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. 7, 2005
PASTOR’S MESSAGE 
"Three Great Sounds”
   When Roger Lathan, our District Superintendent was here awhile back, he said something very memorable.  He said that there are three sounds which churches ought to like to hear–bringing out extra chairs, crying babies, and a check being torn out of a checkbook.
 
   Bringing out chairs.  We are adding some chairs to our temporary worship space.  We have been very full and need to fit in a few more people.  Let me ask a favor of early arrivals.  Please consider sitting closer to the front.  It is tough enough to arrive late to church.  If you are late and have to sit way in the front–everyone knows you are late.  In our sanctuary seats were available in the back for late comers, but this is not the case in the Fellowship Hall.  Let’s accommodate late comers or they may quit coming altogether.
   Crying babies.  In our current place of worship, we are a lot closer to one another than we were in the sanctuary.  Children learn about worship by being in worship.  Remember how hard it was for your children to sit still for an hour.  It’s hard for me to sit still for an hour–that’s why I became a preacher!  Let’s resolve to have a kid friendly church by being patient with children in worship.
   Tearing checks.  We want to finish this year in the black.  We need generous people to come through between now and the end of the year.  Consider an extra gift to your church for Christmas.  Thank you for your support!
                                                                       Peace!  Barry

FELLOWSHIP TIME
When:  After 8:30AM Service       Where: Activity Building

YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
   THANK YOU  to our congregation for their tremendous support!  Our Chili Fundraiser was a GREAT SUCCESS!  A humongous THANKS to Delvin Foret, our kitchen coordinator.  The youth have plenty of T-shirts available!  We have your size (Small thru XXL).  This is a great way to show how proud you are to be a United Methodist.  Come by the church any week day or see us on Sunday.

   CALLING ALL YOUTH!  Our Christmas party is Sunday, December 11th.  Please remember your white elephant gift (that special something hanging around your room that you need to throw out).  Bring your favorite treat to share and come have a GREAT TIME.                -Phyliss Martin

  ADVENT STUDY ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14TH
  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 14 at 5:00PM in Activity Building Room 403. Questions?  Call  Martha at 868-5174.

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!

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.
   I would personally like to thank all those who made UMM’s Ladies’ Night such a success.  The food was EXCELLENT and Dr. Koike’s beautiful plant door prizes were beautiful, as usual.  Kevin Koike provided great entertainment!  Thanks also to all the lovely ladies who attended.                                    -Bill Vincent

SUNDAY SCHOOL IS FOR LIFE!
Itty-Bitty-Three-year-Olds in Nursery.
Four-year-Olds with Miss Maddie in Room 109.
Kindergarten-Sixth Grade will meet with Ms. Jeanne and Miss Lori for crafts.  Meet in the Activity Building for refreshments after the 8:30AM service.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS FA-LA-LA  FEST IS SATURDAY!
Ages:  Kindergarten–Sixth Grade 
When: December 10th 
Where: Activity BuildingTime:   2:00PM–4:00PM
  We will sing Christmas songs, play fun games, make a craft, and have refreshments.  Children, come and have a great time!

VOICES OF LIGHT YOUTH CHOIR
   We will sing for the White Gifts service on Sunday, December 18th.  We need EVERYONE at rehearsal this Sunday, December 11th, (4-5:00PM) to prepare!!  On the 18th, we will report at 4:00PM as usual, and stay until the 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)

WHITE GIFTS PROGRAM    We still have  angels who need to be adopted.  Their tags are displayed on the bulletin board.  Please consider adopting one. 
 The White Gift Program will be held on Sunday, December 18th, at 6:00PM in the Activity Building.  Brenda Cloud will need some helpers who are willing to help sort the gifts to meet her in the Activity Building Gym on Monday, December 19th, at 9:00AM.  That same afternoon, from 2:30-6:30PM, she will need helpers to help give out the gifts and help load the gifts into vehicles. 

CHANCEL CHOIR PRESENTS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM!
   Robert Shaw’s The Many Moods of Christmas will be presented Sunday, December 11th, at the 11:AM Worship Service by the FUMC Chancel Choir with Rick Duet reading Christmas meditations by the great Lutheran Theologian and pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer; Donna Sammarco at the piano; Toni Guidry, soloist; and Kenny Klaus, conducting.

FAMILY MINISTRY’S COVERED-DISH LUNCHEONS
    On  the FIRST  Sunday of each  month beginning in February, we will have a Covered Dish Luncheon.  Bring your favorite dish or two and join us in the Activity Building after the 11:00AM Service for a delicious meal and great fellowship!  We hope to have a variety of entertainment each month.  This will be announced in the Circuit Rider prior to the Luncheon. 
   Our THANKS to Frank Porter, Donna Sammarco, and the Cherub Choir for bringing the joy of Christmas music to the December Luncheon.

 

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