A Periodical from First United Methodist Church in Temple, Texas

February 2009

The Wordiodical fr

Inside This EditionInside This EditionA Letter to my Grandson•

New Building Dedication Pics•

Soldier of the Month•

Worship for the New Year•

January 2010y

Tell the people the full message Tell the people the full message of this new life!of this new life!

Acts 5:20Acts 5:20

The Word from Pastor TomThe Word from Pastor Tom

This is the time of year when most of us make a resolution to do things better in 2010. I always make a huge list for the new and improved Tom. I resolve to lose weight; fi nish my dissertation for my doctorate; pray for people I don’t like; be a better father, husband, son and pastor; stop disliking my wife’s horses; stop blaming God for Brussels sprouts, and just be an all-around better person. I usually make it till about noon on January 1 before I become just regular old narcissistic me. How about you? How long do you keep your New Year’s resolutions? Do they last past noon? This year I’m going to do something different and it has to do not so much with me, it has to do with God and God’s plan for my life and yours. I’m going to start everyday praying the prayer attributed to John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. Wesley struggled with ego and pride just like the rest of us. But then one day, standing on a street corner, he came to understand that God loved him unconditionally and that God had a plan for his life. In response to a new understanding that he didn’t have to be perfect to gain God’s love and that he was already loved, warts and all, Wesley wrote the Covenant Prayer. In this prayer he gives himself to God without reservation for whatever plan God has for his life. It is about trust and faith that God knows best.

I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt, put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee; let me be full, let me be empty; let me have all things, let me have nothing; I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratifi ed in heaven. Amen.

This year don’t make a list of resolutions that you have no real intention of keeping. Don’t be a hypocrite. Give yourself to God.I pray that you have a blessed 2010 and that God’s will for you be fulfi lled.

God Bless,

Pastor Tom

Worship With UsWorship With UsContact UsContact Us

First United Methodist Church102 N 2nd StreetTemple, TX 76501254-773-5269contact@fumctemple.orgwww.fumctemple.orgMail: P.O. Box 773 with zip 76503

PastorsRev Tom Robbins - Sr. Pastortom.robbins@fumctemple.org

Rev Jane Woodward - Assoc. Pastor/Music Ministerjane.woodward@fumctemple.org

Rev Hubert Austin - Assoc. Pastorhubjan1929@att.net

Rev Tim Wilson - Assoc. Pastortim.wilson@fumctemple.org

TraditionalMain Sanctuary8:30am & 11:00am

ContemporaryNew Worship Hall9:00 am

Wednesday ChapelChapel10:30am

Sunday School10:00am

SermonsRadio Broadcast KTEM 1400 AM Sunday 9:30 amwww.fumctemple.org/?page_id=194

Corporal Anthony E. Wilson is the son and step-son of Tim & Sherrie Wilson. He is the grandson of Marilynn Wilson, and nephew of Carolyn Bennett. Anthony is married to Ashley Wilkinson-Wilson from Ohio. Anthony is a graduate of Temple High School class of 2005. He joined the United States Marine Corp. in January 2006. Anthony’s MOS is 2171 Electro-Optical Ordnance Maintenance. Anthony and Ashley have a home in Hubert, NC near Camp Lejeune NC. Anthony is currently deployed in southern Afghanistan and will be returning home in late spring or early summer 2010. Anthony enjoys hanging out with Ashley and his fellow Marines, watching movies, and playing video games. Anthony is proud to serve God and our country through his military service.

Soldier of the MonthSoldier of the MonthCpl. Anthony Edward WilsonCpl. Anthony Edward Wilson

Deployment AddressCpl Wilson Anthony E CLC 252/DWYER DS1 Unit 73660 FPO AE 09372-3660

FUMC Event CalendarFUMC Event Calendar

A Letter To My GrandsonA Letter To My Grandson

by Bill Horick - Retired Pastorby Bill Horick - Retired Pastor

This month I would like to share with you a letter I wrote to my young grandson for Christmas. Of course it’s now 2010, but my hope is that this letter will help you to keep the joy of Christmas in this New Year.

Michael, you and I had a lot of fun romps this past year. The last one was at Thanksgiving when all of us gathered for a family portrait that I will always cherish.

I look forward to more romps with you in 2010. That’s because I believe that kind of fun is very important. It’s important because we do something together as grandfather and grandson, and such times should always be considered as very special.

So it is with Christmas. We can’t be together on Christmas Day this year, but we shall share the same blessings which Christmas always brings. We will be grateful for the true meaning of Christmas---the gift God presents to all of us, the gift of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

You know, I can well imagine that as a small child like yourself, Jesus had romps with his earthly father, Joseph. I have to think they had great fun playing together, both in their home and in Joseph’s carpenter shop.

And perhaps more importantly, Jesus and Joseph learned a lot about each other. They shared the fellowship of fun, but also they shared their lives with each other in their daily activities.

Michael, that’s what living is all about. You share your life with your family and friends. You give and you receive new blessings---which is exactly what we do each year at Christmas.

With love,

Granddad Bill

Worship for the New YearWorship for the New Year

Pastor Jane WoodwardPastor Jane Woodward

Last month’s magazine article offered ideas for Advent worship in the home. The celebration of a New Year is also cause to spend some personal time thinking and praying about how God might want to use each of us in new and refreshing ways. Consider continuing such a family time, each week, to help you refocus your personal life, and your family’s life on God’s purposes for our world. Here are a few ideas for that time that you may wish to consider.

Sunday evenings, before the work week begins may be a helpful time for the family to gather and read a Bible verse, sing a song, and offer a prayer to God for guidance in all things, for healing and comfort for others, and to thank God for all that we have.

Scripture verses can be selected from any place in our Bible, but it might be good to choose a particular book, and commit to reading a few verses together, in order, each week. One of the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, is always a good choice. And, as the season of Lent begins in mid-February, reading about Jesus’ life after his birth, as described therein, would provide a helpful segue from Christmas to Easter.

Any hymn or song is appropriate, but here are some from our hymnal that you might fi nd especially helpful. We will be using these in 8:30 and 11:00 worship during the month of January.

No. 103 – Immortal, Invisible, God Only WiseNo. 206 – I Want to Walk as a Child of the LightNo. 469 – Jesus is All the World to Me

You may wish to construct your own prayer, but here is a prayer for the season of Epiphany which begins on January 6th and ends with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2010.

“Almighty God, your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, is the light of the world. Help us to shine the light of His love to others, so that He might be known and worshiped and glorifi ed everywhere on earth. Amen.”

New Building Dedication Service December 13th, 2009New Building Dedication Service December 13th, 2009Photos by Bill PotterPhotos by Bill Potter

Children’s DepartmentChildren’s DepartmentIris RankinIris Rankin

Dear Parents,

A new year has started and I wanted to give you a look at all the things going on in the spring here at church! Our Children’s council will be working very hard on picking out the new equipment for the expanded playground. That playground will be a great addition and help us with all our activities here at church.

Our church nursery workers will start wearing smocks that Mrs. Crisp has been working on embroidering and they look absolutely stunning! This will give our nursery a bright and professional look. With that we would like to add suggestion box on our children’s wing bulletin, to give everyone the opportunity to share new ideas, thoughts and suggestions.

Please take some time and review this spring calendar and let me know if you need any further information on some of the events or have suggestions for some additional activities you would like to see.

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas season and a Happy New Year!

JanuarySunday school every Sunday 10 -10:45 am 5th January MOPS Steering committee meeting11th January God Squad Party for all 3rd – 5th grade students 12th January MOPS Meeting 9:30am13th January First Wednesday night activity for 201013th January Prayer & Share 5:30pm to 6:30pm20th January Wednesday night activities23rd January Field trip to the Planetarium 27th January Wednesday night activities

FebruarySunday school every Sunday 10 – 10:45am2nd February MOPS Steering committee meeting 3rd February Wednesday night activities 9th February MOPS meeting 10th February Prayer & Share 5:30- 6:30pm10th February Wednesday night activities12th February Parents Night Out17th February Wednesday night activities/Ash Wednesday24th February Wednesday night activities

March Sunday school every Sunday 10- 10:45am2nd March MOPS Steering committee3rd March Wednesday night activities9th March MOPS meeting 10th March Wednesday night activities15th -19th March SPRING BREAK no Wednesday night activities16th March Field trip leaving church 9am24th March Wednesday night activities28th March Annual Easter Picnic

April Sunday school every Sunday 10 – 10:45am6th April MOPS Steering committee 7th April Wednesday night activities13th April MOPS meeting 9:30am14th April Wednesday night activities21st April Wednesday night activities28th April Wednesday night activities

MaySunday school every Sunday from 10-10:45am 4th May MOPS Steering committee 5th May Wednesday night activities9th May Annual Mother’s Day Brunch11th May MOPS meeting 9:30am12th May Last Wednesday night activities 28th May Parents Night Out

Youth ActivitiesYouth Activities

Jeff StegallJeff Stegall

Jan. 17 5:00-7:00….Movie night in the new youth gathering area…Popcorn and food provided

Jan. 24 5:00-6:30…Think you are a good video game player come find out at our first video game contest in the new youth gathering area

Feb. 7 6:00-end of game…Come watch the Super Bowl on the big screen with surround sound…snacks and food provided

Mark your calendar for Feb. 14th as our church family is going to have an opportunity to give a valentine gift to those people in Haiti without drinking water.

Jyp

Your Money at WorkYour Money at Work

Charlie DavisCharlie Davis

Publication Submission Deadlines:Publication Submission Deadlines:

The Weekly Word: End of the day Tuesday each week

The Word Magazine: 20th of each month for the following month

Wednesday Night Meal and Host ScheduleWednesday Night Meal and Host Schedule

MEMORIALS & HonorariumsMEMORIALS & Honorariums

December 1st - 31stDecember 1st - 31st

Building Fund:IN MEMORY OF J.D. NALER:Gary & Brenda Smith

IN MEMORY OF MARY SMITH:J.W. & Ruth Perry; Wayne Matthews & Sandra Oliver; Vivian Walker

IN MEMORY OF BECKY CHAFIN:Vic & Janice Means; Howard & Kay Birkholz; Edwin & Marjorie Adams; Charles & Natalie Hinkle; Gary & Brenda Smith; Joycelin Mansfi eld; Mr. & Mrs. Don Grobowksy; Martin & Bonnie Kent; Bruce & Jessica Walker; Adrian Walker; Donness Shine; Dr. & Mrs. Jeff Jackson; John Hattemer; Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dipboye; Bill & Jennifer Hudspeth; Louis & Charlynn Casey; Trent & Vicki Street; Vivian Walker; Common Ground Praise Team

IN MEMORY OF HARVEY DAVIS:Jerry & Ann Secrest

IN HONOR OF EARL GOODFELLOW:Gary & Brenda Smith

IN HONOR OF THE SAINTS & SINNERS CLASS LEADERSHIP:Saints & Sinners Sunday School Class

IN HONOR OF DR. & MRS. JERRY W. JOHNSON:Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley

IN HONOR OF ANTHONY R. JOHNSON:Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley

IN HONOR OF MARCUS & AMY JOHNSON:Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley

IN HONOR OF RALEIGH WHITE’S RETIREMENT:Gary & Brenda Smith

IN HONOR OF TOM & SHANNON ROBBINS:Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley

IN HONOR OF JAMES & JANE WOODWARD:Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley

IN HONOR OF HUBERT & JAN AUSTIN:Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley

IN HONOR OF JAN AUSTIN:Kathleen & Rayford Brown

IN HONOR OF TIM & SHERRIE WILSON:Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley

IN HONOR OF NORMAN & SANDRA BOBO:Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley

MEMORIALS & HonorariumsMEMORIALS & Honorariums

December 1st - 31stDecember 1st - 31st

IN HONOR OF BILL & NANCY BALES:Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley

IN HONOR OF MELISSA MINOR:Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley

IN HONOR OF JAMES & IRIS RANKIN:Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley

IN HONOR OF CHARLES DAVIS:Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley

IN HONOR OF JEFF & KRISTI STEGALL:Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bradley

IN HONOR OF WALT & PAT HOLKINS:Jack & Shannon Myers

IN HONOR OF JUNE & SUE LYKES:Mildred Myers

MOPS Fund:IN HONOR OF BRENDA SMITH:Veeca Wickliffe

Music Special:IN MEMORY OF BECKY CHAFIN:Charles H. Davis; Bobby, Debbie, & Chase Moore; Naomi Myers; Pete & Linda Eimen; Tommie & Nancy Daniel; Herb Chafi n; Richard & Janice Netolicky; Karen & Curtis Jamieson; Judy Johnson; Wade Matthews; Carol Jones; Tim Plseck; Cassee Cunningham; Pat Murray; Linda, Mike, & Allen Glover; Kathryn & Bruce Flanigan; Shirley Sykes; Helen Ulibarri; David & Mary Fox

Organ Fund:IN MEMORY OF BECKY CHAFIN:Ted & Kathy Floca

Pastors’ Discretionary Fund:IN MEMORY OF BECKY CHAFIN:Susan & Karl Kuykendall

Memorial Fund:IN MEMORY OF MARY SMITH:Barbara Thomas; Friendship Sunday School Class;

IN MEMORY OF J.D. NALER:Vivian Walker; Howard & Kay Birkholz

FIRSTUnited Methodist Church

102 N 2nd StreetTemple, TX 76502

Non-Profi t Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Temple, TX

Permit No. 123

Devotional by Hubert AustinDevotional by Hubert AustinFrom God’s Little devotional Book by Honor Books

While doing research for a doctoral thesis, a young man spent a year with a group of Navajo Indians on a reservation in the Southwest. He lived with one family, sleeping in their hut, eating their food, working with them, and generally living their life. The grandmother of the family spoke no English, yet a very close friendship formed between the grandmother and the student. They seemed to share the common language of love, and the intuitively understood each other. Over the months, they each learned bits and pieces of the other’s language. When it was time for the young man to return to the university and write his thesis, the tribe held a going-away celebration for him. Is was marked by sadness since he had developed a close relationship with all the villagers. As he prepared to get into his pickup

truck and drive away, the old grandmother came to tell him goodbye. With tears streaming from her eyes, she place her hands on either side of his face, looked directly into his eyes, and said “I like me best when I’m with you.” True friendship is letting those around you not only be themselves, but be their best.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.Matthew 5:16