Weekly news & updates 7/31/20
Sunday Worship ONLINE ONLY - 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. on our Facebook Page
Notable Notes
A Note from Pastor David

Geographical Solutions

We recently returned from a week in the mountains of Colorado. I noticed a few things. First of all, I prefer cooler weather to the summer heat. I wore clothes that I probably will not wear again until November here! Secondly, there are seemingly as many Texans as there are Coloradans in the mountains right now. I suspect that both the cabin fever brought on by COVID and the hot Texas weather combine to create that effect. Thirdly, Colorado seems more committed to mask wearing and social distancing than Texas has been in my experience. Face masks were universally worn. However, my final observation was the most helpful for me. Perhaps it may help you as well. I observed that I was much calmer and more relaxed in the mountains.

I am tempted to explain this improved attitude to being in the mountains, but that would be what is known as a “geographic solution.” A geographic solution is an attempt to solve our issues by moving in some way- like changing jobs, neighborhoods, or even churches to alleviate our pain or run from our problems. No, I had to look deeper to find the real reason for this healthier outlook. Two things jumped out at me immediately. First, because of our schedule and activities, I never took in the national news on television. Because of the poor reception in the mountains, I also had little opportunity to engage in social media. Less became more; less media exposure resulted in more peace. Also, because dear friends were with us there, I spent more time in conversation, including celebration and laughter. More became less; more community resulted in less stress and worry.

Essentially the world kept spinning while I was away but I did not have to worry about whether it was spinning. I just enjoyed the world’s gifts of beauty and community in the moment. I am back now with appointments to keep and tasks to accomplish and things to catch up on; but I am hoping to practice the habits of less media and more conversation to more fully embrace God’s peace and wonder in the days ahead.

~David
Food Pantry Reopens Tomorrow!
August 1st, 9-11 a.m. West side parking lot

Our drive-through food distribution for the community will begin tomorrow, and will continue every Saturday, 9-11 a.m. A special thank you to Signs West on Wirth Road and Angie Merriman, Margaret Bowen’s neighbor, for donating directional signs!
Drop off your food donations on Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m., in the wooden container located at the east side main entrance to the church. A handy list of needed items is taped to the glass at the entrance. Please feel free to take one. You may also view the list on our website . Checks and HEB gift cards are always welcome - mail to: Manchaca UMC, PO Box 460, Manchaca, TX 78652 . Be sure to designate "Food Pantry" on the memo line of your check.
This is a great way for all of us to be involved in our church’s outreach to the community!
August Altar Rail Offering

August's altar rail offerings support *Project Transformation (Rio Texas Conference #2037). Read about Project Transformation .
Thank you for your gifts!

Thank you all for your continued offerings! Reminder - our mailing address is: Manchaca UMC, PO Box 460, Manchaca, TX 78652.
Students ... Parents ... Interested Adults...
Apply for the Youth Ministry Council

Do you have ideas or skills that could help serve the youth ministry at our church? We are looking for teens and adults who have a love for Jesus, a care for students, and a passion for fun!
Apply to be a part of the Youth Ministry Council for 2020-2021 and help guide the direction of our youth ministry!  Please apply by August 12th by clicking on the green button!
MUMC Virtual Paint Night Friday, Aug.14 - 6:30 p.m.

Try your hand at painting with watercolors at our virtual paint night. Follow easy step by step instructions (via Zoom) to create your own masterpiece! We'll be completing paintings designed by Let's Make Art ( letsmakeart.com).
In order to participate, you'll need:
Watercolor paper (recommend Canson XL) * Watercolors and paintbrush * Water!
Please vote for your favorite painting project using this link from survey monkey:
Latest E-News: https://conta.cc/3hPTFDF
  • Compassion Camp Session 5
  • Virtual VBS Drive-Thru Celebration
  • Session 4 Mission Challenge
Latest E-News: https://conta.cc/312SdH8
Online Gatherings
Sunday Worship - join us from home on Facebook (church campus closed)
Sunday, August 2, 2020
9th Sunday after Pentecost
Communion Sunday
Micah 4:1-7
"Return to Eden”
8:30 a.m.
Traditional Worship Service
Pastor David McNitzky
9:30 a.m.
Children's Time
Kim Carroll
11:00 a.m.
Praise Worship Service
Pastor David McNitzky
Sunday Classes/Events
David's Exodus Sunday School will resume on August 9 with Exodus 22:5

Seeker's Class is not meeting this Sunday so that they can attend the Communion Service
Join us next Sunday as we start a study on Ephesians . All are welcome! 
Links to our previous study materials may be found on our website .

Kim Carroll's Adult Sunday School Class is not meeting this Sunday so that they can attend the Communion Service
Contact: Kim@ManchacaUMC.org .

GriefShare, 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
Recommended workbooks are $15 (scholarships available). Join any time! Register at: https://www.griefshare.org/groups/119635 and the meeting & video links will be sent to you.
Weekday Classes/Events
Nourishment at Noon, Monday - Friday, 12:00 p.m.
Join us on the Manchaca UMC Facebook Page every weekday at noon to give yourself a midday spiritual lift. On Mondays and Wednesdays, you'll hear from Pastor David. On Tuesdays, Mark will bring you a musical message. On Thursday, get some helpful prayer tips from Kim. Fridays will be some or all of the Esparza Family!

David's  Colossians  Class, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., beginning August 4
Or login with: Meeting ID: 601 349 309, Password: 010816

Seussical Funday School for Children, Tuesday Mornings (last summer class)
10:30 am - Younger Class (PreK-2nd grade)   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83559250913   
11:15 am - Older Class (3rd-5th grade)     https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83930137037
Seuss Story: Yertle the Turtle
Theme: Who is the Greatest
Bible Verse: Mark 10:42-45
For Fun: Pictionary

Study of the Book of Jonah, Thursdays, 10:00 a.m., beginning August 6
Most people have heard the story of Jonah, but what most remember is the big fish. In this study, we will talk about the historical context of the Book of Jonah we will wrestle with what is meant by "God's sovereignty," as well as look at what Jesus meant when he told people that the only sign they will get is the sign of Jonah. The class will be on Thursday mornings beginning August 6 for 4 classes from 10-11:30 am. All you need for this class is a Bible! Led by Julia Walker. Click here to register: https://www.manchacaumc.org/event/1849418-2020-08-06-jonah-bible-study/. Meeting link: