Weekly Highlights

Easter Sunday

April 21, 2019

James Montgomery started Easter right for us
with "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah.

(Just giving you clips of most of the music --
this little effort is to let you know what you missed
if you were unable to attend or to remind you of
what you experienced if you did. It was a glorious day!)

The Resurrection changed EVERYTHING!

"Christ the Lord is Risen Today"
- Davin Hutchinson's commitment and determination
to help us experience Easter
as it should be done was very obvious!
Davin is the Minister of Music & Worship.

Accompanying are 
Nathan Matous on trumpet,
Diana Castillo on saxophone,
and Sarah Rider on trombone.

 

Christen Vick, Minister to Students and more,
brought us our opportunities
for the week and month ahead.
Check the calendar and announcements
on this website to find your preferences!

"Praise to the Lord, The Almighty"

Amen

"In Christ Alone" brought us the celebration
of the Resurrection with new life
as symbolized by the cross
carried into the Sanctuary!

The very capable Cross bearers are:
Jared Rudd, Eric Colvin, Alan Reese, and Dennis Reno, Jr.

 

The old wooden cross that had been standing
in the Sanctuary all of Lent was transformed
just before the worship service with flowers
brought by many of those
attending the worship service!

The key word is "transformed" - isn't it!

To see more about this cross and its making and moving,
click here!

 

Pastor Ramsdell and Susie, the St. Bernard,
had children spead out all over the place
to hear the stories and the probable bark
during Children's Sermon time!

The Handbell Ensemble presented "Easter Bells" 

Just had to put ALL of this performance here for you,
but to do it, it had to be split into two videos.
So, above is the first half; below is the second half
(with a little overlap). Enjoy!

 

Jared Rudd, church Lay Leader, read the
Scripture for Easter Sunday.

1 Corinthians 15:4-8

 

The very talented Chancel Choir brought us
"Ring the Easter Bells." 

 

Rev. Stephen Ramsdell's uplifting sermon
"Jesus and a New Life"
was just what we had been waiting for. 

Jesus Christ is RISEN - He is RISEN - INDEED!

The Resurrection was a real event that changed the world!
It was the greatest VICTORY this world has ever known!

Easter is JOY and COURAGE!

The disciples were filled with JOY when they saw the resurrected Jesus!

The disciples had a message to share again and again
-- we are to share that message, too -- again and again!

They and we are to tell of God's presence in a new way!

EASTER changes EVERYTHING!

The service closed with the powerful -- "Because He Lives"

 

 

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Sunday, 9:00 a.m.

See all the precious and delighted faces
of the children finding their Easter Eggs
on church grounds
before Easter Worship services! 

Click HERE to see them all!

Holy Thursday

(Maundy Thursday)

Thursday, April 18, 2019

 

James Montgomery - "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"

 

Holy Thursday marks the
Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles
prior to his betrayal, trial and crucifixion
as portrayed in the Christian gospels.

 

Christen Vick reads
Matthew 26:36-46

 

Davin Hutchinson leads us in three hymns
- check program above.

 

Carey Bryan reads
Mark 15:1-13

 

Jared Rudd reads
Mark 15:24-39

Rev. Stephen Ramsdell prepares us
for this most important Last Supper.

 

 

Easter IS coming!

 

 

 Palm Sunday

Sunday, April 14, 2019

 

Twins Day at First United Methodist Church,
as well as Palm Sunday!
Pictured are twin brothers
Pastors Stephen and Michael Ramsdell
plus twin sisters Sarah Jurik and Amanda Canady holding
Davin & Brooke's twin boys, Brenden and Camden Hutchinson!

 

The Worship service actually began with:

"For the Beauty of the Earth"
Directed by Davin Hutchinson
Accompanied by: James Montgomery
Can you say "WOW"!!!

 

Palm Sunday MUST start off with the singing of
"Hosanna, Loud Hosanna"
with the parade of children
and others bringing palm branches
to the base of the cross!  

Stephanie Reese challenges the children
during Children's Sermon time....
....and they are quick to respond..
..shows they are listening well!

 

A beautiful Call to Prayer solo
"Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior"
was sung by
Davin Hutchinson, Minister of Music and Worship!

 

Pastor Steve Ramsdell follows up on
the Call to Prayer
with the Pastoral Prayer
and The Lord's Prayer (congregation in unison).

Words ARE on the big screen, if needed!

 

Amanda Canady and Sarah Jurik (identical twins)
blessed with their beautiful voices
this Palm Sunday with
the deeply spiritual 
"Worthy is the Lamb!"

 

Jared Rudd, Lay Leader, brought the scripture
for our sermon preparation!

Luke 19:29-40

 

Pastor Steve Ramsdell attempted to introduce
his identical twin brother Pastor Mike Ramsdell
who was to give the sermon of the day.
Pastor Steve seemed to have more stories
to tell about him than time would allow.
What a family dynamic!

 

Pastor Mike Ramsdell's sermon
was titled
"Consuming Grace."

He says that the word "Hosanna"
that we say a great deal on Palm Sundays
means "save us now!"

Grace was coming to this place!

Grace --
Covers the past
Gives us the present
Assures the future

The world has taught us that we are what we consume!
Ephesians 2:8-10

Jesus is still saving us!
It is a Gift from God!

We have a life that God wants us to live!

 

Pastor Steve Ramsdell closed the service
with the Invitation and the Benediction.

 

It was so much fun and interesting to experience
identical twin brothers and their preaching styles
and humor and more.
They are SO MUCH ALIKE in tone, style, smiles, banter.
....we were just thrilled to get to see them
work together before, during, and after the service!

Thank you Pastor Mike AND Pastor Steve for being here for us!

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Sunday, April 7, 2019

Trisha Hodges talks to the children
about the Truth Book using
the Children's Bible.

 

Christen Vick brings our weekly JOY
of the announcements of opportunities
for the week and the months ahead!

 

Even with choir absentees at times, the choir brings 
us amazing music every time they get the chance!
Want to join them?
Practice is on Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m.
You will be welcomed to be a part of this group!

First United Methodist of Ennis
has their own resident harp playing angel
- Kristi Copeland!
Everyone enjoys this rare treat.
Did not catch the recording this time,
but promise to do so next time!

 

Reciting the scripture together weekly
has become such a privilege
as we are led by Lay Leader Jared Rudd.

John 5:5-8

 

Pastor Ramsdell brings us more on
"Encounters with Christ - Indescribable"
messages!

This one was

"Jesus and a Paralyzed Man"

John 5:1-5

reminds of many facts about the Christ Jesus.

Jesus knows your whole story!
He knows your heart--and all about you!
Jesus knows your circumstances!

When you follow Jesus,
you agree to a life-changing experience!

Jesus cannot help someone who doesn't want help!
Faith is powerful when connecting to God!
Listen to the right voice in your life!

 

Holy Communion preparation each month
gives everyone cause to stop and think
and pray even more.
First United Methodist Communion table is an open Communion
 - all are welcome and invited to participate!

 

Laity assisting with Communion this month are:
Janey and Steve Fallen!

 

"I Am Thine, O Lord" indeed!
Thank you Davin for leading us!

 

The Invitation, the Benediction, and the Acolytes
-- all complete the service with fitting reverence!
 

The Sunday Bulletin will tell the whole story....almost!
Click Here!

 

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Sunday, March 31, 2019

 

Janey Fallen shows and tells the children
about how we need water to live;
at the same time we need Jesus Christ to live --
Jesus has LOVE that goes on forever and ever.

 

 

The service begins with one of our favorite versions of
Holy, Holy, Holy
by the Worship Team!

 

Davin Hutchinson, Minister of Music & Worship,
is on the keyboard; 
Vincent Harris
is on percussion!
 

Tara Washburn and Davin Hutchinson a
long with the Chancel Choir lead the vocals.

Rev. Stephen Ramsdell and Christen Vick
are in the middle of everything!

"This is OUR God" 
Another favorite Song of Praise!

 

Davin Hutchinson, James Montgomery (Organist),
and the Chancel Choir
 prepare us for special prayer time with 
"Sweet Hour of Prayer."

After praising all Worship participants and the congregation,
Pastor Steve Ramsdell leads us in deep prayer!

 

Scripture reading for the day is
John 4:7-10

Sermon title:
"Jesus and the Lost Woman"

Jesus gives Living Water that is life-changing!
You can talk about Faith anywhere,
not just in the church building!
There are opportunites for a Spiritual connection.
The Water Jesus gives us takes away our thirst all together!
When people encounter Christ, they want more!
He lets the woman at the well know that He is the Messiah;
He can redeem her past!
Anyone can have a personal walk with God that is transforming.

---

Following the worship service the entire congregation
had the opportunity to eat together in this
5th Sunday Luncheon in the Family Life Center!

For more views of this church family
breaking bread together,
Click Here.

Third Sunday of Lent

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Children are a high priority for us!
And we love experiencing their eagerness
to learn and to share. 

 

James Montgomery, organist extraordinaire, never fails
to please the ears of the congregation!
Here is a bit of his Prelude,
"Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise."

 

Cindy Lovelace, a Team Leader,
for FUMC Jubilation Relay for Life Team,
gives an outline of what Relay for Life
is all about and invites participation
in a number of ways.
Click Here for more info! 

 

Davin Hutchinson, Minister of Music and Worship,
leads the Chancel Choir and the congregation
in the Spirit rousing version of
"Come, Christians, Join to Sing."

 

How about a tiny taste of another of our talented men
-- Joey Svehlak!
Joey seems to have so much fun with the children
when he presents the Children's Sermon!

 

Talk about talented men on our church!
We were surprised with an unlisted solo
by Mark Renfro singing
"How Great Thou Art."

Not being prepared for this to happen,
I missed the first line....

"O, Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder".....
(NOW click the play arrow on the video above!) 

Pastor Steve points out the 12' cross
that will be covered in live flowers
on Easter Sunday!
Everyone is to BRING real flowers
for the team to apply to the cross!

Pastor Steve presents his third sermon in the
"Encounters with Christ -- Indescribable" series.

Sermon title: "Jesus and Two Sisters"

Luke 10:40-41

Major points covered included:

Jesus came to clear up the confusion about God!
John 11:3

Jesus came to clear up out confusion about the future!
John 11:25

Jesus show us a God who weeps.
John 11:35

Jesus shows us a path to seeing God!
John 11:40

Jesus always goes before us!
Along with the promise comes the proof! 

The resurrection is the truth!
 

 

 

Second Sunday of Lent

Sunday, March 17, 2019

Songs of Praise this day included
"Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King"
and
"Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery."

 

The Sunday Bulletin said the Hymn of Praise was to be
"How Firm a Foundation"
--- this was a WOW version of that hymn!
Great job ALL!

 

 

We trust you noticed the unusual display in front of the lecturn!
The full explanation of this one of many Lenten Tables
is explained on the front "page" of our website.
Click HERE to see last year's tables and their descriptions.

 

St. Patrick's Day was also Stephen Ramsdell's birthday.
Christen Vick presented him with the reading
of a humorous poem that she had written
along with some heartfelt, meaningful gifts
-- many Starbuck's Coffee gift cards and
a donation to his God is BIG Enough endeavor!

We think he thought something might happen,
but was probably not all that prepared
for so much coffee!

(You know what? He did not mention that it was
ALSO his identical twin brother Mike's birthday, too!) 

Susie, the St. Bernard,
Pastor Steve's favorite Children's Sermon helper,
lets the children know that she is so happy
that they are the light of our world!

 

From the Lenten/Easter series
"Encounters with Christ -- Indescribable,"
this Sunday's sermon is the second one --
"Jesus and a Blind Man." 

Luke 18:40-42

As people met Christ on the road,
they were never the same again!

Ask in courage and know that prayers
will be answered in some way!

Are your prayers specific?
Do you put your faith up front?
Do you go public?

We have faith in a BIG God!

As Pastor Steve Ramsdell began to close the service,
he called Jeremy Webb up front to be introduced
to the congregation.
Pastor Steve suggested that if we had not talked
with Jeremy that day that we might wish
to just ask him about Methodist Children's Home in Waco.

Read on to find out why Jeremy Webb was here today!
 

 

The Epworth Class invited Jeremy Webb
from Methodist Children's Home in Waco
to speak to the class this Sunday morning
during the Sunday School hour.
All other adult Sunday School classes
were invited to attend.

 

Jeremy Webb, Benefactor Relations Officer at Methodist Children's Home, presented background and updates about the amazing things being done for children at MCH in Waco and beyond. He brought the opportunity for questions and explanations of so much that matters. Ennis First United Methodist has supported Methodist Children's Home through many of its members and small groups, as well as always giving the opportunity for the church membership to be a part of it all through donations!

See their website for more info!

https://www.mch.org/

 

First Sunday of Lent

Sunday, March 10, 2019

 

An OLD RUGGED CROSS stood towering over the sanctuary
this Sunday morning!
This 9 foot tall cross will stand there
for the next six weeks in anticipation of Easter.
On Easter Sunday, all are invited and requested
to bring real flowers to the service
so that they may be attached to this cross
in the foyer by a team; then the cross will be
carried back into the sanctuary
 and placed in its position
and in its new light!

Christen Vick, Minister to Students, presented
many opportunities
for service, fellowship and study.
Major need right now is for one or two people
to be the Coordinators for Vacation Bible School in July!
For additional opportunites, do check the calender!
Click Here!

 

Davin Hutchinson, Minister of Music & Worship, led the church
in songs and Confession, as well sharing of personal words
showing his profound love of God.

See this Sunday Bulletin for the full program of events!

Click HERE!

 

The Offertory offered more than the opportunity to give!
 
This Sunday the Ushers passed TWO PLATES to everyone.
One included the offer to give;
the other was something to receive -

a CROSS - a pocket cross
to carry for the next six weeks.

 
We are to carry this cross to remind us of who we are
and Whose we are!

Jared Rudd, Church Lay Leader,
led the congregation in the reading of the scripture for the day
 - Mark 4:39-41.

Pastor Ramsdell first sermon of
"Encounters with Christ -- Indescribable"
series: 

"Who is this Man?" 
He is the Image of God!

If you have seen Jesus, you have seen God!

Jesus Christ is the focal point of Easter!

The Cross matters!

The Cross is a great turn around point in people's lives
-- repentance --
this is God's Grace --
filled with a life changing turnaround point. 

You need to discover where Jesus is
and bring Him into your heart!

God won't let you down!

Jesus brings us the Way!

Carry your Cross!

Come be with us any and every Sunday!

All are so very welcome!

 

Friday, March 8-9, 2019

Youth began Spring Break with a Lock-In.
The Family Life Center became a place
of many activities -
probably everything except real sleep.
Fun and foolishness and comaraderie
was paramount!
Great bunch of kids participated. 

For more pictures of this memorable Happening,
CLICK HERE

Ash Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Lent Begins

 

The YOUTH pack food and activity items for kids around town
who might be hungry during Spring Break!

For more info and more pics, Click HERE! 

Kids L.I.F.E kids learned about Ash Wednesday, Lent,
and taking Holy Communion on this Ash Wednesday! 

For more info and more pics, Click HERE!

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

DeCorEllis Emmaus Community Gathering
at FUMC Ennis - Decolores!