Archive for the ‘Newsletters’ Category

January 2008 Newsletter

January 15, 2008

           CALENDAR OF EVENTS
        
Sunday   January 13 

9:30 a.m.    Prayer Time   

9:40 a.m.                 Believers Class
9:45 a.m.     Sunday School
10:50 a.m. Morning Worship
12:00 noon 2nd Sunday Lunch
   4:00 p.m.    Trustee’s Meeting
   6:00 p.m. Youth Fellowship
   6:15 p.m.         Pastor’s Quarterback  

Tuesday January 15 4:30 p.m.     Chimes Practice
Wednes. January 16 10:00 a.m.  Ladies Luncheon
   3:30 p.m.  Celebration Kids
   7:00 p.m.     Joint Ad Board
                    and Finance Committee Meeting
    Youth Fellowship to be announced
Sunday January 20 

9:30 a.m.         Prayer Time
   9:40 a.m.   Believers  Class
   9:45 a.m.     Sunday School
   10:45 a.m. Morning Worship
   12:00 NOON        ABC  Dinner
          Persons A - G
    6:00 p.m. Youth Fellowship
   6:15 p.m.        Pastor’s Quarterback
Wednes. January 23    

3:30 p.m.  Celebration Kids
   7:00 p.m. Youth Fellowship
Sunday January 27 

9:30 a.m.          Prayer Time
   9:40 a.m.   Believers Class
   9:45 a.m.     Sunday School
   10:50 a.m.           Morning Worship 
   12:00 NOON       ABC  Dinner
        Persons  H - O
   6:00 p.m. Youth Fellowship
   6:15 p.m.         Pastor’s Quarterback
Wednes. January 30 

3:30 p.m.  Celebration Kids
   7:00 p.m. Youth Fellowship
 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  
                               JANUARY USHERS
    Tony Medauer, Tom Watson,  Gary Shipman,  Ronny Doan 
____________________________________________________
                   LET US REMEMBER IN PRAYER….
 
Our Men and Women the Military Service,  For our Country,  For our Leaders,  For our Church,  For our shut-ins.

For Tony Medauer, Michael Dickerson, Jeremy Harris, Robert  Nicols,  Bo McInroe, Cody Creager, David DuMenil, Adam Donner, Jerry Sabastian,  and Scott Williams.

For Alyce Carter,  Kathy Crocker, Lou Ella Hughes, Debbie Williams, Ruth Wilson,  Della Henslee,  Debra Gates,  Ruby Fay Sipe,  Robert Roysden, Betty Conley, Shayla Seymore, Gene Amerine, Jack Syfers,  Ruth Hogan, Laverne Fortner Betty  Jane Tittle, Walter and Barbara Whisenhunt, Pat Wilburn and
Anthony Williams.
__________________________________________________
      JANUARY  ACOLYTE SERVERS
January 13:       Josh Bean and Noah Bean
January 20:        Gilbert Borrego and Trubi Borrego
January 27:         Lexi Smith and Emily Cox
  ______________________________________
              WOULD YOU LIKE A RIDE TO CHURCH?
Thanks to Tony and Sharon Medauer, we now can provide rides in the Church Van for those who would like to ride to church .  Please allow us your names to the church office.  Thanks.  LC.
___________________________________________________
Loving Gifts given in memory of L. S. Tipton, Stacey Ann Leverich, Waymond Hicks, and J. McPherson  by 
      Loucile Wilson           

________________________________________________
        CHILDREN’S TIME MINISTRY           
Sunday, January 13             Horace Abbott         
Sunday, January 20                     Jean Blue
Sunday, January 27                 Brack Jones
              

        SPECIAL WORD OF THANKS

My wife and I would like to extend words of appreciation for the special gifts we received from you this Christmas. The  food, cards, and monetary gifts were so thoughtful. Thank you for remembering us this Christmas Season.
                             Horace and Mary Abbott
________________________________________________
                    WORD OF APPRECIATION

Dear Brother Horace and Members of First United Methodist Church,

Thank you for the generous donation of @125.00 that you gave to the Merkel Pastor’s Association back in August to help the Merkel flood victims. Your help and thoughtfulness is very much appreciated.

Jesus said, “Inasmuch as you did it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, you did it unto me.”  Your gift and that of others helped 12 families get back on their feet.  Again thanks for your concern and support of our residents in Merkel.                                        Sincerely yours,
    Jimmy Griffith
    Pastor, First Baptist Church
P.S. I apologize for not getting this to you sooner.  Thanks again for helping out our Merkel flood victims.
________________________________________________

                MUSIC IN MINISTRY
 
   ATTENTION-ATTENTION-ATTENTION
      IT’S HERE- HOT OFF THE PRESS

     “A CIRCUS IS COMING TO TOWN”
       THE GREATEST SHOW ON HEAVEN AND EARTH

   F IRST  UNITED METHODIST, MERKEL
                SUNDAY,  MAY 4TH
 
           Get your newsletter now—-Read all about it !!!
Yes, rumors are spreading that a “Circus” is coming to town.  There will be live animals, clowns, zambinies and much, much more.  Keep your eyes open and watch for further details.  Tell your neighbors and friends about this special NWTC News Report.
****All kids interested in being a part of this special event are invited to our Celebration Kid’s after-school program each Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:S30 p.m. Don’t miss this spectacular upcoming event !!!
_______________________________________________    HANDBELL NEWS
We extend words of thanks to our Tuesday Chime Ringers for the special music you provided to our church and Merkel ISD during the Christmas Season.  You are each special people, with special talents.  We look forward to hearing you again this Spring.

***Remember, if there is anyone who would like to contribute to our handbell fund, for the purchase of new handbells, please document your check  “handbell fund”.
_________________________________________________________________
  
                       HE CHOSE THE NAILS
        What God Did To Win Your Heart
                   Study Begins Sunday,  January 13th
 9:40 a.m.    Believers Sunday School Class
____________________________________________________
               SPIRIT WIND 2008
Youth Choir of the Northwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church
                                       June 8th to June 22nd,  2008
    VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL INTERVIEWS
                                     January 19:  FUMC, Lubbock
               January 26:  St. Paul UMC,  Abilene
Alternative possibilities, an audio cassett tape of cd must be sent to Bert Bostic by January 28, 2008. If weather or family emergency prevents your scheduled interview, please mail your tape as soon as possible. Sprit Wind cost to members is $225.00 registration , includes concert clothing, group picture, cd, all meals at Camp Butman, and tour transportation. Fee does NOT include snacks, lunches on the road, transportation to Camp Butman, or home from Midland. The 225.00 is due as follows: $ 75.00 due with registration; $75.00 due by February 22; $75.00 due by Spring Rehearsal (March 7-9 in Midland.

December 2007 Newsletter

December 3, 2007

           CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Saturday    Dec. 1    7:00 a.m.    Methodist Men
       9:00 a.m.            Methodist Women
Sunday    Dec. 2  9:30 a.m.         Prayer Time
   9:45 a.m.     Sunday School
   10:50 a.m.           Morning Worship 
        FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
                COMMUNION SUNDAY
   3:00 p.m.           Charge Conference
           Abilene
   6:00 p.m. Youth Fellowship 
Wednes.   Dec. 5  3:30 p.m. Celebration Kids 
     5:30 p.m.   Chimes Practice
   6:00 p.m.      Choir Practice 
   6:00 p.m.             Youth Fellowship
Sunday    Dec. 9  9:30 a.m.         Prayer Time
   9:45 a.m.     Sunday School
   10:50 p.m.          Morning Worship
                SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
   Luncheon  will be December 16 th
   3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.
                      Parsonage Open House
   6:15 p.m.       Pastor’s  Quarterback
   7:00 p.m.             Youth Fellowship
Tuesday  Dec. 11  4:30 p.m.   Chimes Practice
Wednes  Dec. 12  3:30 p.m.  Celebration Kids
   6:00 p.m.      Choir Practice
   7:00 p.m.            Key Class
                     Christmas Party
   7:00 p.m.             Youth Fellowship    
Saturday Dec. 15  10:00 a.m.  Celebration Kids
          Rehearsal
Sunday   Dec. 16  9:30 a.m.         Prayer Time
   9:45 a.m.     Sunday School
   10:50 a.m. Morning Worship
   THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT &
       THE CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
   12:00 p.m.      HANDBELL FUND
              RAISER  DINNER
   5:00 p.m.              Caroling
   6:30 p.m.  Refreshments  &
            Santa  Clause’ arrival
Tuesday  Dec. 18  4:30 p.m.    Chimes Practice
Wednes. Dec. 19  3:30 p.m.        Children’s Christmas
      Party
   6:00 p.m.      Choir Practice
   7:00 p.m.  Youth Christmas
      Party
Sunday  Dec. 23  9:30 a.m.         Prayer Time
   9:45 a.m.     Sunday School
   10:45 a.m. Morning Worship
                      FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Monday  Dec. 24  5:30 p.m.         CHRISTMAS  EVE
       SERVICE
 Dec. 24-26                    CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 
Sunday  Dec . 30  9:30 a.m.            Prayer Time
   9:45 a.m.     Sunday School
   10:50 a.m.           Morning Worship
   3:30 p.m.     Merkel Nursing Center
   6:15 p.m.        Pastor’s Quarterback
   7:00 p.m.             Youth Fellowship
Monday Dec. 31  8:30-11:00 a.m.CHURCH OFFICE
       OPEN
           HAVE A BLESSED AND SAFE NEW YEAR!
__________________________________________________
   
 DECEMBER COMMUNION SERVERS
 December 2     10:50 a.m.                  Dave and Pat Humphrey
             Ken and Kim Hogan
__________________________________________________

                            DECEMBER USHERS
     Tom Watson, Brad Banner,  Kyle Doan, Randy Griffith 
_________________________________________________ 
                    LET US REMEMBER IN PRAYER….
 
Our Men and Women the Military Service,  For our Country,  For our Leaders,  For our Church,  For our shut-ins.

For Tony Medauer, Michael Dickerson, Jeremy Harris, Robert  Nicols,  Bo McInroe, Cody Creager, David DuMenil, Adam Donner, Jerry Sabastian,  and Scott Williams.

For Alyce Carter,  Kathy Crocker, Lou Ella Hughes, Debbie Williams, Ruth Wilson,  Della Henslee,  Debra Gates,  Ruby Fay Sipe,  Robert Roysden, Betty Conley, Shayla Seymore, Gene Amerine, Jack Syfers,  Jack Behymer, Ruth Hogan, and Laverne Fortner
__________________________________________________

      DECEMBER ACOLYTE SERVERS

December 2:                             Josh Bean  and Noah Bean
December 9:       Shyanne  Gorby and Conner Gorby
December 16:        Gilbert Borrego and Trubi Borrego
December 23:         Lexi Smith and Emily Cox
December 30:       Kelsey Blue and Josh Bean
____________________________________________________

              WOULD YOU LIKE A RIDE TO CHURCH?
Thanks to Tony and Sharon Medauer, we now can provide rides in the Church Van for those who would like to ride to church .  Please allow us your names to the church office.  Thanks.  LC.
___________________________________________________
 
             LOVING GIFTS GIVEN IN MEMORY OF
           L. S. TIPTON
By:  Lou Ella Hughes,  Earl and Jean Blue, Robert Hester, Brack and Lillian Jones, Cecil and Katrina Robinson, Betty J Tittle,  Tom and Jane Watson.
       
              LOVING GIFTS GIVEN IN MEMORY OF
                                    LORENE BARBEE
By:  Earl and Jean Blue,  Ben Hicks, Brack and Lillian Jones,  Lorraine Cooke

               LOVING GIFTS GIVEN IN MEMORY OF
                             MILDRED MITCHELL
By:  Lloyd Knipe,  Phil and Kathy Seymore
 
    LOVING GIFTS TO YOUTH  FUND IN MEMORY OF
                                KATHRYN BANNER
  By:   B. A. Stock
________________________________________________

                   CHILDREN’S TIME MINISTRY

December 2:   1st Sun. of Advent           Horace Abbott
December 9:   2nd Sun. of Advent          Sydney Head
December 16: 3rd Sun. of Advent            Mac Sipe
December 23: 4th Sun. of Advent            Horace Abbott
December 30:  1st Sun. of Christmas        Jean Blue
___________________________________________

                DECEMBER SUNDAY MORNING
  NURSERY SCHEDULE
December 2:     10:50  a.m.                  Taresia Griffith
December 9:        Polly Campbell
December 16:               Chris Cox
December 23:          Sydney Head
December 30:                Stacy Tumlinson
___________________________________________ 
Light looked down and beheld Darkness. “Thither will I go,” said Light. 
Peace looked down and beheld War. “Thither will I go, said Peace. 
Love looked down and beheld Hate. “Thither will I go, “ said Love.
  So came Light and shone.
  So came Peace and gave rest
  So came Love and brought Life. Amen.  L. Housman

Oct. Newsletter

October 2, 2007

For our Men and Women in Military Service:
Tony Medauer, Michael Dickerson, Jeremy Harris, Robert Nichols, Bo McInroe, Cody Creager, David DuMenil, Adam Donner, Jerry Sebastian, and Scott Williams.

For our Friends, Alyce Carter, Travis Farmer, Debbie Williams, Ruth Wilson , Jerry Byers, J. C. Foster, Ruby Faye Sipe, Robert Roysden, Edna Hill, Betty Conley, Bonnie Owens,Vickie Guest, Lorene Barbee, Marie Fisher, and Shayla Seymore.

Marilyn Roysden reports that Robert has now been transferred to the Sears Methodist Center, Room 328. 3233 S Willis, Abilene, 79605 He would like cards of visitors.

______________________________________________

2007 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

The collection site for OCC is First United Methodist Church in Abilene, located at 202 Butternut. Collection dates are November 12 - 19. They hope you will fill shoe boxes for OCC again this year. If so, they want you to know that the DECO shoeboxes are here.

Call Donajean Caffey - 3235-673-6769. The supply is limited again this year. FAX: 325-673-7039
E-MAIL : dcaffey@fumcabilene.com

______________________________________________
CELEBRATION KIDS( After School Program)

Hey Kids!!!

It has been exciting to have each of you with us on Wednesday. Hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have. Remember to give a BIG HUG to those who help us out each week. Let them know how special they are forgiving their time.

Now that we have found a routine to meet all ages this will be our (normal) routine. NOTE: The schedule will be flexible on special days.

3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Refreshments

3:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Recreation

4:00 p.m. - 4:25 p.m. Singing

4:30 p.m. - 5:25 p.m. Chimes, Puppets, etc.

(Rotation)
Rotation Schedule:

4:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

4:50 p.m. - 5:05 p.m.

5:10 p.m. - 5:25 p.m.

5:30 p.m.- Dismissal

DON’T FORGET THIS WEEK-BRING A FRIEND!

______________________________________________

CHOIR CHRISTMAS PROGRAM:

Prime Time Christmas, Sunday Evening, December 16, 7:15 p.m. ADULTS, If you are willing to assist us by bringing refreshments and /or serving refreshments, please Call the church office. This will be a blessing you will never forget! Remember this, the Pastor said this. LC

_______________________________________________

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAYSUNDAY , OCTOBER 7TH, 2007
Communion Servers:

Del Van and Chris Cox

Randy and Taresia Griffith

______________________________________________

CHILDREN / YOUTH SUNDAYSUNDAY , OCTOBER 14, 2007

On this day, our children and youth will be leading worship. Everyone is encouraged to be in worship with us. Give the kids your support. Remember, they are the future of our church!

______________________________________________

KID’S SLEEP-OVER
SATURDAY , OCTOBER 13, 2007

This will begin at 7:00 p.m. Kids, please watch for further announcements.!

______________________________________________

BELIEVERS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

The Believers Sunday School Class will be having a Cook-Out at the fellowship on Saturday, October 6th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This will bean exciting evening and all members are encouraged to be present.

If for some reason you are not a member of another class (and would be interested in finding out more about our class) then we invite you to come. Come and see what we are all about!
_____________________________________________

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
OCT. 3: John Clark

 OCT. 4: Rodney McClintock

OCT. 14 Trent Campbell

OCT. 24: Brack Jones

OCT. 31; Cathy Blue

______________________________________________

STORYBOOK ANNIVERSARIES
October 17, 2007

Mr. and Mrs. David Carter

______________________________________________

OCTOBER ACOLYTES SCHEDULE
OCT. 7TH Kelsey Blue & Gilbert Borrego

OCT. 14TH Andrew Sanchez & Conner Gorby

OCT. 21ST Shyanne Gorby & Lexi Smith

OCT. 28TH Emily Cox & Truby Borrego

Others on the schedule to serve are Corbin Gorby, Noah Bean, Josh Bean. Please allow the office of others who may wish to serve as acolytes.
______________________________________________

MEMORIAL GIFTS

In loving memory of Woodrow Clark: Mr. and Mrs. Kirby Leeson

In loving memory of Margaret Sandusky: Mr. and Mrs. Travis Farmer  Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cutler

______________________________________________

COMING UP: GARAGE AND BAKE SALE
OCTOBER 5TH AND 6TH, at the First Baptist Church and hosted by both churches to benefit nearby road repairs .

COMING UP: FALL HARVEST AUCTION NOVEMBER 3RD. THIS IS THE BIG ONE FOLKS!

CHARGE CONFERENCE 2007
Charge Conference for 2007 will be held on Sunday evening, December 2, at 3:00 p.m. at the Southwest Drive United Methodist Church in Abilene. We would like to see at least 10 people from our church to support our church family.

We ask that all committees of our church begin making preparations, if you have not already done so, for our necessary paper work. Chairperson (s)need to be certain your committees meet, make decisions that may affect your area of ministry, and /or sign all necessary documents.

Therefore: If your committee has not yet met, please call the church office so we can plan and put your committee date on the calendar (and the phone tree).

MEETINGS CURRENTLY SCHEDULED

*Lay Leadership (nominations)-Monday –October 1 .at 7:00 p.m.
*Trustees—-Wednesday , October 3—7:00 p.m.

*Finance Committee–Wednesday, October 3–7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 10–7:00 p.m. Other extended meetings may be necessary.

PLEASE REMEMBER–All necessary reports need to be in the church office no later than October 22, 2007. The Administrative Council will be meeting between November 5th and 11th.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION 2007 Committees
TRUSTEES COMMITTEE; FINANCECOMMITTEE

1. Lillian Jones, Chp.           1, Chris Cox, ViceChp.

2. Del Van Cox                     2. Tammie Stephens

3. Jay Campbell                   3. Brack Jones

4. Betty Coker                     4. Mac Sipe

5. Marilyn Roysden            5. Sharon Medauer

6. Ken Hogan                       6. Gary Shipman

7. Tom Watson                    7. Poly Campbell

8. Gary Hicks                      8 .Lorraine Cooke Ex-Officio

LAY LEADERSHIP (nominations)   P.P.R.C.

1. Horace Abbott, Chp.                      1. Brad Banner, Chp.

2. Brack Jones                                    2. Ronny Doan

3. Randy Griffith                                3. Angela Head

4. Chris Cox                                         4 . Kenny Stephens

5. Taresia Griffith                               5. Jane Watson

6. JoAnn Mashburn                            6. Robbie Hicks

                                                              7. JoAnn Mashburn

                                                              8. Kenny Hogan