It was HOT – plain and simple.  According to Sheppard AFB, it reached 109 that day – July 9, 2011.  It would have been easy to quit mid-stream (and maybe we should have), but we wanted to make sure this individual could easily make it in and out of his house.

So, after 5 1/2 LONG hours, we completed a 28 foot ramp.  Special thanks go to all who helped make this event a success:  Tim Travis, Alberto Iracheta, Cory Press, Jake Truette, Alan Ballard, Brandon Vaughn, Troy Sims, and Dean Libby (pastor of University United Methodist).

On top of the build, two ramps were painted – a total of 31 feet in only about 2 hours!  Special thanks go to our painters:  Jammie Wilbanks, Tim Kramer, Tammy Sparks, Sandra Sims, Breanne Press, and Gary Southard (also from University UMC).

Gant Grimes (a member of the FUMC Missions Committee) is working to find volunteers for the Habitat for Humanity Parade of Homes on June 4-12, 2011.  This is a major fundraising event for Habitat in which people purchase tickets to tour brand new homes in our community built by local home builders.

The volunteers that Gant is seeking would pick up money at the Habitat office (1206 Lamar), go to the host home (3406 Oxford Ln), greet visitors, sell tickets, and return the money to the Habitat office.  You can sign up for the following shifts:

• Weekend (Sunday / Saturday):
  • 2:00-4:00pm (only have to pick up money at the Habitat office); or
  • 4:00-6:00pm (only have to return money to the Habitat office).
• Weekday (Monday – Friday):
  • 6:00-8:00pm (HINT: Sign up with a partner.  One can pickup the money; the other can return the money).

If this sounds like something you can do, please, contact Gant directly at:

• 940-235-9411
• gantgrimes@gmail.com

Currently all slots are open except for Tuesday, June 7 and the first shift on Sunday, June 12.

Five workers.  18 foot ramp needed.  Three hours – DONE!

Four painters.  2 ramps (45 feet in length) needed paint.  Two hours – DONE!

Many thanks to the build team:  Branden Felker, Jim Whitmer, Tim Travis, Alan Ballard, and Troy Sims for providing mobility for a wheelchair bound lady in our community!

Many thanks to the paint team:  Kevin & DeEdra Folmar and their boys Maverick and Garrett.

Spring 2011 has been a bad year for weather in the United States.

An emergency worker carries a girl out of Academy Sports on the evening of May 22 following the tornado that hit Joplin, MO. Web-only photos courtesy of The Joplin Globe/Roger Nomer.

Some are not getting enough rain; some are getting too much rain, leading to flooding.  Others have had severe weather like tornadoes accompany the rain.  The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is responding to all of these catastrophes, but your financial help is needed.

Make a donation to UMCOR’s relief efforts by clicking here:

Be sure to note that you are a part of FUMC Wichita Falls!

You’ll also have an opportunity to make a donation on Sunday, June 5, 2011 during worship by leaving an offering at the Altar Rail during Holy Communion.

Here are some articles that you may find of interest:

• Joplin Tornado Hits UM Churches, Members
• UMCOR’s Plans for Recovery
• Prayers, Volunteers Sustain Storm Survivors
• Twisters déjà vu for Alabama Pastor
• Tornado Damage of Katrina-like Proportions

In case you have not realized until now, there is a city election coming up on Saturday, May 14, 2011 from 7:00am-7:00pm.  Places on the ballot include:

• Councilor At-Large
• Councilor District 1
• Councilor District 2

CLICK HERE to see who is running.

Click these links for more information:

• Polling Locations
• Other