Volume 43, Issue 18 September 18, 2013
The FIRST UNITED
METHODIST
CHURCH,
LAKE JACKSON,
TEXAS
First Church strives
to be like Jesus!
Praising God!
Teaching God’s Word!
Loving one another!
Strengthening
families!
Sharing the Good
News!
Phone: 979-297-3046
Fax: 979-299-6612
Email:
Visit us Online -
www.ljfumc.org
Messenger
Start Connecting with your church family on Facebook! Join
our page at “First United Methodist Church - Lake Jackson”
RENOVATION BLESSING SERVICE
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Sunday School 9:15AM
Special Gathering Time 10:30AM
In 1958, our existing sanctuary was erected to the Glory of God.
After nearly 60 years, we will soon begin a sanctuary renovation at First
Church and want to prepare by hosting a special service. We invite
everyone to join us for this celebratory occasion as we thank God for
the extraordinary opportunity our church family has been given, and we
ask God to bless the physical renewal of our facilities.
Fellowship with refreshments to follow.
Page 2 Messenger
Pastor’s Article
I am so excited about Dr. Lynne Settlemyre and her husband, John, coming to First
Church, Lake Jackson! You all are in for a tremendous blessing. Lynne has such a powerful
and distinguished ministry record. I have followed her ministry for many years! She is filled
with integrity, has a passion for people, and her ministry is focused on Jesus and His
Kingdom. Her reputation precedes her and she has the love and admiration of all her
colleagues in the Texas Conference.
It thrills me that Lynne is inheriting a cogent and efficacious staff with an undeniable love
for First Church and Jesus! I have so enjoyed ministering with our staff for the cause of
Christ! Our lay leadership is as fine as you will ever find in the Texas Conference I am so
proud of these distinguished lay people who serve you at First Church. It amazes me that
they work long hours at their secular jobs and come to our church and give countless
hours each week to bring you extraordinary ministries.
In the United Methodist Church, as our Bishop and cabinet make appointments, we believe
that God works through them to appoint the right anointed leaders to the right churches.
Also, the United Methodist Church has a strong code of ethics which I, like most ministers,
believe in and closely adhere to. When a new pastor is assigned to a church, the outgoing pastor says goodbye
to the congregation and then confirms the incoming minister, providing support as needed. This is a vital part of
the transition, one I believe is important for all to understand. From a biblical lesson, sheep only know the voice
of one anointed shepherd at a time. I will always love and treasure you all, however, when I depart as your
pastor, I will no longer be your anointed leader. Dr. Lynne Settlemyre will take those reigns from our Holy God!
Kathy and I will continue living in the area for about 6 months so that Kathy can fulfill her teaching contract with
BISD, but we plan to spend many weekends with family in Dallas. We will not be attending First Church during
this time for reasons that are both biblical and practical. I believe my presence here would merely create
confusion amongst the congregation and new pastor, and I do not want to be a hindrance in God’s plan for this
church. Besides, Lynne and John will need and appreciate your support and encouragement, and by offering with
the same enthusiasm you’ve shown us over the years, you will be demonstrating your love to Kathy and me.
When the school year is over, Kathy and I will be heading west and moving to Colorado in an effort to fulfill a
life-long dream. I have longed with all of my heart to live in the Rocky Mountain State and I know that you all will
be so happy for us as we make our new home in my beloved mountains.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for helping me through my second hip surgery. This experience
has been more than I thought it would be and your prayers have seen me through many dark nights. The
neuropathy has been more than I counted on. Thanks to all who brought food, sent cards and emails, and
offered your most sacred prayers on my behalf. We have a few months left in our ministry here in Lake Jackson.
I promise to give you 100% until my last day of work. Let's make each moment a memory and a testimony of
our love for Jesus!!
Peace! Pastor Geller
MENTORING PROGRAM WITH RASCO
MIDDLE SCHOOL WILL CONTINUE THIS FALL
First United Methodist Church will continue its partnership with Rasco Middle School this fall.
FUMC is dedicated to sending mentors to Rasco to share in the lives of their wonderful
students. All it takes to contribute to the life of a young person is time. Young people spell
love, ‘ t-i-m-e’! If you are interested in being part of this outreach, please contact
Pastor Geller at 979-297-3046 or [email protected].
Pastor Charles Geller
Find Pastor Geller and First Church
on Facebook!
Page 3 Volume 43, Issue 18 September 18, 2013
SYMPATHIES
On the death of Ronald Brewer. Condolences can be sent to:
Jackie Brewer Margaret Brewer
PO Box 1448 812 Lake Road
Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Lake Jackson, TX 77566
MEMORIALS In memory of Thelma Zeitler from
Loann & Craig Campbell
In memory of William McCready Pennington
William & Shirley Prafka
Dr. & Mrs. James L. Shepherd
Judy Willgross
John & Page Schreck
Bill & Curly Leshikar
Molly & Larry Brown
Sympathies and Memorials
Pastor & Kathy Geller
Margurite Verrett
Linda Kay Jones
Lee & Laura Huebel
C.D. & Emma Phillips
Debbie Franklin Schuelke
Frances & AG Snelgrove
Blanche Galloway
In Our Prayers...
If you or someone you know
would like to be added to our prayer list, please
contact the
church office.
Carl & Laney Spoonemore
Laurie Brown
Bill & Sandra Clarka
Ryan Hemphill
Belinda Barr
Linda Neumann
Liz Park
First’s Foods and Fellowship, as we have known it for the past 12
years, will cease to exist on September 29, 2013. When the
sanctuary renovation begins in October, Wesley Hall will be
utilized for the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services. Therefore, the
opportunities for fellowship will take on a new look.
It has been my pleasure to facilitate the First’s Foods ministry and I am eternally grateful to the multitude of
church members who have shopped, prepared and served graciously since October 28, 2001. The
generosity of many through their time, energy and provision has exhibited great love for our church
family. The need for fellowship is as great now as it was in the beginning and other avenues will be explored. May God provide other means of fellowship and bonding for all who have enjoyed the benefits of
this ministry.
Thank You!
Wilda Patton
Page 4 Messenger
The Awakening - Youth Ministry
Connect with The Awakening Youth Group on Facebook!
WEEKLY EVENTS -
The Awakening Youth - Every Sunday Night! 5 - 7PM Kicks off with the Journey at 5 and then the party moves to the youth center from 6-7, come on out for an amazing time of faith and fun! Wednesday Night Bible Study! 5-7PM Join us as we continue the “Not a Fan” Series
Page 5 Messenger
Bible Stories are awesome!
They can help us have courage, help us trust God, help us do
amazing things. This month in Sunday School come join us as we
explore stories of courage. Courage is being brave enough to do
what you should do, even when you're afraid.
Here are our weekly Bible verses: Week 1- Joseph living a life of courage. Genesis 30,37,39-46
Week 2/3 Moses living in fear. Exodus 3:1-4:17; 7-12 Exodus 14
Week 4- Joshua and Caleb becoming leaders. Numbers 13-14
Week 5 - God's promises to Abraham. Joshua 6
God is always with us to take away our fears and give us courage!
Praising God Always,
Kimberly Bowers
Children’s
Min
istr
ies
Hey 5th & 6th Graders… we’ll be meeting again on Sunday Oct. 13 at 3:45
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
If you have a talent , we need you at Sunday School from 10:00-10:15 am. Looking
for adults/ teens that can help share singing, drawing, reading a book, drama.
Call Kimberly Bowers for more information. 236-9427
The 5th & 6th graders at First Church met on Sunday for the first time to get the Submerge ministry
going again. David, Michael, Kayli and Jared played games, interviewed each other and learned what
Matthew said in the Bible about the people Jesus chose as His friends. Congratulations to Jared Pear-
son who is the first Submerge Broom Shuffleboard champion. Join us on October 13th when we will
be Submerged in Silly String. We’ll have a silly string war and we’ll also have a Bible spelling contest
to see who gets to be totally submerged in silly string. We’ll play more games, do another Bible les-
son and get to know our friends even better. Don’t miss the fun.
Contact Kim Copeland at [email protected] or 832 741 3932 with any questions.
Page 6 Volume 43, Issue 18 September 18, 2013
FINANCE TEAM UPDATE
SAVE THE DATE:
November 17, 2013
Join us as we worship together and celebrate Pastor
Geller’s ministry at his last service before retiring.
Beth Moore Bible Study
Join us on Thursday Mornings Beth Moore Study “The Law of Love” is a study
on Deuteronomy. Please call Trena Moses
297-2829 or Bobbie Higgins 798-7122 to let us know if you would like to
join us and let us know if
you need a book. There will
be 6
sessions and there is no
homework. We start the
DVD at 9:30. The lessons are 1.5-2 hrs long.
New Women’s Bible Study ~ "What Happens When Women Say Yes
to God" by Lysa TerKeurst Tuesday nights, 6 - 7:30 pm in Room 14.
Nursery is provided.
If you'd like to purchase a book,
contact Mindy Standlee
ASAP!
HUB Charge Conference 2013
Administrative Board
& District Superintendent
Sunday, October 13th at 3:30 PM ~
FUMC Angleton
Girl's Night Out will be
Friday, September 20, at 5:30
at CrossWinds Grill at the
airport. For more
information and reservations
call Mary Helen at
297-6968 or email
As we reached the end-of-summer, the figure shows our income is about 20% below our budget expenses. Your faithful stewardship will help us catch back up. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Finance Chair Jim Hemphill (979-418-8820)
Page 7 Volume 43, Issue 18 September 18, 2013
6:00 PM—Sanct Renovation Team Mtg-
Rm. 14
6:15 PM - Small Group Study - WP
7:30 PM - Choir Rehearsal - CR
Thursday, September 26
9:00 AM - Beth Moore Bible Study - AR
6:00 PM - Finance Comm. Mtg. - Lib
7:00 PM - Barbershop Group - CR
Friday, September 27
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
6:00 AM - Men's Lost & Found
Study - WH
Sunday, September 29
8:00 AM - Classic Worship - Chapel
8:30 AM - First Foods - WH
9:00 AM - Contemporary
Worship - Sanct.
10:00 AM - Sunday School
11:00 AM - Traditional Worship - Sanct.
5:00 PM - The Awakening Youth Group
5:00 PM - The Journey Worship
Service - WH
6:00 PM - Key Methodist Beliefs Bible
Study - WH
Monday, September 30
9:00 AM - Mom’s in Prayer - WP
6:30 PM - Girl Scout Troop #27028
Meeting - Potter's Place
7:00 PM - Boy Scout Troop 325
Mtg - WH
Tuesday, October 1
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Intercessory
Prayer - Chapel
6:00 PM - Women’s Bible Study - Rm.
14
7:30 PM - Praise Team Practice - Sanct.
Thursday, September 19
9:00 AM - Beth Moore Bible Study - AR
7:00 PM - Barbershop Group - CR
7:00 PM - Cub Scouts Pack Mtg. - WH
Friday, September 20
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
6:00 AM - Men's Lost & Found
Study - WH
Sunday, September 22
8:00 AM - Classic Worship - Chapel
8:30 AM - First’s Foods - WH
9:00 AM - Contemporary Worship
10:00 AM - Sunday School (All Ages)
11:00 AM - Traditional Worship - Sanct.
3:45 PM - Submerge - BDR
5:00 PM - The Awakening Youth Group
5:00 PM - The Journey Worship
Service-WH
6:00 PM - Key Methodist Beliefs Bible
Study - WH
Monday, September 23
9:00 AM - Mom’s in Prayer - WP
6:30 PM - Girl Scout Troop #27028
Meeting - Potter's Place
6:30 PM - Stephen Ministry Mtg. - Lib
7:00 PM - Boy Scout Troop 325
Meeting - WH
Tuesday, September 24
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Intercessory
Prayer - Chapel
5:30 PM - 54 Cups of Coffee with
Kip - WP
6:00 PM - Women’s Bible
Study - Rm. 14
7:30 PM - Praise Team Practice - Sanct.
Wednesday, September 25
10:00 AM - Friendship Club - AR
6:00 PM - Jr. & Sr. High Bible Study - YC
Wednesday, October 2
6:00 PM - Jr. & Sr. High Bible
Study - YC
6:15 PM - Small Group Study - WP
7:30 PM - Choir Rehearsal -
Choir Room
Thursday, October 3
9:00 AM - Beth Moore
Bible Study - AR
12:00 PM - SLP Open House
7:00 PM - Barbershop Group - CR
Friday, October 4
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
6:00 AM - Men's Lost & Found
Study - WH
Saturday, October 5
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
7:00 AM - Boy Scouts Training
Sunday, October 6 8:00 AM - Classic Worship - Chapel
8:30 AM - First’s Foods - WH
9:00 AM - Contemporary Worship
10:00 AM - Sunday School (All Ages)
11:00 AM - Traditional Worship -
Sanct.
3:30 PM - Admin. Board Mtg. - Chap
5:00 PM - The Awakening
Youth Group
5:00 PM - The Journey Worship
Service-WH
6:00 PM - Key United Methodist
Beliefs Bible Study
Dear 9am Church Family - we will no longer be passing the offering plates during the
9am Worship Service. Please place your tithes and offerings in the baskets located at
each exit on your way out. Thank you for giving!
FIRST UNITED
METHODIST
CHURCH,
LAKE JACKSON,
TEXAS
First United Methodist Church
404 Azalea
Lake Jackson, Texas 77566
Visit us at www.ljfumc.org Address Service Requested
The Messenger is published bi-weekly by the First United Methodist Church, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.
Second Class Postage Paid at Lake Jackson, TX 77566. Send address changes to FUMC, Lake Jackson, TX 77566
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#954360
Lake Jackson, TX 77566
Experience the Journey!
Hey Ministry Leaders and Church Staff…
If you want to have an event promoted on the
website, or if you need information updated
please email the church office or Aaron
Zimmerman at [email protected].
Please allow for at least one week for the
information to be posted. Thank you!
SAVE THE DATE
Methodist Mens' BBQ and Block Party November 9, 2013
In addition to BBQ to eat this year, we will also be hosting a block party with lots of children's activities including an inflatable slide,
obstacle course, toddler game and castle for them to play in!
Music and an indoor air-conditioned eating area will be available once again, this year. We will need everyone's help to make this a
success! Don't forget to set aside November 9th on
your calendars for lots of family fun!
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