Some Saturday mornings I get to sleep in. It's a nice change of pace after a busy week. Other Saturday mornings I have to get up early for one reason or another. Saturday September 13 was one of those where I had to get up early. But I'm not complaining. It was time for McMurry United Methodist Church's annual fall planning meeting. Each year we usually meet in early September or October to plan events for the next few months. We give special attention to the months leading up to Christmas, planning out in detail our ministries and programs. Then we look ahead to the coming new year and sketch out plans until our next planning meeting in January.
McMurry's planning meetings are fun. They are not as formal as our monthly Vision and Strategy Team meetings (although we still find ways to have fun and fellowship at V&S meetings). Everyone—not just elected officers—is invited to attend and provide input at our planning meetings. We start off with coffee and donuts. Caffeine and "power rings" go a long way in helping inspire our imagination and organization skills. Then we pull out the calendar and start planning, talking through the steps that need to take place for each planned event to happen. In retrospect, I wish I had written a promo for last week's issue of Chimes. We might have had a larger turnout for the planning meeting. A bigger turnout could lead to more ideas and greater participation from the congregation.
We did a lot of good planning on Saturday and made some great progress. In future issues of the Chimes, you'll get more details about all of these events. In the meantime, here is a list of some of the many wonderful activities coming your way at McMurry Church. Mark your calendars now and then be looking in the bulletin and Chimes for more information.
October 19: Presentation of Bibles to 3rd graders
October 25: Trunk or Treat
November 2: All Saints observance
November 9: Veterans remembrance
November 23: Hanging of the Greens preparation
November 30: First Sunday of Advent with Hanging of the Greens
December 13: Cookies, Cocoa, Crafts & Carols with Santa
December 21: Children's Christmas program
December 24: Christmas Eve service
And that list doesn't include all of our recurring events like Breaking Bread, Hiram's Helpers, Bible Study, Quickie Quilters, Hearts and Hands, Worship Choir, Game Day, Prayer Team, Koinonia lunch, Cursillo reunion, and of course our weekly Sunday morning worship.
There is a lot going on at McMurry and for a very good reason. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. All of these activities, services, meetings, groups and teams are part of our ministry to transform lives by connecting people to Jesus Christ. I hope you will consider being part of these ministries as you are able. If you have any questions about how you may help, please talk to me, or V&S chair Kevin Burke. See you in church!
Grace & Peace
Pastor Clayton