Most of us want to experience intimacy with God and to have a deeper relationship with Christ. One of the clearest paths to experiencing God is in a sharing and caring small group that values prayer and that listens for the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Companions in Christ provides paths for each of us to grow closer to God. It involves approximately 20-30 minutes of daily reading and reflecting, plus a small group meeting with fellow companions once a week for approximately 11/2 - 2 hours. These elements help create the space for God to draw near and abide with each person. Companions in Christ is open to anyone, including non-members of UCUMC.
This program is truly an inspiring spiritual growth program. We believe it will make a difference in your life as it has in the lives of those who have participated, and it will encourage renewal in the life of our congregation.
Please read the following excerpts from testimonials of some of our former participants:
"Perhaps you have come to this time and place with questions and feet dragging as I did, thinking, "Just one more meeting." I can guarantee you will feel completely the opposite and not want to miss by the time you have met a few weeks. The presence of the Lord will be felt in and through each meeting. I felt very close to God each week as lessons "spoke" to me in new and meaningful ways. New ways of praying and connecting with God's spirit in me have helped to deepen my love for Him and that spirit flowed over the whole group." Marilyn Birmingham
"Companions in Christ is a class that will demystify spiritual formation and put you on a path of continued
growth. You can begin wherever you presently are ...there are no prerequisite classes. You will find ways to nurture your soul and make it your center from which all of your thoughts and actions resonate. You will find yourself growing spiritually through God's gentle graces and you will contribute to the growth of others also. God will not do it all for you, but as you seek Him through your weekly readings you will find
his hand more and more present in all that you are. It is not a self-help class or one of problem solving. It is not a class of right and wrong answers, but a sharing of thoughts and experiences. As you participate you find clarity and vision. You will sing together, pray together, and find joy together as you discover that God resides gracefully in your soul." Joyce Glessner
"The presence of the Lord will be felt in and through each meeting. I felt very close to God each week as lessons 'spoke' to me in new and meaningful ways. New ways of praying and connecting with God's Spirit in me have helped to deepen my love for Him and that spirit flowed over the whole group."
Companions in Christ
A poem by: Diana Brown
Companions in Christ,
what has it meant to me?
A spiritual exploration
of who God wants me to be.
It's helped me to remember
each and every day,
how very important
it is to pray.
It's been a time of introspection
and a time of relating to others.
Sharing insights
with our sisters and brother.
I'm glad the Lord has lead me
to this time and to this place,
for with my Companions in Christ,
again I've experienced God's grace.
There’s “a whole lot a shakin’ going on” with the Women of UCUMC, so, ladies, if you haven’t tried us lately, you owe it to yourself to become involved. Our goal is to enhance the spiritual growth and fellowship among women as we also raise funds to support a number of worthwhile missions. We meet the third Thursday of the month in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 a.m. for food, fellowship, planning, and a message to help us as women of faith. All women of the church are invited. Child care is available. Our 1st Holiday Fair was a rousing success, and work has already begun in preparation of our next Holiday Fair scheduled for the 1st Saturday in October (October 3). Please join with us as we work to support missions at all levels. The CARD MINISTRY meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 9 a.m., and the SCRAPBOOKING CIRCLE meets the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1 – 3 p.m.
Wed. Morning Bible Study for Women 9 a.m.- Led by Meem Baumgartner
A homeroom is made up of members of our congregation who meet monthly for fellowship and discussion about events and needs of the church. It is a means of communication between the church leaders and members.
Each homeroom appoints a person (convener) who will attend a monthly Meeting (lunch) with the clergy and conveners from other homerooms. We discuss any relevant issues pertaining to the church and congregation. The convener then takes this to the members of his/her homeroom at their monthly gathering and elicits needs and views from the members to pass back to the clergy and administration.
There are currently 9 homerooms. Most include singles and couples and the age range varies among the homerooms. Some meet in their homes and others may decide to meet at a restaurant.
Each homeroom takes on the personality of its members but all homerooms serve to enhance the mission of the church.
If you are interested in joining (or starting) a homeroom, please contact the church office. 659-5555
Bennett Homeroom -- Bill & Darlene Bennett
Usually meet in homes or restaurants on the 3rd Saturday.
Beverly Homeroom -- Jerry & Anne Beverly
Usually meet in homes.
Buck Homeroom -- Alison Buck
Usually meet in homes or restaurants with no set meeting date.
Gowan Homeroom --Walt & Shirley Gowan
Meet in homes with no set meeting date.
Martinez Homeroom -- Lynda Martinez
Usually meet in homes on the 3rd Saturday.
Miller Homeroom -- Carlene Ward
Usually meet in homes with no set meeting date.
Morris-Stine Homeroom -- John & Barbara Morris
Usually meet in homes on Sundays.
Syvertson Homeroom -- Sy & Betty Syvertson
Meet mostly in restaurants.
Tillstrom Homeroom -- Marty Tillstrom
A couples homeroom that meets in homes or eats out.
We have had a live Nativity Story depicting the story of Jesus’ birth for the last three years and it just keeps growing. It is held on the church grounds on several different evenings each December. Groups are led by villagers who guide them through a set of five scenes, including the crèche scene and the flight to Egypt. Live animals, costumed characters, and realistic re-enactments make The Nativity Story a very special event during the Christmas season! Hot apple cider and cookies are served and admission is always free.
Come enjoy a freeDinner and a Movie in Fellowship Hall once a month on the last Friday of the month at 6 p.m.
held during the Christmas season as a community outreach in the Fellowship Hall. The evening includes a meal, a visit from Santa for the little ones, and a story hour. The party is scheduled for mid-December.
Other churchwide and family events are held periodically such as musical sing-a-longs, carnivals, and ice cream socials.
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Ignite Your Life class for young adults 18-25 led by Dave & Vivian Wagoner - Sundays 7 at 11 a.m. in Room 14. |
Sojourners (Young Couples) with or without children led by Teri Niedermeyer. Biblical principles, Date Nights, local mission projects, etc. Sundays at 11 a.m. in Room 19. |
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First Place Weight Loss Group - Biblically based weight loss program for men and women. Study, mutual support, and help. Ongoing; no end date. –meetsTuesdays, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Led by Kathy Tisdale. |
Recycled Card Ministry - Make used cards new again with Corrinne Berkland and others on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, 9-11 a.m. Cards sold in Fellowship Hall and the Narthex; proceeds benefit Missions. |
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Wednesday Morning Women's Bible Study - Weekly class, led by Meem Baumgartner, 9-11 a.m. New Testament class on Paul's Letter to the Romans. Led by Rev. Gene Thompson. Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m., Rooms 16-17. Start anytime. |
Ignite into the Word companion Bible study for young adults led by Lenny Dagg & Bob MacMillan. Includes discipleship opportunities outside the church. Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Room 14. |
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Prayer Meeting Pray for the needs of the church and this community of faith each Wed. in the sanctuary from 6-6:30 p.m. |
Non-Emmaus Reunion Group - Group of women led by Sally Cook study and share each Wed. from 6:30-7:30 p.m. |
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The Ageless Group (T.A.G.) - Those age 50+ meet the 1st Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. for food, fellowship, speakers, and fun. |
Women of UCUMC/United Methodist Women - Third Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. for food, fellowship, planning, and a message. |
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Free Dinner & A Movie - last Friday of the month at 6 p.m. Great meal and movie for all ages. All are welcome. |
Brand new small group has started for singles, widows, and divorcees. Food, fun, Discussion, and information. Group meets the second Friday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Library. |
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Write Your Family History - Idea sharing on how to research, organize, and start writing our personal history for our family. Led by Martha Thorpe; meets second Friday of the month at 9 a.m. in the Church Library. |
United Methodist Men - third Sat. at 8 a.m. for breakfast, fellowship, and meeting. Many fun activities for the church and outreach ministries. |
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Running/Walking for Christ Group has begun. First Sat. of the month at 8 a.m. for a fun run or walk and fellowship. Contact Shelley Moseley through the Church Office or call her number in the directory if you are interested. This group has its own website: www.runningforchrist.com |
Christian Car Club - Breakfast at the Los Arcos Restaurant in the Randolph Plaza Shopping Center (behind the UC Post Office) the second Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. For those interested in repairing, maintaining, refurbishing, racing, or taking about cars. Open to everyone interested. Periodically we enter parades and "adopt" a car for cleaning. Led by Ed Thorpe. |
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Alpha at UCUMC! Spring 2009 course has started. Stay tuned for Fall 2009 dates. |
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Sojourners class with or without children led by Teri Niedermeyer. Biblical principles, Date Nights, local mission projects, etc. Sundays at 11 a.m. in Room 19 |
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Ignite Your Life class for young adults 18-25 led by Dave & Vivian Wagoner - Sundays at 11 a.m. in Room 14. |
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Financial Peace University led by David & Kelley Gallant. Bible based financial management that's worked for many people! Class is 2/8 to 5/10, 3-5 pm, Rooms 16-17. |
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Wed. Morning Bible Study for Women- 9 .am. - Led by Meem Baumgartner. |
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New Testament class on Paul's Letter to the Romans. Led by Rev. Gene Thompson. Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m., Rooms 16-17. Start anytime. |
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Ignite in the Word companion Bible study for young adults led by Lenny Dagg & Bob MacMillan. Includes discipleship opportunities outside the church. Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Room 14. |
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Everyone is welcome to join us on the first Thursday of each month in the Fellowship Hall at 11:30 a.m. for a potluck luncheon. Bring your friends and neighbors and join us!
There is always a need for hosts. Please consider volunteering. Contact Dot Roberts or Betty Syvertson, and sign up for a month convenient for you.
T A G stands for The Ageless Group. It is for senior adults (anyone who admits to being over 55!). Friends and guests are always welcome. Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 in the Fellowship Hall. Following a potluck luncheon, there are entertaining programs and speakers presented. Occasionally, we go as a group to the S.T.A.G.E. dinner theatre in Bulverde and have attended performances at the Majestic Theatre. Also, day trips are offered to interesting parts of Texas. Come join us for good food and great fellowship! Dot Roberts and Betty Syvertson are the contact people. For more information, call the Church Office. Come join us on the first Thursday of each month in the fellowship Hall for a pot-luck lunch. Always good food and good fellowship. Betty Syvertson - Chair.
Wednesday night supper and fellowship are available on Wednesdays during the school year (except close to holidays). The cost is $3 person or $10 for a family of 4 or more. The meal includes a main course, salad or vegetable, dessert and drink from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a meal each week before your class, group, or music practice. It’s a great time to experience mid-week fellowship with those in the community of faith.
After supper there is time to attend the Churchwide Prayer Meeting before your class or group. We meet in the Sanctuary from 6:00-6:30 to pray for the ministries of UCUMC and our community of faith.
Did you know Universal City United Methodist Church has a Library? It is located in Rm.1, the room nearest to the parking lot. Hours of operation are Sundays 8:30 to 12:00 (except for the 9:30 hour when a Sunday School class meets in there) and Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.. Any other time you may get a key from the church office. The library has over 4000 secular and non-secular items consisting of videos, books on tape, reference material, non-fiction, biographies, books for youth, and children's books. Check-out information is posted in the library.
The purpose of the library is to enrich and encourage growth through Christian based material. Volunteers are always needed and donations are accepted.
Giving a book is always a true gift in memory or honor of someone. I hope that you will stop by and CHECK IT OUT! Any questions please contact Darlene Durham at the church 659-5555 ext. 18. She is in the library on Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Any other time, please leave a voice mail
Last Updated Wednesday, August 19 2009 @ 08:19 PM CDT|1,110 Hits 
