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Contributing Writers: David Mathis | Tim Perkins
Past Contributing Writers: Mike Mills, Spring Hill Church | Doug Fincher | Pastor Randy and Sue Smith | Mike Belgard
Faith
February 21, 2019 - Mt. Zion CME Church celebrates with a Black History Program to be held on Sunday, February 24th at 3pm. Special guests are Brenda Wimberly and Jonathan Fountain of Shreveport, LA, Alex Cloudy, Jalen Hubbard, Jeremy Small, Christy Byndom, and others. Please join us as the psalmist ministers old Negro Spirituals and hear poems and great young speakers. Rev. Richard Edwards, Pastor. Myrtis McClelland, Program Chairperson.
February 21, 2019 - Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church cordially invites you to their Black History Program on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 10am.
Speakers are Ms. Amie Preston, Ms. Amanda Ashton, and Ms. SeKourtney Ratcliff.
February 19, 2019 - Love and peace from our brother, Jesus. Sunday was the 6th Sunday of Epiphany. The season of Epiphany is longer in 2019 since Easter isn’t until Sunday, April 21st this year. The forty days of Lent are a time of preparation for Christians. I enjoy the season of Epiphany because I like to imagine and contemplate the quiet moving of God into our everyday lives.
We had some of the faithful out this past Sunday. Joe had surgery on Friday, and they kept him overnight at the hospital. His son, Ben is with him; we all pray that Joe is feeling better each day. Carolyn’s brother-in-law, Leroy Fisher, passed away, and Carolyn has gone to be with her sister. We hope that all are doing OK during this time of bereavement.
Ms. Fannie’s Sunday School lesson focused on remembering to praise God for his mighty works in our lives. The scripture was from the Jewish songbook—The Psalms. The background text was Psalm 66. The author said this psalm gives us a context for interpreting life and identifying God’s activity on our behalf. In our worship and praise we are reminded that yes, life is hard, but that God is good. God is always on the side of health and wholeness. We have one more lesson in this quarter, so Gene brought our new books—Spring 2019. Yes!
Gene filled in as song leader this morning, and Ms. Hilda played the piano. We appreciate both of these folks and the music they provide for us. The Gospel Lesson for the 6th Sunday of Epiphany was Luke 6: 17-26. These verses are Luke’s version of the beatitudes, with Jesus speaking not from a mountain but on the plains. Luke’s beatitudes are fewer and are accompanied by woes or curses. There is no doubt where Jesus stands on justice and compassion.
This past week we headed to Focused Care in Center for our monthly ministry. We had a big crowd of residents and folks from Joaquin Methodist. One of their members, Chestine, is rehabbing there and sang two specials in her beautiful, clear voice. Theresa played the piano—nice to see and hear her play again. Pastor Robert and his wife Ann joined together on piano and voice to lead the residents in a rousing hymn. Pastor Matt was our MC, bringing a message and prayer. Fannie read some poetry that was perfect for Valentine’s Day. Nora sang in her strong, a capella voice. Everyone really seemed to have a good time. It was great to have the folks from Joaquin join us.
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, 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 me your email address to the Paxton email address and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.
February 19, 2019 - You are invited to celebrate with the Mt. Gillion Baptist Church family in the
1st Appreciation Service for Pastor Gary Suell Sr. and Lady Pamela Suell.
Service will be 3PM Sunday, February 24, 2019 at the Mt. Gillion Baptist Church 5920 Hwy 87 North, Center TX. Guest Preacher is Rev. James A Ervin Sr, Pastor of Iron Wheel Baptist Church, Nacogdoches TX.
February 18, 2019 - There is so much doubt in todays world, doubt even of the existence of heaven or hell, doubt even of God himself. Let us take a glimpse into God’s Word and see for ourselves what is real.
Heaven as shown to the apostle John, the Beloved.
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” (Rev.22:1-5)
As John fell down and attempted to worship the angel that was showing him all of the wonders of heaven, the angel said to him; “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” (Rev. 22:9)
And then the angel said to John, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy. For I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” (Rev 22:10-12)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.” (Rev 22:13-14)
“Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Rev. 22:15)
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Rev. 22:16)
“The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” (Rev. 22:17)
“I warn everyone who hears the words of this prophecy of this book: “If anyone adds to them God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” (Rev. 22:18-19)
And I urge everyone who has read these words of the prophecy of this book, do not turn away, but come to the Lord and receive his holy grace and mercy. Enter into the holy city by the gates and rejoice forever in the love of the Lord.
For all will either be with the Lord or with the devil, the choice is yours today, choose wisely. May God bless…
February 18, 2019 - I left Amarillo in 1968 to return to Hemphill, Texas to fish a couple of days with my friend Forest Ranger Lew Whitaker. Toledo Bend Reservoir was still filling up and the fishing was at its best. I had just bought a weird little car to drive along the sandy outback of The Canadian River. It was a “52 Volkswagen Beetle—29 HP Motor—no gas guage. When the motor started sputtering, you turned a lever in the floorboard with your foot, connected to a one gallon auxiliary tank, and prayed the gallon would get you to a gas station.
I didn’t realize how little power the engine had and shifted to second gear to climb the steep hills between Amarillo and Bowie. But I finally made it to Hemphill and Lew and had two days of amazing fishing. On my way back home I drove to the top of a tall hill near Childress and spotted a beautiful antelope about seventy yards to my right. I’d never seen one before…only read that they were the 2nd fastest animals on earth….. and was surprised that he didn’t run off. He just stood stone still and stared.
I reached in my back seat and grabbed my Remington .222 Rifle. I had mounted a 10 power scope on it and it was deadly accurate. But when I put the crosshairs on him and saw how beautiful he was, I began questioning myself. Why did I want to shoot him…and how many laws would I break if I did? Season wasn’t open, I didn’t have a license, it’s unlawful to shoot from the highway…and who owned the land?
I eased my hand off the trigger and returned my rifle to the back seat. The Antelope just stood there as I cranked up and eased away. As I left, I felt guilty about wanting to shoot him. Many of my preacher friends believe, “To think the thought is the same as committing the act.” I don’t believe that. The Bible says Jesus was “tempted in like manner as we… yet without sin.” But as I thought it over, I was glad I had not shot him. And if the antelope knew what I about to do, he’d been glad, too. But lastly…and most importantly…….
……. I know God was glad, too.
February 17, 2019 - The Golden Harvest Ministries Club will meet Monday, February 18, 2019 in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church at 11:30 AM. We look forward to a musical program presented by Dr. Danny Paul and Sally Windham.
Visitors are always welcome to join us for a delicious covered dish luncheon, a good program and time of fellowship.
Submitted by Linda Anderson
February 14, 2019 - Mt. Zion C.M.E. Church invites everyone, especially high school students and parents, to their Black History Spotlight on this Sunday, February 17th at 11am.
Guest speaker is Center native Ashley Odom. Ashley is the daughter of Melvin and Mattie Suell. Ashley graduated from Center High School in 2001 and attended the University of Houston where she received her Bachelor's in Marketing. She went on to receive her Masters in Instructional Technology from UH Clear Lake and later received an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Technology from Walden University.
Ashley is currently employed as a Program Manager for Teacher Development with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which is based out of Washington D.C,. and works with the 47 publicly funded Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) around the country. They provide scholarships, internships and programs, one being the Teacher Quality and Retention Program which Ashley leads. Her topic will be the importance of education and HBCUs.
Rev. Richard Edwards, Pastor
February 14, 2019 – Save the date and join us for an evening of family fun, food and fellowship! The First United Methodist Church (UMC) of Center Missions and Outreach Committee will host their inaugural Soup and Chili Cook-off competition on Sun., February 17, 2019 beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the church Fellowship Hall located at 211 Porter Street. The First UMC annual Talent Show will begin at 6:00 p.m. following the cook-off.
Cook-off ticket donations are $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for youth ages 4 to12 and children age 3 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. for competition food sampling, which includes soup and chili samples, crackers, and drinks. Adult ticket holders will receive 5 tickets to vote for their favorite Soup and/or Chili and youth ages 4-12 will receive 3 voting tickets. Additional voting tickets will be available at the event for $1.00 each. First and Second Place People’s Choice awards will be presented in both Soup and Chili categories and winners will be announced during the Talent Show.
All proceeds will benefit First United Methodist Church of Center Missions and Outreach. For details, please contact Becky Parfait, Center First UMC Missions Chair at (936) 332-3456, beckyparfait@yahoo.com, visit http://fumccentertx.org or the church Facebook page at First United Methodist Church-Center Texas.
Prepare to be amazed, entertained, and dazzled by the talent right here in our own faith community at our annual Talent Show beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please contact Chris Watlington, Center First UMC Music Director, at (936) 332-3255 for details or to sign-up for the Talent Show.
February 13, 2019 - (Registration Form) - First United Methodist Church of Center announces Soup and Chili Cook-off Competition and Annual Talent Show
Save the date and join us for an evening of family fun, food and fellowship! The First United Methodist Church (UMC) of Center Missions and Outreach Committee will host their inaugural Soup and Chili Cook-off competition on Sun., Feb. 17, 2019 beginning at 4pm until 5:30pm at the church Fellowship Hall located at 211 Porter Street. The First UMC annual Talent Show will begin at 6pm following the cook-off.
The Soup and Chili Cook-off competition is open to individuals of all ages and local organizations, but all must be amateur cooks only. The cook-off is limited to 12 teams with a maximum of 4 members per team and advance registration is required by Wednesday, February 13, 2019. A non-refundable entry fee of $10 secures the team’s cook-off space. Cook-off teams will have the opportunity to compete in both the Soup or Chili categories.
Cook-off ticket donations are $5 for adults, $3 for youth ages 4-12 and children age 3 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door. The event begins at 4pm for competition food sampling. Adult ticket holders will receive 5 tickets to vote for their favorite Soup and/or Chili and youth ages 4-12 will receive 3 voting tickets. Additional voting tickets will be available at the event for $1 each. First and Second Place People’s Choice awards will be presented in both Soup and Chili categories and winners will be announced during the Talent Show.
All proceeds will benefit First United Methodist Church of Center Missions and Outreach. For Soup and Chili Cook-off competition details and entry form, please contact Becky Parfait, Center First UMC Missions Chair at (936) 332-3456, beckyparfait@yahoo.com, visit http://fumccentertx.org or the church Facebook page at First United Methodist Church-Center Texas.
Prepare to be amazed, entertained, and dazzled by the talent right here in our own faith community at our annual Talent Show beginning at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Please contact Chris Watlington, Center First UMC Music Director, at (936) 332-3255 for details or to sign-up for the Talent Show.
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