First United Methodist Church

201 E. Hospital Street, Nacogdoches Texas 75961

NEWSLETTER
Volume 8, Issue 8
September 2015

WORSHIP/SUNDAY SCHOOL TIMES

8:45 am
Contemporary Worship Service
9:45 am
Sunday School
10:55 am
Traditional Worship Service

Church Office (936) 564-8308

Fax (936) 564-8582
Email: info@fumcnac.org
Website: www.fumcnac.org

Office Hours: Mon-Thur: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm; Fri: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm. Closed for lunch 12:00 -1:00 pm

SEPTEMBER
09 - Fall Common
Ground
14 - Primetimers at
10:30 am - FLC
16 - Fall Common
Ground
20 - Coffee with the
Pastors (New Member
Class) at 4:30 pm - Parlor
23 - Fall Common
Ground
30 - Fall Common
Ground

Third Grade Bible Celebration

Sun, Aug 30 is Promotion Sunday. This years third grade students will receive their bibles
during the Early and Late Services. During the Sunday School hour, all children will engage in
festivities celebrating a new Sunday School year and new teachers, and then be dismissed to
their new classes. We will gather in room 210, then move to our respective classes.

Common Ground Wednesdays

OCTOBER
11 - UMW Sunday
FUMC Charge
Conference at 2 pm Parlor
12 - Primetimers at
10:30 pm - FLC
14 - Fall Common
Ground
18 - Coffee with the
Pastors (New Member
Class) at 4:30 pm - Parlor
21 - Fall Common
Ground
28 - Fall Common
Ground

This year, we listened to your feedback and have made a few changes! The
purpose, though, remains the same: gather community, build deep relationships and grow our faith. We hope you will join us!

Dinner 5:30-6:15 pm
Come hungry there are some great cooks in this church! Dinner is served each Wednesday at 5:30 pm. We stop serving food at 6:15 pm to give the kitchen staff time to clean
up; so dont be late! There will be child-friendly options. If you dont like what is being
served one week, feel free to bring your own food and join in the fellowship. Each weeks
menu will be published in the bulletin. Make sure to RSVP in the office, so we know how
much food to prepare. There is a suggested donation of $6 for those who can afford it
to help cover the costs.

Studies/Activities 6:30-7:30 pm

Classes are an incredibly important part of Common Ground, and this year we
are offering a wide variety of them. Some of them have limited space, so make sure to
sign up soon!

A Note From The Pastor

I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the
world? Yes, were the church together. The United Methodist Hymnal

What do you picture when you hear the word church? What do the
people of our congregation or our community picture? How would our
church be different if we really lived as though church was a gathering
of people worshipping and serving God, defined by the life of Jesus rather than our address?
I was thinking about this recently after I read an article in Circuit Rider
magazine about the Rethink Church campaign going on, and when
someone told me what people in the community were saying about our
church. Church is when we host the TJR teachers for lunch and when
we are working together to reach out to those who are hurting. Church
can happen in all sorts of circumstances.
Jessica Kelley wrote, Buildings provide a home base for countless ministries of the church, not the least of which is a place to gather for worship. The church itself, however, will not be defined by the height of its
steeple but the reach of its compassion, not the number of seats but the
number of lives changed, not the shape of the doors but the disciples
that pass through them as they head out into the world to make a difference in Jesus name.
There are many great things going on in September.
See you at church, or when you are being the church out in the community!
Peace,

A Note From The Associate Pastor

Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. --- Psalm 111:2

Hi, Church,
Its that time again. Vacations are over, and Nacogdoches is about to become much more crowded. Make sure
you get your Walmart and Kroger trips in now! Okok, maybe I am exaggerating a bit but seriously, we do
want to welcome back all the SFA students and wish all of our students and teachers good luck on a new
school year. We will be praying for you all as you go about your studies!
Also, with the new semester, I am excited to announce that Common Ground is back, and that there are some
exciting changes! This year we have a new structure in order to focus on our goal of bringing people together
and growing our community. Any of you who heard my sermon on August 2nd know how important I believe
community is. If you havent heard it, heres the link
www.fumcnac.org/sermons/080215 (and yes, thats
a shameless plug for our podcast). Friends, community is the basis for the church; its us coming together for
the sake of the Kingdom! As we grow together, we are empowered by the Spirit to serve. So come, join us at
Common Ground. We will eat, study, and fellowship; and most of all, we will have a great time doing it!
Blessings,

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Newsletter

Continued from page 1 - Common Ground

Adult Ministries
Methodism 101 with Rev. Dr. Jeff McDonald - Parlor
At Annual Conference this year Bishop Huie asked people to tweet a completion to this phrase, Im
United Methodist because There were all sorts of good tweets that went out. I would agree with the statements about the importance of being saved by Gods grace and our connectional system. Maybe you are wondering what the major components of United Methodism are or have forgotten since you went through Confirmation
in the sixth grade. Come along on an informative journey to learn the history of who we are as people with Open
Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors; the people of the United Methodist Church.

Beginner Cooking with Karen Tucker - FLC Kitchen

One thing Methodists can agree on is good food! In this class, you will explore ways to plan and prepare
tasty, inexpensive, and easy dishes. We are open to all skill levels, so even if you have never before ventured into
the kitchen, come join us. There will be two 5-week sessions, limited to 10 people in each session, and a fee of
$3.00 for each class to cover costs. Join us for some culinary fun!!

Psalms and Art with Katie Oliver and Barry Jordan - Room 202

Though we use the Psalms in our hymnals and our devotionals, we rarely hear them preached or discussed
in community. As a result, we lose out on these examples of authentic prayer. In this class, we will explore how we
can participate in the ancient practice of praying and studying the Psalms through art. There is no artistic background or talent required, nor is there any cost for the class. Please join us for a weekly discussion of the Book of
Psalms, as we follow in the footsteps of Christians who have chanted, sung, and recited the Psalms each time they
gather.

Covenant Bible Study with Mike Rigsby - Room 204

Has faith seemed a bit dry and worn out lately? Maybe, its time for some spiritual nourishment through
Bible study. Join us for an in-depth study of the entire Bible that emphasizes the biblical concept of covenant
the enduring commitment between God and people. Through covenant, we learn about Gods call, his love, and
his unexpected favor. This class will be 8 weeks and will cover Part 1 of 3. The cost for the class is $20, which covers your participant book.

Mens Basketball/Devotional Group with Gary Wurtz - Family Life Center

If you like basketball, fellowship, and/or devotional study, this group is for you. We welcome men of all
ages and all levels of basketball ability! Come join us throughout Common Ground, and then if you would like
stay even longer. This group continues to meet throughout the calendar year.

Christian Writers Fellowship with Dan & Sue Whatley - Room 203 at 6:00 pm

If you are interested in writing poetry, fiction, or non-fiction for the glory and edification of our Creator,
please join us. Dan and Sue Whatley will be leading the group, sharing their knowledge of writing and publishing,
and helping the group develop strategies and goals.

Bell Choir - Room 207

We will be glad to show you a sample of the music we use and demonstrate how easy it is to ring. Rehearsals are
on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm in Room 207.

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Newsletter

Continued from page 1 - Common Ground

Chancel Choir - Choir Room

Join us! Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the Choir Room, led by Tod Fish. We are not all musicians;
we enjoy singing Gods praises.

Youth Ministries
Ignite Youth Ministries (New Schedule this fall)
5:30-7:30p JH Youth, 7-8th grade, are invited to the new Ignite JH ministry in the Youth Center. There
will be food, drinks, super fun games led by the JH ministry team, a brief message/worship time and discussion
groups. An awesome time for JHers to grow in their faith in Jesus Christ and make awesome friends in Him!
6:30-8p SH Youth, 9-12th grade, are invited to the new Ignite SH ministry in the Youth Center for worship time led by the youth band, a brief message and small groups for discussion. It will be a meaningful opportunity for SH youth to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ and discover truth and strength to deal with the challenges
of high school life as believers and followers of Him.

Childrens Ministries

We are very excited to be launching our new and exciting Deep Blue curriculum for Sunday's and Common Ground Wednesday's. These classes will be
active, fun and engaging! The kids will be energized by the music, the movement
and the Apps. Everyone should love the great way this programming reinforces
itself by having Sunday studies and Wednesday reinforcement activities. We are
excited to have some new couples and committed individuals agree to participate in leading this new curriculum
this year.

Our Preschool-5th Grade classes will have age-appropriate material presenting the same lesson; this makes the
family devotional material relevant for the whole family. Here is an overview of September's Scope and Sequence.

Sun, Sept 6th - The Earth (Genisis 1:1-19) Deep Blue Curriculum used for Chapel Sunday.
Wed, Sept 9th- Godly Play Creation Story Create and Wonder
Deep Blue Devotional Material
Sun, Sept 13th- Living Things (Genesis 1:20-25) Deep Blue Curriculum with Video Introduction, Music
and then split into age-appropriate groups.
September 16th Wednesday- Movement, App/Music, and intro into Service component with family Deep Blue devotional Material
September 20th- Sunday In Gods Image (Genesis 1:26-2:4) Deep Blue Curriculum with Video Introduction, Music and then split into age-appropriate groups.
September 23rd Wednesday- Godly Play Adam and Eve Lab Deep Blue Devotional Material
September 27th Sunday Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:10-3:24) Deep Blue Curriculum with Video Introduction, Music and split into age-appropriate groups.

6th Grade will enjoy Sunday Morning Sunday School with the fresh and relevant Reform curriculum and Sunday
Evening Confirmation Classes with Credo. Wednesdays will be fun and active for this class with many opportunities for social bonding.

Children's Ministries is excited to see you all on August 30th for Promotion Sunday and September 9th
for the launch of Common Ground with Deep Blue.
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Newsletter

Dr. Jeff McDonalds New Sermon Series

Forks In The Road - A Sermon Series from the Book of Proverbs
August 23
August 30
September 6
September 13
September 20
September 27

RSVP
Resist Temptation
Deal in Truth
Choose Your Friends
Sticks and Stones
Get After It

Proverbs 1:1-7, 20-23

Proverbs 1:8-19
Proverbs 10:9, 11:1, 12:17-20, 14:25
Proverbs 9:13, 22:24-25, 24:1
Proverbs 11:13, 15:1, 21:23
Proverbs 6:6-11

Welcome New Members

Jennifer Blanton
122 Simpson Nacogdoches, TX 75964
Katie Oliver
201 E Hospital St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961
Stacy and Catherine Rouse
1617 Glenbrook St. Nacogdoches, TX 75965
Jane Rouse (Stacy Rouses mother)
1617 Glenbrook St. Nacogdoches, TX 75965
Randy and Marcella Coe
511 CR 214 Nacogdoches, TX 75965

MEMORIALS
Memorial Gifts are Given:
IN MEMORY OF:
FROM:
IN MEMORY OF:
FROM:
IN MEMORY OF:
FROM:
IN MEMORY OF:
FROM:
IN MEMORY OF:
FROM:
IN MEMORY OF:
FROM:

Janiece Campbell, Jerry Lackey, Marilyn Odom

Ed Cole
Janiece Campbell
Gary & Kathy Robinson, Floyd & Kittie Dobbs
Mike Robertson,
LaVerne Creech, Peggy Price
Genell Hall
Christa Cooper
J R Wright
Calvin & Ilaverne Bowden
Monette Thomas
Jimmy & Margie Rodriguez

TJR Adopt-A-School Program

School starts Monday, August 24, 2015, and we are gearing up to begin our Mentoring Program on Monday, September
14. Mentoring is a school-year commitment to one child and involves a time commitment of one-half hour each week. If
you are unable to volunteer but would like to help in other ways, you could do so by making a monetary donation to purchase new underwear/socks or new uniforms for the children or help us with teacher luncheons. Mentoring forms are
available outside the Sanctuary. For more information, contact Patsy Hallman @ 936-564-2712; email: patsyhallman@att.net or Sharon Scifres @ 936-462-3359; email: sscifres@hotmail.com.
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Newsletter

Announcements
FUMCNAC Pictorial Directory
There will be a make-up date on Wednesday, September 2 for those who could not make the original scheduled dates. Please sign up online at http://www.fumcnac.org or call the Church Office - 936564-8308.

Chancel Choir
Chancel Choir will return Sunday, August 23. The first Wednesday rehearsal will be on August 26 at 7:00 pm in the Choir Room.

Bell Choir - Bell Choir will resume practicing on Wednesday,

September 2 at 6:00 pm in Room 207.

MISSION NEWS

Thank you for your generosity!

We asked you to provide food and monetary help to do the weekend bags to feed the children this summer, and you
were wonderful. We had enough food given to provide meals for 75 children on three separate Fridays. We also had
money remaining which we have given to the Love INC Back-to-School Shared Blessing
and our TJR Adoption Project to provide school uniforms for children in need.

Clean Water for Haiti

One dollar bills in the Offering Plate on Sunday mornings will go to Clean Water for Haiti
Project. For more information, visit www.eastdistrictumc.org

Save the Date

Service Sunday is September 13. More information to follow.

Volume 8, Issue 8

Page 6

FUMCNAC CALENDAR
AUGUST
21 - Back-to-School Bash at 7 pm - SFA Rec Pool
30 - Promotion Sunday/Third Grade Bible Celebration
SEPTEMBER
01 - Worship Committee Meeting at 5 pm - Library
03 - Board of Trustees Meeting at 5:15 pm - Library
08 - Childrens Committee Meeting at 5:30 pm - Conf. Rm
SPRC Meeting at 5:30 pm - Library
UMW Circle VI at 6:00 pm - Parlor
09 - Fall Common Ground
10 - Evangelism Committee Meeting at 4 pm - Library
13 - Service Sunday
14 - Primetimers at 10:30 am - FLC
15 - UMW Circle I Meeting at 9:30 am - Library
UMW Circles II & IV Meeting at 9:30 am
UMW Circle VII Meeting at 10 am
16 - Fall Common Ground
17 - Missions Committee Meeting at 6:30 pm - Conf. Rm
20 - Coffee with the Pastors (New Member Class)
21 - UMW Circle III Meeting at 6:30 pm
23 - Fall Common Ground
24 - Church Council Meeting at 5:30 pm - Parlor
30 - Fall Common Ground
OCTOBER
01 - Board of Trustees Meeting at 5:15 pm - Library
06 - Worship Committee Meeting at 5 pm - Library
07 - Fall Common Ground
08 - Evangelism Committee Meeting at 4 pm - Library
11 - UMW SUNDAY
FUMCNAC Charge Conference at 2 pm - Parlor
12 - Primetimers at 10:30 am - FLC

13 - Childrens Committee Meeting at 5:30 pm - Conf.

Rm
UMW Circle VI Meeting at 6:00 pm
14 - Fall Common Ground
15 - Missions Committee Meeting at 6:30 pm Conf. Rm
18 - Coffee with the Pastors (New Member Class)
19 - UMW Circle III Meeting
20 - UMW Circle I Meeting at 9:30 am - Library
UMW Circles II & IV Meeting at 9:30 am
UMW Circle VII Meeting at 10 am

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
The October Newsletter Articles should be emailed to
sharon.b@fumcnac.org by 3:00 pm Wednesday,
September 14, 2015.

BULLETIN and E-News DEADLINE

Bulletin and E-News should be emailed to
sharon.b@fumcnac.org by 3:00 pm Tuesdays.

ROOM RESERVATIONS
If you are planning to reserve a room in the Church
for a meeting, gathering, etc., a request can be made
either by completing a Building Use Form that can be found in the
Workroom or online at www.fumcnac.org; scroll down to the
bottom of the page and click resources, church forms and then
building use. For more information contact Jim Jenkins at
936-564-8308 or email jim.j@fumcnac.org.

ACCESS ACS

To obtain an ACCESS ACS user ID, logon to www.fumcnac.org,

click the ACCESS ACS link at the bottom of the page. For more
information, kindly contact Sharon Bright at 936-564-8308 or email
sharon.b@fumcnac.org.

Regularly-Scheduled Meetings
Mondays:
Mens Emmaus Reunion Group meets at 7:30 am in the Parlor (1st, 3rd, and 5th Mondays)
HRT Emmaus Reunion Group meets on Mondays at 5:15 pm - Barbara LaFours
Tuesdays:
Celebrate Service Rehearsal at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary
Wednesdays:
Christian Writers Fellowship at 5:45 pm
YoWe (Youth on Wednesday Evenings) at 5:30 pm-Jr. High Ignite; 6:30 pm Sr. High Ignite
Bell Choir Rehearsal at 6:00 pm in Room 207
Chancel Choir Rehearsal at 7:00 pm in the Choir Room.
Thursdays:
Grace Emmaus Reunion Group meeting at 8:30 am in the Library
Heart-to-Heart Chorus at 9:00 am in the Choir Room and performances at Nursing Homes at 10:00 am (2nd & 4th Thursdays)
- will not meet for the Summer back on September 10.
Sundays:
Youth Praise Band practice at 4:30 pm in the Youth Lounge
Cub Scouts meets at 5:00 pm in the Scout Lodge
Youth on Sunday Night 5:30-Youth Open Gym; 6:30 pm-Ignite Bible Study

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Newsletter

Our Staff
DR. JEFF McDONALD
Senior Pastor
jeff.m@fumcnac.org
REV. TRENT OLIVER
Associate Pastor
trent.o@fumcnac.org
JEFF CAMPBELL
Director of Youth Ministry
jeff.c@fumcnac.org
ELSA JORDAN
Director of Childrens Ministry
elsa.j@fumcnac.org
LISA LABOSKY
Director of Preschool
lisa.l@fumcnac.org
BECCA ANTHONY
Asst. Director of Preschool
becca.a@fumcnac.org
DR. TOD FISH
Director of Music Ministry
tod.f@fumcnac.org
DR. GARY WURTZ
Celebrate Worship Leader
gary.w@fumcnac.org
DR. ANDY PARR
Organist
andy.p@fumcnac.org
SHARON BRIGHT
Office Manager
sharon.b@fumcnac.org
KATHY THOMAS
Financial Secretary
kathy.t@fumcnac.org
JIM JENKINS
Building Manager
jim.j@fumcnac.org

PRAYER CONCERNSUPDATED, Monday, August 17 (am)

For a more up-to-date Prayer List, kindly contact our Church Office564-8308.
Quinn William (preschool student), Jack Matthews, Jim Morris, James Scott, Alicia Ross (Natalie
Andersons co-worker), Elvin Ervin, Virginia Kerr, Steve Goldstein, Katherine Beckwith, Carolyn
Andrews, C. D. Thomas, Bill Tucker, Mark Brunson, Jim Havard, Jean Smith (Cindy Himes mom),
Jarrell Grout, Rudy Washburn, Ceceal Dean (Mary Harborths niece), Russ Hairston, Rebecca
Brimmage (Rev. Jerome Brimmages niece), Erik Robberson (Rev. Barbara Robbersons son),
Jake Sanford, Audry Quick, Kittie Dobbs, David Lymbery (Betty Bunchs grandson), Judy Williamson, Doug Smith (Sam Smiths brother), Preston Turnage, Nathan Begley, Rev. Bettie Kennedy,
Jammie Cole (Ray Coles mother), Amy Risner, Richard LaBrode, Claudia Whitley, Joey (Sarah Jo
Lackeys grandson), Bettye Johnson (Clint Johnsons mother), Pete Winder (Ann Murrays son-inlaw), Edward Pawlik, Harold Oldham (Glenn Oldhams father), Mikayla Payne (Betty Yarbroughs
great-granddaughter), Marylyn Seidel (Lisa Wrenchs mother), Casey Brett Morgan (Pat StephenWilliams daughter), John Mueller (Dawn Stovers grandfather), Amy Ames (Debra Bankstons
niece), Dorothy Clagett, Judy Hairston, Jim Labosky, Sarah Swofford (Jean Dodges sister), Alan
Johnson (Clint Johnsons father), Jimmie Shaw, Avery Lawson, Peggy Thorsen, Roger Van Horn,
James Lee (Jo Taylors husband), Rachel Turnage, Randy Doan, Pat and John Bingham, Edward
Pawlink, Charles Dauphine, Margie Terry, Gale Martin (friend of the Arrant Family), Rosemary
Moffatt (Tanya Kellys mother), Jewel Garder (Karen Jenlinks aunt), Danny Quick (Audry Quicks
son), Suzanne Ferguson, Ashley Akin (Mary Akins granddaughter), A. L. Mangham, Doug Law,
Eddie & Anita Overhultz (friends of Al & Sheila Smith), Payton Ramsey and Hank Curbow.
Our Hearts Go Out To
Kathryn Robertson and family on the passing of her husband, Mike Robertson
The family of Juanita Whiteside on her passing (Gary Wurtzs Aunt)
Names will remain on a published prayer list for 90 days. The prayer team appreciates current updates on requests. Please email your requests and updates to info@fumcnac.org If
you know of a member of FUMC who is in the hospital or who will be having surgery, kindly contact the Church Office - 564-8308. EMERGENCIES, call 936-585-2294.

The mission of the First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches is to make disciples through
Christ-centered service and outreach. With Gods help, we will do this through witnessing,
teaching and loving.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

First United Methodist Church

201 E Hospital Street
Nacogdoches, TX 75961

NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NACOGDOCHES, TX
PERMIT NO. 11