News@ Nu Faith.org

2010-06-01T22:36:00.002-05:00

National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 23-29, 2010

The 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts on June 1, 2010 and all MEDVAMC employees, volunteers, Veterans, and family members are encouraged to keep current with weather conditions. It is important to prepare your family for unexpected disasters and emergencies.

Talk with your supervisor now to find out if you are required to report to duty during an emergency situation. If you are required to report for duty, make plans to keep your family, pets, home, and property safe. The MEDVAMC is a shelter of last resort for families and pets.

Visit http://www.houston.va.gov/emergency/index.asp or www.hurricanes.gov/prepare for emergency preparedness tips, useful Web sites and telephone numbers, emergency preparedness guides, suggestions for a disaster supplies kit, and more.

Harris County has established storm evacuation zones for the Houston-Galveston area using zip codes. To find out if you live in an evacuation zone, visit http://www.hcoem.org/HCMap.aspx?P=Evacuation.

For VA updates and the latest VA emergency response information, call the MEDVAMC Emergency Information Hotline at (713) 794-8989 or 1-800-553-2278, ext. 8989.

If you would like to have MEDVAMC updates delivered to your private e-mail address during emergency situations, please send the address to bobbi.gruner@va.gov. If you previously signed up for these updates, you must resubmit your email address.

Hurricane Awareness Tips

When Local Officials Call For An Evacuation:
When there is a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, fill your gas tank and keep it full. Start monitoring radio and TV broadcasts -- and listen to instructions from local officials. Hurricanes may take several days to arrive. Make evacuation plans before the storm. Get your emergency supply kit ready to go -- with food, water, batteries, and other supplies. When local officials call for a mandatory evacuation, follow instructions.

Emergency Supply Kit:
Emergencies and disasters can happen any time. Keep emergency supplies on hand in your home, office, and car - especially during hurricane season. You will need non-perishable food, water, and batteries. You will also need cash, credit cards, copies of medical prescriptions, and insurance information. Do not forget medications, special health care needs, and products for yourself, babies, or the elderly. When local officials call for a mandatory evacuation, top off your gas tank before you get on the road.

On The Road in an Evacuation:
Hurricanes are extremely dangerous. Make evacuation plans in advance. Keep highway maps in your car and learn evacuation routes before the storm. When local officials call for a mandatory evacuation - highways will be crowded. Watch for Texas department of transportation highway signs - and listen to your car radio. Remember, make travel plans in advance, monitor TV and radio -- and expect your trip to take longer than usual.

Family Communications in Emergencies:
When disaster strikes, your family needs a place to call and a place to meet. Plan ahead to keep in touch. Choose a location in your town to meet if your neighborhood is blocked off. When local telephones do not work, you may still be able to call out-of-state. Choose a friend or relative out of state -- and teach your kids the phone number. Remember, plan for emergencies with your family. Choose a place to call and a place to meet.

Leave Early With Fragile Family Members:
Hurricanes are dangerous and unpredictable. Make special plans for babies - the elderly - and medically fragile family members. It will take much longer to travel during a mandatory evacuation. Make sure your emergency kit includes supplies and equipment for special health care needs - and supplies for babies and the elderly. Make travel easier for family members with special needs. Leave before the official evacuation begins.

Leave Early If You Have Special Health Care Needs:
When a hurricane threatens, be prepared. It will take much longer to travel during a mandatory evacuation. If you have got special health care needs - and you can travel on your own – it is a good idea to leave ahead of the crowd. Make your evacuation plans in advance. Bring special medical supplies along with your emergency kit. Learn your routes ahead of time. Avoid crowded highways. Leave early - before a mandatory evacuation begins.

Traveling With Extra Vehicles? Leave Early:
When a hurricane threatens, be smart. Do not make traffic worse. If you have extra vehicles, get them out early - before a mandatory evacuation. If you wait until the mandatory evacuation - take only one vehicle. Remember, if you want to travel with a boat, a camper, an extra car, or truck – do not crowd the highways. Get these extra vehicles out of the evacuation zone before local officials order a mandatory evacuation.

Hurricane Watch and Hurricane Warning:
Hurricanes are dangerous and unpredictable. They can get much stronger - and change directions -- in a matter of hours. A hurricane watch means a hurricane is about 36 hours away. A hurricane warning means a hurricane will hit your area in 24 hours. When a storm is anywhere in the Gulf of Mexico, be prepared to evacuate. Make your evacuation plans now -- before a storm. And get your emergency supplies together now -- before a storm.

Life-Threatening Emergency:
If you have a life-threatening emergency, immediately call 911. Do not wait until the storm is upon you, the police and rescue teams will not be able to assist you at that time. Prepare your personal or family evacuation plan now.

Please join us wherever your schedule permits

2010-05-07T21:01:00.004-05:00

Grace and peace to all. Blessings to all Mothers, Aunts, and special Moms on this upcoming Mother’s Day weekend. Here are a few updates and invitations that I want to share with each of you. Please check them out and join us wherever your schedule permits. The happenings are: Just want to invite all to worship together and hear a great message from Dr. Willie Henry on Mother’s Day Sunday, May 9th at Spring Woods UMC; located at 1711 FM 1960, Houston, TX 77273. He will bring the Word at both 9:30 and 11:00 am services. Come and share the morning!

Pastor King is inviting you to take a road trip to hear her preach on Pentecoat Sunday, May 23rd at Bethlehem UMC; located at 715 8th Street, Hempstead, TX 77445. Worship begins at 11:00 am on Pentecost Sunday and we hope you will be with us that glorious Sunday.
Come together to celebrate all graduates on Sunday, May 30, 2010 at St. Mary’s UMC – 6731 Scott Street, Houston, TX 77021. Please make plans to join us at 9:45 am to pray and process together into worship, which begins at 10:15 am. Invite your friends and family to join us and I will be preaching for this service. Also, Sunday is the Wiley College Celebration at St. Mary’s UMC. Let’s come together for all our graduates on that Sunday.
There will be great worship celebrations this year at the Texas Annual Conference, which will be held at The Woodlands UMC – 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380 on Sunday, May 30th through Wednesday, June 2nd. On Monday, May 31st there will be a Gospel Celebration that you don’t want to miss. Mark your calendar and be in the sanctuary for the pre-worship starting at 6:45 pm. There will be many blessed opportunities to worship that evening and you don’t want to miss any of them!
Starting June 1, 2010, I will be appointed to serve at First United Methodist Church in College Station, Texas as Senior Pastor. The church is located at 1125 Wellborn Rd., College Station, TX 77840. Keep us in your prayers as we prepare to pack, move, and transition to a new community to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Look for more details in the days to come.
Save the date of Sunday, June 27, 2010 to join us for the Church Anniversary Worship Experience at First UMC- College Station. More details are forthcoming!

Thanks for being a part of growing a faith community from the ground up. We worked together through an awesome faith experience that was second to none. Each of you is special to Donel and I in so many ways. We pray all have found or will find in the near future a place to call home as you serve the Lord. Love the Lord and let the Lord love you back…remember “Meet God @ Anytime” is still real!

Live Blessed @ All times,
Pastor Jacqui and Donel King

Virtual Community, Real Relationships

2010-02-13T22:04:00.008-06:00

By Pastor Jacqui King

God is doing a new thing! That is the proclamation from the prophet Isaiah. In the world of technology, new things are happening every day. New technology offers the church new tools with which to share the gospel message and to invite people to experience new life.

Imagine receiving a text message that saves you from making an unnecessary trip. That's time-saving communication. How about a text message reminding you to pray at 12:00 noon each day? That is soul-saving communication. It is just a little reminder that you may appreciate receiving from your small group leader. This is just one example of how technology is enabling the church to reach new people in new ways.

What if a new small group study was being designed to invite people to grow spiritually together? The standard ways for developing this group might include establishing location, time, selecting materials, and training leadership teams to help facilitate the groups. In the digital age, however, social networks and realtime online discussion can offer additional ways for the group to gather for study and fellowship.

Online tools like a Facebook group or a portal on your church website can supplement face-to-face gatherings by letting discussion continue after the class or group meeting has ended and by communicating administrative announcements to the entire group in one place. The web can also provide an alternative to face-to-face meetings altogether, using websites like Skype (www. skype.com) and Talkshoe (http://www.talkshoe.com/).

The Nu Faith Community, a new church plant I was called to lead in the Texas Annual Conference, began with Bible studies that met both online and in person. The face-to-face group of twelve persons met at my home at 6:30 p.m. and then the online group met at 8:30 p.m., through a "community call" on Talkshoe. Although the Bible study material was the same, the Internet broadened the audience, enabling people to join in without leaving their homes. Families were invited to study the Bible together live every Thursday evening, getting people more acquainted with others in the new church community and with the biblical stories behind the preaching passages for the upcoming Sunday message.Some churches have gone beyond social and study gatherings online by giving worship an online alternative as well. Simple ways to do this are by offering podcasts (audio recordings) or streaming video of past worship services. Some churches post just the sermon, while others include the entire worship experience. These options provide a way for people to get a feel for your church before visiting, or for people unable to attend on the weekend to have an opportunity to worship

A more recent innovation is to create a virtual worship experience with as many components of the live experience as possible. These so-called "online campuses" offer video of their live worship service at a particular time, and those watching the service online at the same time can chat with one another before and after the service, offering some of the same fellowship and discussion one might have surrounding a live service. Some also provide opportunities to submit prayer requests or contribute to the offering.

As central to people's lives today as the Internet is, it is only natural for churches to use the many tools and opportunities the web provides in order to reach people where they are. When we began Nu Faith, we started with a strong web presence at http://www.nufaith.org/ that provided information about face-to-face gatherings and also various ways to ask questions, but the site was also consistently updated with dynamic data about events in the Houston area that would draw people to our website via general Internet searches. Our slogans, "Come as You Are" and "Meet God @ Anytime," set up the expectation of acceptance and availability that our new faith community would provide both in person and on the web.

Technology was a tool for us to connect and introduce new people to faith experiences, but it also offered economic benefits for our developing congregation. As the necessity to connect met with increasing gas prices and an all-around rough economy, we brainstormed more ways to connect weekly online, as opposed to establishing additional face-to-face meetings. We created an electronic newsletter called eNews, and set up a phone tree calling service and text messaging to communicate with new families. Such innovations are easy to implement with a new congregation that doesn't have expectations about how things "should be" or "always have been," but all churches can still use new technologies to help longtime members rethink outreach and connection in a new era.Although face-to-face communications are important in building trust, evangelism today involves making intentional connections virtually that may lead to future face-to-face connections. Reaching a new generation for Jesus Christ requires using technology. Many people today who are resistant to attending a worship service in person will participate in social networks and other online media. Asking what means of technology is needed to touch the hearts of the unchurched and others who do not feel comfortable within existing congregations is central to making a new place for new people in the twenty-first century.

Published in the
CIRCUIT RIDER
February/March/April 2010
Vol. 34, No. 2© 2010•
by The United Methodist Publishing House•
ISSN 0146-9924201 Eighth Avenue South
P. O. Box 801
Nashville, TN 37202

Internet Prayer for Haiti

2010-01-20T23:04:00.004-06:00

Keep the prayer going....
Lord, I just want to say THANK YOU,
because this morning I woke up and knew where my children were.

Because this morning my home was still standing,
Because this morning I am not crying
because my husband, my child, my brother or sister needs to be buried out from underneath a pile of concrete,
because this morning I was able to drink a glass of water,
because this morning I was able to turn on the light,
because this morning I was able to take a shower,
because this morning I was not planning a funeral,
but most of all I thank you this morning because I still have life and a voice to cry out for the people of Haiti.

Lord I cry out to you, the one that makes the impossible, possible, the one that turns darkness into light, I cry out that you give those mothers strength, that you give them peace that surpasses all understanding,
that you may open the streets so
that help can come, that you may provide doctors, nurses, food, water, and all that they need in a blink of an eye.

For all those that have lost family members, give them peace,
give them hope,
give them courage to continue to go on!

Protect the children and shield them with your power. I pray all this in the name of Jesus!!!

20 Tips for a Positive New Year

2010-01-10T17:45:00.004-06:00

1. Take a 10-30 minute “Thank you” walk every day. While you walk practice gratitude. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. Buy a TIVO, tape your late night shows and get more sleep—it’s the ultimate energizer.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: My purpose is to___________ today.

5. Live with the 3 E's. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.
6. Read more books than you did in 2007.

7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Do the “one thing” you have always wanted to do.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.

11. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.

12. Engage in daily random acts of kindness.

13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing positive energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:
I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished____________.

19. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.

Here is the grief model called "The 7 Stages of Grief":

2009-10-06T18:44:00.003-05:00

1. SHOCK & DENIAL-You will probably react to learning of the loss with numbed disbelief. You may deny the reality of the loss at some level, in order to avoid the pain. Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for weeks.

2. PAIN & GUILT-As the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain. Although excruciating and almost unbearable, it is important that you experience the pain fully, and not hide it, avoid it or escape from it with alcohol or drugs.
You may have guilty feelings or remorse over things you did or didn't do with your loved one. Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase.

3. ANGER & BARGAINING-Frustration gives way to anger, and you may lash out and lay unwarranted blame for the death on someone else. Please try to control this, as permanent damage to your relationships may result. This is a time for the release of bottled up emotion.
You may rail against fate, questioning "Why me?" You may also try to bargain in vain with the powers that be for a way out of your despair ("I will never drink again if you just bring him back")

4. "DEPRESSION", REFLECTION, LONELINESS-Just when your friends may think you should be getting on with your life, a long period of sad reflection will likely overtake you. This is a normal stage of grief, so do not be "talked out of it" by well-meaning outsiders. Encouragement from others is not helpful to you during this stage of grieving.
During this time, you finally realize the true magnitude of your loss, and it depresses you. You may isolate yourself on purpose, reflect on things you did with your lost one, and focus on memories of the past. You may sense feelings of emptiness or despair.

5. THE UPWARD TURN-As you start to adjust to life without your dear one, your life becomes a little calmer and more organized. Your physical symptoms lessen, and your "depression" begins to lift slightly.6. RECONSTRUCTION & WORKING THROUGH-As you become more functional, your mind starts working again, and you will find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life without your loved one. You will start to work on practical and financial problems and reconstructing yourself and your life without him or her.

7. ACCEPTANCE & HOPE-During this, the last of the seven stages in this grief model, you learn to accept and deal with the reality of your situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness. Given the pain and turmoil you have experienced, you can never return to the carefree, untroubled YOU that existed before this tragedy. But you will find a way forward.

You will start to look forward and actually plan things for the future. Eventually, you will be able to think about your lost loved one without pain; sadness, yes, but the wrenching pain will be gone. You will once again anticipate some good times to come, and yes, even find joy again in the experience of living.

[ Hope and Health Through Creative Grieving ]

Survey shows shift in communications preferences of pastors, church leaders

2009-09-29T22:38:00.003-05:00

United Methodist Communications recently surveyed more than 3,000 pastors and church leaders within The United Methodist Church to learn where they receive their denominational information and how they prefer to receive it.

“United Methodist Communications is the agency charged with communicating the ministry and mission of The United Methodist Church,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. “We continuously assess our methods and tools for engaging our audiences – especially at the local level.”
The survey revealed that, in general, United Methodist pastors and leaders now consider electronic media more important than publications as sources of information. An average of 79 percent of United Methodist pastors and leaders consider electronic denominational resources to be “very” or “somewhat” important to their work, compared to 68 percent who rate publications at a similar level of importance.

Respondents described annual conference Web sites, e-newsletters, and UMC.org as the denomination’s most important electronic media. Interpreter was the most recognized print publication, and respondents deemed it the most important in that category. (United Methodist Communications also offers Interpreter in digital format.)

Additionally, survey respondents indicated that they generally would like more information on church revitalization, leadership development, and welcoming and outreach. Eighty-seven percent said that they are “very interested” in the programs of the church.

Nonetheless, preferences for receiving that information vary by age group. Seventy-one percent of respondents under age 35 said they would support the conversion of UMC publications to digital, versus only 42 percent of respondents over age 65 who would support the conversion.

“This research is important as we develop new ways to make our messages more accessible and relevant to younger, more diverse audiences,” said Hollon. Hollon recently announced that United Methodist Communications will restructure its staff to focus more on developing content targeted at engaging youth and young adults, utilizing new forms of media, and strengthening related functions.

UMC
Media Contact: Diane Degnan
(615) 742-5406
ddegnan@umcom.org

Thanks for giving your time to attend the GHLES today at Conroe.

2009-09-19T19:27:00.002-05:00

Blessings,

Thanks for giving your time to attend the GHLES today at Conroe. Everyone had a chance to experience something new. Please share the classes you took and what you learned from them. Here are my thoughts:

-Hispanic Ministry - I met a new contact person. She shared some insights about culture, family, and insights from Catholic backgrounds. Suggestion - create ministry for family (sports, food, and heritage) and worship is with the family not children's church structure
-Young Adult Ministry - small gatherings, options, technology, service. 7 week facilitated groups (lay or clergy) with options to choose new option with different people in the spring and fall; don't make things about "being a member" before you can serve.
Action that I will take: Invite small groups to worship with us and keep praying for Hispanic families in our area.

Again, thanks for supporting Nu Faith as we grow stronger together to make more disciples for

Jesus Christ....blessings!
Pastor King

What a great faith testimony!

2009-09-12T21:09:00.000-05:00

Truly the joy of the Lord is upon all who have given their time, all who have served and sweated together to build a home for a neighbor. Celebrate with the UMC work teams of September 12th – Nu Faith - Willie, Donel, Jacqui, Terrell, Darrell, Dorothy, Alisicia, Kaneisha, and Lakewood UMC. We worked together to paint walls, cut and lay tile for the Faith and Women Build homes. Also, we provided strong and youthful hands for the Youth Build home along with extra support to prepare the outer insulation for a new home that was just being started. Praise God that today many worked side by side to achieve another level on the home for Margarita. Enjoy the photos! Thanks again to all who came together to build this home.

Keep watching in October 2009 to join us as we come together to bless our 1st Faith Build home in Hamil Ranch! Thanks for giving lots of love and sweat to build community in a new way. May God’s hand continue keep us building the body of Christ together forever. Live blessed so that we may bless others! For more info check out www.NuFaith.org

STRETCH 2 BUILD- What are we stretching for?

2009-09-09T21:38:00.001-05:00

Becoming who God is calling us to be requires transformation. Nu Faith Community is approaching growth through prayer, worship, service, and study to start the stretching process now! What are we stretching for? Nu Faith Community is stretching to inhabit a 10.3 acre tract of land located in Northwest Houston . We are praying to build community in new places with new people. The faithful plans include soccer fields, walking trails, family picnic area, office and ministry outreach space. Stretch 2 Build is a targeted giving campaign that invites all to embrace God’s vision for building new faith communities. Check out the Stretch 2 Build prayers and events to connect with how God is inviting you to stretch with us...more>>

Back to School Litany by Eleanor Colvin – originally presented at BMCR Luncheon 2008

2009-08-25T21:33:00.002-05:00

One: In thanks and awe of God who holds the whole world in his hands, we give this backpack to hold these tools for success and pray that the child who receives remains safely in the palm of God’s hands forever and ever.
Many: O God, increase these seeds of possibility in all children and youth

One: In thanks to God who makes creation out of dark voids; trees out of seeds; paper from trees and many other miracles for you and me, we give this paper as a blank slate for miracles waiting to be written in the life of the child who receives.
Many: O God, increase these seeds of possibility in all children and youth

One: In thanks to God who wrote the full story of our lives while we were yet in our mother’s wombs, we give thanks for the gift of these pencils, so that children may write a new future through education.
Many: O God, increase these seeds of possibility in all children and youth

One: In thanks to God, whose word cuts like a two edge sword – Lord, when did we see you hungry and not feed you? Or perhaps when did we see you starving for education and not teach you? We give this gift of scissors, in thanks to God who cuts away our will until his is revealed.
Many: O God, increase these seeds of possibility in all children and youth

One: In thanks to the one true God, omnipotent, magnificent ruler, we give this gift of a ruler and pray that you rule always in the life of the child who receives.
Many: O God, increase these seeds of possibility in all children and youth

One: In celebration of our creator who paints blessings with all the colors of his rainbow, we give this gift of crayons to brighten the life of the child who receives.
Many: O God, increase these seeds of possibility in all children and youth

One: In ceaseless gratitude to our all-seeing, all-knowing, ever-forgiving God, we give this gift of an eraser in honor of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is The Eraser of all sin and we pray for the priceless gift of salvation for the child who receives.
Many: O God, increase these seeds of possibility in all children and youth

One: In thanks for God’s transforming grace and for the Lord’s strength that’s perfected in our weakness, we give this gift of a pencil sharpener. Just as God sharpens us when our spirits are broken, we pray for God’s sustaining grace for the child who receives.
Many: O God, increase these seeds of possibility in all children and youth

One: We rejoice, O Lord, in the opportunity to bless others. We rejoice, in the privilege to serve you by serving others. We rejoice, O Lord, for these our seeds and pray that you give the increase.
Many: O God, thanks for increasing these seeds of possibility in all children and youth. Amen.

Modified for Nu Faith – Back to School -082309

Let’s Keep Building Together

2009-06-28T19:17:00.001-05:00

Praise God, look at all the great things that happen when we work together. Celebrate with Donel, Bean, Vicki, Lauren, Joy, Annette, Jacqui, Akela, Wanda, and Jackie for painting our Habitat House on Saturday, June 27th. Our team is working and praying together with other volunteers to provide “sweat equity” in the heat to continue building a new home for a very special family. While exemplifying risk-taking mission and service coupled with extravagant generosity all are giving their best to make this house a great home. Today another level of building was accomplished. Thanks again to all who came together to build this home.

You are invited to build with us! Nu Faith’s final build date is August 1st from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you are 14 years of age and older, want to serve others, and have a willing spirit to help build a home, please email Nu Faith Community at PastorJai@NuFaith.org.

The first Father's Day

2009-06-16T21:03:00.003-05:00

DR. R. Thomas Webb, Minister, Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South, authorized the first Father's Day Service in America, at Fairmont, West Virginia on July 5, 1908.

2 Corinthians 5:17: The love of Christ controls us, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore, all have died. And he died for all that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. This was Dr. Webb’s favorite passage.

Dr. Robert Thomas Webb was the pastor at Williams Memorial Methodist Church South on two occasions: 1905-1908 and 1915-1918. He agreed to the first Father’s Day Service on the request of one of his parishioners, Mrs. Grace Golden Clayton on July 5, 1908.

Dr. Webb was born in Louisburg, North Carolina on August 30, 1866. He attended Randolph Macon College in 1890 at the age of 24. He then attended Vanderbilt Seminary where he graduated in 1902. He married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Adelaine Robertson of Virginia in 1898. They had three wonderful boys, but they all died young. Their first son Robert died in infancy. Twins came next, but one of them, Ruffner, also died in infancy. The other twin Vernon died in his teens - from smallpox.

After graduation, he was appointed to teach at the Barboursville Seminary of Morris Harvey College. He taught there in 1904 and 1905 and made a salary of $675.00. He attended church there where Rev. Fletcher Golden had pastored some thirty-five years before. When Dr. Webb came to Fairmont in 1905, one of his members was Grace Golden Clayton, daughter of Reverend Fletcher Golden. He would serve three years at the Williams Memorial Church. At the same time, he was appointed President of the Conference Board of Education and Chairman of the Morris Harvey College Board of Trustees. The great love he had for this church was reflected in him being appointed a second time in 1917. He led the way for the building of the present church at 301 Fairmont Avenue.

When the tragedy of Monogah broke on December 6, 1907, there was a bond between the Webb and Clayton family that led to the formation of the first Father’s Day Service. First, both had lost children in infancy; the Clayton's had already lost one child and would lose another two years later. And many children had likewise been killed in the Monogah Mine Explosion.Second, both had a compassion for the situation. Dr. Webb was a leading supporter among Fairmont area ministers collecting money for the families. The picture on the left is an appeal letter signed by Dr. Webb and other ministers in the Monogah and Fairmont area on January 2, 1908 for the miners’ families.

And Mrs. Clayton would be quoted in the September 23, 1939 newspaper by historian and author, Glenn Lough, as saying, “It was partially the explosion that it would be a blessed thing if fathers, not only mothers, were given a day for remembering, and honoring, that set me to think how important and loved most fathers are. All those lonely children and those heart-broken wives and mothers, made orphans and widows in a matter of a few minutes. Oh, how sad and frightening to have no father, no husband, to turn to at such an awful time.”

And third, a distinguished church member was Smith Hood, a Sunday School teacher, and manager of the Fairmont and Clarksburg Electric Railroad Company. Its parent owner, Consolidation Coal Company, was so impressed with him that he was asked to settle all the claims for over 300 family members, and that lasted 5 months. As he worked first hand with the families that must have made an impression on people who knew him at Williams Memorial Church.And so, the day was observed on July 5, 1908.Ward Downs, a prominent member of the church, wrote this letter to then State Congressman Arch Moore on August 10, 1972 when Congress was deciding on a date to nationalize Father’s Day. Congressman Moore never responded.

"It has recently come to my attention of a movement establishing a Father’s Day by an act of Congress to be observed the same as Mother’s Day. It was my privilege to have attended the first Father’s Day Service July 5, 1908, at the Williams Memorial M. E. Church, South, now the Central United Methodist Church, Fairmont, WV. The sermon was preached by Dr. R. T. Webb at the request of Mrs. Charles Clayton, a member of that congregation, and daughter of a Methodist minister. I recall the occasion very distinctly as the pulpit was decorated by having ripened sheaves of wheat placed about it. Many favorable comments by the individuals and the press were made concerning the service at that time. Any assistance you can give this movement will be very much appreciated by me and all the Methodists in this part of the country.”

There were three reasons why Fairmont was never considered as the birthplace for Father’s Day.

First, July 4, 1908 was the largest celebration in Fairmont history. Over 12,000 people saw dare devil acts, including a man roll atop a ball to the top of the adjacent Bank Building on a spiral stairway. There was also a hot air balloon show, and a day of games and eats that made headlines over the next few days.

Second, on Saturday evening, July 4, Miss Lucy Billingslea, only 16 years old, died of Typhoid Fever after being ill for 3 weeks. This wonderful adopted and only child of Colonel Morgan and Mrs. Billingslea, died at her house. When people arrived on Sunday July 5, they were shocked to learn about the death while thinking of the July 4 celebration. On Tuesday, July 6, the newspaper carried the obituary and the sermon of the funeral. 17 carriages lined up in front of the church. So exhausted was Dr. Webb that he took a fishing and hunting trip with fellow friends the next day. Therefore the church, city, or county never thought about promoting this event at all. In fact, the church, for many years, didn’t even observe the day.

And third, Grace Clayton was very quiet and unassuming person. She never publicly spoke about the event, wrote any letters to family or friends, or, as far as is known, even discussed it with any one else.

Following his first ministry in Fairmont in 1908 he would return to Charleston to First Church; then the Barboursville Church in 1912, back to Fairmont from 1915-1918 and St. Paul’s in Parkersburg until 1920. Then he became Conference Secretary of Education and Teacher at Morris Harvey and in 1922 he became the fifth President of Morris Harvey. President-elect Vaughn resigned before starting due to the financial difficulty of a $3,500 operating deficit. However, by the end of the first year Morris Harvey had a cash balance of $4,400 under President Webb. Frank Krebs’ book, Where There Is Faith: The Morris Harvey Story, 1888-1970, describes his tenure.

In 1925 he went to Clarksburg but returned to Morris Harvey in 1929 until 1931. He then went to Pikeville, Kentucky. In both 1926 and 1930 he was elected to General Conference. Dr. Webb would retire to Petersburg, Virginia and die there in 1939, the same year much of the branches of Methodist came together.

This information from a Sermon preached by Reverend D. D. Meighen, July 6, 2003, on the Ninety-Fifth Anniversary of the first Father's Day Service in America. Since no relatives remain, information comes from newspapers years ago, the Holston and Western Virginia Methodist Episcopal Church South Journals, and the Archives at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon.

WHAT HAPPENED ON PENTECOST?

2009-05-29T22:15:00.012-05:00

Ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the twelve apostles, Jesus' mother and family, and many other of His disciples gathered together in Jerusalem for the Jewish harvest festival that was celebrated on the fiftieth day of Passover. While they were indoors praying, a sound like that of a rushing wind filled the house and tongues of fire descended and rested over each of their heads

This was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on human flesh promised by God through the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-29). The disciples were suddenly empowered to proclaim the gospel of the risen Christ. They went out into the streets of Jerusalem and began preaching to the crowds gathered for the festival. Not only did the disciples preach with boldness and vigor, but by a miracle of the Holy Spirit they spoke in the native languages of the people present, many who had come from all corners of the Roman Empire. This created a sensation. The apostle Peter seized the moment and addressed the crowd, preaching to them about Jesus' death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. The result was that about three thousand converts were baptized that day. (You can read the Biblical account of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-41)...more>>

The Faith Build Project for Habitat

2009-05-19T23:15:00.005-05:00

2 Corinthians 9: 7-8, 11 (New International Version) 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The gathering began around 8:00 am on a cloudy Saturday morning. Prayers are shared along with directions and instructions because a group of strangers have assembled to start building and changing lives. At the corner of Richey Road and Champions Forrest in Northwest Houston lots of prayers for families are being answered through the gift of service and sweat equity. Four United Methodist congregations of the Central North District are building a house together for a partner family in the Faith Build Project of Habitat for Humanity – Northwest Harris County.

Every weekend from April through August, teams from Faithbridge UMC, Lakewood UMC, Klein UMC, and Nu Faith Community UMC are hammering, raising walls, installing siding, painting, and serving together as they live into a risk-taking mission of building a house from the ground up. Our teams include all who want to serve including, teenagers, parents, neighbors, relatives, retirees, teachers, pastors, siblings, and new persons to our churches. The crew leaders work with everyone at all levels from the novice who has never used a hammer to the expert who builds homes.

Why give “sweat” to neighbors? Bill Bryant, who is the Habitat Volunteer of the Month and lay person from Lakewood said, “I’ve enjoyed giving my sweat equity and time to this mission for eight years. When people work together as partners for their home, it is an amazing feeling for me to be part of the whole experience. There are lots of mission opportunities but this one fits me the best and I keep coming back every year to serve.”

A teenager from Nu Faith said, “I volunteered but I was not sure that I could do something like build a house. Now I see that I can do anything with God.” Jacqui King offered the Faith Build Project as one of the confirmation class service projects. “It is a great blessing to our team to build a house and community together. Our team could not have raised the roofing trusses without the energy of both youth and adults working shoulder to shoulder.”

Gustavo Amador, new Habitat Project lead for Faithbridge UMC, believes that Habitat provides a way to show the compassion of Jesus Christ to all who are involved. “The people building the home are witnessing through their volunteerism to the people who need support for their home to be completed.” The partners believe that strangers and friends who love the Lord will come together on their behalf to do great work on their homes until completion.

What is at the heart of it all? Someone who needs a home works with people who believe in an awesome God who wants them to have a home. The Faith Build Project is greater than just building a house and connecting with the partner family. It is about the tears cried at night and the faith lived through love when Jesus tells us all to go and make disciples for Jesus Christ. Faith Build is one way United Methodist Churches in the Central North District have connected to say yes to the Lord!

It’s about 2:30 pm and all the clean-up is completed. We glance over our shoulder at what God has done through all who have gathered to serve. Warm hands connect, heads bow, and prayers are shared. What a day!
If you want to get your church involved for future Faith Build homes at Hamil Ranch contact Rachel Wright from Habitat for Humanity at 281-820-2307, http://www.habitatnwhc.org/. If you want to serve on this home, join us every Saturday from July 11 through August 1 at the site. Check out the slideshow at www.nufaith.org/habitat.html

Thank you over and over again,
Pastor Jacqui

Prayer for Students taking exams by Pastor Jacqui King:

2009-04-28T18:42:00.000-05:00

Phil. 4: 6-7 (Message Translation)
6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Jeremiah 29: 11 (New International Version translation)For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Gracious and loving God, your help is needed right now for students taking exams. Cover all with comfort from the Holy Spirit because some are anxious, others are worried, and many are just tense about exams in general. Jesus Christ, we ask for your gifts of peace, rest, and a calm heart during this time. Guide them with your grace to do their best so that they can reap the rewards of many hours of study. Help all to forgive others and to be true friends to one another. Let the peace and love of Jesus Christ become real to each student. For you know the plans you have for all; we trust you to make them come alive as they excel in their studies. Thanks in advance for all that you freely give. In Jesus’ name we ask for all these blessing to come forth. Amen.
Prayer Resources:

Prayers for Armed Services:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=47640

Prayers for Families:
http://www.gbod.org/ministries/family/articles.asp?item_id=47280

Prayers for Mothers:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=46188&loc_id=733,32,51

Prayers for New Teen Drivers and Families:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=13242&loc_id=9,42

National Day of Prayer – Thursday, May 7, 2009
http://www.ndptf.org/

What are the 50 Days of Easter?

2009-04-28T17:38:00.002-05:00

Just as Sunday is the first and the eighth day, so the "great Sunday" of the fifty days of Eastertide/Pentecost begins with the day of the resurrection and continues through eight Sundays, an octave of Sundays, a "week of weeks." It has been suggested that the English expression "Whitsunday" derives from the French huit (eight), Pentecost being le huitième dimanche, the eighth Sunday of Easter. In the Fourth Gospel, the risen Christ imparts the gift of the Spirit on the evening of Easter Day (John 20:19-23). The Spirit is the gift of the risen Christ. And so in the Easter Season, this "Pentecost Season," we listen to the farewell discourses, with their promise of the coming Advocate, as words to us from the risen Christ.
[ Listen to Pastor King Teach on the 50 Days of Easter ]

you are invited to celebrate Jesus' Resurrection with Nu Faith Community on Sunday, April 12th @ 10:00 am.

2009-04-11T22:46:00.002-05:00

Blessings to All,

What gets your attention at the cross? The sacrifice, Jesus' willingness to die for all or maybe it is the love for all of us in the world...whatever the reason, you are invited to celebrate Jesus' Resurrection with Nu Faith Community on Sunday, April 12th @ 10:00 am.

How to get to Nu Faith Community UMC:
The praise begins in Plummer Middle @ 10:00 am; located at 11429 Spears-Gears Road.

If you are coming from the southern parts of Houston: Take I45 north to Greens Road, Turn left, go under the freeway to the 2nd traffic light and turn right (you will see a blue water tower to your left), come to the driveway of Plummer MS and turn left, enter the cafetorium at the back of the parking lot.

If you are coming from the northern parts of Houston: Take I45 south to Greens Road, Turn right, go to the 2nd traffic light and turn right (you will see a blue water tower to your left), come to the driveway of Plummer MS and turn left, enter the cafetorium at the back of the parking lot

Expect to be blessed! Come as you are and lift the praises up! Hangout with us after service to connect with others as you enjoy coffee, tea, donuts, fruit and juice! If you get turned around, call 281.879.1040

A Spiritual Recovery

2009-03-24T21:55:00.001-05:00

By Rev. Melvin Amerson
The Texas Methodist Foundation

Today, we are faced with a terrifying financial crisis in both domestic and global financial markets. The economy is in dire straits according to leading economists. We are experiencing record foreclosures, bankruptcies and unemployment. Our gross domestic product is in steep decline. Gross domestic product (GDP) refers to all the goods and services produced by workers at companies located in the United States. Sadly, the gross domestic product for the United States and many of the developed nations throughout the world has experienced at least two consecutive quarters of decline. Those declines mean we are in a financial recession. The lingering economic woes, centered around the lack of faith and confidence in the financial markets, are hindering a recovery. Yes, faith. “Faith is the evidence of things hoped for, the substance of things not seen.” ..more>>

Nu Faith Spring Break Museum Day

2009-03-22T21:11:00.005-05:00

I was so glad we went to the museum with Pastor King and some of our church members. My husband, daughter, my daughter's friend and her mom had a great time. We have just recently moved here to Houston and don't really know where to go to have fun and what all is here. We were so happy to be able to take the kids while they were on spring break. The museum was so big and had a lot of nice exhibits to view and we all loved the IMAX show (In Too the Deep!!!) WOW!!! that was great. It really was like being under the sea and being able to see all of the living creatures on the sea floor. I didn't know that all that was there. Thank you to all of our NuFaith family that was there and enjoyed it with us. It is a day to remember. Thank you Pastor King for inviting us!!!

Sincerely,
The Chandler Family

Habitat for Humanity -Worship Arts Festival

2009-03-12T22:07:00.002-05:00

Worship Arts Festival Benefiting Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris CountyApril 25, 2009 10 AM to 4PM The MET Truth Building (Jones Rd. and Mills)Tickets $5.00Mark your calendars for this unique fundraising event where area music groups will “raise the roof” for Habitat NWHC. Featured performances are The MET Youth, Tquan Moore, Lifepath Church, Rene Page & Randi Jackson, Lorretta Williams Gurnell, Nu Faith United Methodist Church, Cy Fair Christian Church and Hannah and Heather Melvin. Come for one performance or come for the day. Tickets may be preordered or purchased at the door. To pre-order call the Habitat NWHC office at (281) 820-2307. This event promises to be fun and uplifting while supporting our neighbors in need of affordable housing.

Share your faith in new ways during the Lenten Season

2009-03-05T22:02:00.001-06:00

Lent is a time to reflect and repent. Sometimes sharing those thoughts with others can help us get into action. As God’s grace is sought during this 40-day period, Nu Faith Community invites you to participate in the weekly on-line study of Cultivating Fruitfulness: Five Weeks of Prayer and Practice for Congregations. Our goal is to read this devotional by Bishop Robert Schnase during Lent to help guide our prayers for transforming and building community. As we share our faith in new ways during the Lenten Season, great things will happen! Feel free to complete this on-line registration to receive your free copy and join us on these Thursdays, March 12, 19, 26 and April 2 at 8:45 to 9:30 pm. Let’s study, serve, pray, and worship together!......Study Notes & more>>

2009 Summer camps

2009-03-01T20:10:00.001-06:00

Summer camps help your child develop character, learn valuable life skills, make new friends and discover new interests. Check out the links below for Houston and other cities.

Pick up the Cross and Follow by Rev. Joy M. Richards © 2009

2009-02-28T21:55:00.001-06:00

Let us continue in our maturation
of understanding the
Christian faith by
gleaming what it means to
bear the cross of Christ.

We have heard these wonderful
words since we were small
and have struggled to
understand their meaning
so that we could comply.

Well, what's up with those words?
How do we bear
the cross of Christ
and follow in His steps?
What are we to make of it?

Clearly we are told in order
to follow Christ
we must bear
the Cross and suffer.
That we are to be crucifers.

To follow Christ and to
bear the cross of Christ
does not mean
what most think.
Let's invoke the spirit and hear.

It means to walk with Christ
and in that walking
to stand for the teachings.
To witness the truth of
the cross of Christ in all we do.

To bear the cross does not
mean the suffering from our human condition.
Bearing the cross is not to suffer
from any illness nor work condition
that we are forced to endure!

No, to bear the cross of Christ
is related to whatever comes
against us while we are
walking in faith with the LORD.
We are called to share what the cross cost.

We are called to speak to others
about Christ's love and
to witness the story of Christ.
In doing so, we will
Incur opposition and rejection.

To bear the cross of Christ
is to stand firmly and to
not only know of Christ
but to live it in our daily lives.
We are to share, no matter the cost!

We only bear the cross of Christ
while walking with Christ
and standing up against cultural influence
by teaching the lessons of Christ.
You'll know and so will others when you do.

Be not mislead by those outside the faith
about what it means to
bear the cross of Christ.
It's important to understand.
Walking and standing with Christ is important.

It's all about sharing the gospel!
It's not about our human condition
unless you wish to tell the good news.
The good news is that humanity
Can receive eternal life through faith!

Pastor Joy M. Richards

Aldersgate Trinity United Methodist Church
3600 Memorial Blvd.
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
409-985-8861

Remember Your Baptism

2009-01-18T16:26:00.003-06:00

Remember Your Baptism

Romans 6 illustrates a mind-boggling reality with a simple picture. While dealing with the difficulty of our sinful natures Paul makes us look to something that is known to all believers—the baptism by water. His purpose, though, does not remain in the symbol but stretches into the infinite wisdom and love of God that would bestow on sinners the mercy and love they did not deserve. We can, thankfully, look at this portion to provoke a fire in our own thinking no matter how long we’ve been in Christ.

What a year!

2008-12-30T23:49:00.003-06:00

It is a blessing for Nu Faith to look over where God has taken us through 2008. From sharing blankets with homeless families at St. John UMC, to helping families in our community, and collecting canned goods for Northwest Assistance Ministry, Nu Faith served as a new faith community was launched. Preview and worship services started in early spring. We celebrated summer with the Hot Dog Social and VBS at Driscoll Place Apartments. As the fall arrived strong with a storm named Ike, Nu Faith blessed families with flood buckets and parking lot praise. The connection with Plummer has grown stronger by supporting special projects for students in the Christian Student Union and Good Behavior Group, teachers, and families. Come and experience with us as Nu Faith moves into the plans that the Lord has for greater ministry in 2009! [ View photo slide Show]

Advent 2008 Altars @ Nu Faith

2008-12-25T18:38:00.003-06:00

Advent is the new year of the Christian Church and the church season that leads to Christmas Day.
Advent is the time when Christians remember that Jesus came into the world in Palestine 2000 years ago and that Jesus also promised one day to return in all His glory.
Clergy typically wear royal purple or royal blue vestments during Advent. Many churches also include an advent wreath (sometimes called an Advent ring or crown) in their Advent services.
Advent actually means "coming" or "arrival." It begins four Sundays before Christmas, and is actually considered the preparation for the birth of Jesus. It is both a time of celebration and penance. The liturgical color during this period is purple, and it is when the Catholic church changes the cycle of readings used in Mass.
The Advent wreath is a popular symbol of the season, and has its roots in the pagan rituals during the winter solstice. The meaning of the wreath has changed so that the four candles interspersed around the wreath now represent the coming of Jesus.
A candle is lit on each Sunday during Advent, but on the third Sunday the candle is rose to remind people to rejoice in the Lord. This third Sunday is called Gaudette Sunday, as Gaudette comes from the Latin word for "rejoice." The change from purple as the liturgical color to rose represents the change from being a season of penitence to celebration. Some churches now use blue, though, so that the season of Advent can be differentiated from Lent, as purple is also the liturgical color of that season.

NuFaith After Ike

2008-09-25T20:15:00.001-05:00

On September 13, 2008, hurricane Ike left a trail of destruction and devastation in the Gulf Coast region. Many of us felt that without electricity, we had lost our “power,” but at prayer services at NuFaith, held outside Plummer Middle School, it was realized that we never lost the “Power” that we have gained through the Lord Jesus Christ, even without electricity in many homes and businesses. To be able to come together as a start-up congregation to share prayers, offers of help, praise reports, and post-Ike blessings was spiritually uplifting.

It was very touching to see the inclusion of the maintenance staff at Plummer Middle School in our prayer services and the sincere offers of assistance by Pastor Jacqui and Donel, and how much they appreciated being part of our service. Many of us shared how the losses we experienced this past week allowed us to come together as families, communities and church families was a blessing in disguise. Pastor Jacqui has shown us that over time, as we recover from this devastation, we can focus on God’s mercy and share our blessings with others whose losses may be greater than our own.

As we continue to praise the Lord for all that He has done for us, we can continue to praise Him during this challenging time and thank him in advance for bringing us through much stronger, more compassionate and ready to spread the good news of Jesus Christ at NuFaith and the community at large. Thank you Pastor Jacqui and Donel King for your leadership and for showing us that no matter what we might be facing, we really can “Meet God @ Anytime.”

R. Duncan

Prayer Service after the storm - Grateful and Blessed!

2008-09-22T12:26:00.007-05:00

Many gathered to praise God in Plummer Middle School’s parking lot. What a blessing!
As the power was being restored throughout Northwest Houston, Nu Faith Community shared testimonies, prayers for others, gave water to families and distributed flood buckets to many to begin the cleaning process.

Some of the gratitude testimonies shared:

Thank God for power to share with others who needed medical home treatments.
The storm caused families to pause and reconnect after many years.
Neighbors shared faith and love of Christ by talking and having meals together.
Praying for the needs of others as distributing supplies to restore homes.
Grateful to fellowship together with all who come to praise God.
School district teams working together to clean and restore schools.
Blessings of flood buckets and water from UMC.

We hope that the comfort of the Holy Spirit continues to cover and keep everyone as the season of rebuilding is at hand. Worship the Lord through it all!

May God’s grace, love, and peace be with us at all times. Since storms can bring forth anxiousness, let us continue to thank God for the safety, security, and peace that only the Jesus Christ can provide.

Our hope is to resume worship at Plummer on Sunday, September 28th at 10:00 am. Keep checking back for update. Hope to see you for worship next week and beyond!

Blessings,
Pastor Jacqui

Come Together on Sunday , September 21st @ 10 AM for Prayer

2008-09-20T16:49:00.003-05:00

All are invited to come together for prayer on Sunday, September 21st at 10:00 in the Plummer Middle School parking lot for prayer. We will gather for prayers of healing and restoration for all impacted by Hurricane Ike. Water and prayers will be shared for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. It will be a blessing to share this time of prayer together

Thank God the storm has passed! As places regain power, now is the time to praise God through the recovery process. We hope that the comfort of the Holy Spirit continues to cover and keep everyone as the season of rebuilding is at hand. Worship the Lord through it all!

May God’s grace, love, and peace be with us at all times. Since storms can bring forth anxiousness, let us thank God for the safety, security, and peace that only the Lord can provide.

Our hope is to resume worship at Plummer on Sunday, September 28th at 10:00 am. Keep checking back for update. Hope to see you for prayer…

Blessings,
Pastor Jacqui

A message from Tomsk Russia UMC

2008-09-17T12:22:00.000-05:00

Dear friends!
We are so much concerned about you having heard of the evacuation from Houston again.
We constantly keep you in our prayers.
Please, let us know how you are and what is going on.
With love and prayers,
Yelena and all of your friends in Tomsk.

May the power of God move and inspire

2008-09-16T11:55:00.000-05:00

Jacqui,
Thanks be to God! So glad to hear it! You and the people who have endured, and those who grieve. May the power of God move and inspire.

Rina Terry

Alicia in Houston 25 years ago

2008-09-16T11:52:00.002-05:00

Dear Jacqui - As one who survived Hurricane Alicia in Houston 25 years ago, (I went to Rice) I have finally exhaled and rejoice that you have come through the storm! One of my oldest friends from high school lost everything in Galveston except his life (praise God!) and several others have serious flood and wind damage and are still without power. Deepest blessings to you as you dig out and move into the community to serve.

Blessings from Melinda in San Francisco

Thank you Lord!

2008-09-16T11:48:00.001-05:00

Thank you Lord! Continuing to send Light and Love.

Laura Kolmar

Lord in the land of the living!

2008-09-15T16:34:00.001-05:00

Jacqui-
I am sure you would have fainted unless you believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!(Psalm 27:13) I rejoice that you are well and I am keeping you and yours covered in prayer as well.

Keisha Harris

We need you Lord!

2008-09-15T12:50:00.000-05:00

In the midst of the storm...we need you Lord
As the storm passes...we need you Lord
When the calm comes after the storm...Lord we continue to need you
As all is reviewed...guide us Lord because we need you even more.
Thank you for grace and peace beyond our understanding.
Keep us, sustain us, love us and restore all hope.
For in all things...we need you Lord!

Heart and prayers are with you

2008-09-15T12:48:00.000-05:00

Jacqui,
My heart and prayers are with you and the people who were affected by this. I pray that people will be supported during this process of recovery.
Roula Alkhouri

Praising God for your safety

2008-09-15T12:47:00.000-05:00

Jacqui,

I join you in praising God for your safety and your family's well-being. I do pray that the recovery and clean up (we know its massive) will be met with strong resilience and great faith on the part of the inhabitants of the Gulf. I'm glad the POWER IS ON in more ways than one. Grace and Peace,Rob

Friends and Family, "Our Power is on"

2008-09-15T12:26:00.004-05:00

Grace and peace to all. When the storms are raging, it is good to know there is a God greater than the storm. Donel and I are grateful. We have power from on high and at our house.

This is part of my praise report, "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
Luke 24:49 NIV
Please keep praying for the recovery process and all people who will come together to rebuild community.

In the name of Jesus, we are grateful for the security granted to many in the midst of Hurricane Ike. The next morning, the trees looked as though they had bowed down away from our home and our neighborhood was spared. As the flood waters drained, the damage was on property and not life. Again, I continued praying to God for keeping us in spite of the devastation caused throughout this mighty hurricane. As the day moved on, neighbors helped neighbors...God answered more prayers in the late night. Our lights returned. May the hope of light that Jesus freely give be granted to all.

What can You do?

We have a long way to go in the Gulf Coast and we need your help. Please write and share prayers of hope, courage, restoration, healing, reconciliation, forgiveness, and renewal with the people of the Gulf Coast. I want to post them and share them with families as the power is restored. Help encourage folks through prayer and action.

Listed below are links to Enews, Prayer Calendar and the place to submit prayers:

Nu Faith E-news

Prayer Calendar

Submit Prayers

The Power is On...now the work begins!

Friends and Family, After the "hunker down"

2008-09-14T21:06:00.002-05:00

Grace and peace to all. When the storms are raging, it is good to know there is a God greater than the storm. Please keep praying for the recovery process and all people who will come together to rebuild community.

For me "hunkering down" included lots of prayerful hours, calling upon the Lord, and appreciating peace in the midst of the storm. When the wind wailed, I prayed for peace. When I heard trees breaking, I prayed for safe landing away from the homes of neighbors. As the sheets of rain ran across the skies, I cried unto the Lord for grace beyond grace, peace beyond peace, and quieting of all anxiousness that could cause worry.

Truly I am grateful for the comfort of the Holy Spirit during the fearful moments in the early hours of the morning on September 13th. Our lights went out at 2:00 am and the dark night was scary. When the first candle was lit, prayers of thanksgiving were lifted unto God for keeping my family and for saving people that had evacuated from many places on the Gulf Coast.

In the name of Jesus, I am grateful for the security granted to many in the midst of Hurricane Ike. The next morning, the trees looked as though they had bowed down away from our home and our neighborhood was spared. As the flood waters drained, the damage was on property and not life. Again, I continued praying to God for keeping us in spite of the devastation caused throughout this mighty hurricane. As the day moved on, neighbors helped neighbors...God answered more prayers in the late night. Our lights returned. May the hope of light that Jesus freely gives be granted to all.

Friends and Family, "hunkering down" in Houston, Texas

2008-09-12T13:29:00.003-05:00

Friends and Family,

Grace and peace to all. Donel and I are at our home "hunkering down" in Houston, Texas.
Pray with and for all the folks impacted by Hurricane Ike that is coming on land here in Texas.

We are not in the evacuation zone and we are ok with "Shelter In Place." This shelter order was given to the communities that were not located in the direct path of the storm or at the coastal level. The storm is moving east and we live on the westside of Houston.

What can be expected for us? Wind, rain, and a fast moving storm. Since we are on the clean side (our zip code is 77031), we can expect to loose power...not sure how long. Our home number is 281-498-2467. Here are a few links from Houston area tv stations:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/feature?section=weather/hurricane&id=6381857

http://www.khou.com/We will place notes as much as possible on the website and the blog: http://www.nufaith.org/

I love you guys...keep praying and I believe that we are safe at this time...Please Pray with us for safety during hurricane season:

A Prayer for Hurricane SeasonO God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and returned to its former quietude; you are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control. The Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land and spread chaos and disaster. During this hurricane season, we turn to You, O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with the passing of time. O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our Beloved Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son in our behalf, so that spared from the calamities common to this area and animated with a true spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son to reach the heavenly Jerusalem where a storm-less eternity awaits us. Amen.

Share this with friends and family that are not listed on the email...love each of you! We are "hunkering down" as they call it here in Texas.

We will honor Grandparents This Sunday

2008-09-07T23:52:00.025-05:00

The impetus for a National Grandparents Day originated with Marian McQuade , a housewife in Fayette County, West Virginia. Her primary motivation was to champion the cause of lonely elderly in nursing homes. She also hoped to persuade grandchildren to tap the wisdom and heritage their grandparents could provide. President Jimmy Carter, in 1978, proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. When is Grandparents Day? This year Grandparents Day falls on Sept. 7th. . (grandparents.com )

In the Wake of Katrina: Lest We Forget... Call To Renewal

2008-08-29T22:34:00.002-05:00

For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. - Acts 4:20 (NIV)

LITANY

We Will Repair the Breach: A Litany in Memoriam of the Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina On the Coast of the Gulf of Mexico, U.S.A.

Leader: The storms had names —Katrina, Rita, Wilma—but the faces of the storms were on every newscast —the underbelly of a nation's sin: our broken responsibility for the least among us.
People: We will repair the breach; we will raise the foundations again; we will restore the streets and make them livable again1.

Leader: They left trails of heartaches and tears, our houses and our hopes shattered.

People: We will repair the breach; we will raise the foundations again; we will restore the streets and make them livable again.

Leader: We saw the deaths: mostly poor, mostly very elderly, mostly very young, mostly people of color; as also we saw the scattering. Who will respond?

People: We will repair the breach; we will raise the foundations again; we will restore the streets and make them livable again.

Leader: Years of neglect floated up in the floods that followed, uncovered our shame as a nation.

People: And we are witnesses.

Leader: We vexed the poor and needy,2 robbing them of dignity and looting them of pride.

People: And we are witnesses.

Leader: Walk lightly in the streets where our kin have floated into history; the streets are sacred, as also are the memories.

People: We will honor the lives of the dead and the living by acting in justice.

Leader: Speak softly in the bars where our kin have disappeared; the music is holy, as also are the memories.

People: We will honor the lives of the dead and the living by acting in justice.

Leader: We have been charged to repair the walls, to stand in the gaping holes of our society; to cry out and to do justice.

People: We will repair the breach; we will raise the foundations again; we will restore the streets and make them livable again.
In Remembrance of the Natural and National Disasters that Hit the Gulf Coast and their Aftermaths

Prepared for the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc. by Valerie Bridgeman Davis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Old Testament/Homiletics and Worship, Memphis Theological Seminary, August 27,2006. ©2006
'Based on Isaiah 58:12 2Based on Ezekiel 22:29
&
SAMUEL DEWITT PROCTOR CONFERENCE, INC.
773.548.6619 (v) 773.548-6699 (fax) Website: www.sdpconference.info Email: info@sdpconference.info

Services of remembrance for Hurricane Survivors on Sunday August 31, 3008

2008-08-26T22:45:00.001-05:00

Hurricane Katrina/Rita were some of the
worst natural disasters in our nation's history. They caused unimaginable devastation and heartbreak throughout the Gulf Coast Region. Many lives were lost. Hundreds of thousands of our bother and sisters are suffering great hardship on the rebuilding journey. To honor the memory of those who lost their lives and to provide comfort to the families of the victims Nu Faith will have a special remembrance time during 10 am worship on Sunday August 31, 3008.

A Back-To-School Litany

2008-08-26T00:05:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 1: 1-9 and Luke 2: 46-52

Students: As we begin a new school year, it is good to remember that God has given us the ability to learn many things.

All: Learning is a gift from God.
Teachers: The Bible says that Jesus learned and studied, just as we do.

All: Jesus grew in wisdom.
Parents: We ask God's blessing on this new school year, that it may be a time when we appreciate and fully use God's gift of learning.

All: We ask God to bless our schools and teachers.
Students: We ask God to bless our classmates.

All: We ask God to bless our principals, counselors, librarians, teachers, janitors, bus drivers, crossing guards, and office teams.

Families: We ask God to bless those who prepare our lunches, those who drive us to school, and those who keep our schools clean.

All: We give thanks to God for books and computers and all the things that help us learn.

Pastor: We give thanks to God for the gift of learning. Prayer: Loving God, sometimes a new school year seems exciting or scary or both. Sometimes school is great, and sometimes it is hard. But we know that whether we are excited or scared, you are with us. We know that whether school is great or hard, you are with us. We thank you for always being with us. Help us to remember to show our thanks for your gift of learning by doing our best every day. Amen. (More info from Pockets – Upper Room for Children – www.upperroom.org/Pockets)

HOUSTON HOPE - Own Your OwnNew Affordable,

2008-08-25T23:47:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON HOPE - Own Your OwnNew Affordable, Energy-Efficient Home! Do you want to own your own affordable new home or know someone who islooking for a home? Your dream can become a reality! Through Houston Hope, the Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority (LARA) is working with experienced builders and community development corporations to build new affordable, energy-efficient homes. You can live in a new home that is truly affordable ina close-in neighborhood! You may qualify for up to $30,000 to buy your ownhome; $40,000 for police officers, firefighters, and teachers. Houston Hope is Mayor Bill White's initiative to reinvest in Houston'se stablished neighborhoods. T he goal of Houston Hope is to build strong communities that meet the needs of current residents and are attractive to new and returning families. To find out if you q ualify, call 713-522-HOME (4663) or visit www.houstontx.gov/houstonhope.

--Sincere Regards,
A.R. Duncan

Mayor's Youth Council

2008-08-25T23:44:00.001-05:00

Event: City of Houston accepting applications for the 2008-09 Mayor's Youth Council
Contact: Apply online at www.houstontx.gov/houstonyouth or call 832-393.0971.

Sincere Regards,
A.R. Duncan

View Altars at Nu Faith UMC

2008-08-13T01:02:00.004-05:00

View Altars at Nu Faith UMC (Gen 12:7)Developing a weekly worship space for Nu Faith Community UMC involves bringing everyday elements together to create beautiful altars of praise unto God. Before worshippers arrive on Sunday morning, the common space is made reverent through prayer as altars are uniquely made. Symbols of the cross, candles, and flowers remind all who experience them that we worship a true and living Savior. Enjoy the altars giving honor to a great and awesome God.

Ways existing churches can support new church starts

2008-07-30T23:10:00.002-05:00

Enthusiasm: Present the facts of the new church to your congregation in a positive light. A new church represents an opportunity for evangelism; it’s not a competition for members.

Expenses: Materials, supplies and money make great gifts for new churches. “When I started, I didn’t even have a paper clip,” said Carolyn Moore of Mosaic UMC in Evans.

Contact: Make contact and reach out to a new church start. Find a church planter to “adopt” and write letters of support and encouragement. Consider partnering with a church plant outside your community or a church planter of a different racial or ethnic background.

Expertise: Volunteer to help with the business side of a new church. Perhaps a financial secretary or church administrator might donate time to help establish bookkeeping or organization systems for the new church.

Volunteer: Send volunteers to help with the new church nursery, to be greeters, to teach Sunday School, or to serve coffee.

Prayer: Add new churches to your personal prayer list and incorporate them into your prayer ministry. “Prayer is by far the greatest thing existing churches can do for new church starts,” says church planter Andy Postell of The UMC at The Well in Cartersville....Prayer Calendar>>

Delegates Welcome Bishop Huie Back

2008-07-29T11:12:00.002-05:00

By Jill Krone, TAC Communications

It had only been a few hours since delegates voted to approve the recommendation of the Episcopacy Committee for placement of bishops throughout the Jurisdiction. Included in this vote was the return of Bishop Janice Riggle Huie to the Texas Annual Conference for her second quadrennium. The focus of the 7:00 am breakfast was the opportunity for delegates of the TAC to welcome back our Bishop, to hear from her firsthand thoughts on how to proceed in the ministry of the church and to briefly assess the work of the Texas Conference Delegation.

“I don’t want to get in the way of God’s dream,” stated Rev. Elijah Stansell, in his opening words as host. He encouraged delegates to not wait for 2011 to move forward as an influencing delegation of the South Central Jurisdiction. “We are going to have to talk about the things that make us uncomfortable,” Stansell challenged, “we can’t wait until we get into a setting like this one to do this work.” ...more>>

Virtually Sacred Time

2008-07-21T23:29:00.002-05:00

Posted on July 18, 2008 by Becca Clark
I continue to ponder the nature of church, community, and technology, wondering how the tools around us can be used to build up the Body of Christ. This is largely speculative; I’m not looking for quick answers here, but for reflection.
During last week’s four-hour-lunch, one of the topics of conversation between Human Hankie (and beverage connoisseur) Ted and I was about the nature church and the “missing generation” of young people (roughly, oh, high school graduation through baptism of firstborn child). Why do folks my age not go to church?
And, understand, I’m kind of a bad person to ask, because I do. I go to church a lot. Like, five days a week.
But for the most part, I think young people, professionals building their careers, and fledgling families have two big problems with church, or rather, are lacking two big things that would help them get to church:

Sacred space.
Sacred time.
The sense of a permanence of place and an identity shaped around place is significantly lacking in many people in my generation. We travel a lot more than our parents did; we’re more likely to have moved out of the house–out of the state–out of the time zone–for college, and are more likely to relocate for our jobs. We’re more likely to drive additional miles (provided we can afford the gas) to go to a better grocery store or movie theatre, rather than practice loyalty to one nearby just because it’s there. We’re more likely to see the space around us change shape and be able to separate those changes from any importance the space around us has. Place is fluid, dynamic, not a constant. Why, then– how then, can it be considered sacred?[ more ]

Ric and Jessica Jenkins Wedding / Four new members to the Body of Christ

2008-07-21T20:37:00.002-05:00

May continuous blessings flow to Ric and Jessica Jenkins who were joined in Holy Matrimony on July 12, 2008! Enjoy the celebration of our Launch Team couple as friends and family gather to honor them.

By God’s grace, Nu Faith continues expanding the body of Christ. as many gather on Sunday,Celebrate the Bradley Family as many gather on Sunday, July 13th for the baptisms of Shadeja and Ki’Ona Bradley, and Jewel and Diamond Mason.

What a great fellowship at the Hot Dog Social @ Driscoll Plac

2008-07-02T21:31:00.002-05:00

What a great fellowship at the Hot Dog Social @ Driscoll Place on June 21st. Summer started with lots of fun, swimming, and “getting to know each other as neighbors” moments. We are looking forward to making more connections throughout the summer. Thanks to Driscoll Place, Dreyers Ice Cream, MGD Production, Nicole Oneil -Caldwell Banker, and Nu Faith Community Core Team for making a great summer day with the residents at Driscoll Place Apts.

Free Stuff For Kids by Rana Rice

2008-06-18T01:00:00.002-05:00

Free Family Nights at the Children's Museum are Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00.
Children's Museum of Houston
1500 Binz
Houston, TX 77004-7112
(713) 522-1138
http://www.cmhouston.org/

Also, the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park has lots of free shows. Some this summer are Sounds Like Fun and Disney's When You Wish (featuring performances of famous Disney songs). Those are just for kids. But they also have a Gulf Coast Juneteenth Celebaration, performances by the Houston Symphony, and lots of other presentations for free. Schedules vary.
http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/

http://www.houstonsahm.com/kidseatfree.html
http://www.b4-u-eat.com/houston/restaurants/cuisine/kids_eat_free.asp
AMC Summer Movie Camp:
http://www.amctheatres.com/smc/

Children's Museum Free Gas Coupon:
http://www.cmhouston.org/gas/

Kids eat free:
http://www.freeinhouston.com/

http://www.ninaloca.com/kids-eat-free-section

30 Cool things to do:
http://www.khou.com/perl/common/slideshow/sspop.pl?recid=9509&section=news

Praise for Summer:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=8048&loc_id=733,1151,54

Just Praise Sunday

2008-06-10T19:51:00.009-05:00

Just Praise Sunday is a Sunday venue of Worship where unique types of praise is experienced.
What is Just Praise Sunday?Just Praise is a faith-sharing, "shout-out" praise report, high energy, musical, drama, spoken word, crunk dancing, stomp and exciting forms of great praise worship experience that is like no other. Bring your gifts of praise unto the Lord in your unique way. Don't forget the word to walk with.
If there is a word you want to hear about, email it to the Pastor and hear it preached out onJust Praise Sunday. Make plans to celebrate God through praise on the last Sunday of every month. Come and get praise on, as you walk out the Word!

2008-06-03T17:12:00.001-05:00

Texas Conference Ordains ClergyBishop Janice Riggle Huie and Bishop Benjamin Boni commissioned 30 clergy and ordained 18 clergy during a spirit-filled service that reminded these leaders to ‘take thou authority.’
Huie set an atmosphere of appreciation for the number of clergy being celebrated, by recalling the first time she experienced annual conference in Africa. It was post-war Liberia in 1998, and she assisted in the ordination of more than 100 elders and deacons...more>>

From Pastor King

2008-05-27T17:17:00.008-05:00

Many thanks and praises to God, friends, and family on my Journey of Ordination

2008-05-26T14:06:00.000-05:00

Matthew 25: 34-45 expressed as a Tableau and read
by Pastor King The 2008 Texas Annual Conference - Opening Worship

What is a Tableau?
Tableau is a creative art form that connects dramatic expressions of the spoken word coupled with still action poses, which make the words come alive.

What is the Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church?
The Annual Conference refers to the regional body, organizational unit, and the annual meeting held by the body. The meeting provides a forum for clergy and laity to convene for worship and conducting decision-making sessions for the life of the church...more>>

Lici - The Worship Leader at Nu Faith

2008-05-12T13:10:00.004-05:00

From her spiked cropped hair,and fly hats to her soulful afro, and head wraps. Artist Lici is all that jazz and more. She is polished, poised, and eclectic with a unique sound that will mesmerize you leaving you breathless! At the tender age of 3 Lici discovered her love for music, accepting the musical mantle that had been passed down through her lineage naming herself “Tha Diamond”.Lici has always been a trendsetter and an outcast, which explains how she got her princess cut title “Tha Diamond”. A diamond is a rare commodity, a uniquely irreplaceable stone priceless its value, yet unique and stylish with each designer cut.
This explains Lici’s personality, presentation, performance, and artistic approach; she is definitely Tailor Made.Lici notes her musical influences: Sara Vaughn, Anita Baker, Yolanda Adams, Vanessa Belle Armstrong, Donnie McClurkin, and Jill Scott.Tha Diamond says, “I recall early childhood memories singing, laughing and playing around the piano. Lici continued, “Those musical moments were golden and are what “kept a young Diva in the making GROUNDED.” Lici’s musical background laid the foundation for her uniquely pegged artistry titled: Inspirational Soul, fusioned with under currents of Contemporary and Traditional Worship, Pop, Rap, Classic Rock, and R&B.

Lici’s forthcoming album “Tailor Made” is slated for release in the Summer of 2008. “Tailor Made” speaks a universal message that poignantly conveys the essence of life’s trials, tribulations, and triumphs with songs entitled “Free To Be Me”, “Down Low”,“Love Button”, and "This Is My Worship". In Tha Diamond’s words, “By putting real issues to melodious tunes, my prayer is to bring hope to the hopeless, strength to the faint and empowerment to those who feel like life has nothing else left to offer.”Lici is compelled by her passion for the arts. She was created to touch the world with an undying message of hope in such despairing times. Lici currently is one of the featured vocalist for a smooth jazz ensemble called Tablesalt as well as the Praise & Worship Leader at Nu Faith Community UMC. Please view more about Lici at http://www.myspace.com/licilew

Free DVD Get Your Praise On!

2008-05-12T00:06:00.002-05:00

Free DVD Get Your Praise On! Every day God offers lots of moments for praise to be shared around the world. Be bold and share your praise report on-line today. If you are the 5th, 10th, and 15th person to "tell of God's praise" with Nu Faith Community, you will receive a free copy of The Celebration of Gospel - Spirit in Song DVD! Connect here now and share your praise testimony! Praise Report winners will be announced during Coffee with Pastor Jacqui on Saturday, May 17th at the Brighter Side. Make plans to share your praise with Nu Faith today!
[ Praise Form ]
This concert features appearances by a number of popular R&B and Gospel performers including Kirk Franklin, Patti LaBelle, and John Legend offering renditions of songs.

Seasons of a Woman's Soul

2008-05-09T23:33:00.000-05:00

Sloan Memorial United Methodist Church 3102 Nance Street Houston, TX 77020 713-227-0890 website: http://www.sloanmemorial.org/

Peace With Justice Sunday May 18 2008

2008-05-09T23:16:00.004-05:00

Thank You from Lynn M. Cummings

2008-05-08T23:00:00.003-05:00

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule May 7, 2008 to share your knowledge, and experince with the students at Plummer Middle School. They enjoyed the activity, and learned a lot. We truly appreciate your commitment to student learning, and the dedication you have shown.

Sincerely,
Lynn M. Cummings
CounselorPlummer
Middle SchoolAldine I.S.D.

Dear Pastor Jacqui King

2008-05-06T13:18:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much for agreeing to participate in our 3rd Annual Career Education Day at Plummer Middle School. Career Day will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, from 9:00-11:30a.m. We are pleased that you are willing to get involved with our students, and assist them with developing career goals.

We appreciate your commitment. Learning about various jobs will heighten student’s occupational awareness. Your investment will encourage students, and assist them in gaining information about the work world. Again thank you so much. We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,
Lynn M. Cummings
Counselor

Northbound from MEMORIAL to IH 10-KATY FREEWAY. TOTAL CLOSURE.

2008-05-04T05:56:00.000-05:00

When one road closes, God helps us find another way to go forward:

clck for the traffic: http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/construction/construction_report.aspx
How to get to the Houston Ballrooms without travelling BLT 8 North from SW Houston - located at 14880 Bammel North Houston Rd., Houston, TX 77014

From Southwest Houston -
Get to 45 north - proceed to Blt 8 (nears Greenspoint)
Take Blt 8 West and exit T C Jester (last free exit) and follow the feeder to Veteran's Mem
Turn right on Veteran's and proceed ahead until you reach Bammel North Houston
(you will see a 99 cents Only Store to your right...the next street is Bammel)
Turn right on Bammel and go through 1 traffic light (Torrey Chase)
You will see the Houston Ballrooms to your right and Home Depot to your left.
Pull in the parking lot...

Also,
You can take 45 north straight through to 1960, turn right after exiting 1960
follow 1960 until you reach Walters Road (you will pass a Walmart on your right)
Turn left on Walters and make an immediate right on Bammel North Houston
Cross light at Falling Creek and the Ballrooms will be straight ahead to the left

2008 National Day of Prayer! National Day of Prayer@ KWWJ Radio

2008-05-01T14:26:00.007-05:00

Pastor King's National Prayer Day Message "Ways to Pray"

National Day of Prayer Communion reaches out over the airways to touch thousands through the Holy Spirit. Gathered in Baytown, Texas at the KWWJ radio station for 12 hours of prayer, Letitia “Tish” Jackson and Pastor Russell Thompson of the Worship At Large Ministries, dedicated their May 1st Wings of Faith Show to lifting up prayers for deliverance, the community, our nation, and more. During this great Day of Prayer, Pastor Jacqui King shared the Sacrament of Holy Communion with all in the station and listening audience.

Clinic/Health Fair

2008-04-28T21:48:00.003-05:00

Date: Saturday May 17, 2008

Time: 10a-2pm

Nurses are needed to work in the clinicWe need volunteers to check in patients.Also we need a team to help with setting up tables& chairs

Date: Saturday May 17, 2008 (same as above event)
Event(2): Food Distribution
Location: 2606 Live Oak(corner of Live Oak @Mcgowen)
Time: 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm(please be flexible) Volunteers are needed!
Volunteers needed to help to organize and distribute food
Plenty of food will be distributed on this day.

Please Read:We need you to be onsite at 9:00 am. Generation One is have an Ministry Expo on this day so there will be plenty of food, fun, and fellowship.
If you are interested in volunteering PLEASE RSVP (RSVP contact information below)
(shedricksheddy@yahoo.com) 832-496-4877
Thank You,Kingdom Builders Missions Ministry
Saturday May 17, 2008Add to Calendar

KWWJ, Gospel 1360 AM THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

2008-04-28T10:09:00.002-05:00

May 1st
6:00 AM to 6:00 PM 12 hours of Prayer for your Nation, your City, your Needs

Hosted by Letitia Jackson, The Wings of Faith
Led by Pastor Russell Thompspon, Jr.
Communion by Pastor Jacqui King,
Prayer Teams and Guest Pastors & Community Leaders
Broadcasting LIVE from KWWJ Gospel 1360
4638 Decker Dr. Baytown, TX 77520

Location:4638 Decker Dr.Baytown, TX 77520Houston TX, TX 77520
Start Date & Time:05/01/2008 06:00 AM -6:00pm

Coordinator: Russell Thompson, Jr. 281-948-7917 donel@nufaith.org
Website: http://nufaith.org/DayofPrayer2008.html
More Info:MapQuest directions

Hutchinson says be moved by "water and the Spirit"

2008-04-27T23:28:00.001-05:00

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS) - Bishop William W. Hutchinson, episcopal leader for the Louisiana area, challenged United Methodists during the April 26 morning worship service to move toward the baptismal waters and to be moved by the Holy Spirit.
The worship service was one of 18 services scheduled during the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, being held April 23-May 2 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Thousands were sprinkled with the water as young confirmands moved throughout the meeting space, wetting branches and shaking them over worshippers. Those present made signs of acceptance and renewed their baptismal commitment as musicians sang, "Rain down, rain down, rain down your love on your people."
Hutchinson spoke about another baptism service he attended four years ago in Havana, Cuba, when close to 200 "eager souls" gathered in the courtyard of one of the city's largest Methodist churches. "Leaders from The Americas and the Caribbean were there to celebrate the exploding church in that area of the world," he said and added that the fact that the church was allowed to hold the service in its courtyard was a milestone because of the government's stance toward religion...moore>>>

What is Paraclete

2008-04-24T21:53:00.000-05:00

Paraclete, Comforter (L. Consolator; Greek parakletos), an appellation of the Holy Ghost. The Greek word which, as a designation of the Holy Ghost at least, occurs only in St. John (14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7), has been variously translated "advocate", "intercessor", "teacher, "helper", "comforter". This last rendering, though at variance with the passive form of the Greek, is justified by the Hellenistic usage, a number of ancient versions, patristic and liturgical authority, and the evident needs of the Johannine context. According to St. John the mission of the Paraclete is to abide with the disciples after Jesus has withdrawn His visible presence from them; to inwardly bring home to them the teaching externally given by Christ and thus to stand as a witness to the doctrine and work of the Saviour. There is no reason for limiting to the Apostles themselves the comforting influence of the Paraclete as promised in the Gospel (Matthew 10:19; Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11, 21:14) and described in Acts 2. In the above declaration of Christ, Cardinal Manning rightly sees a new dispensation, that of the Spirit of God, the Sanctifier. The Paraclete comforts the Church by guaranteeing her inerrancy and fostering her sanctity (see CHURCH). He comforts each individual soul in many ways. Says St. Bernard (Parvi Sermones): "De Spiritu Sancto testatur Scriptura quia procedit, spirat, inhabitat, replet, glorificat. Procedendo praedestinat; spirando vocat quos praedestinavit; inhabitando justificat quos vocavit; replendo accumulat meritis quos justificavit; glorificando ditat proemiis quos accumulavit meritis". Every salutary condition, power, and action, in fact the whole range of our salvation, comes within the Comforter's mission. Its extraordinary effects are styled gifts, fruits, beatitudes. Its ordinary working is sanctification with all it entails, habitual grace, infused virtues, adoption, and the right to the celestial inheritance. "The charity of God", says St. Paul (Romans 5:5), "is poured forth in our hearts by the Holy Ghost who is give to us." In that passage the Paraclete is both the giver and the gift: the giver of grace (donum creatum) and the gift of the Father and the Son (donum increatum). St. Paul teaches repeatedly that the Holy Ghost dwells in us (Romans 8:9, 11; 1 Corinthians 3:16).
That indwelling of the Paraclete in the justified soul is not to be understood as though it were the exclusive work of the third Person nor as though it constituted the formalis causa of our justification. The soul, inwardly renovated by habitual grace, becomes the habitation of the three Persons of the Blessed Trinity (John 14:23), yet that indwelling is rightly appropriated to the third Person who is the Spirit of Love. As to the mode and explanation of the Holy Ghost's inhabitation in the soul of the just, Catholic theologians are not agreed. St. Thomas (I, Q. XLIII, a. 3) proposes the rather vague and unsatisfactory simile "sicut cognitum in cognoscente et amatum in amante". To Oberdoffer it is an ever acting force, maintaining and unfolding habitual grace in us. Verani takes it to be merely objective presence, in the sense that the justified soul is the object of a special solicitude and choice love from the Paraclete. Forget, and in this he pretends to bring out the true thought of St. Thomas, suggests a sort of mystical and quasi-experimental union of the soul with the Paraclete, differing in degree but not in kind from the intuitive vision and beatific love of the elect. In so difficult a matter, we can only revert to the words of St. Paul (Romans 8:15): "You have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry: Abba (Father)." The mission of the Paraclete detracts nothing from the mission of Christ. In heaven Christ remains our parakletos or advocate (1 John 2:1). In this world, He is with us even to the consummation of the world (Matthew 28:20), but He is with us through His Spirit of whom He says : "I will send Him to you. He shall glorify me; because He shall receive of mine, and shall shew it to you" (John 16:7, 14). See HOLY GHOST.
Publication informationWritten by J.F. Sollier. Transcribed by Sean Hyland.

Paying Taxes to Caesar( A Reflection By Pastor King)

2008-04-15T12:13:00.003-05:00

( Listen to Pastor King's Reflection on Paying Taxes )

Matt. 22:15-22- Mk 12:13-17- Lk 20:20-26
Gracious Lord, thank you for the great examples of integrity given to humanity to follow through your written Word. Teaching us to honor You with our first fruits begins with our willingness to share our gifts of offering with a clean heart. At times during tax season, we fall short in our preparation for Caesar. Lord, forgive our tardiness, anxiety, and limited organization. In these moments of distress, we seek God’s favor, peace, and clarity of mind. Please guide all who gather necessary items needed to “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Grant us great grace to take the proper steps of accountability to allow time to serve us in positive ways. In the end, we thank you for bringing forth truth in our daily matters of tax reporting. Guided by Your Spirit, let us thank God now for the grace that restores and reconciles financial health upon all seeking you this day. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

The Life of the Church Baptisms and Weddings @ Nu Faith

2008-04-14T11:19:00.014-05:00

Our Launch Team baby is being adopted in the next few weeks and will be going with his sister's family. We baptized him yesterday and it was a blessing! His foster family and the launch team are sad to see him go but excited about his new family. His little spirit has helped us stay sensitive to the needs of little children.

Nu Faith Community is alive with joy and excitement! May continuous blessings flow upon Jose and Amanda Cardenas,the young couple married by Pastor King. Families are coming together through faith and love to experience new hope for each day.

Make plans to join us to celebrate Communion on May 4th and Baptism on Mother's Day - May 11th. Got Questions about Baptisms and Weddings, email Pastor King at PastorJai@NuFaith.org or call her at 281-564-9904

Hey Houston…There has been Liftoff @ Nu Faith Community!

2008-04-10T23:37:00.003-05:00

1.2.3…There is liftoff for weekly worship at Houston Ballrooms. The invitation was sent from far and wide to “Come and Experience the Difference @ Nu Faith.” Continuous weekly worship started on Sunday, April 6th with lots of energy as “live” praise went unto God.
The Launch Team welcomed all with a spirit of hospitality as teacakes, t-shirts, and coffee was shared. The comfortable atmosphere made it easy for everyone to connect. Community neighbors, family, and friends celebrated “God doing a new thing” in a new way. Continue to celebrate continuous worship. You are invited to join ---us as we grow weekly worship.

A Personal Reflection of Easter by Tisha Armstead

2008-03-24T12:55:00.002-05:00

Good Journey

I just returned from San Antonio and as I reflect back on today and how important the resurrection of our Lord and Savior is I'm really moved at how precious life is. Today my dad was baptized way out at a little country church surrounded with wild flowers and blue bonnets it was beautiful.

My family (Jonathan in spirit he had to work) was able to attend which made it special for daddy. As I watched my dad who I have always been afraid and intimidated by as a child and into my adulthood, I now saw as a child. As his Pastor said these words ... all things that were of your past life when you lived as a sinner are now washed away, your sin is forgiven and now you are new.... I realized how thankful I am to have been given life how precious it is and how when we are born again LIFE IS GOOD.

What a special day RESURRECTION SUNDAY IS!!!

What a wonderful gift Jesus gave to us to die and then come back to say he is alive and well. I saw my dad as a new person he was alive and well!!!

I hope that each of you enjoyed your day and know how loved you are!!!! Be Blessed.

Good Journey

Tisha

Revelation

2008-03-23T20:15:00.003-05:00

Revelation

By Rev. Joy M. Richards©

Revelation is a precious gift and one

that often escapes us.

Some times we see and sometimes we don't.

Mary after Christ's crucifixion
saw the Lord, but did not have

revelation. Not at first.

It is the same for us today.

We hear, and we look but do not see.

We seek to be present

only to find ourselves lost to revelation.

But then, there are times when

all is clear and we get it, revelation!

When we take our focus off of ourselves,

When we set our sights on others

Upon the LORD and His plans for us,

WE come to a special place of knowing.

We come to an understanding from beyond ourselves

and we enter into Revelation.

Precious are the moments that we recognize

that we have been in the Holy and that God is real.

Precious are the God times in our lives where

we know that God has spoken to us

As He did to Mary after his resurrection.

Lord, grant revelation to us of your presence today.

Dr. Zan Holmes, Jr. Coming to Spring Woods

2008-02-17T11:45:00.002-06:00

Spring Woods United Methodist Church is pleased to announce that Dr. Zan Holmes, Jr. will be joining us for special Services of Renewal on Sunday, February 17, and Monday, February 18. Dr. Holmes will be preaching at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, and at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. For those of you not already familiar with him, read on...more>>.

The Gathering Praise Experience on February 8th

2008-02-12T01:21:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all who made the praise experience a W.O.W. (Worthy of Worship) night for Jesus Christ! What a tremendous move of God occurred on Friday night at “The Gathering." It certainly proved true that "When the praises go up, the blessings come down." It's been a while since I've experienced such a diverse group of people enjoying such an eclectic offering of praise.
Praise at Nu Faith Community included a Christian rapper (R.A.G.E. Ministries), soulful R&B flavor (SoulFruit), a dynamic group of "Cronk" praise dancers, and a powerful rendition of the Lord's prayer by Cynthia Smith. Both young and old gave way to the spirit as the energy moved through us all. It was no doubt in my mind that "Jesus was in the house!"

And, as if the various artists weren't a treat in themselves, Pastor Jacqui blessed our socks off with a powerful, relevant, mini-sermon on "Keeping it REAL!." However, blessings were not limited to the praise because a young man committed his life to serve Jesus Christ. Also, canned goods were collected and donated to Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM).

Nu Faith Community gave away some awesome door prizes, including a Starbucks gift set, CD’s and Smokey Norful concert tickets.

Our lives were changed through praise - - God sure is good!

by Kate Mitchell

Thanks Houston for Making a Big Difference – Blankets given to the homeless!

2008-01-18T17:59:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone! Today you helped make a difference by giving blankets and toiletries for the homeless. Homeless men and women received your donations. They enjoyed dinner and attended the Jeff Majors 12-City National Tour for the Homeless on January 17, 2008 at St. John UMC – Downtown / 2019 Crawford Street. Thanks again for helping a homeless person stay warm tonight. For more info about Nu Faith Community UMC: Call Donel King at 281-564-9904.

Nu Faith Community Family, Friends and Supporters

2008-01-15T18:29:00.001-06:00

A Prayer Request From Kenya

2008-01-15T08:43:00.000-06:00

receive greetings from Duncan in Kenya I appreciate you update on the church progress, and wonderful messages from Pastor King that I listen to

as you know that there is a political crisis in our country is the time for we born again christian to pray for our beloved county Kenya. on behalf of KARIOKOR METHODIST CHURCH I request UNITED METHODIST to help us with the prayers. Trusting God that the normal situation will resume in our BELOVED COUNTRY.

may God bless you all
Duncan

Kenya Mission Construction Team 2004 [ Slide show]

Dr. Leonard Sweet

2008-01-07T21:44:00.000-06:00

Worship @ New World Church January 13, 2008,
January 13, 2008, nationally renowned speaker and preacher, Dr. Leonard Sweet, will serve as our guest preacher at New World! Dr. Sweet will rattle your mind and your soul, and will provoke you to pursue your highest and your best! Don't miss this very special blessing!

New World Church The Villa –
3330 S. Dairy Ashford
Houston, Texas 77082
Pastor Robert Johnson

Nu Faith invites you to experience The Great Debaters

2007-12-16T10:29:00.000-06:00

History has been made by Wiley College and is still being made! The Great Debaters is an awesome movie that depicts stories of courage and perseverance. “It is a great portrayal of history-making successes from a tough era for a small Methodist College,” said Kate Mitchell as she departed from the Dec. 16th movie screening sponsored by Texas Southern University's Debate Team. Dr. Thomas F. Freeman served as the head debate coach for this great production. “We cheered for the victory when the students boldly debated issues with courage and truth,” were thoughts shared by many. Check out Nu Faith photo moments from this exciting evening.

If you want to know more about this era in history, check out this program about the Wiley College Debate on The History Channel – Thursday, 12/20 at 10 PM CST:

For more info, check out these sites:
http://www.thegreatdebatersmovie.com/

http://texas.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/First_November_Paper_X3Q4EIRM.pdf

http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2072523&ct=4536975

Faith and the Internet

2007-12-06T08:40:00.000-06:00

News Corp. cited the Pew Internet Project as saying that over 82 million Americans and 64% of all Internet users look to the Web for faith-related matters.

Meet Us @ New World Church

2007-12-04T10:58:00.000-06:00

Worship @ New World Church on Sunday, 12/16
You are invited to hit the road with Pastor Jacqui at New World Church, where Pastor Robert Johnson, is the Lead Servant. On Sunday, December 16th at 10:00 am we will gather to offer great praise together in a new way. Bring a can good with you to help feed others. Come and invite others to join us as we celebrate the love of Jesus Christ. See you on Sunday. For more information, go to www.NuFaith.org.
New World Church The Villa –
3330 S. Dairy Ashford
Houston, Texas 77082
Pastor Robert Johnson

Advent Study titled “Waiting on Our King” @ John Wesley UMC

2007-11-19T08:48:00.000-06:00

Have you ever struggled with waiting for the greatest gift? What has crossed your heart, mind and soul during your waiting moments? Well, you are invited to connect with others who are waiting for the hope and love of Our King during this season.

The Advent Study titled “Waiting on Our King” will be held (4) Wednesdays - 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19 at John Wesley UMC at 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the Scout Building. Mark your calendar, invite a friend and be a part of this study taught by Pastor Jacqui King, Nu Faith Community – A New Church Start in the Central North District.

The scriptural focus will be Lectionary Year A readings for the Advent Season coupled with interactive teachings about seasonal insights and practical applications of the Advent Seasons based upon readings from Simply Wait by Pamela C. Hawkins and 2007 Advent Devotional by Phyllis Wezeman. [ For more info on how the on line study works click ]

Join us for Study @Thursday, Nov. 15th

2007-11-15T12:47:00.000-06:00

Got Faith...give praise and thanksgiving for faith in Jesus Christ!

I hope that you will connect with us as we conclude our study:

Living into our Faithon Thursday, Nov. 15th. Our session focus is Faith & New Life.

This Study @ series has offered us lessons on faith coupled with actions steps for change. Our special guest speaker Barbara Harris Curtis who will sharea great testimony on embracing faith to the fullest.

How can you join us:

If you are in the Houston Area, plan to connect with at the home of Pastor Jai and Donel from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Give us a call at 281-498-2467 for directions.

If you want to meet us live on line:

Go to our virtual church at http://www.nufaith.org/study@/studyinfo.html and follow directions to connect via computer

Call Phone Number: (724) 444-7444

Wait for prompt and enter ID: 47694 # then follow voice instructions

The Study @ The Line is listed at 9:45 pm EDT which is 8:45 pm CST and will last until 9:30 pm CST. Hope to connect with each of you that joins us on-line to study!

If you miss both opportunities, join us for Study @ Anytime. The live on-line will be recorded and accessible upon demand. Also, recommend our virtual church to your friends that are looking for a new church and / or others that you know would enjoy a study like this.

Get into Action with Nu Faith:

Keep us in your prayers as our Launch Team gathers. Are you called to help create a new faith community with us? Connect with us: http://nufaith.org/Contactus.html

Lift up daily prayer focus with Nu Faith: http://nufaith.org/Prayer3.html

What to expect @ Nu Faith: http://nufaith.org/VirtualChurch.html

SAVE THE DATES:

Worship @ St.Andrew's UMC on Sunday, Nov. 18th - Pastor Jacqui King is preaching for Women's Day
Advent Study begins on Wed. Nov. 28th @ John Wesley UMC and Thurs. Nov. 29th on-line. This exciting 4-week series invites all to embrace Waiting on the King. More details on-line at www.NuFaith.org!

Celebrate life daily (Psalm 150):

Praise God and Grab hold to Grace! Live Blessed @ All times, Pastor Jai and the Nu Faith Community

Nu Faith is DMin study subject for Drew University Student

2007-11-09T13:25:00.000-06:00

Thanks for all your prayers and ongoing support. Recently, a great article was written by Linda Green of UMCom and various conferences have highlighted that article. From this article came a call from Amy Forbus, digital community builder from UMReporter and the network became to expand more.

Highlighted is a link from an on-line interview of the Drew University DMin student Rev. Anne Walker Sims, Associate Pastor of Ann Street United Methodist Church in Beaufort, NC:

http://segmentsandslices.blogspot.com/2007_11_01_archive.html

She is researching on-line communities of faiths and Nu Faith's interview is part of her findings.

Thanks for your ongoing prayers as Nu Faith continues touching the lives of many on-line and beyond. Visit Virtual Church

Live Blessed @ All Times, Pastor Jacqui King

Taking to the Road for Worship on Sunday 11/11

2007-11-09T11:20:00.001-06:00

Launch Team and Friends,

Grace and peace to you. I pray that all is well with your soul today. We are excited about Taking to The Road for Worship starting this Sunday, Nov. 11th. Our 1st stop is Grace Fellowship in Katy, TX, where we will worship at 10:45 am. Take a moment to look at this video about Grace Fellowship: http://www.whatisgrace.org/video/welcome.html

For directions to church, please click here .

Here's how it will work on Sunday: (1) Meet at 10:30 am at the Southwest Prayer Center at Grace Fellowship (this is located in the main building that you will see immediately in front of you when you drive in) - if you have small children and mid-high students, please get them registered prior to meeting us; teenagers will be with us because the youth service is in the evening. Dress is casual...come as you are. (2) We will pray briefly together and proceed to the Worship Center together. (3) Following service join us for a meal on the King's - place to be determined.

If you want to ride with the Kings, meet at their house by 9:15 am; we will leave promptly at 9:30 am. Please email me at PastorJai@NuFaith.org to let us know whether you meet us at the house or at the church; please be on time at the house and the church, so we can pray together and depart to our worship on-time.

Upcoming events:

Study @ on Thurs. 11/15,
Taking to the Road #2 is on 11/18 at St. Andrews and Pastor King will preach at that worship service,
Advent Study begins Wed., Nov. 28th at John Wesley UMC and Thurs. Nov. 29th on-line through Talkshoe (more details at www.NuFaith.org)
Taking to the Road in Dec. will be posted on-line.

Looking for your response by Saturday, Nov. 10th by 5:00 pm, so I can make reservations for our meal. Please invite others to join us Sunday and for upcoming worship experiences. Tell others about Nu Faith: The Place Where God Meets Us @ Anytime!

Live Blessed @ All Times, Pastor King

UMC Communications is partnering with the Arkansas Conference to present “Weaving a Web of Connections:

2007-11-08T12:36:00.000-06:00

“Weaving a Web of Connections: Using Internet Technology for Effective Ministry,” a one and a half day training event at Mount Sequoyah Conference and Retreat Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, November 30-December 1, 2007
[ A one-page flyer about the event is attached.]

The Great Commission and the Internet: Making it relevant
by Donel and Jacqui King ( One of the workshops )

What does faith-sharing look like on the internet? Who can help keep the site attractive to many different users? How does it work or change information sharing in my church? Why bother creating new ways to make disciples for Jesus Christ? Where does an existing church start the process of making faith connections and getting questions answered through the internet? How can we begin creating niche ministries that support special needs, small groups, social networks and specialized ministry development beyond the walls of the local church? These are some questions that God answered when a web-based ministry was developed in one ministry context.
[ A one-page flyer about the event is attached.]

MAYA ANGELOU PRAYER

2007-11-08T10:17:00.000-06:00

Read at the lighting of the White House Christmas tree on December 1, 2005. Maya Angelou's long poem, Amazing Peace, celebrates the common bonds shared by people of all faiths.

We shout with glorious tongues at the coming of hope.
All the earth’s tribes loosen their voices
To celebrate the promise of peace.

We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Non-Believers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.

Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My Sister
Peace, My Soul.

I wish you all peace of mind, body and spirit this holiday season.

Worship @ St. Andrews UMC on Sunday, 11/18 Time 11am

2007-10-31T03:19:00.000-05:00

Worship with Pastor Jacqui and the Nu Faith Community Family @ St. Andrews UMC on Sunday, 11/18
You are invited to hit the road with Pastor Jacqui as she Preaches the Word at St. Andrews UMC, where Rev. Andrew Nunley III is the Senior Pastor. On Sunday, November 18th at the 11:00 am morning service, the praises will go up to honor Women’s Day. Come and invite others to join us as we celebrate the goodness of the Lord. See you on Sunday @ 11am

St Andrews United Methodist Church Houston
Pastor: Rev. Andrew Nunley III
6235 Maybell Street
Houston, TX 77091
Phone 713 695-6647

Join us for Study @11/1

2007-10-30T23:48:00.000-05:00

Grace and Peace to All,

Join us for Study @:

Got Prayer...because prayer is the difference maker!

I hope that you will connect with us as we study James 5, Psalm 12 and 123

on Thursday, Nov. 1st. Our session focus is Faith & Prayer.

This Study @ series called Living into Our Faith: A Study of James and Psalms will conclude on Nov. 15th with a special guest speaker who will share

a great testimony on embracing faith to the fullest.

How can you join us:

If you are in the Houston Area, plan to connect with at the home of Pastor Jai and Donel from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Give us a call at 281-498-2467 for directions.

If you want to meet us live on line:

Go to our virtual church at www.NuFaith.org and follow directions to connect via computer

Call Phone Number: (724) 444-7444
Wait for prompt and enter ID: 47694 # then follow voice instructions

The Study @ The Line is listed at 9:45 pm EDT which is 8:45 pm CST and will last until 9:30 pm CST. Hope to connect with each of you that joins us on-line to study!

Get into Action with Nu Faith:

Keep us in your prayers as our Launch Team gathers on Saturday, November 3rd at 3-5 pm. Are you called to help create a new faith community with us? Go to this link to connect with us: http://nufaith.org/Contactus.html

Lift up daily prayer focus with Nu Faith: http://nufaith.org/Prayer3.html

What to expect @ Nu Faith: http://nufaith.org/VirtualChurch.html

SAVE THE DATES:

(1) Worship @ St.Andrew's UMC on Sunday, Nov. 18th - Pastor Jacqui King is preaching for Women's Day

(2) Advent Study begins on Wed. Nov. 28th @ John Wesley UMC and Thurs. Nov. 29th on-line. This exciting 4-week series invites all to embrace Waiting on the King. More details to come!

Celebrate life daily (Psalm 150):

Praise God and Grab hold to Grace! Live Blessed @ All times, Pastor Jai and the Nu Faith Community

Join us for Study @ 10/18

2007-10-17T13:53:00.000-05:00

Blessings to you,

Study @:

Are you encouraged to have a friendship with Jesus? What does it look like? I hope that you will connect with us as we study James 4, Psalm 18 and 138 on Thursday, Oct. 18th.

You don't want to miss it...Thursday Night (10/18) is the 4th session of Study @, which is a great journey of faith that you are invited to partake with Nu Faith Community. Our session focus is Faith: What is friendship with God? The Study @ series called Living into Our Faith: A Study of James and Psalms is offered on 1st and 3rd Thursdays through Nov. 15th.

If you are in the Houston Area, plan to connect with at the home of Pastor Jai and Donel from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Give us a call at 281-498-2467 for directions.

If you want to meet us live on line:

Go to our virtual church at www.NuFaith.org and follow directions to connect via computer

Call Phone Number: (724) 444-7444

Wait for prompt and enter ID: 47694 # then follow voice instructions

The Study @ The Line is listed at 9:45 pm EDT which is 8:45 pm CST and will last until 9:30 pm CST. Hope to connect with each of you as you join us on-line to study!

Get into Action with Nu Faith:

Lift up daily prayer focus with Nu Faith: http://nufaith.org/Prayer3.html

What to expect @ Nu Faith: http://nufaith.org/VirtualChurch.html

Virtual Church in the News:

http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2072521&ct=4498237

Celebrate life daily:

As you live into your faith on a daily basis, remember to live blessed @ all times! Grace and peace to you, Pastor Jai and the Nu Faith Community

Pastor uses Internet as her pulpit, gathering place

2007-10-03T14:04:00.000-05:00

Pastor uses Internet as her pulpit, gathering place
A UMNS Report By Linda Green*

The pastor of a newly created United Methodist church in Houston is using the Internet as her pulpit and gathering place until a physical building is constructed.

Nu Faith Community United Methodist Church, created last June by the Texas Annual (regional) Conference, exists now at www.nufaith.org. The Rev. Jacqui King uses the Internet to preach, evangelize and provide ministry and to solidify a community of faith within a virtual experience.

"Nu Faith is really an opportunity to experience God in a brand new way in a brand new faith community," King said. "It is also a chance to just make disciples for Jesus Christ in a different kind of way."

King says there are people wanting to know God who have visited churches, but they did not stay because they found those congregations lacking in energy, passion and technology. "Nu Faith is a way for people to allow God to meet them right where they are," she said. "At Nu Faith, I want to be able to help them encounter God today."

The Internet allows King and a 25-member core group of wired individuals to connect with others and introduce them to the Nu Faith community. A semimonthly e-mail newsletter, called e-connection, provides information about the church, its ministry and plans.

Building on technology

Nu Faith "is a creative way to experience God through interactive expressions of love, grace and hope, which use many diverse technological formats," King said. "Virtual church helps us to reach people who are living up the street and around the world while sharing the love of Jesus Christ online."

The church will be launched next April 6 in a temporary location before a building is constructed on a 10-acre site in northwest Houston. The new church's vision is to promote peace, grace, mercy and love and be a community of believers who will pray together, worship, serve and study.

King says many churches have a presence on the World Wide Web; however, the Internet was not how those churches came into existence. "The Web was either … added after the fact or something else," said King. "They are not looking for it to be the DNA or the primary structure of the church. We are looking for technology to be our strength and major element."

"People can find everything on the Web -- love, money, jobs. Why take Jesus out of that equation if the Scripture says our God is everywhere?"
--The Rev. Jacqui King

In addition to promoting the new church on the Web, a Bible study is conducted online and at King's home.

A "Living into Our Faith" study of the Book of James began Aug. 30. On the first and third Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., "A Study at the House" explores a passage from James. At 8:45 p.m., the study goes online and is interactive.

"It is like having a talk show," King said. People can plug in though a site called TalkShoe, listen and talk, or they can listen to the entire taped program after the online study ends at 9:30. "It is growing," she said.

The virtual Bible study is a response to people ages 24-45, young families and those who cannot attend traditional Bible studies.

King also provides weekly audio and Web site reflections.

Reaching young adults

King says a virtual-faith experience is a way to reach a generation that is not connected to any church. She says there are many reasons for the absence of young adults in many traditional Protestant denominations, but among them is "churches and members having not helped the Word become relevant to where they are."

King said many traditional churches are "Sunday only" while the Nu Faith virtual church is everyday. A person seeking a reflection, a word or to express a concern can go to nufaith.org any time for spiritual formation. "It makes God present and real where they are," King said.

Because the Internet is an avenue that people use to make social connections today, King believes God is calling the church to make e-connections for spiritual growth.

"If I am a person living in the 21st century and technology is part of every aspect of my life, why would I ignore that in building up my spirituality? … People can find everything on the Web –– love, money, jobs. Why take Jesus out of that equation if the Scripture says our God is everywhere?"

Nu Faith is one of 13 churches to be started by the Texas Annual Conference in the coming year. Churches are to be established in Tyler, Port Arthur and Houston. Several of the new church starts target specific demographics such as young adults, ex-prisoners and Hispanics.

Efforts to build new congregations in Texas are part of Path One, a United Methodist Board of Discipleship initiative seeking to help The United Methodist Church start 650 new churches by 2012. The new emphasis on church growth is a return to the church's evangelistic effort to begin a new congregation every day.

*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.

News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

Audio: The Rev. Jacqui King on:

What Nu Faith Community United Methodist Church is doing

Reaching people through new avenues

The role of the virtual church

God calling the church to use the Internet

United Methodist plan emphasizes new church starts

Commentary: Are you ready for the revolution?

A leadership resource on technology for ministry

Resources

NuFaith Community United Methodist Church

Texas Annual Conference

United Methodism 101

The Book of Discipline on Information Communications Technology

“Taste and See” Family Fun @ Wussow Park

2007-09-30T14:20:00.000-05:00

The breeze blew as laughter surrounded us and the sounds of joy and excitement came alive in the Wussow Park during a public “taste and see” event on Sunday, September 30^th. Imagine families visiting together, playing volleyball, listening to Christian Rap Music and sharing a good joke along with a hot dog while being surrounded by a cloud of witnesses through powerful prayer circles. That’s what came alive during Family Fun Day @ Wussow Park.

Nu Faith Community partnered with Houston Christway Ministries and R.A.G.E. Ministries to share a fun day together with over 75 persons in the Greenspoint Area. Also, 40 adults shared their information for future contact with Pastor Jacqui and various launch team members. However, the greatest blessings were the prayer circles with families who wanted to know more about our new church that kept popping up all over the pavilion area.

As the fellowship was coming to a close, one lady asked “will you be back next week?” I consider that a sign from God that the sweet taste of the Holy Spirit was present at the park on a hazy Sunday in Northwest Houston. She left there renewed because she knew that “God is about to do a new thing” in her community. Prayer changed her heart!

I am thankful for all team members, Innerfaith Publishing, Houston Christway Ministries, R.A.G.E. Ministries / Christine Carter (Christian Rapper), Dr. Gleem Car Wash, Wussow Park, and Plummer MS for coming together as a community to share the spirit needed to help build the kingdom for Jesus Christ. May God’s blessings continue flowing upon our land to bring forth increase.

Community Prayer:

2007-09-17T15:37:00.000-05:00

Community Prayer: Gracious and loving God, we thank you for creating diversity within our community. We call upon your powerful name to guide our footsteps as we seek to do your will at home, at school, on our jobs and in all places where community exists. Lord show us how to depend up your plan for unity in our community. Call us into action to serve together, so that love will surpass hatred, peace will supersede random acts of violence and joy will ignite us by your Holy Spirit to build a better community. May the glory be given unto you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Building Community

2007-08-28T15:42:00.000-05:00

Building Community in Greenspoint during National Night Out and with Rev. Morrison & Team from Houston Christway Ministries