Dec '19 - Jan '20 | More to Life Magazine

MORE TO LIFE

WINTER PUBLICATION | DEC ‘19 - JAN ‘20

New Sermon Series

The Table Spring 2020 Classes

Why I Became a Stephen Minister

The Way it Ought to Be & Putting Down Roots

Uncommon Cents, Intentional Parenting, & more!

by Purvis Harper

STAFF

PASTORS

Administrative Assistant Sabina Pagano

Senior Pastor Dr. Burt Palmer

Administrative Assistant Emily Priesmeyer

Associate Pastor Rev. Chris Harrison

AP Clerk Betty Barton

Associate Pastor Rev. John Wayne McMann

Assistant Missions Director Gladden Lawrence

Associate Pastor Rev. Stacey Sweet

Associate Director of Student Ministry Megan Hallof

Associate Pastor for Students Rev. Clint Wyllie

Communications and Media Specialist Sarah Morrison

Pastor of Hispanic Ministries Rev. Sara Reyes

Contemporary Worship Leader Ryan Stueckemann Director of Caring Ministries Donna Smith Director of Children’s Ministries Karen Soliz Director of Finance Blanche Spurgeon Director of Music & Worship Arts Matt Robinson Director of Preschool Ministries Whitney Parrish Executive Director Joe Carbonaro Facilities Director Fred Kreis IT Director Michael Snowden Maintenance Eric Castillo Maintenance Tech Billy Rowell Music Ministry Administrative Assistant Barbara Dickson Nursery Director Jane Bradley Organist Sheila Childers Receptionist & Senior Pastor Assistant Kelly Glowacky School for Little Children Director Jackie Grant Young Families Ministry Coordinator Wrynn Homann

Kingwood United Methodist 1799 Woodland Hills Dr, Kingwood TX Phone: 281.358.2137 KingwoodUMC @kingwoodumc

KINGWOODUMC.ORG

CONTENT New Here? 1 Welcome Letter 2 December Events 3 January Events 4 Upcoming Sermon Series 6 Christmas Eve Services 7 Missions 9 Surveying the Islands by Gladden Lawrence

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Adult Ministries 13 Why I Became a Stephen Minister by Purvis Harper

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Caring Ministries 18 Student Ministries 21 Children & Young Family Ministries 23 Music Ministries 27 Recipes 29

KINGWOODUMC.ORG

NEW HERE? SUNDAYS Why do we gather?

M O R E TO L I F E .

Life is full of ups and downs, triumphs and struggles, and through it all Kingwood United Methodist Church wants to say there is More to Life than what you are experiencing.

In Christ there is more than the difficulty you face and there is still more than the status quo. Come and join us as we continue to dream of more for our lives and for this community.

What should I expect?

At Kingwood United Methodist Church you will find a vibrant community of faith that is passionate about loving God and loving our neighbor. This plays out through discipleship in small groups and Bible studies, children and youth gatherings, Christ-centered worship, and intentional missional relationships both near and far. On Sunday mornings you can expect to find a diversity of communities that share the same passion and pursuits. We may gather in different places but we are headed in the same direction.

NEXTSTEP Come learn more about the ministries of the church and discover ways to take next steps in making King wood United Methodist Church your home. Enjoy lunch and conversation with members and leaders of the community.

Register at king woodumc.org /nextstep

M O R E TO L I F E G R O U P S Encouraging one another in faith and love.

Interested in connecting with a group?

Contact john.mcmann@kingwoodumc.org

WEBSITE Visit us at kingwoodumc.org to learn more about our ministries and upcoming events!

You can stream past sermons, donate to our monthly mission offering, and sign up for groups to get more involved at KUMC. 1

WORSHIP WITH US Traditional Sundays | 8:30, 9:40 & 11 AM Located in the Sanctuary Vine Worship Sundays | 9:40 & 11 AM Located in the Gym Student Worship Wednesdays | Source 15 5:30 - 7:30 PM Located in the Loft El Refugio (Spanish Worship) Sundays | 11 AM Located in the Fellowship Hall

KINGWOODUMC.ORG

WELCOME Welcome to KingwoodUMC. Shortly after Shawn and I were married, I had the brilliant idea of taking responsibility for making a birthday cake for my mother-in-law. I confess that I was hoping to endear myself to her by making a triple German Chocolate Cake. Everything was going along just as I had planned until I took the cooled chocolate cakes out the pans. I had used pie pans instead of cake pans for the cakes. You can imagine the mess that ensued as I thought that I could just cut away the sloping edges, which then began to fall apart when I put the German Chocolate frosting on. But the mess of a cake I had prepared did not keep us from celebrating – and there were plenty of laughs about the “unique cake”. The phrase “oh how sweet” saved my ego that day.

The season of Advent that leads to the celebration of Christmas can often be a bit messy as well. All too often our expectations are shaped by the culture around us that tells us that we need to purchase something, watch something or do something to make it a perfect Christmas. I’ve never experienced a Christmas that was made perfect because of the tree, present or meal; but I’ve experienced many a Christmas made perfect, albeit messy at times, by the message and those with whom I share the Good News of Christ’s birth.

We can learn a bit from Mary about how we evaluate our expectations. Did she expect to be visited by Angel? Did her parents have expectations for her life? Did she know how Joseph would respond to this unexpected news? Of course, we know the whole story so we tend to glance over the messy and complicated parts of that first Christmas. We tend to focus on what happens in Bethlehem and lose sight of the challenges in the journey. We sing fondly “Away in a Manger” but rarely do we imagine the barnyard odor that accompanied Our Savior’s birth.

Whatever Mary was experiencing, besides the child in her womb, I believe she is the greatest model of human faithfulness in Scripture. To the unanticipated angelic visit announcing her role in history, Mary proclaims,

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) .

Can we say that same thing this Christmas season? “Here am I, the servant of the Lord, let be with me according to your word.”?

It’s the message in the mess of Christmas that matters most my friends. And in the following pages, you will see the many ways that we are trying to tell again this message of God’s love for us all. I can remember my dad saying one Christmas Eve, “ Words seem so inadequate to express our gratitude to God for his indescribable gift of Jesus. But words are what we have, so let us use them well to celebrate our faith.”

In the following pages, you will find the many ways that we use our words, as inadequate as they may seem, to tell the story of God’s love and where God is inviting us into His story. As you read about events, please pray for the event, those in leadership and consider inviting someone to join at an event or worship experience. As you read about KUMC reaching out with the love of Christ, seek God in prayer to discern where you can become involved and pray for those are experiencing God’s love through our outreach.

The Christmas season can be messy my friends.

Don’t forget the message in the midst of the mess, even if you mix up the cake and pie pans.

On the journey to Bethlehem with you,

B.Palmer

DR. BURT PALMER, SR. PASTOR A.K.A. “SHEEPDOG” (JOHN 10:10)

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KINGWOODUMC.ORG

December Events Calendar Visit kingwoodumc.org for additional information, to register for an event, or to donate.

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DEC 4

Youth Christmas Party / 5:30 PM / the Loft

DEC 4

Advent Worship / 6 PM / the Sanctuary

DEC 5

Inspire Women’s Ministry (High school) / 4 PM / Kimberly Watson’s House

DEC 7

Refugio Women’s Conference

DEC 8

Advent Workshop / 5 - 7 PM / the Commons

DEC 11

Advent Worship / 6 PM / the Sanctuary

DEC 14

Society of St. Stephens Christmas Baskets / 8:30 AM / the Gym

DEC 14

Defend Hearts Training / 9 AM - 12 / Room E207

DEC 15

Christmas Pops / 4 PM / the Sanctuary

DEC 18

Christmas in the Light Worship Service / 11 AM / the Sanctuary

DEC 18

Feed My Lambs & Whataburger / 4:30 PM

DEC 18

Advent Worship / 6 PM / the Sanctuary

DEC 19

Inspire Women’s Ministry (High school) / 4 PM / Kimberly Watson’s House

DEC 20

Inspire Movie Night / 6 - 9 PM / Sarah Carter’s House

DEC 22

UMARMY Christmas Party / 7 PM

DEC 24

Christmas Eve Services / 11 AM, 5 PM, 7 PM, 9 PM, 11 PM

DEC 24

1 Church Initiative

KINGWOODUMC.ORG

January Events Calendar Visit kingwoodumc.org for additional information, to register for an event, or to donate.

JAN 3 - 5

Senior Union Retreat

JAN 6

Divorce Care (First Class) / 6 - 8 PM / A234

JAN 7

Discipleship Bible Study (First Class) / 10 AM / E207

JAN 9 -12

Created by God / The Loft

JAN 12

Journey Group Info Meeting / 6:30 PM / E203

JAN 12

Senior Union / 11 AM

JAN 15

Young Mom’s Bible Study (First Class) / 9 AM / E200/201

JAN 15

The Table Preview Night / 6 PM

JAN 16

Late Great Start / 8:30 AM / Chick-Fil-A | Morning Brew / 8 AM / Coco’s Crepes

JAN 19

Senior Union / 11 AM

JAN 22

The Table / 6 PM

JAN 23

Thursday Women’s Bible Study (First Class) / 9:30 AM / E200/201

JAN 23

Loss of Spouse Seminar / 6:30 - 8:30 PM / E203

JAN 26

Senior Union / 11 AM

JAN 28

1 Church Initiative

JAN 30

Late Great Start / 8:30 AM / Chick-Fil-A | Morning Brew / 8 AM / Coco’s Crepes

JAN 30

Prayer & Worship Night / 7 PM / the Loft

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Li g h t

Christmas in the Wednesday, December 18th, 2019

11 AM Worship Service in the Sanctuary Special Christmas music, Message from the Bible, Carols, and Holy Communion will be provided at this service Special Luncheon immediately following service in the Commons

KINGWOODUMC.ORG

UPCOMING SERMON SERIES The Way it Ought to Be There are many expectations that we put upon the Christmas season. Football, food, family, and other traditions all make up the ideal picture of the Christmas experience. For some, Christmas will never live up to the ideal because of something or someone missing from the equation. “The Way it ‘Ought to be” can sometimes be a vision that is never attainable or fully satisfying. The Christian story of advent and Christmas surprisingly answers “The Way it ‘Ought to be” in meaningful ways through the coming of hope, joy, love, and peace found in Christ. Join us this advent as we consider missed expectations met with unending grace.

Putting Down Roots The new year often ignites within us the desire to change, grow, and experience fully the life which God offers us. With Colossians 2:6-7 as our guide, we will continue to embrace the true hope, peace, joy, and love that we met during the Christmas season. We will work toward putting down deeper roots in our community, relationships with one another, and through Christ.

As followers of Christ, our prayer is our discipleship and faith will be further strengthened in 2020 and our thankfulness will overflow like never before. Consider finding more to life with the KUMC family!

SOSS Christmas Gifts Dec 14 | 8:30 AM - 12 The Gym On Saturday, December 14, Christmas gifts will be given to close to 1,000 children through the efforts of the Society of St. Stephen at Kingwood United Methodist Church. Angel trees which appeared in the Commons during November were used to help generous hearts select children and their families for whom to purchase gifts. These presents along with food and other forms of support will be given out between 8:30 and noon. Each family who comes that day will be prayed for and blessed by the presence of God’s Holy Spirit. Come and experience the true beauty of Christmas as we serve and love!

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KINGWOODUMC.ORG

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES This Christmas Eve we will be experiencing and learning about the Christmas that God intended for us to celebrate with the coming of Jesus into our world. Times of worship will include: 11 AM CHILDREN’S SERVICE This service is geared toward young kids/families and will last about 20 minutes. Immediately following the service, there will be a birthday party for Jesus in the gym. There will be singing of Christmas songs, a family will light the advent candle and a telling of the Christmas story.

5:00 PM FAMILY-ORIENTED SERVICE This light-hearted service in the sanctuary will keep children of all ages wide-eyed with the wonder of Christmas. Familiar carols and candle lighting will be a part of the service with a message provided by Rev. Chris Harrison.

5:00 PM VINE CONTEMPORARY SERVICE Join the Vine Band as they fill the gym with fresh sounds and good news of Christmas. Holy Communion and candle lighting will be a significant part of the service. Rev. John Wayne McMahon will be preaching.

7:00 PM TRADITIONS WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY With our Chancel Choir and instruments leading the service, worshippers will experience traditional carols of the season, recognizing the gift of Christ which God gave to the world.

Dr. Burt Palmer will preach this service and will lead the congregation in Holy Communion and candle lighting.

7:00 PM VINE CONTEMPORARY SERVICE Join the Vine Band as they fill the gym with fresh sounds and the good news of Christmas. Holy Communion and candle lighting will be included in the service. Rev. John Wayne McMahon will be preaching.

9:00 PM TRADITIONS WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY Join us in the sanctuary as we feature the traditional sights and sounds of the season and help us to once again the gift of Christ which God gave to the world. Our women’s choir, Sola Gratia shares stirring anthems and familiar carols in this service as well as Communion and candle lighting. Dr. Burt Palmer will preach this service as well as lead the congregation in Holy Communion and candle lighting.

11:00 PM TRADITIONAL LESSONS AND CAROLS IN THE SANCTUARY With the musical leadership of our Men’s Ensemble, we will share the Christmas story through the reading of scriptures and the singing of familiar carols. This service will include Holy Communion and candle lighting as we welcome Christmas morning together.

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MISSIONS

MISSIONS kingwoodumc.org/missions MONTHLY MISSION OPPORTUNITY Give online by visiting https://www.kingwoodumc.org/monthly-mission-offering/ or by check. Please make checks payable to Kingwood United Methodist with Monthly Mission Offering in the memo line.

DECEMBER For the past seven months, KUMC has formed a relationship with A Fresh Start, a Residential Treatment Center for boys ages 9-17. AFS can care for up to 30 foster boys at a time. In partnership with two other area congregations, our Oasis ministry team has been very interactive with the boys and the staff of AFS. We show the boys love through visits, outings, and intentionally deep relationships. Some of the boys have recently joined us for FLIPt and Fall Retreat. This Advent season we are allowing our congregation the opportunity to get to know the boys and ministry of AFS. We are asking you to join in raising the $18,000 to $20,000 we need to purchase a new-to-them van. This will replace a vehicle with 400,000 miles that they use to transport the boys to three different schools, activities and more. In addition to the financial support, we invite you to join us as we reach out in love to these boys. They are hungry for mentors willing to make them study and smile.

JANUARY In January of 2020, we are blessed to offer our support to a familiar ministry partner, Mission Northeast.

For the past 24 years, Mission NE has been helping families in 11 different area zip codes by providing food assistance, clothing needs, and bill assistance programs. 97% of these families are categorized as extremely poor and approximately 25% are elderly and/or disabled. Mission NE has an adult education program that provides opportunities for education, job skills training, and employment to help move families out of poverty. The staff and volunteers at Mission NE build relationships by providing a Care Partner who listens carefully to each client’s needs and offers spiritual support. Non-denominational chapel services are also offered and Bibles and study materials are provided upon request. In 2020 Mission NE will distribute close to a million pounds of food. This number includes their Feed My Lambs partnership with KUMC and other organizations that give food relief to the residents of White Oak Apartments. Thanks for helping to keep the shelves of Mission NE filled with food and hope.

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MISSIONS

Updates on past MMO’s:

LPNP Defending Hearts Training

An update on the September Monthly

Dec 14 | 9 AM - 12 Room E207

things to show the love of Christ to our

Do you have a loved one or friend or coworker who is struggling with an unwanted sexually related behavior in their life? On December 14, Love People Not Pixels will be conducting a Defending Hearts training at KUMC in room E207 from 9 a.m. to 12. LPNP’s Defending Hearts workshop is designed to help us learn to walk alongside those who are seeking freedom and restoration from unwanted sexual behaviors. Some of those being trained will have the opportunity to work on the LPNP team to support men seeking freedom and restoration who have been arrested for purchasing or attempting to purchase sex. Come help stop human trafficking by helping to eliminate the demand! Register for training at: lpnp.org/events/defend-hearts-kingwood-umc

Mission Offering from Bless The Children Ministries : “ We can do even greater 310 orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda, because of KUMC’s generosity in giving for the September monthly mission campaign, thank you!”

1 Church Initiative

A huge thank you to those who donated to

Dec 24 & Jan 28

the October Mission Offering! Because

KUMC is committed to a day of prayer the fourth Tuesday of every month for the 1 Church Initiative. You can sign up for a 30-minute slot individually, as a family, a small group, or a Sunday School class. You may pray from home, the workplace, or at the church. A prayer guide will be available for those who participate. Please join other churches in the area as we create a canopy of united, strategic prayer in the community as well as strengthening the “culture of prayer” in each church. Please visit kingwoodumc.org/prayer to sign up.

of these donations, the Kimberly House Feeding Center will be able to cover their costs to feed these children and more for 5 months!

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MISSIONS

Surveying the Island Tropical Storm Imelda Flooding in Kingwood: KUMC’s Response

by Gladden Lawrence Assistant to the Mission Pastor, Rev. Chris Harrison

A

fter living 40+ years in Kingwood and thinking I had seen or experienced everything, then came Imelda! If Harvey, and then May flooding weren’t enough, a reminder of our physical and emotional vulnerabilities came to us in the form of Tropical Storm Imelda!

Serving in Missions at KUMC for the past five years taught me many lessons about my faith, our congregation, and our community; we come together during disasters and we are resilient!

So, when the skies cleared and the water began to recede, we surveyed our island and our church mobilized teams to search for families needing help. We provided the manpower and supplies, put the routine on the shelf, and turned our facility into yet another flooding recovery center for yet another natural disaster.

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Harris County Emergency Relief, the Red Cross, and Houston Food Bank added additional resources to a satellite command center setup in our K-Building. Representatives arrived to interview, register, and counsel homeowners looking for whatever support they could get. The long recovery process had begun.

More than 1,500 families were interviewed, registered, and received, water, and cleaning supplies.

KUMC Staff home visits became a priority to assess damage, provided physical and emotional needs, and prayer. During these visits homeowner resiliency, the range of positive and negative emotions, calmness, peace, and spiritual resolution is and remains inspiring.

MISSIONS

Completed KUMC’s Disaster Fund Applications have exceeded 46; 40 of those applications have been processed with checks distributed amounting to $45,450 going into the hands homeowners for needs ranging from bedding, food, housing, clothing, and construction supplies.

To date, donations to KUMC’s Disaster Relief Fund total $56,372.92. These monies have come from the generosity of our congregation and from multiple other sources in the community.

Personally, over the past several weeks, visiting and praying with these homeowners who were either flooded by Imelda, May’s rains, Harvey, or all three, and listening to their stories of hope and resilience, strengthened my own heart to survey my own island and realize God’s joy and hope can only come through Him even and especially under the most trying of circumstances like a natural disaster.

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ADULT MINISTRIES

ADULT MINISTRIES kingwoodumc.org/adults Advent Worship Dec 4th, 11th & 18th | 6 PM The Sanctuary Jim Welch will be hosting an Advent Worship on Wednesday evenings in the Sanctuary. It will focus on the Book of Common Prayer and feature the language John Wesley used in his worship services. The services will last about 35 minutes and include Communion and scripture reading.

January Prayer & Worship Night Gather in the Loft (upstairs in the K-Building) on January 30th at 7 PM and linger a little longer in the presence of God than we do on Sunday mornings. Everyone is welcome to this time of intentional worship and prayer led by Rev. John Wayne McMann and Ryan Stueckemann.

Discipleship Bible Study Spring 2020 Jan 7th - June 16, 2020 | 10 AM Room E207 For nearly thirty years, the original Disciple Bible Study has helped millions of people read through the Bible and grow their faith through a 34-week class. The new Disciple Fast Track study leads groups through the Bible in 24 weeks—12 on the Old Testament and 12 on the New Testament. Study manuals and videos give participants tools to absorb and retain what they learn about the Bible. KUMC is now forming a Disciple Fast Track group to go through the study together.

Main Features of Disciple Fast Track: • Classes meet for a total of 24 weeks

- 12 Weeks Old Testament

- 12 Weeks New Testament • Each group session lasts 75 minutes • 24 weekly illustrated whiteboard review videos • 24 new hosted videos to introduce you to the weekly session The study will begin January 7, 2020 and end June 16, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in room E207. Meetings will be facilitated by Dr. Ralph Randolph. Study manuals will be available in early December.

For more information, contact Dr. Randolph at jralphr@kingwoodcable.net

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ADULT MINISTRIES

The Table Spring 2020 Jan 15, 2020 | Preview Night | 6 PM Wednesdays beginning Jan 22, 2020 | 6 PM It’s Biblical With Rev. John Wayne McMann | E200/201 Reading the Bible can be difficult! Written in an ancient context, to an ancient people, with a specific purpose, and in different languages— it is no wonder that for modern readers opening the Bible can be daunting. Join Pastor John Wayne McMann on Wednesday nights in the spring and learn about the Bible and how to study it.

Over ten weeks of Table meetings we will explore how to make praying and sharing our faith stories a more natural part of our everyday lives. By the end each of us will find ourselves more comfortable with prayer and sharing. Come find out how to allow your faith to experience new life!

The Class Meeting

by David Watson | E208

Topics will include: • How did the Bible get put together?

• Why all the English translations?

• Different kinds of literature in the bible • Learning to study scripture By the end of this course you will have a foundational understanding of the Bible and a new confidence in studying with a group or individually. We will learn a lot but we will also practice this too.

Uncommon Cents: Recovering from 2019 with Joe Carbonaro | Conference Room Every year it’s a good to take a snapshot of what’s happening in your life financially and examine what you uncover. This 5-week program will not only help you to take a look back at your financial decisions but also help give insights on possible future decisions.

We will take a look a managing debt, investing for the future, do I have the right insurance, developing a workable cash flow plan, and more.

Living Faith With Rev. Chris Harrison | E207 Have you ever been asked about your prayer life and struggled to admit that it is not nearly as vibrant as you would like for it to be? Have you ever been asked to pray out loud and felt your insides freeze up? How easy is it for you to recognize and then tell other people the good news of the amazing things that God is doing in your life?

This study helps us to consider an early historic movement of God through small group ministry and invites us to consider how we might seek similar transformation in our time and place.

Too often in church everything is passive education where we learn from an expert but not enough encouragement to live out what we are learning—more following Jesus instead of just learning about Him. Maybe you have heard about what God is doing with the new home group movement at KUMC, come and find out how these groups have been so life changing for our community and take the next step on this discipleship journey.

Intentional Parenting with Wrynn Homann | E202 Intentional Parenting is a 5-week study that focusses on long-term effective parenting over “quick fix” parenting. Doug and Cathy Fields compiled a combination book and study guide with 10 doable actions you can implement into your parenting strategy and see immediate results - no matter the age of your children.

Instead of performing quick-fixes to resolve immediate problems, you can start dealing with deeper and more important issues. Each class will include a short video along with discussion time, so we can learn and grow as parents together.

The class will begin Jan 22 and end Feb 26. We will not meet Feb 5th due to the school break.

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ADULT MINISTRIES

Young Mom’s Bible Study Starting Wednesdays, Jan 15th - April 29th, 2020 9:00 -9:30 AM Breakfast Fellowship; 9:30-11:30 AM Bible Study Rooms E-200/201 This group welcomes any mom of newborns or any age child in school. All children are different and all moms are different, but we can learn from each other’s experiences. Encouragement, prayer, tears, laughter, and help with meals are available to you! Newborns are always welcome in our study until you and the nursery are ready for each other. We will meet you wherever you are in your spiritual journey, even if this is your first study. We will be studying Finding I Am and It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst.

Finding I Am – “ What is the deep cry of your heart? That ache in your soul that keeps you up at night? The prayer you keep repeating? Jesus not only cares about this deep, spiritual wrestling, but He also wants to step in and see you through it.”

It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way – “Reality often ends up so very far from the life we long for, doesn’t it? Bible teacher, Lysa TerKeurst, deeply understands daily disappointments and life-altering loss. By walking through her own valley, she’s discovered that in God we can find unexpected strength as we wrestle well between our faith and feelings.”

Classes will begin on Wednesdays, January 15th – April 29th, 2020 in Rooms E-200/201. Fellowship and breakfast snacks begin at 9:00 am when the nursery is open. The class begins at 9:30 with nursery pick up at 11:30. The cost of both study guides together will be $25.

Nursery is available with registration by Monday, January 6th, 2020.

To register, please go online at kingwoodumc.org/classes-category/adults/ and look for this ministry under the “ Women” section or contact Cathy Giffhorn directly at cgiffhornkumc@gmail.com or (832) 622-6915.

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ADULT MINISTRIES

Thursday Women’s Spring 2020 Bible Study Jan 23 - April 30, 2020 | 9:30 AM Room E200/201 Join us for two adventures this spring with noted Christian author and speaker Jennifer Rothschild.

Starting January 23, we will explore the love of God for Israel in Hosea: Unfailing Love Changes Everything.

“Jennifer Rothschild has a story for you. It’s about an unlikely couple, an unusual courtship and an illicit affair. But the marriage didn’t end; instead, a love story began. It’s Hosea and Gomer’s love story and it is your love story. Be amazed by the unfailing love of God for His wayward people, and for all people. Hosea showers us with hope - hints and portents pointing to the coming of the promised Messiah. The book of Hosea-it’s a deeply personal and passionate love story, yet it’s a difficult story. As an account full of harsh judgment unfolds, we find in its midst a rare and pure gem: the truest and purest of loves. God’s love.”

Following the completion of Hosea, we will come close to the Shepherd’s loving heart and comforting arms in Psalm 23: The Shepherd with Me. “Every woman longs for someone to protect and care for her—someone to guide her when she’s not sure of her next steps; someone to give her rest when she’s worn out; someone to walk with her when the valley gets dark. The Lord is our Shepherd, our good Shepherd. And His companionship gives us the comfort and confidence we all long for. No matter what season a woman finds herself in, she is safe with her Shepherd.”

Designed to be used in partnership with a DVD lesson from Jennifer, each study’s workbook consists of video and conversation notes for each week’s session and five days of personal study to be discussed in small groups.

Thursday Women’s Bible Study meets from 9:30-11:30am in E 200/201. Cost of both books together is $30.00. You may register soon online at kingwoodumc.org/classes-category/adults/ or by contacting class administrators Leta Barksdale or Vicki Smith.

To register or with any questions, contact Leta Barksdale letabarks2702@gmail.com OR Vicki Smith vicki5502@gmail.com

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Why I Became a Stephen Minister

by Purvis Harper

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ike many people, my life verse is Proverbs 3: 5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.” I am involved in several small and large group ministries where I have the opportunity to live out my faith. Through these ministries I have encountered individuals who are starving for what Jesus Christ has to offer them in their life. Jesus tells us in Matthew… people do not live by bread alone, but by every word spoken by God.

As a Christian, I am called to tell others where to find the real nourishment and peace for life which can only be found in God’s word and God’s heart. I wanted to become a Stephen Minister so I can, in a Christian caring relationship, minister to people’s needs by exploring with them where they will find food for their souls and peace for their hearts. I praise God our church provides a ministry like the Stephen Ministry program where individuals can come when they are hurting and have someone walk through their hurt with them until they are at peace and wholeness with God.

Tru st in the Lor d with all yo ur hea rt and lea n not on yo ur own und erst and ing ; ack now ledg e him in all yo ur way s, and he wil l ma ke yo ur pat hs stra igh t.

- Pro ver bs 3:5 -6 If you or someone you know would like a Stephen Minister, please contact Donna Smith at (281) 358-2137 or donna.smith@ kingwoodumc.org.

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CARE MINISTRIES

CARE MINISTRIES kingwoodumc.org/care Journey Group Informational Meeting Jan 12th, 2020 | 6:30 PM Building C, Room E-203 Do you ever say or think: I want more meaning in my life or I want a deeper relationship with God and those I love? Many of us don’t understand why we can’t seem to live whole and healthy lives.

Unexamined life experiences can be the answer to this question. All life experiences whether they are achievements, beliefs, wounds, events, disappointments or celebrations, leave their imprint in our spirit and on our souls.

As adults, we know there are areas we need to improve on; but don’t understand that some of our tougher areas can be a direct result of practices, beliefs, events or words said to us as children. The good news is, as adults, we’re able to make changes in our lives.

A Journey Group provides an opportunity for participants (usually 4-7) to share experiences we’ve had in an environment that is safe and guided by trained facilitators. Biblical core concepts are taught at the beginning of each session. Personal homework and group exercises frame the small group sharing time. Participants learn how to respond to one another in ways that balance grace and truth and lead to emotional and spiritual growth. Groups meet for 9 sessions.

We plan to hold a class in the Spring of 2020. There will be an informational meeting on Sunday, January 12th at 6:30pm. in Building “C”, Room E-203. If you plan to attend this meeting or have any additional questions, please contact Donna Smith at donna.smith@kingwoodumc.org or 281-358-2137.

CARE MINISTRIES

Divorce Care Mondays starting Jan 6th, 2020 | 6 - 8 PM Room A-234 Divorce Care is 13 week program for anyone going through a divorce or separation. Through DVD’s, workbooks and class discussion, we encourage and listen to those going through this painful process. The topics include: “ What’s Happening to Me?”, “The Road to Healing”, “Facing My Anger”, “Facing My Depression”, “Facing My Loneliness”, and “Forgiveness”, along with other topics to help you build new relationships and move on while growing closer to God. Classes will be held on Monday evenings starting January 6th, 2020 from 6:00p-8:00p. in Conference Room A-234. Dinner will be provided each night.

If you would like to reserve a spot for this class, or need additional information on this program, please contact Donna Smith at (281) 358-2137 or via e-mail at donna.smith@kingwoodumc.org.

Loss of Spouse Seminar Jan 23rd, 2020 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM Building C, Room E-203 KUMC will be holding another Loss of Spouse Seminar on Thursday, January 23rd from 6:30p-8:30p in Rooms E-200/201. This program was designed by the creators of the GriefShare program, and is a onenight seminar for those who have lost a spouse. The seminar will cover subjects such as grief, loneliness, anxiety, and will provide helpful advice on how to move forward. It is led by people who understand what you are going through and to help you during this difficult time in your life. To reserve a spot for this event, or for more information, please contact Donna Smith at 281-358-2137 or donna.smith@kingwoodumc.org.

Recent comments made by participants from previous seminars:

What impacted you the most?

“I’m not alone in my feelings and what I’m experiencing.”

“There is hope!”

“validating my feelings”

“Others have same problems”

“the sincerity and knowledge of the presenters” “Honesty”

“Each of the people found something to keep them going.”

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CARE MINISTRIES

GriefShare Classes Offered This Spring Mondays starting Feb 10th, 2020 | 10 AM - 12 PM OR 6:30 - 8:30 PM Room E-204 “ When I lost my wife, Ann, and then experienced the emptiness and all the other emotions that can go with that, it eventually became clear to me that I needed to be around others who had experienced loss as well. Regardless of whether it is a spouse, child, parent, or other, the ones who “get it” are the ones who have made, or are making that journey through grief.

Fortunately, the church had reached out with an invitation to attend a GriefShare class, and I eventually accepted.

Initially, I was unsure as to how it would help, or how I’d react once in a class. However, after a few sessions, I realized that I was getting that association “with others in the same boat”, and that the course curriculum was a strong reinforcement and answer to some of the questions that we all can have in time of loss.

When asked if I would help facilitate a class, it seemed only natural to help others who might need the help and benefit from a GriefShare Class.” - Alan James One of the ways KUMC ministers to those who have experienced the death of a loved one is to offer a support group with an emphasis on growing from mourning to joy. This group is called GriefShare, and is a 13 week journey for hope and healing in the midst of grief. We have been doing this program here at KUMC for many years and have found it to be very helpful to those who are grieving the loss of their loved one(s).

Classes will held on Mondays starting February 10th – May 4th. There will be a morning class 10:00a-12:00p, and an evening class from 6:30p-8:30p. Both classes will be held in Building C, Room E-204. If you plan to attend one of these classes, or would like more information about this program, please contact Donna Smith at 281-358-2137 or donna.smith@kingwoodumc.org.

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STUDENT MINISTRIES

STUDENT MINISTRIES kingwoodumc.org/student

December Gear up Theme Dec 8th, 15th & 22nd | 9:40 The Loft STRESS AND ANXIETY - for 7 - 12th graders - Signups begin @ 9:30 (15 spots per class) Biblical Napping: Resting in the Midst of Chaos We operate in a fast-paced society with high expectations socially, academically and culturally. While that is the reality, we were not meant to operate without good rest. This class looks at balance in life and identifying what truly recharges our spiritual, physical and emotional batteries.

The Root of Anxiety God created work and desired for it to be fulfilling and meaningful, but he also teaches against anxiety and stress. So where is the balance? Where did stress and anxiety enter the picture? Is it possible to be a teen in this world without overwhelming stress and anxiety? This class looks to Scripture to find how Jesus speaks into this age-old challenge.

Stress and Anxiety from a Psychological and Physiological Perspective (HS ONLY) What is happening when I get stressed? I know that it happens but why? This class is a discussion about what causes stress in your world and helping to process those triggers in healthy ways.

Living Social in a Disconnected World We live in a world so full of FOMO, like-driven posting and social influencers. The world is at our fingertips, but is that good or is it leading to record levels of stress, anxiety, and depression amongst teens. How do we operate in a tech-driven world and still keep our sanity and a level perspective? This class is a discussion on the challenges we face around stress and anxiety in a world full of cultural and social pressures.

SLOW D O W N This class is designed to slow you down and give you tools to create space in your life for processing, meditating, and creatively slowing you down to create space for God to speak into your life.

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STUDENT MINISTRIES

Youth Christmas Party Dec 4th | 5:30 PM The Loft December 4th we are having a youth Christmas party! Our theme is “Christmas morning”, so come dressed in your pajamas and bring a breakfast food to share! Bring a pair of socks as well, because we will have a sock gift exchange.

Feed My Lambs & Whataburger Dec 18th | 4:30 PM White Oak Apartments Join us for this annual event! We will be delivering meals with our Feed My Lambs ministry to spread some Christmas cheer!

Meet at White Oak Apartments, then join us for Whataburger afterwards. This will be the perfect study break if you need one!

Inspire Movie Night Dec 20th | 6 - 9 PM Sarah Carter’s House Our Inspire women’s ministry is having a Christmas movie night! Join us at Sarah Carter’s home for pizza, snacks, and a classic Christmas movie. All middle school and high school girls are invited to attend!

UM ARMY Christmas Party Dec 22nd | 7 PM KUMC It’s a UM ARMY reunion! If you went to one of our UM ARMY trips this summer, join us for a Christmas Party! This will be a great time to reconnect with your team and catch up on what’s been going on this year.

Youth Sunday Dec 29th | 9:40 AM The Vine Youth band will lead in worship and Clint Wyllie will preach.

January Gear up Theme Christian Career Month - Students will hear from christian professionals in our congregation about their jobs and how their faith is woven into what they do and how they interact with co workers.

Senior Union Retreat: Jan 3rd - 5th Jan 12th, 19th, 26th | 11 AM KUMC Senior Union is a class for our 12th graders to prepare them for the college experience. Our goal in this ministry is to prepare and equip our students to do ministry in whatever field they choose. Senior Union will dive deeper into concepts to prepare them for college and life after high school. Senior Union includes a retreat where our 12th graders will grow closer as a group and begin their journey through Senior Union.

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Created by God January 9th - 12th The Loft A Bible-based human sexuality workshop designed to communicate that we are a fantastic creation by God. This is appropriate for 5th & 6th graders. $25 per person Please refer to the website for a detailed schedule Register before December 27th at kingwoodumc.org/yfm For more info, contact karen.soliz@kingwoodumc.org

CHILDREN & YOUNG FAMILY MINISTRIES

YOUNG FAMILY MINISTRIES kingwoodumc.org/yfm

Intentional Parenting Wednesdays, Jan 22 - Feb 26 | 6 PM “Every parent has dreams for their children and a hope filled with the best of intentions. Although, at some point, parents move from DREAMS to DUCT TAPE and simply hope that everything will just stay stuck together and their kids won’t fall apart.

Raising kids is a difficult challenge and it requires a plan—without a plan, parents often default to what we call “Quick-Fix Parenting.” Let’s be honest: it’s just a lot easier to try to solve the immediate problems rather than deal with the deeper and more important issues (that’s what “Quick-Fix” parents do). Surviving each day is much easier than taking the time and energy to consider how your current parenting actions are impacting a child’s future. Unfortunately, quick and easy isn’t the same as good and effective.

To be an exceptional parent, you need to be an intentional parent. Fortunately, help is available by veteran parents and best-selling authors, Doug Fields and Cathy Fields—they want to help you move from Quick-Fix Parenting to Intentional Parenting. They’ve put together a workbook that provides you with 10 actions that will impact the future of your children. These 10 actions are doable! You can get started implementing these ideas into your parenting and you will see immediate results in your child—no matter their age.”

This 5-week study begins on January 22nd and will continue every wednesday until February 26th from 6 - 7:30 pm. Please register by January 15th by visiting kingwoodumc.org/classes-category/ young-families/. The cost is $10 for a workbook. If you have any questions, contact Wrynn at wrynn.homann@kingwoodumc.org.

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CHILDREN & YOUNG FAMILY MINISTRIES

Shin TO G E T H E R

CHILDREN & YOUNG FAMILY MINISTRIES

ine!

IN CHRIST

Advent Workshop Dec 8th, 2019 | 5 - 7 PM Located in the Commons All ages are welcome to join in on the fun & fellowship!

• Crafts & cookie decorating • Mission room • Pizza ($1 per slice)

Christmas

Pops

MUSIC MINISTRIES

MUSIC MINISTRIES kingwoodumc.org/music Christmas Pops Dec 15th, 2019 | 4 PM Located in the Sanctuary What would Christmas be without the songs of the season? Join us as all of the worship and music ministries of KUMC come together to share in a Christmas music event for the entire family. You’ll be treated to some favorite and new carols by our Chancel Choir, Sola Gratia, King’s Ringers handbell choir, children’s choirs, Foundation Brass and Orchestra and The Vine Band!

Haven’t had the chance to hear Ryan Stueckemann in the The Vine? Haven’t heard Sola Gratia? Missed the Chancel Choir? Want to invite the grandparents to see their children perform outside of Sunday morning?

Here’s your chance!

You’ll hear selections carols such as . . .

-

Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy) - Chris Tomlin Christmas Pipes (Celtic Women) Believe (from Polar Express) We Need a Little Christmas (from the music Mame) Medleys of carols There will even be sing-a-long carols and maybe a visit from a special visitor in his red suit!

Even though you’ve been hearing Christmas carols in July while shopping at Walmart, make sure you don’t miss this! It all takes place on Sunday, December 15 at 4:00 PM in the Sanctuary of KUMC.

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RECIPES One of the many beloved traditions of the holiday season is yummy homemade meals!

There’s no better feeling than sitting around the table with your family sharing food cooked with love. We all have our favorite comfort foods, but sometimes it’s fun to try out something new. That’s why we’re sharing some of our go-to dishes for Christmas.

From our tables to yours, we hope that you enjoy some of the KUMC staff ’s favorite recipes. Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or a savory craving, we’ve got you covered.

Let us know which meal is your new staple. And be sure to tag us on Facebook or Instagram to share a photo of your dish!

And P.S. Don’t forget that calories don’t count on Christmas Day!

Crock Pot Chicken Stuffing Casserole Submitted by Kelly Glowacky

DIRECTIONS

•

10 - 12 chicken tenderloin pieces

1. In a bowl mix stuffing and broth together and set aside.

•

1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (or to taste)

2. Place tenderloin pieces in the bottom of your 6 qt slow cooker.

•

10.75 oz can cream of celery soup

•

6 oz box stove top stuffing

•

2 cups chicken broth

3. Sprinkle poultry seasoning over tenderloins.

4. Pour soup over chicken and spread evenly.

5. Once stuffing has absorbed all of the chicken broth pour evenly on top.

6. Cover with lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

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INGREDIENTS

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 hours Total Time: 5 hrs 10 mins Servings: 4 - 6

Corn Casserole Submitted by Blanche Spurgeon

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

•

1 can cream style corn

1. Preheat oven to 350°F

•

1 whole kernel corn (drained)

•

8 oz carton sour cream

2. Mix above ingredients and pour into buttered casserole dish.

•

1 teaspoon cinnamon

•

1 box jiffy cornbread mix

•

1 can (small) green chiles (diced)

•

1 cup grated cheese

•

1 stick margarine, melted

•

1 egg

•

1/2 cup onion, chopped

3. Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.

4. Remove foil (or lid) and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.

Cranberry Salad Submitted by Blanche Spurgeon

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

1. Whip dream whip per directions on box. Add 1 cup sugar and mix.

• •

2. Wash and dice cranberries.

• • • •

3. Mix together all ingredients and freeze at least one hour before serving.

1 package (12oz) fresh cranberries 1 can (12 oz) crushed pineapple (drained) 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmellows 2 envelopes Dream Whip 1 cup sugar 1 cup nuts (optional)

Sweet Potato Souffle Submitted by Jane Bradley

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

For the souffle:

•

1/2 cup butter (1 stick) at room temperature, plus more to grease pan

dish with butter.

•

5 medium sweet potatoes

2. Poke the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake on a foilcovered baking sheet until they are soft, 1 hour.

•

2 large eggs

•

1 cup granulated sugar

3. When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes, place the flesh in a large mixing bowl and mash until very smooth. Add the eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, milk and salt. Combine well with an electric mixer or hand mixer. Turn the mixture into the baking dish.

•

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

•

1/2 cup milk

•

Pinch of salt

For the topping:

TOPPING

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the pecans, brown sugar, flour and butter until thoroughly combined.

•

1 cup finely chopped pecans

•

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2. Spoon the mixture over the sweet potatoes, making an even layer.

•

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

•

1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), softened

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 2 1/2-quart baking

3. Bake the casserole until slightly browned, 40 minutes. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.

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White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies Submitted by Whitney Parrish

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

•

1 cup all-purpose flour

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

•

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

•

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

•

1/4 teaspoon salt

•

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer), beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg and then the vanilla, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

•

1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar

3. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Add the oats, dried cranberries, and white chocolate chips and mix until fully combined.

•

1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

•

1 large egg room temperature

5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

•

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

•

1 and 1/2 cups (150 grams) oldfashioned rolled oats

•

3/4 cup (105 grams) sweetened dried cranberries

•

3/4 cup (140 grams) white chocolate chips

6. Using a 1.5-2 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough and drop onto the prepared baking sheets.

Roll the cookie dough into balls and very gently press down with your hand to flatten each ball of cookie dough slightly (make sure not to flatten them completely, just slightly).

7. Bake in separate batches at 350°F for 10-13 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Total Time: 57 minutes Servings: 24 cookies 32

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