417 University Drive, College Station, Texas • www.am-umc.org • office@am-umc.org • 979-846-8731

November 2014

Sharing the Heart of Christ

A&M United Methodist Church

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Reasons Reflections ................ 2

News & Events ........................ 2

Adult Discipleship ................... 3

College Ministries ................... 3

Children/Family Ministries .... 4

Youth ....................................... 5

Prayers/Announcements…...6-8

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST Wednesday Night Suppers 11/5,

11/12, 11/19

Wednesday Evening Classes &

Small Groups 11/5, 11/12, 11/19

Parent’s Nite Out 11/14

Parking Lot Fundraisers 11/15,

11/27

30 Hour Famine 11/21-11/22

West District HUB MTG 11/23

Hanging of the Greens 11/24

Office Closed 11/26-11/28

The Brazos Church Pantry is a necessity within our community. It is solely run as a non-profit organization that shares the love of Christ by supplying food for people that are in need. It is volunteer led, which means that if you call to volunteer, chances are good that you will not be turned away. How do they get their supplies? Since it is a Church Pantry, they rely on donations from congregations like A&M United Methodist Church. Whether it is food or monetary donations, all are accepted. With the money received, they purchase food at a discounted rate from the Brazos Valley Food Bank. Remember, we have a shopping cart located in the Welcome Center for donated items. Stop by the cart and read the list of items needed, place them in the cart and we will make sure it goes to the Church Pantry. Let’s fill up that cart! The Church Pantry is located at 304 West 26th Street in Bryan. Call 450-8321 to find out

about all the volunteer opportunities.

Thank you for supporting Youth Missions! The Youth Group would like to thank everyone who donated at the Wall of Money! Your generosity and support of this youth group and our youth missions was overwhelming!

Have a Cardboard Box? The Youth Group is collecting cardboard for our 30 Hour Famine Event to build a cardboard city. If you have any cardboard you would like to donate for our November 21st event, feel free to drop it off in the Youth Commons.

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Thanksgiving Day is still a few weeks away, but it’s never too early to be thankful. The practice of being intentionally thankful brings with it a transformation of heart and mind and a deeper connec-tion with God. Unfortunately, we are far too good at going through our days, liv-ing lives that are full of things to give thanks for, but not be mind-ful of those things. We live as no generation before us but are all too prone to focus only on what we do not have.

When we begin to be intentional about looking around us and naming the things we are thankful for, a transformation happens in our hearts and minds and our lives become more joy-filled. We shouldn’t be too surprised by that. The 100th Psalm calls us to give thanks to God “for the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever.” And in giving thanks to the creator of “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17, NIV) we find our connection with God

moving to the forefront of our minds. When we are more aware of God’s presence, we are more readily able to experience the depths of God’s grace.

This year rather than cramming all your thanks-giving into one day, try getting a 3x5 card, and writing one or two things you are thankful for on it every day. When the card gets full, and I bet it won’t take long, get another one. You’ll be glad you did.

Grace & Peace,

John Reasons Senior pastor

2014

Advent Devotional Book

The 2014 Advent Devotional

books will be available for pick

up on Sunday, November 30th.

Ever Thought about Becoming a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministers work alongside our pastors to care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people who are going through a difficult time, such as divorce, grief, hospitalization, unemployment, terminal illness, relocation, chronic illness, or loneliness.

If you have gifts for caring, encouragement, and listening, please prayerfully consider becoming part of this exciting ministry. Training classes will begin in February 2015. For more information, contact C.J. Stachurski at cj@am-umc.org or Tom Bennett at tcbennett@suddenlink.net.

A&M United Methodist Church invites you and your friends to support our ministries by parking in the church parking lot on game day. Tell your friends! Remember - the parking lot opens 3 hours prior to kick off and the donation for parking is $20.

Date Game Ministry

11/15 Missouri Music Ministries

11/27 LSU Ekklesia

Parking Lot Fundraiser Benefits Several A&M UMC Ministries

Men’s Prayer Breakfast November 19th at 7:00 am

Fellowship Hall

Rev. John Reasons - guest speaker

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

-- Psalm 100 (NRSV)

The Giving Tree

The Youth are sponsoring The Giving

Tree this year. Grab a tag of a child in need, purchase the item listed on the tag and return the wrapped gift with the tag to the Giving Tree no later than

Wednesday, December 3rd.

Decorate the Sanctuary

Monday, November 24th, 9:00 A.M.

Join us as we prepare the Sanctuary for Advent.

Meet in the Sanctuary at 9:00 A.M.

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Anne Campbell-Smith Adult Discipleship Coordinator

News & Notes on

Adult Discipleship “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.” - Psalm 3:3

Have you heard of Grief Share? This is a biblically centered study for those journeying through the grief following the passing of a loved one. This 12 week study will help take you along that journey from mourning to joy. Wednesday, January 21st, Jennifer Chilek will lead this study in Room

S-113 from 6:15 P.M.-7:30 P.M. For information or to join this class

please contact Jennifer at jenj@tamu.edu.

Need an inspiration? At the top of the stairs outside of the Fellowship Hall you will behold the beautiful transformation of three bulletin boards! Connie Lipsey has used her creative and innovative skills to transform these bulletin boards into visual reminders of how spiritually uplifting our God is. The last time these bulletin boards were updated was 2008! Check them out and may they inspire your soul and be a feast for your eyes!

As we approach Thanksgiving, may the God who loves you lift up your head that you may experience the beauty, love and peace that only He can give. Happy Thanksgiving!

If The Shoe Fits Women’s Retreat was a huge success! Many thanks to all who made this day of spiritual renewal possible.

The Coffee House is a fully functional coffee bar and study space. We offer free quality coffee, Wi-Fi, and snacks. Everyone is welcome to come. If you have any questions about the Coffee House contact Blake Casey, bac2789@gmail.com. Hours of Operation: Sunday: 6:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M. Monday: 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 P.M. Tuesday: 9:00 A.M. - 8:30 P.M. Wednesday: 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 P.M. Thursday: 9:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Friday: 9:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.

Thursdays @ 6:30 P.M. Student led worship creates a unique opportunity to grow spiritually with your peer group. If college worship is something you are interested in or something you are curious to learn more about, come join us in the Great Hall for a FREE DINNER at 6:30 P.M. We’ll then have a time of worship together in the Annex Sanctuary at 7:30 P.M.

Upcoming College Events Parents’ Nite Out - The next Parents’ Nite Out is November 14th. College Students: Volunteers are needed - fill out the Safe Sanctuary forms in advance and get in touch with your inner kid! You will earn $25 toward a retreat or mission trip! Academy Guest Speaker - Tuesday, November 18th Walter Bradley will be speaking in the Fellowship Hall, following dinner at 6:00pm. Walter earned his BS in Engineering Science and Ph.D. in Material Science from UT Austin. He taught 8 years at the Colorado School of Mines, 24 years at Texas A&M in Mechanical Engineering and is currently teaching at Baylor as a Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Walter is an old earth creationist who believes in intelligent design and will be speaking about the intersection of his faith and profession.

CJ Stachurski Director of College Ministries College Ministries

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A&M UMC Children & Family Ministries Please feel free to join in on any of these activities.

Questions about A&M UMC Children & Family Ministries? Contact Gwenda Beavers at 846-8731 or

gwenda@am-umc.org. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/269920456499608

Mrs. Claus’ Workshop … is coming December 13th, 9am-12pm in the Great Hall - $5 donation requested. This is a time for you to get some Christmas shopping done while your child is creating gifts for your family.

If you would like to volunteer to help with this event, please e-mail Gwenda. We will need lots of volunteers to help make this a smooth event. Gift wrap donations are also needed.

Children’s Ministries and College Ministries are excited to provide an opportunity to care for your children while you enjoy some much needed time together or with friends! Children ages six months through 6th grade are eligible to participate, and all member and non-member families are welcome! Register online at: http://amumc.wufoo.com/forms/amumc-parents-nite-out-registration/

Parents’ Nite Out Friday, November 14th, 6:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M.

$10 per child/ $25 family maximum

JC Club JC Club will be in full Operation Christmas Child mode starting November 5th and continuing until we fill the boxes on November 12th. Your children will not want to miss this opportunity to share God’s love to with other children in need of a Christmas gift. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday November 12th to put all of our boxes together. We will have a Blessing of the boxes on Sunday November 16th in all three Worship services. After the services we will load the cars with the boxes for delivery on Monday November 17th at 4 P.M. to Parkway Baptist Church, 1501 Southwest Pkwy, College Station, TX 77840. There will be no JC Club on Wednesday November 26. Jumping ahead to December 3rd we will explain Los Posadas and start an Advent study called Under Wraps, written by Andy Nixon, Ed Robb, Jessica LaGrone and Rob Renfroe. Remember if you have time to purchase ½ priced candies after Halloween for Los Posadas that would be super to fill up our piñatas. So bring candy donations!!

L.A.M.B.S. L.A.M.B.S. ( Ms. Tori’s 4 & 5 year old Wednesday night class) is just finishing up Creation and will learn about Noah, followed by their own Advent Study geared just for our little ones. This is an exciting time for your younger kids!

Children’s Choir Our Children’s Choir on Sunday mornings at 9:45 is going strong. We will be singing for the Live Nativity on December 14. We will also be singing in Worship service sometime soon. More information about this exciting program to come at a later date. We meet in the Children’s Common area on Sunday mornings at 9:45 and sing until 10:00 then we start normal Sunday school. Remember we have a 2 & 3 year old Sunday School! Located in Nursery 121.

TEAM 456 having a great

time!

Confirmation class visits Alexander United Methodist Church

Pot Luck & Lego Movie Night Sunday, January 11th we will have a family/church wide pot luck dinner starting at 5 P.M. in the Great Hall. Come and enjoy a relaxing time with your church family. More info soon...

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April Place: april@am-umc.org

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A&M UMC Youth

A&M UMC

YOUTH

Important Youth Dates! November 21st – 22nd: 30 Hour Famine November 26th: No Bible Study due to Thanksgiving November 30th: Youth Small Group Game Night December 7th: JH & HS Boxer Exchange Parties December 10th: Bible Study & Youth Help with Las Pasadas December 14th: Live Nativity December 17th: Youth Finals Study Break

Youth Council Meeting Wednesday, November 12th is our next meeting! Be there at 5:30pm to finalize 30 Hour Famine planning.

November 21-22, 2014 This is a lock-in with a mission focus! World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine has been connecting teens in developed countries to the issue of hunger in the developing world. Youth will be learning about hunger, raising funds to fight hunger, and then going hungry themselves. During our 30 hours, we will have a lock in with worship, mission opportunities, and will also build a cardboard city. On Sunday morning, we will share what we learned during the worship services. Your

Youth Council has been working hard at putting this event together. This event will truly change your life so sign up today in the Youth Commons and invite your friends!

Scenes From Halloween

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October YTD

Contributions $ 101,003.58 $ 1,069,049.14

Expenses $ 120,479.57 $ 1,242,786.08 2013 Carry Over $ 99,213.34

MOSAIC Meal Volunteers Needed Volunteers needed to prepare meals for MOSAIC on Thursday evenings. Contact CJ Stachurski (cj@am-umc.org) for available dates.

Demonstrate Your Thankfulness This Season Each holiday season, A&M United Methodist Church anticipates and relies on a seasonal increase in contributions. It is through the donations of every individual and family in the congregation that we are able to carry on our work now and throughout the year. If you need a convenient way to make recurring contributions or plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions. To set up a recurring giving schedule, visit us online at www.am-umc.org and locate the Online Giving button under the Connect tab. Or contact Lynn Knowles at 846-8731 to complete a paper authorization form and return it to the church office. Thank you for your generosity and support!

Concerts on Carter Creek presents

Handel's Messiah Sing Along

Sunday, November 30th at 5:00 pm First Presbyterian Church

1100 Carter Creek Parkway, Bryan, TX Special Guest conductor is Dr. Jess Wade. Soloists include: Christine Giammona, soprano; Mandy Traylor, alto; Hayden Riley, tenor; Larry Komrower, bass. The concert is free of charge and childcare is provided. A reception will follow the concert in the church parlor/patio area. For more information, please contact the church office at: 979-823-8073 or on Facebook: Concerts on Carter Creek

Do you shop at www.amazon.com? A&M United Methodist Church is an authorized charity on Amazon.com. Simply shop at Amazon using Amazon Smiles, select A&M United Methodist Church as your preferred charity and Amazon will make donations to our organization based on the amount of your purchases.

Dedicated to helping those with mental illness & their families.

(979) 774-4713

B/CS NAMI Peer Connections Support Group: must be 18 or older (Must have a mental illness) NAMI Peer Connections Support Group supports recovery among people who have been diagnosed with serious mental illness. Facilitated by trained peers, this self-help group offers mutual support, education and allows participants to learn from each other in a safe and confidential environment. WHERE: NAMI Brazos Valley Office 1713 Broadmoor East, Suite 101 WHEN: Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:00PM CONTACT: Clint (979) 324-2137 Karen (979) 777-9455 Patrick (361) 947-0990 Ursela (979) 888-0068

Howdy Farm’s

Northgate Famers’ Market Tuesdays 4pm-7pm

A&M UMC Parking Lot

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Elder Lindahl, father of Paul Lindahl; Linda Polansky; Bob Waters; Carol Buckley; Anna Diller; Andrew Shelby, son of John and Rhonda Hanson; Jim Boone; Lowell and Wanda Stewart, parents of Cindy Allen; Buddy Van Cleave; John Eugene Wilson, brother of Robert Wilson; Bettye Clements, mother of Sandie Bennett; Jenny Barker; Edwina Granberry, mother of Jay Granberry; Allie Lutz and her mother, Renate; Joe and Mary Majors; Mary Jane Hirsch; Tex Owens; Pearl Kiser; Dorothy Holland; Cleve Walkup; Clare and Mary Alice Gunn; Betty Gilbreath; Marj Benson; Stephan Munion; Frances Henry; and Jean Gresham. Prayers of comfort for: The family and friends of JoAnn Raisor following her passing on November 1st; Twila Howard and her family following the passing of her husband, Lee Howard, on October 25th; Tammy Gilts and her family following the passing of her brother, Edward Black on October 21st.

Prayers of thanksgiving for: the birth of Charlotte Grace Baumgartner, daughter of Ben & Jessica Baumgartner and granddaughter of Anne Campbell-Smith born on October 7th; and for the birth of Vera Grace Bargas, daughter of Philip & Amanda Bargas and granddaughter of Ken & Susan Lee on October 9th.

Welcome Our New Members

Roger & Caren Goldsmith Garrett & Molly White

Lucille Foster Annie Sloop

Jennifer Johnston

Welcome Our New Babies Charlotte Grace Baumgartner (10/7) son of Ben & Jessica Baumgartner and granddaughter of Anne Campbell-Smith Vera Grace Bargas (10/9), daughter of Philip & Amanda Bargas and granddaughter of Ken and Susan Lee.

A&M UMC Publication Deadlines Do you have information you need to share about your ministry area? Here are the deadlines to keep in mind: Bulletin Announcements - due the Monday prior to the Sunday to be published (length

should be no more than 2 lines) E-News Announcements - due Wednesday of the week you need to publicize the

information Printed Newsletter—11/18 Publication of information is subject to approval and space limitations. Have questions? Contact Nancy Browning at nancy@am-umc.org or (979) 846-8731.

Sign up online to receive weekly e-news updates:

www.am-umc.org

A&M United Methodist Church Every year we display poinsettias in the Sanctuary beginning on the first Sunday of Advent,

(November 30th). Poinsettias may be given in honor or in memory of loved ones. The cost is $15

per plant. The DEADLINES to order are:

Sunday, November 23rd

for the first display on Sunday, November 30th

Sunday, December 7th

for the second display on December 14th.

Complete the Poinsettia Order Form and place it in the offering plate along with your check made out to: A&M UMC with

“POINSETTIA” noted in the memo space, or you can mail the form with your check to:

A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University Drive,

College Station, Texas 77840

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA ORDER FORM PURCHASER’S NAME: PHONE NUMBER: NUMBER PLANTS ORDERED: CHECK # IN MEMORY OF:

IN HONOR OF: