Insight January 2013
Volume 6 Issue 1
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.
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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January Insight
Submitting an Article 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!
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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 March Insight, the deadline is the first Friday in February. Submissions may be edited for space or used in other locations such as website or e-news.
Inside this Issue:
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Welcome to Williams
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Do Not Fear
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The New Year
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Childrens Ministry
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Adult Ministry
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Williams School Youth Ministry
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Mid Winter
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College Ministry
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Williams Book Club
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Sunday School Music and Fine Arts
16 Sermons
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Staff List
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DYT - Oliver
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Do Not Fear by Danny Wayman Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. - Isaiah 43:1b Do you ever get that tingling feeling on the back of your neck when your hairs stand on end and you feel someone is watching you that you cannot see? Fear of the dark and the unknown is common to all of us. We are a fear-filled people. The Bible often reminds us to not fear. God calls us by name. God redeems us. We belong. We have nothing to fear. Knowing these truths and living these truths are not the same thing. Living without fear does not mean we ignore the evil and the hurt around us in this world. Evil does exist and we are called to resist evil and injustice wherever we find it. In the midst of this uncertain world we can have certain faith in God. We trust God. Fear is driven out by trust. See you in worship in this new year.
LET YOUR
FAITH
BE BIGGER THAN YOUR
FEARS
How to Share Your Faith Jan 27, Feb 10, and Feb 17 5:00pm in room 103 Sharing our faith with another person is a great privilege. Sometimes we are afraid to speak because we think we might say the wrong thing. This three-week class will cover the basics of Faith Sharing and ways to help others find a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Pastor Danny will teach this course on simple ways of sharing our faith. We will meet at 5:00pm in Room 103. The class will be held on three Sunday evenings: January 27, February 10, and 17, 2013.
Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
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January Insight
The New Year by Brian Brooks If you have been reading my articles I would imagine that you know what I am going to write about this month. When I think about January or the New Year I think about resolutions. I imagine that you think about New Year’s resolutions too.
I am sure your life is like mine, and that good things happen every year, but there are also some bad things that happen every year. You might have lost your job, lost a family member, or the kids might be struggling in school.
The thing is, it is also a new year in the church. It is during the first week of January that we calculate the entire ministry we have done in the previous year and turn it into the conference.
Whatever it is, I want you to know that as you start this new year, Jesus Christ is walking right there beside you, through the joy and the sorrow, through the pains and the triumphs. Whatever may happen, whatever New Year’s resolutions you make, Jesus is right there with you. As we start this New Year I hope you will join me in making a resolution to God that in all things we will praise God and glorify God’s name. May we all find the peace that comes from God to tackle whatever may come before us. Have a great year and may the peace of God be with you all.
For me in the past, when I was serving my small churches, it was a time to reflect on what had gone well and what had not as I finished up the reports. It can be a time of joy and sorrow as you reflect on what has happened in your life in the previous year.
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Children’s Ministry What is Alive@Five? Alive@Five is our Sunday evening program for children ages 4 through 5th grade. You can bring your children at 5:00 on Sunday evening and pick them up at 7:00. They will have a meal, Bible lessons, crafts, music and games for your children.
Story Time – 4 and 5 year olds and 1st graders Bible Zone – 2nd and 3rd graders Bible Basics – 4th Graders JYF (Junior Youth Fellowship) – 5th Graders For more info, email Sue Camp at suecamp32@gmail.com.
schedule and menu January 13th - Pizza, Parent’s meeting 5:00 in Chapel January 20th - No Activities (School Holiday) January 27th - Tacos (JYF)
Parent Meeting Drop off your kids at Alive @ 5 then head over to the chapel for a parent meeting at 5:00pm on January 13th. See you there!
Kids Sunday School Crib – Room 202 1 year olds – Room 204 2 year olds – Room 208 3 year olds – Room 226 4 year olds – Room 224 Kindergarten and 1st grade – Room 205 2nd and 3rd – Room 209 4th & 5th grade – Room 215 Impact Student Ministries Junior High Impact Student Ministries Senior High
Confirmation Confirmation is an important time in the lives of our youth. Every year our 6th graders come together to learn about the history of the church, what it means to be a Methodist, and the basics of the Christian faith. Confirmation is more than lessons, facts, and history. It is when our youth learn who they are in Christ and learn how to trust him more fully with their lives. This year our Confirmation starts on January 27th. Students will meet at 4 p.m. in room 103. When students finish their class at 5 p.m. they will join the Youth in the Youth Center for their evening activity from 5-7 p.m.
Classes will culminate in a Confirmation Retreat the weekend of April 5th. This is a time the students can ask more questions, have one on one time with a pastor, and draw closer as a group. The Confirmands and their families will be honored at a special dinner and rehearsal on Friday April 19th. Confirmation Sunday will follow April 21st, as students will be recognized at the 10:30 a.m. Sanctuary service. If you have any questions about Confirmation or how to get your child involved please contact the church office.
Classes will once again be taught by Roger and Susan Waldrep, with special Sundays taught by Pastor Wayman and Pastor Broooks. Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
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January Insight
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 catered meal. We will be looking for you...
W2LEO
Windows and Widowers, Let’s Eat Out will meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Get your name added to the mailing list. Call Larry Walker at 903-832-5129.
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.
www.welcometowilliams.org
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Williams School Happy New Year from the Williams School! We are proud of the accomplishments our students and staff have achieved in 2012 and look forward to the high standards we plan to meet in 2013. One might ask… What is it that makes the Williams School a school of Excellence? Evidence below shows our effectiveness in preparing our children academically for kindergarten, but I would say that is only one component to our formula for Excellence. The Williams School is committed to the development of the “whole” child. We provide experiences for our children to help them grow and mature intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, physically, morally, and socially. We strive to develop each child’s thinking and problem solving skills to mold all into life-long learners.
Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
January Insight
www.welcometowilliams.org
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
It’s a New Year! Happy 2013! Before you jump straight into all that these upcoming 365 days have in store I want you to remember, and take a moment to answer these questions:
What is one thing you did for the first time this past year? Who is a new friend you met this past year? How did you take one step closer to God this past year? Now, think about this upcoming year.
What are you looking forward to most? What’s keeping you from taking another step closer to God? Who is someone you can reach out to this coming year? I pray that you will take time to reflect, remember, and thank God for all 2012 held. I hope you will then take time to pray that he will lead you into 2013.
Simply Sr High and Just Jr High For the Spring of 2013 we are going to begin splitting up our Jr High and Sr High groups on Sunday Nights. We will generally come together for a meal, and then the Jr High will go do their thing, and Sr High will do something different. Both groups may stay at the church or one group may be offsite. Splitting up each week means we are going to need adults who can help out each and every week. If you are willing to do so please let me know.
January Youth Schedule
1/09 1/13 1/16 1/19 1/20 1/23 1/27
Wednesday Night Youth Sunday Night Youth Wednesday Night Youth (Saturday) Youth Council Day Sunday Night Youth Wednesday Night Youth Sunday Night Youth
We want your input on what these Sunday Nights should consist of. Do you have something we did last year that you really want to do again? Is there a place you want to go or something you want to try? Let us know!
Mid Winter Attention all 7-12 grade youth! Mid Winter is your chance to have tons of fun, hear great speakers, be led in awesome times of worship, and meet great friends. Mid Winter is February 22-24, 2013 at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, Tx. We will leave as soon as possible after school on Friday the 22nd, and return around 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. The cost for this trip is $105 and scholarships are available. Forms can be downloaded from our website or picked up in the youth center. Please turn in your money and form by Sunday January 20th. Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
January Insight
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Youth Pics
Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
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January Insight
College Ministry What Has Been, What Will Be? What Has Been Over the past year so many wonderful things have happened in the area of College and Young adult ministries. We adopted the name of Open Arms for our college ministry. We want everyone to know that, whether you need someone to hang out with, or to talk to, or just a place to be who you are, this is the place for you. We began helping with Community Cafe. Every week a few of us gather up on Monday Nights to help cook, serve, clean up, and work the food pantry. We follow this up by going to eat, or having pizza in and hanging out afterwards. We sent out care packages. Last semester our college students, far and away, were reminded that they are remembered and loved as a package of food and fun appeared in their mailbox. These care packages remind those at home, and those far away, that they are always welcome, and thought of by our Open Arms college ministry. We began a Sunday school class for our College and Young Adults. This class meets every Sunday at 9:30 and is a place for all those college and young adults to meet with others, share their stories, and dive in to God’s word.
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What Will Be So what will be for 2013? What new ideas, thoughts and opportunities are in store for Open Arms this next year? Well that’s up to you. Join us on Monday Nights or Sunday Mornings and become part of this exciting ministry. Special Thank You Thank you to all those who donated items, tracked down addresses, packed boxes and helped in any way to get the care packages sent off. We couldn’t have done it without you.
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Sunday School Classes Start the new year off with a resolution to improve your relationship with God! Join a Sunday School class at 9:15am every Sunday morning. We have classes for every age group and taste, and we definitely have a place for you! Here are some descriptions of the Sunday School classes from their members. Christian Adult: We are a small class of men and women in their 70s, 80s and 90s. We have had the same teacher for forty or more years, Mr. David Harrel. The class members are fun-loving and warm, close friends as well as classmates. They enjoy games and class parties during the year. We are always ready to receive new members and extend an invitation to all seniors to come try us – you’ll like us! (Room 104) College and Young Adults “Open Arms”:
This teaching will focus on God’s plan for your life. (Room 132)
Fellowship: This class is a learning fellowship comprised of 30s and up, but we welcome new members of all ages. We have great and livelily discussions of Biblical and social topics with a fun exchange of ideas. (Room 103-105) Friendship: A diverse small group fellowship which studies the bible and other literature in order to grow in faith. (Room 130) Gleaner’s Class: A dynamic fellowship for “empty nesters” many of whom are enjoying becoming grandparents. Join us for our class or for our quarterly get-togethers. Joined in Christ: This class is designed for young couples who want to relate their Bible study to building relationships to God and their families. (Room 133) Joy Class:
Women of all ages that offers Bible study, discussion and encouragement.
New Beginnings: The Word of God shared through a variety of teachers, lively discussion, history, insight, compassion and humor. (Room 111-113) New Horizons Class: Married and singles in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s focused on dynamic Christian studies with an emphasis on family and living a Christian life in today’s society. We are fun, spunky and unpredictable. (Room 109) TNT: Action-oriented class that enjoys the challenge of being compassionate in today’s society. Our projects include the church food pantry, helping the college class, and spreading the spirit of Christ from Williams to our community. Come help us in our mission of bringing fun and joy to the Christian world. (Room 107) Upper Room: A small group of older women. We sing, pray and study the scripture. (Room 106)
Williams Book Club Make one of your New Year’s resolutions to read more fine literature. Join a great group of readers on the second Monday of every month and share your thoughts on the book of the month. For January, we are reading “Where God Was Born” by Bruce Feiler, who takes readers on a heart-racing adventure to the frontlines of Israel, Iraq, and Iran and discovers an unexpected source of hope. Pick up your copy of this powerful, inspiring story at the Good Treasures bookstore and then join in the discussion at 12:00 on January 8th. In February, we will be reading “Shadow Divers” by Robert Karson. Keep an eye on the Insight to find out what book we’re reading next.
Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
January Insight
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Music and Fine Arts January 2013 Scripture and Sermons
January 6, 2013
Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 January 13, 2013
Baptism of the Lord Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17 Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 January 20, 2013
Second Sunday after Epiphany Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalm 36:5-10 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 John 2:1-11
Wesley Covenant Prayer Lord, I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed for thee, or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen As surely as John Wesley found a place of service in England and in America, we each can find a place for service. After time in prayer, asking God where you are needed, please find one of the pastors or staff to see where your gifts can best be used to God’s glory. Together, we are the church. As this New Year begins, there is a beginning again for programs in the church. We start choirs, bells, dance, altar preparation, and prayer ministries. There is a place for anyone who seeks a place of service in the church. We begin each year with singing Wesley’s Covenant Prayer. I invite you to join us. Choir practice is held on Wednesday evenings 7:00pm8:30pm Child care is provided. Please come and sing God’s praises.
January 27, 2013
Third Sunday after the Epiphany Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Luke 4:14-21
Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
January Insight
17 Pastoral Staff Danny Wayman - Senior Pastor danwayman@gmail.com - 903-278-6120 (cell) Sherri Waters - Music and Fine Arts sherriwaters7@gmail.com - 903-278-0499 (cell) 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) Jennifer Day - Communications Director jenday212@gmail.com - 903-277-3925 (cell) Jolena Hays - Business Administrator jolenahays@gmail.com - 903-293-8726 (cell) 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
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Mindy Zwirn - Admin. Assistant mindymoon@gmail.com - 310-871-8678 (cell)
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Gray and Blue with Glimmers of Gold The Downtown Youth Theater will be auditioning for its Spring production “Oliver!” this month. “Oliver!” is a musical adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel “Oliver Twist”. It follows an orphan boy on his search for home and family, through his adventures with a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by an elderly mentor. “When I think of Dickens, I always think of blue and gray and then gold, because it’s always a shaft of sunlight falling into a dark world,” said Forrest Garrett, the director of the Downtown Youth Theater. “The Victorian age was such a time of poverty and repression that when you look at it, it seems a dark and dismal place. But Dickens always brings a ray of sunlight through the cloudy sky, and you can always see gleams of hope and wonder.” When Forrest Garrett founded the Downtown Youth Theater in 2006, he began with a Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol.” He feels that “Oliver!” has a great lesson to teach to our community. “Oliver is about a poverty stricken orphan boy who is incorporated into a gang of thieves on the street. But you see kindness among the thieves. You see that, across the lines, there are good people and bad people, and people that are both.” With a wide cast of characters, “Oliver!” will have places for all kinds of actors. The Downtown Youth Theater holds open auditions, and offers a place in the cast to every auditioner. The auditions are easy for first-timers and fun for veteran actors. Anyone who wishes to audition for the show will need to come to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, and only needs to bring themselves. The Downtown Youth Theater is a ministry that builds community. The directors and crew of the DYT try to teach the cast members valuable interpersonal skills. Forrest feels that ministries that give something to the community are more important now than ever. “In these times, as we face people’s uncertainty about their economic future, we need to look around through what we think might be overwhelming situations and see things like “Community Café” at Williams Memorial and the community meals at St. Luke’s. Auditions are scheduled for January 30 – February 2. Check the Sunday bulletin for exact times, or check out the Downtown Youth Theater on Facebook for updates on all of our shows.
Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
January Insight
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4000 Moores Lane Texarkana TX 75503 903.832.8663 welcometowilliams.org