Welcome to First United Methodist Church Winnsboro, where all people are welcome all the time!                  (Even if it IS on social media!)

Out of an abundance of caution, but more out of an abundance of love, we have made the unprecedented decision to cancel all church activities until the Centers for Disease Control tell us its safe to be together again. Until then, we will continue the following:
 
– Sunday morning worship, 10:50 AM on Facebook 
– Drive by our Church Street entrance on MONDAYS from 1-3 and say hello & receive a blessing – I’d love to see you!
– I will continue to do a morning devotional, also on Facebook 3-4 mornings a week
– We have mobilized people to make cloth FACE MASKS that are so desperately needed by our health care workers … CLICK HERE if you can sew or cut fabric!
– And we will PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

NEED INFO ON COVID 19?

cdc-logo
 
CLICK HERE to go directly to the CDC website for current information on
testing and symptons.
 I want everyone to know … the buildings may be closed but GOD’S CHURCH is still worshiping, learning, loving and serving! SUNDAY WORSHIP will still be at 10:50 AM on Sundays but we will worship together, yes TOGETHER, live on Facebook instead of in the sanctuary!
 

We will still be checking in on our neighbors and doing our Lenten devotionals … we will still be PRAYING, maybe more now than ever! We’ll keep this page updated so stay tuned, Pastor Debbie

 
CLICK HERE to go to our FACEBOOK page for updates and a morning devotional!
 

Sunday Mornings

9:30 a.m. ~ Sunday School PAUSED

 
Check out the MANY ways to get involved HERE!
 

We’re easy to find in Winnsboro!

3-4-19 FUMC Updates

Posted on Mar 4, 2019 in HomePage |

I’m always rejuvenated when we start a new worship series and as LENT begins, I find there is SO much to think about that I hardly know where to begin! The good news is that I really DO know where we begin … we begin with the solemn service of ASH WEDNESDAY (3/6, 6:45) which is the reminder to us all that we all come from dust, and to dust we all return. Gen. 3:19. Lent begins with a reminder that we are mortal people, only promised eternal life by a Savior who was willing to sacrifice Himself for our sins, so I hope you’ll all come Wednesday night for this special worship time together.

ASH WEDNESDAY, March 6th: 5:45 dinner, 6:45 worship … please come for a simple dinner on Wednesday night in a spirit of “sacrifice”. All the net proceeds from our Wednesday night love offering will be donated this year to the Methodist Children’s Home, where children have been adopted and cared for many years! Following dinner, we’ll move to the sanctuary for the opening worship of Lent, a somber service where ashes will be placed on your forehead as a reminder of our sin and mortality. JC will be singing a beautiful song for us, so don’t miss it. SUNDAYS THROUGH LENT:  I’m very excited about our worship series through Lent, THE STONES CRY OUT … starting this Sunday, March 10th, through Palm Sunday on April 14th, we’ll remember what Christ has done for us, and how we can be ready for Easter! It’s a somber season of reflection (this website gives a great background on Lent) and a time to consider what WE might sacrifice as we focus on the ULTIMATE sacrifice of Jesus, His brutal death on the cross. This first Sunday, 3/10, the STONES OF TEMPTATION will take us to the wilderness with Jesus as He was tired and hungry and being tempted to turn stones into BREAD … what do WE do when we’re tempted? How can we avoid making the wrong choices? PLEASE THANK ELAINA RAGDALE and JULIE LEWIS for their wonderful altar-scapes!  During the special days and seasons of the year they work hard to bring a visual focus and emotional connection to the service by their creative altar decorations. LET’S GATHER!  Wednesday, March 13th, 5:45 … if you were in church this Sunday you received an “invitation” to give to a friend, inviting them to come join us to CELEBRATE the first dinner after daylight savings time AND the first Wednesday of the pre-Easter season!  Please pray deeply about who God might put on YOUR heart and share an invitation with someone who might be looking for a place to belong. WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY: Starting March 13th, 6:30 … I always love bringing Max Lucado’s words to LIFE and we’ll do JUST that at our next study: HE CHOSE THE NAILS.  After dinner we’ll dig into the GIFTS that come to us from the DEATH of Christ … yes GIFTS of the cross, the nails, the sign calling Him King of the Jews, the sponge that was used to mock His thirst as He was dying, and more.  I hope you’ll all come – we’ll start at 6:30 be finished by 7:45! POT LUCK SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS … Sundays, 9:30am, Asbury Hall … our self described “70 somethings” class is starting a new study on Ecclesiastes designed especially for this stage of life and you’re invited! If you don’t have a place to connect, give it a try! PREPARE TO BE AMAZED BY GOD as we begin the sacred season of Lent …

 
Debbie Lyons, Pastor
First United Methodist Church Winnsboro
301 Church Street, Winnsboro, TX. 75494
CLICK HERE for our Facebook

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2-28-19 FUMC Updates

Posted on Feb 28, 2019 in HomePage |

What a blessing, last Sunday, to recognize JUDY BEATY for all the hard work she has done for our music ministry! THIS Sunday, we will welcome our new Music Minister, JC Waddell and we will be further blessed by the gifts and talents he brings to our church!  Please don’t miss church this Sunday as we kick off a new chapter in the life of our church – it will be COLD outside but the Holy Spirit will keep the fire burning in our sanctuary!
 
ASH WEDNESDAY: 3/6, 6:45 after dinner … this Wednesday is one of the most SPECIAL days of the year because it kicks off the season of LENT, which is the pre-Easter season on preparation for EASTER.  I have posted our EASTER page on the website so you can find out about our new worship series, Bible study and more about Lent HERE. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to see an explanation of Lent.)
 
HE CHOSE THE NAILS: Lent Bible study, Wednesday nights after dinner, 6:45-8pm, starting MARCH 13th …  I’m so excited to start this journey to the cross with you! A week from Wednesday we’ll all head to Wesley Hall for a fabulous 5 week study by MAX LUCADO on the “gifts”, yes GIFTS from the cross!  Please make this a rewarding part of YOUR Lent season!
 
THE METHODIST CHURCH CHOOSES A TRADITIONAL PLAN in our way to move forward … what does this mean for us? Right now, very little as not very much has changed. This is very sad news for some people, but we will continue to love God and love others just as we always have!!  As our Bishop, Mike McKee says: 

On Wednesday following General Conference, hundreds of pastors and laypersons will visit patients in the hospital needing words of comfort. Hundreds of children will be tutored in public schools by United Methodist laity. Others will hear of the grace offered by Jesus Christ. On Sunday, more will find their faith home, be baptized and join one of the churches in the North Texas Conference. Let’s not forget that the work of Christ that laity and clergy are called to do continues.

Bishop McKee, in his Feb. 19 message before General Conference
CLICK HERE for a recap.
 
A WELCOME FROM THE “NEW” SUNDAY SCHOOL GROUP … it’s not too late to get involved in the new group that is meeting in the Family Life Center at 9:30 on Sundays … in the future, you can contact AMY MOSS for what’s coming up in ongoing studies, but this week, read Genesis 1-3 to get a head start on the discussion!  I’ve asked existing Sunday school groups to let me know when THEY start new studies too.
 
INTERESTED IN TRAVEL? Holy Lands? Paul’s Journey’s? John Wesley’s Heritage?  I would love nothing more than to take a group from our church/community to explore life changing places – I truly do believe that experiencing places where such impactful and spiritual things have happened give us deeper and richer spiritual foundations.  Bishop McKee thinks so too!  I have never done this trip before but if you are interested, please let me know: 
Wesley Heritage Tour: Oct 1-9. Bishop Michael McKee invites you to join him on a Wesley Heritage tour where together you can experience many of the unique places in the lives of John and Charles Wesley.  Brochure
 
A FEW OTHER TIDBITS FROM OUR CONFERENCE:
       ERT Training: March 23, First UMC Terrell. Both basic and re-certification class will be taught by an authorized UMCOR trainer. Early Response Teams clean out flood-damaged homes, remove debris, place tarps on homes and help to prevent further damage, while providing a caring Christian presence. Register
       Spirit is Ageless Art & Writing Contest: March 26-27, CC Young. Open to creative adults, 55 years and older. There are 19 categories, including painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, prose and wearable art. The art will be on display through April with the winners announced April 27. Information  
 
WE END OUR STUDY on the Book of Ephesians this week with a look at chapter 5. While the book has 6 chapters, I’ll come back to chapter 6 when Lent starts so this week you might want to read 5 and 6. This Sunday we’re talking about walking as children of the light – what a wonderful world it would be if we ALL walked to reflect the light of Jesus!
 
SEE YOU ALL SUNDAY!
 

Debbie Lyons, Pastor

First United Methodist Church Winnsboro
301 Church Street, Winnsboro, TX. 75494
CLICK HERE for our Facebook

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2-19-19 FUMC Updates

Posted on Feb 19, 2019 in HomePage |

What a GREAT Sunday it was at FUMC!!  Lots of energy and a JOY to welcome Ted and Shiela Haynes into membership!  Ted and Shiela have moved here from Tulsa, OK, and they’re excited about getting involved in the church!  I know you’ll enjoy getting to know them as much as I am!
 
THIS SUNDAY: a special THANK-YOU to Judy Beaty … … it’s not often we find volunteers as committed as Judy has been to serving her church by leading the choir for the last 2 years. Refusing to take any compensation, and faithfully inspiring and directing our choir out of sheer LOVE, Judy has been a wonderful gift to ALL of us, making music an integral part of our worship experience! As we get ready to pass the baton to a new music minister, please be sure to come say THANK-YOU to Judy this Sunday as she prepares to get the break she so very much deserves!
 
PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEW MUSIC MINISTER: JC Waddell! … I am very excited to announce that we have hired JC Waddell as our new part-time Music Minister. JC and his fiance, Stacy, live in Winnsboro and they are both very excited to have a new church home at FUMC!  JC has a B.A. from Henderson State University, AR, in INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC EDUCATION. He is currently the Middle School Band Director and Assistant High School Band Director at Paul Pewitt CISD (since 7/15) and he was the Choir Director at Hawkins FUMC (2/14-7/17, 5/15-5/16) and comes with glowing references! JC will be working closely with Judy Beaty and our amazing choir in this transition time so please pray for him in this transition.
 
PASSING OF THE BATON RECEPTION … Sunday, March 3rd after church …  let’s thank JUDY BEATY as she passes the baton to JC WADDELL at a short reception after church on March 3rd. We’ll have light refreshments and time to thank Judy and welcome JC personally!
 
NEW SUNDAY GROUP GETS STARTED THIS SUNDAY: 2/24, 9:30 AM … there was lots of energy in the FLC this Sunday as Amy Moss gathered a group together to talk about what people are looking for in a NEW small group. Until long term plans are established and a leadership team is created, please read the Book of Jonah (it’s only 4 chapters!) … this link has study notes on the right side.  If you haven’t found a place to connect, don’t miss the inaugural gathering this Sunday at 9:30 in the FLC!!
 
MIDDLE SCHOOL … Camp Bridgeport??  Parents … have you thought about the POWERFUL impact summer camp can have on your kids and their faith? Please talk to each other and see if there’s a date that will work for you all … scholarships may be available so don’t let cost hold you back.  Click Here for details!
 
THANKS TO THE YOUTH FOR SERVING OUR VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER!  They did SUCH a great job that, thanks to some GENEROUS donations, they raised $500 for the SENIOR GRADUATION CELEBRATION, an event designed to provide a safe place for seniors to enjoy their special, special time together! 
 
WHAT IS AN ENDOWMENT FUND? 2/20, 6:30 … Stay after dinner this Wednesday night and find out more about how God MULTIPLIES generous giving!  You’ll love getting to know Rev. Carol Montgomery from the Texas Methodist Foundation – she has a TRUE heart for generosity and making disciples for Jesus Christ.
 
EPHESIANS CHAPTER 4 … 2/24 … we are getting deeper and deeper into the message that “everyone belongs and ALL have a place in the family of God.”  This week, Paul tells us to get rid of our old “selves” and step out as NEW people in Christ!

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2-11-19 FUMC Updates

Posted on Feb 19, 2019 in HomePage |

We are all very excited to welcome Jill and Johnny Hobbs as members of FUMC!  How appropriate that our message on Sunday was “Welcome to the Family” because it’s always so inspiring to see people make a commitment to God when they take their vows of membership! 
 
As you know, I try to see every single person that walks through our doors as members of our family from the first day they come, and I also try to see everyone as made in the image of God, worthy of love … I hope YOU do too!  With Valentine’s Day approaching, let’s keep the message of LOVE fresh on our minds and in our hearts as we welcome new people into the FUMC family!
 
VALENTINE’S DAY WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER:  5:30 PM, 2/13 … This Wednesday night you’re in for a treat as our amazing and incredible kitchen team prepares a fabulous Valentine’s Day dinner for us!  Invite a friend and come for a great night of food and fellowship!!
 
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN: Thursday, 2/14, 10 AM … Faith, Hope, Love in action … THIS is what UMW is all about! All women are invited to come … “United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.”
 
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO CONNECT on SUNDAY MORNINGS?  Come for Coffee and donuts this SUNDAY, 2/17 10am Family Life Center … there are LOTS of places to connect at FUMC: our choir meets every Wednesday after dinner, our community women’s Bible study meets Wednesday mornings, quilters, crafters and knitters meet regularly, and we have 3 existing Sunday school classes that meet too!  If you haven’t found a place to “belong” or are looking to be part of something new, please join Amy Moss and others who are exploring the possibility of a “new group” on Sunday mornings … what might this look like? What would be important for YOU to find a connection?  This Sunday, just come and see … 
 
WHAT IS AN ENDOWMENT FUND? Wednesday, 2/120, 6:30 PM … please plan to stay after dinner and learn more about the incredible blessing we have been given to create new financial opportunities to make disciples for Jesus Christ! Rev. Carol Montgomery from the Texas Methodist Foundation is coming all the way from Dallas to help us kick-off this wonderful opportunity so please plan to stay!
 
OUR STUDY OF EPHESIANS CONTINUES … this Sunday we’ll be “fast forwarding” through Ephesians Chapter 3 and I’ll be reading from THE MESSAGE, a causal translation that, while not as accurate a Greek translation as the New Revised Standard , for example, (which we have in our pews), it is a beautiful, simple, every day language that puts the message into lovely, easy to understand language. 
 
WHICH BIBLE SHOULD I READ? ... People sometimes ask me which is the best Bible translation to read and I always answer … “the best Bible is the one you will READ!” Translations vary from accuracy to readability so unless you’re reading for exegetical value (deep theological understanding of Hebrew and Greek foundational meanings and expository understanding), then choose a Bible that is comfortable for YOU! 
WANT TO GO ON A BIBLE EXPLORATION JOURNEY?
I love spreading out ALL kinds of Bibles out on the table and talking about the differences between study bibles (life application, theme study, chronological, cultural, historical, or archaeological information, etc.) and then comparing the difference between translations!  If you’d be interested in talking about this, let me know!! 
 
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Eph. 3:21 MESSAGE

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2-5-19 FUMC Updates

Posted on Feb 5, 2019 in HomePage |

I have been extremely humbled this week … I came home late last Wednesday night after an intense 3 1/2 day Board of Ministry meeting where we interviewed 18 potential new candidates to become ordained pastors in the United Methodist Church. It’s quite amazing to see how the Holy Spirit works in this important discernment process – I can’t explain it, but it’s powerful and it’s truly based on holy conferencing among the lay leaders and clergy on the Board. It’s painful to tell candidates they aren’t quite ready … this year we had 6 who we hope will come back next year. But I am so excited to tell you that the 12 people we referred for commissioning are AMAZING!! They have incredible VISION for the future of what the Church will look like in this changing world and they understand that making disciples for Jesus Christ requires some innovating ideas. Please say a prayer for all 18 of these people who are called to serve Christ in the years to come!

I did, however, come home exhausted and … SICK!  Oh, I may have had a slight cold in years gone by … I remember having strep throat when I was 16, but I don’t even have a thermometer in my house because I’m fortunate to have a good immune system! But when I got up with a fever on Monday, I broke down and went to the doctor and learned I had a viral lung infection … wow, this has knocked me off my feet!!  I say I feel humbled because I know I’m going to feel miserable for another day or so, but there are people who struggle every, single day with health challenges that are MUCH more difficult than this! Please, please, please … call people you have not seen in church, write a note to someone you know is struggling, or drop by and see someone from your Sunday school class or choir who might not be feeling that great.

LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO CONNECT?

We have 3 adult Sunday school groups that meet on Sunday mornings where relationships grow deeper and people study together to strengthen their faith. They all welcome visitors ANYTIME so why not visit them and see if one of them might be right for you? If you haven’t found a small group to plug into yet, please consider being part of a new class that Amy Moss will be starting at the end of this month. What might that look like? What would inspire YOU to belong? Let’s talk about it on Sunday, February 17th at 10 AM … come meet new people and share your thoughts about what this new class might look like.

WHAT’S AN ENDOWMENT FUND??

We’re very excited to roll out the details on our NEW Endowment Fund!  As approved by the church membership last October, the $200,000 gift from the Milner Estate has been used to start a NEW Endowment Fund to enable people to give to the church in a way that is socially faithful to further our mission: TO MAKE DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST. What is it? How does it work? Why have we done this? After dinner on, Wednesday, February 20th, come meet Rev. Carol Montgomery from the Texas Methodist Foundation and she’ll explain it all with our new Endowment Committee.

MUSIC MINISTER UPDATE

God has answered our prayers by sending us 2 excellent candidates for our position of MUSIC MINISTER. Representatives from our Staff Parish Relation team are finishing interviews this week and we hope to be making an offer soon. Won’t you please pray with me that God’s hand continues to guide our decision making process and that our new Music Minister will be a wonderful addition to our worship experience.

We have time to thank Judy Beaty appropriately for all she has done over the last 2 years to lead and guide our choir but let me begin now … JUDY BEATY YOU ARE AMAZING!!  Judy’s selfless gift to help the church through this time has been absolutely incredible and while I know she is looking forward to turning over the reigns, I will always rely on her for her knowledge and ideas … she truly IS amazing!!

EPHESIANS CONTINUES!

If you miss a week of our Sunday study on the Book of Ephesians you can listen on the website (CLICK HERE) or watch the VIDEO on your Facebook (just scroll to ANY Sunday and you’ll find them!) This Sunday we’re continuing Ephesians Chapter 2 … our focus will be on verses 11-22 so you might want to read the whole chapter. (HERE)

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!
Debbie Lyons, Pastor
First United Methodist Church Winnsboro
301 Church Street, Winnsboro, TX. 75494
CLICK HERE for our Facebook

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