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A
Message
from the President...
Dear Celebration Sisters,
As we reflect on 2003 and look ahead to 2004, I pray that in our reflections of the past year, we have grown spiritually—gaining wisdom from learning God’s word and from life’s experiences.
In anticipating the year ahead, may we be reminded of God’s words to us in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Our part is to call upon Him, pray to Him and He will listen to us. God promises “you will seek Me and you will find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” That word “search” means an earnestness bordering on desperation.
What do we want or need more of in 2004… better relationships, success for our children, better health and fitness, a nicer house, or a better job and improved finances? How about “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
The answer to the previous question, what do we want more of, most of all may we want more of Jesus in our lives and to be used by Him in 2004! In Celebration, we are believing for more women to accept Christ as their personal savior, more healings--spirit, soul, and body and more women equipped to do the work of the ministry!
Jesus has promised that “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” Let’s start asking for more of Him, and to be used more by Him…then we can truly make a difference.
Celebrating Him,
Judy C. Graham
President
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UPCOMING EVENTS: |
Onalaska: Beginning in February next year, we will welcome Sally Burchell as our new President. Sally has served as Vice President for almost a year, as well as filling that position at her former church. Sally is such a devoted woman of God and she will be a wonderful president. Billie Garrison will continue to serve in whatever capacity she’s needed. Celebration meets for Bible Study on Thursday evenings at 5:45 in the Fellowship hall of the church. Our “suppers” are always on the last Thursday of the month at 5:45 p.m. Ladies, please plan to join us.
Our Celebration Event for January is the 29th and our speaker is Winnie Sandel. For more information contact Sally Burchell, 936-327-6237, or Billie Garr
FUMC Pasadena's next Event will be Saturday, January 31 from
10:00 a.m. to noon in the Fellowship Hall at 1062 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena
77504. Leslie Bledsoe will be our speaker. Leslie suddenly and completely
lost her sight a year ago. She is coming to Pasadena to share her story.
Leslie says, "I would have gone stone crazy without prayers and faith in
God." Leslie is a graduate of Prairie View A & M, has served in the Marine
Corps and is a licensed social worker. She is also the spouse of Earl
Bledsoe, the Bryan District Superintendent, and has a 13 year old daughter
still at home. Leslie conveys hope, as she describes her stages of grief,
and brings laughter, as she exhorts us in how best to relate to the blind.
Her topic is based on Daniel 3:16-18 and is titled, "Overcoming Obstacles!"
Please plan to join us for this dynamic testimony, a free brunch, singing,
and prayer. Call the church at 281-487-8787 to reserve the nursery or email
Tammy Gilts at tgilts@yahoo.com.
Chapelwood UMC Celebration Board and Team are busy planning their next event. Scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2004, Celebration will host an evening event. Featured speaker will be Sister Clare Carr, OSB.
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Celebration In Action |
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Onalaska
Onalaska's Winnie Sandel, Sally Burchell, Billie Garrison from one of our meetings this summer 2003. Sally Burchell is the new president for Onalaska's chapter. Beginning in February 2004, we will welcome Sally Burchell as our new President. Sally has served as Vice President for almost a year, as well as filling that position at her former church. Sally is such a devoted woman of God and she will be a wonderful president. Billie Garrison will continue to serve in whatever capacity she’s needed. Celebration meets for Bible Study on Thursday evenings at 5:45 in the Fellowship hall of the church. Our “suppers” are always on the last Thursday of the month at 5:45 p.m. Ladies, please plan to join us. |
Onalaska's Winnie Sandel, Sally Burchell,
Billie Garrison from one of our meetings this summer 2003. Sally
Burchell is the new president for Onalaska's chapter. This has been a great year for Onalaska Celebration! Our monthly “suppers” have been a big hit. We’ve served everything from hotdogs to chicken salad, from Weight-Watcher soup to Mexican food. Our ladies really outdo themselves in the food department and Margie Huff has done a great job coordinating it all. We have been blessed with wonderful speakers, obedient to the Lord in bringing us the words the Lord gave them. We started out in February with Pam Howard. Then in March, Marion McWhorter; April brought us Mary Ellen Riley from the First Methodist Church in Livingston; in May Mildred Starcke from Bay Vue UMC in Crystal Beach; July, our own Robin Palmer; August – Rachel Norris, the potter from Bryan, TX; September, Martha Zaruba from Bay Vue UMC in Crystal Beach; and in September Paula Walker from Faith United Methodist Church, in Richmond, TX. Our monthly suppers are a time of spiritual revival and fellowship. They give us that “shot in the arm” that renews our resolve and our energy. We’ve completed several Bible studies this year: in February we finished Beth Moore’s “Breaking Free”, a 10 week study; in May we completed an eight-week study entitled “An Ordinary Day With Jesus”; in June we completed Beth Moore’s “Living Free”, a six-week study; and this month (Dec) we are completing Beth Moore’s “A Heart Like His”, a ten-week study. Not only does Bible study teach us about God, but strengthens our relationship with Him and with each other. Our plans for 2004 are well under way; we have speakers lined up for January and February, and will begin a new Bible study in March, “The Purpose-Driven Life” a six-week study. Beginning in February next year, we will welcome Sally Burchell as our new President. Sally has served as Vice President for almost a year, as well as filling that position at her former church. Sally is such a devoted woman of God and she will be a wonderful president. Billie Garrison will continue to serve in whatever capacity she’s needed. Celebration meets for Bible Study on Thursday evenings at 5:45 in the Fellowship hall of the church. Our “suppers” are always on the last Thursday of the month at 5:45 p.m. Ladies, please plan to join us. |
 Ashford UMC new team left to right Front row--Becky O'Reilly, Treasurer,Marcia Wiseman, Recording Sec,Maggie Van Syckle, President Back row-- Carla McGinley, Corresponding Sec, Denice Fisher, Decoration Team Lead, Barbara Howard, v. President, Pam Thyssen, Refreshments Team Lead |
Celebration In Action Ashford's Info Mtg. Picture Nov. 1, 2003 |
CIA - MISSION BEND UMC
FALL EVENT
The Mission Bend Celebration Chapter in Houston experienced God’s mighty work at our Nov. 15th event. Rachel Norris was the guest speaker and her testimony along with the work done on her potter’s wheel touched women in an awesome way. We had ladies tell us that this was our best meeting ever! Hearts and spirits were touched by God’s word in ways that only He could accomplish.
We are looking forward to our next event which will be our ladies retreat at Pine Cove at Crier Creek in Columbus, TX this spring on March 5-7, 2004. We will have session leaders from Mission Bend and from Ashford UMC who will lead the ladies in “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.” Oh, how we all need lessons on this subject. We’re all looking forward to growth in God’s word, fun and fellowship for the weekend.
Blessings,
Audrey Spencer
Mission Bend UMC Chapter
CIA - New Chaper for Ashford UMC
The Great Adventure begins…
Ashford UMC hosted an informational event on Nov 1st. What a fun way to spend a Saturday morning with the Holy Spirit at work; our community ladies gathering to Celebrate Jesus while enjoying fellowship and food. As “church ladies” we are prone to great food and decorations. The fellowship was incredible and the sanctuary was filled with praise music, prayers and good spirits. During the gathering as we learned more about the ministry itself and watched the new exciting video everyone was blessed. God moment: one of our guests dedicated her life to the Lord and another rededicated her life and they both look forward to working with this outreach women’s ministry.
On Nov 12th, The Ashford leadership team hosted the Conference Leadership Training lead by Cindy Masterson. She led us through the steps for a new chapter and encouraged us to be all we can be. We were officially chartered as a chapter at the end of our training. Ashford’s senior pastor, Rev. Ernie Turney stopped in to give us the blessing of our church as we begin this grass roots Celebration ministry at Ashford.
We are looking forward to our next event that will be on Saturday, Feb. 14th 9:30-noon. The women of our community are feeling incredibly blessed to have Jackie Greer join us in Feb. as our very special speaker. She is a native Texan, published author and very gracious. When Ms. Greer was asked to join us with her story her response was precious. We hear “95” in March is reason for celebration.
Following the prompting of the Holy Spirit, as a result of much prayer I am in the Greatest Adventure. Becoming the first president-the leader of “equals” (as the manual states it), I am thrilled to work with this special team we have prayed for and God is sending to this chapter. The Great Adventure continues.
In His service with great Joy!
Maggie Van Syckle, Ashford UMC Chapter 281-870-8307 or maggiemschf@yahoo.com
First United Methodist Church of Longview
After much prayer and planning, First United Methodist Church of Longview had
their Celebration Information Meeting! Led by the Holy Spirit, Celebration
officers and team leaders are steadily coming forth to lead the way for
Celebration Women's Ministry there. These new Celebration leaders will attend
the leadership training in Hallsville, TX, on February 7, followed by their
Celebration Chartering. A new slate of women's Bible studies are in the works
for spring 2004 at FUMC Longview, as well.
FUMC Longview will host its first official Celebration on April 22, 2004,
featuring author, radio host, columnist and speaker, Kim Wier, of Engaging Women
Ministries. Kim's presentation, titled SISTER ACT, explores the dynamic duo of
Mary and Martha, the sister act from Bethany. This presentation teaches how to
make Jesus the number one priority in any busy woman's life, how to trust His
sovereignty in every situation, and live a life that matters in the light of
eternity. It's sure to be Mary and Martha as you've NEVER seen them before!
For more Longview FUMC Celebration information, contact Cindy Coleman at
cc40love@aol.com or call 903-295-3371.
FUMC-Vidor
We held
our 2nd Celebration at FUMC-Vidor on November 1 in the Katie Pittman Center.
Our speaker was Sheila Smith who is an ordained minister in Mauriceville. She
was a exciting speaker and one we would like to hear again. Before the
function, the prayer team met and not only prayed for the Celebration but came
against the Klu Klux meeting that was being held in Vidor that same day. Our
Celebration was attended by 13 ladies from around the area. We are looking
forward to our next scheduled Celebration meeting.
Billie Stanton
Corresponding Secretary
First United Methodist Church
Vidor, TX
On Saturday, November 22, 2003, Cindy Coleman and the ladies of FUMC Longview hosted an "Experience Celebration" meeting to introduce the ministry to the ladies of their church. Their were 90 women in attendance and three other churches were represented. It was a great day in the Lord. He showed up to minister to us in a mighty way! Contact Cindy Coleman for more information, cc40love@aol.com, 903-295-3371.
The Sugar Land chapter has birthed a desire for a new type of Sunday school class that will focus on ministering to women in much the same way Celebration does. Celebrating the Word, for women only, will split it's time between fellowship, teaching and prayer ministry each Sunday beginning January 4th! Please keep this new class in your prayers!
Westminster Celebration is proud to announce our new 2004 Chapter President, Patti Maudslay. Patti has been on our Board for the past year in charge of prayer ministry and we are excited about her leadership. You can contact her at pmaudslay@ev1.net
Celebration Pictures from Pasadena's Meeting with Susan O'Donnell
Have you ever laughed so hard your
sides hurt? Have you been in a place where the pain and hurt felt too much to
endure? Have you yet to experience the joy that comes from knowing that God is
with you through both? To God be the glory…He is our Rock and Sustainer through
all that life throws at us!
The ladies of First United Methodist Church Pasadena were honored to hear Susan
O’Donnell present this awesome message of hope at our 10th Celebration event
held Saturday, November 15th. Susan, a nationally known speaker and morning
co-host of Christian radio station KSBJ, delighted our largest Celebration
audience to date (221 women in attendance!) with her powerful testimony and
message entitled “How Can We Be the Light of the World, If We Are Too Afraid to
Lighten Up?”
Through her incredible humor and humble honesty, Susan allowed God to work
through her on this special morning of tears and laughter. Susan taught ladies
of all ages the importance of letting go of the burdens of the past and drawing
strength from the God of all Creation…our “Daddy God”...the God who loves us
more than we will ever know. The women in the room experienced love, laughter
and healing as, together, they ventured toward a deeper relationship with Christ
through this Celebration event. Reported by Karen Edwards.
Chapelwood UMC Women"s Celebration had a very successful October luncheon. Featured speaker, Jackie Greer, gave a touching testimonial!! There was not a dry eye in Fellowship Hall!! Jackie signed 85 of her books titled, "LIFE ALWAYS BEGINS", answered questions and blessed us with her wisdom. It was a Celebration Event that touched many hearts. She was just amazing! Jackie is a native Texan, outstanding career woman and devoted Christian. She will celebrate her 95th birthday in March and has begun her second book based on the personal application of her favorite scriptures. She certainly has become a favorite of the Chapelwood Celebration Board and Team. We highly recommend considering Jackie Greer for one of your Celebration events. If you have questions or need contact information regarding Jackie, please feel free to give me a call.
Women are praying for Celebration at Airline UMC!
CIA - Information Meeting at FUMC Marshall Oct. 25, 2003
Beginning at the top row, moving left to right are: Gail Palmer, Debbie Mottershaw, Gail Brown; Second row: Betty Knight, Sharon McMahon, Brenda Smith; Bottom row: Liz Bennett, Libby Matthews
MARSHALL CELEBRATION CHAPTER NEWS
The information meeting of the Marshall Chapter of Celebration was held October 22. Praise and worship, good food, fellowship and the installation of the officers filled the morning. The message was presented by Judy Graham, Conference President,and hearts were touched as the Lord ministered to the ladies at Marshall FUMC.
The second meeting of the chapter was held in November and the Lord ministered through Marty Sholars in a sweet, yet mighty way.
The December meeting will be our chapter Christmas Party, but January brings us back to the regular schedule of 4th Saturday morning meetings with Susan Hageman tentatively scheduled as our speaker.
Our meetings are wonderful times of ministry and fellowship and it is obvious that the Lord has great plans for the Marshall FUMC Chapter of Celebration. Meetings are on the fourth Saturday of each month at 10:00 am.
Come and join us and see what wonderful things the Lord is doing in our midst!!! For more information contact Sharon McMahon at 903-935-2142, email smcmahon@ev1.net.
“Empowered for Unity”
Celebration Leadership Event
February 7, 2004 - 9:00-3:30
First UMC Hallsville, Tx.
Come be equipped through this Leadership event for the northern part of the Conference! This event is for all current chapter leadership and anyone interested in serving in the future! We will have teaching, worship, and workshops for the various leadership areas.
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To register: Send $15.00 and completed form to Cindy Masterson (clmasterson@houston.rr.com) 6154 Del Monte, Houston, TX 77057
by Jan. 26, 2004.
Name _____________________________ Chapter_______________________
Address__________________________________________________________
Phone_______________ Email_______________________________________
Leadership Area ___________________________________________________
Make checks payable to Celebration.
In other exciting news, Celebration has donated five Beth Moore Bible studies to the Texas Conference Audio Visual lending library! These are Jesus the One and Only, When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, Beloved Disciple, Breaking Free, and soon to be available-- Believing God. These tapes are available for you to borrow free of charge from the Annual Conference. The Conference AV library is available to all UM Churches. Call the Conference Office and ask to speak the Audio Visual library. They will explain the process to you. The number there is 713-521-9383. We hope that many of you can take advantage of these studies!
Celebration
“Empowered with Praise and Prayer”
Worship and Prayer Seminar
March 6, 2004 - 9:30 am to -3:30 pm
Foundry United Methodist Church
8350 Jones Road, Houston, Texas
POWERFUL WORSHIP - BIBLICAL TEACHING - WORKSHOPS
“Hands On” Worship Leader Training, PowerPoint, Banners, Sound Equipment 101
Prayer Ministry Training (Praying with others), Intercessory Prayer Training (Praying for Others)
Praying God’s Word
Come, Experience the Power of Praise and Prayer
Registration Fee: $15.00 – Make checks payable to Celebration
Send your registration to: June Becker 16519 White Heron Ct, Cypress TX 77429
For more information: call or email Beth Domingue, Director of Praise and Worship
beth@domingue.com; 281.304.8332