First United Methodist Church P. O. Box 457

Jefferson, TX 75657 903-665-3268

www.fumcjeffersontx.org August 2019 Volume 31, Issue 8

Dear Friends,

God draws us several pictures to describe

the relationship He envisions having with us.

One is found in John 15:5, 7 and is of a vine and a

branch. “I am the vine and you are the branches. If

any remain in me and I remain in them, they produce

much fruit. But without me they can do nothing … If

you remain in me and follow my teachings, you can

ask anything you want, and it will be given to you.”

God wants to be as close to us as a branch is to a vine.

One is an extension of the other. It is impossible to tell

where one ends and the other begins. The branch is

not connected only at the moment of bearing fruit.

The branch is constantly drawing nutrition from the

vine. The gardener does not keep the branches in a box

and then, on the day he wants grapes, glue them to

the vine. Separation means certain death.

So, it would be safe for us to say that we are NEV-

ER away from God and He is NEVER away from us –

not even for a moment. The psalmist in Psalm 139:7-

10 writes: “Where can I go from your spirit? Or

where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to

heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you

are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle

at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand

shall lead me.”

We are always in the presence of God. We never

leave church. There is never a non-sacred moment.

God does not come to us on Sunday mornings and then

From the Pastor’s Desk leave on Sunday afternoons. He remains with us, con-

stantly present in our lives. His presence never dimin-

ishes. Our awareness of His presence may falter, but

the reality of His presence never changes.

Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, God promises to

be with us always. When we accept Him as Lord of our

lives, He forgives us and purifies us on the inside, so

that He can then reside in us. The key to living in this

life – and the next – is to daily experience the power

of the presence of the Almighty God.

However, sometimes we feel like God is far away

from us. Please know that there is no height nor depth

to which God will not go to be with us (Psalm 139:1-

12). So remember, as you go about the living of your

day to day lives, that God is with you wherever you

may go and His presence is there to lend you strength,

courage, or whatever else you may need to see the day

through. His love for you is immeasurable and He

makes you this promise found in Hebrews 13:5 – “I

will never leave you nor forsake you.” We are also told

in Romans 8:38-39 – “… neither death, nor life, nor

angels, nor rulers, nor things present nor things to

come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything

else in all creation will be able to separate us from the

love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Praise God for His loving presence in your life!

Blessings,

Pastor Brenda

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WE VOW TO UPHOLD THE CHURCH...

For those Who Grieve & Mourn

The family of Jamie Nelson with the passing of his aunt, Jewell Perry.

Prayer Requests

SERMONS AND

SCRIPTURE READING FOR AUGUST

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

Hosea 11:1-11 (Liturgist)

Luke 12:13-21

“In Gold We Trust”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11

Luke 12:32-40 (Liturgist)

Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16

“What Is Faith?”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18

Luke 17:5-10 (Liturgist)

II Timothy 1:1-14

“Making Commitments That Count”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25

Isaiah 58:9b-14 (Liturgist)

Luke 13:10-17

“Hypocrisy”

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“Making God’s Love Real in Marion County!”

ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD NOTES

SMITHLAND UNITED METHODIST

CHURCH BIBLE STUDY ON ROMANS

Romans 1:16-32 (Right with God)

Romans 2:1-16 (Knowing Christ)

Romans 3:21-31 (A Priceless Gift)

Romans 4:13-25 (The Faith of Abraham)

Romans 6:15-23 (Victory Over Sin)

Romans 8:1-17 (Not Guilty)

Romans 10:1-15 (God’s Perfect Plan)

Romans 11:1-15 (Called by God)

Romans 12:1-13 (One Body Many Parts)

Romans 13:8-14 (True Love)

Romans 14:13-23 (Supporting One Another)

Romans 15:14-21 (Let It Shine)

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers and for the beautiful cards. I miss you all so much and will be glad when I will be able to return to Church. God bless you all.

Much Love,

Genny Alfia

BABY SHOWER FOR SUMMER

& BABY BOY EASTON

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25

2:00—4:00 PM

Suggested items: Clothes or Diapers

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2019

YEEHAW!

CELEBRATING GOD’S GREATEST GIFTS

Special “Thank You” to everyone who helped make YeeHaw Bible School such a great success.

First United Methodist Church

P. O. Box 457

Jefferson, TX 75657

Please Expedite Dated Material

Address Service Requested

UPCOMING EVENTS

RUMMAGE SALE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

8 AM—2 PM

Start cleaning out those closets or store rooms for the rummage sale October 5. More info next month.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

PLEASE COME BY THE CHURCH OFFICE TO PICK UP YOUR DIRECTORY.

COST IS $10.00.

BACK TO SCHOOL

COVERED DISH LUNCHEON

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18

AFTER WORSHIP SERVICE

Bring your favorite dish as we enjoy fun food and fellowship.

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11

DURING MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE

Bring your school backpack and let it be blessed.