FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, LAKE JACKSON, TEXAS The Messenger Volume 43, Issue 21 November 6, 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 Email: ljfumc@ljfumc.org Visit us Online - www.ljfumc.org
The Messenger Page 2 November 6, 2013 To the Faithful at First Church, It is hard to believe, but this is my last newsletter article before I retire. I have enjoyed communicating with you through the years. We have covered a plethora of subjects. In this last communique, let me share a few final thoughts with you. People have asked me how I am feeling about retirement. I have some emotions about this monumental event in my life. If I had to pick one word for my feelings... it would be gratitude! I am filled with gratitude to God for allowing me to be His servant in ordained ministry. I am also grateful to you, the faithful people of First Church Lake Jackson. You have been amazing. I am grateful also to the people of Edgewood, Fruitvale, Daingerfield, and Lumberton. They also have been extraordinary. I am grateful to Asbury Seminary in Kentucky. Without their guidance I would never have made it through 37 years of biblical presentations. I have had rather long tenures in my churches (8, 5, 12, and 11 1/2 years) and to be at one church that long requires tremendous biblical diversity. With the Holy Spirit as my teacher and guide and the profound biblical training given to me by Asbury Seminary, I feel that the definitive watermark of my ministry has been Bible teaching/preaching. I am also extremely grateful to my mentor and close friend, Dr. Jerry Mercer! Since 1974, Jerry has been my spiritual guide and mentor. His faithful tutelage has seen me through many a faith crisis. It is hard to find the words to tell him how much I love him. I would pray that each and every follower of Jesus could have a mentor/guide like Jerry. He is so Christ-centered and Bible-based. God sent him to me as a gift. Finally, let me express my deepest gratitude to Kathy, Josh, and Gabe! It is impossible to tell you how they have sacrificed for me to be in pastoral ministry, and the number of hours they have given up for me to do ministry. They have cried with me, laughed with me, and shared every step of the way with me. I love them more than I can say. Thirty-seven years in a fishbowl has been challenging, however, they have handled it with dignity, class, and love! They are my greatest gift from God. I wish the very best for Lynne and John Settlemyre. They are extraordinary people, and I know they will bless you in great measure. It is with great joy that I pass the spiritual baton to them for your care in Christ. Peace! Pastor Charles Geller RETIREMENT CELEBRATION November 17, 2013 10:30AM Join us at the Lake Jackson Civic Center as we worship together and celebrate Pastor Geller s ministry at his last service before retiring. Stay tuned for more information!
Page 3 Sympathies and Memorials MEMORIALS In memory of Thelma Zeitler Wesleyan Seniors Sunday School Class In Our Prayers... Roger & Jan Crouse Suzanne Sargent Carl & Laney Spoonemore Linda Neumann Bill & Sandra Clarke Bob & Eleanor Walker Pastor & Kathy Geller Lee & Laura Hubel Margurite Verrett Frances & AG Snelgrove Chelsa & Nikolai Leatherwood Jerry & Rainbo Johnson Fran Leatherwood Delia Hoskins If you or someone you know would like to be added to our prayer list, please contact the church office. Blood Drive at First United Methodist Church Sunday, November 24 8AM to 1PM The Donor Coach will be parked outside the church this year due to the sanctuary renovations currently taking place. Sign up online at giveblood.org. Use donor code 4134 As you all may know, Gabe Geller has stepped down from the Communications position at First Church. As a result, Kelly and Patti will be taking on the responsibilities of preparing The Messenger and Sunday bulletins at the church office. Here below are revised dates for submitting any information to be included in The Messenger for the remainder of 2013. Please email your requests to ljfumc@ljfumc.org. Thanks! NEWSLETTER DATE NOV 20 NOV 14 DEC 4 NOV 27 DEC 18 DEC 12 DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS 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!
Page 4 Stewardship and Finance Team Most of you recently received a stewardship letter, along with an Estimate-of-Giving card, in the mail. The Finance Committee requests that cards be completed and turned in on or before November 10 th so that we can finalize our 2014 budget planning. Please prayerfully consider stepping up your contributions in an effort to help close the gaps in our church finances. First Church very much appreciates your stewardship response and support. Blank cards will be made available at the church during Sunday School and Worship services for those who may not have received one in the mail. Love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 Jim Hemphill Finance The Time is Now! - Stand Up, Stand Strong!! Kye Han Lee Stewardship Worship and Fellowship Opportunities Can you believe it is already that time again? We will be decorating for the Advent Christmas Season on November 25, before we all gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving. It is a different kind of time for our church this year but the reason for the season never changes. December 1 is the first Sunday of Advent and will coincide with Dr. Lynne Settlemyre's first time in the pulpit at First Church. We would like to have our seasonal decorations in place before that day so please come help, and enjoy the fellowship as we prepare our church and our hearts for this special time. Time: 9:30 am Place: Wesley Hall/Sanctuary Date: Monday, November 25 Join us at 9 am Monday mornings in Wilson Parlor. We will pray for our children, their schools and their teachers. No homework, just a prayerful heart. Girl's Night Out will be Friday, Nov 22nd, at 5:30 at Picket Fence Restaurant in Clute (located inside Cherotel Hotel on Hwy 332). For more information and reservations call Mary Helen at 297-6968 or email mh-israel@sbcglobal.net
Page 5 11/6/2013 Wednesday 7:00 AM Emmaus group meeting - Library 6:00 PM Junior & Senior High Bible Study 6:15 PM Small Group Study - WP 7:30 PM Choir Rehersal - CR 11/7/2013 Thursday 7:00 PM Barbershop Group - CR 11/8/2013 Friday 6:00 AM Men's Lost & Found Study - AR CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED Set up for Mega Outreach Day Nov. 9 11/9/2013 Saturday Mega Outreach Day - Church Wide! 11/10/2013 Sunday 8:00 AM Classic Worship - Chapel 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship - SLP Kids to sing! 10:00 AM Sunday School (All Ages) 11:00 AM Traditional Worship - WH 2:00 PM Trustee Meeting- Room 14 3:45 PM SUBMERGE - BDR 5:00 PM The Awakening Youth Group The Journey Worship Service - WH 6:00 PM Key Methodist Beliefs - Bible Study - WH 11/11/2013 Monday 9:00 AM Mom's in Prayer - WP Girl Scout Troop #27028 Meeting - 6:30 PM Potter's Place Stephen Ministry Meeting- Library 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 325 Meeting - AR 11/12/2013 Tuesday 9:00 AM Intercessory Prayer - Chapel Eta Omega Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma 5:00 PM WP 7:00 PM Cub Scouts - AR 7:30 PM Praise Team Practice 11/13/2013 Wednesday 7:00 AM Emmaus group meeting - Library 6:00 PM Junior & Senior High Bible Study 6:15 PM Small Group Study - WP 7:30 PM Choir Rehersal - CR 11/14/2013 Thursday 7:00 PM Barbershop Group - CR Cradle of Texas Committee Meeting- Room 14 11/15/2013 Friday 6:00 AM Men's Lost & Found Study - AR CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 11/17/2013 Sunday NO SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES **Pastor s Retirement Celebration 10:30 AM Service - Lake Jackson Civic Center 5:00 PM The Awakening Youth Group NO JOURNEY SERVICE 11/18/2013 Monday 9:00 AM Mom's in Prayer - WP Carriage Inn Women's Circle - 9:30 AM Carriage Inn Girl Scout Troop #27028 Meeting - 6:30 PM Potter's Place 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 325 Meeting - AR 11/19/2013 Tuesday 9:00 AM Intercessory Prayer - Chapel Boy Scouts District Committee 7:00 PM Meeting- Room 12 Cub Scouts - AR 7:30 PM Praise Team Practice 11/20/2013 Wednesday 7:00 AM Emmaus group meeting - L 6:00 PM Junior & Senior High Bible Study 6:15 PM Small Group Study - WP 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal - CR 11/21/2013 Thursday 6:00 PM Finance Committee Meeting - Library 7:00 PM Barbershop Group - CR Cub Scouts Pack Meeting- WH 11/22/2013 Friday 6:00 AM Men's Lost & Found Study - AR CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED WH - Wesley Hall WP - Wilson Parlor AR - Asbury Room CR - Choir Room BDR - Blue Door Room
Page 6 The Awakening - Youth Ministry ******NEW FORMAT for SUNDAY NIGHTS***** We will meet and worship at The Journey at 5pm in Wesley Hall and then move over to the Youth Center before Pastor Geller preaches for our own study time, games, and dessert! We are in a new series entitled Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris. This study will help you reclaim and rediscover the relevance and power of your Christian faith - you are not going to want to miss - invite your friends! Connect with The Awakening Youth Group on Facebook! Joy Ministry of First United Methodist Church is about strengthening the disability community with God's love. We provide programs for children, adults, and families with disabilities. Our Mission: Show love to families with disabilities in order to strengthen the family with God's word,praising God, and to share the good news. Show love, recognize values in each person, meet spiritual needs of families with children who have a disability, provide a safe, caring environment where children, youth, adults with disabilities can worship the lord and experience God's unconditional love. Joy programs: Children s Church 9:30-10:00 Inclusion with a buddy allows a child to participate with his/her age group while parents participate in worship and hear the good news. Sunday School 10:00 10:50 special needs class and inclusion with grade level are offered Fun Fridays - ( 6 per year Every other month) A night for siblings/child with special needs to have fun with friends while parents get free time. Joy Care - available for other church celebrations as needed. Call if you need this service. We want you to be able to join in any FUMC activity and know your Joy child will be taken care of. Vacation Bible school - summer (A JOY class and inclusion classes are offered along with our churches VBS.) People with disabilities have gifts/talents to share with their congregation! Let the children come to me. Mark 10:14 Go into the world and preach the gospel to all. Mark 16:15 May Christ's love bless you. Aaron and Sharon Zimmerman JOY Ministry - Care for Children with Special Needs
Children s Ministries Page 7 Wise People All Around Us You all know someone who you look up to, that person who is a hero to you, and just helps you stay grounded with your thoughts and actions. Well, this month in Sunday School, we will be exploring the KINGS of the Bible who provide wisdom to us through the book of Proverbs. Wisdom helps us to make better decisions in life. Wisdom is finding out what you should do and doing it. We can find God's wisdom by asking other Christians and reading our Bible for GODLY wisdom. Our monthly theme is: "Choose my teaching instead of silver. Choose knowledge rather than fine gold. Wisdom is worth more than rubies. Nothing you want can compare with her. Proverbs 8:10-11 Compromising wisdom for quick results might be tempting but King Solomon teaches us that choosing wisdom is better. Our stories show us how to be wise and how God is always there for us to provide wisdom so we can make great decisions. Week 1 - God wants to give you wisdom. 1 Kings 3:4-15 Week 2 - If you want to be wise, think before you speak. Proverbs 12:18 Week 3 - If you want to be wise, hang out with wise people. 1 Kings 12:1-15 Week 4 - If you want to be wise, look before you leap. 2 Kings 22-23 When I was growing up, I didn't always do the right thing; sometimes I leaped too quickly with decisions. I didn't always hang out with the best people and sometimes I didn't think before I spoke. But I was fortunate to have parents, friends, and family who gave me wise advice; advice that would help me grow into a GODLY woman who loves GOD, loves to help others, and gives JOY to all. THANK YOU GOD for giving us WISDOM!!! Praising God Always, Kimberly Bowers Children's Ministry Director 5 th & 6 th Graders - Time to get SUBMERGED in THANKS on Sunday, November 10 th at 3:45pm The 5 th & 6 th graders at First Church met on Sunday, October 27 th. Eight wonderful kids took fall flowers and prayer cards to both the Sargent and Gauntt families. We thank both families for the warm welcome, even though all the rain prevented us from doing more yard work for them. On Sunday, November 10 th, we will meet at church for a very special Thanksgiving project. There will not be another Submerge meeting at the end of November due to Thanksgiving. Join us on November 10 th. We ll also play games, have a snack, and do a special devotional. Drop-off is at 3:45pm in the Blue Door room and pickup is at 4:55pm. Join us afterward for the Journey worship service at 5pm, if you d like. Contact Kim Copeland at copeland.kim@att.net or 832 741 3932 with any
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 Our Women s Ministry Annual Bake Sale will take place in conjunction with the Men s BBQ on November 9 th. We will have single serving desserts and whole pies, cakes, etc. for sale in Wesley Hall. Proceeds from sales this year will go into a fund to help the youth of our church go to camp at Lakeview, and participate in UM Army and other mission activities. Please plan to help support our youth and women s ministries by baking items for this important fundraiser. We will need volunteers on Nov. 9 th who can come early to help slice desserts for single servings and price other items to sell as whole desserts, Also, we will need people to help in Wesley Hall selling the desserts throughout the day. We always have a wonderful time of outreach, fun, and fellowship at this event. Please plan to come and be a part of all the activities that day!! Start Connecting with your church family on Facebook! Join our page at First United Methodist Church - Lake Jackson