To my fellow followers:
I give thanks for you and the blessing you are to each other and to this community we live in. I hear so many stories and conversations about the ways you are caring for each other and serving in places beyond the walls of the church. That love will continue to be a gift we give in the days ahead.
As a way to help the leadership team plan for the days ahead we sent out a 10-question survey for you all to complete. If you haven't seen that yet, you can CLICK HERE to give your input. Thank you for taking that time. The Board of Stewards is adamant about making sure the voices of the people in the church are heard.
Some of you (who are not teachers or students) may be as excited as I am to enter into the month of August. If for no other reason than knowing we are moving closer to cooler months! I'm excited because we will get back to a more regular schedule and we will see some new opportunities for community and growth. On Sunday the 13th we will once again be serving breakfast in the Activity Center (8:15-8:50), which is a time for the early birds to gather and connect. Those who come later will still have donuts and kolaches in the Parlor. We will also be starting at least one new Sunday morning group - a women's Sunday school group. Other groups will likely begin by early September. It's a great time to find a new connection. If you are not yet part of a small group or Sunday School, this is a great time of year to do that. If you need help finding a place, check with me or Pastor Madison.
This time of year is also a great time to invite the families you know who could use a supportive community like this church. The fall is a time when they are often adjusting schedules for new seasons (kids changing schools and such), and they may be open to coming and finding people to encourage and love them along the way. Remember - most people come to a church because they were invited by a friend. What a gift we have to offer them in a community of people who know, love, and follow Jesus.
I can't wait for every Sunday morning I get to see you all. Until then, you remain in my prayers.
Blessings to you all,
Pastor Mike
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Upcoming Events and Happenings
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The Brenham FUMC trip to Israel - "the Land of the Bible" - has some slots still available for those who wish to engage the Bible in a very tangible way by setting foot in the places where the stories take place. You will experience not just the 'holy' places most tours will take you, but also various other places that help you understand the life they lived in biblical times. Your love and knowledge of Scripture will increase exponentially. Our program dates are March 4, 2024 - March 17, 2024 (flying out on March 3rd).
We will soon need to let Jerusalem University College know if we have filled all our slots. They may have others interested in joining the group. So, if you want to take part in this trip of a lifetime, do not hesitate to sign up. Click the link below and fill out the form. There is an initial deposit of $250 that will secure your spot.
You will also find below a link to a video about Jerusalem University College - the ones who will host us and lead our tour - as well as a link to their website where you can find out more about their Holy Land program for churches.
The cost for lodging and 3 meals per day is $3,775 per person (double occupancy). The airfare costs will be set soon - another reason to sign up as soon as possible. The airfare costs right now are running approximately $1,200-$1,500 per person.
• "I'm interested" Form - click this link to submit your name and get on the list for the trip (remember, to secure the spot requires sending a $250 deposit to the church)
- Once you have submitted this form, Pastor Mike will be in touch about next steps and to provide a bit more detail about the trip.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Mike with any questions you may have.
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Methodist Weekday
Childcare Development Center
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The Methodist Weekday CDC NEEDS YOU!
We are looking for VOLUNTEERS to read books to our children. This is a great way to interact with children, let them see a new face, and provide some assistance to our hardworking staff!
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Vacation Bible School
We learned how much Jesus loves and cares for us, just as we care and love our pets!
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THANK YOU!!!! Vacation Bible School was amazing this year!!! We had just under sixty kids attend, which is bringing us much closer to the pre-covid numbers! We had many new faces that we were excited to get to know! This year, we learned through the stories of Noah and the Good Samaritan that Jesus loves and cares for ALL creation, and He wants us to do the same. We met interesting animals each day, so we saw the uniqueness of God’s creations. Thank you to Matt Hulon for bringing Ruby the grey African parrot! Thank you to the Sedlar family for bringing their two box turtles! And, thank you to Kanga parties for bringing Ruby the Kangaroo and Corona the Coati!
A special thank you goes to the ladies of UMW and the congregation for your generous donations of supplies, money, and most definitely prayer!
Our decorating and planning team- thank you! It was wonderful to be back in the Activity Center! And the Activity Center looked AMAZING!
Thank you to the leader that led our group sessions and brought meaning to the idea of God’s love for all! Thank you to the Coopers, who served 80 fantastic meals each evening! Pastor Madison, thank you for taking on the missions for VBS! We donated three large boxes of dog toys, cat toys and dog treats the children made! Plus, towels and cat litter, cat food, dog food, and dog treats the children brought to donate! All donations were taken to the Washington County Animal Shelter.
Thank you, Nita Hyatt, for taking on the decorations and story time! Wow! The scene was set beautifully and the children loved reenacting the stories- especially the fifth-grade boys! Thank you, Jan Lindstrom, for leading the music. The children loved singing their praises, and I loved how they were able to sing in both the beginning and end of VBS each day! Thank you to our amazing craft ladies, Carole Macmanus and Martha Ratcliff! The kids had a blast making their own sock stuffed animals, crosses, and votive candle holders! Thank you to Matt Hulon for creating a beautiful worship experience at the conclusion of each VBS day! You brought these kids back around to the “main thing” – Jesus and how he loves us so!!
Thank you to each of our small group leaders! You all were the “mommas” of the kids during VBS, and you did a fantastic job leading and modeling God’s love for all. Thank you, Kathy Campbell, Liz Hopkins, LeeAnn Jurden, Libby Kiecke, and Bailee Rettig.
Finally, a huge thank you to all of the teen helpers! There are too many to list, but each of you showed up each day with a smile, ready and willing to help! Many of you brought in reinforcements each day!! Thank you!!! I love watching you mentor the younger generation. They all look up to you and you show them, with a smile on your faces, how much they are loved! Thank you for being so amazing!
-Chris Ann
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Wednesday August 2, 2023 Handbell Rehearsal and Choir Practice Begins
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Handbell Rehearsal
Wednesday evenings 5:45 PM
in the Fellowship House
Choir practice
Wednesday evenings 7:00 PM
in the sanctuary
Anyone who would like to participate
is welcome to come or contact Matt
matt@fumcbrenham.org
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Many thanks for your overwhelming response to our request for egg cartons. We are also very grateful for your partnership in providing much needed food items for our pantry. Your generosity and support for families in our community that have food insecurities is a blessing to our organization, as well as to those we serve.
Thank you.
-The Board of Directors of Bread Partners of Washington County
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A big thanks to all who donated items for our library snack bags this summer.
Once again, we did not have to use our mission funds to buy any of the snacks. A special thanks to the Monday Bible Class who helped fill the bags each time we met in June and July. Many hands make quick work! Also, thanks to the anonymous donor of a gift card found with the food donations, a nice surprise.
Roxanne Maxwell and Betsy Spiller
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Sunday July 02, 2023
Offering: $7,295.00
Sunday July 9, 2023
Offering: $17,955.00
Sunday July 16, 2023
Offering: $4,681.00
Sunday July 23, 2023
Offering; $12,670.00
Sunday July 30, 2023
Offering; $6,660.00
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2023 Budget: $662,159.00
_______________________
Offering Needed Each
Week: $12,733.83
Average Weekly Offering
YTD: $12,870.30
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Worship & Discipleship Opportunities
First United Methodist Church
9:15 AM:
(9:00AM starting August 13, 2023)
Celebration Service
9:30 AM:
(10:00AM starting August 13, 2023)
Connections Small Group
9:45 AM:
(10:00AM starting August 13, 2023)
Faith Builders Sunday School Class
Adult Fellowship Class
10:00 AM:
Sunday School classes:
Children and Youth
11:00 AM:
Traditional Service
The Traditional Service is broadcast each Sunday on
Brenham Radio
KWHI/AM 1280 at 11:00 a.m.
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Church Staff
Rev. Mike Lindstrom, Senior Pastor
Pastor Madison Garcia-Tabor, Associate Pastor
Chris Ann Stroech, Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Matt Hulon, Minister of Music
Diane Garrett, Organist
Maxwell Burgess, Celebration Worship Leader
Kris Trevino, Office Manager
Julia Ramirez Administrative Assistant
Lelli Hernandez, Child Development Center Director
Lelli Hernandez, Nursery Coordinator
Cindy Mathis, Custodian
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408 North Baylor, Brenham, TX 77833-3213
979-836-2008
Methodist Weekday Child Development Center
979-830-8661
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