First United Methodist Church - Whitesboro, Texas

A U G U S T N E W S L E T T E R

SPECIAL DATES IN AUGUST

Life of the Church:

Committee Schedules

Church Council - 4th Thursday @ 7:00 pm Finance - 4th Thursday @ 5:30 pm

SPRC - Quarterly, Emails will be sent Trustees - 1st Tuesday @ 6:30 pm

Weekly Meeting Schedule

AA - Mondays @ 6:00 pm Boy Scouts - Tuesdays at 7:00 pm

Cub Scouts - Don’t meet in the summer True Grit - Wednesdays @ 6:00 am. We have

changed our meeting location to the Masonic Lodge.

Worship Planning & Staff-Tuesdays @ 9:00

Gatherings –Rehearsals & such

Adult Choir - Rehearsals Wednesday nights at 6:00 pm. See Sharon Acker if you are interested

in joining the choir. Youth Activities Wednesday nights. Contact

James Farmer or Michelle Luton for a list of events.

Handbell Choirs do not practice during the summer. Contact Linda Harris if you are interested in learning to play the handbells

Let’s Get Moving - Balance & Mobility. Light chair/floor exercise - Tuesdays & Thursdays @

10:30 am Games Day - Cards/Dominoes meet on

Mondays @ 9:30 am. Covered dish lunch @ Noon

The Piecemakers Quilting Group - Fridays @ 9:30 with lunch. Contact: Jo Stow or Sarah

Stock for details. United Methodist Men - Next meeting in

September. Contact Danny Garrison United Methodist Women - next meeting in

September. Contact: Carolyn Maynard Upper Room Prayer Group - 1st & 3rd

Mondays @ 9:30. Come pray with us!

Special Events in August

New sermon series based on Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood

Joining forces with Whitesboro Ministerial Alliance Back to School Community fun.

See details on page 7 1st Baptist hosting Family Promise, week of Aug

4th. Contact FBC if you’d like to help. Promotion Sunday - August 25th, 9:30 am, Meet new District Superintendent - August

25th, FUMC Gainesville 3:00-5:00

Contact the church office if you have questions

regarding any church related activity.

PO Box 370 * 122 S. Union Whitesboro, TX 76273

Tel: 903.564.3156

Website: www.whitesborofumc.org Facebook Page: fumcwhitesboro

A couple of days ago, the trailer for “A Beautiful Day in the

Neighborhood” released. I watched Tom Hanks, a beloved actor, embodying Mr. Rogers, a beloved minister. As I teared up I thought, there’s nobody like Mr. Rogers, but Tom Hanks is the best person for the job. The emotional reaction came for several reasons. First, I’ve been pouring over material for the August Sermon Series based on The Gospel as told by Mr. Rogers. Second, it reminded me of my childhood sitting in front of the television as Mr.

Rogers walked into his home singing his iconic song. That nostalgia tugs at my heart to return to a simple moment watching a man on television who would say, “I like you just the way you are” to children all over the country bringing hope and love to a generation. For my generation, and the parents who raised us, Mr. Rogers was a household name. The messages he taught were timeless, relevant, and had a tinge of the message of Christ within them. For starters, Christ offers us two greatest commandments to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. Mr. Rogers considered all the people who watched him his “Television Neighbors” and loved each one of us. More than this series that will help us remember the basic messages of love and compassion for all of our neighbors, we will have the opportunity to be good neighbors for a number of people in our community this August. Working alongside our neighbors and partners in ministry, the churches in the Ministerial Alliance will be working together to make goodie bags for all 250 employees in our school district. The very next week, we all get the opportunity to go to each of the 4 campuses and pray for our schools; the teachers, children, administrators, cafeteria workers, janitors, the playground, you name it! It’s a way for us to recognize who our neighbors are and love them in our own unique way. With this different series and all the awesome opportunities to love our neighbors, I want to invite you to prayerfully consider who you can invite to be part of this journey with us. It may be your actual neighbor next door. It may be someone who lives far away who can connect with us on Facebook. It may be someone who you have invited in the past only to fall flat. Whoever this person may be, if you tell me you are going to invite a neighbor, I will pray for you and them to find God in this journey together. My prayer for all of us this August is that God will speak to us and move us in unique and exciting ways. I know the Holy Spirit has led us to this series and missional opportunities for a reason, even though I may not know what it is yet. What I do know is that God shows up in exciting ways when we humble ourselves, follow the teachings of Christ, and look someone in the eye to ask, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”

Grace and peace, Pastor Adam

WE LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

If you have an article or item of interest to submit for the Newsletter, please email

your information to:

bridgethoenig@whitesborofumc.org by the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

PROJECT TRANSFORMATION - Family Night By Terry Rouk

What is Project Transformation Family Night? It is a young girl’s smile because she is going to take a bag of hotdogs home to her family. It is a lady gratefully taking hamburgers with all the trimmings to her family. It is sitting around telling amusing stories to each other because there were more than enough volunteers to fashion the

meal. It is grilling 40 hamburgers at a time with minimal singed arm hair and smoke in your face. It is feeding 80 or so kids and parents with little or no stress. It is watching watermelon disappear. It is a meal and a party for the Project Transformation participants and their families. It is a collection of wonderful blessing moments of which I am so happy to have shared. OK, I do not know much about the workings of Project Transformation at Waples Memorial United Methodist Church in Denison. Here is what I do know: They give each child a homemade quilt at the end of the summer. It is a summer program for about 80 children. The children practice reading, do arts and crafts and other group activities. They are exposed to United Methodism to some degree. They receive a good portion of community love like Paul taught us to do. It is a summer program that allows college students to hone their ministerial skills. It is a program that our pastor

participated in as a college student. It is a program that our church has supported to some degree for a number of years. It is full of personal blessings. This year, Vicky, Linda, Jo, Anita and her sister, Cindy, Suzette, Mona and Terry provided the meal in the name of Whitesboro

First United Church funded by the July communion rail offering. We have a reputation of being organized. So, it was no surprise that we had everything ready way before we served. We gathered and enjoyed each other’s fellowship until we had our first customer.

Come for the work.

Stay for the party.

That is our motto.

Beginning August 4th, our sermons in August will be centered around the Gospel messages found in the popular TV Show, Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood made famous by Fred Rodgers. Although never mentioning the bible he took his ordination as a Presbyterian Minister to preach the Gospel through his TV show. Join us and discover the wonder of our neighbors.

Besides his thoughtful demeanor, fewer fans of Mister Rogers may know about his deep religious convictions. Rogers graduated from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and became an ordained Presbyterian minister. Columnist Tyler Huckabee wrote about Rogers’ Christian faith for The Washington Post on January 30: “It may sound old-fashioned, but Mister Rogers’s theology was radical in 1962 when his show debuted, and it remains radical today. That’s why it resonated. That’s why it’s still necessary.” Surely the faith of Rogers filtered into the wisdom he communicated on air. His beliefs come into greater focus in his writings and comments off air. Mr. Rodger's humble style, taught generations of children simple Bible stories while he hosted 895 episodes that ran into 31 seasons . Getting ready for the series, we put posters in Wesley Hall using Mr. Rodger's quotes to catch your attention. Please take a few minutes to read the quote and answer the question. We hope you will fully engage yourselves with Mr. Rodger's Neighborhood this August. We have so many neigborly opportunities coming up in August; please join us and of course, bring a Neighbor!

To get to know our new Children’s Ministry Director, we asked Shelby a few questions.

What is one thing nobody here knows about you?

That’s a tough one. Only a few people know how much of an old soul I am. I love all things vintage. My house is filled to the brim with treasures. Currently my favorite thing to collect is Pyrex Dishes. What do you find enjoyable about working with kids?

I love getting to watch children grow in the Lord and their walk with Him as they grow up physically. They are just like seeds - with God’s love and nurturing environments they just sprout up and blossom beautifully. What is your farthest place traveled?

I love to travel. Road trips, long and short, are my favorite. My family took a cruise to Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Cozumel. I guess that would be the farthest destination I’ve visited. Are there any “routine” things you particularly enjoy doing?

I love to bake especially for holidays. As I said above, I love all things vintage so routinely you can find me in the local thrift stores and antique stores picking through all things old for treasures! Garage sales, auctions and estate sales are right up at the top of my list too! If you could host a dinner party and invite 3 people (past or present), who would they be?

Mike Wolfe from American Pickers (because I LOVE to pick), Tim Ford (my mentor) and of course my parents even though that would make four! What is your favorite guilty pleasure food?

Chick-fil-A, I seriously love Chick-fil-A! I could eat there for breakfast, lunch and dinner SIX days a week!

Meet our new Children’s Ministry Director

We are excited to welcome Shelby to our church family and staff. Some of you may remember seeing Shelby around the church during her Whitesboro school days. Shelby has been a part of our church and Wednesday night youth program. Since graduating high school, Shelby has worked at FUMC Durant, in various staff positions including, the Youth Director, and other jobs including: Nursery Attendant, and Parents Day Out Teacher. Shelby is also enrolled at Southeastern Oklahoma State University working toward a degree in Elementary Education. We know you all will welcome Shelby and enjoy getting to know her.

SEEK CAMP is a non denominational Christian camp experience sponsored by the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Camps are hosted at the Bridgeport Camp and Conference Center in Bridgeport, TX on Lake Bridgeport as well as the Prothro Conference Center in Pottsboro TX on Lake Texoma.

All of the camps are designed to accommodate the special needs of campers – children and adults with varying diagnoses. Each camper is encouraged and assisted by his or her counselor to participate in the camp community with a one to one ratio of campers to counselors. SEEK Camp experiences are available beginning at age 9 through adulthood. SEEK Camp is a unique opportunity for campers to who are physically and /or mentally challenged to learn about love, friendship, sharing,

caring and living in a Christian community. (Taken from SeekCamp.org)

Youth Camp 2 for those ages 23-30 occurred over the July 4th holiday and was filled with 5 days of GREAT people, worship, music, swimming, dancing, arts and crafts, a talent show, great food, and fireworks. A few of the many comments made following the close of camp included: …..we were overwhelmed by the abundance of love and compassion….. ……I was excited and beyond happy. I saw the presence of God in each and every one of the campers and counselors this week. My heart is full of love. I can’t believe I have to wait an entire year for the next SEEK.

Not being aware of individual participants’ PR release status, you are stuck looking at Mike Vardell

Our True Grit men's Bible study was started by Dr. Jack Wallace as a men's bible study open to men in the community. The first meetings were in an upper room, a conference room of a business at the corner of N. Union and E. Main, owned and offered to us by members of our church. Later the meetings were moved downstairs due to business needs of the owners. Later we moved to First Methodist church in the conference room as the last location was sold and no longer available. Most recently in order to be out in the community and open for all men, we obtained permission to meet in the dining hall at the Masonic Lodge on North Union. The group has been as big as 20 or so and as small six or seven. We have had men of differing denominations, other pastors and varied professions participate.

Our meetings start at 6 am and we try to be finished about 7 am so participants can get to work and be about their day. We start the meeting with the usual coffee, donuts and conversation then move promptly into our Prayer cards. These are small cards on which we write concerns for others as the men present share concerns and joys for others. This is an important part of the gathering and we feel strongly prayer is a balm to others in need. Once we have completed our lists some men exchange cards as there may be some written but unshared needs listed. Then the fun begins, we read the next portion of the chapter we are currently studying and begin our discussion. We are lead by the spirt to share what it means to us, how we can apply its lesson, how the persons involved were affected, and how it might affect our lives. We end in prayer and frequently some linger over the discussion as others need to be about their day. We also find ways to be in mission, helping others, especially those in need, the least and the lost.

Now, why True Grit? Grit is the relentless resolve to keep pursuing a desired goal and not giving up. Wouldn’t you know? Your grandfather was right after all: Success is a lot like hard work. You wont find Grit in the bible, but there are other words that mean the same thing, steadfastness, perseverance and endurance come to mind. And there are examples of Gritty men for us in the stories of the Bible, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses and our King, Jesus who faces the cross with resolve and says" not my will but yours" ( Mark 14:36.) True Grit comes to men from facing adversity and realizing God is with them and thru his grace we are empowered and strengthened . "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2–4).

Men face many kinds of adversity, from many directions, be it the workplace, family, activities, even in our churches. But, because of God’s grace, these strengthen our faith. Just like our brains and our bodies, our faith is strengthened by vigorous exercise. Adversity produces strong, gritty faith. Life can be hard, even harder than we ever expected. Paul said, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). And it’s why James told us to count all our trials as joy. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), and the gift of faith becomes our True Grit faith through struggling against adversity. Therefore adversity produces endurance and “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).

As True Grit men we hold each other up, we are accountable, we offer ourselves to Gods work thru prayer and mission. Life can be hard, why go it alone when there are men of grit, True Grit, willing to make the trip with you.

Stay gritty my friends, God is with us.

Contact Rick Simmons, or Kyle Maynard if you’d like to find out more about the True Grit men’s bible study.

From the Archives by Barbara Bailey, Church Historian

The first women’s organization at Whitesboro FUMC was formed in 1881 and named the Foreign Missionary Society. Later was renamed the Women’s Society of Christian Service and today known as United Methodist Women.

The following is the handwritten Minutes of August 28, 1941 – The Society held its regular monthly social meeting in the hospitable home of Mrs.

Combs on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 28th with about 25 members and visitors in attendance. Mrs. Saye was assistant hostess. Mrs. Estes was Program Leader and brought an interesting Bible lesson about Jesus and The Woman at the Well. Mrs. Mayer led in prayer.

Very interesting indeed were the accounts brought by the delegates to the recent Young Peoples’ Training School held at S.M.U. Dallas which our society had the privilege of making possible for these delegates. Nancy Henderson spoke for the Junior Dept. and Jane Combs for the Seniors. Equally interesting was the story of a Methodist Young Peoples camp in Lake Murray Okla. which was conducted by our former pastor and wife, Bro. and Mrs. Porter. Ann Combs represented our young people at this encampment.

The President then took charge for the business session and the minutes were read and approved. Mrs. Nichols hands the question of tuning the church piano had been voted at our last meeting, reported that examination revealed the Auditorium piano badly in need of attention, and after consultation with other members, Mrs. Nichols had it gone over at a cost of $10.00, which action by the society OKed.

Mrs. Cole, local treasurer - reported that the current Basement note of $50.00 plus accrued interest of $4.00 would be due tomorrow & she was instructed to pay it.

Mrs. Scott reported for last nights Rotary Supper in the absence of the acting chairman, Mrs. Baum had no financial report was available yet.

Original plans for the next set-up of its United Churches made Sept. 1st its close of its fiscal year but it was announced that the end of the present fiscal year had been changed to next Jan. 1st to conform to the old plan.

As fall approaches and the days grow short and cooler – it was voted to change our hours of meeting back to 3pm. The question “shall we resume roll call to be answered with current wants at our Social Meetings” was discussed briefly but no definite action taken.

Mrs. McMinanry was sole Birthday Honoree for August. She was remembered with a gift from her Missionary Pal while all joined in singing “Happy Birthday to You”.

Attention was called to a District Study Leader’s Meeting to be held at Trinity Church, Denison on Sept. 12th and a full attendance was urged.

We then adjourned for a delightful social hour.— Mrs. Bennett, Sec.

The United Methodist Women (UMW) will be celebrating 150 this year.

The UMW is open to All ladies of the church. If you’re not currently involved, consider this an open invitation to come join us for rich history and tradition of ladies committed to

Christ and each other , growing in our faith together, and having fun while doing God’s works.

The UMW meet the 2nd Sunday of the month, usually after a pot luck lunch. Contact Carolyn Maynard, UMW President for more information.

Sunday, July 30th the SPRC hosted a “thank you” reception for Sarah Galaviz. After serving as our Children’s Director for 5 years, Sarah resigned June 30th. Until our replacement comes aboard, Sarah stayed to help with Sunday School, Promotion Sunday, and will begin working with our new Children’s Director. We want to thank Sarah for the many ways she brought her special spiritual gifts and talents to the Children’s Ministry, Staff, Children’s & Church Council. Thankfully this won’t be goodbye, Sarah will continue to worship with us and be a part of our church family!

PROMOTION SUNDAY AUGUST 25TH

Church wide Breakfast at 9:30

Sunday School Teachers Needed

Please contact the church office or Shelby Finley if you can spare a few hours each week and teach one of our

children’s Sunday School classes.

An extension of our Nurture Committee is our Bereavement Lunch Ministry. If you would like to be put on a “call list” to prepare a dish (dessert, salad, or side) please contact Lenora

Garrison or the church office.

Current call lists are outdated and we would like to give everyone who would like to help an opportunity to serve in this special ministry of our church.

Keep Whitesboro Beautiful Flea Market—September 14th, Downtown Whitesboro

Signup sheets are available for time slots to man the FUMC booth at the KWB Flea Market on September 14th. We will have items to give away, church brochures to hand out and let the community know who we are. If you want to have some fun, do some “evangeling” we need you!!! Please contact the church office if you’d like to help with this Belong Grow Serve opportunity.

For the past 2 years, we were able to welcome All employees of Whitesboro ISD back to school with a Goody Bag filled with things they may need or want during their week of prep. To express our “we care for you” motto, this year we extended the invitation to the Whitesboro Ministerial Alliance (WMA) to make this a community project. We want everyone in the community to see that the churches support our schools, students, teachers, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and anyone else employed by the school district. What an exciting way for our church along with the WMA to “work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”. Romans 8:28 The following is the schedule for the WMA and anyone else who wants to be a part of this outreach. We will gather at the Middle School on Friday, August 9th to assemble the goody bags. Time to be confirmed but pencil in the 6pm-7pm time slot. On Monday, August 12th, members of the WMA and maybe one or two people from each congregation to help hand out the bags to employees as they gather at the Middle School for the opening convocation breakfast. Adam needs two volunteers from our church. Plan on being at the school at 7:30am to be ready as everyone arrives. Please contact the church office if you’d like to volunteer August 12th. Lastly, Sunday, August 18th will be a time of intentional prayer for our schools. We will gather at the campuses at 7:00 pm. The WMA will lead prayer at the campuses but we want the community to feel welcome to join and pray. As Brother Mike from FBC said at our meeting, “nobody has the sole corner on prayer”. Let’s join our neighbors in Whitesboro, pick a campus and pray. The following is a list of the campus assignments and who from the WMA will lead the time of prayer: Hayes Primary - Adam Spore Intermediate - Mike Flanagan Middle School - Cindy Kennedy High School - Travis Flanagan

After a busy August, of intentional good will, love and friendship, we will reward ourselves with a tasty treat and return to Wesley Hall for an ice cream social at 7:30pm. If you would like to help with the Ice Cream social on August 18th, please contact Jo Stow and/or Linda Powers.

Family Promise - Week of August 4th.

Many of you have expressed interest in helping with Family Promise. FBC will host a week of Family Promise starting Sunday, August 4th

They will need help with providing meals and overnight hosts Please contact Brenda Walsh, Family Promise coordinator at First Baptist Church.

Memorials & Honorariums

Memorials & Honorariums unless noted otherwise, go to the Memorial Fund. The Memorial Fund is used for items for our worship & sanctuary.

The following is a list of other giving opportunities:

* Adult Choir Fund * Benevolent Fund * Building Fund * General Budget

* Memorial Garden * Oakey Hagood Memorial Youth Scholarship * Special Children’s Fund for Camp * Youth Scholarship -

Continuing education scholarships

If you have any questions, please contact the church office or a member or the Finance Committee

“Let’s Get Moving!”

Chair and/or Standing Exercises

Targets Balance, Strength and Flexibility

Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 in Wesley Hall

Please dress comfortably! Absolutely FREE and EVERYONE is Invited!

For more information contact Lenora Garrison or Susan Cox

01-Aug Wayne Chisum 07-Aug Nate Ward 13-Aug Monroe Spore 21-Aug Jane Killam

01-Aug David Laird 08-Aug Donna Morgan 14-Aug Ronnie Fielder 21-Aug Beth Ann Unger

02-Aug Sarah Stock 10-Aug Hannah Bain 15-Aug Kim Hickman 21-Aug Josh Fletcher

03-Aug Joleen Stow 10-Aug Kevin Hartless 16-Aug Gwen Grady 21-Aug Tom Powers

04-Aug Hadlie Bain 11-Aug Samantha Wyrick 17-Aug Melodie Jackson 22-Aug Joel Hendry

04-Aug Rylee Hosp 11-Aug Sadie Hackney 19-Aug Danny Anderson 22-Aug Olivia Hildebrand

06-Aug Beverly Brown 11-Aug Pam Erlandson 19-Aug Adam Spore 28-Aug Paul Griffith

07-Aug Inez Leach 12-Aug Lila Beste 20-Aug Nanette Sissney

07-Aug Su Welch 12-Aug Weston Hickman

In Memory Of: Given By: In Memory Of: Given By: Tillman Cason Carleene Cason Joe Anderson Johnny & Suzanne Greear

Gladys Acker Ricky & Sharon Acker Oakey Hagood Kenneth & Delores

Lockmiller

Jim Bob Ferguson Johnny & Suzanne Greear

Use the Church Calendar to setup text reminders and never miss

another meeting or church event.

Contact the church office if you have any questions.

Putting our FAITH * HOPE * LOVE * into ACTION

Communion Rail

Offerings & Mission Work

January Benefit: Missions Received: $ 311

February

Benefit: Your Neighbors House

Food Pantry & Store Received: $420

March

Benefit: General Missions—$157

Lenten Challenge

30 Pieces of Silver for

Benevolent Fund-$1081

April Benefit:

General Missions—$261

Youth Camp

Fundraiser - $980

May Benefit: Summer Lunch-

$1193

June Benefit: General Missions

- $342

July Benefit: Project

Transformation-$718

August Benefit: Back to School

Supplies

September Benefit: General

Missions

October Benefit: General Missions

November

Benefit: Ministerial

Alliance Food Baskets

December

Benefit: Nursing Home Gifts

The Summer Lunch program is still going strong. We are preparing lunches for over 115 children every Monday and will continue until they go back to school. Thank you all for your generous donations in support of this ministry!

We couldn’t do it with out your faithfulness to the children in our community.

August Communion or Second Mile Offering will benefit:

Back to School Supplies

Back to School is an exciting time and it also a stressful time when it comes to the financial hardship on families getting ready for back to school.

Every year we try our best to furnish a back pack with all or most of the supplies our summer lunch children need to go back to school. This not only helps the parents use money elsewhere for new shoes, and clothes but gives the kids confidence that they are prepared and ready for the new school year.

Your communion rail dollars enable us to use purchase supplies using our tax exempt status and take advantage of bulk discounts. If you would like to be part of the “back-pack, packing” please contact Lenora Garrison for the date and time details.

Wonderful Wednesdays

Our Faith & Family Dinners are soon to begin on September 4th at 5:30 in Wesley Hall. Come for a mid-week biblical focus, good

fellowship, and outstanding food. The menu is always interesting and very tasty!

After dinner there is an opportunity to visit with our Children & Youth, assist them, get to know them. The fun begins Wednesday afternoons with

Children’s Activities starting at 4:30. Children meet together to have a mid-week Bible focus activity and taken to Wesley Hall for dinner at 5:30. Our adult choir rehearses on Wednesdays too. If you’d like to join the choir, please contact our Choir Director, Sharon Acker. Our Handbells will get started soon, Linda Harris will announce rehearsal times. Our Youth Groups meet on Wednesdays. Jr. High meet at 6:00 pm to 7:30, and Sr. High meet at 7:15 and finish at 8:30. Contact James Farmer or Michelle Luton for questions related to our Youth Ministry. We pray that you will take this opportunity to enhance your connection with Christ and His people. For more information about Faith & Family Wednesdays, please contact the church office. We need one team of people to prepare the Family Meal just 1 Wednesday a month. If you like to cook, and have fun while cooking, please contact Terry Rouk or Gwen Grady.

Faith & Family Wednesdays are a lot of fun and a great way to get to know your church family - Come join us!