The Connection

SEPTEMBER.12.2011

change people helping people find fullness in Christ worship • connect • grow • serve

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Christ United Methodist Church www.cumcsl.org

Change & Transition

BY REV. LINDA SUMMERS PIERCE EXECUTIVE ASSOCIATE PASTOR

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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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.

Our United Methodist Way UNITED METHODIST MOMENT

BY REV. LINDA SUMMERS PIERCE EXECUTIVE ASSOCIATE PASTOR

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 dayto-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 KarenL@cumcsl.org.

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Christ United Methodist Church www.cumcsl.org

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Christ United Methodist Church www.cumcsl.org

Seasons of Change

BY LYNN TAYLOR

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 lifesustaining 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.”

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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.”

Book Review

THE LANGUAGE OF GOD

BY FRANCIS S. COLLINS

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

GROW 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.

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 Jeanne@ cumcsl.org or 281.690.4756 for more information.

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.

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

Bring this copy of the Connection with you to receive an additional 20% off your entire purchase.

dhjkla

COMPANIONS IN CHRIST STARTING SEPTEMBER 18 • 5:00 PM • SCOUT SHACK

Are 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 NOW

Register 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.

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CELEBRATION OF NEW LIFE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 • ALL FOUR SERVICES

This 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 OPEN

The 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 Lahonda@cumcsl.org or Tracei Wilson at 281.690.4759 or Tracei@cumcsl.org.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FLIPSIDE • SUNDAYS • 5 - 7:15 PM • GYM

All 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 • FLC

This 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 • CHAPEL

High school students are invited to this weekly Bible study, Wednesday evenings from 7 - 8:30 pm in the Chapel.

FALL YOUTH RETREAT OCTOBER 28 - 29 • FOREST GLEN

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES 8:30 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES CRUSADERS

This 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 CLASSES ADVENTURERS

This 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.

BARNABAS

This 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 SCHOOL

All singles are invited to join us for our new Sunday School class. Meets in room 309 in the Family Life Center.

COUPLES FOR CHRIST

This 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 ABOUNDS

All 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 NOTES

This 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.

JUBILEE

This 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.

SEEKERS

All 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.

This 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.

ALPHA STARTING SEPTEMBER 15 • THURSDAYS • 6:30 - 8:30 PM

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.

Alpha 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 Jeanne@cumcsl.org or 281.690.4756 for more information.

STAGES

This 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)

THE HUB LIFEGROUP

From 9:45 - 10:45 in the Family Life Center Gym each Sunday morning.

Come explore God’s Word in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

WEAVERS

This 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 CLASS

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

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This 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.

GROW (CON’T)

WORSHIP

WOMEN’S FALL RETREAT OCTOBER 7 - 9 • CAMP TEJAS

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

Women, 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 Jeanne@cumcsl.org 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 Jeanne@cumcsl.org or 281.690.4756 for more information.

OLDER ADULT MINISTRIES - ONE ROOM BOOK CLUB SEPTEMBER 21 • 9:30 AM • VOLUNTEER CENTER

This 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 11/12

Christ 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 CENTER

Please 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 mbsebesta@sbcglobal.net.

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

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Christ United Methodist Church www.cumcsl.org

HEALING PRAYER SERVICES - MONTHLY SEPTEMBER 13 & OCTOBER 11 • 7 PM • SANCTUARY

If 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.

ALTAR PRAYER PARTNERS

Prayer 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.

MEMORIAL PAVER CONSECRATION NOVEMBER 6 • 12:30 PM

Christ 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 dmeier@cumcsl. org or 281.980.6888, ext. 4740.

SERVE 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. 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.

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

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 Friday and Monday. If you don’t know how to crochet or knit, we will teach you! Email Jan Randolph at jan@cumcsl.org for information.

THE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN ARE COLLECTING ITEMS FOR HEALTH KITS THROUGH SEPTEMBER18 • MINISTRY CENTER

You 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.

SAVE THE DATE - NEW ACOLYTE TRAINING SEPTEMBER 25 • NOON • SANCTUARY

Acolytes 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 victorjudyty@windstream.net.

OUR NEXT HABITAT HOUSE BUILD FALL 2011

Christ 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 (spbrown@hotmail.com) or Mark Buhrke (mbuhrke@fugro. com). Won’t you help us make someone’s dream of owning a home come true?

HANDBELL CHOIRS RESUME MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • CHOIR ROOM

Senior 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 MISSION SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 • 8 - 10 AM • FLC GYM

The 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 16

The 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 sandra625@earthlink.net 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 ladiekroeger@gmail.com.

ADULT CHOIRS BEGIN

If 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 Lahonda@cumcsl.org or 281.690.4741.

CONNECT NEW MEMBER CLASS OCTOBER 14

Membership 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.

4TH AND 5TH GRADE “GUYS AND DADS TIME” SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 • 1 - 2:20 PM • LAZERZONE

All 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 children@cumcsl.org or 281.690.4748.

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FREEDOM WALK TOUR OCTOBER 13 • CAROL VANCE PRISON UNIT

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

3300 AUSTIN PARKWAY SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77479

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 reg1@entouch.net. 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 kimr@cumcsl.org at least 48 hours in advance to make your childcare reservation.

You won't want to miss this night!

THE HEARTBEAT

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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 Pastor Rev. Linda Summers Pierce, Executive Associate Pastor Rev. Jason Nelson, Exec. Director of Discipleship Ministries Jeanne Damon, Discipleship Ministries Stacey Fleck, Business Manager Roland Huysman, Facilities Tripp Kerth, Youth Ministries Karen LaMotta, Exec. Dir. of Outreach Ministries Ingred Lathrop, Children’s Ministries Jan Randolph, Older Adult Ministries Lahonda Sharp, Music Ministries Renee Teel, Mission Ministries For a complete staff listing, please visit our website at www.cumcsl.org

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.

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 your message to the pastors and appropriate member care ministry leaders.

PHONE: 281.980.6888 • WWW.CUMCSL.ORG • FACEBOOK.COM/CUMCSL people helping people find fullness in Christ worship • connect • grow • serve