Advent devotional for November 30th

Christmas at our house was my mother's favorite holiday. Mother loved to shop for birthdays, anniversaries, just because, you name it, buying for others was her favorite hobby! With four children and an enormous extended family, the tree was barley visible some years. We always had a wonderful time at her house on Christmas morning. One year, 1980 to be exact, my brothers and sisters were given specific times to arrive at the house. Must be some special surprises!

Imagine the look on our faces when we walked into the den and underneath this beautifully decorated tree were three gifts. That is it! One box for the boys, one each for my sister and myself. You would think we received a lump of coal. However, looking into my mother's eyes I knew there was more, much more to this story. she instructed us to open them at the same time; it was a one, two, three GO moment.

The room was silent except for the gasp you could hear from each of us. There at that moment we thought we had little to receive was a box of yesterdays and too many memories to remember. For the boys, the train set they had received when they were 7 & 8, just like new with every single piece intact. Everything had been repaired and repainted, by my Mom. For my sister and me we opened the box to find the first doll we had received as children. The dresses they wore were handmade, every stitch sown with love. Mine had a bonnet, did not remember that, but when she removed it, all her hair had been cut off. I do remember that! That is when my Mother made the plan to put these things away and hold onto them.

You see, my mother's favorite Christmas was when we received these same gifts the first time. She said she would never forget the joy and the hugs she and my Dad received from us. It happened again, what seemed like very little in the beginning became so much more precious to us. Best Christmas ever, again. Oh yes, after awhile she brought in a big box and had her special gifts she always gave us. it was Mom, she could not help herself. Little is much.

Gini Christian, San Angelo District Ministries Coordinator

Advent devotional for November 29th

(Bob Hope at Camp Eagle, 1968)

It was December 1969 and this would be my fourth Christmas in a row to be in the military and separated from my family. This time I was in a war zone half a world around the world. To keep young men occupied and to reduce home sickness, our supervisors had us on a grueling schedule. We worked 365 days a year, evening shift - and then back for a day shift - then double shift - and then double back for day shift - then double back for midnight shift. We worked 8 hours, off 8 hours, worked 8 hours, off 8 hours...

I had just gotten off the midnight shift at 8:00 a.m. I was in my barracks sound asleep within minutes. About 9:00 a.m., one of our people woke me saying, "We are going to see Bob Hope Immediately." This was exciting news! Over the years, we had all watched Christimas-time TV specials where Bob Hope and his guests would entertain the troops and sailors overseas.

Bob Hope's schedule in a war zone was always classified "Top Secret." Without fanfare, we traveled to an unknown desitnation which we later learned was Camp Eagle, the South Vietnam home of the Army's 101st Airborne Division. About 15,000 hardened, battle-weary servicemen (Army, Air Force, Marines and land-based Navy) enjoyed Bob Hope, Les Brown and his Band of Renown, Gloria Diaz (Miss Universe 1969), the Golddiggers singing group and our new "hero," Neil Armstrong, who had just walked on the moon five months earlier.

The show's finale had all the entertainers on stage. With the orchestra playing, all of us sang "Silent Night." There was not a dry eye to be seen. While we were singing, the Lord touched our souls again and gave us peace. It was a memorable Christmas. Thank you, Lord.

Bill Lester, First UMC - McCamey

(Here is a link to Bob Hope's USO tours at Camp Eagle, 1967-1972)

Fellowship Hall Decorations

Prize-winning Pecan Pie Recipe!

Thanks to our very own Ronnie Ward and Jerry C. Celey, we can now share with you, dear blog readers, his famous prize-winning recipe for pecan pie!

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3/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons flour

1/2 stick butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 chicken eggs

1 tablespoon Mexican vanilla

1/2 cup dark Karo syrup

1/2 cup light Karo syrup

1 1/2 cups pecans (parts & pieces)

Melt butter. Add sugar and flour. Mix.

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Beat eggs, one at a time.... and add to above mixture.

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Add salt, vanilla, syrup and pecans. Stir to mix. Place in 9" deep pie shell.

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Optional: Add pecan halves to top to make it "purdy!"

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Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. Place pie on cookie sheet or pie rack. Bake at 325 degrees for 60 minutes.

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ENJOY!!!

Advent begins at FUMC - Iraan

Our Advent began this morning in Iraan with a potluck breakfast and some energetic fellowship! The fellowship hall was nicely done with pretty table decorations, a banner quilt and a small crismon tree. Thanks to everyone who shared in this time with us!

Advent Devotional for the First Sunday of Advent

Sunday, November 28th - the First Sunday of Advent

Each day during Advent the entries from the parish Advent devotional will be placed on the blog. These devotionals were prepared by members and friends of the First UMC in Iraan and the First UMC in McCamey. The entries will continue through the Twelve Days of Christmas (Dec. 25 - Jan. 5) and finish on Epiphany Day (January 6th).

First Corinthians 13 (Christmas version)

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, stands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to me family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at a soup kitchen, carol in a nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doe not envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful that they are there to be in the way. Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust; but giving the gift of love will endure.

(Author: Sharon Jaynes - Celebrating a Christ-centered Christmas)

Wanda Carpenter, First UMC - Iraan

With Grateful Heart

With Grateful Heart

With grateful heart my thanks I bring,

Before the great Thy praise I sing,

I worship in Thy holy place

And praise Thee for Thy truth and grace;

For truth and grace together shine,

In Thy most holy Word divine,

In Thy most holy Word divine.

I cried to Thee and Thou didst save,

Thy Word of grace new courage gave;

The kings of earth shall thank Thee, Lord,

For they have heard Thy wondrous Word;

Yea, they shall come with songs of praise,

For great and glorious are Thy ways,

For great and glorious are Thy ways.

O Lord, enthroned in glory bright,

Thou reignest in the heavenly height;

The proud in vain Thy favor seek,

But Thou hast mercy for the meek;

Through trouble though my pathway be,

Thou wilt retrieve and strengthen me,

Thou wilt retrieve and strengthen me.

Thou wilt stretch forth Thy mighty arm

To save me when my foes alarm;

The work Thou hast for me begun

Shall by Thy grace be fully done;

Forever mercy dwells with Thee;

O Lord, my Maker, think on me,

O Lord, my Maker, think on me.

Happy birthday in Iraan!

Today was a birthday-type of day in Iraan! Burton Lanehart (today) and Wanda Morrow (Wednesday) are celebrating birthdays this week. After lunch Wanda gave Pastor Charles two lovely "happy anniversary" balloons from her bouquet (Pastor Charles' anniversary is also this week).

Christ the King Sunday @ FUMC - Iraan

Our fellowship this morning was a lively affair. What a joy it is to be with a community that enjoys each other's company! We have so much fun!!! Marie Richardson brought some freshly-made "Mormon bread" this morning to share during our fellowship time. What a treat it is to have such generous and talented people willing to share their gifts with the community!

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At the conclusion of the worship service Pastor Charles distributed the Advent devotional booklets to each family present (the devotionals had been blessed during the offering). Devotionals will be mailed to our resident members not in worship this morning and to those members who live out of town.

Prayer for Christ the King Sunday

(Main altar, Christ the King Cathedral - Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland)

Today is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday in the liturgical year. Next week is the beginning of Advent and the cycle of the church year begins anew. Before we launch into the holidays however, let us offer to our king the homage that is due to Him alone:

Collect for Christ the King Sunday:
Almighty and eternal God, You have made of one blood all the nations of the earth and will that they live together in peace and harmony; so order the course of this world so all peoples may be brought together under Christ's most gentle rule; through Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(from the New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 637b)

Community Thanksgiving Service

The Iraan Ministerial Alliance is sponsoring the annual Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 21 @ 6:00 p.m. in the Iraan Civic Center. A meal will be shared following the service.

November 14th in Iraan

What a blessing it is to be among such a community of faith as we have in Iraan. This morning we enjoyed some lively fellowship prior to the worship service. If you're looking for somewhere to call home and some folks to share the journey with you, then join us next week!

The message for today

Today's sermon, "The rumors abound," is based on Luke 21:5-19. May God bless your reading and grant you grace sufficient to the task placed in your heart.

(The picture is of the destruction of Jerusalem - from the inside wall of the Arch of Titus, Rome)

Church Conference & More!

It was a beautiful, Spirit-filled day here in Iraan! Our service was moved to 11:00 a.m. to accomodate the travel needs of our District Superintendent, the Rev. Larry Altman.

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The worship service featured communion (today was All Saints Sunday) and the annual church conference session. It was wonderful sharing what we have been doing as a congregation and what we are looking forward to in the coming year. It was a large gathering in the sanctuary, which made for an even more joy-filled gathering.

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Following the service & conference session, the community gathered in the fellowship hall and enjoyed wonderful food and some lively fellowship. Thanks to everyone who contributed to such a bountiful feast! Of particular interest to those assembled were the culinary offerings of Belinda Alkula and Wanda Morrow! (Only folks who know them will understand.)

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Thanks to Rev. Altman who was accompanied by his wife, Patty for leading us in our conference session. Also joining us today were Jill Preston (from Eldorado), the San Angelo District Lay Leader, and Gini Christian, the District Ministries Coordinator. They presented several items for the congregation to consider.

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What a blessing today was!!! Come and share with us what God is unfolding in our community through the First UMC!

Change in schedule

In addition to setting your clocks back tonight, please note the following changes for November 7th:

Chuch School will be held this week at 9:30 a.m. Sunday worship wll be at 11:00 a.m. The service will include communion followed by the annual church conference conducted by our District Superintendent, the Rev. Larry Altman.

The Pastor/Parish Relation Committee (PPRC) will meet with the D.S. following the service.

November's fellowship meal will be a hamburger lunch and will also be held tomorrow following the service.

Calling all men!

The men of the First UMC in McCamey are inviting you to the monthly gathering of the United Methodist Men. They meet on the first Saturday of each month starting at 7:00 a.m. with a breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

Prayer for All Saints Day

A Prayer for All-Saints Day

Sing praises to God, all you saints, and give thanks to God's holy name! We exalt you, O God, for You have restored us to life!

We may cry through the night, but Your joy comes with the morning! You hear us, O God, and You are gracious in our distress. You turn our mourning into dancing! Our souls cannot be silent!

O God, our Savior, we give thanks to You for ever!

-The Methodist Book of Worship, 1965

(the picture is of the stained glass dome over the sanctuary of the chapel of Mount St. Aphonsus Pastoral Retreat Center in Eposus, NY)