the pew pockets. Contact Sandy White in the front office for additional information. www.cumcsl.org/christmas

Offer blessing this holy day season! 6

JOY BY I N G R E D L AT H R O P

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room……. Joy...what is it? And how do we prepare our hearts to have room for the king? I have written in the margin of my Bible “Happiness is based on circumstances, but joy is much more. Joy is deep in my heart and is based on my relationship with God no matter what my circumstances are. Joy is constant!”

Story Time: There is nothing better then reading the Christmas story straight from the Bible in the book of Luke. Make this a special time each night, snuggle up in front of the tree or read by candlelight with a cup of cocoa. If you have a nativity set, use it to tell the story. If you have young kids, put on an impromptu Christmas pageant.

Christmas is coming, are we focused on joy or happiness? Let’s face it, if we are focused on our circumstances, then the month of December can be one big celebration for some and one big let-down for others. If we aren’t intentional about focusing on the joy of Jesus Christ, then our holidays can get all wrapped up in the circumstances, and if you are facing the holidays with a family in crisis, loss of a loved one, a marriage in trouble, financial woes, a health crisis, then the holidays can be anything but happy.

Schedule: Don’t feel obligated to do everything. Remember, kids are creatures of habit who crave routine. Decide what will be meaningful for your family. Put these things on your calendar and say no to the rest. Speaking of rest, kids need it, and so do you.

At Christ Church we have introduced our congregation to a Faith@Home way of thinking. No matter what your family looks like or what your circumstances are, we all need the same thing: Jesus Christ in the center of family life. Research tells us that the home is 2-3 times more influential than any church program in passing on a strong lifelong faith. Home is the primary place where faith is nurtured and where children are involved; parents are the primary nurturers. The words “sensory overload” among others comes to mind when I think about all the things that will be added to our schedules over the next month. How do we make Faith@Home a priority, especially during this busy Christmas season? How do we focus on the joy of Jesus?

Birthday Party for Jesus: Since we are celebrating Jesus’ birth why not have a birthday party as part of your celebration? This can be as simple as having a birthday cake with your Christmas dinner or as elaborate as a children’s party with games, food and gifts of baby items that you donate to a charity of your choice. Journal: After the Christmas season, sit down and talk about what was especially meaningful for each member of your family. You might be surprised. Write it down, and keep a journal so you can refer to it in the years to come. I pray that no matter your circumstances, you have the joy of knowing that you have an awesome God who loves you and cares for you. And, that you understand the very reason God sent Jesus was so you would know how much He loves you. Christ Church is not just a place where people “go to church;” Christ Church is a family where people experience the gift of God’s grace, love and joy. The best Christmas gift we can give ourselves and our families is the gift of joy - the complete joy found in Jesus. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11

The Festival Choir & Orchestra at Christ United Methodist Church, Sugar Land, TX

Lahonda Sharp, Conductor Beth McConnell, Organist present…

Songs of Mary

Magnificat Selections by Mark Hayes & John Rutter Gospel Magnificat by Robert Ray Barbara Tucker - Guest soloist

 Other Seasonal Favorites

Pre-concert music @ 5:30 pm - Live on the Landing Also featuring: David Daniels  Hangfong Au  Ballet Grace  Women’s Choir  Handbells  Sacred Harp Ensemble

December 12, 2010  6 pm  Sanctuary 3300 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX  www.cumcsl.org Childcare by reservation: kimr@cumcsl.org

INTIMACY BY JASO N N E L SO N

John 1:14a “And the Word became flesh and lived among us…” In the incarnation, God took on human form to live as one of us and to live with us as Emmanuel, God with us. The creator of the universe emptied himself, left his throne in heaven and was born in a manger. Why? Intimacy with humanity. Mary and Joseph, tired and worn out from a long journey to Bethlehem, found themselves cradled in an environment surrounded by farm animals on all sides. With the smell of hay and the sounds of sheep in the air, Mary and Joseph swaddled the baby Jesus. Snuggled together that first night, this Christmas family began a journey together, one of intimacy. Jesus walked thousands of miles throughout Judea with some of his most trusted and dedicated companions, camping out with them under the stars he created. He conversed with social outcasts, dined with the ragamuffins of the day, encountered the poor and the sick on the hillsides and then met with them in their homes. Jesus’ ministry was one that was filled with intimacy. With a love unlike any other, Christ suffered and died a horrible death. Why? He bore a cross to provide a way for you and me to experience intimacy with the Divine. God values intimacy. Emmanuel came as one of us to be in relationship with all of us. He didn’t come to be stranger or a mere acquaintance. No, Christ came to be our savior and our closest friend. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ offers us a relationship like no other. He offers us intimacy with him and then encourages us to do the very things he did in ministry—develop close and intimate relationships with others. That’s what Christmas is really about. It’s about forming and strengthening relationships. It’s about creating intimacy with God and others. My prayer for us this Christmas is that we not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season but instead, concentrate on our relationships with God and others. This Christmas, let’s focus less on presents and more on being present before God and with others. Let’s focus on the relationships in our lives. Let’s develop intimacy; that’s what Christmas is all about. 9

CHRISTMAS CONFESSION BY R E N E E T E E L

I love Christmas! Each year, I make a special trip to Garden Ridge so I can buy my annual Christmas ornament and hang out by all the cinnamon pine cones – Snnnifff! Aaaah! I will also stand at the exit of Kroger’s and inhale that wonderful pine tree smell until the ice cream in my cart starts to

melt. And the carols. I love singing “White Christmas." Even though we don’t often get one, it reminds me of my childhood holidays in Indiana. Call me crazy, but I’ve even gone to Toys"R"Us on Christmas Eve just to witness the pandemonium fueled by the desire to bring joy to a child. I will spend hours trying to find that

“perfect gift” or struggle with what I could buy that will fit in a stocking. Inevitably, at some point (usually around 2:00 am on Christmas morning when I’m still wrapping) I am struck by the absurdity of it all. My thoughts go to the child who has a dad at the Carol Vance prison unit, the mother sleeping outside her baby’s window at Dabou Hospital in Africa, the forgotten grandma over at First Colony Nursing Home, the boy in the wheelchair at the Emaus church in Mexico, and I wish I had grabbed more Angel Tree tags or sent my Mom a bigger share of that Gifts Unto Others card.

Kings’ gratitude as they presented the Christ child with myrrh, gold and frankincense. However, at the end of the day when I look at all the garbage bags of wrapping, ribbons and boxes and realize that at least one of the gifts I bought will most likely get returned next week, I end up saying, “next year, we’re just going to buy one gift and give the rest away”

Please don’t misunderstand…I think sharing the joy of Christ’s birth with my family and friends is a beautiful way of replicating the

My prayer is that these thoughts that I share publicly with you, my friends in Christ, will remind me ahead of time of the opportunities I have to share His love with those in His world that have so little and that they will remind me that I have already received the greatest gift of all – His Love.

PEACE BY K A R E N L A M OT TA

As I ponder about Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, I am reminded that their journey is what begins to give our individual journeys meaning and relevance. Their journey led to the beginning of the greatest love story ever told, and without Christmas we may never have known the intensity of the love that God has for us. It is the birth of that love that we celebrate, and without that story, we have no story worthy of sharing, no reason to witness. But, their paths crossing with ours, the intersection of the divine and the human, in a remote village called Bethlehem remind us that in the stillness of that night, Christ, the infant in the manager, delivered a light to the world that never stops shining. I wish everyone could experience God’s love story with great peace, joy and comfort, but I know that the Christmas season can be a time of increased pain and difficult memories for many. I hope you will accept God’s invitation to be characters in His story, and be faithful in taking his light and love in the world in very real ways. Here are a few suggestions: invite someone new to worship with you; stop in a care facility and share your time with those residents; extend random acts of kindness wherever you go; pay for a meal for a stranger. The opportunities are endless; the time is now. As we journey together this Christmas season, I encourage you to de-clutter your schedules and to find places and spaces that you too can ponder the greatest love story ever told. I pray that you will seek out moments of stillness, not only this Christmas but also in all the days ahead. In the midst of busyness, work, family, life’s obligations, and struggles may you be reminded of an infant in Bethlehem, and breathe in His peace and allow it to carry you.

SHARE YOUR JOYS AND CONCERNS WITH US

Your 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 these to the pastors and appropriate member care ministry leaders. 11

EVENTS CRAZY FOR CHRISTMAS NOVEMBER 30 • 6:30 PM • FAMILY LIFE CENTER

Crazy for Christmas will be held on Tuesday, November 30 at 6:30 pm. It will be an evening of dinner, desserts, fellowship, shopping, and great entertainment. This is an event that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Reservations can be made for small children who may not be ready for this event by contacting Kim Ripley at 281-980-6888 x4784 (pizza will be provided for these kids) Tickets will go on sale Sunday, October 31– November 28 in the Ministry Center. If you would like to decorate a table and or buy tickets, Diane Sindelar at 281-491-3569. Proceeds from this year's event will go to the piano fund toward the purchase of a new piano in the Sanctuary. www.cumcsl.org/music

TOWN SQUARE EVENT DECEMBER 5 • 2:00 - 5:00 PM • SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE

Gather in Sugar Land Town Square to help us offer Christ to our community, and to enjoy fun and inspirational music from our children's and adult choirs, the hub band, and Forgiven!. ACOLYTE CHRISTMAS PARTY AND SERVICE PROJECT DECEMBER 12 • 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM • 210/211

Acolytes. Come join the fun in a party that’s just for you. Play games, like “Light the Candle.” Figure out how many Acolytes it takes to trim the tree. Participate in relays, word searches and more. There’ll be food, prizes and a service project putting together over 3,000 candles for Christmas Eve. Wow. Don’t miss the fun on Sunday afternoon, December 12, from 3:00 to 4:30 pm in 210/211. Contact Judy or Victor Hicks, your Acolyte Coordinators, at 281-980-8727 to RSVP. Parental help will be welcomed. www.cumcsl.org/christmas CHRISTMAS CONCERT DECEMBER 12 • 5:30 PM • SANCTUARY

The Festival Choir and Orchestra conducted by Lahonda Sharp and featuring Beth McConnell and Hangfong Au, will be presenting The Songs of Mary Sunday, December 12 at 6:00 pm with pre-concert music at 5:30 pm. This wonderful evening will feature Magnificat (My Soul Magnifies the Lord) in a variety of styles by Mark Hayes, John Rutter and Gospel writer Robert Ray along with other seasonal favorites and guest appearances by Barbara Tucker, Ballet Grace, David Daniels, Handbells and more. This is a free concert open to the public (doors open at 5:15 pm). A dessert reception will immediately follow in the Gathering Hall. www.cumcsl.org/music SILENT NIGHT WORSHIP: A TIME OF HOPE AND HEALING DECEMBER 14 • 7:00 PM • SANCTUARY

The Christmas season can be a painful time for those who’ve experienced loss. Instead of bringing excitement and happiness, it can bring reminders of an empty place at the table and in the heart. The Silent Night Service offers a quiet time of reflection on God who weeps with us and would restore our joy. This word of hope is shared through beautiful music by the Festival Choir, an Advent wreath liturgy, a meditation by Rev. Matthis, and the ministry of prayer. Candles will be lit as “Silent Night” is sung and we celebrate the new life we have in Christ. All are invited to attend this service on Tuesday evening, December 14 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Extended family members, friends, co-workers and acquaintances are welcome! www.cumcsl.org/christmas

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS PARTY & CHRISTMAS MUSICAL DECEMBER 19 • 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM • SANCTUARY & FLC

Some of you may remember The First Leon from last year. On December 19, at 4:00 pm, we are doing the Sequel The Next Noel! Leon is again the center of the action, only this time, he, having matured from the simple state of understudy, is directing the Christmas pageant. He has grand and lofty dreams and expectations for the program. However, the closer the cast gets to opening night, the more wildly overstated and ridiculous Leon’s ideas become – and more importantly, the more the program becomes all about Leon’s initiative instead of God’s miracle at Christmas……the night before the performance, one of the little girls in the cast gets sick and cannot fulfill her role as one of the lowly sheep in the stall. All of the kids in the cast tell Leon that he has to play the part and that no one else can. Leon is defiant about having to play such an insignificant role – especially having to kneel. Then, he suddenly realizes that humble worship is exactly what our response should be at Christmas and all lifelong. Join us in the Family Life Center Gym after the children’s musical from 5:00 - 7:00 pm to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. We will have games, crafts, a hayride plus refreshments and a birthday cake. Families are asked to bring a canned good donation for East Fort Bend Human Needs. For a list of items needed, please see our website. Come celebrate the birth of Christ with the whole family. www.cumcsl.org/music CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES DECEMBER 24 • VARIOUS TIMES & LOCATIONS

4:00 pm • Family (Designed for young children) 5:30 pm • Traditional* 6:00 pm • Casual* (Family Life Center) 8:00 pm • Contemporary* 11:00 pm • Traditional* * Includes Holy Communion

www.cumcsl.org/christmas

DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS SERVICES & BREAKFAST DECEMBER 26 • 8:15, 9:45, 11:00 @ THE HUB, 11:05 AM

Bring family and friends to enjoy breakfast and a relaxed and casual worship experience with special elements for "Making Memories." Don't miss it. www.cumcsl.org/christmas

WOMEN'S BREAKFAST JANUARY 22 • 9:00 - 11:00 AM • GATHERING HALL

The Women's Ministry presents Be Empowered! Eat Chocolate with Breakfast with author Jan Bethancourt. Join us for a great breakfast plus lots of chocolate treats. The cost is just $15 if you register in December. If you register in January, it is still only $20. The registration deadline is January 15, 2011. Our outreach effort for this breakfast will benefit Fort Bend Family Promise. Everyone is asked to bring new toiletry items to donate such as toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, deodorant, disposable razors, tissues or antibacterial soap. Jan Bethancourt will also have signed copies of her book available for purchase. www.cumcsl.org/women

HELPING OTHERS

CHILDREN

FREEDOM WALK TOUR DECEMBER 9 • CAROL VANCE

4TH GRADE “GIRL TIME” CAROLING DECEMBER 5 • 5:15 PM • CHRIST CHURCH

This is an easy way to see what prison ministry is all about without having to make a commitment. Come and witness how God is working miracles in these men’s lives and miracles for our community. The recidivism rate drops nearly 86% once the inmates go thru the Carol Vance RJM program. Please join us! The 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. Our upcoming walk is scheduled on December 9. We can also arrange tours for Bible studies and other groups if needed. Individuals and groups should sign-up at least a week in advance. Contact Betty Waedemon at 281-980-5368 to sign up for a walk or to get more information. www.cumcsl.org/missions

ANGEL TREE NOVEMBER 21 - DECEMBER 12

Starting November 21, come pick one or several tags off the Angel Tree and make someone’s Christmas a special one. The Angel Tree is located in the Gathering Hall and has tags listing Christmas wishes from children in need and the elderly in nursing homes. The children come from homes in the FBISD Shared Dreams Program. You can also pick a shopping bag off the tree with a list of everyday items needed for underprivileged families. All presents must be returned on December 5 or 12 at the tree and will be delivered immediately following the 11:05 service on December 12. Don’t have time to shop? Please consider making a donation to the Angel Tree. The donations will be used to purchase last minute items and other gifts needed for children who have a parent in prison or for special occasions throughout the year. Drop your check in the gift box next to the Angel Tree. Thank you for your thoughtfulness to those in need this Christmas season. Contact Terri Schnakenberg at 281-924-4597 or Susan Die at 281-778-6988. www.cumcsl.org/missions

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE DECEMBER 20 • EFBFP

5TH GRADE “GIRL TIME” CAROLING DECEMBER 5 • 5:00 PM • LA MADELEINE

All 5th grade girls are welcome to come and bring a friend. We will meet at La Madeleine for Dinner at 5:00 pm. Bring money for dinner, a homemade Christmas card and a permission form. The girls will eat, go to the Terrace to carol and then come to Christ Church for hot chocolate and cookies. 4TH AND 5TH GRADE POPCORN SUNDAY DECEMBER 19 • 9:45 - 10:45 AM • 210/211

The children will be watching the Story of Christmas during their regular Blast time in their regular classroom. 4TH AND 5TH GRADE “GUY TIME” JANUARY 9 • 1:00 - 2:30 PM • GYM

Dads are invited too! Sunday, January 9 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm at Christ Church in the Gym. 4TH GRADE FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES JANUARY 7 • 6:00 - 8:00 PM • 210/211

Friday, January 7 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Christ Church in room 210/211. Bring $3 for pizza and a dessert to share. www.cumcsl.org/children

OLDER ADULTS ENCORE! DECEMBER 1 • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM • SANCTUARY

East Fort Bend Food Pantry provides all the groceries necessary to prepare a traditional holiday meal for those in our community needing a helping hand. This year the Food Pantry plans to give out 350 holiday food baskets on December 20 and we could sure use your help. Contact Debbie Barger at 281-778-5208 or at barger.da@gmail.com. Assistance from the community is needed more than ever! If you can’t help on that day, please donate to the Food Pantry Collection Bin downstairs to help make the holidays a little brighter for our Fort Bend neighbors in need.

Join us December 1 from 11 am – 1:30 pm for The Sounds and Joys of Christmas, music filled worship service, fellowship lunch, and special holiday musical program featuring Molly Ness and the Christ Church Bell Ringers! Registration deadline is Sunday, November 28. $7. Pre-register by emailing kathyk@ cumcsl.org or calling 281-980-6888 x4787 and leaving a message. www.cumcsl.org

Food items collected for the Holiday Food Program include: stuffing mix, canned sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, cranberry sauce, chicken broth, evaporated milk, pumpkin, fruit, instant mashed potatoes, sugar, flour, gravy mix packages, canned pie filling and cake mix/frosting. www.cumcsl.org/missions

Join 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 other Friday and every other Monday or you may work independently on prayer shawls (instructions and a materials list is available). Bring soft, washable yarn in colors of your choosing– knitting needles (size 11 works well – or larger) or a crochet hook. If you don’t know how to crochet or knit, we will teach you! Email Pastor Kathy for information at kathyk@cumcsl.org. www.cumcsl.org

THANK YOU! UMCOR

Thank you, Christ Church, for your support of the UMCOR projects of Medicine Boxes and Flood Buckets in October. Through your call to ministry, we have sent two medicine boxes (enough medicines for 2,000 people for 3 months), one Flood Bucket, and a monetary donation of $1,147 to Sager Brown, a distribution point for UMCOR, for their use in constructing more buckets to respond to emergencies. If you missed this opportunity, please remember that these projects are included in the Gifts Unto Others catalog. www.umcor.org

All 4th grade girls are encouraged to come and bring a friend and meet at 5:15 pm at Christ Church. Bring a treat to share. We will be going off-site for caroling then we will return for dessert and hot chocolate.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MONDAYS & FRIDAYS • 9:00 AM• VOLUNTEER CENTER

SENIOR RINGERS MONDAYS •10:30 - 11:30 AM • CHOIR ROOM

OAM's Senior Ringers offers a place to learn, serve and have fellowship through the art of ringing chimes or handbells. No prior experience is necessary. Rehearsal is in the Choir Room Mondays from 10:30 - 11:30 am under the direction of Molly Ness. www.cumcsl.org

YOUTH

GIVING

YOUTH MID-WINTER RETREAT 2011 FEBRUARY 25 - 27, 2011 • FOREST GLEN CAMP

CHARITABLE DEDUCTIONS FOR 2010 NOVEMBER 21 - DECEMBER 31

Join us for our District Mid-Winter Retreat over the weekend of February 25 - 27, 2011. This year we will be heading to the piney woods of Huntsville (by attending Mid-Winter at Forest Glen Camp). Come reconnect with your friends from summer camp and meet some new ones! All youth in grades 7-12 and adults are welcome to attend. Early registration ends January 31, 2011. For more information, please visit our website. www.cumcsl.org/youth ACQUIRE THE FIRE JANUARY 21 - 22, 2011 • GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Start the New Year off right by joining the Youth group in attending Acquire the Fire over the weekend of January 21 22, 2011. This is a high energy two-day event produced by a national touring group and attended by youth from throughout the Houston area. It takes place at Grace Community Church and includes awesome worship, speakers and small group time. www.cumcsl.org/youth FAITH AND FAMILY NIGHT WITH THE HOUSTON ROCKETS DECEMBER 17 •5:30 PM • TOYOTA CENTER

Join the Youth Group as we attend a Rockets game on Friday, December 17. Cheer on the Rockets as they play the Memphis Grizzlies at the Toyota Center. Halftime entertainment will be provided by Gospel artist Ernest Pugh. The game starts at 7:00 pm, and we will be departing the FLC at approximately 5:30 pm that evening. All youth in grades 6-12, including their parents and siblings, are welcome to join us. Parent volunteers are requested to drive youth. Younger siblings must be chaperoned by a parent. To attend, just register on-line, reserving your tickets at just $13 each. www.cumcsl.org/youth

Please remember that Friday, December 31, will be the last day you can mail your contribution checks in order to claim a charitable deduction for 2010. Sunday, December 26, will be the last day donations can be accepted in the offering plate for 2010 charitable deductions. Checks that are placed in the offering on the first Sunday of 2011 will not qualify for a charitable contribution deduction in 2010 even if the check is backdated to 2010. However, checks that are written, mailed and postmarked in 2010 will be deductible in 2010 even if not received by the church until 2011. To ensure the deductibility of your church contributions, please do not file your 2010 tax return until you receive your 2010 Statement of Contributions. These will be mailed in mid-January. STAFF CHRISTMAS BONUS NOVEMBER 21 - DECEMBER 24

During this holy season, members of Christ Church are invited to make a special contribution to provide Christmas bonuses for our Church staff. Our staff works tirelessly throughout the year, and even more so during the Advent season. We hope you will remember them in the spirit of this season and give as you are able. All funds received will be divided equally among more than 30 staff members. If you are able to make a contribution, please note "staff bonus" on your check or envelope. Please submit any contributions no later than December 24. If you have any questions, please call Kathryn Stoffers at 281-980-9515. TITHES & OFFERINGS CHRIST CHURCH

DON’T COOK! HONEYBAKED HAM & TURKEY SALES DECEMBER 5 - 19 • MINISTRY CENTER

2011 ALTAR FLOWERS NOVEMBER 21 - DECEMBER 26 • MINISTRY CENTER

HoneyBaked Ham & Turkey sales for Christmas will begin on Sunday December 5 - 19. A table will be set up in the Ministry Center during each of the three Sundays for presale orders. Delivery will be on Wednesday, December 22 from 4 – 7 pm at the Austin Parkway Drive-thru. Just pull up, and we will deliver it to your car. www.cumcsl.org/music CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS ON SALE NOVEMEBER 21 - DECEMBER 5• MINISTRY CENTER

Stop by the Poinsettia table in the Ministry Center after any worship service through December 5 to purchase a beautiful poinsettia in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone who’s blessed your life. The flowers will arrive in time to adorn our Sanctuary on Christmas Eve. Purchasers may take their poinsettia with them after the Christmas Eve service they attend. Red order forms will be available in the pew pockets. Contact Sandy White at 281-980-6888 x4777 for additional information.

Reserve your 2011 altar flower arrangement date in the Ministry Center. Cost is $50. Place checks payable to Christ Church in the manila envelope and be sure to write “altar flowers” on the memo line. Contact Stephanie Strickland at finance@cumcsl.org or 281-690-4747. GIFTS UNTO OTHERS YEAR-ROUND PROGRAM

Are you tired of giving Christmas gifts that lose their meaning after a month? Then please consider giving a memorable (and tax-deductible) gift that will have meaning all year long. Give a Gift Unto Others. Honor those special people in your life with gifts that embrace the Spirit of the season by helping the hungry, hurting and needy. A personalized greeting card will let recipients know that a donation was made in their name to benefit Christ Church missions, as well as local, national and international organizations. New this year – order online at www.cumcsl.org or find GUO catalogs throughout the church. For more info contact Pam or Judy at 281-491-4811. november 19 - december 12 in the ministry center.

THE SHOPPE

This summer we dare you to join the Las Manos De Cristo crew for the adventure of a lifetime. We challenge you to give up the comforts of your home and join us as we travel to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, to work for and serve the families living in this region. Come with us to win the hearts of these villagers by helping with their daily survival tasks. Integrate into their world and exchange cultures as you minister through drama, build subsistence structures, play with their children, and introduce them to the One, True, and Mighty God! www.cumcsl.org/youth

We are excited about the opportunities ahead of us and would like to thank all of you who consider your financial giving a priority of your membership at Christ Church. We believe the spiritual discipline of stewardship is essential to personal growth in your Christian walk. For offerings in excess of your tithe, or extravagant generosity, we have several long-term goals that you are invited to support. Some of these include the Mission Possible Campaign, the Permanent Endowment Fund and the Resurrection Fund. For more information, please contact the Business Office at 281-980-6888. Thank you again for your financial support. We look forward to your participation in 2011 and in years to come, and we pray that together our giving will honor God.

LAS MANOS DE CRISTO 2011: ON TO HONDURAS JUNE 2011 • YOUTH MISSIONS• HONDURAS

CHRIST

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID SUGAR LAND, TX PERMIT #129

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

3300 AUSTIN PARKWAY SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77479

CRAZY FOR CHRISTMAS NOVEMBER 30 • 6:30 PM • FAMILY LIFE CENTER

We’re Here to Serve!

SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE EVENT DECEMBER 5 • 2 - 5 PM • SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE

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. Rev. Morris Matthis Senior Pastor

ACOLYTE CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 12 • 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM • 210/211 CHRISTMAS CONCERT DECEMBER 12 • 5:30 PM • SANCTUARY SILENT NIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE: A TIME OF HOPE AND HEALING DECEMBER 14 • 7:00 PM • SANCTUARY HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS PARTY & CHRISTMAS MUSICAL DECEMBER 19 • 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM • SANCTUARY CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICES DECEMBER 24 4:00 PM • FAMILY (DESIGNED FOR YOUNG CHILDREN) 5:30 PM • TRADITIONAL* 6:00 PM • CASUAL* (FAMILY LIFE CENTER) 8:00 PM • CONTEMPORARY* 11:00 PM • TRADITIONAL*

* Includes Holy Communion

Christ Church Staff

Rev. Linda Summers Pierce Executive Associate Pastor Rev. Kathy Kirkpatrick Associate Pastor Carla Clark, Building Superintendent Stacey Fleck, Business Manager Tripp Kerth, Youth Ministries Karen LaMotta, Outreach Ministries Ingred Lathrop, Children’s Ministries Jason Nelson, Discipleship Ministries Lahonda Sharp, Music Ministries Renee Teel, Mission Ministries For a complete staff listing, please visit our website at www.cumcsl.org

Christ Corner B o o k s t o r e would like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas! Whether shopping for yourself or those you love, we have Christian gifts that are sure to please:

• Ornaments • Advent Books • Nativities • Christmas Cards • Advent Calendars • Jewelry • Bibles • Daily Devotion Books • Crosses, etc...

Christ Corner Bookstore is located in the Ministry Center. It is open every Sunday after worship services from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm and again on Thursdays, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm.

SPECIAL DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS & BREAKFAST WORSHIP SERVICES DECEMBER 26 • 8:15, 9:45, 11:00 @ THE HUB; 11:05 AM

Bring family and friends to enjoy breakfast and a relaxed and casual worship experience with special elements for "Making Memories." Don't miss it.

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PHONE: 281.980.6888 • FAX: 281.980.0003 • WWW.CUMCSL.ORG • FACEBOOK.COM/CUMCSL