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WORSHIP
SERVICE INFORMATION
Woven: Faith, Family and Friends in a World Pulling Us Apart is a sermon series on Christian relationships and Agape. It will take us through some special services – Day School, Mother’s Day, Pentecost/new member Sunday. The overriding theme is Agape love as the foundation of our relationships – i.e. seeing our families, marriages and Christian friendships as ecclesia [church].
Generations Have you ever heard a young person say ‘OK, Boomer’ or an older person say under their breath, ‘Kids these days’? It’s no
secret that there is tension between the generations in America. This summer we will
celebrate one of the strengths of our church community – it is one of the rare places where
generations work together. Our messages will each come from members of our worship and faith formation teams that represent
different generations – Karen Andrew representing the Boomers, Michael Kahl from Gen X, Mallorie Sarvis as our Millennial voice, and the Gen Z duo, Amber and John Garcia. It won’t just be the messages, however, our music will feature beloved songs of each generation. It’s going to be the bee’s knees/rad/lit/fire!
SPECIAL SUNDAYS COMING UP
- May 12 Mother’s Day
- May 19 Pentecost and
- New Member Sunday
- May 26 Confirmation Sunday
- June 9 VBS Sunday
- June 16 Father’s Day
- August 4 Teacher Blessings
- August 18 Backpack Blessings
MUSIC
- Sanctuary Choir– June 5th, last Wednesday rehearsal for summer. August 21 choir rehearsals will resume.
- United and First Bells – June 11th, last Tuesday rehearsal for Summer rehearsals. August 27th handbell rehearsals will begin.
- A new combined adult-and-music-ministries trip abroad is in planning stages. See info below in the Adult Ministries information.
GROW
ADULT MINISTRIES
BEST OF ITALY – Adult Ministries and Music Tour September 22 – October 1, 2025
This Ten-day trip will include visiting Rome and the Vatican with the possibility of singing in St. Peter’s Cathedral. We will also spend two days on the historic and beautiful Island of Elba. Other highlights of the trip will include going to Pisa, visiting the Tuscany region (wine-tasting and culinary experiences) and spending time in Florence and Siena. If you are interested in going on this trip or learning more about it, there will be an informational meeting on Sunday, May 19th at 12:10 p.m. You are also welcome to contact Karen Andrews or Michael Kahl.
TO ALL EMMAUS ALUMS (from Tom Coss)
If you ever did a Walk to Emmaus, you know the program produces purposeful, intentional Christians. For many it is a life-changing experience (it was for me) and some people completing a walk end up making life changes including becoming more active in the church.
Emmaus participation by FUMCNB was once an active thing but activity has dwindled in recent years. A small group of people at the GUMC (Gruene) and a small group at our church are looking for ways to increase Emmaus alums’ interest in the program including communication, calendar of activities, and possible participation in Emmaus events including sponsorship of Pilgrims for upcoming walks.
One obstacle to increased activity is we don’t know who all the Emmaus alums are, and the folks at GUMC don’t either. The first order of business is to build a database of Emmaus alums for both churches, and then start distributing regular communication of Emmaus calendar events.
All we propose to do is to send you some information that is not now being publicized to you specifically. Nobody will call on you to do anything, nobody will bother you, etc. What you choose or do not choose to do will be strictly up to you, no pressure.
If you are an Emmaus alum, please send your contact information including your preferred way of receiving information to me. I will coordinate with the folks at GUMC and we will produce a consolidated database of Emmaus alums.
You may fill out this form, which will send Tom your information, or call the church for Tom’s contact info.
Evening Game Group Hey, 42 Players and other table game enthusiasts – a group (ranging in experience from absolute beginners to “sharks”) enjoyed playing during fellowship time at Wednesday Night Live, and they’re inviting us to learn and with them on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to about 7:00 in Room 118, beginning April 3. Other table games also will be available for those who prefer Chicken Foot, rummy, or other domino games.
GRIEFSHARE We began a new rotation of GriefShare on Wednesday afternoons, 2:00 – 4:00 starting April 24, Room 217. This 13 week faith-based support group is for any adult who is grieving the death of a spouse, family member, or friend – either recently or long ago. The weekly meetings include lots of discussion, video and exercises / readings to work on at home. It proves to be a helpful way to begin or move further along the difficult journey of grief. We will have the needed workbooks available; cost is $20 for the materials. Contact Karen Andrews for more information and/or visit griefshare.org for more details.
DAY TRIP: SAN MARCOS RIVER VISIT
All families and adults are invited to join us for a day trip to San Marcos for a visit to the Meadows. Center for Water and the Environment (the former property of Aquarena Springs.)
There are areas to explore, learning activities, and a glass bottom boat ride on the lake. We’ll have lunch together in town following our tour. We’ll depart the church parking lot at 9:00 on Saturday June 8 and return about 3:00. Cost for the trip is $20 per person over the age of 12 – for admission and to help offset the cost of van rental.
CRUISE INFORMATIONAL MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY We will be having an information meeting about our May 18-31, 2025 Alaska trip with our travel agent Kay Sanderford. You are invited to come and find out all the details if you have already signed up or if you are just thinking about it and want to know more.
We will be sending another email with a Zoom invitation about a week before the meeting for those who are not available to attend in person.
MAY 9, 2024 ALASKA INFORMATION MEETING
FUMC NEW BRAUNFELS IN ROOM 118 @ 6-7PM
Please bring all your questions, and we hope to see you there!
Find more information here: PRINCESS ALASKA Group Brochure
Also, join the Cruiser Group on the Church Center App!
Coffee Connection FUMC men gather on Tuesday mornings at 7:30 at Casa Garcia for breakfast and conversation. Hosted by Pastor Don.
Lunch Bunch We will gather at Las Palapas on State Highway 46, May 28, at 11:30 am. Contact Libby Meyer to RSVP.
FAMILY MINISTRIES
- May’s Moms Night Out will be an adventure to Loki’s Axe House for Axe throwing on May 17th at 6:30 PM. We will meet at the church first and then head to Loki’s. Childcare will be provided in Wesley hall.
- Our Moms’ Sunday School has started a new study titled “Mom Set Free.” This class is open to moms of all ages and stages and can be jumped into at any time. Come join us! We meet in room 217 during the 11 AM service on Sundays.
STUDENT MINISTRIES
- Next weekend (Saturday, May 11th), we have the opportunity to contribute to the church’s new outreach, the Habermann House on Mill Street. We will be setting the foundation for the community garden starting at 2:00 p.m. If you would like to help spread gravel, drill holes, and/or lay wall supports for the community garden on our church campus, please let me know by Tuesday, so that I can give our Wesley nurse Hanna a solid headcount of volunteers.
- For the months of May, June, July, and August, we will not have Student Ministry Sunday School and will restart it in the fall.
- If you are a student in 7th-12th grade, you are invited to join our Rise kids (4th and 5th grade) as a counselor at their Basic Training Camp in Weimar at the end of the summer (July 28-31st). If you have any questions, please contact Amber Garcia. Follow this link to sign up: https://fumcvictoria.churchcenter.com/people/forms/690512
- Sign-ups to bring meals for the spring Sundays of MYF are still open. You can sign up to volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AACAD2EA6FCC70-48120593-student
- Registration for Camp Eagle is officially open. You can find the link to sign up below.
- We still have need of one Female Chaperone for Camp Eagle, fully paid for by the Student Ministry.
- Registration for River City Work Camp is now open. You can find the link to sign up below.
- Volunteers for River City Work Camp are still needed at all positions. Link to volunteer at River City Work Camp here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AACAD2EA6FCC70-48279189-2024
- Wed, May 8th> Student Ministry Council Meeting, 6:30 in room 202.
- Sat, May 11th> Garden Volunteer Day at 2:00 p.m. at the church.
- Sun, May 12th> Mother’s Day, no Sunday School or MYF, normal Confirmation.
- Sun, May 26th> Confirmation Sunday, come celebrate our newest set of confirmands at the Sunday morning services.
- Sun.-Thu., Jun. 16-20th> River City Work Camp, register here: River City Work Camp Registration 2024 – First United Methodist Church New Braunfels (churchcenter.com).
- Mon.-Sat, Jul. 15-20th> Camp Eagle. Cost is $550. Scholarships available on request. Register here: https://register.campeagle.org/register?Id=006Rp000003VCMYIA4
- Sun, Jul. 21st> No MYF, recovery from Camp Eagle.
- Sun.-Wed, Jul. 28-31st> Rise Camp, students 7th-12th grade invited to be counselors, details above.
FIRST KIDS
1st Kids Worship (9:45)
Drop off kids with our volunteer in the sanctuary where they will participate in the first part of worship. Then, they will be taken to room 208 or the playground for a lesson and games. Kids are also more than welcome to sit with their family and then head out when it’s time.
1st Kids Connect (11:00)
We offer an 11:00 Sunday School for kids called 1st Kids Connect! Kids are welcome to attend both 9:45 and 11:00 where they will participate in a Bible lesson, activities, and games. Drop off for 1st Kids Connect will be in room 208.
This year our VBS theme is Food Truck Party! It will be June 3-7 from 6-8 p.m. Register your child or sign up to volunteer!
Rise Camp/Basic Training Camp This year we are doing something a little different. Instead of having our day camp at the church, we will be joining Victoria United
Methodist Church for a sleep away camp July 28-31. We will leave after church Sunday and get back on Wednesday afternoon. The camp will be held at Cathedral Oaks, and it is for kids who have completed 3rd grade to completed 6th grade.
Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer to help out with the children’s ministry, please let Amber or Mallorie know. We’d love to connect with you!
IMPACT
Wesley Nurse Hanna would like to share the following community information:
- EVERYDAY is medication take back day! The New Braunfels Fire Department offers a free, year-round medication disposal program, funded by a grant from Texas Health and Human Services in cooperation with The Premier Center at the University of Houston. The program, which uses the SUDS (Single Use Disposal System), will be available for residents to dispose of expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medication safely and securely at no cost. SUDS are self-addressed, postage-paid large envelopes that are available at any local fire station, or you can pick one up outside the Wesley Nurses Office.
26 APRIL 2024, 9 AM – 11 AM
More Info: Call (830) 221-1170 OR visit our website
- “YES! Ma’am O’Gram” Community Resource Fair You’re Invited
To takes steps in reducing your risk of Breast Cancer. Christus Santa Rosa Mobile
Mammogram Screening Unit &
Community Resource Event
Friday, May 17, 2024, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Westside Campus: Community Center & Library
Click here for details and registration.
IMPACT TEAM monthly focus For their River City Work Camp, our youth will be partnering with Sleep In Heavenly Peace, which builds beds for children in our community. The FUMC Impact Team will be collecting and delivering bed-in-a-bag donations to the SHP warehouse.
UWF news
MAY – JUL: UPCOMING UWF EVENTS:
MAY 7: At our General Meeting we will hear from a speaker from the Headwaters of the Comal River.
MAY 13: Our President Becky Wright will lead us in a study of “The Lord’s Prayer” Mrs. Wright is a former Missionary for the Global Ministries of the UMC and brings her vast experience and knowledge to this program. Join us in Wesley Hall from 10 am to 2 pm. Bring a sack lunch. Drinks and dessert provided.
JUNE 11: Pot luck dinner in Wesley Hall. Our annual Christine Brown nursing scholarship will be awarded.
JULY 16: Rev. Elia Dias dos Santos, UM Missionary in Italy will be visiting our area and speaking at our General Meeting.
JULY 30-31: Our Annual Rummage sale will begin! This event makes money for several local non-profit agencies and provides goods for many other agencies that need the things that are donated. The actual Rummage-sale is Aug 2. Donation day Wed July 31. SAVE YOUR STUFF !!!
SPOTLIGHT ON THE UWF PURPOSE:“The organized unit of the United Women in Faith shall be a community of women whose PURPOSE is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons throughJesus Christ; to develop a creative supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.” Our unit fulfills this purpose through interesting programs, volunteer projects, giving generously to local non-profit agencies with the profits from our Rummage Sale and our fellowship with each other during Circle meeting and the General meeting.
Our membership is open to all. Please join us. Our calendar of all meetings is in all newsletters.
SOLAR ECLIPSE GLASSES RECYCLING Kathy, from the Eve Circle, is collecting eclipse glasses to send to an organization that will provide them to children in other parts of the world, so they can view the upcoming eclipses in their areas. There is a donation box located in the hallway near the Mill Street entrance.
Impact Sunday During Communion, the first Sunday of each month, attendees can contribute food and laundry supplies to baskets that will be available in the sanctuary, as well as to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund through offerings on the Communion rail. These donations will support our ongoing community impact ministries, such as our SOS Canned Food collection, our GAP Pack ministry, our Loads of Love ministry, our new community pantry, and more to help those in need in the community.
Heart for Homebound is looking for volunteers to help us on Wednesday afternoons as we visit our members who are no longer able to make it to church.
We meet at 1:30 in the Welcome Center and are usually finished with our visits by 3:30. Contact Martha Harrison for more information
SUPPORT OUR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
VBS Work Nights will be the first three Wednesdays of May from 5:30-7:30. This is
a great way to volunteer if you are unable to help during VBS. We make decorations, organize supplies, and get everything prepared for VBS.
VBS Work Week will be May 28-31 from 9- 12. This is when we decorate the church and get everything organized for VBS the next week. Whether you can help all four days or just one we would love to have you there!
NEWS
Habermann House in the Herald Zeitung The Grand Opening of the Habermann House, a project headed by our Wesley Nurse Hanna Salazar, in collaboration with SACADA and Methodist Healthcare Ministries was May 1st. The Herald Zeitung featured the event as a story on the front page on May 3. Here is a link to the online article. You may need a subscription to view it.
Click here for photos from the Open House.
Want to share some info/photos about your FUMC- affiliated ministry?
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The Be a Good Shepherd Campaign UPDATES!
UPDATE: We haven’t reached our goal of $400,000 to fund the Enhanced Worship Experience, but pledges and funds continue to come in. The following breaks down the EWE pledges and donations received as of April 15:
Total Raised $310,224.36
Balance to reach goal $ 89,775.64
Help us move forward in confidence with the EWE project. You can give through all ways you give to the church. Please make sure to direct your gift towards the EWE so that it shows up as part of your pledge. To do that you can designate and give by check (Put EWE in the memo) or online.
RECENT PHOTO COLLECTIONS:
Click here for photos from First Serve Saturday
Click here for photos from Palm Sunday