The Chimes - June and July
Chapelwood Monthly Newsletter - June/July
Chapelwood Monthly Newsletter - June/July
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JUNE/JULY<br />
2017
A WORD FROM<br />
JOHN<br />
Page 04<br />
DIVE INTO<br />
SUMMER<br />
Page 6 - 7<br />
2<br />
11140 Greenbay St., Houston, TX 77024<br />
Phone (713) 465-3467<br />
Fax (713) 365-2808<br />
www.chapelwood.org<br />
Chapelwood’s mission is to make<br />
disciples of Jesus Christ for the<br />
transformation of the world by<br />
embodying God’s grace as we<br />
receive it to those who need it.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Chapelwood family is a<br />
service-focused body of believers<br />
who welcome all to experience<br />
God’s grace <strong>and</strong> goodness<br />
through Christian community.<br />
While we are determined to<br />
“take church” to those who do<br />
not belong to a local church<br />
family, we also delight in serving<br />
those individuals <strong>and</strong> families<br />
within our church. We provide<br />
ongoing faith-building activities<br />
<strong>and</strong> meaningful fellowship<br />
opportunities for men, women,<br />
youth, <strong>and</strong> children.<br />
WORSHIP<br />
WITH US EACH WEEK<br />
SATURDAY<br />
JUNE 3, 10, 17, 24<br />
JULY 1, 8, 15, 22, 29<br />
MERCY STREET<br />
5:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall *<br />
SUNDAY<br />
JUNE 4, 11, 18, 25<br />
JULY 2, 9, 16, 23, 30<br />
SANCTUARY SERVICES<br />
8:25 *, 9:45 *, 11:10 a.m. *<br />
CONTEMPLATIVE SERVICE<br />
Meditation, Communion,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Healing Prayer<br />
8:45 a.m., Chapel *<br />
THE BRANCH<br />
Family Service in Spanish <strong>and</strong><br />
English<br />
10:30 a.m., 3911 Campbell<br />
Road<br />
UPPER ROOM<br />
11:30 a.m., Upper Room *<br />
* Services are broadcast<br />
live on the web.<br />
EXPERIENCE<br />
GRACE IN WORSHIP<br />
A word from John<br />
Words on Worship<br />
Church Under the Bridge<br />
<strong>The</strong> Release<br />
04<br />
05<br />
06<br />
16
THE POWER<br />
OF HUMAN<br />
CONNECTION<br />
Page 9<br />
WELCOME FAIR<br />
HAVEN!<br />
Page 14 - 15<br />
GROW<br />
IN GRACE IN GROUPS<br />
SHARE<br />
GRACE IN MINISTRY<br />
MORE<br />
Dive Into Summer<br />
06 Fair Trade Coffee 08 Chapelwood Foundation<br />
08<br />
United Methodist Women<br />
Summer Sunday Mornings<br />
07<br />
07<br />
<strong>The</strong> Power of Human<br />
Connection<br />
09<br />
New Members<br />
Staff List<br />
10<br />
12<br />
Joys <strong>and</strong> Concerns<br />
12<br />
Calendar<br />
13<br />
Welcome Fair Haven<br />
14<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Chimes</strong> is Changing<br />
14<br />
3
THE THEOLOGY OF HOSPITALITY<br />
4<br />
JOHN STEPHENS<br />
SENIOR PASTOR<br />
1 Peter 4:9-10 says, "Offer hospitality to one another without<br />
grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to<br />
serve others, faithfully, administering God’s grace in its various forms."<br />
Hospitality is one of the largest themes in scripture. It is<br />
more than just a social thing; it is a theological issue. Christian<br />
hospitality refers to the active desire to invite, welcome, receive,<br />
<strong>and</strong> care for those who are strangers so that they find a spiritual<br />
home <strong>and</strong> discover for themselves the unending richness of life<br />
in Christ. Hospitality has an outward focus <strong>and</strong> is motivated by a<br />
love that compels us to be open <strong>and</strong> adaptable. Hospitality does<br />
several things: it practices the gracious love of Christ, respects the<br />
dignity of others, <strong>and</strong> expresses God’s invitation to others (not our<br />
own invitation toward others).<br />
At every church I’ve served, I started with neighborhood chats.<br />
When I visited people’s homes, they met me at the door <strong>and</strong> did<br />
everything within their power to care for me <strong>and</strong> make me at<br />
ease. As they welcomed me, they practiced Christ’s words from<br />
Matthew 20:28, “<strong>The</strong> Son of Man came not to be served, but to<br />
serve.” This is what we are called to do in our church! When we<br />
practice hospitality, we invite others to become a part of God’s<br />
invitation to new life.<br />
In the Old Testament, hospitality was central. For the Israelites,<br />
welcoming the stranger was central to their identity because, as<br />
God reminded them in Deuteronomy 10:19, “You were strangers<br />
in the l<strong>and</strong> of Egypt.” <strong>The</strong>ologically speaking, the purpose of<br />
hospitality was to prepare a welcoming space for encounters with<br />
God’s word.<br />
In Genesis 18, Abraham <strong>and</strong> Sarah welcome several men into<br />
their camp who are passing by. <strong>The</strong>y show hospitality by offering<br />
food, water, comfort, <strong>and</strong> rest. We find out the strangers are<br />
indeed God <strong>and</strong> his angels. <strong>The</strong> hospitality that Abraham offers<br />
sets the table for the Word of God to be shared: “Abraham, you will<br />
have a son.”<br />
It’s not that God’s word cannot be heard in barren or<br />
inhospitable places <strong>and</strong> circumstances. God is not so limited, but<br />
we are. God can speak in any situation, but we cannot always<br />
hear. <strong>The</strong> Bible witnesses to the struggle of the Hebrews in the<br />
wilderness where they were so preoccupied with the lack of<br />
worldly comforts that they constantly complained against God<br />
<strong>and</strong> Moses. To keep their attention, to keep them moving, to keep<br />
them faithful, God often prepared dinners of manna <strong>and</strong> quail.<br />
Only then, when fed, could they hear the word. So it is with us.<br />
Let’s be honest. We draw boundaries. We say,<br />
“I don’t like greeting people.”<br />
“I don’t like meeting people.”<br />
“It makes me feel uncomfortable.”<br />
“I don’t want to embarrass myself introducing myself to a<br />
person who’s been a long time member.”<br />
I underst<strong>and</strong> that more than you know.<br />
As a pastor, I have to be ON . . . ALL the time. I used to see it as a<br />
burden, but I don’t anymore. However, there are more than a few<br />
Sundays a year when I don’t really want to come to church <strong>and</strong> be<br />
cheery, open, greeting, <strong>and</strong> invitational. A preacher is a person<br />
too. I draw boundaries around me just like everyone else. <strong>The</strong>re<br />
are days when I walk in <strong>and</strong> pray, “Lord, you’re going to have to<br />
help me today. I’m not in a people mood!”<br />
We all draw boundaries around ourselves. <strong>The</strong> disciples did it.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y were always drawing boundaries <strong>and</strong> distinctions that tried<br />
to keep people a distance from Jesus. Whether it was the children<br />
in Matthew’s gospel or the woman at the well in John’s gospel,<br />
they didn’t really think those people needed to be around Jesus<br />
bothering him. But, in every instance where the disciples put up<br />
barriers, Jesus pushed through the boundaries <strong>and</strong> invited people<br />
in. When Jesus tried to sneak away from the crowds for a little<br />
quiet time, they tracked him down. What did he do? Not what I<br />
would have done. He had compassion on them, healed their sick,<br />
<strong>and</strong> then fed all 5,000 plus of them.<br />
Hospitality compels us to see people as Jesus does. Hospitality<br />
also calls us to see Jesus in the people God brings before us.<br />
Hospitality sets the table for God’s word to be heard. That is why<br />
true welcoming is more interested in the needs of the guest than<br />
the preferences of the host. That’s why we think more about<br />
visitors’ needs in the church than about members’ comforts.<br />
Members may say, “Well, I pay the bills, visitors don’t!<br />
What about me?” My response, “What are we . . . the<br />
Church or a country club?” Let’s answer that question<br />
honestly first, then talk about whose needs we focus<br />
on.<br />
A theology of hospitality calls us to create<br />
a welcome environment where the word<br />
of God is more easily heard <strong>and</strong><br />
understood. It also compels us to<br />
be attentive to what people<br />
need so that their eyes,<br />
ears, hearts, <strong>and</strong><br />
minds are open<br />
to the Spirit<br />
of God.
* * *<br />
How is our hospitality? How are we setting<br />
the table for the strangers in our midst? Are we<br />
setting the table for God’s word to be shared? When<br />
we see someone we don’t know, do we introduce<br />
ourselves? When we see someone looking for a<br />
seat, do we give up our pew? When someone<br />
is seated in “our pew,” do we smile <strong>and</strong> welcome<br />
them? Are you willing to serve as a greeter to help<br />
people feel welcome?<br />
Remember, hospitality is not about what we want or don’t<br />
want . . . it is about helping God set the table so people<br />
can hear <strong>and</strong> be transformed by<br />
God’s Word!<br />
John Stephens<br />
SURFING WITH THE SPIRIT IN WORSHIP<br />
A few years ago I got my first chance to visit the beaches of the<br />
Pacific Ocean in California. I was staying in Dana Point, a very<br />
popular area for surfing. As I walked toward the beach I saw the<br />
beginnings of the Pacific, <strong>and</strong> it was gorgeously blue. <strong>The</strong>n I saw<br />
the breaking surf.<br />
It was an incredible break from right to left that lasted for what<br />
seemed like forever. <strong>The</strong> surfers were lined up, <strong>and</strong> with each<br />
incoming wave a few would jump on <strong>and</strong> start their ride. It was<br />
beautiful to watch. As the wave broke behind them it rose <strong>and</strong><br />
curled in front of them. Many of the surfers simply stood <strong>and</strong><br />
glided across the wave top. Some of them on shorter boards cut<br />
into the wave more aggressively. However, the wave seemed<br />
to be asking them to slow down <strong>and</strong> enjoy the view. I watched<br />
surfer after surfer for over an hour ride this amazing series of<br />
waves.<br />
As I sat <strong>and</strong> watched this amazing water ballet, I was reminded<br />
of how the Spirit is often present in our worship. <strong>The</strong> Spirit rises<br />
up among the people, <strong>and</strong> we are lifted into the presence of<br />
God. Our praises ride upon this spiritual presence, <strong>and</strong> we are<br />
moved from one action to the next according to the will of God.<br />
While some may want to be more aggressive, almost trying to<br />
shape worship for their own desires, the Spirit usually seems to<br />
be inviting us to rest in the Lord <strong>and</strong> journey in His presence for<br />
a while.<br />
But what do the surfers know about surfing that many<br />
Christians don’t seem to underst<strong>and</strong> about worship? Watch<br />
surfers <strong>and</strong> see where they are looking. <strong>The</strong>y are looking out at<br />
the source of the wave. Even when the water is flat, they wait<br />
expectantly, knowing there will be a wave coming, <strong>and</strong> they<br />
want to be ready to ride when it does. How many times do we<br />
enter into worship not really looking for the presence of God?<br />
Nor are we ready when the Spirit invites us to experience God in<br />
a personal way. If we are coming to worship with a desire to meet<br />
with God, shouldn’t we be looking for that moment when God<br />
speaks to us <strong>and</strong> says, “Loved one, I am here?”<br />
How much different would our worship be if we were like<br />
those surfers in worship? I know I arrive at every worship service<br />
wondering how God will make Himself known, <strong>and</strong> I am waiting<br />
for that moment so that I will be able to meet with Him. Jesus<br />
said that God inhabits the praise of his people. We should always<br />
worship as if that is true, waiting on God to be made known <strong>and</strong><br />
then to worship for the glory of God.<br />
Craig Gilbert<br />
Ministry Director, Worship <strong>and</strong> Music Ministries 5
EXPERIENCE GRACE IN WORSHIP<br />
Fridays, <strong>June</strong> 9 <strong>and</strong> <strong>July</strong> 14,<br />
meet in Youth Building Lobby<br />
Join other volunteers to bring church<br />
<strong>and</strong> a meal to the homeless of Houston.<br />
Meet at 6:15 p.m. in Chapelwood's<br />
Youth Building Lobby to ride the van or<br />
carpool. If driving directly to this event,<br />
please arrive at 2715 St. Charles by 7:00<br />
p.m.<br />
Dress is very casual – jeans <strong>and</strong> T-shirts<br />
are fine. We need greeters, servers, cooks,<br />
<strong>and</strong> people to help set up <strong>and</strong> clean up.<br />
For more information, contact Phil Miller,<br />
(713) 402-8392, or Dennis Crowe, (713)<br />
827-3912.<br />
6
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN<br />
WHAT’S HAPPENING<br />
WITH UNITED<br />
METHODIST WOMEN<br />
UMW is a national sisterhood of grace comprising women of all<br />
ages <strong>and</strong> backgrounds. We participate in small group fellowship<br />
<strong>and</strong> activities <strong>and</strong> support missions with a special emphasis on<br />
women, youth, <strong>and</strong> children throughout the world.<br />
We would love for you to join one of the circles listed below <strong>and</strong><br />
come grow in grace with us. Visit www.chapelwood.org/umw<br />
for more information, or contact Dawn Powers at (281) 888-4324<br />
or dawnpowers@comcast.net. We transform ourselves as we<br />
transform the world.<br />
Most circles do not meet in the summer. Be on the lookout for<br />
information regarding our Circle Open House this fall.<br />
Saturday, <strong>June</strong> 3<br />
URWomen is having a “Paint with a Twist” social. <strong>The</strong> cost is $20.<br />
Contact Wynter Patterson at urwomen@chapelwood.org for more<br />
information.<br />
Save the Date!<br />
Tuesday, August 29<br />
UMW Social Action Book Study – Join us for dinner <strong>and</strong> to discuss<br />
the book St<strong>and</strong> Your Ground: Black Bodies <strong>and</strong> the Justice of God, by<br />
Kelly Brown Douglas. Br<strong>and</strong>i Holmes will be our speaker/facilitator.<br />
<strong>The</strong> book can be purchased in the Chapelwood Bookstore.<br />
GROW IN GRACE IN GROUPS AND RELATIONSHIPS<br />
SUMMER SUNDAY MORNINGS<br />
Sunday mornings at Chapelwood during the summer months are<br />
upbeat, relaxed, <strong>and</strong> energizing. This is a wonderful time of year<br />
to try something new, like a class to enrich your spiritual life <strong>and</strong><br />
meet new friends. This summer GROW Ministry has partnered<br />
with some Sunday School groups to offer studies on Christianity<br />
<strong>and</strong> the American economy, Christian dating <strong>and</strong> marriage<br />
relationships, the book of Hebrews, <strong>and</strong> prayer that draws us close<br />
to Christ. <strong>The</strong>re truly is something that will appeal to all adults.<br />
Some classes are short-term <strong>and</strong> some will meet all summer.<br />
Come as you are able.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Mingling of Souls<br />
Sundays, May 28 – August 13, 9:45 a.m., LC214-215<br />
<strong>The</strong> Mingling of Souls, by Matt Ch<strong>and</strong>ler, is written is for those who<br />
are single, dating, or married, as the book chapters move from<br />
the beginning of a relationship (attraction) all the way through<br />
marriage, including conflict <strong>and</strong> old age. <strong>The</strong> book draws wisdom<br />
from the Song of Solomon. <strong>The</strong> Encouragers Class <strong>and</strong> Marriage<br />
Ministry leaders will facilitate this study. Other Sunday morning<br />
classes are combining for these summer lessons. All are welcome!<br />
Contact Trisha Mohle, tamohle@comcast.net.<br />
Faith, Inequality, <strong>and</strong> the Pursuit of the Common Good<br />
Sundays, <strong>June</strong> 4 – 25, 11:00 a.m., Conference Room<br />
Guest speaker T. Carlos (Tim) Anderson will introduce his book,<br />
Just a Little Bit More: <strong>The</strong> Culture of Excess <strong>and</strong> the Fate of the<br />
Common Good in a lunch presentation <strong>and</strong> discussion the first<br />
week. Nöel Denison <strong>and</strong> Kathy Haueisen will facilitate a study of<br />
the book the following three weeks. Tim Anderson is a Lutheran<br />
pastor <strong>and</strong> writer who lives in Austin. He has previously lived <strong>and</strong><br />
worked in Chicago, Houston, <strong>and</strong> Chiclayo, Perú. In the spirit of<br />
the biblical Hebrew prophets, including Jesus, he advocates for<br />
faith convictions to guide actions in the marketplace. He blogs<br />
on faith <strong>and</strong> inequality at www.justalittlebitmorebook.com. He<br />
will sign books in the Chapelwood Bookstore from 9:30 – 10:15<br />
a.m. Lunch is $8. Contact Nöel Denison, noel-denison@att.net or<br />
register online.<br />
Hearing God – Developing a Conversational Relationship<br />
With God<br />
Sundays, <strong>June</strong> 4 – August 27, 9:30 a.m., LC204<br />
This study comes from the book Hearing God, by Dallas Willard,<br />
<strong>and</strong> features a DVD with Willard, John Ortberg, <strong>and</strong> Richard Foster<br />
discussing what it means to be close to God. <strong>The</strong> key, says Willard,<br />
is to focus not so much on individual actions <strong>and</strong> decisions as on<br />
building our personal relationship with our Creator. In this study,<br />
hosted by one of Chapelwood’s Sunday morning small groups,<br />
you'll gain rich spiritual insight into how we can hear God's voice<br />
clearly <strong>and</strong> develop an intimate partnership with him in the work<br />
of his kingdom. Contact Jim Carroll, brighthawkjc@yahoo.com.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Book of Hebrews, with John Raley<br />
Sundays, <strong>June</strong> 18 – <strong>July</strong> 30, 9:45 a.m., Conference Room<br />
<strong>The</strong> Good News Class welcomes one of our most excellent lay<br />
teachers in this thorough, verse-by-verse study. Contact Nita<br />
Heard, dougheard1@att.net.<br />
7
THE CHAPELWOOD FOUNDATION<br />
LIVING OUR LEGACY...FUNDING OUR FUTURE<br />
Your gifts to the Chapelwood Foundation can be a special way to honor someone or mark the joy of a special occasion while helping to build an<br />
endowment for Chapelwood in perpetuity. For more information, contact Teresa Cannon at (713) 354-4485 or tcannon@chapelwood.org.<br />
Art Dickinson<br />
Katherine Bedell<br />
Teresa <strong>and</strong> Clayton Cannon<br />
Margaret <strong>and</strong> Leonard Bedell<br />
Wayne Payne<br />
Carrie <strong>and</strong> Ron Woliver<br />
Susan <strong>and</strong> Ed Patterson<br />
Peggy <strong>and</strong> Gary Edwards<br />
Judy <strong>and</strong> Roy Sharp<br />
Richard Heustess<br />
Jim Sullivan<br />
C<strong>and</strong>lelighters Sunday School Class<br />
Barbara Smart<br />
Adrienne <strong>and</strong> Jack Moorhead<br />
Irene <strong>and</strong> Bob Bening<br />
Donna Dawson<br />
Annette <strong>and</strong> Lee Duggan<br />
Marilyn Caul <strong>and</strong> William McClure<br />
Katherine <strong>and</strong> David Luther<br />
Marie <strong>and</strong> Mat Mathieu<br />
GIFTS IN MEMORY OF<br />
Donald Ray McGill, Jr.<br />
Mildred Barrett<br />
David Hillman<br />
Katherine <strong>and</strong> David Luther<br />
Nell R. Lynch<br />
Ed Lynch<br />
George Beaves<br />
Pamela Moore<br />
Don Bryan<br />
Lee Conerly<br />
Minnie Stell<br />
Margaret <strong>and</strong> Leonard Bedell<br />
Fellowship Sunday School Class<br />
Margaret Sankey<br />
Carol <strong>and</strong> Leonard Ferguson<br />
Nancy Parker<br />
Marie <strong>and</strong> Mat Mathieu<br />
Mark Benjamin Roberts<br />
A Chapelwood Friend<br />
David Hunsberger<br />
Marie <strong>and</strong> Mat Mathieu<br />
Pete Dalton<br />
Erin <strong>and</strong> Matthew Roorda<br />
Barbara Baker<br />
Tom Baker<br />
GIFTS IN HONOR OF<br />
RESTRICTED GIFTS<br />
Wedding Guild<br />
Kay <strong>and</strong> John Crockett<br />
Jane <strong>and</strong> Jim Wise (Susan Jackson Scholarship Fund)<br />
Jim <strong>and</strong> Susan Jackson (Susan Jackson Scholarship Fund)<br />
Mopsy Andrews<br />
C<strong>and</strong>lelighters Sunday School Class<br />
814<br />
FAIR TRADE COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE!<br />
Sunday, <strong>June</strong> 11, <strong>and</strong> <strong>July</strong> 9, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. , outside Fellowship Hall<br />
Purchase your Fair Trade products the second Sunday of every month! Items<br />
are on sale outside of the Fellowship Hall from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Purchasing<br />
fairly traded products allows farmers to earn a fair price for their crops while<br />
delivering quality products to consumers. In addition, fair trade prohibits the<br />
use of child labor <strong>and</strong> encourages the adoption of safer, chemical-free farming<br />
methods. Contact Vicki Jud, vicki.jud@sbcglobal.net, if you would like to<br />
volunteer at the Fair Trade table.
THE POWER OF HUMAN CONNECTION<br />
Written by team member Jackson Howard, age 16<br />
Being honest with ourselves <strong>and</strong> vulnerable with others is at the<br />
root of all human connection. Building relationships with others<br />
in Christ drives finding our own godly purpose <strong>and</strong> also helps us<br />
grow in our faith. Being seen as you truly are is one of the most<br />
courageous <strong>and</strong> difficult acts that anyone can accomplish, but it is<br />
absolutely necessary for us to develop as Christians.<br />
Over spring break, I had the privilege of going to the town of<br />
Quiriman de Nicoya in Costa Rica <strong>and</strong> serving the local church<br />
<strong>and</strong> community. What I saw there was a group of people who<br />
had almost nothing compared to us, yet they displayed a level<br />
of hospitality <strong>and</strong> overall joy that is rarely seen in the States. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
opened their arms to us <strong>and</strong> loved on us in a way that is almost<br />
shunned in countries <strong>and</strong> areas of affluence. It’s almost as if their<br />
focus was solely on the people with them in that moment <strong>and</strong> not<br />
on any of the monumental issues surrounding them.<br />
Contentment in Christ is something the people of Nicoya have<br />
mastered. <strong>The</strong>y don’t wish for more things, a better life, a nicer<br />
house, or a newer car because they underst<strong>and</strong> that won’t bring<br />
happiness. In all of their poverty <strong>and</strong> struggle, they underst<strong>and</strong><br />
something that a large portion of us Americans may never grasp.<br />
Happiness will never come from more of anything except Christ<br />
<strong>and</strong> Christ-centered relationships.<br />
An example of this connection in Christ could be seen through<br />
the group who went to help one of the church members<br />
demolish a concrete floor <strong>and</strong> move nearly 10,000 pounds of dirt<br />
from inside of her house. <strong>The</strong> house was only partially covered by<br />
a tin roof, <strong>and</strong> it had a very uneven part-cement, part-dirt floor,<br />
open sewage draining from the side of the house, <strong>and</strong> four very<br />
small rooms. Despite this, she completely opened up her home<br />
to us with all of its flaws <strong>and</strong> imperfections, <strong>and</strong> we accepted the<br />
challenge to improve it as much as we could. Through our work,<br />
we developed relationships with a people in the local community<br />
who came to work alongside us <strong>and</strong> the family who lived in the<br />
house.<br />
Another fantastic example of building lasting relationships<br />
through vulnerability was when, after a long day of work at the<br />
church in Quiriman, the foreman in charge of coordinating all<br />
of our work at the church gave his testimony during the service<br />
later that night. He talked about his mother dying in childbirth<br />
<strong>and</strong> dealing with his anger towards God, <strong>and</strong> he shared his issues<br />
of growing up with 18 siblings without a mother. This testimony<br />
moved most of the crowd to tears, <strong>and</strong> it gave many of us a<br />
different perspective on the people living in this town. We were<br />
able to underst<strong>and</strong> these faithful <strong>and</strong> strong people through<br />
their willingness to be vulnerable <strong>and</strong> seen despite the language<br />
barriers.<br />
<strong>The</strong> work that we did was not the most important part of our<br />
mission journey. <strong>The</strong> relationships we built throughout our work<br />
in the community matter far more than any number of issues<br />
we could have solved. We were able to experience a beautiful<br />
culture centered around simply being present, connecting with<br />
others, being content with the present situation, <strong>and</strong> centering<br />
life around faith instead of material things. I learned a large<br />
amount during this amazing week through deep-bellied laughter,<br />
heartfelt testimonials, backbreaking work, <strong>and</strong> amazingly faithcentered<br />
people.<br />
#concretecrew out (mic drop).<br />
9
NEW MEMBERS<br />
WELCOME TO CHAPELWOOD<br />
Pam & Gary Kissiah<br />
Jeremiah Cortes<br />
Katie Jones<br />
Johanna Luttrell<br />
Terranie Sims<br />
Taylor Dixon<br />
Ryan & Teresa Corrigan<br />
(Samuel & Chad)<br />
Grant Whittle<br />
Barbara Aliquo & Henry Hickford<br />
10
Patty & Tom Geddy<br />
Erin & Jacob Hyde<br />
Kevin Scroggins<br />
Ashley & Brian McCann-Hermis<br />
(Hana)<br />
Allie & Chris Mahfouz<br />
Jeanette Coon & Tom Collins<br />
Photo not available:<br />
Dwayne Lacy<br />
Br<strong>and</strong>on Pryor & Ciyah Smith<br />
Jeff Turner<br />
Membership is your commitment to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ in the<br />
areas of prayers, presence, gifts, service, <strong>and</strong> witness. If you are interested<br />
in becoming a member, please contact Tammy Heinrich, theinrich@<br />
chapelwood.org or (713) 354-4446.<br />
DeeDee & Stephen Tou<br />
11
JOYS AND CONCERNS<br />
Contacts<br />
John Stephens – Senior Pastor<br />
Bob Johnson – Executive Pastor of Discipleship<br />
Josef Klam – Executive Pastor of Strategy & Administration<br />
Bob Lindsey – Business Administrator/Director of the Wesley Choir<br />
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP<br />
Suzanne Harter – Ministry Director, Share Ministries (Local Serving)<br />
Tammy Heinrich – Pastor, Connect Ministries<br />
Ginny Itz – Ministry Director, Connect Ministries<br />
Janine Roberts – Ministry Director, Share Ministries<br />
(Global <strong>and</strong> National Serving)<br />
Teresa Rossy – Ministry Director, Grow Ministries<br />
FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP<br />
Karen Lopes – Ministry Director, Special Needs Ministry<br />
Sarah Pattillo – Pastor, Student Ministry<br />
Cason Sicking – Ministry Director, Recreation Ministry<br />
Heather Sims – Directing Pastor, Family Discipleship<br />
David Walker – Director, Chapelwood School for Young Children<br />
PASTORAL CARE AND REACHING<br />
Scott Endress – Pastor, Pastoral Care<br />
Bill Stell – Assistant Pastor, Pastoral Care<br />
Wick Stuckey – Senior Associate Pastor, Pastoral Care<br />
Betsy Sutherl<strong>and</strong> – Pastor, Pastoral Care<br />
12<br />
WHO DOES WHAT<br />
WORSHIP COMMUNITIES AND MUSIC<br />
Jacob Breeze – Community Pastor, Holy Family<br />
Andy Cunningham – Community Pastor, Fair Haven<br />
Richard G<strong>and</strong>y – Ministry Director, Worship <strong>and</strong> Arts, Mercy Street<br />
Craig Gilbert – Ministry Director, Worship <strong>and</strong> Music Ministries<br />
Melissa Maher – Community Pastor, Mercy Street<br />
Luis Palomo – Community Pastor, <strong>The</strong> Branch<br />
Christian Washington – Community Pastor, Upper Room<br />
Wayne Watson – Ministry Director, 9:45 Contemporary Worship<br />
Jerry Webber – Community Pastor, <strong>The</strong> Center for Christian Spirituality<br />
OTHER MINISTRIES<br />
Teresa Cannon – Ministry Director, Chapelwood Foundation<br />
Toby Dagenhart – Managing Director, Creative Arts <strong>and</strong> Production<br />
Karen Firenza – Ministry Director, Creative Arts<br />
Ivan Rhone – Ministry Director, Kitchen Ministry<br />
For a complete staff listing, go to www.chapelwood.org.<br />
11140 Greenbay, Houston, TX 77024<br />
Phone (713) 465-3467<br />
Fax (713) 365-2808<br />
17<br />
Baptisms:<br />
Wyatt Anthony Suszko, son of Taylor <strong>and</strong> David Suszko,<br />
on March 12, 2017;<br />
Ted Levi Jose, son of Llana <strong>and</strong> Ted Jose, on April 9, 2017;<br />
Chloe Akinimbom Yoba, daughter of Nora Gwe <strong>and</strong> Tommy Yoba,<br />
on April 9, 2017;<br />
Ava Gabrielle Trueba, daughter of Kendra <strong>and</strong> Phillip Trueba,<br />
on April 9, 2017;<br />
Emma Claire Trueba, daughter of Kendra <strong>and</strong> Phillip Trueba,<br />
on April 9, 2017;<br />
Stella Marie Springmeyer, daughter of Courtnay <strong>and</strong> Ryan<br />
Springmeyer, on April 9, 2017;<br />
Walter Thomas Springmeyer, son of Courtnay <strong>and</strong> Ryan Springmeyer,<br />
on April 9, 2017;<br />
Carter Montrell Paschal, son of Brittney <strong>and</strong> Shayne Hawthorne,<br />
on April 15, 2017;<br />
Cole Jeremiah Hawthorne, son of Brittney <strong>and</strong> Shayne Hawthorne,<br />
on April 15, 2017;<br />
Taylor Riley Dixon, daughter of Dawn Dixon, on April 16, 2017;<br />
Abigail Louise Stanley-Zerbach, daughter of Emily O’Malley <strong>and</strong><br />
Jerry Zerbach, on April 16, 2017;<br />
Vivianna Grace Palomo, daughter of Jennifer <strong>and</strong> Luis Palomo,<br />
on April 16, 2017.<br />
Weddings:<br />
Patty Jo Goodwin to Eric Thomas Amundson on April 8, 2017.<br />
Our Prayers <strong>and</strong> Sympathy Expressed to:<br />
<strong>The</strong> family <strong>and</strong> friends of Mrs. Bernice Crockard, who died<br />
March 18, 2017;<br />
Mr. <strong>and</strong> Mrs. Ravi S. Lewis <strong>and</strong> family on the death of Ravi’s father,<br />
Mr. Ravi Shankar Warford, on March 28, 2017;<br />
Mr. <strong>and</strong> Mrs. Jerry J. Langdon <strong>and</strong> family on the death of Jerry’s<br />
mother, Mrs. Jean Steadman Langdon, on March 28, 2017;<br />
Mr. <strong>and</strong> Mrs. Webb Wotkyns <strong>and</strong> family on the death of Donna’s father,<br />
Mr. Clifford Don Wyatt, on March 31, 2017;<br />
Mr. <strong>and</strong> Mrs. Steven C. Frietsch <strong>and</strong> family on the death of Steven’s<br />
mother, Mrs. Karen Sue Cornelius, on April 3, 2017;<br />
Ms. Kimberley Young <strong>and</strong> family on the death of her mother,<br />
Mrs. Margaret R. (Peg) Sankey, on April 8, 2017;<br />
Mr. <strong>and</strong> Mrs. Gregory A. Beaves <strong>and</strong> family on the death of Greg’s<br />
father, Mr. George Beaves, on April 8, 2017;<br />
Mrs. Carolyn Mattax <strong>and</strong> family on the death of her son,<br />
Mr. David Mattax, on April 13, 2017;<br />
Rev. <strong>and</strong> Mrs. Bill Stell <strong>and</strong> family on the death of Bill’s mother,<br />
Mrs. Minnie Stell, on April 20, 2017;<br />
Mr. <strong>and</strong> Mrs. John Eads <strong>and</strong> family on the death of John’s father,<br />
Mr. Ralph Eads, Sr., on April 24, 2017;<br />
Ms. Mary Sherman Willson <strong>and</strong> family on the death of her mother,<br />
Mrs. Aline Taylor Wagner, on April 25, 2017;<br />
Mr. <strong>and</strong> Mrs. Richard D. Mitchell <strong>and</strong> family on the death of Richard’s<br />
father, Mr. Albert Wesley Mitchell, on April 28, 2017;<br />
Mrs. Jan Davis <strong>and</strong> family on the death of Mrs. Joan Morgan<br />
on April 29, 2017.
MAY 28 29 30 31 JUNE 1 2<br />
Singles Potluck <strong>and</strong><br />
Game Night, 5:30<br />
pm, Game Room<br />
JUNE 2017<br />
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
6 7 8 9<br />
10<br />
Volunteer<br />
Opportunity info<br />
Session, 11 am,<br />
Courtyard Room<br />
Methodism at<br />
Chapelwood, 9:45<br />
am, Conference<br />
Room<br />
Hunger doesn't<br />
take a Summer<br />
Vacation Drive,<br />
<strong>June</strong> 4-11,<br />
Donation Bins<br />
around the church<br />
11<br />
VBS, <strong>June</strong> 5 - 8<br />
12<br />
Church Under the<br />
Bridge (see page 6)<br />
Singles Dance, 7<br />
pm, Fellowship Hall<br />
13 14 15 16 17<br />
Second Sunday<br />
Chicken (see<br />
below)<br />
Methodism at<br />
Chapelwood, 9:45<br />
am, Conference<br />
Room<br />
New Member<br />
Dinner with John<br />
Stephens, 5:30 pm,<br />
Courtyard Room<br />
Sager Brown Family<br />
Team, <strong>June</strong> 11-16<br />
Singles Rice &<br />
Beans, 11 am,<br />
Fireside Room<br />
18<br />
SUMMIT, Waco, TX,<br />
<strong>June</strong> 18 - 23<br />
25 26<br />
Camp Chapelwood<br />
2017, <strong>June</strong> 12 - <strong>July</strong><br />
20, 9 am - 3 pm,<br />
Recreation Center<br />
19 20 21 22 23 24<br />
Precinct Trip to <strong>The</strong><br />
Bryan Museum in<br />
Galveston, 8:30 am<br />
<strong>The</strong> Release (see<br />
page 16)<br />
27 28 29 30 JULY 1<br />
www.facebook.com/chapelwood<br />
13
IT'S OFFICIAL!<br />
WELCOME FAIR HAVEN<br />
Tuesday, May 16, in the Fellowship Hall, District<br />
Superintendent Andy Noel calls for a vote on the<br />
“Adoption Merger” proposal that would make Fair<br />
Haven United Methodist Church Chapelwood’s newest<br />
worship community. <strong>The</strong> motion passed unanimously,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Chapelwood is pleased to welcome Fair Haven to its<br />
community of faith.<br />
Rev. Andy Cunningham will become Fair Haven’s worship<br />
community pastor <strong>and</strong> work to integrate the two churches<br />
has already begun.<br />
THE CHIMES IS CHANGING!<br />
As our Creative Arts Ministry has recently completed audits<br />
on all of our communications channels, we have repeatedly<br />
heard that our congregation <strong>and</strong> many of our staff really<br />
miss having a printed <strong>Chimes</strong>. We are also keenly aware of<br />
the fact that most people rely on the <strong>Chimes</strong> for stories <strong>and</strong><br />
inspiration.<br />
Based on this information, we are modifying the <strong>Chimes</strong>. It<br />
will no longer be a monthly publication, but a seasonal one,<br />
<strong>and</strong> it will once again be printed <strong>and</strong> mailed to everyone.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>June</strong> edition will be the last monthly publication. <strong>The</strong><br />
fall edition will be in homes by mid-August. Look for more<br />
stories of transformation, inspiration, <strong>and</strong> vision.<br />
Along with that shift, we are developing a new all-church<br />
monthly email publication where all communities will hear<br />
about our strategies <strong>and</strong> updates from pastors. This email<br />
will be sent beginning in August.<br />
SPRING BRANCH<br />
KINKAID<br />
SB<br />
K<br />
14<br />
Shuttle Buses Closed for Summer
FAIR HAVEN - OUR HISTORY<br />
A church in the<br />
woods...<br />
When Fair Haven<br />
began, Gessner was<br />
a dirt road, <strong>and</strong> trees<br />
covered the l<strong>and</strong><br />
to be purchased<br />
for the new church.<br />
Rev. J. Bryant Young<br />
had been appointed<br />
to organize it. Twenty-nine people gathered on Thursday, <strong>July</strong> 29,<br />
1954, at the empty parsonage on Rosstown Way to make it official.<br />
About a week later, Bryant <strong>and</strong> his wife, Margie moved in. What<br />
was then called the “Room to Grow” program had provided an<br />
initial four <strong>and</strong> three-fourths acres of l<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> the next year the<br />
young congregation purchased another two acres.<br />
Worship in an<br />
elementary school<br />
It would be a year<br />
before clearing<br />
some of the l<strong>and</strong><br />
for building could<br />
start, so worship<br />
began in Ridgecrest<br />
Elementary School<br />
on August 1, 1954,<br />
with seventy-six present. Before the month was over, forty became<br />
charter members.<br />
It was a flurry of activity in that first year. <strong>The</strong> church grew to 158<br />
members as ministries like choirs, women’s groups <strong>and</strong> Vacation<br />
Bible School under the trees on the property was organized. When<br />
the new Pine Shadows Elementary School was opened in October<br />
1955, the congregation moved there to continue its services of<br />
worship.<br />
Corner stone<br />
celebration...<br />
dinner on the<br />
grounds<br />
About a year later,<br />
construction on the<br />
first unit began, as<br />
church members<br />
armed with saws,<br />
axes, shovels, <strong>and</strong> lawn mowers began clearing the l<strong>and</strong> enough to<br />
celebrate the laying of the corner stone <strong>and</strong> have a dinner on the<br />
grounds. <strong>The</strong> smell of burning brush <strong>and</strong> cut undergrowth was in<br />
the air.<br />
A question was also in the air. What should we name this<br />
new church? By the time the cornerstone was set in place on<br />
September 30, 1956 a name had been chosen, suggested by<br />
Margie Young: Fair Haven. <strong>The</strong> book of Acts in the Bible tells the<br />
story of a safe harbor called Fair Havens into which a boat carrying<br />
the apostle Paul sailed for safety during the stormy season on<br />
the Mediterranean Sea. Ever since, Fair Haven United Methodist<br />
Church has been a place for boats of all sizes <strong>and</strong> shapes to dock to<br />
find faith, learn the loving ways of Jesus, <strong>and</strong> sail out again to serve<br />
others.<br />
First Service of<br />
Worship<br />
Worship began<br />
in that first facility<br />
on February 17,<br />
1957. It provided<br />
a worship space,<br />
also used as a<br />
place for fellowship<br />
<strong>and</strong> activities, a kitchen, offices, <strong>and</strong> a few classrooms. <strong>The</strong> Texas<br />
limestone that Pastor Young worked so hard to obtain to accent<br />
the beauty of the entrance <strong>and</strong> worship area provides a backdrop<br />
for our contemporary service today.<br />
<strong>The</strong> church campus has grown much since then. Over the last<br />
sixty years or so, the growing church spurred building programs<br />
to add more classrooms housing an exp<strong>and</strong>ing Sunday School<br />
<strong>and</strong> Day School ministry; a larger sanctuary <strong>and</strong> office complex; a<br />
multi-use building called Trinity Center; a Scout Hut; a Food Pantry<br />
serving tens of thous<strong>and</strong>s per year; a two story Christian Life Center<br />
in use every day to serve the community, providing a place for our<br />
worship in Spanish, <strong>and</strong> providing many settings to help those<br />
seeking to follow Jesus.<br />
Today... a garden<br />
<strong>and</strong> more<br />
Of course, we<br />
know that our<br />
ministry helping<br />
others to believe,<br />
love <strong>and</strong> serve is<br />
not really about<br />
buildings. We hope<br />
that our history includes you… in the boat with us.<br />
15
Vol. VII, No. 6<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Chimes</strong> (USPS 023285) is published<br />
monthly by Chapelwood United Methodist<br />
Church, 11140 Greenbay, Houston, TX 77024.<br />
Periodicals Postage paid at Houston TX.<br />
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to<br />
Chapelwood <strong>Chimes</strong>, 11140 Greenbay,<br />
Houston, TX 77024-6729.<br />
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID<br />
Postmaster, please deliver by<br />
THURSDAY/FRIDAY JUNE 1/2, 2017