connection

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St. Peter’s

CONNECTION VOL. 5, No. 3 August 29, 2014

Connecting the World with God’s Love

THIS ISSUE: KEYS has busy fall planned Mothers’ Share Group

MSG kicks off a new year of weekly activities and programs for moms of all ages on Sept. 11.

Compassion International Learn more about our September mission focus by visiting the Information Desk in the Lobby on Sunday, Sept. 7.

The KEYS senior adult group enjoyed lunch following a tour of the San Antonio Toyota Truck Plant. They were transported by tram through the factory, where they observed both human and robot workers assembling the vehicles. After lunch, the group shopped at the SAS Shoe Factory. Jerry Kappes was the lucky winner of a $25 gift certificate. KEYS has more trips and activities planned for this fall. Please see page 4 for details.

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

Help cut out smocks for cancer patients

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ring your scissors and join Smocks for Life Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in Asbury Hall to cut out and assemble sewing kits for smocks to be worn by breast cancer patients during treatment. If you can sew, please consider taking home a kit or two and sew at your leisure. Each kit takes about two hours to sew. All instructions are in the kit. You provide the thread, the time, and the love to construct the smock. Please contact Jan Sidle at (281) 773-7321 for more information.

Are you a builder or a wrecker? Dear Friends in Christ, I came across a poem that has a lot to say about the way we live our lives. The author is unknown. A Builder or a Wrecker As I watched them tear a building down, A gang of men in a busy town. With a ho-heave-ho, and a lusty yell They swung a beam and the side wall fell. I asked the foreman, “Are these men skilled, And the men you’d hire if you wanted to

build?” He gave a laugh and said, “No, indeed, Just common labor is all I need.” “I can easily wreck in a day or two,

Dr. Pat Sparks, Senior Pastor

What builders have taken years to do.” And I thought to myself, as I went my way, Which of these roles have I tried to play? Am I a builder who works with care, Measuring life by rule and square? Am I shaping my work to a well-made plan, Patiently doing the best I can?

Handbell player needed for choir

Or am I a wrecker who walks to town,

he Carillon Handbell Choir is in need of another player. We rehearse on Sunday evenings from 5-6:30. No experience is necessary. Reading music and understanding rhythmic notation is very helpful. If you are interested in joining us or just want more information, please call Linda Ellison at (281) 394-2973.

That which will build for eternity!”

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Content with the labor of tearing down? “O Lord, let my life and my labors be

1 Corinthians 10:31 states “… whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” A good question to consider as we examine our lives is “How am I doing with living my life—am I a builder or a wrecker?” My experience at St. Peter’s tells me that we have a church full of builders who are connecting the world with God’s love. Thanks be to God! Grace and Peace,

Pat

¿Eres bilingüe? ¡Nececitamos su ayuda!

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s you may already know, our church is deeply involved in the startup of the Compassion Katy chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Habitat is in need of volunteers who speak Spanish to assist with family selection and generally spreading the word about this exciting new ministry. If you are a proficient Spanish speaker, please contact Nathan at [email protected]. Thanks!

Encounter Jesus in Luke’s Gospel

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Rev. Jim Foster, former pastor of St. Peter’s, spoke to our Stephen Ministers at their 20th anniversary celebration. Rev. Foster was at St. Peter’s when the Stephen Ministry program began in 1994. Stephen Ministers are trained lay people who reach out to individuals going through difficult times. A new Stephen Minister class begins Sept. 9. Please contact Marty Johnson at (281) 579-7551 if you would like to be a part of this ministry.

Mothers of Young Children brings moms together

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others of Young Children is a biblically based group of mothers with young children, infant through elementary school, along with mentor moms (more experienced, older moms) who share the joys and frustrations of motherhood and explore the purposes and promises God gives us. We use a Mom-to-Mom Bible study every other week and have missions, socials, and play dates on the off weeks. We meet every Friday in Asbury Hall from 9-11:30 a.m. beginning Sept. 5. Childcare is provided. You can register at stpkaty.org; cost is $25 per semester or $50 for the year, which covers books and materials. For information on scholarships, contact Debbie Cook at [email protected].

Children’s choirs begin meeting Sept. 17

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IDS JAM children’s choirs begin Sept. 17 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. KIDS JAM provides an opportunity for children who are 4 years old through fifth grade to share God’s love through music. Activities include singing in church, performing Christmas and spring musicals, and having fun during KIDS JAM using song in games. You can register your child at stpkaty.org. The cost to participate is $30, which includes a choir shirt, listening CDs, and choir parties. If your child already has a shirt, the cost is $15. For information, contact Anne O’Quinn at [email protected].

hi Rho Adult Sunday School class is continuing our study of the Gospel of Luke. Luke gives a detailed record of Jesus’ encounters with people like us: the sick, the poor, the hurting, the sinful. We invite you to encounter Jesus as we grapple with challenging questions and issues. Chi Rho is a multigenerational class with a facilitated discussion of questions based upon a passage of scripture. We learn from each other through lively dialogue where each member participates as they feel comfortable. Join us at 9:45 a.m. in S212. For information, contact Sheryl Ray at [email protected] or (281) 639-8586.

GriefShare Support Group

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riefShare is a group for those who are grieving a loss. It will meet on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 18. Please contact Rev. Kim Meyers Poer at kmpoer@stpkaty. org or (281) 492-8031 if you are interested in participating in this group.

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Historical Houston Trip. Join us Sept. 16 for a tour of Houston’s historical Precinct 3. We leave the church at 8:30 a.m. and return by 5 p.m. Lunch is at Treebeard’s at the Cloister. This tour will not involve much walking. Sign up at the KEYS bulletin board in the Lobby. For more information, call Frank Barber at (281) 395-5668. Beaumont Trip. On Oct. 7 we will take a Neches River Adventure cruise followed by lunch at the Two Magnolias restaurant in the Art Museum of Southeast Texas. Cost of the cruise is $9 due by Sept. 21 by cash or check payable to Cindy English (no refunds). Cost of the meal is $15.32. We leave at 7:30 a.m. and return about 5:30 p.m. Sign up at the KEYS bulletin board in the Lobby. For more information, contact Cindy English at (281) 398-2855. Brown Bag Bridge. Seven tables met in August. Kat Young (Martha’s friend from Arkansas) was high and Bill Wardel was second high. Congrats to you both for such good scores. The white table slam prize was won by Lu Kroll and David Addington. If you are interested in playing on Sept. 11, call Martha at (281) 395-4825.

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Connecting the World With God’s Love One Great Hour of Sharing is the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s annual campaign to fund their operating budget. UMCOR receives no apportionment dollars, and every dollar given to UMCOR for disaster relief goes directly to that cause. If you would like to make a donation, please put your check made out to St. Peter’s in the offering plate on Sunday and put One Great Hour of Sharing in the memo line. For more information, visit umcor.org or contact Nathan Bledsoe at nbledsoe@stpkaty. org or (281) 492-8031. Compassion International is our missions focus for September. On Sunday, Sept. 7, we will be in the Lobby with information about this child sponsorship program. We will have packets for children waiting to be sponsored available for you to pick up. Please prayerfully consider whether you night be called to participate in this ministry that helps children escape from poverty. For information, visit compassion.com or contact Nathan Bledsoe at [email protected] or (281) 492-8031. First for Food Sunday is also Sept. 7. You are invited to bring donations of food for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Currently they are in need of peanut butter, jelly, crackers, and canned meats. Please put your donated items in the box in the Lobby. You may also make a monetary donation by making your check out to St. Vincent de Paul Society, putting Food Donation in the memo line, and placing it in the offering plate. One hundred percent of your donation will go toward purchasing food for the Food Pantry. Christ Clinic, one of our ministry partners in Old Town Katy, is having their annual Breakfast for a Blessing Sept. 12. Seats and tables are still available to this wonderful event. To buy tickets or for more information, go to christclinickaty.org or call (281) 574-1455.

Driver Safety Program set for Nov. 12

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he KEYS senior adult group will offers the AARP Driver Safety Program Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members, payable by check. Anyone 25 or older who is interested in improving their driving skills is invited to attend. Complete information and sign-up sheet are at the KEYS bulletin board in the Lobby. Communion preparers and servers are needed in traditional worship. Contact Mark Liles at (281) 578-1321 if you can help prepare the elements. Contact Betty Clifton at (281) 578-8910 if you can help serve communion.

Preschool hiring assistant teachers

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he Early Childhood Development Center has openings for assistant teachers for the 2014-2015 school year. Previous early childhood experience and a CDA or education background are preferred. Please contact Bobbi McKinley at bmckinley@ stpkaty.org for more information or to submit a resume.

Volunteers baked, wrapped, and delivered platters of cookies to all 58 schools in the Katy ISD as a way to express our gratitude to the teachers and staff who educate our children. Thanks to everyone who helped with this effort.

Welcome to Our New Members Liang Gao and Zuolin Chen John Newcomb Joy Sisler Martin and Nellie Taylor

ST. PETER’S ATTENDANCE August 17 Traditional Worship 8:30 197 9:45 226 11:00 422 the element 9:45 90 11:00 129 SPLASH 63 Living Stones 25 TOTAL 1,152

August 24 Traditional Worship 8:30 194 9:45 279 11:00 442 the element 9:45 70 11:00 159 SPLASH 144 Living Stones 292 TOTAL 1,580

In Our Prayers

PRAYERS Don Beach, Dennis Bowling, Victoria Clites, John Duffield, Caleb Gore, Ann Hlinak, Rick Jage, Brian Jones, Betty Marsh, Theresa Ortowski, Joy Pierce, Don Prendergast, Linda Schmidt, Leslie Smuts, Cheryl Swift, Joyce Tomlinson, and Bonnie Woodrow. JOY To Brian and Leslee Johnson on the birth of their daughter Emilia Ann. To Eva Scherer on the birth of her son Colton. To Blake and Kristen Vacek on the birth of their daughter Sutton Alice. SYMPATHY To Lynn Ridley and family on the death of her father. To Amy Schwartz and family on the death of her husband, Mike. PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY Johnathon Baker, Tim and Alison Batig, Jared Behne, John Belsha, Amanda Berg, Colin Binion, Patrick Boutall, Will Brandt, Eric Brookover, Martin Busch, Randy Butcher, Sean Cain, Devin Camp, Darron Chamblee, Will Chapman, Scott Chumbley, Daniel Clarke, Skyler Cook, Thomas Cotten, Patrick Couch, Kathryn Donnelly, Brandi and Josiah Fast, Westley Freeze, Daniel Fritz, Charles Fray, James Gilbert, Anita Marie Gilliam, Tyler J. Gorcie, Jason Gordon, Eric Graesley, Tye Grasshoff, Dylan Greismeyer, David Gutierrez, Stephen Travis Harding, George Harrison, Steven Heath, Jeff Hiser, Matthew C. Houghton, Matthew Ivester, Scott Lewis, Mike Linn, Ryan Lueders, Austin McCall, Jason McFadzen, Mick McNaughton, Adam Miller, Joel Muhlnickel, Robert Near, Blake Nunes, Ryan O’Quinn, Neal Osburn, Austin Paynter/149th Division, Matthew Platz, Shawn Platz, Hamilton Rencurrel, Taylor Richardson, Jack Ritchie, Don Rolleg, Jason Salter, Daniel Sewastynowicz, John Simmons, Morgan Smyth, Chase Synng, Patrick Synng, Texas Military Forces, Shannon Thorthan, Bill Underwood, Kevin Van Winkle, Bert Walker, Tom Walsh, Matthew Weible, Michael Wendt, Max Weyermann, Leonard Will, Jasen Wilson, and Marine Co. 1157.

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Adult small group studies starting soon

Y New Member Coffee. We will begin our fall meetings on Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. in Lott Hall. All UMW members are urged to bring a guest to help us in our commitment to increase our membership this year. We will share information about UMW, its emphasis on missions, and what it means to women, to our unit, and to our church. We invite all women to join us and find out more about UMW. For information, contact Beverly Deerhake at (281) 856-6217.

Financial Peace University

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inancial Peace University helps you develop a plan for your money by presenting biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. Classes will meet Sundays from Sept. 21-Nov. 16 from 4-5:30 p.m. in E106. The cost for this class is $102.30 per family. Register at stpkaty.org. Childcare is available with reservation. For information, contact Erica Brasseux at ericabrasseux@hotmail. com or (713) 397-2515.

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ou still have time to register for one of our adult small group studies that begin in September. St. Peter’s is offering a variety of studies that meet throughout the week. You can get complete information and register for most of these classes at stpkaty. org unless otherwise noted. Contact Nathan Bledsoe at nbledsoe@stpkaty. org if you have questions. Children of the Day: A Beth Moore Study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Meets Tuesdays beginning Sept. 16. The morning class is at 9:30 a.m. and the evening class is at 6:30 p.m. Register online or in the Lobby. Covenant Bible Study. Meets Wednesdays beginning Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Disciple III. Register at the Information Desk in the Lobby. Meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 3. The Gospel of Luke (Men’s Group). Meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 17. Immersion Studies: John. Meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 17. Invitation to the Old Testament. Meets Tuesdays beginning with an orientation on Sept. 16 at 9:30 a.m. and regular sessions from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. beginning Sept. 23. Register online or in the Lobby. Making Sense of the Bible by Adam Hamilton. Meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 17. Methodism 101. Meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 17. Monday Morning Bible Study. Beginning Sept. 8, meets at 9:30 a.m. Register online or at the Information Desk in the Lobby.

Get employment help through Job Search

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ob Search Assistance begins meeting Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in S212 for those who are looking for employment or job change. John Caudill will present information on search tactics, networking, resumes, and interviewing. The information will address both general and individual specific job searches. John has more than 35 years’ experience in the recruiting and personnel placement business. Come join this small group where many have found new employment. Registration is requested, but not required. For information or to register, please contact John Caudill anytime at (281) 600-8138 or [email protected].

Mothers’ Share Group

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lease join us at our Mothers’ Share Group Supermom Kickoff

for refreshments, fellowship and fun on Sept. 11 at 9:30 a.m. in E221. Childcare is provided. We meet every Thursday following the KISD calendar. For information, contact Laura Ballew at [email protected].

Be a part of Children’s Ministries this year

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hildren’s Ministries is looking for volunteers in many of our program areas. If you can help connect our children with God’s love in one of these areas, please let us hear from you! Preschool Sunday School Shepherds. There is no preparation involved or teaching experience necessary; a teacher is provided for you. Each class is provided with a craft and color sheet, small group activities, and games that support the Bible lesson and all necessary supplies. Opportunities are available at 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. Contact Ryan Wilson at [email protected]. Elementary Sunday School Teachers. Each class is provided with tools to implement activities that support the Bible lesson. Lesson plans are e-mailed to the teachers during the week. Opportunities are available at 9:45 a.m. in every grade level. Contact Elizabeth Bucher at [email protected]. Special Friends Sunday School Shepherds. We are excited to provide assistance to children with special needs and children of all abilities at St. Peter’s. There is no teaching required. The shepherd should be interested in one-onone interaction as a buddy to a child or as an assistant to the coordinator. Opportunities to shepherd are available at the 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. hours. Contact Sarah Morrison at [email protected]. Friday Night Friends Volunteers. Friday Night Friends is a respite care night for children with disabilities and their siblings age 12 and under. It meets the last Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. We need teen and adult volunteers. Contact Sarah Morrison at [email protected]. We4 Volunteers. Wednesdays 4 Everyone (We4) provides preschool and elementary children opportunities to participate in faith-growing activities on Wednesday nights from 6 to 7:30 p.m. while their parents are in a small group. We4 starts on Sept. 17. Contact Heather James (elementary) at [email protected] or Ryan Wilson (preschool) at [email protected]. Kid Connection Crew. This committee plans, organizes, and facilitates events and activities for families at St. Peter’s. These include Trunk or Treat, The Great Family Christmas event, and Easter Egg Hunt. KCC acts as a liaison between the families of our church and Children’s Ministries. We will have an information meeting Sept. 8 from 6:30-8 p.m. in E222. Contact Ryan Wilson at [email protected] or Kelly Johnson at [email protected].

Daily Bible Reading Sept. 1 – 7 MONDAY Isaiah 28:23-29 TUESDAY Psalm 146 WEDNESDAY 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 THURSDAY Exodus 12:1-14 FRIDAY Ezekial 33:7-11 SATURDAY Romans 13:8-14 SUNDAY Matthew 18:15-20 Sept. 8 – 14 MONDAY Psalm 103 TUESDAY Hebrews 4:14-16 WEDNESDAY Nahum 1:9-15 THURSDAY Exodus 14:21-31 FRIDAY Genesis 50:15-21 SATURDAY Romans 14:1-12 SUNDAY Matthew 18:21-35

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S unday Worship

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church 20775 Kingsland Blvd. Katy, Texas 77450

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. (Sept. 7)

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, Sept. 1 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 9:00 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8 9:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12 9:00 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 12:15 p.m.

Join the

High School Guys Open Gym

The Quad

United Methodist Women Rooted for Junior High Disciple III

Lott Hall Wesley E225

Mothers of Young Children

Asbury Hall

Women’s Cancer Support Group Veritas for Senior High

S209 Wesley

Monday Morning Bible Study High School Guys Open Gym

E225 The Quad

KEYS Council

E225

Prayer Quilt Ministry Rooted for Junior High Disciple III

S201 Wesley E225

Mothers’ Share Group Brown Bag Bridge

E221 Asbury Hall

Mothers of Young Children

Asbury Hall

All men are invited to come for breakfast and fellowship. This is a great way to get to know other men at St. Peter’s.

Pizza With the Pastors

Asbury Hall

No reservations needed.

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

Men’s Breakfast Group Meeting at the Whataburger 23540 Westheimer Pkwy. Thursdays at 8 a.m.