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First UMC Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2018 426 St. Paul, Gonzales, TX 78629

Phone: 830-672-8521 Fax: 830-672-4612 www.fumcgonzales.org fumc@gvec.net

It is an exciting time in our church as we lean into observing a Holy Lent. I hope you will make plans to join in the Lenten services as they will set the stage for us to engage the Grace of Christ and fully celebrate Christ’s resurrection this Easter! I also hope you will make plans to be a part of the new church directory. This resource helps all of us be connected in life together as we strive to follow Jesus as His body. I’m grateful for the team working on this, and they have information for you below! Blessings, Pastor Matt

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Time To Make History! Photography Tells Your Story And Helps Cherish Memories!

At FUMC we are getting ready to create a new church photo directory and we need YOU to help us make it complete! The new directory will update our member's pictures, phone number, address, and will equally serve as an important historical account of our 176 year-old church. Our church directory is an important connection tool and is utilized everyday not only by our members and visitors but by church staff, youth and Sunday school classes, prayer groups, and bereavement committees to identify our members in need.

We have 7 days in February with photographers and church volunteers to help you accomplish your photo memory. By participating you will receive a FREE 8X10 photo and a church directory! And new this year, you will also receive an electronic directory version that you can access from your smart phone or computer. Also, for every 'Lifetouch' photo purchase you make, our church will receive 5% back from Lifetouch to donate to one of our missions. What a deal for everyone! - So look at your calendar and get ready to sign-up for your FREE professional photography session.

There Are 3 Easy Ways To Sign-Up For Your FREE Photo Session: 1. Find our sign-up tables in the church narthex after the 1st church service ends and before the 2nd service

starts, every Sunday through Feb. 18th. Volunteers will help you sign-up for your photo session and answer your questions.

2. You can schedule your appointment online by visiting our website: fumcgonzales.org and click on the link to book your photo session.

3. You can call the church office for assistance.

We are excited about the opportunity to create our new and improved modern directory and we hope you are, too! Don't be left out! Now is your chance to make church history and stay connected with your church family. Remember, our church member "history book" won't be a success without YOU!

Chairmen Jenice Benedict and Rosemary Hindman

Dates of Photography: February 16-17; 20-24

Times of Photography: Tuesdays-Thursdays 2:00-8:00 pm

Fridays 12:30-7 pm Saturdays 9:30 am-4:30 pm

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Altar Flowers for February

are given by:

February 4

Garrett and Layne Miller

February 11

Emily Neuse Glenn Preuss, II

Jason and Stephanie Carter In Memory of Loved Ones

A.C. and Virginia Lacy

In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lacy

February 18

Pal and Bethel Lester Tom and Pam Lester

In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Stayton R. Lester, Sr.

February 25

Marian Gindler Lisa and Bruce Gindler

Cooper, Briggs, and Carli Ann In Memory of Otto Gindler and Larry Gindler

Staff

Rev. Matt Pennington, Senior Pastor

Rev. Eradio Valverde, Pastor of Discipleship & Nurture

Brian Sherman, Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Katrina Sherman, Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Allison Davis, Director of Children & Family Ministries

Felicia Cantu, Office Manager

Rosemary Hindman, Business Manager

Janelle Lester, Wesley Nurse

Christina Menking, Organist

Bill Meadows, Pianist

Sandra Jandt, Happy House Director

Beronica Riojas, Custodian

Dear Church family, Thank you for the sweet cards, delicious food, and visits when I had knee surgery in January. I especially thank you for all the prayers that went up; I know they helped speed my recovery. Thanks to pastors, Matt and Eradio, for their visits. They meant a lot to John and me. Having a problem really brings home the importance of having a loving and praying church family.

Martha Jo Whitt

Dear Scholarship Committee: I would like to thank you again for providing me with this scholarship. I am honored to be the recipient of this award. I just completed my first semester at Texas A&M University and am currently a sophomore. I have completed 39 credit hours. After taking these thirteen hours this past semester, I have decided that Agribusiness is not the major for me. I plan to change my major to Animal Science in the fall. While attending school, I have also been involved in two agriculture based organizations: Saddle and Sirloins and Aggie Cattlewomen. These organizations have opened up many opportunities for me through the activities I have done and people I have met. I look forward to starting my second semester at Texas A&M University this spring. Thank you again for this scholarship.

Sincerely, Haley Clampit Dear Members of First United Methodist Church, Thank you so much for the wonderful meal you provided after the celebration of life service for my dad, Ashley Pirkle. I so appreciate the lovely meal and caring parishioners who provided this comfort to us and all who attended the service. May God continue to richly bless you in every way.

With love, Sally Basche

FUMC, Thank you all so very much for blessing the Gonzales Primary Health Office with underwear for the kids. It is a huge blessing.

Thank you again, Nikki Bakken

Thank you!

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Happy House Bake Sale

Sunday, February 11 Between Services

COMMUNITY LENTEN SERVICES

During Lent everyone is invited to the community Lenten services sponsored by the Gonzales Ministerial Alliance. Each Wednesday at Noon, our local pastors will take turns leading a short 30-minute service at First Baptist Church. Everyone will then be invited to a lunch served in our fellowship hall. These services will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 14.

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3 3 Please contact Felicia at the church office, 672-8521, if your information is missing or incorrect.

2/04 Martha Jo & John Whitt

2/05 Joyce & Dannie Schellenberg

Janet & Mike Yoakum

2/08 Natalie & Philip Storey

2/11 Jo Ann & Scott Keck

2/14 Linnea & Bob Cowan

Leann & Pete Wilkerson

Laura & Wade Zella

2/16 Pat & Lynn Wilburn

February Birthdays 2/1 Felicia Cantu Jeanette Mayer 2/2 Daniel Lester Travis Raabe 2/3 Marie Currie Tyler Morgan 2/5 Kelly McGuffin 2/6 Thom Raabe Chelsea Petty Samantha Barnick 2/8 Amanda Smith 2/9 Edith Lucas 2/10 Bill St. John Sue Gottwald Helene Seidel 2/11 Jaylen Johnson Danni Lester 2/12 Kyle Crozier Isabella Crawford Matt Wyant

2/13 Christi Leonhardt Anne Boothe 2/14 Paden Boothe 2/15 Carli Gindler 2/17 Stayton Lester Bob Clark Sandra Randolph 2/19 Kathleen Howard Jacey Lester Sue Ortman 2/20 Bernice Heldarsen Elliott Ehrig Layton Ervin 2/21 Clay Wyant Holden Hilbig 2/22 Lynda Frazier Bill Weaver 2/23 Dyna Dubose Travis Keck

2/24 M’Kenna Matl Matt Pennington 2/26 Mike Kosser Trent Schauer Shirley Lassig 2/27 Barry Boothe Billy Boothe Gay Riedel Josh Avant Jarren Johnson 2/28 Twan Brady

February 14 Service at 6:00 p.m.

in the Sanctuary

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February 4, 2018 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Mallory Clack Parker Storey ACOLYTES Tara Lester Kylee Watson Cade Davis Weldon Holub (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS John Whitt Jim Benedict Sue Boothe Jenice Benedict Billy Boothe David Bird Jimmy Borrer Jeffery Braune

Gary Clack Gene Kridler LITURGIST Kiley Allen Kiley Allen CHILDREN’S SERMON

February 11, 2018 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Brody Borrer Baron DuBose ACOLYTES Hadley Borrer Paisley Gibson Chase Heldarsen Kiley Allen (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Erwin Ckodre Mike Davis Gary Clack Bitsy Henderson Kenneth Fink Shirley Goss Herman Grauke Greg Griffin

Marie Currie Pam Lester LITURGIST Lisa Gindler Lisa Gindler CHILDREN’S SERMON

FEBRUARY WORSHIP ASSISTANTS

February 18, 2018 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Vance Lucas Landon Holub ACOLYTES Cree Stowers Addyson Kardosz Jaylen Johnson Ashtyn Kardosz (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Joe Britt Hindman Cheryl Meadows Ronnie Menking Bobby Morgan Greg Sengelmann Ray Neitsch Steve Taylor Leslie Ploeger

Allison Davis Deanie Ploeger LITURGIST Commie Hisey Commie Hisey CHILDREN’S SERMON

If you are unable to serve on the date scheduled, please contact the church office, 672-8521.

February 25, 2018 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Blakely Mercer Dixie Lester ACOLYTES Brendon Mercer Paisley Ploeger Natalie Tenberg Seth Gibson (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Commie Hisey Mary Tomas John Whitt Justin Pope Sue Boothe David Bird Billy Boothe Jeffery Braune

Dale Graham Cheryl Meadows LITURGIST Kristi Mercer Kristi Mercer CHILDREN’S SERMON

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Wesley Nurse News – “Sleep” Dear Church Family, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” - Proverbs 3:24 NIV Sleep is essential to your well-being. It is necessary for the body to recharge its batteries, heal its wounds, rest the spirit, and regroup for another day. Everyone needs a slightly different amount of sleep, but everyone needs good quality rest. This means deep, uninterrupted sleep for at least six or more hours a night. Without good sleep you will experience fatigue, moodiness, irritability, poor memory, decreased dexterity, decreased energy level, and possibly depression. “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”- Psalms 4:8 NIV Many things can cause a poor night’s sleep; excessive napping, physical ailments, poor sleep habits, excessive worrying, or even hormonal changes. Many of these conditions can be remedied through behavior change or medical treatment. If falling asleep is difficult, establish a routine to train the brain to prepare for sleep. If sleep problems occur more than three times in a week, consider seeing a doctor to determine if the problem might be medical in nature. Conditions like restless legs or hot flashes can be addressed medically. Continued sleeplessness and fatigue may cause additional risks for high blood pressure, cardio-vascular problems, weight gain, or depression. Your mattress also impacts the sleep you have. You spend approximately one third of your life in bed so make sure it supports you well and can give you a restful night. Consider looking for a new mattress if you routinely: wake up achy/numb/stiff, toss and turn during the night, sleep better on beds other than your own, feel yours is lumpy/sags or have a mattress between 5 and 7 years old. Spiritually, sleep is important for active minds and good dispositions. The worries and challenges of daily lives often cause problems during the waking hours which can carry over into the nighttime. Turn your worries over to God. Work with His spiritual presence and His gift of medicine to achieve a restful night. “The bed is too short to stretch out on, the blanket too narrow to wrap around you.”- Isaiah 28:20 NIV Whether related to stress, illness, or just a long day, people often have difficulty falling asleep. Establish a bedtime routine that prepares you and your mind for sleep. The room should be dark, a comfortable temperature, and quiet to allow the mind to relax. A light snack of carbohydrates (yogurt, apple, cheese, or granola) before bed may help you sleep but heavy spicy foods, alcohol, or caffeine will keep you awake. Remember a bedtime prayer for additional comfort and relaxation. What is your routine? Sleep is important for every age but the best amount for healthy, active minds and bodies will differ. Infants need to sleep an average of 16 hours a day to keep up with the body’s demands as it grows. Preschool children often need 11 hours a day. School age children work best at 10 hours with teens somewhere around 9 hours and adults between 7 and 8. The right amount of sleep creates effective people and productive activities. Are you getting enough sleep? “So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.” - Hebrews 12:12 NLT Sleep apnea, a repetitious stop and start in bedtime breathing, will cause chronic fatigue which then impacts clarity of thinking and levels of activity. A variety of issues such as weight, snoring, alcohol intake, or physical make-up may cause this condition. If you are consistently tired after a long night’s sleep you may not be getting sufficient oxygen during sleep. Consider seeing a physician as this treatable condition is a risk for high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28 NIV Sleep recharges the body and allows it to heal both mentally and physically. During illness, sleep helps the body battle infection or disease by focusing its energy on healing. During sleep, the body also shuts down the mind to give it rest from the challenges and trials of the day. Without sleep, people become short-tempered, are quick to anger, make poor decisions, and generally have a bad day. Get a good night’s sleep and wake up with a more cheerful heart.

Your Wesley Nurse,

Janelle Lester BSN, RN

Reference/Resources: Merila, N. & Slutz (2009) Seasons of Wholeness Monthly Themes and programming for faith community ministry, Volume VI. International Parish nurse resource Center; St. Louis, Mo. (Source: Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.com/)

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Wesley Nurse Announcements and Upcoming Events – Diabetes Education – On Thursday, February 8th from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, we will have a Diabetes

Educational Class in the Educational Building. Hilda Ramirez, RN, CDE with Texas A&M University

Coastal Bend Health Education Center, will teach about the disease that affects so many. Lunch will be

provided at this event by our local hospital. Registration is necessary. If you would like to learn more about

the disease and management or more information about the class, please call me in my office to register.

The Dementia-Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support group meets on the first Wednesday of the month. This

month we will meet on February 7th at 1 pm in the Bridal Parlor.

The Cancer Support group will meet on the second Tuesday of the month. This month we will meet on

February 13th at noon in the Narthex.

The Walking class meets Monday – Thursday at 1:30 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. Please come and join in

on the fun, fellowship, and a good workout!

The Flex and Tone exercise class will NOT be meeting this month. Class will start back up on March 1st at

11 am in the Choir Room (note the new location).

If you are interested in participating in a Grief Support Group, please contact me. I am looking for

feedback on what day and/or time of the day would be best for participants.

If you need any of the Wesley Nurse services or would like to visit about the services I am able to provide,

please call 830.672.1031 to set up an appointment or email me at jlester@mhm.org.

STATISTICAL REPORT DECEMBER, 2017

DATE 8:30 10:45 TOTAL SS OFFERINGS 3 118 110 228 52 $ 17,970.05 10 119 120 239 75 $ 14,679.00 17 108 105 213 74 $ 18,623.75 24 170 160 286 49 $ 23,990.86 31 88 105 193 59 $ 11,967.45

TOTALS: 603 600 1159 309 $ 87,231.11 AVERAGES: 121 120 232 62

TOTAL EXPENSES FOR THE MONTH: $ 56,546.92 NET GAIN OR LOSS FOR THE MONTH: $ 30,684.19 APPORTIONMENTS PAID TO DATE: ___ 100%

Character

Nellie and I have been blessed to spend time with our two oldest grandchildren, and I've taken advantage of this time to share with them some key elements of a blessed life, namely traits and abilities that I pray will bless them in their lives.

They may moan and complain, but they sit at the kitchen table with me and with the scriptures pictured above, we set out to discover these traits in teachings from the Bible, such as Character as I believe we can find in the Ten Commandments.

There is character in the person who knows how to love and respect God, and who learns how to love and respect others. Each of the ten commandments speak to this, and we discussed each one and its importance in our lives. They know the Ten Commandments can be found in the book of Exodus, chapter 20, and on our paper they were asked to underline each as we know them.

One of the greatest gifts any person, pastors included, can share with little ones in their lives, is time and wisdom from the years we've enjoyed; seeking to bless a new generation in the eternal truths we find in God's Holy Word.

Still looking for a resolution? This might be a great one!

Blessings! Pastor Eradio

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United Methodist Women News

It is with great pleasure that I, Cheryl Meadows, as UMW president, make this report about the gifts to the “Giving Tree.” As always you, the congregation, outdid yourselves by giving so generously. It was a pleasure to work alongside the Janelle Lester, our Wesley Nurse to collect underwear, socks, girls’ leggings and boys’ sweat/athletic pants for Gonzales Elementary Academy and East Avenue. In addition to your giving, the project was given a-sizable anonymous monetary donation. With that amazing contribution we were able to deliver the following total items to the schools: 90 pairs of size 4 and 87 pairs of size 6 boys’ underwear 46 pairs of size 6-8, 20 pairs of size 8, and 3 pairs of size 1-12 boys’ underwear 41 pairs of boys’ sweat/athletic pants 41 pairs of girls’ leggings A box of socks in various sizes A number of girls’ underwear The persons who were in the offices to receive the items were so delighted to receive these gifts. They both were extremely grateful for the generosity of our great congregation.

Book Club News

For January, we chose an important non-fiction book, The Radium Girls by Kate Moore, which told in graphic detail the story of young (some as young as 14) girls who worked in factories producing luminous dials for watches and military instruments during World War I and beyond. The luminous dials were produced by painting with fine-pointed brushes dipped in radium. Radiation had just began to be used to treat cancer successfully, so the girls were told that the radium was harmless and even helpful. The results, in terms of their health, were disastrous. This book was enlightening and told of the greed of companies making huge profits off the results of the girls' work, but it was also painful to read of the tragedy brought into the lives of these young women and their families. Connie Kern led the discussion. For February, we chose a book with another important social issue but written with a lighter tone and delightful characters, Whistling Past a Graveyard by Susan Crandall. This novel deals with civil rights, racial tensions and prejudices, and family strife in the 1960's but is told through the eyes of a young girl who learns many lessons through adventures with a black friend. We will meet on Thursday, February 22 at 9:30 in the church library. Everyone is welcome! Call 672-9307 for more information.

Martha Jo Whitt

History and Archives Tidbits

In 1824, Henry Stevenson, known as the first Methodist as well as the first protestant assigned to the Gonzales area. He held services in 1824 on Peach Creek in the home of Andrew Jackson. History Tidbit: What church member is truly a man of the “greatest generation?” He traveled aboard the Queen Elizabeth to Europe in 1944, landed on Omaha Beach in August of that year, arrived in Bastogne in time for the Battle of the Bulge, saw Hitler's retreat (Eagle's Nest in the Alps), and came home to marry “the sweetest girl in Gonzales County?” Maybe you've guessed...Percy Pettus and that “sweetest girl” was Arlene!

Earth Angels

Earth Angels are in quilt mode. We continue to make lap quilts for each of the nursing homes, donation quilts for those in need, and a special request from the Gonzales Primary Academy nurse for small wraps to warm her little patients. Luckily, we have some quilts on hand, but we are having a Sew Day on February 24 in hope of adding new quilts to help us meet the needs of others. On occasion, we even work on a quilt or two for ourselves. Quilting is a never-ending process of sharing love.

Women who are interested in quilting make up our group called Earth Angels. Meetings are usually held at 6:00 PM on the second Tuesday of each month in the FUMC Fellowship Center. A typical meeting involves an inspirational reading, the mentioning of persons who may be in need of prayers or a quilt, as well as interesting programs, sharing ideas, showing quilts, and engaging in quilting projects. Fellowship and learning play a major role in Earth Angels. Feel free to visit our next meeting on February 13, 2018.

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What’s Been Going On?

Youth Christmas Party I’m not sure how many of you endured my wonderful

poem in last month’s newsletter, but as promised, we

have actual news on the Youth Christmas party! It was

amazing! We had around 40 youth come out to Allison

and Dean Davis’ house to join us for our Youth

Pancake/Pajama Christmas Party! We really can’t

express how thankful we were to the Davis’ for

opening up their home to us and the youth for this

event. We had an amazing BRINNER (Breakfast eaten

at dinner time) prepared by wonderful volunteers. We

ate many, many, many pancakes and played great

games including 9-Square in the Air, Christmas Movie

Trivia, and the oh so exciting saran wrap ball game.

Breakfast Tacos This past month we had our very first fundraiser for our Costa Rica Mission Trip. On the first Sunday of every month, we will be selling breakfast tacos in the Fellowship Hall to help us fund our trip to Costa Rica. Our first breakfast taco day went really well and we can’t wait for our next one on February 4. Be sure to come to church hungry on February 4 and help us raise money to continue God’s work down in Costa Rica.

Fundraisers for Costa Rica

Saturday, February 17 Stew & BINGO Night A night of food and fun for the whole family in the church Fellowship Center. Come enjoy all-you-can-eat homemade stew and play BINGO to win awesome prizes! Tickets will be sold in advance, or at the door for $10 a piece.

Beginning Sunday, February 25 Butter Braid Sales Place an order for some delicious Butter Braids and get them just in time for Easter!

Coming Up!

Revive

We are going to Revive Winter Retreat February 2-4 at Camp Eagle in Rocksprings, Texas. Please pray for our youth group to have safe travels and to experience the love and power of God at this beautiful retreat.

Youth Group Youth Group is every Wednesday Night. Junior High Lesson: 5-6PM, Dinner & games: 6-7PM, High School Lesson: 7-8PM.

SendHub For up to date reminders about what is happening in this youth ministry, subscribe to our texting service.

Parents text “parents” to 956-752-3909. Youth text “gonzales” to 956-752-3909. You can unsubscribe at

any time.

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Youth News

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First United Methodist Church 426 St. Paul Street Gonzales, Texas 78629 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PRE-SORTED Standard Non-Profit U.S. Postage Paid

Gonzales, Texas 78629 PERMIT NO. 4