FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, LAKE JACKSON, TEXAS The Messenger Volume 43, Issue 6 March 20, 2013 He is Risen 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@swbell.net Visit us Online - www.ljfumc.org Join us Easter Sunday - Sunrise Service Chapel Worship 8AM Contemporary Worship 9AM Traditional Worship 11AM Jesus is Alive! Rock -n- Roll Easter 3:00-5:00 pm March 31 Wesley Hall / Pre-school Wing Hey Kids join us for crafts, food, games, music, puppet shows, and an Easter egg hunt!! Adults How can you help our children at Easter? Bring plastic eggs and candy, stickers, or small toys to fill the eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt,. There will be Easter boxes located by the Chapel and the Sanctuary. Please bring your items by March 24. Thanks... The children appreciate you!!!
Page 2 Pastor Charles Geller EASTER OFFERING 2013 Dear First Church Family, Greetings in the Name of the Resurrected Lord! Our Lord is working in astonishing ways right before our eyes. He is so active and powerful! His Holy Spirit is illuminating the fields with opportunity and witness. His fire and winds are moving throughout our entire congregation. Each day is filled with joy, opportunity, and incredible blessing! What a great time to be alive in the fellowship of First UMC!! The times that we live in are extraordinary times. The challenge and opportunity before us is enormous. I can hardly sleep at night from the excitement of what each new day holds. Lake Jackson and First UMC are right in the middle of significant cultural change. All you have to do is look at our town. The demographics are changing all around us; therefore, our Church has this awesome opportunity to share Christ in a powerful way. First, UMC must reach out and seize this incredible moment. The Bible teaches us to Seek God while He may be found. Annually during the season of Easter, we have a 2 nd and 3 rd mile offering (over and above the general budget tithe). It is simply called the Easter Offering. Your generosity is deeply appreciated. First UMC is strategically placed to continue being a powerful witness for Jesus Christ. We want to share His sweet, sweet aroma with the entire area in and around Lake Jackson. The time is right. The time is now! God is moving through our community with anointed authority. I want everyone to hear and experience the Christian faith. First UMC has a remarkable heritage, and we have so much to offer people! The message we share is so valuable. This years Easter 2nd and 3rd mile offering will be used to communicate the love of Jesus to our area. We will do so through various mediums and venues. We want to use every available resource (newspaper, direct mail- outs, signs and ads, as well as other unique and creative ideas) to get this good news message out. Due to our financial constraints in the general budget, we are depending on 2 nd and 3 rd mile gifts to go the extra distance in getting this message out. You can find Easter offering envelopes in the welcome center or pew pockets. You may bring or mail your offering to the office or place it in the offering plates during the service. Thank you for being so generous, in your support of the Easter offering and your regular tithes. Peace! Find Pastor Geller and First Church on Facebook! Pastor Geller Living Balanced Taking the Word to the World Bible Study Join us for the Taking the Word to the World Bible Study at the Lake Jackson Chick-fil-A every Tuesday morning at 9:30 am. Enjoy breakfast and study God s Word with Pastor Geller. For more information, email Pastor Geller at cggeller@aol.com 121 Highway 332 W Lake Jackson, Texas
Volume 43, Issue 5 March 6, 2013 Page 3 SYMPATHIES: On the death of Shirley Harrell Sympathies can be sent to: Alan Harrell 54 Blackgum Ct. Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Sympathies & Memorials MEMORIALS: In memory of Lois Benefiel from: Gerald & Helen Prilliman D.C. Benefiel & Lois Benefiel Margaret Winters Charlotte & James Benefiel J.F. & Mary A. Benefiel In memory of Jean Edquist from: Dr. H & Linda Miles FUMC Annual Garage Sale! April 20 Do you have unwanted items cluttering up the house? It's time to begin collecting items to donate to FUMC's Annual Garage Sale on April 20! Donations may be dropped off at Wesley Hall the week before the sale, April 15-18. Volunteers who can donate their time and trucks the week of the garage sale are very much appreciated! Please contact the church office for questions and volunteering. Fun Friday! On April 12, we will have our next Fun Friday event. Weather permitting, we will be enjoying the outdoors with a bounce house and other playground entertainment! In Our Prayers... Belinda & Ken Barr Linda Kay Jones Lee & Laura Huebel Carl & Laney Spoonemore Shari Karl Lois & Roy Morgan Greg Hawkins Laurie Brown Lori Moon Maxine Jones Cindy Johnson Bill & Sandra Clarke Family of Shirley Harrell If you or someone you know would like to be added to our prayer list, please contact the We appreciate those who faithfully prepare and serve First's Foods and Fellowship. Those who served us in February were: Shannon & Jimmy Greene Ron Engle Maria Martin Carmen Duarte Bev Barnhart Vernoica Hicks Chris & Kayleigh Hicks
Page 4 Messenger 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 UPCOMING EVENTS! FAITH IN ACTION CAMP! The Awakening - Youth Ministry Friday, April 19 - Sunday, April 21st Come join us for this amazing experience - an opportunity to put your faith into action! Open to everyone grades 7-12, Parents & Drivers needed as well! Registration is $55 for each youth and adult - registration deadline is April 7th - so register soon! Register at http://faithinactionofbrazosport.org/registration-forms/ 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 AMAZING CAMP AT AN AMAZING COST!!! Camp is for all kids entering 4th through 12th Grades as of August 2013. The cost of camp is $225 per camper for early registration (April 26 postmark), $245 per camper for regular registration (May 10 postmark) and $265 after the regular registration deadline (after May 24th). All checks must be made out to your local church. No personal checks will be accepted! Registration forms must be complete and must include both Youth Director and a parent signature. Camp begins at 11:00 a.m. Monday morning (June 17) and ends 2:00 p.m. the following Friday (June 21). No one will be allowed to leave early without permission of the Camp Coordinator. Medications need to be accompanied by the medication form and will be administered by the camp nurse. Medications must be in the original prescription bottle/container. Connect with The Awakening Youth Group on Facebook! 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 Page 5 Messenger Amazing Things... What Jesus Said and Did! John 3:3 Jesus answered; "I am telling you the truth: no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again." John 16 " I have told you this, so that you will not give up your faith." John 14:1 " Do not be worried and upset," Jesus told them. "Believe in God and believe also in me." It's that time of year when we hear the Easter story! A story that tells of Jesus' honesty, God's love, and promise to us all. Every day at Sunday school and church we hear stories of truth, stories of God's love, and it helps us to believe in God's promises. Come join us on Easter Sunday to discover that God loved us so much that he sent his only son to die for our sins! Isn't that Amazing LOVE! Jesus is Alive, Kimberly Bowers Children's Ministry Director Jesus is Alive! Rock -n- Roll Easter Event 3:00-5:00 pm March 31 Wesley Hall / Pre-school Wing Crafts, food, games, music, puppet show and of course, an Easter egg hunt. Want to be a part of the celebration? Call me to see how you can help! Kingdom Rock Vacation Bible School - Where Kids Stand Strong for God July 29 - August 2 5:30-8:15 pm Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Calling all Kings and Queens, and Looking for Volunteers... If you love God and want to share that love, call or email Kimberly Bowers. We have a spot for you! District Church Camp June 17-21 More information coming soon. Lakeview Methodist Center, Palestine, Texas Join our district for Summer fun! Meet new friends and learn more about God.
Volume 43, Issue 5 March 6, 2013 First Church Finances Page 6 Finance Team Update After a strong January, we had a slight drop in February income while expenses jumped and putting year-to-date expenses at about 15% above our income. We will continue to provide a monthly update on church finances. In the meantime, your questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome. On behalf of our Finance Committee, Jim Hemphill (jjhemphill@dow.com or 979-418-8820) Friday, March 22nd Crosswinds Café - at the Brazoria Regional Airport For more details or to RSVP, please Contact Mary Helen at 297-6968 or mh-israel@sbcglobal.net. The Sanctuary Choir would like to welcome new members! Choir rehearsals take place Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:40 pm in the Choir Room (located across from the Sanctuary at the back of the Church). You are invited to make new friends and sing His Word. New Sunday Evening Beth Moore Bible Study! Hey Ladies - join us for this new study, starting Sunday, April 7th from 6-7:30PM in WilsonParlor. This is the latest Beth Moore study and will last approximately seven weeks. Please contact Kathy Geller at 979-549-1242 or the Church Office if you would like to have a workbook ordered for you. Be sure to check out our new website for the most up-to-date information! www.ljfumc.org For more information, please contact Joshua Johnson at 979-297-3046 Ext. 111
Volume 43, Issue 5 March 6, 2013 Page 7 Thursday, March 21 9:00 AM - Beth Moore Bible Study - AR 6:00 PM - Finance Committee Meeting - Lib. 6:30 PM - Barbershop Group - Choir Room 7:00 PM - Cub Scouts Pack Meeting WH Friday, March 22 6:00 AM - Men's Lost & Found Study - Wesley Hall Saturday, March 23 Sunday, March 24 PALM SUNDAY 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. 3:00 PM - Admin. Board Mtg. - Chapel 5:00 PM - The Awakening Youth Group 5:00 PM - The Journey Worship Service-WH Monday, March 25 6:30 PM - Girl Scout Troop #27028 Meeting - Potter's Place 6:30 PM - Stephen Ministry Meeting 7:00 PM - Boy Scout Troop 325 Meeting - Wesley Hall Tuesday, March 26 9:00 AM - Intercessory Prayer - Chapel 9:30 AM - Bridge Group-Asbury Room 9:30 AM - Taking The Word To The World- Chick-fil-A 7:30 PM - Praise Team Practice Wednesday, March 27 7:00 AM - Emmaus group meeting - Library 10:00 AM - Friendship Club 6:00 PM - Jr. & Sr. High Bible Study - YC 6:15 PM - Small Group Study - WP 7:30 PM - Choir Rehersal - Choir Room Thursday, March 28 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Beth Moore Bible Study - Asbury Room 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM SLP Rainy Day Play 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM SLP Chapel 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Barbershop Group - Choir Room Friday, March 29 6:00 AM - AM Men's Lost & Found Study - Wesley Hall Sunday, March 31 EASTER SUNDAY 7:00 AM - Sunrise Service 8:00 AM - Classic Worship 8:30 AM - First Foods 9:00 AM - Contemporary Worship 9:30 AM - Wesleyan Seniors Sunday School 10:00 AM - Sunday School 11:00 AM - Traditional Worship 3:00 PM - Rock & Roll Children's Easter Event - Wesley Hall & Preschool Wing 5:00 PM - The Awakening Youth Group 5:00 PM - The Journey Worship Service Monday, April 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 Committee Meeting- Rm 14 Tuesday, April 2 9:00 AM - Intercessory Prayer - Chapel 9:30 AM - Bridge Group-Asbury Room 9:30 AM - Taking The Word To The World- Chick-fil-A 6:00 PM - Church Unique Team Meeting- Wilson Parlor 7:30 PM - Praise Team Practice Wednesday, April 3 7:00 AM - Emmaus group meeting - Lib. 7:00 AM - Methodist Men's Breakfast WH 6:00 PM - Jr. & Sr. High Bible Study - YC 6:15 PM - Small Group Study - WP 7:30 PM - Choir Rehersal - Choir Room Thursday, April 4 9:00 AM - Beth Moore Bible Study - AR 6:30 PM - Barbershop Group - Choir Room Friday, April 5 6:00 AM - Men's Lost & Found Study- WH Saturday, April 6 8:30 AM - Kairos Team Training - AR Sunday, April 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. 3:00 PM - Admin. Board Mtg. - Chapel 5:00 PM - The Awakening Youth Group 5:00 PM - The Journey Worship Service-WH 6:00 PM - Beth Moore Bible Study 6:30 PM - Carpenter's Hands - Room 14 THE JOURNEY: Passionate Evening Worship Every Sunday ~ 5:00 PM in Wesley Hall
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 April 6th 2013 11:00am - 5:00pm We will be manning a booth for First Church at the City of Lake Jackson 70th Anniversary Celebration - please stop by and show your support! We will have friendly faces that you know - as well as free popcorn, sno-cones, face painting, and an appearance by Sweet Potato the Clown! Come out and show your love for what First Church is doing in this community as we also celebrate Lake Jackson s 70th Anniversary! Start Connecting with your church family on Facebook! Join our page at First United Methodist Church - Lake Jackson