Connexion E-News FUMC Taylor 12/2/2016

CONNEXION E-NEWS FUMC TAYLOR, DECEMBER 2, 2016

Sunday, December 4, 2016
Second Sunday in Advent
9:30 Sunday School (Children and Adults)
10:30 Worship Traditional with Communion, followed by a Cantata

We are beginning the final countdown to the end of 2016. What a year it has been and continues to be. For some of us, the year has been a great blessing with many joyful things and people to celebrate. For others, the year has been challenging, with perhaps financial difficulties, loss of a loved one, or some other substantial life change. But isn’t that the very thing we call life, we have moments of joy and seasons of challenges and opportunities. Our happiness of today can quickly fade away and replaced with sorrows and regrets of tomorrow or vice versa. But regardless of where we are in the journey, take time to give thanks to God for who we are, the people in our life, and the circumstances that surround us. It is always important to celebrate the joyful moments in life, regardless of how little or small we think they may be, as there will be plenty of other times to dwell in the disappointments and challenges of life. As someone once said, life is not something to be discovered but something to be experienced. In this season of Advent, may we be reminded of the hope and peace that we all await, in not only celebrating the birth of the Christ child on Christmas, but also in the fulfillment of the eschaton, and a new world created.

This past Sunday, our message from Matthew 24 was to keep awake to not only a future return of Christ, but also to God’s presence in our lives with blessings and missional opportunities. This week our message will come from Matthew 3:1-12. It is Communion Sunday and our second week in Advent. For some of us, this is our last opportunity to take communion in 2016. My hope is that we will take the time in the coming days and reflect on how God has blessed us and what opportunities in life we have been presented with as we continue to journey with God. And on Sunday, when we come to the Lord’s Table, come with a contrite and open heart, repent of our sins, and be open to the possibilities that God can use us to change the world. This coming Sunday, we will also have a cantata during the 10:30 Worship Service.

By the way, how 'bout them Dallas Cowboys! 11-1 for the season! :)

God’s blessings. See you Sunday!

Sela

Member Spotlight
December 2, 2016

Megan Moss

Megan Moss has lived all her life in Taylor, and as a member of First United Methodist Church of Taylor. Her immediate family includes her mom and dad, Brad and Belinda Moss, and her sister, Amanda, who is married and lives in New York. Her fondest memories of childhood are of visiting her papaw, SR Moss, and mamaw’s house, watching movies and doing art projects with them.

Her biggest influence in the church has been her papaw, SR Moss. He has inspired her with his faithful attendance and dedication. She loves the fact that everyone at church is friendly with each other, and knows each other. “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place” is her favorite hymn because she likes the music behind it and it sticks with her. She wishes we would sing that hymn more often.

Megan is a senior at Taylor High School this year. Along with the usual high school subjects, she has studied art for years, and also took a course in graphic design, which sparked her interest in pursuing graphic design as her career. Her hidden talent is drawing, which she does with any spare moments she has. Her favorite type of art is black outline drawings with Sharpies which was the technique she used on her favorite project of a tree with a swing and a man sitting in the tree.

Next year, she will enter the University of North Texas in Denton, and plans to study communication, focusing on graphic design. Her dream job would be to become a graphic designer and design logos and advertising that people see everywhere. She would prefer to work for a graphic design company because she would enjoy the greater variety of projects she could accomplish.

While in high school, Megan has enjoyed spending time with her friends, and learning new things. Her friends say that Megan looks out for them, and is smart because she knows the answers to the questions her teachers ask. She is also funny and can tell a really good story. Her caring nature shows in many ways, but especially in her participation in many community service projects. She gives of her time most generously, working for three community service organizations. Those three are Interact, which is a Rotary Club for high school students, National Honor Society, and Silver Cords, which is THS’s community service group. In Silver Cords, you pledge to do 160 hours of community service during your high school years. Megan is the Creative Officer for Interact and is the historian for NHS. Her favorite service projects are those when you interact with people such as the Kiwanis Club Pancake Supper because it is more personal, and she has done many projects that involve cleaning up a street or park in Taylor.

She also has participated in the High Steppers, THS’s dance team, for all four years of high school. She began dancing when she was little, studying mainly jazz. Her favorite type of dance now is creepy dance which is dark and tells a story. The most fun she’s ever had was to attend High Stepper camp. She admits it was a very stressful experience especially because they rose at 6 a.m. and went to bed at 3 a.m. for three days straight, but was fulfilling and a lot of fun working with her team and getting to know their strengths.

High Steppers also gave Megan the opportunity to become a stronger person. Last year, the director of the High Steppers was very challenging for her to work with, and Megan learned to push through the hard times and not give up. She was able to ignore the bad things, and continue on to a better year this year.

And in the midst of all those volunteer activities, Megan also puts in time at the family store. Something everyone may not know is that Megan started working for her mom and dad when she was in the 5^th grade. Work days at the store may include anything from taking cash to wrapping gifts to filing.

With all her varied activities and hard work, next year is sure to be a great success for Megan. We will be looking forward to visits back home so that we can hear of her adventures!

Written by Robin McKinley

First United Methodist Church of Taylor
1876 to 2016

Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Theme of our float: Church of Light and Love

We are creating a beautiful church with colorful stained-glass windows on all sides. It is going to be spectacular!

Thank you so much for your help and prayers.
Frieda Isbell
512-352-6042
708 Debus Drive (Debus Drive intersects the west end of Lake Drive.)

Due to inclement weather, we will not be participating in the parade scheduled for Saturday, December 3, 2016. We will email and text (You will only receive a text if you have signed up through the Reminder text service for our church. Instructions below.) with any updates.

Thank you

It's time to order your Poinsettias

The cooler weather is a good indication that winter will be here soon and Christmas season will be here before we know it. Again, this year you can purchase a beautiful poinsettia ordered from Down Home Ranch. By ordering a poinsettia, you help to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. You may also indicate if your plant is in Honor of or In Memory of a loved one.

You may take your poinsettia home after the Christmas Eve service or leave it at the church.

Poinsettias is $15 each.
Please include your payment with the order form and return to the office or place in the offering plate.

Deadline is December 12th.

Don Hughes
Paula Jackson
Charlotte Underwood
Steven Lee
Florence Finn
Carolyn Briggs
Melissa Hill
Charles Chenault
Vera Schwartz
Jamie Avery
Mary Pearl Sutton
Jamison Family
Elissa Ray
Daniel Family
Suzie Barber
Carol Bullion
Reid Williamson & Family
Harry Richardson Family
Jack Winterrowd Family
Terry Dyer and Family Homebound
Fred Switzer
Florence Finn
Edna Cowan
Paula Douglass
Corene Dodson
Millie Whittington
Betty Ashworth
Sarah Schwartz

*Names will remain on the Prayer List for 6 weeks unless requested otherwise.

The community food pantry of Taylor is running low and is in need of canned goods. Please bring them to church on Sunday or during the week. We will collect your donations and deliver them at the end of the month.

Thank you everyone for your generous giving!

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

SUNDAY
We will be studying Advent.

Children’s Sunday School classes include Nursery (ages 0-2), Preschool (ages 3-5), Elementary (ages K-5th), Middle School and High School.

Children’s Church is during the 10:30 a.m. service.

TUESDAY
Children’s Ministry Program from 6-7pm.

MOTHER'S DAY OUT

This week we will be discussing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and continue learning about the meaning of Christmas as well as childhood fun.

Our Bible story will be the story of An Angel Visiting Mary –

Luke 2:1-7

Our Christmas Program will be December 8^th and we will be performing our songs for FUMC congregation on December 11^th at the 10:30am Service.

YOUTH MINISTRY
We are growing and we want you to come grow with us. We meet in the Youth Room each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and we are in the process of holding weekly gatherings.

We are currently seeking a Director of Youth Ministry. If you're interested or know someone who may be interested, please visit our webpage for a job description and requirements. Thank you

Sunday School Class Lessons

The Mighty Mini Methodists (3-4yr.) – Fruit of the Spirit
Elementary & Youth Groups – Fruit of the Spirit
The Builders (Adults with Rev. Bob Walker) –The Journey, Walking the Road to Bethlehem
The New Horizons (Adults with Lisa & Mitch Drummond) - The Wired Word
New Adult Class (Rev. Sela Finau, substitute) –
Do you feel called to lead an Adult Sunday School class? If so, contact Pastor Finau.

Weekday Lessons
Monday, 9:15 a.m. Meets in the Fellowship Hall. Currently discovering the Book of Acts.
Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Meets in various homes and church. This group will reconvene after the first of the year.

Children program at church. Tuesdays, 6-7:00 P.M. Contact Blythe Cavender for more information.

Goal: 100% of Members Involved in Bible Study!

Christmas Float
Many thanks to Frieda Isbell for sharing her gifts and talents with us. We are so blessed to have Frieda a member of our church family. Thank you Frieda for your dedication and hard work.

Angels
If you didn't think angels can be made, think again. Or better yet, come out to the front church lawn and just see for yourself. The 3 beautiful angels is not only an appropriate attraction in our neighborhood, but representing of who we are as a church -- the many living, breathing, working, and giving human angels of First United Methodist Church. During this holy season, consider being an angel to someone in need. Thank you Mike and Frieda for sharing your blessing by creating the huge and spectacular angels for everyone to enjoy and be blessed.

Financial Peace University
A very special thank you to Mitch Drummond for his commitment and leadership in hosting and teaching the Financial Peace University to members from our community. I sat in this past Tuesday evening since it was their last class (not to mention they also had pizza), and did I time it right or what. The Financial Peace University guru Dave Ramsey talked about the importance of tithe and offering to our local church. Most of the things he said I already knew but I needed a reminder, and perhaps you do too. But one of the things that Ramsey talked about was on the concept of holding on to money. The more tightly we hold on to money the more fear we gain. The myth that we will gain wealth is just not true. Even if we were to gain wealth, we will not have financial peace. If we hold money with an open hand it allows more to come in and leave out, while at the same time give us financial peace. Giving turns us into more of a servant and we'll stand a better chance of prosperity, happiness, and good stewardship of God's blessings.

By the way, did you know that we're Asset Managers for the Lord? God has entrusted us with the money we have. We are not the owners. The question for us is, how are we using it? As a church, we are called to take care of the orphans, widows, single parents, and families and individuals in need without judgment. And when we give, may we not hold any motives or expectation of returns.

Tithe is our first fruits or 10% of our gross income. Anything over 10% is our offering.

Christmas Decorations
Thank you everyone who helped to decorate our church for Advent and Christmas. The church looks beautiful.

Anniversary Celebration
Many thanks to Marsha Beckermann and Debi Tucker for coordinating and planning our 140th Anniversary. Special thanks to our fishermen, especially Raymond Beckermann, for your fishing skills and making sure we have plenty of fish for our luncheon on Saturday. Thank you to Mitch Drummond who put together our slideshow. Thank you to all our cooks. Thank you to Shirley Ball for her endless help. Thank you to all of you for showing up and helping and supporting our 140th Anniversary Celebration. We are all blessed because of you.

Canned Food Drive
Many thanks to everyone who have been contributing to our canned food drive. Your generosity is very much appreciated.

Anonymous Donations
Thank you so much for the anonymous donations to help those in need. I am truly grateful for your generosity and humility and sharing your blessing with others..

Keep Our Earth Clean
We need volunteers to take our recycles to the Recycling Center here in Taylor. It will only require being taken one or two times each month. Please call the church office to sign up for your month.

Birthday Party for Jesus

December 11 at 9:30 a.m, during Sunday school, the children will be making cards for our homebound church members and grandparents! We will enjoy refreshments during the party as well. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Drummond. Sponsored by Circle One

Salvation Army Red Kettle
Walmart, Taylor, Texas
8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Volunteer to ring the bell this Christmas season for an hour.
Sign up or Contact Shirley Ball. The sign-up sheet is located in the Narthex.

Saturday, December 10, 2016
Times
8 - 9 A.M.
9 - 10 A.M.
10 - 11 A.M.
11 A.M. - 12 P.M.
12 - 1 P.M.
1 - 2 P.M.
2 - 3 P.M.
3 - 4 P.M.
4 - 5 P.M.
5 - 6 P.M.
6 - 7 P.M.
7 - 8 P.M.

Christmas Caroling
Sunday, December 18, 2016
2 - 4:30 p.m.

Join us for a fun and meaningful afternoon as we spread the Good News of the Christ child by caroling to our members and friends who are homebound.

To date, $14,000+ in pledges are outstanding. If you pledged your giving for 2016, you still have a few weeks to finish your commitment from the 2016 Stewardship Campaign. All tax-deductible contributions for 2016 will be accepted until December 31^st.

If you are unsure of how much remains of your 2016 giving pledge, or where your giving stands, please contact Joanne in the church office Mon-Thurs, 9am-3pm and she would be happy to provide that information to you privately.

If you did not pledge, please consider giving to your church for 2016.

November 27, 2016

Worship Attendance: 94 | Sunday School: 19

Counters
12/4 Shirley/Charlene
12/11 Marsha/Shelli

Finance to Date
2016 Budget $166,818
Income: $136,101
Expenses: $135,132

Wayside Chapel

As a reminder, Wayside Chapel is open during the week, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

December
Saturday, 12/3 Taylor Parade-Church float. CANCELLED!
Sunday, 12/4 Christmas Cantata @ 10:30 Worship Service
Tuesday, 12/6 Ladies Annual Dinner & Gift Exchange
Saturday, 12/10 Salvation Army Bell Ringing Walmart 8am-8pm South Door
Sunday, 12/11 MDO Sings at 10:30am Worship
Monday, 12/12 Committee Meetings (Finance, Ad Council & Trustees)
Sunday, 12/18 Children/Youth sings at 10:30am Worship Service
Fellowship Luncheon followed by Caroling
Wednesday, 12/21 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 7:00am
Saturday, 12/24 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Sunday, 12/25. 10:30 a.m. One Worship Service Christmas Day
Dec. 31 Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry Work Day

Stay connected with your church via text message. Just follow the instructions above.

Angels created by Frieda Isbell.

Merton and Vada Rose showing off their beautiful family after worship!

Thank you Lisa Drummond for this box of Safety Pins and what it stands for.

Sunday Announcement
If you have announcements for Sunday morning, please let the pastor know ahead of time if possible. If the announcement is relevant to the majority of the congregation and pertinent to visitors, by all means share your exciting news or mission highlight. Otherwise, it may be best to share the information via other platforms such as this newsletter. If you'd like your news shared here, please send them to the office: office@fumctaylor.org.

Thank you for your consideration.
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To view more photos, please visit our Facebook page.

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For Pastoral Emergencies after hours,
contact Rev. Sela Finau
817-874-3533 | sela@fumctaylor.org.

First United Methodist Church
907 West Lake Drive
Taylor, Texas 76574
www.fumctaylor.org
512-352-2593 | office@fumctaylor.org

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