What's Happening at SUMC

Books Every Christian Should Read
Pastor Jim leads this course with monthly meetings. To sign up, contact Pastor Jim, 281-360-4500.

Resolve to Simplify Your Life in 2012
We will begin a new session of Marcia Ramsland’s “Simplify Your Life” in 2012. “Get Organized and Stay That Way in 2012!” Join us beginning Wednesday, February 1, 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in Room 151 This is a seven-week session hosted by Katie Marvin. (We will not meet the week of Spring Break.) Cost for materials is $10. Childcare is available. E-mail Mary Lallier.

Submit Grant Requests Now
The Seasons of the Heart craft group will soon distribute monies raised during their annual craft bazaar. If your church group would like to request funding for a “wish list” ministry item (something that is not budgeted), you may submit a request in writing to Seasons of the Heart. Describe the item needed and the amount of money you are requesting. (The Seasons of the Heart mailbox is located in the work room between the coffee area and the library.) Requests will be evaluated in February. For more information, contact Kay Burleson or Sandy Telljohann.

Habitat House 2012
Construction has begun on our Habitat house at 1134 Cedar Creek Drive in partnership with Woodridge Baptist Church.Volunteers are needed on site and behind the scenes (construction workers, construction helpers, painters, hospitality, communications, childcare). There are learning and helping opportunities for children too! If you would like to lend a hand during this five-month project, send your name, telephone number, and e-mail address to Howard Deterding .

Crosswalk Class
Sundays February 5, 12, 19, 26 at 9:45 a.m. in the Pastor’s Study. The Strawbridge UMC Crosswalk Class is for all newcomers (new members and inquiring guests). The Crosswalk series is a four-step process designed to highlight the core mission and purposes of the Strawbridge Family of Faith as we journey together. Come, get to know Pastor Jim and have your questions answered about the Christian faith, Methodism, and Strawbridge. Everyone is welcome!  Please join us. Contact Pastor Jim.

Calling all Girl and Boy Scouts
There will be a meeting Tuesday, February 7 at 7 p.m. in the library for all interested scouts and scouting families to plan their participation in Scout Sunday which is February 12. Contact Kevin Larson.

XYZ (Extra Years of Zest) Trip to Brookwood Community, February 15, 8 a.m.—3 p.m.
The Brookwood Community is a God-centered educational, residential, and entrepreneurial community for adults with severe disabilities. The XYZs will visit all of the areas that make Brookwood an extraordinary place. We will watch and learn from the Brookwood residents as they work, and then we will visit Brookwood’s extensive gift shop where their hand crafted items are sold. The gift shop offerings include candles, ceramics, screen printing, garden sculpture, stone crafting, food items, and plants from the horticultural area. This trip is free. Please bring money for lunch, as we will support their ministry by eating at the Café at Brookwood.  (It’s delicious. Save room for pie or the Chocolate Eruption.) Please arrive at Strawbridge for an 8 a.m. departure. If you missed this trip two years ago, don’t miss it again. Sign up at the church office, 281-360-4500 or e-mail Trish King.

XYZ (Extra Years of Zest) Dinner
On February 18 the 55+ folks will gather at 4:30 p.m. at Iguano Joe’s (18913 Lake Houston Parkway in Atascocita). Please don’t forget to RSVP by either calling the church office, 281-360-4500 or e-mailing Trish.  We want to make sure that everyone has a seat at the table!

Breaking Bread Dinner Groups
We are excited to announce that SUMC’s Breaking Bread Dinner Groups will kick off Sunday, February 26 with a pot-luck lunch after church in the Great Hall. Please e-mail Sheela Allen and let her know what you’d like to bring. Meat will be provided.

New Directions Class
The New Directions Sunday school class is studying and discussing Letters from a Skeptic by Dr. Gregory A. Boyd and Edward K. Boyd. The book chronicles a series of letters between a Christian minister (Greg) and his father (Edward) who was highly skeptical of religion. The letters address many issues that non-Christians raise about faith in Jesus Christ. Join us in room 207 Sundays at 9:45 a.m. Contact Jim Telljohann.

Stephen Ministry
Our Stephen ministers will be commissioned on Sunday, February 26 during worship services.This commissioning comes after extensive training to become equipped as our congregation's one-to-one caregiving ministers. Our Stephen ministers will begin their caring ministry immediately, carrying out this ministry in close conjunction with our pastors. For more information, you may contact Pastor Beth Chenault at the church, 281-360-4500 or  contact Stephen Ministry leaders Bev Puckett or Ellen Cosio.

Did you know?
That once a month Strawbridge provides a worship service for the residents of The Terrace assisted living in Kingwood? Hymns, prayers, and a brief message are led by Strawbridge members, and Ms. Kitty Houser (a Strawbridge member and resident of the Terrace)plays piano. Thank you to Craig and Margie Freeman and Michael and Rebecca Pubentz (and Alexis and Charlotte) for serving in this way. Contact Trish to learn more about this ministry.

Ladies Lunch Bunch - Join Us Every Third Thursday
All women are invited! We meet for lunch at a local restaurant every third Thursday. Invite friends and neighbors. Please RSVP to the office at 281-360-4500.

Audio/Visual Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to help run audio/visual equipment during all worship services. Please contact Jeff Rose .
  
Need a Ride?
We don’t want a lack of transportation to keep anyone from attending worship or older adult events. If you need assistance, please call Trish King at 281-360-4500.