songs of the passion saturday, march 24th at · main sanctuary p. o. box 99 - 28900 rr 12 dripping...
TRANSCRIPT
“SONGS OF THE PASSION” Saturday, March 24th at
7:00pm Featuring the combined choirs
of Dripping Springs UMC &
First Baptist Church of Wim-berley
and Full Orchestra a reception will follow the perfor-
mance in the Fellowship Hall
March 29th ~ Maundy Thurs-day Service 6:30pm
March 30th ~ Good Friday Ser-vice 6:30pm
Easter Sunday ~ Sunrise Ser-vice 6:30am
at The Foundry 8:15am Traditional, 9:45am Contemporary and 11:15am
Traditional in the Main Sanctu-ary
11:15 Contemporary at The Foundry
12:45pm Spanish service ~ Main Sanctuary
P. O. Box 99 - 28900 RR 12 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
(512)894-7123 Phone e-mail: [email protected] website: www.dsumc.org
Our Mission: To make disciples for Jesus Christ
Our Vision: In accordance with the teachings of Jesus
Christ, the vision of Dripping Springs United Methodist Church is to identify, meet and nurture the spiritual needs of
our congregation and community.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Main Sanctuary
8:30 AM Traditional Service Communion every Sunday
12:45 PM Bilingual Service Communion every Sunday
The Foundry 11:15 AM Contemporary Service
Communion every Sunday
SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE Adult Education Hour 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Children’s Sunday School Hour 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
CHURCH STAFF
Senior Pastor Adam Thornton
Associate and Bilingual Pastor Jesús Sámano
Director of Community Life Brandon “Shook”
Director of Adult Faith Formation Vicki Rector
Director of Youth Faith Formation Sam Farrell
Director of Children’s Faith Formation Celeste Gamble
Executive Assistant to Pastor Patty Wright
Music Director Adam Miller
Church Administration & Finance Cara Mullen
Director of Communication Krista Shook
Nursery Director Kalyn Baskin
Pathways School Director Mary Fernandez
Facilities Coordinator Randy Voorheis
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February 2020
!!CALLING ALL BAKERS!!
We need your help to round out the meal with
something sweet. Contribute a dessert for the WGD!
Sign-up on line at dswgd.org Click on Volunteer Sign-up.
Wave upon Wave...
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The Power of a Prayer-filled Life
The meaning of Sabbath is to celebrate time rather than space. Six days a week we live under the tyranny of things of space; on the Sabbath we try to become attuned to holiness in time. It is a day on which we are called upon to share in what is eternal in time, to turn from the results of creation to the mystery of creation; from the world of creation to the creation of the world. - Abraham Joshua Heschel, The Sabbath
To start we must stop. To move forward we must pause. This is the first step in a deeper prayer life: Put down your wish list and wait. Sit quietly. “Be still and know that I am God.” Become fully present in place and time so that your scattered senses can re-center themselves on God’s eternal presence. Stillness and silence prepare your mind and prime your heart to pray from a place of greater peace, faith, and adoration. In fact, these are themselves important forms of prayer. - Pete Greig, How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People
Many years ago, at a retreat for Youth Directors, we had gathered together in an upper room of sorts. The youth room for this particular United Methodist church was upstairs. As we milled around in preparation for the beginning of a time of worship, the worship leader gathered up his guitar, sat down, and began to pray for us and our time together.
I have heard many prayers over my lifetime. I have heard prayers in various worship service settings. I have prayed with people and been prayed for by others. I have heard written prayers, spontaneous prayers, prayers of anticipation, healing, deep need, repentance and the like. I am not unfamiliar with prayer. Yet this particular day as we gathered together for a time of collective worship I was unprepared for the prayer that this particular worship leader would offer.
He stated matter-of-factly, “Hey God, what’s up man?”
I understand that people speak to God in different ways and from different places. We all begin somewhere in our jour-ney, but this particular prayer left an unmistakable impression on me that day. I remember thinking that I wasn’t sure that this was really prayer. It was so flippant, casual, too familiar. It was as if this worship leader had been in the same third-grade class as God, and they also played the same sports in middle and high school. Something was off and I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t the sum total of prayer, and perhaps, just perhaps, this wasn’t what God had in mind.
Over the years, I have heard a variety of teaching concerning prayer. I have to admit that I haven’t yet run into any teaching on prayer that was similar to the offering of that worship leader from long ago. The teachings I have heard, specifically for leaders at a conference or in a workshop have been focused, direct, and encouraging as the teacher invites us into a deeper level of relationship and understanding with our Creator. Though I have not heard instruction about prayer that left me baffled, I have been caught off-guard by what I have heard from colleagues and other brothers and sisters in Christ.
Today I want to examine attitudes that treat prayer as an add-on instead of an empowering practice that forms and shapes our life of faith. One leads to a ritual without power that makes us feel accomplished, as if we have checked something off of our list. The other transforms us in the presence of God, empowering us to live an effective life of faith as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
When prayer is mentioned in the scriptures it is a particular, dedicated time in which the people of God draw aside and focus on worship and connection with God. This wasn’t a practice done in addition to something else; it was a holy moment, completely focused on interaction with the Creator.
Prayer is meant to be that holy moment. When we combine it with other activities, it becomes less, diluted, a fraction of what it could become. Prayer can become a rhythm of life that carries within it the beauty of fellowship with the author of life, the God of Creation, the redeemer of humanity, a practice that is transformational and formative in the life of faith.
I encourage you to find that holy moment in your life. Develop a practice of prayer that will form you and serve you in the life of holiness to which God calls all of us in Christ.
Adam Thornton, Senior Pastor
Sermon Series “Drawing Near”
February 2nd ~ Approaching God” ~ Psalm 24:1-6 February 9th ~ “Holiness” ~ Exodus 19:10-15
February 16th ~ “Holy Living” ~ 2 Corinthians 7:1 February 23rd ~ “Nearly Transformed” ~ Matthew 17:1-13
Ash Wednesday, February 26th at 6:30pm
Bilingual Service Sunday
at 12:45pm Main Campus
Sanctuary
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Church News...
Road to the PassionWith Pastor Adam Thornton
Featuring the
OberammergauPassion Play
September 21 – October 1, 2020
Brochures available atInformation Desk
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Dripping/Driftwood Emmaus News
The Dripping Springs/Driftwood community is still in need for people to step up for 3 positions: Local Lay Director, Board Rep. and Team Selection Committee. These are important positions if we want to see our community continue to grow. Emmaus is an important tool that we all can use to build up our community and church leadership. We need to get back to the grassroots of what Emmaus is designed for and begin to rebuild and strengthen all of our communities.
Our next gathering is February 4th at 6:30pm at Kyle UMC. This will be a “Welcome Back” for the pilgrims coming off of the recent men’s walk. Do you remember your Welcome Back? Come and support these new pilgrims!!
God Bless
Church News...
Happy February!
It's hard to believe that we are well on our way into 2020 and making plans for the 2020-2021 school
year. In chapel this month, we are focusing on peace as our fruit of the spirit and learning how Jesus,
the Prince of Peace, blesses his people with strength and peace. (Psalm 29:11)
The children are putting their faith into action once again to share God’s love and blessings with our Kids Can Mission.
Students are bringing in canned/dry food donations, sorting them according to food groups, learning about nutrition,
and helping others at the same time. We can’t wait to load up the wagons for delivery to Helping Hands in a few weeks!
Mary Fernandez ~ Director of Pathways
Sherry Lush ~ Saturday, February 8th Restoring the Blessing of The Sabbath The Gospels in Genesis
Pastor Mark Biltz ~ Sunday, February 9th Best Selling Author, International Speaker The Righteous Remnant from The Nations The Feasts of The Lord
Registration Fee: $20 per person before day of event. Tickets available at the door-$30 per person. Limited seating
A CONGREGATIONAL LENTEN STUDY
“Listen to Him: Forty Steps on the Road to Resurrection” DSUMC will start a churchwide Lenten Study on
Shrove Tuesday, February 25th. To join in this study, we will have books available for purchase (10.00)
or a download available for your phones by texting “LENT” to 512-400-3555 All classes and individuals are invited and encouraged to join us
during the 40 days of Lent.
USHER & COMMUNION SERVERS TRAINING
Mark your calendar Training for all ushers and Communion servers will be offered in February:
Sunday, February 16 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 23 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Please choose a day to attend training led by Pastor Adam. We will meet in the sanctuary.
Want to meet people and make new friends? Join our worship team!
Thank you for all the ways you serve our body of Christ through your prayers, presence, ser-vice, witness and gifts! I give thanks for all who step up to serve as Liturgists, Communion Servers, Ushers and Sanctuary Organizers. This is truly one service where you pray and
show up! No prior planning or study required!
If you want to bring glory to God with your service and also see and catch up with new and current friends, please con-sider serving in your current worship service or in the alternate service. For more information, please talk to me, Linda Snow, and also click on this link for task descriptions of ushers, communion servers, liturgists and Sanctuary organizers http://www.dsumc.org/worship/. Everyone should experience the joy of serving during one of our worship services. I would be pleased to walk anyone through the ‘how to do it’ process so that you are comfortable with serving.
You can find scheduling for worship servants on Planning Center for the 8:30 Traditional and 11:15 Contemporary -- https://www.planningcenteronline.com. Each Sunday is left open to allow you to sign up for any Sunday and any ser-vice in which you feel led to serve – where there is a needed position. Many of us attend one service and then serve in the other! Let me know if you need help on Planning Center with getting a password or with navigation once inside the website. You should be able to edit your profile with personal information and also indicate how you are able to serve. You can also block out the dates you are not available to serve. Once your name is on a specific date, you will receive a reminder email the Tuesday before the service.
If you have questions or suggestions or would like to join the Worship team, contact Linda Snow at 512-619-9975
(call or text), email me at [email protected] or talk to me at church!
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord
you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24
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Church News...
Are you looking for an Adult Sunday Class to connect with?
Check out one of these:
• Seekers ~ meet in F10 at The Foundry and they are studying ~ The 10 Commandments by Robert Morris
• Epiphany ~ meet in F11 at The Foundry and they are studying “Is Genesis History?”
• Open Door ~ meet in room 108 and they are studying ~ “Big Church” by Andy Stanley
• Slow Walk ~ meet in room 106 and they are working through the Bible
• Young-ish ~ meet in the Upper Room and they are studying “Long Story Short”
• Digging Deeper ~ meet in the upstairs conference area and they are studying the book of Amos
• That The World May Know ~ meet in room 135 and they are studying the series “That the World may Know” by Ray Vander laan.
We meet on Wednesday evenings right after the WOW meal at 6:30pm in the upstairs conference area.
We just enjoy doing life together & sharing life's struggles. Contact [email protected] for more information
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Church News...
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Children’s Ministry... Director of Children’s Faith Formation ~ Celeste Gamble ~ [email protected]
Sunday School Hour 10:00 - 11:00 am
Sunday School at DSUMC is a time for kids to worship together and participate in small group Bible study with their peers. Snacks are provided.
• 3-year old Sunday school meets in the church nursery. (those who were 3 on or before Sept. 1, 2019)
• Pre-K Sunday school meets in room 126. (those who were 4 on or before Sept. 1, 2019)
• Shine! Kinder - 5th Grade We are so excited about starting to work on creating a designated children's space for our children's ministry! We'd love for you to be a part of making this happen! Or, if you'd rather support this project financially, you can donate to the program directly when you give to the church and designate "Children's Ministry" in the memo. Contact Celeste Gamble at [email protected] for more information and direct links to the on-line pages. Thank you for your support!
We are currently collecting items for our Bible Bucks store that is coming in February! Children will be able to earn Bible Bucks throughout the months by doing charity work, coming to Sunday School and TeamKID, learning their Bible verses, showing acts of kindness, etc. They will once a month be able to buy items from a special Bible Bucks store! We need gently used or new toys, games, stuffed animals, etc. (no weapons, please). We also will
accept socks, gloves, and canned goods so the children can purchase items for different missions around the church. Look for the box in the foyer of the sanctuary and The Foundry. Thank you for your help!
Nursery News
We have a staff of caring professionals to watch children ages birth-4 years during our many church activities. We offer an infant/toddler area and also a comfy, private room for nursing mothers. In addition, we have a cry room located at the back of the sanctuary (equipped with toys, a changing table, and rocking chairs) where parents and their children can be together and still be a part of the worship service. Our nursery is a device-free zone.
Nursery Hours: Sunday 8:00am-1:00pm Monday 6:00-8:00pm Tuesday 6:00-8:00pm Wednesday 9:00am-11:00am 6:00pm-8:00pm Friday 9:00am-11:00am
Youth Ministry...
Youth Sunday School Hour ~ 10:00am - 11:00am in F4 at The Foundry
Wednesday Night Youth Activities: 5:30pm WOW meal in the Family Life Center 6:15 - 7:15pm M.S. Youth Activities in F10 and 6:30 - 8:30pm H.S. Youth activities in The Foundry
REVIVE winter retreat: February 7-9. Register at revivetexas.org (Cost is $175 and scholarships are available). Lead team application is open (ages 16-19).
CITYWIDE: February 28-March 1 (cost $50) citywide.com to register
Sam Farrell ~ Director of Youth Faith Formation
Email [email protected] to be added to the youth email list. We have Remind texts. High school: text @dsumchs to 81010;
Middle school text @dsumcms to 81010; Parents, text @dsumcyp to 81010. Also, follow us on Instagram at @DSUMCstu_min for updates!
When: Wednesdays 6:15 -7:30pm Where: Fellowship Hall Who: Kids kinder - 5th grade Come join us for games, crafts, fun activities, mission, and Bible-based lessons!
Mission: Helping Men Grow IN Christ so others may KNOW Christ. Vision: UMM is Home Base for all the men of the church; the place to plug in and go out in fellowship/ministry/service. All men’s activities fall under this umbrella. Challenge: For us, as MEN, to step up and be a shining example of the spiritual backbone of the church.
All men in the community are encouraged to join us. Our meeting provides a forum to communicate what is going on in the life of our church.
Contact Lance Brunett at [email protected] for more information.
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United Methodist Men...
Men's Group Opportunities
UMM ~ 3rd Saturday of the month at 8:00am ~ contact Larry Swofford at [email protected] Men’s Bible Study ~ Tuesdays at 12:00 (bring lunch) in room 106 ~ contact Frank DeRosa at [email protected] Men’s Tuesday Evening Small Group ~ 6:30pm in room 106 ~ contact Brandon Shook at [email protected]
UMM NEWS… “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
30th Annual Dripping Springs Wild Game Dinner
This year's event returns to the Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center.
Doors open at 4:00pm. Kid Zone will open at 5:30pm.
Dinner will start at 6:00pm.
Live Auction starts at 7:00pm. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT DSWGD.ORG
Our Sunday morning Golf Cart Ministry is in need of volunteers before and after the 10:00am - 11:00am Education Hour
Contact Shawn Taylor at [email protected]
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United Methodist Women... WHO WE ARE
A community of women whose purpose is: • To know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ. • To develop a creative, supportive fellowship. • To expand concepts of mission through participation in the global
ministries of the church.
Blankets for Burke Boys Throughout the year members provide the Burke Center for Youth with blankets. Fleece material is purchased, volunteers hem each one, and Linda Snow embroiders each blanket with the boy’s name. Twenty to thirty blankets are distributed each year. Linda Bruce (second from left) heads this project. Pictured from left to right are Trish Rowe, Linda Bruce, Betty Bendall, and Glenice Taylor. Thanks to all who help in this ministry.
Crafters Complete Quilt for Wild Game Dinner Auction Each year the Crafters select a design and work diligently over the months to create a quilt that is always one of the most highly prized items at the Annual Wild Game Dinner auction, to be held February 22. Sandy Skaalure reports that “Those who worked on the quilt this year are Barbara Scates, Karen Garrett, Mary Kay Null, and me.” Each week, as Sandy explains, members bring whatever projects they are working on. The Crafters provided many of the wide assortment of items sold at the 2019 November Holiday Market. Currently, a few ladies have asked us to teach them to sew. Let’s do it! Come and learn or come and help as they may need some one-on-one time in the begin-ning. We meet in Fellowship Hall at 9:00 a.m. on Thursdays. Anyone who wants to join or be added to the Crafters email list can contact me at [email protected].
Join a UMW Circle Morning and evening circles are available. We welcome you to be part of our ministry!
The Agape Circle meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Monday of each month in Fellowship Hall. Sharyn Dearen is the facilitator and can be reached at [email protected]. On Feb. 3, following a brief business meeting at 9:30, Agape Circle will carpool to Foster Village on Fitzhugh Road for a tour of the facility.
The Shalom Circle meets at 6:30 p.m. in Room 108 on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. For information, email Kim Johnson at [email protected].
Additional Ladies’ Group Opportunities Prayer Shawl Group has a special mission. Their needlework provides comfort to those who need prayers, love, and support. If you love to knit or crochet and this may be of interest to you, contact Dianne Van Cura at [email protected]. Book Club ~ 2nd Wednesday of the month, 1:30 p.m. in room 108 ~ contact Linda Bruce at [email protected] Coffee Klatch ~ 3nd Tuesday of the month, 10:00am at Le Muse Coffee Shop, Caliterra Subdivision (see page 3) Mom’s Connect ~ Wednesday ~ 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall ~ contact Krista at [email protected] Crafters ~ Thursday, 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall ~ contact Sandy Skaalure at [email protected] For additional information about any of our activities, please contact Gay Lynn Wilson, president of UMW, at
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Caring Ministry...
Come Join Us! You can join anytime!
New Cycle of GriefShare Classes begin Sunday, February 23rd. Come join us!
GRIEFSHARE meets at Dripping Springs UMC SUNDAY afternoons, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. in room 106 in the hall near the Sanctuary. The next session will begin again on February 23rd. GriefShare is a 13-week seminar for people 18 years and
older who are navigating through life after a loved one’s death. This helpful, encouraging seminar features weekly video interviews with top Christian experts on grief and recovery topics as seen from a biblical perspective. There are personal testimonies from people who have experienced all the tangled emotions after bereavement. The video seminar is combined with support group discussion of the materials presented during the video. There is also a workbook filled with weekly exercises, practical tips, encouraging words, a gospel presentation and much more. In sharing your feelings and thoughts with others who are also grieving, you will find loving support and encouragement to find your way back to a new normal.
Please invite your friends and neighbors who may need that special support following the loss of a loved one. You are always invited to retake the class or to drop in on those days when you are needing the support of a small group of friends who listen and understand.
We honor confidentiality so that you can feel free to express your real feelings and repeat your story as many times as it takes. Please feel free to join anytime – each session stands alone as a significant resource for healing. You deserve to take this time each week for yourself – to look toward a brighter future, to make plans for the next stage of your life, to love yourself so that you can love others. Even though we will always miss our loved ones, a new normal of renewed energy, joy and abundance awaits as we slowly work through the grieving process. Come – you are loved!
Register at https://dsumc.churchcenter.com/groups/classes-bible-studies/grief-share. If you have questions or want a private meeting to see if GriefShare is right for you, contact Linda Snow at [email protected] or 512-619-9975. If you have trouble making the phone call, please just show up!
Prayers of the People
Norma Anderson, Betty Christiansen, Cody Crisp, Maria Cuff, Grace Delger, Tim DeRosa, Carol & Rex Easley, Henry & Millie Ellis, Gina Griffin, Harold Hoke, Mary Levingston,
Kathie MacDonald, Trey Madden, Randy McCann, Frank Meek, Shana Morse, Bette Morris, Madison Morris, Solaris Niedecken, Mark Pierce, Martín Piña, the family of May Somerville,
Grace Scott, Christian Shanley, Ginnie Street, Pastor Judy Swarts, Laura Wilson
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged Take it to the Lord in prayer
These familiar words never fail to touch my heart as they pass my lips. No matter when or where I sing them, there are always trials, temptations or trouble that come to mind. Sometimes it’s a challenge in my own life; sometimes the pain or struggles I’m aware of in other’s; sometimes just the general “troubles” of the world. Whatever it is, the reminder to take it to the Lord is welcome and comforting.
There really isn’t anything we can’t take to the Lord. No matter what is going on in our lives, there is strength, encouragement, comfort, hope and peace to be found in prayer. It is a calming solace in the face of any adversity and truly good for the soul.
What can you take to the Lord in prayer today?
Blessings, Pam Firle ~ Prayer Steward
DSUMC Prayer Chain
Our prayer chain is a great opportunity to cultivate a life of prayer. Our circle now has 86 members offering their loving intention in praying for others, and we would love for you to join us. You can become a member at https://dsumc.churchcenter.com/groups/unique/prayer-chain and you can send a prayer request to [email protected].
Special thanks goes out to Amy Simon for graciously receiving and emailing the requests for the prayer chain.
Her ministry is heartfelt and greatly appreciated.
DIVORCECARE MEETINGS Our meetings for the current cycle of DivorceCare began on Tuesday, January
7th at 6:00 pm in the upstairs conference area.
Are you divorced or separated? Please feel free to join our supportive class at
any time! The class discussions are confidential and we respect your
privacy. This may be the class that brings closure and healing to a very hurtful time in your life, whether going on now
or you went through a divorce a few years ago and simply continue to have issues with the pain it caused.
This 13-week Christ-centered program includes three main parts—video, group discussion and personal Bible study. The videos feature teaching from over 50 leading Christian counselors, teachers and pastors who speak on topics important to people in separation or divorce. The videos also contain real-life stories of people who’ve been through a marital breakup as they share their pain, challenges and path to healing.
During the discussion time, the group will discuss concepts presented in the videos and share what is going on in everyone’s lives. Each participant receives a workbook that contains a daily Bible study for personal reflection and application throughout the following week.
Through divorcecare.org/dailyemails you will receive support such as this article:
Divorce is like a tornado—ripping through your life, threatening to destroy everything in its path. The emotional whirlwinds bring fear, confusion, and despair, affecting you, your children, family members, and friends. You will likely wonder “Why did this storm hit my life and why does it hurt so much?”
Dr. Jim A. Talley says, “The reality is that divorce is the most painful thing you can go through because it impacts so much of your life. There’s no way around or easy way out. And everybody is looking for a painless way out of this whole situation.”
It is easier to clean up the physical damage of a tornado than the emotional damage caused by divorce.
“I hated life,” says Ginny. “I woke up every morning, and I absolutely hated it. I hated the pain that I woke up with and the pain that I went to sleep with.”
You may wish you could get through the pain quicker, but healing is a process, a day-by-day, moment-by-moment process. In order to experience any level of recovery, you must see it through. There are no shortcuts. But take heart, in the coming days and weeks you will see it is possible to heal and to look to the future with hope.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Dear Lord, my life is ripped apart, and I can’t keep from focusing on the devastation and pain that seem to define my very being. Help me turn to You. No one else knows what I am going through. Amen.
DivorceCare Schedule: Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. in room 108 Cost: $15.00 (scholarships available) Nursery available for ages 0 – 4 years. How to get started: register at https://dsumc.churchcenter.com/groups/classes-bible-studies/divorce-care. Call the church at 512-894-7123 or Linda Snow at 512-619-9975 for more information or you can just show up.
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Caring Ministry...
Stephen Ministry ~ A Gift of Love
Jesus taught and modeled the way we should love one another. He approached persons with compassion. He walked alongside in empathy for their situations. And then, He encouraged them in gentle ways to find healing and possibly
a much better life. Of course He had a few more tools than we have as Stephen ministers but that is how we model our ministry.
We hope you will let us serve you when those situations occur that may need someone to stay near for a while. To start the process of being partnered up with a Stephen Minister contact Ken Heffley at 214-212-1548
We are also looking for persons who want to be trained to serve as a Stephen Minister. If that is you, you can also contact Ken Heffley at 214-212-1548. Serving as a Stephen Minister is a model of love.
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Outreach Ministry...
Home in a Week is Complete!
Thanks to everyone who turned out to help with the 2020 Home in a Week for the Zuniga Family. DSUMC supported this ministry once again with financial support through your tithes and offerings, as well as through the UMM Wild Game Dinner. Additionally, we had a great turnout in early December, as we hosted the prebuild of components on our campus. Thanks to everyone who participated, whether it was by swinging a hammer, giving financial sponsorship, preparing and serving food or offering prayers.
KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY “. . . I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:36
DSUMC members will be serving on Kairos Prison Ministry teams at the men’s Hughes Unit on February 27th-March 1st and the women’s Lane Murray Unit on April 22nd-26th. DSUMC members also provide support by praying, making donations, providing place-mats and posters, and attending the Closing Ceremony. DSUMC has been a major supporter of Kairos Prison Ministry for more than 20 years! Kairos Inside is a 3-day spiritual retreat in prison, patterned after the Walk to Emmaus in the free world. Kairos Inside has been bringing the love of Christ to our incarcerated sisters and brothers worldwide for more than 40 years, building Christian community in the prison, reducing recidivism, and giving our brothers and sisters in white new hope. Kairos Outside is a ministry for female family members (wives, sis-ters, daughters) of incarcerated men and women.
Team formation meetings are beginning in January for two Kairos Inside Weekends at the men’s Hughes and women’s Lane Murray Units in the Spring of 2020. Kairos Outside Central Texas #11 is scheduled for February 21st - 23rd. Volunteers are needed to serve on teams for all three Kairos Weekends. If you have questions about Lane Murray Kairos, contact Myra Sutherland at [email protected] or 512-496-1531. If you have questions about Hughes Kairos, contact Dave Sutherland at [email protected] or 512-940-7244. For more information about Kairos Outside, go to kairosoutsidecentraltexas.org.
Panama Mission Trip Informational Meeting
There will be an informational meeting on our 2020 mission trip to Panama on Wednesday, February 12th at 6:00pm in room 106. We will be finished by 6:30. The trip dates are July 11th - 19th. This far out it is hard to say what we will be working on. Last year we built stoves for people living in rural areas. We will most likely stay in Santa Fe, a small town north of Santiago, in the state of Veraguas. About a 4 hour drive from Panama City towards Costa Rica.
Thank you all for your support!!
Tamale and salsa sales netted over $1600 for 2020 Global Missions. Thank you to all who participate in this ministry with your purchases and donations!
ERT Needs Along the I-10 Corridor I received a call from the Construction folks in Victoria last week asking for some help. There are several disaster survi-vors in the communities along I-10 that could use teams to help with their recovery. The work needs are varied and can be tailored to the team skills. Can we get a team to help?
They are working to arrange housing at Cathedral Oaks Retreat Center, which is a lot closer than Victoria and will make things easier, but I need to see if we can field a team.
We are tentatively looking at the third week of February (16-22), but we can probably change that if needed.
If you are interested and available, any time in February, please let Jim Street, know what dates work and we'll go from there. Email: [email protected]
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Outreach Ministry...
Perspective from the inside
WOW, no, no I don’t mean Wide Open Wednesday! I mean who would have ever thought that I would be asked to write a little column while being incarcerated in prison? Thus, being from the inside, well, “Here I Am”! I remember saying that when I was out there in the world “playing church”. Let me tell you that after over a decade of being locked up in prison my perspective of what is truly important has totally taken a serious overhaul.
Please let me start by explaining what exactly the word “perspective” means: A view of things in their true relationship of relative importance. With that being said, I found that my “relative importance” factor was all out of whack. Who would have ever thought that we don’t see things correctly until they are gone? The best and most important thing I can tell you is that there is truly a caring and loving God that will never leave you!! I am living proof.
Some might think that where I am is the end of the world. I tell you the truth, it has been and is the beginning of a new world. Yes, I am behind bars, but I live freer than most folks in the world. I don’t have to hide myself behind locked doors. Heck, “They” keep me here. God has truly changed my heart, soul and my mind. It’s funny what God has to work with when we have nothing. I’m pretty sure that’s what He had to work with when He created us.
I have been given the time, the opportunity and the tools to really grow as a Christian man. I am able to truly see people as God created them. I have a whole network of friends God has placed in my life to help me understand and grow. Believe me when I say: That is what God has called each and every one of us to do! Sometimes we fail to realize that God created us to be shared, not kept to ourselves. On the inside here in prison, I am asked to participate in the teaching and helping young men grow in Christ. On the outside I was also asked to participate in the teaching and helping young men grow in Christ. Funny how God chooses us to work no matter what our circumstances are!
I would like to share a story I read with you: One day a father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the “express purpose” of showing him how the poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on a farm that would be considered that of a very poor family. On their return from their trip the father asked his son “How was the trip?” The son replied: “It was great dad” The father then asked, “Did you see how poor people live?” The son replied, “Oh Yea!” The father continued, so, tell me what you learned from our trip… The son answered: I saw that we have one dog and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden, and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard, and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on, and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, and they have friends to protect them. The boy’s father was speechless! Then the son added: “Thanks dad for showing me how poor we are”
Now isn’t perspective a wonderful thing? Makes me ponder on what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have instead of worrying about what we don’t have. Appreciate every single thing that you have! This comes from one who truly knows. “Especially your friends!”
Now, like I said at the very beginning “WOW”, who would have ever thought that I would be asked to write a column while in prison, but here you have it. If I can share one more thought it would be this:
Look at people for what God created them to be and not always for what they do. Let us be quick to point out the good and slow to judge the bad. Open our hearts, souls and minds to what God is calling us to do. Don’t be just a sayer of the Word but a DOER of the Word. This is a brand-new year with a lot of possibilities. Let’s share and grow the Kingdom of God. Let’s invite others to be part of our world in the Kingdom. Remember Matthew 28:19 Jesus’ command to us: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.”
Let me bring this to a close by saying thank you for giving me the opportunity to babble on to those who know me and to many who don’t. Thank you to “Everyone” who has stayed with me and continue to help me grow over this past decade. Words can not express what you have done in my life, nor the change you have made in me. Last but not least, Thank You to Hays Praise Emmaus Community and especially DSUMC for never abandoning me after my walk. Oh, that would be walk #1364, “Best Walk Ever.” You have truly impacted my life and shown me what friendship and family is all about. I do keep you in my prayers. I Love you and miss you!!
God Bless all of you, DeColores, Rex Crowder #1643024, Gibs Lewis Unit
Scout Pack and Troop 101 News...
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FEBRUARY NEWS FROM SCOUTS 101 DSUMC is the chartered organization for three Boy Scout units:
Cub Scout Pack 101, Boy Scout Troop 101, and Venture Crew 101.
Pack 101 http://pack101.us/ Pack 101 Cub Scouting is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (ages 6-10). Guests are always welcome to come to one of our Pack meetings to see what our Pack is all about before joining. We generally meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00pm at The Foundry during the school year at Dripping Springs UMC. Please check the calendar to verify the date as it occasionally shifts due to holidays or district-wide school testing days. You also can check out the calendar at http://pack101.us/ to see what other fun activities we have planned.
CONTACT US Cub Master, Steve Sowrey at [email protected] Committee Chair, Ashley Tullis at 512-716-9193
Troop 101 http://www.t101.org/ Boy Scout Troop 101 meets every Tuesday night from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in The Foundry. Boy Scouts is for young men in 6th grade up to age 18. For questions or information on how to join the Troop, you may contact our Troop Committee Chair,
Rebecca Fahey, at [email protected] or 720-234-7819 .
Recent Activities:
• Wilderness First Aid/CPR
Coming Up:
• Wilderness Survival Campout – February 14 • Philmont High Adventure – two crews attending in 2020 • Welding/Blacksmithing Campout • Brisket Sales • Summer Camp • Northern Tier 2021
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American Heritage Girls and Trail Life News...
American Heritage Girls Troop TX-0522 and Trail Life USA Troop TX-0107 are ministries of DSUMC. Linda Snow is the Charter Organization Representative for TLUSA TX-0107 and AHG TX-0522.
We welcome new members and volunteers.
AHG began the New Year with a service project: wiping down the plaques in the Memorial Courtyard at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg. Our first Troop Meeting of the New Year had the 5 year old's learning scripture and the AHG oath, the 1st-3rd graders learning sign language, and the 4th-6th graders learning the differ-ences between Bible commentary, cross-references, and a concordance. We look forward to some upcoming service projects, an indoor campout, and our Valentine's Tea Party. If you are interested in learning more about AHG TX0522, contact Cheryl Calvert at [email protected].
January began the sixth year of Trail Life USA and the sixth year of TX-0107 at DSUMC. Thank you for supporting our ministry for children and youth in Dripping Springs.
One of the core values of Trail Life USA is Volunteer-Driven. Trail Life USA will be operated and supported by volunteers at every level. Troops connect with one another locally. Area Teams of experienced volunteers stand ready to help. Areas report to Regional volunteer committees and Regions to the professional staff. As a result — and by design — Home Office staff will be kept to a minimum. This is not only good stewardship but allows the members of the organization to take full ownership of and investment in the program.
Are you looking for Christ-centered youth programs which are fun? We have them: American Heritage Girls for girls K-12 and Trail Life USA for boys K-12.
We have camping, badge work, service, fellowship, and lots of fun. For more information about AHG contact Troop Coordinator
Cheryl Calvert: [email protected]. For more information about TLUSA
contact Troop Master Patrick Welton: [email protected].
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