Words of the Poet for New Year's Eve

(cross stitch pattern from Scotland)

Throughout the English-speaking world, Auld Lang Syne is traditionally sung on New Years Eve (known as Hogmanay in Scotland). That  tradition does not hearken back to Burns but rather only to  Canadian band leader Guy Lombardo who sang at midnight January 1, 1929 in the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.  Guy Lombardo's orchestra played the song every New Years Eve, in live broadcast from New York, until 1976.  Since then, their recording has been played each year as part of the Times Square "ball drop." 

(for a translation of Burns' Scottish words and phrases, see this link)

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?


Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne.  We'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.


And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp! And surely I'll be mine!  And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.  Chorus

We twa hae run about the braes and pou'd the gowans fine.  We've wandered mony a weary foot, sin' auld lang syne.  Chorus

We twa hae sported i' the burn, from morning sun till dine, but seas between us braid hae roared sin' auld lang syne.  Chorus

And ther's a hand, my trusty friend, and gie's a hand o' thine; We'll tak' a right good willie-waught, for auld lang syne.  Chorus

Seventh Day of Christmas - New Year's Eve

Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine was written by Charles Wesley specifically for use by the early Methodist Socities during the Watch Night Service on New Year's Eve. 


Sat. January 1, 1785 — Whether this be the last or no, may it be the best year of my life! Sun. January 2, 1785 — A larger number of people were present this evening at the renewal of our covenant with God, than was ever seen before on the occasion.  - from John Wesley's Journal
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Come, let us use the grace divine, and all with one accord, in a perpetual covenant join ourselves to Christ the Lord; Give up ourselves, thru Jesus' power, His name to glorify; and promise, in this sacred hour, for God to live and die.


The covenant we this moment make be ever kept in mind; we will no more our God forsake, or cast these words behind.  We never will throw off the fear of God who hears our vow; and if Thou art well pleased to hear, come down and meet us now.


Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, let all our hearts receive, present with Thy celestial host the peaceful answer give; to each covenant the blood apply which takes our sins away, and register our names on high and keep us to that day!

Sixth Day of Christmas

"Here we come a-wassailing among the leaves so green, here we come a wandering so fair to be seen. Love and joy come to you, and to you your wassail to, and God bless you and send you a happy New Year. And God send you a happy New Year."


The traditional English drink for this season was Wassail (from the Saxon: 'Was Hael' meaning 'Be whole' or 'to your health.'  For all the words to this song, visit this link.  For more about Wassailing, visit this link.


New Braunfels Christmas Lights Wassail


Ingregients:
1 gallon apple cider
2 quarts cranberry juice
1 tablespoon Aromatic Bitters
4 sticks cinnamon
1 tablespoon white all-spice
2 oranges, studded with cloves
2 cups rum (optional)


Directions: Combine the ingredients and heat gently. Serve warm.  This drink also sends wonderful aromas throughout the house.

Fifth Day of Christmas

(The nave of Canterbury Cathedral - the pulpit is midway on the left)

In 1170, on the Fifth Day of Christmas, four knights from the court of King Henry II burst into Canterbury Cathedral looking for Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. Just inside the cloister door, they murdered Becket, whose defence of the rights of the church had angered his one-time friend, the king.

Within three years, Thomas was canonized, and the shrine of St. Thomas of Canterbury was set to become one of the most popular destinations for pilgrims from all over Europe.

In his play, "Murder in the Cathedral," T.S. Eliot reconstructs from historical sources the Archbiship's final sermon, preached in the cathedral on Christmas Day. It is a remarkable meditation on the meaning of Christmas, martyrdom, and the true meaning of "peace on earth."


The Fifth Day of Christmas, the anniversary of Becket's death, is an opportunity to reflect on the broader meaning of Christmas by reading the Archbishop's sermon.

One Year Ago Today!

Praise God!!!

It was one year ago TODAY that Pastor Charles and Belinda Alkula moved into the parsonage of the First United Methodist Church in McCamey, Texas:  Yee-haw!  (You can see the actual blog entry by clicking "here.")

Fourth Day of Christmas

("Rest on the Flight to Egypt"

by Federico Fiori Barocci, 1570, Vatican Museum)

Traditionaly, today is marked by remembering the children killed on the order of King Herod (Matthew 2:16-18). We offer this prayer from All Saints Episcopal Church in Brookline, Massachusetts:



In peace we pray to you, God of grace and mercy, saying, "Lord, hear your children."


For the Church, that people of all religious traditions put their faith into action; For those who care for children and answer God's call to protect the poor; For our nation and our leaders, that they put children first; For those who stand for children and speak out for justice, let us pray: "Lord, hear your children."


For children everywhere, especially those denied childhood; For children who labor and children who starve, children without schools or doctors or clean water, let us pray: "Lord, hear your children."


For the gift of babies; For the growth and blossoming of all children and youth; For parents and step-parents, godparents and caregivers, teachers and mentors; For all the families who struggle to make ends meet and find good care for their children, let us pray: "Lord, hear your children."


For the children who suffer abuse and neglect; For the special needs and concerns of this congregation, let us pray: "Lord, hear your children."


For the blessings of this life, especially children and young people; For women and men alike, old and young together, let us pray: "Lord, hear your children."


For all who have died, especially those who died from poverty and causes we could have prevented, let us pray: "Lord, hear your children."

The Third Day of Christmas

(From the Gospel According to John, The Book of Kells, Folio 27v)

John 1:1-14 (The Message):

1-2 The Word was first, the Word present to God, God present to the Word. The Word was God, in readiness for God from day one.

3-5 Everything was created through Him; nothing—not one thing!— came into being without Him. What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn't put it out.

6-8 There once was a man, his name John, sent by God to point out the way to the Life-Light. He came to show everyone where to look, who to believe in. John was not himself the Light; he was there to show the way to the Light.


9-13 The Life-Light was the real thing: Every person entering Life He brings into Light. He was in the world, the world was there through Him, and yet the world didn't even notice. He came to His own people, but they didn't want Him. But whoever did want Him, who believed He was who He claimed and would do what He said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves. These are the God-begotten, not blood-begotten, not flesh-begotten, not sex-begotten.


14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.

First Sunday after Christmas in McCamey

It was a decidely chilly start to the last Sunday in December but that didn't stop the faithful from coming to worship at the First UMC!

With thoughts of Christmas morning still in our heads, we gathered for worship at the FUMC.  We are fortunate to have had Marilyn Whitaker with us - she provided beautiful music on the organ (Cytha is away this weekend), so much better than using a CD!

This afternoon, Belinda Alkula and Bill Lester accompanied Pastor Charles to the McCamey Convalescent Center for the weekly worship service.  It is always a blessing to be with these sweet souls!

We've come to the end of 2010 - who knows what the New Year will bring to our community and to our church. But we know that God will be with us and that will be all we need!

The Second Day of Christmas

"The Feast of St. Stephen"

The day celebrates the first person to give his life for the sake of Christ, St. Stephen, who was also one of the first deacons ordained to serve the poor.

This day also has the additional title of "Boxing Day" and is a holiday in the many countries of the British Commonwealth. There are various explanations for this name, but they all boil down to the idea that this is a day to be generous to those who are less fortunate than yourself.

Another saint closely associated with this day is St. Wenceslas of Bohemia whose charity to the poor is remembered in John Mason Neal's wonderful carol. The day after Christmas is a particularly good day to put the "spirit of giving" into practice. Take time today to perform an act of charity. If you make end-of-year gifts to charities, write the checks today.

Remembering St. Stephen and St. Wenceslas as well as our Lord's own sacrifice, this would be a good day to consider giving of yourself. Charity can take many forms. Whatever form your giving takes, make sure to sing or whistle "Good King Wenceslas" while you do it!

(adapted from fullhomelydivinity.org)

The First Day of Christmas

(The Nativity stained glass window is at St Leonard's Church, Mundford, Norfolk, UK)

Christmas Day,
The First Day of Christmas

The Nativity Prayer of Saint Augustine

Let the just rejoice,
For their jusifier is born.

Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
For their Savior is born.

Let the captives rejoice,
For their Redeemer is born.

Let the slaves rejoice,
For their Master is born.

Let free men rejoice,
For their Liberator is born.

Let all Christians rejoice,
For Jesus Christ is born.

St. Augustine of Hippo (354 - 440 A.D.)

(The devotional entries for the Twelve Days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day and continue through Epiphany, January 6th. They are offered by Pastor Charles)

More from a McCamey Christmas Eve

What a blessing Christmas Eve was in McCamey for everyone who came to worship the Messiah.  We were able to really focus on the true meaning of Christmas! 

2010 Christmas Pageant!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, ALL OF Y'ALL!!!

-----------------------------------------------------

What a wonderful time we had at last night's Christmas pageant at the First United Methodist Church in McCamey!  The Spirit of the Lord was with us as folks stepped into the roles of the nativity story, and it came alive... west-Texas style.  Praise be to God for a special worship experience where all present were amazed anew at just how much God loves us!!!



Christmas Eve at the Convalescent Center

Members of the First UMC in McCamey went to the McCamey Convalescent Center this afternoon to share in the celebration that is Christmas Eve.  Residents, staff and the FUMC shared in the service of lessons and carols in the hallway around the nurses station (due to the work being done in the dining room).  Over 30 residents, staff and FUMC members joined in the worship celebration.

Pastor Charles read the scripture lessons and was joined by Belinda Alkula, Verla Flading, Nic & Amy Gray, Alice Kephart, Bill & Bobbie Lester and Cytha Peters in singing the wonderful Christmas music.  Belinda led the everyone in playing the hand bells - "Joy to the World" and "Jingle Bells." 

What a wonderful place to share the good news of Jesus' birth!

Advent Devotional for Christmas Eve

("Merry Christmas" in Vietnamese)

Christmas Eve, December 24, 1968 - My most memorable Christmas.

Delta Company was at hill Charlie 2 (C2) the closest outpost to the DMZ (the demilitarized zone between North and South Vietnam) that existed. There was a ceasefire in place and we had not seen any action in several days. At night, Captain Smallwood would send out at least a squad of men to establish a forward outpost in case of enemy movement. Lt. Mike and the rest of 1st squad, 4th platoon and I were sent northwest of C2 to set up a forward post. We were not very concerned about going because of the ceasefire.


We went to an abandoned Catholic Church in a village that had been destroyed in the war. Catholicism was the second largest religion in South Vietnam. We set up our position in the steeple of the church. If we saw any movement I was to radio the base camp.

We had not been there long when Private Moody whispered to Lt. Mike that he had seen movement. Lt. Mike and I looked through the starlight scope (night vision scope) and watched as three North Vietnamese soldiers, carrying their weapons, approached the church. We lost sight of them, but we knew that they were inside the church. It became deadly quiet! Then we heard singing in the sanctuary. We could not understand the Vietnamese language but knew the tune the moment they started singing "Silent Night, Holy Night."


These three NVA (North Vietnam Army) soldiers were Catholic and were celebrating the birth of the Christ child. When they were finished with their worship, we watched them walk away into the jungle. We all talked about how neat it would have been to worship together. Soon the ceasefire ended and it wasn't long until we went back into combat. I wonder to this day if those NVA soldiers were in bunkers trying to kill us, and us them, in every fire-fight after that Christmas Eve.


Glen Smart, First UMC - McCamey

Get ready for Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve at FUMC - McCamey is THE place to be!  The first-ever (in McCamey!) "Christmas pageant in-a-bag" will tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m.  Please help get the word out about this exciting worship experience. 

Following the worship service we'll be sharing a "birthday cake for Jesus" in the fellowship hall.   Remember - our parish devotional entries will continue to be posted daily through Epiphany, January 6th)

Visiting Convalescent Center Today!

We enjoyed our visit this morning with the residents of the McCamey Convalescent Center.  Belinda continued working with the folks using the hand bells - on Christmas Eve the residents will be sharing their gift as part of the 4:00 p.m. worship service.

Advent Devotional for December 23rd

Hark the Herald Angels Sing!

The Rev. Charles Wesley, 1739

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"


Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Shirley Smith, McCamey Convalescent Center

Advent Devotional for December 22nd

CHRISTMAS BELLS

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
(written on Christmas Day, 1864)

I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old, familiar carols play, and wild and sweet their words repeat of peace on earch, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom, had rolled along the unbroken song of peace on earch, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way, they world revolved from night to day, a voice, a chime, a chant sublime of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth, the cannon thundered from the South, and the sound the carols drowned of peace on earch, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent the hearth-stones of a continent, and made forlorn the households born of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair, I bowed my head.  "There is no peace on Earth," I said; "For hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:  "God is not dead; nor doth He sleep!  The Wrong shall fail; the Right prevail, with peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Pat & Lawrence Schneider, First UMC - Iraan

Advent Devotional for December 21st

The First Noel (16th century, England)

The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!


They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!


And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!


This star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both pause and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!


Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!


Cecelia Teas, McCamey Convalescent Center

Advent Devotional for December 20th

Advent Prayer to Jesus

You are our eternal salvation, the unfailing light of the world.  Light everlasting, You are truly our redemption.

Grieving that the human race was perishing through the tempter's power, without leaving the heights You came to the depths in Your loving kindness.

Readily taking our humanity by Your gracious will, You saved all earthly creatures, long since lost, restoring joy to the world.

Redeem our souls and bodies, O Christ, and so possess us as Your shining dwellings.

By Your first coming, make us righteous; at Your second coming, set us free.

So that, when the world is filled with light and You judge all things, we may be clad in spotless robes and follow in Your steps, O King, into the heavenly hall.

Unknown author, 10th century

Peggy Garner, First UMC - McCamey

McCamey's Angel Tree

The annual angel tree project in McCamey was a success: thirty-three children will be receiving gifts on Christmas Day from the community.  It is sponsored each year by the McCamey Ministerial Alliance (MMA).  The angel tree was located this year in the lobby of Security Bank.  Individuals and organizations stopped at the bank to select "angels" from the tree.

This afternoon at the First Assembly of God Church, the gifts were to be sorted.  Pastor Charles & Belinda stopped by to help out, but Pastor David Snodgrass had already completed the sorting.  Each of the children who had signed up for the effort will have gifts on Christmas morning!  Praise be to God for the loving, giving folks who live in McCamey!

Beautiful Sunday in West Texas!

Our worship service this morning featured the telling of the gospel message with a "service of lessons and carols."  (This service was adapted from one begun at Truro Cathedral in Truro, Cornwall, UK, in 1880.) Today's service was a wonderful experience for one and all!

We are blessed to have so many willing to give of themselves in service each week.  Today Bill Lester led the congregation through another wonderful church history moment.  Dollie Lynch served as liturgist.  Gary & Luann Elliott lit the fourth Advent candle. 

Pastor Charles and Belinda were overwhelmed by the gifts from the congregation: What a blessing it is to be among such generous and loving people!

Following the service, our United Methodist Men's president Glen Smart took all of the food that had been donated at the community Thanksgiving service to the food bank, which is now located at the First Baptist Church.

The choir, led by Louise Carll, sang beautifully this morning with three selections which added so much to the service.  Cytha Peters and Mike Sherrod played three lovely piano duets, likewise adding to the worship of the community.

This afternoon, we continued to worship by going to the McCamey Convalescent Center.  Thanks to Bill & Bobbie Lester, Belinda Alkula, Nic & Amy Gray and Grace Moody for lending their support for this ministry.

Devotional for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Three Stages of Christmas



Stage 1: Christmas as a child:
My brother, sister and I always looked forward to having Santa Claus come and see us on Christmas Eve. The gifts from Santa were always great, and they were the gifts that I had hoped for. As I grew older, the gifts meant more to me because I now realized that those gifts were a product of hard word. My family did not have a lot of money but my dad worked hard to see that we had a great Christmas. The real gift was the pride that my mom and dad had of seeing their children happy.


Stage 2: Christmas as a parent:
When my wife and I became parents we wanted our children to have memorable Christmas mornings. We would work hard Christmas Eve night to make sure every gift was in its place. We had fun preparing the gifts, and we were excited about the thought of watching our children's expressions the next morning. I am so glad that we had four children! I get four times the joy! As I had learned from my parents, the real meaning of Christmas is giving. Our children had given us the greatest gift: Joy!


Stage 3: Christmas as a grandparent:
We have yet to experience this stage. It will come very soon and we will get the opportunity to make someone happy. Maybe our grandchildren will understand the real meaning of Christmas. The joy of giving!

Donny Wiley, First UMC - McCamey