Written in a humorous, accessible style, Being United Methodist in the Bible Belt: A Theological Survival Guide for Youth, Parents, and Other Confused United Methodists, is an easy-to-understand guide to the kinds of theological questions many United Methodists ask.  Those participating in the study will better understand our unique brand of Christianity as United Methodists in light of the understandings of those from more theologically conservative traditions. The book makes one appreciate Wesleyan theology and practice while respecting other traditions.

Join the Living the Questions Sunday School Class for the study of this book beginning Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 9:15am.  The book costs $11.

For more info on this class that meets in the Parlor, contact Jeff & Lauri Cooper (jcooper003@gmail.com or 940-781-7831).

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!

Twenty people joined together on January 22, 2011 to build 72 feet of wheel chair ramps for people in our community!  Thirteen of these volunteers were from the new Aldersgate Sunday School Class!  Other Sunday School Classes represented were The Journey, Genesis, and Open Door!  Check out the pictures below!

Will Barksdale (The Journey), Brandon Vaughn (The Journey), Dustin Hays
Not shown: Emily Hays

Mike Rose, Amber Schacter, Ashley Tate (7th Grade), Jammie Wilbanks, Susan Tate, Brittany Tate (4th Grade), Brian Coons, Jake Truette, Cindy Carss (Genesis)
Not shown:  Gary Schultz, Troy Sims

Alan Ballard (Open Door), Patricia Stroderd, Tim Kramer
Not shown: Kevin & DeEdra Folmar

Join the Open Door Sunday School Class (meets in Rm 2-R of Rec. Lobby) for the study of Bernard Brandon Scott’s book, The Trouble with Resurrection: From Paul to the Fourth Gospel beginning January 30. By examining the resurrection stories in chronological order of their being written, this book prompts readers to consider:

* What does the New Testament really say about the resurrection;
* What is the influence of Judaism on Christian belief in the resurrection;
* How did the resurrection become the central belief in Christianity;
* Why did early Christians choose to believe in the resurrection; and
* Why is resurrection not the right word.

For more information about the Open Door Class or this study, contact Gary Sparks (940-696-3151 or wfsparky@sbcglobal.net).

Join the Genesis Sunday School Class (meets in Rm 302) beginning January 23 for the study of Mary Poplin’s book, Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service. Mary is a former member of FUMC who was fortunate to volunteer with Mother Teresa in 1996. In this poignant, elegant, humble memoir, Poplin gives us far more than Mother Teresa or even another Mother Teresa story. She gives us instead the Jesus and the Christianity that operated through Mother Teresa. Poplin’s experience of finding Calcutta irrevocably changed her soul. Maybe it will yours as well.

For more information about the Genesis Class or this study, contact Cindy Carss (940-631-6967 or c.carss@yahoo.com).

A brand new Sunday School Class is coming, beginning January 9, 2011, in room 309.  The class will be called the Aldersgate Class and will reach out to those in their 20s and 30s so that they may find a home in our church family!  In addition to study, the class seeks to take part in fellowship activities as well as mission projects.

Gant Grimes will be their primary teacher, and their first study will be Spiritual Gifts and How to Use Them.  The goal is to help participants know what God given gifts participants have and how they can use them in our church and in their personal lives to be better able to live out God’s calling on their lives.

Curious where the class’ name came from?
It was at a Methodist Society on Aldersgate Street in London on May 24, 1738 that John Wesley had his famous heartwarming experience of transformation while hearing Martin Luther’s preface to the book of Romans being read. Thus, this class will seek to be a place to warm the hearts of all who take part in this class.

If you want more information about the Aldersgate Class, contact:

• Kevin and DeEdra Folmar: 940-631-4879.