March 21, 2010
Vol 29 No 6
The Spire
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
BEAUMONT, TEXAS
Holy Week Services
Maundy Thursday, April 1
7 p.m. in the Sanctuary
The Sacrament of Holy Communion and
Solemn Stripping of the Chancel
Good Friday, April 2
7 p.m. in Rothwell Hall
“The Questions of the Last Week”
A multi-sensory experience of the last week of Jesus’ life Hear, see, touch, smell the events of what we call Holy Week Music by the Chancel Choir and Brandon Laird, French horn
Presenters: Our pastors, Krysta Lyn Coffey, Marilyn Martin, Gregg Conway and Janie Greenway
Easter Sunday, April 4
Sunrise service in Longe Chapel – 7 a.m.
Breakfast serving begins – 9:30 a.m.
Praise music begins – 9:45 a.m.
Easter egg hunt for the children – 10:15 a.m.
Pre-service music begins – 10:45 a.m.
Service in the sanctuary – 11 a.m.
One Great Hour of Sharing—UMCOR’s Backbone
UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) considers the special offering One Great Hour of Sharing the backbone of what makes everything possible for the committee. UMCOR lays the foundation to seek justice and mercy for suffering people everywhere. On March 21, our communion offering will be directed towards One Great Hour of Sharing. This fund pays for everything from staff salaries to electricity to cell phones. It also pays for small scale disasters that escape the notice of the news media. Because of this fund, UMCOR is able to pledge that 100% of donations earmarked for specific disasters and projects on the projects themselves. UMCOR does not receive World Service funds nor does it receive any other apportionments from the UMC. Therefore the cost of doing business for UMCOR is entirely underwritten by the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and undesignated funds. Please give generously.
Please note…
There will be no dinner, children’s choir, youth, or handbells on Wednesday, March 24
th due to BISD’s Spring Break. Chancel Choir will meet as usual.
Samuel Gaskin to Present Recital
The Golden Triangle’s celebrated organist Samuel Gaskin is giving his final local concert before heading out-of-state to begin his college studies. The concert will be Sunday, March 21st, 4 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beaumont,
Gladys at 23
rd Street. Samuel has been featured twice on National Public Radio, has won prizes in national and international competitions, and has performed in recitals across the country. He is a former recipient of the A. W. Yeats Organ Scholarship. He studied piano and then organ under Hugh E. Thompson, Sr. and nowstudies organ with Christina Harmon in Dallas.
From the Weaver’s Loom:
Being sick or “laid up” because of an injury and unable to live life normally is pretty dreadful, isn’t it? Our schedule gets altered and we have to handle anything that happens around us with more focus and greater care than usual. It’s bad enough to be out-of-sorts; it makes matters worse to be reminded of how much more limited we are because of it. Limitations are a major and common factor with us humans. I am limited in writing this article: you probably won’t read a 10-page essay on this subject, and Pastor Frank wouldn’t send it out with the monthly Spire. On the subject I have already mentioned, however, you are familiar with how we are “fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14),” yet limited by our bodies enough to be knocked-out by microscopic viruses or
bugs. Small as they are, they disrupt our lives dramatically.
As we travel through a time of self-denial and repentance for Lent, the themes of holiness and right relationship (and several others) rise up before us again. Because of this, we more clearly see the limitations we place on ourselves by the way we live our lives. We have chosen and confessed Jesus as our Lord and savior, yet we also choose to engage in other options or to let our guard down in front an enticing world. I am reminded of the lines to a song that Aimee and I play for Jonathan: “If you love him/Why not serve him?” Simple words easily understood; strong conviction of the disposition of our hearts. This is a question for all followers of God. Our limitations are a given reality. Some we can
overcome; others we must live with. Yet, none of them is enough to prevent us from serving God.
Pastor Matt
Thanks to all of the great volunteers who helped with this years Oyster Supper. Because
of YOU it was another great success. We sold 725 tickets and served 650 people this
year. YOU are the reason that First Methodist is the best church in Beaumont. THANK
YOU for all the hard work.
Charlie Snoek
Kitchen Coordinator
I wish to thank all of the men, women and youth that helped in the dining room at Oyster Supper. Your good works helped make the supper successful. The dessert donations provided additional funds for the
United Methodist Women’s local missions. Blessings on all of you…
Sharon Smith
UMW President
Oyster Supper 2010...A GREAT SUCCESS!!!
We extend deepest sympathy to…
Edna and Pastor Frank Alegria on the February 21 death of his aunt, Bertha Berlanga. Services for Mrs. Berlanga were held in Corpus Christi on February 26.
And to Bernie Hughes and John Alden Wright on the February 20 death of Bernie’s mother, Lorraine Hughes. Services for Mrs. Hughes were held at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Omaha, NE on February 25.
Kudos to…
Hillary Gray, who has been selected to attend the 2010 American Institute of Music Students’ 6-week opera workshop in Graz, Austria this summer. Miss Gray won this opportunity during recent competition in Houston. Adam Piper was a finalist in the same competition.
Memorials and Special Gifts
To the General Fund…
In Honor of
Irene Mason from Patricia MorganTo the Chancel Choir Fund…
In Memory of
Lorraine Hughes from Ray and Sherry Brown, Patricia and Darrell Else, Kris and Randy KellerTo the Friends of Music Fund…
In Memory of
Bertha Berlanga and Lorraine Hughes from Janie and Walter Greenway
Easter Lilies
The Commission on Worship has reserved 60 lilies to adorn our sanctuary on Easter morning. You may give a lily in memory or in honor of someone. Cost for each lily is $12. The deadline for reserving an Easter lily is Sunday, March 28th. Please complete the form below and bring it to the church office or mail it back to the church with “Easter lilies” in the memo of your check. Please do not send cash.
In memory of
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In honor of
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Given by
__________________________________________________________________
UMW to Begin Prayer Shawl Ministry
Another opportunity is available to join in the organizational meeting of the FUMC Prayer Shawl Ministry of Beaumont. We will meet in the home of Sharon Smith, 7715 Troon in Willowcreek off S. Major Dr. at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 11. Anyone interested in being a part of this new ministry is welcome and urged to attend. It will be a time of fellowship and discussion regarding the ministry. Phone Sharon Smith at 409-842-8277, or Rebecca Rankin, 409-924-0743 if you need further information.
The FUMC Estate Sale committee will be holding an Estate Sale on Friday, March 26th. Visit www.fumcestatesales.org at a closer date to find out the address and view pictures of merchandise.
Finance Report
February Year-to-Date
Income 39,181.46 95,810.88
Expense 51,787.38 110,691.40
Balance
-12,605.92 -14,880.52At the request of the Finance Committee, the Finance Office will be providing the above information each month in order for all members to be aware of the
financial position of the church. A Budgeted Financial Statement showing detail of expense and income is available from the Finance Office or a Finance Committee Member. Contact Katy Crawford at 832-0295, ext. 18. with questions.
The Spire
Publication No. USPS 238-400
Published bi-weekly by:
(409) 832-0295
701 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77701
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First United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 3247, Beaumont, TX 77704
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Beaumont, Texas
Three Worship Services Each Sunday
9:00 a.m.— Traditional service in Chapel;
Praise service in Rothwell Hall, led by the “First Light” praise team
11:00 a.m. – Traditional worship in the sanctuary
Sunday School for all ages at 9:50 a.m.
Child care available from 9:00 a.m. on –
trained workers in an exceptional facility
FUMC is a Safe Sanctuary Church.
***The deadline for submitting articles or information for the next Spire issue is
Thursday, March 25th.Contact Alison Hamilton at the church office (X16) or by e-mail at alison@firstbeaumont.org.***
Wednesday Evening
Activities for all Ages
5:30 p.m. — Dinner in Small Dining room $3.00 per person/$10 max per family
6:00 p.m.— Children’s Choir
Youth Group (WOW)
Handbell Rehearsal
7:00 p.m.— Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Child care available from 5:00 p.m. on. (Preregistration only)