Judy's Church News

APRIL 22, 2018

4/25/2018

First United Methodist Church News
April 22, 2018

     Fifth Sunday Singing is this Sunday, so we will not have preaching. We will sing our favorite hymns and have a pot luck lunch after services.
     Thursday, May 5, is National Day of Prayer. Don’t miss this opportunity to join with millions of other believers and pray for our nation.
     David Cleveland reported that area Cub Scouts held a Pine Wood Derby in the Clay Annex of our building. David attended the event and said it was a lively day. Can you imagine Miss Ione Clay looking down from heaven on such rambunctious fun? Well I can, because that is why she left a bequest to our church, so we could build a fellowship hall to be used by the church and Dublin community!
     Our congregation extends sympathy to the family and friends of Lauren Stephens.
     Irene and Robert Sohm ask for continued prayers for their son Christopher, as he deals with complications from foot surgery.
     Nancy Wooldridge served as Worship Leader, Nancy read the scripture lesson from John 10:11-18.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon “I Am the Good Shepherd!”
     The image of the shepherd was frequently upon the lips of the Savior. It was part of His heritage and culture. Abraham was the keeper of great flocks, Moses tended the flocks of his father-in-law, Jethro, and David was a shepherd boy.
     When Isaiah spoke of the coming of the Messiah he said: “He will feed his flock like a shepherd! He will gather his lambs into his arms.”
     When Jesus was speaking to a great throng of people, Mark tells us that He had compassion upon them because they were “As sheep without a shepherd.”
     In our scripture from John, Jesus refers to Himself as the good shepherd. He says, “I lay down my life for my sheep.” I don’t care how much trouble comes your way; the good shepherd will never leave your side. He does not desert you in times of trail. This is the good news that will get you through the night and enable you to keep your sanity.
     Jesus also said, “I know my sheep and my sheep know me. That is a comforting thought that the great creator of the cosmos knows me by name.
     The Lord of Life gave His life for creatures who do terrible things, creatures such as you and me. He did it to turn us into sons and daughters of God.
     Our website is http://fumcdublintx.com . We have several pages of photos and information on this site.

APRIL 15, 2018

4/20/2018

First United Methodist Church News
April 15, 2018

     May 3 is the National Day of Prayer. Let’s mark our calendars and remember to go to the Lord in prayer as individuals or collectively. Pray for every town, city, and county in America to have at least one prayer observance on this special day, that will result in a mighty work of God.
     April 29 is 5th Sunday Singing Service and pot-luck lunch. Ya’ll come and bring an appetite.
     April 25 is Community Table and another excellent opportunity to help someone.
      April birthdays are, Annette Cleveland, Mike Haley, Ray La Baume, Laura Leatherwood, Lisa Leatherwood, Betty Lusk, Lawrence Outlaw, Harlan Raley, Adrian Salinas, and Irene Sohm. Kathy Logan has a birthday on the last day of the month and you can send her card to Midland. Call our office for her address and phone number.
      Our congregation extends profound sympathy to the family and friends of Cathy Pendleton.
      D.J. Klutts served as Worship Leader and read the scripture lesson from Luke 24:36-49. Cole Moore was our acolyte.
      After Jesus’ crucifixion, His disciples were trying to sort out the full meaning of the reports they were receiving about the risen Christ. Then Christ appeared to them in the flesh and said, “Peace be with you!” Jesus asked “Why are you troubled? See my hands and feet, it is I myself.”
      Luke tells us that they “disbelieved for joy.” Some persons still have that problem today. They desperately want to believe but something holds them back.
      They have difficulty believing that God cares that much. The notion of a God with nail prints in His hands and feet because of His unmeasurable love is too much to take in. Those nail prints should have been ours, but God so loved the world that He sent His Own Son to bear the burden.
      It is hard to believe that life goes on beyond the grave. It is too wonderful to believe that there is another existence beyond this one. But that conviction is at the heart of our faith. Without the Easter faith not only death, but life would be meaningless. The risen Savior is alive and because He lives so shall we, if we take a walk with the man from Galilee and see His hands and feet and never run out of a purpose for life.
     We believe God’s infinite love is available to all, call us at 254-445-2157 or email at fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com                                         Pastor: fumcdublin630@gmail.com
Web Page is: fumcdublintx.com

APRIL 1, 2018 EASTER SERVICES

4/6/2018

First United Methodist Church News
April 01, 2018

     My previous article was written before Community Table was served. We enjoyed eating hot, thick, and delicious meatball stew with cornbread and salad. Several regulars were “out of pocket” so, some new faces came to help us. Many thanks to everyone who helped in any way. We fed 208 hungry souls. Unless the Lord is involved in our work, nothing good will come of it and we see, hear, and feel His presence every time we begin this effort.
     There was a good crowd at Easter Sunrise Service. If you have never seen the sun rise behind the three crosses in our atrium, come and watch, our gate is left unlocked. Some of the neighbors come in to sit and pray or meditate. Our heart, mind, and gate really are open.
     We appreciate the efforts the Dublin Ministerial Alliance made to put together the Sunrise Service. Thanks goes to these area ministers; Rudy Cortez, Michael Hannah, Dr. Gregg Judy, Gerald Freeman, and Ken Lunsford. Leta Sage played the keyboard and the music was wonderful. Pastor Cortez brought the sermon and it was meaningful. The collection plate offerings ($300) will be equally distributed to Dublin CWJC, Salvation Army, and Goodfellows. All funds will be used locally.
     David Cleveland, Stormy Armstrong, and Jeannie Wendt cooked pancakes and sausage for the sunrise crowd. They had hot coffee, cold orange juice and milk ready and waiting.
     There were several living Easter lilies at the altar. Dublin Floral donated one to every church in town and A pair were given by the Moore family in remembrance of Dr. Joe Bob and JoAnn Pate who were the parents of Jill Moore. Juanita Duncan and Dr. Harlan and Eddie Raley also gave lilies.
     It was pleasant to see so many guests with us Sunday.
     Ola Mae LaBaume has been to the hospitable and is back home, but she and Ray would appreciate our prayers.
     Brady Moore was in church after important knee surgery. We are thankful that all seems to be a success.
     Lee Lusk asked for prayers for his brother, Alton Lusk, who is not doing well at all.
     Pastor Ken is slowly but surely getting better.
     I served as Worship Leader and read the scripture lesson from Mark 16:1-8 and John 20:1-9. Joe Salinas serves as acolyte.
     Laura Leatherwood gave the children’s lesson and held a small granddaughter in her arms at the same time. She talked to the children about the significance of Easter and the empty tomb.
     Rev. Ken titled his sermon “Does Easter Really Matter?”
     The grieving disciples and other followers of Jesus were confused and worried when they found His tomb empty. Even Simon Peter didn’t know what to believe. But very soon they all discovered that it was true, Christ had risen as He said He would.
      Does the resurrection matter? Well, yes it really does! It does if you have ever lost a loved one to death. It matters if you value the gift of life. If Christ lives, then life has meaning, and death is defeated. We need to be reminded of the power of love over hate, of hope over despair. We can feel that by peering into the empty tomb of the man from Galilee.

MARCH 25, 2018

3/28/2018

First United Methodist Church News
March 25, 2018

     Easter Sunrise Service starts at 7a.m., arrive on time for glorious service. Pastor Rudy Cortez of Primera Iglesia Bautista will deliver the sermon and other area ministers will participate. After the Sunrise Service breakfast will be served. This is warm, delicious, and free of charge.
     Pastor Ken Lunsford will preach at Laurel St. at 9:30 a.m. We have an 11 o’clock service in the sanctuary so there are many opportunities to worship the Lord on the holiest of Christian celebrations.
     There will be no Maundy Thursday or Good Friday service at our church this year.
     I encouraged folks to attend Palm Sunday services and then Pastor Ken and I could not go! Ken was taken to the emergency room at Harris Methodist Hospital in Stephenville Saturday. His temperature was 101.8. A sincere thanks to Lon and Janie Laquay who came over to help load Ken in their pick-up truck. They waited at the ER till Ken was admitted and our family members were on the way. Ken was released Sunday afternoon to go home. He is resting and recovering on strong antibiotics and a bland diet. Your prayers are greatly appreciated, and God is merciful.
     We all thank Kevin Caraway from Deleon for bringing the lesson at First United Methodist for Pastor Ken on Palm Sunday. Laurel St. had hymn singing for worship.
     Pat and Lisa Leatherwood enjoyed having their grandson, Liam Cisneros, with them over last weekend.
     Pastor Ken and I were glad to see our daughter Kristi Taylor and granddaughter Amy over last weekend.
     Our congregation extends sympathy to the family and friends of Christie Williamson. Prayers are needed for Charlie Bradberry on the loss of his daughter and father in such a short time period.
     Members of Laurel St. United Methodist, Greens Creek United Methodist and Greens Creek Baptist, Dublin, Community Baptist Church, and Iredell United Methodist Church attended the “Christ in Passover” program. Also, members Highland Ave. Congregational Methodist Church, First Baptist Church and Primera Iglesia Bautista joined us. There were five ministers present. I highly recommend this presentation.
      I reported an old email address last week, the correct email for our church secretary is fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com and our address is 630 Highland Ave, Dublin. The Pastor’s e-mail address is: fumcdublin630@gmail.com

MARCH 14, 2018

3/14/2018

First United Methodist Church News
March 11, 2018

     A tremendous thank you goes to the workers who cleaned the broken limbs from the Prayer Garden. Pat, Lisa, and Lee Leatherwood, and Ray LaBaume moved the ice storm debris to the road-side and the city crew removed it!
     Stormy Armstrong and her family have been working on a labor of love to make the 100th Anniversary of Armstrong Motors on Saturday a success. Stormy will be moving to Kerrville later this year so, come see the family, have some refreshments, and say good-bye.
     Wednesday, is the “Christ in Passover” presentation sponsored by the Dublin Ministerial Alliance. It will be in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church. Over 38,000 people have viewed this program and the numbers are growing every day. Karol Joseph is the lady coming to explain the Passover from a Messianic Jew’s viewpoint. The program is free to the public.
     Last Sunday we sang “Happy Birthday” to our March birthday friends who are; Jaxson Salinas, Pat Outlaw, and Pat Leatherwood. Then we wished a happy anniversary to Lee and Betty Lusk.
     We were joyous to see Cliff Wooldridge up and walking well and Cliff was glad to be back to church.
     Irene Sohm’s friend, John Dolen, needs our continued prayers. He has a difficult recovery ahead of him.
     Pastor Ken Lunsford only has a few more radiation treatments to take. Then we hope and pray for a clean report and Ken can regain his strength.
     Nancy Wooldridge read our scripture lesson from Ephesians 2: 1-10 and Rev. Lunsford called his sermon “You are God’s Handiwork!”
     A compliment is truly oxygen for the soul. Well, how about this verse from St. Paul: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
     Think of being God’s work of art. When Paul wrote that we are God’s handiworks, he is not saying we are perfect, or better than other people. Paul begins by detailing what rascals we’ve been. He says. “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.” But then Paul writes, “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.”
     Christ is standing at the door knocking. That door is your heart. He wants to come in and make you a new creation.
     To contact the church, email the office at fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com or call 445-2157. Pastor’s e-mail address is fumcdublin630@gmail.com We would like to hear from you. Our Web page is: http://fumcdublintx.com

MARCH 4, 2018

3/7/2018

First United Methodist Church News
March 4,2018


     We have an Administrative Council Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Clay Annex.
All committee chairmen need to attend, and any member is welcome to “sit in” on the meeting and hear our church’s business.
March 21 is the “Christ in Passover” program. This is a presentation you probably have never heard or seen before. We are hoping all other churches in the Dublin area will join us for this event.
     Our good friends, Rita Wilson, and her daughter Kellie McKenzie brought our church a large delivery of food from a food bank out of this area. We appreciate their efforts to get this to Dublin. Some things will benefit the Food Pantry, and some will be used at the Community Table.
    Paul Beaty was still in the hospital in Dallas having tests and doing procedures. He and Pat thank everyone for their prayers.
    Irene Sohm says their son Chris has his foot in a cast now and the biggest problem is to keep him from over doing things.
    We were thrilled to see Dr. Harlan Raley up and going last Sunday.
    Leta Sage was happy to have her cousin, Karen Gardner, visiting in our congregation.
     Our congregation extends sincere sympathy to the family and many friends of Harry Bradberry.
     D.J. Klutts served as Worship Leader Sunday and I operated the power point.
Several of our members were out because they attended the funeral of Lula Mae Schexnider in far east Texas.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon, “A Time to Get Angry!” He took his lesson from John 2:13-22. These verses in the Book of John tell us about Jesus driving the money changers and all the livestock from the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus said “Get these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a place of business.”
    A question we all must deal with from time to time is how to handle our anger. Real damage has been done because of uncontrolled anger.
    However, Christ’s example tells us there are times when a Christian ought to get angry. It is a great motivator.
     There are inequities and injustices in our world and Christians should care about these things. Melvin Wheatley said, “There are situations in life in which the absence of anger would be the essence of evil.” Maybe we could get angry enough to help solve some of the world’s problems.
      If it was good enough for Jesus, surely you and I are not too good to get riled up from time to time about the evils in our world.

FEBRUARY 14 AND 18TH NEWS

2/21/2018

First United Methodist Church News
February 14 & 18, 2018

     Ash Wednesday Service was well received. Pastor Ken said it felt a little strange to celebrate Ash Wednesday on St. Valentine’s Day.
     Pastor Ken passed out small heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolate candy to everyone attending the service. Then he preached from Joel 2:12-17.
     True love is a beautiful thing. The most beautiful love of all is the love God has for you and me. This service helps us prepare our hearts for the season of Lent.
     In this lesson from Joel the story stats with a disastrous invasion of locusts in Israel. The swarms reach for miles over the land and they eat and destroy all the plant life. The animals and the people suffered, and many died from starvation.
The locust plague was greater than ever before in Joel’s time. The distraught people ripped their clothing and ask God to save them. Joel writes, “Even now, declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.’ Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.”
     This past Sunday Laura Leatherwood served as Worship Leader. She read the scripture lesson from Genesis 9:8-17.
     We sang “Happy Birthday” to Corbin Gordon, Beckham Velasquez, Jill Moore, and Lee Lusk.
     Community Table this month will serve Lasagna, salad, garlic bread, ice tea and desserts. Plan to come to the Clay Annex to help cook, deliver, or eat! Who in Dublin needs a meal on the last Wednesday of the month? If you do or know who does, give the office a call. We would love to have you come to eat with us and enjoy the fellowship. I certainly do.
     Irene Sohm said their son, Chris, is healing from foot surgery, Lee Lusk’s 90-year-old sister has the flu, and Paul Beaty is not doing well.
     Our congregation extends sympathy to the family of Dr. Weldon H. Newton. Dr. Newton is the uncle of Mary Haley and Lisa Leatherwood.
     We were happy to have Kylie Williams of Fort Worth with us Sunday. Kylie was visiting our grandson, Jacob McCarley.
     “Noah and the Robots” was the title of Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon.
     When God created us, He gave us the freedom to decide our own destiny. Many believe that is what Genesis means when it says that God created man and woman in His own image. God is Spirit and we are flesh. We have no idea what God looks like.
     We can however, decide what is in our best interest or the interest of others we share this earth with. We are free to be all the good we can be or to destroy ourselves. God knew we might disappoint Him, but He did it anyway. God did not want a bunch of puppets.
     If you read about the future, you are aware that one of the great fears of bright people is the rapid development of so-called artificial intelligence or AI as it is popularly known. Siri on your iPhone, Cortana on your computer, or self-driving cars are a form of AI and they are already being used. When we think of intelligent machines we think of robots. Many worry that the robots will grow smarter than humans and decide they don’t need us.
     In Genesis it tells us that God regretted that He had made humans and His heart was deeply troubled. The story of Noah and the Flood is the culmination of that disappointment. But God allowed a remnant to remain because God never gives up hope on His beloved people. The waters recede, and God puts a rainbow in the heavens as a sign of His eternal grace.

FEBRUARY 4, 2018

2/13/2018

First United Methodist Church News
February 4, 2018

     Many thanks to everyone who stepped up to help with Community Table. We saw a different set of faces in the kitchen and dining room that night. The buttery, hot, gooey ham and cheese sandwiches and creamy potato soup was wonderful.
     We are looking forward to recognizing the Boy Scouts this Sunday.
     Ash Wednesday services will be at 6:00 P.M. on February 14 and no Administrative Council meeting will be held.
     Our church office will be closed on Monday, February 19 for President’s Day.
     Our congregation extends sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Elaine Haskell. Elaine lived in Midland and was the last surviving sister of Ray LaBaume.
     Stormy Armstrong will be taking her mother, Pat Humphries, into the doctor’s office for minor surgery. We pray all goes well for Pat because no surgery is minor when you are 89 years old.
     Leta Sage told us that her sister-in-law, Louise, and brother Frank Sharp, will travel to Denver, Colorado to the National Jewish Hospital in hopes of getting treatment for Louise.
     Liam Cisneros, grandson of Pat and Lisa Leatherwood has the flu again.
     Mac McKinnon is still high on our prayer list, he has been facing one difficulty after another.
     The Dublin Lions basketball team is playing well and fun to watch. They play home games on Tuesday nights.
    Kevin Stone was pleased to announce he will be a grandfather in September. We needed some positive news!
    D. J. Klutts served as Worship Leader and Pat Leatherwood delivered the sermon while Rev. Ken Lunsford recovers from the flu.
    Pat Leatherwood spoke about the stress of our modern society. Most of our ills are due to the fast pace we all keep. He also said we worry too much about things we cannot control. In Philippians 4:6-7 Paul says “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
     We concern ourselves about water pollution and air pollution, but the worst type of pollution is the things we allow to enter our minds!
     Thank God in all things, not for all things. Be content with what you have right now instead reaching for more or better. Remember both hands can’t catch the wind.
    To contact the church, email the office at msquatermass2017@gmail.com or call 445-2157.

January 21, 2018

1/26/2018

First United Methodist Church News
January 21, 2018

     Community Table is Wednesday, January 31. We still need drivers and volunteers. We begin serving at 5 PM and end at 7 PM. Mark your calendar for fun and fellowship.
     February 11 will be United Methodist Scouting Sunday.
     February 14 is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Wasn’t it just Christmas?
     Sammy and Jill Moore were happy to have all three of their sons home for a visit and in church with them.
     Pat and Lisa Leatherwood were home taking care of their grandson, Liam Cisneros, who had the flu.
     Pat Outlaw called to say she missed us but, she has been ill with difficult to cure infection.
     Pastor Ken is continuing with his radiation treatments. He drives every day, Monday through Friday to Walker Cancer Center in Brownwood.
     Elizabeth Young and Brady Moore had birthdays last Sunday while Sammy Moore and Robert Sohm will celebrate their birthday this coming Sunday.
     I served as Worship Leader for our service and our grandson, Jacob McCarley, worked the power point. The scripture lesson was from Mark 1:14-20.
     Our congregation extends sincere sympathy to the families of Ester McMillian and Jack Faulkner. Jack is the brother of Charles Faulkner. Also, sympathies go to the family and friends of Mary Walls. Mary is the aunt of Stormy Armstrong and a sister of Pat Humphries.
    “Danger in Procrastination” was the title of Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon.
      It is amazing that the first four disciples of Jesus’, responded to His call without hesitation. Mark tells us that Jesus, as He was walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon, and Andrew, casting a net into the lake. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will show you how to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed Him. When He had gone a little farther He saw James and John in a boat and called to them and without delay they left their father Zebedee and followed Jesus.
    Jesus’ call is one of urgency. This is the way life is. The important things require us to respond quickly. There comes a time when a person must change their way of living and do it now. Many times, tomorrow never comes. Procrastinating when you are heeding the call of God is the most serious procrastination of all. Say yes to God. Take that step today.

JANUARY 9, 2018

1/9/2018

First United Methodist Church News
January 8, 2018

     Stormy Armstrong is back from her extended Christmas vacation. Stormy along with members of her family traveled to New York City, Vermont, and New Mexico.
She is back in full swing now planning for the 100 anniversary of Armstrong Motors. This was a project of her late husband, Rodney, and Stormy and her children will fulfill his wishes.
    Lee and Betty Lusk were thrilled to announce they have a new great-granddaughter. Her name is Elena Lopez, Elena is the child of their granddaughter Candace.
     Happy anniversary to David and Annette Cleveland who celebrated on the second day of the new year. Cole Moore had a birthday on Monday, Virginia Stephen’s is today, Raymond Salinas’ is Saturday and Leta Sage’s is Wednesday.
     Our congregation extends sincere sympathy to the family of Joshua Dearmon who was killed in an automobile accident near Gustine in late December. Joshua’s mother is Pamela Tatum who is a friend of mine and Pastor Ken.
     Pastor Ken told us there was a need in the community for the donation of a built-in oven. If anyone is remodeling and has one, please call our office.
    Laura Leatherwood was our Worship Leader, she read the scripture lesson from Mark 1:4-11, and assisted Pastor Ken in administering communion.
    “Are You Spiritually Prepared” was the theme of Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon.
     John was a good distance from Jerusalem, out in the wilderness baptizing mostly Jews in the Jordan River.   Mark tells that the whole of Jerusalem and the countryside went out to him. John was preaching baptism for the repentance of sins and this was unusual because only converts to Judaism needed to be baptized.
     John was telling the crowds, “After me comes one more powerful and He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” John was preparing people spiritually for the coming of Christ and that is still why baptism is administered today.
     Repentance is so important to life. Our lives can get out of control to the point that God does not see His image in our souls. But God cares for us and offers grace, love, forgiveness, and His help in changing our direction, but only we can make the final decision. We do not repent for God, it is something God does for us. Would you hear His invitation, repent, and begin a new life today?
     Call us at 254-445-2157 or email at fumcdublin630@gmail.com . Our website is http://fumcdublintx.com