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First UMC Newsletter JANUARY 2018

426 St. Paul, Gonzales, TX 78629 Phone: 830-672-8521 Fax: 830-672-4612 www.fumcgonzales.org fumc@gvec.net

Pastor’s Corner

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

As we enter 2018, I am excited to announce a new sermon series called Successful Parenting, a sermon series equipping parents.

January 14 How to love other people’s kids January 21 How to be an amazing dad January 28 How to be an amazing mom February 4 How to give kids what they need February 11 How to be a Godly grandparent February 18 How to honor your aging parents

I hope you will plan to join in this equipping series and invite your friends and family, too! May God bless you and yours as we live into 2018 with expectant faith!

It’s an honor to be your pastor.

Blessings, Pastor Matt

How Much Do You Know About Heaven?

The old joke was that the old time country preacher in the Wild West finished a wonderful sermon on Heaven and an inebriated listener stood up and walked to the front of the church and pulled out his six gun and said, "All right! We've heard the sermon, who's ready to go?!" A couple of things I would point out at this point; wonderful sermons on Heaven, for that matter, any sermons on Heaven are nonexistent. And the second is the truth we all know: Everybody wants to go to Heaven but nobody wants to die!

I just started an Advent class on Heaven based on the book by the same name as pictured above. We meet every Wednesday at 12:10 and finish at 12:50 p.m. and we have time for prayer and discussion on the wonderful material the book is sharing with us.

The book will address some preconceived notions, both positive and negative, that many people have about Heaven including the standard, "When I die I will be floating from cloud to cloud strumming a harp." or "We will be spiritual beings who won't know anybody up there," and quite frankly those are not encouraging things to ponder as the place where we will spend eternity. And eternity is a LONG time!

The famous preacher Jonathan Edwards wrote, "It becomes us to spend this life only as a journey to Heaven... to which we subordinate all other concerns of life. Why should we labor for or set our hearts on anything else, but that which is our proper end and true happiness?" Rev. Edwards later has as one of his life's resolutions, "Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can."

We compare that to a modern day minister, who resonates with many when he said, "Whenever I think about Heaven, it makes me depressed. I'd rather just cease to exist when I die." When asked why, he responded, "I can't stand the thought of that endless tedium. To float around the cloud with nothing to do but strum a harp... it's all so terribly boring. Heaven doesn't sound much better than Hell. I'd rather be annihilated than spend eternity in a place like that."

So, what does Heaven hold for us? I recommend buying the book and reading it. If you live in the area, come to First UMC in Gonzales for our class on Wednesdays. Several copies of the book have been ordered by the church and will be available for sale for $15 starting soon. One can also order them from amazon.com, or walmart.com, or any other online retailer of books.

I look forward to hearing from you or better yet, seeing you in class!

Eradio Valverde

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Altar Flowers for January

are given by:

January 7

Norman and Jean Burns

In Memory of Bobbie Johnson

Jimmy & Kathleen Borrer

January 14

Erwin and Mary Ckodre In Memory of Our Loved Ones

Forrest and Sue Penney

In Memory of Grace Avery

January 21

Zilpha Dolezal Sherry and Ken Callaway

In Memory of William T. Callaway (Willie T.)

January 28

Emmitt and Marie Currie In Memory of Our Parents and Family Members

Sandra Atkiinson

Matt, Cheryl, Ancel, and Quinn Atkinson In Memory of Frank Atkinson, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Atkinson,

Mr. and Mrs. K. V. McGinty, Ann Garger, Larry McGinty, Cody Childress,

and Wesley Richards

Staff

Rev. Matt Pennington, Senior Pastor

Rev. Eradio Valverde, Pastor of Discipleship & Nurture

Brian Sherman, Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Katrina Sherman, Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Allison Davis, Director of Children & Family Ministries

Felicia Cantu, Office Manager

Rosemary Hindman, Business Manager

Janelle Lester, Wesley Nurse

Christina Menking, Organist

Bill Meadows, Pianist

Sandra Jandt, Happy House Director

Rosannah Green, Attendance

Beronica Riojas, Custodian

Dear Friends of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, The beautiful yellow shawl is exactly what I need for the upcoming holidays. The timing was God’s timing. As my grieving changes so do my needs. The weight of the shawl serves as the sweet warm hug I crave. Thank you for your creative and spiritual work. God Bless.

Always walk in love, Michelle

Dear Friends of the Earth Angels, You are all very special friends to me. Each of you are radiant with the light & love of God shining through you. Thank you for your donations to the church in Leroy's name. He loved this place. Thank you for the many calls, cards and visits also your prayers are heard by our Father & felt by me. Thank you for being praying friends.

Always walk in love, Michelle

There are no words to express our gratitude to the Bereavement Committee for the fried chicken, potato salad, relish tray and sweets you brought to the house during our loss. Your committee & our whole church is filled with caring people that have a great gift of providing comfort & strength and always hugs! Thank you!

The Tenberg, Fogle, Grauke, Rogers and Schurig Families

Dear Church Family, Thanks to your support and generosity, we have completed the preparation and distribution of 200 food boxes for needy families in the Gonzales area. I want to thank each of you for your donations of money, time and groceries in making this project a success. We extend a big thank you to all of the volunteers that helped prepare the boxes. We also are very grateful to HEB for making a very generous contribution to our project. We handed each recipient an inspirational booklet filled with Scripture and prayers and extended a personal invitation to each family to join us for Christmas Eve services. This project helps those less fortunate to have some extra groceries and also be able to fix a nice holiday meal for their families. I feel this outreach is a testament to our faith and the loving spirit of Christ at work in our community. All of the recipients expressed their gratitude and want you to know that it does make a difference.

Thanks, Rosemary Hindman

Dear Earth Angels, Thank you so much for the diapers and beautiful quilt! They have both been very nice to have now that our sweet Adaline has arrived. Your generosity and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated.

With love, Dewey & Amanda Smith

Thank you!

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Please contact Felicia at the church office, 672-8521, if your information is missing or incorrect.

Happy birthday 1 Jimmy Mills 4 Kara Tuch 5 Tommy Barnick Cody Witzkoske Angelica Castro 6 Bill Reaves Daniel Tomas 7 Lisa Barnick 8 Ellen Johnson Joyce Harris 10 Michael Lackey, Sr. Jessyca Malaer 11 Erik Currie 12 Courtney Williams Roy Johnson Maria Sullivan 13 Cree Stowers 14 Scarlett Crawford Glen Sachtleben Fisher Davis Bowen Davis Nate Pennington 15 Jordan Escobedo Trace Herndon 16 Bill Meadows Cheryl Meadows 17 Janet Yoakum Dannie Schellenberg 18 Carol Wallace Britt Hindman Robbie Heldarsen Angela DuBose Andrew Sullivan Parker Petras 19 Shirley Spoon Nicholas Casares 20 Rachelle Pearson Todd Crawford Andrew Storey 21 Norma Ehrig Jack Dubose Zac Clack Tessa Quintanilla 23 Sherri Schellenberg 24 Peggy Munson

Dale Graham Dakota Brown Madelyne Parr 26 Zachary Taylor Linnea Cowan Bubba Ehrig 27 Herman Grauke 28 Ann Robinson Byron Freeman Beth Newman 29 Phil Koehler Kenneth Gottwald Al Wayne Ehrig

Jax Lipke 30 Read Staton 31 Glenn Pruess Connor Fogle

2 Dewey Amanda Smith

6 Michael & Stephanie Fritz

Brad & Stacy Zella

7 Lance & Leah Behlen

Steve & Kathleen Ehrig

8 Jimmy & Hope Mills

12 Johnnie & Debbie Fogle

Mike & Karen Vaughan

ANNIVERSARIES IN

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January 7, 2018 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Tara Lester Landon Holub ACOLYTES Vance Lucas Addyson Kardosz Ancel Atkinson Sadie Morgan (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Katrina Sherman Bobby Morgan Brian Sherman Ray Neitsch Billy Boothe Leslie Ploeger Sue Boothe David Bird

Bill Keck J. Lynn Barnick LITURGIST Kiley Allen Kiley Allen CHILDREN’S SERMON

January 14, 2018 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Blakely Mercer Dixie Lester ACOLYTES Brendon Mercer Paisley Ploeger Quinn Atkinson Peyton Ruddock (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Jimmy Borrer Jim Benedict Erwin Ckodre Jenice Benedict Gary Clack Jeffery Braune Kenneth Fink Greg Griffin

Maydell Pankey Lisa Barnick LITURGIST Lisa Gindler Lisa Gindler CHILDREN’S SERMON

JANUARY WORSHIP ASSISTANTS

January 21, 2018 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Cree Stowers Faith Lester ACOLYTES Megan Tenberg Joelee Lester Sydney Clack Sadie Thibodeaux (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Dena Fritz Mike Davis Herman Grauke Bitsy Henderson Joe Britt Hindman Katrina Sherman Ronnie Menking Brian Sherman

Terry Towns David Bird LITURGIST Commie Hisey Commie Hisey CHILDREN’S SERMON

If you are unable to serve on the date scheduled, please contact the church office, 672-8521.

January 28, 2018 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Cole Boothe Weston Ruddock ACOLYTES Morgan Boothe Macy Sample Braden Clampit Nicholas Casares (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Commie Hisey Cheryl Meadows Greg Sengelmann Bobby Morgan Steve Taylor Ray Neitsch Brian Sherman Leslie Ploeger

Martha Jo Whitt Lisa Gindler LITURGIST Allison Davis Allison Davis CHILDREN’S SERMON

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Wesley Nurse News - “Family”

Dear Church Family – “It is not good for man to be alone.” Genesis 2:18 NIV

The celebrations of faith and family during Kwanza, Hanukkah, and Christmas are over, yet attention to family is just as important in January as it was in December. Since the family of the 1950’s is no longer the norm, we as a church need to ask what it means to be ‘family,’ how we support families, and how we reclaim its importance. Today’s families are led by traditional parents, single parents, blended or step families. Even though they may look different, each group is made of people who support and love each other in all of life’s situations. “He will bless those who fear the Lord, both great and small. May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth… he has given the earth to all humanity.” - Psalm 115:13-16 NLT

Without family, people are often set adrift with no direction or support which tends to make them less healthy. Positive relationships provide unconditional love and encouragement which fosters self-esteem, positive attitudes, and better health habits. They ground a person and provide building blocks for other relationships. How does one build and nurture positive families? Be interested in each other’s activities. Attend and support each other’s interests and events. Plan outings for the family and offer positive, bonding experiences. Listen to each other and learn to ‘agree to disagree’ as families also need to understand and deal with conflict. All families have highs and lows so it is important to teach children how to handle disappointment and adversity as well as how to celebrate the joys and wonders of family life. Embrace all family life whether it consists of a biological, church, neighborhood, college, or other supportive ‘family.’ Each setting is important to your spiritual, mental, and physical health. By definition, a family is ‘a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation.' This means that any group who love and support each other through life’s complications is considered family. God’s family goes beyond blood lines, color, size, or creed. Who is your family? “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” - Proverbs 24:3-4 NIV

We live in a mobile society and many of today’s families are spread out over many miles, making connections and support difficult. If your family is split apart, look to your friends, neighbors, and church family for support in your daily life. Learn from them, tap into their wisdom, and reap the benefits of those relationships. How are you supported? “Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” - 1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT

Families, whether blood related or spiritually connected, are not without conflict. Whatever the disagreement, use some common tools to work through the difficulty. Really listen to the thoughts, feelings, and wishes of the other person. Discuss differences of opinions and agree to disagree. If approached properly, conflict can strengthen families by hearing and understanding others. How do you handle conflict? How do you build your family? “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” - Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

Any connection you have with others will include both good and bad times. To strengthen your relationships with family, remember to rejoice with them as well as support them in times of need or disagreement. To nurture your relationships, know that forgiveness can nurture as much as praise. How do you nurture your family?

Your Wesley Nurse, Janelle Lester BSN, RN

Reference/Resources: Merila, N. & Slutz (2009) Seasons of Wholeness Monthly Themes and programming for faith community ministry, Volume VI. International Parish nurse resource Center; St. Louis, Mo. (Source: Focus on the Family www.focusonthefamily.com/)

Continued on the next page

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Wesley Nurse Announcements and Upcoming Events –

­ Thank you to all of those who came out and/or tried to donate blood at our December Blood Drive. We collected 25 units of blood. That aids in helping a total of 75 + people! Thank you for taking the time to donate blood and for your support. Your donation is truly appreciated by the blood recipients, their loved ones and all of us here at the First United Methodist Church. I am so grateful for your time, generosity and dedication to helping others.

­ Diabetes Education – On Thursday, Jan 11th from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, we will have a Diabetes Educational Class in the Educational Building. Hilda Ramirez, RN, CDE with Texas A&M University Coastal Bend Health Education Center, will teach about the disease that affects so many. Lunch will be provided at this event by our local hospital. Registration is necessary. If you would like to learn more about the disease and management or more information about the class, please call me in my office to register.

­ The Dementia-Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support group meets on the first Wednesday of the month. This month we meet on Jan 3rd at 1 pm in the Bridal Parlor.

­ The Cancer Support group will meet on the second Tuesday of the month. This month we meet on Jan 9th at noon in the Narthex. ­ The Walking class meets Monday – Thursday at 1:30 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. Please come and join in on the fun, fellowship,

and a good workout! ­ The Flex and Tone exercise class on Tuesday and Thursdays at 11 am, in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcomed to join in

light weight lifting, stretching and fellowship! ­ If you are interested in participating in a Grief Support Group, please contact me. I am looking for feedback on what day and/or

time of the day would be best for participants. ­ If you need any of the Wesley Nurse services or would like to visit about the services I am able to provide, please call

830.672.1031 to set up an appointment or email me at jlester@mhm.org.

Children’s Corner

With a new year comes many new beginnings. I am excited to have joined the ministry TEAM here at First UMC Gonzales. To many of you, I am a familiar face who has grown up in this church, while to others I am a new member of the TEAM. I would like to introduce myself to those of you who will be getting to know me through our Children’s Ministry Program. My name is Allison Davis. I am married to Dean and we have a 15-year-old son named Cade. I have deep roots in this community and absolutely love this church. What should we do different this year? How can we grow our children into disciples of Christ? I would love to hear from any of you who may have ideas for further growing our ministry. December flew by with many joyous activities taking place. From the Christmas Pageant, to the Christmas Craft Fair and concluding with Christmas Caroling, we have had many very dedicated volunteers give of their time and talents to bring success to each event. I cannot even begin to thank all of you enough. We are truly blessed. Pioneer Club will start the Spring Semester on Wednesday, January 17th. If your child attended the fall semester and will not attend the Spring Semester, please contact me so that I may update our class rosters. Registration Fees that have not been paid are due by January 31. Registration is open for children wanting to join in on the Spring Semester. Parents and children, with the beginning of the New Year I invite you to join one of our many Sunday School

Classes. Please contact me if you would like more information on the classes that we offer.

I would like to share my contact information with you. Please get plugged in to our Children’s Ministry by sharing your contact information with me as well.

Allison Davis Cell: 830-857-3402 Email: FirstUMCKids@gvec.net

Peace and Blessings, Allison

STATISTICAL REPORT NOVEMBER, 2017

DATE 8:30 10:45 TOTAL SS OFFERINGS 5 114 142 256 76 $ 22,791.52 12 147 115 262 70 $ 8,725.01 19 111 110 221 69 $ 14,213.45 26 72 168 240 79 $ 14,379.40

TOTALS: 444 535 979 294 $ 60,109.38 AVERAGES: 111 134 245 74

TOTAL EXPENSES FOR THE MONTH: $ 49,264.67 NET GAIN OR LOSS FOR THE MONTH: $ 10,644.71 APPORTIONMENTS PAID TO DATE: ___ 92%

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United Methodist Women News

Grace and peace to you and yours! As we begin 2018 in service to our Lord and to women, children, and youth of our community and throughout the world, let us as members of Gonzales UMW answer the call to step out in faith to meet our local pledge of $800 and to share what we have with those less fortunate.

The Wesleyan Circle will meet on January 9th for their pledge service. Cheryl Meadows is hostess and will also have the program. We will be having the pledge service.

The “Giving Tree” was a great success. Thanks to the generosity of our church members. More information on exact totals in February.

Mark Your Calendar

Monday, February 5, 2018 Study Sponsored by UMW on a book entitled,

“Living in a Covenant Community” 10 A.M. to 3 P.M.

Marsha Preismeyer will be leading our spiritual growth study. The unit enjoys having Marsha come and visit to lead our studies.

“Living in a Covenant Community” is written by Evy McDonald with the study guide written by Elmira Nazombe. “Covenants are found in the Bible from the moment God created man and woman until the last page of Revelation. This study examines major covenants throughout the Bible and what they reveal about God’s character and eternal love for us. It will enhance your understanding of how God works with us, in us, and through us.” (Words taken from the UMW Mission Resource Catalog.)

Please call to help us better plan for the number for lunch. Please contact Cheryl Meadows at 672-7711 or 857-6417 to let me know you plan to attend. Please join us on February 5, 2018 at 10 A.M.

Book Club News

On Thursday, December 21, we met in the narthex for our annual Christmas luncheon and meeting. After eating a delicious meal, furnished by the members, we discussed our December selection, Holly and Ivy, a sweet Christmas book by Fern Michaels. Holly and Ivy were not plant decorations but a woman, Holly, and a talented young girl, Ivy. Both were grieving and coping with facing life and the coming holiday season. Chance brought them together and love wove itself into their lives. Ways of coping with grief and the relationships of family and friends made this book an interesting read for the Christmas season. For January, we have chosen a book with a bit more substance: The Radium Girls by Kate Moore. The book is the story of young women in the 1930”s who were working with radium, not knowing the danger of that material. Connie Kern will lead that discussion. Our books for the rest of this time period are: February – Whistling Past a Graveyard by Susan Crandall; March – Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann; and April – The Zoo Keeper's Wife by Dianne Ackerman. Please join us on Thursday, January 25 at 9:30 in the church library for a discussion of The Radium Girls, , an important historical book. Call 672-9307 for information.

Earth Angels

Earth Angels closed out 2017 with their annual Christmas dinner, social, and gift exchange at the beautifully decorated home of Stacia Sweeney.

A report was made that almost 80 quilts have been donated during the year 2017. We will continue with our many projects to benefit others.

Women who are interested in quilting make up our group called Earth Angels. Meetings are usually held at 6:00 PM on the second Tuesday of each month in the FUMC Fellowship Center. A typical meeting involves an in-spirational reading, the mentioning of persons who may be in need of prayers or a quilt, as well as interesting pro-grams, sharing ideas, showing quilts, and engaging in quilting projects. Fellowship and sharing play a major role in Earth Angels. Feel free to visit our next meeting on January 9, 2018.

Hoping everyone had a Merry Christmas and will enjoy a Happy New Year!

History and Archives Tidbits

History Tidbit: The first recorded youth ski trip was in 1993 and was organized by Ricky Lester. They raised their own money and went to Copper Mountain in Colorado. Other chaperons were the Brian Schauers, Billy Hornung, and Ernest Fred Ehrig. Ernest Fred made history by skiing all the way from the top of the mountain to the bottom...the first time he put on a pair of skis! Lots of skiers must have been clearing the way!

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LEROY LAVENDER Emmitt & Marie Currie-HH David & Sascha Kardosz-Bereavement Twan Brady-Stockton Building MARIE SCOGGINS Jay & Donna Gray-Scholarship Ludene Poe Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-HH Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Bill & Juantia Blundell NEAL BARFIELD Emmitt & Marie Currie-Missions Happy & Dee Schieberle-Earth Angels Gonzales ISD Transportation Dept-Bereavement Jay & Donna Gray-Scholarship Billie Bruns-HH Joe Britt & Rosemary Hindman-Earth Angels Erwin & Mary Ckodre-Bereavement Johnnie & Debbie Fogle-HH Ludene Poe Rex & Ruth Spahn-Bereavement David & Sascha Kardosz-Youth Twan Brady-Stockton Building Heather Welfl & Nathan Gold Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Barry & Lauren Boothe John & Edith Lucas Belle Witt Randy & Judy Gipson Jimmy & Kathleen Borrer-HH DELORES GREEN Ludene Poe MERILYN CANTLEY Ludene Poe David & Sascha Kardosz-Wesley Nurse Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones John & Charlena Parr-HH BILL HALLMARK Katie Garrett-Missions Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Olivia Harless Ralph & Ida McGarity Forrest & Sue Penney Norma B. Fink-Bereavement MANUEL PEREZ Greg & Joan Griffin-Bereavement Progressive SS Class Joe Britt & Rosemary Hindman Bill & Jeanette Mayer-Stockton Building Eva Boscamp-Stockton Building John & Edith Lucas Norma B. Fink-Scholarship TOMMIE MCMURTRY Bryan & Ellen Denman LILLIE BEALE Randy & Judy Gipson JEANNE BLANTON Joe Britt & Rosemary Hindman-Earth Angels Ludene Poe

LAURA BIVINS Pal & Bethel Lester-Bereavement Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-Landscape Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan John & Edith Lucas Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Belle Witt Madeline Bird Jay & Donna Gray-Scholarship Randy & Judy Gipson Ludene Poe Jimmy & Kathleen Borrer-HH CHARLOTTE MCKNIGHT Happy & Dee Schieberle-Earth Angels Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Jack & Dyna DuBose-Scholarship JERRY KILLEN Happy & Dee Schieberle-Earth Angels ORVAN MUELKER Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Joe Britt & Rosemary Hindman-Earth Angels Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Ludene Poe JOHN CHARLES DUBOSE Bernice Heldarsen-Bereavement Esther Tichavsky-Bereavement Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Jack & Dyna DuBose-Scholarship Belle Witt Jerry & Julia Oakes David & Mona Bivins Ludene Poe LOIS FAYE DUBOSE Jack & Dyna DuBose-Scholarship MAXINE CHRISTIAN Jerry & Julia Oakes MARIA PEREZ Eva Boscamp-Stockton Building Joe Britt & Rosemary Hindman-Earth Angels Progressive Sunday School Class Norma B. Fink-Good Samaritan Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan John & Edith Lucas-Children’s Ministry Bill & Jeanette Mayer-Stockton Building GEORGE HAYHURST Pal & Bethel Lester Carol Wallace-HH Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan John & Eddith Lucas-Children’s Ministry The Bobby Morgan Family-Stockton Building Bill & Ethel Seifert Ann & Debbie Robinson-Children’s Ministry GAYLE BICKEL Billie Bruns-HH TOM LOMBARDO Marian Gindler LORA TSCHAPPAT FUMC Prayer Shawl Ministry-PSM

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MEMORIALS 4th Quarter 2017

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MEMORIALS CONTINUED: JAMES KNANDEL Joe Britt & Rosemary Hindman-Earth Angels The Bobby Morgan Family-Stockton Building Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-HH Ludene Poe NOEL K. “BUSTER” LINDEMANN Emmitt & Marie Currie Jay & Donna Gray-Scholarship Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-HH The Bobby Morgan Family-Stockton Building Pal & Bethel Lester-Bereavement Garland & Sharon Tenberg Family Marian Gindler Jack & Dyna DuBose-Scholarship Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Matt & Lea Ann Wyant-HH Beth Newman Stephen & Kenna Lucas-HH Charles & Maydell Pankey-Scholarship Jerry & Julia Oakes Jeff & Dinah Braune-Stockton Building Debbie Robinson-Good Samaritan Johnnie & Debbie Fogle-HH Carol Wallace-Children’s Ministry Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Jim & Jenice Benedict Ludene Poe John & Edith Lucas Jimmy & Kathleen Borrer-HH HOUSTON MUNSON Randy & Judy Gipson Jimmy & Kathleen Borrer-HH BRAD VOLLENTINE Marian Gindler Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-HH Jeff & Dinah Braune-Stockton Building Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Ludene Poe INEZ GRAY Roger, Charlene & Taylor Gray WALT SHEFFIELD Roger, Charlene & Taylor Gray KEITH BROWN Randy & Judy Gipson Matt & Lea Ann Wyant-HH Beth Newman Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-HH Charles & Maydell Pankey-Scholarship David & Sascha Kardosz-Wesley Nurse Jeff & Dinah Braune-Stockton Building Pal & Bethel Lester-Bereavement The Bobby Morgan Family-Stockton Building Johnnie & Debbie Fogle-HH Stephen & Kenna Lucas-HH Tom & Pam Lester-Stockton Building Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Ludene Poe Emmitt & Marie Currie-Children’s Ministry Joyce Harris-Bereavement Forrest & Sue Penney Leonard, Kathy & Blaine Frederick Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Jimmy & Kathleen Borrer-HH

ROBERT BIRCHUM Jack & Dyna DuBose-Scholarship BARBARA ELLISON COLEMAN Charles & Maydell Pankey-Scholarship DOROTHY TENBERG Beth Newman Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-HH Charles & Maydell Pankey-Scholarship Debbie Robinson-Bereavement Pal & Bethel Lester-Bereavement James & Peggy Jo White Johnnie & Debbie Fogle-HH Forrest & Sue Penney Mike & Patsy Darilek John & Erlene Zavadil Carol Wallace-HH Mike & Jackie Mikesh Bill & Juanita Blundell-Bereavement Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Ludene Poe Emmitt & Marie Currie-HH Billie J. Bruns-HH David & Cathy Hallmark Joyce Harris-HH John & Edith Lucas Jimmy & Kathleen Borrer-HH GREGORY KIM RALEY Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-HH Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Ludene Poe ANN FAREK Carli, Briggs, Cooper, Bruce & Lisa Gindler, Carol Farek & Eldon Farek-Stockton Building BOBBIE JOHNSON William G. Johnson BILLY MILLER Emmitt & Marie Currie-Missions Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Jimmy & Kathleen Borrer-HH MORGAN FARRAR Jimmy & Kathleen Borrer-HH ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ IN HONOR OF PAL & BETHEL LESTER’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY The Bobby Morgan Family-Stockton Building Sammie & Ginger Gibson-Youth Katie Garrett Norma B. Fink-HH Joyce Harris-Wesley Nurse ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Christmas Pageant What a fun celebration to get everyone ready for the Christmas

season! We had a great turnout of youth for this year’s

Christmas Pageant. Thank you to all who attended and

participated in this long-standing tradition. A special thank you

to Judy Neitsch who does such a great job year after year

leading the children and youth.

High School Small Group This past semester we began forming our first small group of youth. Starting with a group of 3, we grew to a group 5 youth over the past few months. We have absolutely loved seeing God work through the relationships that are being formed in small group. This next semester with will split to form 2 groups in hopes that we will continue to grow. Please pray for our small group ministry and that God will continue to bless it.

Pajama & Pancake Christmas Party Twas the night before the party, when all through the church Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The party was planned, games thrown all about In hopes that the newsletter, would dare to bow out.

The children were ready, The adults were there too, While visions of memories, and pictures uploaded too. But nary their hopes, or dreams should come true, For the newsletter letter won, it was already due. Their dreams are crushed, of sharing our love With all of the good people, of First Methodist Bet never fret, for there is next month, When we will be given, the chance to show up.

For one might see, the joys of our youth, At then end of year party, a homerun like Babe Ruth. We surely will share, the cries of their joy With all you good people, We hope you enjoy.

COMING UP:

Restaurant Take-Over Month Every Sunday during the month of January, we will be inviting the youth to meet us at certain restaurants after

church. If they show up with a church bulletin from any church, we will be buying them a free ice cream cone.

Spread the word! We want to encourage our youth to attend church.

Breakfast Tacos on the first at First! The First Sunday of every month we will be selling breakfast tacos in the Fellowship Hall to help raise money for our mission trip to Costa Rica this coming summer. Our first Sunday to sell tacos will be Sunday, January 7, 2018. Be sure to come hungry!

Revive Winter Retreat! Revive Winter Retreat is quickly approaching. The camp is from February 2-4, 2018. The price is $175/participant. Scholarships are available upon request. If your youth is interested in coming, please contact either Brian or Katrina Sherman.

Spencer and Kendra Thomas in Gonzales Our Costa Rica missionaries, Spencer and Kendra Thomas will be in Gonzales on Sunday, January 14, 2018 to thank the church for their support of their ministry. If you are interested in meeting Spencer and Kendra and learning more about their ministry, they will be at both church services. They will also be helping us conduct a meeting regarding our mission trip to Costa Rica. If you are interested in attending the meeting to learn more about our summer mission trip, we will meet that Sunday afternoon. Time and location will be announced as the date gets closer.

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Youth News

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First United Methodist Church 426 St. Paul Street Gonzales, Texas 78629 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PRE-SORTED Standard Non-Profit U.S. Postage Paid

Gonzales, Texas 78629 PERMIT NO. 4

NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY! Our church directory will not be the same without you!

Dates of Photography: February 16-17; 20-24

Times of Photography: Tuesdays-Thursdays 2:00-8:00 pm

Fridays 12:30-7 pm Saturdays 9:30 am-4:30 pm

Sign up starts on January 21.

Dear Church Family, With all of your support over the past six years, we as a church have helped make Christmas special for many. I could not do the things I do without you all. You have all been more than generous and supportive through this mission. Have a Merry Christmas!

Love, Grace

Right: Grace Morgan is pictured presenting a $5,000 check to Gonzales County’s Silent Santa; money she raised with your help through her annual bake sale.