Dear Friends,

July begins a new conference year here in the Texas Annual Conference. We will begin the year with a celebration and an opportunity for service training.

July 3, 2016

An Order for the Celebration of an Appointment

at 10:00 a.m. Worship Service

July 9, 2016

Early Response Team Trining

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Lunch Provided)

Kountz, TX

$20 Payable at the door

To reserve your spot contact Rev. Scott Moore

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(936)697-2430

I am looking forward to our sixth year serving together.

Peace,

Lindsey

Dear Members of Liberty First United Methodist Church,

               Reverend Stan Warfield has been assigned to our church as a consultant.  He is working with us to help us become a vibrant church.

               Reverend Warfield has set an “Open Mike” meeting for May 25, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the chapel.  The purpose of this session is to allow church members to express their feelings in a setting that Stan will be moderating.  Boundaries will be set regarding time:  five minutes per speaker; tone:  all comments should be expressed in a civil Christian attitude; and topic:  each participant will choose one of the following questions to address:

1) What do you like about FUMC, Liberty?

2) What would you like to be done differently at FUMC, Liberty?

3) What ministries would you like to see started at FUMC, Liberty?

4) What needs to happen at FUMC, Liberty for the Mission of the Church ...To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world...to better happen?

               Everyone who wishes to speak must call the church office to have their name placed on a speaker’s list.  The church office phone number is 936-336-6401.  After you’ve addressed your chosen question, you may address any other issue you care to address.

               If you have a concern or comment that you wish to be considered, but you do not want to stand and speak at this meeting, you can send Rev. Warfield an email at the following address:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  All emails should follow the same guidelines set forth for the speakers regarding time, tone, and topic.

               This is an opportunity for each of us to be heard in this controlled venue.  Everyone’s voice is important.  Please give consideration to participating in this opportunity for “Holy Conversation.”

               It is our prayer that a spirit of God’s love and peace will prevail, and that through your comments we can continue to grow in making disciples for Jesus Christ.

               We are grateful for Rev. Warfield’s assistance in this process.  You are invited to attend this meeting to listen or to speak.  Mark your calendars:   

               Wednesday, May 25, 2016

           6:00—8:00 pm

              Chapel of Liberty FUMC    

Sincerely,

Lindsey Smith, Jr.                                                                         

Pastor  

Stan Warfield

Consultant

Sara Brown

Chair, SPR Committee

Dear friends,

There has been a lot of talk about the church finances. The balance for the General Fund of the church on March 31, 2016 is $911,401.69. This balance is down considerably. Some folks responded with ideas to raise money, some folks even increased their giving, some folks looked at ways to lower expenses while others have responded in less charitable ways. We will be transitioning away from our dependence on endowment earnings to a budget that is closer to the offering plate. Old habits are hard to break but the faithful members of the church are up to the challenge. I am glad to announce that I will be reappointed to Liberty next year and look forward to finishing the transitions that need to be made.

Shalom,

Lindsey

Dear Friends,

               We will be starting a new Bible study at the Wednesday evening Chapel Service on April 6th.  We will be using the “Immersion Bible Study” on Matthew.   Each participant will need a book and the books are $10.  I have missed this time during the Lenten Season and look forward to our time together.  We will have a time of communion at the close of the service.  We meet from 5:15 - 6:00 pm.

               Ray, Deborah and I spent last Monday in Deweyville along with about 50 other Methodists from around the District and the Conference office.  Ray worked on a private home, Deborah worked with a group going door to door to register people and their needs, and I worked in the Deweyville church.  The group accomplished a lot but the recovery work has only begun.  Volunteers are still needed and I will keep you informed as to other opportunities.  Please keep all people who have been harmed by the recent flood in your prayers and if you can help financially please give to the recovery effort by simply designating Flood Relief on your check or envelope.   

Peace,

Lindsey