Perspectives By Rev. Matthew Smith

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1 First United Methodist Church November15, 15, September Volume 74, Issue 17 A Taste of What s Inside 1, 2 Perspectives 3 Music Notes 3 Girl Scout Donations Needed 4 Candy Donations Needed 5 Youth Pastor Job Opening 5 The God Guarantee Sermon Series 6 Watch D.O.G.S. 7 Puppets for Jesus Mark Your Calendar 3 Girl Scout Annual Yard SaleOctober 6 4 Falltastic - October 31 7 Charge Conference September 24 7 Newsletter Deadline September 20 8 Sunday Evening Study Sept Nov. 11 Perspectives By Rev. Matthew Smith We re Stronger When We Invest in Children A new school year has begun and the routines of learning a new schedule are beginning to solidify. As I drop my kids off in the morning and pick them up from school I can t help but notice that right here before me is over a thousand points of influence. What I mean is that each child is both influenced and an influence to others. How a child is influenced determines how they influence the world around them. The old saying that our children are the future is no small statement. A community is comprised of infants to those in late adulthood, and this has always been the case. Raising children well takes a community in addition to a family unit. One of the struggles of various societies over the years has been the role that children play within the larger context. In the time of Jesus, children did not have a prominent role within society, but Jesus made it clear from Matthew 19:13-15 that children have a prominent place in the kingdom of God and as such in the church today. In the passage mentioned above parents wanted Jesus to bless their children but the disciples thought that to be inappropriate under the circumstances. Jesus set the record straight by saying, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Our Lord s comment is profound because children are a necessary element of what characterizes the kingdom of God. Furthermore, there are no small or insignificant elements to God s kingdom. I ve come to learn over the years that the more we invest in children the stronger we will be. I believe this is the case because children matter to God. (Please see Perspectives, page 2) Mission Statement: Contact Us First United Methodist Church is a loving, supportive family of faith working together to share God's love. 105 N. Montgomery St Gilmer, TX Pastor, Matthew Smith mattsmith@gilmer-fumc.com Secretary, Esther Faggione gilmerchurch@gmail.com Financial Secretary, Lamon Geddie fumcacct@etex.net

2 Page 2 WE SHOW OUR LOVE By Our Prayers... Babs Crombie, Ceci Crombie, Lamon Geddie, Roy Helpenstill, Dr. David Jenkins, Sarah Monk, Tammy Orms, Jerry Steger, Billie Stevenson Our Deepest Sympathy to Amy Tarrant on the loss of her dad, William Smith Remember ongoing prayers for loved ones with serious illnesses, our shut-ins, family and friends in the military service and the leaders and staff of our church and our country. Perspectives Remember to check our Web Site for up-to-the-minute prayer requests. (Continued from page 1) Prayer Ministry Don t worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don t forget to thank Him for His answers. -- Philippians 4:6 Submit requests to Church s web page: or Church Office Statistically Speaking Our Presence Date Visitors Sunday School Worship Average Year to Date Average Last Year Bishop Scott Jones of the Texas Annual Conference has begun a new initiative called, Methodists Love All God s Children. He is passionate about it and I am as well. Three primary areas of focus within this initiative involve literacy, health, and discipleship. I m grateful for the dedicated staff and volunteers in our Children s Ministry who have an undeniable love for kids and a passion to disciple them. In addition to the great work we do here, I am working with Jeff Hamilton, Director of Student Services at Gilmer ISD to develop a mentor program within the district. The current Watch DOG (Dad s of Great Students) program is available to participate in now for you guys who can spare a few minutes a week. I m convinced that the more time we invest in children, both on campus and off, the stronger we will be as a church and community. I pray that you will share with me in this passion and join me in this important and influential kingdom work. Come talk to me if you have ideas or are interested in helping out. Like us on Facebook First United M ethodist Church of Gilmer Our Presents Total Income Total Expenses Income Over/ (Under) Our Worship Service is broadcast August $45, $39, $6, on ETEX, Channel 999, Sunday, 6 p.m. Year to Date $293, $309, $16, Month and Monday, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

3 Page 3 Music Notes by Lora Robison Our September 16 service will be the first Sunday of Reverend Smith s series on Finding Freedom from the Fear of Not Having Enough. The scripture for the day is from Mark 6: The sermon title is God s Pattern of Provision. Hymns for the day include Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us, a Congregation s Choice, and Near to the Heart of God all from The United Methodist Hymnal. The Chancel Choir will be singing There s a Wideness in God s Mercy by Purifoy. Scripture for September 23 is from l Kings 17:7-16; ll Kings 4:1-7; and Matthew 21: Reverend Smith s sermon topic is The Land of What Could Be. Hymns for this service are from The United Methodist Hymnal and include I Know Whom I Have Believed, I Need Thee Every Hour, and Through It All. Jubilation Bells will be ringing I Sing the Mighty Power of God by Page for the offertory. The Chancel Choir will be singing Almighty, Unchangeable God by Cindy Berry. The service for September 30 includes scripture from Matthew 14:2233 and Matthew 13: 1-9, The sermon topic is A Time to Plant. Hymns include There s within My Heart a Melody and Stand by Me from The United Methodist Hymnal. The closing hymn is Love Lifted Me from the Worship and Song hymnal. The anthem sung by the Chancel Choir is Consecration by Beck. There is always a seat in the Chancel Choir for anyone who would like to join us! Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. See you in worship! In Christ s love. Lora Donations Needed! Girl Scout Troop 3614 is collecting items for their annual yard sale to be held October 6th. Donations may be left in front of the Girl Scout building across from the church or contact Paula Tefteller at

4 Page 4 4th - 6th Grade CANDY DONATIONS NEEDED! Falltastic will be held on Wednesday, October 31st, at the Yamboree Ag Barn. Your donations can be left in the tub outside the church office.

5 Page 5 JOB OPENING! FUMC, Gilmer is now accepting applications for the position of Youth Pastor. We are seeking a committed Christian with a passion for serving youth and their families. Further qualifications include leadership and communication skills, a good knowledge of Scripture, a teachable spirit and willingness to work with others on a team, and a calling to youth ministry with evidence of such gifts and graces. This position is currently part-time with a per month pay of $1000. If you wish to apply or have questions, please Rev. Matthew Smith at mattsmith@gilmer-fumc.com to request a detailed job description. Sundays, September 16 - October 28 Do you have enough...resources, time, love, relationships, margin? Most of us would live, love, and give differently if we knew God would provide for all our needs. The problems that plague us are about far more than the size of our bank accounts. Our stress levels are rising, and our spirits are stretched as thin as our budgets. A steady stream of tragedy and scandal fills the news, leaving us feeling helpless as we double lock our doors and eye every stranger with suspicion. The culture demands that we not offend anyone, even as the tone of public debates and discourse grows uglier by the day. The messages all around us tell us to be afraid, and it s easy to believe them. Join us as we discover God s pattern for provision while learning to overcome a scarcity mind set rooted in fear. *A limited amount of books will be available to purchase in the church office. The cost per book is $10.

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7 P age 7 Page 7 Flowers for September 2 FUMC, Gilmer September 9 Fred and Jennifer Anderson September 16 Upshur County Literacy Program September 23 Susan Lee, Bill and Penny Taylor September 30 The Clothes Closet Lay Reader Deborah Betterton Greeters Lauri Woodson & Barbara Smith Ushers Buzzy & Sue Green, Kelly & Carolyn Rominger The Sanctuary Flowers for July 29th were given by Greg and Frances Kendall in memory of James Gregory Kendall 7/30/81-7/23/00. We love you boy! August 5th were given by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Morse and family in memory of Charles and Marie Morse. August 12th were given by Mr. and Mrs. Hulan Moore in memory of Trynda Moore Ferguson. Deadline for Newsletter Articles September 20, Noon Reminder! Our annual Charge Conference will begin at 6:00 p.m., on Monday, September 24th and will be held in the Fellowship Hall. Puppets for Jesus by Babs Crombie God uses all of us to be creative! It says in Genesis we learn that God created everything and then He created us in His image. The same creativity He used to create the world is in all of us! When we use the creativity He gave us to teach and proclaim the Word of God it can have an eternal impact on people s lives. This is what our Puppet Ministry is all about! Puppets for Jesus promotes the use of a wide variety of techniques in our ministry. These tools and techniques are very effective in our ministry to children, youth and families, as well as our community outreach programs. There is no other ministry quite like a puppet ministry! Puppets are effective in reaching, teaching, and entertaining audiences of all ages. They aren t just for kids. These foam and fabric creations can make us laugh, make us cry and can even share important Biblical messages. They are fun, and can open doors to unexpected and surprising venues for sharing God s word. As caricatures of humanity, they can present significant truths in a way that is easily accepted. I just want to say THANK YOU in advance for supporting our youth and the puppet team in this very important ministry. Blessings, Babs

8 P age 8 Page 8 Fall Study with Pastor Matt Sunday evenings, September 23 - November 11 6:00 p.m. Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Study Wouldn t it be fascinating to attend a Bible study led by John Wesley? Scripture and the Wesleyan Way is and eight week study that s the next best thing. The Bible was central to John Wesley s faith and the Christian movement he founded. Bishop Scott J. Jones and his son Arthur D. Jones use Wesley s own words to address questions that many of us in the twenty-first century still struggle with today. Each week we ll explore a key Scripture text and one of Wesley s sermons about the text in order to illuminate his understanding about what it means to be a real Christian. Weekly topics include: What is the Bible s Message? How Can I Be Saved? Am I a Real Christian? Do I Have to Obey the Law? Am I a Sinner? How Can I Connect with God? Why is the Christian Life Not Easier? What about My Money? Li k e u s o n F acebook - Fir st Unit e d M ethodi st Ch urch o f Gi lme r