first united lake jackson, church, the...

Volume 43, Issue 2 January 16, 2013

The FIRST UNITED

METHODIST

CHURCH,

LAKE JACKSON,

TEXAS

First Church strives

to be like Jesus!

Praising God!

Teaching God’s Word!

Loving one another!

Strengthening

families!

Sharing the Good

News!

Phone: 979-297-3046

Fax: 979-299-6612

Email:

[email protected]

Visit us Online -

www.ljfumc.org

Messenger

COMING SOON TO FIRST CHURCH 'JULIAN AND BONNIE' - FEB 10, 2013

'Julian and Bonnie George’ offer more than live music,

they are alive in Christ. Their mission is to share the

Gospel message through song and testimony to edify

believers and reach those that do not know Christ. They

make their home just north of Nashville. The United

States Association of Gospel Entertainers and Musicians,

out of Nashville, nominated the couple for the 2010

Gospel Duo of the year! Julian is a talented song writer.

Several of his songs have reached the Top Ten on the

Country Gospel Charts!

A New Look for First Church!

Hey Church Family! We are proud to unveil our new church logo. A very special thank you goes out to Joshua Johnson for creating this beautiful design.

As you can see, it honors our history with maintaining the tree in our logo, and it also depicts our coming together in worship under the guidance of the Holy Spirit! If you need a copy of the new logo, please contact the Church Office. We have a variety of image formats available.

Messenger

We live in a unique world that seeks entertainment at almost all costs. We have

become the microwave generation that wants everything at instant speed. Our culture

is programming its population to expect things quickly, and with unyielding accuracy.

The accuracy part I most certainly agree with; however, the “instant result” part is

difficult for me to accept. Some things in this world must be marinated rather than

“microwaved.” I have lived long enough to know the difference between something

quickly prepared and something that has been well thought out and well prepared.

The church has not escaped this generational temptation. The church struggles to be

relevant to a generation that has microwave ingrained in its blood.

With this in mind, I am always asking the question, what makes a sermon great?

Many of my colleagues have shared with me their struggle to be entertaining,

uplifting, biblically accurate, and faithful to their calling as a biblical expositor. Some

things in scripture are just not that entertaining! Some insights cannot be arrived at

through microwaving the study. One person was talking about why other religions

beside Christianity are so popular in America. He concluded that the reason might be due to the fact that

Jesus calls His followers to take up a cross and die to themselves. Yep, that will take care of the

entertainment part! This is not a microwave experience; rather it requires marinating one’s self deeply into

the life of Christ. Christianity is much more than just philosophy, intellect, scholarship, creeds, and

traditions. At the heart of the Christian faith lies the understanding that we need God and without Him we

are in real trouble. We are called to give up a life that is self-focused and move toward an altruistic life

that is desperate to know Jesus Christ. He is the “thing” that fills up that empty spot in our heart. Most of

us have spent years trying to fill up our hearts with worldly things. The problem is that those “things”

never satisfy our greatest desires.

I dare to believe that the Bible is the heartbeat of God. If you want to know what God thinks and what

God feels, then we must be in close touch with His written Word. Because I believe this, I have concluded

that successful preaching is found in being accurate to the text. What is the Bible really saying? Being

accurate is far more than a microwave experience. It requires a marinating process that calls for not only

inspiration but diligent perspiration. My goal in preaching and teaching is to be like a sponge. I want to

spend time each week in the biblical text soaking up all that it has to offer. I am depending upon God to

release the incredible living water that is found in the truth of His Word. Once the sponge is filled through

preparation with inspiration, then I ask God on Sunday mornings to ring me (the sponge) out to the

congregation; therefore, creating an experience where Holy truth is revealed. I believe that His Word is

capable of transforming our days and nights in to significant living.

The next time you are tempted to want a microwave version of God’s truth, I would ask you to consider the

benefits of being marinated in His Word. What is the old saying, “You get out of something what you put

into it.” See you for a marinating experience.

Peace!

Pastor Geller

Pastor Charles Geller

Find Pastor Geller and First Church on

Facebook!

Marinating Vs. Microwaving

3rd Sunday Canned Meat Food Drive 3rd Sunday Canned Meat Food Drive 3rd Sunday Canned Meat Food Drive

Please support the Missions Group who will be collecting canned meat next Sunday -

January 20th. There will be a receptacle placed in the back of the Church Sanctuary!


Sympathies & Memorials

SYMPATHIES:

On the death of Bill McCutchen. Sympathies can be sent to:

Karis McCutchen 305 Dogwood Drive Lake Jackson, TX 77566

On the death of Bob Hackney. Sympathies can be sent to:

Gregg Hackney 331 Shark Lane Freeport, TX 77566

Gary Hackney 1018 Northgate Rd Victoria, TX 77904

MEMORIALS:

In memory of James (Buddy) Parker from:

Peggy Wille

In memory of Glenda Freeman from:

Peggy Wille

In memory of Buck Pennington from:

Peggy Wile

In memory of Bill McCutchen from:

Jim and Roberta Hemphill

Belinda & Ken Barr Lee & Laura Huebel Carl & Laney Spoonemore Pat Kennedy Linda Kay Jones Alisha Cannan

In Our Prayers...

If you or someone you

know would like to be added to our prayer list,

please contact the

church office.

Kelly Colosimo - Church Secretary (left) Cheryl Riojas - Finance Secretary (middle) Patti Polasek - Membership Secretary (right)

Welcome to the newest members of the First Church Welcome to the newest members of the First Church

STEP UP FOR STEP UP FOR

FIRST CHURCHFIRST CHURCH Don’t forget to

respond with your

Estimate of Giving

and Stewardship Information.

Thank you for prayerfully

considering “Stepping Up”!

Messenger

The Awakening - Youth Ministry

Connect with The Awakening Youth Group on Facebook!

The Awakening Youth - Every Sunday Night! 5 - 7PM Kicks off with the Journey at 5 and then the party moves to the youth center from 6-7, come on out for an amazing time of faith and fun!

Wednesday Night Bible Study! 6-7PM See Below for Details!

Joy Ministry - Care for Children with Special Needs

As I made time for reflection over the Holiday season, my thoughts circle back to Joy Ministry. I first got involved because of my family. In my early teens, I would go to my grandmother’s house for lunch on Saturdays. After we ate, my aunt and I would play Skip-Bo while Grandma ran errands. For most parents, having an hour to run errands alone is a valued chance for quiet time. For so many caretakers of a special needs child or adult, it’s a rare luxury. With Joy Ministry, our church is able

to reach out to these families in our community and give those care-takers the precious gift of time.

Six times a year, we hold a Fun Friday event. Special needs children and their siblings play at the church in a loving and safe environment, while their care-takers have an evening to do as they like. We also offer Sunday School and VBS.

In 2013, consider the possibility that God is calling you to serve with us in Joy Ministry. If you aren't able to come and play, then please pray for us.

Thank you for your support. - Sharon Zimmerman

Find us on Facebook:

Joy Ministry - LJ FUMC

Messenger

This journey we are on can be hard, can be easy, or some-

where in between. God didn't say it would always be easy...

He said we might have hardships, but he also gave us

DETERMINATION, That's deciding it's worth it to fin-

ish what you've started.

In Sunday School, we are learning about this race that God has

placed before us and he wants us to go the distance and stay strong. In Hebrews 12:1

Let us keep running the race marked out for us. So when you have to make a decision

remember to ask God for guidance and follow him. He will always lead us to the good things.

Our Stories this month:

† Genesis 6:5-22 God tells Noah to build an ark.

† Exodus 3:1-12 God meets Moses at the burning bush.

† Book of Ruth Ruth stays with Naomi during hard times.

† Colossians 3: 23-24 Understanding the principle of work

If we learn to put our faith in God, he will give us the strength we need in good and bad

times. Even when it's hard and we want to give up! So let's remember to stay strong for

God. He and we are worth it!!!

Come join us every week for Sunday School at 10:00 am!!

Praising God Always,

Kimberly Bowers

FUMC Children's Ministry Director

Children's Church Each week at 9:00 am (during pastor's sermon) For: Kndg. - 2nd grade Come join us! We're studying about Jesus. Games, Songs, Activities

Easter Family Life/ Children's Fun Day Mark Your Calendars! March 30 Details- Coming soon...

Vacation Bible School Mark Your Calendars! July 29 - August 2 5:30 - 8:15 pm Theme: Kingdom Rock Kid's Stand Strong for God It's going to be an awesome week!! Come join us!

Children’s

Min

istr

ies


Finance Committee Update

Ladies - we will soon be having a Saturday morning brunch and a service project for one of the ministries

here in Lake Jackson.

Later in the Spring, we will be planning out next Women’s

Day Apart.

Please watch your newsletters & bulletins for dates and

more information as we begin the new year!

A BIG "THANK YOU" goes out to

those who helped take down the Christmas

Decorations for the 2012 Season.

Robert and Ann Orr

David Munson

Sandy Rinehart

Fran Leatherwood

Delia Hoskins

Pat Gauntt

Girl's Night Out Girl's Night Out

Join us on Friday, January 25, 6:30 p.m. at Table 24,

which is the former Cafe Annice. Please RSVP to

Mary Helen, 297-6968, or email

[email protected] so that we can make

reservations.

At the end of November, we were running at 15% expenses over income. However, with your generous

tithes, gifts, and Christmas offerings, we were able to close most of our budget gap and end the year with only

a 6% deficit. Specific results are illustrated below.

Our Finance Committee has prepared our 2013 budget for

Administrative Board approval and appreciates your turning

in your estimate-of-giving cards to help with our planning.

Many of you have already replied by Stepping-Up to help us

further improve our ability to carry out the many ministries

of our church.

Your questions, comments 7 suggestions are always welcome.

On behalf of our Finance Committee,

Jim Hemphill ([email protected] or 979-418-8820)

NEW BETH MOORE STUDY

Starting January 24th

Our Thursday Morning Beth

Moore Study will resume starting

January 24th at 9:00 am in the

Asbury Room, and our book will

be "DANIEL" Lives of Integrity,

Words of Prophecy. For more

information, call Trena Moses at 297-2829 or

Bobbie Nell Higgins at 798-7122.

Thank you Randy and Kim Wendel for your faithful provision of the man-lift from your

business to help us safely put up and take down the

lighted Nativity scene every year on the wall next

to the highway! This saves us several hundred dol-

lars each year over a rental from another business.

The Brazosport area and its visitors look forward

to seeing this display every Advent season, and it is

one of the many gifts to the community we are

known. Your FUMC-LJ church family thanks you!

mailto:[email protected]


THE JOURNEY: THE JOURNEY: THE JOURNEY: Passionate Evening Worship Every Sunday ~ 5:00 PM in Wesley Hall

9:15 AM - SLP Chapel

6:30 PM - Barbershop Group-CR

Friday, January 25

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

6:00 AM - Men's Lost & Found Study-WH

Sunday, January 27

8:00 AM - Classic Worship - Chapel

8:30 AM - First’s Foods - WH

9:00 AM - Contemporary Worship -

Sanctuary

10:00 AM - Sunday School (All Ages)

11:00 AM - Traditional Worship -

Sanctuary 3:30 PM - Administrative Board

Mtg. - Chapel

5:00 PM - The Awakening Youth Group 5:00 PM - The Journey Worship

Service-WH

6:00 PM - Beth Moore Bible Study-WP

Monday, January 28

6:30 PM - Girl Scouts Troop Mtg.-

Potters Place

6:30 PM - Stephen Ministry Mtg. - Lib.

7:00 PM - Troop 325 Meeting - WH

Tuesday, January29 9:00 AM - Intercessory Prayer - Chapel

9:30 AM - Bridge Group - AR

6:00 PM - Church Unique Mtg. - WP

7:30 PM - Praise Team

Practice - Sanctuary

Wednesday, January 30

7:00 AM - Emmaus group meeting-Lib.


6:00 PM - Jr. & Sr. High Bible Study - YC

6:15 PM - Small Group Study - WP

Thursday, January 17


6:30 PM - Barbershop Group - CR

7:00 PM - Cub Scouts Pack Mtg. - WH

Friday, January 18

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

6:00 AM - Men's Lost & Found Study-WH

Sunday, January 20




Sanctuary



Sanctuary

2:30 PM - Trustee Mtg. - Rm. 14


Service - WH

6:00 PM - Beth Moore Bible Study - WP

Monday, January 21

9:30 AM - Carriage Inn Women’s Circle

6:30 PM - Girl Scout Mtg. - Potters’ Place 7:00 PM - Boy Scout Troup 325

Mtg. - WH

Tuesday, January 22

9:00 AM - Intercessory Prayer - Chapel

9:30 AM - Bridge Group - AR 9:30 AM - Taking the Word to the World

Bible Study - Chick-fil-A

7:30 PM - Praise Team

Practice - Sanctuary

Wednesday, January 23

7:00 AM - Emmaus group meeting - Lib


10:00 AM - Friendship Club

6:00 PM - Jr. & Sr. High Bible Study - YC

6:15 PM - Small Group Study - WP


9:00 AM - Beth Moore Bible Study - AR


9:00 AM - Beth Moore Bible Study - AR


6:30 PM - Barbershop Group - CR

Friday, February 1

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED 6:00 AM - Men's Lost & Found Study-

Wesley Hall

Sunday, February 3




Sanctuary



Sanctuary


Service-WH

6:00 PM - Beth Moore Bible Study-WP

FIRST UNITED

METHODIST

CHURCH,

LAKE JACKSON,

TEXAS

First United Methodist Church

404 Azalea

Lake Jackson, Texas 77566

Visit us at www.ljfumc.org Address Service Requested

The Messenger is published bi-weekly by the First United Methodist Church, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.

Second Class Postage Paid at Lake Jackson, TX 77566. Send address changes to FUMC, Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Periodicals

#954360

Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Experience the Journey!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things

have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

A Fresh Start A Fresh Start A Fresh Start

in 2013!in 2013!in 2013!

Start Connecting with your church family on

Facebook! Join our page at “First United

Methodist Church - Lake Jackson”

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