A monthly publication of the First United Methodist Church

The Voice Rev. Dr. Brian Bosworth, Pastor

Rev. Zack Landis, Associate Pastor

(940) 627-3362; info@decaturmethodist.org

Reunion, or more correctly Wise County Old Settlers Reunion, began this week with great expectation from many people who have come to enjoy the annual experience. While I am sure there are some who have “seen the elephant” and decided once is enough, there are more seemingly who make Reunion week the highpoint of at least the summer, and still others who are anticipating their first time visit to the Reunion Grounds.

I myself have been out there as a worker and one who has been invited by campers. I have seen people having great times, people who have had better times elsewhere, people who are hungry, people who are lost, people who have had too many adult beverages, people who are sweating, people who enjoy watching other people, and people who just enjoy the great tradition and the related experiences of Reunion each year. Overall, I do enjoy going out to the Reunion Grounds and being a part of the community and all of its ongoing traditions.

What is most interesting though is how the event appears to have so much control over our lives. For instance, when I first arrived in Decatur, I am sure I was told many important things by church leaders and members. Do you know what I can remember out of all those important directions, tips, and suggestions? “Don’t plan anything during Reunion week” and “Church attendance will be down on Sunday of Reunion” are what I remember best. They don’t teach these things in Seminary. I remember professors and faculty talking about 2 Sundays where attendance is often low (the Sundays after Christmas and Easter). But nothing about Reunion was mentioned. There were no warning or tips about how to handle such things.

So these past few years, these things have both been puzzling and challenging. Not puzzling or challenging in that the suggestions and observations from a few years ago are accurate, which they were/are, but that so many in the community are shaped, or at least their routines and schedules, by Reunion and all its related activities.

During a time when we are making plans to reach out to many who we have not seen in our midst in the past few years, I wonder how many instances there have been events such as Reunion, or our family vacations, or work or school projects, or just missing a Sunday or two have led to being distracted from the joy that once was experienced in joining with others regularly in the presence of God. I know from my own experience how college and the early years of my first career played a part in my absence from church. But I also remember the joy I felt when I returned and once again heard and experienced God’s incredible love for me. I heard it, felt it from those around me, and used the experience to move deeper into my relationship with God.

I am hopeful and prayerful that as we begin to reach out to others whom we haven’t lately, that they also will sense our love and hope that they will return to a life of discipleship. I know life happens fast and sometimes in more ways than we can understand, but I also know that God desires us all to be a part of the body. There is life abundantly to be lived as we stay connected to the body. It doesn’t mean that we cannot take a vacation or even go to Reunion, but it is a life where the priority is in faithful living as God invites more than what our human tendencies point toward.

Let us be prayerful, but also joyfully expectant as we begin to reach out to those we haven’t seen. And when we see them approaching, let us run to meet them with the attitude of celebration, just as the prodigal did in Jesus’ parable (Luke 15)!

See you in worship, Brian

Issue 8 of 12

August 1, 2016

Youth: Laura Landis Children: Ashley Craven

Administrator: Bonnie Wohlleben Secretary: Raymona Kirkpatrick

One Worship Service at 10 am on July 31

We have had so many positive comments about the Service of Unity in May where we had one worship service, that we are planning

another for this Sunday, July 31. We will have a great time and include lots of singing as we worship at 10 am. While this is a “5th

Sunday,” we have had some comments about the possibility of having only one worship service on a more regular basis.

Like in May, the morning schedule for July 31st is 8:30 am fellowship, 9:00 am Sunday School, and 10 am worship.

Remember to put the change on your calendar and remind your friends.

Decatur Cares Service Project Tuesday, August, 2

9:30 a.m., Carson Elementary

Preschool Board Meeting

Monday, August 8 6:00 p.m., Character Builders Classroom

Family Ministries Team Meeting

Tuesday, August 9 6:00 p.m., Character Builders Classroom

Czech Republic Mission Trip

August 11 - 25 Strasnice UMC

Promotion Sunday Sunday, August 14

10:50 Worship Service

Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, August 16 6:30 p.m., Character Builders Classroom

Community Ministries Team Meeting

Tuesday, August 16 5:30 p.m., Character Builders Classroom

Staff Meeting

Thursday, August 18 12:00 p.m., Character Builders Classroom

First Day of School Monday, August 22

Methodist Men’s Breakfast

Saturday, August 27 7:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall

Worship Design Team Meeting

Saturday, August 27 9:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall

Discipleship Team Meeting

Sunday, August 28 4:00 p.m., Character Builders Classroom

CHURCH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Noah Smith, Family of Greg Christian, David Deaton Family of Charlotte Landis, Family of Klay Goodwin,

Family of Earnest Campbell, Family of Justin Buchanan

In the Military: Charlie Fortenberry, Michael Jordan, Jake Logue, Garrett Muelstein, Josh Murphy,

Matthew Roberson, Kolin Rottner, Joshua VanNoy and Matthew Broker

1 - Charles Burton, Ashley Fortenberry, Jayden Moody 2 - Kaely Beaver, Karen Brown 3 - Jamie Walther, Sherry Wright 4 - Sharon Voss 5 - Gary Micinski 6 - Mary Nella Armes, Gary Cocanougher, Katy Stone Shay Patterson, Kathy Perkins, Kevin Pierce 7 - Mario Galindo, Madeline Pena 8 - Angie Swanson 9 - Annie Lee Wood 10 - Naomi Rawle, Jake Williams 11 - Sally Renshaw, Jessie Wright 12 - Jett Cartwright, Ramona Cerretti, Milly Shenkir 14 - Ryan Munnerlyn 16 - Savannah Peterson, Jerry Watson 17 - Jeannie Nichols, Jessica Williams 18 - Garrett Kirk, Raina Park 20 - Alex Forbis, Jodi Miller, Carter Sanders, Gerald Wright 21 - Melissa Bosworth, Meradith Culpepper, Chuck Heaberlin, Melva Hodges, Logan Park, Stephen Reeves, Jack Stone, Josef Velten 22 - Shawn Hooe, Diana Pate, Dora Rose 23 - Gabe Cocanougher, Sanae Irish 24 - Ben Bond, Joey Laremore 25 - Susan Hammond 26 - Ron Gordon, Marsha Hafer, Susanne Parker, Travis Young 27 - Shannon Fitzgerald, Wanda McCurdy, Mary Louise Woodruff, W.B. Woodruff 28 - Melissa McAlister, Nancy Rosendahl 29 - Asa Johnson, Diane Sanders, Gillis Sewell 30 - Mason Woodruff 31 - Betty Champion, Lynn Lambert, Josh Murphy

August

Happenings

August

Birthdays

WORSHIP ASSISTANTS

August 7th 8:30 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Barbara Haley Communion Servers: Virginia Caraway & Marguarette Roberts

Acolyte: Eleanor & Ben Bond 10:50 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Trumanell Maples Communion: J.E. & Betty Carson

Acolyte: Kathryn Highlander & Kennedy Hafer Counters: Jennifer Vaughan & Casey Edwards

August 14th 8:30 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Virginia Caraway Communion Servers: Sharon Meyer & Thomas Laird

Acolyte: Noah Holt 10:50 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Valleri Sewell Acolytes: Nolan & Shelby Sewell

Counters: Jack Tucker & Barbara Swan

August 21st 8:30 Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Youth Communion Servers: Youth

Acolyte: Audree Knox 10: 50 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Youth Acolyte: Wiley Stone & Emma McAlister

Counters: Foster Walker & Brian Knox

August 28th 8:30 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Rita Tucker Communion Servers: Asa Johnson & Ronnie Walker

Acolyte: Eleanor & Ben Bond 10: 50 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Fred Renfro Acolytes: Julie Stone & Parker Deaton

Counters: Jim Henderson & Fred Renfro

August Communion Set Up: Men’s Class

Donations for WARM Personal Care Items

Sunday Refreshments Men’s Class

Sunday Morning Greeters Upper Room & Unnamed

Visitor Follow-Up Jeffrey Seal

Care Corp Wanda Stone, Notifier

Shirley Peterson, Virginia Renfro, Sandra Little, Murvelle Chandler, Sharon Walker

Farewell Gathering

The congregation is invited to stop by the

Fellowship Hall

Sunday, August 7th at 12:00 p.m.

Wish Eric & Jeffrey Seal blessings in their

move to Amarillo.

Cake and punch will be served.

(No gifts please)

Reconnect Begins September 7th

1. 9/7 7. 10/19

2. 9/14 8. 10/26

3. 9/21 9. 11/2

4. 9/28 10. 11/9

5. 10/5 11. 11/16

6. 10/12

Option 1 - Half Truths by Adam Hamilton

Option 2 - Clip In by Jim Ozier

Sign up sheets will be in the Narthex.

The Life Builders Sunday School class invites you to join them for their video series:

“Walking With God in the Desert”

Experiencing Living Water When Life is Tough

This 7 week study begins Sunday, July 31.

The Life Builders Classroom is located in Room 309 on the third floor.

Healthy Church Initiative Update On July 24th, the Administrative Board adopted the vision statement below, thus making it the official Vision Statement of the church. Now the other HCI Teams will be called together to meet and will use the Vision Statement to guide them in the respective work that

each team has been charged with undertaking, as well as ensuring that every ministry of the church is in alignment with the Vision Statement.

Official Mission Statement: “Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

Vision Statement: “We are a people of grace, love, and hope who faithfully participate in a way of life that includes learning, growing, giving, and serving God.”

Team Meeting Dates:

Family Ministries Aug. 9 (Tues) @ 6pm Character Builders

Community Ministries Aug. 16 (Tues) @ 5:30pm Character Builders

Worship Design Aug 27 (Sat) @ 9am Fellowship Hall

Discipleship Aug 28 (Sun) @ 4pm Character Builders

Young Adult Ministry

We are exploring the opportunity to start a ministry for

young adults. This ministry will be a place for young

adults to connect and grow together.

Our initial plans are to center the group around Bible

Study and Fellowship events, but we would love your

input. At this time, we don’t know who would be inter-

ested, what day and time would be the best, or if child-

care would be needed.

If you are interested in being a part of this group,

please email or call Pastor Zack in the church office. zlandis@decaturmethodist.org or 627-3362

Where Are They?

Work is now beginning to search for and reach out to the

members of the church who have not been seen

recently in the ministries and activities of the

church. Three parables that Jesus told (the lost

sheep, lost coin, and prodigal son) all deal with

a desire to find that which has been lost. As the

lost are found/returned, great rejoicing

occurs. There are many who will need to be

encouraged. If you would like to help with this

work of searching/reaching out to the missing

and encouraging their return to the life of the

church, please contact the Church

Office.

Disciple Study Begins in September

This year, we are offering Disciple: Remember Who Y ou Are (The Prophets and the Letters of

Paul) as a long-term Bible Study on Monday evenings at 6 pm beginning Sept. 12. The workbook

for this 32 week study will cost approximately $33.50. The study involves daily reading of scrip-

ture with emphasis in this course upon the prophets and the letters of the Apostle Paul. Each Mon-

day evening the group will meet to watch a short video about the week’s study and to discuss the

material covered. If you are interested, there will be a sign-up sheet in the Narthex.

Prerequisite for this study: Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study (also called

Disciple I or Red Book Disciple).

Upcoming Events

Sunday, July 31

Water Park Trip after Service

Tuesday, August 2

Decatur Cares Service Project - Meet at

Carson Elementary at 11:30.

Wednesday, August 3

MYF @ Wesley - Special Fall Planning

Sunday, August 7

Northwest District Youth Day in

Nocona after Late Service

Wednesday, August 10

UMYF—Wesley Center @ 5:30 - 7:30

Saturday, August 13

Rangers Game - Leave church at 4:30

Sunday, August 14

Back to School Bash after Late Service

Wednesday, August 17

UMYF—Wesley Center @ 5:30 - 7:30

Sunday, August 21

No Youth Activities

Wednesday, August 24

UMYF—Wesley Center @ 5:30 - 7:30

Sunday, August 28

Youth vs. Parent Volleyball Game, Din-

ner, and Meeting

4:00 - 6:00

Grab your Glove and your

Baseball Hat...We are going

to a Ball Game!!!

Saturday, August 13th @ 4:30

RSVP by

Sunday, August 7

The mission team had a wonderful and meaningful trip to New Orleans. The

youth and adults worked on a playground and fellowship hall at a church in

the Lower 9th Ward. The pastor of the church shared with the group the

experiences of Hurricane Katrina from total destruction to three different

contractors running off with their rebuilding money. The group felt hon-

ored to serve the church during the week. They put a whole lot of sweat

and heart into the job. After the work day was finished and the members

cleaned up, they were able to play and hang out with teens from other

churches. Every night there was a Spirit led worship service. The youth

made new friends in Christ. They even managed to squeeze in a trip to the

French Quarter, a swamp tour, and spent some time in the World War II

museum. Thank you for your prayers and support!

Children’s Sunday School Focus

Promotion Sunday will be Sunday

August 14th during late service

Please join us to celebrate our

children growing in their faith!

Back To School Cookout

Sunday August 14th

After late service in the

fellowship hall.

Everyone is welcome!

Teacher appreciation Sunday

will be Sunday, August 21st

during both services.

Please join us in honoring these

wonderful servants

of students.

Sunday School Volunteers

1st Sunday - Jamie Milliman & Megan Hammon

2nd Sunday - Cari Whittenburg & Casey Edwards

3rd Sunday - Debra Walker & Jamie Milliman

4th Sunday - Regina Stone/ & Penny Holt & Barbra Haley

Registration for Camp Bible is now open!

September 24th-25th Bridgeport Camp and

Conference Center

Cost is $75.00 (This Early Bird Rate only good until August 31st.)

Please keep in mind spots fill quickly!

If your kiddo is interested in attending please contact me as soon as possible to

get them registered.

The Sign-In

I know that many of you are probably pretty tired of hearing Brian or myself asking

you to sign-in on Sunday morning. I know that it might seem a little tedious to sign in

every week, especially for those who are here every week. Despite if you have these feelings or not, we do have a rea-

son for asking.

First, it is a part of your membership vows. When you joined the church, you made a vow to support the church with

your Prayers, your Presence, your Gifts, your Service, and your Witness. By signing in, you are letting us know that

you are supporting us with your presence. And yes, before you think it, we really do look at them every week. How-

ever, at last Sunday’s Administrative Board meeting, we shared some of the initial efforts of our membership audit

team. One thing we shared was an attendance report for the past 2 years. In the report 459 of our current 941 mem-

bers have not signed in during the last 2 years. Folks, that’s 48.7% of our official membership.

The second reason to sign in is to update any information or leave us a note. Last week, we sent out an email to eve-

ryone who had an email in our system, and you would not believe how many of them came back. I know how much

of a pain it is to update your information at different places. Recently one of my cards was compromised, and it took

forever update everything. However, the church, is often overlooked when phone numbers, email address, or other

information is updated.

Third, our sign in sheets are where we collect guest information. When a new person comes to our church, we would

like to be able to get in contact with them. However, most of the time (about 90%) of the time, they leave no contact

info, maybe just a name if we are lucky. AND, most of the time, they have just followed suit. They see the first per-

son, just put their name down, so they just put their name down as well.

Like I have already said, I know it might seem like a pain to sign in (completely, not just a name or part of your

name) every week, but it is really important. In the coming months, the Hospitality Team will be working on a new

system for signing in on Sunday morning. We hope to make it easier and also give people more room to write. If you

have any ideas or suggestion or if you would like to join us on the hospitality team, just let me know.

In Christ’s Service,

Zack

New Building: Construction Update Steady progress is underway on the new building. The retaining walls and form

boards for the foundation are in place. The electric rough-in is complete and has

been inspected by City officials. The plumbing rough-in is underway and should also

be inspected by City officials very soon. Barring inclement weather, the foundation

should be poured within the next 2 weeks. Thanks again for prayers, support, and

words of encouragement!

Budget Preparation for 2017

If your area of ministry has a budg-

et or you would like to request

money for your ministry area in the

2017 Church Budget, you are en-

couraged to begin those budget re-

lated discussions and preparations

now. Our Charge Conference is

scheduled for October 16 this year

(approximately 6 weeks earlier than

we are accustomed to). Council on

Ministries and the Finance Commit-

tee will be gathering requests and

preparing budget numbers this sum-

mer so that we will be prepared for

the October meeting.

www.decaturmethodist.org

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ATTENTION CHURCH In an attempt to update our records, on July 27th we sent

an email to all members. If you did not received it, please

first check your spam folder, then contact the church

office to update your information.

(940)627-3362 or administrator@decaturmethodist.org

First United Methodist Church Presorted Standard

104 South Miller Street Non-Profit Organization

Post Office Box 302 U.S. Postage Paid

Decatur, Texas 76234-0302 Permit No. 166

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

THIS NEWSLETTER CREATED ESPECIALLY FOR

YOU!

Monday, August 22 at 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 25 8:30 a.m.—Character Builders Classroom

Dress Comfortably for Summer!

DRESS COMFORTABLY in July and August!

It is ok to leave your dress clothes in the closet.

Come and be comfortable as we “dress down”

for the rest of the summer!