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St. Peter’s

CONNECTION VOL. 3, No. 17 March 15, 2013

Connecting the World with God’s Love

THIS ISSUE: Bringing water and the love of Christ Holy Week and Easter Schedule

to the people of Honduras

Plan to worship with us at one of our seven Easter Sunday services or Holy Week services.

Freedom Walk This is the 11th year Student Ministries has walked to raise money to free slaves in Sudan and to equip them for their new lives.

St. Peter’s recently sent a mission team to Honduras to work with Living Water International to drill a well to give the people of one of the villages access to clean drinking water. The team also taught the school children about Jesus and gave them lessons on hygiene. (See Pastor Scott’s column on page 2.)

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

Church Conference to approve building plans

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e will hold a Church Conference Tuesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary for the purpose of approving the final building plans for our Magnify & Multiply expansion. We also will need to approve the sale of the parsonage. Please plan to attend this important meeting.

Seder meal March 29

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lease join us for a Passover Seder meal on Good Friday, March 29, at 7 p.m. in Lott Hall. This traditional Jewish meal, which is similar to the one Jesus would have participated in, will include the symbolic foods associated with this meal plus lamb or tilapia, rice, potatoes, a vegetable and baklava. A child’s meal also will be available. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children, with proceeds benefiting Student Ministries. Seating is limited, so please register at www.stpkaty. org by clicking on Register for Events. The deadline to register is March 25.

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Sharing the love of Christ with words

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ello, everyone! I know that at this time of year things start to get really busy. We are finishing up Spring Break, Holy Week and Easter are just a couple of weeks away, and then before you know it summer has started. So I hope this newsletter finds you at a moment when you can pause for a second in the midst of your busyness and just relax. God knows you probably need it. I hope you had a chance to see the Honduras video we showed in all services last week. This was my first time to go to Honduras, and it has to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. And it wasn’t just the scenery that was beautiful; every person we met on that weeklong trip was beautiful as well. I know my heart will forever contain Scott Rawlings, Associate Pastor a piece of that wonderful place. One of the most memorable parts of the trip, as 10 other members from St. Peter’s partnered up with Living Water International, was watching how the hygiene team worked. The last two trips we took with Living Water, we were in Guatemala and the hygiene team was all over the place and I did not spend a lot of time with them. Since the hygiene team is composed of only women (they are the ones who go into homes and teach the moms in certain villages about how to wash hands and all things hygiene), I was never allowed to go with them and see what they actually did. But since our instruction this time was at a school where both boys and girls attended, I was allowed to tag along. What I knew, but never experienced, was how hard these women worked! From 8:00 in the morning till about 3:00 in the afternoon, they were constantly teaching kids, from kindergarten to high school students, all about hygiene. On Wednesday of our trip, I had the privilege of watching five of our St. Peter’s women share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all these kids. They used colors to share various concepts about Christ. Afterward, each kid was given a bracelet that had colored beads on it to remind them of what Jesus Christ did for them. It was a very special day for me, as several of the kids were so proud of wearing those bracelets, knowing that was the first time they ever truly heard about Christ! What I am so proud of, and what made the trip so special, was that some of the women on our team shared the Gospel for the first time! So often we do mission work and we think that because we go and do something that people will assume we are Christians. We may build roofs or help the elderly continued on page 4

from Executive Director Randy Rush

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he excitement continues to build for our Church Conference on Tuesday, March 19, along with the groundbreaking ceremonies scheduled for Sunday, April 14. We will all be pleased to view the final drawings for our Magnify & Multiply campaign expansion and to see construction begin. As a reminder, the Church Conference will focus on two issues: the approval for the sale of our parsonage and the final review/approval for our construction projects. According to the United Methodist Book of Discipline, these are the only two items that can be acted upon during the Church Conference. In anticipation of extremely large attendance at Easter Sunday worship services, we would strongly encourage our “St. Peter’s regulars” to consider parking at the Taylor High School lot if you possibly can. Don’t forget the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Wednesday, March 27, in Lott Hall. There will be no Wednesday Night Dinner that evening. I would like to personally thank not only our congregation but also our staff for the remarkable job everyone has done to help St. Peter’s weather the difficult past few months. With the complete support of our wonderful church family, we have been able not only to survive but to prosper during this period. It is indeed a tribute to the heart and soul of St. Peter’s. As always, I welcome your comments/suggestions/etc. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to make your St. Peter’s experience better.

Randy

Wednesday Night Dinner benefiting Boy Scout Troop 209 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., Lott Hall March 20 Chicken Alfredo, ziti pasta, garden salad, garlic bread and home-baked desserts Kid’s meal: chicken fingers, green beans and a cookie Adults: $6 with reservation, $8 for walk-ins; kids: $3 Reservations should be made by Sunday at midnight at www.stpkaty.org or at the Information Desk.

Holy Thursday service to include Rutter ‘Requiem’

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ur Holy Thursday worship service will feature the Chancel Choir and Orchestra presenting John Rutter’s “Requiem.” This work is a contemporary musical setting of an adaptation of the Roman Catholic Requiem Mass. It consists of seven movements utilizing a choir with orchestral accompaniment. Portions of the piece are based on Psalm 23 and 130. Rutter’s “Requiem” is written in Latin and English and speaks of hope and the promise of everlasting life. For this reason, it is one of the most popular requiems in the world. Please join us March 28 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary for this very special worship service.

Rev. Gail Ford Smith preaching March 24

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ev. Gail Ford Smith, a former pastor here at St. Peter’s, will be preaching in the traditional worship services on Palm Sunday, March 24. She is currently serving in the Texas Annual Conference as director of the Center for Clergy Excellence.

No Wednesday Night Dinner March 27

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The Way of the Cross Prayer Stations

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uring Holy Week, you will have an opportunity to spend time in prayer during The Way of the Cross in the Sanctuary. You are invited to move through 14 stations that provide you with a variety of ways to pray. The Way of the Cross is from 9 to 11 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, March 29. For information, contact Kim Meyers at [email protected] or (281) 492-8031.

Sharing continued from page 2 or go somewhere where we work, but we never share Jesus with them at all. And we justify it by using the often-quoted phrase: “We should share Christ with as many people as possible ... and if necessary use words.” But that phrase is not biblical at all. Paul says in Romans that if we never share Christ with people (meaning using words!), then how are they ever going to hear the Gospel? So often we call something a mission project because we are from a church and we did a good deed. But Jesus was never mentioned, and so when we leave, people just think we are nice people doing good deeds. But what I love about Living Water is that we not only do good deeds (build a water well and teach about hygiene), but we actually share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone. So when we leave, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that our Lord and Savior is Jesus Christ. And for those five women who went on this trip, they know firsthand how absolutely wonderful and rewarding it is to be able to share the love of Christ with people with their words! I am so proud of every one who has ever gone on a Living Water trip, and I cannot wait to see how God will move in the lives of 10 more people at our church on our next trip. I love all of you! And I cannot wait to see you on Sunday. God bless,

Pastor Scott

Easter Sunrise Service

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oin us Easter morning at 6:30 for a special sunrise service to celebrate our risen Lord. Music will be provided by the element band and members of the Youth and Chancel choirs. We will be in the area between the new small parking lot and the Wesley Building. There will be a few chairs, but you are welcome to bring your own or blankets to sit on.

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Good Friday Service of Shadows

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n Good Friday, March 29, at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary we will hold our Service of Shadows in which we remember the day Christ was crucified. The service includes Scripture readings and music. The Sanctuary is gradually darkened and then the congregation departs in silence. This service will be followed by The Way of the Cross Prayer Stations at 9 p.m.

ST. PETER’S ATTENDANCE March 3 Traditional Worship 8:30 9:45 11:00 the element 9:45 11:00 SPLASH TOTAL

238 292 470 128 122 93 1,343

March 10 Traditional Worship 8:30 9:45 11:00 the element 9:45 11:00 SPLASH TOTAL

137 149 357 75 128 68 914

In Our Prayers

PRAYERS Bree Burke, Jerry Dewitz, Corkey Dial, Brian Jones, Don Kennedy, Futaba Kioka, Betty Marsh, Mary McIntosh, Bill Pierce, Cheryl Swift, and Blake Wunder.

March 25-27 Student Ministries Holy Days of Prayer, 6:30 a.m., Lobby March 27 Easter Egg Hunt, 6 p.m., Lott Hall March 28 Holy Thursday John Rutter’s “Requiem,” 7 p.m., Sanctuary Way of the Cross Prayer Stations, 9-11 p.m. on Thursday and 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, Sanctuary March 29 Good Friday Service of Shadows, 7 p.m., Sanctuary Seder Meal, 7 p.m., Lott Hall (tickets required) March 31 Easter Sunday Sunrise Service, 6:30 a.m., Shillington entrance Traditional Worship; 8, 9:30, and 11 a.m.; Sanctuary the element Contemporary Worship, 9:30 and 11 a.m., Lott Hall SPLASH Children’s Worship, 11 a.m., Asbury Hall Nursery provided for ages 4 and younger. Sunday School classes will not meet on Easter Sunday.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians

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hink of a major port city with a large population, a thriving commercial base, a center for theater and prominent architecture. It’s not Houston, however, but ancient Ephesus. The Apostle Paul’s letter to the church he established there emphasizes God’s eternal purpose, grace and high goals for the church. Join Chi Rho adult Sunday School class as we explore how these words are as relevant for us today as they were to the Ephesians 2,000 years ago. This study begins April 7 on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in S212. For information, contact Sheryl Ray at [email protected] or (281) 646-8586.

Job Search Assistance

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he Job Search Assistance program, which meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Library, provides help to those who are looking for employment or a job change. For information or if you have knowledge of open jobs, please contact John Caudill at (281) 597-0097 or [email protected].

SYMPATHY To Hal Butt and family on the death of his mother. To Phyllis Mooney and family on the death of her brother. To Jeff Smith and family on the death of his mother. 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, Scott Chumbley, Daniel Clarke, Skyler Cook, Thomas Cotten, Patrick Couch, Joel de Sola, Parker Allen Dial, 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, David Gutierrez, George Harrison, Steven Heath, Jeff Hiser, Matthew C. Houghton, Matthew Ivester, Scott Lewis, Mike Linn, Ryan Lueders, Austin McCall, Jason McFadzen, Jake McMath, Mick McNaughton, Adam Miller, Joel Muhlnickel, Robert Near, Blake Nunes, Ryan O’Quinn, Neal Osburn, Austin Paynter/149th Division, Casey Pontious, Sherri Pontious, Hamilton Rencurrel, Taylor Richardson, Jack Ritchie, Don Rolleg, Jason Salter, Brandon Schumacher, Daniel Sewastynowicz, John Simmons, Morgan Smyth, Texas Military Forces, Shannon Thorthan, Bill Underwood, Kevin Van Winkle, Bert Walker, Tom Walsh, Matthew Weible, Michael Wendt, Max Weyermann, Leonard Will, Jasen Wilson, Jason Woods and Marine Co. 1157.

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Easter Egg Hunt March 27

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lease join us in Lott Hall and the courtyard for our Easter celebration on March 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. Festivities include cookie decorating, Rabbit Food, face painting, balloon art, movies, light refreshments, an Easter Egg hunt and a resurrection egg craft for each family. There will also be a photographer on hand with live bunnies, and each family will receive one free picture. Invite a friend and bring a basket!

Monthly Mission Activities March Mission Focus. Our March Mission Focus is Christ Clinic in Katy, which provides healthcare services to people who don’t have insurance or government assistance. We are asking for donations of medicines and supplies this month. Needed items are Zyrtec; Clotrimazole cream; $10 pharmacy gift cards; copy paper; manila file folders (1/3 cut with three tab positions); heavy duty paper plates; paper plates (9-inch not necessary); 5- or 6-inch paper plates; small paper cups; Scotch tape; napkins; plastic forks and spoons; black or red pens; and spiral notebooks. All items should be unopened in the original packaging and brought to the bins in the Lobby. You can get complete information by visiting the Missions page at stpkaty.org.

Support Groups The ADHD Support Group will meet March 17. Lisa Gieseler, a Certified Professional Organizer, will present “Organization for You!” Ms. Gieseler and her son both struggle with ADHD, and she frequently works with ADHD clients. Please join us at 6:30 p.m. in S201. For more information, contact Laura Peddicord at (281) 392-6064.

The Alzheimer’s Support Group will meet March 18 at 1:30 p.m. in S209 for a time of caring and sharing. For more information, contact Beverly Deerhake at (281) 856-6217.

The Open Hearts Support Group for families and friends of gays and les-

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ake plans to attend one of our children’s summer programs. Vacation Bible School is June 10-14, Cooking with Kids is June 24-28, Sunny Days is July 8-12 and 15-19, and Family VBS is July 28-30. Registration is online at stpkaty.org. Registration dates are April 1-5 for VBS volunteers, April 8-12 for church members and April 15-19 for the community. Please visit stpkaty.org for complete information.

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bians will meet March 21 at 7 p.m. in E225. We offer a safe and affirming setting for those who desire understanding and support as they seek to come to terms with a loved one’s homosexuality. For more information, please contact Elaine Saunders at (281) 492-8031 or [email protected].

Volunteer with VBS this summer

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lease consider volunteering at our Vacation Bible School “Kingdom Rock” June 10-14 from 9 t0 12:30 p.m. Contact Sarah Loving at VBSvolunteers@ consolidated.net (preferred) or (281) 574-2670 if you would like to volunteer or if you have questions.

Mothers’ Share Group

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oin Mothers’ Share Group March 21 at 9:30 a.m. in E221 when we will work on a service project and meet Sylvia Lanz with Araya Chocolates and Queen Bee Marshmallows. Register for free child care at www.stpkaty.org/ mothers-share-group.

Daily Bible Reading

Holy Days of Prayer. Students in 6th-12th grades are invited to join us March 25, 26 and 27 at 6:30 a.m. in the Lobby for breakfast and prayer. If you need a ride to school, you must call (281) 492-8031, ext. 319, or e-mail [email protected]. Student Ministries Summer Camps. U.M. ARMY Mission Camp; June 23-29; students currently in 9th-12th grades, college students, adults; cost: $215; deadline: April 4. Student Life; July 22-26; students currently in 6th-12th grades; cost: $350; deadline: April 29. Camp Connect; July 8-12; students currently in 6th-8th grades; cost: $75; deadline: May 17. Scholarships are available. A deposit of $75 is required to hold your spot. These camps fill quickly, so register soon! Adult volunteers are needed. Register at STPstudentministries.org. Call (281) 492-8031, ext. 319, or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Freedom Walk benefits Sudanese slaves

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he 11th annual Freedom Walk is April 7 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Pastor Heidi McGinness from Christian Solidarity International will join us again for the walk and will be preaching in the traditional services that morning. Each year students from St. Peter’s host this walk that raises money to help end slavery in Sudan. Pastor Heidi travels to the Sudan each year to help redeem those currently in captivity. She will be telling some incredible stories of transformation as well as explaining the continued efforts by CSI to end slavery in Sudan. This year we are pleased to announce that Simon Deng also will be joining us for the walk. He is a former child slave and modern-day abolitionist. Simon will be speaking at 9:45 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. following the walk. We know that you will be blessed and challenged by Pastor Heidi and Simon’s stories. We invite you to partner with St. Peter’s students to take a stand against slavery. It costs approximately $50 to free one slave and another $50 for a Sack of Hope, which contains items to help them begin a new life. This year Student Ministries has set a goal to raise $10,000. To donate, stop by the table in the Lobby this Sunday or call (281) 492-8031, ext. 319. For more information on Christian Solidarity International please go to csi-usa.org.

Mar. 18-24 MONDAY Zeph. 1:14-18 TUESDAY Joel 3:14-17 WEDNESDAY 2 Cor. 4:7-15 THURSDAY Isa. 50:4-9a FRIDAY Ps. 31:9-16 SATURDAY Phil. 2:5-11 SUNDAY John 12:1-8 Mar. 25-31 MONDAY John 12:1-11 TUESDAY John 12:20-36 WEDNESDAY John 13:21-32 THURSDAY John 13:1-17, 31b-35 FRIDAY John 18:1-19:42 SATURDAY Matt. 27:57-66 SUNDAY John 20:1-18

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Sunday 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

11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship the element Contemporary Worship SPLASH Children’s Worship Sunday School for Adults

St. Peter’s Events Calendar Sunday, March 17 4:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 18 1:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21 9:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 22 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 24 Palm Sunday Tuesday, March 26 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 27 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 28 9:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Friday, March 29 7:00 p.m.

Women’s Cancer Support Group ADHD Support Group

S209 S201

Alzheimer’s Support Group Trustees

S209 Conference Room

Church Conference

Sanctuary

Wednesday Night Dinner Wednesday Nights at St. Peter’s

Lott Hall Various

Mothers’ Share Group Finance Committee Open Hearts Support Group

E221 Conference Room E225

Friday Night Friends

Asbury Hall

Women of Joy Church Council

S203 E106

The Gathering Easter Egg Hunt

Asbury Hall Lott Hall

Mothers’ Share Group Holy Thursday Service The Way of the Cross Prayer Stations

E221 Sanctuary Sanctuary

Service of Shadows Seder Meal

Sanctuary Lott Hall

Detailed weekly calendars of St. Peter’s events are available at the Information Desk in the Lobby and on the St. Peter’s website.

Effective Parenting in a Defective World

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aising children is a tough challenge in today’s world. Peers and pop culture exert a never-ending pressure on kids. “Effective Parenting in a Defective World” is nineweek study that begins March 20 at 6:30 p.m. in S201. It will lead parents to a new understanding of how God’s principles for raising children still work today. The author, Chip Ingram, shares from personal experience as a father who coped with teenage rebellion and other challenges. Packed with practical advice, this series will give struggling parents a vision for their children’s future and life-changing help for today! Register at stpkaty. org under Register for Events.