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

Church Staff

Rev. Pete Adrian Senior Pastor

Rev. Debbie Riggsby Associate Pastor

Carol Allen Director of Worship Arts

Jason Dietze Youth Director

Lane Doughtie Asst. 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

Sam Gilbreath Building Maint. Supervisor

Billy Elam Custodian

Virginia Massey Weekend Custodian

Marianne Shuler After School Program Director

Samantha Nelson After School Program

Brenda Rollison After School Program

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

DEBBIE’S DARING ADVENTURE We are looking ahead to 2013 with this Spire but I haven’t finished everything in 2012 yet. I still have Christmas gifts to purchase, food to prepare, and grandkids to pick up at the airport! It is a “now and not yet” experience that is just part of our human existence and our spiritual lives. Jesus came to draw us into intimacy with God and to usher in the kingdom. The coming of God’s kingdom is breaking into this moment of our lives if we just allow our-selves to be open, to see, and to receive it. So whatever your “Now” looks like, let it be filled with the fullness of God’s grace and love!

It's Christmas and I suppose I should write an arti-cle about that. But I don't know. There are too many other things that are happening right now to spend too much time on Christmas.

There is this thing we are calling the "Fiscal Cliff" coming up. We are supposed to be worried about that. But why? We all know the politicians will rattle their swords and then come up with some compromise before we jump off the cliff. And what if they don't? Will China really repossess the US? I don't think so. What would they do with us?

There's also the end of the world on 12/21/12. I guess if you are reading this there isn't a problem and if not well...........

And if time doesn't end on the 21st we all have our continuing issues. Issues that seem to never go away - some good, some not so good.

Don't forget that the news media and politicians still can't be civil to one another.

Let's not forget Newtown, CT. What an absolute tragedy. If you ever needed proof of evil in the world I believe this is it.

I'm sure the list could go on and on. But you get the idea.

I guess with all of this kind of stuff we really should be talking or writing about Christmas. If we didn't have Christmas we would be miserable, hopeless. Literally, hopeless. Jesus is the hope for you, us, our church, country, and world. We should be on every mountain top in the world shouting at the top of our voice about the Savior. Jesus is the hope giver. We have hope in a better world today and tomorrow because of Jesus. And it's all because a girl of about 13 said yes to God. That's Christmas!

If you really want Christmas - say yes to whatever God is calling to you about.

Enjoy the season and the day. Celebrate, open presents, laugh, eat too much, watch too much football, or too many old movies - spend time with someone you haven't visited with lately. But cele-brate! Because the King lives! Thank you God for Jesus.

Happy Birthday Jesus. Merry Christmas to you. Pete

PETE’S PLACE

CHURCH MAILBOX Dear Members of FUMC,

On behalf of Lake Country CASA, I would like to thank you for allowing us to have the CASA Cookie Walk in your lovely building. Everyone was so nice and helpful.

The Cookie Walk was a huge success. We will be able to provide many services for the children we serve. I also want to thank you for your continued support.

Blessings, Gina Law

I would like to “Thank You” for taking the time and coming out to help me celebrate my 102 birth-day. What a wonderful lifetime of friends. Thank you, Ursula Campbell, Eddie Jo Edge and Bonnie Burtch for serving.

Sincerely, Annie Lou Dickerson

Page 3 The Spire

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS In loving memory of Rose Perkins In loving memory of John C. Perkins In loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. R.C. Jefferson, Jr. In loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. John D. Perkins

By: Joe Perkins In loving memory of Lou Tramel Archer In loving memory of Rose Buford Driver In loving memory of Agnes Tramel In loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Z. Tramel

By: Joe Perkins In loving honor of Mr. & Mrs. Morris Abercrombie In loving honor of Mr. & Mrs. Harve Chapman In loving honor of Mr. & Mrs. Bob Gideon In loving honor of Mr. & Mrs. Joe Wheeler

By: Joe Perkins In loving honor of Wynelle Chapman In loving honor of Claire Bonham Buenz In loving honor of Beverly Harrison Rawlings In loving honor of Norma Crawford Ray In loving honor of Janet Leggett Rippy

By: Joe Perkins In loving memory of Guy Felton

By: Helen Felton In loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. Bill Elliot

By: James & Annada Jones In loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Jones In loving memory of Barbara Ann Jones Smith

By: James & Annada Jones In loving memory of Ethel & Pete Singleton

By: Ron & Linda Johnson In loving memory of Bob & Madolene Johnson

By: Ron & Linda Johnson In loving memory of Family Members

By: Lloyd & Jo Ann Johnson In loving honor of Richard & Jeannie Taylor In loving honor of Lindsey Honeycutt

By: Joe & Janet Wheeler In loving honor of Joe Perkins

By: Joe & Janet Wheeler In loving honor of Terry & Carrol Wheeler Brittany Scott and Colton & Faith Wheeler

By: Joe & Janet Wheeler In loving honor of all Dinner Bell workers

By: T.C. & Sally Hamilton In loving memory of Clyde & Fleta Mayes In loving memory of Buddy Mayes

By: T.C. & Sally Hamilton In loving memory of Spence Hamilton

By: T.C. & Sally Hamilton In loving honor of Mickey & Barbara McKenzie

By: Lucy, Michael Ann and Tess In loving memory of Bill Dougan In loving memory of Sue Smith

By: The Dougan Family In loving honor of Tracie & Kurt Chew

By: Billie Rushin In loving memory of Guy Rushin

By: Billie Rushin In loving honor of Nana & Gran-Gran

By: Crawford & Cameron Johnson In loving honor of Matthew & Emily Johnson

By: Crawford & Cameron Johnson In loving honor of Clay & Heather Johnson

By: Craig & Chaney Johnson In loving honor of Grandma Sallie Parchman

By: Crawford & Cameron Johnson In loving honor of Rev. Gaither & Faye Day

By: Bob & Ann Gideon In loving memory of Menzo & Margaret Salmon

By: Bob & Ann Gideon In loving honor of Joe Billy Perkins

By: Bob & Ann Gideon In loving memory of Jerry & Jo Beth Levine

By: Bob & Ann Gideon In loving memory of Jo Ann Flippin

By: Ann Gideon & Juanita Hammond In loving memory of Betty Price

By: Ann Gideon, Juanita Hammond and Marge Morrison

In loving honor of our grandchildren, Braden, Eli and Lucas

By: Johnny & Kathy Lennon In loving memory of Paul & Georgiana Antrim

By: Johnny & Kathy Lennon In loving memory of Loyd & Marqueritte Lennon

By: Johnny & Kathy Lennon In loving memory of Mom & Dad

By: Lee Levine In loving memory of Arthur & Martha Reynolds

By: Susan Reynolds In loving memory of Buddy & Mandy Moseley

By: Susan Reynolds In loving honor of Joe Perkins

By: Harve & Martha Kate Chapman In loving honor of George Law

By: James & Gina Law In loving honor of Barbara Law

By: James & Gina Law In loving honor of Annette Ehrhardt

By: Larry & Anne Willmann In loving memory of Charles Ehrhardt

By: Larry & Anne Willmann In loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. Walter Willmann

By: Larry & Anne Willmann In loving memory of Harold Arnold

By: Eoline Arnold In loving memory or Harold Arnold

By: John & Betty Dodd and Family In loving memory of Henry & Inez McCorkle

By: Their children and grandchildren In loving memory of H.L.F. & Marjorie Doerr

By: Tommy & Jan Doerr In loving memory of Weldon & Peggy Bonner

By: Tommy & Jan Doerr In loving Honor of Christine McCorkle By: Their children, grandchildren & great grandson

In loving memory of Burton McCorkle By: Their children, grandchildren & great grandson

In loving honor of Our children & granddaughter In loving memory of Our parents & grandparents

By: Sunny & Linda Moore In loving honor of Our children & grandchildren

By: Jimmy & Candy Jones In loving memory of Paul & Sue Carter In loving memory of James & Dolores Jones

By: Jimmy & Candy Jones In loving memory of David Correia

By: Ed & Darlene Pollacek In Ioving memory of David Correia

By: Bernie & Fran Beers In loving honor of SSFUMC staff

By: Ken & Karon Hanushek In loving honor of SSFUMC choir

By: Ken & Karon Hanushek In loving honor of Avery, Ben and Baylor Funk

By: Bo & Pennye West In loving honor of Bo West

By: Pennye West In loving honor of Good News Bible Class

By: Jerry & Kati Voss In loving memory of Houston & Alva Wattenbarger

By: Judy Rawson & Sarah Gibbs In loving memory of Craig Ashmore

By: Juanita Wallace In loving honor of Keeton Eoff

By: Chuck Eoff In loving honor of Brynna Irving

By: Chuck Eoff In loving honor of Brent & Dena Irving

By: Chuck Eoff In loving memory of Kristi Eoff Irving

By: Chuck Eoff In loving memory of Judy Eoff

By: Chuck Eoff In loving honor of David & Myra Watson

By: Caitlyn & Macey Williams In loving memory of Oscar & Georgia Oats

By: Pat & LaNell Gerald In loving memory of Dan & Mickie Gerald

By: Pat & LaNell Gerald In honor of FUMC congregation

By: Pete & Maggie Adrian In loving memory of Cheryl Myers

By: Bob & Peggy Weaver In loving memory of Jim & Sue Shockey

By: David & Suzanne Johnson In loving memory of Darrel & Abbie Johnson

By: David & Suzanne Johnson In loving memory of Ed & Randy Rayl

By: Roger & Jayne Stone In loving memory of Eldean Hensley In loving memory of Carl & Anna Stone

By: Roger & Jayne Stone In loving memory of H.W. & Nola Bennett

By: Paul & Thuan Bennett In loving memory of Jim Tomlinson

By: Juanice & Coy Tomlinson In loving memory of N.G.”Cutter”& Charlice Dietze

By: Bill & Peggy Dietze In loving memory of Jack & Blanch McCallie

By: Bill & Peggy Dietze In loving memory of Jack & Ruth Gillis

By: Judy Gillis

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Current & Pressing Prayer Requests Jill Barclay Holly Dougan Justin Sewell Tricia Blount Barber Ellie Beers Moore Surene Cody Kathy Crowson Gene Brewer Pauleta Pogue Newtown, Conn. Lindley Family Herbert Anderson

Health Concerns Coy May Moore Shirley Robert Castleberry Micah Reed Clay Evans Billie Rushin Ursula Campbell Pam Clayton

Mona Giles Ira Black Janice Lemon Hein R.B. & Judy Narramore Fred & Linda McCoy Sandra George Gregg Price Scott Ragland Kristen Eagle & Landrey Madison Sonya Bolton Tracey Cline Delores Gonzales Charles Richardson Joyce Johnson Floyd Patsy Cowin Jordan Stiff Alisa Kostlan Rose Lemon Knotts David Hood Andy Underwager Ginger Pica Ben Dickson Richard & Marge Clement

Henry Preuss Johnny Latimer Jackson Bouquet Becky Graves Sandy Martin Don Carbonneau Louis McGrede Bob Morrison Beverly Harrison Rawlings Jack Dickerson Morris Abercrombie Walter Zimmerman Ann Westbrook Kelly Jones Mrs. Gaddis Sid McClure Ron Spellman Rhonda Griffith

Homebound Ruth Milam Louise Fox Sue Stewart Jackie Blount Maxine Bell

Annie Lou Dickerson Modene Huggins Rosemary Bailey Lillian Kinsala LaVerne Smith Cindy Elder Lou Cherry

Sympathy We express our heartfelt sympathy to:

Mary Edwards on the loss of her brother, Robert Edmons Suzanne Lindley and Family on the loss of her husband and Father, Billy Dan Lindley.

PRAYER CONCERNS

January 1 Paula Brito

Charles Husband Tom Young

January 2 Rebecca Allison

Bryan Burney Kathy Payne

Clydene Wilkerson January 3

Margaret Irvin January 4

Lee Levine Kay McClure

Mary Ann Rawson January 5

Emma Lane Dave Penson

David Rawson

January 6 Morgan Anderson

Jerry Gillem Joseph Leos

Christie McCullough Ron Wyatt

January 7 D’Yon Butler

January 8 Avery Funk

Robert Gideon Janet Wheeler

January 9 Pat Beghtel-Mahle

Juanita Wallace January 10

Mark Roberts Matthew Roberts Ann Westbrook

January 11 Daisy Green Joe Wheeler

January 12 Sharon Burney Jenni Johnson

Abigail Wasson January13

Bonnie Gilmer Mollye Noack Perry Sandlin

January 14 Joe Clifton Jan Doerr

Gilda Landers Aubrey Williams

January15 Tanya Bridges

Mary Gray Ruth Owens

Cameron Zahn

January16 Ben Braddy

John Kramer Billy Dan Lindley

January 17 Morgan Landers

Phyllis Stanley Bill Wheeler

January18 Wyvonne Bronson

January 19 Adrienne Lilley Wendy Wolfe

January 20 Louise Fox

Don Magee January 21

Bernie Beers Cecile Blount

Chaney Johnson Logan Stegient

January 22 Danita Graves

Billiefae Sellers January 23

Jodie Morris Jonathan Toliver

January 24 Angie Faulks

Bob Morrison January 25

Mike Blount Chris Davis

Barbara O’Dell Cathey Williams

January 26 Kimi Merrell

January 27

Carl Campbell Mike Edwards

William Johnson

January 28 Nina Alford Cathy Long

January 29 Ben Barrows James Moore Mark Moore

Marianne Shuler January 30

Joe Ardis Ginger Brooks

January 31 Mark Benton Sara Gillem

Piter Tamsma

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

The Spire Page 5

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

Office Closed

2 6:45am Son Rise Grp 12:00 pm Dinner Bell 6:00 pm Disciple I 7:00 pm Choir

3 9 am Holiday in the Park 12pm Rotary

4

5

6 4:30 pm Handbell

Rehearsal

7 9 am Staff Meeting 5:30 pm Stephen Min. 6:00 pm Disciple I

8 7:30 am SS MENnows 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leadership 1:00 pm Prayer Group 5: 15 pm Trustee’s 5:15 pm Cluck Hens Grp 6:00 pm Bible Study 6:30 pm Boy Scouts

9 6:45 am Son Rise Grp 9:30 am Beth Moore 10:30 am Pete’s BS 12:00 pm Dinner Bell 6:00 pm Couples Class 6:00 pm UMYF 6:00 pm Disciple 6:00 pm Beth Moore 7:00 pm Choir

10 12 pm Rotary

11

12

8:30 am Emmaus Training

13 4:30 pm Handbell

Rehearsal

14 9 am Staff Meeting 5:30 pm Stephen Min. 6:00 pm Disciple I

15

7:30 am SS MENnows 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leadership 1:00 pm Prayer Group 5: 15 pm Finance 5:15 pm Cluck Hens Grp 6:00 pm Bible Study

16

6:45 am Son Rise Grp 9:30 am Beth Moore 10:30 am Pete’s BS 12:00 pm Dinner Bell 6:00 pm Adult BS 6:00 pm Couples Class 6:00 pm UMYF 6:00 pm Disciple 6:00 pm Beth Moore 7:00 pm Choir

17 12 pm Rotary

18

19 8:00 am Emmaus Com-

munity Board Meeting

20 4:30 pm Handbell

Rehearsal

21

9 am Staff Meeting 12 pm Young at Heart 5:30 pm Stephen Min. 6:00 pm Disciple I 7:00 pm NETCS

22

7:30 am SS MENnows 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leadership 1:00 pm Prayer Group 5:15 pm Cluck Hens Grp 6:00 pm Bible Study

23

6:45 am Son Rise Grp 9:30 am Beth Moore 10:30 am Pete’s BS 12:00 pm Dinner Bell 6:00 pm Adult BS 6:00 pm Couples Class 6:00 pm UMYF 6:00 pm Disciple 6:00 pm Beth Moore 7:00 pm Choir

24 12 pm Rotary

25

26 8:30 am Emmaus Training

27 4:30 pm Handbell

Rehearsal

28 9 am Staff Meeting 5:30 pm Stephen Min. 6:00 pm Disciple I 7:00 pm NETCS

29

7:30 am SS MENnows 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leadership 1:00 pm Prayer Group 5:15 pm Cluck Hens Grp 6:00 pm Bible Study 6 pm Care & Nurture

30

6:45 am Son Rise Grp 9:30 am Beth Moore 10:30 am Pete’s BS 12:00 pm Dinner Bell 6:00 pm Adult BS 6:00 pm Couples Class 6:00 pm UMYF 6:00 pm Disciple 6:00 pm Beth Moore 7:00 pm Choir

31 12pm Rotary 5:30 pm RFL

January 20 1 3

The Spire Page 6

The Secret of Snowflake County would like to…. Congratulate all of our super singers on a fabulous show! You really shined with God’s light and shared the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you to all of our volunteers and parents for your help and support this semester. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Wonderful Wednesdays will resume January 9th with Mission Possible Kids, children’s choir, crafts, games and all the fun that Wednesdays hold! See each of you next semester…...

CHILDREN’S NEWS MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS In loving memory of B.F. Ashcroft By: Billie Grace Reynolds, Thomas Gordon, Jr., Louis & June McGrede, Joy Gordon Rowe, Betty Anderson, Phil & Beverly Morgan, Henry & Wanda McGrede, Larry & Anne Willmann, Tom & Pam Sellers In loving memory of Robert Ardis By: Benny & Sue Ann Johnson, Larry & Anne Willmann In loving memory of Henry (Curly) Crowson By: John Crowson and Family, Joe & Janet Wheeler, Larry & Anne Willmann, Morris & Barbara Abercrombie In loving memory of Betty Burns Martin By: Morris & Barbara Abercrombie In loving memory Carol Reid By: Sunny & Linda Moore In loving memory of David Stinson By: Clyde & Beverly Browning, Lew & Debbie Riggsby, Billie Grace Reynolds, Frank Rettmann, T.C. & Sally Hamil-ton, Sunny & Linda Moore, Morris & Barbara Abercrombie, Johnny & Kathy Lennon, Bernie & Fran Beers, Bob & Nancy Kirkpatrick,Tom & Pam Sellers In honor of Larry & Anne Willmann By: Fred & Susan Schroeder In loving memory of Warren & Opal Brewer By: Benny & Sue Ann Johnson In loving memory of Bill Campbell By: Phil & Beverly Morgan, Bob & Marge Morrison, Larry & Anne Willmann In loving memory of James Perkins By: Bob & Marge Morrison, Larry & Anne Willmann, Louise Brogoitti In honor of Annie Lou Dickerson’s birthday By: Joe Perkins, Fred Ward, Bob & Nancy Kirkpatrick In loving memory of Chris Tuley By: Billie Grace Reynolds In loving memory of Kathlyn Massey By: Tom & Pam Sellers In loving memory of Billy Harry By: Tom & Pam Sellers In loving memory of Kay Minter Tomlin By: Tom & Pam Sellers In loving memory of Sondra Lou Porter By: Morris & Barbara Abercrombie

Who’s Getting Older This Month:

January Calendar:

Thur. 3rd: Holiday in the Park (9:00 am –9:00 pm)

$30 (Must sign up by Sunday 23rd)

Wed.– 9th: UMYF (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

please bring $3 for meal

Wed. 16th: Spring Semester Kick-Off UMYF (6 pm-7:30pm)

Parents invited and encouraged to attend

night of info,fun,fellowship and food!

Fri. 18th-Sun 20th: 13th Annual CSR Retreat

See page for more information

Wed. 23rd: UMYF (6:00 pm-8:00pm)

Please try to bring $3 For meal

Wed. 30th: UMYF (6:00pm-8:00pm)

Please try to bring $3 for meal

Long Range Dates to Remember:

June 9th-12th Sulphur Springs Work Camp

July 9th-13th Camp Anakainoo (@ $385)

Be looking for other dates to come as they are set. We will be

doing fundraising for camp to help offset some of that expense.

The Spire Page 9

Holiday in the Park The youth will be going Six Flags’ Holiday in the Park on Thursday, Jan. 5th. Tickets are $30. We will leave at 9:00 a.m. and return home around 9:00 p.m. You must make reservation to go by Sunday, Dec. 23rd!

Spring Semester Kick Off\Parent Night Although the youth will start back UMYF on Wednesday the 9th, we will have our official “Kick-off” and Parent Night the following week on the 16th. I was hoping to give everyone a week to settle back into the “norm” before having everyone come for this night. I hope you will plan to be there with your child for a night full of fun, info and food! See you next semester. . .

CSR 2013 Right Around the Corner Our 13th Annual Community Student Retreat in Lone Star, Tx. is set for Jan. 18th-20th. The cost of the event will be $100, which includes all your room and board and cool CSR Hoodie. This year’s theme is Not Just a Fan. It promises to be a great time of fellow-ship and growth along with our friends from Shannon Oaks, Davis St. Baptist and St. James Catholic church-es.

If you’ve never been before, this event is for all 6th-12th graders. We will leave on Friday afternoon and return Sunday at 12 noon, just in time to be picked up as parents are leaving the church. A registration form will be posted on the church website under Student Ministry Forms. Call Jason with any questions.

2013 UPCOMING WALK TO EMMAUS WEEKENDS Chrysalis flights are being planned but have not been posted. Check www.netemmaus.org for more details about the walks and flights. For more info, call Debbie Riggsby at 903-885-2185.

Girls’ Flight Jan. 19-21 New Boston Women’s Walk Feb. 21-24 Lone Star Men’s Walk Apr. 25-28 Lone Star Women’s Walk Sept. 26-29 Lone Star Men’s Walk Oct. 17-20 Lone Star

5th: Emma Lane 10th: Mark Roberts,

Matthew Rob-erts, Alli Ste-phens

12th: Jenni Johnson 15th: Cameron Zahn 17th: Morgan Landers 27th: Peyton Howard

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 December 24, 2012

Wednesday Bible Study---Jan. 16 at 6 pm in Crusad-ers Classroom will continue the journey in the Gospel of John with Phil Morgan leading.

Habits of the Heart —Explore and practice spiritual habits that will connect you with God and transform your life.

Tuesday Group starts Jan 8th at 6:00 pm in Con-ference Room I with Nancy Rooks

Thursday Group starts Jan.10 at the home of Jill Barclay (531 PR 5990, Yantis) at 9:30 am or 6 pm.

Wed AM & PM Women’s Group—Starts Jan. 9 Both groups will be doing Priscilla Shirer’s study on Job called The Interrupted Life.

9:30 am - 11:30 am –Good News Class-Pennye West 6:00 pm-8:00 pm– Conference Room I– Kathryn Jones

SMALL GROUPS BIBLE STUDIES

Sunday, December 30th @ 10:45 am Please join us for our last Sunday of 2012. We will

worship at 10:45 am followed by our

Fellowship Meal at Noon.

UNITY CELEBRATION SUNDAY

Young at Heart will be returning January 21,2013. Bring a covered dish and join us at 12:00 noon in FLC for fellow-ship and lunch.

YOUNG AT HEART

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS The Church office will close at noon December 24, 2012 and will reopen on January 2, 2013. In case of an emer-gency please contact Rev. Debbie Riggsby at 903-243-3333 or Jennifer Philo at 903-243-6779.