Scripture lesson for this coming Sunday

This week's sermon text continues our readings from Paul's letter to the Romans, 14:8-14.

"...To love one another - An eternal debt, which can never be sufficiently discharged; but yet if this be rightly performed, it discharges all the rest. For he that loveth another - As he ought. Hath fulfilled the whole law - Toward his neighbour."

- from John Wesley's Noted on the New Testament

A thought for today

"We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive."

- C.S. Lewis

Joys and concerns from August 28th

JOYS:

+For a loving God who loves us and listens to us. +Walking in hope with God. +Fabulous fellowship and food at this morning's breakfast potluck. +The rain we've had recently. +The upcoming Dave Ramsey course at First Baptist Church next door (starts September 11th). +Healing mercies: Eddy C. is improving each day. +Air conditioning! +Adult children who come to the aid of their parents.

CONCERNS:

+Folks dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. +Traveling mercies for family and friends. +School faculty, administrators, staff, students/parents - got through the first week of school! +Prayers for healing: Tommy Dale King B., Jonnie D. (Wanda M.'s sister), Greg H., Billie M., Kathy P., Helen R., Kath K., Kash K., Doug S., Snooks C. and Colton W.

CONTINUING PRAYERS:

Our church - our youth - teachers/students - athletes/coaches - our country - our leaders - our military (and their family members) - countries fighting for freedom - unspoken requests.

Super Sunday

Thanks be to God for a wonderful time today!

The church family assembled for a fabulous breakfast potluck. Our amazing cooks at the church provided a heavenly banquet for all of us to enjoy. Just some items on the menu included a mixed-berry breakfast pizza, pecan tarts, muffins, pigs-in-a-blanket, two different egg casseroles, made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls, biscuits, hashbrowns, cowboy sausage gravy and a variety of juices, apple cider and coffee.

YUMMY!

Afterwards, we participated in a wonderful worship service!

Prayers for Safety

Our prayers continue for all affected by Hurricane Irene.

Prayers for Safety

Our prayers are for the safety of all those with whom Hurrican Irene will impact this weekend... and in the days and weeks ahead.

Hello from the Convalescent Center

It was time for coffee, donuts and conversation this morning at the McCamey Convalescent Center. There were lots of people from the community gathered around the residents, catching up on the news of the day. Of course weather was on everyone's mind and there was general agreement that it is just too hot (and dry)!

Scripture lesson for August 28th

The scripture lesson for this coming Sunday, August 28th, comes to us from Romans 12:9-21.

The church in Rome was faced with a challenge - how to be "Christ-like" when dealing with other people. It is easier than it sounds. After all, if Jesus could love his enemies how hard could it be for us to do it too?

The thing is, we are the church in a community of faith. This community is continually being shaped by the people in the church as well as by thise people we encounter outside the church walls. If we are serious about growing as disciples (notice I didn't say growing in church membership) we have to move beyond our own agenda and embrace God's agenda.

This is what Paul was saying to the church in Rome. What is Paul saying to you?

Joys & Concerns from August 21st

Joys:

+The start of the new school year this week.

+A Dave Ramsey course will be starting September 11th (at 6:30 p.m.) at the First Baptist Church (for six weeks).

+Eddy C.'s back surgery went well; Sue S.' surgery (Pat Schneider's friend); and Melody (Kirke McKenzie's sister).

+Safe travels for our community.

+Air conditioning!

+The San Angelo District picnic for clergy and their families last week in Junction.

+The upcoming event at Sierra Vista UMC (San Angelo) on August 27th (9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) featuring Dr. Billy Abraham. He'll talk about "Wanted Dead or Alive: Methodism as Church!"

Concerns:

+We need rain!

+Healing mercies: Tommy Dale King B., Jonnie D. (Wanda Morrow's sister), Greg H., Billie M., Kathy P., Helen R., Kath K., and Doug S. (Kirke McKenzie's friend), Colton W.

+Comfort for the family and friends of Leroy Lawrence.

+Comfort for the family and friends of Billy Carnes of McCamey.

+Cathy A. will be overseeing thirty-one 4-year olds!

+Traveling mercies for family and friends.

+Continuing Prayers: Our church; our schools; our youth; teachers/students; athletes/coaches; Countries fighting for freedom; unspoken requests.

August 21st in Iraan

We had a great time this morning in Iraan. There was lots of great fellowship and a worship service filled with God's amazing love! Thanks to James Jordan for getting the a/c working, Wanda Carpenter for serving as our lay reader and to Kirke McKenzie for leading our singing.

This afternoon at the McCamey Convalescent Center, Pastor Charles & Belinda joined other community members in worshipping with the residents of the center. Thanks to everyone who makes this ministry possible through prayers, financial support and encouragement.

Prayer for Sunday, August 21

("Christ's charge to Peter," 1481 by Perugino, found in the Sistine Chapel)

Almighty God, who sent Your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of Your Church: Open our hearts to the riches of Your grace, that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace; through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)

San Angelo District Picnic

This afternoon, Pastor Charles and Belinda drove to Junction, the site of this year's San Angelo District new clergy picnic. Each year, the district recognizes new clergy (and their families) moving into the district. Clergy who have moved within the district are also recognized. A good time was had by all in attendance!

Howdy from the Convalescent Center

The residents of the McCamey Convalescent Center send greetings to their families and friends in Iraan! Pastor Charles had a great time this morning visiting and sharing the news of the day with the members of this community. Pastor Charles got talked into trying on a pair of west Texas-style 'clip-on' earings, quite the look!

Prayer and Concerns from August 14

Joys:
+God's amazing grace.
+Recent rains for west Texas, which brought cooler weather.
+Really great time at last week's women's retreat sponsored by the First Baptist Church in Iraan (Aug. 5-6).
+Healing mercies.
+Safe travels.
+Laughter in church.
+Air conditioning.
+Upcoming seminar at Sierra Vista UMC (San Angelo) on August 27th with Dr. Billy Abraham.

Concerns:
+Rain is desperately needed.
+Comfort for the families and friends of Al Alexander, Russell Morris, Diana McAnally, Charles Rogers and Neil Sconiers.
+Information Technology (IT) challenges at the school.
+School faculty, administration and students beginning the 2011-2012 school year.
+Traveling mercies for family and friends.

Healing prayers:
+Tommy Dale King B., Jonnie D. (Wanda M's sister), Greg H., Billie M., Kathy P., Helen R., and Kath K.
+Eddy C. will have his back surgery on August 16th.
+Pat S.'s friend, Sue S., will have surgery on August 16th.
+Colton W. will be going to Dallas for surgery this month.

Continuing Prayers:
+Our church.
+Our youth - our schools - teachers/students - athletes/coaches.
+Our country - our leaders - our military (and their families).
+Countries fighting for freedom.
+Unspoken prayer requests.

This week's scripture lesson

(St. Paul's Cathedral, London)

This week's sermon continues our readings from the epistle of Paul to the Romans, 12:1-8.

"Paul's theology, preaching and letter writing all had one goal: to bring his audience to an understanding of faith in its Christian form and to commit themselves to a life of discipleship to Jesus Christ. He proclaimed primarily, if not exclusively, an ethical gospel and theology made possible by the living Christ. It was good news for ethical living." - Jack Sherman on Midrash

Blessings in Iraan!

There were lots of smiles today at the First UMC in Iraan with lots of friendly folk sharing the love of God with one another in fellowship and in worship!

Scripture lesson for August 14th

Pastor Charles will be preaching next Sunday from Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32. In this passage, Paul offers an invitation to enter the "open door" of grace which God has made available to all people.

Questions to consider this week:
+The saying, "When God closes a door He opens a window," may sound like a cliche`. But what if it is really true? What if instead of a window God has opened yet another door, would you enter?

August is underway in Iraan

The first Sunday in August arrived today with clear skies (still no rain) and lots of joy in our hearts! We were happy to see Brian Gustafson back with us after being gone to Minnesota to visit family.

Wanda Carpenter blessed us once more as our lay readers and James Jordan did his usual excellent job as song-leader in Kirke's absence.

Wonderful Weekend Women's Retreat!

This beautiful bag was the signature bag for this year's retreat. Isn't it beautiful? EVERY YEAR, a woman in the Iraan community makes a signature bag for every participant in the women's retreat! They are VERY collectable! What a loving thing to do for her sisters in Christ!

We were encouraged to write what was on our hearts in terms of prayer requests to God on hot-pink post-em's and place them on a cross. Later we were reminded that God IS in charge, so we should let go of all the stress related to holding on to things over which we have no control. Trust God, and let go! We enjoyed great music, a wonderful retreat program and some terrific fellowship. Thanks be to God!!!

Women's Retreat

Several women from the church attended this weekend's Women's Retreat which was sponsored by Iraan's First Baptist Church. A great time was had by all who attended! Thanks be to God!!!

District Council on Ministries

Pastor Charles is serving as the evangelism representative on the District Council on Ministries this year. Today's meeting took place at the Eldorado UMC and was filled with exciting news about ministries being done throughout our district.

Some upcoming district events include:

+Lay Ministries advance training @ Sierra Vista UMC - August 13

+Lay ministries basic/advance training @ Art UMC - September 24

+Crop Walk (San Angelo) - October 16

+District Workshop & Celebration @ First UMC - San Angelo - January 21, 2012

+District Conference - May 19, 2012

Other events:

+Dr. Billy Abraham @ Sierra Vista UMC - August 27

+Passionate Worship Workshop @ Alamo Heights UMC (San Antonio) - September 9 & 10

Prayer request

Peggy Garner (First UMC-McCamey) reports that Janey & DeWayne Lindsey (long-time residents of Rankin) are in need of prayers. Sometime earlier today there was an accident at the Lindsey home resulting in severe burns for Janey and less-severe injuries for DeWayne.

Carrie Odom Templeton posted on Facebook just a few minutes ago that Janey died as a result of her injuries shortly after 5:00 p.m.

Prayer for the Women's Retreat

Please lift up in prayer the ladies gathering tonight and tomorrow in Iraan for the 17th annual women's retreat (sponsored by the First Baptist Church).