Join us for the Disciple Bible Study Class “Jesus In The Gospels.” This transformative study focuses on the way each Gospel writer presents the events and teachings of Jesus and at the overall picture of Jesus that emerges in each of the four Gospels. The class will meet on Sundays from 4 - 6 p.m, beginning January 11. Disciple I is a prerequisite for this class. The registration fee is $50.00, which includes study materials. Register online now at cumc.com or in the church office. For more information, contact Amy Warren at amy@cumc.com.

Christ is born! This is an exciting time in the life of the church. Make a New Year’s resolution to be in Sunday school every Sunday as we learn the stories about Jesus’ life.

The Children’s Ministry is searching for a few good volunteers to be in charge of our big events next year. We are looking for a leader for Easter Egg Hunt on April 4, 2009. We also need chair people for Vacation Bible School which will be held July 13 - 17 of 2009. Getting involved in these events is a great way to make new friends and sharpen your event planning skills. Your reward will be the satisfaction of giving a terrific experience to the children and families of CUMC! Please contact Anne Deegan at anne@cumc.com for more information about these exciting opportunities.

All 5th and 6th graders and their parents are invited to a special workshop, “Created by God,” which focuses on God’s gift of human sexuality from a Christian perspective. The class is led by Laura Atterstrom, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Family Counselor, who has been certified by the United Methodist North Texas Conference to lead “Created by God” workshops. The classes are offered each January and May and we are now enrolling for the January workshop to be held January 22 - 24. You don’t want to miss this opportunity for assistance with the huge responsibility of teaching your children about their sexuality. Registration is now open. You can register and read more information about the workshop on the Children’s Ministry and Youth pages at cumc.com. Please contact Anne Deegan at anne@cumc.com if you have any questions about the program.

Saturdays, January 17 - March 7

Family Bowling, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
2 games per night
$70 (includes shoe rental)

Couples/Singles Bowling, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
3 games per night
$100 (includes shoe rental)

Register in person at the Christian Life Center or online at cumcsports.com.

A new Yoga class will meet on Wednesday evenings from 7:15 - 8:15 p.m. beginning January 5. Restorative Yoga is a gentle class where props are used to support and allow the body to release into deep relaxation. This class is great for those who are new to yoga, have an injury, or are looking for a nurturing yoga lesson.
Participants will need to bring a bolster, mat, two beach towels and two yoga-type blankets to each class. Yoga items may be ordered for a very reasonable price on-line at yogaaccessories.com. Registration for this class is available online at cumcsports.com or in person at the CLC.

Get ready to shed those Holiday pounds! Winter Fitness Classes will begin January 5 and run through the week of April 4. Class offerings include: Body Sculpting, Beginner Yoga, Intermediate Yoga, Restorative Yoga (new), Pilates, Karate, Balls & Bands, Circuits, and 2 free classes -- Tai Chi and Active Older Adults. Registration begins December 12 at cumcsports.com or in person at the CLC.

The Youth Ministry prays that every youth, parent, and A Team member enjoys a blessed new year. What an honor it is to serve alongside each of you. Thanks so much for your presence in and contribution to the Youth Ministry. We love you!

Confirmation is a 10-12 week season of classes, service projects, and fellowship where our 7th and 8th graders learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and member of his Church. The season will begin Thursday, January 8, and last through April 19. To register online, please visit cumcym.org.

This Sunday, January 4, all youth, parents, and A Team members are invited to watch “Cool Runnings” and eat ice cream in the LOFT. Please dress in your “coolest” reggae gear.

United Methodist Youth Fellowship is our weekly programming for youth in grades 6-12. The regular schedule for winter and spring will begin January 11 in the Christian Life Center.

We invite you to take a look at our spring calendar and begin to plan ahead. Information about UMYF, Youth Sunday, Girls and Guys’ Retreats, etc. is posted!

We extend our sympathy to Kelly Palmer at the recent loss of his father, Wayne Palmer. Please keep the Palmer family in your prayers.