Main Campus & West Campus

The New Year usually begins with urgency: new goals, new habits, high expectations. Even in the church, we often treat the New Year like a spiritual CrossFit class – move faster, do more, work harder, fix what’s broken. And remember, do it quickly! The invitation of scripture is diHerent. In fact, Jesus never seems to be in a hurry.

This January, we’re beginning the year with a Slow Start, not because we lack ambition or purpose, but because we trust that God’s grace sets a different pace than we find in modern culture. Over four weeks, we’ll explore how rest is not an escape from life but a way of entering more deeply into it. We’ll listen for Jesus’ invitation to the weary, discover how God restores our souls, learn how slowing down makes room for relationships, and embrace the pace of grace that forms us over time.

This series itself is an invitation – not to do more – but to receive more: more grace, more healing, more connection, and more trust in the God who hopes not that we’ll hurry but that we’ll abide in him.

Your generosity empowers ministry all year long, and it is especially important this month! December typically accounts for 27.5% of our annual income, and we need that to be true again this year to meet all our commitments and to finish 2025 in a financially healthy position. Your year-end giving can help make that happen! You can give cash or by check, through a stock donation or qualified charitable distribution from an IRA, or online anytime at mdumc.org/give.  However you give, we invite you to be a bold and joyful giver this season!  Contact Keri Bruegger at Communications@mdumc.org with any questions.

Services of Candle lighting and Communion.

Children’s Service | 11 AM | West Campus - The Journey

Contemporary Services | 3, 5, 7 PM

Classic Services | 4, 6, 11 PM

*Streamed at mdumc.org/christmas.

Main Campus - Sanctuary

A quiet and reflective service of hope and prayer.

Main Campus - Sanctuary

A Christmas concert brought to life by the Chancel Choir, orchestra, Journey Band, and special guests in a family-friendly evening filled with the Christmas classics and beloved hymns you know and love

5:30, 6 & 6:30 PM | Main Campus - Gym

A retelling of the birth of Christ by the MDUMC youth ministry. Join us for this live-action event. $5 per person or $10 per family. Tickets available at the door.

Main Campus - Sanctuary

Houston’s premier handbell choir presents “I Heard The Bells” as part of their 2025 Christmas concert series.

Main Campus - Sanctuary

This concert features both the Agape youth & children’s choirs to celebrate the Christmas season.

Main Campus - Wesley Hall

We’ll welcome our District Superintendent for this important annual gathering where we’ll worship together, conduct essential administrative business, and engage in guided conversations about our church’s witness in the world. All are welcome to attend, and if you have any questions, please contact Judy Brewer at Communications@mdumc.org.

Main Campus

MDUMC invites you to bring your pets and animals to receive a blessing from one of our pastors. This year’s event will feature a drive-thru format under the covered drive in the West Parking Lot near the Sanctuary, where pastors will offer blessings and optional treats. The soccer field will also be open for leashed pets to meet and mingle. All are welcome!

West Campus - The Journey

Join us for A Night of Broadway, a special evening of music in support of MDUMC’s Music Ministries. Enjoy inspiring performances of Broadway favorites while helping to grow and sustain our vibrant music programs. Purchase your ticket down below, we’d love to see you there!

Main Campus - Wesley Hall

Join us for a wonderful time of food, fellowship, and fun as we celebrate Thanksgiving together in Wesley Hall! We’ll provide the turkey, and you’re invited to bring your favorite side dish to share. There will be fun activities for the kids, and the nursery will be available for children ages 2 and under. Questions? Contact Carrie Neal Communications@mdumc.org.

Main Campus - Wesley Hall

$12 Registration

Join us for an All Saints Sunday luncheon hosted by MDUMC pastors and staff. You'll find solace knowing you're not alone on this journey. In addition to the luncheon next door in the Prayer Chapel there will be moments to light candles in memory of loved ones who have passed.

Childcare is available upon request. For more information or to register, please contact Kelly Cragg Vicente, Director of Hospitality and Member Care, at KellyVicente@mdumc.org. Join us as we share in grief, celebrate hope, and honor those we hold dear.

Main Campus - Sanctuary | Combined Services

Join us as we come together to celebrate the lives of those we love and who have gone before us. This special All Saints Sunday will bring our entire church family together for combined worship services at 9:30 and 11 AM in the Sanctuary.

Experience a beautiful blend of music featuring both the Orchestra and The Journey Band as our Classic and Contemporary Worship communities unite to honor and remember all saints. 

Please note: 

• All worship services will be in the Sanctuary and there will be no services at The Journey on West Campus this Sunday.

• Families are invited and encouraged to worship together in the Sanctuary. We will have extra opportunities to help children participate in and experience worship. There will not be children’s Sunday School this day. 

Following the 11 AM service, all are invited to a special All Saints Luncheon as we continue in fellowship and remembrance together. Visit mdumc.org/allsaintssunday.

Trunk or Treat | 5-6 PM

Main Campus

Bring the whole family for our annual Pumpkin Fest! Enjoy Trunk-or-Treat, carnival games, a pumpkin patch, live music from The Journey Band, and dinner available for purchase. Wear your favorite costume, invite a friend, and join the fun! Want to host a trunk? Sign up at mdumc.org/pumpkinfest.

Main Campus - Wesley Hall & Friendship Court

Reconnect with God at this half-day workshop exploring five ancient spiritual practices: praying with scripture, silence, walking, art, and daily life. Each includes a short teaching, guided experience, and reflection. Led by Rev. Jenny Veres-Schrecengost and the MDUMC Contemplative Council. Cost is $25 and includes lunch.

Main Campus - Chapel

In recognition of this day, our Prayer Chapel on our Main Campus will be open following the 9:30 & 11 AM worship services. You’re invited to light a candle, lift a prayer, and find comfort in community as we honor and remember precious lives lost. For more information, please reach out to Kelly Vicente at Communications.@mdumc.org.

West Campus - The Journey

Join us for Intermission, a free respite program for children with special needs (ages 4-12). Children will explore the indoor playground, sensory play, and themed activities in a 1:1 ratio.

West Campus - The Journey

Join us for God’s Love: A Journey of Faith and Joy, a heartwarming evening featuring Connor Tomlinson and Tanner Smith from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, along with their mothers, Lise Menard Smith and Nicci Smith. This unforgettable event will highlight powerful stories of faith, inclusion, and love—and how God’s presence can be found in every journey. Benefiting the Special Needs Ministry, Mikey’s Place, Steel Magnolia Moms, and the V-ATPase Alliance, this is a night of inspiration you won’t want to miss.

Shamba Ya Amani - 8401 Dairy View Lane

Join us at Shamba Ya Amani, which means “Farm of Peace” in Swahili. It’s a beautiful community garden led by FAM Houston, one of our community partners. Volunteers and families gather every Saturday to plant, harvest, and even tend beehives that support their community. It’s a fun, hands-on way to make a real impact!

Questions? Contact Kelsey Johnson at Communications@mdumc.org.

Main Campus - Friendship Court

• Ask the doctor to answer health questions

• Physical Therapist to screen for balance and provide direction on how to improve.

• Breast Cancer awareness.

• B/P pressure and cholesterol screening with a specialist to assess and provide direction.

• CPR– Education with direction and practice for babies and adults.

• Christ Clinic provides information and screening for glucose and weight.

• Immunizations and Vaccines- flu shots, Covid, pneumococcal, shingles

The luncheon panel will include a speaker on the disparities of health in our community and why the 2535 clinic is so important, followed by Lara Mautz (executive director of Christ Clinic) speaking on the goals and objectives in improving health through the trust and outreach of the church. Questions? Contact Linda Jenkins at Communications@mdumc.org.

The Hearts and Hands Silent Auction Committee is looking for donations! Please visit mdumc.org/heartsandhands if you have something you’d like to contribute. We are looking for your items of value or store-bought merchandise, gift cards to restaurants and shops, gifts of services, sporting events or theater tickets, vacation home weekends, or anything else you have to offer! Your contribution will help make for a successful Hearts and Hands Auction and make a difference in the lives of those in need. Over the past 38 years, United Women in Faith has raised more than $1.1 million through the Hearts & Hands Holiday Market, awarding grants to local organizations that make a difference in our community. We would prefer to have all donations in by September 27th. Thank you so much for your generosity!

Main Campus - Wesley Hall

Join us for a fun evening with a delicious dinner, hear inspiring words from comedian and speaker Lauren Lucille, and have time to connect with friends! You can register as an individual or reserve a table for 10—if reserving a table, we’ll follow up later for seating details and special requests. Don’t forget our beloved tradition of themed table decorations, led by table hostesses—past themes have included Christmas, favorite books, sports, and more. It’s always a joy to see everyone’s creativity on display! Questions? Contact Carrie Neal at Communications@mdumc.org.

*Registration is now closed*

9:30 AM | Classic Service

11 AM | Journey Service

Third graders will receive their very own Bible during worship, then stick around for a fun Bible Check-In Class at 12:15 PM to learn how to explore God’s Word together. 

Join us for a live-stream of the sold-out Conversation in Depth from Houston’s Jung Center, featuring Father Richard Rohr, OFM, with John W. Price, PhD, Rev. Dr. Bill Kerley, and Juanita Rasmus, MTS, CSD. After the event, stay for refreshments and discussion as we reflect together in community. All are welcome! Questions? Contact Jenny Veres-Schrecengost at Communications@mdumc.org.

Today, we celebrate the incredible work of our Special Needs Ministry and the many ways it shares Christ’s love with individuals of all abilities and their families.

Our mission is “to minister to individuals with special needs and their families or caregivers, to educate our congregation about different kinds of special needs, and to create an environment where everyone feels truly welcome at MDUMC.”

This ministry offers meaningful opportunities throughout the year, including:

• Super Place Camp – Summer camps for adults and children with special abilities, designed like Vacation Bible School but tailored for our friends with unique needs.

• Intermission – Monthly respite gatherings that provide care for children and adults with special needs, giving their caregivers a much-needed break.

• Sunday Groups – Weekly opportunities for fellowship, learning, and worship designed for individuals with special needs.

We are so grateful for the families, caregivers, volunteers, and participants who make this ministry a vital part of our church community.

 If you’d like to learn more or get involved, contact Rachael Walker, Director of Special Needs Ministry, at RachaelWalker@mdumc.org.