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  -  Oct. 17, 2006
PASTOR’S MESSAGE 
"Balance”
   When someone becomes a United Methodist Christian, they vow to uphold the church by their prayers, presence, gifts and service.  This vow is vitally important.  If we are to be balanced in our faith, we need to consider all parts of this vow.  All four of these spiritual disciplines are needed to grow in faith.  Let’s look briefly at all four:
  Prayers.  We need to pray for our church, its ministries, its mission, its leaders, its staff and its pastor.  Every day we should be praying for the positive direction of the church and its witness to the community.  Do you pray for your church?
   Presence.  Schedules get crowded.  We are busier than ever these days.  Do we find God in the rush of life?  Worship attendance, even when we don’t feel like it, is a good spiritual discipline.  Even if the sermon doesn’t speak to you on a particular Sunday – hymns, or anthems, or communion, or peaceful quiet, or scripture, or gathering with your Christian family just might speak to your soul.  Do you attend church?
   Gifts.  Isn’t it a shame that we spend so much time having to ask God’s people to give to the work of the church?  Regular, systematic giving is important for the mission and ministry of the church.  Consider tithing (giving 10% of your income) if you are not already doing so.  Withholding financial support to get one’s way never honors God.  Do you give to your church?  
   Service.  Sometimes it seems like the same people do the same jobs year after year.  Positive, excited, willing volunteers are always needed.  There is a trend to rely on staff to get the jobs done.  Ministry–serving others–ought to involve all of us.  Have you found a place of service?
   Please let me know if there is any way I can assist you to find your place in God’s church and keep your vows to be loyal to this congregation of the United Methodist Church.
                                                                       Peace!  Barry

FELLOWSHIP TIME AND HOT COFFEE!
 When: After 9:45AM Service  Where: Activity Building 

JOIN US FOR BREAKFAST!
  You are invited to join us  9:15- 10:00AM   in the Activity Building on Sunday Morning.  We will be serving a hot breakfast of  Grits, Eggs, Toast, and Sausage, with Jelly, Coffee, Juice and Milk. Only $2.00 per person. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  
 We send BEST WISHES to Mrs. Hazel Abernathy, who turned 104 this month. What an awesome achievement!  YOU give US hope for a long life, Mrs. Abernathy! 

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLYWEDS!
   We are delighted to tell you that Helen Hendricks and Charles Bergeron were married by Rev. Hoekstra this past weekend. Congratulations to this happy couple!

BECAUSE WE CARE!
   Luke Brunet, age 28, has a stage four brain tumor.  A Bowling Tournament at Creole Lanes is being held to help Luke and his family (wife Michele and son Taylor) with medications, medical bills, physical therapy, and other expenses due to his illness.  Luke has long been on our prayer list and is Mae Smith’s nephew.  Prayers would be appreciated and contributions can be made to Creole Lanes in his name.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
 Itty-Bitty to Four Years will be with Mrs. Mary and Ms. Maddie in the Nursery for a Bible lesson/playtime.
Five years  thru Sixth Grade–
Power X-Press
9:45AM– Opening Assembly/Room 209 with Ms. Jeanne.
October 22–Music Center/Room 209.
Children’s Church–11:00AM Service
The Message– “The Light of Day”    Genesis 1-5 
                                       God created day and night.                                     

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL 
    There is a new 11:00AM class in the  Fellowship Hall Parlor discussing the topic Patience in the series of Fruits of the Spirit. At 9:45AM we have the following classes:  The Fellowship Class in Room 403, Discovery Class in the Chapel, Disciples Class in the Fellowship Hall, Let’s Talk About It in the Library. Youth Sunday School now meets at 11:00AM.

         TRUNK OR TREAT!                 FELLOWSHIP AND FUN!
    When:   October 31st                          Time:    6-8:00 PM
   Where:   Church Grounds
   We will provide  A Costume and Car Decorating Contest, Free Hot Dogs, Free Hamburgers, Free Drinks (while they last), and a Pie or Cake “Spook Walk”. Donations of these items or  monetary donations  to purchase  these items would be greatly appreciated!  Join in the fun!
   Adults, please fill your trunk with candy, bring the kids,  and come enjoy fellowship with family and friends.   There is a sign up chart for a car space in the narthex of the church.  You can pick your spot or call Jeanne at 868-7787 to reserve your spot.                                               

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN’S HOMEBOUND MINISTRY
    UMW is 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.

RECIPE BOOK IN THE WORKS!
  We Methodists LOVE TO EAT! We know that we have a number  of OUTRAGEOUSLY GOOD COOKS in our church family! 
   Did you ever try to figure out what ingredients were in one of the delicious covered-dishes you enjoyed so much at our monthly Sunday luncheons?  Well, as soon as the new Church Recipe Book comes out YOU can OWN that recipe!  Check the Circuit Rider for the date it will be ready for purchase!  Great to have for yourself or to give someone you love as a Christmas present!

Back to News