Vol. 9, No.

3
Three Parables, One Story

March 2013

The seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. (Mark 4:27b) In the fourth chapter of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus teaches the crowds using three agrarian parables. In the first (Mark 4:3-8), he tells of seed cast on four kinds of soil, only one of which is fruitful and productive. I have noted in recent sermons that the fertile soil did not become so by accident: it had been tilled and aerated, rocks and weeds were removed, and rich nutrients had been added, making the fourth soil receptive to the seed cast upon it. This parable of the four soils has been something of a cornerstone for our Lenten journey this year, as we have embraced the challenge to be intentional in preparing our hearts and lives for growth in Christ. I have a conviction that many Christians desire growth in their lives of faith, but this desire is often thwarted by the failure to be intentional in this regard. So we have been reflecting on tools, behaviors, practices, and disciplines which the people of God through the ages have found conducive to spiritual growth. As we are striving in our endeavors to be more intentional in our lives of faith, Jesus second agrarian parable from Mark 4 can be highly instructive. Here (Mark 4:26-29) he speaks once more of a man who scatters seed, then goes about his daily life while the seed mysteriously grows, seemingly of its own accord and the will of the soil. Is this truly a mystery? Is the man completely ignorant of how the seed grows? Surely the farmer has some hand in the fruitfulness of the crop? Yes and no. Yes: The farmer can create optimal conditions for the seed to grow. He can prepare the soil (as in the first parable), he can nurture the plant through the various stages of growth, he can determine the right time to harvest, and he can repeat the cycle for the next growing season. No: In a very real sense, the farmer cannot make the seed grow. He can do everything within his power to help it grow, but in the end, some elements are beyond his control. Though the farmer does everything right, there might be too much rain or not enough, the weather might be too hot or too cold, outsiders might sabotage his fields, and at other times for no apparent reason whatsoever he receives a minimal harvest for his labors. I think it is no mistake these two parables are juxtaposed in Marks Gospel. If the first tells us we must be intentional about preparing our hearts and lives for growth in Christ, the second reminds us we cannot ultimately make that growth happen. It is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and that cannot be manipulated or reduced to a mathematical formula. So why bother being intentional? Just this: the farmer who does not prepare his or her fields or tend to his or her plants never knows the joy of a bumper crop. That experience is known only to the farmer who is intentional about creating conditions optimal for a fruitful harvest. In the end, all we can do is create optimal conditions in our hearts and lives for the Holy Spirit to do what only he can. This is what we are called to, not only in this holy season of Lent, but throughout our lives. As for the third parable in Mark 4? Well, thats another story for another time. Grace & peace,

Church Stewardship Report

Jan 20 ATTENDANCE: the early service 8:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Traditional Worship 11:00 a.m. 24 81 133 Jan 27 16 80 99 Feb 3 31 91 109 Feb 10 27 90 162

TITHES AND OFFERINGS: The early service Traditional Worship Total General Offerings Designated Offerings Total of All Offerings Memorials

$102.00 $3,073.26 $3,175.26 $665.00 $3,840.26

$26.00 $2,077.08 $2,103.08 $295.00 $2,398.08

$1,377.55 $7,488.00 $8,865.55 $1,321.00 $10,186.55

$27.00 $4,349.00 $4,376.00 $1,845.00 $6,221.00

In memory of Hugh Whitaker Given by Dr. & Mrs. Bob Gilbreth, and Mary Helen Castleberry. In memory of Mary Simpson Given by the Friendship Class. In memory of Mildred Sinclair Given by Billy & Dorothy Bruster.

Renovation Conference
Saturday, March 2, 2013 Marvin UMC, Tyler Featuring James Bryan Smith, author of The Good and Beautiful God series Many of you participated in one or more of these three book studies, led by pastor, Dr. Billy Watson. Others wish they had. Dont miss this opportunity to hear from the author and others. Details available at the church office and at www.renovationtyler.com

Lenten Bible Reading How are you doing with your daily readings from Scripture through the season of Lent? If you havent picked up your copy of the reading plan yet, simply visit the church website (www.russellmemorialumc.org) or pick up a copy at the church, and join the rest of your church family in this enriching experience!

Remember in Pray:
Bennie Scott Beth Butler Bo & Maxine Clopton Brad George Charles Marical, Sr. Chuck Currie Cole Malouf Daniel Johnson Dennis Basham Devon Colbert & Family Doloris Phillips Don Capp Don & Judith Hollister Dub & Janice Cooper Edna Melton

RMUMC Grant Barnes & Wallace UMC Greg Evans & Family James & Helen Lawrence Henry Watson Israel J.J. Bryant Jamie & Jack Fischer Jay Miller & Family Jacey Mills & Family Jeff Powell John Thornsbury Johnny & Laura Bates Joni Tunnell Katie Butts Kathy Laney Kelly Krone

Linda Frazier Linda Glover Linda Santmyer Matt Fincher Norma Hundley Our Armed Forces Our World Rick Lutzinger Sandra Brown Teachers & Students VBS He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you can hide. His truth will be your shield and protection. Psalms 91:4

Dance Party
Come and show your dance steps and moves! Where: The Star Dust Dance Barn Off of I-20 at Hwy 17, then off of Hwy 17 onto VZCR 1110 When: Friday night, March 8, 6:30 p.m. BYOB (Bring your own beverage) $5.00 per person Bring your friends! Dance Lessons: Cha Cha, Waltz, 2-Step, Push, Jitterbug, Swing, and Line Dance (for more info, contact Marilyn Roddy 972-551-2152 or Dee Lutzinger 903-848-0175)

Do you have any unwanted or unneeded toys?

Our Methodist Day School is in search of some gently loved items. They need some toys for school aged children, such as: Barbies Legos Dress Up clothes (They do not need any games, books or stuffed animals at this time.) If you have any items youd like to share, please drop them by the Day School or church office. Thank you!

Dates to Remember! Friday, March 1, 6:30 p.m. Organ Concert Friday, March 8, 6:30 pm, Dance Lessons @ Star Dust Dance Barn Saturday, March 23, 11:00 a.m. Neighbor to Neighbor Sunday, March 24, 12:00 p.m. ABC Room Birthday Lunch & Egg Hunt Thursday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service Friday, March 29, 7:00 p.m. Good Friday Service of Shadows Happy Birthday to Our March babies:
Hayden Wilcoxson Beth Basham Robert Manion Bonnie George Kathy Laney Jim Smith Denny McCormick Jean Allred Stacey Ellis Pat Vann Ginger Hess Austin Caldwell Dorothy Bruster Chealsey Brown Tiffany Hulsey Matt Fincher Robert Butts Margaret Butler Bob McKinney 3-1 3-5 3-6 3-7 3-10 3-10 3-11 3-13 3-15 3-17 3-20 3-21 3-24 3-24 3-24 3-27 3-29 3-31 3-31

March Worship Assistants:

Altar Guild: Kathleen Bobbitt (Chair), Judy Powers, Becky Hardy, Kathy Laney, Bonnie George, Sharon Lumsden, Dana Hullum Ushers: Sherri Rowe (Head), Lynn Rowe, Andy Anderson, Sherry Anderson Acolytes: 3/3 Dalton Huff & Marissa Fields, 3/10 Francesca Capp & Chelsea Manion, 3/17 Makayla Capp & Mark Youther, 3/24 Claira Huff & Angelina Fields, 3/31 Mark Youther & Jay Gibson

LOST AND FOUND Have you lost something? We may have found it! Come check out the lost and found by the kitchenette and conference table!

Community Outreach Program Neighbor to Neighbor Lunch 11 am-2pm Fourth Saturday of each month Deen Building - George Hall OPEN TO ANYONE WHO CHOOSES TO COME We will be asking different groups to step up and claim one of the dates. Please contact Gerda David for details - 214-538-0192 - leave message on her cell phone.

Russell Memorial UMC Calendar Of Events for March:

Miss a Message? Did you miss a Sunday morning message? Want to hear one again? Want to share one with a friend? Visit our web site (www.russellmemorialumc.org) and watch them there.

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday
1 6:30 pm Organ Concert 2

Saturday

3 8:00 am UMM @ Lone Star Grill 8:30 am Early Service 9:15am Coffee & Donuts 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship

4 10:00 am Prayer Group 6:00pm Trustees

5 6:45 pm Cub Scouts

6 7 4:00pm Girl Scouts 6:00pm Youth Group 6:00pm WOW 6:00pm Hand Bells 7:30pm Adult Choir

8 6:30pm Dance Lessons @ The Star Dust Dance Barn

9 Supper Club

10 8:30 am Early Service 9:15 am Coffee & Donuts 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Worship

11 10:00 am Prayer Group 6:00pm Finance

12 6:45 pm Cub Scouts

13 Birthday Girls 14 7:30pm Adult Choir

15

16 Crafting with Christ

17 18 8:30 am Early 10:00 am Prayer Service Group 9:15 am Coffee & Donuts 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Worship 12:00 pm Church Council 3:00 pm Crestwood

19 6:45pm Cub Scouts

20 21 22 4:00pm Girl Scouts 6:30pm Day School 6:00pm Youth Board Group 6:00pm WOW 6:00pm Hand Bells 7:30pm Adult Choir

23 Neighbor to Neighbor Lunch 11 am2 pm

24 8:30am Early Service 9:15am Coffee & Donuts 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Worship 12:00pm ABC Room Birthday Lunch/Egg Hunt 31 8:30am Early service 9:15am Coffee & Donuts 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship

25 10:00 am Prayer Group

26 6:30pm Jesus Girls 6:45pm Cub Scouts

27 10:00am Sunshine Circle 4:00pm Girl Scouts 6:00pm Youth Group 6:00pm WOW 6:00pm Hand Bells 7:30pm Adult Choir

28 7:00pm Maundy Thursday Service 7:00pm Boy Scout Troop Committee Meeting

29 7:00pm Good Friday Service of Shadows

30

NOTES FROM THE LOFT

Organ Concert Set:
I am happy to announce that, through the good graces of the Allen Organ Company, we shall host an concert by one of the most accomplished organ virtuosos in America, Aram Basmadjian on Friday, March 1, 2013, at 6:30 P. M. Here are a few newspaper reviews from Arams past performances: "...after a standing ovation and two encores, {he} finally had to call it quits or the enthusiastic crowd would have kept him playing until midnight. -The Chronicle, The Dalles, Oregon "It was perhaps the greatest concert of the last few years. All {selections} were greeted with enthusiastic applause from the enthralled audience which honored him with no less than three standing ovations." - South Idaho Press, Burley, Idaho "Performing on his impressive four-manual Allen touring organ... this energetic artist conveyed a spirit of passion for his fine sounding "King of Instruments" and the music he elicited from it." - Idaho State Journal, Pocatello, Idaho Since Aram is being made available by the Alan Organ Company, I am hopeful that, prior to the concert, we can finally complete the installation and calibration of our organ so that he may demonstrate all of its many capabilities. I hope you will mark your calendar and plan to attend. Bob

Rummage Sale
We need your garage sale items for the church wide rummage sale, Saturday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Deen Building parking lot. We will also need volunteers! If you can help, please contact Mary Keller 214-542-8786

Easter Egg Hunt

Our annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Palm Sunday, March 24, immediately following the Traditional service. Stay for the hunt, then join us for the ABC Room Birthday Luncheon. There is always good food and it is for a great cause!
All Outgoing Committee Members If you are cycling off a committee, please turn in any keys that are no longer needed. This will aid in reducing the cost of having new keys made. Thank you!

Holy Week at Russell

Join us for these special worship experiences! Palm Sunday, March 24 Celebrate Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Maundy Thursday, March 28 Service of Holy Communion Commemorate Jesus last night with his disciples. Worship at 7:00 p.m. Good Friday, March 29 Service of Shadows Meditate on the Passion of Jesus through prayer, song, and Scripture. Worship at 7:00 p.m.

Dear Pastor, I am writing to express to you and your congregation my heartfelt apology for the pain, fear, and stress I caused. I know you all suffered a great loss because of my irresponsible and dangerous actions. Over the last couple years while you have recovered I have had plenty of time to think about and regret my actions. I am happy to see the community and churches have healed so well. I wish there was something substantial I could do to make up for my crime but nothing can replace your time, and memories, so all I have to offer are prayer and apology. When Job suffered the loss of his home and family, God was gracious enough to bless him in the latter days of his life more than in the beginning. It has been my ongoing prayer that God will do the same for you. I have no right to ask you for anything, nevertheless, I want to ask you for forgiveness. Again, I am deeply heartbroken about what I have done, and my remorse cuts deepI am very, very sorry. God Bless You! Sincerely, Jason Bourque Jason Bourque TDC #1692690 Robertson Unit 12071 FM 3522 Abilene, TX 79601

Easter Sunday, March 31 Resurrection Celebration Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.

FYI
W.O.W will NOT meet the week of Spring Break (March 13). We will resume our regular schedule on March 20th. Thank you!

Dr. Billy Watson, Pastor Nancy McDonald, Office Administrator Theresa Turner, Ladies Hand Bells Director Denise Ross, Pianist

Dr. Bob Gilbreth, Music Director Fritz Gilbreth, Organist Mary Keller, WOW Coordinator Jackie Cockerham, Financial Administrator

Russell Memorial United Methodist Church 201 S. Fourth St Wills Point, Texas 75169 903-873-2569 Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday rmumc@sbcglobal.net www.russellmemorialumc.org

The Russell Report

Russell Memorial UMC A Family Rooted in Christ and Reaching Out in Love 201 S. Fourth Street P. O. Box 335 Wills Point, TX 75169

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