First United Methodist Church

Hughes Springs, Texas

Volume 1

January 2017

Time continues to flow by and brings with it a new year. Yes, it is time to start remembering to put 2017 on everything. It is time to face forward and continue the faith journey that is set before us. Time to forgive ourselves and others the mistakes of the past and work together to brings God’s love and grace to the world.

There will be new joys and challenges ahead of us as we seek to do God’s will in His world. There will be new programs to help us on our way, old programs that have served us well to keep going, and some that will be changing with the times.

This year will see some changes in our food pantry as we move to become a standalone pantry.  This has been an important and vital mission of our congregation. I pray God’s blessings upon us as we continue to serve His people in this way. We will be looking for people willing to help in the serving of communion as well as ushering. In this way, we will spread the opportunity to serve God in His church.

The service format might be changing in the future to include an Old Testament and a reading from the Epistles. If we do, we will be looking for people willing to serve as lay readers for these scriptures. Please think about this.

As we look at new programs to add to what we are already doing in the church, your input will be very important. We need to work together to further the mission of the church and only by being on the same page and pulling together can great things happen. You may be asked to lead or take part in a new mission emphasis or program, please give it prayerful thought. God is waiting to work with us and support us in the days ahead. May we have the courage to go forth in His name and help His church to grow.

Let us move into 2017 boldly, assured of God’s help and guidance.

God’s grace be with you,
Pastor Bill Laubenberg

Men’s Breakfast

Men’s Breakfast met on 12-6-16.
Attendance was 20 plus the men of our church doing the cooking.
The speaker was Bro. Dave Avis.
Those present enjoyed good food, fellowship and received a blessing hearing the message presented by Bro. Avis.
We meet again on 1-3-17 at 6:30am.Our speaker will be Rickey Shelton, son of Rick and Robyn Shelton.
Come join us for good food and fellowship and bring some friends!!
Looking forward to seeing you there!

Larry Cannon

This breakfast is open to all MEN from anywhere, any denomination and friends.

Shoe Box Mission: Donations accepted. Please see or call Mavis Boyd for information: 903-588-0280

they are scary

We will be glad to include a listing of your church meeting or activity in the newsletter, but remember that Debbie must have the information before the first of the month in order to have it in the newsletter.

Come one; come all to hear the word of God and to learn from it. Starting on the 11^th of this month Bible study is returning each Wednesday. There will be two different classes, one at 10 am and one at 6 pm. Our first study this year is on the Gospel of Matthew. Come join us on the journey through the Gospel as we discover the messages it has for us.

Pastor Bill

Our mobile food pantry wrapped up 2016 with another successful distribution day on December 15.  We served over 50 clients and continue to have new participants register.  As always, our volunteers worked to make the event successful and make our clients feel welcome.  We will continue this mission in 2017, and ask God’s blessings for our continued service to the community.

Lyn Baker

 

CHRISTMAS MISSION DONATIONS

Thank you for your generosity, we were able to give $1000.00 to the Lame Deer program. Scarlett Day – Aleman works for this program. The check was presented to her and she was excited and grateful.

 Pastor Bill

 

COMMUNICATION

If you are scheduled to enter a hospital please let the church office know. Need name of hospital, city and date of check in. This will help Pastor Bill be able to be with you in your time of need.

If you or a family member is unexpectedly admitted to the hospital, please give the church office the same information.

We are on this journey together and communication is key.

Pastor Bill

DISTRICT TRAINING DAY

On February 11^th, from 9:30 am to 2 pm at Marshall First United Methodist Church located at 300 E Houston St., Marshall, TX  75670, our District Training day will be taking place. This is a district gathering where we get together and learn from each others experiences and equip the saints for work in the church. A list of different workshops that will be available is posted outside the pastor’s office. You are encouraged to look over the list and then give prayerful consideration to attending. The pastor will be going and is willing to car pool.

Pastor Bill

Thanks to the noisy offering, to which the congregation so generously gives, the Youth was able to purchase Christmas gifts for four Santa’s Secrets teens.

We also had a great end- of- the- year celebration; travelling to Mt. Pleasant to see the new animated movie, Sing. We are praying for a fabulous, Spirit- filled 2017.

Lisa Moreland

Joyful Sounds

Our Christmas Cantata was something special. Many thanks to Ms Nita, Penny, Cody and our entire choir. All of their preparation and hard work paid off.

I hear that a repeat performance is coming for Easter. Let the joyful sounds continue!

Thanks again

Rick Shelton

 

The Chancel Choir of

First United Methodist Church

WOW AND HALLELUJAH!!! I have never been so proud of a group of people as I was after “Come Let Us Adore” on December 18^th.   These folks gave God their all and He blessed us beyond measure.

My personal thank you to everyone is inadequate for the gratitude I feel, not only for the music but also for the tableau with children, teens, adults and the technical support.  And we had FUN preparing for the event.

Easter music arrived this week. Performance is scheduled for Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017.  Title is “Because He Lives”, with some special music for Easter Sunday.

The choir’s first meeting will be after church service on January 15^th.  Please make every effort to attend.  Rehearsal times will be discussed and set.

This is an open invitation to everyone to join the Chancel Choir.  You do not have to read music to participate – there are several members who do not, but are willing to learn the music.   Join us not just for the special music, but also to take part in the Sunday morning worship services – you will like it.

 

Scripture Readings for January