Women's Service a Success

Attendance for the special Women-led service on May 20 was 75! The service began with all the women of the church gathering to sing "Arise, All Mighty Women." It was amazing to see the line of ladies from wall to wall in front of the chancel, standing together to praise! Jane Bonner opened with prayer, Arlene made the announcements and Donna Ames brought the Children's message which included a preview of Vacation Bible School. An original Call to Worship was led by Mary Barton, Sandra Jones from the Presbyterian congregation, Mandi Sowell, Beth Byerly and Judy Killgo. Mandi also took over the songleading for this service, while LeaJean Wyatt and Shelby McWilliams led the Affirmation of Faith. Scripture lessons were read by Melanie Long, Lindy Cooper and Karen Adams. Phyllis Harris led the Morning and Lord's Prayer. A thought-provoking message "Can These Bones Live?" based on Ezekial 37 was brought by Carol Bennett. Connie Swift closed with the Benediction. All of the worship was meaningful and spirit-filled. Acolytes for this service were Emma Bennett and Macayla Cook. Ushers were Delaney Ames, Debi Bennett, Patricia Cook, and Eva Fleming and Kelli Bennett was in charge of passing out the attendance registration books. Thanks to everyone who participated and made it a great success, especially Carol who was brave enough to bring the message. Our prayer should be that we, as a church, will allow the breath of God to fill us and bring our old dry bones to life again.

Also, a big "Thank You" to all the men who cooked lunch and helped serve and clean up following the worship service.

Congratulations to all the graduates who were also honored on this special day: Delaney Ames, Patricia Cook, Brock Cooper and Matthew Sowell.

CHURCH AND POLITICS

I don't know if I should mix church and state, but when I voted Saturday this beautiful red-headed city election judge told me that I had not posted to this blog lately. I guess there is no conflict of interest because she was with the city election and I am ineligible to vote for city Council.

Sunday I was greatly pleased to see so many in church even though our choir and many mothers were gone. My SS class had an enormous increase in attendence because I had hit bottom with only one member showing up the week before. It was good to see so many in church and the tradition of the children giving flowers to all of the mothers.

The sermon was a whole lot better than one that I gave a few years back when the pastor asked me as a lay speaker to cover for Mother's Day. I searched the Bible for stories about mothers, but I think I failed miserably to make a very good sermon. I just wasn't cut out to preach!

OK Judy, I have posted. Back to you. You might post some of Mandi's photos of our choir in Itasca. (That is Texas, not Wisconsin.)

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

After church service Sunday morning, April 22nd, about 30 Methodists went to the site of our burned church and gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony for our new church building. Rev. Jim Olney, Brownwood District Superintendent, lead the service. All had a turn at a shovel to turn the dirt...from the oldest(Tommy Harris) to the youngest(Andy Byerly). What a great feeling to finally see progress made.

LAITY BANQUET HONORS

April 20th thirteen of our Methodists went to Brownwood to the Laity Banquet. Arlene Stephenson and Rhonda Swift were honored with certificates of appreciation for all of the work they do in our church. Our District Superintendent Rev. Jim Olney did his "Mark Twain" skit for the entertainment. A great time was had by all in attendance.