connection

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St. Peter’s

CONNECTION VOL. 4, No. 4 September 13, 2013

Connecting the World with God’s Love

THIS ISSUE: Creating a new space for students In the Beginning

The Chi Rho adult Sunday School class invites you to join them in a study of

the first book of the Bible: Genesis.

Mothers of Young Children Explore God’s plan for us as parents, meet with experienced mentor moms and enjoy some time of fellowship this year. The steel framing is going up on our new Wesley Student Center expansion. This part of the expansion will be a worship and activity space that includes a stage with screens, a sound booth and a half court for basketball. The space will open up onto a patio area on the side of the building facing Kingsland. When this building is finished, work will begin on the existing student center, which will be remodeled with a new assembly space, offices and a snack area.

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

Stephen Ministry

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tephen Ministry is connecting the world with God’s love by walking with those going through difficult times. Stephen Ministers are church members with gifts for caregiving who were carefully selected to serve in this role. They receive 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual confidential one-to-one Christian care. They serve as a caring Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages. Stephen Ministers meet with their care receivers for about an hour each week. If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister or you or someone you know could benefit from the support of a Stephen Minister, please contact Kim Meyers at (281) 4928301 or Mary Knowlton at (281) 597-0865.

Construction Updates

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lease visit our Construction Update page at stpkaty.org for photos and information to keep you up to date on the progress of our expansion project. Click on News and Events and then Construction Update.

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Conforming to the image of Christ Dear Friends, Recently I was reading some material in which the author was discussing the subject of becoming like Christ. He used an illustration of a person trying to lose weight. In order to do so, she went to an exercise and diet clinic. The first thing the trainer did was draw a silhouette on a mirror in the shape she wished to become. As she stood before the mirror, she bulged out over the silhouette. The instructor told her, “Our goal is for you to fit this shape.” For many weeks the woman dieted and exercised. Each week she would stand in front of the mirror, but her volume, while decreasing, still overflowed. And so she exercised harder and dieted more rigidly. Finally one day, to everyone’s delight, as she stood in front of the mirror she was conformed to the image of the Dr. Pat Sparks, Senior Pastor silhouette. It takes time and hard work to conform to the image of Christ. Christian discipleship requires discipline. We must commit ourselves to becoming like Christ in order to re-present Christ to others. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Grace and Peace,

Pat

Genesis: The Book of Beginnings

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oin the Chi Rho adult Sunday School class as we begin a study of Genesis. Many of the familiar Bible stories are found in this book: Creation, Cain and Abel, The Flood, The Tower of Babel, and Sodom and Gomorrah as well as the stories of the Hebrew patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. If you have wondered “Where did I come from?” or “Why am I here?” you can find those answers in Genesis. The new school year has begun, so this is a great time to recommit to gathering for a small group study. Chi Rho is a multi-generational class with a facilitated discussion of questions based upon a passage of scripture. We meet Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in S212. Contact Sheryl Ray at [email protected] or (281) 646-8586 for more information.

Are you hurting? Click below to learn how people have received help from Stephen Ministries. To connect with a Stephen Minister at St. Peter’s, contact Kim Meyers at [email protected] or (281) 492-8031.

Stephen Ministry

Help with Communion

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ood news everywhere! This past week we were finally given permission from our contractor to repair and rebuild all of our irrigation lines that were affected by the construction. If you have walked around the campus lately, you have probably realized that most of the lines were affected! Now that everything is working properly, we will let the water do its job and then evaluate where we are. Starting in October, once the weather has cooled off, we will begin our switch-out process with the plants to get everything looking great again for the fall. Construction continues to move forward. The SPLASH building is progressing nicely on the inside, with all of the interior walls going up and all of the mechanical systems being installed. On the outside, in the next couple of weeks you will see the doors and windows go in along with the masonry shell. As you are reading this, the steel should be up at the Wesley expansion. By next week the exterior walls will be started and finished about a week later. The foundation has been poured for the music expansion, and the steel will go up about a week after Wesley. Work also has started on the chancel and in the Sanctuary. This week the chancel will be expanded and a temporary wall will be put up so that the window to the right of the chancel can be removed. We will have one Sunday with the chancel being a work in progress, but by the following Sunday everything will look great! As always if you need absolutely anything from me, don’t hesitate to ask.

Chris Scott

Building Operations Manager

e need volunteers to help set up and then remove the Communion elements from the altar in the traditional services on the first Sunday of the month and every Sunday at the 8:30 a.m. traditional service. If you would like to help in this way, please contact Mark Liles at [email protected].

Alzheimer’s Support Group

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e will meet Sept. 16 at 1:30 p.m. in S209 for a time of caring and sharing. For more information, contact Beverly Deerhake at (281) 8566217.

Grief Support Group

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he small group, which offers support to anyone grieving a loss, meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in S203. If you would like to participate, please contact Kim Meyers at [email protected] or (281) 492-8031.

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Overwhelmed by God

Wednesday Night Dinner

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his study, focused on Exodus 32-34, will look at Moses’ interaction with God and how he experienced God’s presence, absence and power. We will meet for eight weeks beginning Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Register at stpkaty.org.

5:00 – 6:30 p.m., Lott Hall Sept. 18 White barbecue chicken, squash casserole, broccoli salad and blueberry crunch Kid’s meal: chicken nuggets, carrots and ranch dressing, and dessert Sept. 25 Chicken enchiladas, rice, black beans and sopapilla cheesecake Kid’s meal: chicken nuggets, carrots and ranch dressing, and dessert Healthy option of shrimp on green salad available by reservation. Adults/Kids: $6/$3 with reservation, $8/$4 for walk-ins Make reservation by Sunday at midnight at www.stpkaty.org or by 12:15 p.m. Sunday at Information Desk.

The Purpose Driven Life

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his study helps us answer the questions “Why am I here?” and “What is my purpose?” Real meaning and significance come from understanding and fulfilling God’s purposes for putting us on earth. This eight-week study will help Christians understand God’s incredible plan for their lives. It will meet on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 18. Register at stpkaty.org.

Park at Taylor

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f you are able, we ask that you park in the Taylor High School parking lot on Sunday mornings to free up spaces for our guests, those with mobility issues and parents of small children. Thank you for your help!

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Meeting with Bishop Huie

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ou will have an opportunity to meet with Bishop Janice Riggle Huie as she discusses the vision of our conference. The discussion will focus on “Growing Vibrant Congregations,” and will include examples of congregations that are answering God’s call to live out our Methodist faith in creative ways. Our district meeting is Monday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church at 4600 FM 359 in Richmond.

Open Hearts Support Group meets Sept. 26

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lease note that we are meeting on a different day this month. This support group for families and friends of gays and lesbians will meet Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in E225. We offer a safe and affirming setting for those who desire understanding, education and support. We will return to our regular meeting date of the third Thursday of the month in October. For more information, please contact Elaine Saunders at (281) 944-4924 or [email protected].

Volunteer subs needed in the church office

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e need substitutes to fill in for our regular volunteers in the church office. Shifts are three and a half hours in the morning or afternoon. Duties include answering the phone and greeting visitors. We will train you. This is a great way to meet the church staff! If you are interested, please call Marcia Churns at (281) 578-6654.

Mothers’ Share Group to feature cooking class

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ome join Mothers’ Share Group for a cooking class Sept. 19 in E221 at 9:30

a.m. We will be led by Michelle Brecker. A nursery is provided. Get out of the house and enjoy fellowship with other moms.

In Our Prayers

PRAYERS Ray Britt, John Duffield, Dorene Eidson, Brian Jones, Don Kennedy, Betty Marsh, Bill Pierce, Gwen Stuart, Joyce Tomlinson and Mary Zavesky.

Please contact Melody at [email protected] for more information or to make nursery reservations.

Mothers of Young Children combines Bible study, mentoring and social activities

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e are 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 to parents. Our curriculum will consist of a Mom-to-Mom Bible study every other week and missions, socials and play dates on the off weeks. We meet every Friday in E221/E222 from 9-11:30 a.m. 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 Tamaron Hunt at [email protected].

Online giving procedures have changed

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e have changed our online payment processing company. This change requires that everyone who has registered for online giving re-register their credit card or checking account information at mystpkaty.org. If you have set up a recurring gift, you must re-enter your information for your gift to be processed. If you have any questions or any difficulty accessing your online giving information, contact Julia Means at (281) 492-8031, ext. 307, or [email protected].

ST. PETER’S ATTENDANCE September 1 Traditional Worship 8:30 190 9:45 220 11:00 427 the element 9:45 97 11:00 177 SPLASH 94 TOTAL 1,205

September 8 Traditional Worship 8:30 207 9:45 255 11:00 527 the element 9:45 145 11:00 144 SPLASH 106 TOTAL 1,384

PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY Johnathon Baker, Tim and Alison Batig, Jared Behne, John Belsha, Amanda Berg, Colin Binion, Patrick Boutall, Will Brandt, Ben Brice, Eric Brookover, Martin Busch, Randy Butcher, Sean Cain, Devin Camp, Darron Chamblee, 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, 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, Shawn Platz, 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, and Marine Co. 1157.

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Bagging Beans. On Sept. 18, we will be bagging beans to sell at the Picka-dilly Craft Fair. Join us from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in E106. We also will have a salad luncheon together as we work together and get to know each other. All proceeds from the sale of beans will go to UMW missions.

Job Search Assistance

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he Job Search Assistance program, which helps those who are looking for employment or job change, meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in S205. John Caudill will present information on search tactics, networking, resumes and interviewing, which will address both general and individual specific job searches. Come join this wonderful small group where more than 30 people have already found new jobs! Register at stpkaty.org. For information or if you have knowledge of open jobs (full or part-time), please contact John Caudill at (281) 600-8138 or [email protected].

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Dr. Pat Sparks donates his life-saving blood following Sunday worship services. Thanks to everyone who donated blood at the Aug. 25 blood drive at St. Peter’s. We had 111 donors who gave 128 units or blood products. Of those, 16 were first-time donors! Marsha Asplin, who coordinates the blood drives, encourages all of these first-time donors to sign up again for the next drive on Sunday, Oct. 27. Look for sign-up opportunities beginning two weeks before the drive. If you would like more information about donating blood, please contact Marsha at (281) 492-0472 or [email protected].

Seventy-five third-grade students received the gift of a Bible this year. These third-graders will journey through their Bibles Sunday mornings at Route 66, where they will explore the what, why, how, and when of the Bible. They will be challenged through scripture memorization, videos, games, activities, computer, art, and more.

Daily Bible Reading The PUMPKINS arrive Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 5:30 p.m.! Come out to the front lawn of the church to help unload a semi-truck load of pumpkins! The Pumpkin Patch will be open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, noon-7 p.m., beginning Oct. 3 and ending Oct. 30 (if we don’t sell out first!). Pumpkin Patch Volunteers needed! We will soon need to fill those Pumpkin Patch Shifts. It takes a congregation to work this amazing month-long event. You can sign up for two-hour shifts (Monday through Saturday, 9-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 1-3 p.m., 3-5 p.m., 5-7 p.m., or Sundays, noon-2 p.m., 2-4 p.m., 4-6 p.m., 6-7 p.m.) by contacting the Student Ministries office at (281) 944-4929 or [email protected].

Weekly Events Veritas. This is a high school worship experience including music, $3 dinner, speakers, small groups, special events and M.A.S.H (Mastering a Servant’s Heart) monthly mission activities. This fall we will be studying Colossians, “Through Him for Him.” Veritas meets Sundays from 5-7 p.m. in Lott Hall and the Wesley Student Center unless otherwise noted. Girls’ Bible Study. All high school girls are invited to join us for snacks, treats and Jesus. From September through October, we will study “The Gospel Revolution” by J.D. Greear and Jason Gaston. Books are $12 and can be purchased at the study. We meet Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Wesley Student Center. Guys’ Bible Study. We have great food, Frisbee, basketball, softball and more. Over the next few months, we will be studying “Manhood Restored” by Eric Mason. All high school guys are invited to meet us Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at the basketball goal in the east parking lot.

Sept. 16 – 22 MONDAY Ephesians 2 TUESDAY Romans 6:1-14 WEDNESDAY Romans 3:21-31 THURSDAY Matthew 18:21-35 FRIDAY Ecclesiastes 9:13-18 SATURDAY 1 Kings 3:3-28 SUNDAY James 3:13-18 Sept. 23 – 29 MONDAY Ephesians 3:1-20 TUESDAY 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 WEDNESDAY 1 Corinthians 4:1-13 THURSDAY Matthew 20:1-16 FRIDAY 1 Kings 17 SATURDAY Luke 12:1-21 SUNDAY Luke 12:22-32

Rooted Junior High Ministry. Join us for fun, friendships, games, worship and small group studies. Bring $3 for pizza. Currently, we are studying the Book of James in a series called “This Changes Everything.” We meet Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. in the Wesley Student Center. All students are encouraged to bring their friends to all our weekly events. For more information, please contact: Jason Trice, Director of Student Ministries: [email protected] or (281) 944-4932 Jeremy Galasso, Assistant Director: [email protected] or (281) 944-4930 Heather Harmison, Girls’ Ministry Coordinator/Administrative Assistant: [email protected] or (281) 944-4929

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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, Sept. 15 4:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 1:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 9:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 7:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 7:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 9:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

Women’s Cancer Support Group Financial Peace University

S209 Asbury

Alzheimer’s Support Group Trustees

S209 Conference Room

Jesus in the Gospels Missions Committee

E225 E106

Wednesday Night Dinner Wednesday Nights at St. Peter’s

Lott Hall Various

Finance Committee

Conference Room

Mothers of Young Children

E221

Church Council

E106

The Gathering UMW Mission Study, part 2 Wednesday Night Dinner Wednesday Nights at St. Peter’s

Asbury Hall E106 Lott Hall Various

Open Hearts Support Group

E225

Mothers of Young Children Friday Night Friends

E221 Asbury 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.

Get connected this fall at St. Peter’s

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e have activities for everyone beginning in September. Go to stpkaty.org for information on Wednesday Night Dinners, KIDS JAM and We4 for children, Rooted for junior high, Bible studies and Veritas for high school, and a variety of daytime and nighttime small groups and Bible studies for adults. There are groups for moms and for those needing assistance with a job search. There are music opportunities, including Chancel Choir, Youth Choir, Men’s Ensemble, Grace Notes Women’s Ensemble, and Orchestra. We also have many care and support groups. Make time this fall to connect with your St. Peter’s family!