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Week of Sept. 25, 2011
Hello Friends,
I hope that this first week of fall has been filled with blessings. I am at a conference for our "Change the World" series and I look forward to sharing with you all the new things I learn! I will be back by Sunday and I can't wait to join together as we celebrate World Communion Sunday. This is a chance for us to celebrate the unity we share with all believers around the world. As we finish our series on "One in Christ's Mission", we will look at the story of Paul being called to share the gospel in the book of Acts. The story holds so much for us as we look at what it means to share Christ's mission for the world. Paul was an unlikely messenger, but as usual, that doesn't stop God from using him to spread the gospel to a world primed for redemption. Come and hear how this story holds hope for not just believers but for the world!
Blessings and see you Sunday.
~ Pastor Sarah
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 World Communion Sunday
This Sunday during worship we will be celebrating the unity we share with believers around the world. Join us at noon for lunch after second service to enjoy this time of fellowship.
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New Beginnings
Membership Class
On Sunday, October 23rd join Pastor Sarah and Pastor Craig in exploring what being a member of Santa Margarita UMC and Shepherd of the Hills is all about. During this class they will share the meaning of church membership and our history as United Methodists. This class will be held at the Mission Viejo campus from 3 - 7 pm. The class includes dinner; child care is provided upon request. Please email Liz at the church office, info@smumc.com, to sign up for this important class.
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 Trunk or Treat and Chili Cookoff
Sunday, October 30th
from 5 to 7:30 pm
Join us for an evening of games, crafts, pots and pots of great chili, and of course, Trick or Treating! This is a fantastic event and fun for the whole family! Submit your own secret chili recipe or enjoy the benefits of simply being a judge. The little ones (and little ones at heart) will love participating in the parade. Finally, don't forget to decorate your car trunk (garnished with candy, of course) - and decorate yourself, if you'd like. All this for only $5 per family. Questions? Contact Vicki Faivre.
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 Fall Focus Groups
Groups begin the week of Sunday, October 9th. The series is based on Rev. Mike Slaughter's book, Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus, and will last for SIX sessions. Small groups are offered at 5 different times of the week and sign-ups are at the Message Center. For more information, please contact John Schoettger.
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Date Night
Attention families with little ones! You are cordially invited to the first Date Night of the school year on Saturday, October 8th at Mission Viejo. There is a family worship service in the Sanctuary from 5 to 5:30 pm with a message on "Superheroes of the Bible." From 5:30 to 8 pm, the kids stay at the Church while the parents go to the restaurant of their choice.
The next Date Night will be at Santa Margarita on November 5th and will follow the same format. There is no cost, but advance registration is required since we need to plan crafts, food, and childcare. Please contact Pastor Russ or Ann Hattrup for details and to RSVP. |
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Lazy W Ranch BBQ - Saturday, Oct. 15th. This is an annual event full of fun, friends, fellowship and of course, delicious Spanish-style Deep Pit Barbecue. There will be fun for all ages, and plenty of food to go around. For the younger BBQ fans, there will be a bounce house and a rock-climbing wall! Tickets are $15 for adults and $4 for children ages 3-11. Contact Mark Burke or the church office for further ticket info. |
 Parent Book Study
Calling All Moms and Dads of 8-12 year old girls...
Thursday, Sept. 28th begins an eleven week study of Nancy Rue's book Mom's Ultimate Guide to the Tween Girl World at the Mission Viejo campus.
This book covers body changes, hormones, identity, mean girls, cyber bullies and how a solid spiritual base is a great way to embrace this time with love, humor and grace. Find more details here or contact Laura Schwarcz.
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Positive Parenting Class
This fall we will be offering a positive parenting class on Wednesday mornings at the Mission Viejo campus. Improve parenting skills and increase family love and harmony! Details here.
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Ralphs Community Contribution Program
If you are a Ralphs shopper, then SMUMC can benefit!! Just shop, swipe your card and earn money for your church! Participants are required to register or re-register for the new term starting September 1, 2011.
Instructions to register: Log in to your account (or create one first if you don't have one) at www.ralphs.com. Go to 'My Account', then 'Account Settings', then 'Community Rewards', then if it asks for your address, provide it. The next screen asks you to enter the name or number of the organization, our number is 91582. Santa Margarita UMC should pop up to be selected and then click 'Save'! Call Liz at our office if you have questions.
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 Advent Devotional
This year the Prayer Ministry team will be compiling a Daily Advent Devotional that will start on Thanksgiving and end on Christmas, but we need your help. We would like to include as many people as we can from Santa Margarita and Shepherd of the Hills. We encourage you to consider submitting a story, poem, prayer, artwork, photo, etc or a combination of both, either by yourself, with your family, or with a friend. More information will be coming in the next couple of weeks. For now, please prayerfully consider taking part and discovering what a blessing it can be to open up and share your God experiences with your church family.
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Want to Know More About the Cooperative Parish? Check Out the Newsletter!
The development of blended practices and ministry programs are a key part of the Cooperative Parish transition, in anticipation of our unification as one church. The plans for each ministry area will be presented to the entire congregation during the Congregational Checkpoint meetings, which are planned for November, February, and April. Read about this and more in our August newsletter.
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Find Us
30605 Avenida de Las Flores
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
92688
949.589.1502
www.smumc.com
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