connection

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St. Peter’s

CONNECTION VOL. 6, No. 23 July 1, 2016

Connecting the World with God’s Love

THIS ISSUE:

U.M. ARMY in Huntsville

Disaster relief workday

St. Peter’s will join with

other churches to help with cleanup and repairs after the flooding in the Sugar Land area.

Welcome our new pastor Following the July 10 worship services, we will have a time for you to meet our new executive pastor. Students from St. Peter’s and United Methodist Temple joined together at U.M. ARMY last week to work in the Huntsville area. The students were divided into work teams and spent time painting, building wheelchair ramps, and working on several other projects. At night we had scavenger hunts, played games, worshipped, and square danced. The most powerful part of the week was Community Night. Each team invited the people they were helping in the community to join us for dinner and worship. Thank you St. Peter’s for always supporting this important mission. We couldn’t do it without you.

20775 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, Texas 77450 (281) 492-8031 www.stpkaty.org

Reception for Rev. Jamison Doehring

Sunday, July 10 12:00 p.m. Sanctuary Lobby Please join us in

welcoming our new executive pastor Rev. Jamison

Doehring and his wife, Katherine.

Name tags available at Information Desk

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f you have joined the

church or ordered a name

tag recently, the name tags are available to be picked

The love of God for his children Dear Friends in Christ, I love this story that I came across in my recent reading: A painter was commissioned to paint a picture of the Prodigal Son. He went about his work fervently, laboring to produce a picture worthy of telling the story. Finally, the day came when the picture was complete, and he unveiled the finished painting. The scene was set outside the father’s house and showed the open arms of the father and the son as they were just about to meet and embrace. The man who commissioned the work was well pleased and was prepared to pay the painter for his work, when he suddenly noticed a detail that he had missed. Standing out in the painting above everything else in the scene was Dr. Pat Sparks, Senior Pastor the starkly apparent fact that the father was wearing one red shoe and one blue shoe. The man was incredulous. How could this be that the painter could make such an error? He asked the painter, and the man simply smiled and nodded, assuring the man, “Yes, this is a beautiful representation of the love of God for His children.” “What do you mean?” the man asked, puzzled. “The father in this picture was not interested in being color coordinated or fashion conscious when he went out to meet his son,” the painter said. “In fact, he was in such a hurry to show his love to his son, he simply grabbed the nearest two shoes that he could find. He is the God of the Unmatched Shoes.” This is a great depiction of our loving God. God is always excited when one of us comes back to his loving embrace. Blessings,

Pat

up at the Information Desk in the Lobby.

Remember loved ones with altar flowers

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e welcome you to donate the flowers that grace our altar each Sunday in the Sanctuary. These can be donated in honor or in memory of someone. The cost is $45. A sign-up sheet is located at the Information Desk in the Lobby. After worship, the flowers are rearranged into vases and delivered to people on our care list. We are in need of medium-size vases for these flower arrangements. You can bring them by the church office Monday through Thursday. Thank you for your generosity that continues to give even after Sunday worship is over.

Mothers group brings together new and more experienced moms

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ou are invited to join Mothers of Young Children, a biblically based group of mothers of young children (infant through elementary school) along with mentor moms (more experienced moms with adult/college-age children) who share the joys and frustrations of motherhood and explore the purposes and promises God gives to parents through faithbased studies. If you are a mother of young children or an experienced mom who has a heart for young mothers, this group is a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with and support one another. We meet Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m., following the Katy ISD calendar. Registration is at stpkaty.org. For more information, contact Dana Sitton at [email protected] or Christie Goolsby at [email protected].

Pictorial directories have arrived

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f you had your picture made for our pictorial

directory, you can pick up your copy at the Information Desk in the Lobby. Please sign the form at the desk indicating you picked up your copy. If you attend Living Stones or will not be at church this Sunday, you

Church Council Highlights June 28 meeting • CrossPoint Community Church voted to sell St. Peter’s the land for the West Campus. • Vacation Bible School was a huge success with a record 542 children attending. • Disaster Recovery Workday is July 16 in the Sugar Land area.

Open Hearts Support Group

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pen Hearts will meet July 21 at 7 p.m. in E225. Open Hearts is a support group for families and friends of LGBT persons. We offer a safe and affirming setting for those who desire understanding, education, and support. We welcome anyone to be a part of this group, whether you need support or can provide support. For more information, please contact Elaine Saunders at [email protected] or (281) 492-8031.

can pick up your copy at the church office, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Paul’s letter to the Romans

W Bellville Tour. On July 19 the KEYS will travel to historic Bellville to tour the Newman Castle, take a bus tour of the city, and have a 45-minute walking tour of Bellville’s downtown square. We will leave at 9:30 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. Total cost is $20 due by July 10. Sign up at the KEYS bulletin board in the Lobby. For more information, call Joan or Bob Belden at (281) 693-3382. Brown Bag Bridge. Our next play date is July 14 at 10 a.m. in Asbury Hall. Contact Martha at mckit@ comcast.net for more information.

Nursery hiring two workers for Sundays

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he Nursery is hiring two people to work in the Sunday School classrooms for 2- and 3-year-olds on Sundays from 9:15 a.m.12:15 p.m. For information, contact Amanda McDaniel at [email protected] or (832) 492-1738.

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hat was Paul telling the members of the Roman church when he penned his epistle to them, a letter that is considered by many to be his greatest written work? In his letter, Paul first introduces himself to the Romans, then he tells them about Jesus and that he has been praying for them and intends to come see them to tell them the good news of the Gospel. Beginning Sept. 13 at 9:30 a.m., we will delve into the Book of Romans using the 12week OneBook Daily-Weekly Bible Study, with a video featuring Dr. Ben Witherington III, New Testament professor at Asbury Theological Seminary. Registration will begin July 10. Study manuals are $15 and will be available one week before the first class if you register before Aug. 26. For more information, contact Karen Palfreyman at kjpalfreyman@ sbcglobal.net.

Are you being called to be a Stephen Minister?

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tephen Ministry is offering another information session on Tuesday, July 12, at 7 p.m. in S101. Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry that provides one-on-one Christcentered care to people who are going through a difficult time. If you have one hour per week to reach out to someone who may have no one else to talk to and you have a gift for compassion and caring, please join us to discover if Stephen Ministry is a place you can serve. More information about Stephen Ministry can be found at stephenministries.org. There will be another information session on Tuesday, Aug. 30.

Book drive promotes literacy at Los Arcos

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n May we collected children’s books for the Los Arcos Apartment Complex, which we partner with through Fondren Apartment Ministries. Russell LaGrone, with FAM, sent the following message of appreciation: We are thrilled by the generosity of St. Peter’s! When we asked you for books, nothing could have prepared us for how much you would respond. This just goes to show the beauty in the way God works in and through people within the church community. The books from this drive will be used to fill the Little Libraries built by Westbury UMC, which will be placed in the community center at Los Arcos. With these libraries, we are hoping to encourage literacy and the fun of reading to the many children who live there by giving them ample opportunity to encounter books like the ones you gave. We would love for you to come to Los Arcos for our community nights on July 6 and July 20 (contact Nathan at [email protected]) to meet some of the energetic children whose lives you have touched with these books. We believe Christ resides in places like Los Arcos, and his invitation to us is to “Come and see. Peace and Joy, Russell LaGrone

Rescue Houston phone bank

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runing Hooks, a local women’s ministry, partners with Rescue Houston, helping support their phone bank outreach ministry. This summer St. Peter’s is hosting the phone bank. Volunteers will research phone numbers and make calls to girls in the Katy area who are actively sex trafficked online. All you need to volunteer is a willing heart and a cell phone or a tablet/laptop. We pray for the girls we call and offer them the hope and love of Christ along with a 24/7 helpline phone number should they desire to change their life. A script is provided. This ministry is not for the faint of heart, but if you want to encounter the spirit of God, He always shows up! We will meet from 9:30-11:45 a.m. in S201 on July 12 and Aug. 9. Childcare reservations with age and number of children should be sent no later than noon the Monday before the phone bank date to [email protected].

ST. PETER’S ATTENDANCE June 19 Traditional Worship 8:30 163 9:45 217 11:00 352 The Element 9:45 75 11:00 105 SPLASH 44 Living Stones 187 Living Stones Students/Kids 94 TOTAL 1,237

June 26 Traditional Worship 8:30 188 9:45 218 11:00 367 The Element 9:45 53 11:00 99 SPLASH 44 Living Stones 174 Living Stones Students/Kids 89 TOTAL 1,232

In Our Prayers

PRAYERS Katy and Houston area flood recovery, Marci Barnes, Lynn Bortka, Dennis Bowling, David Burrough, Anne Carder, Faunelle Deaton, John Duffield, Doug Folts, Caleb Gore, Bob Harris, Art Henderson, Mike Ibarguen, Brian Jones, Oscar Jones, Rudy Koski, Ralph Lovell, Betty Marsh, Neil Pickthall, Janice Remmele, Cheryl Swift, Barbara Thoen, Annabelle Turner, and Sharon Washington. JOY To Christian and Jennifer Ochoa on the birth of their son Lincoln Andrew. SYMPATHY To Sheila Baranzyk and family on the death of her mother. To Frank Barber and family on the death of his sister. PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY Tim and Alison Batig, John Belsha, Will Brandt, John Buck, Jeffrey Cabana, Skyler Cook, Austin Foster, Westley Freeze, James Gilbert, Tyler J. Gorcie, Dylan Greismeyer, Stephen Travis Harding, Adam Higdon, Matthew Ivester, Mike Linn, Ryan Lueders, Blake Nunes, Cameron Nunes, Ryan O’Quinn, Matthew Platz, Shawn Platz, Hamilton Rencurrel, Jack Ritchie, Don Rolleg, Ben Saunders, Jacob Shinkle, John Simmons, and Jasen Wilson.

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Family Fellowship Fun Nights

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oin us for Family Fellowship Fun Nights, from 6-8 p.m. on the first Sunday night of each month this summer. Each night will have a theme and will include a craft, game, dinner, and movie and popcorn. On July 3 we will have food trucks, so everyone will pay for their own food. The fee per family for Aug. 7 is $20. Financial assistance is available if needed by calling Elizabeth Bucher at (281) 492-8031. Sign up for Family Fellowship Fun Nights at stpkaty.org.

Connecting the World With God’s Love Disaster Relief Workday The Disaster Relief Team will be heading to the Sugar Land area on July 16 to join with other United Methodist churches for a workday. If you would like to help, please meet at 7 a.m. in the parking lot of Parkway United Methodist Church at 5801 New Territory Blvd., Sugar Land. Bring work clothes and shoes, gloves, water, sunscreen, and a lunch. You can sign up by clicking on the “Flooding” slide at stpkaty.org. Please contact Maryann Fanty at [email protected] for more information.

Help With Habitat Home We need 10 volunteers to help us complete the second Habitat Home that St. Peter’s has sponsored through Compassion Katy. We are scheduled for July 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m. We will be performing finishing touches on the house and installing sod and landscaping. Lunch will be provided. If you can help, contact Alex Thorne at [email protected] or (281) 395-3066.

Operation Backpack

Help with lunches for T Bar M staff

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t. Peter’s will be providing lunch each day for 50 T Bar M staff members while they are on campus July 18-22. If you are interested in helping prepare meals, please contact Elizabeth Bucher at ebucher@ stpkaty.org or Shelley Keating at [email protected].

St. Peter’s is once again partnering with the YMCA and its Operation Backpack ministry as part of our larger mission of engaging our local schools more deeply. We’ve set a lofty goal this year: we want to collect 500 17-inch backpacks for students in fourth through eighth grades. You can bring your donated backpacks beginning next week. In addition, Children’s Ministries is asking for donations of school supplies to fill pencil bags for the backpacks. Supplies needed are pencil pouches (sturdy), kids’ scissors, markers, glue sticks, erasers, pencils, pens, and pencil sharpeners. The children will stuff the bags on Aug. 7 during Sunday School. These donations can be dropped off at the Children’s Desk or brought to your child’s Sunday School class.

We Continue to Help With Flood Recovery Our flood recovery efforts are still ongoing. There are houses that have yet to be served, so we need your help. We have teams working in the Simonton area. Work will include removal of drywall, packing, and mold prevention. If you can help, please e-mail Rhonda Burrough at [email protected] for more information. You also can sign up for other opportunities on the Missions page at stpkaty.org.

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Daily Bible Reading Student Ministries summer activities July 13 • Junior high and senior high students will go to Typhoon Texas.

July 27 • Junior high students will meet from 5-7 p.m. in the Wesley Center for Frito pie and open gym. • Senior High students will meet at Rennie Park (821 Rennie Dr.) from 5-7 p.m. for potluck (bring food to share). For more information, contact Heather at [email protected].

More U.M. ARMY

July 4 – 10 MONDAY Psalm 17:1-7 TUESDAY Romans 1:1-17 WEDNESDAY Colossians 1:9-23 THURSDAY Ephesians 1:1-14 FRIDAY 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 SATURDAY 1 Peter 1:1-9 SUNDAY 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 July 11 – 17 MONDAY Psalm 124 TUESDAY Isaiah 1:10-17 WEDNESDAY Matthew 10:1-10 THURSDAY Romans 15:1-13 FRIDAY 1 Corinthians 9:15-23 SATURDAY John 17:20-26 SUNDAY Romans 14

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S u nday Worship 8:30 a.m.

Traditional Worship with Holy Communion

9:45 a.m.

Traditional Worship The Element Contemporary Worship Sunday School for All Ages

10:30 a.m.

Living Stones St. Peter’s West Campus at Cinco Ranch High School

11:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship The Element Contemporary Worship SPLASH Children’s Worship Sunday School for Adults

St. Peter’s Events Calendar Sunday, July 3 3:00 p.m.

Youth Choir Rehearsal

Ellis Music Suite

4:00 p.m.

Women’s Cancer Support

S205

6:00 p.m.

Family Fellowship Fun Night

Lott Hall

Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Ellis Music Suite

12:00 p.m.

Welcome Rev. Doehring

Lobby

12:15 p.m.

Pizza With the Pastors

E106

3:00 p.m.

Youth Choir Rehearsal

Ellis Music Suite

1:30 p.m.

KEYS Council

E225

7:00 p.m.

Women of Joy

S203



Stephen Ministry Information

S101

9:00 p.m.

Prayer Quilt Ministry

S201

7:00 p.m.

Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Ellis Music Suite

Brown Bag Bridge

Asbury Hall

Monday, July 4 Church Office closed Wednesday, July 6 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 10

Tuesday, July 12

Wednesday, July 13

Thursday, July 14 10:00 a.m.

Detailed weekly calendars of St. Peter’s events are available on our website.

Pizza With the Pastors Are you thinking about joining St. Peter’s? Do you want to know more about this church and the United Methodist Church? If so, you are invited to attend our monthly Pizza With the Pastors July 10 at 12:15 p.m. in E106. Please contact Patty Campbell at [email protected] or (281) 492-8031 for more information.