June 2014

June 2014

thefirstedition

Summer Fun Up Ahead!

2 June 2014

a pastoral wordDr. Paul Clines, Executive Pastor WC

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3

A few weeks ago my “baby” boy, Hayden, graduated from the 8th grade at Wesley Academy. He’s been a student there since the 3rd grade and I’ve driven him to school almost every day. Those rides, first with Stephen and Hayden, then just with Hayden, have been some of the best mo-ments of my day everyday over the past five years. We talk about sports, review ma-terial for a test (that he didn’t study for!), talk about what we’re doing this coming weekend, sometimes he just sleeps. But those 20 minutes in the car everyday over these past five years have done more for our relationship than a trip to Disney or a weekend at the beach could possibly do.

You know, it’s the same way with our re-lationship with the Lord! Making the time to spend a few minutes in God’s presence, every single day, will do more to nurture a close and intimate relationship with God than anything else you can do. It doesn’t need to be a formal ritual, another box on your spiritual “to do” list, or a burden. It’s just being intentional about consistently spending time with God. You can talk about anything that concerns you (maybe if we ALL mention something about a Tex-ans quarterback he’ll bring us one!), you can read the Bible, you can sing (maybe), or you can talk to him about challenges your friends are facing. Whatever it is, he’s there and ready to listen and when we go to him, he’ll go to work! More importantly, God wants to have a close relationship with you, one that stays strong through ev-ery circumstance. That relationship is only built through regular time spent together. Like those car rides every morning with Hayden. Start today. He’s ready!

Speaking of being ready, I hope you’re ready for a summer of impact at First Methodist Houston! We’ve laid great plans to reach more people and grow stronger disciples. At both the Downtown and Westchase Campuses there will be exciting ways to serve our community, impact the world, lead children to Jesus, worship to-gether, and deepen our ties to one another.

While we’re growing together, one great and practical way you can help us impact a life is by making it possible for a child to go to summer camp for one week at Quil-lian. As you know, our Quillian sports and recreation ministry is a vital tool for reach-ing families our church would never reach. By sponsoring a child for a week you’ll be making it possible to introduce another family to First Methodist Houston! Con-tact Tom Gaden today (713-458-4705 or tgaden@fmhouston.com) and find out how you can put a smile on a kid’s face this summer!

keeping the sabbath

June 1Dr. Steve Wende preaching8:45 and 11 a.m. Downtown

Dr.David Pendergrass preaching9:15 and10:30 a.m. Westchase

June 8Dr. Steve Wende preaching8:45 and 11 a.m. Downtown

Dr. Paul Clines preaching9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Westchase

June 15Rev. Terence Hagans preaching

8:45 and 11 a.m. Downtown

Dr. Paul Clines preaching9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Westchase

June 22Dr. Steve Wende preaching8:45 and 11 a.m. Downtown

Dr. Paul Clines preaching9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Westchase

June 29Dr. Steve Wende preaching8:45 and 11 a.m. Downtown

Dr. Paul Clines preaching9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Westchase

Hispanic Worship ServiceSundays at 11 a.m.

6th Floor DowntownRev. Humberto Hernandez preaching

Sunday School9:15 a.m. Westchase9:50 a.m. Downtown

Sign Language Interpretation10:30 a.m. Westchase

11 a.m. Downtown

Communion and Healing12:05 p.m. Bintliff Chapel Downtown

3June 2014 fmhouston.com

Rev. Ann and Max Spears invite you to join them for a trip of a lifetime.

Led by Biblical Archaeologist Dr. Jim Fleming, this amazing two-week trip will focus on the life of Paul: from his

shipwreck in Malta to his death in Rome. Come and meet new friends,

explore the many historical sites and grow in your knowledge of the Bible.

put a smile on a childMake a difference in the life of a child by sponsoring a summer camper.

Sponsorship:1 week tuition- $1951 day tuition- $601 month tuition- $800

For more information call Tom Gaden at713-781-9195.

www.quilliancenter.org

ROOM FOR RENT

Retired woman has one large upstairs bedroom - fully furnished - kitchen, W/D, and covered car garage privileges. Ideal for student or retiree. Minutes from Medical Center. $500/month.

Call 713-202-8297.

4 June 2014

United Methodist Men’s News

Saturday, May 10 United Methodist Men hosted a fascinating presentation by First’s own Charles Pehl on “Climate Change-End of the Age or Just Hot Air!” This intriguing presentation was made to a packed house of UMM members and several ladies of First, who just needed to know more on this crucial topic!

Allen Houk, as usual, presented his own thought provoking Bible Study to support the program.

Methodist Men meet every second Saturday of the month for a great coun-try breakfast, Christian fellowship and a thought provoking speaker.

Their next meeting is their special Fa-ther- Son/Daughter-Grandson/Grand-daughter Breakfast, Saturday, June 14 (the day before Father’s Day). The speaker will be announced shortly. Stay tuned for de-tails.

By Rev. Charles Thompson

Church Circle News

Church Circle UMW of First Method-ist Houston will meet Tuesday, June 10 at 9:30 a.m. Downtown. Please note our new time this month. We will be traveling to Clarewood House to celebrate Alice Elrod’s birthday. Her birthday is June 12. We will have lunch with Alice.

Remember that we have no meeting in July. Our next meeting date after June 10 will be Aug. 12.

Our Church Circle members who have July birthdays are: Susan Gallman, July 7; Ofelia Umengan, July 14; and Betty Boone, July 22. Happy birthday early to Susan, Ofelia and Betty.

Jane Thompson, our leader, will conduct a short business meeting while we are visit-ing at Clarewood House.

Remember, our Church Circle invites all women of our church to visit our Circle. We have inspiring programs, very friendly members and delicious luncheons. Come and receive a blessing!

My friend, Don Adams, used this article in his newsletter a while back. I thought it would be of interest to you.

The following is a list of some of the most expensive meals in the world:

• At the Fijimake Gekijyo restaurant in Tokyo you can get a bowl of Ramen for $110

• The Capital Dawg in Sacramento, California serves up “The Ultra-Dog,” the world’s most expensive hot dog at $145.99

• In Scotland you can order a bottle of “End of History” beer, Belgian ale packaged inside taxidermied squirrel car-casses for $800 – 1,100 per bottle

• The Westin Hotel in New York City offers a white truffle bagel that sells for about $1,000

• For $1,000 New York City also boasts the “Golden Opu-lence Sundae,” which includes rare cocoa beans harvested off the coast of Venezuela

• At $2,000 a slice (or $16,000 per pie) you can enjoy Britain’s Wagyu Meat Pie and its savory combination of six pounds of Kobe beef and matsutake mushroom which sell for $910 per pound

• And in Italy, Chef Viola’s “Louis XIII” pizza, loaded with lobster, caviar, eight dif-ferent types of cheese, and seasoned with hand-picked pink Australian river salt, sells for $12,000

June 1 is our monthly communion Sunday. As you may have guessed, I cannot resist the temptation to declare that this symbolic “meal” is by far the most expensive ever served, costing the life of God’s only Son. That is amazing to consider, but even more amazing is that this meal is designed to be especially for every person who receives it. Susanna Wesley, mother of the founders of Methodism, was in the last decade of her life when this dawned on her. One Sunday as she received the sacrament and the minister said, “The body and blood of Christ given for you,” she realized that it was, indeed for her. Grace has been defined as “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” Jesus has paid the bill…for you.

First Word

• Come to church as often as you can;• Send your offering even when you’re out of town;• Call someone who is missing from the “regulars”;• Invite a visitor to go to lunch with you.• Call them next Saturday to invite them back ;• Keep your eyes open for people who may be looking for a new church home;• Ask forgiveness from those you may have hurt;• Focus on the good things about our church!;• Pray for your pastor, church and our leaders;• Pray about where you can serve best in 2014;• Carefully consider mentoring someone to take your place on a committee so that you can use your energy in new areas of ministry;• Follow what God lays on your heart to do… even if it seems a little “crazy”!

Make a difference this summer

5June 2014 fmhouston.com

Port Houston Women’s Bible Study

Reading Circle NewsThe UMW Reading Circle will meet

at the home of Ruth Palmer (The Spires, 2001 Holcombe Blvd., Terrace Room – B-1 Level) Tuesday, June 17. Bren Reno will be the co-hostess.

• 10 a.m.    - Refreshments• 10:30 a.m.    - Business and Program• 12 Noon - AdjournMember Betty Krause will review the

book The Eighth Day by Chuck Meyer. The book has been described as “The Rest of the Story.” It is based on the Bible. Betty will share some of the “fun” things in the book such as background of what might have happened leading up to events de-scribed. 

Mr. Meyer has written several books based on the Bible. All are light-hearted, fun reading. Betty heard him at Tarrytown United Methodist Church in Austin when he spoke to the Sunday School class that she attended while visiting son Winston and his family. We appreciate Betty sharing her review of this book with us.

Reading Circle meets the third Tuesday of each month (except July and August). Visitors are always welcome. For more information, contact Ruth Palmer at ruthgp@swbell.net.

September 16 meeting will be at Holly Hall hosted by Mary Lou Low and Jodie Chambers. Enjoy your summer!

In April Neighbors in Action started a Bible Study and Small Group for Port Houston women.

We come together on Wednesday morn-ing to sing worship songs, pray for each other and the community, read the Bible and talk about our testimonies, God’s works in our lives and how we apply our faith to daily life. 

For all of us, it has become a very blessed and special time, and we ask all First Meth-odist members to pray for our group and the Port Houston community!

Join us at noon Monday, June 2 for Let’s Read Book Club. We will have a special review by guest author Dr. Elaine Parker Ad-ams.

A true story about the sacrifices and hardships faced by black Methodist preachers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the book, The Rev. Peter W. Clark, Sweet Preacher and Steadfast Reformer, was written by our reviewer, the great granddaughter of Rev. Peter W. Clark.

She provides a detailed description of the sacrifices and hard-ships faced by black Methodist preachers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book also provides deep insight into the racial attitudes and economic conditions in post-Reconstruction Louisi-ana.

Please invite a friend to join you for this special event. Bring a lunch and we’ll provide coffee and iced tea.

Call Hidden Treasures Books and Gifts at 832-668-1876 for more information.

Special guest at Let’s Read Book Club

6 June 2014

Join us for Vacation Bible School!Downtown: June16-20 - Register by June 1!

Westchase: July 7-11, 2014 - Contact children@fmhouston.com

Camp In the CItyJuly 7-11

Yo u r H o m e I n t h e C i t y

1320 main Streetfmhkids.com

Register now!

REGISTER NOW

!

June 2014 7fmhouston.com

Ripple Children’s Ministry is busy making waves around our community and around the world. Each month we work on a mission project to help others around the world. This month was letters to Templo Bautista in Cuba. We also visited Willow Falls for a children’s Bible Study. On Easter Sunday we made sure everyone who visited our campus would see the news that Jesus is Risen and participated in an enormous Easter Egg Hunt!

Our volunteers are amazing people who give their time each week to make sure that this generation of kids knows just how awesome our God is. As a small thank you we cel-ebrated together with a brunch and craft time. For some it was the first time to meet each other. We definitely need to do that again!

During Ripple Training we had two special guest speakers to help us be the best we can be for all the kids who come through our doors. Melanie Hagar spoke with our toddler and preschool teachers, and Anastacia Anderson spoke with our elementary teachers. Ev-eryone had a great time visiting and meeting new faces, as well as growing in our knowl-edge and ability to teach this generation of kids.

This summer we hope to host 200 kids from around our community for Weird Ani-mals VBS. Be a part of this exciting week as we teach kids that Jesus loves them to matter what! Contact us TODAY to be a volunteer!

Ripple Children’s Ministry is dedicated to loving children, making disciples, and equip-ping families in the hope that each child we meet will be inspired to choose Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Our goal is to teach biblical concepts in age-appropriate, fun ways with the hope that children internalize biblical values, share them with others, and create a ripple effect throughout our community and our world.

“We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD.”  Psalm 78:4

What’s happening in Ripple MinistryBy Jamie Daughdrill

“My favorite part of serving in Ripple Children’s Ministry is

serving God in a child’s world.”

“The children always make me smile. I don’t have kids, so they always surprise me with interesting and sweet things.”

“My favorite part of serving in Ripple Children’s Ministry is playing

with and teaching the children. And seeing and hearing their

interpretations of what we say and do.”

June 20148

We are ready, and we hope you will join us for Summer of Service! Children, youth, adults and friends of First Methodist Houston have the opportunity to partner with God to share his love by serving those in need. Local Projects are available for all ages and skill levels – individuals, families, small groups, Sunday School classes/D-Groups. Take a peek below to get an overview of this summer’s service opportunities.

PORT HOUSTON - NEIGHBORS IN ACTION

DOWNTOWN CAMPUS

LIFE CENTER FOR THE HOMELESS SEAFARER’S MINISTRY

THAILAND/BURMA

CHANGE CANS

SCHOOL SUPPLIES3RD SUNDAY FOOD DRIVE

GOOD STEWARD

LIFELINE MINISTRY

CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE

• Van driver(s) needed to transport kids from Port Houston to/from VBS and Pine Cove Camp at Downtown Campus• Help needed with administrative tasks at NIA Community Center• Groups needed to host a day of VBS in the park

• Clean/improve facility (build fence, repair roof, clean worship space) and share a meal with Life Center residents

Host a game night and dinner for Seafarers

Assemble care packages for our team to take to refugee children this summer. Great project for families.

Please continue collecting change at your home. When your change can is full, bring it in, empty it and take it home again. Just the little change we have around our homes can help provide Bible translation for the Burmese.

Bring supplies during July for our annual Back to School Supplies Drive. Benefits Port Houston Elementary students.

Help provide important necessities to people in our community through the 3rd Sunday Food Drive benefitting Lifeline Ministry - June 15, July 20, Aug. 17

Sort books for an organization that builds libraries in Africa

Get a feel for how Lifeline Ministry works - assemble sack lunches for the homeless and tour the facility

• Help take warehouse inventory• Sort medical supplies

Join us in ministry in 2014. Go with us as we take the love of Jesus to those who are hurting around the country and the world. For more information about any of these trips, contact the Missions Office at 832-668-1819 or kjames@fmhouston.com.

Honduras (Students) | July 11-18 | $1,500

Working with Jeremiah Mission, we will participate in construction projects, VBS and community outreaches.

Honduras | August 18-25 | $1,500Help deliver the hope of the Gospel by

digging a water well with MANNA Water for Life.

Travel the world with us in 2014

As followers of Christ, we are called to serve the poor and oppressed and to proclaim the Good News of Christ to the entire world. First Methodist is accomplishing this through local and global church ministries and through strategic partner ministries. On these pages, you will see what we are doing as a congregation to respond to God’s call and the list of ministry partners who we serve alongside for more strategic results. If you are not currently involved in service to the poor, oppressed and those who have not yet heard of Jesus, please consider service in one of the following ministries.

9fmhouston.comJune 2014

For more information or to register for any of these opportunities, visit www.fmhouston.com/summerofservice, or contact the Missions Office at 832-668-1819 or kjames@fmhouston.com.

WESTCHASE CAMPUS

REFUGEE MINISTRY

HOUSE OF AMOS

WILLOW FALLS

HONDURAS

VBS IN THE PARK

CHANGE CANS

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

MANNA BAGS

3RD SUNDAY FOOD DRIVE GOOD STEWARD

TAKE IT TO THE STREETS

WHAM

• Van driver(s) needed to transport Willow Falls kids to/from VBS and Ripple Pool Parties at Westchase Campus• Purchase bathing suits for refugee children in need• Provide scholarships for one week at Quillian Camp or VBS

• Assist with food distribution to needy families• Help a new English speaker with conversation skills in weekly ESL classes• Painting and flooring projects

• Children’s outreach - Sunday School activities• Help with literacy activities led by Children’s Museum of Houston

Assemble hygiene kits for our youth team to take to children in Honduras this summer. Great for families.

Help lead VBS in a local park for our refugee friends.

Please continue collecting change at your home. When your change can is full, bring it in, empty it and take it home again. Just the little change we have around our homes can help provide Bible translation for the Burmese.

Bring supplies during July for our annual Back to School Supplies Drive. Benefits Port Houston Elementary students.

Assemble care packages for the homeless. Great for families.

Help provide important necessities to people in our community through the 3rd Sunday Food Drive benefitting WHAM and House of Amos - June 15, July 20, Aug. 17

Sort books for an organization that builds libraries in Africa

Take flyers promoting church activities to area apartments on Thursdays

• Landscaping - plant flowers, replace edging, install stepping stones, etc.• Painting projects around WHAM and Second Blessing• Sort items in food and clothing pantries

Eagle Pass | September 24-27 | $200Make a difference for a needy family

by doing light home repair, serving in the food bank or women’s shelter.

Guatemala | October 4-11 | $1,800Be a part of this general surgical mission

team delivering medical care to Quiche Indians in the west central highlands of Guatemala.

El Salvador | November 9-15 | $1,900Be part of this team that delivers the

hope of the Gospel by digging a water well with Living Water International.

- Join us on a mission trip

June 201410

Join us this month as we take time to spend “Summer in the Psalms – Learning to Look Up.” This June message series will explore the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). You are also encouraged to read a Psalm each day of the summer – there will be a reading guide available, and you’re

also encouraged to journal about what you’re reading.

Downtown Campus Message Series

June 2014 fmhouston.com

Summer is around the corner, and Neighbors in Action will offer a plethora of different activities to the children and teenagers of Port Houston, including four weeks of VBS, service projects for teenag-ers, a mission trip to Honduras, as well as several Christian summer camps. We are currently looking for sponsors for our sum-mer programs. This is what your donation can do:

• $25: Crafts for one day of Vacation Bible School

• $50: Food for one day of Vacation Bible School

• $75: Send a Port Houston child to Stoney Creek Camp

• $200: Transportation to Quillian Pool Party

• $235: Send a Port Houston child to Pine Cove Camp

Please consider prayerfully being Christ’s hands and feet in Port Houston by making a gift to our ministry and supporting the transformation of lives. With your support, we can make this an unforgettable summer for the whole Port Houston community!

“Last summer, my life changed forever. Neighbors in Action took me to Stoney Creek Camp, where I learned about God’s unconditional love and gave my life to Christ. Now, I want to be a better person and do what God asks me to do.” Ashley, 11

Become a sponsor for Port Houston summer

programs

First Methodist Houston Women’s MinistrySurvey 2014

Ladies, please fill out this survey as completely as possible to help our church minister to and with women. Select as many as

apply to you.

FELLOWSHIP - I would like to participate in: Women’s Weekend Retreat Saturday Retreat Seasonal Events Weekday or night classes

STUDY TIME - I would like to participate in a Women’s Bible Study: Weekday morning Weekday noon Weekday evening Sunday evening

MISSIONS/EVANGELISM - I would like to serve/work in our church’s ministries by: Learning to share my faith Praying for missionaries Serving on a local mission project

CHURCH MINISTRIES - I would like to help our church expand its ministry in: Serving the homeless Hospital visitation Family ministry

INTERESTS - I would participate in or teach: Sewing Exercise Divorce Recovery Grief Recovery Parenting Time management

TALENTS - I would be willing to use my talents through: Artwork Computer Graphics/Design Photography Crafts Bulletin board displays

DEMOGRAPHICS - I am: 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-69 70+ Single Married Divorced Widowed Employed Unemployed Self-employed Retired

I CURRENTLY ATTEND: Sunday School D-Group Wednesday West Visitor Church Downtown Church Westchase

Name:

Email Address:

Phone:

Thank you for your time. Please pray with us as we seek God’s desire for this ministry. Please turn in to the Welcome Center or mail to the Church: Attention Women’s Ministry.

12

Quillian’s Family Fun Fest Looking for an exciting summer destina-

tion to have your child’s birthday party? How about a place for your family to have a cool and relaxing family reunion?

Quillian Center’s pool party packages are just the ticket. We have the famous Noah’s Ark pool, which is great for younger chil-dren. We also have a big pool with slides and diving boards that is great for older children or bigger parties.

For more information on pool packages and our swimming pools in general, head over to www.quilliancenter.org, or contact William Melton at 713-458-4712 or wmelton@quilliancenter.org.

Pool parties at Quillian Center

Swim Lessons begin this month

Camp Quillian is celebrating 30 years this summer. Thousands of children have experienced the fun that comes with camp - sports, games, crafts, special events, guest speakers, VBS and the opportunity to make new friends for a lifetime.

Camp Quillian provides a full day of activities all summer long for children ages five to 14. Unfortunately many of our campers cannot afford the $195 weekly tu-ition. If you can help send a child to camp, please consider this opportunity.

Camp Quillian is accredited by the American Camp Association and provides working parents a safe haven for their chil-dren when school is out for the summer months. Our staff is built with energetic young Christians ready to make a differ-ence in child’s life this summer.

If you are interested in “Putting a smile on a child” please contact Tom Gaden at 713-468-4705 or tgaden@quilliancenter.org.

On Saturday, July 19 Quillian Center will host FAMILY FUN FEST!

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Both the Noah’s and the large pool will be open until 9:30 p.m. There will also be water slides, face painting, and games galore.

Families and individuals will enjoy cro-quet, horse shoes, badminton, volleyball, rock climbing and some of the best BBQ in Houston.

Save room for cake and ice cream as we celebrate 30 years of Camp Quillian. Kona Ice will also be on site serving your favorite Hawaiian shaved ice.

Individual tickets are available for $19. A family ticket (four or more) can be purchased for $75. Where else can you enjoy swimming, dinner, games, music, entertainment and dessert for under $20 a person?

All proceeds benefit summer programs at Quillian Center. Presale tickets will be sold beginning June 22. This is going to be a super FUN event. Moms and dads will get a chance to play games that the kids play daily at camp.

Come enjoy an evening with family and friends at the first FAMILY FUN FEST sponsored by Quillian Center.

For more information contact Mason Williams at 713-458-4730.

Put a Smile on a Child Scholarship Fund

Swim Lessons are held twice per week in four-week sessions. Classes are 40 minutes long and begin promptly at their scheduled time each day.

Children three to five years old will learn skills needed to feel more comfortable in the water, and they will learn a few very basic swimming skills. They are then ready to begin their learning progressions for swimming. Students six years or older with basic aquatic skills will learn each of the six swimming strokes.

The cost for each session is $100 per person. ($90 per person for Quillian Family Members!)

Registration must be completed in the Quillian Center office.

Session One: June 10 through July 3 Tuesday / Thursday Classes • 8:15 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. - Ages 6 to 12 • 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. - Ages 3 to 5 • 5:40 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. - Ages 6 to 12 Wednesday / Friday Classes • 8:15 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. - Ages 6 to 12 • 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. - Ages 3 to 5 • 5:40 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. - Ages 3 to 5

Session Two: July 15 through August 8 Tuesday / Thursday Classes • 8:15 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. - Ages 6 to 12 • 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. - Ages 3 to 5 • 5:40 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. - Ages 6 to 12 Wednesday / Friday Classes • 8:15 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. - Ages 6 to 12 • 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. - Ages 3 to 5 • 5:40 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. - Ages 3 to 5

13fmhouston.com

Wesley Academy

CCAAMMPP June 2-August 4

Ages 6 months- Pre-K

2, 3, or 5 day program available

For information visit:

www.wesleyacadey.net

or call 713-266-3341

14 June 2014

What if your child or grandchild attended a school with state-of-the-art facilities? What if she was given individualized instruction? What if she she was challenged in areas where she excelled and was supported in areas where she needed to grow? What if your child or grandchild had fewer students in her class than those at public schools? What if she received deliberate instruction about God’s love and grace every single day? What if she had opportunities to serve alongside students of different ages, ethnicities, and walks of life? What if her talents and abilites were recognized and she was given the tools to excel in those areas?

This dream could be a reality. Wesley Academy is the private Christian school on the First Methodist Houston Westchase cam-pus. Wesley is currently accepting applications for the 2014-2015 school year. Give the gift of education to your child or grandchild. The impact lasts for a lifetime.

Visit www.wesleyacademy.net or call 713-266-3341 to find out more information or to set up a tour.

The Gift of Education

Father’s Day is June 15. We honor fa-thers this day — and every day of life. They play a very important and basic role in life, in all society. My very wise grand-mother used to say, “Anyone can have a child, but it takes a special man to be a father.” I wholeheartedly agree.

Being a father is much more than per-forming a biological function. It is about loving and caring, guiding and sharing.

A father is the head of his family. He does this, not out of insecurity, selfishness or pride, but out of the desire to be an obe-dient servant to God. (Ephesians 5:22)

A father offers wise council so that he

may lead his children to a path of righ-teousness. He is slow to anger, yet demands respect. “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; ...” Ephesians 6:1-3 (See also Genesis 18:19)

A father is strong, reliable and confident. But, a father is also tender, loving and un-derstanding. “Therefore all things whatso-ever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: ...” Matt. 7:12 (See also Psalms 103:13)

A father is a good provider. As long as he is capable, he is willing to labor hard

to provide shelter for his family, and food on the table. “…if any would not work neither should he eat…”(II Thessalonians 3:10)

A father recognizes the importance of making time for those he loves. Little league baseball and dance recitals seem to be his favorite past time. “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

A father is not judged by how much he earns or how many material goods he pro-vides. What does matter to his children is how well he is being a father.

A Special Man

June 2014 15fmhouston.com

joys and concernsBaptisms• Miss Emma Kargbo; 05/11/2014, daughter of Abdul Kargbo and Kathrin Meier Deaths• Ms. Lucille Duren, 02/25/2014, aunt of Mrs. Linda Schwarzbach• Mrs. Geraldine McDougal, 03/27/2014, mother of Sue McDougal of San Antonio• Mrs. Patsy Eujean Hardy, 04/29/2014• Mr. Larry T. Cobb, 05/01/2014, husband of Mrs. Gail Morrison Cobb• Mr. Cliff Woltz, 05/08/2014, father of Mr. Tom Woltz, Sr. and Mrs. B.J. Woltz-Lempa• Mrs. Marcia P. Cobb, 05/09/2014, mother of Craig Cobb

FIND US ON:TV: Sundays live on KUBE-TV, channel 53 (Comcast) and channel 653 (Comcast HD). Dish and Direct TV subscribers will find us on channel 57. Channel 13 (KTRK) carries the sermon portion of the service at 5 a.m., delayed by one week.Radio: KHCB-FM 105.7 on Sundays at 8 p.m.Internet: fmhouston.comVideo streaming: fmhouston.com/communications/livestreaming.aspxBy phone: 832.668.1800 (DT) or 713.458.4700 (WC)

PASTOR ON CALL:When the church offices are closed, you may dial the “Pastor on Call” and leave your name, a number where you can be reached, and a brief word about the nature of your emergency.

The pastor “on call” will return your call as quickly as possible.

Pastor on Call: 832.668.1800, option 7

PRAYER REQUESTSIf you or someone you know needs prayer, fill out a prayer card at church, call the church office or submit your request through our website. Because of your support, First Methodist Houston provides Stephen Ministers, Good Neighbors, Hospital Visitation, CanCare, AIDS Care and Alzheimers Care.

“First Edition” (USPS 015-624) is published monthly for $25 per year by First United Methodist Church, 1320 Main Street, Hous-ton, TX 77002-6803. Phone 832-668-1800. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas and at additional Mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to First Edition, 1320 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002-6803.Website: fmhouston.com

In Honor Of: Designated Fund: Given By:Steve and Karin Wende Easter Offering M/M Steve Laufman Dr/M Ed Hungerford Lifeline Ministries Anonymous In Memory Of: Designated Fund: Given By:Wendy Beecher FUMC Foundation M/M Major Collins Roger Birkman FUMC Foundation M/M Major Collins Robert (Bob) Dyer FUMC Foundation M/M Major Collins George Beebe FUMC Foundation Stacey Deleonardo Beebe Ron King First Choice Ministries Vera Stephens Robert (Bob) Metzler First Choice Ministries Vera Stephens Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/DT Music Vera Stephens Ron King DT Renovations/Fellowship Hall Mary Lou Matheny Liz Vondy First Choice Ministries Darlene Ann Tennison Joan Veale First Choice Ministries Steve Laufman Robert (Bob) Dyer FUMC Foundation M/M Alfred King III Jack Fillman Easter/DT Renovations Catheryne Fillman Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/DT Music Wanda Niebuhr Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/DT Music Richard and David Spaw for the Louis and Wanda Spaw Family Genevieve (Gen) Adair FUMC Foundation Dr/M Ed Hungerford III Genevieve (Gen) Adair Downtown Prayer Garden M/M Marcus Epperson Elizabeth (Betty) McAlexander FUMC Foundation FUMC Lubbock Seekers Sunday Class Elizabeth (Betty) McAlexander FUMC Foundation M/M Randy Humphreys Genevieve (Gen) Adair Downtown Prayer Garden M/M Bob Rand Genevieve (Gen) Adair Downtown Prayer Garden Jim Connell Elsie Ann Rideout General Ministries Gordon Rideout Elsie Ann Rideout General Ministries Stan Games Genevieve (Gen) Adair Downtown Prayer Garden M/M Theodore Smith Seth Ward FUMC Foundation M/M Emmett Ward Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/DT Music M/M Ivan Marsteller Genevieve (Gen) Adair Downtown Prayer Garden Pat Bonner Genevieve (Gen) Adair Downtown Prayer Garden M/M Kenneth Minter III Genevieve (Gen) Adair Downtown Prayer Garden Betty Easter Genevieve (Gen) Adair Downtown Prayer Garden Nancy Kling Kelly Adair Downtown Prayer Garden Alice Smith Genevieve (Gen) Adair Downtown Prayer Garden Alice Smith Genevieve (Gen) Adair Downtown Prayer Garden Cary Jean Stevenson Bobby Burkhalter First Choice Ministries Epworth Sunday School Class

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First United Methodist Church1320 Main StreetHouston, TX 77002

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