The Connection - May 2013

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MIKE MAYHUGH We are excited and proud for the opportunity that has been given to Rev. Jason Nelson to move to the Woodlands UMC as one of their Associates. One of Jason’s many responsibilities will be preaching at their Harvest service. Being an active part of a new, growing worship service while at Christ Church trained and prepared Jason for this new role at the Woodlands UMC. While here, Jason gave roots to the hub worship service, which has grown to a committed group of 300 in worship on Sundays; he also nurtured a men’s ministry and helped grow our Discipleship Ministry.

Jason was called, mentored, commissioned, and sent out from Christ Church. You should be proud as you stand back and see all that God has done through Jason, and through the strength, wisdom and encouragement you offered him through the years.

We are in the process of planning a going-away lunch for Jason on Sunday, June 9 th to celebrate his ministry at Christ Church. We hope you will join us. He will be preaching his last sermon during all services on June 2nd; he will continue preaching in the hub through June 16th.

I am also excited to welcome Preston Morgan and his wife, Jordan, to Christ Church. Preston is 26 years old and will graduate from seminary in May. He is coming to us from Centenary UMC in Lawton, Oklahoma where he has been preaching in their contemporary service for the past two years. I met Preston through the College Intern Program and have watched him go through college and seminary. What a personal blessing it has been for me to see how he has matured and grown in the Lord over the past eight years. I can still remember the day I met him and saying to myself, “Now, here is a great man of God and I would love to have him work by my side some day.” When I would go to SMU for mentor training events, I would occasionally stay with Preston at his apartment. Those hours were spent in great conversations and deep processing as he was ‘fleshing’ out his calling. What a privilege for me to be a part of that. We are blessed to get one of the best graduates of the year to come to Christ

Church. Preston will be the main preacher for the hub, work with the young adult group (AXIOM) and provide pastoral care. Preston received his calling while in a worship service during a UM ARMY youth mission trip and began his journey that day. It is a double blessing that both Jason and Preston will be commissioned on Tuesday, May 28 th (see page 5 for details).

We are also fortunate to have Dan Conway join our pastoral staff. Dan is 42 and is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary. He is married to Christi, who will be appointed to Shepherd of the Heart UMC in Pearland, Texas. Dan and his wife have two children, Adam (10) and David (8). Dan will be working in the areas of Evangelism, Discipleship, and Pastoral Care.

Dan loves evangelism and will be leading us in new ways to invite our neighborhood to our church. I have known Dan and Christi through the years; Christi was my Associate Pastor when I was at St. John’s in Richmond and Dan served Faith UMC - Richmond as the Associate Pastor. I have experienced Dan’s passion as he has led mission trips, retreats, and community outreach efforts and witnessed his excellent work as the Director of Youth/Young Adults at our conference headquarters. Dan received his calling while serving in India on a mission project.

We are exceedingly blessed here at Christ Church to be able to receive these two excellent pastors, who will help us to continue to carry forth the legacy that was birthed here in these walls. The best is yet to come and I am so honored and excited to be a part of the future here. I cannot wait to see what God brings forth from God’s people as we continue to gather weekly.

Please be in prayer for these three amazing families.

The transitions will be quick, exciting and chaotic all at once. But I know that God’s people will faithfully step up to the plate, lovingly sending off one family then welcoming two new families with open arms.

BY REV. MIKE MAYHUGH

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SENIOR PASTOR

Christ United Methodist Church www.cumcsl.org

PRESTON MORGAN I am a native Texan, raised in my home church of First United Methodist Church of Madisonville and later at Christ United Methodist Church in College Station. My relationship with Christ blossomed while participating in Christ’s Church’s youth program and, soon after graduating from A&M Consolidated High School in 2005, I heard my call to ministry.

. . . I decided that if I was only going to live half as long as I expected, I wanted to serve God with every day God gave me.

Only a few weeks later and towards the end of the summer, I was told that I had a disease that would lead to colon cancer. I was also told that I was not expected to live beyond the age of 40. This shattered my will to go to college and to become a pastor. It also destroyed my dreams of having a family and left me furious at God. After wrestling with my new reality, which actually lasted an incredibly short amount of time, I decided that if I was only going to live half as long as I expected, I wanted to serve God with every day God gave me. This provided me with much greater focus and motivation to pursue my calling. Later, after having many medical tests, we learned the diagnosis was incorrect as the original test results were a false positive.

Immediately after graduating from Southwestern, I enrolled at Perkins School of Theology at SMU and will complete my M.Div. in May of 2013. While at Perkins, I founded Perkins Intramurals (nicknamed the “Fighting Parsons”). I am also a founding member of the Perkins Praise Team, a group of student musicians who lead at least one chapel service a semester in a modern-styled worship experience. My internship was spent at Centenary United Methodist Church in Lawton, Oklahoma. I am a licensed local pastor in the Oklahoma conference and have been serving this appointment since June of 2011. Most importantly, I married the love of my life, Jordan, in May of 2012, and we are looking forward to living out the next chapter of our lives together at Christ Church in Sugar Land.

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We were at a UM ARMY camp, and in worship one night (during the song “God of Wonders”) I was overcome with what I can only describe as a loving and warm embrace.

I was overcome with comfort, peace, and the knowledge that I was a beloved child of God. In that moment, I knew I was God’s forever and that I wanted to serve God with all I was created to be.

After high school I received a B.A. of Communication Studies at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. While there, I joined and held leadership roles in a Christian fraternity. I also served one summer as an intern at Christ UMC and later participated in our conference’s own College Pastoral Internship Project.

During all four years of college, I led worship at Hutto Discovery United Methodist Church and, in the summer after graduating from college, I served as their summer camps coordinator. My official title was “Director of the Fun Committee.”

DAN CONWAY My journey in coming to faith in Christ has been a gradual one, as I was baptized in the United Methodist Church as an infant and raised in the Christian tradition

by Christian parents in a United Methodist Church in upstate New York. Foundations of my faith experience include Sunday School and confirmation class, various youth groups and events, as well as several international mission trips. Having my mother as the church’s volunteer youth group leader and Sunday School teacher was also a big influence! My earliest memory of making a decision to receive and follow Christ is around age five when, while lying in bed one night, I prayed for Christ to come into my heart and life. Since that time, my spiritual journey has been an ongoing adventure of learning, with many different milestones of faith experiences.

of ministry experience in various settings and roles. We have two children; Adam (10) and David (8).

I consider myself a “generalist” in ministry in that I enjoy many different parts of church life and learning new things. Over the years in ministry I’ve helped to start a new contemporary service in which I preached weekly, led praise bands, missions trips, retreats, Bible studies, campus and community outreach events, and helped implement churchwide studies. I have participated in the college UM ARMY camp twice, and was an integral part of the advanced youth discipleship program “Texas Youth Academy” program since it first began. I have experience with learning how to apply technology to ministry settings and training laity teams how to run them. I also have general pastoral experience in working with the administrative committees of the church, pastoral care and performing weddings and funerals. What excites me most about ministry is seeing lives transformed by Christ. My life purpose statement is to “connect with (both personally and through technology) and equip (teach, coach, resource) people around me to become self-aware Christ followers and catalysts for good in the church and the world forever.”

What excites me most about ministry is seeing lives transformed by Christ.

In August of 1996, I enrolled as a full-time student of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky in the Master’s of Divinity program. In my second year there, I met Christi who later became my wife and partner in ministry in the United Methodist Church.

We both graduated in 1999 and then entered into UM local church ministry in the Texas conference. Today, we are both ordained elders in the UMC with 14 years

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Christ United Methodist Church www.cumcsl.org

MISSION: COMPLETE MAY 19 . 10AM CHURCH-WIDE SERVICE & PICNIC CELEBRATION Thanks to the faithfulness of all who gave through our Mission: Possible Debt-Reduction Campaign, we are now debt-free! In gratitude, Christ Church will gather for one, churchwide, outdoor worship service and celebration. What better day to celebrate than Pentecost?

Welcome Our Newest Members!

ANDY AND MINDY CABBLE, NATE (13), KYLIE (9), DANIEL (6) (CHILDREN NOT PICTURED)

BRANDON AND STEPHANIE SISLEY, NOLAN (17 MO.)

ALICE SANDERS

CHIP AND SUE DAVIS

NATE AND KIMBERLY REED

RYAN AND HEATHER LOVELL, EMMA (5), ELLA (3), BRYNN (20 MO.) (CHILDREN NOT PICTURED)

Immediately following the ser vice, we will enjoy a picnic lunch along with games and activities for all ages so dress comfortably.

A SPECIAL NIGHT FOR JASON & PRESTON

WES AND TERRI VELA, TATUM (7), WYATT (5)

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Please join us for the worship service in which Jason and Preston will be commissioned on May 28th at 7 pm at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart 1111 St Joseph Pkwy Houston, TX 77002.

All are invited to this service!

Prayer: A Treasured Weapon

BY JONATHAN TAYLOR KELLER

Responses to “The Bible in 90 Days” Challenge

What is that old proverb, or should I say promise?

“Ask and you will receive.” Does this make our God some sort of genie who dishes out every person’s requests in an affirmative manner? There is a second mystery to prayer: faith. When you ask thin air to give you guidance, what do you really think will happen? Asking a person yields much better results.

Obviously, God is not standing directly in front of us, in the flesh, at every given moment in our lives. Our faith comes into play here when we really believe that He will hear us and that He does have the power to turn our lives around, should we ask for that.

“Even those that were reluctant in the beginning ended loving the opportunity and want to dig deeper now.”

My personal prayer life is no set routine where I bow before God at the same time every day. Nor does it involve physical bowing, because God doesn’t care that I physically bow down or that I sit in perfect stillness. He cares that I connect with Him in whatever way I desire. My simple prayers to minister to this pair of twins I know well, and my drawn-out prayers for drastic change, build bridges between myself and my Savior regarding different topics.

Neither is better; both are important in His sight. This is why my often simple prayers have such beautiful opportunities succeeding them that mirror the changes that result from the longer ones. Prayer is an instrument of change and a powerful weapon. This is why, in choosing to be a warrior of God, I treasure this weapon.

We received so many positive comments after Jonathan offered the morning prayer on Youth Sunday, we asked him to share a few thoughts on his personal prayer life.

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Christ United Methodist Church www.cumcsl.org

“My next goal is to start all over again. Thanks for “90 Days” to a better life - one day at a time.”

“I have LOVED this study! Carl Hamilton has been a real highlight, and I hope he will be asked to teach something else in the future. “ “It has been an incredible experience.”

“I am exactly on schedule but am really missing the Carl summaries . . . I will be suggesting our new church here in WA participate in The Bible in 90 Days . . . wonder if Carl would like to participate in a ‘foreign student exchange’ type program?”

Cara’s Psalm

BY CARA SMITH

Oh God, why am I oppressed? Why do you let those around me throw their arrows? Why are they blind to the truths and pains of my heart? Where have you gone, O God? Where must I search to find you? In the caverns of the earth or the heights of the trees? The depths of the sea or the peaks of a mountain?

How far do I have to travel to find your love? Arm me, God, with a breastplate and shield; make me swift and wise. Let me know your name, for in it, there is strength.

Inspired by the 412 Youth Bible study on Psalms as part of The Bible in 90 Days Challenge.

UNITED METHODIST MOMENT

Our United Methodist Way

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

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

This is still our process even though times have changed and local congregations have pastors who stay at least a year and who are expected to preach as well as administer the Sacraments. Thankfully, longer stays are more common now than they once were, especially for Senior Pastors, because Bishops and Cabinets have learned they’re more fruitful, and greater fruitfulness is good for the connection. Christ Church is also blessed to have Associate Pastors who, though their stays are often shorter, are also appointed to preach, teach, administer the Sacraments and order the life of the congregation. The prayer for the church and for the newly appointed pastors is that their being sent to serve among us will bring much needed gifts into our mission field and will also keep every pastor here refreshed and ready to serve as effectively as possible.

The above article is an updated version of one which originally ran in the September 2011 edition of The Connection.

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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.

WORSHIP WEEKLY WORSHIP SCHEDULE - SUNDAYS CONTEMPORARY • 8:15 AM • SANCTUARY TRADITIONAL • 9:45 & 11:05 AM • SANCTUARY the hub • 11:00 AM • FAMILY LIFE CENTER GYM YOUTH WORSHIP • 6:00 PM • FAMILY LIFE CENTER GYM CELEBRATING HOLY COMMUNION

• All services, every first Sunday • Every Sunday in the Chapel, 8 to 8:15 am • Every Sunday in the hub, 11:15 to 11:30 am

MAY HEALING PRAYER WORSHIP SERVICE TUESDAY, MAY 14 • 7 PM • SANCTUARY

God is always ready to heal our hurts and mend our broken hearts.

The grace and goodness of God’s mercies are without end, and God never grows weary of hearing from his hurting children. May can be a stressful, busy month, especially for families. When you add in the burden of sickness, grief, loss, or any other pain of life, that stress can become overwhelming. Come rest in God’s presence at the May healing prayer worship service. Draw on God’s grace and let Christ the Healer carry your burden as He promised He would.

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY SUNDAY, MAY 5 • DURING 11:05 AM SANCTUARY SERVICE

On Sunday, May 5, Christ Church will have the privilege of participating in one of the oldest traditions of worship in the church.

We will be confirming our Confirmation Class of 2013. This tradition goes back to our early church history. It began as the same sacrament as baptism. In the early church, adult baptism was the norm. Over the centuries, this practice has changed. Today we baptize our infants and instruct them to begin their own faith journey. At the conclusion of each Confirmation year, we give our youth the opportunity to claim the faith of Christ as their own. That is what makes this day so very special. “I have had the honor of watching these young men and women make the choices in their faith and ask the questions that matter to their decisions, and have been blessed by their enthusiasm and commitment. They have had amazing teachers and our very own 412 Youth Leadership Council has taken an active role in helping these youth grow in their journeys.” Lisa Mayhugh BACCALAUREATE SERVICE SUNDAY, MAY 26 • DURING 11:05 AM SANCTUARY SERVICE; LUNCH HONORING OUR GRADUATES TO FOLLOW SERVICE

The Baccalaureate ceremony is a service of worship that celebrates and gives thanks for lives dedicated to learning and wisdom, and Christ Church has much to celebrate! History tells us that the baccalaureate service is believed to have originated at the University of Oxford in 1432 when each bachelor was required to deliver a sermon in Latin as part of his academic requirements. Although that is not going to be a requirement for our Seniors, Christ Church can proudly say that it has shared much wisdom with these young men and women over many years. The education that has been poured into these Seniors through their Sunday School classes, Youth group activities, Mission trips, Bible studies and several hours of service in the community is now coming to its culmination, and we can proudly stand next to them and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Please make every effort to come and support these youth as they celebrate this major achievement in their lives. What a celebration this will be!

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Christ United Methodist Church www.cumcsl.org

WORD OF THANKS!

Those of us involved in planning worship at Christ Church would like to say a special word of “thanks” to all of you who helped make our celebrations of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday welcoming and meaningful for everyone who attended. “Thank you” to the children who brought us Palm Sunday joy! “Thank you” to those who worked on Sanctuary lighting, washed the Communion table coverings, handed out the worship orders, ran the technical equipment, baked Communion bread, got music ready, and otherwise worked behind the scenes. “Thank you” to our Choirs and musicians for heartfelt Holy Week anthems and a glorious Easter celebration! Your help was greatly appreciated. Because of your involvement, everyone has been blessed! So we thank God for your willingness to serve in ways that helped everyone here experience fullness in Christ, our resurrected Savior!

MEN OF CHRIST MEN’S MINISTRY BREAKFAST MAY 4 • 8:30 AM IN THE FAMILY LIFE CENTER

Join the Men of Christ as we welcome Christ Church member and United States House Representative Pete Olson who will share his faith story. Please contact the Men of Christ at menofchrist@cumcsl. org for more information or to request childcare.

MEN’S LUNCH THURSDAY, MAY 9 • 11:30 AM • LIVE OAK GRILL

Men of all ages, join the Older Adult men for lunch and fellowship at Live Oak Grill. This is a wonderful cross-generational event as well as a great way to find out what is going on in our community and beyond.

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

SERVE

OLDER ADULTS

CASA MAMI BOYS AND GIRLS NEEDS MAY 5 - 19 • COLLECTION BIN

SAGE WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 • NOON • ROOMS 11/12

2013 H.O.M.E. PROJECT: ONE CARPENTER CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! SATURDAY, MAY 4 • 7 AM • FIRST UMC • MISSOURI CITY

What is H.O.M.E. Project? H.O.M.E. means Helping Others, a Methodist Experience. This mission was organized by members of Methodist churches in Fort Bend County as a way to serve the community. Each spring a group of volunteers donates their time, skills and money to repair the homes of our neighbors. H.O.M.E. Project clients are residents of Fort Bend County who are having financial difficulties, senior citizens on fixed incomes or just those who have no means of fixing their homes. This is a way of improving the quality of life for those who cannot help themselves. All work done is a labor of love with no cost to the homeowner. The sites are selected from referrals by social service agencies. The 2013 workday is scheduled for May 4. Show up at First UMC Missouri City at 7 am. There, you will eat breakfast, make a sack lunch, meet your Site Supervisor and other work team members. You will leave from there for the job site and go off to make a difference in someone’s life. Sign-ups begin April 7 between services in the Ministry Center.

WOMEN’S KAIROS - HOBBY UNIT SATURDAY, MAY 18 • 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM JEFFERSON, WHARTON, TEXAS

Kairos is an ecumenical Christian Prison Ministry that takes Christ’s love and forgiveness to incarcerated women at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)-Hobby Unit, thereby maintaining and building an ongoing Christian community inside the walls. Kairos is “God’s Special Time,” during which the participants are given the opportunity to experience a religious awakening (or renewal), accepting God’s call to (a) a life of Christian witness, (b) service to one another inside the walls, and (c) establish strong Christian communities within the walls.

The 2013 Hobby Kairos is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, through Saturday, October 26. A team of volunteers is being organized and the first team meeting is scheduled for May 18, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, at Jefferson in Wharton, Texas. Women may volunteer to serve inside the unit or outside at St. John’s, the base for the weekend. Men may serve only outside. Learn more by visiting www.kairos-hobby.org to join or support the team. “...I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:36)

Christ Church and Sugar Land Methodist Hospital work together to present monthly seminars where medical specialists come with a presentation about their field, preventative medicine recommendations, and the latest news in treatment options.

BE FIT TUESDAYS AT 11 AM • FRIDAYS AT 9:30 AM • FLC ROOMS 302/303

Put on some comfortable clothes and try out this gentle exercise class. Participants are encouraged to be fit by practicing flexibility, balance, range of motion, strength, and breathing. Monthly fee for 1 day a week is $15; 2 days a week is $30.

FIFTH WEDNESDAY SEMINAR WEDNESDAY, MAY 29 • NOON • ROOMS 11/12

Christ Church members Glenn and Virginia Morrison will present information on Tracing Your Family History. They have been researching the genealogy of their families for twenty years and hope to offer their experience, knowledge and resources to others. If you have an interest in learning more about your roots, this is a great opportunity.

GAME DAY WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 • 10:30 AM - 1 PM • ROOMS 11/12

Want to play? Invite a friend, bring a sack lunch and gather with us for some fun. We play a variety of games, including Bridge and Mexican Train. Lunch includes a roundtable discussion of Scripture and faith.

ENCORE! WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 • 11 AM - 1:30 PM GATHERING HALL AND SANCTUARY

Join us for the delightfully entertaining Annual Christ Church Talent Show. Everyone is invited to share their “talents” (contact jan@ cumcsl.org to be part of the program). 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. Preregistration is required for the meal and closes April 29. Reserve your space by emailing jan@cumcsl.org.

PUT IT IN WRITING TUESDAY, MAY 14 • 3 PM • CHURCH LIBRARY THURSDAY, MAY 23 • 10 AM • CHURCH LIBRARY

Our lives are full of stories. One way to secure those memories for ourselves and future generations is to “put it in writing.” Jan Randolph will lead this monthly writers’ workshop designed to instruct, inspire, encourage and support participants in the writing process. Our explorations will include (but not necessarily be limited to) memoirs, journal writing, prayer journals, faith stories, family narratives, and poetry. Just bring paper and pencil and your mind full of stories.

ONE ROOM BOOK CLUB WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 • 9 AM • VOLUNTEER CENTER

This group meets once a month to discuss a book chosen at the previous meeting. The book to be discussed at the May meeting is Safe From Harm by Stephanie Jaye Evans. If you enjoy reading and conversation about books, you are invited to join Book Club.

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Godly Active Ladies Serving (G.A.L.S.) invites you to help the children of the Casa MAMi Orphanage in Mexico. Sister Alma of Casa MAMi indicates that each child at the orphanage has only two pairs of undergarments. So G.A.L.S. is asking for your assistance in providing for these children by placing donations in the Collection Bin, located outside of Rooms 11/12, between May 5 and May 19. All items must be new and in original packaging. Boy needs: socks, t-shirts and underwear of all sizes. Girl needs: bras size 32-36 A&B, and panties of all sizes.

VBS . . . $25 Sports Camp . . . $65 UM ARMY . . . $275 Getting your kids off the couch and away from the TV and Xbox (or PS3 not to offend any particular gaming console) . . . PRICELESS!

2013 SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS

Hey, kids … if you’re age 3 through 1st grade, come join us this summer for camp! This year’s themes are: God’s Wonderful World of Imagination, Biblical Bugs, God Created the Heavens and the Earth, and Exciting Experiments in God’s World. For camp details and online registration, visit www.cumcsl.org/camp. Contact Kim Ripley at kimr@cumcsl.org or 281.690.4765.

OFF THE BENCH SPORTS CAMP JULY 8 - JULY 12 • 5 - 8:15 PM

Children’s Ministries is excited that UW Sports Ministry will be returning to Christ Church this summer! The Ministry team provides quality coaching while sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Football is available for boys currently in 2nd through 5th grades. Soccer is available for boys and girls currently in K through 5th grades. Cheer is available for girls currently in K through 5th grades. Basketball is available for girls and boys currently in 2nd through 5th grades (limited space). A special Team 45 Camp is available for children that will be age 4 or 5 by camp date. Cost is $65. Register at www.cumcsl.org/camp. Sign up today!! If you are a youth or adult and have an interest in sports and/or children, this is a great SERVE opportunity for you. We need volunteers for the following areas: Coaching, Prayer, Registration, Security, Snack and Team 45. Contact Kim Ripley at kimr@cumcsl.org or 281.690.4765.

FYSH ‘HOME BASE’ CAMP 2013 MONDAY, JUNE 10 - THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 • 8:30 AM TO 3 PM • FLC GYM AND SURROUNDING AREA

All youth who have completed 5th - 8th grade as of June 2013 are invited to join us this summer for FYSH ‘Home Base’ Camp. 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 homebased environment, and to have them meet new friends through service, fellowship and worship.

Cost: $85 (Youth); Adult Chaperones/Drivers are free of charge. A non-refundable deposit of $25 is due at registration through May 15.

Remaining balance is due May 30. Deadline to register: May 31, 2013.

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Christ United Methodist Church www.cumcsl.org

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2013 MONDAY, JUNE 24 - FRIDAY, JUNE 28 • 9:15 AM TO 12:15 PM

Christ Church will be transforming into “Kingdom Rock” for 5 days, “Where Kids Stand Strong for God.” At Kingdom Rock, your kids and their friends will participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, dig into yummy treats, experience epic Bible adventures, test out sciency-fun gizmos, and create crafts all week they’ll be able to bring home and share with the family. Our 5th graders will participate in a God-inspired mission, and they’ll foster their gifts of service in these 5 days of VBS. Kingdom Rock is for kids from 4 years old (as of September, 1, 2012) to 5th grade.

If you have children younger than 4, no problem! Be a VBS Volunteer and we will have a place for your little ones to participate. VBS cannot happen without our faithful volunteers! So sign up today—you and your kids—at www.cumcsl.org/children. Registration is $25 per child.

Questions? Please contact Ingred Lathrop at 281.690.4748 or Kim Ripley at 281.690.4765.

412 GREAT ESCAPE JULY 8 - 11

All students 6th-12th grade are invited to join 412 Ministries in our Great Escape 2013. During this 4-day trip, we will be heading to San Antonio for a day at Six Flags, followed by a 3-night stay at Schlitterbahn Resorts which will include an all-access pass for a day in Schlitterbahn, a day down the Comal River and a trip to Enchanted Rock. Price of $296 will include all food, tickets, transportation and lodging. Visit 4-12.net to register!

UM ARMY MISSION TRIP JULY 21 - 27 • ANGLETON, TX

Join us in the summer of 2013 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.

Parent volunteers and adult drivers are needed. Price of $275 will include all food, transportation and lodging.

YOUTH WORSHIP SUNDAYS • 5 - 8 PM • GYM

All middle school & high school youth are invited to join us in the Family Life Center Gym every Sunday night from 5 - 8 pm. During that time we will have dinner, games, worship and Bible study. Our youth worship service begins at 6 pm. Bring $2, and enjoy dinner with us.

412 - THE ENCOUNTER • WEDNESDAYS • 6:30 - 8 PM • CHAPEL

High school students are invited to this weekly Bible study, Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 8 pm in the Chapel.

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.

youth

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CELEBRATE SINGLES SUNDAY SCHOOL

All singles are invited to join us. 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 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.

TGIS (THANK GOD IT’S SUNDAY)

This class is made up of couples and singles of all ages who enjoy lively discussion and fellowship. Topics range from Bible study to contemporary issues and books. Meets in the Scout Shack.

WEAVERS

Join Crusaders Sunday School as we study The Faith, by Charles Colson. Discover WHAT you believe, WHY you believe it, & WHY it matters. All adults are welcome to join us.

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.

AXIOM - YOUNG ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL Primarily for college and career aged, 18-29. Meets in room 310 in the Family Life Center.

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JOIN CRUSADERS AS WE STUDY THE FAITH SUNDAYS, MAY 19 - JUNE 23 • 8:30 AM • BRIDE’S ROOM

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).

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

3300 AUSTIN PARKWAY SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77479

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER THURSDAY, MAY 2 NOON - 1 PM SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE Please join us. We will be there at 11:30 am distributing bottled water. Come early if you would like to help.

SAY GOODBYE TO THE NELSONS

CHRIST CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Mike Mayhugh, Senior Pastor Rev. Linda Summers Pierce, Executive Associate Pastor Rev. Jason Nelson, Associate Pastor Karen LaMotta, Executive Director - CONNECT Ministries Roland Huysman, Executive Director - Operations Lisa Mayhugh, Director - 412 Youth Ministries Ingred Lathrop, Director - Children’s Ministries Jan Randolph, Director - Older Adult Ministries Lahonda Sharp, Director - Music & Fine Arts Renee Teel, Director - Mission Ministries Tricia Baltazar, Coordinator - GROW Ministries Beth Carter, Director - Christ Church School For a complete staff listing, please visit our website at www.cumcsl.org/staff WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

THE HEARTBEAT

SUNDAY, JUNE 9 NOON - FLC GYM PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS . . . J.J. Zhao, Richard Jordan’s co-worker, Gayle Culak’s sister, Joan Kayser-Murray’s cousin, Courtney White’s friend, Anne Strodtbeck, Boyd Bluestein’s mother & sister, Zeba Doyles, Betty Holcomb, Gretchen Grabau, Michelle LaDoucieur’s mother, Sarah Zenzhdoayer’s friend, Amy Lewis’ sister, Lynn DeBlance, Gina Evoritt’s cousin, Melinda Fowler’s family friends, DeWitt Morrow, Betty Clark’s friend, Walter & Phyllis Gerlach’s daughter-in-law, Gina Evoritt’s cousin, Barbara Burnham, Aimee Schultheis’ sister-in-law’s friend, Ivy family friend, Chris & Jodi Rugaard, and all those serving in the military.

JOYS . . . Steve Smith’s mother; Jolene Lanier; Charlene Rogers’ sister; DeWitt Morrow; Linda Tucker’s sonin-law; Linda Tucker; Stephanie Strickland; Jeff Parr’s mother; Kay Breuer’s father, Doris St. Cyr, Haase family friend CHRIST CHURCH EXTENDS ITS SYMPATHY TO . . . Tom and Gael Bittenbender on the death of his aunt; family and friends of Jean Garrison; Amy Young on the death of her aunt; Amy Stonesifer & family on the death of her mother; families of victims in West, Texas; Cheryl Herrington on the death of her father; friends and family of Emmy Finley; Sally Lambert on the death of her twin sister; Barbara & Virgil Harris on the death of their cousin; Laura Hays on the death of her twin sister; Pat Rabon on the death of her brother.

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