Let’s all get together THIS Sunday!  When we all get together, we have a large crowd. If every class repeated its highest summer attendance this Sunday, we would have 106 people in Sunday School!  [The highest this summer was the 73 last week and the highest this year was 80 in February.]  I want to remind you parents and encourage all of you adults that regular SS attendance and worship are an important part of your Christian formation.  For the next few Sundays all our classes will be in the recruiting mode.

I would love to see our classes fill up with people asking questions in a learning and supportive environment.  Sunday School starts at 9:45.  If you find yourself running late on this new adventure in your discipleship, please come late, rather than completely miss this blessing.    The K-3rd graders meet on the second floor in room 209 and the 4th-6th graders meet down the hall in room 206.  We have the younger ones meeting in the nursery in room 107.  The Teen Class meets in the Activity Building on the 2nd floor.  There are 2 adult classes meeting in the Activities Building, 2 classes in the Fellowship Hall, and 1 class in room 205 of the Education Building.  We have classes for your whole family.  I’ll be looking for all of you Sunday.    I continue to receive each day more and more of the service sheets.  Please complete one as you seek to fulfill your vows of supporting this congregation with your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.    This Sunday I will be preaching on the question: “Who Am I?”  Come and explore this important question that each of us must ask ourselves.  Jesus will help us discover who we are.      Bring a friend for this shared blessing.    Bro. Don

OUR CHURCH FAMILY
BIRTH
   James David Barr, was born on Wednesday, August 13, much to the pure delight (and relief) of his parents, Myles and Niki Barr.  James David is 6 lbs 14oz, and 19 inches long.  He is happily welcomed by his big sister Sara, and big brother Tyler.
BAPTISM
   Drake William Beattie, infant son of Karl Morris and Erin Hartsock Beattie, was baptized by Rev. Ross on Sunday, August 17.  Drake’s proud grandparents include Brenda and Terry Hartsock.
DEATH
   We extend our Christian sympathy to Frances Baker and her children and grandchildren  on the death of her beloved husband  Roy Baker.  Mr. Baker passed away last week.  His funeral service was held in our Sanctuary on Saturday, August 16.   
NEW ADDRESS
   Katherine Cancienne has a new address and phone:
   418 Albertson Parkway
   Apt. L-211
   Broussard, LA. 70518   Phone 337-837-3836

IMPORTANT  MEETING
  Staff Parish Relations Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 26, at 6:00PM in the FH Parlor.

FELLOWSHIP TIME
Coffee, Donuts, Milk and Juice!
    Join us between services (9:45AM) in the Fellowship Hall for refreshments and fellowship!

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
Itty-Bitty to Four Years with Mrs. Mary in the Nursery.
K-6th Grade meet during July in Room 209.

YOUTH GROUP
Mission Workday
   On Saturday, August 23, we’re headed to Dulac to work on a home.  We will have jobs for people of all skill levels.  We will meet at the church at 7:15AM.  Bring a sack
lunch with you and be ready to work!
Fall Convo
   On Saturday, September 6.  Forms and registrations are due by September 1.  The cost of the trip is $28 if paid on time, $40 if late.  Adults over 25 go free!

UMCOR FLOOD BUCKETS
(United Methodist Committee on Relief)
A United Methodist Women’s project.  Money donations should be made out to FUMC and designated “Flood Buckets”. This drive will continue through 9/07/2008.
Flood Bucket Kit Items:
*5 Gallon Bucket with resealable lid, purchased separately.  May be found at Lowes, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, etc.
*Bleach-two 1-quart or one 820z-96oz bottle.  The bottle diameters are the same.
*5 Scouring Pads-Open the package to get exactly 5 pads; and to more easily stuff into bucket.  No soapy scouring pads like Brillo.
*7 Sponges-Count out exactly 7 sponges.
*1 Scrub Brush
*18 Cleaning Towels (reusable wipes).  They often come 6 in a bag, so use 3 bags.  Dollar Tree has 8 in a bag, so use 2 bags and add two.
*Liquid Laundry Detergent two 25oz or one 50oz.  DO NOT GET LARGER.
*One Household Cleaner 12-16oz bottle.  This is condensed cleaner like condensed Lysol.  Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Family Dollar has it.  Spic and Span 15.8oz concentrate is at the Dollar Tree.
*1 Disinfectant Dish Soap 16-28oz bottle.  The antibacterial dish soaps are usually orange in color.
*1 Pack of 50 Clothes Pins
*Clothesline-two 50 feet or one 100 feet.
*5 Dust Masks
*2 Pair Latex Gloves Many packages have 2 pair.
*1 Pair Work Gloves
*24 Bag Roll of Heavy Duty Trash Bags 33-45 gallons.  Remove from box and count before placing in bucket.
*1 Insect Repellent Spray 6-14oz aerosol cans.  Must have protective cap.
*1 Air Freshener 8-9oz aerosol cans.  Must have protective cap.
Kit Assembly Information: All items in kits must be new.  Do not enclose any personal notes, money, etc.  Include only the requested items and sizes.  Cleaning agents must be liquids and in plastic bottles - NO POWDERS.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
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.  It meets in the Fellowship Hall Parlor.
Discovery Class–This is a class for people who are interested in becoming Christian Disciples.    They meet in the Activity 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.  It meets in Room 403 in the Activity Building.
A New Class of Mixed Ages, led by Jimmy HardIin,  meets in Room 206.
Youth Sunday School Class–meets in Activity Building.

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE!
   We’ve got Salsa in the church office!  You can choose your strength; Just a Tad Warm, Pretty Darn Hot;  Holy Cow, It’s Screaming Hot, and Sizzling Tail Feathers.  The Salsa is made by the La. Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston and all sales go to benefit the children.

WE RECYCLE!
ALUMINUM CANS
 We are collecting aluminum cans as an ongoing  fundraiser for UMY and the Card Ministry.  If you have some cans you would like to donate, please call the church office at 868-7787.  We’ll let  you know  where you can drop them off or make arrangements to pick them up!
OLD EYE GLASSES
   Bring your old eye glasses to church instead of disposing them.  UMW will put them to good use!
CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS
   We still collect Campbell Soup Labels so don’t throw yours away.  UMW has a plan for them!

ALTAR FLOWERS
   If you would like to dedicate a Sunday’s  Altar Flowers   in memory of honor of a loved one, please call Judy Navarre at 879-1924.

   If we have your CORRECT  e-mail address, you should have received an e-mail from Pastor Don by now.  If you have not received anything, please bear with us and write your address down again on the attendance record (very legibly, please), or call the church office and give it to the Secretary.
   Being connected with the Pastor by e-mail will eventually allow you to get the Circuit Rider on line, receive updates from Pastor Don, or communicate with him directly with questions, comments, and suggestions.  
   We look forward to e-mailing you!
  
TO WORSHIP IS TO SING

   The worshiper who sings . . . drinks more deeply of the message of the hymns.  The gospel as found in our hymns is the same as that in the Scriptures.
   The worshiper who sings . . . becomes more deeply involved in the service; less of a spectator and more of a participant.
   The worshiper who sings . . . draws more closely to those who worship with him.
   The worshiper who sings . . . expresses faith by lifting his or her voice in praise to God.
   The worshiper who sings . . . upholds the service, making it finer and richer for fellow worshipers, the pastor, the church and God.

THANK YOU FOR THE GIFTS OF LOVE TO THE:
Operating Fund in Memory of Bobby Mahler by Mary Ann Mahler.  In Memory of Julie & Cleo by M/M C.E. Robideaux.
Contingency Fund in Memory of Cecil Bordelon, Bobby Mahler, and Roy Baker by Juana Woodard.
Apportionments by M/M Tillman Gillaspie.
UMW Flood Buckets by M/M Mike Tingle and Carla Smith.
Renovation Fund by M/M David McMath, Roland Lill, M/M Larry Babin.  In Memory of Hazel Abernathy and Nellie Bridges by M/M Mike Tingle.

ADVANTAGES OF JOINING THE CHOIR

1.  You never have to worry about what to wear.
2.  You have excellent seats and are assured a reserved seat for Christmas and Easter.
3.  From your advantageous seat, you can smile at, gawk at, ignore or otherwise enjoy the rest of the people in the congregation.
4.  The pastor is nearly always looking the other way.
5.  You’re in a wonderful spot to see new members.
6.  The cost for all these benefits?  Just one evening a week.
7.  Oh, yes, one more reason to join the choir: You’re a leader in the worship experience.

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!