FAQ and their answers can be found on this page.
Still have questions? Call Reverend Suzy Reedstrom at the church office, 713-468-8356 or
suzyreedstrom@mdumc.org.
Staff Information
How do I contact someone at the church?
You can call 713-468-8356 and speak to the receptionist who will forward your call.
Worship Information
Worship Times Sundays
Traditional Services at 8:15, 9:30 & 11 AM in the Sanctuary
The Journey, Contemporary Worship at
the Well (13186 Memorial Drive) at 11:01 AM
Wednesdays Mid-Week Worship at 6:30 PM in Friendship Court
This is a a brief, contemplative service led by Rev. Reedstrom
Thursdays Senior Adult Lunch & Worship at 11:30 AM at the Senior Adult Center
Do you have a contemporary service? Yes,
the Journey, our contemporary service is held on Sundays at 11:01 AM at
the Well (13186 Memorial Drive).
Do you celebrate communion? MDUMC celebrates communion on the first Sunday of each month. On the other Sundays, communion is served at 9:15 AM in the Landrum Chapel, which is located on the east side of the campus off of Wesley Hall. Communion is also celebrated at Mid-Week Worship on the third Wednesday of the month. Communion is also served every Sunday at
the Journey worship service.
My children need to be baptized, when can I do that?
If your child is an infant, we can arrange to baptize them at a Sunday service. Contact Sarah Smith at 713-468-8356 ext. 126 or
sarahsmith@mdumc.org to schedule a baptism. At least one parent has to be a member of the church. We suggest that if a child is not an infant, they wait until confirmation and the sacrament of baptism will be administered then.
Is childcare available during worship services and other events? Childcare is available in the Children’s Ministry area during Sunday and Wednesday evening services. Childcare for other events varies and is frequently arranged based on the anticipated demand.
Can I get a recording of a Sunday service?
The sermon is recorded each week. You can request a CD from the church receptionist for $5.00 by calling 713/468-8356. Sometimes a recording will be available that morning, but you can usually pick it up within a week. You can also download mp3s files of the sermons by clicking
here.
History of the Church
How old is MDUMC? MDUMC was founded on July 13, 1958, in Chapman's Corner restaurant. The original sanctuary was what is now Wesley Hall. The current sanctuary was built in 1977. A book,
Memorial Drive United Methodist Church: A History, is available in the church library.
Joining and Membership Information
How do I become a member of the church?
To become a member of the church, you may come forward during the closing hymn at any Sunday or Wednesday service. There are cards in the pews of the main sanctuary which you should fill out if you join during a Sunday Service. If you have never been baptized, the pastor will perform this sacrament at that time. However, we do accept a baptism from any Christian denomination. All new members are asked to take a vow of loyalty to Memorial Drive. Contact Rev. Collin Taylor at 713/468-8356 or
collintaylor@mdumc.org. For more information about joining, click
here.
Do I need to be a member to participate in church events?
No. If you want to be a member of the church council or other decision-making groups, membership is required, but you may attend Sunday School or church and participate fully in other general events without being a member.
Do I have to talk to someone first about joining? No, you do not have to talk to someone first. We would always like a chance to get to know you before you join, but it is certainly not a requirement.
Do I have to take a class to join? No, you do not have to take a class. The second Sunday of the month at the Connection Center at 8:30 AM, there is a breakfast where you can visit with and ask questions of MDUMC members and clergy.
Do I have to walk up front to join?
We prefer that you do. When someone joins a church, we want to give our current members the opportunity to meet their new brother or sister in Christ. We celebrate new members and want the congregation to have a chance to welcome you personally.
Can my children join when I join?
Children are an important part of our church. When they join the church with you, they are considered preparatory members. They become full members when they go through confirmation in the sixth grade.
What will be expected of me? When a new member joins, they are asked if they will support the church by their prayers, presence, gifts and their service. This vow of membership is not just for the benefit of the church but for you as well. Together, we make up what we call the Body of Christ, the church. Each one's involvement in the life and work of the church strengthens the body.
How many members attend MDUMC? Approximately 6600 members are on the official rolls, with about 1300 attending services each week.
Can you send me a copy of the church's bi-monthly newsletter? To receive the newsletter, contact Judy Brewer at 713-468-8356 or
judybrewer@mdumc.org.
My address has changed. Whom do I contact?
Call the church at 713-465-8356 and ask to speak to the membership secretary; or you can add this information on the registration pads which are passed during each Sunday service.
Do you sell the membership lists to any political or religious groups? MDUMC never gives out private information about members to any group. You can indicate on your membership record if you don't want your phone number in the membership directory, or you may contact the membership secretary for more information.
Navigate Booklet – a tool for navigating our large church. This booklet provides information about all the programs of this church.
Activities and Programming Information
What programs are available for different age groups? The MDUMC website contains detailed information about most church programs. Click on any of the buttons at the top of the page to learn more about MDUMC programs.
Information on Weddings
How can I arrange for a wedding at MDUMC?
Please visit this area of our website. If you have questions, contact Judy Brewer at 713-468-8356 or
judybrewer@mdumc.org.
Does the church perform marriages for people who have been divorced?
Yes, Memorial Drive UMC follows the social principles prescribed by the United Methodist Church which allows divorced persons to remarry.
Campus Information How many campuses do you have?
We have three campuses. The main campus is located at 12955 Memorial Drive which includes the sanctuary with a pipe organ, full-size kitchen, gymnasium with basketball court, racquetball court, 2000-volume library, classrooms, a soccer field, Scout Hut, youth lounge and two outside playgrounds.
The Connection Center is located at 13150 Memorial Drive. It includes a youth center, The Refuge, located on the east end of the center with a gameroom, kitchen facilities including a grill, and state-of-the-art media available. The Refuge is a gathering place for the youth of the community. The Senior Center, located on the west end of the Connection Center, hosts activities and studies. Construction will begin a teaching/worship auditorium and meeting areas for support groups will begin the summer of 2007.
Larkin Community Center is located at 5410 Larkin Street and is an outreach ministry supported by MDUMC. Larkin includes a daycare center, food pantry and provides emergency assistance.
Where can I find room A104, D227, etc? The letter indicates the area and the first number indicates the floor (1 or 2). A, B, C and D rooms are located on the main campus and Connection Center rooms are indicated by CC. Maps of the campus are available in literature racks throughout the church.
Where should I go if I have an appointment with a minister or other staff member?
Park in the west parking lot and enter through the glass doors. The receptionist will assist you.
To notify the church about hospitalizations and deaths, please contact Sarah Smith at 713-468-8356, X126 or sarahsmith@mdumc.org.
Parking Information
Do you have handicapped parking spaces? Handicapped parking places are just outside the sanctuary on the east and west sides of the church.
Is additional parking available? We have shuttle parking available on Sunday mornings from The Connection Center on Memorial Drive to the church. Church vans run at regular intervals between the church and the offsite parking area.
Information about Children For more information on programs for children at MDUMC, click
here.
Is childcare available during worship services and other events?
Childcare is available in the Children’s Ministry area during Sunday and Wednesday evening services. Childcare for other events varies and is frequently arranged based on the anticipated demand.
Do you have Sunday School for children?
Yes, we have Sunday School for children ages preschool, elementary and youth at 9:30 AM. There is a smaller program for children in the second hour. Children’s Church, a worship experience designed for children, is offered at 11:20 AM. Children may begin worship with their parents at 11:00 AM and then they will be shepherded to Children’s Church.
Can my children join when I join?
Children are an important part of our church. When they join the church with you, they are considered preparatory members. They become full members when they go through confirmation in the sixth grade.
My children need to be baptized, when can I do that?
If your child is an infant, we can arrange to baptize them at a Sunday service. Contact Sarah Smith at 713-468-8356 ext. 126 or
sarahsmith@mdumc.org to schedule a baptism. At least one parent has to be a member of the church. We suggest that if a child is not an infant, they wait until confirmation and the sacrament of baptism will be administered then.
Is there a place for children with special needs? Parents may contact the Director of Children's Ministries to discuss how to meet the needs of children with special needs such as deafness, blindness, asthma, mental retardation, autism, etc. For questions please call Donna Reed at 713-468-8356 ext. 132 or email her at
donnareed@mdumc.org.
Do you have a scout troop? Yes. Boy Scout Troop 599 meets weekly in the Scout Hut. Several Girl Scout troops meet in the MDUMC facilities.
Special Needs Information
Do you have handicapped parking spaces? Handicapped parking places are just outside the sanctuary on the east and west sides of the church.
Is there an elevator for getting to the second floor?
An elevator near D127 provides access to the rooms beginning with C, D, and F on the second floor. Elevator access to second floor rooms beginning with A and B is located near A103 and the Library.
Can you pick me up from home?
Contact the reception desk at 713-468-8356 for information on transportation for Sunday services.
Can you bring communion to me at my pew?
During communion, you may remain seated and indicate to an usher that you need communion brought to you.
I am hard of hearing. Can I get a hearing device for the service?
A limited number of hearing devices are available from the ushers. The church also has devices available to sell to individuals for regular use.
I have trouble reading small print. Can I get a large-print copy of the Sunday service bulletin? Large-print bulletins and hymnals are available from any usher.
Is there a place for children with special needs?
Parents may contact the Director of Children's Ministries to discuss how to meet the needs of children with special needs such as deafness, blindness, asthma, mental retardation, autism, etc.