First United Methodist Church ~ 301 Church Street ~ Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482 Phone: 903.885.2185 ~ Fax: 903.885.4540 ~ www.ssfumc.org

February 2013

“Lent is the time for trimming the soul and

scraping the sludge off a life turned slipshod.

Lent is about taking stock of time, even religious time.

Lent is about exercising the control that enables us to say no

to ourselves so that when life turns hard of

its own accord we have the stamina to say yes to its twists

and turns with faith and hope….

Lent is the time to make new efforts to be what we say we

want to be.”

Sister Joan Chittister,

The Rule of Benedict: Insight for the Ages

Church Staff

Rev. Pete Adrian Senior Pastor

Rev. Debbie Riggsby Associate Pastor

Carol Allen Director of Worship Arts

Jason Dietze Youth Director

Lane Doughtie Asst. Youth Director

Adrienne Lilley Children’s Director

Jill Dietze Nursery Director

Paul Glover Business Administrator

Jennifer Philo Media Services

Nancy Kirkpatrick Administrative Assistant

Mike Dodd Handbell Director

Ken Hanushek Pianist

Deanna Spraggins Organist

Sam Gilbreath Building Maint. Supervisor

Billy Elam Custodian

Virginia Massey Weekend Custodian

Marianne Shuler After School Program Director

Samantha Nelson After School Program

Brenda Rollison After School Program

Cassie Webb Nursery Attendant

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the

same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body,

and each member belongs to all the others.

Romans 12:4-5

IN THIS ISSUE Pete’s Place………………………………………………………………..3

Debbie’s Daring Adventure………………………………………………...3

Church Planning Day……………………………………………………….3

Prayer Concerns…………………………………………………………...4

February Birthdays…………………………………………………………4

Activity Calendar…………………………………………………………..5

Memorials & Honorariums…………………………………………………6

Just 4 YOUth……………………………………………………………...7

Please Check the Church Calendar………………………………………….8

Save The Date……………………………………………………………..8

Stephen Ministry…………………………………………………………...8

Hearts of Life………………………………………………………………8

Trying Something New……………………………………………………..8

Note to Parents & Future Volunteers about MinistrySafe…………………….8

FUMC In Mission………………………………………………………….8

The Dinner Bell……………………………………………………………9

New For Lent………………………………………………………………9

Relay For Life Survivor Dinner……………………………………………...9

Moms In Touch…………………………………………………………….9

The Kids’ Page…………………………………………………………...10

That Time of Year………………………………………………………...10

Welcome Home…………………………………………………………..10

I Am the Lord of the Dance……………………………………………….10

NTC East District 2013 Leadership Training Day………………………….11

Ash Wednesday…………………………………………………………..11

Pilot Club Spring Brunch………………………………………………….11

Kingdom Man Conference………………………………………………...12

Page 3 The Spire

DEBBIE’S DARING ADVENTURE Where is God guiding and daring me in following Christ and in ministry at First UMC in 2013? After all I call this column “Daring Adventure”. If I really want to be with God, become more like Christ, and reach out with the Holy Spirit, I’m nudged to ask ques-tions, to seek, and to look at the sometimes difficult answers. That requires openness. But it involves something more—risk and courage for an adventure that will change your life. There is a new book that I hope to read soon titled “The Faith of Leap”. I’m intrigued. I’m beginning to wonder what leap God has for me to grow God’s kingdom. How about you?

Looking to leap for Christ,

Debbie

Kingdom Man Conference - Feb. 15-16 I encourage you to attend. The music (Shane and Shane) promises to be excellent and Dr. Evans is an awesome speaker/preacher. I've heard him on numerous occasions. He was (and still may be) part of the Promise Keepers organization. He is from the Dallas area. I encourage you to attend. It will be held in the multi-purpose athletic facility behind the High School. We expect over 1,500 men and young men to attend.

I know that some of you are leery of his theology. Forget about that for a while, relax, hear what he has to say. You don't have to agree with everything he says - I don't - be honest, you don't agree with 100% of my theology either - and you still come to church. But I do agree with many of his biblical positions. I agree that we men need to be "fired up" for Christ. That is his goal - to get us enthused about Jesus Christ. That's a pretty good goal. Bring your sons with you. If they are in Middle or High School bring them with you. Let them get excited about Jesus. Maybe they will ignite a fire under another youth and the Kingdom will grow.

You really don't have anything to lose. The ticket will cost you $20.00 and you will receive a book valued at $22.00 (if you are one of the first 1500 men in the door). Friday evening and Saturday morning - a day and a half - what do you have to lose?

The tickets are going fast. I just sold 10 to a smaller UM church and we've sold a few to our congregation. We need to sell more. You need to go. Give it a try. For $20 you can leave in the middle of the deal and not lose anything - and who knows, you may even get fired up for Jesus. Call the office, get a ticket, spend some time "outside the box."

Grace and Peace Pete

PETE’S PLACE

Church Planning Day Saturday, February 23rd ~ 9:00am-11:00am

All members of church committees are asked to be in attendance as we look

back at what we’ve accomplished in 2012 and make plans for 2013. We will spend the morning focusing on the mission and ministry of our church.

Please make plans to be here.

The Spire Page 4

Current & Pressing Prayer Requests Jill Barclay Holly Dougan Tricia Blount Barber Ellie Beers Moore Kathy Crowson Pauleta Pogue Herbert Anderson Ira Black Jordan Stiff

Health Concerns Coy May Moore Robert Castleberry Micah Reed Clay Evans Pam Clayton Mona Giles Janice Lemon Hein R.B. & Judy Narramore Linda McCoy Sandra George Scott Ragland Kristen Eagle & Landrey Nath Mukherjee

Sonya Bolton Tracey Cline Delores Gonzales Charles Richardson Alisa Kostlan Rose Lemon Knotts David Hood Andy Underwager Ginger Pica Ben Dickson Richard & Marge Clement Henry Preuss Johnny Latimer Jackson Bouquet Becky Graves Sandy Martin Don Carbonneau Louis McGrede Bob Morrison Beverly Harrison Rawlings Jack Dickerson Morris Abercrombie Kelly Jones Amie Cherry Greg Swindell

Homebound Ruth Milam Louise Fox Sue Stewart Jackie Blount Maxine Bell Annie Lou Dickerson Modene Huggins Rosemary Bailey Lillian Kinsala LaVerne Smith Cindy Elder Lou Cherry

Sympathy We express our heartfelt sym-pathy to:

Susan Brewer on the loss of her husband Gene Brewer. Ira Black and Family on the loss of his wife and their mother Allarea Black. Pam Sellers and Family on the loss of her stepfather Troy Martin. Janet Johnson and Family on the loss of their sister Joyce Johnson Floyd.

PRAYER CONCERNS

February 1 Dwayne Allen

Victor Allen Suzanne Lindley

Rex Wilemon February 2

Kaden Mabe February 3

Sandra Blount Kay Clifton

Addy Fenton Christi Funk

Craig Roberts February 4

Lance Mabe February 5

Jeanne Granstaff

February 6 Rawlings Lemon

Brad McCampbell February 7

Meagan McCullough Kati Voss

Preston Weaver February 8

Morgan Edge Sarah Harper

February 9 Harris Ardis I.L. Balkcom

Jajan Davis Alyssa Eckert

Jordon Watson

February 10 Michael Anne McKenzie

February 11 Piper Lilley

Angela Zahn February12 Barbara Abercrombie

February 13

Kim Moore Billie Grace Reynolds

February 14 Lloyd Johnson

Charlotte Morgan February16

Sara Allen

February17 Gracie Cable

Richard Clement Lori Dipprey

Marshall Hoybook February 18

John McCullough Martha Cox

February 19 Mike Hoybook

Cameron Johnson Gena Prickette

February 20 Tracey Fox

Heather Johnson Joan Zimmerman

February 21 Laura Barnett

Annmarie Gunn February 22

Kelly Mabe February 23

Tory Humphries Mattie O’Dell Molly O’Dell

Nicholas Tamsma February 24

Shirley Anderson Grace Horton Mack McClain

February 25 Charlotte Cox Kade Crowson

Brent Toliver Merrin Williams

February 26 Jess Lamphere

February 27 Dennis Dorris

February 28 Ira Black

Jonathan Holt Spencer Martin Isabella Wasson

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

The Spire Page 5

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 8am District Laity Train-

ing

3 4:30pm Handbell Re-

hearsal

4 9am Staff Meeting 5:30pm Stephen Min. 6pm Disciple I 7pm NETCS

5 7:30 am SS MENnows 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leadership 1:00 pm Prayer Group 5: 15 pm Trustee’s 5:15 pm Cluck Hens Grp 6:00 pm Habits of Heart 6:30 pm Divorce Care

6 6:45am Son Rise Grp 9:30am Beth Moore 10:30am Pastor’s Bible

Study 12pm Dinner Bell 6pm Couples Class 6pm UMYF 6pm Disciple I 6pm Beth Moore 6pm Wonderful Wed. 7pm Choir

7 12 pm Rotary 5:30pm Chicks for

Charity 6:30pm Gym Reserved

8

5:30pm Gym Reserved

9 8:30am Emmaus Training \FH 7pm Father and

Daughter Dance

10 4:30pm Handbell Re-

hearsal

11 9am Staff Meeting 5:30pm Stephen Min. 6pm Disciple I 7pm NETCS

12

7:30 am SS MENnows 9 am Respite Care 9 am CBS Leadership 1:00 pm Prayer Group 5: 15 pm Trustee’s 5:15 pm Cluck Hens Grp 6:00 pm Habits of Heart 6:30 pm Divorce Care 6:30 pm Boy Scouts

13

6:45am Son Rise Grp 9:30am Beth Moore 10:30am Pastor’s Bible

Study 12pm Dinner Bell 6pm Ash Wed Service

Regular Weds. Activities

resume following the service

14 12 pm Rotary 6:30pm Gym Reserved 6pm Messengers Class

Party in FH

15 6pm Gym Reserved

16 9am Pilot’s Extrava-

gant\Brunch

17 4:30pm Handbell Re-

hearsal

18

9am Staff Meeting 10:45am Young at Heart 5:30pm Stephen Min. 6pm Disciple I 6:30pm RFL meeting 7pm NETCS

19

7:30am SS MENnows 9am Respite Care 9am CBS Leadership 1pm Prayer Group 5pm Finance 5:15pm Cluck Hens Grp 6pm Habits of Heart 6:30pm Divorce Care

20

6:45am Son Rise Grp 9:30am Beth Moore 10:30am Pastor’s Bible

Study 12:00pm Dinner Bell 6pm Adult Bible Study 6pm Couples Class 6pm UMYF 6pm Disciple I 6pm Beth Moore 6pm Wonderful Wed. 6:30pm Apple Dumpling 7pm Choir

21 12 pm Rotary 5:30pm RFL meeting 6:30pm Gym reserved

22

23 9am Church Planning

Day 6pm RFL Survivor

Dinner (Gym)

24 4:30pm Handbell Re-

hearsal

25 9am Staff Meeting 5:30pm Stephen Min. 6:00pm Disciple I 7:00pm NETCS

26

7:30am SS MENnows 9am Respite Care 9am CBS Leadership 1pm Prayer Group 5:15pm Cluck Hens Grp 6pm Habits of Heart 6pm Care & Nurture

27

6:45am Son Rise Grp 9:30am Beth Moore 10:30am Pastor’s Bible

Study 12:00pm Dinner Bell 6pm Adult Bible Study 6pm Couples Class 6pm UMYF 6pm Disciple I 6pm Beth Moore 6pm Wonderful Wed. 7pm Choir

28 12pm Rotary 5:30pm RFL

February 20 1 3

The Spire Page 6

MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS In Loving Memory of B.F. Ashcroft By: Tom & Pam Sellers, Alec & Carol Bridges, Bill & Peggy Diet-ze,Wyvonne Bronson, Amy McCorkle, Mickey & Barbara McKenzie In Loving Memory of Robert Ardis By: Alec & Carol Bridges In Loving Memory of Gene Brewer By: Joe & Janet Wheeler, Johnny & Kathy Lennon, Phil & Beverly Morgan, Waverly Club, Lloyd & Jo Ann Johnson, Ursula Campbell, Billie Grace Reynolds, George & Barbara Law, Harve & Martha Kate Chapman, Mike & Mary Edwards, T.C. & Sally Hamilton, Annie Lou Dickerson, Charles & Gail Westbrook, Wyvonne Bronson, Billy & Nell Crowson, Ron & Ann Wyatt, Bob & Ann Gideon, Lew & Deb-bie Riggsby, Steven & Barbara Shwiff, Paul & Cerita Glover, Alec & Carol Bridges, Guaranty Bond Bank, Huel & Juanita Hammond, Jim-my & Candy Jones, Mickey & Barbara McKenzie, Gene & Janette Watson, Billie Rushin, Betty Gideon, Jackie Brice, Bob & Nancy Kirk-patrick, Harold Cowley, Reece & Denise Booher In Loving Memory of Henry (Curly) Crowson By: Morris & Barbara Abercrombie, Ursula Campbell In Loving Memory of Billy Harry By: Tom & Pam Sellers, Mickey & Barbara McKenzie In Loving Memory of Kathlyn Massey By: Tom & Pam Sellers In Loving Memory of James Perkins By: Louise Brogoitti, Alec & Carol Bridges, Cathey Williams, Jake & Meredith, Ryder & Addison Caddell In Loving Memory of Sondra Lou Porter By: Janet Rippy In Loving Memory of Claire Quortrup By: Alec & Carol Bridges In Loving Memory of Mary Beth Rouse By: Alec & Carol Bridges In Loving Memory of David Stinson By: Cathey Williams, Jake, Meredith, Ryder & Addison Caddell, Tom & Pam Sellers, Benny & Sue Ann Johnson, Mickey & Bar-baraMcKenzie In Loving Memory of Kay Minter Tomlin By: Tom & Pam Sellers In Loving Memory of Chris Tuley By: Billie Grace Reynolds In Loving Memory of Warren & Opal Brewer By: Bill & Peggy Dietze In Loving Memory of Bill Campbell By: Alec & Carol Bridges, Cathey Williams, Jake, Meredith, Ryder & Addison Caddell, Brad & Dawn McCampbell, Bill & Peggy Dietze, Mr, & Mrs. William Boyst, Mickey & Barbara McKenzie In Loving Memory of Dan Heinen By: Cathey Williams, Jake & Meredith Caddell & Family In Loving Memory of Kathie Sewell By: Mickey & Barbara McKenzie In Loving Memory of James Johnson By: Brad & Dawn McCampbell

In Loving Memory of Gary Jones By: Cathey Williams In Loving Memory of Billy Dan Lindley By: Billie Grace Reynolds, Mike & Kay Hays, Marilyn Colley, Paul & Cerita Glover, Bob & Nancy Kirkpatrick, Alec & Carol Bridges, Lee Levine, Betty Chapman, Phil & Beverly Morgan, Cathey Williams, Jake & Meredith, Ryder & Addison Caddell, Harve & Martha Kate Chapman, T.C. & Sally Hamilton, Mickey & Barbara McKenzie ,Gene & Janette Watson In Loving Memory of Della Ward By: Alec & Carol Bridges, Mickey & Barbara McKenzie In Loving Memory of Mary Jo Young By: Cathey Williams, Jake, Meredith, Ryder & Addison Caddell, Mickey & Barbara McKenzie In Loving Memory of Myrtle Holloway Ahlfinger By: Ron & Ann Wyatt In Loving Memory of Allarea Black By: Harve & Martha Kate Chapman, Mike & Mary Edwards, T.C. &Sally Hamilton, Johnny & Kathy Lennon, Annie Lou Dickerson, Sybil McClendon, Bernie & Fran Beers, Charles & Gail Westbrook, Hal & Georgia Gibson, Judy Tipping, Earl Glenn Family, Mary Gary, Tim & Carol Gee, George & Barbara Law, Ron & Ann Wyatt, David & Charlotte Larkin, Joe & Janet Wheeler, Bob & Ann Gideon, Kenny & Ruth Ann Crowson, Rick Frazier, Billie Grace Reynolds, Marilyn Colley, Mike & Kay Hays, Lew & Debbie Riggsby, Jerry & Peggy Gibby, Jacque Cobb, Clay & Peggy Walker, Jan Pruitt, James & Vir-ginia Worsham, Paul & Cerita Glover, Linda Bennett, Clemon & Carolyn Montgomery, Mr. & Mrs. M. J. Willis, Harold & Marian Phillips, Lena Day Garden Club, Alec & Carol Bridges, Guaranty Bond Bank, Huel & Juanita Hammond, Terry & Jodee Anderson, Jimmy & Candy Jones, Mickey & Barbara McKenzie, Phil & Beverly Morgan, Gene & Janette Watson, Glenn & Margaret Irvin, Betty Gideon, Bill Wingo, Mr. & Mrs. R.K. Arnold, Mr. & Mrs. Reece Booher, Bob & Nancy Kirkpatrick, Coy & Patsy Johnson, Jackie Brice, Benny & Sue Ann Johnson, Lee Levine, Harold Cowley, Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Perkins In Honor of Alec & Carol Bridges (50th Wedding Anniversary) By: Joe Perkins In Loving Memory of Joyce Johnson Floyd By: Wynell Chapman, Joe Perkins, Fred Ward, Billie Grace Reynolds, Alec & Carol Bridges In Loving Memory of Betty Price By: Larry & Patty Reese In Loving Memory of Adell Todd By: Bernie & Fran Beers, Billie Grace Reynolds, George & Barbara Law In Honor of Joe & Janet Wheeler’s Birthday By: Joe Perkins In Loving Memory of Troy Martin By: Paul & Cerita Glover, Billie Grace Reynolds, Bob & Nancy Kirk-patrick, Brian & Leesa Toliver, Alec & Carol Bridges, Jack & Tanya Bridges, Stephen & Kandice Bridges, Mickey & Barbara McKenzie

The Spire Page 9

2013 UPCOMING WALK TO EMMAUS WEEKENDS Check www.netemmaus.org for more details about the walks and flights. For more info, call Debbie Riggsby at 903-885-2185.

Women’s Walk 13-118 Feb. 21-24 Lone Star Men’s Walk 13-119 Apr. 25-28 Lone Star Women’s Walk 13-120 Sept. 26-29 Lone Star Men’s Walk 13-121 Oct. 17-20 Lone Star Girls Flight June 27-29 Paris Boys Flight July 19-21 Sulphur Springs

CSR 2013: No Longer a Fan, but a Follower I’m writing this article a bit on faith . . . as we have not actually gone on our 13th Annual Community Student Re-treat (CSR) at the time our Spire articles are due. But I know in my heart we “had” a great time. I do want to take the chance to thank Lane Doughtie, Jenna Davis, Stephen Maddux, Donna Williams, and Jeb & Ginger Brooks for giving their time to help make this a great weekend for our students.

We are having around 100 participants in the retreat this weekend; joining with groups from Shannon Oaks and Davis St. Baptist Church. Our theme this weekend is based on the Kyle Idleman book, Not a Fan, where we are challenging ourselves to not just sit back and be spectators to all God is doing, like a fan. But rather get involved and follow Christ where He leads and participate in His game plan.

SnS Back on the Schedule We will start back Sr. High SnS (Sunday Night Studies) on Jan. 27th at 5:30. The guys will be back out at Ryan McKenzie’s for the spring semester and the gals will be back at Kate Davis’s with Kate and Jenna. The Jr. High schedule will be released next month as we are still thinking through some possible changes to what that looks like.

Who’s Getting Older in February: Mason Gillem, Feb. 2

Meagan McCullough, Feb. 7 Grace Horton, Feb. 24

Kade Crowson, Feb. 25

February Calendar:

Sun 3rd: Super Bowl Party (5:00 – 9:00)

FLC Gym . . . bring your favorite game

snack to share!

Wed 6th: UMYF (6:00 – 8:00)

*please try to bring $3 for meal

Sun 10th: SnS (5:30 – 7:00)

SH Guys @ Ryan’s, SH Girls @ Kate’s

Wed 13th: Ash Wednesday UMYF (6:00 – 8:00)

*We will have a church-wide Ash Wednes

day service at 6:00

followed by UMYF as time allows.

Fri 15th-Sat 16th: Kingdom Man’s Conference

*all men and their sons (Jr. High – High

School) are invited

*see church office for more details

Sun 17th: SnS (5:30 – 7:00)

Wed 20th: UMYF (6:00 – 8:00)

*please try to bring $3 for meal

Sun 24th: SnS (5:30 – 7:00)

Wed 27th: UMYF (6:00 – 8:00)

*please try to bring $3 for meal

Long Range Dates to Remember:

June 9th-12th Sulphur Springs Work Camp

July 9th-13th Camp Anakainoo (@ $385)

*Be looking for camp registration to begin in the coming

weeks. It is going to be a great camp . . . I hope you can

start making arrangements. We will do some fund raising

along the way to help with expenses.

The Spire Page 8

The Hearts of Life Animal Rescue Group is in need of dog food. If you would like to help, please go to Tractor Supply and buy some dog food and tell them it is for Hearts of Life. They will make sure it gets to them. Your generosity would be a big help for their organization.

HEARTS OF LIFE

TRYING SOMETHING NEW We are trying something new in the pews for 2013. You might have noticed that the registration notebooks have been removed. In their place we have Visitor Registration Cards available in the pew pockets. If you see a visitor sit-ting nearby please ask them to fill out a registration card and drop it in the offering plate.

The post-Christmas and winter BLAHS can really bring us down especially if we’re having difficulties with grief, broken relationships, illness, and other problems. If you would like someone to talk with and to walk with you on the journey, why don’t you give Debbie Riggsby a call at 903-885-2185 about how a Stephen Minister might help.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

First UMC cares about our children and youth as well as all of our adults. We want to provide a safe and caring envi-ronment for them. That’s why we are involved with Minis-trySafe which is a plan and process for creating a safe envi-ronment through training, background checks, and moni-toring. If you think that you would ever help with children, youth, or a mission event at First UMC, we’re inviting you to be a part of the preparation. Talk with Adrienne and Jason about connecting with MinistrySafe. For the training, we’ll need an email address. For the background check, there is an application. Thanks for helping us making First UMC a safe place for all God’s children.

NOTE TO PARENTS AND FUTURE VOLUNTEERS ABOUT MINISTRYSAFE

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

What would it look like for each of us and all of us together to live Acts 1:8? To be entrepreneur witnesses for Christ in our community, our region, our nation, and our world? We, the Missions Committee, would like to hear your ideas and support your ministries. Let us know how we can be in partnership with you by calling Leslie Benton, Mission Chr., at 903-343-7970.

Perry Altenbaumer Susan McCary Mark Benton Robert McGuire Max Bradford Ryan McKenzie Sharon Burnette Patty Osborn W.B. Cox Gena Prickette Tom Green Debbie Riggsby Mary Ellen Hoybook Dick Stanley Linda Johnson Roger Stone Candy Jones Bo West John Kramer

FUMC IN MISSION

Our church seems to be busier than ever...and that’s a great thing! It does, however, create some scheduling issues. Before you spend lots of time & energy planning an event to be held at the church it is very important to check the church calendar with Nancy Kirkpatrick. The calendar changes daily and Nancy can help you find an available date that fits your event, prep time and clean up needs.

PLEASE CHECK THE CHURCH CALENDAR!

SAVE THE DATE

The Apple Dumpling Gang will be offering apple dumplings and vanilla ice cream for $5 on Wednesday, February 20th, from 6:30-8:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Money raised supports FUMC and local charities.

The Spire Page 9

The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus

At Christmas, we look at Jesus’ birth, and during Holy Week, we remember Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Both have mean-ing and power for our lives. In

between is Jesus’ life and ministry which also has power to transform our lives. Adam Hamilton,

author of 24 Hours That Changed the World and The Jour-ney, has created a new study with video on Jesus’ teaching for changing our lives. This would be a great 6-week study for Sunday School classes during Lent or for another time in the year. For more info, see Debbie Riggsby. If you’d like to participate in The Way study on Tuesday evenings at 6 pm starting Feb. 19, let Debbie know at 903-243-3333. May the journey on The Way, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, deepen our understanding of Jesus’ life, while at the same time deepening our faith in him and our love for him.

NEW FOR LENT

Attention Moms! Do you worry about your children? Come experience God’s peace and hope when you pray alongside other moms. Moms in Prayer International, formerly Moms In Touch, gathers moms together to pray for God to trans-form our children, youth and schools. Won’t you join with us in prayer for this next generation?

We have been meeting here at First United Methodist for several years and we want to expand to include as many other moms, grandmothers, and aunts as we can reach. Safety and security for our school children is a primary con-cern, but we are praying for any needs that your child and his/her school has. We include any age child from pre-school through college students.

You are invited to two organizational meetings to be held on Thursday, Feb. 21 in order to determine the best time, date, and location for future meetings. This organizational meeting will be at Calvary Baptist Church at both 8:30 and noon. Please contact Angie Blount, abcblount@hotmail.com, 903-348-5485, for more infor-mation about our local groups. For more information about Moms in Prayer International, visit www.MomsInPrayer.org.

RELAY FOR LIFE SURVIVOR DINNER The Relay For Life of Hopkins County will host their annual Survivor Dinner on Saturday, February 23, in the First UMC Family Life Center at 6:00 pm. All Cancer survivors & pa-tients are invited to attend this celebration in their honor. Reservations are requested. You may save your spot by contacting Joyce Davis (903-885-6176) or Katena McCord (903-885-7743) by February 16th.

And mark your calendars now for the 2013 Relay For Life on May 17-18, 2013 on the Square in Sulphur Springs. Come show your support to our local cancer survivors and patients as we raise funds for the American Cancer Socie-ty...the official sponsor of birthdays.

I want to thank you for being there for my sister, Adelle Todd, over the last few years. Your pray-ers, your visits, she so looked forward to. A spe-cial thanks to the Care & Nurture group who is doing a great job, the Communion group and last but not least, Debbie and Pete.

I have truly been blessed with wonderful, caring friends at First UMC.

God Bless you all! Billie Couthran

CHURCH MAILBOX

The Dinner Bell will celebrate its one year anniversary in February. This wonderful ministry has served 5000 guests since its inception.

You can help this ministry continue to thrive by dropping your spare change in the jars located throughout the church. Your change can make a change in the lives of those who join us each Wednesday for lunch.

The Spire Page 10

Introducing...FUNday School! An exciting family adventure that will occur once every two months, starting February 19th! Children, gather your par-ents and bring them with you to Sunday school. The whole family is welcome at FUNday School, where we will have a blast growing together as a family at church. Each FUNday School will be unique and might include games, crafts, and mission projects, but it will always include lots of fun and family time. The FUN starts at 9:45 in The Zoo!

Wonderful Wednesdays We are back and having a wonderful time on Wednesdays with music, games and more! Elementary children are about to start an exciting new series called Zap Attack! This con-temporary DVD based series will introduce our kids to kids in the Bible who truly lived for God. The series is only 6 weeks long and you won't want your kiddos to miss any of it!

MPKids and VOLT

Our Mission Possible Kids are partnering with the Vision Of Light Team to provide glasses to people in need in Costa Rica. The children are collecting eyeglasses or prescription sunglasses to send to VOLT along with the eyeglass straps they have made. If you have an old pair of glasses you don't use anymore, bring them to the church by Wednesday, Jan-uary 30th. Special Agents who bring in glasses will earn a mission star!

Rehearsals have begun for the Holy Week Musical I Am The Lord of the Dance. If you enjoy singing but have never been able to commit to being a part of the choir full time, you are invited to join in this cantata. Rehearsals are Wednesday nights from 7:00-8:30pm in the Choir Room. For more information please contact Carol Allen at 903-885-2185 or carolallen@ssfumc.org.

THAT TIME OF YEAR

2012 Giving Statements are available for pick up. We will not be mailing the statements unless it is requested. Those statements not picked up by January 27 will be kept in the church office through February.

If you need your statement mailed please contact Nancy Kirkpatrick at nancykirkpatrick@ssfumc.org or 903-885-2185.

WELCOME HOME

We are pleased to welcome Vance & LuAnne Payne as the newest members of the First UMC family. The Paynes unit-ed with our congregation by transfer of membership from First UMC in Garland.

We are also please to wel-come Mike Hadaway back to our church family. Mike has returned to our congregation by transfer of membership from another denomination.

The Spire Page 11

Orientation & Enrichment for Local Church Leaders

Saturday, February 2, 2013 First UMC~Sulphur Springs

9:30-10:00am Coffee & Fellowship 10:00-10:45am Plenary Session-“What to do

when you don’t know what to do” 10:45-11:00am Break 11:00am-12:00pm Breakout Workshops

Workshops

NTC East District 2013 Leadership Training Day

Are We There Yet? New Directions for the Future

Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee Rev. Dr. Joan LaBarr, District Superintendent

Trustees Tom Christian from NT Conference Office

Adventuring Disciples Rev. Debbie Riggsby & Rev. Ben Marshall

Worship Valarie Englert & Marc Corazao

Transformational Leadership Rev. Carol Sparks & Dale Cherry

Financial Toolbox Rev. Pete Adrian

Healthy Church Initiative & Small Church Initiative NCD & CTC Staff

February 13th at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Come and join us as we begin the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday worship invites us to reflect on our lives and our following of Christ. Wednesday night activities will meet fol-lowing the service.

The Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs presents their annual

Spring Brunch Saturday, February 16th

9am-11:30am

First United Methodist Church Family Life Center Featuring Tammy Whitehurst of Joy for the Journey Ministries

Her goal is to encourage and inspire women of all ages and from all walks of life. Tammy, who is a speaker and Bible teacher, speaks from the heart about what applies to the

heart using laughter and life experience.

Tickets are $20 each and includes brunch, silent auction, raffle ticket and door prizes.

(The raffle prize is a stainless steel grill with some stunning bistro furniture. One raffle ticket is included with your ticket, but buy as many as you like for only $10 each)

The Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs is committed to offering ser-vice and financial support to those in our area who have special needs, focusing especially on those with brain related disorders

(including the Terrific Tuesdays Respite Care Program at FUMC). All proceeds will go toward their projects in Sulphur Springs.

Non Profit Organization

Permit #168

Sulphur Springs

Texas 75482

First

United

Methodist

Church

301 Church Street Sulphur Springs, Texas

75482

903.885.2185 www.ssfumc.org

Office Hours Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm Friday 8am-12pm

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Date Sensitive—Please deliver by January 30, 2013

February 15-16, 2013 with Tony Evans and musical guests Shane & Shane

In his book, Kingdom Man, Tony Evans writes that when a man follows the principles of biblical manhood, the people around him benefit from his leadership and care. Evans challenges and equips men to understand their position under God as well as their position over what God has given them.

This two day conference will be held at the Sulphur Springs Multi-Purpose Facility. Tickets are $20 and each participant will receive a copy of Tony Evans’ book Kingdom Man. Tickets are available in the church office or online at www.kingdomtickets.com. For more details please call 903-885-0646 or 903-438-2363