Shepherd's Table Outreach
- July 15, 2008

In June, a group from the Shepherd's Table took hotdogs and hamburgers to McClain Homes as an outreach. There was such a great response, enough people signed on to create a second team. At this point, the first team was named Barnabas and the second team, Silas. On July 11 Barnabas went back to McClain and Silas went to Keller Court. Again, God moved in a mighty way and 300+ were fed. There has been a tremendous infusion to Shepherd's Table attendance - a 30% increase! Last Sunday, a third team was born and is still accepting volunteers. This team is named Ruth and will go to Gary Court. All three teams will be going to their assigned areas on August 8 at 5:00

Church Revival Tuscumbia First United Methodist August 24 - 27 Speaker: Rev. Mahlon Felkins

P.M. for an hour and a half. There is singing and fellowship, and there are activities for the children. To sign up for one of these three teams, contact Betty Belue or Bud Bottcher.

Click here for pictures at the July 11 cookout.

"Power Lab: Discovering Jesus' Miraculous Power"
Vacation Bible School
- July 10, 2008

Vacation Bible School at Tuscumbia First United Methodist Church was held July 6-9.

Kids joined a Lab Crew made up of 5 elementary children and an adult or teenager crew leader. Crews would rotate through seven stations every day, where the daily Bible Point is reinforced in all-new creative ways.

Click here for more pictures

An Evening With Michael Kelley
Helen Keller Festival
- June 26, 2008

Christian vocal impressionist, Michael Kelley, gave a performance at Tuscumbia First United Methodist Church Wednesday, June 25, as part of the Helen Keller Festival. Michael was the guest entertainer during the church's Family Life Retreat at Camp Sumatanga back in January of this year and was invited to perform for us during the festival. A BBQ meal was served prior to the performance.

Tuscumbia First participated in the Keller Festival Friday and Saturday. Volunteers distributed free bottle water along with information about the church at the Wes Porter Water Hole located at the top of the hill from Spring Park.

UMM Summer Spectacular Steak Supper
- June 16, 2008

The United Methodist Men's Summer Spectacular Steak Supper was held Friday, June 13. Rev. Alan Beasley from Russellville First United Methodist was the guest speaker. Alan recently participated the "Cycling for Mission" bicycle road trip. The trip was a 5-day, 450-mile bicycle ride from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi along the Natchez Trace.

Following a slide presentation, Alan showed off his bike and all the necessary equipment to make him a successful bike rider. He pointed out however, that even if you have all the right equipment, proper weight and diet are important and must be followed. An athlete must be willing to give up certain foods, if he expects to succeed. Using this to draw a spiritual analogy, he asked, "Are we willing to give up certain things to better serve our Lord?"

Bud Bottcher and Craig McCullough cooked the steaks. Betty Belue, Lynda Bottcher and Sam Mitchell served the steaks, potatoes and salad.

John Sasser and his assistant made sure you had your ticket before proceeding to the chow line. Ninety tickets were sold with proceeds going toward the UMM Annual Children's Christmas Party later in the year and other general expenses.

Click here for more pictures

From Our Youth Director
- May 27, 2008

For years, I have believed that our community, and in particular, our church have been blessed with a rare closeness between the generations. When I was a youth, there were always people around from all ages of life that ministered to us in many ways. As youth minister, I want our young people to know more about the generations that have gone before them. Proverbs 37:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." I would love to see our young men and women sharpened by the wisdom of some of our mature adults.

What I would like are a few volunteers. If you are around the age 60 or older and you feel the Lord has given you a story to tell that would benefit our youth, you are who I am looking for just now. I would particular like to hear from service veterans and depression era survivors (World War II would be great.)

We are under the umbrella of freedom and luxury that you guys brought and paid for. I want my kids to hear your stories. Proverbs 20:29 says, "The glory of young men is their strength; gray hair (wisdom and experience) the splendor of the old." Our future will be forged by the sweat and strength of our young combined with the experience of our young at heart.

I must warn you that this may be a daunting task. I need you for 15-20 minutes. We have a lot of kids and they can be intimidating to speak to but they are bright, fun and ask a lot of questions - they need you.

If you are interested, please leave your name and phone number and maybe a little background in an envelope in my church mailbox. Depending on the response, our speakers will be spread out over the next few months. If the response is overwhelming, I may pick a few randomly. Please pray over this and respond as the Lord leads you.

In His Love, Jim Maples, Youth Minister

Senior Day 2008
- May 25, 2008

Sunday May 25 was Senior Day at Tuscumbia First United Methodist Church. Six of eight high school seniors attended the 10:50 Morning Service wearing their caps and gowns.

In attendance from Covenant Christian School were Caleb Hatcher and Destin Underwood. From Deshler High School were Katie Butler, Chance Coates, Morgan Miller and Hannah West. Not present were Maggie Bea Dawsey and Jonathan Howard, both from Deshler High School. Each graduate was given a book titled "God's Little Instruction Book for the Class of 2008".

In addition, the seniors were treated to dinner at Dale's Steakhouse in Florence Saturday, May 24.

Click here for more pictures

Day School Graduation Sunday
- May 22, 2008

The Tuscumbia First United Methodist Church's Day School Graduation Service was held Sunday evening, May 18, 2008. Prior to receiving their certificate from Bro. Mike Pope, the nineteen children showed the congregation what they learned by reciting the alphabet, counting to 10 and counting to 100 by 10's.

The Day School Program is led by Mrs. Jan Caudil. Classes are available for children from 1 - 5 years (Pre-K) and runs September - May with an additional summer session of 6 weeks.

Click here to learn more

SENIOR PASTOR - Bro. Mike Pope
Read Bro. Mike's Letter

Sermon for 07/20/08
"How To Receive From The Lord"
Click here to request tape.

ASSOC. PASTOR - Bro. David Dale
Read Bro. David's Letter

Sermon for 07/20/08
"Alive In Christ"
Click here to request tape.

MISSIONS REPORT
Read report from our Missions Co-chairs

2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Read report from our Lay Delegate

2009 HONDURAS MISSION TRIP
A message from the Team Leader
Who is BMDMI? Plus Pictures

Pictures

2008 FAMILY LIFE RETREAT
Pictures from Camp Sumatanga

2006 FAMILY FALL PICNIC
Pictures from the Gardiner Farm

FAMILY LIFE CENTER
A pictorial from construction to its completion.

Announcements

CLOTHES FOR HONDURAS
We are now accepting clothes and shoes for Honduras. Please bring washable summer clothes only. Do not bring winter clothes or slacks for women or teenage girls. We need clothes and shoes for all ages and sizes except extra large. We also need cloth baby diapers. Please make sure the clothes are clean and not torn and no really high heel shoes.

HEALING TEAM MINISTRY
Beginning Thursday, July 17 at 10:00 a.m. John and Josephine Killham will be teaching on ways to minister healing prayer. They recently attended a seminar on praying for healing that was taught by Rev. Frances and Judith McNutt at Healing Ministries in Jacksonville, Florida. This is for anyone who would like to be prayed for or who would lkie to learn about praying for others.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER NEEDED
There is currently a need of a teacher for the four and five year old class. Please prayerfully consider if God is calling you to become a part of our children's ministry on Sunday mornings. Contact Darrell Nelson, Church School Superintendent, for more information.

BLOOD DRIVE
United Blood Services has requested that we at Tuscumbia FUMC partner with them for a blood drive. If you would be interested in donating blood at a future date, please take time to sign the sheet located outside Bro. David's office.

FLOWER MINISTRY
Our Flower Ministry to our shut-ins and hospital patients need two people who would be willing to deliver flowers the second Monday of each month. If you like to be a part of this ministry, please call Sandra Bugg.

"RESERVED" PARKING SPACES
Reserved parking spaces on Third Street are being created for Sunday and Wednesday services. These are not assigned spaces but are for anyone who may need easier access to our church entrances.

"THE SHEPHERD'S TOUCH"
"The Shepherd's Touch" meets Wednesday nights at 7:15 p.m. in the Robert Hudson Prayer Chapel. This is a time set aside to offer a special prayer for healing. If anyone has special needs, you are invited to come.

NEW LIBRARY BOOK
PSALMS FOR WOMEN has been donated to the Church Library in loving memory of Mrs. Pat Ransom by the Robert Hudson Sunday School Class.