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March 2019 newsletter

Pastor’s Corner

Grace and Peace to you, Church!

I would like to invite you to live a holy Lent this year. We will be going on a journey on Sunday mornings in worship. We will start at the top of Transfiguration Mountain and will follow the Gospel journey to the Valley of the Cross…and into the reality of the Resurrection of our Lord. As we journey, we will seek to Listen to Him. He’s speaking profoundly…and we get to listen closely in this special season of our lives.

I want to encourage you to sign up for the Seedbed Daily Text for this season, as the daily reflections on Scripture will support our journey. You can go to www.seedbed.com to subscribe to this free resource. You can also purchase the Listen to Him book on that website (which is the same as what would be delivered to your email) if you desire.

Lent is a unique journey to dive deeply into the Grace of Jesus. It is a time to reflect upon the state of our heart, our soul and to patter our lives to live into the image of God in new and profound ways. I’m anticipating this Lenten season being lifechanging, and I’m honored to be on the journey with you.

Blessings, Pastor Matt

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Staff

Rev. Matt Pennington, Lead Pastor

Brian Sherman, Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Katrina Sherman, Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Allison Davis, Director of Children & Family Ministries

Felicia Cantu, Office Manager

Rosemary Hindman, Business Manager

Janelle Lester, Wesley Nurse

Christina Menking, Organist

Bill Meadows, Pianist

Sandra Jandt, Happy House Director

Beronica Riojas, Custodian

Kathy Lester, Nursery Coordinator

Happy House News

March Events: March 4

th - Enrollment Begins

to the Public March 6

th - Silly Day

March 11th & 13

th – Spring Break

March 18th – Book Orders Due

March 20th – Petting Zoo

We want to thank our church family for your support on our Bake Sale. We really did well and appreciate all that you do for our school!

Happy House Preschool & Sandra Jandt

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Thank you!

Dear Friends, We have received your donation of School Kits to UMCOR Sager Brown. Thank you for your support. Gifts such as these help us to move our ministry forward. Perform the mission that we have been called to fulfill. UMCOR, a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization, is the humanitarian relief and development agency of the United Methodist Church.. UMCOR’s mission is to alleviate human suffering while advancing hope and healing. UMCOR has responded to this call for over 79 years. Thank you and all those involved in the donation of this generous gift. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Grace and Peace, Amy Fuselier, Director of Relief Supplies

First UMC, The daughters of Sue Harris want to thank the ladies that got everything together for after the funeral. The food and drinks were wonderful. There is no way that we could have done this.

Thank you, Hope, Kathy & Donna

Dear First UMC, Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Our family is so appreciative of the use of your fellowship hall and the people who helped. This is a true demonstration of Christ’s love.

God Bless, Pat Wiley

Family of James Lynn Wiley

Earth Angels

2019 is going to be a great and busy year of projects. In addition to our group Neighborhood Quilt project, we have decided to work, as a group, on a project that will benefit several families in the community. We, individually, continue to create other beautiful donation quilts, as well.

Women who are interested in quilting make up our group called Earth Angels. Meetings are usually held at 6:00 PM on the second Tuesday of each month in the FUMC Fellowship Center. A typical meeting involves an inspirational reading, the mentioning of persons who may be in need of prayers or a quilt, as well as interesting programs, sharing ideas, showing quilts, and engaging in quilting projects. Fellowship and learning play a major role in Earth Angels. Feel free to visit our next meeting on March 12, 2019; we’d love to have you.

Come & Take It Squares

The Come and Take It Squares of Gonzales is offering a free “open house” on Monday, March 4 to introduce the fun of square-dancing to others. Lessons will begin on Monday, March 10. Open house and lessons will be held at The Presbyterian Church of Gonzales, 414 St. Louis St., Gonzales (just south of the Courthouse) at 7:30 PM. All interested students are invited to attend the open house for an introduction to square-dancing, to learn a few steps, and meet the friendly square-dancers. Square-dancing is a lively social activity that promotes exercise and fitness while encouraging social interaction. Lessons are open to all ages from teens to “seniors.” The club invites anyone interested to call 830-672-7384 for further information.

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Please contact Felicia at the church office, 672-8521, if your information is missing or incorrect.

Altar Flowers for March are given by:

March 3

Ellen Johnson ~ In Memory of Valori Huntsman

Barry and Lauren Boothe

March 10

“Twan” Brady ~ In Memory of Bob Brady

Sue Penney ~ In Memory of Forrest Penney, Jr.

March 17

Ronnie and Christina Menking

March 24

Bradley and J. C. Avant, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Avant and Family ~ In Memory of Clyde and Jo B. Farmer

March 31

Kenneth, Doreen, and Travis Fink ~ In Memory of Marvin A. Fink

Charles and Maydell Pankey ~ In Memory of Willie Mae Weathersby

March Birthdays 3/1 Bruce Gindler 3/3 Jason Breitschopf J.R. Ryan 3/4 Lanece Gibson Barbara Blanchard 3/5 Carolyn Harrell 3/7 Bill Blundell Mary Lena Kosser 3/10 Kelly Allen 3/11 Ryan Kocian Audrey Thibodeaux Wade Zella 3/12 Sarah Gottwald Kate Balfanz 3/13 Trey Lester 3/14 Blakely Mercer Judy Gentry 3/15 Lu Ann Shelton Brady Herndon

3/16 Kenneth Brzozowski Drew Pennington 3/17 Jayne Finch Valorie Daniel Kenneth Fink 3/18 LaVerne Davis Weston Ruddock Addison LaTourette 3/21 Alvin Lacy Elsie Mosher Hadley Borrer Brody Borrer Kayla Gindler 3/22 Jase Ehrig 3/23 Jason Ploetz Baron DuBose 3/24 Ruth Denman Tina Lyles Bobby Avant

3/25 Dale Schellenberg Joshua Malaer Jessica Arledge Case Petras 3/26 Virginia Hallmark Martin Dawe 3/27 Allyson Kusak Easton Brown 3/28 Victor Dolezal 3/29 Maggie Barnick Allyson Schauer Larry Frye Abigail Hornung 3/30 Nathan Medellin 3/31 James Lester Mike Miller Houston Munson, III Katrina Sherman

3/3 Ronnie & Christina Menking

Bruce & Lisa Gindler

3/7 Matt & Cheryl Atkinson

3/14 David & Leslie Bird

3/18 Bert, Jr. & Frances Ehrig

David & Jeanette Pruett

Craig & Kristen Cook

3/30 Dakota & Sierra Brown

MARCH ANNIVERSARIES

Sunday, March 31 ~ Fifth Sunday Reunion Luncheon at Noon in the Fellowship Hall. Meat will be provided. Bring your favorite side or dessert.

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March 3, 2019 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Vance Lucas Addyson Kardosz ACOLYTES Blakely Mercer Dixie Lester Cade Davis Baron DuBose (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Dena Frtiz Dick Goss Herman Grauke Shirley Goss Cheryl Meadows Greg Griffin Commie Hisey Tom Lester, Sr.

Terry Towns Gene Kridler LITURGIST Kiley Allen Kiley Allen CHILDREN’S SERMON

March 10, 2019 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Cree Stowers Faith Lester ACOLYTES Megan Tenberg Joelee Lester Brendon Mercer Weldon Holub (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Joe Britt Hindman Bobby Morgan Ronnie Menking Ray Neitsch Greg Sengelmann Leslie Ploeger Steve Taylor David Bird

Martha Jo Whitt Pam Lester LITURGIST Sadie Morgan Sadie Morgan CHILDREN’S SERMON

MARCH WORSHIP ASSISTANTS

March 17, 2019 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Cole Boothe Nate Pennington ACOLYTES Morgan Boothe Paisley Ploeger Natalie Tenberg Ashtyn Kardosz (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS John Whitt Mary Tomas Martha Jo Whitt Justin Pope Sue Boothe Jim Benedict Billy Boothe Jenice Benedict

Gary Clack Deanie Ploeger LITURGIST Commie Hisey Commie Hisey CHILDREN’S SERMON

If you are unable to serve on the date scheduled, please contact the church office, 672-8521.

March 24, 2019 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Hadley Borrer Weston Ruddock ACOLYTES Brody Borrer Macy Sample Quinn Atkinson Seth Gibson (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Jimmy Borrer Jeffery Braune Gary Clack Mike Davis Erwin Ckodre Bitsy Henderson Kenneth Fink Greg Griffin

Marie Currie David Bird LITURGIST Allison Davis Allison Davis CHILDREN’S SERMON

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March 31, 2019 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Mallory Clack Parker Storey ACOLYTES Tara Lester Kylee Watson Sydney Clack Slone Gibson (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Dena Fritz Dick Goss Herman Grauke Shirley Goss Cheryl Meadows Bobby Morgan Joe Britt Hindman Ray Neitsch

Allison Davis Lisa Gindler LITURGIST Pastor Matt Pastor Matt CHILDREN’S SERMON

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Wesley Nurse News – Brain Injury Awareness

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” - Proverbs 4:23 This month our awareness is on brain injury. Individuals who sustain brain injuries must have timely access to expert trauma care, specialized rehabilitation, lifelong disease management and individualized services and supports to live healthy, independent, and satisfying lives. One brain injury that we may encounter in our lifetime with a family member is a stroke. A stroke is a medical emergency. Strokes happen when blood flow to your brain stops. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. There are two kinds of strokes. The more common kind, ischemic stroke, is caused by a clot that blocks or plugs a vessel in the brain. The other kind, called hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain. “Mini” strokes, or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), occur when the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted. Symptoms of a stroke are: Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body), sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, sudden severe headache with no known cause, sudden trouble walking dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. If you have any of these symptoms, you must get to a hospital quickly to begin treatment. Acute stroke therapies try to stop a stroke while it is happening by quickly dissolving the blood clot or by stopping the bleeding. Stroke is America’s #3 killer and leading cause of a severe, long-term disability. Since managing high blood pressure is the most important thing you can do to lessen your risk for stroke, treatment for high blood pressure can save your life. High blood pressure damages your arteries so they burst or clog more easily. High blood pressure weakening arteries in the brain puts you at much higher risk for stroke. 13% of strokes are hemorrhagic, which occur when a blood vessel ruptures in or near the brain. When it ruptures, it can bleed into the deep tissues in the brain or in the space between the skull and the brain. Chronic high blood pressure or aging blood vessels are the main cause of a hemorrhagic stroke. Remember is critical to keep your blood pressure within acceptable ranges to protect your brain from this often disabling or fatal event. The American Heart Association defines blood pressure as listed below in the table.

Discuss your history and family history with your primary health professional to determine potential risk factors for hypertension and stroke. The next step is to create a plan to change or impact those risk factors and follow your doctor’s advice. It is imperative that we find out about our individual needs and address them. “The Lord is my strength and shield I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.” Psalms 28:7

Your Wesley Nurse,

Janelle Lester BSN, RN

References: Merila, N. & Slutz (2009) Seasons of Wholeness Monthly themes and programming for faith community ministry. Volume VI. International Parish Nurse Resource Center; St. Louis, Mo. Brain Injury Association of America. < WWW.BIAUSA.ORG > Centers for Disease Control <www.cdc.gov >

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BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY SYSTOLIC mm Hg (upper

number)

DIASTOLIC mm Hg (lower number)

NORMAL LESS THAN 120 and LESS THAN 80

ELEVATED 120 - 129 and LESS THAN 80

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 1

130 - 139 or 80 - 89

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 2

140 OR HIGHER or 90 OR HIGHER

HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS (consult your doctor immediately)

HIGHER THAN 180 and/or HIGHER THAN 120

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Wesley Nurse Announcements and Upcoming Events –

­ The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center of Victoria will be here out in front of the church on Sunday, March 17th from 8 am – 12:30 pm., for our first blood drive of the year. We, as a church, have set a goal of collecting 35 units of blood this drive. Mark your calendars and please invite your neighbors, friends, and family members to come and help save a life, by donating blood to those in need and help us reach our goal!! I faithfully pray that we as a church and community will continue to give selflessly and positively impact the lives of others.

­ The Cancer Support group meets monthly, on the second Tuesday of the month. This month we will meet on Tuesday, March 12

th at noon, in the Bridal Parlor. Bring your lunch!

­ The Dementia-Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support group meets monthly. This month, we will meet on Wednesday, March 6

th at 1 pm in the Bridal Parlor.

­ Diabetes Education – On Thursday, March 14th from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, we will have a Diabetes

Educational Class at thrive HEALTHPLEX Create. Lunch will be provided at this event by our local hospital. Registration is necessary, please call me in my office to register.

­ Diabetes Support Group meets monthly. This month, we will meet on Thursday, March 14th at 5:30 pm

in the Bridal Parlor. ­ The Flex and Tone exercise class meet on Tuesday and Thursdays at 11 am in the Choir Room.

If you need any of the Wesley Nurse services or would like to visit about the services I am able to provide, please call 830.672.1031 to set up an appointment or email me at jlester@mhm.org.

Book Club News

News of the World by Texas author, Paulette Jiles, is an intriguing story set in Texas a few years after the Civil War. A masterful storyteller, Jiles uses two main characters, elderly Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd and ten-year-old Johanna Leonberger to explore the boundaries of family, responsibility, honor and trust. In Wichita Falls, Kidd was offered a $ 50. gold piece to take Johanna, who had been held captive by the Kiowas for six years, to her family near San Antonio. Kidd's profession is the reading of newspapers in towns across Texas where news is limited and newspapers and magazines are nonexistent. The trials and dangers the two face make for an interesting read, and the relationship that builds between the “uncivilized” captive girl and the lonely grandfather is exceptional. Both are survivors. For March, we are reading Peace Child by Don Richardson. A true story , the fascinating tale is set in New Guinea in the 1960's when missionaries went in to take the Gospel to cannibalistic head hunters. Very enlightening book told by one of the missionaries himself! Ginny Briggs will lead the discussion. Our March meeting will be at 9:30 on Thursday, March 28 in the church library. Try to come for an interesting discussion! If you have questions, call 830-672-9307.

Martha Jo Whitt

FUMC CARE TEAM UPDATE:

The Care Team was created this past November to visit members who are in nursing homes, hospitals, ill, or homebound. This team is led Mary Martha Ehrig and one of her goals is to keep record of everyone who has been visited. This form of communication is very important to ensure we are meeting our members’ needs. For those who visit loved ones in the hospital or make a visit yourself, please contact Mary Martha by email motzie@gvtc.com or text at 830-857-5091. Many members are out visiting, but we could use more people to serve in this ministry to deepen the level of care among our members and families. Contact Mary Martha if you would like to serve on the Care Team. Also, if you or a family member is ill or has an upcoming surgery scheduled, please pass the information on to the church office.

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Happy House Valentine’s Day Parties

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Children’s Corner

The Souper Bowl of Caring tuned out to be a fabulous service project made most successful by the children and youth of our church. The fun competition led to us gathering 557 pounds of food that was presented to GCAM to feed the hungry in our local community. I want to give a very special thank you to Rosemary for hand crafting new children’s activity bags for the sanctuary. They are absolutely adorable and sure to help keep kids entertained while attending worship. An idea to help your child pay attention to worship is to take one of tablets and write the word Amen, Jesus, Christ, or other words that we are likely to hear during worship. Have your child use tally marks to see how making times words like these are stated throughout the service. This helps a young one listen with intention.

Chi Rho Singers Practice will resume on March 20

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We will sing at both services on Palm Sunday. Save the Date: Spaghetti Supper April 26

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Vacation Bible School June 10-14 Mornings Patriotic Caroling at Nursing Care Facilities July 3

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Basic Training Camp with FUMC Victoria July 21-24 Lego Day Camp July 29

th – August 2

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Pioneer Club Last Gathering of the Semester April 17

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STATISTICAL REPORT JANUARY, 2019

Attendance

DATE 8:30 10:45 TOTAL SS

6 104 125 229 75

13 156 174 330 87

20 108 122 230 73

27 107 180 287 73

TOTALS: 475 601 1076

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AVERAGES: 119 150 269 77

Finance Jan 19

Ordinary Income/Expense

Income 51,306.07

Gross Profit 51,306.07 Expense

40000 · Facility Operations 11,487.73

60000 · Ministry Work Areas 3,350.91

66000 · Payroll 28,877.24

66100 · Staff Benefits 1,926.96

67000 · Church Clergy Expenses 3,435.50

76000 · Apportionments/Conf. Treas. 4,647.16

Total Expense 53,725.50

Net Ordinary Income -2,419.43

Net Income -2,419.43

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Youth News

WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON? Revive Winter Retreat

First UMC Gonzales took 3 adults, 1 college student, 17 youth, and 1 baby to Camp Eagle where we ALL experienced the power and love of Christ!

WHAT’S COMING UP? March 3 Winter Jam Concert @HEB Center at Cedar Park We will load vans at 3pm and return home by midnight. Cost is $15 and dinner will be provided. Let’s worship together!

March 6 Ash Wednesday On Ash Wednesday, the youth will eat dinner at 5pm,

attend Ash Wednesday Worship Service at 6pm, Junior

High willl get picked up by 7pm, and optional High

School community time until 8pm.

March 11-13 3rd Annual Operation Serve Gonzales Youth from all over the Gonzales Community will gather on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Spring Break to serve at Legacy Ranch, Palmetto State Park, and at our neighbors houses. Contact Brian Sherman (8303772279) if you know of someone who could appreciate our help.

March 24 Youth Breakfast During Sunday School (9:45am-10:45am) Youth will meet in the Fellowship Hall for Breakfast and Bible Study.

SAVE THE DATE April 9 Breakaway Night (for High School Juniors and Seniors)

April 26 Annual Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser

May 5 Senior Sunday

May 22 Shrimp Boil Welcome Party

SUMMER CAMPS June 16-22 Blueprint Camp

(Service based camp for entering 9th-12th grade)

July 7-11 Revive Summer Camp (Entering 7th-12th grade)

WEEKLY PROGRAM Youth Group Every Wednesday JH: 5-6PM, Dinner/Games: 6-7PM, HS: 7-8PM

Ministering to about 80 students weekly!

CONTACT: Brian Sherman Katrina Sherman Director of Youth and Family Ministries Director of Youth and Family Ministries (830)377-2279 (956)202-9992 bdsherman7213@gmail.com ksherm0331@gmail.com

Sendhub To get weekly updates of youth events…. Parents, text the word “parents” to (956)752-3909 and follow instructions. Youth, text the word “gonzales” to (956)752-3909 and follow instructions.

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PRE-SORTED Standard Non-Profit U.S. Postage Paid

Gonzales, Texas 78629 PERMIT NO. 4

Service March 6th at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary