Sunday, November 18, 2007
Tinney Chapel Laity Report: 2007
Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church
Laity Report, 2007 by Charles Brewer
The Congregation at Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church submits this laity report to the Charge Conference for 2007. This church is an active part of the Winnsboro Community. The laity, led by Pastor Duncan Graham, has carried forth the work of Christ to the best of our ability through worship, evangelism, missions and nurture.
WORSHIP: At present we are implementing a combined worship service, blending contemporary praise and worship music into a traditional worship service.
Our choir works hard all year practicing on Wednesday nights after Bible Study. The members are very faithful and willing to serve in our ministry of music. The choir sings most Sundays during worship service.
At Christmas and Easter, the choir is honored to present their annual cantata to the residents of the two Winnsboro nursing homes. We are often asked to do special music for other church congregations. Mrs. Pat Hollingsworth, church pianist and choir director, says, "The choir is truly willing to serve and perform when called upon, and they give God the glory for their talent and ability given to them by Him."
Average attendance is 60 at our 11 :00 a.m. service. The church had three ladies attend the Walk to Emmaus this year, and encourages others to experience what they have experienced .
EVANGELISM: When we have visitors, we show hospitality and present first-time visitors with Tinney Chapel coffee mugs to remind them to come back again.
Sunday School continues to be well attended. Our new Family Life Center is bustling with activity each Sunday as six adult and one children's class meet.
We provide occasional news items to the local newspaper. One of our own members is on the Conference Communications Commission. In addition, our church office produces a monthly newsletter. The "Tinney Chapel Times" is mailed to members and to visitors.
Rural Life Sunday was well attended this year. This event is a favorite with the children and their guests. This year we were honored to have Rev. Jim Dorff as a guest speaker .
MISSIONS: The church continues to collect canned goods and money for local community ministries. Some individuals help local missionaries in foreign fields.
Our Ladies Group was successful in fundraising this year through a community garage sale and the Christmas craft sale. The Ladies Group made special contributions to the Winnsboro Community Ministries; the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center; Christmas in July for the Holy Highway Girls Home; the Methodist Home in Waco and made contributions to Morgan's Mercy Mansion in Winnsboro. They also contributed to Teen Challenge Ranch with goods and monetary support.
There were two missionaries who came and gave talks this year. Dan Hubbell gave an account of his mission work in China. The congregation also heard from the Ramsey family who gave a report of their mission work in China.
The congregation again this year is currently participating in a blanket drive for a local outreach organization.
The Sunday School classes contribute to emergency needs as well as special offerings. Individuals also give to the Methodist Home, Golden Cross, World Communion Sunday, the Gideons and any need that is brought to our attention.
Several church members, headed up by David and Mollie Stanton, participated in a team for the 3-day program known as Residents Encounter Christ. This took place at the Johnston Unit here in Winnsboro.
PHYSICAL CHANGES: Tinney Chapel is still expanding and improving our facilities. This year a new Pastor's office and Secretary's office were constructed in the old fellowship hall. This was all done with volunteer labor from the church.
YOUTH & FAMILY ACTIVITIES: Church family activities include soup suppers, breakfasts, ice cream suppers, and fish frys. The church continues its traditional 4th Sunday dinners.
The Tinney Chapel Men's Ministries, now in its' seventh year meets the first Saturday of the month for breakfast, devotionals, fellowship and planning fundraisers for various church projects. This group hosts an annual fish fry and also a barbecue dinner complete with the Jim Asbill Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
In February, 2005, the church added a ministry known as OASIS (Older Adults Still in Service). This group continues to be very active, and places emphasis on fellowship within the group through various planned activities and identifying ways to give back to others in the church and in the community. Average attendance for activities is 20, and anyone in any age group may participate. OASIS meets monthly, and activities include group meals, games, going out to eat, stuffing the plastic Easter eggs for the children, attending concerts, and picnics. OASIS is led by Dick and Carolyn Beavers. Although the church budgets money for this ministry, it has always been funded entirely by donations.
In closing, 2007 has been another eventful year in the life of Tinney Chapel. I encourage us all to work together through the challenges of building our church for the Kingdom of God .
Respectfully submitted, Charles Brewer, Lay Leader, 197 County Road 4800, Winnsboro. Texas 75494 .
