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

November 2010

31st Annual

Saturday, November 13th

Harvest Festival

Stew/Chili Supper 4:30-7:00 p.m. Auction Follows

FUMC Fellowship Hall & Family Life Center

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

Try the Tithe………………………………………………………………..3

Upcoming Church Conference………………………………………………3

A New Adventure—A New S.S. Class……………………………………….3

Debbie’s Daring Adventure for God…………………………………………3

All Saints’ Sunday…………………………………………………………...3

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

November Birthdays………………………………………………………...4

November Calendar…………………………………………………………5

Harvest Festival 2010……………………………………………………..6-7

New Babies…………………………………………………………………8

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

Safe Sanctuary………………………………………………………………8

Church Mailbox……………………………………………………………..8

Stephen Ministry…………………………………………………………….9

Ramping Up with the Texas Ramp Project……………………………………9

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

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

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

Text Connecting with FUMC……………………………………………….11

Children’s Page……………………………………………………………11

Transformational Gifts & Investments………………………………………12

Simple Gifts……………………………………………………………….12

Don’t forget to “Fall Back” one hour before going to bed on

Saturday, November 6th!

Sunday, October 31, 2010, is not only Unity Sunday but also our Commit-ment Sunday. It will be a grand day of worship. We will gather as a church family at a single worship service at 10:45 am followed by a church-wide luncheon in Fellowship Hall.

Commitment cards have been mailed out and will be available on Sunday mornings. No one will be calling on you nor will you be pressured. We just want to give every person at FUMC a chance to meet their spiritual need to give on this Commitment Sunday. Please realize that this stewardship campaign is not a plea for money but rather an opportunity to enrich our understanding of Christian stewardship. We are inviting the giver to give as a part of his or her own spiritual development and Christian commitment.

Plan to make a financial commitment as an act of worship in the church sanctuary on October 31. Also, begin to plan now how you might “Try the Tithe” in November. Please know your participation is voluntary; but try the tithe for a month and see what God might be up to you in your life.

Try the Tithe GOD’S TEN-CENT PLAN

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UUUUPCOMINGPCOMINGPCOMINGPCOMING C C C CHURCHHURCHHURCHHURCH CCCCONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCEONFERENCE 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 UMC’s on December 5th at December 5th at December 5th at December 5th at 4:00 pm4:00 pm4:00 pm4:00 pm. Come and celebrate with us!

AAAALLLLLLLL S S S SAINTSAINTSAINTSAINTS’ S’ S’ S’ SUNDAYUNDAYUNDAYUNDAY On Sunday, Nov. 7, we will remember all the saints of our church who have passed away since Dec. 31, 2009. We hope all the families of our departed members will be able to join us. A letter was mailed to families in October. Please let us know right away if you’ll be able to join us, and, if so, which service you’ll attend. Call Nancy Kirkpatrick at 903-885-2185.

I’ve been wondering what would help us live as beloved children of God here at First UMC. Have you? What ex-periences and activities would help us discover how much God loves us? Would it involve new groupings for sharing and conversing? Inviting and encouraging people to go on the Walk to Emmaus or Chrysalis weekends? What about retreats? Or special worship services, new small groups or Sunday School classes? What would help us to reach out and connect with people in our community to begin new conversations and relationships in God’s love? If you’d like to explore the possibilities in talking about living in God’s love, call me at 903-243-3333 or email at deb-bieriggsby@ssfumc.org.

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

A group of folks who are from 45 and older are starting a new Sunday School Class centered on living in God’s love. In early November, we’re preparing to start Wayne Jacobsen’s The Naked Church to discover true intimacy with God. If you’d like to join us, we meet below the Sanctuary in the College Room. Come be with us and seek to be liv-ing loved by God. For more info, call Debbie Riggsby at 903-243-3333.

A NA NA NA NEWEWEWEW A A A ADVENTUREDVENTUREDVENTUREDVENTURE———— A NA NA NA NEWEWEWEW S.S. C S.S. C S.S. C S.S. CLASSLASSLASSLASS

November 1November 1November 1November 1 Jeannie Lockhart Jonathan Philo Bob Weaver

November 2November 2November 2November 2 Margie Knight

November 3November 3November 3November 3 Sara James

Lew Riggsby November 4November 4November 4November 4

Maggie Adrian Susan McCary

November 5November 5November 5November 5 Laine Anderson

Jacob Sellers Debbie Stump

November 6November 6November 6November 6 Burnis Cox Kylie Wyly

November 7November 7November 7November 7 Patrick McDonald

November 8November 8November 8November 8 Alyssa Burgin

Ryan McKenzie November 9November 9November 9November 9

Herbert Anderson Robert Ardis

Mark Chapman Brian Toliver

Cynthia Walker November 10November 10November 10November 10

Bob Kirkpatrick Charles Murray

November 11November 11November 11November 11 Eugene Edwards

Jerry Graves Charles Rhodes

Walter Zimmerman

November 12November 12November 12November 12 Pat Gerald

Mickey McKenzie Marge Morrison Kendall Smith

November 13November 13November 13November 13 Clay Johnson

Sam Lane Jim Morgan Jan Pruitt

Lee Seymore November 14November 14November 14November 14

Nancy Lamphere November 15November 15November 15November 15

Jacque McCord November 16November 16November 16November 16

Bob Cody Sarah McLeroy Larry Murray

November 17November 17November 17November 17 Austin Chaney Kirk Johnson

Michael Osborn Susan Reynolds

November 18November 18November 18November 18 Judy Jones

Steve Westbrook November 19November 19November 19November 19

Charlotte Larkin November 20November 20November 20November 20

Surene Cody Fred Miller Ryan Moore

November 21November 21November 21November 21 Marci Stewart

November 22November 22November 22November 22 Max Bronson

Brighton Butler Jack Parker

Story Thompson Madison Walter Marisa Walter

November 23November 23November 23November 23 Sim Barclay

Cerita Glover

November 24November 24November 24November 24 Alison Bagley

Christopher Ragsdill November 25November 25November 25November 25

Jeb Brooks Shannon Knight Jeffrey Kramer

Christopher Lindley June Morris

David Rawson

November 26November 26November 26November 26 Kellene Dawson Nanci Williams

Patricia Williams November 27November 27November 27November 27

Dustin Small Martha Thompson

November 28November 28November 28November 28 Amy Smith

November 29November 29November 29November 29 Alex Burney Max Morris

November 30November 30November 30November 30 Lydia Bryant Lynn Burgin Jean Miller

Mike Moore Marc Russell

Current & Pressing Current & Pressing Current & Pressing Current & Pressing Prayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer Requests Becky Graves Bobbie J. Foote Sam Robinson Grace Murray Lisa Rhimes B.J. Rone Gerbode Family Betty Price Mary Lou Ramey Lane Breaux Victoria Binagia Beverly Browning Bo West Ruth Floyd Sunny Comfort Shirley Flippin Brandi & David Schmersahl Jack Conner

Health ConcernsHealth ConcernsHealth ConcernsHealth Concerns Church MembersChurch MembersChurch MembersChurch Members Louis McGrede Billiefae Sellers Pat Eagle Bill Campbell Shirley Anderson

Friends of our ChurchFriends of our ChurchFriends of our ChurchFriends of our Church Lou Ann McFadden E.J. Clark Jacky Wilks Jackson Bouquet Gwen Moore Thomas Mayfield Pat Vance Scott Brulingame Keisha Whistler Stuart Ham McCoy Family Tommy & Donna Adams Jim Butler

LongLongLongLong----term Concernsterm Concernsterm Concernsterm Concerns Sandy Martin John Bass Bobby Ramsey Sr. June Tuck Wayne Murphy Nell Green Henry Preuss Modene Huggins Johnny Latimer Ben Dickson Jackie Blount Matt Worsham Harrison Yount Don Carbonneau

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:

Terry McCullough Terry McCullough Terry McCullough Terry McCullough and family on the loss of his father, Luther Luther Luther Luther “Tex” McCullough, Jr.“Tex” McCullough, Jr.“Tex” McCullough, Jr.“Tex” McCullough, Jr.

Rebecca Allison Rebecca Allison Rebecca Allison Rebecca Allison and family on the loss of her father, Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy SmithSmithSmithSmith

Terry Tirado Terry Tirado Terry Tirado Terry Tirado and family on the loss of his wife, Chris TiradoChris TiradoChris TiradoChris Tirado

JoysJoysJoysJoys We celebrate the marriage of Patrick McDonald Patrick McDonald Patrick McDonald Patrick McDonald and Erin Bur-Erin Bur-Erin Bur-Erin Bur-rowsrowsrowsrows on Oct. 23rd in Lubbock, Texas. Patrick is the son of Randy & Denise McDonaldRandy & Denise McDonaldRandy & Denise McDonaldRandy & Denise McDonald We celebrate the birth of Aldrich Aldrich Aldrich Aldrich Keller FalgoKeller FalgoKeller FalgoKeller Falgo, new grandson of George & Miriam RobinsonGeorge & Miriam RobinsonGeorge & Miriam RobinsonGeorge & Miriam Robinson, born Oct. 22, 2010 and weigh-ing 9 lbs. 5 oz.

PPPPRAYERRAYERRAYERRAYER CONCERNSCONCERNSCONCERNSCONCERNS

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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.

NNNNOVEMBEROVEMBEROVEMBEROVEMBER B B B BIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYS

November 20 10 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 6 pm Christian Care-

giving 7 pm NETCS

2 7:30 am SS MENnows 8 am Prayer Hour 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leaders 9 am Walking Fourth 9 am ZUMBA 5:30 pm ZUMBA 6 pm Wanderers Class 6:30 pm Paul study

3 9:30 am Beth Moore

Class 6 pm Adult Bible Study 6 pm Wonderful

Wednesdays 6 pm Beth Moore Class 6:30 pm Choir 6:30 pm The NEST @ Shannon Oaks

4 8:30 am Moms in

Touch 9 am ZUMBA 12 pm Rotary 1 pm Mother’s Culture

Club in FH 5:30 pm ZUMBA

5 6:30 am Coffee with

the Coaches

6 4 pm FH Reserved by

Jake Caddell

7

All Saints’ Sunday

9 am Blood Drive in FLC

12 pm Holy Conver-sations Mtg

3 pm Hospice Memo-rial Service

8 10 am East District

Mtg in FH 5:15 pm Executive

Committee Mtg in Parlor

6 pm Christian Care-giving

7 pm NETCS

9 7:30 am SS MENnows 8 am Prayer Hour 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leaders 9 am Walking Fourth 9 am ZUMBA 5 pm Trustees Mtg 5:30 pm ZUMBA 6 pm Wanderers Class 6:30 pm Paul study

10 9:30 am Beth Moore

Class 6 pm Adult Bible Study 6 pm UMYF 6 pm Wonderful

Wednesdays 6 pm Beth Moore

Class 6:30 pm Choir

11 8:30 am Moms in

Touch 9 am ZUMBA 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm ZUMBA

12 6:30 am Coffee with

the Coaches

13

14 2:30 pm East District

Mtg in FH

15 10:30 am Young at

Heart 6 pm Christian Care-

giving 7 pm NETCS

16 7:30 am SS MENnows 8 am Prayer Hour 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leaders 9 am Walking Fourth 9 am ZUMBA 1 pm UMW 5:15 pm Finance Mtg 5:30 pm ZUMBA 6 pm Wanderers Class 6:30 pm Paul study

17 9:30 am Beth Moore

Class 6 pm Adult Bible Study 6 pm UMYF 6 pm Wonderful

Wednesdays 6 pm Beth Moore

Class 6:30 pm Choir

18 8:30 am Moms in

Touch 9 am ZUMBA 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm ZUMBA

19 6:30 am Coffee with

the Coaches 8 am HCMC Mtg in

Parlor

20

21 22 6 pm Christian Care-

giving 7 pm NETCS

23 7:30 am SS MENnows 8 am Prayer Hour 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leaders 9 am Walking Fourth 9 am ZUMBA 5:30 pm ZUMBA 6 pm Wanderers Class 6:30 pm Paul study

24 25 26 27

28 29 6 pm Christian Care-

giving 7 pm NETCS

Empty Stocking in Gym

30 7:30 am SS MENnows 8 am Prayer Hour 8 am CPS in FH 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leaders 9 am Walking Fourth 9 am ZUMBA 5:30 pm ZUMBA 6 pm Wanderers Class 6:30 pm Paul study

Harvest Festival 4:30 pm

Thanksgiving Holiday Church Office Closed

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31st Annual

Saturday, November 13th

Harvest Festival

FFFFFFFFFFFF

(food, fun an

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fun and

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fun and

fellowship)

fellowship)

fellowship)

fellowship)

$5 tickets

$5 tickets

$5 tickets

$5 tickets

Child care Child care Child care Child care providedprovidedprovidedprovided

DoorDoorDoorDoor PrizesPrizesPrizesPrizes

RaffleRaffleRaffleRaffle

Stew and Chili Supper 4:30pm – 7:00pm

Silent Auction 6:00pm-8:00pm

Live Auction 7:00pm-9:00pm

Now Accepting Donations!Now Accepting Donations!Now Accepting Donations!Now Accepting Donations!

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What is the purpose of the Harvest Festival?What is the purpose of the Harvest Festival?What is the purpose of the Harvest Festival?What is the purpose of the Harvest Festival? Each year the Harvest Festival unites members of our congregation and the community to fel-lowship and raise money for First UMC by en-joying good food and participating in a silent and live auction. Where can I buy my $5 ticket?Where can I buy my $5 ticket?Where can I buy my $5 ticket?Where can I buy my $5 ticket? Members of Sunday School classes have tickets as well as the church office on sale for $5. What do I do if I would like to donate some-What do I do if I would like to donate some-What do I do if I would like to donate some-What do I do if I would like to donate some-thing to be auctioned?thing to be auctioned?thing to be auctioned?thing to be auctioned? Sign your name and auction item up on one of the lists that are posted around the church. If you would like your item in the auction program please bring it to the Family Life Center before November 11.

How can I help with Harvest Festival?How can I help with Harvest Festival?How can I help with Harvest Festival?How can I help with Harvest Festival? Donate your time! Volunteers are always needed. A sign up sheet for volunteers is located outside the Fellowship Hall. How do I get a bidder number?How do I get a bidder number?How do I get a bidder number?How do I get a bidder number? A table will be stationed inside the gym and you may sign your name and pick up your number any time after 5 pm. You must have a bidder number to purchase your items. How do I pay for my auction items?How do I pay for my auction items?How do I pay for my auction items?How do I pay for my auction items? A check out table will be located at the gym’s exit. You may pay by cash, check or credit/debit card. Who can come?Who can come?Who can come?Who can come? Anyone! This is a great opportunity to visit with

members of the congregation as well as inviting friends, family members and coworkers to experience First UMC.

EEEEVERYTHINGVERYTHINGVERYTHINGVERYTHING Y Y Y YOUOUOUOU N N N NEEDEEDEEDEED TOTOTOTO K K K KNOWNOWNOWNOW A A A ABOUTBOUTBOUTBOUT T T T THEHEHEHE

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Don’t Miss the

Hamilton Bible Class Bake Sale Friday, November 12th

7:30 am-1:00 pm in Fellowship Hall Whether you’re a baker or an eater (or both!) you are needed to make the Hamil-ton Bible Class Bake Sale a rousing success! If you would like to contribute baked goods to the sale please plan to have them in the Fellowship Hall before 7:30 am on Nov. 12. This annual bake sale has quite a reputation for delicious goodies so if you are looking to purchase some treats stop by early for the best choices.

Nursery and older child care is provided starting at 5:30. Please enjoy dinner with your children before bringing them to the nursery or to movie night in the basement (for chil-

dren 4 years old and up). In order to help our workers plan properly for the evening, reservations are required for child care. Children must be signed up by Sunday, Nov. 7. Please remember to make reservations for any guests you are inviting as well.

HHHHARVESTARVESTARVESTARVEST F F F FESTIVALESTIVALESTIVALESTIVAL C C C CHILDCAREHILDCAREHILDCAREHILDCARE

Harvest your blessings this fall and donate your time, energy and resources to First UMC’s Annual Harvest Festival. Reap what you sow and be blessed by it!

MMMMEMORIALSEMORIALSEMORIALSEMORIALS & & & & HHHHONORARIUMSONORARIUMSONORARIUMSONORARIUMS In Loving Memory of Paul AntrimIn Loving Memory of Paul AntrimIn Loving Memory of Paul AntrimIn Loving Memory of Paul Antrim By: Bob & Surene Cody, Charles & Gracy Murray In Loving Memory of Jayme BrumfieldIn Loving Memory of Jayme BrumfieldIn Loving Memory of Jayme BrumfieldIn Loving Memory of Jayme Brumfield By: Jerry Brumfield In Loving Memory of Luther “Tex” McCullough, Jr.In Loving Memory of Luther “Tex” McCullough, Jr.In Loving Memory of Luther “Tex” McCullough, Jr.In Loving Memory of Luther “Tex” McCullough, Jr. By: Nell Furney, Jean Koger, Nancy Kirkpatrick In Loving Memory of Joe MinterIn Loving Memory of Joe MinterIn Loving Memory of Joe MinterIn Loving Memory of Joe Minter By: Ken & Bonnie Burtch, Bob & Surene Cody In Loving Memory of Mandy MoseleyIn Loving Memory of Mandy MoseleyIn Loving Memory of Mandy MoseleyIn Loving Memory of Mandy Moseley By: Juanita Wallace, Ken & Bonnie Burtch, Bob & Surene Cody, Thomas & Kay Hays, Joye & Eric Jones, Charles & Grace Murray 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 In Honor of Dick & Phyllis StanleyIn Honor of Dick & Phyllis StanleyIn Honor of Dick & Phyllis StanleyIn Honor of Dick & Phyllis Stanley By: Wava Lee Honea In Loving Memory of Chris TiradoIn Loving Memory of Chris TiradoIn Loving Memory of Chris TiradoIn Loving Memory of Chris Tirado By: Max & Wyvonne Bronson In Loving Memory of Ray VaughnIn Loving Memory of Ray VaughnIn Loving Memory of Ray VaughnIn Loving Memory of Ray Vaughn By: Billie Grace Reynolds

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It’s A Boy!

CCCCHURCHHURCHHURCHHURCH M M M MAILBOXAILBOXAILBOXAILBOX Thank you so much for the wonderful gift of $642.95 to the Meal A Day Program. Your donation will help us feed many people who are unable to feed themselves. Thank you for your continued support for our program and for the way you care about the people of our community.

Thanks again, Karon Weatherman, Director Meal-A-Day

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.

SSSSAFEAFEAFEAFE SSSSANCTUARYANCTUARYANCTUARYANCTUARY

It’s A Girl!

Benjamin James Funk October 8, 2010

6 lbs 12oz, 19 inches long Ben was welcomed to the world by his parents Ross & Christi Funk, big sister Avery Jane and

grandparents Pennye & Bo West.

Eve Elizabeth Doughtie October 21, 2010

6 lbs 12oz Eve was welcomed to the world by her parents

Lane & Brooke Doughtie, grandparents Darrell & Laura Doughtie, aunts Kelsey, Alissa &

Jaye and uncle Blake.

Stephen Ministry is our congregation’s one-to-one care-giving ministry. God works through Stephen Ministers to plan a seed of hope and healing in a person facing illness, sadness, change, loss, or difficulties such as fear, pain or loneliness.

Stephen Ministers are lay caregivers who help pastors and congregations provide personal caring ministry for as long as people need it.

Stephen Ministers: • Listen • Explore feelings • Pray • Share Christ’s love • Maintain confidentiality • Attend to the caregiving process and leave

the results to God Stephen Ministers care for people who are:

• Grieving • In a crisis • In need of long-term care • Dying • Hospitalized • Divorcing • Experiencing losses as they age • Going through a crisis of childbirth • The family and friends of people in crisis

Stephen Ministers usually serve for at least two years, after an initial 50 hours of training. Training focuses on the importance of prayer and listening, and how to provide support and encouragement without rushing in as an advi-sor or problem-solver.

The St. Louis-based Stephen Ministries organization pro-vides the curriculum and training for the ministry, which is now in more than 10,000 congregations in all 50 states. Active Stephen Ministers participate in twice-monthly su-pervision and continuing education sessions.

We're currently inviting people to join our first Stephen Ministry class that will meet on Mondays from 6-8:30 p.m. starting in early January. The 50 hours of training is designed to develop and enrich our skills in listening, car-ing, encouraging, and loving like Christ to help people who are in need of care. We ask the members of our con-gregation to pray about being a part of this caring minis-try. If God is nudging you to do so, please call Tom Young at 903-612-8806 or Debbie Riggsby at 903-885-2185, ext. 103.

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SSSSTEPHENTEPHENTEPHENTEPHEN M M M MINISTRYINISTRYINISTRYINISTRY

EEEEXPERIENCINGXPERIENCINGXPERIENCINGXPERIENCING G G G GODODODOD’’’’SSSS L L L LOVEOVEOVEOVE Did you hear our He Loves Me speakers on Oct. 3 share about how they experienced being loved by God when they attended a Walk to Emmaus? 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 reg-ister, call Debbie Riggsby at 903-243-3333.

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.

Want to be "in" at the beginning? Want to make a huge difference in someone's life in a Saturday hands-on mission project? Meet at the First UMC parking lot between the two buildings on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 8 a.m. to help us build the first ramp by The Texas Ramp Project in Hopkins County. We're beginning a partnership with TRP to provide ramps for persons identified by the medical and support communities as needing and desiring a ramp. TRP has built 1,330 ramps, 6.495 miles long with 42,668 volunteer hours in mainly the metroplex area. TRP is now branching out to new areas such as the cities of Texarkana and Lub-bock, and in Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Red River counties. TRP brings together skilled laborers, unskilled volunteers, and funding resources for matching grants that creates an ongoing network of support and partnership for building freedom for the homebound. Check out their website at www.texasramps.org. To volunteer, talk with George Law, our Ramp Coordinator at 903-885-4239 or call Debbie Riggsby at 903-243-3333.

RRRRAMPINGAMPINGAMPINGAMPING U U U UPPPP WITHWITHWITHWITH T T T THEHEHEHE TTTTEXASEXASEXASEXAS R R R RAMPAMPAMPAMP P P P PROJECTROJECTROJECTROJECT----NNNNOVOVOVOV. 20. 20. 20. 20

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Harvest Help!Harvest Help!Harvest Help!Harvest Help!

Need everyone who can to commit to a two hour work slot for Harvest Festival night, Nov. 13th. We will need help in the concession stand, being runners for the live auction, help sale raffle tickets, and help in the check-out room. Be looking for sign-ups in the youth room!

Already Excited About Summer . . . Camp?Already Excited About Summer . . . Camp?Already Excited About Summer . . . Camp?Already Excited About Summer . . . Camp?

I cannot tell you how excited I am about the opportunity we have this summer for camp. For the past 10+ years, I (Jason) have been honored to lead one of our Confer-ence camps at Bridgeport along with the youth directors of Wesley Greenville and FUMC McKinney. But this year, we have decided to step down and do our own camp with our 3 churches collectively for both Jr. & Sr. High. We have reserved the dates of Wednesday, June Wednesday, June Wednesday, June Wednesday, June 29292929thththth –––– Sunday, July 3 Sunday, July 3 Sunday, July 3 Sunday, July 3rdrdrdrd at an awesome campground called Sky Ranch – Cave Springs in Oklahoma. The camp has many incredible amenities (200 ft. zip line, paint ball, skeet shooting, horses, water activities, and more) and is located in the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Okla-homa.

While many of the details are still in the works, please mark these dates and know that it is going to be a fantas-tic time of fun and spiritual challenge. I don’t know the exact cost yet, but so you can be planning, I think it will be in the neighborhood of $350. We will also be re-cruiting our own counselors for this event as well, so please pray and consider if this is something you would like to donate your time toward. I promise it will be very rewarding! And your fee is covered!

There will be more exciting information to come, but I wanted to get the word out so you can block off the dates for your summer. I know this is going to be a fan-tastic week.

WhoWhoWhoWho’s Getting Olders Getting Olders Getting Olders Getting Older

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

1st: Jonathan Philo 5th: Laine Anderson 20th: Ryan Moore 22nd: Madison & Marissa Walter, Story Thompson 29th: Alex Burney

november Calendar: Wed, Nov 3rd: The NEST @ Shannon Oaks(6:30 – 7:45) Note: There is NO MEAL on nights we have the Nest *We will have transportation from our church at 6:15 if needed Sun, Nov 7th: SnS (5:30 SH Only) Wed, Nov 10th: UMYF (6:00 – 8:00) *Bring $3 for meal. Sat, Nov 13th: Harvest Festival *Make sure you’ve signed up to help out at some point this night. Sun, Nov 14th: SnS (JH @ 5:00, SH @ 5:30) Wed, Nov 17th: UMYF (6:00 – 8:00) *Bring $3 for meal.

Sun, Nov 21st: Final SnS for Semester (5:30 SH Only) Wed, Nov 24th: No UMYF (Thanksgiving Holiday)

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RRRRUSSELLUSSELLUSSELLUSSELL’’’’SSSS R R R RAMBLINGSAMBLINGSAMBLINGSAMBLINGS

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The tithe represents the spiritual balance Jesus called for when he said" "Lay up for yourself treasure in heaven." During the month of November we are "Trying the Tithe". Let me sug-gest an exercise. Set the checkbook and investment state-ments side by side with your giving statement. Then figure out what it would look like to tithe this month. Here are some ways to start up or to step up to the tithe.

If you are giving a little something now and then try: Spending $25 on groceries and take them to Community Chest. Then continue by giving $25 per week as an offering of intention. You probably spend more than that on a meal out a week. Give at least that amount as an act of trusting a loving God to provide. (If 30 people who give sporadically were to give $25 per week, each week, it would nearly pay for half of ministry budget for a year!)

If you are giving occasionally, but know you want to know greater joy sharing try: Pick a number that will stretch you. For instance, if you are giving at a level of about $10 per week now, step up $100 per week or if you are giving a $100 week, step up to $200 a week and feel the joy it brings. (Now we’re getting closer to Trying the Tithe.)

If you’ve been giving something substantial, but still less than the biblical benchmark of a tithe, "Try the Tithe": Give 10 per-cent of whatever income you receive as you receive it this month. Make it the first gift you make, even before you pay bills. This way you know you are putting God first who loves you most. (If half our current givers "Try the Tithe" we might cover the expenses for the month of December. Then in De-cember we can have some real Christmas fun spreading God's love.

Jesus’ words are as true today as ever: “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves cannot break in and steal.”

Expectantly, Russell

Christmas MusicalChristmas MusicalChristmas MusicalChristmas Musical Our elementary children are working hard on this year’s Christmas musical “Arrest These Merry Gentlemen,” a comical and faith-filled caper about the night Jesus was born. The children are doing the hard part (learning all of the songs and choreography, memorizing dialog and solos, and solving “cases” to discover what really happened and what the Bible says about it), but they need your help to make this play a success. We are looking for people to help sew costumes, seek out set pieces to borrow, and help cre-ate our Bethlehem set. If are interested in helping out please talk with Gena Prickette, our set and costume coordi-nator.

The musical will be held the evening of Dec. 15th, so mark your calendars. This is one event you won’t want to miss!

Harvest FestivalHarvest FestivalHarvest FestivalHarvest Festival Hard to believe, but it’ just around the corner! For the next couple of weeks, we will be working on the children’s dona-tion items in The Zoo on Sunday mornings. Please try to make it to The Zoo on those Sundays. The children’s items add so much to Harvest and we want every child to be rep-resented.

Kingdom KidsKingdom KidsKingdom KidsKingdom Kids Our young singers have been hard at work on Sunday morn-ings and are doing an excellent job. They are memorizing all of John Wesley’s rules for singing (found at the beginning of each hymnal), working on this month’s hymn “O, Wor-ship the King”, as well as two other songs. They are pre-paring to sing in church on Sunday, Nov. 21st at the 10:45 worship service.

If you would like to receive little spiritual insights, church prayer requests, and last minute church news by text, send a text with your name to Debbie at 903-243-3333. Feel free to share them with friends to expand the connections with each other and with God. If you’ve not been receiving the texts, please let Debbie know because we’re working out the logistics of group texts.

Mark Your calendars: November 13 Harvest Festival November 21 Kingdom Kids Sing at 10:45 November 24 No Wonderful Wednesday December 15 “Arrest These Merry Gentlemen”

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

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Date SensitiveDate SensitiveDate SensitiveDate Sensitive————Please deliver by October 29, 2010Please deliver by October 29, 2010Please deliver by October 29, 2010Please deliver by October 29, 2010

Join us each Sunday in November

as we explore how simple gifts

of stewardship can make a huge difference

in your life and the lives of others.

by Lew Riggsby

I had a good friend, Jim Tarr, who had a habit of giving copies of the “Disciplines” devotion book. In addition to a passion for the Boy Scouts and fishing, Jim was a witness for foundations. Not only did he raise money for the Boy Scouts as Chief Scout Execu-tive, he also raised and donated money for both his church foundation and the Texas Methodist Foundation. His personal gifts included life insurance and charitable gift annuities. Jim also showed many congregants how to realize more in the present thru planned giving. In addition to lending money for church growth at very competitive rates, TMF also pays competitively to individu-als for deposits. Recently with rates so low at banks and bonds, I was surprised at the rates on time deposits with the Texas Meth-odist Foundation. If you would like to check it out, call 800-933-5502 or go to www.tmf-fdn.org or for gifts to our own church foundation please see Bo West.

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