Insight March 2012
Volume 5 Issue 3
A monthly publication highlighting the mission of Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Welcome to Williams Holy Week at Williams We invite you to join us in celebrating Holy Week with Williams Memorial United Methodist Church Palm Sunday April 1, 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday Morning services of celebration as we prepare our hearts and minds for Holy Week Maundy Thursday April 5, 7:00 p.m. A service of remembrance and reflection with Choir Cantata and Communion in the Sanctuary Good Friday April 6, 7:00 p.m. A service of darkness held at St. Lukes United Methodist Church. Easter Egg Hunt April 7, 11:00 a.m. Toddlers and children through 4th grade are invted to hunt for easter eggs. (see more on page 5) Easter Sunday April 8, 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Special services of Celebration in the Sanctuary and Wesley Hall.
Welcome Welcome to Williams Memorial United Methodist Church. Our church campus is located at 4000 Moores Lane on the north side of Texarkana. Moores Lane is north of I-30 between Summerhill and Richmond roads.
Worshipping We invite you to worship with us. Our services are Christ-centered, Biblically grounded, and culturally relevant. The words, music, and means of grace are all designed to empower you to grow in your relationship with God and in ministry to the world. Sunday services are in the Sanctuary at 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and the Xperience Service is in Wesley Hall at 10:30 a.m.
Learning Sunday school classes for all ages meet at 9:15 a.m. On Sunday evenings at 5:00 p.m. there are programs for your children and youth.
Believing We enter into the family of Christ through baptism. We recognize God’s action in baptisms in other faith communities; you do not have to be re-baptized to belong to Williams. If you have not been baptized, we will be honored to baptize you.
Growing Our goal is to be like Jesus Christ in this world. We are constantly growing in grace; we have not arrived. We grow through worship, prayer, and study of God’s Word. Through large meetings, small groups, and discipleship, we are changed from our old selves to our new selves.
Belonging We hope you will consider belonging to the Williams faith community. You can talk with us after church or come by during the week. We would be honored to assist you in belonging at Williams.
Find Out More...
Visit our visitors page at welcometowilliams.com/ visiting or scan the code to the right with a smartphone QR Code reader
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March Insight
Pure Religion
Submitting an Article We are always looking for great stories about how God is moving in and through the lives of our people and ministries. If you have such a story we ask that you send it to us. Email your article of around 400600 words to williamsenews@gmail. com. If you have one or more high quality photos, please send them. Include your contact information so we can get in touch with you if we have questions or need more information.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” - James 1:27 (NRSV) In January our staff attended Large Church Initiative 2012 at First United Methodist Church in Richardson, Tx. One of the great moments for me was getting introduced to Mike Slaughter and having him sign a copy of his book Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus.
He and I briefly discussed how much his book meant to me and to my church, how big a fan I was of his, and then we discussed our community meals. Wow! So cool that he and I had something in common! Wouldn’t it be something if some day Williams Memorial was the church that was being modeled by the United Methodist Church. It’s not that far fetched of an idea. I believe that we are already on the way. Did you know that
we are regularly feeding approximately 75 to 100 people on Monday nights? While we were away at LCI 2012, I got an email that said we had about 55 families shop in our food pantry. I was told that we fed approximately 150 people. What a blessing! My prayer for me and this congregation is that we will continue to pray for God to show us the needs in our community, and that we would be faithful in trying our best to meet those needs. Join us as we continue to love God, and love our neighbor through the sharing of a common meal at “Community Cafe.” God bless!
Submissions may be edited for space or used in other locations such as website or e-news. Inside this Issue: 2 Welcome to Williams 3
Pure Religion
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Vacation Bible School
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Easter Egg Hunt
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Youth Ministry
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Williams School
8-9 10-11
Angel Quilts 3 Friendliest Months
12 College and Young Adults 13
Wiliams Staff
In Christian love;
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Adult Ministries
Tommy Earl Burton
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UMW Plant Sale
Community Cafe is a community meal served to all on Monday nights at 5:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Meals are provided by Williams cooking teams. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. To find out more, or to volunteer to help, visit our website, www.welcometowilliams.com/community-cafe, facebook. com/communitycafetxk or call our church office 903-832-8362
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Articles must be submitted the first Friday of the previous month. So for the March Insight, the deadline is February 3, 2012.
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Meaning of Lent
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Giving Revolution
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Williams Staff
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Pastor’s Class
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
We’re Going Overboard with VBS!
July 22-26 2012 Vacation Bible School is Going Overboard!
Alive @ Five
Schedule and Menu
March 4th – Meal: Tacos 3rd and 4th graders bowling JYF in The Zone March 11thNo Activities (Spring Break) March 18th – No Activities March 25th – Meal: Chicken 1st and 2nd Grade in The Zone
Williams Memorial United Methodist Church invites all children to get ready to dive into fun at Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep With God Vacation Bible School. VBS directors Martha Dunbar and Stephanie Read invite you to explore and experience God’s underwater universe at VBS! The fun begins with worship Sunday July 22nd at 10:30 a.m. and continues Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. The adventures include regular Deep Sea Voyages into Bible fun and creative crafts, hands-on mission work, water science, and great music. Early registration dates for Vacation Bible School will be Sunday morning May 20th and June 10th in the Welcome Center. Vacation Bible School is a success every year because of our countless dedicated volunteers. If you would like to volunteer to help with Vacation Bible School in any capacity please let us know. To be a part of all the excitement at Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep With God, call Sue Camp at 903.832.8663 or visit the church’s Vacation Bible School website at www.welcometowilliams/overboard
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Easter Egg Hunt March Insight
Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Saturday April 7th
10:30 a.m. - Door Prize Sign Up 11:30 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt
Toddlers thru 4th Grade
Separate hunting areas will be designated for Toddlers, Preschool and Elementary Don’t forget your egg basket. Williams Memorial United Methodist Church is located at 4000 Moores Lane, Texarkana, Tx, 75503. For more information visit www.welcometowilliams.org or call 903-832-8663
www.welcometowilliams.org
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Youth Ministry
Weekly Events Sunday 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 5:00 p.m. - Youth Group Wednesday 5:00 p.m. - Sr. High study 7:00 p.m. - Sr. High meet at Subway Special Events March 3 Mission of the Month Wheelchair Ramp Build March 11 No Youth - Spring Break March 14 No Sr High Bible Study March 21 4:00 p.m. Prepare and serve Randy Sam’s March 25 5:00 p.m. Youth Meet at Holiday Bowl
Wise Choices Ephesians 5:15-17 “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Am I making “Wise Choices?” Am I walking wisely in a world that is full of fools? Can I hang out or date someone who isn’t a Christian? Does it really matter what I do or how I act while I’m out on a date? Is there anything wrong with the kind of parties I want to go to? Is underage drinking really all that bad? Who cares what kind of movies I watch?
to do for His Kingdom. I guess it would be more accurate to say that we will all be studying the “Wise Choices” that God is calling all of us to make in our lives. Join us for youth on Sunday nights as we learn more about walking wisely in a world that is full of fools through the making of “Wise Choices. Will you join us? My prayer is that you will make the “Wise Choice!” In Christian love; Tommy Earl Burton
This month we are going to be studying making “Wise Choices” when it comes to decision making in your lives. Alright youth, let’s be honest. You have already discussed the questions above with your friends haven’t you? Whether you may realize it or not, you and I are just one unwise decision away from changing our lives for the worst. And whether you may realize it or not, God has a plan for your life. This month we will help you look at what it is that God is calling you
Find Out More... Visit the youth website at welcometowilliams.com/youth or scan the code to the right with a smartphone QR Code reader Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
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March Insight
Williams School
OUR 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL As we celebrated our 100th day of school on January 31st, I could not help but reflect back on the many things that happened at Williams School during those 100 days. In addition to having our children exposed to strong academics, we also provided a well-rounded curriculum by having Special Activity Days. Devon Rogers, our wonderful Program Director, plans these days to not only be fun, but she integrates some of the activities with our academic program. In September, we kicked off our special days with Western Day. Our “cowpokes” had so much fun by dressing up in their western gear as they headed to the “ranch”. October was an exciting month. The children not only visited our Pumpkin Patch but also dressed in their Halloween costumes and went trick or treating. One of our wonderful volunteers, Rose Lynn Russell, arranged for special people to give out candy and treats to the children as they paraded the hall. It was a fun day with plenty of treating and no tricking. Our famous Thanksgiving Feast was enjoyed by all. The children’s guests are always amazed at the table decorations and place mats that are made by our children. Our four-year olds, led by Amy Kirk, sang
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Thanksgiving songs and led all the other children in our special prayer that we say before we eat. It is such a blessing to see the fun that our children and their guests have on this day. We had a special visitor come during Christmas. Santa visited with our Mother’s Day Out children and also the 2’s, 3’s and 4’s. What a delight it was to watch our children with Santa! Even though it was 70 degrees outside, our Winter Fun Day provided the children with winter fun. They dressed up as snowmen, learned which animals hibernate, and had a snowball fight with cotton balls. These are just a few of the activities that they did. It certainly made us all wish for some colder temperatures outside so that we could enjoy some real snow. Our next activity day will be the Science Fair which will be March 20th. All the classes do experiments and share those with the other classes. It is both educational and fun. I hope by reading this article you get an idea of all the fun things going on at Williams School. A huge thank you to Devon Rogers, our staff, and volunteers for making this all happen. Williams School is a wonderful place to be. Paula Hawkins, Director
Registration Schedule for Summer 2012 & Fall 2012: Williams School registration is just around the corner. Check the dates below to see when you can sign up your child for Williams School.
March 5th Current Students, Church Members, Parish Members March 6th Siblings of Current Students March 7th Open Registration For further information forms and questions visit us online at: facebook.com/williamspreschool welcometowilliams.net/williams-school or call 903-838-9517
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Angel Quilts
An unbelievable milestone has been reached as Angel Quilts finishes its twelfth year since getting started in 2000. The three sister churches, Williams Memorial Methodist, First Baptist Moores Lane, and First Presbyterian Church, AR, have together made and distributed over 1000 quilts. It is hard to believe that in these twelve years that this many cancer patients in the Texarkana area and beyond have received warmth, comfort, and the love of Jesus Christ through this ministry.
that did not stop them. After taking lessons together, they started Angel Quilts and were so excited when the first quilt was distributed at First Presbyterian Church, Texarkana, AR. From the five original quilters, Angel Quilts has now increased to almost fifty members between the three churches. It is hard to put an exact number to the ministry as there are so many people who do not come to the quilting time but do many things to help at home. Angel Quilts started in 2000 in a den of the founder’s home with five committed seamstresses who wanted to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients. Only two of the ladies actually knew how to quilt but
Many prayers go with these quilts as they are given to the cancer patient. The quilters are asked to pray over whatever part of the quilt they are working on even if it is just ironing.
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March Insight
When the cancer patient receives their quilt, their name is placed on a prayer list and they are prayed for. About six to eight weeks later, hopefully, when their treatments are over, a card of encouragement is sent to them from a Card Ministry at First Presbyterian Church. This makes the quilt different from a quilt that might come from a store. The love of Jesus Christ is shown to them and many times without any words spoken. Many cards of testimony of the wonderful effects of these quilts have been received and are in scrapbooks. Donations are always welcome and go directly to making the quilts for the cancer patient. Materials donated need to be 100% cotton. More quilters are always needed as we have more than 100 requests every year. Quilts are even distributed at Relay for Life in May and Race for the Cure in October. No matter what age you are or what capabilities you have there is a place for you. Not only will you be put to work, but also will make lasting friends with others who are trying to make a difference in others lives. Williams’ Angel Quilters meets Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information contact Ruth Voss at 903-490-7293.
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Thank You Notes Dear Angel Quilters, I am writing ot you to thank you for the beautiful Angel Quilt that arrived today. The scripture and the quilt will both be a source of comfort and strength duing my chemotherapy. Your kindness is sincerely appreciated and I will think of my friends at WMUMC each time I use the quilt. Dear Angel Quilters, I can’t begin to thank you enough for the lovely Angel Quilt that you all made me and sent me. I love it! The prayers and notes that I, and my parents have received from your church are amazing. They have provided us with so much comfort. Dear Angel Quilters, Thank you for the beautiful Angel Quilt. I know that all the warm wishes, comforting thoughts and prayers that are sandwiched between its layers and tied up in its stitches will always provide a special blessing for me and help me through this.
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
The Three Friendl
In the history of Will
Welcome to Williams “Welcome to Williams”… this is a slogan we see around the church a lot, but does everyone who comes through our doors feel welcome? We want to make sure that each person who visits or attends our church does feel a sense of inclusion and hospitality. That’s why March, April and May will be deemed “The Friendliest Months in the History of Williams!” To accomplish this we are suggesting several ways that you can help to make Williams the most welcoming place someone could come to. 1. Invite- Most people do not visit a church because they saw an ad on television, print or even the internet. Most people will visit because they were invited. We want you to invite your friends, family and co workers to Williams. Ask them to attend one of our Sunday worship services, Sunday school classes or one of our special events, like the Easter Egg Hunt. 2. Greet - Where does a guest get their first impression of our church? Before they hear a sermon, or listen to the music, they meet our greeters. We would like to have greeters posted throughout the Education Center and in all of our worship services to help welcome people, give directions, and answer any questions they may have. 3. Welcome - Each worship service has a designated time to “Welcome your Neighbor” but why wait? Look around you. Take time to greet others both before and after the service as well. 4. Follow Up - One more important thing we can do is to follow up with those who visited Williams in a timely manner. The TNT Sunday school class has volunteered to call each of our guests on Sunday evening. If you like talking to people, you are are invited to come join the fun. We want each of our members and regular attendees to be a part of this campaign. We want you to spread the love and friendship that you have felt in your time at Williams to those who enter our doors. We want you to make March, April and May truly the friendliest months in the history of Williams! If you have any questions or suggestions or if you would like to be a part of this fun and special time, please contact Amy Kirk, Dan Edmonds or Bryan Barry.
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March Insight
liest Months
liams Memorial United Methodist Church
Radical Hospitality Here are a few ways that you can show our guests Radical Hospitality on Sunday Mornings in our worship services. 1. Fill in blank seatsIt is much easier for a guest to find a seat on one end of the row or another, rather than climb over you for a seat. Sit together with those around you and leave the empty seats at the end for our guests. 2. Switch SidesTypically the first place to fill up in Wesley Hall and our Sanctuary is the seats closest to the doors. This makes sense because it is the first set of seats you come to. Consider switching sides, and sit on the front of the window side. This will leave the back and door side open for guests arriving late, looking for seats. 3. Park AwayThere are no designated guest parking spaces in the back parking lot. If you are able, and can walk a little further, consider not taking the closest parking space. This will leave those spaces for our guests, and those who may have more difficulty getting around. Additional parking with shuttle service is available by our baseball field behind the church. Golf carts will be running as shuttles to take you to and from our buildings. 4. Welcome to WilliamsAgain, do not be afraid to welcome someone to our church. It does not matter if they are a member, a visitor or if you are not sure. Shake a hand, smile and simply say, “Welcome to Williams, I’m glad you are here!” These are some ways you can show Radical Hospitality, there are many more. Join us this month as we make these three months..
THE FRIENDLIEST MONTHS IN THE HISTORY OF WILLIAMS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH www.welcometowilliams.org
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
College and Young Adults
Upcoming Events Thursday, March 1st The Mix - 8p.m. - A&M Bringle Lake - Eagle Hall Monday March 5th Bible Study - Room 132 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 6 Young Professionals at Holiday Bowl - 7:00 p.m Wednesday March 7th Unplugged Worship in the Courtyard - 8:30 p.m.
Williams College and Young Adults has a new ministry! The Young Professionals Group is a connecting point for post-college professionals looking for an opportunity to connect with other “YP’s” who want to build new friendships and grow in their relationship with Christ. Who?
Thursday, March 8th The Mix - 8p.m. - A&M Bringle Lake - Eagle Hall Monday March 8th Bible Study - Room 132 6:30 p.m.
You’re at or near the end of college You’re out of college pursuing a career You’re not married You’re young married
Monday March 12th Serve Community Café 3:30-7:00 p.m.
You want to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ and connect with other young people who want the same. What? -
Monday March 19th Bible Study - Room 132 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22nd The Mix - 8p.m. - A&M Bringle Lake - Eagle Hall Monday March 26th Bible Study - Room 132 6:30 p.m.
Our mission is to provide a group where young professionals can gather and grow together spiritually, fellowship, and develop deeper relationships. We do different activities, anything from bowling to having a barbecue at someone’s house. We will have a study/discussion around the Bible or a topic designed to challenge, strengthen, and help you grow. We wrap up by 8:30 or 9:00 so you will have the rest of the night free! When? -
Thursday, March 29th The Mix - 8p.m. - A&M Bringle Lake - Eagle Hall Monday March 29th Bible Study - Room 132 6:30 p.m.
New Young Professionals Group
7:00 pm on the first, third, and fifth Tuesday of each month Where? A variety of places! Our first event will be Tuesday, March 6 at Holiday Bowl! We will meet at 7:00 p.m., play a few games, and discuss the upcoming Bible study.
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March Insight
Williams Staff Listing Pastoral Staff Danny Wayman- Senior Pastor danwayman@gmail.com - 903.701-2946 (Cell) Tommy Earl Burton- Associate Pastor to Families with Youth tommyearlburton@gmail.com - 903-701-7407 (Cell) Sherri Waters - Music and Fine Arts sherriwaters7@gmail.com - 903-278-0499 (Cell) Bahamas Mission Trip Next August we will be heading to the Bahamian island of Eleuthera to do home repairs for islanders whose homes have been damaged by Hurricane Irene and other natural disasters and hardships. We are also planning a couple of days at the end of the trip to spend some time on the capital island of Nassau. We will be gone from August 5-13, 2012. The cost is $600 per person at BMH plus airfare and the additional cost of our time in Nassau. Airfare will be around $500 - $600 per person. You will also need a Passport for this trip! We will be buying plane tickets in May. For more information contact Stacey Pool at stacey.pool84@yahoo.com or 903-809-3344
Dale Vickers- Associate Pastor Velad303@aol.com - 903-244-6213 Fred Smith- Associate Pastor 903-908-0891 (cell) Ministry Staff Vickie Al-Dubais- Church Organist vickiea@txkisd.net - 903-276-7207 (cell) Sue Camp-Children and Adult Ministries suecamp32@gmail.com - 903-277-6504 (cell) Jolena Hays-Business Administrator jolenahays@gmail.com - 903-293-8726 (cell) Paula Hawkins- Williams School hawks@cableone.net Jacci Johnson- Director of Housekeeping 903-832-8663 Amy Kirk- Children’s Music and Evangelism amykirkmusic@gmail.com - 903-276-8576 (cell) Chris Loveall- Xperience Worship 903-832-8663 Russell Martin- Xperience Worship and Communications rgmmusic@gmail.com - 903-701-7181 (cell) Kaitlin McMichael- College and Young Adults Ministry, kaitlin.mcmichael@gmail.com - 903-276-7857 (cell)
Community Café Williams College and Young Professionals will be cooking, serving, and cleaning up for Community Café on Monday, March 12th. We will be working in the Wesley Hall kitchen starting at 3:30 p.m. and will be done with everything by 7:30 p.m. Come when you can!
Brenda Reed- Nursery Coordinator and Bookstore Manager brendareed@valornet.com - 903-748-0386 Bryant Simpson- Maintenance Assistant 903-832-8663 Jimmy Sparks - Xperience Worship 903-832-8663 Mindy Zwirn - Admin. Assistant mindymoon@gmail.com - 310-871-8678 (cell)
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Adult Ministries
Williams Book Club “March” The Williams Book club will meet this month to discuss the book “March” by Geraldine Brooks. “March” borrows the father from Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic “Little Women” and follows his path away from his family and into war. Geraldine Brooks has animated the character of the absent father, March, and crafted a story “filled with the ache of love and marriage and with the power of war upon the mind and heart of one unforgettable man” Pick up a copy of this “lushly written, wholly original tale” and then join the Williams Book Club for a lively discussion on Monday, March 12th at 12:00 p.m. room 103. If you’re looking for a great group of readers to share your thoughts with, join us on the second Monday of every month. In April, the Book Club will read “Love is a Wild Assault” by Elithe Hamilton Kirkland. The Williams Book Club has chosen wonderful books to discuss all the way through Spring. Keep an eye on the Insight to find out what book we’re reading next. W2LEO Widows and Widowers, Let’s Eat Out went to Zapata’s for a Valentines Day meal and enjoyed another outing to The Italian Café
towards the end of February. On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, these widows and widowers (and married couples as well) go out to enjoy dinner at local restaurants. They love having food and fellowship together, and they would love to have you join them! If you would like to find out where they’re headed out to eat this month, call Larry Walker at 903-832-5129 and get your name added to the mailing list. eXtra Years of Zest Every second and fourth Thursday at 9:30 a.m., “XYZ” shares lunch, joy and fellowship with each other in the Youth Center. Call Billy Roberts at 903838-7639 to join a group of funloving seniors in a morning of games and fellowship. United Methodist Women’s Groups Williams Memorial has a very active United Methodist Women’s group. Come and join us for our monthly general meeting and luncheon, at 10:00 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month, and meet some of these wonderful women. You can also get involved in one of the smaller UMW groups that meets at other times during the month.
The Williams Travelers Cruise Out in October Williams Travelers are planning their next trip, an October cruise to New England and Canada! We have had our initial information meeting, but it is not too late to join in the adventure. The Williams Travelers will be in Boston for one night, and then will head out on October 14 for a 9 day, 8 night cruise with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. The Jewel of the Seas cruise ship will take the Williams Travelers around the ports of New England and Canada, including stops in Boston, Bar Harbor and Portland, Saint John in New Brunswick and Halifax in Nova Scotia before returning to Boston on October 21st. An initial deposit of $350 per person double occupancy or $700 per person single occupancy is required to secure reservations and assign cabins. The final balance of all costs is due June 30, 2012. Those who book early get the best cabin locations and their preferred dining times. For information on how you can join the Travelers on this excursion, contact Sue Camp at suecamp32@ gmail.com, or by calling (903) 8328663, xt. 17.
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March Insight
UMW Plant Sale April 14th 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. Williams Memorial UMC Front Parking Lot The annual spring Plant Sale sponsored by the Betty Kelly Friendship Circle will be held from 9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. on April 14th in our church front parking lot. This year there will be some new varieties along with some of your favorite plants from last year. We will have baskets, pots, hanging plants and beautiful annuals sold in flats. Profits from the sale will be donated to local and world wide missions like local Domestic Violence Prevention Center, Williams Memorial Youth Ministries, Society of St. Stephen, and United Methodist Committee on Relief. The plant sale is a great chance to get some beautiful plants for your home, and to help others at the same time. www.welcometowilliams.org
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Hoarding March Sermon Series Revolution 3.4.12
“Faith in God’s Promises” Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Psalm 22:23-31 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38 3.11.12
“Changing the Status Quo” Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22 3.18.12
“Cures for Complaining” Numbers 21:4-9 Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 Ephesians 2:1-10 John 3:14-21 3.25.12
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21 NRSV) Antique Roman coins fascinate me. The picture is of the small hoard I have collected. Their value to me is not their cash value, but a reminder that money is not our true possession. Those coins, dating from the birth of Christ to the 4th century, were possessed by many different people. They were preserved and damaged because someone buried them in the ground. They are not worth anything except to a collector and then they are not worth much because they are not rare. Many people buried their hoard of cash and they are still being dug up all over western Europe. Jesus reminds us to store up true treasures. Stuff that does not go down in value. Do not set your hope on vanities. Trust God. Work for the treasures of heaven and love. Let the rEVOLution change you into the disciple whose heart is set on things that have true value. See you in worship, see you in community. Danny Wayman Go to www.welcometowilliams.org/pastorspen/hoarding for more on buried treasures in western Europe. Or scan the code below.
“Drawing All People to Jesus” Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 51:1-12 Hebrews 5:5-10 John 12:20-33
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March Insight
The Meaning of Lent
Music and Fine Arts News
Joel 2:12-13(NRSV); “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” Lent began on Ash Wednesday February 22nd, and will continue for forty days, not counting Sundays, and ends on Holy Saturday. It’s a time where we begin the journey, through the scriptures, with Christ’s temptation by Satan on the first Sunday of Lent all the way to the cross on Good Friday. It’s a time for penance for Christians. How do we show that we are truly sad about the sins that we have allowed to come between God and ourselves? It started on Ash Wednesday when the sign of the cross was made with ashes on our foreheads, and the words “Repent, and believe the gospel.” or similar words were spoken over us. The ashes are a sign of our mortality and sin, and that Ash Wednesday service was a powerful way to experience the call to repentance and reconciliation. The ashes on our foreheads, and the sad expressions on our faces are a great way to show that we are indeed mournful of our sins and that we are turning back to God, but God wants more. God wants us to live out that response in our daily lives. Ashes on our foreheads mean nothing if there is hatred in our hearts. It means nothing if ugly words are coming out of our mouths. It means nothing if we are living selfish, self-centered lives. What will be our response to Lent? My prayer is that we would all live our lives in such a manner that by the words of our mouths, the meditation of our hearts, and the actions of our hands and feet would reveal that we have truly repented of our sins and turned back to God. “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 (NRSV) In Christian love; Tommy Earl Burton
If you have not picked up one of the Lenten Devotional books yet, there are copies in the church office, and the entrances of our worship spaces. As a church we are praying and studying together from this book written by our members. Why? So that we are one church unified by prayer, with several services and small groups, but for the season of Lent, we choose to pray together. Enjoy learning about some of our members who write these devotionals, and I know that we will see an outpouring of the love of God in our church and our community. Our Maundy Thursday service is at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary with the Chancel Choir, sermon and Communion. This will be a service celebrating the great commandment: “Love one another, as I have loved you.” For the season of Lent we have started a unique prayer group. We meet in the Youth Center Monday and Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday at Noon. We will have a brief joint prayer, then we will walk our church grounds in groups or alone for 30 minutes. It is both exercise and prayer. We will have a meaningful time praying together. Please join us for Easter Sunday morning. The Chancel Choir will sing for both sanctuary services at 8:15 and 10:30. The Xperience service is in Wesley Hall at 10:30. It is glorious to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
www.welcometowilliams.org
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Extravagant Generosity becomes a Love rEVOLution
To do that we are also asking you to consider participating in the paying off of the Church capital debt. We have a beautiful building and campus that has a debt of only $820,000. If we paid off this debt it would free up about $150,000 every year to invest in our ministry at Williams. It also would allow you to not spend about $125,000 over the next seven years in interest payments. Significant ministry can be accomplished with that type of resources. It would allow us to more than double our local church ministries budget.
“The revolution is in our hearts” Our generosity in the Community of Faith called Williams empowers our ministry to transform Texarkana and the world into a place for disciples. As we love, give of ourselves, and our finances, we become transformed. You have heard it said, “Sometimes we do not know what we believe until we have spoken it.” The truth is closer to, “We do not know what we believe until we have acted on it.” This coming year the finance committee has committed us to work on a reduced budget in order to Re-focus and Re-set our ministries. This reduced budget is presented in the graphic below. While your generosity has always created more ministries than that budget allows we are trimming back to encourage each one of us to give more. 2012 Budget
Connectional Ministries $237,389 Local Church Ministries $107,712 Facilities and Operations $268,036 Local Church Staff $605,000 Total $1,218,127 Capital Debt payoff of $820,000 in March 2012 Total requested budget $2,038,127
Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
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March Insight
“Our generosity in the Community of Faith called Williams empowers our ministry to transform Texarkana and the world into a place for disciples.” Please consider investing in your community of faith in this manner. To reach this goal the congregation will need to commit just over $2,000,000 this year to Williams. This number is significantly higher than any budget we have ever passed. In years past the congregation has stepped up to the plate in giving, our buildings and grounds are a witness to that generosity. Each one of us will need to give more in this coming year if this goal is to be reached. Will you do your part? Estimate of G iving cards are available in this newsletter and at the Welcome Center at Williams. As you give generously it will make a difference in the ministries Williams does for many years to come. God bless!
Estimate of Giving
2012 Extravagant Generosity is a Love rEVOLution Throughout Christian history Disciples of Jesus Christ have given 10% of their income to support the ministries of their Faith Communities. This allows each person, rich or poor, to share fairly in ministry. In response to God’s love and as an expression of generosity, I estimate my 2012 giving to the ministries of the Williams Faith Community: My Giving will be $______________ per Weekly Monthly Annually
(Please Circle One)
Name_____________________________________________________ Date _____________________ Address __________________________________________________ Phone (_____) ______________ City, State Zip ______________________________________ email _________________________________
www.welcometowilliams.org
2012 Extravagant Generosity is a Love rEVOLution
4000 Moores Lane Texarkana TX 75503 903.832.8663 welcometowilliams.org
Good Treasures Bookstore Located in the Welcome Center Open Weekdays 8:00 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. Open Sunday 8:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. Gifts - Snacks - Books, Cards - Jewelry - Drinks Apparel - Coffee Free wifi available