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Easter Worship Services, Sunday, April 4th

7 AM Rockport Festival Grounds Joint Easter Sunrise Service Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and join in the celebration of the Risen Savior! There will be no 8 AM service on Easter Sunday because of the early Sunrise Service. (We will continue to have 8 am services after Easter.)

10:30 AM @ First United Methodist Church, Rockport We will have the 10:30 AM service at FUMC Rockport. We expect the 10:30 service to be crowded. Please remember that there is extra seating in both Narthexes and we will also set up extra seats in the Fellowship Hall.

This monthly newsletter is published by the First United First United Methodist Church of Rockport Methodist Church of Rockport, 801 E. Main Street, Phone No. 361-729-1659 Rockport, TX 78382.

Send address changes to P. O. Box 1045, Rockport, TX Rev. Frank Baik, Senior Pastor …………………….… x2248 78381. Susan Jamison, Business Manager…………………. x2574 Paul Klemm, Director of Music…………………… x2577 “Like” us on Facebook! Karen Snyder, Administrative Assistant…………. x2576 Kathy Wilson, RN, Wesley Nurse………………. x2578 “First United Methodist Church of Alfredo Gonzales, Custodian……………………….. x2501 Rockport, TX “ Madaline Brown, First Learning Tree Director…….. x2584

CASTAWAYS METHODIST VOLUNTEERS 2021 is off to a good start! Through all of their hard work FEBRUARY 2021 FINANCE and time donated to helping those who need a solution to shopping economically we continue to be blessed and are Church grateful for all they do! The freeze in February cut short *Giving: $ 25,296.73 the sales days but Castaways held strong...

Castaway’s: $ 8,000.00 Feb 2021 Market St Apartment Income $ 3,735.00 Sales Total $ 10,448.00 Total Income: $ 37,031.73 Admin Fee to Castaways - $ 2,225.00 Total deposit to FUMC $ 8,223.45 Expenses: $ 32,961.41 FEB Net Income $ 32,955.57 The total of $8,223.45 was distributed as: General fund: PPP Grant applied $ 0.00 $8,000.00; FUMC Reserve fund: $0.00; and UM Castaways FEB Net Income with Grant $ 4,076.16 Volunteers fund: $223.45. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CASTAWAYS VOLUNTEERS!!

*Identified giving, Sunday School offerings and unidentified giving (cash received when we pass the offering plates).

Our Special Offering for The Pregnancy Center of the Coastal Bend provided for a total of $505.00 . January Human Relations Sunday $50.00 Thanks to all who responded!! February Teen Challenge $555.00 First Learning Tree March UMCOR $216.00 April Native American Min. Sunday Income/Tuition $ 64,982.34 May Expenses $ 57,652.20 June FEB Net Income ______$ 7,330.14 PPP Grant applied $ 0.00 July FEB Net Income with Grant $ 7,330.14 August September Church and FLT Combined through FEB October November Year-to-date Net Income December Without PPP Grant $ 18,543.19 PPP Grant applied ** $ 0.00 Year-to-date Net Income with Grant $ 18,543.19 Benevolent Bucket is a special offering taken up on the first Sundays of each month. CORRECTION: A NEW PPP LOAN HAS On April 4th the Benevolent Bucket is designated for BEEN APPROVED FOR $148,995.00. This “Native American Ministries Sunday” paycheck protection program loan will help to The gifts of time and resources provided by the special fund payroll and utilities for FUMC and FLT Sunday offering make a huge difference for the Native American community. Students receive scholarship over an 8 week period so that we may assistance for college and continuing education. Church and continue to recover from this challenging community leaders take advantage of training opportunities. Vacation Bible school and after-school programs reach COVID-19 Pandemic. The funds will be children with cultural and Scriptural education. Elders gather applied in March & April! to study and learn within their own cultural community.

THANK YOU all for answering God’s Call to ministry and we ask you to please keep your church and FLT staff in your prayers and consider how you can answer God’s call to stewardship in your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Our church and community are blessed by all you have to offer. If you are traveling, you can go to our church website to give online at www.fumcrockport.org. Blessings, Susan Jamison, Business Manager 2

THERE’S A SEASON FOR EVERYTHING…UNDER THE HEAVENS: EVEN RETIREMENT!

…And we have experienced just about everything! As a church family we have lived through some very exciting times and also some very challenging times. God has been faithful in each and every season of change and I am eternally grateful that He has been the foundation upon which we can stand! That is the good news we can share with everyone!

The next season in my journey is to head into retirement beginning June 1, 2021. I will be turning over my responsibilities gradually as staff roles shift and new staff are hired. There is much to be done but as in previous transitions, God will provide. My church membership will not change and I will continue to be an active member of this congregation.

In my experiences here at FUMC Rockport, there have been times when employees have retired or moved and I, as well as others, have said, “Oh no! Who will we get to replace them?” These are some of those times that proves God’s provisioning for our needs. I think back to many who have come before us here such as Ann Clegg, Richard Zeidler, Ted Williams, Lesa Larsen, Kathy Daniels, Beverly Robberson, Monica Franklin and many more that we have depended on as staff members that were not “replaced”, but set the path for others to grow and support the ministry of Christ’s Church. We will continue to be blessed by those in leadership here at FUMC Rockport.

My reference to Ecclesiastes 3 in the above heading is no accident. While the chapter begins with the well-known verses, I find that this time verses 9-13 are most fitting:

“What do workers gain from all their hard work? I have observed the task that God has given human beings. God has made everything fitting in its time, but has also placed eternity in their hearts, without enabling them to discover what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there’s nothing better for them but to enjoy themselves and do what’s good while they live. Moreover, this is the gift of God: that all people should eat, drink and enjoy the results of their hard work.” Ecc 3: 9-13

This is my prayer: Dear Lord, I am grateful for all you have provided and the strength you have given me. I am forever yours. Forgive me for any transgression, especially those I may not see. Please bless, protect and grow this church in your will and surround each person in your grace and love. In the name of Jesus…Amen.

Yours in Christ, Susan Jamison, Business Manager

STAFF SHUFFLES

We have had, and will be having, a few staff changes in the Church Office. Stefany Simmons began working full time at Habitat for Humanity recently, and Susan Jamison is looking forward to retirement at the end of May. Right now we are looking to shift some job roles, with our Choir Director, Paul Klemm, adding Communications and Facilities Management to his work, and Karen Snyder moving over to Business Manager. We will be seeking someone to step in as an Administrative Assistant for the church and to cross-train in Communications.

We also have a need for people to help in Youth, Children’s and Nursery ministries. Let’s pray that God will send us laborers. The harvest is ripe!

LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE MONTH

Our worship life is organized around the Revised Common Lectionary—a system of reading through the entire Bible in a 3-year cycle. You are invited and encouraged to use these scripture passages in your devotional time.

Apr 4, 2021: Easter Apr 11, 2021:2nd Sun of Easter Apr 18, 2021:3rd Sun of Easter Apr 25, 2021:4th Sun of Easter Acts 10:34-43 Acts 4:32-35 Acts 3:12-19 Acts 4:5-12 Psalm 118:1-2,14-24 Psalm 133 Psalm 4 Psalm 23 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 1 John 1:1-2 1 John 3:1-7 1 John 3:16-24 John 20:1-18 John 20:19–31 Luke 24:36b-48 John 10:11-18 3

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF FIRST LEARNING TREE

Next month, on April 10th-16th, is the “Week of the Young Child”, and we are so excited! This is a time to celebrate children under the age of Kindergarten, which are learning and developing from infancy. It is a pleasure to work with these children that teach the adults as much as the adults teach them. Take a look at what our children are doing, and celebrate them with us!

God bless,

Madaline Brown

First Learning Tree Director

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FROM TRUSTEES CHAIRPERSON, KATHY DANIELS

I was visiting with Madaline Brown, Director of First Learning Tree, and she was talking about how badly the playground needed to be renovated. She wanted to return it to its original integrity but was struggling to do so. Madaline has faced many, many challenges and hardships as Director and she has overcome the majority of these issues. As a Trustee and Church Member, I'd like to reach out to our Church Family to support Madaline by relieving her of the pressure of this task and taking on the restoration of the playground. These projects are as simple as assembling a toy, painting a roadway for toy trucks, gluing artificial grass on wood, attaching items on a sheet of plywood, reworking the garden and painting a playhouse. Dustin Barre is a graduate of FLT and he has offered his assistance in this project but we need more help. These verses call out to us in support of Madaline and FLT...

Profession - Mark 6:3 Then they scoffed, He's just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon.

Service - 1Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others faithfully administering Gods grace in its various forms.

Children - Proverbs 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.

Could you be that carpenter, use your gifts and talents, and help to guide children?

I hear so many talk of how children no long play outdoors.... Children have to be taught. Isn't this an excellent opportunity to try to make a difference in a child's life by instilling in them the love of the outdoors and the wonders of what God has created?

If you are interested, please call me. I will have kits with all components ready, they just need to be assembled.

Kathy Daniels Trustee Chair 361-463-1217

USHER & WORSHIP HELPERS APPRECIATION LUNCHEON & TRAINING Saturday April 17, 2021 11:30-1:00 PM Church Bistro Area by Kitchen Menu: Shrimp Boil, Corn on the cob, Potatoes, Sausage, & Salad, mild or spicy

Training: Theology of welcome:  Welcome in COVID Era & when we are mask free  Role Plays Safety training:  Handling Money  Facility Safety Benediction and Sending Forth  Clean Up

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NEWS FROM KATHY WILSON, RN, WESLEY NURSE

Nurse’s Notes April 2021

Happy Spring!

Just like Spring brings renewal, Spring is bringing new life back to the Wesley Nurse programming.

The “Walk the Walk” physical activity group has begun meeting again after a year-long hiatus. We have met several times in March, and I am so excited to report that there are 7-8 people in attendance at our group. As part of the walking program, we have incorporated a devotional time at the start of the program. We are using a devotional based on healthy living. One of the messages from the devotional includes:

“What can we do to keep ourselves healthy even as we grow older? What lifestyle choices will allow us to continue to proclaim God’s message and do God’s work for many years to come? Some commonly accepted ways to maintain good health and energy as we age are to keep our weight in an acceptable range, exercise regularly, don’t smoke, and eat a healthy diet. These sensible actions are all part and parcel of our mission to be faithful to God’s call.” Church Health, (2016). Walking with Abraham & Sarah. Church Health/Memphis, TN.

If you would like to join this group, we are meeting on Wednesday and Fridays mornings, 8:15-9 a.m. 2 mile walk 9 a.m.-9:30 a.m. 1 mile walk

The Diabetic Support Group is also starting to meet again. We have changed the time from the previous sessions. We will now be meeting the second Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m., in the Youth Room. The Licensed Professional Counselor from Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Kim Beck, will also be joining the group these days. If you have diabetes, a family member with diabetes, or you want to know more about diabetes, please consider joining us. Our next meeting is scheduled for April 13th, at 1:00 p.m.

Please call me if you have any questions or concerns.

Blessings to all, Kathy Wilson, RN, Wesley Nurse

3 John 1:2 “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul.”

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News from Music Director, Paul Klemm Even though the Chancel Choir is currently not meeting, things are still busy within the Music Department.

Earlier in March, our Praise Band was invited to First Christian Church, Aransas Pass to play for a Sunday Evening Service that they have. In addition, the Praise Band recently provided music for the Emmaus Gathering that was held at our Church in late March.

Work on the Pentecost Cantata is moving along, albeit slowly. We had some serious delays due to the freeze, and to COVID… We’re still plowing along though. That means that it isn’t too late to join us. Perhaps you won’t be on every song, but we could still use your help! Please come see me or any of the choir members to get more information.

I am always looking for new and different music to enhance our worship services. If you have any suggestions, or if you would like to present something yourself, please let me know. I am always open to new ideas.

Paul

A Note From Diane W. Clark, Chairman 2021, Good Samaritans

2-24-21

Dear Good Samaritans Donor,

On behalf of Rockport-Fulton Good Samaritans, I wanted to let you know what your donations did for people of Aransas County last week during the terrible weather we experienced. We were able to place 7 families in motels for the duration of the bitter cold snap. They were able to keep warm and have running water. We also made sure they all had plenty of food to get them through the storm. Seven families probably doesn’t sound like a lot, but if I were one of the seven, it would mean a good deal. Because of the lack of affordable housing here in Aransas County, we must rely on nearby motels; there is just nowhere else for us to turn to get people off the streets.

In the same week, we were able to provide food for 119 families and clothing for 13 individuals. We paid utility bills for 30 families and provided gasoline for 35. We also paid for several prescriptions and medical needs and assisted with some rent payments. Without your generosity, many people would have suffered greater hardships through this unprecedented winter event.

It is because of your giving that Good Sams can help in desperate situations. Please never forget how much we appreciate your contributions and how it keeps us able to serve our less fortunate neighbors here in Aransas County.

Thanks again for your faithful giving,

Sincerely,

Diane W. Clark, Chairman 2021

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PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE PRAYER TEAM At this time, the Prescription Assistance Program Mondays @10:30 AM continues to handle requests only by phone or mail. Fellowship Hall 3 If you or someone you know needs prescription assistance, please call 361-729-1666 and leave a This dedicated group comes to message with your contact information, and we will the church to pray for prayer return your call. requests, church staff, ministries of the church, the community, February 1 to February 28, 2021 and the world. Please come if you would like to join this group in prayer. Prayer requests can Clients 2 be filled out on the friendship card, called in to the church New Clients 0 office at 361-729-1659, or filled out at online at the church New Clients Unable to Help 0 website www.fumcrockport.org Forms Filed 4 Volunteer Hours 9.25 If you have any questions please contact Lynne Ruf at 361-816-5912. Estimated Cash Value of Medications Saved for Clients: 1 month supply $ 1,728.00 X 3 months supply $ 5,184.00

CARING CARDS

The Caring Cards ministry is an important connection that bonds our church family together. We appreciate those who continue to supply us with beautiful handmade cards. If you like to make cards and wish to contribute, we welcome handmade cards to send for birthdays and anniversaries. You can bring them to the church and leave them at the receptionist desk.

If you have questions please call Gail Hanson at 361-549-4244.

CASTAWAYS THRIFT SHOP

We lost some treasured volunteers recently, but we are blessed to have new people join our team.

There’s a place for you too and always lots to do. Join us when you can!

Contact Annette at (361) 790-6217 if you're interested in joining the Castaways Team.

Thank you for considering Castaways for your community outreach, Annette

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YOUTH GROUP TO TOBY MAC CONCERT TUESDAY, APRIL 13

Youth will be going to a Christian Concert on Tues April 13, 2021. Toby Mac will be performing at the American Bank Center at 7 PM. If you plan to go, let Pastor Frank know ASAP. We will meet at 5 PM at church and will get dinner on the way. We expect to finish and get back around 9:30 PM.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH

WHAT? Children’s Church is a place where children can learn songs, Bible stories, and do crafts together.

WHY? Children’s Church gives a great space for children to learn while also allowing their parents to focus on their own worship experience.

WHO? Children’s church is for children in Kinder—3rd grades. Registration forms will need to be completed for each child. These are located on the reception desk.

WHEN? Sunday mornings, during the 10:30am service. Children begin worship with their parents in the sanctuary, and after the children’s sermon they may go to the fellowship hall with Children’s Church leaders.

Our COVID-19 Safety Procedures:  Check temperatures before children enter  All adult and youth volunteers will wear masks  Hand Sanitizer will be used frequently

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CROSS TALK BIBLE STUDY Sundays, 9:15 AM, Rec Rm

The class has begun a new series, Sermon on the Mount by Dr. Amy Jill Levine, led by various class members. Dr. Levine, a practicing Jew and professor of New Testament at Vanderbilt University, brings a fresh approach to what the followers likely heard and understood as Jesus talked.

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY WITH DONNA… We will be starting our next Bible study, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, by Lysa Terkeurst, on April 7th at Noon in room FH 3. We will have a catered luncheon and a time of fellowship along with a brief introduction to the study. I will give the schedule and layout for how this study will be done at that time. This will be a 7-week study and will end on May 26th. There will be a video and discussion each week . If you are interested in taking this class please call or text Donna Hyde at 832-457-2279 or email [email protected]. Please let Donna know if you are going to join us for the luncheon so enough food can be ordered. The deadline to RSVP is April 3rd. Everyone will need to order their own books from Amazon or Christianbooks.com. From Amazon: Lysa Terkeurst, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget Study Guide $13.99 and Chapter book $16.19 Amazon delivery is usually 1-2 days. From Christianbooks.com : Study guide $7.99 Chapter Book $14.99, with delivery usually 2-3 weeks. Please have your books by April 7th and bring them with you to the luncheon that day. Ladies this looks to be a promising study. I hope you will consider joining us April 7th through May 26th. There will be no study offered during the summer. Please watch for news of the study for the Fall of 2021.

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CHURCH WORKDAY HELPERS

Thank you to the wonderful gardeners that worked ahead of the workday! These sneaky workers came while no one was looking, and trimmed back all the dead plants around the church before the workday. There may have been more, but John and Sherry Peirce and DuWayne and Kelly Coleman were among our swift gardeners. Thanks to these ninja blade masters, there was nothing more to do outside on the workday. That was a good thing because we needed all the help we could get indoors on March 19th. A team of 4 installed film on the atrium windows next to the Nursery and the Live Oak Narthex. We hope the electric bill will reflect the efforts quickly. There is still some more to do, but most of the windows were covered.

To celebrate, we had a shrimp boil after the work was done!

We weren’t quick enough with our cameras to catch our wonderful gardener helpers in action as they trimmed dead plants from around the church!

Left: Patty Baik and Doris Owens Right: DuWayne Coleman installs tinting on the atrium windows.

WALK THE WALK IS BACK GLORY SIGHTING AND PRAISE! The lost Christ candle is found Join this great walking program! Just in time for Easter!

See page 6 for information

PREGNANCY CENTER TOUR

Pastor Frank took over $500 in offerings to the Pregnancy Center on March 22nd from our Benevolent Bucket offering.

He was treated to a tour of the new facility. Baby clothes, food, and supplies abound. What a wonderful resource for new mothers. Here is a new place you can donate your baby items!

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Worship Schedule

CHURCH OFFICES Sunday: CLOSED 8:00 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Worship MON, APRIL 5, 2021 Weekly Holy Communion (EASTER HOLIDAY) Monthly Holy Communion (1st Sundays)

Wednesday: 6:00 p.m. Worship for All Ages (Fellowship Hall)

WORSHIP:  www.fumcrockport.org/worship  Facebook: First United Methodist Church Rockport Tx  Request a sermon manuscript: call our office at 361-729-1659

Let us know you're worshiping with us from home by filling out the online Friendship Card. You can find the link on our home page @ www.fumcrockport.org

PRAYER:  Prayer with Pastor Frank: Mon-Thur @ 8:30 AM: In-person in the Sanctuary or on facebook.com/fumcrockport Fri @ 8:30 AM on facebook.com/fumcrockport

 Prayer requests can be sent to www.fumcrockport.org/prayer

SMALL GROUP AND BIBLE STUDIES:

Sun: CrossTalk, 9 AM, RecRm (Rm 6) or on Zoom—contact Jeannie Coe for info

Tue: Mid-Week Reflection with Pastor Frank, 11 AM, Rec Rm or on Zoom - find the Zoom link at www.fumcrockport.org/bible-study.

Wed: Women’s Group with Donna, 1 PM, FH 3: New study beginning April 7th—see page 10 for info Thu: Disciple Fast Track Bible Study, Facilitated by Richard Hyde, 1 PM, Rec Rm

Fri: Bible Study with Pastor Frank, 6 PM, Parsonage, in person or on Zoom - find the Zoom link at www.fumcrockport.org/bible-study

Sign up for Small Group Bible Studies @ www.fumcrockport.org/bible-study

GIVING:  Give online at fumcrockport.org/give  Mail to PO Box 1045, Rockport TX 78381

For the latest updates, check our website at fumcrockport.org

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04/01 Bob Meador IT’S A GIRL! 04/05 Pat Speck Alfredo and Claudia Gonzalez are having a baby girl! Alfredo and Claudia are our custodians at FUMC and FLT, and 04/05 Paul Bearden they keep our church and campus looking beautiful. This is 04/06 Donna Krapfel their first girl, so they do not have all the cute, little dresses; 04/09 Renee Hale and the one big thing they are still lacking is a car seat.

04/14 Carl Lechlitner Let’s show them some love by helping them get ready for the new baby with a Diaper Shower on Sunday, April 18th @ 4 PM. 04/14 Lettie Bransom (FLT) Please bring diapers to church by April 15th. 04/16 Teresa Taylor If you like to cook, they could also use help with meals, 04/18 Nick Jamison especially the first week after delivery. We are looking for at 04/20 Cole Armstrong least 3 meals to help them through that week. Thank you! 04/20 Kevin Jamison If you have questions, you can call the church office 04/21 Michael Becker at 361-729-1659. 04/22 Dale Motsinger 04/23 Myrtle Lee Important Dates 04/25 Edwina Garrison 04/28 Angela Freund APRIL 2021 04/30 Mike McLaughlin

 Apr 2: Good Friday Service @ 6 PM  Apr 4: Easter Sunday 7 AM Easter Sunrise Service (No 8 AM Service) 10:30 AM Easter Service @ FUMC  Apr 4: Benevolent Bucket—Native American Ministries  Apr 5: Church Offices Closed  Apr 11: Guest Speaker from Mission 9-1-1  Apr 13: Diabetic Support Group @ 1 PM 04/01 Jim and Annette Fowler  Apr 17: Usher/Worship Helpers Appreciation 04/11 Bob and Adeline Dunlap Luncheon and Training  Apr 18: Baby shower for Alfredo and Claudia (see info 04/14 Richard and Candi Ward  above) 04/17 Norman III and Janice Spears  Apr 20: FUMC Hosts Community Table

04/17 Mark and Wendy Bryan **Walking Classes Wednesdays and Fridays @ 8:15 AM and 9 AM in FH 3 04/19 Ray and Ellie Saenz

For full church calendar, see www.fumcrockport.org/calendar

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Always Growing in Christ

He Is Risen! Hallelujah! Join us in worship Good Friday Service, April 2 @ 6 PM Easter Sunday Services, April 4: 7 AM Community Sunrise Service @ the beach and 10:30 AM @ FUMC

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH P.O. BOX 1045 801 EAST MAIN ROCKPORT, TEXAS 78381-1045 (361) 729-1659 www.fumcrockport.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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