A monthly publication of the First United Methodist Church

The Voice Rev. Dr. Brian Bosworth, Pastor

Rev. Ricky Harrison, Associate Pastor

(940) 627-3362; info@decaturmethodist.org

Issue 10 of 12

October 1, 2017

Children: Ashley Craven Youth: Patrick Steil

Secretary: Rebecca Broker Administrator: Bonnie Wohlleben

This past week, the news and various other media sources have been filled again with some of the same rhetoric that seems to do little to build or unify the people subjected to it. Instead, we see disruption and division and little attention given to possible ways forward or the things we have in common. As I watch and listen to politicians, athletes, workers, business owners, and even everyday common folk like you and me, I wonder what their individual goal or objective is for participating in recent events (notice how I am vague about what defines “event,” allowing each reader to imagine their own understanding of which “event” I might be referring to)? I can only imagine how many different responses there might be as to what has motivated them to say or to do what they have done.

I have often described some of what I am witnessing as “painting with a broad brush.” I did this very thing previously using “event.” In other words, the one who is communicating, like an artist who wants to tell a story with a painting they are creating, is using either a broad-tipped brush or perhaps gets sloppy with their movements or hurries to finish, and consequently those who receive the artist’s work are sometimes left challenged by the painting. It may be unclear what was intended and not be an accurate portrayal of what was on the heart of the artist. People may be left confused, questioning, disappointed, upset or so much more.

My point is not only to encourage us to think more carefully before we communicate about an event that may be divisive or disruptive so that fewer people are confused or offended (although careful thought before speaking can often help “tame the tongue” (James 3: 1-12)), but to seek ways that uplift and encourage one another instead.

While there are plenty of Biblical stories that speak to separation or division (the stories that reflect a people set apart by God as a chosen people of the covenant; the Mosaic laws that served to both separate and remind the people of their relationship with God; Jesus confronting the church leaders of his day or turning over the tables of the moneychangers in the Temple, to name a few), there seems to be an even greater emphasis by God to unite all people in a right relationship with God and thereby one another so that the world can become more reflective of the kingdom God envisions (the Incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection are at the core of this work).

I wonder if God sheds a tear when Christians spend more time excluding others or villainizing people, or fail them with lack of care or concern. When we take a stand or position, is it Christ-like or based on something else? Even ideals or concepts that may be good and appealing on their own may not be Christ-like at times or in some situations. And if those ideals are a part of a “broad stroke of the brush,” and take precedence over our love for Christ, then we need to repent and seek healing that only Christ can provide. We must stay connected to God.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15: 4-5)

Stay connected and abide in Christ so that your fruit is sweet and reflective of Christ Jesus. We are not perfect, but staying a part of the vine (a living, fruit-bearing branch participates in the life of the vine) helps us stay mindful of our roots in God so that we are working to unify people in the abundant love of God. God seeks us all, even when we disagree with one another. When God is our common desire, wonderful things happen and people’s lives are changed!

See you in worship! Brian

Methodism Class Starts

Beginning Sunday, October 15, a Methodism 101 class will be offered in Asbury Hall during the Sunday School hour.

This class will help people better understand Methodist beliefs that are unique to our tradition, to better understand

connectionalism and the vocabulary used by Methodists, and to gain an overall greater appreciation for how we expe-

rience holiness of heart and holiness of life. Class dates: Sundays Oct 15 – Nov 5 (may extend to Nov 12 if necessary).

There is no cost for this class.

Preschool Board Meeting Monday, October 2

5:00 p.m., Room 209 (Character Builders)

United Methodist Men Banquet Tuesday, October 3

6:30 p.m., Bridgeport Camp

Blessing of the Animals Saturday, October 7

10:00 a.m., Episcopal Church of Wise Co.

Single Board Model Q&A Sunday, October 8

9:45 a.m., Room 3100 (Wesley Center)

Spiritual Practice of Bread Baking Sunday, October 8

3:00 p.m., MAC Kitchen

Committee on Nominations and Lay Leadership Monday, October 9

5:00 p.m., Room 209 (Character Builders)

Discipleship Pathway Team Tuesday, October 10

5:00 p.m., Room 302 (Church Library)

Finance Committee Meeting Tuesday, October 10

6:00 p.m., Room 209 (Character Builders)

Single Board Model Q&A Wednesday, October 11

5:00 p.m., Rooms 2103 & 2104 (MAC Classrooms)

Trustees Meeting Tuesday, October 17

6:30 p.m., Room 209 (Character Builders)

Staff Meeting Thursday, October 19

12:00 p.m., Room 209 (Character Builders)

Men’s Breakfast Saturday, October 28

7:00 a.m., Room 100 (Fellowship Hall)

Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 28 5:30 p.m., Parking Lot

Unity Worship Sunday, October 29

10:00 a.m., Sanctuary

CHURCH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Ryan Munenrlyn, Family of Payten Tynsky, Jimmy & Joyce Kirk, Dane Fitzgerald, Family of Elaine Davis,

David Sisk, Donna Lancaster, Mike Shawn, Noah Smith, Betty Champion, Raymona Kirkpatrick

In the Military: Charlie Fortenberry, Michael Jordan,

Jake Logue, Garrett Muelstein, Josh Murphy, Chris Hammond, Matthew Roberson, Kolin Rottner, Joshua VanNoy,

Keygun Beaver and Bryce Dudley

1 - Cynthia DesRoches, Dave Eaton

2 - Diana Allen

3 - Noah Smith, Ashtyn Talley

4 - J.E. Carson

5 - Sharyn Helm, Jordan Null

6 - Jacob Vaughan

7 - Terrick Hunt, Fred Renfro

8 - Kody Klement, Randy Shrull

9 - Crystal Klose

11 - Zane Browning, Austin Sewell, Will Swanson

12 - Nancy Boyd, Nick Martin, Dixie Parks, David Salmon,

Donna Young

13 - Casey Edwards, Vance Renshaw

14 - Deborah Marshall

15 - Cassie Shenkir

16 - Kevin Munnerlyn

17 - Jacie Stone

18 - Sarah Culpepper

19 - Jo Woodruff

20 - Allen Cocanougher, Liz Lyles

21 - Buddy Black, Ricky Harrison, Michael Hooe,

Riley Keller

22 - Corey Bosworth, Ryan Grace

23 - Lisa Leaton

25 - JoAnn Cocanougher, Rick Quiring, Bonnie Rawlings,

Debra Wilkinson, Roxanne Williams

26 - Roger Leaton, Dana McCarroll

27 - Randy Argo

28 - Zach Gage

29 - Aubrey McAlister, Abigail Roberts, Linda Smith,

Jennifer Vaughan

30 - Steve Behringer

October Happenings

October Birthdays

A 5th Sunday in October There are 5 Sundays in October which means on

October 29th, we will only have ONE worship service. That day, worship will begin at 10:00am, with Sunday

School at 9:00 and fellowship/coffee at 8:30am.

These days of combining worship into one experience is a great opportunity for our church to come together in unity and worship as one body.

October 8th is Clergy Appreciation Day!

Have you thanked your pastor lately? Sometimes we take for granted everything our Pastors do on a daily basis.

This is the perfect opportunity to show Pastor Brian and Pastor Ricky how much they are truly appreciated.

Donations for WARM

Paper Goods (Paper Towels, Toilet Paper)

Sunday Refreshments

Open Doors Class

Guest Follow-Up

Shirley Peterson

Care Corp

Mary Nella Armes, Co-Notifier, Loraine Burton, Co-Notifier Doris Goodwin, Betty Carson, Angela Smith,

Mildred Terrell, Kay Lane

October 1st 8:30 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Barbara Haley Communion Servers: Virginia Caraway & Marguarette Roberts

Acolyte: Ben Bond 10:50 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Valelri Sewell Communion: Don & Anette Stephens

Acolyte: Kennedy Hafer Counters: Fred Renfro & Cary Bohn

October 8th

8:30 a.m. Worship Service Scripture Reader: Penny Holt

Communion Servers: Thomas Laird and Sharon Meyer Acolyte:

10:50 a.m. Worship Service Scripture Reader: Sally Rieger

Acolytes: Wiley Stone & Tucker Hammons Counters: Clay Patterson & Barbara Swan

October 15th

8:30 Worship Service Scripture Reader: Youth

Communion Servers: Youth Acolyte: Audree Knox

10: 50 a.m. Worship Service Scripture Reader: Youth

Acolyte: Nolan & Shelby Sewell Counters: Ray Brannan & Foster Walker

October 22nd

8:30 Worship Service Scripture Reader: Virginia Caraway

Communion Servers: Ronnie Walker & Asa Johnson Acolyte: Lexie Miller

10: 50 a.m. Worship Service Scripture Reader: Trumanell Maples Acolyte: Julie Stone & Parker Deaton

Counters: Fred Renfro

October 29th

10:00 Combined Worship Service Scripture Reader: Valleri Sewell

Communion Servers: Jack & Sharon Smith Acolyte: Audree Knox

Counters:

October Communion Set Up: Seekers Class

Budget Preparation for 2018

If your area of ministry has a budget or you would like to re-

quest money for your ministry area in the 2018 Church Budg-

et, you are encouraged to begin those budget related discus-

sions and preparations now. Our Charge Conference is sched-

uled for December 3rd this year, but the Finance Committee

would definitely appreciate having your 2018 budget requests

before their next meeting on October 10, 2017. The Finance

Committee plans to have budget information to present at the

November 12th Administrative Board Meeting.

FUMC Directory Photos

It’s time to update our church directory.

November 7th - 12th

Schedule your personal photo session with

Megan Hughes or the church office.

Immediately view your portraits.

Purchase additional portraits if desired.

Each family will receive a complimentary 8x10 and a

church directory for participating.

The directory will not be complete without YOU!

IN MISSION TOGETHER 50/50 PARTNERSHIP EASTERN EUROPE AND THE BALKANS SUMMIT

October 5-8, 2017

I will be attending the In Mission Together 50/50 Partnership Eastern Europe and the Balkans Summit in Prague, Czech Republic representing the Czech Committee and our congregation. This year’s Summit is the first event sponsored by the Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe of the UMC.

The purpose of an In Mission Together (IMT) partnership is to develop a healthy and collaborative relationship between people of very different cultures. The partners commit to have honest and open interaction with one another, carefully listening to each other as equal parts of the body of Christ. They set aside their own agendas and create a collective vision for jointly sharing in God’s mission. Our partner in IMT is Strasnice UMC in a suburb of Prague with whom we have been working since 2000. These Summits occur every two years. The theme of this year’s Summit is “God at Work.”

The Summit attracts IMT leaders, mission coordinators from the member countries and representatives from partnership churches in Eastern Europe and the Balkans and the US. While there I am blessed to be hosted by Filip Gartner, Strasnice’s pastor. Although the Summit will be held at the main UMC in down-town Prague, several presentations will be at Strasnice. Also, while there I will have the opportunity to meet many of the members of Strasnice’s congregation and attend their church service on Sunday.

I am excited about my trip and want to thank the congregation for your strong support of our partnership and making this trip possible.

Yours in Christ, Dave Eaton

The Spiritual Practice of Bread Baking

Sunday, Sept. 10, 3-6pm Methodist Activities Center (MAC) Kitchen

Bring a Bible & Your Favorite Apron

We’ll mix, knead, proof, and bake bread for you to take home for family dinner or share with a neighbor; we’ll dive into a favorite bible story about God feeding hungry Israelites in the desert; and we’ll wrap up by breaking open a freshly baked loaf to celebrate com-munion.

No prior baking experience necessary, all people of all ages are welcome! Children too!

We are collecting funds for coats and shoes

for the children in need of Decatur.

We will collect the funds and a team from FUMC will

purchase the needed coats or shoes as

requested by local school counselors.

Donation Deadline: Sunday, October 15

Note your check as Warmth for Wise.

Help us care for the children of our community.

Saturday October 28

Volunteers Needed

What a great opportunity to reach out to the children

and families of not only our church, but our

community as well!

We have a lot of fun things planned this year!

Costume Contest • Trunk Contest • Photo Booth •

Decatur Fire Truck • And More!

Several opportunities to volunteer.

Church participation is key!

Sign up sheet in the Narthex or contact Ashley.

children@decaturmethodist.org

SHOW YOUR SPIRIT SUNDAY! Sunday October 29th,

wear your favorite Team Jersey to the service. Worship starts at 10:00 a.m.

FUMC T-Shirts

Soon you will have the opportunity to order a t-shirt designed specifically for FUMC Decatur!

Watch the sign-up table in the Narthex for a picture and order form.

Reconnect: The 2nd Half For our last half of the fall season, Reconnect offers 2 new studies for adults. The first is “Five Means of Grace: Experience

God’s Love the Wesleyan Way,” by Elaine Heath. This study will lead us to consider how each of the five means of grace help

us as a community of faith to pray more deeply and live more missionally as followers of Jesus Christ. Books will be available to

order for additional reading if desired but not necessary for the study.

The second offering is “When Did God Become a Christian?” by David Kalas. This study will help us explore the unity of the

Scripture, biblical history, and the two primary attributes of God: love and holiness. The cost for this study is $12 and a sign-up

sheet to reserve a copy of the book is in the Narthex.

The next Reconnect begins October 11 and concludes November 15, 2017.

We Need Your Feedback

At the September Administrative Board Meeting, a discussion occurred about the reduced or lack of attendance/participation in worship and Sunday School on Sundays when worship is combined into 1 service time (this is most often during months when there are 5 Sundays in the month). While some possible explanations were offered, the Ad Board felt it would be useful if a survey were conducted so that members of the congregation could anonymously offer or share reason(s) for not participating on those Sundays. Then an informed decision can be made as to whether it is in the best interest of the church to continue to regularly combine worship services on those “5th Sundays.” The surveys will be emailed to all active members who have an email address in the church records, as well as being inserted in the weekly bulletin for at least two Sundays in October. The results will be reviewed at the November 12th Ad Board meeting and will not affect the scheduling of the combined service on October 29 (gathering and fellowship at 8:30am, Sunday School at 9:00am, and worship at 10:00am).

Updates on Work Regarding Single Board Model

During August, three Town Hall meetings were held so that everyone could learn more about a possible new way of church governance. As a quick reminder, one of the prescriptions we as a church approved in May 2016 at our Church Conference was the acknowledgment that a more accountable system of church governance was needed. A lack of accountability in leadership and the need for better leadership development had been identified in our Weekend Consultation that occurred in April of 2016. At each of the Town Hall meetings, participants had the opportunity to give feedback. Some of the participants indicated that they would be interested in possibly attending follow-up meetings about the single board concept.

The Committee on Leadership Development and Nominations wants to offer 2 Question & Answer sessions for anyone interested in hearing some of the questions that arose in the feedback from the Town Hall meetings as well as other questions that people might have about the possible change in church governance.

The two Q&A sessions are as follows: Sunday October 8 at 9:40 am (during Sunday School) at the Wesley Center Wednesday October 11 at 5:00 pm at the MAC (classrooms 2103 & 2104)

This is not a repeat of the Town Hall meetings in August, but a Q&A to help foster a better understanding of the concept. The Committee on Leadership Development & Nominations and SPRC (Staff Parish Relations Committee) will consider the next steps, if any, in discerning the future governance of the church and may make recommendations to the Administrative Board as how best to proceed. Any change in our current structure of church governance can only take place with the approval of the pastor, the District Superintendent, and the Charge Conference.

We would like to honor our veterans this year with a slide show of those who have served. If you would like to submit a photograph of you or your loved one that has served, please send to administrator@decaturmethodist.org or bring to the office.

Following is a list of some we already have from past services. (If you would like, you may send in an updated photo as well.) Please contact the church office to verify the dates and service information.

Buddy Black, J.E. Carson, Jim DesRoches, Cliff Dudley, Bob Haley, Gary Perkins, Marty Keller, Evan Kirkpatrick, Alan Lane, Raymond Nellis, Harry Williams, Dave Peterson, Dwight Reeves, Arthur Fred Renfro,

Mike Range, Jim Hencken, Joseph Renfro, Sam Renshaw, Jackie Smith, Don Stephens, Richard Bastian, Wayne Stone, Bobby Terrell, Foster Walker, Martin Woodruff, Udell Rawlings,

W.B. Woodruff, Danny Stack, Clint Wiley, Cecil Wood and Cecil Wood Jr.

Get to know your FUMC Nursery Staff & Volunteers

Melissa Bosworth, Sunday School Teacher - Melissa brings her enthusiasm and passion

for children to life with her engaging Sunday school lessons each week with colorful

stories and crafts for our 2 and 3 year olds attending the nursery.

Alea Pena, Nursery Coordinator - Alea brings more than 20 years in education experience to

our nursery staff. She has served as the nursery coordinator for 3 years and is excited to be a part of

FUMC Decatur. She is currently a 2nd grade teacher at Young Elementary in Decatur.

Baylee Murphree-Niblett, Nursery Attendant - Baylee brings her love of children and her years of child-

care experience to our nursery staff. She is currently a student teacher working on finishing her bache-

lor's

degree in education. Baylee loves children and it is obvious they adore her!

Marliss Haycock, Nursery Attendant - Marliss is a licensed R.N. who works in the nursery to fill in when

necessary. She has a love and patience with children. She is a great addition to our staff.

Parker Cullop, Nursery Attendant - Parker is a part-time worker since heading out to begin his freshman

year at the University of Alabama. He will be missed by our kiddos but will drop in and help out when he

is home for the holidays.

Location:

Saturday, October 7, 2017 Wise County Episcopal Church 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 905 S. Church St., Decatur, TX

Bring your pet (or a photo of your pet)

Did you know that Saint Francis of Assisi is considered the Patron Saint of Animals and the special day (known as a

Feast Day) that reflects his love and care for animals and the environment is October 4th? A special way to show your love

for God and creation, as well as your pet or animal, is to have your pets and animals blessed.

Again this year, we are partnering with the Episcopal Church of Wise County to offer the entire community a Bless-

ing of the Animals. This will occur with a brief ceremony at 10:00am on Saturday, October 7th at the Episcopal Church of

Wise County (905 S. Church St). Blessings will continue to be offered to animals throughout the rest of the morning (until

noon) for those who bring their animals to the location. Please keep your dogs on leashes and cats in pet carriers.

Large animals are welcome also!

“I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Food”

Food is one of those things I usually take for granted. I have vivid memories of being a insatiable teen-ager and staring into a fridge full of food, only to complain to my parents, “Why don’t we have anything to eat?” – which really just meant, why don’t we have anything to eat that I want right now. Even as a young adult, I frequently take for granted my freedom to mindlessly spend $10-20 on tacos and chips & queso at Fuzzy’s or a BLT at Sweetie Pie’s. I can afford to go to the grocery store anytime I want, purchasing food for meals and snacks and junk food without thinking twice. Legitimate hunger is never a problem I have had to

face in my life.

That freedom, however, is not the reality for many people in our world. Right here in the city of Decatur, 18.7% of the population lives at or below the poverty line. In our Decatur ISD schools, 47.7% of children come from economically disadvan-taged homes. During this past summer, when schools are not open to provide daytime meals for students, Decatur Cares provid-ed over 9,200 breakfast and lunch meals for children – feeding on average 140 students each week. During the school year, De-catur Cares provides nonperishable food staples in backpacks for 155 Elementary School children to take home for their families. An additional 100 students at the Middle School and High School receive food from the school pantries – most of these students are the primary meal providers for their younger siblings.

When it came to providing the basic necessities of life to people, Jesus gave simple instructions: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you have me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me…just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Mt. 25:34-40). Every time you give food to a child of God, you serve Je-sus himself – every time you clothe a child of God, you serve Jesus himself – every time you welcome a child of God, you wel-come Jesus himself. When we give of ourselves to serve our neighbors who are hungry, we are seeking to meet God face to face.

I invite you to join me in being more conscious about the ways we take food for granted, to spend less on our own luxu-ries and give more to help provide for the basic necessities of others. Financially support ministries like Decatur Cares or W.A.R.M. who are on the front lines combatting hunger and food scarcity here in Decatur and Wise County. Volunteer your time and energy with these ministries – stock shelves at W.A.R.M. for a few hours each week or join the FUMC Decatur team at the Decatur Cares Mobile Food Pantry on the first Saturday morning of each month. Find a way to love and serve the God revealed in the face of our neighbors. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the sick, welcome the stranger – for in these simple acts of great love, we serve and meet Jesus Christ himself. In Christ, Ricky Harrison

Decatur Cares Mobile Food Pantry

On the first Saturday of each month, the front parking lot of the Decatur ISD Administration Building is transformed into giant produce store. An 18-wheeler full of fresh produce from the Tarrant Area Food Bank delivers pallets full of fresh carrots, beets, spinach, oranges, apples, berries, potatoes, cucumbers, squash, peppers, baby food, eggs, milk, and more. In just a few

hours, over 150 families from across Wise County make their way through the produce lines to pick out food to help feed their family that month. This effort, supported at no-cost by the Tarrant Area Food Bank, simply requires a team of 40-50 volunteers from the community each month. We unload pallets of food, organize the produce tables, help families through the lines and out to their cars, and serve as the hands and feet of Jesus with other members of the Decatur community. Join us again this month, Oct. 7, as we gather again to serve!

When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 8-11am Where: Decatur ISD Administration Building

If you would like to serve, please sign-up to be part of the October Team at the table located in the 2nd floor-hallway or contact Ricky Harrison (associate@decaturmethodist.org).

FUMC members

Serving Decatur.

www.decaturmethodist.org

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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

THIS NEWSLETTER CREATED ESPECIALLY FOR

YOU!

Thursday, October 26 8:30 a.m.—Character Builders Classroom

Monday, October 23 at 1:00 p.m.

Did you know?

Did you know the way Worship Attendance is officially recorded

is by the books we sign in to each Sunday morning?

We don’t want to miss having you on record. So please PRINT

and list family members separately so we know you are all here!

Thank You!

OUR VISION STATEMENT

“We are a people of grace, love, and hope who faithfully

participate in a way of life that

includes learning, growing, giving and serving God.”

Learning • Growing • Giving • Serving