There will be inserts in this week's bulletin to sign up for the bible studies listed below. You may also click the link at the bottom of this page or conatact Dana Norton at (972) 255-4185 or dana@ppumc.org to sign up.

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DISCIPLE I: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study is the foundation for three additional DISCIPLE courses. This survey course gives equal time to both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as the revelation of God. The principal Scripture for each session follows the chronological movement of the biblical story.

Cost: $35.00
When: Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. for 34 weeks beginning September 4th
Course Leader: Mark Hamilton

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Jesus in the Gospels is produced by DISCIPLE but has no prerequisite to attend. This study invites believers to look at Jesus in each of the four Gospels and ask the questions, “Who is the Jesus that you see?” and “Who is the Jesus you take with you from this study?” The study focuses on the portraits of Jesus found in the four Gospels looking at the way each Gospel writer presents events and teachings and the picture of Jesus that emerges in each of the Gospels.

Jesus in the Gospels is Full

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Disciple: Invitation to the Old Testament explores the Old Testament’s story of God and God's calling of the people of Israel through the many "voices" of the biblical text. This course offers insight from biblical scholars and a visual tour of archaeological sites, ancient artifacts, and other physical remains, related to and illuminating scripture and events.

Cost: $15.00
When: TBD
Course Leader: Dr. Bill La Barr

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Bible Studies for Men & Women from the Pastors are two separate studies, exploring the bible from a gender specific perspective. The small group format provides opportunities to walk together in grace through contemporary issues of our day as men or women. These are ongoing, open studies that require advanced reading of the scripture to be covered each week. 

Cost: None
When: Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. beginning September 5th
Course Leader for Men’s Study: Dr. Bill La Barr
Course Leader for Women’s Study: Rev. Dana Norton

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Sign Language Classes are offered at two levels. Beginning Sign will cover elementary concepts and vocabulary (starts with alphabet, numbers, and basic signs) utilizing the curriculum developed by the Sign Exact English Center. Intermediate Sign will cover intermediate concepts and vocabulary and be taught by a professional interpreter. The first week, is used for evaluation to determine which course is appropriate for participants.

Cost: $25.00 for the required S.E.E. dictionary. An additional charge for all participants of $30 for these 30 week courses defers the cost of interpreter.
When: Beginning Course is Saturdays from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. (will change to 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in October if participants all agree)
Intermediate Course is Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Both classes begin September 8th
Beginning Course Leader: Rev. Dana Norton
Intermediate Course Leader: Bethany Richeson

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Click here to register online

The Children’s Ministry will host a Grandparents’ Day celebration on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Fellowship Hall.

Children fifth grade and younger are invited to bring their grandparents to a festive morning of interactive activities, crafts, snacks and lots of fun and laughter. Do some children have grandparents who live out of town? No worries. With some help from mom and dad, or the Children’s Ministry, ‘grand’ children can adopt a grandma or grandpa for the morning, or vice versa.

Let’s make Grandparents’ Day 2012 the ‘grandest’ ever. RSVP to Children’s Director Cori Bell.

We’re Back!

Day 1…check! I know that our private school students have been back for several weeks, but for the majority of our students, the first day of the new school year is nearly behind them. My prayer is – and continues to be – that all of our students and their teachers have a fantastic year, filled with fun and laughter and learning.

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Sunday School

Sunday School classes resumed this past Sunday with a big crowd! Most of the kids seem excited to be back and happy to see all their friends again. Be sure to join us this Sunday at 10 am for Sunday School. Class begins at 10:15 am immediately following P3.

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Breakfast

The Dinou family is in charge of breakfast this week.

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Student Outreach

Back to school means back to church! Student Outreach will begin again this week on Wednesday nights with a new Youth Band, new games and activities and new topics. We’ve got some great stuff planned for this school year. So invite a friend to come to church with you!

We’ve got a fun night planned this week! We’re going to take a quick look back at the summer before we divide up into our new Family Groups. We want to recognize our new 6th graders as well as our 12th graders, so make plans to be there.

The Youth Hall opens at 6 pm for hanging out, playing pool or ping pong. There is no dinner at the church this week, but bring your food with you and come hang out with your friends before we get started. Let’s get this school year started off on the right foot – at church!

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Parent's Meeting

The annual Youth Parent’s Meeting will be Sunday, September 9th at 2 pm in the Fellowship Hall. We’ll discuss the visions and plans for the Youth program plus the calendar for the upcoming year.

Parents of the Confirmation Class of 2013 are asked to stay afterwards for a brief informational meeting.

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Get Ready for College

We’re got a huge 12th grade class this year, with lots of oldest children! The college selection and application process can be very daunting and confusing. Anna Bullard has agreed to hold an informative session for all 12 th graders and their parents to help get you started on your journey. She’ll talk about college visits, the application process, testing, and deadlines for scholarships. All 12th graders will want to attend – with their parents!

We’ll meet on Sunday, September 16th immediately following the 11 am service in the Youth Hall. Food will be provided.

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Fall Retreat

We’re planning our annual Fall Retreat at Rockin’ C Ranch September 21-23 for all grades 6th—12th. We’ll leave Friday night at 6 pm and return Sunday afternoon about 2. The cost is $100 per person, including adults. Activities include swimming, canoeing, high ropes, trail rides, volleyball, and fishing. It’s going to be a great time.

Look for a flyer in your mailbox soon!

The new PPUMC cookbook will have about 850 recipes to offer. This is by far the biggest cookbook ever offered by PPUMC. The last published book had about 300 recipes. You will also find cooking tips and conversions for some of those old time favorites. Included will be recipes for and by children, for the guys and a special memorial section called Heavenly Cuisine. Church favorites that are just part of our life together as a church are also included. Have you ever wanted the recipe for the Communion Bread? What about the chicken spaghetti served at Music Ministry fundraisers? Yep, you’ll find both recipes!

The new PPUMC cookbook will be available for the price of $25 during of August and September. Cookbooks will arrive for pickup by the end of September. Stop by the Communications table in the Ministries Center on Sunday mornings for more information. You’ll want enough for Christmas gifts. The sales will support the communication needs of the church.

Join Praising Hands!

The Sign Choir is starting back on September 1, meeting Saturdays from noon until 1 p.m. New to sign? No experience necessary. This is a great opportunity to discover a love of signing. Bring a sack lunch to eat as we work.

There will be inserts in this week's bulletin to sign up for the bible studies listed below. You may also click the link at the bottom of this page or conatact Dana Norton at (972) 255-4185 or dana@ppumc.org to sign up.

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DISCIPLE I: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study is the foundation for three additional DISCIPLE courses. This survey course gives equal time to both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as the revelation of God. The principal Scripture for each session follows the chronological movement of the biblical story.

Cost: $35.00
When: Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. for 34 weeks beginning September 4th
Course Leader: Mark Hamilton

---

Jesus in the Gospels is produced by DISCIPLE but has no prerequisite to attend. This study invites believers to look at Jesus in each of the four Gospels and ask the questions, “Who is the Jesus that you see?” and “Who is the Jesus you take with you from this study?” The study focuses on the portraits of Jesus found in the four Gospels looking at the way each Gospel writer presents events and teachings and the picture of Jesus that emerges in each of the Gospels.

Cost: $43.00
When:  Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon beginning September 4th
Course Leader: Dr. Bill La Barr

---

Disciple: Invitation to the Old Testament explores the Old Testament’s story of God and God's calling of the people of Israel through the many "voices" of the biblical text. This course offers insight from biblical scholars and a visual tour of archaeological sites, ancient artifacts, and other physical remains, related to and illuminating scripture and events.

Cost: $15.00
When: TBD
Course Leader: Dr. Bill La Barr

---

Bible Studies for Men & Women from the Pastors are two separate studies, exploring the bible from a gender specific perspective. The small group format provides opportunities to walk together in grace through contemporary issues of our day as men or women. These are ongoing, open studies that require advanced reading of the scripture to be covered each week. 

Cost: None
When: Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. beginning September 5th
Course Leader for Men’s Study: Dr. Bill La Barr
Course Leader for Women’s Study: Rev. Dana Norton

---

Sign Language Classes are offered at two levels. Beginning Sign will cover elementary concepts and vocabulary (starts with alphabet, numbers, and basic signs) utilizing the curriculum developed by the Sign Exact English Center. Intermediate Sign will cover intermediate concepts and vocabulary and be taught by a professional interpreter. The first week, is used for evaluation to determine which course is appropriate for participants.

Cost: $25.00 for the required S.E.E. dictionary. An additional charge for all participants of $30 for these 30 week courses defers the cost of interpreter.
When: Beginning Course is Saturdays from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. (will change to 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in October if participants all agree)
Intermediate Course is Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Both classes begin September 8th
Beginning Course Leader: Rev. Dana Norton
Intermediate Course Leader: Bethany Richeson

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Click here to register online

Good morning! Happy last week before school starts!!

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Rangers Baseball

This Wednesday, August 22, is our trip to the Rangers Baseball game. I’ve still got two tickets left! If you are interested, please let me know ASAP! If you have not yet paid for your ticket, please bring $16 with you on Wednesday. We’re going to meet here at 5:30 pm to car pool to the ball park. It’s $1 hot dog night.

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Senior High Pool Party

Senior High – all youth going into 9-12 grade – are invited to a pool party at Sarah Gillespie’s house Saturday night, August 25 for a Back-to-School Pool Party from 7-10 pm. Contact me if you need the address. here in Irving. Be sure to be there – it’s going to be a great time!!

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Promotion Sunday

This Sunday is Promotion Sunday in Sunday School. The new 6th graders will join us and everyone will more into their classroom as we start our fall program. We gather between 9:45 and 10:15 – classes begin after P3 is finished. Our Sunday School classes are grouped by age groups. The middle School students – grades 6, 7, and 8 – are divided by gender. The 9th and 10th grade students are all in one class, as are the 11th and 12th graders. Parents rotate each week to provide breakfast. A schedule goes out for 5 months at a time. This week the Coalson family is in charge of food.

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Sunday School Teacher Needed

Speaking of Sunday School – we’ve had a few changes in the teaching line up – and are in need of another teacher for the Middle School Girls class. It’s a small class led by Pam Benson. You don’t have to have a daughter in the class to help teach. If you are interested and willing, please talk to either me or Pam.

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Youth Leadership Meeting

This Sunday is our first Youth Leadership Meeting at 12:15 pm.

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See you at the church!

Peg

The church office often experiences hungry families coming to the church that do not have means to prepare and cook food, and may be in need of other necessities. Often, these folks are transient and are unable to obtain help in other places. Our stock of food is in need of replenishment. We do not want to send someone who comes into our church hungry away from us hungry. Therefore, we are again assembling boxes of food that can be given to families that are in need. We ask your help in this important ministry. There are a few items that we need in order to complete boxes that we can make with the items that are currently in our pantry. Crackers, Boxes of cereal/Breakfast Bars and Boxed Milk (not powdered), are what we need to complete these boxes. If you can help with these items at this time, please bring your items to the church office. Thank You.

Vendor Information:

PPUMC is looking for vendors for this year's Market at the Park. Please click the link below if you are interested in or know someone who would be interested in being a vendor at this year's event:

2012 Vendor Form

Parents of incoming kindergartners see Kinderprayers note below

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Sunday School

The London Olympics may have ended but we will continue our own (Bible) Olympics. We will be looking at some Scriptures from Paul that talk about Christians as athletes. Thanks to Tiffany for helping yesterday.

I hope you got a chance to see the new Sunday school rooms yesterday. Remember that Club 345 is now in room 312 and Kid Kingdom is in 313. Both are across from the Youth Hall.

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Blessing of the Backpacks and Promotion Sunday – August 26

This is the day that incoming 3 year olds, kindergartners, 3rd graders, and 6th graders move into their new Sunday school classes. We will also have our blessing of all students in P3 and 11am – this is for everyone from the youngest preschooler to the oldest PhD student as well as those who work in education. So bring those backpacks, message bags, or briefcases for our special blessing.

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Kinderprayers – August 25

This is for incoming Kindergartners and at least one of their parents. We meet in their new Sunday school room and help ease their transition into rotation model Sunday school and to being with the “big kids”. We learn the new rules and we make prayer boxes. It looks like most prefer Saturday morning so make plans now to come on Saturday, August 25 at 10am in the new Kid Kingdom room (#313 – across from Youth Hall).

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Wednesday, September 5 – First Kid’s Club and Acolyte Training

We will begin our Wednesday night dinners and choir practice for all 3 year olds – 6th graders and our Bible study/activity time for 3rd-5th graders.

Every 3rd-5th grader who wants to acolyte needs to come to training EVEN IF YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN AN ACOLYTE. We need to size them for their robes and remind them of their duties. If they don’t come they won’t be put on the list to acolyte. This training will be in place of Bible Study that night.

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Sunday, September 9 – Third Grade Bibles

We will present Bibles to our new 3rd graders at the 11am service. After the service we will take them to the Club 345 room for pizza and activities to learn how to use their Bibles. We should be done about 1:30pm.

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Market at the Park on Saturday, September 29

This is our one fund raiser for the year. Children’s Ministry is in charge of the gift market so if you or someone you know would like a booth please let me know. We will need help on Friday to mark off the booths and help during Saturday to sell concessions and help with the exhibitors. And any suggestions to add to our revenue will be greatly appreciated.

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Acolytes

Ale and Naomi