PASTOR’S MESSAGE  "Check Book As Devotional Guide” Jesus talked about money–a lot. One third of the time in the New Testament Jesus talks about money. He knows that money is something that can stand between a person and God. I am never afraid to talk about money in the way that Jesus talks about money. I believe that one of the spiritual disciplines that we are able to practice is giving money. A tenth of our income (a tithe) is what Lisa and I feel God requires us to give to the work of the church. We also give offerings about our tithe to the capital campaign and other special needs which come along. We believe that this is the right way for us to give. We live in a culture that worships money–not God. This is not so different from Jesus’ day. Money and power go hand in hand. We think that the more money we have the more power we will have. I am not so sure that this is entirely true. Are the respected people today the captains of industry? Or are they people who gave of themselves and their money for the betterment of the world? Bill Gates and Warren Buffett will be known in the future for the fortunes they made–and gave away. You can tell what is important to a person by where they spend their time and money. I have a challenge for you. Look at your checkbook register or bank statement. Where do you spend your money? What does it say is the most important thing to you? It is time for you to consider your commitment for 2007. Maybe this is the year you consider a tithe–or start moving toward a tithe. Go ahead–use your checkbook as a devotional guide. Pray about your giving and see how God directs you to give. And thank you for your faithful and generous response. Peace! Barry

DID YOU ENJOY THE DONUTS? We hope so! Our trusty little “Donut Elf”, Jeanne Scott, makes sure they are hot and delicious and here on time! INSTEAD OF BREAKFAST, we are now offering our popular time of Fellowship, Hot Coffee, Donuts, Milk and Juice! Join us in the Fellowship Hall after the 8:30AM Worship Service. Refreshments will be available for as long as they last!

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Itty-Bitty to Four Years will be with Mrs. Mary and Ms. Maddie in the Nursery for a story/ lesson and playtime.
Five years thru Sixth Grade–Power X-Press “In the Manger”. Storytelling with Ms. Kathy in Room 209.

WHITE GIFTS
Any families wishing to ADOPT A FAMILY for Christmas needs to be in touch with Brenda Cloud (876-2097) BEFORE November 16. The “Angels” will be on the church Christmas tree for November 19. We want to get our program underway before Thanksgiving. Our “White Gifts” program will be Dec. 17.

CHRISTMAS WILL BE HERE IN EIGHT SHORT WEEKS! The Chancel Choir is hard at work preparing their Christmas Cantata, The Winter Rose, by Joseph Martin. Join us at 7:00PM on Wednesdays as we prepare for the Holy, Holiday Season!

IMPORTANT MEETINGS IN NOVEMBER
November 7–6:00PM Finance Committee in AB/403
November 7–7:00PM Church Council Meeting in AB/403

NOVEMBER LUNCHEON EXTRAVAGANZA!
We’ve NEVER had a covered-dish luncheon QUITE LIKE THIS ONE! This Sunday, November 5, the luncheon will be after 11:00AM service in the Activity Building. If you are wondering what dish to bring, HERE’S AN IDEA! If you submitted a recipe for the Church Recipe Book to Shirley or to Myles, WHY NOT prepare your entry and bring it to the luncheon? We would LOVE to sample the award-winning recipes that will be in the recipe book.
ALSO, this is your opportunity to enjoy the incredible talent of Jeanne Scott and Sue Peace. They will be performing numbers from the successful play, “Nunsense”. Accompanying them will be Donna Sammarco, who brings joy to us every Sunday with her extraordinary gift of music. What a memorable way to begin the month of November! Plan to attend this “fun time” for all. Plan to eat delicious food! Bring a friend!
GATHER ROUND THE TABLE
We proudly announce the winning name of the Church Recipe Book is “Gather Round the Table”. Amee Messina is the winner, and as the winner she will receive a free copy of the Church Recipe Book. You will not believe how PROFESSIONAL, how FULL of delicious recipes from present members and deceased members, how full of tips and cartoons, how GREAT a Church Recipe book you can purchase for only $15.00. It rivals ANYTHING you could buy at Books-A-Million. A church treasure to own or to give as Christmas presents!
HOW TO ORDER? You MUST get in touch with Shirley Hebert at 879-2589 or call the office (868-7787) and the Secretary will forward the order to Shirley.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN’S CALENDAR
November 4–9:00AM Acadiana District Annual Meeting and LELT at Sager Brown Center, Baldwin.
November 7–6:30PM General Meeting in the Fellowship Hall. Leader: Lisa Hoekstra Program: “Children of the Bible”
Hostess: Shirley Hebert
Note: Please bring your World Thank Offering and item for the UMW Homebound Ministry.
November 11–9:00AM Koinonia Circle at the Golden Corral Leaders: Darla Bergeron and Lisa Hoekstra
Remember: World Thank Offering and the Homebound Ministry
November 14–9:30AM Faith Circle in the Fellowship Hall.
Program: “Making Christmas Crafts”
Leader/Hostess: Bette Adams.

UNITED METHODIST MEN’S “LADIES’ NIGHT”!
Methodist Men will hold their annual “Ladies’ Night” on Tuesday, November 14. They will be serving Fried Turkey and all the trimmings prepared by the TERRIFIC COOKS in Methodist Men. Don’t miss this night!

“GIVE THANKS FOR YOUR SAFE HOME”
FUMC is participating in The Haven’s “Give Thanks for Your Safe Home” Thanksgiving Drive. We will be collecting bath and hand towels. These towels can be new or used, but in good condition. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Hoekstra or Julie Pellegrin at 872-0757.

Our Stewardship for Week #44 October 29, 2006
Attendance in Worship: 231 Sunday School 50
Offering This Week : $ 9,203 YTD: $344,948
Bldg. Fund: $ 2,505 YTD: $138,551
Apportionments Due $57,575 YTD: $ 23,525
IN WORSHIP Sunday, November 5, 2006
The Scripture: Isaiah 25:6-9; Revelation 21:1-6a
The Gospel: John 11:32-44
The Sermon: “Saint Me?” Rev. Barry Hoekstra
The Music:
8:30AM “Shall We Gather at the River” The Early Choir
11:00AM “Shall We Gather at the River” Chancel Choir
IN CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY
We extend our Christian sympathy and prayers for comfort to Jimmy and Dee Arbuckle. Jimmy’s grandmother, Teary Bell Arbuckle, passed away last week and was buried Friday in Logansport, LA..

CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE!
Paul Sean Rabalais and Melissa Berry were married here on Saturday, October 28. Melissa is the daughter of Walter and Trish Berry, and Paul is the son of Dr. Phillip and Jane Rabalais. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

PLEASE BE IN PRAYER FOR PEACE AND FOR THE SAFETY OF THOSE WHO ARE SERVING OUR COUNTRY: Aaron Ledet, Jerry St. Pierre, John Parks, 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, Richard Schandorff, Paul Tholen, Jeremy Brunet, Jamie Authement, Lance Chatagnier, Joseph Frisella, Jr., Blake Dryden, and the 2/156(M) Infantry-Houma National Guard, the TN 278th. (If you know of someone on this prayer list who is now safely home, please call 868-7787 and let us know! We’d like to share that news with the Church family!)

NOW AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE!
*Scrumptious Salsa is still available for only $3 per 13 ounce jar! How do you like your salsa? “Just a Tad Warm”, “Pretty Darn Hot”, “Holy Cow, It’s Screaming Hot” or “Sizzling Tail Feathers”? We have it! All sales benefit Ruston’s LA. Methodist Children’s Home.
*T-Shirts are still available in the Church office. These T-shirts are a fund-raising project for the youth and cost $14 each. We have all sizes from Small to XXX.
*World’s Finest Chocolate Bars are being sold as a fundraiser for the youth. $1 a bar in the church office.
*Donna Sammarco’s solo piano CD “On Eagles Wings” is available. Proceeds benefit the Grand Piano Fund.
*MacDonell’s Children’s Greeting Cards are available in the back foyer. Sales benefit MacDonell’s Children.

UM WOMEN’S HOMEBOUND MINISTRY
United Methodist Women are asking that you consider donating items such as: shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, tooth paste, deodorant, brush, combs, bath soap, Kleenex, cotton balls, Q-tips, and bath powder to the Christmas campaign. Any of these items and/or monetary donations will be gratefully accepted. You may drop your donations in the box in the church office. Questions? Call Rita Landry @ 876-7740.

WE REJOICE AND THANK GOD!
We rejoice to share the news with you that Travis Twiggs, who has long been on our military prayer list, has returned home safely from duty in Iraq.

THANK YOU FOR GIFTS OF LOVE TO THE:
Apportionments by M/M Gene Milford, M/M Max Cloud, M/M John Laird, Juana Woodard, and in honor of Cecil and Dena Bordelon by M/M Paul Craft.
Building Renovation by M/M Don d’Aquin, M/M Sonny Navarre, M/M Gene Milford, M/M John Laird, M/M Delvin Foret, M/M Charles Jenkins, and M/M David McMath.
Benevolence Food Bank by the Fellowship SS Class.
Contingency Fund by Juana Woodard.
Pastor Benevolence Fund by M/M Jim Nunnally.
Trunk R Treat Fund by M/M Andy Wright.
Music Fund by M/M David McMath.