First United Methodist Church ~ 301 Church Street ~ Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482 Phone: 903.885.2185 ~ Fax: 903.885.4540 ~ www.ssfumc.org

APRIL 2015

Church Staff

Rev. Pete Adrian Senior Pastor

Rev. Dean Libby Associate Pastor

Carol Allen Director of Worship Arts

Jason Dietze Youth Director

Adrienne Lilley Children’s Director

Jill Dietze Nursery Director

Paul Glover Business Administrator

Jennifer Philo Media Services

Nancy Kirkpatrick Administrative Assistant

Mike Dodd Handbell Director

Ken Hanushek Pianist

Deanna Spraggins Organist

Billy Elam Building Maint. Supervisor

Michael Gresham Custodian

Virginia Massey Weekend Custodian

Cassie Webb Nursery Attendant

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these

members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each

member belongs to all the others.

Romans 12:4-5

DEAN’S DESKTOP

PETE’S PLACE As we near Holy Week my focus begins to be on where I see Jesus. His disciples left him, his sup-porters turned on him, and his enemies were elated. They had finally captured the one that was causing them so much trouble. Jesus was challenging everything they had accepted since birth. They knew no other way except their own and they were not willing to even entertain another way of worshiping God. It was their way or the highway. They knew what was right - God told them, in the book. 2,000 years later we are pretty much the same, aren’t we. We know the right way to worship because it is written in “the book.” God has spoken.

But what if…… What if we read it wrong? What if all those things we are sure are wrong aren’t what Jesus was talking about? What if Jesus sees it differently? Jesus didn’t see the sinfulness in the sinner (you and me) he saw the image of God. He didn’t see the rules, he saw the grace. He didn’t see the judgmentalism, he saw love. So, this Holy Week join me in trying to see Jesus in everything. Look for love, grace and the im-age of God in everyone. Remember that the harshness of the world placed him on the cross, love resurrected him. Let the love of God flow through you so that you can see the love of God in everyone else. I see him in you! God loves you.

For me, April’s arrival signals new beginnings, beautiful (sometimes crazy) weather, bluebon-nets, and celebrating the Resurrection of Christ. I am excited to celebrate his triumph over the grave this year with my new church family here in Sulphur Springs on Sunday, April 5th. I have every confidence that this year’s celebration will be a moment to remember within the life of our congregation and I invite you to make sure that you take the time to bring a friend with you for Easter. You’ll be surprised at how often a per-sonal invitation works. I continually meet folks in Ignite who were invited by a friend they trusted.

Won’t you extend an invitation for Easter? If you need a way to begin the conversation, take one of the “Egging” bags to their house, hide the eggs, and then knock on their door with the invite card. If they aren’t home, just write your contact info on the card and follow up in a day or two. I look forward to seeing all of you (and your friends) in worship and in ministry this month! Peace, Pastor Dean

HOLY WEEK SERVICE-THURSDAY, APRIL 2ND Jesus final week on earth challenged both he and his disci-ples as the shadow of the cross loomed large. Join us at

6 pm for a unique worship experience in which we will journey with Jesus and the disciples from the power of the Last Supper to the agony of the cross and the despair of the tomb. Do not miss this multi-part, multi-sensory experience of Holy Week.

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Most historians seem to agree that camp meetings rose and flourished in response to the spiritual and social poverty of the extreme rural life. Foreigners, particularly the British, interpreted the meeting as evidence of the disorder and much lack of emo-tional instability. Much of the criticism against the camp meet-ings was from visitors who did not understand the country and backwoods life and were comparing the boisterous camp meet-ing energy to a misguided, ignorant life style including the cler-gy.

For the most part in Texas, the social activi-ties of the camp meetings were good for people. It offered a time to “git acquaint-ed,” to escape from the humdrum relentless demands of chores and the isolation of rural life. It offered a shot-in-the-arm of novelty, variety, spirituality and socializing. A num-ber of observers stated the meetings were good especially for women. “Many go home better than they came.” There were no class distinctions during the meeting and all social groups seemed to fit together in a common cause to sing and worship and share their fellowship.

The Rice University professor, Dr. Ross Phares, wrote of a de-scription of a camp meeting in Tennessee. “At night the grove was illuminated with lighted candles, lamps and torches… The stillness of the night, the serenity of the heavens, the vast crowd of worshippers wrapped in a deep solemnity which covered eve-ry countenance, the pointed and earnest manner in which the preachers exhorted the people to repentance, faith and prayer… produced… solemn sensation in the minds of all.”

Defenders of the meetings insist that many were converted to Jesus Christ during the meetings and fed spiritually in meetings

thereafter. Many historical theologians have concluded that the Holy Spirit did enter and make new creatures out of many a sin-ner. Psychology suggest the violent body agitation were the re-sult of the release of emotional instability and exhaustion. How-ever, church records reveal that church membership – in all de-nominations – rose as a result of influx from new Christians and the ministry programs increased as led by church members in-spired from the camp meetings. I guess country life in Texas was so unique as to require even an unusual conversion experience.

Dr. Phares observed; “Whatever the total results of the camp meetings, they were inspired by good motives, and prompted by men and women trying, as best they knew how, with their limited facilities, to find a better way of life, and bring godli-ness, as they understood it, to this earth in greater abundance.”

Even our name reflects the blessedness of that time not all that far from here that was called “Pleasant Retreat.”

I have invited one of the most sought-after teachers in the Dallas area churches, Dr. Paul Benson, a Christian history professor in Dallas to share stories that will teach us even more about the most unusual revival phenomenon in American Christianity. He is an inspiring story teller that fits history together in a most amazing way. That morning we will do more than just learn about our history, our revival, our music our church birth cul-ture. We will live it!

Dr. Dan Hoke

The McGrede Faith Alive Series is scheduled for April 26-27. Our guest speaker this year will be Dr. Dan Hoke who will be presenting “Rough and Rowdy Revivals: Circuit Riders and Camp Meetings”. Please save the date on your calendar now for what is shaping up to be a great Faith Alive.

“Camp Meetings, A Unique Real Revival“

MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS In loving memory of Marian Adrian By: Jerry & Kati Voss, Bob & Surene Cody, Jo Ann Johnson In loving memory of Dottie Saul By: Lee Levine In loving memory of Annette Ehrhardt By: Bob & Surene Cody In loving memory of John McCampbell By: Darla Bennett, Bob & Nancy Kirkpatrick In loving memory of Mark Rorie By: Bob & Nancy Kirkpatrick, Phil & Beverly Morgan, Pat John-son, Darla Bennett, Paul & Cerita Glover

In loving memory of Eric Jones By: Darla Bennett In loving memory of June Tuck By: Joe & Janet Wheeler, Coy & Patsy Johnson, Harve & Martha Kate Chapman, Barbara & Rex O’Dell In honor of Tom & Debbie Young By: Harve & Martha Kate Chapman

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 6:45 am Son Rise Grp 9:30 am Beth M Study 10:30 am Pete’s Bible 12:00 pm Dinner Bell 5:30 pm Supper 6:00pm UMYF 6:00pm M&M 6:00 pm Adult Bible St. 6:30 pm Covenants 6:30 pm Choir 6:30 pm Disciple II

2 12:00 pm Rotary 6:00 pm Holy Week Services

3 4

5

Easter 8:30 am Communion

Worship 9:45 am SS Classes 9:45 am Divorce Care 10:45 am Ignite 10:45am Traditional

Worship

6

9:30 am Staff Meeting 12:00 pm Cluck Hens

Emmaus Group 7:00pm NETCS

7

9: 00am Respite Care 9:00 am CBS 1:00 pm Prayer Group

8

6:45 am Son Rise Grp 9:30 am Beth M Study 10:30 am Pete’s Bible S 12:00 pm Dinner Bell 5:30 pm Supper 6:00pm UMYF 6:00pm M&M 6:00 pm Adult Bible St. 6:30 pm Covenants 6:30 pm Choir 6:30 pm Disciple II

9 12:00 pm Rotary

10

11

12 8:30 am Communion

Worship 9:45 am SS Classes 9:45 am Divorce Care 10:45 am Ignite 10:45am Traditional

Worship

13

9:30 am Staff Meeting 12:00 pm Cluck Hens

Emmaus Group 7:00 pm NETCS

14

9: 00am Respite Care 9:00 am CBS 1:00 pm Prayer Group 5:15 pm Trustee’s 6:00 pm Boy Scouts

15

6:45 am Son Rise Grp 9:30 am Beth M Study 10:30 am Pete’s Bible S 12:00 pm Dinner Bell 5:30 pm Supper 6:00pm UMYF 6:00 pm M&M 6:00 pm Adult Bible St. 6:30 pm Covenants 6:30 pm Choir 6:30 pm Disciple II

16

12 :00 pm Rotary

17

18

19

8:30 am Communion Worship

9:45 am SS Classes 9:45 am Divorce Care 10:45 am Ignite 10:45am Traditional

Worship 2:00 pm UMW (District Parsonage

home)

20 9:30 Staff Meeting 10:30 am Young at Heart 12:00 pm Cluck Hens

Emmaus Group 7:00 pm NETCS

21 9: 00am Respite Care 9:00 am CBS 1:00 pm Prayer Group 5:15 pm Finance

22

6:45 am Son Rise Grp 9:30 am Beth M Study 10:30 am Pete’s Bible 12:00 pm Dinner Bell 5:30 pm Supper 6:00pm UMYF 6:00pm M&M 6:00 pm Adult Bible St. 6:30 pm Covenants 6:30 pm Choir 6:30 pm Disciple II

23 12:00 pm Rotary

24

25

26

8:30 am Communion

Worship 9:45 am SS Classes 9:45 am Divorce Care 10:45 am Ignite 10:45am Traditional

Worship 6:00 pm McGrede

Series

27

9:30 am Staff Meeting 11:30 am McGrede Series 12:00 pm Luncheon 7:00 pm NETCS

28 9: 00am Respite Care 9:00 am CBS 1:00 pm Prayer Group 6:00 pm Care & Nurture Committee Meeting

29 6:45 am Son Rise Grp 9:30 am Beth M Study 10:30 am Pete’s Bible 12:00 pm Dinner Bell 5:30 pm Supper 6:00pm UMYF 6:00pm M&M 6:00 pm Adult Bible St. 6:30 pm Covenants 6:30 pm Choir 6:30 pm Disciple II

30 12:00 pm Rotary

Apr i l 20 1 5

———McGrede Series——-

Current & Pressing Prayer Requests Phoebe Carmody Beverly Morgan Carson Bryant Jill Barclay Duncan Graves Kathy Crowson Ty Funderburk & Family Kathe Moriniere Donna Jackson Braden Cupp Jessie Weaver Vince Phillips Tacey Raulerson Ceely Stout

Muriel Lucas Bo & Pennye West Pamela Clayton Wright Billie Couthran Cherry Richardson Bill Tuck and family Liz Dawson Crouch & Baby Girl Molly Kate Ron Casper Mike Flemens Anna Melton Randall Wylie Joyce Libby Jane Larkin Betty Fisher Terry Nelson

Claude Philo Larry Blount Dodie Johnson Bob Cody Dorothy Minter Linda Johnson Health Concerns Richard Clement Sandy Martin Gaither & Faye Day Becky Graves Don Carbonneau Andy Underwager Verdon Graves Henry Preuss Morris Abercrombie Roxanne Pelton

Sympathy We express our heartfelt sympathy to: Brad McCampbell and family on the loss of his father John McCampbell Janette Watson and family on the loss of her brother Mark Rorie Bill Tuck and family on the loss of June Tuck.

PRAYER CONCERNS

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April 1 Sharon Feldt

Stephen Kramer April 2

Jeff Johnson Brenna McNally

April 3 Darrell Horton

April 4 Jaxon Chaney

Mariah Pheiffer Brad Stephens

Carol Worsham April 5

Blaire Littleton Dawn McCampbell

Molly Moore Renee Stephens

April 6 Sue Anders

April 7 Bob Gideon

April 8 Jake Dougan

April 9 Sally Hamilton

Carolyn McGuire April 10

Taryn Smith Ben Watson

April 11 Sarah Fox

Dodie Johnson

April 12 Paul Bennett

Sue Ann Johnson Tim Merrell

David Watson April 14

Harve Chapman Dane Rutherford

Caitlyn Wiliams April 15

Jocelyn Cross Nick Kennon

April 16 Andrew Foster

Keith Boone Barbara Seymore

George Law

April 17 Brandon Foster Don Worsham

April 18 Stephen Gillem

April 19 Kim Anderson Peggy Weaver

April 20 Chase Charlton

John Hipkins Norma Tutt

April 21 Linda Bennett

Tom Green

April 22 Cale McClure Julie McNally

April 23

Sadie Conner April 25

Hattie Thompson April 26

Jane Claypool Chase Crouch

April 27 Joel Dougan Mark Faulks

Laura Doughtie Kosub Juanice Tomlinson

April 28 Linda Moore

April 29 Claire Jones

Maleta Reynollds Mary Cable

April 30 Bob Barrows

Mary Lutz Judy Wheeler

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

Gavin King & Jonna Kosta joined our church on March 15th. They come by Profession of Faith. We are so blessed to have you as a part of FUMC. Rick & Artie Schmelz joined our church on March 22nd. Rick and Artie come by Profession of Faith. We are so blessed to have you as a part of FUMC.

Russell Ross & Autumn Henson and son Tanner joined our church on March 22nd . Russell and Autumn come by Profes-sion of Faith. We are so blessed to have you as a part of FUMC.

Richard & Nancy Kirby and daughter Hannah Kirby joined our church on March 22nd. Richard & Nancy and Hannah comes

from transfer of member-ship. We are so proud to have the Kirby family as part of FUMC.

WELCOME HOME

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M&M (MUSIC AND MISSIONS) Our Wednesday night M&M kids are having a great time prepar-ing for their spring musical, The Old Testament Fast Forward! Lines have been memorized, set pieces have been constructed, and we can’t wait to put it all together! All of our remaining practices are VERY important and should not be missed. Par-ents, below is a reminder of our upcoming rehearsals (in addition to Wednesday nights). Sunday, April 12th—After church rehearsal, bring a sack lunch Sunday, May 3rd—After church rehearsal, bring a sack lunch Friday, May 8th—Pizza Rehearsal 5:00-7:00 (bring $3 for pizza by 5/6) Wednesday, May 13th—Performance at 6:30! Children need to be in costume, ready to go by 6:00. Our M&M kids have also enjoyed wonderful new Worship Arts this semester, including sewing, photography, and sanctuary instruments! Thank you to our church artists, Sharon Burney, Mike Dodd, Ken Hanushek, Kathy Lennon, John Little, Mary Ellen Little, Steve Lilley, Jim Rooks, and Debbie Young for shar-ing their talents with our children, and allowing them to explore different ways to serve and worship God.

M&M MINIS Our preschoolers are continuing to learn about Stepping Stones of Faith, like love and prayer, through well-known Bi-

ble stories like Daniel in the Lions’ Den and David and Goliath. Kaci Crowson does a wonderful job leading these little ones through games, crafts, and activ-ities each week. If your pre-schooler would like to join in the fun, we’d love to have them!

VBC (FORMERLY VBS) We’re calling it Vacation Bible Camp this year, to embody all of the fun we have! But to ensure that it really is fun for everyone, WE NEED YOUR HELP! This year, our theme is Bethlehem: The Birthplace of the King and it is going to be so much fun to cele-brate Christmas in June! Please start praying about how you can help. We need all kinds of volunteers (group leaders and assis-tants, station/activity leaders and assistants, game leaders, actors, singers, photographers, decorators, and behind the scenes prep-pers). Whatever your talents may be, there IS a way for you to help with VBC! Call, text, or email Adrienne if you are interested in helping in any way!

Summer Time It’s hard to believe, but summer will be here be-fore we know it! Here are some important things to mark on your summer calendar: Vacation Bible Camp (VBC): June 22-26,

9:00am-12:00pm Kids Club (book club) will start in June, books and dates TBA Summer Camp (3rd-5th Graders): July 4-7 with Student Life for Kids at Austin College

Save the dates!

April Calendar:

Wed 1st UMYF (6:00-8:00)

*Bring $3 for dinner if possible

Thurs 2nd: Maundy Thursday Service (6:00-7:00)

Sun 5th: Easter Sunday

* NO SnS Activities

Wed 8th: UMYF (6:00 – 8:00)

*Bring $3 for dinner if possible

Sun 12th: SnS (5:30 – 7:30 )

Wed 15th: UMYF (6:00 – 8:00)

*Bring $3 for dinner if possible

Sun 19th: Youth Sunday

(youth will lead 8:30 & 10:45 services)

Who’s Getting Older This Month:

Page 11 Spire

4th: Jaxon Chaney 7th: MaKenna Kager 14th: Dane Rutherford 16th: Andrew Foster

20th: Chase Charlton 23th: Sadie Conner, Carter White 26th: Chase Crouch

YOUTH SUNDAY Sunday, April 19th will be Youth-led Worship. We will be leading both the 8:30 and the 10:45 worship services in the sanctuary. The Ignite service will be joining us in the sanctuary at 10:45…hope you can be there to join in this wonderful day.

SULPHUR SPRINGS WORK CAMP REGISTRATION COMING SOON Sulphur Springs Work Camp 2015 will be June 7th-10th. As always, we will need lots and lots of volunteers to make this amazing event happen. Please consider where you can plug in.

This is year 9 for SSWC…to date we have painted 144 houses! What an incredible blessing this event has been to so many in our community. Come be a part…you won’t want to miss this!

Look for information very soon about getting registered…but you can sign up as a volunteer now by calling the church office.

Camp Anakainoo 2015…

Registration is now open for Camp Anakainoo 2015. We are having a Beach Camp this year and it promises to be an awesome and unique experience. Space is filling up and is very limited due to the size of the campground and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis…just a few spaces remaining! Go to www.campanakainoo.com to register online and find out more information. Early registration rates ($365) end May 3rd; but again, do not hesitate, as space is limited…

LONG RANGE DATES: May 6th: Spring Awakening May 13th: Senior Scholarship Cookout May 31st: Senior Sunday June 7th – 10th: SS Work Camp June 22nd – 26th: VBS July 13th – 17th: Camp Anakainoo

Non Profit Organization

Permit #168

Sulphur Springs

Texas 75482

First

United

Methodist

Church

301 Church Street Sulphur Springs,Texas

75482

903.885.2185 www.ssfumc.org

Office Hours Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm Friday 8am-12pm

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Date Sensitive—Please deliver by March 31, 2015

COLUMBARIUM (LOCATED IN THE PRAYER GARDEN OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH)

The word columbarium comes from the Latin word columbary, which is a structure for the nesting of doves-the dove being

the symbol of God’s spirit and peace. The Columbarium has 80 niches, each with the capacity to hold two urns. It provides members of the church and their families the opportunity to choose the shadow of the church which has been central to their lives. The site is a place of

beauty and dignity where friends and family can visit and meditate at any time.

For more information on the columbarium please contact the church office at 903-885-2185 or email nancykirkpatrick@ssfumc.org