The Clifton Connection
June 2015
First United Methodist Church
PO Box 529
Clifton, Texas 76634
Email: [email protected]
Website: fumcclifton.com
(254) 675-3984
US Mail Bulk Rate
Permit #2
Clifton, TX 76634
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Vacation Bible School Date Set!
July 13—16 at 6 PM
The Minion Factory
For Ages 3—Sixth Grade
Called UMW Meeting
Monday, June 2 at 11:00 AM
Fellowship Hall
Make every effort to attend this important
United Methodist Women’s meeting, ladies! We need
to elect officers and vote on the recipient of the UMW
Special Recognition pin. Lunch will be provided for
all who attend.
Church Office Closed June 8-9 for AC2015
From the Church Office
The Church Office will be closed Monday, June 8 and
Tuesday, June 9, as the church staff will be at White’s
Chapel UMC attending the 2015 Central Texas Annual Conference. In an emergency you may reach Pastor Reed at
254.580.2247 or Frances at 254.723.8757.
Several weeks ago, we implemented the annual
membership audit required by the greater Methodist
Church. We sent letters out to those members from
whom we have not heard or seen in a while. The goal is to maintain contact with church members and update
our records. If you were contacted and haven’t returned your response to the church, please take a moment to
do so. It is important that we receive up-to-date contact and membership information so that we may be good
stewards of our members and our resources. You may also call in your response to the church
office (254.675.3984) or email us at [email protected].
If we do not receive a response from a member who was sent an update request, we become
concerned that there is no interest in remaining on the church roll and after a time we must
consider removing that person from the church roll through the “Removal by Charge Conference” process. Each member is an important part of our church family. Maintain your membership by calling the church office or emailing us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Page 2
June 2015
Lynn Bowers
Dist. Supt. Don Scott
Titia Allen
Pat Adams
Emma McDougal
Mario Ballesteros
May Cosper
Darcy Cassidy
Jim Tucker
Patti Van Tassel
Beth Lee
Letty Ballesteros
Reba Johnson
Samantha Ramsey
Eryn Migl
Deployed to Iraq: Erik Benda
Wayne Sisson
Bert Downing
Johnye Kleine
Ken Van Tassel
Brandon Michel
Doris Thiele
Josefina Ballesteros
Lindsey Smith
Phyllis Brown
Macy Kelley
Scottie Patterson
Kaye Johnson
Fayrene Tharp
Zach Mangham
Rylie
Craig Anderson
Baby Chloe
Jeannette Wolf
Herman Foust
Lea Ann Parrish
Verna Lee Jones
Cleo Jones
John Fair
Joyce Garner
Scott Houghteling
To send prayer requests to the telephone prayer chain, contact Joyce Garner at 675-3087 or the church office at
675-3984. To put prayer requests on the email prayer chain, contact Frances at 675-3984 or by emailing
[email protected].
Memorial gifts
To the Glory of God, the following have given a gift
to First United Methodist Church, Clifton,
in loving memory of:
Nadine Munden
Given by Mary Ruth McCauley & Family
Kari Bevels
Given by David and Kim Bevels
God Is In the Church Nursery!
There is no greater treasure on this side
of heaven than the little ones God has
given us. The nursery awaits your little
one during Sunday School and Church.
Nursery care is provided for babies and toddler, ages birth
to 3 years old, on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. until morning
worship is over.
God's Sheepdogs
by Charles R. Swindoll
Psalm 32
The words of Psalm 23 are very familiar to all of us. Yet, unless we read that psalm through the
eyes of a sheep, we will miss its magnificent message. Remember how it concludes? "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for
ever" (KJV).
Think of goodness and mercy as God's sheepdogs. They stay with us, close by our side, "all the
days of our lives." And what helpful companions they are!
The ancient Hebrews had one word they used most often for mercy: chesed, pronounced
"kesed." It is frequently translated "kindness" and "loving kindness." While grazing through the Old
Testament this past week, I found no less than five different "miseries" to which mercy brings needed relief.
When we're suffering the pain of unfair and unjust consequences (Gen. 39:21-23). Joseph, when
dumped into a dungeon because of a false accusation, was given chesed---divine relief. It relieved
him of the misery of bitterness, the companion of unfair treatment.
When we're enduring the grief of a death (Ruth 1:8-9). Shortly after the premature deaths of her sons, Naomi asks the Lord to grant
her grieving daughters-in-law chesed. God not only gives "dying
grace." He also provides "grieving mercy," which relieves us of the
misery of anger in the backwash of our accepting the loss of a loved
one.
When we're struggling with the limitations of a handicap (2 Sam.
9). David extended chesed to Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan, and provided him a place at the
Continued on page 10—See SHEEPDOGS
Page 3
June 2015
Reed’s Ramblings
Church this past Sunday was a great honor for Cathy and me. It was so heart-warming and
made us feel so loved, it is hard to put into words our devotion and thanks to all of you. Too
many things were given or said it is impossible to thank you each, so allow us to thank you this
way.
When we came here three years ago, we found a church and a community that was a wonderful surprise. We tell our friends and people we meet along the way that Clifton is an interesting blend of Norwegians, Central Texans and people who have discovered this town and melded together to create a city that welcomes even strangers.
Then, here at the church, we found old friends we have known for years and we became friends very quickly
with others of you who were new to us. We have grown to love you and we feel you have come to love us.
Every pastor hopes that, when it is time to retire, he will go out from a church that makes his years of ministry worth it. You are that church and nothing could replace the very special and precious gift you are to us. And
while we will be here for another month, please know that from the very bottom of our hearts, we thank you.
May God bless you one and all. One last time...
Peace and Grace,
Moving
By Elsie Dowden
Twenty-two years ago I moved from the home where I had lived for thirteen years. The move was part of a conscious decision to be closer to family, to stay in Texas. My daughters were living out-of-state: one in New York
and one in Utah, but I had a son in Texas. Clifton to be exact. Driving away from my home was difficult, but I had
lots of help with the move from relatives.
The move was tough, so as I remembered the story of Abraham in Genesis 12:1-9, I considered how hard it must have been for
him to leave his home in Haran after 75 years. Perhaps even more remarkable, Abraham left not knowing where he would end up.
Can you imagine loading all you own into a truck and setting out with no destination in mind? I did know where I was going. Abraham was willing to risk obeying God. His was risky obedience!
As we step into the unknown, God asks each of us to risk and to trust. That stepping forward may require letting go of some relationships. God is always doing some “new thing.” We choose whether we will be part of it, and as the saying goes, if we do what we
have always done, we will get what we have always gotten. If we want our spiritual life to be different, better, deeper, we will have to
try spiritual practices that nudge (or perhaps drag) us into new territory. If we want to see Christ in new ways, we may have to serve
in places we have not served before.
Abraham offers several strategies for the adventure of responding to God’s call. First, Abraham invites us to look honestly at our
situation. Abraham assessed the situation his family was in and heeding God’s call, he decided to leave Haran. God calls us always
towards fullness of life and away from what interferes with that.
Abraham also shows us that faithful people spend time listening to God for direction. My decision to move was based on the culmination of prayer, meditation and moving near family. Moving takes planning and preparing. Sometimes preparing becomes a way
to avoid acting. Finally, we must take the first step.
And when Abraham took that first step, he did not try to go it alone. We need one another; we need companions who will help us
become who God is calling us to be. Good relationships and new relationships are gifts from God.
Abraham’s example also reminds us to be prepared for stops and starts along the way. He and his family “journeyed on by stages” and we will too. The road by which we travel toward God’s future for us is rarely a straight one. Twists and turns, detours and
rest stops are natural parts of the journey.
Finally, Abraham models taking time along our way to celebrate what God is doing and has done. Abraham and his clan built altars and set up memorial stones as they traveled, celebrating God’s presence.
We may join a small group in our spiritual journey. The “Study and Action” and “Loyalty” Sunday School class has been my refuge
and strength, a very present help.
Life brings change; nothing seems to stay the same. We can be comforted to know that in the face of all the change God will never leave us, and God will never change. We can live and walk spiritually with an ever-present, never changing Companion. God is
our refuge and strength and will always be with us, a very present help in trouble. Thanks be to God.
Elsie Dowden
Page 4
June 2015
Congratulations!
(Clockwise from upper left): Kendall Kleine; Presentation of
the commemorative 50th anniversary stole to Mimi (Johnye
Kleine); The Kleine Family—Sister Taylor, Mom Lori, Kendall,
and Dad Jerry.
Congratulations to Tom and Dana Henderson on the
birth of their fourth grandchild! Ellie Faye Henderson
came into the world on Wednesday, May 20 at 10:49
a.m. She weighed 10 lb, 12 oz and was 21 1/4” long.
Proud parents are Zach and Kayla Henderson. May
God bless this child, guard her and protect her, and
guide her in all His ways.
“Children are a
gift of the Lord;
fruit of the womb
is just reward.”
Psalm 127:3
We wish to congratulate Kendall Kleine, a Marine Corp veteran, who graduated from TSTC on May 15! During his tenure
at TSTC, Kendall was on the President’s Honor Roll. He has
been taken on as a new employee by ONCOR and will be
based in Temple.
Kendall is the son of Jerry and Lori Kleine and the grandson of Johnye Kleine and the late Melvin Kleine.
This year TSTC is celebrating their 50th anniversary. The
school provided each graduate with a commemorative 50th
anniversary stole. TSTC encouraged each graduate to present
the stole to the one special person – could be a friend, teacher, family member – who was of special significance in their
life and/or education. Even though he wore his Marine
Corps stole during the ceremony, Kendall chose to give his
TSTC commemorative stole to “Mimi” (Ms. Johnye) and, as
you might expect, many tears were flowing afterward! Kendall
told his mother after the ceremony that the one prayer he had
was that Mimi would be there to watch him graduate! Another prayer answered – thank you, Lord!!
Congratulations…
To John Tyler Pinkerton and
Colton Bowers who also graduated from TSTC on May 15!
They both have been employed
by ONCOR and are stationed
in Glen Rose.
Jon Tyler is the son of John
and Allison Pinkerton and the
grandson of Billy and Barbara
Arnold, and Robin and Jerry
Pinkerton.
Colton grew up in our
church. He is the son of Michael and Khristi Bowers and
the grandson of Phill and Lynn
Bowers and Doyle and Danell
O’Donald.
Congratulations, men. You
have “run with perseverance the
race that was set before you”
(Hebrews 12:1) and are able to
move on to new challenges in
your lives. God bless you in
your new ventures.
John Tyler Pinkerton
Colton Bowers receiving his college diploma
from his dad, Michael.
Page 5
June 2015
Happy Birthday to
6/1
6/1
6/2
6/3
6/4
6/5
6/6
6/8
6/10
6/10
6/11
6/12
6/12
6/12
6/12
6/15
6/18
6/19
6/20
6/21
6/22
6/22
6/23
6/23
6/23
6/24
6/24
6/27
6/28
6/29
Samantha Anderson
Laramie Poston
Alex Tremillo
Charlene Parks
McKenzie Mangham
Logan Rhoden
Hazel Adams
Kennedy Paris
Justin Crawford
Kyndrie Light
Faye Wallace
Carolyn Flanagan
Kat Johnson
Wayne Sisson
Bill Trotter
Leslie Bennett
Hannah Rose
Beth Lee
Shirley Sadler
Alexis Young
Jason Whitney
Jeremy Whitney
Terry Bekkelund
Jeff Mitchell
Bryan Ramsey
Michael Prescher
Verna Prescher
Linda Lowrance
Linda Liardon
Jaime Whitney
Dear Church Family,
Thank you so much for all the support this school year! We are so
thankful to be on summer
break. School starts back on August 24. We will see you then!
Blessings,
Jennifer Dickens
Be Still and Be Blessed
By Priscilla Shirer
August 2004 was a very frantic time in my life. Jerry Jr. was 3 weeks
old and not sleeping through the night. I was trying to prepare for a
full schedule of speaking engagements even though I was running
around after a two year old all day and not getting enough rest at night.
My life was crazy, and it was a rough time for me.
Then one day the Lord had a message for me. That morning I sat
at my kitchen table and opened my Bible. The study for the day was
the passage in John that describes the feeding of the 5,000.
A multitude of people had listened to Jesus teach all day long, and
as evening approached, their stomachs began to growl. Jesus had a
discussion with the disciples about how to feed them. John 6:10 says,
“Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” With the very first words I
laid my eyes on that day, Jesus said to me, “Priscilla, sit down. Be
Still.”
That morning when God asked me to sit down, I had a couple of
questions for Him. The first was, “Why, Lord? I’m so busy. I have a
to-do list a mile long. Why do You want me to sit down?” He told
me to read the next verse, so I read verse 11: “Jesus then took the
loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated”.
Only those who were seated got food. When I asked Jesus why He
wanted me to sit down, He said, “Priscilla, I want to fill you, but I can’t
fill you until you take your seat.” God was asking
me to cease my frantic activity and let go of my
worry and frustration so He could minister to me.
Do you want to be filled with the spiritual food
God has for you? Then you’d better sit down, because He’s only distributing fish and loaves to the
people who are seated. We often miss out on His
blessings because we just won’t be still.
From He Speaks to Me, 2006 by Priscilla Shirer.
Published by Moody Publishers. Priscilla is the
daughter of pastor and author, Dr. Tony Evans.
8
1
Mon
9
JOY Group—Noon
Metting 11 am
2 UMW Called
Tue
Choir at 6:30
29
28
Patriotic Cantata
10:30 am
22
21
last Sunday
Covered Dish Lunch
15
30
23
JOY—Noon
16 JOY—Noon
Chancel
Choir at 6:30 pm
24
Chancel
Choir at 6:30 pm
17
25
18
11
Screening in
F Hall at 9:00 am
Chancel Choir 6:30
10
4
Life Line Health
Thu
3
Wed
ALL CHURCH STAFF AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE—WHITE’S CHAPEL UMC
Church Office Closed
Communion
14 Pastor Reed’s
7
Sun
June 2015
26
19
12
5
Fri
27
20
13
6
Sat
Page 6
June 2015
Page 7
June 2015
An excerpt from
Sinning Like a Christian: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins
By Bishop William H. Willimon
But for those of us who are following the way of Christ, stumbling along after him, to be
sure, but still following, then our Pride—our subtle, deceitful, intra-ecclesial Pride—is the first
sin we must consider and confess. Our Pride is part of our self-deceit, our lying about our real
situation. As frail, mortal, vulnerable creatures, we react to our vulnerability in futile ways, one
of them being our Pride. There is something incredibly pitiful about modern, twenty-first century North American people
telling ourselves that our greatest need is for more self-esteem, more self-confidence, more self-assurance—pitifully revealing how little esteem, confidence, or assurance we have in ourselves. Of course, from a Christian point of view, that’s
the problem—ourselves.
Although I don’t know if the point of the story is about the sin of Pride, Jesus told a story (Luke 12:16-21) about a rich
farmer who said to himself, “What should I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?”…”I will do this: I will pull down my
barns and build large ones...I will store all my grain and my goods...I will say to my soul, …” Note the extensive use of the
first person pronoun in this man’s soliloquy. For those who are self-confident, self-sufficient, most of their talk is in monologue rather than dialogue. Here is a competent, able, prudent businessperson who knows how to protect and handle his
self-accrued abundance. As the undertaker drags him out feet first, God calls him “Thou fool.” We are the builders of
bridges, makers of cities, writers of books, gatherers of money, who also decay and die.
And we would not have had such a problem with ourselves, would not have had to worry so much about a matter like
Pride, had we not been encountered by Jesus, the One who told us not only the truth about ourselves but also the truth
about God. He told us that we were frail creatures who react to immortality in inappropriate ways, who find ourselves gods
of our own liking who promise to pump us up to appropriate size and durability. All of our strutting about, our preening and
positioning, is only a kind of backhanded validation of the strong biblical truth that we are created as dust and to dust shall
we return (Genesis 3:19).
The most moving moment in Sunday worship for me is when my people come forward, at Holy Communion, streaming
down toward the altar, and there they hold out empty hands like little children, like the famished folk they really are, empty,
needing a gift in the worst way. I think that is one of the most difficult, countercultural gestures of Christian worship—
outstretched empty hands. What’s normal, and natural, is the clenched fist, the hands grabbing and holding tight to what
they can get. What’s strange, from the world’s point of view, is the open-handed needy, empty request for grace.
I submit to you that there is no way that people like us could hold out our empty, seeking hands had not the church
taught us to do so, had not the church inculcated this honest gesture among us. This is who we are, says Jesus, not big,
self-sufficient adults, but rather little children, naked, frail, empty, and hungry, needing a gracious God in the worst sort of
way. You can’t get into this Kingdom if you are all grown up and big and important. You can only come in through a very
small door as an inept, bumbling, ignorant, and empty little child.
But most of all, Jesus tells us the truth about God. God is more than omnipotent, omniscient, and all those other nonbiblical attributes that we would like to ascribe to God. God is the lowest and the least, the little one, the wretched, the one
who hangs in agony on a cross, the one who stoops down and washes our feet, the one who emptied himself in order to
get down on our level, the one who rose and thereby shall raise us up as well.
If we would worship this God, if we would follow him down his narrow, Nazarene way rather than parade down the
world’s wide boulevards, there will be some stooping on our part, too.
And I don’t like to stoop. Do you? I don’t like to turn and become as a little child. I like to be in charge, in command,
on top. In my more dishonest moments, I think I may be somebody who has done something, something approximating
the immortal. Thus Pride is virtually unavoidable. I may keep my nose clean of Gluttony, Lust, and even Envy, on my better days. But Pride is me all over, good days and bad, a byproduct of the world’s acclaim when my life is doing well, a
strategy for self-preservation when my life is not doing well. I might be able to present myself to you as a basically good
person, were it not for Pride being the first of the Seven. I sin, and sometimes when I’m doing the best I can, that, thanks
to Pride, is my worst sin.
Continued on page 8—See SINNING
Page 8
June 2015
Being in the church helps. Often the community is able to show and to tell us
things that we cannot learn from anyone else, anywhere else. Fortunately I have a
few Christian friends who love me enough, and love the truth enough, to puncture some of my Pride. The Holy Spirit
works through the community as a remedy against some of our sin.
Still, I sin. Even in my attempts at rehabilitation, I sin. Fortunately, the Scriptures are unanimous: Jesus came to seek,
and to save, only sinners.
The way I see it, the sin of Pride is unavoidable. I am, as
Luther noted, both a sinner and a justified, forgiven sinner at the
same time. Therefore we have reason to be grateful that Jesus
comes to seek and to save only the lost (Luke 19:10), only sinners. The pride-filled ungodly (Romans 5:6). Thanks be to
God.
Continued from page 7—See SINNING
Reprinted from Sinning Like a Christian: A New Look at the
Seven Deadly Sins by Bishop William H. Willimon, pages 4648. Published by Abingdon Press, 2005.
“People are
often
unreasonable
and selfcentered.
Forgive them
anyway.
Mother Teresa
If you are kind, people may accuse
you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are honest,
people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may
be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today
may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Opening Our Homes
In Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado writes: “Hospitality opens the door to uncommon community. It’s not an accident that hospitality and hospital come from
the same Latin word, for they both lead to the same result: healing. When you
open your door to someone, you are sending this message: “You matter to me
and to God.” You may think you are saying, “Come over for a visit”. But what
your guest hears is, “I’m worth the effort.”
This is what the apostle Paul must have heard and felt when Aquila and
Priscilla opened the doors of their home to him. When he arrived in Corinth, he
was probably exhausted from his journey from Athens. He may also have been
discouraged because of his seemingly unsuccessful ministry there (Acts 17:1634). He later wrote, “I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling” (1 Cor. 2:3). Aquila and Priscilla probably met Paul in the marketplace of
Corinth and opened their home to him. They provided a spiritual oasis through
Christian hospitality.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be hospitable, to be a “hospital” that
helps those who are going through life’s storms and need restoration. We can
be used by the Lord because He has provided for us.
Heavenly Father, make me open to be willing to serve others through
showing hospitality. May I provide a safe haven for those going through
the storms of life. Amen.
Celebration Ringers in Concert
Tuesday, June 16
Bosque Arts Center
Free Admission
Mark your calendars for this great concert!
The Rock Foundations - There are those of great spiritual maturity who can date their real
beginnings of growth from some great trouble or sorrow. It takes floods and winds to show
some of us where the rock foundations are. The Psalmist wisely cries out for help saying, “Lead
Thou me to the rock that is higher than I, for Thou art my refuge, a strong tower against the
enemy.”
—H. Warren Wilkewitz
Page 9
June 2015
Pat Johnson, Chairman
Administrative Council
Growing Our Church
Who’s Church is it?
Whose Church is it that we are working to grow? We refer to it as “Our Church” and I call it “my Church,”
but in reality, whose Church is it? The Church does not belong to me. The Church does not belong to the Pastor, the Trustees, or the Council. It does not belong to the Conference, the District Superintendent, or the Bishop. The Church belongs to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and to Him alone. When I refer to it as my
Church, I am referring to the fact that it is I who belong to the Church and not vice-versa. When I gave my life
to Jesus, I became His property to use as He sees fit. The same can be said for each and every one of us.
We are working to grow the Church for the glory of God and to help those around us to gain salvation
through a personal relationship with Jesus. We are charged with the duty to bear witness through our actions,
gifts and prayers that Jesus is our Lord. He is not our
Lord because we chose him. He is Lord and God regardless of our actions. He is our Lord because He chose us as
his people. We have benefitted in remarkable and unique,
individual ways because of His love. It is because of the
love we have for our neighbors that we live and work to
show them that He can save them as well. Our neighbors are the beneficiaries of our efforts.
Who are the neighbors we are trying to bring into the Church? They are everyone with whom we come
in contact. We are not looking for any particular group of people; we are looking for sinners. We are all sinners. Remember that Jesus was criticized for associating with sinners and tax collectors, those who leaders of
the Temple felt were unworthy and unclean. Christ showed us that He can redeem all. He can clean all. He
died for all. It is our place therefore, to welcome all, to embrace all, to love all.
How can we bring others into our Church? By living our lives in a respectable manner. By being
openly thankful to God for all that we have. We can bring them into our Church simply by being good neighbors. We should pay attention to all people with whom we come in contact. We should pray for all of them
regularly, asking that their hearts be made receptive to God’s word. When we pay attention to our associates
and are guided by prayer, opportunities will occur at which time we simply can ask them if they would like to
visit our Church. We may have to ask more than once, although we do not want to be overbearing about it.
When their life situation is ideal, God will remind them of our invitation and they will seek us out.
Your fellow partner with God,
Pat Johnson
The Chancel Choir will practice through the month of June each Wednesday at 6:30 PM. On Sunday, June
28, they will present a patriotic mini-musical tribute that sends a very special message to all who hear it. Beginning Wednesday, July 8, the choir will take a much deserved rest from rehearsals until August 19.
The choir will continue to support worship on Sunday mornings by filling the choir loft. We had over
twenty singers participate in the Easter program. Please continue to support the choir ministry and commit
to being a member as we go forward. The more voices we have, the stronger our musical worship experience is enhanced.
The bell choir had to stop ringing due to a lack of members. We need a minimum of
eight to ten ringers. As we move into the fall programs please consider joining the
bell choir. We are one of the few churches in the area that offers a bell choir. Consider joining us and let me know of your willingness to serve as soon as you can, so I can
plan the music. We need you!
In Christ,
Don
Page 10
June 2015
king's table for the rest of his days. Mercy relieves the misery of self
-pity that often accompanies a handicap.
When we are hurting physically (Job 10:12). The Lord gave chesed to Job, which strengthened
him to go on during his days of intense pain. Divine relief removes the misery of hopelessness that
would otherwise overwhelm us in times of great affliction.
When we are under a cloud of guilt after we have committed a transgression. Psalms 32 and 51
both speak of David's gratitude for chesed after the Bathsheba affair. His sin was not only forgiven,
his guilt was taken away. In His mercy and lovingkindness, God relieves the misery of guilt . . . the
lingering sting of wrongdoing.
No unfair consequence is too extreme for mercy. No grief too deep. No handicap too debilitating.
No pain too excruciating. No sin too shameful.
Sheep are often in need, so mercy, our faithful companion, stays near.
Continued from page 2—SHEEPDOGS
"There's a wideness in God's mercy, like the wideness of the sea."
- Frederick W. Faber
Reprinted from the May 28, 2015 online devotional of Insight for Living <[email protected]>. Excerpted
from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers).
Hello All,
I hope that you all are not having to build an Arc yet. I keep up with news back at home and I am happy to
hear that Texas is receiving a fair amount of much needed rain. As for here, it is hot and predicted to get
hotter.
I want to take a short moment to say "Thank You" for all the packages you have sent to me. I appreciate
every package since mail is always a big event here. My morale always goes up when I get a box or letter to
open.
The mail is not moving as quickly as during my previous deployments so each time mail arrives it is truly
like a small Birthday.
You all have been kind enough to send more than I can consume, therefore I have the pleasure of sharing with the Soldiers in my unit as well as the Soldiers in our building. All have enjoyed the many treats. Our
chow is decent but very repetitive so any change is a good change.
Thanks again from the 310th ESC Forward Detachment!
Take Care,
LTC Erik Benda
LOG A&A XO
TAJI, Iraq
HEALTH SCREENING EVENT AT FUMC
Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Have members of your family suffered from these ailments? Do you have a poor diet? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may want to consider
being screened for your risk of stroke through the services of Life Line Screening. Life Line Screening uses ultrasound technology to view the plaque build up in your carotid arteries, the main arteries that carry blood to
the brain. Blockages in these arteries are a leading cause of stroke. We are pleased to host this Life Line
Screening event on 6/4/2015 at First United Methodist Church of Clifton. Register for a Wellness Package
which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All
five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call 1-888-653-6441 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/
community-partners.