PASTOR’S MESSAGE  "Commitment–Or Recommitment Sunday This Sunday is an important day in the life of our church. As I write this Stephen Wilson in installing our stained glass windows. I saw some of Stephen’s work a while back in his workshop and, like a kid on Christmas morning, I can hardly wait to see them installed here. They should transform our worship space–which is already beautiful–into a sacred place where even the windows tell the story of God’s love and grace. This Sunday is also the week when you are asked to make a financial commitment to the church for next year. You should have received a packet of information in the mail last week. This information is meant to guide your giving. It is also meant as a commitment to Christ and this church. Prayerfully consider a generous response to God’s grace in your life. God has blessed us. God’s mission here at FUMC needs all of our support. I believe in grace. God is always willing to accept us, even when we fall short, time after time. I hope that our church’s three worship services will be well attended this weekend. I hope that you will want to see the beautiful stained glass windows. I also hope that you will want to commit, or to recommit to this church. Won’t you consider your response to God’s grace in your life this Sunday? Peace! Barry

FELLOWSHIP TIME, COFFEE, DONUTS, MILK, JUICE!
Join us in the Fellowship Hall after the 8:30AM Worship Service. Refreshments available for as long as they last!

ANGELS- A-PLENTY!
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.

VOICES NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS CANTATA!
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!

HAVE YOU ORDERED YOUR RECIPE BOOK?
If you haven’t ordered your Church Cookbook yet, call Shirley (879-2589 or 790-4431) or the church office (868-7787) to place your order.
This recipe book is an IDEAL GIFT for Christmas, birthdays, weddings, etc. You will not believe how many delicious recipes from present and deceased members, how full of tips and cartoons, how GREAT a Church Recipe book you can purchase for only $15.00. THANKS for all the hard work and perseverance by Shirley and Tim Hebert, this is another piece of our church history that we can treasure for years to come!

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN’S CALENDAR
November 14–9:30AM Faith Circle in the Fellowship Hall.
Program: “Making Christmas Crafts”
Leader/Hostess: Bette Adams.

“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 ( new or used, but in good condition). If you have questions please call Lisa or Julie at 872-0757.

THIS SUNDAY IS COMMITMENT SUNDAY!
Please bring your commitment card to church this Sunday, November 19! If you forgot your card, check the bulletin for another one. We THANK you for your prayerful consideration and financial support of our church and its ministry.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Itty-Bitty to Four Years will be with Mrs. Mary and Ms. Maddie in the Nursery.
Five years thru Sixth Grade will view a video in Room 209. The video is entitled William Bradford (The Father of Thanksgiving) and is about sharing, gratitude and leadership. Mrs. Sheri Ledet will be the Sunday School teacher.
CHILDREN’S CHURCH (11:00AM)–MESSAGE: A Time to Give Thanks. Mrs. Sheri Ledet will bring the children to the Activity Building for Children’s Church after the Children’s Story Sermon.

WE PLAN TO DECORATE OUR SANCTUARY!
At this time of the year, our thoughts turn to decorating our beautiful sanctuary and other areas of our church. If you would like to help in this celebration or if your Sunday School class would like to participate, please call the church office or Rachel Milford at 872-1134. We would really appreciate your help!

ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE
An Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service will be held on Monday, November 20, 7:00PM at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. Local clergy and laity are invited to gather for worship.

CHRISTMAS OFFERING FOR OUR CHURCH STAFF!
Each Christmas we try to express our appreciation to our hardworking church staff with a Christmas bonus. This money is raised solely by gifts from the congregation. Our Minister and ALL Church staff will SHARE this gift. An envelope marked “Staff Appreciation” will be included in your bulletin or available on the table in the foyers. Thank you for your consideration. -SPR Committee

NEWS OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY!
+We express our Christian sympathy and prayerful concern to;
Bonnie and John Daigle. John’s mother, Velma Daigle, passed away November 7.
The family of Macey Clair McBrayer, who was on our prayer list. Macey passed away November 4. Macey was fifteen years old, and the daughter of Betty Farmer’s niece.
+We share in the joyous celebration of the birth of Reid Aycock Brackin! Reid, who is the son of Chris and Renee Aycock Brackin, was born on October 23. Proud grandparents are Bobby and Vickie Aycock, and Tom and Kathy Brackin of Houston, Texas.

STAFF PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE
The Staff Parish Relations Committee will meet on Tuesday, November 28, 6:00PM, in the Fellowship Hall Parlor.

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
There WILL be a Circuit Rider next week. Due to a short work week, please have your articles in by noon on Monday, November 20. Church offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24 for the holiday. We wish you a blessed, safe trip if you travel, a joyous family reunion if you gather, and a bounteous, delicious Thanksgiving dinner to share!

Our Stewardship for Week #46 November 12, 2006
Attendance in Worship: 233 Sunday School 43
Offering This Week : $ 6,471 YTD: $364,108
Bldg. Fund: $ 1,102 YTD: $140,412
Apportionments Due $60,025 YTD: $ 32,841
IN WORSHIP Sunday, November 19, 2006
The Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:4-20; Hebrews 10:11-14
The Gospel: Mark 13:1-8
The Sermon: “Provoke Each Other” Rev. Hoekstra
The Music:
8:30AM “O Young and Fearless Prophets” Early Choir
11:00AM “Forever Blest is He” The Chancel Choir

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! All sales benefit Ruston’s LA. Methodist Children’s Home.
*T-Shirts are still available in sizes Small-XXX. These T-shirts are a fund-raising project for the youth. $14 each.
*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
Please 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.

THANK YOU FOR GIFTS OF LOVE TO THE:
Apportionments by M/M John Laird.
Building Renovation Fund by Carla Smith, M/M Charles Jenkins, M/M Jimmy Hardin, M/M Bill Vincent, and in honor of Raymond Berger by Paula Rutledge.
UMY Fund by Dawn Vincent.
Music Fund by M/M David McMath.

HAS THE SUN BEEN GETTING IN YOUR EYES?
You MUST see our beautiful new stained glass windows this Sunday! They are AWESOME! If the sun has been bothering you on Sunday morning, it has been replaced with such AMAZING beauty you will feel compelled to stare!