We have started a new young adults (25-35) group in order to socialize and grow in faith.  If you would like to learn more about this group contact Sarah Ezell (skezell@gmail.com, 972-618-4182) or Jana Jones (janajones33@hotmail.com).

Bread Run Volunteers needed:  We are in need of volunteers to help deliver day old bread from Albertsons to area ministries.  It is a wonderful ministry and it really helps agencies provide supplemental food for their clients who need food assistance. Please contact Wanda Spencer at 972-359-7167 or Janet Hunt in the church office.

Volunteer contact group:  If you would like to be on a mission volunteer e-mail group list to be informed of volunteer opportzunities to reach out to our community and beyond please e-mail Janet Hunt at janet.hunt@suncreekumc.org.

Suncreek’s Congregational Care Committee is beginning Stephen Ministry where members of our congregation will provide Christian care to church members and others in our community by developing one-on-one relationships.   For more information contact Janet Hunt.

Suncreek Stitchers.  This fellowship and service group meets every third Tuesday from 7:00 to 9:00pm in room B107.  For more information, please contact Julie Macpherson.

Expanded Opportunities to help the children of Boyd Elementary:  This fall Suncreek will be expanding their partnership with Boyd Elementary in several different ministries.  If you would like to volunteer to help with any of these opportunities please contact Janet Hunt in the church office.  We will be providing the teachers and staff at Boyd Elementary homemade muffins and treats the first Tuesday of every month, we will be surprising the staff once a month with a hand written note and a small treat once a month, we will be providing volunteers to help serve as room parents, teacher helpers, student mentors, class reading buddies, and much more.  Please join us in reaching out to the children and families of Boyd Elementary. For more information contact Janet Hunt.

The Missions Committee has published a church cookbook that will benefit the missions work of the church. You will receive one copy of the cookbook for every $12 donation. They are being sold on Sundays near the sanctuary and in the church office during the week.

Flood Support:  Suncreek UMC is partnering with Cornerstone UMC in Garland to send flood buckets to UMCOR to help with the devastating floods in the Midwest.  If you would like to help with this ministry please mark your checks or donations for UMCOR and place them in the offering or give them to Janet Hunt in the church office. You may also bring items for flood buckets to the church. Click here to view the list of items needed.

 

Click here to download the Calendar of Youth Activities. Click here for Youth Summer 2008 Special Events.

Suncreek Children's Development Center has a staff opening for a bible teacher.  It is on Wednesdays from 8:15-2:15 for the upcoming school year.  If interested please contact Lisa Newman at 972-727-4300.

 

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Suncreek 101, our introductory class on Methodism and Suncreek Ministries, will be offered August 17, 24 and 31 in the Sr. Pastor's office (room B101) at 11am. We will post the class schedule here soon.  This popular three-week class is for all visitors, new members, and anyone who is interested in Methodism or would like an overview of the wide variety of ministry opportunities available at Suncreek. It is also an excellent way to meet others in our church community!  No advance registration is required.

Journeys is the new Suncreek UMC Adult Ministries programs course catalogue for 2008-2009. This comprehensive catalogue describes all adult classes, Bible studies, fellowship groups, support groups and retreat opportunities offered. It also provides a clear educational path you can follow to make progress on your personal path of spiritual growth. The Journeys catalogue is available online and at the Visitor Center. Click here for online registration for courses.

Youth Handbell and African Drumming Rehearsals begin Tuesday, August 26. For more information, contact Kevin.

Beginning Wednesday, August 27, the Sunchimers (handchime ensemble - grades 3-5)  and the Spirit Ringers (handbell ensemble grades 3-5) will begin meeting from 4 – 4:45pm.  For more information, contact Julie Highley.

Beginning Wednesday, August 27, the JAM (Jesus and Music) Choir (grades 1-3) and the Solid Rock Choir (grades 4-5) will begin meeting from 4:45 – 5:30pm.  For more information, contact Julie Highley.

The first day of school for the Suncreek Children's Development Center is Wednesday, September 3. Click here to view the school's calendar for the year. Click here for more general information.

Our Adult Handbell Ministry will hold an organizational meeting for all former, current and prospective handbell ringers on Wednesday, September 3 from 6:30 - 7:30pm.  We’ll talk about the basics of handbell ringing and look at schedules to determine the possibility of creating a second handbell group in addition to Grace Notes.  So, regardless of your schedule or ability level, please plan to attend this meeting so that we can determine the best way to reach as many ringers as possible.   For more information, contact Rev. Kevin Holland.

All Suncreek women who love to read are invited and welcome to join the Alpha-Omega Book Club. This month our book is Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvick. This book follows the friendship of a group of women over forty years of life’s joys and trials. Our book discussion will be at the home of Annette Gabbard on Saturday morning, September 6, from 9-11am. We offer coffee, a light breakfast, and great discussion. Come join the fun! Future book club selections: October 4: Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and November 1: Replay by Ken Grimwood. For more information about UMW book club , e-mail Paula Cheek or call at 972-359-8140.

Starting September 7th, Sunday school classes for our younger children will move to new spaces to make room for construction on our Sanctuary building (building B):

Infants and toddlers – B109
2 year olds – B110
3s and 4s – A101
Kindergarten/1st grade – A107

Second grade through 5th grade will continue to meet in Palmer Hall at 9:30 for Sunday School Live! and then rotation Sunday school.  Sunday School Live! will be in A102 at 11:00 followed by rotation Sunday school.

The Fall Ministries Fair will be held the morning of Sunday, September 7th, in Palmer Hall. Representatives from all ministry areas of the church - including Sunday School classes, fellowship groups, study groups, music programming, support groups, and much more - will be present between worship services to provide information on their programs and how you can get involved at Suncreek UMC.

Beginning Sunday, September 7, the Angel Choir (kindergarten and 1st grade) will begin meeting during part of the Sunday school hour from 9:30 – 9:45pm.  For more information, contact Julie Highley.

The new Youth Sunday Evening Schedule starts on September 7th:

5:00 – 6:00        High School Cantate Rehearsal (sanctuary)
                            Jr. High UMYF (Palmer Hall)
6:00 – 6:30        Dinner for all youth (Palmer Hall)
6:30 – 7:30        Middle School Cantate Rehearsal (sanctuary)
6:30 – 8:00        Sr. High UMYF (Palmer Hall)

 

Suncreek’s Divorce Recovery Group meets the second Tuesday of each month from 6:00 until 7:30 in the Senior Pastor's office. The next meeting is September 9 . Sheila Madigan Levitino, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, facilitates this group. There is no cost to attend, and childcare is available by reservation.  Additionally, a divorce small group for youth meets concurrently with Evan Jones, Minister with Youth and their Families, to discuss divorce issues for youth. For more information or to arrange childcare, please contact Rev. Holly Gotelli through the church office.

On the evening of September 9, Suncreek United Methodist Women (UMW) will meet at the church to help sort items for the garage sale. Dinner will be provided (in a separate room at the church) at 6:30 pm, and then we’ll adjourn to Palmer Hall to hang, fold, sort, and price garage sale items. All Suncreek women are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information about UMW contact Carmen Hartjes at 972-517-4376.

Růst for Youth on Wednesday Nights beginning September 10. Each Wednesday, there will be a variety of opportunities the kick the rust off of our faith and grow closer to God and the community of faith at Suncreek UMC.  And to serve as a constant reminder of our connection and covenant to the people of the Czech Republic, we will use the Czech word for grow -  růst. 

5:30 – 6:30 pm
7th & 8th Girls Covenant Group (Katie Boswell)
Each week we will check in with each other, be in fellowship, and explore scripture and relevant topics
7th & 8th Boys Covenant Group (Evan Jones)
We will hang out, play some games, eat some snacks, and connect with each other on a deeper level.

6:30 pm
Soul Tending Worship
A time and place for you to “become connected to God” in a quiet, meditative place.

7:00 – 8:00 pm
Sr. High Covenant Group (9 – 12th)
This group explores different material in an effort to explore faith issues and relate them to “real life Christianity.”

On Wednesday, September 10, Suncreek’s Chancel Choir is hosting a special Open Rehearsal and Social to give everyone a chance to get to know other choir members.  Join us in Palmer Hall at 7:30pm. (Childcare is always available).

Suncreek’s Women’s Bible Study meets this Fall the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 9:30-11am in room M5.  They will begin meeting Thursday, September 11.   All women are welcome!  Click here to register to particiapte. For more information contact Catherine Bolding or Leslie Yeary.

The Fall Youth Choir Retreat will be held Friday, September 12 – Sunday, September 14 at Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Glen Rose, TX. Contact Rev. Kevin Holland for more details.

Suncreek UMC's Annual Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, September 13. (Note: this is a date change.)

A course for adults called Three Simple Rules That Will Change Your Life will be offered on Sunday mornings at 11am from September 14 to October 12.  It will use the book by this title by Rueben Job which offers an interpretation of John Wesley's General Rules for today.  The class will be taught by Michelle Brocklesby in room M6. Click here to register online.

A Bible Study on Romans will be offered on Sundays from 4 to 5:30pm on September 14 to December 21.  The course uses a curriculum entitled Kerygma that encourages hands-on study and group discussion. The study will be led Jim Wade.   The cost of materials is $20. Click here to register online.

Christian Believer is a 30-week study of the classical doctrines of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the head as well as the heart. Participants read Scripture and the writings of early and modern church leaders. Weekly group discussions focus on the relation between Scripture, beliefs, and daily living.   It will begin meet on Sundays at 6pm in room M5 beginning September 14. There is a $40 materials fee for the class. Click here to register online.

Disciple Bible Studies are an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen your biblical knowledge and be part of a faith community that meets weekly.  The first sessions of the 2007-2008 classes will occur the week of September 16.Click here for additional information. Please register in advance in the narthex on Sunday or online.

Companions in Christ is a 28-week small-group journey in spiritual formation. It is helpful to have a basic foundation in Bible study before taking Companions in Christ. The Companions curriculum focuses on exploring spiritual formation as a journey toward wholeness and holiness; meditating on and praying with Scripture; experiencing different forms of prayer; studying spiritual gifts and our individual callings; and examining different ways of giving and receiving spiritual guidance. Companions in Christ will meet on Wednesdays at 10am in room M5 beginning September 18. There is a $40 course materials fee. Click here to register online.

All youth are invited to be part of a a new group that will meet to explore how we tell stories through media, art, music, and storytelling.  We will take scripture and explore ways to tell the story. This is a great way to express your creativity! Our first Storytellers Group will meet at 7 pm on Thursday, September 18th. 

On Friday, September 19 at 6:30pm, the Suncreek Children's Development Center will offer a Picnic and David Chicken In-Concert.

Blood Drive:  September 21 from 8:00am to 1:00pm.  For more information contact Janet Hunt.

The Enneagram:  Understanding Ourselves and Others.  This course will be held on Saturdays, September 27 and October 4 from 9:00 to noon.  There is a $10 fee to cover cost of materials. Click here for additional information. Click here to register online.

On Sunday, September 28, Rev. Jose Luis Portillo will be preaching at all services.  He is the founder of Proyecto Abrigo in Juarez, Mexico.  Suncreek has built over 40 homes through this ministry.   We will also be sending forth our new Missionary, Suncreek’s Rita Thomas   She will be moving to Juarez to assist with the ministry of Proyecto Abrigo.   Click here to learn more at Rita’s call to serve. A hamburger/hot dog lunch will be held at Noon.

Suncreek's Sixth Annual Golf Tournament is September 28, 2008   The tournament course is Twin Creeks Golf Club in Allen.  This year's tournament will be organized by Suncreek's United Methodist Men. The basic $125 entry fee includes a golf cart, range balls, dinner and awards. Click here for more information.

A Service of Installation for Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe, the new Bishop for the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, will be held on Sunday, September 28, at 3pm at First United Methodist Church, Richardson, 503 N. Central Expressway.

The Music Ministry announces the Annual Pie Auction to be held on Wednesday, October 1 at 6pm in Palmer Hall.  The evening includes presentations by our children’s musical ensembles; JAM Choir, Solid Rock Choir, Spirit Ringers and SunChimers. We need as many people as possible to contribute pies and dessert items for this auction. Proceeds from the Pie Auction will benefit the children’s choirs at Suncreek. Bidding for the silent auction portion of the evening begins at 5:45pm followed by a live auction. This will be a great evening of fun and fellowship for the entire family.  If you have any questions or want to make a dessert donation please call or e-mail Julie Highley (972-390-1695, ext. 236).

The six-week small-group study Christianity and World Religions: Wrestling with Questions People Ask will be offered Thursdays from 7 - 8:30pm in room M4 from October 2 to November 6.  This study explores four major world religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism – and compares the beliefs of each with those of Christianity.  It is taught by Rev. Paul McKay.   There is a $10 fee to cover cost of materials.  Click here to register online.

The Connections Band will present a Doobie Brothers/Elton John Tribute Show on Saturday, October 4 at 7pm at Suncreek UMC. The show will be free, but an offering will be taken for Nothing but Nets. This ministry purchases mosquito nets to prevent the spread of malaria. Click here for more event information.

Mission Possible Kids is for 1st – 5th grade students.  Agents are assigned TOP SECRET missions such as making gifts for hospitalized children, raising money to end world hunger, collecting goods for food banks – all while earning Mission Stars for their official MPKids T-shirts after each completed mission.  More than 100 agents have signed on as MPKids agents at Suncreek working to change the world!  Our next missions will be on October 10, November 14, December 5, January 23, Febuary 20, March 27, April 24, and May 15 at Headquarters (Palmer Hall) from 6:00 – 8:00pm.  A light dinner will be provided. New agents may sign up at church or at any MPKids meeting. For more information, contact Adriene Morgan.

Sunday, October 12th is Join the Church Sunday at Suncreek United Methodist Church. At the end of the 11:00 worship service that morning, all persons interested in church membership are invited to come forward to join the church. For persons who might be a little nervous about coming before the congregation, this is a wonderful opportunity to join the church with a large group! A New Member Reception will be held immediately after the 11:00 worship service, in Palmer Hall. If you are interested in joining that day, please contact Rev. Holly Gotelli through the church office.

	Join us on Saturday, October 18 for Suncreek's annual Ramp Project Day. We will build access ramps onto the homes of those who would otherwise be homebound.  Adults and older youth are encouraged to participate.  Projects are complete in a few hours.  To volunteer, send an e-mail message to missions@suncreekumc.org.

Fall Festival and Chili Cook-Off Saturday, October 18, 5 – 7 p.m. Pull out your cooking pots, blow the dust off you recipes and bring the entire family to Suncreek’s Fall Festival and Chili Cook-off.  We’ll have free games and activities for all ages, prizes and lots of goodies to eat.  Chili will be judged by an “expert” panel but everyone gets to taste!  Join us for a fall evening of food and fellowship.

Suncreek 101, our introductory class on Methodism and Suncreek Ministries, will be offered October 19, 26, and November 1 in the Sr. Pastor's office (room B101) at 11am. We will post the class schedule here soon.  This popular three-week class is for all visitors, new members, and anyone who is interested in Methodism or would like an overview of the wide variety of ministry opportunities available at Suncreek. It is also an excellent way to meet others in our church community!  No advance registration is required.

Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White will be offered on Sundays at 11 am in room M6 beginning October 19. Click here for additional information. Click here to register online.

Be part of our next Adult Mission Trip as we travel on October 23-27 to Juarez to build a cinder block home for a family with great needs. Click here for more information or e-mail adultmissiontrip@suncreekumc.org.

Middle School Musical Schoolhouse Rock Live! Friday and Saturday Oct. 24 and 25 7pm Palmer Hall

On Sunday, October 26, the Glory Bees, a 50+ years fun and fellowship group, is planning to gather for lunch and games.   For more information, contact Angel Ball.

The Annual Dallas Area Youth Choir Festival is Sunday, October 26, 1 – 6pm at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano. Rev. Kevin Holland will be the clinician and conductor for this year’s festival. Youth interested in participating should contact Kevin.

The course Love and Logic Parenting will be offered from 9am - Noon on Saturdays, November 1 and 8 in Palmer Hall.  It will be led by Scott Vedane and Amy Eagan.  The cost for materials is $40. Click here for additional information. Click here to register online.

From Sunday, November 2 to Sunday November 16, Suncreek has a Thanksgiving Food Drive to collect non-perishable food items or grocery store gift certificates to benefit the clients of Allen Community Outreach.  Click here for a list of requested items.

Suncreek’s Alternative Gift Fair is November 16 from 8am - 1pm.  You can choose from Fair Trade crafts or donations that support local, national or global ministries.  We provide you with special gift cards for each gift you purchase.

Suncreek UMC's Annual Charge Conference is scheduled for November 16 at 3:30pm in the sanctuary. All are invited to attend. Members of the church have voting rights for the official business that occurs at the meeting. 

Family Advent Workshop Sunday, November 30, 3 – 5 pm Children and their families are invited to make several Christmas crafts (great for teacher gifts) including an Advent Christmas candle arrangement they can take home and burn throughout the season. The cost of this event is $5.00 per family to help cover supplies.  Join us for Christmas cookies and hot chocolate as we ring in the season with fun for everyone!

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be Sunday, December 7 at 6pm. It will feature Suncreek's choirs and an orchestra.

A two-day retreat for adults to Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House, Lake Dallas, will be held Monday, December 8 – Wednesday, December 10.   Throughout the ages, spiritual guides have spoken of the need to make time for inner reflection and self-knowing. This retreat offers such a time, an opportunity to be attentive to the mystery of God’s presence.  Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House is an ecumenical Catholic silent retreat center located on the shores of beautiful Lake Lewisville.  Its beautiful grounds create an atmosphere conducive to prayer and introspection. Silence is observed at all times, except at opening and closing meals. Brothers of the Jesuit Order offer multiple presentations on spiritual topics throughout the retreat, and there is ample opportunity for prayer and worship.  Accommodations are in individual rooms.  The cost: is $200 per person, all meals included. To participate, contact Rev. Holly Gotelli.

	The How Bazaar Arts and Crafts Festival will be held on Friday evening, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 in Palmer Hall. Suncreek's Congregational Care Committee is sponsoring this event. If you would like to sell some of your creative endeavors, or are a vendor with items to sell, please call Janet Hunt to reserve a table.

	On Sunday, December 14, 6 pm the children of Suncreek will present the Surprising Christmas Pageant. Join us for the story of the birth of Christ told with humor, mystery, and awe.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services - December 24 at  4:00pm,  6:00pm, 8:00pm,  & 11:00pm. Come join us on this majestic and holy night!   

2009

The Allen Ministerial Alliance's Senior Luncheon will be on January 13 at St. Jude’s Catholic Church from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Suncreek is sponsoring the January gathering. If you can lend a hand, please contact Janet Hunt.

Be part of our Adult Mission Trip as we travel on February 5-9 to Juarez to build a cinder block home for a family with great needs. Click here for more information or e-mail adultmissiontrip@suncreekumc.org.

All-Youth Musical Music Man Fridays & Saturdays, February 26, 27 & March 6 & 7 7pm Allen Civic Auditorium Auditions are the week of November 3 with rehearsals beginning on Tuesday, November 11.

We are seeking team members for a Mission Trip to the Czech Republic from in July 2009. We will be conducting our third annual English Camp in Karlovy Vary.  If you are interested in learning more about this experience and ministry, click here for more information or contact Janet Hunt in the church office.

You can read this month's Pastor's Column on the Newsletter page.

You can find United Methodist news at:

United Methodist Reporter Interactive

North Texas Conference Edition of the United Methodist Reporter

United Methodist News Service