Prepare the way of the Lord

Isaiah 40: 3

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
 

The voice — An abrupt speech. Methinks I hear a voice.  John the Baptist was the voice that called all listeners to repentance.  John the Baptist came before Jesus, making a way, calling us to prepare our lives and hearts for pure truth - Jesus Christ.

Wilderness — This immediately relates to the deliverance of the Jews out of Babylon, and smoothing their passage from thence to Judea, which lay through a great wilderness; but principally to their redemption by the Messiah, whose coming was ushered in by the cry of John the baptist, in the wilderness.

Prepare ye the way — You to whom this work belongs. He alludes to the custom of princes who send pioneers before them to prepare the way through which they are to pass. The meaning is, God shall by his spirit so dispose mens hearts, and by his providence so order the affairs of the world, as to make way for the accomplishment of his promise. This was eminently fulfilled, when Christ, who was, and is God, blessed for ever, came into the world in a visible manner.

 

We are preparing ourselves for Advent, which begins on December 1st and continues for 24 days until Christmas Day.  What is the voice that you hear calling to you?  How do you make things "straight" in your life with your family, your friends, yourself and with God?  Think about it.  Pray about it . . . then let God lead you into action!                          

                                                                                                        Blessings, Pastor Nancy

Preparing for Advent

PREPARING FOR ADVENT

The Advent season officially begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve or Day.  Various traditions celebrate the season through an array of customs.  Perhaps the most well known is the use of an Advent calendar to mark the month of December.  Advent calendars typically include 24 "windows" that are opened (one per day) to reveal a poem, Scripture, story, picture or small gift.

Another popular tradition inolves the use of an Advent candle or candles.  The symbol is borrowed from the emphasis throughout Scripture of Jesus Christ being the Light of the World.  Matthew 4:16; John 1:4-9; John 1:4-9, 8:12).  Each week leading up to Christmas an additional candle is lit.  The traditional color of the Advent Candles are purple for royalty or blue symbolizing hope. 

Each Sunday leading up to Christmas Day centers around words of hope, peace, joy and love.  There are many types of Advent calendars and Advent candles that can be purchased or be creative and make your own.  All you need are five candles, 3 purple or blue, 1 pink and 1 white.  Weeks 1 and 2 light a purple/blue candle each week.  Week 3 light the pink candle.  Week 4 light the remaining purple/blue candle.  On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day light the white candle - the Christ candle. 

There is nothing magical in following this tradition - it is a man-made way to remind us daily of the importance and significance of Advent - our preparing our hearts to welcome the Christ Child into the world.  Light a candle, read a daily devotional and pray each day, beginning December 1st, until Christmas Day.  Of this we can be certain: God is always with us; it is us who forget.

 

“Prepare the way of the Lord...”
Matthew 3:3b

Advent 2012

The King is coming. Jesus Christ has come and will

come again. This is the hope of the Church whom He

purchased with His blood. It is the eager expectation

and desire of His people. His coming is our joy, for He

is our treasure, our greatest good.

 

Advent, formed from a Latin word meaning “coming”

or “arrival,” is about the coming of Christ. It’s the

traditional celebration of the first advent of Jesus and

the anxious awaiting of His second. The season is a

time for remembering and rejoicing, watching and

waiting, and a time to reflect upon the promises of God

and to anticipate the fulfillment of those promises with

patience, prayer and preparedness.

I hope you follow our website through the Advent season. Each day there will be a scripture and a poem or story and something to share with your family to prepare for the coming of Christ.

If you live in the Sweeny, Texas area, please join us for worship at 10:00 am, 207 E. First Street, Sweeny Texas 77480.  Phone (979) 548-2192.  Blessings, Pastor Nancy

Happy Thanksgiving

First United Methodist Church of Sweeny would like to wish you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Hanging of the Greens 2012

First United Methodist Church of Sweeny would like to invite you to join us this Sunday, Nov. 25th for the "Hanging of the Greens" advent service.

We will be decorating the Sanctuary for Advent (Christmas) after Church on Sunday, November 25th. Lunch will be provided. Please contact Kay for more information.



Sweeny Community Thanksgiving Dinner and Worship Service

 

 SWEENY COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER AND

WORSHIP SERVICE

 

Sunday, November 18th

 

Dinner at First United Methodist Church of Sweeny

 207 E. First Street
 

11:00 am - 4:00 pm, Family Life Center

WORSHIP AT 6:30 pm at

First Baptist Church, Main Street


 

 



November Newsletter article

Do any of you remember the Ideals Magazine?  My Mom loved the Ideals magazine.  Each magazine contained beautiful pictures of the season with stories and poems and recipes.  Mom collected these magazines for years and they are still in a stack back home in Indiana.  When I went to college, Mom gave me subscription so I could receive my own Ideals (just what I wanted to read in college!)   When Mom sat in her rocking chair, it was right there on the end table to look at, along with the Upper Room Devotional, of course.

When you read this, Thanksgiving will be just a week away and Advent and Christmas are following close behind.  Our lives and activities begin to get busy and our calendars begin to fill up with parties and concerts and shopping.

This year, slow down and enjoy and appreciate the present moment.  We all have learned or will learn that things can change in the blink of an eye.  Don't worry if things are not perfect in your life: it's OK if the meal isn't prepared and served on the table at one time or the table setting isn't picture perfect or your football team(s) are doing lousy this year!  Those things are so trivial compared to the reason we celebrate Thanksgiving and prepare for Advent and Christmas.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” [Psalm 100:45] Thanksgiving is more than a holiday, it is an attitude of thankfulness for all that we have been given by God: our health, hearth and home, the air we breathe. There is nothing we have, or any place we can go, that has not been touched by the hand of God. Whether we travel to new worlds or venture out to Main Street or Wall Street, God is the ultimate source of our provision.

The reality of these economic times and volatile political atmosphere find us in a place many of us haven't been before.  Stocks have plummeted and many of our families are living on the edge. Yet, God is still providing and caring for our needs. God is with us, and still calling us to be faithful and fruitful! It is hard work, and begins with the realization that we have been blessed by God and we have much we can share. When we see what God has already done, when we remember God’s faithfulness through the generations, and when we begin to count the blessings we enjoy in these United States, we too can give God praise in the midst of present day challenges. We have every reason to be encouraged!

As you gather with your family on Thanksgiving Day around the table, begin with a prayer. Then go around the table and have everyone name something for which they are thankful. May God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving, and may we be truly thankful.

Blessings,

Pastor Nancy

Happy Veteran's Day!

Celebration of Life for Johnie Falks

The Celebration of Life Service for Johnie Fay Falks is as follows:


Johnie was carried home by Her Lord, Jesus Christ, on Friday, September 28, 2012.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 10am until 12pm.  The Celebration of Life Service will be at 2pm. The visitation & service will take place in the Sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Sweeny.  Burial will follow at Sweeny Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Sweeny.
Condolences and messages to the Family of Johnie Falks can be left by commenting on this post.  All messages will be available to the family. Thank you and God Bless.

55th Annual Chicken Spaghetti Dinner & Country Kitchen

Thursday, November 1, 2012 is the United Methodist Women's 55th Annual Chicken Spaghetti Dinner & Country Kitchen.


Country Kitchen Opens at 8am in the Family Life Center at 207 E. First Street.

Serving Times:
Dine-In or Take-Out: 11am - 1:30pm & 4pm-6:30pm
(take out for evening serving is thru 7pm)

Deliveries:
Must be called in before 9am
Please call: 979-548-2193 or 979-665-2626

Tickets are $8.50 each.  You may contact the Church Office at 979-548-2192 or Kay Brightwell at 979-482-3797 to purchase tickets.

UMW Silent Auction Baskets Needed!

The United Methodist Women (UMW) are asking for donations of baskets for this years Chicken Spaghetti Dinner.

Completed baskets or items are needed for the Silent Auction.  All items must be NEW or GENTLY USED.  No garage sale items.

Either bring a full, completed basket or the items for a basket to the church office or to Karen Vogel's house.  Completed baskets must be turned in by October 15th!!!!!

Basket designer, Bonnie Carter, will be putting the basket items together for us again.  Items may be donated by individuals, Sunday School classes, or organizations.  This is a big money maker and our goal is to have 35 beautiful baskets to display and auction off.

Thanks for helping us this year.

Celebration of Life for Doris Cunningham

The Celebration of Life Service for Doris Cunningham is as follows:



Doris was carried home by Her Lord, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, September 18, 2012.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 1pm to 2pm. The Celebration of Life Service will be at 2pm. The visitation & service will take place at Baker Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Sweeny Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Sweeny.

Condolences and messages to the Family of Doris Cunningham can be left by commenting on this post. All messages will be available to the family. Thank you and God Bless.

Buddy Baskets

West of the Brazos Military Troop Support, Inc. is asking for donations to help with creating "Buddy Baskets".  "Buddy Baskets" are gift baskets to welcome veterans as they transition from the VA Hospital to their new homes.  Each basket will include the following:

• Heavy Duty Laundry Basket
• 2 rolls of paper towels
• 2 rolls of toilet paper
• 1 bottle window cleaner
• 1 canister of scrubbing cleanser
• 1 packet of sponges or wipes
• 1 pair of rubber gloves
• 1 small dustpan w/hand broom
• 1 pkg. light bulbs
• 1 set of plate, bowls and cups
• 1 shower curtain (plastic w/rings)
• Laundry detergent, dish soap, hand soap
• Kitchen, bath towels and wash cloths
• Personal toiletries (Men & women)
• Non-perishable foods & snacks

 Contact Sheri 979-236-1973 or Bonnie 979-647-1280

Fresh Start Sermon Series

join us for

a sermon series that affirms God makes beautiful things out of the dust . . . God makes beautiful things out of us.*


SEPTEMBER 16      A Fresh Start: Thank God, It's a New Day

SEPTEMBER 23      A Fresh Start: I'm an Open Book

SEPTEMBER 30      A Fresh Start: Down But Not Out

OCTOBER 7             A Fresh Start: You Make Beautiful Things Out of Us


* Lyrics from Beautiful Things by Gungor

Church Wide Picnic

As we celebrate our 88th year, please bring your family & join First United Methodist Church of Sweeny in a Church Wide Picnic!

Sunday, September 30th, After Church

Please contact the office for more information on how you can help with event. Sign up in the Narthex or Office.

News from Children's Ministry - Promotion Sunday, Sunday School, Backpack Blessing, Children's Church

News from

Sunday School Classes will be divided into three groups:
Nursery - Kindergarten - Mrs. Anna & Ms. Marty
1st Grade - 5th Grade - Mrs. Jessica & Mrs. Shannon
Jr High - High School - Mrs. Debbie

We will be meeting in the Children's Sunday School Hall (Wesley Building) starting this Sunday, Sept. 9th.
Sunday School starts at 8:45am.

All students & teachers are invited to bring their backpacks or notebooks with them to Church on Sunday, Sept. 9th for a special blessing for the new school year. 

We will also be having promotion Sunday for the Children's Department.

Children’s Church starts Sunday, Sept. 9th!!!

Children, nursery age-5th grade, are invited to leave the sanctuary after Sonshine Club on the 2nd-5th Sundays of each month to attend Children’s Church in Watt’s Hall. There, they will listen to a bible lesson, learn about the Methodist Church and praise God through songs and activities. Parents are asked to come to Watt’s hall to pick up their children immediately following church.

Pastor's Bible Study

Beginning September 11th (2nd and 4th Tuesdays) Pastor Nancy will be doing a bible series called “ Yes Lord I Have Sinned But I Have Several Excellent Excuses!” by Dr. James Moore, retired Sr. Pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston, TX. Join us for this small group bible study with scripture study, discussion and video. Sign up on Clip Board in the Narthex or call the church office. Study will be offered twice a day at 9am & 6:30pm.

Methodism Class

Pastor Nancy will be leading a four week class on Methodism.

The classes will be offered on Sept. 16th & 23rd & Oct. 7th & 14th at 8:45am in Watts Hall. Everything you wanted to know about the United Methodist Church, but were afraid to ask or didn’t know what to ask! Contact the office for more information.

Sign up sheets are in Narthex and Office.

Women's Bible Study

Women’s Bible Study


Mondays at 6pm

Sept. 17th-Dec. 10th



“The Search for Significance”
Seeing Your True Worth Through God’s Eyes by Robert S. McGee

Led By Kay Brightwell

Call Kay at 548-3500 or 482-3797 to preorder a book for $13.00.

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July from the First United Methodist Church of Sweeny!  We hope you and yours have a happy and safe day.  Don't forget to take a moment and say a prayer for our troops and their families as they spend this day protecting us so that we may celebrate.  God Bless!

Vacation Bible School 2012

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2012

Sweeny First United Methodist Church
Presents
Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity

June 25 - June 28, 2012  (Monday through Thursday)
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Family Life Center
Children (Age 4 through 5th grade)

Pre-Register by June 10th & get a free gift!

Come join us as we get to know Jesus through: music, song, drama, dance, and art.
Closing Ceremony will be Thursday, June 28th at 11am....all parents are invited to come see what the children have learned during the week.



A Message from Bishop Janice Riggle Huie

This is my first day back in my office after the 2012 General Conference and I must tell you, I am glad to be home. It has been a long and challenging two weeks that included many highs and lows. We can all be proud of our delegation from the Texas Annual Conference who represented us well and offered leadership and wisdom on many issues. I was especially encouraged by the time I spent with the young clergy from the Advancing Pastoral Leadership program of our conference who visited General Conference to learn more about the workings of our Church. They gave me great hope for the future of our Conference and a reminder that God continues to call the brightest and best to serve God’s people.




While none of the restructure plans passed, many of the components of the Call to Action report will be implemented in modified forms. Boards of agencies and commissions were reduced in size in an effort to promote efficiency. A fund was established to encourage and support young clergy and commitment was pledged in support of vital congregations for at least the next 10 years. Also, a petition was passed to eliminate guaranteed appointments that will allow flexibility to better meet congregational needs. I encourage you to visit www.txcumc.org to read more details about the outcomes of General Conference.



Here in the Texas Annual Conference we now shift our focus to our Annual Conference on June 4th where we will join together to collectivelydiscern God's will for His church. It will be a time of worship, fellowship and planning for the future. Our annual conference will continue to grow vital congregations, empower our lay and clergy leaders, and reach out to theyoung to make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.



Grace and peace,

Janice Huie

Message about Conference from Bishop Huie

As our General Conference delegate representatives from the Texas Annual Conference prepare for this upcoming historic gathering, please support their preparations with your prayers.


I recommend as a resource, Bishop Robert Schnase’s "Remember the Future: 30 Days of Preparation, a series of reflections as The United Methodist Church prepares for General Conference 2012. These daily meditations explore hope, purpose, leadership and making and becoming disciples of Jesus Christ. With Wesleyan, scriptural, and leadership themes, explore together the mission of the church in a time of great change.”

To sign up for these 30 days of inspirational messages, please visit: http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/article/entry/2140/remember-the-future

Grace and peace,
Bishop Janice Huie

Down Memory Lane - Maundy Thursday 1962

From Left to right: Front - Al Yates
Bob Phillips, J.D. Hightower, P.O. Patrick, Weldon Bailey, John Kessler, Roy Mullins, Ron Whitaker (Jesus), John Kilgore, Frank Burttschell, Bernie Roessuer, J.R. Waldby, Dave Smith, ??? Rudd; Narriator was Ed Farmer

UMW Retreat

The Flickinger & Gregurek Family welcomes a new member!

Donnie & Jo Berta Flickinger are proud to announce the birth of their Great Grandson, Connor Ross Gregurek.  He was born on November 30th.  Proud Parents are Jayson & Jessica Gregurek.  Proud Grandparents are Phillip & Donna Gregurek.

The Raynor Family welcomes a new member!

Pete & Carol Raynor are proud to announce the birth of their Grandson, Hayez Lane Raynor.  Hayez was born on Jan. 11th at 5:25pm.  He weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces and was 20" long.  Proud Parents are Heath & Heather Raynor.

The Britton, Scantlin & Pearlman Family welcomes a new member!

Raymond & Minnie Lou Britton are proud to announce the birth of their Great Grand Daughter, Kody Elise Pearlman.  Kody was born on Dec. 1, 2011 at 10am.  She weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces and was 19.5" long.  Proud Parents are Courtney & Michael Pearlman.  Proud Grandparents are R.W. & Pam Scantlin.

The Nairn Family welcomes a new member!

Bobby & Mary Lou are proud to announce the birth of their 1st Great Grand Daughter
Lexi Lynne.  Lexi was born on Jan. 6th at 12:01am.  She weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces and was 19" long.  Proud Parents are Kyle & Lesley Nairn.  Proud Grandparents are Ralph & Marie Nairn.