THIS SUNDAY, DEC 1
First Sunday of Advent: Hope
Luke 21: 25-36 NLT
Leading Worship
Rev. Jason Surdy, Rev. Patty Highland, Danielle Lair
(Kids Time)
9AM Traditional Worship
…
WATCH ONLINE
Adult Choir, Paola Perin (organ/piano), Dorinda Noble (reader)
, Jen Smets (offering), Caldwell Family (Advent candle)
10AM
Sunday School
Adults, Students & Kids
Advent Study(see below)
11AM Modern Worship
…
WATCH ONLINE
Jim Echels (Worship Team Leader), Worship Team, Jen Smets (offering), Caldwell Family (Advent candle)
Sundays thru Dec 22 — 10am, Activity Ctr gym
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Everything seems different at the end of the year. We put lights on our houses to dispel the growing darkness, Christmas music floods local radio stations, apple cider and cranberry sauce are again on the menu, and wrapping paper and tape are always ready. Things just look, smell, and taste differently during the Advent and Christmas season, and these differences are a sign to us that God is about to do something radical and different.
Christmas is when God surrounded the divine with senses of his own. That first noel was when God had eyes to see suffering, ears to hear our cries, and hands to hold those in need, and all of these senses were bundled in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. “This will be a sign to you,” the angel told the shepherds, and they traveled to Bethlehem and found a child.
All are welcome to this 4-week Advent Study and this year we're making it easier than ever to join by meeting on Sundays at our 10am Sunday School hour!
ORDER YOUR BOOK HERE
and we'll see ya on Sundays!
Order via envelopes in Worship Center foyer or online HERE
, $25 each.
Displayed in our sanctuary during Advent and taken home afterwards, these plants are often purchased in honor or memory of loved ones. On Friday, Dec 6, 25 take-home plants will be available. Another 50 poinsettias will adorn the sanctuary, which can be taken home Tuesday, Dec 24.
/// Grown by
Down Home Ranch
in Elgin, a residential facility for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
All proceeds to benefit local charities serving women, children and youth.
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FOR KIDS
• UP TO AGE 3:
Nursery open 9-12
• AGES 3-5TH GRADE:
9am/11am Faith Quest (Sanctuary w/ parents til Kids Time, then Kids Ctr w/ staff). 10am Kids Worship (Kids Ctr) *New?* Create a
KidCheck account
for a smooth dropoff.
FOR 6TH-12TH GRADERS
• 10AM SUNDAY SCHOOL
( Activity Ctr loft)
• 4:30PM NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS
(Activity Ctr loft): Games, groups, lesson and dinner!
F
OR ADULTS
• 10AM SUNDAY SCHOOL:
Learn about our groups HERE
.
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DECEMBER DONATION DRIVE
In anticipation of winter weather, we’re collecting blankets for two organizations:
handmade blankets for the Linus Project (for seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need kids 0-18); as well as new or gently used retail blankets for Street Youth Ministry!
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE…
1) Make no-sew blankets over the holidays w/ instructions HERE.
2) Cull your closets for gently used blankets or shop local stores or deals (at the numbered links) and drop blankets in our Ministry Corner.
LINK 1
•
LINK 2
•
LINK 3
•
LINK 4
•
LINK 5
•
LINK 6
3)
MAKE A DONATION HERE
and we'll blanket shop shop for you!
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FEATURE YOUR BUILD @ CHRISTMASFEST!
We're featuring a LEGO Winter Village display at our annual Christmas Fest on Saturday, Dec 7, 5-8pm and we'd love to display your build too! The more builds we have, the more there are to delight and inspire others to “get their brick on!” The sets don't need to be Christmas or winter themed and never fear, great care will be given to safeguard them. Email, text or call Patty Rosemurgy
, 512-922-1784, if you have questions and to coordinate delivery/pickup of your build.
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2025 COVERED IN PRAYER
At LTUMC, we serve through our Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service and Witness. This Sunday, we're announcing a new and exciting way we can ALL serve in the upcoming year through prayer! Let's make sure LTUMC and our community is "Covered in Prayer" for 2025! We're asking EVERYONE to choose a day to silently pray for seven minutes from wherever you are. Contact Jen Smets
(512-705-6996) for more info or to choose a day!
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ANGEL TREE 2024
Angel Tree gifts are memories that keep giving
As one of the Angel Tree mothers was completing her form this year, she paused to say, “The Christmas photo is our favorite part. Each year my family come to the party, we sit in the same place and order for the photo; I display all the photos each Christmas and see how my children have grown over the years. Thank you for making our memories.”
Your Angel Tree donations create beautiful Christmas memories! This year we have 140 families attending our distribution party on Sat, Dec 7, to get a Christmas gift bag and sit for their family photo.
Please consider giving now, so Angel Tree will have a gift card in the gift bags for every child/youth enrolled.
To give now,
donate
online here
or by check (mail in or drop off).
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WE'RE INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL
for our 2024 LTUMC Church Staff and we’re showing our appreciation with a Staff Christmas Gift!
Donations can be made three ways through Sunday, Jan 5…
—On Sundays via the Giving Tree donation box in the Sanctuary foyer
—On Sundays via offering plate with “Staff Gift” noted on envelope/check
—Anytime, online
HERE
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YOU’RE INVITED!
10am • Saturday, Dec 7
First United Methodist Church, Boerne
Make plans to attend the Celebration of the Assignment of
Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey to the Rio Texas Conference.
Doors open at 9:30am and there will be l
ight refreshments after worship.
RSVP HERE
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WARNING: FAKE EMAILS
Recently, some of you may have received an email that looked like it was from Pastor Jason, asking you to buy gift cards. This email is a scam.
Here’s how it works: The scammer tricks you into buying gift cards, then asks you to send the card info, so they can use it for online shopping or financial scams.
With this in mind, we want to remind you… all emails from our church will come from our
ltumc.org
domain, e.g.
jason.surdy@ltumc.org. Our church's email system is secure, so anything from
ltumc.org
is safe.
These scams are common on the internet, so stay vigilant and keep your info secure.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
1. Check Sender: Make sure the sending address matches what you know. Scammers can fake names but not the real email address.
2. Confirm Requests:
If an email seems unusual or asks for money, call or text the person to confirm. DO NOT REPLY to the suspicious email.
3. Avoid "Free" Email: For important matters like finances, avoid using free email accounts like Gmail or Yahoo, as these may be less secure.
4. Protect Your Contacts: Never give free email apps access to your contact list. Scammers use these lists to target more people.
5. Use Anti-Virus Software: Install and use trusted anti-malware and anti-phishing software like Bitdefender, Norton, McAfee, or Malwarebytes.
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WOMEN’S RETREAT
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
REGISTER ONLINE HERE
We're partnering again with our sisters at Bee Creek UMC for a united retreat! This time we're gathering at Camp Allen in Navasota, March 7-9. Space is limited and offered on a first come, first serve basis, so sign up ASAP! Learn more about Camp Allen HERE.
Cost: $280/pp for double occupancy in hotel-style rooms with two double beds.
Deadline to register is Friday, Feb 7
and there are two ways…
— Register and pay online HERE. (Fees: credit card 2.84%; bank transfer .4%)
…OR…
—Pick up a retreat brochure-form in the Worship Center foyer. Place your completed form and payment (cash or check) in Retreat envelope on the volunteer desk in the church office. (Make checks payable to LTUMC with "Retreat" memo.) Questions? Email
ltumcretreat@gmail.com.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for KIDS TIME
Do you have a gift for communicating with littles? Would you like to occasionally lead Sunday-Service Kids Time?
Our Children's Ministry Director, Danielle Lair, is looking for volunteers to occasionally help lead this time during both services. If you're interested, please SIGN UP HERE.
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JOIN THE PRAYER TEAM!
Kickoff Luncheon: Sun, Jan 12 • 12:30pm • Wesley Rm
We're currently expanding our prayer ministry and you're invited to join this important and special team — NO PRAYER EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Prayer is a beautiful way to serve at our church while building our own personal relationship with God. Shy about praying out loud? Crunched for time? Feel unqualified? No problem! Pray on your own from wherever you are, the weekly time commitment is small, and God equips us all for prayer.
Interested? Curious? Ready to join? Contact Jen Smets
, 512-705-6996, then make plans to attend our kickoff luncheon on Sunday, Jan 12 at 12:30pm. We'll come together as a team and learn how to lift up our church, staff and congregation in prayer.
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MAT PILATES
Tuesdays, Oct 29-Dec 17 • 9-10am • Activity Ctr, Gym
Finding Hope Wellness Center
is rooted in a holistic view of health and spiritual formation as we serve our community. And since studies show our physical health is directly related to our mental health, we're offering opportunities to accomplish healthier bodies, minds and spirits. Current offering…
ADULT MAT PILATES combines strength, flexibility, and mindfulness, focusing on core engagement, balance, muscle definition, and breath awareness. You’ll experience a series of controlled movements designed to enhance your posture, build endurance, and promote a strong, lean physique. DATES: Oct 29; Nov 5, 12, 19; Dec 3, 17.
SIGN UP HERE
INSTRUCTOR: Katie Berndt is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor, a 200-hour certified mat Pilates instructor and dance/barre fitness instructor.
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| Check out "Missions & Ministries" section at the end this newsletter
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TAP HERE
to download our DISCOVERY CALENDAR w/ group meetings and more.
TAP HERE
to join our facebook group and more consistently see our posts in your feed.
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SATURDAY, DEC 7
LTUMC Campus • 5-8pm
Kick off the merry-making at our Christmas Fest! Tinker on crafts and check out the 25-house LEGO
®
Christmas Village in the Wesley Room! Gather for caroling and a fun countdown to flip the lights on our giant, outdoor Christmas tree! Then enjoy dinner on us before heading to our lower parking lot for a Christmas movie under the stars with provided popcorn, hot chocolate and s'mores. (BRING: folding chairs and blankets.)
SCHEDULE: 5pm Crafts/LEGO Christmas Village/Free Dinner | 5:30pm Caroling/Giant Tree Lighting | 6pm Outdoor Christmas Movie.
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SUNDAY, DEC 8
3pm • Wesley Room
ALL WOMEN ARE INVITED! Bring a fave tea cup or mug and stop by for fellowship, goodies and holiday tea with United Women of Faith! The treasured cups make for great stories to share, but we'll have plenty, if you forget yours or don't have one.
GOT A FAVE COOKIE TO SHARE? Please bring 3 dozen. (If desired, not required.) Leftovers will be sent home in goodie bags!
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WEDNESDAY, DEC 11
11:15am • Vaqueros Cafe (3810 N. Quinlan Park Rd, Austin)
55+ folks, join us for some holiday cheer! Lunch is $25pp (incl. tax/tip) with choice of 4 Tex-Mex plates + chips, salsa, and iced tea or soft drink.
Purchase a ticket HERE
by Monday, Dec 2. Don't miss this fun event! Questions? Email Marsha Meier. ///
Young@Heart is a ministry for mature adults, focused on fostering Christian connections via social and educational outings.
Learn more HERE
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SATURDAY, DEC 14
8am • Activity Center gym
Men of our church and community, you're invited to this month's United Methodist Men Breakfast Meeting w/ Holy Communion, discussion of current projects + breakfast prepared by fellow members. Early birds, coffee’s ready at 7:30!
| UMM is a community of men focused on Christian fellowship service and leadership. It's a growing group and doing great things!
QUESTIONS? Email John Kenny.
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2-4pm • Kids Center
ALL AGES WELCOME!
Sign up for a fun afternoon in your Christmas pajamas! Enjoy Christmas cookies while being guided by awesome artists in painting a keepsake canvas — no skills or experience required! Invite friends, wear your Christmas pjs, and paint with us! $25 per family. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
RSVP HERE
, then…
PAY HERE
or bring cash/check to event.
Questions? Email
danielle.lair@ltumc.org
.
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SUNDAY, DEC 15
9am & 11am Services • Worship Ctr
From the shimmering opening chords to the final climactic finish, O Holy Light carries singers, musicians and listeners through a journey of the celebration of The Light of the world. Filled with beloved carols and exciting songs from the inimitable Mary McDonald, this cantata captures the many moods of Christmas with a fresh voice. The narration explores God’s Light contrasted with the world’s darkness, and how the Holy Light of Jesus will never be quenched. Joyful throughout, it’s the sort of cantata that will be remembered for years to come.
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PRESCHOOL HAPPENINGS
REGISTRATIONS OPEN (TODDLERS TO PRE-K) —
4-yr old spots open!
2-, 3-, 4-, 5-day options. INFO
.
Please share w/ parents looking for a preschool!
WE'RE HIRING AN ASSISTANT TEACHER
for 2-year olds M/W.
Know someone with a passion for working with kids?
Please share! Preferred: Experience and college degree. Required: high school diploma. 8:30am-1:30pm. Apply at ltumcpreschool.org.
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THURSDAYS
Dec 5, 12, 19
Activity Ctr gym • 7-9pm
6TH-12TH GRADERS — You 're invited to some Pick-Up Basketball every Thursday!
Questions? Email
Jordan Monroe
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SUNDAYS
Dec 1, 22 • Activity Ctr loft • 4:30-6:30pm
6TH-12TH GRADERS — We kickoff with games, then share a lesson, gather in small groups and eat dinner!
Questions? Email
Jordan Monroe
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SUNDAY, DEC 8
Activity Ctr loft • 4-7pm
6TH-12TH GRADERS — grab your 20-sided die and join us for a
night of Dungeons & Dragons and dinner!
Questions? Email
Jordan Monroe
.
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SUNDAY, DEC 15
5-7pm • 2300 Remuda Trail, 78745
LTUMC Carpool meetup @ 4:15pm
6th-12th graders and parents/volunteers, you're all invited to a Christmas party! Come ready for fun and games as we celebrate the season! We'll enjoy a hot cocoa bar, dinner, games, an Ugly Sweater Contest and a White Elephant Gift Xchange ($20 max). Parents, carpool help needed. Questions? Can you help carpool? Email
Jordan Monroe
.
RSVP HERE
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MUSIC LESSONS
at LTUMC Music Arts Academy
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BLESS YOUR VESSEL!
Aiming to move more and strengthen the body you've been blessed with? Join our Walking and/or Workout groups! They meet three times a week (MWF) at the Activity Center — plenty of chances to squeeze in a session. 9-9:30am Walking; 9:30-10am Workout. QUESTIONS? Contact Marley Anders.
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THE UPPER ROOM
Nov-Dec issue now available
The Upper Room — a daily devotional guide offering daily scripture readings and devotionals to encourage your walk with Jesus — is available 24/7 for pickup at our Worship Center — both in the brown plastic donation box (in front) and in the foyer.
More info HERE.
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ONGOING WAYS TO ENGAGE
Signup for their email updates HERE
Community Workdays twice a month • Weekly Meal Deliveries ( Wednesdays)
• Women's Coffee Connection • Men's Coffee Connection • Fellowship Gatheri ngs
• Prayer Team
• Walking Partners (relationship building with our families)
• Private Serving Opp
ortunities
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DONATIONS ALWAYS NEEDED!
LTCM serves many in our area and the need for food and funds donations continues to grow. 24/7 Food/Product Donations @ LTUMC: brown plastic bin in front of our Worship Center.
Ear-marked monetary donations can be made HERE. Thank you in advance for your generosity! /// ITEMS NEEDED:
1LB BAGS… white rice, beans (pinto, black) • Cereal • Peanut Butter & Jelly • Mac & Cheese • Pasta & Sauce • Shelf-Stable Milk • CANNED… beans, vegetables •
Disposable Diapers (baby sizes 4-6) • HYGIENE ITEMS: Shampoo, Soap, Toothpaste, Shave Cream, Tampons/Pads, Razors, Toilet Paper
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REALM
is our online, secure church directory and so much more! Email realm.help@LTUMC.org
with your name, preferred email address and cell phone number
to get your account. (Once you have one, download Realm Connect
on your smartphone for easy access — iPhone
• Android
. )
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| Current and continuing ways to be the hands and feet of Christ!
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| FRESH FOODSHARE
Every other Wednesday (Upcoming:
Dec 4, 18
). The mission: distribute boxes of fresh food to locals in need. Every other Wednesday at the Activity Center, 1 volunteer needed in the morning to remove and return center post of doorway (about 9am) for delivery. From 5-7pm, 3-4 volunteers needed to greet locals in need, as they pickup a box of produce. For more info or to volunteer, email/call/text Marley Anders
, 210-364-3807.
CARE TEAM
Volunteers offer comfort and sympathy to those in difficult situations, as well as support celebrations, e.g. hospital visits, meals for the sick, baptisms, funerals and memorial services, receptions after funeral/memorial services, weddings and prayer. Contact Patty Highland.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Volunteers can serve in a myriad of ways, e.g. Kids Worship, Children’s Music Programs, Sunday Bible Study and Vacation Bible School. Contact Danielle Lair.
STUDENT MINISTRY
Adult volunteers needed to supervise Basketball Thursdays; as small-group leaders and/or "floating" supervision for Neighborhood Group meetups, etc. Email Jordan Monroe
to signup for any role.
MISSION TEAM
Help decide and coordinate LTUMC mission projects! To join, email Pastor Jason, Pastor Patty and Randy Beaver HERE.
MOBILE COMMUNION TEAM
Provide communion to those unable to attend worship. Sign up HERE.
SUNDAY WORSHIP TEAM
Meet and greet in the foyer, read/lead in service, prepare or cleanup after worship, run screens/assist with behind-the-scenes tech, help with liturgical arts, sing and/or play an instrument. Email Pastor Patty
to get connected to your role.
UNITED METHODIST MEN (UMM)
Variety of projects all year. Plug-in by attending monthly meetings on second Saturdays, 8-9am. More info HERE.
UNITED WOMEN OF FAITH (UWF)
Variety of missions, meets Sept-May. Plug-in by attending monthly meetings on third Tuesdays (typically) and quarterly Lunch & Learn Unit Meetings. 9:45am Susanna Wesley Circle; 7pm Growing Friendship Circle. More info HERE.
***READING TUTORS
Education Connection Reading Program at Lake Travis Elementary. Volunteer 30 minutes a week in one-on-one reading sessions with teacher-chosen 1st-3rd graders who are reading below their grade level. Contact Debby Connors
, 512-261-6163.
***Time sensitive
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