First United Methodist Church of Longview
The Voice
October 17, 2018
Everybody loves a good story. Whether we are listening to one, reading about one, or watching one in a tv show or movie, a good story has the ability to transport us and to change the way we look at ourselves and the world. As Christians we are the caretakers of a great story- a long narrative of how God is at work in the world and the great lengths God will go to in order to redeem all creation. That's why, as members of Longview FUMC we promise to uphold our church by our witness. Our witness is our personal story of what God has done in our lives and what we have seen God do in the world. It's how you tell people who God is to you and why your faith matters. Every Christian has a story of how God transformed them, called them, and was faithful to them- that's why we are Christians. We love others because we were first loved by God- that's our story and faithful witness. Too often we neglect this crucial piece of stewardship and we fail to faithfully share our witness and, in doing so, we neglect to invite people into a redemptive relationship with their Creator. So this week, take a hard look at how you share your witness. Do you live in such a way that others see God at work in you? Are you honest, and even vulnerable, with people about what God means to you?

How do you want to grow in discipleship and be a faithful steward of your witness- the story of the Good News of Jesus Christ- that God has entrusted to you?
You should have received a discipleship letter from Pastor Jay in your home mailbox this week. If you haven't yet, no worries! You can read and download it by clicking here !
Our 3rd Grade students received their very own Bibles this past Sunday in our 10:45 a.m. traditional worship!
Congratulations and use those Bibles well!
(Remember, United Methodists carry their Bibles ;)
On Sunday we had the joy of celebrating the baptism of Tallon Nustad with his parents Katy and John and big sister, Vivienne! What a cutie! Welcome to the family, Tallon!
Where are you connected?
Join us for dinner tonight!
We start serving in the Faith Center at 5 p.m. and the line will be open until 6:30 p.m. Cost is $6/person. We will also have a short communion service at 6:15 p.m. in the Heritage Room.
Please call the church office at 903-753-4463 for reservations!
Wednesday, October 17
Adults:   Come enjoy some delicious potato or broccoli soup with baked chicken and penne pasta casserole. And keep healthy with some steamed veggie goodness! Treat yourself to a few cookies for dessert!

Kiddos: Hot dogs, french fries, and fruit
Kid's supper is served at 6 p.m.
We need you!
Children’s Ministry is asking the adult Sunday School classes to volunteer at a booth for the Fall Fest on October 28 th  from 3-5 p.m. Prayerfully consider supporting us in this church wide and community event. To volunteer or to get more info for your Sunday school class email Loren at lbuchanan@longviewfumc.org

We will be collecting candy for the Family Fall Fest from Sunday, September 30 th -October 24 th .
There will be three drop off locations throughout the church. You will find metal containers by The Welcome Center, the church office, and the Cook Foyer outside the Faith Center.
Please help us as we prepare for this community event!
Join us for Kidz Blitz!
Meet in the "purple room"- room 212 for dinner at 6 p.m. Following dinner, we will have a worship session, whole group lesson and activity, and end by breaking up into small groups by ages. We are excited to see each of you!
Parents, please pick your children up by the church office at 7:30. 

This month’s memory verse:
"Then he said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against wanting to have more and more things. Life is not made up of how much a person has.'"
Luke 12:15 NIV

Students and parents from fumc youth prepared and served breakfast as well as joined in worship at Newgate Mission on Sunday, October 14. 
We were excited to serve 130 individuals and learn more about the Newgate community! 
FUMC Youth Ministry students will be handing out Operation Christmas Child boxes and information this Sunday, October 21, in the Welcome Center. Please consider stopping by to see how you can make a special day for a child within the United States or abroad. Boxes are due back to church on November 11 when we will pray over them before the youth ministry takes them to the Dallas OCC warehouse. 
We need your help! Our youth ministry students are collecting 300 CANS of soda to hand out for the 2 nd  annual Newgate Mission Trunk or Treat on October 27. Please help us by donating a twelve pack of soda (any flavor). You may drop off your cans at the church office or youth room. Last year we had a great time meeting children and adults while passing out candy and meals. If you would like to join the Trunk or Treat, please contact Romnie Scott at  rscott@longviewfumc.org  Newgate’s Trunk or Treat is Oct. 27 from 4-5:30 p.m. We hope you will join us. 
Change of Plans!
MEN’S MINISTRY DAY RETREAT

Due to all the recent rain, Double E Ranch is inaccessible. We have rescheduled this event for January 2019 and will have more info for you about specifics soon.

Join us instead for a skeet shoot
this Sunday, October 21 from 2-5 p.m. at
Praire Creek Sporting Clays
15250 County Road 3111
Gladewater, TX
There will be a cost of $10-$40 depending
on which activities you would like to do.


For questions contact :  
Brett Walker 903-987-3090, Stephen Scott 903-235-3363,
or John Turner 903-261-4673 
Change of Plans!
We need plenty of Longview FUMC volunteers to decorate their trunks and come pass out candy!
So mark your calendars for October 27 and
join in the fun at Newgate!

Donations for Asbury House
Each month Asbury House is collecting one type of item to help stock their shelves! In October they are collecting construction paper! You can bring your donation items to the church office during the week or drop them off at the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings in the Asbury House boxes!
Join us for the 2nd week of our new worship series,
Mystery- a study of the book of Job.
And don't forget to read through Job chapters 1 and 2 during your quiet time this week!


Our next batch of Faith Matters shirts are in! If you already ordered yours, you can pick it up at the church office during the week or grab it after worship on Sunday! We got a few extras so, even if you didn't order one yet, you can still grab yours for $9! Help rep your church and let people know- I love my church!
Christmas is coming!
I know it seems far off but it will be here before you know it!
We want to share some Christmas joy with Longview by having a Faith Matters float in the Longview Christmas Parade on December 6. If you would like to help decorate (please!!) or ride on the float email Pastor Becca at bnewcomb@longviewfumc.org
Upcoming Music & Fine Arts Event...
The Annie Moses Christmas Tour 2018
Monday, December 17 | 6:30 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
Annie Moses Band has been spreading their Christmas cheer across America for over a decade. Christmas With Annie Moses Band is a perennial holiday favorite and stands on the PBS charts as one of the most played specials of the season.

Featuring awesome arrangements of carols old and new, the Annie Moses Band - infused with that unmistakable instrumental sparkle - presents an exciting evening of Christmas music for the whole family. Join us for this spectacular concert in our Fellowship Hall (off Whaley Street between Fredonia and Green) on Monday, December 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Life Together at FUMC Longview
To submit an article for the Voice please email Pastor Becca at bnewcomb@longviewfumc.org. Info must be submitted by Thursday at 5pm in order to be in next week's edition of the Voice.
First United Methodist Church of Longview
400 N. Fredonia St. Longview, Texas 75601
Tel-(903) 753.4463
Fax-(903) 236.7608