Inside This Issue


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Two Sections, Section A February 3, 2012 Vol. 158, No. 36 | 073785

The Coaches Who Helped God Bless Midland!

Inside This Issue: 6A Blessing of the Babies 6A Enduring Gifts 7A Wednesdays @ First New Classes

Following Worship Services on Sunday, Jan. 29, everyone who volunteered their time or donated money to make God Bless Midland! possible in 2011, was invited to come celebrate. Lunch was served in the Activity Center, then a video was shown that included photos of each one of the God Bless Midland! events set to music. Each event coach was recognized and presented with a cross in appreciation of their dedication. Pictured from L to R: One Night in Bethlehem Coach Donna Fields; Fallapalooza Coach Mark Semmelbeck; Habitat for Humanity Coach Robert Hale; 9/11 Remembrance Service Coach Valeric Hale; Night @ the Ballpark Coach Jacob Davidson and Blue Hyatt (not pictured); Flowin’ @ the Mall Coach Jill Dolloff; Prayer Walk for Our Schools Coach Karen Walker; Spring Prayer Walk Coach Dee Kemp. Dr. Tim Walker also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God Bless Midland Coordinator Kaci Rybolt (pictured below), who he noted, that none of the events could have happened without her hard work.

The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas, TX 75247-3919. Periodicals Postage Paid at Dallas, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter, PO Box 660275, Dallas TX 75266-0275.

Tower Times

6A

The 2012 Blessing of the First Church Babies by Donna Fields, Director of Children’s Ministry

Our Church family welcomed and blessed 11 families with new babies on Sunday morning, Jan. 22. These families were treated to a lovely reception hosted by members of our Babies & Blessings team and then posed for individual family photos and their group picture. During the 10:45 service, each baby was blessed and given a prayer plaque as a keepsake. We, as their Church family, were abundantly blessed by seeing these beautiful gifts of God in our service. Special appreciation goes to Cressinda Hyatt, who along with her team, has delivered over 20 baby gifts and altar roses to new babies born in our congregation in 2011. This team is a wonderful example of the valuable ministry our “Get Connected” volunteer teams can do together. Team members Cressinda Hyatt, Jessica Louder, Heidi Stone, Kathryn White, Mara Dolan and photographer Maddy Foreman helped to make sure the morning was special for these precious families.

Pictured above Back row: Jim and Shannon Lawrence and baby Connor; Kara Harris and baby Mia Beth; Brittney and Matthew Mancha and baby Miles; Jessica and Jody Louder and baby Alexis; Middle row: Blue and Cressinda Hyatt and baby Collins; Carlie Wauhob and baby Aaliyah; Buffy and Todd Meador and baby Maci; Bottom row: Jay and Monica Tucker and baby Tess; Anna Victoria Rodriquez and James Davis and baby Zariah; Marla andTim Loveland and baby Henry; and Ashley Dolloff and baby Layden Rose.

First United Methodist Church of Midland Foundation:Enduring Gifts

by Clark Williams, Foundation Development Committee Consultant Strong things survive. They have a way of outlasting the challenges that come up against them. Endurance proves strength. I’ve been thinking about endurance in relation to our country over the last decade. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States has proven that we can survive the worst attacks her enemies can launch against us. The same is true in every aspect of life. Strong trees survive storms and droughts. Strong businesses endure recessions. Strong teams stay strong through adversity. Strong people endure life’s trials and tribulations. The strongest force on earth is the love of God demonstrated through Jesus Christ. Jesus endured the cross, and he lives today. The gospel has endured heresy and suppression. The church has endured persecution and opposition for over 2000 years. Despite all the challenges, Christ is still loving, forgiving, and saving. The First United Methodist Church of Midland Foundation is dedicated to making sure the church and its ministry continue to endure. Its founders, board, and donors believe that one of the greatest things Christians can do is provide resources for the future ministry of our church, so that our church can continue to proclaim the love of God. Please consider making an enduring gift to the Foundation. Call Lynda Johnson at the church office if you’d like more information.

Tower Times

7A

Sunday, February 5

The Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990 with the simple prayer of a Presbyterian minister in South Carolina: “Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat.” This idea started a groundswell among churches across the nation to collect funds and/or foods to keep in their own communities, giving 100% to the charity of their choice. FUMC embraced this idea early on, choosing to join the other churches of the AMOS (Area Mission Outreach Service) board in making this their major fundraiser each year. As Super Bowl and Souper Bowl Sunday—February 5—approach, please be mindful of this opportunity for compassion. Designate your check to AMOS. Get in the game, give generously, and be and MVP!

New Classes that begin February 8: Hard Questions: Serious Answers February 8 - March 21

6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Room 218 with Rev. Macky Pitts Participant Cost: $10 What about evangelism, the nature of the resurrection, or evil? This class will examine five difficult issues such as these. Each class includes discussion of a video segment in which a leading theologian considers the question of the week. The class includes a participant guide to help class members extend and deepen their understanding of these hard questions.

The Next Christians February 8 - March 28

6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Rooms 229-230 with Jim Collett Participant Cost: $15 This class is a study based upon the book The Next Christians by author Gabe Lyons. Class members will examine the ideas in this challenging work that points out problems with contemporary Christian America and proposes a new type of “restorer” Christian. The ideas--fascinating, disturbing, thought-provoking, perhaps even soul-searching--presented in this book will fuel class discussion.

Contact Jim Collett at 432.682.3701 or [email protected] for more information or to register.

Menu February 8: Chicken Fried Steak February 15: Baked Chicken February 22: Soup/Salad February 29: Carved Roast Beef

Upcoming Events 2.12 Children’s God Gallery (Combined Services) Sanctuary 10:45 a.m. 2.13

Handbell Festival Concert

Sanctuary 3 p.m.

2.17 - 2.19 Women’s Retreat Camp Butman

February 14

February 7

Menu

Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. (Rooms 101/102) $6

Meatloaf Scalloped Potatoes Steamed Broccoli Brownies

Program

Carol Chandler, Stephen Ministry Leader

Menu

Chicken Breast w/Apricot Sauce Green Beans Roasted New Potatoes Red Velvet Cake

Program

Trudie Thomason, Humorist

Our Christian Family as of 1/25/2012

2.19 Dessert and Comedy Night Fellowship Hall 7 p.m. 2.21 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Fellowship Hall 5 p.m. 2.22 Ash Wednesday Service Sanctuary 6:30 p.m. 2.22 No Wednesdays @ First Classes Due to Ash Wednesday

Christian Sympathy To: Rod and Nieta Stephenson and family on the death of his father.

2.26 Evening of Entertainment Broadway: Then & Now! Activity Center 5 p.m.