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

Scripture for June 10th

On Sunday, the Second Sunday after Pentecost, we will look at 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 (New International Version)

It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.  All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.   For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

Tuesday in Iraan

Eight of us were on hand for the Tuesday lunchtime group at Godfather's Pizza.  It was so much fun! 

Belinda and Pastor Charles are sad that this is the last time they'll be able to take part in what has quickly become a highpoint of their week.  Next week they'll be moving to San Antonio (but will be back for their last Sunday in Iraan on the 17th).

Joys and Concerns from Trinity Sunday

"The Holy Trinity" by Andrei Rublev

Joys: +Pat & Laurence S. celebrated their 54^th anniversary and Dr. Ed & Chris F. celebrated their 61^st anniversary.    

+The Manns celebrated their 60^th last month along with the Laneharts celebrating their 70^th.                   

+Karen M. was visiting her mom and dad. 
+Colton W. is doing better but has a long road ahead of him. 

+Thanda W. is doing well after her recent surgery.

Concerns:

+Roy & Veloy H. are having health concerns.

+Prayers for Annual Conference which begins Thursday (June 7-10) in Corpus Christi.  James & Deanna J. will be representing FUMC-Iraan at this gathering.

+Kirke M. is getting treatments this summer and will need song leaders in July.

+Dottie M. is on a roller-coaster, health-wise.

+Those absent from worship today

Announcements:                                                                                                                              
+The Alkulas last Sunday in Iraan will be on the 17^th. 
+Our June breakfast potluck will be on the 17^th.  
+The worship time is being changed to 9:00 a.m. starting July 1^st.

A Poem for Trinity Sunday

Lord, who hast form'd me out of mud,

And hast redeem'd me through thy bloud,

And sanctified me to do good,

Purge all my sinnes done heretofore;

For I confess my heavie score,

And I will strive to sinne no more.

Enrich my heart, mouth, hands in me,

With faith, with hope, with charitie,

That I may runne, rise, rest with thee.

 

 

George Herbert (early 1600's - Cambridge, England)

Wednesday in Iraan!

There was a mighty fine meal at the Iraan Senior's Center today and several UMC members were on hand to enjoy the fellowship and good food.   A former FUMC-Iraan member, Ned (who worked with Lee) came with his wife, Gwen to visit friends in the Iraan community.

Tomorrow is Burton & Jo's 70th anniversary, if you have a chance, give them a call!

Trinity Sunday scripture lessons.

Our worship next Sunday will focus on the Holy Trinity.  Our scripture lessons are Psalm 29 (The Father), Romans 8:12-17 (The Holy Spirit) and John 3:1-17 (The Son).

Pentecost Sunday in Iraan

Joys from this morning:
+James attended the SWTX Conference 'pre-conference' briefing in Kerrville and gave a report during worship.
+Burton & Jo L. will be celebrating their 70th anniversary on Thursday!
+Cheryl M. and friend Laura are visiting Dottie & Lee M. this weekend.  Lee reports that his son Rex and daughter Karen are also coming this week for a visit.
+Thanda W. had a sucessful surgery last week and is already back home.
+Lee M. and Deanna J. have birthdays this week.
+Colton W. is due back in Odessa after his recent treatments.
+Wonderful food and fellowship were shared this morning during our fourth-Sunday potluck.
+Deanna J. retired last Friday after 33 years of teaching.
+Another .1" of moisture was recorded in Iraan last night.
Pastor Charles shared the news that he has accepted a clinical residency with the VA hospital in San Antonio for one year and starts in mid-June.

Concerns & prayer requests from this morning:
+Prayers for the people on the Pacific coast of Mexico who are waiting for the arrival of Hurricane Bud.  Prayers also asked for the people in the southeast US who are waiting for the arrival of Tropical Storm Beryl.
+Remembering those veterans who died in the service of our country on Memorial Day.

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, Thanda 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.

A prayer on Pentecost

A Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Breathe in me O Holy Spirit
that my thoughts may all be holy;
Act in me O Holy Spirit
that my works, too, may be holy;
Draw my heart O Holy Spirit
that I love but what is holy;
Strengthen me O Holy Spirit
to defend that is holy;
Guard me then O Holy Spirit
that I always may be holy.

St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-430)

Warm morning in west Texas

The temperature is rising outside, but inside at the McCamey Convalescent Center it feels just right!  The weekly coffee & donuts time with the residents was a real treat today with some homemade dessert being shared with one and all.

Aldersgate Day 2012

Click on the picture to make it larger.

Today is the 274th anniversary of John Wesley's "Aldersgate experience."  This follows three days after his brother Charles' "Aldersgate experience," also in London.
Visit the General Board of Global Ministries link to read more.

Do I like being old?

Do I Like Being Old???

As I’ve aged, I’ve become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself.  I’ve become my own best friend.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM or sleep until noon?  I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60s & 70s, and if I, at the same time wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful.  But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten.  And I will eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.  How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody’s beloved pet gets hit by a car?  But broken hearts are what gives us strength and understanding and compassion.  A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.  So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive.  You care less what other people think.  I don’t question myself anymore.  I’ve even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old.  It has set me free.  I like the person I have become.  I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.  And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

 

(Provided by Theodora Matthews, First UMC – McCamey, TX)

Lunchtime in Iraan

FUMC-Iraan squirrel having lunch today!

It was a great time today for pizza in Iraan!  Lee M. brought along his granddaughter, Jenny (from Plano) and everyone enjoyed hearing about her Master's degree program in counseling at North Texas State University.

Pentecost Sunday text

While the secular world will think next weekend celebrates the Memorial Day holiday, the weekend which is the 'unofficial' start to summer, we in the church know that next Sunday (May 27th) is Pentecost Sunday - the "birthday" of the church.  Our sermon scripture lesson will come from Ezekiel 37:1-14. 
In recognition of this significant day in the life of our faith, please wear something red.

Please invite someone to share in our fourth Sunday potluck and to celebrate with us - God is going to do some amazing 'stuff' in Iraan, you won't want to miss it!

Ascension Sunday in Iraan

Joys from this morning's worship:
+Next Sunday is Pentecost - everyone is invited to wear red next week as we celebrate the birthday of the church.
+Looking forward to our fourth Sunday potluck next week.
+The .7" of rain we got this week!
+Last week of school.  Graduation in Iraan is on Friday.
+The kitten pastor & Belinda rescued in McCamey.

Concerns from this morning:
+Family of the Rev. Robert Rogers (pastor of First UMC -Iraan from 1993-1997) who passed away last night in New Mexico.  We remember Inez Rogers in our prayers 
+Thanda M. is having surgery this week.
+Colton W.  back in the hospital in Fort Worth.
+Those suffering from domestic abuse.
+Those absent from our worship this morning.

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, Thanda 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.

Free kitten

Pastor Charles and Belinda have rescued a tiny kitten found by the pastor's study in McCamey. There was an owl hunting from atop the steeple Wednesday night and we just couldn't let the little guy fend for himself.

We have a litter box, toys, and food available for the right "forever home."

Thursday at the Convalescent Center

The residents of the McCamey Convalescent Center send greetings on a blustery day in west Texas!

Ascension Day Prayer

Ascension Window - Elim Lutheran Church - Fargo, ND


O God, whose blessed Son,
our great high priest,
has entered once for all into the Holy Place
and ever liveth to intercede on our behalf:
grant that we,
sanctified by the offering of his body
may draw near with full assurance of faith
by the way which he has dedicated for us
and evermore serve thee, the living God;
through the same thy Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ,
who liveth and reigneth with thee,
O Father, and the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen.

Church of South India

Church Blog Has Over 20,000 Hits Now!

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A lovely day in Iraan

The recent rains have really contributed to May to remember! It was a lovely day in Iraan with picture-perfect weather on hand to match the wonderful fellowship at our weekly pizza lunch!

Next Sunday's sermon text



Chapel of the Ascension, Jerusalem

This week's sermon text prepares us for the Day of Pentecost, May 27th.  In Acts 1:1-11, we are observers of Jesus' ascension and the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.

Pat's Brownie Recipe!

Here is Pat S.'s recipe for her famous brownies:
Brownies
1 1/2 cup flour
2 cups sugar
5 tbsp cocoa
1 cup shortening
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp Karo syrup

Combine all ingredients and beat for 3 minutes.  Pour into a greased and floured 9x13 baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Icing
2 tbsp cocoa
3 tbsp milk
1/2 stick butter
1/2 box powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Bring cocoa, milk and butter to a boil.  Remove from heat and add powdered sugar and vanilla.  Spread over brownies.