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F i r s t U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h

First Connections N o v e m b e r 1 , 2 0 1 4 V o l u m e 2 , I s s u e 4

M a r k Y o u r C a l e n d a r s November 2 -

Daylight Savings Time ends—move clocks back one hour

November 15 - Lord’s Acre

November 16 - Final collection for Operation Christmas Child

November 23 -

Confirmation of 2014 class

Bishop Cynthia Harvey preaching

Build Living Christmas Tree

December 6-7 - Living Christmas Tree performances

December 14 - Children’s Christmas Program and Youth Christmas Dinner

December 17 - Last meeting of Noon Bible and Real Life for 2014

December 17 - Family Christmas Caroling 6 p.m.

December 24 - Candlelight Service 5 p.m.

December 31 - EPIC New Year’s Eve Party 8 p.m.

January 7 - Noon Bible and Real Life resume

Lord’s Acre is a tradition at

FUMC. Every other year the

congregation comes together share

in the bountiful blessings

bestowed upon us as individuals

and the church.

Our day is filled with fun, food,

laughter, and live and silent

auctions.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the

children are invited to come to the

Partee Building for Children’s

Corner. Our bake sale and silent

auction kick off our day at 11:00.

The fellowship continues with a

delicious meal prepared by some

gentlemen of our church.

It is then time to gear up for a

live auction that is sure to be

entertaining and treasures galore.

The money raised during Lord’s

Acre is used to support a variety of

mission projects.

Bring your items for the

auctions or bake sale to the church

by November 14.

Tickets for the meal go on sale

October 19 and the cost is $12.00

per person.

You won’t want to miss this day,

so mark your calendar and come

join us in supporting our church

mission projects.

Contact Ann McClarty at 806-

681-9225 or watch the bulletin for

additional information.

Lord’s Acre Set for November 15

by Ann McClarty

Christmas Dinner Hosted by EPIC Youth - December 14

P a g e 2

All Saints Sunday Celebration November 2 by Bill Ivins

Often there is confusion among Protestants when it comes to the meaning of the word saint. In some denominations people are acclaimed as saints because they lived a holy life of heroic virtue.

Others are canonized as saints after their death because they are said to have performed a verifiable miracle. Most Protestants don’t subscribe to those teachings, but why do we observe All Saints Day?

To answer that question, it’s important first to understand what the word really means. The Greek word found in the New Testament for saint is hagios.

It refers to “those who are set apart.” That term properly describes God’s people. We are those who

are set apart from the world to live for God. So when the New Testament refers to “the saints,” it is simply referring to God’s people. All Saints Day, therefore, is an observance to remember and honor all of God’s people (the saints) who have entered into the Church Triumphant during the

previous year. This year the saints we’ll honor from our

congregation include the following:

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey will be our guest preacher on Sunday, November 23 at both morning worship services.

A native of Big Spring and a 1976 graduate of Big Spring High School, Harvey went on to receive her Bachelor of Journalism Degree in Public Relations from the University of Texas.

She later received the Master of Divinity Degree from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

Bishop Harvey served United Methodist Churches in the Houston area before being elected as the Deputy General Secretary for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

She was elected to the office of Bishop at the South Central Jurisdictional Conference held in Oklahoma City in 2012.

Bishop Harvey currently serves as the episcopal leader of the Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Native Big Springer Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey Preaching November 23

Hayes Stripling Jerry Foresyth Charles “Mo” Utley Larry Bob Conway Zada DeBusk Melba Soles James Collinsworth Marcie Lykken Jack Abendschan Lena Marquez Jean Range Mary Jennings Ruth Salisbury Nadine Hodnett Mary Ellen Pope Jan Cearley Bill Tune Glen Albert Reta Spradling

by Bill Ivins

First Connections is a publication of First United Methodist Church., published quarterly (August, November, February, May). If you have information that needs to be included in this publication, contact the church office. Deadlines for the publication are July 15, October 15, January 15, and April 15. If you have information that needs to go out in a more timely manner, contact the church office to find the appropriate media venue for your information.(i.e., website , Facebook, church bulletin).

Real Life Offers New Opportunities

by Jim Anderson

P a g e 3 V o l u m e 2 , I s s u e 4

Usually after the church puts on an event, those who made the event possible can take a moment and catch their breath.

However, the Monday after our 2014 Fall Kickoff, I found myself scrambling. We had a problem, but it was one of those good problems to have.

After sorting and organizing the sign-up forms for fall discipleship opportunities, I found that 25

people had signed up for the Five Love Languages class!

If you are reading this article, call Jim and say Go Broncos to win a prize. The only problem was that we didn’t have a room big enough to hold that many people and still be able to see a television screen. Well, we figured out a solution and

all went well. It’s great to see so many people here at FUMC growing in their faith and their walk with Christ.

Schedule for Real Life Schedule for Real Life Schedule for Real Life Small Group Offerings for SpringSmall Group Offerings for SpringSmall Group Offerings for Spring

January 7 - Fun Night and Introduction of Spring Offerings January 14-February 18 - The Daniel Plan—40 Days to a Healthier Life January 14-April 15 - Grab Bag Bible Study April 22 - Fun Night and Plan for Mission Night April 29—Mission Night

Operation Christmas ChildOperation Christmas ChildOperation Christmas Child

Final Collection Final Collection Final Collection

Sunday, November 16thSunday, November 16thSunday, November 16th

P a g e 4

How do you teach compassion? How do you show love for those you

have never met? Two years ago, our

youth group began a Holiday mission - a Food Drive to minister to the needy in our community.

I don't think any of us involved with the project realized what an impact it would have - not only on our recipients but on each of the youth and adults who took part.

Not only are your donations providing an individual/family with groceries and Christmas gifts for their children, your donations have

opened the doors to homes our youth might never see.

Those donations have shown them true need, and they have shown them the power of loving others, the power of standing hand-in-hand with these families as they pray for them, crying tears of joy with

them. Your donations have

opened their hearts to the needs that are right here in our own backyard.

Single moms raising kids alone, fathers struggling with their health and unable to work, a mother dying of cancer, and elderly gentlemen struggling to survive on social security.

There is no better feeling than watching our teens sit in the floor helping kids open their Christmas presents, loading a refrigerator with food, or taking the lead

and praying out loud over the families/individuals in their homes.

I can't tell you how many times I have heard "That's the most fun I have ever had" or "This has been the best night of my life." Statements like that from a teen are priceless.

This year the Youth Food Drive will take place before Thanksgiving and our home visits will occur on December 17. Our goal is to be able to serve 8 families/individuals but we can't do it without you.

Please take the time to donate whatever you are able - non-perishable food items or cash donations.

Those donations not only assist those in need but they teach our youth to be His hands and feet.

If you have any questions or know of someone in need, please contact Beau at 312-7923 or myself at 816-9409.

Youth Food Drive Begins

in November by Stacy Sheppard

Partee Building

December 31 8:00 p.m.

EPIC New Year’s Eve Party

P a g e 5

What? Christmas Parade Watch Party When? Saturday, December 6, 5:30pm

Where? FUMC Youth Hall

Who? Kids of All Ages!

Join us for Pizza, Drinks,

and Christmas Fun!

I have been going to Nicaragua

every Spring Break for three years.

I always say yes because of the

opportunity each trip provides. I

get the chance to help others by

building them a home not only

physically but spiritually in Jesus.

I also get the chance to not only

give them clean water by building

them wells but by providing them

with living water by giving them

the Word of God.

It is such a blessing to be

around people with very little.

Most Americans would rather

spend their money buying new cars

or the latest technology, but I think

using money to help others will

bring more wisdom and

contentment in a person’s life.

God made the world so vast for

a reason. His desire for us is to go

into the deepest realms of poverty

and teach them about the One who

paid it all to grant us an eternity of

riches.

The people of Nicaragua are so

eager to learn about real hope. Yes,

they can be ecstatic about receiving

a clean pair of socks or a new dress,

but at the end of the day, they are

all longing for something more

than these temporary things.

This is how all the people of the

world relate to each other. We are

always wanting more. This longing

is something that is much deeper

than money and ownership. This

longing is in the depths of our

minds, bodies, hearts, and souls.

We all just want to be loved.

Being loved by the Creator of the

universe is an essence of life many

cannot seem to grasp, but God

using us to plant a seed in the

hearts of others is a start to

understanding the relentless love

our Master.

The experiences I have been

blessed with from Nicaragua are

overwhelming. Not only do I get to

witness the Holy Spirit manifesting

Himself in the hearts of the ones

we are ministering to, I am also

witnessing the hearts of my other

team members from the church

being transformed into something

extravagant.

No matter who it was, whether

it was the man who had gone

through divorce and alcoholism or

the woman who had never been

married and never had children of

her own, God used their broken

pieces to form a new chapter in

their story. To me, that’s what

mission is all about.

Loving people despite their

broken pieces, and allowing God to

write new chapters in the people of

Nicaragua’s stories and our own:

these chapters are all glorifying the

One who paid it all to grant us an

eternity of riches.

An EPIC Experience in Nicaragua by Jennie Steel

P a g e 6

A Challenge to Set Priorities from Becky Woodall

Basketball, Cub Scouts – What? You need me to be a Leader? UIL practice, 4-H, Homework – Math, Spelling, Handwriting, Are you

sure this is just 2nd grade? Then there is Work and Church – Teach Sunday School? Are you serious? Laundry, Cook Dinner – thank goodness we get fed at Church on Wednesday nights or we might not get to eat. Go to the store, Clean House, Get Baths, Read books, Say Prayers, Sleep? Who has time

for that? HURRY. HURRY!

WHY ARE WE SO BUSY!?

I know I’m not the only one!

Isn’t it all truly about prioritizing? I

will be the first to admit that I find it

challenging at times.

Nonetheless, everything on my daily

to-do list, I do for my family. But when

I look at the list of priorities, am I

always putting God first?

If we truly do put God first in our

lives, the rest will fall into place. Not

without it’s challenges I have no doubt,

but won’t life go so much smoother?

Challenge yourselves to get your

priorities in order. After all, if we put

GOD first, everything in life will

benefit.

Confirmation Set for November 23

by Bill Ivins

Over the last several weeks, junior

high students from our church have

been

undergoing a

process to

prepare them

to make a

public

profession of

faith in Jesus Christ.

The process is called “First Steps”

and is led by Senior Pastor Bill Ivins

and Youth Pastor Beau Niewoehner.

Through “First Steps” students

experience a clear presentation of the

Gospel and are given an opportunity to

take their first steps toward faith in

Christ.

The “First Steps” experience also

helps students to begin developing the

tools they need to grow as a follower of

Jesus Christ.

At the end of the ten week journey,

each student is

given

opportunity to

make a

profession of

faith on

November 23.

Please be in prayer for the following

students who have embarked on the

journey:

Kenzie Soles,

Alana Wegner,

Lyndee Walker,

Marley Odom,

Payton Beauchamp,

Brant Gartman,

Brenner Gartman, and

Aaron Turnbough.


Calling ALL KidsCalling ALL KidsCalling ALL Kids! ! ! Ages 4 yrs – 5th Graders

Join us on Wednesday nights NOW to begin working on our upcoming musical!

Musical date – March 8th 10:50am

Tryout for parts

on Dec. 10

during Wed.

Night Real Life

Children’s

Activities

from 6-7 p.m.

Children’s Christmas Program

December 14 @ 10:50

Children 5th grade and younger! We need YOU in our Christmas program!

Also recruiting adult volunteers to help with

child wrangling.

Let Becky know ASAP if you are interested in participating in the program.

Harper Hansen, Simi Tino, Linkoln

Hansen, and Adlae Calvio in Children's

Church.


CDO Sets Theme for YearCDO Sets Theme for YearCDO Sets Theme for Year by Brenna Hoff

Children’s Day Out Ministry at FUMC started its new school year September 3. With 48 children enrolled and 10 teachers, God’s work is being glorified throughout this ministry.

We are excited to have many returning teachers: Joetta Beck, Sam Cimino, Honey Rushing,

InaShay Hughes, Gentry Slayden, Roxy Valenzuela, Ashley Marquez and Cassy Nalley.

We welcome newcomers to CDO: Amy Halfmann and Erika Ybarra.

Our theme this year is taken from Psalm 93:4- Mightier than the waves of the sea is His love for you.

We hope to instill in our children the foundation that there is no greater love than the love our heavenly father has for us and to share his love with others.

We are excited about the 2014-2015 school year and appreciate all the support we receive from our church family at FUMC.

Believe it or not, rehearsals have already started for the Living Christmas Tree (LCT).

This year’s Tree promises to be an even greater and extra-spectacular event with powerful music, new lighting, a cast of thousands(!) and a celebrated message of Christ’s birth.

You’ll hear some of the great Christmas carol favorites like Home for the Holidays, It’s The Holiday Season, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, The Prayer, The First Noel, and Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.

You’ll also hear some new dynamic songs including This Baby Boy, Shine On Us and When He Comes Again.

The LCT is under my direction, FUMC’s new music minister I am

excited about the possibilities of how this year’s Tree can reach our community and bring people to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Dan Kiley, Director of Music at Howard College, has been working to put a fantastic orchestra together.

The Big Spring High School Varsity Meistersingers will join forces along with community singers for an outstanding 100 voiced choir.

Chelsea Prettyman, Director of Theater at BSHS, will be helping with designing vignettes for the production.

We are now seeking individuals from the church to help with this production for the benefit of not only our church but also the

community. We need people to help with

prop building, staging crew, lighting crew, sound crew, actors/actresses, seamstresses, orchestra set-up & host crew, and other important jobs.

We are also looking for good people to step forward to help with tree set-up on Sunday, November 23, and with finishing decorating touches on Monday, November 24.

Contact me directly or call Sheryl in the church office to let us know that you are willing to help in the life of this church and this exciting production.

Performance dates include Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7. Both performances begin at 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Merry Christmas!

Living Christmas Tree Performances December 6-7 by Gershom Garcia

V o l u m e 2 , I s s u e 4 P a g e 9

Christmas EveChristmas EveChristmas Eve Candlelight CommunionCandlelight CommunionCandlelight Communion

ServiceServiceService

Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday,

December 24December 24December 24

5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.

STAFFSTAFFSTAFF Pastor Bill Ivins

Discipleship/Evangelism Jim Anderson

Music Gershom Garcia

Children and Families Becky Woodall

Youth Beau Niewoehner

CDO Brenna Hoff

Secretary Sheryl Preslar

Dec. 6 - Family Christmas Parade Watch Party

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 10 - The Big Fish musical part tryouts

6 p.m. during Wed. night activities

Dec. 14 - Children’s Christmas Musical

10:50 service

Dec. 17 - Family Christmas Caroling 6 p.m.

Jan. 7 - Real Life resumes

March 8 - The Big Fish Musical 10:50 service

SUMMER 2015 INFORMATION

Kids with Purpose - Mon. & Wed.

June 8-July 20

Lil Ceta Camp - June 3-5

Whoz-We-R Camp—July 20-24

Vacation Bible School—TBA

Atticus Calvio, Beck Hansen, and Claire Wegner work hard to build a "Tower of Babel.”

P a g e 1 0

To support this exciting

project, send your

contribution to F2K

Big Spring P.O. Box

1641.

Food2Kids Big Spring Touches Lives of Children

by Joanne Forrest

Our anniversary is just around the corner. It doesn’t seem so long ago that our task force gathered around a table and began our search for a way to feed the hungry kids of Big Spring, kids who through no fault of their own go hungry every weekend.

We discovered F2K and began the process of preparing to send child-friendly, nutritional food home in back packs with elementary students each Friday.

The food is purchased from West Texas Food Bank. They deliver to Big Spring, our teams sack the food, and it is delivered to classrooms each Friday afternoon.

We made a covenant -- one school … one year. Three months later we added another school, and when this current semester began, we were serving three schools.

Are we surprised? Not at all. From the beginning we felt that this was a God Thing, that no

matter what difficulties we might encounter, God wanted us to do this. And He opened doors and

opened hearts. And here we are.

During the 2013-2014 school year we delivered 4500 sacks. This year so far each week we are packing 54 sacks for Moss, 143 for Goliad, and 105 for Marcy for an average of 302 per week. During November, December, and

April we send extra sacks for the holidays.

You just need to see this operation. It runs like

clockwork. We begin and end each sacking session with a prayer, and the time in between is filled with a rapid, methodical

assembly line with a bushel basket of grins, giggles, and laughter. We sack every other Monday and Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at 1208 Frazier St.

It is so easy, and it is so heart-warming to see groups of all ages laughing, sacking food in record time, knowing that

it makes for a healthier, happier, and more alert child. This is what we are meant to do. The Lord said, “Feed my Sheep,” and that is what we are doing through Food2Kids. But we need more help. To find out how you can contribute your time or money to this exciting project, contact FUMC at 267-6394 or mail F2K Big Spring at P.O. Box 1641.

P a g e 1 1 V o l u m e 2 , I s s u e 4

SAM enjoys entertainment by Jack-

ie Henry at April event.

“Let the little children come

to me, …”. Matthew 19:14

In Memory —

Nadine Hodnett

Sara Homan Warren Philathea Class

Ladd & Betty Smith Philathea Class

Joyce Weaver Philathea Class

David & Peggy Wilson Philathea Class

Jowili Etchison Philathea Class

Bill Tune

Thomas & JoBeth Corwin Church Fund

Robert & Charlene Ragan Church Fund

Buddy & Beverly Logsdon Church Fund

Stan & Sue Partee Kids with Purpose

Binie & Edna White Food2Kids

John & Carol Phillips Methodist Children’s

Home

Jim & Pat Parks Church Fund

Joan Beil Food2Kids

Betty Driver Food2Kids

Joanne Forrest Food2Kids

Ladd & Betty Smith Church Fund

Jane Jones Budget

Nila Allen Food2Kids

Glen Albert

Betty Driver Food2Kids

Lee & Fran Emerson Church Fund

Bob Stewart

Jan Foresyth Food2Kids

Larry Bob Conway

Sara Homan Warren Church Fund

Ruth Salisbury

Lillian Staggs Food2Kids

Evangeline Sturm

Jan Foresyth Food2Kids

Jean Range

Murray & Diane Murphy Church Fund

Janice Cobb Cearley


Roy J. Cearley Youth Special

Thomas & JoBeth Corwin Church Fund

Marcia Staggs Abbott


Lee & Fran Emerson Church Fund

Ladd & Betty Smith Children’s Ministry

Nila Allen Kids with Purpose

First United Methodist Church

P.O. Box 1229

400 Scurry Street

Big Spring, TX 79721

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Big Spring, TX 79720

Permit No. 36

First Connections First United Methodist Church

400 Scurry St. Big Spring,, Texas Phone: 432-267-6394 Get the most up-to-date information on Facebook by

joining our Group - First United Methodist Church of Big Spring.

Visit our website at www.fumcbs.com

Compassion, Hope, Community

Worship Services

Sunday, 8:30 a.m.

Sunday, 10:50 a.m.

Sunday School

Sunday, 9:45 a.m.

Noon Bible Study

Wednesdays, 12 noon

Real Life

Wednesdays - Dinner at 5:30

Study Groups and Children’s Choir/Bible Drill 6:00 p.m.

EPIC Youth

Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m.

Adult Music

Celebration Choir rehearsal - Wednesdays, 7:30

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