More work at the parsonage today!

The work on the parsonage continued today, with a crew from First Choice Painting on hand to tackle the project.  It looks better already!

Scripture lesson for September 4th

This week's sermon text continues with a reading from Romans 13:8-14.

"...To love one another - An eternal debt, which can never be sufficiently discharged; but yet if this be rightly performed, it discharges all the rest. For he that loveth another - As he ought. Hath fulfilled the whole law - Toward his neighbour."

- from John Wesley's Notes on the New Testament

Work begins at the Parsonage

The much-anticipated work on the parsonage roof began today, with some attention being given to the trim. Over the course of the next few days, the workers will remove the old roof tiles and give the outside a whole new look.

Youth Ministry Cancellation

Due to opposition to the leadership of the youth ministry being planned for Wednesday nights, this activity has been cancelled and removed from the calendar.

Thought for Monday

"We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive."
~C.S. Lewis

Today's Blessings and Prayers

JOYS

+Birthday Celebrations:  Cody, Bradyn M., Allen Coe (Joan and Coy Coe’s son).

+Anniversary Celebrations:  Coy and Joan Coe’s 55^th wedding anniversary.  Carrie Odom Templeton and Clint Templeton’s wedding anniversary; they were married in this church 17 years ago.

+Our acoloytes today:  Bradyn M. and Cole.
+Sanctuary’s sound system sounds great.
+Safe travels.
+Alice K. called from New Mexico to say she was happy to see the folks in the choir in a photo on the church blog.
+Ruben Aguilar’s missionary work at his 3^rd birthday party at the church yesterday, i.e., getting folks to contribute quarters that he could put into the electric lighthouse in the fellowship hall.  The money will buy insecticide-treated bed nets to combat malaria in Africa.  For more info, go to “Nothing But Nets:”.)
+Air conditioning.
+Visiting with friends and family members.
+Our church and its leaders. 

CONCERNS
+Rain desperately needed – especially in the Horn of Africa, where they are suffering with the worst drought in the history of Africa.
+Margaret Carnes’ navigating life changes, e.g., moving to Levelland to be near her daughter.
+The approach of the 10^th anniversary of “9-11,” and what that means to those who lost loved ones in the attacks.
+Travelling mercies.
+School faculty, administration and students/parents – got through the first week of school (174 school days to go).
+Folks with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.
+Those struggling with life decisions.

Healing Mercies:  Donny W., DeWayne L., Henry W., Miley B., Lou Dell M., Jimmy P., Charles H., the Rev. Claire Richardson’s mother, Jane H., Bill T., Bobbie L.’s uncle, Colton W.

Continuing prayers:
Our church. Our Youth.  Our schools.  Teachers/students.  Athletes/coaches.  Our country.  Our leaders.  Our military (and their family members).  Countries fighting for freedom.  Unspoken requests.

Prayers for Safety

Our prayers continue for all affected by Hurricane Irene.

Happy birthday, Ruben!

Jennifer & Tony A. hosted Ruben's 3rd birthday pary this evening in the fellowship hall, and one only had to listen to the sounds of children to know that this was a big hit!  The theme was Spider Man, and Ruben was thrilled with his hero-themed cake.

Prayers for Safety

Our prayers are for the safety of all those with whom Hurrican Irene will impact this weekend... and in the days and weeks ahead. 

This morning at the Convalescent Center

It was time for coffee, donuts and conversation this morning at the McCamey Convalescent Center. There were lots of people from the community gathered around the residents, catching up on the news of the day. Of course weather was on everyone's mind and there was general agreement that it is just too hot (and dry)!

Scripture lesson for August 28th

The scripture lesson for this coming Sunday, August 28th, comes to us from Romans 12:9-21.

 The church in Rome was faced with a challenge - how to be "Christ-like" when dealing with other people.  It is easier than it sounds.  After all, if Jesus could love his enemies how hard could be for us to do it too?

The thing is, we are the church in a community of faith.  This community is continually being shaped by the people in the church as well as by those people we encounter outside the church walls.  If we are serious about growing as disciples (notice I didn't say growing in church membership) we have to move past our own agenda and embrace God's agenda.

This is what Paul was saying to the church in Rome.  What is Paul saying to you?

Joys & Concerns from August 21st

JOYS
+Healing Mercies:  Cleo D. (aka “Mama D.”), Tavin B. and Cole.
+Sincere appreciation for Jim W. and other EMS folks who staff the local ambulance service.
+Birthday Celebrations: Ruben A. & Jim W. and his youngest son (on the very same day).
+Safe travels for Derek W. to his new assignment at Ft. Lewis in Washington state.
+Roy and Alice K. called to say they were enjoying cooler weather and rain in New Mexico.
+Verla F. is doing well in New York.
+Eric, Sara and Brinlee H.’s home had no air conditioning working at their home from Friday night until midnight Saturday.  It is great to have it working again.
+Visiting with friends and family members.
+Good district picnic for clergy and their families last Thursday.
+An amazing chocolate meringue pie experience in Mason.
+Upcoming district seminar at Sierra Vista UMC in San Angelo on August 27th, 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  The presentation is titled:  "Wanted Dead or Alive:  Methodism as Church!"  

CONCERNS

+Rain desperately needed – especially in the Horn of Africa, where they are suffering with one of the worst droughts in the history of Africa.
+Travelling mercies.
+Comfort for the family and friends of Billy Carnes of McCamey and Edna Earl Benton (Theodora M.’s sister).
+School faculty, administration, staff,students and parents beginning the 2011-2012 school year.
+Those involved with school band and sports activities.
+Those struggling with life decisions.

Healing Mercies:
+DeWayne Lindsey, Henry W., Miley B., Charles H., the Rev. Claire Richardson’s mother, Jane Harrison, who is terminally ill.; Jimmy P. who is recovering from a snake bite; Lou Dell M. and Colton W.

Continuing Prayers: 

Our church - Our Youth - Our schools -Teachers & students -  Athletes & coaches - Our country - Our leaders. Our military (and their family members) - Countries fighting- Countries fighting for freedom - Unspoken requests.

August 21st in McCamey

The day came to a conclusion with the trustees and ad board meetings.  There was lots of discussion about the work to be done on the roof of the parsonage, which should begin this week.  Among the topics at the ad board were reports from the UMW and UMM, and about "Badgers for Christ" (next month on the 21st).  The need for a children's church school class and leaders for that effort was also discussed.

Upcoming dates:
September 11th - a community picnic (starting at 5:30 p.m.) will proceed the remembrance service marking the tenth anniversary of the attacks of 9/11.  This service is being offered to the community by the McCamey Ministerial Alliance.
September 18th - Welcome Teachers Potluck following worship.
September 21st - The first Badgers for Christ of the 2011-2012 school year.

("Christ's charge to Peter," 1481 by Perugino, found in the Sistine Chapel)

Almighty God, who sent Your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of Your Church: Open our hearts to the riches of Your grace, that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace; through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)

Funeral Service for Edna Earl Benton

Today Bill and Bobbie Lester, accompanied by Belinda Alkula, travelled to Mason, where they attended the funeral of this fine lady, sister of our Theordora Matthews.  Thanks be to God for her bright witness of her Lord's love for all!

Passing of Billy Carnes

Please lift up in your prayers the family of Billy Carnes - he died suddenly this morning at his home in McCamey.

UM's on the Town at Benoit's

It was the third Friday of the month and that means "UM's on the town!"  Eleven of us gathered at Benoit's for supper tonight and a good time was had by all.  Bill & Bobbie Lester brought tonight's door prize, a six-pack of Dr. Pepper all the way from Dublin, Texas!  Jack Phillips was the happy recipient of the door prize which Sherry no doubt hopes he'll share!!!

Prayer Request

Edna Earle Benton, 90, (Theodora M.'s sister) passed away in Mason on Wednesday.  The funeral service will be tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m.

District Clergy Picnic

This afternoon, Pastor Charles and Belinda joined parsonage families from across the San Angelo District for the annual "welcome to the San Angelo District" picnic.  This year's picnic was held at the Morgan Shady Park and at First UMC - Junction. 

Each year the District welcomes those clergy and their families who are new to the San Angelo District with a picnic.  Those clergy who have moved within the District are also recognized.

Warm morning in McCamey

Another dry, hot day in store for us in the Permian Basin but that doesn't stop the community from gathering at the McCamey Convalescent Center for the weekly Thursday fellowship time. 

Pastor Charles was on hand along with other community visitors and everyone was in fine spirits, catching up on the news of this corner of the world.  One of the ladies got Pastor Charles to try on her west Texas-style clip-on earings - quite a look!

The choir is back in business

The choir met tonight for the their first practice following their summer break.  Cytha Peters led the group tonight in preparation for the coming week's worship services.

Prayers for Edna Earl Benton

Theodora Matthews called the church this morning with the news that her sister, Edna Earl Benton (90) from Mason (TX) passed away last night.  Funeral arrangements are pending.

Work at the Parsonage Last Friday

Last Friday morning, church trustees and other church members visited the parsonage to determine what work needs to be done.  Bill Lester fixed the whistling/yodeling toilet in the back bedroom.  Thanks be to God for faithful folks who take action to improve things for their church's parsonage family!

Prayer and Concerns from August 14

JOYS
+God’s Amazing Grace.
+Recent rain for west Texas, which brought cooler weather.
+Our usher: Coy C.
+Our acolyte: Jonah A.
+Healing Mercies: Cleo D. (aka “Mama D.”), Tavin B. and Cole.
+Birthday Celebrations: Joan C., Gloria O and Gloria O.’s granddaughter Camryn.
+Anniversary Celebration: Jim and Mary Witcher, 42 years.
+Theodora M., Roy & Alice K. and Lou Dell M. are back with us today.
+Verla F. sends her love from New York.
+Dollie L. will have a room this year (vs. a gym).
+Jennifer A. will not have to move classrooms for the first time in 6 years.
+All who support the “Badgers for Christ” witness program.
+Visiting with friends and family members.
+Wonderful person who fixed the parsonage toilet, which no longer whistles and yodels when flushed.
+Our church.


CONCERNS
+Rain desperately needed – especially in the Horn of Africa, where they are suffering with one of the worst drought in the history of Africa.
+Our government and its leaders.
+All suffering from the conflict in the Middle East.
+Travelling mercies, in general, and specifically for Bill and Bobbie L…. Lou Dell M. who travels to New York this week…. and Roy & Alice K. who are travelling again soon.
+Those involved with school band and sports activities.
+For the success of the United Methodist Men’s (UMM’s) group.
+Bobbie L.’s brother and his wife are visiting the Congo until 8/14/11.
+School faculty, administration and students/parents beginning the 2011-2012 school year.

+Those struggling with life decisions.
+For hurricane season which is through November.
+Comfort for the family and friends of the 31 people who died in the recent helicopter crash in Afghanistan.
+Dollie Lynch’s brother-in-law, Bob Lynch, 61, died Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. Services are pending with Shaffer Funeral Home/Sherwood Way.

Healing Mercies:
• DeWayne Lindsey, Edna Earl B. (Theodora M.’s sister), Henry W., Miley B., Charles H., the Rev. Claire Richardson’s mother, Jane Harrison, who is terminally ill.
• All those being treated at the Odessa Cancer Center.
• Ronnie W.’s 6-month-old grandson Colton who is undergoing chemotherapy.
• Joann N. (recovering from apparent stroke in Indiana)

Continuing prayers:
Our church.
Our Youth. Our schools. Teachers/students. Athletes/coaches.
Our country. Our leaders. Our military (and their family members).
Countries fighting for freedom.
Unspoken requests.
_____________________________
Comfort for the family of Luis Valenzuela, Sr. and the residents and staff of the McCamey Convalescent Center. http://hosting-24908.tributes.com/show/Luis-Valenzuela-92057479


Comfort for the family of Janey Lindsey of Rankin who died as a result of fire at her home. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/oaoa/obituary.aspx?n=janey-lindsey-shackelford&pid=153013819


Comfort for the family of Shirley Coomer Badget of San Angelo. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gosanangelo/obituary.aspx?n=shirley-joann-coomer-badgett&pid=152878629


Comfort for the family of Dee Sewell (nephew of Shirley Coomer Badget) who recently died. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/oaoa/obituary.aspx?n=dee-sewell&pid=153038659


Comfort for the family of Neil Sconiers.  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/oaoa/obituary.aspx?n=neal-edward-sconiers&pid=153038650