Lytle United Methodist Church

P.O. Box 608

Lytle, Texas 78052-0608

(830) 772-3345

Lytleumc.com

Facebook.com/lytleumc 19341 Somerset St., Lytle

JULY 2018

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

Connie Norton is directing our August interactive dinner theater and she

is doing a superior job as usual. But I admit, every once-in-a-while I feel inclined

to open my big mouth. To my shame I do the same with the big director—God.

But then He reminds me how much better off I am because He's in charge. At the

end of May I discovered that our MAD Camp was taking place the same week as

VBS at two of the local Baptist churches. We pastors had discussed our summer

schedules back in April, and I had moved MAD back a week specifically to avoid

their Bible schools, but then they made a mistake and it was too late to change.

What a mess! But God is in charge. Our very busy sound contractors only had

one week open in early summer to install our new system. You guessed it—the

week that would have been MAD camp. We had a great MAD Camp week, and

we have a great new sound system—thank you God. Could you help me to keep my big mouth shut more often?

I know, that would be a miracle of epic portions.

Grace and Peace,

Scott

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Vacation Bible School 2018, July 16-20 VBS starts next week. Are your kids going to be there? Are your neighbor’s

kids going to be there? “Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus” – a VBS where kids

are anchored in the truth that Jesus carries them through life's storms. Led by

our in-reach ministry team, the fun will take place in the evenings, 5:30 to

8:30 PM, Monday through Friday, from July 16 to 20. We still could use

more crew leader assistants, who help shepherd a small group of children

through the different “stations,” so please pray and consider helping. We truly

need you. Everyone, please keep this important ministry in your prayers.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Interactive Dinner Theater To raise funds for Military Ministry,

Saturday, Aug. 4 at 6 PM or Sunday, Aug. 5 at 5 PM

Tickets go on sale this Sunday at church, or call (210) 772-3345 to make reservations

for “Shoestring Theatre”—a play within a play. Rehearsals take place Sundays at 2 PM

and if you are interested in helping with the production, with cooking, or serving,

please talk to director Connie Norton. Remember that all the funds raised will help our

active and retired military through Bible studies, Bible resources, Christian marriage

counseling and retreats, and PTSD recovery through CRU Military Ministry. Show you

care and help promote this interactive dinner theater.

Silent Auction to be held There will also be a silent auction with this play, since silent auctions are fun and a good source

of extra funds for our military ministry. Think about what items you might be willing to donate.

The United Methodist Women are taking their normal summer break and will meet again in September

Monday Night Guy’s Group

All of the men of the church, and friends, are invited to a weekly men’s gathering.

It takes place on Monday evenings starting at 7 PM in the Youth Building and dinner is served.

The focus is fellowship as the guys lift one another up.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Church Schedule

July 2, Monday - Food Pantry Day, 6 to 7 PM.

July 4, Wednesday - INDEPENDENCE DAY

July 10, Tuesday - Finance and Administrative Council meetings.

July 13, Friday - Emmaus gathering at First UMC in Devine. Singing starts at 7:30 PM.

July 14, Saturday – First team meeting for women’s Walk to Emmaus #5.

July 16 - 20, VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, 5:30 - 8:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

July 22 - Covered-dish brunch at 10 AM.

July 23, Monday - Food Pantry Day, 6 to 7 PM.

July 24, Tuesday - Trustees meeting at 7 PM.

July 28, Saturday - Adopt a Highway pick-up day. Meet at the church at 7:30 PM for breakfast tacos and a mandatory safety video.

July 29 - Youth Mission Trip presentation during Sunday school.

August 4-5, Saturday at 6 PM and Sunday Night at 5 PM - Interactive Dinner Theater to support and honor active military, veterans, and our country.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Youth Schedule

July 2018 July 15: Pool Party at the Keith’s House.

4:00pm – 7:00pm. Address is 19379

Blume Dr. Get dropped off and picked

up from there.

July 16 – July 20: Vacation Bible

School: The Youth are needed to help

with this very important program. Please

talk to Pastor Scott about where you are

needed. (I will not be able to be there

this year, so the youth will be working

under the direction of Pastor Scott.)

July 29: Mission Trip Slide Show during

Sunday School. (10:15 am – 11:15 am)

We will serve a brunch to those who

attend. Meet at the church at 8:30am to

help prepare.

August 4-5: The next Dinner Theater. If

you would like to be in the play,

rehearsals will begin this month on

Sundays at 2:00 pm

August 18: The Schlitterbahn trip is

back!!! More details to come at a later

date.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

No U.M.Y.F.

4th of July Weekend

9

10

11

12

13

14

15 Pool Party

at the

Keith’s House

4pm – 7pm

16 V.B.S.

5:30pm–

8:30pm

17

18

19

20

21

22 U.M.Y.F.

At The Church 4:00 – 6:00 pm

23

24

25

26

27

28

29 Mission Trip Slide

Show during Sunday School

U.M.Y.F. At The Church 4:00 – 6:00 pm

30

31

First Sunday Breakfast Taco Sales

The youth group continues to feed the hungry hoards at their now “First Sunday Breakfast Taco Sales.”

They will be selling your favorite breakfast tacos before Sunday school.

The next sale is on August 5th.

Congratulations to Caleb Alexander who was baptized on July 1,

and to his parents, Amber and Andre Alexander,

and grandparents Debbie and Jim Pruett.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Kononia Community, Friday, July 13th

The next monthly gathering of our own Koinonia Emmaus Community will

be at First Devine UMC on Friday, July 13. Devine is close, so let’s have a great

turnout at the gathering for lots of music, praise and testimonies, and some fun, food

and fellowship. Singing starts at 7:30 PM.

The first team meeting will be this Saturday for the upcoming women’s

walk, led by our own Michelle Keith. The walk will take place this fall, October 18-20. Several people from

our church will be team members, so this would be a great walk to attend. Talk to the pastor or someone else

who has already gone and get your application submitted. If you would like more information about Emmaus, a

very special Christian retreat, call the church office, or see the Emmaus bulletin board.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Installation of our New

Sound System Complete!

A big thank you to San

Antonio Sound and

Light for their hard

work; to the Trustees,

especially trustee head,

Nan Boyd; to all the

contributors to this

special need; and to

those who operate the

system, including Brent

Meyer, Kellie Meyer,

Glenn Norton, and

many others.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spiritual Growth Study Opportunities

Children’s Sunday School

Our children’s Sunday school program is studying

the life of Jesus through an exciting curriculum called

“Dig-in.” “Dig In” is designed for great flexibility as the

kids experience different activity blocks including: Core

Bible Discovery, Deeper Bible, Talk-about Video and

crafts. Be sure to bring your children to Sunday school,

from 10:15 to 11:15 AM each Sunday.

Adult and Youth

Sunday School

Small Group Bible Studies Sunday evenings at 6 PM

Wednesdays Mornings at 10 AM

Wednesday Evenings at 6:30 PM or 7 PM

A Birthday Celebration

Felix and Becky Escalante would like

to invite all their church friends to a

celebration of Felix’s birthday on

Sunday, July 29, from 2 to 6 PM at the

Lytle Community Center. RSVP at

Grohart@aol.com or 210-413-1107

No gifts please—just come

and help celebrate

Child/Youth Protection Training

Our church, in conjunction with our Rio Texas Annual Conference,

has put in place common sense practices and training to protect our

children and youth:

Step 1 – register on safegatherings.com and provide information

for background checks.

Step 2 – a slide show training you go through on your computer.

Step 3 – a live training class that can be easily taken on your

computer as a webinar, or at a physical site (a nearby church).

Thank you to the 18 people who have taken this training so far. What

about you? Please talk to the pastor for more information.

M.A.D. Camp Completed! Music/Art/Drama Program, June 18-22

Our M.A.D. summer children's program (Music, Art and Drama) was a wonderful

success. All week long the twenty-five children participated in art projects, music and

drama, as well as some fun games and refreshments. The center of the camp was the

preparation of a musical called “Star Quest.” The message of the play

centered on the importance of scripture and scripture memorization. All of

the kids learned the music, some worked on the drama portion of the musical,

and everyone worked on many individual art projects, including painting,

stained glass, etc… We thank our leaders: Drama and Music—Irma Bayne

and Kellie Meyer, Art and Games—Scott Martin. We also thank all of our

other volunteers: adults and youth. We especially thank the Lord for making

this fourth year of the MAD program a success.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Prayer Concerns

• VBS—prayers for volunteers, that children would hear and respond to gospel • Robert Hunt—health • Koinonia Women’s Walk to Emmaus #5 • Ralph Weaver—failing health • Charles and Pam Baker (Bethel Kay Bateman’s nephew and wife)—both on hospice • Jennie Puckett—caring for elderly parents; prayers for a replacement for Walk music team • Albert Medina—brain tumor • Marcy McCall • For children separated from parents • For the United Methodist Church • Frances Boyd, sister of Bill Bennett—death of grandchild • Irma Kelly (friend of Shelle McMillan)—recent diagnosis of breast cancer • Leo Mendoza—liver cancer and leukemia • Cora Sadler---fell and broke hip, starting rehab • Phillip Escalante (Felix’ brother)—bladder tumor • Martha Foster (Shelle McMillan’s mother)—dementia (and for husband, Cozel) • Robert Meyer (Brent and Lisa’s father)—lymphoma • Karen Vance—lung cancer, started radiation • Gay Lynn Muzny (Bethel Kay Bateman’s friend)—stroke, possible cancer • Rose Marie Smith (Connie Norton’s mother)—cancer, started chemotherapy • Felix Escalante--health • Nancy Burns—health • Molly Melton (Malcolm Brown’s daughter)— brain tumor, on hospice • Marsha Boener (Michelle Keith’s aunt)—breast cancer • Jay Bateman (Jack’s son)—mouth cancer • Rose Lynn—health, and for David • Our missionaries around the world and for the persecuted church

• For the church staff and their families • For our president and leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4) • For our military and our veterans • For our nation and for the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ Our Church Family Soldiers and Civilians Working with the Military • Ian Simons—Air Force • Brandon Hunt—joining Army Reserves • Ross Moffitt (Chris and Fred Brauchle grandson)—Air Force • William Reichel—Army, in Germany • Forrest Keith—Kevin Keith’s son, Navy • Kyle Pringle—Army • Josh Orbinati—Michele Brown’s nephew, Coast Guard • Craig Wolf—Air Force • Jonathan Heiman—Navy • Jon and Brianna Hartwig—Army, Jill Daggs’ daughter and son-in-law • Joyce Biggs (George Bahlmann’s great-niece)

5K Run/Walk to Benefit AugustHeart In memory of William Cogburn

This event was rescheduled from May 5th due to rain

and took place on Saturday June 16th

A total of $3500 was raised through participation fees,

sponsorships and donations

Thank you to Anne Villarreal, Diana Jackson, and our youth group

for sponsoring and running this event

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 2018 Youth Summer Mission Trip

The Youth Mission Trip took place June 24 – 30 this

year. There were six adults and twelve youth that

participated. Their destination was San Augustine

County, Texas. They again connected with Next Step

Ministries, which is doing extensive work in that

community to help those in need. Our group broke into

two work teams for the week.

One team, led by Brad and Nan Boyd and

Kevin Warren, worked on the home of an 89 year old

widow. Next Step suggested at first that she tear down

her home and they could start over, but she loves her

home so our team leveled the back corner of the house,

replaced window panes and siding, and installed

shelving and trim in the kitchen.

The other team, led by Kyle and

Diana Jackson and Ricardo Castillo,

helped build an addition on a portable

building to become a woman’s home.

They framed the outside walls and roof,

and put decking on the roof. In addition,

Ricardo wired the original part of the

building.

The mission trip company that the

youth group works under, Next Step

Ministries, not only plans a week where

youth can learn to serve and be the hands

and feet of Christ, but they also make sure

the youth have a time of worship and

learning about God. Each morning after

breakfast, they had morning devotions,

then devotions during lunch, and would finish off the day with a worship service and a time of reflection on how

God is working in their lives. The youth mission trip was a blessing for everyone.

Thank you to all those who also participated in this mission trip through your prayers and financial contributions.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Food Pantry Ministry Continues to Serve

Our food pantry continues to help between 80 and 100 families twice a

month. Because of the 4th of July holiday and VBS, we have rescheduled our food

pantry days to the 1st and 4th Mondays in July (July 2 and 23). Our workers have

been terrific, but we can always use more. Just come at 2:30 PM to help bag, or at

5:30 PM to help hand out food from 6 to 7 PM. Thank you for supporting the

Methodist Food Pantry with your prayers and through your donations to the church.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Adopt a Highway Pick-Up Day, Saturday, July 28 at 7:30 AM

Our church has adopted highway 463, starting from the Lytle water tower and heading out beyond Lake

Shore Estates, and we are responsible for picking up litter four times a year. Our next “Adopt a Highway Day”

is Saturday, July 28. We will meet at the church at 7:30 AM to eat breakfast tacos provided by the church. We

will then head out to clean up as a service to our community. We will be done before 10 AM.

Thank you once again to Ricardo Castillo and the church trustees for the prayer garden

pillar lights. The lights were paid for by the families of Ann Williams and John McGinnis

and the church’s memorial fund and a commemoration stone has been installed

Worship in June

A Person After God’s Own Heart

Be Humble

Forgive

Listen & Obey

Trust

Worship

July/August

Encounters with Jesus

Thank you for the “Pastor Appreciation”

gift you gave us last year of two nights at

the Escondido bed and breakfast/spa near

Medina. Linda and I were finally able to

go over the 4th of July, and we had a

wonderful time.

Thank you for the blessing,

Scott