​First United Methodist Church News
March 29, 2020
      
                                                                                                          John 16:33
         “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
      Last week I told my readers to look at First UMC Dublin TX for First United Methodist Church on Facebook, but Pastor Ken sent the service to his own Facebook page.  Our congregation and friends had to search for the program and most all found it!
      The special Sheran Weibel sang for us was great.  She accompanies herself, sings, and smiles all at the same time.  I greatly admire that.
      Pat Beaty was our pianist and she led us in our songs.  Pat does a wonderful job and we are thankful for her. 
       I don’t know about you, but I am just happy to be alive this morning. And I’m living in Dublin, Texas, right where I want to be.
       The scripture lesson I read was Ezekiel 37:1-14. It is about Ezekiel being led by God out into a valley full of dry bones.
        He asked me, “Human one, can these bones live again?” I said, “Lord God, only you know.”  He said to me, “prophesy over these bones, say to them, dry bones, hear the Lord’s word!  The Lord God proclaims to these bones; “I am about to put breath in you, and you will live again.”
       Pastor Ken asked, “Do you think God chose Ezekiel to be His prophet to the nation of Israel because he was innovative and had a creative flair?  I doubt it.”
       God seems to choose His servants based on their obedience, not their skill set.  The job of prophet is probably the loneliest job on earth. They have one job: to speak for God.  Sometimes God has some uncomfortable things to say to us. 
      Prophets are symbols of hope. If God had given up on His people, He wouldn’t send a prophet. He wouldn’t send anybody.
      The small nation of Israel had been conquered by Babylonia.  Jerusalem was in ruins, the Temple was destroyed, and the survivors were forced into exile in the city of Babylon.  These people had lost everything, their place of worship, their family and friends, and they were living in poverty.  The worst of it was they had lost their identity as God’s chosen people.
       Ezekiel tells the Hebrews “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel.”
       We find our hope in this: God always keeps His promises.  And we, as God’s people, can base our lives and our hope on the promises of God.
      Our web site is http://fumcdublintx.com and Facebook is First UMC Dublin TX,  the  email is fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com
       See you on your computers or I phone this Palm Sunday.  God loves you and Pastor Ken and I love you too!
 

​First United Methodist Church News
March 22, 2020
As of right now and I don't anticipate any change, the Shelter in Place order will not expire before Easter, so there will be No In Person gathering for EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE THIS YEAR!!  
At least on Easter Morning, set your alarm clock before 7am and step outside and watch the Sun come up, and Thank and Praise God for another Beautiful and Glorious Day! 
      
      Pastor Ken found a way to do a live stream on the internet to Facebook, so this past Sunday Dublin United Methodist and Laurel St United Methodist Church did have a service.
      I was already scheduled to be Worship Leader and I had studied what I was to read and announce.  I found that the I phone, that was setting on a tripod, to be less threatening than the whole congregation sitting in the audience.  Pat Beaty was the pianist and led the singing.
      Rev. Lunsford’s voice sounded good on the recording that he played back for me. I, however sounded like a cross between Ma Kettle and Lady Bird Johnson. But I can’t help that!
      Pastor Ken will stream to Facebook again this Sunday.  The site is First UMC Dublin TX please note there is a space after each word.  I do not know who will serve as Worship Leader, hopefully someone with a smooth voice.
      The hymns will be shorter per requests from our audience. Also, we will have a special sung, the scheduled musicians are Pat Beaty and Sheran Weible, so I expect beautiful music.
      There were many that were prayed for, a whole world in difficulty. Closer to home we need to pray for Bob and Irene Sohm.  Irene had been in the hospital in Duncanville and Bob was spending time there at the hospital. The hallways there were polished, and Bob fell and hit his head, he required several staples to close the gash.  
      I read the scripture lesson from John 9:1-41 from the Common English Bible.  These 40 verses tell of Jesus’ healing a man who was blind from birth.  We have heard sermons and songs based on this miracle.  The healed man says to the Pharisees, “Here’s what I do know; I once was blind and now I see.”
      “You Have a Story to Tell’ was the titled of Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon.
     As Jesus walked along, He saw a man who was blind from birth. Jesus’ disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned that he was born blind, this man or his parents?”  Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents. This happened so that God’s mighty works might be displayed in him.”
     This issue of earning our privileges and deserve our blessings has been around a long time. But Jesus did not place the blame of blindness on the man or his parents.
      If the blind man didn’t deserve his disability, then we don’t deserve our abilities.  So, every blessing and every hardship, every joy and every sorrow in our lives is an opportunity for God to work out His plan through us.
     Keep calm and wash your hands often. 
    Our web site is http://fumcdublintx.com – email is fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com  and Facebook is First UMC Dublin TX

First United Methodist Church News
March 15, 2020
      
       It appears unlikely that Dublin First United Methodist Church will have Community Table next Wednesday or host the Dublin Ministerial Alliance Easter Sunrise Service in April.  I don’t have final decision at press time.  The decision will be made next week by the Pastors involved.
     We did have services last Sunday along with Laurel St. United Methodist Church.  The congregation sat a good distance away from each other except for the couples and families.  Pastor Ken has stopped hugging folks and shaking hands.
     Our church has disinfectant wipes and cleans off the door handles.  That is about all we can do, so far, everyone is still well.
     D J Klutts was our Worship Leader and Patty Hirst served as pianist, we appreciate Patty playing for us.   I operated the power point. 
Pastor Ken is working on live streaming our service/sermon each week, if he can get the logistics worked out.
     We had four guests join us for services, five if you count the dog that came with one guest.  The dog is quieter than some of our two-legged folks.
     Pastor Ken prayed for all the doctors, nurses, and technicians treating Covid19 patients all over the world.  He prayed for all the sick also.
     Neva Smith is recovering from cataract surgery at home with her family.  Give her a call and wish her well.
     The scripture lesson was Romans 5:1-11.  These verses tell us to even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. And but God shows His love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us.  We are told that through our Lord Jesus Christ, we now have a restored relationship with God.
      Rev Ken Lunsford preached, “If we are separated from God, then we are separated from life, love, peace, hope, joy, truth, and goodness.  Because that is what God is!  Imagine a world devoid of these qualities, it would be hell, wouldn’t it?  And that would be the end for us, the end of our story.  Except God had a different ending in mind for each of us.
      But through our faith in Jesus Christ, we have been set free from our sins.  Jesus wipes the slate clean, the past is deleted, and He restores our rights as citizens of God’s kingdom.”
      Keep calm and wash your hands often.

​First United Methodist Church News
March 1, 2020
  
     Whoops, I miss-spoke in my previous article.  Brookshire Bros. brought 15 sacks of groceries not 11 to the Food Pantry.  We thank them very much.
      Last Sunday was the first Sunday in Lent, the 46 days from Ash Wednesday to silent Saturday, the day before Easter.  The color of the vestments on the altar and pulpit were purple.  I enjoy seeing the colors of the church universal change through the church year just as I like to see the seasons change. They are like old friends that have come to visit.   
      We had two guests last Sunday, they were the Reids, and they were moving to Bluff Dale.     
     Neva Smith asked for prayers for her son, Mike Hancock, who was scheduled to fly to California.
     We were saddened to learn of the passing of Leslie Ethetton on February 28.  Our congregation extends sympathy to the family and many friends of Leslie.
     Lisa Leatherwood served as Worship Leader and read the scripture lesson from Genesis 2:15-17 & 3:1-7.  Joe and Jaxson Salinas were our acolytes.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his message, “Trusting in the Goodness of God.”
     The story Lisa read to us is about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  The man and his wife had things very good in the Garden.  They had plenty to eat, a beautiful place to live, and immortality.  God only ask them to keep one rule, one law, but they didn’t follow God’s instructions and ate the fruit from the tree of knowledge. 
      Lenten season is the time Christians examine our hearts, repent of our sins, and give up a pleasure to identify with Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.  This is an uncomfortable time in the church, and it is supposed to be that way.  For 46 days, we think about how much our sin separates us from God and how far God would go to heal this separation.
      Adam and Eve lost sight of the goodness and holiness of God, and we do the same sometimes.  We say we believe in God, but do we really trust God?  There is a difference.  Trust Him enough to give your life to Him!
      To contact the church, email the office at fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com ,   or call 445-2157.  We would like to hear from you. 

​First United Methodist Church News
February 23, 2020
  
     We have observed Ash Wednesday, which is the honoring of Christ’s sacrifice and remembering of our own mortality.  When the ashes are applied to our forehead or the back of our hand the pastor will say “From dust you were made and to dust you will return.”  Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent.
     Lent is the Christian season of preparation before Easter, it lasts from Ash Wednesday for 40 days not counting Sundays.  The Lenten season is a time when many Christians observe a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, self-denial and spiritual discipline. 
     Pastor Ken tells us we can observe Lent by adding to our lives instead of taking away.  He says to help a friend or neighbor with a project.  Or take them a big casserole. Or a pie. Allow someone to go ahead of you in a line, pay for someone’s meals in a restaurant, etc.
     The church has a booklet of daily devotions for Lent, it is titled “Renewed by Living Water,” and it’s first lesson is called Even the Cows are Thirsty! 
     Many thanks go to Brookshire Brother’s Super Market for the food donations they brought to the Food Pantry.  They brought eleven large sacks of miscellaneous groceries.  We also extend appreciation to the Dublin Bottling Works for donating boxes to distribute the food in.  Help us to thank these businesses by shopping with them.
     Our congregation extends sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Weldon Hall of Comanche.
     Kevin Stone was joined by his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter in church.  Kevin told us his father, Frank Stone, would have surgery and asked for our healing prayers.
     We were pleased to have another guest with us, and we hope he returns to see us.
     Nancy Wooldridge served as Worship Leader this past Sunday and read the scripture lesson from Matthew 17:1-13.  Joe and Jaxson Salinas were the acolytes.
     Nancy spoke of the passing of her sister-in-law, Mary Jane Stine.  Mary passed with dignity and peace and left a “high bar” for the rest of her family to emulate. 
     This was Transfiguration Sunday and Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon “This is My Son, Listen to Him.”  
     The Transfiguration of Jesus took place on a high mountain with Peter, James, and John along to witness it.  On the mountain Jesus’ face shone like the sun, his clothes became white as light!  Moses and Elijah appeared to them. A voice from a cloud overshadowing them spoke, it was the voice of God.  He said,” This is my Son whom I dearly love, I am very pleased with Him. Listen to Him!”
  Jesus commanded them, “Do not to tell anybody about the vision until the Human One is raised from the dead.” 
     In this moment, the three disciples see who Christ really is.  John would later write: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-4)         

First United Methodist Church News
February 16, 2020
  
     Ash Wednesday will be remembered in our fellowship hall this year.  Everyone is invited to participate in this ancient custom.  It will be come and go from 5 till 7 p.m.      
     Community Table is next Wednesday.  Please come to volunteer and eat with us.      
     I visited with Debbie Hammonds, Virginia Stephen, and Elizabeth Young in their nursing homes.  I took them a Valentine card and gift from the church.   They are all pleasant to talk to.  However, Debbie has had surgery on her left arm, and she is experiencing a lot of pain.  Keep these wonderful ladies in your prayers and do go and visit with them.      
     Our congregation extends sympathy to the family and friends of Roy Mayfield.
     Kathy Logan is back in her home in Midland.  She traveled to Houston for surgery on her arm.
     February birthdays were Jill Moore, Larry Stanford, and Lee Lusk.
     I served as Worship Leader this past Sunday and read the scripture lesson from Matthew 5:21-37.
     Alford Havens and Larry Stanford are our current ushers.    
     “Let Your Yes Mean Yes and Your No Mean No” was the title of Rev Ken Lunsford’s sermon.
      Sometimes when we read the Bible, it feels like we’re walking into the middle of a conversation.   We can’t understand certain passages unless we understand their context. Throughout history too much evil has been done in the name of God by those who took a passage out of context. 
      Jesus had already spoke about the “Beatitudes.”  But then He seems to go in another direction. He tells the crowd that He didn’t come to abolish the laws of the Jewish faith, but to fulfill every single word.
     Jesus says anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.  But I tell you anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.  Jesus says do not call people idiot or fool or they will be in danger of the fire of hell.  Then He adds that if you even look at a woman lustfully you have already committed adultery with her in your heart.  Now they realized they were all guilty in the sight of God. Sin doesn’t start with an action; it starts with a decision.
     So, we should fill ourselves with the presence of God so that we do not give in to our sinful thoughts.  To do that we must spend more time in worship, in prayer, in repentance, in obedience, and in acts of service.
    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
February 9, 2020
  
     During a recent service Robert and Irene Sohm became members of our congregation, they moved their membership from Greens Creek United Methodist Church.  We welcome them, but Robert and Irene have already been helping and participating in our activities for some time.   
     Crystal Whitefield has been attending Confirmation Class for several months and she was recently confirmed by Pastor Ken.  We are so thankful for these three people who worship among us.
     Kevin Stone was joined by his daughter, Rachel Stephens, and his granddaughter Kinsley Ann Stephens last Sunday.
     The Ash Wednesday service will be a modified version held in the fellowship hall on 2/26.  It will be come and go anytime from 5 till 7 p.m. 
     Dr. Harlan Raley is home from the hospital and going to rehab class.  Harlan is progressing well and should soon be back in his office.  This congregation along everyone in town is thankful for this outcome.  Praise God, all praise His holy name.
     We have been asked to keep Shelly Sanders in our prayers and we will.
     We were joined by three members Scout Pack 30 and two scouts posted the colors at the altar rail.  Then they led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. 
     This church and congregation have provided a meeting place, free of charge, for Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts for decades.  We have a long and gratified history with the Boy Scouts.  On meeting days, we see a fellowship hall full of scouts, their leaders, and parents.
      Many of the men from this congregation have been involved in scouting and gone on to become Eagle Scouts, some are scout leaders.  This said, we wish there could have been a larger showing on Scout Sunday of the families and the boys, we continue to care for.  But we understand the crowded calendars filled with activities.
     This past Sunday our Worship Leader was DJ Klutts.  She read our scripture from Matthew 5:13-20.
     Jesus continues to preach from the mountain side to the crowd that followed Him and His disciples.  He tells them they are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and to not put their light under a basket.  He tells them to let their light shine before people so they can see the good things you do and praise and glorify your Father in heaven.  Jesus says He has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.
     The Law was given to bring us into a relationship with God.  The Law was not created for itself, but for a harmonious relationship with God.   The religious leaders with whom Jesus clashed replaced this relationship with a list of rules!  They worshiped the Law and not God.  These leaders turned the Law into an act of external obedience.
     Jesus fulfilled the Law for us by giving us His righteousness so we could enter His Kingdom.  That is the meaning of grace.
     We believe the Holy Spirt is God’s presence with us. Call us at 254-445-2157 or email at fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com
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First United Methodist Church News
February 2, 2020
  
     Pastor Ken and I have a weakness for Girl Scout cookies. Even though Ken came home last week with a shopping bag full of boxes of cookies, we are nearly out!  I guess we will drain our bank account and hock our possessions next.  The peanut butter sandwich is my favorite.
     Valentine’s Day is next week, so don’t forget your loved ones.  Whether or not you send flowers or candy, be sure to send your love.
     Neva Smith got a visit from Kathy Logan.  Kathy and her daughters stopped by Neva’s home on their way to Houston.  Kathy is scheduled to have surgery on her arm at a hospital there.
    We included Kathy Logan in our prayers for a healing of her arm.
     Our congregation extends sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Ricky Rowe.  Ricky is Carolyn Belew’s brother.
     It is time to start planning for Ash Wednesday services on February 26.   That is Community Table night so please come to eat with us and receive a reminder of who you are and whose you are.
     I missed going to Community Table in January.  I was having another sick day.  The kitchen crew sent me a wonderful food package that night.  The “Hopping John” put me on the road to recovery.
     The church still has calendars to give away.  The calendars have our church name, address, and other contact information.  It has scenes of the holy land, Bible verses, and recognizes national holidays and religious days.
     Our Worship Leader this past Sunday was Lisa Leatherwood.  Joe and Jaxson Salinas served as acolytes.
     Lisa read the scriptures from Matthew 5:1-12.  This is the “Beatitudes” taught by Jesus as He sat on the side of a mountain and spoke to His disciples. 
     We all know what it is to stand on the outside looking in.  There are some groups that just won’t accept us. There are some doors we won’t ever pass through because we don’t have the right connections or status.
     In Jesus’ day most people thought of the kingdom of God like that.  That only certain people had the connections to get in.  Such as family heritage, if you were a member of the nation of Israel you were one of the “chosen.”  Or you could keep the laws of Moses, which grew to 613 rules.  Jesus and St. Paul said that nobody could keep all the rules and said, “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”
     Jesus envisioned a club to which everyone on earth could belong.  And in Matthew 5 He lists the qualifications, He called the members blessed. “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” 
     Let’s study all nine of the beatitudes and see where we fit in. Jesus invites us into an extraordinary fellowship, He’s already paid the admission in full, and for all.  
   We believe God’s infinite love is available to all, call us at 254-445-2157 or email at fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com.
 
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​First United Methodist Church News
January 26, 2020
  
      Pastor Ken spent most of Saturday in Eastland at the First Baptist Church getting organized for a Walk to Emmaus. This will be Men’s Walk number 449 and held from April 30 through May 3, it will be at Solid Rock Camp in Eastland. The Spiritual Director is Rev. Howard Martin from First United Methodist Church in Stephenville. Pastor Ken will serve as Assistant Director.
      The congregation was glad to see Robert and Irene Sohm able to be in church last Sunday.  We have missed their smiling faces. We had two guests with us, they were a mother and son.    
     As soon as some people get well, someone else feels ill.  Dr. Harlan Raley is in the hospital in Fort Worth and I seem to be relapsing with upper respiratory troubles.
     Laura Leatherwood was our Worship Leader and Joe Salinas was the acolyte.
     The scripture lesson was given by Laura.  She read from Matthew 4: 12-23
     We learn from this part of Matthew when and how Jesus began to call His disciples to follow Him.
It starts after John the Baptist is arrested and Jesus goes to Galilee.  From that time on Jesus began to announce, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!”  As Jesus walked along the water’s edge of the Galilee Sea, He saw two brothers, Peter and Andrew. They were fishing with their net.  Jesus called out to them, “Come follow me and I’ll show you how to fish for people.”  Right away they left their nets.  As they walked on Jesus saw two more brothers, James and John who were sons of Zebedee.  Jesus called to them and they also followed. Jesus traveled throughout Galilee teaching and healing the people of disease.
      “Truly Seeing God” was the title of Rev. Ken Lunsford’s sermon.
      When Jesus set out to build His team of a few good disciples where did He look?  In the synagogue to find the most learned scholars in Capernaum.  No, He finds fishermen by the Sea of Galilee.  Fishermen who left what they were doing and went to Jesus right away. Now that is enthusiasm and loyalty.
       Our preaching series is titled: “Seeing God More Clearly in 2020 and this sermon was titled “Seeing God More Clearly!”   One thing today’s lesson teaches is, in order to see God more clearly, you’ve got to get up and go where God calls you.  Because inaction means you value something else more than serving the God who created you.
     All throughout the Bible God uses the people who get up and go where He leads.  Even if it leads to unknown territory.
     If you want to see God more clearly, you’ve got to focus on the opportunity to serve God right now, than focusing on what you leave behind. That is not easy.
     To see God more clearly, you will find Him in serving others.
     What’s standing in your way?  What is between where you are and where God wants you to be, that can be called idolatry.
You must know that God uses small gifts just as surely as He does large ones. Ask Him, ask God to give you a new vision in 2020.    To contact the church, email the office at fumcdublintxsecretary@gmail.com,or call 445-2157.  We would like to hear from you. 
 

First United Methodist Church News
January 19, 2020
  
     Many thanks were offered for the much-needed rain.  How did we get so fortunate here in the Dublin area, we have not had a flood, or devastating fires, we aren’t digging out from two feet of snow, and no earthquakes?  Praise the Lord, praise His holy name!
     Last Sunday was “Human Relations Day’ in the United Methodist Church.  This day honors the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
     The Rev. Dr. King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.  Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”    
     Several of our members are dealing with a cough and chest congestion. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
     Two newcomers to our community visited with us Sunday.  We were pleased to meet them and hope they come back soon.  Neva Smith’s son, Mike Hancock, visited with us again.
      DJ Klutts says that “Hopping John” with cornbread will be served at the Community Table next week.   For those who aren’t current on great southern food, Hopping John is black-eyed peas with chunks of ham, usually served over rice.  I eat my serving with a splash of pepper sauce.
     Volunteers are always needed for Community Table and we need pies, cobblers, and cakes to serve to the “in house” crowd. 
     Speaking of volunteers, several members of our congregation are also members of the Rotarian Club which grilled five-hundred hamburger patties last Saturday. The patties were for the students in town attending the Power Lifting event at Dublin High School.  I admire these volunteers for the good they do.    
     The Worship Leader was Nancy Wooldridge and Joe and Jaxson Salinas were acolytes.
     Nancy read the scripture lesson from John 1:29-42.
     Sammy Moore requested prayers for his stepmother.
     Rev. Ken Lunsford titled his sermon “Aha, I See It Now!”
    John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look!  The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  John testified, “I saw the Spirit coming down from Heaven like a dove, and it rested on Him.”
     When was the last time you had an “Aha! Moment? A revelation? An epiphany? WE have all had a moment of truth, a sudden insight that changed our life.
     What is God trying to say to you and me about our lives?  What could God be doing in this world through you and me?  There are three stages to this great moment. 
     First the realization, the awakening.  The second stage is when we are honest with ourselves and take responsibility.  In the third stage we decide to take action and fully live out the truth God is trying to show us.
     Are we going to make our objective the obedience to God’s will?  There is a world outside these church doors that is separated from God and they are dying in sin.  You, and I can point them to the source of new life and salvation.  Let’s take action!
     Our website is http://fumcdublintx.com .
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