MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Stay up to date with all that’s happening at First Methodist Houston.
December 8, 2023
Dear Church Family,
Advent is in full swing at First Methodist! We are having fun as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s coming to us in the incarnation and our lives to welcome Jesus when he returns.
Our worship services have been uplifting as we seek to learn about the Unshakable Joy that comes from our faith in Jesus. Many Sunday School classes have gathered or will soon get together for their annual Christmas parties.
Last week’s Family Advent worship Downtown was a wonderful gathering where each family came away with an Advent wreath to use for their faith formation at home.
We have many things to look forward to as our celebration continues. Our digital Magi tree is up and running to provide Christmas for our neighbors far and near. Poinsettia orders and NIA Tamale Sale (see below) continue and wrap up this Sunday. Both will arrive next Sunday, December 17.
Next week we will be hosting Christmas Parties for NIA (December 13th at 3:00 p.m.) and Lifeline (December 14th at 9:30 a.m.) and volunteers are needed for each. Our beloved Lessons and Carols service will be next Sunday, December 17th, during both our West Campus and Downtown Traditional Services.
We are working with Sunday School classes on reaching out to our members whom we haven’t seen in awhile with an invitation to join us for Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve. You can help! If there are those you notice haven’t been with us in-person, will you reach out and invite them to join you for one of our upcoming celebrations?
I join with the Apostle Paul in praying that “the God of hope [may] fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” – this season and always.
See you Sunday,
Yours in Christ,
Lance Richards
Senior Pastor
[email protected]
STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN
# of Pledges to Date: 167
Pledged Income to Date: $1,810,319
Goal for # of pledges: 250
Financial Goal: $2,300,000
Stretch Goal: $2,600,000 (this will allow us to fund all current ministries due to inflationary expenses on fixed costs)
Read below to see how this compares to pledges for 2023.
2023 END OF YEAR FINANCIAL UPDATE
GENERAL MINISTRIES
Total # of Pledges: 219
Pledge Income Anticipated: $2,000,000
Pledge Income Received (YTD): $1,766,956
Pledge Income Needed by 12/31: $233,044
Non-Pledge Income Anticipated: $1,200,000
Non-Pledge Income Received (YTD): $644,266
Non-Pledge Income Needed by 12/31: $555,734
TOTAL INCOME NEEDED FOR GENERAL MINISTRIES BY 12/31: $788,778
MISSIONS
Total # of pledges: 142
Pledge Income Anticipated: $270,000
Pledge Income Received (YTD): $230,415
Pledge Income Needed by 12/31: $39,585
Non-Pledge Income Anticipated: $150,000
Non-Pledge Income Received (YTD): $140,929
Non-Pledge Income Needed by 12/31: $9,071
TOTAL INCOME NEEDED FOR MISSIONS BY 12/31: $48,656
Here’s Some Of What Else Is Happening At First Methodist!
Poinsettias
If you would like to purchase poinsettias to be placed on the altar in memory or in honor of a loved one, please fill our the form.
Ladies Of Monday School (DIVAS) On Zoom Advent
The ladies of Monday School invite you to our 3-week Zoom Advent series starting on November 27, 2023.
Lifeline Donations
Lifeline is accepting donation items for the winter. We accept the following items: Long-sleeve T shirts Jackets Sweatshirts Sweaters Hoodies Blankets Backpacks/Sturdy Bags Belts Items may be placed in the donation bins on Sunday mornings or brought to the welcome desk Monday – Thursday. For more information, contact Alexis McCarty at 281-924-9085 or at [email protected].
Pickleball
Looking to play pickle ball? Quillian Center will be offering open pickle ball play this Fall. Pickleball is a great sport that can be learned by all ages and skill level. Come join the fun!
Honduras Missions Trip
A mission trip for students (14+) & families. Traveling to Honduras to help build homes for families in extreme poverty. If you would like more information about this event, please email our Pastor of Family and Discipleship Eric Pugh. If you would like to register for the mission trip, you can sign up online […]
Quillian Volleyball Open Play
Come out and join us on Thursday nights for open play volleyball! Ages 16 and up are welcomed. So lace up your sneakers and let’s have fun! For more information contact Scarlett or Andrew! [email protected] | [email protected] $5 Per Night | $30 For The Season View Flyer Here
Highschool Basketball League
Grab your buddies and put a team together! Play against other teams from your school and churches in the area! To signup or more information Contact Andrew Waldo [email protected] | Scarlett Rice [email protected] View Flyer Here
Youth Basketball League
For 40 years, quillian center has provided youth sports, select adult sports, after school care, enrichment camps, and summer camps. Quillian center’s winter youth basketball league is for boys and girls of all skill levels ages 5-14. Athletes will learn the fundamentals of basketball and compete in exciting games on Saturdays. The season will end […]
Quillian Volunteer Basketball Coaches
Interested in volunteering to coach youth basketball? Registration Open Now Starting December 2 First Practice December 9th Volunteer Coach Requirements: 22 years old or older Positive attitude, high energy Enjoys working with kids 5-14 years old Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to pass a background check Must complete safe sanctuary training contact Andrew Waldo […]
First Family Christmas
Students, join us December 17, 2023 as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year! We will have crafts, games, and goodies and spend some time in fellowship.
Stephen Ministry Can Help
Are You Going Through A Difficult time? A Stephen Minister can help. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who listen, care, and spiritual support to people going through a crisis or a difficult time.
Winter Break Care
Winter Break is upon us! Quillan will be providing Holiday Care: December 18 – 21 | Monday – Thursday December 26 – 29 | Tuesday – Friday January 2 – 5 | Tuesday – Friday We will be closed on: December 22, 2023 December 25, 2023 January 1, 2024 Children will enjoy games, crafts, & […]