Have a Blessed Christmas

I pray that you will all have a Christmas filled with the wonder of our salvation. God needed one holy man to remedy what Adam did when he failed us and plunged us into sin. God could not find such a righteous man so He became one! Now because of Jesus Christ you can reject what Adam did and accept Jesus as your new head(authority). Have you received and are you following that precious savior?

Thanks Be Unto God

"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift" II Corinthians 9:15

Let us pause and consider where we would be without the grace of God! May we dwell upon what Jesus Christ made possible for our heavenly Father. He longed to forgive; yet His justice demanded that we be forever separated from Him and His creation. Jesus came, laying aside the privileges of his Deity, and lived as a real man. He faced the temptations and the sorrow of the world in the weakness and frailty of human nature. He was faithful unto death by depending on the power of the Holy Spirit. He qualified as the Lamb of God. Where Adam failed; Jesus succeeded! Through Adam we all were separated from God and were total failures. By faith in Jesus Christ, accepting his forgiveness and accepting him as our new and living head, we are more than conquerors. As I express my thanks to God for his unspeakable gift I am compelled to say "unspeakable" thanks to the God of my salvation! We do speak of the gift and we do give thanks; but all language falls short when it comes to speaking of the gift and for expressing the gratitude God's people hold in their hearts. Have a blessed Thanksgiving. And since I'm writing this the day before Veteran's Day I say thank you to all who have served in our armed forces. Thank you all for being earthly examples of the greater heavenly sacrifice and reality.

Workers for the Harvest

In Luke 10:2 Jesus said "the harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest". Jesus said these words as He was sending his disciples out "two and two". From where are these new workers going to come? They are going to come from the harvest! As we are instrumental in bringing people to the Lord we are at the same time being instrumental in God sending workers! What a double privilege it is when we see the Lord reap His harvest!

Rain!

Saturday Cindy and I drove back from Robinson, where Cindy had spoken to the Robinson women on "Relationship Evangelism". As we arrived back in town it was raining! Praise God for the rain! When I looked at my "Brad Barton" rain guage it indicated that my yard had welcomed 1 3/4" of rain! The next day we were blessed with another 1/2". In two days we had been blessed with more rain than in the last three months. At church on Sunday you could see the joy on the faces of God's people. We had all grown weary of the drought! We thank Him for the physical showers of blessing and we praise Him for His precious Truth and grace, those greater showers of blessing!

A Thank You

Our church received a thank you for the donation of school supplies that our Junior Camp provided this year........


"To thank you. Some lives are true reflections of God's Love. Sending a prayer of thanks to God...and a note of thanks to you. Bless you for your kindness! We thank all of you with a grateful heart for your generous 'shoe box blessings'. The summer youth group from Bethel Methodist Church has truly blessed children in Acuna. Every child who receives a "blessing box" has the opportunity to go to school!!! You all have made a difference in these children's lives. Be blessed today and always.

Craig and Jan Maser, Jeff and Jennifer Johnson"


Thank you Pam Samford, your staff and campers for this great work!

Back In School

I heard we had an adventurous, fun and meaningful Youth Retreat. I can't wait until I'm the speaker so I can try the zip line! As these young people get back into the school year, pray that they would believe God for the strenth they need in the challenging times they face. Greater is He that is in them! But never forget that greater is he that is in the world than them! What I mean by that is that they cannot face the power of satan in their own strength; they need God! Again I say, PRAY!

Lift Up Your Eyes

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" I John 4:4

I just felt led to remind you of this fact.......and one more;

"Then saith He unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest" Matthew 9:37&38

May we lift our eyes from the lower reality and look to the greater reality........then look at the harvest.......for He is great and so is the harvest! May God use us in the fields that are ripe for the true gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord!

Pray for Camp

We leave this Sunday for Camp! If we did not have faithful workers we could not have camp. If you do not pray....our work will be in vain! Pray for safety and most importantly that the Word shall have free course!

Robinson BMC Expansion Project

Upcoming Events at BMC of Fredericksburg

This Sunday (July 17th) is Friendship Sunday at our church with a Potluck meal afterwards.

On August 6th, we are having another garage sale/bake sale. All the garage sale proceeds will go to Joplin, Missouri tornatdo victims throught Samaritan's Purse. All proceeds from the bake sale will go to camp expenses. It will be located at the house next to the Greater Grace Coffee House on San Antonio Street in Fredericksburg starting at 8 a.m.

Sandra Kirchner

Hill Country Bethel Church VBS 2011 Photos

Bethel Methodist Church of Fredericksburg

The Bethel Methodist Church of Fredericksburg has hired a child-care person for the Sunday morning service. Her name is Beth and she just recently moved to Fredericksburg. She is very qualified as her mother had run a day-care center while she was growing up and she has a great personality. We are happy to welcome Beth to our church and the kids love her.

Also, we continue to get a few visitors now and then. We are blessed to have them come and we are thankful for the Golden Hub Community Center where we can worship. You are all invited to come visit us anytime. We have Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and the service at 10:30 a.m. Reverend Nathan is doing a wonderful job for Christ and His church.

Sandra Kirchner

Dear Hill Country VBS Surfers!!!

The BMC of FBG caught wind that some VBS boys and girls were collecting pennies for the newest mission church in the Bethel Methodist denomination...


Well...on behalf of our church here in Fredericksburg, we wanted to say, "Thank you SOOOOOO Much and God Bless you!"


We are so very touched by you wanting to give your hard earned pennies to help our church. Let me tell you why a new Bethel Methodist Church is so important to God...


Starting a new church is not that different from why you are at VBS this week. Did you know that? God's greatest desire is for all people to love Him the way that He loves you. And because you know people there at VBS this week who love God with all their heart, they want you to learn all you can about God at VBS so you can love and trust Him also!


Well, our new church in Fredericksburg wants to do the same thing for people in our new town: tell people how much God loves them and how much they need Jesus as their Lord and Savior! It is the greatest and best thing anyone could ever do; love Jesus everyday with all their heart. That is what God wants us to do in this place.


Our church is praying for all of you this week and beyond this week. Thank you again for your support and prayers. God loves you and so do we! Now...surf's up!


With Love and Appreciation,


Pastor Nate and The Bethel Methodist Church of Fredericksburg

VBS

Several Bethel Vacation Bible Schools start Monday. Please do all you can to support those who work hard to plant seeds in the fertile soil of our children! I still remember those good days in Irving when several of the current members of our church in North Texas taught me! Thank you for being there for me! If you cannot do anything else, please pray!

Bethel Southlake moves to Colleyville and becomes Bethel Methodist Church of North Texas

Nearly 5 years after moving from Irving to Southlake, the Bethel Methodist Church of North Texas moved to a new temporary location at 1901 Industrial Blvd in Colleyville, Texas, 76034. In a process that took most of three days, church volunteers finished packing boxes Wednesday night and unpacked them as they arrived at the new location Thursday morning. Unpacking and setup took most of Thursday and all of Friday. A large turnout of volunteers set up the congregational seating and sanctuary decorations on Saturday.

By Saturday evening, the sound system, instruments, platform furnishings, chairs, tables, nursery and kitchen were all ready. Sunday morning between Sunday school and worship, the church enjoyed a brief fellowship with a continental breakfast. The morning service was well-attended and heard a wonderful message from Rev. Curtis Morton on Our Charge to Keep. And despite the open ‘industrial’ ceiling, the main sanctuary hall has far better acoustics which enhanced the congregational singing and instrumental music. The new worship space is a large square hall oriented on a 45-degree bias with a 36’ radius platform in one corner. Arranging congregational seating, greenery and platform furnishings including a new organ was a challenge but it all came together fairly well.The Colleyville location has several additional rooms and a large storage closet next to the platform. The extra rooms will allow the Sunday school classes and nursery some much-needed space along with extra room for fellowships and choir practice. And for the first time in nearly 5 years, the church finally has a full kitchen again.

All the areas will likely need additional cleanup, paint and other work but we are all very grateful for this new start in Colleyville with the space we need to resume the programs and activities for all ages that people expect from a church. Please pray that God will send hungry people to all of our churches in each of our communities and give us insight for outreach.

Plans for a church office and Pastor's study are still being considered so there is no 'church phone' yet. Please contact Rev. Curtis Morton or any other church member directly. There is nothing new to report about the Southlake property situation at this time.

Due to the uncertainties of summer vacations, VBS and Youth Camp, no formal open-house or grand opening is scheduled yet. Until then, consider yourself invited anytime!

No Greater Love

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13

We celebrate those who gave the ultimate price for a freedom that was obviously not free. "Rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil...if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil" Romans 13:3 &4

For the brave men and women who have died bearing the "sword", we give thanks! For Jesus who laid down His life so that we could be His friend, we give thanks! For a God that shall remove all evil from His creation once and forever, we give thanks!

Justice Served

"...the powers that be are ordained of God...for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil" Romans 13:1&4





Romans thirteen is dedicated to reminding God's people that God has ordained earthly authorities. He has not ordained the abuse of power; He has ordained proper use of earthly authority. Although Rome was an ungodly place ruled by ungodly men, Jesus told his disciples to render honor to those in positions of authority. We are to do the same! The only exception to our responsibility to earthly authority is when to submit would mean disobedience to God. Romans 13:4 clearly states that these governments have the right to bear the "sword". The sword is an instrument of execution. Governments have the authority, in the cause of justice, to use lethal force. Recently justice came to a house in Pakistan. We rejoice that justice was done and that evil has been removed. However, our celebration is tempered by knowledge that a life was lost. Every human life is precious and represents an opportunity to be a child of God. Our hearts are saddened by the ruin that sin has wrought. May God bless our nation and may we use that blessing as an opportunity to spread the gospel to all men....even to the "chief" sinners!

Ordination Reception For Reverend Nathan Aviles

After the morning service on April 17, 2011 the Bethel Methodist Church of Fredericksburg had a reception/luncheon for Reverend Nathan Aviles and his family at the Golden Hub Community Center where they worship each Sunday.

Sandwiches, deviled eggs, salad, chips and tea were served along with cake. The cake was done in white with a blue cross on it and Reverend Aviles’ name on it.

There were approximately 25 people in attendance. It was enjoyed by all.

The church wants to congratulate Reverend Aviles on his ordination that was held at the General Conference in Port Neches TX on April 8, 2011.

Sandra Kirchner

I Thirst

Hear the words of a song we recently heard in church. "Cool clear water, cool clear water to me. One day I came to Him, I was so thirsty. I asked for water, my throat was so dry. He gave me water that I never dreamed of. But for this water, my Lord had to die. He said, "I thirst", yet He made the rivers. He said, "I Thirst", yet He made the sea. "I thirst", said the King of the ages. In His great thirst, He brought water to me. Now there's a river, that flows as clear as crystal, and it comes from God's throne above and like a river, it wells up inside me, bringing mercy and life-giving love." Think about these words uttered by our Lord while he hung on that cruel Roman cross......"I Thirst".

John Wesley Quote

It is hard for me to tell you the excitement I had when Pastor Slye used this quote in his Friday evening message. For those of you who missed it, here it is:

"Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth."

Here is a good supporting scripture: Psalm 97:10 "Ye that love the Lord, hate evil..."

What do these say to me? God can and will use those who truly love Him, no matter how few or how many. Christians, those who will be faithful to Him daily, are given the grace to make a difference for God, not by their works or deeds, but by their will to believe and trust. Christians believe they CAN make a difference for God, even if no one will follow them. Do you believe your faith (love of God) matters for the kindgom's sake? It does!

Do not let the "realities of life" discourage you from the reality of God and what He seeks to accomplish in you and all men! Oh yes, His grace IS sufficient for YOU!

God Bless...Pastor Aviles

A few pictures from conference.

Rev. Nathan Aviles and Family

Our Bethel Methodist Preachers

Thank You Port Neches!

God was present with us at conference in very obvious ways. Our host church was so good to us and all their work was used of God! Thank you pastor Tim and all the great people in the Port Neches church. We will never forget this very special time in the history of our denomination. What's next? Pray for our "North Texas" church as they relocate and seek to build the house! Pray for your pastors as they meet in Clifton April 25-28. Pray for Youth Camp July 24-30. The work continues and the enemy is still present. As long as we are trusting God we have nothing to fear and everything to gain! Pray for me as I seek to be the leader God needs!

Are You Praying?

Are you praying for General Conference In Port Neches, Texas April 7-9, 2011? Preparations are now being made by many Bethel Methodists. Are you praying for our mission church in Fredericksburg, Texas? Are you praying for our ministers and all who enter the doors of every Bethel Methodist Church? Before I write another word................I am praying for you,the one reading this. "Ye have not because ye ask not" James 4:2. We cannot have the will of God in the Bethel Methodist Church if we, the members of the Bethel Methodist Church, are not asking Him for it! Will you join me right now in praying? If you are out there please let me know by making a comment!

Be Still

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

If you look up the word "still" in a Hebrew dictionary you find words such as "abate", "cease", "forsake", "leave", "let alone", "become idle". In other words, stop what you are doing and know Him! The exact same Hebrew word translated "still" is used by Pharaoh when the people, led by Moses, asked for time to go and worship God in the wilderness. That wicked pagan ruler instead ordered that the work load of God's people be doubled by requiring them to gather their own straw for brick making. Pharaoh increased their activity because, in his words, they were "idle"(Exodus 5:17). This is the same word translated "still" in Psalm 46:10. God is exposing satan's tactic. God says be "still". Satan says "I will keep them so busy there is no time to be still". Satan's tactic is to keep us occupied with the constant, unceasing noise of activity. That evil fallen spirit with his network of influence would like nothing more than to keep you so immersed in technology, worldly information, work, children's activities, running to and fro, listening to the noise of worldly music, that there is no time to "be still". Make a firm commitment.....I will not let that happen!