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

December 2010

It is the beautiful task

of Advent to awaken in all of us

memories of goodness and

thus to open doors of hope. ~ Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger

IIIINNNN T T T THISHISHISHIS I I I ISSUESSUESSUESSUE............ Church Staff

Rev. Russell FloydRev. Russell FloydRev. Russell FloydRev. Russell Floyd Senior Pastor

Rev. Debbie RiggsbyRev. Debbie RiggsbyRev. Debbie RiggsbyRev. Debbie Riggsby Associate Pastor

Carol AllenCarol AllenCarol AllenCarol Allen Music Director

Jason DietzeJason DietzeJason DietzeJason Dietze Youth Director

Adrienne LilleyAdrienne LilleyAdrienne LilleyAdrienne Lilley Children’s Director

Jill DietzeJill DietzeJill DietzeJill Dietze Nursery Director

Paul GloverPaul GloverPaul GloverPaul Glover Business Administrator

Jennifer PhiloJennifer PhiloJennifer PhiloJennifer Philo Communications

Nancy KirkpatrickNancy KirkpatrickNancy KirkpatrickNancy Kirkpatrick Administrative Assistant

Mike DoddMike DoddMike DoddMike Dodd Handbell Director

Ken HanushekKen HanushekKen HanushekKen Hanushek Pianist

Deanna SpragginsDeanna SpragginsDeanna SpragginsDeanna Spraggins Organist

Sam GilbreathSam GilbreathSam GilbreathSam Gilbreath Building Maint. Supervisor

Joe GoodsonJoe GoodsonJoe GoodsonJoe Goodson Custodian

Virginia MasseyVirginia MasseyVirginia MasseyVirginia Massey Weekend Custodian

Marianne ShulerMarianne ShulerMarianne ShulerMarianne Shuler After School Program Director

Keitha ManningKeitha ManningKeitha ManningKeitha Manning After School Program

Brenda RollisonBrenda RollisonBrenda RollisonBrenda Rollison After School Program

Cassie WebbCassie WebbCassie WebbCassie Webb Nursery Attendant

Chelsie WebbChelsie WebbChelsie WebbChelsie 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

One Hour to Give…………………………………………………………..……..3

100th Birthday Celebration………………………………………………….……..3

2010 Church Conference…………………………………………………...……..3

A Bit of a Facelift…………………………………………………………………..3

Prayer Concerns…………………………………………………………….……..4

December Birthdays………………………………………………………...……..4

December Activity Calendar………………………………………………………..5

The Best is Yet To Come…………………………………………………………..6

UMW Christmas Tea………………………………………………………………6

Harvest Festival 2010 Wrap Up……………………………………………………6

Join the Small Group Adventure in 2011…………………………………….……..7

First UMC To Host Comedian Charles Marshall……………………………..……..7

A Cozy Christmas…………………………………………………………...……..8

Memorials & Honorariums…………………………………………………..……..8

NOTHY Christmas Shopping Trip...………………………………………………..8

Debbie’s Daring Adventure in God….……………………………………………..9

Prayer as a Way of Life….…………………………………………………...……..9

Safe Sanctuary...…………………………………………………………….……..9

Texas Ramp Projects...……………………………………………………...……..9

Experiencing God’s Love...………………………………………………….……..9

Begin at the Beginnings...…………………………………………………...……..9

Text Connecting with FUMC...……………………………………………....……..9

Just 4 Youth..……………………………………………………………...……..10

Russell’s Ramblings..……………………………………………………………..11

We Need Your Feedback..………………………………………………………..11

The Kids’ Page...…………………………………………………………..……..11

The Faith We Sing...……………………………………………………….……..12

Christmas Poinsettias...…………………………………………………….……..12

The Spire Page 3

One Hour to Give One Hour to Give is an effort to reach outside the walls of our church and make a difference in our community. Ask yourself three simple questions:

• What Do I Enjoy Doing?

• What Am I Good At Doing?

• How Can I Use These Skills to Help My Com-munity?

We will have a bulletin board outside Fellowship Hall for those who would like to share what they are doing or how they have been blessed by giving one hour a month in ser-vice. You don’t have to sign your name but we encourage you to share your ideas or experiences to help inspire others to get started with One Hour to Give.

Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

• Reading • Driving

• Gardening • Shopping

• Organizing • Writing Letters

• Cleaning

One Hour to Give I will use the gifts I have been blessed with

to be a blessing to my community

by donating 1 hour a month to

______________________________________

Our upcoming church conference HAS CHANGED to Sun-Sun-Sun-Sun-day, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.day, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.day, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.day, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.

With the reforming of our North Texas Conference districts, churches will come together in clusters for a celebrating our ministries in worship and then meeting in individual church conferences. Our church will be hosting the Southeast Cluster (B) with the people of Wesley Sulphur Springs, Ar-bala, Gafford Chapel, Shooks Chapel, Pine Forest, Tira, Sulphur Bluff, and Birthright UMCs. Worship begins at 4 and church conferences will follow. Come and celebrate with us!

2010 C2010 C2010 C2010 CHURCHHURCHHURCHHURCH CCCCONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCE

You are cordially invited to a reception honoring Annie Lou Dickerson on her100th Birthday

Saturday, December 11, 2010 2:00-3:30 pm Hopkins House

A 100th

Birthday

Celebration!

Many of us enter the church sanctuary from the Education Building and have not had the opportunity to see the work being done on the front steps of our church. The Trustees, using Memorial Fund gifts, are finishing up a project to replace the front doors and tile the front steps and landing. Special thanks to Sunny Moore for spear-heading the effort to replace the front doors and to Max Bradford for removing, clean-ing, repairing and reinstalling the stained glass windows in the new doors.

A BA BA BA BITITITIT OFOFOFOF AAAA F F F FACELIFTACELIFTACELIFTACELIFT!!!!

December 1December 1December 1December 1 Julie Barrows

Faye Day Mitchell DeVries

Derek Dorris Patsy Johnson

December 2December 2December 2December 2 Jeremy Gafford

December 3December 3December 3December 3 Carson Fenton Toby Flippin Dawn Gunn

December 4December 4December 4December 4 Wanda Jenkins Edith Passons Jessica Wasson

December 5December 5December 5December 5 Jarred Cowley Judy Lanham

November 6November 6November 6November 6 Crystal Gafford Laura Sandlin

December 7December 7December 7December 7 Andre Campbell Verdon Graves Sherry Johnson Sandra Stidham Jace Thompson

Janelle Van Benthem Rendell Van Benthem December 8December 8December 8December 8 Nicholas Campbell William Lockhart

Tim Phillips December 9December 9December 9December 9

Jesse Gilbert December 10December 10December 10December 10

Mason Rawson

December 11December 11December 11December 11 Haley Moore Patty Osborn

Jerry Voss December 12December 12December 12December 12

Amy DeVries Jo Beth Levine

Fletcher Westbrook December 13December 13December 13December 13

Blaine Allen Gene Brewer Nancy Brodie

Juliana Bronson Zachary Johnson Whitney Morgan

December 14December 14December 14December 14 Carol Cowley

Charles Dawson

December 15December 15December 15December 15 Annie Lou Dickerson December 17December 17December 17December 17

Terri Floyd December 18December 18December 18December 18

Rebecka Maddux December 19December 19December 19December 19

Max Baxter December 20December 20December 20December 20

Steven Gilreath Lisa Johnson

Debbie Stinson December 21December 21December 21December 21

Aubrey Flowers Joann Johnson David Larkin Savoy Tutt

Kate Watson

December 22December 22December 22December 22 Molly Owens

December 23December 23December 23December 23 Morris Abercrombie

Angie Blount Eddie Jo Edge

Wava Lee Honea Holly Thompson

December 24December 24December 24December 24 Carolyn Barrows

Peggy Dietze December 25December 25December 25December 25

Will Horton Mandy Kennedy

Bobby Price December 26December 26December 26December 26

Jan Chapman December 27December 27December 27December 27

Ryder Caddell Mary Cash

Sailor Jones Barbara McKenzie

December 28December 28December 28December 28 Emily Johnson David Zahn

December 29December 29December 29December 29 Larry Crowson Holly Dougan

Tammy Dougan Taylor Harden

December 30December 30December 30December 30 Durann Ardis

Jim Clifton Janet Hamner Coy Johnson

Morgan Merrell December 31December 31December 31December 31

Jonah Foster Scott O’Neal

Current & Pressing Current & Pressing Current & Pressing Current & Pressing Prayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer Requests Betty Price Mary Lou Ramey Ruth Floyd Sunny Comfort Brandi & David Schmersahl Deanna Spataro Mariachie Vaughn Molly Moore Jayne Stone Pam Black & Family Joe Goodson Jessie Faye Walker Joe Pickett Christine Street

Health ConcernsHealth ConcernsHealth ConcernsHealth Concerns Church MembersChurch MembersChurch MembersChurch Members Bo West Pat Eagle Bill Campbell

Friends of our ChurchFriends of our ChurchFriends of our ChurchFriends of our Church E.J. Clark Jacky Wilks Jackson Bouquet Thomas Mayfield Scott Brulingame

Stuart Ham McCoy Family Jim Butler Lisa Rhimes Becky Graves Jack Dickerson Todd Lovell

LongLongLongLong----term Concernsterm Concernsterm Concernsterm Concerns Judy McKee Sandy Martin John Bass Bobby Ramsey Sr. June Tuck Wayne Murphy Louis McGrede Nell Green Henry Preuss Modene Huggins Johnny Latimer Ben Dickson Matt Worsham Harrison Yount Don Carbonneau Shirley Flippin Sam Robinson

HomeboundHomeboundHomeboundHomebound Ruth Milam Louise Fox Norma Haberlin

Vicki King Bonnie Owens Maxine Bell Annie Lou Dickerson Helen Alford Edith Passons Sue Stewart Idell Chapman Lynn Chapman Jackie Blount Lillian Kinsala

SympathySympathySympathySympathy We express our heartfelt sympa-thy to: Tommy Worsham & Steve Wor-Tommy Worsham & Steve Wor-Tommy Worsham & Steve Wor-Tommy Worsham & Steve Wor-sham sham sham sham and families on the loss of their mother Patsy WorshamPatsy WorshamPatsy WorshamPatsy Worsham

Mrs. Lou Jane Bonner Mrs. Lou Jane Bonner Mrs. Lou Jane Bonner Mrs. Lou Jane Bonner and family on the loss of her brother, Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Joe LonginoJoe LonginoJoe LonginoJoe Longino, on November 13

Dr. Tod Conner Dr. Tod Conner Dr. Tod Conner Dr. Tod Conner and family on the loss of his father, Jack Con-Jack Con-Jack Con-Jack Con-nernernerner, on November 14

Pam Black Pam Black Pam Black Pam Black and family on the loss of her mother Loreen “Dory” Loreen “Dory” Loreen “Dory” Loreen “Dory” ButlerButlerButlerButler

JoysJoysJoysJoys

We celebrate the baptism of Claire Elizabeth ToliverClaire Elizabeth ToliverClaire Elizabeth ToliverClaire Elizabeth Toliver, daugh-ter of Brent & Susan Toliver and granddaughter of Brian & Leesa Toliver, on November 7th

PPPPRAYERRAYERRAYERRAYER CONCERNSCONCERNSCONCERNSCONCERNS

The Spire Page 4

We invite you to join us in praying for all the persons listed in our bulletin and newsletter Prayer Concerns. Please take a look at the concerns, and if you have an update, please call Nancy at the Church Office.

DDDDECEMBERECEMBERECEMBERECEMBER B B B BIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYS

December 20 10 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 6 pm Kingdom Kids

Rehearsal 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 7 pm The Awakening at

Heritage Park

2 8:30 am Moms in

Touch 9:00 am Zumba 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm Zumba

3 6:30 am Coffee with

the Coaches

4 7 am Boy Scouts

Pancake Break-

fast in FH

7 pm NETCS “A Cozy Christmas” Concert at Civic

Center

5 2 pm NETCS “A Cozy

Christmas” Concert at Civic Center

4 pm Church Confer-ence Mtg in Sanctuary

6 7 pm NETCS

7 7:30 am SS MENnow 8:30 am NOTHY Trip 8:30 am Prayer Hour 9 am Zumba 9 am Respite Care 9 am Walking Fourth 9:15 am CBS 5:30 pm Zumba 6 pm Wanderers Class 6:30 pm Three Months

w/ Paul

8 6 pm Kingdom Kids

Rehearsal 6 pm UMYF 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

9 8:30 am Messengers

Rm reserved by COC

8:30 am Moms in Touch

9:00 am Zumba 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm Zumba

10 6:30 am Coffee with

the Coaches 8 am Parlor reserved

by COC 6 pm Scrapbooking in

FLC

11

Empty Stocking

Distribution Day

2-4 pm

12 9:45 am Kingdom

Kids’ choir pre-sents “Arrest These Merry Gentlemen”

1pm UMW Christmas Tea

2 pm Gym reserved by Sara Allen

13 4pm CPS Christmas

Party in FH

14 7:30 am SS MENnow 8:30 am Prayer Hour 9 am Zumba 9 am Respite Care 9 am Walking Fourth 9:15 am CBS 5:00 pm Trustees Mtg 5:30 pm Zumba 6 pm Wanderers Class

15 6 pm UMYF 6pm Children’s Orna-

ment Party 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

16 8:30 am Moms in

Touch 9:00 am Zumba 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm Zumba

17 6:30 am Coffee with

the Coaches

18

19 10:45 am Chancel

Choir presents “Night of the Father’s Love”

2 pm Parlor Reserved

20 10:30 am Young at

Heart

21 7:30 am SS MENnow 8:30 am Prayer Hour 9 am Zumba 9 am Respite Care 9 am Walking Fourth 9:15 am CBS 1 pm UMW 5:15 pm Finance Mtg 5:30 pm Zumba 6 pm Wanderers Class 6 pm Evangelism Mtg

22 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal

23 9:00 am Zumba 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm Zumba

24

Christmas Eve

Candlelight

Communion 5 pm, 7 pm & 11 pm

25

26 27 28 9:00 am Zumba 5:30 pm Zumba

Youth trip to Holiday in the Park

29 30 9:00 am Zumba 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm Zumba

31

——-Church Office Holiday Hours 8:00 am to 12:00 pm——-

The Spire Page 6

Everywhere, from every media source the cry is, 'Look here! Look there! Google this and Facebook that! Search our web site and send us your email address and we'll send you free information!' The media megaphone never stops.

May I humbly suggest that on Sunday morning, Dec. 19th at 10:45, in the Sanctuary of FUMC, you will find the One who is really worth looking for. You won't have to go online or turn on the TV to do so. Wise men still seek this One today and we find him often, in the simplest way. (At church, of all places!)

It is a great joy for the Sanctuary Choir to present 'Night of the Father's Love'. Our cantata this year is by Pepper Chop-lin, a favorite composer of ours. Pepper writes music that is first of all scriptural and 'message oriented'. The words and music are simply and clearly written to bring to the listener this beautiful story of the Savior's birth. Ken and Deanna and Andrew, all the singers and our narrators, Jane Clay-pool, Jeff Smith and Tracey Fox are diligently rehearsing and anticipating a beautiful time of worship as we bring this can-tata to the congregation.

Please plan to be with us on December 19th at the 10:45 service. O Come let us worship the King! Yet again, the an-ticipation begins as we await the birth of the 'One who is to come'!

Carol Allen

TTTTHEHEHEHE B B B BESTESTESTEST I I I ISSSS Y Y Y YETETETET T T T TOOOO CCCCOMEOMEOMEOME

The United Methodist Women

invite all of the

women of the church

to join them on

Sunday, December 12th, from

1:00-2:30 pm

in the Parlor

for a Christmas Tea

HHHHARVESTARVESTARVESTARVEST F F F FESTIVALESTIVALESTIVALESTIVAL 2010 W2010 W2010 W2010 WRAPRAPRAPRAP U U U UPPPP

The Harvest Festival was a great success again this year. Together we raised over $33,000 to further the service of our church and the community and 10% of every dollar we raised is going directly to the Sulphur Springs Work Camp 2011 city wide service project.

Thank you to everyone who had a part in making Harvest Festival such a great experience for our church this and every year There are too many of you to name, you know who you are and you are truly appreciated.

If you still need to pick up an item that you purchased, please give the church a call and we can arrange a time for you to pick up your item.

Your generosity was overwhelming again this year and we look forward to another great Harvest Festival in 2011!

Sincerely, Steve Lilley Harvest Festival Chair

Our 5th Grade Sunday School class will be hosting a bake sale on Sunday, Dec. 5th. A table will be set up outside of Fellowship Hall where our 5th graders will sell homemade items (baked goods, ornaments, etc.). All money raised will go to support needy families in our community at Christmas time. Stop by the table and support these crea-tive and generous kids!

GGGGOODIESOODIESOODIESOODIES FORFORFORFOR AAAA G G G GREATREATREATREAT CCCCAUSEAUSEAUSEAUSE!!!!

Three Months with... Three Months with... Three Months with... Three Months with... Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.

The Tuesday evening group here in Sulphur Springs will either be doing Three Months with the Spirit or Three Months with Matthew. Call Jill Barclay or Nancy Rooks for more info.

Lands End GroupLands End GroupLands End GroupLands End Group

The faithful followers at Lands End will begin 2011 by finishing Three Months with Paul. Check out the January Spire for what study will be next for them. Call Jill Barclay for the latest.

Beth Moore StudyBeth Moore StudyBeth Moore StudyBeth Moore Study Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 6-8 p.m. in Ad Bldg Good News Classroom (starting Jan. 12)

Come and join the groups in a journey with The Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If you have questions, call D’Yon Butler, facilitator. Call Nancy at 903-885-2185 to sign up.

Phil Morgan’s Wednesday Bible StudyPhil Morgan’s Wednesday Bible StudyPhil Morgan’s Wednesday Bible StudyPhil Morgan’s Wednesday Bible Study Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in Crusaders Room

The tradition continues! Phil is guiding us through Part II of this intriguing study of Revelation. Just come and participate.

Christianity and World ReligionsChristianity and World ReligionsChristianity and World ReligionsChristianity and World Religions Tuesdays at 6 p.m. (starting Jan. 11)

Join a journey through the intriguing array of world religions in a video series by Adam Hamilton facili-tated by David Larkin.

JJJJOINOINOINOIN THETHETHETHE S S S SMALLMALLMALLMALL G G G GROUPROUPROUPROUP A A A ADVENTUREDVENTUREDVENTUREDVENTURE ININININ 2011 2011 2011 2011

The Spire Page 7

We are pleased to announce that renowned Christian comedian Charles Mar-shall will be performing at First UMC on Sunday, January 23. We will have a churchwide dinner at 5:30 pm followed by our guest speaker.

Charles Marshall is without a doubt one of the funniest and most original Chris-tian comedians performing today. His material is clever enough to tickle the funny bone of the most demanding comedy fan, yet relatable enough for practi-cally anyone to enjoy. Through his contagious humor, outrageous insight, and refreshing perspective, Charles effectively communicates the joy found in a rela-tionship with the Lord.

What is his act like? Think of the observational humor of Jerry Seinfeld meeting the energy of Robin Williams and the warmth of Bill Cosby. With every per-formance Charles takes his audience on a comedic roller coaster ride, exploring every subject from product names, commercials and growing up, to dating and family life.

Although known for looking at the lighter side of life, Charles is very serious about his relationship with the Lord. In 1983 he made the decision to follow Jesus while attending the University of Southern Mississippi. It was soon after his conversion that he sought to challenge others as he had been, taking op-portunities to minister at churches in the surrounding area as well as on cam-pus. His ministry continued upon his move to Atlanta in the mid-1980s.

Mark your calendars now for January 23, 2011 for an evening of fun and enter-tainment for the entire family.

FFFFIRSTIRSTIRSTIRST UMC T UMC T UMC T UMC TOOOO H H H HOSTOSTOSTOST CCCCOOOOMMMMEEEEDDDDIIIIAAAANNNN C C C CHARLESHARLESHARLESHARLES M M M MARSHALLARSHALLARSHALLARSHALL

MMMMEMORIALSEMORIALSEMORIALSEMORIALS & & & & HHHHONORARIUMSONORARIUMSONORARIUMSONORARIUMS In Loving Memory of Paul AntrimIn Loving Memory of Paul AntrimIn Loving Memory of Paul AntrimIn Loving Memory of Paul Antrim By: Charles & Grace Murray In Loving Memory of Jayme BrumfieldIn Loving Memory of Jayme BrumfieldIn Loving Memory of Jayme BrumfieldIn Loving Memory of Jayme Brumfield By: Jim & Charlotte Morgan (Handbell) In Loving Memory of Jack ConnerIn Loving Memory of Jack ConnerIn Loving Memory of Jack ConnerIn Loving Memory of Jack Conner By: Bob & Ann Gideon In Loving Memory of Dr. Joe LonginoIn Loving Memory of Dr. Joe LonginoIn Loving Memory of Dr. Joe LonginoIn Loving Memory of Dr. Joe Longino By: Joe Perkins, Winston Perkins, Billie Grace Reynolds, Marilyn E. Colley, Mike & Kay Hays, Bob & Ann Gideon In Loving Memory of Luther McCulloughIn Loving Memory of Luther McCulloughIn Loving Memory of Luther McCulloughIn Loving Memory of Luther McCullough By: Tom & Pam Sellers, Bernie & Fran Beers, Cathey Wil-liams In Loving Memory of Doris McKenzieIn Loving Memory of Doris McKenzieIn Loving Memory of Doris McKenzieIn Loving Memory of Doris McKenzie By: Billie Grace Reynolds In Honor of Phil & Beverly MorganIn Honor of Phil & Beverly MorganIn Honor of Phil & Beverly MorganIn Honor of Phil & Beverly Morgan Jimmy & Candy Jones In Loving Memory of Mandy MoseleyIn Loving Memory of Mandy MoseleyIn Loving Memory of Mandy MoseleyIn Loving Memory of Mandy Moseley By: Charles & Grace Murray In Loving Memory of Buddy & Mandy MoseleyIn Loving Memory of Buddy & Mandy MoseleyIn Loving Memory of Buddy & Mandy MoseleyIn Loving Memory of Buddy & Mandy Moseley By: Mr. & Mrs. James Diamond In Loving Memory of Jimmy SmithIn Loving Memory of Jimmy SmithIn Loving Memory of Jimmy SmithIn Loving Memory of Jimmy Smith By: Bill & Carolyn Sidebottom, Phil & Beverly Morgan, Tom & Pam Sellers, Bernie & Fran Beers In Loving Memory of Patsy WorshamIn Loving Memory of Patsy WorshamIn Loving Memory of Patsy WorshamIn Loving Memory of Patsy Worsham By: Lena Day Garden Club, Tom & Carolyn Stewart, Billie Grace Reynolds, Joe Perkins, Lynn & Mark Chapman, Winston Perkins, Sherry Stair, Paul & Cerita Glover, Janet Johnson, Mary Gray, Marilyn E. Colley, Mike & Kay Hays

The Spire Page 8

The North East Texas Choral Society Presents

A Cozy Christmas

Saturday, December 4 7:00 pm Sunday, December 5 2:00 pm

Hopkins County Civic Center Adult Admission $10/Child Admission $5

Bring your family. Help a family.Bring your family. Help a family.Bring your family. Help a family.Bring your family. Help a family.

As we prepare for our 13th annual Christmas concert, the men and women of Choral Society have a little chuckle in their voices and a lightness in their step. This will be, per-haps, the most fun we've ever had at a Christmas concert. We have partnered this year with the elves (some of whom look very familiar to our FUMC family) at Empty Stocking. So, we are encouraging everyone to 'bring your family, help a family'. If you are so inclined, please bring an unwrapped toy to concert. We'll let the kiddos give them to Santa, to give the families who are in need of some help this Christ-mas. What a great way to teach the kids that it is indeed more blessed to give than receive. What fun to put a gift in Santa's hands so he can share it with those in our commu-nity.

We will sing so many of your all time favorite songs. Don't miss Gary Spraggins and Jason Frasier on the Drifter's ver-sion of 'White Christmas' (hilarious!). 'Mr. Grinch', 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus', lots of carols, 'Silent Night', 'I'll Be Home For Christmas', 'Blue Christmas', and so many other classics. The band will be there, and the slide show is being prepared by our own Chuck Jones (photography) and Peggy Simmons, is handling the tech work.

The choir is always in 'costume' for concert...this year we top the laughter chart. We'll sing in our Christmas jammies!! Maybe your young'uns will want to wear their jammies also! What a cute picture that will make as they come on stage to see Santa!

Tickets are available from Choral Society singers, the church office or local banks. You may also purchase tickets online by visiting the Choral Society’s new website: www.netchoral.org.

Please join us! We will be so happy to sing this concert for you. And you will leave with the spirit of joy and Christmas love, singing in your heart!

The best IS yet to come Carol Allen

NOTHY CNOTHY CNOTHY CNOTHY CHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMASHRISTMAS SSSSHOPPINGHOPPINGHOPPINGHOPPING T T T TRIPRIPRIPRIP Our last NOTHY trip of 2010 will be Tuesday, December 7th, when we will head to Frisco for a little Christmas shop-ping. We will leave the church at 8:30 am and return mid-afternoon. Cost is $5 per person to cover the cost of trans-portation. Bring extra for shopping and lunch on your own. To save your seat on the bus please contact the church office no later than December 3rd.

Following Christ is an adventure in growing in our intimate relationship with Christ and in reaching out to others. What would help you engage in the adventure? What would our church look like if more people intentionally tried to live loved by God and grow in becoming more like Christ? We’re starting a conversation to discern God’s guidance for engaging adults in our church in living in Christ. We’re calling this journey “Adventuring Adults in Christ”. We’d sure like to have people join us in the conversation. If you’d like to be a part of this, call Debbie Riggsby at 903-885-2185.

DDDDEBBIEEBBIEEBBIEEBBIE’’’’SSSS D D D DARINGARINGARINGARING AAAADDDDVVVVEEEENNNNTTTTUUUURRRREEEE ININININ G G G GODODODOD

EEEEXPERIENCINGXPERIENCINGXPERIENCINGXPERIENCING G G G GODODODOD’’’’SSSS L L L LOVEOVEOVEOVE The opportunity of being showered with God’s love and grace is available to everyone NOW on either a Walk to Emmaus or Chrysalis Flight. Chrysalis is for youth age 15-18 who have completed 9th grade but not entered college. Walk to Emmaus is for adults 19 and older. These retreats are filled with talks, stories, laughter, tears, and unexpected gifts of grace. If you’d like to hear ALL about the weekend retreat or to register, call Debbie Riggsby at 903-243-3333. Is God nudging you toward a closer walk with Christ?

Upcoming 2011 Emmaus and Chrysalis weekends Upcoming 2011 Emmaus and Chrysalis weekends Upcoming 2011 Emmaus and Chrysalis weekends Upcoming 2011 Emmaus and Chrysalis weekends Chrysalis Flight # 42 Dec.31-Jan.2, 2011@FUMC-Paris Chrysalis Flight # 43 Jan.15-17, 2011 at FUMC-MV Women’s Walk #11-110 Feb 17-20 Men’s Walk #11-111 Apr 28-May 1 Women’s Walk #11-112 Sept 22-25 Men’s Walk #11-113 Oct 20-23

Go to www.netemmaus.org for more info on how to register.

First UMC is beginning a partnership with the Texas Ramp project, and Hopkins County churches and organizations to build ramps for those in need. You can find out more about Texas Ramps at www.texasramps.org. Our first Hopkins County build happens Saturday, Nov. 20. If you have ques-tions or would like to volunteer for a future build, call George Law, our FUMC Ramp Coordinator, at 903-885-4239.

TTTTEXASEXASEXASEXAS R R R RAMPAMPAMPAMP P P P PROJECTROJECTROJECTROJECT

Do you ever feel inadequate when it comes to prayer? Don’t we all? Are you uncomfortable when you think you may get called on to pray out loud in front of a group? Are you confident in your own praying but think ‘please don’t call on me’? Would you like to better articulate your prayers? Do you want to see what scripture says about prayer?

Join us for a 6 week study as we address all of this and more as it relates to praying. We will look in detail at each of the four steps of praying: PRAISE, CONFESSION, THANKS-GIVING, and INTERCESSION/SUPPLICATION. You WILL experience growth in your prayer life during this study on prayer.

Each of the lessons is approximately 1 ½ hours and is guided by Angie Blount. Pray about making this commit-ment to improve your communication with your Heavenly Creator. You will be blessed again and again through this study of praying. You won’t want to miss one minute of any lesson. Those who have completed this course have found it to be a personal life changing study. Call church office to reserve your spot.

PPPPRAYERRAYERRAYERRAYER ASASASAS AAAA W W W WAYAYAYAY OFOFOFOF L L L LIFEIFEIFEIFE

It is always easier to join a group at the beginning. The new Sunday School class centered on living in God’s love invites you to come and try us. We’re starting with a look at the practices of the early church in becoming the Body of Christ and discovering what all this might mean for our lives. We’ve just started reading Wayne Jacobsen’s The Naked Church to discover true intimacy with God. If you’d like a book, call Debbie. We hope you’ll join us in our online email conversation and/or in our Sunday morning group. We meet below the Sanctuary in the College Room. Come be with us and seek to be living loved by God. For more info, call Debbie Riggsby at 903-243-3333 or email me at debbieriggsby@ssfumc.org to join the online group.

BBBBEGINEGINEGINEGIN ATATATAT THETHETHETHE B B B BEGINNINGEGINNINGEGINNINGEGINNING

To receive FUMC texts on upcoming events, prayer con-cerns, and spiritual nuggets, text Debbie at 903-243-3333.

FUMC CFUMC CFUMC CFUMC CONNECTIONSONNECTIONSONNECTIONSONNECTIONS

Our children and youth are a treasure to us and even more so to God. First UMC now provides online Safe Sanctuary training and background checks within a system for manag-ing confidential information. In the next several months, our program directors and volunteers will be engaging the online program so that by 2011, we’ll be fully operational. Thank you for your support and partnership in providing a safe sanctuary for our children and youth.

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SSSSAFEAFEAFEAFE S S S SANCTUARYANCTUARYANCTUARYANCTUARY

Thanks for the Harvest BountyThanks for the Harvest BountyThanks for the Harvest BountyThanks for the Harvest Bounty On behalf of Sulphur Springs Work Camp, I would like to say a huge thank you to this church for the gift of 10% of the bounty of the Harvest Festival. That is going to be a donation of around $3300 that will bless so many people. Not just the people who will receive a fresh coat of paint on their houses, but to the hundreds of teens who will have their opportunity to serve because of your generous gift. So thank you!

This is a great example of so many of the gifts we give back to the Lord that he multiplies into being a gift for so many.

It’s Beginning to Look a lot like It’s Beginning to Look a lot like It’s Beginning to Look a lot like It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas?Christmas?Christmas?Christmas? It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Just wanted to throw out a couple of reminders and notices for the upcoming Christmas Season:

Don’t forget to bring a friend to the Christmas Awaken-Christmas Awaken-Christmas Awaken-Christmas Awaken-inginginging at Heritage Park on Dec. 1st at 6:30! (FUMC sanctuary if bad weather)

We will have our youth Christmas PartiesChristmas PartiesChristmas PartiesChristmas Parties on Wed., Dec. 8th during our normal time from 6:00 – 8:00. More info to come, but mark it down. Also, be pulling out your “favorite” Christmas sweater for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest (or maybe you want to make one, or buy one, or whatever . . . )

Serving ShutShutShutShut----in Communionin Communionin Communionin Communion on Wed., Dec. 15th. Time to be announced.

Going to Holiday in the ParkHoliday in the ParkHoliday in the ParkHoliday in the Park on Tuesday, Dec. 28th. Must sign up by Sunday Dec. 12th!

WhoWhoWhoWho’s Getting Olders Getting Olders Getting Olders Getting Older

This Month:This Month:This Month:This Month:

5th: Jarred Cowley 15th: Erin Dougan

17th: Rendall VanBenthem 18th: Rebecca Maddux

25th: Will Horton (and JESUS) 29th: Taylor Harden 30th: Morgan Merrell

December Calendar: Wed, Dec 1st: A Christmas Awakening @ Heritage Park (6:30 – 8:00) Note: There is NO MEAL on this night. *Need to be dropped off and picked up at Heritage Park unless bad weather forces us to have the event at FUMC sanctuary Sun, Dec 5th: NO SnS for month of December Wed, Dec 8th: UMYF Christmas Parties (6:00 – 8:00) *Bring $3 for meal. Sun, Dec 12th: Register for Holiday in the Park!!!!! Kid’s Christmas Program during Sunday School Hour Wed, Dec 15th: Serving Shut-in Communion then going to dinner (5:30 – 8:00) *Bring $ for meal at Juan Pablo’s Fri, Dec 17th: Winning Class Prize Trip *The class that won the trip from our Min ute to Win It games will be leaving at 4:00! Wed, Dec 22nd: No UMYF (Christmas Holiday) Fri, Dec 24th: Christmas Eve Services (5:00, 7:00, & 11:00) Sat, Dec 25th: MERRY CHRISTMAS Tues, Dec 28th: Holiday in the Park (6 Flags) Sat, Jan 1st: Kiffer & Kate’s Wedding J

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RRRRUSSELLUSSELLUSSELLUSSELL’’’’SSSS R R R RAMBLINGSAMBLINGSAMBLINGSAMBLINGS Dear sisters and brothers:

Holidays and family gatherings are synonymous. The Thanksgiving table and the Christmas tree bring families together like no other dates on the calendar. Families who are blessed with the ability gather on these days will express gratitude for each other. This is a gift no person should take for granted.

There are those who will not be able to be with family dur-ing these times for a variety of reasons-distance, discord, death, etc. They will look elsewhere to create family during this season. We can thank God that there are so many creative ways to find family during the holidays.

The coming holy days initiated my thoughts concerning church family. I recall being in churches where everyone called each other brother this or sister that. It is likely if this was your custom you probably grew up poor. Once people get money they like to be known by their family name in church.

The reason churches called each other Sister Gladys and Brother Herb was to remind them that flesh and blood does not inherit the kingdom of God. Nobody gets to take a last name to heaven. The family of destiny takes precedence over the family of origin. It is difficult orienting life in this way because it interrupts our familiar familial ways.

We all know spiritual sisters and brothers whom we need to make room for at our table during these seasons. Imagine how much a new family member might add to the festivities. Brother Juan or Sister Imogene might just be just what the family needs.

Our big brother Jesus is adamant there will always be room at the kingdom table and enough spiritual grace to go around for all. Also, a new addition to the family gives an-other reason to bow our heads and offer thanks to our Heavenly Father for the gift of all our sisters and brothers.

Time for me to get busy setting the family table, Russell

Christmas Musical Our children are hard at work on “Arrest These Merry Gen-tlemen,” a comical and faith-filled caper about the night Jesus was born. All of our children, 3 years old through 5th grade, are invited to participate! The elementary age chil-dren are learning the songs, choreography, and dialogue. The pre-K kids are learning one song as well as the dialogue for one scene. The musical will be held on Sunday, Decem-The musical will be held on Sunday, Decem-The musical will be held on Sunday, Decem-The musical will be held on Sunday, Decem-ber 12ber 12ber 12ber 12thththth at 9:45, during the Sunday school hour. at 9:45, during the Sunday school hour. at 9:45, during the Sunday school hour. at 9:45, during the Sunday school hour. Children participating are asked to be at church by 9:00am. All Sun-day school classes are invited to attend! We still need some help making costumes and working on the set. If you are interested in helping out please talk with Gena Prickette, our set and costume coordinator.

Kingdom Kids Kingdom Kids have been invited to sing at the hospital Christmas Tree Lighting! They will sing 3 songs during the community ceremony at 6:00 on December 2nd. Come out and hear our children sing for the community!

Ornament Party December 15th, at 6:00 we will have our annual ornament party. Stop by and help the kids make ornaments and enjoy some cookies and hot cocoa, too! This is a come and go event, but will end by 7:30. Parents are encouraged to come with their children and enjoy the handmade Christmas experience together!

Mark Your calendars: November 24 No Wonderful Wednesday December 2 Kingdom Kids Sing at Christmas Tree Lighting December 12 “Arrest These Merry Gentlemen”

We are exploring the need and the possibility of a Bus Min-istry at FUMC. This ministry would be available to anyone needing transportation to the church. If you have sugges-tions or questions please contact Martha Cox (903-488-0959) or the church office.

WWWWEEEE N N N NEEDEEDEEDEED Y Y Y YOUROUROUROUR FFFFEEDBACKEEDBACKEEDBACKEEDBACK

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 REQUERETURN SERVICE REQUERETURN SERVICE REQUERETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDSTEDSTEDSTED

Date SensitiveDate SensitiveDate SensitiveDate Sensitive————Please deliver by November 26, 2010Please deliver by November 26, 2010Please deliver by November 26, 2010Please deliver by November 26, 2010

Christmas Poinsettias If you would like to place a poinsettia in the Church this Christmas in honor or memory of a loved one, please fill out the information below and place it in the offering plate on Sunday or bring it to the church office. Orders need to be Orders need to be Orders need to be Orders need to be

placed by Sunday, December 12th.placed by Sunday, December 12th.placed by Sunday, December 12th.placed by Sunday, December 12th.

In Honor of: ___________________________________________________________________________

In Memory of: __________________________________________________________________________

Given by: ______________________________________________________________________________

# of Poinsettias: ________ x $10 = _________

Please include payment (marked “poinsettia”) with your order.

We have recently purchased The Faith We Sing hymnal supplements for the sanctuary. These are a wonderful addition to our wor-ship time at First UMC. If you would like to sponsor one of these hymnals in honor or memory of loved ones you may do so by filling out the form below and returning it to the church office or in the offering plate. Each sponsored hymnal will have a book-plate in the front with the name of those being honored.

In Honor of: _______________________________________________________________________________________

In Memory of:______________________________________________________________________________________

Given by: _________________________________________________________________________________________

# of Hymnals: ________ x $15 = _________

Please include payment (marked “TFWS”) with your order.

TTTTHEHEHEHE F F F FAITHAITHAITHAITH W W W WEEEE S S S SINGINGINGING