May E-newsletter is available

The may edition of the McCamey/Iraan UMC's e-newsletter is now available.  Please contact the church if you know of someone who should be getting this sent to them.

A windy day in McCamey

With the west Texas winds bearing down hard upon McCamey today one might suppose this would be a good reason to stay indoors.  Not on your life! 

Roy Kephart was busy this morning painting the recycling bin (located behind the parsonage).  Roy and Alice are going away for the summer soon and he wanted to finish the job he and grandson Randy had begun.

There was a very good turnout at the McCamey Convalescent Center this morning for the weekly coffee & donuts time with the residents.  Pastor Charles was happy to be able to share in this time of fellowship with these delightful folk!

If it is Wednesday, it must be time for choir!

It has been a windy day here in McCamey, and the choir members  were swept into the church to make a joyful noise!  We welcomed three new members of the choir tonight:  Jennifer Aguilar and Sarah and Eric Hill!  We are really moving to the Spirit's prompting!!!

April 25th @ FUMC - McCamey

Lay Speaking Courses Today

Two lay-speaking courses were held at the First United Methodist Church in Rankin today.

In the morning session, Charles taught the portion about Methodist history. In the afternoon session, Pastor Jennifer Kelley guided folks in their preparation of sermon material. At the same time, Gini Christian from the San Angelo District was teaching the Advanced Lay Speaking course in the sanctuary.


We enjoyed lively conversations, faith-filled testimonies and delicious refreshments! We so appreciated the generous hospitality of the folks at the Rankin FUMC! Praise be to God for a lovely, Spirit-led day!!!


Attending from McCamey were Belinda Alkula, Donny Wiley, and Bobbie & Bill Lester.

Catalyst Youth Stay at Our Church!

THE youth event in town this weekend is CATALYST!  Thirteen middle school boys along with their three college-age chaperones found lodging in the church's "Upper Room" (loft area ... over the sanctuary).  This picture features some of the faith-filled sojourners who stopped by for the weekend.  Praise be to God for all involved with this faith-filled youth event in our town this weekend!!!

Arbor Day Observance in McCamey

To see pictures and a report on McCamey's Arbor Day observance, click here.  Pastor Charles gave both the invocation and the benediction at this tree-planting memorial ceremony.

Arbor Day Prayer

Creator God,


Out of chaos you brought order.  Out of nothingness you brought life.  In the middle of all life stands the tree.

Trees provide the air that nurtures all your creation.  Birds make them their homes.  Cats climb them for protection.  Trees recycle life that has come before.

Bless the trees of this word, loving God.  Remind us to serve as their caregivers and protectors.  Give them long limbs and long life.
The gift of their breath is as special to us as the breath of the Holy Spirit.


Amen.

(The Rev. Chuck Currie, Portland, OR)

A full day in McCamey

With a worship service this morning, a service at the Convalescent Center in the afternoon and an Ad Board meeting in the evening, there was something for everyone today at the First UMC in McCamey.

There is a truly positive and powerful spirit at work in the life of this congregation, what a blessing it is to be part of this community of faith!

Have you seen me?

FUMC - McCamey has a place on the spring sports poster at McCamey High School.  You might have seen one of these posters around town!

Choir @ FUMC

The choir practice tonight was filled with lots of laughter, catching up on the news of the week, and of course, terrific music.

Tuesday in McCamey

There was a lot of activity at the church this morning, the sign of things to come to be certain!  While Louise Carll was tending to some choir needs, Bill Lester was tending to the church lawn and Mary Witcher was working her magic with the fellowship hall decorations.  Thank goodness for such faithful workers!

Prayer Request

At the UMW meeting yesterday a prayer request was made for Joseph H., a 17 year old from Crane who is dealing with some serious health issues. Please lift up Joseph and his family in your prayers.

FUMC @ work in the community

On Saturday, April 10th, Debbie White and Pastor Charles participated in the Great American Cleanup event here in McCamey.  150 bags of trash and several load of large debris were collected by the 40+ volunteers.

United Methodist Women tonight

The monthly meeting of the United Methodist Women took place tonight at the home of Jack & Peggy Garner. Attending tonight's meeting were Belinda & Pastor Charles Alkula, Louise Carll, Peggy & Jack Garner, Bobbie Lester, Theodora Matthews and Jean Myrick.

We had a great time sharing in the lesson, laughing, and enjoying the wonderful treats provided by Peggy.

April 11th @ FUMC - McCamey

Our time together in McCamey is always a blessing and today was no exception!  With guests and new residents in attendance and the Easter lilies still in bloom, our "low Sunday" was nothing of the sort!

Additional prayers this morning were asked for Pam S., Bobby B., Joe N., Margaret K., and Cole M.

This afternoon found the McCamey Convalescent Center residents in fine voice.  It is truly a blessing to be among such faithful witnesses.

Revelation Sermon Series

During the Season of Easter Pastor Charles will be preaching from the lectionary passages from the Book of Revelation. Each week we'll be looking at how the book spoke to the churches in the Roman province of Asia in St. John's day and to the church in McCamey today.

First UMC - Crane Craft Fair

This weekend is the "Spring Craft Fair" at the Crane County Exhibition Building (on 6th Street)

Choir Practice

If it is Wednesday, it must be time for choir practice at the First UMC in McCamey.  The choir members, accompanied by Cytha Peters, were in fine spirits as they prepared for the coming Sunday's worship service.

Easter @ the McCamey Convalescent Center

Our Easter joy continued this afternoon with worship and communion at the McCamey Convalescent Center.  The residents were in a festive mood and shared Easter memories along with the singing of several hymns.  It is such a blessing to be among such faithful people each week, join us next week at 1:00 pm! 

Easter in McCamey

Easter at the First UMC in McCamey was a festive affair this Easter morning!  The congregation continued with the tradition of decorating the cross (which had been decorated with palm branches on Palm Sunday) with multi-hued carnations during the singing of the first hymn.  We were blessed to have many guests this morning to share with us this time of celebration. 

During the worship service, Pastor Charles shared a reading of "How the Grinch Stole Easter" which was thoroughly enjoyed by young and old alike!  Thanks to all of the faithful participants for sharing in the decorations, and for the sharing of themselves this Easter day!