Connection 4308 W. Davis Street Conroe, Texas 77304-4284 936.756.3395

www.fumc-conroe.org Facebook FUMCConroe Twitter @FUMCConroe

The

Becoming disciples of Jesus Christ by knowing, loving and serving God

CHOOSE YOUR SUNDAY

WORSHIP SERVICE

ACCORDING TO STYLE OR TIME

NEXT WEEK, FEBRUARY 28

———————————————

Informal Worship

8:30 a.m. - Sanctuary

Rev. Mary Tumulty

Choral Interns

———————————————

Contemporary Worship

9:45 a.m. - Faith Chapel

Rev. Mike Lindstrom

FUMC Praise Team

———————————————

Traditional Worship

11:00 a.m. - Sanctuary

Rev. Mary Tumulty

Choral Interns

———————————————

Culto de Adoración

11:00 a.m. - Capilla de Fe

Rev. Emigdio Rosales

NURSERY IS PROVIDED FOR

ALL WORSHIP SERVICES

Website

SPECIAL OFFERING

02/07/16 Communion Offering

$ 1,114.15 benefits

“Day School Scholarships”

GUEST REPORT

First Time Guests 02/14/16 12 Repeat Guests 02/14/16 85

February 21, 2016

plain thoughts

caring ministry

I would like to share with you today one of my very favorite passages of the

Bible. It is in the letter of the apostle Paul to the Philippians, chapter 3, verses 13

and 14; “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this

one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press

on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God,

through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” There is one particular thing I like in this

text and that is the ability Paul had to remain focused in the more important things in life. Paul was a very

busy person, with a lot of responsibilities and at the moment he wrote the letter he could easily have said that

it was time to relax and take it easy, because he already had achieved a lot in life. Instead, we see Paul

thankful for the past but focused in the future; and he is not only focused in theory but he presses on, he

pursues, he makes whatever effort is necessary to do God’s will and reach the final prize. My prayer is that

we can discover God’s will for our lives and with his help we can stay focused on it until we finally achieve it.

God bless you,

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Prayer Chain Ministry at FUMC

“The FUMC Prayer Chain gave me and my family hope and support during a family crisis. An automobile accident had put two family members in the hospital and we were scared. The whole family immediately felt strength to face the coming days because of the many prayers offered up for us. Thank you Prayer Chain!”

This is just one example of a thank you note that was received by the coordinators of the FUMC Prayer Chain. Also we receive many phone calls and e-mails throughout the year describing how the power of prayer has worked in so many of their difficult situations. One lady even made the comment, “If you want to get your prayers answered, just put it on the Methodist Prayer Chain.” And guess what? She was from the Baptist Church in town.

The Prayer Chain consists of four volunteers from our congregation sending emails to 95 church members. Each volunteer takes one week each month to put the prayer requests on-line. The requests come from pew cards turned in to the collection plate, e-mails sent directly to the prayer chain, calls that come into the church office or the church website.

If you are sending in a prayer request, it is always a good idea to confirm with the person you are submitting a request for, if they are comfortable having their information being distributed to our church family. Some people are very private. Always ask their permission.

Also, please make your prayer requests brief and be careful not to list any hospital room numbers or telephone numbers. Avoid too much detail about the nature of an individual’s medical situation. (Remember God always knows what the situation is anyway.)

Prayer Requests or Praise Reports can be e-mailed directly to prayerchain@fumc-conroe.org. If you would be interested in participating in the FUMC E-mail Prayer Chain, please send an email to jcable@fumc-conroe.org or call 936-756-3395.

~ Janet Cable ~

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youth ministry

children and family ministry

FirstKids Wednesday, March 23

Week night study on what is Holy Week.

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 3 yr olds - 1st grade

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 2nd - 6th graders (includes dinner)

Sign up on the ledge outside the church office.

Fun, Family & Fellowship

Movie Night This Tuesday, February 23 6:30 p.m. - Wesley Room

Join us for the movie Wizard of Oz

All are welcome!!

Adult Open Gym Tuesday Nights

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Come join us for a pickup game of

basketball, volleyball etc. . . .

Nursery available

Saturday Night Live March 12

5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Bring your own dinner

5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. planned activities

18 months - 4th grade

Sign up now in the church office.

20 children max

$10.00 per child with $25.00 max per family

A Place for Me Special Needs Sunday School for All Ages

Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in Room 103

Join us as we read and discuss the

sermon scripture of the day.

The atmosphere is loving and informal

with individualized instruction.

Vacation Bible School

June 13 - 17

Youth Confirmation Class

Information meeting with Parents

Wednesday, March 9

5:00 p.m. in the Upper Room

Confirmation is a time for youth to

learn deeper about what it means to be

Methodist and what it means to make a

commitment to follow Jesus Christ.

This class is for any youth in the

7th -12th grade who has not yet been

confirmed or who may already be

confirmed but want to re-affirm their

commitment. This is an eight week

class that will be taught prior to our

Wednesday Night Youth. For more

information, contact Ruth Ann Person

at 936-756-3395 or 936-697-9097.

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Feb. 21 Video Game Night

Feb. 28 Recreation at

Candy Cane Park

Be sure and pencil in these dates

on your calendar!

Big House Jr. High Mission Trip

June 23 - 26, FUMC Caldwell

District Summer Camp

July 11 - 15, Lakeview Retreat Center

UMARMY Sr. High Mission Trip

July 24 - 30 FUMC Nederland

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music / worship ministries

hispanic ministry

First, let me thank Eulice Vial for her lovely harp music during our communion service two weeks ago. We’ll do more!

Also a special thanks to our communion stewards from the Worship Ministry Team and our Youth for going extra

miles as we enter the season of Lent. And Ruth Ann, Choirs and Chancel Bells, your music for Ash Wednesday was

poignant. Also, a big thanks to CrossCurrent for your beautiful offering in last Sunday’s worship. Thanks for the

extra time you spend in preparation. Awesome!

Upcoming: Next Sunday, February 28 our Choral Interns will fill the choir loft for our musical leadership at the

8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services. Tom Jaber (think Gospel Extravaganza) will fill in for Craig and me on piano/organ.

That means a majority of us will be in New Orleans in preparation for our performance of Requiem for the Living. That

means some of you get Sunday morning off. Enjoy worship from the other side of the loft. That means there will be no

Inspiration Choir rehearsal Sunday afternoon on the 28th.

Please keep Bob and Kathy Daniel in your prayers in the loss of Bob’s mother.

Heartwarmer for the week: “God does at times change our trying circumstances. But more often he doesn’t –

because he wants to change us! (David Wilkerson)

Please recycle in the church office: cell phones, iPads & tablets, inkjet cartridges,

Apple iPods, Smart watches & Fitness Bands; gold, silver & platinum jewelry

Use your Kroger Card #82528 / Randall’s Card #2293

Friendly Reminders

Remember/Honor your loved ones with lilies for Easter Sunday.

Place your order in the church office. The deadline is Palm Sunday, March 20.

Hermanos y hermanas a partir de hoy vamos tener la oportunidad de cumplir como iglesia al menos dos mandamientos de Señor a la vez. El primero, el que conocemos como la gran comisión y es ese mandamiento que Jesús dejó a sus discípulos justo antes de ascender al cielo; Y les dijo: “Id por todo el mundo y predicad el evangelio a toda criatura.” -Marcos 16:15. El otro mandamiento es el de orar, dice 1ra de Tesalonicenses 5:17 “Orad sin cesar.” Vamos a hacer esto a través de tomar una tarjeta de oración y pedir a Dios durante esta semana para que nos muestre qué amigos nuestros debemos poner ahí para orar por ellos diariamente por su salvación. ¡No le ponga límites a Dios!, tenga fe al llenar esa tarjeta, no ponga ahí a quien usted cree que sea más fácil que venga, ponga ahí el nombre de quien el Espíritu Santo, a través de la oración, le indique.

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discipleship

missions and community outreach ministries

Discipleship is the practice of being a Christ-follower through worship, prayer, study and acts of compassion and justice found in

witness and service. We become disciples as we practice living out our lives through knowing, loving and serving God in the world.

Spiritual Practices of Lent

The 40 days of Lent invite us into a time of study, reflection, forgiveness and reconciliation. As we travel with Jesus in the wilderness, on the uneven roads of Galilee and by the lakeside we learn

anew the teachings and experience the ministry of our Lord. Each week we will explore a spiritual practice; one that Jesus practiced and that we can practice as we journey through the Gospels together.

Solitude The Gospels are filled with images of Jesus going off alone to think, reflect, to pray and to become closer to his father. Solitude is not just being alone, but being alone with God, actually placing yourself in the presence of God. Jesus would get up early in the morning while it was still dark; he would send others ahead so that he could be alone to pray, he went into the wilderness to discern his father’s calling. Before he called the disciples, he separated himself from others to be alone with God and at the end of his ministry he separated himself in the Garden of Gethsemane for a time of struggle and prayer. Consider finding time to be alone with God and allowing those holy moments of solitude feed your soul. Don’t be afraid. Remember it was a practice of Jesus to find time be alone with God and when we follow this practice, we too grow deeper in our relationship with the Holy.

Living Missionally in 2016

Our mission statement is:

Becoming disciples of Jesus Christ, by

knowing, loving and serving God.

As disciples we have concern for others and

we want to be involved in solutions.

We say we want to live our lives for Jesus.

We can even say we want to be a Missional

Christian, but what does that really mean?

I believe that Missional Christians

understand that no matter where we are, we are

on a mission. Each day God calls us to serve

Him in some way.

Today visit the Ministry Wall near the

Library and consider come of the ways you can

serve God this year.

Consider a new ministry opportunity

for 2016.

Support our Partnership with

Today you are invited you support our partnership in two ways:

- Please pray for our team of Terry Finkbiner, Pam Stacy,

Alan Mobley and Nancy Heintz who will join with a

team of four people from FUMC, Houston, to leave on

February 27 for a week of work in Haiti.

- Support the partnership by contributing to today’s

Mission Offering for MOH Haiti to help raise a

needed $5,000 contribution to be used by MOH

for their ministry expenses. Please mark your check or

your envelope for MOH before you drop it in the

offering plate.

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Are you a guest to the church

who is interested in knowing

more about the church and its

ministries? Please join one of

our pastors for coffee and pie in

the Church Library across from

the office at 9:45 a.m. on

Sunday, February 21. We look

forward to getting to know you

better! We will also have the

option to join the church at the

event. For more information or

questions, please contact Rev.

Janet Stilwell at 936-756-3395.

Coffee with a

Pastor

New Study for

LENT begins

Today!

Praying in the Arts

Sunday Mornings at

11:00 a.m.

in the Library

led by Rev. Scott Moore

February 21 - March 20

Explore the connections

between the arts,

spirituality and theology

Sign up in the office

Older Adult Ministries

Dominos

Every Wednesday

9:00 a.m. in M-2

Dominos! Dominos!

Volunteers for Hospital

Visitation Needed

Call Janet Cable in the

church office at 936.756.3395.

Singles’ Ministry

Movie and a Meal

Saturday, February 27

5:30 p.m. - Room 115

Cost: $6.00

Wednesday Night Singles’

Bible Study

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Library

Study of Galatians ~ Bring

your Bible and join us!

Lilies

Easter Sunday Lilies will adorn

our worship areas during this

celebration of the Resurrection.

Honor/remember your loved ones

with a dedication for our Sunday

morning worship. Each dedication

is $10. The lilies are yours to keep

following worship. You may

order through the church office.

Deadline to order is March 20,

Palm Sunday.

Care Quilt Ministry

This Tuesday, February 23 (Meets the last Tuesday of each month)

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Room M-2 (by the choir room)

For more information,

Call Marty Lopez, 936.756.3076

Grief Support Ministry Tomorrow

Monday, February 22 5:30 p.m. - Susanna Room

For more information,

call Chris Gritzmacher

936.273.1214

FOURTH SUNDAY

BUDDY BACK PACK

FOOD COLLECTION

February 28

Every fourth Sunday, you

are encouraged to drop

off your food donations in

the marked barrels. Lists

of requested food items

for the back packs are

available (pick up a list in

the office or go to

www.fumc-conroe.org/

missionoutreach/ food

collection for the list).

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hospital

PRAYER REQUEST OR PRAISE REPORT?

E-mail to: prayerchain@fumc-conroe.org - or call (936) 756-3395 - or visit our website at www.fumc-conroe.org

If you or someone you love has been in the hospital for 24 hours and you haven’t heard from the church, we don’t know you're there. Please call and let us know. Call Janet Cable at 936.756.3395.

RECENTLY RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL Linnell Dunaway, Nettie “Betty” Evans, Charlene Meadors

Sympathy to . . .

. . . Susan and Barry Johnson,

Abbie and Lane Johnson on

the February 3, 2016 death of

Susan’s mother, Barry’s

mother-in-law, and Abbie and

Lane’s grandmother, Jeanette

Wilson, of Conroe, Texas.

. . . Kathy and Bob Daniel and

family on the February 8, 2016

death of Bob’s mother, Mary

Winona Daniel, of Conroe,

Texas.

PLEASE PRAY FOR . . . OUR KNOWN HOSPITALIZED

We are a

Stephen Ministry

Congregation.

MD Anderson - Houston Martha “Marty” Derrick

This week’s featured book from

our own church library:

To help change the way that you

probably think about personal

challenges, read When I Lay My

Isaac Down, by Carol Kent. This

true story proves that triumph can

exist in tragedy.

Library Hours

Wednesdays

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sundays

8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

A library helper does not have to

be present to check out a book.

To the Memorial Fund

In Memory of Bob Reed, by

Claire & Max Mahaffey.

In Memory of Ordy Blair, by

Claire & Max Mahaffey.

2015 CONFERENCE

APPORTIONMENTS PAID

In January, the Finance Committee approved paying all our 2015 conference apportionments. $16,787 was transferred from the unrestricted memorial fund to complete this obligation. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Congregation for their faithful and generous giving and the Church Staff for good budget management making it possible for FUMC to meet all of their 2015 obligations.

New Welcome Center!

New Volunteers!

If you are interested in

volunteering in our New

Welcome Center, please

contact Christine Riggle in

the Church Office at

criggle@fumc-conroe.org !

week at a glance Sunday, February 21

Mission Offering / Mission of Hope Haiti

7:00 am—Sunday Morning Men’s Coffee Fellowship/

Library (101)

8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 am—Worship Services/Sanctuary

& Faith Chapel

9:30 am—Small Groups for Youth/Upper Room

9:45 am—Coffee with a Pastor/Library (101)

9:45 am—Small Groups for All Ages/All Classrooms

11:00 am—Small Groups for Adults/Asbury Room,

Susanna Room (100) & 109

11:00 am—Praying in the Arts/Library (101)

11:15 am—Alpha/Wesley Room

11:30 am—Sunday School for Hispanic Youth/119

12:15 pm—Called Staff/Parish Relations Team

Meeting/Library (101)

4:00 pm—Inspiration Choir/M-1 & M-2

4:00 pm—New Hope Handbells/Sanctuary

5:00 pm—Children’s Choirs/Junior Choir/M-1, M-2

& Sanctuary

6:00 pm—Confirmation Food, Fun & Faith/A-1 &

Asbury Room

6:00 pm—Youth Group/Gym & Sports Field

Monday, February 22

9:00 am—Day School/Children’s Area & Gym

9:30 am—Financial Peace University/Asbury Room

5:30 pm—Grief Support Group/Susanna Room (100)

5:30 pm—CPR Training/Asbury Room

5:30 pm—Upward Basketball Practice/Gym

6:30 pm—Disciple I Bible Study/113

7:00 pm—Clases de discipulado/sequidores/119

7:00 pm—Boy Scout Troop 143/Wesley Room & 131

7:00 pm—Montgomery County Choral Society/M-1

& M-2

Tuesday, February 23

6:20 am—Morning Devotional for Montgomery

Jr. High and Sr. High/Whataburger

6:30 am—Tuesday Morning Men’s Breakfast Bible

Study/Wesley Room

9:00 am—Care Quilt Ministry/M-2

9:00 am—Identification Recovery Team/CAC

9:00 am—Day School/Children’s Area & Gym

9:15 am—Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible

Study/111

5:45 pm—Upward Basketball Practice/Gym

6:30 pm—Financial Peace University/Asbury Room

6:30 pm—Fun, Family & Fellowship/Wesley Room

6:30 pm—Leadership Task Force Meeting/Library (101)

7:00 pm—Basic ESL Classes/111

7:00 pm—Open Gym/Gym

Wednesday, February 24

6:20 am—Morning Devotional for Willis ISD/

Chick fil-A

9:00 am—Morning “42” Gang/M-2

9:00 am—Day School/Children’s Area & Gym

9:30 am—Disciple I Fast Track/Library (101)

10:00 am—Rose Hunt’s Bridge Group/113

12:00 pm—Brown Bag Bible Study/Wesley Room

6:00 pm—Chancel Bells/Sanctuary

6:00 pm—Singles’ Bible Study/Library (101)

6:00 pm—Youth Group/Gym & 123

6:30 pm—Servicio de Estudio Biblico y Oración/

Faith Chapel

7:00 pm—Chancel Choir/M-1

Thursday, February 25

9:00 am—Identification Recovery Team/CAC

9:00 am—Day School/Children’s Area & Gym

9:30 am—Disciple III Bible Study/Asbury Room

10:00 am—“The Gathering Place” Memory Care

Ministry/Wesley Room

5:30 pm—Upward Basketball Practice/Gym

7:00 pm—Basic ESL Classes/111

Friday, February 26

12:00 pm—Church Office Closes

6:00 pm—Youth Mid-Winter Retreat Weekend/Off

Site

Saturday, February 27

8:00 am—Alpha Spirit Saturday/Asbury Room

8:00 am—Upward Basketball Game/Gym

6:00 pm—Soccer-Sports Time/Gym

Flowers in the Sanctuary

In memory of my husband, Don Anderson,

2-20-14, by Jo Anderson

Everyone is Welcome! Board of Stewards Meeting

Thursday, March 3, 2016 6:30 p.m. in the Asbury Room

Our Leadership Task Force will share all the Exciting New Opportunities at FUMC-Conroe!

2nd Sunday in Lent

Sunday, February 21, 2016 8:30 a.m. Hearing devices are available upon request. *Please stand as you are able.

Gathering Music

Welcome / Announcements

*Hymns of Praise “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above”, No. 126, Verses 1 & 4 “Sweet By and By”, Verses 1 & 3 “God of Love and God of Power”, No. 578, Verses 1 & 3

Prayer Hymn “My Faith Look Up to Thee”, Verse 1

Pastoral Prayer Rev. Mary Tumulty

The Lord’s Prayer No. 895 Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Time for our Children Craig Stephan

Morning Offering “Redeemer of My Heart”, Martin

*Doxology “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”, No. 95

*Reading / Holy Scripture Luke 17:1-6, 11-21

Message “Increase Our Faith”, Rev. Bert Bagley

*Invitation to Christian Discipleship “To God Be the Glory”, No. 98, Verses 1 & 2

Receiving New Members

*Benediction “To God Be the Glory”, Refrain

*Postlude “Prelude and Fugue in a minor”, Bach

Worship leadership for this morning’s service:

Rev. Bert Bagley, Senior Pastor Rev. Mary Tumulty, Associate Pastor Ann Lee, Director of Music Craig Stephan, Organist Matthew Newhouse, Song Leader Inspiration Choir

Donna Trice-Drummond, Lay Reader Lillie Taglioli, Grace Wilder, Acolytes

Flowers in the Sanctuary

In memory of my husband, Don Anderson, 2-20-14, by Jo Anderson

Contemporary Worship

2nd Sunday in Lent Sunday, February 21, 2016 9:45 a.m.

Opening Song “Your Love Never Fails”

Welcome & Greeting We would be grateful if you let us know you’re here by filling out

the next blank form in the red books in the pews.

Praise/Worship Song “There Is Power”

Praise/Worship Song “Above All”

Prayer

Offering

Message “A Little Goes a Long Way” Rev. Mike Lindstrom

Luke 17:1-6, 11-21

Closing Song “I Am Free”

Blessing for the days ahead

Welcome to the Contemporary Worship service at FUMC-Conroe. This is a time established for people of faith to join together and give thanks and praise to God, to learn from God’s Holy Word, and to be reminded of our connection to one another. We’re glad you’re here and hope that you experience the fullness of God’s love and grace during your time with us. If you are new to First United Methodist, please be sure to stop by after the service and speak with the pastor. It’s a great way for us to connect with new friends and to answer any questions you might have.

First United Methodist Church

4308 W. Davis Street - Conroe, Texas 77304-4284

(936) 756-3395

www.fumc-conroe.org

February 21, 2016

Second Sunday in Lent

11:00 a.m.

PRELUDE

WELCOME

MINISTRY MOMENT / UPWARD Recognition

*EXPRESSIONS OF LOVING HOSPITALITY

*OPENING SONG “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” ST. DENIO

OPENING VOLUNTARY “Shut De Dō” arr. Hayes

Cherub Choir

“Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Your Peace)” arr. Hopson

Sounds of Grace

*CALL TO WORSHIP J. T. Moore

Leader: Forgiveness?

People: Repentance!

Leader: Increase our faith!

People: You can do anything with the smallest of faiths!

Leader: Have mercy!

People: Your faith has made you well!

Leader: When is the kingdom of God coming?

People: The kingdom of God is among you.

All: Glory to God! Amen!

*HYMN No. 126 “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above” MIT FREUDEN ZART

(Verses 1, 2 & 4)

TIME FOR OUR CHILDREN Craig Stephan

CALL TO PRAYER No. 452 “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” OLIVET

(Verse 1)

PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Mike Lindstrom

THE LORD’S PRAYER No. 895 Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

*HYMN No. 529 “How Firm a Foundation” FOUNDATION

(Verses 1, 2 & 5)

****

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH No. 885 “A Modern Affirmation”

*GLORIA PATRI “Glory Be to the Father” MEINEKE

MORNING OFFERING “Redeemer of My Heart” Martin

Chancel Choir

*DOXOLOGY No. 95 “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” OLD 100th

*SCRIPTURE Luke 17:1-6, 11-21

MESSAGE “Increase Our Faith” Rev. Bert Bagley

*INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP (You are invited to give your life to Christ or indicate your desire to become a member of this church by coming to the altar.

For information about this church and membership, visit the Welcome Center in the Lobby.)

*HYMN No. 98 “To God Be the Glory” TO GOD BE THE GLORY

(Verses 1 & 2)

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE

*BENEDICTION

*CHORAL BENEDICTION No. 98 “To God Be the Glory” TO GOD BE THE GLORY

(Refrain)

*POSTLUDE “Prelude and Fugue in a minor” Bach

(*Those who are comfortable to stand, please do so.)

**** If you are visiting First United Methodist Church-Conroe for the first time, we are glad you are here! We hope you will

register the gift of your presence on our attendance pads which the ushers will collect during the singing of the second hymn.

ACOLYTES: Hannah and Harrison Hutchins

Flowers in the Sanctuary

In memory of my husband, Don Anderson, 2-20-14, by Jo Anderson