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  - Nov. 2, 2005
PASTOR’S MESSAGE 
"All Saints”
*   “I sing a song of the saints of God, patient and brave and true.”
   This Sunday will be All Saints Day in our church.  At both of our worship services, we will call out the names of the dozen people who were with us on Last All Saints Sunday, but died in the past year.  This occasion is always filled with mixed emotions for me.  While I realize that these saints are with God, it saddens me that they are not with us any more.  In God’s love, their love lives on, and yet we are sad for the loss.
*   “Who toiled and fought and lived and died for the Lord they loved and knew.”
   The list of saints this year includes many who were active in our fellowship this past year.  They worshiped with us.  They served on committees.  They attended United Methodist Women or Men’s groups.  They shared with us in Sunday School.  Our lives were enriched by their presence among us.
*   “And one was a doctor, and one was a queen, and one was a shepherdess on the green; they were all saints of God, and I mean, God helping to be one too”
   The good news for all of us on All Saints Sunday is that God helping, we can all be saints too.  Come celebrate this good news with us this coming Sunday.
                                                                      Peace!  Barry

FELLOWSHIP TIME
When:  After 8:30AM Service     
Where: Activity Building
Please join us in the Activity Building for coffee, donuts, milk, juice and great fellowship!  Remember to leave a donation to help defray the cost of Fellowship Time.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Nov. 5    Acadiana District UMW Annual Meeting
               9:00AM FUMC Lafayette
               For information, call Joyce @ 868-0100
Nov. 8    Faith Circle 9:30AM in AB/403
Nov. 12  La. Conference UMW Annual Meeting
               9:00AM in Pineville

STAFF CHRISTMAS OFFERING
      Each year we try to express our appreciation to our hardworking Church staff with a Christmas bonus.  This money is raised by gifts from the congregation.  Our Minister, Secretaries, Youth Director, Children’s Director, Music Staff, Maintenance and Nursery Staff ALL SHARE in this gift from the Church family. 
    An envelope marked “Staff Appreciation” is included in your bulletin or available on the table in the Fellowship Hall.  Please drop your gift in the offering plate, by the church office, or slip it in the mail.  Thank you.       -SPR Committee

THANKS FROM DULAC COMMUNITY CENTER!
Dear First United Methodist Church,
   We want to express our sincere appreciation for your help during our time of need after Hurricane Rita.  We thank you for the flood buckets, children’s shoes, and the other acts of kindness you’ve shown us.  Continue to keep us in your prayers and thoughts.  May God bless you for all you do in His service.                                                   -Marie Billiot

SUNDAY SCHOOL IS FOR LIFE!
Itty-Bitty-Three-year-Olds are with Mrs. Mary in Nursery.
Four-year-Olds are with Miss Maddie in Room 109.
Kindergarten-Sixth Grade will be with Ms. Jeanne and Ms. Lori in Room 206.
    We have begun our  next Power X-Press unit which is on the topic of Christmas Around the World.

UNITED METHODIST MEN
   It is that time of the year again for our Annual Ladies’ Night Dinner.  This special night happens on  the third Tuesday of this month, November 15, at 6:30PM in the Activity Building.  This year’s delicious meal features  “Fried Turkey” with all the trimmings.
   Entertainment will be presented by the very talented Kevin Koike.  Hideo Koike will present lovely door prizes from his plant garden to many lucky ladies.  Ladies,  all you have to do is to  remember to get a ticket for the door prize as you come in.  
   This year’s Methodist Men’s  “Lady of the Year” will be presented at this time.  All couples and single ladies are urged to come out for this fine fellowship.  The cost for a great night is only $5 per person.  Ladies who celebrate an anniversary in November are guests of UMM.  A nursery will be provided if you call the church office ahead of time to request it.  

YOUTH NEWS
   THANK YOU to our church congregation for supporting our fundraiser.  We have only a few Jesus magnets left to sell.  Come by our table Sunday and purchase one for only $2.00.
   Any youth in 10th-12th grade or any adult involved in youth ministry interested in attending Happening, please turn in your application forms as soon as possible.  A deposit of $25 is required to hold your place.  This powerful instrument of renewal in the Church will take place January 13-15th.  If anyone needs a form, please contact Phyliss Martin @ 868-7787.

PART-TIME MAINTENANCE POSITION AVAILABLE! 
   The church is seeking an energetic maintenance person to work in the evenings.  The hours are flexible, but will need to be worked after Preschool has let out in the afternoon (from 4:00pm to 7:00pm or thereabouts, Monday through Friday.)  If you or someone you know might be interested, please call the church office                                         at 868-7787.  Thanks!       -David West

NEWS FROM OUR CHURCH FAMILY
   We would like to congratulate Anthony Martin and Jimmy Hardin on the opening of their paint store “Color Your World,” located at 6770 West Park, (to the left just barely past Piccadilly).  They would love for you to go by and visit them.  Look for the bright orange sign.  Congratulations and Good Luck from your Church Family.

 Our Stewardship Sunday, October 30, 2005
             Attendance                            Gifts                                      
          Worship   SS         This week       YTD        Budget
          234          64        $5,545         $355,038   $458,990
        Building Fund          $3,390         $199,421

WORSHIP   Sunday, November  6,  2005
The Sermon:  “All Saints?”  Rev. Barry Hoekstra
The Scripture:  Revelation 7:9-17; 1 John 3:1-3;
The Gospel:  Matthew 5:1-12

THANK YOU FOR THESE GIFTS OF LOVE TO THE :   Piano Fund in memory of Evelyn Stevens by M/M George Geoffroy.
Building Fund by M/M Tom Soudelier, M/M Tilman Gillaspie, M/M John Kelley, M/M Jere Saadi, M/M Jim Justice, M/M Delvin Foret, M/M Gawain Vicknair, and M/M John Woodard.
Bishop’s Hurricane Appeal by M/M Bill Thibodaux.
Operating Fund in memory of Evelyn Stevens by Al Cowan.
Donut Fund by M/M Wayne Reid.

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, Jarod Martin, Richard Schandorff,  Paul Tholen, Don Adams, Jeremy Brunet, Jerry Troy Cooper, Robert Cooper, Jamie Authement, Allison Foreman,  Lance Chatagnier, Ben White, Joseph Frisella, Jr., Billy Odom, B.J. Guidroz, Travis Twiggs and the 2/156(M) Infantry-Houma National Guard. Soldiers of the TN 278th.

TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER GROUP
   Become a part of our Prayer Group that meets on Tuesday mornings at 7:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.

ALTAR FLOWERS
   If you would like to place Altar Flowers one Sunday, please call Judy Navarre at 879-1924

UMW SHUT-IN MINISTRY
   UMW will be buying personal hygeine products for home-bound people and nursing home residents. If you would like to contribute to this ministry, please mark your donations “Shut-In Ministry.”  

  NO POINSETTIAS THIS CHRISTMAS!
      Due to the limited space in the Fellowship Hall, we will      not do the Poinsettia dedications this Christmas.

GIFT GIVING IDEA!
   When you are trying to think of something unique to give  someone this Christmas, don’t forget about the tasty Salsa made by the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston.  This delicious Salsa comes in a variety of strengths.  Price: $3 per 13 ounce jar.  Pick up your salsa in the Church office or order gift boxes by calling the Children’s home @ 318-255-5020.

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