First United Methodist Church

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February 2012 Newsletter
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PASTOR'S PARAGRAPH… As we begin our new year together I would like to share our 2012 church goals with you. These were compiled by your church Staff and approved by our Administrative Board. Since we have adopted the 5 Practices as our plan for discipleship it will also serve as the 5 categories for our goals. This month we will highlight Hospitality: welcoming others for Christ. Romans 15:7 reminds us to "welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." Hospitality is inviting, welcoming, and including our guests so they can find a spiritual home and discover for themselves the unending richness of life in Christ. Our first Hospitality goal is providing staffed Welcome Centers in every building. With the addition of our new Christian Education Building our campus has grown and can be a directional challenge for our guests. These new centers will provide both warm welcomes and directions. The second goal is to create a Shepherding Program. Its purpose will be to provide each new member with a current member who can mentor and help make the new member's transition as personal as possible. Our third goal is to begin an Andrew Ministry. Andrew was the first Apostle to bring someone to Christ. Our Andrew Ministry will focus on greeting guests, accompanying them to their desired location on campus, and providing information about facilities and our programs for all ages. It is our goal to give Christ-like service to all our guests. We are his hands and feet working to build His body, the Church. If you are interested in helping make any of these goals a reality I invite you to contact Rev. Beverly Burk who oversees our Hospitality practice. — Pastor Ricky

From Your Lay Leader Here we are again at the beginning of a New Year and many of you have made your New Year resolutions. I hope one of your resolutions is to be more active in First United Methodist Boerne and to become the disciple that God asks us to be. What a perfect example He gave us through the life of Jesus. As a church, we are given opportunities and support, through our awesome facilities and wonderful staff, to achieve this resolution. In addition, Diana Comuzzie, Jack Morrow, and I, Donnie Poitevent, are your Lay Leaders for 2012. Diana is starting her second year and Jack, our Lay Leader from 2008– 2010, has graciously agreed to serve as a Lay Leader again for 2012–2014. I am starting my third and final year as Lay Leader. As your Lay Leaders, we serve on church committees, represent you at annual conference, and work closely with our clergy to identify needs of ministry in our church and community. We are honored to serve each of you and look forward to helping you fulfill your New Year resolution of becoming a better disciple. We invite you to share any thoughts about ways we can serve you or just join us for a cup of coffee. Blessings, Donnie Poitevent.

Trip Information Come join us as we retrace the missionary steps of the Apostle Paul in Greece and Turkey Isles. An informational meeting is planned for January 24 at 6:30 in our new CEB. It will be in the worship area on the second floor. Brochures are available in the church office. Please contact Dr. Ricky Burk or Rev. Beverly Burk, tour hosts, with any questions.

New First Steps Class A new 4-week class began Sunday January 8th at 9:30 a.m. in the FLC. This class has been developed and will be facilitated by our pastors for new members, visitors and members of the body of Christ to learn more about our Methodist doctrine, history, vows of membership and acclimation into discipleship within the church. Whether you are a life-long Methodist or new to the denomination this class will explore our rich heritage and serve as a place to meet new friends in Christ. Please register with Cindy Bowers cbowers@fumc-boerne.org or Pastor Kim Burke at kburke@fumc-boerne.org.

Ash Wednesday services will be held on Wednesday, February 22 There will be two opportunities for imposition of ashes: A "Come and Go" service at noon in the Chapel An Ash Wednesday worship service in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Parent’s Day Out
Upcoming dates: Jan 20; Feb 24; March 23; April 20; May 4
& 18. Time is 8:30am-2:00pm. Call Trish Weaver (249-2565
ex. 231) for more info.

Mother’s Day Out Openings
Call Kim Pegram @ 249-2565 ext. 245. There are openings in
many of the age groups!

VBS: The Sky’s the Limit!
Dreaming about summer already? Mark your calendar for
Vacation Bible School June 11–15. Call Kerry Kirtley and
ask how you can help.

Children First Sunday
February 5th from 5 to 7pm
Kinder thru 5th graders meet for food, fun, and fellowship!
Meet in the FLC/Pickup in the CEB

Love Your Neighbor!
5th Sunday Food Drive
Bring canned goods and non perishable food
items to Sunday School to give to local food banks.
We are also always collecting items for Heartland Children’s
Homes: wipes, batteries of all sizes, baby soap, laundry
detergent.

PreK Storytime for 3 to 5 year olds
Fridays 10:20 to 10:50am (Just before Family Music)
Beginning January 13th in Room 132

Children’s Musical
Rehearsals will start back on January 11th at
5:00 p.m. in the CEB. It is not too late for your
Kinder thru 5th grader to join in the fun.
We will participate in Worship service with the
music we have learned on April 15 and perform the musical
on April 22.

Children’s Music -
It's not to late to join! Contact Hollie Garza for more
information
Joyful Spirits Pre-K through 1st grade Director Ms Jennica
and Ms Paula Sundays 10:30-11 in Saxon Hall RM 104
Jubilate Singers 2nd Grade through 5th grade Director
Ms Hollie and Ms Brenda Sundays 10:30-11 in Saxon Hall
RM 105

WOMEN'S MINISTRY Retreat February 18 & 19 The speaker, Rev. Sue White will address Living in Faith Every Day. The Grand Hall at Hofmann Ranch, Castroville, TX. Cost is $65 plus the cost of the hotel. Please call Hotel Alsace for room rates, 830-538-3200. Registration for the retreat is required, information is in the Narthex. Please contact Cheryl Fulton for information, Cheryl@cavernworks.com.

Women's Ministry Wednesday morning classes began January 11. Women of all ages are welcomed. Our fellowship begins at 9:15 am with a devotional and classes follow. Babysitting reservations necessary. Class selections on our brochure in the Narthex.

First Friday, February 3 is highlighting Mr. John Barnett who will speak to us about Abraham Lincoln. Our program begins at 10 am with a devotional and ends with a delicious hot lunch. Reservations please, 249-2565

Alzheimer's Support for Caretakers will resume meeting February 20, at noon, in room 106 of the Family Life Center. A trained Alzheimer's counselor will lead the discussion.

YOUTH MINISTRY
January 20 – 22 Jr. High Midwinter

February 4 Baby Shower (come and go) for Tim and Amanda (2 – 3:30 pm at the church) Registered at Target and Babies R Us. Gift cards are always a good idea (HEB or Wal-Mart)

February 5 Super Bowl Party

Father & Daughter Dinner Dance on Friday, February 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Family Life Center, a special dinner dance is planned for Fathers and Daughters (ages preschool to college). Dads invite your daughter. Daughters invite your dad or that special grandfather or uncle for a fun dinner dance. You will enjoy a delicious dinner and dance to some great music. Put a special mark on your calendar for this February 10 Dinner/Dance, and dust off those dancing shoes. Sign ups will be soon.

Life's Healing Choices Join us Tuesdays, beginning February 21, from 7 to 8:30 pm for a 9 week study of the Beatitudes based on the book, Life's Healing Choices by John Baker. Discover the practical applications Jesus reveals to recover from every problem or struggle we face. Are you ready and willing to receive the lasting life-changes that only God's power can accomplish? Do you want freedom from your hurts, hang-ups and habits? How about trying it God's way this year! Make the first healthy choice by joining us on this most important spiritual growth journey! RSVP by email to Pastor Kim (kburke@fumc-boerne.org) or Cindy Bowers (cbowers@fumc-boerne.org) or call the church office at 249-2565.

Celebrate Recovery Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday in the FLC at 5:45 for dinner & fellowship. Praise & worship begins at 6:30 followed by a teaching, testimony or guest speaker. We break into gender specific small groups for open sharing. Don't let the word "recovery" fool you! Whatever you identify as your hurt, habit or hangup - know that Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to share and to let Christ's healing begin in your life. Free childcare available. Everyone is welcome! Jan. 19: "Denial" What/who's got a hold on you? Jan. 26: "Powerlessness" Who or what do you really control? For more information, contact Jeanne Marcuse at 830-446- 1668 or Pastor Kim at kburke@fumc-boerne.org.

FLOWER CALENDAR sign up sheet for 2012 – is located in the hallway by offices. If you would like to sign up for a certain Sunday (s) during the year to give flowers to honor or in memory of loved ones, please sign on the Sunday you wish. Cost $26.

Needed: A Hill Country Daily Bread family mentor to deliver a food box every other week on Thursday afternoon to two families in Boerne. Contact Roger Boerner @ 210-913-2112.

Andrew Ministers Needed Andrew Ministers are Greeters "in the Know" Requirements include: • A spirit of hospitality • A joy in helping others • An ability to meet new people graciously • A working knowledge of the church facility and programs Call Pastor Beverly Burk for more information.

"Spring in Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Time!" Dates: April 17-27, 2012 (11 days, 10 nights for under $1,000!) A bus trip from Boerne with your hostess, Gerry Severns! For more information, call Gerry at 830-336-2485!

SHEPHERDING MINISTRY We are actively seeking persons interested in being "shepherds" to our new members. Shepherds actively work with their new member family for a period of three months. They assist the new member(s) in getting connected to small groups within the church, such as: First Step classes Sunday School Classes Special Interest Groups If you are interested in serving as a FUMC Shepherd, please contact Pastor Beverly Burk in the church office at 830-249-
2565.

The Landing A safe place to fall in a hard world What a joy it was to see kids and adults throwing marshmallows at each other and then opening up to worship with tears and prayers! We had an awesome kick-off party and now the program has started. This teen program is equipping teens with new, healthy coping tools, accountability groups, and teachings from Jesus. We meet EVERY Thursday @6pm upstairs in the Christian Education Building. If the teen in your life is struggling, or has overcome a struggle, or just wants a safe place to be— the Landing is that place. Any questions? Call Dana Muhlberg @ 210-378-6735

The Monday Night Men's group, an ecumenical men's group in Boerne, begins its next study on January 23. The study is on Paul's letter to the Galatians and is titled Living By Grace. Living by Grace is a 13-session (we will do it in 26 sessions), hard-hitting Bible study from the Message of Paul Series. It will provide opportunities to explore the thought-provoking letter of Paul to the Galatians. We will deliberate on the dangerous, yet life-enhancing challenges Paul encountered and gave us wise counsel on. Many people believe the way to God is by doing more good than bad, or by just being wholesome and pure. This study will guide us to conclude, the only way to God, is through the grace offered them through Jesus Christ. The class meets from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Call Roger Boerner at 210-913-2112 or Bob Dibble at 210-383-1349 for details.

Kendall County Women's Shelter You can continue to support the Kendall County Women's Shelter with contributions of items needed. Check the donation station for a list of items. Also, mark your calendar! March 31 is the date set for the "Heal the Soul Walk" - an event held to raise funds for the shelter. For more information call 830-331- 1001 or go to the shelter's website: www.kcwstx.org.

Free Income Tax Preparation & E-Filing AARP Tax-Aide program is a FREE community service offered on a first come, first served basis from Feb. 6 – April 10. Call Vernon Markworth at 830-537-5248 or email: vernonm@gvtc.com for more info.

PRAYERS Kristi Rothbauer, Carolyn Uecker, Ted Kastor, Rick Condit, Susie Butler, David Butler's brother – Mike, Troy Hallmark,. Released from hospitals: Zora Holbrook, Helen Dieckow, Lewin Plunkett, Adrian O'Biedo, Betty Cox, Louella Kelly, Inez Patterson, James Bagwell, JW Pieper, Ken Morris, Marjorie Garey, Betty Russell, Hester Schwope, Fran Morris, Larry Verley, Jo Chapman, Maggie & Steve Worley's grandson – Braxton, Chris Buckingham, Evelyn Gamble. Love & Prayers are Extended to: Helen Shinn on the death of her brother; Loralee Sprunger on the death of her grandmother; Charles Lander on the death of his mother; Shelley Billingsley on the death of her mother; Lloyd Vaughan on the death of his mother on Dec. 5; Velma Mumme on the death of Ted Mumme on Jan. 2; family of Aubrey (Rip) Seiler on Jan. 7; Dawn Meador on the death of her mother on Jan. 11. Members/Friends related to our congregation who are in Military Service: Brad Dower, Mark Koppen, Kyle Ryman, Jeff Drawe, Henry Fortinberry, the Turquette's daughter & son-in-law – Michelle & Adam Shicks, Ross Raymond's grandson – Rick, Corky Godwin's grandson, Lt. Commander Christopher Brown, Evan Swinghamer, Trey Stout, Jason Smith, Jeff McCarty, Kay Orth's grandson – Hugh, Cody Davis, Kyle York, Mateo Benavidez, Kelly Schultz, Boyd Brack, Brandon Varnado, Lance Mile, Randy Northrup, Todd Archer, Cliff Betts, Morgan Brown, James Hammill, Rev. Kyle Roehrig, Matthew Doyal, Todd Rasmussen, Dan Larson, Chris Larson, Brent Kieran, Dean Balensiefen, Ross Hosket, Nick Herold, Ann Gill's niece – Kristy Brazel, 111th Engineering Battalion deployed to Afghanistan, son-in-law of Diz Reeves - Jeff McCarty, Hayden Lumley, all those who serve in the military & their families. JOY: Sarah Miller Adams' husband - Blake Adams is home from duty! JOYS Congratulations to: Hollie & Helio Garza on the birth of Harper Mia on Nov. 21; Leslie & Jeffrey Taylor on the birth of Harper Brynn on Dec. 31; Dawn & Rusty Meador and Cindy & Lee Bowers – they welcomed grandbabies in December!

Honorariums & Memorials... Memorials and Honorariums have been received for: Bob Fly, Vera D'Spain, Luba Huggins, LindaBeth Vaughan, Sarah Jean Anderson, Vivian Priest, Julie Norris, Melba Spangler, Bill White, Graham & Jeanne Bridges, Mary Vaughan, Ann Mahoney, Rip Seiler, John Burk, and Jodi Spoor.

Thank You Church Family Thank you to the pastors for their visits during my hospital stay. Thank you to all who sent cards & called. I am getting stronger each day. Thank you – Zora Holbrook Pam and I appreciate the prayers, visits, and all support during the recent trying time. My recovery has been remarkable and we give thanks to God, the medical professionals and our church family for that. -Lewin Plunkett Thank You to all who donated to the FUMC Blood Drive in December! There were 24 donors who helped 72 patients! FUMC Alternative Christmas Market raised almost $5,400.00 to help many ministries in our church & elsewhere! Christmas Eve Offering: Methodist Children's Home - $4,218.52 & Methodist Mission Home - $4,371.52 THANK YOU!

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