first united lake jackson, church, the...

Volume 43, Issue 18 September 18, 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

Start Connecting with your church family on Facebook! Join

our page at “First United Methodist Church - Lake Jackson”

RENOVATION BLESSING SERVICE

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Sunday School 9:15AM

Special Gathering Time 10:30AM

In 1958, our existing sanctuary was erected to the Glory of God.

After nearly 60 years, we will soon begin a sanctuary renovation at First

Church and want to prepare by hosting a special service. We invite

everyone to join us for this celebratory occasion as we thank God for

the extraordinary opportunity our church family has been given, and we

ask God to bless the physical renewal of our facilities.

Fellowship with refreshments to follow.

Messenger

Pastor’s Article

I am so excited about Dr. Lynne Settlemyre and her husband, John, coming to First

Church, Lake Jackson! You all are in for a tremendous blessing. Lynne has such a powerful

and distinguished ministry record. I have followed her ministry for many years! She is filled

with integrity, has a passion for people, and her ministry is focused on Jesus and His

Kingdom. Her reputation precedes her and she has the love and admiration of all her

colleagues in the Texas Conference.

It thrills me that Lynne is inheriting a cogent and efficacious staff with an undeniable love

for First Church and Jesus! I have so enjoyed ministering with our staff for the cause of

Christ! Our lay leadership is as fine as you will ever find in the Texas Conference I am so

proud of these distinguished lay people who serve you at First Church. It amazes me that

they work long hours at their secular jobs and come to our church and give countless

hours each week to bring you extraordinary ministries.

In the United Methodist Church, as our Bishop and cabinet make appointments, we believe

that God works through them to appoint the right anointed leaders to the right churches.

Also, the United Methodist Church has a strong code of ethics which I, like most ministers,

believe in and closely adhere to. When a new pastor is assigned to a church, the outgoing pastor says goodbye

to the congregation and then confirms the incoming minister, providing support as needed. This is a vital part of

the transition, one I believe is important for all to understand. From a biblical lesson, sheep only know the voice

of one anointed shepherd at a time. I will always love and treasure you all, however, when I depart as your

pastor, I will no longer be your anointed leader. Dr. Lynne Settlemyre will take those reigns from our Holy God!

Kathy and I will continue living in the area for about 6 months so that Kathy can fulfill her teaching contract with

BISD, but we plan to spend many weekends with family in Dallas. We will not be attending First Church during

this time for reasons that are both biblical and practical. I believe my presence here would merely create

confusion amongst the congregation and new pastor, and I do not want to be a hindrance in God’s plan for this

church. Besides, Lynne and John will need and appreciate your support and encouragement, and by offering with

the same enthusiasm you’ve shown us over the years, you will be demonstrating your love to Kathy and me.

When the school year is over, Kathy and I will be heading west and moving to Colorado in an effort to fulfill a

life-long dream. I have longed with all of my heart to live in the Rocky Mountain State and I know that you all will

be so happy for us as we make our new home in my beloved mountains.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for helping me through my second hip surgery. This experience

has been more than I thought it would be and your prayers have seen me through many dark nights. The

neuropathy has been more than I counted on. Thanks to all who brought food, sent cards and emails, and

offered your most sacred prayers on my behalf. We have a few months left in our ministry here in Lake Jackson.

I promise to give you 100% until my last day of work. Let's make each moment a memory and a testimony of

our love for Jesus!!

Peace! Pastor Geller

MENTORING PROGRAM WITH RASCO

MIDDLE SCHOOL WILL CONTINUE THIS FALL

First United Methodist Church will continue its partnership with Rasco Middle School this fall.

FUMC is dedicated to sending mentors to Rasco to share in the lives of their wonderful

students. All it takes to contribute to the life of a young person is time. Young people spell

love, ‘ t-i-m-e’! If you are interested in being part of this outreach, please contact

Pastor Geller at 979-297-3046 or [email protected].

Pastor Charles Geller

Find Pastor Geller and First Church

on Facebook!

mailto:[email protected]


SYMPATHIES

On the death of Ronald Brewer. Condolences can be sent to:

Jackie Brewer Margaret Brewer

PO Box 1448 812 Lake Road

Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Lake Jackson, TX 77566

MEMORIALS In memory of Thelma Zeitler from

Loann & Craig Campbell

In memory of William McCready Pennington

William & Shirley Prafka

Dr. & Mrs. James L. Shepherd

Judy Willgross

John & Page Schreck

Bill & Curly Leshikar

Molly & Larry Brown

Sympathies and Memorials

Pastor & Kathy Geller

Margurite Verrett

Linda Kay Jones

Lee & Laura Huebel

C.D. & Emma Phillips

Debbie Franklin Schuelke

Frances & AG Snelgrove

Blanche Galloway

In Our Prayers...

If you or someone you know

would like to be added to our prayer list, please

contact the

church office.

Carl & Laney Spoonemore

Laurie Brown

Bill & Sandra Clarka

Ryan Hemphill

Belinda Barr

Linda Neumann

Liz Park

First’s Foods and Fellowship, as we have known it for the past 12

years, will cease to exist on September 29, 2013. When the

sanctuary renovation begins in October, Wesley Hall will be

utilized for the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services. Therefore, the

opportunities for fellowship will take on a new look.

It has been my pleasure to facilitate the First’s Foods ministry and I am eternally grateful to the multitude of

church members who have shopped, prepared and served graciously since October 28, 2001. The

generosity of many through their time, energy and provision has exhibited great love for our church

family. The need for fellowship is as great now as it was in the beginning and other avenues will be explored. May God provide other means of fellowship and bonding for all who have enjoyed the benefits of

this ministry.

Thank You!

Wilda Patton

Messenger

The Awakening - Youth Ministry

Connect with The Awakening Youth Group on Facebook!

WEEKLY EVENTS -

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! 5-7PM Join us as we continue the “Not a Fan” Series

Messenger

Bible Stories are awesome!

They can help us have courage, help us trust God, help us do

amazing things. This month in Sunday School come join us as we

explore stories of courage. Courage is being brave enough to do

what you should do, even when you're afraid.

Here are our weekly Bible verses: Week 1- Joseph living a life of courage. Genesis 30,37,39-46

Week 2/3 Moses living in fear. Exodus 3:1-4:17; 7-12 Exodus 14

Week 4- Joshua and Caleb becoming leaders. Numbers 13-14

Week 5 - God's promises to Abraham. Joshua 6

God is always with us to take away our fears and give us courage!

Praising God Always,

Kimberly Bowers

Children’s

Min

istr

ies

Hey 5th & 6th Graders… we’ll be meeting again on Sunday Oct. 13 at 3:45

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

If you have a talent , we need you at Sunday School from 10:00-10:15 am. Looking

for adults/ teens that can help share singing, drawing, reading a book, drama.

Call Kimberly Bowers for more information. 236-9427

The 5th & 6th graders at First Church met on Sunday for the first time to get the Submerge ministry

going again. David, Michael, Kayli and Jared played games, interviewed each other and learned what

Matthew said in the Bible about the people Jesus chose as His friends. Congratulations to Jared Pear-

son who is the first Submerge Broom Shuffleboard champion. Join us on October 13th when we will

be Submerged in Silly String. We’ll have a silly string war and we’ll also have a Bible spelling contest

to see who gets to be totally submerged in silly string. We’ll play more games, do another Bible les-

son and get to know our friends even better. Don’t miss the fun.

Contact Kim Copeland at [email protected] or 832 741 3932 with any questions.



FINANCE TEAM UPDATE

SAVE THE DATE:

November 17, 2013

Join us as we worship together and celebrate Pastor

Geller’s ministry at his last service before retiring.

Beth Moore Bible Study

Join us on Thursday Mornings Beth Moore Study “The Law of Love” is a study

on Deuteronomy. Please call Trena Moses

297-2829 or Bobbie Higgins 798-7122 to let us know if you would like to

join us and let us know if

you need a book. There will

be 6

sessions and there is no

homework. We start the

DVD at 9:30. The lessons are 1.5-2 hrs long.

New Women’s Bible Study ~ "What Happens When Women Say Yes

to God" by Lysa TerKeurst Tuesday nights, 6 - 7:30 pm in Room 14.

Nursery is provided.

If you'd like to purchase a book,

contact Mindy Standlee

([email protected])

ASAP!

HUB Charge Conference 2013

Administrative Board

& District Superintendent

Sunday, October 13th at 3:30 PM ~

FUMC Angleton

Girl's Night Out will be

Friday, September 20, at 5:30

at CrossWinds Grill at the

airport. For more

information and reservations

call Mary Helen at

297-6968 or email

[email protected]

As we reached the end-of-summer, the figure shows our income is about 20% below our budget expenses. Your faithful stewardship will help us catch back up. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Finance Chair Jim Hemphill (979-418-8820)


tel:%28979-418-8820


6:00 PM—Sanct Renovation Team Mtg-

Rm. 14

6:15 PM - Small Group Study - WP

7:30 PM - Choir Rehearsal - CR

Thursday, September 26

9:00 AM - Beth Moore Bible Study - AR

6:00 PM - Finance Comm. Mtg. - Lib

7:00 PM - Barbershop Group - CR

Friday, September 27

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

6:00 AM - Men's Lost & Found

Study - WH

Sunday, September 29

8:00 AM - Classic Worship - Chapel

8:30 AM - First Foods - WH

9:00 AM - Contemporary

Worship - Sanct.

10:00 AM - Sunday School

11:00 AM - Traditional Worship - Sanct.

5:00 PM - The Awakening Youth Group

5:00 PM - The Journey Worship

Service - WH

6:00 PM - Key Methodist Beliefs Bible

Study - WH

Monday, September 30

9:00 AM - Mom’s in Prayer - WP

6:30 PM - Girl Scout Troop #27028

Meeting - Potter's Place

7:00 PM - Boy Scout Troop 325

Mtg - WH

Tuesday, October 1

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Intercessory

Prayer - Chapel

6:00 PM - Women’s Bible Study - Rm.

14

7:30 PM - Praise Team Practice - Sanct.

Thursday, September 19

9:00 AM - Beth Moore Bible Study - AR


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

Friday, September 20



Study - WH

Sunday, September 22

8:00 AM - Classic Worship - Chapel

8:30 AM - First’s Foods - WH

9:00 AM - Contemporary Worship

10:00 AM - Sunday School (All Ages)

11:00 AM - Traditional Worship - Sanct.

3:45 PM - Submerge - BDR

5:00 PM - The Awakening Youth Group


Service-WH

6:00 PM - Key Methodist Beliefs Bible

Study - WH

Monday, September 23

9:00 AM - Mom’s in Prayer - WP

6:30 PM - Girl Scout Troop #27028

Meeting - Potter's Place

6:30 PM - Stephen Ministry Mtg. - Lib

7:00 PM - Boy Scout Troop 325

Meeting - WH

Tuesday, September 24

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Intercessory

Prayer - Chapel

5:30 PM - 54 Cups of Coffee with

Kip - WP

6:00 PM - Women’s Bible

Study - Rm. 14

7:30 PM - Praise Team Practice - Sanct.

Wednesday, September 25

10:00 AM - Friendship Club - AR

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

Wednesday, October 2

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

Study - YC

6:15 PM - Small Group Study - WP

7:30 PM - Choir Rehearsal -

Choir Room

Thursday, October 3

9:00 AM - Beth Moore

Bible Study - AR

12:00 PM - SLP Open House


Friday, October 4



Study - WH

Saturday, October 5


7:00 AM - Boy Scouts Training

Sunday, October 6 8:00 AM - Classic Worship - Chapel

8:30 AM - First’s Foods - WH

9:00 AM - Contemporary Worship

10:00 AM - Sunday School (All Ages)

11:00 AM - Traditional Worship -

Sanct.

3:30 PM - Admin. Board Mtg. - Chap

5:00 PM - The Awakening

Youth Group


Service-WH

6:00 PM - Key United Methodist

Beliefs Bible Study

Dear 9am Church Family - we will no longer be passing the offering plates during the

9am Worship Service. Please place your tithes and offerings in the baskets located at

each exit on your way out. Thank you for giving!

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!

Hey Ministry Leaders and Church Staff…

If you want to have an event promoted on the

website, or if you need information updated

please email the church office or Aaron

Zimmerman at [email protected].

Please allow for at least one week for the

information to be posted. Thank you!

SAVE THE DATE

Methodist Mens' BBQ and Block Party November 9, 2013

In addition to BBQ to eat this year, we will also be hosting a block party with lots of children's activities including an inflatable slide,

obstacle course, toddler game and castle for them to play in!

Music and an indoor air-conditioned eating area will be available once again, this year. We will need everyone's help to make this a

success! Don't forget to set aside November 9th on

your calendars for lots of family fun!

first united lake jackson, church, the...

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