Find out what's happening at Christ UMC this month!
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Christ United Methodist Church | christumcmobile.com | 251.342.0462 BY JIM KINDER, NEWSONG PASTOR Over the past four years we have invested $100,000 to sow seeds of the Gospel in Cote d’Ivoire. Today, we are beginning to see the fruits of our labor. Two years ago we partnered with the International Leadership Institute (ILI) and provided discipleship training to the leaders in the Methodist Church. These leaders implemented their knowledge by training others. As I met with various leaders from Methodist Churches in Cote d’Ivoire, I am introduced as the one who helped bring the (ILI) material to them. They are always thankful for that training. Without fail they share how they are using the discipleship model to expand their ministry. Last year we built Victory United Methodist Church of Gnangoussou. At the same time, we dug a well to provide fresh water for the village. During my visit this year, I heard testimonies of how their lives are being changed. People are finally free to worship Christ in their village. The children are doing well and are not sick from polluted water. More importantly, more people are becoming Disciples of Christ. This year we raised funds to purchase a vehicle for Jean Claude Masuka Maleka and his wife Francine to use in their missionary work. The vehicle is titled to the United Methodist Church of Cote d’Ivoire and Jean Claude will use the vehicle while serving in Cote d’Ivoire. Jean Claude and his wife have a three year commitment through the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM). This vehicle will free both of them to share the ministry that is so desperately needed. We know their seeds will produce fruit! (Pictures located on page 11.) We cannot forget the fruit we have harvested in Mobile. The Ivorian’s passion for evangelism and discipleship motivate us to turn up the heat at home. We are inspired as we see our sisters and brothers overcome extreme odds to grow the church. These seeds of inspiration produce fruit in us. They call us to trust God with what we bring Him, be it big or small, to make Disciples for Christ, to transform our world. Finally, it is good to be part of a big family at Christ UMC; where we learn, grow and achieve great things together—locally, regionally and globally. Water for Life: Mobilizing the Mission JULY 2016 ISSUE
Transcript
1 Christ United Methodist Church | christumcmobile.com | 251.342.0462
BY JIM KINDER, NEWSONG PASTOROver the past four years we have invested $100,000 to sow seeds of the Gospel in Cote d’Ivoire. Today, we are beginning to see the fruits of our labor.
Two years ago we partnered with the International Leadership Institute (ILI) and provided discipleship training to the leaders in the Methodist Church. These leaders implemented their knowledge by training others. As I met with various leaders from Methodist Churches in Cote d’Ivoire, I am introduced as the one who helped bring the (ILI) material to them. They are always thankful for that training. Without fail they share how they are using the discipleship model to expand their ministry.
Last year we built Victory United Methodist Church of Gnangoussou. At the same time, we dug a well to provide fresh water for the village. During my visit this year, I heard testimonies of how their lives are being changed. People are finally free to worship Christ in their village. The children are doing well and are not sick from polluted water. More importantly, more people are becoming Disciples of Christ.
This year we raised funds to purchase a vehicle for Jean Claude Masuka Maleka and his wife Francine to use in their missionary work. The vehicle is titled to the United Methodist Church of Cote d’Ivoire and Jean Claude will use the vehicle while serving in Cote d’Ivoire. Jean Claude and his wife have a three year commitment through the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM). This vehicle will free both of them to share the ministry that is so desperately needed. We know their seeds will produce fruit! (Pictures located on page 11.)
We cannot forget the fruit we have harvested in Mobile. The Ivorian’s passion for evangelism and discipleship motivate us to turn up the heat at home. We are inspired as we see our sisters and brothers overcome extreme odds to grow the church. These seeds of inspiration produce fruit in us. They call us to trust God with what we bring Him, be it big or small, to make Disciples for Christ, to transform our world.
Finally, it is good to be part of a big family at Christ UMC; where we learn, grow and achieve great things together—locally, regionally and globally.
Water for Life: Mobilizing the Mission
JULY
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SUNDAY, JULY 10Pastor Rob will begin his sermon message called Red Letter Mission, and Pastor Jeff will offer a special commissioning prayer. n COMBINED SERVICE SCHEDULE:8:00 a.m. | Sanctuary 9:15 a.m. | Sanctuary 10:40 a.m. | Christ Center
q 7/10 | Red Letter Mission: Salt and Light - Christ calls us to go out to the world and draw people to Him, ultimately making an impact on the world.q 7/17 | Red Letter Mission: Jubilee - Christ calls us to proclaim freedom to those lost, imprisoned, blind, broken, lost…q 7/24 | Red Letter Mission: Sheep and Goats - Christ calls us to feed, clothe, visit, and care for the least of these.q 7/31 | Red Letter Mission: The Great Commission - Christ calls us to make disciples as we preach the good news wherever we go.
Mobilizing the Mission Update...............cover
Senior Pastor Welcome......................... 2
August Homecoming................................3
Various Ministries................................9-10
Africa Pictures........................................11
New Members........................................12
July Calendar..........................................15
JULY 2016 ISSUE
Worship Services
Can’t make it to church? Watch services online at christumcmobile.com/media
Join us as we welcome our Senior Pastor, The Reverend Dr. Rob Couch, his wife Crystal, and their children: David, Ethan and Ella this month.
SUNDAY, JULY 3Pastor Rob will be introduced to our congregation during the morning services. n MEET AND GREET THE COUCH FAMILY AND FILL THE (LIFEGATE) PANTRY - In between our 8:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. services, and after the 10:40 a.m. service; Pastor Rob and his family will have a meet and greet in the Hospitality Room, Christ Center. Rather than filling the Couch’s pantry, they would like us to fill the Lifegate pantry with canned fruits or vegetables and support this ministry in their mission to provide aid to church members and non-members in crisis situations.
Senior PastorRob Couch & family!
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 7n SANCTUARY: 8:00 A.M. | 9:15 A.M. | 10:40 A.M.BIG BAND/JAZZ SUNDAYJoin our own 9:15 Praise Band as we celebrate through music. Also featuring our own Katie Morgan, internationally renowned ballerina in a video testimony and dance presentation. Senior pastor, Rob Couch will preach all three services.
n NEWSONG: 9:15 A.M. & 10:40 A.M. | CHRIST CENTER – NewSong is partnering with the Next Gen team in a series called Building Blocks. Ashley Walker, our Children’s minister, will share about building trust. We will also feature a video testimony by Katie Morgan, internationally renowned ballerina.
n AFTER SERVICES ACTIVITYServices will be followed by a picnic at the pavilion. More details to come.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14n SANCTUARY: 8:00 A.M. | 9:15 A.M. | 10:40 A.M.The Potters Hand – Jim Gasser, potter, will demonstrate his craft on the potter’s wheel while sharing his testimony. Allanda Small Campbell will be our guest singer and Senior Pastor Rob Couch will preach all three services.
n NEWSONG: 9:15 A.M. | 10:40 A.M. | CHRIST CENTER – NewSong is partnering with the Next Gen team in a series called Building Blocks. Jeremy Steele our Next Generation Minister will explore how we put our faith into action. The Great Romance will lead us in worship.
n AFTER SERVICES ACTIVITYServices will be followed by a picnic at the pavilion. More details to come.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21n SANCTUARY: 8:00 A.M. | 9:15 A.M. | 10:40 A.M. Mobile’s own Excelsior Band will be our special guests during services. We will also feature Christian artist, Crystal Keyser, as she creates a painting during the worship services. Senior pastor, Rob Couch will preach all three services.
n NEWSONG: 9:15 A.M. | 10:40 A.M. | CHRIST CENTER – NewSong is partnering with the Next Gen team in a series called Building Blocks. Mike Rollins, our Youth Minister, will help us understand how we find our identity in Christ.
n CHURCH-WIDE POTLUCKThere will be a churchwide Potluck supper at 5:00 p.m. in the Christ Center gym featuring music by our own CUMC staff band. More details to come.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28n COMBINED SERVICESSANCTUARY: 8:00 A.M. | 9:15 A.M. NEWSONG: 10:40 A.M. | CHRIST CENTERThe Voices of Mobile will be our special musical guest during services and guest speaker, Dr. Ben Witherington will preach in all three services. n EVENING WORSHIP: 5:00 P.M. | CHRIST CENTERSpecial speaker, Dr. Ben Witherington will preach.
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COMING AUGUST 3 - 28n A STUDY OF EXODUS WITH PASTOR JEREMY STEELE6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Hospitality Room | The people of God are enslaved. They are crying out for a redeemer. How will God respond to their cries? Exodus tells the story of how God redeems us from slavery and leads us into God’s promises for us. The Exodus story happened in the desert in and around Egypt and happens every day among the oaks in Mobile, AL. Understanding the Biblical story will help us understand our own story. Join Pastor Jeremy for this study of the whole book of Exodus! Childcare available for children through 5th grade. To register for childcare, contact Sonya Carson at [email protected] or 251.706.3365.
Adult Bible Study
Opportunities
SUNDAY MORNING STUDIES FOR ADULTSBEGINS JULY 3n 9:15 A.M. | YOUR MOVE BY ANDY STANLEY | Room A-206 | In this study, Stanley offers four powerful questions that will help you determine your best move when confronted with decisions that you never anticipated having to make. A class for 50 plus adults.
BEGINS JULY 10n 8:00 A.M. | THE INTERCESSORY LIFE BY MAXIE DUNNAM | Room A-206 | This study teaches practical ways to bring the world into the prayer closet and to unleash the power of prayer in our everyday world. A class for ladies only.
CHRIST UNITED METHODIST WOMEN CUMW participate in the national UMW Reading Program which encourages members to think critically about current issues through an annual selection of member-reviewed books. The church library makes these books, as well as associated magazines, available to our UMW members.
For 140 years, United Methodist Women have been involved in missions that include prayer, study, and action. The Reading Program is a study opportunity that is intended to lead to action. The purpose of the program is to encourage United Methodist Women members to:n Expand understanding of, and participation in, God’s mission.n Increase sensitivity to all human beings—their needs, interests and concerns.n Encourage critical thinking about issues facing humanity today.n Grow in understanding of Scripture as it relates to Christian faith in contemporary life.n Enhance self-knowledge and act from that knowledge.n Strengthen involvement in local and global Christian mission.
Some of the books currently on the reading list are: The Underground Girls of Kabul: In Search of a Hidden Resistance in Afghanistan by Jenny Nordberg; Girls with Swords: How to Carry Your Cross Like a Hero by Lisa Bevere; Miss Brenda and the Loveladies: A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God and Gumption by Brenda Spahn; Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson and On God’s Side: What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn’t Learned about Serving the Common Good by Jim Wallis. For more information, visit unitedmethodistwomen.org/readingprogram or contact UMW President Joyce Genz at [email protected] of this article are reprinted from the United Methodist Women’s website.
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JULY ACTIVITIESn 6 | MOVIE NIGHT | 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | For 6th – 12th Grade Pavilion | Join us as we watch a movie outside, under the stars. Pizza, popcorn and lemonade will be provided for dinner. Cost: $5 per student.
n 8 | GET AIR | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | For 6th – 12th GradeJoin us at Mobile’s new trampoline park. There will be tons of trampolines, a Ninja Warrior course and of course, trampoline dodgeball! We will have pizza and soda for dinner. Make sure you bring your socks. Cost $20 per student. Register at christumcyouth.com/register.
n 10 - 15 | SIFAT - SERVANTS IN FAITH AND TECHNOLOGY For upcoming 8th – 12th Grade
n 24 - 27 | MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION TRIP | For 6th – 8th Grade | Students will have the opportunity to serve in our local community at different mission organizations during the day and then close out the day with worship and a fun activity at night. Cost: $75 per student. A deposit of $25 and a notarized Youth Medical Form is required for registration. For more information and to register, visit christumcyouth.com/register.
n 27 | POOL PARTY | Middle School: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. High School: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Enjoy fun pool games and splash around with your friends.
STAY CONNECTED WITH USCheck in with us at Want to get text updates? Middle School text @CUMC to 81010High School text @HSGR to 81010Visit christumcyouth.com for all our events.
By Mike Rollins, Director of Youth MinistryDuring the summer, we go on a number of trips as a youth ministry. When I was hired at Christ UMC, I was told that one of these trips was at the core of our Youth ministry. Last summer was the first year I went to SIFAT and we learned “Life is Good.” I asked Addison Genard to tell me why she enjoyed SIFAT and this was her response.
SIFAT, in its most simplistic form, means Servants In Faith And Technology, hence the acronym SIFAT. However, to me and other members of the youth group, it means so much more. While at SIFAT, students are challenged by living through a third-world simulation. Not only are you challenged physically, like trying to keep a fire going or working to support your group, you are challenged mentally. Students become aware of the life styles of our brothers and sisters
around the world. Throughout the week, we learned the same technology SIFAT teaches third-world countries to better there lives. All in all, SIFAT helps put us in the shoes of those around the world. During SIFAT we went deeper into the world and deeper into faith. Having gone for four years, I still find each year as unique and powerful as the years past.
WEEKLY SUMMER PROGRAM|christumcyouth.com n SUNDAY MORNINGS: 9:16 Worship | Youth Area | 9:16 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.An engaging worship service for Middle School and High School students.Bible Study | C - 204 | 10:40 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
JULY ACTIVITIESn 14 | FAMILY DAY AT THE ZOO | Meet at the Zoo: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | For 1st - 5th grade | It’s time to monkey around! Join us for a fun day of family fellowship at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Be sure to bring money for food and souvenirs. We will eat at the Zoo. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle! Preregister by Monday, July 11 at christumcchildren.com/register.
n 20 | PRESCHOOL PAINT PARTY | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall | Come and help your child create a work of art. Cost: $5 per child. Preregister by Monday, July 18 at christumcchildren.com/register.
n 24 - 27 | TWEEN SUMMER CAMP | Details to the right.
AUGUST ACTIVITIES n 12 | BACK TO SCHOOL SPLASH | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CSports Fields | What better way to kick off the new school year than with a splash party? Enjoy the end of summer with water slides, games, and hot dogs.
n 14 | PROMOTION SUNDAY | Students will move up to their new age group according to the school year. More details will be shared as this day gets closer.
n 21 | PUPPET CAMP | 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | For 3rd Grade and up | Fellowship Hall | Interested in puppets? Want to learn how to join Christ UMC’s Puppet team? Join us for the fun training camp!
WEEKLY SUMMER PROGRAMFOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CHRISTUMCCHILDREN.COM n SUNDAY MORNINGS All Sunday School classes are located in Building E.
By Sam Taylor Gochey, Associate Children’s MinisterWith summer in full swing, it’s time to head to the beach! There is something relaxing about being in and around water and being outside in God’s creation. From swimming, fishing, or hanging out at the beach, some of the most fun we have involves the water! Water gives us an opportunity to think about the Lord and all of His goodness. Whether it is a stream, a pool, a pond, the rain on a late summer afternoon, or the Gulf of Mexico, water is exactly where it needs to be at exactly the right time—at the same time all at once.
God’s goodness and mercy for us is the same way. He is open and willing to be with us whenever we need Him and wherever we need Him. Psalms 46:4 says, “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.” Just like this summer, as we get to enjoy the water and the holiness of the outdoors, we are able to enjoy the goodness and love of the Lord, for He is faithful and good and with us wherever we are, whenever we need Him. God brings life and rejuvenation to us at all times, and water is a tangible way that we can see this. May Christ be with you this month, and be sure to enjoy the water!
8:00 A.M.: WORSHIP3K – 4K | E – 146
9:15 A.M.: WORSHIPK3 – K4 | Fellowship Hall K5 – 2nd | E – 250 3rd – 5th | CC Assembly Area
10:40 A.M.: SUNDAY SCHOOL K3 | E – 148 K4 | E – 146 K5 | E – 144 1st – 5th | Building E – Upstairs
BY RICK WARREN - For more information, visit danielplan.com
God is for you. He’s not against you, and he’s not indifferent. He made you and shaped you just the way He wanted you to be. None of your strengths and weaknesses, nothing about your body, none of it is a mistake. He says you are one who is “called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:7 NIV. He promises that no matter what you’re going through, He’ll never forget you. He’s always present, ready to listen to your cry for help. You can depend on that promise. Whatever challenges you are facing as you seek to reach your health goals, He says, “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine,” Isaiah 43:1 MSG. Consider meditating on these truths so that they sink deep into your soul. Then your heart will be strong and flexible, able to deal with the ups and downs of life. Food for Thought: God formed you, made you, shaped you just the way he wants you to be, and you have the privilege of living out that shape as you continue to walk in Him.
RECREATION INFORMATIONRecreation includes an indoor walking track, fitness room, and basketball courts, as well as, regular fitness classes. All participants should complete a registration card in order to participate in any area of the Recreation Ministry. Children under 18 must have a parent/guardian signature on their registration card, and children under 14 must have a parent/guardian present.
n FITNESS CLASSES: 1st class is FREE then $5 per class or purchase a six-class card for $25.
n BEGINNER TAI CHI CLASSES: Offered this summer Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday OR Thursday or a combination of those days. If you are interested, please email [email protected].
n Yoga Classes: Mondays/Thursdays at 6:00 p.m., Tuesdays/Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.
n Fitness Room: Requires a one-time fitness room orientation, held Monday - Friday at 6:30 p.m.
n Basketball Gym: Reserved for Christ UMC members and visitors who regularly attend services and up to three of their guests.
CSPORTS REGISTRATIONSn 678 BASKETBALL SKILLS & DRILLS CAMPAugust 23 - September 15 | TBA | Camp will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fee is $35. Please register in person at the Recreation Desk.
n COED SOCCER | Must be 4 yrs old by September 1, 2016 through entering 6th grade for the 2016/17 school year. Evaluations are on July 18 and 19. Season begins August and ends in October. Fee is $70.
n FALL YOUNG RUNNERS CLUB (YRC) | For K5 – 9th Grade for 2016/17. Season starts late September and ends mid-November. Returning spring season runner fee: $20. New to YRC fee: $40.
JULY DATES n 27 – July 1 | VBS: Rec closed until 1:00 p.m. each day
n 4 | Christ UMC CLOSED for Independence Day
n 4 & 5 | NO Flag Football Practices
n 10 | Flag Football Celebration
n 18 – 19 | Soccer Evaluations & Parent Conferences
n PRESCHOOL CHOIR DIRECTOR We are looking for a choir director for our pre-school age choir (K4 and 5K). Rehearsals are on Sundays from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Ralph Gudeman at 251.510.1099
n CHOIR MEMBERS We are still looking for Youth Singers and Ringers, Sanctuary Choir or Exaltation Ringers.
SINGLES PANAMA CITY BEACH RETREAT SEPTEMBER 2 – 5
Come enjoy God’s most beautiful beaches with the Christ UMC Singles group at Panama City Beach, Florida Retreat! Join the group on a relaxing beach retreat on September 2 - 5, 2016, Labor Day Weekend.
The cost is $170 which includes a beach front room for three nights and all meals Saturday, Sunday and breakfast on Monday. Friday night dinner is not included. A deposit of $75 is due with registration form and should be turned in to Carol Foster, Jo Bohli or Leah Musgrove no later than Wednesday, July 6. The balance is due by August 10. Call or text Carol Foster for details 251.689.5698.
DIXON ELEMENTARY PARTNERSHIP CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD
If it is July, the Back-to-School sales are starting! That means watching for the school supplies/prayer cards to be posted in preparation for our annual drive to help Dixon Elementary School. The supply lists will be available in the Christ Center and in the Sanctuary Gathering Area on July 24, just in time to take advantage of the best back-to-school prices. We will deliver our contributions on August 9.
Christ United Methodist Church has become a prized supporter of the children and families of Dixon Elementary School and a model for other churches in our area. We are blessed to be able to help this community. Your continued support of this important missional outreach is critical to its success and very much appreciated!
Ministry PREMARITAL CLASSES
AUGUST 16 - SEPTEMBER 6Planning to marry soon? Prepare your marriage for a lifetime as you plan for your wedding day. Weekly sessions will begin August 16 and end September 6. Classes are from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Contact Brenda Davis to register or for more information. 251.422.6210 or [email protected]
STARTS BACK IN AUGUSTTUESDAYS | 6:30 P.M. - SUPPER/MEETING
LOCATIONHOME OF JIM & AMY MITCHELL
6724 Candlelight Court | Email:[email protected] or 251.767.1325No meetings in July.
GAP is a group of men and women between the ages of 23 and 35 who have never been married. They meet every Tuesday at the home of Jim and Amy Mitchell.
For more information and directions contact Jim & Amy at [email protected] or 251.767.1325.
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WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS Join Pastor Bobby for 2nd Wednesday Luncheons. Adults only. Special guest speakers will be:
n July 13 – Ralph Gudeman
n August 10 – Rob Couch
n September 14 – Comedian
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Christ Center Assembly Area (2nd floor)
Food: Bring your own lunch
Fellowship: Bring a friend, make a new friend
Faith: 5 – 10 minute devotion
Fun: Music, Short Movie clips, etc.
FABULOUS FRIDAYSJoin Pastor Bobby for Fabulous Friday fun. Transportation provided from Christ UMC and back. Adults only.
n July 15 | Duck Tours | **Details belowMeet at CUMC: 9:00 a.m. | Cost: $20 | Lunch: Surprise – Dutch Treat
n August 19 | Exploreum – Sherlock Holmes Clocktower MysteryMeet at CUMC: 9:00 a.m. | Cost: $12 | Lunch: Cafe – Dutch Treat
n September 16 | Gulf Quest National Museum of the Gulf of MexicoMeet at CUMC: 9:00 a.m. | Cost: $16 | Lunch: at the Museum – Dutch Treat
n October 21 | Five Rivers Safaris – Boat ride on the Delta & Exhibit Hall Meet at CUMC: TBA | Cost: $20 | Lunch: Blue Gill Dutch Treat
n November 18 | History Museum of MobileMeet at CUMC: 9:00 a.m. | Cost: $10 | Lunch: Spot of Tea – Dutch Treat
For Reservations, call Kim Pratt @ 251.342.0462, ext. 231
n July 15 | Duck Tours | Meet at CUMC: 9:00 a.m. | Cost: $20 | Lunch: Original Oyster House – Dutch Treat | Quack! Quack! Get ready to SPLASH with us during the most entertaining tour in America! We will always seek to exceed your expectations every time you join us for one of our unique land/water tours! This hilarious yet informative adventure covers overs over 3,000 years of local tales (some tall) as well as exciting stories about the USS ALABAMA, Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile Bay, the Port of Mobile, and much more! Located at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park this duck boat tour brings hilarity and fun to this interactive tour. Prepare to experience Mobile history, including a real life Game of Thrones featuring stories of colonial powers battle for control over Mobile’s waterways. Additionally, you’ll get to know the dynamic characters and personalities that make Mobile one of the most unique cultures in the world.
Get started in the right direction with Starting Point. Learn about the Christian faith, the mission of our church and membership. You will
also learn how to get connected into the life of Christ UMC!
NEW DATE: SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 9:00 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. | HOSPITALITY ROOM
REGISTER AT: christumcmobile.com/startingpoint
ARE YOU NEW TO CHRIST UMC?
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WHERE IS OUR TREASURE?Rob Blackwell, Church AdministratorWith FORWARD, we have talked a good bit about tithing, and about “taking a step up the ladder,” but why should we tithe (or give sacrificially based on what we receive)? Why not just take the practical approach of looking at the expense needs of the church, and asking everyone to pay “their share,” like dues in a club? Those needs are certainly important: it takes money to have services and children’s events in buildings with lights and air conditioning, to take care of the needy, to reach out into the community, etc. But in God’s economy, giving is primarily a matter of the heart. In Mt 6:21, Jesus says “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Sometimes we don’t talk about giving because it makes some people uncomfortable, but Jesus didn’t seem to have this aversion, and talked frequently about money and possessions. I believe He did this because He knew that our hearts tend to go where our time and money are spent, rather than the other way around. He teaches us that, regardless of the amount, when we give enough for it to be a sacrifice, it helps us focus more on God. He doesn’t ask most of us to give up all our possessions; He just asks us to make our relationship with Him the most important part of our lives, and an integral part of that is giving first to Him (as with the Hebrew concept of first fruits) and giving significantly (as with a tithe). With Pastor Jeff’s transition into the part-time role of Pastor Emeritus, and Pastor Rob’s transition into the role of our Senior Pastor, we have a season of change and opportunity ahead of us. As we enter this season, let’s ask God to direct each of us in how we are spending our treasure. As our hearts follow, we may find that the excitement and contentment we experience fuels a season of growth for us, individually and for our church.
$256,000Principal
$1,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
2016
FO
RWA
RD P
ROG
RESS
$2,000,000$1,135,000thru May
FORWARDGOAL $4,879,000
FORWARD Receipts
PrincipalPayments
Principal PmtGOAL $750,000
This year we raised funds to purchase a vehicle for Jean Claude Masuka
Maleka and his wife Francine, to use in their missionary work. The vehicle is titled to the United Methodist Church of Cote d’Ivoire. Jean Claude will use the
vehicle while serving in Cote d’Ivoire. This vehicle will free both of them to
share the ministry that is so desperately needed. We know their seeds will
produce fruit!
WATER FOR LIFE: MOBILIZING THE MISSION
Blessing the car
Jean Claude & Francine Masuka Maleka
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Danielle and Johnny PetersJoined Sunday, May 22, 2016
Barbara and Henry FulghamJoined Sunday, May 29, 2016
Trish and Kevin DaughertyJoined Sunday, May 22, 2016
Joy EarpJoined Sunday, June 5, 2016
Audrea EarpJoined Sunday, June 5, 2016
Bob HupkaJoined Sunday, May 22, 2016
Kathryn and Heather WeatherspoonJoined Sunday, June 12, 2016
Lindon and Denna JohnsonJoined Sunday, June 12, 2016
Annette BunchJoined Sunday, June 19, 2016
Megan and Charlotte JohnsonJoined Sunday, June 19, 2016
Kelly Grable Joined Sunday, June 19, 2016
Mary Jo DuckJoined Sunday, June 19, 2016
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Carol Knowles and family in the death of her daughter-in-law, Katherine Knowles
Tony Snell and family in the death of his brother, William Snell
The family of Teresa Regan
Kaye Koffler and family in the death of her mother, Tommie Buckley
Bob Arnold and family in the death of his wife, Sara Arnold
For more information, contact Donna Alexander at [email protected] or 251.342.0462, ext. 225
or visit christumcmobile.com/celebraterecovery.
A Christ-centered 12-step program for life’s hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Recovery is a journey you don’t have to travel alone.
Every Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | Building F
TUESDAY, JULY 198:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.Across from Recreation Desk
Provided by Susie OllhoftChrist UMC Health Care Ministry
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS
STEPHEN MINISTERS CAREOur Stephen Ministers provide confidential, one-on-one Christian care.
WHAT IS A STEPHEN MINISTER?Stephen Ministers are lay people—Christian men and women—trained to provide one-to-one care to people experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, or separation due to military deployment. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life. Their commonality? A passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.
Since 1975, more than 600,000 people from more than 11,000 congregations and other organizations have been trained as Stephen Ministers. Would you like to know more about becoming a Stephen Minister at CUMC? If so, please contact Donna Alexander at 251.510.0905. Your call is confidential.
MONDAY, JULY 11 | 6:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. | PARLOR Christ UMC Christian Cancer Support meets every 2nd Monday of the month. Please join us for cancer education, faithful testimony, information/
referral, and prayer. Contact Teresa Atkins at [email protected] or 251.653.0364 for more information. For child care, contact Kim Pratt at [email protected] or 251.706.3331.
ONLINE GIVING IS NOW AVAILABLEVisit christumcmobile.com/give OR install the Pushpay app from the Google Play Store or the App Store OR text “christumc” to 77977.
LIKE USfacebook.com/christumcmobile
FOLLOW UStwitter.com/christumcmobile
PODCASTchristumcmobile.com/sermons
WATCH LIVEchristumcmobile.com/livestream
PERCEPTIONS | 7:40 A.M.WKSJ 94.9 FM | WRKH 96.1 FM | WTKX 101.5 FM
OR ONLINE AT christumcmobile.com/perceptions
LISTEN TO PERCEPTIONS
Each adventurer should complete their program cards by Sunday, July 24.Prizes will be awarded in the library through August 7.
Lighthouse Library Hours
In the jungle something creapeth; on the Sahara something leapeth. Yes, it’s Reading Safari, this year’s summer reading program for children. Registration began on Sunday, June 9, with adventurers receiving a book mark and a bag of animal crackers at sign up. Each child will read six books and view two videos to receive their prize.
REGISTER NOW FOR FALL CLASSES Register for classes by visiting
KindermusikAtchristunited.comCall 251.706.3336 for more information.
10:00 a.m. Lydia Circle
Mary & Martha Circle at mailcircle.net
5:30 p.m. Crossroads Circle
6:00 p.m. Singles
9:45 a.m. Esther Circle
COMMUNION SUNDAY
8:30 a.m. Free Blood Pressure check
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ransom Cafe
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ransom Cafe
6:00 p.m. DivorceCare6:00 p.m. Singles
3:00 p.m. Farmers’ Market
3:00 p.m. Farmers’ Market
Hands & Feet Youth Local Missions
6:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery
11:30 a.m. Wonderful Wednesdays
9:00 a.m. Fabulous Fridays @ Duck Tours
6:00 p.m. Elementary Fun Night
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HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
Offices are CLOSED
Meet & Greet the Couch Family
Pastor Rob Combined Services8:00 a.m. Sanctuary9:15 a.m. Sanctuary
10:40 a.m. Christ Center
5:00 p.m. Youth Movie Night 5:00 p.m. Youth
at Get Air
SIFAT SIFAT
MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION TRIP
5:00 p.m. Youth Pool Party
10:00 a.m. Zoo Day
11:00 a.m. Presch. Paint Party
TWEEN SUMMER CAMP
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CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH6101 Grelot Road • Mobile, AL 36609-3611251.342.0462 • christumcmobile.com
The Grounds Ministry is looking for volunteers to help take care of Christ UMC’s grounds. If you have been blessed with a talent of landscaping/gardening and have a specific area of interest, we would like for you to join us. n Meet as a group for work days on the 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings of each month. n Receive reminder emails. n Work around weather and church events. n Schedules are flexible and you can come at your convenience. n A variety of projects and areas are available.
Please let us know when you can volunteer and in what area. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Pierce Staples at 251.599.2071.
SHARE YOUR TALENTS WITH US!
“Anyone who welcomes you is welcoming Me and anyone who welcomes Me is welcoming the
Father who sent Me.” - Matthew 10:40 (NIV)
Just 20-30 minutes of your time, once per month on a Sunday, can make such a difference to a visitor. Drop by on Sundays between 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Discover the Joy booth in the Sanctuary or the Information desk in the
