February 2015 Newsletter - University United Methodist Church

Circuit Writer
February 2015
Our Journey Together
We’re staying put! But that does not mean getting back to business as usual! The
Church Council, at its January 20th meeting, strongly stated that we understand God wants to
continue in ministry here, at the corner of LaGrange and Patrick. It is equally clear there is
much work to be done as we move forward. Foremost, we need to clarify our understanding of
the ministries that God is calling us to in 2015 and beyond, and determine how best our facilities can support such ministries. While it may seem painfully slow at times, we lay plans to
move forward in the months ahead. Everyone’s prayers, best thoughts, and wise actions are
needed.
In addition to that very important decision, the council celebrated three joys as we enter the
second month of 2015 and look forward to a new day. First, we rejoiced at the generosity of
our people which enabled us to finish 2014 with a surplus of over $24,000 to be carried over
into 2015. Second, thanks to the hard work and long hours put in by Lynn Fuller and the generosity of our people, the sanctuary has a wonderful new sound system. Third, Katie Stewart, our
very special Day School Director, informed us that the school serves 94 children and has a substantial waiting list due to its well-deserved reputation for quality.
I also want to remind you of two opportunities. First, we now subscribe to RightNow Media, a
Christian Netflicks. If we have your email address, you can receive an invitation (check your
junk mail file, you may already have one) to enjoy access to a wealth of video Bible studies,
leadership training videos, Christian educational/entertainment videos, and presentations at
major Christian conferences. It is free to you (the church has paid) and can be seen on your
computer, smart phone, and TV.
Second, the Upper Room has produced an excellent Lenten study, The God We Can Know:
Exploring the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus. My sermons from February 22 through April 5 will be
based on these passages. Some adult Sunday school classes will be using the video study
along with the book. There will be a small group offered on Wednesday evening and Thursday
afternoon beginning February 18 and 19. The youth and the children will be studying this.
There is even an “elearning” option enabling persons to study online with others or by themselves. The Upper Room devotions during Lent will follow the study as well. What an opportunity to draw near to God as we prepare to celebrate the Crucifixion-Resurrection event.
It is an exciting time to be a part of the University UMC family! Don’t miss out on it!
In Christ,
Charlie
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First Friday Friends
Friday, February 6 @ 6:30 p.m.
Dan & Sally Ellender Hosting
5729 Birch
(Off Ham Reid Rd.)
Phone 562-1060 for directions.
Invite a friend so the
group can grow!
Bring a snack of your choice
to share.
Social Lights
Pujo St. Cafe'
901 Ryan St.
Monday, Feb. 16
11:30 a.m.
All ladies and gentlemen are invited.
Primetimers
(A group for anyone age 55 and older.)
February 4 @ 11:00
Safe Harbor
GriefShare on Wednesdays
GriefShare, a support group for those who
lost a loved one to death (no matter how
recent or distant the loss has been), meets
each Wednesday (except the first Wednesday of the month) at 10:00. You are invited
to join the group.
February Topics are:
Lessons of Grief (Part 1) (Feb. 11)
Lessons of Grief (Part 2) (Feb. 18)
Heaven (Feb. 25)
Come share a great meal and
great fellowship with your
friends!
John Scott will give a presentation
on his recent Grand Canyon hike.
United Methodist Women
Hosting District Study
“The Church & People with
Disabilities”
For more information, contact Marj
Saturday, February 28
In Memory
8:30 am — 2:00 pm
(Lunch Served)
Lucy Day
Michael Butler
Glenda Pelletier
Barbara Burrough
William Ovid Anderson
Safe Harbor
Millie Moore from Homer, LA, with a
background in physical therapy, will be
the guest speaker.
All Ladies are Invited!
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Bethlehem
7,000 miles
Help us “Walk to Bethlehem”! Collectively as a church in 2015, we will walk,
swim, bike or jog 7,000 miles (the distance between Lake Charles and Bethlehem).
We will have three organized walks throughout the year through different parts of our
neighborhood, beginning and ending at the church or a local park. Participants will
also keep track of miles completed on their own. Mileage can be turned in weekly on
paper or online. Any mile completed walking, swimming, biking, running or jogging
counts! Get active, invite a friend to join you, and report your miles! Any contribution, no matter how small, will help us reach our goal as a church! Forms are available in the church office, or call the church office for one to be e-mailed to you.
Stephen Ministry
A new class of Stephen Ministry will begin February 23
and continue through mid-May.
Classes will be held at 6:30 pm on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month.
There will also be two Saturday trainings.
If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact Marj Robinson in the
church office at 477-2003. You will be provided an application and a schedule of training
sessions.
UUMC Youth
Feb 12 & 19 No youth
Thursday, February 12
6:00 pm
Safe Harbor
Dinner & Meeting
March 6—8 Youth retreat: weekend
of prayer, service and worship. Weekend will end at Safe Harbor service.
Chaperones needed for youth retreat.
Please contact Amber, 930-0947, for
volunteer information.
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University United Methodist Church
3501 Patrick Street
Lake Charles, LA 70605
NON PROFIT
U.S. Postage
PAID
(337) 477-2003
(337) 478-8106 fax
www.universitymethodist.com
Lake Charles, LA
Permit #356
CHURCH STAFF
Pastor
Address Correction Requested
Rev. Charlie Langford
Congregational Care
Ministries Coordinator
Missions & Outreach
Coordinator
Brenda Romero
Youth Ministry Coordinator
Chancel Choir Director
Amber Oxley
Dr. Darryl Jones
Safe Harbor Music Leader
Organist
Marj Robinson
Jahn Saucier
Mark Henry
Business Manager
Randy Morgan
Day School Director
Katie Stewart
Staff Assistant
Glynetta Phenice
Church Sexton
Jerry Jackson
Ladies
Save the Date & Bring a Friend!
Saturday, March 14
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Grace Esteemed:
Understanding Our
True Value and Worth
Rev. Frances Hooten, Speaker
(Safe Harbor/Catered Lunch/Nursery Provided))