tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69719806415645537282011-08-01T10:27:27.047-05:00A journal of the ministries, missions, events and people of Good News United Methodist Church located in Cedar Park/Leander Tx.John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.comBlogger751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-81449186095439050992010-11-02T08:29:00.001-05:002010-11-02T08:30:36.298-05:00

Since last year’s Charge Conference, Good News has challenged itself to RETHINKCHURCH – to imagine a church where who we worship is more important than where or how we worship; where being the church is more important than just going to church; and where building up the kingdom of God is more important than building up one specific church or denomination. Traditional events such as the Fall

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-19127515439976594882010-10-19T08:43:00.001-05:002010-10-19T08:45:51.787-05:00

Last year on October 31, Good News UMC was challenged to RETHINKCHURCH. We caught a glimpse of the difference between just going to church and being the church through various “grace” projects around our community. For one day, we experienced how we can make a difference because of Jesus. This is the year the people of Good News go from rethinking church one day of the year to being the church

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-2779044693036521332010-07-01T14:49:00.003-05:002010-07-01T15:35:02.492-05:00

This past weekend, Judy and I went with our son, Richard, as he began his four years at the United States Military Academy at West Point. At 6:30 a.m. we gathered into a gym and after a brief message, had 90 seconds to say our goodbyes. As Richard began a day of getting yelled at and learning the Army way, Judy and I began a day touring this historic campus. I convinced Judy that we should walk

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-11597629694433845002010-05-19T07:46:00.002-05:002010-05-19T07:49:12.600-05:00

This Sunday, the Church celebrates another time of Pentecost. This is the Sunday we remember the birth of the Church of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit starting with the disciples. This is a good time to remember how and why the Church came into existence. Today, the church of Jesus Christ has been described as the bride of Christ and the body of Christ. It has also been called a

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-4926619573333955602010-03-10T07:25:00.007-06:002010-03-16T12:09:22.273-05:00

After eight years, Good News is finally going to have a worship space to call its own. As you know by now, the Leadership of the church decided to take the bold and courageous step of moving our worship from Block House Creek Elementary School to the Railyard. A decision that means no more set-up and take-down every Sunday. But this step forward in the life of the church means more than just not

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-2915330575993176482009-11-09T21:36:00.003-06:002009-11-09T21:41:18.850-06:00

If you missed worship this past Sunday, then you missed a short offering regarding stewardship with Tim Lowke. Below is a summary:When Lindsay asked me to speak for a few minutes this morning, she posed three questions for me to answer and think about. At first, I thought this might be difficult, but as I mulled over the questions, I found that they were actually quite simply for me to

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-87755377903690303582009-09-25T14:52:00.001-05:002009-09-25T14:54:57.703-05:00

Sometimes music tends to define what kind of church we are – traditional, contemporary, praise and worship, blended, etc. It tends to be the dominate ingredient in what we do on Sunday morning. But to really rethink church means to rethink the role music has in our worship service. Darlene Zschech is a worship leader, speaker, acclaimed singer, and songwriter from Hillsong Church in Australia. In

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-37731813020310579782009-09-14T15:21:00.004-05:002009-09-14T15:37:52.821-05:00

I have the privilege of receiving Bishop Will Willimon's (North Alabama Conference) weekly email and I wanted to share this week's with you. He is quoting author Tony Robinson's book What’s Theology Got to Do with It? Convictions, Vitality, and the Church. In light of our own church journey, I thought it was worth sharing. It concerns me that the literature on what it takes to create healthy

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-29613242487467922362009-06-11T17:04:00.004-05:002009-06-11T18:48:13.745-05:00

I remember now why I love going to Annual Conference.First, I love hearing about all the great things that the United Methodist Church is doing around the world in the name of Jesus Christ – including right here in our own Conference. From the lives that are touched by the Methodist Mission Home in San Antonio for unwed expectant mothers and people with disabilities, to the children who now know

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-48711759806366541532009-05-23T12:35:00.003-05:002009-05-23T13:15:20.502-05:00

During my preparation for this Sunday's sermon, I found a very interesting quote comparing churches that are "alive" and those that are "dead." The source is unknown, but I thought it was very interesting after my meeting with the Bishop and our Conferences' new church pastors this past Wednesday. During the conversation, the question was asked what DNA the Bishop would like to see new churches

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-15933284371321610472009-05-13T11:37:00.001-05:002009-05-13T13:40:23.679-05:00

Value # 7 – To allow the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us even if it is into the sometimes uncomfortable world (the kingdom of God) where there is no doubt of the reality of Jesus.The seventh and final overriding principle, or core value, of Good News United Methodist Church is the hardest to live by and follow. So far the values have included things that we can do without any real personal

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-52524821232022066272009-05-05T11:37:00.003-05:002009-05-05T12:16:09.000-05:00

Last week, I began talking about the seven overriding principles (or core values) used by Good News as the basis of our mission and in how we operate. As you may have noticed, these values are based on the scripture from the four Gospels and the Book of Acts. In other words, they are based on Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit’s formation of Christ's Church. They are used to keep the operation of

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-52305062710769148062009-04-28T10:41:00.004-05:002009-04-28T11:37:55.063-05:00

As many of you know, the mission statement of Good News United Methodist Church is to offer the children, youth, and families of Cedar Park/Leander the opportunity to encounter the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ in our worship, small groups, special events, and daily lives so as to transform the world one relationship at a time. But what many of you may not know is that there are seven

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-36420490819587502082009-04-22T11:52:00.002-05:002009-04-22T12:10:08.010-05:00

This year's Easter season was wonderful and meaningful. Lent started with the Ash Wednesday service at The Pointe and followed up with the Holy Week services with our Brothers and Sisters at the other area United Methodist Churches, the Sunrise service held in the newly expanded room at Holy Ground, the indoor Easter egg hunt in the MPR, and a worshipful experience of our Easter service

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-67471887805677924872009-01-09T22:27:00.003-06:002009-01-09T22:35:38.326-06:00

Reminder we are putting Bob's sermon's online. Our second installment is now available from January 4th: Epiphany Sunday. We still are working out the kinks to get it recorded every week. I am afraid we will not get this week's message recorded as David Luscombe is out of town being a Grandpa!Give these a listen. I now I enjoy listening to them again as I am posting them to the web.

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-23339773632809352362008-12-30T13:46:00.002-06:002008-12-30T13:53:20.009-06:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! I wanted to share with you Chuck's own version of the Christmas Story he shared with us at the Christmas Eve service. Thanks again to him for continuing to share his many talents in the mission of Good News United Methodist Church."The Christmas Story"phrased by Chuck TysorPlagiarizing: Clement C. MooreKind of as written by Isaiah, Matthew, and Luke(plus a

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-38585349769541751772008-12-23T07:54:00.007-06:002008-12-23T09:17:03.229-06:00

Wow. That was the way to prepare for Christmas. Two weekends, 4 events and everything was wonderful. I hope you all enjoyed the fun. Here is brief montage of the Good News Advent and Christmas events. Merry Christmas from Good News!We started off with the Leander Christmas Parade. Even thought this year community attendance was down and the the parade route organization was straight from

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-44869237642623739902008-12-15T21:42:00.004-06:002008-12-15T22:00:02.561-06:00

We have added a new online feature for GNUMC - Podcasting. Each week we will strive to record and post Bob's message. Thank you David Luscombe for figuring out how to record through the soundboard! So if you miss a Sunday...listen to the podcast and read the newsletter.

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-77515221956859520292008-11-23T07:52:00.003-06:002008-11-23T08:01:33.709-06:00

At a gathering at the Rainey residence on Nov. 18, several members of the United Methodist Women Sisters of Faith group met and tackled the task of wrapping the shoe boxes donated by the Good News congregation for Operation Christmas Child.Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, which enables people to share God’s love with hurting girls and boys in the far corners of the

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-69451575937445220922008-11-10T09:37:00.000-06:002008-11-10T09:39:29.643-06:00

This year’s Stewardship Campaign may have seemed very low key compared to other years at Good News United Methodist Church. There is a reason for that. Motivating people to give money to the church can be accomplished in many ways. One is by experiencing a very large, hyped-up campaign where folks are moved by peer pressure and emotion to pledge large amounts to the church. The other extreme

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-57720469998412688612008-10-30T04:44:00.001-05:002008-10-30T04:46:07.302-05:00

Here is an abbreviated list...My post of this information is a little late.Thursday – Women’s Bible Study – “The Women Who Danced by the Sea” – 7:00 p.m. @ Holy Ground led by Krista IngramSaturday – Men’s Breakfast – 8:00 a.m. @ Holy Ground – Guest speaker will be Rev. Harrison followed by work around Holy Ground **Daylight Savings Time ends - Set your clock back one hour before

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-29847984282156704502008-10-20T09:52:00.002-05:002008-10-20T09:53:54.336-05:00

Here is a list of events scheduled in the life of Good News United Methodist Church for the next seven days.Tuesday – Good News Book Club – “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” – 7:00 p.m. @ Holy Ground led by Kip HarmonWednesday – Choir Practice – 6:30 p.m. @ Holy GroundThursday – Women’s Bible Study – “The Women Who Danced by the Sea” – 7:00 p.m. @ Holy Ground led by Krista IngramSaturday

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-26293766890092028652008-10-16T21:34:00.006-05:002008-10-24T17:29:15.314-05:00

Well I am not sure if everyone would agree that it was light work! The Good News crew came together in fine fashion tonight to unload 900 pumpkins in preparation for our two week pumpkin patch and festival event this Saturday. Great work everyone! We got lot of work done in a very short period of time.See ya Saturday for the big event!Visit GNUMC online.WebsiteChurch BlogGNUMC Facebook

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-67450800553370581152008-10-12T20:54:00.004-05:002008-10-12T21:54:24.028-05:00

I have created a Facebook Group for Good News United Methodist Church. I am issuing you, dear readers of Going Forth, a challenge! Create your facebook profile and join the group! I am assuming you will figure out the rest along the way. For those of you who are lucky enough not to work a computer 8-10 hours a day this may be a steeper challenge, but I am sure you are up to the task!FAQsWhy a

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-15905479357439191872008-10-11T17:17:00.005-05:002008-10-11T17:33:46.388-05:00

In September GNUMC received a pleasant surprise --- the assignment of a Pastoral Intern. Say Hello to Krista Ingram. She did a great job with her first sermon at Good News this past Sunday. We are blessed that she is following her calling here at our church. (Editorial comment...we need a few more Aggies at church. Whoop!) I asked her a few questions in email to post on the blog.

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-51212256511880563482008-10-06T08:43:00.007-05:002008-10-06T08:58:25.717-05:00

As a requirement for our annual Charge Conference, which was held last night at Holy Ground, I as the pastor of Good News, submitted a "state of the church" report for our District Superintendent, Rev. Rankin Koch, to see how God is working in our congregation. Here is that report:I believe that Good News United Methodist Church is unique among other churches. Not just because it has met in a

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-70821726882368566312008-10-05T22:04:00.005-05:002008-10-05T22:20:24.804-05:00

Step right up! Spin the wheel and win a prize. Everyone is a winner!On Saturday GNUMC had a booth the the Leander Fall Festival and Craft Fair. Our carnival barker (Pastor Rainey) directed festival goers to spin the wheel and win a prize. Each spin of the wheel cost $1 for a chance to win Free Lunch, Cookies, a Coffee Mug full of candy, a goodie bag, a stuffed animal or face painting. The real

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-83121333007791500752008-09-14T05:53:00.014-05:002008-09-14T07:22:04.496-05:00

Our Mission: To offer the children, youth, and families of Cedar Park/Leander the opportunity to encounter the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ in our worship, small groups, special events, and daily lives so as to transform the world one relationship at a time.This past Monday at our leadership team meeting we reviewed many activities, events & small groups meetings that are scheduled this

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-23050578054206234222008-08-12T10:13:00.003-05:002008-08-12T10:37:02.912-05:00

As I mentioned Sunday morning, the lesson we learn from the story of Peter's attempt to walk on the water is that, as believers, we sometimes have to step out of the comfortable and safe places of our lives to follow Jesus when he says, "Come." In other words, sometimes we have to get out of the boat to move forward in the ministry. I believe that we, as a church, did this at the Church

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-83370426932419329772008-08-02T15:01:00.011-05:002008-12-10T04:10:08.574-06:00

Are you ready for some football?On Saturday morning the United Methodist Men welcomed Vista Ridge High School Head Football Coach Bill Wilder to our monthly breakfast. Coach Wilder spoke on the brief history of VRHS football and gave a preview of the upcoming season. He also stressed the importance of coaching staff's influence in the young men's lives and the role of families, church and school

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-37839452809027020242008-07-25T21:51:00.004-05:002008-07-25T21:57:35.289-05:00

Our last night of Youth Activities Week 2008 was GREAT! We met at Holy Ground to travel to Milburn Pool in Cedar Park. The group spent time swimming and then we had our last devotional on Being the Light. We closed with a hamburger/hotdog cookout in the park. Special thanks to Roxanne Schmidt for cooking and coordinating food all week long and to Leon Schmidt for grilling tonight. We hope

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-23408006868159559052008-07-24T22:15:00.003-05:002008-07-24T22:21:20.354-05:00

Thursday night brought us much needed rain from Hurricane Dolly. This did change our plans for Dodgeball and Lawn Games. Instead, we had a Game Night inviting each youth to bring a card of board game to share. We had a nice evening playing chess, Boggle, dominos, Crazy Eights and much more! Pastor Bob continued our exploration of Being the Light and as usual there was food, fun and

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-47830337415060743452008-07-23T20:52:00.003-05:002008-07-23T22:13:18.166-05:00

Our third night of Youth Activities Week 2008 was wonderful fun. Leander UMC youth joined our group this evening to complete a bible-oriented scavenger hunt using our entire site at Holy Ground. If you see one of our youth, ask them about finding the clues (especially along "the Great Wall"). While we got a downpour in the middle of the hunt from Hurricane Dolly, they still pursued their clues

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-4674287534536150012008-07-22T22:12:00.001-05:002008-07-22T22:20:40.921-05:00

Another GREAT night at Youth Activities Weeks 2008! Twenty-five youth gathered tonight to eat pizza, hear and discuss about how we all can be a tool of God to spread his word and light throughout the world. That seems to be happening this week as we have many youth visitors joining us --- WAY to GO Good News Youth! Later this evening we traveled to Interstate Lanes in Round Rock to bowl.

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-6705343149689778182008-07-21T21:25:00.002-05:002008-07-21T21:33:18.087-05:00

Our first night of Youth Activities Week 2008 was alot of fun! Twenty-four youth played games as teams (Flamingos, Orcas, Mustangs and the Holy Cows) ranging from a water balloon toss to marshmallow pistols and stilt racing. Check out our pics above of the Wacky Olympics! Tomorrow night we go bowling as a group --- don't forget that we begin with pizza at Holy Ground at 5pm and then it is

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-65131232151215110672008-07-20T22:23:00.003-05:002008-12-10T04:10:08.742-06:00

Thanks to all the people who donated to our annual Good News Youth Garage Sale. Extra special thanks goes to Elizabeth Hollingsworth for organizing this year's event. We made $443 dollars that will be used this week to fund Youth Activities Week 2008. Thanks to all the youth parents, leaders and youth themselves that worked the sale. Watch this space throughout the week as we report on our Youth

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-43832320384399547382008-06-27T16:54:00.005-05:002008-12-10T04:10:09.065-06:00

VBS rolled on Wednesday with 'Splash Day' and visit from Sherry McDonnell from Hill Country Community Ministries. She talked to the kids about serving the Community and the role HCCM plays in proving food, clothing and comfort to those in need in the hill country. Splash day was big hit with water balloons, water cannons and a slip and slide.Thursday night was the last night of the full VBS

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-9382382264725142012008-06-24T22:18:00.011-05:002008-12-10T04:10:09.857-06:00

Today the kids learned who is their neighbor through the story of the "Good Samaritan" told in Luke 10:25-37.The recreation stop had the kids moving and smiling with a race to bandage the man hurt on the side of the road.The music stop had the kids singing and dancing.The kids in the "Snakes" group work together and focus at the craft stop.Members of the "Crickets" group acting out their part of

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-80122783620294067852008-06-23T21:39:00.014-05:002008-12-10T04:10:10.738-06:00

This year's VBS is theme is God's Big Back Yard where kids have a blast learning how to serve. Each day there is food, an open and closing assembly, music, crafts, recreation, story time and lots of smiles. Today's meal was a kid favorite! Corn dogs, chips, watermelon and lemonade. Yum! Our bible story for the day comes from Mark 2:1-12 and the kids learned to serve friends and to treat others as

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-18922317379021792202008-06-22T13:25:00.005-05:002008-12-10T04:10:10.977-06:00

Mail bags at the Berryville Living Center. Collected written notes of encouragement and congregational connection before the mission trip. I just want to say a personal word of thanks to all those parents, youth and congregation members who wrote to the youth and adults this week on our mission trip. I requested notes and letters from almost everyone in the congregation to be given to youth

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-66806188446007159372008-06-22T12:52:00.010-05:002008-12-10T04:10:12.838-06:00

Bob and Judy at the Closing Worship Rally in Ft. Smith. Toni, Tamara, Amanda and Katie participating in praise songs at the Closing Worship.Youth praising God.2000 youth and adults praising God and celebrating the close of our CTCYM mission experience.Toni, Tamara, Amanda and Katie watching pictures of mission projects from across the CTCYM.Richard, Stefanie, Judy and Bob lisening to the message

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-81164115753829395602008-06-20T18:00:00.007-05:002008-12-10T04:10:13.339-06:00

Tamara at Friday worksite with ramp construction. Cooper painting at Friday worksite.Carpenter Tim reworking an attic vent at Friday worksite.Weeheee! We are done (sort of), we left one work team on a job-site to finish (they are returning at 8 pm without a shower - yuck!!!). Today we combined an number of teams on sites in order to finish work. Tricia's team with Katie and Cheyanne had a

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-75599798089203931662008-06-19T23:14:00.008-05:002008-12-10T04:10:15.009-06:00

Tamara at dinner.Toni serving dinner.Good News Youth Mission Team at the Passion Play with a head priest.Maren, Richard, Cooper, Cheyanne and Tricia in front of Christ of the Ozarks.Christ of the Ozarks.We just got back from the Passion Play in Eureka Springs. It was pretty good and the youth enjoyed the performance. We got to see the actor Judy met at the Berryville Pool last night - he is the

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-70647353959127239512008-06-19T15:50:00.007-05:002008-12-10T04:10:16.422-06:00

Bob and Maren's team serving breakfast. Cheyanne, Cooper, Tricia chilling before breakfast.Our living center group before breakfast.Judy preparing pictures to send for the rally on Saturday from the Berryville Living Center. Tim and Cooper's team posing with their client as they finish their work with her home.Early report from Berryville, Arkansas. 19 tubes of caulk, 6 gallons of white paint, a

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-8141044003436570742008-06-18T17:42:00.010-05:002008-12-10T04:10:17.062-06:00

Maren painting steps and railing. Katie mowing at her client's home. Tricia, Katie and Cheyanne in their van going to the jobsite. Pool Party.Our group in Berryville continues to have a wonderful time and a meaningful experience. We rose early this morning and went about our morning routine of breakfast, devotional, lunch-making and loading the van for the day. Each project continues to

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-50102628968990625262008-06-17T22:42:00.007-05:002008-12-10T04:10:19.325-06:00

Sir Richard getting marshmallws shot at him on his 16th birthday. Cool Lane is a skit with elements of our day.Cheyanne shooting marshmallows.Tuesday has been a busy day, which began very early as Richard and comapny got up for a run around Berryville on his 16th birthday! We have formed a routine already of breakfast, lunch making and getting off to job sites in our work clothes. After a day of

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-45712834540479679572008-06-16T22:30:00.005-05:002008-12-10T04:10:20.040-06:00

Richard spelling words with his feet.Tim and Cooper's Team at snackToday is our first day of work. Lane has been our videographer today and Katie is our guest blogger. Here is what Katie has to say about her time so far:Mission trip with the church conference, how was it so far? I have enjoyed this trip more than the others that I have been on. Packing the night before the trip and stopping at

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-21015615882951438942008-06-15T19:26:00.001-05:002008-06-15T19:28:25.805-05:00

We arrived in Berryville without any problems. Trip up went smoothly --- took us about 12 hours with meals and gas/bathroom breaks. Arkansas is pretty. Everyone is fine and we are now waiting for the other groups to arrive. Watch later for pics and commentary. Pray for the mission trip team!

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-85515248551015741852008-06-14T21:05:00.008-05:002008-12-10T04:10:21.019-06:00

Good News Youth Mission Team 2008Tonight we met at Holy Ground and brought everything need for our mission trip to Arkansas. 15 people bring alot of stuff as you can see from the photos. After we loaded the trailer, we gathered in a circle, joined hands and prayed for our trip, our time together in mission and for those that we will be ministering to in Arkansas.Loading all that "stuff" in our

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-67941887070875049352008-06-13T22:16:00.002-05:002008-06-13T22:26:34.064-05:00

You are invited to visit this space each day during the coming week (June 14-22, 2008) for reports of our CTCYM youth mission trip to Berryville, Arkansas. Our youth, youth leaders, congregation and community have been working for months to get ready for this experience. Saturday we pick-up rental vans, hitch up the trailer and pack for an early departure on Sunday morning. While the rest of

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-65818371582626549302008-06-04T10:22:00.008-05:002008-12-10T04:10:21.785-06:00

If you haven't read the post below, skip down and read about the beginning of the day at Annual Conference first.After leaving annual conference, I was able to attend the Service of Commissioning and Ordination ceremony at First UMC of Ft. Worth. This is a beautiful facility situated at the edge of downtown Ft. Worth on a hill. Here is a view as I was leaving.This is not church in a school

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-44201347707612759952008-06-04T09:25:00.009-05:002008-12-10T04:10:22.198-06:00

I have just gotten back from being the delegate for Good News to the CTC Annual Conference in Ft. Worth. I will have to say that it was a learning experience. As a life-long Methodist, I have always known that annual conference is where the major business of the Conference is done each June, but actually being on the floor as a delegate was enlightening. Bob was a "teller." He was responsible for

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-72780914043719203042008-05-27T21:16:00.009-05:002008-05-27T22:35:21.217-05:00

Balls were hit, balls were caught, errors were made, many laughs and smiles, runs were scored...high fives all around! The first season for the Good News Bears was a success. Our goals were simple: to have fun, fellowship, to compete and share the Good News in our community. We met all of these goal and more! We finished with 6 wins and 1 loss. The one loss proved costly as it was to the other 1

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-55739034860873674502008-05-21T21:23:00.003-05:002008-05-21T21:51:33.602-05:00

Lorna sent this to me in email. Enjoy.

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-11522864661316325402008-05-20T15:39:00.006-05:002008-05-20T20:37:27.338-05:00

The last few days I have been inspired, yet again, to pick up my guitar and learn how to play. While searching for songs and chords on the net, I came across a blog from a worship leader in North Carolina. Alastair Vance maintains a blog that I can't stop watching. Live to Worship is his blog and it is filled with You Tube videos of him playing worship songs. I highly recommend you check out his

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-81166707584051383872008-05-18T23:13:00.004-05:002008-12-10T04:10:22.232-06:00

It has been a very long time since my last post. Much has happened in the life and times of GNUMC since late March. I am presenting a recap in the form of a Top 10 list.Top 10 reasons I love Good News United Methodist Church!Number 10: United Methodist Women’s Silent Auction. A great event, great items donated for auction and a great time had by all. Thanks to Cedar Park United Methodist for the

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-65999097981479185882008-05-07T09:17:00.003-05:002008-05-07T22:14:56.251-05:00

One of the strengths of the Good News UMC is its Sunday FUN program. This is because of the incredible dedication of the teachers and parents. This program truly fulfills our mission to give children an opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ. I am of the belief that this opportunity does not need to stop just because school is out for the summer. However, those teachers who have been teaching all

Pastor Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613246007922151282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-71899172490347898252008-03-23T23:32:00.011-05:002008-12-10T04:10:22.376-06:00

When I started this blog I set some ground rules for myself; that this is a site for our church and about our church. It was not intended to be a place for me to write about me, my family or the things we do in the church. That would get old quick! Please allow me to take a few liberties with these ground rules. I think it is worth it. This is story about my sister Janet Rodriquez. Janet and her

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-85608368587840032932008-03-16T20:53:00.005-05:002008-03-18T10:43:18.601-05:00

The teachers and children of Sunday school reenacted the Holy Week Journey. (mouse over the photo to pause the slideshow, remove mouse pointer to continue)

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-31556128121580679302008-03-06T21:52:00.004-06:002008-03-06T22:02:41.078-06:00

Our highlighted ministry for February was the Aldersgate Enrichment Center. Because of your generosity Good News is making a donation of $97. Thank you for your gifts for this wonderful ministry.About Aldersgate...Aldersgate Enrichment Center is a not-for-profit sheltered workshop with a vocational program and a residential program. It is a ministry related to the Central Texas Conference of the

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-35878801571285559002008-03-02T17:50:00.008-06:002008-03-02T19:02:33.570-06:00

I clicked over to the youth site earlier this week and there is a link for God Tube on right navigation bar. It is a link to this video above. The skit was performed by a group out of Baltimore and seen live here in at Winterfest 2006 Smoky Mountain Saturday Evening. I wanted to give it a little more exposure to the to the readers of Going Forth. If you have grade school age kids you may want to

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-68725825409335618762008-02-25T21:27:00.012-06:002008-12-10T04:10:22.649-06:00

Serving Communion each Sunday has created a new opportunity to serve in the worship. Logistically we need to have two stations to keep the congregation moving (but not hurried) through the service. Each Sunday we need 3 volunteers to serve communion; one person to assist Rev. Rainey and two others to serve the bread and juice at a second station. I have begun to ask volunteers through word of

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-269149560325171212008-02-19T17:49:00.008-06:002008-03-18T20:47:48.932-05:00

It sounds like a simple question. "What is grace?" It was posed to us in our small group discussion on Sunday morning. Lynn Riley provided an answer that I was not expecting. I may be paraphrasing but she said "undeserving love from God". I guess I have never really studied it before so Monday and Tuesday I spent some time looking up "What is grace?" I am starting to refer to Wikipedia more and

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-22373935913241224312008-02-17T21:20:00.005-06:002008-02-17T21:56:50.976-06:00

The adult small group that we started on Sunday mornings is off to a good start. The group is engaged in discussing Acts and applying our learning’s of the early church to our lives today at Good News UMC in Cedar Park/Leander.We have been thinking about two additional small group sessions to offer this spring/summer.United Methodism 101 - This basic course is designed for new United Methodists

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-34270372751332617032008-02-17T20:48:00.008-06:002008-03-18T20:51:05.337-05:00

Attention Good News UMC Members and Visitors,The Temple District Laity Banquet is Tuesday, March 4th @ 6:30 pm. The event will be held at the Mayborn Convention Center in Temple Texas. The Laity Banquet is an annual event for the churches of the UMC Central Conference, Temple District. It celebrates the many churches and its members and provides the opportunity to meet fellow church members and

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-81096397045802575242008-02-09T11:28:00.001-06:002008-02-09T11:36:37.820-06:00

Good News Youth spent part of their Saturday morning stocking shelves at Hill Country Community Ministries. This was an extension of mission work we did last week as part of Souper Bowl of Caring. Thanks to all who came and worked on filling shelves for our community. HCCM can really use the following items in addition to our regular peas and shampoo ---- canned fruit, breakfast cereal,

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-42397598050167674892008-02-08T20:47:00.000-06:002008-02-08T20:51:13.587-06:00

Good News Youth walked a local neighborhood last Sunday afternoon and collected 287 items of canned food for Hill Country Community Ministries. Check out our experience in the slideshow above. On Saturday, February 9th, the youth will work at the food pantry of HCCM shelving what we gathered and performing other tasks as well. Way to go youth!

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-77691372917509311362008-01-30T20:22:00.000-06:002008-12-10T04:10:22.814-06:00

Good News Youth will be collecting canned foods on February 3rd as part of the Souper Bowl of Caring benefiting Hill Country Community Ministries. Bring canned foods of all types to worship on Sunday and contribute to this effort to help our community. Youth will also be walking a neighborhood collecting food from 2-4 pm on February 3rd. We are looking for adult drivers and wagons to join this

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-26775762880297796622008-01-12T09:01:00.002-06:002008-03-18T20:52:04.612-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!I have had a long holiday break from the blog...there are many things going on in the Church to blog about. Here is a collection of thoughts for the new year.We are moving back to Block House Creek Elementary beginning January 20th. With the move we are changing the Sunday morning worship experience. Beginning at 9:30 is Sunday School and Small Groups for all ages. Then at

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-28731039590245070162007-12-22T08:17:00.001-06:002008-03-18T20:48:32.208-05:00

Looking for that last minute gift idea for that hard to buy for dad, grandfather or uncle? I recommend a book titled Quiet Strength. The book is about the head football coach of the Indianapolis Colts, Tony Dungy and his faith journey. If you don't recall the Colts had just won Super Bowl XLI and as Coach Dungy accepted the Vince Lombardy Trophy he chose that moment to confirm his faith in Christ

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-61344248073093506972007-12-18T19:31:00.000-06:002008-12-10T04:10:22.843-06:00

Many times we don’t truly get to see what lies beyond our own daily lives. Many of us simply get out of bed each morning and move through our daily routines doing all the right (and sometimes wrong) things before climbing back into to bed each night. If we are lucky, we find a place within our community where we move beyond this daily routine and become part of a larger group. For many of us,

Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632020402212498560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-86569196424558488682007-12-18T17:02:00.001-06:002008-03-18T20:48:14.340-05:00

Another year, another way to celebrate Christmas from countries around the world. As the families entered the cafeteria, each child was given a passport with information about how Christmas is celebrated in five different countries: USA, Brazil, Australia, China, and Poland. After having a family picture taken, the children moved around the cafeteria, stopping at each country to get their

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-66014365851351644242007-12-15T21:30:00.001-06:002008-12-10T04:10:23.026-06:00

BK we hardly knew ya. That was the feeling I came away with most after the visitation and service. BK sounded like one heck of guy. We knew him as Brian. Family and friends described him as dependable and trustworthy. Someone who they leaned on. Someone they counted on. We were just beginning to get to know BK. He was member of the Building for Mission team, he worked tirelessly on the Holy

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-7553338969045223502007-12-03T13:48:00.001-06:002008-12-10T04:10:23.088-06:00

On Dec 1st in Leander Texas the 5th Annual Leander Christmas Parade was held presented by the Leander Community Club. The event is held each year on the first Saturday of December with local business, churches, clubs and the Leander Police and Fire Departments participating with floats, cars, trucks and more. The beneficiary of the event is Project Blue Santa which collects toys and gifts for

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6971980641564553728.post-6781888835929049872007-11-28T20:38:00.001-06:002008-03-18T20:50:25.778-05:00

Beginning January 2008, I assume the responsibilities of Good News Lay Leader for the next 3 years. One of my initial objectives is to provide additional methods for our members, visitors and friends of our church stay connected with the events at GNUMC. Going Forth: Chronicles of Good News is my first step. The purpose of this blog is to provide a consistent source of information and to share

John McDanielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08268277323997737683noreply@blogger.com0