First Methodist Is... ...an empowered, diverse faith family built on the foundation of God’s Word, sharing the transforming love of Jesus Christ.
SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES Downtown Campus • Formal: 8:45 a.m. • Main Street: 11 a.m. • Spanish: 11 a.m. • The Source: 11:11 a.m.
Westchase Campus • Traditional: 9 a.m. • The Vine: 10 & 11:15 a.m. • La Vid (Spanish): 12:30 p.m.
Quillian Recreation Center | 10570 Westpark Dr. | quilliancenter.org Quillian Recreation Center offers affordable after school child care, summer day camp activities, youth and adult sports leagues, enrichment classes, swimming and a whole host of other special events, activities and programs for children, youth, adults and senior adults. Wesley Academy | 10570 Westpark Dr. | wesleyacademy.net Wesley Academy is a co-educational private school for children age six months through 8th Grade. Wesley Academy is dedicated to growing students in character, faith and knowledge by having high academic and social standards, encouraging students to seek Christ and mature in their faith by leading by example, and creating and maintaining a family-like atmosphere on campus. First Choice Ministries | Media Ministry of First Methodist Houston • Live television Sundays at 11 a.m. on KUBE-TV, channel 53 (Comcast) and channel 653 (Comcast HD). Dish and Direct TV subscribers will find us on channel 57. • Tape delay (one week): Channel 13 (KTRK) at 5 a.m. • Radio: KHCB (105.7 FM) at 8 p.m. Sundays • Live Streaming: www.fmhouston.com/livestreaming Downtown Campus 1320 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 832.668.1800 Westchase Campus 10570 Westpark, Houston, TX 77042 713.458.4700 www.fmhouston.com 2
April 2016
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A Pastoral Word Going Digital Adelphi Celebrates Missions Traditions Women’s Ministry Neighbors in Action Day Trips and Tours Faith and Business Quillian News Calendar
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KEEPING THE SABBATH April 3 Dr. Steve Wende preaching Downtown | 8:45 & 11 a.m. Rev. Leo Tyler preaching Westchase | 9, 10 & 11:15 a.m. Rev. Kaitlyn Bowie Hankins preaching The Source | 11:11 a.m. April 10 Rev. Leo Tyler preaching Downtown | 8:45 & 11 a.m. Dr. Steve Wende preaching Westchase | 9, 10 & 11:15 a.m. Kenedy Coneby preaching The Source | 11:11 a.m. April 17 Dr. Steve Wende preaching Downtown | 8:45 & 11 a.m. Rev. Leo Tyler preaching Westchase | 9, 10 & 11:15 a.m. Rev. Kaitlyn Bowie Hankins preaching The Source | 11:11 a.m. April 24 Dr. Steve Wende preaching Downtown | 8:45 & 11 a.m. Rev. Andy Noel preaching Westchase | 9, 10 & 11:15 a.m. Rev. Kaitlyn Bowie Hankins preaching The Source | 11:11 a.m. Hispanic Worship Westchase | 12:30 p.m., La Vid Sign Language Interpretation Westchase | 10 & 11:15 a.m.
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A Pastoral Word Dr. Steve Wende, Senior Pastor Sharing your faith. All Christians know we are supposed to, but so few of us do. We care about people, we want the best for them, we regularly do many thoughtful things for others. Yet, there is something about bringing up the name of Jesus that just gets many of us tongue tied. Now, as I said, we know what we are supposed to do. Jesus said in Matthew 10:27, “What you have heard in private, you must declare from the roof tops.” I don’t think He meant that literally. Not many folks could hear anything we said from the rooftops of Houston! He was making a point. He has given us His Word of grace and truth and hope, and He wants us to pass it on. So, over the years the church offers workshops on how to witness, preachers thunder from the pulpit about the importance of speaking words of grace, and we all know we should. However, to talk about Christ is to talk about Someone so close to our hearts that it makes us feel awfully vulnerable. So, too often we don’t speak, even when we know we should, because we are so afraid of saying the wrong thing. Maybe, though, that’s not the best way to look at things. When I was a boy, the father of a friend died. At the appointed hour, my family, along with many others, gathered at the church for the funeral. Afterward, we went to a reception in the fellowship hall, where we waited in a long line of folks for our time to personally give love and sympathy.
When it was our turn, my parents hugged my friend’s mom, now a widow, who hugged them back. While they did, I stood there in front of my friend, kicking my toe at the floor. There we were, two sixth grade boys, one having just lost his dad, the other wanting desperately to be of help. Finally, my family and I walked on, and I had said nothing. “Why didn’t you speak, Steve?” asked my mom. “He’s your good friend. He needed you.” “I know,” I answered. “I know. But I couldn’t think of what to say.” “Honey,” my mother told me, “when someone is hurting, you must try – try! – even if you mumble.” That was a good word, wasn’t it? And perhaps that is especially important to hear in the afterglow of Easter. Our Holy Week services were so glorious. The music lifted our hearts, and the resurrection witness inspired us anew with the confidence of Christ’s victory and the certain hope of His Kingdom. So, with our spirits illumined by the glory of this last week, perhaps we can become more aware of all the hurting people around us each day -- people for whom Jesus died and to whom He would bring healing and hope they can find in no other way. Let’s become aware of all the opportunities we each have to speak up for Christ. And in that awareness, let’s find the courage to speak -- even if we mumble. Blessings always,
April 2016
Houston’s best food trucks are at First Methodist Houston’s Downtown Campus every Friday from 11 am - 1 pm. Come join us for lunch on Food Truck Friday at First Methodist Houston! Check out each week’s Food Truck Friday treats at www.fmhouston.com/foodtruckfriday.
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We are living in an increasingly mobile digital society. The pace of change in the last decade, from high speed broadband internet access to smartphone use, and rising costs of production and postage, have made First Choice Ministries consider how to continue sharing the Good News most efficiently. We are excited to announce our move into the neighborhood of digital publication! This month is our first dually-delivered interactive issue of First Edition! Publishing digitally allows First Edition to continue delivering First Methodist Houston news, Information and celebration, and articles about Christian living in a timely way, keeping your family informed about what’s happening in, and outside, the church walls. In addition to reducing our impact on the environment (save the trees), the new digital issues feature searchable content, videos, animation, clickable links and other interactive elements. So far the response to the transition has been great with most people opting to receive the magazine by email. The printed version will still be mailed to those in nursing homes and others who don’t have computer access. If you prefer, you too can receive a printed copy of the First Edition by subscribing for an annual donation of $30 or more. This donation will be counted as a tax-deductible contribution to First Choice Ministries. You can sign up to receive a printed copy or update your email address by going to www.fmhouston.com/goingdigital. Thank you again for your continued support of First Choice Ministries and First Methodist Houston!
BEFORE TODAY IS GONE There are 1,001 things you can choose to do this day that will lighten the load of someone else’s burden and give you a warm feeling of satisfaction that the day has been well spent. • Do something thoughtful for a sick or homebound person. • Write a note of appreciation to someone who has helped you. • Cook, make, or buy a gift for someone. • Offer to baby-sit one night for a young couple. • Forgive someone who has hurt you. • Take someone to lunch that has recently lost a family member. • Do something to make a child smile. • Hug someone tightly and say, “1 love you.” • Spend a full hour of one-on-one time with your mate. • Go wherever your child is and communi cate your love for and pride in that child for who he/she is. • Get out the checker board, Uno cards, and Monopoly board and challenge the entire family to take you on. • Tell your parents how much you love them. • Surprise your brother/sister by saying, “I love you and I thank God for putting us in the same family.” • Write a note to someone who recently asked you to pray for them and let them know that you are doing so today. • Visit with someone you think is close to becoming a Christian. Encourage them to obey the gospel. •Call a Christian you know who is struggling right now and let them know you are thinking of them. •Tell a Bible class teacher how much you appreciate what they are doing. You can’t do all the things above today — but you can do one or two. And you can keep the list handy for tomorrow or next week. Use today for God’s glory — before it’s gone!
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T.G.I.F. Community Family Fun Night Hosted by Your Home in the City
AN EVENT FOR ALL AGES FRIDAYS AT THE DOWNTOWN CAMPUS 1320 Main Street @ Clay • 7p.m.-9p.m. April 15 • Community Night May 20 • Casino Night June 17 • Trivia Night Light Refreshments & Snacks Provided Childcare Available for Birth-4 Years
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April 2016
Adelphi Class celebrates 70 years Early in 1946, the First Methodist Church of Houston, Texas, recognized the need to organize a new class to fulfill the needs of returning servicemen and their wives. Invitations were extended to all young married couples of the church under thirty years of age to a banquet on February 14, for the purpose of forming a class. Under the supervision of Dr. Paul Quillian, Rev. Clyde Verheyden, and Miss Johnnie Marie Brooks, the purpose of the gathering was thoroughly discussed; and the Adelphi Class as we know it today, had its beginning on that night with eighteen couples joining. It was noted in the church newspaper that couples joining in the two weeks following this initial meeting would be considered charter members. Seventy years later, on February 13 and 14, over a hundred Adelphi members, former Adelphi’s, and Adelphi Kids (now adults) gathered to celebrate the class’s anniversary. On Saturday, friends met at The Houstonian for lunch and program, and on Sunday, they attended Sunday School and worship services followed by sharing a meal in the Fellowship Hall.
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Thank you for Changing the World On March 6, 2016, more than 460 people serving on 18 projects rolled up their sleeves and came together to serve people in need in our community. • Refugee outreach served over 600 people at Sunblossom Mountain apartments, with gently used items, games, crafts and refreshments and connecting with new families for future ministry. • Neighbors in Action brought us together with families from the church and community for soccer, food, fun and games, helping us build stronger relationships with one another. • Lifeline teams served lunch, played Bingo and got to know some of our homeless friends, personally, getting to learn about the struggles and joys of their lives and packed lunch for over 600 for the ministry’s daily needs. • Prayer teams on each campus, interceding for the day’s activities and the ongoing missions ministries of First Methodist in Houston and around the world. • Teams served with two of our partner Assistance Ministries, sorting food and clothing for ongoing agency needs. • The high school ministry partnered with adult small groups to build an outdoor stage at the Lifecenter for the Homeless and serve food to the residents. • 56 Ministry assembled 372 snack bags for children at Port Houston Elementary for the STARR test coming up in April. • Packaged homeless survival bags for Wesley Community Center, served lunch and sponsored a dance for 56 of their senior citizens. • Assembled welcome packets for Covenant House Houston for homeless young people coming into the ministry. Thank you for investing your time for this important effort. Thousands of lives will be impacted because of our service together, as God continues to use First Methodist Houston to “Change the World” in His name.
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April 2016
F M HOUSTON
Change
the World Sunday
The Third Day by Dr. Dick Jenkins
raditions T
Easter came very early in 2016. At our house, we had barely gotten the Christmas decorations packed away in the attic before we started putting out the Easter decorations and making preparations for our Lenten journey. Do you know how the date of our Easter observance is determined each year? In 325 the Council of Nicaea established that Easter would be held on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox. From that point forward, the Easter date depended on the ecclesiastical approximation of March 21 for the vernal equinox. This thought occurred to me with regard to Easter—Is it a one-day celebration in your life, or is it an experience or series of experiences that changes the direction of your life? When you read these thoughts, the “Big Day” will have passed, so it is my hope that most sensible people wondered, “What difference did Easter make in my life this year?” With that in mind, let’s recall that the four Gospels report four different perspectives on the Easter occurrence. Also remember that each Gospel was written at a different period of time and was directed to different audiences. Also, while Paul’s experience on the Damascus road does not reference the resurrection itself, it does describe an Easter experience. The power of the resurrection is also demonstrated in the Book of Acts with Pentecost. With these thoughts in mind, let me say that it is my opinion, I don’t have to know exactly how God became manifest in the flesh and dwelt among us, nor do I need to know exactly how the resurrection occurred. That has been argued for centuries and will continue to be argued long after my time on this earth. I’m much more concerned about my commitment to the Golden Rule, to forgiving as I have been forgiven and living by the tenants and principles laid down in Scripture and the ethics thereof. That is why on Easter morning, I can sing with great enthusiasm the last verse of Charles Wesley’s immortal Easter hymn, Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, “Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia; Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia; Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia.“ Can I get an Amen? Or to quote another Easter hymn, words by John of Damascus in the 8th Century, The Day of Resurrection, “Our hearts be pure from evil, That we may see aright, the Lord in rays eternal, Of resurrection light; And listening to his accents, May hear, so calm and plain, His own ‘All Hail!’ and, hearing, May raise the victor strain.” Easter happens when the “third day” comes in our life. It can never happen without all the Good Fridays that life nails us with. Unfortunately, many never get beyond Good Friday. Judas didn’t, but Peter did. If Judas had waited for the Third Day, I believe that the Scriptures would have read differently. I think the writer would have said, “Go tell my disciples, Judas and Peter, that He is risen.” It’s just a thought… 12
Dr. Dick Jenkins is one of several retired pastors adding to the ministry of First Methodist. He April 2016 teaches in our adult education department.
Tuesday Bible Study examines Armor of God On April 19, we will begin a new study, Priscilla Shirer’s, Armor of God. All day, every day, an invisible war rages around you — unseen, unheard, yet felt throughout every aspect of your life. A devoted, devilish enemy seeks to wreak havoc on everything that matters to you: your heart, your mind, your marriage, your children, your relationships, your resilience, your dreams, your destiny. But his battle plan depends on catching you unaware and unarmed. If you’re tired of being pushed around and caught with your guard down, the Armor of God study is for you. The Enemy always fails miserably when he meets a woman dressed for the occasion. The Armor of God, more than merely a biblical description of the believer’s inventory, is an action plan for putting it on and developing a personalized strategy to secure victory. On April 5 and 12 we will view WAR ROOM, a compelling drama with humor and heart that explores the power that prayer can have on marriages, parenting, careers, friendships, and every other area. The movie will be shown in two segments, followed by seven sessions of Armor of God, ending on May 31.
Join the ladies of Let’s Read Book Club The ladies of Let’s Read Book Club invite you to join them at noon the first Monday of each month for a book review. On Monday, April 4, Peg Davis will review Miracles by Eric Metexas. The dictionary defines a miracle as “extraordinary event of divine intervention.” This book examines the compatibility between science and faith. It presents well documented evidence of actual miracles. Carl Sagan wrote “the cosmos is all there is and will ever be.” The book refutes that and talks about direct intervention in people’s lives. Miracles are enlightening, humbling and exciting. Be thinking of your own life and miracles you may have experienced and would be willing to share. In May, Linda Trekell will review The Great Divide by Davis Bunn. An exciting thriller set in NC about an attorney who resigned his high power job to heal after a personal tragedy. He is drawn to the case of a local woman missing after starting to investigate slave traffic in a major corporation. He travels over the world tangled in a web of deceit. In solving the case, he find himself. Join us early for a glass of tea and fellowship.
Church Circle News Church Circle UMW will meet Tuesday, April 12 in Room 211 at First Methodist Houston Downtown. Our meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. Susan Gallman, assistant leader, has an outstanding program planned for us. Mrs. Erika West, UMW vice president, will give an update on the UMW program today. After our program, Jane Thompson, our leader of our circle, will conduct a short business meeting. Please bring your favorite food dish to share with everyone afterwards. Our noon luncheon is most delicious! Come and visit Church Circle! You will receive a blessing. For more information, contact Jane Thompson at 281-499-2100 or 832-264-8001.
Reading Circle News The UMW Reading Circle will meet Tuesday, April 19 at the home of Janet Nolte, 2912 W. Holcombe Blvd. 10 a.m. – Refreshments 10:30 a.m. – Business and Program 11:30 a.m. – Adjourn Circle Leader, Jodie Chambers, will preside. The program will be by our hostess, Janet Nolte. She will present a review of Flunking Sainthood: A Year of Breaking the Sabbath, Forgetting to Pray and Still Loving My Neighbor by Jana Reiss. The Reading Circle meets the third Tuesday of each month and is hosted by Circle members. Visitors are welcome to join us. For more information, contact Ruth Palmer at ruthgp@swbell.net.
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From the beginning, God has loved and cared for this earth. In the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God revealed the depth and power of that love. In times of sorrow, loneliness, victory, defeat, celebration, temptation — whatever happens, He is always close. Join us in worship as we learn to open our hearts and minds to living in the ongoing light of Resurrection and to the mystery and triumph of His transforming presence. For more information, visit www.fmhouston.com/mystery 14
April 2016
Somebody observed that if you listen to the never do’s, it’s never done. The Bible reveals a “can do” God who calls on His people to be a can-do church. As an old gospel song reminds us, there is much to do. There are countless souls to be taught and children to be loved and trained and nurtured. There are lonely and aged and sick and other shut-ins to be visited. There are Bible classes begging for teachers, pews to be filled, discouraged people who need a call or note or a shoulder to cry on. The challenges and work and problems surrounding the church are bigger than we are. No single person can feed all the hungry, help all the hurting, teach all the lost, or deal with all the sin and suffering. There is so much hurt, so much trouble and need — it staggers our minds. All this need can lead to a kind of “analysis paralysis” where the size of the problems and need causes some to wrongly conclude the little they can do won’t make much difference. So, since they can’t do everything, they give up and won’t do anything. Such faithless, stinking thinking increases the role of the “never-dos” who never get anything done. Every now and then, every Christian ought to take a moment and think about Sister Tabitha (also known as Dorcas). This remarkable lady shows up in Acts 9:36-42 where her story is told in less than 200 words. Though not one of the movers and shakers in the book of ACTS (she wasn’t a Peter or a Paul or even a Priscilla), she was anything but a never-do. On the contrary, the Holy Spirit had it written that this disciple of Christ was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did” (niv “always doing good and helping the poor” fmhouston.com
[9:36b]). The text abruptly tells us she died, and when she did the disciples sent for Peter who happened to be in a town close by. Peter came, and “all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which borcas had made while she was with them” (9:39b). Turns out Tabitha made a difference for God and people with a needle! We don’t have space to dig into her story, but we cannot miss the fact she made a difference! Not by helping everyone, but by helping those she could; not by doing everything, but by doing something; not by doing huge things far away, but by doing humble things near at hand. With her needle she sewed herself into the hearts of those around her, and into the Holy Bible! Years ago the Reader ‘s Digest told about an old man walking along the beach at dawn. He noticed a young man ahead of him picking up starfish and flinging them into the sea. Finally catching up with the youth, he asked him why he was doing this. The answer was that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun. “But the beach goes on for miles and there are millions of starfish,” countered the old man. “What difference can your effort make?” The young man looked at the starfish in his hand, and as he threw it to safety in the waves, he said, “It makes a difference to this one.” Sister Tabitha made a difference for the ones she could. She reminds us that while we cannot expect to make a difference for everyone, we can always make a difference for someone — if we will just stay busy doing what we can where we are with what we have. Thanks to all those who are making a difference.
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United Methodist Men News Saturday, March 12, the Methodist Men hosted their monthly breakfast meeting with Rev. Charles Thompson presenting an inspirational keynote talk. Allen Houk gave his always insightful devotional. All Methodist men, ages 12 to 112, are invited to share an extraordinary country breakfast, an inspirational hymn singing and devotional, a great keynote speaker and Christian Fellowship, every second Saturday of the month. Please join us at our next meeting Saturday, April 9.| See you there!
NIA looking for conversational volunteers
What’s happening at NIA THANK YOU to all the First Methodist Houston volunteers who made Family Fun Day at NIA a success! More than100 families from Port Houston came for soccer, food, fun and games. So thanks for helping us build stronger relationships with one another.
Our prayers are becoming a reality for our new community center! We have our concept design ready. All we need to do now is build! YOU can help with this process with your gracious donations. Please keep us in your prayers!
We are looking for an English tutor for some of the Port Houston Moms. These women are well on their way to comprehending English, but just need someone to talk to and learn from. This will be an informal tutoring session, with no curriculum required. If you are interested in a volunteer opportunity with a chance to form a friendship, please email Kaylie Mims at kmims@fmhouston to get started.
NOTABLE QUOTABLE Unless we think of others and do something for them, we miss one of the greatest sources of happiness. - Ray Lyman Wilbur 16
More than 250 Pastors and prayer leaders representing 120 Houston area churches met at the Greater Houston Pastor’s Prayer Summit to pray for unity in the Body of Christ and his ministry in Houston. After 24 hours of prayer for our churches and people, we received Communion together as one body dedicated to serve Christ together. April 2016
A Biblical cruise with the Wendes Dr. Steve and Karin Wende invite you to join them for a biblical cruise with Dr. James Fleming of the islands and ports of St. Paul and St. John. This unique trip, Oct. 29 - Nov. 8, 2016, offers hours of relaxing and sailing the Aegean Sea and Dardanelles Straights — the routes of Paul and John; exploring three of the seven Churches, sitting in the great theaters at Ephesus, Pergamum and Miletus. You will also have the opportunity to hear Dr. Fleming lecture on cruise sites visited, worship, and fellowship – truly a trip of a lifetime. You will have the opportunity to climb Paul’s Mars Hill in Athens, address the Bema Seat at Corinth, walk the shoreline at Phoebe’s Cenchreae, stroll through Paul’s Thessalonica, stand at Lydia’s River at Philippi, visit the impressive highlights of Istanbul, explore the caves of St John at Patmos and visit the quaint Island of Syros. Our group will depart and return from Houston Intercontinental Airport. The cost of the trip is $5,974 per person, based on double-occupancy. Single supplement is an additional $950. A $500 per person deposit is required to reserve your space. For additional information or trip brochure, contact Judy Saenz, 832-668-1836 or jsaenz@fmhouston.com.
Weary in well-doing When the sailing is smooth and there’s not a ripple to overcome, we can drift along with the tide . . . but as the going gets a little rough and our shoulder is needed at the wheel, or our strength is needed to man the oars, then we are sometimes prone to want to abandon the ship. There are many today who “believe for awhile, but in time of temptation, fall away” (Luke 8:13). Like the Israelites, we have a burning tendency to forget God (Jer. 2:32). There are many who once attended classes but who do not now; who once attended Sunday nights but just seem not to get around to it now; who once were steadfast and would not miss a Lord’s day at worship, but now they miss more than they are present. This ought not so to be. It is true we may sometimes face discouragement but remember, “A winner never quits, and quitters never win!” Churches are never harmed so much from without as from within. When members faint and falter and grow weary in well-doing, and withdraw their support physically and financially, then the congregation lacks the cooperation, needed to carry on a full scale work. Babe Ruth struck out 1,333 times! Yet, he is known as the “Home Run King.” Cy Young pitched 511 victories, yet he lost almost as many games as he won! Abraham Lincoln ran for the legislature in Illinois and was badly beaten. He failed at business. He entered politics again and was defeated on four occasions. One bad failure after another but in the face of all this, he became one of the nations greatest men! These men had the quality of stickability! “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; forasmuch as we know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). fmhouston.com
Are you living your faith?
by Ron Thomas
What is faith? Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. The conviction of things not seen—how can that be? It can be this way because those things unseen are in the eternal realm. Those things in the eternal realm we can have conviction about are those things God has revealed (Deuteronomy 29:29). When I think about this, I am encouraged. The other day I heard a young lady say that she wanted to have more purpose in life than just being dropped here—as if it might have been by a stork. More people than you realize might make the same remark. God’s word has revealed man’s purpose (Ecclesiastes 12). Man’s purpose is not exclusively singular. He also has a purpose in trying to make the lives of those around him better (Colossians 3:5-6). He does this by living the gospel message and trying to teach it to others, thus giving them hope, an anchor in a tempestuous sea of despair (Romans 12:1-2).
A PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, Give me the patience to see this day through, in joy and in sorrow to seek after you. Teach me to trust in your loving Son, from the time this day starts until the moment it’s done. Teach me not to murmur, complain or to strive, because only through you am I truly alive. Sometimes it’s not until I wander or stray, that I realize it’s near you I always must stay. So teach me to love you and always be true, from the time this day starts until the moment it’s through.
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Explore Texas history on day trip to Columbus On Wednesday, May 11, we will travel to Columbus, Texas for Bob’s Riverboat Tour which will take us down the Colorado River aboard a pontoon boat as our guide shares the history of the area with us. Then we will visit the 1886 Stafford Opera House, largest flat floored opera house in Texas; Dilue Rose Harris House, historical 1858 home with unusual construction; Mary Elizabeth Hopkins Santa Claus Museum, one of two known Santa Museums in the world with 2,000 Santa’s on display; and the Alley Log Cabin, built in 1836 with oak logs after the original Abram Alley home was burned in the “Runaway Scrape.” We will lunch at your own expense at Schobel’s, around since 1979 and serving the best homestyle cooking, offering a daily lunch buffet which includes three different fresh, hand cut meats, six fresh vegetables, soup and salad bar, and don’t forget their homemade pies! We will leave from the Downtown lobby by County Bus at 8:30 a.m. and return by 4:30 p.m. This great day of history will cost you $30 which includes transportation, boat ride, museum entrance fees and docents. The cost of the lunch is not included. This trip is open to the first 20 people who make reservations, so please save your space early with Judy Saenz, 832-668-1836 or jsaenz@fmhouston.com. Deadline for reservations is Monday, May 2.
Galveston bound on April day trip Wednesday, April 20, we are heading to Galveston to see the Galveston Harbor aboard the Seagull II, visit the Texas Seaport Museum and Elissa, and enjoy waterfront seafood at its best at Fisherman’s Wharf, renowned for the freshest fish and seafood specialties. We will see Galveston Harbor up close aboard Seagull II. Fast, stable and sheltered, the Seagull II was built specifically for harbor sight-seeing excursions and dolphin watching. Knowledgeably narrated tours explore the wide variety of birds and marine life that teem in the Bay. The Texas Seaport Museum is home of the celebrated 1877 tall ship Elissa. Explore the decks of this floating National Historic Landmark. Walk Elissa’s decks and imagine the days when daring sailors challenged the world’s oceans. In the adjacent museum and theater, witness the story of Elissa’s dramatic rescue from the scrap yard and her meticulous restoration. The Texas Seaport Museum also tells the story of a rich legacy of seaborne commerce and immigration. Look for ancestors with a oneof-a-kind computer database containing the names of more than 133,000 immigrants who entered the United States through Galveston, “The Ellis Island of the West.” The Museum’s staff and volunteers will bring the past to life through spectacular exhibits. We will leave from the Downtown lobby by County Bus at 8:30 a.m. and return by 4:30 p.m. Cost of this glorious day in Galveston is $25 which includes transportation, boat ride, museum and Elissa entrance fee and docents. Lunch will be at your own choosing and cost at the Fisherman’s Wharf. There is a minimum number required for the day trip, so please reserve your space with Judy Saenz, 832-668-1836 or jsaenz@fmhouston.com.
On the scene at March’s TGIF at First Game Night! Join us again April 15. 18
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Stay Awake by Brant Wallace He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour?” - Mark 14:37 Thought The story of Peter, James, and John falling asleep while Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane has always intrigued me. Why did they fall asleep? Would we have been able to stay awake if Jesus asked us to? Jesus’ calling to be the loving sacrifice for us was supported by His passionate, deliberate, and focused prayers. The tired and unfocused disciples falling asleep is something I know all too well. Like the disciples, we have been called by Christ. Unlike Jesus, most of us do not engage in passionate, deliberate, and focused prayers. As such, our calling(s) cannot fully realized. The busyness of our businesses and lives seems to stand in the way of our calling to follow Christ. Sometimes, it can lead to our prayer time being placed on the back burner, or cause us to fall into a slumber and not being awake in prayer. However, if we are to fully understand our calling, we need to balance and prioritize time in God’s Word and in prayer. Rather than falling asleep like the disciples, let’s better understand our callings and follow Christ by focusing our time in the Word and in prayer. PrayerFather God, please open our eyes to recognize your calling. Please teach us to see where you are leading us. Through sight, please awaken our ears to hear your voice guiding us. Through guidance, please inspire our minds so that we may comprehend your love for us. Through inspiration and comprehension, please focus our time on your Word and prayer. Through focus, please guard our hearts and guide us to stay awake for and with you. All of this we ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Brant Wallace is a businessman who is active in our church, teaches in our adult education department, and is a member of our Trustees. fmhouston.com
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Noah’s Ark Pool turns 20 years old In celebration of 20 years at Noah’s Ark, Quillian Center will be doing giveaways, fundraising, and even have a birthday party for Noah’s Ark. Quillian Center is also pleased to announce that Noah’s Ark will be undergoing extensive renovations before this summer. The entire Ark, and all surrounding features, will be renovated. With that comes a great cost. Quillian Center has set up a GoFundMe to help alleviate some of the costs of renovating the Ark: www.gofundme.com/quilliancenter We also have a Giving button on our page if you would like to make a donation there. Quillian Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax deductible. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated, and 100% of funds raised will go toward preserving this wonderful pool that has provided Houston families with so many memories.
Put a Smile on a Child - Help with camp scholarships Because of your generosity last summer, Quillian Center was able to provide 28 families a total of 223 scholarship weeks. In total, over $33,000 was given out in support last summer. All of this was possible because you chose to Put a Smile on a Child. All money received helps to provide opportunities for boys and girls to participate in summer activities. These include Quillian Summer Day Camp, youth basketball, Vacation Bible School and swim lessons. A gift of $60 will scholarship a child for one day; $200, one week; $800, one month, or $2,000, the entire summer. For more information about how you can Put a Smile on a Child, contact Tom Gaden at 713-458-4705 or tgaden@quilliancenter.org.
Quillian Center Annual Golf Tournament Monday, May 2
You can help make a difference in the life of a child this summer! Proceeds from the annual Put a Smile on a Child Golf Tournament help to provide opportunities for boys and girls to participate in summer activities including Camp Quillian summer day camp, youth basketball, Vacation Bible School and swim lessons. We are looking for golfers to come out and enjoy a day on the course. Grab your favorite foursome and meet us Monday, May 2 at Sharpstown Golf Course. Each golfer will receive lunch, a goodie bag, and a chance for door prizes. Sponsorships are also available for individual holes, lunch, and more. This is a great way to promote your business while supporting the kids at Quillian Center. For more information, contact Tom Gaden at 713-458-4705 or tgaden@quilliancenter.org.
NOTABLE QUOTABLE
“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It’s not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.” - David Platt
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1. Count your blessings, not your torubles. Other people don’t need your troubles; they have enough of their own. (Malachi 3:10) 2. Live one day at a time. You can control and conquer any sin if you will learn to live one day at a time (James 4:13-15). 3. Learn to say, “I love you.” Break the alabaster box of kindness over as many people as you can (Mark 14:3-6).
6. Pray everyday. Reserve a time in your day to thank God for His blessings and ask for His guidance (Luke 18:1).
11. Fill your life with good. Clean out the trash, and fill your life with good thoughts and deeds (Philippians 4:8).
7. Do at least one good deed each day. Plant the seed of goodness and it will produce after its own kind (Acts 10:3 8).
12. Learn to laugh and cry. More than 70 percent of all physical ills to be overcome if we could learn this (Romans 12:15).
8. Learn to prioritize. All things have a place in life. Keep important things in first place (Matthew 6:33).
13. Learn to practice the happiness habit. Learn to smile, and the world will smile with you (Philippians 4:4).
9. Let nothing bother you. We 4. Learn to be a giver and not let too many little things destroy our peace of mind. We can even a getter. If you’re failing to get allow imaginary things get to us out of life what you want, it is because you are expecting to get (Philippians 4:7). instead of give. (Luke 6:38). 10. Practice the “do it now” habit. The road to hell is 5. See good in everything and everyone. Be a “good” paved with good intentions (II Corinthians 6:1-2). seeker, and not a fault finder. (Matthew 7:1-5).
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14. Learn to fear nothing and no one. Think of your own powers and not your weaknesses. Crowd out fear with faith (Hebrews 11:1-6). 15. Let go and let God take over. The only way to fmd peace and happiness is to let God take control of your life (Psalm 23).
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The Top of our Game by Ken Barnes
Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated. (Deuteronomy 34:7 (NASB) I will turn 70 this month. It’s the big seven-0. But as we move towards the end of our journey, spiritually speaking, should we not still have our vision and passion intact. God did not take his servant Moses from this world in a time of decline. His vision and vigor were as clear and strong as ever. Physically God may not do this for us, but he’s more than able to keep us vibrant spiritually to the end. Professional football players start retiring in their early thirties. Some may make it to the latter part of that decade or some longer. A few go on to become coaches or management people in the sport they love. They never really lose that competitive instinct. Should it be much different for God’s people? Should we ever lose our desire to serve and be useful for His kingdom? Yes, due to physical limitations we may have to change our mode or method of service, but our drive should never wane. Our spirit never grows old. God believes in refiring not retiring. I am praying for myself and all my age that when we pass from this world into the next, we will spiritually be at the top of our game. I am believing God that I will still have the vision to see what he wants to do in and through me and the zeal to see that become a reality. A great philosopher once said, “it ain’t over until it’s over.” Unlike professional football, the game that we play is a matter of life and death and has eternal consequences. 24
Do you have time (not) to pray?
I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day! I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray. Problems just tumbled about me and heavier came each task. “Why doesn’t God help me?” I wondered. He answered, “You didn’t ask” I tried to come into God’s presence and used all the keys at the lock. God gently and lovingly chided, “Why, child, you did not knock.” I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on gray and bleak. I wondered why God didn’t show — He said “But you didn’t seek!” I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day. I had so much to accomplish, that I I HAD to TAKE time to pray. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if His Son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:7-11)
April 2016
honorariums and memorials In Memory Of: Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Ann Sledge Bette Briers Ann Sledge Charles Miller Annie Rae Whisler Bette Briers Bette Briers Charles Miller Charles Miller Charles Miller Dan Wolfe Dorothy Buerger Melinda Gaskill Jack Butler Jack Butler Jack Butler Jack Butler Jack Butler Jack Butler Jack Butler Johnnie Reaves Walter Hopkins Annie Rae Whisler Melinda Gaskill Joyce Wagner Jack Butler Charles Miller Jean Houston Dorothy Buerger Dorothy Buerger Dorothy Buerger Nancy Browne Wehner
Designated Fund: General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry General Ministry Woodward Fund Woodward Fund Woodward Fund Woodward Fund Woodward Fund Woodward Fund Adelphi Fund Adelphi Fund Adelphi Fund Quillian Center
Given By: Emma Callender Mary Carter Esther Estes Clifford Goff Larry Harman Margaret Lam Leezer Agency Inc Philip Mabry Joseph Magers Lisa Ann Makarenko Douglas Smith Margy Taylor Inez Townsend Hunter Werlla Alpha & Omega Class Frances Luna Eleanor Smith John Wiesner William Masters William Masters James Park James Park Dorothy Williams Juanette Sides Margaret Lam Bernard Embrey Jo Hodges Donna Cryer Daniel R Wolfe Sr. Family Trust Dorothy Williams Lucille Massey Sandra Butler Jimmy Crouch Mary N Gladney Ellen W Rienstra Bernard Embrey Mary Jones Carol Tardiff Betty Lawrence Charles Beecher M/M John Woods M/M John Woods M/M John Woods M/M John Woods M/M John Woods M/M John Woods Joyce Johnson Rex King Jerry Newton Byrom Wehner
FIND US ON TV: Sundays live on KUBE-TV, channel 53 (Comcast) and channel 653 (Comcast HD). Dish and Direct TV subscribers will find us on channel 57. Channel 13 (KTRK) carries the sermon portion of the service at 5 a.m., delayed by one week. Radio: KHCB-FM 105.7 on Sundays at 8 p.m. Internet: fmhouston.com Video streaming: fmhouston.com/livestreaming/ By phone: 832.668.1800 (DT) or 713.458.4700 (WC)
PASTOR ON CALL When the church offices are closed, you may dial the “Pastor on Call” and leave your name, a number where you can be reached, and a brief word about the nature of your emergency. The pastor “on call” will return your call as quickly as possible. Pastor on Call: 832.668.1800, option 7
PRAYER REQUESTS If you or someone you know needs prayer, fill out a prayer card at church, call the church office or submit your request through our website. Because of your support, First Methodist Houston provides Stephen Ministers, Good Neighbors, Hospital Visitation, CanCare, AIDS Care and Alzheimers Care. “First Edition” (USPS 015-624) is published monthly for $25 per year by First United Methodist Church, 1320 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002-6803. Phone 832-668-1800. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas and at additional Mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to First Edition, 1320 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002-6803. Website: fmhouston.com
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kidz night out
food truck friday
Community family fun night
Date: Fridays, April 1 and 15 Time: 6-10 p.m. Location: Quillian Center 10570 Westpark, 77042 Contact: 713-781-9195
Dates: April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Location: Downtown Campus 1320 Main Street, 77002 Contact: 832-668-1800
Date: Friday, April 15 Time: 7-9 p.m. Location: Downtown Campus 1320 Main Street, 77002 Contact: 832-668-1800
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let's read book club
Date: Monday, April 4 Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Location: Downtown Campus 1320 Main Street, 77002 Contact: Ruthie Estes 832-668-1861
It’s finally here! Our first digital issue! Check your email inbox for the interactive version of the April issue, including videos, clickable links, searchable content and more!
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April 2016
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First Methodist Houston 1320 Main Street Houston, TX 77002
coming next month VBS and other summer programs for kids
PERIODICAL Dated Material