First United Methodist Church News
August 4, 2019
     
D.J Klutts announced the head count for last week’s Community Table was about 300.  It is hard to get a clear count because some people eat twice and get another plate.  D.J. does know that we fed 88 folks “in house.”  That is one of our best attended meals!  A total of 320 meals were served.
     Gee whiz, if we can throw a party that quick, I think it is time we had a “Lord’s Acre” fund raiser.
We just need to settle on a date for it, and menu.  
      I have a story to tell!  Juanita Duncan’s oldest son, Terry, told Pastor Ken Lunsford that his younger brother Tommy saved Juanita’s life. Terry said if Tommy had not insisted and taken Juanita to the emergency room at Stephenville, she would not have survived!    Juanita now has a pacemaker and she is much better. God bless and keep Juanita and for sure, God bless Tommy.
     We have a much-improved parking lot.  It has been repaired and re-striped.  Many thanks to Gene and D.J. Klutts for their generous gift to our congregation.
     We are thrilled to see three guests back with us Sunday.
     The chairs donated by Robert and Irene Sohm are very comfortable. Come and try one out, you will be like Goldie Locks, and find just the right one.
     Pastor Ken’s good friend, Kevin Caraway, will bring the message this Sunday and Kevin’s lovely daughter-in-law, Sarah Caraway, will sing for our congregation.  Please be here to hear it.
     Lisa Leatherwood served as Worship Leader and read the scripture from Luke 12:13-21.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford’s lesson was titled. “Be Rich Toward God!”
     In Luke, Jesus warns against all kinds of greed.  Jesus told a man to guard himself because one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, not even for the very wealthy.  Then Jesus told a parable about a man whose land produced a bountiful crop.  He thought he would tear down his old barns and build bigger ones to hold all his grain.  But God said to the man, “Fool, tonight you will die. Now who will get the things you have prepared.”  Jesus warned, “This is the way it will be for those who hoard things for themselves and are not rich toward God.
     Money is important. But it is only a means by which we reach higher goals. It is all right to make investments if we understand that the best investment that we can make is in the Kingdom of God. 
     All that we have is on loan from the Lord God. When we share and freely give, we acknowledge that. Let us store our money in the stomachs of the hungry, the bodies of the sick, and the spread of the Gospel.  Then we shall be rich toward God!
   “Right Now, Media” provides streaming Christian content to over 16,000 churches world-wide. Dublin First Methodist makes this available via the internet to our members, our friends, and neighbors for free.  Go to our web site http://fumcdublintx.com – click on More, scroll down to Links and Resources, then click on the Right Now Media link.  Register and explore the site.
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​First United Methodist Church News
July 28, 2019
    
       Pastor Ken and I attended the Pecan Valley Emmaus meeting on 7-25 at Comanche First United Methodist Church.  We enjoyed a covered dish supper and a lot of fellowship.  That was followed by a service in the sanctuary with congregational singing led by the “Son-Risers” praise band.  We had a fine sermon by the brand-new Comanche Methodist minister, Rick Mang.  The evening ended with holy communion.
       If you would like to know more about the “Walk to Emmaus” experience, please call our church office at 254-445-2157 or email us at fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com. 
     We had three guests with us Sunday and we were grateful to see them and hope they come back.
     D.J. Klutts served as Worship Leader and did an outstanding job. She read the scripture lesson from Luke 11:1-13. D.J. gave the welcome, the announcements, and the opening and closing prayers.  
     Juanita Duncan has had some health issues and she is on our prayer list.  Juanita missed church Sunday, so you know she was feeling bad.
     Laura Leatherwood asked for prayers for Rocky Ford, Rocky is a friend of Jimmy Leatherwood.  Patty Hirst ask that we include Brad Gray in our prayers.  Then Larry Stanford asked that we pray for his mother who is now doing radiation treatments.
     Ray La Baume is feeling better and stronger.  We hope that continues.
     I spoke with Debra Swanson, who attends Graham Street Church of Christ, Debra asked for prayers for their “Basic Needs” ministries.  The untimely death of Sandy Steele has led to difficulties for that program.  Keep them in your prayers.
     Our congregation extends sympathy to the family and friends of Lewis Smith.  Lewis was a neighbor to Neva Smith, and we know she will miss him.       
     Bob and Irene Sohm have donated some lovely chairs to go with the conference table on the south side of our foyer. They have donated a table to be used for desserts to go in fellowship hall. Much thanks and sincere blessings go to Bob and Irene.
       Coming soon!  Work will start right away on repairing our parking lot.  But we can’t use it for a while so everyone will be parking on the grass.  It should be available for parking on Sunday.
      “Lord Teach Us to Pray,” was the title of Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon.
     Some people get discouraged give up on their faith because they feel a sense of failure in their prayer life.
     Many, question how do you pray, when do you pray, or why pray at all?  Even the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.”
     Now don’t expect me to answer why some prayers are answered and others are not!   That is above my paygrade!  But I can tell you to trust God and that God loves you and is working to make all things work to your good.  Pray, knowing that God loves you, and leave the results to God.
     Learn to find comfort and wisdom in accepting whatever answer God sends you.  That is a wise philosophy of life.
     Jesus told His followers to say, “Our Father.”  Never had they referred to God in such a familiar form.  It was like saying, “Our Daddy.”  We say “your kingdom come” because we know our heavenly Daddy’s kingdom is something wonderful to anticipate.  Thanks for reading, we subscribe to Open Hearts, Open minds and Open Doors!

​First United Methodist Church News
July 21, 2019
 
     The West District of the Central Texas Conference have two exciting mission trip opportunities coming up. Graham First United Methodist is going to Costa Rica to participate in a fresh water well drilling program.  They plan to work in an eye clinic or help with VBS.  The dates are 10-26 to 11-02.  The cost of lodging and food is $800, and the airfare is $500.
      There is a Kenya trip coming on 01-9 to 01-22-2020. There will be opportunities to participate in medical, construction, and worship programs.  This trip to Africa will cost $2820 to $2960.
      See what connected churches can accomplish.  All the “old time” denominations have built hospitals, universities, children’s homes and sent missionaries all over the earth.
       This past Sunday I served as Worship Leader and Jorden Cardoza was our acolyte.  Jorden’s dad, Steven, operated the power point for us.  We appreciate everyone who “steps up” to help out at church.  Many of the routine helpers were out on vacation or wrangling grandchildren so their kids could get a break.
      Pastor Ken and I fed the cattle last week for our grown kids.  It was more fun than a chore, but we could get back in our air-conditioned truck and go home.
      Betty Lusk shared a wonderful celebration with us, her nephew, Colonel Craig Le Flore, was the Commander in Chief of the US Marine Base at San Diego, Cal. Col. Le Flore recently retired after 26 of service to his country.  Through his service Col. Le Flore was able to travel extensively around the world.
     Neva Smith told us her neighbor is in the hospital and not doing well. This gentleman is on our prayer list.
     We continue to pray for Ray La Baume and Ola Mae also.
     Julia Broussard blessed us with a powerful solo presentation of “Amazing Grace.”  Leta Sage accompanied Julia on the piano.  Oh, how thankful we were to hear this special.  I will add this, attending church is not a chore or a duty, but a wonderful privilege, when we worship the Lord as we did this past Sunday! 
     Our Scripture reading was Colossians 1:15-28.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford took his lesson from the words of Paul in Colossians.
     Paul tells us that Jesus is the firstborn of all creation; for in Him all things in heaven and on earth were created.  Paul says, He Himself is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
     Jesus has rescued us, and many of us were headed down the wrong road - with bad habits, bad attitudes, or maybe a bad marriage.  Christ came into our lives and transformed us. He saved us from the darkness!  He took us into the Kingdom of God where we have redemption.
     Is there a more blessed word than “Forgiven?”  You can hurt the people you love, but out of their love for you they forgive you.  You hurt God, but there is a cross on Calvary that says you are forgiven.  Are you still walking in darkness?  Christ says, “turn around,” come into the light.  Come into Christ’s Kingdom, begin living like Jesus.  Seek redemption and salvation.
     Our atrium garden is a quite a place to pray.  The street-side gate is unlocked. Come, be welcome.
OPEN HEARTS, OPEN DOORS, OPEN MINDS

​July 15, 2019
    
  This past Sunday the congregation sang “Happy Birthday” to our members with a July birthday.  Then they sang a “Happy Anniversary” to Pat and Lisa Leatherwood and to Mike and Mary Haley.  Best wishes to everyone!
      Laura Leatherwood served as our Worship Leader, she gave the opening prayer and read the scripture lesson from Luke 10: 25-37.
      We learned that our friend, Kathy Logan of Midland, fell and broke her arm.  Kathy received first aid in a hurry since the fire station is just a few houses down from her home. She was taken to the hospital for a while, but she is home now and going to therapy for her arm.  We are praying for Kathy and hope she is healing like new.
      Ray LaBaume continues to slowly get better at home.  I believe he and Ola Mae would like a nice casserole or dessert brought by their house.
      We welcome Ike Wade and Patty Hirst-Wade to our congregation.  They joined with us this past Sunday.  They have already been helping us with our projects. 
      Our congregation extends sincere sympathy to the friends and family of Dan Leatherwood. 
    The Pastor’s confirmation class continues on Tuesday’s except the 3rd Tuesday, through July.
      “Can God Depend on You,” was the title of Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon.  He gleaned it from the wonderful, timeless parable of the “Good Samaritan.” Jesus started His story with this, “You must love the Lord you God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.”
      Then a legal expert asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  Jesus then told the story of the man who went down to Jericho who was attacked by thieves and left to die by the side of the road. A priest passed by the injured man, a Levite saw the man, but did not stop to render aid. Then a Samaritan came by and had compassion for the bleeding man.  The Samaritans were not a race the Jews associated with. They were looked down on.  But it was the Samaritan who rescued the wounded fellow.  So, who was a neighbor to the beaten man?  The legal expert said, “the one who showed mercy to him.”  Jesus told him to go and do likewise.
     This story has become one of the World’s best- known acts of kindness.  And the question still haunts us, who is our neighbor.  Anyone who needs our help?  But that is a lot of people!  The hitchhiker by the road, the homeless derelict on the city street.  It is too dangerous to stop, we tell ourselves.  Deep in our hearts we wonder what would Jesus do?  We were a stranger lying in a ditch knowing that we were dying.  But a good man saved us, He gave us a second chance, that man was Jesus Christ, He paid the price for our life.

​First United Methodist Church News
July 7, 2019
 
     Pastor Ken Lunsford and I have been on vacation.  As usual, we go to visit our children and this time we drove to Maryland to visit our son.  We saw all the rivers running full and the countryside is lush and green.
     We considered ourselves fortunate to be able to visit Mt. Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington.  We were blessed to get there and back home safely.
     The Sunday that Pastor Ken was away, Cliff Sims was a guest pastor, Cliff spoke about the Christian Women’s Job Corp and brought a sermon.  
      On 6-30 the Gideon Four, from Stephenville First Baptist Church, came to sing some great gospel music for our congregation.  Mac McKinnon talked about the ministry of the Gideons International fellowship.  He gave a firsthand witness to the changes Christ can make in people’s lives.
      Ray LaBaume has been in the hospital in Stephenville.  He had laparoscopic surgery and so far, everything is healing nicely.  Keep Ray and Ola Mae in your prayers.
      Our congregation extends sympathy to the family and friends of Ed Larner.   We also are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Sandy Steele of Hico.  Our congregation extends sympathy to her husband, Al Steele, and her family and many friends.      
      There are several July birthdays to celebrate.  DJ Klutts, Conner Moore, Jack Parks, Judy Beckham. Crystal Whitefield, Eddie Raley, and Deborah Hammons. 
      Pat and Lisa Leatherwood celebrated their 39th anniversary on 7-5.  Others with July weddings are Jon and Roxey Volkmer and Mike and Mary Haley.  Congratulations and best wishes.   
     Lisa Leatherwood served as Worship Leader and read scripture from Luke 10: 1-20.  
     Rev. Ken Lunsford asked us, “What Superpower would we like to Have?”
     In our scripture lesson we learn that Jesus had more than twelve helpers.  He commissioned seventy-two others and sent them in pairs to go ahead to every city and place Jesus was about to visit.
      Jesus told those seventy-two that he was sending them out as lambs among wolves.   However, they returned joyously, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit themselves to us in your name.” Then Jesus said, “Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
     The church received a wonderful letter from an adult sponsor working with the teenagers who came to Dublin last week to make repairs or build wheelchair ramps on homes.  They were thankful for the warm welcome they received and the opportunity to bring a mission trip to Dublin.  They accomplished so much in so little time it was like they had “superpower!”
      Jesus sends us out today like He sent the Seventy-two.  We are to plant the kingdom of God in hearts and lives.  There is no power that can compare to the power of knowing God through Jesus Christ.

​First United Methodist Church News
June 16, 2019
 
      Wow, we had lively guests with us Sunday!  The youth group from Christ United Methodist Church in Plano came to worship with us.  They took up several rows of pews across the front of the sanctuary. Adult sponsors were in the crowd, but all the rest were “just graduated” seniors of high school. This group is in Dublin to help repair homes and build wheelchair ramps.      
     Leta Sage, our organist, took to the piano for an impromptu, rousing version of “Do Lord” and those teenagers let loose right along with her.
      Alford Havens came up to dais to give the congregation information on the Central Texas Conference gathering in Arlington on 6-10,11, and 12.  Alford was a voting delegate representing Dublin First United Methodist Church.  Pastor Ken Lunsford attended also, and he and Alford roomed together and split expenses.  Alford said he will always remember that B.I.B.L.E. means “Basic instructions before leaving earth,” and W.I.G. stands for “Wild, important goal.” 
     Alford announced that Rev. Ken Lunsford has been assigned to Dublin First United Methodist and to Laurel St. United Methodist Church for another year. 
      Pastor Ken gave a notebook and pen to all the fathers present Sunday and wished them “Happy Father’s Day.”
      Larry Standford asked for prayers for his mother, Betty Standford, who was to have extensive surgery in Abilene this week.
      Pat Leatherwood was thankful that Dublin I.S.D. is a Blue-Ribbon school in Texas. And Patty Hirst is thankful the Summer Reading Program at our library began with 100 children in attendance!
      Betty Lusk announced that the church yard sale brought in $1,400.  That is wonderful and the barn was cleaned out, so yippee!
      Community Table will be serving “Taco Salad” on Wednesday, 6-26.  Also, we are out of cookies: that is zero, zip, none, the freezer is bare of cookies!  Please bake more cookies and bring them by the church office before 1:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
      I served as Worship Leader and read the scriptures from Romans 5:1-11
      Rev. Ken Lunsford preached about wayward children on Father’s Day.
      Romans says, But God shows His love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us.  So now that we have been made righteous by His blood, we can be even more certain that we will be saved from God’s wrath through Him.
      The picture that the New Testament gives us of God is as a loving parent.  The picture it gives of humanity is of a wayward child.  And the result of that waywardness and that love is the cross of Jesus Christ.
       It is tremendous heartbreak to have a wayward child.  You wait and you worry because that young person is the most important person in your life, more important than your own life.
      The God Jesus revealed to us is a God who waits for His wayward children to come back home.  God will patiently wait and forgive.  He does not disown us as some earthly fathers have.
      There is always hope in a home where forgiveness is present.  There is no love without forgiveness and no forgiveness without love.  They are the two sides of the same coin.
      Do your children know about amazing grace because they have experienced it in your family?
      To contact our church, email the office at fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com ,   or call 445-2157.  We would like to hear from you. 
 

​First United Methodist Church News
June 2 & 9, 2019
 
      We recognized Ascension Day on 6-2 with this message that while we hold onto things that divide us, Jesus’ prayer is that we may all be one with each other and in Him also.
      Nancy Wooldridge was our Worship Leader and she read the scripture lesson from John 17:20-26.  Nancy was pleased to have she and Cliff’s grandson, Gage, and Gage’s girlfriend Courtney, as guests in church.
       Larry Stanford and Crystal Whitefield from the Stephenville Chapter #2834 of the International Order of Elks presented the church with a generous donation of $2,500 to the Community Table. Three members of the Elks Lodge are also members of our own congregation. We thank the Elks on behalf of the people who benefit from the meals cooked in our kitchen.
      I have said it is not just a Dublin First Methodist project. Many volunteers are from outside this church and many donations come from outside sources. 
     Pat Beaty was thrilled to tell us about her new granddaughter, Madison Leigh Copeland.  Madison and her parents live in Burleson.
     Sammy Moore asks us to pray for Rayce Jackson.  We learned that Ricky Rowe needs our special prayers also.   
     Pastor Ken Lunsford titled his sermon, “Discerning Our Call!”
     If you knew that the prayers you offered up today would be your last, what would you pray for? Wouldn’t you focus on your truest priorities?  That is what Jesus did in the last major prayer before His arrest and crucifixion.  He prayed for us.  Jesus said, “My prayer is not for them alone (His disciples). I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” That is us!
     There is more work to be done and you and I are an integral part of that work. We have been entrusted with the work of the Savior; and God will give us what we need to succeed in His service.
     Pentecost was this past Sunday and our sanctuary was adorned in red.  Several members of the congregation wore red also.  We were a bright bunch to greet the Holy Spirit!
     Laura Leatherwood served as Worship Leader and read the scripture from Acts 2:1-21. Joshua and Jordan Cardoza were our acolytes.
     Our congregation sang “Happy Birthday” to Tesha Shafer, Jennifer Caviness, Kevin Stone, and Mary Haley. Next, we honored June anniversaries. Ken and Judy Lunsford, Cliff and Nancy Wooldridge, Ike Wade and Patty Hirst, and Micah and Stephen  Cardoza.
     Laura Leatherwood delivered the children’s lesson.  She asked them about what the wind can do. Laura told them even though we cannot see the wind we can feel it, we can hear it, and we can see how it moves things. She said the Holy Spirit can do those things in our lives also. Laura told how the Holy Spirit came down to the disciples like a rushing wind and that flames of fire danced on the disciple’s head.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford preached about the Holy Spirit being our advocate.  Pentecost is when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. 
     Forty days after the resurrection and Jesus’ ascension into heaven, His followers were together praying and waiting for the gift of power that He had promised them. The Holy Spirit came roaring down and filled the whole house and flames of fire appeared above the heads of those present. Suddenly, these uneducated, un-traveled men were able to speak in multiple languages. They told the wonders of God to the diverse crowd of people around them. The Spirit also resulted in great courage, love, unity, and selflessness among the disciples.
     They created a special kind of gathering, one of all types of people, every race, class, and gender worshipped side-by-side.  They shared radical love.  They were really communicating.
      Jesus has not left the building. An advocate has been sent who will defend us, renew us, and unite us.  I urge us all to reclaim the Holy Spirit in our religious life.
 

First United Methodist Church News
May 26, 2019
 
     Community Table was a ripping success!  300 beef patties were grilled, and they were all eaten, some folks ate more than one, but we know about 290 people were fed.  My goodness what an accomplishment and that is due to the grace of God and the help of many people in our area.
     Pat Leatherwood told that he and Lisa’s son, Lee, is going to graduate school at SMU this summer.  Also, Pat and Lisa’s granddaughter, Landry Cisneros, has celebrated her first birthday.
     We also learned that a group from Plano will be in Dublin this Saturday finalizing the plans to bring a mission team of young people to Dublin. They are coming the last week in June. The youngsters and their leaders will work on homes in Dublin that need exterior repairs or wheelchair ramps. 
    Pastor Ken was privileged to Baptize Crystal Whitefield into the family of Christ!  Then Crystal and Larry Stanfield took the vows of membership into the United Methodist Church.  The congregation is happy to welcome them into our fellowship.  Crystal and Larry attend the Elks Lodge in Stephenville with Alford Havens and we are so glad Alford talks about our church.
     Recently, Rev. Ken Lunsford, I, and Alford Havens attended a gathering of the churches in the West District, Central Conference, of the United Methodist Church.  The meeting was at Oakdale United Methodist church in Stephenville.  The Rev. Dr. Lisa Neslony conducted the meeting.
     The churches in our conference have been raising money for water wells for remote villages in Africa.  Rev. Neslony gave a firsthand account of seeing a well drilled in the country of Kenya on the African continent.  She said the workmen brought in a very big, tall rig for drilling, because there is thick bedrock in that area. But they soon had clear, clean smelling, water coming out of the ground.  The villagers are thrilled and thankful they won’t have to walk to the river for drinking or bathing water. So, praise God from whom all blessings flow.
    “Peace of Christ in a Messed-Up World” was the titled of Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon and the scripture message was from John 14:23-29.
     Pastor Ken told us our lesson from John tells us that Christ said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
     St, Francis said, “Above all the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit which Christ grants to his friends, is the grace of overcoming oneself, and accepting willingly, out of love for Christ, all suffering, injury, discomfort and contempt; for in all other gifts of God we cannot glory, seeing they proceed not from ourselves but from God.”
     We will do well if we remember that one day Jesus will return to take us to the Father’s house. So, don’t be troubled or afraid.
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First United Methodist Church News
May 26, 2019
     If at first you don’t succeed, try again!  So, we are having a big yard sale Saturday June 1st, in the parking Church parking lot, located at 630 Highland Ave., Dublin, TX. from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Pray it does not rain us out again, because we really need to empty out the garage. Workers need to be at the garage on Thursday at 6 p.m. to empty the garage.
     Pat Leatherwood told us that he and Lisa’s son, Lee, is going to graduate school at SMU this summer.  Also, Pat and Lisa’s granddaughter, Landry Cisneros, celebrated her first birthday Sunday.
     We also learned that a group from Plano will be in Dublin this Saturday finalizing the plans to bring a mission team of young people to Dublin. They are coming the last week in June. The youngsters and their leaders will work on homes in Dublin that need exterior repairs or wheelchair ramps. 
    Pastor Ken was privileged to Baptize Crystal Whitefield into the family of Christ!  Then Crystal and Larry Stanfield took the vows of membership into the United Methodist Church.  The congregation is happy to welcome them into our fellowship.  Crystal and Larry attend the Elks Lodge in Stephenville with Alford Havens and we are so glad Alford talks about our church.
     Last Sunday afternoon Rev. Ken Lunsford, I, and Alford Havens attended a gathering of the churches in the West District, Central Conference, of the United Methodist Church.  The meeting was at Oakdale United Methodist church in Stephenville.  The Rev. Dr. Lisa Neslony conducted the meeting.
     Our churches have been raising money for water wells for remote villages in Africa and Rev. Neslony gave a firsthand account of seeing a well drilled in the country of Kenya on the African continent.  She said the workmen brought in a very big, tall rig for the drilling, and they soon had clear, clean smelling, water coming out of the ground.  The villagers are thrilled and thankful they won’t have to walk to the river for drinking or bathing water. So, praise God from whom all blessings flow.
     I was the Worship Leader this past Sunday and I read the scripture lesson from John 14:23-29.
    “Peace of Christ in a Messed-Up World” was the titled of Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon.
     Our lesson today from John tells what Christ said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
     St, Francis said, “ Above all the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit which Christ grants to his friends, is the grace of overcoming oneself, and accepting willingly, out of love for Christ, all suffering, injury, discomfort and contempt; for in all other gifts of God we cannot glory, seeing they proceed not from ourselves but from God.”
     We will do well if we remember that one day Jesus will return to take us to the Father’s house.  So, don’t be troubled or afraid.
Thanks again for reading, God’s Blessings be upon you!
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​First United Methodist Church News
May 19, 2019
 
     Our church yard sale was cancelled to rain and moved to Saturday, June 1, 7am-3pm.  Hopefully it won’t rain.  But picking a weekend when it’s not raining is becoming difficult. 
     Community Table this month is serving hamburgers!  The last time burgers were on the menu we had many compliments. Hamburgers are one of the more expensive meals we do.  You can stretch a dollar with casseroles, stews, and spaghetti, but with a burgers everyone gets a nice big, grilled beef patty with vegetables in a bun.
     Community Table can use volunteers in all areas.  Put the word out and come and volunteer to help, pack the to-go packs and also deliveries to those unable to come to the church and eat. The Stephenville Elks Lodge and our church ladies baked the cookies. And we can almost always use some cakes, pies, etc. for those that are dining in the fellowship hall. This is no longer just a Methodist project.  Workers from several other churches come to assist and money is donated by our volunteers, church members, Stephenville Elks Lodge, Dairy Queen and several other sources.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
     May 27 our church office will be closed for Memorial Day.
     D J Klutts served as Worship Leader and read the scripture lesson from John 13:31-38.
     Juanita Duncan is grateful for the prayers for her grandson Taylor.  Taylor is the son of Terry Duncan.  Taylor is on the mend and feeling better.
     Jennifer Caviness asked for prayers for Elizabeth Kimbro.  Jennifer is looking a job also. 
     We were happy to see Cliff and Nancy Wooldridge back from a vacation to a distant destination.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon was, “We Will Be Known by Our Love.”
     It is in John 13:34-35 that Jesus says, “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other.  This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”  The call to love was not new to Jewish teaching however, the early church took this command very serious and gained the reputation for caring for the needs of one another.  They did not run away from plagues or abandon their sick as others did.  Outsiders noticed their religious obligation and how it transformed Christian’s lives. 
     It is good to be reminded of this.  Of course, we know not every person who claims to be a follower of Christ lives up to the standard.
     Jesus did not say that the faithful will be known by reading the Bible from cover to cover, or what they can recite from memory, or by a fish bumper sticker on our car!  No, He said “Love one another.”  Exactly what does this look like?
     When we care more about the safety, happiness, and well-being of another person more than our self, there, love exists.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7 tells us about what loves does. Romans 12:9-10 gives us some advice about love.
     Loving another person will change you and praying for your enemy just might make that enemy into a friend.  We are called to love as Christ did.
God Bless you and thank you for reading!