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“SONGS OF THE PASSION”
Saturday, March 24th at
7:00pm
Featuring the combined choirs
of
Dripping Springs UMC &
First Baptist Church of Wim-
berley
and Full Orchestra a reception will follow the perform-
ance in the Fellowship Hall
March 29th ~ Maundy Thurs-
day Service 6:30pm
March 30th ~ Good Friday Ser-
vice 6:30pm
Easter Sunday ~ Sunrise Ser-
vice 6:30am
at The Foundry
8:15am Traditional, 9:45am
Contemporary and 11:15am
Traditional in the Main Sanctu-
ary
11:15 Contemporary at The
Foundry
12:45pm Spanish service ~
Main Sanctuary
P. O. Box 99 - 28900 RR 12
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
(512)894-7123 Phone
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.dsumc.org
The SOURCE is available online
Our Mission: To make disciples for Jesus Christ
Our Vision: In accordance with the teachings of Jesus
Christ, the vision of Dripping Springs
United Methodist Church is to identify,
meet and nurture the spiritual needs of
our congregation and community.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE Main Sanctuary
8:15 AM Traditional Service
Communion every Sunday
9:45 AM Contemporary Service
Communion 1st Sunday
11:15 AM Traditional Service
Communion 1st Sunday
12:45 PM Bilingual Service
Communion every Sunday
The Foundry 11:15AM Contemporary Service
Communion 4th Sunday
Adult Sunday School
Youth Sunday School
Children’s Sunday School 9:45 AM
Senior Pastor Adam Thornton
Spanish Pastor
Jesús Sámano
Director of Adult Faith Formation
Vicki Rector
Director of Youth Faith Formation
Sam Hughes
Director of Children’s Faith Formation
Chéri Heldstab
Director of Community Life
Brandon “Shook”
Executive Assistant to Pastor
Patty Wright
Music Director
Adam Miller
Church Administration & Finance
Cara Mullen
Director of Communication
Krista Shook
Pathways School Director
Mary Fernandez
Facilities Coordinator
Randy Voorheis
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April 2018
Sunday, April 22nd
Immediately following church service
Baptisms by immersion at the parsonage
Food, Fun and Fellowship at The Foundry
If you are interested in Baptism by immersion
on Sunday, April 22nd
contact the church office at 512-894-7123
to make an appointment with Pastor Adam
2018 Confirmation Class Service
Sunday, April 29th, 3:00pm ~ Sanctuary
Join us as we celebrate our youth!!
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Adaptive Ministry, part 2
Last month, we introduced the question of what makes ministry in a local church setting fruitful
or successful? I presented the first of two approaches that have made ministry successful not
only where I have served, but also in local church settings where my friends and colleagues
have served.
I am fully aware in this discussion that there are many different approaches that one might
deem “successful” because of the effects they have produced. Success, I suppose, is relative
to the person and local congregation and how they define it. Putting that aside, I am not talking
so much about programs and approaches (though that is the word I used) but rather a way to
conduct ministry that will achieve the desired result of becoming like Jesus.
Last month we spoke about flexibility, and its importance in making us nimble and adaptable versus rigid and
unyielding. This month I want to talk about relational ministry.
Relational ministry shouldn’t be a foreign concept to us who serve one another and with one another. Though we may
be new to the term, odds are that we have seen or experienced it. Relational ministry is the approach that looks at the
long term instead of the short term and seeks to see people as God sees them. At the heart of relational ministry is the
relationship that we have with one another. It is through this cultivation of relationship that people come to learn who
we really are, and what we really believe about life. When we invite people into our lives and they see us in all of our
vulnerabilities and strengths, they become more willing to open up and invite us into their life.
The power of this is evident. Jesus himself shared his life with the twelve disciples. However, it didn’t stop there. Jesus
extended the invitation beyond the twelve to all of those he encountered. Table fellowship, for Jesus, was a way to
experience life with people and to invite them to experience a new way of living. He offered a hand to the woman
accused of adultery, he offered wholeness to the man plagued with demons, he offered a place to belong to Zachaeus,
and he offered new life to Nicodemus. To those who were curious, Jesus offered them
himself. This is the heart of relational ministry. It is the authentic way of life that we
practice that draws people to Christ. In relational ministry, our life is the message.
It is my sincerest prayer and deepest hope that the people of DSUMC will embrace this
type of approach to life and offer that same life to all that we encounter. May God grant
us the grace and mercy to be the message we share.
Adam Thornton
Senior Pastor
Wave upon Wave...
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Sermon Series “Living Righteously”
Sunday, April 8th ~ “Purpose of the Letter” ~ 1 Timothy 1:1-11, 18-19
Sunday, April 15th ~ “In Worship” ~ 1 Timothy 2:1-11
Sunday, April 22nd ~ “ Watching Closely” ~ 1 Timothy 4:1-16
Sunday, April 29th ~ ONE CHURCH
10:00am at Founders Main Stage on Mercer Street
We will not have any regular scheduled services on April 29th
Spanish Service
Sunday
at 12:45pm
Main Campus
Sanctuary
NEXT STEPS: The 2nd Sunday of the month, April 8th, at 12:30pm in the
Fellowship Hall. Join our pastors for a light lunch and see how
we can help you connect to the Body of Christ.
(please RSVP to 512-894-7123 if attending lunch)
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Church News...
Nursery/ChildcareHave you noticed?
Our church is bursting at the seams with activities.
If your class, meeting or event is needing childcare,
please contact the Nursery or Chéri Heldstab two weeks
prior to the time childcare is needed.
We want to provide proper care for your children and an
accurate count of children will enable us to provide the
appropriate caregivers.
For more information contact Chéri Heldstab at
[email protected] .
Capital Campaign as of March 2018
Current Building Loan Balance $ 917,832
Estimated pledges yet to receive $ 98,210
Additional Funds needed to retire loan $ 819,622
Preparing His Way: God’s Plan - Our Future
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Spring has sprung at Pathways!
Wildflowers like bluebonnets and paintbrush, kites, farm animals and more line our hall, and all the
children are buzzing with activity. The lawn was filled with eggs and baskets during our annual
Easter egg hunts at the end of March. We are looking forward to exploring and experiencing more
new life in animals with a visit from the petting zoo in April and hatching our very own chicks in
science later this month! Pathways School will also be celebrating “Week of the Young Child” with some fun events for
both students and families. The National Association for the Education of Young Children began WOYC to highlight
the importance of the early childhood years from a developmental and educational standpoint.
Personally, I’m so thankful to be at Pathways School at DSUMC where young children are valued every day!
Mary Fernandez ~ Director of Pathways School
DeColores Dripping Springs/Driftwood
We had a wonderful local gathering on March 6th with an inspiring Emmaus brother
sharing testimony about his walk experience and the impact on his life. The Emmaus
community is a real blessing and the work of the Lord to change hearts is amazing.
Please support our next Women’s Walk #2182 with your prayers, fishing for pilgrims and volunteering to provide agape
by signing-up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0b45acab2ca6fd0-agape2. The walk will be held
April 26th-29th at Camp Young Judea in Wimberley. Walk 2182’s team consecration is April 3rd at SM UMC at
6:30pm beginning with a potluck dinner. Candlelight is Saturday April 28th, 8:00pm at Camp Young Judea. Welcome
Back will be held May 1st at SM UMC, potluck at 6:30 PM. Keep LD Linda Contreras and her team in your prayers.
DeColores, Drinda
Local Lay Director
Worship Servant News
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully
administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
It was such a blessing to experience Holy Week at DSUMC with the many servants
who came together and participated in so many ways to create a holy worship-filled
environment in which to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ! Thank you to the many friends in Christ who served on the flower team,
helped decorate for Holy Week, served as Ushers, Communion servers and Liturgists.
Thank you to the Acolytes who bring the Light of Christ Jesus into the Sanctuary. Thank you to our awesome choir and
director, and to Created and Foundry Praise Team, the Cantata choir, our hand bells and all gifted servants who never
run out of joyful music of praise and worship. Thank you to our staff whocontinually make excellent work happen
behind the scenes. And, most of all, thanks be to God who blesses us by giving us the Word through our faithful pastors
and our directors who have been called to preach.
Have you been thinking about serving in worship, but not sure how to get started? Even if you can only serve once a
month, we need YOU! If the word “serve” scares you, substitute “help out” – we need people to help out by greeting
our friends and guests, handing out bulletins, and taking the offering. Do not fear; everyone who serves had a ‘first’
time. Check out this link for descriptions of ushers, communion servers and liturgists or talk to me!
http://www.dsumc.org/worship/ Everyone should experience the joy of serving (helping out) during a worship service.
Email Linda Snow at [email protected] , call or text at 512-619-9975, or talk to me at church!
1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and
knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. You are loved!
In HIS service, Linda Snow ~ Worship Steward
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Church News...
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Meet Sami, our new Pianist...
Currently based in Southwest Austin, Ms. Froncek enjoys a multi-faceted career as a
performing artist, chamber musician, and teacher. Ms. Froncek has spent the past two
years researching and studying in Belgium. She received a fellowship from the
Belgian American Educational Foundation and was also a finalist for the Fulbright
study/research grant. Her research included the study of solo piano music of Flemish
Romantic, Impressionistic, and Contemporary composers from Peter Benoit to Wim
Hendrickx, as well as the standard repertory, as well as a survey of teaching methods
and institutions for pre-college students in Belgium.
Ms. Froncek’s recital appearances in Belgium included Project Sarmila’s Benefit
Recital in Hasselt, an Aperitiefconcert with cellist Margot Joubard in Leuven, at a
Thanksgiving Day Recital, (featuring pumpkin pie, because it’s not common in Europe) at the Muziekacademie in
Mortsel, and in Antwerp at the Blauwe Zaal in Desingel. Her favorite was the benefit recital for the Nepalese earthquake
relief effort for Project Sarmila. She performed recitals elsewhere in Europe, most notably Munich and Berlin.
Ms. Froncek holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Baylor University in piano performance, and as part of her
research, a post-graduate diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp. Her teachers include James Williams, Jane
Abbott-Kirk, and Levente Kende. She has played in master classes with Richard Goode, Steven Osborne, Till Fellner,
Pavlina Dokovska, Dang Thai Son, Craig Nies, and Norman Krieger. In 2010, she was elected to Pi Kappa Lambda, the
national music honor society. She also attended Brevard Music Festival in 2009 and 2012, and PianoSummer in New
Paltz, NY in 2010 and was coached by Vladimir Feltsman, Alexander Korsantia, Philip Kawin, Susan Starr, and Robert
Hamilton.
She currently maintains a full studio at Clavier-Werke School of Music, in Austin, TX, and is the pianist faculty in
residence at the Mt. Blanca Summer Music Conservatory in Alameda, Colorado. An ex-competitive swimmer, Sami
is learning how to weight lift and run long distances, although she would rather be reading a good book in a coffee shop.
This summer, she will be returning to Europe, and she will be stopping in Belgium to restock her chocolate supply.
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Church News...
Thank You!
On Saturday, March 24th our choir here at DSUMC combined with the choir
of First Baptist Wimberley to perform our new cantata, Songs of the Passion,
and I want to take a moment to thank each of you that attended or participated,
either in the performances or the preparation process for the reception that fol-
lowed…what an experience of worship it was!
The 60+ choir members sang wonderfully, the 20-piece orchestra masterfully
captured the music and our own Rev. Adam Thornton did a magnificent job in
the retelling of the Easter story through the narrations. Without the dedication
and hard work of everyone who brought this series of works to life, the music
would have remained simply notes on a page.
All of that said, the glory and praise for this weekend’s performances belong to only one person – Jesus Christ our risen
Savior – and our hope as performers is simply that those of you who came and listened or lent your voices and talents
were touched by the Spirit of God in some way, either by the music or the words that were sung and spoken, or by
something else entirely.
Thank you all that helped make this possible, and thank you so much to everyone that joined us for a night of music and
worship and praise!
In Christ,
Adam Miller
Director of Music Ministries
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United Methodist Women is the largest denominational faith organization for
women with approximately 800,000 members whose mission is fostering spiritual
growth, developing leaders and advocating for justice. Members raise up to $20
million each year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in
the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world.
The organized unit of United Methodist Women is a community of women whose purpose is:
• To know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ.
• To develop a creative, supportive fellowship.
• To expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
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United Methodist Women...
UMW Circles We work on service projects and mission studies to further knowledge on issues concerning women and children.
AGAPE CIRCLE
We meet the 1st Monday of the month at 9:30 AM - Fellowship Hall
Leader: Linda Bruce 512-264-9446
This month our meeting is April 9th at 9:30 in the Fellowship Hall.
We will begin with a short business meeting.
At 10:00, our special guests, Wendy and Larry Smith,
will join us to share their work with
"Community First Village." It is a 27 acre development
in east Austin providing not only housing,
but also a supportive community for the homeless.
Please join us to hear about this amazing ministry.
SHALOM CIRCLE
A circle that keeps the “Prayer Shawl Mission” tradition going.
We meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month
6:30pm in Room 108
Leader: Kim Johnson
Women’s Spring Tea
The UMW are busy preparing for the up coming Women's Tea.
April 21st at 2:00pm at DSUMC
. We have had such an amazing response in the registration.
In just 3 weeks after advertising for the Tea, we are full!!
Our Wesley Nurse mission will benefit from the funds raised.
If you are unable to attend but would like to support the Wesley Nurse
Program, a monetary donation can be made through the church or at the
Welcome Center in the designated box .
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Courageous and Faithful Men
Men of Dripping Springs United Methodist Church, the next UMM
meeting is Saturday, April 21st at 8am in the Fellowship Hall.
Our guest speaker will be Steven Phoenix of The Refuge Austin,
a rescue and recovery center for girls saved from sex trafficking.
You won’t want to miss this talk.
https://therefugeaustin.org/
UMM is also in need of your help and leadership. Eric Leonard is our President this year and he is looking for
someone to work along side him as Vice President to learn the ropes and bring great programs and events to the men
of this church. We also are looking for someone to lead the UMM Golf Tournament this year. If you are a golfer and
are willing to put together a team to organize this annual event, we want to hear from you. If either of these roles are
calling you, please email [email protected] to let us know.
Thank you, Paul Brown - [email protected]
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
Mission: Helping Men Grow IN Christ so others may KNOW Christ.
Vision: UMM is Home Base for all the men of the church; the place to plug in and go out in
fellowship/ministry/service. All men’s activities fall under this umbrella.
Challenge: For us, as MEN, to step up and be a shining example of the spiritual backbone of
the church.
All men in the community are encouraged to join us. UMM is not just for church members.
Our meeting provides a forum to communicate what is going on in the life of our church.
Contact Eric Leonard at [email protected] for more information.
United Methodist Men...
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Youth Ministry... Sam Hughes ~ Director of Youth Faith Formation
Wednesday Worship/Student Ministry
“Club 56” - 5th & 6th grade
Middle School and High School
6:00pm at The Foundry
Sunday School Class
9:45 AM at The Foundry
“Club 56” - 5th & 6th grade
Welcome our new Youth Director Sam Hughes
Sam Hughes was born and raised in the Austin area, from Dripping Springs to
Round Rock. She graduated from Baylor University in 2015 and will graduate with
a Masters from Baylor's Truett Seminary this May. She first felt a call to ministry
in 8th grade and has been refining and following this calling since. She is passion-
ate about students and growing alongside them as we learn more about Jesus
together. She loves being able to minister and guide students as they work to own
their faith.
Sam has a loving dog named Hank that loves long walks in the park and puppuccinos. Sam loves building relationships
and investing in the community. Her hobbies include being in nature, well-caffeinated drinks, movies, travel, great mu-
sic, and anything involving people.
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Children’s Ministry...
Chéri Heldstab ~ Director of Children’s Faith Formation ~ [email protected]
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Chéri Heldstab ~ Director of Children’s Faith Formation ~ [email protected]
Children’s Ministry...
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Wellness and Community Development
When there is a perceived need in the community, the Health Ministry Team takes the following steps:
1. Interview the stakeholders. Get their perspective of what the problem is and look for an existing answer that
may address the problem.
2. Gather data if no solution exists and identify who to share the data with.
3. Find out who is passionate about the work that needs to be done and empower them to act through
resources and others who will support them.
4. Evaluate how well the need was addressed.
Recent examples in Dripping Springs include low enrollment in food stamp programs for those who qualify, seniors who are
isolated due to transportation needs, high rates of untreated depression, rampant domestic violence, and poor infrastructure for
affordable childcare and housing. Each of these items individually accounts for poor quality of life and barriers to the wellness
we could achieve as a community. When combined, they can lead to malnutrition, isolation and death.
Various reasons exist for why food stamp programs were not accessed by many of the 20.4% of our city’s population living below
poverty level, including the complexity of the process, which requires login, follow up and submission of supplemental documents
which are often not readily accessible. Some are required to get a doctor’s statement, which requires access to care that is cumber-
some, if not nearly impossible, for most uninsured or underinsured individuals. How we acted: streamlined the process by having
a Central Texas Food Bank representative trained in SNAP (food stamp) enrollment visit Helping Hands pantry once a month to
perform the work of logging in and submitting documents, thus reducing the requirement for follow up prior to approval. Having
an advocate made all the difference: of 12 families enrolled in the first two months of 2018, most saw a reduction of household
expenses equal to 20-30% of their take home income. This allows for other bills to be paid on time, reducing late fees that kept
them chronically behind. More families are signed up for enrollment appointments in March. As the local Wesley Nurse, I also
track weight and Body Mass Index to identify those at risk for malnutrition and measure outcomes. The subjective feedback we
have seen: reduced requests for rent and utility assistance, word of mouth spreading rapidly as enrollment appointments rise and
requests for access to more programs, like job search assistance, have increased. The relief expressed by the families affected
speaks volumes and the public understanding that pantries are supplemental nutrition and not total subsistence has risen.
Senior isolation is a problem in our community as it leads to poor access to care, higher rates of depression and poor quality
of nutrition. One factor that further exacerbates the problem is limited availability of Medicare and Medicaid providers in our town.
Recently, Michaelanne Hurst of Drive A Senior Southwest expressed an interest in providing no cost rides here in Dripping Springs
to those over the age of 60 and meet the following criteria: living on their own or in independent living and are physically mobile.
This came as a welcome solution for our team, as our congregational ride ministry often does not have enough volunteers to carry
out its function and is time intensive to coordinate; more than half of the requests we receive are over the age of 60. How we acted:
by connecting DAS with existing resources for seniors in our area, our team has been able to help her gather the data she needs to
support DAS for Dripping Springs and create a coalition to support this budding program. We have yet to see the final outcome, as
it is a work in progress, but you can support this endeavor by calling to enroll anyone you know who could benefit from DAS at this
number by leaving a name, address and phone number: (512) 364-6501.
Untreated depression, in addition to unmet spiritual needs, is an issue that we are uncovering frequently when people come to the
church out of desperation. It affects an individual’s ability to function by reducing quality and quantity of sleep, desire to eat,
interpersonal relationships and motivation to do things for oneself. Through our team and a growing network of mental health
volunteers, we are working to increase identification of mental illness and accessibility of resources by sharing the information we
have and planning a Mental Health First Aid program for public servants in Dripping Springs. Through the Wesley Nurse program,
over 144 hours of individual counseling have been provided to qualifying individuals at no cost over the initial 8 months of work.
We seek to increase these services this year as God leads, and have found that “a cheerful heart is good medicine” indeed.
Likewise, the issue of domestic violence remains a nearly silent but prevalent one. Through the Broken Vows curriculum, we
sought to begin this conversation within our church community to increase the available support for the victims in our midst.
Though response was limited, we identified a need for preventative education, such as on the topic of healthy relationships, in the
future and identified Hays Caldwell Women’s Center representatives willing to join us in this work.
Finally, on the issue of cost of living, we found that one factor that could significantly impact household income for families who
are struggling is low cost childcare conveniently located in our community. This increases the number of single mothers and
mothers of preschool aged children who can return to reliable wages, and for some, health insurance, if they so choose. As a team,
we are still in the early stages of surveying the public and reviewing available resources to address the concerns of our local
population, but one thing has become clear: a much-needed workforce of minimum to low wage earners cannot afford the cost of
living here in Dripping Springs without significant help from family and neighbors.
Stay tuned as we explore the needs and pray for us as we work to reduce barriers to wellness and health for the least served in our
community.
In His Service, Amy Roedl, RN-BC, FCN
Wesley Nures...
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Summer Schedule for GriefShare
A new GriefShare cycle will begin at Dripping Springs UMC on Sunday, June 10
from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. GriefShare Is a 13-week seminar for people 18 years and
older who are navigating through life after a loved one’s death. Our group of Stephen
Ministers will walk with you through this time and pray with you if you ask. This
helpful, encouraging seminar features weekly video interviews with top Christian experts on grief and recovery topics
as seen from a biblical perspective. There are personal testimonies from people who have experienced all the tangled
emotions after bereavement. The video seminar is combined with support group discussion of the materials presented
during the video. There is also a workbook filled with weekly exercises, practical tips, encouraging words, a gospel
presentation and much more. In sharing your feelings and thoughts with others who are also grieving, you will find
loving support and encouragement to find your way back to a new normal.
Have you wondered if the GriefShare program is for you? Perhaps you lost your loved one a while back but still feel sad
and have lingering questions. Below is our schedule of videos and the discussions we will have on each Sunday. Come
and give the program three weeks to find out if it is helpful for your needs.
For all our classes, free child care is available with preregistration. Call the church at 512-894-7123 or call Linda Snow
at 512-619-9975, email [email protected] for more information, or if you just want to explore whether
this class is right for you. The class fee of $15 covers the cost of the GriefShare workbook. Scholarships are available.
Thirteen Week Schedule:
June 10th ~ Is this normal? July 29th ~ Complicating Factors
June 17th ~ Challenges of Grief August 5th ~ Stuck
June 24th ~ The Journey of Grief part 1 August 12th ~ Lessons of Grief part 1
July 1st ~ The Journey of Grief part 2 August 19th ~ Lessons of Grief part 2
July 8th ~ Grief and other Relationships August 26th ~ Heaven
July 15th ~ Why? September 2nd ~ What do I live for now?
July 22nd ~ Guilt and Anger
If you have questions or need a private meeting, please contact Linda Snow at [email protected]
or 512-619-9975.
Caring Ministry...
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LECTURE SERIES ON LIFE’S NEEDS
A Discussion on Estate Planning, Wills, and Living Trusts
TOPIC: Attorneys Elizabeth Brenner and Belinda Arambula of Burns Anderson Jury &
Brenner will discuss the ins and outs of Estate Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and
Living Trusts.
WHEN: Thursday, April 19, 2018
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
There will be a series of four lectures (presentations) hosted by the UMW this spring and summer to help our church and
community gain more knowledge and understanding of the never-ending needs that appear in our lives and in the lives of
our loved ones.
These lectures are for information only, so please prepare to come and learn, but not to be ‘sold’ a plan!
Mark your calendar:
Wills and Probate – April 19th
Organ donation and living transplants – May 17th
Long-term care and Hospice care – June 14th
Funeral planning and Cremation – July 12th
As you can see, there are lots of decisions to be made – come and learn!
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Dear friends,
In Pastor Adam’s sermons about living out the core value of “connection,” and how vital it is to be
in relationship in our spiritual growth journey, it occurred to me that one of the powerful ways we
can connect with one another is to be in prayer “for” each other, and “with” each other.
So I am excited to share with you two new opportunities to do just that.
Church Prayer Chain - praying for each other
Though it has been awhile, many of you may remember having a prayer chain through our church
or have participated in another one. Being part of a prayer chain offers the opportunity to pray for specific needs,
requests or celebrations on behalf of church members. It is both a powerful gift to offer and a rich experience to
receive. If you’re not familiar with prayer chains, here is what one of our members shared about her experience:
“Were it not for the faithful prayer warriors who lifted us up in prayer, I would never have been able to make it through
my late husband’s cancer treatments and then his subsequent death. Knowing that others interceded on our behalf
before the Lord truly helped to lighten my burden and to comfort me in my grief.”
Our renewed prayer chain will use an email format to send out prayer requests to people on the chain who will then pray
individually as the Spirit leads.
How to Join the Prayer Chain The Prayer Chain will soon be listed as one of the “Community Groups” on our website at dsumc.org and there will be
a link to join as a prayer chain member and provide your email information. With the help of Krista Shook, this will be
available sometime in April. We will let you know as soon as it is ready!
How to Submit a Prayer Request Krista also will be setting up a designated email address to receive prayer requests which the prayer chain administrator
will send out to the group. Prayer requests also can be submitted through a written card on Sunday morning if desired.
I am looking for two people willing to serve as Co-Administrators for the prayer chain. We want prayer requests to
be shared in a timely manner and allow for flexibility in schedules. Everything will be set up for you and your
responsibility would be to forward the prayer requests that you receive to the group.
Please let me know if you are willing to serve in this way: [email protected]
Pause to Pray - praying with each other
The second new opportunity is to participate in a “virtual prayer group” called Pause to Pray.
While it is important to physically gather to pray, daily schedules can make it difficult to do that as
often as we’d like. “Pause to Pray” will offer scheduled times during the week that we can literally
pause to pray together wherever we are (at work, at home, on errands, traveling) for as long as we
are able, whether that is just a few minutes or the full 30 minutes.
Beginning Monday, April 2nd we are scheduling Pause to Pray 3 times a week at different times of the day to allow for
differing schedules. I believe it will be a powerful experience to know that in those moments members of DSUMC are
in prayer together throughout the Dripping Springs/Austin area or wherever your travels may take you. These prayer
times will have a more general focus (rather then the specific requests of the Prayer Chain) to allow Spirit to lead us.
Pause to Pray will be posted as events on the DSUMC Facebook page. If you haven’t seen it, you can find it at https://
www.facebook.com/DSUMC/. The Facebook page is a great way to connect and it offers a tangible way to participate
during prayer times by leaving a quick comment on the post to let others know you are with them in prayer. A simple
“I’m here” will do. Also, if you’re unable to join the group at the designated time, “pause to pray” when you can and
leave a comment that you did.
Designated prayer times will be Monday mornings from 7:30-8:00 a.m.; Wednesday evenings from 8:00-8:30pm ; and
Fridays from 12:00-12:30pm. You are invited to join in during any or all of those times.
We will be alternating prayers for:
- direction and discernment for our church, our staff, and our ministries
- the physical, emotional and spiritual healing of others and ourselves
- the needs our community, the healing of our nation and peace in the world
I invite you to take advantage of these opportunities to connect in prayer “for” and “with” each other.
In His love, Pam Firle ~ Prayer Steward
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Prayer...
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Why Face It Alone? – Consider Stephen Ministry
Life is a challenge for anyone when crises arise. We want you to know that you do not have to go
through these times alone. We have Stephen ministers to come alongside until you are back on steady
ground. They meet you at your convenience once a week for about an hour. They will be with you until
you mutually agree this ministry is no longer necessary. They will listen non-judgmentally and pray with
you and for you. This does not take the place of counseling if the situation warrants it. It is having a
good Christian friend to share the burden with you for a while. All meetings are confidential. Please just make a phone
call to Ken Heffley, our referrals coordinator at 214-212-1548. He will have an available Stephen minister call you. We
also have a list of referrals for other services that you might need in your particular situation. There is no charge for this
ministry. Our Stephen ministers are all trained volunteers.
Spring – A Time for New Life
Sometimes our spiritual lives have “winters” when we are asleep to the presence of God. Having a
Spiritual Director can help by walking with you through a time of new life or hope by examining
and refreshing your walk. It is a mutual journey of discovering what the Holy Spirit has to share
with us. If you are interested in a personal time of reflection, prayer and discernment, please contact
Barbara McArthur at [email protected] or call 512-626-5288. There will be a new spiritual
growth group starting in mid-September with studies incorporated into group prayer and reflection.
Hearts at Home Ministry
Dripping Springs UMC is offering a new ministry "Hearts At Home" for persons who are unable to
attend church but would like to receive phone calls or visits on a regular basis and would also like to
receive communion monthly. If you are aware of anyone who would be interested in this ministry or
you would like more information, please contact Debbie Higgs at 512-627-6881.
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:13
Leading in Prayer
A Class for Those Who Pray in Groups!
For many people, prayer remains a mystery, and praying in public is a test of faith left to the
“professionals” of the church. This course on praying in public will help the participant grow in
confidence and skill in prayer, both public and personal. While open to anybody who wants to
attend, it is also a course for advanced credit in Lay Servant Ministries.
Where: First UMC, Cedar Park When: Saturday, April 14 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Workbook will be provided with registration: Let the Whole Church Say Amen! By Laurence Hull Stookey
Register: http://capital-lay-servants.org/
Deadline to Register: April 5th
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Spiritual Growth and Nurturing...
Prayers of the People:
Kelli Anderson, Katie Brooks, Rex & Janie Brooks, Frances Bubenik, Betty Cobb,
Maria Cuff, Jeannie Cutrer, Evert Daughetee, Henry & Millie Ellis, Kenny Freitag,
Josetta Harris, Betty Henderson, Carol Hodge, Harold Hoke, Paula Johnson, Doug Jumper,
Trey Madden, Dakota Miller, Dale Moore, Tom Morgan, Danny Nugent, Jessica Phipps,
Chuck Sellers, Jenny Schaack, Conrad Solis, Pat Swenson, Dan Ulrich, Van Walker, Young Life Puerto Rico
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Kairos Prison Ministry
” . . . I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:36
DSUMC has been a major supporter of Kairos Prison Ministry for more than 20 years!
Kairos is a 3-day spiritual retreat patterned after the Walk to Emmaus in the free world.
Kairos has been bringing the love of Christ to our incarcerated brothers and sisters worldwide for 40 years, building
Christian community in the prison, reducing recidivism, and giving our incarcerated sisters and brothers in white new
hope. Kairos Outside is a ministry for female family members of incarcerated men and women. For information about
Kairos Inside, go to kairostexas.org. For information about Kairos Outside, go to kairosoutsidecentraltexas.org.
DSUMC members are participating in 2 Kairos Inside Weekends and one Kairos Outside Weekend this spring. The
Kairos Weekend at the men’s maximum security Hughes Unit in Gatesville was on March 1st - 4th. It was a very
successful event, and 42 of our incarcerated Brothers in White had a close encounter with our Risen Lord! The Kairos
Weekend at the women’s maximum security Lane Murray unit, also in Gatesville, April 26th - 29th. The spring Kairos
Outside of Central Texas Weekend is scheduled for May 25th - 27th. Please visit the Kairos table in the Fellowship Hall
to see how you can help.
Team formation will begin this summer for the fall Hughes Kairos Weekend on September 27th - 30th, and for the fall
Lane Murray Kairos Weekend on October 17th - 20th. To get involved with Hughes Kairos contact Dave Sutherland at
[email protected] or 512-940-7244. To get involved with Lane Murray Kairos, contact Maria Sharp at
[email protected] or 512-853-0227. To get involved with Kairos Outside or have questions, contact Chéri
Heldstab at [email protected] .
Financial Peace University This nine week class that will give you hope for freedom from debt, stress and worry. It will teach
you through entertaining videos and an experienced facilitator how to take control of your money,
communicate in your marriage and plan for the future.
An introductory class will take place on Wednesday April 4th at 6:30pm in room 106 for you to check
it out and see if this is a class for you. The course of classes will begin April 11th in room F10 at The
Foundry You can pre-register online at www.dsumc.org click on “upcoming events” and follow the
Financial Peace prompts. For more information contact the class facilitator, Rush Baskin at
[email protected] or 979-255-3010.
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Outreach...
Africa Mission Update In case you missed the announcement, we are so excited to share with you an upcoming project
DSUMC is participating in with a village in Africa.
During his recent trip to Israel, Pastor Adam connected with an African United Methodist
Bishop and the Bishop asked if our congregation would be willing to help one of his churches.
To that end, we are pleased to share with you that Dripping Springs UMC will be partnering
with Chem Chem Church, in the city of Kalemie in the Democratic Republic of Congo to repair
a wall of their church that was recently destroyed due to rain & erosion. The cost to rebuild is approximately $12,000
and frankly, the church in Kalemie cannot afford this. That's where we come in. Our church has agreed to help raise the
funds to support this project to help rebuild the wall of Chem Chem Church so that the congregation can worship together
in a building shielded from the elements.
If you are interested in giving in any amount, please go to www.dsumc.org and click on
"Online Giving" and enter the amount in the "Africa" section and follow the instructions to
give online. Or, you may drop a check in the offering plate on Sunday with "Africa" in the
memo line, or bring it to Cara Mullen in the church office.
Although this is a short term need the church has expressed, Pastor Adam and our missions
team is also exploring the possibility of a long-term partnership with our brothers & sisters
in the Congo. Pastor Adam will most likely be visiting Chem Chem church in the near
future to connect with the pastor there and identify possible future projects.
We're excited about the possibilities this partnership and how we can be the body of Christ together!
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Scout Pack and Troop 101 News...
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APRIL NEWS FROM SCOUTS 101
DSUMC is the chartered organization for three Boy Scout units:
Cub Scout Pack 101, Boy Scout Troop 101, and Venture Crew 101.
Pack 101 http://pack101.us/ Pack 101 Cub Scouting is a year-round family program designed for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade
(ages 6-10). Guests are always welcome to come to one of our Pack meetings to see what our Pack is all about before
joining. We generally meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00pm during the school year at Dripping Springs
UMC. Please check the calendar to verify the date as it occasionally shifts due to holidays or district-wide school testing
days. You also can check out the calendar at http://pack101.us/ to see what other fun activities we have planned.
CONTACT US
Pack Committee Chair, Jennifer Sedlmeyer at [email protected]
Cub Master, Mark P. Schram, 512-656-6635 or http://Pack101.us
Troop 101 http://www.t101.org/ Boy Scout Troop 101 meets every Tuesday night from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in The Foundry. Boy Scouts is
for young men in 6th grade up to age 18. For questions or information on how to join the Troop, you
may contact our Troop Committee Chair, Rebecca Fahey, at [email protected] or 720-234-7819 .
Recent Activities: “Lost” wilderness survival campout – March 10-13
The scouts had a great time again at the Alarid Ranch in Grapeland, Texas. This time, the were dropped off in
the middle of 3000 acres with a map and their 10 essentials. They had two days to
make their way back to base camp. Both groups made it back the next day after
spending the night out in the wilderness. They used the "extra" day to relax, fish
and shoot targets and clays. The scouts have already come up with a more
challenging scenario for next year!
Chris Schaefer Court of Honor
Coming Activities: Bringing New Life to An Old Eagle Scout Project My Eagle Scout project for Troop 101 has consisted of moving the gazebo that was at the top of the
parking lot to a more useable space between the church and The Foundry. The original gazebo was an
Eagle Scout project completed in 2009. The gazebo has been power washed and stained and boards
have been replaced and repaired to make sure that is lasts for many more years. From there, a walkway
is being built to attach it to the prayer garden. Memorial bricks have been purchased by the church and
will provide a lasting memory. In addition to the path, a small bridge has been added that will prevent
erosion of the pathway. We will finish the project by planting plants and adding a bed around the gazebo. I would like
to thank the United Methodist Men Wild Game Dinner for helping fund a part of this project. I would also like to say a
big thank you to all who bought memorial bricks. Without this support, this project could not have happened. Thank
you also to my church for supporting Troop 101 and my goal to be an Eagle Scout. Colton Owens
Venture Crew 101
Venture Crew 101 currently meets the first Sunday of the month at 2:00pm at DSUMC in The Foundry. For
information on the Venture Crew, contact:
Crew Advisor - Darrell Pearson [email protected] or
Committee Chair - Curtis Heldstab [email protected] .
Youth leaders: Crew President - Andrew Bainbridge, Vice President & Guide - Katy Heldstab, Secretary - Isabel (Izzy)
Estrada , Quartermaster - Eve Pearson
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American Heritage Girls and Trail Life News...
American Heritage Girls Troop TX-0522 and Trail Life USA Troop TX-0107 are ministries of DSUMC.
Linda Snow is the Charter Organization Representative for TLUSA TX-0107,
and Chéri Heldstab is the Charter Organization Representative for AHG TX-0522.
The young ladies and their leaders of American Heritage Girls Troop TX-0522 have been busy keeping their oath to
love God, cherish their families, honor their country, and serve in their community.
TLUSA TX-0107 has worked on many badges and awards this year. The Woodlands program has completed 17 steps
on their Forest Trail. The Adventurers program has worked extensively on their Worthy Life award by reading Mere
Christianity, and by doing the God and Life curriculum. Further, they have worked on the Personal Resources, Family
Man, and Electricity trail badges.
AHG and TLUSA share the same statement of values. “We believe there is One Triune God – God the Father; Jesus
Christ, His one and only Son; and the Holy Spirit – Creator of the universe and eternally existent. We believe the Holy
Scriptures (Old and New Testaments) to be the inspired and authoritative Word of God. We believe each person is
created in His image for the purpose of communing with and worshiping God. We believe in the ministry of the Holy
Spirit, Who enables us to live godly lives. We believe each of us is called to love the Lord our God with all our heart,
mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We believe God calls us to lives of purity, service,
stewardship and integrity.”
Trail Life USA has six program emphasis. One program emphasis is character — the four selves: self-respect, self-
control, self-reliance, and self-worth. They are the four poles of the tent—let one fall and the tent sags, let two fall and
the tent collapses.
Are you looking for Christ-centered youth programs which are fun? We have them: American Heritage Girls for girls
K-12 and Trail Life USA for boys K-12. We have camping, badge work, service, fellowship, and lots of fun. For
more information about AHG contact Troop Coordinator Cheryl Calvert: [email protected] .
For more information about TLUSA contact Troop Master Patrick Welton: [email protected] .
