THE CIRCUIT RIDER
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
6109 Highway 311           Houma, Louisiana 70360 
Telephone No. (985) 868-7787  /  Facsimile No. (985)868-7086
Barry Hoekstra, Pastor                                              Volume XXV  - Aug. 17, 2005
PASTOR’S MESSAGE 
"Taking the Time”
   I try to walk for a couple of miles every morning.  I have to get up early (5:25 AM!)  In order to find the time to do this.  I have discovered that this is a pretty good time of the day to walk.  I have rarely been rained out.  The neighborhood is quiet.  There is not a lot of traffic.
   I have discovered that this is a good time to not only get a 
little exercise and walk the dog, but it is also a great time to have a conversation with God.  I pray while I walk.  I also take some time to listen.  It is amazing how God directs my thoughts or gives me peace of mind during these quiet times.
   There are times when the newspaper arrives before my walk.  It is also amazing how I can find excuses to cut my walk short–my back hurts.  I have too much to do that day, I’m too tired, I want to read the newspaper–on and on the list can go.
   For my physical and spiritual well being I need to take the time to walk.  The rest of my day goes much better when I take this time with God.
   It is amazing how many excuses we can come up with not
to come to church.  But much like my list, most are not very good excuses to neglect connecting with others in a Christian community.
   The mission of our church is to create Christian community through serving and sharing.  It is impossible to create community by yourself.  Take the time to create community with us this Sunday.
                                                                          Peace!  Barry

FELLOWSHIP TIME
When: After 8:30AM Service     
 Where: Fellowship Hall
Join us for great fellowship, hot coffee, juice, milk and fresh donuts!  Please remember to leave a donation in the basket to help fund    this ministry!  Thank you!

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
   United Methodist Women meet August 20,  9:00 AM Sager Brown Center, District UMW  Mini School of Mission.

UMW SHUT-IN MINISTRY
   United Methodist Women have wrapped up the “Sunshine Soles” Ministry for another year.  The program was a GREAT SUCCESS!  Many needy children from our community received new school shoes thanks to our generous church family!
   UMW’s next project is already perking!  We will be buying personal hygiene products for home-bound people and nursing home residents.  Please mark your donations “Shut-In Ministry.”  Thank you for being such a caring and compassionate congregation.  God bless you all!
                                                -Rita Landry, UMW Ministries

TRUSTEES COMMITTEE MEETING
   The Trustees Committee will meet on Sunday, August 28, at 3:00PM in the Fellowship Hall.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
Itty-Bitty-Four Year Olds with Mrs. Mary in the Nursery
Five Year Olds–Sixth Grade will be in the Library.
Lesson: “At School in Bible Times”
Faith Point: As we grow, we learn more about God.
Bible Verse: “I am the Alpha and the Omega”. (Revelation 1:8)
Teacher: Mrs. Sheri Ledet

LES BELLES CLOCHETTES
  Our seasoned members of Les Belles Clochettes will be starting rehearsals again beginning Wednesday, August 24th, at 5:00PM in the Activity Building Classroom. The Bell Choir is directed by Mrs. Ann Breeding.     ANYONE  who can read music and is interested in joining Les Belles Clochettes  is invited to come and give it a try. 

CHURCH CONFERENCE RESCHEDULED!
   The Church Conference has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 24th, at 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. This Conference is open to ALL INTERESTED MEMBERS of the church! 
    What is a Church Conference?  This meeting will present  all the latest information on the Sanctuary renovation including COST and HOW WE WILL PAY FOR IT!  A vote will be taken to proceed with the project.  Plan to attend and participate in this important meeting.  Now is the time to get answers to your questions or concerns!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REVIEW
  A Vacation Bible School Review will take place in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the 11:00 worship service on Sunday, August 21st.   We’d love to hear your opinion, suggestions, ideas, etc.!
-Jeanne Scott, Children’s Director

 TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER GROUP
   Would you like to be part of a weekly Prayer Group?  We have a dedicated group of people who meet every Tuesday morning at 7:00 AM in the Sanctuary. Join us!

MACDONELL’S GREETING  CARDS!
   In the back foyer of the church, you will find a box of lovely greeting cards made by the children of  MacDonell’s United Methodist Children’s Home of Houma.  The cards are a real bargain selling  for $5 per pack of 10 cards and envelopes. The proceeds of these sales  benefit the children.


Our Stewardship Sunday, August 14,  2005
             Attendance                                         Gifts         
           Worship   SS                  This week       YTD        Budget
            238         82                    $4,612      $250,384     $458,990
  
                      Building Fund         $3,706      $190,806

WORSHIP   Sunday,  August 21,  2005
8:30 AM      Special Music
11:00 AM   “God is My Rock” The Chancel Choir
The Sermon: “Holy Moses”  Rev. Barry Hoekstra
The Scripture: Exodus 1:8–2:10;  Romans:12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20

PLEASE BE IN PRAYER FOR PEACE AND FOR THE SAFETY OF THOSE WHO ARE SERVING OUR COUNTRY:  Jerry St. Pierre, John Parks,  Jason Babin, Andy Weaver, Kevin  Adams, Brian Ratcliff, Brandon Ratcliff, Charles Arabie, Bryan McDonald, Brian Medaris, Chad Campbell, Ryan Kurras, Chris Pollard,  Michael Wegler, Brent Hollingfield, Bryan Patton, Kristopher Pugh, James Lyle, Jarod Martin, Richard Schandorff,  Paul Tholen, Don Adams, Jeremy Brunet, Jerry Troy Cooper, Robert Cooper, Jamie Authement, Allison Foreman, Eddie Doiron, Lance Chatagnier, Bryan Stringer, Ben White, Joseph Frisella, Jr., Billy Odom, B.J. Guidroz, and the 2/156(M) Infantry-Houma National Guard. Soldiers of the TN 278th as well as all soldiers in Iraq.

“PRETTY DARN HOT!”
   Do you like it warm, hot, or sizzling?   We have Salsa to sell for the children of the  Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston.  This delicious Salsa comes in a variety of strengths such as “Just A Tad Warm”, “Pretty Darn Hot”, “Holy Cow!  It’s Screaming Hot!”, and the infamous “Sizzling Tail Feathers”.  Whatever your taste buds can stand!
Price: $3 per 13 ounce jar.  What a bargain!  You can pick up your salsa in the church office or order gift boxes by calling 318-255-5020.

THANK YOU FOR THESE GIFTS OF LOVE:              
Gifts to Tools for School by Al Cowan, M/M George Geoffroy, M/M Gene Milford, M/M Paul Sammarco, M/M  Kim Walker.
UMCOR by the Fellowship Sunday School Class
Coffeehouse by United Methodist Men
Food Bank in memory of Richard Burton, III and Godfrey Olivier by Raymond Berger
Sunshine Soles by the Fellowship Sunday School Class
Building Fund by M/M David Caletri, M/M Dana Lofton, M/M Charles Jenkins, M/M John Laird, M/M Todd Punch, M/M David West, M/M Ronald Blanchard, M/M John Woodard, M/M Jim Justice, M/M Mark Torbert, M/M Robert Kelton, Mary Arceneaux, M/M Pat Peace, M/M Jerry Lemley, Bette Adams, and in memory of Bill Corts by M/M Milton Cancienne.

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