“Boofest” and “Veggie Tales” are two attempts to reach people who might not otherwise even consider church as a possibility. Let’s come up with other ideas and programs. Let’s invite, invite, invite. And be open to where the Spirit might lead us, even if it makes us a little uncomfortable.

My friends, I think you and I can relate to what Tim is saying here. The world will continue to change, with or without us. The people of God will continue to hunger and thirst for the Word of God and the people who have no relationship with God will continue to be in need of hearing the Good News. Travis Clark just helped me get my Facebook page set up, something I thought I’d never do. (Thanks, Travis!) But the world moves on and so must we if we are to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God for the opportunity to do so!

Blessings,
Ellen

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Re-Think Church

Submitted by Debbie Clark, FUMC Lay Leader

 

          On January 16^th, there were 11 members from this church who attended the “Equipping the Saints” workshop in Kerrville. I attended a presentation on the Rethink Church initiative that is being introduced.

 

One question that is asked is “What if church were not just a building? Not a noun, but an action verb?” Here is the response that was given:

Jesus gave the Great Commission, and told us to “Go into the world” doing the things that he did: teaching, healing, feeding hungry people, speaking out about the injustice, and calling the world to move to more faithful living. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to empower the disciples to begin a movement.

 

In too many places, we have lost that sense of being a movement and have convinced ourselves it was enough to gather in our buildings and wait for people to come and find us. Jesus sent the disciples, and sends us, out to meet the world. We do that when we encounter the world at its points of greatest need. We learned that it’s not about us, it’s all about the other person.

 

The term we (UNITED METHODISTS) are using for these touch points is “doors.” Jesus consistently used a door as a metaphor to present opportunities to engage and invite his listeners to be part of the building of God’s kingdom here on earth. I invite your to visit www.10thousanddoors.org and see what doors you can open to help someone.

 

On Saturday, January 30^th, there is a Re-think Church Event planned in Austin at Westlake UMC from 9 am until 12:30 p.m. Please contact Debbie Clark at 512-355-3219 or 512-797-4413 if you would like to attend. There is no charge for attending and I guarantee you will enjoy it!

 

                                                                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Eve Care Baskets

 

Christmas Eve has come and gone, but the loving, caring spirit that was present then continues…

 

Thank you to everyone who baked, wrapped, shopped, donated time and money to this yearly project in recognition and thanks to those who work on Christmas Eve caring for and keeping us safe. If you came by the Fellowship Hall that evening you would have seen the baskets bulging at the seams with goodies. Thanks also to those of you who came to help with the great stuffing event and to you who offered your time on Christmas Eve to deliver a basket. We no longer are amazed at the generosity of this congregation, but are in awe of what is possible when we are filled with God’s love.

Thanks be to God for the opportunity to love others in this small way…

 

Wayne & Mary Brown

 

 

 

Community Kitchen Youth Angels

 

When Ben and Joann Thomas needed goody bags to give to the children at the Christmas dinner, guess who came to the rescue? Sean Moore and his outstanding youth group did! We asked, they accepted and delivered wrapped bags of cookies for the party.

 

This group continues to do wonderful things that are often “under the radar” going unnoticed and unacknowledged. Well, many noticed and we are all so thankful for your kindness, your work, and the spirit of Christ that shines through each of you.

 

A Note From The community Kitchen

 

“A thoughtful act or a kind word may pass in a moment, but the warmth and care behind it stay in the heart forever.”

 

Thank you, thank you not only for the donations to the Community Kitchen, but a wonderful evening with food, soup and friends.

 

                                                      Ben & Joann Thomas

 

A Note From the Dowdle Family

 

To all the wonderful ladies at the Burnet First United Methodist Church,

Thank you so much for your prayers, kindness and generosity during such a tragic time in our lives! The food and paper goods were wonderful and so helpful! We are blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives. Thank you again!

Angela & the Family of Coy Dowdle

 

 

“The John Wesley Adventure”

By Dr. Tom Fuller

 

Dr. Tom Fuller, noted lecturer, Wesleyan Scholar, UMC General Evangelist is coming to the Highland Lakes.

 

During his time in the Highland Lakes, Tom will engage, educate, inform and inspire during presentations about Wesley and his vision, his devotion to personal holiness, and his personality. Dr. Fuller is the author of five books and has preached, taught and sung across North America as well as in Great Britain and India.

 

Dr. Fuller will be at Highland Lakes UMC the following days:

Sunday, February 7^th at 10:45 a.m.

Monday, February 8^th at 10:00 a.m. (Clergy Only)

Monday, February 8^th at Noon (General Public)

Tuesday, February 9^th at Noon

 

For more information please contact Highland Lakes UMC at 325-388-4187.

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FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

1^ST        Adele Wilkin, Herman Johns

2^nd       Steve Claiborne

4^th        Gene Cagle, Woodrow Null, Christopher Levens, Kellis Winn, Jackie Roberts, Mildred Harris

5^th        Korey Cain, David Nantz, Thomas Cooper-Hicks

8^th        Christina Hughes

9^th        Scott Hughes, Kathy Grimes

10^th      Donna Safarick

12^th      Steve Christian, Roger Crowder

13^th      Gene Bird, Jody Eveleth, Macyl Orman, Mike McDougall

14^th      Josephine Harrison

15^th      Jessica Devaney

16^th      Margery Felps, Bill Neve, Caryl Calsyn

17^th      Chaz Fliss, Wayne Brown

18^th      Helen Frady

19^th      Denise Elkins

21^st      Kelly Collins, Stephanie Louis

23^rd      Hazel Garrett, William Neve

24^th      Katherine Cain

25^th      Bobby Beckner

27^th      Don Glover, Gloria Null

28^th      Hudson Dickens

 

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

2^nd       Julie Collins

3^rd        John Wing

4^th        Bud Green, Ina Cooper, Kiley Burton

5^th        Ruby Glover

7^th        Mary Brown

8^th        Benjamin Johnson, Korlee Carruthers

12^th      Margaret Brown, Sherrye Faulkenberry, Lori Blend, Keegan Blake

15^th      Alice Leech

16^th      Jo Foulds, Hailey Hibler

17^th      Josh Scott

18^th      Kathy Snider

19^th      Jann Barnett, Jill Ringstaff, Jesse Benjamin, Ethan Sethman

24^th      Jeff Gastineau

25^th      Tanya Blake

26^th      Avery Donaldson

28^th      Dorothy James, Frank Stone, Jessica Beckner

29^th      Ladema Jones

31^st      Ella “Mae” Brown, Steve Donahue

The Publisher apologizes for any birthdays left off this list. Please help us update our records. Call or email and give us your birthday!

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Nurse Ministry

Submitted by Marjorie Bronk

 

WINTER HEALTH CHECK LIST

 The beginning of the year is a great time to catch up on health care appointments. Here are four health checks to consider:

üSkin cancer check. Our skin is paler during the winter, making it a good time to detect skin abnormalities. See your dermatologist if you spend much time in the sun.

üBone density test. Start with a densitometry test as early as in your 30's. This basic information is helpful as we age. Special x-rays measure how many grams of calcium and other minerals are packed into our bones.

üLadies need an annual PAP and if over age 40, a mammogram. Ask your doctor about a test for HPV (the human papillomavirus) which may lead to cervical cancer. This can be done with the PAP test. 

üColon Cancer Screening, if 50 or over. One should be done every 10 years, or more often, if there is a family history of colon cancer or polyps. 

 
  Four nutrients that you need more of in the winter are:

1. Vitamin C. Full of antioxidents, it helps our system fight off viruses and bacteria or reduce the length and severity of symptoms. Find this vitamin in citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, winter squash and broccoli. Try for about 150 mg daily.

1.  Vitamin D. Sunlight prompts your body to make vitamin D, which is critical to everything from bone health to weight maintenance. Try for about 1,000 to 2,000 IU (International Units) daily.

2.  Probiotics. Help build up good bacteria in the intestines and  improves your disease-fighting ability. They "up" energy and help to digest and absorb nutrients quickly. Look for these in yogurt or other "live culture" foods like sauerkraut.

3.  Zinc. This mineral will increase body production of white blood cells and has been shown to help decrease the length of a cold. Research shows that zinc improves mood and energy, as well as curbing appetite. Find zinc in yogurt, meat, nuts

(almonds), legumes and oysters. The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) suggests 8 mg.

  Washing your hands regularly throughout the day is an absolute must! You may need an extra scrub if you come into contact with these six "GERMIEST" places:

1. Shopping carts. E.coli was found on 80% in a sample study.
   

1.   A kitchen cutting board. There are more harmful bacteria on this kitchen staple than on your toilet seat.  
 

2.  First floor elevator button. Everyone touches this button throughout the day, increasing the amount of germs drastically.
  

3.  ATM enter key. More fingers, more germs.
 

4.  Your desk top. There is a higher bacteria count found there due to the food eaten as we remain at the desk and sneeze and cough throughout the day.
 

5.   Playground. Almost every child that comes in from playing on the jungle gym and monkey bars has major bacteria (even fecal) all over their hands. March them right to the sink and have them suds up really well.   When unable to scrub, use a hand sanitizer. Keep several available, it's just as effective as soap and water, and you never know when you'll need it. 

 

 Winter is the best time to add some fun into your life. Do activities that you enjoy to stimulate your brain to produce dopamine, a mood enhancing hormone that can help to stave off feelings of depression. 

    

USED MEDICAL SUPPLIES

 

We have a great "used" medical equipment loan system and have helped MANY individuals with short term and long term needs. There is a “sign out” notebook in the volunteer office to help us keep track of where items are being used. Often we get a call and this record can locate a needed item that is no longer being utilized. Tammy and Jim will be glad to help you if Marjorie is not available. We encourage anyone to use these supplies, but need to know where they are currently located.

 

 

The First UMC-Burnet Missions Calendar

 

The Missions Committee met on January 25, 2010 and set the following monthly calendar for 2010:

 

JANUARY       “Souper Supper” Fundraiser for Community Kitchens

                       Blood Drive during Angel Food, Health Kit’s for Haiti

 

FEBRUARY      Meals on Wheels “Cup of Cheer Valentine Recognition”

 

MARCH          Prison Outreach Focus (NIV Bibles, Shampoo, Deodorants

 

APRIL              “Nothing But Nets” Fundraiser (Basketball/Golf Tournament)

                       Or “Noisy Offering”

 

MAY               Focus on the Homeless (Sleeping Bags, Socks & Caps)

 

JUNE              La Care: Diapers and Fans

 

JULY               School Supplies & Six Month Blood Drive

 

AUGUST         “Undie Sunday” with socks and underwear for school children

 

SEPTEMBER    “Chili Supper” Fundraiser in conjunction with Burnet/Marble                                     Falls Football Game

 

OCTOBER      Community Work Day, Christmas Boxes/Operation Christmas                                    Child, Crop Walk

 

NOVEMBER   Older Adult Rural Services (OARS), Heaters for La Care, Coat                                    Drive

 

DECEMBER    Christmas Baskets, Christmas Cards for Prison Ministry

 

Ongoing monthly/weekly efforts: Monthly Car Checks during Angel Food Ministries, Angel Food Ministries, La Care, weekly H.L. Respite Center program; Community Kitchen desserts for Thursdays; Community Service work with the Trustees, Probation Youth and other youth needing Community Service hours; UMC Nurse Ministry; Medical Supply Loan Program and Disaster Preparedness.

Sunday Bus Service

Monthly Donation to Meals on Wheels

Outreach beyond our community: Solar Bakery in Africa (Diana Wiley); Nothing But Nets and Community Mission Travels.

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KID’S CHOIR

3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders began WNL music classes on January 13^th, eager to be back with their friends. New Testament stories will be taught through songs and Godly play for the next few weeks. (If you’d like to observe, we welcome visitors). Whenever possible, this choir will sing on the 3^rd Sunday of each month at the 10:50 church service. Jackie, Judy, Janelle, Betty and Steve-praise God for this privilege to get to know, love and teach children from our church and community.

JOY CHOIR

Our rehearsals are at 7 pm each Wednesday. New members are always welcome. You do not have to be able to read music or be an accomplished singer to join our group. We just ask that you have a desire to serve the Lord with your voice and heart.

JUBILEE RINGERS

The handbell choir will continue to practice on Monday evenings at 6:30 in the “Pairs & Spares” classroom. Spring and Lenten season numbers are being prepared and whenever possible, we will ring on the 4^th Sunday of each month at the 10:50 service. Our prayers continue to uphold members unable to be with us due to caretaking of loved ones or their own ill health. We are grateful for new members, Cheryl and Alexandra Hahn who joined us in January. We still have positions for two more ringers. If you have questions, contact Kristine Robinson at 512-755-4886.

RESPITE GROUP MUSIC

We occasionally like to play “Singo” (musical Bingo) with persons who attend the Tuesday Morning H.L. Respite Center group held in our Fellowship Hall, so we need small prize items to give to the winners. If you come across things in your home that would be appropriate and are willing to donate them, please give them to one of these volunteers: Wayne Hawley, Jackie Roberts or Betty Stevenson. Thank You!

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Confirmation Classes to Begin

Reverend Ely will conduct the annual confirmation class for all 6^th grade students beginning on Sunday, March 7^th. The class is open to all 6^th graders or older students who have not had the opportunity to receive this training and be confirmed as full members of the church. Parent class participation will be required for the student to participate. The class will be held each Sunday morning (excluding Easter Sunday), from March 7^th – May 2^nd during the Sunday School hour. The confirmation service will be held on Mother’s Day (May 9^th). All parents of 6^th graders or other potential students are invited to attend a parent’s information meeting on Wednesday, February 24^th at 5:30pm in the Pastor’s Office. For more information, please call Reverend Ely in the church office (756-2229).

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FEBRUARY 2010 Calendar