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Easter Faith Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts
them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24). A thunderous crash.” Although the owners had purchased their
dream homes and beautiful view lots with different expectations, nature
had an incredible way of revealing their property’s weaknesses.
There is no way to adequately describe the sense of loss and
disappointment of these unfortunate families. While the owners had no doubt invested in
their homes in many visible ways, it was the unseen problems with the foundation and the
land they stood on that eventually took their toll on the properties. All
the exterior aesthetics meant little when the homes rolled down the
slopes and splintered into a pile of debris. The scriptures teach that
our lives can be like that, having the appearance of being strong and
well only to have the façade come crashing down in the storms of
life. Faith needs to be our strong and secure foundation in the tough
times. Listen to this description of faith: The fundamental fact of existence is that
this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under
everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on
what we can’t see (Hebrew 11:1, The Message). On that day of dark disillusionment there
was a degree of doubt. Was Jesus who we thought he was – the
Messiah? The disciples were discouraged by what they saw – the
death of Jesus by imperial Where are you in your faith journey?
Wherever you are the Easter season is God’s faithful response
and resounding, “No!” to the powers of death, deep
disappointment and despair. God is faithfully on your side. You can have
faith in (fully rely on) God, because God will not leave you nor
forsake you in your journey. Easter is our assurance of faith in God. Let
us put that faith into practice so that others may be inspired to
experience and share in the hope of Easter faith. Your Friend, Pastoral
Dave Easter Faith Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts
them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24). A thunderous crash.” Although the owners had purchased their
dream homes and beautiful view lots with different expectations, nature
had an incredible way of revealing their property’s weaknesses.
There is no way to adequately describe the sense of loss and
disappointment of these unfortunate families. While the owners had no doubt invested in
their homes in many visible ways, it was the unseen problems with the foundation and the
land they stood on that eventually took their toll on the properties. All
the exterior aesthetics meant little when the homes rolled down the
slopes and splintered into a pile of debris. The scriptures teach that
our lives can be like that, having the appearance of being strong and
well only to have the façade come crashing down in the storms of
life. Faith needs to be our strong and secure foundation in the tough
times. Listen to this description of faith: The fundamental fact of existence is that
this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under
everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on
what we can’t see (Hebrew 11:1, The Message). On that day of dark disillusionment there
was a degree of doubt. Was Jesus who we thought he was – the
Messiah? The disciples were discouraged by what they saw – the
death of Jesus by imperial Where are you in your faith journey?
Wherever you are the Easter season is God’s faithful response
and resounding, “No!” to the powers of death, deep
disappointment and despair. God is faithfully on your side. You can have
faith in (fully rely on) God, because God will not leave you nor
forsake you in your journey. Easter is our assurance of faith in God. Let
us put that faith into practice so that others may be inspired to
experience and share in the hope of Easter faith. Your Friend, Pastoral
Dave
Page
1 Trinity
Sunday
Services May 18, 2008
10:30 a.m. Sanctuary
and Sermons 2nd
Sunday after Pentecost & May 25, 2008 “Leaving
A Legacy”
By The
Rev. David Williams
Weekly Bible Genesis 1:1-2:4a Psalm 8 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20 Isaiah 49:8-16a Psalm 131 or 62:5-12 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Matthew 6:24-34
Memorial Day
Memories One of the gifts God gave
our family was the privilege of serving as pastor, the good people of
Gravette and In the Gravette UMC many of
the members were instrumental in the work and restoration
of the town’s museum. One of Gravette’s historic figures is Field
Kindley. Captain Kindley was a WWI ace-pilot who died while flying exercises
in memorialize
all those who have served the land of the free. Another gift was sharing in
the grief of God’s people as they remembered their own loved ones on
Decoration Day. Many of the members made their way to surrounding cemeteries
to decorate and remember their loved ones. I would tag along and listen to
their stories as they would share stories about friends and relatives of long
time past. These were sacred moments in the ministry I was privileged to
participate. Every year in the service. Four
years I was privileged to don on my military uniform and offer a prayer in
memory for all who have served sacrificially for our freedom. Indeed, this
was one of the most humbling experiences in ministry. There were two members
in the church that I will never
forget who paid the greatest price.
We will forever be grateful for them. First, was Al Dunagin, whose brother, David Dunagin, flew
more than his fair share of missions during WWII. While flying one of his
last missions over Gravette UMC was
still felt every year on Memorial Day. And one of Gravette’s young sons
was lost. However, David’s memory lives on. Second, was Al Blair, whose son, Tommy Blair, was killed in
the first weeks of the war in Don’t forget to
remember all those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom on
Memorial weekend. We salute you
and your families and we pray God’s peace and comfort in the days to
come. Your Friend, David
……………………………………..Page 2 Congratulations
to our graduates! We have two
members of DeQueen UMC
graduating: Rebecca Cluts and
Trent Hammond and two members of
Gillham UMC: Stephanie
Gates and Stephen Harold. Please
congratulate each of these fine young people.
Bold
Vision-Bold Faith 2008 Vision Sunday “Where there is no
vision the people perish ...” (Proverbs 29:18a,
KJV). This oft quoted verse challenges the church to consider where we have been, where we are, and where
we are going. On Sunday
June 8 we are going to be doing some vision casting together. We will be
privileged to hear a testimony from Mr. Walter Leeper and Mrs. Roxy
Stephens. We will also be viewing a power point presentation
“showing” the necessity for a “bold vision and bold
faith” as we discern and seek God’s will and way for us into the
future. Please prayerfully seek God’s direction for your church family.
And come prepared to fully participate in God’s vision and mission for
our church.
Membership
Class Maybe you
have been attending the church regularly and you desire to become a member of
the church. However, you are a little apprehensive. If you would like to be
more informed about what being a member in our church means, we would love
for you to join us for a four week small group that explores what United
Methodists believe about “being loyal to the church through our prayers, presence, gifts and service.” Our first class will begin June 1
at 9:20 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Thank you for calling the church to
share your interest.
JUNE 16-20th Where Kid’s have a
blast serving Jesus In God's Big Backyard 1. Serve Family 2. Serve Friends 3. Serve Neighbors 4.
Serve Community 5. Serve Jesus
Fishing Camp: June 6-8 (Grades 3-7, $120) Golf Camp: June 16-18 (Grades 7-12, $230) Younger
Elementary Extravaganza!(YEE!): June 16-18 (Grades: 1-2, $175) Senior High: June 24-27 (Grades 9-12, $340) Middle
Elementary I: June 30-July 3 (Grades 3-4, $210). Junior High
I: July 7-11 (Grades 7-9, $340) Older
Elementary I: July 14-18
(Grades 5-6, $330) Middle
Elementary II: July 18-20
(Grades 3-4, $195) Junior High
II: July 21-25 (Grades 7-9, $340) Older Elementary II: July 28-August 1 (Grades 5-6, $330)
Rev. Bill, Carla and
Joseph Fish will be moving in June New Address: 105 North Marjorie (870) 563-2926 email: bfish@ipa.net
…………………….. Page 3 YUM! Baked Potatoes and Salad….with all the trimmings This
Sunday, May 18th
after morning worship in the fellowship hall. Your donations will go to help support
Camp Tanako 2008 Scholarship fund.
The money raised will be
divided according to each child’s Sunday school attendance. GILLHAM UMC GRADUATES A pizza party will be held at the Gillham UMC on Sat May 17th at 5pm in the fellowship hall in your
honor. The church is providing
the pizza. Drinks, salads and
desserts needed. Please contact
Maxine-Salad and Kathy -Dessert and drinks. Birthdays This Month 18-Margie
Pell, Corey
Johnson 20-Linda
Ridlon 21-Carla
Cowling 23-Gerri
Harold, Jesse Warren,
Jeremy Davidson 24-Sissy
Arndt, Patsy Collins, Tom Graf 27-Scott
Sullivan, Hanna Burke 28-Wanda
Sullivan 31-Beth
Johnson If you know of anyone who needs to be
added to or removed from our Birthday Calendar, please call the Church
Office. at 642-2038.
(Special Offering Sunday May 18th) Did
you realize 50 percent of the Peace with Justice Sunday offering goes for
projects in the
May
16—May 31 SATURDAY, May 17, 2008 5:00 p.m. Gillham UMC reception for Graduates SUNDAY, May 18, 2008 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship
(Sanctuary) 11:30 a.m. Tanako
Fundraiser 5:00 p.m. UMYF 6:00 p.m.
Evening Prayers TUESDAY, May 20, 2008 11:30 a.m. Prayer
Study 6:00 p.m. Prayer
Study WEDNESDAY, May 21, 2008 6:00 p.m. Choir
Practice FRIDAY, May 23, 2008 6:30 p.m. De
Queen HighSchool Graduation SUNDAY, May 25, 2008 9:15 a.m. Sunday
School 10:00 a.m. Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship
(Sanctuary) 5:00 p.m. No
UMYF 6:00 p.m.
No Evening Prayers MONDAY, May 26, 2008 Office Closed TUESDAY, May 27, 2008 10:00 a.m. Morning
Glories 11:30 a.m. Prayer
Study 6:00 p.m. Prayer
Study WEDNESDAY, May 28, 2008 6:00 p.m. Choir Practice
In
Memory of Roger Elliott Scott & Linda Russell Ms. Betty Smith In
Memory of Hal & Barbara
Robbins Scott & Linda
Russell In
Memory of A.J. “Jenks” and Ella Rogers Scott & Linda
Russell In
Memory of Jim and Donia Robbins Scott & Linda
Russell In
Memory of Ira P. and Scott & Linda
Russell
…………………….. Page 4
Homebound
Members: Wayne & Betty Sorenson, Luanne Williams, Lorena Dixon, Ruth
McKinney, Lottie Overton, Callie Franklin, Helen Vick, Belle Thomas, Frank
& Peggy Worthey, Norma Jean Jones and Faye Moss. Sympathy We extend
Christian sympathies to Mrs. Dee Ann Elliot in the recent death of L.P.
Elliot and their son, Roger Elliot.
We extend Christian sympathies to Mary and Robert Nielson in the
recent death of Mary’s father. For Those In Military Service In Chaplain (Capt.) Patrick Moore and family.
Reminder: You are
Serving the Month of April Thank you!
Rodney
Smith, Mac Moore, Tim Turney, and
Scott Sullivan Acolytes 18 Kylie Bowens, Kylie
Tadlock 25 Joshua Williams,
Zachary Acker |
