Connection 4308 W. Davis Street Conroe, Texas 77304-4284 936.756.3395

www.fumc-conroe.org Facebook FUMCConroe Twitter @FUMCConroe

The

Becoming disciples of Jesus Christ by knowing, loving and serving God

CHOOSE YOUR SUNDAY

WORSHIP SERVICE

ACCORDING TO STYLE OR TIME

NEXT WEEK, DECEMBER 20

———————————————

Informal Worship

8:30 a.m. - Sanctuary

Rev. Bert Bagley

Inspiration Choir

———————————————

Contemporary Worship

9:45 a.m. - Faith Chapel

Rev. Janet Stilwell

FUMC Praise Team

———————————————

Traditional Worship

11:00 a.m. - Sanctuary

Rev. Bert Bagley

Chancel Choir

Special Music

Cherub Choir & Sounds of Grace

———————————————

Culto de Adoración

11:00 a.m. - Capilla de Fe

Rev. Emigdio Rosales

NURSERY IS PROVIDED FOR

ALL WORSHIP SERVICES

Website

December 13, 2015

SPECIAL OFFERING

12/06/15 Communion Offering $ 1,655.00 benefits

“Christmas for Others”

GUEST REPORT

First Time Guests 12/06/15 19 Repeat Guests 12/06/15 74

Let There Be Christmas by Joseph M. Martin

and presented by The Music Ministry

of First United Methodist Church, Conroe

In one great crescendo of purpose, the season of Christmas sweeps us

into its arms with an unfettered flourish of festivity. The glare of this

explosion of activity often overshadows the fragile light that is the

spiritual center of this sacred time.

Simply, and with unexpected gentleness, Bethlehem’s star flickers to life

like a candle in the winter wind just when the night is longest. It kindles

in the open heart a deep hope that warms and illuminates. It is by this

dancing light of promise we discover the miracle of the season.

Emboldened, we are drawn close to the manger. By this candle of faith

we see the Child of God, wrapped in the simple, the Creator embraced

and held by His own creation. It is this glorious impossible that

proclaims,

Let there be SONG . . . as a young mother’s lullaby becomes a

symphony of praise that wakes the nations.

Let there be HOPE . . . as the promise of a Redeemer opens like a sacred

rose in the soul of the believer.

Let there be PEACE . . . as the Spirit descends like a Dove with healing

in its wings.

Let there be LOVE . . . as the world feels the embrace of God’s perfect

light.

Let there be JOY . . . as our cup of worship overflows with thanksgiving.

Let there be WONDER . . . as each seeker’s eyes reflect a glory that

melts away doubt and reveals the treasure of belief.

Let there be GRACE . . . and discover the heart of God.

Let there be CHRISTMAS . . . and let the music of life begin and never

end!

plain thoughts

caring ministry

The season of Christmas is a season of joy, not a season of pretended

happiness, but a season of joy. I say this, because we need to keep in

mind that joy and happiness is not the same. While happiness is a

state of mind related with satisfaction caused for being experiencing

good circumstances at the time, joy find its roots in Christ, the son of

God who came to give us eternal life. The Bible teaches us that

because of this conviction we can experience joy even in difficult and hard circumstances, and that

cannot happen with happiness. The word joy comes from a Greek word which means: “to be

exceedingly glad”, that’s what God wants for us. Christmas is a time created to celebrate the joy

that came to the world through Jesus Christ. Now days there are too many people pretending to be

happy and we, as Christians, are called to show them the joy that Christ offers to everyone who truly

believe in him. But we cannot share it if we don’t have it. So, I pray that we can find and keep the

joy of the Lord in our hearts first, and then we can spread it. Pray with me, the world needs it.

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My Memories of First United Methodist Church - Conroe

My name is Karl Hutchins, the youngest of eight children and a lifelong member of this church. My wife, Sharon, and I were married by Dr. Lamar Smith in the Foster Chapel of the old church. We have two children, daughter, Mason and son, Bay. That's me with Brother House after getting baptized in 1965. My mom says all of us were baptized in the same gown. I grew up watching my

dad sing in the choir every Sunday and the pattern he set back then continues as my sister, Kathy and myself are choir members today.

Christmas “Candlelight Service” was and still is my favorite moment of the year. Then and now, the warm, welcoming nature of our church is encapsulated into that single moment when the entire world seems calm.

Blessings to our church! ~ Karl Hutchins ~

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youth ministry

lifespan ministry CHILDREN & FAMILY

Kids in the Kitchen Monday, December 21

Cookie Bakin’ for kids Kinder - 3rd grade

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Candy Makin’ for kids 4th - 6th grades 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

$5.00 per person Sign up in the church office.

FirstKids Wednesday, December 16

Week night study, crafts and fun. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 3 yr olds - 1st grade

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 2nd - 6th graders Sign up on the ledge outside the church office.

Adult Open Gym

Tuesday Nights 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Come join us for a pickup game of

basketball, volleyball etc. . . .

Nursery available

SENIOR ADULTS

Wednesday “42” Games begin at 9:00 a.m. in M-2.

Come join the group!

3rd Monday Game Day December 21

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

SINGLE ADULTS

2nd Sunday Lunch

TODAY, December 13 at 12:15 p.m.

El Tri 2017 N. Frazier St., Conroe

Meet us there! Bring your friends!!

Movie and a Meal

Saturday, December 19

Watch for e-mail or contact Julie for more info.

A Very Merry Night Out

Friday, December 18 6:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Cost $25.00

Have you signed up yet? Come join us and have some fun with dinner, ice skating, and the premiere of the new Star Wars movie: The Force Awakens. Deadline to register is Wednesday, December 16. Sign up on the bulletin board and get your permission slip off the wall in front of the Youth Office. Friends are always welcome to join.

Mark your calendars -

No Sunday Night Youth - 12/13, 12/27, 1/3/16

No Wednesday Night Youth - 12/23, 12/30

Beginning 01/10/16 , we are changing our

times for Sunday Night Youth to meet

from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Youth Christmas Party

Sunday, December 20 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Upper Room

Join us as we celebrate the Christmas season! Bring

a white elephant gift to exchange and your favorite

holiday side dish to share. Your gift can be an item

from home or purchased (max $5). You won’t want

to miss out on all the fun!

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music / worship ministries

hispanic ministry

Thank you for such a beautifully inspired anthem presented in last week’s morning worship. Your hard work is greatly

appreciated. We continue to sing for our regular morning worship services. We combine to sing for the 6:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Service.

Inspiration Choir has its final rehearsal for the year this afternoon. We’ll spend time getting ahead on next year’s

projects and end with our Power Party! You’re welcome to bring extra treats for our time together.

Chancel Choir will enjoy a Christmas Party at the Lindstrom’s home this Wednesday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m. The

main meal will be provided. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share. You’re welcome to bring your spouse/friend.

Please sign up so we know how much food to order.

For those of you who can make it, we are adding a rehearsal on Monday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m. to focus on Requiem

for the Living.

Children’s Music Ministry – We sing for 11:00 a.m. worship next Sunday. Our Christmas Party follows at 12:30 p.m.

We’ll enjoy pizza and cookies followed by a rehearsal for our Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. service. Then we go to Carriage

Inn (2:00 p.m.) to share our music.

Please keep Kay Jopling and Chloe McFadden in your prayers as well as many others especially at this time of the year.

Heartwarmer for the week: “When people tell you to ‘do whatever makes you happy,’ ignore that. Do whatever

makes you better, and be happy about.” (Allan Rice)

Friendly Reminders

Today is the deadline to order poinsettias in the church office.

Please recycle in the church office: cell phones, iPads & tablets, inkjet cartridges,

Apple iPods, Smart watches & Fitness Bands; gold, silver & platinum jewelry

Use your Kroger Card #82528 / Randall’s Card #2293

Este viernes 18 de diciembre a las 6:00 p.m., sera nuestra posada anual. Venga en familia.

Nuestra iglesia ha planeado diversos proyectos para esta temporada, lea en el boletín estos proyectos y participe en familia siendo de bendición para otros.

Caja de Besos

La historia va así: Hace ya un tiempo, un hombre castigó su pequeña niña de 3 años por desperdiciar un rollo de papel de envoltura dorado. El dinero era escaso en esos días por lo que explotó en furia, cuando vio a la niña tratando de envolver una caja para ponerla debajo del árbol de navidad. Mas sin embargo la niña le llevó el regalo a su padre la siguiente mañana y dijo: "Esto es para ti, Papito". El se sintió avergonzado de su reacción de furia pero éste volvió a explotar cuando vio que la caja estaba vacía. Le volvió a gritar diciendo: "Es que no sabes que cuando das un regalo a alguien se supone que debe haber algo dentro" La pequeñita volteó hacia arriba con lágrimas en los ojos y dijo, " Oh, Papito, no esta vacía, Yo soplé besos dentro de la caja, todos para ti, Papi. El Padre se sintió morir; puso sus brazos alrededor de su niña y le suplicó que lo perdonara. Se ha dicho que el hombre guardó esa caja dorada cerca de su cama por años y siempre que se sentía derrumbado el tomaba de la caja un beso imaginario y recordaba el amor que su niña había puesto ahí. En una forma muy sensible, cada uno de nosotros hemos recibido un recipiente dorado, lleno de amor incondicional y besos de nuestros hijos, amigos familia o de Dios. Nadie podría tener una propiedad o posesión mas hermosa que esta.

5

discipleship

missions and community outreach ministries

Discipleship is the practice of being a Christ-follower through worship, prayer, study and acts of compassion and justice found in

witness and service. We become disciples as we practice living out our lives through knowing, loving and serving God in the world.

How many coats are hanging in your closet? I count 16 in mine, which comes out to eight coats

and jackets per person living in this house. Part of that excess is a consequence not letting go

of older coats but purchasing new coats and jackets year after year. I recently visited with a

family that just moved here from the east coast. Prior to that they lived in Michigan and had

an abundance of coats. They sent their heavy coats back north for others to use, knowing that

in our mild winters those coats would not be needed. Even now, just as in John the Baptist’s

day, my closet filled with multiple coats are a tell-tale sign of the abundance I experience,

even as others have no coats at all.

“What then should we do?” the people ask John. How does the coming of the Messiah compel

us to live? If we have more, we share with those who have less. If we are in positions of

power, we do not exploit the powerless. Sharing our resources is not just a seasonal nicety; it

is a gospel mandate. In Advent we do not await the Messiah passively, twiddling our thumbs,

but actively, bearing fruits worthy of repentance.

God of every good gift, open our hearts and hands to share our abundance with those in need.

Call us out of our complacency and into action, even as we await our coming Messiah. Amen.

Select a way to serve one of these Outreach Ministries and sign up at the table in the narthex.

Lunch at Youth Detention Center

Friday, December 18 contact Linda, atclog@consolidated.net

Christmas Week Cookie Ministry Sign up to bake, pack, or deliver cookies. Pick

up cookies on Sunday, December 20 between

12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. and then deliver cookies to

assigned location anytime during the week including

Christmas Eve.

Gift a Family for Christmas Opportunity to select one of our identified families

and provide gifts for Christmas.

Sign up to donate on Sunday, December 20

in the Gym from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Log in to Digital Donor at

www.giveblood.org

& enter sponsor code: 3546

Many Thanks to

Everyone Who

Brought a Box

An Extra Thank You to Bill

and Liz Rising for

coordinating our 2015

OCC project and the

volunteers who worked at

our Relay Station.

The relay center collected

2,167 boxes of which 486

came from FUMC.

We are a

Stephen Ministry

Congregation.

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A l p h a class begins Sunday,

January 17 from 11:15 a.m. to

12:45 p.m. A light meal is provided.

Alpha is for anyone, but some of the

reasons people attend are:

To investigate the meaning and

purpose of life

Concerns about what happens

after death

A feeling you may not really

understood the basics of the

Christian faith or have ever

heard it presented in a

systematic way

People come from many different

backgrounds holding many different

positions – but all come with the

same objective: to establish whether

Jesus Christ has any relevance for

their lives. It’s free and childcare is

provided. It is a fun, safe

environment where any question

can be asked and you will not be

judged. You may register for Alpha

outside the church office, on the

church website (www.fumc-

conroe.org), or by calling the church

office at 936-756-3395.

Alpha is coming

FUMC Staff Appreciates

All Our Church

Volunteers!

Please join the staff of FUMC as

we say “Thank you for your

dedication to FUMC-Conroe in

2015” to all of our church

volunteers with food and

fellowship in the narthex from

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on

Wednesday, January 20, 2016.

You are welcome to stay the

entire time or come-and-go as

your schedule allows.

All volunteers are invited from

all of our numerous volunteer

ministries. We look forward to

seeing you there!

UNITED METHODIST

WOMEN SPECIALTY NUT SALES

Sundays, December 13 & 20

UMW Table in the narthex

Sweet & Spicy Pecans, Praline Pecans, and

Smoky Garlic Nut Blend

Cost $10 Proceeds will benefit our

five local missions.

Ushers and Greeters Needed for All

Christmas Eve Services

We need Ushers and Greeters for all five services on Christmas Eve:

1:00 p.m – Traditional Service in the Chapel

4:00 p.m. – Children and Families Service in the

Sanctuary

5:30 p.m. – Contemporary Service in the Chapel

6:00 p.m. – Traditional Service in the Sanctuary

8:00 p.m. – Traditional Service in the Sanctuary

Communion will be served by intinction at all services. If you can serve your church on Christmas Eve, please call Christine in the church office (936-756-3395) or email her: criggle@fumc-conroe.org.

Grief Support Ministry

Tomorrow

Monday, December 14

5:30 p.m.

Susanna Room

For more information,

call Chris Gritzmacher

936.273.1214

Go With Us

Haiti 2016 Trip

February 27 - March 4

Now is the time to commit

for the trip. Contact Nancy,

heintz@fumc-conroe.org,

for all of the details.

7

hospital

PRAYER REQUEST OR PRAISE REPORT?

E-mail to: prayerchain@fumc-conroe.org - or call (936) 756-3395 - or visit our website at www.fumc-conroe.org

PLEASE PRAY FOR . . . OUR KNOWN HOSPITALIZED

If you or someone you love has been in the hospital for 24 hours and you haven’t heard from the church, we don’t know you're there. Please call and let us know. Call Janet Cable at 936.756.3395.

St. Luke’s Lakeside - The Woodlands David Spinks

RECENTLY RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL Bob Duncan, Chloe McFadden

Park Manor - Conroe Don Sorgenfrei

Sympathy to . . .

. . . Thelma Jo and Molly

Reed on the December 7,

2015 death of Thelma Jo’s

husband and Molly’s father,

Bob Reed, of Conroe,

Texas.

Opportunity for a Second Campus at FUMC-Conroe

The Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church has identified Montgomery County as a significant growth area in the next few years. We have been asked to consider opening a second campus to serve the growing population. No decision has been made to go forward with a second campus. Dr. Jeff Olive, Director of New Church Starts for the Texas Annual Conference, spoke at the Board of Stewards meeting on November 10, 2015 which was opened to the congregation. Dr. Olive presented information and answered questions on this opportunity (questions and answers are available in the church office). The next step is for FUMC-Conroe to decide whether a second campus warrants investigation. A final decision on establishing a second campus will be made by the church membership.

We ask you to prayerfully consider this opportunity to further God’s kingdom. Your suggestions and comments are welcomed (Rev. Bert Bagley/936-756-3395 or Lynda Sasser/936-537-7645).

Information will be shared as we consider the opportunity to open a second campus.

Year-End Contribution Guidelines

Donors must deliver checks on or by December 31, 2015 in order to claim a charitable contribution deduction for 2015. Checks that are placed in the church offering during the first worship service in 2016 will NOT qualify for a charitable contribution deduction in 2015, even if the check is predated to 2015 or was actually written in 2015. However, under the so-called “mailbox exception,” checks that are written, mailed, and postmarked in 2015 will be deductible in 2015 though they are not received until 2016.

PLEASE NOTE: The church office will be closed from noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 until Monday, January 4, 2016.

Remember / Honor a Loved One with a

Poinsettia

Poinsettias will adorn our

worship areas in December through

Christmas. Each dedication is $10.

Order through the church office.

The deadline is today, December 13.

Next work day is set for

Saturday, December 19

The house is located at 1501 Cedar

Knoll Ct. in the Cedar Creek

neighborhood off of South 7th St.

It is near the intersection of South

7th St. and Foster Dr. behind

Runyan Elementary. Google maps

find it as Cedar Knoll Dr. and does

not know the street numbers.

Our house is at the end of Cedar

Knoll Ct. Contact Paul Rogerson,

prog619@aol.com, if you want to

come work with us.

Conroe Regional Medical Center Jayson Dunmire, Charlotte Field

St. Luke’s - The Woodlands Mike Doolan

week at a glance

This week’s featured book from our own church library:

GRIEF ANGER HATRED

the perfect ingredients for

revenge. Over the Edge by

Brandilyn Collins is an excellent

mystery that proves that nothing is

as it seems.

Sunday, December 13

7:00 am—Sunday Morning Men’s Coffee Fellowship/ Library (101)

8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 am—Worship Services/Sanctuary & Faith Chapel 9:30 am—Small Groups for Youth/Upper Room 9:45 am—Small Groups for All Ages/All Classrooms 11:00 am—Children’s Sunday School (Bilingual)/102 11:00 am—Small Groups for Adults/Asbury Room, Susanna Room (100) & 109 4:00 pm—Inspiration Choir/M-1 & M-2 4:00 pm—New Hope Handbells/Sanctuary 5:00 pm—Children’s Choirs/Junior Choir/M-1, M-2 & Sanctuary 5:00 pm—Y.O.U.T.H. Group/Upper Room & Gym 5:00 pm—Beacon Class Christmas Party/Wesley Room 6:00 pm—Confirmation Food, Fun & Faith/Asbury Room & A-1

Monday, December 14

10:00 am—Ladies’ Bridge/Wesley Room 5:30 pm—Grief Support Group/Susanna Room (100) 6:30 pm—Disciple I Bible Study/113 7:00 pm—Boy Scout Troop 143/Wesley Room & 131

Tuesday, December 15

6:20 am—Morning Devotional for Montgomery Jr. High and Sr. High/Whataburger 7:00 am—Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study/ Wesley Room 9:00 am—Identification Recovery Team/MCEA 9:15 am—Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study/111 9:30 am—Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood/113 5:00 pm—Basketweaving/A-1 6:00 pm—Midweek Renewal/115 6:30 pm—Open Gym/Gym

Wednesday, December 16

6:20 am—Morning Devotional for Willis ISD/ Chick-fil-A 9:00 am—Morning “42” Gang/M-2 4:00 pm—FirstKids/125 6:00 pm—Singles’ Bible Study/Library (101) 6:00 pm—Y.O.U.T.H. Group/Upper Room & Gym 6:30 pm—Gospel Reading Plan/113 7:00 pm—Chancel Choir/M-1 7:00 pm—Estudio Biblico/111 9:00 am—Identification Recovery Team/MCEA 9:30 am—Disciple III Bible Study/A-1 & Asbury Room 5:00 pm—Daisy Troop 107016/Wesley Room

Thursday, December 17

9:00 am—Identification Recovery Team/MCEA 9:30 am—Disciple III Bible Study/A-1 & Asbury Room 5:00 pm—Daisy Troop 107016/Wesley Room

Friday, December 18

FUMC Serving Lunch/Salvation Army 12:00 pm—Church Office Closes 6:00 pm—Las Posadas/Gym

Saturday, December 19

6:00 pm—Soccer-Sports Time/Gym

Flowers in the Sanctuary

In honor of Morris Bateman’s 100th birthday!

In honor of Ruth Ann and Stephen Person,

by The Discovery Class

Financial Report as of November 30, 2015

Budget need through 11/30 $ 1,793,574

Received through 11/30 $ 1,806,024

Contributions over budget 11/30 $ 12,450

IT’S NOT TOO LATE If you forgot to bring your rice and beans donation

today, please bring it to the church office by 5:00 p.m. tomorrow, Monday, December 14.

PRELUDE

WELCOME

*EXPRESSIONS OF LOVING HOSPITALITY

OPENING PRAYER/LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Bryant Brown

Leader: Today we light the first three candles of Advent, the Candle of The Announcement,

the Candle of Faith, and the Candle of Promise.

People: O God, you reach out to us when we least expect you. We, like Joseph, sometimes carefully

plan our escape from our discomfort and from what we are most afraid. Help us to listen to

you and take us deeper into your heart so that we might be comforted, hopeful and

empowered to serve in new ways. Amen.

Response: (Please sing.) Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

LET THERE BE CHRISTMAS

Christmas Overture and Processional

REFLECTION OF FAITH Madelyn Szynal

The Advent Rose Matthew Newhouse, Soloist

REFLECTION OF HOPE Shelby Brown

The Divine Expectation

REFLECTION OF PEACE Kyndall Fiaschetti

O Little Town of Bethlehem

****

REFLECTION OF LOVE Bella Fiaschetti

Carols from a Quiet Manger Myah Lerch (8:30 a.m.), Lori Bear (11:00 a.m.), Soloists

First United Methodist Church

4308 W. Davis Street - Conroe, Texas 77304-4284

(936) 756-3395

www.fumc-conroe.org

December 13, 2015

Third Sunday of Advent

8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

REFLECTION OF JOY Shelby Brown

Arise! (Hodie Christus natus est: Christ is born today)

REFLECTION OF WONDER Kyndall Fiaschetti

Bleak Midwinter’s Gift

MORNING OFFERING

REFLECTION OF GRACE Madelyn Szynal

Let There Be Christmas Tonya Haack, Soloist

CLOSING PRAYER Bryant Brown

A Joyful Gathering of Carols

LET THERE BE CHRISTMAS

Orchestra Lovie Smith-Wright, Contractor

Violin 1 – Creston Herron, Concertmaster, Esther Park Violin 2 – Laurilyn Butin, Susan Whitelock

Viola – Penny Meitz, John Randolph Cello – Peter Kempter, Scott Card Bass – Rob Beck

Flute – Kathy Daniel, Sandra Benke Oboe – Spring Hill Clarinet – Patricia Card, Scott Plugge

Bassoon – Nathan Koch Horn – Peggy DeMers, Bob Hargrave Trumpet – Steve Warkentin, Tom Tillotson, Amanda Pepping

Trombone – David Ford, Henry Howey Tuba – Bob Daniel

Timpani – Terry McKinney Percussion – Doug Frankhouser Piano – Craig Stephan

PowerPoint creation – Elaine Snider; Sound – Gerson Chavez; PowerPoint – Dianna Carroll, Ruth Ann Person; Video – Nathan Bear

**** If you are visiting First United Methodist Church-Conroe for the first time, we are glad you are here!

We hope you will register the gift of your presence on our attendance pads which the ushers will collect during

the singing of the second hymn.

ACOLYTES: 8:30 a.m. - Grace Wilder, Alyssa Williams

11:00 a.m. - Camryn Savoy, Kellen Savoy

Flowers in the Sanctuary

In honor of Morris Bateman’s 100th birthday!

In honor of Ruth Ann and Stephen Person, by The Discovery Class

Contemporary Worship

Second Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 13, 2015 9:45 a.m.

Opening Song “Here Is Our King”

Welcome & Greeting We would be grateful if you let us know you’re here by filling out the next blank form in the red books in the pews.

Praise/Worship Song “O Come Emmanuel”

Praise/Worship Song “Your Name”

Lighting of the Advent Candles

Prayer

Offering

Message “Embracing the Miracle” Rev. Mary Tumulty Matthew 1:18-25

Closing Song “The Only Name”

Blessing for the days ahead

Welcome to the Contemporary Worship service at FUMC-Conroe. This is a time established for people of faith to join together and give thanks and praise to God, to learn from God’s Holy Word, and to be reminded of our connection to one another. We’re glad you’re here and hope that you experience the fullness of God’s love and grace during your time with us. If you are new to First United Methodist, please be sure to stop by after the service and speak with the pastor. It’s a great way for us to connect with new friends and to answer any questions you might have.