First United Methodist Church
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710 N. Austin St. ♦ Seguin, Texas 78155
(830) 379-4112 ♦ www.fumcseguin.com
email: office@fumcseguin.com
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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 2
Listening for God’s
Whispers
Rev.
Steve
Purdy
During the transition of years, God
has been speaking to me about listening!
Actually, I thought I was about ready to
move along to another theme, but even
this morning during my regular reading
through the Old Testament in The Living
Bible: Deuteronomy 10: 12-13: “And
now, Israel, what does the Lord your God
require of you except to listen carefully
to all he says to you, and to obey for your
own good the commandments I am giving
you today, and to love him, and to wor-
ship him with all your hearts and souls?”
Does one ever finish listening to God?
Bill Hybels wrote, The Power of a
Whisper – Hearing God: Having the Guts
to Respond. Our Staff is going to read
this together in Lent, but as I read it in
advance, the scary part for me is after we
listen: Will we have the guts to respond?
At our Leadership Planning Retreat, we
examined this text:
1 Now in the church at Antioch there
were prophets and teachers: Barnabas,
Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of
Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court
of Herod the ruler, and Saul. 2 While they
were worshiping the Lord and fasting,
the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me
Barnabas and Saul for the work to which
I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting
and praying they laid their hands on them
and sent them off. (Acts 13: 1-3)
Antioch was the first place followers
of Jesus were called Christians. Please
note the diversity of leaders: Barnabas
was a Levite from Cyprus and thus,
a Greek; Simeon, called Niger – very
dark skinned, perhaps African; Lucius
of Cyrene – Latin name, from capital
of Libya; Manaen – foster brother of
NON-PROFIT ORG
SEGUIN, TX
PERMIT NO. 55
JANUARY 28, 2011
5. What do the people you most
trust think about it? This is the godly
counsel test. Find two or three veteran
You’re in Good
Christ followers and talk with them about
your issue and thought. “Do you think
this is the voice of God I’m hearing or
that I’ve gotten my wires crossed?”
Face it, sometimes we get emotionally
Company!
Paul and the Corinthians
and physically exhausted and are not in a
Wednesday Lenten Study
condition to make good decisions. Robert
Are you ever frustrated trying to make
Schuler’s dad told him about needing
Herod Antipas, thus Roman, a member sense of today’s diverse, secular culture?
firewood and seeing a dead tree, cut it
of the Herod’s court; and Saul the Jewish Do you ever struggle with lifestyles that
down. That spring shoots sprung up. His
convert to Christ. seem to swirl around you, as you work to
lesson to Robert:
Also note, they were fasting and wor- hold tight to your Christian values? Be
“I thought for sure it was dead. The
shiping the Lord (v. 2) when they received of good cheer; keep the faith, for you are
leaves had all dropped in the wintertime.
direction to set Barnabas and Saul aside not alone. In fact, you are in good com-
It was so cold that twigs snapped as if
and (v. 3) they fasted and prayed more be- pany. The Apostle Paul was right where
there were no life in the old tree. But now
fore they did so. Why? Hybels suggests: you are, as he established churches in the
I see that there was still life at the tap root.
They were testing the message from God gentile world of Rome and Asia Minor.
Bob, don’t forget this important lesson.
to see if they were hearing correctly. They Paul faced many of the same pressing
Never cut a tree down in the wintertime.
heard God’s whisper and were testing it. issues that the Church faces today. Dr.
Never make a negative decision at a low
Was this action pleasing to God? They Robert W. Wingard received his Doctor of
time. Never make your most important
were double checking… and then, they Ministry from Emory University and is a
decisions when you are in your worst
obeyed without delay. professor of religion. He has traveled ex-
mood. Be patient. The storm will pass.
Hybels suggests 5 filters to help us tensively throughout Greece and Turkey
The spring will come.” (John Hull, Piv-
determine whether a particular whisper on an in-depth study of Paul’s ministry.
otal Praying: Connecting with God in
is one we should obey: A seven week Lenten study will begin
Times of Great Need, 177)
1. Is the prompting truly from on Wednesday March 2, at 10 a.m. in
Is God speaking to you? Well, you
God? Is it consistent with God’s char- Hierholzer Hall. The study book is Paul
know he is. Thanks to Bill Hybels, let
acter and attributes? God will not ask us and the Corinthians. The sessions will
me suggest:
to do something that is not in line with include the following topics:
1. Thank God for trusting you with
his character – loving, truthful, merciful, The Church and the Bible, Mak-
something that needs your particular
gracious, etc. ing Moral Decisions, Christian Unity,
strength.
2. Is it scriptural? Would God tell Women and Men in Church and Society,
2. Let God know your ears are
someone to shoplift, commit adultery, The Resurrection, Christian Living, Rec-
open, your heart is pliable, and your
or quit a job without another source of onciliation in a Broken World.
hands are ready for action.
income when one has four children to Come and gain a deeper understand-
3. Tell God you stand ready – right
feed? Messages that contradict scripture ing of Corinth and its culture. Come and
now – to obey.” (Bill Hybels, The Power
are not from God. learn about the concerns and challenges
of a Whisper, 110-111)
3. Is it wise? This is the general- that Paul faced and how they are similar
wisdom test. Jesus said, “I send you forth to the concerns we have in today’s world.
This is a new year. I pray we are
as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye The cost of the book is $9.00. Those
more like the Antioch Church listening
therefore wise as serpents, and harmless interested may contact Candace Wilson,
for God’s voice with discernment and
as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) It’s not wise 379-4112 or Darlene Welborn, 401-4368,
responding with courage.
to purchase a house well above one’s 2bornwel@att.net.
budget or get married after knowing each
other only three weeks.
4. Is it in tune with your own
character? This is the wiring test. Is it
consistent with your background, educa-
tion, and gifts?
Page 2 First United Methodist Church, Seguin, Texas
UMW
We are excited to share with you
some highlights from 2010 and want to
invite all ladies to join us as we continue
our mission for 2011. In addition to the
money contributed to district mission
work, we closed out 2010 with donations
of nearly $2,000.00 to the Children’s
Advocacy Center, the Seguin Pregnancy
Center, the Salvation Army, the mission
outreach of our local church, the Chris-
tian Free Clinic, the Family Violence
Center, the Christian Counseling Center,
Habitat for Humanity, and the Christian
Cupboard.
We invite all ladies of the church to
be a part of United Methodist Women.
Come to the next General Meeting on
February 1, 2011 in Hierholzer Hall at
9:15 AM. Voluntary contributions are
collected throughout the year for carry-
ing out the purpose of mission to benefit
women, children, and youth.
Currently we are in the process of
updating our membership roster. If you
are in one of the small groups we call
circles, please update your information
with them. If you are one of our members
who do not belong to a circle or would
like to, please update your information
by contacting one of the officers: Ethel
Dammann, Ida Flach, Gene Loy, or Joan
Jahns or send a note to the church office
to the attention of the United Methodist
Women.
Flower Power
Join us this year in helping beautify
our altar in the sanctuary. You may place
flowers to honor someone for a birthday,
an anniversary, in memory of, or just
“because.” You don’t have to use flowers
from a florist, you could just look outside
at God’s creation and be creative. Call
Melissa in the church office or Susan
Brannan to schedule a Sunday.
JANUARY 28, 2011
Worship Stats
Statistics for January 9, 2011 Statistics for January 16, 2011
Collection Collection
Needed to date $34,972.00 Needed to date $52,458.00
Received to date $40,090.00 Received to date $62,143.00
Worship Attendance Worship Attendance
8:00 AM 107 8:00 AM 120
10:30 AM 143 10:30 AM 88
Seasons 95 Seasons 97
Walk to Total 345 Total 305
Jerusalem Sunday School Attendance 265 Sunday School Attendance 261
A Journey of Spiritual Faith
and Physical Exercise
Jerusalem is 7217 miles from First
Worship Experiences
United Methodist Church. This is the real,
January 30 February 6
as the crow flies miles. Jesus walked to
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Jerusalem for the crucifixion. Of course,
8:00 & 10:30 a.m. 8:00 & 10:30 a.m.
Jesus didn’t start from Seguin, which is
why this will be a community effort-we
Preaching Preaching
will pool our miles. That way, no one has
8:00-Rev. Purdy 8:00-Rev. Welborn
to go terribly far, but hopefully far enough
10:30 Sanctuary-Rev. Purdy 10:30 Sanctuary-Rev. Welborn
to increase health.
10:30 Seasons-Rev. Phillips 10:30 Seasons-Rev. Purdy
What if I hate to walk? We are giv-
ing equivalents for running, biking, Sunday School for all ages is held each Sunday at 9:15 a.m.
swimming, and aerobics. These are also
healthful aerobic exercises.
Can I sign up my neighbor who is Church Staff
Baptist? Of course. The more walkers,
the better. The Wesley Nurse has night-
mares of nobody signing up and being Rev. Steve Purdy Rev. Ron Welborn
faced with trying to average 500 miles a Senior Pastor, Ext. 204 Associate Pastor, Ext. 203
week all by herself. This is a parish health pastorsteve@fumcseguin.com pastorron@fumcseguin.com
ministry rather than a congregational one.
What do I get? Well, hopefully Rev. Patricia Jentsch Rev. Diana Phillips
healthier! But also a participant’s packet Associate Pastor, Ext. 302 Lead Pastor Clear Springs, Ext. 206
which includes ways to track and report dpjentsch@yahoo.com pastordiana@fumcseguin.com
your mileage and weekly words to think
on and a health tip-both related to the Christie Hewitt Candace Wilson
spiritual theme of the week. Weekday School Director, Ext. 210 Education Director, Ext. 207
When does it start? The miles begin chewitt@fumcseguin.com cwilson@fumcseguin.com
to count on Sunday, January 30, 2011.
This gives us 12 weeks to complete our Brandon Shook
journey in time for the crucifixion of
Danna Dyess
Wesley Nurse Youth Director
Jesus. Yes, people can join in mid-walk. bshook@fumcseguin.com
ddyess@mhm.org
How do I sign up? You will need to
get a participant pack with a participant Keith Robinson
number, from the Wesley Nurses office. Robin Hogue
Organist Music Director, Ext. 208
The packets will also be distributed at nkrobin@satx.rr.com
Church on Sunday, January 23, 2011 after birdie@swbell.net
the services in the narthex. Please contact
Dee Willen
Danna Dyess, Wesley Nurse at 830-379-
4112 ext 306, ddyess@ mhm.org.
Bonnie Dixon
Financial Administrator, Ext. 202
Season’s Music Director
finance@fumcseguin.com
Mike McGrew
Handbell Director
April Kortz mmcgrew@fumcseguin.com
Nursery Director
onmylist@axs4u.net
Melissa DePalermo
Administrative Assistant, Ext. 201
Charlie Rodgers mdepalermo@fumcseguin.com
Technology Director
JANUARY 28, 2011
Candace’s Corner
Visiting Day
He was looking forward to this mo-
ment all day long, after 6 days of labor
and it finally arrived - Visiting Day! The
man with the keys arrived to swing open
the large, heavy doors. The cold gray hall
springs to life in the warm glow of light.
He could hardly control His emotions.
The families began to arrive. He peers
from the corner of the room longing for
the 1st glimpse of His loved one. He lives
for the weekends. He lives for these visits.
As the cars arrive, He watches intently.
Then, finally, they arrive, for whom He
would do anything. They embrace, eat
a light lunch and reminisce how things
used to be. At one point, they break into
singing, with interruptions of laughter
and applause. But all too soon it is over.
A tear comes to His eyes as they de-
part. Then the man with the keys closes
the heavy doors. He hears the key turn in
the lock marking the end of a special day.
There He stands, alone again. He knows
that most of His visitors will not contact
Him again till next week. As the last car
pulls away from the parking lot, Jesus
retreats into loneliness as He waits until
next Sunday - Visiting Day.
Is the time that we spend with Jesus an
everyday thing, or do we just visit Him
on Sunday. Think about it ...
-- Author Unknown
Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc - www.reverendfun.com
First United Methodist Church, Seguin, Texas Page 3
Singles’ Ministry
Each year during Confirmation I
Super Bowl Party
explain to the class that meeting daily
with God is like visiting a grandparent.
Come to Paula Weddle’s home (call The Way of Prayer
830-305-8880 for directions) at game Nell Martin and Pastor Patricia Jen-
“Grandma sits by the window each day,
time—about 5 P.M. on February 6th. tsch will lead the class that begins on
awaiting you. When you arrive she is so
Bring a snack to share. Singles Ministry March 10 through May 19th. Classes
happy. There is laughter and food and
will provide pizza and Pepsi. It will be will be from 6 to 8 P.M. The book costs
love all around. However, before you
fun! $10. Call to reserve a place.
know it, it’s time to leave. As you drive
away, she goes back to the window,
watches you drive away and already starts Spiritual Journey Rebuilding When Your
awaiting your return.” Each year that February 21st at 4:30 P.M. in room 10. Relationship Ends
simple story seems to connect with our Suzanne Broussard will lead. This will Rebuilding begins March 21st and
class, reminding them that God is always be our last class for a while. lasts through May 23rd. Classes run from
waiting for them. 6 to 8 P.M. Call for additional informa-
On January 14 & 15 nineteen of our tion: Pastor Patricia 830-237-9863.
twenty-one Confirmands, a few adults
and I stayed overnight at our District
Conference Retreat Center in Weimer.
In my 15 Confirmation Classes at FUMC
Seguin, this was the most quiet, truly
interactive class I have seen. A huge
thank you goes to our District Program
Director, Judy Johnson, our Youth Direc-
tor Brandon Shook, and April Kortz for
chaperoning, and to my husband Lee
for driving the church bus. There were
38 boys and girls in attendance and 19
of them were ours! I’m so proud of our
church and parents for seeing that their
children are indeed in the presence of God
each Sunday. Please continue to keep our
2011 Confirmation Class in your prayers.
They are going to make a difference in
our church not only in the church of the
future, but also in the church of today!
Nineteen confirmands from FUMC, Seguin attended the Confirmation Retreat at
Cathedral Oaks Retreat Center.
Next Order deadline
February 16
Next Pickup Date
Senior Exercise January 29
8:00-10:00 AM
Class
Each Thursday morning at 10:00 am in
the Christian Life Center seniors are in- the Scroll
vited to join Wesley Nurse Danna Dyess
for an exercise class. Classes consist of
is a bi-weekly publication of
chair exercise, walking and stretching. First United Methodist Church
All classes are free and open to the pub- 710 N. Austin St.
lic. Stop by any Thursday morning and Seguin, TX 78155
give it a try.
Page 8 First United Methodist Church, Seguin, Texas
Looking Out My
Window
Pastor Ron
Welborn
A few days ago Auburn was crowned
the college football champion after they
defeated Oregon in the championship
game. TCU finished second and some
thought they should at least get a nod for
the mythical title. The cheers have faded.
Referees have tossed their whistles into a
drawer. And coaches have begun to dust
off their golf game. But behind closed
doors reporters are pounding away with
their predictions for next season. Some
are already picking Oklahoma to win it
all next year. Others think another team
from the Southeast conference will win
again. LSU seems to top that list. As I
read with modified interest their columns
I am reminded that Auburn wasn’t on
anyone’s radar screen when the season
began. One after the other, teams ranked
ahead of them in the pre-season fell by
the wayside and Auburn began a steady
climb to the top of the poll by season’s
end. Seems to me I’ve seen that movie
before.
David was a nondescript shepherd lad.
No one would have picked him to come
out on top in a fight with one of the sheep,
much less a giant named Goliath. But he
did. Saul was a bully fleecing Christians
left and right. He probably wouldn’t have
made anyone’s list for Up and Coming
Preachers. But he was blinded by the
light and became Paul - the champion of
the early church.
The pages of history are filled with
the names of men and women who were
written off by their peers. She will never
make a good writer. He’ll never be able
to hit a free throw. She just doesn’t have
what it takes.
Somehow the experts didn’t think
Auburn had what it takes at the begin-
ning of the season. I guess they were
wrong. Experts often are. Determina-
tion, perseverance and hard work often
even the playing field in life. I’ve seen
a lot of those qualities lately around the
church. The lay leadership retreat was so
exciting and the sense of determination
in the room was thick. This is a church
determined to reach outside our doors.
December was a text book example of
perseverance as we finished the year on
solid financial footing. And hard work
is a regular ingredient on this campus.
I’m going to wait and see if Oklahoma
or LSU can actually make it through to
the championship next season in college
football. They just might. Or they might
have a surprise waiting down the road
from a group of Aggies who are tired of
being overlooked or a bunch of Florida
gators looking for a comeback. The
bottom line is, for now I’ll take what the
experts say with a grain of salt. But as
for FUMC, Seguin – pencil them in at the
top of the heap for 2011. The talent and
leadership are in place for a champion-
ship run.
Pastor Ron
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The past few weeks have been great that has a hand in truly reaching out into
for our students. The spring semester has the dark places in the world and helps to
kicked off and 2011 will be a big year make them a brighter place.
for us. I am excited to be a participant
in all the adventures that the Lord has in “We should so work as if we were
store for the youth over the next year. I to be saved by our works; and so rely
am hopeful that we as a group will grow on Jesus Christ, as if we did no works.”
closer to Christ and each other as we -Francis Asbury
embark on this journey. The main focus
of our group will be discipleship through Peace be with you,
our age specific groups. I believe it will
help us grow closer and create true com- Shook
munity within the youth group meeting
in our smaller groups. My favorite thing
always is the ride home from events like
Mid Winter, Mission Trips, and Summer
Camps because it is always interesting
to hear what is going on in some of their
heads after having an opportunity to
truly slow down and have an encounter Upcoming Events:
with Christ. Those conversations are
my favorite! Mid Winter 4: February 4-6, 2011 / Jr.
We just finished with the confirmation & Sr. High / Mt. Wesley, Kerrville
retreat at Cathedral Oaks and it was my
first time to experience it on an overnight February 6th: We will be headed to
stay. What a hidden gem we have in our Gruene UMC for a Super Bowl Party.
district! If you have not been out there Guys: Bring Snacks Ladies: Bring
I would strongly encourage you to take Drinks
some time to go and check out the place.
It would be a great place for any of us to Mid Winter 5: February 11-13, 2011 /
take the day walking some of the trails Sr. High / Echo Valley, Near Leakey
and taking in nature and spend a little time
praying and contemplating the things the February 12th: Students will need to be
Lord has set out before us to do. I know at the Church to help make Chocolate
the confirmands had a blast out there. Covered Strawberries!!
We had a great time learning about the
Methodist Denomination and learned
what it meant to be a Methodist in the
Lord’s Kingdom. It is always refresh-
February 13th: Is the Day that the Jr.
High and High School groups will split
during our Sunday evening gathering.
ing to me to look back on the history More details to come.
of the Methodist church and see where
we started and what we have become,
from a man (John Wesley) that rode on
horseback to a global denomination that
preaches, teaches, and serves all races and
creeds!! It ‘warms my heart’ to know that
I am a part of such a wonderful church
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