Sunday, January 24: Third Sunday

after the Epiphany “Ecumenical Sunday”

Contemporary Worship 8:30 am

Sunday School 9:40 am

Traditional Worship 11:00 am

Sunday, January 31:

Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany

Contemporary Worship 8:30 am

Sunday School 9:40 am

Traditional Worship 11:00 am

The Evangel S t . S t e p h e n ’ s U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h

January 22, 2016 Volume 21, No. 2

A Message from the Pastor

OUR MISSION is to know God and make God known!

A Theology of Joy

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

J.I. Packer, is the 89-year-old author of the Christian classic, Knowing God and is considered by some to be one of the 20th century’s greatest theologians. As he reflected on his age and a diagnosis of macular degeneration in both his eyes , he reaffirmed the central tenet of his deep faith: "God knows what he is doing," and “some good, something

for his glory, is going to come out of it.” In fact, Packer’s favorite book of the Bible is Ecclesiastes because he sees the theology of joy welling up from underneath its surface cynicism.

In January 2014, he published his final book Finishing Our Course with Joy: Guidance from God for Engaging with Our Aging. In it, he writes, “How should we view the onset of old age? The common assumption is that it is mainly a process of loss, whereby strength is drained from both mind and body and the capacity to look forward and move forward in life’s various departments is reduced to nothing. . . . But here the Bible breaks in (!) [emphasis added], highlighting the further thought that spiritual ripeness is worth far more than material wealth in any form, and that spiritual ripeness should continue to increase as one gets older.”

No matter what our age, we each know that life throws us curveballs and sliders sometimes, but we also know our Lord loves us each enough, by name, that He laid His life down for us and promises us an eternal home! Therefore, I believe we should faithfully look for the blessings in each of our days. Do you have a theology of joy welling up beneath your day-to-day achievements as well as your setbacks? Can you name a blessing[s] that you would like to share? Do you have a testimony about which you would like to write? Are you willing and ready to give a witness? As one part of our comprehensive look at Christian stewardship, I am hoping to schedule a couple of first-person testimonies each month from members of our congregation, by video or article, who are ready to give the glory to God! I’m calling them God-moments. I look forward to hearing from you!

Grace and peace,

Kevin

Children’s Moment

Mary Gossett tells the children the story of Jesus’ baptism on Sunday, January 10, “Baptism of the Lord”. Read more children and youth news on page 5.

THE EVANGEL Vol. 21 Issue 2, January 22, 2016 (USPS 019-947) is published bi-weekly free of charge to subscribers by St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 West 43rd St., Houston, TX 77018-3009. Periodicals postage paid at Houston, TX. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 West 43rd St., Houston, TX 77018-3009.

Evangel Deadlines

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Mil estones

From the S t . S teph en’s Fou nd ation Committee

Attendance and Contributions at St. Stephen’s:

Publication Date News Deadline February 5 Noon, Monday, February 1 February 19 Noon, Tuesday, February 16

Send articles to maryellen@stsumc.org or call the church office.

8:30 am 11:00 am Sunday School Operating Building Missions/ Communion

Other Repairs

January 10 55 171 105 $7,130.55 $20.00 $83.00 $172.13 —

January 17 46 140 105 $6,920.75 $600.00 $221.00 $65.70 —

Address Update

The Collins family—Earl, Gloria, Chappie and Lance, made a move recently to:

6710 Ezzard Charles Ln Houston, Texas 77091

Practicing Stewardship in 2016

What is stewardship? Merriam-Webster defines it as “the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care”. If you think about it, everything we have was given to us by God, and we are called as Christians to be faithful stewards of His gifts. What could you do as a faithful steward of your personal gifts and

resources? Consider volunteering at the church, or making an extra donation to a cause close to your heart. Or go above and beyond and set up a new fund to support the church’s ministry efforts. For more information, or to discuss your ideas, contact your church office or Heartspring Methodist Foundation at 713-533-3780, 1-800-521-9617 or via office@heartspringmethodist.org.

Birthday Milestone!

George Wood celebrated his 90th birthday on January 21. Send him birthday congratulations to:

2121 Pinegate Dr., Room 2118

Church family, I am coming to the end of my maternity leave. Soon my daughters will both be in childcare and I will be back at work full time. As we go through this transition, I ask for your prayers. As I’m sure many of you have experienced in your own life, it can be quite difficult to balance work and family life. This is particularly true for pastors. We want to give ourselves to the church, but in the process, sometimes our families are neglected. As I transition back into work, please pray that I would find the balance and routine that will help me to be both a fruitful Minister of Christ and a loving and present mother and wife for my girls and husband. Remember to pray for Kevin, Ginger and Jennings, and for Mary, Nathan and Grace as they continue to live into the callings God has given them. Your prayers and support are essential in our success as parents and servants in the church. I look forward to worshiping with you all again, and I

am so excited for all of you to meet our newest family member! See you soon! —Lindsay Smith

Notes from th e Minister of Mu sic

January 8, 2016 To our dear friends at St. Stephen’s UMC, Please forgive my being late in thanking you for your prayers. We are both feeling better, but still confined to our home with home health services and Vance’s sister, Helen Bean, who is an excellent nurse, taking care of us.

We really appreciate all the ladies who prepared and brought food during our crisis: Joan Booth, Brenda Paulk, Lola Hensley and Dian Parker.

Jean and Vance Sorrells

January 20, 2016

Our family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, cards and concerns to our family since the passing of my mom, Doris Fields. Your loving support was needed and well received by our entire family. My mom was a wonderful lady who lived a long, full (92 years), glorious and exciting life. She passed peacefully in her sleep with a book in her hand. The last thing she said to me was that I was precious to her and she loved me. I can’t think of a better gift. A successful businesswoman, wife, mother, grandmother, great– and great-great grandmother, she will be missed and remembered by many. For that and friends like you, I am forever grateful.

Bobbie Luedke

Sanctu ary Wood work Crosses and Bench es

Four small benches crafted by Tommy Bickel from pews removed from St. Stephen’s sanctuary during the renovation are now available for purchase at Floyd Webb Office Furniture, 5250 Pinemont Dr. The benches are priced at $400 each and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition, Tommy is crafting custom crosses from the sanctuary woodwork. If you are interested in ordering a cross, please contact Chris Barcus at 832-348-7031 or chrisbarcus@comcast.net with your desired design and dimensions. Tommy will then determine possible options. All profits from the sale of the benches and crosses will benefit St. Stephen’s building fund.

St. Stephen’s UMC—Calendar of Events

Saturday, January 30: 8:00 pm—Narcotics Anonymous Support Group (Scout House)

Sunday, January 31: Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany 8:30 am—Contemporary Worship (Sanctuary) 9:40 am—Sunday School for Children, Youth & Adults (Education Bldg) 9:40 am—Christian Faith 101 (Room 203) 11:00 am—Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 12:15 pm—Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group (Youth Room 205) 2:00 pm—Central South District Local Church Leadership Training Event (Westbury United Methodist Church, 5200 Willowbend Blvd) 4:00 pm—Christian Believer Study (Church Library)

Monday, February 1: 10:00 am—Senior Adult Council Meeting (Room 201) 11:40 am—Staff Prayer (Sanctuary) Noon—Deadline to turn in articles for February 5 Evangel (Send to maryellen@stsumc.org or call the church office.) 7:00 pm—Boy Scout Troop 604 Meeting (Scout House)

Tuesday, February 2: 9:00 am—Johnson Memorial School Classes (Education Building) 9:30 am—COVENANT Women’s Bible Study (Room 201) 1:00 pm—Johnson School Dance Class (Room 101) 6:15 pm—Girl Scout Cadettes Meeting (Rooms 112 & 113) 6:30 pm—GriefShare Grief Support Group (Room 101) 7:00 pm—Church Council Meeting (Room 101) 7:30 pm—Sea Scouts Ship 24 Meeting (Scout House)

Wednesday, February 3: 6:00 am—Men’s Bible Study (Fellowship Hall) 9:00 am—Johnson Memorial School Classes (Education Building) 9:30 am—Senior Activities Day Games & Luncheon (Fellowship Hall) 1:00 pm—Johnson School Stay-N-Play (Library & Fellowship Hall) 6:30 pm—Sonrise Choir Practice (Sanctuary)

Thursday, February 4: Early Childhood Methodist Conference-St. Luke’s UMC (Johnson Memorial School teachers will attend. No classes for students.) 10:00 am—Prayer Shawl Ministry (Room 112) 6:15 pm—Handbell Choir Practice (Room 101) 6:30 pm—Girl Scout Brownies Meeting (Room 108) 6:30 pm—Girl Scout Brownies/Jr.’s Meeting (Room 113) 7:30 pm—Chancel Choir Practice (Choir Room)

Friday, February 5: Crunch Time Retreat-College Station, Texas 6:00 am—Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Denny’s @ 34th & 290) 6:30 pm—Family Movie Night (Fellowship Hall)

Friday, January 22: 6:00 am—Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Denny’s @ 34th & 290)

Saturday, January 23: 8:00 am—Garden Angels Dirt Diggers Workday (Work on flowerbeds.) 9:00 am—St. Stephen’s Leadership Retreat (Fellowship Hall) 8:00 pm—Narcotics Anonymous Support Group (Scout House)

Sunday, January 24: Third Sunday after the Epiphany Ecumenical Sunday 8:30 am—Contemporary Worship (Sanctuary) 9:40am—Sunday School for Children, Youth & Adults (Education Bldg) 9:40 am—Christian Faith 101 (Room 203) 11:00 am—Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 12:15 pm—Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group (Youth Room 205) 12:30 pm—Young Energetic Adults Planning Luncheon (Berryhill Baja Grill-West 43rd & Ella Blvd) 4:00 pm—Christian Believer Study (Church Library)

Monday, January 25: 11:40 am—Staff Prayer (Sanctuary) 7:00 pm—Trustees Board Meeting (Church Library) 7:00 pm—Boy Scout Troop 604 Meeting (Scout House)

Tuesday, January 26: 9:00 am—Johnson Memorial School Classes (Education Building) 9:30 am—COVENANT Women’s Bible Study (Room 201) 1:00 pm—Johnson School Dance Class (Room 101) 6:30 pm—GriefShare Grief Support Group (Room 201) 7:00 pm—Oak Forest Citizen Patrol Meeting (Room 209) 7:30 pm—Sea Scouts Ship 24 Meeting (Scout House)

Wednesday, January 27: 6:00 am—Men’s Bible Study (Fellowship Hall) 9:00 am—Johnson Memorial School Classes (Education Building) 9:30 am—Senior Games (Fellowship Hall/Bring a sack lunch.) 11:00 am—Johnson School Chapel Service (Sanctuary) 1:00 pm—Johnson School Stay-N-Play(Church Library & Fellowship Hall) 6:30 pm—Sonrise Choir Practice (Sanctuary) 7:00 pm—Radical Hospitality Committee Meeting (Church Library)

Thursday, January 28: 9:00 am—Johnson Memorial School Classes (Education Building) 1:00 pm—Johnson School Gymnastics (Fellowship Hall) 1:15 pm—Office/Program Staff Meeting (Room 101) 6:15 pm—Handbell Choir Practice (Room 101) 7:30 pm—Chancel Choir Practice (Choir Room)

Friday, January 29: 6:00 am—Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Denny’s @ 34th & 290) 11:30 am—Solitaires Luncheon (Fellowship Hall)

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Senior Activities Day

Adults age 50+ are invited to join us for our monthly Senior Activities Day on Wednesday, February 3, in the fellowship hall. Games begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a soup and sandwich lunch at 11:45 a.m. Love offerings are encouraged to help cover the cost of lunch.

Seniors gather for games in the fellowship hall each Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Bring a sack lunch on all but the first Wednesday of the month.

YEAs Planning Luncheon

The Young Energetic Adults at St. Stephen’s welcome all young adults, married and single, to join us for a planning luncheon this Sunday, January 24, at 12:30 p.m. at Berryhill Baja Grill, located at West 43rd St and Ella Blvd.

The YEAs plan fun fellowship activities to foster Christian friendships, as well as mission and outreach events to serve others. For more information, please visit the Young Energetic Adults Facebook page.

Change in Date for VIPs Trip

The VIPs trip to Brenham for the Unity Theater production of “The Miss Firecracker Contest” has been moved to Sunday, February 28. The bus will leave St. Stephen’s at 12:30 p.m. and return around 7:00 p.m. We will stop at a restaurant before the play which begins at 4:00 p.m. Tickets for the play cost $23 per person. (The cost of lunch is not included.) Please RSVP to Brenda Paulk at 713-686-8000 or joelpaulk@att.net, or Sandy Bonnin at 713-681-4968 or sjbonnin@yahoo.com.

Mark your calendar for the next VIPs luncheon: Thursday, February 11, featuring entertainment by Jim Connors , the One Man Band.

Family Movie Night

Family Movie Night is back in February! Everyone is welcome to join us on Friday, February 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall for an evening of fun, featuring a family-friendly flick. Admission is free, and we’ll provide the popcorn and lemonade, too! Don’t forget to invite your neighbors.

In Ou r Prayers

In the Mil itary Dirk Ray Jr., Allen Troth

Prayer C oncerns

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In the Hospital

Colonial Oaks Westchase—Anna Ruth Putnam (hospice) HeathSouth Rehabilitation of Cypress—Bill Reaves TIRR Memorial Hermann—Cameron Elliott

Mission and Volunteer Opportunities

February Communion Offering

Our Communion offering for the month of February will go to The Gathering Place, a ministry for persons with memory loss and their caregivers. Each month on the second Monday, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., our volunteers, in partnership with InterFaith CarePartners, lead our carepartners in fun, memory-stimulating activities and serve lunch. Caregivers can choose to stay and participate in the activities or use the time for a much-needed break. There is no charge to the carepartner or caregiver to attend “Gatherings”. Please help us continue the ministry of The Gathering Place by supporting it with your prayers and generous donations.

The Gathering Place could use a few more volunteers, especially those who are able to help “on the floor”, assisting our carepartners in moving to and from the various activity areas. We want all the caregivers to have a break, if they choose. If you are interested in volunteering for The Gathering Place, please contact Bill Cummins at 713-742-8168, or Gwen Hunt at 713-686-1202.

Dessert Extravaganza

Calling all St. Stephen’s bakers and dessert makers! We need your homemade sweet creations for our 2016 Dessert Extravaganza, to be held Saturday, February 13, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in our fellowship hall. If you are interested in making a dessert (or desserts) for this year’s Extravaganza, please contact Cindy St. Lawrence at 281-448-7772, Dixie Hardwick at 713-957-1245, or Kathy Bruns at 713-956-8925 for additional details.

Make plans now to treat your Valentine “Sweetie” with sweets from the Dessert Extravaganza! Tickets are $5 for 6 tastings and will be on sale beginning Sunday, January 31. After purchasing a $5 ticket, additional tastes may be purchased for $1 each. Whole desserts will be available through the silent auction. All profits from the event will go to our Youth Dept. to help with the cost of summer camps.

Ed and Claytie Abrahams, Jane Anderson, John Artz, Chappie Ashburn, Ruth Austin, Brooklyn Barner & family; Dorette Benjamin, Doris Birdsong, Paula Brady, Henry Burton (Lindsay Smith’s uncle), Florence Caldwell, Lonnie Coursey, Dorothy Cox, Henry & Margaret Demuth, Elizabeth Dennard, Sammi Douglas & family, Gerald Dupree, the Emerson family, Penny Gadmer, Bill & Mildred Gandin, Katy Hayden, Virginia Head, Tripp Hensley, Elizabeth Hickerson, Robert & Monica Hicks, Ann Hill, Elizabeth Huebner, Wanzel Jessie, Sr. & family; Thelma Jones, Bobbie Luedke & family upon the death of her mother, Doris Fields; Tripp Hensley, Angus & Virginia Lewis, Deidre Martin (home hospice), Frances Mayberry, Mary Nelle Moore, Dian Parker, Margie Perron, Noni Ray, Caroline Reaves, Betty Reilly, Kathleen Saathoff, Dianna Shinall, Barbara Smith, Gwen Smithheart & family upon the death of her granddaughter’s father, Adrian Neal; Sarah Skinner, Lura Smith, Jean & Vance Sorrells, Cindy St. Lawrence, Billy Stephens, Elizabeth Sutherland, Danny Thomason, Hazel Thompson, Charles Zimmermann

Notes of Th anks

January 14, 2016 Happy New Year!

Thank you for your gift of $1,015.00 to Providence Place. Your gift empowers us to offer a new beginning to young adults with disabilities, expectant mothers and adoptive families. It brings new hope to their hearts.

As the New Year begins, your caring gift will be extremely helpful in building fresh beginnings in the lives of people we serve. Thank you again for your generosity; you’re investing in the lives of families and young adults with disabilities. Kind regards, Judith Bell President & CEO

January 11, 2016

The students, families and staff of Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet School in Houston Independent School District would like to thank the congregation of St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church for their generosity and kindness towards our students! Because of you, over 30 students had a joyous Christmas morning opening the gifts that you donated funds for, purchased and wrapped. Garden Oaks Montessori demographics are such that 65% of the student body qualifies for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. Special thanks to the Missions Committee, chaired by Lana Ward. Your generosity is so greatly appreciated by us all.

Again, thank you, Dr. Williams, so much for all that you have done for our families!

Stephanie DuBroff-Acosta Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet

December 31, 2015

Dear Friends:

Your gift of $1,015.00 for the children, youth and families of Methodist Children’s Home was received today - thank you! The support from St. Stephen’s UMC, Houston, enables us to provide those we serve a nurturing, Christian community and the greatest gift of all, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For 125 years, Methodist Children’s Home has been a place of hope for those who find themselves in the hard places of life. Your financial gifts enable us to carry out our mission and share God’s unconditional and life-changing love.

Sincerely, Lyle Mason, Director of Benefactor Relations

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A Message from the Director of Student Ministries

Jeans in January Update

We are off to a great start with our collection of jeans! The youth are collecting Jeans in January for a mission project with an organization called Sole Hope. We cut up the jeans based upon a pattern given to us by Sole Hope, and then we mail off the parts to them. Sole Hope mails them to Uganda and pays workers a fair wage to assemble the shoes made from the jeans and used tires. They treat the feet of the children and teach them how to keep their feet and homes jigger free.

Part of our project includes us collecting $10 donations to send to Sole Hope to cover the shipping, some supplies (like thread and the tires), and the wages

of the workers. If you are unable to donate jeans, please consider a monetary donation so that we can help restore hope to children as their feet are treated from "jiggers" or sand fleas.

T-Shirt Sales

The youth have designed a church t-shirt that they are selling to help cover the costs of summer camp and mission trips. The shirts will sell for $15, and they have the St. Stephen's logo on the front. The back reads a popular quotation of John Wesley, which reads, "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can." The shirts will be on sale through the middle of February so that they can be ready for us to wear to the Easter Egg Hunt in March! The youth are excited to make a shirt that can be worn in the neighborhood by our members to promote our church.

MYMU Cookie Decoration

On February 14, the youth and MYMU group will join together to decorate cookies to take to the fire station down the street.

Deep Blue Singers

Our Deep Blue Children's Choir will sing once again on Sunday, January 31. They will be singing "God Chose Jesus" as part of their unit on

Jesus' baptism. —Mary Gossett

Child ren, You th and You ng Adul t News

Cutting Up Jeans for Sole Hope

Eagle Scout Court of Honor

Congratulations to Michael Sackett, who received his Eagle Scout Award on January 16, 2016.

St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church

2003 West 43rd Street Houston, Texas 77018 (713) 686-8241

www.stsumc.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

PERIODICA L

PAID

HOUSTON, TX

Rev. Lindsay Smith Minister of Music music@stsumc.org

Mary Gossett Director of Student Ministries youth@stsumc.org

Juyeon Kim Organist

Amy Mingle Director, Johnson Memorial School jms@stsumc.org

Melissa Soto Nursery Coordinator

Anita Cabrera, Lydia Soto, Jo Ann Spivey Nursery Staff

Rev. Kevin Otto Senior Pastor kevin@stsumc.org

Administrative Staff

Mary Jessie Accounting Manager mary@stsumc.org

Mary Ellen King Executive Secretary maryellen@stsumc.org

Cindy Tindol Receptionist cindy@stsumc.org

Program Staff

New GriefShare Grief Support Group

If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member or friend, we want to welcome you to join a new GriefShare Grief Support Group that meets Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in Room 201. Each session includes a video seminar on grief recovery followed by a small group discussion

time where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a loss and share about your own experience. Sessions are self-contained, so you may begin at any time. All who are able are asked to make a $10 donation to help with the cost of workbooks. The nursery will be available by reservation. Please call the office at 713-686-8241 to reserve the nursery for your child no later than noon on the Friday before each Tuesday session.

COVENANT Women’s Bible Study

Our women's Covenant Bible Study had a great start to our new unit. We had many returning faces and a few new ones. Please join us on Tuesdays from 9:30-11:00 a.m. in Room 201. We have a light breakfast together as we discuss God's covenantal relationship with us, and how we are to live out that covenant. Women of all ages are

welcome. The nursery is available for preschool age children by reservation. Please contact Mary Gossett at 713-686-8241 or youth@stsumc.org for more information.

St. Stephen’s Leadership Retreat

St. Stephen’s will host a leadership retreat for 2016 leaders of all our program ministries this Saturday, January 23, from 9:00 a.m. to noon in our fellowship hall. This retreat is designed to welcome new and returning leaders, introduce their various responsibilities and bring us even closer together in planning our church’s ministries. Donuts and coffee will be served.

Chili Cook-Off Fellowship Lunch

Save the date, Sunday, February 7, for our annual Chili Cook-Off Fellowship Lunch. If you have a favorite chili recipe, cook a pot of it and bring it to the fellowship hall before 10:00 a.m. on February 7. The winners will be announced and the all the chili entries served at a Fellowship Lunch following the 11:00 a.m. worship service that day. John Jackson, who is organizing this year’s event, will be cooking his

famous chicken soup for those who prefer a milder meal. Plan to stay for lunch and fellowship with St. Stephen’s church family. You’ll be home in time to watch the Super Bowl!

Solitaires

The Solitaires have a new meeting day - the last Friday of each month. We welcome widows and widowers to join us for our next meeting on Friday, January 29, in the fellowship hall. The meeting will begin with a spaghetti lunch catered by Simo’s at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $7 per person. Please RSVP to Barbara Johnson at 713-686-6116. Following

lunch, we will divide into small “clusters” in which members can talk, get to know each other better, and share thoughts and ideas on many topics that concern Solitaires. We look forward to this meeting, our first of 2016, and hope to see you there!