Request for Prayer

From Lynn Fisher Houston:

Please pray for our niece Heather. They found two masses, one the size of a cantaloupe and one the size of a lemon. She sees the surgeon in the morning. She is in lots of pain. Thank you for your prayers!

Scripture lesson for the Second Sunday in Lent

Chi Rho cross
St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church - Susquehanna, PA

Our Lenten journey continues on March 4th with a look at Mark 8:31-38:

A lectionary Haiku

 

Forsaking
the freedom of choice-
a cross

Rebuking,
a man changes names-
Who am I?

Passing of Henry White

 A phone call came with the news that Henry White passed away today.  Arrangements will be handled by the Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home.  Request prayers for family and friends.  

Together in McCamey!

Donny makes the morning announcements

 Joys from this morning:
+The Super S market is going to be having a cart for donations to the community food pantry.  Glen S. is going to coordinate deliveries to First Baptist Church.
+The Phillips' family pew!
+Lou Dell is back from New York City this week.
+Joanne D. is singing again in the choir.
+Dollie L. and Louise C. are back in good health.
+Shawn C.'s surgery was a success and he is already back home!
+Belinda A. is returning to Texas this week.

Concerns from this morning:
+Those absent from worship.
+We continue to need rain.
+Derek W. is serving with the Army in Afghanistan.
+Jimmy P. is undergoing chemo this week.
+Jack P. is still under the weather.

Prayers for healing: Andy A., Nadine A., Donny B., Elena B., Louise C., Joan C., Sandy C., Billy C., Samantha F., Louisa G., Terri G., Alice K., Dollie L., Julie L., Jack P., Cory S., Colton W., and Henry 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 .

March e-newsletter

The March e-newsletter of the United Methodists in McCamey/Iraan is now available at this link.

Prayer for the First Sunday in Lent

First page of the Gospel of Mark,
The Book of Kells, Trinity College - Dublin

When the Heavens Are Torn Open
(May be used as a prayer or as a meditation)

And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.
(Mark 1:10, NRSV)

O God,
Let us see the heavens torn open,
Signaling an end to separation
Between us and you.

Let us feel the cool breeze of blessing
The warmth of your acknowledging smile
The shalom that comes from knowing
That we are yours.

Let us see the heavens torn
Veil rent
Walls shattered
Demons subdued.

Let us be aware of our own nakedness
And tremble as we weep
In repentance for our sins

As we begin this Lenten journey,

May we see the heavens torn open above our heads
And remember
That you
Are God!

(from the GBOD website)

Pastors & Professionals meeting

Bishop Dan Solomon

Pastor Charles attended the San Angelo District Pastors & Professionals meeting today at First UMC - Eldorado with dozens of folk from all corners of the district.  Bishop Dan Solomon, bishop-in-residence at McMurry University was the featured speaker.

News to note:
+Feb. 24-26: Aligned & Empowered for Spritual Leadership @ First UMC in Brady.  Call 432.597-3436 for details.
+April 28: Sierra Vista UMC lecture series - a workshop on spirituality and healing.  The event free and includes lunch.  Reservations can be made by calling 325.944-4041.
May 1st: There will be a district all-day spiritual retreat on May 1st.  Details are coming soon.
+May 5th: District Conference @ St. Luke UMC (San Angelo).
+May 12th: Wesley UMC (San Angelo) is hosting its 6th annual golf tournament at Quicksand Golf Course, to support their soup kitchen.  Call (325) 277-1914, 223-0956 or 655-8981 to sign up.
+June 7-10: Annual Conference in Corpus Christi.

Lent began today

Choir practice before the service

The Lenten Cross

The season of Lent began today with Ash Wednesday services all around the world.  Here in McCamey, a small gathering took place tonight with a service of prayers and annointing with oil.

JAMES 5:13-16
Hear this reading from James, the servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ - taken from the fifth chapter of his letter to the twelve tribes scattered through the nations.  He writes:

Is any one of you in trouble?  They should pray.  Is anyone happy?  Let them sing songs of praise.  Is any one of you sick?  They should call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.  If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.  Therefore  confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Call to Prayer in the San Antonio Episcopal Area

Join us tonight at 7:00 p.m. for a service of communion and healing as we begin the pilgrimage of Lent.

Pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17)

“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

(Esther 4:14)

From: Bishop Jim Dorff

To: All Members of the San Antonio Episcopal Area

We are living in times of change and challenge, times that can be difficult yet exciting as we seek to be a part of what God is doing among us and who God is calling us to be. As we seek to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to strive to make disciples for the transformation of the world, we are faced with how best to accomplish that mission as individuals, as families, as local churches, as conferences. The same question Mordecai posed to Esther could well be our question, too, for “Who knows whether God has placed us in this San Antonio Area for such a time as now?” That question leads us to others: “Who are we?” “Who is God calling us to be?” “Who is our neighbor?” and “How can we best accomplish God’s will?”

In seeking answers to these questions, our first and most important response AND task is to PRAY for clarity in discerning the ministry that is before us. Like the rich young ruler, we ask Jesus “Who is our neighbor?” and we are reminded to fulfill the Great Commandment to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:25-37) We also hear Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:37 – The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Therefore, as your Bishop of the San Antonio Episcopal Area, I am issuing this Call to Prayer in the Season of Lent (February 22 - April 7, 2012). The following guidelines are suggested as a way to unite and encourage us in a common focus as we seek to hear God’s will.

EVERY DAY let your prayers include responses to the following statements:

 God you are…

God forgive us…

Jesus, we need you…

Holy Spirit, empower us…

EACH WEEK use these questions/thoughts to focus your prayerful listening to God.

Week 1 – God, who are you calling us to be?

Week 2 – Lord, who is missing in our churches? In our conferences?

Week 3 – God, how can we best reach and serve your people?

Week 4 – Lord, help us be still and listen. What is your will for us?

Week 5 – God, what is it that you are calling us to do as your church?

Week 6 – Holy Spirit, increase our passion for the “least and the lost”, to give ourselves for others.

 

Dear friends, please join me and your brothers and sisters in Christ in a Lenten season of prayer as we move together into God’s future.

Introducing our new pastor

It's official - Tonight at the church in McCamey, our D.S. introduced the Rev. Ken Houston, Jr. (currently serving as pastor of Island in the Son UMC - Corpus Christi) as the new pastor of the First UMC - Iraan/ First UMC - Mccamey to a joint session of the PPRC. The appointment is effective July 1st.
Rev. Houston and his wife, Lynn, are very familiar with west Texas and are looking forward to working among the people called United Methodist in the Permian Basin.

Please join me in lifting up Pastor Houston and Lynn in prayer as they prepare for this new chapter in their life and in the life of the Iraan and McCamey communities.

Prayer Request

From: Dollie Lynch
Date: Mon, Feb 20, 2012 at 8:59 AM
Subject: Prayer Request
+++

This is a message I received from Dawn Andrew (Nadine Andrew's granddaughter) regarding her grandson Shawn. He is a "little man" who is having surgery in the morning. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Ok everyone it's official and it's a go. Shawn's surgery is tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. at Children's Hospital in Dallas. Prayers prayers prayers please.   They are going to reconstruct his neck to get the pressure off of his brain stem. Very long surgery and the anesthesia alone might kill him.

Shrove Tuesday

Today is Shrove Tuesday, the day before the beginning of the Season of Lent (on Ash Wednesday). 

You are invited to attend the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at First UMC in Crane at 7:00 p.m. If you can't make it to Crane, then try making this delicious sample:

Banana Macadamia Pancakes for Shrove Tuesday

Ingredients
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/3 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 very ripe bananas, mashed into a paste

Directions
Beat the egg
Add the milk and other ingredients in the order given, mixing well between each addition
Fry in pan or on griddle, as you would other pancakes. Top with your favorite syrup
Serves 4-6.

Scripture lesson for the First Sunday in Lent

Temptation of Jesus - Chartres Cathedral, France

We begin the Sundays in Lent with the gospel lesson and a look at the temptations of Jesus in the desert.  Mark's account is different than the versions in Matthew and Luke.  As you prepare to enter the season of Lent, ask yourself why this might be so.    

"At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God's Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: "You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life." At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him."

(Mark 1:9-13, The Message)

Busy Sunday in McCamey (part 4)

A very busy Sunday at First UMC - McCamey ended this evening with two meetings in the church parlor. 
The first part of the evening the finance committee led by Mary W.  Our 2012 budget is $85,267 or $1,639 per week.

The second part of the evening was the monthly Ad Board meeting led by Bobbie L.

 Highlights of this meeting included:
+The UMM/Ministerial Alliance hope to have a basket at the grocery store installed soon for donation for the community food pantry.  Glen S. will coordinate this effort.
+Trustees will next meet on April 15.
+PPRC will be meeting on Tuesday (Feb. 21) with FUMC-Iraan.
+UMW will meet next on March 12 at Lousie C.'s home.
+UMM will continue studying from Bad Boys of the Bible (second part of the story of Jacob) on March 5 with Roy K. providing the supper.
+Badgers for Christ will not be offered in March due to spring break.  Next meeting will be on April 18.

Attending both meetings were Pastor Charles, Gary E., Bobbie L., Jean M., Glen S., and Jim & Mary W.  Cytha P. attended the Ad Board meeting.

A busy Sunday in McCamey (part 3)

At the same time the community was celebrating the coming of a new life, other community members were offering their words of comfort as a former McCamey resident, Cheryl (Reeves) Bostick was laid to rest in the McCamey cemetery.

Following the graveside service, a time of sharing and refreshments were enjoyed in the fellowship hall.  Thanks to everyone who contributed to the care of the Reeves family.

A busy Sunday in McCamey (part 2)

Following worship this morning, several FUMC members and friends gathered at the Depot Building to support Nikki B. who is expecting her first child in April.  The Depot was decorated in blues and browns in honor of Ashor Liam Brown with lots of delicious treats, all courtesy of the co-hostesses.

A busy Sunday in McCamey (part 1)

With moisture still in the air this morning the faithful gathered to worship God and to share in the fellowship that makes First UMC - McCamey so enjoyable.
Joys from this morning's worship service:
+Bradyn M. and Gary E. were our ushers this morning and Coy C. was our greeter.
+Jack & Peggy G. celebrated their 65th anniversary last Friday and daughter Katie B.'s birthday was yesterday.
+Beautiful music provided by Cytha P.
+Shallowater I. (Joyce R.) was singing in the choir today.
+Cheryl Reeves family members were with us today.
+The moisture we have had overnight (.8" at the parsonage!)
+Thanks to everyone who supported the family of Cleo Darby with refreshments. +Thanks to everyone who is supporting the meal following the service for Cheryl Reeves. 

Concerns from this morning:
+The families of Cleo Darby, J. W. Nave, and Cheryl B.
+Jerry W.'s dad (96) had surgery last week.
+Joan C., Louise C., and Dollie L. are fighting colds.
+Louisa G. has surgery this week and Elena B. had surgery last Friday.

Prayers for healing: Andy A., Nadine A., Donny B., Elena B., Louise C., Joan C., Sandy C., Billy C., Samantha F., Louisa G., Terri G., Alice K., Dollie L., Julie L., Jack P., Cory S., Colton W., Henry 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 Transfiguration Sunday

Transfiguration of Our Lord Polish National Catholic Church
Wallington, New Jersey

Call to PrayerLet’s go up the mountain. Let’s go up to the place where the land meets the sky, where the earth touches the heavens, to the place of meeting, to the place of mists, to the place of voices and conversations, to the place of listening.

Prayer
O God, We open our eyes and we see Jesus, the months of ministry transfigured to a beam of light, the light of the world, your light. May your light shine upon us.

We open our eyes and we see Moses and Elijah, your word restoring us, showing us the way, telling a story, your story, his story, our story. May your word speak to us.

We open our eyes and we see mist, the cloud of your presence which assures us of all we do not know and that we do not need to fear that. Teach us to trust.

We open our eyes and we see Peter’s constructions, his best plans, our best plans, our missing the point, our missing the way. Forgive our foolishness and sin.

We open our eyes and we see Jesus, not casting us off, but leading us down, leading us out - to ministry, to people. Your love endures forever.

We open our ears and we hear your voice, ‘This is my beloved Son, listen to him!’ And we give you thanks. Amen

(Prepared by the Rev. William Loader, Uniting Church of Australia, February 2001)

UMs on the Town

Tonight's United Methodists on the Town took place at Benoit's with thirteen in attendance. 

A special part of the gathering was the story surrounding the courtship and wedding of Jack & Peggy Garner.  Tonight was the Garner's 65th anniversary and they were presented with the door prize in recognition of their accompishment.

Events to remember

UMC Night Out– February 17th, 6:00 p.m.@ Benoit’s

Transfiguration Sunday – February 19th

Memorial Service for Cheryl (Reeves) Bostick (Graveside service, refreshments to follow at the church)February 19th @ 2:00 p.m.

Finance Committee – February 19th @ 5:30 p.m.

Ad Board – February 19th @ 6:00 p.m.

PPRC (with FUMC-Iraan) - February 21st @ 5:30 p.m.

ASH WEDNESDAY HEALING SERVICE – February 22nd @ 7:00 p.m.

MCC on Thursday

It was a chilly day outside but there was warmth aplenty inside the McCamey Convalescent Center. This is a wonderful example of what it means to be a community that cares for those who once cared for others.

Let's Eat!

Please join us this coming Friday at Benoit's at 6:00 p.m. for another "United Methodists on the Town."  Be sure to bring a friend, neighbor or co-worker to share in this "no muss, no fuss, no program" gathering!

February's Badgers for Christ

Gloria Odom and Ruthie Andrews watch over the process

Some mighty hungry Badgers!

Pastor David Snodgrass (in ball cap) gives the message

Andy Andrews and Donny Wiley watch

+This blog entry is the 900th such entry for the FUMC-McCamey blog since it was launched on December 29, 2009!

Forty-one were on hand today as Pastor David Snodgrass presented the message. The lunch featured chili dogs, chips, home-made chocolate chip cookies and drinks.

Thanks to Andy & Ruthie Andrews, Gloria Odom, Donny & Donna Wiley and Pastor David Snodgrass (First Assembly of God) for helping with the today's Badgers for Christ.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

With spring-break taking place in March, we’ll not be meeting next month. Our final Badgers for Christ this school year is on April 18^th.

Wesley Soup Kitchen

A St. Valentine's Day Prayer

A Valentine’s Day Prayer

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." – I CORINTHIANS 13:4-7 NIV

Lord,
Because love is patient…
Help me to be slow to judge, but quick to listen.
Hesitant to criticize, but eager to encourage,
remembering your endless patience with me.

Because love is kind…
Help my words to be gentle and my actions to be thoughtful. Remind me to smile and to say "Please" and "Thank You" because those little things still mean so much.

Because love does not envy or boast, and it is not proud…
Help me have a heart that is humble and sees the good in others. May I celebrate and appreciate all that I have and all that I am, as well as doing the same for those around me.

Because love is not rude or self-seeking…
Help me to speak words that are easy on the ear and on the heart. When I’m tempted to get wrapped up in my own little world, remind me there’s a great big world out there full of needs and hurts.

Because love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs…
Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. When I want to hold onto a grudge, gently help me release it so I can reach out with a hand of love instead.

Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth…
Help me stand up for what is right and good. May I defend the defenseless, and help the helpless. Show me how I can make a difference.

Because love always protects and always trusts…
Help me to be a refuge for those around me. When the world outside is harsh and cold, may my heart be a place of acceptance and warmth.

Finally, because love always perseveres…
Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others. Thank you for this day when we celebrate love, and for showing us what that word really means. Amen.

Author Unknown

UMW Tonight!

 
The United Methodist Women (UMW) met tonight in the church parlor with the theme, "A Call to prayer and Self-denial."  

Bobbie Lester presented the program which took as its inspiration the idea that as the UMW, "we support mission institutions near and far ... we are blessed." 

The scripture verse for the program was Proverbs 3:3-4 -

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."

Theodora Matthews encouraged everyone to make reading  Response magazine (from the UMW) and New World Outloook magazines (from the General Board of Global Ministries) a part of your reading list.

Scripture reading for February 19

Church of the Transfiguration - Mt. Tabor, Israel

Sunday, February 19 -
Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday

We're continuing our readings from the gospel accounts this week with a look at Mark 9:2-9. This is the final Sunday before the beginning of the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday, February 22.