FIRST UNITED LAKE JACKSON, CHURCH, The...

Volume 43, Issue 23 December 4, 2013

The FIRST UNITED

METHODIST

CHURCH,

LAKE JACKSON,

TEXAS

First Church strives

to be like Jesus!

Praising God!

Teaching God’s Word!

Loving one another!

Strengthening

families!

Sharing the Good

News!

Phone: 979-297-3046

Fax: 979-299-6612

Email:

[email protected]

Visit us Online -

www.ljfumc.org

Messenger

Pastor Lynne Settlemyre

Please join us for a special reception to welcome Pastor Lynne and

family to First Church.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

10:00 AM (during SS hour)

in Wilson Parlor

There will not be any adult Sunday School classes held this day so

that everyone will have the opportunity to meet and greet Pastor

Lynne and her family.

We hope you will be here to help us give them a warm Lake Jackson

welcome!

The Messenger December 4, 2013

From the desk of our Associate Pastor,

As I walk through the hallway past the sanctuary on my way to Wilson Parlor or the kitchen, I always

have to peek in the door to see the progress on the renovation. I see a room that doesn't look like

our old sanctuary anymore. I see a dark room with stripped floors, exposed beams, and smells old and

musty. But I know what the future holds! The sanctuary will be full of beautiful new pews; the rest-

rooms will have easy access for all people; beautiful, large pendant lights will brighten up the room with

plenty of light; and people will be greeted and welcomed in a large foyer! When I walk past the sanctu-

ary, I see a dark and empty room, but I can also imagine the transformation that will come in February.

When the renovation is complete, once again the sanctuary will be full of people worshipping God at

FUMC in Lake Jackson, and God will be glorified. No longer will the room smell old and musty, but

the aroma of fresh coffee will fill the foyer, and God's people will fill the foyer and the sanctuary with

the "aroma" of God's love. In a new sanctuary filled with light, we will be worshipping and praising God who brings the light of the

Holy Spirit into our hearts. Two-thousand years ago, the shepherds took care of their sheep during a

long, dark night in fields near Bethlehem. Maybe the shepherds kept themselves awake by talking about

their favorite subject, a Messiah, who would lead them into war and deliver them from Roman slavery?

Maybe their words were full of despair as they wondered if the Messiah would ever come? God surprised the shepherds with an angel that lit up the dark night. "Suddenly, an angel of the Lord

appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified,

but the angel reassured them. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy

to all people. The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of

David! (Luke 2: 9-11 NLT). In this world, we look around and see a world dark with sin and despair. As the shepherds traveled

with joy to Bethlehem to see their promised Messiah, we can rejoice in our own dark world when we

look for and find Jesus. We discover that the Messiah, the Christ, has come into our own dark and

humble hearts with the light of His presence through the Holy Spirit. Like the old sanctuary is being

transformed into our new sanctuary, our old ways of living are being destroyed and our lives are being

made new as Jesus transforms us into His image. We will find joy in knowing that our Messiah has

come to deliver us from a slavery to sin and death. As the shepherds found hope in their own dark

world as they looked for and found Jesus, we find hope as God renovates our hearts that we can be an

agent for good and hope for others like lights in our dark world today.

Ramona Barr

EXCITEMENT is in the air as the transformation gets underway!

The Sanctuary Renovation Team appreciates your prayers and

support during this endeavor as they continue efforts to revitalize

First Church for God and our community.

SYMPATHIES On the death of Lucille Sciba, mother of Jeanette Sciba

Condolences can be sent to: Jeanette Sciba

53 Lantana Court

Lake Jackson, TX 77566

On the death of Elizabeth Moore, sister of Eugene Moore

Condolences can be sent to: Eugene & Tina Moore

217 Birch St.


On the death of Wayne Potter, father of Jennifer Johnson and brother of Larry

Potter; Condolences can be sent to: Jennifer & Steve Johnson Larry & Betty Potter 103 Begonia St. 406 Forest Dr.

Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Sympathies and Memorials...

Roger & Jan Crouse

Suzanne Sargent

Carl & Laney Spoonemore

Linda Neumann

Bill & Sandra Clarke

Bob & Eleanor Walker

Laura Huebel

Jeanette Sciba

J.C. “Cliff” & Karen McCutcheon Charlie & Kathy Geller

Dorothy & Joe Morris & family

Wynama Wheeler

Margurite Verrett

In Our Prayers...

If you or someone you know would like to be added to our prayer list, please contact the

church office.

Frances & AG Snelgrove

Chelsa & Nikolai Leatherwood

Jerry & Rainbo Johnson

Shirley Rylander

Andy & Deana Wheeler & family

Pastor Lynne & John Settlemyre

Jeanette Sciba

Dora & Hector Riojas (Dora’s son)

Paul Larson

Jim Reaves Eugene & Tina Moore & family

Jennifer & Steve Johnson & family Larry & Betty Potter


Congratulations to Jared & Amanda Atkins on the birth of their new baby boy:

Carter Allen Atkins Born Nov 17, 2013 Siblings: Larkin, Logan & Grace Proud Grandparents: Robby & Barbara Allen Kirk & Sherrie Atkins

Birth Announcements...

Congratulations to Kevin & Anne Anderson on the birth of their new baby girl:

Victoria Grace Anderson Born Nov 29, 2013

Proud Sister: Natalie

or


This year First Church will have Angels available on Christmas trees, beginning

November 24. One tree will be located by the Chapel and the other will be in

Wesley Hall. Gifts may be brought to the Church Office during regular business

hours, or placed near one of the trees on Sundays. Please deliver all new and un-

wrapped items to the church on or before December 17. Help make this holiday

season a little brighter for someone by participating in the Angel Tree program .

You will be glad that you did!

Are you a young adult (age 18 - 30ish) who would be interested in attending a special Bible study class on Sunday evenings with people in your age group? If so, please contact Kim Bowers at [email protected].

$464,457.48

$558,591.40

$0.00$40,000.00$80,000.00

$120,000.00$160,000.00$200,000.00$240,000.00$280,000.00$320,000.00$360,000.00$400,000.00$440,000.00$480,000.00$520,000.00$560,000.00$600,000.00

Income Expenses

FIRST CHURCH FINANCES - OCTOBER 2013

With the holiday season upon us, you are proba-

bly very busy making arrangements with family

and friends, creating lists, and setting your holiday

budgets. Please remember to include God and

First Church in your plans, gifts, and prayers.

Your continued faithful support is needed and ap-

preciated as this new chapter in the life of First

Church begins, with a new Pastor and a soon-to-

be, beautifully renovated sanctuary. GOD has big

plans for FIRST CHURCH in this community and

YOU are needed to help make them happen!

December 4, 2013 The Messenger

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

7:00 AM Emmaus group meeting - Lib

5:00 PM Children's Christmas Play Practice - come and go try-outs - AR

6:15 PM Small Group Study - WP

7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal - CR

Thursday, December 05, 2013

7:00 PM Barbershop Group - CR

Friday, December 06, 2013 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

6:00 AM Men's Lost & Found Study - AR

5:00 PM Children's Christmas Play Practice - AR


8:00 AM Classic Worship - Chapel

9:00 AM Contemporary Worship - WH

10:00 AM Welcome Reception for Pastor Lynne and Family - WP

11:00 AM Traditional Worship - WH

5:00 PM The Awakening Youth Group

6:00 PM Key Methodist Beliefs - Bible Study - WH

6:30 PM Carpenter's Hands - Room 14

Monday, December 09, 2013

9:00 AM Mom's in Prayer - WP

6:30 PM Girl Scout Troop #27028 Meeting - Potter's Place

6:30 PM Stephen Ministry Meeting- Lib

7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 325 Meeting - AR

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Intercessory Prayer - Chapel

7:00 PM Boy Scout Committee Meeting- Lib

7:00 PM Cub Scouts - AR

7:30 PM Praise Team Practice

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

7:00 AM Emmaus group meeting - Lib

5:00 PM Children's Christmas Play Practice Dress Rehearsal - AR

6:15 PM Small Group Study - WP

7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal - CR

Thursday, December 12, 2013

7:00 PM Barbershop Group - CR

Friday, December 13, 2013 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

6:00 AM Men's Lost & Found Study - AR


8:00 AM Classic Worship - Chapel

9:00 AM Contemporary Worship -and Children's Play - WH

10:00 AM Sunday School - All Ages

11:00 AM Traditional Worship and Children's Play - WH

1:30 PM Trustee Meeting- Room 14

3:45 PM SUBMERGE - Blue Door Room

5:00 PM The Awakening Youth Group

Monday, December 16, 2013

9:00 AM Mom's in Prayer - WP

9:00 AM SLP Practice for Christmas Program

9:30 AM Carriage Inn Women's Circle - Carriage Inn

6:30 PM Girl Scout Troop #27028 Meeting - Potter's Place

7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 325 Meeting - AR

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

9:00 AM Intercessory Prayer - Chapel

9:00 AM SLP - Christmas Program - WH

6:00 PM Church Unique Team Meeting– WP

7:00 PM Boy Scouts District Committee Meeting- Room 12

7:00 PM Cub Scouts - AR

7:30 PM Praise Team Practice

WH = Wesley Hall WP = Wilson Parlor AR = Asbury Room YC = Youth Center Lib = Library CR = Choir Room

Next newsletter deadline

is Thursday, Dec 12 @

3PM


The Awakening - Youth Ministry

******NEW FORMAT for SUNDAY NIGHTS***** Sunday nights are brand new for LJFUMC Youth! We've changed up the format for Sunday nights! From now on, we will attend worship at the Journey and, as soon as the music is over, will go to the youth center for our own bible study. Right now we are studying "Dug Down Deep" by Joshua Harris. You don't want to miss this study on how to grow a deeper faith as youth amidst an obstacle course of sin and distraction. Bring your friends for fun, games, food and deep spiritual discussion! Sunday night 5-7pm

Connect with The Awakening Youth Group on Facebook!

Join us at 9 am Monday mornings

in Wilson Parlor. We will pray for

our children, their schools and

their teachers. No

homework, just a prayerful heart.

Want to get in the Christmas spirit?? Want to show God’s love to others?? We are currently looking for children who would like to par-ticipate in a Christmas play to be presented on Dec 15 to the church congregation. Get more information from your Sunday School teach-ers and come join us. The schedule is as follows:

Dec 4 - Tryouts (Asbury Room) come and go 5 - 7PM Dec 6 - Practice (Asbury Room) 5 - 6PM

Dec 8 - Practice (Asbury Room) 11AM - 12NOON Dec 11 - Dress Rehearsal (Wesley Hall) 5 - 6PM Dec 15 - Presentation of Play during services ( Wesley Hall) 9AM & 11AM

Attention: All Children Come to Sunday School on Dec 22 to find out “How

Sweet Jesus’ Love Is”. We’ll have crafts, games,

snacks and a special story. Each class will have its

own party in their regular Sunday School room.

LET IT SHINE!!

Joy is finding a way to be happy even when things

don’t go your way. It’s about being content no matter

our circumstances. Discovering God’s plan for our life

is what makes us joyous!! Joy will be shown in life’s

triumphs and also will get us through life’s challenges.

Rejoice in The Lord Always; I will say it again, Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

I have had happy and sad times in my life but I have learned that with God, I can

always find joy and peace. He is always my friend and comforter! Come join us this

month during Sunday School as we spread JOY that lasts!! I can have joy because:

Week 1 - God Keeps His Promises

Week 2 - Anything is Possible With God

Week 3 - God Send His Son

Week 4 - God’s Story is for Everyone

Week 5 - God Has a Plan to Make Things Right

PRAISING GOD ALWAYS,

Kimberly Bowers

Children's Ministry Director

Children’s

Min

istr

ies

5th & 6th Graders- Time to get SUBMERGED in Snowballs on Sunday, December 15th at 3:45PM

The 5th & 6th graders at First Church met on Sunday, November 10th. We read the story of

the healed lepers in Matthew and discussed why only one was thankful. We also made spe-

cial thank you cards for Pastor Geller. Our last meeting this year will be on December 15th

and we will be SUBMERGED in Snowballs from 3:45 to 4:55. Come and join the fun!!

The spring schedule will be out soon, too. All 5th & 6th graders are invited to attend; 5th &

6th grade friends are welcome, too. Drop-off is at 3:45pm in the blue door room and pickup

is at 4:55. Contact Kim Copeland at [email protected] or 832-741-3932 if you have a 5th

or 6th grader and are not currently receiving Submerge emails, or if you would like more in-

formation.


mailto:[email protected]

FIRST UNITED

METHODIST

CHURCH,

LAKE JACKSON,

TEXAS

First United Methodist Church

404 Azalea

Lake Jackson, Texas 77566

Visit us at www.ljfumc.org Address Service Requested

The Messenger is published bi-weekly by the First United Methodist Church, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.

Second Class Postage Paid at Lake Jackson, TX 77566. Send address changes to FUMC, Lake Jackson, TX 77566

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Experience the Journey!

Start Connecting with your church family on Facebook! Join our

A Note from Pastor Geller:

I want to take this opportunity to thank every-one for the tremendous outpouring of love that was expressed at my retirement celebration! The one word that continues to be at the fore-front of my mind is simply...gratitude! I am

grateful to God, I am grateful to all of my churches, and I am grateful to all those who have allowed me the privi-lege of serving with them for the cause of Christ!! Once again, thank you for making yesterday such a special day in my life!!!

Girl's Night Out will be Friday, Dec 20th, 5:30 PM at

Luigi’s Italian Restaurant in Angleton. For more

information and reservations call Mary

Helen at 297-6968 or email

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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