We want to welcome you into the fellowship of Christian believers known as the First United Methodist Church in McCamey, Texas. We are a community of persons who are seeking a deeper relationship with God, through the example of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. May you experience God's grace while you are a part of the ministry here at the First United Methodist Church.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Holy Week starts tomorrow!

Make sure you reach out to someone today and do whatever it takes to make sure they know about the events and services taking place in our church and community. There are people in McCamey who don't have a church home, don't realize what a relationship with Christ can be for them, and are missing out on some fantastic fellowship with our members.  
Share your faith - everything you do is evangelism.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Palm Sunday – April 1

UMM supper – April 2 @ 6:00 p.m.


Maundy Thursday service - April 5, 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday Tenebrae service – April 6, 7:00 p.m. @ First UMC - Crane

EASTER SUNDAY – APRIL 8
   
Community Sunrise Service @ FUMC , 6:30 a.m.

    Community Easter breakfast @ El Buen Pastor
                                                                   (407 W. 7th Street)
    Easter service @ FUMC - McCamey @ 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Anniversary of the death of Charles Wesley

Charles Wesley died on March 29, 1788 in Marylebone, London, England. His final hymn was dictated to his wife. On his deathbed, he wrote:

In age and feebleness extreme,
Who shall
a helpless worm redeem?
Jesus, my only hope Thou art,
Strength of my failing flesh and heart,:
O, could I catch a smile from Thee
And drop into eternity!


He was buried in the Marylebone Parish Church, London, an Anglican church. He did not wish to be buried in unconsecrated, Methodist ground. His gravestone reads:
HERE LIE
THE REMAINS OF
THE REV.
CHARLES WESLEY, M.A.
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 29TH MARCH 1788
AGED 80 YEARS.

WITH POVERTY OF SPIRIT BLESSED
REST HAPPY SAINT IN JESUS REST.
A SINNER SAVED THROUGH GRACE FORGIVEN
REDEEMED FROM EARTH TO REIGN IN HEAVEN.
AND LABOURS OF UNWEARIED LOVE
BY THEE FORGOT ARE CROWN'D ABOVE
CROWN'D THROUGH THE MERCY OF THY LORD
WITH A FREE FULL IMMENSE REWARD.

Greetings from the Convalescent Center

Today is Grace & Phil Moody's anniversary!
 
There was a smaller that normal turnout at the McCamey Convalescent Center this morning from the community but that didn't stop those who did come from sharing with the residents. 

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

April e-newsletter

The April e-newsletter for the United Methodists in McCamey and Iraan is now available at this link.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Prayer request

Donny Wiley (Lay Leader at FUMC - McCamey) called that one of his sons is stationed with the US Army in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, and that a soldier in his son's platoon was killed in the attack described in the article at this link.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Palm Sunday scripture lesson

Fresco in the Cappella degli Scrovegni, also known as the Arena Chapel, in Padua, Veneto, Italy.
Next Sunday (April 1) is Palm/Passion Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. Our scripture text comes to us from Philippians 2:5-11 and we'll be looking at why Jesus came.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Joyful Sunday in McCamey

Joys from this morning:+Birds singing outside Pastor Charles' office this morning.
+People on each side of the asile!
+Ashor B. is coming home from the hospital on Tuesday!!!
+We had choir members in all three rows!
+Mike S. tuned up the pianos in the sanctuary yesterday and was singing in the choir today.
+Coy and Joan C. are in California for a visit with family.
+Jerry & Marilyn W. are heading back to Colorado this week, we'll miss them but know they'll be back!

Concerns from this morning:
+Margaret Robertson (101) has passed and her service will be this week.
+LaDell G.'s father died recently.
+Sherry and Jack P. are in need of prayers and support during Jack's recovery.
+Gloris O. is recovering from her surgery.

Prayers for healing: Andy A., Nadine A., Elena B., Sandy C., Billy C., Denise D., Samantha F., Louisa G., Terri G., Elizabeth H., Julie L., Gloria O., Jack P., Glen S., Colton W., and Simone W.
Continued prayers:
+our church +our community youth +our schools - including athletes, coaches, teachers & students +our military members and their families +the homeless +the unemployed +our nation, government & leaders +victims of natural disasters +countries fighting for freedom +unspoken requests.

Prayer for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

The Gospel According to John, chapter 12
Durham Gospel, late 7th century
Prayer for the day:

As we begin this final time before Holy Week, dear Lord, help us to use it to reflect more fully on the sacrifice you made for us as you made your way to the cross. Forgive our undisciplined life, our indifferent witness and our yielding to fear. Transform us this day by your grace and your love. Amen.

(~ from Moravian Daily Texts ~)

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. - Psalm 51:10

Friday, March 23, 2012

Spring Thing in McCamey

The Chamber of Commerce is hosting "Spring Thing" today and tomorrow at the Park Building.  Open 'till 6:00 p.m. today and from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. tomorrow.


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Where are the young?

Author and blogger Rachel Held Evans posted the following on her blog today. What do you think?+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Eight million twenty-somethings have left the church, and it seems like everyone is trying to figure out why.

Last week, Christian Piatt offered seven reasons here, and four more reasons here. David Kinnaman recently authored a book entitled, You Lost Me, which details the findings of Barna researchers who interviewed hundreds of 18-29 year-olds about why they left the church.

I left the church when I was twenty-seven. I am now thirty, and after trying unsuccessfully to start a house church, my husband and I are struggling to find a faith community in which we feel we belong. I’ve been reluctant to write about this search in the past, but it seems like such a common experience, I think it’s time to open up, especially now that I’ve had some time to process. But let’s begin with fifteen reasons why I left:

1. I left the church because I’m better at planning Bible studies than baby showers...but they only wanted me to plan baby showers.

2. I left the church because when we talked about sin, we mostly talked about sex.

3. I left the church because my questions were seen as liabilities.

4. I left the church because sometimes it felt like a cult, or a country club, and I wasn’t sure which was worse.

5. I left the church because I believe the earth is 4.5 billion years old and that humans share a common ancestor with apes, which I was told was incompatible with my faith.

6. I left the church because sometimes I doubt, and church can be the worst place to doubt.

7. I left the church because I didn’t want to be anyone’s “project.”

8. I left the church because it was often assumed that everyone in the congregation voted for Republicans.

9. I left the church because I felt like I was the only one troubled by stories of violence and misogyny and genocide found in the Bible, and I was tired of people telling me not to worry about it because “God’s ways are higher than our ways.”

10. I left the church because of my own selfishness and pride.

11. I left the church because I knew I would never see a woman behind the pulpit, at least not in the congregation in which I grew up.

12. I left the church because I wanted to help people in my community without feeling pressure to convert them to Christianity.

13. I left the church because I had learned more from Oprah about addressing poverty and injustice than I had learned from 25 years of Sunday school.

14. I left the church because there are days when I’m not sure I believe in God, and no one told me that “dark nights of the soul” can be part of the faith experience.

15. I left the church because one day, they put signs out in the church lawn that said “Marriage = 1 Man + 1 Woman: Vote Yes on Prop 1,” and I knew the moment I saw them that I never wanted to come back.

“I am convinced that what drives most people away from Christianity is not the cost of discipleship but rather the cost of false fundamentals.” – Evolving in Monkey Town, p. 207

“We aren’t looking for a faith that provides all the answers; we’re looking for one in which we are free to ask the questions.”Evolving in Monkey Town, p. 204

In the weeks to come, I'll be sharing more about why I stayed with the Church--with a capital-C-- and about our search for a local faith community.

Why did you leave the church?
Why do you stay?

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

A Prayer in Spring

Today is the first day of spring - enjoy!

A Prayer in Spring

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfil.
Robert Frost

Monday, March 19, 2012

Next Sunday's Scripture Lesson


The scripture lesson for the 5th Sunday in Lent (March 25) comes from John 12:20-33

"Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal."

(John 12:24-25, The Message)

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Today in McCamey


Joys expressed this morning:
+Pastor Charles reported seeing the first buzzards of the year this week. Hummingbirds were seen at the parsonage this past week.  The mesquite trees are 'greening up,' all are sure signs that spring is here in west Texas!
+Jack P. is home from the hospital.
+Kaleigh W. turned 21 today (and was a part of the family pew).
+Gloria O's granddaughter, Amy, turns 15 this week.
+Bill Little (former McCamey ISD superintendent) is doing well.
+Jennifer A. is ready to see her students when school resumes tomorrow!
+Ashor B. was born in Odessa last Wednesday - Ashor and his mom (Niki B.) are both doing well.
+Marilyn W. was our pianist this morning and provided us with a beautiful musical gift.
+Debbie W. was our greeter and Ashley R. and Bradyn M. were our ushers.
+Brinlee H. (and parents) were back in worship today.  She is getting so big!

Concerns shared this morning:
+Recovery work is underway from the recent tornadoes through the efforts of UMCOR (today is the One Great Hour of Sharing).
+Derek W. is serving with the US Army in Afghanistan.
+Gloria O. is waiting for the doctor to schedule her for treatment.
+Elizabeth H. is having health concerns.
+Cadyn M. had his tonsils out this past week.

Prayers for healing: Andy A., Nadine A., Donny B., Elena B., Niki B., Joan C., Sandy C., Billy C., Denise D., Samantha F., Louisa G., Terri G., Elizabeth H., Julie L., Cadyn M., Gloria O., Jack P., Glen S., Colton W., Mary W., and Simone W.

Continued prayers:
+our church +our community youth +our schools - including athletes, coaches, teachers & students +our military members and their families +the homeless +the unemployed +our nation, government & leaders +victims of natural disasters +countries fighting for freedom +unspoken requests.

A Nicodemus Moment

'Christ Instructing Niccodemus' by Crijn Hendricksz, 1604
(From Anna Murdock, a friend of Pastor Charles)

A Nicodemus Moment (John 3:14-21)


She sat in a darkened sanctuary
expecting little
yet hoping for much.
She sat in a darkened sanctuary
alone …
and then Light walked in,
uninvited and unannounced,
whispering, “For God so loves you….”

Her heart beat faster
as she heard that
God had loved her in her ‘befores’ …
… before she asked for this Love,
… before she admitted to
needing this Love,
… before she sought to
understand such a Love,
… before she realized that she
wanted this Gift of Love.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Saint Patrick's Day Collect

St. Patrick's Cathedral - Dublin, Ireland
Saint Patrick's Day Collect

Almighty God,
who in Your providence chose Your servant Patrick
to be the apostle of the Irish people,
to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error
to the true light and knowledge of You:
Grant us so to walk in that light,
that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and ever. 
Amen.

UMs on the town!


We were blessed tonight as we gathered for our monthly supper on the town.  The setting for this month's gathering was Elena's where six hungry folks met for conversation and good food.

Theodora was presented with this month's door prize, F.R.O.G. - which stands for "Fully Rely On God!"

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Lovely morning in McCamey


The McCamey Convalescent Center was abuzz with activity this morning during the coffee & donuts time with the residents.  Pastor Charles and Jean Myrick were on hand along with other community members in sharing this weekly gathering.

Update for Friday

Two opportunities for fellowship today in McCamey:

1) Our monthly "United Methodists on the Town" WILL take place at 6:00 p.m. at Elena's Kitchen as previously scheduled.


For those not joining us at Elena's, the McCamey Chamber of Commerce invites you to meet Congressman Francisco Canseco, who is our new US Representative from District 23. 
The Congressman will meet the public on Friday at Benoit's @ 6:00 P.M.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

A letter from our bishop

The following letter was received by our church from our bishop:

March 1, 2012

My dear friends in Christ and colleagues in ministry:

This letter is to express to you my sincere gratitude for the amazing work you are doing for Christ and the church. In the San Antonio Episcopal Area, we are right at the tipping point of moving from slow, but steady decline, to slow, but sustained growth in our common mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The number of vital congregations in this Area is substantial and growing.

I specifically want to thank you for your wonderful witness of faith in your commitment to the opportunity for Connectional giving. Your 100 percent payment of apportionments is a testimony to your understanding of the significance of your place in the larger church. I know this commitment often involves great effort and sacrifice. I also know our Lord has given 100 percent of himself to us and we have the great joy of giving to others, as individuals and congregations.

As you review the ministry of your church in 2011, please celebrate the full payment of apportionments as a great achievement and faithful offering. Please look to 2012 as another opportunity to move forward in advancing the cause of Christ in your community and beyond. Our ministry is never-ending.

Thanks again for your faithfulness! The journey continues. God bless you.

Sincerely,
James E. Dorff

Monday, March 12, 2012

UMW tonight


The UMW met tonight at the church with ten in attendance.  Devotional readings were provided by Peggy Garner and Jean Myrick.  Cytha Peters spoke about this month's prayer focus, The Women's Opportunity Fund.
Tonight's program was provided by Jennifer Aguilar about the work being done by the National Missions Institution which is supported by the UMW units around the country.  One setting is in our area, the Alpine Community Center, which is doing some exciting work in west Texas.  We also learned that the pastor in Alpine, the Rev. Jane (Golden) Vaughan is a McCamey High School alumnae.

Following the program, Louise Carll provided the refreshments, a home-made pecan pie.  It was delicious!

Scripture lesson for March 18th

Our lesson for the Fourth Sunday in Lent is John 3:14-21. This passage contains what is argueably the most famous verse in all of the Bible, John 3:16:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

The question to ponder this week as you make your way on the pilgrimage path, is just what does this passage mean to you and to those you encounter on The Way.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Cool morning in McCamey!


Joys from this morning:
+We had some rain this past week!
+Colton W. has had his last chemo treatment and recently underwent a stem cell treatment.
+Jennifer A. and Marilyn W. share the same birthday tomorrow.
+Spring break!
+Signs of spring all around McCamey!

Concerns from this morning:
+Today is the first anniversary of the Tsunami that struck Japan.
+Niki B., Joan C., Cadyn M., Gloria O., Jack P., Glen S., and Mary W. are among those in our faith community dealing with recent health issues.
+Debbi W. reports knowing of a two-year old with cancer.
+A 4.6 earthquake struck in Haiti last Wednesday.
+The recovery work currently underway from the recent tornadoes in the U.S.
+Those dealing with domestic abuse.
+Those absent from worship today.
+We continue to need rain.

Prayers for healing: Andy A., Nadine A., Donny B., Elena B.,  Niki B., Joan C., Sandy C., Billy C., Denise D., Samantha F., Louisa G., Terri G., Julie L., Cadyn M., Gloria O., Jack P., Glen S., Jean V., Colton W., Mary W., and Simone W.
Continued prayers:
+our church +our community youth +our schools - including athletes, coaches, teachers & students +our military members and their families +the homeless +the unemployed +our nation, government & leaders +victims of natural disasters +countries fighting for freedom +unspoken requests.



Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent

The Collect

We beseech thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Spring Forward Tonight

Set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed tonight - Daylight Savings Time begins tomorrow!

Sunday school: 9:45 a.m.
 Worship: 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Community Food Pantry Delivery


Pastor Charles delivered a large assortment of food this morning to the community food pantry (located at the First Baptist Church).  The food was purchased with funds from the McCamey Ministerial Alliance.

Donations to the food pantry may be made by bringing items to the First UMC entry way table; taking items to the First Baptist Church (office hours are 10-Noon, Monday - Thursday); or by placing items in the box at Lowes supermarket.  In addition to purchased items, cash donations may be made to the McCamey Ministerial Alliance.

Visit this link to see a complete list of pantry needs.

Convalescent Center today


Marvin King serves up the coffee
On a decidely blustery morning and with rain on the way, the community gathered for fellowship this morning at the McCamey Convalescent Center.  Alice Kephart and Pastor Charles were on-hand along with other community members and the residents were appreciative of all of the warmth being shared!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

McCamey Ministerial Alliance News


The McCamey Ministerial Alliance held its meeting this afternoon at Benoit's with all five member churches being represented (El Buen Pastor, First Assembly of God, First Baptist, First United Methodist, and Sacred Heart Catholic).

Elections were held for 2012: Rev. David Snodgrass, president; Jake Avila, vice-president and Hugo Gonzales, treasurer.

Easter Sunrise Service: April 8th @ 6:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church.  A breakfast will be offered following the service at El Buen Pastor (407 W. 7th St.).

Next meeting: The monthly meetings will be held again on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m.  In April , the meeting will be on the 10th at the First Assembly of God Church (406 E. 7th St.).

Baccalaureate Service: May 20th @ 6:30 p.m. in the McCamey High School auditorium.

Food Pantry Update


Glen Smart has arranged for a basket (soon to be replaced by a large box) at the Lowes supermarket in McCamey where the community may place donations for the Food Pantry (located at First Baptist Church).  Glen will continue to take the donations from our church as well as those donated at Lowes to First Baptist.

The McCamey Ministerial Alliance is a co-sponsor of the food pantry (along with First Baptist).

The list of items the food pantry needs may be found at this link.

Thank you

Your kind expressions of sympathy is deeply appreciated and gratefully acknowledged.

-Henry White family.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Church family,

Thank you very, very much for all the prayers, calls, food, and just being my friends.

- Debbie White

Monday, March 5, 2012

United Methodist Men tonight!


The March gathering of the United Methodist Men took place in the church fellowship hall with six men in attendance.  Roy Kephart brought the meal (prepared by his talented wife, Alice) of turkey & dressing, green beans, sweet potatoe casserole and apple pie.
Pastor Charles led the discussion from Bad Boys of the Bible of the second chapter of Jacob's story.

Next meeting: April 2 when we'll consider the story of Jepthath in the Book of the Judges.

Scripture lesson for March 11th

"Jesus Cleansing the Temple," Jeffrey Weston
This week's sermon scripture lesson moves from Mark's account of the gospel to John's. The lesson, John 2:13-22, describes Jesus clearing the temple of those whose purpose for being there wasn't to worship God.

A question to consider this week as you prepare for the Third Sunday in Lent, is what would Jesus say about you and the 'stuff' you bring with you when you come for worship?

Remember: Spring forward on Sunday with the time change.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

March begins at FUMC - McCamey


Joys from this morning:
+Belinda was with us again and was joined by her mother from San Angelo this morning. 
+Silvia R. completed her first 5K yesterday in 23 minutes!
+Pam S. is doing much better thanks to her doctors.
+Birthdays: John W. (41); Britany (Gloria's grandaughter, 17); Kristi (14); J.P. & Michael (10).
+The Witcher's daughter-in-law completed a 1/2 marathon at Walt Disney World this week.
+Debbie W. thanks everyone for the support
+Billy C. is responding well to his treatments in Crane.
+Ashley R. and Gary E. were our ushers this morning.
+Debbie W. was our greeter once more.

Concerns from this morning:
+Lou Dell M. is leaving tomorrow for  her job in New York.
+Those absent from worship today.
+We continue to need rain.
+Gloria O. is having tests this week.
+Jack P. is in the hospital in Odessa.
+Ronnie Locklin (in Denver City), brother of Billy Locklin, of McCamey, passed away recently.

Prayers for healing: Andy A., Nadine A., Donny B., Elena B.,  Sandy C., Billy C., Samantha F., Louisa G., Terri G., Julie L., Jack P., Cory S., and Colton W.

Continued prayers:
+our church +our community youth +our schools - including athletes, coaches, teachers & students +our military members and their families +the homeless +the unemployed +our nation, government & leaders +victims of natural disasters +countries fighting for freedom +unspoken requests .