A monthly publication of the First United Methodist Church

The Voice Rev. Dr. Brian Bosworth, Pastor

Rev. Ricky Harrison, Associate Pastor

(940) 627-3362; info@decaturmethodist.org

A few days ago, I overheard a conversation between a couple of people. The topic of their discussion

was about “Reunion” (Wise County Old Settlers’ Reunion). One sounded like Reunion Veteran with plenty of

comments about what the other person was going to like and dislike. The person who was receiving these

comments had never attended Reunion, and after listening to the one with the experiences, I thought the

friend may now never attend Reunion.

It’s funny, and in some ways even odd, how we hear or read comments and based on those comments

we form an opinion and too often, as a result, miss an opportunity to have a first-hand, untainted experience

for ourselves. Like the person who heard some of the Reunion experiences of their friend and decided not to attend based on

the friend’s account. Please don’t misunderstand, there is nothing wrong with the sharing of experiences and plenty of people

have made good decisions using other’s accounts. But sometimes we miss out on something or someone when we fail to gather

first-hand information or even additional data and only rely on someone else’s account.

In Chapter 9 of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples to proclaim God’s kingdom and to heal the sick. In

Chapter 10, Luke tells us Jesus then commissioned 72 people to go out in pairs to tell people God’s kingdom had come upon

them and they too were to heal the sick as the Twelve had been sent to do. Of course there were lives to be changed both

physically and spiritually. But if the Twelve and then the 72 mentioned in Chapter 10 had only received someone else’s

comments about Jesus, or God’s Kingdom, or the notion of healing the sick, where do you think the church would be today? I

think these first two groups of followers got a first-hand taste of the Kingdom of God and in their personal experiences, many

lives and many generations, including their own, were transformed by God’s grace through those experiences.

One of the things I like to suggest to those who read the Bible is to avoid the “helps” or the notes and commentaries

until after the text has been read and some time to “wrestle” with the story has occurred. That way, the reader has a personal

or first-hand experience to then hear what others might say through the commentaries at a later time. This allows the Holy

Spirit to help us discern truth and not to have someone else tell us in advance what a text says and then be told how to

understand and apply it. Unfortunately, there are far too many people who can’t wait to tell us what the Bible says and how we

are to live our lives as a result of their understanding.

In the coming weeks and months, we will have opportunities for first-hand experiences. There will be ways to learn and

to grow, to give and to serve (hey, that sounds like our Vision Statement) the Lord and the Kingdom that is upon us. Don’t let

someone talk you out of an opportunity that you might have. It may be the opportunity that God was making available to you so

that you might get to know God a bit better. Find a way to experience God first-hand and then help others around you as you

share, like the Disciples and then the 72 after they returned. God’s story is our story and each of our stories are a part of God’s

story. Don’t wait to simply read about it somewhere, get off the sideline and let yourself have the experience!

See you in worship (and maybe at Reunion),

Brian

Issue 8 of 12

August 1, 2017

Children: Ashley Craven Youth: Patrick Steil

Secretary: Rebecca Broker Administrator: Bonnie Wohlleben

Reconnect Starts August 30th Wednesday evening activities for all ages resume August 30th. We call Wednesday night Reconnect because it is a

mid-week opportunity to have a great meal and connect again with God and others, or to reconnect, between Sundays. The first session (six weeks) the adults will be using Adam Hamilton’s John: The

Gospel of Light and Life as the study. The youth and children will also have a study.

The meal begins at 5:45 in Asbury Hall at the MAC. We purchased 15 copies of Adam Hamilton’s book when it was on sale earlier in the summer and those copies are available (first come basis) for $12 each.

Additional copies can be ordered, but their cost will be $14 each.

Golf Ministry Thursday, August 3

5:30 p.m., Decatur Golf Course

Single Board Model Town Hall Meeting Sunday, August 6

12:00 p.m., Room 100 (Fellowship Hal)

Single Board Model Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, August 8

10:00 a.m., Room 100 (Fellowship Hall)

Golf Ministry Thursday, August 10

5:30 p.m., Decatur Golf Course

Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday, August 13

8:30 & 10:50 Worship Services

Back to School Hamburger Bash Sunday, August 13

12:00 p.m., Asbury Hall

Preschool Committee Meeting Monday, August 14

5:00 p.m., Room 209 (Character Builders)

Single Board Model Town Hall Meeting Monday, August 14

6:00 p.m., Room 100 (Fellowship Hall)

Trustees Meeting Tuesday, August 15

6:30 p.m., Room 209 (Character Builders)

Staff Meeting Thursday, August 17

12:00 p.m., Room 209 (Character Builders)

Golf Ministry Thursday, August 17

5:30 p.m., Decatur Golf Course

Golf Ministry Thursday, August 24

5:30 p.m., Decatur Golf Course

United Methodist Men’s Breakfast Saturday, August 26

7:00 a.m., Room 100 (Fellowship Hall)

Reconnect Begins Wednesday, August 30 5:45 p.m., Asbury Hall

Golf Ministry Thursday, August 31

5:30 p.m., Decatur Golf Course

CHURCH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Family of Cliff Dudley, Kenny Shaw, Family of Lois Perry, Family of Dan Dimock, Betty Champion, Jerry Roberts, Betty Roberts, Norma Miller, Jimmy Kirk, Hays Heller,

Jim & Melva Hodges, Family of Shug Faske, Family of Tom Rhea, Noah Smith, Ryan Munnerlyn, David Delong,

Family of Bob Henderson, Family of Betty Zeman

In the Military: Charlie Fortenberry, Michael Jordan, Jake Logue, Garrett Muelstein, Josh Murphy, Chris Hammond,

Matthew Roberson, Kolin Rottner, Joshua VanNoy, Keygun Beaver and Bryce Dudley

1 - Charles Burton, Jayden Moody

3 - Jamie Walther, Sherry Wright

4 - Sharon Voss

5 - Gary Micinski

6 - Mary Nella Armes, Gary Cocanougher, Shay Patterson,

Kevin Pierce, Katy Stone

7 - Mario Galindo, Madeline Pena

8 - Angie Swanson

9 - Annie Lee Wood

10 - Naomi Rawle, Jake WIlliams

11 - Sally Renshaw, Jessie Wright

12 - Jett Wright, Ramona Cerretti, Milly Shenkir

14 - Ryan Munnerlyn

16 - Savannah Peterson, Jerry Watson

17 - Kristi Bennett, Jessica Williams

18 - Garrett Kirk, Raina Park

20 - Alex Forbis, Jodi Miller, Carter Sanders, Gerald Wright

21 - Melissa Bosworth, Meradith Culpepper, Chuck Heaberlin,

Melva Hodges, Logan Park, Stephen Reeves,

Jack Stone, Josef Velten

22 - Shawn Hooe, Dora Rose

23 - Gabe Cocanougher

24 - Ben Bond, Joey Laremore

25 - Susan Hammond

26 - Marsha Hafer, Susanne Parker, Travis Young

27 - Shannon Fitzgerald, Wanda McCurdy,

Mary Louise Woodruff, W.B. Woodruff

28 - Melissa McAlister, Nancy Rosendahl

29 - Asa Johnson, Diane Sanders, Gillis Sewell

30 - Mason Woodruff

31 - Betty Champion, Lynn Lambert, Josh Murphy

August

Happenings

August

Birthdays

August 6th 8:30 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Barbara Haley Communion Servers: Jamie Walther & Marguarette Roberts

Acolyte: Eleanor & Ben Bond 10:50 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Fred Renfro Communion: Ron & Dena Silvers

Acolyte: Kathryn Highlander & Kennedy Hafer Counters: Cheryl Renfro & Tobi Cullop

August 13th 8:30 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Penny Holt Communion Servers: Sharon Meyer and Jane Pemberton

Acolyte: Noah Holt 10:50 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Murvelle Chandler Acolytes: Nolan & Shelby Sewell

Counters: Barbara Swan & Brian Knox

August 20th 8:30 Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Youth Communion Servers: Youth

Acolyte: Audree Knox 10: 50 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Youth Acolyte: Wiley Stone

Counters: Tobi Cullop & Foster Walker

August 27th 8:30 Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Virginia Caraway Communion Servers: Asa Johnson & Tom Tumelty

Acolyte: Eleanor & Ben Bond 10: 50 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Sally Rieger Acolyte: Julie Stone & Parker Deaton

Counters: Gary Cocanougher & Dwight Reeves

August Communion Set Up: Open Doors Class

Donations for WARM

Personal Care Items

Sunday Refreshments

Men’s Class

Guest Follow-Up

Sharon Smith

Care Corp

Wanda Stone, Notifier Shirley Peterson, Virginia Renfro, Murvelle Chandler

and Jennifer Garrett

If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind

that doorway or down a hallway?

Or just want a tour?

Come and See!

Sunday, August 20 After the 10:50 Worship Service

Meet in the fellowship hall at 12:00

Right after Worship for the tour.

New to the church or already a regular,

everyone is invited!

Welcome New Members

Thom & Judy Lambert!

You may have seen Thom and Judy around the church

already, they officially transferred their member-

ship to FUMC Decatur on 7/23/2017.

When you see them, stop and welcome

them to the FUMC Decatur family

First United Methodist Church Preschool

Greetings from FUMP! I am excited to report that our roster is almost full for next year! We have one spot remaining. Our preschool makeover is almost complete. We've been busy painting, organizing, and planning for a wonderful school year.

We are thankful to have outstanding people who work with our children. Many of you know Peggy Cundiff, our master snack creator, nurse, comforter, friend and prayer warrior. We could-n't minister to our kids with her! Be sure to offer encouragement to her as she serves. We are also blessed to have Amber Terrell back again as one of our teachers. She is patient, kind, loving, and has a gift for teaching. I'm thankful for her partnership and hope you get a chance to know her as well. A familiar face, Katie Lowe, will be joining us this year to help each day. A humble and genuine teacher who makes the children feel right at home!

Please partner with us in prayer as we enter a new year. I've heard it said that many of our interruptions are divine appointments and my prayer is that we use all of these at preschool to point others to Christ! Submitted by; Bonnie Hubbard, Preschool Director

BIBLE STUDIES RESUME

SEPTEMBER

Wednesday and Thursday morning

Bible studies will be resuming

mid September.

Wednesday, September 13

10:00 a.m.

Thursday, September 14

7:00 a.m.

Back-to-School Burger Bash!

Sunday, August 13

Join us for lunch in the MAC 12:00 p.m. (Right after Worship)

Bring your favorite burger side dish or dessert and celebrate kick off an

awesome new school year!

Well July was a fantastic month! We served on Mission Trip in Tahlequah OK and we all grew closer to God. We learned about how God has provided us so much "scaffolding" around us to build us up into the People he wants us to be and how sometimes the scaffolding is there to help repair things when we need it. Youth Sunday went off pretty well (especially considering we had not rehearsed at all!) The stories from the Youth coming back from Mis-sion Trip were great as I had guessed they would be. They really stepped up and did a fantastic job! Well, summer is coming to a close, school is just around the corner and so we will get back into the normal school and church routines.

Here are some important dates to put on your calendar: August 5th - Kidnap the 6th Graders - more info coming out this week August 6th - Promotion Sunday August 13th - Fall Calendaring Meeting right after late service in the MAC - bring $3 for lunch, entire family is invited August 20th - Ranger Game / David Crowder Concert We will continue to meet each Wednesday Night in August and of course every Sunday morning for Sunday school.

are gearing up for a fun filled

Join us each Sunday for a fun filled hour of Sunday School Kiddos ages 4 years - 5th grade

9:40 am - 10:40 am

Location: Main church bldg. on the 3rd floor Questions? Email me anytime!

children@decaturmethodist.org

Fill those BUCKETS with loose change!

Noisy Offering Sunday August 20 August

Sunday School Volunteers

1st Sunday - Megan Hammons, Lindsay Bond, Sharon Walker 2nd Sunday - Casey Edwards, Penny Holt, Stacey Sandford 3rd Sunday - Jamie Milliman, Debra Walker 4th Sunday - Barbara Haley, Regina Stone

PROMOTION SUNDAY

August 6

“Jumping Back to School”

children’s event at Urban Air

Trampoline Park.

Sunday, August 6th

Kiddos will ride together

in the church van.

We will leave the church at

12:15 and return at 4:30.

Lunch and Fun included!

Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday, August 13 during both services

Bring your backpack to the service and our Pastors will bless them.

What a great way to start off the school year!

But my family and I

will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24:15

Sunday School FOCUS

God Chooses Joshua

Spies in Canaan

Crossing the Jordan

Jericho

Re-Membered and Re-Minded

This past month I have been reading Judges and Acts during morning prayer. Through these scriptures, I have been re-minded of the vital importance of re-membering who we are and Whose we are as the people of God. Throughout Judges I see what it looks like when the people of God forget who they are and Whose they are. These recent nomads have settled into a more comfortable life in the Promised Land, no

longer wandering the desert and depending on God to provide manna in the morning dew and water from rocks. In their comfort, they began to stop telling the stories of faith: the stories of suffering in Egypt, of God’s hand breaking the bonds of slavery and leading them to freedom through the Sea, of God providing for God’s people even as they wandered through the desolate deserts of life. When we stop telling the stories of who we are and Whose we are, “another generation grows up after us, who does not know the Lord or the work that he has done for us” (1:10). The Israelites “abandoned the Lord,” yet God remained faithful and raised up judges like Deborah and Gideon to re-member and re-mind God’s people. They would tell the stories of faith, stories of God’s great love, and re-mind the people who they were and Whose they were. This cycle simply repeats itself throughout Scripture: we forget, God remains faithful, someone helps us remember; we forget, God remains faithful, someone helps us remember; we forget, God remains faithful, someone helps us remember…who we are and Whose we are.

In Acts, those who do not even yet know they are the people of God are re-minded and re-membered into the com-munity we call the Church. Through breaking bread, sharing possessions, praising God, and praying daily these members of the early Christian community – the Body of Christ – are re-membered to one another and to God. Paul constantly re-minds the community, “You are the Body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Cor. 12:27). As the Body of Christ is broken on the cross and in the bread and in the bodies of martyrs like Stephen, the people of God are re-minded and re-membered into the Body of Christ for the world. Paul tells these communities, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5). As the people of God, our entire being – heart, mind, body, and soul – are re-minded and re-membered into the Body of Christ for the sake of the world.

I find it so easy to forget things in my everyday life. Even with the help of Google Calendars and Siri Reminders, I have learned I am prone to forgetting. I forget a birthday, a chore on my to-do list, to pray at the end of a long day. Yet, as I read Scripture, each morning I am re-minded that I am not the only one who easily falls into forgetfulness. From the very beginning, human beings so easily forget the great goodness of God’s love, who they are and Whose they are. So Scripture re-minds us, “Remember the Lord your God” (Deut. 8); “do this in remembrance of me…do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me” (1 Cor. 11:23-26). And so each week we gather in worship, as the people of God, to re-member and be re-membered into the Body of Christ, to re-mind and be re-minded into the mind of Christ Jesus; to break bread, share possessions, praise God, and pray once again that we might re-member who we are and Whose we are: the Body of Christ, broken and re-membered for sake of the world.

In Christ,

Ricky Harrison

A Single Board for Church Leadership? – Town Hall Meetings Set to Provide Information

As a part of our Healthy Church Initiative (HCI) Weekend Consultation Report that was adopted by the Charge Conference in May 2016, we

are expected to develop a system of accountable leadership, which includes leadership training, for the church to implement. One of the sug-

gestions given in the prescription to move toward accountability, was for the church to consider going from the current system of governance

(Ad Board, SPRC, Finance Committee, Board of Trustees, Council on Ministries, various other ministry committees and teams) to a more

simplified and more accountable form of church governance such as a single-board or one-board model of governance.

To help the congregation better understand this concept, 3 Town Hall type meetings have been planned by the Committee on Nominations

and Leadership Development. At these meetings, Pastor Brian will present the concepts of accountable leadership and how a single-board

model of governance that involves fewer people, may in fact improve accountability and church leadership, as well as free up more time for

people to engage in ministry in the mission field. All 3 Town Hall Meetings will take place in the Fellowship Hall. Please come to one so you

can hear and see what is being discussed. Any decision to change the model of church governance must be approved by the District Superin-

tendent and the Charge Conference (¶247.2 and ¶243 of The United Methodist Book of Discipline)

Meeting Dates:

Sunday, August 6th at Noon Tuesday, August 8th at 10:00am Monday, August 14th at 6:00pm

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THIS NEWSLETTER CREATED ESPECIALLY FOR

YOU!

Monday, August 28 at 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 31 8:30 a.m.—Character Builders Classroom

For any submissions you would like put in The Voice either call the church office at 627-3362 or email administrator@decaturmethodist.org.

If you want to see your church event pictures in The Voice, send them to us! We would love to include those for all the church members to enjoy.

FUMC Mission Statement

“Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”