FUMC STAFF

Rev. Dr. Russ Munc h Pastor Gena Herrera Chancel Choir Director Judy Mahavier Pianist Susan Parish Praise Team Leader Rebecca Sansing Praise Ringers Director Sharon Richardson Sunshine & Rainbows Director Ronica Johnson Administrative Secretary Contact FUMC at any time, 24 hours a day, to let the church office know of hospitalizations, births, deaths, illnesses, or other concerns.

phone: 979-245-4627 e-mail: fumcbc@sbcglobal.net web site: fumcbaycity.com www.facebook.com/fumcbaycitytx

Worship Services

SUNDAY

10:00 AM UNITED FAMILY WORSHIP IN THE

SANCTUARY

Sunday School

Classes for all ages

Music Ministries

MONDAY 6:15 pm

Praise Band 7:00 pm

Praise Singers

WEDNESDAY

5:15 pm Praise Ringers

6:45 pm Chancel Choir

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2300 Avenue H Bay City, TX 77414 CHANGE SERVICES REQUESTED

FIRST THOUGHTS First United Methodist ChurchFirst United Methodist ChurchFirst United Methodist ChurchFirst United Methodist Church

Bay City, TexasBay City, TexasBay City, TexasBay City, Texas————Dr. Russ Munch, PastorDr. Russ Munch, PastorDr. Russ Munch, PastorDr. Russ Munch, Pastor

http://fumcbaycity.com http://fumcbaycity.com http://fumcbaycity.com http://fumcbaycity.com

www.facebook.com/fumcbaycitytxwww.facebook.com/fumcbaycitytxwww.facebook.com/fumcbaycitytxwww.facebook.com/fumcbaycitytx

fumcbc@sbcglobal.netfumcbc@sbcglobal.netfumcbc@sbcglobal.netfumcbc@sbcglobal.net

Dear Church Family,

I hope this note finds you in good health and blessed with your heart

turned toward Easter. I have found that sometimes I need to remind

myself how blessed I have been and currently am. Recently Carol

and I went through some pictures of some of our adventures. Isn’t it

interesting how many more digital pictures we get when we aren’t

limited to hoping to get 26 pictures out of a 24 roll of film? Oh, how

things have changed. Now we have literally thousands of pictures,

some great, some ok and some in the category of “why didn’t I delete

that long ago”!!! ...Probably a sermon in this somewhere.

In the exercise of looking at these pictures we reminisced from trips

to over 44 countries so far and all 50 states, most of which involved, a portion anyway,

of a mission trip or ministry activity. Each and every one full of memories and true

blessings. I can testify that every time we had the opportunity to go minister or take

aid or build some building or ministry, I came home with more blessing that I felt I

provided. That is the graciousness of God. When we give of ourselves, He blesses.

As most of you have heard, I will be retiring at the end of this annual conference year,

which is at the end of June. Carol and I have felt at home here in Bay City, and we

consider it an honor to have shared life with you. For us it is a bitter sweet time. Sad

to leave Bay City and happy to start a new leg of the journey. My goal when leaving

a church or any setting is to strive to leave it in a better position than when we first

arrived. We have worked hard together. We have sought the will of God through

prayerful discernment with our Bay City FUMC church leadership and The Texas

Methodist Foundation. We have vibrant children’s and youth ministries, and a solid

mission team involved in local, regional and global ministries. Our worship experi-

ences are uplifting, inspirational and powerful……… All said, I am proud of all the

hard work you all have done and continue to do. I am thankful Carol and I have had

the opportunity to work arm in arm with you.

I know the time will fly by in a hurry, but this is not a goodbye, rather consider it an

encouragement to you to continue to be a blessing to our community and beyond. You

all are making a difference.

Only by His grace,

Pastor Russ

Come Grow With Us 2019

Attendance and Offering for the month of JANUARY

Sunday School United Worship Offering

39 86 $4576

45 148 $2705

88 $6409

132 $1572

Date

Feb 3

Feb 10

Feb 17

Feb 24

2

P. 3 G.T.O Castle Trip

P. 4 Side walk Greeters

Sunshine & Rainbows Registration

P. 5 Kairos Prison Ministry

P 6 Abundant Life

P. 7 CrossTraining

P. 8 Nursery Baby Food Drive

Lay Servant Academies

Altar Flowers

P. 9 Easter Lily form

Lenten Lunch schedule

P. 10 Daylight Savings Time

Emmaus Walks

P. 11 Children’s Ministries volunteers needed

Service Fair, Mission Trip, Active Shooter

Training

P. 12 Scouts

P. 13 Scouts

Sunshine & Rainbows Fund Raiser

P. 14 Glory Guild

Children’s Home thank you

P. 15 Birthdays & Anniversaries

Prayer Concerns

Electronic

Giving

Scan this code or go to

fumcbaycity.com to give online

MARCH LITURGISTSMARCH LITURGISTSMARCH LITURGISTSMARCH LITURGISTS

3rd Marci Williams

10th Michelle Poirrier

17th Nathan Diener

24th Terry Myren

31st Cindy Diener

MARCH ALTAR GUILDMARCH ALTAR GUILDMARCH ALTAR GUILDMARCH ALTAR GUILD

Jo Halbert

(As of 2/27/2019)

AT HOME: John Craft, Jean Claire Muskiet, Horace McMillan, Bobby Burnam, Collin Gann, Imogene Beard, Mi-

chael Crosby, Dennis Gann, Donna Rice, Moye family, Roy Craft, Eddie Biezenski, Ben Ruley, Kerry Ledwig, Chari

Burnett, Darcy Metschke & children, Donna Rice, Donna Reis, Barbara McDonald, Bobbie Gaspard, Jo Halbert,

Sandra Steves

HOSPITAL :

NURSING HOME/REHAB: Anita Frankson, Donnie Frankson, Mary Ellen Reynolds, Pat Dickerson, Elsie Bailey,

Mary Jo Sharp, Peggy Wesselski, Mary Ellen Leftwich, Gladys Koontz

MILITARY: James Coulter, Thomas Reis, Jonathan Gore, Allison M. Easton, Brandon Ruley, Jason Cervantes, Sgt.

Julio Velazquez, Colter Ray Eury, Isaac Bueche, Ryan Riouff, H. A. (Harry) Norris, Airman Andrew Reese, Mark

Haney (going into a combat zone)

CONDOLENCES for the Family of:

PROGRAMS: Youth, Scouts, Sunday School, Students/Teachers

(Please share updates about prayer concerns)

BIRTHDAYS March

Janet Douglas 01

Gunner Gibbens 01

Sally Rogers 02

Coleman Franz 03

Margie Griffith 03

Susan Feldman 04

Kathy Abels 06

Jessie Stone 07

Dick Walton 07

Lynsey Curtner 08

Diana Frankson 08

Bailey Daniel 09

Michael Hagg 09

Beverly Schulz 09

Ellen Merritt 11

Patti Frankson 13

WANT TO BE INCLUDED…?

If we don’t have your birth date or anniversary on file, we’d love to include you in our celebratory wishes! Contact the church office at 245–4627 or email:

fumcbc@sbcglobal.net

BIRTHDAYS March

Kate Gassen 13

Canty Jernigan 14

Charlotte Miller 15

David Salidivar 15

Pauline Storey 15

Ira Rose 16

Michael Byrn 19

Gary Green 20

Erik Frankson 21

Rebecca Sansing 21

Chris Sutherland 22

Mike Coppock 23

Stewart Hutson 23

Craig Estlinbaum 25

Reagan Leatherman 26

BIRTHDAYS March

Steve Reis 26

Jessica Klepac 30

Amanda Stavena 30

ANNIVERSARIES March

Frank & Pat Drenner 07

Jimmy & Judy Sansing 08

Joe & Nancy Hartley 09

Danny & Diana Shindler 26

Troy & Mary Frances

Hatchett 27

Bob & Patricia Klepac 29

15

14

Glory Guild

Meets monthly on the

SECOND AND FOURTH FRIDAY

of each month from 9 to 11:30 am in the Youth Building

Meet in the large room downstairs (by the Food Pantry) for a morning of sewing and quilting projects.

Sewing skills are not mandatory. Non-sewing tasks include cutting, ironing, fun and fellowship!

3

Come join us for

GTO (Girl Time Out)

MARCH OUTING! (no crafting this month)

Day Trip to Newman’s Castle in Bellville, TX -

Friday, March 22, 2019

Meet in FUMC Bay City parking lot at 8:30 am, drive to Newman’s Bakery (504 E. Main

St.) in Bellville to get directions to the Castle which is approximately 5 miles out of town.

Cost is $20 and includes the tour and lunch, which will last about 1 ½ to 2 hours. After

visiting the castle, we will explore a bit of Bellville, then return to Bay City.

Experience the old-world charm of Newman’s Castle, a one-of-a-kind custom creation

hidden just outside of Bellville in the rolling countryside. The castle features a moat

(watch out for gators!), a massive working 3,000 lb. drawbridge with an accompanying

portcullis, a chapel, five round corner turrets, a courtyard, and a central keep with a dra-

matic view of the surrounding lands. A perimeter wall encompasses the castle, ensuring

you are safe from oncoming marauders during your visit.

Tear off bottom portion, include $20 cash or check (made out to FUMC – note GTO Bellville tour) place in

offering plate or return to church office

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS MARCH 10, 2019

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Newman’s Castle tour reservation, Friday, March 22, 2019

Name _________-----___________________________________

Address __________________________________________

Phone ______________________________________Text? Y/N

Email ____________________________________________

___ I am willing to drive ___ number of passengers I can accommodate

4

Friendly smiles, warm and welcoming hearts are needed to be “Sunday Sidewalk greeters” in front of our sanctuary on Sunday mornings from

9:40 – 10:05 am (weather permitting). As visitors enter the building, it may be intimidating to make their way through an often crowded narthex. As a “sidewalk greeter” you will greet and guide visitors and members before they set foot in the building. It is an opportunity to be the hands, feet, SMILES and LOVE of Jesus!

Sign up in the Narthex or in the church office.

Registration Dates

Current Student registration:

March 4th—8th

8:30 am—12:00 pm

Open enrollment:

March 18th—22nd

8:30 am—12 pm

13

SCOUTS BSA TROOP 145 FOR GIRLS

On February 1, 2019 Boy Scouts of America officially welcomed females aged 11 – 18

years of age into the organization. Michelle Dilday, a representative from the Sam

Houston Area Council, presented FUMC the official charter for Troop 145 during the

FUMC church service on February 10, 2019. Troop 145 for Girls is the only female

troop in our district of the Sam Houston Area Council. They are working hard and

getting use to the BSA program. The weekend of February 15 – 17 they had their

first overnight campout at Breckenridge Recreation area. They have signed up for

summer camp at Lost

Pines near Bastrop.

Currently the money

funding the Troop is

coming out of the pock-

ets of the Scouts and

the leaders. They are

starting to save money

to buy Troop equip-

ment. On Thursday,

February 21 they re-

ceived their Troop Flag

and showed it to mem-

bers of the Troop Com-

mittee.

Sunshine & Rainbows Sunshine & Rainbows Sunshine & Rainbows Sunshine & Rainbows

Spring FundraiserSpring FundraiserSpring FundraiserSpring Fundraiser

Butter BraidsButter BraidsButter BraidsButter Braids

March 7thMarch 7thMarch 7thMarch 7th————28th28th28th28th

Delivery set for April 16thDelivery set for April 16thDelivery set for April 16thDelivery set for April 16th

12

CUB SCOUT PACK 4545

The individual dens meet weekly to do the things needed to finish the rank that

they are in. Most, but not all, den meetings will end at the end of the school year

The weekend of February 16 – 17 the Webelos 2 Den joined with Troop 45 for the

Webelos Woods campout at Riverside. The Scouts and Webelos 2 camp overnight and begin

to learn about camping. On Saturday, March 30 Webelos 2, with their families, and Troop

45 will have an Arrow of Light ceremony (Webelos 2 have finished their rank) and a “cross

over ceremony” (Webelos 2 walk over a bridge from Cub Scouts to meet their Scout troop).

The Pack had the annual Blue and Gold banquet at the KC Hall on Thursday, February 21

to celebrate the birthday of Cub Scouts. Friday, March 22 will be the cake auction. This

will also be at the KC Hall. This is a major fundraiser for the Pack.

SCOUTS BSA TROOP 45 FOR BOYS

Troop 45 started the Webelos 2 weekend on Friday the 15th.

The Troop starts March with the Scouts deciding which merits badges they wish to take

during summer camp. A few Scouts who were chosen for Scouting’s National Honor Soci-

ety, The Order of the Arrow, will go to Camp Bovay near Navasota to go through the Or-

deal in order to become a member. They will also get a patch that they will wear on their

tan shirt over the right pocket. The rest of the month will find the Scouts finishing merit

badges and rank advancements.

On Wednesday, March 27, Troop 45 will have the Spring Court of Honor. It will be held in

Wesley Hall at 7:30 PM until the presentations of merit badges, rank advancements and

announcements have been handed out. We have fried chicken with trimmings for dinner

and is followed by the ceremony. Families are encouraged to attend. On this night the

Scouts will be given tickets for the annual BBQ fundraiser held on the first Sunday of

May. This is our only fundraiser.

5

THIS TIME ITS COOKIES,

NOT “COOKERS,” FOR CHRIST

Providing edible agape in the form of cookies is a

tangible way to show Christian love to both the

1400-plus inmates and those charged with guard-

ing and housing for them in TDCJ’s Stevenson

Unit in Cuero during the 29th Kairos Prison Min-

istry. So, as our church’s lay leader and an

‘inside’ volunteer with this April 24-28 retreat, Willie Younger is asking

those who support Jesus’ directive to reach out to those in prison (per

Mat. 25:36,) and who are willing and able to provide cookies for this in-

spiring event by:

• Home baking cookies to be enjoyed by the 42 prisoners, carefully

selected to participate, as they receive three full days of thought-

provoking, life-changing messages, and/or

• Monetarily contributing so that commercially available cookies

can be purchased and a full dozen of these delights shared with

each and every inmate and TDCJ employee at this state correc-

tional facility. [FYI – the non-denominational Kairos team has

made arrangements to buy tasty cookies from a local Christian-

owned bakery at a bargain $1.25/dozen. Each one eaten by a con-

vict is a reminder that God has not forgotten them, and we have not

forgotten His commandments. Checks should be made out to KAI-

ROS.]

It is asked that home-baked cookies and donated funds be turned in at

the church office no later than the close of business on Tuesday, April 23.

FYIs: 1. There are no restrictions regarding the kinds of cookies which can be gifted, except that they be wholesome, tasty and made with love.

2. Kairos is a Greek word meaning God’s Special Time”.

3. On Saturday night, each incarcerated Kairos pilgrim is given a dozen cookies and asked to present them to someone in the prison with whom they have a strained, broken and volatile relationship. These delicacies are appropriately known as “Forgiveness Cookies”.

6

The Abundant Life steering committee will meet Wednes-

day, March 21st, 2018 at 5:30 pm. in the BIBLE Classroom.

Anyone interested in assisting with outreach, evangelism,

missions and fellowship within our church and community

are encouraged to attend! Bring your ideas as we continue to

identify God’s vision for how we can serve and bring others to

know Him.

God desires for us to live abundant lives,

He wants us to live with joy and purpose.

“How abundant are the good things that

you have stored up for those who fear you,

that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take

refuge in you.” Psalm 31:19 (NIV)

Abundant Life is an “umbrella” ministry, to dream, vision, and plan.

A steering committee meets monthly so we can plan as God leads;

then join with others in areas where we share our passions to imple-

ment these plans. You are blessed by God with gifts and talents to

share; working with others with similar passions can be life changing

for you and those around you.

Watch for information on these upcoming events! • Monthly Sunday potluck lunches

March 17 – “Pot(luck) of Gold” St. Patrick’s day theme

April 14 – Spring theme

May 5 – Boy Scout fund raiser lunch, May 20th – gradua-

tion brunch

• Lenten lunches at noon @ FUMC: March 13, 27, April 10

(FPC – March 6, 20, April 3, 17)

• Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt – Saturday, April 20th at

10:30 am

11

Children’s Church

needs volunteers

Contact: Allyson Wright

832-483-4015

HEADS UP FOLKS

Full details will be shared, in the near future, on three ex-ceptional opportunities being hosted by FUMC’s leader-

ship:

1. MARCH 28 - County Service Fair Planning Meeting to fine-tune this aid and assistance forum.

2. APRIL 27 – One Day Mission Trip to Cuero United Methodist Church to help prepare and pack food for the Kairos retreat.

3. MAY 4th - Active Shooter Training sponsored by FUMC’s Safety Team.

Crosstraining needs

volunteers

Contact: Carol Munch

Rncmunch@yahoo.com

10

CRADLE OF TEXAS EMMAUS COMMUNITY The Walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three– day short course in Christianity. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus

Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed through other believers.

This experience begins with a sponsor’s prayerful discernment. An invitation and application are then extended to the participant. The completed applica-tion is forwarded to Emmaus leaders, who prayerfully consider each applicant. The community registrar invites the person to attend a three-day experience of New Testament/Christianity as a lifestyle.

The COT Emmaus Community will be having 4 Walks this year:

Men’s Walk #83: April 25 to 28, 2019

Women’s Walk #84: June 20-23, 2019

Men’s Walk #85: Sept. 12—15, 2019

Women’s Walk #86: October 24—27, 2019

All Walks will be held in Danbury. Anyone who is interested in going on a Walk must have a Sponsor who has already gone on the Walk. They can give you any information you need.

For all those who have gone on a Walk, our church has an account that they can donate to. Please write in the memo that it is for the Emmaus Scholarship Fund (Pay to the order of FUMC). Any and all donations will be appreciated.

March 10, 2019

daylight savings time begins

7

Crosstraining News

Crosstraining, our weekly VBS-style children’s minis-

try for children Pre-K through 5th grade has meets on Sundays from

5:00 – 6:30 pm in Wesley Hall during the school year.

Our schedule for the March and April is:

Please invite children to attend and consider volunteering for this

important ministry. You may sign up to volunteer on the bulletin

board near Wesley Hall kitchen or contact Carol Munch

(RNCMUNCH@yahoo.com or 903-539-5256). We need story tellers,

shepherds and activity assistants as well as kitchen leaders and

helpers. Thank you to all who make this ministry possible!

Date Lesson

March 3 NO MEETING – County Fair weekend

March 10 NO MEETING – Spring Break

March 17 Jesus shows his love at the Last Sup-

per

March 24 Jesus shows his love in the Garden

March 31

Movie Night (no Crosstraining) (Parents and kids attend together)

April 7 Cock-a-doodle-doo! Peter & forgive-

ness

April 14 Hosanna! FINAL CROSSTRAINING

Saturday

April 20th

Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt

(watch for more information)

April 28 Movie Night (no Crosstraining) (Parents and kids attend together)

8

S W District Lay Servant Academy Opportunities

May 10-11, 2019 Brazoria FUMC

Oct 18-19, 2019 Location

TBD (Sugar Land area)

Flyers in the narthex

and church office

You can register at the

Southwest District website:

http://southwestdistrict.org/

BABY FOOD DRIVE

Thank you for making the Nursery Baby Food

Drive a Success!

ALTAR FLOWERSALTAR FLOWERSALTAR FLOWERSALTAR FLOWERS

Available Dates:Available Dates:Available Dates:Available Dates:

March 3 & 17 March 3 & 17 March 3 & 17 March 3 & 17

April 14 & 21 April 14 & 21 April 14 & 21 April 14 & 21

May 5 & 26May 5 & 26May 5 & 26May 5 & 26

9

EASTER LILY FORMEASTER LILY FORMEASTER LILY FORMEASTER LILY FORM If you would like to place an Easter lily in the sanctuary in honor of or memory of a loved one, please fill out the form and place it in the offering plate, mail it, or bring it by the church office. The price is $15.00 each. Deadline for ordering is April

8th at noon. Proceeds from the sale of lilies will go to the Altar Guild.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

In memory of: ________________________________________________________

In honor of:__________________________________________________________

Given by: ___________________________________________________________

Total enclosed: _____________ check no. ___________ cash ______________

Number ordered: ____________

Join us each week for Lenten Lunches each Wednesday from noon to 1

March 6th @ First Presbyterian church

March 13th @ FUMC in Wesley Hall

March 20th @ First Presbyterian church

March 27th @ FUMC in Wesley Hall

April 3rd @ First Presbyterian church

April 10th @ FUMC in Wesley Hall

April 17th @ First Presbyterian church

Each week a different speaker presents a short devotional followed by

a delicious lunch and fellowship. We need your assistance when we

host the lunches on March 13th, 27th and April 10th. Please sign up in

the narthex or church office to serve on a meal team or provide des-

serts and other food. Donations are appreciated as well!