The Connection 10.24.11

OCTOBER.24.2011

LOVE IN THIS EDITION: RADICAL COMMITMENT JUST DO IT METHODIST MOMENT THE CLOUD OF WITNESSES GET TO KNOW MIKE & LISA QUESTION & ANSWER

WHAT IF?

The Cloud of Witnesses

UNITED METHODIST MOMENT

just do it

BY BOBBY WOOLEY

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

BY LAURA GRATZ WEBMASTER

All Saints’ Day has a long history in the Christian Church, and John Wesley was certainly raised with the tradition. While Wesley never advocated a worship or veneration of “the saints,” he felt people could be inspired by and learn from the lives of other believers. The United Methodist Church continues to observe All Saints’ Day on the first Sunday in November.

When United Methodists use the term saints, we are not referring to a select group of people with some extra measure of holiness. Sainthood isn’t a unique level of godliness which few Christians can ever attain. For us, all believers are saints. If fact, if you are a believer, you are a saint! It may seem scandalous, but the Bible is full of imperfect saints. And, just as God used these men and women, flawed as they were, He can use each of us. What a comfort!

Consider the people listed in Hebrews. When the writer wanted to encourage his readers to stand firm in their faith and persevere, he pointed to a believers’ hall of fame. He emphasized their best moments, but the saints mentioned in Hebrews 11 weren’t always “saintly.” The writer cited Abraham (a man who, out of fear, gave his wife away to a foreign leader two different times), Jacob (who conspired with his mother to trick his own father and brother) and Moses (who murdered an Egyptian and fled to the wilderness). The list even included Rahab, a prostitute.

After citing these examples, the writer concludes, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…” These saints, precisely because they weren’t perfect, are a testimony to the goodness and faithfulness of the God they served. Their lives provide encouragement for each of us.

We acknowledge all the saints, past and present, during All Saints’ Day, but we pay special attention to remembering and celebrating the lives of those who have gone on to the Church Triumphant. In particular, we focus on those members of our congregation who have passed away in the previous year.

At Christ Church their names are read in worship and a bell tolls for each of them. We also hold a brief service at 12:30 pm in front of the Gathering Hall where we consecrate any new memorial pavers.

Perhaps you have had some special saints in your life. It may have been a beloved grandparent, a special aunt or uncle, or a dear friend. We hope you will join us for worship on Sunday, November 6 as we celebrate together all the saints who have been placed in our lives and join with them in worshipping our gracious God.

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

I must say, these days I can completely relate to the stay-at-home mother of 3 young children juggling the busyness of getting the kids up for school, making sure they have their lunches packed and homework done (and in their backpacks), getting them to school on time or ready for the car pool, washing clothes, going to Bible study at 10, eating lunch with friends, picking the kids up from school, helping with homework, preparing dinner, and on and on. Wow, I’m tired just typing it all out, and I’m sure I left some things out that only mothers would think of. Yes, I would have forgotten those crucial things like bath time, brushing their teeth, paying bills, going to the store for bread and milk, making sure to line up a baby sitter for date night, etc. What commitment!

It’s easy for us to focus on our family because they are physically here. We can touch them. We see right away what happens if we don’t do one thing on our list. We hear their cries of hunger if we miss packing their lunch.

If we don’t demand that they brush their teeth, we see them suffer at the dentist office as they go through the pain of having several cavities drilled and filled.

Well, how about our commitment to God? Is it ok if I miss one Sunday service? What pain will it cause anyone? Will anyone really even notice? Here we have God who gave us everything, yet we still have issues committing our time, our money, our service, and we don’t see God’s tears crying out for us to simply love Him. I have to be honest; I am struggling right now. You see, I committed to something so crazy it was unthinkable in my feeble mind. My journey really started a little over 7 years ago. I was broken; I was one of the lucky ones who was so beaten down that the only thing left was reaching out to God, for His grace, for His help. For only He could help me; nothing else was left. I struggled with committing to Him. Commit my life or die. I had no other choice. It doesn’t mean I didn’t struggle with it.

I loved my sin, loved it so much I nearly died from it several times.

You see, for me, commitment has always been a word I could never follow. I could not commit in my marriage, my job, my kids, and for sure not to God. He had no place in my life; He never did anything for me. It was always pain and suffering associated with the God I worshipped. Well, that’s what I thought anyway.

My problem was that I failed Him. He didn’t fail me.

He was always there and always stood by patiently as I denied Him. Doing things my way has always failed

MATTHEW 6: 1-8, 14-34 (HCSB)

me, He never has. When I do it His way, things end up turning out a lot better than I could ever imagine. When I commit to getting into His Word, things change; I change, and my love for Him increases. When I commit my money, things end up getting paid. God always provides what I need.

It’s funny how when I trust my big God, things end up better. You see, when God called me to go to work for Him, I fought and wrestled for over 5 years. I am not the only one who wrestled with God. In fact, Jacob did it and didn’t fare so well either (Gen 32:24-32.) I got so tired of wrestling with God! I finally committed.

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him.

When I finally listened and went into a church, I was honest, brutally honest. “I don’t know why I am here,” I said. “I know I’m going to take a hit financially, and I don’t like all the politics that go on in church, but I’m here because God is calling me here. If I don’t work for this church, I will be working for another church because that’s where God wants me.” Two weeks later, I had an offer. Six months later (and two weeks before my contract ended at that church) God opened the door here at Christ Church. Amazing? I say not! I say it was purely God’s will. How? Easy! It was the commitment I made to follow him. I commit my time, my money and my service to His will.

“For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.

I qualify for every excuse made to man NOT to participate in DISCIPLE Bible Study this year (if you haven’t taken it, IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE), colead a Bible Study on Tuesday mornings, work at a church, tithe, attend church and serve outside of the church. And, if you knew my how many kids we have, and our financial situation, you would probably say it was completely justified. The reality is, I don’t have to look to you for approval or justification. I have to look to just one person for approval—God almighty. I have to go before His throne on a daily basis, and one day I will face Him in His kingdom. I will be fully committed to His Word, His cause, His direction, His will.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.

So if the light within you is darkness—how deep is that darkness!

One simple statement on commitment made famous by a little shoe manufacturer should sum things up—just do it! I was going to quote a scripture verse here, but you get almost the whole chapter instead:

“Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

“No one can be a slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of God and of money.

“This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: they don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Aren’t you worth more than they? Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying? And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t He do much more for you—you of little faith?

So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

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

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I’ll finish with a funny story I heard a few weeks ago.

A lay leader called a member of their congregation to ask her to commit to leading a Bible study which was starting in a few months. The response was typical. I even use this from time to time to wrestle with God some more. The member said, “Let me pray on it.” The lay leader quickly responded with “Ok, I’ll hold.”

“Whenever you fast, don’t be sad-faced like the hypocrites. For they make their faces unattractive so their fasting is obvious to people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! But when you fast, put oil on your head, and wash your face, so that you don’t show your fasting to people but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR CONGREGATION TO BEGIN TO KNOW THE MAYHUGH FAMILY EVEN BEFORE THEY ARRIVE, WE ASKED MIKE AND LISA MAYHUGH IF THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO ANSWER A FEW QUESTIONS FOR US. HERE IS ONE MORE...

Mike and Lisa, what are some of the primary things that have had the most impact on your personal spiritual growth?

MIKE:

God has always put me in situations where the only way it could be salvaged is by God working a miracle through His people. I live a salvific life because it has always taken something greater than me to pull it through to completion, namely God saving me from some very tough situations.

I have been saved through the Enron scandal and Arthur Andersen collapse at a church that had a large part of its membership employed at those companies. I have experienced a multi-million dollar discipleship building being erected in the third poorest county in Texas during the great recession because they answered the question, “Who is my neighbor?” As a result, when the high school was finished behind the church, there were 20,000 square feet of youth space to meet the need. Lay people have impacted my spiritual growth.

And, faith forming relationships are huge to me. I am glad to be moving near my best friend and his family (Jim Bass at Friendswood UMC). Our families have been “vacation friends” for many years. Our kids are the same way and are the best of friends. We were both excited to know that I could take 2 hours off my next trip to Walt Disney World.

LISA:

I was most impacted by my father’s encouragement to be all that God intended me to be. He never stopped believing that I had a purpose to fulfill. He and my mother both sacrificed to get me to college. I was the first in the family to go and graduate. I think my father was particularly happy that I used my education to serve God. The other thing that has had the most impact on my life is constantly studying God’s Word so I can answer questions for my children. I realized that when they became a part of my life, I couldn’t just give them a “cute” Bible story. They sought after much deeper things, and I wasn’t going to let them down.

This led me to a path of going “further still” with God which I have loved and intend to continue.

Over the next week watch for more previews. They might be found in email blasts, Facebook, screens; you just never know where you might find the next tidbit.

CONNECT NEW MEMBER CLASS JANUARY 8, 2012

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.

OLDER ADULT MINISTRIES - GAME DAY OCTOBER 26 • 10:30 AM - 1 PM • ROOMS 11/12

Want to play? Bring a sack lunch and gather with us for some fun. We play bridge, Mexican Train and more.

YOUTH DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 • 6 - 8 PM • FAMILY LIFE CENTER GYM

All youth 6th - 12th grade, and their friends, are invited to our Youth Dodgeball Tournament. Bring your ‘game’ and join us. Pizza, drinks and cookies will be served. Please note there will be no Flipside or the Loft that evening due to the tournament. Questions? Contact Tripp at tripp@cumcsl.org.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES DON’T COOK! HONEYBAKED HAM & TURKEY SALES FOR THANKSGIVING OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 13 • MINISTRY CENTER

A table will be set up in the Ministry Center during each of the three Sundays for presale orders. Delivery will be on Sunday November 20 from 9 am – 12:15 pm in the Gathering Hall. You can even pre-order one for Christmas at this time!

GENTLE YOGA TUESDAYS • 11 AM • FLC ROOMS 302/303

Put on some comfortable clothes and try out Gentle Yoga. It’s a free class, so invite a friend and work on flexibility, balance, range of motion, strength and breathing.

CRAZY FOR CHRISTMAS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 • 6 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 30 – November 27 in the Ministry Center. If you would like to decorate a table and/or buy tickets, please contact Diane Sindelar at 281.491.3569.

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

FACEBOOK.COM/CUMCSL

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Christ United Methodist Church www.cumcsl.org

TWITTER.COM/CUMCSL

WORSHIP 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 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 Day remembrance as part of our morning worship the same day.

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.

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

GROW 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 - 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.

ACQUIRE THE FIRE (ATF) JANUARY 20-21, 2012 • GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Start the New Year off right by joining the Christ Church Youth group in attending Acquire the Fire (ATF) over the weekend of January 2021, 2012. This is a high energy two-day event produced by a national touring group and attended by youth from throughout the Houston area and includes awesome worship, speakers and small group time.

To view more about the upcoming tour, go to: www.cumcsl.org/youth.

All youth in grades 7-12 and adults are invited to attend. Cost is $49, and you can register online. Hope to see you there!

ENCORE! WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 • 11 AM - 1:30 PM • SANCTUARY

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 301 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

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.

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)

Join us for an informative program presented by James A. Thompson, the Mayor of Sugar Land. Worship is at 11 am in the Sanctuary followed by a fellowship meal in the Gathering Hall. The program will be in the Sanctuary after lunch. $7 donation. Pre-registration is required for the meal and closes October 30. Reserve your space by emailing jan@cumcsl.org.

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.

MENS MINISTRY HERE ARE THE MEN’S STUDY GROUPS WHICH ARE OPEN TO ALL MEN: TUESDAY NIGHTS • 7:15 - 9 PM • ROOM 312

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).

FRIDAY MORNINGS • 6 - 7 AM • GATHERING HALL

Studying Max Lucado’s “Fearless”

SATURDAY MORNINGS • 8:30 - 10 AM • ROOM 312

Discussing current topics of group interest and how they are addressed within the Bible

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

WOMEN’S CLASS

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.

YOUNG ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL Primarily for college and career aged, 18-29. Meets in the Family Life Center Gym.

SUNDAY EVENINGS • 7:30 - 9 PM • ROOM 307

Discussing current topics of group interest and how they are addressed within the Bible For group contact info go to www.cumcsl.org/men/

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

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Studying Andy Stanley’s “Your Move”

THE HUB LIFEGROUP

SERVE FREEDOM WALK TOUR NOV 10 & DEC 8• CAROL VANCE PRISON UNIT

PERU CHOIR/MISSION TOUR JULY 6 - JULY 17, 2012 • PERU

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

OUR HERO’S MISSION SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 • 8 - 10 AM • FLC GYM

Curious about how God is creating REAL crime prevention? Join this 1 hour tour experience on Thursdays at either 2 or 7:30 pm.

Sign up at least a week in advance. Bible studies and other groups are welcome! Contact Betty Waedemon at 281.980.5368 to sign up or to get more information.

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.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - HOUSE BUILD GOING ON NOW

Christ Church began construction of its 11th Habitat for Humanity house in the Teal Run Subdivision on September 24. 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 (spbrown12@hotmail.com) or Mark Buhrke (mbuhrke@fugro.com). Won’t you help us make someone’s dream of owning a home come true?

SENIOR RINGERS MONDAYS • 5 - 6 PM • CHOIR ROOM

This musical opportunity is available to all interested persons, especially Older Adults. It offers a place to learn, serve and fellowship through the art of ringing chimes or handbells under the direction of Molly Ness. No experience is necessary. To join this ensemble, contact Molly Ness at 281.344.8343.

EAT HALF AND DONATE HALF NOW THROUGH NOVEMEBER 13 • COLLECTION BINS DOWNSTAIRS BY ROOMS 11/12

Our 5th grade mission team invites you to donate half of the candy you receive this trick or treat season and give joy to the children of Reynosa.

Please bring all donations to the Collection Bin near rooms 11/12. The candy will be made into goodie bags by the team and taken to Mexico in time for Christmas.

WOMEN’S KAIROS WEEKEND BEGINS NOVEMEBER 9 • WOMEN’S PRISON (HOBBY UNIT) IN MARLIN, TEXAS

You can participate in this ongoing ministry without leaving your neighborhood. Sign the prayer chain to pray during the weekend November 9 - 12, donate to the cookie fund, or sponsor a participant or team member. Visit the Ministry Center for more information, or contact T. J. Szafarz at tszafarz@aol.com or Liz Williams at lazylizard@ windstream.net.

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Christ United Methodist Church www.cumcsl.org

Escape the summer heat here, and enjoy the mild winter in Peru. We will visit Lima and the city of Cuzco, the historic capital of the Inca empire. We plan to sponsor the Lamay Orphanage, and one of our concerts in Peru will be a fundraiser for them. Questions? Contact Lahonda Sharp at lahonda@cumcsl.org.

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.

OUR HERO’S MISSION - NAMES NEEDED

The Adventurer’s Class needs names/addresses for those that are serving in Iraq/Afghanistan at least into January 2012 for our Hero’s Mission. This is only for troops that are in either Iraq or Afghanistan.

Please get names and addresses to David Daniel at daviddaniel@ entouch.net before November 5.

CARPENTER’S HANDS “ONE DAY, GOD’S HOUSE” FEBRUARY 11 • 8 AM - 3:30 PM

Join us for our next Carpenters Hands event! Breakfast (beginning at 7 am) and lunch are included, and our day will begin at 8 am with a time of devotion. Crews will be made up of a mix of skill levels, with at least one or two members having prior experience with the work to be done. Our purpose is to beautify the church as well as add practical improvements to the facility that will enhance current usages. Please sign up in advance if you are willing to help. You can sign up in the Ministry Center in January up to February 4, 2012, you can sign up online, or you can email Roland at roro@cumcsl.org. This will help us plan our work crews and organize the work we hope to accomplish. This event is open to all adults as well as youth 12 and up (if accompanied by a parent).

SHOPPING HELPS NEIGHBORS! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 • 10 AM - 6 PM • EFBHNM

East Fort Bend Human Needs Resale Shop is having a Customer Appreciation Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, October 29 from 10 am 6 pm. Looking for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas décor?

This is the place to find just what you need for much less! Special sales throughout the day! Located at 425 Stafford Run Rd, all of the proceeds are used to support East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. Shopping here helps families in need in our community.

LAS MANOS DE CRISTO 2012: JAMAICA JUNE 22 - JULY 1, 2012 • ONLY 24 SLOTS AVAILABLE!

This coming 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 Jamaica to work for and serve the families living there. 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, construction, interaction with their children, and sharing the Gospel message. For more info and to register, please visit www.cumcsl.org/youth.

What are “Apologetics”?

FYSH ‘HOME BASE’ CAMP 2012 JUNE 4 - 7 • 8:30 AM - 3 PM DAILY

All youth who have completed 5th - 8th grade as of June 2012 are invited to join us this summer for FYSH ‘Home Base’ Camp next summer. Designed especially for middle school youth, FYSH ‘Home Base’ is a day camp which will include a service project in the surrounding area each morning, followed by a fun activity in the afternoon. This is a great opportunity to help your student find their servant heart in a home-based environment, and to have them meet new friends through service, fellowship and worship. For more info and to register, please visit www.cumcsl. org/youth.

BIG HOUSE 2012 - SPACE IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 15 YOUTH WHO REGISTER JUNE 28 - JULY 1 • WOODVILLE, TX

BIG HOUSE is an acronym which stands for Believing in God, Helping Others Understand through Service Everywhere. Our mission is “To prepare youth and adults to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, by providing opportunity to be in mission to churches in need everywhere.” We want to give opportunity for youth to come together and grow in their Christian experience, through all aspects of our mission trip, whether it be on the worksite, or in fellowship with one another. Camps include participants who have completed the 6th through the 8th grades from all over Texas. These youth come together in mission locations with the help of adults to work on churches and homes of those who are in need, and are unable to do the work themselves. For more info and to register, please visit www. cumcsl.org/youth.

UM ARMY 2012 JULY 22 - 28

Join us in the summer of 2012, as we will be hosted by St. Paul’s UMC in Bridge City, TX for our UM Army Mission. During this week, participants will be assigned to work teams which combine their unique strengths and gifts in order to meet the home repair and maintenance needs of the less fortunate in the area. This is an amazing mission that allows us to share the Gospel message of love and hope offered by Jesus Christ through our hands and our hearts. For more info and to register, please visit www.cumcsl.org/youth.

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27 • 7 PM • ROOMS 210/211

You’re invited to join us for our next Leadership Council meeting.

This is an open meeting; all are welcome, but please contact Debbie Meier at dmeier@cumcsl.org if you are coming so we can plan accordingly. Rumor has it that Rev. Mike Mayhugh will be joing us.

TRICIA BALTAZAR

CHRIST CORNER BOOKSTORE MANAGER

I’m sorry. You often hear these words associated with an apology, a statement expressing remorse. Did you know that an apology can also be a “formal justification.” This is what is referred to when discussing apologetics. In other words, an apologetic can be defined as the discipline of defending a position through the systematic use of reason.

As a defense of the Christian faith, the original Greek word “apologia” appears 17 times in the New Testament. In each of these appearances the word “apologia” can be translated as “defense” or “vindication.”

There are four functions of apologetics: • Vindication or proof – develop a positive case for Christianity •

Defense – defending Christianity, clarifying the Christian position

• Refutation- answering the arguments non-Christians give •

Persuasion – persuading others to apply the truth of Christianity to their lives

Are you able to defend Christianity? Can you refute a nonChristian point of view? Can you persuade others not only that Christianity is true, but to apply its truth to their lives? If you answered no to any of these questions or if you’d like to get your hands on an apologetic and see what it’s all about, visit Christ Corner Bookstore. A few of the more popular apologetics the Bookstore stocks are: The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, The Language of God, Real Scientists Real Faith, Finding God in the Questions, and Mere Christianity.

HAVE YOU READ A GREAT BOOK LATELY? If you’ve read a Christian book recently that you’d like to share with others, please consider submitting a book review to Christ Corner Bookstore.

Contact Tricia Baltazar for submissions or questions at ccb@cumcsl.org.

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

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

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STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN DATES WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

FELLOWSHIP EVENT NOVEMBER 9 :

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop in Sugar Land serves some of the freshest tacos, chili con queso, and burritos in town! Christ Church will hold a fellowship event at Fuzzy’s on November 9 from 5 - 9 pm. Whether you are looking for a cheap dinner, having a night out with the family, or just grabbing a quick bite before choir practice, we invite you to join us there. Fuzzy will donate 10% of the proceeds back to our ministry. The proceeds from this event will benefit East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. And, don’t forget your Fuzzy’s cup.

COMMITMENT SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13 :

THE HEARTBEAT

On Commitment Sunday, all of us have the opportunity to express our love to God by the commitments we make in support of our church’s ministry for 2012. Please bring your Connect Card and Commitment Card with you to worship, or turn them in early to the office. The Unleashing Love Stewardship Campaign packets were mailed out; if you didn’t receive a packet, stop by the Welcome Center on Sunday and ask for one.

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. Dr. William Peeples Interim 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...

Pat Thornton, Benita Sebesta’s mother; Cecil Gilcrease’s brother-in-law, Michelle Reddick, Carrie Bastin’s aunt, Kelly Wilkerson’s friend’s niece, Dorothy Hayes’ husband, Linda D’Agostino’s grandson, Pearl Miller’s son, Gena Johnson’s daughter, Linda Singer’s parents, Kay Decker, Matt Decker’s niece, Jean Reeve’s aunt, family of Troy Davis, Linda Barnett’s mother, Milly Patterson’s great-grandson, Kelly Wilkerson’s friend’s niece, Carrie Bastin’s aunt, Pat Kelly’s neighbors, Scott Pleus’ friend, Chris & Franni Bakewell’s son, and all those serving in the military.

ANSWERED PRAYERS...

Joanne McCarthy; Amy Stonesifer’s friends; Lisa Warren; Emma Gonzalez’ mother-in-law; Gen Jordan.

CHRIST CHURCH EXTENDS ITS SYMPATHY TO...

John Nieser on the death of his mother; Scott Tiefinthaler on the death of his father; Larry Watt on the death of his wife; the family and friends of Phyllis Osborne; Jolene Lanier on the death of her mother; Sue Davis on the death of her mother; Kevin Winslow on the death of his mother.

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