Request for Prayer

From Lynn Fisher Houston:

Please pray for our niece Heather. They found two masses, one the size of a cantaloupe and one the size of a lemon. She sees the surgeon in the morning. She is in lots of pain. Thank you for your prayers!

Scripture lesson for the Second Sunday in Lent



Chi Rho cross stained glass
St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church - Susquehanna, PA

Our Lenten journey continues on March 4th, the second Sunday in Lent, with a look at Mark 8:31-38:

A lectionary Haiku

Forsaking
the freedom of choice-
a cross

Rebuking,
a man changes names-
Who am I?

Together in Iraan!

Joys from this morning:

+The fabulous breakfast we shared today!

+Belinda will be coming back to Texas this week.

+Kash K. has completed his treatments.

+Mac C.'s surgery went well.

 

Concerns from this morning:

+Family of Gene Berry.

+Family of Otha Peeples.

+Kali C. will be going on a mission trip to Africa next week.

 

Continued Prayer Concerns:
Gene B., Aaron B., Tommy B., Mac C., Jonnie D., Greg H., Steven H., Tommy H., Billie Lou H., Kash K., Shane M., Pat M., Kathy P., Naomi S., and Colton 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 +Unspoken requests +Victims of natural disasters +Countries fighting for freedom.

March e-newsletter

The March e-newsletter of the United Methodists in  Iraan and McCamey is now available at this link.

Prayer for the First Sunday in Lent

First page of the Gospel of Mark,
The Book of Kells - Trinity College - Dublin, Ireland

When the Heavens Are Torn Open
(May be used as a prayer or as a meditation)

And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him.
(Mark 1:10, NRSV)

O God,
Let us see the heavens torn open,
Signaling an end to separation
Between us and you.

Let us feel the cool breeze of blessing
The warmth of your acknowledging smile
The shalom that comes from knowing
That we are yours.

Let us see the heavens torn
Veil rent
Walls shattered
Demons subdued.

Let us be aware of our own nakedness
And tremble as we weep
In repentance for our sins

As we begin this Lenten journey,

May we see the heavens torn open above our heads
And remember
That you
Are God!

(from the GBOD website)

Breakfast potluck this coming Sunday

Don't forget to bring your FRAN (Friend, Relative And Neighbors) to our monthly breakfast potluck this coming Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

Our worship on this First Sunday in Lent will be Spirit-blessed and so will you!

Pastors & Professionals meeting

Bishop Dan Solomon

Pastor Charles attended the San Angelo District Pastors & Professionals meeting today at First UMC - Eldorado with dozens of folk from all corners of the district. Bishop Dan Solomon, bishop-in-residence at McMurry University was the featured speaker.

Dates of note:
+Feb. 24-26: Aligned & Empowered for Spritual Leadership @ First UMC in Brady. Call (432) 597-3436 for details.
+April 28: Sierra Vista UMC lecture series - a workshop on spirituality and healing. The event free and includes lunch. Reservations can be made by calling (325) 944-4041.
May 1st: There will be a district all-day spiritual retreat on May 1st. Details are coming soon.
+May 5th: District Conference @ St. Luke UMC (San Angelo).
+May 12th: Wesley UMC (San Angelo) is hosting its 6th annual golf tournament at Quicksand Golf Course, to support their soup kitchen. Call (325) 277-1914, 223-0956 or 655-8981 to sign up.
+June 7-10: Annual Conference in Corpus Christi.

Beginning of Lent

Almighty and Everlasting God,
You have given the human race
Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility.
He fulfilled Your Will by becoming Man
And giving His life on the Cross.
Help us to bear witness to You
By following His example of suffering
And make us worthy to share in His Resurrection.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son.

Amen.

Call to Prayer in the San Antonio Episcopal Area

Join us tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the First UMC in McCamey for a service of communion and healing as we begin our Lenten pilgrimage.

"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

(Esther 4:14)

From: Bishop Jim Dorff

To: All Members of the San Antonio Episcopal Area

We are living in times of change and challenge, times that can be difficult yet exciting as we seek to be a part of what God is doing among us and who God is calling us to be. As we seek to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to strive to make disciples for the transformation of the world, we are faced with how best to accomplish that mission as individuals, as families, as local churches, as conferences. The same question Mordecai posed to Esther could well be our question, too, for “Who knows whether God has placed us in this San Antonio Area for such a time as now?” That question leads us to others: “Who are we?” “Who is God calling us to be?” “Who is our neighbor?” and “How can we best accomplish God’s will?”

In seeking answers to these questions, our first and most important response AND task is to PRAY for clarity in discerning the ministry that is before us. Like the rich young ruler, we ask Jesus “Who is our neighbor?” and we are reminded to fulfill the Great Commandment to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:25-37)  We also hear Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:37 – The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Therefore, as your Bishop of the San Antonio Episcopal Area, I am issuing this Call to Prayer in the Season of Lent (February 22 - April 7, 2012). The following guidelines are suggested as a way to unite and encourage us in a common focus as we seek to hear God’s will.

EVERY DAY let your prayers include responses to the following statements:  

God you are…

God forgive us…

Jesus, we need you…

Holy Spirit, empower us…

EACH WEEK use these questions/thoughts to focus your prayerful listening to God.

Week 1 – God, who are you calling us to be?

Week 2 – Lord, who is missing in our churches? In our conferences?

Week 3 – God, how can we best reach and serve your people?

Week 4 – Lord, help us be still and listen.  What is your will for us?

Week 5 – God, what is it that you are calling us to do as your church?

Week 6 – Holy Spirit, increase our passion for the “least and the lost”, to give ourselves for others.

Dear friends, please join me and your brothers and sisters in Christ in a Lenten season of prayer as we move together into God’s future.

Announcing a new pastor

It's official - Tonight at the church in McCamey, our D.S. introduced the Rev. Ken Houston, Jr. (currently serving as pastor of Island in the Son UMC - Corpus Christi) as the new pastor of the First UMC - Iraan/ First UMC - Mccamey to a joint session of the PPRC.  The appointment is effective July 1st.

Rev. Houston and his wife, Lynn, are very familiar with west Texas and are looking forward to working among the people called United Methodist in the Permian Basin.

Please join me in lifting up Pastor Houston and Lynn in prayer as they prepare for this new chapter in their life and in the life of the Iraan and McCamey communities.

Shrove Tuesday

Today is Shrove Tuesday, the day before the beginning of the Season of Lent (on Ash Wednesday).  

+++

You are invited to attend the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at First UMC in Crane at 7:00 p.m. If you can't make it to Crane, then try making this delicious sample (for the record, FUMC-Crane will not be serving Banana Macadamia Pancakes!):

Banana Macadamia Pancakes for Shrove Tuesday

Ingredients
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/3 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 very ripe bananas, mashed into a paste

Directions
Beat the egg
Add the milk and other ingredients in the order given, mixing well between each addition
Fry in pan or on griddle, as you would other pancakes. Top with your favorite syrup
Serves 4-6.

Scripture lesson for the First Sunday in Lent

Temptation of Jesus - Chartres Cathedral, France

We begin the Sundays in Lent with the gospel lesson and a look at the temptations of Jesus in the desert. Mark's account is different than the versions in Matthew and Luke. As you prepare to enter the season of Lent, ask yourself why this might be so.

"At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God's Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: "You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life." At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him."

(Mark 1:9-13, The Message)

February 19th in Iraan

What a treat we had this morning with heavy fog giving the hills around Iraan a beautiful aura.

Joys from this morning:+The rains we've had this past week.
+Dianna Sykes was on hand to play the piano, what a blessing she was to all of us!
+The Bible study was taking place (James was away today).
+We are looking forward to nexk Sunday's breakfast potluck.

Concerns from this morning:
+Colton W. had unexpected surgery yesterday with good results.
+Mac C. has surgery tomorrow.
+Linda B. (friend of Pat S.) has health concerns.
+Those who are traveling this weekend.

Continued Prayer Concerns:
Gene B., Aaron B., Tommy B., Mac C., Jonnie D., Greg H., Steven H., Tommy H., Billie Lou H., Kash K., Shane M., Pat M., Kathy P., Naomi S., Alfred T., and Colton 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 +Unspoken requests +Victims of natural disasters +Countries fighting for freedom.

A Prayer for Transfiguration Sunday

Transfiguration of Our Lord Polish National Catholic Church
Wallington, New Jersey

Call to Prayer
Let’s go up the mountain.  Let’s go up to the place where the land meets the sky, where the earth touches the heavens, to the place of meeting, to the place of mists, to the place of voices and conversations, to the place of listening.

Prayer
O God, We open our eyes and we see Jesus, the months of ministry transfigured to a beam of light, the light of the world, your light. May your light shine upon us.

We open our eyes and we see Moses and Elijah, your word restoring us, showing us the way, telling a story, your story, his story, our story. May your word speak to us.

We open our eyes and we see mist, the cloud of your presence which assures us of all we do not know and that we do not need to fear that. Teach us to trust.

We open our eyes and we see Peter’s constructions, his best plans, our best plans, our missing the point, our missing the way. Forgive our foolishness and sin.

We open our eyes and we see Jesus, not casting us off, but leading us down, leading us out - to ministry, to people. Your love endures forever.

We open our ears and we hear your voice, ‘This is my beloved Son, listen to him!’ And we give you thanks.  Amen

prepared by the Rev. William Loader (Uniting Church of Australia, February 2001)

Events to remember

Transfiguration Sunday – February 19th

PPRC (at FUMC-McCamey) - February 21st @ 5:30 p.m.

ASH WEDNESDAY HEALING SERVICE (at FUMC-McCamey) February 22nd @ 7:00 p.m.

MCC on Thursday

 It was a chilly day outside but there was warmth aplenty inside the McCamey Convalescent Center.  This is a wonderful example of what it means to be a community that cares for those who once cared for others.

Calling all golfers!

Blessing for St. Valentine's Day

A Valentine’s Day Prayer

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

– I Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

Lord,
Because love is patient…
Help me to be slow to judge, but quick to listen.
Hesitant to criticize, but eager to encourage, remembering your endless patience with me.

Because love is kind…
Help my words to be gentle and my actions to be thoughtful. Remind me to smile and to say "Please" and "Thank You" because those little things still mean so much.

Because love does not envy or boast, and it is not proud…
Help me have a heart that is humble and sees the good in others. May I celebrate and appreciate all that I have and all that I am, as well as doing the same for those around me.

Because love is not rude or self-seeking…
Help me to speak words that are easy on the ear and on the heart. When I’m tempted to get wrapped up in my own little world, remind me there’s a great big world out there full of needs and hurts.

Because love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs…
Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. When I want to hold onto a grudge, gently help me release it so I can reach out with a hand of love instead.

Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth…
Help me stand up for what is right and good. May I defend the defenseless, and help the helpless. Show me how I can make a difference.

Because love always protects and always trusts…
Help me to be a refuge for those around me. When the world outside is harsh and cold, may my heart be a place of acceptance and warmth.

Finally, because love always perseveres…
Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others. Thank you for this day when we celebrate love, and for showing us what that word really means. Amen.

Author Unknown

The scripture lesson for February 19

Church of the Transfiguration - Mt. Tabor, Israel

Sunday, February 19 -
Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday

We're continuing our readings from the gospel accounts this week with a look at Mark 9:2-9.  This is the final Sunday before the beginning of the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday, February 22.

A wintry morning in Iraan

 

With wintry conditions unfolding in the Permian Basin there were ample reasons for folks to stay away from the First UMC in Iraan.  But a little bad weather couldn't keep the fellowship of believers away this morning!

Joys from this morning:
+Rex & Donna Mann and Mary Rylander were with us today.
+Burton L. took a tumble this morning on the ice but emerged unscathed.
+Colton W.'s recent treatment was a success.
+James J. has a birthday this coming Saturday.
+Eddy C.'s health continues to improve.

Concerns from this morning's worship:

+Prayers were asked for those absent from worship today
+Billie Lou H., (the sister of Kirke's mother-in-law) is in hospice care.
+Gene B., from Seminole, is now under hospice care.
+Steven H. is serving in Honduras on a relief operation.

Prayers for healing:
Gene B., Aaron B., Tommy B., Mac C., Jonnie D., Greg H., Steven H., Tommy H., Billie Lou H., Kash K., Shane M., Pat M., Kathy P., Naomi S., Alfred T., and Colton 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 +Unspoken requests +Victims of natural disasters +Countries fighting for freedom.

A Four-fold Benedictine Blessing

Saint Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota.

A Four-fold Benedictine Blessing

by Sr. Ruth Fox, OSB (1985)

May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

And the blessing of God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator, Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Saviour, and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide,
be with you and remain with you, this day and forevermore.

AMEN

Areas of Ministry Focus

Ministry with the poor - Global health - Congregational Development - Leadership Development

The United Methodist Church is concentrating its resources, creativity, and programs around four specific areas of focus within the church and the world. Uniting our efforts around these four related areas is critical to the church’s mission of making disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.

The Four Areas of Focus of The United Methodist Church are:

• Engaging in Ministry with the Poor
• Stamping Out the Killer Diseases of Poverty by Improving Health Globally
• Creating New Places for New People and Renewing Existing Congregations
• Developing Principled Christian Leaders for the Church and the World

Visit this link to learn more.

Thursday at McCamey Convalescent Center

Love was in the air at the McCamey Convalescent Center today with the common room decorated in pink and red.  The residents were also decked out in the holiday colors along with some of the community visitors.

Mission opportunity

Lee Carlisle (a member of First UMC - San Angelo), has been invited to travel to India with Judy Hutcherson as part of their medical team. Lee is a registered nurse and family nurse-practitioner. She has been asked to collect topical creams and other over-the-counter medications for this important mission.

If you would life to help, you can drop off items at the First UMC (or to the parsonage) in McCamey or you bring items with you on Sunday (February 12).

Items needed: Topical creams of all kinds - steroids, anti-fungal, antibiotic (i.e. Neosporin-type) and vitamin tablets, both adult and pediatric. No liquids, please, due to weight isues and possibility of leakage.

These donations will be taken by Pastor Charles to San Angelo on Monday, February 13.

Scripture lesson for February 12

The Jesus Heals a Leper window, St. Matthew's German Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Charleston, SC

We continue our reading from the Gospel according to Mark on Sunday when we look at an account of Jesus healing a leper, Mark 1:40-45.

We'll also use a reference a passage from 2 Kings 5:1-7 (8-15b). In this passage, Naaman, a general from Aram, was afflicted with a skin disease and is cured by the power of God.

First Sunday in February

Today's community gathering was a blessing to one and all, as we came together in fellowship and to worship our awesome God!

Joys from this morning:
+Wanda & Edd C. were blessed with a visit from their son, Eddy, and his son, Terry.  They brought a load of firewood and a lot of chores were taken care of by the two visitors.
+Pastor Charles spotted a buck standing by the side of the road on the way to worship this morning. 
+The fellowship time is a lot of fun and the treats are always good!
+The Tuesday pizza lunch is a great time to get together!

There will be a PPRC meeting (together with FUMC -McCamey) with the District Superintendent next Sunday, February 12th at 2:00 p.m. at FUMC - McCamey.

Concerns from this morning's worship:

+Prayers were asked for those absent from worship today.

+Prayers are asked for the family of Cy Crump (Marie's 5 month-old great-grandson).  Cy died in his sleep Saturday morning at the family home in Ralls.

+Colton W. (Ronnie's grandson) still has one more round of chemo to go through today. He has a surgery scheuled for this coming Thursday.

+Please be in prayer for the delegates preparing for the 2012 UMC General Conference in Tampa.

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 and students +Our nation, government, leaders +Our Military and their families +The homeless +The unemployed +Unspoken requests +Victims of natural disasters +Countries fighting for freedom.

Collect for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Lord, we beseech Thee to keep Thy Church and household continually in Thy true religion; that they who do lean only upon the hope of Thy heavenly grace may evermore be defended by Thy mighty power; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(The Book of Common Prayer, 1970)

Prayer request

Marie Richardson just called with a request for prayer - Marie's great-grandson, Cy Crump (almost 5 months old) died in his sleep during the early morning hours on Saturday at the family home in Ralls.

Please lift up Cy's family - parents David & Reagan (Marie's granddaughter) and his two brothers.

A thought to take with you...

Snow clouds over Albuquerque, NM - Feb. 2

Here is a thought to take with you this weekend:

God of all goodness, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.

Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(From Evening Vespers in the Lutheran Book of Worship, page 153)