Insight March 2013
Volume 6 Issue 3
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.
Holy Week Scheduel We invite you to join us in celebrating Holy Week at Williams Memorial UMC.
Palm Sunday
March 24, 8:15am & 10:30am Sunday morning celebration as we prepare our hearts and minds for Holy Week.
Maundy Thursday
March 28, 7:00pm A service of rememberance and reflection with the Choir Cantata and Communion in the Sanctuary.
Easter Egg Hunt
March 30, 11:00am For toddlers through 4th grade are invited to the Easter Egg Hunt. (more info on page 13)
Easter Sunday
March 31, 8:15am & 10:30am Services of celebration in the Sanctuary and Wesley Hall.
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
March Insight
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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: 2
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Open Letters by Danny Wayman
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Angel Quilts Adult Ministry
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Williams Book Club
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Break by Brian Brooks
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Welcome to Williams
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Williams School Walk to Emmaus by Mark Williams
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Childrens Ministry
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Easter Egg Hunt
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Youth Ministry
16 Music and Fine Arts Sermons
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17 Church Pictorial Directory Williams Travelers 18
College Ministry Missions Dance
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UMW Plant Sale
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Open Letters by Danny Wayman A friend of mine, Rev. Eldon Reed, a pastor in the United Methodist Church for more than 70 years, wants to start a movement to celebrate the 275th anniversary of John Wesley’s Aldersgate Experience.
“Heritage” does it make it a thing of the past? Does it mean we think Heritage Sunday is a quaint antique into which we store the church’s pretty dishes? The dishes we look at and admire but never touch or use.
We keep talking about the decline in membership, attendance, and other metrics of health. We try new ways to organize and re-pronounce our mission statement. What my friend suggests is we go back to our roots, a “heart strangely warmed”. We changed Aldersgate Sunday to Heritage Sunday. The British Methodist Church still calls it by that old name, but we changed it to recognize “Otterbein’s and Albright’s experiences of the grace of God”.
My friend suggests that remembering John Wesley’s spiritual awakening should motivate us to awaken our hearts and pray for God to awaken the hearts of all people, today.
I admire the realization we may have many experiences of God’s grace, but if we relegate those experiences to our
My friend recalls a similar emphasis in 1946 brought in more than 800,000 new members. Could this happen again? Could it happen now as we celebrate the 275th anniversary of John Wesley’s assurance of his sins taken away? Will you pray with my friend and others that God will renew us not with the forms of godliness, but the power of God?
“In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate-Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation: And an assurance was given me, that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.” (The Works of John Wesley, Volume 1, page 103, May 24, 1738) Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
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March Insight
Angel Quilts As Angel Quilts starts its thirteenth year there are so many blessings that have come from the ministry with the three sister churches, Williams Memorial Methodist, First Presbyterian Church, and First Baptist Moores Lane. Unbelievably, over 1,000 quilts have been made and distributed in these last twelve years to cancer patients who are going through treatment for their cancer. Prayers are said over these quilts that go to the recipient and continue to bless and heal the patient. The number of quilts distributed is amazing and shows a true dedication on the part of the quilters at each of these churches. Williams Memorial Methodist quilters meet every Tuesday from 2:00 - 4:30pm. Quilters at First Presbyterian and First Baptist Moores Lane meet every Thursday from 9:00am - noon.
was able to make them feel better. Many have said they could not believe that people who do not even know them have taken this much time, skill, and love to make the quilt. Families have written that they were able to wrap up in the quilts their deceased family member had received and were able to feel close to that person. One cancer patient wrote, “People like you gave me strength to fight and know that God is in control.” Through these testaments, all of those who participate in the ministry receive an extra special blessing and they are making a difference as they bring the love of Jesus Christ to a hurting world. We welcome anyone who wants to make this difference, too.
Altogether, there are over forty quilters who contribute to this ministry. The most important part of this ministry is the blessings that have been received by the cancer patients who have received the quilts. Many letters and cards have been received from cancer patients who give a testament of what the quilt, the love, and the prayers have meant to them. Many of the letters testify how the quilt was received on a day that was one of their worst and
Adult Ministries eXtra Years of Zest Come join us every second Thursday at 9:30am in the parlor. “XYZ” shares joy, fellowship fun, games and a meal. W2LEO Widows and Widowers, Let’s Eat Out will only be meeting once a month. On March 12 we are meeting at Cattleman’s at 6:00pm. Please come join us for good food and fellowship! Sowers and Doers Meets every third Tuesday at 10:00am in Room 108. Betty Kelly Friendship Circle Meets every second Wednesday at 10:00am in Room 108 Good Treasures Bridge Club Every Wednesday Night at 6:00pm in the bookstore. Everyone is welcome. Contact John Mercy at 903-832-3852 www.welcometowilliams.org
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.
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Ode To Jim by Harriet Kerr When we moved to Texarkana and got all fixed We joined Williams that was in ‘66. The preacher who welcomed us and became our good friend is right here among us My goodness - it’s Jim! He stayed a good while and drove that yellow Mustang But left when the bells in Houston rang! Harriet Kerr and Jim Garrett at his going away party.
He wandered the conference - then came here when he quit working and now a new move is hastily lurking!
Jim Garrett was the pastor at Williams Memorial from 1965 - 1971. He came back to Texarkana after he retired and has been an active member since. Jim recently moved to Bryan/ College Station, TX in February of this year. His last Sunday here at Williams was February 24th. Jim was a good friend and dear to us all. We wish him the best of luck with his move and will miss him dearly.
We don’t want you to go and we’ll miss you a lot But hope Bryan/College Station Just hits the spot.
Williams Book Club Pick up a copy of David Ebershoff’s sweeping and lyrical book “The 19th Wife” and join the Williams Book Club at noon on March 11, in room 103 to discuss it. “The 19th Wife” tells the story of Ann Eliza Young, who divorced Brigham Young, prophet and leader of the Mormon Church. Expelled and an outcast, Ann Eliza embarks on a crusade to end polygamy in the United States. The story combines epic historical fiction with a modern murder mystery to create a brilliant novel of literary suspense. In April , the book club will be reading Thomas L. Friedman’s “The World is Flat.” 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.
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March Insight
Break by Brian Brooks When I think about March, I think of spring break, or just the word break. Since I have been in ministry for 12 years I have heard from congregants who think because they have served on committees, taught Sunday School for a number of years, or been active in other areas that they have “retired” from church work. They have become, as some call them “pew sitters.” When we took our membership vows or became baptized in the church I don’t remember there being any retirement dates or layoff dates in there. Sometimes when we are involved in ministry we need a break, but only a break. We cannot allow ourselves to take a break from the task that God has put in front of us. We as Christians have to go after the least and the lost. After all we are not called to be pew members, but members in ministry. Sometimes we may think that we do not have anything to share. We might think we have no gifts or graces that can be used to help build up the kingdom of God. Yet, I would argue that we all have gifts that can be used to the glory of God.
We expend far too much energy watching others. The time comes when we have to say, as Noah did in the play, Green Pastures, “I ain’t much, but I’se all I got!” As an old poem, has the squirrel say to the mountain, “If I cannot carry forests on my back, neither can you crack a nut.” Thomas Merton said that “For each one of us, there is only one thing necessary: to fulfill our own destiny, according to God’s will, to be what God wants us to be.” God would never ask why we aren’t like someone else. God’s only question to us would be why we aren’t more fully who we are.
We tend to discount our own gifts and the part that we play in the body. We tend to envy the gifts and roles of others. We may end up resenting what another can do. When we say, “I wish I could do that,” are we denying whatever it is we might have for the good of the body?
Therefore, I say to you today. There are no retirement dates in ministry and we all have to use our gifts and graces to help further the kingdom here in this community. Help us change the world and make a difference. Be involved in your church!
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Williams School OUR GREATEST NATURAL RESOURCE IS THE MINDS OF OUR CHILDREN -WALT DISNEY
Here at the Williams School, we take great pride in the little ones God has given us. We strive daily to stimulate the minds of our students. Glorify God, Inspire Others to Follow Christ, Make Disciples of Jesus Christ
March Insight
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
The Walk to Emmaus by Mark Williams When speaking before The Gleaners Class at WMUMC, I mentioned my recent participation at a “Walk to Emmaus” weekend. I was surprised when a few men and women from the class responded, “De Colores!” They were telling me in two words that they too had completed The Walk. Their faces reflected enthusiasm. So what is The Walk to Emmaus and De Colores? Why does The Walk change lives, bring healing and a new meaning to minds, bodies and spirits? “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 The Walk to Emmaus idea began in Spain in 1944, but it also has strong Texas roots. World War II was winding down and Spain was about to be seized by an apostolic movement called Cursillo. Cursillo was founded in Majorca, Spain, by a group of Catholic laymen. These men were trying to develop effective Christian leaders. (I think I would use the word ‘lights’ rather than leaders). Amazingly, they were able to encapsulate this process into a three-day weekend. Over twenty years, the Cursillo movement matured in Spain. Sometime during this period, the greeting or salutation, ‘De Colores’, emerged as a motto for the Cursillo movement. “De Colores” is a joyful traditional folk song. “De Colores” (in Colors) is to be in God’s Grace.
The Cursillo movement spread to North America in 1957 when the first Cursillo was held in Waco, Texas. All Cursillos were held in Spanish that year. The first English speaking Cursillo was held in San Angelo, Texas. The Protestant denominations became aware of the Cursillo transformation. In 1978, the Upper Room of the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church converted the Roman Catholic program into a primarily Protestant version with the name, The Walk to Emmaus. The Emmaus Reading (Luke 24:13-35) recounts an event three days after Jesus’ crucifixion. Two men were traveling to a village called Emmaus seven miles from Jerusalem. Distraught, they were talking about the turbulence occurring in Jerusalem. “Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures.” Luke 24:27 The two travelers, Cleopas and his friend, went back to Jerusalem and found the eleven disciples. They told them about Jesus’s appearance and his disclosure. On their walk to Emmaus, Cleopas and his friend had been made aware of Jesus’ purpose on earth. This undoubtedly changed their lives. At this point, it might be helpful to refer to some of the current Emmaus literature found at Walk to Emmaus weekends: “The sole purpose of the Emmaus movement is to strength disciples within the ministry of individual congregations.
Emmaus, in partnership with the church, inspires leaders to become more effective and intentional in their ministry.” A person who takes the Walk to Emmaus is called a pilgrim. A pilgrim is a traveler on his/her way to a Holy place. Once again, it is helpful to draw from some of the Emmaus literature: “…people come to the Walk to Emmaus with a variety of needs, having traveled many roads in their pilgrimages of faith. Rarely will you find people at the same place in their faith who have arrived there by the same route. It is equally true that no two persons will be at the same place after three days of common journey during The Walk to Emmaus.” So what was it like, the walk to Emmaus? Our church’s Walk to Emmaus has an East Texas flavor. It is held at a beautiful encampment bordered
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March Insight
by pines and a big lake. The participants dress casually. There is solemnity, prayer, laughter, song and joy all wrapped in a regional twang. Cellphones are discouraged and that in itself will cause reflection. During the three-day weekend there are fifteen talks given by lay people and clergy. The talks are frank and revealing; I saw myself in some of their stories. I was never uncomfortable. I can’t sing a lick and I was even comfortable when we were all singing. How do they manage that? I came back a changed person. I better understood my life’s journey. I realized that Christians, although from different walks of life, are similar in their sins. I felt love and reconciliation. I felt at peace.
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This will sound strange, but I will compare The Walk to Emmaus to something beautiful and unexplainable, like making a turn on a mountain trail and being surprised by an unexpected waterfall. Like many Walk to Emmaus pilgrims, I was able to get a glimpse of heaven. There is a responsibility though that comes with The Walk to Emmaus. There are many teachers, helpers and encouragers in the classroom, chapel and behind the scenes at these Walks. Hopefully each pilgrim will benefit from their efforts and return to his/ her community eager to utilize this understanding and newfound confidence. For me, once I completed my Walk, I felt a need to be more expressive in my Christian walk. There are excellent mentors
at our region’s Walk to Emmaus and I found them to be helpful discussing ideas about our church’s Community Café, our Men’s Ministry and discipleship. Already some of these teachers (from other communities) have given their time for needs at our church. Across the world, an estimated 350 Emmaus communities have been established with over a half a million pilgrims attending a Walk each year. Does a Walk to Emmaus interest you? I hope it does. Please contact me. I would like to be your sponsor. Mark Williams 903-278-1373. There are two men’s Walks and two women’s Walks each year. De Colores!
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Childrens Ministry
SCHEDULE & MENU March 3rd – Tacos BZ bowling (JYF) March 10th - No Activities (Spring Break) March 17th – No Activities March 24th – Chicken (BZ) March 30th - Easter Egg Hunt 11:00 March 31st - Easter Sunday (No Activities)
Vacation Bible School July 21-25, 2013 It is going to be a fun year at VBS and we hope you will join us. If you are interested in being a VBS director please contact Sue Camp at 903-832-8663 or email suecamp32@gmail.com
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March Insight
Easter Egg Hunt at Williams Memorial UMC WHERE: Williams Memorial UMC WHEN: Saturday March 30 at 11:00 am WHO: for toddlers - 4th grade Separate hunting areas will be designated for Toddlers, Preschool, and Elementary. We will be starting at 11:00 am sharp!
Don’t forget your Easter egg basket! Easter worship services on March 31 8:15 & 10:30 am (Sanctuary) 10:30 am (Wesley Hall)
2nd & 3rd grade Bowling Party! When: March 3 Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm Meet: Williams Memorial UMC Cost: $10.00 Don’t forget your socks! We will eat dinner at Holiday Bowl. Parents who are driving: Rosemary Warren, Andrea Warhurst, Carri Jumper, Hannah Brooks, Traci Gatlin, Jennifer & Ronnie Butcher www.welcometowilliams.org
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
Youth Ministry What do trampolines, kickball, free throws, missions, Easter, worship, Toby Mac, and basketball all have in common? All this and more is what’s in store for the youth in March 2013. For more to sign up or find out more information about these events check out our website williamsstudentministry.org/events on your desktop or wmumcimpact.org on your smart phone or tablet.
Upcoming Schedule 3/3 - Sunday Night Youth -Jr High Trampoline Park, Sr High Kickball/Capture the Flag 3/6 - Wednesday Small Groups - Your Will Be Done 3/10 - Sunday Night Youth- Winter Jam 3/13 - Spring Break (No Youth) 3/17 - Spring Break (No Youth) 3/20 - Wednesday Small Groups - Worship Night 3/24 - Sunday Night Youth - Free Throw for Missions 3/27 - Wednesday Small Groups - (Holy Week Experience) 3/28 - Holy Thursday Service 3/31 - Easter Sunday (No Youth)
What happened in February? Pictures usually tell it best.
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March Insight
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Williams Memorial United Methodist Church
March 2013 Sermons & Scripture March 3, 2013 Third Sunday in Lent Isaiah 55:1-9 Psalm 63:1-8 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 Luke 13:1-9
March 10, 2013 Fourth Sunday in Lent
Music and Fine Arts The Holy Thursday service will be at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Members of our Williams Youth who are graduating seniors will present the scripture and drama, Chancel Choir will offer music and Communion will be served. This will be a special service that reminds of the incredible gift salvation is, as we live out our own salvation every day of our lives. Easter Sunday the Chancel Choir will sing for the 8:15 and 10:30 am services. Our Brass group will play as well.
Joshua 5:9-12 Psalm 32 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
March 17, 2013 Fifth Sunday in Lent Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm 126 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8
March 24, 2013 Palm/Passion Sunday Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Luke 19:28-40 Philippians 2:5-11
March 28, 2013 Holy Thursday
Exodus 12:1-14 Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17, 31b-35
March 29, 2013 Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13–53:12 Psalm 22 Hebrews 10:16-25 John 18:1–19:42
March 31, 2013 Easter Sunday
Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 John 20:1-18
Good Treasures Bookstore
25 % off
one regular price item Excludes consignments and food
Bookstore Hours
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Sunday 8:30 am - 10:30 am Expires March 31, 2013
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March Insight
Church Pictorial Directory This summer we will be publishing a new church Pictorial Directory! We want to make this easy for everyone so we are giving you options. You may choose to submit your own family picture via email or come get your picture taken by our photographer on any Sunday in April. To submit a family photo please email your photo to Jennifer Day at wmumcdirectory@gmail.com with the following information: names of all family members, home address, primary phone number, and an email address is optional. The deadline to submit a picture is May 1st.
17 Pastoral Staff Danny Wayman - Senior Pastor danwayman@gmail.com - 903-278-6120 (cell) Sherri Waters - Associate Pastor 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)
Attention Williams Travelers! On August 7th, we are planning a special trip to see “South Pacific” at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock. Tickets are $31 plus the cost of transportation. Your ticket includes the show and a meal. We have a limited number of reservations available, so let us know that you want a seat now! If we get enough people going, we will be able to reserve more tables. Sign up in the Welcome Center to join us on this fun outing!
RECAP: South Pacific Musical August 7th Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock, AR Tickets $31
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
College Ministry February was an engaging month for our Sunday School class. We finished The Five Love Languages book study and have put those languages in to action. Not only has our class grown spiritually but also in numbers. We’re always looking for more members, so don’t be shy! Come on in for a fun lesson focused on what’s important to you. We will be choosing our next study very soon. If you would like your opinion heard, all you have to do is join us! Join us at Community Café on April 8 when we will be preparing and serving the meal. If you would like to assist us, email me at laila41589@gmail.com. There will be sign-up sheets at the Welcome Center desk throughout March for our outreach fundraising dinner, Party through the Decades, on April 11. Childcare will be provided for ages 4 and under, by reservation only. If you plan on attending, you need to sign up soon. Don’t miss out on a night of entertainment and delicious food!
Party through the Decades
April 11th in Wesley Hall at 6:00pm $18 suggested donation Come reminisce about your college years and “party through the decades” at the college ministry fundraiser! There will be good music, good food and great company! Sign up today at the Welcome Center desk.
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March Insight
UMW Plant Sale April 6, 2013 9:00 am - 3:00 pm located in church parking lot The annual spring Plant Sale sponsored by the Betty Kelly Friendship Circle will be held from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm on April 6th in our church’s front parking lot. There will be baskets, pots, hanging plants and beautiful annuals sold in flats. Profits from the sale will be donated to local and world wide missions like: Domestic Violence Prevention Center, Williams Memorial Youth Ministries, Society of St. Stephen and United Methodist Committee on Relief.
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4000 Moores Lane Texarkana TX 75503 903.832.8663 welcometowilliams.org