Changes are coming!

Next Sunday is a special day in the life of the First UMC in Iraan as we welcome our new pastor, the Rev. Ken Houston, Jr. and his wife (Lynn).  Pastor Houston will officially begin his ministry in Iraan and McCamey on Sunday, July 1st. 
On Sunday we'll also be changing our worship time to 9:00 a.m. with fellowship following worship at 10:00 a.m.  Bible study will remain at 10:30 a.m.

Joys and concerns from this morning

What a blessing it was to be among the faithful gathered at the First UMC on this Father's Day!  Our time together began with our monthly breakfast potluck - wow!  There are some amazing cooks in our fellowship!

James gave a report about the approved merger of the Rio Grande and Southwest Texas Conferences.  James also presented a gift from the congregation to Pastor Charles & Belinda which was very much appreciated!  


Charles and Belinda presented the church the gift of the mesquite crosses display on the communion table today.  It was made by a local artisan in San Angelo, Donald Keeney.

Joys: +AMAZING breakfast potluck this morning!!!  +Wanda C. was our reader, James led the singing, and Mike S. was our usher this morning. +Dottie has had some good days this past week. +Wanda M.'s daughter Thanda and her husband Travis celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary yesterday.

Concerns: +Prayers for the Houston's as they prepare to move to Iraan/McCamey.  +People of Greece and Egypt as they continue to move toward an uncertain future.  +Deanna's friend, Michael P. had a heart-transplant recently. +Cathy's 3 year-old cousin, Charlie D., has had cancer treatments recently. +Jean V. (Pastor Charles' mother) is having a cancer-related procedure on Tuesday.  +Ron S., Ronnie's friend, had a serious car accident last week.

Continued Prayers for Healing:
Aaron B., Tommy B., Jonnie D., Charlie D., Denise D., Greg H., Steven H., Billie Lou H., Ken H., Renea K., Julie L., Dottie M., Shane M., Kathy P., Michael P., Ron S., Naomi S., Jean V., Jessica V., Tom V., Colton W., and Barbara W.

Continued prayers:
+Our church +Our community youth +Our schools, athletes, coaches, teachers and students +Our nation, government, & leaders +Our military and their families +The homeless +The unemployed +Victims of natural disasters +Countries fighting for freedom +Unspoken requests.

Unification vote

The Rio Grande and Southwest Texas conferences have voted to unify. At around noon today the votes were counted and both conferences, by a large measure, voted for unification. Now on to Jurisdictional Conference in July.
Go here for official announcement from Bishop Dorff: http://youtu.be/eeQZboPlXso

A thought for Father's Day weekend

"God the Father with His Right Hand Raised in Blessing,"
 by Girolamo dai Libri, circa 1555

1. This is my Father's world, 
 and to my listening ears 
 all nature sings, and round me rings 
 the music of the spheres.  
 This is my Father's world:  
 I rest me in the thought 
 of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; 
 his hand the wonders wrought.

2. This is my Father's world, 
 the birds their carols raise, 
 the morning light, the lily white, 
 declare their maker's praise.  
 This is my Father's world:  
 he shines in all that's fair; 
 in the rustling grass I hear him pass; 
 he speaks to me everywhere.

3. This is my Father's world.  
 O let me ne'er forget 
 that though the wrong seems oft so strong, 
 God is the ruler yet.  
 This is my Father's world:  
 why should my heart be sad?  
 The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!  
 God reigns; let the earth be glad!

This Is My Father's World - Text: Maltbie D. Babcock
Music: Trad. English melody; adapt. by Franklin L. Sheppard
Tune: TERRA BEATA, Meter: SMD

Father's Day scripture lesson

Our worship for June 17 (Father's Day) will look at Mark 4:26-34 and two of the parables told by Jesus about the kingdom of God.

We'll be sharing our monthly breakfast potluck this week, moved up a week due to this Sunday being the Alkulas last Sunday in Iraan.

Joys and Concerns from this morning

There was a lot of joy in Iraan this morning - beginning with our fellowship time!  Kirke and Marie brought home-made treats which made our gathering extra-sweet!!!  The joy extended into our time of worship and continued into the Bible study led by Wanda C.

Joys:
+Wonderful treats that were provided this morning!  +A fun time at Abuelo's in Midland last Friday.  +Burton & Jo were with us today. +Kirke will be attending his granddaughter's wedding next Sunday in Utah.  +Chancey (Katie & Leland's daughter) is expecting a girl in the fall.  +Atlanta B. was with us today.  +Next Sunday is our monthly potluck (moved up a week for the Alkula's last Sunday in Iraan).

Concerns:
+We need rain!  +Family of Deputy Mike Smith (Rankin).  +Pastor Ken H. is under the weather this weekend.

Continued Prayers for Healing:
Aaron B., Tommy B., Jonnie D., Denise D., Greg H., Steven H., Billie Lou H., Renea K., Julie L., Dottie M., Shane M., Kathy P., Naomi S., Jean V., Jessica V., Tom V., Colton W., and Barbara W.

Continued prayers:
+Our church +Our community youth +Our schools, athletes, coaches, teachers and students +Our nation, government, & leaders +Our military and their families +The homeless +The unemployed +Victims of natural disasters +Countries fighting for freedom +Unspoken requests.

Prayer for the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

O Lord our God,We believe, and so we speak.  We speak of your grace, as it extends out to the world around us.  We speak of thanksgiving, for you have done great things among us. 

We speak of your glory, because we believe that everything is for your sake; it is in you that we live and move and have our being.  You created us for yourself, so that our hearts are ever restless until we find rest in you.

Therefore, we do not lose heart; we believe, and so we speak.  By your grace, O God, let our worship today and the words we speak be guided and strengthened by your life giving Spirit, bringing our hearts ever closer to you, so that our lives might bring you honor and glory. Amen.

- Prepared by Michael Anthony Howard from 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1