October 2, 2014 Explorer
Transcription
October 2, 2014 Explorer
The Explorer Volume 9, Issue 19 Website: http://www.stjohnslubbock.org 2 October 2014 Fun, Fellowship, and Fundraising at Blue Sky Page 2 The Explorer Recent weeks have included all sorts of new beginnings for St. John’s. Justine Halamicek and Brent Wood set the bar high and gave our children a memorable experience as participants in this year’s children’s musical. What an impressive and meaningful performance our children gave! Sherida Hibbard has joined our staff as our Open hearts, new Director of Children’s Ministries. Her Open arms, enthusiastic creativity is reshaping children’s Open minds Sunday School and expanding children’s ministries into Sunday morning worship and Wednesday evening With open hearts, open arms, programs. and open minds, we welcome you to Ryan Sullivan has taken the helm with our Chorister’s program, our St. John’s United Methodist Church choral program for children and youth. Like Sherida, Ryan is and invite you to join our community of faith, for a day, a week or a lifetime. expanding music ministries into Wednesday and Sunday evenings, making top-flight musical experiences fun and accessible. Our Connexions team helped lead us through a rebranding process Weekly Sunday Opportunities that has now yielded, not only a fresh contemporary logo and look, 8:15 a.m. Holy Communion but a new website with communications tools that will enhance our 9:15 a.m. Sunday School hour connection. The new St. John’s t-shirts designed by April Baker10:30 a.m. Worship service Padilla are also a product of this thoughtful process. 11:30 a.m. University meal 5:30 p.m. United Methodist Youth On Wednesday night we launched W ednesday Night Reconnect, our weekly program that includes a Fellowship Meal, Community 1501 University Avenue Prayers and Blessings, children’s programming, Choristers, and adult Lubbock, Texas 79401 classes. 806-762-0123 This past Sunday, the Staff-Parish Relations Committee announced fax: 806-762-0130 the hiring of St. John’s new youth director, Chad Ewing. Chad comes Email: [email protected] to us as the perfect outcome of a nine-month-long search. Youth and Web: stjohnslubbock.org parents also participated in the long search for the right person for St. John’s. We are confident that we found a winner in Chad. Like us on Facebook! There are other important strides that are taking place because of Facebook.com/St.JohnsLubbock leadership coming from our Finance and Endowment committees, our Trustees, and other church leaders and members. Saint John’s Staff The point is THINGS ARE HAPPENING that call for our gratitude Senior Pastor: Kevin Young and support. The challenges of the day are being met with Associate Pastors: Daniel Echols and Ann Akin commitment and faithfulness that are characteristic of the St. John’s Pastor Emeritus: Ted Dotts family. Dir. of Music Ministries: Stephanie Council Let’s keep pressing forward. Let’s keep trying to comprehend the Organist: Clint Barrick leadership of God’s spirit among us. Let’s keep moving, trusting that our Facilities Supervisor: David Cranford Dir. of Youth Ministries: Chad Ewing work is pleasing to God and that our mutual commitment to St. John’s Dir. of Children’s Ministries: Sherida Hibbard United Methodist Church is forming us as disciples of Jesus Christ for Childcare Director: Trisha Castillo the transformation of the world. Business Manager: Emily Johnson Admin. Asst./Editor: Mary Ruth Thurmond Grace and peace, Kevin If you know of any St. John’s church members going into the hospital, please contact the church office at 762-0123 or [email protected]. If you have changed your phone #, home or e-mail address, call the church office. Lectionary Scripture Readings October 5: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46 October 12: Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 The Explorer Page 3 Children’s Ministry Snapshot Looking Ahead I’ve previously expressed my love for music, specifically Christian music, and will gladly share my favorite songs and bands with anyone who asks. I have also shared my love for dance and drama loudly and frequently. It should come as no surprise that I am overwhelmed with joy at the possibilities of a Drama and Creative Movement (DCM) Ministry here at St. John’s. As I’ve begun working on the logistics of the ministry, I’m reminded of the significant and meaningful impact that music has on many. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, the Bible says “For everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven,” but I would take this one step further and say that for every season there is a song—even for the verse itself. Many significant events in our lives are marked by music. Every birthday is brought in with a song; every graduate moves on to new things with a song; and, our final farewell is often accompanied by a song. All of these important, sometimes life-changing, events, have their own soundtrack that is unique to each individual. However, it is not these large life events that I want to focus on, but rather the everyday mundane things. What would their song be? David was a man who knew the value of a good song. In Psalms, he pours his fear, anxiety, joy, and praise into music. It is from this collection of songs that I found the inspiration and Biblical backing for the DCM in the first place. David says, “Praise his name with dancing.” (Psalm 149:3). As we embark upon this new adventure together, I want to be mindful of the impact that music has on people. Music gives an opportunity to express our deepest sadness or highest praise when words fail us. While this will be an amazingly fun (and sometimes exceptionally silly) ministry, the heart and soul of the group will be to worship together through every season and song. The DCM will begin meeting in the Garden Room on October 12, 2014, at 5:45 p.m. All children (young and old) are invited to take part in this group. Guests and visitors are always welcome. We will begin every meeting with a short musically-based devotional, followed by rehearsals for upcoming performances or events. Each meeting will conclude with a brief time of guided reflection and prayer. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns. If you, or your child, would like to be involved, please let me know. As with everything I do, there is a place for everyone regardless of skill, experience, or musical talent. Come as you are and join us! World Communion Sunday, October 5 by Sherida Hibbard United Supermarket has a new rewards program and you can donate your points electronically! As you earn points at the cash register, just give them St. John’s phone number, 806-762-0123! It’s that easy!!! United Methodist Youth Sundays, 4:30 p.m., Schola Cantorum; 5:30 p.m., snack supper; 6:00 p.m., program; 7:00 p.m., parents pick up youth. Committee meetings (in Room 122, unless otherwise stated) SPRC, Sunday, October 5, 5:30 p.m. Church Council, Monday, October 6, 5:30 p.m. Reconciling, Tuesday, October 7, 6:30 p.m., and Thursday, October 16, 6:30 p.m. (in Room 115); Connexions, Sunday, October 12, 5:30 p.m. Benevolence, Tuesday, October 14, noon Trustees, Tuesday, October 14, 5:30 p.m. St. John’s on Tap, Page 6 United Methodist Women, Page 6 Fun Fundraiser at Jason’s Deli, Page 8 Wednesday Night Reconnect, Page 5 United Methodist Men’s breakfast Thursday, October 9, 7:00 a.m., Room 122 Country-Western dancing, Page 5 Merry Mailers Thursday, October 16, 1:30 p.m., Room 122 TTU Game Day Parking Fundraisers, Page 6 Funday, Page 6 People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, Page 6 Finance Report August 2014 budget contributions: August 2014 expenses: Shared giving year to date: Shared giving commitment 2014: $43,028.05 $52,125.55 $4,052.00 $85,727.00 St. John’s 101 is back! J oin us any Sunday fr om 9:1510:15 a.m., in the church library. Hosted by Rev. Young, this class provides a casual no-pressure setting in which St. John’s guests can ask questions and learn about St. John’s and the United Methodist Church. From the Editor: Thank you to Kevin Young and any mystery photographers who shared their pictures on our Facebook page! Thanks also to Kevin Young, Sherida Hibbard, Emily Johnson, and Sandy Goodloe for their contributions. Thanks be to God for the Merry Mailers, Office Volunteers, Proofreaders, Minions, and Scapegoats! The deadline for bulletin announcements is always Monday at 4:30 p.m. Next newsletter deadline: Friday, October 10 Keep the Good News coming! mrt Page 4 Chancellor Robert Duncan The Explorer David Weaver, CEO, South Plains Food Bank Mayor Glenn Robertson The Explorer Page 5 Wednesday Night Reconnect (for mer ly Wonder ful Wednesdays) is her e! Rev. Kevin Young is facilitating “Embracing an Adult Faith,” a five-session study by Marcus Borg. Join us for the Fellowship Meal (Bring your own or RSVP for $7. Families capped at $30). Come for the fellowship meal and community prayers even if you are not participating in the 6:15 programs. Or come for the 6:15 programs only. Wednesday Night Reconnect is meant to be just that—a time for us to reconnect and experience community. Stay as long as you like or leave when you must. October 8 (Please note Fellowship meal is at Jason’s Deli this week only.) 5:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Fun Fundraiser at Jason’s Deli, 4001 S. Loop 289 Study: “Embracing an Adult Faith” (Room 122) Theology Group (Room 212) Prayer Shawl Ministry (Room 116) Hosanna Choir (Music Suite) Joyful Noise (Music Suite) Chancel Choir rehearsal (Music Suite) October 15 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Fellowship meal (Garden Room) Menu: Cornbread and soup catered by Honeychild’s Children’s Ministries/Programs (Room 211) Prayer vigil (Larry Hatten) Community Prayers and Blessings (Garden Room) Study: “Embracing an Adult Faith” (Room 1122) Prayer Shawl Ministry (Room 116) Hosanna Choir (Music Suite) Joyful Noise (Music Suite) Chancel Choir rehearsal (Music Suite) Country-Western Dancing Country-Western dancing is back in full swing! All ar e welcome to join the fun every Friday at 7:00 p.m. in the Garden Room! Bring a pair of leather-soled boots or shoes and come on out for a boot-scootin’ good time! Please contact Oren Grossman with any questions: [email protected] or 214-912-8375. YEE-HAW!!! Page 6 The Explorer St. John’s on Tap On Sunday, October 5, please join us for St. John’s on Tap, our off-site discussion group that looks at current events from a faith-based perspective. Do you know someone who enjoys talking theology but doesn’t have an outlet for authentic and judgment-free conversation? All are welcome to attend, whether you are coming from a specific faith tradition, or perhaps are more philosophical in your approach. Grab an interesting headline, invite a friend, and come hang out on the first and third Sundays of each month, 7:00 p.m., at The Lantern Tavern (3502 Slide Rd.). United Methodist Women The UMW general meeting will be on Wednesday, October 8, at 9:30 a.m., in Room 122. Betty and Ted Dotts will lead the spiritual growth study, “Living Sacramentally and Walking Justly.” The Lubbock District annual meeting will be at Friona FUMC on Saturday, October 11. Funday Funday will be Wednesday, October 15, at 9:00 a.m., in the Garden Room. Herb Tavenner will give the devotional, Helen Price will bring morning snacks, and Janet Snively will bring dessert. Join us for fun, games, fellowship, and good food. RSVP by 5:30 p.m., Monday, October 13, for a light lunch ($5). A good time will be had by all! Prayer Vigil The People of Faith Against the Death Penalty will host a prayer vigil for Larry Hatten on Wednesday, October 15, at 5:45 p.m., here at St. John’s. All are welcome to attend. Game Day Parking to Benefit Youth and Church Budget We are using our parking lot again on Texas Tech game days to fund youth activities and the church budget. Each space is $10 per space per game. Last year we netted more than $12,000 in profit from this fundraiser. We have made $4,564 to date! This money will be divided into three parts. The youth who work will earn money toward youth events, such as Spirit Wind, summer camp, or youth trips. The remaining portion will be divided in half. One part will go directly to the church to pay bills and the last portion will go into parking lot maintenance with a goal of resurfacing the entire lot. The church portion of the earnings will directly reflect the hours worked by church members. We have to work to earn! The next home game will be Saturday, October 11, against West Virginia, and there’s one adult spot left. The Kansas game on October 18 has five adult spots left. For this project to run smoothly and for the greater church to benefit financially, we need your participation! Please sign up in the church office to work the parking lot this football season. Trunk or Treat 2014 GAMES, CANDY, PRIZES and FUN for all ages! Friday, October 31, 6:00-8:00 p.m., here at St. John’s. Questions? Call the church office at 806-762-0123 or e-mail [email protected] Our New St. John’s Shirts!!! The deadline for ordering St. John’s shirts is Thursday, October 9. There will be a table set up after late service on Sunday, October 5. For more information and/or an order form, please contact April Baker-Padilla at [email protected]. LUBBOCK DISASTER RELIEF NETWORK: AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR LUBBOCK AREA UMCs The Lubbock Disaster Relief Network is comprised of churches, ministries and businesses within the Christian community of the Greater Lubbock area to form a disaster relief alliance to help those in need in times of disaster. Their vision is to serve Christ by establishing a church network in the Greater Lubbock area that will meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of those affected by disasters. They will accomplish this vision by building a communication infrastructure that will enable and empower the Body of Christ to organize, mobilize, connect, prepare, train and respond quickly in the event of a disaster, great or small. Charlie Brown, Lubbock District Disaster Coordinator, will have two meetings to explain the work of the LDRN and give churches/persons a chance to better understand what this group is about and whether a church or individuals from a church might be interested in participating in the LDRN. Attendance at this meeting doesn’t commit your congregation in any way. That would be for your church to decide at a later time after your representatives learn more about the LDRN. We see involvement ranging from simply being on the “LDRN” mail/contact list should a disaster occur, to being a very active member/participating church with the LDRN, helping make policies and implementing the Disaster Plans. The two identical meetings will be held as follows: Sunday, October 19, 2:00-3:30 p.m., at Oakwood UMC, Fellowship Hall (2215 58th St.), and Tuesday, October 21, 7:00-8:30 p.m., at Lakeridge UMC, Room 40 in the Basement (4701 82nd St.) The Explorer Page 7 Church Calendar New on the prayer list: Deborah Bratcher, David Perrin, John Moore, the families of Juanita Kelly and Billie Cook Loftis, and Justine Halamicek and family. Juanita, mother of Mary Crites, died Thursday, September 25, in Austin. Billie, sister of Lucille Sedgwick, died Sunday, September 21. Justine’s grandfather died two weeks ago in Pennsylvania. You are invited this Sunday morning to participate in a new study entitled “When Christians Get It Wrong” by Rev. Adam Hamilton. Some of the topics include when we are unchristian, when we speak of other religions and when we talk about bad things, and when we get it right. Sine Nomine and New Beginnings have combined Sunday School classes and will meet at 9:15 a.m. each Sunday. The team of facilitators will be Roger Saathoff, Kara Wischmeyer and Donna Echols. Please get a beverage in the Garden Room and join this journey for growth in our faith. The Nurture and Care Committee is looking for volunteers for two ministries: Transportation Ministry and Flower Ministry. We need drivers to bring people to church who don’t have transportation. We don’t want to offer this service unless we have volunteers. If you enjoy the beautiful altar flowers each week, would you be willing to visit two or three of our homebound or hospitalized members one Sunday each month? Please contact VelvetLee Finckbone for more information on either (or both!) of these opportunities. Do you know the mailing addresses for any of these members: Natalie Bradshaw or Adam and D’Ann Dunn? If so, please e-mail the information to [email protected] or call the office, 762-0123. Thank you! HELP WANTED: David Lamb-Vines cares for Jim, an elderly individual with Parkinson’s, at Carillon. He will be out of town, October 11-29. Jim’s primary caregiver, Pat Lacewell, has asked him to try to find a replacement during that time. He works Monday through Thursday, eating the noon and evening meal with Jim, and providing assistance and companionship for a total of three hours, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and 5:006:30 pm. Meals are provided. Circumstances may be such that help may be needed over the two weekends as well. The pay is negotiable. Jim is a retired career Army staff sergeant, and while tough as a younger man, is now gentle and sweet. Over the last year, Jim and David have become good friends. David can provide training for the person providing assistance in his absence. Pat’s mobile number is (806) 787-1698. She and David’s parents live in the Windsong apartment building, and are good friends. Anyone interested may call David at (806) 771-2727 or Pat for details. First United Methodist Church’s Vesper Concerts begin Sunday, October 12. This first concert will feature the St. Louis Brass, who will present music from Renaissance and Baroque to jazz and light-hearted music with humor. The concert begins at 5:00 p.m. Admission is free, childcare is provided, and there will be a reception following the concert. World Communion Sunday, October 5, 2014 8:15 a.m. Communion service 9:15 a.m. Sunday School hour 10:30 a.m. Worship service 11:30 a.m. University meal 4:30 p.m. Schola Cantorum 5:30 p.m. United Methodist Youth 5:30 p.m. SPRC meeting 7:00 p.m. St. John’s on Tap Monday, October 6, 2014 5:30 p.m. Church Council Tuesday, October 7, 2014 9:00 a.m. Staff meeting 12:45 p.m. Sanctuary time for FV clients 1:30 p.m. Tuesday Food Vouchers 6:30 p.m. Reconciling Committee Wednesday, October 8, 2014 9:30 a.m. UMW general meeting 5:00 p.m. Fundraiser at Jason’s Deli 6:15 p.m. Wednesday Night Reconnect 6:15 p.m. Theology Group 6:30 p.m. Joyful Noise 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal Thursday, October 9, 2014 7:00 a.m. United Methodist Men’s breakfast 9:30 a.m. Quilters Friday, October 10, 2014 7:00 p.m. Country-Western dancing Saturday, October 11, 2014 TTU v. West Virginia Parking Fundraiser Sunday, October 12, 2014 8:15 a.m. Communion service 9:15 a.m. Sunday School hour 10:30 a.m. Worship service 11:30 a.m. University meal 4:30 p.m. Schola Cantorum 5:30 p.m. United Methodist Youth 5:30 p.m. Connexions work group 5:45 p.m. Drama and Creative Movement Ministry Tuesday, October 14, 2014 9:00 a.m. Staff meeting 12:00 p.m. Benevolence Committee lunch 12:45 p.m. Sanctuary time for FV clients 1:30 p.m. Tuesday Food Vouchers 5:30 p.m. Trustees meeting Wednesday, October 15, 2014 9:00 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Funday Wednesday Night Reconnect Prayer vigil (Larry Hatten) Joyful Noise Chancel Choir rehearsal Thursday, October 16, 2014 9:30 a.m. Quilters 1:30 p.m. Merry Mailers 6:30 p.m. Reconciling Committee Friday, October 17, 2014 7:00 p.m. Country-Western dancing Saturday, October 18, 2014 TTU v. Kansas Parking Fundraiser THE EXPLORER St. John’s United Methodist Church 1501 University Ave. Lubbock, TX 79401 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #513 Lubbock, TX RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED St. John’s United Methodist Church Mission Statement The mission of St. John’s United Methodist Church is to worship and serve God with open hearts, open arms, and open minds. To respond to this calling, we will nurture each other in the Christian faith, we will work so that all people can experience God’s love, and we will examine critically and respond prayerfully to the difficult issues that face us. Come Support St. John’s at Jason’s Deli! Where: J ason’s Deli, 4001 South Loop 289 When: Wednesday October 8, 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. How it Works :RSVP www.gr oupr aise.com/events/4191. When you purchase your meal, simply drop your receipt in the GroupRaise.com donation box at the restaurant, and 15% of your meal will be donated back to St. John’s United Methodist Church. Why We’re Group Raising: Our fundr aiser s will suppor t the var ious ministries of St. John’s United Methodist Church including food vouchers and hygiene pantry, emergency food pantry, Family Promise, shelter for homeless families, and Volunteers in Mission Trips.