First Methodist Church Winnsboro

What an amazing experience to be part of a connectional denomination that works TOGETHER for the ​​kingdom of God!! Our conference is made up of 301 churches, 141,827 members, 4 districts and 20 counties and on Monday night we ordained 12 exceptional new pastors!!  We also had INCREDIBLE worship experiences, AND Adam Hamilton, author and pastor of one of the largest, fastest growing Methodist churches in the ​world truly INSPIRED us with over 5 hours of HANDS ON training that was exceptional! Being part of a connectional church is pretty amazing – if this is new to you, CLICK HERE to read a pretty good article on what it’s all about!

SO MANY STORIES OF CHURCHES DOING GREAT THINGS!!  The theme of Conference this year was NEW SPACES-NEW FACES … taking the message of Christ OUT to the people JUST like John Wesley did when he started Methodism in the United States! So often we hear stories of “doom and gloom” about churches dying, attendance dropping, and children disappearing from our churches (sadly, this IS all true!) but there are some churches out there who really GET IT!!  I was so inspired by the churches that are growing and welcoming lots of new people and who have children’s ministries that are EXPLODING … to hear about their growing pains (yes, growing pains!!) and their stories of professions of faith of NEW people getting to know the love of Christ is so exciting! I am looking forward to working with our leadership teams to share some of the possibilities – if YOU want to be part of the conversation, let me know!!

PLEASE TUNE INTO THE 1^st CONFERENCE CALL on NEW FACES-NEW SPACES … June 11^th, 10 AM … The chief missional strategy of the North Texas Conference is:  Catalyze gatherings of NEW FACES in NEW SPACES in and through every local church and targeted mission fields.  I’m so excited to explore NEW SPACES for NEW FACES in our OWN area and this conference call is designed to help us share and develop NEW IDEAS with church leaders and pastors from ALL over the Conference!!  Everyone is welcome to call in – the calls are FREE but you’ll need to download the ZOOM app to participate … CLICK here to download the app so you’re ready for the 10 AM call on MONDAY, 6/11, then email me after the call and share your thoughts! 

SUMMER VACATIONS, CAMPING TRIPS, VISITS TO SEE FAMILY … have you thought about setting up automatic “bill pay” to God? Many of us pay our electric bills and mortgages and credit card bills automatically so if God asks us to PUT HIM FIRST, this is an easy way to do it!  It’s simple and easy after a brief set-up … CLICK HERE and give it a try!  (It’s also VERY easy to stop at any time!)

CAMP FOR KIDS?  If you haven’t put down your kids deposit for camp, do it right away – we will work with you to sponsor your kids and make sure they can go financially but please don’t wait … let me know your 5^th – 12^th graders are interested ASAP!

LET’S SUPPORT OUR VERY OWN ARTISTS! Saturday, June 9^th, 5:30 PM “IN FOCUS PHOTO GROUP at the Cultural Arts Center … join me as we celebrate SEVERAL OF OUR MEMBERS who are participating … let’s support them!!

WHAT DO METHODISTS BELIEVE? Wednesday, June 20^th, after the 5:45 Fellowship Dinner Have you wondered what Methodists actually believe? Have you been a Methodist for a long time and want a REFRESHER course? Have you been visiting with us from a different faith background and want to know MORE about basic Methodist structure and doctrine? Please join us for our Wednesday night fellowship meal and stay for a talk on what Methodists believe?

JOINING DAY: Sunday, June 24^th 10:50 AM … I have heard from some of you who are interested in joining the church that you’d like to join on a day when others are joining too so here’s your chance! If you have any questions about joining the church, please call me – I’d love to have coffee! We also have info on our website, CLICK HERE.

COMMUNITY/CONGREGATIONAL CARE TEAM … Wednesday, June 27^th, 6:30 PM … time to get to work!! If you want to write notes, you’ll get a list of names, if you want to make phone calls, you’ll get phone numbers to make some calls, if you want to visit people, sign up to be a driver occasionally, or help coordinate activities, it’s time to put the pedal to the metal and get to work. 

3 OF YOUR FORMER PASTORS ARE RETIRING THIS JULY … Allen Snider, Reid Fade, and Mike Langdon are all retiring this year so keep them in your prayers!  We had a call from Reid’s current church (New Covenant UMC, 3032 Beltline Road, Sunnyvale) that they are having a reception for her on SATURDAY, JUNE 23^rd at 2 pm and everyone is invited. If you would like to say a few words in her honor, please email: kathleenrogers@att.net.

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH CELEBRATES 150 YEARS IN MINISTRY … this Sunday, June 10^th, 2-4 PM.  What a JOY when we can celebrate that the Kingdom of God has been alive and well for GENERATIONS in Winnsboro, TX.  They want to invite you ALL to stop by and wish them well!

OUR STUDY OF THE BOOK OF DANIEL CONTINUES … last week we introduced this wonderful Old Testament Book with a message focused on chapter 1, verses 1-7, and THIS week we’ll finish Chapter 1 with the message … JUST SAY NO.  I have attached some study notes (not my own!) that you may enjoy using to dig deeper into this series … this is a rich, challenging book about UNSHAKABLE FAITH and if you miss a message, you can listen in the car from your phone as you’re traveling or listen on your desk top. CLICK HERE for last Sundays sermon.

Blessings to you all this week!

Pastor Debbie

The rhythm of life is changing … school gets out, the weather gets hotter and hotter, vacations kick into gear and yes, we’ll try to keep the doors to the sanctuary closed so it doesn’t get hot, and my robe is coming off so I can avoid melting before your very eyes! (Summer is NOT my favorite time of year!)

Two things I want to encourage you to consider as new summer “normals” start to happen:

1)Come to SOMETHING you don’t normally attend … a Sunday school class, crafting or quilting time, or a Bible study (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday morning) so you get to know people you might otherwise NOT get to know … bring a friend and come! (AND TEACHERS – I can’t wait to see more of you this summer!!)  CLICK HERE for calendar.

2) Consider setting up your giving so it is automatically drafted from your checking, savings, debit or credit card this summer.  Our giving should be our #1 priority but when we’re in and out of worship, it’s hard to remember the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  Acts 20:35. CLICK HERE to give it a try … it’s so simple to set up!!

CONGREGATIONAL CARE MEETING tonight at 6:30 in Wesley Hall!

THE DIRECTORY IS ALMOST READY … thanks to everyone who made corrections/updates yesterday in church, and wonderful Jim Dyson wants to give everyone ONE LAST CHANCE to have their pictures taken!  Come for our last Wednesday night dinner (until 6/20) and let Jim take your picture on 5/30 (we’re having fajitas!) … or send us your picture before this Wednesday and we’ll be sure it’s added.

SUMMER WORSHIP SERIES:  The Book of Daniel  I’m very excited to take a deep dive into the Book of Daniel with you this summer … this book begins with rich history then makes a strong transition in chapter 7 to apocalyptic visions of future events significant to the Jews. Daniel presents a strong case for the absolute sovereignty of God, even over the threat of self-absorbed foreign powers – we see this in Daniel’s deliverance from the lions’ den, his friends’ rescue from the fiery furnace, and the future arrival of the Ancient of Days to save His people from the forces of evil. AS ALWAYS, if you miss a message, listen online so you don’t miss anything!

SUMMER MUSIC REQUESTS & CHANGE IN WORSHIP STYLE … as our sermon series this summer will be focused on 1 specific book of the Bible, Clint will not be tying the worship together with an explanation of how the music and message all tie together, and instead, we will begin with a call to worship and random FAVORITE songs! Yes, we’ll be singing YOUR favorite songs this summer and we’ll take them in order they come and by the most votes each song gets. (There will be song requests at the doors and you can flip through the hymnal before the service begins!)

GO-SUMMER-CAMP … July 23-27, 5th – 12th grades … Deport, TX … wouldn’t it be GREAT to send your kids to camp knowing your church was supporting them all the way???  Some of the most POWERFUL spiritual experiences for kids are the worship moments at summer camp (not the mention the swimming, horseback riding, canoeing, etc.!!) … would YOUR kids like to go?? Kimberly Noe is one of the COUNSELORS at GO-SUMMER_CAMP this year so she’s right there with the kids … please let me know if YOUR kids are interested!

PRAY FOR THE CHURCHES & PEOPLE IN THE NORTH TEXAS CONFERENCE … our National Conference is June 3-5 … in Richardson, please pray for our Bishop and Cabinet, our new Ordinands in ministry, and for me as I am leading the workshop on the NEW SPACES-NEW PLACES.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK?

Bible Talk, Exodus 3 … Tuesday, 11 am WESLEY HALL

Congregational Care Meeting, Men and Women, Tuesday, 6:30 pm 

Quilters, 8 am and Crafters, 9 am, Tuesdays

Fellowship Dinner, last one until 6/20, Wednesday, 5:45 pm (FAJITAS!)

Thursday Gathering, RAHAB (Joshua 2), Thursday, 8:30 am, Clara Ida Frances Loft

LOOKING AHEAD:  What Do Methodists Believe? Wednesday, June 20th (following the next Fellowship Dinner) Have you wondered what Methodists actually believe? Have you been a Methodist for a long time and want a REFRESHER course? Have you been visiting with us from a different faith background and want to know MORE about basic Methodist structure and doctrine? Please join us for our Wednesday night fellowship meal and stay for a talk on what Methodists believe.

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 

I have been teaching 2 VERY different Bible studies over the last few weeks and I can’t tell you how refreshing it is!! There is something very inspiring, not just digging into scripture, cross referencing Old and New verses and understanding the culture and people of the times, but I am thrilled to get to know everyone on such a personal level!  Invite a friend who DOESN’T have a church home to come with you – Tuesdays at 11 am, (men and women) and Thursdays at 8:30 am at Clara Ida Frances, 219 N Main (women) … I’d love to meet your friends (and it’s often easier inviting someone to a Bible study that it is to invite them to church!)

THIS SUNDAY: Pentecost Sunday … WEAR RED!!  This is an important “transitional” Sunday in the life of the church – the day Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us after He ascended into heaven! PLEASE WEAR RED to symbolize the power of the Spirit who came as tongues of fire to inspire the followers of Jesus to go – and make disciples for the growth of the church!!  

HAPPY MEMORIAL WEEKEND: this Sunday we’ll start out singing a few patriotic songs and the choir is practicing a wonderful medley as an anthem … please note, the offices will be closed.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE MEETING: Tuesday, 5/29, 6:30 – 8 pm, Family Ties Class (Wesley Hall) … if you’re looking for a place to get plugged in, if you can write a note, make a call, visit someone in a hospital, check in on our homebound friends, etc. etc., we need YOU!!  Join us next Tuesday night and find out how you can “love God and love others” in this wonderful service ministry.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE: June 3-5, Richardson First UMC … you must be registered and select meals BEFORE you go … REGISTER TODAY!

THANKS JIM DYSON for TAKING DIRECTORY PICTURES: we will have a hardcopy spreadsheet available on SUNDAY for everyone to verify your address, check your email, give us your cell phone (and let us know if you can receive a text), birthday, etc. Then next week, it will be online WITH PICTURE.  If you missed one of the 3 opportunities to have your picture taken please email us a current picture and we’ll add it. The directory will include members, REGULAR VISITORS, (not occasional guests) and will not include children. 

PRAYER CHAIN:  we have a strong prayer chain now, 49 people who get instant prayer requests as soon as I get them (8:30am-8:30pm) and I want to thank you ALL for being faithful prayer warriors.  Just because we have your cell phone number doesn’t mean you are ADDED to the prayer chain … if you want to be on the prayer chain, please let us know!

PRAY FOR OUR FOLKS AT SAGER BROWN … Amy Moss and her sister Susan, and John and Priscilla Massey.  Pictures on FACEBOOK!

SPEAKING OF PICTURES … send us your church related pictures!  TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES!! Facebook is an AMAZING medium to generate interest, but it’s personal pictures that always get the most attention … please send your church pictures to Ken Ragsdale or me, and pictures of the FUMC kids?  Let’s feature their achievements!

When the Day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Acts 2:1

Let us all be together at First United Methodist Church (wearing red!) this 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 

What a hard week it was for our church family as we celebrated the life of Kay Atkins.  Honestly, though, I saw soooooo MANY droplets of grace, everywhere I’ve turned!!  I looked at all the incredibly, amazing, selfless people who prayed, cooked food, sent cards, made cookies, served lunch, greeted the family, made donations to our church in Kay’s name … wow, what a LOVING congregation this is!! I want to thank you for loving the Atkins family through your service … quite wonderful!!

I am FINALLY going to see my Dad in South Carolina this week … I’m leaving today and coming back Saturday night.  And I’m so excited that Vic Casad, our District Superintendent is coming to preach for us and I can wait to be his “wing man”!  Please make sure we show Vic the true energy and Spirit of First Church Winnsboro – the last time Vic was here was last October for Pastor Carolyn’s memorial service and I think you’ll be putting a HUGE smile on his face when he sees how God is working here!

WANT TO JOIN THE SERVING SAINTS? If you’d like to get on the list to be called for family meals and bereavement lunches, Betty Craddock would LOVE to add some new people to her list of generous people!  She has coordinated meals for 7 years and she’d love to see some new faces! Contact Betty at 903-975-5639

CLICK HERE FOR OUR CALENDAR

NO BIBLE TALK THIS TUESDAY … we’ll resume next Tuesday at 11:00 when I return

LOOKING FOR A WAY TO GROW IN YOUR FAITH? Let’s talk about building a Congregational Care team!  MONDAY, May 15, 6:30 PM Asbury Hall… we have a core team of loving people who are VERY excited about loving God by CARING for others and we want to be in touch with people who have not been to church in a long time, who are unable to get to church anymore, who are having surgeries or medical challenges, are in retirement living, or who just need to hear a friendly voice or see a friendly face! LET’S TALK ABOUT IT!

SENIOR LUAU … Tuesday, May 15th, 6:15 pm …thanks so much to Tina Satterwhite and the Family Ties Class and everyone who helped set-up for the Luau yesterday and for keeping this great tradition going! Help us celebrate the Senior Class of WISD by greeting, serving or cleaning up this Tuesday!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP is back this Wednesday, 5:45 … I heard a rumor there will be SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS and stay for games after dinner!

REMINDER: Prayer Blanket Ministry meets 2nd and 4th MONDAYS at 9 am … their next meeting will be Monday, May 14th

ANNUAL CONFERENCE: June 3-5, First UMC Richardson … On a mountain top in Galilee, the risen Christ commanded the eleven disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and forming them in the Way of Christ. Today, we have been given this same Great Commission, and all across the North Texas Conference clergy and laity are embracing the challenge to go, gather new faces in new spaces, and grow these new faces in discipleship.  What is a new space? It can be a small group that meets in a local coffee shop or store or …. Come to Annual Conference and find out more!  To register: http://ntc2018.org/

ERT Training at FUMC Kaufman …UMCOR ERT Basic * Cost: $15 …Saturday, May 12, 2018,   8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.  This class will provide you with the Basic information you need about Early Response Teams. Early Response Teams (ERTs) fill a specific need in the early days after a disaster to clean out flood-damaged homes, remove debris, place tarps on homes, and otherwise help to prevent further damage, while providing a caring Christian presence. All ERT members are trained by authorized UMCOR trainers, and are given identification badges as evidence of successful completion of the basic class. Lunch is provided, and dress is casual.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 2:35