1. Art and Diseño

107 S. West Drive
Leander, Texas 78641
www.leanderumc.org
[email protected]
Church Office: (512) 259-1284
Mother’s Day Out: (512) 259-0544
Sunday, February 8
(Details on page 4)
January 2015
Saturday, February 28th
5:00 pm
Dorroh Fellowship Hall
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
1
Chili Chow Down
2
Prayer Requests; Hill Country
Community Ministries; Food n
Fellowship; Pastor’s Perspective;
Mary Martha Circle; Methodist
Men
3
Calendar; Birthdays; Church
Family Camp
4
BLAST!; Children’s Church;
Children’s Choir; VBS; Parent’s
Night Out; Youth; Ash
Wednesday; Pancake
Breakfast; Sunday School
Challenge; Pastor’s Study;
ReThink Leadership
5
Women’s Ministries; Easter
Cantata; Coloring Contest;
Lenten Study Recommendations; Chili Chow Down Sign Up
6
Valentine Celebration
CHILI TASTING ● SILENT AUCTION ● BAKED GOODS AUCTION
Sample a cornucopia of choice chili concoctions and vote on your favorite. We'll
have a baked goods auction including delightful, delicious desserts and a variety of
other baked goods for those who give up desserts during Lent. There will be a silent
auction with trinkets, treasures and trips to exotic locations."
CHILI
CONTEST:
BAKED GOODS
AUCTION:
SILENT
AUCTION:
CHILDREN’S
ACTIVITIES:
The winner of the
“Best Tasting Chili”
contest will win the
much respected,
though repulsive
“Stuffed Armadillo
Award”. The sign up
sheet for chili makers,
if you dare, is on page 5
of this newsletter .
The baker of the
item which wins the
highest bid in the
auction will win
the highly coveted
“Floury Apron Award”.
Sign up to bring
baked items using
the form on page 5
of this newsletter.
We need items for
our silent auction.
If you have items,
goods or services to
donate, please let us
know using the form
on page 5 of this
newsletter or by
contacting Julie Ramsey:
[email protected]
This is a family
friendly event.
Children ages 3
and up will have
special activities
planned and we
will have child care
available for infants
and toddlers
Please Note:
We will not have Food n Fellowship in February.
BEREAVEMENTS
 The family of Joseph Brandimarte, Roger Brandimarte’s father who passed away after long battle with cancer
 Jana, friend of Mike & Jennifer Pavlicek who lost her father
 The family of Dianne Morris, Bob Morris’ sister-in-law who
passed away
PASTOR’S PERSPECTIVE
Spring 2015: A Journey of Discovery
PRAYER REQUESTS
 Darwin & Wanda Linsey
 Hazel Knowlton
 Don Fiero
 Nellie Smyth
 Jennifer Welker
 Susan Montana, undergoing chemo
 Allison Epps
 John Osborn, surgery
 John Harlan, recovering from injury
 Eloise Baskin, recovering from surgery
 Jimmy, Elizabeth Edmiston’s cousin, health concerns
 Merrill, neighbor of the Edmistons’ who has Parkinson’s
 Alyssa, Jerry & Pat Dunnivan’s granddaughter
 Nancy, friend of Jerry & Pat Dunnivan, cancer
 Allie, Glenn & Carol Suchan’s niece, health concerns
 Arthur, Sierra & Michaela McQueen’s grandfather who has
liver cancer
 Carol, the mother of Rebecca Lambert’s close friend who has a
recurrence of cancer
 Tom, friend of Wayne and Peggy Blair, health concerns
 Logan, Lesly Elmore’s son
 Mary, friend of David & Janice Hinojosa
 Eva, Roger Brandimarte’s mom
 Bob, Amy Taylor’s father who has cancer
 Jan, friend of Devin & Michelle Matthews who has cancer
 Sue, Jack Tallman’s sister, health concerns
 Nathan, 18 year old friend of the Murphy family who has cancer
 Elfie, mother-in-law of Gary Annis’ son who has cancer
 Joe, friend of Raul & Ester Zapata who has cancer
 Mary, friend of David & Janice Hinojosa
 Bill, neighbor of Kyle & Pamela Ward who is recovering from
open heart surgery
 Sam, Karen Saxer’s father who is recovering from a heart attack
 David, Steve Saxer’s cousin who is recovering from a snowmobile accident
 Anita, friend of Debbie Disler who is being treated for cancer
 Michael, Cynthia Annis’ brother, health concerns
 Alice, Karen Tepovich’s mother who had to move in with family
 Ingrid, John Weir’s mother who has inoperable brain cancer
 The Linder family, friends of Karen Saxer who had a house fire
 Tate, Karen Saxer’s cousin who had a heart attack
 Mike, David Hinojosa’s uncle who has cancer
 Janice, friend of Andy & Jennifer Welker who has cancer
 Donna, friend of Andy & Jennifer Welker who is caring for her
ailing parents
 Michael, Cynthia Annis’ brother, health concerns
 Ed, Mike Pavlicek’s father who is recovering from a stroke
 Mexico orphanage mission trip, Feb 4-13
When I arrived in July of 2014, we were just realizing that the sanctuary
we had worked so hard to break ground on was out of our reach for the
time being. This was discouraging and difficult news for a congregation
so committed to following God’s call to accommodate the growth of
our church and community. Several months ago we began entering
into a period of waiting and pause. But this is no idle time. I believe
God has given us this short season to re-discover our divine calling and purpose. We
have been given these few months to do the important work of listening. Over the next
four months, I am asking our church to embark on a journey of more clearly and boldly
discovering our God-given mission (why do we exist?) and vision (where are we going?).
The way that I hope this will happen is by closely listening to God through three primary
sources. These sources vary, but each one holds treasured wisdom that will teach us
who we are and where we are headed. Let me describe these sources and how we will
listen to them between now and the end of May.
HILL COUNTRY COMMUNITY MINISTRIES: We have an
All women interested in getting to know God and participating in work towards the
ministries of our church are invited to come to our meeting and learn more. For more
info, contact Doris Pyle: (512) 887-0618
ongoing collection of DRY CEREAL & CANNED FRUIT for the
Hill Country Community Ministries food pantry. The
HCCM food pantry services families in need
right here in our own community. Donations
are collected in the basket in the back of the
sanctuary and in the education breezeway.
1. Scripture, prayer, and the voice of church leaders today – Through sermons,
worship, weekly studies and other mediums, we will take a closer look at what God is
calling our church to be. Our resources are the biblical witness, the voice of the Holy
Spirit through prayerful discernment, and the reading of contemporary teachers.
One of my primary references is Reggie McNeal’s book “The Present Future.” I will be
incorporating his ideas into my Pastor’s Study and our Lenten sermon series.
2. You, our congregation – We will complete a church-wide survey during an upcoming
worship service that will tell us more about who we are and how we feel about this
church. We will also participate in “listening circles” that will allow anyone from our
church to express their personal hopes and dreams for our church’s future in more
depth.
3. Our community – Using the good work of Amy Butler and the Community Action
Task Force from a year ago, demographic data from our surrounding area, and
conversations with community members, we will get a better look at who our
neighbors really are and what their needs might be.
I have gathered a “Listening Team” of about six members to help our church with this
process of discovery. This team is tasked with listening to our congregation and
community as well as committing themselves to prayerful reflection. Once we have
compiled information from the congregation and community we will bring the findings
to a larger gathering of key leaders in April and May where together we will hopefully
discover our mission and our vision for the next 5-10 years. This mission and vision will
then guide our decisions and choices as we move into God’s future together. You’ll hear
more about this journey in the coming weeks. Thank you for your commitment to Christ,
to one another and to the all those that He has called us to serve!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ray
MARY MARTHA CIRCLE
Tuesday, January 13
9:30 am
Dorroh Fellowship Hall
Program: 2015 Planning and Hope Alliance Guest Speaker
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 | 8:00 AM | DORROH FELLOWSHIP HALL
Join us for fellowship, coffee, breakfast and service projects to
better the community around us. Open to men of all ages.
Sun
Mon
1
2
8:30/9:45/11:00 Worship
9:45/11:00 Sunday school
10:00 Choir Practice
11:00 Confirmation Class
12:00 Children’s Choir
4:00 Youth
11:00 am
Emmaus Reunion
Group
8 Scout Sunday
9
Tue
Wed
3
6:30 pm
Pastor’s Study
4
5
9:15-1:45
MDO Preschool
6:30 pm
Trustees
Fri
6
9:15-1:45
MDO Preschool
10:00 am
Women Together
Sat
7
9:30 am
ReThink
Leadership
(St. John’s UMC)
6:30 pm
Band
6:30 pm
Choir
6:30 pm
Scouts
7 pm - AA
11
10
11:00 am
7:15-11:00 Pancake breakfast
Emmaus Reunion
8:30/9:45/11:00 Worship
Group
9:45/11:00 Sunday school
10:00 Choir Practice
6:00 pm
Cong. Life Comm.
11:00 Confirmation Class
12:00 Children’s Choir
6:30 pm
4:00 Youth
Pastor’s Study
Thu
9:15-1:45
MDO Preschool
9:30 am
Mary Martha Circle
6:30 pm
Choir
6:30 pm
Program Council
12
13
9:15-1:45
MDO Preschool
12:00 pm
Valentine’s Event
6:30 pm
Band
7:00 pm
Valentine’s Event
14
9-11 am
BLAST!
7 pm
AA
6:30 pm
Scouts
15
16
8:30/9:45/11:00 Worship
9:45/11:00 Sunday school
10:00 Choir Practice
11:00 Confirmation Class
12:00 Children’s Choir
6:00 Youth
11:00 am
Emmaus Reunion
Group
17
22
23
8:30/9:45/11:00 Worship
9:45/11:00 Sunday school
10:00 Choir Practice
11:00 Confirmation Class
12:00 Children’s Choir
6:00 Youth
11:00 am
Emmaus Reunion
Group
6:30 pm
Pastor’s Study
6:30 pm
Scouts
18
9:15-1:45
MDO Preschool
10:00 am
Crafters
6:30 pm
Ladies Night Out
6:30 pm - Choir
24
6:30 pm
Pastor’s Study
6:30 pm
Scouts
7:00 pm
Ash Wednesday
Worship Service
25
9:15-1:45
MDO Preschool
10:00 am
Ladies Game Day
6:30 pm
Choir
19
20
9:15-1:45
MDO Preschool
21
6-10 pm
Parent’s Night Out
7 pm
AA
6:30 pm
Band
26
27
9:15-1:45
MDO Preschool
6:30 pm
Band
28
8 am
Methodist Men
5 pm
Chili Chow Down
7 pm - AA
CHURCH FAMILY CAMP 2015
2/1
2/2
2/3
2/4
2/5
2/6
2/7
2/7
2/7
2/11
2/12
Kalyn Disler
Karyn Raschke
Alice Gaines
Kara Fulkes
Frank Heffern
Betty Franco
Lane Elmore
Paige Purvis
Ester Zapata
Chris Peckham
Weston Bonnet
2/12
2/13
2/13
2/14
2/15
2/16
2/16
2/20
2/21
2/21
2/22
Doyle Lee
Karen Saxer
Preston Talley
Rhett Bronstad
Pamela Ward
Brian Elmore
Brittney King
Ivana Ulloa
LouAnn Gayle
Cari Ward
Lauren Shuffield
2/23
2/25
2/26
2/26
2/27
2/27
2/28
2/28
Honour Stetson
Ashlyn Hall
Christal Cantwell
Ben Nelsen
Megan Germann
Michelle Matthews
Tom Buckingham
Jennifer Pavlicek
BLAST! KIDS PLAY & PRAISE OUR GOD
Saturday, February 14
9:00-11:00 am
The January BLAST! was cancelled due to bad weather, so we will roll over the
lesson to February. We will focus on all the names Jesus had and where Mary
and Joseph got the names. We will be making cool name signs, deciding which
are names for Jesus and which are just silly made up names, and we will have
some other fun activities as well. BLAST! is open to children ages 3 (pottytrained) through 5th grade.
We still need volunteers for the program to be all that it can be. To volunteer,
contact Elizabeth Edmiston ([email protected] or 512-563-8840).
WORSHIP SERVICE
Wednesday, February 18
7:00 pm
Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on
the foreheads of adherents as a sign of mourning and repentance to
God. The ashes used are typically gathered after the palms from the
previous year's Palm Sunday are burned. Each participant receives a
mark on their forehead with black ashes in the shape of a cross. The
act echoes the ancient Near Eastern tradition of throwing ashes over
one’s head to signify repentance before God.
Join us on Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary for our
Ash Wednesday worship service.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL & CHILDREN’S CHURCH
During the month of February we will be learning about the
Sermon on the Mount. Did you know there was a lot more to
the Sermon on the Mount than just the Beatitudes?
CHILDREN’S CHOIR: Children ages 3 (potty-trained) and
up are invited to participate in the children’s choir on Sundays
12:00 - 12:15 pm in the upper room. The children’s choir
periodically performs at our 11:00 am worship service.
SCOUT SUNDAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Sunday, February 8
On Sunday, February 8, the Boy Scouts will be
serving free breakfast to the congregation as a
gift of gratitude on Scout Sunday from 8:0011:00 am in the fellowship hall. All are invited
to stop by for some pancakes, bacon, sausage
and orange juice.
FEBRUARY SUNDAY SCHOOL CHALLENGE:
VBS 2015
Mark your calendars now! Vacation Bible
School is set for June 22-26, 9:00 am – noon.
The theme is “Hometown Nazareth: Where
Jesus was a kid.” Kids will hear stories of Jesus
straight from the source, his mom, Mary. We will also have a Bibletimes
Marketplace with all kinds of cool shops for the kids to visit and experience life
during Jesus’ time. You won’t want to miss this exciting week!
Friday, February 20 | 6 - 10 pm | $10 per child
Parent’s Night Out is open to children ages 2 to 10. The cost is $10 per child for
the night and reservations are required. We will play games, sing songs, eat
snacks and do a fun craft before settling down for a “G” rated movie. Children
arriving before 6:30 pm are invited to bring their dinner and eat together.
Pajamas and socks are encouraged, but not required. Bring a blanket, pillow
and mat or something to lay on during movie time. To register, contact Elsa
Vargas: [email protected] or (512) 799-3244.
UMYF for youth 6th - 12 grade
FEB 1
No Youth
FEB 8
6:00-7:30 pm
Planning an Ester Labyrinth & Preparing for Lent
FEB 15
6:00-7:30 pm
Service Adventures! (we will need extra adults to help with this)
FEB 16
Lunch & Fun for Round Rock Youth (RRISD holiday)
FEB 22
6:00-7:30 pm
Youth Led Program
Make a Date! Encourage your Sunday school class
members to sign up and bring a guest to one of our two
Valentine Celebration meals on Friday, February 13 (details on page 6).
What’s the challenge in that? You need to bring a guest who does NOT
attend LUMC. There is no charge for the event, so if you want to bring a
carload, you can. But, you have to let Elizabeth know how many will be
in your party. The person (or couple) who brings the most guests to the
events will receive a meal delivered to their home, with their dietary
requirements accommodated. The meal will include a main dish, salad,
side dish and dessert for your household.
Mondays at 6:30 pm
Meeting Room A
Beginning February 23, Pastor Ray will be using the book, “The Present
Future” by Reggie McNeal for the Pastor’s Study. This study offers a
difficult but truth-telling word about some of our failed assumptions
and efforts as the Body of Christ. By no means a serene devotional,
McNeal’s book afflicts the comfortable and gives us the opportunity to
return to Christ for direction, restoration, and transformation. All are
invited to attend. If you need child care, please contact the church office.
RETHINK LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Saturday, February 7
9:30 am - 12:15 pm
St. John's UMC (2114 Allandale Rd. in Austin)
Rethink Leadership is an annual training event that offers workshops
and resources for laity and clergy designed to develop leaders and
strengthen congregations. Sessions include: Trustees, Staff Parish
Relations, Mission Work, Finance, Social Media, Justice for our
Neighbors, Free Store Austin, Family Based Youth Ministry, Texas
Methodist Foundation, and Rio Texas Conference Mission Vitality
Center. The plenary Speaker will be Rev. Jeremy Bassett, Oklahoma
Annual Conference. Talk to Pastor Ray or Kevin Murphy if you are
interested in attending.
LUMC EDUCATION COMMITTEE’S
LENTEN STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS
Here are recommendations which the Education
Committee has compiled to enhance your
Lenten study this season.
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES AT LEANDER UMC
Tuesday is Ladies’ Day!
February 3
WOMEN TOGETHER: 10:00 am
Women Together is a group of women who gather for fellowship, to pray
for others, to share their lives, and encourage and support one another.
February 10
MARY MARTHA CIRCLE: 9:30 am
Topic: Hope Alliance
Hope Alliance provides counseling, housing and support for victims of
domestic abuse. They have a shelter in Williamson County which can
house up to 35 people at any given time. When women have regained the
confidence, skills and means to be self-supporting, the organization
continues to offer services to their clients, because the effects of living in
a dangerous situation do not disappear when you are removed from the
primary location.
February 17
CRAFTERS: 10:00 am
Crafters is open to all women, no experience necessary!
LADIES NIGHT OUT: 6:30 pm
The February Ladies Night Out be a Movie & Popcorn night in the Upper
Room. Bring your favorite movie snack to share. Last month we watched
“Steel Magnolias”, and this month we will watch a comedy.
February 24
LADIES GAME DAY: 10:00 am
Join us in the upper room for a fun morning of fellowship and games.
“Never Said a Mumbalin’ Word”
by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones
This would be best used as a personal daily devotional. The
daily mediations are based on spiritual songs born out of
slavery. Each day includes the words of a spiritual song and
includes a suggestion for a spiritual exercise that can help
you grow in your relationship with God. Through the words
of slaves who kept the faith and believed in God’s love in spite
of much suffering, we find God to be the ultimate liberator.
“Kneeling in Jerusalem”
by Ann Weems
This is a collection of poems which take you through Lent to
the glory of Easter morning. These are not children’s
rhyming poems, but adult mediations on real world
concerns. This would work well for an individual devotion or
small group.
“The Way: Following the Footsteps of Jesus”
by Adam Hamilton
Using historical information, archaeological data, and
stories of the faith, Hamilton follows in the footsteps of
Jesus from his baptism to the temptations to the heart of
his ministry, including the people he loved, the parables he
taught, the enemies he made, and the healing he brought.
“Give It Up!”
by Dottie Escobedo-Frank
IT’S EASTER CANTATA TIME!
Come and get into the Spirit and praise God by singing in the Choir! The
music is moving and inspirational! Join us for practices on Tuesdays at
6:30 pm or Sundays at 10 am. Contact Debbie ([email protected] or
337-7925) or just show up at any of the rehearsals. We will do our best to
make you feel welcome. If you would like to sing in the Choir, but can’t
make Tuesdays or Sundays, please let Debbie know and we will do our best
to schedule rehearsal times so you can participate.
CHILI CHOW DOWN CHILDREN’S COLORING CONTEST:
Last year, the Wier girls won the prize bag we awarded to the winner
of the Chili Chow-Down Coloring Contest. This year, we are offering
two ways to win: Preschoolers-1st graders may enter the 2015 Color
Arturo the Armadillo Contest. And for 2nd graders and older—The
Arturo the Armadillo Drawing Contest. Pick up an entry form from the
Chili Chow Down bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. Return your entries to Mrs.
Elizabeth’s mailbox in the church workroom (where the copy machine is located.)
FABULOUS prizes await the winners of both contests!
This Lenten study reflects on all the things that hold our
attention, occupy our minds and monopolize our time, yet
still isolate us from God and the world around us. This seven
-week study takes the reader on a journey of self discovery,
where he or she learns that the power of release brings
great gain. This thematic Bible study is designed to be used
by individuals and small groups and each chapter offers
questions for reflection and discussion, a brief prayer, and a
focus for the week.
Pastor’s Recommendation: “The Present Future”
by Reggie McNeal
“The Present Future” offers a difficult but truth-telling word
about some of our failed assumptions and efforts as the
Body of Christ. By no means a serene devotional, McNeal’s
book afflicts the comfortable and gives us the opportunity
to return to Christ for direction, restoration, and
transformation.
CHILI CHOW-DOWN VOLUNTEERS, BAKERS, AND CHILI MAKERS
Are you ready to compete in the Chili Challenge or the Baked Goods Auction? Do you have donations for the Silent Auction?
Would you like to volunteer to help run the event? Please let us know by submitting this form. Drop it in the offering plate,
bring it by the church office, or give it to Jeri Hilsabeck by Sunday, February 22.
Name: ____________________________________________
Phone: _________________________________________
Email: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
I will bring a pot of chili
I will bring a baked item(s)
I would like to volunteer for the event
I have a donation for the silent auction
NON-PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO.20
Leander, TX 78646
107 S. West Drive
P.O. Box 281
Leander, TX 78646-0281
Church Office: 259-1284
Mother’s Day Out: 259-0544
www.leanderumc.org
[email protected]
Our Mission:
To bring people to Jesus Christ, to nurture
relationships with Him, and to reach out in
service to the world . . .to the glory of God.
LUMC STAFF:
Ministers: All who worship & follow Christ
Pastor: Rev. Ray Altman
Director of Family Ministries: Elizabeth Edmiston
MDO Preschool Director: Maria Harrington
Music Director: Debra Carlson
Administrative Assistant: Stephanie Uys
Custodian: Linda Brandimarte
Let’s Celebrate!
All are invited to two Valentine Celebration meals on
Friday, February 13. The entertainment promises to be
very interactive and should give everyone a big laugh. At
the evening meal, following the entertainment, we will
also have dancing. There is no charge for the event, but
we will have a love offering basket out if you would like
to make a donation.
Menu:
Chicken carbonara with a side dish,
salad, rolls and two dessert options
Bring a date, bring a neighbor, bring a friend, or just bring
yourself, but don’t miss this special celebration! Please
RSVP to Elizabeth Edmiston: [email protected]
or 512-563-8840.