Forestburg United Methodist Church. Come Grow With Us! Wednesdays. Hands on Youth & Kids Klub

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1 Forestburg United Methodist Church June 2018 Volume 8, Issue 6 Sunday Mornings Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Come Grow With Us! Coffee & Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Tuesdays Bible Study Will resume in September Worship Schedule What Makes a Dad God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew his masterpiece was complete, And so, he called it Dad Happy Father s Day! Wednesdays Hands on Youth & Kids Klub Will Not Meet on a Regular Basis During the Summer Months. Instead Special Activities Are Planned. ~ Anonymous The church newsletter is published monthly. Pastor Chuck Jestis FM 455 P. O. Box 374 Forestburg, TX Church Phone Church Parsonage Church ForestburgUMC@gmail.com Web Address Facebook Forestburg UMC A busy summer is planned for FUMC. It will be filled with conferences, VBS, special kids activities, picnics, vacations, and a Pastoral change. Therefore, there WILL NOT be a July publication of the FUMC newsletter. Look for the August edition to be out by August 5. It is sure to be filled summer pictures and lots and lots of information. Inside this issue Deadline for August Newsletter is July 31! Page Up Coming Events... 2 Important Announcements... 2 Pastor s Article Pastoral Change/Social Media... 5 Farewell Reception... 5 Statistics... 6 Vacation Bible School... 6 Volunteer Responsibility... 6 UMW... 7 Kids Klub... 8 Pot Luck Meal/Welcome... 9 Merle s Picnic... 9 Baptisms... 9 Birthdays/Anniversaries Concerns/Joys Cartoon Disclaimer... 11

2 Please Read! Changes for dates and times of normal monthly activities have been made because of summer schedules! UMW will not meet during the months of June, July, or August. Will resume regular meetings in September. Tuesday Morning Bible Study is taking a break during the months of summer. Will start again in the fall. Kids Klub/Youth will not meet on Wednesday evenings. Special activities are planned. Will continue Wednesday evening meetings in September. Special Summer Events *North Texas Conference *Kids Klub Activities *Farewell to Pastor Chuck, Kimberly, & Elliot * Merle s Picnic *Vacation Bible School *Welcome & Meet New Pastor & his family. *Watermelon Festival June 3 5 *North Texas Annual Conference in Richardson June 5 Community Game Day with Lunch... 10:00 a.m. June 6 NO UMW General Meeting *Kids Klub Swim Party with Meal at the Smiths... 1:00 5:00 p.m. June 17 FATHER S DAY *God s Blessings and Farewell to Pastor Chuck, Kimberly, & Elliot During Fellowship Time... 10:15 11:00 a.m. Bring A Can Sunday for FUMC Food Pantry June VBS Decorating and Preparation Contact Savanah or Church Office for more information on times, etc. June 19 Community Game Day with Lunch... 10:00 a.m. June 24 *Merle s Picnic at the O Brien s... 6:00 p.m. June *VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL...6:00 8:30 p.m. June 26 Blood Drive... 2:30 6:00 p.m. July 1 VBS Attendees Singing During Worship... 11:00 a.m. *Meet and Greet Pastor Jon & Family with a Potluck Meal Immediately Following Church Service :00 Noon July 3 Community Game Day with Lunch... 10:00 a.m. July 4 Independence Day No UMW General Meeting July 17 Community Game Day with Lunch... 10:00 a.m. July Children s Summer Camp at Lake Bridgeport. (Three children from FUMC attending.) July 31 Kids Klub Outing... Time and Event TBD August 11 *Watermelon Festival Upcoming Events and Meetings Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) Page 2

3 From the Pastor s Desk On one day in October 2012, my telephone rang, when I answered it I heard the voice of Frank Alegra. Frank was the District Superintendent of the North Central District of North Texas Conference. He and I had been in discussions about me moving to another church, after spending six years at the Anna United Methodist Church. I remember his words as if it were yesterday, Chuck this is Frank and I have enjoyed working with you, but you should be expecting a phone call from your new District Superintendent, Dr. Marvin Guier. His call came in late in the evening and the call from Dr. Guier didn t come until early the next morning. Needless to say, I didn t sleep any that night. The next morning when the call came, I was actually getting in my pickup when the phone rang. I got out of the truck to make sure I didn t lose phone service, and set down in a rocking chair on our car-port. To make a long story shorter, the Cabinet had surprised me. Because, up until that point Local Pastors (LPs) such as myself stayed in the local area of where they entered into the ministry with the United Methodist Church. Hence the term, Local. They also surprised me in that we had been in deep conversation about starting or launching a Methodist Cowboy Church. But, Dr. Guier, in his very business tone, informed me that my new appointment beginning November the 15 th would be Forestburg United Methodist Church, in Forestburg, TX. My first thought, very much like several others I ve met and told where my home is now located, was Where?? After getting off the phone with Dr. Guier, I call Kimberly and told her of the news. I don t know that I ve ever told anyone (other than Kimberly), but I was mad. Why in the world would the Cabinet send me so far away from everything we had; friends, family, our entire lives had been built around the geographic South of Sherman, TX? I stomped my feet, threatened retaliation, and did many other things that five-yearold little boys do when they are throwing a fit. So we drive out to Forestburg on a Wednesday evening, and arrived while some of you were in a Bible Study with your previous pastor. We loved the community, we loved the country side, and the few people I talked to reminded me of the small community where I grew up. BUT, IT WASN T HOME. Later on we would come out again to meet the S.P.R.C. for the official introduction. If it had not been for a voice from above, I probably would not have made that meeting. You see, I was stomping around mouthing things I shouldn t have been mouthing and I hear a voice behind me say, You stand in the pulpit every Sunday and you tell your people they need to trust in God, and that they need to have faith in God and if God calls on them to do something they should JUMP. You need to close your mouth, open your mind, get yourself loaded up and go to Forestburg and do what God has called you to do! To this day my wife, Kimberly, will tell you she did not say any of that. Because she was standing behind me, I didn t see her mouth moving but I know it was her voice I heard. When I got here, I felt like a duck out of water. But, I just thought if I can leave this place a little better than it was when I got here, then maybe I ve accomplished what God had in mind. There is little doubt that the church has changed in some ways but have I lead it into changes that would be pleasing to God? That is the real question. I wish I d kept a list of all the things that have happened over the past five and a half years, but I m not really one to be looking backwards. I took this picture a couple of weeks ago, and thought, to myself, neither one of these two existed when I came to Forestburg. The tree was the last one that Page 3

4 Pastor s Article Continued.. Wal-Mart in Bowie had before the summer of It was as big around as my pinky-finger at the base, and was no doubt the ugly-duckling of all the trees that were sold that year at Wal-Mart. But, we had just knocked down two dead huge Oak trees and if the parsonage yard isn t the place for a tree that needs much sympathy, then I m in the wrong business. As you all know the little boy in the picture didn t arrive as I had always planned, and God had (and still has) a message to me every time I look into his deep brown eyes. These two things are only the very tip of a very HUGE ice-burg that wears the title, What Would Have Happened If I d Not Followed God to Forestburg? When I answered the call into the ministry, I wanted to do one thing and one thing only, and that one thing was/is to move people into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. I guess only time will tell if I moved anyone in the past five and a half years. Scripture tells us that some of us are to till the ground, some are to sow seeds, others are to water, and hopefully Christ has (or will) reap a good harvest from our time together. I ve asked Liz to include a few pictures of things that indicate the changes that have occurred in the past five years, and I m sure the most evident will be the kids and youth. But, you, Forestburg U.M.C., need to realize that it is essential that you continue to grow while continuing to nurture the little children. I guess even I have grown during the past five years, because this time as God is moving us to Blue Ridge, He has left Kimberly s voice out of the conversation. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it, and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate, you have not wasted your time but have done your best. -- Robert Baden-Powell May the Creator of All That Is, and All That Will Ever Be, Bless You and Keep You, Chuck Page 4

5 Pastoral Changes and Social Media I just wanted to say a word about Social Media and the role it plays in churches and during the pastoral changes, which we are currently going through: 1. In today s society social media has the ability to have a huge impact on churches, congregations and clergy. The first thing we need to realize is that social media can be one of the best tool for growing a church available to ANY church. A pastor has the ability to not only touch his/her own members and church goers, they can also touch all the friends or followers of their church goers. On Facebook, when an individual tags others in a post ALL the friends of those that are tagged can see the post. I have had numerous people tell me that they have never met me, but they know me because they have seen so much about me on Facebook. Share the good things about your church on Facebook, and tag your church friends. 2. I think, the best advertisement is on Sunday mornings when members and church goers Check-in so their friends can see that they are at church. Remember if you ll tag others of the church when you check-in you re not only promoting your church, but also your belief in the Risen Christ. 3. This probably doesn t need to be said, BUT negative comments about your church, other church goers, or church employees, on any social media site, is one of the worst things that can happen to a church. Once it is out there, there is no taking it back. With our (F.U.M.C.) church s location Social Media has played a HUGE role in my ministry in the past 5 years. I ve tried to connect with as many people in and around the community as possible so they could see the happenings at F.U.M.C. I have no idea how many people we have reached through Social Media, nor do I know if we ve had any visitors based on our Social Media presence. But, I know that our web-site is constantly being viewed. Which brings me to Social Media and pastoral changes. With my moving to another church, I want you all to know that my Social Media habits will probably not change very much, I will continue to promote the church I am appointed to lead and I will continue to post pictures of things happening in Blue Ridge. I really don t know how to say this any other way; but if my activity on Social Media causes problems for you or emotions that are unpleasant for you, then remove me from your Social Media feeds. F.U.M.C. will always be a special place for Kimberly and I, and we would NEVER do anything to harm this church, but God has chosen us to go to another church and hopefully grow it. I have already started cleaning up my Social Media contacts and will continue to do so throughout this move. For those I am friends with on Social Media please know that even if you don t see many comments on your post from me, you can be pretty sure I m keeping up with you, your families and your church. But, because I will no longer be your pastor / clergy person, I feel that it is important that I step away so that you can build a strong relationship with your new pastor. I know from experience that it is very difficult to lead a church when the previous clergy still has their fingers in the church, I will not be that previous clergy that causes problem for F.U.M.C. The United Methodist system of committees and management system is set up to work WITHOUT the involvement of the previous clergy s involvement. Everyone is invited to a Farewell reception for Pastor Chuck, Kimberly, and Elliot on June 17th. Please come by and say Farewell to Pastor Chuck and his family between Sunday School, 10:15 a.m. and church service 11:00 a.m., as this will be Pastor Chuck s last Sunday to fill the pulpit. Refreshments will be served. Please feel free to come and go or stay for the church service at 11:00 a.m. Hope to see you there! Page 5

6 May 2018 Date: Attendance: Offering: May $2, May $2, May $2, May $1, Totals 203 $8, Monthly Average 51 $2, Yearly Average Attendance = Yearly Average Attendance = Yearly Average Attendance = Yearly Average Attendance = Yearly Average Attendance = Yearly Average Attendance = Year to Date Average Attendance = 51 Join Us For Vacation Bible School! When: Monday, June 26 Friday, June 29 Time: 6:00 8:30 nightly Who is invited: Children PK 5th Grade Where: Forestburg United Methodist Church What to Expect: Fun, Fun, & More Fun (Bible Stories, Songs, Games, Crafts, Snacks) Decorating and Planning for VBS will be June If you would like help with either the decorating and/or the VBS, please let Savanah or the church office know, or just show up. VBS T-Shirts have been ordered. The children that attend VBS will receive a VBS t-shirt compliments of the church. If you, an adult, would like one to wear during the VBS week or to help promote VBS, t-shirts can be purchased for $12. In addition, if you would like to give a donation to help off-set the cost of the children s t-shirts that would be appreciated, as well. Please notify the church office for more information if needed, to purchase a t-shirt or to give a donation. Your support is greatly appreciated. Volunteer Responsibility Schedules for June Date Reader Greeters Cleaning June 03 Dan Gentry Charles Edwards & Virginia Gafken Virginia Gafken & Margie Hess June 10 Carolyn Hawk Carolyn Hawk & Margaret O Brien Jennie Mann & Virginia Lynch June 17 Graham Gentry Jennie Mann & Gayle Edwards Natalie White & Judy White June 24 Jerry Cody Ethel Griffith & Jerry Cody Gayle Edwards Ushers for the Month of June: Dan Gentry & Virginia Gafken Page 6

7 Train up a child in the way he should go but be sure you go that way yourself. ~ Charles Spurgeon, 19th Century British Preacher and Theologian. The UMW hosted the annual Forestburg Longhorn Senior Class Breakfast on Monday, May 21st. Forestburg United Methodist Women Host Annual Tea A good time was had by the UMW and their guests on Sunday afternoon, May 6th! Page 7

8 Kids Klub On May 16 the Kids Klub said Goodbye to Pastor Chuck. They presented Pastor Chuck with a banner they had made depicting a cross made up of their hand prints plus a poem honoring him. Pastor Chuck will be missed, but the Kids are excited to meet our new pastor, Pastor Jon. We, also love having fun. Last weekly meeting until September. We love celebrating birthdays! May birthdays included Morgan and Abby. (Abby was absent, but we ll celebrate hers in June.) Page 8

9 Merle s Picnic. Pack up your lawn chairs and your favorite pot-luck food and head to Margaret and Gerald O Brien s on the evening of Sunday, June 24 at 6:00 p.m. for an old-fashioned church picnic. Also, bring your fishing pole for a little fishing. Margaret, Carolyn, and Virginia s mother, Merle Hudspeth, started this annul tradition years ago. It is an event that is looked forward to every year. For more information or directions, call Margaret at Hope to see everyone there! Meet Our New Pastor Our new pastor is Reverend Jon Kendzie will be in the pulpit starting July 1 st. He and his wife, Patty, are coming to us from the First United Methodist Church of Tom Bean where he has served as the lead pastor for the past two years. Pastor Jon is a strong advocate for reaching new people, family enrichment, Christian education, and community development. He is committed to personal growth, fellowship with one another, and local mission to our neighbors as vital components of Christian life. To welcome Pastor Jon and his family, we are having a pot-luck meal in the fellowship hall immediately following church service on Sunday, July 1 st. Make plans now to bring your favorite pot-luck dish and welcome Pastor Jon. Submitted by Liz Johnson, S.P.R.C., Chairperson 1 Peter 3:21(NIV) and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. [a] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, On May 20, Gary Dean and Price Johnson, son of Garrett and Savanah (Grandfather and Grandson) were baptized. It was a glorious day to be in the House of Lord. On June 17, Jason Johnston, son of Alicia and Terrell will be baptized, another joyous day to be in the House of the Lord. The following are pictures from Gary Dean s and Price s baptism. I will include pictures from Jason s baptism in the August issue. Submitted by Liz Johnson Page 9

10 June 19 Glen Whatley June 24 Shelli Martinez July 3 Gabi Esparza June 2 Judy Farrell June 11 Sol Martinez June 18 Amanda Miksovsky June 21 Jerry Cody J T Gregg June 22 Joyce Kenas June 23 Robert Hensell Debra Dill June 26 Jacque Hensell Carson Ronken Quibell June 28 Dana Farrell July 11 Tatum Jones July 18 Theresa Gentry July 21 Mickey Parker July 30 Beth Dill June 10 Dixie & Chad Gregg June 29 Beth & Charles Dill July 2 Rosemary & Wassie Reynolds July 7 Gayle & Charles Edwards July 9 Vicki & Doyle Smith July 15 Sheree & Jim Bob Roberts Myrt Denham Military Men & Women Mary & Glen Whatley Samuel Davison & Family Rand and Omar Arthur Littell Trent Tipton Helen Ellzey & Family Our Country Jeff Baker Wassie & Rosemary Reynolds The United Methodist Church Mary Jo Eldridge Keen Johnson Treavor Freeman Debbie Krumme Bill Harvison Noah Smith Eddie Thomason Shannon Wooldridge & Family Chance Fox Terry Cody David White Max Brogdon Elaine Atkins Our Church & Change Pastor Chuck & Kimberly Brian Hudspeth Tammy Carroll Victims of Santa Fe Gloria Victims of Ponder Veterans of Helicopter Accident Travelers Students Paul & Staci Nauert Kids Klub Summer Activities Vacation Bible School Healings Family Friends Children Youth Veterans Answered Prayers Page 10

11 Forestburg United Methodist Church FM 455 P. O. Box 374 Forestburg, TX If any news, articles, or information was printed incorrectly or left out, it was done by mistake. Please accept my apologies. ~ Liz