Change is coming!

Next Sunday is a special day in the life of the First UMC in McCamey as we welcome our new pastor, the Rev. Ken Houston, Jr. and his wife (Lynn). 

Pastor Houston will officially begin his ministry in Iraan and McCamey on Sunday, July 1st. 

Passing of Ardell Elliott

Word was received during the joys and concerns yesterday that Gary Elliott's dad, Ardell (93), has passed away at the McCamey Convalescent Center.

Please visit this link to read his memorial notice.

Joys and Concerns from today

Joys: +Ruben had a nice overnight stay with his grandmother in Odessa.  +Theodora’s grandson (Sloan) & his wife had their 6^th anniversary and her great-grandson had his 5^th birthday last week. +The choir sang “Faith of Our Fathers” as the anthem last week. +Gloria arranged for a beautiful Father’s Day display on the communion table.

Concerns: +Family of Ardell Elliott. +Prayers for Pastor Ken & Lynn Houston as they prepare to move to McCamey/Iraan.  +Traveling mercies for those away from home.  

Prayers for healing: Everette A., Nadine A., Elena B., Sandy C., Billy C., Samantha F., Louisa G., Terri G., Elizabeth H., Sara H., Roy K., Cory S., Colton W., Arnold W., and Simone W. 

Continued prayers: +our church +our community youth +our schools, including athletes, coaches, teachers & students +our military members and their families +the homeless +the unemployed +our nation, government & leaders +victims of natural disasters +countries fighting for freedom +unspoken requests.

Unification vote

The Rio Grande and Southwest Texas conferences have voted to unify. At around noon today the votes were counted and both conferences, by a large measure, voted for unification. Now on to Jurisdictional Conference in July.

Go here for official announcement from Bishop Dorff: http://youtu.be/eeQZboPlXso

A thought for Father's Day weekend

"God the Father with His Right Hand Raised in Blessing,"
by Girolamo dai Libri, circa 1555

1. This is my Father's world, 
 and to my listening ears 
 all nature sings, and round me rings 
 the music of the spheres.  
 This is my Father's world:  
 I rest me in the thought 
 of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; 
 his hand the wonders wrought.

2. This is my Father's world, 
 the birds their carols raise, 
 the morning light, the lily white, 
 declare their maker's praise.  
 This is my Father's world:  
 he shines in all that's fair; 
 in the rustling grass I hear him pass; 
 he speaks to me everywhere.

3. This is my Father's world.  
 O let me ne'er forget 
 that though the wrong seems oft so strong, 
 God is the ruler yet.  
 This is my Father's world:  
 why should my heart be sad?  
 The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!  
 God reigns; let the earth be glad!

This Is My Father's World - Text: Maltbie D. Babcock
Music: Trad. English melody; adapt. by Franklin L. Sheppard
Tune: TERRA BEATA, Meter: SMD

Father's Day sermon text

Our Father's Day (June 17) sermon text comes from Mark 4:26-34 and two parables told by Jesus about the kingdom of God. 

Joys and Concerns from this morning

 
Thanks to all the faithful disciples who shared in today's worship and fellowship! 

Bradyn M. and Bradyn M. were on hand to serve as ushers - Coy C. was our greeter - Debbie W. was our child minder - Donny W. was our reader - Gloria O. prepared the communion table -  Cytha P. was our amazingly talented pianist - seven members of the choir lent their voices in praise of our God - Jean M. and Glen S. shared the counting of the offering - and Gary & Luanne E. prepared and coordinated the fellowship meal!

Following the worship service, the congregation gathered in the fellowship hall for a potluck meal in honor of Pastor Charles & Belinda Alkula.  It was a wonderful time together - the Alkulas were touched by the generous expressions received from the community.

Joys:
+Cadyn and Rueben are having fun playing t-ball!  Dollie L.’s Uncle Erwin was recently featured in the San Angelo paper. +It was nice to have Cleon H. visiting. +Birthdays: Roy K. (76) and Cadyn M. (4).  Theodora’s granddaughter, Sloan B., celebrated her 6^th anniversary. +The fantastic meal we enjoyed after worship today.  Donna & Donny were able to be with family last week to meet Derek & Whitney's new daughter, Brinley June W. +One of the Coe’s grandaughters was named an Academic All-American. +Good fellowship at United Methodist Men.

Concerns:
+Family of Deputy Mike Smith. +Family of VyolaLaNelle Pat Sargent.  +Family of C.S. 'Strick' Posey.

Prayers for healing: Everette A., Nadine A., Elena B., Sandy C., Billy C., Ardell E., Samantha F., Louisa G., Terri G., Elizabeth H., Roy K., Cory S., Colton W., Arnold W., and Simone W..

Continued prayers: +our church +our community youth +our schools, including athletes, coaches, teachers & students +our military members and their families +the homeless +the unemployed +our nation, government & leaders +victims of natural disasters +countries fighting for freedom +unspoken requests.

Prayer for the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

O Lord our God, we believe, and so we speak.  We speak of your grace, as it extends out to the world around us.
We speak of thanksgiving, for you have done great things among us.

We speak of your glory, because we believe that everything is for your sake; it is in you that we live and move and have our being. You created us for yourself, so that our hearts are ever restless until we find rest in you.

Therefore, we do not lose heart; we believe, and so we speak. By your grace, O God, let our worship today and the words we speak be guided and strengthened by your life giving Spirit, bringing our hearts ever closer to you, so that our lives might bring you honor and glory. Amen.

- Prepared by Michael Anthony Howard from 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1

Scripture lesson for next Sunday

On Sunday, the Second Sunday after Pentecost, we will look at 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 (NIV):
It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of  faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.  All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

A new arrival

Congratulations to Whitney and Derek W. who welcomed Brinley June W., 7lb 4oz and 19" who arrived at 11:11am on June 4th (three days early).  

Joys and Concerns from Trinity Sunday

"The Holy Trinity" by Andrei Rublev

Joys:
+Jennifer A. reports that her mom (Marilyn W.) will be back for July.
+Rueben A. starts his t-ball season on Tuesday!
+Melody W. was with us this week along with her granddaughter, Sara F. +Derek W. is due back from Afghanistan on Tuesday – he and wife Whitney are expecting their first child on Thursday.
+Jennifer A.’s 5^th grade science class did an outstanding job on the recent STARRS test!                                                  
+Summer school is off to a terrific start!
+Elliott family pew                                                                        
+Roy &Alice K. are back from New Mexico and celebrated their 57^th anniversary!

+Guests in worship! We were blessed to have two Bradyns serving as ushers.
+Andrew & Robin P. are expecting a boy in October!+Bradyn M. is visiting for the summer.

Concerns:
+The community food pantry is running low. Donations may be taken to First Baptist Church, brought to the FUMC or left in the box at the supermarket in McCamey.
+Tia S. is facing some health concerns
+Roy K. is facing some health concerns
+The choir is missing the (brown cover) Cokesbury Hymnals.

Announcements:
+United Methodist Men will be meeting on June 4^th at 6:00 p.m. with Glen S. providing the meal.
+There will be a farewell lunch for the Dr. Charles & Belinda Alkula next Sunday following worship.

A Poem for Trinity Sunday

Lord, who hast form'd me out of mud,

And hast redeem'd me through thy bloud,

And sanctified me to do good,

Purge all my sinnes done heretofore;

For I confess my heavie score,

And I will strive to sinne no more.

Enrich my heart, mouth, hands in me,

With faith, with hope, with charitie,

That I may runne, rise, rest with thee.

George Herbert (early 1600's - Cambridge, England)

Trinity Sunday scripture lessons

Our worship next Sunday will focus on the Holy Trinity. Our scripture lessons are Psalm 29 (The Father), Romans 8:12-17 (The Holy Spirit) and John 3:1-17 (The Son).

Pentecost Sunday in McCamey

Joys from this morning:
+Pastor Charles shared the news that he's accepted a one-year residency in the Pastoral Care department of the VA hospital in San Antonio starting in mid-June.
+The recent graduates from McCamey High School including Kendra V. (Henry W.'s granddaughter).
+Kaleigh W. graduated from Texas Tech last Friday.
+Derek W. has one more week in Afghanistan and will be back in Texas in time for his daughter to be born in June.
+Gary & Luanne E. are celebrating their 39th anniversary.
+Sherry P. had several family members visiting last week and others who are celebrating birthdays this week.
+Guests in worship this morning.

Concerns from this morning:
+We remember on Memorial Day those Armed Forces members who gave their life in the service of our Country.  Derek W.'s unit lost two members last week in Afghanistan.
+Prayers for the people on the Pacific coast of Mexico who are bracing for the arrival of the first hurricane of the year, Hurricane Bud.  Prayers also for the southeast US who are waiting for the arrival of Tropical Storm Beryl.
+Roy and Alice K. will be returning soon due to concerns about Roy's health.
+Prayers for those traveling on this holiday weekend.

Healing prayers:
Everette A., Nadine A., Elena B., Sandy C., Rick C., Billy C., Denise D., Ardell E., Bob F., Samantha F., Jennifer F., Louisa G., Terri G., Elizabeth H., Sara H., Roy K., Julie L., Dusty R., Colton W., Jean V., Jessica V., Tom V., Arnold W., and Simone W.

Continued prayers:
+our church +our community youth +our schools - including athletes, coaches, staff, students & teachers +our military members and their families +the homeless +the unemployed +our nation, government & leaders +victims of natural disasters +countries fighting for freedom +unspoken requests.

A prayer on Pentecost Sunday

A Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Breathe in me O Holy Spirit
that my thoughts may all be holy;
Act in me O Holy Spirit
that my works, too, may be holy;
Draw my heart O Holy Spirit
that I love but what is holy;
Strengthen me O Holy Spirit
to defend that is holy;
Guard me then O Holy Spirit
that I always may be holy.

St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-430)

A warm morning in McCamey

While the temperature was rising outdoors, the residents and visitors at the McCamey Convalescent Center were enjoying themselves in the AC indoors!  There were some really terrific treats being shared and lots of good conversation!

Aldersgate Day 2012

Click on the picture to make it larger

Today is the 274th anniversary of John Wesley's "Aldersgate experience." This follows three days after his brother Charles' "Aldersgate experience," also in London.

Visit the General Board of Global Ministries link to read more.

Do I like being old?

This poem was shared by Theodora Matthews last Friday at the United Methodist on the Town supper outing here in McCamey:

Do I Like Being Old???

As I’ve aged, I’ve become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself.  I’ve become my own best friend.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM or sleep until noon?  I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60s & 70s, and if I, at the same time wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful.  But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten.  And I will eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.  How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody’s beloved pet gets hit by a car?  But broken hearts are what gives us strength and understanding and compassion.  A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.  So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive.  You care less what other people think.  I don’t question myself anymore.  I’ve even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old.  It has set me free.  I like the person I have become.  I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.  And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

(Provided by Theodora Matthews, First UMC – McCamey, TX)

Pentecost Sunday text

While the secular world will think next weekend celebrates the Memorial Day holiday, the weekend which is the 'unofficial' start to summer, we in the church know that next Sunday (May 27th) is Pentecost Sunday - the "birthday" of the church. Our sermon scripture lesson will come from Ezekiel 37:1-14.

In recognition of this significant day in the life of our faith, please wear something red.

Please invite someone to celebrate with us - God is going to do some amazing 'stuff' in McCamey, you won't want to miss it!

Ascension Sunday in McCamey

Joys from this morning's worship:
+Grace's mom had a nice visit last week.
+The last week of school - baccalaureate is tonight, 8th grade graduation is on Thursday and the High School graduation is on Friday.
+Sandy C. has great health news - a gain of 20 lbs.
+Mike S. tuned the pianos in preparation of the piano recital this afternoon.
+Ardell E. is doing much better.
+Nadine A. is doing better and will be moving into an assisted care facility so

Concerns from this morning:
+Roy K. is having some health concerns in New Mexico.
+Rick C. will be having surgery this week.
+Jennifer F., Joan D.'s niece, is having surgery this week.
+Peggy G.'s aunt, Mary Gatlin, 99 (from Kansas), passed away last week.
+Victims of domestic abuse.

Healing prayers: Everette A., Nadine A., Elena B., Sandy C.,  Rick C., Billy C., Denise D., Ardell E., Bob F., Samantha F., Jennifer F., Louisa G., Terri G., Elizabeth H., Sara H., Roy K., Julie L., Dusty R., Colton W., Jean V., Jessica V., Tom V., Arnold W., and Simone W.

Continued prayers:
+our church +our community youth +our schools - including athletes, coaches, staff, students & teachers +our military members and their families +the homeless +the unemployed +our nation, government & leaders +victims of natural disasters +countries fighting for freedom +unspoken requests.

United Methodists on the Town

The May UMs on the Town took place tonight at Benoit's with ten present for fellowship and food.  We are blessed to have such a great group to gather with each month!

Lost & Found

Pastor Charles & Belinda have rescued a lost kitten found by the church office door.  There have been no other cats hanging around the church lately.  If you would like a kitten, please let us know!

Thursday at the Convalescent Center

The residents at the Convalescent Center were in good spirits today and were enjoying the beautiful weather we're having this week.

Prayer for Ascension Day

Ascension Window - Elim Lutheran Church - Fargo, ND

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.

Church of South India

Church Blog Has Over 40,000 Hits Now!

WOW: Over 40,000 Hits! Yea, God!!!

United Methodist Women's Supper

The annual UMW mother-daughter supper took place at the church tonight with nine in attendance.  We enjoyed a delicious assortment of home-made treats and great fellowship.  Because our gathering took place the day after Mother's Day, for the program everyone shared a memory about their mother. 

Next Sunday's sermon text

Chapel of the Ascension, Jerusalem

This week's sermon text prepares us for the Day of Pentecost, May 27th. In Acts 1:1-11, we are observers of Jesus' ascension and the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.

Mother's Day in McCamey

We've reached a milestone in our e-ministry offerings at First UMC - McCamey:  This marks the 1,000 post since we launched this effort on December 29, 2009! 
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Joys from this morning:
+The amazing amount of rain we received last week!  At least 5" fell on McCamey!
+Glen and Pam S. are back with us after being away for a couple of months.
+The lovely baby comforter being presented to Ashor B. - it was made by a Nebraska friend of the Alkula's, Ms. Phyl Holmead.
+Our church family is looking forward to tomorrow evening's mother-daughter supper (with the UMW) and Wednesday's annual ice cream social with the McCamey HS seniors.
+Ashor B. had two pews of family and friends on hand to celebrate his baptism this morning.
+The wonderful meal provided by Grace & Phil M. that was shared with the church family.
+The happy Mother's Day observance.
+Peggy G. had a birthday last week and Jean M.'s son-in-law, Terry L. and granddaughter, Casey L., have birthdays this week.
+The many guests worshipping with us this morning.
+Belinda and her mom had a great trip to Colorado to attend a graduation of a family member from the University of Colorado (with a bachelor & a master's degree).

Concerns from this morning:
+Ardell E., Gary's dad, is facing some serious health concerns.
+Jean V., Pastor Charles' mother, was diagnosed with cancer last week. 
+Those who are absent from our worship service this morning.

Healing prayers: Everette A., Mellisa A., Nadine A., Elena B., Sandy C., Billy C., Denise D., Ardell E., Bob F., Samantha F., Louisa G., Terri G., Elizabeth H., Sara H., Julie L., Dusty R., Colton W., Jean V., Tom V., Arnold W., and Simone W.

Continued prayers:
+our church +our community youth +our schools - including athletes, coaches, staff, students & teachers +our military members and their families +the homeless +the unemployed +our nation, government & leaders +victims of natural disasters +countries fighting for freedom +unspoken requests.

Hymn for Mother's Day

Faith of Our Mothers

Faith of our mothers, living still
In cradle song and bedtime prayer;
In nursery lore and fireside love,
Thy presence still pervades the air:
Faith of our mothers, living faith!
We will be true to thee to death.

Faith of our mothers, loving faith,
Fount of our childhood's trust and grace,
Oh, may thy consercration prove
Source of a finer, nobler race:
Faith of our mothers, living faith,
We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our mothers, guiding faith,
For youthful longing, youthful doubt,
How blurred our vision, blind our way,
Thy providential care without:
Faith of our mothers, guiding faith,
We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our mothers, Christian faith,
Is truth beyond our stumbling creeds,
Still serve the home and save the Church,
And breathe thy spirit through our deeds:
Faith of our mothers, Christian faith!
We will be true to thee till death

Mother's Day is coming!

Mother's Day is right around the corner! Sunday, May 13th is a great opportunity to bring a mother to worship with you. Don't let this occasion go by without sharing your church family with someones mom!

We will also be enjoying a celebration lunch provided by the family of Ashor Brown (who is being baptised on Sunday).  With McCamey restaurants being closed on Sunday, this is a real treat!

Don't know any mom's who need a church family? Then bring a daughter - they have mom's too!

The scripture for May 13

Peter Baptising the Centurion, Cornelius
by Francesco Trevisani, 1709

Acts 10:44-48
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God.

Then Peter said, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

A beautiful Sunday in McCamey

Joys from this morning's worship:
+Jennifer's cousin, Everette A., is recovering from surgery and is now dealing with pneumonia.
+The Relay for Life event (May 4-5) at McCamey High School was a success!
+Donna W. and Jayton C. celebrated birthdays last week.
+Belinda's mother, Sheila H., celebrated her 84th birthday yesterday.
+Joan D. did a great job helping with the music cd's.
+Thanks to Bradyn M. and Gary E. for being our ushers, Coy C. for being our greeter, Penny P. and Jean M. for counting the offering, and Debbie W. for helping with communion.

Concerns from this morning:
+"Dusty" R. is dealing with cancer.
+Family of Vicki (Bates) Raliff.
+Those away from our worship service today.
+Please lift up the delegates from the recently concluded General Conference who are making their way home.


Healing prayers: 
Everette A., Mellisa A., Nadine A., Elena B., Sandy C., Billy C., Denise D., Bob F., Samantha F., Louisa G., Terri G., Elizabeth H., Sara H., Julie L., Dusty R., Colton W., Tom V., Arnold W., and Simone W.

Continued prayers:
+our church +our community youth +our schools - including athletes, coaches, staff, students & teachers +our military members and their families +the homeless +the unemployed +our nation, government & leaders +victims of natural disasters +countries fighting for freedom +unspoken requests.