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Page 1: February 27, 2012 Bellville Methodist Believer 27... · February 27, 2012 Bellville Methodist Believer EACH WEEK Sundays 9:00a.m. ... I’m feeling better but lose energy fast and

LENT HAS BEGUN

Bellville United Methodist Church

February 27, 2012

Bellville Methodist Believer

EACH WEEK Sundays

9:00a.m. Traditional Worship

10:00a.m. Sunday School (all ages)

11:00a.m. Contemporary Worship

6:00p.m. Worship Services

local cable Ch. 12

Mondays

10:00a.m. Walk With A Friend (MAC)

7:00p.m. Joy of Living Bible Study

Tuesdays

9:00a.m. Exercise (MAC)

Noon AA (217)

Wednesdays

10:00a.m. Walk With A Friend (MAC)

4:00p.m. Children’s Choir (305)

6:00p.m. MYF

5—9:00p.m. Methodist night @ DQ

7:00p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Thursdays

6:00a.m. Men’s Life (206)

9:30a.m. Community Bible Study

6:30p.m. AA & Al Anon (212, 217)

7:00p.m. Men’s Basketball (MAC)

Fridays

9:00a.m. Exercise (MAC)

10:00a.m. Walk With A Friend (MAC)

As you may know, Ash Wednesday was the start of the season

of Lent. Ash Wednesday always falls six-and-a-half weeks before

Easter, so the actual date each years fluctuates just as the date of

Easter does.

There are forty days to the season of Lent, when Sundays are

excluded. The forty days recall Jesus’ time in the desert, as well as

the forty years the Israelites spent in exile after the exodus.

So what are the ashes all about? The ashes traditionally come

from burned palm leaves from a previous Palm Sunday celebration.

Ashes are ―worn‖ by believers as signs of repentance, humility, and

renouncing pride. In the traditional liturgies, when a mark of ash is

placed upon one’s forehead, we hear the words ―Remember that you

are dust, and to dust you shall return.‖ (This was God’s word to Adam

after his sin, as recorded in Genesis 3:19.)

The wearing of ashes is also recorded in Job 42:5-6 as a sign

of repentance. We do not wear ashes to proclaim our holiness, but to

acknowledge that we are sinners, and are in need of repentance and

renewal.

Lent is the season when many Christians focus their attention

on three practices – fasting, praying and almsgiving.

Why do we fast? By depriving ourselves of a basic necessity,

we are reminded of our utter dependence on God. Traditionally, the

money saved while fasting may be given away to the needy.

Why do we give? What we are given by God is not meant just

for us, but for us to share with others, for the service of others.

Why do we pray? Because we are not self-sufficient creatures.

We have a need inside of us that cannot be filled by ourselves, or

even by others. We have a holy longing, and must look to God.

Without a community, you cannot be enriched by others, or

enrich them. Only through the context of community may we find a

relationship with God!

In addition to our worship services and Bible studies, look at

ways you can structure your ―Monday through Saturday‖ life to make

this a meaningful Lent.

Remember – repentance, renewal, community. Fasting,

praying, giving.

Phone: 979.865.5976

Fax: 979.865.0701

Prayer: 979.227.2022

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.bellvilleumc.org

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, February 28

10:00a.m. Lenten Study (208)

Friday, March 2

10:30a.m. World Day of Prayer

(St. John Lutheran Church)

Sunday, March 4

10:00a.m. Lenten Study (sanctuary)

5:30p.m. Lenten Study (208)

Tuesday, March 6 Newsletter deadline

9:30a.m. Nursing Home Communion

10:00a.m. Lenten Study (208)

7:00p.m. Methodist Men (204)

Sunday, March 11

10:00a.m. Lenten Study (sanctuary)

2:00p.m. Nursing Home Communion

5:30p.m. Lenten Study (208)

Monday, March 12 Newsletter mailed

Tuesday, March 13

10:00a.m. Lenten Study (208)

6:30p.m. Trustees (202)

7:15p.m. Finance (2008)

Wednesday, March 14

8:00p.m. Church Council (2004)

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Mike Aldredge

Mary Cooper

Flora Wendt

Grace Mumme

Macie Gardner

Woodrow Woehst

Matthew Bratton

Clayton Crane

Shirley Wendt

Molly Luce

Erwin Carby

David Pagel

Walt Falconer

Rikki Lane

Joe Burleson

Laurie Moseley

Floy Wilkin

Russell White

Rusty Massey

Beth Stutes

Cay Wade

Dylan Smart

Cindy Howard

Judy Stork

Laura & Vicki

Joe Higgins

Michael Quintero (grandson of Jackie Sabrsula)

David Quintero (grandson of Jackie Sabrsula)

Justin Phillips (Afghanistan-grandson of Bill & Mary Jo George)

Sean Whitfield (Afghanistan-nephew of Jim Oliver)

Dan Miser (Afghanistan-grandson of Bob Link)

Gregory Hill (grandson of Clayton & Margaret Crane)

Mitch & Emily Bruce (Afghanistan-niece of Jim Oliver)

Will Seay (El Paso)

Rene Rodriguez (Ft. Campbell, KY)

Kurtis Scoby (son of David & Cheryl Scoby)

Chase Kiecke (California)

Zachary Montgomery (Ft. Drum, New York)

Zachery & Cassidy Jones (son & daughter-in-law of Paul & Pam Jones)

John Lanier

IN OUR PRAYERS...

THANK YOU…

To My Church Family,

Thank you for the lovely plant you sent me. I hope

to be back in circulation soon. It is always nice to be

remembered.

Thank you again,

Sue Neely

Page 2

SERVING OUR COUNTRY...

You are invited to the local celebration of the World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 2 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John

Lutheran Church, 520 N. Holland. Lunch will follow. This is an international prayer observance, planned by women

around the world, with this year’s theme being ―Let Justice Prevail.‖ This year’s prayer resources come from the

Christian women of Malaysia.

World Day of Prayer is a worldwide, nondenominational movement begun by Christian women, observed each

year on the first Friday in March. The motto of World Day of Prayer is this – ―Informed prayer leads us to prayerful

action.‖ For more information, go to the web site – wdpusa.org.

To BUMC Family,

I want to thank you for the plant sent to me . It is

cheering and mindful of good days ahead,. I’m feeling

better but lose energy fast and so it means resting a lot.

Sincerely, Patsy Lawrence To My Church Friends,

My most grateful thanks to everyone who has

quietly prayed for me during my ordeal with a family

member’s addiction. It is an illness for which there is no

medicine and no cure.

The meals, the cookies, and the prayers lift me from

the ensuing isolation.

Thank you all, it is not over yet,

Cay Wade

Thank you so much for the fruit basket. It is

helping me to eat healthy snacks while I am recovering

from my back surgery.

Jay Matthews

2012 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER – FRIDAY, MARCH 2

Dear Friends,

When your plant arrived at my door it was a

delightful surprise. The plant had a teddy bear made of

carnations inside the ivy. Everyone that has seen it thinks

it is a neat idea and most unusual.

My healing has been less painful because of

friends that have showered me with prayers and

kindness.

Thank you for caring. Love to all.

Anne

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SAVE THESE DATES !!!

** MONDAY, June 18—FRIDAY, June 22 **

PERFORMING ARTS CAMP

Performance Friday, June 22 @ 7:00p.m.

For children entering 2nd—8th grade

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012

message by Amy Haralson

SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012

Holy Communion

―What In the World: The Last Days‖

2 Peter 3:1-13

message by Robert Stutes

UPCOMING MESSAGES...

AIMING HIGH...

―Beginning today, treat everyone as if

they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend

to them all the care, kindness and understanding

you can muster, and do it with no thought of any

reward. Your life will never be the same again.‖ -

Og Mandino

I am not giving anything up for Lent, but I

am adding this. What will you be adding that will

bring honor to the name of Jesus Christ?

God’s Peace,

Pastor Amy

Page 3

MARCH COMMUNION OFFERING

Our Communion offering for March will support a very

worthy cause – the Austin County Emergency Relief Fund. For

some time, the county judge’s office has worked with the

Ministerial Alliance to help administer funds for emergency relief

for families in need. Financial support has been given by several

different individuals and congregations, as well as through

occasional grant requests.

Churches are encouraged to call the courthouse to help

prevent individuals from going from one church to another for

assistance. Over the winter months, the needs have been great,

and the funds are very limited. Our neighbor congregations have

been contacted for assistance with this special need. 100% of

your gift to the March Communion offering will provide help to

needy families through this fund. Your generosity is appreciated!

PATIENT CARE VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Hospice Brazos Valley presents Patient Care Volunteer Training Tuesday, March 27—Thursday, March 29, from

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The classes will be be held at the Hospice Brazos Valley Brenham office, 302 E. Blue Bell Road.

Patient care volunteer training is a 3-day comprehensive class addressing most aspects of hospice care.

Registration is required. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Mary Rogas for details & application at 979-

277-9525 or [email protected]

Other volunteer opportunities are also available if you are not interested in patient care.

Please visit our website (www.hospicebrazosvalley.org) for additional options and to learn more about

** MONDAY, July 23—FRIDAY, July 27 **

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

For children Preschool—6 grade

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Senior Adults, you are invited to a morning of games, great food, and

wonderful fellowship!!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

10:00 a.m. Room 204

Lunch is provided!

Bring a white elephant gift for Bingo prizes!!

FUN & LUNCH BUNCH

MINISTRY CONFERENCE

HOLD THAT DATE…APRIL 1…NO FOOLING!

SHARING OUR IMMIGRANT JOURNEY AS CHRISTIANS

Page 4

DEADLINES FOR SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES...

Ruth Circle Scholarship Criteria

and applications are now

available in the Church office

and the Welcome Center. All

interested students must have

application completed and

returned to the office by

Sunday, April 22, 2012.

Methodist Men Scholarship

Applications are now available

in the church office. Current

High School Seniors may pick

one up from the Welcome

Center or the church office.

They must be postmarked by

Friday, March 30, 2012.

Sunday evening, April 1 is the date for a Dessert Entertainment Night fundraiser for our summer youth

mission trip. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a yummy dessert, be entertained by some of the teens and

adults who will be on this mission trip, and make a GENEROUS contribution to help make this trip happen. More

details to follow…but MARK THE DATE. You won’t want to miss it. NO FOOLING!

Pastor Robert will be attending

a continuing education ministry

conference at Asbury Theological

Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, on

March 7-9. The focus is on our call to

be witnesses – locally, regionally and

globally – and how we can do that

through church revitalization. Among

the keynote speakers will be Leonard

Sweet, professor of evangelism at

Drew University, Madison, N. J.

Psalm 146:9 reminds us: ―The Lord watches over the strangers.‖ Whether newly arrived or here for

generations, Christians in Texas represent a myriad of countries, cultures, and languages. Many come from

different faith expressions. All of us carry expectations, as well as questions, about how, and how much, to fit in

to our new environments – and how much our new homes are willing to change by being in relationship with us.

You are invited to an interdenominational event called SHARING OUR IMMIGRANT JOURNEY AS

CHRISTIANS, on Saturday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at St. Paul's UMC, 5501 Main St., Houston. Following

presentations on demographic trends in the U.S. and Texas, the conference will explore ―Best Practices‖ of

ministry in this changing landscape.

Agencies and local congregational leaders will share what they do, addressing such topics as: Biblical

roots for welcoming the stranger; a primer on laws and regulations that congregations should know in setting up

programs to work with immigrant populations; profiles of programs being run in parishes/congregations, etc.

The conference will close with an ecumenical/multi‐cultural worship service, including music by local

congregations (drummers, mariachi, youth choirs). Mark your calendar now, and plan to participate in this

exciting event. All are welcome!

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Page 5

CONGREGATIONAL CARE MINISTRY

People often ask, ―What exactly is a Stephen Minister?‖

One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People.

Stephen Ministers are there:

. . . after the phone call you hoped you’d never get.

. . . after the divorce papers are served and the bottom falls out of your life.

. . . after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held

at bay come crashing in on you.

. . . after the doctor says, ―I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do.‖

. . . after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, ―Welcome

to your new home.‖

. . . after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away—and the

house suddenly seems empty.

. . . after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is

led away.

. . . after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever

dreamed possible.

. . . after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck.

. . . after your family and friends have heard your story one too many

times, but you still need to talk it out.

Call Pastor Amy (865-5976) if you need a Stephen Minister to come

alongside you, to provide comfort and support for as long after as needed.

Stephen Ministry - Your After People who are there for you!

STEPHEN MINISTRY

[email protected]

Bellville UMC has members that need special care. The needs range

from being homebound, in a nursing home, in or out patient hospital stays,

bereavement care, college students or just in need of some light duty extra

help around the home. If you know of anyone in need, please contact Sharon

Pederson at [email protected] or leave her a message at the church

office, 865-5976.

Congregational Care is an exciting team of people who want to serve

the members of our church with love, care, and support according to their

needs. Training for Congregational Care Ministry volunteers will be coming

up soon. Email Sharon if you need more information.

It is so important for all of our members to know they are …

03/01 Karen Spidle

03/03 Paul Machemehl

03/03 Vince Trahan

03/04 Lee Beaman

03/04 Sam Pfeffer

03/05 Richard Kuenstler

03/05 Stephanie Marek

03/06 Andy Couch

03/06 Haley Heintschel

03/07 Harley Hardin

03/08 Larry McReynolds

03/08 Kimberly Quinney

03/08 Diann Spurlock

03/09 Susan Crutchfield

03/09 Macky McIntyre

03/09 Arlie Mae Severin

03/12 Jim Oliver

03/12 Susan Stritz

03/13 Patricia Hendricks

03/14 Presley Hardin

03/15 Douglas Thompson

03/16 Elery Kimes

03/16 Gary Knippel

03/17 Adam Stritz

03/18 Jacob Diezi

03/18 Billy Lange

03/18 Lisa Moseley

03/19 Chris Gremmel

03/19 Darrel Jensen

03/19 Rick Mann

03/19 Sarah Miller

03/19 Gwen Waller

03/21 Sue Eckermann

03/22 Jessica Bernard

03/22 Wes Payton

03/22 Leta Savoy

03/23 Kash Hardin

03/25 C. Wayne Norris

03/26 Stacy Collier

03/27 Terri Lowe

03/27 Ellen Samford

03/29 Linda Eilers

03/30 Pamela Harris Jones

03/30 Claire Mullen

03/30 Kylie Neumann

03/31 Edward Schubert

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY... 03/01 Tony & Kristy Eckermann

03/02 Joe & Karman Berry

03/03 Dr. Winston & Sue Neely

03/05 Bill & Mary Jo George

03/08 Richard & Kari Witt

03/14 Rodney & Laura Luetge

03/16 Elery & Jan Kimes

03/19 W. C. & Sarah Wiebold

03/29 Jim & Lisa Cooper

03/29 Mike & Susan Murphey

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234 S. Masonic St.

PO Box 188

Bellville, TX 77418

This is my first year to serve as a member of the our conference Board of Ordained Ministry. We

had a two-day meeting a few weeks ago, and we have a three-day meeting coming up in March. One of

the biggest part of our tasks is to meet with those who are pursuing approval as ordained ministers in

The United Methodist Church.

I can hardly think of a more sacred task. It is a huge responsibility. I remember when I sat on

the other side of that table, having persons ask me questions about my beliefs and my personal journey

of faith. Now I have the opportunity to hear others answer those questions.

I also serve as chair of our West District committee on ordained ministry. During February and

March, I have had three full additional days of meetings related to this responsibility.

Before you meet with the conference board, you must be interviewed by the district committee.

The district group meets with folks much earlier in the process, as they first give serious thought to the

possibility of serving as an ordained minister, or of perhaps becoming a local pastor or a certified lay

minister.

Someone recently reminded me that BUMC has welcomed many persons to serve as pastor, but

has sent few, if any, men or women into ordained ministry. Pastor Amy and I would remind you that if

God is tapping on your shoulder, the first step is to find a pastor with whom to discuss that call. Either

of us would be happy to meet with you!

The United Methodist Church has a long process to help you discern exactly where God is calling

you to serve, so it is better to start asking the questions early on. No one will push you into doing

something that is not right for you. We will stand with you to help you hear more clearly God’s invitation

to you! (For further information, you might also go to either of these web site – mycalltx.org or

explorecalling.org.)

Robert Stutes

Bellville United Methodist Church

RETURN SERVICE

REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID Bellville, Texas 77418

Permit # 25