Last Sunday in January in Iraan

The warm weather was welcomed this morning in Iraan ahead of the deep cold due Tuesday in the Permian Basin. Our fellowship time before worship this morning was a joy-filled time as always. Kirke McKenzie brought some fresh donuts this morning to share during our fellowship time, thank you, Kirke!

(Mount of the Beatitudes, Israel)

On Sunday, we'll be looking at Matthew 5:1-12, the opening to the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon, "Does it make sense to you?" will explore what it means to be blessed by God and what that blessing can mean to others. Come, and share the good news!

January 23, part 2

Following breakfast this morning, Belinda helped everyone to decorate pieces of a large heart-shaped puzzle that will grace our fellowship hall during February. Each piece of the puzzle will have the name of one of our church members on it. Today folks had the opportunity to decorate their puzzle pieces. Stay tuned for a picture of the final "look" in February!

The worship service was special for Pastor Charles, who shared with the congregation the story of his call to ministry as it connected with the gospel lesson for today:

Matthew 4:12-23.

January 23, part 1

The fellowship hall at the First UMC in Iraan was filled with an energetic throng this morning as we gathered for our monthly breakfast potluck. Along with two guests of Evans Turpin, we had so much fun, it seems as though our worship actually begins the moment we arive in the fellowship hall! We are blessed to have so many talented cooks and bakers, we look forward to each fourth Sunday with eager anticipation!

Time to drop the nets

The mosaic shown here depicts the calling of Peter and Andrew and is from a church in Ravenna, Italy called Sant`Appolinare Nuovo. It dates from between 500-520. When you look at this depiction of Jesus and his followers, what comes to you? The two fishermen were at work and heard in the voice of Jesus a summons to a new life. Each Christian is called to the same new life and it is never too late to begin this new life. Today is the day to drop the nets...

Breakfast Potluck on Sunday!

Don't forget: Sunday (Jan. 23) is the date of our next breakfast potluck at FUMC - Iraan. This is a terrific opportunity to invite your neighbors, friends or other FUMC members to share our fellowship (and stay for worship!).

See you on Sunday, 8:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall!

Midweek Message

"The Calling of St. Peter and St. James," James Tissot, French, 1836-1902

Pastor Charles will be preaching this week on Matthew 4:12-23, one of the call narratives of Jesus and his disciples.

Somethings to think about: What does it mean to you to be called by Jesus? When or where did you feel this call and how did you respond? How far would you go to answer Jesus' call in your life?

A foggy morning in Iraan

A wonderful morning was on hand in Iraan this morning for those able to make it through the heavy fog blanketing the area. Pastor Charles and Belinda had a slow drive to Iraan as result of the fog but it was a drive they were happy to make!

Thanks to James Jordan for taking double-duty this morning as liturgist, filling in for Wanda Carpenter and as song-leader, filling in for Kirke McKenzie.

A thought for Sunday, Jan. 16

"Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are His body."

-Teresa of Avila, 16th century

Tonight's Ad Board Meeting

The lights were burning brightly at the FUMC in Iraan tonight as the Ad Board met for the first time in 2011.

Highlights of the meeting include:

The board heard the from James (treasurer's report) that we are in good shape as 2011 begins. As with many congregations in this day and age, it is important for everyone to be involved in the support of the ministries of this church. The budget was revised to reflect changes brought about by Pastor Charles' status as an elder under appointment and the increase in medical/pension payments to Conference.

Dr. Franks (trustees) commented on the condition of the rental parsonage (across the street from the church) and the work that will be done to maintain the property. The church itself is in good shape and the flower bed work is on schedule for completion in April.

Attending tonight were: Cathy Allen, Pastor Charles, Wanda Carpenter, Dr. Edwin & Chris Franks, Deanna & James Jordan, Kirke McKenzie, Evans Turpin, and Ronnie Ward

(as Pastor Charles was leaving, Chris Franks reminded him to be on the look out for deer. Just as Pastor Charles passed the turn-off for Alley Oop Lane, he spotted six deer between that corner and the hospital! Good advice, Chris!!!)

Mid-week message for January 12th

(9th century mosaic - St. Cecilia, Trastevere, Rome)

The sermon this week, "Come and see," focuses on the gospel lesson, John 1:29-42. John the Baptist is at work at the River Jordan and together with his disciples is witness to the early ministry of Jesus.

John describes Jesus to his disciples as Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God. What does this term mean to you? How do you describe Jesus to your friends, family, and neighbors?

Ad Board this week

The first meeting of 2011 of the FUMC Ad Board will take place tomorrow, January 12th at 6:00 p.m. - 2011 is off to a great start and we'll be looking ahead to what will be taking place in our ministries.

A Wonderul Sunday in Iraan

As Pastor Charles and Belinda were driving to Iraan this morning, they noticed a bank of fog in the mesas north and east of town. It was so beautiful to see the handiwork of God displayed like this.

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The heat was back at the First UMC in Iraan this morning! Thanks to James Jordan for fixing this problem - no coats were needed in the sanctuary today!!! During our fellowship time, Burton Lanehart presented several of his new UMC crosses. What a treasure he, and these crosses are to us!

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Today was observed as Baptism of the Lord Sunday in many churches around the world. During our worship service, the congregation took part in a renewal of the baptismal vows and in communion. As part of our service, people were encouraged to take blue "glass stones" from the baptismal font as a reminder of their baptism.

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This morning was a blessing to one and all; 2011 is well and truly underway. It is exciting to see what God has in store for us this year!

Prayer for Baptism of the Lord Sunday

Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit.

Grant that all who are baptized into His name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess Him as Lord and Savior, who with You and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, One God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

(The UM Hymnal, #253)

Baptism of the Lord Sunday - Jan. 9

Join us at the First UMC in Iraan this Sunday as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. We will be sharing communion and remembering our baptism.

The Day of Epiphany

The Epiphany Window (visit of the Magi) St. Peter's Church,
Langley, Staffordshire, England.


A young man recovers the Epiphany Cross during the Greek Orthodox celebration of the Baptism of Jesus in Spring Bayou - Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Today is the Day of Epiphany. In the tradition of the western Church, Epiphany marks the event when the Magi, the "three kings," arrived in Bethlehem and worshipped the newborn Messiah. In the eastern Church, Epiphany is observed as the Baptism of the Lord by John at the River Jordan.

We Three Kings

(The Rev. John Henry Hop­kins, Jr. wrote this car­ol for a Christ­mas pa­geant at the Gen­er­al The­o­lo­gic­al Sem­in­ary in New York Ci­ty in 1857.)

We three kings of Orient are; Bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.

Refrain
O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign. Refrain

Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a Deity nigh; prayer and praising, voices raising, worshipping God on high. Refrain

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom; sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone cold tomb. Refrain

Glorious now behold Him arise;King and God and sacrifice; Alleluia, Alleluia, sounds through the earth and skies. Refrain

Twelfth Day of Christmas

Today is the Twelfth Day of Christmas, the day when the season of Christmas draws to a close. In keeping with the ancient tradition of the day, we celebrate what the season has been to us and what it will be for us, each day that we receive the gift of Jesus.

Gather around the Christmas Tree!
(Traditionally, v. 1-3 are sung before the opening of the presents and v. 4-5 are sung after the presents have been opened.)

Gather around the Christmas Tree! Gather around the Christmas Tree! Ever-green have its branches been, it is king of all the woodland scene; For Christ our King is born today! His reign shall never pass away.

Refrain: Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest!

Gather around the Christmas Tree! Gather around the Christmas Tree! Once the pride of the mountain side, now cut down to grace our Christmas-tide; For Christ from heav'n to earth came down, to gain, through death, a nobler crown. Refrain

Gather around the Christmas Tree! Gather around the Christmas Tree! Ev'ry bough has a burden now, they are gifts of love for us, we trow. For Christ is born, His love to show, and give good gifts to men below. Refrain

Gather around the Christmas Tree! Gather around the Christmas Tree! Tapors bright in the branches light, till our eyes all shine at the goodly sight, for Christ, our Light, is born to-day, His glory ne'er shall fade away. Refrain

Farewell to thee, O Christmas tree! Farewell to thee, O Christmas tree! Thy part is done, and thy gifts are gone, and thy lights are dying one by one: For earthly pleasures die to-day, but heavenly joys shall last alway. Refrain

Farewell to thee, O Christmas tree! Farewell to thee, O Christmas tree! Twelve months o’er, we shall meet once more, merry welcome singing, as of yore, for Christ now reigns, our Savior dear, and gives us Christmas every year! Refrain

- Written by the Rev. John Henry Hopkins, Jr., 1857, Tune: Holy and the Ivy. Rev. Hopkins also wrote We Three Kings.

Eleventh Day of Christmas

The Clown of God

The Clown of God is an old story (either Italian or French, depending on your source). It centers on an orphaned child who goes begging from door to door, juggling for his food. He eventually joins a traveling troupe of entertainers, and gains fame and fortune as a juggler, until he grows old, and with his skills diminishing, again becomes a homeless beggar.

One Christmas Eve, he seeks shelter in a nearby church, and falls asleep on a pew in the rear of the church. He awakens to find the church filled with townspeople offering their gifts during Midnight Mass. After the congregation had departed he approaches the creche` and offers the only thing he has left: his gift of juggling.

He puts on his clown face, and juggles as he never had before. He dies, giving everything he has in his attempt.

The message of the story is that it is not what we can offer the Lord, but the spirit in which we offer it, that really matters.

One Year Ago Today!

It was one year ago today that Pastor Charles began his ministry in the parish of the First United Methodist Churches in Iraan and McCamey! If you want to see the blog entry for that day, click "here!" Praise be to God for a truly blessed year in minstry with the ama-zing people in these two west Texas towns!!!

Tenth Day of Christmas

Are you tired of Christmas yet? Well, we're done yet! Enjoy this carol based on Noel Nouvelet, a traditional French song from the 15th Century.

Sing we now of Christmas,

Noel sing we here.

Sing our grateful praises

To the maid so dear.

Chorus:

Sing we Noel! The King is born, Noel!

Sing we Noel! The King is born Noel!

Sing we now of Christmas.

Sing we here, Noel!

From the Eastern kingdoms

Come the wise men far.

Bearing ancient treasure,

Following yonder star.

Chorus

From the distant mountains,

Hear the trumpet sound.

With angelic blessings

On the silent town.

Chorus

Come let us surround Him

On this magic night.

Gather here around Him,

Wondrous Babe of light.

Chorus

Faithful Folks!

It was cold in the church today. However, that did NOT deter the faithful folks at the Iraan First United Methodist Church. We bundled up in blankets and coats and hats. And we really enjoyed worshipping together (as always)! Pastor Charles was suffering with a head cold, so Wanda Carpenter led the worship service. Thanks to her and our music leader Kirke McKenzie, we had a wonderful worship service this morning. And we enjoyed having a visitor in our midst too. What a great Sunday!

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We smiled at the thought that we looked like... and felt like we could be sitting in the bleachers at a sports stadium... and maybe we should cheer for the home team. All Christians around the world share the same cheer: YEA, GOD!!!

Ninth Day of Christmas

(Chancel of Wesley Chapel, London)

Each year, John Wesley - the founder of Methodism - would begin the New Year with a "Covenant Service." The heart of the service, focused in the Covenant Prayer, requires persons to commit themselves anew to God.

Scriptures read at this service included Deuteronomy 31: 9-13, Jeremiah 31: 31-34, Psalm 50, and John 15: 1-8.

The Prayer of Invitation from this service follows:

Commit yourselves to Christ as his servants. Give yourselves to him, that you may belong to him. Christ has many services to be done. Some are more easy and honorable, others are more difficult and disgraceful. Some are suitable to our inclinations and interests, others are contrary to both. In some we may please Christ and please ourselves. But then there are other works where we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves. It is necessary, therefore, that we consider what it means to be a servant of Christ.

Let us, therefore, go to Christ, and pray: Let me be Your servant, under Your command. I will no longer be my own. I will give up myself to Your will in all things. Lord, make me what You will. I put myself fully into your hands: put me to doing, put me to suffering, let me be employed for You, or laid aside for You, let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and with a willing heart give it all to Your pleasure and disposal.

I do here covenant with You, O Christ, to take my lot with You as it may fall. Through Your grace I promise that neither life nor death shall part me from You. I make this covenant with You, O God, without guile or reservation. If any falsehood should be in it, guide me and help me to set it aright.

Mighty God, let this covenant I have made on earth be ratified in heaven. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Eighth Day of Christmas - New Year's Day

(Giovanni Bellini, The Presentation in the Temple, c. 1462. Tempera on panel)

"On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before He was conceived." - The Gospel according to Luke 2:21 (NIV)

A Christian New Year's Resolutions

How can I use the New Year to better serve my Lord? I'll read the Bible every day, and be the more in accord. I'll find new ways to serve others; I'll love my neighbor, too. I'll focus on "give" instead of "get" in everything I do. I'll forgive the people I'm mad at; angry feelings I'll discard; I'll try to love my enemies, even though it's hard.

In the New Year, I'll lift people up, instead of pulling them down. I'll fill my hear with love and joy, and never wear a frown. I'll let go of my worries; I'll put it all in His hands; I'll repent and try to sin less, and obey all His commands.

These New Year's resolutions are difficult, at best, but there is something I can do each day that will put my soul at rest: I'll love my Lord with all my heart, with all my mind and soul, and if I do that essential thing, all the rest will be in control.

- written by Joanna Fuchs