rev. john fleming, first united methodist church of...
TRANSCRIPT
The Informer
First United Methodist Church of Gainesville
August 2016
Rev. John Fleming,
Pastor
Inside this Issue
Prayer Requests 2
Missions and Ministry 2
Children’s Ministries 3
Music Ministries 4
Student and Family 5 Ministries
Church News 6 & 7
John’s Epistle “Leaning In”
Well, it’s been almost a month since I started my tenure as Pastor at First UMC of Gainesville, and I have to say it has been a whirlwind! My office, though it looks better than it did last week, is still a wreck, as I try to unpack, sort through, and stow away all my things AND try to keep on top of ministry things at the same time.
More importantly, I have tried my level best to “lean into” this ministry and get as involved in things as possible from the outset. In the first three weeks of ministry here I have …
visited families and delivered mugs & cookies to first-time guests,
attended my first business meetings,
met a whole bunch of people in the church and community,
traveled with the youth on their mission trip to San Marcos,
hauled an enthusiastic group of kids to Bridgeport for camp,
purchased and begun to set up a new office computer,
counseled with people in need,
made multiple trips to Second Time Around (and even helped collect some donations with the volunteer staff),
led several meetings with staff, and
oh, yes, preached three sermons!
It has been a very busy time and, as I look at that list, I realize that much of it has required me to do things I was once not very comfortable doing. When I was in seminary at Perkins, we took a personality profile that confirmed what I had always known about myself—that I was introverted … VERY introverted. Over time, however, by the grace of God and with the help of a good number of friends and my family, I pushed myself to “lean in” and insert myself into situations that had always intimidated me.
Now those things have become almost second nature to me and my life is much richer and more enjoyable for it. I’m no longer “faking” it and my guess is that if I took that same personality test today, I’d be much closer to the middle between introvert and extravert.
To “lean in” means to insert yourself into places that you may be uncomfortable and sometimes even into places you may not have been invited. “Lean in” is a term coined by Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, whose mission it was to help women find a voice in business and other vocations that have typically been dominated by men. Ms. Sandberg’s work hasn’t been universally accepted—what is?—but it has been highly influential in helping many women see possibility where they thought there was none.
It used to be that the church could “lean back” and expect people to come to us. The cutting
edge of church growth was the same as it was for retail businesses—making sure your “brick & mortar” presence was first rate and desirable, especially when compared to that of other churches. We could also lean back and share our views on things and expect people to listen to what we had to say.
Those times are now all but gone. The good news—I’d even say great news—for FUMC is that we have first rate lay leadership and hundreds of committed members who have given us everything we need to succeed. The only thing left for us to do is to “lean in,” to go places we may not have thought we needed to go to encounter the people Christ is calling us to love and to serve.
I’m very much looking forward to serving alongside you and seeing how it is the Lord will shape our ministry together over the next few years. Grace and peace,
Pastor John
AUGUST 2016 WORSHIP
Prayer Concerns: Melinda Reed, Michelle Rainey, Lucy Beall, Kelly Dill.
Ongoing Concerns: Don Estes, Larry Noland, Marilyn McKenzie,Carol Felker, Dr. Mike Paclik,Karla Denny, Dorothy Proffer, Romona Hatcher, Don Howeth,
Pat Peale, Marge Priest, Kathleen Heffley, Kristin Hatton, Joanna & Taylor Williamson, Misty Beaver, Sam Meeks, Mia Delarosa, William Cowdrey, Betty Bennett, Jacey Schmidt, Velia Hernandez, Rod Miller, Nancy Williams, Harold “Bud” Sutton, Jerry McWilliams, Walter Boeko Jr., Becky Haines, Madison Clark.
Military Personnel: Ben Davis, Jerry Horn, Craig Fiske, Jacob Freeman, Kelsea Stafford Louisiana, John Enderby, James Embrey, Tim Deater, Kennedy Pierson, Larkin O’Hern, Patrick Noland, John Candie.
WE HOLD IN OUR PRAYERS...
Page 2 Miss ions and Min istry
August 7 Sermon: “To Infinity and Beyond” (Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16) August 14 Sermon: “A House Divided” (Luke 12:49-56) August 21 Sermon: “Back to Basics: Prayers (1/5)” (Jeremiah 1:4-10) August 28 Sermon: “Back to Basics: Presence (2/5)” (Luke 14:1, 7-14)
Love and logic provides positive parenting solutions to help create healthy family relationships, and teach children responsibility using logical consequences in a loving way. By teaching a child there are consequences for every action when the cost is small, may save a young adult from big and sometimes costly consequences. There are 7 class sessions. Classes will be held on Sundays, after the Traditional Worship starting on September 11. We will begin with a family meal followed by class in room 113. Childcare will be available. Cost of workbook is $9.00. Call the office to sign-up 665-3926.
LOVE AND LOGIC PARENTING
“SOLES FOR SOULS” MISSION EFFORT IS UNDERWAY
During August we have a church-wide shoe drive called “Soles for Souls”. This Mission effort is to help as many children as possible have a new pair of shoes for school. There are two ways to help. You can bring in a new pair of shoes, or you can leave a monetary donation either at the Communion Rail offering on August 7, or use a pew envelope marked as a special gift to Soles for Souls turned in to the offing plate or office. Shoes may be placed and envelops can be picked up for donation on a table under the video screen in the Pecan Street entrance. If you have any questions please contact the office or Shirley DeDoes, Mission Chairperson.
Page 3 Chi ldren’s Min istry
Page 4 Mus ic Min istr ies
Page 5 Student and Fami ly Min istr ies Student and Fami ly Min istr ies
Page 6 Church News
FINANCIAL PEACE CLASS STARTING IN SEPTEMBER
Anyone age 18 or older is welcome to come and see what Financial Peace can do for you. The first session is free and if you decide to take the class there is a fee for the class kit and workbook. There are 9 class sessions and will be held on Thursday nights. First class begins September 8, at 6:00 p.m., in room 113. Please call the Church office to sign-up. 665-3926.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
June 30, 2016 June YTD June Annual Budget Percent of Budget Income $52,247 $363,989 $892,859 40.77% Budgeted Expenditures $41,938 $270,437 $815,357 33.17% Designated Expenditures $13,264 $143,338
Subtotal Over/(Under) ($2,955) ($49,786)
Debt Reduction Gift $0 $0
Over/Under ($2,955) ($49,786) $77,502
Notes Payable: Sanctuary Restoration Paid in full. Phase I & II Building $655,777
MISSION DONATIONS
The Finance Committee would like to comment on the Mission donations and benevolence work of our church. Through the end of June we have donated $30,391.00 for our apportionments, which is primarily for the worldwide mission work of the Methodist church. Plus, we have donated locally another $43,293.00 to various service agencies and non-profits, such as VISTO, Abigail Arms, Red Cross, Prosthetic Promises, Noah’s Ark, SEEK, DASH, Whispers of Hope, Prison Ministries, four volunteer fire departments, etc. just to name some of the organizations that we’ve supported. These $73,684.00 in monetary gifts are a very special testimonial to the sharing, sacrificial and goodwill efforts of our members and the work of our Second Time Around volunteers. In addition to these monetary gifts, many members of our church volunteer at local agencies and assist with fund raisers at numerous non-profit service organizations. We want to express our sincere appreciation to all those involved with these “above and beyond” efforts, which are so vital to our community and to the work and mission of the church. A VERY HEARTFELT THANK YOU!
SEAMLESS BIBLE STUDY FOR WOMEN
Donna Parker will begin a Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday, September 6, in room 113 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The study is called Seamless written by Angie Smith. Cost for the workbook is $15.00. Please contact the office to sign-up.
THE LEARNING TREE
Page 7 Church News
The Learning Tree is a program for children who will be age three or four as of September 1, 2016. The Learning Tree a non-profit organization. The 2016-17 school year will mark the schools 35th year as a licensed center by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and is a ministry of First United Methodist Church. One of the main goals of the teaching staff is helping each child build a positive self-image. Other goals include aiding in the development of language, large and small muscles, listening skills, dramatic play, creative art, math, music, religious growth, science, and a awareness of current issues. One special feature of The Learning Tree is the small class size it maintains. Classes meet on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, September through May, following the Gainesville GISD holiday calendar. Morning classes are held from 9:00 - 11:25 a.m. for three-year-olds and from 9:00 - 11:35 for four-year olds. Afternoon classes are held from 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. for three and four-year-old classes. This year we are also offering afternoon daycare for enrolled morning students. We are looking forward to a great school year. For further information concerning the preschool contact Director, Debbie Poore (940)665-3926 (school) or (972) 922-1435 (Home).
NEED VOLUNTEER
The Board of Trustee’s is seeking a volunteer to over see and schedule maintenance of the church vans. This would not require a great deal of time but would make sure that the vans are in proper running order. We need to make sure that our children are safe when they travel. Interested persons should contact George Bryant
LOOKING FOR C.O.W. WRANGLERS CHUCK WAGON “COOKIE”
Thank you for your support of UMCOR, through your gift, you are helping to provide assist the displaced and respond to disasters. Roland Fernandes General Treasurer Board of Global Ministries
Children on Wednesdays will begin on Wednesday, September 7. Wranglers are needed to herd the children from activity to activity and teach a Bible Story. The more Wranglers we have the more grade levels we can serve. We also need a “cookie to prepare and serve a snack. Please contact the church office for more information.
THANK YOU
God bless you for your continued support! Whispers of Hope Horse Farm Staff
Thank You for your generous donation. Your kindness to the poor is remembered in heaven and celebrated here on earth. Blessings Bekki Jones Excecutive Director
214 S. Denton Street
Gainesville, Texas 76240
We’re on the Web! www.firstumcgainesvilletx.com
Phone: 940-665-3926
Fax: 940-665-4372
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
First United Methodist Church
Your Church Staff
Rev. John Fleming Pastor Greta Cuellar, Christian Education Director Mary Jarvis, Finance Administrator Jean Smelcer, Church Office Administrator Melodye McLeroy, Church Accompanist Susan Beall, Music Ministries Director Debra Poore, The Learning Tree Director Kristi Bloom, Youth Ministries Director Staff E-mail Addresses: John Fleming: [email protected] Susan Beall: [email protected] Mary Jarvis: [email protected] Greta Cuellar: [email protected] Jean Smelcer: [email protected] Kristi Bloom: [email protected]
Debra Poore: [email protected]
105 S. Denton Street Gainesville, Texas 76240
Monday / Tuesday / Thursday 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
665-7939 Volunteers welcome!
Second Time Around Informer Article Deadline
All articles and information for September 2016 issue of “The Informer” need to be submitted no later than Thursday, August 25, you may drop off your information to the church office or e-mail to [email protected]
08/2016
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The Mission of First United Methodist Church is to know Christ and make Him known.