Weekly News
A NOTE FROM PASTOR DAVID
The Power of Struggle

As a young seminarian I had the privilege of visiting a number of times with an elderly couple in our congregation. They had moved from London to North Carolina to be near family. Early on I found out that they had lived in London during the Blitz of the summer of 1940 when Hitler bombed civilian populations and targets frequently. I was entranced by their stories of everyday risk, courage and sacrifice. I admired their almost stoic perspective and stiff upper lips. I was encouraged by the role which both faith and community played in their survival and growth in those times. Fascinated by the Blitz, I have since visited Churchill's Bunker and even paid for a tourist attraction in London which allows you to experience a simulation of riding out an air raid in the subway tunnel.

So, I was not surprised to hear Rabbi Jonathan Sacks in a recent interview talk about how Britain came through the war as a better and stronger people. He noted that they had moved from "I" closer to "we" and that many social reforms including national health care emerged after the war. The people grew in their compassion for everyone in the community. Sacks noted that in our current pandemic, called by many a "war," nations like the UK and USA may come through the struggle stronger and more compassionate.

Surely, our church has struggled and made sacrifices as well during this crisis. They may not compare with the casualties and bombed out buildings of the Blitz or the casualties and severe strain on health care providers and other essential businesses in our country today. Nonetheless, our sacrifices, ranging from missed connections with church family to deferred celebrations and sacraments, as well as scaled back worship, are real. They, too, have the potential to make us stronger, more focused, and more compassionate in the long run.

May it be so, Lord!

~David
SHREDDING EVENT CANCELLED FOR TOMORROW

The Shredding event scheduled for tomorrow, April 18th, has been cancelled. At this time there is no new shredding date scheduled, but we plan on having the event in the future. When we are able to get back on the shedding company's calendar, we will let you know the new date in a weekly email blast, newsletter and in the Sunday bulletin announcements.

Thank you for your patience.

Prayers that all of you stay safe!
SUNDAY SERVICES ONLINE

Join us from home on Sunday, April 19, 2020
"No More Fear"
Matthew 28:1-10


8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Service
Pastor David McNitzky, preaching


9:30 a.m. Children's Time
Kim Carroll


11:00 a.m. Praise Worship Service
Pastor Jason Esparza, preaching


Many thanks to those who work tirelessly on all of these live-streaming events:
Mark Hixon, Kim Carroll, Thad Noland, Such As These, Russell & Kristine Ehrlich, Chansin & Jason Esparza, David McNitzky and Kendall Carroll
ONLINE CLASSES/GROUPS/DISCUSSIONS/MATERIALS
Kim's At-Home Sunday School Lesson for Children
Download the At-Home Sunday School Lesson here:   
  
   https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j_LjHYCwWPZyFwv191Bk8aqd241JAH6wAgNAyFFizf0/edit?usp=sharing

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David's Exodus Sunday School Class
Sundays 9:45 - 10:15 a.m. 
Or, login with
Meeting ID: 513 661 475,  Password: 054834

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Youth Chat
Sundays 10:00  - 10:45 a.m.

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Gateway Class
Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
Or, login with:
Meeting ID: 886 0954 2118, Password: 578706 

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Seeker's Class
Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
Dive into Colossians with us! We're studying this letter of encouragement to one of the early churches NOT started by Paul or Peter. Mixed adult ages, married and single - have your bible with you if you can. Feel free to comment, ask questions, or just listen - welcome! 
Meeting ID: 133 051 453

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Kim Carroll's ADULT Sunday School Class
Sundays at 10:00 a.m. - 10:40 a.m., beginning April 19
This new class will look at current events through a biblical context.  Kim will send out brief pre-reading material to those who RSVP in advance, but feel free to join us even if you haven't RSVP'ed! RSVP to Kim@ManchacaUMC.org
Meeting ID: 299 428 197

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  David's Parables of Jesus Tuesday Class
Tuesdays 9:30 a.m.
Or, login with:
Meeting ID: 601 349 309,  Password: 010816

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NEW Women's Bible Study on ZOOM
Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus
A Study of Jesus in the Wilderness
10:00-11:15 am on Wednesday mornings
6 Weeks, Begins April 22
You've heard the phrase, "Let go and let God," but it's easier said than done, especially when you're determined to change something that is out of your control. Is it possible that giving up on what you can't change is God's path to peace for your life? This six-week study especially for women explores Jesus in the wilderness and gives six practical principals that will equip you to let God lead you to victory and peace, despite your unchanging and challenging circumstances. Learn how to surrender like Jesus and experience God's power and peace in your life as never before.

Participants will be sent a video link and suggested scriptures to read before we meet on Zoom. Sign up here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044aadad2fa13-surrendered

Optional: For the full study, you can  purchase the participant workbook here , but Kim will provide the material that we'll be discussing in each session prior to each class. (Currently on sale for $10!)

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Zoom Time with Ms. Kim
For Kids up to 5th grade
Friday at 4 p.m.
This week: Bingo Science!
MARBRIDGE NEEDS
Are you looking for a way to help our neighbors? Marbridge has reached out to us and asked for our help!  They are starting a food pantry for their staffers, as this pandemic has made a lot of the staff have to stretch their dollars further than before. 

While you are out shopping, please consider picking up a few extra nonperishable items for the Marbridge staff (canned goods, cereals, chips, rice, pasta, water, etc.). There will be a no-contact drop off bin located  outside   the Marbridge welcome center Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 5:00 pm.  Thank you for your help!
NOURISHMENT AT NOON
Don't forget Nourishment at Noon  on our  Facebook Page each weekday. 
Treat yourself to a LIVE mid-day spiritual lift!
Monday-David | Tuesday-Mark | Wednesday-David | Thursday-Kim | Friday-The Esparza Family
ONLINE PRAYER REQUESTS
Did you know that we have an online prayer card that you can fill out? Similar to the blue prayer cards you find in our in-person worship services, you may fill out and submit Online Prayer Request Cards  at manchacaumc.org. 

Look for the online prayer  request card link on the home  page of our  website.
2020 MUMC SCHOLARSHIPS
The MUMC Scholarship Committee announces the 2020 Chris Brown & Don Banker College Scholarships. If you are a graduating high school senior or current college student entering or enrolling in an accredited college or vocational school for the fall semester of 2020, you are eligible to apply. 

Request an application through the online request form on our website Submit the online request, and an application will be emailed to you.

Application Deadline: 
Postmarked by no later than May 15, 2020 or delivered by 5 PM on May 15, 2020 , to the MUMC Office. Mail application and/or transcripts to:
Manchaca United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 460
Manchaca, TX 78652
ONLINE HELP
There are a number of groups and classes now meeting on Zoom. Zoom is a conferencing software that you can use from your computer, phone or tablet. If you have a computer without a camera or microphone, you can still attend the meeting, but will only hear the conversation. You can, however, communicate via onscreen chat. For a short instructional video on Zoom,  visit:   https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting-

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If you considering online giving to MUMC, we have an easy way to go about it through our church website. Go to  https://www.manchacaumc.org/give/ , and scroll down until you see a box that says "Access Online Giving." Click on that box and it will take you to the giving form. Make an account by clicking on the tab at the top of the form that says "Sign In." Follow the instructions on the form to start the giving process. Please ensure when mailing a check to us that you use our P.O. Box number and not our physical address. Our mailing address for ALL mail is:

Manchaca United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 460
Manchaca, TX 78652

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HELP IS A PHONE CALL AWAY

Call 210-900-2334 if you are having trouble connecting to any of these online services. We will do our best to help you get connected!
If you'd like to join our email list: