First United Methodist Church

204 North Marshall

Henderson, Texas 75652

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Henderson, Texas

December was filled with celebrating, rejoicing and remembering the birth of our Savior Jesus

Christ, cherishing the blessing in our hearts that He was born to save us. As we venture into a

brand new year filled with dreams and expectations, let us ready our minds, bodies and hearts to

glorify God through our participation in ministry during 2014. If we all make a concerted effort to

organize and plan our year around ways that we can be in service, our actions will undoubtedly

touch the hearts of others, and they will witness

God’s awesome and glorious spirit working through us.

Sometimes, we may forget that being in ministry, even the simplest of ministries, is a way of

bringing glory to God. After all, we are His, and we know that what we do to help and

strengthen others is for His Kingdom here on earth.

In 2014, may we all look forward to participating in the ministries of the church , with attitudes of

gratefulness, as we broaden our journey toward transforming the world for Christ. As we look

ahead, let us encourage each other to be involved like never before in ministry.

A Bible passage for this New Year :

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is

pleased.” Hebrews 13:16

May our actions in 2014 bring glory to God!

Looking Back … With Gratitude

Christmas Eve gathering at the church continues to be one of my

favorite experiences of the year. There are so many elements

that make it special.

First is the music. Since we sing the carols of Christmas

for only one month I enjoy listening to them daily. To hear

them performed beautifully by accomplished musicians is an

extra blessing! To hear the congregation sing with joy is amazing.

Next would have to be the attendance. To have the church filled with people is heart warming. From my

vantage point I see in the faces also - people want to be present. They come joy filled and expectant,

which is part of the specialness of the evening, also, the spirit in the Sanctuary. People bring a special

Christmas spirit with them that makes the evening heart warming and memorable.

As a year winds down we all take a moment to be nostalgic and reflect on the year gone by. For most of us the

year included gains and losses, joys and sorrows.

We gained a daughter-in-law, a beautiful young woman who has brought love and happiness into our son’s

life. As we gathered the day after Christmas with them and our daughter and son-in-law we found our hearts

filled with gratitude for the additional “children” brought into our lives.

We lost an uncle and an aunt on Cathy’s side of the family. It was difficult to say “Good bye” to them, but

made a bit easier knowing they are safe and happy, and we will see them again.

We experienced the joy of spending a little more time with extended family than in recent years. Our son’s

wedding brought family together. Our vacation allowed us to visit with family for several days this summer.

Thanksgiving and Christmas were very special holidays for family.

Probably the greatest change effecting all of us at First Methodist was the turnover in staff. We are staffed

very differently than a year ago. Personally this was challenging. I quickly grow attached to those with whom

I work on a daily basis. We become more than co-workers; we become good friends.

Looking Forward … With Hope

Today I express deep gratitude for the staff God has assembled for us here. Each one approaches their tasks

with passion and with caring. Each one loves the Lord and loves their unique call to ministry. We are

becoming a good team, one which I look forward to working with in the year(s) to come.

What does the year ahead hold for me? There is so much unknown. But I know what I am going to work on in

my life. I know the areas in which I want to grow. I want to become a more thankful person, expressing

gratitude more regularly to those around me. I want to become a better leader, helping myself and others

discover their God given potential, and ways to put that potential to good use.

I want to experience the presence of God in my life regularly. I want my worship, my personal devotion time,

and my serving opportunities to enhance and enrich my life and the lives of those around me. I want to be

able to look back a year from now and know I have grown closer to God, closer to family, and closer to

friends.

As 2014 unfolds I want to invite you to be a part of two very meaningful worship experiences as we focus on

the two sacraments we celebrate in our United Methodist tradition: baptism and communion.

Sunday, January 5th. The importance of being baptized and of remembering our baptism. In Jesus’ baptism

we see a unique interweaving of royalty and servanthood. I want us each to see our baptism in the same way.

You will also be invited to “remember your baptism” in a special way.

Sunday, January 12th. The importance of remembering Jesus’ sacrificial death for us is commemorated

through our participation in the sacrament of holy communion. Today we will focus on being a guest at the

table with Jesus. Being Jesus’ guest implies welcome, friendship, and protection.

May the year ahead be one of great blessing for each of us.

David

FUMC FAMILY VOLLEYBALL NIGHTS!!

Last Sunday of each month in the Great Hall

Everyone is welcome.

5:30 – 7:00 pm Lemonade & homemade cookies provided.

The children of FUMC

had a wonderful time

exploring the meaning

of Advent as a season of

preparation, and

anticipation of the

coming of the Christ child.

We spent our Sunday mornings, and Wednesday

nights decorating our worship space, the glass room.

We decorated our Christmas tree with Chrismon

ornaments, made our own advent wreaths, and

arranged our nativity to remind us of the true

meaning of Christmas. We also spent time

decorating gingerbread men, and Christmas cards

that were delivered by the Caring Ministry team to

the homebound members of our church family.

The children also did their best to take the joy of

Christmas into the larger community of Henderson.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said, “Music is

the universal language of mankind.” The children

discovered the truth of these words this Christmas as

we shared the love of Jesus through the gift of song

with our friends at Emeritus. The hearts of the

children, both young and old, filled with joy as we

sang favorite carols around the Christmas tree.

Now a new year has arrived, and we are looking

forward to the opportunities that it will bring for us

to grow deeper in our relationship with God, and our

fellowship with one another. Join us for Sunday

school each week at 10:00am. We will kick-off our

2014 Wednesday night programming on January 8th

at 5:45pm. Please contact Debbie Tipps at 903-657-

6588 if you have any questions. We don’t want

anyone to miss out on the fun!

FUMC Children

PLANET WISDOM IS BACK! Join us on February 7-8 for our HIGH SCHOOL retreat at PLANETWISDOM:THRIVE! Make the trip to Dallas with us for a weekend of amazing worship and discipleship. We will be worshiping with the Chris Coleman Band, and hear amazing bible studies from Mark Matlock, Crystal Kirgis, and THE SKIT GUYS! And all of this for only $50! See Elick or call the office at 903 657 6588

SUPER BOWL PARTAYY

Be on the look out for information about a

super bowl party on Sunday February

2nd!

Mark your calendars for Friday March 7th...We’ll be making the trek to Shreveport for

WINTERJAM 2014. An Amazing worship experience featuring Lecrea, Newsboys, Tenth Avenue North, Thousand Foot Krutch, Plumb, Newsong, Love & the Coutcome,

Everfound, Derek Minor, and Colton Dixon (as seen on American Idol)...And All of these bands for only $10!! Sign up early and sign up often to make sure you have a spot!

Wednesday Night

Bible study Returns on

January 8th.

Middle School meets at

5:45 until 7:15

High School meets

from 7:30 until 9:00

Join us as we continue

to dig deeper into who

Jesus was and how he

lived on the earth so

that we might walk in

his footsteps!

Music Notes Happy New Year! As 2014 begins I must look back and reflect on all the

blessings from our Lord during 2013. First for me is becoming a part of FUMC.

I continue to marvel at this blessing. I have so many to thank for making my first

few months here both productive and memorable…

...The church staff that has been so patient. This church has been very wise in its

selection of personnel. I have found them all to be faithful and capable.

...The lay people have made my transition back into church work a joy. The office

angels, ushers, greeters, etc., have been informative and pleasant.

...The Chancel Choir and Common Ground Praise Band that have been faithful in

their desire to lead in worship.

...All those that worked so diligently during “Hanging of the Greens” and the

Christmas Eve service to make both of these events memorable. Especially,

Ouida Henson and all the music she both played and coordinated.

...And to you, the congregation, that have been so encouraging and

complimentary.

I look forward to this next year. Plans are in place to re-invigorate the children’s

choir program. We want our children to have leadership in worship, and no

ministry does this better than music. Plans are also in place to have (hopefully)

three new handbell choirs from varying age groups. Also, both the Chancel Choir

and Common Ground Praise Band will be looking at ways to expand and offer

greater flexibility in scheduling. And, of course, plans are always on-going to

make our worship experiences each Sunday both fresh and God honoring.

Finally, on a personal note, thanks

to you all for allowing Betsy and

me to enjoy our family during the

Christmas Eve service. Having

Amanda, Chihiro, and Anju sing

on “Silent Night” made both of

us very proud.

Now...to work….Grace to you all...Jack

Mark Your Calendars

January

18 Men’s Breakfast

19 Chili Cook-Off

26 Family Volleyball Night

M0VE FOR LIFE

MOVE FOR LIFE will resume

January 6, 2014 from 9:00am to

9:45am in the Great Hall on

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

and ends March 14, 2014.

This is an adult exercise class that addresses

flexibility, range of motion and strength. It is non

-aerobic. It is slow, gentle movement that

involves all the muscle groups and aids

circulation. Both men and women are involved.

It is great for our bodies and a time of fun and

fellowship.

If you have never participated before and would

like to join or know more about the class, please

call Mary Schoomer at 903.657.6447. We hope

to see you there.

KARRIE CLARK NAMED

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Karrie with husband, Ben, and daughter, Corley.

We are blessed to have Karrie Clark join our

church staff as Director of Communications.

Karrie will be in charge of all communications

associated with the church. Karrie is married to

Ben and they have a four year old daughter,

Corley, and expecting another daughter in

January. We give thanks for this wonderful

family and their devotion to Christ and service

among us.

GATHER YOUR CHILI COOKING

TEAM AND ENTER OUR FIRST

CHILI COOK OFF! January 19, 2014

Entries must arrive at 4:00pm with a crockpot of

Chili and judging will begin at 4:30pm. At

5:00pm winners will be announced and Chili

will be served! Bring the family out for fun,

fellowship, and CHILI! SIGN UP SHEET IN

FOYER! First Place Chili will be entered in

Rusk County Electric Chili Cook-off in April of

2014.

Laura Anderson Joel & Barbara Hale Capital Campaign

Garth Dobbs Joel & Barbara Hale Capital Campaign

Jo Duran Phyllis & Landon Alford Memorial Gerald Allmon HIM

Barbara Henderson (Sarah Miller’s Mother)

Miriam Powell Memorial David & Pam Brown Memorial Mike & Mary Lou Smith Capital Campaign Joel & Barbara Hale Capital Fund Johnny & Cyndi Walker Capital Campaign

Wayne Lee Joel & Barbara Hale Capital Campaign

Virginia Lee (Virginia Gage’s Mother)

Tommy & Linda Strong Memorial Joel & Barbara Hale Capital Campaign Billy & Margaret Moseley Endowment Terry & Gale Austin Capital Campaign Troy & Mary Ann Craig Memorial Johnny & Cyndi Walker Capital Campaign Jim & Kathryn Mann Endowment Gloria Smith Capital Campaign Nelwyn Bagley Memorial Johnny & Linda Foster Capital Campaign Pals Sunday School Class Capital Campaign Don & Beulah Morris Capital Campaign

Wayne Massengale (Van Massengale’s Brother)

Miriam Powell Memorial J.R. Patterson

Tommy & Linda Strong Endowment Billy & Patsy Black Memorial Robert & Nancy Drake Capital Campaign Joel & Barbara Hale Capital Fund Johnny & Cyndi Walker Capital Campaign

Ann Smith Billy & Virginia Irwin Memorial Newlyn Gray Memorial Deani Harris Memorial Janet Carter Memorial Bonnie & Ron Franklin Memorial Charles & Barbara Davis Memorial Cyndy Willard Capital Campaign Don & Virginia Gage Capital Campaign Michael & Lori Moores Memorial Geneva Greer Family Memorial Ken Sample Memorial Tom Swiley & Patti Flowers Memorial Bob & Kathy Smith Memorial Charles Richardson Memorial Shirley Grossman Memorial Bill & Nancy Preston Memorial Tommy & Linda Strong Memorial Patsy Farley Memorial John & Suzanne Adams Memorial Robert & Virginia Baker Memorial Louis & Mary Jo Colombo Memorial Johnny & Cyndi Walker Capital Campaign CNB Capital Campaign Gene Smith Memorial Troy & Mary Ann Craig Memorial Mike & Mary Lou Smith Capital Campaign Jim & Kathryn Mann Endowment Gloria Smith Memorial Joel & Barbara Hale Capital Fund

Billy & Margaret Mosley Endowment Howard & Zulynne Leverett Capital Campaign Clara Braswell Memorial Nelwyn Bagley Memorial Pals Sunday School Class Memorial RES Air Conditioning Memorial Sandra Wallace & Family Memorial Robert & Nancy Drake Memorial Tommy & Roberta Cox Memorial Cindy Matula & Fernando Solelo Memorial John & Melanie Taylor Memorial Mike & Wendy Baker Memorial David & Pam Brown Memorial Anne Sipes Pals SS Class Ethel Mae Mullins Memorial Dick Johnston Memorial James & Lillian Montgomery Memorial Don & Dorothy Deason Memorial David & Betty Wallace Memorial Jack & Judy Myers Memorial Jimmy & Becky Craig Memorial John & Tammy Hillin Memorial Charles & Laurie Perricone Memorial Monty & Tes Bonner Capital Campaign Larry & Brenda Galyean Memorial Miriam Powell & Family Memorial Milton & Sharla McGee Memorial Steve & Gay Davis Memorial

Susan Taylor Mike & Mary Lou Smith Capital Campaign

Jane Thrasher Milton & Sharla McGee Memorial Gloria Smith Memorial Terry & Gale Austin Capital Campaign Johnny & Cyndi Walker Capital Campaign Kimble & Ann Harris Capital Campaign Howard & Zulynne Leverett Capital Campaign Johnny & Linda Foster Capital Campaign Lemon’s SS Class Capital Campaign Sammy & Annette Tillison Memorial Neil & Mariella Pennal Memorial Billy & Patsy Black Memorial Jimmy & Cathy Sanders Capital Campaign Louis & Mary Jo Columbo Memorial Buck & Frances McNew Memorial Gerald Allmon HIM Luther & Faye Keitt Memorial Rusk County Retired Teachers Assoc. Capital Campaign Larry & Linda Stelmach Capital Campaign Tommy & Linda Strong Endowment

Sandi Wester Phyllis & Landon Alford Memorial Billy & Patsy Black Memorial Monty & Tes Bonner Capital Campaign

Memorials

Financial Info

When you write a check for the Capital

Campaign fund, please be sure and mark

your check for “Capital Campaign”. If

your gift is to go in to the general Capital

Fund, please mark it just “Capital Fund”. These are

two separate accounts and I want to make sure it goes

into the correct account. If you have any questions,

please call Betty Tyson at 903-657-6588.