Two Sections, Section ADecember 24, 2010

Vol. 157, No. 34 | 073785

Worship With UsSunday Worship

8:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Traditional Service

10:45 a.m. Contemporary Service

Television10 a.m., Sundays

My TV 16

5:30 p.m., SundaysBig 2 KMID

Radio11 a.m., SundaysKWEL 1070 AM

Live Web Streaming8:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m., Sundays

www.firstmethodistmidland.com

Inside This Issue: 2A Hymn Countdown 4A Children First Christmas

5A Wednesdays @ First 2011 8A Christmas Eve Events

The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas, TX 75247-3919. Periodicals Postage Paid at Dallas, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter, PO Box 660275, Dallas TX 75266-0275.

The Pastor’s Pen by Dr. Tim Walker, Senior Pastor

For over a year I have been praying about a year-long theme that focuses on the people of our city. As I have moved ideas through prayer and thought, I believe our church is ready to bless our city. We appreciate Midland. Midland has been good to us. We have a strong heritage in Midland. We are mostly here by choice. Some of us are here by calling or des-tiny. Others of us are members of families who have been here for generations. There’s a saying, “as the church goes, so goes the com-munity.” Our church has been blessed over the years with ministries that have touched hearts, missions that have res-cued and transformed people in need, seasons of spiritual outreach and renewal, and a long list of community leaders who also provide leadership for our people. We have been blessed. For over 125 years we have been blessed. Now, I invite you to join me in praying about our role in blessing Midland. I have the beginnings of a vision for ministry in 2011 that will be finished out with church lead-ers and members.

Bless[bles] –verb

1. to request of God the bestowal of divine favor on: Bless this house. 2. to bestow good of any kind upon: a nation blessed with peace.

I want us to bless Midland through our prayers as we prayer-walk the city. I want us to bless Midland through our compassion outreach with food, clothes, and shoes. I want us to bless Midland by developing its future leaders by offering training opportunities. I want us to bless Midland by celebrating with other Christians and offering spiritual renewal. I want us to bless Midland by identifying our selves as persons who are blessing our city, whether it be at work, at school, in the mall, in the airport, or in our neighborhoods. I want us to bless Midland with a community day of remem-brance on the tenth anniversary of 9/11. God Bless Midland! A phrase we’ll begin to hear again and again—and speak again and again. Let’s start saying it—and living it. We’ll begin to say it in worship on January 30, 2011. Be there.

Blessings!

Tim Walker, Senior Pastor

Tower Times 2A

15. Be Thou My Vision is an 8th-century anonymous Irish poem that was translated into English prose by Mary E. Byrne (1905). The prose was put into verse by Eleanor H. Hull and published in her “Poe-Book of Gael” (1912). - Donald P. Hustad (18)

14. Author Gloria Gaither has written about Because He Lives in her book “Fully Alive” (Gaither Music, 1990). She and co-author Bill were “going through one of the most difficult times.” With the birth of their son came the realization that it is the “life” principle that makes the difference; this renewal resulted in this song with its memorable refrain. - Donald P. Hustad and Richard J. Stanislaw (19)

13. Just As I Am, Without One Plea Charlotte Elliott wrote these words as a “simple, candid expression of trust and personal confession.” Miss Elliott received thousands of letters thanking her for this particular hymn and in recent years it has been recognized as the invitation song in Billy Graham crusades. - Donald P. Hustad (97)

12. I Love to Tell the Story This hymn is part of a long poem of 50 stanzas in two parts by Arabella Catherine Hankey, and was written during a long period of convalescence following a serious illness. Part I, dated January 29, 1866, is entitled “The Story Wanted” and is the source of the song “Tell me the Old, Old Story.” Part II, dated November 18, 1866, is called “The Story Told” and contained these lines, which were published in “The Old, Old Story” that same year. - Donald P. Hustad (78)

11. Great Is Thy Faithfulness The text was written by Thomas O. Chisholm in 1923. According to him, there were no special circumstances which caused its writing—just his experience and Bible truth; it is a near-paraphrase of Lamentations 3:22-33. The hymn first appeared in “Songs of Salvation and Service,” 1923, compiled by William M. Runyan. - Donald. P. Hustad (59)

10. Onward Christian Soldiers This text is written by Sabine Baring-Gould in 1864 for a Children’s Festival at Horbury Bridge, Yorkshire. The hymn was sung “in a procession with cross and banners” as the children marched from one village to another, a traditional practice in 19th-century England. The text should not be read as approval of human wars, but rather as a picture of God’s struggle with, and final victory over, evil and death (Ephesians 6). - Donald. P. Hustad (135-136)

9. It Is Well With My Soul These words were written by Horatio G. Spafford following the loss of four daughters in an accident at sea. The family was scheduled to travel to Europe in November 1873. Being delayed by last minute business developments, Spafford sent his wife and the girls on ahead. In mid-ocean their ship, the French liner Ville du Havre, collided with an English sailing ship and foundered. Of the five, only Mrs. Spafford was rescued, and she cabled her husband “saved alone.” Spafford started im-mediately for Europe and, while on the high seas near the scene of the tragedy, wrote this hymn. – Donald P. Hustad (88)

8. Holy, Holy, Holy by Reginald Heber (1783-1826). This superb hymn, included in all English language hymnals and translated into many other languages, was written to be sung on Trinity Sunday between the Nicene Creed and the sermon. The hymn unaltered has been included in all Methodist hymnals beginning with the 1878 Methodist Episcopal Hymnal. - Fred Gealy (216-217)

7. Hymn of Promise by Natalie A. Sleeth (1930-1992). She wrote this selection in February 1985 as a choral anthem, and later adapted it as a hymn. She wrote that she was pondering the death of a friend (life and death, death and resurrection), pondering winter and spring (seeming opposites), and a T. S. Eliot poem which had the phrase, ‘In our end is our beginning.’ These seemingly contradictory ‘pairs’ led to the thesis of the song and the hopeful message that out of one will come the other whenever God chooses to bring that about. - hymntime.com

6. Blessed Assurance by Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915). After hearing the tune played once or twice by the composer, her friend, Mrs. Knapp, on being asked, “What does that melody say to you?” Fanny Crosby replied with the precise words of stanza 1 of the hymn. - Fred Gealy (116)

5. The Old Rugged Cross by George Bennard. The text for this hymn came to George Bennard during evangelistic services he was conducting in Michigan, as a result of his meditating on John 3:16 and praying for a full understanding of the cross. After many frustrated attempts to write and several experiences in which he saw the redeeming grace of God at work during those meetings, he was able to complete the poem. - Donald P. Hustad (168)

First United Methodist Church Hymn Countdown 2010

Whether we participate in choir, hand bells, instrumental music, or just join in from our seats with our voices in the congregation, we can all agree that the music filling our church is an important part of worship and our communion with God. Some songs strike a chord with us more so than others. These songs can bring about reflection, awe, introspection, admiration, sadness, wonder, and many other emo-tional responses during worship. Knowing the conditions of a song’s creation can help us see the true spirit that the composer and lyricist intended. Some are written out of tragedies and others are written from the pure joy that comes from knowing the Lord. Still others are written from a myriad of emotions running the spectrum from sorrow to jubilation. The songs found below are the songs that we found to be the most loved by this congregation. The histories of the songs shed light on the circumstances of their composition as well as their deeper meanings that sometimes go beyond the lyrics.

4. In the Garden by C. Austin Miles, who wrote this text and tune in March 1912. The editor of “Hymns for the Living Church “(1974) gives the account in “Crusader Hymn Stories” (1967). The hymn has often been categorized as “sentimental and erotic” but it is better appreciated when it is understood to be based on Mary Magdalene’s experience, as she met Jesus in the garden outside the open tomb on Easter morning. - Donald P. Hustad (86)

3. Here I Am, Lord (Isaiah 6:8). When “The United Methodist Hymnal” was published in 1989, one of the most popular hymns was immediately “Here I Am, Lord” (1981) by Daniel Schutte (b. 1947). The stirring refrain is perhaps the first part of the hymn to capture the singer’s imagination.

An unusual attribute of this hymn is the change in point of view that the singer makes between the stanzas and the refrain. The stanzas speak from the perspective of God in the first person singular, while the refrain, though remaining in first person, is from the perspective of the singers of the hymn offering their lives to God.

Each stanza reflects a paradox. The powerful God, creator of “sea and sky,” “snow and rain” and “wind and flame” is also the God who hears the “people cry,” bears the “people’s pain” and “tend[s] the poor and lame.”

*© 1981, 1983, 1989 Daniel L. Schutte and NALR. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Dr. Hawn is professor of sacred music at Perkins School of Theology. - umportal.org

2. How Great Thou Art The original of this hymn was written in the summer (c. 1885) by Carl Boberg, a Swedish preacher, editor, and statesman. He was traveling home from Kronoback and was inspired by the sound of church bells. Stuart K. Hine, a British missionary in western Ukraine, made this English translation of the Russian over a period of years (the fourth stanza was added in 1948) and it first appeared in a Russian gospel magazine, “Grace and Peace” (1949), a nearly new text when compared to Boberg’s original. The song was popularized through its use in Billy Graham crusades. - Donald P. Hustad (72)

1. Amazing Grace Newton wrote these words from personal experience. He grew up without any particular religious conviction but his life's path was formed by a variety of twists and coincidences that were often put into motion by his recalcitrant insubordination. He was pressed into the Royal Navy and became a sailor, eventually participating in the slave trade. One night a terrible storm battered his vessel so severely that he became frightened enough to call out to God for mercy, a moment that marked the beginning of his spiritual conversion. Ordained in the Church of England in 1764, Newton became curate of Olney, Buckinghamshire, where he began to write hymns with the poet William Cowper. Amazing Grace was written to illustrate a sermon on New Year's Day of 1773.

Our prayer is that these histories behind the lyrics and compositions above will give you a deeper understanding of them and thus allow you to grow in your walk with God through the singing of these songs.

SOURCESStanislaw, Richard, and Donald P. Hustad: “Companion to The Worshiping Church.” Carol Stream, Illinois: Hope Publishing Company, 1993.

Gealy, Fred, et al. “Companion to the Hymnal.” Nashville, Tennessee: Abingdon Press, 1970.

Tower Times 3A

BY THE NUMBERS

12.12.2010

163Contemporary

Worship

2158:30 a.m. Tradiitonal

Worship

43010:45 a.m. Traditional

Worship

50Oasis Youth Worship

76Women of Worship

Tower Times 4A

The Blessing of the Babies will be taking place Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011, during our 10:45 a.m. traditional service.  The blessing does not take the place of baptism, but is a special way for our Church to recognize and celebrate these precious little ones who were born to our Church family and friends in 2010. If you would like to participate in this special service, please contact Donna Fields at donnafields@firstmethodistmidland.com.

The Blessing of the Babies

The Children First program presented their annual Christmas Program on Tuesday, Dec. 14 in the Glass Memorial Chapel. Parents, grandparents and friends were in attendance as they enjoyed songs of the season presented by the children of the program. Songs performed included Away in a Manger, Go Tell It on the Mountain, and many other favorites. The program concluded with We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

Children First Annual Christmas Program by Amber Davidson, Director of Children First

Younger Toddler teacher, Ms. Araceli helps Alex ring his bells for Jingle Bells.

Younger 2 year olds ring their bells for song, Ring, Ring, Ring the Bells.

The Older 2 year old classroom singing Go Tell it on the Mountain.

Harper Colwell shares with Santa what she would like for Christmas this year, during his visit to the Children First kids on Dec. 16.

Terra Martens, Assistant to the Associate Pastors, and Associate Pastor Macky Pitts take the opportunity to kiss-up to Santa during his visit.

Tower Times 5A

New Classes Start January 5New classes offered include:

Christianity’s Family Tree: What Other Christians Believe and Why (January 5 - March 2) 7-8 p.m. Room 204 with Kerry Kay CookParticipant Cost: $10In this study, Adam Hamilton presents a welcoming, inspiring vision of eight Christian denominations and faith traditions. Comparing the Christian family to our own extended families, he contends that each denomination has a unique, valuable perspective to offer on the Christian faith. The traditions he examines are Ortho-doxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Pentecostalism, and Methodism. For each group, Hamilton gives a brief history, outlines major beliefs, and describes some things we can learn from that tradition to strengthen our own Christian faith.

Bible Characters of the Old Testament (January 5 - May 25) 7-8 p.m. Rooms 229-230 with Dr. Tim WalkerParticipant Cost: $13Join our pastor in one of his favorite ways of studying the Bible: by visiting the real stories of God’s real people in this class on Bible Characters of the Old Testament. The class will be a refreshing and in-depth look at the real people who shape our understanding of God. Bring your own Bible and keep it open. You may come weekly, or as able. Alan Stringfellow’s book, “Great Characters of the Bible,” will be used as a guide and will be a good addition to your library.

Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition (January 5 - March 2) 7-8 p.m. Room 100 with Rev. Robert Pelfrey Participant Cost: $10Specific ways of practicing spiritual disciplines were a very large part of the “method” of the early Methodist. In this workbook-based study, we will explore and prac-tice major features in John Wesley’s devotional life, and it illustrates how you can apply his ministry to your own life. Structured around Wesley’s “Means of Grace,” the workbook covers scripture, prayer, the Lord’s Supper, and fasting, among other topics.

Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun! (January 5 - March 2) 7-8 p.m. Room 220 with Leigh Ellis Participant Cost: $20 per familyThis Love and Logic parenting program is designed to give you practical skills that can be used immediately. In the course, parents will cover topics such as: how to handle disruptions during meal times, how to get children to stay in their own bed, how to end temper tantrums, how to discipline your toddler in public without creating a scene, how to get children up and about in the mornings, how to stop whining and bickering, and many other day-to-day parenting challenges.

Invitation to Romans (January 5 - March 2) 7-8 p.m. Rooms 202-203 with Rev. Daniel HarrisParticipant Cost: $10In this short-term Disciple Bible Study, we will explore how people have interpreted Romans through the ages, and how understanding this provides us with a good lens to view the history of Christianity itself. At the end of this study we will have a more informed commitment to Paul’s radical vision of God’s relationship to both Christians and Jews and to their relationship to each other, thanks to the “love of God in Christ Jesus.” This study is meaty and extremely enjoyable for those students with some familiarity of Romans and with a strong biblical foundation to rely on, and will include a guide for daily study and preparation.

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University (February 9 - May 25) 6-8 p.m. Room 107 leader TBAParticipant Cost: $100Attend a free preview session on January 26 at 7 p.m.Join us for this life-changing program that teaches you how to make the right decisions with your money. Using Dave Ramsey’s Biblically-based, video-driven small group study, you’ll be empowered with the practical skills and confidence needed to achieve your financial goals and experience true financial peace! Learn how to beat debt, build wealth and give like never before.

Please email Daniel Harris, Pastor of Discipleship at danielharris@firstmethodistmidland.com with your contact information and classes you would like to register for. You can visit our website, www.firstmethodistmidland.com, for more details.

Also Offering: 24 Hours that Changed the World (March 23 - April 27) Outflow in Action (January 5 - May 25)The Hole in Our Gospel (March 23 - April 27)Invitation to Genesis (March 23 - May 25)The Kingdom and the Cross (March 23 - April 27)Sacred Marriage (March 23 - April 27)This is My Story (May 4 - May 25)

Spring 2011 MenuJanuary 5 Chicken Fried SteakJanuary 12 LasagnaJanuary 19 Catfish DinnerJanuary 26 BBQ DinnerFebruary 2 Chicken Fried Chicken February 9 SpaghettiFebruary 16 Steak February 23 Baked ChickenMarch 2 MeatloafMarch 9 Roast PorkMarch 16 NO MEAL (Spring Break)

March 23 SteakMarch 30 Catfish DinnerApril 6 Chicken Fried SteakApril 13 BBQ DinnerApril 20 SpaghettiApril 27 Chicken Fried Chicken May 04 SteakMay 11 Fish and ChipsMay 18 Roast PorkMay 25 Hamburger Cook-Out

Tower Times 7ATower Times 6A

Joe Ray & Dyke Culp by Culp FamilyPaul & Mary Frank Davis by Ferrell & Polly DavisPaul & Mary Frank Davis by Jack & Shelley HarperDearly Departed Father by Curt SievertLeland & Elizabeth Dellinger by Stan DellingerPaul Drickey by Ramona DrickeyBob & Mary Dutton by Bob & Lettie DuttonSam Evans by Don & Susie EvansNellie Feeler by Nieta StephensonDuane & Phil Firmin by Bob & Lois TempletonMr. & Mrs. L.H. Garst by Robert & Edith GarstSam Geer by Peggy GeerPoppie Gilliland by Pat Long WeaverGeneva Green by Sandra HayesMerwin Haag by Merle HaagTracy Hagins by Bernie & Lois HaginsStacy Hall by Rickie & Becky TylerElva Hamill by Lon & Pat PardueMr. & Mrs. Alton B. Hankins by Ben & Shavon HankinsAllison Hankins-McCollum by Ben & Shavon HankinsJerry Hedrick by James & Dana HedrickMarvis Hendrix by Judy BillingsleyPaul & Monette Hicks by Vincent C. Bash, Jr. M.D.Jack & Lynn Hightower by Chris HightowerF. W. Hoermann by Culp FamilyKen Holmes by Imogene HolmesMary Castillo Howard by Susan RowlandChris & Rose Iaggi by Dan & Joyce Pemberton

Edward L. Ingram by Bob & Lettie DuttonAudray Karraker by De La Cruz FamilyLee Kempf by Betty KempfClara King by Paul KingClarence Klassen by Erika Nielson VargasAllison Kneer by Sandy KneerMr. & Mrs. Olen Lane by Mr. & Mrs. Skip NorthGordon Leach by Joyce LeachRobert M. & Prudie Liebrock by Pam LeibrockThomas P. Marinis by Don & Susie EvansMrs. Evelyn Markley by Priebe FamilyLloyd McDaniel by Kaci McDanielMadeline Ayn McDaniel-Blair by Matthew & Roxie BlairNonie McMahan by Greg MitchellJennifer Mladenka by Cindi MladenkaDonna Morris by Ramona DrickeyW.E. & Dilly Nance by Kay LinnFrances Newton by Newton FamilyCatherine Ann Nielson by Erika Nielson VargasElton North by Mr. & Mrs.Skip NorthAlan & Betty Jane Norwood by Bob & Laura Van HusenOur Great Grandparents by Samuel & Sierra De La CruzNathan & Bette Outlaw by Rike & Dianne TiptonMr. & Mrs. C.L. Pardue by Lon & Pat PardueDick Pemberton by Dan & Joyce PembertonDaniel Perkins by Dianne HerrDollie Philpott by De La Cruz FamilyMr. & Mrs. William Priebe by Priebe Family

J.W. & Mary Lee Purser by Patti PurserTammy Ream by Stacey, Forrest & Reagan Ream & Melodi WestbrookElvin & Dot Reed by Andrew & Jan ReedClifford & Martha Robertson by Julie HatleyMr. & Mrs. E.C. (Bill) Ruhmann by Gordon & Donna CorneliusRon & Margaret Sanders by Deborah PeckhamLester Schulte by Kaci McDanielJoyce Sears by Jim SearsLarry Seright by Carolyn Seright SticeDoc Sharp by Ramona SharpMr. & Mrs. L.C. Stephenson by Nieta StephensonMark Summer by Judy SummerChuck & Ann Templeton by Bob & Lois TempletonClarence & Pauline Todd by Matthew & Roxie BlairJim Tye by Kel & Teresa BeckerValrie Tye by Kel & Teresa BeckerPatty Tyler by Rickie & Becky TylerGeorge Van Husen by Bob & Laura Van HusenFrances Walker by Betty KempfMr. & Mrs. Gene Walker by Dr. Tim & Karen WalkerMr. & Mrs. Mac Webb by Dr. Tim & Karen WalkerDoug & Ken Welch by Jean WelchH.C. & Avalyn Whitmire by Jim Pannell FamilyJack Whitmire by Jim Pannell FamilyJack N. Whitmire by Betty SumnerJohn P. Whitmire by Betty SumnerRobert M. Wynne by Vanessa Wynne

In Memory of:Cecil & Lillian Adams by Bob DavisMr. & Mrs. A.P. Alexander by Ben & Shavon HankinsVernard Alexander by Patti AlexanderMr. & Mrs. L.A. Anderson by Robert & Edith GarstLen Barrett by Shirley & ChildrenVincent C. Bash, Jr. M.D. by Vince & Jann BashBarbara Becker by Kel & Teresa BeckerJ.W. Becker by Kel & Teresa BeckerPat Becker by Kel & Teresa BeckerJessie Blair by Michael, Sharla & Michaela BlairLeon B. Blair M.D. by Matthew & Roxie BlairAlton & Mary Jo Bostick by Andrew & Jan ReedRev. Tom & Miriam Brabham by Pat BrabhamEugene E. & Sarah Branson by Pam LeibrockSteven Bristol by Fank & Sheri NansonJeff Brown by Jean WelchOrvey & Florence Buck by Stan DellingerGary Gray Burnett by Susie BurnettRoy. E. Campbell by Steve & Carole BettonAudra B. Cary by Jackie CaryAudra B. Cary by Cindi MladenkaClovis & Polly Chappell by Ferrell & Polly DavisClovis & Polly Chappell by Jack & Shelley HarperEddie Wayne Crosby by Vanessa WynneGeorge Cross by Carol James

In Honor of:Wendal & Carolyn Blair by Michael, Sharla & Michaela BlairDon & Mickey Bradley by Michael, Sharla & Michaela BlairCarson & Christa Caraway by Pam LeibrockJackie Cary by Cindi MladenkaBarbara Cox by Oasis YouthEllen Cross by Carol JamesCamal & Nancy Dakil by Susan RowlandMrs. Gayle Dodson by Jacob, Amber & Joshua DavidsonJanice Dunsirn by Merle HaagBetty Evans by Don & Susie EvansDonna Fields by Promiseland BandSam & Andrew Fields by Randy & Donna FieldsJay Gage by Oasis YouthFinley Nicole Geer by Peggy GeerMelissa Hagins by Bernie & Lois HaginsRussell & Susan Hall by Oasis YouthSusie Holt by Linda HoltBeverly Horst by Ken & Jill DolloffNaomi Ingram by Bob & Lettie DuttonKaren Isbell & daughter Reese Beall by Bob & Julie ColeMarie Klassen by Erika Nielson VargasAlex & Sarah Kneer by Sandy KneerSusan Leibrock by Pam LeibrockMadison Luikens by Julie JonesMadison Luikens by Cindi Mladenka

Betty Sue Marinis by Don & Susie EvansMrs. Debbie Markley by Jacob, Amber & Joshua DavidsonJackson & Madelyn May by Elizabeth MaySue McCarley by Your Angels past & presentMark & Michael Mladenka by Cindi MladenkaL.E. Newton by Newton FamilyErika Nielson-Vargas by Children’s ChoirBarbara North by Mr. & Mrs. Skip NorthMary Pemberton by Dan & Joyce PembertonLou Perkins by Dianne HerrJohn & Aden Pitts by Macky PittsRev. Macky Pitts by Ben & Shavon HankinsMildred Purvis by Bob & Julie ColeBob, Becky, Sabrina & Nicole Roberts by Bob & Julie ColeSharee Semmelbeck by Cherub ChoirBarbara Sheppard by Merle HaagBill & Bobbie Spier by Patti PurserBill & Betty Sumner by Children & GrandchildrenShirley Tate by Harry TatePaula Walker by Prayer PartnerDeborah Wilson by Oasis YouthBryan & Melissa Wood by Jerry WoodJay & Pam Wood by Jerry Wood8th Grade Boys & Girls Small Group by Jerome & Tresa De La CruzChildren First Staff by Jacob & Amber DavidsonFirst Impressions Team Four by Bernie & Lois Hagins

FUMC Staff by John & Macky PittsFUMC Youth & Ram by Curt SievertFUMC Youth by Brandon & Erin BlackHennings Family by Dill & Melinda BowerDear Sweet Mother by Curt SievertMy Family by L.E. NewtonOur Church by Rodney & Jeannie MorganOur Family by Mark & Niki MoshellOur Grandchildren by Larry & Kay MartinOur Sons by Jerry WoodRam, Ace Jessie & All Youth Sponsors by Curt SivertSpecial Needs Ministry by Will, Mikell & Peyton Abney

Tower Times 7A

Thank you for your support ofOasis Youth Ministries!

Luke Alexander HyattBaptized 10-10-10

Manor Park Christmas Eve Service

Music by the Handbell Choir3 p.m.

Manor Park

Family Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

Music by the Celebration Singers and Ringers with Brian Gravelle

5:30 p.m.Sanctuary

Communion, Carols and Candles Service

Music by the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir

and Brian Gravelle8:30 p.m.Sanctuary

December 24, 2010

Experience the Holy Land with Dr. Tim Walker, Senior Pastor

April 26 - May 4, 2011 Only Five Spaces Currently Available!

For more information, contact Dr. Walker at 432.682.3701 ext. 224 or timwalker@firstmethodistmidland.com.

Church Directory Update

Church Directories have arrived! If your family is included in this edition of the Church Directory, you will be receiving your hard-back copy in the mail. If you would like to pick up a Directory (one per household), you may do so at the Church Office during regular business hours, however, quantities are limited.

Join Karen and me for my 17th pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This nine-day experience is the trip of a lifetime. It is filled with good times, Bible site visits, and memories to last a lifetime. I personally get excited as I plan each trip, and the inspiration is never missing as we read the Bible at the places “where it happened.”

Our church historically receives a large por-tion of its contributions during the month of December.  This year our need is the same.  Our Finance Office is open through the afternoon of Dec. 31. 

You may also make your year-end gift online at: www.firstmethodistmidland.com.

Thank you for making One Night in Bethlehem

a HUGE Success! I worked with and watched in amazement as more than 100 volunteers joined in the effort to create a life-changing memory for our visitors. Our prayer is that those who visited Bethlehem will leave having felt God’s great love for us as shown in the gift of his son, Jesus. Just as Mary remembered and pondered the miraculous events of Jesus' birth, we pray that every visitor and volunteer of every age had their own special memories.

Thank you to every volunteer who has made this event possible!

Donna Fields, Director of Children’s Ministry