​     Our biggest news is that the church is going to live streaming only for Sunday Service.  We will “shut down” for Sunday.  This by order of our Bishop and other hierarchy of the United Methodist Church.  There is great concern about the resurgence of Covid19.  The church office and the Food Pantry will be open during the week Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. till 1:30 p.m.  And the Community Table will continue to operate.
     Look for our church service at First UMC Dublin TX on Facebook.   Our web site is http://fumcdublintx.com, the email is fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com .  Pastor’s email is: fumcdublin630@gmail.com .
    Our new pastor is Danny Pelton, his lovely wife is Kathy.  Our congregation will have a new pianist also, she is Cindy Zip.  These are great folks and give them a wonderful welcome from six feet away!  
   Please let the office know of any sickness or troubles so we can help, or if we can pray for you.
     When this awful pandemic finally passes from us, come back to church.  You need the church and the church needs you. I believe this heart and soul.
     Last week I left out some of our guests who were here to witness Kevin Stone move his membership to Dublin United Methodist.  Kevin’s parents, Frank and Judy Stone drove up from the hill country. Also, in attendance were Kevin’s sister, his daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Kody Stephens, and Kevin’s little granddaughter, Kinsey.
     Nancy Wooldridge is recovering from surgery.  I always considered Nancy an angel and she had her wing repaired. 
     Rev. Ken Lunsford is now officially retired!  Also, a fine musician, Patricia Beaty, retired after 29 years as a church pianist.
     Pat and Lisa Leatherwood hosted a fun retirement party at their farm cabin north of town.  It was well attended by mask-wearing guests who “fanned out” inside and outside to eat grilled hamburgers, potato salad, watermelon, and many rich desserts.  Grilled burgers are so good with big, juicy, just sliced tomatoes from a local garden. 
     Ken and Patricia Beaty both received a potted rose bush with much green money attached. Everyone had a good time and a sweet good-by.
     This past Sunday I served as Worship Leader, Pat Beaty was Pianist, Lisa Leatherwood ran the power point, Pat Leatherwood was technical support, and Rev. Ken Lunsford brought the sermon.
      A thank you card from Patricia Beaty for the generous “Money rose bush” and all those at the retirement party was read.
      I read the scripture lesson from Matthew 10:34-42. These verses are the words of Jesus to his followers.  “Don’t think that I’ve come to bring peace to the earth.  I have not come to bring peace but a sword.”  He also said, “Those who don’t pick up their crosses and follow me aren’t worthy of me.” He finishes by saying, “I assure you that everybody who gives even a cup of cold water to these little ones because they are my disciples will certainly be rewarded.”
     Rev. Lunsford preached about “The Power of a Cup of Cold Water.”
     Think about those 50 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Before the last of the twelve disciples died their efforts had brought about 500,000 men, women, and children into the ranks of the church.  We like the outcome of their efforts, but we don’t want to hear the cost of their faithful discipleship. Except for John, who died of old age on the island of Patmos, all the others died violent, excruciating deaths. From Jerusalem to the East Indies to Iran they all suffered for preaching the good news of Jesus Christ.
     Not even the smallest kindness will be missed by a Father who is ever watching. Never underestimate the power of a cold cup of water.  
    Pastor Ken told the congregation he loved serving each one of you these past ten years.  God Bless you and Keep you. He also said to make Rev. Danny and every soul that Graces these doors feel welcome! Amen.
    I want to thank the Dublin Citizen for carrying our articles for so many years.
They were always helpful and patient!
 

​First United Methodist Church News
June 21, 2020
 
     The super fun and tasty chili dogs we prepared for Community Table have been delivered.  DJ Klutts and Mary Haley got a ‘jump” on July 4th with a meal like that.
     The kitchen crew is still taking precautions against the Covid-19 virus. They have always been careful to be sanitary, but now they take it to another level.
     Our congregation was thrilled to receive a new member into Dublin First Methodist, he is Kevin Stone.  Kevin is the produce manager at Dublin’s local supermarket.  Kevin has been attending church with us for quite a while. 
     So far, the live streaming to Facebook is going without a problem and I pray that continues.  There are still recordings of the service made for anyone who wants one and has a CD player.
      Pat Beaty, our talented pianist and song leader, will be retiring after Sunday June 28th service.  If you never heard Pat sing and play, this Sunday is your last chance.
      This Sunday is Rev. Ken Lunsford last time to preach as our pastor.  He will officially retire as a Local Pastor in the United Methodist Church on the last day of this month.
      Ken and I both feel humbled to have served this congregation for ten years.
      Ken has experienced joy and tragedy.  He saw a lot of changes during that tenure. The congregation began the “Community Table”, we had a pool party and picnic with DeLeon First United Methodist here at the city pool, and we partnered with Primaria Iglesias Bautista Church and had a summer Bible School; we took off from our church property, and went to Perry Hall.  The destructive hailstorm that hit Dublin a few years ago did over a $150,000.00 in damages to our church. Now all the damages are repaired, or the items replaced. Pastor Ken credits our recovery to good insurance and to a great Board of Trustees.
      Last Sunday DJ Klutts served as Worship Leader, Pat Beaty played the piano and led us in song, Pat Leatherwood was on the camera, and Pastor Ken Lunsford preached.
      All the men present on Father’s Day received a ball point pen and cased note pad from Pastor Ken and Frank Stone received a COMMON ENGLISH study Bible because he came the greatest distance to church, over two hours.
     The Scripture reading, Matthew 10:24-39, was given by DJ Klutts.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon “Daddy’s Love.”
     Jesus said that God knows how many hairs are on our head. He is telling us that God knows us completely.  Jesus also said, “Not a sparrow will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. So, don’t be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows.” God’s love is reflected in His Son and Jesus loved in a way no other human being has ever loved.  Let us wrap ourselves in our Heavenly Father’s love that we can walk through every difficulty in life.
     Look for our church service at First UMC Dublin TX on Facebook.  The phone number is 254-445-2157.

First United Methodist Church News
June 14, 2020
 
     We hope everyone who could, enjoyed the Dublin Reunion activities last Saturday.   I know many people did not come this year because of the Covid19 Virus and I understand their decision.
     Dublin First and Laurel St. United Methodist Churches met again in person.  Pastor Ken preached to both congregations. 
      At First Methodist, Laura Leatherwood served as Worship Leader, Pat Beaty played the piano and led us in song, I ran the Power Point, and Pat Leatherwood was operating the new camera.
     We hear our young friend, Tyler Harrell, is recovering nicely from his accident.  His father, Andy, says it is a miracle and many others agree with him.
     June birthdays are Tesha Shafer, 6-1, Jennifer Caviness, 6-6, Kevin Stone, 6-24 and Mary Haley,6-29.
      Keeping with tradition, we have a few anniversaries this month.  June anniversaries are, mine and Ken Lunsford, 6-5, Cliff and Nancy Wooldridge, 6-9 and Ike Wade and Patty Hirst, 6-23.
     Community Table is next week on 24th.   We need more drivers and other volunteers.  Pray for this ministry, it touches many people in the Dublin area. 
      The scripture reading was Matthew 9:35-10:8. In this lesson Jesus is traveling among many cities, He is healing every sickness and teaching in their synagogues.  Jesus called His disciples together and gave them authority over unclean spirits and power to heal every disease and every sickness.  
 
     The twelve apostles are named in this reading.  Jesus tells them to announce, “The kingdom of heaven has come near, and to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, and throw out demons.”
     Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon, “Where are the Workers?’  His message focused on the evangelistic task of the church.
      The one commandment that Jesus gave to His church besides “love one another” was to go out and make disciples of all people.  Our failure to take that commandment seriously has resulted in a church that is no longer reaching people.  In fact, the church is rapidly going out of style and out of business.  But helping someone find new life in Jesus gives our own life a huge spiritual lift. 
     Jesus had compassion on the crowds He was seeing on His travels.  We need that feeling for the people we meet in life. We should tell them Christ can help them put their lives in order. Christ can bring them joy, peace, and salvation.  We are not merely trying to build up our church rolls.     
      People around us link up to false gods – power, wealth, good looks, and approval of their peers. Sooner or later these false gods betray them.  So many people today feel unloved, undervalued, lonely, and that they do not fit in with this world.  They must be told that Christ cares as well as we!  There is an eternal God and He loves His people.    
      Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.”  Where are the workers?  Can our Lord count on you?
   
      Look for our church service at First UMC Dublin TX on Facebook.  Our post office box is 248, Dublin, TX 76446. Phone number is 254-445-2157.

​First United Methodist Church News
June 7, 2020
 
     Our sanctuary was open for services the past Sunday!  It was wonderful to see our brothers and sisters in Christ again.
      We wore masks and kept six feet apart from each other, but our eyes were smiling.  Everyone used hand sanitizer or wore gloves.  Pastor Ken did both when he blessed the bread and juice.  It was so special to take Communion again.
      Pat Leatherwood operated the camera for Facebook, and I did the power point projector.
     Our scripture reading was Genesis 1:1-2:4, this was the longest scripture lesson Lisa Leatherwood had read as Worship Leader.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon “God Spoke.”
     In Genesis God spoke and the world was created.  This is the first thing we should understand, God spoke!
     In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. “And God said, ‘let there be light”’ and there was light.  Here we see the nature of real power. God spoke and the entire world was created.
      Years later God spoke to a nomad named Abram and told him to go to a far-off land where he would become Abraham, the father of a great people.  That people would be the people of Israel, chosen by God to be a light to the nations of humankind.
     God continued to speak, He spoke to Moses, Elijah, Samuel, Jeremiah, and Isaiah and many others whose experiences with God are recorded in our Bible.
      That is why the Bible is so precious to us. It is a record of God speaking through the ages to men and women seeking to communicate His plan and His purpose. And we do ourselves a great disservice by our neglect of this magnificent document.
      God spoke again and humanity was redeemed. God spoke in a special way in Jesus, His Son.  He is the word of God, He is the truth, He is the way, He is life.
One more thing needs to be added, God speaks today, and we find help for the living of our lives.  Sometimes He speaks through nature’s beauty, reading of Scriptures, Sermons, Music, and/or Meditation.
      We lost our connection to Facebook when our WIFI dropped and the second half of Sunday service was lost!  So, the folks on their computers missed Rev. Ken Lunsford’s message.  He went back Monday and recorded his Sermon, so you can sign into Facebook and view and hear the message.  We will try again and hope for the best this next Sunday. Look for our church service at First UMC Dublin TX on Facebook.
      The food pantry for the Dublin community, is open Mon. through Thurs. from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. 

​First United Methodist Church News
May 31, 2020
 
     In person worship begins on June 7 at 11:00 a.m.  Everyone entering the building will be required to wear a mask. Everyone must use had sanitizer or wear disposable gloves.  Family groups may sit together, others must sit six feet apart from each other! 
     Do not jam up at the front door or the sanctuary door, keep six feet apart. Refrain from handshakes or hugging.  We know this going to be hard, these instructions come down from The Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, so let us comply cheerfully.
    Our church will continue to do a live service to First UMC Dublin TX on Facebook.
    The Community Table was another successful labor of several volunteers.  Under the direction of DJ Klutts and her faithful assistant, Mary Haley, the food was cooked, and the takeout containers filled.  Many other helpers worked the assembly line. All the food handlers wore masks and gloves. Then the containers were loaded into large boxes for delivery by a another set of volunteers. These delivery people come from several other denominations, so this is truly a community effort.
      We operate Community Table with funds from individuals in our area, special offerings, and the Stephenville Elks Lodge who secure a donation from their international organization.
     Anyone wishing to hear Rev. Ken Lunsford preach in person should attend either Laurel St. or Dublin First United Methodist Church Sunday service this June.  Pastor Ken will retire at the end of June.  I highly recommend him.
     This past Sunday was a combined service of Laurel St. and First United Methodist churches. Lisa Leatherwood served as Worship Leader, Pat Beaty was pianist and Sheran Weible sang a wonderful special titled, “There’s a Wind a Blowing.”  Pat Leatherwood worked the camera and Pastor Ken’s message was titled “Pray to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit.”     
       Our scripture lesson was, “Acts 2:1-21. This explains the birth of the Church.
       When all the disciples were waiting in one house in Jerusalem, as they had been instructed to by Jesus, the Holy Spirit came.  A sound like a violent wind blowing filled the house and tongues of fire came and rested on each one.  They all began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them.
      Pentecost is a hallowed day in the Christian year.  Now Christ’s birth and His resurrection are at the center of our faith.  But how would we know about these things without the church?  Who would have sent out evangelists to tell the Good News if not the church?  Who would have protected the Holy Scriptures through the ages with its very life, if not the Church of Jesus Christ?
     It is popular to say Jesus is wonderful, but no to the church. How will future generations know about Jesus and His message of love if His church is not around to give witness?  Now the church has its faults, there is much that needs to be corrected and cleansed, but this is still Christ’s body at work in the world! This is still Christ’s beloved bride.
      Jesus’ disciples were gathered with one accord. One of their strengths was their love for one another. We are Christ’s body, the light, the leaven, the salt of the earth, Christ’s own bride.  If we, His Church, cannot work together in peace and love for His glory, then God have mercy on the world.
     Our web site is http://fumcdublintx.com, the email is fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com and phone number is 254-445-2157.
 

​First United Methodist Church News
May 10, 2020
 
        We hope all the mothers had a good “Mother’s Day” and feel appreciated and loved.    
Pastor Ken Lunsford, pianist Pat Beaty, and me as Worship Leader were the people who held last Sunday’s service.  Pastor Ken got the camera ready to livestream to Facebook and at 11:00 a.m. he pushed the connect button and away we went!
        Our children and grandchildren in White Settlement can divert the livestream to their television screen.  They get a big picture of grandpa Ken and Grandma Judy bumbling around trying to look professional. 
      Many people have been joining us online and it is very encouraging for everyone who participates in the service, especially Pastor Ken.
      Pat Beaty chose some wonderful and familiar hymns to sing and play and love to hear her sing.
      I read the scripture lesson from John 14:1-14. These verses tell of Jesus saying to His disciples, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.”  The modern version I read sounded so new to my ears until it came to when Jesus said, “ I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except by Me,”  and that was the same as I learned it 60 years ago.
      Pastor Ken honored Mother’s Day and read a poem dedicated to Mothers. He said we salute those women who have loved us and poured their lives into ours. Amen to that.
      In the sermon we were told that the verses from John are part of a body of teaching material that Jesus spoke to the disciples in the upper room. The end of His earthly time was coming. The cross loomed before Him.  Jesus needed the disciples to understand His life and work, His coming death, and His resurrection. Notice Jesus did not say, “I am one of the ways, or one of the truths, or I am a life among many others.”  Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except by me!”
       Theologian Thomas a’ Kempis said, “Without the way, there is no going; without the truth, there is no knowing; and without the life, there is no living.”
       God created us with a purpose, life has a goal to it, and the end of that life is through Jesus.
We do not find the way by wandering around. The safest, most secure, most dependable way is by Christ!  Jesus also says, “Very truly I tell you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do.”  Christ also tells us, “That you should love one another as I have loved.”
       This sermon could have been an “ole time” revival preaching message if Ken had hollered at us more and worked up a sweat. But that is not his style, he does not accuse or threaten. 
      Rev. Ken Lunsford will be retiring this summer as a minister of the United Methodist Church.  So, if you ever wanted to hear him preach, now is the time to “tune in.”  His credentials will be turned in and most of the things he performed as a minister he will no longer do.  You would have to ask him about anything in particular, but I know he will still be able to hold funerals.
    I took a visit to Live Oak Cemetery on Friday of last week. I checked on the graves of all my immediate family and many of my school friends.  I was about to go into a pity party and crying fit when I saw a friend decorating her families graves. I yelled out my car window, “Charlene, is that you?”  And Charlene Cook Everett called back, “Yes. It’s me.”  I put my face mask on, and she put her mask on and we stood and visited awhile.  I caught Charlene up on my family and she talked about her family.  We also reminisced about her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. McQueen, who lived across the street from my family for a number of years. Charlene remembered the big vegetable garden her grandparents raised. I could remember the nice chicken eggs mama sent me to buy from them.
      We said goodbye and I felt better and went to check on the grave of a school friend who recently passed.  I soon came to her resting place and noticed a colorful little windmill at her grave turning in the breeze.  I looked up to see a duck in a hole in the tree right next to the plot. I wondered if my friend’s grandchildren put it there.  It was funny duck, it’s chest and neck were dark orange, some of it’s body was cream colored and the underside was dark.  It looked like a cartoon duck, it’s bill was too big and deep yellow-orange colored.  As a Game Warden’s wife, I knew a lot about ducks and this one just wasn’t natural at all. I looked at the bird’s beady little eyes and those eyes locked onto mine and I realized it was ALIVE!  Just then it flew away and left me with my mouth open and egg on my face, so to speak. I forgot to be sad and went home laughing at myself and a very colorful Wood duck!
               

​First United Methodist Church News
April 26, 2020
 
     Lisa Leatherwood again served as our Worship Leader Sunday and we thank her so much.
     Sheran Weible sang another special and we do appreciate her talent.
     Pat Beaty, our pianist, is faithful to be here rain or shine.
     Meanwhile Pastor Ken Lunsford is like the Energizer Bunny and keeps on going and going.
I have asked for someone to steal his batteries.
     Pat Leatherwood checks out the camera and starts and stops the live streaming of the service.
If we had known the services would ever need to be live streamed or recorded, we could have raised money to buy a better camera or video-recorder. But I think our team has done well with what they had to work with.
     I visited on the phone with Pat Outlaw today.  They have truly “sheltered in place.”  Their son has run errands and shopped for them and is careful when he enters their home.  He is adding “stars to his crown” with such good care.   
     Pat’s says her joints are stiff and painful with arthritis and I can sympathize with her.  Pat’s husband, Lawrence Outlaw, still feels like riding a bicycle in the neighborhood.  I must find out what vitamins he is taking!
     The scripture reading was Luke 24:13-35.  This lesson begins on the day of the resurrection.  Two followers of Jesus were leaving Jerusalem and walking to the village of Emmaus which was about seven miles away. While they were walking and talking of the events in Jerusalem in the past week, Jesus came near them and asked, “What are you discussing with each other?”  They told Him of Jesus of Nazareth, “who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people.”
They told how the chief priests and leaders gave Jesus over to the Romans to be condemned and crucified.  They also told the story circulating that angels were seen at the tomb and they said Jesus was alive. They sat down that evening to eat supper with the stranger who was really Jesus.  When He took the bread, blessed it, and broke it their eyes were opened, and they recognized Jesus and He vanished before their sight.
     Did you know that people in extreme stress, such as mountain climbers or survivors of the World Trade Towers destruction have reported a presence helping them or encouraging them to keep going to safety? This is called the “Third Man” syndrome and it is being taken seriously by some in the scientific field. We Christians have an explanation for that. “Just when I need Him,” wrote the poet, “Jesus is near.”
      The greatest blessing God can give us is the knowledge that He is with us in all our challenges and struggles.
     Come see us on Facebook at First UMC Dublin TX. The service is live streamed at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday or you can find past services that are recorded. 
     Our church maintains a food pantry for the Dublin community, we are open Mon. through Thurs. from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m.
     Our post office box is 248, Dublin, TX 76446. Phone number is 254-445-2157.

​First United Methodist Church News
April 19, 2020
 
      My news will be short and sweet this week as I have getting swollen feet from setting at the computer too much. My desktop computer is my window to the world and a great connection to my friends and family, but too much of anything can be unhealthy.
      I recommend those with Facebook checkout how other denominations and religions are doing their religious services online. 
      Lisa Leatherwood served as Worship Leader this past Sunday and did a fine job. Pat Beaty, our pianist, was in wonderful form and her singing and playing sounded great. It is too bad the camera must be set up so distant from the piano.
      Community Table is scheduled for 4/29. provided DJ Klutts is able to get the large quantity of food that we need for this ministry to our community, I plan to go and volunteer.  I have a good mask to wear and all volunteers should wear one. My fervent prayer is that by May 27, we can all be in fellowship again, but the future is in God’s hands.
      Juanita Duncan ask that we remember her granddaughter, Kelli Duncan, in your prayers. Kelli is the daughter of Terry Duncan who grew up here in Dublin. Kelli is a nurse who is on the front lines of the Covid-19 out-break in the metro-plex.
      Pastor Ken Lunsford sang a special last Sunday and he sounded like he did 30 years ago.
      The scripture reading was John 20:19-31. These verses tell of Jesus appearing to His disciples while they were in hiding. They were filled with joy at seeing Him.  Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” One of the twelve, Thomas, was not with them that day and when told of Jesus’ visit, Thomas did not believe it. Eight days later Jesus again stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”  He told Thomas to put his fingers in the holes in His hands and His side.  Jesus said, “No more disbelief. Believe!”  Thomas responded with, “My Lord and my God!” 
     You can see Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon, “No More Disbelief!” on First United Methodist Church’s Facebook page at First UMC Dublin TX.
     Our post office box is 248, Dublin, TX 76446. Phone number is 254-445-2157 and email for prayer concerns or other information is:  fumcdublin630@gmail.com .
     God be with you till we meet again!
 

​First United Methodist Church News
April 12, 2020
 
      Pastor Ken wanted to do a sunrise service in the Atrium Prayer Garden on Easter, but the weather did not cooperate. He said it was raining and cold, so he moved the service indoors. It was just him and the Holy Spirit, but that is enough.
      The 11 o’clock service was fun, and I enjoyed it. There was Pat Beaty on the piano, Leta Sage on the keyboard sounding like an organ, Sheran Weible on her keyboard singing a special, Pastor Ken Lunsford gave a wonderful message, I was the Worship leader, and Pat Leatherwood worked the camera and logistics.   Everybody stayed six feet apart except Pastor Ken and me.
      I must say the music was outstanding. Sheran Weibel is always a polished singer and Pat Beaty and Leta Sage can still harmonize even though they had not practiced or sung together in months.
      I received a phone call from Betty Lusk, she and Lee are well and being taken care of by their son Dwight. He sees after the livestock and grocery shops for them.
      Betty said a granddaughter, Heather Navasoda, of Oklahoma, watched our 11:00 a.m. Easter service. Kenneth’s sister, Arlene Brown, saw the service. Our children in Fort Worth watched also.
     The second half of our April birthdays are, Betty Lusk, 4/20, Laura Leatherwood, and Lawrence Outlaw both on 4/22, Ray LaBaume, 4/24, Annett Cleveland, 4/25, Irene Sohm, 4/26, and Lisa Leatherwood, 4/28. Happy birthday and best wishes.
     On behalf of our congregation I extend sympathy to the family and friends of Patsy Fine Harrell.
The Dublin community can not properly show their mourning for Patsy during this time of pandemic, but we feel it, we assure you.
    Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon was titled “Breath of God!” 
     The scripture reading was from John 20:1-18 from the Common English Bible. John begins in the first verse of chapter 20 with Mary Magdalene going to the tomb of the crucified Jesus very early on Sunday morning. She sees the stone that sealed the entrance was rolled away.
     Easter should be more than just another holiday on the calendar. To a Christian it is the Sunday to recognize the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Easter is not the Easter bunny, bright colored eggs, and dressing up in our best outfit and going to church.
     This year, Easter falls during the Covid-19 pandemic. WE wrap our faces in cloth and rarely leave our homes. We are hiding from an invisible beast. All around us we see signs of hope, signs of spring, signs of resurrection! But for now, we wait.
     I wonder what it must have felt like for Jesus those days in the tomb, knowing resurrection was coming, yet waiting for dawn to come. Waiting on that magnificent morning when the stone was rolled away, the sun streamed through, when an angel removed the funeral cloth from Jesus’ face. And the Holy Spirit breathed into His stricken body and made it rise to a new restored, resurrected life.
      We all are waiting also to live again; we are shut away from each other. As followers of Christ we know that God’s resurrecting breath will raise us up. A new day will dawn. Change is coming.
      May we be wiser, more appreciative, more joyful about life. Celebrate the Lord who gives life.
      Watch First United Methodist Church service live on Facebook at First UMC Dublin TX and it is recorded there also.  If you will click on comment and let us know how many are watching, we can count you being present.  Thank you.
     Our web site is http://fumcdublintx.com and Facebook is First UMC Dublin TX, the email is fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com
      We believe the Holy Spirt is God’s presence with us. Call us at 254-445-2157
 

​First United Methodist Church News
April 5, 2020
      
     Dublin First United Methodist Church will do a Maundy Thursday Service at 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening!  Have some juice or water handy and some bread or crackers with the liquid.  We won’t have Communion together, but we are doing a “Love Feast.”  It should be very meaningful during these trying times.  Watch the service live on Facebook at First UMC Dublin TX
      Pastor Ken Lunsford will do a Sunrise Service devotional in our prayer garden at 7:00a.m. Easter Sunday morning, weather permitting.  Next there will be the usual 11:00 a.m. service from the sanctuary.
      This past Sunday I was serving again as Worship Leader.  I managed to get to church on time.  I ran my fingers through my hair and put on some very red lipstick, I said, “I’m ready for my close-up Mr. Demille!”  It is a blessing the camera is several feet away. 
     Pat Beaty came again to play the piano and sing.  It makes for a joyous service to have great music. 
     Lisa and Pat Leatherwood were present to help with logistics and get the live stream out on time. 
     The first half of our April birthdays are Dr. Harlan Raley, 4/4, Mike Haley, 4/8, and Adrian Salinas, 4/12.  Happy Birthday and best wishes.
     The scripture passage I read was Matthew 21:1-11.  This tells of Jesus sending two disciples to get a donkey and a colt for Him to ride.  Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was triumphant!  The crowd put their cloaks down on the road and they cut the branches from the trees and laid them in the street.   The people shouted, “Hosanna in the highest!” 
      Hosanna is an old Hebrew phrase that means “Please save us!”  It is a cry for help even though the crowd was shouting it joyfully. Many of the people had seen His miracles or had heard of them.  They had heard of Jesus’ teachings.  They thought He was the right man to challenge the power of Rome and restore the throne of David.
      By the end of the week the crowd changed to a mood of hate and hostility. 
      Even His own disciples either betrayed Him, denied Him, or fled from Him.  But Jesus never turned His back on any of them.  Jesus came to save, whether it was the thief on the cross or Judas Iscariot.  Jesus embodies Amazing Grace.
      The story does not end with Good Friday, there is a great victory coming.      
      Tune in to us next Sunday and we will celebrate.
      Remember our web site is http://fumcdublintx.com and Facebook is First UMC Dublin TX,  the  email is fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com
      We believe the Holy Spirt is God’s presence with us. Call us at 254-445-2157