What a day in Iraan!

The blessings were bountiful this morning in Iraan, as we gathered for our monthly breakfast potluck and then for worship. We welcomed two guests to the table who enjoyed some mouth-watering treats!

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Prior to the worship service, Pastor Charles spoke about the new large-print hymnals that are going to be available during worship services at the church in Iraan, as well as at the McCamey Convalescent Center.

It's Potluck Time!

Don't forget to invite someone to share our monthly breakfast potluck tomorrow morning (starting at 8:30).

Vacation Bible School comes to Iraan

There was a lot of excitement on S. Harte Street in Iraan tonight as Vacation Bible School got underway. Pastor Charles was on hand to offer encouragement to the volunteers and to show our appreciation to everyone involved. First UMC is offering its fellowship hall and kitchen to the effort and the excitement present was fantastic!

July 18th at FUMC - Iraan

It was a beautiful morning to gather in the House of the Lord, and that is just what we did at the First United Methodist Church in Iraan! It is wonderful to have our fellowship time before worship, as it really does help bring the faith community together.

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Next Sunday, July 25th, is our monthly breakfast potluck (starting at 8:30 a.m.). You won't want to be late! Come hungry... and you WILL be fed physically... and spiritually!!!

Thanks from Troop 900

Four Scouts and their leaders from Troop 900 (sponsored by Spring Woods UMC in Houston) stopped by Iraan this evening for some west Texas hospitality. The group is on their way to the Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch near Fort Davis.

Memorial Service planned at McCamey Convalescent Center

There will be a memorial service on Wednesday, July 21st at 3:00 pm to honor the life and faith of Stella Gardner and Fay Bushwar. These long-time McCamey residents were dedicated staff members of the McCamey Hospital/Convalescent Center and will be missed. The public is invited to join the staff and residents of the Hospital/Convalescent Center in sharing this time together.

Monday in Iraan

A warm day was in store for the residents of Iraan on Monday but that didn't stop folks from gathering at the Senior Center for lunch. Pastor Charles though had problems reading the clock in his car and missed lunch! The kindness of the center staff allowed him to have some coffee and pie while he visited with several FUMC members.

After lunch, he was invited to the home of Lee & Dottie Mann where he got a guided tour of the Iraan Arboretum (otherwise known as the Mann's backyard!). Lee was also kind enough to show Pastor Charles his rock/geode collection and polishing hobby. What a setup and talent it takes to do this!

Pastor Charles was also presented with a pomegranate tree sapling to plant at the McCamey parsonage - which benefited from last night's rain!

An urgent message from Bishop Dorff

From Bishop James E. Dorff: On behalf of Bishop Raul Garcia de Ochoa re: flooding in Eastern Conference Methodist Church of Mexico including the Rio Grande Valley.

This is an emergency request for assistance. Items are needed immediately. The last collection date will be Tuesday, July 27. Another appeal may be necessary in order to meet the needs on the U.S. side of the border.

SPECIFIC items requested: Water (bottles); Beans (2 lb bags); Rice (2 lb bags); Cereal (Varieties of Cheerios/Chex); Canned Goods (such as tuna, corn & tomatoes); Fideo (pasta); Disposable Diapers; Monetary Donations. IMPORTANT NOTE: Expiration date on any item must not be less than 3 months, preferably 6 months.

Cash gifts are most urgently needed and should be given through the SWTX Conference Disaster Response – Conference Advance #2050. Please designate “Mexico Disaster Response” on the memo line with the Advance #.

No clothes, PLEASE.

Drop Points for the San Angelo District:
First United Methodist Church - SAN ANGELO
37 E. Beauregard
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325)655-8981
Contact: Sherrie Walker (sherrie@firstmethodist.net) or Cheri Brewster (cheri@firstmethodist.net)

First United Methodist Church – DEL RIO
100 Spring St.
Del Rio, TX 78840
(830)775-1541
Contact: The Rev. Tim Brewer (revtbrewer@hotmail.com)

One of our own

Ronnie Ward's son, Bradley, is serving with the US Army in Iraq. If you would like his address to send him a note, please email Pastor Charles.

July 11th at FUMC-Iraan

We enjoyed the blessing of fellowship and worship at First UMC in Iraan this morning. We appreciated the return of Kirke McKenzie to worship following his trip to China. Kirke's ministry (leading the singing) is really appreciated. With so many traveling during the summer months we may have smaller numbers each week but the richness of our time together seems to grow and grow each time we come together!

District-wide Plea for Assistance

Our brothers and sisters in the Del Rio area need our help because of the recent and continued flooding. There are people in Del Rio that are flooded out and are receiving assistance, but Del Rio's concern is the 2000+ families in Acuna` that have lost everything. The Rev. Tim Brewer has asked for 2 lb. bags of rice and beans; bottled water; cereal (cheerios or chex brands); crackers; individual packed boxes of snack items. Items can be delivered to the First UMC - Del Rio or to the First UMC - San Angelo.

If you have any questions, please contact Sherri Walker or Cheri Brewster at (325) 655-8981 or the First UMC in Del Rio at (830) 775-1541. If you would like to volunteer to haul the trailer of items to Del Rio from First UMC in San Angelo please contact Sherrie Walker at the number above.

An update will be sent out early next week on what else may be needed. The Conference and Bishop Dorff will be sending out information as well in a Conference-wide plea.

Thank you all for your prayers and efforts in assisting our District and our neighbors.

Amy Moore

San Angelo District Office

(325) 486-1500

Friendly folk in Iraan

The nice weather continued today in Iraan, a tad warmer than yesterday but still better than the 100+ we had in June! The senior center wasn't as crowded as it normally is but Dottie & Lee Mann and Wanda Morrow enjoyed themselves as did Pastor Charles.

Fourth of July @ FUMC - Iraan

It was a wet start to our Independence Day here in Iraan but that didn't stop the faithful from making their way to church this morning. Praise God for such faithful people and for the opportunity to worship in a free land!

Happy Independance Weekend

Something to think about over the holiday weekend (the resolution calling for independence was approved on July 2, 1776):

Lord God Almighty, in Whose name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations yet unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(The Book of Common Prayer, p. 242, in the public domain)

Join us on Sunday for worship!

VBS is coming to Iraan

A call has been issued by our neighbors at the First Baptist Church for volunteers for the 2010 VBS program for our community. The dates are July 19 - 23 with a tentative start time of 6:00 pm.

Please contact Cathy Sellers @ 2019 to indicate your availability.