The First United Methodist Church
First Methodist Church Dublin, Texas
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September 21, 2014

9/22/2014

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Our fall “Harvest Festival” will be on Saturday, October 25 in the annex.  There will be a fish fry with all the trimmings, a silent auction and live auction.  So be prepared for good food and a good time.

     On the 21st the congregation was pleased to see new carpet in the sanctuary; it is a deep red color very much like the original 1979 carpet. 

     Ray LaBaume along with Pastor Ken Lunsford over-saw the installation crew doing the carpet.  It was quite a chore to collect the hymnals, Bibles, pencils and envelopes and move them, then take up the pews, altar, and altar rail and move them to the foyer.  Everything is now back in its place as it should be.  Many thanks to the members who volunteered to work on Saturday, 9-20 to restock the back of the pews and put out the flowers.

     Cole Moore and Joe Salinas served as acolytes this past Sunday, Conner Moore and David Cleveland took the offering, and Laura Leatherwood was the Worship Leader.

     Laura also gave the children’s lesson.  She asked the children if they ever said “That’s not fair!”  They answered yes they did, especially lately at some football games. 

Laura reminded them that Jesus told parables; she said parables are telling a story.  She said Jesus told a story about a landowner who had a vineyard and he needed workers. The landowner hired workers early in the morning to work for the usual day’s wage.  Next he hired some more workers at 9 a.m., and then he hired more and more all through the day.  When it came time to pay the workers they all got the same money, so the early workers said that is not fair!  Then the landowner said “Aren’t I allowed to do what I want with my money?” 

    The lesson is, you may follow Jesus’ teaching when you are young and spend all your life serving God and someone else may not know about serving God till they are old, but you will all receive your reward in heaven.  The children were ‘rewarded” with a small bag of green grapes and a coloring page.

     Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon “I Did You No Wrong.”  In Matthew 20:1-16 Jesus tells the story of the vineyard owner who pays all his workers the same days wage whether they began at sunrise or at 5 o’clock.   When the earlier workers complained about the pay the man replies “I did you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?”

     There is a story about a little church in Winchester Virginia whose minister was worried and preoccupied one Sunday morning.  At the close of the service the minister told his congregation about his daughter. “You know my wife and I have a daughter we haven’t seen in a long while.  She had a lifestyle that we didn’t approve of.  We found her in an apartment with no heat, electricity or warm water.  She has a three month old baby boy, our grandson. We asked her if she wanted to come home and she said yes.”

     Many of you will not approve of her living in your parsonage, but she’s our daughter and we love her.  There are two doors into our church, I’ll be at one and if you don’t want to shake my hand you can go out the other, that’s ok.

     People are always slipping out the back or side door to get away quickly for lunch or some other reason.  But, that Sunday every member went out the minister’s door to shake his hand. And they didn’t stop there; they accepted the daughter and her child into their congregation.

     We don’t comprehend the nature of God’s unmerited grace.  The Kingdom of God is not about how hard or how long we work.  We sing songs like “Amazing Grace,” but we are usually uncomfortable with last minute conversions.  We feel that these persons have gotten away with both worlds. It doesn’t seem fair.  Something else wasn’t fair, that Jesus, a sinless man, went to the cross for your sins and mine, yet that is what happened.

     It makes no difference whether you came to Christ seventy years ago, or if you come to Christ today. He loves you the same.

     See us online at http://fumcdublintx.weebly.com

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September 14, 2014

9/17/2014

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      Community Table will be Wednesday, 9-24 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.  Come and join us and bring a friend you can stay and visit or “jump up” and leave as soon as you eat. 

      Stephenville First United Methodist Church hosted members of the West District of the Central Texas Conference on Monday, 9-15.  It was a training and information program on preventing child abuse in our churches.  Pastor Ken Lunsford, Judy Lunsford, Juanita Duncan and Laura Leatherwood represented Dublin First United Methodist.  The event was well attended by representatives of churches in our West District.  The training was given by Greg Love who has worked with many organizations including the United States Olympics to prevent or recognize child abuse.

     Stormy Armstrong served as our Worship Leader on Sunday, 9-7.  Stormy assisted Pastor Ken with administering Communion which is served on the first Sunday of the month.

      Lee and Morgan Leatherwood were visitors on the 7th and Lee operated the Power Point for the congregation.  We appreciate his help so much.

     Laura Leatherwood presented the children’s lesson.  Laura brought pencils to show the children, but they were unusual pencils.  First she showed a pencil with erasers on both ends, the children laughed at that.  Next she had a pencil that was sharp on both ends and finally Laura had one with one eraser and one sharp end.

     Laura said we all make mistakes, but we can’t get anything done with all erasers and we can’t correct our mistakes with only the lead ends.  We need a balanced life with both.  Laura said Jesus will always help us with our mistakes; Jesus can erase the mistakes we make in life when we ask for forgiveness. 

     Our congregation extends sympathy to the family, friends, and co-workers of Linda Sparks.

      Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon on 9-7 was about ‘How to Hug”, the scripture that inspired it was Romans 13:8-14.

      Loving and hugging are not necessarily the same thing, but a hug can be an expression of love.  And love is at the heart of the Gospel.  St. Paul writes that love is the fulfillment of the law.  He says the commandments are summed up in one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

      Paul was echoing the words of Jesus: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” said our Savior. “This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  Love is not the negation of the law. Law lived within the protective confines of self-giving love produces a life of grace and beauty.

      Judy Lunsford was the Worship Leader on 9-14.  Judy read a card from Nancy Wooldridge thanking our church for the flowers sent to her and the members for their prayers and cards.  Nancy had surgery to her knee and is feeling much better.

      The congregation sang “Happy Birthday” to our September birthdays which are; David Cleveland, Norma Sharp and Kaitlyn Gordon.  We also wished James and Leta Sage a happy anniversary on 9-28.

       Pastor Ken titled his sermon “Forgive! How Many Times?”  His message was from Matthew 18:21-35.  In this section of the Bible Peter asks Jesus how many time he should forgive his brother.  Peter asks seven times?  But Jesus replies seventy times seven.

       Scribal law read to forgive a man three transgresses, but not the fourth time.  Jesus seems to be saying that forgiveness should be an unlimited resource in our lives.

       As Jesus hung on the cross He forgave those who crucified him, those who were taunting him.  Imagine Jesus forgiving everyone who has ever betrayed him including you and me.  He taught unlimited forgiveness and He practiced unlimited forgiveness.

       Accept the grace that is offered to you today. And then, in the name of the One who has forgiven you a debt which you cannot possibly repay, extend grace to others!

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August 31, 2014

9/3/2014

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Our Community Table supper held on 8/27 was bigger than ever!   We had 101 folks fed.  With the price of groceries going up it is a wonder the entire town isn’t here to eat with us.  Please help us get the word out to more families with children so they will come on the last Wednesday of the month for a free meal. 

     How about those Dublin Lions!  We congratulate the coaches and team.  Two of our members are playing Lion football this year and we pray for their health and safety.

     The Fifth Sunday Singing was a lot of fun and spiritual also.  Leta Sage, our pianist and song leader for the service, said we sounded good and there was even some harmonizing!

      The covered dish meal after services Sunday was delicious with about three times too much food. We got to take home some of Norma Sharp’s Chicken Spaghetti casserole.  Yippee!

     Lee and Betty Lusk brought grandchildren and great-grandchildren to church with them.

     Neva Smith’s cousin, Danny Handcock along with his lovely family, came to visit with us Sunday and stayed for lunch.

     Virginia Stephen was to have cataract surgery Tuesday and she asked for our prayers that all goes well. 

      The Trustee Committee will meet on Monday, 9/8 at 6:00 p.m. in the foyer.  Call the church office or Stormy Armstrong if you cannot attend, we must have a quorum to vote on decisions.

      Wednesday, 9/10 the Administrative Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Clay Annex.

      One of the hardest working volunteers in Dublin, David Cleveland, has a birthday on Sunday, 9/7.  Happy Birthday to a nice guy!

      Pastor Ken asked for prayers for Jill Hodges who is fighting cancer.  Jill is a wonderful pianist and has played for Laurel St. United Methodist Church and Greens Creek Methodist.

      Rev. Ken Lunsford preached a sermon titled “Auditing the Class.”  When you audit a class you go and sit in the college classroom, but you do not have to take tests nor do you receive any grade or credit for it.

      Many Christians sit in church on Sunday mornings and audit the sermon.  They have a textbook, the Bible, in hand and listen to the pastor.  But all they want to do is audit, they don’t want to be expected to do any homework.  They don’t want to pass any tests God may send their way to check their understanding. When you live this way there will be no divine recognition and no experience of calling.

     Jesus said to Peter and the other disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple, must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Taking up your cross means you are willing to live the Christ-life regardless of the costs.  But why, someone might ask, should we make a life-long commitment like that in the first place?  Because God has made that commitment to us.

   

 

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August 24, 2014

9/2/2014

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Labor Day weekend on Sunday, 8-31 we will have Fifth Sunday singing and a covered dish dinner.   Please come to church and stay for the meal, it will be fun.

  Lisa Leatherwood announced that Joe Horn was on his way home to Dublin from Harris Hospital in Fort Worth.  We are thankful and so is Joe’s wife, Brenda.

  Travis Rasberry is back home from a hospital stay.  I’m sure Melba will spoil him at home.

  We learned that Joseph Cisneroz has been hired as the Youth Director for the Deleon United Methodist Church.  Joseph is married to the former Amy Leatherwood.  The Leatherwood family is happy for this opportunity for Joseph.

  Keith and Kelcy Sage were our guests last Sunday, they live in San Marcos and were visiting Keith’s parents, James and Leta Sage.

   Cliff and Nancy Wooldridge got their grandson Cody settled in at Tarleton.  Move in day at college is always a challenge and this time Nancy had a big brace on her leg.  Nancy’s knee will soon be operated on so let us all pray for a speedy recovery.

   Lee Lusk’s sister, Betty Jones and Betty’s son Crandall, are both new residents of Golden Age Home.  Let’s show these folks our love and support as they make new adjustments.

   Laura Leatherwood was honored for her work in organizing our vacation Bible school program this past July.

Pastor Ken Lunsford gave Laura a certificate and many thanks for her excellent work.

   Others present were recognized for their work and contribution to the vacation Bible school.

   All teachers, students, and a school board member were called to the altar rail for a back to school litany.  A congregational reading was given, prayers were offered for the well-being and safety of the group and each one was anointed with oil by Pastor Ken. 

  Laura Leatherwood served as Worship Leader with Cole Moore and Joe Salinas performing as acolytes.

  Rev. Ken Lunsford told us about the only two people in the Bible that were praised by Jesus as having great faith and both of these people were Gentiles.

  One was a Roman centurion in Capernaum who had a deathly ill servant.  The centurion valued his servant highly and sent some Jewish elders to ask for Jesus’ help.  The elders respected the Roman because he had built their synagogue.  So Jesus went with them, but before they arrived a messenger met them and brought word from the Roman that he believed if Jesus would say for the servant to be healed that the man would be, that it was necessary for Jesus to come to his house.   The servant was well when the centurion’s friends returned to his home.

  The other person was a persistent Canaanite woman.  The Jews thought a Canaanite was a low person indeed.

   The story happens in the region of Tyre and Sidon.  The woman came to Jesus crying out “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering.”   One of life’s greatest heartaches is when our children suffer.  We will go to the ends of the earth to help them.

    Jesus does not answer her right away, and then says “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”  But the mother does not give up and answers back “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”  The response from Jesus was “Woman, you have great faith! You request is granted.”

   Maybe you feel like a stranger to God’s grace.  Bring your hurt, your needs, and your plea to Jesus.  Give Him the chance to bring healing to your situation.

 

 

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August 17, 2014

9/2/2014

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The Community Table will be the last Wednesday in August, which is on the 27th.    We fed about 85 folks last month.   Spaghetti, bread, drink and dessert will be available from 5:00 till 7:30 p.m. at no cost!  Get a ride or ask a neighbor to come with you, but don’t miss the good food and the fellowship. 

 Don’t eat alone if at all possible; being with people and enjoying good conversation and laughter is important for digestion.

Sunday, 8-31 is Fifth Sunday singing and covered dish dinner.  Oh boy, more fun and food.  It is another “eat-arama!”

Mary Haley served as Worship Leader on the 17th while Alford Havens and David Cleveland were ushers.

Pat and Lisa Leatherwood along with Brenda Horn made a trip to Granbury to see Joe Horn who is in the hospital.  Joe had a second procedure to correct problems after the first surgery, but is doing much better.  Keep praying till Joe is back home in Dublin!

Virginia Stephens had more stories to tell Sunday, she has an unending supply of great-grandchildren. 

 Virginia was helped to stand on a chair at the Dublin Rodeo Museum on 8-16 and burn a brand onto the wall, it is the “Trigger S.”  It is a unique brand, but I was afraid several of us were going to wear that brand before Virginia stopped waving it around.  In her defense she was telling the brand’s history.

  Neva Smith was happy to say she saw her youngest granddaughter graduate from Texas A&M University and we celebrate with her.

  Our guests for services on 8-17 were Paul and Kathy Stonum and their pretty daughter Emma.  Also returning to visit was Vicky Lyon and her mother Annette.       

 Rev. Ken Lunsford preached on “Great Faith.”  He based his lesson on the book of Matthew 15:10-20 and 21-28.

 The defining questions of is what do you believe about Jesus?  This question will determine your values, many of your attitudes and your general orientation toward life.

You could believe Jesus was a great teacher like Confucius or a great historical figure like Gandhi.  But if you believe that Jesus is who He said He is, the Son of God, then He has a claim on you.  Jesus Himself asked, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”  Simon Peter answered the question, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 

  Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”

    Many people call themselves Christians, but live their lives a different way.  They live no different than atheists.  They never truly examine their souls.

I say to them, “Let me from this day forward by the grace of God live as the person that Jesus Christ has called me to be.” Amen! 

  

 

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August 3, 2014

9/2/2014

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The garage sale our church had in front of Rodney Armstrong’s building last Saturday was a success.  It was a fast, “thrown together” sale off of several 16 foot flatbed trailers.  Much appreciation goes to those who helped in any way, from the guys who lent us trailers to the ladies who came to sell and “sack up.”  

 We still have plenty in the First Methodist barn for another sale in the future.

Ola Mae LaBaume baked delicious, tender brownies and sent a pan full to the sale so we could keep our strength up.  

 Judy Lunsford visited with Wanda Patterson last week at Three Oaks assisted living.  While Judy was there she got to see her former neighbor, Ruth Barton.

The Administrative Council meeting to be held on 8-20 is cancelled.  Pastor Ken will be away on other business.   

 Our church received a thoughtful thank you message concerning the June Trice funeral service and luncheon, it was from June’s brother, Carl B. Sanders.

  It was fun to have Virginia Stephen in church with us last Sunday.  Virginia lives in Stephenville, but she come “home” to see us when she can. 

  Virginia has been traveling this summer and had tales to tell, she said where she went the fields were green and the “buffalo wallers” were full of water.

   A “special” offering on two Sundays was taken for Butch and Carolyn Belew, they are the parents of Mickey Belew who is fighting pancreatic cancer in Harris Hospital. 

  There were four visitors with us for church on the 3rd and this congregation is happy to see them. 

  Lisa Leatherwood brought a friend, Lee Lusk brought his sister and brother-in-law, and a new citizen to Dublin came by to worship with us.

  Travis Rasberry is in the hospital and we are concerned to hear that.  

  Lisa Leatherwood and Mary Haley have a brother-in-law, Joe Horn, recuperating from extensive surgery.  We wish Joe the best, hurry and get well.

  Juanita Duncan lost her sister June Douglas unexpectedly.  Our sympathy and love goes out to Juanita and her family.

  Two members of our Methodist West District family have passed away; Jim Olney, a former district superintendent for this area has died and Sue Sorrells, wife of retired pastor Kermit Sorrells has passed also.  Sue was a longtime friend of Judy Lunsford, they were in Methodist organizations together and Eastern Star as well.

  Neva Smith and Melba Rasberry both had birthdays on 8-6, then Ola Mae LaBaume and Paul Beaty share a birthday on 8-13.

  Jim and Laura Leatherwood are celebrating an anniversary on 8-7, congratulations.

  Rev. Ken Lunsford and Ray LaBaume helped a lady move to Dublin.  They worked pretty hard last Monday for men of their age or any age!  They will have plenty of aches and pains, but more stars in their crowns.

  “You – Feed Them” was the title of the sermon Pastor Ken delivered to our congregation.  His lesson was taken from Matthew 14: 13-21.  This is the story of the feeding of five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish.

  Jesus told His disciples to feed the crowd gathered to hear Him speak.  He said you feed them, He did not ask the disciples what they had to work with.  Jesus knew that no task undertaken at God’s command is impossible.  If God tells us to go out and feed a hungry world with eatable bread but also with the Word of God, the bread of life, is it impossible?  No it is not! If Christ tells us to make disciples of all people, is that impossible? No, it is not!  No task undertaken at God’s command is impossible.  Our God is a God of miracles.  Will you give God the chance to make more opportunity in your life? 

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