First United Methodist Church News
January 27, 2019
 
     Pastor Ken Lunsford traveled on Monday to Glen Rose to attend a pastor’s training retreat.  He saw many old friends and bought a United Methodist cap.  Just what is needed here at home is a Methodist cap.
     Our congregation extends sincere sympathy to the friends and family of Bud McKinney. I found Bud to be a sweet fella.
     We send prayers for Ruth Marsh and Nancy Lozano who are not doing well.
     DJ Klutts served as Worship Leader and read the scripture lesson from Luke 4:14-30.     
     At the beginning of services our congregation received a very generous grant from the Stephenville Area Chapter #2834 of the International Order of Elks.  Representatives from the Elks Lodge, Larry Stanford, Crystal Whitefield and also Alford Havens, presented a check to Pastor Ken Lunsford, DJ Klutts, David Cleveland and Leta Sage.  We are deeply thankful for this donation to the Community Table and the Food Pantry.  This is the third year in a row that they have given us a grant for this purpose, and we have been able to help a lot of people in our community.  God is good all the time.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford based his sermon on today’s scripture from Luke.  
     Luke was a Greek physician who knew what he was writing about.  Luke was excited about his subject and made his point plain. Luke said he felt qualified to “write an orderly account.”
      That first generation of Christians felt a certainty about the way of life they had chosen.  They would not have put their lives in jeopardy for their beliefs unless they were certain!  The four Gospels are different in style and content, but they have one thing in common: The quality of certainty.  There is no hesitancy, no caution. Just this: “I know whom I have believed.”  They are unanimous about the nature, person, and power of Jesus the Christ.
     The Samaritans who heard the Samaritan Woman’s testimony at the well said.  “We no longer believe because of what you have said, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.” 
By God’s grace, we ought to be able to speak in that same way.
     We would like to hear from you, call 254-445-2157.  Our website is http://fumcdublintx.com .
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First United Methodist Church News
January 20, 2019
 
     Community Table is Wednesday, Jan. 30 and we are serving hot soup and sandwiches.  That we be great especially if it is a cold, blustery day.  And there are always delicious desserts, tea, and coffee to enjoy.  So, come to help or come to eat.
     Pat and Lisa Leatherwood were happy to have their three-year-old grandson, Liam Cisneros, with them for church.
     The children’s lesson was given by Pastor Ken.  He explained to the youngsters how important Jewish weddings were back in Jesus’ time and serving enough food and wine was expected by the guests.  Jesus and his disciples were invited, and they went there. The first miracle Jesus performed was to turn water into wine.  The children received coloring pages from Pastor Ken before they politely returned to their seats.
     I acted as Worship Leader and brothers, Joe and Jaxson Salinas performed as acolytes.
     Neva Smith said she was so glad to be back in church with us, but she had been out sick so long she thought she should register as a guest!
     Rev. Ken Lunsford was installed as the Eminent Commander and Alford Havens as Standard Bearer of Stephenville Commandery #100 of the Knight Templar this past Monday evening. Congratulations to these Methodist gentlemen and others who are held in high esteem by this organization.
     The scripture reading was from John 2:1-11, this is the telling of the first miracle performed by Jesus Christ.
     John begins by saying on the third day after Jesus had left Judea.  Jesus and the disciple went to Cana in Galilee and it was a two day walk to Galilee. Cana was a small village about 3.5 miles from Nazareth and Jesus’ mother, Mary, was there for the wedding also.
     Wedding festivities could last for days.  Much food and wine were served to the guests.  It was so important to do this that there are records of families being sued for running out of refreshments.  It was a serious problem.
     That explains why Mary, the mother of Jesus, brought it to his attention.  Now Jesus did not see why He should become involved, but His mother had confidence and told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”  That’s always good advice.
     A lesson we can take from this is the purpose of miracles in the New Testament are signs that Jesus is who He says He is.
     Have you seen miracles? I believe we have, if you are attuned to the presence of God in your life.
     We believe the Holy Spirt is God’s presence with us. Call us at 254-445-2157 or email at fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com , our website is http://fumcdublintx.com .
 
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First United Methodist Church News
January 6, 2019
 
     Our congregations sincerely hope you had joyous Christmas and a safe, meaningful New Year.
     It was an eventful December for both United Methodist Churches here in Dublin.
     Pastor Ken Lunsford gave a Christmas talk at the Stephenville Knights Templar Christmas observance and dinner on Monday, 12-17.  Next, he conducted the funeral service on 12/20 for his friend and mine, Barbara Stevens.  On Sunday, 12/23 he preached at three services, one was a Christmas program and a baptism at Laurel St. UMC.
On Christmas Eve Pastor Ken delivered a moving lesson.  On Christmas day we wore our pajamas most of the day and were thankful for our many blessings.
     Our congregation provides a meeting place for the local Boy Scouts and they had their Christmas party here on 12/18.  The Cub Scouts held their party on 12/20.
     In between the scouts, our church and community volunteers were able to use the building for the Community Table on 12/19 and a luncheon for the Stevens family on 12/20.    
     Congratulations to Gene and DJ Klutts on their fiftieth wedding anniversary.  They had a beautiful celebration on 12/29 in the Clay Annex.  Many of their relatives and friends from Oklahoma and Texas were present.
     Stormy Armstrong had knee replacement surgery this past Tuesday in Kerrville. Stormy asks for your prayers for a successful outcome and quick recovery.  Her children plan to care for Stormy and they will deserve our fervent prayers also.
     I have chosen the Christmas Eve sermon to write about. Rev. Ken Lunsford reminded us that “Love came down at Christmas.” Love came into our world to redeem us from the powers of sin and death.
      In Luke’s story the primary attendants to Jesus’ birth are shepherds.  Only God would have glorified such a lowly occupation by having them present at the holiest of events. A humble shepherd could say, “I beheld the King of Kings, God Incarnate, the Savior of the World in a manager at Bethlehem.
     God takes the lowliest of people and glorifies them.  In doing so God teaches us that we should never, regard with disdain any other human being. The scriptures teach us that when we reach out to one of the least of these, we reach out to Christ Himself.
      Through the baby of Bethlehem, God made Himself available to all. But don’t worship from a distance, we must welcome His Spirit into our lives.  Christ must become part of our very being.  Have you taken that step? Invite the Savior in - it will be the definitive moment of your life.
     We believe God’s infinite love is available to all, call us at 254-445-2157 or email at fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com , or Pastor Ken at fumcdublin630@gmail.com : our website is http://fumcdublintx.com .
 
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