Update on Juanita Dean

Currently Juanita is being treated for pneumonia and fluid in her lungs with antibiotics and breathing treatments. Also she is anemic and is receiving extra iron supplements.

Her heart is still in atrial fibrillation (a-fib) which they are watching closely but she needs to get stronger before they can shock her heart back into normal rhythm.

She will be moved to Cornerstone Hospital Acute Care in Bossier City on Friday or Saturday for long term hospital care.  The family will provide phone number and more information as soon as they can.

You may call Linda or Ron Markham @ 903-755-2085 or 903-720-6663.

Please keep Juanita and family in your prayers and take a moment to call if only to say "Hello".

"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL". A Beautiful Snow for that"White Christmas" we all dreamed about.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE, Dec. 24, 2012.

"Welcome to Mims Chapel UMC" , Christmas Eve, Dec. 24th, 2012.

John 8:12, by Dr. Gail Harrelson:

The spake JESUS gain unto them, saying, I AM the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the  the light of life.

Hymn: "The First Noel"

Luke 2:1-7, by Louise Phillips

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is call Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David:
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped  him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Hymn: "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

Luke 2:8-12 by Lauri Woods

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo,  the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone around about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings f great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOUR, which is CHRIST the LORD.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Hymn: "O Come, All Ye Faithful"

Scripture by Dr. Gail Harrelson, Luke 2:13-20

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD, and saying,
Glory to GOD in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising GOD for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

SOLO, by Jackie Hall, "Mary Did You Know".

The Story According to John, by Dr. Gail Harrelson.

John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD.
The same was in the beginning with GOD.
All things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not any thing made that was made.
In HIM was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Hymn: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH.

There are five unlit candles in the Advent wreath. Each candle represents Christmas gifts to us from GOD.  We light the candle of Peace to remind us that it is only by following CHRIST that true peace can be found.

CHRIST brings the peace of GOD to us. HE calls us to share HIS peace with others.

We light the candle of Joy to remind us that GOD gives joy to every heart that to remind us that GOD gives joy to every heart that abides in HIM.

As Mary rejoiced in the birth of JESUS - so HIS birth brings us joy. GOD calls us to share HIS joy with each other.

We light the candle of Love to remind us that JESUS is GOD'S gift of love to us - and that in HIM, the light of love triumphs over darkness.

Love never fails. It transforms all those who give it and receive it. GOD calls us to share HIS love with one another.

We light the candle of Hope to remind us of the promises made by all the prophets that GOD would raise up a SAVIOR for HIS people Israel.

CHRIST is our hope and our salvation. HE calls us to share our hope in HIM with everyone.

We now light the CHRIST candle to remind us that the light of the world was born long ago in Bethlehem. We are grateful for the gifts of peace, joy, love, hope, and especially for the light of JESUS CHRIST that shines in our hearts.

CHRISTMAS COMMUNION OBSERVED.

LIGHTING THE CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTMAS CANDLES.

As all joined in singing "Silent Night", each one lit their candle and slowly left the church singing.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS!"

Welcome to Mims Chapel UMC, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle:

It is written in Isaiah 9:6-7:  For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on HIS shoulders. These will be HIS royal titles: WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE. HIS government will never end. HE will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of HIS ancestor David. The commitment of the LORD ALMIGHTY will guarantee this.

(Lighting of fourth candle).

We light the forth Advent candle as a symbol of the PRINCE OF PEACE. May the visitation of YOUR Holy Spirit, O GOD, make us ready for the coming of JESUS, our hope and joy. Amen.

PRAISE REPORTS & PRAYER CONCERNS:

Remember all those who are sick, lonely, in need of comfort and salvation.

Pray for those traveling this holiday season.

Remember our troops and their families and pray for their safe and speedy return home.

Pray for unity in our great country, a coming together and putting GOD first in all things again, as it was meant to be.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH:

Let us unite in this historic confession of our faith:

I believe in GOD the FATHER ALMIGHTY, maker of heaven and earth; and in JESUS CHRIST HIS only SON our LORD: who was conceived by the HOLY SPIRIT, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day HE rose from the dead; HE ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of GOD the FATHER ALMIGHTY; from thence HE shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Hymn: "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"

Special Music by Our Choir: "Good Will to Men Medley"

Our Sermon by Dr. Gail Harrelson:

"Born in a Small Town"

Micah 5:2-5

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall HE come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.
And he stall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his GOD; and they shall abide: for now shall be  great unto the ends of the earth.
And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when HE shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against HIM seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

Hymn of Invitation: "O Come All Ye Faithful"

Monday, Dec. 17th @ 10:00 a.m.

PRAYERS & SQUARES

Tues., Dec. 18th @ 2:00 p.m.

PRAYER WARRIORS

Monday, Dec. 24th @ 6:00 p.m.

CHRISTMAS EVE  SERVICE

Welcome to Mims Chapel UMC, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, Third Sunday of Advent.

Hymn: "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night"

Lighting of the Third Advent Candle by Gary and Pat Carroll, Kody and Tommy Youngblood.

The LORD your GOD is in your midst, rejoicing over you with gladness, renewing you in love. " I will bring you home and restore your fortunes," sayeth the LORD.

In this new light we give thanks to the LORD.

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

We will rejoice in the LORD always.

We light a third candle to reveal the pathway of faithfulness.
(Lighting of the third candle.)

As a covenant people we will seek to live in the joy of the LORD. Amen.

PRAISE REPORTS & PRAYER REQUESTS:

Remember Juanita Dean undergoing extensive tests.

Reene McCullough having knee surgery.

Remember those traveling over the holidays.

Hymn: "Good Christian Friends Rejoice"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH:

This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved:

CHRIST died for our sins, was buried, was raised on the third day, and appeared first to the women, then to Peter and the Twelve; and then to many faithful witnesses. We believe JESUS is the CHRIST, the Anointed One of GOD, the firstborn of all creation, the firstborn from the dead, in whom all things hold together, in whom the fullness of GOD was pleased to dwell by the power of the spirit. CHRIST is the head of the body, the church, and by the blood of the cross reconciles all things to GOD. Amen.

Hymn: "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy"

Special Music by Our Choir, "Let in the Light"

Our Sermon by Dr. Gail Harrelson.

"Are You Ready for Christmas?"

Luke 3:7-18

Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That GOD is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit  is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then:
He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, MASTER, what shall we do?
And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, and what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse  any falsely; and be content with your wages.
And as the people were in expectation, and all men used in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water, but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.

Sunday, Dec. 16th

Our Christmas Fellowship Meal will be served following church. Prepare your favorite holiday dish. Bring a friend as we celebrate together.

Remember:

Tues., Dec. 18th is deadline to drop off toys at church for Toys for Tots.

Bring your unwrapped toy and place under the Chrismon Tree.

FAMILY CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS.

Years ago I made cookbooks for our two daughters with their favorite things listed and old family recipes. Each year we still share new recipes that are our "new favorites" and it's fun.
It has become one of our family traditions that will last a lifetime and be passed on in years to come.

This year we received a Christmas Card from our daughter and family with a "new recipe" from 4 year old Titus. He loves to help his mommy make cookies and decorate at holiday time.

Here is a "special" recipe he told his mom to send to Mamaw for Christmas--- priceless memories!!!





"Titus' Christmas Chicken Pie"

Ingredients:
chicken
pancakes
pie
brocolli-no! not brocolli
mac 'n cheese

Directions:
"Squish it into there. Then put in oven and cook it for "40 HOURS"!!!
                                                                               
(This is one I will treasure forever.)

"MERRY CHRISTMAS"  from the blog lady and Harvey, alias "Papaw".

If you have a family tradition you would like to share with everyone, please email it to me and I will get it out there for everyone to enjoy. (hbsisk66@yahoo.com)

UMW met Tuesday morning and had a good meeting.
Please note that on Jan. 8th @ 10:00 a.m. we will meet at the church and travel to Asbury House in Longview. After touring the daycare facility, we will have lunch somewhere and a brief meeting. At that time we will discuss the UMW Annual Chili Supper to be held the last Friday night in February. Plans will be finalized at a later date.

Thanks you, for questions please contact Joan Ramsey.

"Preparing the Way

Has your life become a little "bent out of shape"?  What pathways need to be made more straight?  Have you gone a bit astray from the way you know you should live?  Have you allowed yourself to drift away from your chosen lifestyle and commitments? What needs to be straightened out in your life?

ADVENT is a time to "prepare the way for the LORD". That begins with personal preparation and moves on to making changes in the world so that GOD can come to not only us but also to everyone.
........Delmar Chilton

CHURCH CALENDAR:

Dec. 10 -- Dec. 16th

Mon., Dec. 10th @ 10:00 a.m.

PRAYERS & SQUARES

Tues.,  Dec. 11th @ 10:00 a.m.

UMW MEETING

Tues., Dec. 11th @ 2:00 p.m.

PRAYER WARRIORS

Sunday, Dec. 16th @ 9:45 a.m.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday, Dec. 16th
following church

FELLOWSHIP
LUNCH

PRAYERS & SQUARES QUILT: Say a prayer and tie a knot. For person suffering from brain tumor.

Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, Mims Chapel UMC.

Processional Hymn: "Angels from the Realms of Glory".

Lighting of the Second Advent Candle by Leslie and Sandy Schustereit.

See, I am sending MY messenger to prepare the way before ME, says the LORD of hosts.

The light of HOPE has awakened our spirits.

A voice cries out in the wilderness, "Prepare ye the way of the LORD. Make HIS paths straight."

Renew in us your covenant, O GOD, that we may be ready for the dawn of your salvation.

We light a second candle to bring light to every darkness and to guide us in the way of peace.

With gratitude for YOUR light, O GOD, we prepare to welcome the CHRIST of YOUR love. Amen.









Joys were expressed.

Prayer Requests made.

Pastoral Prayer, followed
by LORD'S PRAYER.

Hymn: "Come Thou Long Expected JESUS"

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH:

This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance: That JESUS CHRIST came into the world to save sinners, and was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. Great indeed is the mystery of the gospel. Amen.

Hymn: "I Want to Walk as a Child"

SPECIAL MUSIC BY OUR CHOIR:

In the spirit of Christmas, the Mims Chapel Choir did a special song : "No Time to Diet".
"Christmas Time is no time to diet!
So grab that fork and dive right in!!" All dressed in their Christmas Aprons they did a great job and it was enjoyed by all.

"CAUTION! ROAD WORK AHEAD", Our Sermon by Dr. Gail Harrelson.

Luke 3: 1-6

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of GOD came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
As it is written in the book of words of Esaias the prophet, saying, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the LORD, make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled , and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
And all flesh shall see the salvation of GOD.

Hymn of Invitation: "Hail to the LORD'S Anointed".

Consider the following and speak
with Dr. Gail:

*Profession of Faith
*Renewal of Vows
*Transfer of Membership
*Becoming an Affiliate Member

Service closed with Benediction by Dr. Gail.

*****Correction for Toys for Tots****

The Adult Sunday School Class is sponsoring the Mims Chapel "Toys for Tots" program.
Bring an unwrapped toy for a child from birth to age 18 and place under the Chrismon Tree in the Sanctuary.
***All toys must be under tree by December 18th***
Please do what you can to help a child in need this Christmas. Christmas is for giving and sharing GOD'S love and what better way than to help a child, afterall, the first and greatest Christmas gift ever given to the world was a CHILD.