View as Webpage

Pastor's Post

IT’S HARVEST JUBILEE TIME AGAIN!!!!

    Where has the year gone? It is time for our annual Fall Harvest Jubilee again! We have made some important and necessary changes this year. This year, we are calling the festival a, “Mini-Harvest Jubilee.” This does not mean it will be any less exciting and fun for families. The festival is not as much a “fun” raiser; as it is a community outreach opportunity to connect the church to our surrounding communities. Here are some of the things that will remain the same and a list of a few of the changes the committee feels are necessary:

1.      The location of the festival will NOT be in the large grassy area. Rather, it will be near the flagpole and VERY visible from the street. Do not worry. We will ensure the street is not easily accessed by an unexpected, “runaway child.” Safety is our first concern.

2.      Glenn Morrison has been “strategic” in ensuring that ALL of the attractions (bounce houses, petting zoo, hayrides, climbing wall, pumpkin photo booth, etc.), are fully funded for BEFORE THE EVENT. This means we will have NO (or very little) outstanding debts following the festival.

3.      Like last year, there is no required, entry “fee.” Cash donations will be accepted and will go to the Church.

4.      We will NOT gather early to do the “Fun Run,” or the Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast. Therefore, there are no “levels of sponsorship” this year. Give what you can/want to give. Come at 9:00 am and be ready to enjoy the activities!!!

5.      We will have (as usual) a Medical and First Aid Station. Again, ensuring everyone’s safety is a key objective.

6.      We will not have the silent auction in the church lobby area (by the CDC entrance). Most people did not enter the building to participate in the auction. We appreciate those who donated items in the past; but we will not be including it in this year’s activities.

7.      We WILL be handing out little pamphlets with some information about the church. This will tell visitors a bit about who we are, and we will let them know they are welcome to worship with us, and/or to attend one of the many activities we have going on throughout the week.

8.      We have SHORTENED the hours for the festival (from 8:00 am-4:00 pm to 9:00 am-2:00 pm). Last year, we chose to eliminate the movie night (we will have a movie night, as a stand-alone activity in the future). Over the years, many who have worked the festival, are now more “seasoned;” and do not have the capacity to sustain our stamina for the number of hours we have contributed, in the past. Many of us are now on walkers, canes, etc. (thank God for them). Don’t get it twisted! We are still “young at heart!” However, although, “the Spirit is willing,” the body cannot supply what the Spirit desires/aspires to do.

9.      Food concessions are also scaled back a bit. The UMM will sell burgers and hot dogs as usual. We will have a “Sweet Treats” concession, a snow cone concession, and water available. All concession items are cash purchase only.

    Finally, we must offer a HUGE “THANK YOU,” to this year’s Mini-Harvest Festival, planning committee members: Glenn and Debbie Morrison, Willie and Gabriele Singleton, Bob and Lisa Kure, Jeff and Dagmar Bain, Becky Smith, Sara Charlton, and Debbie Allen. There are MANY others who have served as “support persons” and are on the “Fun” Raiser Committee: Colleen Smith-Fey, Marlene Fey, Rebecca Caldwell, Gayle Hardgrave, Yvonne Smith, Julie McBride, Mark Honchul, and Pastor Bev. (please note, some members are on BOTH committees; and we did not name them twice). 

There will be an Installation Service for our new District Superintendent on Sunday, September 28th at 2:00 pm, at First United Methodist Church, Killeen, with a reception to follow in the Gary and John Helen Purser Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited. Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr. will be present.

Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr. will be in worship with us this coming Sunday, September 28th at the 11:00 service. He will also be with us for Rev. Dr. Mary Spradlin's Installation Service. Invite a guest, and come and meet our Bishop.

We are beginning a new ministry for those men who are either currently serving in the armed forces or who have served, to include those who have retired from military service. This includes active, reserves, and national guard service. This ministry will be called "Commander's Call," since God is our Commander and has called each of us to be in service to Him. Our goal is to help our brothers and their personal and professional lives. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend, (or brother)." All active and retired military men are invited to attend. David Edwards will be the facilitator. Questions and or comments can be directed to Commanderscall.1stUMCKilleen@gmail.com. 



We are looking for a Military Women's/Spouses' Sunday School Class facilitator. Please contact the Commanders Call facilitator, David Edwards.

Open Confirmation

Back by request: Some of our older students were not able to attend Spring Confirmation. Parents inquired about the possibility of Fall Confirmation class. Adults who never attended Confirmation as youth, also expressed an interest in the Confirmation class. In response, high school age youth and adults are invited to attend our Open Confirmation class on Saturday, October 18, from 9-12. Attendees will learn about the Persons of the Godhead and their specific roles in our salvation, discipleship, Christian living, and evangelism. Attendees will also learn Church history and the history of our founding father, John Wesley, and of the "people called Methodists."

The Child Development Center is currently enrolling! We have enrollment spaces available for crawlers/toddlers and Pre-K 2 children. Vacancies will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, please reach out to the CDC office at 254-634-5149.

"Fun" Raisers

Well…speaking of “FUN” Raisers (pun intended), we have SEVERAL going on at the same time. So, we are keeping them altogether, under the same umbrella (thank you, Sara Charlton and Chloe King). The following "Fun" raisers are dedicated to the Raising the Roof Campaign:

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are no longer participating in Baylor University Concessions. Thank you to the scouts for the opportunity. A HUGE thank you goes out to all who participated.

The Tote Bag "Fun" Raiser is dedicated to general funds.

Everyone is invited to join Reverend Steve Ramsdell for the

God Is Big Enough Workshop

On November 22, 2025, God Is Big Enough Ministries will share with FUMC of Killeen on how God guides and how effective prayer works. Please start praying for this event. We look forward to a great morning of spiritual growth and fellowship. See you there!

Opportunities at FUMC - Killeen

Click to view the Church Calendar

Below is a list of highlighted events for the upcoming week. Items in italics indicate off-site events. Click on the link above to view the full church calendar.

Sunday, September 28

8:00 AM & 11:00 AM | Worship

9:30 AM | Adult Sunday School Classes & Emmaus Prayer Group

9:30 AM | Guiding Young Minds (GYM) Sunday School Class

9:30 AM | Children's Sunday School Class

11:00 AM | “Kids Korner” Group

2:00 PM | Installation Service for District Superintendent

4:00 PM | Youth Group Meeting - Free night

Monday, September 29

8:30 AM | Frisch Park Workday

9:00 AM | Celebration of Life Service for Sandy Kearney

5:30 PM | Fun Raiser Committee Meeting

Tuesday, September 30

9:00 AM | Quilting Circle

10:00 AM | Dominoes Group

Wednesday, October 1

10:00 AM | Church Staff Meeting

10:30 AM | Morning Bible Study with Ken Smith

1:00 PM | Grief Share Group

5:00 PM | Deeper Waters Bible Study w/ Snack Meal

5:30 PM | Mini-Harvest Planning Committee

7:00 PM | Chancel Choir Practice

Thursday, October 2

Friday, October 3

8:30 AM | Frisch Park Workday

Saturday, October 4

10:00 AM | Feed the Need in Killeen - with Methodist Men

Sunday, October 5

8:00 AM & 11:00 AM | Worship

9:30 AM | Adult Sunday School Classes & Emmaus Prayer Group

9:30 AM | Guiding Young Minds (GYM) Sunday School Class

9:30 AM | Children's Sunday School Class

11:00 AM | “Kids Korner” Group

4:00 PM | Youth Group Meeting - Quesadillas w/ Brandy