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Growing Deep Roots to Share God's Love
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News and Notes
February 16, 2017
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This Sunday, as we continue our Laws of Love sermon series with “Love Your Neighbor,” we’ll consider who actually IS our neighbor. “Do-gooders” be ready. As we review the Parable of the Good Samaritan, we’re going to be expanding beyond our average sphere of love.
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Laws of Love
"Love Your Neighbor"
February 26
Laws of Love
"Love Yourself"
March 5
Launch of Lenten Sermon Series
Where Two or More Are Gathered...
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In this Edition, You Won't Want to Miss These Stories!
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Mission Fair & Fundraiser Starts Sunday
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The Habitat Build Was a Success
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February 19 & 26
Creekwood Missions Fair and Fundraiser, All Services
February 21
Creekwood MOMtourage, 6:30 p.m., Worship Center
February 26 - March 5
March 1
Ash Wednesday Service, 6:30 p.m.
March 5
Celebration Class Presents "Then Sings My Soul" a Singalong for All, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Lovejoy Cafeteria
March 12
Launch of 5-week Lenten Study "He Chose the Nails," Presented by Celebration Class, Open to All, 10:15 Sundays
March 19
VBS Registration Opens
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Did Ya Know?
Did you know
that we have a monthly program specially designed for 5th and 6th graders?
Club 56
was created to foster close relationships among 5
th
and 6
th
graders. Understanding the middle school years often aren't the easiest, Club 56 serves as a safe place to grow emotionally and spiritually with strong community. Sometimes the meetings are mission-oriented, sometimes they're simply for fun fellowship. If you have a middle schooler, you'll want to give Club 56 a try.
Did you know
that we just expanded our Explorer's Sunday School programming to the 11:30 a.m. worship hour? We now have structured, scriptural education for kindergartners through 4th graders at this time; programming that is diverse from what we have at the other two worship hours. This offering is enabling the growth of additional, new small groups, supporting our vision goals of scriptural education and faith-based fellowship. We really also need incremental Middle School programming at the 11:30 hour because the need is here now, but teachers are needed to implement.
Did you know
we need volunteers to support the programs we're putting in place to support our growth? We're at something of a crossroads, as we've got demand for new programs, but we're lacking in volunteers to support said programs. We need your help. We need teachers. We're not talking "go big, or go home." We're talking stepping in a Sunday or two a month to truly put our vision in to action. Do you, for example, attend the 10:15 a.m. worship service? Why not stay one more hour a couple of times a month? Pray about this call for help we're making and then contact Wendy McConney or Donna Bartholomew to begin discussions on what will work best for your given situation.
The branches of our tree are blooming, we are growing. Help us continue the momentum as we grow deep roots to share God's love.
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2017 Mission Fair and Fundraiser
We've got some fabulous things planned for this Sunday! We're going back to the 50's for our missions fair and fundraiser.
Throw back to the 50’s and join us on Sunday, February 19, as we kick off our Fabulous 50’s Fair & Fundraiser. We’ll have cool videos and hip testimonies from ACO (Allen Community Outreach), Habitat for Humanity, Creekwood Student Ministry, Zoe, Family Promise and Plano Santas about how lives have been changed and how our community is benefiting from the generosity of Creekwood missions. You’ll also have the opportunity to sign up and get involved in the missions that best suit your gifts, time and calling.
Our goal this year is $27,500. If each family contributes $50, we will reach our goal to support these awesome ministries. You have one stop shopping this year as the Youth missions fundraiser is included in this event. We will not have a separate youth fundraiser. Join us for this fabulous cause Sunday, February 19 and Sunday, February 26!
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Thanks Troop 358!
Hope you got a chance to have a pancake or two last Sunday compliments of the Creekwood-sponsored Boy Scout Troop 358. Their pancake breakfast has become a tradition and serves as a way they say "thank you" to us for the use of our facilities--they meet regularly in the Children's Center.
The Boy Scouts sell mulch in the spring as one of their main fundraisers for their adventure camps. Does your flowerbed need a pick-me-up? Why not get your mulch and support a great cause. These fu
ndraisers are critical to provide the funds Scouts need to purchase a camping trailer, tents, cooking supplies, etc. Funds also help scouts attend high adventure treks, such as Philmont (New Mexico). The troop has 17 scouts who will be doing the 11 day Philmont trek in June 2018. Boy scouts are a great program to teach our boys the life skills to help them become great leaders, fathers, husbands, mentors in the future.
Their pricing is competitive, but what you'll also get through the Scouts is delivered and specially placed bags of mulch right in your yard. Click here to learn more and make a purchase. In addition to mulch, you'll find some fertilizer options..
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What's Going On?
Remember that song? Marvin Gaye....? Any who, the Creekwood Church Council met January 30th. Click here to review the notes from the meeting. Highlights include an update from the Building Campaign leadership team--our first fruits offerings totaled $300,000!--and a review of the cascading S.M.A.R.T goal-setting the various areas of ministry are undertaking this year.
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If You're So Inclined ...
Well boo....no one was inclined last week?
Help get the word out about our church!
Did you know Creekwood has a presence on Google? Did you know some people find us via a Google search? And, one thing they'll likely read is the review section. Would you like to share your opinion of our church?
Click Here
to share. It takes less than two minutes (unless you have a whole lot to say).
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Volunteers Needed
The special needs ministry would like to invite you to prayerfully consider being a part of the special needs ministry. There is a place for every age and every gift set. It is an exciting time to jump in with lots of new opportunities this spring! Please contact Stephanie Hunter smacmillanhunter@gmail.com to begin the conversation.
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Calling All Drivers
The 2017 sign up for the golf cart ministry is up and running. Come join us in this unique serving opportunity. Drivers need to be 25 years of age, or older, and have a valid driver's license. Sign up
here
. Help us give someone a lift.
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Mission Ministry Statement
Creekwood UMC is passionate about building the Kingdom of God by serving families and children in need. We strive to develop long-term relationships with the people and organizations we partner with, both locally and globally. Our goal is to make a high-impact, positive experience within the area and through the lives of all involved.
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Habitat Build a Success
Thank you to the Identification Sunday School class and to all who helped with our Habitat build last Saturday. We had a great day of painting trim to go in the Carter home. We also built cabinets that will go in several other of the Habitat for Humanity homes. Renita and her daughter were so happy that we were there and were super excited talking about their March move in date! We had an awesome lunch from the ladies and gents on Black Diamond in Heritage Ranch! It was a beautiful day of fellowship and service! Watch for an announcement soon regarding our next build date.
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Communion Offering
Thanks to the generosity you showed with our communion offering last Sunday, we were able to purchase supplies for ACO's Care & Share Pantry. Pictured here are some great little servants who went to Sam's Club and learned what buying in bulk to spread dollars is all about! Thank you Ardyn Lessner and Finley Wilbur for showing us what it looks like to serve those in our community!
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Empty Bowls
Do your grocery shopping Tuesday, February 21, at Whole Foods Market in Fairview to help raise money for Empty Bowls McKinney, a local effort for our community. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Whole Foods will donate five percent of their sales to help Empty Bowls raise money to fight hunger here in Collin County. You can also watch skilled artists create bowls throughout the day, and even try your hand at using a pottery wheel!
Started in 2012, Empty Bowls McKinney is an annual event that brings together artists, restaurants and community volunteers to benefit Community Lifeline Center, a non-profit that assists people in short-term crisis in North Collin County. At the event, local restaurants serve unique soups and desserts. When the event is over, everyone takes home a handmade bowl – empty, to remind us of the needs of our community.
Empty Bowls McKinney will take place Thursday, April 27, 2017. If you have any questions about the event, volunteers will be at Whole Foods to talk with you. You can also visit emptybowlsmckinney.com to purchase tickets.
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Next Hosting End Of February
Creekwood will next host Family Promise families in our Student Center
February 26 - March 5. Click here to sign up to help us show these families some Creekwood hospitality and love. There are a number of ways to serve individually or as a family or small group. Thanks to all your generosity, we only have a few more volunteer needs, including sheet washing after the stay, dinner hosting and participating in providing food for dinners.
"What is Family Promise?" you ask?
Click here
to learn more about this empowering program. Contact Creekwood lead Sarah Brown with any questions.
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Small Group Highlight
Today we're highlighting another of our 10:15 a.m. Sunday school classes, the newly-formed Cornerstone class. The group is composed of couples and single adults ranging in age from the 40s to the 70s. On any given Sunday, attendance is around 25-30 adults. Diane and Charlie Crane lead.
The group just completed
a series entitled "The History of the Bible". The next series begins this Sunday and is "Books That Have Made History and Changed Lives" which will be guest-led by Carey Pharr. Following this, Charlie Crane will lead a series based on the teachings of renowned pastor Max Lucado entitled "Grace". It is a serious study of how God's grace affects our lives.
Charlie Crane shared, "
This particular class would be beneficial to anyone seeking to learn more about the people, places and things that appear in the Bible and the lessons we learn from the events surrounding them. In other words, we try to determine what God's message is to us through the exploration of His Word."
Class member Virgie Botts said, "The most recent study, the History of the Bible, was so interesting and educational. I appreciate the fact that questions are encouraged and that the leader, Charlie Crane, is such a knowledgeable and
fun
teacher.
I always leave with a bit of information that I didn’t have when I walked in.
Does this sound like a class you'd be interested in trying out? They'd love to have you visit. Contact Director of Adult Ministries, Molly Trank at
mtrank@creekwoodumc.org
. Or, i
f you're looking for a different type of class, Molly would love to visit with you, too!
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5-Week Lenten Study
You are invited to join the Celebration Sunday school class for a 5-week Lenten study which will begin on March 12 and run through the Sunday before Easter. The study is "He Chose the Nails," by Max Lucado, which includes DVDs and group discussions. A great way to dig deep ahead of Easter. No registration needed, simply show up. Celebration meets at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday, in the Lovejoy Elementary cafeteria.
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Then Sings My Soul
Mark your calendars! The Celebration Sunday School Class will have a "Grandma Hymn" Sing Along March 5, from 10:30 to 11:30am in the Lovejoy Elementary cafeteria. Come sing the old favorite hymns with us. (The ones your grandma loved.) All are invited.
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Stephen Ministry
Are you, or someone you know, struggling? Stephen Ministry brings lay people into ministry by equipping them to provide one-to-one Christian care to people in congregations and communities who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. Stephen Ministers undergo 50 hours of training where they learn to provide high-quality care to individuals experiencing a crises or challenge such as divorce, grief, loss of a job, hospitalization, relocation, or loneliness. Stephen Ministry is for each of us. Our prayer is that you reach out in your time of need. Contact Associate Pastor John Thornton or Pastor David Lessner.
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Grief Support
The Collin County branch of VNA/Hospice (Visiting Nurses Association of Texas) offers a number of grief support events open to adults who are grieving the loss of a close loved one. The events are offered at no charge in the McKinney area. Click here to learn more. Upcoming includes:
6-Week Grief Support Group
Sharing the Journey: Coping With Grief
Thursdays, 6:30 – 8 pm April 6 – May 18 (skip April 27)
VNA McKinney Office – Virginia - between Ridge and Lake Forest
RSVP by April 3
Questions, or to RSVP, contact Susan Bryan, LPC at bryans@vnatexas.org
or by phone at (214) 733-5543.
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VBS JUNE 5-9, 2017
Save The Date
for Vacation Bible School!
Adult volunteers are needed. If you are interested in volunteering or serving as a coordinator, contact Wendy McConney.
Registration is scheduled to open March 19. Spaces are limited.
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Join Our Children's eNewsletter Distribution List
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.
Student Ministries
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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.
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Club 56
, designed for our 5th and 6th graders, meets once a month for fellowship and mission. Here's what's coming up.
- 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.
- On March 26, we will be making treats to send to the SPCA. Meet in the Student Center across the pond from the Worship Center at 12:45-3.
Please RSVP to
Donna Bartholomew
if your child will be attending this event. This is a great activity to invite a friend to Creekwood!
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Junior High Small Group meets on Wednesdays, 7 - 8:00 p.m. Contact Donna Bartholomew for more information.
Sr. High Small Group meets at the Edwards house on Wednesday nights from 7 - 8:30. Contact Jared Phares 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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