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  - Jan. 11, 2006
PASTOR’S MESSAGE 
"We Did It!”
   It came right down to the wire again this year.  However,  last week I was able to drop a check off in Baton Rouge for our full apportionments!  Apportionments are the way that we do ministry beyond the walls of the local church at both the state and national level.  They are not “dues” or a “franchise fee” for being a United Methodist Church.  They are our way of joining with other United Methodist Churches in doing ministry together.  This is why we say that the United Methodist Church is “connectional.”  We connect our dollars with other churches to do our ministries together.
   This year we needed the interest money from our endowment to pay our apportionments in full.  This is not unusual.  Often in years past, this interest money from the Administration Board (now the Church Council) has been used in this way.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if at the end of this year we could start a new ministry with this endowment interest money instead of having to use it to pay our apportionments?
   I believe in tithing.  Our apportionments are our tithe and offering to the United Methodist Church.  I hope that we will do better this year in keeping our tithe up to date.  I know that for the first time in years we actually had a positive cash flow in the new year.  I also know that this month we will talk a bit more about our stewardship.  You may even want to start thinking about what percent of your income you would like to give to your church in the coming year.
   As always, thank you for your support this past year!
                                                                      Peace!  Barry

FELLOWSHIP TIME
When: After 8:30 Service              Where: Activity Building
Join us for coffee, milk, juice, donuts and fellowship.

UNITED METHODIST MEN
   United Methodist Men will meet on Tuesday, January 17th, at 6:30PM in the Activity Building Kitchen.  Join us for fellowship and a good meal!

FAMILY MINISTRY’S COVERED-DISH LUNCHEONS
   On the FIRST Sunday of February (February 5th), and each month thereafter, we will have a Covered-Dish Luncheon after the 11:00AM Worship Service in the Activity Building.   Bring your favorite dish or two and join us for a delicious meal and great fellowship!  We have some really great cooks in this church, so every luncheon is anxiously anticipated by all our great eaters!
   We hope to have a variety of entertainments each month.  This will be announced in the Circuit Rider prior to the luncheon.

ADOPT-A-GARDEN
   Please call David West at the church office (868-7787) if you have an area of special interest on our grounds that you would like to adopt.  Our gardens need special love and attention (keeping weeds out and fresh flowers and greenery in).  We could really use some help in this area. Working together, we can make our church ground BEAUTIFUL all year round!  
   WE THANK all the anonymous gardeners who have already adopted their area to cultivate.  We could not do it without YOU!

SUNDAY SCHOOL IS FOR LIFE!
Itty-Bitty-Three year olds are with Mrs. Mary in the Nursery.
Four Year Olds are with Miss Maddie in the Nursery. (These ladies do have a Sunday School lesson for these children during this time.)
Kindergarten-Sixth Grade will be with Ms. Jeanne and Ms. Lori.

POWER EXPRESS–Jesus is Baptized.
   BOYS AND GIRLS!  Do you like to cook?  Come and help Mrs. Lynda and Mrs. Michelle make some unusual treats this Sunday, January 15th.
   We will meet in the Activity Building after the 8:30 service.  After Fellowship time, you will go the kitchen for some cooking FUN.
   We have been MISSING a lot of our children in Sunday School.  We do have some very dedicated teachers that present Bible-based lessons in varied learning styles.
   COME AND JOIN US!  Remember Sunday School is for life!  This is where a lifetime relationship with God and Christian friendship can begin.
                                           -Jeanne Scott, Children’s Director

NEWS OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY!
   We are so excited  to inform you that our own Julie Craft, daughter of Paul and Cindy Craft, has been nominated for Terrebonne Parish “Teenager of the Year.”  What an accomplishment!  Julie, you make us feel so PROUD!

CHERUB CHOIR SINGS SUNDAY!   The Cherub Choir will sing Sunday, January 15th, at the 11:00 service.  We need all our “little cherubs” to attend.  See you this Sunday!                     -Ms. Shirley

COMMUNION STEWARDESS/COORDINATOR NEEDED!
  After serving as your communion stewardess/coordinator for the last 26 years, I have decided to retire.  I enjoyed working in this position because I felt it a great honor and blessing to help set up, serve, and pick up the Lord’s supper.
   If you are interested in taking this position, please call the church office (868-7787) and leave your name with the church secretary, Jackie Shely, or with me at (876-4491.)  Thank you.                                                     -Takeko Koike

YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
   Nick Guy, Joshua Martin and Rose Williams will be participating in the Louisiana Methodist Happening this weekend.  This is a spiritual Life Retreat for high school students.  Please be in prayer for these youth as they participate in this event.  Congratulations to Nick Guy–a new member of the Adult Band.  You did an AWESOME job on your first Sunday.
   Senior High Retreat is February 10-12th.  The registration forms are located outside Mrs. Phyliss’s office.  Pick up one and return it to her by January 22, along with   the $75.00 fee.

                 Our Stewardship January 8, 2006
                 Attendance                            Gifts                          
         Worship   SS    This week       YTD        Budget
 1/08      211      63      $ 9,359     $  20,178     $461,990
         Bldg. Fund        $ 1,209     $    1,209

WORSHIP   Sunday, January 15th, 2006
The Sermon: “Hello!”  Rev. Barry Hoekstra
The Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51

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, Richard Schandorff,  Paul Tholen, Don Adams, Jeremy Brunet, Jamie Authement, Lance Chatagnier, Joseph Frisella, Jr., Billy Odom, B.J. Guidroz, Travis Twiggs and the 2/156(M) Infantry-Houma National Guard, the TN 278th.

THANK YOU FOR GIFTS OF LOVE TO THE:
Bishop’s Hurricane Appeal from M/M Bill Thibodeaux.
Apportionments from M/M Bobby Aycock, M/M Jim Justice, M/M Emory McChargue, M/M Danny Robichaux, Bette Adams, and M/M Pat Peace.
Building Renovation Fund from M/M Robert Smith, M/M Ronald Blanchard, M/M John Walton, M/M Tom Becnel, Gail Mitchell, M/M Gene Milford, Charlotte Lill, Paula Rutledge, and in memory of W.V. Coal Miners by Ben Meyers.
LA. Methodist Children’s Home from M/M Bill Thibodeaux, Kelly Thames, M/M Ryan Anglada, Amee Messina, and in memory of Merle and Julius Pavlu by M/M Ted Ortiz.

ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
   *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.      *Donna Sammarco’s solo piano CD –“On Eagles Wings” is available in the church office or from the Sammarcos.
  *Scrumptious Salsa will still be available in the church office.  Sales benefit LA. Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston, Louisiana.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
   On Sunday, January 8th, we shared in the joy of the baptism of  infant Taylor Marie Collins, beautiful daughter of Jared Alan and Candace Lynn Collins.

Back to News