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  -  May 3, 2006
PASTOR’S MESSAGE 
"Akeelah and the Bee”
   Lisa and I love going to the movies!  There is no better way to spend an evening than catching a movie and going out to eat.  I like going out after the movie because then we have time to discuss the movie.  Lisa will say whether or not she liked it and then I will take the movie apart and put it back together again.  I usually think I could make a much better movie.  Add something here.  Take something away there.  An amateur movie critic’s job is never done.
   We saw a movie recently which knocked both of us out.  It is called: “Akeelah and the Bee.”  It is about a middle school child and her journey toward a national spelling bee.  I know that this doesn’t sound like much of a plot but it is a gem of a movie!  This is one of the most life affirming movies we have seen in some time.  It will make you laugh and cry (which every good movie ought to do) and even has a little twist which makes for a great ending.
   Although this is not a Christian movie, and has some PG language, I would recommend it for anyone who just enjoys a good story.  I think that the moral issues and the resolution of conflict in this film is very Christian–even if not overtly so.
   It has been a long time since we have been to a movie where people cheered at some point.  In fact, we prefer the earlier showings so there are not as many people and distractions.  However, at one point there was a lady sitting behind us who was shouting encouragement to a character on the screen and I was tempted to do the same thing.
   It may be unusual to read a movie review in this space, but it is my hope that if Christians would support this type of movie, perhaps Hollywood would produce more of them
                                                                      Peace!  Barry

FELLOWSHIP TIME: 
WHEN: After 8:30 Service   WHERE: Activities Building
Join us for Coffee, Donuts, and fellowship.

FELLOWSHIP MEALS ON SUNDAY NIGHT!
 Drop by the Activities Building between 5:30-6:15PM and enjoy this Sunday’s menu of  Hamburgers, Tater Tots, Baked Beans, and Sheet Cake.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
 *May 6th–9:00AM Koinonia Circle at Golden Corral.  Program: Mothers
*May 9–9:30AM Faith Circle in the Fellowship  Hall Parlor.
Program: Grant Me a Godward Vision.
Leader and Hostess: Charlene Shrigley
   THANK YOU to the ladies who helped with the Acadiana District UMW Day Apart: Darla Bergeron, Linda Morris, Pat Eschete, and Charlene Shrigley.  Rev. Peggy Foreman gave an inspirational message on our history of missions.

UNITED METHODIST MEN
   United Methodist Men will hold their next regular meeting on Tuesday, May 16th at 6:30PM in the Activity Building.  Our guest speaker will be Terrebonne Airport Manager, Earl Hicks.  Earl will present a program on the airport’s colorful history, plus future plans for the airport.
   As usual we will have a fine meal consisting of Beef Brisket, Beans and Corn, Salad, Drink, Bread, and Dessert.  All wives of couples celebrating a May anniversary are our guest.
   Men, let’s have a good turn out for this program.  Get involved!                  -Sincerely, Bill Vincent, UMM PresidentCONSTRUCTION UP-DATE from the Building Committee
   The Sanctuary renovation is moving very slowly due to material delays caused by the storm aftermath.  There will also be a delay to accommodate a wedding scheduled for June 9th.  We hope that the congregation will understand and make suitable adjustments.
   On a more positive note, progress has been made recently.  Most of the tough carpentry work is complete, electrical wiring has been installed and sheetrock has been hung and finished.  The Chancel rail remains to be constructed; all the finish carpentry, lighting fixtures and sound system to be installed.  New pews are on order and hopefully will be delivered and installed on time.  Then the windows must be removed and replaced with new stained glass.  We are taking a poll on how many members would like to have a small piece of the original stained glass and would be willing to pay a small amount for it.  Please call the church office if you are interested.                    

SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Itty-Bitty to Four year olds are with Mrs. Mary and Ms. Maddie in the Nursery.
Kindergarten to Fifth Grade will be singing music from our new Project X-Press Unit, Easter People along with a lesson of how people were affected by Christ’s resurrection.  Room 206.
  **AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES
3:30-4:15PM   Mrs. Munk visits us from Harmony.  Then we’ll go to the Music Center in Room 206.
4:15-5:25PM   Music with Mrs. Shirley.
5:30-6:15PM   Supper

MONTHLY LUNCHEON ON SUNDAY, MAY 7
   After the 11:00 service, we will have our monthly luncheon in the Activity Building.  Prepare your favorite covered dish and take it to the Activity Building kitchen.
    The theme for the luncheon will be “Tool Time” (Tim Allen’s show).  The youth of our church, accompanied by Phyliss Martin and other adults, are going on a mission trip to the New Orleans area to aid victims of last year’s hurricanes.  They are  in need of various tools.  A list will be available at the luncheon.  Clips from “Home Improvement” will be shown on the big screen. 
   Church family members who attend the 8:30 service and Nite Lite service, please make a special effort to attend the luncheon.  Come and enjoy the food and fellowship.  Support this event!  Support our youth!

WE ARE SO PROUD!
   Nicholls State College held an Honor Banquet for the College of Arts and Science recently, and three members of our church family received awards.  Andrea Hebert received a Math Award, Michael Klaus received the American Choral Director’s Association National Student Award, and Andy Messina received Outstanding Vocal Music Major.  CONGRATULATIONS  to the recipients.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
   There will be a Church Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 9th, at 6:00PM, in Room 403 of the Activity Building.

 This year, the Ecumenical Songfest will be held on Thursday, May 18th, at 7:00PM at the New Rising Sun Baptist Church at 230  St. Charles Street.   This time of spiritual, soul-stirring music only happens once a year!  Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this wonderful event.

Our Stewardship for Week  #18   April 30, 2006
Attendance in Worship   168     Sunday School  31
Offering This Week:      $ 4,462     YTD:  $142,710
Bldg. Fund This Week: $    242      YTD:  $ 73,886
Apportionments Due : $22,110  Pd YTD:$ 15,725

WORSHIP       Sunday, May 7, 2006
Music 8:30AM “The Gift of Love” The Early Choir
Music11:00AM “The Gift of Love” The Chancel Choir
The Scripture: Acts 4:5-12; 1 John 3:16-24
The Gospel: John 10:11-18
The Sermon: “Love in Action” Rev. Barry Hoekstra

NEED TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE CIRCUIT RIDER?
   There will be no Circuit Rider published the week of May 15th.  The secretary will be taking the week off!  If you have some information for that week that needs to be in the Circuit Rider PLAN AHEAD and call the office, bring to the office, or e-mail it, and we will see that it is in the Circuit Rider the week of May 8th.  Thanks for your cooperation.

CALLING ALL PARENTS! 
  We need the parents of  all graduating high school seniors to  contact Phyliss Martin, Youth Director, ASAP!  Please call the church office at 868-7787 or 868-0414.

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, 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, Travis Twiggs, Blake Dryden,  and the 2/156(M) Infantry-Houma National Guard, the TN 278th.

THANK YOU FOR GIFTS OF LOVE TO THE:
Building Fund by Jim Clark, M/M Delvin Foret, M/M George Shely, Jeanne Scott, M/M William Brunet, M/M Jimmy Hardin and in memory of “Sarge” by Paula Rutledge.
Piano Fund in honor of Hideo and Takeko Koike by M/M Nolan Eschete.
Contingency Fund in memory of John Woodard by M/M Charlie Baker.
Native American Offering by Reese Barker, M/M Barry Hoekstra, M/M Richard Simons, M/M Jim Lowe, M/M Bill Thibodeaux, Jennifer Stipelcovich, and Ben Meyers.

UM MEN’S BAR-B-Q A BIG SUCCESS!
   Methodist Men did it again and as a result their annual Bar-B-Q was a BIG success!  I want to thank all the men, their wives and children for all their efforts.  The youth and their leaders did a GREAT job, also!
   We sold more than 500 meals.  Some of the meals that were left over went to the local firemen, policemen, the Bunk House, and several other groups for the needy.  We were able to feed many.  Thanks to  all who bought meals supporting this event.
   I would especially like to thank Gene II, Gene III, Delvin, Jerry L., Nolan, Melvin, Ed, E.J., Billy, Jim, Sonny, Jerry C., Nell, Judy, and Rachel.  These good folks were the pit cooks, inside cooks, preparers, and boxers.  As a team, you made it the success it was.   We are already planning for next year. Thanks again!
                              -Sincerely, Bill Vincent, UMM President

IN CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY
   We would like to express our deepest sympathy and concern to the family of Larry Schilling, who passed away on Wednesday, April 26.  Mr. Schilling had been on our prayer list for a long time.  He is survived by his wife Karen,  and son Edward, and family.  May God bless this family.

NEED TO PUT SOMEONE ON THE PRAYER LIST?
   Please call the Secretary if you, or someone else,  need prayer.  We try to update our list from time to time, but don’t want to leave anyone out. Let us hear from you.

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