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Dear Friends, This Sunday, May 11, is Pentecost Sunday. At our 8:55 a.m. Service we will not only celebrate Pentecost, but we will also be confirming our Confirmation Class as they make their Professions of Faith. We will be having a special Pentecost service at 11:00 a.m. Please remember to wear red on Sunday and we will not have an 8:30 a.m. service this Sunday. Also, this Sunday, we’ll be taking a special offering for Methodist Retirement Communities, which we have done on Mother’s Day for many years. You might be interested that over 40% of these residents who reside in these MRC facilities require some form of financial assistance. Please be as generous as you can. We will all rejoice together in one Service on May 18th at 10:30 a.m. as we consecrate our beautiful Praise Center. We will have a Covered Dish Luncheon after the service, and tour our beautiful new facility. We will also be honoring Senior High graduates with a breakfast on May 18th. Please join me for these special services and all of the wonderful ministries that take place at our church. Sincerely, Rob
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From the Desk of the Secretary |
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I
am always looking for interesting articles for the newsletter and/or
website. If your
committee, Sunday School Class, etc. have pictures or info about an
activity, please send to me at: |
Pray for Our Ill |
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Charles Slusher MHB Orange Catherine Allen – Home Beth Ann Windham – Home
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Memorials Recent Memorials & Honorariums Given in memory of Olga Welsh by: Susan & Stephen Keene Given in memory of Skeet Boehme by: Susie & Walter Riedel Given in memory of Jewel Cowling by: Betty & Paul Jagen Given in memory of John Cunningham by: Ruby & BW Parks, Bonnie & Ron Hopperton, Joellen & Don Grooms, Betty & Paul Jagen *There is a new memorial designation-Parlor Renovations Our church has a wonderful Memorial Ministry. Below is a partial list of the 34 Memorial Funds. For a complete list, call the church office 886-7466. Altar Paraments Bell Choir Bereavement Chapel Bibles Christian Education Family Ministry Kitchen Family Life Center furnishings Hymnals Missions Music Ministry Myra McDonald Emergency Fund Organ Repairs Prayer Garden Van Endowment Youth Ministry Additional information concerning Memorials and Honorariums
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To Don Reasonover and family in the death of his wife Gail on March 26.
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Baptism Tyler Grace Rion was baptized on March 30th at the 11:00am service. Parents are Ashley & Joe Rion and very proud great-great aunt is Rushia Mae Cooper.
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Jamia Harris, Jean & Vernon Andrews, Helen Parks, Walter, Christie, JT, David, Christopher, AnnMarie Graham, Steve Romeis, Suzanne Magee, Spencer & Elizabeth Johns, Ashley Young, Spencer Scogin, Jessica Longlois, Daniel Grooms, Lindsay Force, Brent Force, Ann McCorquodale, Judy Smith, Jayda Babcock, David Waterbury, Jean & Vernon Andrew, Melanie, Bradley, & Dan Thevis and Tom, Becky & Chris Henry. |
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Congratulations |
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Congratulations to proud mother, Alyssa, and proud grandparents Julie and Richard Allensworth at the birth of twin girls: Aaliyah and Alyanna born April 10, 2008
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This program is over
until the Fall. Dinner 5:00 PM Classes 6:00-7:00 PM Information and pictures of recent WNL programs.
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Church Happenings
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May 18 Consecration of “Praise Center"
Keenagers Wednesdays 10:30AM Bell Choir Wednesdays 6:00PM Chancel Choir Wednesdays 7PM Beth Moore Bible Study - Thursdays 2:00PM
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Words of Appreciation We would like to express our deep appreciation to Danielle Heil for her years of excellent service to our church. Danielle’s can-do attitude and super efficiency have been a blessing to our church. Thank you Danielle.
Another Beth Moore Bible Study
Come join us on Thursdays in Tow Inn. We are doing one of the newer studies: The Fruit of the Spirit. We want to see you there. If you have any questions, please call Joy Hughes (883-7340) or Beverly Blalack (886-4832)
Come join me, Max and all my other friends at Vacation Bible School this summer. Check out the details below. Date: June 16-20 Time: 8:30am-Noon Where: First United Methodist Church (Additional Information on VBS)
Hands on Mission Project at Annual Conference
Our district(Southeast District) is collecting single package tooth brushes for a hands on Mission Project at Annual Conference. Health kits will be assembled and sent to the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot. Drop the toothbrushes in the box on the greeter table in Fellowship Hall.
Wheelchairs Needed The church is missing the two wheelchairs that were donated. If you borrowed one of these wheelchairs, please check to see if you returned it. If you have a wheelchair that you are not using, think about donating it to the church.
Mission Trip to Jamaica The Cedar Bayou UMC has scheduled a mission trip to Jamaica for July 11-18. The trip involves helping with new construction (all skill levels are needed) or teaching Vacation Bible School. The cost(per individual) for the trip will be $1400. A current passport is required for the trip. If you are interested please call Vernon Murray(886-8523 or 670-0569) or Danielle Heil(886-7466)
Cookie Dough Sales The Missions Committee is once again selling tubs of Cookie Dough Tubs to raise funds for the work of the committee. The tubs come in three pound tubs and cost $13 each. There are many different varieties of dough, including chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, sugar cookie, peanut butter and several which include popular candies. If you are interested in ordering some of the dough please contact a member of the Missions
Senior Exercise Class Laqueta McLellan is offering a senior exercise class on Thursdays at 8:30am in Tow Inn. This class will be every Thursday thru April 24. Come join in the fun.
Stewardship Giving Report for April Our monthly needs: $64, 380.00 Receipts through 21st : 37, 427.00 Thank you for supporting the Lord’s work with your tithes and offerings. Stewardship is what a man does after he says “I believe”. W.H. Greever
Meets each second Wednesday of the month. In February, we made bags to go in the sanctuary for children to have while they are in church. Inside the bags will be coloring books and crayons as well as tissues. During our March meeting, we plan to make cards that can be sent to shut-ins and other people who might need a pick-me-up. The Love Circle would “love” to have any women participate in the circle. For further information contact Dina Defrates at 886-5930.
It’s a New Year!! How do you want to serve your church?
Contact Christy Day at 882-9671 or cdaze@gt.rr.com Descriptions of areas to serve
Ambassadors Another way to be an ambassador for Christ: Sign up and become part of our ambassador program-receiving a magnet with a message for your vehicle, plus a cross and flame decal for the rear window denoting you are part of the program. Sign up sheets are on the greeters table, plus a more detailed explanation of the plan
Orange Christian Service Needs Your Help OCS is not getting as many low-cost food products from the Southeast Texas Food Bank as in the past-the Food Bank has been receiving less food and it is being divided between more agencies in the Triangle area. This means OCS has had to buy more full-price food from local grocery stores than ever before. Please remember those children of God who need our help and support. Keep this list, take it with you when you shop and pick up some of the items that are needed. Drop your donations in the OCS box located in the hall by the Fellowship Hall Kitchen.
Peanut Butter (18oz.) Jelly (18oz.) Macaroni/Cheese (71/4oz.) Tomato Sauce (8oz.) Spaghetti (12 or 16oz.) Green Beans-canned (15oz.) Corn-canned (15oz.) Pork & Beans-canned (15oz.) Rice (1 or 2lb.) Pinto Beans-dried (1 or 2lb.)
Parlor Renovation Memorials Remember a new memorial designation of Parlor Renovation was established. We would like to purchase new couches and a few more items for the new Parlor. When making a memorial if you would like it for this, please note Parlor Renovation.
Calling All Parents, Children and Youth Family Production may be the most innovative ministry the church has done for families in years. We have had a wonderful response to the first production in September and believe it will continue to improve with each performance. In case you are not familiar with our bimonthly presentations, let me explain. Last spring Doug Rogers, Rob Fisher, and Christy Day attended a national conference on family ministry in Atlanta, Georgia. One of the many creative ideas for teaching Christian values (virtues) is involving whole families in fast-paced, high energy skits, videos, and music. Each virtue is tied to a character in a Bible story. While not everyone performs on stage there is plenty of audience interaction. It has been successfully used in other churches to open communication between children and their parents about Biblical values such as trust and respect. This seemed like a perfect fit for our church since Doug and many others have years of experience in music and in Orange Community Players. In the future Tow Inn will be transformed into the Family Production headquarters. Doug envisions an industrial look with an amusement park atmosphere on a shoestring budget. It is exciting to hear about all that will be accomplished in a short amount of time and with a limited budget. Be sure to stop and ask him about the details! These productions can be a wonderful way to equip your children and grandchildren, as well as your friends and neighbors children with God’s word and values. Anyone who cares about the spiritual development of our next generation should not hesitate to become involved in making this ministry a success. Pictures of Recent Productions
Stephen Ministry Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, to share God’s love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing. Stephen Ministries provides one-to-one caring relationships to those who are hurting so that they may receive the love and care they need to support them. Do you or someone you care about need to receive this confidential caring? Please contact the church office at 886-7466 or one of our ministers. Additional Information
(Information on Recent UMW Activities) GOALS UMW would like to sponsor a three person spelling team for GOALS 10th Annual Adult Spelling Bee fundraiser. This year the date is Friday, May 9th from 11:30-1:30 at the Lamar State College, Orange. UMW cheerleaders will be there to support the team. Last year our team came in second place. Any organization or business may sponsor a team. Call the GOALS office (886-4311) or Bonnie Hopperton if you are interested. Lunch tickets are $10.00 Fall Festival Fall Festival will be held in October 2008. UMW has reserved the new Family Life Center for this big event. UMW Tips on Saving Our Environment Use your dishwasher (uses less water that by doing dishes by hand) only when full. Use a light wash rather than heavy wash and air dry rather than using heat. No need to pre-rinse. Tests show that it’s unnecessary and it wastes up to 20 gallons of water per load.
Mission Needs The Seafarers’ Center in Beaumont ministers to foreign sailors passing through this area. The Missions Committee prepared 84 Christmas boxes which were presented to Rev. Bill Peterson, the director of the Center on November 6. He will distribute them out to sailors as they pass through the area. Thanks to all who donated items for the boxes. Some of the items that were put in the boxes are listed below. The same type of boxes will be prepared next year. If you care to donate items for next year they can be deposited throughout 2008 in the Seafarers’ box located in the Supplies Closet in the Fellowship Hall.
Thank you congregation!!! Hey everybody, The car wash was a great success we raised right at $700.00 towards our bus for Big Stuf. We wanted to say THANK YOU!! to the congregation for your support of this ministry. We will have our youth led service this Sunday April 27 please don't miss it.
On a personal note my family and I wanted to say Thank you to our new church family for all the love and support we have received. This is an exciting time in the life of our church and we are honored to be a part of it. Again Thank you, Jay Neff Small Groups (taken from: FUMC, Albuquerque, New Mexico) There’s no formula for how to grow as a follower of Christ. But there are steps you can take to better equip yourself. One of those steps is joining a small group. The first thing Jesus did when he began His ministry was to form a small group. He gathered twelve men around Him for support, training and encouragement. He lived side by side with His small group for the remainder of His life and ministry. If this was His pattern, purpose and principle in life, how much more should it be for us?
There’s power in fellowship with one another. Being in a small group best enables you to grow to full devotion to Jesus. You’ll be surrounded by friendly, familiar people who truly care for you and will challenge you to deepen your relationship with God, just as Jesus modeled:
Please take a look at the small groups that are now forming at FUMC. If interested please call the contact person or the church office. Interested in starting an additional small group, call Leighia Barron (745-1119). THANKS!!
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YOUTH Announcements
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Youth Corner
Youth & Parent News You should be receiving May calendars in the mail soon so please be looking for them. If you do not receive one please contact me at the church, and I will make sure you are on the mailing list. Thank you to all the youth and parents who participated in the Car Wash on Saturday. I had a great time. See ya'll Sunday, Jay
Youth Attend Hot Hearts
Lindsey Kimbrow prepares a room known as “The Attic” on Tuesday for the First United Methodist Church’s Trunk or Treat celebration in Orange. (Tammy McKinley/The Enterprise)
Youth Director Danielle Heil said some church members go
all out for the event, dressing up their trunks and hatchbacks.
Just a few of the 28 kids, youth and adults that enjoyed a beautiful day at the Sulphur Water Park last week (July 2007).
Vacation Bible School 2007
Our hat brigade is all smiles because of the wonderful worship, fun and fellowship had by all.
Congratulations to our 2007 graduating seniors! Jessica Hilliard, Julie Williams, Ryan Anderson, Aaron Milligan, Brittany Waguespack, Blake McLendon, Martha Pittman, Aubrey Reynolds, Emily Domas, Lindsey Kimbrow, Amanda George and not pictured-Dylan Ball, Steven Crabtree, Conrad Williams
Congratulations to our 2007 Confirmation Class Grant Kimbrough, Stephen Allen, Logan Burns, Trevor Hulsey, Anthony Fraccastoro, Erik Tutt, Erin Tutt, Gracie Lemley, Hannah McLendon, Bridget Pattillo, Ashley Eby, Allie Slaten
The College UM ARMY team of Nathan Applebach, Josh Sims, Kelsey Dardeau, Nick Heil, and Marie Pittman spent a week in Houston building wheel chair ramps, painting houses, installing handrails and other home repairs for the elderly and disabled. This is the first time our church has had a college aged mission group.
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The church will be collecting ink jet cartridges to raise money for our youth mission trips. Please save your printer cartridges and drop them in the recycle box in Fellowship Hall. Laser cartridges are not recyclable. Call Danielle 886-7466 for more info.
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Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals who are... hospitalized; terminally ill; bereaved; in a job crisis; new members of the church; disabled; homebound; lonely; in a spiritual crisis; or looking for a caring Christian friend. Additional Information on Stephen Ministry
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NEWSLETTER
MAILING LIST UPDATE |
® The Cross and Flame is a registered trademark and the use is supervised by the General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church. Permission to use the Cross and Flame must be obtained from the General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church: Legal Department; GCFA; Post Office Box 340029; Nashville, TN 37203-0029; Phone: 615-369-2334; Fax: 615-369-2330
Copyright 2007. First United Methodist Church.
502 North Sixth, Orange, TX 77630
409-886-7466