Longview First United Methodist Church

   Summer is fast approaching and many are making plans for camp or vacations. For my family, summer plans have usually included a summer mission project. When my girls were in early elementary school, we participated in the Family Mission Trip at FUMC and as they grew older, we transitioned to the Colorado Mission Trip. There are wonderful memories of packing beans and rice, repairing cabins, campfires, kickball games, and lots of laughter.  

Occasionally, something unexpected happens – Stephen’s favorite mission trip memory was fighting a forest fire (we will NOT do that in Alaska). Ask Rick Hawthorne about the beautiful view of the stars on the Continental Divide or talk to Cindy and Daryl Coleman about spending time as a family while helping others. We can also tell you stories about bats, allowing children to use oil-based paint (not a good idea), making games out of clearing trees, very cold showers, worshiping in Costa Rica, praying with strangers, learning new customs, and so much more.  

Missions is about serving, but it is also about growing in our relationship with God, making or strengthening friendships, observing God’s beauty in creation, and listening. Listening to laughter, pain, each other, and for the still small voice of God. Missions is also about stepping outside your comfort zone, taking a risk, sharing your faith, and gathering new ideas. I have never been on a mission trip where I did not return with new friendships and a stronger relationship with God, ready to continue serving in my community.

This summer there are several mission trip opportunities. Big House (maintenance projects in Texas) June 15-18 middle school/high school youth and adult chaperones, Family Mission Experience (working with Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls) June 17, and Alaska Mission Trip (working with Thirst Missions) July 16-23 high school youth and adults.

Join us this summer in making a difference and making memories. Contact me for more information.

-Pastor Romnie

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS for our kick-off event at the Beacon Center, Centro Casa de Luz, our South Campus! We need people THIS SATURDAY, March 26, at 1:00pm to set up for the kick-off at 3:00pm. Let us know if you are interested in taking part in this great and new journey by contacting Pastor Rick at [email protected] or by contacting the church office. We thank you in advance for your missional heart and for being a Beacon of Hope for All!

Join us in congratulating Bristol and familyon her baptism!

Bristol Kate Hicks was baptized at March 20th Beacon Service. Parents are Brandon and Jennifer Hicks. Grandparents are LeAnn and Jay Jackson.

The Lenten study with Pastor Jay is offered Wednesdays at 6:30pm in Nicholson Chapel and will also be offered Thursdays at 10:00am in the Heritage Room for the Women's Bible Study. Pastor David will be leading an Online Study via Zoom Mondays at 7pm.

Pastor David's Lenten Study Zoom Link

or here is the Meeting ID and passcode

Meeting ID: 898 3420 2095

Passcode: c9hC7a

NO GREATER SACRIFICE

Remembering Christ's final days and ultimate gift of love.

The Easter Cantata | Palm Sunday, April 10 | 8:30 and 10:45 am

No Greater Sacrifice describes five key events of Holy Week. Through an inspired combination of a powerful narration, traditional hymn tunes and original melodies, not only do we find there is no greater sacrifice, but there is no greater king and no greater servant than the Lord Jesus. And through it all, Jesus demonstrated the greatest obedience and the greatest love as he laid down his life for his friends.

At our Palm Sunday worship services, the children (and parents) will be invited to process with the pastors and choir through the Sanctuary during the first hymn "All Glory, Laud, and Honor." (Please meet in the Narthex during the Life of the Church)

Be sure to join us for this powerful morning of music and worship as we recount the events of Holy Week! 

We had a great Prime Time on St. Patrick's Day! We even had some Leprechaun birthdays. Thank you emcee, Mike Scott, volunteers, kitchen and the Pangur Band. Our next Prime Time is Thursday, June 9.

Our next EPIC Event is Thursday, April 7, a Socialize & Sip at 2:30 pm in the Heritage Room. Hope to see you there!

“Eggstravaganza” – Sunday, April 10^th, Palm Sunday – After the Beacon worship service, everyone is invited to enjoy lunch in the Faith Center, then watch the fun and excitement as the children hunt eggs!

The church will be providing ham, green beans, macaroni & cheese, and rolls for lunch. People are welcome to bring a favorite side dish or dessert to share!

Containers will be placed around the church to collect pre-filled eggs for the children to hunt. Families are asked to bring 12 pre-filled eggs for each child who will participate, but anyone may donate to the hunt!

Holy Week in an Eggshell - Wednesday, April 13th – Families of all ages and stages are invited to participate in a worship service that allows for a unique way to experience the story of the last week of Jesus’ life. This service will be offered at 6:00 pm in the Faith Center.

Wednesday Night Live for children Pre-K to 5th grade, including music, dinner, and activities, is now meeting each week from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm! Dinner is provided for all children on Wednesday nights! A kid friendly menu has been created, and a donation of $5 per meal would be appreciated to help with food and preparation costs. Here is the link to donate: Wednesday Night Live Children's Dinner Donation. See you Wednesdays for faith, fun, and fellowship! For more information, contact Jana at [email protected], or 903-753-4463.

WE ARE FULL FOR THE ALASKA MISSION TRIP

Thank you for all the food donations! In addition to the $1000 donation for the LISD Backpack program, YOU contributed 2 car-loads of mac n cheese, ravioli, crackers, cereal, etc! LISD was excited to receive the extra help and most important, kids had something to eat during the Spring Break holiday.

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