A.D. Series Starts Easter Sunday! This new series is based on the upcoming television series, A.D. (on NBC beginning Easter Sunday, April 5 at 8:00 p.m., and running through June 21) and covers the first ten chapters of the Book of Acts. A.D. picks up where The Bible mini-series and the Son of God movie left off, and explores the epic journey of the first followers of Jesus. The immediate aftermath of Christ's death had a massive impact on his disciples, his mother, Mary, and key political and religious leaders of the era, completely altering the entire world in an instant. Beginning at that fateful moment of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, “A.D. The Bible Continues” will focus on the disciples who had to go forward and spread the teachings of Christ to a world dominated by political unrest, and the start of a whole new religion that would dramati-cally reshape the history of the world. For the tiny band of believers, every day is a fight for survival, and their mission to spread the word to the world seems impossible. Yet, they have hope and soon they have power: the amaz-ing miracle of the Resurrection and the shocking arrival of the Holy Spirit upon them all at Pente-cost enables them to inspire more and more people to join. The growing church brings chal-lenges for Peter, John and Mary, who are pushed to the limit; they face trials and imprison-ments, persecutions and punishments while trying to understand the God-given power granted to them as they transition from the sorrow of Christ's ultimate sacrifice to the awe-inspiring won-der of the Resurrection and beyond. Millions of people will be watching the TV show and will want to learn more about the book of Acts and what it means for their lives today. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to come learn more and grow in faith as we study these life-changing stories from Acts. We will also be hosting A.D. viewing parties to watch the series together and explore the deeper meaning of the book of Acts through a Bible Study. For more information and to sign up see the display in the main hallway at the church or visit www.alvinmethodist.org. See you there! Mike

First UMC News

April 2015

First United Methodist Church ▪ Alvin, Texas

Our Mission: To help people KNOW Christ, GROW in Christ, and GO to serve Christ.

March 29th

Palm Sunday 8:30AM & 11:00AM

6:00PM

Movie & Chili Night Feature: “The Son of God” Who is He?

“Prince of Egypt” - Kid Friendly

April 3rd 7:00PM

Good Friday Service “Tapestry of Darkness”

Chancel Choir, Orchestra, Ring Praise Handbells, worship team and small groups

April 4th 9:00AM

Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch

April 5th 6:30AM

Sunrise Service

8:30AM & 11:00AM

Easter Sunday Service

A.D. ~ The Story Continues

Please join us as we continue the spiritual journey through the book of Acts. The story picks up immediately after the death of Christ and the massive impact it had on His disciples, His mother, and key leaders of the area. This death and resurrection instantly changed the world, and this TV series, airing on NBC, follows the disciples who had to go forward and spread the teaching of Christ to a world dominated by political unrest, and the start of a whole new teaching that would dramatically reshape the lives we live today. We are so excited to not only follow the sermon series on Sunday Morning, but we are encouraging you to join one of our many watching parties that are beginning in the homes of our church members the week of April 6th. Currently, the homes that are available are: • Lynne Blunck beginning on Monday, April 6th at 6:30pm. • Mike and Lisa Mayhugh beginning on Wednesday, April 8th at 7:00 pm. • Marcia Bunch beginning on Thursday, April 9th at 7:00 pm. • Allan and Todie Kohutek beginning on Sunday, April 12th at 6:00 pm. If you would be interested in opening your home and hosting one of our AD watching parties, please contact Laura Chaffin at LChaffin@alvinmethodist.org or 281-331-3482.

AAAADULTDULTDULTDULT S S S SUNDAYUNDAYUNDAYUNDAY S S S SCHOOLCHOOLCHOOLCHOOL O O O OPPORTUNITIESPPORTUNITIESPPORTUNITIESPPORTUNITIES

Looking for a place to study Gods word? Here is a brief description of our

Sunday school classes:

Agape Room 107 A class for adults of all ages, married or single. Lecture format using biblical texts for study. Worship,

singing and special projects are also parts of this class.

Faith/Messengers Room 110 Bible study discussion led by class members who take volunteer turns in leadership. Primarily men and

women over 60, this class also participates in meeting special church needs as they arise.

Friendship Room 106 A diverse class of both married and widowed women. Studies the quarterly Adult Bible Study series

through both lecture and discussion. Supports church activities with funds and service.

Hallelujah Room 105 For mentally challenged adults. Reading and discussing Bible stories, snacks, fellowship and singing are

all parts of this class.

Love Out Loud (LOL)/Nomads Room 125 A discussion class for adults that look at how one’s behaviors and expectations are shaped by God’s

word from a practical perspective. An emphasis on supporting service to one’s community in various

ways is a natural extension of this group’s core beliefs.

Keeping Holy Time Room 128 A discussion Bible study that takes a systematic approach to Scripture either by studying the weekly

passages of the Revised Common Lectionary, or various DVD driven short term studies.

Men’s Bible Class Room 109 Men’s lecture and discussion utilizing DVD’s. Primarily seniors, but welcome men of any age. Each

week’s class opens with gospel hymn singing accompanied on the piano. Meets in the Library.

Questers Room 102 Most class members are “boomer” adults in middle age with grown children. Teachers rotate in leading

Bible study discussions in which all are encouraged to participate. The class has a number of service

projects and social gatherings through the year.

Seekers Room 127 A discussion class for contemporary couples and singles, primarily ages 35-55. Bible study and life ap-

plication come together as the class seeks to grow in faith and to develop and nurture relationships.

Service and fellowship are also parts of the Seekers’ community.

New Hope Room 101 Primarily single women, but all are welcome/. An investigative study of biblical books and topics in dis-

cussion format.

Join The Journey

Are you ready to join the journey of Vacation Bible School with us? Starting April 12th, we will begin the full preparation of our 2015 VBS, Journey Off The Map, to be held on June 15th - 19th! We are so excited to trek into the truth and love of Christ Jesus through the story of Daniel with our children at First United Methodist Church. Registration papers for children ages 3-years-old to 5th grade will be available, as well as volunteer sign-ups, in the hall-way. Additionally, there is childcare from newborn to 2-years-old for any VBS volunteer. Also, beginning on April 12th will be our VBS "Join The Journey" fundraiser! During our VBS week we will offer 2 beautiful crafts a day, 1 sweet snack, a hands-on bible lesson, an in depth look into missions, an energetic music time, bible based recreation, our an-nual pool party and much more to over 200 kids! The Children's Ministry department spends approximately $25 for each child that registers in our Vacation Bible School. Due to the beautiful donations in the past years, we have always been able to sponsor and cover this cost. Please join us as we begin breaking ground in April to prepare for our Va-cation bible school through volunteering, prayers, and donations. If you have any questions please contact Laura Chaffin at LChaffin@alvinmethodist.org or 281-331-3482.

THE MEXICO MISSION TEAM

is still in need of

shampoo and bars of soap.

They are also collecting mini flashlights and plastic

bowl sets. Thank you for supporting our FUMC foreign mission teams.

Osiyo!

By Barbara Moore

CONAM is getting ready for our participation in sharing God’s love at the Katy Folk Life Festival as I write this update for you. We are also busy preparing for Annual Conference in May. CONAM will be hosting a breakfast with Rev. Glenn Chebon Kernell, Jr. as our speaker. He is the Executive Secre-tary of Native American and Indigenous Ministries, Justice and Discipleship and works through the General Board of Global Ministries in New York.

I hope that some of you will be able to come and hear about the dynamic works through this ministry. I will have tickets for the breakfast. CONAM is being offered several opportu-nities to work with more Native groups and present our message to the public so we treas-ure the prayers you support us with. May the Creator bless all of you in a very special way during this time of Spring and renewal.

There was an early, hungry crowd of 124 for this 5:30 event, but Chef Mayberry and his kitchen staff were ready! On the first assem-bly line, Eva slapped those potatoes on the plate and passed them down the line for Tina Loy to add the delicious Salisbury steaks and brown gravy, Helen Hall the green beans, and granddaughter Elizabeth added the roll. On the second assembly line, the family trio—Brenda, Sandy & Jennifer—did the same. And the race was on. Those full plates were picked up by our NEXUS waiters and waitresses, who swept the tables in 10 minutes, seating and serving the few latecomers and keeping glasses filled at 18 tables. Then, to top it off, swept away the dirty plates and served Denise Mayberry’s Peach Cobbler topped with Blue Bell Home-made Vanilla ice cream. Thank you, Terri Helpenstill, and your NEXUS team: David & Roxann Corona; Terri, Brock & Laine Helpen-still; Hannah & James Horton; Phibi, Allison & Michael Vassalo. They all got to eat their complimentary meals at 6:30. For the first time in memory, the sanctuary FRONT rows were filled. Tempered Steel thanked the Horton family for sponsoring their appearance and opened the show with their special, “This Old Stove” composition. No one left until the popular group sang their last old gospel number at almost 8:30 p.m. A stand-ing ovation thanked Pam Church, Mike Hall, Chuck Roosevelt and drummer Mike Hall Jr. for a fine performance. Meanwhile, the “trio” and Helen Hall washed, dried & put up all the silverware and made sure the kitchen was spic ‘n span, while others cleaned and cleared the tables, and NEXUS volunteers stayed late to help the musicians restore the sanctuary for Sunday worship—no small task! What a team! Thanks to all those who bought tickets, added a little extra here and there, and three generous donations from our United Methodist Women, the Friendship and Questers Sunday school classes, the old kitchen’s maintenance account now has a balance of $5,425.00! You’re ALL appreciated!!

THIS OLD STOVE FED ‘EM AND ENTERTAINED ‘EM and Left a Generous Balance in Our Kitchen Maintenance Account

Spring

Thang

Saturday, April 18th

☼ 7 AM to 2 PM ☼

Furniture, sports equip., linens, CDs, computers & accessories, printers,

Clothing & accessories, books, décor, small appliances, phones, DVDs, tools, games, toys & other NICE yard sale items0

in GOOD CONDITION!!

COME EARLY AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS!

PULLED PORK SANDWICHES & DRINK

$6.00

First United Methodist ChurchFirst United Methodist Church

611 W. South St.611 W. South St.

Alvin, TXAlvin, TX

Alvin FUMC Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 4, 2015

9:00AM Meet in the Sanctuary

Easter Egg Hunt Easter Bunny Brunch to follow in the Fellowship Hall

Donations are needed: Plastic Easter Eggs

Individually wrapped candy (no chocolate please)

Monetary donations (Note “egg hunt” on the check memo line)

Love Out Loud Love Out Loud Love Out Loud Love Out Loud 4th Annual4th Annual4th Annual4th Annual

Fed by Faith Food DriveFed by Faith Food DriveFed by Faith Food DriveFed by Faith Food Drive Sunday April 26th Sunday April 26th Sunday April 26th Sunday April 26th

8:30 and 11:00 services8:30 and 11:00 services8:30 and 11:00 services8:30 and 11:00 services

Benefiting The Alvin Food PantryBenefiting The Alvin Food PantryBenefiting The Alvin Food PantryBenefiting The Alvin Food Pantry

Nonperishable Food Items NeededNonperishable Food Items NeededNonperishable Food Items NeededNonperishable Food Items Needed

Vehicles needed for delivery Vehicles needed for delivery Vehicles needed for delivery Vehicles needed for delivery

immediately following the immediately following the immediately following the immediately following the

11:00 service11:00 service11:00 service11:00 service

CASH GIFTS AND THE IRS A cash gift saves tax at your top tax rate. For

example, if you are in the 33% tax bracket, then a gift of $100 produces a charitable deduction of that amount. Multiplying the $100 times your 33% tax bracket produces an actual tax savings of $33. Of course, in some states you will also save state income taxes. Your gift by check may be mailed to the charity. If you place the check in the U.S. mail by December 31 of this year and the check clears, it will be deducted in 2015 even though the charity receives the check next year. If you make a gift of more than $250 to a charity, you must receive what the IRS calls "contemporaneous written acknowledgment" and what you probably refer to as a receipt. The charity will send you a receipt when the gift is made or at the end of the year when you are preparing to file your tax returns. You should keep the receipt or a copy for your records so that you can prove that the gift qualifies for a charitable deduction. If you make charitable gifts using payroll deductions, you will be permitted to claim the charitable deduction. In that case, you must retain a pay stub or a Form W-2 from your employer that shows the amount given to charity. You may also spend cash amounts that are deductible as volunteer expenses. In this case, you should make records of each expenditure that shows the services that were rendered to the charity. It also is important to note whether any goods or services have been transferred by the charity back to you. Charities sometimes make transfers back to donors. A common type of transfer back is a charity dinner. For example, if the charity charges $100 for a dinner event and the value of the dinner is $18, then the charity will send you a receipt that shows a charitable gift of $82. The IRS has a special name for this gift. They call it a "quid pro quo" gift. If the char-ity is giving something substantial back to you, such as a dinner, the amount of your de-duction is just the charitable part of the payment. Another possible option is for a charity to give you a token gift. If the charity gives a donor a "low value" item that has the logo, colors or identification of the charity on it, it will be disregarded. For 2015, donors who make gifts of $52.50 or more may receive items with the name or logo of the charity that are valued at less than $10.50. For donors who make fairly large gifts, the token item may generally have a value up to 2% of the amount of the gift with a limit on the token item value at $105. In the future, those numbers will increase slightly.

Want to know more? Contact Wanda Johnson at wandajohnson@alvinmethodist.org or contact her at 281-331-3482.

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE

PAID ALVIN, TX

PERMIT NO 13

You are welcome here! Alvin First UMC Ministers: The Congregation Alvin First UMC Staff: Pastor: Mike Mayhugh Associate Pastor: Linda Snow Lay Leader: Gary Wilson Parish Council Chairman: Cindy Dalmolin Director of Church Operations: Roxann Corona Director of Music Ministries: Matt Hogan Director of Youth Ministries: Scot Bryant Director of Children’s Ministry: Laura Chaffin Director of Finance: Wanda Johnson Pianist: Sheila Hernandez Organist: Rachel Hunter Pre-School/Mother’s Day Out: Terry Oliver Parish Visitor: Suzanne Palmer Audio-Visual Coordinator: Raymond Dugan

Return Service Requested 281-331-3482 • 281-585-2586 • Fax: 281-388-2655▪ 611 West South ▪ Alvin TX 77511 Web site: www.alvinmethodist.org