First United Methodist Church
Thursday, February 23, 2012
EASTLAND, TEXAS
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February 22, 2012
What's Coming Up at First UMC
Find out what's coming up at First UMC by going to the Calendar and then update your calendar. Save the date...
Time to Sign-up for Wednesday Night Live 2012
It is time for you and your friends to sign up to prepare a dinner for our Wednesday Night Live ministry for the year 2012. All you have to do is pick the menu (as simple as you like), fix the food, and help serve on the night you sign up for. After you turn in your receipts, the church will reimburse you for the cost of the food. The meal can be either cooked in the kitchen or prepared ahead of time and warmed before we eat. You should figure enough food for about 50 people. Sign up outside the church office today. Then, invite your friends and neighbors to enjoy the FREE food, great fellowship and the grace of God at Wednesday Night Live.
New "Tween" Class is Part of Wednesday Night Live
Starting Wednesday, January 11, a new Jesus group for those in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades will begin. Nancy Hughes and Judy Rainey will be leading this group starting at 6:00 pm in the Koinonia Sunday School classroom on the second floor. Come for the free dinner at 5:30 and stay for the fun.
eCenter is Now Open
On Thursday, February 16, the eCenter opened its doors for business. On Friday, there were at least 25-30 different youth hanging out. Then on Saturday, the annual Middle School Valentine's dance was held in the eCenter where over 150 youth partied the night away. God is awesome and is doing mighty things here in Eastland. We are still in need of adult supervisors to work any or all of a shift. Contact Will at 254-485-3312 to volunteer. It is open every day except Wednesdays and Sundays from 3 to 11 pm. Everyone is invited to come on down and join the fun.
The eCenter is a place that offers FREE fun, food, after school tutoring, Christian youth events, opportunities to plug into all local church events, and meals at various times of the year. Most of all, it will offer a non-threatening, supervised, and positive hang-out/meeting place for everyone. The eCenter is a big commitment of time and money, but it establishes a necessary ministry in Eastland. As seen in Acts 20:9-10, we no longer can afford to just talk our youth to death about Jesus clouded with denominations and church affiliation. It's time to embrace them and proclaim through the reality of Jesus that they are alive. Watch for updates on how you can serve God through the eCenter project – a community youth center for everyone.
Calling All Teen Artists
Talented artists between the ages of 12 and 19 are needed to make paintings, furniture and murals for the new eCenter. There will be a meeting on Saturday, March 3, 2:00 pm at the eCenter to discuss how you can be a part of this exciting volunteer opportunity. For more information, please contact Katherine Rice at 254-488-2417 or email katherine@gordongalleries.com. Sponsored by the Arts Incubator of Eastland and the Art Divas.
Free Church T-Shirts
The t-shirts are here! They come in sizes S, M, L, XL and can be picked up in the office or at the east entrance of the church. Get yours today!
Grow, Give, and Serve in 2012
Throughout the Gospel, it is clear that Jesus expects those who wish to follow him to become one of his disciples – to bear the cross with him – to go beyond just wearing a uniform to actually getting in the game. Together, let’s make 2012 the year we take our relationship with God through Christ to the next level. The opportunities and commitments offered by First UMC are varied, but the reason to accept the challenge this year is the same for all. It is so, as Jesus said, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” (John 15:8) But this is not just about how to bear fruit as a church through some new “program” or just about how much money you give to the church. It is more about how you can bear fruit as a believer in Jesus as a way of life. In other words, as Christians, we are called to Grow, Give, and Serve because of Jesus Christ.
Start by praying and thinking about how you can more fully become a disciple of Jesus Christ in 2012 and fill out a commitment card that will be mailed to each member on Monday, January 30. If you don't receive one, they are available in the church office. If you have children, you will also be asked to indicate where you are willing to help them grow, give and serve. Youth 7th grade and older will need to make their own commitment. Then bring the card with you to church on Sunday, February 26 in the special "Grow, Give, Serve" envelope. If you cannot be in church on that particular Sunday, just bring it with you the next time you come. Discipleship is something that just can’t be mailed in. Let’s make 2012 the year we start on a journey together to bear fruit that glorifies God and reveals to the world the reality of Jesus one relationship at a time.
Calling All Gardeners
As part of the development of the property that used to be the Threadwell Building, the First UMC is planning to start a Community Garden. This ministry, called the First Fruits Community Garden, will invite people from the community to "rent" 4'x 4' above-ground garden boxes to grow fresh produce. Some of the boxes will be designated to grow fresh produce exclusively for the Eastland County Food Pantry. Each group wishing to work a box will be asked to pay a deposit of $25 and be required to do the planting, tending, and harvesting. At the end of the growing season, the box will need to be cleared in preparation for the next year. At that time the deposit will be returned. The objective is to provide fresh produce to the food pantry and families in the community, as well as teaching, experiencing, and sharing the love of gardening. If you would like to reserve your box now, please contact Mary Jo Smith at 639-2801.
Women's Retreat
The 2012 Women's Retreat will be the weekend of April 13 and 14 at the Stillwater Lodge in Glen Rose, Texas. All women are invited to attend so invite your friends. More details to come. Contact Mary Jo Smith at 639-2801 for more information.
Ash Wednesday Service
Everyone is invited to come between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 22 to receive the ashes symbolic of a readiness to repent and begin a time of focus on God during Lent. It will be come and go and a time of quiet reflection and prayer at the altar of God. All are welcome. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 days (not including Sundays) leading up to Easter - the resurrection of Jesus. There will be no Wednesday Night Live on this day.
Whom can you invite?
Food Pantry Needs Your Help Every Week
Due to the high demand for assistance, the Eastland County Food Pantry is very low on the food it needs to help our "neighbors" in our community. Foods like peanut butter, canned meat, hamburger helper mixes, and any vegetables are needed. Donations can be brought to the Pantry on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 1 and 4 pm - or - they can be placed in the Pantry collection basket in church near the office. Why help feed the people in our community? ...because of Jesus.
UMCOR Still Needs Your Help
The recovery in Japan, the Mississippi River area, and numerous other areas around the world is not over, and now help is needed with the wildfires in Bastrop County. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is there and will be there until the recovery is complete, and they need your help. Please place your donations in the red UMCOR buckets at each of the three doors at the church and make a difference...because of Jesus.
Community Prayer Meeting
Everyone is invited to come to the community prayer meeting on the first Tuesdays of every month (March 6) at noon at the First Christian Church. Bring your lunch and join in prayer for the children and youth of Eastland County.
Revealing the reality of Jesus one relationship at a time.
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