JANUARY Years and 25 years. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Leadership Retreat Saturday, January 14

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1 Lytle United Methodist Church P.O. Box 608 Lytle, Texas (830) Lytleumc.com Facebook.com/lytleumc JANUARY Years and 25 years 2017 is the 125 th anniversary of Lytle U.M.C. and its ministry. Many things have changed (people, buildings, worship style, specific ministries, etc ) but even more has remained the same as we continue to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed. We will be having a Sunday celebration of this anniversary in September, and we will be publishing a 2017 church picture directory in commemoration is also a special year for me personally. I know it is the church s 125 anniversary because Linda and I helped celebrate the church s 100 th anniversary when we arrived in On January 5 th, we celebrate 25 years of ministry. Our son John was 2 years old when we came, and daughter Rachel was 7 months old. During these 25 years we have been so blessed by the folks of Lytle U.M.C. in many different ways (by the way, thanks for my wonderful new office chair). It has been a wonderful 25 years and we look forward to many more. We hope you do as well. Grace and Peace, Scott Leadership Retreat Saturday, January 14 On Saturday, January 14, the church is hosting a Time of Reflection open to everyone. This leadership retreat will take place at the home of Glenn and Connie Norton from 9 AM to 4 PM, and will include a free lunch. If you need child care (which would take place at the church) please call the church office at (830) The outreach and In-reach activities of the church will be the focus, with the object of setting goals for the coming year. All church leaders, or potential leaders, are asked to attend. Let us, as a church, discern God s will, and develop the plans needed to make God s will for us a reality. Adult Mission Trip February 24-26, Friday through Sunday The Outreach Team has put together another weekend mission trip for adults. The date for this trip is February 24-26, Friday through Sunday (most people come back Saturday evening). We will be going back to the Eagle Pass area to help the victims of floods or people with other special needs. Please mark this date today and participate. Methodist Food Pantry Fund Raiser Dinner Theater and Silent Auction, April 1 & 2 Set in a 1950s diner once again, Evergreen High School's Homecoming Banquet has been forced to make a last-minute move from the gym due to the unfortunate flooding caused when a prankster dropped a cherry bomb in the toilet of the boys' locker room. The event has moved to Uncle Phil's Dinerunbeknownest to Uncle Phil who is away at a diner convention. Try as he may, P.J. the deejay cannot avoid Uncle Phil finding out about the banquet as new characters Principal Krepple and his secretary Gladys spoil the secret. This new dinner theater, a fund raiser for the church s food pantry, will take place on Saturday Night, April 1, at 6 PM and Sunday Night, April 2, at 5 PM, and will include dinner. There will also be a silent auction each night so think about what items you could donate for the food pantry ministry. A sign-up sheet to volunteer to help with the play is posted on the church bulletin board. Rehearsals will be on some of the Sundays in February and March. Please keep this ministry in your prayers.

2 Church Schedule January 7, Saturday - First team meeting for men s Walk to Emmaus #2. January 8 - Epiphany Sunday. January 9, Monday - First United Methodist Women meeting of the year, at 2:30 PM at the home of Jeanice Farmer. All the ladies of the church are invited. January 13, Friday - Koinonia Emmaus Community gathering at our church. Singing starts at 7:30 PM. January 14 - Church Leadership Retreat. 9 AM to 4 PM at the home of Glenn and Connie Norton. This will take the place of our regular January Outreach and In-reach meetings. January 15 - Baptism of the Lord Sunday. January 16, Monday - Food Pantry, 6 to 7 PM. January 17, Tuesday - Trustees meeting at 7 PM. January 22 - Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. January 24, Tuesday - Administrative Council and Finance meeting. January 28, Saturday - Adopt a Highway Pick-Up Day. Meet at the church at 7:30 AM for breakfast tacos and a safety video, with litter pick-up afterwards. January 29 - Faith Commitment Sunday. Youth Taco Sales. February 5 - Covered-dish Lunch. February 8, Wednesday M.A.D. Club begins again. February Adult Mission Trip to Eagle Pass. 1 Youth News January 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat No At The Church 4:00 pm 6:00 pm At The Church 4:00 pm 6:00 pm 22 At The Church 4:00 pm 6:00 pm 29 Youth Taco Sales at the Miller s House 3:00 pm 6:00pm Highway Trash pick-up at 7:30 AM Notes: January 29: The Millers (Yancey, Abby and Zach s parents) will be hosting youth group on this evening. Parents are also welcomed to come. You may either go directly to the Miller s house at 3:00 pm, or if you need a ride or to carpool, meet at the church at 2:45 pm. Those needing a ride will return to the church at 6:15 pm. February 10 12: Spiritual Retreat at H.E.B. Foundation Camp outside of Leaky, TX. Meet at the church at 5:00 pm on Friday, February 10. We will return on Sunday, February 12 by 4:00 pm. June 10 17, 2017: Mission Trip to San Augustine County, TX. Youth Spiritual Retreat at H.E.B. Foundation Camp Friday to Sunday, February In 1954, The H. E. Butt Family Foundation acquired 1,900 acres north of Leakey, Texas, to fulfill a long-cherished dream of Howard Butt, Sr., to provide a place where folks could further their knowledge of God and His creation while enjoying the freedom of camp life. Over 20,000 people each year share the reality of this dream come true in a setting along the headwaters of the Frio River in the Texas Hill Country. Continuously flowing springs feed the river and waterfront areas with cool, crystal-clear water surrounded by rugged rock formations and bluffs all evidences of God s amazing handiwork. Countless lives have been changed by the power of God evidenced in this place through the vision and faithfulness of the H. E. Butt family.

3 Worship in January (9 to 10 AM on Sundays) Epiphany Sunday January 8 th Baptism of the Lord Sunday January 15 th Sanctity of Human Life Sunday January 22 nd Faith Commitment Sunday January 31 st M.A.D. Club Starts Again February 8 (Music, Art and Drama) Our newest ministry program, M.A.D. Club, went great in the fall. Children from 2 nd grade through 5 th grade gathered every Wednesday from 4 to 6 PM to do art projects, play games, eat snacks, and work on a Christmas musical. This musical, called The Power of the KING, was about a radio station in a Christmas Eve blizzard. With the help of a children s choir seeking shelter, the staff of K.I.N.G. broadcast the real Christmas story. The performance went great on December 7 and we thank all of you who came to watch and to help support our newest ministry. We will be having a spring session of MAD Club as well in 2017, again meeting on Wednesday afternoons from 4 to 6 PM. It will meet from February 8 through April 5, with a musical performance on April 5 th at 7 PM. Please get the word out to all the families you know, and we can always use more volunteers. We need people to provide snacks at 4 PM, publicity, people willing to help with art, a video/computer operator and people willing to help with music and drama. Help us reach the children and families of our community with the Good News of Christ through M.A.D. Club. SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY NEWS Christian maturity doesn't happen by accident. Being a part of a small group Bible study is uplifting, encouraging and fundamental to Christian growth. We have several small groups presently meeting, including three on Wednesdays (at the Bennets at 10 AM, at the Farmers at 6:30 PM and at the Martins at 7 PM) and one on Sunday evenings at the Keiths. In addition we have Sunday morning groups and the United Methodist Women, who meet once a month on the 2 nd Tuesdays at 2:30 PM. We also encourage you to start your own group. All it takes is someone willing to be a host. The church will provide materials that are easily used. The group meeting at the Martins (14923 Star Cross Trail, (210) ) is studying the books of 1 and 2 Timothy and would love to have you join. If you are interested in being part of an existing group, or starting one, please call the church at (830) Adopt a Highway Pick-Up Day, Saturday, January 28 at 7:30 AM Our church has adopted highway 463, starting from the Lytle water tower and heading out beyond Lake Shore Estates, and we are responsible for picking up litter four times a year. Our next Adopt a Highway Day is Saturday, January 28. We will meet at the church at 7:30 AM for breakfast taco provided by the church. We will then head out to clean up as a service to our community. We will be done before 10 AM. Children s Sunday School Program Our children s Sunday school program is VBS Style where the children rotate through three stations in groups that are age inclusive (Kinder through 5 th grade) just like in our summer VBS program. The first station is opening worship and music, featuring DVD based songs. Then the children move to the Bible Station where they are In the story. Finally they move to the third station for prayer, games and/or crafts. Bring your children so they can take part in the fun. Thank you to all our Sunday school teachers for their dedication. We have classes for children, youth and adults, 10:15 to 11:15 AM.

4 2016 Debt Reduction Capital Campaign As we complete 2016 and head to 2017, we just want to say thank you one last time to the church for your faithful response that helped us pay off two of our loans and cut the third by more than 60%. We have received all of the money pledged, a total of $52,500. "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. - Mark 11:23 Prayer Concerns For the Family of Frenchie Burke, who died in December Connie Norton knee pain, to have surgery January 16 Marcia Wade major health problems, including trips to the hospital Wanda Yoast Ann Williams AC and Hazel Heath Rose Lynn health, and for David Betty Risberg congestive heart failure, in Medina Valley Health and Rehab, visitors welcome, Rm 201 Debbie Hunt respiratory illness Lisa Wells cancer, in remission Karen (admin at Mt. Wesley) fractured soldier in 3 pieces, having surgery Lee Craig (Linda Bahlmann s brother) COPD Meagan Pringle s father stage 4 lung cancer Gay Lynn Meining mother in last stages of life Rene Leal--health Dawn and Chris Patterson injured in car accident, aunt in hospital for transplant Jamie Anderwahl Lilliana 8 year old who needs a bone marrow transplant Debra Williams cancer surgery Laura Mendoza work problems John Macaron (Lisa Meyer s son) for an end to seizures Fatima (friend of Shelle McMillan) brain tumor, needs to go to Ohio for surgery Melford Fey (Ann VanWinkle s brother-in-law) failing health Wayne VanWinkle stroke, in rehab Jena Rouse breast cancer Our missionaries around the world Pastor Scott Martin and all the church staff and families For our nation and for the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ For persecuted Christians around the world For victims of human trafficking and for an end to human trafficking Our Church Family Soldiers and Civilians Working with the Military William Reichel Army, in Germany William Meyer Marines Chris Saindon friend of John Martin, Navy Forrest Keith Kevin Keith s son, Navy Kyle Pringle Army Josh Orbinati Michele Brown s nephew, Coast Guard Craig Wolf Air Force Jonathan Heiman Navy Jon and Brianna Hartwig Army, Jill Daggs daughter and son-in-law Joyce Biggs (George Bahlmann s great-niece) Please Join the Outreach or In-reach Teams The Outreach team is responsible for reaching out to our community and beyond to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed, and meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM. The In-reach team is responsible for welcoming people into this Body of Christ where we might all be filled with God s strength and vision, and meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6 PM. Please consider helping with one of these teams. Our Church s Purpose To reach out to our community and beyond to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed, and to welcome people into this body of Christ where we might all be filled with God s strength and vision.

5 February 5 - Covered Dish Brunch Celebrate the New Year with your church family as we share in some good fellowship and some great food at our first brunch of the new year (starts around 10 AM). If you haven t tasted Kyle Jackson s pancakes you have missed out! Emmaus News The Walk to Emmaus is a very special Christian retreat. Many of our church family have attended and we would recommend it for anyone interested in deepening their faith. Men s and women s walks are scheduled all year round, but our church is part of the Southwest Texas Koinonia Emmaus Community that sponsors two of the walks, one for men and one for women, at Mt. Wesley in Kerrville. Men s walk #2 will take place May 4 through 7, and the Women s walk #3 will take place in October. Applications for being a pilgrim on these walks, or any walk, are located in the church entranceway, or online. For those who have already attended a walk, it s time to start thinking about being part of a team. Applications for being a team member can be found online, or can be obtained from the church office. Team selection is right around the corner for the women s walk in October. Get your applications in. It is also time to start recruiting pilgrims to attend the men s walk in the spring. The next Koinonia Emmaus gathering will be here at Lytle UMC, on Friday evening January 6. Singing begins at 7:30 PM. If you would like more information about Walk to Emmaus, call the church office or pick up a brochure from the information rack in the church entranceway. Food Pantry Ministry Our food pantry continues to help over 70 families twice a month. In January our regular food pantry days are January 2 and 16. Our workers have been terrific, but we can always use more. Just come at 5:30 PM to help prepare for the 6 to 7 PM rush. Thank you for supporting the Methodist Food Pantry. We would also like to thank Boy Scout Troop #369, sponsored by our church, for building a roof over the ramp leading into the food pantry registration area. This was an Eagle Scout project for one of their members. The ramp itself was built as an Eagle Scout project for another troop member last year. Christmas Updates and Thanks! Hanging of the Greens Thank you to all those involved in our Hanging of the Greens service (especially Irma Bayne and the choir). The whole Hanging of the Greens was wonderful, as was the reception afterwards. The Angel Tree/Project Hope and the Christmas Offering The Angel Tree/Project Hope is bringing the light of Jesus Christ to more lives. 89 children (23 families) were helped this year by our church that s over 267 presents! The church would like to thank all those who took part in this important Christmas ministry of our church, including those listed below: The Stewarts The Escalantes The Boyds The Kirk Jacksons The Peter Wagners The Wells Family The Hoffmans The Ralphs The Mathis Family The Halls The Nortons The McMillans Betty McGinnis The Simons Family Emily Milam The Daggs The Bob Wagners The Brauchles The Warrens The Martins The Baynes The Conovers The Broaches Ann VanWinkle The Keiths The Nolls Catherine Carroll The Bennets The Moores Terry Miles The Sollocks The Kyle Jacksons The Alexanders The Batemans The Dominguez Family The Morenos The Pruetts Sherrie & Ray Noll The Scotts Linda Bahlmann The Villarreals and everyone else Thanks also go to those who put together, worked as hosts, and provided cookies for our Angel Tree Open House and Good News Walk-Though on December 13 th and 14 th. A big thank you as well to all those who gave to our Dec. 18th Christmas Offering for local missions. Choir Sunday, December 18 Thank you to Irma Bayne and the choir for the beautiful music all through the Christmas season, but especially for the special music on December 18. It truly was beautiful. Sopranos: Bethel Kay Bateman, Marty Bennett, Emily Milam & Debbie Pruett. Altos: Olivia Swift & Connie Norton. Tenors: Bill Bennett & David Lynn. Basses: Carl Ernest, Danny Ohlhausen & Jim Pruett. Accompanist: Annette Nixon.

6 Guy s Group The Guy s group meets regularly on Monday nights from 7 to 9 PM at the church for a time of fellowship, mentoring, and study. God calls us to support and encourage one another and everyone is welcome. Dinner is provided. Thank You!! To all who helped prepare the church for Christmas. Special thanks to Rose Lynn for procuring all the poinsettias. Thanks also to all those who served with such grace as church leaders in UMW This month s meeting of the United Methodist Women will be on Monday, January 9, at 2:30 PM at the home of Jeanice Farmer. Ann VanWinkle will be leading the program and there will also be a time for fellowship and refreshments. All the women of the church are invited. Call Linda Bahlmann at (210) for more details about the United Methodist Women. The Creative Team The Creative Team designs the worship services and series and we are always looking for new people to be part of the team. Our next meeting is Sunday, January 8, after the worship service. Christmas Poinsettias From Jim and Kitty Alexander in honor of Chris and John Alexander From Jim and Kitty Alexander in memory of Ann and Larry Jackson From Linda Bahlmann in memory of George Bahlmann and Iva Craig and in honor of Scott & Linda Martin and Jack & Bethel Kay Bateman From Jack and Bethel Kay Bateman in honor of pastor Scott Martin and his wife Linda From Chuck and Irma Bayne in memory of Lela Marie De La Garza From Irma Bayne in honor of Annette Nixon From Brad and Nan Boyd in honor of Bryan and Francine Boyd and Leon and Rose Thumann From Fred and Chris Brauchle in honor of their children From Fred and Chris Brauchle in honor of their grandchildren From John and Trisha Broach in honor of Taylor and Will Jones and Parker and Riley From John and Trisha Broach in honor of Edith Broach From Ricardo Castillo in memory of Encarnacion and Francisca Castillo and Nikki Holley From Catherine Carroll in memory of Alfred Carroll and in honor of her kids and grandkids From Scott, Wendy, Wyatt and Case Conover in memory of Alfred Carroll and in honor of Catherine Carroll From Jody and Jill Daggs in memory of Robert Smith and Geneva Smith and Eugene and Allyne Daggs From Felix and Becky Escalante in memory of Marcelino, Fortunata, Antonio and Ray Escalante and Dale, JoAnn and Ricky Honn, and in honor of the LUMC Body of Christ From Ruble and Jeanice Farmer in memory of Jeffrey Lee Farmer, Guy and Juanita Mayhew and Arliss C. Britt From Ruble and Jeanice Farmer in memory of Ruble and Jewell Farmer and Si and Darthula Cousins From Ruble and Jeanice Farmer in memory of Richard Chandler, Alfred Carroll and Jim Boone From Deb Herman and McKinzy Bazan in memory of Donald Risberg and in honor of Betty Risberg From Scott and Linda Martin in memory of Ann Jones and Les Martin and in honor of Vera Martin From Betty McGinnis in memory of John McGinnis and in honor of their children From George and Shelle McMillan in memory of Chad Foster From George and Shelle McMillan in memory of V.W. and Mary Martin From George and Shelle McMillan in honor of Cozel and Martha Foster From Terry Miles in memory of Joshua Miles From Jim and Debbie Pruett in memory of Jim and Jeanne Wolf From Jim and Debbie Pruett in memory of Charlie and Marjorie Pruett From Mary Snyder in honor of her family and friends From Billy and Linda Stewart in memory of Jay and Frenchy Grant (Popeye and Granny) loving parents and grandparents From Billy and Linda Stewart in honor of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren From Ann VanWinkle in memory of Howard VanWinkle and in honor of their children and grand children From Pam and Franklin Wanjura, Jr. in honor of Lois Wanjura and in memory of Franklin Wanjura, Sr. From Mike and Lisa Wells in memory of Don and Barbara Smith From Mike and Lisa Wells in memory of Pat Wells and Popo and Mama Nank From Mike and Lisa Wells in honor of their family From Marcia Wade in memory of Forest and Margaret Moad From Ann Williams in memory of Kevin Loessberg and T.E. Williams

7 Christian Service: Called, Equipped and Fulfilled On January 29 we will be invited to come forward to place a faith commitment form on God s altar as a way of rededicating ourselves to God s service. Between now and then, pray about where God is calling you to serve. LYTLE UMC - FAITH COMMITMENT FORM Description of Opportunities for Christian Service for 2017 Name Please check those areas where you feel called and are willing to serve. Remember, God is offering you the opportunity to be a part of His work! Reaching Out to People to Share the Good News in Word and Deed share the Good News of Jesus Christ with your friends, relatives, co-workers and people you meet invite your friends, relatives, co-workers and people you meet to attend church with you participate in calling or visiting first time visitors to our church help maintain the church website and Facebook page help with Vacation Bible School in July help with M.A.D. Camp (Music, Art & Drama) in June help with M.A.D. Club in the Spring or Fall help with the Spring Interactive Dinner Theater to benefit our food pantry ministry help with the Food Pantry Fundraiser by providing item(s) for the silent auction help with the August Interactive Dinner Theater to benefit our veterans and active military through Military Ministry Go on a mission trip for adults, for youth help with outreach ministries for youth, older adults, families, singles help with the Lytle Area Mission Project help support the youth s summer mission trip financially and/or through prayer register to vote and support candidates who stand for Biblical principles participate in the Life-chain in the Fall help the Pregnancy Care Center through Phil-up the Crib, or by volunteering at the center provide canned goods or cash donations for the food pantry, help stock, or serve in the food pantry take part in our Christmas Project Hope/Angel Tree help support our missionaries and missions: Our missionaries, Casa de Misericordia orphanage, Military Ministry, the Watoto Childcare Ministries, etc help with other special missions of our church other serve on the Outreach Team (meets 1st Tuesdays at 7:30 PM) Working Within to Fill People with God s Strength and Vision take part in worship dramas/plays sing in the adult choir sing in a youth choir (6th 12th), or children s choir (K-5th) be an operator for the computer/projection system provide special vocal music, or instrumental music help make banners or other special visual art for the sanctuary serve on the creative team (worship committee) be a Sunday worship lay leader be a Sunday morning greeter help serve communion be an acolyte (children ages approx. 6-10) be a backup pianist for a worship service attend worship at least 3 Sundays a month help with the VBS style children s Sun. School program help teach a youth or adult Sunday School class be a substitute Sunday School teacher commit to being part of a Bible-study class participate in a topic class, such as a parenting class, or other topic commit to daily prayer, praying for the faithfulness of our church and pastor participate in the prayer chain participate in the Tues. morning prayer group (9 to 10 AM) be part of a small group Bible study, meeting weekly with others to study God s word and strengthen our faith. participate in the United Methodist Women, attend a Walk to Emmaus this year as a pilgrim or part of the team be part of an Emmaus accountability/reunion group provide food at times of funerals and other times of need help provide refreshments for church social events other serve on the In-Reach Team (meets 1st Tuesdays at 6 PM) Youth Breakfast Taco Sales Bowing to hungry demands, the youth group has instituted Last Sunday breakfast taco sales as a regular monthly activity. They sell your favorite breakfast taco before Sunday school on the last Sunday of every month. The next sale is on January 29th.