Jerri Savuto, retired UM missionary recently returned from Africa, will be speaking in the Namaste Sunday School Class this Sunday, Feb 3. All are welcome!!

Mark your calendars for a very important event. Dr. Eric McKinney of the Texas Methodist Foundation will present a basic seminar on how to make a plan for your loved ones. The Endowment Committee offers a Sept. 30 “Getting Your House in Order” seminar at 5 pm followed by a free barbecue dinner prepared by Joe Canafax.

Giving the loving gift of preparedness to those we love is one of the greatest gifts of all. Lack of preparedness can leave families even more devastated during times of sorrow and loss. By attending this seminar, families can gain peace of mind along with a sound understanding of basic estate planning.

“Getting Your House in Order” is a seminar for adults of all ages, and for this fall offering, the Endowment Committee is putting special emphasis on inviting younger families with children still in the home. There are critical decisions parents need to make to ensure the well being of their children should something happen to them. Knowing a plan has been made and is secure will offer a sense of security for all involved.

Included in the seminar is a workbook to use as a guide in making important decisions. Dr. McKinney will discuss requirements for a valid will and other estate planning tools. The workbook provides helpful information about needed paperwork, including samples of a living will. He will also explain some of the best ways to leave a legacy for family and church as part of the event.

The only cost is $10 for the 33-page workbook, and scholarships are available should this be a hardship. Child care will be available on request. Look for the registration table in the Ministry Center beginning Sept. 16.

A new Sunday School class is forming at PPUMC, for Singles in their 40's and 50's. Appropriately entitled "Crossroads," we will focus on God's plans for us, regardless of our life situation up to this point. We are looking forward to learning more about the Bible while making new friends. If you are interested in finding out more about this group, please join us in the Activity Room during the Sunday School hour. We will be discussing curriculum and other plans for the group.

Have you noticed the new Sunday School class in room 109? Name: Viginti Triginta (Latin meaning Twenty Thirty). Some are married, some are engaged, singles are welcomed. Most have young children or even a few newborns. If this describes you and you are interested in building lifelong relationships with others as you journey together in Christian fellowship and study, come to room 109 on Sunday mornings at 10:15 a.m. You will be just down the hall from your little ones….or if it’s just too much to ask for you to leave that newborn in the nursery….bring them with you as we grow together in what it means to be a supportive community.

DISCIPLE: Invitation to the Old Testament

Class starts September 17. It 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. A workbook is required at a cost of $15 for this 8 week study. Course Leader: Dr. Bill La Barr.

BIBLE STUDIES FOR MEN & WOMEN FROM THE PASTORS

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. There is no cost for either study. Both studies are on Wednesdays from 7 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

Offered at two levels. Beginning Sign will cover elementary concepts and vocabulary 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 S.E.E. dictionary is required for this course at a cost of $25. An additional charge for all participants of $30 for these 30 week courses . Beginning Course is Saturdays from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.. (may change to 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in October); 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.

You may contact Dana Norton at 972-255-4185 or dana@ppumc.org to sign up for any of the above classes.

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.

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.

Jesus in the Gospels is Full

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

It is now open enrollment for the 2012-2013 school year for students ages 18 months to 5th grade at Wesleyan Academe. Located here at PPUMC, Wesleyan Academe specializes in Christian Early Childhood and Elementary classes with a low student to teacher class ratio.

The Preschool and Prekindergarten program includes a full or half day schedule. The Elementary program begins at Kindergarten and continues to the 5th grade. Spanish, P. E. and Music are offered as enrichment classes. 

Before and Aftercare are available for the working parent. If you would like more information about the school programs, please call 972-252-4733 or go to wesleyanacademe.org for more information.

We are thrilled to have Linda Douty as our Retreat Leader this year. Linda is a teacher, retreat leader, speaker, and writer on topics related to spiritual formation and personal growth for Upper Room, Alive Now and the website explorefaith.org. She attended Memphis State University majoring in English and pursued studies in religion, philosophy, and Bible at both Lambuth University and Southern Methodist University. Linda completed the Academy for Spiritual Formation and serves on their leadership team. She is a graduate of the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Guidance. She is the mother of two grown sons and has five grandchildren.

Linda is the author of four books:
How Can I Let Go If I Don’t Know I’m Holding On? –Setting Our Souls Free 
How Can I See the Light When It’s So Dark? – Journey to a Thankful Heart 
How Did I Get to Be 70 When I’m 35 Inside – Spiritual Surprises of Later Life 
and
Praying in the Messiness of Life – 7 Ways to Renew Your Relationship With God.

Retreat Schedule 

Friday, February 17th 
3-6:00 Optional Early Check-in
6-7:00 Check-in at hotel desk and pick up your Retreat packet near hotel lobby
7-8:15 Evening Activities: Overview by Linda Douty, Music & Vespers.
8:15 Fun, games, crafts, Massages (bring extra money), and The Dessert Buffet, of course! 

Saturday, February 18th
7-9:00 Famous Full Service Breakfast in Atrium
9:00-9:15 ‘Saturday only’ guests pick up your Retreat packet outside our Salon Conf. Rm
9:15-10:15 Introduction & First Session in our Salon Con- ference Room with Linda Douty
10:15-10:30 Break 10:30-11:30 Second Session with Linda
11:30-11:45 Check Out of your rooms
11:45-12:45 Delicious Lunch in the Atrium
12:45-1:45 Third Session with Linda
1:45-1:55 Break
1:55- 2:40 Final Session with Linda
2:40-3:00 Break
3:00-3:30 Closing Worship and Communion w/ Reverends Joan LaBarr and Dana Norton 

 For Registration or Emergency Information contact: Marty Graham at 214.534.8004 or Marsha Dickens at 214.697.7060

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The women's Bible Study will meet again for the spring semester using Priscilla Shirer's study One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land. Priscilla encourages participants to fully engage in the abundant life God has waiting for those who will allow Him to take the lead in daily living. One in a Million is an opportunity for you to experience your deliverance from strongholds, to conquer your wilderness living, and to claim your God-given inheritance. Please join us beginning Wednesday, January 4th at 10:30 in room 108. Contact Amanda Nicholls at Amanda@2amps.com to reserve your workbook. Childcare is provided.

What: AHA, CPR and AED Certification

For Whom: PPUMC Ushers and all those interested

Location: PPUMC, room 108

Date & Time: January 14, 2012, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Presenter: Thomas Mullins through Harris Methodist Hosp. and American Heart Assoc.

Cost: $35 (you will receive your card as you leave)

We will be working on the floor, so dress appropriately. (Think I will bring my gardening knee pad. - Marty)

Reservations or questions: Call or email Marty Graham by January 6 at m.s.graham@mindspring.com