Making Dreams a Reality    Some of my most enjoyable experiences have involved seeing a dream become a reality.  Dreams are one of the primary ways in which God speaks to us.  The dream experience is an inspiration to make it real.  I have been walking around this church, sitting in the sanctuary, and praying for this congregation and community.  The more I walk, sit, and pray, the more I am convinced that if we are faithful in claiming and proclaiming the gospel message, our facility will overflow with people wanting more of God’s blessings.  My walking around this church includes talking and listening to adults, youth, and children who either are a part of this congregation, or once worshiped here.  We already have most of the vital ingredients to make this church a dynamic force for the “transformation of the world.”  Will you dream with me?

Close your eyes and walk around this facility looking at the classrooms, the fellowship hall, the activity building, the landscaped grounds, and the sanctuary.  Can you see children, youth, and adults gathering here for healing, formation, and empowerment?  Can you imagine the smiles on the adults as the children and youth come forward to sing and praise the Lord?  Can you see the smiles on the many faces that enter the sanctuary each Sunday morning as you greet them with a blessing?  Can you hear people in the community sharing with each other that First UMC is a happening place?  “If you want the best experience for your family, First UMC is the place where you will be fed, nurtured, and supported.”     If you can imagine this experience, then you have part of my dream for this congregation.  I truly believe that all the necessary ingredients to make this experience more than just a dream are already here.  Did you feel a little excitement as you took your dream-walk around the church?  I believe that YOU are one of the most important ingredients that will make this dream come true.  God is calling us all to be a disciple and to make disciples.  Will you join me in dreaming and making dreams come true?    Give me a call (985-991-9462) or email me rdon.ross@gmail.com to share your dreams and God’s call in your life.                                                                                                                Pastor Don

Perfect Attendance
   Did you know that we had 210 people with perfect attendance?  That’s right; we had 210 people who have not missed one Sunday this year.  I spoke to several more that were not in worship in Houma, but had worshiped elsewhere Sunday, so they too have perfect attendance! 
   What would it take for you to have perfect attendance?  First, it would take a commitment to not ever miss worship no matter where you are.  It would mean that you expect to hear God’s message and that you want to praise Him every Sabbath.  Second, it would mean that you plan to be in worship weekly.  You would make it a standing appointment.  All other “opportunities” would be a second priority.  These other events would be planned “around” your regular worship commitment.
   I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as you either START your perfect attendance, or maintain your perfect attendance this year.  For those who have perfect attendance there are special rewards.  I’ll be telling you more about those after our first month of perfect attenders.
                                                                  Pastor Don

This past week we had our New Year’s Lock-In.  We had a blast and spent some time reflecting on what we have done this past year and what we hope to be and do this New Year.  If you are not involved in the Youth Group this is a great time to start.  Begin this New Year with a new start.  God’s grace forgives us and gives us the opportunity everyday to make a fresh start.  This is a time to let go of bad habits and start good ones.  Start some good habits, read the Bible, go to church, listen to God and participate.  We hope to see you!
Youth Fundraiser for a Mission Group:  Calendars are in!  You may pick up your order in the office if you have not done so already! So far we have raised $310 for the Elmore Mission project. 
   We also have extra calendars and pads you may purchase! Wall and pocket calendars are $6, magnetic note pads are $4, and regular note pads are $2.  Thanks for your help!
January 11…Regular UMY!
January 18…Possible Afterglow!
   I would like to thank Martha Hebert, Jimmy Hardin,Glenn and Ellyn LaJaunie for stepping up to the call to help out with the youth!  If YOU would like to be part of this teen life ministry, please let me know!                            -Nickie Barr

OUR CHURCH FAMILY
IN SYMPATHY
   We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy and prayers for comfort to these families.
   Claudia Leger, her daughter, Sandra Lowry,  and their family are grieving the loss of  Claudia’s mother, Mrs. Hilda Brantley.  Hilda, who was a long-time member of our church family, died January 2nd.  Her funeral arrangements were at Chauvin’s funeral home on Monday, January 5th.
   Mrs. Audrey Buquet’s brother, Dr. Buford Autin, died recently.  His funeral arrangements were held on Monday, January 5th.
   We have learned that Bill Vincent’s beloved mother, Mrs. Billie Hardwick, passed away November 20th.
   Bill and Linda Jenkins are mourning the loss of Linda’s beloved mother, Rachel Boone, who died after a lengthy illness. Her funeral arrangements were held in Kilgore, TX.
   Paula Rutledge’s 94 year-old sister, Rosemond Mouret, died recently.  She was a resident of Opelousas and Paula’s last living sibling. 

CHANCEL CHOIR CELEBRATES12th NIGHT!
   The Chancel Choir’s “12th Night Party” will be on Saturday, January 10th, at 6:30PM at the home of Paul and Donna Sammarco.  Bring your favorite party food!  Any questions?  Call Donna at 876-2489.

IMPORTANT MEETINGS IN JANUARY!
Staff Parish Relations--Monday, Jan. 12, 6:00PM in the Fellowship Hall Parlor.
Finance Committee—Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6:00PM in Room 403 in the Activity Building.

Our Stewardship for 2009
    WK 01  January 04, 2009 
     Attendance   208       Sunday School  74
      Offering   $  10,364
     Building Fund Offering  $     1,210

SPECIAL DATES
Baptism of the Lord, January 11, 2009
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19, 2009
Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity,
          January 18-25, 2009
 
THE INAUGURATION
   When president-elect Abraham Lincoln headed to Washington, D.C., he called himself a “humble instrument in the hand of the Almighty.”  He spoke of America’s citizenry as God’s “almost chosen people.”
   Wasn’t that a lovely compliment?  One suspects Lincoln was speaking as a good father speaks to children, wanting them to live up to their full potential.  He surely wanted the “almost chosen people” to be servants of the living God.
  As God’s chosen people, as well as Americans who soon will have a new leader, how can we live up to God’s expectations for us?  What can we each do to make our country a better place?  And how can we share the good news with others that God has chosen us to live with him forever?
      KING AND THE GOOD SAMARITAN
   Many Christians will observe Martin Luther King Jr.’s  birthday on January 19.  (His actual birth date is January 15.)  King’s comments about the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) are worth remembering:
   “The first question that the priest and the Levite asked was:  ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?  But . . . the good Samaritan reversed the question:  ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?’”
                                                       -NewsletterNewsletter
 
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.)

WAYS TO START OFF THE NEW YEAR
   According to historians, the celebration of the New Year is the oldest holiday.   Ancient Babylonians first observed it in the spring about 4,000 years ago.  In 153 B.C., the Roman Senate declared January 1 as New Year’s Day.
   The early church started to hold religious observances that coincided with pagan celebrations.  Some denominations still mark Christ’s circumcision on New Year’s.
   The tradition of making resolutions dates back to the Babylonians, who promised to return borrowed farm equipment.  Using a baby to symbolize rebirth and the new year dates back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians.
   Modern-day New Year’s customs often focus on prosperity.  In Spain, people eat 12 grapes at midnight, hoping to have 12 happy months to come.  The Dutch eat donuts because  another year has come full circle.
   One of the best ways to start off the New Year is by spending time in prayer.  Look back on God’s many blessings during the completed year and ask for his guidance in the one to come.  Also consider starting the tradition of praying for people around the world on New Year’s Day.                                    -NewsletterNewsletter

POINSETTIA RESCUE!  Your Christmas Poinsettia is thirsty and lonely!  Please take it home with you this week and give it some TLC!  Thanks!