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MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMSIn Loving Memory of B.F. AshcroftIn Loving Memory of Gary JonesBy: Tom & Pam Sellers, Alec & Carol Bridges, Bill & Peggy Dietze,Wyvonne Bronson, Amy McCorkle, Mickey & Barbara McKenzieBy: Cathey WilliamsIn Loving Memory of Robert ArdisBy: Billie Grace Reynolds, Mike & Kay Hays, Marilyn Colley, Paul &Cerita Glover, Bob & Nancy Kirkpatrick, Alec & Carol Bridges, LeeLevine, Betty Chapman, Phil & Beverly Morgan, Cathey Williams,Jake & Meredith, Ryder & Addison Caddell, Harve & Martha KateChapman, T.C. & Sally Hamilton, Mickey & Barbara McKenzie,Gene & Janette WatsonBy: Alec & Carol BridgesIn Loving Memory of Gene BrewerBy: Joe & Janet Wheeler, Johnny & Kathy Lennon, Phil & BeverlyMorgan, Waverly Club, Lloyd & Jo Ann Johnson, Ursula Campbell,Billie Grace Reynolds, George & Barbara Law, Harve & Martha KateChapman, Mike & Mary Edwards, T.C. & Sally Hamilton, Annie LouDickerson, Charles & Gail Westbrook, Wyvonne Bronson, Billy &Nell Crowson, Ron & Ann Wyatt, Bob & Ann Gideon, Lew & Debbie Riggsby, Steven & Barbara Shwiff, Paul & Cerita Glover, Alec &Carol Bridges, Guaranty Bond Bank, Huel & Juanita Hammond, Jimmy & Candy Jones, Mickey & Barbara McKenzie, Gene & JanetteWatson, Billie Rushin, Betty Gideon, Jackie Brice, Bob & Nancy Kirkpatrick, Harold Cowley, Reece & Denise BooherIn Loving Memory of Henry (Curly) CrowsonIn Loving Memory of Billy Dan LindleyIn Loving Memory of Della WardBy: Alec & Carol Bridges, Mickey & Barbara McKenzieIn Loving Memory of Mary Jo YoungBy: Cathey Williams, Jake, Meredith, Ryder & Addison Caddell,Mickey & Barbara McKenzieIn Loving Memory of Myrtle Holloway AhlfingerBy: Ron & Ann WyattIn Loving Memory of Allarea BlackBy: Cathey Williams, Jake, Meredith, Ryder & Addison Caddell,Tom & Pam Sellers, Benny & Sue Ann Johnson, Mickey & BarbaraMcKenzieBy: Harve & Martha Kate Chapman, Mike & Mary Edwards, T.C.&Sally Hamilton, Johnny & Kathy Lennon, Annie Lou Dickerson,Sybil McClendon, Bernie & Fran Beers, Charles & Gail Westbrook,Hal & Georgia Gibson, Judy Tipping, Earl Glenn Family, Mary Gary,Tim & Carol Gee, George & Barbara Law, Ron & Ann Wyatt, David& Charlotte Larkin, Joe & Janet Wheeler, Bob & Ann Gideon, Kenny& Ruth Ann Crowson, Rick Frazier, Billie Grace Reynolds, MarilynColley, Mike & Kay Hays, Lew & Debbie Riggsby, Jerry & PeggyGibby, Jacque Cobb, Clay & Peggy Walker, Jan Pruitt, James & Virginia Worsham, Paul & Cerita Glover, Linda Bennett, Clemon &Carolyn Montgomery, Mr. & Mrs. M. J. Willis, Harold & MarianPhillips, Lena Day Garden Club, Alec & Carol Bridges, GuarantyBond Bank, Huel & Juanita Hammond, Terry & Jodee Anderson,Jimmy & Candy Jones, Mickey & Barbara McKenzie, Phil & BeverlyMorgan, Gene & Janette Watson, Glenn & Margaret Irvin, BettyGideon, Bill Wingo, Mr. & Mrs. R.K. Arnold, Mr. & Mrs. ReeceBooher, Bob & Nancy Kirkpatrick, Coy & Patsy Johnson, JackieBrice, Benny & Sue Ann Johnson, Lee Levine, Harold Cowley, Mr. &Mrs. Gregory PerkinsBy: Tom & Pam SellersBy: Joe PerkinsIn Loving Memory of Chris TuleyIn Loving Memory of Joyce Johnson FloydBy: Billie Grace ReynoldsBy: Wynell Chapman, Joe Perkins, Fred Ward, Billie Grace Reynolds,Alec & Carol BridgesBy: Bill & Peggy DietzeIn Loving Memory of Betty PriceBy: Morris & Barbara Abercrombie, Ursula CampbellIn Loving Memory of Billy HarryBy: Tom & Pam Sellers, Mickey & Barbara McKenzieIn Loving Memory of Kathlyn MasseyBy: Tom & Pam SellersIn Loving Memory of James PerkinsBy: Louise Brogoitti, Alec & Carol Bridges, Cathey Williams, Jake &Meredith, Ryder & Addison CaddellIn Loving Memory of Sondra Lou PorterBy: Janet RippyIn Loving Memory of Claire QuortrupBy: Alec & Carol BridgesIn Loving Memory of Mary Beth RouseBy: Alec & Carol BridgesIn Loving Memory of David StinsonIn Loving Memory of Kay Minter TomlinIn Loving Memory of Warren & Opal BrewerIn Loving Memory of Bill CampbellIn Honor of Alec & Carol Bridges (50th Wedding Anniversary)By: Larry & Patty ReeseBy: Alec & Carol Bridges, Cathey Williams, Jake, Meredith, Ryder &Addison Caddell, Brad & Dawn McCampbell, Bill & Peggy Dietze,Mr, & Mrs. William Boyst, Mickey & Barbara McKenzieIn Loving Memory of Adell ToddBy: Cathey Williams, Jake & Meredith Caddell & FamilyBy: Joe PerkinsIn Loving Memory of Kathie SewellIn Loving Memory of Troy MartinBy: Mickey & Barbara McKenzieBy: Paul & Cerita Glover, Billie Grace Reynolds, Bob & Nancy Kirkpatrick, Brian & Leesa Toliver, Alec & Carol Bridges, Jack & TanyaBridges, Stephen & Kandice Bridges, Mickey & Barbara McKenzieIn Loving Memory of Dan HeinenIn Loving Memory of James JohnsonBy: Brad & Dawn McCampbellPage 6By: Bernie & Fran Beers, Billie Grace Reynolds, George & BarbaraLawIn Honor of Joe & Janet Wheeler’s BirthdayThe Spire

nFebruar y CaleCSR 2013: No Longer a Fan,but a Followerdar::00)arty (5:00 – 9eSuper Bowl Pur favorite gamrdSun 3 :bring yoFLC Gym . . .snack to share!8:00)UMYF (6:00 – 3 for mealthWed 6 :bring*please try to:00)ate’sSnS (5:30 – 7, SH Girls @ K’snyaR@ysuSH G0 – 8:00)ay UMYF (6:0ednesAsh Wednesdh-wide Ash WthSun 10 :thWed 13 :a churc*We will have:006day service atws.YF as time allofollowed by UM onferenceMan’s C– Highth6th : Kingdomr sons (Jr. HighFri 15 -Sat 1eithdanenm*alltedSchool) are invi for more detailsffice*see church oSun 17 :thWed 20 :th:00)SnS (5:30 – 78:00)UMYF (6:00 –bring 3 fo*please try to)r meal:00SnS (5:30 – 78:00)UMYF (6:00 –Sun 24 :thWed 27 :th*please try toealbring 3 for mber:ates to Remems Work CampSulphur Springo (@ 385)Camp Anakainothe comingLong Range DththJune 9 -12ththJuly 9 -13in ingistration to beg I hope you canrepmcarfogmp . . .*Be lookinto be a great ca o some fund raisingginogisIt.dweeksents. We willemgnraarginakstart mpenses.to help with exaywethgnoalI’m writing this article a bit on faith . . . as we have notactually gone on our 13th Annual Community Student Retreat (CSR) at the time our Spire articles are due. But Iknow in my heart we “had” a great time. I do want to takethe chance to thank Lane Doughtie, Jenna Davis, StephenMaddux, Donna Williams, and Jeb & Ginger Brooks forgiving their time to help make this a great weekend for ourstudents.We are having around 100 participants in the retreat thisweekend; joining with groups from Shannon Oaks andDavis St. Baptist Church. Our theme this weekend isbased on the Kyle Idleman book, Not a Fan, where we arechallenging ourselves to not just sit back and be spectatorsto all God is doing, like a fan. But rather get involved andfollow Christ where He leads and participate in His gameplan.SnS Back on the ScheduleWe will start back Sr. High SnS (Sunday Night Studies)on Jan. 27th at 5:30. The guys will be back out at RyanMcKenzie’s for the spring semester and the gals will beback at Kate Davis’s with Kate and Jenna. The Jr. Highschedule will be released next month as we are stillthinking through some possible changes to what thatlooks like.Who’s Getting Older in February:Mason Gillem, Feb. 2Meagan McCullough, Feb. 7Grace Horton, Feb. 24Kade Crowson, Feb. 252013 UPCOMING WALK TO EMMAUS WEEKENDSCheck www.netemmaus.org for more details about the walks and flights. For more info, call Debbie Riggsby at 903885-2185.Women’s Walk 13-118Feb. 21-24Lone StarMen’s Walk 13-119Apr. 25-28Lone StarWomen’s Walk 13-120Sept. 26-29Lone StarMen’s Walk 13-121Oct. 17-20Lone StarGirls FlightJune 27-29ParisBoys FlightJuly 19-21Sulphur SpringsThe SpirePage 9

PLEASE CHECK THECHURCHCALENDAR!Our church seems to be busierthan ever.and that’s a greatthing! It does, however, createsome scheduling issues. Before youspend lots of time & energy planning anevent to be held at the church it is very important to checkthe church calendar with Nancy Kirkpatrick. The calendarchanges daily and Nancy can help you find an available datethat fits your event, prep time and clean up needs.SAVETHEDATETRYING SOMETHING NEWWe are trying something new in the pews for 2013. Youmight have noticed that the registration notebooks havebeen removed. In their place we have Visitor RegistrationCards available in the pew pockets. If you see a visitor sitting nearby please ask them to fill out a registration cardand drop it in the offering plate.NOTE TO PARENTS ANDFUTURE VOLUNTEERSABOUT MINISTRYSAFEThe Apple Dumpling Gang will be offering apple dumplingsand vanilla ice cream for 5 on Wednesday, February 20th,from 6:30-8:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Money raisedsupports FUMC and local charities.First UMC cares about our children and youth as well as allof our adults. We want to provide a safe and caring environment for them. That’s why we are involved with MinistrySafe which is a plan and process for creating a safe environment through training, background checks, and monitoring. If you think that you would ever help with children,youth, or a mission event at First UMC, we’re inviting youto be a part of the preparation. Talk with Adrienne andJason about connecting with MinistrySafe. For the training,we’ll need an email address. For the background check,there is an application. Thanks for helping us making FirstUMC a safe place for all God’s children.STEPHEN MINISTRYFUMC IN MISSIONThe post-Christmas and winter BLAHS can really bring usdown especially if we’re having difficulties with grief, brokenrelationships, illness, and other problems. If you would likesomeone to talk with and to walk with you on the journey,why don’t you give Debbie Riggsby a call at 903-8852185 about how a Stephen Minister might help.“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has comeupon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in allJudea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8HEARTS OF LIFEThe Hearts of Life Animal RescueGroup is in need of dog food. Ifyou would like to help, please go toTractor Supply and buy some dogfood and tell them it is for Hearts ofLife. They will make sure it gets tothem. Your generosity would be abig help for their organization.Page 8What would it look like for each of us and all of us togetherto live Acts 1:8? To be entrepreneur witnesses for Christ inour community, our region, our nation, and our world?We, the Missions Committee, would like to hear your ideasand support your ministries. Let us know how we can be inpartnership with you by calling Leslie Benton, Mission Chr.,at 903-343-7970.Perry AltenbaumerRobert McGuireSharon BurnetteGena PricketteMary Ellen HoybookRoger StoneSusan McCaryMax BradfordPatty OsbornTom GreenDick StanleyCandy JonesJohn KramerMark BentonRyan McKenzieW.B. CoxDebbie RiggsbyLinda JohnsonBo WestThe Spire

The Dinner Bell will celebrate its one year anniversary inFebruary. This wonderful ministry has served 5000 guestssince its inception.You can help this ministry continue to thrive by droppingyour spare change in the jars located throughout thechurch. Your change can make a change in the lives ofthose who join us each Wednesday for lunch.NEW FOR LENTThe Way: Walking in the Footstepsof JesusAt Christmas, we look at Jesus’birth, and during Holy Week, weremember Jesus’ crucifixion andresurrection. Both have meaning and power for our lives. Inbetween is Jesus’ life and ministry whichalso has power to transform our lives. Adam Hamilton,author of 24 Hours That Changed the World and The Journey, has created a new study with video on Jesus’ teachingfor changing our lives. This would be a great 6-week studyfor Sunday School classes during Lent or for another time inthe year. For more info, see Debbie Riggsby. If you’d like toparticipate in The Way study on Tuesday evenings at 6 pmstarting Feb. 19, let Debbie know at 903-243-3333. Maythe journey on The Way, walking in the footsteps of Jesus,deepen our understanding of Jesus’ life, while at the sametime deepening our faith in him and our love for him.CHURCH MAILBOXI want to thank you for being there for my sister,Adelle Todd, over the last few years. Your prayers, your visits, she so looked forward to. A special thanks to the Care & Nurture group who is doing agreat job, the Communion group and last but not least,Debbie and Pete.I have truly been blessed with wonderful, caring friends atFirst UMC.God Bless you all!Billie CouthranThe SpireAttention Moms! Do you worry about your children? Comeexperience God’s peace and hope when you pray alongsideother moms. Moms in Prayer International, formerly MomsIn Touch, gathers moms together to pray for God to transform our children, youth and schools. Won’t you join withus in prayer for this next generation?We have been meeting here at First United Methodist forseveral years and we want to expand to include as manyother moms, grandmothers, and aunts as we can reach.Safety and security for our school children is a primary concern, but we are praying for any needs that your child andhis/her school has. We include any age child from preschool through college students.You are invited to two organizational meetings to be heldon Thursday, Feb. 21 in order to determine the best time,date, and location for future meetings. This organizationalmeeting will be at Calvary Baptist Church at both 8:30 andnoon. Please contact Angie Blount,abcblount@hotmail.com, 903-348-5485, for more information about our local groups. For more information aboutMoms in Prayer International, visit www.MomsInPrayer.org.RELAY FOR LIFESURVIVOR DINNERThe Relay For Life of Hopkins County will host their annualSurvivor Dinner on Saturday, February 23, in the First UMCFamily Life Center at 6:00 pm. All Cancer survivors & patients are invited to attend this celebration in their honor.Reservations are requested. You may save your spot bycontacting Joyce Davis (903-885-6176) or Katena McCord(903-885-7743) by February 16th.And mark your calendars now for the 2013 Relay For Lifeon May 17-18, 2013 on the Square in Sulphur Springs.Come show your support to our local cancer survivors andpatients as we raise funds for the American Cancer Society.the official sponsor of birthdays.Page 9

WELCOME HOMEIntroducing.FUNday School!An exciting family adventure that will occur once every twomonths, starting February 19th! Children, gather your parents and bring them with you to Sunday school. The wholefamily is welcome at FUNday School, where we will have ablast growing together as a family at church. Each FUNdaySchool will be unique and might include games, crafts, andmission projects, but it will always include lots of fun andfamily time. The FUN starts at 9:45 in The Zoo!Wonderful WednesdaysWe are back and having a wonderful time on Wednesdayswith music, games and more! Elementary children are aboutto start an exciting new series called Zap Attack! This contemporary DVD based series will introduce our kids to kidsin the Bible who truly lived for God. The series is only 6weeks long and you won't want your kiddos to miss any ofit!We are pleased to welcome Vance & LuAnne Payne as thenewest members of the First UMC family. The Paynes united with our congregation by transfer of membership fromFirst UMC in Garland.We are also please to welcome Mike Hadaway back toour church family. Mike hasreturned to our congregationby transfer of membershipfrom another denomination.MPKids and VOLTOur Mission Possible Kids are partnering with the Vision OfLight Team to provide glasses to people in need in CostaRica. The children are collecting eyeglasses or prescriptionsunglasses to send to VOLT along with the eyeglass strapsthey have made. If you have an old pair of glasses you don'tuse anymore, bring them to the church by Wednesday, January 30th. Special Agents who bring in glasses will earn amission star!THAT TIMEOF YEAR2012 Giving Statements are available for pick up. We willnot be mailing the statements unless it is requested. Thosestatements not picked up by January 27 will be kept in thechurch office through February.If you need your statement mailed please contact NancyKirkpatrick at nancykirkpatrick@ssfumc.org or 903-8852185.Page 10Rehearsals have begun for the Holy Week Musical I Am TheLord of the Dance. If you enjoy singing but have neverbeen able to commit to being a part of the choir full time,you are invited to join in this cantata. Rehearsals areWednesday nights from 7:00-8:30pm in the Choir Room.For more information please contact Carol Allen at 903885-2185 or carolallen@ssfumc.org.The Spire

NTC East District2013 Leadership Training DayAre We There Yet?New Directions for the FutureFebruary 13th at 6:00 pmin the SanctuaryCome and join us as we begin the season of Lent. AshWednesday worship invites us to reflect on our lives and ourfollowing of Christ. Wednesday night activities will meet following the service.Orientation & Enrichment forLocal Church LeadersSaturday, February 2, 2013First UMC Sulphur Springs9:30-10:00am10:00-10:45amCoffee & FellowshipPlenary Session-“What to dowhen you don’t know what to do”10:45-11:00am Break11:00am-12:00pm Breakout WorkshopsWorkshopsStaff/Pastor Parish Relations CommitteeRev. Dr. Joan LaBarr, District SuperintendentTrusteesTom Christian from NT Conference OfficeAdventuring DisciplesRev. Debbie Riggsby & Rev. Ben MarshallWorshipValarie Englert & Marc CorazaoTransformational LeadershipRev. Carol Sparks & Dale CherryFinancial ToolboxRev. Pete AdrianHealthy Church Initiative & Small Church InitiativeNCD & CTC StaffThe SpireThe Pilot Club of Sulphur Springspresents their annualSpring BrunchSaturday, February 16th9am-11:30amFirst United Methodist Church Family Life CenterFeaturing Tammy Whitehurst ofJoy for the Journey MinistriesHer goal is to encourage and inspire women of all ages andfrom all walks of life. Tammy, who is a speaker and Bibleteacher, speaks from the heart about what applies to theheart using laughter and life experience.Tickets are 20 each and includes brunch, silent auction,raffle ticket and door prizes.(The raffle prize is a stainless steel grill with some stunningbistro furniture. One raffle ticket is included with yourticket, but buy as many as you like for only 10 each)The Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs is committed to offering service and financial support to those in our area who have specialneeds, focusing especially on those with brain related disorders(including the Terrific Tuesdays Respite Care Program at FUMC).All proceeds will go toward their projects in Sulphur Springs.Page 11

Non Profit OrganizationFirstPermit #168Sulphur SpringsUnitedTexas 75482MethodistChurch301 Church StreetSulphur Springs, Texas75482903.885.2185www.ssfumc.orgOffice HoursMon-Thurs 8am-5pmFriday8am-12pmRETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDDate Sensitive—Please deliver by January 30, 2013February 15-16, 2013with Tony Evans and musical guests Shane & ShaneIn his book, Kingdom Man, Tony Evans writes that when a man follows the principles of biblical manhood, the people aroundhim benefit from his leadership and care. Evans challenges and equips men to understand their position under God as well astheir position over what God has given them.This two day conference will be held at the Sulphur Springs Multi-Purpose Facility. Tickets are 20 and each participant willreceive a copy of Tony Evans’ book Kingdom Man. Tickets are available in the church office or online atwww.kingdomtickets.com. For more details please call 903-885-0646 or 903-438-2363

First United Methodist Church 301 Church Street Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482 Phone: 903.885.2185 Fax: 903.885.4540 www.ssfumc.org February 2013 "Lent is the time for trimming the soul and scraping the sludge off a life turned slipshod. Lent is about taking stock of time, even religious time. Lent is about exercising the