First United Methodist Church

201 E. Hospital Street, Nacogdoches Texas 75961

NEWSLETTER
Volume 9, Issue 3
March 2016

FEBRUARY
17 - Common Ground
6 pm Studies/Activities
21 - Lent for Kids at
9:30 am in Room 201
Lenten Study at 5 pm
in the Youth Center

MARCH
14-18 SPRING BREAK
20 - Palm Sunday
21-25 - Holy Week
Noon Services
Prayer Room
24 - Maundy Thursday
Service at 6:00 pm
FLC
25 - Good Friday Service at
6:00 pm - Sanctuary
27 - Easter Sunrise Service
at 7:00 am - Oak Grove
Cemetery
Easter Morning
Breakfast at 7:45 am
FLC
Easter Sunday
Services at 8:45 am
10:45 am
Easter Egg Hunt at
9:45 am - FLC

Inside This Issue:

A Note from the Pastors
- page 2
Calendar - page 7
Community Holy Week
Noon Services
- page 6
East/West District Camp - page 4
Palm Sunday/Holy Week/
Easter - pages 1 & 5-6
Prayer Concerns - page 8
Preschool Enrollment - page 4
Mission News - page 4
Spring/Summer Schedule
- page 3

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

PALM SUNDAY/HOLY WEEK/EASTER

Palm Sunday, March 20
Palm Sunday recalls Jesus' triumphal entrance into
Jerusalem the week before his death. Jesus rode a
donkey while people waved palm branches, laid their
cloaks in his path, and shouted "Hosanna!" To remember this event, both Worship Services on Sunday
morning will include a processional with palms.

Holy Week Prayer Room

Prayer Ministry will offer an opportunity to journey in prayer with Jesus during Holy Week. Beginning Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25, a
Prayer Room will be offered with a series of nine
areas reflecting scripture of Christ's last days.
The Prayer Room will be available from 8:30 am 4:30 pm, Monday to Thursday and 8:30 am - 2:00
pm on Friday. Everyone is welcome. Come as your
schedule permits.
For more information, please refer to the brochure,
Holy Week Prayer Room, available in the hallway outside the Sanctuary.
This year Childrens Ministries is pleased to offer children a Prayer Room of their own.
The Prayer Room will be open during Holy Week, the same hours as the adult Prayer
Room. Adults are invited to assist children through the Prayer Room stations located
in the Godly Play Room (Room 212).

Community Holy Week Noon Services

Sponsored by Nacogdoches Ministerial Alliance
12:00 noon Worship in the Sanctuary
featuring pastors and music leaders from churches throughout
the community
12:30 pm Luncheon in the Family Life Center
sponsored by churches throughout the Community.
12:30 pm Lunch - FLC

Donation $5.continued on pages 5-6

A Note From The Pastor

As I write this months newsletter article it is a blustery morning at Lakeview for our
Elders Retreat. This is a great time of reflection, learning, and seeing friends. Our
speaker is Dr. Jack Levison, Professor of Old Testament Interpretation and Biblical Hebrew at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. Weve been talking
about the importance of breathing in the presence of the Holy Sprit. It is very timely for
this Lenten season of introspection.
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 holy fasting this Lenten season is going well and that you are preparing your heart for Easter. Special Holy
Week services include Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday Communion, Good Friday Service and Easter services at 7:00, 8:45 am and 10:55 am on March 27.
Peace,

A Note From The Associate Pastor

17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, will give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation that makes God known to you. 18 I
pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see what is the hope of Gods call, what is the richness of Gods glorious inheritance among
believers, 19a and what is the overwhelming greatness of Gods power that is working among us believers. ~ Ephesians 1:17-19a

Lent is a time of the year when many Christians choose to refocus their spiritual journey by taking on a new spiritual discipline. There are
many disciplines to choose from, but one that I cannot recommend highly enough is the Instagram photo challenge hosted by Rethink
Church. Now, it may sound a bit strange to be using social media as a spiritual discipline, but before you judge, hear me out.
Each year during the season of Lent, the fine people at rethinkchurch.org create a large list of words for the photo challenge. Those who
wish to participate are asked to take a photo each day that represents that days word. The idea is that by looking for these words during
our normal daily activities, we might be drawn to pay attention to the ways that God is at work in our presence. Further, by sharing them,
the present work of God may be made known to others. Katie and I have participated in the challenge for the past few years, as one of
our lenten disciplines, and we can attest to the effect it has had on the way we see our world.
If you enjoy taking pictures at all, I greatly encourage you to take a look at Rethink Church's photo challenge. If you would like more information, here is the link http://www.rethinkchurch.org/articles/spirituality/2016lentenphotoadaypractice
Regardless of what you choose to do for the season of Lent, I hope that you are drawn into a deeper relationship with the God of our
salvation. My prayer for each of us is that throughout these 40 days our eyes are opened to the incredible works of love that occur daily
in our midst.
Blessings,

Page 2

Newsletter

FUMCNAC Spring/Summer Schedule

February
22
24
29

Preschool Registration for Church Members and Staff

Preschool Registration for Currently-Enrolled Students
Preschool Registration for Open to the Public

March

06 - United Methodist Women Bake Sale

09 - Newsletter Deadline
13-Daylight Saving Time Begins
13-18-Spring Break
20 - Palm Sunday
21-25 - Holy Week Noon Services and Luncheon
21-25 - Prayer Room in the Parlor
24-6:00 pm - Maundy Thursday Worship Service in the
Family Life Center
25 - 6:00 pm - Good Friday Worship Service in the
Sanctuary
27 - 7:00 am Easter Sunday Sunrise Service
Oak Grove Cemetery
7:45 am Easter Breakfast - Family Life Center
8:00 am Flower Cross
8:45 am Contemporary Worship Service
9:45 am Easter Egg Hunt
10:55 am Traditional Worship Service

03-Childrens Sunday
12-15-Preschool Week of the Young Child
13-Newsletter Deadline
17-United Methodist Women Sunday

01-Confirmation Sunday
07-Wesley Foundation Benefit Auction - FLC
11-Newletter Deadline
22-Graduation Sunday
22-28-Visiting College UMARMY
26-Preschool Closing Program at 9:00 am in the FLC
29-Jun 1-Texas Annual Conference

Page 3

06-11 - Habitat - Nac Blitz Build

08 - Newsletter Deadline
10-13 - Mission NAC
13-17 - East/West District Camp
27-Jul 1 - Vacation Bible School

04-4th of July Ice Cream Social at 7:30 pm

Front Lawn
10-16-Youth to UMARMY
13 - Newsletter Deadline
23-26 - Jr High Youth Out - Big House Mission
Trip
25-29 - Sr. High Beach Retreat

10 - Newsletter Deadline
12-13 - FUMCNAC Garage Sale
17 - Preschool Meet The Teacher
19 - Back-to-School Bash at 7:30 pm @
SFA Rec Center
21 - Youth Sunday
28 - Promotion Sunday/3rd Grade Bible
Presentation

10 - Newsletter Deadline
25-30-Saga Brown Mission Trip (UMCOR)

Newsletter

EAST/WEST DISTRICT CAMP

Camp Fees & Deadlines
Early Bird Deadline - April 11 - Postmarked - $275.00
Regular Deadline - April 25 - Postmarked - $300.00
Final Deadline - May 9 - Postmarked - $315.00
Counselor Fee - $260.00
Counselor Meetings:
May 24th @ 7:00 PM - FUMC, Lufkin
May 26th @ 7:00 PM - FUMC, Bryan
Theme: "By Faith"
Scripture: Hebrews 11

MISSION NEWS
UMCOR Sager Brown Mission Trip
September 25-30, 2016
I have some exciting news for you! This year our church is going on a mission trip to
Sager Brown in Baldwin, LA. Sager Brown is one of two depots that serve as the headquarters for UMCORs relief-supply network. Each year over $4 million in supplies pass
through the depot on its way around the world to assist in disaster relief efforts. Locally,
Sager Brown is also involved in many food distribution and housing rehabilitation projects, as they reach out to their community.
On September 25-30th of this year, our church will be taking
a group of 12 people to Baldwin, LA to work alongside the team at Sager Brown, and we
want you to be one of those 12! There is work to do for anyone of any age, skill-set, or ability;
the only requirement is a servants heart. So please save the date and consider joining us
this September.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Rev. Trent Oliver at 936564-8308 or at trent.o@fumcnac.org.

PRESCHOOL
FUMC Preschool Registration for the Fall 2016-17
FUMC Preschool Registration for the Fall 2016-17 for children 12 months old (and walking) thru Pre-K
Open for Church Members and Staff
Monday, February 22nd at 7:15 am in the church library
Open currently enrolled students
Wednesday, February 24th at 7:15 am in the church library.
Open to the Public
Monday, February 29th at 7:15 am in the church library.
Any questions - please contact Lisa Labosky at 936 560-4631 or lisa.l@fumcnac.org
Page 4

Newsletter

Palm Sunday/Holy Week/ Easter

Maundy Thursday Service

March 24, 6:00 pm - Family Life Center
Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday, is the Thursday of Holy Week where we commemorate the institution of the Lords Supper, or Holy
Communion. Maundy is from the Latin word for command. It reminds us of Jesus words in John 13:34, A new commandment I give to
you. At this service we are reminded of Jesus and the disciples celebrating the Passover meal. Prior to the meal Jesus washes the feet of
the disciples to remind them, and us, of our role as servants. This year our Maundy Thursday service will be held in the Family Life Center
at 6:00 pm. We will meet around tables much like the Disciples did at that first Lords Supper. This is a family-friendly service where all
ages are welcome. Our music will be led by members of the Contemporary Service Praise Team.

Good Friday Service

Friday, March 25 at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary
Good Friday is the day when we remember Jesus Christs death on the cross. This somber service
is sometimes called A Service of Darkness, or Tenebrae Service. Tenebrae comes from the Latin
word meaning darkness. Our service this year will center around the seven last words Jesus spoke
from the cross. The service will be in the Sanctuary at 6:00 pm, and the Chancel Choir will lead our
music as candles are extinguished after each song and scripture reading. During the service children are invited to Room 212 to experience the Childrens Prayer Room.

Easter Sunday - March 27

7:00 am

Easter Sunrise Service at Oak Grove Cemetery with

Rev. Trent Oliver (contingency - FUMC Chapel if it rains)
7:45 am Breakfast in the Family Life Center
8:00 am Flower Cross - Front Lawn
8:45 am Contemporary Worship Service
9:45 am Sunday School and Easter Egg Celebration in the Family Life Center
10:55 am Traditional Worship Service
Participate in our Annual

Easter Cross of Flowers

You are invited to bring flowers from your yard to decorate the cross on the
front lawn of the church between 8:00 am -1:00 pm. You are welcome to
bring your camera and take pictures of your family with the cross.

Easter Egg Celebration

Sunday, March 27 at 9:45 am - FLC
Easter eggs have been a Christian tradition for hundreds of years.
Childrens Ministries is hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt for all children through the sixth grade. Babies and children 18 months and
younger need to bring a dozen eggs filled with age-appropriate goodies and their Easter baskets. Children 19 months of age through sixth grade should bring a dozen treat-filled eggs in
their baskets. Basket parking is available in the hallway just outside the Sanctuary.
Page 5

Newsletter

Community Holy Week Noon Services

By Nacogdoches Ministerial Alliance
Monday, March 21 - Friday, March 25, 2016

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 a Holy Week Prayer Room in the Parlor of the First United Methodist Church.
All are invited to spend time in prayer any time throughout the week.

MONDAY, MARCH 21
Minister: Rev. Donald Lacey - Zion Hill First Baptist Church
Liturgist: Rev. Lani Rousseau - Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church
Song Leader: Rev. George Patterson - Austin Heights Baptist Church
Organist/Pianist: Mary Cooper - Austin Heights Baptist 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 22

Minister: Rev. Tom Teekell Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry at SFA

Liturgist: Rev. Steve Newton - Westminster Presbyterian Church
Song Leader: Nita Hudson - Christ Episcopal Church
Organist/Pianist: Ping-Ting Lan - Christ Episcopal Church
Ushers: First United Methodist Church/Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry at SFA
Lunch by First United Methodist Church
Menu: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Rolls, Green Beans and Pie

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

Minister: Rev. Wanda Cuniff - Christ Episcopal Church

Liturgist: Rev. Gary Giese Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Song Leader: Miki Lynn - Austin Heights Baptist Church
Organist/Pianist: Dr. James Pitts - Westminster Presbyterian Church
Ushers: Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church
Lunch by: Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church
Menu: Chicken Spaghetti, Salad, Bread and Dessert

THURSDAY, MARCH 24

Minister: Dr. Curtis Barbarick North Street Church of Christ

Liturgist: Rev. Sarah Carbajal - Austin Heights Baptist Church
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, MARCH 25

Minister: Dr. Sharon Templeman Westminster Presbyterian Church

Liturgist: Rev. Karen Cooper Health Horizons of East Texas
Song Leader: Dr. Tod Fish First United Methodist Church
Organist/Pianist: Dr. Andrew Parr St. Marys Catholic Campus Ministry
Ushers: Austin Heights Baptist Church
Lunch by: Austin Heights Baptist Church
Menu: Lasagna, Green Beans, Bread and Dessert
First United Methodist Church * 201 E. Hospital Street * Nacogdoches, TX 75961 * 936-564-8308 SB
Page 6

Newsletter

FUMCNAC CALENDAR
FEBRUARY
17 - Common Ground - Classes/Activities at 6:00 pm
21 - Lent for Kids at 9:30 am - Room 210
Disciple II Bible Study at 4 pm - Conf Room
Lenten Bible Study at 5:00 pm - Youth Center
Confirmation Class at 6:30 pm - Room 208
22 - Preschool Registration Opens to Church Members
23 - Heart-to-Heart Chorus - rehearsal at 9 am - Choir Room
Performance at 10 am - Westward Trail
24 - Common Ground - Classes/Activities at 6:00 pm
Preschool Enrollment for Current Students
28 - Lent for Kids at 9:30 am - Room 210
Disciple II Bible Study at 4 pm - Conf Room
Lenten Bible Study at 5:00 pm - Youth Center
Confirmation Class at 6:30 pm - Room 208
29 - Preschool Enrollment Open to the Public

MARCH
02 - Common Ground - Classes/Activities at 6:00 pm
03 - Board of Trustees Meeting at 5:15 pm - Library
Missions Committee Meeting at 6:30 pm - Conf Room
06 - Lent for Kids at 9:30 am - Room 210
Disciple II Bible Study at 4 pm - Conf Room
Lenten Bible Study at 5:00 pm - Youth Center
Confirmation Class at 6:30 pm - Room 208
08 - Heart-to-Heart Chorus - rehearsal at 9 am - Choir Room
Performance at 10 am - Garrison Nursing Home
09 - Common Ground - Classes/Activities at 6:00 pm
Evangelism Committee Meeting at 4:00 pm - Library
13 - Lent for Kids at 9:30 am - Room 210
Disciple II Bible Study at 4 pm - Conf Room

Lenten Bible Study at 5:00 pm - Youth Center

Confirmation Class - Spring Break
14-18 - SPRING BREAK
20 - Lent for Kids at 9:30 am - Room 210
Disciple II Bible Study at 4 pm - Conf Room
Lenten Bible Study - Youth Center
Confirmation Class at 6:30 pm - Room 208

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

The next Newsletter will be dated Friday,

April 1, 2016. Articles for this issue should be emailed to
sharon.b@fumcnac.org by 3:00 pm Wednesday,
March 9 , 2016.

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:
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:
Heart-to-Heart Chorus at 9:00 am in the Choir Room and performances at Nursing Homes at 10:00 am (2nd & 4th 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
YoWe (Youth on Wednesday Evenings) at 5:30 pm-Jr. High Ignite; 6:30 pm Sr. High Ignite - Youth Center
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
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 9, Issue 3

Page 7

PRAYER CONCERNSUPDATED, Monday, February 15, 2016 (9 am)

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

For a more up-to-date Prayer List, kindly contact our Church Office564-8308.
Kevin Fike, Willie (requested by Debra Bankston), Richie (Audry Quicks grandson), William King Shaw, Arlen
Jeffery, Liza Yarbrough, David Standly, Brent Slaton, A. L. Mangham, Dianne House, Charles Warlick, Sara
Kopri, Sharon & Charles Gardener (Sue & Doug Laws cousin), Katrina Loftin, Frank Richardson, Collin Chandler (Jack and Ashley Chandlers son), Frank Richardson, Donald Stricklen (Donna Johnsons father), Raymond Kieffer, Betty Wood, Martin Houser, Jim Simmons (Charlie Simmons brother), Wesley Sowell (John &
Gale Whites daughter-in-laws father), Daniel Smith (requested by Gale White), Laurie Russell (Ann Wilsons
niece), Barbara Collier, Holland, Lisa Wrench, Helen Grout, Charla Dumas (Karen Jenlinks daughter), Louis
(Len) Neff (Dawn Rigsbys cousin), Dick Voigtel, Hunter LaGrone (requested by Charles Reynolds), Cindy
German (Anne Petits daughter), Jean Smith (Cindy Himes mother), Becky Taylor, Dottie Clagett, Pat LaRue,
Melanie Kieffer (requested by Patrick Rovers Houser), Jeff Thomas (Carla Coffees cousin), Samantha Hein
(Sue Laws great-niece), Bobbie Williams (requested by Betty Lewis), Kirk Watson (Kelly Youngs brother),
Randy Hauck (requested by Hank & Suzy Crouse), Charlotte Carey (Brad Maules sister), Sunne Schotke
(Brad Maules niece), Bubba Hughes (requested by Al Smith), Huntley Stephenson (requested by Al Smith),
Pat Rayne, Jarrell Grout, Steven Russell (Lynn Teagues brother), Mike Rogers (requested by Allen Anthony),
Annette Martin, Ruth (Marie) Baker, Ann Wilson, Campbell Cox, Rudy Washburn, Jenny Scott (Kay Jeffreys
daughter), Jonathan Wolfe (Gale Whites son), Stephanie Bentz (Cathy Johnsons daughter), Rosemary
Moffatt, McKenzie Hanlon (requested by Colleen Abernathy), Dave Collun (Sheila Smiths cousin), Arin Lee,
Leah Dorsey (Leon Dorseys daughter), Roy Laprarie (Al Smiths brother-in-law), Cecilia Andis (Jerry Andis
sister), Peggy Cox, Dianne House, Sue Whatley, Daniel Coolidge, Kate Maloy, Joe Butters, Debbie Sellman
(friend of Jo Taylor), Jack Macris (Sharon Scifres brother).

Our Hearts Go Out To

The family of Charles Dauphine on his passing
The family of David Lymbery on his passing

Military Personnel in Combat Zone

Jack Duffin, Jake Trotter, Westen Kuenstler, Wesley Floyd
Names will remain on a published prayer team 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 - 5648308. 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