Decorating for the season!

The First UMC was abuzz with activity tonight as we gathered to decorate for the Advent and Christmas seasons.  While working, everyone was able to enjoy Belinda Alkula's pumpkin spice cookies, Gloria Odom's brownies... and Mary Witcher's peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies & famous spiced cider.  All enjoyed festive music playing in the background.  It was a church-decorating PARTY! 

Thanks to everyone who helped tonight: Belinda and Pastor Charles, Louise Carll, Bill & Bobbie Lester, Billie Mitchell, Jean Myrick, Gloria Odom and Jim & Mary Witcher.

All Welcome at Handbell Choir Practices!

All are welcome to join in on the fun at the Wednesday night handbell choir practices from 8:00-9:00 p.m.!
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This video was taken at our practice before we "rang" at the Community Thanksgiving Worship Service on November 21st.  (To view it, simply click on the arrow-pointing-to-the-right symbol at the bottom left of the screen.)

Advent devotional for November 30th

Christmas at our house was my mother's favorite holiday. Mother loved to shop for birthdays, anniversaries, just because, you name it, buying for others was her favorite hobby! With four children and an enormous extended family, the tree was barley visible some years. We always had a wonderful time at her house on Christmas morning. One year, 1980 to be exact, my brothers and sisters were given specific times to arrive at the house. Must be some special surprises!


Imagine the look on our faces when we walked into the den and underneath this beautifully decorated tree were three gifts. That is it! One box for the boys, one each for my sister and myself. You would think we received a lump of coal. However, looking into my mother's eyes I knew there was more, much more to this story. she instructed us to open them at the same time; it was a one, two, three GO moment.


The room was silent except for the gasp you could hear from each of us. There at that moment we thought we had little to receive was a box of yesterdays and too many memories to remember. For the boys, the train set they had received when they were 7 & 8, just like new with every single piece intact. Everything had been repaired and repainted, by my Mom. For my sister and me we opened the box to find the first doll we had received as children. The dresses they wore were handmade, every stitch sown with love. Mine had a bonnet, did not remember that, but when she removed it, all her hair had been cut off. I do remember that! That is when my Mother made the plan to put these things away and hold onto them.


You see, my mother's favorite Christmas was when we received these same gifts the first time. She said she would never forget the joy and the hugs she and my Dad received from us. It happened again, what seemed like very little in the beginning became so much more precious to us. Best Christmas ever, again.

Oh yes, after awhile she brought in a big box and had her special gifts she always gave us. it was Mom, she could not help herself. Little is much.


Gini Christian, San Angelo District Ministries Coordinator

Advent devotional for November 29th

(Bob Hope at Camp Eagle, 1968)

It was December 1969 and this would be my fourth Christmas in a row to be in the military and separated from my family. This time I was in a war zone half a world around the world. To keep young men occupied and to reduce home sickness, our supervisors had us on a grueling schedule. We worked 365 days a year, evening shift - and then back for a day shift - then double shift - and then double back for day shift - then double back for midnight shift. We worked 8 hours, off 8 hours, worked 8 hours, off 8 hours...


I had just gotten off the midnight shift at 8:00 a.m. I was in my barracks sound asleep within minutes. About 9:00 a.m., one of our people woke me saying, "We are going to see Bob Hope Immediately." This was exciting news! Over the years, we had all watched Christimas-time TV specials where Bob Hope and his guests would entertain the troops and sailors overseas.

Bob Hope's schedule in a war zone was always classified "Top Secret." Without fanfare, we traveled to an unknown desitnation which we later learned was Camp Eagle, the South Vietnam home of the Army's 101st Airborne Division. About 15,000 hardened, battle-weary servicemen (Army, Air Force, Marines and land-based Navy) enjoyed Bob Hope, Les Brown and his Band of Renown, Gloria Diaz (Miss Universe 1969), the Golddiggers singing group and our new "hero," Neil Armstrong, who had just walked on the moon five months earlier.

The show's finale had all the entertainers on stage. With the orchestra playing, all of us sang "Silent Night." There was not a dry eye to be seen. While we were singing, the Lord touched our souls again and gave us peace. It was a memorable Christmas. Thank you, Lord.


Bill Lester, First UMC - McCamey


(Here is a link to Bob Hope's USO tours at Camp Eagle, 1967-1972)

First Sunday of Advent: HOPE!

We had a wonderful worship service this morning -- made extra special by the presence of Jack and Sherry Phillips' visiting family members.  We appreciated their daughter Lisa Thurman and grand daughters Eliya and Mikah Phillips who participated in the lighting of the first Advent candle, which represents HOPE.  (The lovely Advent wreath was recently donated to the church, so this was the first time it made its debut!)
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As always, we appreciate the special touch that Gloria Odom gives to the communion table, helping us all to visualize the meaning of the Scriptures that are read that day.

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At the nearby convalescent center, we read Scriptures, sang hymns and talked about the Advent wreath's first candle of "hope."  We improvised with a felt Advent wreath and placed it over a pumpkin (to give it some lift... so others could see it better).  It might just be the first-ever Advent Pumpkin Wreath.  Hey, we're making history right here in McCamey, Texas:  Yee-haw!  (And thanks so much, Mike and Cytha:  Your musical offerings were so very much appreciated!)

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Praise be to God for another glorious day in His Kingdom!

The First Sunday of Advent

November 28th – First Sunday of Advent

The Promise of Advent: A Journey to Bethlehem and Beyond - Each day during the season of Advent an entry from the Advent devotional will be placed here.  These entries were prepared by members and friends of the First UMC in Iraan and First UMC in McCamey.  The devotional also has entries for the the Twelve Days of Christmas (December 25-January 5th) and Epiphany Day (January 6th).

First Corinthians 13 [Christmas version]

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime: but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at a soup kitchen carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love does not envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return; but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust; but giving the gift of love will endure.

Author: Sharon Jaynes – Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas

Wanda Carpenter, First UMC - Iraan

Nativity Scene from the First UMC

Faithful Servants

Thanks so much, Roy Kephart and Randy Brown!  We appreciate your willingness to serve by setting up the church's nativity display yesterday!

With Grateful Heart

With Grateful Heart



With grateful heart my thanks I bring,
Before the great Thy praise I sing;
I worship in Thy holy place
And praise Thee for Thy truth and grace;
For truth and grace together shine
In Thy most holy Word divine,
In Thy most holy Word divine.


I cried to Thee and Thou didst save,
Thy Word of grace new courage gave;
The kings of earth shall thank Thee, Lord,
For they have heard Thy wondrous Word;
Yea, they shall come with songs of praise,
For great and glorious are Thy ways,
For great and glorious are Thy ways.

O Lord, enthroned in glory bright,
Thou reignest in the heavenly height;
The proud in vain Thy favor seek,
But Thou hast mercy for the meek;
Through trouble though my pathway be,
Thou wilt retrieve and strengthen me,
Thou wilt retrieve and strengthen me.


Thou wilt stretch forth Thy mighty arm
To save me when my foes alarm;
The work Thou hast for me begun
Shall by Thy grace be fully done;
Forever mercy dwells with Thee;
O Lord, my Maker, think on me,
O Lord, my Maker, think on me.

WOW: More Than 10,000 Visits to This Blog!

Praise be to God!  We have SO MUCH for which to be thankful!  Just one of these things is that we have had more than 10,000 visits to this blog (so far... this year)!

McCamey Community Thanksgiving Service

The annual Community Thanksgiving Service was held tonight in the First UMC sanctuary. 

Thanks to Tandy Adams (First Baptist Church), Pastor Murray Sauder (Eastside Baptist Church) and the hand bell choir from the First UMC for helping to make the service such a meaningful time for all. 

A generous basket of canned goods was received from the congregation which will be given to the food bank at First Baptist Church.

Following the service we gathered in the fellowship hall for a wonderful dessert potluck.  Thanks to the many wonderful people who contributed to this delicious bounty!

Christ the King Sunday @ FUMC - McCamey

It was a beautiful morning as we gathered together to worship on this Christ the King Sunday in McCamey.  At the conclusion of the worship service this morning Pastor Charles distributed copies of the Advent devotional to each family present.  Copies will be mailed on Monday to our out-of-town members and friends.

At the Convalescent Center in the afternoon, we enjoyed the worship and fellowship with the residents.  Belinda Alkula, Pastor Charles, Bill & Bobbie Lester and Cytha Peters were present to lend their gifts to the worship.

Justin's Park (located at the rear of the church building) was ablaze with color today.  The brightly colored tree, donated by Jim & Mary Witcher, really stands out against the tall evergreen trees!

Prayer for Christ the King Sunday

(from the fresco "Christ in majesty" in Orvieto Cathedral (Italy) by Fra Angelico, Benozzo Gozzoli and Luca Signorelli in 1447-49 and 1499-1504.)


Today is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday in the liturgical year. Next week is the beginning of Advent and the cycle of the church year begins anew. Before we launch into the holidays however, let us offer to our king the homage that is due to Him alone:

Collect for Christ the King Sunday:

Almighty and eternal God, You have made of one blood all the nations of the earth and will that they live together in peace and harmony; so order the course of this world so all peoples may be brought together under Christ's most gentle rule; through Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(from the New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 637b)

Community Thanksgiving Service

The Community Thanksgiving Service is tomorrow, Sunday, November 21 at 6:00 p.m.  Please come and share in the celebration!
There will be a dessert "potluck" fellowship time following the service.

We will also be receiving a canned goods offering in support of the community food pantry. 

Church Dinner at Benoits!

The First United Methodist Church in McCamey was well-represented at Benoit's this evening!  Eleven turned out on this beautiful evening in McCamey, and two hours later the fellowship was going strong! 

Present tonight were Pastor Charles & Belinda, Verla Flading, Jack & Peggy Garner, Alice & Roy Kephart, Bill & Bobbie Lester, Jean Myrick and Gloria Odom.

Community Thanksgiving Service this Sunday Evening!

All are welcome at the McCamey Community Thanksgiving Service this Sunday at the First United Methodist Church, which begins at 6:00 p.m.  Come and be thankful to God for all that He has given us!

Please bring a dessert to share following the service.

FUMC on the Town tomorrow

We'll be gathering at Benoit's tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. for a "Dutch treat" supper.  No muss - no fuss - no program, just some UM's sharing food and fellowship!

A Good Morning at the Convalscent Center!

The weekly gathering at the convalescent center for coffee, donuts and purusing the pages of the "McCamey News" took place this morning.  Belinda and Pastor Charles joined other volunteers in these activities. 
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The residents with whom we chatted send their greetings to all of y'all!  Also they send their best wishes to the local high school football team who is playing in the playoffs tomorrow night:  "Go Badgers!"

Musical Wednesdays

The choir and hand bells were at it again tonight, making music with such joy! 

On Sunday, the choir will be singing in the morning during the worship service.  In the evening, the hand bells will provide the music during the offering of the Community Thanksgiving Service at 6:00 p.m.  The ladies will be sporting their new-look.  You'll want to be here to see and hear for yourself... what all the "noise" is all about!

Community Thanksgiving Service

Please join us on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. for the annual Community Thanksgiving Service.  This service is sponsored by the McCamey Ministerial Alliance and will be hosted this year by the First UMC.  A canned good offering will be taken (a basket will be in the rear of the sanctuary) in addition to a monetary offering taken in support of the ministries of the Ministerial Alliance.

A dessert fellowship will be shared following the service.

Badgers for Christ - November!

We had a terrific turn-out today for "Badgers for Christ!"  More than 40 students and teachers from the McCamey High School came out for pizza and sodas.  Dr. Maggie Rogers, from the Methodist Children's Home in Waco was here today and gave a message to the students.  She spoke about doing your best and dealing with failure. It is always a joy to see her!  Her last visit was the February 17th Badgers for Christ lunch gathering.
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Since this was the last "Badgers for Christ" lunchtime together this year, the church gave everyone in attendance a copy of "The Message" -- New Testament Bible.  A blessed Advent journey to all of y'all!  See you next year!
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Our volunteers today were Belinda and Pastor Charles, Marian Brown, Bill Lester, Gloria Odom and Debbie White.  A hearty "thank you" to Bill who went back to Crazy John's after the students left and got some extra pizza, so that the volunteers could have lunch too!

November 14th in McCamey

It is a blessing each week to come together as a community of faith!  Our time in worship, both in the sanctuary and at the McCamey Convalescent Center, is something we pray is what people need and can take with them into the week ahead.

We had a great time at the Convalescent Center.  Thanks to Cytha Peters, Bobbie & Bill Leter and Belinda Alkula for helping Pastor Charles share the Good News with the residents.

This evening we offered to the community the program called GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays.  It was a special time of sharing and is something we are glad to be able to offer.

The message for today

Today's sermon, "The rumors abound," is based on Luke 21:5-19.  May God richly bless the reading of the Word.

(The picture is of the destruction of Jerusalem (70 AD) shown on the inside wall of the Arch of Titus, Rome)

District Celebration Today!

The San Angelo District held a celebration entitled, "Our Golden  Resources" today at the First UMC in San Angelo.  Bobbie and Bill Lester joined Pastor Charles and Belinda (and Belinda's mother, Sheila Hammitt) in attending the event.

Bobbie attended the break-out session on administrative  board ministry, while Bill attended the finance committee session.  Pastor Charles went to the worship area workshop.

Belinda and her mother took part in the ministry of hospitality and went with Patty Altman (our D.S.' wife) and Barbara Dorff (our Bishop's wife) for a quick tour of nearby Fort Concho.