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  - Dec. 14, 2005
PASTOR’S MESSAGE 
"A Disruptive New Life”
   My friend, Danny Gleason, is the new Pastor of the United Methodist Church in Saint Francisville.  Danny and his wife Beth just had their first child.  Beth and Danny have been married for a number of years and never had any children.  Now that they are almost old enough to be grandparents, they have a baby all their own.  I have a hunch that Matthew Foster Gleason will be the most loved, and most spoiled child that two people could ever produce.
   I visited with Beth and Danny a few days after the arrival of their new bundle of joy.  By the way, when I say bundle, I mean a bundle.  When did they change the rules and wrap up babies as tightly as they do in their blankets? What’s up with that?!  But I digress.  The baby was perfect the first night.  He woke up once–was hungry–was fed–and went right back to sleep.  The second night was a bit different.  The baby was up until three in the morning crying like a car  alarm!  Nothing seemed to settle him down.
   Danny and I went to lunch in the Hospital cafeteria and had a great visit over lunch.  When I got ready to go, I told him how happy I was for them. He and Beth had waited for a long time for this child.  They went through lots of tests and specialists and treatments and expense.  It is wonderful when it all comes together.  Danny said to me.  “Last night at 3:00 in the morning, when Matthew finally went to sleep, we wondered what in the world we were thinking!”
   The birth of Jesus was a disruptive new life.  I wonder if Mary sometimes had her doubts at three in the morning?
                                                                       Peace!  Barry 

FELLOWSHIP TIME
When:  After 8:30AM Service       Where: Activity Building
Join us for Coffee, Donuts, Juice, Milk, and fellowship.

  ADVENT STUDY/COMMUNION SERVICE
   It is not too late to pick up  a copy of our study book from the church office.  We will reconnect with the real reason for Christmas, using Margaret Silf’s Lighted Windows: Advent Reflections for a World in Waiting.  The next study will be on Wednesday, December 21, at 5:00PM in Activity Building Room 403. Communion Service will follow at 6:30PM in the Fellowship Hall.

UNITED METHODIST MEN
    United Methodist Men will hold their regular meeting on Tuesday, December 20th, at 6:30PM in the AB Kitchen.  Officers for 2006 will be installed at this meeting.  A delicious Chicken Spaghetti meal will be served.

VOICES OF LIGHT YOUTH CHOIR
    On Sunday, December 18th, we will report at 4:00PM as usual, and stay until The White Gift Service is over.  The White Gifts service will be from 6-7:00PM.  If you would like to give a gift to a needy child, please let Ms. Beth know.  Call with questions (879-1770)

CHERUB CHOIR
   Cherubs, please plan to meet Mrs. Shirley in the Activity Building, Room 403, at 5:30PM this Sunday, December 18th.  We will practice for our performance in the White Gifts Service that evening.  Please dress for the season by wearing red or green clothes.    
                       -Ms. Shirley

WHITE GIFTS SERVICE THIS SUNDAY NIGHT
    Do yourself a favor and DO NOT miss this special event in our church this Sunday night at 6:00PM in the Activity Building.  The music for the evening will be performed by The Voices of Light, directed by Mrs. Beth Duet, and the Cherub Choir, directed by Mrs. Shirley Hebert. Mrs. Donna Sammarco will accompany both choirs.
 A children’s Christmas program, Christmas Letters, will also be presented.  The cast includes the young children and the youth of our church.
   The White Gift Service will conclude with the presentation of the White Gifts by the congregation.  This is a memorable night in the life of our church.  

SUNDAY SCHOOL IS FOR LIFE!
Itty-Bitty-Three-year-Olds meet in the Nursery with Mrs. Mary.
Four-year-Olds meet with Miss Maddie in Room 109.
Kindergarten-Sixth Grade will meet with Ms. Jeanne and Miss Lori Rogers.

LET’S TALK ABOUT A CHRISTMAS PARTY!
  The “Let’s Talk About It” Class will have a Christmas Party on Saturday, December 17th, at 6:30PM at the home of Kenny and Marlene Klaus.  Ask about car pooling to Thibodaux.  Bring your favorite party food and a white elephant gift. Be prepared to have fun!

VOICES OF LIGHT PERFORM THIS SUNDAY!
 The Voices of Light Youth Choir will sing for the White Gifts Service THIS Sunday night, December 18th.  We will rehearse before the service from 4-5:00PM, eat a light supper at 5:00PM, then finish any detail needed.  The service is from 6-7:00PM.  Wear “Christmas” church clothes.  Questions?  Call Ms. Beth @ 879-1770.  Note: No rehearsals on December 25th or January 1st.  We resume our regular practice on January 8th, 2006.

IMPORTANT MEETING
   The Staff Parish Relations Committee will meet at 6:00PM, on Thursday, December 15th,  in the Fellowship Hall Parlor.

YOUTH NEWS
   All youth will eat dinner at 5:00PM on Sunday and then go to the White Gifts Service.  Voices of Light will be performing, and we want to go and show our support.  There will be NO UMY on Sunday, December 25.  Stay home and enjoy the day with your family.  LOOK for upcoming news concerning activities during the holidays.                                                       -Phyliss Martin

      Christmas Eve Services 
              4:00PM Worship Service
              5:30PM Worship Service
              7:00PM Worship Service
        Christmas Day Service
            10:00AM One Worship Service

Our Stewardship Sunday, December 11, 2005
             Attendance                                  Gifts      
           Worship   SS             This week       YTD        Budget
            225         64               $6,627       $403,276   $458,990
             Building Fund          $10,068        $223,266

WORSHIP   Sunday, December 18,  2005
11:00 Music: “O Wondrous Night” The Chancel Choir
The Sermon:”Mission Impossible” Rev. Barry Hoekstra
The Scripture: 2 Samuel 7.1-11, 16; Romans 16.25-27
The Gospel: Luke 1.26-38

COULD YOU USE AN YAMAHA ORGAN?
   Mrs. Eunice Corts has an organ that is about ten years old and in excellent shape that she would like to sell before she moves.  If you are interested, please call Mrs. Corts at 872-9334.

TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER GROUP
   Become a part of our Prayer Group that meets on Tuesday mornings at 7:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.

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,  Lance Chatagnier, Ben White, Joseph Frisella, Jr., Billy Odom, B.J. Guidroz, Travis Twiggs and the 2/156(M) Infantry-Houma National Guard. Soldiers of the TN 278th.

THANK YOU FOR GIFTS OF LOVE TO THE:
   Operating Fund in memory of Tina Chauvin’s mother by M/M Keith Rhea.
   Staff Gifts by MM Elward Brady, MM Frank Porter, M/M Gordon Antill, Jim Clark, M/M Charles Gyer, Raymond Berger, MM Stanley Matherne, Al Cowan, and M/M Paul Sammarco.
   Building Fund by M/M Robert Smith, M/M Richard Simons, M/M George Shely, M/M Ronald Blanchard, M/M Wayne Reid, M/M Don Murphy, M/M Frank Porter, Paula Rutledge, and in honor of Kimberley Longstreth by M/M Paul Sammarco.
   Piano Fund by M/M Frank Porter.
   Choir Fund in memory of George Shrigley’s birthday by Charlene Shrigley.
   UMW Shut-In Minstry by M/M Nolan Eschete.

STOCKING STUFFERS  AVAILABLE HERE!
   Don’t forget about the tasty Salsa made by the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston.   Price: $3 per 13 ounce jar.  Pick up your salsa in the Church office or order gift boxes by calling the home @ 318-255-5020.
   Christmas is on its way!.  And, besides the salsa, here is a reminder for another great gift.  Donna Sammarco’s solo piano CD- “On Eagles Wings”.  If you haven’t heard it, you should!  It’s gorgeous!  Anyone you give it to will appreciate it.  The CD is only $15 and is available from the Church Office, www.amazon.com , or  the Sammarco’s (876-2489).
   MacDonell Children’s Greeting Cards made by the children of our LOCAL home is available for $5 per pack of ten cards and envelopes.  Check with the church office.  .

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