Sunday, February 19, 2006

FBC Happenings

Hello! Hope everyone had a nice weekend. I wanted to update you on some of the things going on in our church. If anyone knows of anything taking place and would like for me to post it here, please let me know.

Here are some of the items on the agenda:

Parents remember that the gym will be open on Friday, Feb. 24th from 6-8pm for children.

The youth will be going to the WinterJam concert, Friday, Feb. 24th. The concert is in Columbia. The church van will leave from the church at 5pm. I remember when I was in the youth, we always had so much fun going to things like this. It is so important to keep our young people and children involved in positive things. Especially this day and age when so many things are at their disposal and can lead them down some very bad avenues.

Youth Community Service Day is Saturday, March 4th. The youth will be in town collecting donations for hurricane victims. Items they will be collecting are sweatshirts, blankets, canned food, teddy bears and hygiene products (i.e. toothpaste, toothbrushes, toiletries and such). We have so much to be thankful for and the people that are affected by the damage done by the hurricane will have a long road ahead of them. We need to, as Christians, show how loving and caring we are by extending acts of kindness such as this to those in need. Come out and support our youth and this worthwhile cause!

Also, if you would like to donate $10 for a t-shirt for the youth to wear that day, please drop it in the offering plate and mark the envelope "t-shirt". I am sure the youth will appreciate the donations.

Don't forget about the Gardening sessions being held the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. Sessions begin at 2pm and are free and open to the public.

There is also a new program that will begin Momday, March 6th from 6:30-8pm. This program is designed to not only change your physical life, but your spiritual life as well. During these sessions, you will learn how scripture, exercise and healthy eating habits will help you become a new creature! If you are interested, there is a sign up sheet in the church foyer.

Vacation Bible School is already in the works. I am sure those in charge have been busy already with choosing which program to use this year. It is entitled "Arctic Edge--Where Adventure meets Courage". VBS will begin on June 4th and ends on June 8th. The motto for this year is "Be strong! Be courageous! Follow Jesus". Classes will begin at 6pm each night and end at 9pm. Come on out and bring a friend!

Please remember those that are sick, bereaved, etc. in your prayers. We never know when it will be one of us needing those same prayers!

Also, happy birthday or anniversary to those of you that are having a birthday or anniversary this week. Here's to many more happy years!

Tis all I have for now. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Monday, February 13, 2006

Love is in the Air

Happy Monday to each of you. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. As I stated in the previous entry, Valentine's Day is approaching (will be here tomorrow). Remember to take a minute to let those you love know how much they mean to you. In light of our pastor's motivating messages yesterday, tis also a good time to extend a Christian hand to someone in need. We don't need to save our expressions of love and thankfulness for special days only, we need to make sure we continue it all year long. If you missed yesterday's services, you missed some wonderful messages on being a good neighbor and loving your church. God expects us to do our part, both in the church and around our community. I urge you to become an active part of your church, if you aren't already. Take the time to become involved in things going on around the community (i.e. Town meetings--held the 2nd Monday of each month in the town hall at 7pm). When we see someone in need, hold the door open for him or her; help them reach something that is too high up on a shelf; or simply smile and say hello. I never mean for anyone to put themselves in harm's way by treating others the way we want to be treated. We must remember to take time from our busy lives to do for others. After all, no-one is busier than God and HE always makes time for us!

Here are some things happening in our church:

Youth & Children:

The children enjoyed making the Valentine's for the Shut-Ins,but weren't able to deliver them due to the weather. Hopefully someone will be able to deliver them today or tomorrow.

Parent's Date Night is Friday, February 18th from 6pm-10pm. This is a fundraiser for the youth and they will be collecting donations. This is to help send them to youth camp. We ask that only children who are walking well attend and dinner will be provided.

The youth will be attending the WinterJam concert on February 24. The van will leave the church at 5pm and the concert is at the Colonial Center in Columbia.

The children will have open gym time on Friday, February the 24th while the youth are at the concert. The gym will be open from 6-8pm.

March 4th: Youth Community Service. More information to come later!

Men's Breakfast is Sunday, February 19th at 8am. This is always a wonderful time of fellowship for the men of our church. If you haven't been able to attend before, I encourage you to join them this Sunday. Bring a friend or two! If you know of any men who are new to our community, please invite them.

The XYZ Valentine banquet was a success! Everyone in attendance enjoyed the performance by the Livingston United Methodist Church Choir. Tis always a blessing to come together with fellow believers in our community.

Don't forget: Gardening sessions are being held the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. These sessions are free and open to the public!

Remember God loves you and so do I! Have a happy and blessed Valentine's day!

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Current H appenings

Hello to all. Hope your week is going well. I wanted to take a moment to update you on some of the things happening in our church this week.

First of all, the XYZ Valentine banquet will be held on Friday, Feb. 10th at 7pm in the fellowship hall. The choir from Livingston United Methosdist Church will be performing and a meal will be provided for those in attendance. Come on out and bring a friend or two!

Women On Mission will be meeting next Wed., Feb. 15th at 7pm immediately following supper in the fellowship hall at 6pm.

Gardening Sessions have started as of Mon., Feb. 6th. Classes are at 2pm the first and third Monday's of each month. All sessions are open and free to the public!

Youth: Progressive Valentine's dinner Sat., Feb. 11th from 6pm-until.

Children: Remember the gym will be open during choir practice on Sundays as well as Wed. before and after Wed. night service. The children will also be delivering Valentine's to our shut-ins Sat. Feb. 11th. I know that each of them will appreciate the cards as well as a visit from our children. Little ones bring so much joy to so many people!

Don't forget to make sure you do something extra special for your sweetie on Valentine's Day (Tues., Feb. 14th). It's always nice to be reminded of what we mean to those we love.

Newsletter deadline is Fri., Feb. 17th. A special thank you to those who do such a fabulous job with our church newsletter each month! It isn't always easy to find things to put in a newsletter (I speak from experience of having written our newsletter at work for a while). Can be quite a challenge!

That's about all I have for now. Til next time, keep on keeping on and God Bless!

Saturday, February 04, 2006

The Big Game

Greetings to all! Hope you had a wonderful week and are enjoying your weekend. Just wanted to take a minute for a quick update.

As you all know, the big game is tomorrow (Sunday, Feb. 5th). Tis a huge moment in sports history. While we may enjoy watching the game, we mustn't forget about an even bigger game.....the game of life and what we have to look forward to in the end. We should continue to sprint toward our goal line and strive to make the touchdown for Jesus by reaching those that are lost for Him! He is our coach and cheerleader and without Him nothing is possible.

Some upcoming events in our church:

Deacon's meeting Sunday morning, Feb. 5th (at 8am I believe).

XYZ meeting (will fill you in on more details later)on Friday, Feb. 10th.

The youth will be taking up "Souper Bowl" donations to help aid those in need in our community on Sunday, Feb. 5th.

Choir practice will be held at 5pm Sunday, Feb. 5th with evening worship immediately following at 6pm.

Don't forget about supper on Wednesday night at 6pm and Prayer Meeting and other organizational meetings at 7pm.

Youth: don't forget about your Superbowl Party after church services on Feb. 5th.

I also would like to mention that we had some new faces in our congregation last Sunday. It is always a blessing to see new people in our church and to watch our numbers grow for Christ! I look forward to getting to know them!

That is about all I have for now. Will keep you informed as new info. becomes available. Take care, stay warm and God bless!