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Growing Deep Roots to Share God's Love
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In this edition, you won't want to miss these stories:
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This Sunday we officially kick off our Explore Church sermon series, designed to provide education and inspiration towards a Biblical understanding of church, community and what God calls us to be. Whether you are new to church, or a seasoned member, we can all benefit from a deeper understanding of what it means to create a place for each of us to experience God's love and serve in Christ's name.
"Church" has become a word with many meanings, and even more intentions. Pentecost is seen as the birth of the church, but what lies deeper than the birth, to help us find the true purpose of what we call "the body of Christ?" Join us this Sunday as we explore.
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Feedback on the sermon series? What new information have you learned? We'd love to hear from you.
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January 15
Explore Church
"What is the Church Supposed To Be?"
January 22
Explore Church
"Why are There So Many Churches?"
January 29
Explore Church
"What Does the Church Believe?"
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UPCOMING EVENTS
January 11 - 20
Zoe Mission Trip to India
January 12
Heart to Heart Women's Small Group Gathering, 6:00 p.m., Creekwood Worship Center
January 15
January 16
Church Office Closed in Observance of MLK Day
January 18
January 21
Creekwood Habitat Build
January 22
Lunch With the Pastors, a Gathering For Any Potential New Members, 12:30 p.m., Worship Center
Club 56, 11:30 a.m., Children's Center Tile Room
Family Promise Training for New Volunteers, 11:30 a.m., Student Center
January 26 - 28
Created By God, 5th and 6th Grade Human Sexuality Class, Creekwood Worship Center
(Class is Full.
Click here to request a spot on the waiting list.)
January 30
Church Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Creekwood Worship Center, Open to Everyone
February 5
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The Fryes serving communion.
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 How Can I Be A Part of the Church?
As we Explore Church in our new sermon series starting up, we thought it'd be appropriate to highlight some of the ways you can get involved here at Creekwood. We reached out to some people who've served in various roles to share with us their "why." (Spoiler alert: They all receive even more than they give in their activities.)
If you're lucky enough to know Ann Shoffstall, you are indeed blessed. And, you may or may not know her personal story, but it is certainly one that embodies church. In
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Ann at last year's Creekwood VBS with her frequent partner-in-crime,
Nancy Medling.
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her own words, Ann explains, "
I have always been a Methodist and have belonged to atotal of eight Methodist churches in my lifetime. I learned many years ago that when you join the church, you agree to support it with your Prayers, your Presence, your Gifts and your Service. The first opportunity to serve my church began when I was a teenager and was asked to help with young children in Vacation Bible School at Marvin Methodist Church in Tyler, TX. As an adult, I served in many different capacities as we moved from church to church."
Ann continued, "Bob and I joined Creekwood in the Fall of 2010, and one year later my whole world fell apart. I lost my mom, my husband, and a dear lifelong friend in a six-week time period. My friend and I were in a tragic accident when she died, and I had multiple injuries that required five months of nursing care before I could return home. I had a lot of time to think about everything and slowly, with lots of love, prayers and support from family and friends and the love and constant presence of God, I learned to thank Him for all my blessings--and what a blessing it was to be able to laugh again!" Not sure that any of us can fully imagine being in the situation Ann was in, and she will admit she was in a very dark place for some time, and yet she has been able to turn this story into one of growth in faith. We've also heard the other side of the story from other members, one being Judy Lark. Judy explained once that, when Ann was able to be moved to a rehabilitation facility in Allen (Ann spent 2 1/2 months in Tyler, near where the accident took place), she, Judy, would try to stop by and see Ann once a week. Judy said she couldn't stay long, but she knew the impact a visit can make. Ann agrees. And, Judy was just one of many Creekwood members who faithfully visited Ann. Ann is the first to say, but for the many Creekwood visitors, her extended time in rehab would have been a very lonely one, and she enjoys the friendships she made during this challenging time still today.
And, she continued, "Several years after returning to church I decided I wanted to find something useful I could do to be of service to Creekwood. I chose a couple of volunteer opportunities that I enjoy very much. I work in the church office two mornings a month doing whatever needs to be done to help the staff, and I am an official church "Greeter" which gives me the opportunity on Sunday mornings to welcome everyone who comes through "my door" that day. These duties allow me to be with people, share my joy, and feel so blessed that I am alive and able to serve my church once again." We've said it before, it is the staff that is truly blessed to have Ann in the office and greeting us on Sundays.
We are in need of greeters for the odd months at the 9:00 service, and we need greeters for both the odd and the even months at the 11:30 a.m. service. We are also seeking subs to serve as back ups when someone is out, on vacation, etc. Alice Oates, another extraordinary volunteer, coordinates the greeters schedule. Contact her if you are interested in greeting. Alice explained, "
All you need is a smile and a welcoming spirit."
Also in the hospitality department is our Golf Cart Ministry. Have you ridden in the
golf cart yet? Psst....it is even more fun to drive it. Seriously, it is fun for a lot of us, and especially a lot of the kiddos, but it is also often a needed mode of transportation when we have an injury, an illness or are simply not up for a hike across the parking lot. The Golf Cart Ministry runs on (no pun intended) volunteers. And, we happen to have a simple sign up to volunteer. Take a look here. Find a slot that works for you/your family, maybe before or after your normal worship service. You just have to be 25 years of age or older, and have a valid driver's license. You can contact Patti Festa with any questions. One of our most dedicated drivers is Deen Oates. Bet you've seen him out there. We asked him why he chooses to volunteer his time in this way and he explained, "For me, its that instant gratification that comes when you are able to fill a need. Anytime someone is having even a little trouble walking from their car, or one of the little ones gets excited about a ride, it makes my day to be part of it. Some of my older friends have started to look for that yellow flag."
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Some of Lay Leadership there on the left.
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Looking for a way to get involved in the decision-making, goal-setting and execution of our church? Lay leadership could be just the thing for you.
Here you can find more about the various positions within our lay leadership. Though our leadership members are in place for 2017, later this year we'll begin recruiting for 2018. Member Barrie Heres has held several roles within our lay leadership, with many of the things she had a hand in putting into place still impacting us all today. Barrie will say the rewards are so much hers, she explained, "
Having served as a lay leader for four years, I was extremely fortunate to work with a vast array of amazing Creekwood parishioners, some of whom I would not have gotten to know but for my leadership position. My horizons were broadened exponentially by engaging with so many different people from so many different walks of life. These friendships have endured and continue to be very strong. So, I encourage you, too, to get involved at CUMC, as you will be blessed more than you can ever imagine."
Another Sunday ministry made possible by volunteers is our music ministry. We all
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Tom, closest to the camera. (Told you he wasn't reading
Golf Digest.) And Patty is second row, second from the right.
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reap the benefits of the dedicated members of our Choir and our Praise Team. Choir member Patty Deal explained, "We [Tom and Patty] love to sing the Hymns and we love the challenges of learning new music. We've become close to all the choir
members and they are like a family to us. Neither of us see the choir as a commitment. It's a blessing and a joy to belong." Sound like something you'd like to be a part of? Contact our director of traditional worship, Mike Crawford, for more information.
Praise Team member Phil van Beek shared a little about why he chooses to spend
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Phil on drums.
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some time generating the beautiful worship music we all get to enjoy on Sunday mornings. He said, "
Service has always been a part of my life. It started in elementary school as an altar boy at St. Mark Catholic church in Plano, and continued through high school at Jesuit, where community/volunteer service was an integral part of the curriculum. Around the 9th grade, I began singing and playing the guitar and drums for the contemporary services at my local church and fell in love with the feeling of being able to use my gifts to glorify God. I love watching the
smiles, the tears, fingers tapping and even the dance moves as members worship each Sunday. It is an honor to be able to witness the congregation experience the music we create and see the visible change as they move deeper into their time of worship. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of that and know that your experiences reward me more than you will ever know."
Praise Team singer Kristi Edstrom shared her "why" as well. She explained, "
The Praise Team has been such a blessing to me in so many ways. I've always loved music since before I can remember. It's a huge part of how I worship, both on Sunday mornings and even throughout the week. On bad days, or during d
ifficult times, a song can totally speak to me and lift me up, and it can make the good days that much better. I hope there are people in the congregation that also go home with their favorite
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Kristi, far right, singing with the Praise Team.
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tune from church stuck in their head that day, so that the blessings and praise do not stop when they walk out the doors." She continued, "
Also, the team itself has really been like a 'small group' for me. We come together for one purpose, we talk together, we pray together, and we laugh together. Some of them are life long friends that I adore, and I am encouraged and blessed by them on a daily basis. I am so lucky that God led me to these wonderful people. 'Your praise will ever be on my lips!' ~ Bethel Music." Would you like to join Kristi and Phil in making music with the Praise Team? Contact Carly Reign to learn more.
Kristi closed with, "
No matter what it is - volunteer. Jump in with both feet. '
Whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God'
~1 Corinthians 10:31.
You will be glad you did." Are you seeking a way to serve your church? We've got a menu of opportunities available on the Service page of our website; you can find it here. Maybe your calling is serving communion. Maybe it is reading scripture, or running the media equipment. Check out some of the options, and if what you want to do isn't listed there, let us know! If nothing else, you can be a Judy Lark. Reach out. Share. Visit. Be a part of "church."
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Who Dat?
Don't you find it easier to talk with someone you don't know that well, when you at least know their name? How many times have you been talking with someone, thinking:
What is your name? I know I know it.... Did I have a trick I had made up to remember it; what was it?
How many times have you wanted to make a proper introduction, but could not recall the name of the person you were seeking to introduce? Sure, "my friend" works, as does, "Oh, Hey...." but a name is so much better, don't you agree? This is why we have name tags. Did you know you have a name tag? Maybe not, because most name tags, though designed to be put on each Sunday, stay on the board in the Gathering Area. This Sunday, plan to pick up your name tag, use it, and then stick it in your purse or your car for next Sunday. Wouldn't it be great to have a Gathering Area full of people with name tags? Let's try to make it a reality. We'll have the name tags out, readily available near the south entrance of the Gathering Area this Sunday.
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Lunch With the Pastors
We will be hosting Lunch With the Pastors Sunday, January 22, immediately following the 11:30 a.m. service. This is the perfect opportunity for someone interested in our church to share a meal and discuss Creekwood with our ministerial leadership. Recurring visitors are encouraged to attend. Members are welcome to invite a neighbor. RSVP to Pastor John at
jthornton@creekwoodumc.org. Childcare will be available.
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Source: Dr. Seuss
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Two New Small Groups
As we shared last Thursday, we have two new Sunday small group opportunities! Both are yet to be named so, being the creative geniuses we are, we're calling them the
10:15 a.m. New Small Group and the
11:30 a.m. New Small Group.
10:15 a.m. New Small Group - Starts This Sunday
This new group will begin meeting
Sunday, January 15, in the Lovejoy Elementary School gym. The group will be led by Diane and Charlie Crane. The first lesson series will be "The History of the Bible." The four-week series will cover the who, what, when, why and where of how the Bible came into existence. If you have ever wondered how a particular book was chosen to be in the Bible, this series will answer that question. As the Cranes reiterated, "The invitation to join in this group study is extended to anyone and everyone." Interested? No sign up required, simply show up Sunday.
11:30 a.m. New Small Group - Not Too Late to Join
Been there, done that? We all can learn from someone who's been through what we're facing, who's been where we're currently standing, someone who's got a battle wound or two or who simply knows the ropes. This forms the foundation for the new 11:30 a.m. group targeting couples with children. The concept behind the group is to bring in various group speakers and facilitators, many from a different generation, to cover a wide range of topics. The first two series for this new group will be "Discovering My Ministry" and then "The 5 Languages of Love." The group is co-chaired by Elizabeth Goertz and Stephanie Merrifield and meets in Worship Center Room 105. Interested? Plan to attend this Sunday.
Contact
Molly Trank with any questions regarding these new classes and watch for more offerings to come!
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Prayers
Our Zoe missionary team just arrived in India this afternoon! They are hours from meeting some of our Zoe children. Please keep the group in your prayers. Watch the
Creekwood Facebook page for real-time updates on their mission over the next week.
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The team gathered for a picture at the airport yesterday.
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Habitat for Humanity
Well, first off, let us apologize. We had our recipient family wrong last week. It is the
Carter family we'll be building for; the Perkins family is working
through some logistics ahead of the commencement of their new home build.
Click
here to learn about the Carters.
As we shared last week, we have two Creekwood builds scheduled for this quarter:
Saturday, January 21
and Saturday, February 11. We would love to have you join us.
There is required training for first time volunteers, but what is great is that this training can now even be completed very simply online! Click here for the training. The steps you'll take are also outlined here.
Additionally, if you'd rather have face-to-face training, plan to go to the Habitat office (2060 Couch Drive, McKinney) on January 21 at 7:30 a.m., just before the actual build to knock it out.
Click here to sign up for the build. We currently have 13 of our needed 20 volunteers for the build on the 21st of this month. We have 4 of the 20 we need for February 11. Contact Christina Shepherd with any questions.
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Family Promise
Training for First-Time Volunteers January 22
As you may know, Creekwood will next be hosting Family Promise families in our Student Center
February 26 - March 5. Click here to sign up to help us show these families "church" in its truest sense.
First-time volunteers are asked to attend a brief training. Our next training will be next Sunday, January 22, at 11:30 in the Creekwood Student Center. "What is Family Promise?" you ask? Click here to learn more about this empowering program. Another unique way to get involved at Creekwood!
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Teach With Us
With growth comes the need for more resources, and that is no less the case within our Children's Ministry. Due to expansions in adult ministry small group activity at the 11:30 worship hour, we are adding another Explorer Sunday School offering during this hour. The offerings of this class will be in addition to the Explorer curriculum we offer at the earlier services.
For the next 6 weeks the children will be learning about "The Fruits of the Spirit." (Do note that this new offering will not eliminate Children's Choir. MPKids will still be the only 11:30 offering on the 1st Sunday of each month.)
To make this happen, we need a teacher, or a few teachers, to serve during the 11:30 worship hour on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays of the month. We can rotate teachers; this does not have to be an every-week commitment. We ask you to consider serving Creekwood in this capacity. All curriculum will be provided for teachers. Email Wendy McConney to let her know of your interest to teach.
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VBS JUNE 5-9
Save The Date
for Vacation Bible School!
At "Maker Fun Factory" kids will discover that God made them--and he made them for a purpose! Kids will participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, make and devour yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind Bible adventures, and test out "Sciency-Fun" Gizmos they'll also be able to take home and play with all summer long.
Kids will learn to look for evidence of God all around them through something called "God Sightings." Each day will conclude with the "Funshop Finale" that gets everyone living what they've learned. We will also have a mission for the week where the children will learn the importance of serving others. Registration will open in March. VBS is designed for children 3 years of age (by June 1) up to those who've completed 5th Grade.
Co-Chair Needed. Come Have Fun With Us.
We're currently recruiting someone to work with our VBS co-chair, Melissa Potts, who has stepped up to serve as our
registration and volunteer director. The second co-chair will handle
crew leader recruitment and vacation Bible school operations. Here's what the job entails:
- Order VBS t-shirts
- Work with Wendy McConney to get Coordinators for each rotation; music, games, snacks, etc...
- Work with Wendy to get adult and youth crew leaders
- Organize crew bags
- Work with Wendy and co-chair Melissa Potts to organize rotation schedules
- Work with Wendy and co-chair Melissa to allocate space and overall layout
- Obtain supply lists from each coordinator to share with Wendy
- Communicate with coordinators, distribute manuals, circle back with coordinators to ensure they are ready to go
- Assist with volunteer training (to be held two Sundays after 11:30 service)
- Be present the week of VBS to answer questions and solve problems
- Work with Wendy to decide on a mission project for the week
You certainly don't have to have a child attending VBS to be one of our co-chairs. This is a great way to serve and "be the church" to others. VBS brings in many visitors from throughout our community. Please
email Wendy McConney if you are interested in learning more about this volunteer position.
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Have an infant through 4th grader and not currently receiving our weekly Children's Ministries' newsletter, Explorers' Times? Please
email us to be added to our distribution list.
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Sunday school
is held each Sunday from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. 5th - 6th graders will meet in the
tile room of the Children's Center.
7th - 8th graders meet in the garage of the Student Center and 9th -12th graders meet in the Student Center.
The Rise
is held in the Student Center on Sundays, from 5 - 7 p.m. All 7th through 12th graders (and beyond) are welcome to these evenings of worship, fellowship and fun. Meals are provided; a $5 donation is encouraged.
If you are looking to help our awesome Student Ministry by providing a meal, or part of a meal, for The Rise, click here to pick a date and sign up. We promise you'll have fun feeding and visiting with our students.
Club 56, designed for our 5th and 6th graders, meets once a month for fellowship and
 mission. Here's what's coming up.
- On January 22, Club 56 will meet at the Allen Natatorium at 1:00 to swim and goof-off. Families are welcome.
- On February 19, Mike McKee's Bishop's Rally will be held at Lover's Lane in Dallas from 2-5 p.m. The Club 56 group will meet at Creekwood at 1:15 to carpool.
Please RSVP to
Donna Bartholomew if your child will be attending either of these events. Chaperones needed. Join us! These are also great activities to invite a friend to Creekwood!
Junior High Small Group
will start back up on Wednesday, January 18. The meeting has been moved to a new time: 7 - 8:00 p.m.
Watch for more info to come on a
Sr. High Small Group to be held at the Edwards house on Wednesday nights. More to come.
Middle School Bible Study is held Wednesday evenings, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Bring your Bibles (and dinner, if you'd like) and join us for fellowship and study. Contact
Donna Bartholomew for more information.
Let's stay in touch.
Students and parents wanting to stay up to date with current activities, events and services, please text @elevatecu to 81010.
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Have a 7th - 12th grader and not currently receiving our weekly Youth Ministries' newsletter? Please
email us to be added to our distribution list.
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See what is happening on our Creekwood social sites.
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