BELMONT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

 

 

Paul Smith, Pastor

Belmont, Texas

February-March, 2007

 

Shepherds, angels and readers as they practice for the Christmas Program.

 

Candlelight Christmas Service

 

What a wonderful Christmas Service we had this year! We were blessed to have 15 children participate in the program. We had Shepherds, angels and some very talented readers to help make this a very memorable program. Many thanks to all who helped, especially Ellen and Gail for all they did to make this such an enjoyable service. The offering of $257 was divided equally between the Methodist Mission Home and Children's Home. Following the service refreshments and fellowship were enjoyed by all. Appreciation is extended to all who helped provide the delicious cookies and punch.

 

Christmas Gift Bags

 

Christmas gift bags were delivered to 15 shut-ins and patients in nursing homes on December 18th. A great big "thank-you" to all for your generous gifts of money and items for the bags. Without your generosity, this outreach project would not have been possible. We have received several thank you cards from individuals who received the gift bags. All have been extremely appreciative of the items received as well as the generosity of our members.

 

Church Sign

 

A committee made up of Ellen Wundt, Clayton Lee and Kenneth Schauer presented their findings regarding the new Church Sign to the Administrative Council on January 24th. The committee received information and prices from two reputable companies. The committee presented its findings to the Trustees who elected to purchase the sign. The lighted sign, will measure 5' x 8' and will have four (4) lines on which to deliver messages to the community. The sign will cost approximately $3400 and will be purchased from money from the Memorial Account as approved by the Administrative Council. There will be some additional cost regarding the electrical hook-up and the foundation on which it will be placed and these expenses will also be paid from the Memorial Account. The sign will allow for a changeable message as well as announce the meeting time and contact phone number for people considering attending our church. We are excited about the new sign and believe it will provide additional ministry to the community as well. We will be able to display thought-provoking or witty Christian messages, as well as announce important community events sponsored by the Belmont Volunteer Fire Department and Belmont Ladies Club. Although this is a considerable investment it is one we feel is worth the money. Anticipated delivery date is approximately March of this year. If you would like to contribute to the Memorial Account to help pay for the sign and site preparation, you may do so by sending your contributions to the:

Belmont United Methodist Church, P. O. Box. 906, Belmont, TX 78604, attn: Treasurer

 

Working on Advent Wreaths are Cela Woodall, Ashley Terry

Jeffery DeCou, Ellen Wundt, Michael Shannon, Kim Shannon,

Austin Meyer, Brooke Terry, Trevor Meyer and Matthew Shannon

 

On the Saturday night before the start of Advent the kids enjoyed a pizza supper while learning about the reason for the season of Advent. With the help of some of the adults, the kids made their own mini wreaths, and the blessing stars. Ashley, Brooke and Cela also made a new Advent Banner for the Church. Thanks to the kids for helping make this season even more special.

 

 

COMING EVENTS-MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

 

Special Valentine Celebration-Sunday, February 11th Church Service: We invite everyone to come and enjoy breakfast and fellowship, prior to the worship service, on Sunday, February 11th Breakfast will be served starting at 8:20 a.m.

 

5th Sunday Celebration Breakfasts: Plans are to have a breakfast on every fifth Sunday prior to the Sunday service. Breakfast will be served starting at 8:20 a.m. This will be a wonderful time to enjoy fellowship with your Church family. Mark your calendar for: April 29th and July 29th.

 

Bible Study Class: Pastor Paul will teach a Bible Study Class during the Lenten Season. The class will begin on Wednesday, February 21st at 7:00 p.m. and continue every Wednesday through April 4th. Come join us for this interesting class.

 

Easter Egg Hunt:

The Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Cookies and decorated eggs will be needed. A signup sheet will be passed around prior to the event. Last year we had a great turnout and hope this year is no exception. Come join the fun!

 

Easter Service:

As has been our practice, the time for Easter Sunday Services will be changed to 10:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 8th in order to accommodate Monthalia's Sunrise Service.

 

Ladies Club Rummage/Bake/Plant Sale

The Belmont Ladies Club has set their date of April 14th for their annual Sale. If anyone would like to donate items for this Sale, please contact Vernelle Jones or another club member. Items can be brought to the Community Center as early as April 9th. Hours for the Sale will be from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They will also have sandwiches, chips and drinks available for purchase as in past years.

 

Congratulations to Ashley & Brooke Terry!

 

Ashley and Brooke Terry continue to be very active in their local 4-H Club and are to be congratulated on their accomplishments! During a recent 4-H competition, both girls showed a pen of rabbits and entered the baked goods portion of the competition. Ashley placed 8th with her rabbits but won showmanship for her rabbit project. Her "Ginger Crinkles Cookies" won her 3rd place in the Baked Goods competition. Younger sister Brooke won 2nd placed in showmanship for her rabbit project while placing 29th with her rabbits. Her "Hummingbird Cake" won 1st place in the Baked Goods competition! We are very proud of both young ladies and wish them the best in future competitions. Ashley & Brooke are sharing their recipes.

 

HUMMINGBIRD CAKE

 

3 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 c. sugar

1 1/2 c. oil

3 eggs

1 tsp. butter flavoring

1 (8oz.) can crushed pineapples

1 c. chopped pecans

2 medium bananas

 

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, sugar, oil, eggs and butter flavoring together. Add pineapple. Mix by hand only. Add chopped bananas and pecans. Mix again. Bake in greased and floured bundt pan at 350° for 1 hour and 5 minutes.

 

Let cool in pan for 1 hour before removing, glaze as desired

 

GINGER CRINKLES

 

2/3 c. oil

2 tsp. baking soda

1 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 egg

1 tsp. cinnamon

4 Tbs. molasses

1 tsp. ginger

2 c. flour

Optional: chopped nuts

 

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix oil and sugar together, then add egg and molasses and stir. Add the remaining ingredients. Then after stirring it all together, roll into balls and slightly roll in sugar until covered.

 

Place on cookie sheet & bake for 8 to 9 minutes. Remove from oven. Lightly drop the pan on countertop or table so the cookies crack.

 

Tastes best right out of the oven. ENJOY!

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

 

February Anniversaries

March Anniversaries

Will & Sandi Gandre-18th

Mike & Connie Bond-22nd

 

Ryan & Stephanie Johnson-25th

 

Drew & Freda Hunter-29th

 

 

February Birthdays

March Birthdays

Forrest Wessling-1

Becky Connell-7

Gaston Thurmond-8

Mary Ann Towns-11

Rutty DeCou-14

Brooke Terry-15

 

Sandra Terry-17

 

Leah Erwin-17

 

Austin Meyer-17

 

Trevor Meyer-27

If any of the birthday or anniversary information is incorrect or your information has been omitted, please let Connie or Shari know.

 

Remember, you can view & print the newsletter as well as other related church information at:

http://www.gvtc.com/~wgandre/bumc.htm.

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Blessings to Those on the Prayer List

 

Wes Wessling, Fleming Goss, Gene and Marge Iley, Royce & Jewel Towns, Gaston and Ophelia Thurmond, Sandi Gandre, Dora Towns, Curtis & Flo Breaux, Ann Brown, Polly Hester, Polly Schweihs, Charlene Green, Gerald Keith, Marilyn Musick, Frances Buchholtz, Morris Roecker, Eddie Bayer, John Michael Cardwell, Steve Harper, Becky Connell, Marilyn Glover, the family of Heddie Bond, our nation, leaders and military.

 

PRAISE THE LORD FOR THE WELCOME RAINS!