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R. Don Ross , Pastor
Volume XXV - Feb. 23, 2009
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MOUNTAIN TOPS AND VALLEYS
Last Sunday, I read a quote during the sermon that really seemed to fit what I wanted to say about staying focused. When I read it, I failed to give credit to the author, Dr. David Leninger. The quote was:
“ . . . life is lived in the valley, not on the mountain top. Things are different between the two . . .On the mountain, we encounter almighty God, in the valley, there is an encounter with the demonic. On the mountain we encounter our faith’s heritage; in the valley, we encounter those who consider questions of faith as occasions for battle. On the mountain, God’s calming voice is heard; human argument is heard. On the mountain, disciples are in a mood for worship; in the valley, the disciples are spoiling for a fight. On the mountain, the glory of God is revealed; in the valley, the power of sin and unbelief is revealed. ‘O Lord, carry me away to the mountain,’ might be our prayer. YES, Lord! But then we remember the place of our ministry is with those who need our help down in the valley.” |
Regular worship is a mountain top experience so that we can return strengthened and focused to our life in the valleys. We will have special Wednesday Lenten Communion services each week at 6:30PM. Attending both our Wednesday and Sunday worship experiences will assist your spiritual journey as we prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter.
In His Service, Pastor Don Ross |
DON’T HANG UP!
Last week we finally got our Phone Tree up and running. Many of you received a call from me explaining what the Phone Tree does. It is a new communication tool we will be using to spread congregational news. Sometimes we will call to remind you about an upcoming event. We will use it to promote a special program, ministry event, fund raiser, or a change in schedule. We will use it to inform you of deaths within the congregation or special prayer needs. Sometimes we will only call a particular group within the congregation such as the Youth, United Methodist Men or Women, or the Choir. Sometimes we may call the entire congregation.
If I did not call you, then I may not have your correct phone number. Some of you have disconnected your land lines and use only your cell phones. Please either call the church office 868-7787 with your phone number or email me rdon.ross@gmail.com the number you wish for us to call.
Because we use our Fax Line (868-7086) to send out the Phone Tree, your caller ID will give you a number that cannot receive calls. If you need to call the church for more information, please call the office 868-7787.
KREWE OF DISASTER VOLUNTEER DEADLINE!
We need volunteers to sign up by Sunday, March 1st, so that we will be able to submit our roster. Sign-up sheets will be posted in the church narthex and at the side entrance by the pastor’s study. The Krewe of Disaster will head to Dulac on Saturday, March 28th, to work with Louisiana Disaster Relief.
We need as many people as possible to participate! We have been blessed as a congregation; let us joyfully share our talents with those who have so much less than we! If you have questions, please contact Jenny Charpentier at 594-5034 or call the church office.
CONFIRMATION CLASS
Pastor Ross will be conducting a confirmation class each Sunday afternoon starting March 1st at 3:00 PM in the Chapel. Anyone who desires to be a part of this class should contact Pastor Don or the office at 868-7787. A person should be at least in the 6th grade. This class is open to any youth who wishes to explore the faith and the United Methodist Church.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
March 3, 9:30AM UMW General Meeting in the Parlor.
Devotional by Barbara English.
March 10, 10:00AM UMW Executive Committee meets
in the Parlor.
UNITED METHODIST YOUTH
Voices of Light – Good job last Sunday! Using our talents to serve the Lord creates such a wonderful inner feeling! We’ll be learning some new songs at VOL rehearsals in the coming weeks.
Let us keep serving the Lord in response to the blessings He shares with us daily. – Dr. Klaus
Sunday School: This Sunday morning we will be reading Genesis 16-19 and discussing Abraham’s trust in God. Come join us as we explore the Bible!
UMY: Anyone for Charades? This week’s lesson is about not covering up who we really are! UMY is from 5-7:00PM Sunday evenings in the AB Gym. Come join us!
No UMY on March 8th due to the Senior High Retreat!
Dulac Disaster Relief Mission: Any youth interested in participating please call me at 870-5976. The deadline to sign up is Sunday, March 1st.
Friday, March 13th and 14th: Youth need to be at church for 5:30PM-7:00PM for a Cake Baking Bash in the Activities Building. This is to help out our UMCLC Circus Cake Walk. Bring your sprinkles and spatulas! March 14th, we will help out with booths at our UMCLC Circus. Be at church for 9:00AM.
Sunday, March 15th: Youth Council Meeting at 12:30 in the Activities Building. Food will be provided.
Parent & Youth: Mark your calendar for March 22nd. More details at a later date.
Attention Baseball Fans, and All Families: The Christian Fellowship Night at Zephyrs is on Saturday, April 25th. The New Orleans Zephyrs will be playing Albuquerque Isotopes. There will be a post game concert and fireworks. The cost is $7, T-shirts cost $10. Let me know if you would like to attend.
Like Sweet and Spicy Pickles? Mrs. Paige Stanton has donated some pickles that have a little kick in them for the Youth to sell. If you are interested in purchasing some, call the church office (868-7787) and we will give you more information on how you can get your hands on some good pickles! Have a Blessed Week! --Niki Barr
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
St. Luke Catholic Church in Thibodaux (corner of 11th St. and Bourbon)
Friday, March 6 at 11:00AM
Lenten Lunch (donation) at 12:00PM
Prayer designed and music chosen by the women of Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific. Slides of Papua New Guinea will be shown and crafts displayed.
Donations support parish social services.
Our Stewardship for 2009
WK 08 February 22, 2009
Attendance 165 Sunday School 65
Offering $ 8,483
Building /Renovation Offering $ 310
MORNING WORSHIP Sunday, March 1, 2009
The Music: “I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked” The Chancel Choir
The Sermon: “The Sign” Pastor Don Ross
Readings: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
THANK YOU FOR GIFTS OF LOVE TO:
Operating Fund in memory of Raymond Berger by Paula Rutledge.
Renovation Fund by M/M Tim Culler, M/M David McMath, M/M Larry Babin, Juana Woodard. In memory of Amy Giroir Shely by M/M George Geoffroy. In memory of Truman Fairley by Hideo Koike.
Music Fund in memory of Rachel Boone (Linda Jenkin’s mother) and Truman Fairley by M/M George Geoffroy.
Benevolence Fund in memory of Raymond Berger by M/M George Geoffroy.
UM Scholarship Fund in memory of Truman Fairley by M/M Gene Milford.
UMY Fund in memory of Mr. Jimmie Williams by M/M George Geoffroy.
Bereavement Fund in memory of Rosamond Mauret (Paula Rutledge’s sister) by M/M George Geoffroy.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND DRIVE WINDING UP!
We hope to raise $1,000 in special gifts designated for a scholarship to Centenary College. This year, the scholarship will benefit Sarah Duet, daughter of Rick and Beth Duet. If you would like to contribute to this fund, please mark your envelope or check “Scholarship Fund”.
UNITED METHODIST MEN SET THE DATE!
United Methodist Men are hosting their Annual Bar-B-Que Dinner on April 19, 2009. It’s not too early to think about how many tickets you need! Get in touch with a member of UM Men or call the church office for tickets!
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES
Nursery Class–For Infants -4 year olds
(Meet in the Nursery.)
Children’s Class for K-3rd Grade
(Meet upstairs in Room 209.)
Children’s Class for 4th-6th Grade
(Meet upstairs in 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 Fellowship Hall Parlor.)
Discovery Class
(This class for people who are interested in becoming Christian Disciples meets 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. They meet in Room 403 in the Activity Building.)
Class of Mixed Ages
(This Class led by Jimmy Hardin meets in Room 206.)
YOU ARE INVITED TO A BABY SHOWER!
United Methodist Women are sponsoring a Baby Shower for Cyndi Gobel.
Date: March 7, 2009
Time: 2 to 4 PM
Place: First United Methodist Church
Fellowship Hall
RSVP: 985-879-1355 or 985-868-7787
Registered at Target
WE’RE LOOKING FOR A PART-TIME REPAIR PERSON!
Our Maintenance Department is in need of a part-time worker who could tackle the many things that need to be repaired around the church. This position is for 15-20 hours a week. If you are interested and need more details about this job, please call Pastor Don during the week (868-7787).
WE’VE GOT SALSA!
We’ve ordered a fresh supply of Salsa! It should be in next week. We’ll have four types for you to sample!
“Just a Tad Warm”, “Pretty Darn Hot”, “Holy Cow, It’s Screaming Hot” and “Sizzling Tail Feathers”.
All sales benefit the children of MacDonell’s Children’s Home!
WHAT DO SOUP LABELS, OLD EYEGLASSES, AND ALUMINUM CANS HAVE IN COMMON?
We recycle all of them!
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