The walkway takes shape at the hospital

The walkway being installed at the Iraan General Hospital is looking really nice!  All the bricks that can be, have been installed with the remaining bricks to follow when the Iraan Wellness Center is completed in 2013.  Several of our members have bricks in their own or a family member's name and one was given in honor the First UMC!

The pizza place in Iraan has become the place to be on Tuesdays for some of the First UMC members and friends.  Come and share the fun with this great group!

The text for this coming Sunday

This week, we'll  continue our reading from Mark's account of the Gospel, looking at Mark 1:29-39.  In this passage, Jesus heals many people and then, in the early morning hours, goes off to pray.  Why He does this is the subject of the sermon. 

Come, and bring someone with you to share in the Good News!

Blessings abounding in Iraan

The community was in a jolly mood today as we gathered for fellowship.  The recent rain/snow had brought a renewed sense of optimism and hope for the Iraan community.  Thanks to Kirke McKenzie for bringing a delicious casserole and to Marie Richardson for a tasty coffee cake to share this morning, and it wasn't even a potluck Sunday!

Joys from this morning's worship:

+Eddy C. is recovering nicely and is done with surgery!

+Colton W. had a great report from the doctors.

+We were blessed with some good rainfall last week.

+Iraan also had enough snow to actually make snowballs!

+Songbirds have been seen and heard in town.

+Bluebonnets (by the hospital) are benefiting from the recent moisture.

+The work on the paver stones by the hospital looks great.  The project will be completed once the wellness center is built.

+Pastor Charles had a great experience at the Two-year Academy for Spiritual Formation (in San Antonio) and with a brief visit with Belinda (in Georgia).

+Wanda Carpenter did a wonderful job bringing the message last week. 

+Dianna Sykes shared her musical gift with us during worship last week.

Concerns from this morning's worship:

+Colton still has one more round of chemo to go through.

+Prayers were asked for those absent from worship today.

+The family of Edith Roberts who passed away last Wednesday.

+Belinda was involved in a minor fender-bender Friday.

Prayers for healing:
Aaron B., Tommy B., Eddy C., Mac C., Jonnie D., Greg H., Steven H., Kameron H., Tommy H., Kash K., Shane M., Pat M., Kathy P., Naomi S., Eva S., Alfred T., and Colton W.

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

Meatloaf Friday!

There was some mighty fine vitals today for lunch at the Senior Center in Iraan!  It was nice to be able to share the good cooking with the good people of our community including several First UMC members.
On hand today were Burton & Jo Lanehart, Lee & Dottie Mann, Wanda Morrow, Marie Richardson and Evans Turpin.

Coffee, donuts and fellowship!

God bless the residents of the McCamey Convalescent Center and the visitors from the community who came together this morning for coffee, donuts and fellowship!

Scripture for this coming Sunday

This coming Sunday (January 29) we'll be looking at Mark 1:21-28.  In this passage, Jesus is found in the synagogue in Capernaum where the people are amazed at the authority with which He deals with the demonic forces arrayed against one of God's children.


Please invite someone to share what God is doing with the people of faith at First UMC - Iraan.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

St. Paul Shrine, Cleveland, Ohio

Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart with Your holy gifts.

Let my weakness be penetrated with Your strength this very day that I may fulfill the duties of my state in life conscientiously, that I may do what is right and just.

Let my charity be such as to offend no one and hurt no one's feelings; so generous as to pardon sincerely any wrong done to me.

Assist me in all the trials of life, enlighten me in my ignorance, advise me in my doubts, strengthen my weakness, help me in all needs and embarrassment, protect me in temptations and console me in all afflictions.

Graciously hear me, O Holy Spirit, and pour Your light into my heart, my soul and my mind.  Assist me to live a holy life and to grow in goodness and grace.  Amen.

Apostles of the Holy Spirit
Cincinnati, Ohio

Joy-filled Sunday in Iraan

Our fellowship time was a tasty affair!  Kirke McKenzie brought in a delicious breakfast casserole he had made that morning as well as some panettone (an Italian sweet bread).  What a wonderful way to start the day!  Thirteen were on hand to worship our awesome God.

Joys from this morning:
+The moisture we've gotten recently has contributed to the first signs of Bluebonnets near the roadway by the hospital.
+Kirke had a great visit with his grandsons, both of whom are in the Army - Kameron is at Fort Lewis, Washington and Steven is in Hondurus.
+We got through another week!

Concerns from this morning:
+Those away from Iraan this morning.
+Eddy C. is recovering from his surgeries.

Prayers for healing:
Aaron B., Tommy B., Eddy C., Jonnie D., Tommy H., Kash K., Shane M., Pat M., Kathy P., Eva S., Alfred T., and Colton W.
Continued prayers:
+Our church +Our community youth +Our schools, athletes, coaches, teachers & students +Our nation, government & leaders Our Military and their families +The homeless +The unemployed  +Unspoken requests +Victims of natural disasters +Countries fighting for freedom.

A prayer for discernment

O Lord,
I do not know what to ask You.  You alone know my real needs, and You love me more than I even know how to love.  Enable me to discern my true needs which are hidden from me.  I ask for neither cross nor consolation; I wait in patience for You. 

My heart is open to You.  For Your great mercy's sake, come to me and help me.  Put Your mark on me and heal me, cast me down and raise me up.  Silently I adore Your holy will and Your inscrutable ways.

I offer myself in sacrifice to You and put all my trust in You.  I desire only to do Your will.  Teach me how to pray and pray in me, Yourself.  

--Vasily Drosdov Philaret, c. 1780 - 1867

Today in Iraan

Lots of smiling faces were in evidence this morning at the Iraan Senior Center for lunch including several FUMC members: Burton & Jo Lanehart, Lee & Dottie Mann and Evans Turpin. 

There is always good food and the company just makes the gathering that much better!

Hello from the MCC

There was a lot of warmth and laughter at the McCamey Convalescent Center (MCC) this morning!  On a very chilly and cloudy day in the Permian Basin, the place to feel the warmth that comes with living in a small community was in evidence on the faces of one and all!!!

The sermon text for Jan. 15

The young prophet Samuel and the priest Eli by Burne-Jones from the Vyner Memorial Window
in Oxford Cathedral, c.1872.

The scripture text for this coming Sunday (Jan. 15) comes from I Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20).  We'll be looking at the call God issues to me, to you, to us ...

A cloudy day in Iraan!

Proud granddad Leland with Atlanta

We were blessed with a cloudy morning today in Iraan and everyone was happy to hear that there is rain in the forecast! 

Joys: +Atlanta B. made her first appearance among us during our worship service!  +Tommy H. is home and his health is improving. +Kirke McKenzie is back with us after seeing his great-grandson  and family in Utah.  +Colton W. is going for his final chemo treatment!  +James and Deanna had pictures of their new place to show everyone.

Concerns:
+Family of Tammy Kay Williford.  +Wanda & Ed C. are under the weather this weekend. 

Prayers for healing:
Aaron B., Tommy B., Eddy C., Jonnie D., Tommy H., Kash K., Shane M., Pat M., Kathy P., Eva S., Alfred T., and Colton W.

Continued prayers:
+Our church +Our community youth +Our Schools
+Athletes/Coaches + Teachers/Students +Our Military
+Homeless +Unemployed +Our Nation
+Our government/Leaders +Unspoken requests
+Victims of natural disasters +Countries fighting for freedom

Baptismal renewal

As part of our service today we'll be given the opportunity to renew our baptismal vows:

INTRODUCTION TO THE SERVICE

Brothers and sisters in Christ: Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ's holy church.  We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit.  All this is God's gift, offered to us without price. Through the reaffirmation of our faith we renew the covenant declared at our baptism, acknowledge what God is doing for us, and affirm our commitment to Christ's holy church.

RENUNCIATION OF SIN AND PROFESSION OF FAITH
On behalf of the whole church, I ask you: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?  I do.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?  I do.
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace,
and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?  I do.
According to the grace given to you, will you remain faithful members of Christ's holy church and serve as Christ's representatives in the world?  I will.

Let us join together in professing the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
Do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?  I believe in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER
Eternal Father, your mighty acts of salvation have been made known through water—from the moving of your Spirit upon the waters of creation, to the deliverance of your people through the flood and through the Red Sea.  In the fullness of time you sent Jesus, nurtured in the water of a womb, baptized by John, and anointed by your Spirit. He called his disciples to share in the baptism of his death and resurrection and to make disciples of all nations.

Pour out your Holy Spirit, and by this gift of water call to our remembrance the grace declared to us in our baptism. For you have washed away our sins, and you cloth us with righteousness throughout our lives, that dying and rising with Christ we may share in his final victory.  Amen.

REAFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Remember your baptism and be thankful. Amen.
The Holy Spirit work within you, that having been born through water and the Spirit, you may live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Amen.

THANKSGIVING
Let us rejoice in the faithfulness of our covenant God.  We give thanks for all that God has already given us. As members of the body of Christ and in this congregation of The United Methodist Church, we will faithfully participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

The God of all grace, who has called us to eternal glory in Christ, establish and strengthen you by the power of the Holy Spirit, that you may live in grace and peace.

(Taken from the Hermeneutic website)

Epiphany Hymn

Epiphany window, The Taizé Community, France

Epiphany Hymn of St. Ambrose
Most High God! Thou that enkindlest the fires of the shining stars!
O Jesus! Thou that art peace and life and light and truth, hear and grant our prayers.

This present day has been made holy by thy mystic baptism, whereby thou didst sanctify those waters of the Jordan, which of old were thrice turned back.

It is holy by the star shining in the heavens, whereby thou didst announce thy Virginal Mother's delivery and didst, on the same day, lead the Magi to adore thee in thy crib.

It is holy too, by thy changing the water of the pitchers into wine; which the steward of the feast, knowing that he had not so filled them, drew forth for the guests.

Glory be to thee, O Lord Jesus, that didst appear on this Day!
And to the Father and to the Holy Spirit, for everlasting ages. Amen.

- St. Ambrose of Milan (338-397)

Thursday at the Convalescent Center

It was a busy morning at the McCamey Convalescent Center as the residents gathered with community volunteers and family members for coffee & donuts.

Twelfth Day of Christmas

Today marks the twelfth and final day of Christmas.  Tomorrow begins the Season of Epiphany which continues six weeks until Ash Wednesday (February 22) and the start of Lent. 

In celebration of Twelfth Night, join in the singing of this well-loved song (with Tennessee Ernie Ford):

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Twelve Lords a-leaping
Eleven Ladies dancing
Ten Drummers drumming
Nine Pipers Piping
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden (sometimes gold) rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree

Baptism of the Lord Sunday

Clermont Cathedral (Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne, France)

This Sunday, January 8th, is Baptism of the Lord Sunday. The text for this week's sermon comes from Mark 1:4-11 which describes the baptism by John of Jesus at the River Jordan.                            

Yea, God: Over 10,000 Hits!

WOW:  This blog has over 10,000 hits now!

New Year's Resolution

Making New Year's resolutions is a long-standing tradition.  As Christians we should always be looking to renew ourselves and to grow in the faith we hold so dear.

If you are still looking for a resoultion, consider reading the Bible!  At Biblegateway.com you can read the Bible by choosing one of seven reading plans. 

Click on this link and get started today!

Happy New Year!

The New Year began with clear skies over Iraan and though there were lots of people from the community of faith on the road this morning, we were happy to come together for fellowship and worship.

The January e-newsletter is available at this link.

Joys and concerns from this morning:
Joys:
+Carol and Sharon (the Mann's daughters) were able to be home for Christmas and we were happy to have them in worship last Sunday.
+Evans had a full-house of family on Christmas Day.
+Wonderful fellowship and worship last Sunday.

Concerns:
+Ed C. starts the New Year under the weather.
+Tommy Joe H. is having health issues.
+Prayers are asked for the family of Tammy Kay Williford (46) of Iraan who passed away last Wednesday.
+Our members who are traveling this holiday weekend.

Other prayers:
+Rain  +Family of Billie McKenzie  +People of Africa   +Penn State abuse victims.
Prayers for healing:
Aaron B., Tommy B., Eddy C., Jonnie D., Kash K., Shane M., Pat M., Kathy P., Eva S., Alfred T., and Colton W.
Continued prayers:
+Our church              +Our community youth     +Our Schools
+Athletes/Coaches    + Teachers/Students           +Our Military
+Homeless                +Unemployed                    +Our Nation
+Our government/Leaders    +Unspoken requests  
+Victims of natural disasters    +Countries fighting for freedom