In an amazingly fun event on February 27, 2011, we shared in fellowship, food, and even friendly competition in order to make a difference in our community and beyond as we took part in the 3rd Annual Battle of the Bowls Chili, Stew, & Dessert Cook-Off!  A total of $3,849.20 was raised to benefit our four primary missions initiatives:

• 40% PowerPaks 4 Kids = $1,539.68
• 20% Texas Ramp Project – $769.84
• 20% Faith Mission – $769.84
• 20% Imagine No Malaria – $769.84

This greatly exceeds 2010′s proceeds of only $2,460!

One of the things that may have been the catalyst for the great response was HOT DOGS!  It was so good to see so many families there since their kids would have something they’d like to eat!  We’ll do this again in the future!

Now, I’m sure everyone wants to know the winners in this great event!  Yet, this could not have been done without the amazing participation of EVERYONE – those who cooked, decorated, and even ate.  THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!

Winners are as follows:

Chili

1. White Chicken Chili by DeEdra Folmar
   Winning a gift card to Logan’s Roadhouse!
2. Chili by Rev. Paul Goodrich
   Winning a gift card to Chili’s!
3. King’s Chili by Donovan & Kathie King
   Winning a gift card to Chili’s!
4. Chili by Sue Sperry
   Winning a gift card to Taco Casa (donated by Taco Casa)!

Stew

1. Bee’s Stew by Paula Moore
   Winning a gift card to the Hibiscus Cafe!
2. Stew by Carl & Delaine Wiersema
   Winning a gift card to Olive Garden!
3. Pozole by Gene Newton
   Winning a gift card to Luby’s Cafeteria (donated by Luby’s)!
4. Stew by Kristian & Tammy Kowing
   Winning a gift card to Hunan’s Chinese Restaurant (donated by Hunan’s)!

Dessert

1. Banana Pudding by Kristian & Tammy Kowing
   Winning a gift card to Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream!
2. Brownies by Noros & DeeAnn Martin
   Winning a gift card to Gidget’s Sandwich Shack (donated by Gidgets)!
3. Brownies by Margee Adkins
   Winning a gift card to Gidget’s Sandwich Shack!

Sunday School Classes Making the Most Money

1. Aldersgate
   Winning 4-weeks of teaching by Rev. Troy Sims
2. Bi-the-Way
3. Exodus

Best Table Decorations (see pictures below)
(voted on by Missions Committee Members)

1. Aldersgate Sunday School
   Winning 3 bags of gourmet coffee!
2. Children’s Sunday School
3. Keystone Sunday School

First Place Decorations - Aldersgate Fire Truck Theme with Fire Hydrant & Dalmation -

Second Place Decorations - Children's Sunday School - Heavenly Hot Dogs -

Third Place Decorations - Elegance by the Keystone Class -

Do you have pictures of this great event?
Share them with Rev. Troy Sims!

The Children’s & Adult Sunday School Classes of FUMC are each taking part in a food drive to benefit Interfaith Ministries.  The Adults began a competition among classes on Sunday, October 31, 2010.  Here are the current stats:

The first number is the number of items collected.  The second number is “pro-rated” based on the number of members in the respective class.  Check back each week to see how each class is doing.

The Children begin their drive on November 7, 2010, and each week they are looking for different items that are of special need by Interfaith.  Here is what children should bring each week:

• November 7:  Pork ‘n’ Beans
• November 14:  Peanut Butter
• November 21:  Jelly
• November 28:  Canned Fruit

For more about the Adult Food Drive, contact Rev. Troy Sims (tsims@fumcwf.org or 940-766-4231, x229).

For more about the Children’s Food Drive, contact Rev. Lydia Pellikan (lpellikan@fumcwf.org or 940-766-4231, x272).

This edit of our regularly televised worship service from Sunday, September 26, 2010 features:

• Presentation of Bibles to the third grade class by the Keystone Sunday School Class
• Children’s Sermon featuring “Johnny Appleseed”
• Chancel Choir’s anthem, “Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts” (arr. Bass)
• Rev. Paul Goodrich’s sermon, “Firm on the Outside, Jelly on the Inside” based upon Exodus 14:10-18

The Keystone Class provided desserts; the Journey Class provided servants to serve the meal; the Bi-the-Way Class provided the main course and servants to serve the meal.

That’s how it happened at the Monthly Power Meal at Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church in Wichita Falls, a ministry to provide a hot, nutritious meal for the less fortunate in our community.  These groups served about 30 people who are finding themselves in the midst of hard times.

THANK YOU TO THESE CLASSES FOR THEIR SACRIFICE!

“. . . for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. . . .  Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

Jesus in Matthew 25:35, 40

The All Saints, Fidelis, Keystone, and Win-Some Sunday School Classes will begin studying two books of the Hebrew Bible on September 20:  Ezra & Nehemiah.  Both have to do with the rebuilding of Jerursalem and its temple after the Israelites begin returning after the Babylonian Exile.  Come learn more about these important books of our Bible!

Join us for the next series in our Sunday School study focusing on the theme of “The Path to New Life.”  Throughout the month of April, we will be focusing on the books of Luke and Acts as we ponder Jesus’ death, resurrection, and our response!