This morning in worship, Jesse talked about living our lives out of the overflow of our hearts. Simply put, we are blessed to be a blessing to others.
Jesse reminded us that lives are changed not by what we say or profess as much as by what we do. When we go on mission trips or do outreach, our actions speak volumes.
I am writing this to let you know that the missions team that went to South Dakota is not the only group of folks that has been living out of the overflow of their hearts the last couple of weeks.
Earlier this month, you were invited to participate in a hands on missions opportunity right here in Port Arthur. Encounters and UMW collected school supplies for two different projects. When we heard that all of the bags for United Methodist Women were taken and filled, we were elated. But it didn't stop there.
Working together we gathered more than 17 tubs of school supplies. In addition to these supplies, hundreds of dollars were donated to our little project. When it was all said and done, hundreds of folders, pens, pencils, spiral notebooks, packs of paper, highlighters, scissors, erasers, markers, map pencils, Kleenex, hand sanitizers, and the like were gathered together.
On Thursday, August 20th, Ken Burke and Russell Hall gathered with other Rotary Club members and Cedar Ridge staff to fill and hand out 72 back packs to families with financial need. The children helped ranged from Kindergarten to 5th grade. But we're not done yet.
This coming Wednesday, the remaining supplies will be taken to Sam Houston Elementary School and will help more than 150 teachers and students get the school year started on the right foot.
Your one simple Random Act of Kindness will impact more than 200 lives. We have truly been blessed to be a blessing to others!
Thank you for your continued faithfulness and support.
We are already planning for future Random Acts of Kindness. Keep an eye out here and in the newsletter for other opportunities to continue to live out of the overflow of God's grace.
Remember, the best is yet to come!
Russell
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Encounters Update
There are a couple of really important things getting ready to take place with our new ministry - Encounters - and we wanted to take a moment to pass along the information to you.
MIDWEEK ENCOUNTERS:
What is it?
- a 13 week study that looks at the twelve steps of recovery from a biblical perspective. It will be a time of worship, prayer, testimony, Bible study and growth.
When is it?
- Thursday evenings beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Where is it?
- The United Methodist Temple, 4101 Highway 73, in the Life Lessons room.
Who can come?
- Absolutely anyone. Whether you are just curious about the workings of the 12 steps and how they relate to the Bible or are looking to grow in your own journey of recovery, all are invited to come.
Additional info:
- Childcare is being provided free of charge
- A sandwich dinner is being provided free of charge
- All materials are being provided free of charge
Please RSVP to the church office or by emailing acts242@hotmail.com if you are planning on attending to where we can have enough food and materials for everyone.
LABOR DAY FAMILY FUN DAY
On Monday, September 7th, we are going to open our hearts and doors to family and friends for a day of bounce houses, super slides, games, food, door prizes and other give aways...all absolutely free of charge. The best part is that the majority of the activities will be indoors, so we will play and fellowship come rain or shine (and think about how nice it will be to beat the heat for a little while!)!
If you and your family or friends are not doing anything on Labor Day, come by and see us at the church between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to join in the festivities.
ENCOUNTERS WORSHIP
Mark your calendars for Encounters first worship service at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 19th! Childcare and a children's program will take place during worship (we will release the kids part way through the service).
This is the first of our preview services, which gives us (and you) an opportunity to worship together and iron out any glitches between now and the time we launch in January. We will have about 7 or so of these between now and the end of the year.
Please join us for these and other events coming soon here at the United Methodist Temple! And keep an eye out here, in the Messenger and Template for even more news.
MIDWEEK ENCOUNTERS:
What is it?
- a 13 week study that looks at the twelve steps of recovery from a biblical perspective. It will be a time of worship, prayer, testimony, Bible study and growth.
When is it?
- Thursday evenings beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Where is it?
- The United Methodist Temple, 4101 Highway 73, in the Life Lessons room.
Who can come?
- Absolutely anyone. Whether you are just curious about the workings of the 12 steps and how they relate to the Bible or are looking to grow in your own journey of recovery, all are invited to come.
Additional info:
- Childcare is being provided free of charge
- A sandwich dinner is being provided free of charge
- All materials are being provided free of charge
Please RSVP to the church office or by emailing acts242@hotmail.com if you are planning on attending to where we can have enough food and materials for everyone.
LABOR DAY FAMILY FUN DAY
On Monday, September 7th, we are going to open our hearts and doors to family and friends for a day of bounce houses, super slides, games, food, door prizes and other give aways...all absolutely free of charge. The best part is that the majority of the activities will be indoors, so we will play and fellowship come rain or shine (and think about how nice it will be to beat the heat for a little while!)!
If you and your family or friends are not doing anything on Labor Day, come by and see us at the church between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to join in the festivities.
ENCOUNTERS WORSHIP
Mark your calendars for Encounters first worship service at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 19th! Childcare and a children's program will take place during worship (we will release the kids part way through the service).
This is the first of our preview services, which gives us (and you) an opportunity to worship together and iron out any glitches between now and the time we launch in January. We will have about 7 or so of these between now and the end of the year.
Please join us for these and other events coming soon here at the United Methodist Temple! And keep an eye out here, in the Messenger and Template for even more news.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Things to Remember
We wanted to take an opportunity to remind you all of a few important things going on in the life of the church.
First, if you have not already signed up for portrait time with Life Touch, please do so in the narthex on Sunday or go online to our website to make your appointment. This is not Olan Mills...there will be no hard sales and when we are done, we will have a beautiful and up to date photo directory of our church family. Remember that the directory won't be complete without your participation! If you are unable to make an appointment in the time slots available, contact Carol Wommack to submit your own photo.
Second, we want to thank everyone that helped fill all of the bags of school supplies for United Methodist Women and UMCOR. If you missed the opportunity to be a part of that hands on missions activity, don't worry, Encounters is still collecting school supplies for children in the Port Arthur ISD. You can pick up a list of supplies online (or ask Russell for one) and you can drop your supplies off in the tubs provided outside of the sanctuary. Remember that we are partnering with the Rotary Club to provide 200 backpacks to children in need in our immediate area (they are providing the backpacks and we are including some basic supplies). We are asking that all donated supplies be at the church by Sunday, August 16th (and if you would prefer for us to do the shopping, we will gladly welcome your donations and do the shopping for you!).
Finally, remember that this is the last Sunday to order your new UMT shirts. Whether you choose mesh, T, or button up, we encourage you to support UMT (and the communications department) by purchasing and wearing one of our new shirts. With all of the designs, styles and colors available, there is a shirt for everyone! See Ruth in the narthex for more information or to submit your orders.
On a completely different note, this weekend Russell Hall will be preaching both services here at the Temple. This will give Russell and opportunity to meet more of the congregation and vice versa. Come join us this weekend as we take a look at the opening verses of chapter 8 in the Gospel of John and explore the realities of "The Gospel Truth"!
First, if you have not already signed up for portrait time with Life Touch, please do so in the narthex on Sunday or go online to our website to make your appointment. This is not Olan Mills...there will be no hard sales and when we are done, we will have a beautiful and up to date photo directory of our church family. Remember that the directory won't be complete without your participation! If you are unable to make an appointment in the time slots available, contact Carol Wommack to submit your own photo.
Second, we want to thank everyone that helped fill all of the bags of school supplies for United Methodist Women and UMCOR. If you missed the opportunity to be a part of that hands on missions activity, don't worry, Encounters is still collecting school supplies for children in the Port Arthur ISD. You can pick up a list of supplies online (or ask Russell for one) and you can drop your supplies off in the tubs provided outside of the sanctuary. Remember that we are partnering with the Rotary Club to provide 200 backpacks to children in need in our immediate area (they are providing the backpacks and we are including some basic supplies). We are asking that all donated supplies be at the church by Sunday, August 16th (and if you would prefer for us to do the shopping, we will gladly welcome your donations and do the shopping for you!).
Finally, remember that this is the last Sunday to order your new UMT shirts. Whether you choose mesh, T, or button up, we encourage you to support UMT (and the communications department) by purchasing and wearing one of our new shirts. With all of the designs, styles and colors available, there is a shirt for everyone! See Ruth in the narthex for more information or to submit your orders.
On a completely different note, this weekend Russell Hall will be preaching both services here at the Temple. This will give Russell and opportunity to meet more of the congregation and vice versa. Come join us this weekend as we take a look at the opening verses of chapter 8 in the Gospel of John and explore the realities of "The Gospel Truth"!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Hope in Times of Grief
This week, Rhonda Lynn Broussard, a very dear and special member of our church family went home to be with the Lord. Visitation will take place at Levingston's Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and services will be here at the UM Temple at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday.
As we remember Rhonda we are reminded of laughing and singing and genuine worship (some of my own fondest memories are of her worshiping with us at the VBS kickoff and the times that she was able to sing with the praise team). We are reminded of times of joy and the blessing that she was to our individual lives and the life of our church. As we lean into God in these moments of loss, I am reminded of these words penned by Charles Wesley:
If Death My Friend and Me Divide
If death my friend and me divide,
thou dost not, Lord, my sorrow chide,
or frown my tears to see;
restrained from passionate excess,
thou bidst me mourn in calm distress
for them that rest in thee.
I feel a strong immortal hope,
which bears my mournful spirit up
beneath its mountain load;
redeemed from death, and grief, and pain,
I soon shall find my friend again
within the arms of God.
Pass a few fleeting moments more
and death the blessing shall restore
which death has snatched away;
for me thou wilt the summons send,
and give me back my parted friend
in that eternal day.
Charles Wesley, 1762.
I pray that these words are as encouraging to you as they have been to me. They have been words of hope in many times of loss in my life.
Join me as we continue to pray for the family and for one another throughout this season:
Eternal God,
we Praise you for the great company of all those
who have finished their course in faith
and now rest from their labor.
We praise you for those dear to us
whom we name in our hearts before you.
Especially we praise you for Rhonda Lynn Broussard,
whom you have graciously received into your
presence.
To all of these, grant your peace.
Let perpetual light shine upon them;
and help us so to believe where we have not seen,
that your presence may lead us through our years,
and bring us at last with them
into the joy of your home
not made with hands but eternal in the heavens;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
As we remember Rhonda we are reminded of laughing and singing and genuine worship (some of my own fondest memories are of her worshiping with us at the VBS kickoff and the times that she was able to sing with the praise team). We are reminded of times of joy and the blessing that she was to our individual lives and the life of our church. As we lean into God in these moments of loss, I am reminded of these words penned by Charles Wesley:
If Death My Friend and Me Divide
If death my friend and me divide,
thou dost not, Lord, my sorrow chide,
or frown my tears to see;
restrained from passionate excess,
thou bidst me mourn in calm distress
for them that rest in thee.
I feel a strong immortal hope,
which bears my mournful spirit up
beneath its mountain load;
redeemed from death, and grief, and pain,
I soon shall find my friend again
within the arms of God.
Pass a few fleeting moments more
and death the blessing shall restore
which death has snatched away;
for me thou wilt the summons send,
and give me back my parted friend
in that eternal day.
Charles Wesley, 1762.
I pray that these words are as encouraging to you as they have been to me. They have been words of hope in many times of loss in my life.
Join me as we continue to pray for the family and for one another throughout this season:
Eternal God,
we Praise you for the great company of all those
who have finished their course in faith
and now rest from their labor.
We praise you for those dear to us
whom we name in our hearts before you.
Especially we praise you for Rhonda Lynn Broussard,
whom you have graciously received into your
presence.
To all of these, grant your peace.
Let perpetual light shine upon them;
and help us so to believe where we have not seen,
that your presence may lead us through our years,
and bring us at last with them
into the joy of your home
not made with hands but eternal in the heavens;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Preparing for Sunday Worship
Have you ever run up against the odds? Have you ever been discouraged by people and obstacles in life? If you answered yes, then you won't want to miss Rev. Jesse Brannen's sermon entitled "Discouragement" this coming Sunday.
As preparation for Sunday worship, we invite you to sit with the passage of scripture that Rev. Brannen will be preaching from. It comes to us from the prophet Nehemiah, chapter 13, verses 6b-13, and reads as follows (from the New International Version):
"Some time later I asked his permission and came back to Jerusalem. Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God. I was greatly displeased and threw all Tobiah's household goods out of the room. I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense. I also learned that the portions assigned to the Levites had not been given to them, and that all the Levites and singers responsible for the service had gone back to their own fields. So I rebuked the officials and asked them, 'Why is the house of God neglected?' Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts. All Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine and oil into the storerooms. I put Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and a Levite named Pedaiah in charge of the storerooms and made Hanan son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah, their assistant, because these men were considered trustworthy. They were made responsible for distributing the supplies to their brothers."
We look forward to seeing you Sunday morning!
As preparation for Sunday worship, we invite you to sit with the passage of scripture that Rev. Brannen will be preaching from. It comes to us from the prophet Nehemiah, chapter 13, verses 6b-13, and reads as follows (from the New International Version):
"Some time later I asked his permission and came back to Jerusalem. Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God. I was greatly displeased and threw all Tobiah's household goods out of the room. I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense. I also learned that the portions assigned to the Levites had not been given to them, and that all the Levites and singers responsible for the service had gone back to their own fields. So I rebuked the officials and asked them, 'Why is the house of God neglected?' Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts. All Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine and oil into the storerooms. I put Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and a Levite named Pedaiah in charge of the storerooms and made Hanan son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah, their assistant, because these men were considered trustworthy. They were made responsible for distributing the supplies to their brothers."
We look forward to seeing you Sunday morning!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Prayers for all of those going to BIG HOUSE
This Thursday our junior high youth will be going to BIG HOUSE. What's that you ask?
BIG HOUSE is an acronym, which stands for Believing In God and Helping Others Understand through Service Everywhere.
BIG HOUSE is for Jr. High youth (those who have completed 6-8th Grade), who work to repair and repaint needful churches and social agencies. Work Projects for BIG HOUSE include; painting churches, doing landscaping, handrail repair, preparing meals, stocking food at a pantry, etc.
On Thursday, more than 2 dozen of our youth and a number of adult volunteers will be heading out to participate in this year's BIG HOUSE.
We ask that you keep the youth and adult volunteers in your prayers this week. Pray for the work that God will do in them and through them. Pray for their safe travels.
Thanks to each of you going on this trip for your faithfulness and service! We are anticipating stories and pictures from the trip when you return. You are truly a blessing!
BIG HOUSE is an acronym, which stands for Believing In God and Helping Others Understand through Service Everywhere.
BIG HOUSE is for Jr. High youth (those who have completed 6-8th Grade), who work to repair and repaint needful churches and social agencies. Work Projects for BIG HOUSE include; painting churches, doing landscaping, handrail repair, preparing meals, stocking food at a pantry, etc.
On Thursday, more than 2 dozen of our youth and a number of adult volunteers will be heading out to participate in this year's BIG HOUSE.
We ask that you keep the youth and adult volunteers in your prayers this week. Pray for the work that God will do in them and through them. Pray for their safe travels.
Thanks to each of you going on this trip for your faithfulness and service! We are anticipating stories and pictures from the trip when you return. You are truly a blessing!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
UMTemple Shirt Sale starts Sunday
The Communication Committee of UMT is sponsoring a shirt sale - the best way to get out the word that UMT is a great place to grow spiritually and personally is for YOU, the body [and hands and feet!] of UMT to 'show your colors' by wearing a UMT shirt when you minister and work and enjoy recreation activities.
Shirts available are: T-shirts, polo shirts, dri-mesh shirts, denim shirts, and dress shirts. The t-shirts are screen-printed with the UMT logo, all other shirts are embroidered. We also have hats and tote bags. Stop by the table in the main hallway to see the samples!
Order yours soon so you can show your colors and your support of UMT to everyone you meet!
any questions, email Ruth at rhstanley[at]yahoo[dot]com.....
Shirts available are: T-shirts, polo shirts, dri-mesh shirts, denim shirts, and dress shirts. The t-shirts are screen-printed with the UMT logo, all other shirts are embroidered. We also have hats and tote bags. Stop by the table in the main hallway to see the samples!
Order yours soon so you can show your colors and your support of UMT to everyone you meet!
any questions, email Ruth at rhstanley[at]yahoo[dot]com.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)