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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
October 24, 2016 - “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you...” James 4:8
The combination of sandy roads, spring branches and a plentiful food supply has made Center, Texas’ Sand Hill Community an ideal nesting place for exotic birds from Mexico and Central America. Located about six miles south of Center, Texas, it remains one of the most beautiful parts of Shelby County Texas. My Dad explored these sandy roads when he was a youngster and took all ten of us there many times as we were growing up. Instead of vacations to The Grand Canyon or Yellowstone, we made ours to The Sand Hills…to Big Ditch and Gunnel’s Cave… which were only a short drive from of our house in Center. After becoming adults, we all made frequent trips home to see Mother and to re-explore the Sand Hill roads with her.
Back in the 70’s I asked my sister Jeri in Texarkana to meet me at Mother’s and spend a day in the Sand Hills with her. We left her house early one August morning and after a drive through the Snow Hill, Short and Jericho communities, we wound up taking pictures and picking Sand Hill grapes along a sandy road near Gunnel’s Cave.
Suddenly, I spotted a handsome lizard basking in the sun about fifteen feet off the road. As I complained to Mother about the lizard being too far away to photograph, Sis quietly touched my shoulder and whispered, “Let me talk to the lizard.” I nervously looked all around to see if anyone was watching us. Then as we walked toward him, she began: “Don’t be afraid.” “We won’t hurt you.” “Hen Doug just wants to take your picture.” After telling the lizard how pretty he was, we got close enough to see his eyes twinkle and after getting several close-ups, we backed away leaving him undisturbed.
As we were discussing my sister’s “way with lizards” on the way home, Mother said, “You know, God lets us come close and talk to Him, too.” “I know, Mother,” I replied. “And not only do we talk to Him.” “Through prayer and His Word…..
“He talks to us, too”.
October 21, 2016 - Center First United Methodist Church will host a Blessing of the Animals Saturday, October 22 at 10:00 a.m. in the Pumpkin Patch on the church grounds located at 211 N. Porter Street.
All adults, children and families are invited to bring your pet and be a part of this event. Blessing of the Animals witnesses to God's and the Church's love, care and concern for creation and recognizes our mutual interdependence with God's creatures. Please join us with your pet for this special event. You may take photographs of your family and pets in the Pumpkin Patch following the Blessing of the Animals.
October 21, 2016 - Old Home Baptist Church is hosting a Fall Carnival on Saturday, October 29th. Enjoy hot dogs, fun, games, and pony rides for children ages 0 to 10 from 5:00pm until 6:30 PM. Hay Ride at 7:00 PM. Old Home Baptist Church is located off FM 699. Call or text for details at 936-332-9293.
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.
October 20, 2016 - Mt. Calvary Full Gospel Church is hosting a fall revival on November 3rd, 4th, and 5th at 7pm nightly with Evangelist Bro. Lamar Denby. Mt. Calvary Full Gospel Church is located on 417 West, 2 miles from the top of the hill in Shelbyville.
October 20, 2016 - The student ministry of First Baptist Church will sponsor 5th Quarter after the Center Varsity Football Game on Friday night. The even will start after the game and will end at midnight. Join us for food, fun and games. It's a great place to hang out with friends!
5th Quarter is open to 7th through 12th grade students in Shelby County and will be held at the Family Life Center. Join us for some 5th Quarter Fu!
October 18, 2016 - The community is invited to celebrate with Pastor Marlin & First Lady Felicia Cloudy, as Abundant Love Ministries celebrates their Annual Pastor’s and Wife Appreciation Services, on Sunday, Oct 23, 2016 at 3:00pm.
Bishop Howard Cloudy, Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ, 3rd District, will be the guest speaker. Regular morning services for ALM are cancelled for this event, and dinner will be served. Abundant Love Ministries is located at 1426 Shelbyville St., Center, TX 75935.
October 18, 2016 - The Gates Chapel Baptist Church will host it's Pastor's 8th Anniversary program on Sunday, November 6th at 2:30pm honoring Pastor Frankie Cooper and First Lady Fannie Cooper. The special guest speaker will be Bishop W.C. Martin of the Bennett Chapel Baptist Church. Everyone is invited to attend.
October 18, 2016 - Sardis Pentecostal Church is hosting a Fall Festival October 29th at 4:30pm. Come and bring your whole family for a time of fun, food and great fall activities for all ages! Children are welcome to dress up and get some treats at our trunk-or-treat. We will eat some great food at 5:30, at 6:30 we will have cake walks, and come dark there will be a hay ride for the little and big kids! We will also have a jump house and a blow up obstacle course for the kids to enjoy. Hope to see you there!
October 18, 2016 - FBC Timpson will be hosting a Timpson Community Fall Festival. All the activities will take place from 6:00pm - 8:00pm on Monday, October 31, 2016 in the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church.
This will be a great time of food, fun, and fellowship. Your kids won’t have to go from house to house asking for candy or to have a good time. There will be more Free candy, Free food, and Free prizes than they will know what to do with!! There will also be some games for the adults as well.
Come and be a part of this great community event!
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