CONCERNS FOR THIS MONTH
HEALTH CONCERNS: Angela Asbill, Virginia Bonifield, Chanin Keys, Jamee
Bye, Wally Donaldson, Carolyn Hinders, Cat Enns mother Priscilla Delatte, Eli
Littau, Dorothy Wright, Dollie Bell, Ashley Stinnett, Addie Martinez, Kelli
Maynard, Chris Jasper, James Pat Moore, Joan Hamblen
IN CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY: the family of Milt Hudson, the family of Lois
Meador, the family of RL Prescott, McCarter family on the death of Mickey
McCarter
JOYS: Parker Marie Lipppold born on February 9, 2015 to Major Kyle &
Shelby Lippold—great grandmother Annette Lippold, Judah Asbill’s
basketball team won both of their games, CHS Swim Team, Jerry Gray clear
of cancer, Dean Hawkins surgery went well, Mario Espinoza on successful
surgery
OTHER CONCERNS: People of Denmark, Karen Middleton, Sexton family,
Jim Sypholehan
BIRTHDAYS: Melvin Tucek 2/15, Lupe Acevedo 2/15, Kory Holloway 2/8,
Earl Blair 2/7, Sabrina Reyher 2/7, Danny Cornelius 2/6, Chris Cornelius 2/5,
ANNIVERSARIES: Tim & Charlotte Wilson
ONGOING PRAYER CONCERNS: Brynn McPherson, Dylan Brown, Shelly
Gross, Dick Elliott, Glenda Abernethy, Lou Ann Barnhart, Betty Hill, Dorothy
Cook, Glen Miller, Carolyn Mason, Beth Sanchez, Dorothy Haley, Judy
Gilliam, Tata McCartney, Kimberly Conrad, Kathy Noel, Keith & Dorinda
McCormack, Bruce Fields, Anna Overhulser, C.W. Stubblefield, Terry &
Helen Gamblin, Betty Ketchersid, Merrell Winstead, Martin Mordecai, Waylon
Malone, Gib Satterwhite, T.K. Baker, Erin Green, Christie Wilhite, Dusty
Koehler, Shirley King, Donny Cook, Brandi Sustaire, Patti Kolb, Bobby
Altman, Kingston Marr, Kason Gabbard, Alisann Smookler, Addi Martinez,
Hope Ramos, Virginia Tovar, Anna Ruth Erwin & Mel Wessels, Virignia
Bonifield, Dean Hawkins
ADDITIONAL INTERCESSORY PRAYERS: President Obama and our
country’s leaders, Costa Rica Team, Backyard Missions, War-torn Countries,
the economy, our policeman and firemen, those in the military and the need
for a local drug and alcohol addiction recovery treatment center.
Please email [email protected] or call 806-655-2851 with all prayer
requests, joys, concerns or updates. If you have requested someone be
added to the Ongoing Prayer Concerns, please update us on that person
occasionally; especially if that person needs to be removed from the list.
1818 4th Ave
Canyon, TX 79015
Return Service Requested
PAID
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
Canyon, TX
Permit No. 130
February 25, 2015
from The Official Newsletter of First United Methodist Church, Canyon, Texas
phone: 806 655-2851 • web: www.firstchurchcanyon.com • prayer request email: [email protected]
Worship Leaders for the 9am Service March 1 Vaavia Edwards March 8 John Lemons March 15 Darla Nickell March 22 Joe Lombard March 29 Bill Rogers
Prayer Room March 1 9:00—Jo Jackson 11:15—Nita Kennemer March 8 9:00—Kathi Lee 11:15—Pam Pandolfi
March 15 9:00—Lori Stockstill 11:15—Roman Asbill
March 22 9:00—Lou Bulman 11:15—Ronay Bach
March 29 9:00—Mary Clare Munger 11:15—Brenda Havens
Acolytes for the 9 am Service
March 1 Gabriel Sexton and Caleb Gill
March 8 Chord Cogswell and Colton Hukill
March 15 Ciara Neal and Rebekah Huddleston
March 22 Reid Enns and Judah Asbill
March 29 Gabriel Sexton and Chord Cogswell
Hosts March 1 8:45 Ben & Pam Bentley, Floyd & Terrie Hartman 11:00 John Barnhart, Don Johnston, Pam Pandolfi, Dale Pulliam March 8 8:45 Rich & Connie Hopson, Don & Kathi Lee 11:00 Jan Winstead, Linda Tinsley, Earl & Jackie Blair
March 15 8:45 Gerry & Darla Nickell, Dennis & Darla Rice 11:00 Galen & Robin Chandler, Danny & Wendy Cornelius March 22 8:45 David & Carla Thurman, Linda Elliott , Mary Clare Munger 11:00 Doug & Jan Cowan, Bob & Deborah Lee March 29 8:45 Vanda Paris, Jackie Patterson, Mary Rice, Kathy Rogers 11:00 Clois & Dorothy Rowland, Sharon Brown, Betty Brown Johnson
(If you are unable to fulfill your obligation in any of these areas, please find a replacement and call the church office and let them know the change. Thank you.)
Attendance Record: February 1
9:00 am Traditional Worship……………………………………………….…..269
10:10 am Sunday School…………………………...…..……………………….351
11:15 am Contemporary Worship………………………………………...…….157
TOTAL IN WORSHIP………………………………………………………..…..426
Attendance Record: February 8
9:00 am Traditional Worship…………………………………………………….311
10:10 am Sunday School…………………………...…..……………………….306
11:15 am Contemporary Worship………………………………………….…...115
TOTAL IN WORSHIP………………………………………………………........426
Attendance Record: February 15
9:00 am Traditional Worship…………………………………………………….255
10:10 am Sunday School…………………………...…..……………………….258
11:15 am Contemporary Worship………………………………………….…...124
TOTAL IN WORSHIP………………………………………………………........379
Attendance Record: February 22
9:00 am Traditional Worship…………………………………………………….161
10:10 am Sunday School…………………………...…..……………………….202
11:15 am Contemporary Worship………………………………………….…….88
TOTAL IN WORSHIP………………………………………………………........249
Schedules Joys and Concerns
CHURCH STAFF
SENIOR PASTOR………………………………….……..….……Rev. Rick Enns
PASTORAL CARE …………………………………………………...Angela Asbill
DIRECTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP………..…………………………...Roman Asbill
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY……………….…………….….Charlie Keys
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES………………………..Kim Hopson
CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR………………………………..…….......Bill Rogers
FINANCE MANAGER………………………………………….……Christi Ybarra
MUSIC DIRECTOR………………………………………………..Melanie Brooks
ORGANIST……………….………………………………….…..Cameron McMinn
ACCOMPANIST………………………………….…………......….......B.J. Brooks
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LEADER…………………………..Jason Lester
KITCHEN COORDINATOR………………………………..…….Charlotte Wilson
IHH CHILD DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR……………………Brenda Shepherd
A Holy Time
I don’t know about you, but growing up we never really emphasized the season of
Lent. In fact, it wasn’t until seminary that I began to understand the rich history of
this holy time. Lent is the liturgical season of 40 days (excluding Sundays) which
begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter).
The word “Lent” means “spring” and has traditionally been a season of
preparation for Easter. The focus during this period is on confession and fasting
and remembering the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It is approached with a
penitential spirit. However, because Sundays are always considered “little
Easters” we are still reminded of the joy and expectation of the Resurrection.
I pray that during this season of Lent you would be preparing yourself for Easter.
This is a great time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus. This is a great time to
begin holy habits such as fasting, intentional prayer, confession, forgiveness, etc.
This is a great time to ask God to transform your spiritual life.
In fact, I want you to approach this season with an expectation of God’s Spirit
speaking and moving in us as a church. I have already seen great things and look
forward to see what else God is going to do. Will you join me in praying for God’s
name to be glorified in us? For revival to begin in our hearts?
Let me share a story of God’s movement in our midst. On Ash Wednesday during
the morning I was in the sanctuary imposing ashes on people as they were on
their way to work or school. Our custodian, Rueben, came in inquiring about what
I was doing. I explained to him what Ash Wednesday was and why we put ashes
on our foreheads in the sign of the cross.
He looked curious, even expectant. He said that he hadn’t gone to church in a
while and would it be ok if I put the ashes on him. Of course I said it would be
great. Right after I smeared the ashes on his forehead and spoke the words,
“Remember from ashes you came and to ashes you will return. Go and live the
gospel of Christ,” he reached down to his lower back and said “O wow!”
He began to bend his waist and twist. Then he said that he had hurt his back the
previous week and his lower back had a lot of pain. But now his pain was
completely gone! He was shocked. This hadn’t happened to him before. I told him
that it was God showing him grace.
This little episode of healing reminds me of an important truth of God. God wants
to move in our midst if we will only take a step of faith towards Him. For Reuben,
the step was to receive the ashes. What is that step for you? Too often God
doesn’t move, because He is waiting on us to make a step of faith.
May your faith be strengthened this day and may you move in God’s grace.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
In Christ,
Rick Enns
A Note From the Pastor
Holy Week Schedule
Maundy Thursday Service - 6:30pm Sanctuary
Good Friday Service - 6:30pm Sanctuary
Easter Sunday Services - 9:00 & 10:10am (traditional) 11:15am (contemporary)
Easter Sunday brunch - all morning in Fellowship Hall
YOU CAN GIVE YOUR TITHES &
OFFERINGS ONLINE
Just scan the QR code on your smart phone or go to our
website (www.firstchurchcanyon.com) and click on the
‘donate now for tithes and offerings’.
We are off to a great start to for the Spring semester!
God is moving and grooving through our kids!
Confirmation has started! We have 15 of the greatest 6th
graders ever! I can’t wait for the next few weeks!
Thank you for enjoying pancakes with us on Shrove
Tuesday. The kids had a wonderful time and I know you
left with full tummies. Kiddos, I am so proud of you. You
did a great job cooking, serving, and cleaning. You guys
rock!
3rd graders: We will meet 3 more times for Bible study. If
you haven’t been able to come, I still have open chairs at
my table just waiting for you. We would love for you to
join our group for the next 3 Wednesdays at 5 pm in
room 204.
Upcoming Events
Children’s News
Wednesday, February 25
5:00 p.m. 3rd Grade Bible Study—205
5:30 p.m. WNF Meal
6:15 p.m. Children’s, Youth and Growgroups
7:15 p.m. Chancel Choir-Choir Basement
Sunday, March 1
9:00 a.m. Traditional Sunday Worship Service
10:10 a.m. Sunday School
11:15 a.m. Contemporary Sunday Worship Service
3:30 p.m. GrowGroup-B Havens-222
6:00 p.m. FUMY—Youth Activities-Basement
Wednesday, March 4
2:00 p.m. UMW Book Review—Church Library
5:00 p.m. 3rd Grade Bible Study-205
5:30 p.m. WNF Meal
6:00 p.m. UMW Executive Board Meeting-Room #222
6:15 p.m. Children’s, Youth and Growgroups
7:15 p.m. Chancel Choir-Choir Basement
Sunday, March 8
9:00 a.m. Traditional Sunday Worship Service
10:10 a.m. Sunday School
11:15 a.m. Contemporary Sunday Worship Service
6:00 p.m. FUMY—Youth Activities-Basement
Monday, March 9
6:00 p.m. SPRC Meeting—Library
Wednesday, March 11
5:30 p.m. WNF Meal
6:15 p.m. Children’s, Youth and Growgroups
7:15 p.m. Chancel Choir-Choir Basement
Sunday, March 15
9:00 a.m. Traditional Sunday Worship Service
10:10 a.m. Sunday School
11:15 a.m. Contemporary Sunday Worship Service
3:30 p.m. GrowGroup-B Havens-Room #222
Thursday, March 19
9:30 a.m. Irene Elder Circle—FUMC Room #125/127
Sunday, March 22
9:00 a.m. Traditional Sunday Worship Service
10:10 a.m. Sunday School
11:15 a.m. Contemporary Sunday Worship Service
This month I would like to discuss a topic that
might make some of us feel uncomfortable. But I
believe discussing and responding to the problem of
pornography is vitally important. The average age of
first exposure to internet pornography is 11 years
old, with the most recent studies suggesting the
average age may now be 7! This early exposure puts
our children and students at a high risk for getting
trapped in a cycle of addiction. It also damages their
view of a healthy relationship between a man and
women and could potential create challenges in their
future marriages. Research shows that 56% of
divorce cases involved one party having an
obsessive interest in pornographic websites. Many
parents have taken steps to safeguard their students
from pornography on the home computer, but we often
forget that most of today’s students carry a computer
with them wherever they go. According to a 2011
study 73% of children age 13 and older have a
mobile phone. The age of the smartphone has
catapulted the potential exposure to pornography to
new heights. The important question we as parents
need to be asking is “what steps can we take to protect
our children and students?”
I highly recommend researching and
installing a protective filter not only on your home
computer but also on your child or student’s
smartphone. A quick google search will produce many
options to choose from. One option that I am familiar
with and highly recommend is covenanteyes.com.
CovenantEyes not only acts as a filter, but also
provides an easy to read monthly report of the sites
your student’s computer and/or smartphone have
visited. ConvenantEyes also gives you the option to
restrict what apps or phone tools your student is able to
visit/use on their smartphone.
But as with anything, a filter or barrier is of
minimal use if it is not balanced with open dialogue and
conversation about the reason for it. I encourage you to
talk with your children and students about why you are
filtering certain sites and how they can use their phone
and internet safely. CovenantEyes has produced a parents how-to-guide
to protecting your family online. I have placed copies in the
entry way to the youth basement. The guide includes lots of
great information, an internet safety checklist, and an internet
use agreement for parents and students to discuss.
Chase the Lion, Charlie Keys
Finances as of January 2015
Income—Year to Date—$74,700.70 Budgeted $79,490.09
Expenses—Year to Date—$72,154.90 Budgeted $80,001.19
Income/Expenses—Year to Date $2,545.80
Youth News
New Members
Next Newsletter will be Wednesday, March 25. If you have
any information you would like to put in the newsletter
please submit the information no later than– Thursday,
March 19 by NOON. You can email information to
The Surge
While the actual date is of little importance, I think it was January 25, 2015 when Pastor Rick threw the congregation a slight curve ball. After he asked the congregation to come and kneel for prayer time, he asked others to come pray over those already kneeling. These words are almost trivializing that request, because what I heard him say was more of a command, such as, "These folks up here at the altar have heavy hearts already, and I
need some of you to get up here and pray over them."
My initial response was to do a quick eyeball of the people up their praying, and stay in my comfort zone and go pray over someone I knew personally. Congregation members slowly started filling the front to pray over those kneeling as I made my way forward. Not seeing anyone I knew, I found my way near the end of the rail where there was an open spot. I joined his wife who was on my right praying over someone, as several people were already
crowding over someone on my left.
I couldn't readily determine the identity of the person at the altar who Cat and I were praying over, but I placed my hand on the person's shoulder and prayed as Pastor Rick prayed aloud. A minute or two into praying there was
a quiet moment when IT happened.
A surge of power hit me not unlike an electrical circuit being completed and power sent over the lines. Although not an electric shock, it was a quick build-up of energy that felt like an adrenaline surge, only way stronger. I looked up to see if anyone else appeared startled, but saw no one appearing to feel the charge. The little voice
in me is asking, "Wow! What was THAT?"
A few seconds later the surge faded as the prayers were ending. Those up front returned to the pews and I really wanted to stand up and ask the whole congregation, "Who felt that?-- knowing someone else in the sanctuary
that morning must have felt the same thing.
Later that morning the convictions of the event started
surfacing:
1) Why did I feel it necessary to seek out someone I knew personally to pray over? What if Christ only prayed for those HE knew? Wouldn't I want strangers praying over me in a time of need? Conviction #1: Wow,
was I selfish.
2) Why was I surprised at feeling a force during prayer time? More importantly, why would I even ask, "What was
that?" We had numerous people kneeling and earnestly praying, 20-30 others praying over them, and a couple hundred people in the pews praying as well. With that much focused prayer, why would ANYONE be surprised at ANYTHING out of the ordinary happening? Conviction #2: Why didn't I initially know this was the result of the
power of prayer?
3) Why me? I'll be the first to admit I have a full tank of cynicism, I'm unsociable at times, I'm sometimes not easy to get along with, and I live with regrets from years past. Many times my mind wanders during prayer times. It almost seems hypocritical that I pray over someone. Conviction #3: Why do I think I cannot be used in even
the remotest way to further Christ's mission?.
Reflecting on those questions, I also know the Holy Spirit is unpredictable, and is in no way limited by MY understanding. I don't have the gift of eloquent praying that many parishioners seem to have, and almost seem frustrated to find the right words. But I believe this was the nudge I needed at that specific time. While I still am not 'prettying up' my prayers, I am feeling more comfortable praying and finding myself praying more often. That's the surge--and if I felt it, I know others felt it
as well.
Amazingly, Hollywood bombards us with movies and TV shows of vampires, angels, demons, zombies, werewolves; an almost unlimited stream of supernatural media. As a society we must be nearing the saturation point for supernatural themes. And yet, we are obsessed with it. I am willing to guess most people are like me in that we will try to dismiss or explain away a small event where the ultimate supernaturalist uses HIS power in our
lives--for real.
Frankly, I am moving into the Lenten season with an open curiosity. If the Holy Spirit is saying, "Psst, hey you," to the point where I felt a 'prayer surge,' I wonder how many times I have already shut the door on Him. It's probably a good thing He is persistent. Expectantly, l await Part Two to this story, so when that happens I will let you know. God's not after me, He's after all of us and I know this is personal, this is real, and this is supernatural. When you guys ask, "How's my soul," it's
surging.
Oh what peace we often forfeit.
Jeff Rogers
Trike-a-Thon raises $5,836.20
The ‘In His Hands’ preschool Trike-a-Thon raised $5,836.20 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In ten years of sponsoring this event, ‘In His Hands’ preschool has raised over $35,000. Thank you to all who helped with this fantastic achievement! The event was designed to promote bicycle safety and raise money for childhood can-cer research. The Trike-a-Thon was held on Feb. 3rd and 4th. A special thank you to McDonald’s of Canyon. for donating paper goods, United Super-market for their monetary donation, and to Happy State Bank for their donation and support to our event. We also want to thank Officer Tegan Tipton and Officer Jared Wirt for teaching our children about bike
and trike safety.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEALS
Please join us 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. in the Fellowship
Hall. Everyone is welcome!
$3 per individual or $10 per family.
To-go boxes also available.
February 25th
Chicken Fried Rice, Snickers Apple Salad
March 4th Sloppy Joes, Veggie Sticks & Ranch and
Banana S'mores
March 11th Chicken Turnovers, Mixed Salad and
Banana-Berry Frozen Yogurt Bars
Relay for Life Cancer Survivor Dinner
March 26
FUMC Canyon—Fellowship Hall
Sign up on at www.relayforlife.org/canyontx
or call 1-800-227-2345.
For more details contact: Elexa Khan at
Elexa,[email protected]
Concrete Work Tentatively Scheduled
The east steps of the church are scheduled
for concrete work on Friday, March 6
beginning at 9:00 a.m. and going through
Saturday, March 7 evening time. The steps
will be available for use on Sunday, March 8.
Please use either the north or west entrances
of the building during those times. This work
is subject to change because of weather.
Beth Remlinger joined FUMC
on Dec. 14.
Beth is a
retired CHS
teacher.
Welcome
back to
FUMC.
Dan &
Donna
Warrick
joined
FUMC
by transfer from Hereford
FUMC on Dec. 14. Dan is a
CPA and Donna is a retired
teacher. Welcome to FUMC.
Joe Davis
joined FUMC
by transfer on
Dec. 7. He is
retired. Joe is
WTSU alumni. He has moved
from Pampa and lives at Palo
Duro Village. Welcome to
FUMC Canyon.
Mont & Ruth
Blackburn
joined FUMC
by transfer of membership.
Mont & Ruth are both retired.
Welcome to FUMC Canyon.
Joe &
Betty
Morgan
joined
FUMC
by transfer of membership
from McLean UMC.
Welcome to FUMC.
Abigail Dillehay joined FUMC
on Nov. 23. She is the daugh-
ter of Richard & Karen Dillehay.
Welcome to FUMC Canyon.