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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)
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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