The

First United Methodist Church 404 Azalea St. Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Inside this issue

Memorials……………….……….....… 2

Welcome New Members………...2

March Birthdays……………………...2

Finance Committee Update..…...4

Guide Book Directory Info….…….4

Women’s Ministry Events ……....5

Submerge Info………………………...6

Message for Children……………...7

Youth Group Scoop………………...8

Youth Upcoming Events ………...9

Missions & Ministries………...10/11

Don’t Miss It!

Easter Services Info (see page 3)

What to do with your Food King receipts (see page 5)

Children’s Ministry Event Schedule (see page 6)

Confirmation Info (see page 8)

Welcome Kim Copeland - FUMC’s new Youth Director (see page 8)

UM Army Camp information (see page 9)

March 4, 2015 Volume 45, Issue 3

I Forgot!

Author and speaker Brennan Manning tells the story of a woman who visited her

priest and told him that when she prays, she sees Jesus in a vision.

"He appears to me as real as you are standing here right now, Father," said the

woman. "And he speaks to me. He tells me that he loves me and wants to be with me. Do you think I'm crazy?"

"Not at all," replied the priest. "But to make sure it is really Jesus who is visiting

you, I want you to ask him a question when he appears to you again. Ask him to tell you the sins that I confessed to him in confession. Then come back and tell me

what he said."

A few days later the woman returned.

"Did you have another vision of Jesus?" the priest inquired of her.

"Yes I did Father," she replied.

"And did you ask him to tell you the sins that I confessed to him while I was in confession?"

"Yes I did," the woman answered.

"And what did he tell you?" asked the priest expectantly.

"He said...`I forgot.'"

Jesus graciously forgives and forgets our sins when we confess them to him. Scrip-

ture assures us of this: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us, and cleanse us of all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). Once God has forgiven our sins,

they are gone forever, separated from us "as far as the east is from the

west" (Hebrews 8:12)

Claim God’s forgiveness this Lenten season…and be thankful!

Grace and Peace,

Lynne

Hang in there… Spring is almost here!

MARCH 1:

Doris Munson

MARCH 4:

Darrell Copenhaver

MARCH 5:

Wilda Guess

MARCH 6:

Harold Bitter

MARCH 7:

Ethel Tracy

MARCH 9:

Trevor Andrews

MARCH 10:

Nancy Smith

Kyla Klehm

MARCH 11:

Patty Hazelrigg

MARCH 12:

Mary Helen Finley

Frances Snelgrove

John Motes

MARCH 13:

Connie Courtney

Zeke Wintjen

MARCH 14:

Carl Spoonemore

Ken Kelley

MARCH 15:

Dick Hosack

Wendell Kirk

George Franklin

Ethan Lackey

MARCH 17:

Joshua S. Johnson

MARCH 18:

Breanna Duarte

MARCH 20:

Jeanette Sciba

Bryson Wintjen

MARCH 21:

Kim Lee

MARCH 22:

Chloe Taylor

MARCH 23:

Mike Pope

MARCH 24:

Sonya Kim

Jay Gibson

MARCH 25:

Dorothy Strate

Mary Jo Hosack

Mike Hampy

MARCH 26:

Vickie Denning

M E M O R I A L S

MARGE STEWART Given by:

Kevin & Cheryl Johnson

Donations have been received in

memory of:

A. G. SNELGROVE Given by:

Jim & Jane May

2

in march

Newest members of the FUMC family…

Thurmond “Ed” Munson February 1, 2015

John & Jennifer Cannan (and daughter, Alisha) February 15, 2015

EARL LISTER Given by:

JoAnn Collier

3

EASTER LILIES

If you would like to help purchase lilies for our Easter Service on

April 5th, in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one, please

let the church office know by Sunday, March 29. The cost is $12.

Forms will be available at the worship services or you can call

the church office to order.

PALM SUNDAY

March 29

8, 9 or 11AM MAUNDY THURSDAY

Special Tenebrae Service

April 2

7PM

EASTER SUNDAY

April 5

8, 9 or 11AM

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

4

The Handbell Choir program

needs YOU!!!

Rehearsals are Wednesday

evenings at 6:15 in the Hand-

bell Room, located upstairs

above the Choir Room. Eve-

ryone is welcome! No experi-

ence is necessary! We have

plenty of bells!

For more information, contact

Ruth Seiwell at

979-236-4736 or by email at

ruthseiwell@sbcglobal.net.

GUIDE BOOK DIRECTORY

Advertising Opportunity

We are in the process of updating our annual Guide Book & Directory for the church. This book will contain everything pertinent to our

church: the various ministries, organizations, committees, activities,

functions and events plus a complete directory of all members. This book is being provided and direct-mailed to each family at no cost to

our church, and it is again being subsidized by local businesses that advertise. If you own or manage a business and would like to find out

about advertising in our book, please call the church office.

==========================================

***UPDATE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION***

If you have not already informed the Church Office about changes to

your record, please let us know so that the information in the Guide Book & Directory is correct.

Update from your FUMC Finance Committee:

We’ve started the new year out on a good note! With the unending

prayerful and financial support of our FUMC family, we hope to continue

on this path during the remainder of this year and even beyond. God has

truly blessed our church in many ways and for this, we are very grateful!

To God be the Glory!

5

Friday, March 27

Location and Time TBA

For more information and/or reservations

time, call Mary Helen Israel @297-6968 or

email mh-israel@sbcglobal.net

Every Monday

(during school year)

9:00am Wilson Parlor

All you need to bring is

a prayerful heart.

Do you shop at Food King in Lake

Jackson?

Did you know that Food King sup-

ports the Society of St. Stephen by

providing cash back on store pur-

chases?

Please save your Food King

receipts and turn them in to the

church office. Doing so will pro-

vide much needed assistance to

people in need who are living in the

Brazosport community.

Thank you for your support!

We are currently in

search of the matching

vases which are used for

flower arrangements in

the sanctuary. If you

happen to have one at

your home, or know

where one is, please con-

tact the church office.

We would greatly appre-

ciate your help!

The Mission Trip to Mexico is March 7 -

12.

The following people will be making the

trip. Please keep them in your prayers.

Kye Han Lee Kim Lee

Christian Lee Michael Lee

John Settlemyre

11AM

4th Wednesday of each month

at the home of Linda Neumann

132 Lily

6

Upcoming Events:

March 28 - 2 - 4pm

Asbury Room

“Rock-n-Roll”

Easter Party

For both Children’s & Joy

Ministries

Games - Crafts - Snacks -

Devotional -

EASTER EGG HUNT

March 29 - 9 & 11am

Palm Sunday

Our children will be waving

palm branches during the

morning worship services.

June 8 - 12 - Lakeview

District Choir Clinic

Come learn about music with

all your friends from our church

district.

June 22 - 26 Vacation

Bible School: Hometown

Nazareth

Come find out about how Jesus

grew up!

July 6 - 10 Lakeview

District Summer Camp

Come have fun with others

from our church district.

Fun - Games - Swimming -

Bible Study - Singing

Attn: 5th & 6th Graders ***

If you haven’t made it to Submerge yet

this year, you’ve been missing some fun

(like visiting people, Valentine’s parties,

game night, ice cream, chocolate, devo-

tionals and great friendship). And we miss

YOU! Join us in March for these events:

Sunday, March 22nd - 3:45 to 4:55 - Submerged to “Spring” into

Service - We will be completing a service project in our community.

Look for more details in the bulletins and emails.

SATURDAY, March 28th - 1:45 to 4:00 - Submerged in Easter - We will

volunteer to help at the Rock and Roll Easter Event at church.

(Our March dates are adjusted to fit spring break, which is the week

of March 9th).

If you have a 5th or 6th grader and are not currently on the Submerge

list, please contact me anytime at youth@ljfumc.org or

copeland.kim@att.net or 832-741-3932 with questions about the Sub-

merge ministry. Blessings to every-

one, Kim Copeland

7

"Wait for The Lord. Be strong and don't lose hope. Wait for The Lord." Psalm 27:14

Sometimes life throws us curve balls. We don' t get the job... We don't get that favorite toy... We don' t get everything we want... We get ill... We lose a loved one... Waiting produces Faith and Hope. Developing patience is important and it helps us to reflect God's charac-ter. Come explore the Bible and the stories that help us discover how to be patient! Week 1- Story of Esau Genesis 25:24-34 Bottom Line: When you think you can't wait, think twice. Week 2- Israelites at Mount Sinai Exodus 32:1-35 Bottom Line: When you think you can't wait, think about what's true. Week 3- Learning from King Solomon Proverbs 14:29 Bottom Line: When you think you can't wait, don't lose your cool. Week 4- Story of Hannah 1 Samuel 1:6-2:1 Bottom Line: When you think you can't wait, talk to God about it. Week 5- God had something better than Jesus Mark 11:1-11; 14:43-15:47 Bottom Line: Remember that God's plan is bigger than yours. So as God develops our patience, we can rest assure he loves us and his plan and timing are always better than ours. We might not understand it or even want God's plan but our God is awesome and mighty. He will give us the strength to always remember it is worth the wait!

Praising God Always, Kimberly Bowers Children's Ministry Director

Waiting...it’s not easy but sometimes it’s worth it!

SWEET VOICES

CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Wednesday afternoons

3:30pm - 4:15pm

Asbury Room

Grades 3rd thru 6th

SUNDAY SCHOOL SINGERS

Sunday mornings

10:00am - 10:20am

Chapel

Grades K thru 3rd

H-e-l-l-o ... from Kim!

Have you felt the excitement in our church? It’s coming from me, because I am so excited to be the new youth direc-tor at First UMC. I spent four years as the full-time Family/Children’s Ministry Director at Cornerstone UMC in north-west Houston. Then two years ago, my family moved to Lake Jackson and we joined FUMC shortly after that. My hus-band became active at church in the council and as the drummer for the praise band, and I soon began to lead the Sub-merge ministry for the 5th & 6th graders. Now that my boys are getting older (they are currently in the 4th & 6th grades), God has led me to jump into the youth ministry. Here we go!! The youth at FUMC are amazing and they in-spire me in so many ways. KayKay and I are busy planning events several months in advance. A tentative schedule is here in the newsletter, as we are still working out a few details.

If you are a youth, parent of a youth, or a youth volunteer, please make sure that you are on my email distribution list so you’ll have the latest information. Contact me at youth@ljfumc.org or 832-741-3932.

There’s also a Facebook page called “The Awakening - First UMC Lake Jackson Youth Group”. “Like” our page for up-dates.

I know that our youth group will be growing this year. Along with growth, we will have some changes as we go - new types of events, different fundraisers and maybe even a new name for our youth group. Keep the youth in your pray-ers and don’t forget to Pray Until Something Happens. Your PUSH might lead you to help with the youth group so that you will be blessed, too.

Kim Copeland

youth@ljfumc.org

We currently have a group of 6

students who are going through

Confirmation at FUMC. We will

celebrate Confirmation Sunday

on May 24th. Please keep the students and their teachers in

your prayers as they complete this important 14-week

study that leads up to their outward profession of Jesus as

their Savior. If you know of anyone that is in the 6th grade

or older that is interested in Confirmation, please contact

Kim Copeland at youth@ljfumc.org.

8

Meet our new Youth Director……

KIM COPELAND

pictured above with husband, Dave and

sons, David, Jr. and Chris. Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, "He is my

refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I

trust."

U.M. ARMY CAMP JUNE 28 - JULY 4 BEAUMONT, TX

Students who have completed 8th grade are eligible to attend.

Register online: https://www.umarmy.net/Registration/Indv/1356/

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT RALPH HENDRICKS OR KIM COPELAND

MOVIE NIGHT SUNDAY MARCH 8 5 PM- 7PM FUMC Youth Center

Bring a new friend to the movie in order to be entered in a prize drawing.

We’ll have a discussion on how the things we watch can affect us!

SCAVENGER HUNT SUNDAY MARCH 15 5PM - 7PM FUMC We’ll also talk about how we can hunt for Jesus every day!

DODGEBALL @ ALL-STAR PIZZA SUNDAY MARCH 22 5PM - 7PM We’ll also talk about how we “dodge” the pitfalls and temptations that we face.

SUNDAY MARCH 29 5PM - 7PM We’ll join the youth at Chapelwood UMC for a service project in the community.

APRIL 5th is EASTER SUNDAY - NO Sunday Night Youth! Enjoy the extra time with your family!

9

WEDNESDAY (during Spring Break) MARCH 11 2 PM- 4PM

FUMC Youth Center Join us for games and snacks!

SATURDAY MARCH 28 1:45PM - 4PM Come and help our church with the Rock-n-Roll Easter Event!

10

FUMC MISSIONS & MINISTRIES

Get involved….

Become a part of a team that is passionate about connecting people to God and others. Our ministry teams strive to

provide hospitality and a welcoming environment to everyone who walks through the doors at FUMC - Lake Jackson.

Member Care

Support individuals and families during times of need. The Member Care team exists to extend the love, comfort and compassion of Jesus

Christ. Opportunities range from writing cards of encouragement, making hospital visits, and calling and praying for those in need. If interested

in becoming a part of this team, contact Deana Wheeler or Karen Bowman.

Carpenter’s Hands

Carpenter’s Hands volunteers are called to be Jesus’ hands extended across our community, building and making repairs for those in need.

While others are called to speak the message of Jesus’ love with their mouths, Carpenter’s Hands speak the message through their labors of

love. Opportunities to serve are available for both skilled and non-skilled workers. If you would like to join this team, contact Ralph Hendricks.

Women’s Ministry

The Women’s Ministry at FUMC seeks to nurture each woman in her spiritual walk with God through fellowship, Bible study, outreach and

other services both inside and outside the church walls. If you would like be involved in our Women’s Ministry efforts, please contact Kim Can-

non.

Flower Ministry

Following Sunday worship services, the altar flower arrangements are normally divided into smaller vases, which are then delivered to people

in the hospital or nursing homes, people who are homebound, and those needing a little extra tender loving care to brighten their day. If you

would like to be a part of this special ministry, please contact Ethel Tracy.

Society of St. Stephen

A local volunteer organization that brings together several churches in our community. Each day, they take calls from people with short-term

financial needs, such as utility bills, medical bills, and rent for which they are unable to pay. The Society will evaluate the need, considering

available resources which come from the various member churches, and attempt to help those in need. The Society also provides for some

physical needs such as furniture. If interested in becoming a part of the Society of St. Stephen Ministry, contact Suzanne Sargent.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Some people give casseroles, bake bread or cookies, and some send flowers. This ministry provides prayer shawls or pocket shawls to peo-

ple in the hospital and those at home who need to feel God’s loving arms around them. The pocket shawls (4” squares) have been included in

care packages and given to young people as they prepare for important events and occasions. The prayer shawl ministry volunteers meet

once each month to crochet or knit these items for very special people. For more information, contact Linda Neumann.

Sermon Video Ministry

This ministry provides online video of Sunday sermons for those who are unable to attend due to illness, schedule conflicts, work, and other

obligations. If you would like to assist with this program, contact Kye Han Lee.

JOY Ministry

Provides a safe, caring environment where children, youth, and adults with special needs can worship the Lord and experience God’s uncon-

ditional love. Volunteers are needed and very appreciated for Sunday School, Fun Fridays and VBS. Please contact Aaron or Sharon Zimmer-

man for more information.

11

"Everyone can be great

because everyone can

serve. You don't have to

have a college degree to

serve. You don't even have

to make your subject and

your verb agree... You only

need a heart full of grace…

a soul generated by love."

—Martin Luther King, Jr.

Volunteers don’t al-

ways necessarily

have the time, but

they always have the

heart!

We our

volunteers!

Music Ministry for Adults, Youth, and Children

Use your gifts and talents to impact others through the ministry of music.

The Sanctuary Choir leads in worship weekly during the 11AM service, as well as during other

special events and services which occur throughout the year. No audition or experience is necessary - just

come with a heart that is willing to worship the Lord! Rehearsals are Wednesdays @ 7:30PM in the Choir

Room. Contact Laura Mays for more information.

The Praise Band guides the praise and worship time during the 9AM Contemporary service each

week with songs ranging from contemporary-arranged hymns to the latest expressions of contemporary music.

Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings at 7:30PM in the Sanctuary. Contact Ron or Margaret Bachman if interested

in becoming a part of this ministry.

Children’s Choirs - The sweet, beautiful and melodious sounds of children making a joyful noise to

honor God. If interested in either of these opportunities to work with children and music, contact Laura Mays or

Misty Hankinson.

Sweet Voices Choir (Grades 3 - 6) meets Wednesdays in the Asbury Room at 3:30PM

Sunday School Singers (Grades K - 3) meets Sunday mornings at 10AM in the Chapel

Kairos and Epiphany Prison Ministries

Kairos Prison Ministry International addresses the spiritual needs of incarcerated men, women,

children, their families, and those who work in the prison environment. This ministry brings Christ’s love and

forgiveness to all incarcerated individuals, their families and those who work with them, and they assist in the

transition of becoming a productive citizen.

Epiphany Ministry’s vision is to spread the message of God’s love, grace, and forgiveness to eve-

ry incarcerated juvenile in the world. This ministry typically uses a three day program of talks, skits, recreation,

music, food, and fellowship with ‘table families’ of teams of men, women, and teenagers in youth prison facili-

ties.

Contact Jerry Higgins to learn more about how to be a part of the Prison Ministries.

Wedding Guild/Funeral Guild/Altar Guild

The Wedding Guild assists couples, and their families, who are marrying at FUMC and to facilitate

their rehearsal and ceremony in a friendly, organized and helpful manner. We want this to be a memorable and

holy occasion for them to remember. If you would like to join this group, contact Sharon Doerr.

The Funeral Guild is a group of volunteers who support families by preparing a location and provi-

sions for receptions to take place before or after funeral services, and who provide meals and other services to

families, as needed. The Bible assures us that God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we may comfort oth-

ers as we have been comforted. God’s assurance and our response to that assurance is the foundation for the

FUMC Funeral Guild ministry. If you would like to participate, please contact Suzanne Sargent.

The Altar Guild of FUMC exists to assure that worship space and supporting materials are prepared

for worship. The sanctuary/chapel should be a place where people are welcomed to be in the presence of God.

The space should be in such a condition that makes it easy for people to worship and makes people feel re-

spected and welcomed. For more information, contact Mary Helen Israel, Delia Hoskins or Sandy Reinhart.

For more information on these and other volunteer opportunities currently available, please

contact the church office. YOU are needed!

PERIODICALS #954360

LAKE JACKSON, TX 77566

First United Methodist Church

404 Azalea St.

Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Phone: 979-297-3046

Fax: 979-299-6612

E-mail: ljfumc@ljfumc.org

Visit us online - www.ljfumc.org

Pastor:

Dr. Lynne Settlemyre - pastor@ljfumc.org

Administrative Pastor -

Rev. John Settlemyre - johns@ljfumc.org

Children’s Director:

Kimberly Bowers - children@ljfumc.org

Youth Director:

Kim Copeland - youth@ljfumc.org

The Messenger is published monthly by the First United Methodist Church, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.

Periodicals Postage paid at Lake Jackson, TX 77566. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FUMC, 404 Azalea, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.

Address Service Requested

First United Methodist Church

404 Azalea St.

Lake Jackson, TX 77566

www.ljfumc.org

First Church strives to be like Jesus!

Praising God!

Teaching God’s Word!

Loving One Another!

Strengthening Families!

Sharing the Good News!

All men are invited to

join in for a time of food,

fellowship, study and

prayer!