Prayer request

Prayers are asked tonight for Theresa Z. (Tandy A.'s grandmother).  She is in the hospital and at last report the prognosis isn't good.

The scripture lesson for this week

This Sunday's sermon scripture lesson comes from Philippians 3:4b-14.

McCamey FUMC today

A warm Sunday morning was in store for the faithful coming to worship at FUMC-McCamey today.  This afternoon, Cytha Peters accompanied Pastor Charles in worshipping at the McCamey Convalescent Center.

Joys and concerns from this morning's worship service:
Joys:
+Theodora M. and Nikki B. are back with us.
+Guests coming to worship are now part of the church family.
+McCamey High School's homecoming is this week and the Class of '72 is having a reunion.
+Cooler weather is coming.

Concerns:
+Those absent from us this morning.
+The residents of the McCamey Convalescent Center.

+Prayers for healing: Steven A., Miley B., Jane H., DeWayne L., Aurora L., Jimmy P., Doug P., Bill T., Colton W., Lelah W., Henry W., Tammy W., Theresa Z., Laurie (Penny Sadbury's daughter), and Dan Brown's sister is dealing with cancer.

This week's scripture lesson

This week's sermon takes as its text Philippians 2:1-13.

Tonight's Ad Board meeting

The Ad Board met tonight in the fellowship hall with a larger-than-typical turnout on hand.  Among the issues discussed:

+Pastor Charles led a discussion of the reports due for the upcoming church conference (November 6th during the worship service).

+Pastor Charles asked if folks supported another Advent devotional like we did last year.  We'll be looking for submissions no later than November 6th.

+Pastor Charles asked for input regarding the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.  Christmas is on a Sunday this year.

+Bill Lester tendered his resignation from all duties he currently handles relating to finance.  A sub-committee will approach replacements.

Dates to remember:
+Badgers for Christ will be meeting this week (Sep. 21), Jim Witcher will be giving a message.

+Donny Wiley and Jennifer Aguilar were appointed to represent the First UMC on the Ministerial Alliance committee for the EXCELL youth ministry.  Excell meets at our church in November.

+Our church conference is scheduled for November 6th.  All reports and input to the reports is due to be approved at the October Ad Board meeting.

+The McCamey community Thanksgiving service will be November 20th at 6:00 p.m. in the First Assembly of God Church.

Death notice of a clergy member of SWTX Conference

The Rev. Pamela Kilpatrick, 65, of Brownsville, died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, in Brownsville. Rev. Kilpatrick was a clergy member of the Southwest Texas Conference and the pastor of the First UMC in Brownsville (in her third year).

Visitation is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Johnson’s Funeral Home in San Angelo. Service is at 11 a.m. Thursday at Sierra Vista United Methodist Church (San Angelo) with burial in Fairmount Cemetery.

Survivors include her mother, Janie Kilpatrick; sons Aubrey Dunham of New Orleans, La., Tobin Dunham of Bandera and Hardin Dunham of San Angelo.

Today at the First UMC - McCamey

We had a great turn-out this morning for study, worship and fellowship!  Today was the annual "welcome lunch" for the new teachers/staff and their families at the McCamey ISD.  A congregation of more than fifty really gave the sanctuary a lively feel!

After the worship service we gathered in the fellowship hall for a  potluck lunch.  The tables were groaning with all manner of good food and everyone left feeling filled with God's love and some mighty fine vittles!!!

This afternoon's service at the McCamey Convalescent Center was also well-attended and the singing was really uplifting.  Thanks to Mike Sherrod and Cytha Peters for supporting this ministry.

Big Day Tomorrow (September 18th)

Don't forget tomorrow's events at FUMC:


Fellowship gathering at 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Church school at 9:45 a.m. --- Jennifer Aguilar and Connie Miles have volunteered to teach a children's class (pending approval of the Ad Board)

Adult classes (remember, being a church member isn't enough, we are expected to grow as disciples and that requires effort).

Worship at 11:00 a.m., starting a new epistle in the sermon this week - Philippians

Welcome Teachers Potluck Lunch at Noon --- bring a dish and a friend and let's fill the pews and the fellowship hall

Convalescent Center worship at 1:00 p.m. --- your participation is welcomed

Ad Board at 6:00 p.m. ---
+We need a lay person to represent FUMC at the McCamey Ministerial Alliance (to work with the EXCELL Youth Ministry).

UM's on the Town tonight

There was a smaller-than-normal turn-out for this month's "UM on the town" at Elena's, but that didn't stop us from having fun! 

Due to the Iraan-McCamey football game on October 21st, next month's supper outing will take place on the 14th at Benoit's.

Church Welcome Potluck

Make plans to attend our annual welcome lunch for new teachers and staff of McCamey ISD on Sunday, September 18th following the 11:00 a.m. worship service.

We'll be sharing a potluck meal and getting to know some of McCamey's newest residents. 

See you on Sunday!

UM's on the Town...

Don't forget: the monthly "UM's on the Town" takes place tomorrow evening at 6:00 p.m.   We'll be gathering at Elena's Kitchen for some good food and fellowship, see you there!

The roof is done!

The work at the parsonage wrapped up this afternoon with the final touches being done to the roof.  The crew was on-site early this morning, trying to get a jump on the heat.

As can be seen from the pictures, the result of the work done to the parsonage looks great and will last a long, long time!

UMW Salad Supper

Tonight's UMW meeting took place in the fellowship hall with ten in attendance.  The gathering began with the annual "salad supper."  There are some great cooks in this group!!!

The program was presented by Pastor Charles, who shared the story of Jacob and Esau and the need for reconcilliation in our relationships.

The roof is next!

The work on the parsonage roof began this afternoon with removal of the old shingles (twenty-one years old).  The four-man crew worked really hard, and the project should be completed in short-order. 

Prayers for Luann's Uncle Jake

From Luann Elliott:

My Uncle Jake passed away this morning at Tulahoma, Tennessee.  He was a Navy/WW II veteran and also a Baptist minister for most of his life.  Please add his family to the prayer list...The family of the Rev. Jake C. Stricklin.

This week's sermon text

This coming Sunday's sermon text starts a new book after eleven weeks reading from the epistle to the Romans. Our text, Philippians 1:21-30, begins four weeks in this letter to the first church Paul established in Europe.

Service of Remembrance and Hope

The McCamey Ministerial Alliance offered a service of remembrance and hope following the picnic.  It was great to see so many come out to honor the memory of those whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001.  It was also a time to show our respect for this country and those whose efforts continue keep us free.

Girl Scout Troop 127 (led by Melanie Spratt-Anderson) presented the colors and led the community in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

The community members who serve in public safety area were introduced and the community showed its appreciation of these folks: McCamey firefighters, E.M.S. and Upton County Sheriff's Department.

Other participants in tonight's observance were: Jennifer Aguilar, Judge Bill Eyler, Cytha Peters,The Sacred Heart Catholic Church Children's Choir, Pastor Kathryne Snodgrass (who led the singing), Pastor David Snodgrass, and Dr. Charles Alkula.

Thanks also to the McCamey High School cheerleaders for their help in passing out the bulletins to the community.

Community picnic @ Sante Fe Park

The community gathered this evening at Sante Fe Park for a picnic in the shade.  Hotdogs, chili, chips, drinks, and a beautiful flag-cake were provided by the City of McCamey, First Assembly of God, El Beun Pastor, and First United Methodist Church.

September 11th @ FUMC - McCamey

Joys:

+New faces in worship today!
+Floyd Chambers,  a McCamey HS grad (now living in Georgetown, TX) was with us today (seen in the picture with Maurine Jacobsen and Pastor Charles).
+The accident at the Post Office last week resulted in no injuries.
+The flowers given by the congregation to Theodora Matthews were appreciated very much.
+Much cooler weather continued last week.
+Birthdays this week: Tony Aguilar, Pam Smart, Vicki Smith, Joan Coe's brother, Ed Wagnon.
+Visiting family members from Ohio.
+McCamey H.S. football team won again on Friday!

Concerns:
+Prayers for those traveling/
+Those remembering the 9/11 attacks.
+The firefighters and those recovering from the wildfires.
+Those recovering from Hurricane Irene and from Tropical Storm Lee.
+The family of Gordon Cooley (Sherry Phillip's daughter-in-law's father) and Shirley Wilson.

+The Craig family.

Prayers for Healing: Miley B., Billy C., Jr., Charles H., Jane H., DeWayne L., Aurora L., Jimmy P., Doug P., Penny S., Bill T., Colton W. and Henry W.

Fear is not...

Following the 9/11 attacks, the United Methodist Church placed a billboard one block from Ground Zero which proclaimed, "Fear is not the only force at work in the world today." In remembrance of those who lost their lives, we invite you to use this photo.

9/11 Prayer of Remembrance

(Trinity Church - Wallstreet, New York City)

Almighty God, the events of 9/11 are indelibly inscribed in our memories.

We looked with horror on the terrorist attacks of that September morning. But we looked with honor on acts of courage by ordinary people who sacrificed themselves to prevent further death and destruction.

We shed our tears in a common bond of grief for those we loved and lost. We journeyed through a dark valley, but your light has led us to a place of hope. You have turned our grief into determination.  We are resolved to do what is good, and right, and just.

Help us to remember what it means to be Americans — a people endowed with abundant blessings. Help us to cherish the freedoms we enjoy and inspire us to stand with courage, united as one Nation in the midst of any adversity.

Lord, hear this prayer for our Nation. Amen.

(parapharsed from a prayer that was compiled by a Navy chaplain in the days following the attacks.) 

9/11 Remembrance in McCamey

Join the McCamey community at the Sante Fe Park for a time of sharing as we remember the events of 9/11/01.  There will be a picnic at 5:30 p.m. (hotdogs, chips and drinks are being provided) and then at 6:15 p.m. the McCamey Ministerial Alliance will lead a service of remembrance and hope.

More work at the parsonage

The work on the bathrooms was completed this morning, and attention returned to the outside with work on the gates being done today.