Insight February 2013
Volume 6 Issue 2
A monthly publication highlighting the mission of Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Welcome to Williams 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.
True Beauty God paints us beautiful pictures everyday. Pictures in nature, pictures of love, and pictures of people he created in His image. Do you take the time to see the beauty or are your sights set on other worldly things? When you are surrounded by the world and don’t take the time to see what God has provided for you, you begin to reflect your surroundings. God calls us to be like Him not like the world. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” -Romans 12:2. The renewing of my mind happens each morning when God reminds me of His beauty by painting the skies in glowing oranges and deep blues. Somedays we wake up with a chip on our shoulder thinking that this can’t possibly be a good day. You step outside hoping for God’s painted sky to pick you up but soon realize it’s a gray, rainy day. This is when I remind myself that I still know what God does for me and I have Him by my side through every step in the rain. I know this because He tells me so with the beauty He has put in my life. God’s will is good, pleasing, and perfect this I can tell you is true beauty. Jennifer Day
Find Out More...
Visit our visitors page at welcometowilliams.com/visiting 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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February Insight
Submitting an Article
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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 400-600 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. Articles must be submitted the first Friday of the previous month. So for the April Insight, the deadline is the first Friday in March. Submissions may be edited for space or used in other locations such as website or e-news.
Inside this Issue:
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2 4-5
15 8 10
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Williams School
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Love by Brian Brooks
www.welcometowilliams.org
Youth Ministry
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Tenwek Mission by Dr. Paul Quinn
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Adult Ministry Williams Book Club
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Church Business
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College Ministry
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Childrens Ministry
16 Upcoming Events Sermons
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Empower Ministry
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Welcome to Williams
Music and Fine Arts Staff List 2013 Church Leaders
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
10 Things that Empower Ministry by Danny Wayman Some things are obvious when we look across the life of a congregation and other things may not be so obvious. Which of the following 10 things will you commit to be or do this year?
financial support requires us to live in a belief that God’s gifts are sufficient to the ministries which God calls us. Remember: budgets never determine ministry, mission drives budgets.
1. Think Outside, No Box Required
5. Welcome Those “Not Like Us”
The words, “We’ve never done it that way before” cause us to miss the beauty of God’s creation. I love the outdoors. When we see a lunar halo or a bright sunrise we realize God is so much bigger than our boxes. A Community of Faith trusts in God’s ability to do a new work in us!
If it were not for those who are “not like us,” the church would have died out long ago. Those who are not like us (whatever that means!) are the very reason the Church exists.
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. -Psalm 19:1-2
If God is for us, who is against us? -Romans 8:31
2. Be Optimistic
God can and God will! Do we really believe that statement? We are only limited by our desire to focus on what’s wrong and our preference to gripe, complain and blame. A faithful follower of Jesus Christ sees what God can do, not the depth of our failures. 3. Let Go of Control and Let God Act At some For surely I know the plans I have level we all want for you, says the Lord, plans for your control. Learning welfare and not for harm, to give you to set that illusion a future with hope. -Jeremiah 29:11 of control aside and let God do God’s will requires quieting our fears and self-centeredness so a better idea can be accomplished. What idea? God has a plan for our lives and community. When we become overbearing, accusatory and self-righteous it is an attempt to cover our own insecurity and poor self-esteem. 4. See the Big Picture Ministry is more than details, budgets and rules. Bottom-line thinking looks at the bottom line of a budget and wonders where the budget might be cut. Being a good steward of the people’s
I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. -Philippians 1:6
The community choosing who gets to be a member. If that were true for church membership or involvement, none of us would be welcomed!
of faith is not a country club take part, or who is worthy to Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. -Ephesians 3:20
Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple said, “The church is the only organization that exists only for its non-members.” Can you give that a try? 6. Be a Whole Person Living in Community Do not blindly follow a herd mentality. Belonging to a community does not take away our individual abilities or responsibilities. Stand up for what is right. If you do not know what you think, then THINK! Listen to what other people think and then decide for you as you seek God’s will in prayer. “Group Think” is one of the strangest problems in human relationships. Individuals give up their own initiative or responsibility and blame it on the government or …for I was hungry and you gave me them (whoever food, I was thirsty and you gave me them may be). something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. -Matthew 25:35 7. Choose Risk Over Comfort Risk is, well, risky! It might mean we get hurt or embarrassed or have our ego bruised. It is much easier, less stressful, and simply cozier if we stick to what we like, what makes us comfortable.
Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
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February Insight Jesus never promises us an easy, cozy life. Jesus warns us we will have trouble. Ignoring such a wise word is foolish. It is best to welcome risk so we can grow stronger and stand taller. I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. -John 13:34-35
Methodist Preachers often joke that our job is “To comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable”.
The community of faith encourages uncomfortable risk-taking, whether it means opening ourselves up to new people, trying new types of ministry, or putting God’s work before our own comfort. 8. Respond Rather than React Reaction is often the result of self-protection, a kneejerk reflex. Reaction does not take into consideration the results it will bring about, which often worsen the situation and prove to be destructive. It is panic mode. It is short-term thinking. Responding His master said to him, ‘Well done, takes time to good and trustworthy slave; you see the bigger have been trustworthy in a few picture. It takes things, I will put you in charge of time to form a many things; enter into the joy of proper answer your master.’ -Matthew 25:23 that will bring about the greater healing and growth. It is calm. It is long-term visioning and thinking. Sometimes, this plays out in committees that panic over a perceived problem (real or not), which then bleeds out to the larger body and causes even more panic, which often results in creating a larger, or even new, problem. The snowball grows larger. Leadership sets the tone for how the larger body responds. Keeping this in mind avoids much conflict and panic.
9. Dare to Dream, Again Dreams are essential to survival, let alone thriving. Williams came into existence because of a dream, a dream to be in ministry with returning soldiers and their families. Sometimes the church stifles a dream, dreams small dreams, or chooses not to dream at all. Or, worse yet, leaves the dreaming up to the pastors and staff! The community God, the Lord, is my strength; he of faith is the one place makes my feet like the feet of a on earth that welcomes deer, and makes me tread upon dreams and dreamers. the heights. Habakkuk 3:19 Dreams keep us fresh; forcing us to think differently; they may even throw us off kilter every once in a while, causing us to move in a new direction. If we dream, why not dream big? In a community of faith, no dream is “too big” if it moves us to live our mission. 10. Be a Disciple Discipleship is for everyone, not just the paid persons. The church members do not pay their pastors and staff to be good on their behalf! But how often do we see this happen? Members come to worship and other discipleship-training events in the church, but when it comes to actually living out the faith, some believe that is the pastors’ job. The opposite creates a thriving community of faith. Every member has authority by virtue of our Baptism to be the Body of Christ to the world. When we each take responsibility for our attitudes, actions, and ministries then the mission Now who will harm you if you are eager of God’s Kingdom to do what is good? But even if you do come to earth is suffer for doing what is right, you are realized. blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated. I Peter 3:13-14
In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Acts 2:17 www.welcometowilliams.org
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Williams School Williams School had a busy end to 2012. We started off with our Christmas Program featuring our two, three and four-year-old classes, which really put us in the Christmas spirit. Family and friends of our little ones filled the Sanctuary to hear the children perform all-time favorite carols, as well as a few new Christmas songs. The children did a wonderful job! Thanks to all who attended and to those who made this event possible.
Our Christmas parties were a huge success! The children really enjoyed making reindeer food to take home and sprinkle on their yards this Christmas Eve. We were all surprised when a special guest stopped by the bookstore the morning of the parties. Each child had an opportunity to visit with Santa and share what was at the top of his or her list. Many thanks to Ben Ledwell for making this event possible.
We ended our year with author Ceil Bridges reading one of her books, The Best Birthday Ever, to all of our threeyear-old classes. This was a really cute book that captured the true meaning of Christmas. After students finished their activities with Ms. Ceil, they made Happy Birthday Jesus cupcakes in their classrooms. It was a fun time for all!
Williams Preschool Registration Schedule Summer 2013 & Fall 2013 March 4th -Current Students, Church Members, Parish Members
March 5th -Siblings of Current Students
March 6th -Open Registration For further information, forms and questions visit us online at: facebook.com/williamspreschool welcometowilliams.net/williams-school or call 903-838-9517 Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
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February Insight
Love by Brian Brooks If you have been reading my articles, then by now you have noticed a theme. I try to pick out what is coming up in that month and write my article about that. What do you think about when you think about February? I think of love….. Jesus commands our love. Our Lord said, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15: 10, 12). To our modern ears, commanding love sounds ridiculous. Romantic notions tell us we cannot command love. We assume love is a feeling. Feelings come over us, and we get swept away. We assume we cannot command feelings any more than we can command the wind and the weather. We view ourselves as subject to the whims of love — like rain and snow are subject to the weather conditions. Many years ago, I was one of the leaders in a youth program. The senior high group was, in my opinion, hopelessly split into several cliques. The friction within the group came to such a point that I called for help. A very respected member of this church said he would meet with them. He came to a meeting where 35 youth sat around looking bored and agitated with each other. This member, who knew many of the youth, listened as they shared their feelings about each other and the group. It didn’t seem like it was getting anyplace. Then this member gave a little sermon: “I think you’ve got to put all your negative feelings aside now and do what Jesus told you to do: ‘Love one another.” There were many snickers to that comment. I thought to myself, “Oh, no, this is not going to work. They don’t want a sermon!” Finally one youth said, “How can we love each other? We don’t even like each other!” Then this wise member replied, “I’m sorry, did you say you had to like each other? All you have to do is love each other. To like someone is based on feelings. To love someone like Jesus www.welcometowilliams.org
commanded means we respect and honor that person as a fellow child of God. All I’m saying to you is this — give each other some slack and try to respect one another.” Then he said, “Now, I hope you will stop worrying about all of this and get busy doing what you are called to do in Jesus. Stop worrying about your hurt feelings and come together to do something good for someone else. You might be surprised how much this will help you as a group.” They stopped worrying so much about their differences and hurt feelings and focused on service. Then one day as the youth and I were working at the recycling site, the church member who had spoken to the youth came by. He and I talked for a moment as we watched the senior highs working together and having fun with each other. He made this observation: “Look at those Christians loving one another.” Love practiced despite our feelings leads paradoxically to the feelings of joy. Joy and happiness seem to come to us when we have focused outside ourselves. Friends, this joy is none other than Christ with us. That’s what he promised his disciples if they would listen to him. “I have said these things to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Jesus promises the joy of his eternal presence when we resolve to love one another and serve in his name. The joy of God comes to us as we forget ourselves long enough to become focused on giving ourselves away for God’s love.
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Youth Ministry
New Wednesday Night Series - “Can You Hear me Now?” What happens when you pray? What is prayer really for? Does God hear my prayer? Why does it seem that God doesn’t answer? During the month of February we are going to take several weeks and focus on prayer. This 5 week youth series will cover the different PARTS of prayer. We will not only learn about, but find practical ways to engage and enhance our conversation with God. Join us at IMPACT Youth on Wednesday nights from 5:30-7:30 in the Youth Center.
Feb. 6 - More Than a Song - The songs we sing are one way we express our praise to God, but wait, there’s more. Feb. 13 - Why Didn’t You Just Ask - Let’s face it, some of us are stubborn and do not like asking for help, but that’s exactly what God wants us to do. Feb. 20 - Turning Around - We have taken wrong turns in life. Confession helps us get back on track. Feb. 27 - Saying Thanks - No matter what happens, we should tell God we are thankful. Mar. 6 - Your Will Be done - If we trust God with all our hearts, we should be ready to follow wherever He leads us.
Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
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February Insight
February Youth Schedule 2/3 - Jr. and Sr. High Superbowl Parties 2/6 - Wednesday Impact Youth 2/10 - Jr. High Bowling/ Sr High District Youth Rally 2/13 - Ash Wednesday Service/ Wednesday Impact Youth 2/17 - Sr. High Bowling/ Jr. High Mission Project at Church 2/20 - Wednesday Impact Youth 2/22-24 - Mid-Winter Retreat at Lakeview 2/24 - Combined Game Night 2/27 - Wednesday Impact Youth
Souperbowl of Caring On Super Bowl Sunday in 1990, a simple prayer inspired a youth group to create a fun, yet meaningful way to fight hunger and reach out to those in need. Using originality and teamwork, the young people invited their friends at twenty-one other churches to join them in collecting donations in soup pots. The collaborative effort that first year raised $5,700 and the www.welcometowilliams.org
youth donated every penny to local charities. Today, Souper Bowl of Caring is a movement of individuals, congregations, schools, scouts, and NFL Teams caring for others on Super Bowl weekend. More than $90 million has been generated, and 100% of all donations go directly to food banks, soup kitchens and other charities across the country.
On Sunday February 3, our youth will be in the Welcome Center collecting money for SuperBowl of caring. All money collected will go to our own Food Pantry which helps to provide food for over 400 families every month. You can also leave your donation in the offering plate at morning worship. Please mark Superbowl of Caring so we can add your donation to our reported total.
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Who is Williams?
Tenwek Mission by Dr. Paul Quinn Leaving Tenwek mission hospital, Christine and I boarded our British Airways flight from Nairobi to London shortly before midnight. We waited with seatbelts unbuckled until a dark- complexioned young man with an ankle-length robe arrived and announced himself as the passenger with the window seat. When he had settled in, I asked him about his garment. “I am from Somalia, and this is a ‘khameez’,” he told me. “I am a follower of Allah.” I spent a moment selecting my words, then asked him whether he thought that AlShabaab represented the Somali mainstream. “I hear they are doing good things,” he said. Extracting an iPod, he placed the earbuds in his ears. Think of Kenya as a Christian kid growing up in a tough neighborhood. On its’ borders lie: Somalia, land of the Somali pirates and often cited as a failed state, South Sudan, locked in a smoldering civil war, and Uganda, the operating base for Joseph Koni. Kenya needs its’ friends. My decision to serve at the Tenwek mission hospital was driven by my experience with the Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief effort in Haiti. Prompted by 1 John 3:17 – if I didn’t go, how could the love of the Lord be in me?- I found in Haiti that the health problems of the poor went far beyond the cholera epidemic I had come to treat. Without lab or xray facilities, I felt ineffective.
Tenwek, with its motto ‘We treat, Jesus heals’, is located in rural Kenya. Possessing a functioning laboratory, a radiology department with a CT scanner, and a teaching program for Kenyan medical officers, it is a place where I can both give and receive. In April, as I taught the housestaff on medicine rounds, I used the diagnostic tools of Tenwek to train myself in tropical medicine: tuberculosis, HIV, and meningitis revealed. ‘Two are better than one’, counsels Ecclesiastes 4:9. I urged Christine to come to Tenwek in October to see where she might fit into the ministry. My own role is defined as soon as I pick up my call schedule and my pager. What would hers be? Fortunately, experienced missionary Judy Norman was able to help Christine adapt. According to the Economist magazine, there is a strong relationship between women’s literacy and infant mortality in developing countries. If women can read, they can learn to care for children from posters and pamphlets. Confined to word-of-mouth by illiteracy, they have less chance of learning best practices. Orphan girls face a special challenge. If they lack resources, we were told, they simply stay out of school for a week when their menses arrive. Falling further behind each month, they ultimately drop out. Christine participated in a ministry which converted material from bath towels and shower curtains into reusable sanitary napkins for the orphanage. Some find this an uncomfortable topic of discussion, but by educating women, Christine’s ministry may ultimately save more lives in Kenya than mine.
Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
February Insight
Seventy percent of the patients at Tenwek are Kipsigis. More than half the world-class long distance runners are ethnic Kipsigis. But further south, on the Masai Mara, the dominant culture is that of the Masai. Famously brave, they share the savannah with the wildlife for which Kenya is known. When time permitted, Christine and I spent time at Ngerende Island, absorbing the Masai culture and watching the critters. One of my treasures from Tenwek is a book, When Helping Hurts, given to me by Cary Nail, a long term missionary. In it, authors Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert discuss the imperative to minister to the poor, and the problem of fostering dependence which goes with it. Structured so that it can be used as a small group study guide, the book suggests that seeking right relationships with the poor, and recognizing their strengths instead of their weaknesses, are keys to better ministry. Whether in the highlands of central Kenya or south of New Boston Road, the Lord calls us to ‘spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed’ (Isaiah 57:10). Where does He call you? www.welcometowilliams.org
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Adult Ministry eXtra Years of Zest Come join us Every second Thursday at 9:30 in the parlor. “XYZ” -Shares joy, fellowship fun, games and a meal. We will be looking for you... W2LEO Windows and Widowers, Let’s Eat Out will only be meeting once a month. February 12th - Italian Cafe Please come join us for good food and fellowship!! Sowers and Doers Meets every third Tuesday at 10:00 in Room 108.
Betty Kelly Friendship Circle Meets every second Wednesday at 10:00 in Room 108 Good Treasures Bridge Club Every Wednesday Night at 6:00 in the bookstore. Everyone is welcome. Contact John Mercy at 903-832-3852 Spiritual Life Group Meets at Cornerstone on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00am. United Methodist Women’s groups Meets for a general monthly meeting with lunch in the parlor at 10:00am on the first Tuesday.
Williams Book Club In February, we will be reading “Shadow Divers” by Robert Karson, a true tale of riveting adventure in which two weekend scuba divers risk everything to solve a great historical mystery. In the fall of 1991, deep wreck divers John Chatterton and Richie Kohler, found a World War II German U-boat, its ruined interior a macabre wasteland of twisted metal, tangled wires, and human bones–all buried under decades of accumulated sediment. The story of Shadow Divers often seems too amazing to be true. Pick up a copy of this thrilling true story at the Good Treasures Bookstore and join us at noon on February 11, 2013, in room 103 to discuss. Our book for March will be “19th Wife” by David Ebershott. The Williams Book club meets on the second Monday of each month. Keep an eye on the Insight to find out what book we’re reading next.
Good Treasures Book Store We have a cute and cuddly selection of Valentine’s Day gifts and cards. Stop by today to get something for your special someone. Hours: Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Sun 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
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February Insight
Church Business or Community of Faith, Which one do you want? This last week an email arrived from an organization who helps churches market themselves. They have some good ideas for selling pizza, but fall short in dealing with a community of faith. Let me explain, first their ideas: 1. People Must Have a Need to Come to Your Church. Develop a sermon series that meet needs in people’s lives. Remember the top 10 resolutions people make for the New Year. Picking one of them from the list would be a great way to insure you are meeting a need. 2. People Must Believe That Your Church Will Fulfill Their Need. Publish your sermon titles outlining action steps that meet that need. You must establish a need in their lives then provide the ultimate answer to that need. 3. People Must Decide That Your Church is The Right Church for Them. List the benefits your church offers them and their families in every marketing endeavor. PEOPLE DO NOT BY (sic) PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, PEOPLE BUY BENEFITS. 4. People Must Decide The Time To Come to Your Church Is Now. Create urgency with timely sermon series that people won’t want to miss. This is almost a no brainer for the first of the year. THE TIME FOR CHANGE IS NOW...THE NEW YEAR. THE CALENDAR HAS DONE THE WORK FOR YOU. (name of author withheld, available if you ask Pastor Danny for it)
A response: 1. People need Jesus. First, last, and in between. Period. Without this simple, but foundational principle, everything else is lost. It does not mean we ignore the other needs of people, such as food, friends, and future; but if we forget this one need nothing else matters. 2. People want a community of faith where they can help others. We live in extremely narcissistic times. Many people want their own needs met and then the church may become a place of division and self-seeking. People seeking a church want a place where their presence is seen as a gift and their gifts have a purpose to be used in ministry. 3. A community of faith is people who would not normally hang out together except for the presence of Jesus. Church growth was built too long on the principle of sameness, birds of a feather flock together. We have tried that, we know it works temporarily and then it does not work. Our most effective communities of faith have tremendous variety and respect between different people. If church just fulfills self-centered benefits then it collapses on itself. 4. People come to faith when the season is right. We can not create that season on a calendar. Few people become faithful due to a new year’s resolution. My experience says people will become faithful to Jesus when a change occurs in their life. It may
be sparked by an exterior event, like a birth of a child, change of marital status, employment, or health; but for it to be permanent it is a change in the heart. It is the Holy Spirit who changes hearts. We pray for the wind of change by the power of God, we do not create the wind by blowing harder. What is your vision for Williams? I hope you see two very different visions. Do you want your Church based on human effort and marketing where the pastors and staff are here to serve your needs or do you want to be a part of a community of faith centered on Jesus Christ? Do you want your church in competition with other churches to provide a better show with greater benefits, or are we a community of faith calling each baptized member into service and selflessness? Do you want your church manipulating people to do what we want, or are we a community of faith “waiting upon the Lord”? “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” (Matthew 7:24-27 NRSV)
Two Different Ways of Being in Church Built on Sand
Hear the words of Jesus, but will not obey. Based on human effort and marketing. The pastors and staff serve members’ needs. We compete with other churches to provide a better show with greater benefits. Manipulate people to do what we want.
www.welcometowilliams.org
Built on Rock
Hear the words of Jesus and obeys. A community of faith centered on Jesus. A community of faith calling each baptized member into service and selflessness. A community of faith “waiting upon the Lord”.
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
College and Young Adults Ministry Greetings! December was a busy time for Open Arms. We sponsored an angel from the Salvation Army Angel Tree. We provided her with educational toys, Barbie dolls, and a new outfit for her first day back to school. We threw a Christmas party on December 17th that was well attended by in and out of town students. We snacked, played Apples to Apples, exchanged gifts, and had a fantastic time catching up and making new plans. During Sunday school, we studied Christmas traditions and how other countries celebrate Christmas. Our current Sunday school study began January 13th and ends February 17th. We will be reading The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Each week will cover a different love language and relate it to our everyday lives through discussion and scripture.
ONE OF THE BIGGEST MUSICAL HITS OF ALL TIME! GODSPELL is based primarily on the Gospel According to St. Matthew and features a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz (WICKED, PIPPIN). As the cast of actors makes its way through a string of recognizable songs, led by the international hit, “Day By Day,” audience members get to see the parables of Jesus Christ come humanly and hearteningly to life. The show also touchingly presents the story of Jesus’ last moments beginning with the Last Supper. This timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love has touched the hearts of countless theatergoers all over the world-and now you can join the celebration as a spectacular ensemble performs the greatest story ever told.
PERFORMANCES: FEBRUARY 1-10 Friday 7:30 pm Saturday 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm Sunday 2:00 pm Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
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February Insight
Childrens Ministry JYF Pancake Supper February 17, 2013 at 5.00pm
February 3rd - No Activities (Super Bowl Game) February 10th – Hot Dogs (BZ) JYF Bowling February 17th – Class (Pancake Supper)(BB) February 24th – Pizza
And the 2013 Vacation Bible School theme is......
The Everywhere Fun Fair! July 21-25, 2013 We are begining our search for VBS directors. It is going to be a fun year and we hope you will join in. If you are interested in being a VBS director please contact Sue Camp. Call at 903-277-6504 or email suecamp32@gmail.com
www.welcometowilliams.org
We want you to come hungry to the Pancake Supper February 17th at 5:00 pm in Wesley Hall. The 5th graders (Junior Youth Fellowship) will host a dinner to raise money for two wonderful ministries, Society of Stephen and Waterspring Ranch. Society of Stephen is a ministry of our church which provides food boxes and a meal for those in need. Waterspring Ranch is a tax exempt, nonprofit, Christian organization that welcome Children, 12 years of age or younger, who have suffered relentless abuse or severe emotional and physical neglect. Suggested donations for the Pancake supper are $5.00 and tickets will be sold during Sunday morning in the welcome center and at the door.
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
February Sermons and Scripture February 3, 2013 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Jeremiah 1:4-10 Psalm 71:1-6 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Luke 4:21-30 Sermon: A Hometown View
February 10, 2013
Upcoming Events Men’s Retreat Football season is almost over! It’s time to plan some outdoor fun! Here’s a chance to have fellowship with your Methodist Men. Men’s Retreat at Lake Greeson in Daisy, Arkansas February 8-9, 2013 (the week-end after the Super Bowl) We have packages from $95 - $200 Contact Mark Williams 903-278-1373
Transfiguration Sunday Exodus 34:29-35 Psalm 99 2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2 Luke 9:28-43 Sermon: Rev. Phil McLarty
February 13, 2013 Ash Wednesday Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Psalm 51:1-17 2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
February 17, 2013 First Sunday in Lent Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 Romans 10:8b-13 Luke 4:1-13 Sermon: Forty Days in the Wilderness
February 24, 2013 Second Sunday in Lent Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 Psalm 27 Philippians 3:17–4:1 Luke 13:31-35 Sermon: Doing the Work of God
Guest Preacher on February 10 Dr. Philip W. McLarty retired from the pulpit after 40 years active ministry in both United Methodist and Presbyterian churches. He continues to preach on request. He is a graduate of Perkins School of Theology in Dallas (M.Th., D.Min) and the author of two books, The Children, Yes (1981) and Seasons of the Christian Family (1988), both published by Discipleship Resources, Nashville, Tennessee.
Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
February Insight
17 Pastoral Staff Danny Wayman - Senior Pastor danwayman@gmail.com - 903-278-6120 (cell)
Music and Fine Arts
Sherri Waters - Associate Pastor sherriwaters7@gmail.com - 903-278-0499 (cell)
Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, February 13 this year. It is a very special time, with a worship service at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. This begins the season of Lent. It is a season of self-examination and prayer. The Ash Wednesday service is a time to come together to confess our sins, pray and draw near to Jesus. As you are comfortable, you may come forward to have your forehead marked with ashes in the shape of the cross, then kneel and pray.
Brian Brooks - Associate Pastor bb6589@hotmail.com - 903-399-4750 (cell) Dale Vickers - Associate Pastor Velad303@aol.com - 903-244-6213 Ron Drye - Evangelism rondrye@msn.com - 903-701-1310 (cell) Fred Smith - Associate Pastor 903-280-6794 (cell)
Ministry Staff Laila Al-Dubais - College and Young Adults Ministry laila41589@gmail.com - 903-276-7206 (cell) 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)
Dog and Puppy Training
Jennifer Day - Communications Director jenday212@gmail.com - 903-277-3925 (cell)
COST: $50.00 (Note: All the money from this training is used by the church to purchase food for the Food Pantry)
Jolena Hays - Business Administrator jolenahays@gmail.com - 903-293-8726 (cell)
ORIENTATION: 6:00pm Tuesday, February 26, in Room 104, Williams Memorial UMC, 4000 Moores Lane, Texarkana, Texas TRAINING (Dog/Puppy): 6:00pm Tuesday, March 5, church parking lot (Make-up classes 6:00pm Thursday) Dog Training Applications now being accepted for the Spring dog training class (dogs must be at least 3 months of age). Training applications and Information Letter can be picked up at the church Welcome Center or by contacting Harry D. White at 903-792-6142/ e-mail: harry@vandermeir.com or Barbara Cole at 903-831-5788/ 903-748-0460 (cell)/ e-mail: eloc9427@cableone.net The 10 week course includes: Basic Dog Obedience Training, AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Training & Test, AKC Puppy S.T.A.R Training & Test (puppies not over 12 months of age), TDI (Therapy Dogs International) training, and an introduction to the AKC CD (Companion Dog) Test. www.welcometowilliams.org
Jacci Johnson - Director of Housekeeping 903-832-8663 Amy Kirk - Children’s Music amykirkmusic@gmail.com - 903-276-8576 (cell) Chris Loveall - Xperience Worship 903-832-8663 Karen Marrufo - Housekeeping 903-832-8663 Russell Martin- Director of Student Ministries rgmmusic@gmail.com - 903-701-7181 (cell) Lonna Nunn - District Administrative Assistant 903-278-6910 Raymond Petty - Sunday Morning Facilities 903-824-1208 Brenda Reed - Nursery Coordinator and Bookstore Manager brendareed@valornet.com - 903-748-0386 Lorie Son - Williams School lorieson@gmail.com - 903-824-7553 (cell) Jimmy Sparks - Xperience Worship 903-832-8663 Wendell Teddleton - Evening Greeter, Security Mindy Zwirn - Admin. Assistant mindymoon@gmail.com - 310-871-8678 (cell)
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Williams Memorial United Methodist Church Nominations for Leaders for Church Conference November 11, 2012 Administrative Council Administrative Council Leaders
Chairperson ’13 Chris Alkire Vice-Chairperson Phil White Lay Leader/Delegate Patsy and Don Morriss Delegate to Annual Conf. Joe Stark Delegate to Ann. Conf. Betty and Bob Bunch Student Delegate Ann. Conf. Trevor Warren Treasurer William Kirby
Ministry Team Leaders
Scouting Coordinator Worship Team Christian Ed. Team Student Ministry Team Missions U M Women U M Men
David Waldroup Terry Droske Leigh Ann Scates Joe Stark Margie Chaufty Margie Chaufty Mark Williams
Administrative Council At-Large Members 2013
2014
2015
Alyce Bunting
Joe Morriss
Marti Bledsoe
Carolyn Moreland
Sara Barry
Alice McMillan
Joe Bunting Dorothy Hood
Mary Lou Morriss Jay Oliver
Steve Bledsoe Laurie Booker
William Morriss Jackie Nix
Bill Beaty Peggy Burson
Gene McMillan Jordan Miller
Wilson Hood Buddy King
Sonja Oliver Amy Schultz
Mike Cobb Heather Coleman
John Nutt Kelly Nutt
Jan Cox Kerri Cranford
Bill Parker Bruce Ramsey
Mary King Bob Laird Stefanie Laird
Jesse Stone Marliese Stone Jerry Voss
Mike Coleman Debbie Herrington James Herrington
Cindy Oliver Jan Patterson RoseLynn Russell
Elizabeth Ann Duke Bob Grygotis Sherry Grygotis
Jon Sheppard Ann Slade Alene Stark
Betty Lee Jacky Lee
Ruth Voss David Ward
Anne Jacobs Jordan James
Melissa Steed Ron Stewart
Katy Harp Reba Kirby
Brian Steed Joan Thompson
Bob McMahon Roberta McMahon Becky McWilliams George McWilliams
Susan Ward Dave Wetherby Bridget White Philip White
Chris McMillan Suzi Mercy Sherri Moody Bonnie Moreland
Mike Ward Mike White Camille Williams Mark Williams
Barbara McCash Paul McCash
Kristi White Lenora Wyrick
All persons listed as leadership have a voice and vote at Administrative Council. Tom Daniels -13* Chris Cooper –Vice Ch Finance Team
William Kirby-Treasurer Chris Alkire - Council Ch. Patsy & Don Morriss– To be elected – Trustee Ch. Lay Leader Joe Stark – Delegate Jolena Hays – Business Administrator Robert & Suzi Irwin – Stewardship Jim Bunch – PPR Chair. At Large: Greta Alexander, Bob Bunch, Chris Cooper, David Crenshaw, Paul Gardial, Marcie Hlavinka, Janis Holliday, Buddy King, Steve Ledwell, Megan Menefee, Lisa Mitchell, Herb Murray, Steve Oden, James Henry Russell, Sharon Sheppard, Bettie Lynn Stark, Laroy Thomas *Designates Chairperson for committee or team
Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
19
February Insight
2013 Andi Kirby Charles Russell Wendell Wisdom
Board of Trustees
PastorParish Relations
Lay Leadership Team
2014 John Mercy Fred Meisenheimer Mary Ann Oden
2015 Kelly Mitchell Martha Morriss Fred Norton
2013 2014 Joe Morriss Jim Bunch* Vincent Senatore Butch Dunbar Sharon Ward Rose Mary Russell Ex Officio: Patsy and Don Morriss– Lay Leader
2015 Bill Harp Suzi Mercy Robert Sheppard Joe Stark – Delegate
2013 2014 Keely Bledsoe Brian Barry Martha Dunbar Vee Daniels Martha Morriss Jordan James Patsy and Don Morriss– Lay Leader Ex Officio: Colleen Dunbar – Youth Representative
2015 Carolyn Allen Tony Kirk Leah Orr
2013 Endowment Steve Oden Team Margaret Davis Williams School Board Good Treasures Board
2013 Lynlee Harvey Nellie Thomas Lori Son
Danny Wayman – Pastor*
2014 Chris Cooper Ben Floyd
2015 Buddy Allen Kip Menefee
2014 Ben Ledwell Cassie Meisenheimer Jon Sheppard
2015 John Beck Tara Droske Christina Ramsey
David Hollis*, Treasurer- William Kirby, Sara Barry, Jackie Gooding, Sharon Sheppard, Beverly McDowell, Tom Daniels, Lisa and Robert Davis, Cindy Bunch, Denise Wright
Christian Education Team: staff liaisons: Sue Camp and Brenda Reed Leigh Ann Scates*, Nita Parker, Laurie Booker, Dyanne Forward, Cindy Oliver, Melissa Steed, Patsy Thornton, Kassie Watson, Deanna Cooper Student Ministry Team: staff liaison: Russell Martin Students: Caroline Cooper, Kristen Crawford, Colleen Dunbar, Maddie Edmonds, Anne Grimes, Will Hlavinka, Alex Jones, Grayson Kirk, Seth Lemley, Sophie Lower, Krista Petty, Colleen Russell; Adults: Chris Cooper, Josh Davis, Martha Dunbar, Hal Lower, Lisa Mitchell, Nell Old, Nita Parker, Joe Stark. Brian Steed, Jean Tullis Worship Team: staff liaisons: Vickie Al-Dubais, Amy Kirk, and Sherri Waters Terry Droske*, Gin Allen, Suzi & John Mercy, Angie Morriss, Mary Lou Morriss, Jay Oliver, Jim & Margie Powell, Chris Quinn, Karrie Reeves, Allen Riley, Melissa & Brian Steed, Bridget & Phil White Missions Team: staff liaison: Brian Brooks Ed & Margie Chaufty*, Ellen Allard, Carolyn Bland, Keely Bledsoe, Gloria Elmore, Mel Luebbert, Cindy Oliver, Chris & Paul Quinn, Stephanie Read, Bridget White, Christian Mitchell, Sarah Mitchell, Zierre Spencer, Maddie Edmonds, Will Parker, Colleen Dunbar, Colleen Russell Evangelism Team: staff liaison: Ron Drye Shawn & Dan Edmonds*, Ann Ainsley, Terry Droske, Alice McMillan, Doug Read, Stephanie Read, Judy & Mark Smith Communications Team: staff liaison: Jennifer Day Patsy Morriss*, Tom Daniels, Mary Jo Foreman, Buddy King, Phil White, Lacey McCulloch, Leah Orr College Ministries Team: staff liaison: Laila Al-Dubais David Allard, Alyce Bunting, Ed Chaufty, Bob Forward, Kathy Harp www.welcometowilliams.org
4000 Moores Lane Texarkana TX 75503 903.832.8663 welcometowilliams.org