Fair Haven Methodist Articles RSS Feed

Phone Bank Provides One Stop Hurricane Volunteer Info

Bob Luton - noemail@fairhavenumc.org — Wed, 05 Oct 2005 21:00:00 GMT

The Hurricane Call Center is in place and ready to handle phone calls starting Monday, October 3rd. The Call Center is designed to assist those who wish to help in any of the following ways:

Volunteer in church shelters
Send a First Responder Team
Donate items such as food, water, vouchers for gas, etc. (NO CLOTHING)
Volunteer in the Call Center
Schedule a Recovery or Reconstruction Team

There will also be information available for evacuees on:

FEMA and Red Cross information
Housing contacts
Food Centers
Red Cross Shelters
Clothing distribution areas

Volunteers will be needed to man the phones Monday thru Friday or in shifts (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.); (12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) Go to the Texas Conference website www.txcumc.org to sign up or call the Center on Monday. The phone number is 1-877-774-2700 and the local number is 713-533-3713.

INFORMATION FOR DISASTER RESPONSE FIELD WORKERS

New phones have been purchased for Disaster Response field workers, Joe and Kathie Beran. Contact Joe or Kathie when scheduling teams and projects. The phone numbers are Joe Beran, 409-225-3135 and Kathie Beran, 409-225-3136. The phones will be operational by Saturday, October 1st.

WATER GOING TO JASPER

A water truck coming from Navasota is going to First UMC, Jasper, Texas. Approximate time of arrival is between 2 and 3 p.m. today. If you are in need of water, please bring your own containers.

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED IN MISSISSIPPI

For those volunteers who are interested in serving somewhere immediately, a base camp called C.O.R.E., (Christians Organized for Relief Efforts) is operational and located in Ocean Springs, Mississippi at St. Paul's UMC. The camp is designed as a staging area for volunteers wanting to help in the relief efforts along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The camp can accommodate 200+ volunteers at a time. For more information contact C.O.R.E. at www.katrina-relief.net or Randy Hageman at 228-875-3416 or 228-875-3568.

5-Oct-05 4:00 PM

Report from Missionary in Bolivia

Richard Laster - noemail@fairhavenumc.org — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 16:00:00 GMT

I have found in the almost 20 years that I have been in ministry that the limelight really isn’t for me. I function better and am more useful as a link -- a catalyst if you will. Linking friends that I think should know one another, people or programs with needs with people or programs with resources, etc. It is sort of match making if you will without the romantic part. What a charge when it works -- God’s gifts come in all sizes.

If you remember, over two years ago now, St. Paul’s work team to Cochabamba and I became involved with a young man of 17 who needed heart valve replacement. Thanks to the optimism, determination, and generosity of the team members and church members, especially Dr. Dean McKenzie, heart valves were donated as were the funds for the surgery. However, even with new, functioning valves, the damage was too much for a frail body, and our friend died 5 days after the surgery from cerebral edema. This heart disease in one so young is preventable here via a few dollars of drugs. However, there are other diseases which take children needlessly because available treatment just is not available HERE -- such as childhood cancers.

With the encouragement of a friend here, I began looking into what could be done in this area. Having lived the shadows of Memphis, Tennessee all of my childhood, I had grown up knowing about the miracle of St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. So, I contacted them, found out that they have an international program with clinics all over the world. I visited with Dr. Raul Raviera, the chair of this program, learned what steps needed to be taken to bring St. Jude’s miracles to Bolivia .

But things in Bolivia don’t always go as planned. After working for several months to put together the legal stuff necessary for a foundation to work with St. Jude’s and finding available medical personnel who could go for training for three years, I had almost thrown up my hands. Things didn’t move. . .

Then God stepped in. A colleague, Dakin Cook, another GBGM missionary here, has worked for years with a board for an orphanage located here in La Paz . He was talking with another of the board members who had a passion for children with cancer and wanted to do something to make it happen. He sent her my way and we have been running ever since. She just happened to be a Texan from Houston married to the ex-president and current presidential candidate Jorge "Tutu" Quiroga. Ginger Kellum is a whirlwind who very humbly but firmly makes things happen without making it into a political vote getter for her husband. After first talking two weeks ago, we headed to Cochabamba yesterday to speak with Dr. Orlando Taja, the head of the health department for all of Cochabamba , who gave us his support and in turn called a meeting with six other doctors for today. All, while knowing that there will be challenges ahead to make this dream a reality, are very excited and supportive of the idea.

It still amazes me to realize that alone we can do a little but together we can make a difference. I thank God for the opportunity to be a link, or a catalyst, or better yet, a match maker for God’s people in Bolivia . Pray for this project. Diane

29-Sep-05 11:00 AM

Wednesday Noon Brown Bag Bible Study Annouces October Kick-Off

Bob Luton - noemail@fairhavenumc.org — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 03:00:00 GMT

The Brown Bag Bible Study starts on Wednesday, October 5th. “What is Brown Bag?” you may ask. It is an informal, discussion based, Bible study that meets on Wednesday’s during the noon lunch hour. The only things required to attend are an open heart and mind, a Bible, and your own brown bag lunch. The opportunity is open to all. Richard Laster, Fair Haven pastor, is study facilitator. Brown Bag Bible Study begins at noon in the Trinity Center and runs for no more than an hour. The topic of consideration will be the Gospel of Matthew.

To register, e-mail bluton@fairhavenumc.org with BROWN BAG REGISTRATION in the title field.

28-Sep-05 10:00 PM

Relational Bible Study Plans Fall Series

Bob Luton - noemail@fairhavenumc.org — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 17:00:00 GMT

Beginning Life Together
Six Sessions on God's Purposes for Your Life

Led by Richard Laster and Bob Luton
Alternate Weeks Beginning October 5^th10:00 a.m. in Trinity Center – About An Hour or So
No Charge for the Course

To Register, E-mail Bob Luton at: bluton@fairhavenumc.org Please use PDL REGISTRATION as the heading.

Some participants may desire a book for optional reading
Group CurriculumWritten by: Brett and Dee Eastman, Todd and Denise Wendorff, and Karen Lee-Thorp

Synopsis
With six sessions in each volume, The Doing Life Together series provides small group member with basic training on how to live healthy and balanced lives in a video and discussion format.

Description
God never intended for you to do life alone but to do life together in community. This introductory group study, Beginning Life Together, gives you an overview of the five biblical purposes that God intends for living together in community. This study will take you on a 6-session journey through these five purposes and give you a taste of the life God created you to live. “Doing Life Together is a groundbreaking study…It’s the first small group curriculum built completely on the principles in the Purpose-Driven Life Book by Rick Warren.…”The greatest reason I’m excited about it is that I’ve seen the dramatic changes it produces in the lives of those who study it.” —From the foreword by Rick Warren. Based on the five biblical purposes that form the bedrock of Saddleback Church , Doing Life Together will help your group discover what God created you for and how you can this that dream into an everyday reality. Experience the transformation firsthand as you begin Connecting, Growing, Developing, Sharing, and Surrendering your life together for him.

Comments From Participants in Other Churches…

After the six weeks, I came to know God much better. I would like a lot more people to do this course. — Anonymous reader from Townsville

The material has become a personal compass to me. When I find myself needing to make a decision, I ask, “Does it bring me closer to God’s family? Does it make me more like Christ? Am I using the gifts God gave me? — Craig

Even though our group has been together for several years, the questions in this study have allowed us to connect on a much deeper level. Many of the men are displaying emotions we haven’t seen before.— Steve and Jennifer

The Purpose-Driven material quickly moved us beyond group and closer toward family, beyond reading God’s Word to knowing God! -- The Coopers

28-Sep-05 12:00 PM

Tuesday Night Bible Study Premiers New Disciple Study October 11th

Bob Luton - noemail@fairhavenumc.org — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 17:00:00 GMT

Beginning on Tuesday, October 11th at 7:00 pm, Fair Haven member Arnold Thigpen will lead this 8-session, in-depth, Old Testament Bible study is modeled after the basic design of the landmark Disciple Bible Study which has enriched more than a million lives. The group meetings will occur on alternate Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm. The series is just now coming off the press and as soon as the material arrives we will announce a start date. A two-part video segment will guide the session with interpretive presentations from biblical scholars, contextual presentations, and roundtable discussions.

This study invites participants to listen afresh to the various narrators of stories from the Torah, the Law, the Prophets, and the Wisdom writings. Participants gain a broad perspective of how the Old Testament clarifies God’s call in the Bible and encourages our response. Arnold Thigpen has taught many installments in the Disciple Bible Study Series and other related studies inspired by the original series over several years. His exhaustive preparation and passion for teaching has attracted a loyal following over many years. This is a great time to get on board! Cost will be $12.00 due at the beginning of the course. Please E-mail Bob Luton to Register: bluton@fairhavenumc.org Please us DISCIPLE REGISTRATION as heading.

More Information on the Cokesbury Website

28-Sep-05 12:00 PM

Hurricane Rita response letter from Bishop Huie

Richard Laster - noemail@fairhavenumc.org — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 18:00:00 GMT

Praise God for divine protection
September 27, 2005
Dear Friends,
Resurrection greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Once again, the Lord has brought us through!  This time, God has
brought us through Hurricane Rita, and all of us have much for which to be
thankful.  I know many of you are eager to hear reports about our
pastors, people and churches.  This letter is a preliminary report of what we
know.
Dr. Richard Burnham, superintendent of the Beaumont District, and I
have spent the past two days visiting churches and parsonages in some of
the hardest hit areas in the district.  Our primary goals were damage
assessment and making an initial evaluation of churches that might serve
as staging areas for Partners in Mission teams, supply storage, etc.
We were able to get into Beaumont on Sunday before all the back
entrances were sealed by local officials.  We were accompanied by Richard's
son, Rev. Jason Burnham, and son-in-law, Joe, - manning chainsaws to get
us through tight places if necessary.  Yesterday, Richard and I were
joined by Rev. Jim Foster and Rev. Tom Hazelwood from the United
Methodist Committee on Relief.  Without Tom's help, we simply wouldn't have
been able to get into Port Arthur and Orange.  Thank you, UMCOR.
In addition, many of our conference leaders have been on the phone
checking with pastors and friends.  Here is what we know.
Thanks be to God for the safekeeping of our pastors and people.
All of our pastors and their families are safe.  Nearly every pastor in
a mandatory evacuation zone left the area.  It is also our
understanding that all our laity are safe.  Even though many pastors and people are
uncomfortable and without power, water, and sewage, I am grateful to
God that people exercised good sense and are safe.
Thanks be to God there was no flooding for our churches.
We are also blessed that none of our churches were flooded - with the
possible exception of the Sabine Pass church, which we couldn't reach.
Several of them have water damage from rain that blew in through doors,
windows, and roofs.  Frequently, we could see how close the flood line
came, but it was not inside any of our buildings.
Damage assessments
The damage to church property that we observed came primarily from the
wind.  A number of our churches will need a new roof.  On the whole,
Beaumont churches fared better than those in Port Arthur, Orange and
Bridge City.  According to Rev. Frank Alegria, First UMC in Beaumont has
some water inside and roof damage.
Three churches have significant structural damage:
" St. Paul UMC in Bridge City sustained the hardest hit.  The wind
simply took the roof off in a number of places in the sanctuary, education
building and a second classroom wing.  Many stained glass windows are
broken.  The good news is that the new family life center appears
unhurt.
" Salem UMC in Orange also has structural damage in its educational
building from a roof that ripped away - causing a wall to begin falling
in.
" The Temple in Port Arthur has structural damage to the chancel area
of its sanctuary for a similar reason.  Although we couldn't get inside,
we are assuming that all three of these churches have some amount of
water standing in those areas.
We visited all the other churches in the Port Arthur and Orange area.
While most have damage such as a blown out window or door or downed
trees, the major task appears to be clean up.  Some flooring will have to
be replaced where water is standing.
Considering other damage we saw to businesses, homes and churches, we
thank God that church property damage is limited.
We have received phone reports regarding Vidor, Jasper, and Kirbyville.
While they too are without power and other services, church property
damage is limited.
Current Needs
Some of our most critical needs right now are in caring for thousands
of people still living in shelters in Lufkin, Longview, Carthage,
Lakeview Conference Center and many other places.  As many of you know, First
UMC in Lufkin has a serious overcrowding problem.  Last night, other
UMC churches in Houston and nearby communities were working to transfer
people to them.  These folks are in automobiles, but running low on gas,
and can't keep traveling from place to place.  Thank you, everyone who
is helping.  For the latest updates, call the Katrina/Rita helpline at
713-402-5091.
We are encouraging as many churches as possible to begin worship
services again this Sunday-even if it means folding chairs outside on the
grass early in the day while it is still cool.  People need to hear words
of thanksgiving and hope.  We need to pray for so many who will still
be displaced.  The community needs to see that their churches, which are
beacons on hope in the midst of stormy times, are holding steady.
Long-term Needs
The most urgent needs are outside of our scope of influence. Minimal
city services such as water, sewage, power and some street clearing are
essential for our teams and for the return of residents.  Once people
are allowed to return, we will need PIM teams.
In addition to himself, Rev. Tom Hazelwood, national director of UMCOR,
is also bringing in Barbara Tripp, of UMCOR to help us begin setting up
a process for sending PIM teams into the Golden Triangle.  Given the
number of homes that will need repair or replacement, Tom is estimating
we probably will have 18 months to two years of needs in this area.  I
am assuming that estimate is also fairly accurate for areas such as
Vidor, Jasper, Kirbyville, etc.  Please watch this Web site for up-to-date
reports on sending teams.
Parable of new life
Once again, please know how proud I am of the pastors and people of the
Texas Annual Conference.  Last week the hurricane came to us.  Many of
you were already tired from responding to so many sisters and brothers
from Louisiana who sheltered here from their storm.  Resilient people
that you are, you have risen to the challenge.  Praise God for the
strength of the Holy Spirit to see us through again.
What I saw at St. John's UMC in Orange was a parable of God's people
for me.  As we drove up, we could see that the steeple had blown off and
was lying on the ground.  Some shingles were missing and the trees were
a mess.  Otherwise, the building was in pretty good shape.  Some good
layperson had already picked up the steeple cross out of the mud,
carried it over to the front door of the church and stood it up.  It
announced to the world, "This is the house of the Lord, and we are open for
business."
Thanks be to God for this gift of grace.
Grace and peace,
Janice Riggle Huie

27-Sep-05 1:00 PM