Weekly news & updates 10/23/20
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We desperately need pumpkin patch helpers this weekend!
2 HOUR SHIFTS:
4~8 PM Sa & Su
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THIS SUNDAY: Join us around the bell tower for an in-person outdoor traditional 8:30 AM service, or watch us live on Facebook at 8:30 & 11:00 AM.
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Sunday, October 25, 2020
Reformation Sunday
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Chansin Esparza
2 Corinthians 9:10-15
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Gratitude Sermon Series:
Generosity & Gratitude to God
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8:30 AM
Traditional Worship
Outside or Online
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9:30 AM
Children's Time
Kim Carroll
Online Only
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11:00 AM
Contemporary
Worship
Online Only
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Gratitude Lessons
Lesson 1: Gratitude is good for you
Albert Schweitzer was a great man. He was a theologian, musician, physician, humanitarian and writer as well as a Nobel Prize winner. He once said, “The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live. He has penetrated the whole mystery of life: giving thanks for everything.” Another brilliant theologian, the apostle Paul, in I Thessalonians 5:18, would amend Schweitzer’s “for” all things to “in” all things (certainly we don’t give thanks for abuse, injustice or hurricanes). Nevertheless, they both see the same truth that gratitude is good for us. A recent book called Grateful by Diana Butler Bass summarizes the benefits of gratitude: “if we are grateful we are happier and more content.” She cites the work of gratitude researcher Robert Emmons, whose research in working with transplant recipients found that “gratitude drives out toxic emotions of resentment, anger, envy, and may be associated with long term emotional and physical health.” Another study found that gratitude resulted in a lower rate of heart disease. Still other research discovered a correlation between gratitude and lower levels of anxiety and depression, decreased panic attacks and phobias and a reduced risk of alcoholism and substance abuse (Bass, p.29). Further benefits have been discovered: including increased self esteem, enhanced will power, stronger relationships, deeper spirituality, boosted creativity, and improved athletic and academic performance. “It has a unique ability to heal, energize and change lives (p.29).” In addition a 2015 survey found that 8 in 10 Americans report feelings of deep gratitude once a week.
However, a look at the news, social media, our community and a look inside ourselves, does not seem to reflect the positive results of gratitude in large measure. Bass notes that we have a disparity between our private thanks and our public attitudes towards others.
Perhaps the problem does not rest with the gratitude research but rather with our understanding and practice of gratitude on a deeper level. So for the next four weeks I will be sharing some of what I have learned about gratitude through the years with the hope that I can take my own advice and live the abundant life that seems to come with gratitude. Perhaps you will find it helpful and “healthful” as well.
~David
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Homecoming Team Update
Our task force - when initially assembled in the spring - did not expect to still be meeting so many months later. Many of us thought we would be back in the building by now with Covid precaution protocols in place.
But here we are. Amongst us, we represent a diverse set of opinions and levels of risk-tolerance. Our team has decided that - based on this week’s rise in hospitalizations and cases, we should monitor the data a little while longer before opening up the building for worship indoors.
Thankfully, we have a wonderful outdoor worship opportunity each Sunday at 8:30am as well as online contemporary worship at 11am each week. We are hopeful that the weather will continue to be pleasant for several more weeks.
The Homecoming team will meet again in three weeks to determine our course of action, dependent on Covid cases in the area. We feel a tremendous responsibility to show care to both the bodies and spirits of our worshipping community. Thank you for being a church that seeks to - as Paul urges in Romans 12 - “love one another with mutual affection and outdo one another in showing honor.”
In Christ,
Chansin
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Dear Parents, Guardians, Grandparents,
What a year so far! We want to be sure and send care packages to show our love and support for college students, especially during this unique year of challenges. A box of goodies will be sent November 28-29th to arrive around finals. Please let us know where your college student will be during that time. I know many will be back home, although not everyone. If you have a student that you know would appreciate a care package, I need your name, students name & students address (where will they be living Nov. 29th-Dec). This is just a way that we remind our children that they are loved by their church family. Please email this information to Melodee Konde: konde@swbell.net. We are also seeking food or small school supply donations which may be dropped off at MUMC on Sunday mornings before or after the 8:30 service until 10:45 in the Family Life Center. We typically send out 20 boxes. Some suggested items (pre-packaged): Granola bars, Post It Notes, gum, Cracker packets, Highlighters, Microwave popcorn, Jerky, Trail Mix, Cookies, Protein bars, Candy, Trail mix. Thanks, Melodee Konde & Dawnita Nix
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Loss of a Spouse
Sunday, Nov. 1
1:30 PM
This free 2 hour class on zoom is for those who are grieving the loss of their spouse. Please register on the GriefShare website in order to receive a link to the online meeting.
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Candy Donations Appreciated!
Donations of full-size candy bars and bags of Halloween candy are needed for prizes and goodie bags for the drive-in movie on 10/30. Donations can be given to Kim at the 8:30 outdoor worship or dropped off in the Blessings Box by the West entrance. If you leave candy in the blessing box, please call or text Kim (512-431-6159) so I can get it as soon as possible. Thanks!
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Community Outreach Event
Friday, Oct. 30
Begins at 6:30 PM
Come around 6:30 to park and enter the costume contest. We'll be showing two classic TV Halloween specials starting at 7:15: "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and, "Scooby-Doo and the Headless Horseman." Around 8:00 pm we'll show the Costume Contest slide show and hand out prizes. Those who wish can stay for a bonus showing of "Scooby-Doo: Scared a Lot at Camelot." Goodie bags are available for all. Come and join us and be sure to invite friends and neighbors!
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Free Leaf Raking!
Nov. 14
The Youth Group wants to do something to serve you, church family! We would like to rake your leaves, just in time to prepare your yard before Thanksgiving! Find out more. Here is the link to SIGN UP!
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Food Pantry
Sat., 9-11 AM, West parking lot
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Avoiding Caregiving Burnout During COVID-19 - Free online seminar
Fri., Nov. 13, 1-2:30 PM
AGE of Central Texas is partnering with the City of Buda Senior Task Force on Aging to host the free virtual caregiver support seminar exploring “Avoiding Caregiving Burnout During COVID-19.” Participants can register by calling (512) 600-9275, or online here.
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* At Home Faith Formation tools
*Caring Kids Holiday Bag Assembly
*At Home Mission Project
*Drive-thru Live Nativity in Dec.
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*Sun. outdoor meeting
*Drive In movie night
*Fire Pit & Game night 11/15
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Beginning Nov. 8
David's SS-Luke Study
Sun 9:45AM
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Beginning Nov. 8
Incarnation: Adam Hamilton Study
Sun 3PM
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Boomers Exercise Group
Tues 10AM
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Coloring Cafe
1st,3rd,5th Mon 10AM
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Final Word/First Word
Mon/Thurs noon
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Beginning Nov. 10
Simply Jesus-NT Wright
Tues 9:30AM or 7PM
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United Methodist Men Wed noon
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Meaning of Jesus Two Visions-Thurs 10AM
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October Altar Rail Offering
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Thank you for your gifts!
Your gifts are appreciated! Reminder: our mailing address is: Manchaca UMC, PO Box 460, Manchaca, TX 78652.
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