First Gathering Gazette

News of the Gathering

Lecture Series  11:00 a.m.

Too many advertisements-Not enough information-  Way too confusing!!!!!!! 

Digital TV???--What is Digital TV anyway? Why the switch?  Who will be affected?  What about those converter boxes?  How much is it going to cost?  Do I need to purchase a new TV?  What is the deadline?  Where do I get a coupon to help with the cost of the converter box?

Economic Stimulus Payments???--Do you know if you are eligible?  Do you know that you can still apply even if you do not file a return?   Did you know the deadline to file is October 15th?   When can we expect the check?

Lunch  12:15 p.m.  

Entertainment  1:00 p.m.

AN EXCITING PROGRAM featuring Bill Flynt and Jeannie Clark Fisher is scheduled for May 12^th.  Jeannie and Bill have been presenting vocal programs of light operetta music of the early 1900s since 2004 when they found themselves performing Gershwin music with the Mesquite Symphony.  Bill has been the organist at the Methodist church of Garland for over 40 years.  He is considered the “staff arranger” for the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, the Richardson Community Band and the Heritage Swing Band, specializing in music of the 40’s.  Jeannie has performed with the Dallas Opera Chorus, the Dallas Symphony Chorus and Voices of Change.  She also has made recordings, mostly of her own compositions.  She teaches voice and guitar in Allen, Plano and Highland Park .  This promises to be a delightful program.  DON’T MISS IT.  

Dear Friends,

One of the most rewarding aspects of our Senior Adult Ministry is the number of folks who are stepping up to provide leadership.  Your council has grown by several persons who are taking up various tasks of our Ministry.  There is a spirit of excitement and commitment as we work together as a team.  In all that we do we continue to concentrate on our mission to welcome people for Christ, grow people in Christ and serve people with Christ.  This focus keeps us from becoming just another social outlet for old folks.  I am very proud of the response by so many to join in this journey.

Be sure and check the Trippers activity lined up for the next few weeks.  You will find articles elsewhere in this issue of the Gazette.

Have you noticed the number of new folks participating in the various activities of our Ministry?  It is not unusual to find persons from other churches joining us.  If you are feeling good about our Ministry, I would encourage you to share those good feelings with someone who is not presently participating and invite him or her to be your guest. 

Summer is coming at us with at top speed.  Several of you have already started taking your annual trips.  Enjoy the times away.  Come back ready to join us in many meaningful and life changing experiences in our Senior Adult Ministry.

Peace,

Fred Trevino    

 -------------

TRIPPERS UPDATES

HAWAIIAN CRUISE…October 6-17.  Still space available.  Call Fred Trevino for details. 

SUMMER MUSICALS AT GRANBURY OPERA HOUSE

  “Annie Get Your Gun”  Friday matinee, July 24

  “In the Good Old Summer Time”  Thursday matinee, July 24

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!

Senior Adults Ministry is sponsoring a Spring concert, March 27, 2009 featuring The Stamps Quartet.  Put it on your calendars.  Information on ticket sales will be shared when available.

ARBORETUM -  DON’T MISS THE BUS  -  It leaves the South church parking lot at 9:00 AM on Thursday, May 22^nd.  We are going to the Dallas Arboretum to see over 80,000 spring blooming annuals during the May Flower Festival.  Return by 3:00 PM.  Sr. Citizens tickets $7, Bus $5.  Lunch on your own.  Limited to 42 people. Call for reservations.  Marie Madden 972-363-0389 or 972-679-6338 or Donna Lewis 972-235.5879 – OR sign up and may your money on Sundays at the Welcome Center desk.  SEE YOU THERE.

 BEULAH LAND

I’m living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky,

I’m drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry;

O yes! I’m feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,

For I am dwelling in Beulah Land .

This beautiful worship hymn tells of living in a world we would all love to see. It has such a lively tune and upbeat message that I wondered where the author found the idea for the song and thought some of you might also be interested.  The song was written in 1911.  The author must have had great understanding of Bible history, because I find only one mention of the word Beulah in the entire Bible, and he is able to write an entire song on the one citation.  It appears in Isaiah 62:4 of the King James version and not at all in many other versions including our own Revised Standard.  The chapter heading in the NIV translation is “ Zion ’s New Name”.  Here is Isaiah’s description of a new Zion (probably Judea ) at some time in the future:

“The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.”   Isaiah 62:2

“No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate.  But you will be called Hepzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you.”  Isaiah 62:4

April Programs Reviewed, by Roger Fortney

Another wonderful covered dish luncheon at ’The Gathering’!  Thanks for everyone who participated and to those who set up the tables and food.  The geraniums won by three lucky persons were beautiful.

Our entertainment was presented by the Symphonic Music duo who presented us with a wide variety of  music, starting out with There’s No Business Like Show Business, then moved on to waltzes, golden oldies like ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart’.  The program also included  classical pieces, marches, and a blending of ‘Peer Gynt Suite’ and ‘Amazing Grace’.  The whole program had something for everyone and in my case, everything for someone (me)

 What a great job Linda Rodgers is doing for speakers at our Lecture Series. We have had well over 75 at the programs the last two months.  Dr. Carol Harris presented  wealth of information pertaining to interaction of supplements and prescription medication, how and when to take the two and what seems to work and what doesn't.  She is a very accomplished Internal Medicine MD and she gave us all the time we needed to answer questions. 
 
In April, Dr. Sacheen Mehta, a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon presented an exciting program about advancements in knee replacement technology.  It is also great that this technology is being worked on for hips and other joint replacements.  I haven't gone into detail on either of these programs because I don't want to misquote either of them, but it is best if you spend that hour before lunch learning about things that affect most of us at one time or another.  See you in May.  Look for what's coming next.  

Assistive Listening in the Sanctuary

If you have difficulty in hearing clearly, even if you have a hearing aid, Assistive Listening Devices are available for use in the sanctuary. These are FM radios tuned to a transmitter which broadcasts programming within the sanctuary.  About 15 persons per week use these and complaints are rare. 

If you have a cell phone or palm held device on your person, the quality of reception may be affected.  Please be sure they are turned off and kept from proximity to the listening device.  Ask a person at the greeter desk in the Shawver Center for assistance. 

Choose from two types of ear pieces depending on which is comfortable for you. The ear pieces are cleaned with alcohol after each use for your protection.. 

See you in Church.

Fred Henry

Senior Singles  by Phil Davis

Our Senior Singles Class would like to welcome you to join us in room 208 at 11AM any Sunday for Sunday school.  We have various speakers on many exciting subjects.  We are service oriented to many needs, such as Choir, Greeters, Nursing Homes, Span, and Support Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, Youth activities, and SPAN.  – Oh Yes, We like to eat out together also on Sunday’s Thursdays, and once a month at CiCi’s on Campbell.  If you like Game night, we are always ready for Domino or Card games.  No money required for Games, but you can bring a snack when we gather at First Center for Game night.  If you are sixty or over and single you need to drop in some Sunday.