502 Sixth Street;           (409)886-7466

Directions to church

8:15 AM Traditional Worship Service in the Chapel
8:55 AM Contemporary Worship Service in the Praise Center
9:50 AM Sunday School in the Praise Center
11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service in the Praise Center

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  Updated 7/2/09      

MISSION STATEMENT:

Making Disciples by sharing God's love through Christ.

 

Financial and Building Condition Update

 

The work on our buildings goes on and we are moving back into the sanctuary and Education Building and will be able to occupy the second floor and sanctuary very soon.  All of this progress has a cost and here it is:  Approximately $2 million.  Now, $1.3 of that 2 million is the Praise Center and we have pledges to cover all but approximately $400,000 of that $1.3 million.  The remainder of that nearly 2 million is from expenses related to putting our buildings back together. 

 

If you recall, we not only had flood damage to the Fellowship Hall, Chapel and Education Building, but we had significant roof damage to the Sanctuary, Education Building and Malloy Center that required new roofs to be installed.  The only exterior work that is remaining is the repairs to the Bell Tower.  The biggest problem in all of this is our wind storm insurance company has been reluctant to pay our claim.  We’ve been very diligent in pursuing this claim and we have the best people in the business helping us out.  If we can get that claim paid, it will put a big bite into that nearly two million dollar debt. 

 

Our Trustees, led by Susan Pennington, and the Trustees Insurance Sub-Committee, led by Darby Byrd, have been working very hard to lead us through all of these difficulties.  The Building Committee, chaired by Terri Estes, will begin meeting soon to discuss changes and alterations to the fellowship hall, sanctuary and education building.  As they have information to report, it will be published. 

 

And there is a way for you to help.  Check your pledge to the Praise Center Building Campaign, “Spiritual Journey”.  If you’ve fallen behind, please make every effort to catch up.  If you need to extend the pledge out further, please call Norma Bergeron and make those arrangements.  And if you are able to give more to help with the debt, please call Norma and make those arrangements too! 

 

The bottom line is this:  We are nearly 2 million in debt, which is very manageable for this church.  It will be awhile before we are able to occupy the fellowship hall and first floor of the education building, but we will be back in the sanctuary and second floor of the education building very soon, and we are already using the chapel and Malloy Center. 

 

I read recently that faithfulness does not stave off difficulties and hard times, but it will see you through them.  God has been faithful to us through all of this and I know we will remain faithful as well.  Our best days are in front of us. 

 

Blessings,

 

Rev. Tom Stephenson

    We would love to have you join us this weekend! Check out the information about us here on the web site, and find out more about the exciting things happening here for Children, Students, couples, families, and Adults!

Browse the pages for information on music, the church, the community, and so much more! The invitation is always open to join us, and please know we care!

 

What's New, Directions To Our Church, Visitor Information, Links to Other Websites, Weekly Newsletter

For the safety of our children, all adults that work with children or youth are Safe Sanctuary trained and must pass a background check For more information about the many other opportunities we offer, contact our Youth Director at your convenience.

Copyright 2007-2009. First United Methodist Church.
502 North Sixth, Orange, TX 77630
409-886-7466

New Members

The Hearn Family, Malana, Mallorie, Haylea & MaKenzie, joined the church membership on Sunday, June 14, 2009.

Additional pictures of new members

 

Vacation Bible School 2009

Everyone had a great time this year at VBS2009. Additional pictures of VBS participants

 

Family Outing to Gator Country

Additional pictures from Gator Country

 

 11:00 AM Services Expected to Return to the Sanctuary July 12th

 

 
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