First United Methodist Church Welcomes Rev. Dr. Jerry Neff, Sesquicentennial Celebration Weekend: 150 Years to Celebrate, 150 Ways to Serve

October 21, 2016 - Commemorating their year-long sesquicentennial anniversary milestone of faith and worship “150 Years to Celebrate, 150 Ways to Serve,” the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) of Center will host their celebration weekend with many planned events on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30, 2016.  The celebration will begin on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. with a gathering in the church sanctuary welcoming members, past members and the community.  Rev. Dr. Jerry Neff will be the guest pastor on Sunday, October 30 at a combined worship service beginning at 10:15 a.m.  Everyone is welcome to attend this historic milestone at FUMC Center.

Rev. Dr. Jerry Neff has served as a United Methodist Pastor for the past 36 years.  He graduated from Center High School in 1973 (his father was pastor of FUMC Center).  He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BA in Political Science, a Masters of Theology from Perkins School of Theology SMU, and a Doctor of Ministry from Perkins School of Theology SMU.  He is married to Laura Owens Neff (39 years) and they have three sons, Matthew (37) and wife Alise, Patrick (32), and Andrew (29).  Dr. Neff has served in the Texas Annual Conference his entire career.  He served at Winona, FUMC LaPorte, FUMC Kirbyville, FUMC Crockett, FUMC Jasper, A&M UMC in College Station, District Superintendent of the North District, and FUMC Conroe. He is presently serving Moody Methodist Church in Galveston.  He has served the Annual Conference as Chair of Small Membership Church Committee, District Auditor in three districts, Coordinator of Church Camp for three districts, Vice Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, and is presently serving as Chair of the Board of Pensions and Insurance.  He is chair of the District Building and Location Committee for the South District, and is a member of the District Leadership Team and a member of the Executive Committee of the District Leadership Committee.  He still enjoys golf, living by the beach, and traveling.  He is very excited about coming back to Center and renewing old acquaintances and friendships.

The FUMC Center 150th Anniversary Celebration Weekend Schedule of Events includes:

Saturday, October 29 
    •    10:00 a.m.     Gathering Celebration – Sanctuary 
    •    11:00 a.m.     Children’s Choir Reunion and Rehearsal – Basement 
Cemetery Talk – Sanctuary 
    •    Noon         Covered Dish Luncheon – Fellowship Hall 
    •    1:00 p.m.    MYF Reunion and Picture Party – Basement 
Buster Bounds and Friends Movies – Sanctuary 
Daughters of the Republic of Texas presentation – Fellowship Hall (Designed for our children and will last until 5:00 pm) 
    •    3:00 p.m.     Jam Session / Concert – Sanctuary 
    •    4:00 p.m.     Chancel Choir Reunion and Rehearsal – Sanctuary 
    •    All Day        Wedding Photos* on Display – Parlor 
Old FUMC Photos on Display – Library
*Please bring your wedding photos or those of your parents and/or grandparents if you were married at FUMC to share.
 
Sunday, October 30 
    •    8:45 a.m.    Methodist Men’s Breakfast 
    •    9:30 a.m.    Sunday School / Fellowship Time
    •    10:15 a.m.    Combined Worship Service with Rev. Dr. Jerry Neff
Photo of the Congregation will be taken before worship service. 
Photo of past and current children will be taken on the front church steps after worship service.

Additional information regarding FUMC’s 150th Anniversary Celebration Weekend plans for October 2016 are available by contacting Rev. Karen Jones or Billie Sue Payne, 150th Anniversary Committee Chair, at the church office (936) 598-2707.