WORSHIP
SERVICE INFORMATION
The Happiness Lie Our current sermon series examines the difference between what the world tells us will bring us happiness verses what Jesus tells us.
The Basics: Rediscovering Our Core Mission (next sermon series) As we stand on the threshold of a new season, both in nature and in our spiritual journey, it’s time to refocus and reconnect with the heart of our faith. The past few years have been a whirlwind of change, challenging us in ways we never expected. From the global upheaval of the pandemic to the shifts within our own United Methodist Church, we’ve navigated stormy waters together. Now, as we look ahead to 2025 (yes, it sounds futuristic!), it’s time to ground ourselves once again in the bedrock of our beliefs and purpose. Our first sermon series, “The Basics,” aims to do just that by focusing on the fundamental mission of the church: to love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. “The Basics” isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about action. We’ll explore practical ways to live out these core principles in our daily lives, reigniting our faith’s fire and our impact on the world around us.
SPECIAL SUNDAYS COMING UP
- Aug 11 Teacher Blessings
- Aug 18 Backpack Blessings
- Sep 8 Gospel Service (11:00)
- Sep 15 GAP Blessing
- Oct 6 UWF Sunday
- Nov 3 All Saints Sunday
- Dec 1 First Sunday of Advent
MUSIC
The choir and handbell programs will begin rehearsing and participating in worship every week starting on the following dates in August.
- Sanctuary Choir – Wednesday, August 21, 7-8 p.m. in the choir room or sanctuary
- Sonrise and Sanctuary Choir- Sunday, August 25th at 8:30 and 11 a.m. services.
- United Bells – Tuesday. September 3rd, 5-5:55 p.m. in room 213.
- First Bells – Tuesday, September 3rd, 6-6:55 p.m. in room 213.
Please contact Michael Kahl for more information or if you are possibly interested in participating in one of these ensembles. It is going to be fun! Anyone over the age of 12, is encouraged to participate.
Music Calendar of Events:
September 8th-Gospel and Bluegrass Sunday at 11 a.m. service
October 9th-Cantata rehearsals start, 7-7:45 p.m. and will take place every Wednesday until the Cantata in December.
GROW
ADULT MINISTRIES
CHURCH-WIDE RETREAT Start planning to attend our first (in a long time) church-wide retreat. The dates are Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6 at Highland Lakes Conference Center. We have arranged hotel-style accommodations and are planning fun activities ranging from table games, to a silent disco, to high ropes, to hiking in the beautiful hill country, to corn hole. There will be worship and break out sessions for adults, kids, and youth. And a campfire in the evening. Cost is $75 for adults and $50 for children 3 – 18 yrs. It’s going to be great fun and a special weekend for developing community as we move along our Discipleship journeys. You can let us know if you are interested in attending by signing up on the adult bulletin board. Contact Karen for more information.
DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY Have you ever been a part of an in-depth study of the Bible? It’s been several years since we’ve offered Disciple Bible studies here at FUMC, and God has recently nudged 2 of our adults to offer Disciple I this fall. It requires some work and some commitment, but it is certainly worth the effort – as you read, discuss, and learn about over 70% of the Bible over 2 semesters of study. There will be information meetings coming up on Sunday, August 11 at 3:00 and Tuesday, August 13 at 6:00. Leaders, Merry White and Ron Oden, will share details and discuss possible meetings times for the study. Join us in the Welcome Center for one of these introductory gatherings.
OVERNIGHT TRIP TO GLEN ROSE We are planning a brief trip to Glen Rose (southwest of Ft Worth) for September 27 – 29 to see the outdoor musical, The Promise. This passion play has been produced and performed for many years and is a lovely re-telling of the life of Christ. We will explore picturesque Granbury and perhaps visit Dinosaur Valley State park. Details available soon; contact Karen if you are interested.
Nature/Gardening Group will be meeting on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 2 PM in room 118. Programs to be announced. Everyone is welcome.
Evening Game Group meets Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to about 7:00 in Room 118.
Coffee Connection FUMC men gather on Tuesday mornings at 7:30 at Casa Garcia for breakfast and conversation. Hosted by Pastor Don.
Pickleball We are continuing pickleball all summer, Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Some weeks we meet off campus to make room for FUMC ministries that need the gym. When we go off campus we meet at 7pm. Contact Lori Oden for details.
New Women’s Emmaus Group will meet every Monday in Room 217 at the church at 1:00.
Other Emmaus Reunion groups also meet on campus. Join the Emmaus Group for information.
Kenya Mission Trip We are still accepting applications for the mission trip. The Kenya trip is scheduled for February 6-20, 2025. Stay informed by joining the Church Center group.
Italy Trip Fall 2025 FUMC members and their friends and families are invited to join Karen Andrews and Michael Kahl on a trip to Italy next fall. Contact Karen or Michael, or join the Church Center Group, to get more information and express your interest in traveling to Italy.
LUNCH BUNCH meets monthly on the last Tuesday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The August 27 lunch will be at Noli’s Vite Italian Kitchen.
ALASKA CRUISE FUMC CRUISERS are planning a May 18-31, 2025 Alaska trip with our travel agent Kay Sanderford.
Find more information here: PRINCESS ALASKA Group Brochure
If you missed the informational session, join the Cruiser Group on the Church Center App.
FAMILY MINISTRIES
We’re going on a CHURCH-WIDE RETREAT! See details in the adult section above.
September: Calling all moms! Need a break? Join us for a fun and thrilling Moms’ Night Out at the escape room on September 20th at 6 PM. Challenge your mind, bond with fellow moms, and enjoy a night of laughter and adventure. Don’t miss this chance to unwind and have a blast! Come Join us!
October: Ready to get crafty? Join us for a relaxing and creative Moms’ Night Out making polymer clay earrings on October 18th at 6 PM. No experience needed—just bring your creativity and enjoy a fun evening of designing unique, beautiful earrings. Connect with other moms, unwind, and take home your gorgeous creations! We can’t wait to hang out!
Our Moms’ Sunday School 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
A message from Everett: I hope everyone’s summer is wrapping up well! Unfortunately, extenuating circumstances have modified our student ministry’s plans for a back-to-school celebration. We will no longer have a celebration this weekend and will instead be celebrating the return to school and the induction of our new 6th graders (former 5th graders) on Sunday, August 11th at MYF.
Rather than our typical MYF, it will be a MESSY GAME DECATHLON! Festivities will start at 5:30 p.m. with pizza, drinks, and dessert before the games begin at 6:00. Students will compete as two teams across 10 messy games (some exhibition, some for points) before wrapping up the night with a Sliming Ceremony between 7:15 and 7:30 (the winning team will get to slime the losing team Nickelodeon-style). Invite your friends and friends of friends to make it a fantastic end to our summer!
Students should make sure to wear clothes that can get very messy. Parents are invited to spectate, take pictures, and (should they so desire) even referee at the Decathlon.
I look forward to celebrating the new members of our ministry and the start of a new school year with all of you! If you have any questions about the event, please feel free to reach out.
See below for a link to RCWC photos/videos. Here are all the upcoming events and announcements that you need to be aware of for the First UMC New Braunfels Student Ministry:
- To sign up for our summer MYF Meal Team, fill out this form: Student Ministry MYF Summer Meal Team – First United Methodist Church New Braunfels (churchcenter.com)
- Once you have submitted the form, you will be added to the team and have access to sign up for a Sunday via your Church Center app or online account by viewing your profile.
Upcoming Events:
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Aug 11 Back to school celebration
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Aug 23 Pizza Olympics
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August meeting Parent meeting with Everett and Pastor Andrew about the fall semester. Look for the date soon.
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September event Pool party, messy game night, or Top Golf, details coming soon.
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October event Lock-in, pumpkin patch night, or axe throwing, details coming soon.
- We’re going on a CHURCH-WIDE RETREAT! See details in the adult section above.
FIRST KIDS
August
Backpack Blessing – It’s back to school time! If you are a student from pre-k to college, we will be giving out blessings and backpack tags at all 3 services on Sunday August 18th. We hope to see you there!
Pizza Olympics– We are trying something new this year! Instead of a back-to-school bash after church we will be hosting our very first Pizza Olympics on Friday, August 23rd from 6-8pm. This is an event for the whole family and anybody in school from pre-k to college. There will be games, activities, worship and of course PIZZA!
We’re going on a CHURCH-WIDE RETREAT! See details in the adult section above.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE Wednesday evenings are going to be wonderful this fall. There will be something for everyone – kids, youth, and adults! Plan to join us this fall beginning September 4. We’ll have dinner every week along with opportunities for prayer and worship, studies, fellowship and games, and activities for kids and youth. Dinner will begin at 5:30 each week with the opportunities for fellowship before and after we eat. Activities and studies will wrap up at 7:00.
Here is the schedule:
5:30 – 6:00 Dinner served by our Fellowship Team. Menus to be announced in advance
6:00 – 7:00 Optional activities
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- Worship / Communion in the Sanctuary
- Fellowship and Games in WH
- “42” Dominoes in Rm 118
- Pastor Don’s Bible study in Rm 219
- “The Lord’s Prayer” study by Hamilton, with Kyle Forlano in Rm 217
- Activities for children and youth
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.
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
The Impact Team is collecting school supplies for Community In School’s Pack the Bus campaign. Shop for these school supplies and bring them to church. You’ll find bins located in the hallway for your donations:
- WIDE RULED COMPOSITION BOOKS
- PRIMARY COMPOSITION BOOKS
- PLASTIC FOLDERS W/BRADS & POCKETS
- NEW REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES
- 1″, 1.5″ & 2″ BINDERS
- LARGE BACKPACKS – 17″- 20″
- CLEAR BACKPACKS
- EARBUDS
- HEADPHONES
- STYLUS
- LOW-ODOR DRY ERASE MARKERS
- HIGHLIGHTERS
- DIVIDER TABS
- WASHABLE MARKERS
- METAL SCISSORS – BLUNT AND POINTED
- COLORED (MAP) PENCILS
- PENCIL BAGS & BOXES
UPCOMING UWF EVENTS:
- Aug 6 – no general meeting
- SEP 3 September General Meeting at 9:30 a.m. Our Secretary of Program Resources Karen Akkerman will present a program on the reading program.
- OCT 1 October General Meeting at 9:30 a.m. Come to Room 118 and then join UWF for a meaningful Prayer Walk in our Sanctuary.
- OCT 6 UWF Sunday at all three services.
Rev. Elia Dias dos Santos, a United Methodist Missionary in Italy visited our area and spoke at our General Meeting in July.
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.
Hanna Salazar, our Wesley Nurse, shares this information:
Alamo Area Council of Governments Road Show is making its way to Bulverde, Texas. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the resources provided by AACOG and local community partners. Join us to explore how AACOG can support you and your community. Save the date for Wednesday, August 7, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
AWARD-WINNING ALZHEIMER’S SYMPOSIUM
Join Eden Hill on August 22, 2024, from 9 AM to 2 PM, at the McKenna Events Center for our award-winning Alzheimer’s Symposium!
This symposium offers a unique opportunity to connect with speakers and local experts in aging services. Gain valuable insights and resources to support individuals and their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and other dementing illnesses.
Details and reservations at Eden Hill’s website.
Tuesday Walk and Talks Nurse Hanna will be facilitating Walking Sessions on October 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 8 to 9 am.
Common Grounds Community Garden Many thanks to the group from the United Methodist Army that helped construct a greenhouse behind the Habermann House, and to the 4th and 5th grade VBS team who stained it. The greenhouse is a project of Methodist Healthcare Ministries and San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness and will be used to grow fresh produce as an addition to the MHM food ministry, which includes the little free food pantry and Janet’s Table. Watch the FUMC calendar for work days where anyone can join to set up and maintain the garden.
NEWS
Fellowship Opportunities coming up!
- Ice Cream Social The Fellowship Team is hosting an Ice Cream Social featuring live music from the Rio Trio Band. Bring your favorite homemade or store bought Ice Cream to share! August 7, starting at 6:30 p.m.
- See the Pizza Olympics information in the First Kids section above. This event is not just for kids! The whole church is invited to worship, and stay for fun and pizza!
We’re going on a CHURCH-WIDE RETREAT! See details in the adult section above.
Tech Team If you’d like to join the Tech Team and help with future Sunday worship services, join here.
Now Hiring. The FUMC Day School has a teacher position available for the 2024-25 school year. Submit your resume to Kellie Buxkemper at dayschool@fumcnb.org.
NEW PODCAST Mallorie Sarvis has published several new episodes in our Unveiled Podcast. The latest include Faith Stories and a Parenting podcast Check them out here.
Additionally, Mallorie is looking for members willing to share their faith stories. To clarify, she is looking for stories of how people found a relationship with Christ. She would prefer to sit down and interview folks on video, but if you are only comfortable writing yours, she’d love to share it. Contact Mallorie if you are able to contribute to this digital ministry project!
Have you downloaded our church app, yet?
You’ll have access to your the calendar and your ministry and fellowship teams right on your phone. If you’ve already downloaded the app and created an account, don’t forget to add your user picture! Find the apps here.
RECENT PHOTO COLLECTIONS:
Click here for photos from River City Work Camp 2024
Click here for photos from the UWF Dinner
The Fall Newsletter Deadline has passed, but you can still get your ministry information distributed through our weekly news, Sunday morning slides, and Facebook. Click the link below to make a weekly news or newsletter request. Please note deadlines for submission. Inclusion in FUMCNB publications is limited to space availability and information may be edited to fit in the space available.
Let us know
The next newsletter deadline will be October 15, if you have ministry information to share for November, December, and January.
