First United Methodist Church Marshallstorage.cloversites.com... · 12/27/2011 · Bible Verses...
Transcript of First United Methodist Church Marshallstorage.cloversites.com... · 12/27/2011 · Bible Verses...
Rodger D. Garbs
First United Methodist Church of Marshall December 27, 2011 Volume 12 No. 2 Connections
From Rev. Rodger D. Garbs
Glory to God in the Highest!
2011 has been an amazing year, and we have so much to
celebrate. The Holy Spirit has enabled us to produce astounding
fruits. Two areas of ministries in particular, television and First
Connect, have been bold commitments from the church that
God is using for His Glory.
The upgrade of the television ministry now gives us five dif-
ferent recording studios in the church (Sanctuary, CLC, Beard
Hall, Pairs „n Spares classroom, and the John Gordon Control
Room.) We hope to offer this new multi-media ministry oppor-
tunity to ETBU and Wiley, as well as the community. FUMC
Marshall will lead the way in multi-media ministry for future
generations.
The effort to start a new, excellent contemporary service has
also proved to be a blessing. The change in worship times with
an additional service brought about some anxiety, but the com-
mitment has proven itself worthy. The church was already ex-
periencing growth with Sunday School attendance up 16% over
last year. Worship attendance increased from 2009-2010 a total
of 20% and an additional 5% in 2011 through August.
AND, since starting the new service on August 22nd:
Worship attendance as increased 21% (242 to 294)
Nursery has increased 67%
Pre-K through 1st Grade Sunday school up 38%
1st-6th Grade Sunday School up 13%
New Members during new service: 9 adults and 10
children
These fruits of the spirit are remarkable and should be cele-
brated by all. Thank you for your prayers and support. Glory Be
to God.
God has blessed FUMC Marshall in 2011 because of our
faithfulness and willingness to follow Him. We have stepped
out of the boat, focusing only on Jesus. I pray we will not take
our eyes off of Christ and our purpose as a church. We should
remain positive, confident and faithful to our calling, trusting
only in our Lord and Savior. I pray God will continue to bless
us in 2012.
Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth, Peace, Good Will
Toward Men!
Your Pastor,
Bible Verses for the New Year
Begin the New Year meditating on these encouraging Bible verses
chosen to inspire a fresh new walk with God and a deeper commit-
ment to living the Christian faith.
New Birth - A Living Hope—1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great
mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the res-
urrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (NIV)
Hope for the Future—Jeremiah
29:11 "For I know the plans I have for
you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster,
to give you a future and a hope. (NLT)
A New Creation—2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have
passed away; behold, all things have become new. (NKJV)
A New Heart—Ezekiel 36:25-27 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on
you, and you will be clean. Your
filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I
will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a
new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give
you a new, obedient heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so you will
obey my laws and do whatever I command. (NLT)
Continued
I have often been asked the question,
“Jordan, how do you know you are sup-
posed to be in youth ministry?” I simply re-
ply, “because I can stay up all night at a
lock-in with junior high kids and love every
minute of it.”
When most people witness 40 junior
high boys and girls hanging out in a gym,
they see hormones raging and they smell
stuff like dirty socks and Axe body spray. I
see young men and woman who are at an
exciting time in their lives hungry to find
their place in the world they know. In Jesus‟
ministry he was adamant in giving young
people a voice in the church and in ministry.
When I spend time with 12 to 14 year old
kids it pushes me to seek God more fre-
quently, especially when asking for pa-
tience ;). Also it humbles me and bonds me
even closer with them when I see myself in
their awkwardness.
We had a great time at our junior high
lock-in. Wish you had been with us. There
were FORTY (40) kiddos with well over
half of them as first time visitors. God is
moving in our youth, and I invite you to
come check it out for yourself.
Jordan "JoJack" Jackson,
Director Youth Ministries
cell 817-733-7979
Kids Korner
Blessings, Sandy Craig, Children’s Director [email protected]
The children's Christmas program was fantastic! The
kids did a marvelous job
and I‟m so proud of them!!
We also had a great Birth-
day Party for Jesus after-
wards to celebrate! There
were even dancing elves! ;)
Special thanks to Charlee
Garbs, Lori Miller, Robert Miller, Austin Miller, Cath-
erine Mottershaw, Stacy Bone and all the parents! We
couldn‟t do what we do without the help of all of these
awesome people!!
I hope your holiday season is wonderful and filled with
a whole lot of Jesus! The real reason for the season and
all else that we do!!
reConnect resumes Wednesday, January 11th 5:00 Dinner in Beard Hall (NEW TIME)
6:00-7:30 Children‟s programming on 3rd floor
Kid‟s Rock area for K-6th graders
Nursery available for ages birth - 4 years on
first floor by Lafayette entrance.
Greetings and blessings to you during this joyous season. I
hope this newsletter finds you full of joy after celebrating
Christmas with friends and family. As we look forward to
2012, I wish you a year full of God moments and blessings
to you and your family.
I am happy to announce that the 1st-3rd grade children of
our church have some exciting news. Allison Jimmerson has
graciously volunteered to teach their Sunday School class
and Courtney Duncan will be helping Allison. What a joy
this is and I know the children will grow to love Allison and
Courtney. Please take the time to welcome these special
women to our Sunday School team. Thank you, Allison and
Courtney.
As life occurs, events come up that may cause our Sunday
School teachers to miss a Sunday. If you would like to be on
my “Sub for Sunday School” list, please let me know. I
would greatly appreciate it.
Reminder - In January, we will once again have a training
session for those wishing to become a facilitator for Grief-
Share. No previous experience is required. Facilitators need
only to start discussions (with questions provided) and be in
charge of each session. Facilitators are not asked to counsel.
Please prayerfully consider being a part of this ministry.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
Because of HIM,
Charlee Garbs, Education Director
God’s Social Network
Designated Funds: Dec 1-18 Totals
Building Fund $890.00
Choir Fund $227.00
Everliving Trust $150.00
Faith Promise $6,237.00
First Connect $950.00
Food Pantry $907.00
FUMC Day School Memorials $10.00
Heritage of Faithfulness $35.00
Mission - Fire Victims $500.00
Misc.-Chair, Baptistry, Advent
Wreath
$1,924.29
Misc. D/S playground wk $560.00
Music Memorial $250.00
Organ $20.00
Staff Christmas Bonus $8,590.00
Society of St. Stephen $12,592.50
TV Ministry / Audio Studio $50.00
Women's Bible Study $50.00
Youth Dept $100.00
Total $34,042.79
General Operating Fund
December 18, 2011 Year-to-Date
Received $ 7,244.38 $ 764,368.76
Required $ 15,081.00 $ 769,131.00
Difference $ (7,836.62) $ (4,762.24)
Attendance
Sunday School: 196
Worship Total: 208
Traditional - 82 First Connect - 126
First United Methodist is
manning the Food Pantry
January 23-27, 2012.
Hours will be 10am-2pm.
Three volunteers, mini-
mum, will be needed each
day. We appreciate any help you can give,
whether it's a four-hour or two-hour shift.
Please consider participating in this local
ministry! Call 903/938-0009 or email
Rebecca Seacry, [email protected].
Thank you very much!
reConnect
Our Wednesday reConnect dinner and activities will begin January 11th. Dinner service begins at 5pm.
Many, many thanks to all of those who contributed
to the beautiful Festival of Lessons and Carols! To
the singers, readers, ringers, instrumentalists, cooks
and cleaners: I appreciate each of you, and I believe
God was glorified through our efforts.
Chancel Choir will resume rehearals on January
11 at 6:00pm. We are always looking for new and
returning members. Come join us for singing, fun
and fellowship (we have lots of all three!)
N o t e s N o t e s N o t e s
Mark Crim,
Director of Music Ministries
Congrats Madison! Madison Ledbetter, a member of
the church, graduated from South
Texas College of Law on Saturday,
December 17, 2011.
SOCIETY of ST. STEPHEN
Each Year We Shop on FAITH
There is always much to be thankful for
during the Christmas Season. We have a
special privilege of helping the neediest
children in our community during our annual
Christmas Project for Society of St. Stephen.
Now it is time to praise God for what he
has done through this ministry for the local
children and families. The members of this
wonderful congregation came together and
showered the love of Jesus on a record number
of disadvantaged people this year. We helped
93 families, over 380 people and gave out 170
boxes of food and 2,100 gifts (mostly cloth-
ing).
Volunteers, I thank you for personally con-
tacting each family to obtain clothing sizes and
for personally shopping for the 300 kids. It all
takes a tremendous amount of time and effort
and each of you played a vital role. It is such
an inspiration to witness your good works in ac-
tion! Thank you so very much for your gracious
help and support!
We were also blessed with volunteers to
help fill the food boxes and with distribution.
I thank each one of you for your time and help.
A special thanks to Keith Feille and
Ken Petersen. Keith did a masterful job
as always for his organization and distribution
and Ken provided 170 hams and boxes.
On behalf of Society of St. Stephen, I
would like to extend a deep, heartfelt thank
you to everyone who supported and blessed
this ministry with your financial gifts. Without
your contributions, Society of St. Stephen
would not be possible. God has so richly
blessed this church with cheerful givers and a
people with passion to help others. Each year
we shop on faith and never once have our
financial needs not been met. I am over-
whelmed by your generosity.
The members of this church are a blessing
to this ministry, this community and His King-
dom. Jesus said, “What you have done for the
least of these, you have done for Me”. By
showing these families the love of Christ
through this ministry, you have provided much
more than just gifts and food, you have shown
them the true meaning of Christmas. May God
richly bless each and every one you.
In His service,
Sharon Knoerzer
Cookies for Soldiers
Wed, Jan. 4th, 9am
Cookie Bakers Needed.
REMEMBER IN PRAYERREMEMBER IN PRAYERREMEMBER IN PRAYER OUR MILITARY and THEIR FAMILIES:
Corey Burton
Kelly Risner Burton
Derek Cottrell
Brandon Fitzgerald
Quade Kelley
Christopher Loftin
Johnathan Massey
Luke Moncla
Dominick Pondant
Brandon Pricer
Luke Purcell
Troy Reaves
Jason Woodley
HOMEBOUND:
Bennye Almond
Norman Bynum
Jerry Cothron
Dorothy Davis
Gene & Gerri Elliott
Earlene Flowers
Joe Gordon
Betty Norman
Lorena Pyle
LaVera Roberts
Nancy Watson
Margaret Weaver
Jim & Elizabeth
Williams
NURSING HOMES:
Paul Hintz
Ahlene Reavis
Norma Simmons
Jerry Tomlin
Dorothy Rose
Williams
ASSISTED LIVING:
Ella Brunson Juanita Green T9C Jordon Anne Kerr Barbara Thames Bonnie Timmins Patty Vaughn
Names will remain on prayer list for two weeks unless otherwise requested and updated.
Laurie Fyffe Charley Rae Furrh Bob Hardwick Kenny Henigsmith Richele Langley Amber Mayo Richard McBrayer Roscoe Meek Betty Norman Patsy Ponder Lemoine Reedstrom Don Stroupe Joann Warbritton Mike Wood
01 Frank Basalyga
Dianna Jackson
02 Jim Harris, Jr.
04 Liz Brooks
Preston Reaves
Murray Wells
06 Amanda Warwick
09 Peggy Henderson
10 Jack Mottershaw
12 Richele Langley
Sam Page
13 Scott Carlile
14 Robert Ross
15 Laura Adair
Pepper Hall
Ray Willis
16 Charles Armstrong
Jeff Floyd
18 Ryan Strotheide
19 Scotty Collins
Thomas Krudewig
20 Ron Collins
22 Dick Brassell, Jr.
23 Jeff Mottershaw
24 Monte Bacon
Joseph Gordon
Jill McCathran
Sandy Wood
25 Brenson Cherry
Dallas Harris
26 Sharon Knoezer
J.R. McCrary
28 Ken Conwell, Jr.
Sarah Sinclair
29 Mike Wood
Jim Ammerman
30 Joy Berry
Sarah Craig
Tristan Gage
Jeff Seal
Consider volunteer posi-
tions when making your
New Year‟s resolutions!
Office Angels
Newsletter Team
Membership Records
Children‟s Area
Youth Area
Greeters
Missions . . .
Bible Verses —continued
Forgetting the Past—Philippians 3:13-14 No, dear brothers and sisters, I am
still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forget-ting the past and looking forward to what
lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God,
through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. (NLT) Learning from Past Mistakes—
Hebrews 12:10-11 Our fathers disci-plined us for a little while as they thought
best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No dis-cipline seems pleasant at the time, but
painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for
those who have been trained by it. Wait on the Lord—Psalm 37:7
Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret
about their wicked schemes. (NLT) Isaiah 40:31- Yet those who wait for the
LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and
not become weary. (NASB) God's Timing is Perfect—Ecclesiastes
3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom
what God has done from beginning to end. (NIV)
Each New Day is Special—Lamentations 3:22-24 The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mer-
cies we have been kept from complete de-struction. Great is his faithfulness; his
mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" (NASB)
When one is swimming through the journey of grief, life seems to be too much. Every move one makes, every word spoken is many times just too much to bear. When I first experienced the loss of a loved one, people were expected to mourn for a little while and then “move on”. Grief support groups and grief recovery seminars were not available. I muddled through not knowing the many physical and emo-tional symptoms grief causes. Many times I thought I was going crazy. And I probably was!
A few years later I had the privilege to work for a hospice home health company. The most meaningful part of my job was meeting and getting to know the patients and families needing hospice services. So many times I experienced a terminally ill patient looking up and seeing wonders that we cannot yet see. I was with my mother when she died and a few moments before her final breath, her eyes opened wide with a look of joyful wonder. I believe she was seeing heaven.
When hospice patients died, their families continued to need the support the hospice provided. I was able to attend The American Academy of Bereavement and there received additional grief support training to help these families. For several years I facilitated support groups for adults and for children.
Life took us on a different path for a few years but I al-ways felt this push - this nudge and finally realized that God was telling me to continue with grief support groups. He is so amazing! He brought long time friends to train Debbie and Charlee and me in the GriefShare program.
I have been blessed beyond measure to share this painful
time with so many beautiful people. Watching the group that
has just concluded the first GriefShare cycle move towards
living again has been remarkable. Not only has this group
learned to deal with their grief, they have learned to share
and to support one another and most importantly they have
seen that God is present and that heaven is real. Linda Endicott
God tells us so many times and in so many ways to
turn to Him in times of sorrow. I decided to explore
GriefShare to see how Christians were led and sup-
ported with a Christ-based program. I see God's hand
and wisdom in this program. It is great! Debbie Bates
GriefShare facilitator training coming in January 2012. We will be offering two
sessions of GriefShare in the Spring. One session will be held on Thursday afternoons,
1:30-3:00pm and the other session will be on Thursday evenings starting at 6:00pm
Please consider serving as a facilitator. Contact Charlee, Debbie or Linda.
Non-Profit Organization
U. S. Postage
Paid
Permit #106
Marshall, TX 75670
First United Methodist Church 300 E. Houston St.
Marshall, TX 75670-4175
Address Service Requested
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.fumcmarshall.org
903-938-6622, M-F 8:30am-4:30pm
Thank you for your love offering to sup-port the Staff Christmas Bonus pro-gram! We are grateful to serve our Lord and this congregation. Bless you all and Happy New Year!