First United Methodist Church

201 E. Hospital Street, Nacogdoches Texas 75961

NEWSLETTER
Volume 8, Issue 3
March 2015

MARCH
04 - Common Ground
Wednesdays: 5:30 pm Meal;
6:00 pm Communion
Service - Chapel; 6:30 pm
Studies and Activities
08 - Daylight Savings Time
Begins
Service Sunday at 12
noon - FLC
Wedding Shower for
Katie and Trent from 2-4 pm Parlor
09 - Primetimers at 10:30 pm
- FLC
11 - Common Ground
Wednesdays: 5:30 pm Meal;
6:00 pm Communion
Service - Chapel; 6:30 pm
Studies and Activities
12 - Heart-to-Heart Chorus
Meeting at 9 am - Choir
Room; Performance at
Meadowview Place at 10 am
15 - Coffee with the Pastors
(New Members) at 4:30 pm Parlor
16-20 SPRING BREAK
26 - Heart-to-Heart Chorus
Meeting at 9:30 am - Choir
Room; Performance at
Nacogdoches Treatment
Center at 10:30 am
29 - FUMC Blood Drive at 8
am - FLC
March 30 - April 3 - Holy
Week Noon Services/Prayer
Room for Adult and
Children

APRIL
02 - Maundy Thursday
Service at 6:00 pm
03 - Good Friday Service at
6:00 pm
05 - Easter Sunday
7:00 am Easter Sunrise
Service at Oak Grove
Cemetery
7:45 am Breakfast in the FLC
8:45 am Contemporary
Worship Service
9:45 am Easter Egg Hunt/
Sunday School
10:55 am Traditional
Worship Service

WORSHIP/SUNDAY SCHOOL TIMES

8:45 am
Contemporary Worship Service
9:45 am
Sunday School
10:55 am
Traditional Worship Service

Church Office (936) 564-8308

Fax (936) 564-8582
Email: info@fumcnac.org
Website: www.fumcnac.org

Office Hours: Mon-Thur: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm; Fri: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm. Closed for lunch 12:00 -1:00 pm

TRENT & KATIES WEDDING SHOWER

You are cordially invited to a Wedding Shower for
Ms. Katie Ullmann and the Rev. Trent Oliver
on Sunday, March 8, 2015
from 2:00 - 4:00 pm in the Parlor
The bride and groom are registered at these stores:
1. Johnson Furniture, Nacogdoches (preferred)
2. Bed, Bath and Beyond
There will also be a Money Tree at the shower

SERVICE SUNDAY - March 8

Come join in this afternoon of service to the people of our community and congregation. We will have a light lunch at noon in the FLC and give recognition for the remarkable
contribution of community service "Ab" Abernethy has made to our community. We will then
divide into service groups for our numerous projects. We have something for all ages and
abilities, so bring the family and friends. Volunteers for our Loving Outreach will participate,
and we invite one or two to join each of them in making a visit to our members who are unable
to attend church services. A group will do a number of home repairs for a Love INC client who
is disabled. We will have a clean-up crew for one of our city trails, and another group to help
with a yard clean-up for a Love INC client. You are free to wear your work clothes to church,
or change after the service. Let's remember that the Kingdom of God is built when we get out
of the "castle" and go to work!!

HOLY WEEK beginning with Palm Sunday

Sunday, March 29 - Palm Sunday during both the Worship Services
Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3 - Holy Week Noon Services/Luncheon by
Nacogdoches Ministerial Alliance
Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3 - Prayer Room for Adults and Children
Thursday, April 2 - Maundy Thursday Service at 6:00 pm
Friday, April 3 - Good Friday Service at 6:00 pm
Continued on pages 3 & 6

A Note From The Pastor

In Brennan Mannings daily devotion book, Reflections for Ragamuffins,
he writes that the meaning of Easter is more than hope beyond the
grave, more than the infallible guarantee that the resurrection of Jesus
Christ is our pledge. The Easter victory is about Christ action in our
lives it means that the risen Christ is Lord of our lives right now.
Meaning he is God above all the gods of the unreal world out there
security, power, wealth, beauty, or whatever else makes false claims on
our lives.
What a wonderful way to celebrate the greatest holiday in the church.
In the early church, every Sunday was a little Easter celebration. I
hope your Lenten season is going well and that you are preparing your
heart for Easter. Special Holy Week Services include Palm Sunday on
March 29, Maundy Thursday Communion at 6:00 on April 2, Good Friday Service at 6:00 on April 3, Easter services at 8:45 and 10:55 on
April 5.
Peace,

A Note From The Associate Pastor

Whenever I think of Lent, it reminds me of a labyrinth. A labyrinth is like a maze but with
no dead ends. It twists and turns, inward and outward, left and right, elongating the journey to its center. Its an ancient meditation practice used by Christians for centuries. The
purpose is to remind the one who walks that the journey of faith is rarely straightforward.
During Lent, we spend 40 days in preparation to Easter because it refocuses us on our
own journey. We pay attention to each footstep in faith, and we place them carefully by
taking on new spiritual disciplines. In this journey, we know that our lives dont always
work out the way that we hope and plan. Sometimes we take steps backwards. Sometimes we fall. But as long as we keep on walking, we know that our steps are not wasted.
Over the remainder of this Lenten season, I want to challenge you to use the idea of a labyrinth to guide your
journey. Take the time to pray, read, and study. Find ways to make things you love new spiritual practices, like
journaling, cooking, hiking, or knitting. Examine your life for those things that hold you back, and ask God to renew your faith in preparation for Easter morning. Whatever you do, take your next step in faith with the
knowledge that God will be found, not in the goal, but in the journey.
Blessings,

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EASTER SUNDAY - April 5

April 5 - 7:00 am Easter Sunrise Service at Oak Grove Cemetery
7:45 am Breakfast in the FLC
8:45 am Contemporary Worship Service
9:45 am Easter Egg Hunt in the FLC/Sunday School
10:45 am Traditional Worship Service

CHILDRENS MINISTRY
Childrens Ministries Seek YOUR Help!
Children meet during the Sunday school hour the first Sunday of each month to lead and participate in their own worship and communion service. There is only one thing missingmusic! We
need one person to play the piano or another instrument and another person to lead us in two
familiar hymns. If you can play an instrument or sing and dont mind giving up one Sunday a time
or two during the year to lead our music, we just know you will be as blessed as we are to Have
you. Please contact Elsa at 564-8308 or elsa.j@fumcnac.org or Vikki at 554-9774 or vikkiboatman@gmail.com.

YOUTH MINISTRY
Garage Sale for Youth Missions from April 9-11
We are hosting a Fundraiser for Youth Missions on April 9-11. Please contact Jeff Campbell at 281-787-8670 for pickup, drop-off or if you are interested in helping.

Coffee with the Pastors - March 15

Our next Coffee With The Pastors, new member class, will be held on Sunday, March 15 at 4:30 pm, in the Parlor. If
you are interested in becoming a member of First United Methodist Church or just want to find out more about what it
means to be a United Methodist Christian, please join us. For more information, or to sign up for child care, contact
Jeff at the church office, 936-564-8308 or email him at jeff.m@fumcnac.org.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Craig and Tonya Turnage (Brandon and Preston) - 3003 Raguet St., Nacogdoches, TX 75965
Rob and Lawren McDermand (Robert) - 2735 Summer Hill Circle, Nacogdoches, TX 75965

DAYLIGH SAVING TIME BEGINS - March 8

Daylight Saving Time begins, Sunday, March 8, please remember to set your clocks forward one hour on
Saturday night, March 7, 2015.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Our churchs next Grief Support Group will begin on Tue, March 31 and meet every other Tuesday evening from 6 to
7:30 pm for 10 sessions. The group will journey together through a course of study based on Understanding Your
Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart by Dr. Alan Wolfelt. The cost to participate
in the group is $25, which covers the cost of the study book. Pre-registration for the group is necessary. For more information please call Judy or Jim Buckingham at 936-569-6160.
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FINANCE
Thrive with $25 Update
If you were not able to attend our special event on Wednesday, February 11th, we asked the congregation
to help us overcome our 2015 budget shortfall of $30,000 by pledging to contribute an additional $25 per
month.
To date we have reached $20,000 in commitments! Keep those pledges coming!! If you have not had
an opportunity and would like to pledge additional money towards our shortfall, please contact Kathy
Thomas in the Church Office by phone or email (564-8308 or kathy.t@fumcnac.org). Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration!

MEMORIALS
Memorial Gifts were given:
IN MEMORY OF:
FROM:
IN MEMORY OF:
FROM:
IN MEMORY OF:
FROM:
IN MEMORY OF:
FROM:

Joe Aldridge
Harold Bogan & Family
Ann Franks
Dick & Carol Voigtel
James Leon Smith
Jeff and Lenee McDonald, Wylma Hudgins , Dick & Carol Voigtel
Molly Appleberry
Ed Cole

EASTER LILY ORDER FORM

EASTER LILIES
If you wish to order an Easter Lily/ies, please fill out this form and return it to the Church Office
or place it in the collection plate with a check. The Lily/ies will be placed in the Sanctuary on
Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015.

Name of Donor__________________________________________________________Phone______________________

In Memory of_______________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
In Honor of_________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Number ordered __________________at $12.00 each

TOTAL $_____________________________

Deadline for placing your orders Monday, March 30, 2015

Please make checks payable to FUMC and mark in the memo section of your check: Easter Lilies
Please note: Easter Lilies may be picked up after the 8:45 am or 10:55 am services.

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MISSIONS
Collections of Birthday Bags will continue!
When we delivered Birthday Bags previously to H.O.P.E., they were so excited to receive these bags, and said it was a
terrific idea. So many of the families who come to H.O.P.E. for essential food are not able to provide birthday celebrations for their children. These birthday bags allow them to give their child something they may have never had. We want
to continued these collections so that this can be an ongoing addition offered to H.O.P.E. clients. We ask for your continued support by supplying completely-filled bags, or supplies needed for this project. The following items are needed:
handled bags (plain or decorated, no larger than 13H x 5D x 13L); cake mix (with expiration date over 6 months out);
frosting (with expiration date over 6 months out); small birthday candles; one to two gifts (suggestions at Missions
table). Optional items: paper plates, napkins, favors.
Care kits for the Homeless
We have assembled care kits with some food items and information of assistance opportunities that you can have in
your car to give to individuals who are asking for help. You can buy these kits for $3 each, or 2 for $5. They are available in the Church Office.
Blood Drive, March 29th
The Mission Committee will sponsor a Blood Drive for our church on Sunday, March 29 th from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm in the
Family Life Center. You can also donate at the Blood Center on University Drive. If you choose to donate there, please
tell them that the donation is for FUMC, or mention our sponsor code 7247. To schedule an appointment, visit
www.giveblood.org and login to Digital Donor. If you would like to get on the email list to receive reminders in advance
of these drives, or to sign up for this drive, email R.G. Dean at dean@sfasu.edu.
I CAN Sunday, April 5tH
In our effort to help the hungry in our community, we will hold a food drive each first Sunday of the month. As this is the
day that our church celebrates at the Lords Table, we think its fitting that we share our table with others. Please bring
non-perishable food items and place them in the baskets located near the entrances to the Sanctuary. Examples include: peanut butter, canned meats, canned vegetables and fruits, baby food, mac-n-cheese, dried and canned milk,
dried beans, rice, cereals, soups, and cooking oil. Detergents for dishes and laundry are also needed. Monetary contributions can be made by placing a check made out to H.O.P.E. in the offering plate.
LITTER BUDDY
Ray Johnston is looking for a "Buddy" to help him pick up litter around town. Litter is a passion of his, but he does not
like collecting it alone. If you are interested, kindly call/text Ray Johnston - 936-462-3057.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

East District United Methodist Women
Spring Spiritual Growth Meeting
Dance With Hope
Saturday, March 21, 2015 - Livingston First United Methodist Church
2801 U S Highway 190 West Livingston, Texas 77351-8721 - 9:30 am 12:30 pm
The program will be presented by Rev. David Goran of Katy UMC. We will meet in the church parking lot at 7:45 am to
carpool to Livingston. Please contact Jo Taylor (jtaylor@sfasu.edu; 936-465-3901) for more info.
(Logo designed by Theresa M. Graham, Texas Conference Mission Coordinator for Education and
Interpretation, who says, Lets rejoice and dance. Our Mission Dollars work around the World. )

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HOLY WEEK NOON SERVICES by

Nacogdoches Ministerial Alliance
Community Holy Week Noon Services
By Nacogdoches Ministerial Alliance
Monday, March 30 thru
Friday, April 3, 2015

Featuring Pastors and Music Leaders from churches throughout the Community. Services at 12:00 noon in the Sanctuary of the
First United Methodist Church, followed by a luncheon at 12:30 pm in the Family Life Center.
Donation: $5.00 per plate.
There will be Holy Week Prayer Stations in the Parlor of the First United Methodist Church.
All are invited to spend time in prayer any time throughout the week.
MONDAY, MARCH 30
Minister: Rev. Leonard Sweat of St. James Baptist Church
Liturgist: Rev. Wanda Cuniff Christ Episcopal Church
Song Leader: Dr. Tod Fish First United Methodist Church
Organist/Pianist: Christina Harmon Chris Episcopal Church
Ushers: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Lunch by Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Menu: Orange Chicken, Parsley Rice, Green Beans with onions and
Waldorf Salad (chopped apples, tossed walnuts and salad dressing) and Peach Cobbler
TUESDAY, MARCH 31
Minister: Rev. James Rowland St. Marys Catholic Campus Ministry
Liturgist: Dr. Sharon Templeman Westminster Presbyterian Church
Song Leader: Dr. Michael Dean First Christian Church
Organist/Pianist: Dr. James Pitts - Westminster Presbyterian Church
Ushers: First United Methodist Church
Lunch by First United Methodist Church; Menu: Chicken & Dressing, Salad and Dessert
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
Minister: Rev. Steve Newton Westminster Presbyterian Church
Liturgist: Deacon Rafael Landeros Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Song Leader: Rev. George Patterson Austin Heights Baptist Church
Organist/Pianist: Dr. Andrew Parr St. Marys Catholic Campus Ministry
Ushers: Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church
Lunch by Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church; Menu: Chicken Spaghetti, Salad, Bread and Dessert
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
Minister: Rev. Trent Oliver First United Methodist Church
Liturgist: Rev. Leo Douglass St. Pauls CME
Song Leader: Frank Pratt Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Organist/Pianist: Carole Deptula Fairview United Methodist Church
Ushers: Westminster Presbyterian Church
Lunch by Westminster Presbyterian Church; Menu: Baked Potato and Salad
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
Minister: Rev. Lani Rousseau Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church
Liturgist: Wade Deptula Good News Church Fellowship
Song Leader: Dr. Debbie Dalton - Westminster Presbyterian Church
Organist/Pianist: James Faucett - Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church
Ushers: Austin Heights Baptist Church
Lunch by Austin Heights Baptist Church; Menu: Lasagna, Green Beans, Bread and Dessert
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FUMCNAC CALENDAR
MARCH
04 - Common Ground Wednesdays: 5:30 pm Meal;
6:00 pm Communion Service - Chapel;
6:30 pm Studies and Activities
05 - Board of Trustees Meeting at 5:15 pm -Library
College and Young Adult Bible Study at 6:00 pm - FLC
08 - Daylight Savings Time Begins
Service Sunday at 12 noon - FLC
Wedding Shower for Katie and Trent from 2-4 pm - Parlor
Lenten Study at 5:30 pm - Youth Center
Confirmation Class @ 6:30 pm - Rm 211
09 - Primetimers at 10:30 pm - FLC
10 - Childrens Ministry Team Meeting at 5:30 pm - Conf Room
UMW Circle VI Meeting - Parlor
11 - Common Ground Wednesdays: 5:30 pm Meal;
6:00 pm Communion Service - Chapel;
6:30 pm Studies and Activities
12 - Heart-to-Heart Chorus Meeting at 9 am - Choir Room;
Performance at Meadowview Place at 10 am
Evangelism Committee Meeting at 4:30 pm - Library
Finance Committee Meeting at 5:30 pm - Library
College and Young Adult Bible Study at 6:00 pm - FLC
15 - Coffee with the Pastors (New Members) at 4:30 pm - Parlor
Lenten Study at 5:30 pm - Youth Center
Confirmation Class @ 6:30 pm - Rm 211
16-20 SPRING BREAK
16 - UMW Circle III Meeting
17 - UMW Circle I Meeting - Library
UMW Circles II & IV Meeting
UMW Circle VII Meeting at 10 am
19 - College and Young Adult Bible Study at 6:00 pm - FLC
Missions Committee Meeting at 6:30 pm - Conf Room
22 - Lenten Study at 5:30 pm - Youth Center

Confirmation Class @ 6:30 pm - Rm 211

24 - Preschool Board Meeting 6:30 pm - Library
26 - Heart-to-Heart Chorus Meeting at 9:30 am - Choir Room;
Performance at Nacogdoches Treatment Center at 10:30 am
Church Council Meeting at 5:30 pm - Parlor
College and Young Adult Bible Study at 6:00 pm - FLC
29 - FUMC Blood Drive at 8 am - FLC
Lenten Study at 5:30 pm - Youth Center
Confirmation Class @ 6:30 pm - Rm 211
March 30 - April 3 - Holy Week Noon Services/Prayer Room
for Adult and Children
April 2 - Maundy Thursday Service at 6:00 pm
April 3 - Good Friday Service at 6:00 pm
ROOM RESERVATIONS
If you are planning to reserve a room in the Church for a meeting, gathering, etc., a request can be made either by completing
a Building Use Form that can be found in the Workroom or
online www.fumcnac.org, scroll down to the bottom of the home
page and click resources, church forms and then building use.
ACCESS ACS
To obtain an ACCESS ACS user ID, logon to
www.fumcnac.org, click the ACCESS ACS link at the bottom of
the page. For more information, kindly contact
Sharon Bright at 936-564-8308 or email
sharon.b@fumcnac.org.
Articles Due for Next Newsletter (date change due to the
Holiday). The next Newsletter will be dated Wednesday,
March 25, 2015. Articles for this issue should be emailed to
sharon.b@fumcnac.org by 3:00 pm Wednesday,
March 18, 2015.
BULLETIN and E-News DEADLINE
Please email all information to sharon.b@fumcnac.org for our
weekly Bulletin/E-News by 3:00 pm on Tuesdays.

Regularly-Scheduled Meetings
Mondays:
Mens Emmaus Reunion Group meets at 6:30 am in the Parlor (1st, 3rd, and 5th Mondays)
HRT Emmaus Reunion Group meets on Mondays at 5:15 pm - Barbara LaFours
Girl Scout Troop 1406 meets on Mondays at 6:00 pm in the Scout Lodge
Tuesdays:
Girl Scout Troop 1016 meets every other Tuesday at 5:30 pm in the Scout Lodge
Celebrate Service Rehearsal at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary
Wednesdays:
Christian Writers Fellowship at 5:45 pm in the Room 206
YoWe (Youth on Wednesday Evenings) at 6 pm-Worship and Message; 7 pm-Small Groups
Bell Choir Rehearsal at 6:00 pm in Room 207
Chancel Choir Rehearsal at 7:00 pm in the Choir Room.
Thursdays:
Grace Emmaus Reunion Group meeting at 8:30 am in the Library
Heart-to-Heart Chorus at 9:30 am in the Choir Room and performances at Nursing Homes at 10:30 am (2nd & 4th Thursdays)
Sundays:
Youth Praise Band practice at 4:30 pm in the Youth Lounge
Cub Scouts meets at 5:00 pm in the Scout Lodge
Youth on Sunday Night 5:30-Youth Open Gym; 6:30 pm-Youth Snack Supper; 7:00 pm-Youth Bible Study
Volume 8, Issue 3

Page 7

Our Staff
DR. JEFF McDONALD
Senior Pastor
jeff.m@fumcnac.org
REV. TRENT OLIVER
Associate Pastor
trent.o@fumcnac.org
JEFF CAMPBELL
Director of Youth Ministry
jeff.c@fumcnac.org
ELSA JORDAN
Director of Childrens Ministry
elsa.j@fumcnac.org
LISA LABOSKY
Director of Preschool
lisa.l@fumcnac.org
DR. TOD FISH
Director of Music Ministry
tod.f@fumcnac.org
DR. GARY WURTZ
Celebrate Worship Leader
gary.w@fumcnac.org
DR. ANDY PARR
Organist
andy.p@fumcnac.org
SHARON BRIGHT
Office Manager
sharon.b@fumcnac.org
KATHY THOMAS
Financial Secretary
kathy.t@fumcnac.org
JIM JENKINS
Building Manager
jim.j@fumcnac.org

PRAYER CONCERNSUPDATED, Monday, March 2 (am)

For a more up-to-date Prayer List, kindly contact our Church Office564-8308.
J. R. Wright, Marsha Woznock (Ernestine Fountains daughter), Amy Ames (Debra Bankstons
niece), Mark Holl, Quinn William, Bryant Goodall, William Franklin, Ab Abernathy, Jack Matthews,
Caceal Dean (Mary Harbordths niece), Audre Smith (Natalie Andersons mother), Jim Morris,
Charles Shepherd, Savannah Coonts (Jerry & Mary Lynn Andis great-granddaughter), Erik Robberson (Rev. Barbara Robbersons son), James Scott, Alicia Ross (Natalie Andersons co-worker),
Jarrell Grout, Candyce Wagnon (Rev. Terry Smiths daughter), Elvin Ervin, Ernestine Fountain,
Mary Snyder, Jake Sanford, Ashley Akin (Mary Akins granddaughter), Kittie Dobbs, Richard
Carter, Virginia Kerr, Audry Quick, Steve Goldstein, Barbara LaFour, Bill Tucker, Jerry Lackey,
Gary LaFour, Katherine Beckwith, Amy Risner, Doug Smith (Sam Smiths brother), James Lee (Jo
Taylors husband).
Our Hearts Goes Out To
Leon Dorsey and family on the passing of his wife, Wilda Dorsey
The Family of Mimi Pratte (Kath Thonmas sister-in-law)
The Family of Danny Roberts (Jackie Risners brother-in-law)
The Family of Jeanette Johnson (Sue Laws sister-in-law)
The Family of Marcelle Cobb (Tom Franks aunt)
Names will remain on a published prayer list for 90 days. The prayer team appreciates current updates on requests. Please email your requests and updates to info@fumcnac.org If
you know of a member of FUMC who is in the hospital or who will be having surgery, kindly contact the Church Office - 564-8308. EMERGENCIES, call 936-585-2294.

The mission of the First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches is to make disciples through
Christ-centered service and outreach. With Gods help, we will do this through witnessing,
teaching and loving.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

First United Methodist Church

201 E Hospital Street
Nacogdoches, TX 75961

NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NACOGDOCHES, TX
PERMIT NO. 11