By now, you have heard something about the Single Board Model our congregation is discussing. Through committee meetings, the Town Hall, discussion in Sunday School rooms, or through the various printed or emailed communication means, I pray everyone has heard about what is on the table for discussion. Now everyone is starting to ask questions; and that’s a good thing. We want you to have questions about this model so we can discuss it together. The idea for the Single Board is something I heard

about years ago while in Residency (read: before I was ordained). A colleague of mine was leading his congregation through this transition so we were able to ask questions and witness third hand his process. It is that idea that helped me see how a similar model could be beneficial for our congregation moving into the future. The model we have as a congregation was conceptualized by Rick Simmons, Terry Rouk, and me from January through May of 2019 by sitting around the table in my office drawing ideas on a white board. After that, we shared the model with the Administrative Council where we started asking questions. Bridget took minutes at our first meeting with this topic and recorded eight pages of questions from your leadership. However, we want you to ask your questions for clarification even if they have already been asked by others. Terry has compiled the questions collected from our Town Hall meeting and they will be addressed. Though we are still trying to determine the most efficient way to touch on all the questions, we will be sure to address them all. For starters, let me address one of the more common questions to come across my desk and reach my ears; “Will there be more education opportunities before December 1?” My one-word answer; ABSOLUTELY! A decision like this is not one to sweep under the rug or pull the wool over people’s eyes. It requires time and effort, grace and understanding, prayer and listening for the Holy Spirit. Your leadership would not be pursuing this model if we felt it would take the church in a wrong direction. But the decision to retain our existing structure of governance or move into the Single Board Model lies with the whole congregation, not a handful of leaders and certainly not solely in the hands of the pastor. I am excited about what this model could do for our leadership and efficacy in administration and ministry. It provides a time for all the voices to be around the same table, ensuring we are all moving toward fulfilling our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. On December 1, our District Superintendent will join us for worship and then conduct a special Church Conference for the sole purpose of deciding upon this Single Board model. Please mark that date on your calendar and plan to attend.

While each of us has our ministry we conduct every day, together we can do amazing things as a congregation. As part of the Body of Christ, we strive to be faithful to the message of Peace, Love, and Grace within the Gospel. I am honored to be your pastor and humbled by the way you trust my leadership. Join me in praying for the rest of the leaders in our congregation as we continue down this path together. Grace and peace, Pastor Adam

First United Methodist Church - Whitesboro, Texas

o c t o b e r N E W S L E T T E R

SPECIAL DATES IN october

You may also check the online church calendar for upcoming events and

schedule email reminders.

www.whitesborofumc.org

ONGOING ACTIVITIES:

*Games Day and Lunch Bunch alternate Mondays in Wesley Hall. Contact Wanda

Dooley for the schedule.

*Let’s Get Moving - Meets every Tuesday & Thursday at 10:00 in Wesley Hall

*The Piece Makers Community Quilting Group - Meets every Friday, 9:30 - 3:00 in

Wesley Hall

October Events: Mark your calendar for the following October Events:

October Communion Rail Offering will benefit: General Missions Fund

Trustee Meeting: October 1st

UMW Silent Auction: October 6th

Children’s Sabbath: October 6th

Wesley Hall Reserved: October 12th

UMM & UMW Meetings: October13th

Wesley Hall Reserved: October 13th

PEO: October 17th

Peanut Festival: October 19th

Wesley Hall Reserved: October 20th

Finance Committee, Oct 24th

Church Council, Oct 24th

5th Wednesday Family Meal : October 30th—Potluck

Downtown Trunk & Treat, Oct 31st

Facebook Page: FUMCWhitesboro

When all else fails, when there are no words, there’s always prayer. Fulfilling our role and spiritual practices, as Christians we believe in prayer.

Join the Upper Room Prayer Group the 1st & 3rd Monday each month at 9:30 in the Library/ Conference Room.

We invite you to come pray with us!

Penni Luton Diane Moran

Michael Nealon Christopher Palmer *

Reagan Faith Parker Brenda Staggs Shirley Strong

Betty Watson Gene Paul Williams

Roylene Winchester Dolly R. Yeargan

Homebound *military

Evelyn Bomar Chandler Burnett Conny Chance

Betty Chilcutt Trinity Dessaint Angela Dutton Carl & Mary Frances Garrison Becky Hagood Mary Harris

Mary Louise Hensley Lucy Hill Cheryl & Larry Jones Jane Killam Inez Leach

How’d Sid get the nickname “ain’t nothing going on”? Working on a Veteran’s Day program a few years ago, Sid brought in some of his military memorabilia. And what a collection it was! A history buff’s dream. He said he got out of the navy and after some time at home there was nothing going on so he signed up with the Air Force. And after a few years in the Air Force, he got out. Spent some time at home, and

there wasn’t anything going on so he signed up with the Army. And, that’s why I gave him that nickname. Sid moved a few years ago to be closer to family in the Houston area. For those of you that didn’t meet him, he was quite the character; an amazing man. At 97 he was still riding the tractor and taking care of things around the farm. Bee-bopping around like he was still 25! Sid will be remembered this year during our All Saints Sunday service. He will take his place along with the other “saints” of our church. A wonderful life well lived. - Bridget

Pictured on October 23, 2018 on his 100th birthday along

with pictures from his 3 tours of duties in 3 different

branches.

October 23, 1918 - September 20, 2019

All Saints Day November 3, 2019

All Saints Day is a day the church will celebrate the lives of our loved ones who have gone home to the Lord in the past year or from the previous All Saints Day.

Each year we remember these dear ones in both of our worship services. During the time of remembrance, the name of the indi-vidual will be announced, hand bells chimed, a white rose will be placed in a vase on the altar, and a candle will be lit for the loved one.

If you have a loved one that passed away after Novem-ber 3rd, 2017 and would like for them to be remem-bered, please email a picture to the church office, along with loved one’s full name, and date of birth & date of death information.

Send to: bridgethoenig@whitesborofumc.org or stop by the church office.

We need your submissions no later than October 22nd.

October Faith & Family

1st Wednesday:

Chef’s & Sous Chef’s: Mona & Terry Rouk, & Anita Guerrero

Clean Up Crew: Youth Group

2nd Wednesday:

Chef’s & Sous Chef’s: Volunteers Needed Clean Up Crew: Russell & Meghan Fomby

3rd Wednesday:

Chef’s & Sous Chef’s: Mona & Terry Rouk, & Anita Guerrero

Clean Up Crew: John & Dodi Hosp

4th Wednesday:

Chef’s & Sous Chef’s: Lenora Garrison Clean Up Crew: Meghan & Russell Fomby

5th Wednesday:

Chef’s & Sous Chef’s: Pot Lucks Clean Up Crew: Congregation Involvement

If you would like to help with Faith & Family Wednesday

nights, we have plenty of opportunities. Please see Gwen Grady or Terry Rouk if you want to help with the meal

and/or cleanup.

See Pastor Adam or Shelby Finley to help volunteer with children’s activities.

Calling all MEN of the church………

The Methodist Men will meet Sunday, October 13th for fellowship breakfast and October meeting @ 7:00.

During the meeting we will finalize plans for our annual Peanut Festival Fundraiser. This year we have

changed the menu to serve Fajitas, Rice & Beans, Chips & Salsa, Desserts, and Tea.

We will have a volunteer signup sheet posted for various jobs on Peanut Festival Day. We need “all

hands on deck”. The Peanut Festival is Saturday, October 19th.

REMEMBER………..

The Peanut Festival BBQ is the biggest FUNDRAISER we host to support our mission projects. It is also the best time for the church to open our doors to the community. Please HELP us, HELP support the church and the many missions, scholarships, and other community outreach projects we give our dollars to.

Desserts

Ladies of the church or make that “Bakers of

the Church” The Methodist Men also need your help with

providing delicious, mouth watering, sweet treats to serve on our dessert

table. Bob & Larry will

be forever in your debt.

“Let’s Get Moving!”

Chair and/or Standing Exercises Targets Balance, Strength and Flexibility Meets Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:00 AM Wesley Hall Please dress comfortably!

Absolutely FREE and EVERYONE is Invited!

Contact Lenora Garrison & Susan Cox

The Peanut Festival

and the United Methodist Men

By: Barbara Bailey, Church Historian

Whitesboro has been the home of the Peanut Festival since 1965. Held each year on the third Saturday in October, the

festival draws crowds in excess of 20,000 people. A fun filled day for the whole family.

The United Methodist Men (UMM) strive to serve the local community. One of their many projects and missions is being a part of the Peanut Festival. Twenty-nine years ago, in 1990 with Reverend Doyle Henderson as Pastor, the UMM got together and decided to have a Bar-b-que lunch during the Peanut Festival. This fundraiser would help fund many projects and missions of the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) and the community. Over the years, the BBQ lunch during the Peanut Festival was a great success. Many people would plan their visit to the Peanut Festival around lunch time so they could have BBQ in Wesley Hall and the Methodist Church and sit and visit with old friends. Many classes that have graduated from Whitesboro High School hold their reunions during the Peanut Festival. On their agenda was meeting in Wesley Hall for BBQ.

To host this event, the UMM puts in many hours. They make sure that Wesley Hall is prepped and ready to include

sitting up all the tables and chairs. Each member has a place to be and a job to get done. Some of the jobs include cooking the brisket, potato salad, cole slaw and baked beans. Others will park cars and take money at the door. There are also servers and those who refill your iced tea at your table. You also need a crew to help cleanup afterwards. As with any event, I am sure there are many more details and people behind the scenes getting things done.

This year (2019), the United Methodist Men have decided to start a new tradition. They will be hosting a “Fajita

Festival” in Wesley Hall for lunch during the Peanut Festival.

Pictures are from the Archives Books in located in the History Room.

Memorials & Honorariums

Memorials & Honorariums unless noted otherwise, go to the Memorial Fund. The Memorial Fund is used for items for our worship & sanctuary.

The following is a list of other giving opportunities:

Adult Choir Fund Benevolent Fund

Building Fund General Budget

Memorial Garden Oakey Hagood Memorial Youth Scholarship

Special Children’s Fund for Camp Youth Scholarship

01-Oct Dillion Fielder 24-Oct Cross Sliss 27-Oct Jake Brawner

03-Oct James Farmer 26-Oct Deanna Wyrick

04-Oct Jackie Bollinger

09-Oct Chuck Hotze

13-Oct Jerry Johnson

13-Oct Bryce Brown

14-Oct Noah Robinson

19-Oct Suzette Strong

21-Oct Breana Hendry

22-Oct Melissa Ward

23-Oct Betty Martin

23-Oct Linda Erwin

In Memory Of: Given By: In Memory Of: Given By:

Oakey Hagood Kenneth & Delores Lockmiller Sid Krueger Ricky & Sharon Acker

Sid Krueger June West Sid Krueger Jim & Bridget Hoenig

In Honor Of: Given By: In Honor Of: Given By:

Shirley Strong Suzette & Clint Strong Pastor Adam The Strong Family

Word Search Sunday School Class

The Strong Family

FUMC Whitesboro is looking for someone with a heart for children

and love of music to lead our Children’s Choir.

Interested parties should contact Shelby Finley or Pastor Adam.

Children’s Sabbath

Sunday, October 6th

The kids will be singing “Blessed Be Your Name”

as well as, Serving Holy Communion and par-

ticipating in various parts of the worship during 10:30 service.

We will practice the song on

October 2nd, at 4:30 and at 9:45 during Sunday School time.

PEANUT FESTIVAL IS OCTOBER 19TH,

THE Methodist Men will be hosting a fajita

fiesta!

A special thank you to all of

the parents, and volunteers

that help with children’s

ministry. Your work and

time spent with our kids

doesn’t go unnoticed.

Please let me know if you have any

questions.

-Shelby Finley

Children’s Ministry Director

Children’s Council Meeting:

October 2 @ 6:00

Thank you for your prayers and support for me during this time of emotional and physical healing. I feel God’s presence and love as I feel

your prayers both as individuals, groups and church. God is truly in charge and I have felt his leading through your prayers. God loves us all and God bless you all for being His witnesses through prayers, support and caring. For God’s love and presence is each one of our lives. June West

Dear Church:

I would like to “thank you” for allowing me be your Custodian for a year. I’ve been a part of our church for almost four years now. It has been an rewarding experience to be part of this church family. Looking forward to the coming holidays and the new year. I do enjoy this faith journey and walking this path with all of you. God bless you,

Stop by and see the new crosses added to the

Honorarium & Memorial Cross Wall

The Cross Wall supports our

Benevolent Fund. Forms are located in the church office.

WE LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

If you have an article, devotional, or item of interest, or any announcements to submit for

the Newsletter, please email your information to:

bridgethoenig@whitesborofumc.org by the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Your Neighbors House Items

Needed: Canned Fruit, Juice, Vegetables,

Bags of beans and Rice

VOLUNTEERS -

Please contact Connie Loyd

903.564.4400

Special Church Dates:

2020 Budget due October 15th

Charge Conference Reports

due October 15th

Single Board Model

Town Hall - October 27th

Charge Conference - FUMC Sherman,

November 3rd @ 3:30

Special Charge Conference with our District Superintendent, Todd Harris—

December 1st.

Very similar to the 150th celebrations, we will have one worship service at 10:00

with a covered dish lunch following

Pictures from Whitesboro Middle School and the

High School campuses.

PO Box 370 * 122 S. Union Whitesboro, TX 76273

Tel: 903.564.3156

Website: www.whitesborofumc.org

Facebook Page: fumcwhitesboro

October Communion Rail Offering: General Missions

When you give to the communion rail you are helping support our church ministry above and beyond the four walls of the church. Your donations to the communion rail may stay here in Whitesboro or they may help in other areas of the state/country.

In 2019 donations to the General Church Missions along with the children’s VBS coin challenge helped purchase 1 book for every student at Hayes Primary School, over 450 books were gifted.

Our October communion rail offering will benefit the General Church Missions. It’s like saving for a rainy day fund but it will be to help someone else’s rainy day. We don’t know where the dollars are going yet but we ask you to trust your church Mission Committee that your donations will be well spent as we fulfill our promise to God; walking humbly, helping the needy, spreading the word of Jesus, and loving our neighbors.

Putting our FAITH * HOPE * LOVE * into ACTION

Communion

Rail

Offerings &

Mission Work

January Benefit: Missions Received: $ 311

February

Benefit: Your Neighbors House

Food Pantry & Store Received: $420

March

Benefit: General Missions—$157

Lenten Challenge

30 Pieces of Silver for

Benevolent Fund-$1081

April Benefit:

General Missions—$261

Youth Camp Fundraiser -

$980

May Benefit: Summer Lunch-

$1193

June Benefit: General Missions

- $342

July Benefit: Project

Transformation-$718

August Benefit: Back to School Supplies-$646

September

Benefit: Snacks $474, $50

UMCOR

October Benefit: General Missions

November Benefit:

Ministerial Alliance Food

Baskets

December Benefit:

Pictures from Suzette Strong’s class with their NEW books.

October 31st How many cars can we get from the church to park down-

town on Halloween for “Trunk or Treat”? We have several bins of Halloween decorations for you to

use if you want to be fun & festive. Contact the church office for more details.

Use the Church Calendar to

setup text reminders and

never miss another meeting

or church event.

Contact the church office if

you have any questions.