Rev. John Fleming, First United Methodist Church of ...storage.cloversites.com...November 2016...
8
The Informer First United Methodist Church of Gainesville November Rev. John Fleming, Pastor John’s Epistle “For All the Saints” Pastor John For all the saints who from their labors rest Who Thee by faith before the world confess Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest Alleluia! Alleluia! On Sunday, November 6, the people of First United Methodist Church, along with countless Christian congregations around the world, will recall the names of those members of the church whose earthly lives have ended during the previous year. All Saints Sunday, as we call it, arose early in the Christian tradition, as the church began to celebrate the lives of those who had gone on to their heavenly reward. It is one of the most sacred and meaningful liturgical moments in our tradition, a practice we have adopted from the Catholic church, yet each United Methodist congregation makes its own. This year, we will remember eight of our beloved Saints: Margaet Bewley, Melissa Jill Drake, Allene Hatchel, Marvin Hogan, Jane Richroath, Sara Billie Tyler, John Allen Pierce and Duane Waskow. Since it is my first time to lead an All Saints Remembrance at FUMC, I would like to take this opportunity to share my concept of exactly who it is we honor on this holy occasion. My belief is that this celebration is about more than just remembering these eight people who have played a part in the life of our church. All Saints is one of those times—like last month’s World Communion Sunday—when we acknowledge the work God has been doing in the church for thousands of years, work that we have continued in our lives. First, we honor those Christians throughout the world who have died during the past year. The fact is that the vast majority of us will never be called upon to offer our lives to Christ in ways that will literally cause our deaths, but we may be more aware than ever of the way Christians have died for exactly that reason throughout the world. Though the number of Christians at any given moment is always changing, estimates are that there are at least 2 billion of us— can you imagine?! All of them are our brothers and sisters in Christ and we give thanks for their global witness of God’s redeeming love. Second, we honor those whose Christian witness has had a personal impact upon us. Perhaps you’ll be recalling a cherished relative or friend whose life helped you become a more faithful Christian, someone who has challenged you to expand your understanding of faith, or a person who approached death with hopefulness and live life with thankfulness. Third, we honor those whose participation in the life of our own congregation has opened doors for others to come into the fold. We give great thanks for these people who have been generous with their time, talents, and financial gifts, not to mention their day to day kindness and love. Most importantly, however, on All Saints Sunday we honor the God of all creation, whose work gave us life. We honor the one who sent Christ to redeem us and show us the way. We honor the one whose Holy Spirit continues to lead us, equip us, and comfort us. Our Saints have been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Now we give thanks to God for their lives, as well as for the hope of resurrection in death. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Alleluia! Alleluia! Grace and peace, Pastor John November 6
Transcript of Rev. John Fleming, First United Methodist Church of ...storage.cloversites.com...November 2016...
The Informer
First United Methodist Church of Gainesville
November
Rev. John Fleming,
Pastor
John’s Epistle “For All the Saints”
Pastor John For all the saints who from their labors rest Who Thee by faith before the world confess Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest Alleluia! Alleluia!
On Sunday, November 6, the people of First United Methodist Church, along with countless Christian congregations around the world, will recall the names of those members of the church whose earthly lives have ended during the previous year. All Saints Sunday, as we call it, arose early in the Christian tradition, as the church began to celebrate the lives of those who had gone on to their heavenly reward. It is one of the most sacred and meaningful liturgical moments in our tradition, a practice we have adopted from the Catholic church, yet each United Methodist congregation makes its own.
This year, we will remember eight of our beloved Saints:
Margaet Bewley, Melissa Jill Drake, Allene Hatchel, Marvin Hogan, Jane Richroath, Sara Billie Tyler, John Allen Pierce and Duane Waskow.
Since it is my first time to lead an All Saints Remembrance at FUMC, I would like to take this opportunity to share my concept of exactly who it is we honor on this holy occasion. My belief is that this celebration is about more than just remembering these eight people who have played a part in
the life of our church. All Saints is one of those times—like last month’s World Communion Sunday—when we acknowledge the work God has been doing in the church for thousands of years, work that we have continued in our lives.
First, we honor those Christians throughout the world who have died during the past year. The fact is that the vast majority of us will never be called upon to offer our lives to Christ in ways that will literally cause our deaths, but we may be more aware than ever of the way Christians have died for exactly that reason throughout the world. Though the number of Christians at any given moment is always changing, estimates are that there are at least 2 billion of us—can you imagine?! All of them are our brothers and sisters in Christ and we give thanks for their global witness of God’s redeeming love.
Second, we honor those whose Christian witness has had a personal impact upon us. Perhaps you’ll be recalling a cherished relative or friend whose life helped you become a more faithful Christian, someone who has challenged you to expand your understanding of faith, or a person who approached death with hopefulness and live life with thankfulness.
Third, we honor those whose
participation in the life of our own congregation has opened doors for others to come into the fold. We give great thanks for these people who have been generous with their time, talents, and financial gifts, not to mention their day to day kindness and love.
Most importantly, however, on All Saints Sunday we honor the God of all creation, whose work gave us life. We honor the one who sent Christ to redeem us and show us the way. We honor the one whose Holy Spirit continues to lead us, equip us, and comfort us. Our Saints have been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Now we give thanks to God for their lives, as well as for the hope of resurrection in death.
From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Alleluia! Alleluia!
Grace and peace,
Pastor John
November 6
November 2016 Worship
Prayer Concerns: Karla Denny, Kelly Dill, John Padgham, Holly Oliveira, Doris Stephenson, Sue Klement, Bill Robbins ( Nancy & Whitt Williams Son-in-law).
Congratulations to: Sara and Brian Wallace for the birth of a son.
Sympathy to: Don Yeager for the death of his sister, Barbara.
Ongoing Concerns: Our Unborn Babies, Bob Smelcer, Darlene Beck, Jack Merrick, Dr. Mike Paclik, Carol Felker, Lucy Beall, Dorothy Proffer, Romona Hatcher, Don Howeth, Pat Peale, Marge Priest, Kristin Hatton, Joanna & Taylor Williamson, Sam Meeks, Mia Delarosa, William Cowdrey, Betty Bennett, Jacey Schmidt, Velia Hernandez, Nancy Williams, Harold “Bud” Sutton, Jerry McWilliams, Walter Boeko Jr., Madison Clark.
Military Personnel: Ben Davis, Jerry Horn, Craig Fiske, Jacob Freeman, Kelsea Stafford Louisiana, John Enderby, James Embrey, Tim Deater, Kennedy Pierson, Larkin O’Hern, Patrick Noland, John Candie.
We Hold in Our Prayers...
Page 2 Miss ions and Min istry
November 6 Sermon: “Bootstraps & Blessings” (Luke 6:20-31)
November 13 Guest Preacher J. Langley
November 20 Sermon: “World Without End” Luke 23:33-43
November 27 Sermon: Great Expectations Part 1: “The Beginning and the End”
November 8 6:00 p.m. Nominations Committee Rm. 113 November 15 6:00 p.m. Finance Committee Rm. 113
Church Meeting for November
Offering for World Communion Sunday
During October the Communion Offering was for World Communion Sunday in support of providing scholarships for national and international graduate students through out disadvantaged areas. We collected $385.00, great job First UMC.
Wednesday, Dec. 14 Children’s Pageant Rehearsal during C.O.W.
Friday, Dec. 16 Learning Tree Christmas Parties Last day of classes before Christmas Break
Sunday, Dec. 18 4th Sunday of Advent Happy Birthday, Jesus party-Sunday School 5:00 p.m. Children’s Christmas Pageant.
Saturday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m.— A Refreshing Christmas, 7:00 p.m.— A Traditional Christmas. Communion both services , Candle Lighting, and Carols.
Sunday, Dec. 25 Christmas Morning Worship together at 10:45
Sunday, Jan. 1 Epiphany / New Year’s Morning Worship together at 10:45
First United Methodist Church Advent & Christmas Activities
Sunday, Nov. 27 1st Sunday of Advent Hanging of the Greens
Wednesday, Nov. 30 Children’s Pageant Costume Fitting during C.O.W. Friday, Dec. 2 Parents’ Night Out
Sunday, Dec. 4 2nd Sunday of Advent Youth, Progressive Christmas Dinner and White Elephant Gift Exchange Wednesday, Dec. 7 C.O.W. Kids will rehearse for FOCM
Saturday, Dec. 10 Rehearsal for FOCM for all involved Look for a detailed schedule to follow
Sunday, Dec. 11 3rd Sunday of Advent 6:00 p.m.— Festival of Christmas Music A reception- visitor from the North Pole!
Page 3 Chi ldren’s Min istry
Page 4 Mus ic Min istr ies
Page 5 Youth Min istry
FUMC Gainesville TX Youth @youthFUMCgville
Sundays: Sunday School: 9:45 a..m. • UMYF: Schedule Varies during November Wednesdays: Jr. High Study Hall & Bible Study 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Sr. High Bible Study 6 - 7 p.m. Contact Kristi: [email protected] (940) 641-1110
Now that we’ve had our Halloween fun and eaten way too much candy, it must be time to start celebrating Christmas, right? Stores are already selling Christmas decorations, carols can be heard on some radio stations, and many people are looking for pre-Christmas sales to get a head start on those Christmas wish lists. It’s becoming all too easy to overlook that holiday stuck in-between October and December. As busy as this time of year is, don’t be too quick to bypass Thanksgiving and rush ahead to Christmas. Take time to use the opportunity Thanksgiving gives you to remember your blessings, be thankful, and share your blessings with others. Thanks AND giving… gratitude and generosity… how can you give thanks to God and give with a cheerful heart in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving? I know I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for my loving family, for my wonderful friends, for our church, and for this youth group! I am thankful for each of you, for your time you give to be involved in our programs, and for reaching out to others and encouraging them to join us. I wish you all a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!
In Christ, Kristi Bloom
VISTO Scavenger Hunt: Sunday, November 13th, 3 – 6 p.m.
With Thanksgiving approaching, VISTO is in need of traditional Thanksgiving food items. We will divide up into teams for a scavenger hunt to collect food items from a list to donate to VISTO. We’ll get an earlier start so we can hunt for food before the sun goes down. We’ll return to the church for snack supper and Festival of Christmas Music practice. It will be a fun afternoon for a great cause!
No Youth: November 20th, 23rd, & 27th
Due to the church’s Annual Charge Conference meeting and Thanksgiving holiday, we’ll take a little break from regular youth programming. We will resume activities on Wednesday, November 30th with our weekly Bible Study. Enjoy your free time and holiday!
October was another fantastic month for our youth group, and it wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of so many people! Thanks to Cassie Newton for helping with Bubble Ball. Thank you to Marc & Kerri Reiter for chaperoning and driving to the Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch. Thank you to Calista Gonzales for providing snack supper for our movie night. Thanks to Michelle Zimmerer for leading our craft interest group. We appreciate each of you and your willingness to help!
Thanksgiving Games: Sunday, November 6th, 4 - 6:30 p.m.
Ever heard of Pumpkin Pictionary or Cranberry Bounce? Join us for some Thanksgiving themed fun
and games. Bring your friends and let’s find out who is the top turkey! Snack supper will be provided, and we’ll also have time to work on our contribution to the Festival of Christmas Music.
Page 6 Church News
Women of Faith in Service Award Luncheon
Financial Highlights
September 30, 2016 September YTD September Annual Budget Percent of Budget Income $200,829 $748,537 $892,859 83.84% Budgeted Expenditures $ 68,427 $482,553 $815,357 59.18% Designated Expenditures $146,625 $317,680
Subtotal Over/(Under) ($14,223) ($51,696)
Debt Reduction Gift $0 $0
Over/Under ($14,223) ($51,696) $77,502
Notes Payable: Sanctuary Restoration Paid in full. Phase I & II Building $521,576
You and your friends of all faiths are invited to the 2016 Annual Award Luncheon, November 4 at 12 Noon (No Charge) First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 401 N. Dixon. Hosted by Temple Baptist Church
Spirit-Moving and Heart-Swelling Gospel
THE LEARNING TREE ANNUAL GOBBLE WOBBLE FUNDRAISER
SUNDAY, NOV. 6 AT NOON
Come and Enjoy
LUNCH
RAFFLE LIVE AUCTION
SILENT AUCTION
Lunch: Chicken Express Adults $8.00, Children under 12 $4.00
RAFFLE TICKETS: $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 $250.00 Visa Gift Card
YETI (Tundra 45-tan) Cooler ($400.00 value) Fisher Price Power Wheels Ford F150 12V Battery Ride-On, Blue ($470 value)
Donated from Cash Donations from local businesses and individuals
The United Methodist Women’s Mizpah Circle will meet on Tuesday, November 15, at 10:30 a.m. in the Church Parlor. All women are invited to attend. They will be filling boxes for college students.
Mizpah Circle
Prosthetic Promises with Katie Brinkley
Page 7 Church News
I made my 3rd trip to Zambia, Africa with Prosthetic Promises Sept. 5-19 to provide prosthetic legs and eyes to people in the Mapanza, Zambia area. Aside from myself, the team included John Brinkley, who does prosthetic eyes, and Suzanne O’Connor, another prosthetist who works in Dallas. Jason was able to work with an engineer who went to install solar energy equipment at the orphanage we stay at.
John was able to see 13 people for prosthetic eyes, some who were follow-ups from past trips. Suzanne and I saw 27 people total, many who were follow-ups from past trips, including 11 repairs to prostheses, 11 new legs made and fit during the trip, and 2 castings for upper extremity prostheses that we will make here in the States and take back. Additionally, over 120 pairs of eyeglasses were given out, as well as many toothbrushes. It was truly amazing to see God working through us and empowering us to complete our tasks in just 11 working days! God is good!
I feel so blessed that the ministry of Prosthetic Promises is where God has led me.
I have more detailed info about our trip on my blog at brinkleysonamission.blogspot.com.
Service Saturday
Dear FUMC Friends, Thank you for your generous donation to CMA’S Run for the Son. The external effect of your gift will impact souls for eternity. Thanks & God Bless Cross Timber s Riders Gainesville Tx CMA Chapter #762
Ken and I wish to thank our Church family for the prayers, cards and lovely quilt delivered by Pastor John. Ken is recovering well after his back surgery, doing physical therapy at NTMC. In Christ, Ken & Judy Shank
Gwen’s Group for 50+
Gwen’s Group will not be meeting in November but will attend a special event on Saturday, December 3rd. The event is “A Renaissance Dinner Theater” presented by the NCTC Choir that begins at noon. We would need to meet at 11:40 at the church. If you are interested in attending this fun and entertaining experience I will need to collect the ticket fee of $30.00 from you by November 15th. The proceeds from this event help to fund scholarships for students active in the NCTC Music program. Call Greta Cuellar to get on the list 940-665-3926
Thank You
Dear FUMC, Thank You so much for all the shoes you gave our school. I have already given out several pair and the students really appreciate them! Thank You again for all that you do for our community and school. You definitely make my job easier. Chalmers Elementary School Nurse Britni Dulock
214 S. Denton Street
Gainesville, Texas 76240
We’re on the Web! www.firstumcgainesvilletx.com
Phone: 940-665-3926
Fax: 940-665-4372
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
First United Methodist Church
Your Church Staff
Rev. John Fleming Pastor Greta Cuellar, Christian Education Director Mary Jarvis, Finance Administrator Jean Smelcer, Church Office Administrator Melodye McLeroy, Church Accompanist Susan Beall, Music Ministries Director Debra Poore, The Learning Tree Director Kristi Bloom, Youth Ministries Director Staff E-mail Addresses: John Fleming: [email protected] Susan Beall: [email protected] Mary Jarvis: [email protected] Greta Cuellar: [email protected] Jean Smelcer: [email protected] Kristi Bloom: [email protected]
Debra Poore: [email protected]
105 S. Denton Street Gainesville, Texas 76240
Monday / Tuesday / Thursday 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
665-7939 Volunteers welcome!
Second Time Around Informer Article Deadline
All articles and information for December 2016 issue of “The Informer” need to be submitted no later than Tuesday, November 22, you may drop off your information to the church office or e-mail to [email protected]
11/2016
«First Name» «Last Name»
«Address»
«City», «State» «Zip Code»
The Mission of First United Methodist Church is to know Christ and make Him known.
