Faith

Center Church of Christ Revised Worship Schedule

March 25, 2020 - In our continuing effort to balance the need to gather and worship on the Lord’s Day, at the same time comply with the requests of our elected officials and also do as much as possible to ensure the safety of our members, the Center Church of Christ has made the following changes to our schedule of activities:

This coming Sunday, (March 29th) we will have multiple worship services for small groups. Those who were in worship last Sunday will be in the same groups you were assigned to. At this time all of our worship groups are filled. However, if you have a desire to worship with us this coming Sunday, please PM us and we will add as many services as necessary to accommodate the demand. If you have not been contacted about a time to worship, please private message me. Should the need arise, we will add additional services.

If you are unable to worship with us Sunday, we understand that given the current circumstances. At 10 A.M. Sunday, the Oldham Lane Church of Christ in Abilene, TX will be live streaming a worship service and we would encourage you to go to the following link, https://olcc.com/live/ and watch that service. You will be blessed by doing so.

Our hope and prayer is still that the current crisis will have abated and we can resume our regular schedule of activities beginning Sunday, April 5th.

We love you, the Lord who died for you loves you, and He will see us safely through this time of trial.

Fellowship MBC 81st Annual Homecoming, 181st Anniversary

March 23, 2020 - Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church would like to announce their 81st annual homecoming service, celebrating 181 years of continuous service to the community and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Services will be held on April 26th, beginning at 10:30 am. There will be a special offering for our new Church Building. Please bring an offering if God has lead you to be a part of these efforts.

If you would like to perform any special music, contact Music Director, Bro. Matt Wood. Please contact him at least one week before the services. 936-488-0706. Your name and song will be placed on the program for the services.

Please join us for lunch in the fellowship hall following the services. Bring a dessert if you wish. This one will be catered with some fine BBQ! After lunch, please join us back in the sanctuary around 1:30 for an old fashioned gospel singing!

News from Paxton Methodist, March 22nd

March 22, 2020 - Grace and peace from our brother, Jesus, Amen. What strange times we are living in! Our thoughts, hopes, and prayers are that everyone is well and coping with the “new normal” way of life. It is so important that we listen to and follow what the scientists and leaders think is the best way to protect ourselves from the coronavirus. In keeping with that, Paxton United Methodist Church did not have Sunday School or worship Sunday and will not next Sunday. We will evaluate where we are in another week and then make decisions based on that.

I am pretty much a homebody and mostly retired, so staying home and avoiding crowds hasn’t been a problem for me. But for all those people who go to work every day to earn a paycheck and send their kids to school, these are unbelievably trying times. My brother and sister-in-law have been in South America for the last three weeks. When everything started shutting down where they were (including airports), they headed back to the U. S., which proved to be quite a challenge. They are now back home in Dallas, and I had a really nice phone conversation with my brother Friday. My two kids are able to work from home and are doing OK. My mother-in-law lives in an assisted living facility in Nacogdoches, which is, of course, in lockdown. As usual she is in good spirits and taking everything in stride.

The Joaquin Senior Center is now closed. This past week they had pick-up meals, but the Center will be closed for at least the next week—and probably several weeks beyond. It appears that schools are going to be closed for the forseeable future, possibly until next fall. We should really be thankful for all those caregivers and those working at doctors’ offices, grocery stores, pharmacies, post offices, and other essential places during this crisis. Not knowing what the end game is going to be and how long we all need to “shelter in place” is adding to the anxiety level for everyone.

We received an email from our bishop, including this segment:

To all clergy of the Texas Annual Conference

Friends,

Yesterday our governor issued the following executive order:

“Order No. 1 - In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, every person in Texas shall avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.”

I want to support the governor’s intent and to follow its spirit whether or not the letter of the order applies to religious worship services. Canceling worship for the next several weeks is the right step to protect our communities and minimize the health risks of this pandemic. I strongly advise you to do so.

I am ending with our usual philosophy, although, of course, the being open parts are not currently true:

Whoever you are, in whatever faith you were born, whatever creed you profess; if you come to this house to find God you are welcome here. Paxton United Methodist Church is an inviting church that takes to heart the idea of “Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds.” Sunday School starts at 9:30 and Worship begins at 10:00. Our email address is paxtonumc@yahoo.com. If you would like the weekly email newsletter about Paxton Methodist, you can send your email address to the Paxton email address, and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.

Center Church of Christ Revised Worship Schedule

March 21, 2020 - As we all navigate through these unprecedented times in our country, it is very important that we are following the advice of public health officials to attempt to halt or mitigate the spread of this dreadful virus. Equally important is that we are still making worship and service to the God of Heaven the utmost priority in our lives. To that end, if you are planning to join us for worship tomorrow, you will be welcomed with open arms. If you are planning to join us and have not been contacted about the time for your specific small group to meet, please contact us ASAP so that we can get you scheduled. We will add as many services as are needed to accommodate demands of those wanting to worship with us while also following public health guidelines that are in place.

If you are unable to worship with us tomorrow, we certainly understand that as well given current circumstances. At 10 am tomorrow, the Oldham Lane church of Christ in Abilene TX will be live streaming a worship service there and we would encourage you to go to the following link https://olcoc.com/live/ and watch that service, we can assure you that you will be blessed in doing so.

As we navigate through these difficult times remember your friends and neighbors in your thoughts and prayers, keep our local, state and national leaders in your prayers and most importantly remember that we love you and the Lord that died for you loves you as well.

Facebook page - Center Church of Christ

New Life Church Announces Service Changes Due to Covid-19

March 20, 2020 - In accordance with National, State and CDC to not meet in groups of 10 or more, New Life Church is enacting the following changes to our service schedule;

Sunday Morning Worship Services at New Life Church will be ONLY be available for you to watch online on our Facebook page and or YouTube channel, no services will be conducted at the church.

This will be for the next 2 weeks. At that time we will reevaluate the service schedule and follow any further guidance from the State of Texas or our local officials (City/County). Sunday evening services will be postponed throughout this time frame.

The decision whether to livestream our Wednesday evening services is yet to be determined. Thank you for your patience, and please follow our church Facebook page for more information.

God Bless, Pastor Steve

Church links:

First UMC's Plan on How to Worship During COVID-19

A Letter from First United Methodist Church Pastor, Rev. Karen Jones

March 19, 2020 - Today I met with members of our First United Methodist Church leadership, which included Chairs of Committees and work areas whose planning is being affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus). Below are the results from our discussion:

Here’s what we know:

We each need to practice social distancing to keep one another safe during this time. Our Mission Statement is Love God, Love Others and Serve The World. To show love to one another, we are not going to gather in groups of 10 or more and we will stay 6 feet from one another when we do need to gather in a group.

To that end, we agreed to follow the practice of Center Independent School District, our local school district. If school is out, we will not have mid-week activities, including Ladies Exercise, Kids Grow ‘N Christ, MYF or any regularly scheduled committee meetings. If necessary, we will hold meetings remotely.

Here’s how we can worship:

There are still ways to worship without coming together in one place at the same time. We will still find ways to worship and express love and devotion to God.

Currently, we are creating ways for you to worship. For the next two Sundays on March 22 and March 29, we will not gather in our sanctuary for regular worship services at 8:30am or 11am, which also includes no Coffee Fellowship and Sunday School. After that time, we will be making decisions on a weekly basis after March 29. During this time, we are offering worship opportunities in other formats to keep you all safe, but spiritually fed. Here are some ways to worship:

  • Watch our Facebook Live worship at https://www.facebook.com/FUMCCenterTexas/ that will be produced the next two weeks at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays, March 22 and March 29. On Sunday, March 22, you will enjoy a message in song from Danny Paul Windham along with a message from me from our current Lenten Bible Study, Children’s Time with Faythe Abraham, Director of Children & Youth Ministries and music by Chris Watlington, our Music Director. Then, on Sunday, March 29, we will offer another Facebook Live Worship Service with me, Chris and Faythe. You will have the opportunity to comment anytime during Facebook Live and we will try to respond in real time.
  • Worship as a family using the enclosed Worship Guide. (Mailed out to church members)
  • Bishop Scott Jones is offering worship at this link: https://www.facebook.com/txumc/
  • Watch Rev. Dr. Pat Day, First United Methodist Church in Shreveport, either tuning via the internet at https://firstshreveport.com/media/traditional or on television at 11:00 a.m. on KTBS.
  • All the above!

Whatever you choose, we ask that you either email me, text, comment on the Facebook Live posts or message me on Facebook to let us know how you and your family chose to worship each week.

  • Remember to visit our church website at www.fumccentertx.org and our Facebook pages for daily Upper Room devotionals.
  • Ministry is still happening! The buildings still have heat and lights. Staff is still working. Bills and payroll must still be paid. Remember your church! Please feel free to give online by visiting http://fumccentertx.org/online-giving-2/. If you want to mail your offerings, you may do so. You may also drop them by the church by dropping them in the black mailbox outside the office. We will check it throughout the day.
  • This is a temporary situation! The one beatitude Jesus omitted from the list is this: Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape!

Here’s what we can do:

Please come to the office only if you have business to conduct. If you need to have human interaction, please call me at the office during the day at 598-2707 or at the parsonage in the evening at 598-3616. If you need an errand run, we have people willing to do that for you. Simply call the office to inform us. Please keep praying about the pandemic and all the folks on our prayer list. We as a staff are praying for you. If you have a prayer need, please let us know so we can lift you up in prayer.

Blessings in this uncharted time! Please know we will continue to monitor the situation closely, and if we become aware of further needs, we will communicate any updates to you.

In His Service,
Rev. Karen Jones

First Baptist Church Center Coronavirus Update; Schedule Changes (Updated)

March 19, 2020 - First Baptist Church Center Sunday Morning Worship Services will be held online and FacebookLive Center, Texas, March 19, 2020 — Worship with us during this Crisis.

In accordance with National, State and County disaster strategies, of not meeting in groups of 10 or more, we will be hosting our Sunday Morning Sunday school and Worship Services to our online platforms and radio/cable ONLY.

We invite you to join us at the following links and stations:

All other activities are postponed.

Further updates will be by Facebook, Email, Text and at www.fbccenter.org

First Baptist Church is committed to helping people of Shelby County develop a relationship with Jesus Christ

March 18, 2020 - Shelby County Pastors — We want to offer our assistance to you as we navigate this time together. We have the capability to record your sermons so that you can distribute them to your church membership. IF you would like for us to partner with you please contact Pastor Bobby Bressman or David Mathis at 598-5605

Our leadership team met this afternoon with an increasing amount of discussion surrounding COVID-19. We want to make plans for our congregation, we encourage you to heed the advice of the CDC, and to take common sense precautions in daily life.

Remember that we serve a sovereign God who instructs us not to live in a spirit of fear. God is good, He’s faithful, and we know that He’s still at work all around us.

Let’s continue to be the Church and walk with God together in the days ahead as we strive together to Connect People to Jesus Christ and One Another.

Because of the developing situation:

  • We are postponing the scheduled "Walk thru the Bible" that we had planned for Sunday for a later date.
  • Wednesday evening and Children’s activities and Adult Bible Study are postponed.
  • This Sunday we WILL NOT have our regularly scheduled Sunday school and Worship service.
  • Connect with staff through hosted live chats during the Sunday morning service. We want to continue to help you grow and pray with you, even when you aren’t attending in person.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

If you feel uncomfortable with being in a group we invite you to worship with us live at 10:15 AM on our Facebook page, and on our webpage

Kids Prayer Guide for families at home:

It’s important to remind our kids that they can talk to God about anything! No matter where they are or what they are feeling, God hears our prayers.

These simple ideas can help guide your prayer time as a family:

  • Focus on and praise God for who is – “Thank you God for being loving”; “I praise you Lord because you protect us and heal the sick”; etc...
  • Pray God’s word – Choosing one verse to focus on can help you stay focused and help your kids not wander on too many rabbit trails.
  • Take turns – listen to your kids! God often speaks through our kids tender hearts. Offer a turn for each of your kids to voice their prayers.
  • Keep an ongoing family prayer list – a list that you can add to and check back with frequently. Keep this list somewhere the whole family can see it.

SENIOR ADULTS

All of our normal weekly rehearsals have been canceled until further notice.

FAMILY LIFE CENTER (GYM)

Until further notice, the FLC will be closed due to COVID - 19.

CENTER LEARNING ACADEMY

Our CLA will be closed along with the schedule for Center ISD.

HELP US LOVE OUR COMMUNITY

One of the best ways to help us love our community during the spread of illness is simply to be a good neighbor. If you live beside or are in close contact with families who have high-risk individuals in their homes, reach out to see if they need anything. Maybe that means offering to pick up supplies on your next trip to the store or dropping off some food if they’re unable to get out. Simply look for ways that you can Love Where You Live in the coming weeks and commit to praying for our leaders and community.

Further updates will be by FACEBOOK, EMAIL, TEXT, AND AT WWW.FBCCENTER.ORG

First Baptist Church is committed to helping people of Shelby County develop a relationship with Jesus Christ!

Postponed - First United Methodist Church Garage Sale

(Update) March 19, 2020 - The First UMC garage sale has been postposted until further notice.

March 11, 2020 – The First United Methodist Church (UMC) of Center is planning a garage sale on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 from 10 am to 6pm and Sunday, March 29 from 2pm to 5pm in the Fellowship Hall located at 211 Porter Street. The community is invited to attend the garage sale. All proceeds from the garage sale fundraiser will benefit First UMC Missions.

For additional information about the garage sale, please contact Polly McKissick Montemayor, First UMC Missions Committee Chair at (936) 591-5586, swimsuits@yahoo.com, Rev. Karen Jones at (936) 598-2707 or visit www.fumccentertx.org.

 

Across the Preacher’s Desk: That’s My Neighbor!

March 19, 2020 - I read something the other day that has a lesson in it for all of us. It seems that a Bible Class Teacher, in order to get her lessons over to her students, would describe some character and ask the class to tell her who the character was. One day, she described Jesus. She told how gentle and kind he was, and how he was always helping others, then she asked the children to tell he who she had described. One little boy said, “That’s my neighbor”.

That made me stop and think. What impression do our neighbors have of us? Why do they have that impression? It is a proven fact that most of what people think of us we have caused them to think because of our actions. The impression that others get of us will more often than not be given by the way that we live.

What would our neighbors think about us? If someone described Jesus, would our neighbors think they had described us? We must order our lives so that others will see Jesus living in us, we must live His kind of live.

It’s something to think about… tbp

Join us for worship this coming Lord’s day at the Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street Center, Texas, or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com

In God's Word: The Light of the World

March 19, 2020 - We have multitudes of people in the world today who do not believe in God, neither the Father nor the Son nor the Holy Spirit.

The world is no different today than it was 2000 years ago when Jesus walked the earth and taught those who would listen and believe the gospel truth of His Way.

Jesus worked to convert those of Israel who followed the teaching of Moses, what is called the Mosaic Law, to his gospel, the message of repentance and redemption and salvation from sin.

Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples." They answered him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, "You will become free?" (John 8:31-33)

"I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father."

They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did." (John 8:37-39)

As Jesus drove his points home to them they began to claim to be children of God, to which Jesus answered them.

"If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father, the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires." (John 8:42-44)

"Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not if God." (John 8:47)

Many things happen in this world that are meant to glorify God and make people realize that he is God and that there is none other like him.

One day as Jesus saw a blind man, he stopped to help him and his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "it was not that his man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:2-5)

And Jesus then restored the man's sight and God was highly glorified by him as the people saw that he who could now see.

I ask you today, "Can you hear the words of God, do you understand the gospel message of Christ our Lord?" If the answer is no, then please turn to him, repent of your sinful life and accept him as your Sovereign Lord and Master.

There is no other way to salvation, no other way into the kingdom of God but through Jesus Christ.

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Won't you come today, believing in your heart that Jesus died for your sins, confessing with your mouth that God raised him from the dead and that he now lives forever at the right hand of the Father. Do this and you will be saved...

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