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First United Methodist Church News
June 21, 2015 The ladies enjoyed singing hymns before Bible Study on 6/17. Leta Sage played the piano and led our singing. The Bible lesson, video, and discussion were very informative. After their lesson was over the ladies ate lunch together at Granny Clark’s. The next Bible Study will be in July. The new floor tile was down and ready to walk on last Sunday. It is in the narthex at the entrance to the sanctuary. Our Worship Leader for last Sunday was Judy Lunsford, she read a sweet “Thank You” card from our former church secretary, Wanda Myers. We will miss Wanda and wish her well. It was announced that former members, Carter and Martha Cook of Austin, have made a substantial gift to our church. The gift was to recognize that their friend, Pastor Ken Lunsford, has been reappointed to Dublin First United Methodist Church and in honor of the Cook’s fifty-fifth wedding anniversary. We appreciate their donation very much and praise God for old friends. Ron and Maxine Baker of Pasadena, Texas were our guests for the second Sunday in a row. The Bakers visit at Proctor Lake and see relatives in this area. Norma Sharp enjoyed having her daughter, Donna Starkey, with her for church. We enjoyed Donna’s wonderful singing voice, of course she is Leta Sage’s sister. Pastor Ken saluted the fathers in our congregation and gave out two new Bibles to the fathers present with the most children. Rev. Ken Lunsford took his sermon from Matthew 10: 1-42, he titled it “The Love of a Father.” In this scripture Jesus is telling His disciples what they must do when they go out into the world. Jesus said to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, and throw out demons. He also tells them to watch out for evil people, He says “Look, I’m sending you as sheep among wolves. Be wise as snakes and innocent as doves.” He gives them “Fatherly advice.” The most common image that Jesus used in describing God was that of “Father.” In Matthew 10:29-31 we have an important reminder of the love of our Heavenly Father for His children. Jesus tells “Aren’t two sparrows sold for a small coin? But not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father knowing about it already. Even the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” The Father’s love does not protect us from life’s problems, but neither are these problems punishment upon us for our sins. Here is where our theology of the cross of Christ becomes critical. We live under the rule of Grace. Because of what happened on the cross at Calvary, we believers in Christ believe He paid it all. Terrible tragedies do occur in our world, but the child of God, by His grace, can bear any burden and triumph over any tragedy. His grace is sufficient! First United Methodist Church News
June 14, 2015 Pastor Ken Lunsford and Ray LaBaume traveled to Granbury last Saturday on church business and had to miss all the Dublin Reunion activities. Mary Haley was our Worship Leader for last Sunday, she read the scripture and gave the announcements. Michael Haley operated the power point and they both did a great job, stepping into their roles on a moment’s notice. The congregation sang “Happy Birthday” to Mary Haley who will be celebrating on June 29. Melba Rasberry had almost a pew full of guests with her last Sunday, she was smiling from “ear to ear.” Our congregation extends sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Sidney Fine and Leon Turney. Rev. Ken Lunsford was ill this past Sunday and could not preach, so yours truly, Judy Lunsford stepped in for him. The decision was made at 4 A.M. that I should be ready to serve at Laurel St. United Methodist and Dublin First United Methodist Church. My sermon was titled “What God’s Kingdom is Like!” The message was from Mark 4: 26-34. In these verses of Mark, Jesus is explaining in a parable what God’s Kingdom is like. He compares it to a sower scattering seeds on the ground. Jesus says, “The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.” Next Jesus uses a parable about a small mustard seed to teach about the Kingdom of God. He told that a mustard seed which is the smallest of seeds can grow a large shrub, so large that the birds can make their nests in its shade. In this modern day and age it is still a mystery what causes seeds to sprout. The sower in Jesus’ story did not understand why they sprouted, he only had faith that they would, in time, bring a harvest. And so far scientist have not been able to create a synthetic seed and make it grow. It is our task now to plant the seeds of God’s Kingdom. We don’t know if they will take hold, but that should not discourage us. Growth takes place because of God’s initiative not our manipulations. We need to be patient and not give up, because growth takes longer than we may expect. God works in ways we don’t understand, often hidden from our view. The story of the mustard seed is encouragement for us. There is still hope, God is with us even when our efforts are frustrated. Remember God is the source of growth and something that starts out small will blossom into something huge. Have you some seed you could scatter today? How about unconditional love and encouragement. First United Methodist Church News
June 07, 2015 The Trustee Committee believes they have found a lovely substitute for the parquet flooring which was ruined during the hail storms. It is ceramic tile. Our committee was advised not to use wood on that area again by our insurance provider and by a local contractor. We want you to know the trustees have met almost as often as the “old men’s coffee crowd.” Any special memorials for a loved one given to either the flooring fund or the new roof would be appropriate and greatly appreciated. Pastor Ken Lunsford has been attending The Annual Conference of the Central Conference of the United Methodist Church. Alford Haves attended also as a representative of our congregation. Our Administrative Council will meet Wednesday, 6-10 at 6:00 P.M. All members are invited to attend. The ladies Bible Study will hold a summer meeting on Wednesday, 6-17 at 10:00 A.M. Then the ladies will go together, to a local restaurant for lunch. All ladies in our community are welcome to join us for this time of study and sisterhood in Christ. Judy Lunsford was our Worship Leader on Sunday, 6-7. The congregation wished Pastor Ken Lunsford and Judy a happy anniversary which was 6-5 and also a happy anniversary to Cliff and Nancy Wooldridge who celebrated on 6-9. Virginia Stephen of Stephenville was present with us and said she was looking forward to Dublin’s big reunion day on Saturday, 6-13. Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon “Don’t Give Up.” He took his message from 2 Corinthians 4:13 – 5:1. St. Paul had as many problems as anyone and probably more than most. He was persecuted, shipwrecked, beaten, thrown in prison, and we understand he was martyred. He spent years traveling under primitive conditions. Paul made enormous sacrifices for the cause of Christ and yet he never seemed to get discouraged. Paul writes in 2Corinthians 4: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Paul tells us to fix our eyes not on what is seen, which is only temporary, but on what is unseen which is eternal. He says we have an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Paul was an amazing man with an immovable faith in God. It’s the kind of faith you and I need. Because Paul knew Christ is alive, he knew life conquers death, hope conquers despair, and love defeats hate. We need this attitude when we want to give up on life. Paul’s confidence was founded on the resurrection of Christ! It is the sure hope that because of Christ, tomorrow will be better than today. The singing and Covered Dish Luncheon went great last Sunday.
Melba Rasberry had her daughter, Brenda, join her for church and the luncheon. Lisa Leatherwood and Mary Haley had their sister, Brenda Horn, sitting with them for church so the three sisters were all in one pew! Carl B. Sanders was a visitor also and sat with his sister, Kathy Logan. Barbara Stevens was joined for lunch by her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Andy Harrell, and their four children. Joe Logan came for lunch to visit with Carl B. and Kathy. Alford Havens enjoyed visiting with both Carl B. and Joe, they can talk about former school days and past Boy Scout adventures all day long. The congregation gave Connor Moore a round of applause for his academic accomplishments. Connor will be a senior in high school next fall. The Ladies Bible Study has concluded its study and will break for the summer with this exception, they will meet once a month for a program and then all go to lunch together. The first monthly meeting is Wednesday, June 17, at 10:00 a.m. We welcome guests to join with us. Our church reminds you to donate to UMCOR which is the world-wide relief branch of the United Methodist Church. You may be sure your money is wisely put to use to aid people and not for large salaries and this catastrophe is right down the road. Sunday, June 7, is communion and also a day to bring food for the Food Pantry. Sammy Moore read the scriptures in John 3: 1-17. In these verses Nicodemus, a Jewish leader, scholar, and teacher wants to see and speak with Jesus because Nicodemus believes Jesus has come from God. Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born again or it is not possible to see God’s kingdom. This is very difficult for Nicodemus to grasp. “How is it possible for an adult to enter their mother’s womb and be born a second time” he asks. We are all broken men and women and our need is to be healed, changed, and forgiven. Whether educated or uneducated, Jew or Gentile, black or white, rich or poor, powerful or weak, religious or sinner, we must all be born anew! Born of water and the Spirit. God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life. The Fifth Sunday Singing and Covered Dish Luncheon is this coming Sunday, 5-31. People are calling into the church office and asking for “old favorite’ hymns to be added to the list for the worship service. I better get on the ball and call my favorite in also.
Our Trustee Committee had a called meeting on Monday 5-25 even though it was Memorial Day. We met at 10 a.m. for a review of damages to our church and learn how much the insurance coverage will be on certain items. As soon as our new roof is on we will replace the parquet flooring which was ruined by water flowing in from the ceiling. There is a “Fifth Sunday Singing” on Sunday, 5-31 at 6:00 p.m. at James Fritts’ Farm on county road 336. Bring a lawn chair, some cookies or homemade ice cream and be prepared to sing. Community Table was on Wednesday, 5-29 and tacos were on the menu! The Annual Conference of the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church is coming up in June. Rev. Ken Lunsford will be in attendance at the conference along with representatives of Dublin First Church and Laurel St. United Methodist. Our congregation extends sympathy to the Cortez family on their loss. Kathy Logan was pleased to have her daughter, Marla Logan, in from Midland for a visit. We were glad to see Marla in church last Sunday. Jill Moore read the scripture lesson, it was from John 15: 26-27 and 16: 4-15. In this section of the Gospel of John Jesus is explaining about the Holy Spirt or Companion to his disciples. Jesus says “He will show the world it was wrong about sin, righteousness, and judgment.” Jesus wants us to witness and bear fruit in our endeavors. Can we witness to God’s presence in the world? Can we demonstrate our faith authentically enough to attract people to Christ? On our own, probably not. But Jesus says that there is a power available; he is the Holy Spirit. He is an advocate, intercessor, companion, comforter and counselor. What we cannot do alone can be accomplished because we have a helper in the Holy Spirit! Let’s get involved in the game of Life. |
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