Week of

August 3, 2026


Join Us For Worship

Sunday at 10 am


Children's Church during the Sermon

THE METHODIST MESSENGER

The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of

Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.

 

When I went to my first church in NW Arkansas, when I arrived, I was told, “Preacher, you’ll be treated in so many ways here, you’re liable to like at least one of them.”

 

Well, let me say, Center First, y’all have made us feel so welcome, and been so kind and generous. We are indeed grateful for the gift of your hospitality and welcome in Christ and truly humbled by your kindness and grace. Your cake from yesterday stated, “Welcome Home.” Indeed, we feel like we have found a genuine home with you in the Lord. Thank you so much.

 

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your many kind thoughts, the card shower, the wonderful fellowship meal and your extravagant food pounding yesterday through your gifts. We were truly inspired by the Spirit of grace and encouragement upon your shared life (Acts 4:33). We look forward to learning more about you and your wonderful church family and this beloved community.

 

This week our community is preparing for another school year. We are looking forward to being a part of blessing our educators and young people as they prepare for a new school year.


Perhaps we can talk for a moment about the mission of the church.

 

Following General Conference 2024 in Costa Rica, the GMC adopted a new mission statement:

“The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.”

 

The spiritual leadership of our denomination speaking to this mandate on the GMC website states: “Rooted in Scripture and led by the Spirit, we seek to advance God’s Kingdom in every culture and community. As a global church, we value the gifts of every member, walking together in mutual love, humility, and service—especially toward the vulnerable—as we partner in God’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and transform the world” –Global Methodist Church.

 

The church has been seeking to live into the reality of this gospel mandate as believers partner together in making much of Jesus to the ends of the earth.

 

This month in the Global Methodist Church, denominational leaders and delegates from around the world will meet in Johannesburg, South Africa for General Conference August 30-September 5. The theme for the conference is The Beauty of Holiness: A Spirit-filled Life. A Holy Calling. I invite you to join me in deep prayer for this general conference for the future of our church.

 

Over the next few weeks, we conclude the month of August with a sermon series based on our church’s gospel mandate “to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.” We are calling it The Beauty of Holiness: The Disciple-making Mandate of the GMC.

 

We invite you to join us as we prepare for a new school year and invite a friend, a neighbor or

co-worker to join with you in holy worship.


Pastor David Williams

 
 

THIS EVENT WILL BE LOCATED IN THE CHURCH BASEMENT

 
 

Trinity Conference Prayer Workshop

On Saturday, August 15 at 10am (10am-1130am)

in the church parlor, join us for a conference led prayer workshop. Let us grow in the ministry of intercession together, as we learn better how to pray with others. This equipping experience will help us pray with others in the church and outside in the community and give us the grace and confidence to enter the ministry of intercession with the LORD.

Please, reach out to Pastor David for more information.

 
 

Dear Church Family,

Thank you all so much for the beautiful catered reception you prepared in our honor. Your kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness made the day even more special, and we are truly grateful for all the love you showed us.

We are also deeply thankful for the wonderful gifts, gift cards, and generous monetary gifts. Your generosity is such a blessing, and these gifts will be put to good use as we begin this new chapter in our lives with each of you. 

We are blessed to be part of such a loving and caring church family. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support. May God richly bless each of you for your kindness and generosity.



With heartfelt gratitude,

Pastor David and Rebecca Williams

 

Dear Church Family,


Thank you so much for the memorial gift in Cecil's name to the Methodist Children's Home. Your thoughtfulness, love, and support is very much appreciated. I am so grateful to be part of such a caring church family. Cecil loved his church and the Methodist Children's Home was especially dear to his heart.


With loving gratitude,

Virginia Watlington & family

 

Something to Ponder

 

As a young mother of four, finding time to rest during the day was an impossible task. Nights were long and broken up with diaper changes and heating bottles, and toddlers with restless sleep cycles. But no matter how difficult the night was, my two-year old would climb into my bed and cuddle up next to me. He would then put his chubby finger into my eyelid, and ask, “Mommy, you home?” and then giggle and begin singing as we greeted the morning together. That time was so very precious, and I miss it now that he is grown. Loving and greeting our Lord each morning should be the same. Our God is always there, always “home” and always ready to receive our voices of praise, thanksgiving and joy! We are the sheep of His pasture. He rejoices with us when we raise our hosannas to Him each morning! How good is that?

Father God, we lift up our voices in praise this morning to You, in spite of what is

going on around us. Fill our hearts with joy and a peace that You are always there,

always home to envelope us with Your loving-kindness and grace!

We greet you with praise, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, amen.

 
 
 

JOIN US Sundays at 9am


Sanctuary 3rd floor

for more info contact Bob & Terri Lacher

 

Our Prayer Warriors

are ready to pray for you!

Please send your prayer requests

& praises to Terri Lacher

btlacher@sbcglobal.net

or Call: 936-598-3484 or 936-488-8701

 

📖 One-Year Bible Reading Plan


Start each day with prayer, soaking in God’s wisdom

and guidance like sunshine for your soul.

Let His Word refresh your spirit, brighten your path, and fill your heart with joy for the journey ahead.


 



Aug 12- Jeremiah 28-30

Aug 13- Jeremiah 31-32

Aug 14- Jeremiah 33-36

Aug 15- Jeremiah 37-39

Aug 16- Jeremiah 40-43

Aug 17- Jeremiah 44-46

Aug 18- Jeremiah 47-48

Aug 19- Jeremiah 49

Aug 20- Jeremiah 50

The reading plan is displayed a week in advance. Please refer to the previous newsletter for earlier dates.

 

Volunteer needed to take prayer requests each Sunday and text it to Kelli @ 936-332-0227

 
 

August

4 - Trustees Committee Meeting - 5:15 pm

6 - Bloom & Believe 6 pm

9 - Blessing of School Staff & Students

13 - AVIR Nursing Home @ 2 pm

13 - BINGO - 6 pm

27 – Focused Care Nursing Home @ 2:30 pm

30 – Consecration of Food

-canned meat/vegetables


*DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

September

7 - Labor Day-Office Closed in observance

10 – AVIR Nursing Home @ 2 pm

10 – BINGO 6 pm

14 - Finance @ 5:15 pm/Council @ 6 pm

20 – Men’s Breakfast @ 9 am

23 – DooDah Parade

24 – Focused Care Nursing Home @ 2:30 pm

27 – Consecration of Food -canned meat/saltines

& Pintos


 
 
 
 

Worship Attendance

August 2, 2026

10 am Worship

Sanctuary - 94

Facebook - 34

YouTube - 45

 

2026 Giving Summary

as of August 3, 2026

Needed YTD $251,724.96

Received YTD $177,619.00


First Methodist Church


211 Porter Street

Center, TX 75935


936-598-2707


office@CenterFirst.org


Love God, Love People, Serve the World