Monthly Newsletter-March 2010

NON-PROFIT

US POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 85

Georgetown, TX

78627

Newsletter for Wellspring A United Methodist

Community of Faith

6200 Williams Dr.

Georgetown, Texas 78633

Rev. Debra Crumpton, Pastor

Church: (512) 930-5959

Home: (512) 869-7838

Pastoral Care: (512) 677-3885

A Monthly Publication March 2010

Worship Times:

8:30 am-Traditional

9:30 am-Traditional

11:00 am-Celebration

All are Welcome, All are Accepted

Wellspring-The Source

“One Sunday morning the pastor encouraged his congregation to consider the potential of the church. He told them, “With God’s help we can see the day when this church will go grow from crawling to walking.” And the people responded, “Let the church walk, pastor: let the church walk.” The pastor continued, “And when the church begins to walk, next the church can begin to run!” And the people shouted, “Let the church run, pastor; let the church run!”

The pastor continued, “And finally the church can move from running to flying, Oh, the church can fly! But of course it’s going to take a lot of money for that to happen!” The congregation grew quiet, and from the back someone mumbled, “Let the church walk, pastor; let the church walk.” (Anonymous)

When I arrived at Wellspring in January of 2008, the church had already undergone a visioning process for its next building phase. Unfortunately the reality was that we were also experiencing a cash flow shortage. As the year progressed our finances improved. That fall, we had a successful Stewardship Campaign and ended 2008 in the black. This financial success continued until September 2009. During this time we were able to pay 1/12 of our apportionment each month. However, our income for the first two months of 2010 thus far is less than 2009.

In November of this year we will celebrate our fifteen-year anniversary. Many of us know what the past has held. Our Visioning Committee is working to discern a vision for the next five to fifteen years believing that the path before us is brighter than the path behind us.

Of course a part of that vision includes building a second phase with a full size kitchen, classroom space for elementary age children, a full-service youth room, and a music room for starters. Currently we have funds on de-posit with the Texas Methodist Foundation in excess of $230K. We would like to begin a capital campaign aimed at raising money for the next building phase as well as reducing the current debt level.

However, it would be imprudent of us to go into a capital campaign without first being intentional about faithful stewardship. While I do not ask to see what individual members give, I do analyze the numbers. And us-ing the total income received in 2009 divided by the number of giving units reflects that our average weekly giving was $35 per giving unit. A giving unit can reflect a household or a single individual depending upon how people make their contributions.

I am mindful of the story of the widow’s mite where two coins were all she had, and I recognize that many may be giving a full tithe. Yet, if we are going to move from crawling to walking, we must seek to become inten-tional in our giving. Pray about it and allow the Spirit to direct us. Perhaps we can even be a flying church.

“Let the church fly, let the church fly”

Thanks to each of you for doing your part to move our church from walking to flying.

Shalom,

Debra

Take Up Flying!

UPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTS

March 2010

Special Guest Preacher - Sunday, March 14

8:30, 9:30 & 11:00 am - Rev. Denise Sawyer

Easter Cantata - Palm Sunday, March 28

9:30 & 11:00 am

Special Holy Week Events: March 29 - April 3

• Maundy Thursday Service - 7:00 pm

• Good Friday Tenebrae Service - 7:00 pm

• Holy Saturday Children’s Easter Festival - 9:00 am

Attention Crafters

There will be an organizational meeting for anyone interested in crafting for Wellspring fundraisers on Tuesday, March 9th at 9:00 a.m. in Rm 202. Please come with any ideas for items to craft.

If you have an interest but can't attend the meeting, contact Cheryl Russell at 863-2540 or

[email protected].

“I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me bear much fruit…” (John 15:5, NRSV) Calendar of Events

Sunday Services and Actives:

March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th 8:30/9:30AM-Traditional Worship-Worship Center 9:30AM-Journey-Rm 205 9:30AM-Chapel Dwellers-Rm 204 10:45AM-Navigator’s Class-Rm 205 Season’s of the Spirit Class-Rm 203 Cornerstone Bible Study-Chapel S.T.I.R. Class-Rm 202 11:00AM-Celebration!-Worship Center 5:30PM-Youth Snack Supper-Munch & Mingle 6:00PM-Crossflow-Rm 109

March Events and Activities:

Friday, March 5 10:00AM-Close Friends-Munch & Mingle

Saturday, March 6 8:00AM-United Methodist Men-Munch & Mingle

Sunday, March 7 6:00PM-Parent & Youth Group-Meeting the new

Youth Director-Munch & Mingle

Monday, March 8

4:00PM-Women’s Emmaus Group-Rm 203

Tuesday, March 9

9:00AM-Crafters-Rm 202

Wednesday, March 10

2:00PM-Prayer Ministry-Chapel

4:30PM-St. Helen’s Mass-Worship Center

6:00PM-B.L.T.-Women’s Bible Study-Rm 202/204

6:00PM-Chancel Choir-Worship Center

7:00PM-Experiencing God-Rm 203

7:00PM-Singers-Munch & Mingle

8:00PM-Deep Water-Worship Center

Thursday, March 11

2:00PM-Prayer Shawl Ministry-Rm 203

7:00PM-Al-Anon-Rm 203


Monday, March 15


Fall Festival 2010

The Fall Festival for 2010, will be held on Saturday,

October 9th. For information, please contact Mark McCartney at (512) 635-7203.

Spring Break Spring Cleaning

We will have a spring cleaning week upstairs on 3/19-3/18, 9am - noon. Volunteers are needed to help. Please contact Dorothy Light in the office at

512-930-5959, ext. 231.

Wellspring’s 2010 Goals

Below are measurable goals for Wellspring in 2010 which will take each of us joining our spiritual gifts together.

• Reach average worship attendance of 325. • To increase the number of baptisms from 4 to 10 (baptizing both adults and children). • To extend the Invitation to Christ and have at least 15 professions of Faith. • To increase faithful Stewardship by raising average giving per average worship attendance from $120 per month to a minimum of $200.00 per month. • To increase participation in bible study/covenant groups from an average of 145 to a minimum of 200. • To create one hands-on Wellspring Mission project seeded by a minimum of 12 people. • To establish two sustainable Outreach initiatives.

These goals can only be reached through each person’s faithful commitment to answering God’s call to discipleship.

Wednesday, March 17

9:30AM-UMW Ruth Circle







Thursday, March 18



Monday, March 22 10:00AM-UMW Faith Circle


Tuesday, March 23

6:30PM-Finance Team-Rm 202

6:30PM-Laity Banquet-Mayborn Center-Temple

Wednesday, March 24







Thursday, March 25

7:00PM-Leadership Council-Worship Center



Monday, March 29


Tuesday, March 30

5:00PNMHavurah Shalom-Worship Center

Wednesday, March 31







Intercessory Prayer List: Those known in our membership: Gene Wilkins, Harold Byram, Pat & Buzzi Ball, Trudy Derse, Pat Herff, Lettie Lee, Deborah McCartney, C.J. Smith, Anne & Ray Ranta, Eileen Atkins, Helen Alford. Members in care or home-bound: Lola Atkins, Kathy Burrier, Jurlyne Hensley, Anna Fitzpatrick. Those serving in the military: Our troops, Justin Blakely, Daniel Cadena, David Corley, Travis Cox, Adron Elders, Jeffrey Gipson, Dereck J. Hall, Michael Harris, Ron McLaurin, Matthew Miller, Robert Newman, David Pekar, Jr., Wes Stobaugh, Curt and Scott Taylor, Heath Van-derlinden, Jeff Parr, Steve Kahn, Scot Sackreiter, Jacob Melear. For those who grieve: White Family, Yerks Family. Relatives of members: Jurlyne Hensley, Gayle Nashed, Carl Lidell, James Macklin, Carolyn Maddux, Linda Maxcy, Brian O’Donnell, Cheryl Reece, Charles Walters, Sue Woodward, Patti Jones, Yvonne Walls, Dustin Carver, Todd Thomsen, Pat Whitson, Anita Fragiacomo, Joyce Queen, Emmaline Barton. Also for: Terry Lockamy, The Mauldins’ brother-n-law, Marc & Family, Esteben Riveria, Charles Hanks, Trudy Sybert, Ron Weaver, Wellspring Ministries, Haiti, Mandy Morrison, Nita, Figures Family, Cindy Carswel, Mary Reeves, Kathleen Rhea, Beverly Walker, Doug & Jill Armstrong, Chovan Family, Sara Gressett, Mary & Jerry Williams, Anita Fragiacomo, Richard Dawson, Zavala Family, our economy, World Peace, Jerusalem, those who travel, who suffer, all parents, our enemies, friends/families, jobless, homebound, homeless, ill, expectant mothers, those in ministry, nursing homes, our Sunday School, Volunteers, our youth, our staff, our children, our members, growth of Wellspring, the unchurched and for all in need. For prayer re-quests, email [email protected].

Parade of the Palms: 8:30am-Special Music & Preaching

Easter Cantata: 9:30 and 11:00am

Sunday - March 28

Journey to the Cross - The journey to the cross was life-changing for those who witnessed it firsthand, and continues to impact our lives today. Journey to the Cross and experience this awe-inspiring reminder of our Lord’s love, His sacrifice, and His victory over death with the Wellspring choir and chamber orchestra.

Lenten Season 2010-Holy Week Events Ministry & Mission Opportunities

From the Prayer Ministry: Christian Healing

Stories of Jesus’ acts of healing abound throughout the Gospels. Such evidence of His compassion and uncondi-tional love for those in need contributes greatly to our understanding of Who Jesus is – and Whose He is.

This spiritual gift of healing was an important part of Jesus’ legacy to those who followed Him. At that time healing was considered an integral part of the Christian experience. Those who were able to heal were thought to be blessed with a specific spiritual gift. Descriptions of healing are found scattered throughout the Acts of the Apostles and the Letters in the New Testament, as well as in other records of the early church.

As time passed, however, Christian healing practices appear to have diminished in importance and became more pe-ripheral to the mainstream Christian experience. Many have attributed this decline to the persistence with which charlatans and false prophets used displays of “healing” as a ploy to prey upon suffering victims. In the more recent past, exposure to the tent preachers, televangelists and other Elmer Gantry-type performances have caused many Christians to reject healing practices as a legitimate Christian expression of faith.

What is authentic and true about the practice of Christian healing? How might we incorporate such practices as a part of our faith journey? How can we learn more? Look for further discussion on Christian healing in the next issue of the Source. ~ Lettie Lee

Special Notice to Pastors & Campus Ministers:

We have just posted to the CTC Website an opportunity for an all-expenses-paid training in Washington, DC, for some of our brightest 20 to 30 yr. olds to join Bread for the World’s next class of Hunger Justice Leaders.

Please take a quick look at the video clip at www.ctcumc.org and decide if there is anyone in your ministry setting who should apply. The goal is for them to bring their hunger advocacy efforts back to their communities.

Thank you for being attentive to identifying future leaders for Christ and the church.

In His service,

Carolyn Stephens - Associate Director for Mission Ministries & Director of Communications Central Texas Conference

Annual Easter Fest Saturday

April 3rd at 9:00am

It is time to start planning for our annual Easter Fest. We need your help fill-ing plastic eggs with candy. We have lots of empty eggs this year so you may take some empty eggs and bring them back with candy or simply buy some eggs at the store, fill them and drop them off.

This event is so much fun for children of all ages. Please support this pro-gram by bring candy eggs or by volunteering Saturday morning to help with the hunt or arts and crafts.

For more information please contact Dorothy Light at the church office at 512-930-5959.

Maundy Thursday Service

April 1st – 6:30pm Meditation & Communion

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

April 2nd – 6:30pm (Service of Darkness)

Easter Sunday April 4th

8:00am - Early Morning Worship (followed by breakfast) 9:30am - Special Music, Confirmation, & Preaching 11:00am - Special Music, Communion, & Preaching

Celebrate the joy of Easter with the Wellspring choir and chamber orchestra performing Mark Hayes’ The Crown and the Cross. The music beautifully underscores the scripture-based narrative of the mood and drama of Holy Week, ending in the final chorus is a majestic yet reflective affirmation of faith in praise to Jesus, Who was faithful to His final breath.

Easter Lilies

Order your Easter Lily. There will be a limited amount of lilies available to purchase for $10 each. Order forms are located at the Welcome Desk.

Only 18 left to purchase!

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES OFFERED

9:30 AM-Senior High (Rm 109) 9:30 AM-6th Grade-Confirmation (Rm 203) 9:30 AM-Chapel Dwellers (Rm 204) 9:30 AM-Journey (Rm 205) 9:30 AM-7th & 8th Grade-Middle School (Rm 207) 10:45 AM-S.T.I.R. Class (Rm 202) 10:45 AM-Seasons of the Spirit Class (Rm 203) 10:45 AM-Cornerstone Bible Study (Rm 204) 10:45 AM-Navigator’s Class (Rm 205)

Adult Ministries Youth Ministries

B I R T H D A Y P A R T Y ! April 11th @ 4:00pm in the Worship Center.

If your birthday is in January, February, March or April. You are invited to the First Ever church Birthday Celebration.

The Celebration will feature “Designer Ice Cream Sundaes” and Birthday Cake. You will have the chance to meet, greet and play with your church family. What a great opportunity to learn more about the richness of each other.

Please RSVP at the desk in Munch and Mingle and the invitation includes your special other. Sign up will begin Sunday March 21st.

Wellspring UMC Youth Ministries Newsletter

Note from the Youth Director: Hello, my name is Nicole Swisher and I am the new part time Youth Director for Wellspring UMC. My husband Paul and I just moved to Georgetown last fall from Pennsylvania. I was born in Guam and raised in Dripping Springs, TX, but had lived on the east coast over the last 10 years. My husband and I are members of the Wrightstown Methodist Church in New Jersey. Paul and I have been volunteers for children, youth, and other ministries throughout the years.

I have a B.S., in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois Univer-sity. Over the last 7 years, I have worked with a wide range of individuals in the human and social services fields. I have experience working with children and teenagers with

behavioral and mental health issues. I would like to use my experience working with children and teenagers and combine that with my love of God and Jesus Christ. As Youth Director, I look forward to bringing scrip-ture and activities to the youth ministry. My hope is to help guide each individual in their spiritual growth.

Please mark your calendars because I would like to meet all of you for a Parent & Youth Group Meet and Min-gle with the new Youth Director on Sunday, March 7 from 6-7pm at Wellspring UMC for food and fellow-ship. I would like to go over upcoming events. (I know weekends are busy, but I wanted to meet everyone before Spring Break)

I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING EVERYONE!! NICOLE SWISHER

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Nicole Swisher

Youth Director

512-930-5959 (Office)

512-639-0625 (Cell)

Email: [email protected]

Snack Supper Schedule

March 7 – Meet & Mingle

March 14 - Spring Break

March 21 - Schutz Family

March 28 - Turner Family

Upcoming Events

Parent & Youth Group Meet & Mingle with New Youth Director - Sunday March 7th @ 6:00-7:00

Youth Group Mission Trip Fundraiser Scheduled for the end of March, exact date/time TBD.

Volunteers will be needed.

Y.E.A.H. Paint Day is an annual youth mission event in the Temple District. The event is on April 9-10 in Temple to paint homes for people who would otherwise not be able to afford it. Volunteers are needed to be

chaperones, drivers, and a project leader.

Registration for youth, volunteers, and project

leaders are due March 12th.

Music Festival: May 1st

Mission Trips

June (Sr. high) / July (Jr. high)

Please consider some Volunteer Opportunities:

Small group leaders

Sunday school helpers

Snack supper sign up

Mission Trips

B.L.T.

(Bringing Ladies Together for Bible Led Teaching)

March 10th @ 6:00pm-Conference Room/Chapel

Lesson: Chapter 5 - “Living Room Intimacy”

Please bring a small salad, snack or dish to share along with your bible. All are welcome to share in this new women’s bible study. Child care available upon request.

Please call Pat Merrick @ 512-240-5011.

New Journey info:

We will be studying the last days of Jesus' ministry on earth through Palm Sunday. Beginning April 11 we will begin the book of Acts.

Also we have a social planned for Saturday, April 3rd at 5pm at Gary and Laura Davis's house.

For more information, please contact Gary or Laura at (254) 793-2952.

STIR - (Seeking Truth in Reading)

The STIR class will initiate a new framework for class discussion beginning March 21st.

Rather than spending several months on the same book, we will be centering each class period on a resource for discussion that can be covered in one session. Rotating resources will provide for a stimulating variety of oppor-tunities for thought-provoking discourse. Monthly schedules will be provided to class members.

Come join us and experience this new approach. We think you'll like it. Class begins at 10:45am in Rm 202. ~Lettie Lee

Navigators Class Lenten study thru Mar. 28th - 10:45AM - Rm 205

24 Hours That Changed The World

by: Adam Hamilton Walk with Jesus on his final day. Sit beside him at the Last Supper. Pray with him in Gethsemane.

Follow him to the cross. &

Experience the Resurrection Whether you are a longtime Christian or simply curious about the story of Christ’s crucifixion, you are invited to join us on this inspiring journey.

Documents

Monthly Newsletter-March 2010