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FUMC Newsletter SEPTEMBER 2017

426 St. Paul, Gonzales, TX 78629

Phone: 830-672-8521 Fax: 830-672-4612 www.fumcgonzales.org fumc@gvec.net

memorials

Pastor’s Corner

Brothers and Sisters, We have all watched the unfolding of the awful devastation left behind by Hurricane Harvey over the past days. I have watched as the places I grew up, the places my friends grew up, the places my friends still live quickly became inundated with water and as photos emerged revealing that some were completely gone. Yet, even in the face of the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, there is hope. God is at work. We should join Him! We have joined locally as we opened our facilities up to host evacuees. When it turned out the needs were met by our brothers and sisters at First Baptist Church, we joined their efforts by donating $1000 to help with the cost of food and supplies necessary when caring for the families entrusted to our community. As you know, I’ve called on our congregation to join in raising funds for the relief efforts that no doubt will take years. The Rio Texas Conference Disaster Response Fund is the specific fund Bishop Robert Schnase has called upon us to support. This fund will help our Early Response Teams on the ground, will help us partner with UMCOR (the best organization in the world in this type of situation!), and will all go to Harvey relief. I am in contact with people from both the Houston region and in the Coastal Bend area and we are working to determine additional ways that we can be a part of the relief efforts. Even as I write this, we’re still not exactly sure what the specific needs are. I believe First United Methodist Church Gonzales can make a major difference in the smaller communities along the coast that may have to wait quite a while to see relief from larger organizations. This is what God continues to impress on me. I know there will be supplies needed, funds will be needed to work on meeting specific needs and we will need people to join our teams to go and help. As soon as I am able to articulate needs and timeframes for them, we will send out a church-wide email to notify you of the plan. If you don’t email and would like to be a part of this work, please give us a call in the church office and we’ll do our best to keep you informed. Please join me in praying for now. Pray that God will provide local partnerships that we can join to provide relief in those smaller coastal communities. Pray that God will raise up leaders among our congregation to lead teams to meet those needs. Pray that we might join in the great work that God is already up to as we live as the hands and feet of Christ.

Blessings, Pastor Matt

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Altar Flowers for September

are given by:

September 3

Jay and Donna Gray In Memory of Ross D. Gray and Inez Gray

Bill and Cheryl Meadows

In Memory of Elizabeth Meadows

Clampit Family In Memory of Our Loved Ones

Bill and Barbara DeBerry

September 10

Nancy Logan In Memory of Jim Logan

September 17

Mrs. Norma B. Fink In Memory of William Fink

Mike and Karen Vaughan In Honor of Karen’s Dad

In Memory of Karen’s Mom, and Mike’s Mom and Dad

September 24

Herman Grauke and Family In Memory of Sue Grauke

Bobby Morgan Family

In Memory of Loved Ones

Staff

Rev. Matt Pennington, Senior Pastor Rev. Eradio Valverde, Pastor of Discipleship & Nurture

Brian Sherman, Director of Youth Ministries Katrina Sherman, Director of Youth Ministries

Felicia Cantu, Office Manager Rosemary Hindman, Business Manager

Janelle Lester, Wesley Nurse Christina Menking, Organist

Bill Meadows, Pianist Sandra Jandt, Happy House Director

Rosannah Green, Attendance Beronica Riojas, Custodian

History and Archive Tidbit: On August 29, 1854, the Gonzales Inquirer reported a fire in the “new Methodist Church.” It seemed to be a re-sult of a flea infestation among the many wood shavings that had been left; the contractor was trying to clean them up, and somehow a fire flared up. Damages were about $ 100.00.

What’s Your Calling?

When you have a sense of calling — whether it’s to be a musician, soloist, artist, in one of the technical fields or a plumber — there is something deep and enriching when you realize it isn’t just a casual choice; it’s a divine calling. [That’s] not limited to vocational Christian service, by any means.

—Charles R. Swindoll

This month’s communion rail offering will go to The Rio Texas Conference Disaster R e s p o n s e F u n d , specifically for Hurricane Harvey Rel ie f . The overhead for this is already covered through our local churches, so everything we send to this Fund will go directly to current relief efforts. This fund will work in partnership with The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to sustain the relief efforts for as long as they are needed. Simply write “Harvey Relief” in the memo of your check and drop it in the offering plate or mail it to the church office.

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Dear FUMC, Thank you so much for the Bible. It is very beautiful. I plan to keep it with me all the time. Thanks for thinking about me during this special time.

Love, Corie Connell First United Methodist Church, Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to further my education. By receiving this scholarship I will be able to attend school at Blinn College to pursue a higher education. The financial help that I have received will take a heavy burden off of my parents and me. I don’t know what I would have done without the love and support of my church family.

Jake Barnick FUMC, Thank you very much for thinking of me during this special time. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness. This fall I will be attending Blinn Junior College to begin my journey to become a Registered Nurse. I am very honored to have received this scholarship. It will really help with all the college expenses. Also thank you for the Bible and Senior Luncheon. It feels great to be part of such an awesome church!

Sincerely, Wade Miller Dear FUMC, It is great being part of a wonderful church family. I appreciate the Bible that was presented to me on Senior Sunday. I also greatly appreciate the scholarship I received. I am attending the University of Texas at Austin and am excited about starting this new stage in life. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely, Allyson Schauer

FUMC Family, Thank You for the donation for our new classroom rugs, for the painting of our school, new A/C unit and new roof. We also thank you for the teacher luncheon. We greatly appreciate your love and support of Happy House.

Sandra Jandt, Happy House

Thank you!

United Methodist Women

Wesleyan Circle Meetings

After a busy summer, it’s time to resume meetings of the Wesleyan Circle. We meet on

the 2nd

Tuesday at noon in the Narthex. Join us as Norma Fink gives the program and Emily Neuse is hostess. Come check us out.

Crossroads District Annual Meeting

September 16, 2017 Cuero First UMC

Registration Deadline Sept. 2

Rio Texas Conference Annual Meeting

October 20-21, 2017 First UMC Corpus Christi

Registration Deadline Sept.29 (Gonzales UMW will be hosting the 2018 Rio

Texas Conference Meeting so we need to attend to learn what we need to do.)

Contact Cheryl Meadows

(672-7711 or 857-6417) if you are interested in attending.

Dear First United Methodist Church Family, Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness in providing a great welcome back luncheon for GISD faculty and staff. The wonderful salads are always remembered and looked forward to each year. This tradition is a special one and we are so grateful!

Most Sincerely, Kim Strozier

Bereavement Committee, Thank you for the use of your hall and providing the food for the meal after Monie Kay’s funeral. The food was all very good.

The Zaskoda Family

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Please contact Felicia at the church office, 672-8521, if your information is missing or incorrect.

SEPTEMBER Birthdays 9/01 Connie Davis 9/02 Macy Sample Ellis Baker 9/03 Eve Waddell Layne Barnick 9/04 Sue Harris Mason Matejcek 9/05 Doyle Allen Garen Reese 9/06 Sammie Massie Christi Fullilove Cade Davis John Gentry 9/08 Elenore Ehrig Dane Sullivan Jake Hardcastle 9/09 Darren Schauer Eldon Farek Tim Gray Will Miller 9/11 Charles Pankey Stephanie Carter Lance Behlen James Gacke

9/13 Don Leifeste David Bivins Dustin Williams Kate Zella 9/14 Jack Finch Devin Bennett 9/15 Bobby Morgan Erin Baker 9/16 Rusty Clampit 9/17 Leah Behlen Jay Pruett Cole Boothe Judy Gipson 9/18 Lana Lucas Emersyn Kusak 9/19 Tammy Morgan Mike Vaughan 9/20 Kathy Gibson Keith Schauer Shannon Sample Jamie Bryant Kristie Seale Travis Malaer Lloyd Gacke

9/21 Charlotte Wilson Deanie Ploeger Keith Heldarsen Maggie Farrar Brendan Yoakum 9/22 Steve Taylor Kathleen Borrer 9/23 Frances Ehrig 9/24 Willene Tate Nancy Logan 9/25 Judy Neitsch Matthew Oakes Parker Storey 9/26 Kristi Mercer 9/27 Ludene Poe Chad Denman 9/28 Sherry Poe Tyler Campos Heather McMahon 9/29 Blake Allen 9/30 Tim Allen Joseph Matejcek

9/1 Andrew & Charlotte Geogiou 9/10 Greg & Joan Griffin Clayton & Stephanie Gacke 9/11 Keeton & Jessica Ehrig 9/12 Matt & Lea Ann Wyant 9/14 Emmitt & Marie Currie 9/18 Bobby & Barbara Atkinson 9/22 Larry & Patrice Gray David & Sascha Kardosz 9/28 Bobby & Evelyn Clark

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September 3, 2017 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Cole Boothe Addyson Kardosz ACOLYTES Morgan Boothe Dixie Lester Jaylen Johnson Peyton Ruddock (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Jimmy Borrer Cheryl Meadows Gary Clack Ray Neitsch Bill DeBerry Leslie Ploeger Herman Grauke Kelly Allen

Johnnie Fogle J. Lynn Barnick LITURGIST Kiley Allen Kiley Allen CHILDREN’S SERMON

September 10, 2017 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Mallory Clack Faith Lester ACOLYTES Braden Clampit Joelee Lester Natalie Tenberg Sadie Thibodeaux (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Erwin Ckodre Mary Tomas Kenneth Fink Justin Pope Joe Britt Hindman David Bird Commie Hisey Jeffery Braune

Allison Davis Lisa Barnick LITURGIST Lisa Gindler Lisa Gindler CHILDREN’S SERMON

SEPTEMBER WORSHIP ASSISTANTS

September 17, 2017 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Blakely Mercer Grace Morgan ACOLYTES Brendon Mercer Paisley Ploeger Ancel Atkinson Kiley Allen (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS John Lucas Mike Davis Greg Sengelmann Bitsy Henderson Ronnie Menking Dick Goss Steve Taylor Shirley Goss

Dale Graham David Bird LITURGIST Commie Hisey Commie Hisey CHILDREN’S SERMON

If you are unable to serve on the date scheduled, please contact the church office, 672-8521.

September 24, 2017 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Tara Lester Weston Ruddock ACOLYTES Cree Stowers Macy Sample Quinn Atkinson Nicholas Casares (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS John Whitt Eldon Farek Martha Jo Whitt Greg Griffin Billy Boothe Tom Lester, Sr. Sue Boothe Bobby Morgan

Rosemary Hindman Lisa Gindler LITURGIST Kristi Mercer Kristi Mercer CHILDREN’S SERMON

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calendar

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Wesley Nurse News ~ Hearing

Dear Church Family, “Ears to hear and eyes to see – both are gifts from the Lord.” - Proverbs 20:12 NLT We’ve all said it, “he hears when he wants to hear.” Sometimes people seem to hear and understand without difficulty and other times they seem not to hear anything. We often assume that it is selective listening, but it is usually more than just ‘not listening.’ When hearing is lost, a great deal of energy and time goes into trying to understand what is being said. A person can be totally exhausted by the end of a day spent struggling to hear. Hearing aids help make conversation better – not perfect. Even with hearing aids some things will be missed. Most people with good hearing miss things but fill in the blanks. To ensure that one who doesn’t hear well, will hear what you say: • Face them so they can see your lips and your facial expression – be sure the light is not behind you as your face will be in the shadows • Try to eliminate as much extraneous noise as possible • Don’t shout – use a normal voice • Try not to drop your voice at the end of a sentence • Enunciate your words without exaggerating them • Remember that speaking rapidly makes you difficult to understand so slow down • When you are not being understood, try rephrasing what you are saying. It often gives more clues to meaning. • Don’t say “Never mind; it wasn’t important.” The person might feel that they are not important enough for you to repeat the statement. Hearing impairment is complex. Get a person’s attention first and you have a better chance of being understood. Be patient and keep trying. If the hearing impaired appears reserved or disinterested, they may not be aware of your presence or be able to understand what you are saying. Don’t assume that hearing aids will help since adjusting to them can be difficult. This especially impacts older people who have lived in a very quiet world for a long time and suddenly experience painful, loud, and disruptive noise. Time and patience are needed to make the adjustment as the person must gradually increase both the wearing time and noise level before being comfortable with the aids. If you are having difficulty hearing, ask for help. God is good and has provided many advances to help the hearing impaired. There may be no need to be isolated by hearing loss. There are three basic types of hearing loss. Conductive loss means sound does not travel through the ear canal effectively. Sound is either reduced or becomes faint sounds that can’t be heard because of infection, impacted earwax, the presence of a foreign body, or an improperly functioning ear canal. With a sensorineural loss, the nerve from the ear to the brain has been damaged and the loss is permanent. This can occur from disease, injury, drugs, aging, or excessive noise. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of these problems and correcting the problem will depend on the degree of obstruction or nerve loss.(Source: National Institutes of Health www.nih.gov/)

“Listen to the noise they make like the rumbling of chariots, like the roar of fire sweeping across a field of stubble, or like a mighty army moving into battle.” - Joel 2:5 NLT There are three basic types of hearing loss. Conductive loss means sound does not travel through the ear canal effectively. Sound is either reduced or becomes faint sounds that can’t be heard because of infection, impacted earwax, the presence of a foreign body, or an improperly functioning ear canal. With a sensorineural loss, the nerve from the ear to the brain has been damaged and the loss is permanent. This can occur from disease, injury, drugs, aging, or excessive noise. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of these problems and correcting the problem will depend on the degree of obstruction or nerve loss.

“He who has ears, let him hear.” - Matthew 13:9 NIV For a slight hearing loss, devices are available to amplify the sound of your phone or TV. For greater hearing loss, be tested for a hearing aid that is tailored to your specific loss and needs. The aid won’t restore your hearing or help in all situations but it will amplify speech and sound to help with comprehension of conversations and activities. With many types of aids available it is important to find a good audiologist to help with your selection. It is a piece of machinery so test them out, select only the features you need, have it properly fitted, take time to adjust to the change in sound, and remember to have it mechanically maintained. It can’t help you if it is not working properly.

“Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.” - Proverbs 2:2 NLT Ears are sensitive and loud noises can damage them. If you have trouble hearing the person next to you speak, the noise is already in the danger level. Normal conversation, alarm clocks, and street sounds measure 80 decibels (dB) which is just under the point that is safe (85 dB). Sounds from rock music, chain saws, subways, lawnmowers, and snowmobiles range from 90-110 dBs and over time will cause hearing loss. Severe sounds in the 120-150 dB range include firearms, jet engines, sirens, jackhammers, and any music at its peak volume will cause an even quicker hearing loss. To prevent this type of permanent loss, wear earplugs to soften the sound and when possible, limit your time around any loud noise. If you have a hard time hearing and are concerned, make an appointment with your doctor to have your ears checked.

Your Wesley Nurse, Janelle Lester BSN, RN

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Book Club News

A Long Way Home, a memoir by Saroo Brierley, was our August selection and is a book that would be suitable and enjoyable for all ages. High school students who need a book to read and report on would be wise to choose this multicultural offering. It is the story of a young boy (5-ish) from a poor family who gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, India (after a train ride from his home town). After surviving on the streets alone for several weeks, he is rescued by a stranger who takes him to an orphanage. He is, luckily, adopted by a lovely Australian couple. As he grows up into a fine young man, he begins to search for his home and family via Google Earth. The results help make this an exciting, heart-warming book. The themes of family love (biological and adopted) and cultural diversity make this a “must-read.” Some of you may have seen the Oscar-nominated movie Lion which was based on this true story. For September, we have selected a novel loosely- based on a true story, Gilded Years, by Karin Tanabe which tells the story of the first black woman graduate (in 1897) of Vassar . She accomplished this by “passing” for white. This period of U. S. history is always interesting because modern America was truly being established so the book has that feel plus what life was like for young college women in that era. We will be meeting on Thursday, September 28 at 9:30 in the church library. Please plan to join us!

Martha Jo Whitt

Wesley Nurse Upcoming Events – ­ The Dementia-Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support group meets on the first Wednesday of the month. This

month we will meet on September 6th at 1 pm in the Bridal Parlor. There will be a presentation given to support members on, “Advance Directives and Power of Attorney.” You do not have to be a member of the group to come and listen to the presentation if you are interested in the topic.

­ The Cancer Support group will meet on the second Tuesday of the month. This month we will meet on September 12th at noon in the Narthex.

­ NEW TIME!!! The Walking class meets Monday – Thursday at 1:30 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. Please come and join us for fun, fellowship, and a good workout!

­ The Flex and Tone exercise class on Tuesday and Thursdays at 11 am, in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcomed to join us in light weight lifting and fellowship!

­ Thank you very much to all of you who supported our “Back to School Supply Drive.” Many children in our community have benefited from your giving and loving heart. School supplies have been distributed to the Elementary schools in Gonzales to supply less fortunate children with school supplies for the whole year.

­ The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center of Victoria will be here out in front of the church on Sunday, September 17th, from 8 am – 12 pm., for our third blood drive of the year. Mark your calendars and please come and help save a life, by donating blood to those in need. I faithfully pray that we as a church and community will continue to give selflessly and positively impact the lives of others.

­ Due to Hurricane Harvey, the Lunch N Learn about Diabetes Education had to be cancelled at the end of August. This event will be rescheduled and I hope that you all take advantage of this learning opportunity, to educate yourselves about a disease that affects 30.3 million people (9.4% of the US population).

­ If you need any of the Wesley Nurse services or would like to visit about the services I am able to provide, please call 830.672.1031 to set up an appointment or email me at jlester@mhm.org.

STATISTICAL REPORT JULY, 2017

DATE 8:30 10:45 TOTAL SS OFFERINGS 2 88 120 208 70 $ 14,450.75 9 98 140 238 76 $ 14,654.75 16 88 115 203 74 $ 8,929.00 23 134 120 254 70 $ 10,859.07 30 76 135 211 72 $ 12,291.40

TOTALS: 484 630 1114 362 $ 61,184.97 AVERAGES: 97 126 223 72

TOTAL EXPENSES FOR THE MONTH: $ 45,599.23 NET GAIN OR LOSS FOR THE MONTH: $ 15,585.74 APPORTIONMENTS PAID TO DATE: ___ 58%

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Earth Angels

It’s that time of year again. Back to school! Earth Angels would like to wish all teachers returning to their classrooms a wonderful, successful year! And, like all teachers, Earth Angels must make plans for each of our meetings. Our latest quilting plan is called “Twinkling Stars”, and most of what we will produce will be for those people who need to be “wrapped in God’s love”.

Women who are interested in quilting make up our group called Earth Angels. Meetings are usually held at 6:00 PM on the second Tuesday of each month in the FUMC Fellowship Center. A typical meeting involves an inspirational reading, the mentioning of persons who may be in need of prayers or a quilt, as well as interesting programs, sharing ideas, showing quilts, and engaging in quilting projects. Fellowship and sharing play a major role in Earth Angels. Feel free to visit our next meeting on September 12, 2017.

I am so excited to share with you that First Methodist is welcoming Rev. Eradio Valverde to our team as Pastor of Discipleship and Nurture. Rev. Valverde is a long time partner in ministry and mentor to me, and I believe God has great things in store for our community through his leadership. Pastor Eradio will be on our clergy team part time, and you’ll have a variety of ways to get to know him and his amazing wife Nellie over the coming weeks. I know you’ll join me in giving a great Gonzales welcome to the Valverde family!

Blessings, Pastor Matt

Eradio Valverde, Jr. The Reverend Eradio Valverde, Jr. comes to us after being district superintendent of the Coastal Bend (Corpus Christi) District for seven years; Senior Pastor of First UMC in Harlingen; Senior Pastor of First UMC of San Marcos; Senior Pastor of Trinity UMC in San Antonio; Senior Pastor for 11 years of El Mesias UMC in Mission, Texas. Rev. Valverde has served as campus minister at then-Pan American University in Edinburg, the council director for The Río Grande Conference, and pastor of First UMC in Río Grande City, Texas. Rev. Eradio was president of the Board of Ordained Ministry of both the Southwest Texas and Río Grande conferences; a delegate to General and Jurisdictional conferences. He also served in various capacities in community committees and organizations including chairing the United Way campaign of Mission, TX; serving as chair of the Complete Count Committee of the 1990 U.S. Census, and several city committees. Rev. Valverde served as a Trustee on the Board of Trustees for Asbury Seminary in Lexington, KY, and Orlando, FL. Rev. Valverde is a graduate of Perkins School of Theology (SMU) with a Master of Theology degree; from Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX with a B.A. in Sociology, and an A.A. degree from Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, TX. Rev. Valverde graduated from Madison High School in Houston, attended Lanier Jr. High in Houston, Memorial Jr. High in Kingsville, and Flato Elementary of Kingsville. Pastor Eradio was born in Kingsville where he lived 13 years before moving to Houston with his family. Rev. Valverde and Nellie have been married 39 years and are blessed with four daughters; Nellie Maria Garcia of Mission, TX; Saraí Cortez of San Marcos; Carli Valverde of San Antonio; and Caitlin D. Valverde of Houston. They have two sons-in-law: Jorge Garcia of Mission, and Eric Cortez of San Marcos. And they’re grandparents of five grandchildren: Saraí Evangelina Cortez, 10, of San Marcos; Liam Carlos Vasquez, 8, of Houston; Caleb Eradio Garcia, 7; Eliana Beth Garcia, 4; and Adabelle Grace Garcia, 2 of Mission, TX. Rev. and Mrs. Valverde live in Seguin, TX where they have a spoiled dog named Wesley. Rev. Valverde loves to read, writes a morning devotional that he shares via email (see http://TheUniversityOfTheWay.blogspot.com to sign up!), loves to listen to music, spend time with Nellie and the grandkids, and cheering for all Houston Teams. He is excited and honored to be among us, and looks forward to meeting each person as soon as possible. Rev. Valverde, as Minister of Discipleship and Nurture will soon offer some classes for the church. During his six years as campus minister, he was a faculty member of Pan American University where he taught in the Bible and Sociology departments.

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At the Corner of Despair and Disappointment

At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there.Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.’ He said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.’Then the Lord said to him, ‘Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram.Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place.Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.’ (1 Kings 19:9-18) We've all been there at one time or another, and pastors especially; right at the corner of Despair and Disappointment. It seems all we have tried and all we have done has been for nought. And that's where the prophet Elijah found himself that day. He had seen a tremendous victory take place over the followers of Baal. Four hundred (400) prophets of that god and followers gathered to see a contest between the Living God (our God) and the false god Baal. God won! But, the fallout from that victory was that the king who believed in Baal and more especially the queen (that mean old Jezebel) wanted Elijah dead. Elijah went to hide. And he first sought refuge under a broom tree, then later in this cave. God came to him and asked what he was doing, and Elijah poured out his heart to God. Then God instructs him to go and stand on this mountain before God and to await His passing by. First, there was a great wind that splits the mountains and broke rocks into pieces. But God was not in the wind. Then an earthquake, but God was not in the earthquake. Then a fire and again, God was not the fire. And after a fire, sheer silence. Then God asks Elijah again, "What are you doing here?" These terrible disasters that can come from nature happen and God is not in them. We may be near them or see what they can do to others, but we are not necessarily harmed by them. Then it may be very quiet and we wonder, where is God? And God speaks, and God is with us. Elijah then heard his new orders, which he followed. He had the message; God was with him the entire time. Mountains had split and broken up; earthquakes could come and destroy all kinds of things; fire could come and destroy everything, and in the sheer silence that may follow these disasters, God speaks, "I am here." Dear friend, whatever you may be facing today may seem as big and as powerful as any of these natural disasters, but listen closely: God is with you. You are not now or ever alone. Then, move forward and continue to do what God has asked of you in your life. Greater things happen after what we believe to be setbacks or failures. Never give up. PRAYER: Loving God, as mountains fall and break, and as earthquakes come to shake the ground on which I stand, and as fires sweep through my life, You are with me. I have to listen and be still and I will hear You. Speak to me at Your will and share with me that which I am to do. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen. Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Say goodbye to the mountains stopping your forward motion; and enjoy the shaking of the ground. Spit on the fire. God is with you. Then move on! Eradio Valverde

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What’s been going on: Poolside Bible Studies Throughout the summer our youth group met up around Gonzales at different youth’s homes and had

poolside bible studies. We were sad to see them come to an end with the start of a new school year, but

we were so thankful for all who helped make this happen over the summer .

Chalupa Night This past month we celebrated going back to school with a Chalupa Night. We had all-you-can-eat Chalupas, and played Chalupa (Mexican Bingo), where the youth won prizes that would help them get excited about school, as well as brush up on some of their Spanish vocabulary. We had a blast celebrating and are excited to see what this new school year has to hold. What’s coming up:

Youth Group

School has officially begun! This means we have started meeting again for Wednesday Night Youth Group at the church. We have made a minor change for semester with our meeting times. Starting August 30, Youth Group will be held from 5-8 pm with split times for Junior High and High School. The Junior High Lesson will be from 5-6 pm, a shared meal and games from 6-7 pm, and then the High School Lesson from 7-8 pm. Junior High students will need to be picked up from the church by 6:50 pm. We are very excited for this change as we feel it will allow us to continue growing by reaching more students at times that work with their new school schedules.

Confirmation Confirmation classes will begin on September 10, 2017. 7

th graders and older students who have not

yet completed Confirmation will soon receive letters in the mail, so be on the lookout! Ongoing Reminders:

Please join our Texting Service!

Stay connected with what is happening in our Youth Ministry.

Parents, text the word “parents” to 956-752-3909 and follow instructions.

Youth, text the word “gonzales” to 956-752-3909 and follow instructions.

You can opt out at any time. Don’t miss the opportunity to be plugged into this ministry!

Youth News

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First United Methodist Church

426 St. Paul Street

Gonzales, Texas 78629

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