Happenings at FUMCJ - November 2, 2009
Submitted by Randy Smith, Pastor

Grace and peace from our brother Jesus, Amen. Today is All Saints Day. Even though Methodists don’t canonize saints as the Catholics we do celebrate and remember those saints who served our church so faithfully and those saints who have had such a powerful, positive impact on our lives. During our time of prayer, the bell towed slowly as the names of our saints were read. The First Lesson came from the Apocrypha. Most Bibles do not include of the books of the Apocrypha and that is too bad. Today’s lesson came from Ecclesiasticus—the Wisdom of Jesus Bin-Sirach. In Chapter 44 the writer almost laments that there are many famous people who will have stories written about them or monuments built to them. He wants to also remember all those people who didn’t have monuments built but whose righteousness and positive impact on people will make them live forever. We celebrated communion today and after the service a collection was taken for Joaquin Christian Services.

On Friday, the Youth Group ventured to Gary High School for their school carnival. Many of our young folks live at Murvaul and go to Gary . All the kids that went were given money to enjoy the games and the food. There was a huge crowd and plenty to do. While we were at the carnival, the Rams were taking care of Waskom. So “Go Rams” and “Go Bearcats!”

The Charge Conference went fine last Wednesday. Rev. Kim Hagedorn from Beckville Methodist conducted the conference and we at Joaquin Methodist have found a friend. We all thank Kim from coming and conducting the business and staying to eat and let us get to know her. Rev. Hagedorn is welcome any time she can come for a visit!

The fellowship hall served as a polling place for the State Constitution Amendments election. Now the fellowship hall will be a place to store food, clothing, gifts, and other stuff as Joaquin Christian Services begins to gear up for Christmas.

The Youth Group is raising money selling poinsettias. Today was the last day to buy one. Madeline and P. A. will venture off to Henderson in a few weeks and we will have poinsettias in the sanctuary for Advent and Christmas.

Mary Skinner is in the hospital in Center. Sue went to visit her Saturday and I spoke to Bill today and he said she has improved but they are going to keep her until Thursday. If you have a chance, go by and visit with Mary and everyone needs to keep Mary in their prayers.

Our Wednesday Evening Bible Study (6:00) continues studying the book Three Simple Rules for Christian Living. We are on Chapter 2 and still discussing the first rule—“Do no harm.” On Thursday morning at 8:00 we will have a devotional and then go to BB’s Café for breakfast. Everyone is invited to join us.

Our church website is joaquinumc.com and our email address is joaquinumc@hotmail. Our church phone number is 269-3661 and the number for Joaquin Christian Services is 269-4099. Sunday School begins at 10:00 and worship begins at 11:00. We celebrate communion the first and third Sundays of the month. Take care and God’s speed.