A monthly publication of the First United Methodist Church

The Voice Rev. Dr. Brian Bosworth, Pastor

Rev. Ricky Harrison, Associate Pastor

(940) 627-3362; info@decaturmethodist.org

Issue 12 of 12

December 1, 2018

Children: Ashley Craven Youth: Patrick Steil Secretary: Ann Piña

Administrator: Bonnie Wohlleben

Are there any words that the mention of or thought of cause you a moment of angst? One of those

words for me is “needle.” I see a needle or hear someone talk about an IV and I am sure my blood pressure

and heart rate soar, even if the needle isn’t for me.

In the church, there seem to be words that cause similar reactions. We all have our moments when the

word “new” brings on increased tension for we fear the idea that change can bring the unknown into our

midst. It is interesting that such a word, which is so important in the concept of the Christian faith, can cause

such a reaction.

“Radical” is another term that can make us uneasy. Yet, during November, as the church made plans

to be intentional with a missionary presence in the community, we were radical! I do not remember us using “radical” very much

in the preparations, but there were obvious signs that the plans and our actual work as the hands and feet of Christ were nothing

short of radical. Jesus must have been pleased. He is the prime example of being radical and called upon his followers to love

and serve as he did.

Our Missions Team led the way by reaching out once again to our local elementary school campuses for our annual

campaign to keep under-privileged kids warm with coats, gloves, and shoes. We stepped up in radical ways to meet these needs

and at the same time respond to the request from our Nursery folks to bring an updated presence for our little ones. We made a

Sunday worship experience a day to serve our neighbor. That was a day of being radical through worship. Worshippers flocked

to the local stores to purchase items for Thanksgiving meals for people and then sorted, boxed, and distributed them as an

extreme act of servanthood, all the while a group of faithful servants prepared a meal for anyone interested.

On that Sunday, I witnessed radical hospitality. I saw people being Christ in the stores and in watching strangers being

invited to a hot meal. At Church, people were going out of their way to help others, showing them where activities were

happening, parking further away from the door, making people feel a part of God’s work, welcoming guests, boxing up meals to

go, and exemplifying the radical nature of God’s love. I was so blessed being a part of God’s “radical” ways.

Maybe we should be more intentional and connect words like “radical” and “new” with thoughts of Jesus, love, faith,

and Christian response more often. The thought of needles has not always caused me stress. Until the age of five, I received

weekly allergy shots and the regular allergy testing (shots in my back) that accompany allergies. It seems that when it was a

regular occurrence there may be less worry.

Perhaps then we should become radical more often. Maybe we could regularly be radical with hospitable acts and

extravagant in our love. Our world needs to see the hands and feet and especially the heart of Jesus in action. It’s what we do and

who we are becoming.

As the season of Advent is now upon us, we are launching our new weekly worship experience and hoping to build a

new community of believers in what we are calling the Pecan Street Mission. Our Church is committed to making this

experience a place where new people can live and grow and experience the love of Christ in new ways. Yes, it is radical, but

isn’t God’s love for us as we experience and prepare ourselves once again for the comings of Jesus?

I hope you too will find your way to the manger this season and will be a part of God’s radical coming into the world

and each of our lives!

See you in worship,

Brian

Church Leadership Update

The Committee on Leadership Development and Nominations would like to thank all of the folks who have faithfully served in

a number of ways in leading the Church this year. A special thank you to those leaders in the Class of 2018 that are completing

their 3-year commitment on various boards and committees. There has been significant positive response to requests for new

leadership in the coming years. Those who have agreed to serve will begin January 1, 2019 and join the ongoing classes of 2019

and 2020. There is still work being done to bring a new model of leadership (single or simple board model is the easiest way to

think of this plan) to the hutch for consideration in the future. So we remain in good hands with our church leadership. Thanks

again for your willingness to serve!

Decatur Cares Mobile Food Pantry Saturday, December 1

7:45 a.m., FUMC Parking Lot

Wise County United Methodist Men Tuesday, December 4

6:30 p.m., FUMC Chico

Nursery Shower & Open House Sunday, December 9 12:00 p.m., Nursery

Children Singing

Sunday, December 9 10:50 a.m., Sanctuary

Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, December 11 6:00 p.m., Room 209

Staff Meeting

Thursday, December 20 11:15 p.m., Room 209

Blue Christmas Service Thursday, December 20 6:00 p.m., Asbury Hall

Choir Cantata

Sunday, December 23 10:50 a.m., Sanctuary

Community Candlelight Worship

Sunday, December 23 7:00 p.m., Decatur Courthouse Lawn

Church Office Closed

Monday, December 24 Tuesday, December 25

Wednesday, December 26

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Monday, December 24 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

CHURCH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Family of Bonnie Cocanougher, Abby Bramlett, Caroline Morris, Tom Egan , Noah Smith, Madolyn Congdon, Family of Jimmy Hunt,

Terry McEwen, Rick Caillett, Sandra Little, Family of Larry Gould, Family of Tom Grozier, Family of Keith Harrison,

Barbara Haley, Rita Tucker, Family of Patrick Powell, Nancy Dickens, Jack Tucker, Jase Reeves, Tim Woodruff

In the Military: Charlie Fortenberry, Michael Jordan, Jake Logue, Josh Murphy, Chris Hammond,

Matthew Roberson, Kolin Rottner, Joshua VanNoy, Keygun Beaver and Bryce Dudley

1 - Jack Reeves, Andrew Rottner

2 - Frank Thornton

3 - Shanna Moody, RayDell Nabors

4 - Charles Bass, Carolyn Matzinger

6 - Coyne Flatt

8 - Hayden Bennett, Megan Hughes, Jennifer Walker,

Cass Whittenburg

9 - Sue Heaberlin, A.J. Johnson, Gabe Vaughan

10 - Amanda Knox, Jamie Milliman, Pam Williams

12 - Paris Walther

13 - Jack Smith, Darlene Waggoner

14 - Dawn Anderson, Judy Lambert

16 - Laura Walther

18 - Derrick Boyd, Melinda Reeves

19 - James Long

20 - Roy Eaton

22 - Mark Moreland 24 - Kourtnie Laird

25 - Charles Helm, Jack Oberle

26 - Rob Clinesmith

27 - Bryan Williams

28 - Joseph Baker, Carol Ann Carson

30 - Ramey Walther

31 - Joe Goodwin

December Happenings

December Birthdays

Donations for WARM Canned Goods (Fruits & Vegetables)

Sunday Refreshments Cross & Flame CLass

Guest Follow Up Sharon Smith

Care Corp

Loraine Burton & Mary Nella Armes, Co-Notifiers Doris Goodwin, Betty Carson, Angela Smith, Mildred Terrell, Kay Lane, RayDell Nabors

December 2nd 8:30 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Penny Holt Communion Servers: Asa Johnson & Ronnie Walker

Acolyte: Ben Bond 10:50 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Fred Renfro Communion Servers: Cheryl Renfro & Sall Rieger

Acolyte: Counters: Andrew Sandford & Terry Huston

December 9th

8:30 a.m. Worship Service Scripture Reader: Virginia Caraway

Communion Servers: Thomas Laird & Jamie Walther Acolyte: Hannah & Trey Milliman

10:50 a.m. Worship Service Scripture Reader: Elizabeth Highlander

Acolytes: Tucker Hammons & Abby Reeves Counters: Gary Cocanougher & Junior Sconce

December 16th

8:30 a.m. Worship Service Scripture Reader: Youth

Acolyte: Madi & Mayli Moreland 10: 50 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Youth Acolyte: Alissa Butler

Counters: Foster Walker & Mason Woodruff

December 23rd

8:30 a.m. Worship Service Scripture Reader: Rita Tucker

Communion Servers: Jack & Sharon Smith Acolyte: Audree & Zachary Knox

10: 50 a.m. Worship Service Scripture Reader: Murvelle Chandler

Acolyte: Lane Craven Counters: Clay Patterson & Crystal Klose

December 30th 8:30 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Penny Holt Communion Servers: Virginia Caraway & Sharon Meyer

Acolyte: Audree & Zachary Knox 10: 50 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture Reader: Sally Rieger Acolyte:

Counters: Fred Renfro & Annette Stephens

Learning • Growing • Giving • Serving

Dear Lord, we praise your name and thank you that we can

share your love with our sister church in Strasnice. As this

wonderful season unfolds we pray for protection, peace and

love over the Czech Republic. May we all feel your love and

comfort as we celebrate the birth of our savior and the bless-

ings we receive daily. Amen

Prayerfully Submitted, Kurrie Murphree

The Children will be singing

“Born is the King, It’s Christmas” Dec. 9th during the 10:50 Worship Service.

Children who are singing, need to be in the sanctuary on the 9th no later than 9:30 a.m.

The last rehearsal is Saturday, Dec 8th in the sanctuary from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Prayer Prayer for our sister church in the

Czech Republic

New Year’s Mission Trip Dec. 31 – Jan. 4, 2019

Did you know just on the other side of the border from El Paso, families are living in extreme poverty? Single mothers and elderly grandparents are raising kids on dollars-per-day, living in self-constructed shelters made of wood pallets and chicken-wire. For the past 26 years on the outskirt desert regions of Ciudad Juarez, Proyec-to Abrigo (Project Shelter) has been partnering with U.S. mission teams to build concrete-block homes for these families. With a new home, families no longer have to worry about their infant children freezing to death during the wintery desert nights. With a new home, parents no longer worry about their wood-pallet shelter going up in flames because their children were trying to keep warm near the wood-fire stove. A home not only changes lives, a home saves lives. This winter, Pastor Ricky Harrison will be leading a mission team to Proyecto Abrigo over the New Year’s holi-day to build a home for a family in need. Ricky has been traveling to Juarez and working with Proyecto Abrigo for the past 21 years, leading teams of all ages from across Texas. This church-wide mission trip is open to peo-ple of all ages, but minors must be accompanied by either a parent or designated adult guardian. An Information & Orientation Meeting will be held on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 12:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. An up-to-date U.S. Passport will be required for the trip.

Trip Date: Dec. 31 – Jan. 4, 2019 Where: Proyecto Abrigo (proyectoabrigo.org) Juarez, MX Cost: $175/Adult or $150/Accompanied Minor

If you would like to signup for the mission trip, help fund the building of the house, or have questions, please contact Ricky Harrison (associate@decaturmethodist.org).

This year, let’s build a family a home for Christmas. #Home4Christmas

FUMC Preschool Kiddos after Chapel Time

in the sanctuary with Pastor Brian.

Members of FUMC have once again provided for the young children in need of WARM coats and shoes. I have delivered the last of them to the elemen-tary schools . Members of our congregation have “lovingly” bought 26 coats and 47 pairs of shoes! Our church has successfully completed this Mission project of WARMTH for WISE. Also we have some donated money that we will be able to use to buy additional items as the need arises. We have blessed many children with our kindness and generosity.

Thank you, Penny Holt

Volunteers are needed to be Greeters, Ushers, help read Scripture and also prepare/setup for Communion for both of the candlelight Christmas Eve services on December 24th. At the 5:00pm service, we will need at least 8 volunteers and at least 6 are needed for the 7:00pm service. If you are available and would like to serve (you can serve in more than one role that evening), please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex or contact the Church Office at 940-627-3362. Thank you!

Worship Assistants needed for Christmas Eve Services

YOU ARE INVITED!

Come join the nursery staff on Sunday, December 9th immediately following Second Service as we shower our nursery with new and updated toys and supplies. After a recent inventory of the nursery, we found toys, items and furniture that were 20- 30 plus years old. The nursery is going to be going through an update and getting a face lift thanks to our church congregation. The nursery hopes to provide an inviting and welcom-ing place for small children, and for parents to feel reassured that toys are clean and safe for their little ones. The nursery is also hoping to fix a new space up for nursing moms (and the dads that may accompany them) so they have a clean and comfortable space where they feel loved and encour-aged.

Thank you to those that have given to this project! We know it will be a blessing for young families and our church as a whole.

Giving Made Easy

Choose the option that is most convenient for you. Change the way you give at any time. Save your checks, your time, and your worry and set up recurring gifts. Recurring gifts can be set up from the Smart Phone App or the website. (Call the office if you wish to do this and need help.)

In order to receive tax credit for the 2018 year, any financial gifts must be:

Received inside the church office by December 31

Electronic receipt dated by December 31

Post-marked by December 31

Kiosks located in the Narthex, first floor foyer, and MAC. www.decaturmethodist.org

Mail checks to: P.O. Box 302

Decatur, TX 76234 Smart Phone App

Throughout the month of December, the Shepherd will be on

the search for the awaited, newborn King.

Simply, find the Shepherd around town at a few local businesses, take

a selfie, and upload to your personal FaceBook or Instagram with the

caption #ShepherdSearch2018 . Those that participate and use

#ShepherdSearch2018 will be entered into a drawing to win a basket

full of some great items! Make sure you are following the FUMC De-

catur, Texas Facebook page and keep an eye out for where the Shep-

herd will be heading next!

This is for all ages, and the more selfies with the Shepherd doll, the

more chances you’ll have to win!

Choir Cantata “Christmas Presence, A Gathering of Hope, Peace, and Love” by Pepper Choplin.

Sunday, December 23rd, 10:50 a.m.

What does it mean to simply be present? What does it feels like to truly meditate and focus on a single subject and to allow

yourself to be moved and inspired - to set aside peripheral distractions, responsibilities, and to-dos? Around Christmastime, just being present can seem like an impossible task. The demands of the season battles for our attention, our time, and our

focus. However, the very thing that brings us together at Christmas demands that we are present to reflect and moved by Christ’s birth. In this work, the concept of being present weaves throughout the music and

narration presents a challenge to experience Christmas in God’s presence of those around us.

FUMC Christmas Services

Advent Worship Services Sundays in December

8:30 & 10:50 am

FUMC Sanctuary

Blue Christmas Service Thursday, December 20

6:00 pm

Asbury Hall (MAC)

Community Candlelight Worship

Sunday, December 23

7:00 pm

Downtown Decatur Courthouse Lawn

Christmas Eve Candlelight Svc Monday, December 24th

5:00 (Family emphasis) & 7:00 pm

FUMC Sanctuary

Join us for a variety of Worship opportunities

this Christmas season.

If you have been a Ministry Safe certified volunteer

for FUMC, watch for an email from Ministry Safe

with a link to be re-certified.

Ministry Safe certifications are good for two years.

If you have any questions or would like to become

a Ministry Safe certified volunteer,

contact the church office.

(940)627-3362

administrator@decaturmethodist.org

FUMC Financials Update Giving to General Operating Fund

Year to Date: 549,847

Average Weekly Gifts: 11,698

Weekly Budget Need: 13,391

Continue the Vision Pledge

(Original pledge drive)

Total Pledged: 350,898

Pledge Balance Not Received: 17,432

See the Vision Pledge

(Current pledge drive)

Total Pledged: 316,130

Pledge Balance Not received: 69,460

Total Building Note Balance Due: 189,000

Launch & Advent: A Meditation on Waiting

Advent is a season of expectant waiting and active preparation. We prepare our worship spaces & homes with

decorations, we prepare by buying and making gifts to show people how much we love them, we prepare our

hearts and lives to once again welcome in the Christ Child. Much like John the Baptist, in the season of Ad-

vent we are about the work of “preparing the way of the Lord” (Mk. 1:3). Over the past 18-months, we have

been in a long season of expectant waiting and active preparation working towards the launch of Pecan Street

Mission. What began as a dozen people dreaming around a dinner table in December 2017 will culminate this

Advent in the Grand Launch of our new modern worship community.

As it turns out, Advent is a fitting time to celebrate the birth of this new faith community anchored in FUMC Decatur. During the

Advent season, we are reminded that there are highways to be paved in the wilderness, valleys to be lifted up, hills to be brought

low, uneven ground to be leveled, and rough places to be made plain (Is. 40:3-4); there are people walking in darkness & living in

lands of deep despair desperately seeking the Light of God’s love to shine on them (Is. 9:2). During Advent, in our expectant wait-

ing and active preparation, we get to be the messengers who bear the Good News of God’s peace and salvation to the world (Is.

52:7). In short, the long work of planting Pecan Street Mission has been nothing other than faithfully preparing for the Good News

of Emmanuel – God-with-Us.

We have prepared our campus by building new space; we have prepared the city by celebrating with 130 downtown neighbors at

sunrise on Easter morning; we have prepared the neighborhood by distributing 750 door hanger invitations; we have prepared our

hearts by gathering monthly for Preview Worship; we have indeed been in the long season of active preparation, expectantly wait-

ing for the new way God is being made flesh here in this community. So this Advent, as we prepare to meet Jesus, let us celebrate.

Let us celebrate that once again God has entered into our messy everyday lives. Let us celebrate that God has moved into the

neighborhood & pitched a tent in our backyard. Let us celebrate that God’s light is breaking into the darkness all around us, and

people are coming to know God’s love in new ways. Let us celebrate the work God has done in planting Pecan Street Mission – let

us celebrate all the work God will continue to do.

This Advent season, come celebrate with us on Sunday mornings at 10:45am in the Methodist Activity Center on the campus of

FUMC Decatur as we launch Pecan Street Mission! No matter who you are, you belong here!

In Christ,

Ricky Harrison

Live Thankfully Food Drive Donate non-perishable food items benefitting local families. Bring items no later than noon on December 6th. Collection boxes and a list of suggested food items are located in the Narthex and MAC.

FUMC Podcasts now available on iTunes!

Search for First United Methodist Church of Decatur

Subscribe to our channel and listen to the sermons

on your smart device from anywhere!

Order Poinsettias now!

$15

If you would like to purchase a poinsettia in honor or in memory

of a friend and/or loved one, fill out an order form and place in the offering plate

or return to the office by December 19th.

Order forms available in the Narthex or in Sunday bulletins. An insert will be placed in the Christmas Eve bulletin

with a listing of your poinsettia gifts.

www.decaturmethodist.org

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First United Methodist Church Presorted Standard

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Post Office Box 302 U.S. Postage Paid

Decatur, Texas 76234-0302 Permit No. 166

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

THIS NEWSLETTER CREATED ESPECIALLY FOR

YOU!

Thursday, January 3 8:30 a.m.—Character Builders Classroom

Wednesday, December 26 at 1:00 p.m.

For any submissions you would like put in The Voice,

call the church office at 627-3362 or email administrator@decaturmethodist.org.

FUMC Decatur in ACTION!

“Great Day of

Service”

FUMC family pulling together

to provide Thanksgiving meals

for area families.

GREAT JOB FUMC!

Church-Wide Thanksgiving Meal

Pecan Street Mission Weekly Worship

Starting Sunday, December 2 10:45 am

Asbury Hall

United Methodist Men hanging sound

absorbing panels in Asbury Hall.

December sermon series