P.O. Box 116

Lexington, Texas 78947

Address service requested

Lexington & Blue United Methodist Churches

Lexington UMC

508 North Rockdale

Blue UMC

4184 West Highway 696

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Lexington, TX

78947

Permit No. 6

The Voice

Church Office: 979-773-2728

Church E-mail OUR EMAIL HAS

CHANGED:

lexingtonunitedmethodistchurch@

outlook.com

Pastor Phone & E-mail:

979-773-2732 (parsonage)

832-594-8933 (cell)

michaelspeschke@gmail.com

Website: lexingtonumc.org

Photos from Mrs. Lorene Hall’s Birthday Party

A W O R D F R O M T H E P A S T O R

Lexington & Blue United Methodis t Churches

Volume 15 , Issue 10

October 2015

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

United Methodist Women

2

Blue UMC 3

Youth & Children Ministries

4 & 5

Financial Report 10

Calendar of Events 11

The Voice

Get Connected at LUMC on

Sunday Morning

Sunday School

9:45-10:45 a.m.

Journey Class for Adults

Meet in the Church Library with teacher Cinda Lewis

Men’s Gathering

Meet in the Fellowship Hall with teacher John Gibbs

Coffee House

10:45 a.m.

LUMC Fellowship Hall enjoy complimentary coffee & pastries

Dear Church Family,

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not

forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. – Matthew 6:14-15

One of the biggest news stories that we have been hearing about over the last several months, at

least here in Texas, has dealt with Blue Bell ice cream. My guess is that most of you know that Blue

Bell had to shut down all three of their facilities, including their main plant in Brenham, due to an

outbreak of the bacteria, listeria, which was a contributing factor in three deaths. Many people

across the state were traumatized with the idea of not having their favorite Blue Bell ice cream over

the long, hot summer, while others were disgusted to learn that Blue Bell had been aware of the

listeria problem for quite some time. A few weeks ago Blue Bell returned to the freezer section with

a handful of their most popular flavors, but the Brenham plant is still not up and running and the

bad taste of this sticky problem will likely last for quite some time. Some are thrilled to have

Homemade Vanilla in their bowls once more, while others will never trust that little creamery ever

again.

The reality is that problems like the one that Blue Bell has been facing are not uncommon in our

world. General Motors has recalled millions of vehicles with faulty ignition switches and currently

more than a hundred people have died due to this issue. Volkswagen has set aside billions of

dollars recently due to an issue with their diesel vehicles that was purposely created to circumvent

emissions testing. And a peanut butter company CEO just received 28 years in prison for knowingly

sending out a product contaminated with salmonella which killed dozens. As for the consumer,

there are many people who have already forgiven these companies, there are others who will

forgive over time, and then there are also many who will never forgive at all. Forgiveness is never a

simple thing…

You could say that we Christians have a very important tie with that word, “forgiveness.” What

makes us Christian is our belief that faith in Christ leads to God’s grace and forgiveness for the sins

we have committed against God and against God’s people. A person that has placed their faith in

Jesus Christ is a person who has been forgiven. We therefore, are called to exhibit that same

forgiveness in our lives when someone “trespasses” against us. That is, after all, one of those

parts of the Lord’s Prayer that we say so often. Simply put, we are to forgive because we are

forgiven. That also means that we should seek out forgiveness from others whenever we have

wronged them in some way. This cycle of seeking forgiveness, being forgiven, and then forgiving

others is truly an important part of the life of a follower of Jesus.

So…how are you with forgiveness? I’m less concerned with whether or not you have forgiven Blue

Bell than I am with whether or not you have sought out forgiveness from God and whether or not

you have chosen to forgiven those around you who have caused you harm. I can tell you from lots

of prior experience that forgiveness is an amazingly liberating and healing thing. Your life will be

better when you are forgiven and when you forgive. And, on that note, I personally ask for your

forgiveness for anything that I have done to harm you. Additionally, as the pastor of our two

congregations, I seek out your forgiveness for anything our churches or one of our church members

has done to you. The church should never be a place that causes harm that cannot be forgiven.

Remember, we have a God that forgives. We are called to be a people who forgive. I pray that

forgiveness is in your heart this day.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways,

Pastor Michael

Page 2

BLUE & LEXINGTON

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN "Welcomed by God, welcoming all"

Volume 15 , Issue 10

UPCOMING UMW EVENTS

Come and join us for fun & fellowship!

October 3-Garage Sale 6-Officer Mtg. 20-UMW General Mtg

Romans 12:13, "Share with God's people who are in need.

Practice hospitality."

UMW COLLECTION

We are always collecting the

following items:

Used eye glasses

Pull tabs

Used batteries

Collection bins are located on the

UMW table in the Fellowship Hall

United Methodist Women

General Meeting Oct. 20th, A

Welcoming Spirit, will be led by

Nancy Organ. Come and bring

a friend. We will be planning

for the Fall Fundraiser.

Remember to bring your World

Thank Offering. GARAGE SALE

Start gathering those items you no longer need for

the church wide garage sale to be held on Saturday,

October 3, from 8 to 2pm. Clothes, household items,

tools, furniture and miscellaneous items are all

needed. Proceeds of this sale will help support

programs for children and youth. The Fall Fundraiser

will not accept garage sale items, so plan to bring

your donations to the church beginning Sunday,

September 27th. Volunteer to help!

Formerly known as the Bazaar,

this event will take place Saturday,

Nov. 21st. It will feature a Bake

Sale, casseroles, soup and chili

lunch, and a Silent Auction. None

of these will be a success without

the participation of everyone, so please be thinking of what you can

contribute. Be creative in thinking of silent auction items, as these could suit a

wide range of ages and prices, be handmade or nice white elephant

items. Remember that money raised will support local programs, including

many for children and youth. Call Mary Beth Gibson, 773-2202, or the church

office if you have questions.

The UMW’s September Coffee and

Conversation was a great hit! The group

worked together to find examples of

hospitality in the Old and New Testament.

They also presented a slate of officers for the

coming year which includes:

Mary Beth Gibson, President

Stephanie Kellenberger, Vice President &

Spiritual Growth Coordinator

Priscilla Brister, Secretary & Social Action

Coordinator

Nancy Organ, Treasurer

Lorene Hall, Secretary of Program Resources

Barbara Cooper, Chair of Committee on

Nominations

Cherry Stover, Membership Nurture and Outreach Coordinator

Pat Rao, member of committee on Nominations

Kay Peschke, Communication Coordinator for Lexington

Carolyn Shirley, Communication Coordinator for Blue

All officers are reminded that we will meet Oct. 6th at 2pm at LUMC Fellowship Hall to

plan for 2016.

The Voice Page 11

All Funds Balance as of Sept 2015

General Fund $28,396.00

Early Chapel CD $18,256.07

RTSB CD #1 $41,186.79

RTSB CD #2 $10,225.35

RTSB CD #3 $10,188.28

RTSB CD #4 $5,112.60

RTSB CD #5 $8,060.31

RTSB CD #6 $5,018.81

Pledge Fund $5,600.00

DESIGNATED FUNDS in GENERAL:

Early Chapel Cemetery Fund $18,256.07

Journey Sunday School $247.14

Memorial Fund $1,475.90

Methodist Men $250.00

Quintet $1,559.34

Backpack Buddies $9,381.14

The Voice Page 10

L E X I N G T O N A D M I N I S T R AT I V E C O U N C I L T R E A S U R E R ’ S R E P O R T

2015 District Apportionment - Paid in Full

2015 Conference Apportionments - Paid in Full

St. Stephen’s Fund

$1,350.39

Money for this fund is given by placing it on the communion rail during communion or by giving a check in the offering plate and putting

“St. Stephen’s Fund” in the memo.

Offering Worship Sunday School

Date: Attendance Attendance

(All Classes)

August 30 $2,773.00 86 31

September 6 $5,431.64 79

13 $3,961.50 85 24

20 $2,734.00 74

27 $2,263.00 78

Annual Church Budget for 2015 $179,186.04

Offerings thru September 2015 $128,423.00

$16,183.72

Pastor Michael Peschke &

Stephanie Kellenberger

Editors of The Voice

Newsletter deadline for

November edition is

October 21st

Articles and photos are always needed. Please submit yours to Pastor

Michael or Stephanie.

OUR E-MAIL ADDRESS:

lexingtonunitedmethodistchurch@outlook.com

Church Office Hours Monday to Thursday

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will

be bursting with wine. Proverbs 3:9-10

The Voice Page 3

BLUE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

UPCOMING BLUE EVENTS

Sunday Mornings

9 a.m. Worship

10:15 a.m. Sunday School

Wednesday Mornings

11 a.m. Prayer Group

OCTOBER

10/3: UMW GARAGE SALE

10/5: BVFD

10/7: BISHOP’S VISIT

10/11: Children’s Sabbath

10/12 Texas Stars

10/27: TEEA

10/28: Combined Comm. Mtg.

October Birthdays

13-Kadie Cornelius

28-Garry Turner

Blue UMC Worship Attendance

August 30 35

September 6 21

13 51

20 26

27 40

Blue UMC St. Stephen’s Fund

$558.25

Welcome Our Newest Member!

Ryder Carl Darby

Baptized on Sunday, September 13th

Thank you Michael and Kay Peschke, Gary and

Lucy Torn and Kathy Newcomer for being such

great hosts of this year’s Progressive Dinner.

Also, thank you very much Carolyn Hutson for

organizing the dinner.

The next quarterly Combined

Committee Meeting is scheduled for

Wednesday, October 28th at 7 p.m.

As a reminder, NWLC 4H will be meeting at the Senior Citizen

Center on Tuesday, October 6th and at Lexington UMC on

Tuesday, November 3rd.

Page 4

YO U TH & JHYF PRO GR AM S

Volume 15 , Issue 10

“Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

Every Sunday Sunday School

9:45-10:45A

(6-12th grade)

S E P T E M B E R S C H E D U L E

Volunteers Needed!

JyHF & Youth programs are in

need of volunteers to help

continue these missions.

Please contact the church of-

fice if you can help!

5th Quarter Youth 6th grade to seniors are invited to join us for fun, food &

fellowship after all Lexington home games.

Invite your friends!

Dates:

10/16

10/30

What We Are Doing in Sunday School We just started reading, Hiding in the Light: Why I Risked

Everything to Leave Islam and Follow Jesus by Rifqa Bary. Rifqa

Bary grew up in a devout Muslim home, obediently following her

parents’ orders to practice the rituals of Islam. But God was

calling her to freedom and love. He was calling her to true faith.

He was calling her to give up everything.

Leaving Islam for Christianity cost her more than she imagined

but gave more than she could have dreamed.

Hiding in the Light is the story of Rifqa’s remarkable spiritual

journey from Islam to Christianity. It is also the untold story of

how she ran from her father’s threats to find refuge with strangers in Florida, only to

face a controversial court case that reached national headlines. Most of all, it is the

story of a young girl who made life-changing sacrifices to follow Jesus—and who

inspires us to do the same.

We read a few chapters each week and have a short discussion on it.

All Middle School and High School kids are welcome to come and join in. It is never

too late and if you miss a week, we can definitely catch you up!

Youth Parents!

Middle School and High School

Parents. We will have a

meeting to talk about

programs offered here for our

students and the future of

those programs. Please make

plans to join us to talk about

these great opportunities for

your children.

Time and Date is TBD, please

watch bulletins / e-mails for

more information.

Have you signed up to help with this

year’s Garage Sale on 10/3? Proceeds will go towards Youth Camps this

summer. Please contact the church office to

sign up.

Page 9 Volume 15 , Issue 10

Family Life Center Update

The Capital Stewardship Program, Unlock the Future, concludes October 11th

with an announcement of how much has been committed.

Our Advanced Commitment total from 18 families is $120,580.00

We are finalizing plans, obtaining final building costs, working on funding details

We will soon meet with the District Committee on Buildings and Locations, and then present plans to the

congregation for a final vote.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support in growing God’s Kingdom.

Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge

my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it

may not pain me!" And God granted him what he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10

Snapshots from A Taste of the Past, A Vision of the Future

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” ~Matthew 18:20

Page 8 Volume 15 , Issue 10

Welcome Our Newest Members!

Bill & Judy Curnutte

Methodist 101 Lunch Are you a regular visitor who would like to learn

more about the church and what it means to be a

member? We would like to invite you to

Methodist 101 Lunch

Sunday, October 25th

Noon (following worship)

Fellowship Hall

Lunch from Herk’s

& Childcare Provided

This is open to all church members to come and

hear more about the church. Please RSVP to the

church at 773-2728

Bishop’s West District Itineration

October 7th at First UMC Bryan

Texas Annual Conference Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, will be visiting

the West District on Wednesday, October 7th at First UMC Bryan. She

will have a dedicated conversation with both clergy and laity at this

event. The clergy session will begin at 4:30 p.m. After a short break,

laity attend a separate session at 7 p.m. This will be a good

opportunity for all to hear updates on Conference activities and

priorities from our episcopal leader.

2015 Annual Hub Charge

Conference

Sunday, October 11 at 4 p.m.

Lexington UMC (Yep, here) We would like to be well represented. If

you can join us, please do so. Dessert

donations are appreciated.

Enchilada Dinner Lexington UMC will be hosting our famous

Enchilada Lunch fundraiser on

Sunday, November 8 in the Fellowship Hall.

Serving begins at 11 a.m.

(but there will be plenty left for us after worship has ended!)

Adult plates are $9 and child plates are $4.

Carryout will be available, with all plates costing $9.

We need help on Saturday, November 7 beginning at 8 a.m. to setup.

Helpers don’t have to stay the whole time - please come when you can

and go whenever you need to!

We need the following for the Enchilada

Lunch:

~ Cake Donations

~ Help Cooking Beans

~ Prep on Saturday beginning at 8 am

Volunteers Needed!

The Voice Page 5

M E T H O D I S T C H I L D R E N P R O G R A M S

Sunday School

Sunday School teachers include Jan Alexander, Jan Lynn, Jennifer Marek, Trudy Doerfler and

Belinda Robertson.

The children's Sunday school began a new lesson series on September 1st. The new series is

Grow, Proclaim, Serve. Children will hear the Bible story, apply the Bible message and then

live out the message in their lives.

Each session is divided into three sections. The 1st section is a large group where the

children will meet in Room 2. Children will be introduced to a Bible story and Bible verse.

Then the children will be divided into two age groups. One group will explore the lesson

deeper and do a craft activity and the other age group will have a snack, play games related to the Bible story

and practice Bible verses. Then the two groups switch.

Children’s Church is a special worship experience for children who wish to participate.

After the Children’s Sermon, the Children’s Church leaders lead children into a

Sunday School room where they learn a lesson, make a craft, & sing songs. Adult

volunteers are needed to help lead the children of Sunday’s. All the materials you

M&M’s

M&M’s is our community-wide after school program for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. It runs from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on

Wednesdays during the school year. Each week children are picked up by bus at Lexington Elementary School and dropped off at

the church where they enjoy a snack, music, bible story, crafts, and outdoor recreation. We sincerely believe that your child will be

blessed as they study God’s word each week with their friends! Registration begins in August. Forms will be available at the Back To

School Bash as well as in the church office. We hope your children can join us this year!

Calendar

Thanksgiving Holiday – November 25

Last M&M’s for Semester – December 2

M&M’s Begins Spring Semester - January 27

Spring Break – March 16

Last M&M’s for Year – April 27

Save the Date: Children’s Sabbath

Sunday, October 11th

11 a.m. (during service)

The children will be working on a program for the service during Sunday School. Please make sure to have the kids come and learn the program in the weeks leading up to Children’s Sabbath.

Page 6 Volume 15 , Issue 10

S AV E T H E D AT E S

T R U N K O R T R E A T

Halloween Night

Saturday, October 31st

We will need volunteers, “trunks”,

candy and other goodies to hand out to the

local “Ghouls” & “Goblins”

See the bulletins and weekly e-mails for

more information.

Lexington Ministerial

Alliance

Save the Date

Thanksgiving Dinner & Sunday Sing

Sunday, November 22nd

6:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church

This ministry exists to extend mercy throughout the Lexington

community by offering both financial help and the message of

the Gospel. We strive to help people with their primary needs;

those needs that are necessary for physical, emotional, and

spiritual survival. These events helps us to raise money for

the Ministerial Alliance’s fund.

C A L L I N G A L L K I D S The Christmas Program is just around the

corner and we want to know if you would like

to participate in it this year. All kids (toddlers

to teens) are invited to be a part of this annual

tradition on Sunday, December 13th at 6 p.m.

Please let Jennifer Marek or the church office

know if you would like to be in the program.

Practices are held on Sunday’s during Sunday

School (9:40 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.). Please

check the bulletins and

e-mails for when practice

will begin.

F A M I L Y G A M E N I G H T

A Lexington UMC tradition is back!

Join us for Game Night on Sunday,

October 25th at 6 p.m. Bring a

game and a snack to share.

2015 A D V E N T D E VO T I O N A L

Advent is just around the corner! We are

looking for a few good devotionals to put into

this year’s book. It can be a story, song,

prayer, whatever you may feel is appropriate.

We have copies of last year’s in the church

office if you need some examples. This year,

we need 27 devotionals to cover the Advent

season.

Members of Blue and Lexington

United Methodist Churches:

Thank you so much for your

generous donation of school

supplies to the children of LES!

~The Staff at Lexington

Elementary School

The Voice Page 7

O C T O B E R B I R T H D A Y S

Reflects memorials received and recorded by September 21st.

To make a memorial place “memorial“ in the subject line of your check & place it in the offering plate or mail it to the church office.

A Gift was given to Lexington UMC New Building Fund

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Jeri Morgan

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Joe & Cindy Jackson

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Clifford & Betty Bartlett

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Matt & Judy Everett

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Steve & Janie Lightsey

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Jan Woodward

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Robert & Priscilla Brister

In Memory of …Dulce Brooks

by… Robert & Priscilla Brister

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Lorene Hall

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Jeffrey & Melinda Underwood

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Bob & Peggy Albin

1-Ron Brewer

2-Patsy Durkin

5-Kelsi Wofford

9-7-Alexus Taizan

9-Jaydon Thomas

11-Susan Henderson

12-Mark Owens

12-Andy Woodward

12-James Brewer

14-Joseph Kelley

14-Mary Ann Hillegeist

16-Donald Ahrendt

16-Adam Everett

17-Brandy Faith

18-Barry Lynn

18-Mike Mitchell

22-Jacob Townsend

14-Rusty Hutson

26-Janice Hutson

27-Wendy Stover

28-Bob Rao

20-Blaine Slack

“...I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestor did.

Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.” 2 Timothy 1:3

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Krenek Family

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Oscar & Mary Ann Hillegeist

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… John & Janie Johnson

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… David & Bonnie Sherrill

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Bruce & Martha Reat

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Dale & Patty Shipp

In Memory of …Dorothy Ann Spence

by… Sam Perry

In Memory of …Carol Ann Pustejovsky

by… Richard & Wanda Townsend

Backpack Buddies

In Memory of …Kenneth Mostyn

by… Jamie & Annette Woodward

Memorial Fund

In Honor of …Lorene Hall

by… Robert & Shelley Huettel

We began feeding in the elementary and middle school last month. Our

numbers fluctuate from week to week as parents change their situations or

children move schools, but in general we feed a few short of 50 kids in the

elementary school and just around 20 at the middle school. This is up at

17 kids from last year.

For fundraising, we started our Feed the Teacher lunches at the elementary school again.

For $5, the staff gets a great meal with salad and dessert made by some of our wonderful

volunteers. Last year, we made nearly $1,000 with these lunches.

Save the date! Our next Soup & Bread Lunch will be on Monday, January 11th from 11

a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lexington Faith Temple. We look forward to seeing you there!

Lexington Backpack Buddies Update