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  -  Sep. 19, 2006
PASTOR’S MESSAGE 
"Children Welcome!”
   I didn’t realize that the Epistle of James would be the focus of preaching for so many weeks.  I follow the common lectionary and James has been and  will be the focus for two more weeks.  If I was a tall steeple preacher, I would have suggested it was a series and come up with catchier titles.
   This week we will be talking about submission.  We don’t like to think about serving others.  We would rather be in charge. Those who are truly great, according to Jesus, are the ones who are willing to serve.
      We have been growing lately.  At the eleven o’clock service there are more children than we have seen in a long time.  This is a good thing.  These children need to feel welcomed as they get used to experiencing worship.  They will be restless, but sometimes adults can be restless too.  In time, when children see that worship is important to the adults who are important to them, they settle into the routine of the service and also bring life to the service by the joy they experience and are willing to express.  It is great to watch children sway to the music as it is played and sung.  When was the last time you were so moved by music that you danced?
   The disciples tried to shoo children away from Jesus.  He was an important person and had important things to say to the adults.  Jesus pulled a child close and said “Whoever  welcomes such a child welcomes me.”  Would Jesus be welcome to our church? 
Peace!  Barry

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

JOIN US FOR BREAKFAST!
   We are serving a delicious breakfast in the Activity Building between 9:15 and 10:00AM on  Sunday mornings.  WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!
   We extend a warm Christian welcome from our church family to Corey and LaWanda Ann Martin and their children, Cody Michael, Tyler Rae, and Devin Michael. 
   We also welcome Dennis Ray and Patricia Ann Smith
who also joined last Sunday.  We are blessed by your presence and pray our church will be a blessing to you!

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
October 3, 9:30AM General Meeting in the Fellowship Hall.  Program: Judy Matherne and Joyce Thibodeaux.  Election of officers and pledge service.  Hostess: Dean Cancienne.
October 7, 9:00AM Koinonia Circle Breakfast Meeting at the Golden Corral.  Devotional: Linda McMath.
October 17, 10:00AM Executive Committee Meeting at Joyce Thibodeaux’s house.
   CONGRATULATIONS to our 2006 Woman in Mission of the Year, Charlotte Lill!  Charlotte gives freely to others, making knitted slippers for gift bags, making toys for children and Christmas ornaments to give away, making pastries for UMW, and in many other ways sharing her Christian love with those around her.  She is a faithful member of UMW and the Chancel Choir.  Charlotte will celebrate her 88th birthday on October 9.  As Charlotte says, “I hope that God blesses me with enough energy to keep on going.”  Charlotte, we thank you for everything you do!
Happy Birthday to members with birthdays this week, Hilda Bergeron, Barbara English, Doris Spangle and Jamie Nunnally.

OLD TIME RELIGION SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH!
   This Sunday,  our Chancel Choir will present the popular “Old Time Religion” music and worship  service at TWO SERVICES, 8:30AM and 11:00AM.  You can choose when you’d like  to attend one of our truly spectacular music experiences  of the year.  Bring your family, bring your friends!  Share the wealth of musical talent we have in our church family!

                            CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
+SUNDAY SCHOOL
Itty-Bitty to Four Years will be with Mrs. Mary and Ms. Maddie in the Nursery for a Bible lesson/playtime.
Kindergarten thru Sixth Grade--Power X-Press   “Jesus and the Children.”  Jesus proclaimed through his works and actions that children are valued by God.
9:45AM– Opening Assembly in Room 209 with Ms. Jeanne.
September 24–Cookery Center in the A/B Kitchen with Mrs. Lynda Wright and Mrs. Michelle Sartele.
October 1st–Game Center in the A/B with Mrs. Carla Smith.
October 8th–Art Center in Room 209 with Mrs. Lynda Wright and Mrs. Michelle Sartele.
October 15th–Science Center in Room 209 with Mrs. Martha South.
October 22nd–Music Center in Room 209.
+Children’s Church–NO Children’s Church on September 24th 
so that all children can enjoy “Old Time Religion Sunday.”

YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
Movie Night!  September 24th (5-7:00PM)   We will be watching the movie Second Chance.  Admission price: bring a friend.
Fall Convo!  September 30th!  We leave at 6:00AM–return 7:30-8:00PM.  Cost is $25 and includes a t-shirt and lunch. 
Junior High Retreat!  Two retreats: Last week of October and  first week of November.  Interested?  Let a youth leader know.
Sunday Evening Dinners!  We need parents/ church members to provide the meal for the youth on Sunday nights. Paper products and drinks will be provided. (Youth eat anything!)  Some popular items include: Nachos, Wal-Mart chicken, Pizza, Burgers, Lasagna, Gumbo, etc. Contact Kim West @ 917-0905.
Sunday Evening UMY!  From 5-7:00PM on Sunday evenings our youth group comes together to eat, play, and have group Bible study. 
Youth Sunday School!  The youth Sunday School class meets in the youth room (upstairs in the gym) at 11:00AM. 

WE REJOICE TO SHARE THIS NEWS WITH YOU!
   We have received news from the families of these military people who have RETURNED SAFELY to their homes after serving our country. They have long been on our prayer list.  We  are so grateful that they are home and can resume their lives!  WELCOME HOME and THANK YOU to Charles Arabie, Billy Odom, James Lyle, and Jason Babin. 
(If you know of others on our list who are now home, please let us know that we can make our church family aware!  Thanks!) 

         LIVE IN CONCERT!  
   On Wednesday, September 27, at 6:30PM, the ANNIE MOSES BAND will be performing at the First Baptist Church at 7382 Main Street.  Free Admission.  One night only!     Julliard School of Music trained family group!  Christian Based Music–Gospel!  THEY ARE FABULOUS!  If you are interested in more information on the band try www.anniemosesband.com 

Our Stewardship for Week  #38   September 17, 2006
Attendance in Worship:   273    Sunday School 45
Offering This Week:     $  5,835   YTD:   $310,809
Bldg. Fund:                   $  1,591    YTD:  $129,517
Apportionments Due: $ 50,225  YTD:    $ 19,850

IN WORSHIP        Sunday, September 24, 2006             The Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
The Gospel:    Mark 9:30-37
The Sermon: “Submission” Rev. Barry Hoekstra 
The Music: 8:30AM & 11:00AM
                “Old Time Religion”  The Chancel Choir

YOU CAN HELP UMW’S SHUT-IN MINISTRY!
  You may drop your donations in the church office.  Questions? Call Rita Landry @876-7740. 

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., Travis Twiggs, 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 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.  
*Donna Sammarco’s solo piano CD “On Eagles Wings” is available.  Proceeds benefit the Grand Piano Fund.
*MacDonell’s Children’s Greeting Cards are still available in the back foyer of the Church. Sales benefit MacDonell’s Children. 
*We still have furniture for sale!   In the old Parsonage we have a Dining Room set (table and six chairs) for approximately $600.  Interested?  Want to make an offer? Call 868-7787 or contact David West at church!

THANK YOU FOR GIFTS OF LOVE TO THE:
Operating Fund in memory of Margie Butler by Juana Woodard.
Music Fund by M/M David McMath.
Piano Fund in memory of Margie Butler by M/M Sonny Navarre.  In honor of Donna Sammarco, Frank Porter, and Kenny Klaus by M/M Ed MCCarty. And from Dawn Vincent.
Building Fund by M/M Jimmy Hardin, M/M Melvin Childers, M/M Sonny Navarre, Carla Smith, Julie Pellegrin, M/M Bill Vincent, M/M Larry Babin, M/M George Shely, Juana Woodard, and Paula Rutledge.

Back to News