July 2018 news

The Gruene UMC NEWS The Monthly Newsletter for Gruene United Methodist Church

New Sermon Series: LIVING WATER

July 2018

July 8th - August 12th

Water has great significance in the Bible... so what does it represent according to the Scriptures?

The summer we will dive into Living Water as we explore the meaning and significance of water in the scriptures and in our lives. The sermon series will conclude on August 12th with a baptism and baptism renewal service at a nearby river.

Throughout the Living Water series we will highlight the need for clean water in developing countries and our continuing mission with Living Water International. From the Living water website: https://www.water.cc/whywater Everything begins with water. It's the foundation for all other levels of development. That means—for the millions of thirsty people throughout the developing world—safe water can ultimately transform.

This Month • Missions Update

July 8th - John 4:1-26 Water as Salvation or Eternal Life Title: “Welling up”

• Five:32 (Youth)

July 15th John 7:37-38 The Water as the Spirit of God Title: “Are you thirsty?”

• Adventure For the City

July 22nd Psalm 23 Title “Still Water” Water as life giving and peaceful July 29th Title "Water of Life" Living Water as a symbol of God’s abundant life Isaiah 41:17-20 Aug 5th - Water and our Baptism Title “All are welcome…”

Acts 10:44-48 Aug. 12th - Baptism Sunday Title “Therefore Go...”

Matthew 28:16-20

• Family Promise Camp

• New Staff • Helping Others

By Pastor Brock

We are collecting Laundry items for Michelle, RN Wesley Nurse from First United Methodist Church. We are collecting LAUNDRY SOAP PODS, DRYER SHEETS and QUARTERS. The donation station is located in the gathering space hallway next to the Steve’s Pantry donation station. Thank you in advance for your prayers and donations. For more info, please contact Michelle, RN, Wesley Nurse at (830) 627-9665.

July 1st - 6th Our next opportunity to host Family Promise is just around the corner. Please consider how you might be of service. If you are able to donate one evening meal or spend the night one night during the week of July 1st - 6th please contact Pastor Aaron Carter at aaron@grueneumc.org.

Families who bring dinner stay at the church to share a meal with the families and to offer comfort, conversation and fellowship for the evening. Families who have children who can come along are encouraged to volunteer. If you sign up to spend the night, you simply show up at 9pm and leave at 6am and we provide all the instructions you need. The job is simple: you sleep! We need someone to stay overnight so the families don’t have to stay here alone. Please contact Pastor Aaron at aaron@grueneumc.org for more information.

A Big THANK YOU to Women at the Table for bringing Washington Red Skins Quarterback Colt McCoy to Gruene UMC on June 19th to share his testimony. We were honored to host and what a blessing it was for us to hear his story. Pastor Aaron Carter sat down with him and asked him the big questions and he answered. McCoy also met with over 400 fans after for a meet and greet and signed his book and other Texas Longhorn memorabilia. Thanks to all who came we hope you were inspired by his testimony and are excited about the amazing plans GOD has for YOUR life!

Your Missions Team at Work: VOLUNTEERS needed! Steve’s Pantry is even busier during the summer. Over 650 people were served in May. If you’ve volunteered before, consider signing up again. If you haven’t, contact Stephanie at stevespantry@grueneumc.org. She would love to get you plugged in. Steve’s Pantry is more than just providing folks with food, laundry, showers, and clothing. It is creating relationships with clients and other volunteers.

Come be a part of our dynamic ministry!

Your Food For Kids ministry (formerly Backpacks) completed another successful school year providing weekend food for students.

We served 7 different schools in CISD over 35 weeks. An average of 181 students received food each week at a cost of $1.32 per child.

A typical bag contained peanut butter, jelly, juice, applesauce, cereal, granola bar, filled crackers, micro popcorn, and chips. By partnering with the San Antonio Food Bank, we are able to make your donations go farther. Thank you to the fabulous team of dedicated volunteers who faithfully packed

and delivered all those weeks!

The Missions Team supported a new ministry happening this summer. Amy Howell has teamed with Adventure For The City Camp. This is an opportunity for children (entering 1st to 6th grade) to experience church camp in a familiar place. Spend five full days (8am-5pm) climbing, riding, playing, and learning about Jesus.

Missions Team donated $1640 to help provide several full and partial scholarships. Spots are still open! Please consider signing your child up for this awesome opportunity happening July 9th-12th, and tell your friends and neighbors.

Contact Amy Howell at amy@grueneumc.org if you have any questions. You can also find more information at http://tinyurl.com/ GrueneAdventure.

If you have ideas to share with your Missions Team, join us the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm in Steve’s Pantry or contact Pastor Aaron at aaron@grueneumc.org or Sarah Krull at srkrull4@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you.

Welcome New Staff!

Rev. Dan Harrington - Senior Pastor Dan@grueneumc.org

Brandi Carnes - Nursery Director brandi@grueneumc.org

Rev. Aaron Carter - Associate Pastor aaron@grueneumc.org

Amy Howell - Children and Family Ministry Director amy@grueneumc.org

Rev. Debbie Head - Associate Pastor Debbie@grueneumc.org

Rebecca Goossens - GTLC Director gruenetreelearningcenter@gmail.com

Nadia Hoffman – Administrative Assistant nadia@grueneumc.org

Beth Bradford - Creative Lead Beth@grueneumc.org

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.