The Fifth Candle (The Christ Candle or Christmas Candle)

The fifth candle represents Christ himself who is born to save people from their sins. It is a celebration of the fulfillment of prophecy as represented in Christ’s birth and hope in the final fulfillment when Christ comes again and Christians join him.

Suggested Verses to Read at the Lighting of the Fifth Candle

Prophetic Verse: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its joy; they rejoice before thee as with joy at the harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as on the day of Mid'ian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to 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." Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore.

. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:2-7

Fulfillment of Prophecy: “...a Savior has been born to you: He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

A Blessing: “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2

Christmas Caroling December 11, 2010

Sharing The Motown Sounds of Christmas

1^st UMC - CS presents Sharing The Motown Sounds of Christmas on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 7 pm. In this special time of the year, we invite all to come together to experience the holiday favorite songs, praise, spoken word, and more! With special guest appearances that you don’t want to miss, this event will celebrate Jesus Christ for the whole family. A great night of fun for only a $5 donation will help to support 1^st Church and the Music Ministry. Fellowship and refreshments will follow. If you have a Motown Christmas song that you want to share, contact Jesse Cooper @ 979.229.2510 or Barbara Riggins via email at briggins1@msn.com.[Temptations - Silent Night ] [The Christmas Shoes ] [ The Whispers - This Christmas] [ Listen and see the sounds ]

Professor Angela Davis Comes To College Station

The MSC Carter G. Woodson Black Awareness Committee cordially invites you to the Fourth Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast. This event is a small way to honor the life and legacy of this extraordinary human being. This year, our guest speaker is Professor Angela Davis. The program will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 10:00 am in the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center. A plated meal will be served.

Tickets go on sale Friday, November 12 at the MSC Box Office. Seating is limited. We hope to see you there!

Tickets available at the MSC Box Office
Students Tickets: $10 Non-Students Tickets: $15
(979) 845-1234 or (888) 890-5667 (toll free)
Email: tickets@msc.tamu.edu

For more information, please
Visit the WBAC website: http://wbac.tamu.edu/
Facebook Us: http://www.facebook.com/#!/BlackAwareness
Follow us on Twitter: @WBAC2010
Read our Blog: http://tamuwbac.tumblr.com

Q.&A. Christ the King Sunday

Christ the King is the last Sunday of the season of Pentecost and of the church year. This day completes the Christian journey through the life of Jesus Christ on earth and in heaven which began with the preparation for the birth of Jesus in Advent.

Kings are absolute rulers: they attain power by raising and leading armies into war against other countries. Jesus' war was not against people or against a country, but against sin, death, and the power of the Devil. By his death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus won the war against evil.

All that Christians are asked to do is to accept that Jesus fought and won the war for their sakes and to recognize him as King of Kings.

On Christ the King Sunday, Christians recognize and worship Christ as king of heaven and earth for all time without challenge and without end.

1st United Methodist Church of College Station

FORT HOOD, Texas — Command Sgt. Maj. Shelton H. Riggins assumed the responsibilities as the highest ranking noncommissioned officer of the 1st Battalion, 289th Infantry Regiment, an Army Reserve battalion under the 479th Field Artillery Brigade, during a change of responsibility ceremony held at Francis Garcia Reserve Center, Houston, Texas, Sept. 25.

“A change of responsibility brings hope and more confidence to a unit,” said Lt. Col. Bobby J. Simmons, Battalion Commander of the 1-289th. “At this time we are ushering in the new standard bearer for Soldiers of the battalion to emulate.”

Stepping out of retirement and putting the uniform on just for a moment, Command Sgt. Maj. Terry L. Green turned over the reins to Riggins. Green served as the command sergeant major for 1-289th for three years while leading the re-organization from the 75th Division to First Army Division West.

“Command Sgt. Maj. Riggins I just want to tell you this battalion is a special battalion,” said Green. “This battalion is my home and these Soldiers are my heart.”

Pledging to continue keeping the battalion great, Riggins, a native of Tyler, Texas, joined the Army during December 1976. His previous assignments include Command Sergeant Major of Central Medical Area Readiness Support Group, Fort Sheridan, Ill.; Command Sergeant Major of Task Force Med Falcon, Kosovo Force 10, Kosovo; Command Sergeant Major of 5th Medical Group, Birmingham, Ala.; Command Sergeant Major of 321st Materiel Management Center, Baton Rouge, La., Command Sergeant Major of 451st Civil Affairs Battalion, Pasadena, Texas; and acting Command Sergeant Major of 607th Military Police Battalion, Grand Prairie, Texas.

In his civilian career, Riggins is employed as a Military Technician for the 479th Field Artillery Brigade, here.

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; Army Commendation Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with one Silver and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Bronze Hour Glass; noncommissioned officer Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 4; and the Army Service Ribbon.Pledging to continue keeping the battalion great, Riggins, a native of Tyler, Texas, joined the Army during December 1976. His previous assignments include Command Sergeant Major of Central Medical Area Readiness Support Group, Fort Sheridan, Ill.; Command Sergeant Major of Task Force Med Falcon, Kosovo Force 10, Kosovo; Command Sergeant Major of 5th Medical Group, Birmingham, Ala.; Command Sergeant Major of 321st Materiel Management Center, Baton Rouge, La., Command Sergeant Major of 451st Civil Affairs Battalion, Pasadena, Texas; and acting Command Sergeant Major of 607th Military Police Battalion, Grand Prairie, Texas.

In his civilian career, Riggins is employed as a Military Technician for the 479th Field Artillery Brigade, here.

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; Army Commendation Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with one Silver and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Bronze Hour Glass; noncommissioned officer Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 4; and the Army Service Ribbon.
by Blackanthem Military News

World Communion Sunday - 2010

World Communion
Celebrated the first Sunday in October -- is one of the most venerable of "Special Sundays." The day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has undermined peace and justice -- and in a time when fear divides the peoples of God's earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve -- a world ever more in need of peacemaking.

October 3, 2010: World Communion Sunday is a time to be in communion with Christians all over the world and to enable us to "press on toward the goal" of serving God in life-changing ministries.

To Partaking Of The Feast -

●The Bread
Floaves represent the four corners of the world; five: the inhabited continents; six: all the continents; seven: the days of creation; ten: the Hebrew Ten Commandments; twelve: the disciples.

●The Fruits
Fruits is celebrated to acknowledge the early crops as a peace offering, offerings was to be eaten by the worshiper. The scriptural notices of these are to be found in Le 20,23:40a; Nu 13:20b; Deu 1:25 etc. establishes communion between God and man."

1st United Methodist Church College Station
1125 Wellborn Road College Station TX 77840
Phone 979.690.8415
http://1stcollegestation.org/

Q & A : What Is All Saints’ Day?

What is All Saints' Day about? Those of us who are Protestant can sometimes get stuck in the assumption that the "saints" are all ancient Catholics, wearing haloes, beatific smiles, and the blood of martyrdom. It can be hard to remember the line of reasoning that makes any old bunch of Protestants into saints. Even before they're dead. Even if they're not particularly poor, chaste, or obedient. Even if their theological constructs are wobbly, they don't tithe, and they badmouth the contemporary service.

Gertrud Mueller Nelson explains it this way: "All Saints Day is the celebration of those who have contributed successfully to the creation of the kingdom. The saints were not perfect, but they were whole, holy, and they were certainly human. They lived their unique fate with creativity and participated in the evolution of human consciousness" (To Dance with God, by Gertrud Mueller Nelson [Paulist Press, 1987], 223).

That opens things up! Saints are just people who are trying to listen to God's word and live God's call. This is "the communion of saints" that we speak of in the Apostle's Creed -- that fellowship of believers that reaches beyond time and place, even beyond death. Remembering the saints who have helped extend and enliven God's kingdom is what All Saints Day is about. http://www.upperroom.org/

Remembrance Prayer

Leader: We remember the saints who have gone home this past year.

People: We give thanks for the lives who have blessed ours. May their lights continue to shine in our hearts, even after their passing. Amen.

Leader: As a congregation, let us express our support of those who mourn for their loved ones.

People: Sit on the mourner's bench as long as you need to weep. We, your friends and family in Christ, commit to sit with you, to remember with you, and to wipe away your tears. Pour out your Spirit, Lord, on your people so that we may all feel your peace. In Jesus' name, Amen. www.gbod.org

Altar Call Chant: Hear our prayer, O Lord, incline thine ear to us and grant us thy peace. Amen.

Community health and safety fair raises awareness, offers services

Health care. For many people, especially college students or parents of low-income households, there are no two words more feared or despised. But for those without the resources to get tested or receive expensive care, health fairs are excellent venues of information and free services.

Christ United Methodist Church put on a Community Health and Safety Fair in south College Station, Saturday. Christ Church partnered with Millican United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church, the Texas A&M University Health Science Center, the College Station Medical Center, College Station Fire Department and A&M Consolidated High School in offering the community-wide event.

"Our purpose is to raise awareness about the resources available [for improved health]," said Reverend Tommy Myrick, pastor of Christ United Methodist Church and a coordinator for the event.

A variety of organizations set up booths for the fair. The American Red Cross had a representative available to answer questions about donating blood and organizing blood drives, while several personal fitness groups, such as Innovative Fitness, marketed their programs. A catering service called D'Vine Cuisine LLC offered healthy catering options.

"We are also offering free flu shots," Myrick said. Participants who visited at least 10 booths could take their signed card to the back and receive the shot.

Members of A&M Consolidated High School's after-school club, Health Occupations Students of America, also had a set-up at the fair. The students took blood pressure and measured height and weight. They even calculated your height-to-weight ratio for you, which measured whether you were at risk for weight-related diseases.

"Most of us [students] hope to go into health or the medical field someday or just enjoy medicine," said Mona Reddy, one of the student members of Health Occupations Students of America. "We are trained in the basics and [as volunteers] help out and get practice using our skills."

The College Station Medical Center, also known as The MED, was represented at the health fair. Joe Brown, director of marketing for the MED, answered questions and directed attendees to the center's body mass index and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease screening stations.

Brown discussed the center's role in the fair and what they do to improve health in the community.

"We do a lot of marketing, through ads and commercials and things like that, but nothing beats one-on-one interaction. [The health fair] is an opportunity to meet with people face-to-face, to answer their questions and get feedback [on the MED's health programs]," Brown said. "We also offer screenings as a preventative health practice. Some people come in not even aware that they have health problems, but after they get screened, they're informed about the condition and know how to prevent it if they're at risk or treat it if they have one."

The College Station Fire Department had several vehicles on-site for demonstrations. A passenger-restraint display was also set up to encourage child-passenger safety practices and warn about the consequences of not wearing seat belts.

"Our desire is to improve community health and safety," Myrick said.

By Tim Bardin
The Battalion

A Prayer for the Leaders of the Nations

O God our heavenly Father,
whose love sets no boundaries
and whose strength is in service;
grant to the leaders of the nations
wisdom, courage and insight at this time of darkness and fear.

Give to all who exercise authority
determination to defend the principles of freedom, love and tolerance,
strength to protect and safeguard the innocent
and clarity of vision to guide the world into the paths of justice and peace.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Praise Party October 2nd 2010

The praise party held on October 2nd was truly a blessing. This praise party was for everyone to lift up the name of Jesus through praise, worship and dances. We would like to give a special thank you to Christ Holy Praise Dancers, Voices of Praise of TAMU, First United Methodist Youth Choir, Brandon Collins, Mrs. Barbara Riggins, Jerry Sims, PSP as well as all of the family and friends who attended this praise party. We had a chance to experience the presence of God, which was an awesome experience. PSP would like to thank each of you for all of your prayers and support.

Keep Praying for Our Children,

As we grow in grace together, I have encouraged parents to share their prayers for our church, community, children, and youth. Here are a few one-sentence prayers:

• May our children continue to excel, have excellent behavior, and conduct.
• May our church and our children excel regardless of anything that may try to block our growth.
• May all grow spiritually.
• Thank God for growth, great fellowship, and the love of Christ Jesus.
• Thank you Lord for strength to continue our journey.
• May God help our children to have great behavior...may we celebrate with them daily.
• May we have opportunities to get to know God personally.
• May our faith in God show us ways to help others.
• Grant us grace, forgive one another, and love our neighbors!
• Celebrate life with God.

Take a moment to read Col. 3: 12-17 and pray about love, forgiveness, and praise unto the Lord:

^12-14So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

^15-17Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Be Blessed,

Rev. Jacqui King

1965 Ford Galaxie 500 purchased from used car lot by teen

By VERN PARKER
Motor Matters

In 1965, Ford designers made a stylistic change from rounded edges and round taillights to angular and sharp edges. One of the new angular Ford Galaxie 500 sedans reportedly was sold to a traveling salesman in east Texas. That four-door sedan was by far the most popular model that Ford produced. A total of 181,183 such cars were manufactured. The base price was $2,678.
Seven years later, the 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 was sitting on a used car lot where it was spotted by 17-year-old Shelton Riggins. The teenager had $200, but the price of the Ford was $695. He convinced his grandmother to pay the remainder, so that he could have a car for his senior year at Chapel Hill High School.
On July 27, 1972, he started the 352-cubic-inch V-8 engine and with 250 horsepower at his command, Riggins drove the turquoise car home. The summer was hot and the car didn't have an air conditioner, but he did not care because, he says, "It was a good running car."
The following autumn he drove his Ford 500 miles to Plainview, Texas where he was a student at Wayland Baptist University. After his freshman year he went home for the summer for much needed repairs to his car, including a new short block. With most of the mechanical parts replaced Riggins returned to school. "After my freshman year," he says, "it was pretty much a new car to me."
With the new parts the Ford Galaxie 500 performed flawlessly on the return trip to Plainview. "It took me 8 hours," he recalls. "It was a beautiful ride."
The 119-inch wheelbase provided a cushioned ride. He has never pushed the speedometer needle up to the 120-mph limit but he says, the car has never lacked for power. The Ford has never been equipped with a heater, but Riggins is quick to point out that his car does have a radio and power steering.
After graduation in the spring of 1977, Riggins parked the Ford at his grandmother's house when he joined the Army and was stationed for three years in what was then West Germany.
When he returned home in 1980 he found that his Ford had not fared well in his absence. He took his car to a trusted mechanic who, he says, "Got it back in tip-top shape."
When he was dating Barbara, who would later become his wife, the Ford was in storage, so she was only aware of its existence. After the wedding in 1989 Riggins got his car out of storage.
In 1990, Riggins had the original green cloth upholstery replaced. In 1996, the then 31-year-old paint was showing its age so Riggins had the car repainted in the original color. While preparing the Ford for repainting no rust was located anywhere. Also absent were any dings or dents in the body. Stacked headlights flank the grille above the bumper. So far Riggins has not had to have either bumper or any of the trim rechromed on his Galaxie 500.
Ten years passed before Riggins decided in October 2006 that his Ford needed to be repainted. The process of respraying the car in 2006 was a repeat of the task in 1996, with one exception: one of the original wheels was damaged and the distinctive 1965 wheel covers proved to be irresistible to some unsavory characters. Riggins solved both problems by installing a set of aftermarket wheels until he can replace the original equipment.
These days, the owner says, "I mostly drive my Ford on weekends." In the 38 years that Riggins has owned the Galaxie 500 he has driven it only about 40,000 miles. "It has served me well," Riggins says.

Happy Gradparents Day

We are living in a society that is running the dangerous and costly risk of overlooking one of the greatest resources of stability and wisdom we have. Because our society has decided that youth is to be favored and flaunted, and due to the need for immediate gratification, we no longer esteem or acknowledge the importance and blessing of our seniors and the very necessary contribution that they make to our communities.

On the first Sunday after Labor Day we celebrate and acknowledge the supreme contribution of our seniors, elders, and grandparents because, without their teaching by precept and practice, all of us who have succeeded would have been doomed and destined to a life of wandering, wailing and wilderness. [ A Prayer of Blessing for Grandparents' Day]

Stretching Our $$$'s

1. Pray about getting on a budget.


2. Families who are experiencing growing children without getting a raise are wondering how they can make it! Check out this great national ministry called Angel Food Ministries: . This ministry provides families an opportunity to get nutritional food at a reduced cost on a monthly basis. View the menus and enter your zip code to get connected in your community. Share this link as we help one another stretch our resources.


3. Find the agencies who offer assistance in Brazos Valley, go to: http://www.uwbv.org/211/

“By Faith.” A preaching series by Pastor King

Sometimes we wonder what it takes to move forward spiritually. We pray and ask, how do we become new? How will our journey begin and where will our faith take us? When everything starts moving forward, how will God’s plans be revealed? All these questions can be answered through experiencing faith in God. Take a pause now to spend time listening to a powerful series called “By Faith.” These messages will share insights about living ready, running our own race, receiving healing, and renewal by having faith in the love of Jesus Christ.

Listen to By Faith - "Live Ready" "Run Your Race" "Healed and Made New"

Prayer to Jesus Before a Test

Lord Jesus,
Being fully human, as well as fully divine,
you know the pressures and stress that I face right now.
I ask that you guide me as I take this test,
so that I may do my best.
Help me to use the knowledge I have gained,
in this class and all my classes to build up your kingdom,
for the good of all people. Amen

Written by David Bennett

Prayer to Jesus – Keep us from Bullying

Lord, let us go into the new school year with
an attitude of remaining loving regardless
of any 'affliction' that we may have.
Help us to live in peace with everyone.
Anyone who tries to taunt, tease, bully or pick
on us about our affliction, give us peace. For with
Your help, it can be easier to move beyond or
away from such afflictions/people
and allow our faith to keep us strong. Help us
remember this when it gets too difficult to not
let anger take us in the wrong direction.
We wait upon You. Help us see how we are stronger with
Your power helping us to remain loving despite anything! Amen

Praise God, Jacques Richard
Brotherhood @ 1st College Station

A Prayer for Elementary Students

Father of all mercies, We ask that you would bless the youngest and littlest of learners, the most helpless and powerless of persons, with Your infinite and loving mercy, granting them the strength to learn, concentrate, and act appropriately towards their teachers and fellow students.

We also ask that You would watch over them, at home and at school and grant them proper direction so that they may learn of Your wonderful virtues. We ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

Written by David Bennett

Prayer For Beginning a New School Year

We thank you for the opportunity to begin the _____-_____ school year, and we ask that you bless the faculty, the students, and student families. We pray that you will guide us in all ways, and that we will seek your will in everything that we do. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Written by
David Bennett

What a great summer @ 1st College Station UMC!

What a great summer @ 1st College Station UMC!
What a summer; the 2010 summer temperature in College Station, Texas was blazing hot! So many days were over 100 degrees but it did not stop great things from happening @ FUMC-CS. Enjoy this slide show highlighting the Youth Car Wash, Father’s Day dedication of our prayer rails, camp send-off, new members, baptisms, Church Anniversary, Family Promise, UMW Conference, Family Swim Bash, District Hymn Sing, Habitat house warming, and Back-to-School Blessings. [ View Slide Show ] [ Listen to Rev. Floyd Polk of Lee Chapel UMC in Bryan, TX pray for 1st Church ]

Blessings to all who are in college and families with college students,

It is so important to stay prayed up and connected during the exciting college years. The United Methodist Church wants to stay connected with each of you during this season of discovery, development, and dreaming. God knows the plans for your life (Jer. 29: 11).

Please take a moment to check these links out and submit your info to the Texas Annual Conference to help us to know what we can do to help you with fulfilling the plans that God has for you:

• Texas Conference Story about College Students: http://www.txcumc.org/news/detail/1767
• Texas Conference Campus Ministry Form: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHdsM1BtS1hfN2hnNHRSTEFFTEc0bFE6MQ
• Article about 40 Days of Praying for our College Campuses:
  http://www.txcumc.org/news/detail/1739
• Prayer Site for the 40 Days of Prayer: http://pray40.com/
• General Board of Higher Education - Scholarship info (deadlines have expired for 2010 but keep it on your 2011 list): http://www.gbhem.org/site/c.lsKSL3POLvF/b.3475011/k.33E/Loans__Scholarships.htm
• Online Bible Study @ 1st College Station: http://1stcollegestation.org/study.html

Please share this with our grad college students (I do not have their emails) and all families with students in college. Keep the prayers going up for God to move by faith on all the needs that college students have throughout their educational preparation season. God hears us and guides us through all things...thanks be to God.

Let me know how I might assist and support you...

Be Blessed,

Rev. Jacqui King

Update on Amanda and Johnny O’Neal

Amanda e-mailed me and Wendi this morning and I would like to pass her message on to others. Amanda has not worked in about a year. Currently, Amanda is on peritoneal dialysis. Because of Amanda’s illness she is not as active at the moment as she would like to be however, she knows God has a plan for her. They have no kids yet, due to her illness. Although, they love Dallas they also miss B/CS and 1st Church.

UMW – Amanda said she would love to come speak and give her testimony once she recovers. She has a story to tell.Let’s continue to keep Amanda in our prayers.

Blessings,
Ann Cashaw

Please pray this prayer for the O’Neal family.

“Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for Amanda and Johnny O’Neal. Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. Show your mercy as you close wounds, cure illness, kidney disease, and free downcast spirits. May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and so join us in thanking you for all your gifts. We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed.” (By Jesus' stripes Amanda is healed!)

Amen!

Family Promise:Volunteer & Coordinator Annie Williams

Annie Williams is the Volunteer | Coordinator at First United Methodist Church in College Station,Texas. She reflects on how she got involved with Family Promise:

At the point when I was introduced to Family Promise it was still in the plan¬ning stages. My Pastor then, Kenneth Green, asked me to meet with Ann Park and Sara Loeppert to see if this would be a ministry the church would consider as an outreach ministry.

After this initial meeting at Hastings in College Station in the summer of
2007, First Church officially became a I host church in August '07. I can recall there being only 4-5 churches involved including First Church-CS at
the time.

I serve as the Volunteer Coordinator for First Church-CS and a volunteer for
the Day Facility. Initially, volunteering at the Day Facility had become an
everyday event. I had to laugh at myself when I realized that most of my time was spent at 1806 Wilde I Oak Circle during that first year. The 2-5:15 time slot and my work schedule fit perfectly allowing me the time to spend at the Day Center. No, I am not there as much as in the past. But I will continue to be a volun¬teer at the Day facility.

At First Church-CS, it is my responsibil¬ity to oversee that everything is ready to welcome FP guests when they ar¬rive. As a matter-of-fact, it was a bit overwhelming preparing for the very first Rotation. First Church-CS is
a small church with a small member¬ship, but the members have such BIG HEARTS. At the beginning of this program, even I questioned if First Church would be able to do this. Immediately, the doubt was erased when some creative and ener¬getic volunteers began planning how to section off our sanctuary allowing ample space to accommodate 14 guests comfortably. First Church
opened its doors October 19, 2008, to 13 FP guests. When only 2-families
are in the program it has become more convenient to set up in the Nurs¬ery and Lab rooms. The First Church Family believes we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Beginning with the 2010 rotations,
there have been great changes for the better. More volunteers have been
recruited from the "Powered Singles on Pursuit." This group of singles is doing a magnificent job in covering areas from preparing meals - staying
overnight and driving in the AM. It is no longer necessary for me to be at the church every day. Parents are bringing their youth and children to fellowship/socialize with our guest children. Wendi Peterson is the influ¬ential force behind all of the new volunteers. This group was a much needed unit, in that, some of the re-sponsibilities were lifted from many of the original volunteers who have been there for every host week since we became involved in Family Program.

I enjoy most being able to provide a safe space for families to stay to¬gather; to see them reach goals they've set for themselves to regain their independence.
I am proud to be a part of this won¬derful ministry and I wish it was some way that we could get the idea over to other churches that becoming a host church is relatively easy. If your church can't host families, connect with another church and do what you can or volunteer on your own.
[ View News Letter]

Family Promise is an outreach ministry that transforms lives.

First UMC - College Station hosts families 4 to 5 times annually. The homeless families reside evenings at our church and participate in daily activities at the Family Promise Center in Bryan. The daily meals and evening activities are managed by families from our church and various buddy churches. Prayers are answered as parents find employment and new homes for their family. Family Promise offer places of faith an opportunity to become homes of hope for families.
[ Family Promise of Bryan-College Station ]

1st Church College Station experienced the sacrament of Baptism

Sunday, August 8th was a great day in the Lord as 1st Church College Station experienced the sacrament of Baptism. Both children and families were blessed when the body of Christ embraced God’s grace during the baptismal service. Additionally, the remembrance of baptism celebration encouraged all to remember the love of Jesus Christ. Enjoy this slide show and be a part of a blessed day @ 1st Church College Station... [ more info about Remembrance of Baptism ]

My beloved in Christ,

Dear of God,

I am a member of Talkshoe.
My beloved in Christ, I am very happy what God is using
you to do at this End Time. I do really appreciate your
concern for taking the Word of God to the mass. As a
man of God I sense in my spirit that having you in
Ghana to teach preach etc the gospel will be
deliverance, peace, joy ans togetherness to the
kingdom of God.

We found your Church website very interesting
because we share the same Vision, the Same Faith,
and common goal to win souls for Christ, musical
inspiration, blog, and also empowered existing Christian believers to be strong in the
Lord Jesus.

Dear Daughter of God Pastor Jacqui King We will be very happy if you will
accept our INVITATION to come to Ghana.

Since we got your website we became so much proud because we believe that sharing
the word of God with us the kingdom work in Ghana , Africa as a whole will move as expected.

Therefore I would really appreciate if you could reply to enable us start our preparation
and also you cam ask more about us. Church Website and my number:
www.calvary-pentecostal-prayer-ministry.page.tl/

I would be waiting to hearing from you soon.
May God Bless you

Apostle David Adzaka

1st Church Family welcomes the Carter Family as new members!

As for me and my house,
we will serve the Lord.
~Joshua 24:15

Still Standing on the Promises of God

What a great blessing it is to experience the move of God! First Church - College Station and St. Paul UMC - Port Arthur came together to celebrate the 66th Anniversary on Sunday afternoon. Giving tribute and honor to the historical churches which stood together in 1944 to create First United Methodist Church - College Station, provided the backdrop for a special candlelighting by family members from those churches as the history was read by Wendi Peterson.

Friends, family, and extended neighbors enjoyed great praise and worship from youth and adult choirs from both churches, prayers from Rev. Floyd Polk of Lee Chapel UMC in Bryan, TX, and a powerful message from Rev. Patricia A. Wells of St. Paul UMC. The Spiritual Movers of God (SMOG), Miracle Mime, and the Atmosphere Changers (College Students) from St. Paul UMC ushered in the spirit in a mighty way that gave everyone a renewed willingness to keep standing for God. Great fellowship and new connections were made with welcoming hearts that topped off the afternoon. God is good and we are still standing!

Sundays are WOW experiences @ First Church -

College Station! God is worthy of our worship. We move in the Spirit and lift up great praises unto the Lord. Donel and I are excited about serving at First Church. Thank you so much for working and serving together to help us get settled in a new community. Keep your prayers going up as we are all moving forward with New Beginnings! All are invited to come and experience Sunday Worship @ 11am, Wednesday Bible Study @ 7pm, and various upcoming ministry opportunities throughout the summer. If you get a chance, check the front page of the website for 1st Day @ First photos, new sermons and the daily devotional at.

Blessings,
Pastor Jacqui & Donel King