Tinney Chapel Today

SERMON FOR OUR CHILDREN, a week ago, December 19, was delivered by Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham on the edge of the stage in Tinney Chapel's Family Life & Christian Education Center. Children in this photo, left to right: Ashley, Kayle, Kylee, Matthew and John. Associate Pastor Rev. Gene Miller sits onstage. Photo by Angela Wylie.



SUNDAY WORSHIP TODAY:


MORNING SERVICE, 9:00 A.M.

Greeters: L. R. Kemp and Roger Schneider.

Ushers: Gerry Privette & L. R. Kemp.

MUSIC

Pianist: Pat Hollingsworth.

Songleader for hymns: Senior Pastor Duncan Graham.

Songs:

Angels We Have Heard On High; Hark The Herald Angels Sing; The First Noel; What Child Is This.

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Morning Prayer & Lord’s Prayer: Pastor Duncan Graham

LITURGY BY ASSOCIATE PASTOR GENE MILLER:

Call To Worship
Offertory Prayer
Doxology
Gloria Patri
Apostles Creed

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TODAY’S SERMON: Lessons From The Wise Men.

Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham’s Scripture today was Matthew 2:1-12:

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' " 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also."
9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. ---New King James Version

“We don’t know how long after the birth of Jesus all this [in the above Scripture] took place,” said Pastor Graham. “It could have been up to two years after His birth, but we don’t know for sure. We do notice that the Holy Family is no longer in a manger. At this point, they are in a house. Perhaps Joseph has elected to say in Bethlehem for a while, perhaps to do some work, and has taken a house for that period.

“We do know that these Wise Men, stargazers, have seen a sign that the King of Judah, Jesus, has been born, and they have gone to find and worship Him,” explained the Pastor. “They have gone to the king’s [Herod’s] palace. Why did they come? To worship. Something they saw in the sky was out of the ordinary because kings were being born all the time, so to speak. There was definitely something different about this situation that motivated them to go and worship.

“We may likely assume safely that there were more than three stargazers in the east, but only three came to worship,” added Pastor Graham. “Why did even the heavens declare this birth and glory? The trip itself must have been a hardship. They had to ride camels for weeks, possibly for months, and camels are contrary animals that will spit on you. Of course, it was still the main method of transportation, but it was definitely not like riding in a Cadillac or a Suburban. Thus, for them to travel in that manner to worship, deprived of life’s normal conveniences, it must have seemed a matter of importance to them. Worship demands that of us!

“These Wise Men were unselfish enough to make such a choice, despite such a great journey,” added the Pastor. “We don’t know all the dangers they faced, but they seemed not to mind that, and the great expense, all of which they realized at the start of the journey. Their gifts represented sacrifice, as worship itself involves sacrifice: a hit in the pocketbook! Yet, the Wise Men came to honor and worship the new King. Worship demands all that. Nothing is too valuable to give to our Lord.

“At their initial act of worship, the Wise Men fell down before Him, either prostrate on the floor, or on their knees,” explained Pastor Graham. “Such were the demands of worship in their culture: Worship acknowledges a Greater Being, revered and worthy beyond our own worth. Worship demands that we are not worthy to stand in His Presence. Rather, we are to fall on our knees to acknowledge His greater worth.

“Worship is unselfish as we must give up much,” said the Pastor. “The Wise Men had many demands on their time! They were counselors to kings and to others in authority. Kings called on the Wise Men for help in making decisions. But these three Wise Men laid all that aside to go and worship the new King. Similarly, we—you and I—have demands on our time, but we are not to avoid worship. These Wise Men set a good example in worship, an unselfish example.

“I suppose most of you are familiar with the story of the Grinch that stole Christmas,” declared the Pastor, somewhat rhetorically. “The Grinch planned to take away Christmas from all those in Whoville because he wanted all to be unhappy. He would dress like Santa, steal Christmas trees and gifts because, as Dr. Seuss said, the Grinch’s heart was too small. Finally, despite all the efforts of the Grinch, the people still sang carols and otherwise kept Christmas, proving that it is not ‘things’ that make Christmas! Rather, it’s love in the heart that makes Christmas. The Wise Men had love in the heart!

“And, according to reports, even the heart of the Grinch grew by several sizes and was transformed,” added Pastor Graham. “I believe the hearts of the Wise Men also grew by several sizes. I believe, with all my heart, that our hearts grow by several sizes when we gather to worship in the Family of God. Christmas is a very special time when our feelings and greetings take on a new dimension, time and time again. People are more willing to bless others at this unusually happy time. We wish we could be that way all year, but I guess that’s what makes it so special. It’s always something to look forward to the rest of the year, even if sometimes we get stressed out.

“Remember that a sacrifice for others is a blessing in the eyes of the Lord,” reminded the Pastor. “Because it reflects commitment and unselfishness, which are valuable parts of our being.”

In his closing prayer, Pastor Graham said, “Oh, gracious heavenly Father, we are so grateful for Jesus Christ as we think on the visit by the Wise Men. Would that we may be inspired to that same level of commitment to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. For all this, we thank You, and ask Your blessings as we continue in Jesus Christ. Amen.”

*****

CLASSES TODAY:

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TOPICS:

WISE ONES, Frankie Brewer: Looking For Hope In All The Right Places.

LADIES BYKOTA, Peggy Boyd: Godly Use Of Our Goods.

Tinney Chapel Men, Bill Knoop: The Case For Christ, a study by Lee Strobel. (A multiple-week study.)

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

YOUTH: Stephen Graham: Purpose.

CHILDREN: Linda Hallman: The Birth.

The Remnant Class, Joe Dan Boyd: NOAH PERSEVERES IN FAITH: Genesis 9:18-29

The Remnant Class handout is below:

REMNANT RIGHTEOUSNESS (Life Lessons # 249)

Take home lessons from Genesis 9:18-29:

1. The line of The Promised Son was narrowed in the New Testament to the line of Seth, SHEM, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Judah, writes Duane Garrett in the Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Each of these names is from the Old Testament book of Genesis, and we study Shem in the current Noah series.

2. That Noah was expert in husbandry, a tiller of the soil and an inventor of associated tools, we have encountered earlier in this series. (John Wesley says Noah “kept ground in his hand.”) But, in this lesson we learn that Jewish writers associate these achievements with Noah’s great wisdom.

3. After harvesting the vintage of his first vineyard, Noah sleeps off a hangover in partial undress, an act that many commentators regard as a sin. This suggests that the best of men may sin, repent and still receive pardon.

4. The larger sin appears to be that of Noah’s son Ham and Noah’s grandson Canaan. Ham takes sinful pleasure in viewing his father’s nakedness, perhaps in some way facilitated by his son Canaan, say some Jewish writers, since Noah’s curse is placed upon Canaan and not Ham.

TODAY’S DATE: 12-26-04

The Remnant
Sunday School Class
Tinney Chapel UMC
Winnsboro, Texas

ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT SUNDAY, JAN. 2, 2005

READ GENESIS 10:1-32

Afterwards, reflect upon these things:

1. The sons of Japheth.
2. The sons of Ham.
3. The sons of Shem.

*****

"TINNEY CHAPEL'S CHRIST CANDLE for 2004 is the one we focus on tonight," declared Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham, as he brought light to the big center candle at the church's 2004 Candlelight Worship Service on Christmas Eve. "We've already lighted the four Advent Candles of Peace, Faith, Love and Hope over the past four weeks." Our 2004 Tinney Chapel Christmas Tree decorates the background of this photo. Photo by David Stanton.

6:00 P.M. WORSHIP SERVICE 12-24-04

Sanctuary Decorations: Mollie Stanton, Peggy Boyd, David Stanton.

The True Light: Candlelighting Service

“The True Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” – John 1:9 NRSV

Tonight’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, conducted by Tinney Chapel Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham, with assistance from Associate Pastor Rev. Gene Miller, was a “call and response” exercise between Pastors and congregation, based on the Abingdon’s Christmas Recitations, compiled by Evelyn Minshull, copyright 1985 by Abingdon Press and the reading, “Living Christmas,” by Andrew T. Roy.

Prelude

Hymn: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice.

Call To Worship: Luke 2:10b-11 NRSV.

2:10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:

2:11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

Reading: Come! Experience Christmas.

The Promise: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7.

9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, those who lived in a land of deep darkness--on them light has shined.

9:6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

9:7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Hymn: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.

The Announcement & The Adoration: Luke 2:8-20.

2:8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

2:9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

2:10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:

2:11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

2:12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger."

2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

2:14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

2:15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us."

2:16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.

2:17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;

2:18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.

2:19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.

2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Hymn: Away In A Manger.

Lighting of the Christ Candle (photo at top of page).

Response to the Lighting of the Christ Candle.

Prayer For Illunination.

Hymn: O Little Town Of Bethlehem.

The Incarnation: John 1:1-14.

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
1:2 He was in the beginning with God.
1:3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being
1:4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
1:6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
1:7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.
1:8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
1:10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.
1:11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him.
1:12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God,
1:13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
1:14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

Hymn: Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne.

Silent Prayer.

Pastoral Prayer by Senior Pastor Duncan Graham.

“We come to you in the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Your only begotten Son, born in the world that those who believe in Him shall not perish, but have Everlasting Life. He came not to judge, but that the world might be saved: That His Salvation might prevail in this world and His Name be exalted and glorified. Bless and keep our troops who are in harm’s way, guide and protect them. Give wisdom to our leaders. We long so for Peace that comes only through Jesus Christ, our Hope and our Glory. That He will come again soon. That all in the world will have food, shelter, love for friends and family. That You comfort all for the loss of loved ones, for sorrow, for troubles, and that Your Presence will manifest itself in this life, as we justly celebrate tonight and worship in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

Anthem: Interpretation & ASL signing by Micah Brown.

Sound Technician: Stephen Graham.

MESSAGE: Senior Pastor Duncan Graham:

The Pastor highlighted a recent e-mail message which spoke to him through words, pictures and animation: “I will take a bit of ecclesiastical license with it tonight,” he said. “The message begins with four lighted candles against a black background, and the candles actually speak:

“The Peace Candle says the world is so full of anger and fighting, there seems no point in staying lighted. So the Peace Candle’s flame dies.

“The Faith Candle says that people don’t seem to need faith anymore; they pay little attention to faith, and the Faith Candle’s flame also dies.

“The Love Candle says that people have no time for love anymore, don’t show love to others and often neglect those closest to them. The Love Candle’s flame dies.

“Just then a little child enters the room, and asks why the candles are not burning. Then the child begins to cry.

“The fourth candle speaks: Don’t cry. I am the Hope Candle. As long as I burn, we can light the other candles with my flame."

The child re-lights the other candles with the flame of the Hope Candle.

Service of Candle Lighting by Pastor Graham:

“The candle we focus on tonight is the Christ Candle,” explained Pastor Graham. “The Gift of Hope came down 2,000 years ago, bringing Hope to the entire world for all eternity. We have received the greatest Gift of Hope: A Child born in a manger, Who has grown to have the greatest effect of any king, president or wise man who ever lived. We celebrate the Hope of Eternal Salvation, available to all who accept Him as Lord and Savior. Without Him, that Blessed Child, we would have no hope, no future.

"As we light these candles, we expect the return, whether near or afar, of our Blessed Messiah, our Hope. As you go among family and friends, take time to remember the reality of Hope that came down from Heaven, and lives in the hearts of believers of all the world, through all the centuries, and will continue to do so until we all gather in The City of Light: The New Jerusalem. Tonight, we pass the common flame from the Christ Candle. We are all part of the Holy Family. The Light we share is Christ, and we want to share that Light. Maranatha.”

Ushers David Stanton & Danny Lake.

As Silent Night was sung, and lights were dimmed, the Pastor lighted the four Advent Candles, the Christ Candle and the candles of the ushers, who then lighted the candles of lead worshipers in each pew. Those lead worshipers then began the lighting chain down each pew.

Hymn: Silent Night.

Reading: Living Christmas.

Hymn: Joy To The World.

Benediction.

TINNEY CHAPEL'S CHRISTMAS CANTATA this year was Arise Shine! and the performance was our choir's first in the new Family Life Center. The acoustics were great, and so was the response from our congregation. Tinney Chapel's choir is directed by Pat Hollingsworth. Photo snapped by Wanda Hardin with choir singer Angela Wylie's camera.



SUNDAY WORSHIP TODAY

MORNING SERVICE, 9:00 A.M.

Greeters: L. R. Kemp and Charles Brewer.

Sound Technician: Clay Spears.

Ushers: Charles Brewer & L. R. Kemp.

MUSIC

Pianist: Pat Hollingsworth.

Songleader for congregational hymn: John Futral.

Songs: Hark The Herald Angels Sing.

*****


Morning Prayer & Lord’s Prayer: Pastor Duncan Graham

LITURGY BY ASSOCIATE PASTOR GENE MILLER:
Call To Worship
Offertory Prayer
Doxology
Gloria Patri
Apostles Creed

*****

LIGHTING OF THE FOURTH ADVENT CANDLE: LOVE.

The Stanley Family: Randy, Stacey, Jordan and Matthew, brought light to the Fourth Candle of Advent today: Love. They presented devotional readings and Scripture associated with God’s Love.

*****

TODAY’S MUSICAL MESSAGE:

Arise Shine! Your Light Has Come.

Created by Dennis & Nan Allen. Orchestrated by Dave Williamson.

Arise, Shine! Is a musical that simply tells the Nativity story through the eyes of fictitious biblical characters who are lampmakers in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. It is their business to illuminate people’s lives, yet they admit that they were in darkness, at first. Finally they are able to see it, to take it all in, and to accept this Child as their Savior.

How does this happen? The same way it does today. The difference is in the heart, not in the eyes. All those who saw Him and believed were seeking Him. The shepherds and wise men found Christ because they were searching. As they stood over the King’s cradle, God revealed to them that this was the One.

So now, this season, stand before God...seek...and find the Light of the world!

---Dennis & Nan Allen

OVERTURE/PROCESSIONAL

ARISE, SHINE!

EMMANUEL

RUN WITH TORCHES

LITTLE LAMB with WHAT CHILD IS THIS

O HOLY NIGHT!

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

CAROL SING (Candlelight Service) includes THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD IS JESUS; SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT; AWAY IN A MANGER; and O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL

Today’s Tinney Chapel UMC Choir singers included:

Angela Wylie, Linda Hallman, Sadie Jordan, Judy Spears, Alice Deitering, Bobbie Hollingsworth, Emmaline Hallman, Josephine Garrett, Angel Hensley, Stacey Stanley, Randy Stanley, Jordan Stanley, Mollie Stanton, Christi Noble, John Futral, Ronny Ellison, David Wylie, George Jordan, Derrell Hollingsworth and David Stanton.

Narrators included Randy Stanley, Jordan Stanley, Christi Noble and David Stanton.

Tinney Chapel UMC quintessential choir director: Pat Hollingsworth!

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TODAY’S ADULT SERMON

Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham had no adult sermon today because of the Tinney Chapel Choir’s Christmas Cantata, Arise Shine!.

*****

CLASSES TODAY:

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TOPICS:

WISE ONES, Frankie Brewer: When the unexpected happens.

LADIES BYKOTA, Peggy Boyd: Being Obedient.

Tinney Chapel Men, Bill Knoop: The Case For Christ, a study by Lee Strobel. (A multiple-week study.)

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

YOUTH: Stephen Graham: Purpose.

CHILDREN: Linda Hallman: The Birth.

The Remnant Class, Joe Dan Boyd: Luke’s Christmas Story (Luke 2:1-20).

The Remnant Class handout is below:

REMNANT RIGHTEOUSNESS (Life lessons # 248)

Take home lessons from studying: Luke 2:1-20):

1. The Messiah by any other name is still the Messiah.

2. Never be ashamed of your roots.

3. The spirit of Christmas is the Holy Spirit.

4. Christmas is always just around the corner.

5. Jesus really IS the REASON for the SEASON.

6. Wish upon a star: The Bright & Morning Star.

7. You are never too old to have a happy childhood.

8. Blessed are the followers.

9. Relationships are more important than rituals.

10. Jesus is the REST of the Christmas Story.

SUMMARY: ‘I bring you GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY for EVERYONE! ---Luke 2:10(b)

TODAY’S DATE: 12-19-04

Tinney Chapel UMC

The Remnant

Sunday School Class

Winnsboro, Texas

ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 12-26-04

Finish up Genesis 9:8-17 from earlier lesson, THEN:

READ: GENESIS 9:18-29

Afterwards, reflect upon these things:

1. The legacy of Noah’s three sons.

2. Noah as a man of the soil.

3. The dangers of too much wine.

4. Drunk & uncovered.

5. Respect.

6. Blessings and curses.

7. Longevity.

*****

TO READ THE CURRENT DEC. 17 NORTH TEXAS METHODIST REPORTER ONLINE, GO TO:

http://www.ntcumc.org/ArcUMR/2004/041217mr.html

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TO READ BISHOP RHYMES H. MONCURE JR.’S RECENT COLUMN, GO TO:

http://www.ntcumc.org/Bishop/2004/041217bc.html

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CALENDAR

SUNDAY, DEC. 19: Pastor Duncan Graham preaches tonight in the sanctuary on “The Two Christmases,” 6:30 p.m. Expect some congregational sacred singing.

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MONDAY, DEC. 20: Building Committee meeting at the church, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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MONDAY, DEC. 20: ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MEETS AT THE CHURCH, 6:30 P.M. (Final meeting of the year 2004, before new 2005 officers are installed.)

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FRIDAY, DEC. 24: CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT SERVICE at Tinney Chapel, 6:00 p.m.

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SATURDAY, JAN. 8: DISTRICT TRAINING AT FIRST UMC, SULPHUR SPRINGS. SCHEDULE TO COME FROM DISTRICT OFFICE. AS USUAL, ALL CHURCH OFFICERS ARE URGED TO ATTEND.

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SUNDAY, JAN. 9: CONSECRATION OF NEW BUILDING BY BISHOP RHYMES H. MONCURE, Jr., who will also fill Tinney Chapel’s pulpit and preach that morning. Covered dish lunch follows.

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SATURDAY, FEB. 5: FISH FRY, sponsored by Men’s Ministries, at the new Family Life Center, 5 to 7 p.m.

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CHRISTMAS WITH OUR CHILDREN was special at the 2004 Tinney Chapel UMC Variety Show on December 12. Photo by Jason Smith.


A Tinney Chapel Christmas Variety Show
Sunday, December 12, at 6:00 p.m.

Members of Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church staged an old-fashioned Christmas Variety Show at the church’s Family Life Center, Sunday, Dec. 12.

Highlight of the evening was a dramatic presentation, “Christmas At Home,” performed in costume by the Tinney Chapel Children, directed by Heidi Crow, Gabrielle Mattox and Jami Smith. Set decorations were constucted and arranged by gaffers Marcella Salter and Jami Smith. Additional auditorium decorations were provided by Zonnie Griffin and Sherri Brewer. Sound and light were engineered by Clay Spears, with occasional input from Bob Deitering, John Futral and Stacey Stanley.

Children playing various roles included Madison, Kenny and J. T. Crow; Matthew Stanley; Parker, Presley and Peyton Smith; Kailey Hensley, Niles Johnson and Ashley Noble.

Matthew Stanley also performed in a musical duet with his grandfather, George Jordan, known locally as the Tinney Chapel Troubadour.

Madison Crow performed with Matthew Stanley in a duet reading of The Night Before Christmas.

Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham performed a beautiful solo guitar instrumental, What Child is This, in part to confirm that he had indeed learned something from the 20 Lindy Hearne guitar lessons he received as a Christmas gift last year from the congregation.

Other performances in the Tinney Chapel Christmas Variety Show included Pastor Graham's opening prayer, David Stanton's remarks of welcome, Joe Dan Boyd's vocal/guitar medly of White Christmas/The First Noel, David Stanton's heart-tugging parable of "God and Geese" and the entire congregation's rousing rendition of a candlelit Silent Night.

The 2004 Tinney Chapel Variety Show's colorful, attractive program bulletin was conceived and produced by Elaine Knoop. The overall show concept was organized and coordinated by Sadie Jordan, and was facilitated by members of the Tinney Chapel Ladies Group. The production concluded with special presentations, fellowship and finger food refreshments.

Neither a dry eye nor a bah humbug was to be found anywhere on this evening, when the prevailing sentiment was just as Dickens wrote it so long ago for Tiny Tim: "God bless us every one!"

Amen!

SUNDAY WORSHIP IN OUR SANCTUARY (ABOVE).
Photo by Tinney Chapel UMC Associate Pastor Rev. Gene Miller
MORNING SERVICE TODAY, 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: John Futral.
Songs: Joy To The World, O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Alleluia.


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

LIGHTING OF THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE: JOY.

Frankie Brewer & Mary Marrs brought light to the Third Candle of Advent today. They presented devotional readings associated with joy and celebration: affirming the present and embracing the future.

CHILDREN’S SERMON TODAY:

Senior Pastor Duncan Graham’s topic today was the Third Sunday of Advent and the Advent candle of joy. He sang an acappella version of a song from the King James Version of Isaiah 51:11:

Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: They shall obtain gladness and joy;
and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

“So, when your parents seem stressed out during these Christmas Holidays, tell them to remember JOY,” suggested the Pastor. “Now, I have some handout sheets for you with puzzles and pictures to color you’re your crayons.”

In his closing prayer, the Pastor thanked the Lord for joy and prayed that we be sensitive to all that we have been given, grateful for all that we enjoy: joy unspeakable and glory untouchable in this world. “In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

TODAY’S ADULT SERMON:

Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham’s sermon title was “Article 3 of the Apostles’ Creed: I Believe, Part 3” based in part on Luke 24:36-53:


36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43 And he took it, and did eat before them. 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
---King James Version

“Today, we conclude our series on the Apostles’ Creed by focusing on the final two lines: ‘I believe in… the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting,’” said Pastor Graham. “In every age, there have been those who did not believe in the resurrection, and especially did not believe in bodily resurrection. But, our Apostles’ Creed affirms a belief that we will be bodily raised from the dead, a Christian doctrinal concept that is too often overlooked. Today’s Scripture Lesson begins just after the resurrected Jesus has appeared to the pilgrims who were walking to Emmaus.

“So, the events in this Scripture Lesson occurred after the first Easter, and after Jesus had been physically raised from the dead,” explained Pastor Graham. “One day we will all be like Him in that respect. We will be bodily raised from the dead. Of course, I expect my resurrected body to be in better shape than this physical body: One that is pain-free and one on which my clothes, a robe of righteousness, will easily fit.

“In Jesus, we see the first evidence, the first fruits of the resurrection: raised with a body in a glorified state. With it, Jesus appeared in a room behind locked doors via some miraculous, spiritual manner. Yet, He could still be touched and felt. Those present could feel His flesh and bone. A glorified body will not be limited by natural laws, but the glorified body will have much of the same content and we can still consume food. The Apostles’ Creed affirms that believers will follow the pattern of Jesus’ resurrection in some manner. When we recite the Apostles’ Creed, we affirm a faith in a resurrection of a glorified body that will be far beyond anything we have known in this past life. Jesus has proved wrong those who deny the resurrection. "

Here, the Pastor was reminded of another Scripture from 1 Corinthians 15, one that is often used at funerals to indicate that death is not the end:

12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
---King James Version

“If any of you have planted a garden, you’ve likely gone daily to see if any of the firstfruits had popped through the ground, and when that happens you know that more will follow,” explained Pastor Graham. “Jesus Christ is the firstfruits, the assurance that resurrection will happen: There is much more to follow.” Here, the Pastor read more Scripture from 1 Corinthians 15:

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
---King James Version

“When we say we believe in the resurrection of the body, we affirm our belief that the grave will give up its dead,” added the Pastor. ‘Perhaps you recall that Ezekiel, in the valley of the dry bones, saw the scattered bones, without flesh, unattached. He was told to prophesy to them, and when he did, it was as if suddenly the wind of the Holy Spirit blew through and just as suddenly the flesh started forming on the dry bones, eventually re-creating a new body. That was a foreunner, telling us that nothing is impossible with God. The divine Creator can re-create as well as create. What seems impossible is nothing to God.

“So it is that we anticipate the renewal of our bodies and the everlasting, never ending life with God,” declared the Pastor. “That is our promise and our hope, and we talk about the joy far exceeding anything we experience now. In our Scripture today from Luke, those present thought they were seeing a ghost, an apparition, but you can’t touch either of those. Jesus was a living, breathing, touchable human being and said we would have a like ending. So we stand in faith with the totality of the universal church and attest to our faith in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.

“If we have anything to rejoice at Christmas, in addition to the birth of Jesus, it is the resurrection in that glorified body that will last forever,” said the Pastor. “The death experience is only for a moment, and holds the promise of greater things ahead. So that every time we recite the Apostles’ Creed, I hope you stop and think of this: It carries with it a great depth of meaning in the faith and witness of who we are, what we believe and what we want others to know about our beliefs.

“Sometimes we recite the Apostles’ Creed and go through the motions without really thinking about it,” said Pastor Graham. “But, in doing so, we are actually growing nearer to God, giving our testimonies to brothers and sisters with all of our hearts, minds and souls. Let’s all recite the entire Apostles’ Creed again, together, now. (The congregation does so.)

In his closing prayer, the Pastor said: “Our dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the saints who have gone before, for giving us the affirmation of faith, this creed, for putting it in our trust. Especially, we thank you for Jesus Christ, for His death, His resurrection, His ascension and for the things we believe. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”


BIBLE READINGS TODAY:

Readings for the Third Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:47-55; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11.

TO READ THE CURRENT DEC. 10 NORTH TEXAS METHODIST REPORTER ONLINE, GO TO:
http://www.ntcumc.org/ArcUMR/2004/041203mr.html


TO READ BISHOP RHYMES MONCURE JR. COLUMN, GO TO:
http://www.ntcumc.org/Bishop/2004/041203bc.html

CLASSES TODAY:

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TOPICS:

WISE ONES, Frankie Brewer: Leadership Qualifications.

LADIES BYKOTA, Peggy Boyd: The Prodigal Son.

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: Purpose.

CHILDREN: Linda Hallman: Angels.

The Remnant Class, Joe Dan Boyd: God’s First Remnant 7: God Tells Noah: Never Again!

The Remnant Class handout is below:

REMNANT RIGHTEOUSNESS (Life Lessons # 247)

Take home lessons from studying Genesis 9:1-17 and related Scripture:

1. Unlike other biblical covenants, Richard Davison (writes in the Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology): The Noahic covenant, which prohibits another flood, sealed by the rainbow, is made not only with humankind, but also with the whole earth, including every living creature!

2. We read in chapter 8 that Noah blessed God by his altar and sacrifice, and in chapter 9, God blessed Noah and his sons. Commentator Matthew Henry noted that God graciously blesses those who sincerely bless God & are truly thankful for the mercies they receive.

3. Some scholars believe that, notwithstanding verse 9:3, man already possessed God’s implied grant of flesh as food through God’s earlier divine grant to Adam of power and dominion over all other creatures.

4. Several Christian commentators cite the Seven Universal Laws of Noah (also called the Commandments of the Children of Noah) in relation to this lesson, although these are found only in Jewish writings rather than Scripture.

5. God's instructions specifically prohibit suicide and ordain capital punishment for murder in verses 9:5-6.

TODAY’S DATE: 12-12-04

Tinney Chapel UMC
The Remnant
Sunday School Class
Winnsboro, Texas

ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 12-19-04

READ: GENESIS 9:18-29

Afterwards, reflect upon these things:

1. The legacy of Noah’s three sons.
2. Noah as a man of the soil.
3. The dangers of too much wine.
4. Drunk & uncovered.
5. Respect.
6. Blessings and curses.
7. Longevity.

A MISSIONARY'S BLOG:

Rev. Dr. Wes Magruder is a new Methodist Missionary to Cameroon. To view Rev. Magruder’s regular ongoing posts from Cameroon, go to: http://preachpeace.blogspot.com/

CALENDAR:

TODAY, SUNDAY EVENING, DEC. 12: CHRISTMAS PARTY & VARIETY SHOW AT THE CHURCH, 6:00 P.M. ELVES, SNOWMAN, REINDEER, SANTA & MRS. CLAUS, SONGS, STORIES, SKITS & SURPRISES FROM TINNEY CHAPEL KIDS OF ALL AGES, SAYS COORDINATOR SADIE JORDAN! FELLOWSHIP & REFRESHMENTS, TOO! BE THERE.

*****

GEORGE JORDAN & HIS VENTURA GUITAR.

Today's Special Music was by Tinney Chapel's own long, lanky, laconic troubadour, George Jordan, who has written countless songs over the years. Today's effort was titled, He Came, a seasonal song about the real Reason For The Christmas Season. How blessed we are to have a man of such rare multiple talents in the congregation of our quintessential country church! Thanks, George. Photo by Angela Wylie.


ANOTHER ADVENT EVENT BY JENNA AT TINNEY CHAPEL UMC

By now, we all know that the Advent Season is pretty special to Jenna Nelson, who has facilitated several workshops with that theme.

Recently, Jenna displayed some of her own traditional family Advent crafts, including one with truly special thumbprints and handprints, made, we assume, by a much younger Allison Nelson.

“This item comes out of the box and goes onto the wall every year at our home,” declares Jenna. “It’s based on the Biblical concept of: Before you were born, I called you by name.”

You pretty much have to see Jenna’s craft item to appreciate it fully, and you can do that on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, when Jenna does her Advent Event with this year’s slogan: “Wall Decorations To Welcome Christ.”

Remember: This Season’s Advent Event is Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Be there!

*****

In One Accord

Opinion by Arnold Post

When we are worshiping our Lord, we as a group should be in one accord, praising God: Our hearts and minds focusing on our Lord and how good He is, how much He has given, and is giving, or making available to us.

It is our choice whether we receive what God offers. He says: I set before you Life and death. Choose Life!

It should be easy for us when in worship to be of one accord.

But, when we are not in worship, then division comes. The most common point of division comes from different opinions in business, or what is believed best for the church.

Pride enters in, and we hold our opinion above the opinion of others. We are right, and they are wrong. We know what’s best.

Pride!

Along with the demon spirit of pride comes many other demon spirits: envy, strife, jealousy, division, heresies, mumbling, groaning and so on.

These things are not pleasing to our Lord. They quench the Holy Spirit, and therefore, we are led by the flesh instead of the Spirit. When we quench the Spirit, it cannot operate within us nearly as well.

If this spirit of pride enters our worship, then our sacrifice of praise is stained.

If our sacrifice of praise and worship is stained, then the Light we are supposed to be as a church is dimmed.

May we let our Light be bright: May we be in one accord, lacking nothing!

Amen.

*****

CLASSES TODAY:

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TOPICS:

WISE ONES, Frankie Brewer: The Call To Follow God.

LADIES BYKOTA, Peggy Boyd: Relating To Others.

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: Purpose.

CHILDREN: Linda Hallman: Angels.

THE REMNANT CLASS, Joe Dan Boyd: God’s First Remnant 6: Noah Builds An Altar To The Lord.

The Remnant Class handout is below:

REMNANT RIGHTEOUSNESS (Life Lessons # 246)

Take home lessons from studying Genesis 8 and related Scripture:

1. If the theological heart of the flood account is found in the phrase “God remembered Noah,” it is clear that for God to “remember” is to act in deliverance, concludes Richard Davidson in the Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology.

2. Thus, the apex of flood theology is not punitive judgment, but rather divine salvific grace, further concludes Davidson, who points to parallels between the Bible’s accounts of Noah’s salvation and Israel’s Exodus deliverance (Exodus 6:5).

3. God’s “remembering” Noah was the return of God’s mercy to mankind, suggests John Wesley, founder of Methodism.

4. When God made a wind to pass over the earth and cause the floodwaters to go down, the Targums call it a wind of mercies or a wind of comforts.

5. The dove sent out from the ark by Noah is regarded by some as an emblem of the Gospel tidings of peace, pardon and righteousness, while Noah’s act of bringing the dove back into the ark is viewed by some as representing Christ’s reception of true believers.

TODAY’S DATE: 12-05-04

Tinney Chapel UMC
The Remnant
Sunday School Class
Winnsboro, Texas

ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 12-12-04

READ GENESIS 9:1-17

Afterwards, reflect upon these things:

1. Be fruitful and increase.
2. Post flood diets.
3. Post flood justice.
4. The Covenant with Noah.
5. The sign of the Covenant with Noah.
6. Rainbows follow the rain.

*******

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: John Futral.

Songs: Go Tell It On The Mountain; There’s A Song In The Air; O Little Town Of Bethlehem; Sweet Sweet Spirit.

SPECIAL ORIGINAL MUSIC BY GEORGE JORDAN and his Ventura guitar:

“He Came”

See separate item and photo on today’s Special Music feature at top of this page.

*****
Morning Prayer & Lord’s Prayer: Pastor Duncan Graham

LITURGY BY ASSOCIATE PASTOR GENE MILLER:
Call To Worship
Offertory Prayer
Doxology
Gloria Patri
Apostles Creed

LIGHTING OF THE SECOND ADVENT CANDLE: PEACE.

David and Mollie Stanton brought light to the Second Candle of Advent today. They presented devotional readings associated with the promise of Peace on Earth and read from Psalm 72.

*****
CHILDREN’S SERMON TODAY:

Senior Pastor Duncan Graham’s topic today was the Second Sunday of Advent: “What candle did I give you last week?” asked the Pastor. “It was Hope, and today’s Advent Candle is Peace. One significant thing about Advent is the Star. How many of you remember the rhyme: Star light, star bright. First star I’ve seen tonight. I wish I may. I wish I might. Have the wish I wish tonight. None of you? Well, perhaps it’s an older folks thing. My brother and I used to recite that rhyme upon seeing a star in the sky after milking the cows.

“But there was another star of hope and peace when Jesus was born,” explained Pastor Graham. “It actually led the Wise Men to the place where Jesus was born, and there is real significance to that. I’m passing out something to each of you. Among other things, this handout features a crossword puzzle about the birth of Jesus. There’s also a Word Jumble game.

“When you think of Christmas, think of the star which told of one of the most significant events in the history of the world: The birth of Jesus. The only thing more significant than that was the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus!”

In his closing prayer, the Pastor said: “Gracious Lord, always keep the light of that Star in our hearts during all of our lives, as children and as adults. Help us remember that He is the reason for the season. Christmas is not about Santa Claus or gifts, but rather the center of Christmas is our hope of salvation in Jesus, our King. In His Name, we pray. Amen.”

*****

TODAY’S ADULT SERMON:

Senior Pastor Rev. Duncan Graham’s sermon title was “Article 3 of the Apostles’ Creed: I Believe, Part 2” based in part on Matthew 16:15-19:

*****

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

---King James Version

*****

Pastor Graham began his sermon today by indicating that it would be a follow up to last week: “Our focus will be on ‘I believe in the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins’ from the Apostles’ Creed,” he explained. “In this case, the phrase has nothing to do with the Roman Catholic Church. Rather, here the word catholic means universal, as in a church universal in nature and composed of all believers in Jesus Christ who have accepted Him as Lord.

*****

“In today’s Scripture Lesson, Jesus tells Peter that He will build His church on this rock,” said Pastor Graham, who described the Lord’s church as having no denominational perimeters. The church is greater than Methodism. The church transcends being Baptist. The church is bigger than Presbyterianism. The church is beyond the Pentecostal movement. The church includes all Roman Catholic churches. The church is universal in scope. The church is composed of people of all denominations who are true believers and committed to following Christ.

*****

“When we recite the Apostles’ Creed, we are saying we have a faith in Jesus Christ, Who will return to claim those who have believed in Him, regardless of their labels, which do not matter to Him,” added the Pastor. “Denominational labels are like grocery story labels: You know that some products will cost you more because of the label, but you also know the product is no better than those with other labels. In the church, it’s not the label; it’s the faith that matters.

*****

“The universal church is a holy church, but that does not mean it is pure,” said Pastor Graham. “Holy means set apart for the service of the Lord in the world in which we live. It does not mean we have all arrived. I used to say I’d like to serve the perfect church, but I am imperfect. You would have the same problem: There is no such church in existence. But, the church is to do the service of the Lord. It is to look to itself, and strive to get in position to do those things.

*****

“We can glean some of those things from Scripture,” added the Pastor. “To be a Holy catholic church means we are here to do God’s Will, and not to exclude others. We are a part of the Body of Christ. The differences may include things like a distinctive governing body in our church, a distinctive worship service or a distinctive building design. But these are mere trappings that were not a part of the early church, and man has added them to the church. The great seeds for organization came later, especially in the Second Century, when groups began to split off and form denominations. It was a struggle in an attempt to recognize the approval of God, but these things were not the Will of God.

*****

“The Will of God is to love, to serve and do the works of God in the world,” added Pastor Graham. “To say this, means we say that others are no less children of God than are we. We found our unity, our commonality in the Lordship of Jesus Christ and not in wearing the ‘right’ labels. That is, in the communion of saints: When we say that, we celebrate the Eucharist, the shed blood of Christ and the need to remember while joined by a host of people: past and present from all over the world.

*****

“Those who accept the sacrifice gather for Holy Communion, where the emphasis is on the fellowship with believers all over the world: past, present and future,” declared Pastor Graham. “Maybe some have become believers because of our testimony, but I think of a Scripture from Ephesians 4:2-7:

2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

---King James Translation

“All who accept that Scripture are in communion with one another,” declared the Pastor. “Jesus said that where two or more of you are gathered, I am there also. So, communion extends even to Jesus. Recently, many of us met a Christian from Russia, and enjoyed fellowship with him through our common faith and belief. We can have the fellowship with those who live far away and who lived a long time ago. We receive their testimony that has been handed down. It is the communion of saints with the word saints meaning believers. Look now at your neighbor and say: You look wonderful! There, did you feel a sense of communion doing that? I think so! We should do it more.

*****

“When we realize that communion extends to generations past and future, we get a sense of the universality of our existence: That we, through Jesus, belong to the ages and have a more far-reaching effect than we otherwise realize. For instance, where would you be today without the testimony of family or teachers from your past and the Apostles of long ago who were willing to die for the faith? I’ll answer that: You’d be the same place I’d be: Lost! So, it’s important that we participate in the communion of saints, past and present.

*****

“Who was it, John Donne, who said that no man is an island. Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee,” the Pastor asked, rhetorically. “Our existence has far more possibilities than we have thought. The way we relate to others has a far greater impact on their lives than we realize. We are a blessed and privileged people because He has called us. Around Tinney Chapel, we talk a lot about saints and sinners, but we are all saints, even though we all sin at times. As believers, it no longer sends us to hell. We are holy, set apart. I am a saint. In Scripture, saints are believers, not supercharged types. You and I are no longer sinners, but we are the saints of God.

*****

“I don’t even want to confess that I’m a sinner because of what Jesus Christ has done,” added the Pastor. “As I have often said to others: I know Jesus and I know you, so I’m on the winning team. I know who the winner is. I know who has the power. You and I are just privileged to be on the team: Invited. We are wanted to be on this team: All we had to do was say, Yes! It’s part of the communion of saints; not the communion of sinners, but believers united in the forgiveness of sins. We are so blessed that we have all our sins forgiven. It is not deserved, but we are forgiven. Those sins had us dead and buried in guilt before we were forgiven.

*****

“Jesus Christ would have died to save only one of us had that been necessary,” added Pastor Graham. “We have to realize that we are not worthy of blessings, but turn to Him and accept the forgiveness he so freely offers. Repent, say I’m sorry, turn and walk in a new way with Him. And when we do that, we can say: I believe in the forgiveness of sins. Love is all about caring for sinners. Godly love is all about caring for sinners. If you have to wait until I am perfect to love me, then you will never love me or your spouse or anyone in your family. Aren’t you glad we have a God who has not waited for us to be perfect to love us. Remember when we were still in the muck and mire of our sins, and He put us on a solid highway, cleansed us and called us His children! I believe in that kind of love which we recite in the Apostles’ Creed.”

*****

In his closing prayer, Pastor Graham said, “Oh, gracious Heavenly Father, out of Your wisdom, mercy and grace, you have let us be Your children and sent the Perfect Sacrifice. Because of You, it has happened, and Lord, we thank You for it. Help us to walk in joy, victory, communion and faith as You bring out all the possibilities in others and in ourselves. In Jesus’ holy Name we pray. Amen.”

*****

TWO JUDY AWARDS IN FOUR YEARS. When Tinney Chapel UMC, the quintessential country church, received the Marvin T. Judy Award for Excellence in Rural Ministry at the 2004 Annual Conference, it was a repeat performance. Tinney Chapel was a co-winner of the same Conference Award in 2002. In the photo above, Senior Pastor Duncan Graham accepts the 2004 Award from Rev. Pat Beghtel-Mahle, Superintendent of the Paris-Sulphur Springs UMC District. Photo by Joe Dan Boyd.

Tinney Chapel UMC has been designated best in rural ministry at the 2004 North Texas United Methodist Conference. The 131-member church received this year’s Marvin T. Judy Award for excellence at a Rural Fellowship luncheon June 8 during Annual Conference in Plano. Other District nominees honored included Bells UMC, Copeville UMC, Krum UMC and Morris Memorial UMC of Chico.

District nominees were asked to submit entries summarizing recent ministry activities. Tinney Chapel’s winning entry included a pictorial scrapbook compiled by Sadie Jordan, detailed ministry annuals for 2003-2004, a diorama constructed by Bill Stevens of church property which includes an under-construction 8,000-square-ft. family life and education center and two Tinney Chapel books published within the past year: Christmas Memories by Jenna Nelson, and Going To The Chapel by Arvinell McClaren.

Going To The Chapel is a church and community history which also received a special Kate Warnick award for Best Church Story on June 7 at Annual Conference.

“Building On The Promises: Our journey together,” was the slogan used during a successful capital funds campaign during 2003. Now, the new Christian Family Life & Education Center is nearing completion, thanks in part to a gift of two acres of land by Corinne Tinney and the late Donald Tinney. Their gift adjoins the church’s original acre, donated in 1900 by Donald’s grandfather, William Ambrose Tinney. Tinney Chapel added an associate pastor to its staff during this expansion period, and church membership has increased 28% since the building project began.

Tinney Chapel’s entry for the Judy award emphasized several ministries, including:

Local mission projects: blankets and electric fans for the poor, emergency funds & food for burnout victims, Blessing Box food distribution and several projects for the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center.

Foreign missions: New Hope Mexico project and Way Of Salvation UMC in Russia, a Paris-Sulphur Springs District mission initiative chaired this year by Tinney Chapel Senior Pastor Duncan Graham.

Prison Ministry. Members of Tinney Chapel UMC were instrumental in forming the Residents Encounter Christ (REC) program in the Texas Prison System, and continue to support the ongoing program at the Johnston Substance Abuse Unit in Winnsboro.

Communications at Tinney Chapel UMC features a weekly electronic newsletter, summarizing the major events at the church and many of the most important developments in the Paris-Sulphur Springs District and the North Texas Conference. A monthly print newsletter supplements the E-Letter, and Tinney Chapel also advertises regularly in local media.

Advanced Bible Study: Senior Pastor Duncan Graham leads a weekly one-hour evening Bible study, and the Pastor’s wife, Elaine Graham, leads occasional medium-length classes for women. Tinney Chapel has also offered both the 30-week Christian Believer and 34-week Disciple I Bible Study programs over the past two years.

Lay Speakers. Tinney Chapel’s four Certified Lay Speakers not only fill in for their own two pastors when they have to be away from the pulpit, but they also respond to calls from other churches.