First United Methodist Church, Bonham, TX.

The Beggar’s Corner

Sharing the Gospel is like one beggar showing another beggar where they may both find bread.

—Martin Luther

So the elephant in the sanctuary was Evangelism! Sharing the gospel! Each of us is called out of the world to be a witness (see something happen) of God’s grace and mercy so that we might be sent out to the world to witness (tell about what happened). Evangelism has to do with sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in the context of our own stories. We tell our stories out of a deep sense of gratitude. We are not the main characters, however. The Spirit at work in us and the grace of God manifest in the incarnate One, Jesus Christ, always takes the main stage when we proclaim these stories. I will continue to ask the members of the church to tell me their faith story. And as July begins the new appointment year, I will continue to give thanks for the work I see God accomplishing in the lives of our church family, and as we make a difference in our world.

There are so many ways to share. One is worship—to participate in the community of the saints and offer God our praise. During July we will focus on the stories of the characters in Genesis. We will begin to see God interacting with characters not so very different than ourselves, and the intent that God has for restoring us and all creation. In August, we will begin a series on “If God is for us…” where we examine Romans 8 and our own propensity for aiding or thwarting God’s design for each of us.

Another way to share is to proclaim God’s kingdom and the good news of Jesus Christ by the missions and ministries of the church...like Vacation Bible School, and programs at the Family Life Center, and Christmas in July. The purpose of Vacation Bible School is to teach children about the love of God. This Sunday you will see a sneak peek of the fun and learning that went on this past week as we touched the lives of many children from near and far (and they touched our lives as well!).

The Administrative Council voted upon recommendation of the SPRC and Finance Committee to expand the hours for Family Life Center staff so that we might offer more opportunities to reach out to the community. You will receive more information about summer hours and programming at the Family Life Center in the weeks to come. The opportunities to serve and share the gospel are increasing!

Another opportunity will be the July mission emphasis to contribute to the Soldiers Angels efforts to provide items from home that will bring comfort and support to the men and women serving our country abroad. We will pray over these items and continue to pray for those who receive them during the month of July. This can be a particularly trying time in the lives of men and women put in extraordinary circumstances that need an extraordinary faith. We can be the body of Christ in such times!

And yet another opportunity is Breakfast at the Heights! We continue to be a place of hospitality and hope; a place where the gospel message is presented and Christ is re-presented. You will find a fresh perspective there. Thanks and deep appreciation goes to our servant hosts who bring breakfast and a whole lot more to the table for our guests. If you have not served at Breakfast, what are you waiting for? Jesus said, “Breakfast is ready!” (John 21:12).

Finally, the leadership of our church has been asked to examine their commitment to lead and be faithful members of our church. Have you examined your vows to the church lately?

Examination of Leadership and Membership

I vow to uphold the church with my prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

Prayers—How many times have I prayed for the church this month? How many daily devotions?

Presence—How many of the worship services have I attended this month? How is my attendance for my positions of leadership?

Gifts—How is my giving? Am I working toward a tithe? Am I growing in my gifts and giving? What did I give this month? What gift of time or talent have I shared?

Service—Which of the church’s outreach and service ministries have I participated in this month? Breakfast at the Heights? Sunday School teacher? Skate Night? Volunteered in Children’s activities or with youth? Communion to Go? Led Bible Study? Participated in choir? Worked in community ministries or other mission activity? Visited a homebound member or the hospitals?

Witness—Who have I shared the love of Christ with? Who have I invited to church? What small group or Bible study have I attended this month?

Lord, as you will; and as you know, have mercy. Amen!

Blessings,

Liz

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Christmas in July-Mission

Christmas in July begins July 3 and continues through July 31, five Sundays. We ask that you select one or more cards from the Angel Tree located in the sanctuary. Each card will have an item or items written on it to be purchased for shipping to our military personnel stationed outside the United States. We are joining with the Soldiers Angels nonprofit organization. They will ship everything to various military locations for us. Get into the patriotic spirit and make your selections from the Angel Tree.

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Meals on Wheels

For an investment of as little as half an hour a week, you can make a big difference in your community.

Five days a week, the Bonham Snap Center prepares meals for around 150 elderly or homebound individuals, and they rely on volunteers to deliver these meals. Some of the local churches have teams of two members, and enough people that each team delivers once a month. Other people volunteer as individuals once a week, and there are a few really dedicated people that deliver several times a week. If you work, check with your employer-there are some who let people off for delivery.

This is a really important service to our community-if you’re willing to help, please contact Joan Robbins at the Snap Center, 903-583-8573.

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Sunday School Class Updates

Genesis Class-The Dead Sea Scrolls study will continue until early fall.

Fellowship & Builders Class-These classes continue to study the Uniform Series International Bible Lessons for Christian Teaching from Cokesbury.

Celebration Class-Andy Stanley DVD series called “Defining Moments”.

Library Class-C.S. Lewis “Mere Christianity”

Teen Class—Studying Volume 1 from The Way of Pilgrimage series-Choosing Pilgrimage.

Children’s Classes –The story of Paul, whose life gives us strength to tell others about Jesus in all situations. Stories about faithful friends help us know how to be a faithful friend. Bible stories teaching us how to live as Christians.

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Happy Birthday

3 Jace Outlaw 20 Glenda Mulkey

4 Mary Campbell 22 Wayne Tarpley

5 Bobbie Carver 24 Mera Austin

6 Betty Tarpley 24 John Nichols

12 Leonard Gerner 24 Andrea Reed

12 Bill Lindsay 26 Carroll Jones

13 Boyd Ruffner 26 Patty Kreider

18 Matthew Felmet 27 Bob Dorough

18 Lynn Partain 28 Peggy Harrison

19 Robert Chaney 31 Richard Grunert

19 Frieda Phillips

Happy Anniversary

1 Tom & Liz Talbert

11 Eldon & Peggy Harrison

13 Wayne & Brenda Moore

16 Joe & Joyce Darling

17 Dennis & Jan Holman

22 Rich & JoAnn MacConnell

27 Clark & Jill Smith

30 Ray & Mary Ann Williams