Super Bowl Sunday is February 5! United Methodist Men are taking orders for its legendary barbecue - a Bear Creek tradition - Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, January 29. Take note of this year’s new menu items and stop by the UMM table in the Courtyard between services to make your selections! To place an order by phone, please call Gary Heath at 832.474.4010.

Check the Bear Creek Family News to find out what's being offered!

The first “Last Monday” meeting of United Methodist Men begins at 7:00 pm on January 30 in the Fellowship Hall. Please consider inviting a friend!

Dr. Jonathan Bynum will be the guest speaker and his topic will be "Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service and Witness: A Call for Men." While there is no cost for the meal, a love offering will be taken.

If you would like to help organize Last Mondays, feel free to contact Bill Kemp at 713.817.3090 or mail3@billkemp.com.

Are you looking for a creative way to become more involved at BCUMC? The Connecting Hearts Committee is in charge of church-wide, outreach events, including the Easter Eggstravaganza, Independence Day Celebration, and Family Christmas Block Party. The goal of these gatherings is to connect with the surrounding community and invite individuals to visit our campus and enjoy fellowship with Bear Creek UMC.

Your help is needed for the Easter Eggstravaganza, slated for Saturday, March 31, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. Festivities will include the Easter story and egg hunt as well as games, crafts and activities for all ages. If you are able to assist with this event or serve on the Connecting Hearts Committee, please contact Tam Cash or Gaylynn Brewer.

The time has come to reserve your spot for the BCUMC Retreat at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center February 3-5 outside of Palestine, Texas. Registration forms are in the Church Office or Narthex.

Most families will pay around $225 - singles and couples much less - for the entire weekend. Accommodations, including heat/ac and private bathrooms, are comfortably provided in rooms. Our community gathering room will be in the St. Luke’s Building, which is spacious and well lit, ready for us to play, worship, and enjoy all of those great snacks together!

Set aside time and register soon for the opportunity to spend the weekend in a beautiful setting with the Bear Creek Family. Contact Dr. Jonathan Bynum and his wife Lea for more details.

Is your name on the BCUMC Leadership roster for 2012? If so, please attend leadership training on Monday, January 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. You will be fed - body, mind and soul! Please call Charla at 281.463.2330, ext. 106, to make reservations for child care.

Have you heard about the United Methodist Women’s Retreat March 23-25 at Camp Allen? If not, here are the top 10 reasons to come:

10.	You’ll have the chance for a "girls only" weekend!
9.	No one will expect you to pick up their cleaning or mop the floor!
8.	You will not have to cook all weekend!
7.	On your free time you can shop, take a nap, canoe, ride a horse or hike around Camp Allen!
6.	You can play games, be loud and silly or steal away for solitude and read a “good” book!
5.	You will make up to 60 new friends - some from a different church - and connect with old friends!
4.	You will find regardless of whatever you are facing, you are not alone!
3.	You can be who Jesus Christ intends you to be!
2.	You will discover just how you are “Purse-uing God!”
1.	You will enjoy the music, comedy and lessons from Shannon Perry!”

 

So don’t wait! Come listen…Come rest...Come talk…Come be refreshed! Register Sunday at the table in the Courtyard after worship services and invite a few friends to come with you! Early bird rate is only $120 for two-night lodging and five meals if you pay by Monday, January 23. The price increases to $160 January 24-February 27. A “Day Only” option is available.

Questions? Contact Tanya Walker or Meredeth Buchman or call the church office at 281-463-2330.

Look for the Bible Reading Plan in the Narthex or on the website's home page. Read specific passages every day; then visit Dr. Jonathan Bynum’s blog at bearcreekbible.wordpress.com.

BCUMC members, thanks to your gifts to the church during the Nehemiah Campaign, there will be a note-burning ceremony of the Sanctuary note (which includes the Fellowship Hall, Education Building and Sanctuary loan notes) Sunday, January 29 at noon.

A celebration lunch will follow in the Family Life Center Gym. To RSVP, please complete the card in today’s bulletin or call the Church Office at 281.463.2330.

Drinks, meat and dessert will be provided. If you are able to attend, please bring a salad or side dish to serve six to eight. Don’t miss this important occasion in the life of BCUMC!

The Spring Semester of Bear Creek University kicks off Wednesday, February 1, and recruitment is under way for teachers. If you have an idea for a class...or better yet, a hobby or passion that you are willing to share with adults, children or youth, please contact Rev. Will Knuckols at willk@bearcreekumc.org or 281.463.2330.

If you are visiting Bear Creek UMC for the first time, stop by the Welcome Center in the Courtyard after the service to claim your gift - a 12-ounce ceramic coffee mug, paired with a spoon that fits neatly through the handle. The combo is ideal for a piping hot drink

Additional mugs are available for $5 each in the Church Office, Welcome Center or Hebrews Coffee House. Proceeds allow BCUMC to give mugs to first-time guests.