the
firstedition
May 2014
A publication of First Choice Ministries First Methodist Houston fmhouston.com
keeping the sabbath May 4
a pastoral word Dr. Steve Wende, Senior Pastor
Rev. Terence Hagans preaching 8:45 and 11 a.m. Downtown Dr. Steve Wende preaching 9:15 and10:30 a.m. Westchase
May 11
Dr. Steve Wende preaching 8:45 and 11 a.m. Downtown Dr. Paul Clines preaching 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Westchase
May 18
Dr. Steve Wende preaching 8:45 and 11 a.m. Downtown Dr. Paul Clines preaching 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Westchase
May 25
Dr. Steve Wende preaching 8:45 and 11 a.m. Downtown Dr. Paul Clines preaching 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Westchase Hispanic Worship Service
Sundays at 11 a.m. 6th Floor Downtown Rev. Humberto Hernandez preaching
Sunday School
9:15 a.m. Westchase 9:50 a.m. Downtown
Sign Language Interpretation 10:30 a.m. Westchase 11 a.m. Downtown
Communion and Healing
12:05 p.m. Bintliff Chapel Downtown
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Friends, let me share several thoughts with you this month. First, here’s a cheer for all the volunteers who worked so hard to make Holy Week and Easter the amazing celebrations and observances they were. So many people served with such care and good will in so many events: worship, music, education, Eggstravaganza and a host of others. One of our visitors said, “Your church really shows the love of God!” That is true, and it is true not just in the big events, but in the everyday interactions of you, our members. You probably don’t realize it, but the grace, love and compassion we take for granted in the First Methodist family is actually rare in this broken world — and the fact that it is not rare here says something powerful about all the hearts so open to Christ that His love shines through. Thank you for those open hearts! Second, I want to invite you to join Karin and me in making it possible for a child to go to Quillian Camp this summer. Our kids treasured their time at Christian camp in the summers. It helped form them into the young Christian women they became. Wouldn’t it be great for everyone to have that opportunity? First Methodist helps people in so many ways, but it seems to me that one of the most important is through her shaping of the next generation. A key way we do that is through the Quillian Recreation Center, one of the unsung blessings of the First Methodist family. Quillian provides great opportunities for all ages, both singles and families. The Quillian leadership also has a special concern for children at risk. There are several different levels of support available for those who do not come from affluent homes and may be left alone for the summer. Karin and I are supporting a child at camp. I encourage you to consider a simi-
lar gift. There is information about this opportunity elsewhere in the magazine. Third, throughout this edition of the magazine we are lifting up the mission and service opportunities of the church. Mother Teresa once said, “We all long for heaven where God is, but we have it in our power to be in heaven now; to be happy with Him at this very moment. To be happy with Him means simply loving as He loves, helping as He helps, giving as he gives, serving as He serves, rescuing as He rescues; and in that act being with Him twenty-four hours a day. For we touch Him as we touch others for Him.” That’s how it works, isn’t it? Too often, though, we forget. This summer, let’s remember. Let’s “take a break” and “unwind” and “get some time off” by truly changing the pace. In a world commanding us to live frantically for our own well-being, let’s claim the opportunities our church provides to serve others — and for a “summer break,” let’s draw closer in the process to the God who gives all true renewal, strength and peace. God bless,
May 2014
put a smile on a child
For more information call Tom Gaden at 713-781-9195.
Make a difference in the life of a child by sponsoring a summer camper. Sponsorship: 1 week tuition- $195 1 day tuition- $60 1 month tuition- $800
www.quilliancenter.org
Rev. Ann and Max Spears invite you to join them for a trip of a lifetime. Led by Biblical Archaeologist Dr. Jim Fleming, this amazing two-week trip will focus on the life of Paul: from his shipwreck in Malta to his death in Rome. Come and meet new friends, explore the many historical sites and grow in your knowledge of the Bible.
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United Methodist Men’s News
Student BBQ Thank You!!!
Saturday, April 12 Methodist Men hosted a wonderfully inspiring presentation by Sara and Henry Clines (Rev. Paul Clines’ parents) on their nine-year mission to over 500 children in one of the most povertystricken areas of Honduras. This moving presentation was made to a packed house of the men of Methodist Men, the ladies and gentlemen of our Missions Ministry and many other interested women and men of First Methodist! Allen Houk also contributed with his always-informative Bible Study lesson related to this presentation. Methodist Men meet every second Saturday of the month for a great country breakfast, Christian fellowship and a timely and provocative speaker. If you haven’t attended one of their breakfasts lately, check them out! Their next meeting is Saturday, May 10, where our Charles Pehl will speak on “Global Warming: End of the Age or Just Hot Air.”
The Student Ministry of First Methodist Houston would like to thank all those who participated in the annual BBQ Lunch and Desert Auction. It was an incredible success, and thanks to your generosity and the hard work of our students, we raised over $9,500 to help send students to summer camp and the international mission trip. I can think of no greater investment of one’s resources than to invest in the spiritual growth of our students. Thank you all for your continued support of the First Methodist Student Ministry!
By Stephen Mackey
Let’s Read Book Club invites you Let’s Read Book Club will meet Monday, May 5 at 12 noon featuring a review of The Astronaut Wives Club. The author is Lily Koppel, and our reviewer will be Debra Neighbors. We meet on the First Floor near Hidden Treasures Books and Gifts Downtown. Everyone is invited. Bring a sack lunch and we’ll provide the coffee and iced tea. Call Hidden Treasures Book and Gifts at 832-668-1876 for more information.
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May 2014
Jerusalem Marketplace attracts new volunteers
Port Houston Easter Egg Hunt
By Carol Whitman More than 300 members of the congregation visited the Jerusalem Marketplace Ministry Fair held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 30. The event, led by Volunteer Coordinator Carolyn Harris, was held for two main purposes: to acquaint the congregation with the variety of outreach ministries sponsored by the church and to recruit more volunteers for these ministries. Leaders from eight church ministry areas set up stalls and dispensed information about their ministry and discussed with fellow church members the many opportunities where they could volunteer and make a difference for the Kingdom of God. Visitors who had learned about five or more ministry areas were invited to enter a random drawing for a $100 gift card. David Lin won the drawing. “I would say that everyone who participated in the event — from ministry leaders to our fellow members who visited the booths — were all winners,” said Carolyn Harris. “Many members expressed their amazement at the many ways First Methodist serves to the community around us. Most of those visitors indicated an interest in volunteering for God’s work.”
On April 12, more than 100 children and their families enjoyed our annual Easter Egg Hunt. This year, West University United Methodist Church donated 3,000 eggs, while volunteers from First Methodist Houston and First Methodist Missouri City hosted our crafts, face painting and egg decorating tables. We also partnered with the Port Houston Cavemen Cookers, a group of volunteers who grew up in Port Houston and want to give back to the community. The group cooked 300 hot dogs and brought chips and drinks. Thanks to everybody who made this an unforgettable event for the children of Port Houston!
Sponsor a summer camp stay for a Port Houston teen
Neighbors in Action will take its Port Houston youth group to the Stoney Creek Camp at the end of June and is looking for sponsors. It costs only $75 to send a child to the life-changing camp. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Kathrin Meier at kmeier@fmhouston.com or 832-343-8105.
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RE GI N O ST W ER ! Join us for Vacation Bible School! Downtown: June 16-20, 2014 - More info at fmhkids.com Westchase: July 7-11, 2014 - Contact children@fmhouston.com
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Camp In the CIty
July 7-11
Yo u r H o m e I n t h e C i t y
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1320 main Street fmhkids.com
May 2014
Summer is almost here. What are you going to do with your kids for those long hot days? Here are a few ideas from Ripple Children’s Ministry to help keep everyone happy and active.
fmwestchase.com
• Weird Animals VBS: July 7-11 at First Methodist Westchase. Call 713-458-4715 for more information. • Wesley Summer Camp: 6 months – preschool children. Call 713-266-3341 for more information. • Quillian Summer Camp: elementary age children. Call 713-781-9195 for more information. • June 6th: Ripple SummerKick-Off Pool Party, 6:308:30 p.m. at Noah’s Ark and the Big Pool • August 8th: Ripple End-ofSummer Pool Party, 6:308:30 p.m. at Noah’s Ark and the Big Pool • Noah’s Ark and the Big Pool at First Methodist HoustonWesthcase • Houston Zoo: Extreme Bugs exhibit coming in May! • Attend a free Brown Bag concert at a local Chick-fil-A. Check ksbj.org for more details • Lone Star Flight Museum in Galveston • Check http://citycentrehouston.com and www.sugar-
fmhouston.com
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landtownsquare.com for fun events all summer long or just take a walk and window shop Ride or walk the trails at Terry Hershey Park Moody Gardens in Galveston Go camping or hiking at Brazos Bend State Park Stewart Beach in Galveston - $8/car; restrooms, showers, chair rental, snack bar and lifeguards Rosenberg Railroad Museum Check out Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse: 10 kid-friendly movies for $1 each, or $5 for all 10 movies when tickets are bought in advance Tour historic George Ranch in Richmond, Texas Check www.pickyourown.org to find local farms where you can pick your own fruits and veggies Visit a museum: Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (free Thurs. 1-5), Children’s Museum (free Thurs. 5-8), Freeman Weather Museum (free Thurs. 12-4), Houston Museum of Natural Science (free Thurs.
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3-6), Museum of Fine Arts (free Thurs. 10-9) Find your local library and check out their Story Time and other fun activities for kids Tomball Railroad Depot Ride the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry. It’s free! Tour the Port of Houston for free! http://www.portofhouston.com/communityoutreach/sam-houston-boattour/ Froberg’s Farm in Alvin, Texas – pick your own strawberries (while in season) Find your local fire department and take the firemen a “thank you” treat Santikos Palladium in Richmond: o 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month at 6 p.m. – catering to families with special needs adults and children o 1st Saturday of every month at 11 a.m. – catering to families with special needs adults and children
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LOCAL OUTREACHES LIFELINE Lifeline, a ministry to Downtown’s homeless and transient population, aims to provide dignity and honor to each person who enters our doors. The ministry provides items to provide for clients’ physical needs. Lifeline ministers listen to and pray with each client, as well as refer them to local agencies that provide additional resources. (Downtown)
REFUGEE ASSISTANCE MINISTRY We reach out to refugees living near the Westchase Campus to introduce them to programs available at our church and local area agencies. First Methodist Houston is working to provide events to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by refugees, to help refugees become integrated into our community, and to provide material assistance. (Westchase)
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NEIGHBORS IN ACTION - PORT HOUSTON NIA is committed to helping families in the Port Houston Community grow spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally, resulting in a community that is self-sufficient and focused on serving others. Port Houston is located four miles east of Downtown. The majority of its residents are Hispanic and many live below the poverty line. The NIA community center provides programs for people of all ages and volunteers serve by leading Bible studies/education programs and events for children and adults. (Downtown)
ONLINE MISSIONARIES Each day people look to the internet to find answers about God and about life issues. First Methodist Online Missionaries respond to emails/texts and Facebook messages from seekers, new believers and struggling Christians all over the world, responding to one message each week, sharing the hope and love that Christ offers from their own computer on their time. (Both Campuses)
May 2014
He defended the cause of the poor and needy. Is this not what it means to know me? declares the LORD. - Jeremiah 22:16 As followers of Christ, we are called to serve the poor and oppressed and to proclaim the Good News of Christ to the entire world. First Methodist is accomplishing this through local and global church ministries and through strategic partner ministries. On these pages, you will see what we are doing as a congregation to respond to God’s call and the list of ministry partners who we serve alongside for more strategic results. If you are not currently involved in service to the poor, oppressed and those who have not yet heard of Jesus, please consider service in one of the following ministries.
BUSH ELEMENTARY Bush Elementary is an urban school in the Southwest part of Houston. First Methodist volunteers work with Communities in Schools, a dropout prevention and empowerment program. Volunteers help tutor students in math and reading and assist with special events and outreaches to the families. (Westchase)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MENTORING PARTNERSHIPS Mentoring can change the direction of the life of a child in need. We mentor through Bush Elementary, Gregory Lincoln Education Center and Port Houston Elementary schools. You can choose a day and time to mentor/tutor students each week and make a significant difference. (Both Campuses)
MEDICAL APARTMENT MINISTRY First Methodist Houston leases seven apartments in the Brompton Court Complex which we furnish and stock with televisions, kitchen and bath supplies. These apartments are leased at a reduced rate to people who are undergoing cancer treatment in the Texas Medical Center. (Downtown)
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HOME REPAIR Members of our home repair teams make minor home repairs for elderly members and friends of First Methodist Houston who are living on a fixed income. From gardening to painting to heavy lifting, all help is needed. (Both Campuses)
SEWING CONNECTION & STITCHES OF GLORY Ladies at First Methodist have been sewing to support missions for many years. Making dresses for refugee girls in Thailand, caps for cancer patients, ????? these ministries are bringing hope to people who may feel forgotten. (Both Campuses)
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GLOBAL OUTREACHES BORDER MINISTRIES In EAGLE PASS, TEXAS, our teams work with Mission Border Hope to do home repairs, light construction projects, serve the food pantry and Juvenile Rehabilitation Center to empower children and families. Across the border in ACUĂ‘A, MEXICO, we work with a local pastor and church to support ongoing ministry in the colonia of Martinez Martinez and support the White Stone Orphanage.
CUBA Ninety miles off the coast of Florida, Cuba is a country that has been cut off from outside influence for more than 50 years. Although the limitations are great, the opportunities for evangelism through creative means are strong. Our sister church just outside Havana is reaching the island with the Gospel. Our teams work closely with the sister church to lead trainings for Cuban pastors and do community outreach.
BURMESE REFUGEE MINISTRY First Methodist Houston supports a children’s home and training center for refugee children and teens in Mae Sot, Thailand. The home and training center is a place for children and teens to go to school and learn life skills to help them be leaders as they return to Burma to attend the Universities. In addition, teams travel each summer to serve the needs of the school and home.
HAITI First Methodist has adopted an impoverished village, Source Matlas, and is working with FUMC Conroe and FUMC Kingwood to develop infrastructures and ministries, in partnership with Mission of Hope Haiti, an organization that seeks to empower the people of Haiti.
HONDURAS First Methodist sponsors a daily feeding program to children from the mountain village of Los Pinos through Jeremiah Missions.
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING MINISTRY The International Leadership Institute accelerates the spread of the Gospel around the world by training and mobilizing leaders of leaders to reach their nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. First Methodist sponsors two training conferences each year in parts of the world where most people have not heard about Christ (Central Asia, Middle East and India)
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May 2014
LOCAL PARTNERS • Wesley Community Center • Christian Alliance for Humanitarian Aid • Life Center for the Homeless • Covenant House • Home of Hope • House of Amos • West Houston Assistance Ministries • Skills for Life • Bethel Port Ministries
Around the world in 2014... Join us in ministry in 2014. Go with us as we take the love of Jesus to those who are hurting around the country and the world. For more information about any of these trips, contact the Missions Office at 832-6681819 or kjames@fmhouston.com.
Cuba | May 21-28 | $1,800 Our teams provide training, encouragement and much-needed support to Cuban believers at our sister church just outside Havana. Honduras (Students) | July 11-18 | $1,500 Working with Jeremiah Mission, we will participate in construction projects, VBS and community outreaches. Honduras | August 20-25 | $1,500
GLOBAL PARTNERS • Faith Comes By Hearing • Project AIDS Nigeria • ZOE Ministry • Salvation to Children Project • BASTA • White Stone Orphanage • Becas Con Bendiciones • Mission on the Move
Help deliver the hope of the Gospel by digging a water well with MANNA Water for Life. Guatemala | October 4-11 | $1,800 Be a part of this general surgical mission team delivering medical care to Quiche Indians in the west central highlands of Guatemala. El Salvador | November 9-15 | $1,900 Be part of this team that delivers the hope of the Gospel by digging a water well with Living Water International.
fmhouston.com
The Bible references over 500 verses regarding God’s heart for the poor and justice for the oppressed. Even today, over 3 billion around the world are still waiting for the Good News of Jesus Christ. This month peer inside God’s Heart for the world and for His people who are called by His name.
May Message Series Downtown • May 4 - God’s Heart for the World - Rev. Terence Hagans preaching • May 11 - God’s Heart for the Poor and Oppressed - Dr. Steve Wende preaching • May 18 - God’s Heart for the Unreached - Dr. Steve Wende preaching Change the World Sunday Downtown • May 25 - God’s Heart for His People - Dr. Steve Wende preaching
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May 2014
Weekly Schedule Sunday Morning 9:30-10:10 a.m. Hang out & eat breakfast 10:10-10:50 a.m. Sunday School 11-11:55 a.m. Launch Youth Service Calendar May 4: Confirmation ‘Working Lunch’ 10-11: Mother’s Day Roses Fundraiser 18: Confirmation Sunday 18: Graduation Banquet June 16-20: VBS Volunteering 23-27: Student Life Camp July 11-19: Honduras Mission Trip For more information or to sign up, contact Amy Coleman [acoleman@fmhouston.com] or Aaron Ferguson [aferguson@fmhouston.com]. http://launchFMH.weebly.com
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Reading Circle News The Reading Circle will meet at the home of Mary Beyer, 3306 Merrick, Houston 77025, on Tuesday, May 20. Joyce Zotz will be our co-hostess. • 10 a.m. - Refreshments • 10:30 a.m. Business & Program • 12 Noon - Adjourn Mary Marriott will review the book, This Side of Heaven, by Karen Kingsbury. Annie Warren always wanted the best for her son, Josh. Years of bad choices and failure created a heartbreaking difference that grew worse after Josh was hit by a drunk driver. Now on medical disability with his life on hold waiting for the insurance settlement, Josh was told by a scheming woman that he is the father of her seven year old daughter named Savannah. When the settlement that rightly belongs to Josh is threatened, Annie sets out to defend her son. But she might find a treasure more valuable than money, one she never expected. This is one of the greatest gifts her son could give her THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN. Kingsbury is a New York Times bestselling author of over 60 works of fiction and nonfiction. This story is based loosely on her own brother’s death. It is a story of a strained relationship between pictureperfect parents and their tow truck driver son who has been a disappointment to them. The author is best known for drawing unforgettable characters and stories that evoke a range of emotions. Thanks to Mary Marriott for sharing this review with us. Mary and her husband, Terry, belong to First Methodist. She is a long-time faithful member of our choir. The Reading Circle meets the third Tuesday of each month (except July and August). Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Ruth Palmer at ruthgp@swbell.net.
The Stitches of Glory Story 1999 was quite a year for this bustling planet we inhabit. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose above the 10,000 mark for the first time in history, and later in the year, above the 11,000 mark. The proclaimed six billionth living human being in the world was born. The space shuttle Discovery first docked with the International Space Station, and after 22 years of restoration, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, “The Last Supper,” was put back on display for the world to ponder. It was a remarkable year by anyone’s standards. One of the reasons that year was so remarkable for First Methodist Houston – Westchase, was because the “Stitches of Glory” ministry was born! Two faithful members, Paula Ray and Brenda Yurkovich, began talking together about ways to reach out to the community and the city of Houston through a ministry of sewing. They took their idea to then-associate pastor, Ed Jones, he loved it, came up with a name for it, and 15 years later they are still a thriving, dynamic ministry! Stitches of Glory has grown from a handful of women sewing in Paula’s garage to a much bigger group serving in the largest meeting room in the Westchase office building! They’ve cut out, sewn and given away nearly 10,000 cancer caps to individuals and to six different hospital cancer clinics in the area. They also make and sell for missions, neck pillows, adult bibs, crocheted necklaces and coughing pillows for those recovering from chest surgery. They have donated thousands of dollars to the church from their profits, assisting with all sorts of mission needs like missionary sponsorship, apartment ministries, Quillian Recreation and the campus Helpline. Their charity and influence reaches far beyond our Texas borders, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Recently, the members of the Stitches of Glory ministry hosted a party to honor and bid farewell to co-founder, Paula Ray. After 15 years of leading, teaching and encouraging, Paula made the decision to be more a part of her children and grandchildren’s lives through participation and service at their home church just outside of Houston. It was a bittersweet evening, filled with wonderful memories, lots of laughter, and a few tears. Paula was the backbone of the ministry, but to her credit has “grown up” very capable leaders. We have no doubt this ministry will be around to celebrate its 20th anniversary, and beyond. In Paula’s words, “It was God all the way.” We agree, but we also know He chose her to bring His vision to life. The “Stitches of Glory” Story can’t end without an invitation being extended to all the women of First Methodist Houston. Come join with them and experience the fun, friendship and ministry that takes place every Monday evening at the Westchase Campus! They share a meal together from 6-6:45 p.m., then get to cutting, sewing, stuffing, crocheting, knitting … whatever the medium … to be a blessing to their church, their community and their Heavenly Father. And if you don’t know how to do any of those things, they will be happy to teach you! You can call the west campus office at 713-458-4700 for more information, or just show up next Monday evening and they’ll get you started. Hebrews 13:16 instructs us, “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Come “do good” with some of the kindest, most generous women in our church. There will always be room for more!
Stitches of Glory today.
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May 2014
Women’s Brunch and Play featuring A.D. Players Ladies of First Methodist, join us in the Stansbury Building at the Westchase Campus Saturday, May 17 for a wonderful morning of fellowship! A delicious brunch will be served at 10 a.m., and then one of the most innovative theatre companies in this country will perform Pearl Talk by Jeannette Clift George. You don’t want to miss this humorous and thoughtful look at biblical principles and life around us. Based on the parable of the “Pearl of Great Price,” Pearl Talk is the funny, heartwarming story of friendship that journeys different paths toward treasured discoveries. Tickets ($5 per person) may be purchased at the Westchase Campus through Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11. Childcare for children six months through fifth grade will be available by reservation only, made no later than Monday, May 12. (713-458-4700) Invite your family, friends and neighbors and let’s celebrate together the joy of being sisters in Christ!
Reflections on Women’s Spring Retreat
Praying in Color
Do you think that the only way for you to commune with your God is by talking about theology and spiritual ideas? Is there no time for childish play in the serious business of understanding God? Have you “put away childish things” and relegated your spiritual life to the confines of your mind? This new prayer form, Praying in Color, requires no words. There are many acceptable ways to pray, and by Praying in Color you can spend time almost every day coloring pictures with Jesus.
Church Circle News
Have you noticed some of the women in the church seem “different” or “unusually happy” or just more than content? You have seen them at church many times. You know their circumstances have not changed. But they seem unruffled when circumstances say “They should be ruffled.” Ask them what has made the difference…you may find out that they recently spent a relaxing weekend on a spiritual retreat at Laity Lodge in the hill country. They were at the Women’s Spring Retreat. Do you want to have a great weekend away from everything that overwhelms you? Make plans to attend the Fall Retreat at Camp Allen on October 4, 5, and 6. Get away for a girls’ weekend with God…you will never regret it. For information, call Ursula Huhn at 281-217-1312 or piggyhuhn1@aol.com.
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Church Circle, a part of United Methodist Women, will meet Tuesday, May 13 Downtown at 10:30 a.m. in the small library on the Second Floor. Susan Gallman, assistant leader, will have a wonderful program regarding “Angels.” We look forward to her inspiring program. We have no birthdays for the month of May. We wish Sherrill Mason good luck as she moves out of the area. We will miss you, Sherrill! Jane Thompson, our Church Circle leader, will conduct a short business meeting. Afterwards, we will have our super-duper luncheon! Please bring your favorite food dish to share. Please come and visit Church Circle on May 13. You will receive a blessing!
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Camp Quillian ready to start its 30th summer
Summer is just around the corner, and so is summer camp at Camp Quillian! Registration is now open for our 30th anniversary of Camp Quillian. If you are looking for a fun, safe environment for your children this summer, look no further. Quillian Center has many exciting activities planned to keep your child entertained and happy. If your child goes to Camp Quillian, they can participate in activities such as rock climbing, swimming in our swimming pools, specialty camps, and much more. We have camp for children ages five to 12, and we have a special teen camp with activities geared towards 13 and 14 year olds. For more information or to sign up, head over to www.quilliancenter.org or call 713-781-9195.
Registration open for Summer Youth Basketball Season Calling all kids ages five to 14! It’s time to grab your shoes and head to Quillian for the next Youth Basketball season. Quillian’s Youth Basketball program is a top-notch program that boasts great coaching and fun competition. Quillian Youth Basketball is a coed league that is perfect for children of all skill levels. Equal playing time, weekly practices, a Christian atmosphere, jerseys and awards for all, and the unique Q-Star All-star weekend are all part of this great program. You do not want to miss out on this upcoming season! Registration is available now at www.quilliancenter.org. We are still looking for volunteer coaches as well. If you are interested in coaching, or if you have more questions, please contact William Melton at wmelton@quilliancenter.org or 713-458-4730.
Pool parties at Quillian Center
Looking for an exciting summer destination to have your child’s birthday party? How about a place for your family to have a cool and relaxing family reunion? Quillian Center’s pool party packages are just the ticket. We have the famous Noah’s Ark pool, which is great for younger children. We also have a big pool with slides and diving boards that is great for older children or bigger parties. For more information on pool packages and our swimming pools in general, head over to www.quilliancenter.org, or contact William Melton at 713-458-4712 or wmelton@quilliancenter.org.
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Put a Smile on a Child Scholarship Fund
Camp Quillian is celebrating 30 years this summer. Thousands of children have experienced the fun that comes with camp — sports, games, crafts, special events, guest speakers, VBS and the opportunity to make new friends for a lifetime. Camp Quillian provides a full day of activities all summer long for children ages 5-14. Unfortunately, many of our campers cannot afford the $195 weekly tuition. If you can help send a child to camp, please consider this opportunity. Camp Quillian is accredited by the ACA and provides working parents a safe haven for their children when school is out for the summer months. Our staff is built with energetic young Christians ready to make a difference in child’s life this summer. If you are interested in “Putting a smile on a child,” please contact Tom Gaden at 713468-4705 or Tgaden@quilliancenter.org.
May 2014
Wesley Academy
CAMP
June 2-August 4
Ages 6 months- Pre-K 2, 3, or 5 day program available For information visit: www.wesleyacadey.net or call 713-266-3341 fmhouston.com
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The Pencil Maker By Gary Culbreath
joys and concerns Baptisms
Nicole Ruth Perrin, 03/30/2014, Daughter of Thomas & Ashley Perrin Audrianna Dianne Schaefer, 04/06/2014, Daughter of Scott Schaefer & Shauna Oakes
Deaths
Mr. George Beebe, 03/10/2014 Miss Ingree Peterson, 03/12/2014 Mrs. Gwen Ridley, 03/18/2014 Mr. Robert Louis “Bob” Dyer, 03/22/2014 Mrs. Wendy Beecher, 03/24/2014 Dr. Roger W. Birkman, 03/26/2014 Mrs. Marjorie McMetcalf, 04/01/2014 Mrs. Jean Miller, 04/08/2014 Mrs. Genevieve Engel “Gen” Adair, 04/12/2014 Mrs. Elizabeth “Betty” McAlexander, 04/14/2014
A pencil maker told the pencil five important lessons just before putting it in the box: 1. Everything you do will leave a mark. 2. You can always correct the mistake you make. 3. What is important is what is inside of you. 4. In life, you will undergo painful sharpening, which will only make you better. 5. To be the best, you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the hand that holds you. We all need to be constantly sharpened. This parable may encourage you to know that you are a special person, with unique God-given talents and abilities. Only you can fulfill the purpose which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot be change and, like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are is what’s inside of you. “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and his children will have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26
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Open Enrollment for Wesley Academy has begun. To learn more about Wesley Academy, visit our website: www.wesleyacademy.net or call the School Office (713-266-3341) to set up a visit. May 2014
honorariums and memorials In Honor Of:
Designated Fund:
Given By:
In Memory Of:
Designated Fund:
Given By:
Helen Cummings Frances Luna
Woodward Fund Woodward Fund-Happy Birthday
Pat Bonner John Woods Family
Clifford Trevathan FUMC Foundation M/M Robert Reynolds Ron King First Choice Ministries Martha Moore Ron King General Ministries Harry Reed Ron King First Choice Ministries M/M Glen Severs Ron King Downtown Renovations Betty Metzler Ron King DT Renovations/Fellowship Hall M/M Dick Bailey Ron King FUMC Foundation M/M Kurt Nondorf Ron King General Ministries M/M Robert Hampton Donald Robertson First Choice Ministries Mary Parker Ron King Downtown Renovations M/M Major Collins Wayne Huse First Choice Ministries Fidelis Sunday School Class Liz Vondy First Choice Ministries Lois Ginger Ron King First Choice Ministries Brenda Shield Ron King DT Renovations/Fellowship Hall Adelphi Sunday School Class Janet Brodie DT Renovations/Fellowship Hall Adelphi Sunday School Class Robert (Bob) Dyer First Choice Ministries Shirley Herbert Ron King First Choice Ministries M/M Wes Hall Ingree Peterson FUMC Foundation M/M Ed Walkup Roger Birkman Downtown Music Worship Program Harry Reed Kay Jennings First Choice Ministries M/M Warren Davis Gwen Ridley First Choice Ministries M/M Warren Davis Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/Music & Fine Arts M/M Bernie Embrey Roger Birkman First Choice Ministries M/M Glen Severs Ron King DT Renovations/Fellowship Hall Eleanor Smith Wendy Beecher DT Renovations/Fellowship Hall Eleanor Smith Robert (Bob) Dyer DT Renovations/Fellowship Hall Eleanor Smith Roger Birkman Downtown Music Worship Program Eleanor Smith Roger Birkman First Choice Ministries Dorothy Galloway James (Jim) McConnell Woodward Fund/Music & Fine Arts Fidelis Sunday School Class Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/Music & Fine Arts Alvin Balzer-Balzer Companies Roger Birkman First Choice Ministries Martha Moore Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/Music & Fine Arts M/M Clifford Eslinger Wendy Beecher First Choice Ministries Brenda Shield Roger Birkman First Choice Ministries Brenda Shield Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/Music & Fine Arts Mary Grace Randerson Wendy Beecher FUMC Foundation Mary Grace Randerson Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/Music & Fine Arts Suzan Cotellesse Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/Music & Fine Arts M/M Rex King Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/Music & Fine Arts Human Potential Sunday Sch Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/Music & Fine Arts M/M Perry Carrison Roger Birkman First Choice Ministries Dorris Maynard Robert (Bob) Dyer First Choice Ministries Dorris Maynard Robert (Bob) Dyer DT Renovations/Fellowship Hall M/M Rex King Wendy Beecher FUMC Foundation M/M William Davies Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/Music & Fine Arts Edmondson Consulting Gp Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/Music & Fine Arts Pat Hodges Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/Music & Fine Arts The Soderquist Center Roger Birkman Woodward Fund/Music & Fine Arts Beverly Martin
FIND US ON:
TV: Sundays live on KUBE-TV, channel 53 (Comcast) and channel 653 (Comcast HD). Dish & Direct TV subscribers will find us on channel 57. Channel 13 (KTRK) carries the sermon portion of the service at 5 a.m., delayed by one week. Radio: KHCB-FM 105.7 on Sundays at 8 p.m. Internet: fmhouston.com Video streaming: fmhouston.com/ communications/livestreaming.aspx By phone: 832.668.1800 (DT) or 713.458.4700 (WC)
PASTOR ON CALL:
When the church offices are closed, you may dial the “Pastor on Call” and leave your name, a number where you can be reached, and a brief word about the nature of your emergency. The pastor “on call” will return your call as quickly as possible. Pastor on Call: 832.668.1800, option 7
PRAYER REQUESTS
If you or someone you know needs prayer, fill out a prayer card at church, call the church office or submit your request through our website. Because of your support, First Methodist Houston provides Stephen Ministers, Good Neighbors, Hospital Visitation, CanCare, AIDS Care and Alzheimers Care. “First Edition” (USPS 015-624) is published monthly for $25 per year by First United Methodist Church, 1320 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002-6803. Phone 832-6681800. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas and at additional Mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to First Edition, 1320 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002-6803. Website: fmhouston.com
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