Pastor

Dr. Richard Heyduck

Youth Director

Tim Coman

Secretary

Tonya Roberts

Noah's Ark Director

Cynthia Outlaw

Phone: 903-389-2225

www.fumcfairfield.org

A Word From Richard 1

Welcome Ann Parks 2

Concession Stand 2

Prayers 2

Memorials &

Honorariums/Meeting

3

Finance 3

Birthdays 4

UMW/Faith Academy 5

Events/Scouts 5

Thrive 6

Teacher Appreciation 7

Homecoming/Ramp 8

The Servant

First United Methodist Church

Worship with Us Live

facebook.com/fumcfairfield

or YouTube at

https://bit.ly/FUMCFairfieldVideo

The Staff of

First UMC Fairfield

Dealing with Reality

We interact with at least four levels of reality. By “reality” in each case, I mean something like “the way things are whether we like it or not.”

The first level of reality is physical reality. It’s in this level that we deal with things like the laws of gravity and inertia. Most of the time, we get along just fine with this level. We’ve learned to deal with it since infancy and it comes naturally. But there are times we need to contend with things on this level. That’s why we wear seatbelts. The law of inertia says, “An object in motion will tend to stay in motion.” The seatbelt helps us survive when we conflict violently with that law.

The second level of reality is social reality. This, too, we’ve dealt with from infancy. We con-stantly find ourselves in relationships that shape us and constrain us. Whether it be family, school, business, the economy, government, etc., we learn to adapt to and work within these institutions on this level.

The third level is our personal reality. This is where I’d put things that are rooted in our own experience. Maybe you’ve heard people describe something as “true for me.” That’s an expression pointing at the personal level of reality.

The fourth level I’ll mention here is God’s reality. Once we get to this level you might see that the four levels aren’t separate and compartmentalized. In this case, the other three levels were brought into being by God and operate within the constraints of his reality. So what do we do with reality?

Think about the “tank man” from Tiananmen Square many years ago. You’ve probably seen the picture of him, a lone protestor, standing stock still in front of a column of tanks in Beijing. In terms of physical reality, the man didn’t stand a chance. The tank would crush him. In terms of social reality, we saw not one bit of apprehension on the part of the Chinese government that they were in total control and would crush the man, if not literally, then by sending agents to haul him away. In terms of his personal reality, we don’t know anything of his story for sure. We can easily imagine that he was fed up with the oppression of his own country’s government. He had to resist, whatever the consequences.

That story brings the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to mind. When they defied King Nebuchadnezzar’s edict, they knew the consequences: they’d be thrown in the fiery furnace. They knew that in terms of physical reality they’d be burned up. They knew they had no chance standing against the power of the king. But they also knew God’s reality. From that vantage point they knew that even if God didn’t save them from the furnace, disobeying the king was the right thing. They went into the furnace with no assurance they’d be delivered but did it anyway.

Our continual challenge as humans is to discern when and how to submit to reality and when to live in terms of another reality. If we let our personal reality trump the other levels, for example, we’ll probably receive some harsh correction along the way from the other levels. A key consequence of our being students of Jesus through worship, study, prayer,

and fellowship, is becoming habituated to God’s kingdom reality and living as his subjects, no matter the fall out from other levels of reality.

August 2021

Page 2

Welcome, Ann Parks!

Lord Hear Our Prayers

Kathy Arrington, Ann Barker, Eunice Barker, Todd Benedict, Billie Bond, Joe Bond, Jimmy & Paula Clark, Joaquin Cohen, Juliette Coleman, Fran Collier, J.R. Corne, Julie Curington, Donnie Farris, Asher Garrison, Jim & Nancy Gooch, Sharon Pratt Gross, Luke Harris, Frank & Heidi Hilliard, Phyllis Hunt, Susan James, Benjamin Javier, Melvin John, Lela Kirsch, Kevin Langley, Manuel Level, J.B. Mason, Larry McCeig, Julie Ann Medford, Susan Myers, Betty Milligan, Sue Montgomery, Mike Mooneyham, Cheryl Mullen, Jimmy Onstott, Margaret Orand, Ann Parks, Mary Pittman, Ryan Red, Judy Schick, Gwen Schlabra, Larry Smith, Mary Smith, Kyla Smith, Jesse Terry, Henry Thornton, Keith Wedige, Naomi White, Music Ministry, Afghanistan, Haiti

Military: Ryan Aiken, Dalton Barker, Daniel Barker, Damon Box, Jordan Burton, Robert Cortez, Brandon Cruce, Chris Fulcher, Kyle Grecu, Brady Jackson, Katlin Keaton, Chris Marr, Brandon Read, Ty Salazar, Austin Strange, Michael Strange

Nursing Home: Darlene Barker, Jeane Beasley, Claudine Gibbs, Joan Grounds, Don McLeod

Ann Parks, we would like to welcome you with open arms to

our church.

Pictured left to right: Sonya Maness, Vicky Cheek, Ann Parks,

Lynda Burt and Gayle Carpenter

Concession Stand

We need your help!

Let’s join together in Christ to help serve our

Fairfield Independent School District.

Join the Friday night fun and help us work

the concession stand at Fairfield High

School

Friday, October 22 5:30 p.m. Fairfield vs. Teague

Please contact Kevin if you have any

questions at 512-423-4983

Gifts to Capital/General Building Fund

In memory of Jerry Robinson by Guy & Dianne Murden, Don Beene

In memory of Denise Watson Wells by Guy & Dianne Murden

In memory of Randy Turner by Guy & Dianne Murden, Burt & Janie Richards

In memory of Johnny Burt by Danny & Carolyn Robertson, Guy & Dianne Murden,

Pastor Richard & Christi Heyduck, Burt & Janie Richards

In memory of Patsy Ahlfinger by Rodney & Edye Gillen-Hall, Guy & Dianne Murden

In memory of Phillip Moore by Guy & Dianne Murden

In memory of Kristi Morton by Lynda Burt, Judy Wardle, Wendon & Jane Morrison,

Pastor Richard & Christi Heyduck

In memory of LaSalle Tippens by Sally Red

In memory of Betty Netherly by Sally Red

In memory of Andy Traylor by Sally Red

In memory of Eddie Roberts by Burt & Janie Richards

In memory of Bert Cobbs by Burt & Janie Richards

In memory of Warren Awalt by Don Beene

In memory of Alice Bonner by Don Beene

In memory of Bob Pearson by Don Beene

Page 3

Memorials & Honorariums

Mes s age f rom Finance

Thanks so much for faithfully supporting the church with your tithes and offerings. It’s so good seeing people back in worship again! Here are some finance items you can be praying about. During the summer months, we always have A/C units go out. We had to replace two units last month and the summer is just getting here. We are still in search of a music director and accompanists. We may have to raise salaries to attract qualified people.

There are 3 options for giving: (1) Drop your offering off at the church. Push the door button and Tonya will meet you at the door. You can also call ahead (903-389-389-2225) and let her know you are on your way. (2) Drop your check in the mail: FUMC, 201 N. Mount St, Fairfield, TX 75840. (3) You can give online with the Tithe.LY app or link on the website. If you need assistance with electronic giving, let us know.

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

July offering was $29,483

Gifts to Capital/General Building Fund

In memory of Tom Medford by Russell Loper, Jr. & Susan, Landon, Greyson Phipps,

Sally Red, Ron & Carole Lacey, Jack L. Ritter, Sam & Billie Bournias, Rodney & Edye Gillen - Hall,

Robert & Betty Gentry, Steve & Janie Lightsey, Kyle & Naffie Lightsey, Ernest & Belinda Griffin,

David C. Hudson, Angie Mae Bonner Sunday School, Charlene Ezell, Maurice & Amanda Burleson,

Ervin Zoch, Guy & Dianne Murden, William J. Dube, John & Beverly Awalt, Don & Gayle Carpenter,

Greg & Katherine Jackson, Gary & Marilyn Toothman, Judy Wardle, Wendon & Jane Morrison,

Brenda K. Johnson, Beth Newman, Dick & Claudette White, Don & Millie McLeod,

Dr. & Mrs. Don A. Lutes, Michael & Lisa Thibault

**Remember to indicate the person or persons for whom your memorial or honorarium is dedicated and to what fund it is to be credited:

General, Capital Building Choir, Youth, Music, etc.

Page 4

Birt hd ays

Date Name(s)

August Birthdays

8/1 MaKayla Van

MaKenzie Van

8/2 Margaret Orand

8/3 Lillian McBean

8/4 Derrell Ezell

Eddie Smith

8/6 J.R. Corne

Keil Meredith

Austin Farrell

8/7 Lynda Burt

8/8 Chris Lightsey

8/25 Joe Mason

Jordan Jackson

8/26 Lorelei Ritchey

8/27 Jeanie Wilson

Austin Henley

Justin Romine

8/28 Madilynn Isaacs

8/29 Claudette White

James Lott

8/30 Don McBay

8/31 Teresa Vandiver

Trip Neal

Theresa Farris

Lucas Awalt

John Bennett

8/9 Julie Myers

8/10 Cody Sell

8/11 Will Doyle

Danielle Grecu

Kim Pickett

8/12 Cheryl Mullen

8/13 Christen Baize

Mark Herren

8/14 Dick White

8/15 Cheryl Cockerell

8/16 Hazel Sanders

Sheri Reed

Justin Farrell

8/17 Marlon Cockerell

Jerri McBay

Marcella Davis

Clyde McKelvey

Do you have a August or

September birthday?

If your birthday is not listed,

please contact the church office so your information

may be updated.

Thank you, Tonya

Carol Chappell

8/18 Gloria Smith

Lanae Anderson

8/19 Avi Hughes

Von Wade

Kolton Anderson

8/21 Ashley Crowley

Andrea Roller

Carolyn Dunlap

8/22 Susan James

8/23 Kathy Cooper

September Birthdays

9/1 Jacob Johnson

9/2 Gracie Awalt

Tina Utley

Tess Hill

Marshall Davis

Date Name(s)

9/3 Paula Clark

Wendy Farrell

Bud Sell

Cannon Anderson

9/5 Sam Bill Bournias

Chris Fulcher

9/6 Geraldine Thompson

Robert Burns

Cody Roller

RaeAnne Rossiaky

9/7 Ashton Sleziak

9/8 Eunice Barker

Lauren Jackson

Tommy Leadbetter

9/9 Frances Collier

9/10 Steve Grecu

9/11 Dori Grecu

Jacob Young

9/12 Cyn Outlaw

9/13 Shirley Burleson

Kathie Donohoo

9/14 Herb Eubanks

Liyan Cao

Conner Hale

Zaig Carbonilla

9/15 Brian Evans

Tonya Roberts

9/16 Airen Roberts

Brenda Johnson

Charles Myers

9/17 James Reed

Jaycee Jobe

9/18 Owen Grow

9/19 Colleen O’Mata

9/20 Mary Awalt

Cindy Neal

Autumn Sleziak

9/21 Alyssa Thorne

9/22 Loften Dunlap

Deegan Brady

Janie Richards

9/24 Dr. Janice Collins

Dustin Coufal

Luke Morgan

9/25 Bailey Ray

9/29 Addyson York

9/30 Tracey Schlabra

Stacy Don Wright

Page 5

Scouting Information

United Methodists Women (UMW) will be having their first fall meeting, Tuesday, September 14, at 10am,

upstairs in the Youth Area.

We will have begin a new Bible study, have a business meeting and enjoy a light luncheon provided by the

officers.

Please come and bring a friend as we start our new

study. Details to follow on the Bible Study.

United Methodist Women

Faith Academy Christian School is participating in the

Citywide Garage sale September 10th and 11th.

If you have anything to donate, please contact Vicky Cheek (903-390-4411) or Jane Phillips (979-415-4423)

and we would be happy to pick up your donations.

Scouting update: Happy to report that Cub Scout Pack 668 finished a good year, even with dealing with Covid restrictions. This is the scout pack that this church sponsors and has sponsored in the past. They finished out the year with a 2 night family camping trip in May to Lake Fairfield State Park. Plus, they had a float in the Freestone County Rodeo parade in June

They are already making plans for an awesome year for 2021 - 2022. They will be kicking off a membership drive in August and September. There are also efforts underway to have a Boy Scout troop once again as well. We are looking for all boys and girls ages 6-18. We are also needing adult volunteers. Watch for more details in a couple weeks. If you would like more information or if you would like to volunteer, please call Randy Maness at 940-435-9727

Faith Academy August 29 - Church Wide Pot Luck Lunch Following 11:00 a.m. Worship (meat is provided

Bring your favorite sides or dessert)

September 12 - 5:00 p.m. Confirmation Class

September 13 - 6:00 p.m. Trustees Meeting

September 14 - 10:00 a.m. U.M.W.

September 14 - 5:00 p.m. Family Ministry Meeting

September 15 - Noah's Ark Parents Dinner at AWE Dinner 5:30 p.m.

Upcoming Events

U.M.W. will be taking part in an UMCOR mission project to

provide hygiene kits to areas in need due to natural disasters.

We invite our church to help us collect the following items:

Hand towels - (15”x25” to 17”x27”) Kitchen, cleaning or

microfiber towels are not accepted.

Combs – needs to be sturdy and with a minimum of 6” of

teeth.

Nail clippers

Bath-sized soap – must be 3 oz or larger and in original

packaging. No Jergens or Ivory soap due to moisture con-

tent.

Adult-sized toothbrush – Must be in original packaging.

Adhesive bandaids – ¾” to 1” size

All items must be new. Do not wash or remove from

packaging. Please place in bin outside the church office by

September 5.

Page 6

Calendar

The distinction between FAITH & BELIEF is a target of our Fall Student Ministry. We’ll be dealing with the role God plays in our

struggles and how Faith/Belief come into the picture.

What some may or may not realize is that Faith and Belief are not always the same thing. The book our small group leaders will be utilizing as a resource was developed by Fuller Seminary and deals with very cutting edge questions, dealing with

challenges our students face. We’ll be investigating how Faith and

Belief overlap and how they differ.

Our Student Area

If you haven’t been upstairs in a while, check out the pics and posters in the stairwell and the new Prayer Wall. At the Prayer Wall you can write a prayer request, either on the wall or on a card you can drop in the box. Either way, we’ll be

joining you in prayer.

Confirmation, for youth in 6th grade and above, is for young people inves-

tigating their faith and membership in the church.

We will meet Sunday afternoons from September 12 through October 3.

Email me at tim@fumcfairfield.org to get information sheet.

Special Dates September 12 - October 3 Confirmation 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

September 17 - 5th Quarter Homecoming Dance following Football game

September 20 - See Ya at the Pole 6:30 a.m. Saw You at the Pole 6:00 p.m.

Volunteer Sign-up and Remind Messaging

We have two sign-up accounts: Genius and Remind. Please send Tim a text at 832-480-4304 if you would like the link to sign up.

October 10 - Student Leadership Meeting

October 31 - Youth Sunday 11:00 a.m. Worship

November 21 - Off Campus Trip

December 19 - Student Ministry Christmas Party

Our Topic of Study

Page 7

Teacher Appreciation

Oh what fun we had!

We had 110 including 37 teachers come out and join the fun!

Thank you for everything you did to help make this event come together!!

~Sonya

Firs t Uni ted Methodis t Church

201 North Mount St reet

Fa ir f ie ld, Texas 75840

903-389-2225 www.fumcfairfield.com

Non-Profit Organization

Bulk Rate U.S. Postage

PAID Fairfield, TX

Return service requested

Time value mail please expedite

We thank God for………………….

When: Friday, September 14 Where: FUMC gym

Time: Following the football game

We have the privilege of hosting the homecoming dance for Fairfield High School. We need your help! We will need sponsors who are willing to donate chips, cookies, plastic cups and bottles of soda for students to enjoy. We also need volunteers to make sure students are safe and staying within the perimeter while at the dance.

If you can help please sign up using our genius link on our website or Facebook page. You may also email me at tim@fumcfairfield.org. The dance will likely go to 11pm or possibly later depending upon the time the

game ends that evening.

Thank you so much,

Tim

Ramp Build

Thank you church family and our partners from FUMC Mexia, FUMC Wortham, One Church Mexia,

and Northcrest Church of Christ.