From the Preacher

From Larry, 6/6/08

From the Pastor:

   The events of this last week once again show us that we are never ready or prepared for the emergencies that happen around us - especially when it comes to those we love! Three instances come to mind - a quilters group, an extended family, and enjoying the outdoors.

   Diana Fergson was was her quilters group when one of their number received news that officials from the U.S. Army were waiting to tell the family that their son had been killed in Iraq. Instantly, love & concern filled them all with compassion for their friend's loss.

   Cindy & Ken Radley in taking care of Ken's dad were confronted with a situation that took on a more immediate concern with the hospitalization of Ken's dad. Again, love & concern from his family as well as his new church family immediately went out to them.

    Billie Sue and Mackie Squires granddaughter, Madison (who has been with us numerous times at College Mound events) was out enjoying riding her dirt bike. There was an accident and now Madison is in ICU at Children's Hospital - but she is not alone!

    That's the message for all these situations - WE ARE NOT ALONE! We often find ourselves thinking just that in - we have been abandoned. God's promise is that "we will not be abandoned or left alone"! In all these situations, these families have been surrounded by friends, prayers, a loving touch or embrace when words seem to fail us - and a presence that we may not be aware of, but none-the-less, is just as real - the presence of a loving, and caring God who wants to reach out and comfort us.

    Often times God reaches out through us! I just want to say - ONCE AGAIN - thank you all for being the caring, loving people you are! For reaching out to others in love and compassion. For sharing a tear, a smile, a nervous laugh, your prayers, your presence. . .

    We love best when we love with the love of the Lord! "Thank you!" for letting the love of God flow in and through your lives!

Larry



This week at College Mound UMC:

Sunday - June 8th:

12:30pm - Jr. High Youth leave for their Mission Trip to San Antonio (return on Thursday)

    2:30pm - Worship at Windsor

(No evening service or activities)

Wednesday - June 11th:

7:00pm - Trustees meeting in the fellowship hall

Thursday - June 12th:

6:00pm - Jr. High Youth return

Sunday - June 15th:

Father's Day at College Mound UMC - no evening service or activities

Monday - June 16th:

Sr. High Youth leave for their Mission Trip to Port Arthur (return on Saturday)

"Back to Normal" on the 22nd of June!!! We will resume our regularly scheduled programs on Sunday, June 22nd! That means we'll have our morning activities as usual, and snack supper that night at 5:30pm (hosted by the Atwood's), vespers, and choir!!!

FISH FRY ON JUNE 29TH!!! The United Methodist Men will host a FISH FRY ON Sunday, June 29th, at the regular snack supper time - 5:30pm!!! We will furnish the fish, fries, hushpuppies (and chicken or greasy bacon-cheese sandwich for Henri), and you all bring the rest for a great time of fellowship and food!!!

Annual "Liston 4th of July" event!!! Don't forget that the tradition begun so long ago by Arthur & Dessie Liston of hosting an annual 4th of July get-together will continue on at Frank & Barbara Rasor's home on the 4th of July!!! In keeping with "tradition", home-made ice cream is eaten first, followed by games for all ages, and then the covered dish supper featuring some of Franks ribs!!! And don't forget that after the event is over, there is always a concert at the park in Terrell with FIREWORKS!!! Guests are always welcome!!!

From Larry, 6/1/08

From the Pastor:

     This will be one of the first Annual Conferences that I will have missed in - well, I can't remember! It will be a little ironic that I will "greet" the conference, even in my absence, as Jennifer Sample, Director of Methodist Mission Home in San Antonio will be in Plano for Conference, and I will be in San Antonio at MMH! I hope Jennifer can use my absence from Conference to foster greater awareness that we all can have a part in MISSIONS, WHEREVER & WHENEVER THEY TAKE PLACE!

     We are aware that MISSIONS are all around us: Genesis Center, Healing Hearts - especially with the new "Victory House" which our UMW is going to be a help in a BIG way - the Share Center in Terrell, the State Hospital, Windsor Care Center, Wesley-Rankin Center, and one other that I want to draw your attention to - THE KAUFMAN COUNTY CHRISTIAN HELP CENTER.

     The KKCHC works some with the Genesis Center, Healing Hearts, and Share Center - but also does a great deal more work in lots of other areas: counseling, faith-sharing (it's amazing how many people come looking for food and are "led to Christ"...they get food, too), crisis counseling, medical help, perscription help, utilities help and the list goes on and on. Recently our D.S., Milton Guitterrez, offered a "matching funds grant" to any of the Kaufman County United Methodist Church who would give a gift by June 1st. I've mentioned that several times, but to my knowledge only one couple has made an offering toward that fund.

     However, through our combined youth departments, we have "pledged" (I know - a lot of you don't like that word) $500.00 toward that effort (which means Milton will give us $1,000)!!! We have $300.00 cash on hand which has been given to our D.S. and will give the rest within the next month or so!!!

     So if you'd like to be on a MISSION TRIP of your own, why not consider the Kaufman County Christian Help Center!?!?!? And while you're at it - don't forget all those other MISSIONS that are always available for our prayers, our gifts, as well as our service!!! Remember - MISSIONS is a call we all share together!!!

Larry

From Larry, 1/27/08

Don't forget to join our RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM as they will be meeting immediately following the morning service of worship today in the fellowship hall!!! Did you know that we were NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED for our efforts and success in the Relay for Life!!! Come join Lisa Carney and Susie Arredondo as we make plans to KEEP UP THE SUCCESS!!!

Volleyball begins this Monday!!! But we have a "bye" - that is, no game until the following Monday, Feb. 4th at 7:00pm (call 7:45pm). All games this season will be at the Poetry Baptist Church - YES IT'S A LONG WAY OUT THERE - but due to the availability of gyms in Terrell, that's our only option. Next season there will be TWO NEW GYMS OPEN UP for our use and we will not have to use Poetry except for playoff and tournament games! So come on out and cheer for our team - or, better yet - COME AND PLAY ON OUR TEAM!!!! Oh! And PRACTICE WOULD BE GOOD, TOO!!! We practice every Sunday at 2:00pm in the pavilion!!! Come and join us for that, too!!!

Next Sunday, Feb. 3rd, will be our SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!! That means our youth department will host the SOUPER BOWL OF CARING LUNCH immediately following the morning service of worship! We invite you all to come and join us for vegetable beef soup, cornbread, dessert, and drink (take out is available) - all for a donation to the youth department's SOUPER BOWL OF CARING FUND! The funds will be divided between the Jr. and Sr. High UMYF for their caring ministry of missions!!! We will also be holding our fund raising efforts to a minimum, so we invite you to give generously, but wisely to our cause.

In addition to the SOUPer Bowl Lunch, we will be taking donations of canned foor items, or dried food items (or any kind of food items you have - milk, butter, eggs, meat, produce, etc.) that will be shared WITHIN OUR CHURCH FAMILY! Feel free to bring those items on that Sunday, or Tuesday (Fat Tuesday), or Ash Wednesday!!! Remember - they will be shared within our church family!!!

Come join us for A FAT TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER on Feb. 5th, from 5:00-7:00pm in the fellowship hall!!! This year our Men's Group will host our Fat Tuesday Pancake Supper! And don't leave!!! Immediately following the pancake supper, we will have an ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MEETING in the fellowship hall beginning at 7:00pm!!! Don't miss it!!!

The youth department is once again working on a LENTEN DEVOTION BOOK - "EXERCISING OUR FAITH" - which we hope will be available by next Sunday, Feb. 3rd - or at least by Tuesday's pancake supper!!! We hope you enjoy the devotions that THEY HAVE WRITTEN THEMSELVES - and join us for a Lenten Journey as we "Exercise Our Faith"!!!

Lent begins with ASH WEDNESDAY, and we will have Ash Wednesday Services on February 6th, at 7:00pm in the sanctuary. This is a very short service during which we invite you to begin a serious self-examination of your spiritual relationship and growth with the Lord, as well as offer the imposition of the ashes. All are welcome!

The UMW will meet on Wednesday, February 6th, at 1:45pm for gathering and fellowship, and the meeting begins promptly at 2:00pm. Come and join us!!!

The Sr. High UMYF will meet on Ash Wednesday immediately following the service in the youth room (from 7:30-8:30pm).

Our next worship at Windsor will be on February 10th - at which time we'll share our VALENTINE'S WITH THE RESIDENTS THERE!!! If you have Valentine Cards, candy, etc., please bring them as soon as possible so that we'll have them to share with the residents!

THIS YEAR'S LENTEN FAITH ACADEMY will off classes taught by Otis Hanby, Bob Watson, and Larry Davis. Otis will be teaching a class on "GRACE". Our LENTEN FAITH ACADEMY will meet each Wednesday during Lent from 7:00-8:00pm at the church.

We have asked, and are still looking for other ideas for our Lenten Faith Academy. Please share those ideas with us so that we can make plans as soon as possible!!! It's only two weeks away!!! Some other ideas were: "Teach Me To Pray" - "Unchristian" (the book Dr. Elaine Heath referred to at our District Training) - "Low-impact Exercise" in the pavilion (come and just walk, or do other non-stressful exercising with others)! Again, let us know your thoughts for what you would like to do during this time!!!

One of the ideas that came up during our "planning morning" this last Saturday was to have an old-fashioned "covered dish supper" or "Pot Luck Supper" one of the Sunday evenings each month in lieu of our regular "Snack Supper"! The first of those will come up on Sunday, February 24th, at 5:30pm! In addition, we'll have a surprise entertainment that will go along with it!!! This is for ALL AGES!!! Please come and bring your favorite foods!!!

From Larry, 11/9/07

From the Pastor:

I'd like to say, "Whewwwww....let's take a breather!" But actually, there's just no time!!! NORMALLY, we have the Sunday afternoon after the auction to rest up - because WE REALLY NEED TO!!! But, with my second knee surgery coming up in another week - there's just no time! Got things to do and programs to get under way!!! So I'll be out ONE SUNDAY, that's all I'm allowing! Pray that this surgery will go just as well, if not even BETTER than the last one! May plan is to be back in the pulpit (or with the walker and on the stool) for the first Sunday in Advent - December 2nd!  ADVENT is the time we PREPARE for the coming of Christ...not just as a child, but as a Savior, Redeemer, and LORD!!! So ready or not - better get that way!!! THE SAVIOR IS COMING!!! Will YOU be ready???

Larry

From Larry for Auction Insert

COLLEGE MOUND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

P.O. BOX 793 - TERRELL, TEXAS 75160 (BUSINESS ADDRESS)

14490 FM 429 - TERRELL, TEXAS 75161

972-524-1823 CHURCH PHONE

972-563-6110 PARSONAGE PHONE

WWW.COLLEGEMOUNDUMC.COM - WEB ADDRESS

CMUMC1845@SBCGLOBAL.NET EMAIL ADDRESS

REV. LARRY D. DAVIS - PASTOR

“MINISTERS - THE PEOPLE OF THE CONGREGATION”

SUNDAY SCHEDULE

9:30AM - COFFEE & DONUTS IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL

10:00AM - SUNDAY SCHOOL (“MAKES A DIFFERENCE!”)

11:00AM - WORSHIP

5:30PM - SNACK SUPPER

6:00PM - EVENING VESPERS SERVICE

6:30PM - CHOIR

(WORSHIP AT WINDSOR CARE CENTER AT 2:30PM THE 2^ND SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH)

CALL FOR MEETING TIMES OF UNITED METHODIST WOMEN, MEN’S FELLOWSHIP GROUP, JR. & SR. HIGH UMYF, CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES, SPECIAL EVENTS - OR VISIT OUR WEB SITE!!!

UP AND COMING DATES!

NOVEMBER 11^TH - CELEBRATION WORSHIP IN THE PAVILION 11:00AM

NOVEMBER 18^TH - THANKSGIVING SUNDAY (FOOD DRIVE)

DECEMBER 2^ND - “HANGING OF THE GREENS” SERVICE 5:30PM

DECEMBER 3^RD - CHURCH NIGHT OUT

DECEMBER 12^TH - UMW CHRISTMAS PARTY - 7:00PM

DECEMBER 23^RD - CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT - 11:00AM

DECEMBER 23^RD - “THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS CAPER” - 6:00PM

AND ALL CHURCH CHRISTMAS PARTY (IN THE PAVILION)

DECEMBER 24^TH - CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION - 9:00PM IN THE SANCTUARY (CASUAL DRESS)

JANUARY 6^TH - DAY OF THE KINGS “FIESTA DINNER” - 5:30PM

FEBRUARY 3^RD - SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY LUNCH - 12NOON

(MARDI GRAS PARTY)

FEBRUARY 5^TH - FAT TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER

FEBRUARY 6^TH - ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE - 7:00PM

MARCH 7^TH - WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

MARCH 16^TH - PALM SUNDAY - HOLY WEEK SERVICES

(MAUNDY THURSDAY COMMUNION, GOOD FRIDAY TENNEBRAE, HOLY SATURDAY SERVICE)

MARCH 23^RD - EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE & BREAKFAST - 7:00AM

APRIL 27^TH - DECORATION DAY

MAY - MOTHER’S DAY SERVICE - MAY 11^TH

MAY - ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE (TBA)

JUNE - VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (LAST WEEK IN JUNE)

AUGUST - KAUFMAN COUNTY UNITED METHODIST WORSHIP

2008 LORD’S ACRE DINNER & AUCTINO - 2^ND SATURDAY IN NOVEMBER (NOVEMBER 8^TH)

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES AT COLLEGE MOUND UMC

NURSERY (INFANTS & TODDLERS)

CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT - ALL AGES: 3 YEAR OLDS, 1^ST - 5^TH GRADES

JR. HIGH - 6^TH, 7^TH & 8^TH GRADE

SR. HIGH - 9^TH - 12^TH GRADE

ADULT CLASSES

COLLEGE & CAREER

“SEEKERS” (A NEW CLASS FOR FAITH DEVELOPMENT)

THE CHAPEL CLASS - BIBLE STUDY SERIES

PROGRESSIVE CLASS - BIBLE STUDY SERIES

EVER READY CLASS - IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY

NOT-READY-FOR-PRIME-TIME CLASS - FAITH ISSUES

NEW BEGINNINGS CLASS - BIBLE STUDY SERIES

PASTORS CLASS - SCHEDULED FOR UNITED METHODIST HISTORY AND FAITH DEVELOPMENT

COLLEGE MOUND SAYINGS:

“You’re A Stranger Here But Once…”

“Sunday School Makes A Difference!”

“Preserving the Traditions of the Past While Looking to the Future…”

“Open Hearts - Open Doors - Open Minds”

From Larry, 10/13/07

Now THAT'S a STRETCH!

One of the things I've had to really work at since my knee surgery is BENDING MY KNEE! OUCH, OUCH, OUCH!!! I can almost bend it BACKWARDS! The goal is 0 degrees, and I can even go a little beyond that! But when it comes to 90 plus degrees - that's another story! I was up to 95 degrees before I left the hospital, but since I've been home, the best I've done is about 90 degrees and the last time we measured it was only about 80 degrees! (All together now: BOOOOOO!!!!)

IT JUST DOESN'T WANT TO GO THERE! So my homework given to me by my physical therapist is to WORK ON IT and STRETCH that knee! WE WILL GET TO 120 DEGREES ON MONDAY!!! (So if you hear SCREAMS coming from the parsonage on Monday - you'll know why!)

So, okay, what is the SPIRITUAL SIDE of that in our lives? What is it in your SPIRITUAL LIFE that you have used so little that it's a STRETCH - almost a pain - for you? Maybe we should ask the Lord to answer that question for you!!! What do you think the Lord would say is a stretch in your spiritual life lately??? Prayer? Loving others? Giving? Tithing (ouch!)? Serving others? New Spiritual Growth in areas you've never been before?

If I just sit there and don't work at it, I'll never get my knee to work right again...but I'm not going to let that happen!

And likewise, if we don't WORK AT OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH - it will never get to where the Lord wants it to be. In any case, it will become stiff and almost useless!!! Don't let that happen!!!

Your HOME WORK - STRETCH THOSE SPIRITUAL GROWTH MUSCLES IN YOUR LIFE THIS WEEK! It may be a pain - but then again, it may free you to do amazing things!!!

Larry

From Larry, 7/7/07

From the Pastor:

   How often have you gone somewhere and were greeted with these words, "Make yourself at home!"??? Now - how many of you have actually taken up the opportunity to do so???

Even though you were invited to, you just didn't quite feel "at home" did you?

   There's a great lesson in that about our College Mound church! Time and time again we have visitors who come here, much as the Genesis Center did recently, and leave with the words, "I felt so welcomed...I felt so AT HOME HERE!"

   I submit to you that's not just where we hope to get to, but rather it is BEGINNING POINT for us as a church!!!

   How many of us work diligently to make our house a "home" only to stop there? No! We continue to make our home an influence that reaches out to all everything and everyone else! Afterall, it beats the alternative - which is - everything else influences our home and remakes us in its image!

   What "image" does your HOME reflect? And be sure that each and every home does have an image it projects! Hmmm....I'm reminded of the creation story in Genesis as God says, "Let US make mankind in OUR image..."

   Looked in a mirror lately??? Maybe it's time we did! Who do you see??? Or maybe I should say, "WHOSE do you see?" What's the image your home projects?

Okay - "Make yourself right at home!" REALLY!!!

Larry

From Larry, June 16, 2007

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!.........a million times over the Sr. High UMYF would like to thank everyone who contributed to a GREAT AND SUCCESSFUL MISSION TRIP TO PORT ARTHUR!!!! It was a wonderful trip, but one which could not have happened without everyone's help!!! Please know that we really mean YOU WERE THERE WITH US in every way!!! Your prayers and your support truly enabled us to be REPRESENTATIVES of College Mound UMC!!! And you all should be EXTREMELY PROUD that our Sr. High UMYF represented YOU to the EXTREME!!! Over and over and over again we had people comment on how great they were, how hard they worked, how committed they were to the project, and how they wished EVERYONE would be like them!!! What you cannot read into those lines were the faces and sincerity of the people who made those remarks!!! WE MADE A DIFFERENCE!!! YOU made a difference!!! This was truly a TEAM EFFORT thanks to all of you!!! Our plans are to put together a Video DVD/CD of the trip with music and captions for everyone to enjoy!!! We'll let you know as soon as that happens.

In the meantime, please continue to remember the work that is going on in Port Arthur and all that area - there are still 75,000 homes in need of repair!!! Teams arrive every week to do the much needed work!!! Churches in the area continue to host and provide for those teams AT NO COST TO THE TEAM!!! They also continue to provide the evening meal each night they are there (AND DO THEY PROVIDE A MEAL)!!! Continue to remember UMCOR and those who work for them: Beverly Antilley, Alan and Nathan!!! They do a great and seemingly endless job! But they also represent the spirit of the United Methodist Church in that THEY WILL STAY UNTIL THE LAST JOB IS COMPLETED!!!

Also continue to pray and remember LILLI COLE. Lilli is the one who's house we worked on all week AND FINISHED!!! The Mennonite CPS helped put on the roof, but THE REST OF ALL THE WORK was done by our Sr. High UMYF!!! In addition, we provided a new storm door, three smoke detectors, a carbon monoxide detector, and left her with TWO railings on her front porch that didn't "wobble" two feet in either direction when you tried to use them to help you up the porch!!! We also left her with two potted plants in hanging baskets on her front porch (reminding her that they are symbols of God as "creator" - who not only created, but CONTINUES TO CREATE anew every day), some KINDNESS COINS (thank you, Barbara) to share with others (and for reminding her of HER kindness to let this untested MOB WORK ON HER HOME), and a new $1 coin so that she never know poverty, and the bread that was left over after our communion service in her front yard (thank you Henri, and Jerry who bought that at our Auction) so that she would never know hunger! The youth plan to keep in touch with her and her family and maybe do some things via mail as time goes by. We will definitely keep her in our prayers!

Our plan is TO GO BACK AGAIN!!! When that happens, we'd like to take more people and do more work - and we'd like to include YOU among those who go with us!!!

IT IS "LIFE-CHANGING" - not only for them, but for YOU as well!!! Let's continue to CHANGE LIVES TOGETHER!!!!

Larry

LUMINARY PRAYER - RELAY FOR LIFE - JUNE 1, 2007

O LORD, GOD OF THE UNIVERSE, WHO BROUGHT FORTH LIGHT AND PLACED THE STARS IN THE SKY…

THESE POINTS OF LIGHT HAVE PROVIDED US WITH AWE, INSPIRATION, AMAZEMENT, IMAGINATION, WONDER, LOVE, AND ROMANCE THROUGHOUT TIME AND HISTORY…

AND NOW, ON THIS SO SPECIAL OF NIGHTS, WE ONCE AGAIN LOOK TO THESE POINTS OF LIGHT THAT HAVE BEEN LOVINGLY, TENDERLY, PLACED AROUND US…

THEY REPRESENT LOVED ONES, FAMILY, FRIENDS - THEY CONTINUE TO:

AWE US - INSPIRE US - AMAZE US - BRING IMAGINATION, WONDER, AND LOVE TO OUR LIVES…

WE ARE EVEN CAUGHT UP IN THE ROMANCE OF HOW THEIR LIVES HAVE TAUGHT US TO LOVE OTHERS… THEY HAVE LET THEIR LIGHT SHINE SO AS TO BE A LAMP TO OUR FEET THIS NIGHT AND ALL OUR NIGHTS…

O LORD, GOD OF THE UNIVERSE - BLESS THESE POINTS OF LIGHT, AND MAY THEY FOREVER SHINE ON THIS EARTH AND IN OUR LIVES, AS WELL AS IN YOUR HEAVEN OF HEAVENS…

HEAR OUR PRAYER WE PRAY….AMEN.

From Larry, 4/29/07

SNACK SUPPER SCHEDULE

Today - Kitty Roycroft & daughters

5-6 Jackie Winton

5-13 No Supper - Mother's Day!

5-20 open

5-27 No Supper - Memorial Holiday

6-3 open

6-10 open

6-17 No Supper - Father's Day

6-24 FISH FRY & START OF VBS!!!

7- 1 RED-WHITE-BLUE ALL-AMERICAN LUNCH!!!

7-8 open

7-15 open

7-22 open

7-29 open

Please let the pastor know when YOU would like to host a snack supper night!!!

Of course the BIG NEWS for this week is the RUMMAGE SALE, which will begin on Thursday at 8:00am!!! The sale will run through Saturday at 1:00pm. Each of the weekday's will close at 5:00pm. It is so IMPORTANT that you get your items to the pavilion AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!! If you need help, please give us a call and we'll see what we can work out to get your items picked up!!!

The other side of the RUMMAGE SALE is our HELPERS!!! Yes, many of you work...but if you can spare the time to come and help - IT IS APPRECIATED!!! You are definitely needed and remember: THIS BENEFITS THE WHOLE CHURCH!!! We will especially need helpers to come on Saturday as we clean-up and pack up!!! If you can't help any other time, please come and help then!!!

Sr. High UMYF will meet this Wednesday at 7:00pm in the youth center! We have our CINCO DE MAYO LUNCH coming up next week and we need to be making assignments for that day!!! See you then!!!

SPEAKING OF CICO DE MAYO - the SR. HIGH UMYF & 8th graders will host a MEXICAN LUNCH immediately following the morning service on May 6th (yes, we're a day late)!!! You'll get a choice of chicken or beef Mexican casserole, rice, beans, hot sauce & chips. And then - THERE'S DESSERT!!! The Sr. High UMYF is getting ready for a MISSION TRIP TO THE TEXAS COAST for Hurricane Rita Relief the week of June 10th - 16th!!! So please come to our Cinco de Mayo Luncheon - invite others to come - and help us as we HELP OTHERS!!! There are still 66% of the homes unihabitable on the Texas Coast as a result of the storm damage!!!

Can you believe it's almost the end of school!!!! We will host a brunch for our graduating seniors on Sunday, May 20th, immediately following the morning service! We also invite you to bring "finger foods" for the brunch that day! Our graduates are: Casey Beck, Katie Keller, and Caitlin Reed. (If you know of others, please let the pastor know.)

Mark it down: June 24th - 29th - VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES!!!!!

Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 9:22 AM

Subject: Happy Thanksgiving!

Just thought I'd take this opportunity to say "HAPPY THANKSGIVING"!!!!

Also - I'd like to let each and every one of you know that among the things I'm so very thankful for is the privilege of being your pastor. The second is like it - I'm so very thankful for EACH ONE OF YOU!

Enjoy and have a very THANKFUL Thanksgiving!!!

Larry (Beverly & Dena)

All Saints Day

All Saints falls on November 1 but may be celebrated the first Sunday in November. In today's scheme of things, it commemorates all Christian people of every time and place. "The saints" in New Testament times refers to Christians collectively, and that is the understanding we view the day with in modern times.

As we plan for the celebration of All Saints, we look at several questions. What biblical and theological themes and images are being proclaimed and expressed? What experience of faith does College Mound UMC have with "the communion of saints" - the living and the dead in Jesus Christ? Who are the examples of faith - people who have "walked with God" throughout the ages, particularly at College Mound UMC - people who have been sources of encouragement and holiness to us?

John Wesley referred to this day as one of triumph and joy. To render thanks to God for the lives and deaths of the saints is to recognize the common bond between the church on earth and the church triumphant in God's love!

All Saints day for us becomes a kind of Christians Memorial Day. We solemnly name those is our congregation and lives who have died this last year, especially those who have manifested in their life and living the transforming grace of God through Jesus Christ. We remember those who have offered Christ to us through their works and their faith.

You are invited to list the names of those who have touched your life, but who have been "born into heaven" this last year. There will be a section of the bulletin board in the fellowship hall available for you to do this. I hope this will become a tradition at College Mound UMC for years to come, not as we celebrate death, but rather as we celebrate those who have lived the life triumphant in Christ, who have showed us the faith, and who have been a presence of Christ for others.

"Almighty God, you gave your saints different gifts on earth but one holy city in heaven. Give us grace to follow their good example, that we may know the joy you have prepared for all who love you; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord." Amen.

(taken from "Handbook of the Christian Year")

Happy All Saints Day,

Larry

From Larry, 10/25/06

Tonight's the night for our FALL FESTIVAL!!! The festivities begin at 5:00pm and will continue until 7:00pm in the pavilion!!! Chili judging is at 5:30pm and Home-made Ice Cream jading at 6:00pm! Please bring your favorite Halloween Snacks and Treats and don't forget to INVITE AND BRING ALL YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS!!! If you want, come DRESSED UP IN YOUR FAVORITE COSTUMES!!! And please remember: COST OF ADMISSION - CANNED OR DRIED FOOD ITEMS (to be given to the Share Center)!!! "Trunk or Treat!" ya'll!!!!

Team 2 WON their game last Monday night!!! We were so AWESOME that the other team didn't even show up!!! Well, it sounds better than saying we won by forfeit! This week's game is at 7:00pm (we call the 7:45pm game). Team 1 had a bye last week. This week's game is at . Ya'll come out and CHEER FOR OUR TEAMS!!! The last games will be on Nov. 6th!!!

The FINANCE COMMITTEE and anyone interested in the finances of the church for next year, will be meeting this Thursday, November nd, at 6:30pm in the fellowship hall. We will be working on the 2007 Budget. If you have budget requests for your area of responsibility (children, youth, etc.), please let Frank Rasor know your requests BEFORE then!!!

The NOMINATING COMMITTEE will also meet this week on Wednesday, November 1st, at 7:00pm in the fellowship hall. If YOU have a JOB you are interested in doing this next year, please let the pastor know ASAP!!!!

There will be a CHURCH SCHOOL MEETING on Sunday, November 5th, at 9:00am in the education building!!! All teachers and church school workers, and anyone interested in the Sunday School Program of the church should be in attendance!!!! For more information, please contact Brenda Gonzalez or Jackie Winton!

The next meeting of the Jr. High UMYF will be this Wednesday, November 1st, at 7:00pm in the Youth Center!!! See you there!!!!

IT'S TIME TO P.U.S.H. REALLY HARD!!! This year's LORD'S ACRE AUCTION is only TWO WEEKS AWAY!!! If you've not turned in a description of your auction item - DO IT TODAY!!! It makes it really hard to print a book of auction items when you don't have them available!!! THEY CANNOT BE PUT IN THE BOOK IF WE DON'T HAVE THEM IN A TIMELY MANNER!!! Please, get your list of auction items turned in AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!! And sell your tickets!!! If you have extra tickets, either sell them or turn them back in!!! We need an accurate count of tickets so we can tell the caterers!!! Support those with special projects: the UMW and the lap quilt, the bounce house tickets, etc. Bring your items for the DEDICATION SERVICE on Sunday, November 5th. We will lay our items at the altar and dedicate them and ourselves to the glory of God. And P.U.S.H: PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS!!! May this event be used by God to touch our hearts and the lives of others for His glory and purpose!!! We will be meeting this Sunday, October 29th, at 4:00pm in the fellowship hall, as well as next Sunday, Nov. 5th, at 4:30pm. Please attend the meetings!!!

CHURCH CONFERENCE - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH - 5:00PM IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL!!!

CELEBRATION SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH! We will have a special emphasis on CELEBRATION, the Sunday after our Lord's Acre Auction! There will be no evening service that night, but we will have WORSHIP AT WINDSOR at 2:30pm that afternoon!!!

Sunday, November 19th, will be our THANKSGIVING SUNDAY, and we invite you to bring food items to the church (on the 12th and 19th) that will be share with others this Thanksgiving!

Did you know that ANYONE can order food through the Kaufman Christian Help Center!!! But you MUST call ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES at 972-932-8866 for information as to how to place your order. They are also located at 209 W. Mulberry in Kaufman. For $25.00 you will get: 6 four ounce hamburger patties, 1 two pound sliced turkey with gravy, 4 six ounce pork chops, 1 three pound frying chicken, 1 seven ounce Armour Brown and Serve Sausage, 1 three pound boneless skinless chicken breast, 1 one pound chicken nuggets, 1 eight ounce cheeseburger dinner, 1 fifteen ounce pork & beans, 1 seven-and-a-half ounce mac and cheese, 1 twenty-four ounce french fries, 1 sixteen ounce peas & carrots, 1 fifteen ounce sliced pineapple, 1 eight ounce biscuit mix, 1 ten ounce peanut butter, 1 dozen eggs, 1 dessert item.

After you place your $25.00 order (which you can place as many as you like), you are then eligible to place orders for the "special":

#1 - steak combo box (4 8-oz. T bones, 4 8-oz. New York strips) - $18.00

#2 - Bacon-wrapped beef filets (14 4-oz filets) - $18.00

#3 - Chicken Combo Box (2 lb filets, 2 lb. boneless breast, 6 lb. tenders) - $18.00

The LAST DAY TO PLACE AND PAY FOR YOUR ORDER is Monday, November 6, 12noon. Distribution day is Saturday, Nov. 18th, 2006. Pick up is at 10am, at Morning Star Church (North Highway 175 service road in Kaufman). If your order is not picked up by 12noon, it will be donated to a local charity. You must bring a large box(es) to pick up your food. ONLY CASH, MONEY ORDERS, OR FOOD STAMPS (EBT) are accepted. No personal checks.

In addition to ordering food through the Kaufman Christian Help Center - Angel Food Ministries - $1.00 for each order is given to the Terrell Share Center!!!

Our sympathy is extended to the Geoff & Angie Scalf family at the death of his mother, Jane, this last week. Memorials in her memory can made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, American Cancer Society, or the Gideon's International.

From Larry, 10/21/06

Today is our BODY, MIND, & SOUL HEALTH FAIR in the pavilion from 12noon until 2:00pm. But first, take time out to have a healthy SALAD BAR LUNCH in the fellowship hall (open until 1:30pm). Cost will be a donation and the proceeds will go to the GOLD CROSS FUND at Methodist Central Hospital in Dallas. More about Gold Cross in a moment.

There are THIRTY different groups and organizations that will be on hand for our health fair, AND IT IS CONFIRMED: CARE FLITE WILL MAKE A LANDING today as a part of the health fair!!! If you need help getting from the fellowship hall to the pavilion, we will have several golf carts on hand to "ferry" you around. We will also have our youth available to help carry items for you. There will be coffee, tea, and water, and HOT WATER available in the pavilion as well as popcorn for a snack! Thanks, again, to Sue Hanby for all her hard work in getting this year's (because we'd like it to become an ANNUAL EVENT) organized!!!

GOLD CROSS is a means by which we can take care of our church's members health needs who may need a hospital visit. All it takes is a call by the pastor to the hospital and they are admitted to the hospital as any "regular" patient. The bill is generally totally absorbed by the GOLD CROSS program and no one knows that you are anything but a "regular" patient. Each year the Annual Conference recognizes the churches that are GOLD CROSS providers (they give at least $1.00 per member), and College Mound has been recognized as a GOLD CROSS member for the last five or six years!!! The proceeds from today's salad luncheon will go to the GOLD CROSS FUND!!! So we encourage you to give GENEROUSLY!!! And if you are ever in a position where treatment is needed through a hospital and cannot afford it, please let the pastor know so that you may possibly be referred to GOLD CROSS and receive the care you need!!!

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS cast has been set and rehearsals continue at 4:30pm each Sunday in the pavilion!!! If anyone has a special talent with musical instruments or singing, and would like to fill in with a "special moment" while we have scene changes, please let the pastor know!!! We'd be glad to have you!!!

Next Sunday's FALL FESTIVAL, October 29th, looks like it will be a HOWLING GOOD TIME!!! Time: 5:00-7:00pm in the pavilion. We need CHILI COOKERS and ICE CREAM MAKERS for the Chili Contest and Ice Cream Contest!!! Please bring either one already made and "READY TO GO" at 5:00pm. The judging for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for Chili will be at 5:30pm and for Ice Cream at 6:00pm. And we'll use that CHILI for our HOT DOGS, NACHOS, AND FRITO PIE!!! Don't forget that there is a COST TO THE FALL FESTIVAL: CANNED OR DRIED FOOD ITEMS!!! These will be shared with the SHARE CENTER in Terrell to help feed the hungry!!! You are also encouraged to come dressed in your favorite costumes!!! There will be lots of games for everyone, especially the TINY TOTS SECTION with games appropriate for just the little ones!!! But don't forget that we are asking for FOOD ITEMS (cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, etc.) that we can use for the EATS 'N TREATS WALK (formerly known as the CAKE WALK)!!! And if you do win a prize, please limit yourself to one so that everyone can enjoy the fun!!! We are also asking for donations of white elephant gifts for the BINGO GAME (to be held in "Bob the Boo's class room)!!! We also need CANDY, CANDY, CANDY for our TRUNK 'OR TREAT time at the end of the party (around 6:45pm) as the parking and drive will be closed off for the children to walk to the parked cars and have "trick or treat" using your car trunks like homes in a neighborhood!!! Therefore - DECORATE YOUR CARS for Halloween for our TRUNK 'OR TREAT time!!!! PLEASE INVITE AND BRING EVERYONE YOU CAN FOR THIS YEAR'S FALL FESTIVAL!!!!

Bob's "Monday Sunday School" time change from 10:00am to 6:00pm has been a good change! He's had some really good crowds come for the class!!! If you miss your Sunday School classes lesson, but would like to catch up - then come on Monday night's to Colonial Lodge for MONDAY SUNDAY SCHOOL at 6:00pm!!! Bob uses the Adult Bible Study Series that many of you are using in your own Sunday School Classes!!!

This week's Tuesday Night Bible Study will try to get through THREE SESSIONS - "A Cure for the Common Life, Oh to Be DPT - Free!, and Tire Kicker to Car Buyer" (chapters 13, 14, and 15)!!! Come and join us from 7:00-8:00pm in the fellowship hall.

The Sr. High UMYF will be meeting this Wednesday, Oct. 25th, from 7:00-8:00pm in the Youth Center of the Pavilion.

The Men's Group are also scheduled to meet this Wednesday at 7:00pm.

Don't forget that this Saturday will be the Russell Memorial UMC Dinner and Auction. However, the FISH FRY will be at their church and the AUCTION will be in town!!! Look at the flier for more information!!!

And ONE MORE TIME - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29TH IS THE TIME CHANGE - "FALL BACK" ONE HOUR!!!!

Put it on the "burner" - BAR-B-QUE BURNER, THAT IS!!! Saturday, November 4th will be 1st UMC of Seagoville's Fall Festival!!! Watch for more details to come!!!

Speaking of "special events," November 18th will be a 60th Anniversary Celebration of Tommy and Anita Wheeler and the 80th Birthday Celebration of Tommy, of Waxahachie. The family (and this is a SECRET TO TOMMY & ANITA) would like for those of you who have memories you would like to share, to send those to Janice Street at momjst1031@sbcglobal.net or to 1907 Alexander Drive, Waxahachie, Texas 75165 by November 1st!!! They would like a personal memory or a message about the couple to be commemorated in a keepsake journal. This is from Larry and Lynne Wheeler and Billy Don and Janice Street.

IT'S NOT THAT FAR OFF!!! Our DEDICATION OF THE LORD'S ACRE AUCTION ITEMS will take place during the morning service on Sunday, November 5th!!! Please bring those items you can for a special dedication time at the altar for that Sunday!!!

Would you believe: TWO SIX-HOUR SATURDAY's, lots of reading, HOMEWORK and written reports, SERIOUS thinking about what you BELIEVE, SHARING YOUR SOUL, and a whole lot more went into the making of this year's ADVANCED LAY SPEAKERS!?!?!? One of those who participated and GRADUATED LAST SATURDAY was Otis Hanby!!! The awarding of "CERTIFIED LAY SPEAKER" in the United Methodist Church is not lightly given out and does require a great deal of work!!! We are fortunate that Otis Hanby is now one of the United Methodist Church's Certified Lay Speakers, along with Bob Watson!!! Congratulations to Otis (and Bob) on this achievement in life, and for their service to the United Methodist Church - especially through College Mound UMC!!!

A Basic Lay Speakers Course will be offered this February. We hope that College Mound UMC will have a lot more people take advantage of this program and become CERTIFIED LAY SPEAKERS IN THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH!!! Please see the pastor, Otis, or Bob for more information!!!

Just so you don't forget: COLLEGE MOUND UMC CHURCH CONFERENCE, 5:00PM, ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH!!! Please have your reports typed (two copies each) and ready to hand in!!!!

Sunday School Promotion comes to an end. . . .does that just GRAB your attention??? Since when do we every STOP promoting SUNDAY SCHOOL!!! But the two month emphasis comes to an end on Sunday, October 29th. We came close to our goal of 150 last Sunday with 138 in Sunday School, and we have increased our average attendance over the last two months. . .but our "real goal" is to always reach out to other persons and bring them into the life of Christ, especially through College Mound UMC, through the Church School Program! We have some really great teachers and workers in EVERY DEPARTMENT of the Church School Program here!!! Many hours each week are spent by dedicated and committed persons just so YOU can learn and grow in your faith so that you can go out into the world and make a difference! Say, "THANK YOU!" to your Sunday School Teachers and helpers this week (and EVERY SUNDAY)!!! And continue to INVITE AND BRING OTHERS TO SUNDAY SCHOOL!!! And never, never forget: "SUNDAY SCHOOL MAKES A DIFFERENCE"!!!

Larry

From Larry, 10/7/06

Thanks to all the children's department and their leaders for providing our entire morning service of worship!!!! We really appreciate that they worked hard to not only learn about worship, but DO WORSHIP!!! We hope everyone will stay for a wonderful spaghetti lunch following the service this morning. Lunch will be spaghetti, Italian green beans, salad, rolls, and dessert! Cost: a donation to the children's department (which will help them go to the "Pumpkin Patch")!!!

Today is also our WORSHIP DAY AT WINDSOR CARE CENTER! Time: 2:30pm!!! We hope our children will present a part of this morning's service for them at that time!!! Please come and share with all our "special friends" at Windsor Care Center!!!

Bob Watson's MONDAY SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS will still be on Monday's - it will still be at Colonial Lodge - but the NEW TIME WILL BE SIX O'CLOCK IN THE EVENING!!!

Please note the change - and if you missed your regular class - or even if you want to come again - join him for Monday Sunday School at 6:00pm at Colonial Lodge!!!

Team 1 lost their last game and Team 2 WON!!! Even if it was by "DEFAULT," we still count it as a win!!! Come and join us for our Volleyball Games on Monday nights!!!

The PPR/Staff Relations Committee will have it's next meeting on Tuesday, October 10th, at 6:00pm in the Education Building! We hope to see all our committee members then!!!

Tuesday Night Bible Study will focus on the sessions: "The Trashman", and "He Loves to Be with the Ones He Loves." Come join us at 7:00pm in the fellowship hall!!!

Well, let's see now . . .we had a ferret, a bunny, and six dogs for our "blessing of the animals" last Wednesday!!! Everyone survived and had a great time! They each let Larry put his hand on their head for the blessing! And he's still got all four fingers!!!

The ENTIRE YOUTH DEPARTMENT will meet this Wednesday night at 7:00pm in the Youth Center to practice their music and parts for next Sunday's worship service!!! And just a reminder - the Sr. High UMYF will host an ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT-HAMBURGER LUNCH immediately following the service!!!

This Wednesday, October 11th, will also be the Class Party for the "NEW BEGINNINGS CLASS" (Bob Watson's class) at Cole Mountain, beginning at 6:30pm!!! Anyone who has been a part of this class in the past, present, or FUTURE is invited to come!!!

ANYONE WISHING TO "TRY OUT" FOR A PART IN THE "A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS" CHRISTMAS PLAY - you need to be on hand Sunday, October 15th at 4:00pm in the pavilion!!!!! Parts are open to all ages!!!!

Don't forget that New World UMC has their annual Lord's Acre Auction & Dinner this Saturday, Oct. 14th at the church!!! If you're interested in going - it would be well worth your while!!!! Please check out the information provided on the flier's in the church!!!!

Speaking of Church Auction's - Russell Memorial UMC at Wills Point will have theirs on Saturday, October 28th!!! Their FISH FRY will be AT THE CHURCH from 5:30-7:00pm and cost $10.00!!! The SILENT AUCTION will be from 6:00-7:00pm and the LIVE AUCTION will begin at 7:30pm - both the silent and live auction WILL BE AT THE OLD WAREHOUSE!!! Please note: that's different from where the fish fry will be!!!!

1st UMC in Seagoville will have their AUCTION the first Saturday in November, the 4th, at the church! Watch for more information coming!!!

And I believe someone else is having an auction on NOVEMBER 11TH AT COLLEGE MOUND UMC!!! Please sell your tickets, and turn in your list of auction items!!!! We will have the dedication of the auction items during the 11 o'clock service on Sunday, November 5th. If possible, please have your items at the altar of the church at that time!

Isn't it GREAT to know that you're #2!!!! At least that's what Joe Hock tells me! Joe (and Hoppy) were a former pastor and family here at College Mound. They now live in Oklahoma (and we won't hold that against them - especially after 28-10)!!! Joe's health is not too good and would love to hear from some of you as often as possible!!! The easiest way to send them a message is to just send it to Vickie (or the pastor) for the web page!!! I've made sure Joe knows about the web page and he promises to look it up often!!! Joe and Hoppy are certainly great friends of College Mound and they "love you all with the love of the Lord!!!" By-the-way, it's Joe who always begins his calls to me with, "Larry, you're the 2nd best preacher College Mound has ever had...(meaning he's the best)." If that's true - being #2 is GREAT with me, considering who's #1!!! Ya'll remember Rev. Joe Hock and his wife, Hoppy, in your prayers, often!

Don't forget:

- HEALTH FAIR - SUNDAY, OCT. 22ND, 12-2:00PM in the pavilion (lunch served in the fellowship hall)

- Men's Fellowship Group - 7:00pm - Oct. 25th at Kountry Kitchen

- TIME CHANGE - FALL BACK ONE HOUR - Sunday, Oct. 28th!!!

- ALL SAINTS SUNDAY & COMMUNION SERVICE - 11 o'clock, Oct. 28th!!!

- FALL FESTIVAL: CHILI COOKOFF, ICE CREAM CONTEST, CAKE WALK, BINGO, AND MUCH MORE!!! 5:-7:00pm, Oct. 28th!!!

Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006 1:18 PM

Subject: Sunday

Just a reminder that we had 103 in Sunday School last Sunday, September 10th....

OUR GOAL IS 150 EACH SUNDAY!!!!

It's NOT about NUMBERS - IT IS ABOUT PEOPLE - ESPECIALLY CHILDREN!!!

Please let God speak to your heart about being in SUNDAY SCHOOL EVERY SUNDAY, especially if you have children!!!! Please take it seriously to INVITE AND BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU TO SUNDAY SCHOOL AND CHURCH!!! (That's called helping to make disciples - which is what Jesus asked EACH OF US TO DO!!!)

This Sunday is also CHRISTMAS SUNDAY!!! We will begin our Christmas production, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" at 4:30pm in the sanctuary FOR ALL AGES!!!!

We will have a CHRISTMAS PARTY FOOD SNACK SUPPER (you bring your favorite Christmas Party foods) at 5:30pm in the fellowship hall.

And it's only 30 minutes more - so please stay for our evening vespers!!!! You'll still be home in plenty of time for the Cowboy's kickoff at 7:15pm!!! But if you don't care about the Cowboy game - STAY FOR CHOIR, as they will also begin their Christmas rehearsals!!!

Take Care - See You in SUNDAY SCHOOL & CHURCH!!!

Larry

From Larry, 9/15/06

"IT'S CHRISTMAS TODAY!!!" Well - it's Christmas PLAY PRACTICE and CHOIR PRACTICE today at 4:30pm and at 6:30pm!!! And in between we will have a CHRISTMAS PARTY SNACK SUPPER at 5:30pm in the fellowship hall!!!

We'll begin our play practice for this year's production: "A Charlie Brown Christmas" at 4:30pm in the Sanctuary! EVERYONE IS INVITED TO BE IN THE PLAY!!! We NEED and we WANT "children of any age"!!!

We'll also begin our Choir's practice for their Christmas Musical - so now is the time to come and join your Choir and help them out for this very special time in the life of our church!!! Choir practice will be at 6:30pm (or immediately following the evening vespers service).

We also invite you to bring your favorite CHRISTMAS PARTY FOODS for our snack supper tonight at 5:30pm in the fellowship hall! Use your imagination here and your good taste!!! Dena always liked "sausage balls" - but since she's a vegetarian now, I'll have to make them without "real" sausage!!! You bring whatever is your favorite Christmas Party Food!!!!

Practice will be every Sunday at 4:30pm for our Christmas Play, and at 6:30pm for Choir practice!!! Come and join us!!!

Guess what?!?!?! BOTH VOLLEYBALL TEAMS WON LAST MONDAY NIGHT!!! Team 2 played at the TCA (Terrell Christian Academy) Gym and won in two games! Team 1 played at the 1st Baptist Church Gym and played three pretty hard games to finally come out with a V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!!! Ya'll come on out and watch our games!!! Team 2 will play this week at 7:00pm and Team 1 will again play at 8:30pm!!!

Our Tuesday Night Bible Study had last week off due to the E-Terrell event, but we'll be in full swing this Tuesday at 7:00pm in the fellowship hall!!! Come and join us for our study, "Next Door Savior"!!!

The United Methodist Women will have their next meeting this Wednesday, Sept. 20th, at 2:00pm in the fellowship hall!!! Fall is off to a great start and we hope every lady at College Mound who is able will come and make it to the meetings!!!

The Jr. High UMYF will have their next meeting this Wednesday at 6:30-8:00pm in the youth center! We'll talk about a number of things - maybe even sign a "get-well card" for Dakota Brewer, who broke his arm in his football game and had to have surgery this last week!

Soul Sisters will also have their next meeting this Wednesday, Sept. 20th, at 6:30pm!!! YES! WE ARE MEETING! SOUL SISTERS HAS STARTED BACK UP AFTER THE SUMMER BREAK!!! COME AND JOIN US!!!

Don't forget next Sunday afternoon, September 24th, is our FAIR FOOD FESTIVAL!!! Play practice will be from 4:00-4:45pm and we will have our FAIR FOOD FESTIVAL from 5:00-6:00pm!!! Sausage on a stick, turkey legs, popcorn, cotton candy, nachos, fries, and CORN DOGS are all provided for you!!! YOU BRING ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU ASSOCIATE AS FOODS OF THE "STATE FAIR OF TEXAS"!!!!! The King's usually bring Belgian Waffles, some of you have brought Funnel Cakes, others have even had a go at FRIED TWINKIES!!! SURPRISE US!!! Bring your version of the foods of the State Fair of Texas (we will put out the "bowl" for offerings to help with expenses)!!! AND INVITE AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS!!!!!

Also a word about two other special events coming up on Wednesday evenings:
- CANDY APPLE NITE will be on Sept. 27th from 6:00-7:00pm for all children & their parents; and from 7:00-8:00pm for the Youth Department! We will supply everything you need and we'll also watch the Disney cartoon about "Johnny Appleseed"!!!

- BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS service will be on October 4th at 6:00pm in the parking area between the sanctuary and education building. If possible, please have your animals caged, or on a leash, etc. This will be a short, but very "interesting" service after the tradition of St. Francis, but adapted from the Book of Worship of the United Methodist Church! Again, invite and bring your friends AND YOUR FAVORITE ANIMALS!!!!

OCTOBER-FEST!!! Every Sunday in October is a Festival!!!

- We begin with the very meaningful "World Communion Sunday" on October 1st - and don't forget to thank Henri Samuels, who makes a loaf of bread for EVERY CHILD IN THE CHURCH on this special occasion!!!

- The next Sunday, Oct. 8th, is CHILDREN'S SUNDAY, and our entire Children's Department will be in charge of the whole morning service!!! They will also host a lunch for us following the morning service of worship!

- October 15th will be YOUTH SUNDAY at College Mound as our youth will be responsible for the morning service of worship! What a dedicated and committed group of youth we have! You don't want to miss their enthusiasm and energy for worship!!! The Sr. High UMYF will host an all-you-can-eat HAMBURGER LUNCH immediately following the morning service. What a great time to invite and bring others to our church!!!

- LAITY SUNDAY will be October 22nd! I'm surprised to hear many of you ask, "What is LAITY SUNDAY?" In a nutshell - YOU ARE!!! Laity Sunday is that time in the life of the church that we celebrate YOU! The Laity, not the clergy, will be responsible for the morning service and bringing the message of what God has been doing in your lives and in the life of our church!!! Bob Watson, our Lay Leader, will have a number of you involved in different ways with the service of worship that morning!

- And yes, that afternoon will also be special as we will have a HEALTH FAIR immediately following the morning service! Sue Hanby and others are working furiously at this point putting a very interesting afternoon together! There will be blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, lots of brochures and pamphlets to look at for all sorts of health issues. We may even have the "Healing Hearts Ministry" girls here! Afterall, health includes not only physical, but emotional and spiritual issues too! We may even have some HEALTHY EATING going on for lunch that day!!!

- October 29th will be the conclusion of our Sunday School Rally Days. What better time to celebrate our Sunday School than with an ALL SAINTS CELEBRATION!!! And of course, we will also have our FALL FESTIVAL THAT AFTERNOON IN THE PAVILION!!!

- And while we're at it - let's just remind everyone that November 5th will be our service of "Dedication for the Lord's Acre Auction Items"!!!

We could go on and on, the following after that is our "Celebration Sunday" following the auction! The Sunday after that is Thanksgiving Sunday and then we're into the Advent and Christmas Season!!! In other words, every Sunday is a celebration of the presence of Christ in our lives!!! They are all special!!! YOU ARE SPECIAL!!! Please make an effort wherever you go this week to pass that on to someone else!!! INVITE AND BRING SOMEONE TO SUNDAY SCHOOL AND CHURCH!!! You might not only help in changing their lives, but CHANGE THE WORLD!!!

Larry

HEY GANG! DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS??? It's time to tell your nominating committee what job(s) you want to do this coming year as leaders of the church!!! The forms will be handed out the next couple of Sundays. Please take the time and effort to look them over and turn them in at the table in the back of the sanctuary!!! This is so important as we begin to look ahead to 2007 and our Church's Leadership!!! And we remind you that our "CHURCH CONFERENCE" will be on Tuesday, November 14th, at 5:00pm in the fellowship hall!!! Please try to be present!!!! All reports should be typed and handed in before that time!!!

Raye Gibson has shared with us the dates and locations for the "Singing Men of Texas". They will be at First Baptist in Wills Point on January 11th at 7:00pm. If you can make it, go and hear this wonderful group singing and sharing their faith - and Wills Point is SO CLOSE!!!

Snack Supper Volunteers Needed: Sunday nights in October!!!! Please sign up today!!!

REMEMBER: SUNDAY SCHOOL MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!!!!! CALL AND INVITE AND BRING SOMEONE TO SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS WEEK!!!!

From Larry, 8/20/06

What a GREAT TURNOUT we had for last Sunday night's worship!!! Everyone was impressed with College Mound!!! Thanks to you all for coming and bring more desserts than we could have eaten in a month of Sundays!!! So what do you think??? How often would you like to do this sort of thing with other churches in our district? Let me know before Sept. 14th, that's when the pastor's will be getting together to discuss our plans!

For tonight's concert, we still need a few desserts - but feel free to bring your favorite chips and dips!!! We'll have nachos and hot sauce on hand, but we will have a time of refreshments following the concert by "Southern Spirit" (which begins at 6:00pm in the sanctuary!!!

Okay - the bulletin is wrong! The planning meeting for children's and youth leaders is Saturday AUGUST 26TH!!! It is not on the 17th (that's what I get for doing the bulletin on Monday morning!). Please bring your calendars and any dates of upcoming events that you know of so that we can use them in our planning!!! Time: 9:00am until 12noon (or before) in the fellowship hall!

We have Snack Supper volunteers through the month of September!!! We'll - actually, we have the Chitty's and Davis' doing the 27th of August, Sept. 3rd is a holiday and no supper, the 10th of Sept. is Kathy Boltin, and the 17th is our "Christmas Party" and the 24th is our "Fair Food Festival"!!! But we are looking for volunteers for October 1, 8, 15, & 22!!! October 29th will probably be our Fall Festival (unless we decide otherwise on Aug. 26th)!!!

Have you signed up for a VOLLEYBALL TEAM yet??? The first games will be played on Monday, Aug. 28th!!! Let the pastor know what team you'd like to play on: low gym, or upper gym. You must be at least 18 and out of high school in order to play. All games are on Monday nights. Our teams are co-ed!

The Pastor's Bible Study Group will begin meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 29th, at 7:00pm in the fellowship hall. This fall's study will focus on Max Lucado's book, "The Next Door Savior." If you've ever wanted to meet Jesus "face to face" this is certainly a study that will enable you to see him in ways you've never dreamed!!! We invite you to a twelve week session of fellowship in the Word!!!

Don't forget that Matthew and Lisa Watson will be our very special guests at a very special program on Wednesday, August 30th, at 7:00pm in the fellowship hall. Matthew is the grandson of Kay & Odie Dean, and along with his wife, Lisa, will be leaving shortly for Jos, Nigeria as missionaries! Please come and hear about their love for missions, for God, for service to their fellow human beings in a specialized ministry - and learn what we might be able to do to help them in their ministry!!! We will have a time of fellowship and refreshments following their presentation.

Everyone is invited to wear their "work clothes" to the morning service on September 3rd - "Labor Day Sunday"!!! During the "children's moment" you might even want to give a brief description of what type of work you do!!! There will not be any evening activities, since it is a holiday weekend.

The United Methodist Women and Soul Sister's will begin their new fall session on September 6th!!! The UMW will meet at 2:00pm in the fellowship hall, and the Soul Sisters at 6:30pm. Come and join them!!!

"A Service of Remembrance" will take place on Sunday, September 10th as we remember September 11th, and celebrate the Lord's Supper on this most significant day. Please join us for worship on this special occasion!

From Larry, 7/14/06

"We're Back...." Normally nine days would seem like a long time - but I honestly can't remember much about our vacation - or why it seemed doing nothing went by in such a hurry!!! We were at the beach - had sun - wind - surf - water - the pool - hot tub - good friends - lots of places to eat - lots of shops to visit - and it all went by in such a hurry!!! Everyone asked, "Are you rested?" And my answer is "Yes - and NO!" We did do a lot of running around - so "No," I'm not that rested physically (go shopping with Paul & Sylvia - you'll know what I'm talking about). But towards Sunday, I really found myself missing the church and all of ya'll!!! I enjoyed the break of no phones - not much to worry about (other than, "Where you want to eat?") - I just sat and read a book (finished it!) - watched and listened to the surf - and spent good time with good friends. So, "Yes," I rested in my mind! It was good to get away and in many ways, it's better to be back!!!

But now that we're back, we hit the road again - but not as a vacation, but as the church on the move in the world! The Sr. High youth will leave on Monday for Galveston for their summer trip, which will be short - but will also be packed with lots to do! Our theme this year is, "GO, FISH," taking Jesus' call to come and follow him and he will make us fishers of men. So not only will we enjoy the beach, the sun and surf, and other things to do in Galveston - we will also look at our call to be called and make disciples! I believe this is especially important for our Sr. High Youth (and all the church)!!!