The Vibrant Church Initiative is a Texas Annual Conference-sponsored three-phase process of discerning this church’s mission in this place at this time so we can fulfill our purpose of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Its focus is to provide resources, facilitation and strategies to church pastors, staff and laity to better reach new people for Christ and become the church God calls them to be in their unique community.

For eight months, we have had a team of laity involved in Phase One - Leadership Development. The centerpiece of VCI is this small group experience built around in-depth reading, discussions and mutual support that lead to discernment of God’s vision for their church.

Having completed this phase, our Church Council has voted unanimously to proceed to Phase Two - Coaching and Consultation. This phase will begin with an extensive self-study of our ministry setting, trying to better understand ourselves and our area. During this time “secret shoppers” will come to the church on different Sunday mornings to evaluate us through the lenses of our guests. Phase Two culminates with a weekend consultation, led by a team of coaches and consultants, who will suggest five “Next Steps” (called “prescriptions”) to bring the church to greater health.

If we vote to proceed with all the prescriptions, we will begin Phase Three - Working Out Next Steps. We will implement this 18-month action plan under the guidance of a directive coach. By the time we complete all the steps, we will be looking for new “Next Steps” because we have seen the positive impact of these first five.

You will be hearing more about VCI in the weeks and months ahead. But be clear: no changes have been discussed and no “secret” plan will be carried out. If you don’t hear about it from me, it’s a rumor so give it no heed. The way forward will be as a church family that will do whatever it takes to turn strangers into friends, friends into family, and family into saints of God.

Grace and peace,

Lead Pastor

KidZone Summer 2013
Mega Rega 2013
KidZone Registration 2013
Click here for Children's page.

Parents and kids, come and see what BCUMC has in store for summer fun! Stop by the Family Life Center on Sunday, June 2, noon to 2:00pm and grab a sno-cone, hotdog or bag of popcorn. Entertainment for children will include games, train rides, and inflatables.

Parents are encouraged to stock up on information about camps, reading programs, and Vacation Bible School. By the way, Summer Blast is the perfect time to register for camps! Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event.

PART-TIME FINANCE MANAGER Responsibilities include payroll and benefits administration, accounting (payables / receivables), and maintaining employee records and vendor information. Prefer experience in Shelby Church Management Systems. Interested? Please send resume and cover letter to Reverend Will Knuckols or call him at 281.463.2330.

PART-TIME ASSISTANT CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR This enthusiastic, vibrant and creative individual must have a love for Jesus and a love for children. Creating an environment that is hospitable for children and their parents is essential. Reporting to Children’s and Youth Director Meredeth Buchman and working with Assistant Children’s Director Larry Tyree, this person will be responsible for developing and leading children's Sunday School teachers and volunteers. This new position will be integral to Bear Creek UMC's renewed focus on our children's ministry. Interested? Please contact Reverend Will Knuckols at 281.463.2330
or willk@bearcreekumc.org.

May, June, July and August are exciting, extra busy months around Bear Creek UMC. This year, there are two new summer employees to help keep the momentum going strong. Please stop by the office and welcome them!

Summer Registrar Taylor Brewer received her bachelor’s degree in education from Texas State University two weeks ago and plans to teach seventh and eighth grade math in the fall. Already a familiar face to many, Taylor has worked in the BCUMC Nursery during special events and summer camps. In addition to registration, she will lend a hand with the children’s camps.

Summer “Funtern” Serena Gonzalez is an intern with Children’s and Youth Director Meredeth Buchman. A 2009 graduate of Conroe High School, Serena recently earned a medical assistant certificate of completion from Texas Health School in The Woodlands. Serena helps with youth activities and will accompany youth on mission trips and to District Camp at Lakeview.

If you are visiting Bear Creek United Methodist Church for the first time, please 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.

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