January 1, 2020
Worship with Us
Sunday
9:00 a.m. - Contemporary Service
10:00 a.m. - Sunday School
11:00 a.m. - Worship Service
4:30 p.m. - Youth
Pastor
Dr. Richard Heyduck
Youth Director
Scott Grow
Director of Music
Mykle Ann Wright
Organist
Tim Spivey
Secretary
Tonya Roberts
Noah's Ark Director
Cynthia Outlaw
Phone: 903-389-2225 www.fumcfairfield.org
The Staff of
First UMC Fairfield
First United Methodist Church
The Servant I’ll begin by speaking proleptically (as if what has not yet happened HAS happened) and then turn to speaking prospectively (considering what has not yet happened).
We’ve made it through 2019! Through your hard work and faithfulness we’ve not only paid off the flooring project but we also managed to catch up and pay all our apportionments for the year.
Some of you will look back on 2019 with nostalgia. It was a good year for your family. Others of you, looking at 2019, will say “Good riddance!” You experienced multiple hardships and setbacks and are now ready for something – almost anything – new.
Our mission in 2020 remains the same: to “Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transfor-mation of the world.” Since our mission is the same, most of the things we do will be the same. There are some areas where we can look for change, however.
When I look at our total ministry, I see some holes. The first is that our community needs a ministry for those seeking “recovery.” We’ve had a Divorce Care class in recent years and have sporadically hosted AA. From what I see in the area there’s a real unmet need. I’m praying that God will raise up some people in our congregation who have a burden for people seeking recovery, whether it be in relationships, substances (alcohol, drugs), or behaviors.
I also see a need for us to become more outward focused. One way to do this would be to increase the number of our people who volunteer in local schools. We have many people who currently work as mentors at the intermediate school (the program I know best); I know there are other needs elsewhere in our district.
We could also expand our ministry into local prisons. We have unit to the west as well as other units to the east. There’s plenty of need out there.
A more theoretical need I think of is clarifying our model for making disciples. You know I’ve been talking a lot the past couple years about the recovery of traditional Wesleyan discipleship methods like the Class Meeting and Band Meeting. The key thing these methods do that much of the discipleship methods we’ve used in the past few generations don’t do so well is focus on transformation more than information. Sunday School classes and Bible studies can have transformative elements to them, but transformation is usually not at the center of what they do.
The main thing I’m seeking – and praying for in the new year is an increase in joy. 2019 had brought enough stresses and strains in our life together that we’ve sometimes forgotten joy. I’m praying that our life together will become fully expressive of the joy of Jesus. Two things I see flowing from this are an increased attractiveness to outsiders and our having more fun together. Christianity is a serious life and death enterprise. But it’s WAY better if we have fun in the doing of it. Happy New Year!
Wednesday
5;15 p.m. - Children’s Choir
Rehearsal
5:45 p.m. - Wednesday Night
Dinner
5:45 p.m. - Gravity / Youth
6:30 p.m. - Children’s Bible
Study
6:30 p.m. - Adult Bible Study
6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir
Rehearsal
Making Disciples by Building Ramps – Steve Grecu About five years ago I took up the ministry of building wheelchair ramps for people in need. We partnered with Texas Ramps Project out of Dallas. They not only taught us how to build ramps but also supported us financially as we started. John Lane, director of TRP, came to Fairfield when we began and showed us the pattern to follow. Something John said that day has stuck with me: “Don’t worry about everything being perfect. We’re not building cabinets. Our volunteers are just as important to us as the people we build the ramps for. We don’t want to discourage or stress our volunteers into thinking they have to be perfect carpenters and as a result give up.” After our first build with him, John felt we were ready to go it on our own. TRP has continued to support us financially to this day.
Looking back with the perspective I’ve gained as a disciple of Jesus, I can see that John Lane’s model for the work was a way of making disciples. It has been a great honor for me to use my professional sills to lead our ramp ministry. I have great respect for all who have participated in this ministry and thank God for this calling in my life.
When I started, I knew how to build things in a professional setting but had no experience of building in the context of ministry. Through my relationships with our pastors and the people on the mission committee I learned how to do this.
Our ultimate goal in building ramps is to bring the love of Jesus into the lives of people. We know that God is good – and a majority of the people we build ramps for will declare that they too know of God’s goodness. Sometimes, however, we feel like God is good to other people and we’re missing out.
Building ramps is also good for us who do the work. We connect more deeply with each other. We learn to work together, trust and love each other. Building ramps is a disciplemaking ministry. As we build, we come alongside each other in a gentle, inviting manner. We encourage each other. Many of our building team members have invited friends to join in the work. Some have carpentry skills, but most learn on the job. Through our work, I learned that more than building ramps, we’re building people as followers of Jesus. Once I came to understand we were building disciples, I put a special focus on our new people. I wanted to ensure that their first experience would not be their last. I had to pay attention to them to make sure no one was left on the sidelines, doubting themselves or their ability to be a part of the team. As I grew as a disciple of Jesus, I came to see that this way of thinking has application throughout the church, in all areas of ministry.
I admit that when I am busy doing God’s work my zeal for God can sometimes distract me from Jesus’
command in Matthew 28:19. Sometimes I forget that making disciples – building people – is more our
mission than building ramps. I fear that sometimes I have acted as a “fireman” – putting out someone’s
fire for God. I see now that I’m called to be a “fire keeper” for others. My prayer is that whatever our area
of work in the church we remain mindful of the call to make disciples who will themselves become
disciplemakers. May we all seek to gently nurture others into faith in Christ and obedience to his call!
Sunday School Offering: In November, the children gave a total of $91.12 toward the school weekend back-pack food ministry. The adults rounded the amount up to $100. In December their offering went to the Christmas Eve Meal Ministry.
Sunday School Classes: A thank you is due to our regular children's Sunday School Teachers for their love
and dedication to our children. They are: Camille Grow, Patty Pratt, Tracy Awalt, Karen Micheletti, Andrea Roller and Jana Paul. In addition there are several who help when needed. Sunday School is a very important part of our effort to reach children for Jesus.
AWE Classes: A thank you is also due to our regular children's AWE teachers: Chad Morgan, Jennifer Cruce, Wendy Ferrell, Nicole Crawford, Julie Steward, and Tina Williams. They give every Wednesday night to teach our children about Jesus.
Children's Church: Every week during the second service, we offer Children's church. This is not a play time, but another opportunity for children to learn about Jesus. Thank you to our regular helpers: Camille Grow, Christi Heyduck, Ashle Crowley, Brigit Coufal, Patty Pratt, Amy Evans, Courtney Varner and Kendra Young.
Children's Choir : On Wednesday's our church offers children's choir for ages 4 through fifth grade. Thank you to our dedicated volunteer leaders: Mykle Ann Wright, Christi Heyduck, Katherine Jackson, and Stephanie Thorne.
As we look to a new year, please remember Children's Ministry in your prayers. If you would like to volunteer please contact Christi Heyduck.
December is always a busy, but exciting month for our music ministry. We had a great special from our Children’s Choir, the Cantata by the Chancel Choir was beautiful,
and the GloriBells played at the nursing home and two church services.
During the Christmas Break we will not have any practices. We will resume GloriBells on January 6. Chancel Choir will start back January 8, and Children’s Choir will start back January 15.
As always, we are looking for new people to join us at our
many music activities. Maybe this could be one of your
“New Year’s Resolutions”. I hope you will consider joining one
of our ministry groups.
God Bless,
Mykle Ann
Children’s Choir Join us
Wednesday, January 15 5:15 pm
Choir Room
January 5th- Sunday Night Live- 4:30-6:30 p.m.
January 8th- Wed Night Small Group kick off- 5:45-7:30 p.m.
January 12th- Confirmation 4:30-5:30, Sunday Night Live- 5:30-6:30 p.m.
January 15th- Wed Night Small Groups- 5:45-7:30 p.m.
January 19th- Confirmation 4:30-5:30, Sunday Night Live- 5:30-6:30 p.m.
January 22nd- Wed Night Small Groups- 5:45-7:30 p.m.
January 26th- Confirmation 4:30-5:30, Sunday Night Live- 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Happy Holidays from Gravity!
Sunday Servers Dates January 5 January 12 January 19 January 26 February 2
Acolytes
Mollie Copeland Emily Myers
Alleigh Roller Norah Young
Lucas Awalt Wyatt Steward
Chance Herren Logan Williams
Faith Cockerell Danica Grecu
Lay Readers
Robbie Robertson Ava Grecu Robbie Robertson Bob Anderson Kevin Benedict
Offering Counters
Katherine Jackson Gary Toothman Jane Phillips Susie Kirgan Charlene Ezell
Lay Readers are a very important part of Sunday Worship. There duties may consist of, but not limited to the following:
Leading Affirmation of Faith Facilitate the Offertory Scripture Reading
If you would like to become a Lay Reader and assist with Sunday Worship please contact the church office.
Memorials & Honorariums
Gifts to Capital/General Building Fund
In memory of Sonny Schick by J.R. Corne
In memory of Evelyn Moegelin by Brenda Kay Johnson
In memory of Steve Miller by Mike & Kathy Arrington
In memory of Rosemary Whiting by Jennifer Calame, Charlene Ezell, Guy & Jane Ward,
Eddie & Karen Smith, Judy Wardle, Don & Milli McLeod
Music Fund
In memory of Bart Matthews by Judy Wardle
**Remember to indicate the person or persons for whom your memorial or honorarium is dedicated and to what fund it is to be
credited: General, Capital Building, Choir, Youth, Music, etc.
January
01 Christmas Break
08 Christmas Break
15 Chicken Pot Pie
22 Braised Poblano Roast Beef
29 Chicken Fried Steak
February
05 Tuscan Garlic Chicken
12 Chicken Piccata
19 Chinese
26 Meatloaf
*menu subject to changes
Date Name(s)
1/1 Stephen Summersill
Gilbert Gatlin
1/2 Robin Davis
1/3 Richard Davis
Cale Myers
Chris Horton
Olivia Hughes
1/4 Summer Moore
Beverly Awalt
Guy Ward
Brenda Farber
Carolyn Robertson
1/5 Norah Young
1/6 Scott Schick
Hayden Hill
Date Name(s)
1/7 Betty Milligan
Liz Thornton
Alicia Berger
1/10 Bob Whiteman
1/13 Sherry Burns
1/17 Greg Sims
1/18 Barbara Anderson
1/19 Robbie Robertson
1/20 Harry Moore
David James
Carolyn Newberry
1/23 Emi Bonner
Jordan Myers
1/24 Clay McKee
Daniel Filis
1/25 Jared Schlabra
Date Name(s)
Grace Wathen
1/26 Matt Mooneyham
Nick Mooneyham
1/27 Colbie Cherry
1/28 Joe Bond
Seth Anderson
Jerrod Broussard
Brayden McKee
1/29 Rachel Lewis
1/30 Will Fernandes
Eliza Young
Barbara Bass
1/31 Caleb Wilson
Ellen Jones
Vicky Cheek
Sermons are available for listening on the Church web site: www.fumcfairfield.org/media/sermon-audio
United Methodist Women - We enjoyed our Christmas luncheon at the home of Jane Phillips on December 10th. In addition to a delicious soup and salad meal, new officers were installed by 2019 President Christi Heyduck. We look forward to a wonderful new bible study in January under the leadership of our new president Jane Phillips. All women are invited to attend our bible studies which are on the
second and fourth Tuesday on the month at 10 am. We meet in the main room upstairs. Christi
Happy Holidays From FUMC Nursery
Madeline Wright, Kamri Griffin, Kendal Crawford (not pictured)
Tonya Roberts, Eliza Young and Jacob Awalt
Danny Kalyanji (Patel Group), presented Richard with 18 $10 gift cards for the church to distributed to the needy in the way of Society of St. Stephen. Thank you everyone who donated to
the flood bucket mission.
Church Leaders for 2020
The Lay Leadership and Nominations Committee has been working for months to assemble a roster of leaders for the new year. Here’s the list as passed by our recent Charge Conference. Church Council Chair & Lay Delegate to Annual Conference: Kevin Benedict Lay Leaders: Sam Bill Bournias & Robbie Robertson Evangelism: Mike & Julie Steward (chairs), Gilbert Gatlin, Theresa Farris, Bobby Daniel, John Cheek Family Ministries: Carrie Herren (chair), Cyn Outlaw, Jennifer & Brandon Cruce, Kelly Teer, Joe Schick, Julie Steward, Sonia Maness, Lisa Horton, Ashlee Daniel Adult Christian Education: Kim Mooneyham, Rick Medford, Kathy Donohoo, Buzz & Deborah Hamilton, Cindy Hale, Lisa Robertson, Kendra Young Children’s Christian Education: Christi Heyduck (chair), Nicole Crawford, Mike Steward, Karla Keaton, Leslie Meza, Alicia Berger, Betsy Monico, Tracy Awalt, Camille Grow, Karen Micheletti, Julie Myers, Courtney Varner, Angela Morgan, Juile Steward Finance: Katherine Jackson (chair), Susie Kirgan, Josh Varner, Gary Toothman, Jane Phillips, Charlene Ezell, Terry Dunlap, Brian Evans, Suzann Leadbetter Missions: Steve & Danielle Grecu (chairs), Patricia Pratt, Randy (Robert) Taylor, Tony Leadbetter, Mark Phillips, Randy Maness, Rick Mallory, Robin Horton Lay Leadership & Nominations: Maurice Burleson, Eddie Smith, Marlon Cockerell, Gayle Carpenter, Edye Gillen-Hall, Chad Morgan, Stephanie Thorne, Loften Dunlap, Rick Medford Nurture: Carol Chappell, Paula Wade, Sue Terry, Sally Red, Karen Smith, Jerri McBay, Suzann Leadbetter, Bob Anderson, Loy Newberry Society of St Stephens: Rodney Gillen-Hall, Julie Ann Medford, Jeannie Wilson, Chris Perona, Carol Ann Biggar Staff/Parish Relations: Sally Red (chair), Jenny Calame, Russell Keaton, Larry Williams, Susan Myers, Tommy Leadbetter, Andy Awalt, Tina Williams, Anita Avery Trustees: Lee Kirgan, Von Wade, Dan Ralstin, Julie Myers, Janie Richards, Dianne Murden, Karen Micheletti, John Thorne, Jacob Young Worship: Chad Morgan (chair), Janie Richards, Dianne Murden, Bill Crawford, Ben Bonner, Beverly Awalt, Carolyn Williams, Pam Steward, Trish Kingsley
Church Council at-large: Cindy Neal, Craig Dunlap, Hazel Sanders, Angela Morgan, Carolyn Newberry,
Kenny Hughes, Denny Kingsley, Nicole Crawford
From Noah’s
Ark
STRENGTH AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Barbara Anderson
Katie Anderson
Sharon Anderson
Steve Anderson
Kathy Arrington
Ann Barker
Dale & Eunice Barker
Debbie Blair
Billie Bond
Joe Bond
Donald Casey
NeKeisha Chin
Eleanor Clark
Jimmy & Paula Clark
Juliette Coleman
Bill & Jan Collins
J.R. Corne
Sheri Cuba
Julie Curington
Loften Dunlap
Derrell Ezell
Donnie Farris
Albert Gallegos
Tony Gallegos
Jim Gooch
Joan Grounds
FUMC PRAYER MINISTRY
Bob & Frances Henley
Nick Henley
Mary Heyduck
Frank & Heidi Hilliard
Phyllis Hunt
Reed Jackson
Sheila Judkins
J.B. Mason
Cash McKee
Rick Medford
Sue Montgomery
Nancy Nichols
Jimmy Onstott
Margaret Orand
Mary Pittman
Judy Schick
Gwen Schlabra
Irene Slaughter
Larry Smith
Mary Smith
Carol Taylor
Jesse Terry
Jean Thomas
Carolyn Thorne
Randy Turner
Donald Vasey
Keith Wedige
PERSONS IN NURSING HOME FACILITIES
Patsy Ahlfinger
Jeane Beasley
Marie Collie
Pat Crawford
Claudine Gibbs
Nancy Gooch
Norma Helm
Virginia Humphries
Don McLeod
Bob Pearson
Jerry Speed
THE MEN AND WOMEN SERVING IN OUR ARMED FORCES
Ryan Aiken
Dalton Barker
Daniel Barker
Damon Box
Jordan Burton
Robert Cortez
Brandon Cruce
Kyle Grecu
Brady Jackson
Chris Marr
Brandon Read
Ty Salazar
Breakfast and Fellowship, Sunday, January 12, 7:30 a.m.
Pastoral or Ministerial Care When pastoral or ministerial care is needed Pastor Richard may be reached at the following number.
Pastor Richard Heyduck (903) 767-2977 (cell) [email protected]
Tithe.ly is a new and convenient way of giving to our Church.
It can be accessed through the free Tithe.ly app on your phone or any electronic device!
Please ask any committee member about it.
First United Methodist Church 201 North Mount Street Fairfield, Texas 75840 903-389-2225 www.fumcfairfield.org
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We thank God for………………….