dealing with reality
TRANSCRIPT
Pastor
Dr. Richard Heyduck
Youth Director
Tim Coman
Secretary
Tonya Roberts
Noah's Ark Director
Cynthia Outlaw
Phone: 903-389-2225
www.fumcfairfield.org
A Word From Richard 1
Welcome Ann Parks 2
Concession Stand 2
Prayers 2
Memorials &
Honorariums/Meeting
3
Finance 3
Birthdays 4
UMW/Faith Academy 5
Events/Scouts 5
Thrive 6
Teacher Appreciation 7
Homecoming/Ramp 8
The Servant
First United Methodist Church
Worship with Us Live
facebook.com/fumcfairfield
or YouTube at
https://bit.ly/FUMCFairfieldVideo
The Staff of
First UMC Fairfield
Dealing with Reality
We interact with at least four levels of reality. By “reality” in each case, I mean something like “the way things are whether we like it or not.”
The first level of reality is physical reality. It’s in this level that we deal with things like the laws of gravity and inertia. Most of the time, we get along just fine with this level. We’ve learned to deal with it since infancy and it comes naturally. But there are times we need to contend with things on this level. That’s why we wear seatbelts. The law of inertia says, “An object in motion will tend to stay in motion.” The seatbelt helps us survive when we conflict violently with that law.
The second level of reality is social reality. This, too, we’ve dealt with from infancy. We con-stantly find ourselves in relationships that shape us and constrain us. Whether it be family, school, business, the economy, government, etc., we learn to adapt to and work within these institutions on this level.
The third level is our personal reality. This is where I’d put things that are rooted in our own experience. Maybe you’ve heard people describe something as “true for me.” That’s an expression pointing at the personal level of reality.
The fourth level I’ll mention here is God’s reality. Once we get to this level you might see that the four levels aren’t separate and compartmentalized. In this case, the other three levels were brought into being by God and operate within the constraints of his reality. So what do we do with reality?
Think about the “tank man” from Tiananmen Square many years ago. You’ve probably seen the picture of him, a lone protestor, standing stock still in front of a column of tanks in Beijing. In terms of physical reality, the man didn’t stand a chance. The tank would crush him. In terms of social reality, we saw not one bit of apprehension on the part of the Chinese government that they were in total control and would crush the man, if not literally, then by sending agents to haul him away. In terms of his personal reality, we don’t know anything of his story for sure. We can easily imagine that he was fed up with the oppression of his own country’s government. He had to resist, whatever the consequences.
That story brings the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to mind. When they defied King Nebuchadnezzar’s edict, they knew the consequences: they’d be thrown in the fiery furnace. They knew that in terms of physical reality they’d be burned up. They knew they had no chance standing against the power of the king. But they also knew God’s reality. From that vantage point they knew that even if God didn’t save them from the furnace, disobeying the king was the right thing. They went into the furnace with no assurance they’d be delivered but did it anyway.
Our continual challenge as humans is to discern when and how to submit to reality and when to live in terms of another reality. If we let our personal reality trump the other levels, for example, we’ll probably receive some harsh correction along the way from the other levels. A key consequence of our being students of Jesus through worship, study, prayer,
and fellowship, is becoming habituated to God’s kingdom reality and living as his subjects, no matter the fall out from other levels of reality.
August 2021
Page 2
Welcome, Ann Parks!
Lord Hear Our Prayers
Kathy Arrington, Ann Barker, Eunice Barker, Todd Benedict, Billie Bond, Joe Bond, Jimmy & Paula Clark, Joaquin Cohen, Juliette Coleman, Fran Collier, J.R. Corne, Julie Curington, Donnie Farris, Asher Garrison, Jim & Nancy Gooch, Sharon Pratt Gross, Luke Harris, Frank & Heidi Hilliard, Phyllis Hunt, Susan James, Benjamin Javier, Melvin John, Lela Kirsch, Kevin Langley, Manuel Level, J.B. Mason, Larry McCeig, Julie Ann Medford, Susan Myers, Betty Milligan, Sue Montgomery, Mike Mooneyham, Cheryl Mullen, Jimmy Onstott, Margaret Orand, Ann Parks, Mary Pittman, Ryan Red, Judy Schick, Gwen Schlabra, Larry Smith, Mary Smith, Kyla Smith, Jesse Terry, Henry Thornton, Keith Wedige, Naomi White, Music Ministry, Afghanistan, Haiti
Military: Ryan Aiken, Dalton Barker, Daniel Barker, Damon Box, Jordan Burton, Robert Cortez, Brandon Cruce, Chris Fulcher, Kyle Grecu, Brady Jackson, Katlin Keaton, Chris Marr, Brandon Read, Ty Salazar, Austin Strange, Michael Strange
Nursing Home: Darlene Barker, Jeane Beasley, Claudine Gibbs, Joan Grounds, Don McLeod
Ann Parks, we would like to welcome you with open arms to
our church.
Pictured left to right: Sonya Maness, Vicky Cheek, Ann Parks,
Lynda Burt and Gayle Carpenter
Concession Stand
We need your help!
Let’s join together in Christ to help serve our
Fairfield Independent School District.
Join the Friday night fun and help us work
the concession stand at Fairfield High
School
Friday, October 22 5:30 p.m. Fairfield vs. Teague
Please contact Kevin if you have any
questions at 512-423-4983
Gifts to Capital/General Building Fund
In memory of Jerry Robinson by Guy & Dianne Murden, Don Beene
In memory of Denise Watson Wells by Guy & Dianne Murden
In memory of Randy Turner by Guy & Dianne Murden, Burt & Janie Richards
In memory of Johnny Burt by Danny & Carolyn Robertson, Guy & Dianne Murden,
Pastor Richard & Christi Heyduck, Burt & Janie Richards
In memory of Patsy Ahlfinger by Rodney & Edye Gillen-Hall, Guy & Dianne Murden
In memory of Phillip Moore by Guy & Dianne Murden
In memory of Kristi Morton by Lynda Burt, Judy Wardle, Wendon & Jane Morrison,
Pastor Richard & Christi Heyduck
In memory of LaSalle Tippens by Sally Red
In memory of Betty Netherly by Sally Red
In memory of Andy Traylor by Sally Red
In memory of Eddie Roberts by Burt & Janie Richards
In memory of Bert Cobbs by Burt & Janie Richards
In memory of Warren Awalt by Don Beene
In memory of Alice Bonner by Don Beene
In memory of Bob Pearson by Don Beene
Page 3
Memorials & Honorariums
Mes s age f rom Finance
Thanks so much for faithfully supporting the church with your tithes and offerings. It’s so good seeing people back in worship again! Here are some finance items you can be praying about. During the summer months, we always have A/C units go out. We had to replace two units last month and the summer is just getting here. We are still in search of a music director and accompanists. We may have to raise salaries to attract qualified people.
There are 3 options for giving: (1) Drop your offering off at the church. Push the door button and Tonya will meet you at the door. You can also call ahead (903-389-389-2225) and let her know you are on your way. (2) Drop your check in the mail: FUMC, 201 N. Mount St, Fairfield, TX 75840. (3) You can give online with the Tithe.LY app or link on the website. If you need assistance with electronic giving, let us know.
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
July offering was $29,483
Gifts to Capital/General Building Fund
In memory of Tom Medford by Russell Loper, Jr. & Susan, Landon, Greyson Phipps,
Sally Red, Ron & Carole Lacey, Jack L. Ritter, Sam & Billie Bournias, Rodney & Edye Gillen - Hall,
Robert & Betty Gentry, Steve & Janie Lightsey, Kyle & Naffie Lightsey, Ernest & Belinda Griffin,
David C. Hudson, Angie Mae Bonner Sunday School, Charlene Ezell, Maurice & Amanda Burleson,
Ervin Zoch, Guy & Dianne Murden, William J. Dube, John & Beverly Awalt, Don & Gayle Carpenter,
Greg & Katherine Jackson, Gary & Marilyn Toothman, Judy Wardle, Wendon & Jane Morrison,
Brenda K. Johnson, Beth Newman, Dick & Claudette White, Don & Millie McLeod,
Dr. & Mrs. Don A. Lutes, Michael & Lisa Thibault
**Remember to indicate the person or persons for whom your memorial or honorarium is dedicated and to what fund it is to be credited:
General, Capital Building Choir, Youth, Music, etc.
Page 4
Birt hd ays
Date Name(s)
August Birthdays
8/1 MaKayla Van
MaKenzie Van
8/2 Margaret Orand
8/3 Lillian McBean
8/4 Derrell Ezell
Eddie Smith
8/6 J.R. Corne
Keil Meredith
Austin Farrell
8/7 Lynda Burt
8/8 Chris Lightsey
8/25 Joe Mason
Jordan Jackson
8/26 Lorelei Ritchey
8/27 Jeanie Wilson
Austin Henley
Justin Romine
8/28 Madilynn Isaacs
8/29 Claudette White
James Lott
8/30 Don McBay
8/31 Teresa Vandiver
Trip Neal
Theresa Farris
Lucas Awalt
John Bennett
8/9 Julie Myers
8/10 Cody Sell
8/11 Will Doyle
Danielle Grecu
Kim Pickett
8/12 Cheryl Mullen
8/13 Christen Baize
Mark Herren
8/14 Dick White
8/15 Cheryl Cockerell
8/16 Hazel Sanders
Sheri Reed
Justin Farrell
8/17 Marlon Cockerell
Jerri McBay
Marcella Davis
Clyde McKelvey
Do you have a August or
September birthday?
If your birthday is not listed,
please contact the church office so your information
may be updated.
Thank you, Tonya
Carol Chappell
8/18 Gloria Smith
Lanae Anderson
8/19 Avi Hughes
Von Wade
Kolton Anderson
8/21 Ashley Crowley
Andrea Roller
Carolyn Dunlap
8/22 Susan James
8/23 Kathy Cooper
September Birthdays
9/1 Jacob Johnson
9/2 Gracie Awalt
Tina Utley
Tess Hill
Marshall Davis
Date Name(s)
9/3 Paula Clark
Wendy Farrell
Bud Sell
Cannon Anderson
9/5 Sam Bill Bournias
Chris Fulcher
9/6 Geraldine Thompson
Robert Burns
Cody Roller
RaeAnne Rossiaky
9/7 Ashton Sleziak
9/8 Eunice Barker
Lauren Jackson
Tommy Leadbetter
9/9 Frances Collier
9/10 Steve Grecu
9/11 Dori Grecu
Jacob Young
9/12 Cyn Outlaw
9/13 Shirley Burleson
Kathie Donohoo
9/14 Herb Eubanks
Liyan Cao
Conner Hale
Zaig Carbonilla
9/15 Brian Evans
Tonya Roberts
9/16 Airen Roberts
Brenda Johnson
Charles Myers
9/17 James Reed
Jaycee Jobe
9/18 Owen Grow
9/19 Colleen O’Mata
9/20 Mary Awalt
Cindy Neal
Autumn Sleziak
9/21 Alyssa Thorne
9/22 Loften Dunlap
Deegan Brady
Janie Richards
9/24 Dr. Janice Collins
Dustin Coufal
Luke Morgan
9/25 Bailey Ray
9/29 Addyson York
9/30 Tracey Schlabra
Stacy Don Wright
Page 5
Scouting Information
United Methodists Women (UMW) will be having their first fall meeting, Tuesday, September 14, at 10am,
upstairs in the Youth Area.
We will have begin a new Bible study, have a business meeting and enjoy a light luncheon provided by the
officers.
Please come and bring a friend as we start our new
study. Details to follow on the Bible Study.
United Methodist Women
Faith Academy Christian School is participating in the
Citywide Garage sale September 10th and 11th.
If you have anything to donate, please contact Vicky Cheek (903-390-4411) or Jane Phillips (979-415-4423)
and we would be happy to pick up your donations.
Scouting update: Happy to report that Cub Scout Pack 668 finished a good year, even with dealing with Covid restrictions. This is the scout pack that this church sponsors and has sponsored in the past. They finished out the year with a 2 night family camping trip in May to Lake Fairfield State Park. Plus, they had a float in the Freestone County Rodeo parade in June
They are already making plans for an awesome year for 2021 - 2022. They will be kicking off a membership drive in August and September. There are also efforts underway to have a Boy Scout troop once again as well. We are looking for all boys and girls ages 6-18. We are also needing adult volunteers. Watch for more details in a couple weeks. If you would like more information or if you would like to volunteer, please call Randy Maness at 940-435-9727
Faith Academy August 29 - Church Wide Pot Luck Lunch Following 11:00 a.m. Worship (meat is provided
Bring your favorite sides or dessert)
September 12 - 5:00 p.m. Confirmation Class
September 13 - 6:00 p.m. Trustees Meeting
September 14 - 10:00 a.m. U.M.W.
September 14 - 5:00 p.m. Family Ministry Meeting
September 15 - Noah's Ark Parents Dinner at AWE Dinner 5:30 p.m.
Upcoming Events
U.M.W. will be taking part in an UMCOR mission project to
provide hygiene kits to areas in need due to natural disasters.
We invite our church to help us collect the following items:
Hand towels - (15”x25” to 17”x27”) Kitchen, cleaning or
microfiber towels are not accepted.
Combs – needs to be sturdy and with a minimum of 6” of
teeth.
Nail clippers
Bath-sized soap – must be 3 oz or larger and in original
packaging. No Jergens or Ivory soap due to moisture con-
tent.
Adult-sized toothbrush – Must be in original packaging.
Adhesive bandaids – ¾” to 1” size
All items must be new. Do not wash or remove from
packaging. Please place in bin outside the church office by
September 5.
Page 6
Calendar
The distinction between FAITH & BELIEF is a target of our Fall Student Ministry. We’ll be dealing with the role God plays in our
struggles and how Faith/Belief come into the picture.
What some may or may not realize is that Faith and Belief are not always the same thing. The book our small group leaders will be utilizing as a resource was developed by Fuller Seminary and deals with very cutting edge questions, dealing with
challenges our students face. We’ll be investigating how Faith and
Belief overlap and how they differ.
Our Student Area
If you haven’t been upstairs in a while, check out the pics and posters in the stairwell and the new Prayer Wall. At the Prayer Wall you can write a prayer request, either on the wall or on a card you can drop in the box. Either way, we’ll be
joining you in prayer.
Confirmation, for youth in 6th grade and above, is for young people inves-
tigating their faith and membership in the church.
We will meet Sunday afternoons from September 12 through October 3.
Email me at [email protected] to get information sheet.
Special Dates September 12 - October 3 Confirmation 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
September 17 - 5th Quarter Homecoming Dance following Football game
September 20 - See Ya at the Pole 6:30 a.m. Saw You at the Pole 6:00 p.m.
Volunteer Sign-up and Remind Messaging
We have two sign-up accounts: Genius and Remind. Please send Tim a text at 832-480-4304 if you would like the link to sign up.
October 10 - Student Leadership Meeting
October 31 - Youth Sunday 11:00 a.m. Worship
November 21 - Off Campus Trip
December 19 - Student Ministry Christmas Party
Our Topic of Study
Page 7
Teacher Appreciation
Oh what fun we had!
We had 110 including 37 teachers come out and join the fun!
Thank you for everything you did to help make this event come together!!
~Sonya
Firs t Uni ted Methodis t Church
201 North Mount St reet
Fa ir f ie ld, Texas 75840
903-389-2225 www.fumcfairfield.com
Non-Profit Organization
Bulk Rate U.S. Postage
PAID Fairfield, TX
Return service requested
Time value mail please expedite
We thank God for………………….
When: Friday, September 14 Where: FUMC gym
Time: Following the football game
We have the privilege of hosting the homecoming dance for Fairfield High School. We need your help! We will need sponsors who are willing to donate chips, cookies, plastic cups and bottles of soda for students to enjoy. We also need volunteers to make sure students are safe and staying within the perimeter while at the dance.
If you can help please sign up using our genius link on our website or Facebook page. You may also email me at [email protected]. The dance will likely go to 11pm or possibly later depending upon the time the
game ends that evening.
Thank you so much,
Tim
Ramp Build
Thank you church family and our partners from FUMC Mexia, FUMC Wortham, One Church Mexia,
and Northcrest Church of Christ.