Weekly Messenger -

DECEMBER 30, 2007

WELCOME

It’s with pleasure that we welcome all worshipers to God’s house.  Visitors are especially welcomed.  Please introduce yourself to those near you and also to the pastor.

DECEMBER COMMITTEE OF THE MONTH: WORSHIP

The Worship Committee is responsible for guiding the work of the congregation with respect to worship.  Our committee is responsible for: greeting people in the parking lot and at the church door, handing out bulletins and helping people find seating in the sanctuary, working with 3^rd and 4^th grade acolytes, developing lay leadership skills, providing worship experiences for children, leading worship in liturgy and music and preparing communion sacraments in remembrance of Jesus Christ.

Worship is for everyone; it is a time for adults and children to offer their praise and thanksgiving to God.  We offer many opportunities at FUMC for you to find the worship service that best fits your needs.  If you are an early bird, there is a service for you on Sunday mornings at 8:30.  We have a wonderful praise team who diligently works to  provide a meaningful contemporary service with lots of music and singing at 9:45.  The 11:00 service offers a more traditional time for worship. 

Our prayer is that during your worship time, you feel welcomed and changed by God’s story and presence and that it carries over into your everyday life.  It takes many volunteers to provide these services to our congregation.  If you feel led to be a part of the Worship Committee, please contact Kathy Perry, 972-668-6711.

END OF YEAR CONTRIBUTIONS

Contributions for the year 2007 may only be credited to giving's records if received in the office by Friday, December 28th, or postmarked by December 30, 2007.  This is an IRS regulation and we will not close the year until all 2007 contributions have been received.

CHOIR SCHEDULE

Sunday, December 23

During the 11:00am service after Children’s Church - Cherub Choir (age 4-1st grd)

12:00-1:00pm CANTATE CHOIR (grades 2-5)

4:00-5:00pm CELEBRATION SINGERS (grades 6-12)

5:00-6:00pm SANCTUARY RINGERS (adults)

Monday, December 24

4:00pm CHERUB and CANTATE CHOIRS rehearsals

6:00pm INSTRUMENTAL rehearsal

6:15pm CELEBRATION SINGERS rehearsal

10:10pm CHANCEL CHOIR rehearsal

10:30pm SANCTUARY RINGERS rehearsal

Wednesday, December 26

NO REHEARSALS

FOOD PANTRY - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We greatly appreciate the current volunteers for their loving dedication and service.  Starting Thursday, January 3rd, the Food Pantry will be needing volunteers.  The Food Pantry is open every Thursday, from 9:00am-3:00pm.  Volunteers work a three hour shift (9:00am-noon and noon-3:00pm).  If this is a ministry you feel called to do, please contact Kathy Witcher at 214-618-1865 or kwitcher@grandecom.net.

CONFIRMATION CLASS

Confirmation will begin January 6, and is open to any student from 6th through 12th grade.  Contact Rebecca Grogan at 972-625-1281 to register.  We have a new format and new curriculum.  Remember faith seeks knowledge…

STEPHEN MINISTRY NEWS

During the Holidays, we want to let you know we are available to walk with you through this season.  Sometimes the holidays are not easy to face alone.  Please call the church at 972-625-1281 if you would like to talk and would like someone to listen in a non-judgmental, confidential relationship.

NEW ALTAR FLOWER CALENDAR

It’s not too early to sign up for altar flowers for 2008.  The cost is only $25 and you can take them home after the 11:00am service.  The    calendar is located on the bulletin board in the narthex across from the new visitor center.  Check it out.

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 Thursdays from 12-8:00pm.  Her phone number is 214-526-4525.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

OA will meet here at FUMC, Thursday evenings at 7:00pm in Room C7 (Choir Room), beginning September 6th.  Facilitator: Pam Carlson.  If you have any questions, please call Pam, 972-625-5826, or the church office 972-625-1281.

THIS WEEK AT FUMC

Sunday, December 30

12:00pm    SPR, Conference Rm.

5:00pm       Disciple I, B4

5:00pm       UMYF, Youth Bldg.

7:00pm       Fellowship Theory,

                    Sanctuary

Monday, December 31 -

New Year’s Eve

12:00pm    Counseling, B-4

Tuesday, January 1 -

New Year’s Day

Church Office Closed

Wednesday, January 2

10:00am     Bible Study, Conference

11:30am     Knit Ministry, Quiet Rm.

5:00pm       Knit Ministry, Quiet Rm.

6:00pm       Choirs, Sanctuary

6:30pm PDO Board, B3

Thursday, January 3

12:00pm Counseling, B4

7:00pm J 5:3 Rehearsal,

Sanctuary

7:00pm OA, C7

7:00pm Disciple IV, C6

Friday, January 4

TGIF

Saturday, January 5

9:00am Trustees, Conference

5:30pm The Angel’s Place, B7

Sunday, January 6 - Epiphany

5:00pm UMYF, Youth Bldg.

5:00pm Disciple I, B4