THE MESSENGER Issue #58 October 2019
WITHOUT CHANGE THERE WOULD BE NO BUTTERFLIES
WOMEN OF DISTINCTION CHANGE THE WORLD UMCOR Kits AWARD WINNERS
See who won the 2019 CHANGE THE WORLD 110 UMCOR kits assembled Women of Distinction DAY work at the Fort Bend at Mission Morning. award. Women’s Shelter. pg 4. pg 7. pg 9. 2 THE MESSENGER October 2019 PRESIDENT’S NOTE
bodies can’t keep”!! Yep, we are there. you are the same, and your years have Change is everywhere and everyone no end.” And then there’s Romans encounters and deals with change. 8:28, “And we know that for those Our own United Methodist Church who love God all things work together is in the midst of change and it is for the good, for those who are called causing turmoil and sadness for some according to his purpose.” When we and excitement and expectation for are at our worst, and throwing pity others. Change is Hard. parties for ourselves, we would be well Charles Spurgeon, a Baptist Preacher reminded to remember and count on and Scholar from days gone by, said no matter what, God uses everything this about change: for our good - even when we can’t “The seasons change and you change, (or won’t) see it. We are a work in but the Lord abides evermore the progress and we must continue to The Lord is my rock, same, and the stream of His love is cling to God on our worst days. It is “ as deep and as broad and as full as easy when things are going well and ever”. I find that to be so comforting. we assume God is delighted with us. my fortress and my Sometimes we feel out of control and But He is delighted with us even at our deliverer swept away by change. Sometimes worst. We’ve got to stay connected we are so busy with the minutia of with Him. Stay in the Word, even Psalm 18:2 life that we suddenly look up and when we are tired, cranky or just too what we thought we knew is wrong, busy. Have a conversation with God. ” different or just not there at all. There He wants to hear from you. Wrap up ctober is here. It won’t be too are several verses in The Word that I all the anxiety, loneliness, emptiness Olong (I hope) and the weather like to turn to on days that I am feeling and more and leave it at the foot of the will begin changing. We already have overwhelmed by all the changes going cross. He can deal with it. shorter days and soon, the coolness on in my life. The first one is our Verse So, as the seasons change, seasons will seep in and then stay awhile. of The Month. It reminds me that Jesus of life change and we change, stay I’m sure I’m not the only one, but is the same, everyday, no matter what. connected with Him and with us. the changing of the seasons always Whatever is going on in my life, He is When the clouds roll in, don’t forget makes me melancholy for a few days. still there - not changing, still standing about The Light Of The World. In John 1, I am one of those people who resists by me, above me, under me, in front of we are reminded that “the Light shines change, even though change happens me and behind me. He will not leave in the darkness and the darkness has every single day. Ya just can’t escape it me. At this point, I must offer my not (and will not) overcome it. “ As or “change it”!! It must be part of the praise! your Sisters In Christ, we stand ready human condition because the Bible Ecclesiates 3:11 says, “He has made to walk with you through the changes. speaks to change numerous times. everything beautiful in its time.” Our Come join us and enjoy sweet time In my family, currently, we are time is not God’s time. We cannot with those who love to share The undergoing big changes. Our oldest truly fathom God’s time in our human Light! daughter is getting married. We are bodies. Whatever is happening in our parenting the parents, losing older lives, we have to lean into the fact that family members and we are hitting in His time all will be revealed to us.... “birthday milestones”. Kinda reminds My issue with patience is for another me of a Little Feat song where the time! Thankfully, our God is merciful. chorus says something about “our Psalm 102:27 is an echo of the verses Pam Bluestein minds making promises that our from Hebrews and Esslesiates, “But 3 THE MESSENGER October 2019
Welcome Save the Date New Board Member Women’s Wellness
e are very happy to welcome Debbie Seime to the January will be here before you know it. Before your calendar WExecutive Board as our Welcome Team Chair! She gets too full, save the date for the upcoming Women’s and her husband, Dean, are long time members and very Wellness Event. The 2020 event promises to be just as good involved with the church. Already, Debbie has made a big as years passed, if not better. impact with that terrific smile and her kind, caring heart. For a while now, Debbie has been active in our Human So far, we have classes scheduled for Brain Health, Massage, Trafficking Rescue efforts. We are delighted to have her and Nutrition, with more coming. Be watching for additional fresh perspective and ideas on our Board. Please welcome information in the coming months in the newsletter her as you see her around church. Saturday, January 25
Representatives Needed e would really like to have a Young Adult WRepresentative on the Board. This would ideally be a woman under 40, who is or has been active in various church ministries or Sunday School Classes. It is so important for us to endeavor to make sure that every age and season is being represented.
There is also an opening for a representative for the Monday Morning Bible Study. Please contact Pam Bluestein for more info. and UMW’s Facebook page. If you have qny questions, comments, or would like to help in any way, contact Deborah Jones at [email protected].
Pam Bluestein 4 THE MESSENGER October 2019
SOME PROJECTS FOR THE LAST MONTH MISSION MORNING PROJECTS Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Isaiah 58:7 Sonshine Bag Items ur Mission Morning in September busy working on Sonshine Bags. Filling Sonshine Bogs with food Owas truly a big mission effort! This month we shifted from toiletry items to combat trend of using food In August, we had collected enough items to non-perishable food items. to control and manipulate women. items for 110 UMCOR Hygiene Kits We are still donating toiletries, just - and they all had to be put together in a different manner. If you saw last That Day so that our own Donna month’s newsletter, you read the Kottwitz could transport them to article about food being used as a Lakeview that weekend! Our women weapon in the coercion aspect of had all the items sorted and laid trafficking. Absolutely inhumane. We out in no time! They then began the are currently packing our Sonshine process of putting the kits together, Bags with food items, water, napkin and if you have ever put kits together and a fork. This month we had nuts, for UMCOR, you know, they are very fruit in a cup, chicken in a pouch, particular! Details are important! peanut butter cups, meats in pop- Material for Blanket Ministry Our unit received credit for 110 kits, tops, crackers and protein shakes plus the cash donation for toothpaste and bars, and a treat! Several of our Making blankets for BEAR, Child and transportation. women were emotional bagging Advocates of Fort Bend, and The other half of our women were these items, just thinking about the others, to provide a bit of comfort inhumanity of it all. And while it is to children in foster care. terrible that it s even needed, we are making a difference. We are helping, by educating people on what is truly going on and then by taking action to help ease the pain and offer hope and love. Pam Bluestein Photos by Debbie Grenier and Donna Kottwitz
Bottles of Water with Scripture Tag
Words of encouragment attached to water.
UMCOR Kits 5 THE MESSENGER October 2019
LADIES BUNCO LOTS OF WINNERS FUN
e had an amazing BUNCO night women where they are, praying Win September! We had several together, laughging or crying together new women! Yeah! And we had and just being there in the moment. more buncos and mini-buncos than we’ve ever had! If you can believe it, there were 6 buncos, and 12 mini A night of laughter, buncos! The night was full of women fun, and lots of yelling ‘BUNCO!’ The red dice sure got moved around alot. At one point BUNCOs! during the night someone got a bunco and received the red dice, then one Pam Bluestein second later someone else got a bunco Photos by Debbie Grenier and the dice switched hands. Hanging onto the red dice was tough. :-) The laughter all evening was over the top! We had taken a short hiatus from bunco during the summer, and it was nice to be back with old friends and new friends. It is not really about the game - it is about the fellowship and the ministry. It is about meeting 6 THE MESSENGER October 2019
RESCUE HOUSTON MAKING CALLS AGAIN PHONE BANK UPDATE
e have had a break from Phone message or sending a text is just as WBank for a couple of months due important as actually speaking to her. to the church updating their firewall. So often, these messages are carried We are all in favor of security for our around for weeks or months before data and for the safety of our youth. a woman finally gets the courage to We want to thank Pastor Michelle make the call. Rest assured, when the Hall for helping us navigate this situation and get us back online! We now have our own wireless network, which is separate from the church. WE ARE BACK This month was our first time back in a couple of months, and so we were ONLINE!! all a little rusty, plus we were using our new wireless hotspot. We made call comes in, the Rescue Houston approximately 17 calls and had 3 Team goes to work to get her off the teams of callers and data entry women. streets and into a program whereby It took us a few minutes of knocking she can begin a new life. off the rust, but we got there! It is really rewarding to be able to leave the hotline number with a woman for Pam Bluestein whom it could be a lifeline. Leaving a
“For I was hungry and you gave me MEXICAN STREET CORN CASSEROLE food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you RECIPE welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35 Ingredients: Instructions: 1 -32 oz bag frozen corn thawed •Preheat oven to 350⁰ ½ tsp. Garlic Power ½ Cup Mayo •Pour corn into a large casserole dish ½ tsp. Salt •Add mayo, sour cream chili and ½ Cup Sour Cream garlic powder and salt 1/4 tsp. cayenne (Optional) 1&½ tsp. Chili Power •Combine ½ of the queso fresco with 5 oz queso fresco grated or crumbled above ingredients •Bake for 30-40 minutes or until headed thru and sides bubble •Crumble or grate remaining queso fresco over casserole “Whoever has a bountiful eye will •Top with chopped cilantro (optional) be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.“
Proverbs 22:9
Pat Stone 7 THE MESSENGER October 2019
WINNERS OF THE 2019 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARD TEA Share in the Master’s Happiness!
Sue Lang n Sunday, Sept. 15th, we were mission work done over the years by Ohonored to host our Second these ladies. We praise God for them Meals on Wheels and Choir, helped Annual Women of Distinction Fall and their servant hearts. The lives disadvantaged families with filing Tea. We began doing this last year to that have been touched through their taxes glorify God and the work that is being ministries cannot be counted. done by women in our congregation in His name. So often, we are unaware of We were also honored to host Mary the tremendous efforts and progress Lou Reece as our special guest and being made in sharing God’s word, speaker. While a Woman of Distinction love and hope because of people right in her own right, she is also the wife here at Christ Church. We are not a of our bishop, Scott Jones! She is so perfect church, but we are trying! We funny, so genuine, so giving and such love people and we love mission. a good story teller! She spoke to us about the importance of answering This year’s Class of 2019 Women of God’s call and using the gifts and Distinction are: Sue Lang, Debbie talents that He gave us to help Straw and Norma Mendez. We hope that you will share your joy in this continued on page 8. Debbie Straw wonderful acknowledgment of the
GIFT program, and other mission ministries throughout the years, she also helped disadvantaged families with filing taxes
Norma Mendez
Soles for Souls - shoe ministry for disadvantaged kids, foreign missions 8 THE MESSENGER October 2019
WOMEN OF WOMEN OF DISTINCTION DISTINCTION 2019 TEA Share in the Master’s Happiness! continued from pg 7. others and share the gospel. Mary gifts! Show me what you’ve done Award Winners Lou referred us to the parable of the with them and then Come Share In talents, in which Jesus describes a MY HAPPINESS over what you have master entrusting his property to accomplished in my name!” The ladies each of his servants in talents (a unit in the room were mesmerized by this of coinage). The master then leaves new discovery in an old, familiar story. for a journey. Upon his return, the What a lovely invitation - Come Share servants show the master what they In Your Master’s Happiness. have done with the trust and the gift. You know the story! So, are you ready to share the joy of your mission and share in your owever, Mary Lou pointed out master’s happiness? We would love Hsomething we usually miss for you to join us and swap stories in this story - the invitation from about reveling in His happiness. Christ to “Come Share In The Master’s Happiness”!! How could we miss that?! Just hearing it again right now Pam Bluestein gives me such a relaxing, calm feeling Photos by Debbie Grenier and of acceptance and love. Jesus is telling Donna Kottwitz Mary Lou Reece us - “ Hey! I’ve entrusted you with
Honored to have Mary Lou Reece speak at our Women of Distinction event. 9 THE MESSENGER October 2019
MAKING A DIFFERENCE CHANGE THE WORLD IN THE COMMUNITY DAY
Change the World Day for UMW Christ group volunteered in the back. We Church was a SUCCESS!! We had a spent a couple hours fellowshipping blast! We gathered at the church for and hanging up donated clothes to a light breakfast and a short service take out to the front of the store. before heading out in the world. Our his great organization receives group carpooled over to the Richmond Tmany donations. Often too many Met in the church Gathering Hall location of the Pennywise resale store donations for the employees to sort for breakfast and a short service. run by the Fort Bend Women’s Center. through, get tagged, and set out in the What a blessing! Our small group was store. This was a perfect opportunity made up of Beverly Williams, Laura for us to be the hands and feet of the Vagata, Debbie Read, Benita Sebesta, Lord. The staff on hand at the store Donna Kottwitz, Debbie Grenier, Kim was so appreciative and grateful Ripley, and Shirley Ficks. for our help and support. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday ome of our lovely ladies organized morning! For those of you that did not the front of the store. Wow! What a S make it, we look forward to seeing you difference it made. They straightened the next time! books, organized clothes, reracked clothes, tidied up the shelves, straightened kitchen items, and more. Shirley Ficks worked on the jewelry Laura Vagata section and the rest of our fabulous Photos by Debbie Grenier
Breakfast tacos served by the Mission Committee. Good!
Gathering for breakfast before going out into the world. 10 THE MESSENGER October 2019
UMW TX CONFERENCE FALL FESTIVAL
I had the privilege of participating a great time to see old friends and in the “Sisterhood of Grace – Hope meet new ones. for the Future” TX Conference Saturday began with a devotion in UMW Fall Festival held Sept. 13 and the Peace Chapel to “Greet the Day”. 14. The location was the Lakeview After gathering for hymn singing in Conference Center located in a the conference hall, the business secluded wooded area near Palestine, meeting continued with awards, TX. I also delivered 112 health kits elections and presentations. UMCOR prepared by Christ Church UMW health kits were presented at the altar to the truck headed to the UMCOR for blessing prior to being taken to the depot in Louisiana. UMCOR depot. I socialized, studied and worshiped The Special Missions Recognition with around 150 other United 2019 was presented the Scott Atnip Methodist Women from Nacogdoches award, who works to connect the and Tyler to Texas City and Houston education and advocacy efforts of area. The opening Friday night Texas Impact and the Texas Interfaith social featured “Back to the Future” Center for Policy with people of costumes, dinner and games, and was faith throughout Texas. The keynote speaker, Don McAvoy, Jr., with the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, informed us of the facilities and residential homes for children and youth in a Christian environment. It was very encouraging to hear about the service MCH provides through foster care, transition services and a variety of other community services. Focus Groups included Bible study and officer training, and the festival concluded with a communion worship service. Overall, I found this weekend Donna Kottwitz inspirational, peaceful and revitalizing. 11 THE MESSENGER October 2019
BEING HIS HANDS AND FEET
Each one must give as she has decided in her heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
the books! What a beautiful ministry. Praise God that for all the ugliness that e are Cheerful Givers! In fact, We are honored to be able to partner mom has endured, her daughter (yes! Wbeing the hands and feet of with our own church folks to further It is a Girl!) will get off to a blessed Christ is one of the things we do best. this important and beautiful ministry. start and have a nurturing network of We are always ready to answer the people to love her and help her. call when we receive a request for ne more important ministry help from one of our rescue partners Othat we participated in this past We thank you for your continued or from another ministry. It does not month was with The Landing. They support of these very important take long to rally our women and have a new client who is pregnant and ministries. If not for the bunco profits, make things happen! without the resources to take care of pledges and donations, this work her child. The Landing has secured would go undone. However, God’s This month, we collected a huge medical care for this client and her people will not let that happen! basket of books at the Women of unborn baby, and is helping mom Distinction Tea. Those books will go prepare for the future. with our Restorative Justice folks from Pam Bluestein Christ Church to the Carol Vance Unit That’s where we stepped in! We at the Texas Department of Criminal got a request to help with any baby Justice. The books will be distributed items and maternity clothes. So, we to incarcerated fathers, who will then put the word out, made the request read to their children and give them for a financial donation from the board to supplement and then, it was off to the races! Within one day, “For even the Son we had a highchair, crib & mattress, crib bedding, bouncy seat, car seat, of Man came not playpen, stroller, a little “table chair” that can be used either at home or to be served but to in restaurants, baby clothes, bottles, diaper bag, diapers, wipes - you name serve, and to give it and we got it!! his life as a ransom a’ll - God is good! We could not for many.” Yhave done all this without His Mark 10:45 divine intervention. This baby will come home to a beautiful nursery. 12 THE MESSENGER October 2019 SERVE WITH US
RESCUE YOUR SISTERS
“Under His wings you will find refuge.” Psalm 9:1
We would love to have you join us this protect us. month, Oct 30th at 1:30 p.m. in Room 11/12. f you would like more information Iabout Phone Bank or any of our hat do we do? We call women rescue partners, please contact Pam Wwho are “advertised” on adult Bluestein at psbluestein@hotmail. websites. We talk to them, pray for com. We can add you to our contact them and give the hotline number so list so you’re in the loop and up to that they, or any of their friends, can date with our Phone Bank efforts. make the call to get out of “the life”.
Please pray for these women and for our phone bank teams. It is a front line Pam Bluestein Houston Police Sgt. John Wall said ministry that comes with the difficulty victims of human trafficking often of facing the ugly side of trafficking. feel trapped because traffickers Our women are brave, kind and “make promises aimed at caring. They are also prayer warriors - addressing the needs of the victims because prayer and the armor of God simply to impose control.”
37 Arrested in north Houston for Wall said the victims usually fear Human Trafficking. leaving the traffickers because of “psychological trauma, shame, https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/ar- ticles/news/2019/09/05/345022/37-ar- emotional attachment or physical rested-in-human-trafficking-opera- threats either to themselves or to tion-in-spring/ their family members.” 13 THE MESSENGER October 2019 SERVE WITH US
Several people have asked how they friends and make someone’s day can help. First, pray for those being when they get handed a Sonshine Bag, exploited. Second, come to a Mission blanket, card, hygiene kit, prayer rock, Morning and help us complete the prayer box, beautifully decorated sonshine bags, decorate them and lunch bag and whatever else we have pray over them. Then, we will always going on that day. This past month, we take your donations of non-perishable welcomed 2 new ladies! So, if you are food items, water bottles, individual new to the church and are available bags of candy, napkins, etc. We have a during the morning for any part of our bin located by the downstairs kitchen. time, we invite you to come join us! Busy? Check our Amazon Wishlist You will be amazed at the work being and they will deliver your items right done in His Name! to the church! Mission Morning Mission Morning is so fun and a Pam Bluestein great way to make a difference, make
id you know that UMW has a Wish Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry DList on Amazon? Here you will find a list of supplies that UMW uses in all our outreach mission Ingredients projects. It includes food ideas, water, 1- 8 oz. can pineapple chunks in and bags for the Sonshine Bags, juice, undrained material for the Blanket Ministry, 1 Tbsp. oil toiletries for clients at The Landing, 1 lb. beef flank steak, cut across the and much more. grain into thin strips Check out the list. You may find it ½ cup chopped green onions offers an easy and quick way to help 1 clove garlic, minced God’s people. You can even have your 2 Tbsp. water items shipped directly to the church. 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ¼ cup A1 Original Steak Sauce Wish List Debbie Grenier 2-4 cups of Rice, cooked.
Instructions 1. Drain pineapple, reserving liquid. Lunch Set aside. Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add steak; at The Landing cook and stir 5 min.,or until cooked through. Add pineapple, onions and e need you to help feed the garlic; cook and stir 2 min. Reduce Whungry! heat to low. Join UMW in preparing a hot 2. Mix reserved pineapple liquid, meal for clients of The Landing; water and cornstarch until well a daytime center for survivors of blended. Add to steak mixture; human trafficking. You can cook the cook 1 min., or until thickened, Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry recipe at the stirring constantly. Remove from right, or maybe a cup, or two, of rice. heat. If cooking isn’t your thing, you can pick 3. Stir in steak sauce. Serve over up one or more of the following at the kitchen. Contact Pam Bluestein at rice. store: a bag of salad, a dessert, a bag of [email protected] for details. fruit, a gallon of sweet tea, or a gallon of lemonade. Items can be left in the Debbie Grenier 14 THE MESSENGER October 2019 FELLOWSHIP WITH US
Ladies Bunco Fellowship
Well, here we are down the road and s an added bonus, most months, Ladies Bunco Night has morphed into Aour bunco Czar, Pat Stone, cooks something far more than we imagined. a wonderful meal! Some months it is slow. Some months we have been rained out. Then So come and join us! Our next Bunco something wonderful happens. Then Night is Thursday Oct. 17th at it happens again. The Lord continues 6:30p.m. to encourage us and support us. We realize now, looking back, that our Slow night, big night, loud night, Bunco Night is so much more than we just enjoy being together in His a game night or a fundraiser. It is a presence doing His work and having a ministry. Just about every month, we little fun! welcome at least one new woman and ore than two years ago we often, she is not even a member of the Mbegan to host a Ladies Bunco church. Sometimes, she comes alone, Fellowship once a month, mixers with just wanting to meet new women. our men a couple of times a year, and Sometimes women come because even threw in a Bingo game or two. It they need a laugh, get tired of sitting has been a journey. Sometimes we’ve at home in front of the t.v. and want to thought about letting it go. When we do something to help, or because they started, we just wanted a unique way crave fellowship with other Christian to raise a few dollars for our Rescue women. Ya just never know what Wardrobe and to help balance out someone is going through, and our the cost of the items for our Sonshine warm, caring, fun women are often Bags. just exactly what is needed. Pam Bluestein Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future. Proverbs 31:25
BAMBI
Hey Ladies!! United Methodist Women, want to It’s that time again! The holidays encourage, celebrate, and pray with at BAMBI is coming up! Mark your and over these women and children. calendars – December 7. In the This experience will touch your heart afternoon, we will meet up at the and open your eyes. Please join us for church to carpool downtown to the a fun-filled afternoon of devotion and BAMBI facility. This is such a wonderful fellowship! ministry. These women need our prayers and love. We do not know their circumstances or their situations, but they are seizing an opportunity to Laura Vagata move forward in their lives. We, as 15 THE MESSENGER October 2019 GROW WITH US
WALK IN THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:25
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
Galatians 6:1
“Sisters, if a sister is overtaken in any trespass, you sisters who are WALK IN THE SPIRIT spiritual restore such a sister in a spirit of gentleness...“ RECEIVE FAVOR
Galatians 6:2 As Christians we all hope to have alatians 5 examines the work of favor with our Lord. As daughters of Gthe Holy Spirit in us. the King we have the indwelling Spirit Galatians 5:22 -We can ask for the “Bear one another’s burdens and so of Christ (John 15:26) and can walk in gifts, fulfill the law of Christ.” His unmerited favor daily. Galatians 5:23 - Against these [the He leads the believer into gifts] there is now law. righteousness (Galatians 5:16-18) Galatians 5:16 -I say then: Walk in the and produces His fruit in those who spirit Galatians 6:9 yield to Him (Galatinas 5:22-23). Galatians 6:16-And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and “And let us not grow weary while Some of our blessings of the Spirit are mercy will be upon them and upon the doing good, for in due season we His: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, Israel of God. shall reap, if we do not lose heart.” kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. For me personally, I’ve witnessed Divine Favor in my life as: being spared Ephesians 4:30 How do we walk in The Spirit? a horrible auto accident more than once, unexpected financial blessings, “And do not bring sorrow to God’s irst of all we must yield to His being healed of migraine headaches, Holy Spirit by the way you live. Fcontrol and be obedient to His an instant healing of a broken ankle, Remember, he has identified you as will. To walk in the Spirit is the being part of miracle blessings of his own, guaranteeing that you will opposite of resisting Him or grieving other sisters and brothers in Christ, be saved on the day of redemption.” Him (Ephesians 4:30). If we are off seeing lost loved ones come to Christ. doing our own thing and not paying My list goes on and on. attention to what He is saying to us, we will miss out on His favor. Tomi Belgard
More Resources: https://www.gotquestions.org/Spirit-walk.html https://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1011693&item_no=206151 The Spirit-Filled Life: Discovering the Joy of Surrendering to the Holy Spirit by Charles Stanley 16 THE MESSENGER October 2019
GROW WITH US Women’s Ministries Christ Church
C.H.I.A
CHIA will meet Monday October the 7th in room 106 in the education building. Join us for a hands-on project, fellowship and a devotional. All ladies are invited to come out and join this UMW group. Call Billie Blair for information at 281-242-3695.
Billie Blair
Sunday Bible Study Class
The Sunday Evening Ladies Bible Study will be studying Epic of Eden: Jonah by Sarah Richter. Class started on Sunday, August 28 and meets from 4-6pm. They meet in the church library. The cost of the book is $17, payable with cash or check. If you write a check, please make it to Mary Ann Dolezal. She will write a check for the total amount to be submitted to Christ Church. For more information, or to sign up, contact Mary Ann at [email protected].
Eleanor Blain
Tuesday Bible Study Class
The Precepts Bible Study class will be studying the book of Galatians. This is an in depth-study that uses the precepts method to unlock revelations in the book, one layer at a time. Class starts on October 15th. This will be a 7-8 week course with homework required. The class meets Tuesdays from 9:30- 12 in the Faith Corner. All women are welcomed to join us. We often gather for lunch afterwards. For more information, or to sign up, contact Debbie Read at [email protected]. Debbie Grenier
Thursday Bible Study Class
The Thursday Bible Study will be studying Epic of Eden: Jonah by Sarah Richter. Class started on September 26, and will continue to about November 21. The class meets 9:30 - 11:30am in the Faith Corner. Class discussion will be supplemented with commentary from Timothy Keller’s new book on Jonah. Lessons have accompanying videos. All women are welcomed to attend. Many gather for lunch afterwards. For questions, contact Debe Fannin at [email protected]. Debe Fannin 17 THE MESSENGER October 2019 OTHER HAPPENINGS
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of his wonderful acts. Psalm 105:2
• Jeans - any size or color Lunches of Love • New socks or underwear - all sizes 5K Fun Run • Non-perishable food items - lunch bag sizes. Need by Nov. 10 so can use at Mission Afternoon. • Bags of Candy - Need by Oct. 25 to support UMW’s Trunk or Treat Car.
Items can be placed in the UMW bin downstairs by the kitchen. You Special UMW Needs can also check the UMW Wish List this Month for other item ideas. Join our Mission Partner, Lunches of Love, at their Walk of Love & 5K Y’all are always so good about Thanks so much for your support! Fun Run on Saturday, November 2 asking - What do ya need? What from 10:00am-12:00pm to help raise can I do ? awareness of childhood hunger. So, here are a couple of items that Pam Bluestein we are in need of this month: Registration is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. There will be a silent aution, raffle, music, and fun for UMW Trunk of Treats everyone! There will also be a Kid’s Korner with fun-filled activities. UMW is sponsoring a car at the upcoming Event T-shirts are available - $10 for Trunk or Treat event. We want to thank youth, and $15 for adult. Amy Guzman for donating her car trunk Pre-register online at http://events. and her time! Thanks Amy! constantcontact.com/register/ We can use your help too. It is anticipated that there will be hundreds of kids since UMW is making a donation that will this will be a community-wide event, and provide 133 lunches to children in we will need lots of candy. need in the Fort Bend area. We hope Prayerfully consider donating a big bag, you can join us in supporting this or two, of candy for Amy to hand out to all mission. the delightful little ones. You can leave the candy in the UMW bin downstairs by the kitchen. Debbie Grenier Debbie Grenier Thanks for your gracious support! 18 THE MESSENGER October 2019 UPCOMING EVENTS MARK YOUR CALENDARS
• Oct. 7 10am C.H.I.A • Oct. 9 10 -12:00pm Mission Morning • Oct. 17 6:30-8:30pm Ladies BUNCO • Oct. 23 12:00-3:00pm Lunch at The Landing • Oct. 30 1:30-3:30pm Phone Bank • Dec. 7 1:00-4:30pm BAMBI Christmas • Jan. 25 8:30-1:00pm Women’s Wellness Event
Join us at one Or All of our upcoming Events!!
WE WOULD LOVE TO GET TO KNOW YOU 19 THE MESSENGER October 2019
CONTACTS 3300 Austin Parkway 281-980-6888 [email protected] Sugar Land, Texas 77479
Prayers UMW Executive Board • Debe Fannin, Billie Blair, Buddy Pam Bluestein Blair, Sue Muerdler, Lahonda Sharp u President • Lift up our Pastors and Leaders u Open Vice-President Love & Sympathy • Pat Stone - passing of her brother u Amy Guzman Secretary
u Donna Kottwitz Treasurer
u Emily Henderson Nominations
u Billie Blair Program Resources
u Laura Vagata Missions Coordinator
Laura Vagata ----- BAMBI
Diana Gordon ---- Elijah Rising / Kendleton Farms u Tomi Belgard Spiritual Growth
u Open Membership / Outreach
u Diane Sindelar Communications
u Debbie Grenier Publicist / Photographer/ Newsletter
JOIN UMW u Open Hospitality
We would love for you to join our group as we try to give u Debbie Seime Welcome Committee back what our gracious Lord has given us. We fellowship together - We serve together - We grow together. u Pat Stone Bunco Czar You can find our Membership Form on our website at Young Adults www.christchurchsl.org/umw/media. u Open
u Eleanor Blain Member at Large GIVE BACK u Terri Skeen Member at Large If you feel the Lord has blessed you and you would like to give of your time, talents, or finances, prayerfully u Tara Velasco Member at Large consider giving to UMW. See our GIVE BACK page for ways to participate at u Deborah Jones Member at Large www.christchurchsl.org/umw/give. Come serve beside us. We would love to get to know you. u Debbie Read Member at Large
u Lynn Epstein Member at Large /umwchristchurch