First United Methodist Church Winnsboro

Sunday night I took a late flight to Charlotte to spend some time with my Dad who is nearing the end of his 6 week intravenous antibiotics (heart valve infection)/rehab. The flight was quiet and dark, and I let my mind wander to MY faith upbringing and how my parents impacted who I am today. I don’t think we EVER missed church. As a young girl, I remember always having to wear a hat, which then became a veil, because head covering was a sign of respect. I also remember vividly when the offering plate would come by because before church my Dad would give us all a quarter to put in the plate. But I also remember thinking, “Why do my parents give so much money to the church when they always tell us kids we can’t even get a candy bar in the grocery store!”

I have since learned that they weren’t giving their money to the church – they were giving it to God! This story really resonated with me …

Every night a father tucked his daughter into bed and they would repeat their familiar routine. The little girl would say, “I love you,” and her dad would say, “I love you first.” One night, however, the little girl interjected a change. After hearing her father say, “I love you first,” she proclaimed, “I love you always!” And that became their new routine. Of course, the little girl grew up and is now a young wife and mother, but daughter and father continue to share these words. 

I love you first, and I love you always.

As wonderful a gift of the love between a parent and child, how much greater and more perfect is the love between God the Creator and those claimed as God’s children? This is the image of the God we worship today!! A God whose love reaches back into all our yesterdays and stretches into all our tomorrows!! A God who always loves and forgives, who is always there to guide us when we are lost, who always strengthens us when we are tired, and who overwhelms our hearts with love and grace! 

Today, many see the offering as a way for the church to collect money to pay bills and fund ministries. But at its very core, the offering is so much more! The offering is the time we are invited to proclaim, through faith, that we love God first!! We love Him more than our jobs, our assets, our possessions, our hobbies, and yes, even our families. The offering is the time we proclaim our trust in God, above all else, as we move into an unknown future or through difficult times.

It is in giving we stay connected to what is really important in life. It is in giving we define who we are. In giving, we gain a deeper understanding of the depth of sacrificial love God has for us, and it is in giving that we grow in our own personal journey as a follower of Jesus.

If you haven’t explored our GIVING page on the website, 19% of our giving is now done online because it’s so easy, and you can do it one time or make your offering recurring. And because it’s in giving we say to God and to the world those simple, yet life-defining words: “I love you first, and I will love you always,” you might find technology works for you!

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO WILL BE GIVING GENEROUSLY TONIGHT!  Tuesday, July 16, 5 pm ~ The United Methodist Women’s 150th Birthday Celebration is tonight and the Cross Strings Bluegrass Band starts the entertainment at 5 p.m., and the dinner will be at 5:45 p.m.!  Rosemary Chitsey has donated one of her BEAUTIFUL watercolors for a raffle so be sure to get your tickets, and it’s going to be a great night so don’t miss it!! (Checks can be made out to FUMC, mark UMW in the memo line.)

WOULDN’T IT BE AWESOME TO HAVE EXPERTS TEACH YOU HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SINGING VOICE? Saturday, August 3, 10 am – 3 pm ~ Don’t miss the flyer at the bottom of this email. What a FUN Day this will be to get some professional coaching, have lunch, AND perform at the Winnsboro Cultural Arts Center! Wouldn’t it be even MORE fun, if a BUNCH of FUMC people were there together so we could bring back those great voices to PRAISE GOD???

GRAPE HARVEST and STOMPING, Saturday, July 27, 7-11 a.m. (come and go) at Mary and Brad’s vineyard ~ If you missed it last year, come share in the fun and TASTE your “hard work” on communion Sunday, August 4! Because of the rains this year, this will be the only harvest and all are welcome! Stomping will be at 11 (flip flops will come in handy!), and Mary and Brad will have a brisket for lunch if you want to bring sides to share. For those who haven’t picked before, buckets and harvest forks are provided, but you will want to bring sun protection, wear a hat, and wear clothes that you don’t mind getting stained red! If you want to cool off in the pool afterwards, then be sure to bring your swimsuit. Please let Mary know HERE if you plan to come so that they can have a rough estimate on the headcount.

Mary & Brad – Bar W Ranch & Vineyard
9502 FM 1448, Winnsboro, TX 75494
Home:  903-365-2552      Mary’s Cell:  781-248-6717
maryewhite@comcast.net

THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS always has details on the website … CLICK HERE

This Sunday I’m looking forward to our Beatitudes on the PURE of HEART … IF you want to see God, THEN don’t miss it!

Debbie Lyons, Pastor

First United Methodist Church Winnsboro

301 Church Street, Winnsboro, TX. 75494

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We’re more than half way through our worship series on the BEATITUDES and I’ve had time to reflect back, and I have the benefit of looking forward, on the 8 character traits that identify true disciples of Christ. When I got started on this series, I found myself wanting to pick and choose the ones that I thought I’d have the most success working on for myself, but that was silly ~ all 8 work together and they’re NOT “multiple choice!” Jesus didn’t say, “Feel free to pick and choose your favorites.” Our wonderful Savior stated very clearly ALL the qualities that lead to the kind of lifestyle that pleases Him so digging into them ALL has been refreshing for me, as I hope it has been for you!