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

May 2011

Now

is the assurance

of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

15th Annual

Preaching Series

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

Lane DoughtieLane DoughtieLane DoughtieLane Doughtie Asst. 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

Billy ElamBilly ElamBilly ElamBilly Elam 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

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

15th Annual Faith Alive……………………………………………………………3

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

May Birthdays……………………………………………………………………..4

May Calendar……………………………………………………………………...5

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

Memorials & Honorariums…………………………………………………………7

Russell’s Ramblings………………………………………………………………...7

Church Mailbox……………………………………………………………………8

Welcome Home……………………………………………………………………8

Spiritual Gifts……………………………………………………………………...8

Stephen Ministry…………………………………………………………………..8

100th Birthday Celebration………………………………………………………...8

Snail Mail………………………………………………………………………….8

The Best Is Yet To Come…………………………………………………………..9

Relay For Life……………………………………………………………………...9

The Kids’ Page…………………………………………………………………...10

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

Sulphur Springs Work Camp 2011………………………………………………..11

Senior Scholarship Cookout………………………………………………………12

Congratulations Class of 2011……………………………………………………12

Page 3 The Spire

Sunday, May 15, 2011 and Monday, May 16, 2011

15th Annual

Preaching Series

Faith Alive

Schedule of Services

Sunday, May 15th 8:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

“Object or Instrument of Love” Revelations 21:9-10

7:00 p.m.

“Telling the Bold Story”

Monday, May 16th 12:00 p.m.

“The Methodists are Changing the Contract”

(followed by a free Community Luncheon in Fellowship Hall)

7:00 p.m. “Holy Conversations That Change Us”

IIIISSSS T T T THEHEHEHE W W W WORLDORLDORLDORLD DDDDIFFERENTIFFERENTIFFERENTIFFERENT B B B BECAUSEECAUSEECAUSEECAUSE WWWWEEEE A A A ARERERERE H H H HEREEREEREERE????

Gil RendleGil RendleGil RendleGil Rendle serves as Senior Consultant with The Insti-tute for Clergy and Congregational Excellence of The Texas Methodist Foundation in Austin, Texas and as an independent consultant working with issues of change and leadership in denominations and large churches. Prior to this position he served the Alban Institute as an author, seminar leader and senior consultant for twelve years. An ordained United Methodist minister, Rendle served as senior pastor of two urban congregations in Pennsylvania for sixteen years and as a denominational consultant for The United Methodist Church for nine years.

Rendle has an extensive background in organizational development, group and systems theory, and leadership development. He has consulted with congregations on planning, staff and leadership development, and issues of change. He is well known for his work with middle judicatory and national denominational offices and staff as they wrestle with denominational and congregational change.

In training workshops and conferences, Rendle has led numerous large and small groups in practical learning that directly impacts participants’ decisions and practice in their leadership roles. He is the author of six books, a contributor to four books, and the author of numerous articles and monographs. His most recent book is Jour-ney in the Wilderness: New Life for Mainline Churches published by Abingdon Press, 2010. Gil is a resident of Pennsylvania where he lives with his wife, Lynne.

Meet Our

GUEST SPEAKER

Rev. Gil Rendle

May 1May 1May 1May 1 June Gordon

Robbie Robinson May 2May 2May 2May 2

David Fenton Dee Ann Payne Lincoln Wyly

May 4May 4May 4May 4 Nan Bell

Leesa Toliver May 5May 5May 5May 5

Emily Bryant Gene Gordon

May 7May 7May 7May 7 Gavin Roed

Holli-Von Sawyer Kathleen Young

May 8May 8May 8May 8 Chris Gee

John Sellers May 9May 9May 9May 9

Eoline Arnold Riley Bridges

Steven Worsham May 10May 10May 10May 10

Mona Giles Kristine Roed Brooke Sikes

May 11May 11May 11May 11 Paula Altenbaumer Imogene Graves

May 12May 12May 12May 12 DeAnna Johnson

Mieke Van Benthem

May 13May 13May 13May 13 Stephen Maddux

Connie Westbrook May 14May 14May 14May 14

Cheri Barnett Bonnie Burtch Rick Claypool Adam Massey

Debbie Riggsby May 15May 15May 15May 15

David Black May 16May 16May 16May 16

Rebecca Tamsma May 17May 17May 17May 17

Dorothy Cox Larry Maroney Michael Smith

May 18May 18May 18May 18 Mandy Fenton

Jennifer Roberts May 19May 19May 19May 19

Keely Moore May 20May 20May 20May 20

Gene Cash Jefferson Davis Martha Davis KK McKenzie

Caterina Santocono May 21May 21May 21May 21

T.C. Hamilton May 22May 22May 22May 22

Kylie Littlefield Tristan Morgan

May 23May 23May 23May 23 Summer Brooks

Cole Cable Lucy Conner Mac Conner Stevie Moore

May 24May 24May 24May 24 Jerry Busbee Kim Kennon

May 26May 26May 26May 26 Ace Hamner Karyn Petty

Susan Toliver May 27May 27May 27May 27

Jaye Doughtie

May 28May 28May 28May 28 Sidney Dietze Amber Flowers

Addison Johnson Trinity Sherman

May 29May 29May 29May 29 Twan Bennett Karey Brice

Kathy Lennon Kathy Magee

May 30May 30May 30May 30 Lane Doughtie

May 31May 31May 31May 31 Gavin Gerald

Elise Lane

Current & Pressing Current & Pressing Current & Pressing Current & Pressing Prayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer Requests Ruth Floyd Sunny Comfort Sara James Bill Campbell Sandra Pickett Hayden Funderburk Holtin Sisk

Health ConcernsHealth ConcernsHealth ConcernsHealth Concerns Church MembersChurch MembersChurch MembersChurch Members Pat Eagle B.F. Ashcroft Billie Rushin Audrey Pilcher Judy McKee Paul Gaskell Ann Westbrook

Friends of our ChurchFriends of our ChurchFriends of our ChurchFriends of our Church Jackson Bouquet Becky Graves Brandi & David Schmersahl Mariachie Vaughn Deanna Spataro Jaiten McPherson Al Chew Teresa Robinson

Maxine Russell Robert Edmonds Jimmy Smith Bill Brown Liz Williams LongLongLongLong----term Concernsterm Concernsterm Concernsterm Concerns Ben Dickson Sam Robinson Mary Lou Ramey Matt Worsham Harrison Yount June Tuck Wayne Murphy Louis McGrede Johnny Latimer Trey Lovell Johnny Whisenant Sandy Martin Jack Dickerson Bobby Ramsey Sr. Nell Green Don Carbonneau Shirley Flippin Henry Preuss

HomeboundHomeboundHomeboundHomebound Ruth Milam Louise Fox Norma Haberlin

Vicki King Bonnie Owens Maxine Bell Annie Lou Dickerson Helen Alford Sue Stewart Billiefae Sellers Modene Huggins Jackie Blount Lillian Kinsala Rosemary Bailey

SympathySympathySympathySympathy We express our heartfelt sympa-thy to:

Patty Bell Patty Bell Patty Bell Patty Bell and other members of the family on the loss of her mother, Edith Passons Edith Passons Edith Passons Edith Passons Billie Couthran Billie Couthran Billie Couthran Billie Couthran and other mem-bers of the family on the loss of her husband, Guy CouthranGuy CouthranGuy CouthranGuy Couthran Sandra Pickett Sandra Pickett Sandra Pickett Sandra Pickett on the loss of her husband, Joe PickettJoe PickettJoe PickettJoe Pickett

JoysJoysJoysJoys Lynn Massingill Lynn Massingill Lynn Massingill Lynn Massingill proudly an-nounces the arrival of his great-niece, Olivia Rosalyn NishiOlivia Rosalyn NishiOlivia Rosalyn NishiOlivia Rosalyn Nishi. She was born on April 4th in Denver, Colorado. Her mother is Kelley Gillen NishiKelley Gillen NishiKelley Gillen NishiKelley Gillen Nishi, the daughter of Sharon Massingill Sharon Massingill Sharon Massingill Sharon Massingill WrightWrightWrightWright. Her great-grandparents were longtime residents of Sulphur Springs, Rosalyn & Aron MassingillRosalyn & Aron MassingillRosalyn & Aron MassingillRosalyn & Aron Massingill.

PPPPRAYERRAYERRAYERRAYER CONCERNSCONCERNSCONCERNSCONCERNS

The Spire Page 4

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.

MMMMAYAYAYAY B B B BIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYS

May 20 1 1 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Youth/

Confirmation Sunday

(Communion moved to May 8th)

12 pm Adult RFL Team Fundrais-ing luncheon

2 6 pm Stephen Minis-

try Training 7 pm NETCS

3 7:30 am SS MENnow 8:30 am Prayer Hour 9 am Zumba 9 am Respite Care 9 am Walking Fourth 9:15 am CBS 5:30 pm Zumba 5:30 pm Spiritual Gifts

Planning Mtg 6 pm Wanderers Class 6:30 pm FH Reserved by

Water Oak School

4 6:45 am Son Rise Fel-

lowship 6 pm Adult Bible Study 6:30 pm The Awakening

at Shannon Oaks Church

6:30 pm Choir

5 9 am Zumba 12 pm Day of Prayer

luncheon in FLC 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm Zumba 5:30 pm RFL Bank

Night

6 7

8

Mother’s Day

9 6 pm Stephen Minis-

try Training 7 pm NETCS

10 7:30 am SS MENnow 8:30 am Prayer Hour 9 am Zumba 9 am Respite Care 9 am Walking Fourth 9:15 am CBS 5 pm Trustees Mtg. 5:30 pm Zumba 6 pm Wanderers Class 7 pm Scouts in FH

11 6:45 am Son Rise Fel-

lowship Youth Scholarship Cookout 5:30 pm 6 pm Adult Bible Study 6:30 pm Choir

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

13 14

15 McGrede “Faith Alive”

Series

Senior Recognition

Adult Mission Trip to Baldwin, Louisiana

16 McGrede “Faith Alive”

Series 10:30 am Young at

Heart

17 7:30 am SS MENnow 8:30 am Prayer Hour 9 am Zumba 9 am Respite Care 9 am Walking Fourth 9:15 am CBS 1:30 pm UMW 5 pm Finance Mtg 5:30 pm Zumba 6 pm Evangelism Mtg 6 pm Wanderers Class

18 6:45 am Son Rise Fel-

lowship 6 pm Adult Bible Study 6 pm UMYF 6:30 pm Choir

19 9 am Zumba 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm Zumba 6:30 pm FH Reserved

by Water Oak School

20 21

22 3 pm District Conference

in Sanctuary

23 6 pm Stephen Minis-

try Training

24 7:30 am SS MENnow 8:30 am Prayer Hour 9 am Zumba 9 am Respite Care 9 am Walking Fourth 9:15 am CBS 5:30 pm Zumba 6 pm Wanderers Class

25 6:45 am Son Rise Fel-

lowship 6 pm Adult Bible Study 6 pm UMYF 6:30 pm Choir

26 9 am Zumba 12 pm Rotary 5:30 pm Zumba

27 28

29 30

31 7:30 am SS MENnow 8:30 am Prayer Hour 9 am Zumba 9 am Respite Care 9 am Walking Fourth 9:15 am CBS 5:30 pm Zumba 6 pm Evangelism Mtg

————Relay For Life————

The Spire Page 6

Total MAYhem:Total MAYhem:Total MAYhem:Total MAYhem: May 1May 1May 1May 1stststst: Confirmation & Youth Led Worship Sunday: Confirmation & Youth Led Worship Sunday: Confirmation & Youth Led Worship Sunday: Confirmation & Youth Led Worship Sunday

The youth will lead all aspects of worship on this special day as we also welcome and celebrate with our confir-mands on their Confirmation Sunday.

May 4May 4May 4May 4thththth: The Awakening, 6:30 @ Shannon Oaks: The Awakening, 6:30 @ Shannon Oaks: The Awakening, 6:30 @ Shannon Oaks: The Awakening, 6:30 @ Shannon Oaks

Plan to attend this amazing night of worship and testimony! Come hear the incredible testimony of Christopher Cole-man along with most every youth group in town. His story will touch your heart like nothing you have ever seen or heard before.

May 11May 11May 11May 11thththth: Senior Scholarship Cookout @ 5:30: Senior Scholarship Cookout @ 5:30: Senior Scholarship Cookout @ 5:30: Senior Scholarship Cookout @ 5:30

Come help us honor and raise money for our graduating seniors in this church-wide time of fellowship.

May 15May 15May 15May 15thththth: Senior Recognition Sunday: Senior Recognition Sunday: Senior Recognition Sunday: Senior Recognition Sunday

We will honor our graduating seniors on this Sunday dur-ing the 10:45 worship service. We also host a luncheon for all of the seniors and their families and friends.

June 5June 5June 5June 5thththth----8888thththth: Sulphur Springs Work Camp: Sulphur Springs Work Camp: Sulphur Springs Work Camp: Sulphur Springs Work Camp

This promises to be our biggest and best work camp yet. We are anticipating over 500 participants in this year’s camp, with several new churches joining this amazing mission, with as many as 5 out of town churches bringing in their youth to participate. Our goal is to paint 25 houses in three days, bringing our total number of houses painted in the past 5 years to a whopping 82. Please find your place to plug in to this important project. We need everyone to help in any way you can. (Contact Jennifer Philo or Jason, in the church office, with how you would like to help out!)

June 29June 29June 29June 29thththth----July 3July 3July 3July 3rdrdrdrd: Camp Anakainoo: Camp Anakainoo: Camp Anakainoo: Camp Anakainoo

All Jr. and Sr. High are invited to attend this awesome camp this summer. It will be directed by Jason Dietze and his friends, Jeff Cullen (Wesley UMC – Greenville) and Chris Rickwartz (FUMC – McKinney). Camp will be in Cave Springs, OK, and promises to be an amazing week of fun and spiritual formation. You can register on the church website (www.ssfumc.org) under the Student Ministries section under the Forms tab. Early registration ends on April 10th. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience.

9th: Riley Bridges

23rd: Summer Brooks

28th: Sidney Dietze

WhoWhoWhoWho’s Getting Olders Getting Olders Getting Olders Getting Older

This Month:This Month:This Month:This Month:

may Calendar: Sun, May 1st: Youth/Confirmation Sunday (8:30 & 10:45) Youth leading all aspects of worship service! Wed, May 4th: The Awakening (6:30 – 8:00) *No Meal this night. Meet at Shannon Oaks Church Wed, May 11th: Senior Scholarship Cookout(6:00 – 8:00)

*Come hang out and have fun with our church family. Sun, May 15th: Senior Sunday (10:45 service) *Luncheon to follow in FLC (all invited) Wed, May 18th: UMYF (6:00 – 8:00) *Bring $3 for meal. Wed, May 25th: UMYF (6:00 – 8:00) *End of the year bash!!

UMW SENIOR GIRL SCHOLARSHIP UMW SENIOR GIRL SCHOLARSHIP UMW SENIOR GIRL SCHOLARSHIP UMW SENIOR GIRL SCHOLARSHIP

Our United Methodist Women are offering a senior scholar-ship to a young lady who is a member of First United Meth-odist Church. Applications are available in the administra-tion office. Recipient to be announced at UMW Sunday June 12th.

The Spire Page 7

MMMMEMORIALSEMORIALSEMORIALSEMORIALS & H & H & H & HONORARIUMSONORARIUMSONORARIUMSONORARIUMS In Loving Memory of Bill BarnettIn Loving Memory of Bill BarnettIn Loving Memory of Bill BarnettIn Loving Memory of Bill Barnett By: James & Annada Jones, Phil & Beverly Morgan In Loving Memory of Max BronsonIn Loving Memory of Max BronsonIn Loving Memory of Max BronsonIn Loving Memory of Max Bronson By: Carol & Alec Bridges, Jack & Tanya Bridges In Loving Memory of Thomas ChaneyIn Loving Memory of Thomas ChaneyIn Loving Memory of Thomas ChaneyIn Loving Memory of Thomas Chaney By: Phil & Beverly Morgan In Loving Memory of Idell ChapmanIn Loving Memory of Idell ChapmanIn Loving Memory of Idell ChapmanIn Loving Memory of Idell Chapman By: Phil & Beverly Morgan, Carol & Alec Bridges In Loving Memory of Lynn ChapmanIn Loving Memory of Lynn ChapmanIn Loving Memory of Lynn ChapmanIn Loving Memory of Lynn Chapman By: Janet Johnson, Mary Gray, Crusaders/Hamilton Class, Billie Grace Reynolds, Debbie & Lew Riggsby, James & An-nada Jones, Phil & Beverly Morgan, Gregg & Debbie Price In Loving Memory of Guy CouthranIn Loving Memory of Guy CouthranIn Loving Memory of Guy CouthranIn Loving Memory of Guy Couthran By: Ken & Karon Hanushek In Honor of Bob Gideon on his birthdayIn Honor of Bob Gideon on his birthdayIn Honor of Bob Gideon on his birthdayIn Honor of Bob Gideon on his birthday By: Joe Perkins In Loving Memory of Angela GuestIn Loving Memory of Angela GuestIn Loving Memory of Angela GuestIn Loving Memory of Angela Guest By: Durann Ardis In Loving Memory of Bill KingIn Loving Memory of Bill KingIn Loving Memory of Bill KingIn Loving Memory of Bill King By: Helen Gumm In Loving Memory of Dr. Joseph LonginoIn Loving Memory of Dr. Joseph LonginoIn Loving Memory of Dr. Joseph LonginoIn Loving Memory of Dr. Joseph Longino By: Don & Mary Ann O’Neal In Loving Memory of Weldon LucasIn Loving Memory of Weldon LucasIn Loving Memory of Weldon LucasIn Loving Memory of Weldon Lucas By: Carol & Alec Bridges In Loving Memory of Gena McFaddenIn Loving Memory of Gena McFaddenIn Loving Memory of Gena McFaddenIn Loving Memory of Gena McFadden By: Carol & Alec Bridges

In Loving Memory of David NewellIn Loving Memory of David NewellIn Loving Memory of David NewellIn Loving Memory of David Newell By: Mary Ann Borham In Loving Memory of Morris PalmerIn Loving Memory of Morris PalmerIn Loving Memory of Morris PalmerIn Loving Memory of Morris Palmer By: Billie Grace Reynolds, Bob & Nancy Kirkpatrick, Phil & Beverly Morgan In Loving Memory of Edith PassonsIn Loving Memory of Edith PassonsIn Loving Memory of Edith PassonsIn Loving Memory of Edith Passons By: Helen Felton In Loving Memory of Paul PensonIn Loving Memory of Paul PensonIn Loving Memory of Paul PensonIn Loving Memory of Paul Penson By: Don & Mary Ann O’Neal, Carol & Alec Bridges In Loving Memory of Joe PicketteIn Loving Memory of Joe PicketteIn Loving Memory of Joe PicketteIn Loving Memory of Joe Pickette By: Kathy & Johnny Lennon In Loving Memory of Betty PriceIn Loving Memory of Betty PriceIn Loving Memory of Betty PriceIn Loving Memory of Betty Price By: Don & Mary Ann O’Neal, Tim & Carol Gee, Gena Caruthers, Carol & Alec Bridges In Loving Memory of Richard StevensIn Loving Memory of Richard StevensIn Loving Memory of Richard StevensIn Loving Memory of Richard Stevens By: Phil & Beverly Morgan, Morris & Barbara Abercrombie, Durann Ardis In Loving Memory of Ann WilliamsonIn Loving Memory of Ann WilliamsonIn Loving Memory of Ann WilliamsonIn Loving Memory of Ann Williamson By: Baby Ruth Gumm, Janet Johnson, Phil & Beverly Mor-gan, Carol & Alec Bridges In Loving Memory of Patsy WorshamIn Loving Memory of Patsy WorshamIn Loving Memory of Patsy WorshamIn Loving Memory of Patsy Worsham By: Gena Caruthers In Loving Memory of Belinda WrightIn Loving Memory of Belinda WrightIn Loving Memory of Belinda WrightIn Loving Memory of Belinda Wright By: Helen Felton

RRRRUSSELLUSSELLUSSELLUSSELL’’’’SSSS R R R RAMBLINGSAMBLINGSAMBLINGSAMBLINGS Everyone has something to offer everyone else. We all have gifts of the Spirit.

Susan Boyle surprised us because she was a homely Scottish woman who lived her whole life in poor, small village taking care of her mother, and had grown to forty-seven years and never been kissed. She took YouTube by storm as she starred on the British version of American Idol. When she opened her mouth to sing, what came out brought the whole crowd to its feet and a smile of joy to that chronic curmudgeon Simon Cowell.

She reminded us everyone has something to offer.

The church must make sure each of us and all of us have our chance to contribute to the fellowship of faith. If there are persons who are not contributing then we are all hurt and at fault. Churches full of people taking steps toward each so that everyone is able to offer their gifts; are churches who sing songs that surprise.

I know we are in a transition time. Don’t stop offering yourself waiting for the new pastor. Volunteer where needed, call persons whom you have missed, write notes to the homebound or infirmed, go on a mission trip, join the choir, become a greeter or usher, take a turn in worship care with preschoolers or engage in any number of opportunities here at FUMC. Don’t just stand there; we need each other and God needs you.

Later this summer the church will undertake a study of spiritual gifts for the purpose of helping each other offer ourselves. We want to help you carve out wider clearing in the forest of your world; colonizing your part of the world for heaven’s sake.

Back to Work!

The Spire Page 8

CCCCHURCHHURCHHURCHHURCH M M M MAILBOXAILBOXAILBOXAILBOX Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and generosity. Each gift will be special to me in the days to come.

Thanks again and God Bless, Rachel Thomas Psalm 100:5

Rachel was our honoree at the Emancipation Shower held at the end of March. She is aging out of foster care and will be attend-ing Texas A&M-Commerce this fall.

WWWWELCOMEELCOMEELCOMEELCOME H H H HOMEOMEOMEOME We are please to welcome

Alta and Annette Bailey as the newest members of FUMC. The Baileys united with our congregation on April 3 by transfer of membership from

another denomination

Vicki King will be celebrating her 100th birthday this April 30, at the Bluffs nursing home in Columbia, Missouri. Born Victoria Owens on April 30, 1911 in East St. Louis, Illinois, she spent her adult life as a professional musician. Beginning her career as a singer with the Owens Sisters in the late 1920’s, she traveled throughout the Midwest and later played venues in Atlantic City and Hollywood where she toured with Red Nickels and his Five Pennies band. While in Los Angeles, she married Grady King of Sulphur Springs, another musician that she met while the pair were performing on a Hollywood movie set.

Returning to Texas, they formed the Grady King Trio and played at venues throughout Texas for the next thirty years, including a five year stint at the Baker Hotel in Dal-las. They both retired to Sulphur Springs and played at local events and churches in Hopkins County. She has one son, Kent and wife Becky, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She still plays piano from time to time at the Bluffs.

For those wishing to send cards, please use the following address:

Victoria King c/o The Bluffs

3105 Bluff Creek Dr. Columbia, MO 65201

100100100100THTHTHTH BBBBIRTHDAYIRTHDAYIRTHDAYIRTHDAY CCCCELEBRATIONELEBRATIONELEBRATIONELEBRATION

SSSSPIRITUALPIRITUALPIRITUALPIRITUAL G G G GIFTSIFTSIFTSIFTS What are your spiritual gifts? Do you know? Are they growing in what you do and how you live? Early this year, we explored the fruits of the Spirit. Do you remember love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gen-tleness, and self-control? Spiritual gifts are different than the fruit of the Spirit and include teaching, caring, helping, lead-ing, and sharing wisdom. This summer, we hope to look at the gifts of the Spirit as found in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. Watch for all the ways to engage your spiritual gifts this summer.

SSSSTEPHENTEPHENTEPHENTEPHEN M M M MINISTRYINISTRYINISTRYINISTRY We’re heading toward the end of our class training with commissioning on June 5. We’ve been looking at the needs people have in dealing with grief, depression, and suicide and how we might provide care and support. Not easy topics for us to explore let alone for those who are experiencing them. We want to be able to listen and care. So we ask that you continue to pray for our class, our leadership, and our future ministry in being Christ’s care-givers.

SSSSNAILNAILNAILNAIL MMMMAILAILAILAIL

Many of you contacted the church office about not receiv-ing your April Spire. Because the newsletters are bulk mail they were put aside as “non priority” mail. Some newslet-ters didn’t even leave the Sulphur Springs post office until April 13...even though they were mailed on March 30. They have assured us they will make every effort to get the newsletters out in a more timely manner. The Spire is posted on our church website (www.ssfumc.org) each month and is also available in a pdf file via email.

The Spire Page 9

TTTTHEHEHEHE B B B BESTESTESTEST I I I ISSSS Y Y Y YETETETET T T T TOOOO C C C COMEOMEOMEOME Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing, that you can be born again.

Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing Christ is risen from the dead!

Quickly now, go tell His disciples that Jesus Christ is no longer dead!

Joy to the world, He is risen, Alleluia! He’s risen, Alleluia! He’s risen!

Alleluia! This year I have been pondering anew the one salient truth that sets Christians apart from all others on this planet, that being, we serve a RISEN Savior. He’s in the world today. (Can’t help myself...everything reminds me of a song.)

The two Marys went early in the morning to the tomb. Their grief compelled them to go. The beloved Jesus was dead and buried behind a huge stone. I can imagine their shock as they drew near to the cave. The stone was rolled away. An angel was there. He asked them, “Why are you seeking the living among the dead? He is not here. He is risen.” That is the question that ricochets through the corridors of time. The answer is what sets us apart. We are different because our God is alive. This is the truth of our faith.

I am deeply grateful that we move through Lent and Holy Week and Easter with deliberation. These events in the life of Christ take hold of us and say to us, remember, believe and celebrate.

News Note The Sanctuary Choir has had the privilege of being a part of a brand new thing. The churches in our district were invited to send singers to come be a part of an Easter Cantata worship service. As I think about it now (after the fact) it was crazy to assume that anyone would have time (or gas money!) to join this effort. But, it seems the joy of singing together is irresistible. About 15 sing-ers from all around the district joined us. Ken and Deanna, ever faithful, and Andrew Marks on percussion, were joined by a 7 piece orchestra. And thus began the new District Choir. All of us have been amazed and delighted at the outcome. God be praised. We are moving forward with plans to do it again. I’d like to thank, again, the Good News Sunday School class for a very generous gift to help this effort take flight. (The orchestra thanks you also!)

Save This Date May 29th—Unity Sunday-One Service at 10:45

The Frazier men are coming to lead us in high praise on this day of “all church” worship. A fellowship meal will follow the service. Daddy, Jason Frazier, and his sons Caleb and Colton are going to sing and play (and probably preach a little)! This beautiful family has a message in music that will set your toes a-tappin’ and yours hands a-clappin’ and set your spirit free to worship God! Don’t miss it. We are going to “have church” as we say in this part of the country!

One last note: July is Gospel Music Month this year! We will be doing all Gospel all month. Have a favorite hymn or Gospel song you would like to hear? E-mail me at this address: carolallen@argontech.net.

RRRRELAYELAYELAYELAY F F F FOROROROR L L L LIFEIFEIFEIFE The Relay For Life of Hopkins County will take place May 13-14 at the Sulphur Springs Middle School track. The Adult & Youth teams have been working hard to raise funds for The American Cancer Society to aid in research, education and programs for can-cer patients. Here are a few more opportunities for you to help out:

The Adult Relay team Adult Relay team Adult Relay team Adult Relay team will be hosting a luncheon on Sunday, May 1stSunday, May 1stSunday, May 1stSunday, May 1st, following the 10:45 am service. The menu is: lasagna, bread, salad and desserts. Stop by for a great lunch.

Luminarias Luminarias Luminarias Luminarias may be purchased in honor or memory of those who have endured cancer. The cost is $5 per luminaria and order forms are available in the church office.

Kids

Camp

The Spire Page 10

Join the adventure and let us know your ideas. The Adventuring Adults in Christ group wants to devise a purpose phrase that shows our process or journey of becoming a disciple at First UMC. The mission of the UMC is to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our purpose is how we undergird what God’s grace is doing in each of us and all of us for God’s world. So we’re looking at three or four words that will describe the process—something all of us can remember and incorporate into our lives. Here are some of the words we’re thinking about: Connect, Faith, Believe, Serve, Become, Reach Out, Belong, Influence, Grow, Be Alive in Christ, Love, Be Living for Christ, Experience. What other words might you include? How would you string them together? Send Jill Barclay (sim_jill@yahoo.com) or me (debbieriggsby@ssfumc.org) an email and share your creative ideas.

DDDDEBBIEEBBIEEBBIEEBBIE’’’’SSSS D D D DARINGARINGARINGARING A A A ADVENTUREDVENTUREDVENTUREDVENTURE

VBS: June 13-17 It’s not too early to start making summer plans, and you won’t be sorry when you make VBS a part of them! Please start think-ing and praying about how you can help this year. The mem-bers of this church truly make VBS happen for our children and the community, and we cannot do it without you. This year the theme is “Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus was a Kid”“Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus was a Kid”“Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus was a Kid”“Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus was a Kid” and it is all about what life was like for Jesus growing up. Children will visit a Bible-times marketplace and even visit with Mary who will tell stories of Jesus as a boy. This will be a very special VBS and we need your help! Contact Adrienne to volunteer or if you have any questions.

Mission Possible Kids Once a week during the month of July all children are invited to become agents on a mission. Kids will learn that they CAN make a difference as they complete service projects for our community, and have a lot of fun doing it! Days and times will be announced soon.

July 12-16 This year we’re going to Bridgeport! If you have a child com-pleting 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade who is interested in going to camp, please talk with Adrienne to get information and to sign up.

Kingdom Kids We have had our last Kingdom Kids session for the semester. Our young singers have done a wonderful job this year learning hymns, singing in church, learning about music and worship, and most of all making beautiful music for the Lord! The next time you see one of these singers, ask them to tell you one of Wesley’s rules for singing. And if you’re not sure what that is, take a look at the front of your hymnal next Sunday! Thank you for allowing me to spend time with your children, discovering God together through music. They have truly blessed me!

Joyfully, Adrienne

The Spire Page 11

SSSSULPHURULPHURULPHURULPHUR S S S SPRINGSPRINGSPRINGSPRINGS W W W WORKORKORKORK C C C CAMPAMPAMPAMP 2011 2011 2011 2011

Sulphur Springs Work Camp 2011 will be here before we know it. It takes a lot of work behind the scenes to make SSWC a huge success. Here are some opportunities (not including crew leaders or overmight chaperones) for you to take part in SSWC 2011. Please begin to prayerfully consider how you might serve during this amazing week. If you have questions or would like to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Jennifer Philo at 903-885-2185 or jenniferphilo@ssfumc.org.

Post Work Camp Clean Up CrewPost Work Camp Clean Up CrewPost Work Camp Clean Up CrewPost Work Camp Clean Up Crew

DescriptionDescriptionDescriptionDescription: help breakdown all aspects of SSWC on the Shan-non Oaks campus after Work Camp is over. Sorting and pack-ing all crew supplies for next year’s use, breaking down the dining area and chairs, etc.

Time CommitmentTime CommitmentTime CommitmentTime Commitment: Thursday-Friday, 9am-4pm

RequirementsRequirementsRequirementsRequirements: Joyful attitude, servants heart and a big smile!

Total Volunteers NeededTotal Volunteers NeededTotal Volunteers NeededTotal Volunteers Needed: 10-20 (5-10 per day)

Breakfast Crew VolunteerBreakfast Crew VolunteerBreakfast Crew VolunteerBreakfast Crew Volunteer

DescriptionDescriptionDescriptionDescription: Preparing food, serving food, cleanup and pre-pare lunches for work crews.

Time CommitmentTime CommitmentTime CommitmentTime Commitment: Monday-Wednesday, 6:30-10am

RequirementsRequirementsRequirementsRequirements: Bring a joyful attitude, servant heart and a big smile!

Total Volunteers NeededTotal Volunteers NeededTotal Volunteers NeededTotal Volunteers Needed: 30 (10 per morning for 3 mornings)

Lunch Delivery VolunteerLunch Delivery VolunteerLunch Delivery VolunteerLunch Delivery Volunteer

DescriptionDescriptionDescriptionDescription: Delivery of lunches to crews at worksites.

Time CommitmentTime CommitmentTime CommitmentTime Commitment: Monday-Wednesday, 11am-1pm

RequirementsRequirementsRequirementsRequirements: Must have a large vehicle (truck, van or SUV) to transport multiple coolers. Ability to commit to multiple delivery dates is a plus.

Total Volunteers NeededTotal Volunteers NeededTotal Volunteers NeededTotal Volunteers Needed: 36 (2 per team, 6 teams per day)

Dinner Crew VolunteerDinner Crew VolunteerDinner Crew VolunteerDinner Crew Volunteer

DescriptionDescriptionDescriptionDescription: Serving food, cleanup and breakfast food prep.

Time CommitmentTime CommitmentTime CommitmentTime Commitment: Sunday-Wednesday, 5:30-8pm

RequirementsRequirementsRequirementsRequirements: Bring a joyful attitude, servant heart and a big smile!

Total Volunteers NeededTotal Volunteers NeededTotal Volunteers NeededTotal Volunteers Needed: 40 (10 per night)

EquipmentEquipmentEquipmentEquipment

We will have 400 teenagers working on 25 projects during the week of June 5-8. We need help equipping them with the tools they will need to complete their work. If you have equipment we can borrow please let us know how many of any item you will be bringing. Equipment needs to be labeled with your name and dropped off at the Shannon Oaks Church Equipment Facility by Sun-day, June 5. It will be ready for pick up Thursday, June 9.

Equipment NeededEquipment NeededEquipment NeededEquipment Needed: ladders, tarps, weed eaters, lawn mowers, water coolers, regular coolers, hedge clippers, power washer, paint sprayers

The idea of Sulphur Springs Workcamp was conceived in the mind of local youth pastor, Brian Cro-mer, over 5 years ago. Out of knowing the importance of making a difference in our own community and promoting unity among the Christian community, Sulphur Springs Workcamp was born.

The first ever SSWC began on May 27, 2007 with 100 students and adults. For four days, students woke up from their sleeping bag beds, loaded up supplies and headed to their worksites. There they scraped, painted, mowed, planted flowers, and did minor repairs at nine houses in our community. The teams were made up of youth from three churches and two denominations involved. SSWC raised just enough funds to complete these nine projects.

In 2008, over 150 teens and adults participated in Sulphur Springs Workcamp. The work projects increased from nine to twelve houses. This time five churches of four denominations were involved. A little over $14,000 was donated by businesses and individuals in our community. SSWC increased to 180 participants, 15 houses and 8 churches in 2009 and 300 participants, 25 houses and 10 churches in 2010.

The overall goal of SSWC is to grow each year in each facet of the event. With 57 houses com-pleted to date, SSWC 2011 is planning and preparing for its biggest year yet. This means over 500 participants (youth and adults) will come together from 12 different churches of 5 different denomi-nations on June 5th-8th to EAT, SLEEP and SERVE EAT, SLEEP and SERVE EAT, SLEEP and SERVE EAT, SLEEP and SERVE our community.

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 April 29, 2011Please deliver by April 29, 2011Please deliver by April 29, 2011Please deliver by April 29, 2011

Congratulations

Class of 2011

Laine AndersonLaine AndersonLaine AndersonLaine Anderson

Sabrina BarkerSabrina BarkerSabrina BarkerSabrina Barker

Jessica CowleyJessica CowleyJessica CowleyJessica Cowley

Andrew MarksAndrew MarksAndrew MarksAndrew Marks

Haley MooreHaley MooreHaley MooreHaley Moore

Melissa PhillipsMelissa PhillipsMelissa PhillipsMelissa Phillips

Mallory RawsonMallory RawsonMallory RawsonMallory Rawson

Taryn SmithTaryn SmithTaryn SmithTaryn Smith

Dustin WallaceDustin WallaceDustin WallaceDustin Wallace

Ben WatsonBen WatsonBen WatsonBen Watson

We invite you to join us as we honor and celebrate the senior class of 2011 on

Sunday, May 15, at the 10:45 am service.

Senior Scholarship Cookout

Wednesday, May 11 5:30 pm

Join us for the annual Senior Scholarship Cookout as we raise scholarship money for our graduating seniors. We’ll have hamburgers & hot

dogs, chips, and des-serts in front of the Family Life Center (in case of bad weather we’ll move inside).