DID YOU KNOW?
    Volunteers from all over the United States are still coming into our community to help with the ongoing rebuilding efforts that have been needed since our most recent hurricanes.  Our church
outreach program has made it a priority to help
feed these people who are so generously giving  their time and energy to help our community.
   A small group of our church members have been gathering once a month to cook a simple meal and serve these wonderful volunteers.  We’ve been having a great time gathering together in the Activity Building Kitchen cooking, talking, laughing, and keeping each other up-to-date on the wonderful things going on in our church.  It’s been a very rewarding experience to serve the volunteers who have been such an asset to our community, and they have been so thankful and appreciative! 
   To keep this outreach project going, we will need additional resources:  monetary donations to purchase food and supplies, your prayers and encouragement, and also more people who would love to join us in the kitchen to help prepare those delicious meals (both men and women are welcome).  Please consider helping with this very worthwhile endeavor.
                              In His Love,
                             The Outreach Committee

IN SYMPATHY
   We extend our Christian sympathy to Mae Smith, our long-time custodian and friend , and to her family on the death of Mae’s beloved younger sister Rita Duthu Dion.  Rita died April 25.  Her service will be held April 29th.

YOUTH MINISTRYNEWS!
   This past Sunday night we made Anthony Lajaunie into a human sundae!  Thanks for being a great sport.  We also had a great time at the Zephyrs game on Saturday night.  We had awesome seats and the fireworks were amazing!
Sunday School:  This Sunday morning we will be reading in Genesis 46-48.  Any youth grades 7-12 can join us Sunday mornings at 9:45AM in the Youth Room.
UMY: We are discussing the Stairway to Heaven.  Scripture will be from Genesis 28:10-22. Get ready for some word games!
Attention High School Seniors! For Senior Recognition  we are preparing a slide show and I NEED your pictures.  Please turn them in to the church office NOT LATER THAN Friday, May 1st.
Mark your Calendar! The Youth Rummage Sale is on May 16th.  We will be accepting donations starting May 13th—NO SOONER, PLEASE!  If you would like a booth to sell items let me know.
Sunday, May 17th Chasing Canaan will be performing with Mark Sorenson at 7:30PM (after UMY) in the Sanctuary.  Let’s pack the house as our very own Sarah Duet will be performing. The concert is FREE but the group will be taking a love offering for their Mission Trip to Haiti.  Come out and enjoy a night of inspiring music and worship! Their website is myspace.com/chasing CANNAN.  
We’ve sold out of Pickles! Thanks to everyone who bought some!  We’ll use the money for our summer trips.
THANKS to United Methodist Men for matching what the Youth made at the BBQ Sale!                                      -Niki                                                                               

A NOTE FROM UNITED METHODIST MEN
   United Methodist Men would like to thank you for your loyal support of our  Barbeque Fundraiser.  As many of you are aware, the profits from this event are used to defray special needs of the church.  This year, we will donate $1,000 to the Trustees Fund for hurricane related repairs and $200 to the youth for their assistance with the curbside lunch deliveries. 
   In 2008, we donated $1,600 for awning for the Activities Building, $280 for Pastor’s moving assistance, $30 for an American flag, $1,000 for Trustee’s needs, $182 for Youth Barbeque assistance, $124 for Meals for Texas Youth Group, $237 Meals for Youth Works, and $100 for the Music Program.
   However, all good things must come to an end. Regrettably, we will not be sponsoring this function in the future. We would, however, like to encourage other groups in our church to sponsor fundraisers, and we would be happy to assist in an advisory capacity, if needed. 
   We particularly want to thank Danos and Curole, Oilstate, Paragon, Bilco Tools, and Cajun Meat Market for the generous donation of the use of their barbeque pits, without which this event would not be possible.  Last, but not least, we want to thank our ladies for their help in serving meals. Thanks again for all your help and encouragement through the years. –United Methodist Men   

THE NICHOLLS CHAMBER SINGERS
Kenneth S. Klaus, Director
Presents a look at “Love and Relationships”
Sunday, May 3rd, 3:00PM In the Sanctuary
Admission is Free!

Our Stewardship for 2009
     WK 17  April 26, 2009 
      Attendance  245    Sunday School   83
      Offering  $   9,981                                                                  
      Building /Renovation  Offering  $      427     

THANK YOU FOR THE GIFTS OF LOVE TO:
Funbalaya by M/M Max Cloud
Renovation Fund by M/M David McMath, M/M Charles Blake, M/M Paul Sammarco, M/M George Shely.  In memory of Sarge Rutledge & Raymond Berger by Paula Rutledge.
Operating Fund in memory of Mary Arceneaux by M/M Nolan Eschete and M/M Luther Kelly.  In honor of the Sunday Ushers and United Methodist Men by M/M Bill Vincent.
Native American Offering by M/M Jack Dryden, M/M Howard Barker, and M/ M Bill Thibodeaux.
Children’s Sunday School Fund by M/M John Cater.
Music Fund in memory of Raymond Berger by M/M Nolan Eschete.
UMY Donations by M/M Don Hebert.
UMY Fundraiser by United Methodist Men.
Building /Trustees Fund by United Methodist Men.

CHERUB CHOIR PRACTICE
   The Cherub Choir will practice this Sunday, May 3rd,  at 4:00PM in the Fellowship Hall.  

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
May 5 -  General Meeting 9:30AM FH Parlor

COMING SOON TO A SANCTUARY NEAR YOU!
Sunday, May 17th, 7:30PM
Chasing Canaan
With Mark Sorensen
   This amazing group of young musicians is based in Shreveport.  FUMC-Houma is part of their  “No Ordinary People” Tour.  Our own Sarah Duet plays, sings, and writes for this band.
                                          
Sunday, June 7th, 11:00AM
“Old-Time Religion Sunday”
Presented by our Chancel Choir
                             
WE RECYCLE!
ALUMINUM CANS
(Under the outside stairs of the Activity Building and in the Fellowship hall near the Coke machine.)
EYEGLASSES & SOUP LABELS
(Bring to the Church Office)
NEXT FAMILY GAME NIGHT IS MAY 8TH!
   Join us on Friday, May 8th, at 6:30Pm in the Fellowship Hall for a lively night of fun and games!  Bring your favorite game, some snacks to share and be prepared for some competition!
   Call the office (868-7787) AHEAD of time if you need a nursery.
  
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES
+Nursery Class – For Infants
+2-3 Year Olds - in Room 106
+4-5 Year Olds - in Room 101
+Children’s Class for K-3rd Grade- in EB Room 209.)
+Children’s Class for 4th-6th Grade-in EB Room 206.)
+Youth Sunday School Class
(Meet upstairs in the Activity Building Youth Room.).
+Let’s Talk About It
(A discussion based class for adults of mixed ages, led by Donna Sammarco, meets in the Fellowship Hall.)
+Disciples Class 
(A class for people who are interested in theological debate meets in the F. Hall Parlor.)
+Discovery Class
(This class for people who are interested in becoming Christian Disciples meets in the Act. Building Chapel.)
+Fellowship Class
 (This class of retirees is interested in fellowship.  They sing for a while and have a lesson taught by either Ed McCarty or Frank Porter.  They meet in Room 403 in the Activity Building.)
+Class of Mixed Ages
(This Class led by Jimmy Hardin meets in Room 206.)

                      OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Death
   We extend our Christian sympathy and prayers for comfort to Tammy and Ryan Cenac and their family.  Tammy’s beloved mother, Debbie Stevens, died on April 18th.  A memorial service was held on April 22.  May God bless this family!

SPECIAL OFFERING THIS SUNDAY!
      The Mission of the United Methodist  Youth Organization is to respond to God’s call as Disciples here and now! May 3, is the Sunday set aside for the Youth Service Fund! 
   This is a unique ministry because it is completely by, with, & for youth.  Youth contribute the money & decide what projects receive the money. The projects supported are youth-designed, youth-led, and benefit youth.
   Currently, only US Annual Conferences fund the account.  Money is raised at local youth events or by church youth groups.  70% of the money raised is kept in the local community while 30% is forwarded to the national portion of the Youth Service Fund.  With that 30%, Young Peoples Ministries funds youth-designed and youth-led projects around the world. The Conference  recently received money for the Fund from the Philippines.  The Conference encourages contributions from others around the world.
   Youth from everywhere may apply for funding.  Applications are due in the Conference  office each June 1st for funding to begin the following calendar year for the successful projects.  Project categories are:  Faith Sharing and Outreach, Leadership Development, Scholarship, Ministry with At-Risk Youth, and Agricultural/Vocational.
    In your bulletins this Sunday you will find envelopes for the YSF Fund.  This donation DOES NOT GO TO OUR youth group, but to the Youth Service Fund Committee.  Feel free to take home the envelope and make a contribution at a later date.  Your support is GREATLY appreciated!