A Periodical from First United Methodist Church in Temple, Texas

February 2009

The Wordiodical f

Inside This EditionInside This EditionA Jolly Goodfellow•

Harvest Faire Roundup•

Via Online•

Exploring the Way•

November 2009

For everything there is a season, For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter and a time for every matter

under heavenunder heavenEcclesiastes 3.1Ecclesiastes 3.1

The Word from Pastor TomThe Word from Pastor Tom

Life is about to shift into high gear. Halloween just ended. Our children have now exceeded the maximum legal amount of sugar for their bodies. Thanksgiving, Christmas and everything that goes with them is coming fast. Don’t be overwhelmed by all the demands of the season. Parties, gifts, toys with assembly instructions in Chinese, cleaning the house, making sure all the relatives

are visited, Santa Claus, football, parades, worship services, cooking for huge crowds, the

list goes on and on…. It is times like these that I need to recite the immortal words of Henry Ford: “I find when I cannot manage circumstances, I let circumstances manage themselves.” In other words,

it is all going to get done one way or another. Don’t stress about life – just

enjoy the ride.If we aren’t careful, the events of the

season, which are supposed to be sacred, can be just one more obligation on top of a schedule that is already overloaded. Don’t let this happen to you. Remember what this is all about. This is about celebrating life with God. Jesus came to live among us and show us exactly who God is. Take time to remember and say thank you. Everything else will fall into place.I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

God Bless,Tom

Worship With UsContact Us

First United Methodist Church102 N 2nd StreetTemple, TX 76501254-773-5269contact@fumctemple.orgwww.fumctemple.orgMail: P.O. Box 773 with zip 76503

PastorsRev Tom Robbins - Sr. Pastortom.robbins@fumctemple.org

Rev Jane Woodward - Assoc. Pastor/Music Ministerjane.woodward@fumctemple.org

Rev Hubert Austin - Assoc. Pastorhubjan1929@att.net

Rev Tim Wilson - Assoc. Pastortim.wilson@fumctemple.org

TraditionalMain Sanctuary8:30am & 11:00am

ContemporaryDennis Hall9:00 am

Wednesday ChapelChapel10:30am

Sunday School10:00am

SermonsRadio Broadcast KTEM 1400 AM Sunday 9:30 amwww.fumctemple.org/?page_id=194

Wednesday Night Meal and Host ScheduleWednesday Night Meal and Host Schedule

Nov. 11th Fat Boys’ BBQ Chicken/Sausage/Trimmings Christian CollageNov. 18th Las Casas Fajitas/Trimmings Saints & Sinners

Nov. 25th THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY-----NO WEDNESDAY MEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dec. 2nd Kolache Kitchen Chicken Spaghetti Dawson ClassDec. 9th Fat Boys’ BBQ Brisket/Sausage/Trimmings Men’s Prayer Breakfast

FUMC Event CalendarFUMC Event Calendar

A Jolly GoodfellowA Jolly Goodfellow

by Bill Horick - Retired Pastorby Bill Horick - Retired Pastor

When the new building construction is finally completed on our church campus, I’m hoping the celebration will include a rousing rendition of the song: For he’s a jolly good fellow, for he’s a jolly good fellow, for he’s a jolly good fellow, which no one can deny.

That old accolade should rightfully be directed, appropriately enough, at Earl Goodfellow, the chair of our Board of Trustees, a member of the Building Committee, and the church’s liaison with the Vanguard Contractors and the city of Temple.

Indeed, Earl has been an invaluable link all the way through the construction process, a rendered service impossible to measure. Pastor Tom Robbins has correctly said that we could not afford to pay him by the hour for the work he has provided at the building site.

Earl has been there from the beginning, hard hat and all. Day after day he consulted. He inquired. He offered suggestions. He informed church groups about the progress taking place. And when concrete was poured at 4 o’clock in the morning, Earl was Johnny on the spot. Even when there was no work being done, he could be found at the site double checking on the labor of the previous day. On weekends, Earl’s pickup was parked at the location, revealing the extent of his investigation to ensure everything had been carried out according to the provisions of the contract.

We are deeply thankful that Earl came to us in 1976 from New Jersey where he graduated from high school. In 1960 he married his wife Cindy in a small Baptist church in New Jersey. They now have three children and seven grandchildren.

His career in Temple began at Southwest Plastics which later became Wilson Art, where he retired as a vice-president. Upon his retirement, Earl sold commercial Real Estate for several years.

Earl hasn’t retired from his Christian discipleship, however. That’s quite evident by how he has employed his leadership ability in forging plans for the new building and following through with all the necessary details for its completion to the glory of God.

I hope Earl will be ready for every gesture of gratitude his church bestows upon him. He simply cannot shy away from them.

He is, after all, a jolly good fellow which no one in our ranks can deny.

Harvest Faire 2009Harvest Faire 2009by Phyllis Davis, Photos by Bill Potterby Phyllis Davis, Photos by Bill Potter

Community-Wide Harvest Faire and Kids’ Festival

100 T-shirtsOver 150 baked goods

162 plates of Mexican Food – El Divino60 lbs brisket, 60 lbs link sausage,

130 hot dogs & 24 chicken breast – Men’s Grill57 Silent Auction itemsCountless Volunteers

740 Pumpkins100 Cotton Candies

One Dynamic Praise Band800 (and counting) Visitors to Pumpkin Patch

Countless Arts & Craft items100 Animal Balloons

Over 200 Books/Videos/DVD/s & CD/s273 Photos taken

Countless prayers for God’s guidance and blessings!

Add this all together and you get…One glorious Harvest Faire & Kids’ Festival!

Prayers were answered – hearts were united -

andover $13,000.00

raised for the new church building!

“Glorify the Lord with me,let us exalt His name together.”

Psalm 34:3

With grateful hearts….we love you all! “Girlfriends in God”

Introducing FUMC-Temple’s Newest Small Group Study!

Via Online, the new online ministry of FUMC-Temple, makes its debut with an online Advent book study offered during the month of December. Registration for the study begins on November 9 and continues through November 25. To learn more about the study and other upcoming studies, as well as register for a study, go to www.fumctemple.org and click on Via Online.Via Online—literally ‘The Way Online’--will offer book studies and Bible studies for small groups in an asynchronous online learning environment. Before the term ‘Christians’ was used, followers of Jesus were known as followers of ‘The Way.’ This ministry is designed to provide opportunities to learn what it means to be a Christ-follower. As a new ministry, Via Online is generating a lot of questions! Read on to find answers to some of the most common inquiries:What is ‘asynchronous online learning’ and how does it work? Online learning can take many forms. Via Online uses a format in which group members access the study group by logging into a web site known as the ‘classroom’. Like a traditional book or Bible study, participants are expected to do some reading and study on their own. Then, they participate in discussions with other group members by posting their responses to questions about the reading at the online classroom site. They also can respond to what other group members have posted with questions or comments. This creates a discussion dialogue similar to that of a traditional face-to-face small group study. The discussion questions are developed by the group leader. The group leader also participates in the discussions, interacting with group members as they make their postings—just as would happen in a traditional study.The biggest difference between a traditional book study and Via Online is that group members are never together, and instead of expressing their thoughts on the study to each other orally, they type them into the discussion forum. The study is asynchronous because group members are not online at the same time. Participants can join the discussion at a time that is convenient for them and from any computer that has Internet accessibility. What level of technology expertise is required? If you can e-mail, you can do online learning. The classroom is user-friendly and requires only that you know how to turn your computer on, access the Internet, and use a keyboard and mouse. The first study, an Advent study scheduled during the month of December, is also designed to serve as an introduction to online learning.

How do I join a study group?

Upcoming studies are posted at www.fumctemple.org with start dates and registration periods. To join a study group, click on the Registration link and submit your information. As part of the registration process, you will be asked to read a document that gives you additional information about the study, including options for purchasing the study book and/or materials. You will then receive an e-mail notifying you that you are registered for the class.

Is there a registration fee?

No. The only expense for participants is the cost of the study book and/or materials.

Are the studies designed for a particular group, such as women, youth, etc.?

These online studies are open to anyone, but ideal for people whose schedules prevent them from participating in traditional, scheduled group studies. Examples of groups who might need online learning are working parents, full-time caregivers, housebound individuals, frequent travelers, deployed military, and college students. Online studies are perfect for families and friends who are separated by geographic distance but want to share their Christian journey. They are also a great way to supplement the traditional small groups you already participate in without committing yourself to another scheduled meeting.

Who do I contact for more information?

Reverend Tim Wilson, FUMC Associate Pastor at tim.wilson@fumctemple.org OR

Dr. Pamela Harrison, Via Online Group Leader at pharrison705@gmail.com

UPCOMING VIA ONLINE STUDIES

Pursuing the Christ by Jennifer Kennedy DeanAn Advent study built around morning and evening prayers for each day in December, this study will also include added training in online learning for those who need it. Pursuing the Christ provides a 31-day journey through messianic prophecies and well-known New Testament passages allowing you to escape from the busyness of the holiday season, rest, and bring Christ back to the center of Christmas. Study Dates: December 1 – 31, 2009 (4 weeks)Registration Period: November 9 – 25, 2009Group Leader: Dr. Pamela HarrisonBooks are available from Amazon, Mardel, and Lifeway for around $12.00. Additional information on purchasing the book will be provided to those who register for the study.

Mere Christianity by C.S. LewisKathleen Norris writes in her foreword to Mere Christianity: The Christianity Lewis espouses is humane, but not easy; it asks us to recognize that the great religious struggle is not fought on a spectacular battleground, but within the ordinary human heart, when every morning we awake and feel the pressures of the day crowding in on us, and we must decide what sort of immortals we wish to be. One of the most popular and beloved classics on Christianity ever written, Mere Christianity has sold millions of copies worldwide. Respecting the boundaries that divide Christianity’s many denominations, Lewis provides an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith.Study Dates: January 25 – April 16, 2010 (12 weeks)Registration Period: January 4 – 20, 2010Group Leader: Dr.. Pamela HarrisonBooks are available from most bookstores for around $12.00. Additional information on purchasing the book will be provided to those who register for the study.

New Monday Evening ClassNew Monday Evening Class

Jane WoodwardJane Woodward

“Exploring the Way”

An Introduction to Spiritual Formation

Taught by

Pastor Jane Woodward

Beginning

Monday, November 9th through December 14th

6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. in Room 113

SIX WEEKS ONLY

Contact Pastor Jane for more information.

Jane.woodward@fumctemple.org

If you wish to have a closer walk with God, wish to understand God’s purpose for your life more clearly, and/or wish to be in a support group to aid you in that journey; then this introductory class to the process of Spiritual Formation is right for you. It is for any age adult, single or married, male or female. It will introduce you to basic concepts in the Christian spiritual journey, along with basic Biblical texts that undergird those concepts. It will aid you in applying your faith to your daily life. You will learn about spiritual practices (disciplines) that can help you in your daily walk; such as, scriptural meditation, prayer, journaling, and the art of listening. Each meeting begins with a brief time of worship, includes an introduction to a particular discipline, offers opportunity for discussion and sharing, and ends with prayer and song. Books are provided. Bring your Bible. Bring yourself. All are welcome.

Our New Website is Here!

Check out our new Web Communications Framework for First United Methodist Church in Temple, TX! The FUMC staff will be adding much more content and features in the coming days so check back often. There are many areas of the site that allow moderated comments for registered users so let us know what you think!

Our web address is www.fumctemple.org

“The Messiah”

By

G. F. Handel

“Christmas Day”

By

Gustav Holst

Sunday, December 20th

7 p.m.

Chancel Choir and Orchestra

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Youth Choir and UMHB Conservatory Youth Choir

Sunday, November 15th

9:00 and 11:00 Worship

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First UMC Fine Arts Academy Recital

Hanging of the Greens

Sunday, November 22nd

6 p.m.

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Youth Choir and UMHB Conservatory

At the Salado Stroll

Friday, December 4th

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Children’s Choirs sing on

Sunday, December 6th

11:00 Worship

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Handbell Choir rings on

December 13th – 8:30 and 11:00 Worship

December 20th – 9:00 Worship

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Music NotesMusic Notes

Pastor Jane WoodwardPastor Jane Woodward

FUMC YouthFUMC Youth

Jeff StegallJeff Stegall

Nov. 22 from 10:00-2:00 in Dennis Hall—We need all youth and families to help with the annual lunch for the area residents

Please don’t forget we need your “shapes” returned back to the youth offi ce by Nov. 29

If the youth department has not gotten your e-mail address yet, please get that to jeff.stegall@fumctemple.org so you can start receiving the weekly youth updates via e-mail

Mark your calendar accordingly

Nov. 22-No Sunday evening activities as we will be helping at hanging of the greens

Nov. 25—No Wed. Activities

d your the

Iydhgyyapptcv

Your Money at WorkYour Money at Work

Charlie DavisCharlie Davis

MEMORIALS & HonorariumsMEMORIALS & Honorariums

October 1st - 31stOctober 1st - 31st

Memorial Fund:IN MEMORY OF ALLENE WARD:Vivian Walker; Alec Arriaga

IN MEMORY OF MARY CHAFFIN:Ray & Beverly Koehn; The Marion Lindsey Family

IN MEMORY OF HAROLD PAYNE:Alec Arriaga

Building Fund:IN MEMORY OF HAROLD PAYNE:Tommie & Nancy Daniel; Wayne Matthews & Sandra Oliver; Vivian Walker

IN MEMORY OF CHARLES & MARTHA ARNSPIGER:Gene & Aline Harville

Organ Fund:IN MEMORY OF ALLENE WARD:Wilson & Dorothy Moon

IN MEMORY OF HAROLD PAYNE:Wilson & Dorothy Moon

FIRSTUnited Methodist Church

102 N 2nd StreetTemple, TX 76502

Non-Profi t Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Temple, TX

Permit No. 123

Devotional by Hubert AustinDevotional by Hubert AustinFrom God’s Little devotional Book by Honor Books

An old legend tells of a covey of quail the lived in the forest. They would have been happy except for their enemy, the quail catcher. He would imitate their call, and then when they gathered together, he would throw a net over them and carry them off to market. One wise quail said, “Brothers, I have a plan. When the fowler puts his net over us, we should each put our head into a section of the net and begin to fl ap our wings. We can lift the net together and fl y away with it.“ All agreed. The next day they did just that, making a successful escape. After several days, the fowler’s wife asked him, “Where are the quail to take to the market?” He replied, “All the birds work together and help one another escape.” Awhile later, one quail began to fi ght with another. “I lifted all the weight on the net. You didn’t help at all,” he cried. The other quail became angry and before long, the entire

covey was quarreling. The fowler saw his chance. Preoccupied with their quarreling, they didn’t help one another. Pointing out the faults of others can do us in as well.

Ephesians 4:32

And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.