“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope —never forget that.” Jeremiah 29:11
The GRUENE UMC NEWS
January 2018
A note from the Pastor: Happy New Year! Praise God for a new year... What a year 2017 has been! A year ago, none of us could have imagined the plans God had for us! My family and I are only beginning to get to know you - and what a blessing it is to serve here at GUMC!!! Our lives are filled with so many wonderful new friends. We have been blown away by your love, generosity, and dedication as we serve Jesus together. Thank for being a church were ALL are welcomed... a church home where folks can experience a ‘come as you are’ atmosphere… a place where people can come and be loved, filled, and encouraged by the Holy Spirit that empowers us to GO and BE the love of Christ in the world. We caught a beautiful glimpse of this at Christmas when we sang Silent night and light hundreds of candles… all of them glowing together seem to say, “Remember... YOU are the light of Christ in a dark world that needs to hear the good news!” What will 2018 hold for us? What ways will we love our neighbors, and in what ways will we show the love of Christ in the local community and in the world? How will we teach our children and what will we learn from them? What mountaintop experiences will we share? What dark valleys will we journey through? What will we learn and how will we grow? What will challenge us to be the people God has called us to be?
In what ways is Jesus calling you to follow him? None of us know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future! Together we remember the word of God through the prophet Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that. Jeremiah 29:11 (voice translation) May God continue to lead us into a bright future. May we keep our hearts lifted, our ears and eyes, hearts and minds open… I’m expecting great things! Come close, Lord lest I wobble and fall short. It is not days or years I seek from you, not infinity and enormity, but small things and moments and awareness, awareness that you are in what I am and in what I have been indifferent to. It is not new time, but new eyes, new heart I seek, and you. From Guerrillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battle by Ted Loder
Rev. Dan Harrington Senior Pastor (Dan@grueneumc.org)
This Month • •
Remix Groups Kids Corner
• Confirmation Classes •
Run Feed Love 5K
•
Family Promise
•
Steve’s Pantry
Discerning The Voice of God Bible Study starts Tuesday, Jan. 30th How to Recognize When God Speaks by Pricilla Shirer. Through 7 sessions, discover the root to clear and daily communication with God—humble obedience. Learn how surrender unlocks His many blessings intended for us, centers us in His will, and helps us discern His voice in everyday life. Tuesday Night Bible Study - January 30th to March 13th 6:30pm to 8:00pm GUMC - Motown. Cost for Study Guide $13. Contact Nunzy Alves nunzy1960@gmail.com or (830)237-3742.
REMIX GROUPS REMIX groups are small groups of people (8-12 folks) who meet together weekly in someone's home to connect with others and grow deeper in faith. If you would like to get connected to a Remix group, please sign up in the gathering area on Sunday or email Pastor Dan at Dan@grueneumc.org. JANUARY MEN'S HUDDLE Start the New Year off right and join us for lunch at the next Men's Huddle at Noon on Wednesday, January 10th at the Buttermilk Cafe. Test your luck as we hold a drawing to see which of you will be the lucky recipient of a free lunch. If you have questions, contact Terry McCaffrey at (830) 837-0026.
What a month! It comes and goes so fast with programs, parties, gifts, Santa, and most importantly, Our Sweet Baby Jesus! Much thanks goes out to our parents that donated towards our Angel children, along with Kayla West (GTLC Advisory Chair), Sarah Roberson, and Lacey James for doing all the shopping! I praise God also for these teachers that work endlessly with these children during this very busy time of the school year. As I was focused on our Christmas programs, Santa, and anything else holiday related, they continue to stay on track with our curriculum…truly amazing! Speaking of programs…well…they were...PERFECT! All kidding aside…these children, between the ages of 2-5, can do more then we adults can give them credit for! So proud of their efforts in all they do!
GTLC prays that your Christmas season was just how you wanted it to be…. and following it… A Blessed New Year! Ms. Rebecca GTLC Director
The Gruene Care Team needs YOU!!! The Care Team helps in several ways to meet the needs of those in our church and we’d love for you to be part of the team. There are many ways to serve and please read the following to see how you might be a part of this ministry. CARDS We send “Get Well”, “Thinking of You”, and “You are in our prayers” cards to those who could use a boost, prayer or friendly word. Karen Emerson sends us an email requesting cards (including the address and information). Send a card, if you can. Our feedback has been that recipients truly appreciate them! MEALS: A Sign up genius is sent to volunteers for those in need of meals due to illness, surgery, or recuperation. If this is a Mission area for you, there a 3 ways to serve *Preparing and delivering a meal , *Making meals and cookies for future needs or *Getting restaurant gift cards for those needing help.
TRANSPORTATION: Help in driving others to church or doctor appointments. FUNERALS and RECEPTIONS: Needs are: Setting up, Food preparation, Serving, and Clean up. Peggy Smith and Karen Emerson have taken care of these events for several years and we need a co-chair to help with this area. Please consider this important role.
For more info please contact Ann Burnett by email at rdrburnett@yahoo.com
Thursdays
Starting January 4th!
Item of the Month This month Steve’s Pantry is collecting underwear and socks. These donations will help benefit our friends who visit Steve’s Pantry. Please drop your donations off in the baskets in the gathering space at the church. Thank you in advance for your donations and support!
Missions & Muffins (M&M’S) Update A HUGE Giving Tree THANK YOU to Gruene UMC for all you do!! 65 Communities in Schools kids 66 Angel Tree Kids (they have a parent in prison), (Total of 131 kiddos!) PLUS Gift cards for each child’s family. (Earnings from the Spring Recycle Sale plus donations from the congregation). PLUS 53 Elderly persons in Colonial Manor and Eden Hill Skilled Care Nursing homes Unmeasurable Thanks to Gruene UMC for their donations to these wonderful Christmas projects. BIG NEWS!!!! The Evening Group of M&Ms will begin on Wednesday, January 10th at 6:30pm at the Augusta Gruene House, 2293 Common St. (It is the club house for the Augusta neighborhood.) This evening group will be led by Kendel Marrou and Kate Gideon. They will meet every 2nd Wednesday evening. The Morning Group meets Thursday, January 11th, at 9:30 in MoTown. We will be learning about setting Priorities, Goals and Organization for the New Year. This group regularly meets the 2 nd Thursday of each month, September through May. All women of Gruene UMC are invited to attend either (or both) of the meetings. Contact laura.mcfall@att.net for more info and to join our group email list to receive meeting notes and announcements. MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The annual Recycled Treasures Sale will be April 7 th. Start boxing up those unneeded items to donate to our sale that funds our Giving Tree and other Missions throughout the year. Please note: We are not able to accept large items like furniture or exercise machines.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Volunteers are needed to fold bulletins on Fridays at 9:30 a.m The Office Angels need volunteer to help fold Sunday bulletins on Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. If you have an hour to spare on Friday mornings, we would LOVE to have you. For more information, please contact Nadia at the church office (830) 625-7200 or email at nadia@grueneumc.org.
Do you or your ministry have an event you would like to share in the Gruene UMC Newsletter? Please email your event info to Nadia at nadia@grueneumc.org. The deadline is the 15th !
February 24, 2018 Register TODAY at athleteguild.com We are also looking for both Corporate Sponsors and Family Sponsors for our 5K. This years race is February 24, 2018 and the last chance to get your sponsorship in to be on all the shirts and signs is January 12th! If you know of a business or if your business would like to be a Sponsor, please contact Rebecca Marrou at marrou.fca@gmail.com or call (623) 810-6347.
January 14th – 21st. Gruene UMC will be hosting Family Promise January 14th - 21st. We are in need of volunteers to help set-up and tear down the rooms, clean laundry, stay overnight, bring prepared meals, and come visit with our guests. Any and all help is much appreciated. If you are interested in helping out please contact Amy and Jesse Franklin at anenome10@hotmail.com or (210) 213-0704. Tuesday Morning Women’s Book Study will resume on Tuesday, January 9th at 9:45 a.m. The book will be "Imagine Heaven" by Robert Burke. The book can be purchased at Hobby Lobby or ordered from Amazon. Available for a Kindle, also. This group meets on Tuesday mornings beginning at 9:45am at MOTown. For additional information contact Betsy Tucker at betsytucker197@gmail.com or Linda Sickles at lindasickles@me.com.
Motherload
(Bible Study for Mothers of all ages and stages)
New Bible Study starts Wed. January 10th at 7 p.m. Join us for this 7 session Bible study, “We Saved You a Seat” by Lisa-Jo Baker as we explore our relationship with Jesus as the ultimate model for authentic friendship. Nothing shapes us like the impact of a friend - it’s how Jesus radically and intimately connects with us. So instead of chasing perfection, overcome your fear of being known and find the courage to connect. The cost for material is $18.25. For more info contact Jennifer Weatherton at gumcmotherload@yahoo.com.
Rev. Dan Harrington - Senior Pastor Dan@grueneumc.org
Brandi Carnes - Nursery Director brandi@grueneumc.org
Rev. Brock Gillman - Associate Pastor brock@grueneumc.org
Amy Howell - Children and Family Ministry Director amy@grueneumc.org
Rev. Aaron Carter - Associate Pastor aaron@grueneumc.org
Alyssa Rowe - Director of Student Ministries alyssa@grueneumc.org
Nadia Hoffman – Administrative Assistant nadia@grueneumc.org
Rebecca Goossens - GTLC Director gruenetreelearningcenter@gmail.com
2629 E. Common St. New Braunfels TX 78130 (830) 625-7200 Fax: (830) 625-7208
www.grueneumc.org OFFICE HOURS M-F, 8:30 - 4:30
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30, 9:40 & 11:00 a.m. (Main Building) 9:50 a.m. (Motown) “Come…be you, be filled , be loved. Go…be joy, be hope, be love. Be His! ”
See What’s Happening There are so many fun and exciting groups here at Gruene! To find out what’s going on, check us out on the Gruene UMC facebook page or on our website, www.grueneumc.org.