Weekly Highlights

Hymn of Praise -- "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"

Sunday, June 23, 2019

    Praise Team today:
Davin Hutchinson, Minister of Music & Worship;
James Montgomery, Organist/Music Associate;
Tara Washburn;
Sarah Jurik;
Vincent Harris, percussionist! 

Christen Vick, Minister to Students, updated everyone
about the Youth's Mission Trip [Successful!!]
and moved into a tribute of appreciation
to Pastor Stephen Ramsdell who is being honored today
for his work with us for the past six months.
Below is the video of the church's tribute to Pastor Steve!

 

Praise Team returns after the Meet and Greet
time to the very spiritual
"What a Beautiful Name."

Pastor Ramsdell brought Susie, the St. Bernard,
to Children's Sermon time!
Since it was Pastor Steve's last Sunday here,
we thought you might like to hear it!

The Chancel Choir call to prayer this day
was the old song that means a great deal to many
-- Just As I Am!
Pastor Ramsdell moves into the Pastoral Prayer
and the Lord's Prayer
with this church on his mind
and in his prayer!

The Offertory gave us the gift of "A Mighty Fortress"
performed by our Praise Team! BEAUTIFUL!!!

 

Jared Rudd presented the very appropriate
Scripture of the morning -
Philippians 1:9-10

After the Chancel Choir's heartfelt rendition of
"Great is Thy Faithfulness,"
Pastor Ramsdell dove right into the sermon
that has been on his heart
for some time now, most likely.

What Matters the Most -- "The Church"

Pastor Ramsdell was reminded by Danny Miller
that his work with us this past six months
has been that of the old time
Circuit Riders of the church!
(Circuit Riders rode from town to town
taking the gospel on horseback!)
 It seems Pastor Stephen has actually
been a circuit rider to us and to others!

 

What is the church to do?

...to discover together God's vision for this church and community

We are to be servants of Christ which can change our lives!
We have love for each other that will grow more and more!
We must THRIVE!
Acts 16:5

...we and Matt Bailey are on a mission from God

Philippians 1:3-5
We are partners with Christ!

...God never gives up and neither should we!

Always take the offensive!
24 hours a day, the church is on mission!
Whatever God wants, he finishes!

...God is with us

And God is always available!
John 7:38

...with God look up, look within and move out

God answers prayers!
What is next for us?
 

Pastor Ramsdell did not get to just walk
out the door after the church service! 
The church family treated him to
his own Farewell Potluck Lunch
in the Family Life Center! 

Check out the "Happening" -
Pastor Ramsdell's Farewell Sunday -
Click Here!

 

 

Youth leave for Pasadena for
CTCYM Mission 2019 work!
Sunday, June 16, 2019

L-R: Parker Reese, Christen Vick, Samantha Webster,
Emma Bailey, Abigail Collins, Connor Washburn,
Chase Montgomery, Ronnie Washburn
and Tara Washburn. 

FYI:
CTCYM =
Central Texas Conference Youth in Mission

To get a glimpse at what all they are DOING there, check out their Happening!
Click HERE!

 

Father's Day

Sunday, June 16, 2019

After James Montgomery started the service
with his powerful "Processional & Fanfare,"
Davin Hutchinson led the congregation and choir in
"A Mighty Fortress is Our God."

Christen Vick presented many announcement
opportunities and later read the scripture for the day! 

James 3:13-18

The Meet and Greet time gave us opportunity
to speak to several members of Pastor Ramsdell's family.
They came especially to be with Pastor Ramsdell
on Father's Day!

Davin Hutchinson led the Confession and
then led the Hymn of Confession!

 

Trish Hodges delivered the Children's Sermon giving
multiple aspects of Father's Day!
Pastor Ramsdell was close at hand
with Susie, the St. Bernard, to keep watch
with the children!

The Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
led by Pastor Stephen Ramsdell
was followed by the Offertory
which brought us some beautiful music
by Susan Ramsdell, Pastor Ramsdell's very talented wife!

Susan played "Be Still, My Soul"
(I had to split the recording due to restrictions
by the website, so forgive that, please.)
Just watch both videos for a JOY for your ears!

 

Amazing -- RIGHT!!!
THANK YOU, Susan, for sharing your talent with us!!!

"DADS" was the topic of the day!
The sermon by Pastor Ramsdell was all about DADS
and how to be a good one or the best one a man could be! James 3:13-18

Fathers need wisdom!
Kids need fathers to be brave! 

By not compromising your integrity
Walking with confidence with your family!

By working to achieve __ harmony in your home
- not comparing and not condemning
Having a second chance faith

By not minimizing your children’s feelings
Feeling the feelings as your children feel them
If you care, you will be aware

By being reasonable and teachable
Learning to say "I am sorry!"

By developing a forgiving heart

By revealing both your strengths and your weaknesses
Never assuming everyone is or must be perfect
Showing grace, love, and patience

Colossians 2:3

Be an awesome person - receive Christ!

Not planned, but was perfect for FATHER'S DAY--
Davin was helping with his twins when it was time for
the Hymn of Invitation!
Not feeling good about just handing
his son Camden back to possibly cry,
he carried him to the lecturn
to direct the singing of
"Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)"

Now was that not the perfect end of a Father's Day service?
Here is a bit of the music Davin's son helped direct!

 

Come JOIN us next week!

The beautiful flowers in front of the lectern
were placed there in honor of
Nita Bozek's birthday
by her daughter, Brenda K. Jones!
See more on Nita below!

 

 

Saturday, June 15, 2019

 

Nita Bozek had her 87th birthday
at Legend Oaks Saturday afternoon!
Nita has contributed a great deal
to this church over the years. 

See the Happening depicting some of her party!
Click Here!

Take the time to see just ONE of Nita Bozek's
many contributions to this church!
Click Here!

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Prepping for photos opportunities for Father's Day!
And Tommy James tried it out!
Don't you just love it!

Susan James put on the final touches!
Come have your pictures made Sunday!

 

 

Pentecost Sunday

June 9, 2019

 

 

 

The Prelude "CWM Rhondda"
boldly played by Organist James Montgomery
brought in the Chancel Choir to begin this hour of Worship!

 

The Hymn of Praise,
"We've a Story to Tell to the Nations."

 

Meet & Greet opportunity time!

After Announcements each Sunday,
everyone has the opportunity to go all
over the Sanctuary to Meet & Greet
those in attendance.
Here are a couple of Regular Visitors
that were captured in a photo moment during that time -
Richard and Nina Webb!
We are so glad you are here!

 

During Children's Sermon time,
Janey Fallen told the children the were to
be a billboard for Jesus
-- telling others about the love of Jesus;
people of all ages can be the
best advertisement for Jesus!

The Chancel Choir's Anthem for this Sunday
"Praise You"
is the perfect Praise song!
It was directed by
Davin Hutchinson, Minister of Music & Worship. 

 

Pastor Steve Ramsdell continued with his sermon series
"What Matters Most" with "People"

God puts us where he wants us!
We are called to love our neighbor
as we love ourselves no matter who it is!

Pastor Steve reminded us about
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood
in the asking of Davin Hutchinson
to sing and play the theme song
of the one time very popular
children's shows on PBS.

Here's Mr. Rogers!
(Just imagine the cardigan sweater-OK?)

 

Mr. Rogers knew the importance of
knowing and loving neighbors!

Several directives or actions that could be taken include:

Getting off the couch and out of the house.
You are being sent by Christ on a mission!

Do ministry in the community!
Luke 10:1-17

There is power in fellowship!
Pray regularly for your neighborhood!
Do you know your neighbor?
Find out who they are!
Pray for the families that you visit!
Love with humility!
Don't be discouraged!

Every person was made to be loved by God and neighbors!
God says: You love people as I love you!" 

Next week: Dads are featured! It will be Fathers' Day!

And Pastor Steve's family is coming to celebrate with us!
 

7th Sunday of Easter

June 2, 2019

 

Joey Svehlak gave the Children's Sermon this Sunday!
His topic was about watching what you say
before you say it. He told the kids,
"Before you speak, use your brain!"
He read the scripture James 2:3-6.

 

Hymns of Praise included
"Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery!"
Leading this hymn and "Holy, Holy, Holy"
was Davin Hutchinson, Minister of Music & Worship; 
Tara Washburn; James Montgomery, Organist;
 and the Chancel Choir!

 

Christen Vick, Minister to Students and doer of all things,
enlightened everyone to activities as listed on the
calendar 
that we especially needed to take into consideration!

During the Offertory, Davin Hutchinson sang 
"Behold the Lamb."
Wish we had all of it to share,
but this portion of it and
the lyrics below will illustrate
the power of this song!

Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away,
Slain for us - and we remember
The promise made that all who come in faith
Find forgiveness at the cross.
So we share in this bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of peace
Around the table of the King.

The body of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
Torn for you - eat and remember
The wounds that heal, the death that brings us life
Paid the price to make us one.
So we share in this bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of love
Around the table of the King.

The blood that cleanses every stain of sin,
Shed for you - drink and remember
He drained death’s cup that all may enter in
To receive the life of God.
So we share in this bread of life,
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of grace
Around the table of the King.

And so with thankfulness and faith we rise
To respond, - and to remember
Our call to follow in the steps of Christ
As His body here on earth.
As we share in His suffering
We proclaim Christ will come again!
And we’ll join in the feast of heaven
Around the table of the King ”

— WORDS AND MUSIC BY KEITH AND KRISTYN GETTY
& STUART TOWNEND © 2006

 

Jared Rudd, Lay Leader, reinforced the Scripture
James 3:2-6
in preparation for the pastor's sermon!

 

 

The Chancel Choir did what they can so well!
They brought us in touch with Holy Communion, also!

 

Pastor Stephen Ramsdell, Interim Pastor,
continued his sermon series
"What Matters Most."

"Words"
is the title of the second sermon topic!

Words carry great power!
Before speaking, think: 
"God, guide my words!"

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.”   
Proverbs 12:18-21 

My words direct where I go;
My words can destroy what I have;
My words display who I really am.

Apply to relationships:
"God, speak through me!"

Making sure we say our words with care 
is very important, especially variations situations 
concerning these five sets of words:

goodbye
hello
tell me more
thank you
I love you

Are you listening before you use your words?
Thank God for people in your life!
Tell people those words!

 

We were so very prepared for the most
important Sacrament - Holy Communion!
All were and always are invited to the chancel rail to receive Communion and to pray!

Wonderful way to end a beautiful service!

Come join us next Sunday!

6th Sunday of Easter

May 26, 2019

 

Pastor Ramsdell and Susie, his St. Bernard friend,
 reminded the children of those
we are to remember on Memorial Day!

 

Davin Hutchinson, Minister of Music & Worship, 
and James Montgomery, Organist/Music Associate,
along with the Chancel Choir
led the congregation in the Hymn of Praise,
" God of the Ages." 

 

 

The next Hymn of Praise
"To God Be the Glory." 

 

As the Call to Prayer song this week was being sung
by the Chancel Choir,
Pastor Ramsdell prepared us for the Pastoral Prayer.

 

 

During the Offertory, the Handbell Ensemble played
"Take My Life and Let It Be." 

 

 

After the Scripture reading
by Lay Leader Jared Rudd
John 15:9-13,
Chase Montgomery, son of James Montgomery, 
sang a solo from
"Depth of Mercy."
He was accompanied by his father
and the Chancel Choir!

 

 

Pastor Steve Ramsdell began
his NEW Sermon Series
- What Matters Most -
with his sermon titled JOY!

Several points about JOY were brought to light!

We have the key to JOY!

What was your greatest day of JOY?

The greatest day of your life is RIGHT NOW!
 

"This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad today."
Psalm 118:24

Joy is at the very heart of God.
When you see as God sees -- JOY is the result!
Joy is the reason for our very existence!
John 15:11

God finds JOY in our JOY!
Authentic joy cannot be lost!
Isaiah 43:2

Your best days are in front of you,
but your best day is right now!"
Hebrews 12:2

 

United States of America Flags 
are flown on the grounds of the church
during the holiday periods
related to the flag 
in memory of 
or
in honor of
special people!

Click HERE to see details!

 

 

5th Sunday of Easter

May 19, 2019

 

WELCOME to our newest members! 
Katie Morón with her children, Calvin and Brooke;
Melanie Northcutt, and Rosemary Washburn!

 

Jared Rudd, Chaplin of Scout Troop 210,
gave background on the Religous Emblem Program
that the church supports for Troop 210.

First United Methodist Church of Ennis has sponsored
Troop 210 continuously for 73 years!

A Scout is reverent.
He is reverent toward God.
He is faithful in his religious duties
and respects the convictions of others
in matters of custom and religion.

Sam and Roy are the sons of Pat and Daphne Fullerton.

Sam Fullerton, a Webelo, received the
God and Family emblem.

Roy Fullerton, a Scout, received the
God and Church emblem.

Roy pins the parent pin on their father,
while Sam pins the parent pin on their mother.

Roy Fullerton is wearing his emblem proudly!

 

 

One of the hymns of Praise this Sunday was "By Faith."
Here is a snippet of it as led by Davin Hutchinson,
 Tara Washburn, and percussionist Vincent Harris! 

 

Pastor Steve and Susie, the St. Bernard,
brought the Children's Sermon.
They talked about God showing children to
be a very special treasure.

 

 

After the Offertory the congregation gets to SING
the powerful Doxology,
"Praise God from Who All Blessings Flow."
Immediately following was the scripture reading.

 

Pastor Steve Ramsdell's sermon,
"When You Need a Miracle,"
was based on the scriptures found
in all four Gospels about the feeding of the 5,000.

Some of the points included:
When God intersects with Faithfulness, miracles happen!
Bring your weakness to God's Faithfulness.
Know God by knowing Christ!
God works in ways beyond our comprehension!
 

TRUST God and that is when Miracles happen!

After the service, the new members
were swamped with the welcoming.
There are four generations here in the picture above.

Starting far left: Rosemary Washburn is the
great grandmother of Calvin Morón next to her.
Next is Katie Morón, Rosemary's granddaughter,
holding her daughter Brooke Morón and hand of Calvin.
Next to Katie is Melanie Northcutt,
her mother and Rosemary's daughter.

 

Mother's Day

May 12, 2019

Special Choir and special song for Mother's Day
-- see and hear it all below!
 

Every lady entering the church on this day
was invited to select a long stemmed rose of her choosing! 
Happy Mother's Day!

 

James Montgomery, organist,
started worship off with
"The Majesty and Glory of Your Name."
You just need to hear a little bit of that one!

 

 

Davin Hutchinson, Minister of Music & Worship,
led us through the powerful
"Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee."
So, here is a bit of that one!

During the Children's Sermon,
Trisha Hodges shared thoughts with the children
about Mother's Day and what it is! She says it is about the loving and giving and sometimes
the forgiving of mothers.....and fathers!

Jennifer Robinson,
who is dealing with a health issue at this time, 
was presented a beautiful Prayer Quilt
made by the church Quilting Team.

Her family and the congregation were invited
to tie prayer knots as provided by the Quilting Team.

 

Lay Leader Jared Rudd led the Scripture for the service!

1 Samuel 1:26-28

 

Children joined their mothers in the Chancel Choir
to share with us this beautiful song,
"My Mother's Love" 
-- dedicated to all mothers.
Have to give you ALL of this one via two short videos.

The words to this song are below the second video!

 

MY MOTHER’S LOVE

You gave me life and all your love
You gave me wings to be what I dream of
You held me close, calmed all my fears
You’re always there to wipe away my tears

A child’s heart, a mother’s love
A special bond designed by God above
Throughout my life, you will be there
To catch me when I fall and nurture me with care
I pray that God will keep me thankful of
My mother’s love

I watch you grow, I see you change
My love for you will always be the same
Where’er you go, whate’er you do
My love for you will always be there too

A mother’s heart, a child’s love
A special bond designed by God above
Throughout your life, I will be there
To catch you when you fall and nurture you with care
I pray that God will keep me thankful of
My child’s love

Your love’s a lamp (my love’s a lamp)
To light my way (to light your way)
Reflecting God’s deep love for me each day
A special gift (a special gift)
God gave to me (God gave to me)
And courage to know when to set you free

A mother’s heart, a child’s love
* A special bond designed by God above
Throughout my life, I will be there
To catch me when I fall and nurture you with care
* I pray that God will keep me thankful of
My mother’s love
I pray that God will keep me thankful of
My mother’s love

Music by Tom Shelton

 

Rev. Stephen Ramsdell, Interim Pastor,
gave a Mother's Day sermon titled:
"A Mother Dimension."

The dimensions of a mother he reveals are:
Prayers
Determination
Patience
Teaching
Hoping.

God is bigger than any need you will have!
Prayers from mothers mean a lot!
Praying moms and dads never give up!
A mom's love is powerful.
Mothers are always hopeful.

 

Pastor Ramsdell illustrated each and every point
he was making with stories about his own mother
and her hopes and expectations!

 

After the service, everyone was invited to the Courtyard for the Baptism by Immersion of Layla Ganske.
See the Baptism in the Happening for Layla.
Click Here!

 

May 6, 2019

 

 

GAKAC received a $5,000 grant from TeleTech.

WOW!

Many many thanks on behalf of the kids!

 

3rd Sunday of Easter

May 5, 2019

Senior Recognition Sunday
EHS Graduating Seniors present today include
(L-R) Sarah Rider, Audrey Brown, Haven Hancock,
KayLynn Beard, and Ryan Casas

Each Senior present was presented with a Bible
and words of wisdom from Rev. Steve Ramsdell

 

Sarah Rider,
daughter of Brenda Rider and Scott Rider.

Sarah will be attending
Washington University in St. Louis
in the College of Arts & Sciences.
She has loved being welcomed to the church
and the great family here that
has supported her and her goals.
 

Audrey Brown,
daughter of Greg & Melissa Brown

Audrey will be attending Tarleton State University
in the Fall. She will be majoring in
Early Childhood Education.
Audrey is so fortunate to be a part of
such a supportive church family.
 

Haven Hancock,
daughter of Ted & Nancy Hancock

Haven is going to attend Tarlton
and will major in Physical Therapy.

 

KayLynn Beard,
daughter of Bramlet & Michelle Beard

KayLynn will be attending Baylor University
majoring in biomedical engineering
with a minor in computer science and pre-med.

 

Ryan Casas,
son of Adan & Julie Casas

Ryan plans to attend Texas State University
and major in Business. 
He is very grateful and fortunate
to have been raised in FUMC Ennis.

 

 

Pastor Steve challenges the graduates
in the most positive way
and lets them know we want to keep up
with their lives through the years!
Good luck always graduates of 2019;
God Bless you!!!

 

Amanda Canady and Sarah Jurik
amazed us with "Build My Life."

 

The Children's Sermon was cleverly performed
by Joey Svehlak

 

Hymn of Praise "Still Believe" was well-received.

 

The Chancel Choir and James Montgomery
brought us "This is My Father's World"
as their Anthem!
This song may be thought to be an old hymn,
but the words of this song will always hold true!
This IS our Father's World;
let's go and DO his Will for it!

Pastor Ramsdell prepares us for his sermon
with prayer and thanksgiving!

Scripture Ephesians 5:14-17

Some favorite lines and scriptures from the sermon:

Acts 20:7-9

Wake up and pay attention!
Wake up to your real story!
Work on your story with God's help!

Proverbs 28:13

Make the most of opportunities to do good!
The Spirit of God will change everything!

Acts 4:25

Go into deep water faith!
Put yourself in a place you can be Blessed!

 

Holy Communion gives us the opportunity for renewal. 
Open Communion invites all to participate!

Perfect timing for the send-off for the graduates!

First United Methodist Ennis has
Holy Communion 
First Sundays of every month!

The altar is always available for prayer!