| Informer July
2011 Please
call or email the church office with your articles and upcoming events: Phone: 903-583-3314 Email: office@fumcbonham.org Web
site: fumcbonham.org 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 The Administrative Council voted upon
recommendation of the SPRC and Finance Committee to expand the hours for 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 ************************************ Prayer Concerns John
& Eva Lindsey, Ray & Ruth Havins, Bob Old, Juanita Blalock, Bob Weddle,
Lois Myers, Vurlenda Hill, Pat Gilbert, Nelda Smith, Jackson Rainbow, Reid
Lindsay ******************************************* Covered Dish
Lunch-Second Sunday The
Administrative Council invites you to a covered dish lunch on the second Sunday
of each month. We tried the first
Sunday, but on second thought we will meet on the second Sunday. We will meet in Fellowship Hall following
worship. Bring a dish to share and visit
with your church family. ********************************************** *************************************************** 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 ************************************************ 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 This is a really important service to our
community-if you’re willing to help, please contact Joan Robbins at the ************************************************** 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. ********************************************* Thank You *Thank
you all for the birthday cards and wonderful visit. It was a wonderful way to celebrate 100
years. Thank you for coming to the party
at Seven Oaks. I love you all-Juanita
Blalock *Thank
you so much for allowing the Red Cross to use the Life Center for our
babysitters course. We trained 41 kids
and had a blast. Sharon Watson,
Executive Director, Texoma Area Chapter *Thank
you for your faithful support and your gift.
I hope you enjoyed your visits to ***************************************************** Great Days of Service...Coming to Fannin County An informational meeting and covered
dish dinner will be held on **************************** Happy
Birthday 3
Jace Outlaw 20 Glenda Mulkey 4
Mary Campbell 22 5
Bobbie Carver 24 Mera 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 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 |