Pastor’s Article  I recently found this article by Michael D. Powell  A Job and A Ministry Do you have a job in this church and this community . . . or do you have a ministry? There is a difference!

+ If you are doing it because no one else will, it's a job. If you're doing it to serve the Lord, it's a ministry. + If you're doing it just well enough to get by, it's a job. If you're doing it to the best of your ability, it's a ministry. + If you'll do it only so long as it doesn't interfere with other activities, it's a job. If you're committed to staying with it even when it means letting go of other things, it's a ministry. + If you quit because no one praised you or thanked you, it was a job. If you stay with it even though no one seems to notice, it's a ministry. + If you do it because someone else said that it needs to be done, it's a job. If you are doing it because you are convinced it needs to be done, it's a ministry. + It's hard to get excited about a job. It's almost impossible not to get excited about a ministry. + If your concern is success, it's a job. If your concern is faithfulness, it's a ministry. + People may say "well done" when you do your job. The Lord will say "well done" when you complete your ministry. + An average church is filled with people doing jobs. A great church is filled with people involved in ministry! + If God calls you to a ministry, for heaven's sake (literally) don't treat it like a job. If you have a job in the church, give it up and find a ministry! God doesn't want us feeling stuck in a job, but excited, fulfilled, and faithful in a specific ministry.    May God bless and empower us as disciples of Jesus Christ, called to be in the ministry of this church and community. Amen.                                        Pastor Don

 HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE PLANNING EVENT?
    It’s not too late!  You can still sign up for a special congregational Planning Event set for 6:00PM Friday evening, January 30th, and Saturday, January 31st from 8:30AM until 3:00PM.  Friday night will be high-lighted by a meal, affirmations of our assets, and listing of areas where we need to improve or develop new ministries.  All members are encouraged to sign up to participate in this historic and pace setting event.  Everyone attending will have an opportunity to participate in the goal setting, program planning, and emphasis for this year. A nursery will be provided upon need.  Let us know your need!

PRISON CHAPEL OFFERING—We join with other denominations in giving to the Prison Chapel Fund which seeks to build chapels on the grounds of prisons to provide a place apart to worship and experience God's love.   Forcht Wade is one of three state prisons or facilities without a chapel. Eleven chapels are in use almost daily on various prison grounds.  Last year, the Keithville prison was on its way to be the 12th to open.  After the groundbreaking in June 2007 and the pouring of the foundation and electrical and pumping preparation, completion has been delayed.  Your gift will help fill this important need.  You may place your offering in one of the pew envelops or write Chapel Fund on your check.

YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
This past Sunday, UMY took care of some ferns that were taking over behind our Learning Center White House. We also trimmed around Mr. Joe Robinson’s stone by the playground.  We’d like to thank Jimmy Hardin for all his hard work!  Do you have a job for the Youth around your house?  If so, call the church office and let us know!
Sunday School:  We are diving into the Bible in our new series Amazing Bible Race “Law”.  This week we will be talking about Genesis chapters 3-5.  We will be talking about Fruit Trees and Fig Leaves, and God’s mercy.  Church Planning Event: Friday, January 30th and Saturday, January 31st is our church wide planning session.  All youth and parents are encouraged to attend.  This is an excellent opportunity to voice your ideas for programs for our church.  We hope to see you there!
Superbowl Party:  We are having a Superbowl party at Katherine Burgess’s house on 711 Prevost Drive.  We will meet at her house at 5:00PM on Sunday, February 1st.  Parents please plan to pick up by 9:00PM.  Youth need to bring snacks.  If you need a ride, let me know.
Attention Parents: Valentine Parents Night Out! Have a night out on the Youth.  They would like to offer their services to entertain your children so you can have time to spend with your spouse.  This is a FREE service!  You may drop off your children in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00PM.  Please pick your child up at 8:30PM.  We will have games, snacks, and movies for entertainment.
Youth Council Meeting on February 8th at 12:30 in the Activities Building.  Food will be provided.
Mardi Gras Parade at Color your World Store on February 15th.  We will leave church after Sunday School to head to 6770 West Park.  We will come back to church for Voices of Light practice at 4:00PM.  Parents, please pick up at 5:00PM.
Senior High Retreat is March 6th-8th.  Sign up now.  The deadline is January 22nd.  The cost is $80.  Do not let money hold you back as we have scholarships to help out!  Forms will be available in the church office.
LAST CALL:  Youth Fundraiser for a Mission Group:  This is the last week to buy calendars and notepads.  Wall and pocket calendars are $6, magnetic note pads are $4, and regular note pads are $2.  Stop by the office and get them while you can!  Thanks for your support!          --Niki

NOT TOO LATE TO ORDER A NAME BADGE!
     If you are interested in ordering a MAGNETIC (no pins) name badge, we will be placing an order around February 15th.  Because the new order will be a smaller quantity, the additional tags will cost $9 each.  To order, call the church secretary (868-7787) or  Judy Matherne (879-1355).

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
   United Methodist Women will meet on Tuesday, February 3rd, at 9:30AM in the Fellowship Hall Parlor.  The leader is Jeanne Scott.  The program is Call to Prayer Service.

OUR CHURCH FAMILY
   We would like to congratulate Mr. Philip Martin on being appointed Superintendent of Schools for Terrebonne Parish!

PLEASE NOTE!
   The Bell Choirs and Voices of Light will NOT meet on Sunday, February 1st. Regular practice resumes on Sunday, February 8th.
   Cherub Choir WILL practice on Sunday, February 1, 4:00PM as usual, in the Fellowship Hall.

Our Stewardship for 2009
       WK 04  January 25, 2009 
        Attendance   241       Sunday School   64
        Offering   $     7,445
        Building /Renovation Fund Offering  $   10,185    

X = KISS
   During the Middle Ages, when few people were able to write, many documents were signed with an X. Signers kissed the letter to affirm their sincerity in the same way they kissed the Bible when taking an oath.    The letter X wasn’t selected at random.  It was the sign of St. Andrew, who was crucified on an X-shaped cross.  The X implied a sacred promise to fulfill one’s obligation in the saint’s name.

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.)

BLOOD DONORS NEEDED
   Raymond Berger needs to replace blood used during treatment for his illness.  If you would like to help by  donating blood, please do so with the Blood Bank in Raymond’s name.  Thank you.

Special Dates in February 2009

• African-American History Month
• La. Prison Chapel Offering, February 1
• Boy Scout Sunday, February 8
• Valentine’s Day, February 14
• President’s Day, February 16
• Transfiguration of the Lord, February 22
• Ash Wednesday, February 25

          PRAYER FOR PRESIDENT’S DAY
   Lord of heaven and earth, we offer you our deepest appreciation for this blessed land.  Stir up a sense of stewardship in every citizen so we may all care for our nation and each inhabitant in it.
   We pray especially for our leaders.  Prompt everyone in a position of authority, from local to national leaders, to strive for righteousness, justice and the welfare of all citizens.
   Finally, we pray that we may be ever mindful of the psalmist’s teaching that “Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord . . .”  (Psalm 33:12, NRSV).  May that promise become real “from sea to shining sea.”  Amen.

VALENTINE’S DAY
   In the early Christian church, there were three priests named Valentine or Valentinus.  Though they didn’t live at the same time, each was said to be holy and each had been martyred for his faith.  All three priests were designated as saints.  Around the year A.D. 498, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day.
   Valentine’s Day came to be associated with love, romance and marriage.  The day is now so popular that only during the Christmas season do people mail more greeting cards.
   No matter how many cards, flowers or sweets you receive this Valentine’s Day, be assured that God loves you with an “everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3, NRSV).