First United Methodist Church ~ 301 Church Street ~ Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482 Phone: 903.885.2185 ~ Fax: 903.885.4540 ~ www.ssfumc.org

September 2010

Do You Know I

Love You?

IIIINNNN T T T THISHISHISHIS I I I ISSUESSUESSUESSUE............ Church Staff

Rev. Russell FloydRev. Russell FloydRev. Russell FloydRev. Russell Floyd Senior Pastor

Rev. Debbie RiggsbyRev. Debbie RiggsbyRev. Debbie RiggsbyRev. Debbie Riggsby Associate Pastor

Carol AllenCarol AllenCarol AllenCarol Allen Music Director

Jason DietzeJason DietzeJason DietzeJason Dietze Youth Director

Adrienne LilleyAdrienne LilleyAdrienne LilleyAdrienne Lilley Children’s Director

Jill DietzeJill DietzeJill DietzeJill Dietze Nursery Director

Paul GloverPaul GloverPaul GloverPaul Glover Business Administrator

Jennifer PhiloJennifer PhiloJennifer PhiloJennifer Philo Communications

Nancy KirkpatrickNancy KirkpatrickNancy KirkpatrickNancy Kirkpatrick Administrative Assistant

Mike DoddMike DoddMike DoddMike Dodd Handbell Director

Ken HanushekKen HanushekKen HanushekKen Hanushek Pianist

Deanna SpragginsDeanna SpragginsDeanna SpragginsDeanna Spraggins Organist

Sam GilbreathSam GilbreathSam GilbreathSam Gilbreath Building Maint. Supervisor

Joe GoodsonJoe GoodsonJoe GoodsonJoe Goodson Custodian

Virginia MasseyVirginia MasseyVirginia MasseyVirginia Massey Weekend Custodian

Marianne ShulerMarianne ShulerMarianne ShulerMarianne Shuler After School Program Director

Keitha ManningKeitha ManningKeitha ManningKeitha Manning After School Program

Brenda RollisonBrenda RollisonBrenda RollisonBrenda Rollison After School Program

Cassie WebbCassie WebbCassie WebbCassie Webb Nursery Attendant

Tristan MorganTristan MorganTristan MorganTristan Morgan Nursery Attendant

Chelsie WebbChelsie WebbChelsie WebbChelsie Webb Nursery Attendant

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all

the others.

Romans 12:4-5

Russell’s Ramblings……………………………………………………3

The Best Is Yet to Come……………………………………………….3

Prayer Concerns……………………………………………………….4

September Birthdays…………………………………………………..4

September Activity Calendar…………………………………………...5

Just 4 Youth…………………………………………………………...6

The Kids’ Page………………………………………………………...7

Text Connecting with FUMC…………………………………………...7

District Laity Celebration………………………………………………7

Lands of the Bible Cruise 2011………………………………………..7

Memorials & Honorariums……………………………………………..8

From Conversation to Implementation………………………………….8

The Back to School Clothing Sale is BACK!...........................................9

How Can I Pray For Others?................................................................9

Debbie’s Daring Adventure…………………………………………..10

Upcoming Emmaus & Chrysalis Weekends……………………………10

UMW News………………………………………………………….10

Ten Ideas for Everyday Outreach……………………………………..10

Stephen Ministry……………………………………………………..11

The Next NOTHY Adventure…………………………………………11

Join the Small Group Adventure This Fall……………………………..12

RRRRUSSELLUSSELLUSSELLUSSELL’’’’SSSS R R R RAMBLINGSAMBLINGSAMBLINGSAMBLINGS ARE YOU READY?ARE YOU READY?ARE YOU READY?ARE YOU READY?

Some of you awoke this week in your usual groggy manner and were not able to enjoy your normal morning coffee ritual. Everyone else in the house was underfoot readying for school. In your sleepy haze, you tripped over backpacks left on the floor for the next day, you spilled coffee on a school form left on the counter to be signed, and left the newspaper unread. Everything changed in the house for the sake of school starting.

Being ready can be just as important as being there. Some of us know better than others, that being ready is very important to our sense of well being. When we feel ready, we know we will not have to worry about having all the right things we need for whatever it is we are getting ready forforforfor.

I have been thinking lately if we would be ready if we had a fire in the church buildings or an intruder wanting to do harm. I have wondered if we should have drills, or do something else to be sure we are ready. Maybe some of you want to weigh in with your suggestions how we might improve safety in our building. When we are prepared for something in advance it makes us feel ready when the unexpected shows up.

As Christians, we are continually challenged to be “ready.” I want to challenge each one of you to ready yourself for a journey that will explore the depths of God's love for you. We are going to spend the next six weeks reading, learning, and discussing together Wayne Jacobsen's book, "He Loves Me!He Loves Me!He Loves Me!He Loves Me!" The students of FUMC have purchased books for the entire congregation. They want to give you a copy at our Unity Sunday, August 29 at the 10:45 a.m. (One Service OnlyOne Service OnlyOne Service OnlyOne Service Only)

So, get ready and come this Sunday prepared for the journey of exploring the dimensions of God's love for you. Also, ready yourself

to be in worship each week during the month of September. As I pray, I will pray we all come with a ready heart; open to being

loved on by a God who loves you more than you know….YET! Are you ready?

TTTTHEHEHEHE B B B BESTESTESTEST I I I ISSSS Y Y Y YETETETET T T T TOOOO C C C COMEOMEOMEOME

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He Loves Me by Wayne Jacobsen We are in for a really wonderful ride during the month of September. Our congregation will have the opportunity to discover, perhaps for the first time for some, or to re-discover for others, that GOD REALLY LOVES ME. This basic tenet of our faith is part of our teaching from day one, and yet, we struggle to live each day, as if the God of the universe has great affection for us.

Let me quote the author here: we have come to believe that...."God's love is something we earn. If we do what pleases him, he loves us; if not, he doesn't. Giving that up isn't easy. Moving from a performance-based religious ethic to a relationship deeply rooted in the Father's affection is no small transition."

Everyone who wishes to have a book will be given one. A gift. I hope and pray that many (most) of our adults and young people will read this book. Some of the chapter divisions are, What Jesus's Disciples Didn't Know, The God We Love to Fear, What Really Hap-What Jesus's Disciples Didn't Know, The God We Love to Fear, What Really Hap-What Jesus's Disciples Didn't Know, The God We Love to Fear, What Really Hap-What Jesus's Disciples Didn't Know, The God We Love to Fear, What Really Hap-pened on the Cross, Trying to Earn Points with Someone Who is No Longer Keeping Score, pened on the Cross, Trying to Earn Points with Someone Who is No Longer Keeping Score, pened on the Cross, Trying to Earn Points with Someone Who is No Longer Keeping Score, pened on the Cross, Trying to Earn Points with Someone Who is No Longer Keeping Score, Shamelessly Free, Shamelessly Free, Shamelessly Free, Shamelessly Free, and The Prayer God The Prayer God The Prayer God The Prayer God Always Answers.Always Answers.Always Answers.Always Answers.

I hope this will peak your interest in reading this powerful little book. The chapter entitled, 'The Most Powerful Force in the Universe' is worth the time it takes to read the whole book. Don't let the happy little cover of the book fool you. There is a powerful deep truth within the pages. Can we change our worship, our hearts, our interaction with our family and our heavenly Father? I think so. Do we need to? Probably, if we expect to keep growing in our faith walk and our relationship with God.

Just a side note: Pastor Jacobsen is the one who had the wisdom and foresight to publish the blockbuster book, The Shack' when it had been rejected by many 'big' publishers. He thought it was a book that would change lives.

I am excited to see what God has in store for us! The choir will be reading and using 'He Loves Me' as it's devotional material for sev-eral months to come. Many Sunday school classes are going to read and study the book. It lends itself perfectly to a bible study for-mat.

And now, a choir note: We will begin work on our Christmas music, a cantata, Night of the Father's Love in September. PleasePleasePleasePlease come join us at 6:30 on Wednesdays. We need you! Even if you think you don't have a musical gift, come see us! We have a way of bringing out the best in folks!! Really! And on that note I'll add, The best is yet to come, Carol

September 1September 1September 1September 1 Mary Ellen Hoybook

Melissa Phillips Emily Reynolds Ryan Watson

September 2September 2September 2September 2 Andrew Moore

September 3September 3September 3September 3 Alec Bridges

Dave Funderburk September 4September 4September 4September 4

Mary Cable Annette Horne

Roy Pelton Harrison Yount

September 6September 6September 6September 6 Deborah Balkcom

Katie Dougan Emily Moran Craig Philo

September 7September 7September 7September 7 Joanna Foster Audrey Pilcher

September 8September 8September 8September 8 Patsy Ardis

Jessica Cowley Grace Murray

September 9September 9September 9September 9 Jackie Blount

September 10September 10September 10September 10 Modene Huggins

September 11September 11September 11September 11 Tracy Johnson

September 12September 12September 12September 12 Nancy Ferguson Barrett Williams

September 13September 13September 13September 13 Connie Johnson Christine Street

September 14September 14September 14September 14 Marjorie Clement Matthew Kramer Haley Reynolds Matthew Kramer

September 15September 15September 15September 15 Max Bradford

Louis McGrede Malory Rawson

September 16September 16September 16September 16 Mary Wilson

September 18September 18September 18September 18 Austin Johnson Taylor Johnson

September 19September 19September 19September 19 Ann Ardis

Betty Chapman John Gilreath

Charles Maddux

September 20September 20September 20September 20 Gail Boles

Carson Bridges Brandon Gunn

Scott Keys Rafe Penson

September 21September 21September 21September 21 Trevor Johnson Brooklyn Jones

Sue Stewart September 22September 22September 22September 22

Audrey Chapman September 23September 23September 23September 23

James Cowley September 24September 24September 24September 24

Keith Allison Sarah Gibbs

Fred Holtman Ewell Massey

Zelma McCullough

September 24 September 24 September 24 September 24 (cont.)(cont.)(cont.)(cont.) Judy Rawson

Cathy Schmersahl September 25September 25September 25September 25

Clyde Browning September 26September 26September 26September 26

Monica Littlefield Megan Watson Gladys Wood

September 27September 27September 27September 27 Harold Cowley

Jerry Hanna Mollye Lay

Bruce Lockhart Sarah Ragsdill Tom Sellers

Carolyn Vandeventer September 28September 28September 28September 28

Pete Adrian Scott Johnson

September 29September 29September 29September 29 Melissa Roberts

Dick Stanley September 30September 30September 30September 30

Bill Campbell Victoria Chapman

June Finke Sarah Leos

Janette Watson

Current & Pressing Current & Pressing Current & Pressing Current & Pressing Prayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer Requests Becky Graves Bob Morrison Bobbie J. Foote Sam Robinson Grace Murray Lisa Rhimes B.J. Rone Gerbode Family Harrison Yount

Health ConcernsHealth ConcernsHealth ConcernsHealth Concerns Church MembersChurch MembersChurch MembersChurch Members Louis McGrede Charles & Billiefae Sellers Pat Eagle Jerry Graves Bill Campbell Shirley Anderson

Friends of our ChurchFriends of our ChurchFriends of our ChurchFriends of our Church Colten Armstrong Lou Ann McFadden E.J. Clark Jacky Wilks

Jack Conner Milly Townsend Jackson Bouquet Gwen Moore Thomas Mayfield Pat Vance Bobby McCoy Scott Brulingame Keisha Whistler Stuart Ham Seth Welborn LongLongLongLong----term Concernsterm Concernsterm Concernsterm Concerns Judy McKee Sandy Martin John Bass Matt Worsham Don Carbonneau Wayne Murphy Nell Green Henry Preuss Modene Huggins Johnny Latimer Ben Dickson Jackie Blount Sue Collins

Bobby Ramsey Sr. Patsy Brumfield June Tuck

HomeboundHomeboundHomeboundHomebound Ruth Milam Louise Fox Norma Haberlin Vicki King Bonnie Owens Maxine Bell Annie Lou Dickerson Mandy Moseley Helen Alford Edith Passons Sue Stewart Idell Chapman Lynn Chapman Jackie Blount Lillian Kinsala

JoysJoysJoysJoys The beginning of another great school year!

SympathySympathySympathySympathy We express our heartfelt sym-pathy to: Dorothy Minter Dorothy Minter Dorothy Minter Dorothy Minter and family on the loss of her husband, Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Joe MinterJoe MinterJoe MinterJoe Minter Cindy Elder Cindy Elder Cindy Elder Cindy Elder and family on the loss of her sister, Mary Jo Mary Jo Mary Jo Mary Jo BeardBeardBeardBeard Deanna Landers Deanna Landers Deanna Landers Deanna Landers and family on the loss of her nephew, Tris-Tris-Tris-Tris-tan Daschtan Daschtan Daschtan Dasch Sidney Burgin Sidney Burgin Sidney Burgin Sidney Burgin and family on the loss of her mother-in-law, Berthal BurginBerthal BurginBerthal BurginBerthal Burgin

PPPPRAYERRAYERRAYERRAYER CONCERNSCONCERNSCONCERNSCONCERNS

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We invite you to join us in praying for all the persons listed in our bulletin and newsletter Prayer Concerns. Please take a look at the concerns, and if you have an update, please call Nancy at the Church Office.

SSSSEPTEMBEREPTEMBEREPTEMBEREPTEMBER B B B BIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYS

S eptember 20 10 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 6 pm UMYF 6:30 pm Choir

2 6:30 am Coffee with

the Coaches 9 am ZUMBA 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm ZUMBA

3

4

5 6

Labor Day Church Office Closed

7 7:30 am SS MENnows 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leaders 9 am Walking Fourth 9 am ZUMBA 5:30 pm ZUMBA 6 pm Wanderers Class

8 9am Beth Moore

Class 6 pm UMYF 6 pm Beth Moore

Class 6:30 pm Choir

9 9 am ZUMBA 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm ZUMBA

10 6:30 am Coffee with

the Coaches 6 pm Scrapbooking

11 8 am Back to School

Clothing Sale

12 District Laity Celebration

5:30 pm Wesley UMC, Greenville

13 7 pm NETCS

14 7:30 am SS MENnows 8 am Sweet Hour of

Prayer 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leaders 9 am Walking Fourth 9 am ZUMBA 5 pm Trustees Mtg 5:30 pm ZUMBA 6 pm Wanderers Class

15 9 am Beth Moore

Class 6 pm Adult Bible

Study 6 pm UMYF 6 pm Wonderful

Wednesdays 6 pm Beth Moore

Class 6:30 pm Choir

16 9 am ZUMBA 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm ZUMBA

17 6:30 am Coffee with

the Coaches

18

19 20 9 am East District Mtg

in FH 10:30 am Young at

Heart 7 pm NETCS

21 7:30 am SS MENnows 8 am Sweet Hour of

Prayer 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leaders 9 am Walking Fourth 9 am ZUMBA 1 pm UMW 5:15 pm Finance 5:30 pm Evangelism

22 9 am Beth Moore

Class 6 pm Adult Bible

Study 6 pm UMYF 6 pm Wonderful

Wednesdays 6 pm Beth Moore

Class

23 9 am ZUMBA 9:30 am NOTHY Trip 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm ZUMBA

24 6:30 am Coffee with

the Coaches

25 9 am UMW Chris-

mons Creations

26 27 7 pm NETCS

28 7:30 am SS MENnows 8 am Sweet Hour of

Prayer 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leaders 9 am Walking Fourth 9 am ZUMBA 5:30 pm ZUMBA 6 pm Wanderers Class

29 9 am Beth Moore

Class 6 pm Adult Bible

Study 6 pm UMYF 6 pm Wonderful

Wednesdays 6 pm Beth Moore

Class

30

Save the date…

trust us!!

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Summers Come, Summers Go . . . Summers Come, Summers Go . . . Summers Come, Summers Go . . . Summers Come, Summers Go . . . One Thing I know, They Don’t Go SlowOne Thing I know, They Don’t Go SlowOne Thing I know, They Don’t Go SlowOne Thing I know, They Don’t Go Slow Well another speedy summer has come and gone. But what a great one it was! God blessed us again as he always does. We kicked off the season with an incredible Sulphur Springs Work Camp. With over 230 teens and 60 plus adults and volunteers, from our local churches and a group from Oklahoma, we painted 21 houses in 3 days.

We followed that up with a great week of Jr. High Camp at Bridgeport. Though we only had a few that could participate this year, it was an amazing week of growing in our relation-ships with the Lord; along with a whole lot of fun as well!

The Sr. High ventured back to the great plains of South Da-kota. Meeting up with our friends we made the previous year from Sioux Falls, we traveled to the Black Hills for a couple of days of camping and hiking. We hiked to Mt. Rushmore and climbed Harney’s Peak, the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains. We then served a wonderful family in Rapid City, working with Habitat for Humanity helping to provide them with a needed new home.

And then just recently, we welcomed the new 6th Graders into our family through our Blitzed Out activities. And what an ap-propriate name, Blitzed Out! Because that pretty much de-scribes how we felt at that time. But we have a great group of youth joining our family and we are excited about kicking off a brand new year!

But of course none of these activities could be possible without the help of our great volunteers. There are too many to at-tempt to name, but we are so blessed to have so many willing hearts to serve our youth in any way they can.

Farewell, but not Goodbye!Farewell, but not Goodbye!Farewell, but not Goodbye!Farewell, but not Goodbye! We want to say a HUGE, HUGE thanks to Kimi Merrell for all the hard work, love and time she put into serving our church and our youth as the Assistant Youth Director. Kimi gave so much of herself while also finishing nursing school and passing her LVN Boards. We are so proud of her and all the hard work she put into completing this goal and wish her the very best as she now accepts her new ministry in serving her patients as a nurse. Kimi of course could not quit us “cold turkey”, so she will be around as much as she possibly can as a volunteer. She will continue to help team teach our Jr. High Sunday School class. So again, thank you Kimi for who you are and what you have done in answering His call on your life to serve. You are loved and will be very missed.

What’s Coming Up This Fall?What’s Coming Up This Fall?What’s Coming Up This Fall?What’s Coming Up This Fall? Here are few dates to keep in mind as we head into the fall se-mester:

Sept. 1Sept. 1Sept. 1Sept. 1stststst Community Game Night:Community Game Night:Community Game Night:Community Game Night: Over 10 youth groups from town are gathering for a game night at Shannon Oaks Church at 6:00 – 8:00. Looking for-ward to gathering with all our friends for a night of fun and prayer for the new school year!

Sept. 12thSept. 12thSept. 12thSept. 12th Sunday Night Studies:Sunday Night Studies:Sunday Night Studies:Sunday Night Studies: We will begin our Sun-day Night Studies (SnS) groups.

SH Guys @ Ryan McKenzie’s at 6:00 SH Girls @ Dena Irving’s (time TBA) *we are still looking for hosts for the Jr. High on Sunday nights. We are hoping to have a separate place for both the boys and the girls. Call Jason if you may be interested.

Oct. 6Oct. 6Oct. 6Oct. 6thththth The Nest:The Nest:The Nest:The Nest: We will have our first NEST at 6:45 p.m. this night. Remember we do not do our normal Wednesday night meals on nights we have the NEST.

September Calendar: Wed, Sept 1st: Community Game Night at Shannon Oaks

(see above note) *No meal tonight! Eat before you come.

Mon, Sept 6 th: No School! (Labor Day)

Wed, Sept 8 th: UMYF (6:00 – 8:00) *Bring $3 for meal.

Sun, Sept 12 th: Sunday Night Studies (see above)

Wed, Sept 15 th: UMYF (6:00 – 8:00) *Bring $3 for meal.

Fri, Sept 17 th: No School (Fall Festival)

Sun, Sept 19 th: SnS Wed, Sept 22nd: UMYF (6:00 – 8:00) *Bring $3 for meal.

Sun, Sept 26 th: SnS Wed, Sept 29 th: UMYF (6:00 – 8:00) *Bring $3 for meal.

WhoWhoWhoWho’s Getting s Getting s Getting s Getting

OlderOlderOlderOlder

This Month:This Month:This Month:This Month: Sept. 1th: Melissa Phillips, Emily Reynolds, Ryan Watson

Sept. 6th: Katie Dougan, Emily Moran Sept. 8th: Jessica Cowley

Sept. 30th: Victoria Chapman

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Kids Camp was Awesome! We had a great time learning to build a “network” for Christ with our God in HD camp! Campers played games includ-ing shuffle your buns and blind leap frog, they made crafts with sun-prints and leather stamping, and all of our campers showed their generosity in the tons of friendship bracelets they made! Thank you to all of our adult Sunday school classes for providing us with such wonderful camp food and to Lonnie Fox for our super cool T-shirts! A HUGE thank you goes to Joanna Foster and Joy Lane for camping with us and for their tremendous help and support during camp and to Taryn Smith and Tim Charlton for being our fabulous camp counselors! I can’t wait for next year!

Wonderful Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 WW will begin September 15th. Children ages 3-5 will dis-cover “My Great Big God” with crafts, games, and more! Children Kindergarten through 5th grade will be working on a Christmas musical and having fun with songs, games, crafts and more! If you would like to help with WW or have any questions, please call or email me at adrien-nelilley@ssfumc.org

Kingdom Kids September 19th is the first Sunday for Kingdom Kids choir this fall! We will once again meet during the 10:45 worship service for a 12 week session. Parents of kindergarteners, you may choose to send your child to either Little Angels Children Church or Kingdom Kids during this time. I am looking forward to a wonderfully musical semester!

If you would like to receive little spiritual insights, church prayer requests, and last minute church news by text, send a text with your name to Debbie at 903-243-3333. Feel free to share them with friends to expand the connections with each other and with God.

TTTTEXTEXTEXTEXT C C C CONNECTINGONNECTINGONNECTINGONNECTING WITHWITHWITHWITH FUMC FUMC FUMC FUMC

District Laity Celebration The Power of Partnership

September 12, 2010 at 5:30 pm Wesley UMC, Greenville

Special Guest Speaker: Bishop Bledsoe

Tickets for the box supper are $10 for adults and $5 for chil-dren.

Tickets must be reserved by August 30th August 30th August 30th August 30th by calling or emailing Becky Marks at the District Office

(903-439-1117 or beckymarks@ntceastdistrict.org)

Encompassing the Old Testament (Moses and the Israelites in Egypt) and the New Testament (the Gospels and Jesus’ Minis-try; Acts and Paul’s Ministry)

Join Bishop and Mrs. W. Earl Bledsoe and the North Texas Conference

13-Day program departs on November 4, 2011

Your journey of a lifetime includes:

• Roundtrip Airfare

• Deluxe Motorcoaches

• Deluxe Cruise Ship

• First Class Hotels

• Guided Shore Excursions

• Study Guide

• Entrance Fees

• Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner when aboard ship

Guest Lecturer will be Dr. John C. Holbert, Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics, Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

Prices start at $3,620 from Dallas/Ft. Worth. For more infor-mation or to register online go to: www.eo.travelwithus.com and search for “Lands of the Bible Cruise 2011 Aboard the Norwegian Jade.

LLLLANDSANDSANDSANDS OFOFOFOF THETHETHETHE B B B BIBLEIBLEIBLEIBLE CCCCRUISERUISERUISERUISE 2011 2011 2011 2011

Did you know you can now listen to the First UMC worship service on

the web?

Visit us at www.ssfumc.org

MMMMEMORIALSEMORIALSEMORIALSEMORIALS & H & H & H & HONORARIUMSONORARIUMSONORARIUMSONORARIUMS In Loving Memory of O. Lee AdairIn Loving Memory of O. Lee AdairIn Loving Memory of O. Lee AdairIn Loving Memory of O. Lee Adair By: Alec & Carol Bridges In Loving Memory of Billie AndersonIn Loving Memory of Billie AndersonIn Loving Memory of Billie AndersonIn Loving Memory of Billie Anderson By: Alec & Carol Bridges InInInIn Loving Memory of Paul AntrimLoving Memory of Paul AntrimLoving Memory of Paul AntrimLoving Memory of Paul Antrim By: Alec & Carol Bridges In Loving Memory of Pat AshcraftIn Loving Memory of Pat AshcraftIn Loving Memory of Pat AshcraftIn Loving Memory of Pat Ashcraft By: Bob & Nancy Kirkpatrick In Loving Memory of Juanita BarrettIn Loving Memory of Juanita BarrettIn Loving Memory of Juanita BarrettIn Loving Memory of Juanita Barrett By: Alec & Carol Bridges In Loving Memory of Mary Jo BeardIn Loving Memory of Mary Jo BeardIn Loving Memory of Mary Jo BeardIn Loving Memory of Mary Jo Beard By: Bernie & Fran Beers, Nancy Kirkpatrick, Messengers Class, Harve & Martha Kate Chapman, Lloyd & JoAnn Johnson In Loving Memory of Linda BibleIn Loving Memory of Linda BibleIn Loving Memory of Linda BibleIn Loving Memory of Linda Bible Larry & Anne Willmann, Paul & Cerita Glover In Loving Memory of Jayme BrumfieldIn Loving Memory of Jayme BrumfieldIn Loving Memory of Jayme BrumfieldIn Loving Memory of Jayme Brumfield By: Larry & Anne Willmann, Mr. Richard Morgan In Loving Memory of Billie Rose ChapmanIn Loving Memory of Billie Rose ChapmanIn Loving Memory of Billie Rose ChapmanIn Loving Memory of Billie Rose Chapman By: Alec & Carol Bridges, Louis & June McGrede, Larry & Anne Willmann In Honor of Martha Kate Chapman on her birthdayIn Honor of Martha Kate Chapman on her birthdayIn Honor of Martha Kate Chapman on her birthdayIn Honor of Martha Kate Chapman on her birthday By: Joe Perkins In Loving Memory of Jewell CodyIn Loving Memory of Jewell CodyIn Loving Memory of Jewell CodyIn Loving Memory of Jewell Cody By: Louis & June McGrede In Loving Memory of Doug CoxIn Loving Memory of Doug CoxIn Loving Memory of Doug CoxIn Loving Memory of Doug Cox By: Alec & Carol Bridges In Loving Memory of Tristan DaschIn Loving Memory of Tristan DaschIn Loving Memory of Tristan DaschIn Loving Memory of Tristan Dasch By: Good News Bible Class, Bob & Nancy Kirkpatrick In Loving Memory of Laurie FausettIn Loving Memory of Laurie FausettIn Loving Memory of Laurie FausettIn Loving Memory of Laurie Fausett By: Alec & Carol Bridges In Loving Memory of Dr. Bill GrayIn Loving Memory of Dr. Bill GrayIn Loving Memory of Dr. Bill GrayIn Loving Memory of Dr. Bill Gray By: Louis & June McGrede, Larry & Anne Willmann In Loving Memory of John MerrellIn Loving Memory of John MerrellIn Loving Memory of John MerrellIn Loving Memory of John Merrell By: Alec & Carol Bridges In Loving Memory of Gene PearsonIn Loving Memory of Gene PearsonIn Loving Memory of Gene PearsonIn Loving Memory of Gene Pearson By: John & Cheri Barnett (Youth Dept.)

In Loving Memory of Joe MinterIn Loving Memory of Joe MinterIn Loving Memory of Joe MinterIn Loving Memory of Joe Minter By: JoBeth & Lee Levine, Bob & Ann Gideon, Billie Grace Reynolds, Joe & Nancy Moore, Bernie & Fran Beers, Joe & Janet Wheeler, Messengers Class, Harve & Martha Kate Chap-man, Huel & Juanita Hammond, Larry & Anne Willmann, Dick & Phyllis Stanley, Paul & Cerita Glover In Loving Memory of Lem PlaxcoIn Loving Memory of Lem PlaxcoIn Loving Memory of Lem PlaxcoIn Loving Memory of Lem Plaxco By: Harve & Martha Kate Chapman In Loving Memory of Jack RameyIn Loving Memory of Jack RameyIn Loving Memory of Jack RameyIn Loving Memory of Jack Ramey By: Louis & June McGrede In Loving Memory of J.G. Reynolds Jr.In Loving Memory of J.G. Reynolds Jr.In Loving Memory of J.G. Reynolds Jr.In Loving Memory of J.G. Reynolds Jr. By: Louis & June McGrede In Loving Memory of Mildred RameyIn Loving Memory of Mildred RameyIn Loving Memory of Mildred RameyIn Loving Memory of Mildred Ramey By: Alec & Carol Bridges, Louis & June McGrede In Loving Memory of Arthur ReynoldsIn Loving Memory of Arthur ReynoldsIn Loving Memory of Arthur ReynoldsIn Loving Memory of Arthur Reynolds By: Alec & Carol Bridges, Louis & June McGrede, Larry & Anne Willmann In Loving Memory of Arthur & Martha ReynoldsIn Loving Memory of Arthur & Martha ReynoldsIn Loving Memory of Arthur & Martha ReynoldsIn Loving Memory of Arthur & Martha Reynolds By: John & Jamie Pearce In Loving Memory of Guy RushinIn Loving Memory of Guy RushinIn Loving Memory of Guy RushinIn Loving Memory of Guy Rushin By: Louis & June McGrede In Loving Memory of Paul SalasIn Loving Memory of Paul SalasIn Loving Memory of Paul SalasIn Loving Memory of Paul Salas By: Harve & Martha Kate Chapman In Loving Memory of Wanda SartinIn Loving Memory of Wanda SartinIn Loving Memory of Wanda SartinIn Loving Memory of Wanda Sartin By: Jim & Pat Johnson, Harve & Martha Kate Chapman In Loving Memory of Frances ThorntonIn Loving Memory of Frances ThorntonIn Loving Memory of Frances ThorntonIn Loving Memory of Frances Thornton By: Louis & June McGrede In Loving Memory of Lola WeaverIn Loving Memory of Lola WeaverIn Loving Memory of Lola WeaverIn Loving Memory of Lola Weaver By: Louis & June McGrede, Dick & Phyllis Stanley In Loving Memory of Gladys WoodIn Loving Memory of Gladys WoodIn Loving Memory of Gladys WoodIn Loving Memory of Gladys Wood By: Alec & Carol Bridges In Loving Memory of Dorothy YoungIn Loving Memory of Dorothy YoungIn Loving Memory of Dorothy YoungIn Loving Memory of Dorothy Young By: Alec & Carol Bridges In Loving Memory of Paula WatkinsIn Loving Memory of Paula WatkinsIn Loving Memory of Paula WatkinsIn Loving Memory of Paula Watkins By: Mike & Mary Edwards

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FFFFROMROMROMROM C C C CONVERSATIONONVERSATIONONVERSATIONONVERSATION TOTOTOTO I I I IMPLEMENTATIONMPLEMENTATIONMPLEMENTATIONMPLEMENTATION Calling All Persons Who Have Attended A Holy Conversation

Others Who Want to Help Take the Next Step August 29, 1:00 August 29, 1:00 August 29, 1:00 August 29, 1:00 ---- 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.

After Unity Sunday Lunch in the Church Parlor The Holy Conversation Team invites you to join them in the Parlor at 1:00 p.m. to spend time in prayer regarding the next steps for Holy Conversation. The team will also be inviting you to take the next steps of implementation with them. Anyone who has attended a Holy Conversation meeting is encouraged to come. Anyone who wants to be part of these next steps is needed. Please join us!

The best gift anyone can give to another is to pray for him or her. Praying for another person not only helps that person find God in the midst of trouble, but also helps us recognize the blessings that God gives us daily.

The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to. 1 John 5: 14-15 tells us, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him.” No matter the person praying, the passion behind the prayer, or the purpose of the prayer, God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always yes, but are always in our best interest. When our desires line up with His will, we will come to understand that in time. When we pray passionately and purposefully, according to God’s will, God responds powerfully.

Intercessory prayer is praying for others. An intercessor is one who takes the place of another or pleads another’s case to God. The power of prayer has overcome enemies, conquered death, brought healing and defeated demons.

We will gather together in His name for a Sweet Hour of Prayer beginning Tuesday, September 14, 2010, which is our 5th year. This will be an opportunity to come together during the week and enjoy the admonition in scripture that “my house is to be a house of prayer.” You are welcome to join us and are invited to pray silently, or aloud, or write prayer cards to those for whom we are praying.

Come and be blessed by praying for others. Call Sally Hamilton if you have questions (903-860-7082).

The Spire Page 9

HHHHOWOWOWOW C C C CANANANAN I P I P I P I PRAYRAYRAYRAY FORFORFORFOR O O O OTHERSTHERSTHERSTHERS????

TTTTHEHEHEHE B B B BACKACKACKACK T T T TOOOO S S S SCHOOLCHOOLCHOOLCHOOL C C C CLOTHINGLOTHINGLOTHINGLOTHING S S S SALEALEALEALE ISISISIS BACKBACKBACKBACK!!!! The Discoverers Class is once again helping organize the Back to School Clothing Sale. We have set the date for Sep-tember 11. Many of you know what that means. Please start saving your gently used clothes - ESPECIALLY KIDS CLOTHES and also clothes hangers. We will begin taking donations on Sunday August 29Sunday August 29Sunday August 29Sunday August 29.

For those of you who don't know, this sale is a WIN WIN WIN project that helps people near and far, now and in the future. All items are sold for 25 cents each. This allows less fortunate people to afford to clothe their family. All left-over items are given to the League Street Church of Christ clothing room. Finally all the proceeds of the sale will be donated to a needed local charity or mission project.

Here’s where we need your help… • Volunteers to help sort clothing in the weeks leading up to the sale. Show up on your own or bring your Sunday

school class with you. You can come during the day or in the evening (call the church office to make sure the build-ing will be unlocked).

• Volunteers to help the day of the sale. The sale is usually fast & furious at the beginning and dwindles down about mid-morning. In years past, we’ve been packed up, cleaned up and ready to go by noon.

DDDDEBBIEEBBIEEBBIEEBBIE’’’’SSSS D D D DARINGARINGARINGARING AAAADDDDVVVVEEEENNNNTTTTUUUURRRREEEE On Aug. 17, Lew and I celebrated 8 years of marriage. What a beautiful journey of abundant blessings and memo-ries. I’m so grateful that God brought us together after we both had experienced broken relationships. Thank you to all who share a witness of lasting, loving relationships of 25, 50, 60 years and more.

God loves us and desires a lasting and loving relationship with us that is even deeper and more exciting than our own earthly ones. We invite you to enter into our adventurous journey of exploring the invigorating experience of being loved by God and learning to live in God’s love in every moment of our lives.

Women’s Walk #10-108 Sep 23-26 - full

Men’s Walk #10-109 Oct 21-24

Women’s Walk #11-110 Feb 17-20

Men’s Walk #11-111 Apr 28-May 1

Women’s Walk #11-112 Sept 22-25

Men’s Walk #11-113 Oct 20-23

Go to www.netemmaus.org for more info or to register. Another connection is Debbie Riggsby at 903-243-3333.

UUUUPCOMINGPCOMINGPCOMINGPCOMING E E E EMMAUSMMAUSMMAUSMMAUS & & & & CCCCHRYSALISHRYSALISHRYSALISHRYSALIS W W W WEEKENDSEEKENDSEEKENDSEEKENDS

God is not disillusioned with you,

because he had no illusions about you in the first place.

~Gerald Coates

Join us as we begin our study of He Loves Me by Wayne Jacobsen. Our Student Ministries has purchased books for the congregation

which will be distributed on August 29th. Copies are also available in the church office. See page 3 of The Spire for more information.

The Spire Page 10

TTTTENENENEN I I I IDEASDEASDEASDEAS FORFORFORFOR EEEEVERYDAYVERYDAYVERYDAYVERYDAY O O O OUTREACHUTREACHUTREACHUTREACH 1. Pay attention to the people around you in your neighbor-

hood or at work. Send up an arrow prayer as you walk by them.

2. Be mindful of those who serve you—bank tellers, gro-cery store clerks, fast food workers. Look them in the eye and tell them you appreciate their service.

3. Leave a note of encouragement on a coworker’s desk or on the windshield of their car.

4. When you walk past a piece of trash on the ground, pick it up and throw it in a garbage can.

5. When someone says they’re having a bad day, stop and ask if you can pray for them right there.

6. At the drive-thru, pay for the meal of the person behind you.

7. Stop and talk with a homeless person. Find out their story.

8. Before leaving a restaurant, jot a thank you note to your server and leave it on the table or call the manager over and explain how much you enjoyed the service.

9. Go out of your way to be friendly to a prickly person.

10. When you’re talking with someone, give them the gift of your full attention.

www.buildingchurchleaders.com Posted by Dana Wilkerson, 3/16/2010

The United Methodist Women will begin a new study this fall titled For the Love of God: The Epistles of John. The UMW meet at 1:00 pm on the 3rd Tuesday of each month in the church parlor. All women of the church are invited to be a part of the United Methodist Women. Here is a look at their fall schedule:

Tuesday, September 21 @ 1:00 pmTuesday, September 21 @ 1:00 pmTuesday, September 21 @ 1:00 pmTuesday, September 21 @ 1:00 pm Regular Meeting, For the Love of God (led by Anne Willmann) Saturday, September 25 @ 9:30 amSaturday, September 25 @ 9:30 amSaturday, September 25 @ 9:30 amSaturday, September 25 @ 9:30 am

Chrismon Creations Craft Day (Good News Bible Class) Join the ladies for a day of creating new Chrismons to add to our

Chrismon tree this Advent.

Tuesday, October 19 @ 1:00 pmTuesday, October 19 @ 1:00 pmTuesday, October 19 @ 1:00 pmTuesday, October 19 @ 1:00 pm Regular Meeting, For the Love of God (led by Juanice Tomlinson) Tuesday, November 16 @ 1:00 pmTuesday, November 16 @ 1:00 pmTuesday, November 16 @ 1:00 pmTuesday, November 16 @ 1:00 pm Regular Meeting, For the Love of God (led by Juanice Tomlinson) Sunday, December 12 @ 1:00 pmSunday, December 12 @ 1:00 pmSunday, December 12 @ 1:00 pmSunday, December 12 @ 1:00 pm

UMW Christmas Tea in Church Parlor There will be a money tree benefitting Methodist Children’s Home

UMW NUMW NUMW NUMW NEWSEWSEWSEWS

The Spire Page 11

Dear Church Family,

My first introduction to Stephen Ministry came through the presence of a remarkable young man, Shannon Nester. He and my son-in-law were coaching my grandson’s soccer team in San Antonio. Shannon and his family are also very involved at Alamo Heights Methodist Church where my daughter, Mariah, and her family attend.

Shannon is kind, humble, soft-spoken, very likeable—and a walking miracle! Since 1996, he has waged a fierce battle agains Leu-kemia in its most dreaded form. After several rounds of chemotherapy, he received his first stem cell transplant in May 2002 and then fought graft vs. host disease as it appeared in numerous locations in his body. By December 2005, his original Leukemia had transformed into Lymphoma, and in July 2006 he received the last of his donor cells.

Weighing only 112 pounds and fighting a brain infection, Shannon was assigned a Stephen Minister, John Jiernigan, retired Air Force. John became a friend, an encourager, a prayer warrior, someone to count on, and when Shannon’s disease finally went into remission his experience with his own Stephen Minister inspired him to become one also. As of August 2010, Shannon has now become head of the entire Stephen Ministry program at Alamo Heights Methodist. His faith has never waivered, his courage is so inspirational, and he has found a most Godly way to give back to others.

As our church embarks on our own journey in establishing a Stephen Ministry here, I pray that this Christ-centered effort will pro-vide meaningful and important Christian caregiving and the greater good and purposes of God will be served.

In His Love,

Barbara McKenzie

MEET SHANNON NESTER “I first heard of Stephen Ministry when I was in the hospital. When I returned home, I began meeting weekly with a Stephen Minister from our church. He listened patiently to my fears and concerns over countless cups of coffee during my long recovery. He never missed a weekly visit and always assured me that I was loved and cared for by

Christ. After my recovery, I wanted to give back to the community that had cared for me, prayed with me, and helped me strengthen my faith. I am now trained as a Stephen Minister and I visit regularly with a young man who has fought overwhelming injuries to live and progress every day.”

Shannon Nester, Stephen Minister

SSSSTEPHENTEPHENTEPHENTEPHEN M M M MINISTRYINISTRYINISTRYINISTRY

I am blessed to be able to

answer God’s call to serve

others by walking with them

during difficult times.

TTTTHEHEHEHE N N N NEXTEXTEXTEXT NOTHY A NOTHY A NOTHY A NOTHY ADVENTUREDVENTUREDVENTUREDVENTURE The next NOTHY adventure may very well sound like the last NOTHY adventure...because it is! We were unable to make our trip in August so we’ve bumped it to September. We hope you will join us as we head to Dallas on Thursday, September 23, to visit the Museum of Biblical Arts. The cost is $12.50 per person (plus the cost of lunch). We will leave the church at 9:30 am and return between 3:00 and 4:00 pm. Please contact the church office no later than Friday, September 17, to reserve your place on the bus.

Non Profit Organization

Permit #168

Sulphur Springs

Texas 75482

First

United

Methodist

Church

301 Church Street Sulphur Springs, Texas

75482

903.885.2185 www.ssfumc.org

Office Hours Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm Friday 8am-12pm

RETURN SERVICE REQUERETURN SERVICE REQUERETURN SERVICE REQUERETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDSTEDSTEDSTED

Date SensitiveDate SensitiveDate SensitiveDate Sensitive————Please deliver by August 27, 2010Please deliver by August 27, 2010Please deliver by August 27, 2010Please deliver by August 27, 2010

Three Months with Paul Three Months with Paul Three Months with Paul Three Months with Paul Travel with Paul on his missionary journeys and glean his insights in faithful living in a 13 week exploration. Group starts meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Admin. Bldg. Nancy Rooks and Jill Barclay lead a dedi-cated group of seekers and scholars. Call Nancy at 903-885-2185 to reserve a book (cost $13).

Here Now There ThenHere Now There ThenHere Now There ThenHere Now There Then The mystery is from the study of Revelations by Beth Moore. D’Yon Butler facilitates a faithful group of followers who enjoy learning from the Beth Moore video series and discussing what they have uncovered. This 11 week study be-gins Wednesday, Sept. 8 with two opportuni-ties: 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. Call Nancy at 903-885-2185 for a book ($20) and a spot in the class.

Phil Morgan’s Wednesday Bible StudyPhil Morgan’s Wednesday Bible StudyPhil Morgan’s Wednesday Bible StudyPhil Morgan’s Wednesday Bible Study The tradition continues! Phil is guiding another study this fall on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. starting on Sept.15 in the Crusaders class room. The study focus is Revelations.

Discerning the Voice of GodDiscerning the Voice of GodDiscerning the Voice of GodDiscerning the Voice of God Join Kathryn Jones and Jessica Wasson in a 7 week Bible study created by Priscilla Shirer for seeking, understanding, and following God’s guiding voice in our lives. The group will meet Sunday evenings from 6-8 p.m. starting Sept. 12

at Brian and Jessica Wasson’s home at 516 Kelli Circle. Cost of the participant’s book is $13 which you may reserve by calling Nancy at the church office.

Living Loved Groups for Fall Focus Living Loved Groups for Fall Focus Living Loved Groups for Fall Focus Living Loved Groups for Fall Focus Come Sundays in September from 9:45-10:30 a.m. for reflection and sharing on Living Loved in a gathering with Debbie Riggsby in the Conference Room II in Admin. Bldg. OR join a group on Tuesday mornings from 10:15-11:15 at Debbie’s parsonage starting Sept. 7.

Christian CaregivingChristian CaregivingChristian CaregivingChristian Caregiving Would you like to offer a caring presence to someone in need? Come and develop skills for listening and offering help in this 11 week class led by Lew Riggsby, one of our Stephen Ministers and a Stephen Leader. The class will be offered on Sunday evening or Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. from Sept. 12-Nov. 22. The book is $17 and each group is lim-ited to 12. Call Nancy at the church office to register.

JJJJOINOINOINOIN THETHETHETHE S S S SMALLMALLMALLMALL G G G GROUPROUPROUPROUP A A A ADVENTUREDVENTUREDVENTUREDVENTURE THISTHISTHISTHIS F F F FALLALLALLALL