Welcome to First United Methodist Church Winnsboro, where all people are welcome all the time! (Even if it IS on social media!)
7/1/20 … While we’ve all been very excited about SLOWLY and SAFELY starting to gather, in limited numbers, the spike in COVID cases has encouraged us to PAUSE our re-opening and close the sanctuary in July. Check out our HAPPENING NOW page for details and remind everyone who is over 65 and/or with underlying health conditions to please be aware of the CDC guidelines about getting out and about too soon!
NEED INFO ON COVID 19?
As our original opening documents stated “The the advice of public health officials may change as more becomes known about COVID-19 so we want to reiterate that we may move back and forth between phases of reopening if second or third waves of infections emerge.” Sadly, while we moved forward when things looked good, it’s now time to take a step back, TEMPORARILY! We just didn’t want to risk even ONE person getting sick and if that means engaging our spiritual gift of PATIENCE! Please continue to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY that we can stop the spread and get back together, IN PERSON, in August! And as always, I hope to “see” you on Facebook! ~ Pastor Debbie
9:30 a.m. ~ Sunday School (Some are starting back)
11-19-19 FUMC Updates
Every single week when I accept your financial gifts during the offering I lift them back to you, then I lift them toward the cross and I am always deeply convicted, personally, of how God must smile upon us! I lift them back to you in order to recognize your selfless giving and willingness to trust God and His promises, and when I then lay those gifts down for Him my words every week are similar. Thank you, Lord, for blessing this church and blessing Your people! Please multiply this offering and guide us to make disciples for Your Son, Jesus Christ.
I am also deeply convicted, every single Sunday, when I see your faces in church knowing how complicated and difficult life is for some of you. I see the health challenges and illnesses some of you experience. I hear about your personal struggles with depression and anxiety. You share your stories with me about family conflict and financial struggles. Life experiences change us and change where our faith focus is during transition times! And sometimes, transition times become “new normals,” and God leads us in new disciplines and revised commitments. GOD UNDERSTANDS – I understand – we all understand that in some stages of life we give less and pray more – or we attend church more on Sundays but give up the Wednesday night meal – life changes. But I know, I KNOW, that God knows our hearts and our emotions and our desires and He is with us always!
As you pray about your spiritual disciplines in the new year, talk to God, talk to your spouse or a good friend about how you want to grow in your faith in the coming months. Complete the card you received in the mail and bring it this Sunday, November 24, and leave it with God! No one will open those envelopes! They will, however, be prayed over on Tuesday mornings by anyone who joins us in the sanctuary at 9 a.m. through December, then they will be returned to you next November 2020.
Thanks so much to those of you who already submitted your personal commitment cards this past Sunday after prayerfully considering how you want to grow in your faith in the new year. May you ALL be blessed on this spiritual journey and may God pour out His blessing in abundance upon you all!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER this week is at 5:45 as always ~ There is no other study this week. There will NOT BE DINNER NEXT WEDNESDAY, November 27, the night before Thanksgiving. To our kitchen team, including dessert makers and clean-up crew, we are soooooo grateful for YOU!
Fa la la la la … la, la, la, la! Tis’ the season to be jolly …
ALL CHURCH LUNCH AND HANGING OF THE GREENS, this Sunday, November 24, 11:50 a.m. ~ Please stay for lunch after church this Sunday as we celebrate the closure of our season of abundance and the return of our commitment cards! We’ll have an informal SOUP BUFFET and many thanks to Danny McMahon, Amy Moss, and Mike Ewert who are making chili/soup and yes, I am making soup too! Then, after lunch, we’ll be heading to the sanctuary where we’ll DECK THE HALLS for Christmas which starts December 1! The choir will be helping us carol through the organized chaos of people working and singing and listening to some of the Advent texts and it’s a fun hour of wreath hanging and tree decorating that you don’t want to miss!
JOIN ME FOR FOR A CHRISTMAS BIBLE STUDY ~ Starting Wednesday morning, November 27, 9-10:30 a.m. through December 18, Wesley Hall ~ I’m very excited to dive deep into the key players of the Christmas message as we explore the historical, archaeological and spiritual parts of this epic story. MEN AND WOMEN, neighbors and friends are ALL welcome!
HEADS UP ~ Christmas Eve Service will be at 5 p.m. this year! After Christmas last year, I met with our three Sunday school classes and with the Church Council about the times of our late service, 10 p.m., and the low attendance we have experienced. With very little exception, everyone agreed an earlier service time was preferable! People said it would be easier for older people who don’t stay up that late OR drive that late, easier for young families who have kids that need to get ready for Santa coming, and overall easier for everyone who has dinner plans with their families on Christmas Eve and find it hard to go to church at 10 p.m. when traveling back home after dinner or who wanting to have the kids nestled snug in their beds and with mama in her kerchief and dad in his cap! We’re also hoping this will be a much better time for our choir to be here because while it IS one of the most important services for non-church goers of the year, they too have families and so many of them have not been able to come in the past!
STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS ON OUR ADVENT MISSION TREES ~ We are blessed to live in a community with LOTS of amazing charitable organizations serving lots of people in our community thanks to lots of generous people who support them! Your Church Council is exploring those options now and we’ll let you know details in the next week. In the meantime, RICHIE’S is planning their wonderful Thanksgiving Benefit and for the last 10 years they choose families in Winnsboro who need a hand up. Everyone is invited for dinner, of course, (11am-2pm )but they’d also love donations BEFORE November 26:
– Turkeys and whole hams
– Fresh yams and celery and eggs
– 12 oz. cans of pineapple
– ANY desserts
– Paper products: small dessert plates, salad bowls, 3-compartment styrofoam plates
PHOTO CLUB, Monday, November 25th 5pm ~ Thanks to Jim Dyson and the Photo Club who have been taking our directory pictures. We’ll be sending you “proofs” of your pictures so you can order them in time for Christmas…soon! Join the Photo Club on Monday night and be sure your holiday pictures are perfect.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having abundance in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Cor. 9:8
Debbie Lyons, Pastor
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11-12-19 FUMC Update
Wednesday, November 13, 4 p.m. ~What Do Methodists Believe? WESLEY HALL (Family Ties). Join us for a look at some things about Methodism you might not know! 5:15-5:45 and 6:30-6:45 p.m., Directory photos in the Wesley Hall and 5:45-6:30 p.m. Fajita Dinner in the FLC
Debbie Lyons, Pastor
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11-05-19 FUMC Update
IT’S HERE! CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK is this Saturday, November 9, and all the hours of crafting and quilting and preparing come together for our biggest fundraiser of the year! Thanks to Everyone who is Making This Happen!
Friday, November 8, Noon ~ Meet at Wesley Hall to load up the items being sold and take them to the Civic Center; then return to FLC to help get the food ready for the stew luncheon on Saturday.
Many Thanks to Those Serving at the Arts and Wine Festival this Weekend ~ It’s so awesome to see people from our church engaging in community events. What a GREAT way to meet new people! Come see me at the INFO DESK on Friday afternoon, 3-6:30 p.m., and be sure to stop by and see MIKE EWERT’S art at Booth #8, across from the Barrel House.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in
everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed… 2 Corinthians 9:8
Debbie Lyons, Pastor
First United Methodist Church Winnsboro
301 Church Street, Winnsboro, TX. 75494
CLICK HERE for our Facebook
CLICK HERE for our website
(903) 342-6172 (TEXT 972-896-5254)
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10-29-19 FUMC Update
What a beautiful All Saints Day service we had to remember those in our church family who died this last year! Thanks to Elaina Ragsdale and Julie Lewis for decorating the chancel so beautifully.
It was also a joy to welcome Pastor Sue Gross to our church family membership! Sue retired in July and is excited to get plugged in at FUMC. She’s passionate about mission and service, Emmaus and RV camping, and she’s already working with Mike Ewert and Janet Zachary on our new PRAYER MINISTRY.
PRAYER MATTERS! Tuesdays, 9 am, Sanctuary through December
Jesus lived and died to build his church,
which is to be a house of prayer (Matt. 21:13).
As we vision toward a new year, and prepare for the Season of Abundance, followed by the holy season of Advent and Christmas, we are going to focus on PRAYER through the end of December. Won’t you please join us on Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. (wear a jacket because the sanctuary will be cool). You will NOT have to pray out loud, and there will be written prayers available in the first pew if you want direction. Come to pray for guidance as we strive to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Pray for those on our prayer list, pray we can serve the people He brings to us, pray that we can end this year by giving all the glory to God for what He is doing in our midst, or pray for whatever God puts on your heart! While our worship attendance is waning, our spirit is committed and we are EXCITED to be the Church that God calls us to be!
DON’T FORGET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, November 2, WHEN YOU GO TO BED!
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK, November 9 ~ All hands on deck! Our crafters and quilters have worked hard to make the biggest church fundraiser of the year a grand success and even if you didn’t craft or quilt, you can still help! THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO IS MAKING THIS HAPPEN!
MAKING CRAFTS AT HOME? Thank you! Please bring them to the craft room in Wesley Hall no later than Tuesday, November 3. If you want to price them, please do so before you bring them. If you have a “minimum” price, let Carla know (903-347-6012).
Friday, November 8, noon ~ Meet at Wesley Hall to load up the items being sold and take them to the Civic Center; then return to FLC to help get the food ready for the stew luncheon on Saturday.
Saturday, November 9, 9 a.m. ~ 3 p.m. ~ Men who will be helping set up the lunch tables and serve/clean up for the stew contact DON BEATY (903-752-1181). If you want to work at the sale tables, contact CARLA CHITSEY (903-347-6012).
WE’RE UPDATING THE ONLINE DIRECTORY! Jim Dyson will be taking individual and family pictures on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings, November 6, 9, 10 and 13. OPTIONAL: If you’d like to have an updated picture for your family, for $20 you can buy an 8 x 10 and two 5 x 7’s. And after printing costs, the money will be donated to the church!
DEVOTIONAL LIFE in the WESLEYAN TRADITION ~ November 16 and 23, 9 a.m. ~ 3 p.m., at Tinney Chapel, $10 ~ Make your reservations NO LATER THAN this Wednesday if you’re interested in growing in spiritual “means of grace” (prayer, scripture, the Lord’s Supper, fasting, etc.). Email LORI MASSEY at lori.mass@yahoo.com. CLICK HERE to order the book. (Please don’t wait to register as classes will be canceled without a minimum attendance.)
THANKS TO THOSE WHO SENT PICTURES OF ABUNDANCE ~ It’s not too late to send us YOUR pictures! We won’t be using “people” pictures but look around at all the abundance you see outside of your family and send those pictures this week!
WHAT DO METHODISTS BELIEVE? Wednesday, November 13, 4-5:30 p.m. ~ Whether you’ve been a Methodist for years or you’re from another denomination, come for a crash course in the history, organization and major doctrinal beliefs that set us apart.
WE STILL NEED TWO VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE OUR KIDS ON SUNDAY MORNINGS ~ Just one Sunday a month and YOU can make a difference! Reply to Laquita and she will send you details on getting Ministry Safe trained.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
~ John 10:10
SEE YOU SUNDAY!
Debbie Lyons, Pastor
First United Methodist Church Winnsboro
301 Church Street, Winnsboro, TX. 75494
CLICK HERE for our Facebook
CLICK HERE for our website
(903) 342-6172 (TEXT 972-896-5254)
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10-22-19 FUMC Update
What a whirlwind of emotions this weekend as we celebrated the new life of Pat Patrick while sharing in the sadness of his life on earth, then we celebrated the “new” life Wayne Horton received when he got the most selfless gift of agape love imaginable … a new kidney! Both Sandra and Wayne are beginning the process of understanding a “new normal” so let us continue to pray for both families as these days go by.
Wednesday, October 23, 5:45 pm ~ The kitchen team is making Don’s famous Hawaiian Ham and Sweet Potatoes. And then, at 6:30, we’re moving to Wesley Hall to have a conversation about another typical statement we hear when it comes to the Bible, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it!” We hope to see you on Wednesday night.
Friday, October 25, 5-7 pm ~ Come join us as we brainstorm what our NEW Senior Life Group looks like!
Ted and Shiela’s Home, 1620 Charlya Dr, Scroggins (Call or text Shiela for gate code instructions (972) 322-9694)
WOULDN’T YOU LOVE TO BE PART OF OUR KIDS LEARNING ABOUT JESUS? There is unexplainable JOY when you see kids light up with “ah ha” moments of Jesus in their lives. I haven’t heard from anyone yet but I’m hoping to hear from some of you today who are willing to give our kids a Sunday or two? CHILDREN’S CHURCH is a pilot program we’re hoping to build through December and we’d love your help to be PRESENT, you don’t have to plan or prepare anything! (And you can watch the sermon anytime during the week on Facebook!)
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK, November 9, 8 am ~ Pies, cobblers and brownies needed!! One of the biggest fundraisers for our church all comes together on Saturday, November 9, and YOU can be a part of this happy and fun day! Our crafters have been busy ALL year long, our quilters have made a beautiful quilt to raffle, the Methodist men are preparing the stew for the lunch, the United Methodist Women are getting their Rada Cutlery sales ready. And we need YOUR help making PIES and COBBLERS to sell and also BROWNIES to go with the stew lunch. (Please CUT the brownies before you bring them or better yet, put them in individual baggies!) Thanks in advance for your help!
ALL SAINTS DAY ~ Sunday, October 27 ~ We will end our We Believe worship series by celebrating our belief in “the resurrection of the body!” Thanks for double-checking our names and we look forward to remembering those we have loved this year!
ABUNDANCE!! I’m hoping to get LOTS of your pictures of what BLESSINGS look like to you, so please send them to me by Thursday, October 31, so I can use them during our NOVEMBER worship series. And watch for Art Simmons on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings when he asks you to give a 60 second video testimony what REALLY makes you feel joy and fulfillment? How has Christ impacted your life and how has your Church given you a place to belong?”
THANKSGIVING DINNER FUNDRAISER AT PICKTON UMC ~ November 9, 4:30-7 pm ~ Brother Henry and Linda Suche invite you to their annual fundraiser with turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings. There will be a silent auction during dinner and all are welcome! (Donations accepted.)
DEVOTIONAL LIFE in the WESLEYAN TRADITION: November 16 and 23, 9am-3pm, at Tinney Chapel, $10 ~ One of the benefits of being a connectional church is that we are blessed to have experts from all over North Texas who provide GREAT learning experiences for us. If you’re interested in growing in spiritual “means of grace” (prayer, scripture, the Lord’s Supper, fasting, etc.), please make your reservation ASAP by emailing LORI MASSEY lori.mass@yahoo.com.
Thanks to everyone who attended CHARGE CONFERENCE last week. Attached are the minutes and nominating committee report from the meeting and please call if you have any questions!
This Sunday I hope everyone will be here to honor those we have loved and lost into the arms of Jesus! We finish our worship series on the Apostles’ Creed with the RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of Jesus!
Debbie Lyons, Pastor
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