Weekly News September 15-21

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WORSHIP

SERVICE INFORMATION

The Basics: Rediscovering Our Core Mission (begins this week) 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

Sep 15 GAP Blessing
Oct 6 UWF Sunday
Nov 3 All Saints Sunday
Dec 1 First Sunday of Advent

Past worship services are available to watch online here.

MUSIC

The choir and handbell programs are back to weekly rehearsals:

Sanctuary Choir – Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. in the choir room or sanctuary.
Sonrise and Sanctuary Choir- Sundays, 8:00 a.m. in the choir room.
United Bells – Tuesdays, 5-5:55 p.m. in room 213.
First Bells – Tuesdays, 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:

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. Early registration cost is $75 for adults and $50 for children 3 – 18 yrs. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE DINNER TIME CHANGE! The fellowship will now start serving at 5:15 on Wednesday nights. Remember to register for meals by Monday each week, so they have enough food for everyone!

Wednesday Night Live is a midweek ministry with food, fellowship, worship, and study opportunities. Doors open at 5:00, dinner will begin at 5:15 each week with the opportunities for fellowship before and after we eat. Activities and studies will wrap up at 7:00.

6:00 – 7:00 Optional activities

- 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 in the upstairs children’s and youth rooms.

Planning to enjoy the meal at WNL? Our AMAZING Fellowship Team have planned all the meals for us! They have requested that everyone intending to eat a meal, register in advance. Information about food being served each week included information on sign up. Please click here to sign up/register. If you prefer signing up on paper, there are paper sign ups on the windows across from the Welcome Center in the main hall and on the podium stand in the Narthex on Sunday morning.

Disciple 1 Bible Study begins Thursday, August 29 at 2 in room 217. Meetings will be held weekly from 2 to 4.

Nature/Gardening Group meetson 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.

Emmaus News:

On Aug 22, we had our special reunion meeting for FUMCNB Emmaus Alumni and we had 21 people attending. Our Senior Pastor, Andrew Payne, presented the opening prayer and closing Communion. We missed a few folks who will probably be regular attendees due to travel, vacations, etc. It was a successful and happy event. Great Christian fellowship. My thanks to Becky Wright and Merry White for making it happen.

FUMCNB is ready to resume hosting quarterly Emmaus community meetings in Wesley hall on the FUMCNB campus..

The first will be October 28 at 6pm, Wesley Hall, FUMCNB, usual potluck format.

For 2025, we are ready to host meetings in January, April, July, and October. We would like to do these on the first Thursday of the month, however that may change to the second Thursday depending on two or three higher priority things that happen here, after their dates are set. For now, if you would plan on First Thursday, I will update you if any of the dates must change to second Thursday.

It is very gratifying to have had some small part of this, we have many enthusiastic Emmaus alumni.

Thanks and Blessings

Tom Coss

New Women’s Emmaus Group will meet every Monday in Room 217 at the church at 1:00. Request to join this group.

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. Our September Lunch Bunch will be at Las Fontanas, Creekside, at 11:30 am on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

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, and registration is now open! See details in the adult section above.

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

Announcements:

- We have new sign-ups open for Student Ministry Volunteers for this semester on Church Center at this link: https://fumcnb.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/category/85583. You can also find it on the church app in the Resources section of the Student Ministry group.
  - There are still openings for volunteers on Sunday nights for both meals and mentors, Wednesday nights for Bible Study volunteers (the later time), Sunday School teachers for November and December, and chaperones for Top Golf and the Lock-in.
- This Sunday night at MYF, we will be continuing our lessons on worship music with a look at the song ”The Blessing” by Kari Jobe. We’ll also be playing Fishbowl! See y’all there.
- This Sunday (September 8th), Student Ministry Sunday Schoolstarts back at the 11:00 service in room 206 (down the hall from the children’s ministry rooms).
- Wednesday Refuel has started back on Wednesdays in the Wesley Hall Loft (room 202), starting at 4:00 p.m. We have space to do homework, hang out, eat snacks, and/or play Mario Kart until 6:00 when we do a brief Bible study and end with WNL at 7:00.
- This spring, the church is having a churchwide retreat for any church members who sign up. It’ll be April 5-6th and will feature worship times, activities specifically for each generation of our church. Registration is currently $75 for adults and $50 for students and children. You can register and find a few more details at this link: https://fumcnb.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2456642

Upcoming Events:

- Sun, Sept. 8th> Sunday School resumes at 11:00 in room 206.
- Sun, Sept. 15th> Top Golf, meet at church at 4:30 to carpool, back at church between 8:00 and 8:30, depending on traffic.
- Sat, Sept. 21st> Pumpkin delivery day, volunteer hours available tentatively starting at 9:00 a.m.

Future Dates:

- Sun.-Mon, Oct 13-14th> Lock-in, more details coming soon.
- Sun, Nov. 17th> Friendsgiving and Football MYF, more details to come.
- Sun, Dec. 8th> Student Ministry Christmas Progressive Dinner Party, more details to come.
- Fri.-Sun, Jan. 17-19th> Student Ministry Midwinter Retreat at Highland Lakes Camp, details to come.
- Sat.-Sun, Apr. 5-6th> Churchwide retreat, details above. Register here: https://fumcnb.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2456642

FIRST KIDS

Christmas Musical We are so excited to announce that we are going to have a Christmas musical on December 15th at the 9;45 service! But before we can do that, we need kids who want to be a part of it. They can be ages 3 to 5th grade and they could be doing anything from singing to having a speaking role or even helping out backstage. If you think your kiddo might be interested, please register as soon as possible. The number of kids we have will help determine what musical we are going to do.

Volunteers Needed Our children need volunteers to lead them on Sunday mornings and on Wednesday evenings. If you have a heart to share in the kids’ joy of learning about Jesus and our faith, register to volunteer!

We’re going on a CHURCH-WIDE RETREAT, and registration is now available! See details in the adult section above.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE IS BACK! See details in the Adult section above.

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

IMPACT TEAM: September Donations The Impact team are collecting GAP Pack donations (food ministry for school children) this month. You can download the shopping list here: Gap Shopping list

Mobile Communion Stewards We are now forming a group of volunteers who can take Communion out to our homebound members on the first Sunday of the month. You can request to join this volunteer group here.

September 11&17-Circle Meetings
September 26-Leadership Team Meeting
September Kirkwood flowers & cards – Joy Circle
October 1-Gen Mtg – Prayer Walk, Eve Circle Hostess
October 6 – UWF Sunday at all 3 services
October 9&15–Circle Meetings
October 24-Leadership Team Mtg
October Kirkwood flowers & cards –Mary Circle
November 1&2- UWF Annual Conf, Lake Travis UMC
November 5- Gen Mtg- WTO, Mary Circle Hostess
November 13&19-Circle Meetings
November 21-Leadership Team Mtg
November 28-Thanksgiving
November Kirkwood flowers & cards-Eve Circle
December 3 – Christmas Lunch/Dinner
November 11&17 Circle Mtg (or alternate dates)
November Kirkwood flowers & cards –Deborah Circle

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:

Protect Yourself Against Scams Join this one-night info session, September 25 from 4-5 p.m. at FUMC in room 219

Aging Well symposium presented by Nurse Hanna at the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation, 710 Landa St, September 5 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Tuesday Walk and Talks Nurse Hanna will be facilitating Walking Sessions on October 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 8 to 9 am.

NEWS

Volunteers needed: We believe it is important for our children and youth to feel they belong to a “Church Family.” One way you can help is to be involved in their ministries. We have a number of volunteer opportunities coming up, and any church member who completes the Safe Gatherings training is welcome to sign up to volunteer. Please take a look at the following links and see where you might be able to be a part of our kids’ “Church Family.”

Student Ministry Volunteer Opportunities
First Kids Volunteer Opportunities

We’re going on a CHURCH-WIDE RETREAT, and registration is now available! See details in the adult section above.

PODCAST Mallorie Sarvis has published several new episodes in our Unveiled Podcast. The latest episodes include “Deep Dives” into the scriptures with Theresa. 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:

You can view photos of the rummage sale here.

Newsletter Deadline The next newsletter will cover November, December, and January. If you have information to include, please submit it before October 15. 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.