Weekly Messenger - Jan. 20, 2008

WELCOME

This week churches across the world are praying for Christian unity. Let us also pray for union with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Welcome to all who have come to God’s house today.

JANUARY COMMITTEE OF THE MONTH: SPR

The SPR/SPPRC (staff-parish relations/staff pastor-parish relations committee) could be defined as the Human resources department of our congregation.  The committee is composed of a minimum of five to a maximum of nine members, plus the lay leader to the annual conference.  Members are selected by the lay leadership committee and approved during annual charge conference.  Membership is divided into three classes, with each class serving a three-year term.  One class (class of 2008), is elected each year.  The committee meets quarterly, or at the request of the bishop, district superintendent, pastor, or other persons accountable to the committee.

Duties of the committee are:

To encourage, strengthen, nurture, support, and respect pastors and staff and their families.  To support unity in the church.  To evaluate and make recommendations on pastors and staff on a yearly basis.

These are just a few of the many responsibilities of the SPR committee.  If you have any questions or comments, please contact anyone of the following committee members:

Judith Reedy

 Jerry Graham (chair)

Joan Teague

Nita Merriweather 

Gary Wimbish

Sandi Gehrke        

Bill Smith

Edmund Burke   

Amy Reddoch

Sharla Ferguson

Bill Sexton

YOUTH WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY!!!

“Invitation to the New Testament” Bible study. Invitation is a short-term, in-depth Bible study that takes the beginning of the church, its identity,  mission and theology at its starting point---the story of Jesus.  At the end of the eight weeks you will be awarded a certificate of completion during Sunday morning worship.  Facilitator for the study will be Paula Ward.  There is a participant’s book you will need to purchase and you will need a study Bible and a desire to know the Bible and God.  Oh yeah, it’s fun too.

REGISTRATION FOR 2008-2009

The Preschool & Parent’s Day Out is having registration for the 2008-2009 school year for church members, currently enrolled students and their siblings on Monday, February 4, from 9:00am-11:30am.  Church members will receive free registration.  Open registration for new students will begin Tuesday, February 12, at 9:00am.  Registration packets are now available.  Call the Preschool/Parent’s Day Out office at 972-625-2891, for more information.

FREE PANCAKE SUPPER

There will be a pancake supper on Shrove (Fat) Tuesday, February 5th,

5:30-7:30pm at the church.  Come one, come all - IT’S FREE.  There will be goodies for the kids.  It’s all you can eat, so come hungry.  Contact the church office at 972-625-1281, if you have any questions.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Is one of your New Year’s Resolutions to GET INVOLVED in First United Methodist Church, The Colony?  Are you ready to be TRANSFORMED?  If you communicate well in a one-to-one environment, can listen, respond non-judgmentally and are willing to commit to two years service within the church, we have an

opportunity for YOU.  A new class to train Stephen Ministers is beginning in late February.  for more information, contact the church office at 972-625-1281.

COUNSELOR

Diane Lindgren is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Texas and is on staff with Pastoral Counseling and Education Center.  She counsels here at First United Methodist Church of The Colony on Mondays and Thursdays from 12-8:00pm.  Her phone number is 214-526-4525.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

OA meets here at FUMC, Thursday evenings at 7:00pm in Room C7 (Choir Room).  Facilitator: Pam Carlson.  If you have any questions, please call Pam, 972-625-5826, or the church office 972-625-1281.