Tinney Chapel Today

REV. DUNCAN GRAHAM, left, is Senior Pastor of Tinney Chapel UMC, the quintessential country church. His sermon today examines Article Three of the Apostles' Creed. In the photo, above, actually snapped earlier this year, Rev. Graham is shown welcoming three recent additions to our church roster: (left to right) Harold Lenius, Linda Kemp and L.R. Kemp. Photo by Angela Wylie.

ABOUT US TODAY:

CORE VALUES OF TINNEY CHAPEL UMC:

We are an extended family of God.
We are an open door church to all persons.
We value our traditions as building blocks to the future.
We are a Bible-based, Christian community.
We believe in an empowered laity.
We are a conservative congregation, theologically and politically, and our beliefs are generally consistent with the Methodist doctrine.

MISSION STATEMENT OF TINNEY CHAPEL UMC:

To welcome people to Jesus and fellowship within His family, complete them in Christ, provide for their ministries, enrich their lives and glorify God.

VISION OF TINNEY CHAPEL UMC:

To be a growing Christian church where anyone can become a disciple for Jesus Christ.

SUNDAY WORSHIP TODAY:

MORNING SERVICE, 9:00 A.M.

Greeters: L. R. Kemp and Roger Schneider.

Soundman: Bob Deitering

Ushers: Roger Schneider & L. R. Kemp.

MUSIC

Pianist: Pat Hollingsworth.

Songleader for hymns: David Stanton.

Songs: He Keeps Me Singing; Wonderful Words of Life; Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus; Cleanse Me.

SPECIAL MUSIC BY TINNEY CHAPEL CHOIR, directed by Pat Hollingsworth:

Sanctuary/Oh, I Want To Know You More/More About Jesus

Today’s Choir Singers included:

David Stanton, David Wylie, Ronny Ellison, Derrell Hollingsworth, Angela Wylie, Alice Deitering, Mollie Stanton, Stacey Stanton, Sadie Jordan, Judy Spears, Josephine Garrett.

Morning Prayer & Lord’s Prayer: Pastor Duncan Graham
LITURGY BY ASSOCIATE PASTOR GENE MILLER:
Call To Worship
Offertory Prayer
Doxology
Gloria Patri
Apostles Creed

CHILDREN’S SERMON TODAY:

Senior Pastor Duncan Graham’s topic today was the First Sunday of Advent: “What do we celebrate?” he asked the kids. The first answer was: Christmas? “That’s a good start,” replied the Pastor. “Tell me about Christmas.” The answer: It’s Jesus’ birthday! “So, this is the Advent of the Messiah or Christ into the world, or the Son of God in the world,” added the Pastor. “It’s a time when we traditionally light an Advent candle. This week’s Advent candle represents Hope.”

The Pastor passed out coloring assignment pages oriented to the theme of Hope, and explained that the Advent Season looks both at the past (the birth of Jesus) and the future (the second coming of Christ). “Someday He will take us to a new home with Him in heavenly places,” explained Pastor Graham, who also passed out an Advent packet to each child, who is expected to complete the various craft assignments.

“We are about remembering that Jesus is the reason for the season,” concluded Pastor Graham. “He came into the world to bring Hope, and He did that by becoming our Savior.” In his closing prayer, the Pastor thanked the Lord for sending Jesus Christ as our Savior, to bring us our Hope of Glory, and prayed also that Christ may continue to live in our hearts in ever-greater measure, and continue to show us the Way.

*****

TODAY’S ADULT SERMON:

Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham’s sermon title was “Article Three of the Apostles’ Creed: I Believe,” based in part on John 16:5-16:

16:5 "But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?'

16:6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.

16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

16:9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;

16:10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;

16:11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

16:12 I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

16:14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

16:15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

16:16 "A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father."

---New King James Translation

The Pastor’s emphasis today was on the phrase, “I believe in the Holy Spirit,” which we recite every Sunday as a part of the Apostles’ Creed. In today’s Scripture Lesson, the Holy Spirit is referred to by Jesus as The Helper and The Spirit of Truth. “In the original Greek, it translates as The One Called Alongside To Help,” explained Pastor Graham.

“Ever since the original Pentecost in the Upper Room, Christians have talked about the Holy Spirit,” said the Pastor. “And today we at least give lip service to the Holy Spirit by mentioning Him in such ceremonies as marriage and baptism or when we close a prayer in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Certainly we recognize the Holy Spirit as a part of the Trinity, as a very real, empowering presence of God who lives within us as believers in Jesus Christ.

“But, if we took seriously our statement about believing in the Holy Spirit, we would acknowledge His presence as something we could not do without,” added Pastor Graham. “We would recognize Him as vitally important in our Walk of serving the King. It is that gift of Himself that constitutes His presence in us. It’s important to recognize that the Holy Spirit is essential to the work of God in the world and in us. Without His presence, the world would be in even worse shape. So it is that our saying, I believe, is more than just making a statement. It’s saying we could not do what we do without Him in our lives.

The Pastor referred to the Apostle Paul’s description of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit:

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

--New King James Translation

“With the Holy Spirit in our lives, we begin to experience all the qualities on that list from Galatians,” explained Pastor Graham. “The Holy Spirit is the giver of those fruits. He will pour them out on us, and we can not help it as we begin to touch the world around us. So it’s important that we begin to take notice of what we say we believe by asking ourselves if we are practicing the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. If so, others should notice it.

“If I believe what I repeat each Sunday, even when I don’t have the right attitude, then I should act as the Holy Spirit within me directs,” said the Pastor. “In my recent column for the print newsletter, I mentioned the flesh rising up and warring against the Holy Spirit, something that Paul wrote about, so you can be sure the rest of us have that problem as well. We need to give the Spirit every opportunity to win that war. The flesh puts us down, but the Spirit builds us up. Normally, the Holy Spirit speaks to us in gentle, quiet ways that bring out the loving, gentle side of our nature. It’s ourselves we need to monitor, not others and not the world.

“We are called on to practice the love of Jesus Christ to all those people out there that we might not otherwise love,” reminded Pastor Graham. “It’s easy enough to love our families and friends, but only the Holy Spirit can empower us to love the unlovable or those who don’t love us. I am still a work under construction, and the Holy Spirit at times convicts me of sin, which makes me want to turn away, and that feeling is from God, not the flesh. The original Greek word used for Holy Spirit is probably best translated for us as an Invisible Force, at least in terms of its meaning to us.

“If we allow it, the Holy Spirit will work in and through us far more than we ever thought,” added the Pastor. “This is especially true in prayer, where Paul tells us that the Spirit will pray to God for us when we don’t know how, and will always pray for us according to the Will of God. We are told the Holy Spirit will even reveal the future to us. Interestingly, we learn that the only unpardonable sin is to blaspheme the Holy Spirit, a concept that may be hard to define, but most likely means to deny the divinity or works of the Holy Spirit. At least that would likely come dangerously close to blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

“I try not to judge others in the practice of Christianity,” said the Pastor. “God sometimes brings us things that we don’t think we need, but He knows best what we need. We need the Holy Spirit, Who was sent by Jesus from the Father as empowerment for us in our walk to exemplify the Life of Christ, to be part of Christ’s Body and to relate to others in the way that Christ would relate to them. Since Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, it is the Holy Spirit we believe is by our side with us. In a real sense, the Holy Spirit is the Power of the Church. When the Holy Spirit is present, the Church works. The Holy Spirit is God’s Presence in the world.

“When we say we believe in Him, the Holy Spirit, we should realize that it means we could not possibly have any hope without Him,” declared the Pastor, who then closed with prayer, asking God to increase our understanding of the Holy Spirit by opening our hearts, our minds and our spirits for such knowledge, moment by moment. “Help us to recognize and respond to the Holy Spirit’s leadership, wisdom and urgings to live Christ-like lives and to build the Kingdom in the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.”


BIBLE READINGS TODAY:


Readings for the First Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44.


CLASSES TODAY:

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TOPICS:

WISE ONES, Frankie Brewer: Becoming A New Family.

LADIES BYKOTA, Peggy Boyd: Praising God (Psalm 145).

Tinney Chapel Men, Bill Knoop: The Case For Christ, a study by Lee Strobel.

OVERCOMERS: Jenna Nelson: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

YOUTH: Stephen Graham: Journey Through The Bible (Quiz) Continued.

CHILDREN: Linda Hallman: Early stories of Genesis.

The Remnant Class, Joe Dan Boyd: God’s First Remnant: Noah: A Faithful Covenant Man.

REMNANT RIGHTEOUSNESS (Life Lessons # 245)

Take home lessons from studying Genesis 7 and related Scripture:

1. This chapter of Genesis, and the chapters surrounding it, Genesis 6-9, combine to present Noah as a faithful covenant man, says Gerard Van Groningen, writing in the Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology.

2. Socially, Noah had one wife, and was blameless, says Van Groningen; spiritually, Noah was in constant fellowship with God, actually walked with God, was righteous and managed to live according to God’s Will.

3. That the world was granted a final reprieve of one additional week before the onslaught of floodwaters, after the promised 120 years, suggests that God made a last ditch altar call for repentance, says John Wesley.

4. The same hand that at first brought the creatures to Adam to be named, then brought them to Noah to be preserved, writes John Wesley. Commentator John Gill believes that this was accomplished either by a God-given instinct or by the ministry of angels.

5. The 600th year of Noah’s life was 1,656 years from the Creation, according to calculations by John Wesley, who also believes the floodwaters started in early November, which allowed Noah time to gather and stock food for the ark from that year’s harvest.

6. The Apostle Peter wrote of the flood, saying that eight people were saved in the ark, through water, and today’s baptism, which saves us, is a corresponding act, which pledges a good conscience toward God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:20-21).

TODAY’S DATE: 11-28-04

Tinney Chapel UMC
The Remnant
Sunday School Class
Winnsboro, Texas

ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 12-5-05

READ GENESIS 8:1-22

Afterwards, reflect upon these things:

1. God remembered Noah.
2. Cabin fever.
3. A wind over the earth.
4. Noah opened the window.
5. The raven & the dove.
6. A freshly plucked olive leaf.
7. Landing high and dry.
8. Noah’s altar to the Lord.
9. The heart of the Lord.

*****

TINNEY CHAPEL PATRIARCH, Henry Louis Newton (right), came home again after a long career in southern Texas to re-join this church in 2001, just 73 years after he first became a member as a teenager in 1928. At left is Tinney Chapel Senior Pastor Duncan Graham, who conducted the historic service in 2001. Photo by Angela Wylie.

On this Thanksgiving Day, nothing seems quite so appropriate as does the opportunity to reprint the following column from Tinney Chapel UMC's venerable print newsletter, edited and produced by the one and only Zonnie Griffin. At this writing, it is also wonderful to report that Louis Newton is home from the hospital and doing well again. Among the Living Legends of our 104-year-old quintessential country church, Louis Newton stands first, as suggested below!

TINNEY TALK:
Observations by Joe Dan Boyd

Henry Louis Newton, our 90-year-old patriarch of Tinney Chapel UMC, was born in these parts, not far from what is now 449 County Road 4620, where we sing praises and offer our worship to the Lord each Sunday morning. We don’t know exactly when Louis first worshiped here, but we do know exactly when he first joined Tinney Chapel: August 10, 1928, the day he was baptized after professing his faith.

“After I was baptized at that revival service, I ran all the way home,” recalls Louis, who was just nine days into his fourteenth year of life. It was not a long run, less than a mile, most of which Louis actually ran through the pasture rather than down the road. Teen-age boys in the Tinney Chapel farming community of the late 1920s understood that travel to any destination was usually accomplished while running or walking.

That his memorable conversion experience sent Louis running for home 76 years ago, during a pre-quintessential era at Tinney Chapel, is perhaps best regarded as a metaphor for his Christian journey toward Home! That journey began even earlier, says his niece, Arvinell Newton McClaren, who has heard Louis describe his distant memories of Papaw Tinney, for whom this church is named. “He read the Bible aloud as I sat on his knee,” recalls Louis, who thought Papaw Tinney must have looked a lot like Moses!

His mother, Mary Francis Tinney Newton, was Louis’ first Sunday School teacher. Mary Francis taught Bible Study for Tinney Chapel’s youngest kids. It was dubbed the Card Class, thanks to postcard-size handouts of lavishly illustrated Biblical stories. Louis remembers that his Card Class met “in the corner” of the original 1900 sanctuary.

Louis also remembers a fund-raising drive at Tinney Chapel, when the ladies were selling homemade Kool-Ade, probably for a nickel a cup. Arvinell says that Louis and his childhood friend, “Goat” Highnote, challenged each other to drink as much as they could, with the loser paying the tab for both. He never revealed who won the Kool-Ade contest, but Tinney Chapel had won his heart: Louis Newton came home again after a long career in southern Texas to re-join this church in 2001, running a tad slower after 73 years, but still knowing the way Home!

TINNEY CHAPEL MEMBERS TURNED OUT (ABOVE) TO SUPPORT SENIOR PASTOR DUNCAN GRAHAM (standing at far left in second row) who is chair of the Paris-Sulphur Springs (PSS) UMC District Russia Initiative. Rev. Graham worked jointly with Rev. Henry Suche to arrange tonight's meeting at First UMC Winnsboro, where the speaker was Rev. Valerij Khe (kneeling at right in front row), a distinguished pastor in Moscow, Russia. Photo by Angela Wylie & Rev. Henry Suche.


DISTRICT RUSSIA INITIATIVE EVENT
AT WINNSBORO FIRST UMC

By Rev. Duncan Graham, Chair, PSS-UMC District Russia Initiative

Rev. Valerij Khe’s recent visit to several churches in our Paris-Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church (PSS UMC) District, including tonight's appearance in Winnsboro, was well received. He spoke for five to 10 minutes at each place, and then answered questions from the audience. The key things I gleaned out of his answers are that:

(1.) The Methodist Church in Russia now has about 100 congregations. Most of these congregations could not continue to survive without the ongoing support of the United Methodist Church in America. Many of the congregations in Russia are meeting in people’s apartments and have no church building of their own.

(2.) It is extremely difficult for young people to serve as pastors of churches because funds are so limited. They need about $250.00 per month to live on, and the young struggling churches cannot afford to pay that much. The young people must then go find other jobs to support themselves.

(3.) There is a need for more training of their pastors, and Rev. Khe requested that we provide seminars, with pastors and district superintendents, to come to Russia, and teach their pastors how to work at building and growing their churches.

(4) As always, they also need prayers, finances, and visits.

EDITOR’S NOTE: For background on the PSS-UMC Russia Initiative, see Rev. Graham’s recent report to North Texas Conference Bishop Rhymes Moncure Jr. at the link below:

http://tinneychapeltoday.blogspot.com/2004/11/pss-umc-russia-initiative-11-15-04.html

SUNDAY WORSHIP TODAY:

MORNING SERVICE, 9:00 A.M.

Greeters: L. R. Kemp and George Jordan.

Ushers: George Jordan & L. R. Kemp.

MUSIC

Pianist: Pat Hollingsworth.

Songleader for hymns: John Futral.

Songs: He Lives; Love Lifted Me; Come Thou Fount; I Will Praise Him.

SPECIAL MUSIC BY TINNEY CHAPEL KIDS CHOIR:

Thank You, Jesus.

Kids Choir Singers included:

Madie Crow, J.T.Crow, Matthew Stanley, Niles Johnson, Luke Voelker, Olivia Voelker & Tony McGovern.

Morning Prayer & Lord’s Prayer: Pastor Duncan Graham

LITURGY BY ASSOCIATE PASTOR GENE MILLER:

Call To Worship

Offertory Prayer

Doxology

Gloria Patri

Apostles Creed

CHILDREN’S SERMON TODAY:

Senior Pastor Duncan Graham’s handout to the children pictured a cornucopia or horn of plenty. “We’re grateful to God for the plenty that God has bestowed upon us,” said the Pastor, who then asked the children what they were thankful for. Responses included: family, grandparents, pets and food. “As we come upon the Thanksgiving Holiday, we should take the time for special thanks to the Lord for all He has given us, including the care He provides for us.”

In his closing prayer, the Pastor gave thanks for each young life there today and all that each child means to parents, grandparents and other loved ones. He also asked the Lord to help us all be truly grateful for our blessings, especially for Jesus Christ, Who gave His Life that we might have eternal life: “In His most precious Name, we pray. Amen.”

*****

TODAY’S ADULT SERMON:

Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham’s sermon title was “The Person & Works of Jesus Christ.”

*****

Today, the Pastor examined the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed, all of which the congregation recites each Sunday. His emphasis today was on:

*****

“...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...”

*****

The Pastor said he remembered reciting the Apostles’ Creed as a child, eventually doing so without looking at the words, but it was some time before it fully dawned on him that, in so doing, he was actually expressing a deep faith. This reverie reminded the Pastor of a song, which he then led the congregation in singing:

*****

“Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks unto the Holy One,
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say "I am strong",
Let the poor say "I am rich",
Because of what the Lord, has done for us
Give Thanks!
Give Thanks!
Give Thanks! “

*****

Here, the Pastor referred to: Luke 1:26-38:

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." 34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" 35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible." 38 Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

---New King James Version of the Bible

*****

“We may take it for granted that Mary was a virgin, as it is stated in Scripture, but recently an Episcopal bishop suggested that Mary was not really a virgin, and that Jesus was actually born in Nazareth, rather than Bethlehem, as is stated in Scripture. So, not everyone agrees with us,” said Pastor Graham. “But, we may be sure that, in Mary’s day and age, had she been guilty of adultery, she would have been either stoned or made a social outcast. We may assume that the circumstances of Jesus’ virgin birth were well known and accepted at that time, or there would have been great repercussions.

*****

“Rather, Mary was protected from all such contrary thoughts and accusations,” added the Pastor. “We can be sure that the events we know to have surrounded the birth of Jesus were so public that, if they were not true, then exposure would have resulted. So, when contrary statements are made, such as those by the Episcopal bishop, we know they are based not on the Word of God, but rather are the result of some working of human logic. Meanwhile, God is capable of doing anything, whether it corresponds with human logic or not. So, when we stand and say the Apostles’ Creed, we attest to the fact that God, in all His fullness, came in the form of Man.

*****

“Jesus would not have meant anything to us, His death on the cross would have meant nothing to us if He was not divine, not fully God,” explained Pastor Graham. “But, Jesus is fully God. He is fully divine. His Blood cleanses us, so that we recite the Apostles’ Creed in the full confidence of our faith. When we come to the part of the Creed about Jesus suffering under Pontius Pilate, we can go to Matthew 27:11:

*****

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?" So Jesus said to him, "It is as you say." ---New King James Version

*****

“Later, of course, Pilate turned Jesus over to be flogged and crucified,” added the Pastor. “This was a time when the Roman government had full authority in the biggest part of the known world, about 30 a.d. to 33 a.d. when Pilate was the Governor of that part of Judah. But, of course, many others besides Pilate played a part in the death of Jesus. And, in the final analysis, the question of just who is responsible for the death of Jesus comes down to you and me: Jesus died because of our sins.

*****

“We also need to remember that the Rome of that time was filled with all kinds of idol worship, all kinds of pagan worship,” declared Pastor Graham. “There was an anti-Christ spirit then and there, and the battle, the struggle, the war was between sin and righteousness. Jesus suffered for a cause. He waged war against evil and false worship. Righteousness was fighting a battle. It may look as if righteousness lost a battle at that time, but no: The crucifixion of Jesus represents a great victory for righteousness. It is as if Jesus said: Do what you will with this body, but I’ll bring it back.

*****

“It’s important for us to recall that Jesus really died,” emphasized the Pastor. “Some say that Jesus did not really die, that he only swooned. But he died. They buried Him. These things really did happen. When we stand to repeat the Apostles’ Creed, we repeat the faith that dates back to the Apostles themselves. If we don’t serve a Living Savior, we have nothing to sustain us. Countless witnesses testified that Jesus was raised from the dead. So we have in Him the Hope of our Glory because He Lives! We have a Living Savior.

*****

“The first chapter of Acts tells us how Jesus was taken up in the Ascension,” reminded Pastor Graham:

9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey.
---New King James Version

*****

“Jesus fulfilled 300-plus prophecies in the life He lived on earth,” said the Pastor. “That is astronomical, and is not something that could be planned. As an example, let’s look at just one prophecy from Isaiah 9:

*****

6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
---New King James Version

*****

“When Jesus comes again, it will be to establish His Kingdom,” said Pastor Graham. “At that time, peace will be the major byword of Jesus Christ. When we recite that part of the Apostles’ Creed which says that Jesus shall come to judge the quick and the dead, it’s a reminder that there will come a day of judgment. Some live their lives as if there will not be a day of judgment, but it is not a question of if there will be a day of judgment. Rather, it is certain that there will be a day of judgment. Thus, it’s important to live our lives in a way to pass the judgment without being judged. Jesus Christ makes that way with His wonderful gift: Freedom from judgment.

*****

“So, what do we find here in the Creed?” asked the Pastor, rhetorically. “The whole of the Gospel, in a nutshell! Article 2 of the Apostles’ Creed gives testimony to a faith that is so essential to our relationship.” In his closing prayer, Pastor Graham called upon the Great Heavenly Father: “By your great words of faith, handed down to us, hear our sincere thanks as we wonder in awe at the total of blessings we have through Jesus Christ. I pray that we always repeat the words of the Apostles’ Creed with the joy and the grace that brought it all to us. Amen.”

*****

BIBLE READINGS TODAY:

Readings for Christ The King/Reign Of Christ Sunday: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Luke 1:68-79; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43.

*****

CLASSES TODAY:

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TOPICS:

*****

WISE ONES, Frankie Brewer: New Beginnings.

*****

LADIES BYKOTA, Peggy Boyd: Be thankful.

*****

Tinney Chapel Men, Bill Knoop: The Case For Christ, a study by Lee Strobel.

*****

OVERCOMERS: Jenna Nelson: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

*****

YOUTH: Stephen Graham: Journey Through The Bible (Quiz) Continued.

*****

CHILDREN: Linda Hallman: Tower of Babel.

*****

The Remnant Class, Joe Dan Boyd: God’s First Remnant: Noah Builds The Ark.

The Remnant Class handout is below:

REMNANT RIGHTEOUSNESS (Life Lessons # 244)

Take home lessons from studying Genesis 6:14-22 and related Scripture.

1. The Lord, in the authorized King James translation, told Noah to make the ark of gopher wood, a term which has caused Bible scholars to offer a range of speculations: pine, fir, cypress, cedar, turpentine, teakwood. John Wesley said only that Noah doubtless knew what sort of wood that was, but now we do not.

2. Scholars assume that the ark looked nothing like a sailing ship, and that it was a flat-bottomed, upward-sloping ridged floating chest which likely measured about 450’ by 75’ making it the largest sea-going vessel ever built until 1858.

3. The door to the ark, says scholar John Gill, is reasonably supposed to have been large enough to allow entry by an elephant, thus possibly making the door too large for Noah and his family to shut, which possibly accounts for the Lord Himself closing the door after all were aboard.

4. Commentators consider the ark a type of God’s church, with its 3 decks corresponding to the 3 divisions of the tabernacle and temple, the door signifying Christ and the window typifying the light of the Gospel.

5. A New Testament analysis of Noah concludes that God warned him about things not yet seen, and in reverence Noah prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, thus becoming an heir of righteousness, according to faith (Hebrews 11:7).

TODAY’S DATE: 11-21-04

ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 11-28-04

READ: GENESIS 7:1-24

Afterwards, reflect upon these things:

1. Righteous in this generation.

2. Clean and unclean animals.

3. Noah’s obedience.

4. The springs of the great deep.

5. The closing of the door.

6. Water, water, everywhere.

7. The world that perished.

MYTISCHI, RUSSIA, PASTOR ELENA KOTELKINA, left, and translator Charlie Epperson, of the Paris-Sulphur Springs (PSS) UMC District Russia Initiative, consult the Bible at Tinney Chapel UMC during a 2002 visit by Pastor Elena to churches in the PSS UMC District which provides support for her Way Of Salvation UMC church. Photo by Angela Wylie.


District Day Report on PSS UMC Russia Initiative, prepared 11-15-04, for Bishop Rhymes Moncure, Jr.
By Tinney Chapel UMC Pastor Duncan Graham, Chair

Today, Monday, November. 15, is District Day for pastors in the PSS UMC District. The meeting is being conducted at First UMC, Mt. Vernon, and includes an appearance by the new North Texas Conference Bishop Rhymes Moncure, Jr. Tinney Chapel UMC Senior Pastor Duncan Graham, chair of the PSS UMC District Russia Initiative, presented this report to the Bishop at today's event.

Pastor Graham originally discussed his nomination to chair this post during his report to the Tinney Chapel UMC Administrative Council, Monday, March 22, 2004, and indicated that he would accept the responsibility. At that time, Tinney Chapel was already a significant contributor to Way Of Salvation UMC in Mytischi, Russia, and had hosted Pastor Elena Kotelkina when she visited Tinney Chapel Nov. 10, 2002.

Soon after Pastor Graham accepted this new challenge, he attended a benefit Festival of Russian Cookery & Culture, held Saturday, April 17, 2004, at 5:00 p. m. to 7:00 p.m. (or as long as the food lasted), at Westview UMC, 6407 Sayle St., in Greenville. "Lots of Russian food and fun for a $5.00 per head donation to help Pastor Elena's church in Mytischi, Russia," explained UMC layman and Russian language translator Charlie Epperson, who promoted and participated in that important event. To encourage attendance, Pastor Graham not only attended the benefit Festival, but also invited anyone else to ride with him to Greenville.

Just what is the PSS UMC District Russia Initiative?

The Paris-Sulphur Springs District decided to do something no other district had ever done, as far as we know. At a District Conference a few years ago, those present, clergy and laity, voted to "adopt" Pastor Elena's Way Of Salvation Church, and help the congregation locate and buy a building to house its ministry, giving the congregation a regular place to worship. Over time this was accomplished, and the debt on that building has been paid down to about $12,000. Helping to complete that payout, and also helping Pastor Elena deal with the day-to-day problems of being Methodist in Mytischi represent just two examples of the diversity in Rev. Graham's challenge as Chair of the PSS UMC Russia Initiative.

The PSS UMC Russia Initiative Committee (also known as the Task Force) met in a strategy session at Tinney Chapel UMC on Saturday evening, Oct. 9, 2004, in the church's new Christian Education Center. Pastor Graham has also issued several news items in recent months, urging PSS UMC District churches to assign priority toward the goal of paying off the remaining building debt on Pastor Elena's church.

Charlie Epperson's report on a recent PSS UMC District trip to Russia follows:

The Mytischi Mystique

By Charlie Epperson

"On the first weekend in October, 2003, Bo West and I had the privilege and honor of representing the PSS UMC District at the Third Anniversary Celebration of Way of Salvation UMC in Mytischi, Russia.

"We had been informed before going that the dedication of the new facility would be held at the same time, but, for as yet unexplained reasons, the dedication was not held at this time. "There were more than 50 people on hand Saturday for the worship service and anniversary celebration.

"Pastor Elena delivered a sermon on Jonah, and I had the opportunity to practice my Russian language skills by passing on your greetings and congratulations. A meal was served to all attending after the service, and an impromptu sing-fest began in the sanctuary during the meal, and continued afterwards. It was a joyful time for all, and included some dancing by (among others) Pastor Elena (I have pictures).

"On Sunday, we were taken to an art gallery in Moscow with paintings by a contemporary artist named Shilov. He is well known for his portraits, which look more like photographs than paintings. That evening, we were treated to a performance of the Moscow Circus, which turned out to be a musical extravaganza with some circus acts thrown in. Quite a departure from what we were expecting, but still enjoyable.

"We had the opportunity to spend some time with Pastor Valerij Khe of Mytischi UMC on Monday, whose church is supported by First UMC, Paris (Texas). Pastor Valerij is also the District Superintendent of the North Moscow District, and is well aware of the support being given to Way of Salvation UMC by our District. We bring back his greetings to all of you.

"As I reported to you last year, God is still alive and well, and working, in Mytischi, through a small group known as Way of Salvation UMC. Their faith continues to grow in leaps and bounds, and they remain very optimistic that they will increase in membership. At this time, however, none of the churches in Russia is experiencing any growth in members.

"There are still some bureaucratic roadblocks in Mytischi, as the city administration still has not approved the outside entrance the church wants to construct. They are still confident that permission will be given, but are unsure when that will happen. Still, we have heard no complaints about anything.

"Every time we ask Pastor Elena what she needs, the answer is always the same: 'We need your love and your prayers.' Those are two things we have in abundance, and it takes little effort to pass on either. So, please continue to support Way of Salvation UMC with your love and prayers. That way, their prayers will be answered again and again."


HISTORY OF THE DISTRICT RUSSIA INITIATIVE

Compiled and written by the PSS UMC Russia Initiative Task Force

In 1990 there were 15 United Methodist Congregations in Russia. In 1991 Bishop Ruediger R. Minor (pronounced Meen or) was chosen by The Board of Global Ministries to leave his home in Germany and become Bishop of the Eurasia Conference of The Russia United Methodist Church. That one conference spans 11 time zones. Bishop Minor and his wife took what they could in their VW Bus and traveled to Moscow to live.

The church in Russia began to grow and by 2000, Bishop Minor made 88 appointments to UM churches in Russia. In 2002 approximately 100 appointments were made, and Russia was divided into 3 conferences. The Russia UMC owns a seminary in Moscow and is training new pastors as well as leading Bible studies for interested lay persons. The Bible studies have become a source for recruiting new pastors.

The Paris-Sulphur Springs District has been involved in the Russia
Initiative since 1997 when a group of 15 traveled to Kazan, Tatarstan,
Russia. After several years of ministry in Kazan, the District Annual Conference voted in May 2001, to become a Supportive Congregation. We send $500 each month for pastor support ($300) and programming ($200). The District was assigned to The Rev. Elena Kotelkina (pronounced Co tyol-kena), pastor of Way of Salvation, Russia United Methodist Church, Mytischi, Russia (shown in photo at top of page with Charlie Epperson, PSS District translator for Rev. Elena during her 2002 visit to Tinney Chapel and PSS UMC).

In October, 2001, a team from our District traveled to Mytischi to
meet our sister congregation and join with the congregation there in
celebrating their first anniversary. The worship service was held in a
rented theatre, and was followed by gift exchanges and a meal. Although The Way of Salvation UMC congregation consists of only 15 members, more than 50 people attended.

It is very important for churches in Russia to have their own facilities, whether it be a building or a space within a building. Those who do not have a stable environment and own their own space are considered cults and not given credibility within the Russian establishment. Of the approximately 100 Russian UMC congregations, only 10% own either space or a building.

In March, 2002, the Paris-Sulphur Springs District voted to provide
funds to purchase a space for the fledging Way of Salvation UMC to give it legitimacy and enable growth. For $37,000, we were able to purchase and renovate a large space. Now the church is in their new space, and celebrated their first anniversary there the first Saturday in October, 2003. Two members of our Task Force traveled to Mytischi to celebrate along with the congregation. (See Charlie Epperson's trip report elsewhere in this document.)

The District Russia Initiative Task Force (made up of members of our District who are interested in the ministry in Russia) continues to bring this mission before the pastors and congregations of our District in order to make the ministry more visible. Members of the Task Force are always available to go to the congregations of the District and make presentations, bring up-to-date information and share pictures of The Way of Salvation UMC.

Each member of every congregation in the Paris-Sulphur Springs District has the opportunity to share in this ministry through prayer and monetary support. Another trip to Russia is in the planning stage, and anyone with an interest in the ministry is invited to travel to Mytischi as part of our team. The cost for one person to travel is approximately $1500-$2000 and covers air, hotel, meals, and in-country transportation.

SUMMARY

The PSS UMC District Conference provides support for Way of Salvation UMC by prayer, personal contact, visitation, and an annual financial contribution of $6,000 which provides Pastor Elena's monthly salary of $150, with special allowances for housing, health care, pension, travel, children and ministry.

In Feb., 2002, a Called District Conference was held and voted to provide $34,000 to buy a portion of a building they had located for their church home. With immediate gifts and a loan to the District of $22,500 the purchase was made through the General Board of Global Ministries.

The second group from our District went to Mytischi in October, 2002, and was able to see the beginning of reconstruction on the purchased site during their visit with Rev. Elena. In November, Rev. Elena came to the Russia Initiative Consultation X held in Dallas. She accompanied Bishop Minor of the Russia United Methodist Church and several of his pastors, meeting with pastors and lay persons from all over the U.S. Nearly 400 attended in all.

Following the Consultation Rev. Elena visited for two weeks in our District speaking in several churches throughout the District, telling her story. She met with our pastors and Rev. Pat Beghtel-Mahle, PSS UMC District Superintendent, at District Day asking for our prayers and support. She was showered with many gifts from the district, churches and individuals requiring extra luggage to return home with a warm glow.

A Word From The District Chairman

By Rev. Duncan Graham, Pastor, Tinney Chapel UMC

It's great to be a part of the Paris-Sulphur Springs District. I know of no other district in our North Texas Conference that supports missions, especially a Russia initiative, on a district-wide basis: In fact I wonder if any other district in all of United Methodism is as solidly committed to a single mission project as we are with Way of Salvation UMC in Mytischi, Russia!

This is a great example of the connectional system at work for the Kingdom of God in places we cannot go and minister on a regular basis. But, because of the commitment of all our churches, the Paris-Sulphur Springs District can have a big part in the ministry of the gospel in distant lands.

All of us, through our giving to this ministry, are very much a part of what is going on in Mytischi, Russia's Way of Salvation UMC, where they could not continue to work as effectively--if at all--without the support of this District. This means that our gifts and resources are a vital part of the spread of the gospel in Russia.

If you are new to the Paris-Sulphur Springs District, a bit of background will be helpful. This unique initiative began in May of 2001, when our District voted to send $500 per month for the support of Way of Salvation UMC. This money is specifically for pastoral support and is a five-year commitment through June, 2006.

Since Way of Salvation was then meeting in homes, and was considered a sect by the Russian people, our District decided to help the church acquire a building or meeting place. We believe this not only contributes to a more established public image for United Methodism, but will also help Way of Salvation reach more people and grow. Toward these goals, our District raised $14,000 and borrowed $22,000 on a note that has been paid down to $12,000. I would like to see us pay off the balance of that note soon, leaving us with only the congregational support commitment of $500 per month through 2006.

I believe we can do this if each church charge in the District commits $300 toward the goal. This means that charges with two, three or four churches could join forces, or go together, to fulfill the $300 commitment. We should keep in mind that this is a minimum commitment, and all churches are encouraged to give more if they can afford it. But it's just as important that every charge do its part to emphasize United Methodism's connectional system and the solidarity of our Paris-Sulphur Springs District in supporting a cause that is definitely worthwhile.

One more thing, as always, that we need from each of you as a very big part of being in connection with your brothers and sisters in Christ: Prayer. Please pray regularly for God to break the powers of darkness, spiritual wickedness and principalities that work against Way of Salvation UMC. Pray for Pastor Elena to be embued with power from God to preach His word and lead the congregation in a fruitful work there. Pray that many souls will come to Christ Jesus accepting Him as their LORD and SAVIOR.

Remember, together we are mighty, and can do great things that, as individuals, we can only dream about.

Yours in Christ,

Duncan Graham, Russia Initiative Chair,
Paris-Sulphur Springs UMC District

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GOING TO THE CHAPEL AUTHOR, Arvinell Newton McClaren, was a guest at Tinney Chapel UMC on Saturday, November 13, for the annual Tinney Family Reunion, and again at the quintessential country church's morning worship service on Sunday, November 14. The photo, above, catches Arvinell in a familiar pose: Telling a tale at the Texas Storytelling Festival. Her award-winning book, Going To The Chapel, has been described as a storyteller's history. To read the story behind Arvinell's journey to a storyteller's history, go to http://www.ntcumc.org/ArcUMR/2004/040625mr.html#article%201

CHAPEL NEWS TODAY

FINAL NET SALES FIGURES FOR LADIES GROUP 2004 BAZAAR
“After Saturday’s successful day at the multi-church CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK sale, the Ladies Group Bazaar total net figure is $3,015.34,” reports Linda Stevens, 2004 event coordinator. This follows Ladies Group treasurer Zonnie Griffin’s earlier report of a $2,491.80 deposit after the original Nov. 6 bazaar sale, lunch cafe and silent auction.

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SUPPORT TINNEY CHAPEL KIDS: STILL A FEW TUBS OF SNICKERDOODLE COOKIE DOUGH AVAILABLE FOR JUST $10 EACH. If you ordered Gourmet Cookie Dough earlier, and if you did not pick up your order last Wednesday, or did not pay in advance, please settle accounts with Heidi Crow, so the Kid’s Program can move along on schedule!

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“FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHT” OF THE WORLD MINISTRY BY BROTHER HENRY SUCHE

To read Joe Dan Boyd's North Texas Methodist Reporter story, “Friday Night Light Of The World,” about Brother Henry Suche’s 22-year ministry as a “living water boy” for high school football teams, including Winnsboro High School for the past 8 years, go to the link below. Debbie May’s “sideline coach” photo of Brother Henry (b/w in the newspaper) is in living color at this link:
http://www.ntcumc.org/ArcUMR/2004/041112mr.html#article%201

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DISTRICT DAY in the Paris-Sulphur Springs District, is Monday, November 15, at First UMC Mt. Vernon, featuring NTC Bishop Rhymes Moncure, Jr. Tinney Chapel UMC Senior Pastor Duncan Graham, chair of District Russia Initiative, will report to the Bishop at this event.

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DINNER THEATER BY TINNEY CHAPEL KIDS MINISTRY

It's Wednesday, November 17, 6:00 P.M. AT THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CENTER AUDITORIUM. This is a 30-minute drama and music program, so be there to support Tinney Chapel kids! This replaces, for this day only, the usual children’s program activities headed by Sadie Jordan, Heidi Crow and kids choir director, Gabrielle Mattox).

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RUSSIA INITIATIVE MEETING AT FIRST UMC, WINNSBORO

This meeting takes place at 6:30 P.M. on Monday, November 22 at First UMC in beautiful downtown Winnsboro. Tinney Chapel Senior Pastor DUNCAN GRAHAM HAS TOLD First UMC Pastor, BROTHER HENRY SUCHE, THAT TINNEY CHAPEL WILL SUPPORT THIS MEETING which features an appearance by a distinguished UMC pastor from Russia.

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NEW WEBSITE TO ORDER ADLER & HEARNE MUSIC

Lynn Adler’s recent CD reissue of her 1980s gospel LP, and Adler & Hearne’s “Crossroads Trilogy” CD which portrays significant events in this area’s history by Adler & Hearne (based on historical research by Bill Jones): “Crossroads” (Winnsboro’s original name), “The Bowery,” and “My East Texas Pineywoods Home.” To access this site, go to:

www.springhollowsongfarm.com

OTHER ADLER & HEARNE WEBSITES REMAIN INTACT:

Details on Lindy Hearne’s CD, “Lifetime Supply, available by mail at PO BOX 979, WINNSBORO, TX 75494 or order via his individual website link below. Price is $15.00 per copy. "It contains some of the Tinney Chapel favorites, such as Prayin' For The Camel and Put Me On The Stove & Call Me Done," says Lindy. To access this link, go to:

http://www.lindyhearne.com/

Lynn Adler has two individual websites. One includes details and order information on her CD, “Bird On The Wing,” which contains favorites such as “Lullabye,” “Big City,” and “Rock And A Hard Place.” To go there, click on

http://www.cdbaby.com

Lynn Adler's second website details her professional background, with emphasis on her writing and editing. To go there, click on

http://www.lawriter.com

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SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TOPICS TODAY

WISE ONES, Frankie Brewer: Resurrection.

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LADIES BYKOTA, Peggy Boyd: God’s Authority.

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Tinney Chapel Men, Bill Knoop: The Case For Christ, a study by Lee Strobel.

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OVERCOMERS: Jenna Nelson: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. (This is a multiple-week study.)

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YOUTH: Stephen Graham: Journey Through The Bible (Quiz) Continued.

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CHILDREN: Linda Hallman: In The Beginning.

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The Remnant Class, Joe Dan Boyd: God’s First Remnant: Noah Walks With God.

The Remnant Class handout is below:

REMNANT RIGHTEOUSNESS (Life Lessons # 243)

Take home lessons from studying Genesis 6:5-13 and related Scripture:

1. A remnant is described, by Elmer Martens in Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, as what is left of a community following a catastrophe, with Noah’s family listed as the first example. He also says that descriptive terms for remnant in the Old Testament derive from 6 roots, and occur 540 times.

2. The term “a remnant will return” (Isaiah 7:3), when applied later to Israel, became even if marginally, a message of hope, concludes Elmer Martens in Baker. Since acceptance with God is not based on merit, a dimension of remnant theology is its message of God’s grace.

3. Paul’s use of the term remnant, in Romans 11, refers to those who accept the Gospel versus the larger body of unbelieving Jews. However, Paul suggests that the exclusion of the larger body is for a limited time, says Martens.

4. In Genesis, God is grieved at human evil on the earth, and prepares both for a flood to destroy life and for a righteous remnant to start life anew. He is disappointed in the failure of His Creation, but refuses to give up on it completely.

5. With the Genesis account of Noah finding grace in the eyes of the Lord, we encounter the Bible’s first entry in its account of the subsequent Grace Race!

6. Here, we also find that Noah walked with God, something that had heretofore been accomplished only by Enoch. John Wesley emphasizes the difficulty of Noah’s task, given the degenerate age in which he walked.

TODAY’S DATE: 11-14-04

Tinney Chapel UMC
The Remnant
Sunday School Class
Winnsboro, Texas
ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 11-21-04

READ: GENESIS 6:14-22

Afterwards, reflect upon these things:

1. Construction of the ark.
2. The type of wood used in the ark.
3. Dimensions of the ark.
4. God’s plan for floodwaters upon the earth.
5. God’s promise of a covenant with Noah.
6. Passengers booked for the voyage of the ark.

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SUNDAY WORSHIP TODAY

MORNING SERVICE, 9:00 A.M.

Greeters: Roger Schneider, L. R. Kemp and Danny Lake.
Soundman: Bob Deitering.
Ushers: Roger Schneider & L. R. Kemp.

MUSIC

Pianist and Choir Director: Pat Hollingsworth.
Songleader for hymns: John Futral.

Songs: Victory In Jesus, Praise Him! Praise Him! (a Fanny Crosby hymn J), Count Your Blessings, Blessed Assurance (another Fanny Crosby hymnJ). [Can anything surpass a day with TWO Fanny Crosby hymns?]

SPECIAL MUSIC BY TINNEY CHOIR:
Life Up Your Hands/When We All Get To Heaven.

Morning Prayer & Lord’s Prayer: Pastor Duncan Graham

LITURGY BY ASSOCIATE PASTOR GENE MILLER:

Call To Worship
Offertory Prayer
Doxology
Gloria Patri
Apostles Creed

CHILDREN’S SERMON TODAY

Senior Pastor Duncan Graham asked the children: “Is there anything you are afraid of: the dark, spiders, snakes, anything at all? Most people are afraid of something. For instance, John Madden, a former coach and now a sports broadcaster, is afraid to fly in an airplane, so he has invested over $800,000, I’ve read, in his own bus to travel all over the country for his broadcast schedule. That’s a lot of money to spend on one’s fear!

“But people have all kinds of fears,” added Pastor Graham. “Did you ever watch Jim Irwin on Animal Planet where he wrestles alligators and other scary creatures? In an interview, he responded to a question by saying that he is always a little afraid, but he also considers that a good sign because a little bit of fear is just enough to keep him on his toes.

“On the other hand, Jesus told us not to let our hearts be troubled because He is always with us,” said the Pastor. “And, Jesus is always true to His promises.” The Pastor handed out word puzzles to each of the children, as well as a separate handout delayed from last week. In his closing prayer, Pastor Graham expressed gratitude for Jesus and His promises, including the certain knowledge that He is always with us, even to the close of the age. The Pastor also asked the Lord to put a guard over each of the young lives represented there today, and to remind them that Jesus is always with them. Finally, the Pastor called on the Lord for strength to go forth with Jesus: “All this in His precious Name. Amen.”

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TODAY’S ADULT SERMON

Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham’s sermon title was “Article II: I Believe In Jesus,” based on John 14:1-11:

1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
4 And where I go you know, and the way you know." 5 Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." 8 Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." 9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
---New King James Version

“This Scripture is normally read at funerals, and rightfully so,” declared Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham. “When we lose loved ones and they are with Jesus, we want and need such words of comfort. This is truly a Scripture packed with meaning and truth that speaks to us at all times, including the message that Jesus will surely come again.

“In liturgical churches, especially, we repeat creeds such as the Apostles Creed,” explained Pastor Graham. “To begin with, this is an ecumenical creed that is recited, often from memory, at virtually all Protestant and Catholic churches. At some time, we may decide to study all the Christian creeds during our Wednesday evening Bible study time.

“But the Apostles Creed allows us to speak to our beliefs in the Creator, Savior, Holy Spirit and the resurrection of the body: All those who are in harmony with Apostolic teaching. It’s a vitally important statement of a heart belief, a Lord-servant relationship. It states the living facts of a Saving Truth. It, the Apostles Creed, lifts us up so we can meditate on the words. If we really stopped to think of what we believe, we would be excited at the Words.

“The Apostles Creed and the Lord’s Prayer should never grow old,” declared the Pastor. “We should never tire of repeating it because we believe so strongly. We start off by saying: I believe...and should be willing to give our lives to it. It was once a required ritual to repeat the Apostles Creed at baptism at a time when persecution was the expected result of taking a public stand, such as baptism, for Jesus.

“But a public stand is required for declaring our faith in Jesus,” added Pastor Graham. “What if we required that recitation of the Apostles Creed today for anyone who is baptized into Christ Jesus? The Apostles Creed says to the world that you are giving your life to the Savior, Jesus Christ. At one time, doing that could take you to a place you would not have wanted to go, until ultimately He took you to Paradise. But these days, we worry more about embarrassment! Back then, in the early church, they didn’t care who knew about their strong faith.
“We say: I believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God,” said Pastor Graham. “It’s saying that we believe Jesus is Lord! I believe it’s one thing to accept Jesus as Savior, and quite another to accept Jesus ad Lord. As your Lord, Jesus has the right to your life! It’s the signal to turn to a New Way: Our absolute commitment that He is the Son of God. To Phillip, in today’s Scripture, Jesus says that when you see Me, you have seen the Father!

“For a long time, I was seeking God,” added the Pastor. “In that mindset, we want to see, hear, taste and touch. Later, I realized that Jesus had revealed God to me. In today’s Scripture, Jesus is being the everlasting, creating God. Elsewhere, Paul asks who would bow and call Him Lord. We have no greater ally on the face of the earth, so we should bow and serve Him as Lord.

“Some will do it by choice,” said Pastor Graham. “And they will acknowledge Him as Lord of all that is! As we stand to repeat the words: I BELIEVE, it’s the faith Christians have believed since the time of Christ, since the Apostles taught it. We say it of our individual faith. We say it of our corporate faith. We are a part of the church. We recite the Apostles Creed and join millions of others in the world who do that in honor of the One who came from the Father, and is of the same substance as the Father.

“The One who lived His life as the Father lived,” added the Pastor. “The One who has the same privileges, the same power and the same love. It’s a very great tradition. It’s the only life-giving tradition in the world: The One who will be revealed in the Second Coming. So, take the time to enjoy the Apostles Creed, reflect on the Words you repeat. Those Words are testimony to Who it is that you believe in: Who you serve. Take comfort in serving the greatest individual who ever lived, the One Who has the power to bless you now and forevermore.”
In his closing prayer, Pastor Graham said he was grateful for those who handed down the Apostles Creed, the Words of Faith, filled with the witness of Truth and the fullness of Christ: “Help us to truly live the faith we recite and say we believe. Amen.”

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BIBLE READINGS TODAY

Readings for twenty-fourth Sunday After Pentecost: Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 12 or Psalm 118; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19.

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TINNEY CHAPEL'S CLOWN MINISTRY keeps us all happy & healthy: Lynn Spears and Bob Deitering know how to keep the joy juices flowing at the quintessential country church. We appreciate their ministry.

CHAPEL NEWS TODAY:

PRELIMINARY FIGURES FOR SATURDAY’S BAZAAR ARE IN AND LOOK GOOD!

“Our initial deposit for sales from yesterday’s bazaar will be $2,491.80,” reports Ladies Group treasurer Zonnie Griffin.

“Meanwhile, leftover items remain on sale and will be included in the multi-church bazaar Saturday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Winnsboro City Park Auditorium,” explains Linda Stevens, overall coordinator for the Ladies Group bazaar.

“Theme for that local church, city-wide event: CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK."

“I would like to thank all of those people who contributed items to the Silent Auction and made it a success,” adds Elaine Knoop, who coordinated that bazaar event.

“Thanks to all of those who stopped and bid, and a big thanks to Zonnie who contacted local merchants for donations.

"I believe the final amount for the Silent Auction was $527.25. But the whole bazaar and luncheon were just wonderful! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

ABOUT US TODAY:

CORE VALUES OF TINNEY CHAPEL UMC:

We are an extended family of God.

We are an open door church to all persons.

We value our traditions as building blocks to the future.

We are a Bible-based, Christian community.

We believe in an empowered laity.

We are a conservative congregation, theologically and politically, and our beliefs are generally consistent with the Methodist doctrine.

MISSION STATEMENT OF TINNEY CHAPEL UMC:

To welcome people to Jesus and fellowship within His family, complete them in Christ, provide for their ministries, enrich their lives and glorify God.

VISION OF TINNEY CHAPEL UMC:

To be a growing Christian church where anyone can become a disciple for Jesus Christ.

COMMUNITY LINKS TODAY:

To have your spirits lifted, go to:

http://www.30goodminutes.org/reflections/gratitude.htm

TO READ THE CURRENT Nov. 5 ISSUE OF NORTH TEXAS METHODIST REPORTER ONLINE, GO TO:

http://www.ntcumc.org/ArcUMR/2004/041105mr.html

TO READ BISHOP MONCURE’S COLUMN, GO TO:

http://www.ntcumc.org/Bishop/2004/041105bc.html

SUNDAY WORSHIP TODAY:

MORNING SERVICE, 9:00 A.M.

Greeters: Roger Schneider & L. R. Kemp.

Soundman: Bob Deitering.

Ushers: Roger Schneider & L. R. Kemp.

MUSIC

Pianist: Pat Hollingsworth.

Songleader for hymns: Angela Wylie.

Songs: Leaning On The Everlasting Arms; Let’s Just Praise The Lord; What A Friend We Have In Jesus; Take Time To Be Holy.

SPECIAL MUSIC BY TINNEY CHAPEL CHOIR:

Praise The Name Of Jesus/Glorious Is Thy Name.

Morning Prayer & Lord’s Prayer: Pastor Duncan Graham

LITURGY BY ASSOCIATE PASTOR GENE MILLER:

Call To Worship
Offertory Prayer
Doxology
Gloria Patri
Apostles Creed

CHILDREN’S SERMON TODAY:

Senior Pastor Duncan Graham talked to the children about a lapel flag pin similar to the one often worn by the President. “Does anyone know what holiday we celebrate this week?” the Pastor asked.

“Nov. 11 is Veterans Day! It’s all about honoring those who have served in our armed forces, so that all of us can enjoy our freedoms while remembering the sacrifices made by the veterans. What should we do: Fly an American flay in the front yard?”

After all kind of agreed on that, the Pastor gave a closing prayer: “Gracious Lord, please help each of these young lives be aware of the sacrifices that have been made for the freedoms we enjoy, and help them to know that freedom is worth protecting. May we all continue to enjoy the freedoms for which so many have made sacrifices. Even today, men and women around the globe are there to protect our freedoms. Protect these young lives. In the most precious Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.”

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HOLY COMMUNION WAS SERVED TODAY.

TODAY’S ADULT SERMON:

Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham’s sermon title was “Subject To Change,” and was based on Genesis 1:1-10:

Readings for twenty-third Sunday After Pentecost: Haggai 1:15b-2:9; Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17; Luke 20:27-38.

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CLASSES TODAY:

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TOPICS:

WISE ONES, Frankie Brewer: Living By New Rules.

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LADIES BYKOTA, Peggy Boyd: God Is Awesome.

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Tinney Chapel Men: The Case For Christ, a study by Lee Strobel.

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OVERCOMERS: Jenna Nelson: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. (This is a multiple-week study.)

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YOUTH: Stephen Graham: Journey Through The Bible (Quiz) Continued.

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CHILDREN: Linda Hallman: In The Beginning.

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The Remnant Class, Joe Dan Boyd: God’s First Remnant: Noah, The Early Years.

The Remnant Class handout is below:

REMNANT RIGHTEOUSNESS (Life Lessons # 242)

Take-home lessons from studying Genesis 5:28-6:4 and related Scripture)

1. The name, Noah, in Greek means rest or comfort, and his father, Lamech, spoke prophetically when he said that Noah would comfort mankind by reducing the laborious hand work and toil associated with the ground which the Lord had cursed after mankind’s original sin.

2. On another level, some analysts regard Noah as not only the link between the old and new worlds, but also as a type of Christ, Who is the true rest and comfort of mankind under the burden of life.

3. Some commentators say that Noah invented plowing & tillage tools that made it easier for man to wrest food from the soil, venerating Noah as the first true husbandman or man of the earth: a kind of early John Deere!

4. When Genesis 6:3 says that man’s days shall be 120 years, a common interpretation is that this does not refer to the maximum lifespan of mankind. Rather, it is interpreted as a reference to the time allotted by God for repentance before He sent the destructive flood.


TODAY’S DATE: 11-07-04
Tinney Chapel UMC
The Remnant
Sunday School Class
Winnsboro, Texas

ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 11-14-04

READ: Genesis 6:5-13

Afterwards, reflect upon these things:

1. Man’s wickedness.
2. Evil.
3. A corrupt earth.
4. The Lord’s attitude.
5. Favor in the eyes of the Lord.
6. A blameless man.
7. The Lord’s decision.

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