FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, LAKE JACKSON, TEXAS The Messenger Volume 43, Issue 12 June 19, 2013 First Church strives to be like Jesus! Praising God! Teaching God s Word! Loving one another! Strengthening families! Sharing the Good News! Phone: 979-297-3046 Fax: 979-299-6612 Kingdom Rock Vacation Bible School - Where Kids Stand Strong for God Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Calling all Kings and Queens. Registration is now open for Vacation Bible School 2013. Contact the Church Office for more information. We re also looking for volunteers... If you love God and want to share that love, call or email Kimberly Bowers. We have a spot for you! Email: ljfumc@swbell.net Visit us Online - www.ljfumc.org We ll be having one more VBS Workdays to decorate the church. Come have a fun time with us while we set everything up! Friday, June 28th 10am - 1pm Childcare will be available, but please bring lunch if you are staying until 1!
Page 2 Messenger Pastor Charles Geller Find Pastor Geller and First Church on Facebook! JOHN WIMBER Let me share with you a story that was told to me a few weeks ago. John Windber, a former manager of the singing group, the Righteous Brothers, was visiting a small country church. While there, he heard the gospel of Jesus shared, and he gave his life to Jesus! John was so excited about his newfound faith, that he went back into the music industry and started telling his friends about Jesus and this little church. His friends were so filled with curiosity that they also started attending the small country church with John. Once again the Holy Spirit moved, and John's friends, one by one, started coming to personal relationships with Jesus Christ. Right after church one Sunday, a little lady walked up to John and said, John, you have messed up our church, and it will never be the same. John supposedly put his arm around the little old lady and said to her something like, I realize that I messed up the church, and I am so very sorry. I was lost and you folks reached out to me and touched me with the love of Christ. You saved me from hell; therefore, I had to tell my Vegas buddies about Jesus and the special little church. When my friends came and experienced the worship and the friendliness of this church, they also accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord. After what they had experienced, they had to join this fellowship. My friend telling the story smiled and said that John went on to say to this little lady, I knew that I was supposed to catch the fish, but no one told me that I had to clean them before they came. When I hear that story I am deeply moved with many emotions. Most churches exist for decades and seldom see this kind of outpouring from the Holy Spirit. My guess is that if a pastor is reading this, he/she would die to have this happen in their local church. Most churches are dying because they seldom if ever have a profession of faith in a given year. Some churches exist only for maintenance purposes; however, they seldom experience new fish in the aquarium. Early in my ministry, I resolved that I would never be a keeper of an aquarium, but always a Fisher of little boys and girls, moms and dads, and grandmas and grandpas! My heart s desire is to share the Jesus that is revealed in the New Testament, so that people without hope can meet the very One that will offer them a new life. The church that resents new fish in the aquarium, should by their very attitude, be ready to die. When we forget what the main thing is, we should hang our heads in sorrow. Jesus clearly said that he came to seek and save the lost. He also said that healthy people do not need a physician. The people that need a physician are those that are not well! It is my prayer that I will always line my priorities up with the priorities of Jesus. In Our Prayers... Belinda & Ken Barr Linda Kay Jones Lee & Laura Huebel Carl & Laney Spoonemore Greg Hawkins Laurie Brown Bill & Sandra Clarke Debbie Franklin Schuelke Thelma Zeitler J.C. & Glenda Joy Blanche Galloway Bob Hanson If you or someone you know would like to be added to our prayer list, please contact the church office.
Volume 43, Issue 12 June 19, 2013 On the death of Barbara Faseler s Mother, Lucy Long; Page 3 Sympathies & Memorials Condolences can be sent to: Barbara & John Faseler 113 Waterlily Lake Jackson, TX 77566 On the death of Faye Woodward s husband and Margurite's Berret s son-in-law, Don Woodward Condolences can be sent to: Faye Woodward Margurite Berrett 213 Huckleberry Lake Jackson, TX 77566 130 Lake Road #221 Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Renovation Team Status Abridged Update This is the third report sharing our progress. The renovation is focused on the sanctuary and making our worship more intimate with God and among the congregation. We are still optimistic that we can complete the project this year. We chose Durotech as our general contractor. Durotech has extensive experience in church construction and remodeling and a long history working with our architect firm, PBK. They are working with the team and PBK during the design process to review for constructability and to help with the estimating, which will help us maintain our budget. PBK has met several times with church ministries to get input for their design and the Renovation Team reviewed preliminary drawings in our June 11 meeting. While we are not at a final design point, some of the things you can expect to see are: A significantly remodeled chancel area with moveable pulpit and lectern placed further forward, closer to the congregation, a place for the choir, piano and organ, and space for the Praise Team. We will retain its focus on the Cross. The choir loft overhang will likely be removed. The foyer will be enlarged to make our greeting area even more fellowship-friendly. There will be additional handicap seating and a handicap restroom. There will be new carpet and flooring treatments. Although the budget may not allow for replacing the seating, we are looking at options for improving the pews, including increasing space between the rows. We are considering some lighting options. As we get the concept better defined, we will put drawings on display to get reaction and feedback. Please note that the list above is preliminary and very general. We certainly haven t reached the stage where we are looking at specific details for materials or color. We believe God is blessing our work and think you will be very pleased with the changes. What does this mean for you? Please pray for us! This is an exciting project for the glory of God. None of what we do here is for us, but is for His Glory. Please feel free to contact any of the team with your feedback and recommendations. We want to get them all on the table so they can all be considered and prioritized. We expect work activity to begin in September and complete by December. Therefore the sanctuary will not be available for use during renovation and there will be some downstream effects from not having the sanctuary. We plan to have worship service in Wesley Hall during the renovation, so Wesley Hall will be set up for worship, which may affect logistics for other users. Wilson Parlor is close enough to the construction that noise might make meetings there unattractive during normal work hours. Please let the team or the church office know if you are impacted by any of these effects. A copy of the complete report is available in the church office with a list of Renovation Team Members and contact information. We'll keep you informed and please don't hesitate to contact any of us. In His Service, FUMC-LJ Renovation Team
Page 4 Messenger WEEKLY EVENTS - The Awakening Youth - Every Sunday Night! 5-7PM Kicks off with the Journey at 5 and then the party moves to the youth center from 6-7, come on out for an amazing time of faith and fun! Wednesday Night Bible Study! 6-7PM SUMMER EVENTS - The Awakening - Youth Ministry UM ARMY - A Truly Life Changing Experience If you are in Sr High, or will complete the 8th grade this year - then you need to plan on attending UM ARMY camp this summer! Only $215 per person for the whole week!! June 30th - July 6th 2013 in Santa Fe, TX - It is truly a life-changing camp! Let Joshua know ASAP if you are interested in going registration is due very soon! ljfumcyouth@yahoo.com District Summer Camp 2013 June 17-21 at Lakeview Campground Please be praying for all of the youth who are at District Summer Camp this week! Connect with The Awakening Youth Group on Facebook! You can help us make Vacation Bible School 2013 a powerful ministry opportunity for our community! We are in need of the following items for this year s event. Please pray about donating: LED Flashlights Duct Tape Small Water Fountain (will be returned) Crackers (at least one box of gluten free) Newspaper Fake Greenery Moving Boxes & Shoe Boxes Large Paper Grocery Bags 12oz Plastic Cups Items can be dropped off at the Church Office. Please label your flashlights if you want them to be returned. Thanks for your support!
Page 5 Messenger Faith, Fun and Friendship - sharing 1 John 3:18 with the World Come join us this summer as we explore our faith through fun activities out in our communities. Attend 1, 2 or all 4 events!! We want to share God,s love by reaching beyond the walls of our church. Ages: from Kndg.- 5th grade. Parents are welcome to join us too! - July Church Gathering 1-3 pm. Planned activities, crafts, and learn the details of our travels - July Bowling @ Spare Time in Angleton 1-3 pm. Come and bowl with your friends - August Country Village Health Care Village, Angleton. We will visit with the guests and sing some songs along with Pastor Geller. - August 24 Skeeters Baseball Game in Sugar land. Bring the whole family for this event. Come have some fun before school starts back up. STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS & EXACT DATES & TIMES New Summer Hours : June 24- August 16. Monday - Wednesday. 8-4 pm Now that school is out, I will be in my office during the day. Come by and visit, I'd love to visit about children's ministry, life, or just pray with you. You and your children are important to me. Vacation Bible School Training mtg. June 30. 11:00 or 12:00 noon. If you were unable to attend the earlier mtgs. make sure you come to this one to get all the VBS info. New opportunity for your child to shine! June 23 at 5 pm Once a month at the Journey, we will provide a meal along with the worship service. It will be called Journey and the Feast! Your child has been given a talent or gift from God and we want to share that with our church friends. So talk to your children about presenting on Sundays at 5 pm in Wesley Hall.* singing * reciting bible verses * playing an instrument * drama For more details and to sign up for a Sunday ---- contact Kim Lee (979-665-1575) or Kimberly Bowers (979-297-3046 - church office) Hey Parents & Kids - Children s Church has moved to the Lamplight Theater in the Children s Wing. Come and join us on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:00 AM! Children s Ministries
Volume 43, Issue 12 June 19, 2013 Page 6 Finance News Our expenses are outpacing income by about 15% through May. Your faithful stewardship will help us close this gap... and please don't forget tithes/gifts before you leave on summer vacation. Jim Hemphill & Kye Han Lee YOUR MISSION TEAM RESPONDING TO A CRITICAL NEED! The recent tornadoes in Oklahoma have created a great need for resources. We wanted to let you know that your mission team, along with a few other sources, have sent over $700 dollars on your behalf to assist the great people of Oklahoma! We Need Your Help ~ The Altar Flower Ministry is in need of small, short vases. If you have any you no longer want, please bring them to the church or call the church for pick-up. Thank you for your support! Home Delivered Meals is in great need for volunteer drivers. You can volunteer one day a month (or more if you d like). The meals are picked up at the hospital at 10:30 and you are thru by 12:00. It works really well if you have 2 people - one drives, one takes the meal to the door, BUT many of the volunteers do go by themselves. They have a need for drivers in Lake Jackson, Freeport, and Clute. There is also need for a sub right now if you are not interested in doing this permanently. If you can't volunteer maybe you know someone who would be interested. Just an FYI - home delivered meals is not a government funded program - it is operated totally on donations. If you are interested in helping please call Lib Cox at 297-4233. Campus Security Plan Update - As a part of First Church s Campus Security Plan, the Trustee Committee will have all outside door locks re-keyed effective July 1, 2013. The current master key will unlock inside doors only, but will no longer work on external doors. If you feel you need a key, please contact the Church Office to have your name added to the list.
Volume 43, Issue 12 June 19, 2013 Page 7 Thursday, June 20 6:00 PM - Finance Comm. Mtg. - Lib 6:30 PM - Barbershop Group - CR 7:00 PM - Cub Scout Pack Mtg. - WH Friday, June 21 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 6:00 AM - Men's Lost & Found Study - WH Sunday, June 23 8:00 AM - Classic Worship - Chapel 8:30 AM - First s Foods - WH 9:00 AM - Contemporary Worship 10:00 AM - Sunday School (All Ages) 11:00 AM - Traditional Worship - Sanct. 5:00 PM - The Awakening Youth Group 5:00 PM - The Journey Worship Service-WH Monday, June 24 6:30 PM - Girl Scout Troop #27028 Meeting - Potter's Place 6:30 PM - Stephen Ministry Mtg. 7:00 PM - Boy Scout Troop 325 Meeting - WH Tuesday, June 25 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Intercessory Prayer - Chapel 9:30 AM - Taking The Word To The World- Chick-fil-A 7:30 PM - Praise Team Practice - Sanct. Wednesday, June 26 OFFICE CLOSES AT NOON 7:00 AM - Emmaus group meeting - Library 10:00 AM - Friendship Club 5:00 PM - Jr. & Sr. High Bible Study - YC 6:15 PM - Small Group Study - WP 7:30 PM - Choir Rehearsal - CR Thursday, June 27 6:30 PM - Barbershop Group - CR Friday, June 28 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 6:00 AM - Men's Lost & Found Study - WH 8:00 PM - Youth Movie Night - YC Sunday, June 30 8:00 AM - Classic Worship - Chapel 8:30 AM - First Foods - WH 9:00 AM - Contemporary Worship - Sanct. 10:00 AM - Sunday School 11:00 AM - Traditional Worship - Sanct. 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM - VBS Safe Sanctuary Training - WH 5:00 PM - The Awakening Youth Group 5:00 PM - The Journey Worship Service - WH Monday, July 1 6:30 PM - Girl Scout Troop #27028 Meeting - Potter's Place 7:00 PM - Boy Scout Troop 325 Mtg - WH 7:00 PM - Cub Scout Comm. Mtg. - Rm. 14 Tuesday, July 2 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Intercessory Prayer - Chapel 9:30 AM - Taking The Word To The World- Chick-fil-A 6:00 PM - Church Unique Team Mtg. - WP 7:30 PM - Praise Team Practice - Sanct. Wednesday, July 3 7:00 AM - Emmaus Group Meeting - Lib. 5:00 PM - Jr. & Sr. High Bible Study - YC 6:15 PM - Small Group Study - WP 7:30 PM - Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room Thursday, July 4 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 6:30 PM - Barbershop Group - CR Friday, July 5 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 6:00 AM - Men's Lost & Found Study- WH Sunday, July 7 8:00 AM - Classic Worship - Chapel 8:30 AM - First s Foods - WH 9:00 AM - Contemporary Worship 10:00 AM - Sunday School (All Ages) 11:00 AM - Traditional Worship - Sanct. 5:00 PM - The Awakening Youth Group 5:00 PM - The Journey Worship Service-WH Start Connecting with your church family on Facebook! Join our page at First United Methodist Church - Lake Jackson Don t forget Visit El Chico on Sunday and/or Wednesday and present any Sunday bulletin and receive 10% off your meal. El Chico then donates 10% of these sales back to our church!
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, LAKE JACKSON, TEXAS Experience the Journey! First United Methodist Church 404 Azalea Lake Jackson, Texas 77566 Periodicals #954360 Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Visit us at www.ljfumc.org Address Service Requested The Messenger is published bi-weekly by the First United Methodist Church, Lake Jackson, TX 77566. Second Class Postage Paid at Lake Jackson, TX 77566. Send address changes to FUMC, Lake Jackson, TX 77566 The Journey and The Feast, a time of fellowship with our church family, will begin Sunday, June 23 rd at 5PM. The initial Feast will consist of Korean BBQ, Soup and Salad. As a special treat, the children will be sharing their God-given gifts and talents through song, playing of musical instruments, reciting Bible verses, etc. during the Journey service. Parents, please encourage your children to participate. Call Kim Lee (979-665-1575) or Kim Bowers at the church office to sign them up. We hope everyone will come and show your love and support. You will be blessed! Girl's Night Out will celebrate summer with our annual dinner at Roses and the River on Friday, June 28 at 5:30 p.m. Reservations must be received by Tuesday, June 25. Call Mary Helen at 297-6968 or email mh-israel@sbcglobal.net.