May 2016 - First United Methodist Church, Grand Saline Texas

[Newsletter Title]
From the Pastor
th
This year is my 27 year of
service as a Pastor in the United
Methodist Church! Over the years I
have been asked why I became a
pastor.[Type
Whythe
do Icompany
expend soname]
much
time, energy, and devotion? Why?
My roles in ministry are everfluctuating. On Sunday I share the
Word of God and a message about
that Word that God has put on my
heart. On Sunday I share a message
with the children on their level to
help them grow in their faith. On
Sunday, I’m a daddy to the young
boy who needs a hug. On Sunday,
I’m a role model to the preteens. On
Sunday, I’m an advocate for those
who don’t have a voice! Every day I
am a problem-solver whether it’s a
problem with an electric bill, a gas
voucher, a key to open a door at
midnight, the person that comes by
to get advice about a family situation
and a hundred other things that
happen during the week. I am the
Chief Executive Officer who makes
sure the church does things
according to The Book of Discipline
of the United Methodist Church s
and the mediator of many
challenging discussions. I have been
the nurse with the bandages, paper
towels, and prayers of healing. I am
a leader, a follower, a disciplinarian,
and an encourager.
Above all, I’m a servant. This
servant has been kicked, hit, sneezed
on, cried on, vomited on, and called
names. But this servant has also
been loved, hugged, needed, prayed
for, and looked up to.
Why? My most important role is
that of a servant, the example of
Christ in people’s lives. My deepest
desire is that Christ will use me to
touch your life and give you hope.
And I’m blessed by every church
member far more than y’all can ever
know.
I’ve
learned
that my
words
can lift a [Pick the date]
person up
or tear a
person
down.
I’ve
learned to look past a person’s
mistakes and into their hearts to
see his or her potential as a child
of God. I’ve learned that every
person inside and outside of the
church needs ministry. Being in
ministry week after week for so
many years and watching
children, teenagers, and adults
grow has given me so much joy!
So why do I do it? It’s a
calling that God placed on my
heart many years ago. It’s
about preaching and teaching
God’s Word, sharing the
Sacraments and working with all
of you to administer the church.
There’s a passage of scripture
from John 13:14-16 where Jesus
says, “Now that I, your Lord and
Teacher, have washed your feet,
you also should wash one
another’s feet. I have set an
example that you should do as I
have done for you. I tell you the
truth, no servant is greater than
his master, nor is a messenger
greater than the one who sent
him.”
As I begin another year in
ministry, let me say how very
grateful I am to Jesus and this
congregation for allowing me to
serve as your pastor. I am excited
about the plans that Jesus will
show us for the people of this
congregation and community this
next year!
Pastor Mark
The Flower Chart for 2016 is up if you
would like to sign up to put flowers in
the church on a special Sunday. You
can either sign up on the flower chart
by the office or call the church office
and we will put your name on the chart.
FIRST
UNITED
METHODIST
[Edition 1, Volume 1]
CHURCH
Helping Bring
Christ To People
501 North Main Street
Grand Saline, TX
75140
Worship Times:
Sunday at 10:55 am
Wednesday at Noon
Bible Study:
Sunday at 6:00 pm
Office Hours:
Mon. – Thurs.
9 am— Noon, 1 – 4 pm
Office Phone #:
(903) 962-3151
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.grandsalinefumc.org
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/gsfumc/
Pastor Mark M. Pedersen
Office: (903) 962 - 3151
Cell:
(903) 292 - 3933
Email: [email protected]
The school year is coming to a close, it feels too like just yesterday we were wiping tears and welcoming new
faces on the 1st day of school. Just like the seasons have changed and new growth is beginning to sprout our
students have changed and grown. It is always a bittersweet moment as "our" kids leave us and move on to "big
school". The time we are given as teachers, and parents before a child enters school is so precious and goes much
too quickly. In 5 short years a foundation that will last a life time is built for a child, self-esteem, confidence,
compassion, kindness, integrity and respect are just a few things that we work so hard to instill in the children
that attend CCA. It is an honor and a blessing that parents trust us so much with their most precious gifts, it is
with great love and pride we send 3 Academy kids to Kindergarten.
Academy end of year program will be on Sunday May 22 at 2pm in the church sanctuary, I invite each of you
to come see these sweet kiddos perform songs they have learned through the year and receive individual
awards.
Reese Tull,
Addi Davis,
&
Paytyn Autry
Sincerely,
Jen Morgan
Come join us for Bible Study on Sunday nights at 6pm in the Parlor.
Through disciplined reading and prayer, discover how God speaks to
us through the Scripture. We will begin a new study in the next few
weeks. All are welcome!
Remember in your prayers:
Our Nation, President, Government Leaders,
Men & Women of our Armed Forces, Nell Wheat, John Rash &
family , Mutt & Nancy Pugh, David Shively, Nancy Riveire, Della
Houy, Barbara Thomas, Brie Garcia, Randy Willmon, Mike Blake,
Bimmy Boyles and Lená Pettiet & family.
Allison Caddel
Graduated in
December!!
Her degree is
“Bachelor of
Human
Sciences”
With a
specialization in
Diseases and
Disorders!
Congratulations!
Elise Morrison
Has received her: Bachelor of
Science
In Criminal Justice and Psychology
From the Department of Science
and Engineering
At Texas Christian University
On May 14th she graduates with a
Masters of Science in Criminology
From the College of Arts and
Sciences
At University of Pennsylvania
After graduation she will be working
as a Criminal Justice Research
Associate at Measures for Justice in
Rochester, New York!!
Thorn, that we should “Have a
Little Talk with Jesus” – or as Liz
Riveire fondly refers to it “The
Hamster Song” (you will have to
ask her about that).
The choir shared their beautiful
Thank you to all members who have helped us gather for our Missions! Also, thank you for helping support
Child Abuse Awareness in the month of April. We are so appreciative of our very own Joni Lunsford, who’s
love of children led her to leave CCA to help children have a voice through CASA. We thank Joni for
educating us this month and helping us not be afraid to speak up if we feel something is off.
We have gathered items in our mission wagon for UMCOR Cleaning Buckets. We will begin to assemble
them at the April meeting. Our MYF will deliver the buckets when they go to UMArmy.
In May, we will be collecting baby items for our new nursery!!
In June we will collect for VBS items, and in July we will be collecting school supplies for the start of school.
The list for each month will be provided soon , so please watch for it.
In August, we will make broken china items for our nursing home and shut in members. Please collect and
hold onto any broken pieces you may have. We will use all patterns: solids, florals, stripes, etc.
The Women’s Group will meet again on May 25th. Please join us for prayer, song, refreshments, fellowship
and mission work. If you ever have any questions or needs, please call Marilyn Smith at 903-539-6593 or the
church office at 903-962-3151.
Blessings,
What is The Walk to Emmaus Retreat?
Marilyn Smith
The Walk to Emmaus is a three-day experience which takes a New
Testament look at Christianity as a lifestyle. The Walk to Emmaus is a
spiritual walk, not a physical walk. Combining efforts of laity and clergy,
Emmaus is designed to strengthen and renew one’s faith, and the local
church through the development of Christian disciples.
Stewardship Report
Presence
reminder to put
our us
faith
Christ
Join
for“In
our
Breakfast
Alone”
Fellowship on Sunday
To end the month,
Gail HillRight
filmedBefore
Mornings.
4/17 the
4/24children at the Academy
Sunday School we
performing
and that became our
Sunday School
22
22
21
19
have Donuts,
Kolaches,
introit for Sunday
service. This
Worship
63
85
58
65
was the Sunday to focus
on Child
Juice
&
Music Notes for May
Abuse. Dorcie Youngblood played
Coffee
in the Fellowship
Giftsdampened an amazing solo
Spring rains have not
on the organ for
RECEIVED
.....................................
4,842.00
our spirits.4/3 April
was a month $our
Message in Music andHall.
the choir
RECEIVED
4/10.....................................
$
2,790.00
filled with joy!
accompanied by Kay Sherbert , ing
RECEIVED 4/17 ..................................... $Homes….Azalea
2,909.56
Trails in Grand
RECEIVED
Joann Fisher
4/24 shared
.....................................
a beautiful $Saline
3,803.00
and Wesley House in Lindale.
piano solo for us on Communion We enjoyed a time of fellowship
Sunday.
and great lunch at Leo’s in Lindale.
Received as through April ……….. $ 60,578.79
That was
followed
a lively $ 59,238.00
Needed
through
April by…..............
reminder from Three Roses and a
Sunday
4/3
4/10
www.facebook.com/gsfumc
For the month of May:
John Post
Galloway Darby
Jeremy Clayton
Ronnie Clayton
SAVE THE DATE FOR A fun VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Monday through Friday:
July 11 – 15
9:00 – 12:00 A.M.
First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Main Street
Ages: Entering Kindergarten through 5th grade
Through a week of “Cave Exploring” we will follow the light of Jesus
To register, please respond by one of the following:
1 Go to website: https:www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/CaveQuestGrandSaline
2 Text 902-312-5283: “VBS, child’s name, parent’s name, next school grade, and phone #”.
3 Leave message at 903-962-3107: child’s name, parent’s name, next school grade, phone #
4 Email [email protected]: child name, parent’s name, next school grade, phone #.
5 Return the attached form completed with information.
PLEASE NOTE IN YOUR RESPONSE IF ADULT OR OLDER YOUTH WOULD LIKE TO BE A HELPER.
-------------------------------------------------- -----------------Detach and mail to: First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 584, Grand Saline, TX 75140
Yes!! I want to come to CAVE QUEST VBS July 11 - 15!
Name_________________________________ next school grade____________________
Parent’s name__________________________ Phone____________________________
Allergies or concerns________________________________________________________
I would like to purchase a CAVE QUEST T-shirt ($10): yes______ no______ size_______
I give permission for my child to participate in water events at church on Friday: yes______
Parent's name: signed____________________________________________
My MOM, GRANDPARENT, etc. can come, also, to help with the fun!!
Helper’s name__________________________________________
See you in JULY!!!
There is talk of a youth choir, a
Music Notes for May
The Bell Choir was thrilled to play for
a couple of Nursing Homes….Azalea
Trails in Grand Saline and Wesley
House in Lindale. We enjoyed a time
of fellowship and great lunch at Leo’s
in Lindale.
Spring rains have not dampened our There is talk of a youth choir, a
spirits. April was a month filled with Summer Bell Choir and a children’s
Chime Choir. Please contact me or
joy!
Tammy, if you are interested in any or
Joann Fisher shared a beautiful piano all of these.
solo for us on Communion Sunday.
We are thrilled beyond imagination to
That was followed by a lively reminder have John Rash back in the choir!! It
from Three Roses and a Thorn, that we is such a treat to have John singing
should “Have a Little Talk with Jesus” with us once again.
– or as Liz Riveire fondly refers to it
“The Hamster Song” (you will have to Big thanks to Jim McAdams for his
continual help on the sound board. He
ask her about that).
hides out in the back and makes
The choir shared their beautiful everyone sound even better with his
reminder to put our faith “In Christ amazing talent.
Alone”
As always, we welcome all who sing
To end the month, Gail Hill filmed the to join us on Sunday at 4PM in the
children at the Academy performing choir room.
and that became our introit for
Sunday service. This was the Sunday If you would like to request a special
to focus on Child Abuse. Dorcie song, perform a special, or have any
Youngblood played an amazing solo comments and suggestions, please
on the organ for our Message in Music drop a note in the gray basket beside
and the choir accompanied by Kay the door in the choir room.
Sherbert sang “ Jesus Loves Me” for
Love and Blessings
the offertory.
The Holy Rollers have made great
progress on the nursery. Stop by and
see that beautiful room. Paint was
donated by Pam and Dave Orchard.
Pam plays in our bell choir. Thank you,
Pam and Dave.
Jaye’s at work in the
choir room.
Did you know you can learn all
kinds of things at church?
Interested in learning how to re
upholster? Ask Jaye when
they’re meeting. ☺
Jaye Easterwood
Visit our LIbrary
The Church Library will be open all times that the church office is
open. The library is located next to the nursery and is available to
all members.
The books are checked out and returned on the honor system. The
library rules are posted on the table inside the Library.
—The Library Staff
We appreciate our
2016 Handbell choir!!
Breaking Bread Community Food Pantry News:
During our last pantry we fed fifty clients and families, the most we
have ever served. Thank you for your efforts and donations which
support this ministry as our client list continues to grow.
Many of you already know that most of our food comes from the
East Texas Food Bank in Tyler. Because of your donations we are able
to purchase canned goods, breads and breakfast items and meats or
peanut butter at a reduced rate so that basic needs can be met.
Recently we have been blessed to receive generous gifts of
beautiful, fresh fruits and vegetables from Shawn Weidman. These
gifts are very special to our clients who would not have them
otherwise. Thanks, Shawn!
We have also begun to collect specific items currently not available
from the ETFB. In May we would appreciate cans of spinach.
Special thanks to Sharon Neal and the Sand Flat Baptist Church for
their donations of pasta in April. Also thanks to everyone else who
helped to contribute.
Breaking Bread Food Pantry operates on the first and third
Thursdays (May 5 and May 19) from 4:00 until 6:00. Volunteers are
always welcome! If you would like to help you might want to come to
the Youth Building a few minutes early as we finish setting up.
Again many, many thanks for all that you do!
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave
me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Matthew 25:35
Mothers Day Sunday - May 8th
During worship on this day we will be honoring
our Moms with flowers!
Our moms have helped us grow into the beautiful people that
we are so we want to share a beautiful flower with them Every
mom will receive a carnation and the youngest, most mature,
and the mom who has the most children will receive a corsage.
Youth News for May
2016
Our youth is gearing up for summer.
We wrapped up a successful Scentsy
fund raiser and earned a nice profit of
over $300.00 Thank you to all who
bought Scentsy products!
We hosted a hot dog lunch after
church and earned over $400.00.
Again, thank you to all who
participated. A special thanks to
Danny and Blair Currey for grilling
the dogs, providing the chili, and to
Mary Jane Hollowell for making the
tables look so festive!
We are in the beginning phase of
our new mission project. We are
building a front porch for a couple
who need a safer, more stable
entrance to their home. We’re
excited to be a servant in this capacity.
Happy Birthday to Chase Riveire
(May 23).
We will be honoring the high school
graduates on May 15.
Congratulations to Spencer and
Sawyer Means, Parker Boyles,
Rowland Stevens and Greg Latta.
Blessings in Christ,
Beverly
United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth (or UM ARMY) registrations contiues!!!
This year are group is traveling hundreds of miles away………to Orange June 26th - July 2nd !
The cost of the mission
trip is $250 per person and the deadline for getting your forms and money in by is May 12th
The Mission of UM ARMY is accomplished every summer when thousands of youth and adult volunteers sacrifice a
week of their vacation to join God’s ARMY. Using a local Methodist church as a base camp where they sleep on the floor and
eat ARMY food, participants spend the week providing free home repairs for lowlow-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners
in the surrounding area.
Through the building of wheelchair ramps, porches, steps, and handrails; painting homes, cleaning houses, and mowing
yards, this ARMY reaches out and becomes missionaries serving God’s people.
This work, along with daily devotions and evening worship, provides a unique opportunity for Christian growth
and leadership development in youth. Combining this with evening recreation, fellowship, and fun makes U. M.
ARMY an unforgettable and lifelife-changing experience.
Homes are repaired. Hearts are lifted. Lives are changed. Love is shared. God is revealed.
Lucas Akins is graduating in May from SFA with a
Bachelor of Science Degree with a Minor Degree in
Psychology.
He will start Graduate School in the fall.!
Lucas Akins will graduate in May with a
Bachelor of Science Degree and a Minor in
Psychology from Stephen F Austin.
In the fall he will start Graduate School!
Latham Akins Graduated TJC Fire Academy in November and
currently works with Canton Fire Department!
Greg Latta
Will be graduating this year!
Hugh Spencer Means is a proud member of the
Grand Saline High School Class of 2016. Spencer is the son of
Mike and Dena Means and the grandson of Dolores Means and
the late Murry Means, and Russell and Betty Adams.
Spencer is a lifelong member of Grand Saline First United
Methodist Church. He received infant baptism from Pastor
Charles Jordan in 1997 and is a graduate of the FUMC Christian
Academy. He served many years as acolyte, VBS volunteer, and
shared his musical talent during worship service.
Spencer has been an active member of the GSHS student body.
As a four- year member of the Cross Country Team, he has
competed twice at the Regional Cross Country Meet. As a
member of the GS FFA Chapter, he has represented the
organization in numerous speaking and judging contests,
advancing twice to the state competition level. He has been
elected chapter officer and earned the prestigious Lone Star
Degree. Spencer is a member of the National Honor Society, is
will be an Honor Graduate. Recently Spencer was honored by
the Chamber of Commerce as Student of the Year. He is also a
member of the UIL math team which will compete for the state
championship later this month in Austin.
After graduation Spencer will attend the University of Texas at
Austin. He has been accepted by the exclusive Computer Science
Program and is excited about the career opportunities the
education will provide.
His parents, Mike and Dena, are unspeakably proud. They will
miss his messy room and big smile, and ask that his church
family pray for him as he begins this new chapter of his life.
2016
Mon.
1
2
Tue.
Wed.
Sun. School 9:45am
Worship 10:55am
Choir 4:00 pm
Youth 5:15pm
Bible Study 6:00pm
Fri.
3
4
5
6
CCA is collecNng
Cans!!
Noon Worship
Handbells
12:45pm
Office Open 9-4pm
**Office Closed
GAME NIGHT 6PM
8 Happy
Mother’s Day
Thu.
9
10
Office Open 9-4pm
Office Open 9-4pm
Karate for Christ
6 – 8 pm
11
Noon Worship
Handbells
12:45pm
Trustees Mtg
6:30pm
Karate for Christ
10-11:15 am
Food Pantry
4 - 6pm
12
13
Office Open 9-4pm
**Office Closed
Karate for Christ
10-11:15 am
15 ValenNne’s
16
17
18
19
20
Sun. School 9:45am
Worship 10:55am
Office Open 9-4pm
Office Open 9-4pm
Office Open 9-4pm
**Office Closed
Senior RecogniNon Sunday
Choir 4:00 pm
Youth 5:15pm
Bible Study 6:00pm
Karate for Christ
6 – 8 pm
Noon Worship
Handbells
12:45pm
Karate for Christ
22 Mission Wagon
23
24
25
26
27
Sun. School 9:45am
Worship 10:55am
Academy GraduaNon 2 pm
Choir 4:00 pm
Youth 5:15pm
Bible Study 6:00pm
Office Open 9-4pm
Office Open 9-4pm
Office Open 9-4pm
Noon Worship
Handbells 12:45pm
Karate for Christ
6 – 8 pm
Karate for Christ
10-11:15 am
**Office Closed
6 – 8 pm
CC Mtg. 5pm
Karate for Christ
6 – 8 pm
Women’s group
mee$ng 630pm
Parlor
Church Pictures All DAy
29
30
Sun. School 9:45am
Worship 10:55am
Choir 4:00 pm
Youth 5:15pm
Office Open 9-4pm
Karate for Christ
6 – 8 pm
31
Sat.
7
14
21
Karate for Christ
10-11:15 am
Food Pantry
4 - 6pm
needed
28
Adam Sawyer Means is a proud member of the Grand Saline High School Class of 2016.
At graduation he will be presented as Valedictorian of his class.
Sawyer is a lifelong member of Grand Saline FUMC. He received infant baptism in 1997 from Pastor Charles Jordan. He
is a graduate of the FUMC Christion Academy. He has served his church as an acolyte for many years, a VBS
volunteer, and shared his musical talents during worship service.
As a student at GSHS, Sawyer has distinguished himself as a leader, serving as a class officer and member of the
Student Council. As a member of the FFA, he has been elected Chapter President and District Sentinel. He has
competed in speaking and judging events and advanced to the state level of competition, and has earned the
distinguished Lone Star Degree. Sawyer was recently honored by the Texas Association of Secondary School
Principals with and Outstanding Senior Award. He is a member of the UIL math team which will compete
for the state championship later this month in Austin.
After graduation, Sawyer will attend the University of Texas at Austin. He has been accepted into the prestigious
McCombs School of Business and plans to study Accounting and Finance.
For his parents, Mike and Dena, this is a proud but bittersweet moment. They will miss his messy room and
noisy guitar, and they ask his church family to pray for his safety and continued success.