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Notes from Doc's Little Black Book:
John Bunyan, in his classic work "Pilgrim's Progress", wrote the following: "You must also own religion in rags, as well as when in silver slippers; and stand by him, too, when bound in irons, as well as when he walketh the streets with applause."
Palm Sunday is the day we remember Jesus "walking the streets with applause" as he entered Jerusalem. It is also the day that marks what we Christians call "Holy Week". Soon after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus was "bound in irons" and consigned to death on a Roman cross.
Jesus' disciples like the applause. They didn't much like the irons. We, too, like the applause and avoid the irons. This Sunday we're going to deal with some questions about that which we tend to avoid. We'll also proclaim the Good News awaiting us even if our answers come up short.
Here are the title, text, and questions for our Teaching Moments this coming Sunday. I'll look for you there.
"Where Were They?"
Matthew 26, 31-35
1. At the crucifixion, where were James and John?
2. At the crucifixion, where was Peter?
3. At the crucifixion, where were the rest of the disciples?
4. Where would you have been found when Jesus was crucified?
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2008 THE YEAR OF THE FAMILY
with programming planned to strengthen and encourage the family unit.
Your pastor will teach a class on Men’s Issues beginning in February of 2008. This will be a six-week "choices" class and will be held during the Sunday School Hour, probably in the back of the Fellowship Hall.
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Needlework Classes
each Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 PM
Anita Gambrell, instructor
March 19 - UFOs-bring your unfinished work - projects to complete or personal projects.
March 26 - Counted Cross Stitch - chart fabric and floss provided. Please bring #26 tapestry needle and scissors. Small embroidery hoop (optional).
Saturday, March 29 - road trip to Natchez. Sign up in the Atrium or in class by March 19. Meet at the church at 6:45 AM. We will leave the church parking lot by 7:00 AM and drive to Natchez to visit a wonderful needlepoint and yarn shop. This will be an opportunity to choose supplies for the scarf knitting class and needlepoint sampler class. We will have lunch and then have free time to shop or visit antebellum homes in Natchez, have dinner in Brookhaven and return to the church between 8 and 9 PM. Participants will share gasoline costs.
April 2 and 9 -Knitting - We will make a garter stitch scarf. Bring yarn of your choice and knitting needles appropriate for your yarn.
A nursery will be provided for the Needlework Classes at 4:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Laurel.
This is a program of "2008, the year of the Family" and Family Ministries of First UMC in Laurel.
Please come and bring a friend...if you wish to stay, supper is served at 5:15 at a cost of $5 for adults
and $2 for children under 12.
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CONFIRMATION CLASS
begins March 9
during the Sunday School Hour
in the pastor’s study
If you are a member or prospective member of this church family and have not had the opportunity to be a part of a Confirmation Class and Training, you may want to take the opportunity to be a part of Confirmation 2008 beginning on March 9. Call the church office to inquire.
CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
is April 6, at 8:30 AM
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EASTER EGG HUNT & FAMILY PICNIC
To the Parents of our children...
Please help us by sending one dozen plastic eggs or one bag of candy and place these in the box provided in the Atrium. We will fill the eggs on Wednesday night, March 19 if anyone would like to help.
Stacey
Saturday, March 22, 2008
10:00 a.m.
Gardiner Park Picnic Area
everyone is invited, bring a friend...
lunch, hot off the grill...
kid pix with live baby rabbits!
Great family fellowship...
hundreds of eggs
and a prized "golden egg"...
Don't forget your
Easter baskets!
Sponsored by
Children's Ministries & Family Ministries
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WANT TO HELP WITH ARIEL'S ANGELS?
WHERE THERE IS A NEED...Because we are family (Church Family) when we see the need of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are more than willing to help out. Young Ariel Ball is ill and at home with her family in Laurel. Her care is the primary focus of her family at this time meaning that the thing we can do to help most is prepare food for mealtime in their home.
If your Sunday School Class or organization in the church will prepare a meal for the Ball family and deliver it to her home, please contact Pat Clark at 649-5962. Pat will let you know when the food you prepare will be the most helpful.
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STEAK DINNER FOR MEN
In this day of gender-bias accusations, some may take issue with such a special occasion meant only for men. But the men of FUMC have a desire to get to know each other on a more personal basis through fellowship and spiritual growth. This dinner, provided free of charge, on Thursday, March 27, at 6:30 PM, is meant for just that purpose. The church applauds their actions. Make your plans to come and encourage others to do the same.
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Study of Daniel
Daniel
by Beth Moore offered on Wednesday Evening
beginning March 19
600 - 8:00 PM Billie Graham, facilitator
This study is a "second chance" to participate in a study that has been presented at FUMC recently, but some missed the opportunity to take the study others want to take it again. Call the church office or click the link below to reserve your book if you would like to be a part of this Bible Study opportunity.
Click to sign up for the study of Daniel
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Sanctuary Choir
THE SANCTUARY CHOIR will be doing Parts Two and Three of "Messiah" with strings, trumpet, soloists and the choir from First Trinity Presbyterian Church at FUMC on March 16, Palm Sunday evening, at 6:00 PM. Bring a friend. This will be a wonderful way to begin the Holy Week celebration.
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EASTER LILY
If you wish to place
an
EASTER LILY
in the Sanctuary
on Easter Sunday
in memory or in honor of a
friend or family member
please CLICK on the link below
or call the church office
at 425-1474
Easter Lily
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Flowers
If you would be interested in placing flowers in the sanctuary in honor or memory of someone please call Judy at 601-425-1474 or email her link. Thank you.
WITH OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY
Our sincere sympathy to Sarah Walker in the death of her grandmother, Lula Saucier and to Sarah and Jody Walker, Suzanne and Joey Skipper and Bobby Walker in the death of their aunt Katherine G. McRaney.
Our sincere sympathy to Sylvia and Charles Clark in the deaths of Charles' aunts, Jlee Brown and Ollie Mae Valentine.
Our sincere sympathy to Patricia Caldwell and family in the death of Dalton "Bunk" Caldwell.
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
Staff Parish Relations Committee
Your Staff Parish Relations Committee will be meeting soon to complete forms required for pastoral appointments. If you want input into this process please call any member of SPRC, and please be willing to give them your name along with your opinions. What you share will be kept confidential. Members: Ronnie Clark, Chair; Brooks Nelson, Buster Pace, Wema Blackledge, Randy Ferry, Candice McLeod, Joe Steinwinder, Sallie Gough and Billie Graham.
LAY SPEAKERS TRAINING EVENT
SATURDAY, APRIL 5 - FUMC, LAUREL
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MARCH EVENTS
MAUNDY THURSDAY COMMUNION
March 20, at 7:00 PM
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EASTER SUNDAY CELEBRATION
March 23
One Worship Service at 10:30 AM
Sunday School at 9:30 AM
EASTER SUNDAY ONLY
Valet Parking will be available for the morning worship service at 10:30 on Easter Sunday morning, March 23. Some of the men in our church will park cars and help people with special needs into the church for Sunday School at 9:30 and the worship service at 10:30. Those men will be wearing the "Valet Badge" for your convenience.
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Sunday, March 30, is a 5th Sunday on our calendar. We will not, however, have the combined 5th Sunday service because of the recent combined service on Easter Sunday. The next 5th Sunday celebration will be held on June 29, with one combined service at 10:30 and covered dish Sunday dinner.
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ADVOCATE SUBSCRIPTION
Your ADVOCATE SUBSCRIPTION expires soon. If you wish to renew your subscription at a cost of $12 per year, please call the church office (601-425-1474) or send your check to PO Box 956, Laurel, MS, 39441
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Baddour Center Sunday
March 16, is an opportunity for you to show your concern for the well-being of others by supporting a place where God's love is made complete every day. Christ's greatest commandment is to love one another. Please respond as generously as you are able.
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| CHRISTIAN FOOD MISSION |
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Our responsibility to Christian Food Mission on the 5th Sunday in March, is canned tuna and self-rising flour. These items may be brought to the church between now and March 30 for delivery to the Mission.
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| Acolytes/Greeters this Sunday |
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8:30 Service
Christian Rushing
Jakob Trest
10:55 Service
Joseph Patterson
Houston Norton
Serving as Greeter this morning is Candice McLeod from the Christian Study Class.
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| CALENDAR |
| SUNDAY, March 16 -- Palm Sunday
Sunday School 9:45 AM
Confirmation Class 9:45 AM
Worship Services 8:30 and 10:55 AM
"The Messiah" 6:00 PM
MONDAY, March 17
Mothers' Morning Out 8:00 AM
TUESDAY, March 18
Staff Parish Relations Committee 4:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, March 19
Mothers' Morning Out 8:00 AM
Men's Bible Study 12:00 Noon
Needlework Classes 4:00 PM
First Family Fellowship 5:15 - 7:30 PM
THURSDAY, March 20, Holy Thursday
Jubilee Singers 10:30 AM
Prayer Luncheon 11:45 AM
Maundy Thursday Communion 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, March 21
Altar Guild Meeting 1:00 PM
SATURDAY, March 22
Easter Egg Hunt and Cookout
Gardiner Park 10:00 AM
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| First Family Fellowship-Schedule of Programming |
| Beth Moore Study - 9:30 AM
(same study material as evening class) Men�s Bible Study-12:00 Noon
(Max Lucado�s Cure for the Common Life) Needlework Classes - 4:00 PM (nursery available) SUPPER - $5 for adults - $2 for children under 12 5:15 - 6:15 PM CHILDREN�S MINISTRIES 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM ADULT BIBLE STUDY - AND ALTERNATE PROGRAMMING 6:00 - Beth Moore Bible Study (Cindy Sanderson, facilitator) 6:30 - Pastor�s Bible Study 6:30 - First Place - support group for healthy lifestyles (Susan Cannon, facilitator) YOUTH MINISTRIES Jr. and Sr. High Bible Study 6:30 - 7:30 PM SANCTUARY CHOIR 6:30 PM
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| VISITATION MINISTRY |
| Call your church office if your friend or family member is in the hospital or ill at home, your Pastor and your Minister of Visitation want to offer a prayer for his/her recovery, and a visit when appropriate. Your information will be helpful. Your pastor would enjoy a visit with you, his church family, either in your home or at your place of work. Don chooses to make these visits on Thursday afternoon. Please let us know when your best opportunity for a visit will be. If another afternoon is better than Thursday, just let Judy know at 425-1474 or click on her link at the end of the page.
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| PRAYER REQUESTS & CONCERNS |
CLICK THE "PRAYER REQUEST" LINK BELOW TO EMAIL PRAYER CONCERNS TO THE CHURCH. IF YOU WISH IT TO APPEAR IN THE SUNDAY BULLETIN, PLEASE EMAIL BY 10:00 TUESDAY. THANK YOU.
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| WE ARE A "CONNECTIONAL" CHURCH |
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN THE WORLD TAKE A LOOK AT UMC.ORG.... (click the link)
United Methodist Church
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Links
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Contact
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| First United Methodist Church 420 North Fifth Avenue P. O. Box 956 Laurel, Mississippi 39440 601-425-1474
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