the vine - amazon s3 · real christmas story together. please join us and bring your friends! sign...
TRANSCRIPT
NEWS BRIEFS
If you would like to know
more about how to become a
member of Bullard First United
Methodist Church, contact
Rev. David Brasher at
(903)894-6762 or
bullardfumc.org facebook.com/bullardfumc twitter: @FUMCBullard
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ushers for December
Bill & Frances Cox
and
Gary & Belva LeVrier
The Vine Bullard First United Methodist
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World December 2017
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
For many, December is the busiest month of the
year. There are Christmas decorations to put out
and trees to trim. The Christmas shopping
season is in full swing. Parties and festive
gatherings are planned and attended. For those
who still mail Christmas cards, envelopes are
addressed and mailed to people far and wide.
Vacations are planned and travel arrangements
finalized.
Where is Christ Jesus in all this busyness? He is
in the midst of it all! If we will focus our minds on Christ during this
harried time of year, we will find Him everywhere. That can bring us calm
and peace whichwill enrich our experience of the Christmas season
making it what it is intended to be – a celebration of the birth of
Emmanuel (God with us).
As we hang our evergreens and put up the tree, we are reminded of eternal
life that is possible because of Jesus. The silver and gold ribbons and
adornments point us to the treasure and royalty of our Savior, the King of
Kings. The giving and receiving of gifts recalls the greatest gift ever given
– Jesus, the Messiah, the one who gave His life in love for all of us. The
gathering of families around the tree and around the table points to Jesus’
words to us to love God and love each other.
From Luke’s Gospel we read, “While they were there, the time came for
Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped Him
snugly and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in
the guestroom. Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their
sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone
around them, and they were terrified. The angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid!
Look! I bring good news to you – wonderful, joyous news for all people.
Your Savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord!’”
Journey with Jesus
Journey with Jesus, our weekly
kids ministry to school age
children through 6th grade,
has begun. We will meet
in Harper Hall at 4:30 pm
each Sunday.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hanging of the Greens
Just a note to remind you that we
will be decorating the Sanctuary
on Saturday, December 2 at
2:00 p.m. Come join us for good
fellowship as we get our Sanctuary
ready for the Advent season.
Page 14 LOVE - GROW - SERVE Page 2 LOVE - GROW - SERVE
From the Pastor’s Desk continued
Wonderful, joyous news!! In the midst of all the stress and demands of December, let that joyous news bring you
peace. Christ was born! Jesus is here in the midst of our busy, messy, demanding lives. Let’s slow down and
remember the good news, the wonderful, joyous news. Our Savior is born! Our Savior lives! Thanks be to God!
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Tammy Woodard
Beginning on Sunday, November 26, our congregation has the opportunity to participate in our first ever
Alternative Christmas! This is a great way to honor people with a wonderful Christmas gift!
Give meaningful gifts that make a difference in the lives of God’s children. Give a gift of hope in honor of a
friend, family member, teacher, co-worker or anyone else on your list. Simply fill out your gift choices flyer and
write one check for all your gifts. After you finish shopping, pick up Christmas Cards that explain the program
you have chosen for your gift recipient. Each gift is tax-deductible, and 100% of your money goes to the charity
selected. Skip the crowded mall and choose gifts that transform lives!
Visit the Alternative Christmas table in Harper Hall before or after worship to do your Christmas shopping!
Alternative Christmas
Christmas Eve Schedule
3 Worship Services on December 24:
Morning Worship Service at 10:30 am
Kid-friendly Worship Service at 5:00 pm
Candlelight Worship Service at 6:30 pm
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Children’s Corner
Merry Christmas! In November the Children’s Ministry enjoyed a shopping trip for “Holiday of Hope” to help a
child who receives services at the Children’s Advocacy Center due to prior trauma or abuse have a nice
Christmas . After shopping we enjoyed pizza and a devotional! Thanks to everyone who participated.
Supper with Santa is just around the corner! Please let me know if you can help with decorating, cooking,
watching the animals or being a church ambassador! This supper is for all ages with special activities for children.
Be sure to invite your friends and family to come and eat!
Also save the dates for these upcoming events and invite your friends and neighbors!
Monday, December 4: Bullard Christmas Parade. Please walk in the parade with us, as we hand out
invitations to our church and Supper with Santa!
Wednesday, December 13 from 6:30-8:30 pm: Children’s Ministry Supper with Santa! Join us for
singing Christmas carols, supper, crafts, pictures with Santa, and the REAL Christmas story!
Sunday, December 17 from 4:30-5:30 pm: Children’s Christmas Market: since September, the kids
have been earning a ticket each time they come to Sunday School or Journey with Jesus or say a
memory verse! At the Christmas Market, they will be able to spend their tickets to ‘buy’ gifts for their
family and friends. Parents, no peeking!
Blessings and Peace,
Deirdre
903-343-2857
Church Office Dates to Remember
Office Schedule (Christmas & New Years’):
Monday, Dec 18: Normal hours
Tuesday, Dec 19: Normal Hours
Wednesday, Dec 20: Normal Hours
Thursday, Dec 21: Closed
Friday, Dec 22: Closed
Monday, Dec 25: Closed
Tuesday, Dec 26: Normal Hours
Wednesday, Dec 27: Normal Hours
Thursday, Dec 28: Normal Hours
Friday, Dec 29: Closed
Monday, Jan 1: Closed
The church office
will be closed:
Friday, December 1 and
Friday, December 15
Christmas Giving Tree
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This Christmas we want to give the gift of warmth to those who are homeless in our area. We have chosen the
“Under the Bridge Ministry” in Tyler as our vehicle to distribute hats, mittens, socks and scarfs to the homeless.
During the season of Advent we are asking members of the congregation to buy hats, mittens, socks and scarfs for
children and adults of both sexes. A tree will be placed in the vestibule and we ask that you help us decorate this
Christmas Tree with those items. We ask that they be new. Clothespins will be available to hang these items on
the tree if you need them. Items can also be dropped off at the church office.
Help us spread Christ’s love and warmth in celebration of His birth as we want continue to serve others in Jesus’
name. Thank you.
Laura Resler
We will be decorating our beautiful sanctuary with poinsettias during
December. If you would like to order one or more, please fill out this form.
The poinsettias are $8 each or 2 for $15. You may leave your order and check
in the church office or offering plate. Deadline is December 18. These names
will be printed and displayed in the Foyer on Christmas Eve.
Given by: ____________________________________________________________________________________
In Memory of: ________________________________________________________________________________
In Memory of: ________________________________________________________________________________
In Memory of: ________________________________________________________________________________
In Honor of: ________________________________________________________________________________
In Honor of: ________________________________________________________________________________
In Honor of: ________________________________________________________________________________
Number of Poinsettias: _______________ Total Amount: $ _______________
Poinsettia Plants
Page 5 LOVE - GROW - SERVE
Supper with Santa
Supper with Santa!!
December 13, 6:30pm
Family Life Center
Kids and adults are invited to join us for a lovely supper, Christmas carols,
LIVE NATIVITY PETTING ZOO and a visit from SANTA! We will also read the
REAL Christmas story together. Please join us and bring your friends! Sign up online at
www.bullardfumc.org under upcoming events or call the church office at 903-894-6762 to save your spot!
United Methodist Women
Meets Wednesday, December 6, 2017
It doesn't seem possible that we are planning another Christmas together. There seems to be something to the old
saying, "Time Flies." We plan to visit our Sideline Saints after we have lunch at Hidden Gardens in Bullard, so
come prepared. Don't forget to bring your assigned gifts and about $15.00 for lunch.
This month's study will be Lesson 23, "Testimony Before Agrippa" from Acts 25:13 - 26:32. Our talented and
faithful leader is Martha Dinwiddie. Please come and support her hours of study each month.
The Opening Prayer will be by Martha and the Devotional will be by Barbara Gotcher. Gloria (Peterson) Jones
may have an assignment for us beginning in the New Year, so don't miss coming if you can.
Love and Hugs,
Kathleen Kyles, VP
December Youth Events
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Youth Scavenger Hunt - November 19
December Fun with Bullard FUMC Youth
This month the youth has lots of fun activities planned! Here are the things we are doing:
Dec. 10 – Angel Tree Shopping
Dec. 16 – Holiday in the Park at Six Flags
Dec. 17 – Mustache Bash
Dec. 31 – Pat’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve!
A Success Deserves A Thank You!
The youth had a canned food scavenger hunt on Sunday, November 19, benefitting the Bullard Mission
House! They collected 157 cans from the Bullard Community! Thank you to the Bullard FUMC church members
who helping support the youth in this project! A big thank you to all of the parents who stepped up and helped
while I was out of town! Thank you parents!
Children’s Sunday School
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Shopping for “Holiday of Hope” - November 19
If you are in second grade or higher and would like to have
a meaningful part in our worship, you are invited to join
the Acolytes. This is an honor and a privilege and a
blessing to our congregation.
Pam Morton
903-894-5154
Acolytes
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Layne Alexander
and
Luke Alexander
Acolyte Recognition 2017
Layne Alexander
Luke Alexander
Willow Hamilton
Windom Hamilton
Caleb Hand
Eli Hand
Hunter Hand
JC Johannsen
Jayke Jones
Jules LeVrier
Matthew Parris
Campbell Pawlak
Joseph Williams
Zaylee Zahirniak
Zoie Zahirniak
Caleb Hand
and
Hunter Hand
Layne Alexander
and
Campbell Pawlak
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Calling all little ones from 3 years
through Kindergarten --
Join the Wee Cats each Sunday and make
a joyful noise with us!
Always room for one more and a friend!
Pam Morton
11/5
God got Jacob's attention with a dream
Wee Cats Sunday School
10-29
Making kazoos - God got Balaam's
attention with a talking donkey
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Bullard Mission House & Mission Clinic
Praise God that we served:
57 families, with a total of 216 people, of which 132 were adults (29 seniors - over 60) and 84 were children under
18 years old. Seven new families was served in November.
Bullard Mission House Food Pantry and Mission House Clinic
226 South Phillips
For an appointment, please call
(903) 894-0109
The fax number is (903) 894-3411
Children’s Choir
Bullard FUMC Children's Choir has begun and with
new songs to learn! We will practice on Sundays at
5:45 - 6:15 pm. All children ages through 5th grade
are welcome! Please contact Sharon Troxell (903)
714-0430 with any questions.
Bo Botello
(joined on November 5, 2017)
New Member of BFUMC
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Children’s Time during Worship
Sunday, November 5
Christmas Luminaries
Christmas Luminaries! December 3 - December 10. The youth will be
selling Christmas Luminaries to be displayed during the Christmas Eve
Service. The Luminaries will go on sale for $5 on December 3 through
December 17th. The luminaries can be purchased “In Loving Memory Of”
or “In Honor Of”. You may purchase one on Sundays by finding a youth
member or Patrick, or by calling the Church office Monday through
Friday.
Sunday, November 26
Thoughts of a Layman
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I Sure Would Like to Be One
I’ve never seen a purple cow and hope to never see one, but I can tell you here and now, I’d rather see than
be one. Have you ever seen an angel? Well, I quite often see one, and I can tell you here and now I’d rather be
than see one.
Have you ever seen an angel? I’ll bet you have. Think about it. Angels can most often be identified on sight
by their pleasant, friendly and cheerful personality. They love children, find fault in no-one and are always
looking for something helpful to do. They are very pleasant to be around and make great friends. They smile a lot,
are kind and thoughtful and pleasant in conversation, because they are usually more concerned about you than
with themselves.
Angels are found just about everywhere. They hold doors even when they have a cart full of groceries,
they let you ahead with your three or four items, they hold a line of traffic while you get out of your parking space
and wave when they drive by.
Angels like to teach Sunday School, sing in the choir, go to youth camp, go on mission trips, visit church
visitors and home bound people and attend church regularly. But, not all angels do all these things, nor are all
who do these things necessarily angels.
The apostle Paul called what angels do, love. He said:
1Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant, 5 it isn’t
rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints, 6 it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. 7 Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things.
“Lord, I’ve never seen a real honest to goodness angel, but would you help me be an earth-bound one?
AMEN”!
Didn’t receive The Vine by email?
Don’t miss important information and events each
month due to not receiving emails sent by Pastor
David or the church office. If you haven’t been
getting The Vine or emails, please put a note in the
offering plate, or call Venus at the church office (903)
894-6762.
Need a Name Tag?
Active members and visitors name tags are located on
the shelf (alphabetical order) in the foyer. If you need
a name tag, please put a note in the offering plate, or
call Venus at the church office (903) 894-6762.
Please Let Us Know
Page 14 LOVE - GROW - SERVE
Birthdays & Anniversaries
December 2017
1 Patsy Harper
2 Joe Maxwell
Dori Vestal
Lila Walker
3 Pat Martin
4 Mark Brandon
5 Weston Amaya
Lisa Escolas
8 Jacob Walker
9 Al Alvizo
Pam Morton
12 Louis Escolas
14 Steve Bembenek
Russell Geesing
Rob Sheldon
15 Tammy Lundgren
18 Blakely Rivers
21 Debbie Staten
22 David Tietz Sr.
25 Robert & Beth Head
26 Nancy Bishop
29 Louis & Lisa Escolas
30 Carley Pawlak
Erin Ricks
Danica Vestal
31 Gerald & Patti Carr
Brooklyn Holik
James & Jennifer MacWhirter
Are You Traveling? Don’t Carry a Checkbook? Do All Bill Paying Online?
We have an easy way for you to support the church with your financial gifts, no matter where you are! You can
give from your hotel room while traveling or from your seat in the pews on Sunday.
What is online giving? Our giving tools provide the ability to donate on our website from your computer or on
your mobile device! After creating an account, you’re able to give a donation or schedule a series of donations
directly from your checking account or by using your debit or credit card.
To create your online account, visit our website and click on our GIVE button: http://www.bullardfumc.org/
give-now. Once on this page, you will go to the GIVE ONLINE graphic in the middle of the page and be directed
to a secure, encrypted page, where you may give once or set up automatically recurring giving. You never have to
wish you had cash to put in the offering plate or remember to write that check at home!
Try it and see how easy it is!
Online Giving
Altar Flowers Per the Worship Committee, the Altar Flower policy for the church is as follows:
Set price for altar flowers/per Sunday is $35.00 (there will be no special requests
for kinds of flowers). If a second person signs up for a Sunday, then one of two things
can happen:
1. You can split the cost of $35.00 (for the two arrangements), if first person is agreeable.
2. If you want a complete complement of flowers which can be placed on the organ or piano (not the altar),
you’ll need to make your own arrangements with your florist, including payment.
The flower calendar is in Harper Hall (by doors going to courtyard). When signing up
for flowers:
1. Choose a date.
2. Print clearly the name of person/persons in “Memory or Honor of”
3. Print clearly the name of person/persons giving the flowers.
Please note that you can take the altar flowers home; the green plastic containers that the flowers are in need to
stay at the church. If you have any questions/concerns, contact the church office (903) 894-6762.
Page 15 LOVE - GROW - SERVE
All Vine articles will be due by 3:30 p.m. on the 15th of the month. This “set” date will help everyone, including
myself, especially during busy or shorter months.
Please email an article as soon as possible, OR if you do not have an article for this next month, please let me
know and I will adjust accordingly. (NOTE: If there is no response by 3:30 p.m. on the 15th, I will presume that
you are not submitting an article.)
For any questions, please contact me at the church office.
Venus Burns
Articles Deadline
NEW SIGN UP
TODAY
In the month of December
Pre-K & Kindergarten will be taught by Pam Morton
1st grade through 3rd will be taught by Jill Siler, Maggie Nordyke & Mary Kay Bailey
4th & 5th grades will be taught by Deirdre Leung
Children’s Sunday School
Please bring your friends and join us every Sunday morning for
adventures into the Word of God!
Sunday school teachers are still needed for substitute teaching. Please
also consider a one month commitment to teaching one of our classes!
The kids will benefit from learning from you and you will be blessed by
them as well!
We pray for… AWOL – Students & others who are
“Away With Our Love”
Active Military Personnel: Weston Amaya, Benjamin
Barbour, Rusty McElroy, Jessica Roper, Tyler
Scarborough, Grant Troxell and others…
We pray for…Our Homebound - Side Line Saints -
Members & Friends:
Gerald “Jerry” & Joy Carson Grace McAlpine
Mary Cook Quentin & Norma Ott
Evan & Ella Griffiths Dr. Marjorie Roper
Bill & Avis Halbert Ralph & Emilie Stroble
Lorna Loftin Jean Weatherly
Sue Ann McCullars Vernon Weeks
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**If there are additional names to be added or removed,
please call the church office. Also note: Names will remain
on the list for one month, unless we are notified differently.
Our Prayers
We pray for this week’s prayer requests…
Our Faithfulness
Our Gifts
Financial Results for October 2017:
October Year-to-date
Contributions (Actual) $ 36,437.98 $ 401,356.44
Contributions (Budgeted) $ 41,411.00 $ 424,539.00
Expenses (Actual) $ 33,521.29 $ 406,464.80
Expenses ( Budgeted) $ 41,598.00 $ 427,652.00
Our Presence
Average Attendance: October: 171
Year to date: 180
Dick Mayhan
JoAnn Horn
Kathy Alvizo
Wayne Bailey
Bob & Martha Travis
Mary Ledbetter
Hazel Mason
Ron Beckman
Louise Mock
Dr. Marjorie Roper
June Cook
Charlie Morton
Dan Campbell
Dr. Meril Taylor
Doug Hansen
Claire Fowler
Cheyenne
Jackson Allensworth
Jerry Barnett
Glyn Bomer
Matthew Bunce
James Conlee
Kevin Cooper
Bill & Frances Cox
Tony Drawhorn
Debbie Druivenga
Johnny Faulkinberry
& Family
Nancy Carl Franklyn
Lou Ann Glover
Tim Hartnett
Jason Haynes
Seth Haynes
JoAnn Horn
Lynn Howard
David Kendrick
Deanne Kravetz
Joanie Lendermon
Tammy Lewis
George & Pat Martin
Dean Mason
Barbara McElroy
Mike McGaughey
Teresa Morriss
David Mullins
Alyssa Aubrie Neyland
Paige Noa
Randall Partain
Amy Pate
Chrystal Satterwhite
Dale Sleeman
Carolyn Sue Smith
Darrell Smith
David & JoAnn Smith
Sara Tehro-Streck
Thomas M. Sutton
Sidney Tietz
Oscar Vollmer
Camille Wallace
Arlie Weber
Audrey Wendel
Baby Aiden
Jim
Those impacted by
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma
& Maria
Unspoken prayers
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER:
Children’s Christmas Program: Sunday, December 10
Deadline for The Vine articles: Friday, December 15
Christmas Cantata: Sunday, December 17
3 Worship Services on December 24: Morning - 10:30 am, Kid-friendly - 5:00 pm and Candlelight - 6:30 pm
1 Office Closed
Men’s Prayer Group
6:00 am
AA (FLC) 8:00 pm
2 Hanging of the
Greens (decorating)
2:00 pm
3
Stewards 3:00 pm
Bell Choir 4:00 pm
Journey w/Jesus 4:30 pm
UMYF (FLC) 4:30 pm
Children’s Choir 5:45 pm
4
Spirit Walkers
(FLC) 7:30 am
Girl Scouts Meeting
(Harper Hall)
5
Kiwanis (FLC)
12:00 pm
Bible Study Groups
6:30 pm
AA (FLC) 8:00 pm
6
UMW (Parlor)
12:00 pm
Bible Study Groups
6:30 pm
7
Truth & Light Seekers
Group (FLC) 5:00 pm
Worship 5:30 pm
Chancel Choir 6:30 pm
8
Men’s Prayer Group
6:00 am
AA (FLC) 8:00 pm
9
10
Bell Choir 4:00 pm
Journey w/Jesus 4:30 pm
UMYF (FLC) 4:30 pm
Children’s Choir 5:45 pm
11
Spirit Walkers
(FLC) 7:30 am
12
Bullard Ministerial
Alliance (FLC) 10:30 am
AA (FLC) 8:00 pm
13
Supper with Santa
(FLC) 6:30 pm
14
Truth & Light Seekers
Group (FLC) 5:00 pm
Chancel Choir 6:30 pm
15 Office Closed
Men’s Prayer Group
6:00 am
AA (FLC) 8:00 pm
16
17
Bell Choir 4:00 pm
Journey w/Jesus 4:30 pm
UMYF (FLC) 4:30 pm
Children’s Choir 5:45 pm
18
Spirit Walkers
(FLC) 7:30 am
19
AA (FLC) 8:00 pm
20 21 Office Closed
22 Office Closed
Men’s Prayer Group
6:00 am
AA (FLC) 8:00 pm
23
24
Kid-Friendly
Worship Service
5:00 pm
Candlelight Worship
Service 6:30 pm
25 Office Closed
26
AA (FLC) 8:00 pm
27 28
Truth & Light Seekers
Group (FLC) 5:00 pm
Chancel Choir 6:30 pm
29 Office Closed
Men’s Prayer Group
6:00 am
AA (FLC) 8:00 pm
30
31 New Years’ Eve
BFUMC Youth Party:
Pat’s Rockin’ New
Year’s Eve
Board of
Bullard First United Methodist Church
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
PO Box 152, Bullard, TX 75757
The Vine deadline is Friday, December 15 for January newsletter.
Email articles to [email protected]
All members of the church are ministers of the Gospel, equipped for sharing the grace of God with the assistance of:
Music Director Robert Boren Musicians Kerry Baham Nursery Supervisor Kimberly Brasher Youth Director Patrick Foster Children’s Director Deirdre Leung Administrative Assistant Venus Burns Financial Secretary Patti Maxwell Custodian Tammy Lundgren Senior Pastor Rev. David Brasher Associate Pastor Pastor Tammy Woodard District Superintendent Rev. Marlin Fenn Bishop Bishop Scott Jones
Email the office [email protected]
Email Pastor David [email protected]
Visit us online at www.bullardfumc.org
Mailing Address PO Box 152, Bullard, TX 75757
Our Mission is to Make Disciples
of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the
World.
Bullard FUMC is located at 204 S. Rather St.
Bullard, TX and the office is open
8:30 am - 3:30 pm Monday-Friday
903.894.6762 (office) 903.894.3245 (fax)
Bullard First United Methodist Church