Trinity Sunday @ First UMC - McCamey

The faithful gathered together at the First UMC in McCamey on Trinity Sunday, with a promise of a hot west Texas day in the wings.

 

Our time together on this Memorial Day weekend began with a very moving tribute to our nation's fallen warriors by Jim Witcher.  We are blessed to have members who take to heart the purpose of this day and are willing to share what they believe with others.

Bill and Bobbie Lester placed a floral tribute to their son, Justin, whose 35th birthday would have been this past Friday.  It was good to have their daughter Amy and her husband Nick worshipping with us.

It was a pleasure to welcome Jennifer's mother; she will be visiting with us for a time this summer. 

Prayer requests were made for Jay D. (health concerns) and his wife who are moving so they will be closer to family. Bernard C. is also struggling with health issues; he and his wife are leaving tomorrow, so they will be living closer to their family members.  We also remembered Leonard Rose, a former teacher at McCamey High School who passed away in Carlsbad, NM, recently.

Trinity Sunday Prayer

(Andrei Rublev's "The Trinity" icon) 

Almighty and everlasting God, You have given to us Your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of Your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see You in Your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

(The Book of Common Prayer)

Remember the purpose of Memorial Day weekend

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses row on row, that mark our place; and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved, and now we lie in Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields.

By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

Canadian Army

Today in McCamey

News from McCamey Friendship Center:  Yesterday Debbie White was on hand as Pastor Charles delivered 50 lbs. each of flour, rice, beans and sugar will to the Friendship Center on behalf of the church. 

Tonight the Ad Board met and it was a very productive meeting.  In attendance were Pastor Charles & Belinda, Bill & Bobbie Lester, Jean Myrick, Cytha Peters, Jack & Sherry Phillips and Donny Wiley.

Following the meeting Louise Carll led the choir through their paces as they prepared for next Sunday's service.   Also taking place tonight were Donny Wiley and Bill Lester who were hard at work continuing to tend to the bat problem at the church.

Aldersgate Day

[Wesley’s conversion memorial, London]

The Rev. John Wesley’s journal entry for Wednesday, May 24, 1738


I think it was about five this morning that I opened my Testament on those words, “There are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, even that ye should be partakers of the divine nature” [II Peter 1:4]. Just as I went out, I opened it again on those words, “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.” [Mark 12:34].

In the afternoon I was asked to go to St. Paul’s [Cathedral]. The anthem was, “Out of the deep have I called unto Thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Oh, let Thine ears consider well the voice of my complaint. If Thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss, O Lord, who may abide it? For there is mercy with Thee; therefore shalt Thou be feared. O Israel, trust in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his sins.”


In the evening I went very unwillingly to a [Moravian] society in Aldersgate Street [London], where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.


I began to pray with all my might for those who had in a more especial manner despitefully used me and persecuted me. I then testified openly to all there what I now first felt in my heart. But it was not long before the enemy suggested, “This cannot be faith; for where is thy joy?” Then was I taught that peace and victory over sin are essential to faith in the Captain of our salvation; but that, as to the transports of joy that usually attend the beginning of it, especially in those who have mourned deeply, God sometimes giveth, sometimes withholdeth, them according to the counsels of His own will.


After my return home, I was much buffeted with temptations, but I cried out, and they fled away. They returned again and again. I as often lifted up my eyes, and He “sent me help from his holy place.” And herein I found the difference between this and my former state chiefly consisted. I was striving, yea, fighting with all my might under the law, as well as under grace. But then I was sometimes, if not often, conquered; now, I was always conqueror.

McCamey High School Baccalaureate

The McCamey High School Baccalaureate was held tonight in the high school auditorium.  Pastor Charles joined the rest of the McCamey Ministerial Alliance in leading the Class of 2010 in a service which sends them into the world with the blessings of community and of God going with them.

Making music @ First UMC

Cytha Peter's piano students offered their musical talents this afternoon in a piano recital at the First UMC in McCamey.  The six students displayed a wonderful demonstration of hard work and joy as they entertained the dozens of family and friends assembled in the sanctuary.  There was time for refreshments and treats in the fellowship hall afterwards. 

Pentecost Sunday @ FUMC - McCamey

We celebrated Pentecost today in McCamey and the Spirit was with us to be sure!  With special music provided by Cytha and Mike, singing by our choir, and a birthday cake for the church there was a generous spirit giving God the glory!!!  The congregation sang "Happy Birthday" to the Church as Theodora Matthews and Ashley Ricks participated in the blowing out of the candles.

With a joyful celebration at the McCamey Convalescent Center in the afternoon, it was a great time to be with God's people today in McCamey!

San Angelo District Conference

The 2010 San Angelo District Conference was held this afternoon at St. Luke's UMC in San Angelo. We began with a service of sending forth with recognition of those clergy changing appointments in July. We also bade farewell to those pastors retiring including Earl & Claire Richardon.

McCamey Convalescent Center coffee time

The weekly gathering for coffee and donuts at the McCamey Convalescent Center was the place to be this morning!  Lots of lively conversation and good treats make for time well-spent!

Making music in McCamey!

Tonight's choir practice featured some terrific music and the congregation is in for some very moving worship services! 

There is also plans for a new bell choir at the First UMC in McCamey.  Let Louise Carll know if you are interested in joining this exciting new music ministry.

First UMC in the community

First UMC in McCamey is really visible in the community as today's pictures show.  Local channel six is now offering churches one week of free space so residents will see more of our activities. 

Due to a need for volunteers at the Friendship Center today, Sherry Phillips and Debbie White stepped up to keep the center open.  The service this ministry provides is what makes being Church real in the world.

This evening the "Smiles on Wheels" program came to town to give a presentation on the program.  McCamey will host this exciting dental program at the Park Building event early next year.

Sunday in McCamey

What a blessing was it to be in McCamey today! 

Prayer for Ascension Sunday

(Ascension window from Grace Lutheran Church, Macungie, PA)

O God, whose blessed Son, our great high priest, has entered once for all into the Holy Place and ever liveth to intercede on our behalf: grant that we, sanctified by the offering of His body may draw near with full assurance of faith by the way which He has dedicated for us and evermore serve Thee, the living God; through the same Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

-from the Church of South India

Today at the McCamey Convalescent Center

The weekly coffee time at the McCamey Convalescent Center this morning was a lively affair with the residents and visitors enjoying the time together.  There is something wonderful to be said for a community that cares for those who can't get out and are willing to share themselves with others.

Ice Cream Social (part 2)

Thanks to the everyone who supported the annual ice cream social. This is a terrific event, and gauging from the way the home-made brownies, cupcakes, cookies and of course, ice cream disappeared, everyone was glad s/he came.

Thanks to the following for supporting this annual event: Belinda & Pastor Charles Alkula, Andy & Ruthie Andrews, Louise Carll, Bill & Bobbie Lester, Theodora Matthews, Jean Myrick, Lou Dell Myrick, Billie Mitchell, Gloria Odom, Cytha Peters, Jim & Mary Witcher, Donny Wiley.

Ice Cream Social (part 1)

The annual ice cream social for the graduating class from McCamey High School took place tonight in the First United Methodist Church's fellowship hall. 

With thirty-one in the graduating class, the turnout of twenty-six was fanstastic.  Along with more than a dozen volunteers, we also welcomed several teachers and other school staff to the celebration!The wonderful home-made ice cream was a hit, as were the decorations placed around the room by Mary Witcher.

Pastor Charles read to the gathering Dr. Seuss' book, "Oh, the places you will go!" which was a lot of fun for everyone :)