BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BELTON SEPT 2016 VOLUME 1

Who is the Proverbs 31 Woman today? Hopeful ~ Relevant ~ Encourager ~ Life Changer It’s my time It’s your time It’s our time Walking as a Proverbs 31 women today, can we do it? Just BE you in all your original and God designed self. Whether you are a young teen growing into womanhood, a new mom, a women in her 30-40’s or moving beyond—Womanhood is a tribe to be celebrated, cherished, lifted, blessed, and prayed for. We are hands and a voice for the powerless, the vulnerable, the downtrodden, and for the neglected. Above all, we are so loved by a God who knows each one of us.

Holy Spirit in the Apple Tree By Samantha St. John

Jesus wept…… John 11:35 The morning of April 4, 2016 I walked along my front his hands, devouring the whole of it. Apples. They were my yard admiring the beauty of my gardens. When I came to my apple tree, I frowned. Yet again for the fifth year in a row this particular tree had blossomed beautiful and sweet, then dropped the flowers in a blanket on the ground, leaving the tree barren of fruit. Pondering the mystery of the fruitless apple tree, I headed back to my house. Entering the front door, I could hear the familiar ring of my phone. Reaching for it I looked at the name and number, a frown knitted upon my eyebrows. It was my mother—A chill ran up my spine. Since my mom was seemingly always the bearer of bad news I knew deep in my heart, this call wouldn't be good. Frozen in time I listened. Fresh tears stung my eyes as I was told very gently that my father passed away earlier that morning. In the quiet solitude of my home I cried, grief overcoming me like a tsunami. Then I did the only thing I could think of. I picked up my Bible. turning to the pages of John chapter 11, I read “Jesus wept” In that moment I realized that Jesus had given us a valuable gift that day many years ago as his dear friend left the world, the freedom to grieve.

As I sat, with the Bible on my lap, the memories came. My dad lifting me up to the high branches to pick the apples that had ripened there. His voice as he told me to let them drop. Each one landing into the bushel basket by his feet. The delivery of the basket to my mom, grandma and great aunt. The mischievous twinkle in his eye as he looked at the women before him. We all knew this basket was not a gift to them, but more for my dad who would soon have an over abundance of apple pies to enjoy. We all laughed as we sat in a circle on the floor peeling apples while my dad licked his lips and rubbed his tummy in anticipation of the deliciousness yet to come. Then I was taken back even further into the past as my dad put the very first apple I would taste to my lips, encouraging me to take a bite. The sound of his laughter filled the room as I took my first bite then grabbed the apple from

dad's favorite food.

I must have shifted where I sat on the couch. For I was brought back into the present by a small stab on my thigh. I looked down and saw the Bible. Picking it up I read John 11:40 “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” I hugged the scripture close and silently prayed, “Dear Jesus, I know you can not raise my father from his tomb, but if you could give me something of peace, of comfort. Something of my dad, I would be so humble and grateful.” With that, I brought myself to believe without a doubt that the Holy Spirit would show me the glory of God to clear away the mist of sadness that plagued my heart.

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

John 11:40 The next morning, my husband and I sat on our front porch reminiscing about Dad, when something caught the corner of his eye. In astonishment he pointed toward our apple tree. I quickly got up from my chair, walking forward it. With every step the image became clearer. There, in a ray of sunshine ten teeny tiny apples sat on the branches of the once fruitless apple tree. Ten teeny tiny apples that miraculously formed overnight making my tree fruitless no more. A gentle breeze lifted my hair and settled on my cheek like a kiss from heaven. I looked up into the clouds above with a thankful soul, “I love you Dad”, I whispered. Grief is a gift to cleanse the eyes. To see afresh and anew the Holy Spirit with the simplest of things that bring comfort and peace as a loved one journeys from the earth into the kingdom of heaven to be with the Lord. Samantha ~

I am First and foremost a child of God. His adopted child Samantha St. John. I answer to

Sam or Samantha. There is no difference, I answer to both. I am Dwayne's wife of 25 years. Dj, Shaun and Stephanie's step mother. Raising them from preteen, they are close to my heart. My three step grandchildren Cailey, Adrienne, and Piper are growing into beautiful young ladies like their mother. I am Mom to Kathryn, Stephen and Mariah Dominique. I am Grammie to Castiel and Ryker. And I am a member of an awesome church. As far as career goes, well I haven't quite figured out what I want to be when I grow up. I am a Yankee at heart, moving to Texas from Massachusetts twelve years ago. Many people ask me if I miss the snow. Yes and no. I miss the beauty of the new fallen snow. I do not miss the endless hours of shoveling said now! While living in Massachusetts I was a stay at home mom. Moving to Texas and then residing in Belton ten years ago changed my status. I became a daycare teacher, caring for and teaching 18 month old babies. Two months ago I made a career move. I am now a checker and bagger for HEB. Yes, I love it! There are so many people in our community to meet!! This is my way of sharing Jesus's love with them. I have found that a cheerful voice, a friendly smile and a unspoken understanding to how their day is going good or bad is the best way to share His love.. I am blessed to be given this opportunity. I enjoy spending time with my husband children and grandchildren, writing, swimming, reading, playing games on my kindle and spending each morning in the presence of the Lord, praying, reading the bible, and listening to Christian music.

Spotlight on Local Mission with

United Methodist Women

United Methodist Women

shall be a community of women whose PURPOSE is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

By Patricia Moore

“Loving” New Mothers A new mother

has many needs and part of its mission for Belton's First United Methodist unit is an ongoing project called; "Bundle of Joy". Members provide numerous baby items each meeting. These items include lotion, shampoo, baby wash, diapers, baby wipes, diaper cream, hooded towels, blankets, bibs, pajamas, gowns, and assorted other baby needs. These items are then donated to the Belton Helping Hands organization.

The next regular UMW meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19, 2016. United Methodist Women Sunday is September 25th during the 10:45 am service

Do you remember your first prayer?

By Janet Brown

Prayer is language of the heart. Prayer allows God to do something with you. Whether the language is spoken or remains silent, prayer allows us to express our inner thoughts and emotions.. Prayer also provides a means for us to support others—even those we have never met—who cannot pray for themselves. Prayer is our special connection with God. Prayer is an ongoing conversation and growing relationship with God through thoughts or words.

Looking for a prayer journal? A friend gifted me with “My Worship Journey by Linda Dillow which is a companion journal for Satisfy My Thirsty Soul. I’m thoroughly enjoying the journal to record thoughts and prayers. This particular journal is unique as it is filled with brief devotions and scripture throughout. Worth adding to your prayer warrior arsenal.

Elements of the MOPS Experience Our vision is that every mom is so impacted by her MOPS experience that she carries it with her for life, making her a better mom who creates a better world. As a contributor to your local MOPS group, the MOPS experience begins with you. Titus 2:3-5 outlines the biblical calling of a mentor.

Meet MOPS. MOPS stands for Mothers of PreSchoolers. MOPS International encourages and equips moms of young children to realize their potential as mothers, women and leaders, in relationship with Jesus, and in partnership with the local church. Mops is where many new mothers and new-to-town mothers find the support to make strong mommies, strong families, and strong women. We are stronger because of the support we find in MOPS and in our community—both church and locally.

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live… then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. (NIV)

Calendar Date

Chances are, you know a MOPS mom.

September 12th 2016 FELLOWSHIP HALL

Meeting Details OPEN HOUSE & Welcome to: We Are The Starry-Eyed Outreach for members and sharers

Did you know that FUMC-Belton actually sponsors a MOPS Group? We meet here every week, leaving our young charges, our MOPPETS in the care of nursery workers chosen and nurtured by the church. We are given the precious gift of time, a time of ease to come together.

September 16th 2016 Whistle Stop Playground TEMPLE

Mom’s Lunch Out (Bring the Kids!) Park PlayDate Meet at 10; Bring a Picnic Lunch

September 19th 2016 FELLOWSHIP HALL

Widening Horizons Guest presenter: TimiMorgan Bikram Yoga Class

September 26th 2016 Journey Room

Squad Star Guest Speaker: Officer TammyJo McCleney Belton PD safety & Self defense

October 3th 2016 Journey Room

Choosing Our Path Discussion & Choosing of our Study/Focus for the year

October 10th 2016 Express ER 31st & Central

Teddy Bear Clinic Field Trip w/ KIDS Meet at 10 Bring a Teddy (stuffed pet) for Urgent Treatment

October 17th 2016 Journey Room

R & R Game Day No Speaker, No Programming

Mondays 9:30 –11:30 am Mothers of young children are in a season where many of the things we’d like to do are a bit outside of our schedule, time or skill set. When we bring our children to the church, we are eager to use our time to greatest advantage. We are willing students, with open minds in an engaging atmosphere.

Come and join in the fun! 2016 –2017 MOPS Theme Starry Eyed means looking for the light even when darkness is enveloping. It is an opportunity to hope recklessly and to witness God’s presence guiding things seen and unseen, comfortable and uncomfortable.

Wonder—Jeremiah 33:2-3 Hope—Psalm 139:12

TBA October 24th 2016 Journey Room October 31th 2016 Journey Room

Mom’s Night Out (Dad’s Night with the Kids!) Painting with a twist - That art Place 8 PM Class (insert Name of Study) Hey, Hey It’s (someone’s) Birthday Celebrating Sept/Oct Birthdays Bring Kids in Costume, Halloween Activities

Kindness—Genesis 1:1-5 This year we will run wildly toward wonder, hope and kindness because We Are the Starry Eyed and we choose to see the light.

Brunch Open House ~ September 12th 9:30-11:30 am ~ Fellowship Hall

Grace in the Kitchen by Lauri Ann Abell A virtuous wife, worth more than rubies, is talented, thrifty and wise. A woman who extends her hands to the poor, clothes herself and her household and is well stocked for winter. We’ve read about the Proverbs 31 woman. Her husband trusts her with their resources, she contributes to the well being of her family and their holdings. What a tall order! I’ve never purchased a field or made enough profit to have a vineyard. I don’t garb myself in gold and scarlet, and that whole rising in the dark? Only at the beck of an infant—but I’m doing my best to answer my call. We are called to be good wives, caring mothers, responsible stewards of our household. Really, it translates to being on top of the grocery list, the laundry, carpool, and any number of things…you may not know it, but every day that your family moves forward, is another step towards this ideal of a Godly wife. Few steps are as telling as what I do in my kitchen. My work has to be budget-friendly, kid-savvy, time-saving, and in the end, grow our bodies, spirits, hearts and brains. And one of the ways I do that is shown below…Join me in the quest to emulate the Proverbs woman and find you are due a little Grace in the Kitchen……..

Proverbs 31

“a woman celebrated” Rotisserie Chickens Oh my word! If there ever was an ingredient I would call a God-send, this is it! Perfectly roasted, and usually priced just over what an uncooked chicken would go for, it’s a win! Seriously, I’d pay a dollar or so in a Texas July to not heat up my kitchen to roast a chicken! And that plastic shell? Easy storage and super-fast clean up! But if you only buy them and carve them up—you are missing a serious opportunity! Because, in some markets, you can buy last night’s unsold rotisserie chickens cheap. They refrigerate the leftovers and sell them the next day for HALF price! Just google rotisserie chicken recipes and you’ll find yourself checking the cold case for chickens at every trip!

Chicken stock A virtuous wife, worth more than rubies, is talented, thrifty and wise. A woman who extends her hands to the poor, clothes herself and her household and is well stocked for winter. We’ve read about the Proverbs 31 woman. Her husband trusts her with their resources, she contributes to the well being of her family and their holdings. What a tall order! I’ve never purchased a field or made enough profit to have a vineyard. I don’t garb myself in gold and scarlet, and that whole rising in the dark? Only at the beck of an infant—but I’m doing my best to answer my call. We are called to be good wives, caring mothers, responsible stewards of our household. Really, it translates to being on top of the grocery list, the laundry, carpool, and any number of things…you may not know it, but every day that your family moves forward is another step towards this ideal of a Godly wife. Few steps are as telling as what I do in my kitchen. My work has to be budget-friendly, kid-savvy, time-saving, and in the end, grow our bodies, spirits, hearts and brains. And one of the ways I do that is shown below…Join me in the quest to emulate the Proverbs woman and find you are due a little Grace

Bonus Tip Speaking of opportunity, if you buy them and carve them up, please, please reserve the bones, any juice from the bottom and any of that skin that just won’t make it onto anyone’s plate. Pile it all in the bottom dish and just slide it into a gallon ZipLoc bag and freeze. THIS will make 1-2 gallons of beautiful, rich stock for soups, stews, casseroles, or even rice! Pull out frozen skin and bones and make it when you need it, or make ahead for easy menu prep! I pour some of mine into muffin cups and freeze to make easy ½ -cup portions that I then dump into a gallon bag for tossing into my rice cooker or other recipes. Then I fill up quart bags, lay them flat to freeze and have those waiting for me. I can hear you…really, I can. “Who makes stock?” “Why would I go to the trouble when a can/bottle/box is so affordable?” “Isn’t that what bullion powder is for?” The 3-part answer is simple: flavor, savings, and ease. Homemade broth is SOO much tastier than canned or instant, and can be modified to fit your taste and your recipe. It is infinitely cheaper than canned, because you make it with TRASH. The stuff that you would throw away because you don’t eat it, mixed with water and cooked becomes liquid gold! Ease? Yes…the know-how to make a perfect stock and a few quarts of it can open your horizons and even turn you into a Proverbs 31 woman. I mean, not the rubies part, but having a store in her larder and not being wasteful? Your journey starts somewhere.

I Am A Movie Junkie By Jerie Weasmer I love films—animated, action, romance, documentary, and crime. As a child in the 50s, I lived in a tiny Iowa town, where my parents were bankers. Maquoketa, 15 miles away, was big enough to have a small theater, and because they advertised upcoming films in our bank, we had two free passes per week. Thus, one night each week we trekked to see whatever was showing there. Also, in nearby Clinton, Saturday was buck night at the drive in, so at $1 per car we settled in with speaker propped over the window to enjoy their double feature. When I was a teen (1964), the Beatles movie came to Maquoketa, and Mom dropped off a girlfriend and me to see the phenomenon. As per historic accounts, the screaming was so loud in the theater, we could barely hear the show. I went back each evening that week with a different friend. Throughout my Masters work at Iowa State University, I had the good fortune to study film under Loring Silet, a fiery young film buff with plenty to share about critiquing camera angles, panning, set, costumes, and flow. His courses honed my perspectives so that I

Bad Moms

could appreciate special effects or costuming even if the movie as a whole fell short. Later, I began attending the Palm Springs International Film Festival each January with my parents. Festival goers with Road Scholar watch films (mostly with subtitles) morning, afternoon, and evening, followed by commentary by professional critics and crowd discussion. Best is when directors/cast members from the films are present to field questions. Film selection necessitates having critics from all over the world view and score the films entered, totaling 500-700 films per critic. Thus, each film selected has been carefully chosen. A Gala is held at the outset of the festival each year, attended by many Hollywood stars, further enhancing excitement. My husband and I go to all new movies that are not horror or centered on dead folks who have risen up with chunks of flesh missing or feature Zach Efron’s college boy drinking and hustling bikini-clad coeds. I like to enter a quick commentary on Facebook after each film I see, which led to a request from the editor of this newsletter to write a monthly review.

She also asked for a biography to let you know why I am passionate about films and as a rhetorician can’t resist writing about them. Thus, the lengthy expose about my childhood in Iowa, my graduate coursework, and my Palm Springs escapades. In the coming issues I will be reviewing films shown at local theaters, on Amazon Prime, and on television. It is unlikely we will always agree on what is masterful and what disappoints. Nonetheless, validating what is special about a movie and what is lacking makes us discerning viewers. You notice that on Rotten Tomatoes the critics’ scores often diverge drastically from the public’s, so let’s just smile and agree to disagree on occasion. I urge you to check other sources before attending if you fear you may be offended by one I applaud.

If you seek a feel- with a domineering spouse, and Kathryn Hahn, rawgood flick with op- edged, profane, and sexual single mom, resort to open

portunities for deep belly laughter, don’t miss Bad Moms. I was ignited by Bad Teacher and its disgusting portrayal of my profession and so initially feared Bad Moms may have a similar bent. However, I LOVE Mila Kunis and the previews for Bad Moms were gentler, so my hubby and I went. The all-star cast is remarkable! Laughter in the theater lingered long after the clever one-liners peppered throughout. The undergirding theme is that despite every effort, no mom is as good as she wants to be—and that’s okay. I once heard a talk-show host say, “Women always feel guilty about how they parent and what they eat,” and the first of these guilt’s undergirds. This film depicts Kunis’ overindulgence with her lackadaisical son, emotional enmeshment with her daughter’s perfectionism, and ongoing struggle to be a perfect Mom, proficient homemaker, and productive professional. Her new friendship with Kristen Bell, a naive mom of four

rebellion against their sense of expectations for moms. Christina Applegate, Jada Pinkett Smith and less harsh Annie Mumolo (a riot!) are villains. Warning: The film has one scene with a nude woman, and Hahn’s character uses profanity with abandon. If neither of these elements deter you, gather up a girlfriend, sister, or husband and head to the movies. After hubby and I saw it on Friday, I took my 91-year-old mom and my daughter on Monday. We all roared! Luckily I knew what was coming and could laugh even before each bit unfolded. Dr. Jerie Weasmer earned her PhD from Purdue University with emphases on Rhetoric and Education. Her publications center on accommodating innovative practices in education, integrating writing into all fields of learning, and sustaining job satisfaction. She was a full professor at Eastern Illinois University and later held a tenure line at Texas A&M Central Texas. Prior to her doctoral work she taught high school and middle school English and coached competitive speech/theater.

Editors Notes— Janet Brown 

ARTICLES & THRIVE CONTRIBUTORS— Welcome to the first edition of THRIVE! Women of Vibrant Faith newsletter. This is for YOU—Women—in all walks and seasons of life filled with FAITH stories—devotions— prayer—laughter—joy—dreams—hope— mercies—fears—questions—uplift— miracles—inspiration—life——growth— answers.



Have something to say? Please send your contributions, thoughts, articles, ideas, photos, and suggestions to raise-up this bi-monthly publication. It will grow because of collaboration. Please submit to [email protected]

Thank you for reading THRIVE!

A lot of prayer and God’s timing in this launch of a newsletter for women’s ministry. And a huge thank you to a few fellow “tribe”- friends who are diving in to launch this “kick-off” first publication. I know there are many more writers and contributors out there with a heart to share—COME. My hope is that some bit inspired or encouraged you. My name is Janet Brown, editor and dreamer for this newsletter—Soooo never give up on your dreams and dream bigger. Believe God’s timing is always on time.

Why a newsletter? Women have things to say, a heart & soul to share, inspirations, encouragement, and life experiences. Real life. There is a big wide world out there to explore and we have so many experiences to share. Also, conversations about God’s Grace, faith, and love for each of us will be a huge part of this journey. So, here we go. The format for the newsletter is going to be flexible—as I’m pretty right–brained—so creativity and freedom in design will be at the forefront, (this is for the benefit of all of my left-brained friends out there - love you and need you) who are wanting to know what to expect in the future... And there will always be new tastes and flavors being added to help keep things fun and interesting. I encourage and hope you will want to get your voice out there to share….Embrace your Holy Spirit moments women. If you would like to receive an e-copy—please request via our email up above. The newsletter will also available on www.fumcbelton.org and at the First United Methodist Church Belton in various locations. You know, the ladies bathrooms for instance, places we tend to congregate and network. Grace and Peace and above all ….. Thrive in all aspects of your life! ~J

Women’s group meets Sunday afternoons at 3:45pm in the Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church of Belton. If you are interested in attending these 3 night-4 day Spiritual Growth Retreats, please reply to [email protected] for information and sponsorship details Also, go to www.ctcemmaus.org for more information .

Upcoming Retreat Date October 6-9 at Greene Family Retreat at Bruceville Eddy

THRIVE! Small Group Wednesdays @ 6pm

Thrive Women’s Small Group meets every Wednesday . Starting at 5pm with a Pot-luck dinner shared by the members and for our families—Please contact [email protected] for more information to join in the potluck. Then come for Small Group study and fellowship at 6pm. This group of women are very welcoming and there is always a open chair around our well used kitchen table. We meet in the Stepping Stones room.

New Study starting on September 7th Heart Wide Open, explores how to answer the call of your restless heart and refuse to settle for anything less than the intimate friendship of God. Through her heartfelt and honest words, you’ll find practical inspiration to help you: exchange your “just enough Jesus” mindset for an all-out pursuit of Him. Ask God to show you the wonder of His Word and trade formulaic devotions for a devoted life.

Discover how to live with your heart wide open.

Global Mission Moment Children’s Cup Helping Throwaway Kids become World Changers Most people think that no child should be referred to as a “throw away,” and we completely agree! Every child deserves an opportunity to pursue his or her God-given purpose in life. Unfortunately, many children believe the lie that their circumstances tell them, so we are dedicated to ensuring they know they were created to be a World Changer, not a “Throw Away.” Mission: Equipping Local churches to transform communities through holistic child development. www.childrenscup.org

Our strategy in giving hope is simple, yet effective. We provide the necessities: food, water and medical care. We provide the life skills needed to thrive: education, discipleship, and economic principles. But, most of all, we provide these children with an opportunity to learn about Christ. #CupKidsB2S

Being hands and feet for Christ Proverbs 31:20