January 1, 2020

Worship with Us

Sunday

9:00 a.m. - Contemporary Service

10:00 a.m. - Sunday School

11:00 a.m. - Worship Service

4:30 p.m. - Youth

Pastor

Dr. Richard Heyduck

Youth Director

Scott Grow

Director of Music

Mykle Ann Wright

Organist

Tim Spivey

Secretary

Tonya Roberts

Noah's Ark Director

Cynthia Outlaw

Phone: 903-389-2225 www.fumcfairfield.org

The Staff of

First UMC Fairfield

First United Methodist Church

The Servant I’ll begin by speaking proleptically (as if what has not yet happened HAS happened) and then turn to speaking prospectively (considering what has not yet happened).

We’ve made it through 2019! Through your hard work and faithfulness we’ve not only paid off the flooring project but we also managed to catch up and pay all our apportionments for the year.

Some of you will look back on 2019 with nostalgia. It was a good year for your family. Others of you, looking at 2019, will say “Good riddance!” You experienced multiple hardships and setbacks and are now ready for something – almost anything – new.

Our mission in 2020 remains the same: to “Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transfor-mation of the world.” Since our mission is the same, most of the things we do will be the same. There are some areas where we can look for change, however.

When I look at our total ministry, I see some holes. The first is that our community needs a ministry for those seeking “recovery.” We’ve had a Divorce Care class in recent years and have sporadically hosted AA. From what I see in the area there’s a real unmet need. I’m praying that God will raise up some people in our congregation who have a burden for people seeking recovery, whether it be in relationships, substances (alcohol, drugs), or behaviors.

I also see a need for us to become more outward focused. One way to do this would be to increase the number of our people who volunteer in local schools. We have many people who currently work as mentors at the intermediate school (the program I know best); I know there are other needs elsewhere in our district.

We could also expand our ministry into local prisons. We have unit to the west as well as other units to the east. There’s plenty of need out there.

A more theoretical need I think of is clarifying our model for making disciples. You know I’ve been talking a lot the past couple years about the recovery of traditional Wesleyan discipleship methods like the Class Meeting and Band Meeting. The key thing these methods do that much of the discipleship methods we’ve used in the past few generations don’t do so well is focus on transformation more than information. Sunday School classes and Bible studies can have transformative elements to them, but transformation is usually not at the center of what they do.

The main thing I’m seeking – and praying for in the new year is an increase in joy. 2019 had brought enough stresses and strains in our life together that we’ve sometimes forgotten joy. I’m praying that our life together will become fully expressive of the joy of Jesus. Two things I see flowing from this are an increased attractiveness to outsiders and our having more fun together. Christianity is a serious life and death enterprise. But it’s WAY better if we have fun in the doing of it. Happy New Year!

Wednesday

5;15 p.m. - Children’s Choir

Rehearsal

5:45 p.m. - Wednesday Night

Dinner

5:45 p.m. - Gravity / Youth

6:30 p.m. - Children’s Bible

Study

6:30 p.m. - Adult Bible Study

6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir

Rehearsal

Making Disciples by Building Ramps – Steve Grecu About five years ago I took up the ministry of building wheelchair ramps for people in need. We partnered with Texas Ramps Project out of Dallas. They not only taught us how to build ramps but also supported us financially as we started. John Lane, director of TRP, came to Fairfield when we began and showed us the pattern to follow. Something John said that day has stuck with me: “Don’t worry about everything being perfect. We’re not building cabinets. Our volunteers are just as important to us as the people we build the ramps for. We don’t want to discourage or stress our volunteers into thinking they have to be perfect carpenters and as a result give up.” After our first build with him, John felt we were ready to go it on our own. TRP has continued to support us financially to this day.

Looking back with the perspective I’ve gained as a disciple of Jesus, I can see that John Lane’s model for the work was a way of making disciples. It has been a great honor for me to use my professional sills to lead our ramp ministry. I have great respect for all who have participated in this ministry and thank God for this calling in my life.

When I started, I knew how to build things in a professional setting but had no experience of building in the context of ministry. Through my relationships with our pastors and the people on the mission committee I learned how to do this.

Our ultimate goal in building ramps is to bring the love of Jesus into the lives of people. We know that God is good – and a majority of the people we build ramps for will declare that they too know of God’s goodness. Sometimes, however, we feel like God is good to other people and we’re missing out.

Building ramps is also good for us who do the work. We connect more deeply with each other. We learn to work together, trust and love each other. Building ramps is a disciplemaking ministry. As we build, we come alongside each other in a gentle, inviting manner. We encourage each other. Many of our building team members have invited friends to join in the work. Some have carpentry skills, but most learn on the job. Through our work, I learned that more than building ramps, we’re building people as followers of Jesus. Once I came to understand we were building disciples, I put a special focus on our new people. I wanted to ensure that their first experience would not be their last. I had to pay attention to them to make sure no one was left on the sidelines, doubting themselves or their ability to be a part of the team. As I grew as a disciple of Jesus, I came to see that this way of thinking has application throughout the church, in all areas of ministry.

I admit that when I am busy doing God’s work my zeal for God can sometimes distract me from Jesus’

command in Matthew 28:19. Sometimes I forget that making disciples – building people – is more our

mission than building ramps. I fear that sometimes I have acted as a “fireman” – putting out someone’s

fire for God. I see now that I’m called to be a “fire keeper” for others. My prayer is that whatever our area

of work in the church we remain mindful of the call to make disciples who will themselves become

disciplemakers. May we all seek to gently nurture others into faith in Christ and obedience to his call!

Sunday School Offering: In November, the children gave a total of $91.12 toward the school weekend back-pack food ministry. The adults rounded the amount up to $100. In December their offering went to the Christmas Eve Meal Ministry.

Sunday School Classes: A thank you is due to our regular children's Sunday School Teachers for their love

and dedication to our children. They are: Camille Grow, Patty Pratt, Tracy Awalt, Karen Micheletti, Andrea Roller and Jana Paul. In addition there are several who help when needed. Sunday School is a very important part of our effort to reach children for Jesus.

AWE Classes: A thank you is also due to our regular children's AWE teachers: Chad Morgan, Jennifer Cruce, Wendy Ferrell, Nicole Crawford, Julie Steward, and Tina Williams. They give every Wednesday night to teach our children about Jesus.

Children's Church: Every week during the second service, we offer Children's church. This is not a play time, but another opportunity for children to learn about Jesus. Thank you to our regular helpers: Camille Grow, Christi Heyduck, Ashle Crowley, Brigit Coufal, Patty Pratt, Amy Evans, Courtney Varner and Kendra Young.

Children's Choir : On Wednesday's our church offers children's choir for ages 4 through fifth grade. Thank you to our dedicated volunteer leaders: Mykle Ann Wright, Christi Heyduck, Katherine Jackson, and Stephanie Thorne.

As we look to a new year, please remember Children's Ministry in your prayers. If you would like to volunteer please contact Christi Heyduck.

December is always a busy, but exciting month for our music ministry. We had a great special from our Children’s Choir, the Cantata by the Chancel Choir was beautiful,

and the GloriBells played at the nursing home and two church services.

During the Christmas Break we will not have any practices. We will resume GloriBells on January 6. Chancel Choir will start back January 8, and Children’s Choir will start back January 15.

As always, we are looking for new people to join us at our

many music activities. Maybe this could be one of your

“New Year’s Resolutions”. I hope you will consider joining one

of our ministry groups.

God Bless,

Mykle Ann

Children’s Choir Join us

Wednesday, January 15 5:15 pm

Choir Room

January 5th- Sunday Night Live- 4:30-6:30 p.m.

January 8th- Wed Night Small Group kick off- 5:45-7:30 p.m.

January 12th- Confirmation 4:30-5:30, Sunday Night Live- 5:30-6:30 p.m.

January 15th- Wed Night Small Groups- 5:45-7:30 p.m.

January 19th- Confirmation 4:30-5:30, Sunday Night Live- 5:30-6:30 p.m.

January 22nd- Wed Night Small Groups- 5:45-7:30 p.m.

January 26th- Confirmation 4:30-5:30, Sunday Night Live- 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Happy Holidays from Gravity!

Sunday Servers Dates January 5 January 12 January 19 January 26 February 2

Acolytes

Mollie Copeland Emily Myers

Alleigh Roller Norah Young

Lucas Awalt Wyatt Steward

Chance Herren Logan Williams

Faith Cockerell Danica Grecu

Lay Readers

Robbie Robertson Ava Grecu Robbie Robertson Bob Anderson Kevin Benedict

Offering Counters

Katherine Jackson Gary Toothman Jane Phillips Susie Kirgan Charlene Ezell

Lay Readers are a very important part of Sunday Worship. There duties may consist of, but not limited to the following:

Leading Affirmation of Faith Facilitate the Offertory Scripture Reading

If you would like to become a Lay Reader and assist with Sunday Worship please contact the church office.

Memorials & Honorariums

Gifts to Capital/General Building Fund

In memory of Sonny Schick by J.R. Corne

In memory of Evelyn Moegelin by Brenda Kay Johnson

In memory of Steve Miller by Mike & Kathy Arrington

In memory of Rosemary Whiting by Jennifer Calame, Charlene Ezell, Guy & Jane Ward,

Eddie & Karen Smith, Judy Wardle, Don & Milli McLeod

Music Fund

In memory of Bart Matthews by Judy Wardle

**Remember to indicate the person or persons for whom your memorial or honorarium is dedicated and to what fund it is to be

credited: General, Capital Building, Choir, Youth, Music, etc.

January

01 Christmas Break

08 Christmas Break

15 Chicken Pot Pie

22 Braised Poblano Roast Beef

29 Chicken Fried Steak

February

05 Tuscan Garlic Chicken

12 Chicken Piccata

19 Chinese

26 Meatloaf

*menu subject to changes

Date Name(s)

1/1 Stephen Summersill

Gilbert Gatlin

1/2 Robin Davis

1/3 Richard Davis

Cale Myers

Chris Horton

Olivia Hughes

1/4 Summer Moore

Beverly Awalt

Guy Ward

Brenda Farber

Carolyn Robertson

1/5 Norah Young

1/6 Scott Schick

Hayden Hill

Date Name(s)

1/7 Betty Milligan

Liz Thornton

Alicia Berger

1/10 Bob Whiteman

1/13 Sherry Burns

1/17 Greg Sims

1/18 Barbara Anderson

1/19 Robbie Robertson

1/20 Harry Moore

David James

Carolyn Newberry

1/23 Emi Bonner

Jordan Myers

1/24 Clay McKee

Daniel Filis

1/25 Jared Schlabra

Date Name(s)

Grace Wathen

1/26 Matt Mooneyham

Nick Mooneyham

1/27 Colbie Cherry

1/28 Joe Bond

Seth Anderson

Jerrod Broussard

Brayden McKee

1/29 Rachel Lewis

1/30 Will Fernandes

Eliza Young

Barbara Bass

1/31 Caleb Wilson

Ellen Jones

Vicky Cheek

Sermons are available for listening on the Church web site: www.fumcfairfield.org/media/sermon-audio

United Methodist Women - We enjoyed our Christmas luncheon at the home of Jane Phillips on December 10th. In addition to a delicious soup and salad meal, new officers were installed by 2019 President Christi Heyduck. We look forward to a wonderful new bible study in January under the leadership of our new president Jane Phillips. All women are invited to attend our bible studies which are on the

second and fourth Tuesday on the month at 10 am. We meet in the main room upstairs. Christi

Happy Holidays From FUMC Nursery

Madeline Wright, Kamri Griffin, Kendal Crawford (not pictured)

Tonya Roberts, Eliza Young and Jacob Awalt

Danny Kalyanji (Patel Group), presented Richard with 18 $10 gift cards for the church to distributed to the needy in the way of Society of St. Stephen. Thank you everyone who donated to

the flood bucket mission.

Church Leaders for 2020

The Lay Leadership and Nominations Committee has been working for months to assemble a roster of leaders for the new year. Here’s the list as passed by our recent Charge Conference. Church Council Chair & Lay Delegate to Annual Conference: Kevin Benedict Lay Leaders: Sam Bill Bournias & Robbie Robertson Evangelism: Mike & Julie Steward (chairs), Gilbert Gatlin, Theresa Farris, Bobby Daniel, John Cheek Family Ministries: Carrie Herren (chair), Cyn Outlaw, Jennifer & Brandon Cruce, Kelly Teer, Joe Schick, Julie Steward, Sonia Maness, Lisa Horton, Ashlee Daniel Adult Christian Education: Kim Mooneyham, Rick Medford, Kathy Donohoo, Buzz & Deborah Hamilton, Cindy Hale, Lisa Robertson, Kendra Young Children’s Christian Education: Christi Heyduck (chair), Nicole Crawford, Mike Steward, Karla Keaton, Leslie Meza, Alicia Berger, Betsy Monico, Tracy Awalt, Camille Grow, Karen Micheletti, Julie Myers, Courtney Varner, Angela Morgan, Juile Steward Finance: Katherine Jackson (chair), Susie Kirgan, Josh Varner, Gary Toothman, Jane Phillips, Charlene Ezell, Terry Dunlap, Brian Evans, Suzann Leadbetter Missions: Steve & Danielle Grecu (chairs), Patricia Pratt, Randy (Robert) Taylor, Tony Leadbetter, Mark Phillips, Randy Maness, Rick Mallory, Robin Horton Lay Leadership & Nominations: Maurice Burleson, Eddie Smith, Marlon Cockerell, Gayle Carpenter, Edye Gillen-Hall, Chad Morgan, Stephanie Thorne, Loften Dunlap, Rick Medford Nurture: Carol Chappell, Paula Wade, Sue Terry, Sally Red, Karen Smith, Jerri McBay, Suzann Leadbetter, Bob Anderson, Loy Newberry Society of St Stephens: Rodney Gillen-Hall, Julie Ann Medford, Jeannie Wilson, Chris Perona, Carol Ann Biggar Staff/Parish Relations: Sally Red (chair), Jenny Calame, Russell Keaton, Larry Williams, Susan Myers, Tommy Leadbetter, Andy Awalt, Tina Williams, Anita Avery Trustees: Lee Kirgan, Von Wade, Dan Ralstin, Julie Myers, Janie Richards, Dianne Murden, Karen Micheletti, John Thorne, Jacob Young Worship: Chad Morgan (chair), Janie Richards, Dianne Murden, Bill Crawford, Ben Bonner, Beverly Awalt, Carolyn Williams, Pam Steward, Trish Kingsley

Church Council at-large: Cindy Neal, Craig Dunlap, Hazel Sanders, Angela Morgan, Carolyn Newberry,

Kenny Hughes, Denny Kingsley, Nicole Crawford

From Noah’s

Ark

STRENGTH AND ENCOURAGEMENT

Barbara Anderson

Katie Anderson

Sharon Anderson

Steve Anderson

Kathy Arrington

Ann Barker

Dale & Eunice Barker

Debbie Blair

Billie Bond

Joe Bond

Donald Casey

NeKeisha Chin

Eleanor Clark

Jimmy & Paula Clark

Juliette Coleman

Bill & Jan Collins

J.R. Corne

Sheri Cuba

Julie Curington

Loften Dunlap

Derrell Ezell

Donnie Farris

Albert Gallegos

Tony Gallegos

Jim Gooch

Joan Grounds

FUMC PRAYER MINISTRY

Bob & Frances Henley

Nick Henley

Mary Heyduck

Frank & Heidi Hilliard

Phyllis Hunt

Reed Jackson

Sheila Judkins

J.B. Mason

Cash McKee

Rick Medford

Sue Montgomery

Nancy Nichols

Jimmy Onstott

Margaret Orand

Mary Pittman

Judy Schick

Gwen Schlabra

Irene Slaughter

Larry Smith

Mary Smith

Carol Taylor

Jesse Terry

Jean Thomas

Carolyn Thorne

Randy Turner

Donald Vasey

Keith Wedige

PERSONS IN NURSING HOME FACILITIES

Patsy Ahlfinger

Jeane Beasley

Marie Collie

Pat Crawford

Claudine Gibbs

Nancy Gooch

Norma Helm

Virginia Humphries

Don McLeod

Bob Pearson

Jerry Speed

THE MEN AND WOMEN SERVING IN OUR ARMED FORCES

Ryan Aiken

Dalton Barker

Daniel Barker

Damon Box

Jordan Burton

Robert Cortez

Brandon Cruce

Kyle Grecu

Brady Jackson

Chris Marr

Brandon Read

Ty Salazar

Breakfast and Fellowship, Sunday, January 12, 7:30 a.m.

Pastoral or Ministerial Care When pastoral or ministerial care is needed Pastor Richard may be reached at the following number.

Pastor Richard Heyduck (903) 767-2977 (cell) richard@fumcfairfield.org

Tithe.ly is a new and convenient way of giving to our Church.

It can be accessed through the free Tithe.ly app on your phone or any electronic device!

Please ask any committee member about it.

First United Methodist Church 201 North Mount Street Fairfield, Texas 75840 903-389-2225 www.fumcfairfield.org

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