Advent Devotional for December 18th

(Star of Bethlehem quilt, circa 1870)

On a dark, clear night
Under one bright star
A child to us was born.
No one could know what lay ahead
The ecstasy, the sorrow.


On a dark, clear night
Under one bright star
A child began to give HIs life for ours.
In the still and calm we were saved
As the chosen babe arrived.

On a dark, clear night
Under one bright star
Stranger came together.
In whispered faith they proclaimed
The word of God fulfilled.

On a dark, clear night
Under one bright star
The world received a savior.
His name remains among us still
As we sing His praise on this dark, clear night.


Leigh Ayn Scallorn (daughter of Bob & Gwen Scallorn of Iraan), a former member of the FUMC - Iraan as well as being a Facebook friend of the FUMC - Iraan.

All Are Welcome This Sunday!

Advent Devotional for December 17th

(Silent Night Chapel - Oberndorf, Austria)

Silent Night (by the Rev. Joseph Mohr)


Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace


Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born


Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth


Cleatus Brooks, McCamey Convalescent Center

Handbell Choir Practice - Part 3

Here is our final practice of the day -- playing "Joy to the World!"  Yee-haw!

Handbell Choir Practice - Part 2

We invite you to see more of our practice today.  If you click on the arrow at the bottom left of the video screen, you'll see us in action.  (Make sure your audio is "on," so you can hear us.)

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In this video, you will see the behind-the-scenes action of our handbell choir practice.  Ms. Shirley Smith does a great job keeping us all on track!  And having young Gavin Johnson play with us... really is like enjoying a little slice of heaven right there amongst us!

Handbell Choir Practice at the Convalescent Center!

We had a great time at the handbell choir practice at the convalescent center this morning.  Our youngest participant was Gavin Johnson (playing the "red bell").  We were so happy to have him play with us! 
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Each Thursday, beginning at 10:00 a.m., some of us join the residents for their "donuts, newspapers and coffee/hot chocolate time."  
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Recently, we included a handbell choir practice during that time.  Given the season, currently we are working on "Joy to the World" and "Jingle Bells."Area residents are welcome to join in on the fun! 
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We invite you to see some of our practice today.  If you click on the arrow at the bottom left of the video screen, you'll see us in action.  (Make sure your audio is "on," so you can hear us.)  Maybe we'll see some of you at next week's practice!  Happy holidays, y'all! 

Advent Devotional for December 16th

This little babe so few days old,

Is come to rifle Satan's fold;
All hell doth at His presence quake,
Though He Himself for cold do shake;
For in this weak unarmèd wise
The gates of hell He will surprise.


With tears He fights and wins the field,
His naked breast stands for a shield,
His battering shot are babish cries,
His arrows, looks of weeping eyes,
His martial ensigns, cold and need,
And feeble flesh His warrior's steed.


His camp is pitchèd in a stall,
His bulwark but a broken wall,
The crib His trench, hay-stalks His stakes,
Of shepherds He His muster makes;
And thus, as sure His foe to wound,
The angels' trumps alarum sound.


My soul, with Christ join thou in fight;
Stick to the tents that He hath pight;
Within His crib is surest ward,
This little babe will be thy guard;
If thou wilt foil thy foes with joy,
Then flit not from this heavenly boy.


-from the poem, "New Heaven, New War," by the Rev. Robert Southwell, (1561-1595)


The Rev. Robert Hunter, III - Forest Hill, Maryland
(Rev. Hunter is a friend of Pastor Charles from their time at Wesley Theological Seminary)