Tinney Chapel Today

"Revelation Bible Study" comes to Tinney Chapel...again!

2012-01-25T21:23:00.003-06:00

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Revelation Bible Study Returns To Tinney Chapel
After an absence of seven years

Our church's new Wednesday evening Bible Study text is Revelation And The End Times, subtitled "Unraveling God's Message Of Hope," by Ben Witherington III.

According to notes on the back cover of the book, author Ben Witherington III has sold close to a half million books, and is the Amos Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.

A summary of this 112-page book also appears on the back cover and says, in part:

"The Bible contains passages of great beauty and comfort and some that may strike you as bizarre, bewildering, or even frightening. The book of Revelation is filled with this rich and perplexing symbolism, yet its message is one of hope for all Christians...Ben Witherington will guide you into a deeper understanding of the truths found within Revelation's often mysterious text, so that you can feel more secure in your faith."

This book, published by Abingdon Press, Nashville, (c) 2010, is expected to require at least five weeks to complete. Table of contents include:

FOREWORD
1. THE CHARACTER OF BIBLICAL PROPHECY

A. The Nature of Prophecy
B. The Nature of the Apocalyptic
C. And So?

2. THE RETURN OF THE KING

A. A Royal Visitation and a Royal Welcome
B. Timing is Not Everything
C. Snapshot---What Happens When Christ Returns
D. And So?

3. THE OTHER WORLD--HEAVEN AND HELL

A. Jesus on Heaven and Hell
B. Paul on Heaven and Hell
C. Satan and His Minions
D. Revelation--The Book of Martyrs
E. And So?

4. RAISING THE DEAD

A. Resurrection Is Not Reincarnation, Going to Heaven, or Immortality of the Soul
B. Jesus on the Resurrection
C. Paul's Views on Resurrection
D. And So?

5. THE AFTERLIFE--THE RAPTURE, THE MILLENNIUM, AND THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

A. The Origin of the Specious--The Rapture Notion
B. The Book of Daniel as Background
C. Paul on the Afterlife
D. The Millennium
E. The New Heaven and the New Earth
F. Multivalent Symbols
G. The Gematria Game and How Numbers Count
H. And So?

NOTES

You can still join this class even though Lesson One was completed today, Wednesday, January 25. Students will read a chapter of the book each week, and the class format is a short video followed by group discussion, facilitated by questions and guidance from Rev. Sue Gross, Pastor of Tinney Chapel UMC.

FYI: Tinney Chapel UMC also conducted a 22-week study of the book of Revelation during 2004-2005, facilitated by David Stanton and Joe Dan Boyd, based on the massive, 1,000-page work, Revelation Today, by Claude W. Gifford. Each of those classes ran for 90 minutes.

New Beginnings Preached by Lay Speaker Angela Wylie

2012-01-08T14:31:00.009-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below (at bottom of this post) to view part 1 of the video of Angela Wylie's sermon, "New Beginnings."

New Beginnings Preached by Angela Wylie
Certified Lay Speaker

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

New International Version (NIV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Footnotes:

2 Corinthians 5:17 Or Christ, that person is a new creation.
2 Corinthians 5:21 Or be a sin offering

Link to resource page above:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A17-21&version=NIV

New Beginnings, part 2, preached by Lay Speaker Angela Wylie

2012-01-08T13:34:00.000-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view part 2 of the video of Angela Wylie's Lay Sermon, "New Beginnings."

This video is the second half of the video of the same name, "New Beginnings," which was begun in the preceding post for this date.

New Beginnings, Part 2, A Lay Sermon
(based on Psalm 102:18-28 & 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
Preached by Angela Wylie
Certified NTC-UMC Lay Speaker

Psalm 102:18-28

New International Version (NIV)

18 Let this be written for a future generation,
that a people not yet created may praise the LORD:
19 “The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high,
from heaven he viewed the earth,
20 to hear the groans of the prisoners
and release those condemned to death.”
21 So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion
and his praise in Jerusalemhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
22 when the peoples and the kingdoms
assemble to worship the LORD.

23 In the course of my life[a] he broke my strength;
he cut short my days.
24 So I said:
“Do not take me away, my God, in the midst of my days;
your years go on through all generations.
25 In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
26 They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
Like clothing you will change them
and they will be discarded.
27 But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.
28 The children of your servants will live in your presence;
their descendants will be established before you.”
Footnotes:

Psalm 102:23 Or By his power

Link to above resource page:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+102%3A18-28&version=NIV

Tinney Chapel Certified Lay Speaker Joe Dan Boyd in pulpit @ Wesley UMC Sulphur Springs Today

2012-01-01T16:38:00.004-06:00

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GIVE THE WORLD A SMILE

‘For you shall go out in joy...’--Isaiah 55:12(a)

‘A joyful heart makes a cheerful face.’--Proverbs 15:13(a)

‘Rejoice always.’ -- I Thessalonians 5:16

‘Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it.’ --Proverbs 3:27

It isn’t often that a single SONG incorporates as much spiritual WISDOM as we find in these four SCRIPTURAL admonitions from the Old and New Testaments. But, consider the Stamps Quartet standard, ‘GIVE THE WORLD A SMILE,’ which celebrates its 87th BIRTHDAY this fall!

It has been the THEME song of EVERY Stamps Quartet formed since the late 1920s, including a modern INCARNATION led by J. D. Sumner--whose MEGA-BASS voice is widely heralded for its deep, dulcet tones. Lots of OTHER groups have adopted it as a THEME song as well.

It was almost certainly the FIRST gospel song to sell a MILLION copies in the era of the fragile 78 rpm RECORD. It was WILDLY POPULAR, thanks to record and RADIO exposure, rivaling ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ on PLAYLISTS for a time, according to Mrs. Frank Stamps. Her HUSBAND was bass singer and LEADER of the group which first RECORDED the song.

Throughout the 1940s and early 1950s, my brother TOMMY BOYD and I came in from FARM work on The Old Tinney Place, in search of rest, musical nourishment and BISCUITS made from American Beauty FLOUR--sponsor of the NOONTIME Stamps Quartet RADIO program of the day. It’s safe to say that we enjoyed the SONG and the BISCUITS five days a week until we we were old enough to leave HOME in the early 1950s.

The song suggests an intimate knowledge of the Bible’s several passages which deal with ATTITUDE: That it’s actually in our BEST interest to be CHEERFUL because it’s HEALTHY. That it’s also our DUTY to pass along our JOY in the form of an ENCOURAGING word and a bright, sunny SMILE.

The song’s WORDS were WRITTEN in 1924 by the late OTIS DEATON, a Hopkins County native, who spent much of his later life in WINNSBORO. ‘Give The World A Smile’ NEVER went out of style, and was also RECORDED by Ernie Ford, Chet Atkins, and Floyd Cramer. If you’ve FORGOTTEN--or never heard--the song, LISTEN to its MESSAGE on Bill & Gloria Gaither’s popular ‘Reunion’ CD:

‘Let your life so be, that all the world may see,
The joy of serving Jesus with a smile.’

With thanks to Rev. Brian Bosworth for inviting me, to Bonnie Gilmour for bulletin preparation, Jim Skaggs for lay leadership, Stanley Foster for sound engineering and to Charlie Epperson for still photography. Joe Dan returns to his home church, Tinney Chapel UMC, next week.

Kids Time on Christmas Day @ Tinney Chapel

2011-12-25T14:05:00.005-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of Georgia Goggans' sermon for kids on Christmas Day, 2011.

Georgia Goggans bases her sermon for kids each week on the same Scripture(s) used by the Pastor for the adult sermon. This week's Scriptures:

Isaiah 52:7-10
Hebrews 1:1-4

See separate Weblog post on Tinney Chapel Pastor Sue Gross' sermon based on these Scriptures.

Christmas Day Worship 12-25-11

2011-12-25T13:17:00.009-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format, and/or click on the arrow below to view Pastor Sue's Christmas Day sermon, "Thank You For Coming."

"Thank You For Coming" Preached Here
By Pastor Sue Gross
Tinney Chapel UMC, the quintessential country church

Isaiah 52:7-10 (New International Version)

New International Version (NIV)

7 How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices;
together they shout for joy.
When the LORD returns to Zion,
they will see it with their own eyes.
9 Burst into songs of joy together,
you ruins of Jerusalem,
for the LORD has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The LORD will lay bare his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth will see
the salvation of our God.

Hebrews 1:1-4

New International Version (NIV)

Hebrews 1
God’s Final Word: His Son
1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Resource pages above from BibleGateway.com

Christmas Eve 2011 Service, Part 1: Introduction & Message

2011-12-24T20:39:00.002-06:00

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Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view most of Pastor Sue's Christmas Eve message. (Our server limits video posts to 100 mb.)

Jesus: The Light Of Christmas
Preached by Rev. Sue Gross

Isaiah 9:2-7

New International Version (NIV)

2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
the rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be calledhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

Luke 2:1-14

New International Version (NIV)

Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Footnotes:

Luke 2:2 Or This census took place before

Resources above from BibleGateway.com

Christmas Eve 2011 Service, Part 2: Holy Communion & Candlelight Ceremony

2011-12-24T20:30:00.000-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format, and/or click on the arrow below to view most of the Holy Communion and Candlelight ceremonies. (Our server limits video posts to 100 mb.)

A Super Spiritual High: Communion and Candlelight!

A service that combines both Holy Communion and a Candlelight Ceremony is about as good as it gets, spiritually speaking.

That's what folks got at Tinney Chapel UMC, the quintessential country church, on Christmas Eve.

After a powerful message by Pastor Sue Gross, "Jesus, The Light Of Christmas," the focus moved quickly to Holy Communion during which the congregation recited Confession & Pardon, The Great Thanksgiving and the Prayer After Receiving, after which Pastor Sue broke the bread and filled the cup. Everyone was served the meal during Holy Communion.

Immediately, the lights went out and previously distributed candles were in the hands of the entire congregation, each lighted from a neighbor with the first lighting by Pastor Sue and the Christ Candle.

During the congregation's rendition of "Silent Night," the service ended and the congregation departed in silence.

It was, indeed, a silent, holy night to remember!

God's Gift Of Love Preached By David Stanton, Certified UMC Lay Speaker

2011-12-21T23:52:00.009-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format, and/or click on the arrow below to view and hear most of Lay Speaker David Stanton's Advent Sermon on God's Gift Of Love.

Live Poets Society Met Tonight @ Winnsboro Emporium

2011-12-16T21:15:00.009-06:00

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Live Poets Society Meets For the Final 2011 Session
At The Winnsboro Emporium on North Main Street
In Beautiful Downtown Winnsboro, Texas

Four stalwart members of the Live Poets Society (LPS) met to exchange readings and discuss the Winnsboro Arts Scene tonight, Friday, Dec. 16, 2011.

Angela Wylie, LPS's most decorated poet, read two original poems written just for this meeting, both tributes to the beauty and blessings of Nature: Sparkles In The Dark and Frost.

Conrad Wolfman read an original poem, My Special Day, which recounted his remembrance of times past, when he was a boy sharing a special day arranged for him by his parents in New York. Conrad also shared a later original poem, Too Good For This Place.

Ayne Agassi arrived without portfolio, but quickly composed and recited an extemporaneous poem on the spot: Have You Found The Peace You Have Been Searching For. The rest of us were suitably impressed.

Joe Dan Boyd (not pictured in this post) read a prose piece by the late Jack Bickers, a close friend and professional compadre from both of their days at Farm Journal Magazine: Can We Save This Vanishing American? It was a tribute to the mule, which Joe Dan followed with a CD track by the late Ken Curtis ("Festus" of TV's Gunsmoke fame): Ode To A Mule (about the famous mule named Ruth that his Festus character rode in the long-running television series).

Live Poets Society meets every third Friday of each month at Conrad Wolfman's unique venue, The Winnsboro Emporium, the jewel of Winnsboro's North Main Street. All are invited to attend future meetings, either to read or to listen or both.

"Joy Unspeakable" Preached & Sung @ Advent Worship

2011-12-14T20:18:00.000-06:00

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"Joy Unspeakable" is Advent Topic Tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 14, @ 6 pm By Certified Lay Speaker Joe Dan Boyd

2011-12-13T21:38:00.004-06:00

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"Joy Unspeakable" From 1 Peter 1:8 Is Topic for Advent Service Wednesday,
Dec. 14 @ 6 pm By Certified Lay Speaker Joe Dan Boyd

Not only will Joe Dan proclaim the Scripture:

"...rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:"--KJV

But he will also perform excerpts from two related hymns, accompanying himself on ukulele and banjo:

Joy Unspeakable

and

Give The World A Smile

explaining and demonstrating their relationship to the overall topic title.

1Pe 1:8 whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

"rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; with a joy in believing on him, which is better experienced than expressed; a joy that not only strangers intermeddle not with, know nothing of, which entirely passes their understanding, but is such as saints themselves cannot speak out, or give a full and distinct account of; they want words to express it, and convey proper ideas of it to others:

and it is a joy that is glorious; there is a rejoicing that is evil and scandalous; but this is honourable, and of which none need be ashamed; it is solid and substantial, and the matter of it always abiding, when the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment;

it is a joy on account of the glory of God, which the believer lives in the hope and faith of; and it is a beginning, a presage and pledge of it; it is a glory begun here; it is the firstfruits, and a part also of it; and by it saints may know a little what heaven itself will be." --Commentator John Gill

All are invited to this Advent Service:

Wednesday, December 14, 6 pm, Tinney Chapel UMC sanctuary.

"Color It Christmas" Sung Here Today By The Quintessential Country Church Choir

2011-12-11T22:21:00.011-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view a portion of the choir's presentation of "Color It Christmas," a truly moving musical experience.

Southern Plainsmen at Tinney Chapel 12-10-11

2011-12-10T22:28:00.002-06:00

All photos are via available-light: Can you tell the difference?

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of the final song in the concert by the Southern Plainsmen and the closing prayer by Pastor Sue Gross at Tinney Chapel UMC.

Crowd-Pleasing Southern Plainsmen Group Makes Fourth Appearance At Tinney Chapel

The touring Southern Plainsmen Quartet, Marcelle Slaughter (high tenor), Tim Crosby (replacing Jordan Mothershed as lead singer), Allen Doyle (baritone and occasionally bass) and Aaron Allen (former soundman, now a singer-soundman), in their second 2011 appearance at Tinney Chapel, sang to a sparse but sensitive congregation tonight, Saturday, December 10, at a somewhat impromptu concert in the family life center of the quintessential country church.

In what has become a bit of a musical tradition at this church, the Southern Plainsmen quickly moved into their patented, jazzed-up, syncopated version of "Love Lifted Me," an old, but unique number they have truly made their own, and used to warm up the quintessential country church several times before and which never grows old here.

As the concert program began to unfold, with Allen Doyle leading his memorable version of “Sweet Beulah Land” and the group's equally memorable "A Personal Savior," tonight’s congregation was firmly under the musical spell of this enthusiastic example of Southern sacred group harmony, which has now made its fourth appearance here. Once again, many in this United Methodist congregation had ample reason to think of John Wesley, Methodism's founder, when the Plainsmen sang its distinctive version of "It Is Well With My Soul."

This time, let’s just say that their rousing version of “I Know A Man Who Can”—a song which could function as the Plainsmen’s group testimony--compensated for any lack of direct reference to the "Original Methodist," John Wesley.

Two key people who have contributed to the group's previous outstanding performances, lead singer Jordan Mothershed and basso-profundo Mike Burkhalter, each received high praise for past efforts from long-time Plainsmen group leader Slaughter. Mothershed is busy finishing up his college work and Burkhalter has found other opportunities.

Among the many memorable performances of this evening: “Where The Roses Never Fade,” “Mansion Over The Hilltop,” “I'm Getting Ready To Leave This World,” and, one of their special numbers “Jesus Is The Lighthouse.”

Marcelle Slaughter, a veteran of 33 years with this group, and the only remaining member of the original aggregation, is the Plainsmen's first tenor, or as they used to say in the old days of gospel quartets, the "high tenor," reminiscent of the sound once championed by "Sister" Loy Hooker, a much earlier exponent. In a post concert conversation nearly three years ago, Slaughter admitted to remembering Hooker, but added: "That really was a LONG time ago!" And, indeed it was.

In a humorous introduction of Slaughter this past February, Plainsmen bass singer Mike Burkhalter said, among other things, that “Marcelle sings the little girl’s part real well.” But this was said not only as humor but also with a great deal of musical respect, as vocalists with Slaughter’s range are few and far between, and his fellow quartet members appear to understand this very well and also to respect him as the group’s business manager.

Group leader Slaughter later told the congregation how to follow the Plainsmen on the Internet:
http://www.southernplainsmen.com/index.html "and we take donations, which may be made via Pay Pal via our website," added Slaughter. “If you are on Facebook, we now have a Facebook page called, "Southern Plainsmen," where you may 'like' us,” he concluded.

But, as always with this group, no report of their concert would be complete without mention of the marvelous, unforgettable song, led by Allen Doyle, called “Faces,” which tells us that when we all see Jesus, one of the things He has in store for us is a kind of PowerPoint collage of all the faces each of us have influenced in some Christ-like manner during our Christian walks on this earth.

As if saving the best for last, the final song was a truly over-the-top and very fast-moving song, “Meet Me At The Table Of The King,” that highlighted all harmonic vocal parts of the group.

It was indeed a concert to remember, including their hymn-book reading of several Christmas carols ("Silent Night," "Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem," and "From A Star To Stripes," which included some history of Betsy Ross' contribution to our Stars & Strips flag of the U.S.).

You can view a small part of this event via the video provided elsewhere on this Weblog post.

Merry Christmas From Joe Dan Boyd Communications

2011-12-10T16:12:00.003-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format.

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."

---Charles Dickens (via Ebeneezer Scrooge

Southern Plainsmen Free @ Tinney Chapel Tonight, Saturday, Dec. 10, 6 pm

2011-12-10T15:42:00.004-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format.

TINNEY CHAPEL—The congregation of Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church invites the public to a free concert by the nationally known Southern Plainsmen Quartet at 6 pm Saturday, Dec. 10, in the church’s spacious family life center at 449 County Road 4620.

Admission is free and there is no charge, but a voluntary love offering will be collected to help defray the group’s travel expenses.

Reservations are not necessary, but further information is available at the church’s office phone: 903-629-7696.

Tinney Chapel is two miles south of Winnsboro on FM 312, then one-fourth mile east on CR 4620.

Celebrating The Life Of Mary Belle Marrs: 1928-2011

2011-11-23T22:56:00.007-06:00

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A Celebration of the Home-going of Mary Belle Marrs

Parking was at a premium on the grounds outside, and the house was packed inside, to standing-room-only status, at 112-year-old Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church on this day-before-Thanksgiving, November 23, 2011.

All had come to say bon voyage to one of their own, blood kin and church family of their favorite young-at-heart, perennially positive, adventure-loving, hard-working, God-in-her-life former beauty operator with a great sense of humor, always armed with a kind word and a wide-angle smile for everyone in her path and in her heart:

Mary Belle Marrs.

“You can bet that she is skipping along the Streets of Glory today, and that she is no doubt praying for some of you in this congregation,” declared Rev. Duncan Graham, officiating master at this memorial service, and for seven years the pastor of today’s honoree, a long-time member of Tinney Chapel, where Rev. Graham began the service by reading about the art of rejoicing in the Lord from the New Testament book of Philippians, starting at chapter 1, verse 19, quickly segueing into other passages, beginning with 1 Corinthians 15:40 and Hebrews 11:13 (“we shall be raised and changed” versus “death where is thy sting?”).

That Mary Marrs was a great lady perhaps goes without saying to most of those here, observed Rev. Graham: “She lived a great life, and we all look forward to walking with Mary on those Streets of Glory.

“And, as we cherish the memory of this very wonderful lady today, I can not even think of her as other than one of the Three Sisters (Frankie, Imogene & Mary), who enjoyed such a close bond with each other. But, this is Mary’s Day, and our thoughts and words will concentrate on her for the most part.”

Rev. Graham noted that it was exactly nine years ago that he performed this same duty, a funeral/memorial service for Mary’s husband, Hoyt Marrs, who was also a member of Tinney Chapel at a time when Rev. Graham was the church’s pastor: “Meanwhile, all of us may rest in the calm assurance that Mary today is eternally happy.”

At one point, Rev. Graham told several stories about Mary that he learned from her family: Sandra, Rick and Sherri, including her insistence on climbing and descending an intimidating slide when Mary was 75 years of age at Fort Worth’s Trail Dust Steak House. And, then, there was the time Mary managed to get husband Hoyt’s bird dog intoxicated on an overdose of holiday eggnog. And, lest we forget: The years that Mary functioned as an aggressive keeper of bees and harvester of their honey, which Rev. Graham remembered fondly, especially since his first taste was free, but then he was hooked and continued as a loyal paying customer until Mary shut down the hives upon the departure of her profitable bees.

“She had a real sense of adventure,” emphasized the pastor: “Mary thought she could do about anything, and then—before you realized it—she had actually done it. She was an industrious worker in her yard and taught her children the value of honest, hard work by setting an example for them.

“A woman of great love was another of her chief characteristics,” added Rev. Graham: “As her pastor, I always anticipated her hugs and smiles of welcome. She was, in many respects, a preacher’s dream, faithful in all ways, a lovely lady who will be missed by all of us. But, she has already enriched our lives, and will continue to do so via our memories.

“Now she is free of sickness, inabilities and paralysis, all by the Resurrection Power of Jesus the Christ,” said Rev. Graham, who reminded the congregation that the Apostle Paul mentioned over 500 people who had personally witnessed the Resurrection of the Savior.

The pastor concluded with a reference to the Faith described and honored in the 11th Chapter of Hebrews: “Mary has gone Home to receive her Glorified Body.”

Congregational hymns this day included Near To The Heart Of God, When We All Get To Heaven and I'll Fly Away.

The following is a Tinney Talk Column from the Tinney Chapel print newsletter of June 1999:

TINNEY TALK
Observations by Joe Dan Boyd

‘May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.’
---Proverbs 5:18

This Old Testament INJUNCTION is, for the most part, standard operating procedure for ORDINARY folks of the World War II era. These are the people LABELED, in Tom Brokaw’s book, as our country’s GREATEST GENERATION. Two of that generation’s greatest are HOYT & MARY MARRS, who met in the Dallas-Fort Worth METROPLEX during 1946, when PEACE was BREAKING OUT all over the WORLD.

MARY and sister IMOGENE left WINNSBORO in 1945 to attend Neilsen Beauty School. HOYT, fresh from OKLAHOMA and INFANTRY service in the EUROPEAN Theater, was visiting his sister Dorothy, and keeping an EYE OUT for promising JOB opportunities in the expanding post-war CIVILIAN theater.

That SEARCH was INTERRUPTED temporarily when HOYT got an EYEFUL of MARY, a diminutive, 121-lb. BEAUTY with brown eyes and dark hair. ‘She was the PRETTIEST thing I had ever seen,’ he later told their DAUGHTER Sherri. MARY liked HOYT, too, despite a HEIGHT difference of almost 10 inches: He was 5 foot-eleven; she, LESS than 5 foot-two.

But she enjoyed LOOKING UP to him, and they ENJOYED each other’s COMPANY. It wasn’t long until their FIRST DATE: ‘HAMBURGERS at the PIG STAND,’ recalls HOYT. Their COURTSHIP included nearly two years of TOGETHERNESS at picture shows, public parks and the FRONT PORCHES of a NOT-YET-AIR-CONDITIONED Texas SUMMERTIME.

‘I think what really ATTRACTED us to EACH OTHER was a COMMON BOND from the way we were RAISED in the COUNTRY during the GREAT DEPRESSION--which actually was NOT so great,’ recalls MARY. ‘And, there was NO formal PROPOSAL. We just EXPECTED to get MARRIED,’ she recalls. ‘One day, May 14, 1949, we found a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE in Rockwall, and TIED THE KNOT at 8:15 in the EVENING.’

Their HONEYMOON was DINNER at a nice RESTAURANT before HOYT carried MARY across the THRESHOLD of a TINY east Dallas APARTMENT: ‘ONE ROOM, plus a little KITCHEN fashioned from what had once been a CLOSET and a bathroom,’ says MARY.

WHY has the MARRIAGE, 50 years later, GONE GOLD? ‘LOVE,’ says MARY, with disarming SIMPLICITY: ‘He TOLERATES the things I DO.’ Adds HOYT: ‘It’s the COMPROMISE of everyday GIVE AND TAKE; you have to WORK at it.’ MARY smiles and delivers the clincher: ‘You HAVE to have GOD in your LIFE.’

Tinney Chapel UMC Charge Conference 2011 & Leadership List for 2012

2011-11-20T15:30:00.007-06:00

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Tinney Chapel Leadership List For 2012

Chair of Ad Council: Kathy Brown
Assistant Chair: Most recent past chair present
Lay Leader: Roger Schneider
Treasurer: Jenna Nelson
Financial Secretary: Sharon Schneider
Recording Secretary: Brandi Hayley
Membership Secretary: Jenna Nelson
Children's Ministries/Education: Georgia Goggans
Evangelism: Glenn Goggans
Missions: Cheryl Ann Newton
Family Ministries: Chair, Frankie Brewer, Imogene Myers
Telephone: Chair, Zonnie Griffin; Members: Bobbie Hollingsworth, Imogene Myers, Corinne Tinney, Alice Deitering
Stewardship: Cheryl Ann Newton
Communications Coodinator: Joe Dan Boyd
Lay Member, Annual Conference: Jenna Nelson
Worship Committee: Chair, Carolyn Newton; Members: Linda Hallman, Joy Privette
Finance Committee: Chair, Alicia Moore. Members: Sharon Schneider, Jenna Nelson

Staff-Parish Relations Committee:
Chair:
Lay Leader, Roger Schneider
Lay Delegate, Jenna Nelson
2012--Georgia Goggans
2012--Sharon Schneider
2013--Kathy Brown
2013--Cheryl Ann Newton
2014--Elaine Banks
2014--Bob Deitering

Trustees:
Chair:
Pastor (non voting)
2012--Corinne Tinney
2012--Gerry Privette
2013--Carl Griffin
2013--Ronnie Moore
2014--Mike Banks
2014--Gailya Gearner

Nominations Committee:
Chair: Pastor Sue Gross
2012--Gailya Gearner
2012--Roger Schneider
2013--Joe Dan Boyd
2013--Zonnie Griffin
2014--Ronny Ellison
2014--Cheryl Ann Newton

The Sheep & The Goats Scripture Preached On Christ-The-King Sunday

2011-11-20T14:10:00.010-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of Pastor Sue's sermon today.

Matthew 25:31-36, The Sheep & The Goats, Preached Here Today
Pastor Sue Gross, Tinney Chapel UMC

Matthew 25:31-46

New International Version (NIV)

The Sheep and the Goats

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart fromhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Link to above resource page:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A31-46&version=NIV

Live Poets Society Met Again Today @ Winnsboro Emporium

2011-11-18T21:51:00.014-06:00

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Live Poets Society Met Today @ Winnsboro Emporium
With 5 Founding Members & 3 New Members Present

At this month's meeting of the Live Poets Society, present were five original founding members: Bonnie Sir Kegian White (leader and founder), Conrad Wolfman, Angela Wylie, Lucy Germany and Joe Dan Boyd.

Three new poets joined the group at this meeting: Ayne Agassi, James Chambers and Amy Pierson.

Lucy Germany read Archibald MacLeish's "Ars Poetica" and an "untitled" original poem. Bonnie Sir Kegian White read Robert Service's "The Shooting Of Dan McGrew" and an original poem "Sepia Or Technicolor." Conrad Wolfman read an original published poem "Winter Fantasy" and a Japanese poem "Little Sister." Joe Dan Boyd read Edgar Guest's "Raisin Pie," and displayed a photo of his Aunt Maude Tinney Cater and her personal recipe for that unique dish, Joe Dan's favorite dessert. Ayne Agassi read 3 original poems: "Dialog of Silence," "Picking Flowers" and "Until You." Amy Pierson brought her book of poetry, Tea And Talk, from which she read "The Smile Of Sammy." Angela Wylie, perhaps this group's most highly decorated poet read 2 original works: "Cold" and "So Tired."

The Live Poets Society meets monthly (most of the time) at The Winnsboro Emporium, hosted by proprietor Conrad Wolfman, on North Main Street in beautiful downtown Winnsboro. The group welcomes other poets or fans of poetry who just like to listen. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 16, 2011.

Caddo Memorial Project Proposed @ Native American Fellowship 11-17-11

2011-11-17T21:25:00.007-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of Jerry Ezelle's proposal for a Caddo memorial project.

Jerry Ezelle Wants To Pay Tribute To Contribution Of
Caddo Native Americans To Heritage Of East Texas

At this evening's monthly meeting of the Native American Fellowship (NAF), Jerry Ezelle of Scroggins, Texas, called on this group and others to join him in a still-evolving project to honor the many contributions by the Caddo Indian Tribe to the beauty and productivity of East Texas.

After a long and successful business career in the DFW Metroplex, Ezelle retired to the natural beauty of Northeast Texas, and--during his personal research into the history of this area--was surprised to learn how much he, and the rest of us, owe to the Caddo Indian Tribe for its care and stewardship of the land and its resources over a period of several centuries.

Ezelle has since been on a one-man crusade to help facilitate a project that will stand as an ongoing, lasting memorial to the noble Caddo Tribe.

As a potential example, Ezelle said that, in the 35-year history of Lake Bob Sandlin, they have not added a park other than the State Park on the North Shore-which he said they did not pay for. More recently, Ezelle said that Titus County Freshwater District (TCFWD) has just purchased several thousand acres, in both Camp and Titus Counties, behind the dam of the lake. In other words, potential sites abound for a memorial to the Caddo Tribe, perhaps a public park of some kind in one of these, or some other, location.

By contrast, Ezelle suggested a comparisojn with Lake Cypress Springs, which he says has five nice local parks, all with boat ramps that are used by local citizens, rich and poor, from all over Texas, built with the proceeds of the sale of water by The Franklin County Freshwater District. Ezelle said that none of these Parks have any mention of the Native Americans or hiking trails.

Other "Water District Lakes" in the State do the same thing, added Ezelle: "They take the revenue from the water sale and improve the lakes for the enjoyment of Texans. If you Google Lake Worth you will find they have a $117 million capital improvement to the lake much of it being paid for from the sale of water to Fort Worth."

Ezelle's Idea: "Let's approach the TCFWD and propose a park that would include a tribute to the Caddo and The Cherokee, both of which have such a rich history in this area. The park would have a strong educational aspect to it, so local schools could take kids on field trips as a learning experience. If done correctly it could become a 'must see destination' for boaters and visitors in the area."

After Ezelle's presentation, NAF members discussed his general proposal and offered suggestions for supplementing and amending his ideas, eventually asking him to return with a more detailed, formal proposal, which NAF would evaluate and members would vote on whether or not to endorse it.

NAF President Ronny Ellison appointed a committee of Bob Deitering, Linda Fox, Corinne Tinney, Georgia McLain and Joe Dan Boyd to counsel with Ezelle as he firms up his formal proposal for consideration at a future NAF meeting.

Arts & Crafts @ Tinney Chapel 2011

2011-10-31T14:54:00.007-05:00

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Chances to win handmade quilt
on sale @ Tinney Chapel UMC
903-629-7696

"Bridge Over Troubled Waters" Preached Here Today

2011-10-30T23:51:00.010-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view most of Pastor Sue's sermon for this Sunday.

Bridge Over Trouble Waters Preached At Tinney Chapel
Rev. Sue Gross

Joshua 3:7-17

New International Version (NIV)

7 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. 8 Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’”

9 Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God. 10 This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites. 11 See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. 12 Now then, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. 13 And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.”

14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. 15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.

Link for this resource page:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%203:7-17&version=NIV

Hard Times Come Again No More

2011-10-24T00:51:00.006-05:00

In The Good Old Days When Times Were Hard

Hard Times Come Again No More has become, over time, my favorite song by the great Stephen Foster, who may have been America's first commercial songwriter. I grew up with some of his best-known songs, such as Oh Susannah and My Old Kentucky Home, probably learning them in Miss Bessie Conner's eighth-grade "Introduction To Music" Class at the then-new Memorial School, completed soon after the end of World War II.

I don't recall the first time I heard Foster's wonderful song, Hard Times Come Again No More, but it was not in Miss Conner's class.

Among the places where I have heard the song are these:

Bob Dylan sang it, with just acoustic guitar, on one of Willie Nelson's televised birthday parties (maybe his 60th?);

Thomas Hampson has recorded a wonderful version of the song; and,

it has been sung more than once on the unique radio program, The Prairie Home Companion.

And, when Winnsboro citizens gathered to assist local artists Lynn Adler and Lindy Hearne at Crossroads after damage from a flood at their Organic Song Farm on Goolsby's Pool, this song was performed as a group sing-along.

Now, I humbly offer my version of Hard Times Come Again No More, accompanying myself on a vintage The Gibson banjolele (sometimes called a banjo-ukulele), an instrument which seems appropriate in view of the era from which this great old song originated.

Click on the arrow to activate the music video:

Commandments of Jesus Preached Today

2011-10-23T21:30:00.008-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on arrow in the video below to view most of Pastor Sue Gross' sermon on this topic.

We Can't Improve On Jesus' Commandments
Sermon text for Rev. Sue Gross

Matthew 22:34-46

New International Version (NIV)

The Greatest Commandment

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Whose Son Is the Messiah?
41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”

“The son of David,” they replied.

43 He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,

44 “‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet.”’[c]

45 If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” 46 No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Footnotes:

1. Matthew 22:37 Deut. 6:5
2. Matthew 22:39 Lev. 19:18
3. Matthew 22:44 Psalm 110:1

Link to resource page:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A34-46&version=NIV

Trails Country Treasure Award Presented to Maryann Miller @ Winnsboro Center for the Arts

2011-09-25T16:06:00.004-05:00

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Maryann Miller, Winnsboro artist of multiple talents, is the 2011 winner of the Trails Country Treasure Award, presented by Winnsboro Center for the Arts (WCA) to individuals who have made profound contributions to the overall arts scene: local, regional, national or worldwide.

Miller is the sixth recipient of this coveted honor which was created originally to honor 96-year-old poet Odena Brannam who was still an active poet and writer at that age. The idea was to honor artists with roots in the Trails Country, but whose influence had extended well beyond any geographic area. At that time, WCA was known as Trails Country Center for the Arts (TCCA), and the board has voted to preserve the original Trails Country designation for its premier honor.

Previous winners include Grahame Hopkins, Helen Burlingham, Ray & LaVonna Hitz, Bill Jones and Odena Brannam.

Miller received the award Sunday, September 25, at a ceremony hosted by Winnsboro Center for the Arts (200 Market St., Winnsboro), where she was introduced by Becky Pickett and presented two tangible awards of recognition (a mounted certificate and a sculpture cast) from Helen Burlingham and Joe Dan Boyd. All three, Boyd, Burlingham and Pickett, are members of WCA's Treasure Award Committee.

For more on Maryann, go to this link:
https://profiles.google.com/maryannwrites#maryannwrites/about

"The Way To Rainy Mountain" Presented by Joe Dan Boyd to Franklin Historical Society

2011-09-05T22:44:00.006-05:00

PHOTOS BY JAMES MOYERS.
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"Jesus In The Gospels" Disciple Bible Study Completed @ Tinney Chapel

2011-08-24T22:17:00.006-05:00

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JESUS IN THE GOSPELS invites believers to look at Jesus in each of the four Gospels and ask the question, "Who is the Jesus that you see?" This study will deepen discipleship through better understanding of the biblical texts and their message.

Two questions frame this study: "Who is the Jesus you bring with you to this study?" and "Who is the Jesus you take with you from this study?" JESUS IN THE GOSPELS takes participants on a journey from one question to the other.

While distinct in format and approach, this Bible study builds on the foundation and carries forward the philosophy and ideals that shaped DISCIPLE—high-commitment, long-term, disciplined study that fosters community and builds toward transformation.

JESUS IN THE GOSPELS is different from DISCIPLE Bible study in its approach to Scripture; it looks more closely at the Gospel texts, in the kind of daily preparation and study required of the participants, in lesson layout and design, and in the nature of the study and discussion that takes place in the weekly group meeting.

JESUS IN THE GOSPELS focuses on the portraits of Jesus found in the four Gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The word in used in the title signals that this study takes an approach different from the familiar "life and teaching of Jesus" approach of reading stories and accounts of what Jesus said and did in order to draw conclusions about their meaning and about who Jesus was. This study looks at the way each Gospel writer presents events and teachings and at the picture of Jesus that emerges in each of the Gospels.

Lessons 1-22 concentrate on Matthew, Mark, and Luke with some related passages from John. Lessons 23-30 concentrate on the Gospel of John with supporting passages from other parts of the New and Old Testament. In the course of the thirty weeks, participants will read the four Gospels and considerable amounts of Scripture from other parts of the Bible.

For more on "Jesus In The Gospels" Disciple Bible Study Program, go to:
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/dynamiccontent.aspx?id=17&pageid=51

"He Cares For Me" Sung By Tinney Chapel Choir Today

2011-08-14T15:29:00.000-05:00

Pastor Sue's sermon, "Do You See The Invisible?" was inspired by Matthew 15:21-28.

With constant thanx to our devoted acolyte.

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view and hear the Tinney Chapel Choir sing "He Cares For Me."

Below is the Scripture, Matthew 15:21-26, for Pastor Sue's Sermon, titled, "Do You See The Invisible?":

Matthew 15:21-28

New International Version (NIV)

The Faith of a Canaanite Woman
21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”

23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Reference link for above:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+15%3A21-28&version=NIV

"Miracle Or Transformation" Preached @ Tinney Chapel

2011-08-07T13:43:00.000-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view a video of Pastor Sue Gross' entire sermon.

Miracle Or Transformation
Sermon by Pastor Sue Gross
Based on Matthew 14:13-21

Matthew 14:13-21

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Reference link for above:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A13-21&version=NIV

Obituary & Funeral Info for Nyla Dave Tinney Avant

2011-08-03T10:57:00.005-05:00

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NYLA DAVE TINNEY AVANT: OBITUARY & FUNERAL DETAILS

Nyla Dave Tinney Avant, 74, a longtime resident of Longview, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2011, at a local hospice following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Graveside services for Mrs. Avant are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, in Lee Cemetery in Winnsboro under direction of Welch Funeral Home, 4619 Judson Road.

Mrs. Avant was born Sept. 11, 1936, in Winnsboro to Taft and Linnie Tinney.

Nyla is survived by her husband of 52 years, Jerry D. Avant Sr. of Longview; daughter and son-in-law, Gwen and Tim Stauffer of Tyler; son, Donnie Avant of Longview; five grandchildren, Amber and Chris Benson of Longview; Nick Stauffer of Bridgeport; Brooke and Mason Avant of Longview; sister and brother-in-law, Bette and Herchel Chadick of Terrell; brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Cindy Tinney of Winnsboro; and sister, Lynda Hollingsworth of Winnsboro; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins; and her extended school family.

Following in her parents' footsteps as an educator, Nyla received her teaching certificate from East Texas State College in 1958. She completed her masters in 1962. She taught in Seagoville for two years and then moved to Longview where she continued to teach for another 43 years. After her retirement, Nyla enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She and her husband, Jerry, traveled to many wonderful destinations often taking or meeting up with loved ones along the way. Nyla loved being outside, whether taking care of cows in earlier years or planting flowers in her gardens.

Pallbearers will be Billy Russell, Keith Hutchinson, Ray Hollingsworth, Lance Tinney, Chance Tinney and David Blair. Honorary pallbearers will be Amber Benson, Chris Benson, Brooke Avant and Mason Avant.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, at Welch Funeral Home.

The family requests memorials be made to Beacon Hospice, P.O. Box 5908, Longview, 75608; or to Texas Oncology, 1300 N. Fourth St., Longview, 75601.

Published in Tyler Morning Telegraph on August 3, 2011

"Are You Walking On Water?" Preached Here Today

2011-07-31T14:42:00.009-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view most of Pastor Sue Gross' sermon, "Are You Walking On Water?"

ARE YOU WALKING ON WATER?
Pastor Sue Gross

Matthew 14:22-33

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8191988

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Reference link:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A22-33&version=NIV

Birth of third White Buffalo Discussed @ Native American Fellowship tonight

2011-07-21T23:39:00.013-05:00

Click on any image to view it in larger format. The photo of Lightning Medicine Cloud, 3rd known male white buffalo calf, is from Huffington Post via the following link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/29/baby-white-buffalo-lightning-medicine-cloud_n_887302.html

Birth of rare white buffalo calf discussed tonight
at Native American Fellowship Meeting @ Tinney Chapel

At tonight's regular meeting of the Native American Fellowship (NAF), President Ronny Ellison called on members to share their experiences from recent field trips to Redland, site of the fabled Cherokee massacre, and Greenville, for the birth of a rare white buffalo calf named Lightning Medicine Cloud, only the third known instance of a white, male, non-albino buffalo calf, considered a sacred event in some Native American cultures.

NAF member Sylvia Vandiver has researched the tradition of the white buffalo and was in charge of tonight's program. Many of those who attended the recent field trips said they were visibly touched in unforgettable ways. Newspaper clippings were passed around by Ellison and others mentioned having Googled the white buffalo birth event, prompting the photo above from the Huffington Post which may be viewed there with the original news story at the following link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/29/baby-white-buffalo-lightning-medicine-cloud_n_887302.html

Refreshments were served at tonight's meeting. Glenn Goggans brought along a DVD of photos from the white buffalo event, and Steve Silcox briefed the group on Cherokee holidays.

For more information on the Native American Fellowship, contact Ronny Ellison at 903-365-2427. A print and electronic newsletter is also coordinated by two NAF members: Georgia McLain, mclainga@yahoo.com, and Connie Dollins, tub1936@verizon.net.

The next meeting of NAF is scheduled for August 18 with noted artist
Efton Edwards in charge of the program.

Those attending tonight's meeting included: Ronny Ellison, Joe Dan Boyd, Steve Silcox, Glenn Goggans, Georgia McLain, Connie Dollins, Bill Jones, Linda Hallman, Joe Matthews, Everet Pyle, Barbara Pyle, Josephine Garrett, Joyce Henry, Alice Deitering, Sylvia Vandiver, Beth Newkirk, Corinne Tinney.

Lay Speaker David Stanton Preaches on Pulling Up Weeds Today

2011-07-17T14:15:00.016-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view Certified Lay Speaker David Stanton's presentation, "Pulling Up Weeds."

David Stanton Preaches on Pulling Up Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30

New International Version (NIV)

The Parable of the Weeds
24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

David Stanton headlines Lee Cemetery Memorial Day

2011-07-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on arrow below to view a portion of David Stanton's presentation (our server limits size of our video files). Please excuse the ambient environmental noise in this video, but it is viewable if you are interested in David's message.

David Stanton, Certified Methodist Lay Speaker
from Tinney Chapel UMC, brings the Memorial Day
message and Special Music this year.

Note brief summary of the day's events in the photo collage above as well as several individual photos.

A video is also available which includes much of David's presentation, cut short only because our web server limits the size of our video files. Also, please pardon the ambient environmental (mostly wind against camera) noise which hampers this video by a small amount, but is still very much worth watching if you missed the live program.

Donations may be sent to Winnsboro Lee Cemetery Association at PO Box 516, Winnsboro, TX 75494.

Donations assist in operating Lee Cemetery, including future road repairs, landscaping and such.

At this year's Memorial Day, Board Member, Dr. Henry Frank Cannaday (see photo above), called on all to donate generously, and to remember Lee Cemetery as the memorial donation of choice on special occasions instead of sending floral arrangements for funerals or special occasions. He also suggested that everyone consider remembering Lee Cemetery in last will and testament gifts.

Lee Cemetery Memorial Day is ALWAYS the second Sunday in July. See you there next year.

David Stanton headlines Lee Cemetery Memorial Day Part 2

2011-07-10T19:01:00.000-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the final one-third-or-so of David Stanton's presentation, "Rooms To Spare," at Winnsboro Lee Cemetery Memorial Day, July 10, 2011.

Video Part 2 of David Stanton's Headline Performance
at Lee Cemetery Memorial Day, July 10, 2011

Because of our server's file size limits on our video files, David Stanton's devotional and musical performance of "Rooms To Spare" is continued here. David is assisted by his wife, Mollie, at the soundboard. (Part 1 of David's presentation may be found on the Weblog post immediately preceding this one.)

Tinney Talk, July 2011, The Church Of Almighty Good Food

2011-07-01T14:25:00.004-05:00

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TINNEY TALK (Pope Mary & The Church Of Almighty Good Food)
Observations by Joe Dan Boyd

POPE MARY & THE CHUCH OF ALMIGHTY GOOD FOOD, called a “barnstormer of a book” by publisher Wicker Park Press, Ltd., is the latest book, and the third novel ($24.95, PO Box 5318, River Forest, IL 60305), by my great friend Gene Logsdon. We met during the mid-1960s in Philadelphia, where Gene & I shared adjoining offices at Farm Journal Magazine on Washington Square.

HEROINE OF THIS GREAT READ IS A FIESTY OHIO FARM GIRL, Mary Barnette, who—like most of her neighbors—is offended when a high-handed Bishop arbitrarily closes St. Philodendra, a venerable Catholic church (with $200,000 in the bank) surrounded by corn fields and with deep roots in Mary’s community. She also challenges traditional “Canon Law” by which churches can be closed, buildings and property sold (without consent of the local congregations) and attendees forced to alternate worship sites. In this case the church is both closed and locked, denying parishioners use of the building, until a midnight avenger breaks the lock.

THE HEROINE’S OFFICIOUS ATTITUDE prompts Mary to suggest she could probably do as well as “that old man over there in Rome,” and is thereafter called “Pope Mary” for the balance of this carefully crafted novel exploring virtually every aspect of rural ministry from the sharply contrasting viewpoints of the hierarchy, those who administer an often arbitrary church authority and the parishioners, those who must either comply with or challenge that authority.

AND CHALLENGE IS THE MESSAGE OF THIS NOVEL, which also features a bi-vocational pastor/priest, Father Ray, sometimes called The Lone Ranger, who spends as much time tending his flock of sheep as he spends in ministry to his human flock. Father Ray is called both to a spiritual ministry and a personal mission to encourage local food production and marketing for the preservation of agrarianism, traditional farming and a rural lifestyle.

WHAT “POPE MARY” AND FATHER RAY EVENTUALLY CHAMPION is both unorthodox by modern standards, and refreshingly familiar to scholars of the early Christian Church. Readers will either scratch their heads in puzzlement or erupt in holy jubilation as the tables are turned on the clergy hierarchy and a rural church not only survives,
but also thrives.

EDITORIAL NOTE: Gene Logsdon is the author of 25 books in fiction, nonfiction, biography and art. His most recent book to date is Holy Shit: Managing Manure To Save Mankind. He also writes a popular blog at OrganicToBe.org, is a regular contributor to Farming magazine and The Draft Horse Journal, and writes an award-winning weekly column in the Cary, Ohio, Progressor Times. He lives and farms in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, with his wife Carol. To access the publisher of Pope Mary and the Church of Almighty Good Food, go to this website: www.wickerparkpressbooks.com

Texas Ag Ed Reunion @ Grand Saline Today

2011-06-27T18:29:00.015-05:00

Click on any image to view it in larger format.

MENTORS ARE FOREVER

My first mentor performed a service that, technically, didn't exist at the time I was a student. Today, he would be called a "life coach." I called him "Mr. Pollard," and he was my FFA Advisor, but he was easily the best writer I knew.

As a state FFA officer, my speeches and correspondence reflected Mr. Pollard's willingness to share his talent and discipline, which contributed to my early understanding of the difference between writing that was really good and that which was just good enough. He was a gentle editor who didn't make pronouncements, but asked questions: Have you thought about saying it like this? What if you approached it this way?

Without quite realizing it, I began to see that Mr. Pollard had a distinctive way of expressing his thoughts, and I started to think, vaguely at first, about concepts that I would later call voice and style. Partly as a result, I was asked to launch a new column, "The President's Pen," for the state FFA magazine. Several years later, armed with a degree in agricultural journalism, I would spend two years as an associate editor at the National FFA Magazine before joining Farm Journal.

At Farm Journal, I latched onto Charlie Ball, who was my first professional writing mentor. Not only did Charlie willingly share with me the nuts and bolts of his award-winning writing and photography, but also he became one of my best-ever friends. Today, Bill Pollard and Charlie Ball are still active professionals, and each continues to influence both my writing and my life in extremely positive ways. A mentor may be forever...if you are lucky!

The lines above were written a few years ago, but today (June 27, 2011) in Grand Saline, Texas, at Jim Prewitt's magnificent Landmark Nursery facility, I had the honor of reuniting with many men who once held key positions in the FFA and Agricultural Education of Texas high school students. Some of them assisted Mr. Pollard in the daunting task of "developing" a young Joe Dan Boyd.

Seldom do many of us have such an opportunity to thank those who made it possible for us to develop in a positive manner, to become the kind of people we were meant to be, to become fully actualized human beings, productive citizens.

One of those men here today, Emmett Tiner, who was Supervisor of FFA Area 2 when I was State FFA President, actually shared a house with Mr. Pollard (see the first few paragraphs in this brief essay) when both of them lived as bachelors in Big Spring, Texas. Mr. Tiner and I, along with State FFA Vice-President Joe Stephens, spent a full month in late 1952 visiting and speaking to FFA Chapters in far West Texas, and we had the opportunity of re-living key moments from that trip today.

My brother Tommy Boyd accompanied me today. He was President of FFA Area 6 when I was State FFA President, and his life, too, was touched by many of those at today's Texas Ag Ed Reunion.

Mr. Ira Black, who was my own Area 6 Supervisor as an FFA student, was there as well, and I was able to recall, in his presence more than once when his wisdom and guidance helped me deal with challenging situations as a young man.

For me, FFA was the most transformative experience of my life, and the most positive: I will never live sufficiently long to adequately thank all the men who made it so productive for me.

Today was a day for giving credit where it is overdue, or perhaps long overdue.

Teen Challenge Singers @ Tinney Chapel Communion Worship

2011-06-26T22:27:00.013-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view most of Pastor Sue's sermon video (our server limits video file size).

Adults Can Learn From Dr. Seuss
Sermon by Pastor Sue Gross
@ Tinney Chapel UMC
06-26-11

Matthew 10:40-42

New International Version (NIV)

40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Romans 6:12-23

New International Version (NIV)

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

An Amazing Version of Amazing Grace by Teen Challenge Singers @ Tinney Chapel

2011-06-26T21:26:00.001-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of Teen Challenger Singers performing an unusual version of Amazing Grace.

An Amazing Version of Amazing Grace (WMV VIDEO)
by the Teen Challenge Singers
at Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church
June 26, 2011

Kids Time @ Tinney Chapel UMC 06-26-11

2011-06-26T19:50:00.002-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of Pastor Sue's sermon for children.

View the video of sermon for children
@ Tinney Chapel UMC, June 26, 2011
by Pastor Sue Gross

A Fathers Day Tribute To My Dad

2011-06-19T01:00:00.003-05:00

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A Fathers Day Tribute To My Dad, "Dangerous Dan" Boyd

His name was Dan Boyd, and he was my father, but I have only hazy memories of him in the flesh. After all, I was only three and a half years of age when he died, surviving his wife, Dolly Tinney Boyd, my mother, by about 18 months. Both died in the mid-1930s.

That opposites often attract might explain the unlikely meeting, romance and eventual marriage of Dolly and Dan, both natives of Wood County, Texas who spent most of their brief adult lives struggling with the stark strata of emotional and economic tumult that we now regard as a three-word footnote to history: The Great Depression.

But they would marry and have three children (Nelda, Joe Dan & Tommy) before both died young, in 1936 and 1937.

Dolly, born June 4, 1913, to Ambrose and Elizabeth Tinney, was destined to be the beauty and the baby of a large farming family with strong roots in the Old South where her Alabama ancestors had sided with both the Union and the Confederacy. Her parents believed in hard work, religion, education, sobriety and neighborliness. She would become the family princess, carefully shielded from opposing viewpoints, and her beauty would assure a choice of marriage partners from worthy men who shared both her sheltered social life and high aspirations.

By the time Dolly was 15 she had finished 8th grade at Vernon Country School in Wood County, had been baptized at Tinney Chapel Methodist Church, which had been founded by a land grant from her father, and was on track to become a 1932 graduate, first in her family to do so, from high school in Winnsboro, a three-mile walk to and from her farm home. There, before her graduation, she was a serious student, enjoying home economics and playing on the girls basketball team.

At the Old Tinney Home Place where Dolly was born, raised, played the organ and demonstrated her dancing skills, she sometimes organized Sunday evening "social" events, such as ice cream suppers, recalls Helen Tinney Miller, one of Dolly's nieces, who was also a childhood playmate of Dolly's. No formal invitations, says Helen: News was passed by word of mouth, and anyone in the community who heard about a "social" was welcome to attend.

That would have included "Dangerous Dan" Boyd, a rough and rowdy man's man, widely regarded as a bit reckless, willing to take a drink, having a short fuse, unafraid to defend honor in a fist fight and who was six and a half years older than Dolly. He was also ruggedly handsome, and a real charmer with an effusive sense of humor who very likely captured Dolly's heart the moment their eyes met.

He also became a husband and father who loved his wife and children, according to his sister, my Aunt Mary Boyd Poe, who told me a lot about him after I moved back to Wood County in 1997. From Aunt Mary and another Aunt, Stella Boyd Weems, I learned of the Native American (Cherokee) history on my dad's side of the family. To help make ends meet during the Depression, Dan also joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal creation, from which he obtained permission to leave a Colorado CCC Camp during February, 1936, to be with Dolly in her final hours of life.

So, on this Fathers Day, 2011, I salute you, "Dangerous Dan" Boyd, the father I barely knew, but who nonetheless loved me and my brother Tommy. For this I will always be grateful.

Pentecost Sunday @ Tinney Chapel

2011-06-12T23:45:00.010-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format or click on the arrow below to view most of the video of Pastor Sue's Pentecost sermon. (Our server limits the file size of our videos.)

Building A Spirit-Filled World preached on Pentecost Sunday

1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

New International Version (NIV)

3 ...no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Unity and Diversity in the Body
12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Footnotes:

1. 1 Corinthians 12:10 Or languages; also in verse 28
2. 1 Corinthians 12:10 Or languages; also in verse 28
3. 1 Corinthians 12:13 Or with; or in

Resource page link for above:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12%3A3-13&version=NIV

Kids Time On Pentecost Sunday

2011-06-12T22:20:00.005-05:00

Once on the Internet Weblog, you may click on any image above to view it in larger format or click on the arrow below to view the sermon for kids by Georgia Goggans.

Kids Time On Pentecost Sunday @ Tinney Chapel UMC
Georgia Goggans

Click on the arrow to view and hear Georgia's sermon which is based on 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13.

"I'll Fly Away" Sung @ Tinney Chapel Today

2011-06-05T23:40:00.007-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view most of Pastor Sue Gross' sermon, "Pray To The Holy Spirit."

"Pray To The Holy Spirit" Preached Today
Based on Acts 1:1-11

Acts 1:1-11

New International Version (NIV)

Acts 1
Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Footnotes:

1. Acts 1:5 Or in
2. Acts 1:5 Or in

Resource page for the above:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1%3A1-11&version=NIV

Live Poets Society Met Today @ Winnsboro Emporium

2011-05-27T22:29:00.000-05:00

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Abigail Cook Graduates From Winnsboro High School

2011-05-27T19:47:00.007-05:00

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"Practicing Resurrection: Testimony" Preached Here Today

2011-05-15T22:55:00.009-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view a part of Pastor Sue Gross' sermon, "Practicing Resurrection: Testimony."

Practicing Resurrection: Testimony
A Sermon By Pastor Sue Gross
Based on:

Act 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spake forth unto them, saying, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and give ear unto my words.
Act 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know;
Act 2:23 him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay:
Act 2:24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Act 2:25 For David saith concerning him, I beheld the Lord always before my face; For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
Act 2:26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; Moreover my flesh also shall dwell in hope:
Act 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in Hades, Neither wilt thou give thy Holy One to see corruption.
Act 2:28 Thou madest known unto me the ways of life; Thou shalt make me full of gladness with thy countenance.
Act 2:29 Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day.
Act 2:30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set one upon his throne;
Act 2:31 he foreseeing this spake of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he left in Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.
Act 2:32 This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses.
---Revised Standard Version (from E-Sword program)
Resource Link for E-Sword Bible Study Program:
http://www.e-sword.net/bibles.html

"Happily Forever After" Musical presented by First UMC Mt. Vernon Youth @ Tinney Chapel

2011-05-11T21:03:00.001-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view a part of the video of this musical presentation, "Happily Forever After."

"Happily Forever After"
A Youth Musical Performance presented @ Tinney Chapel UMC
by the Youth Group of First UMC, Mt. Vernon, TX

For more on the background of this musical, please check the following link:

http://www.littlebigstuff.com/hfa/index.html

This evening's presentation by the Mt. Vernon Youth Group featured a large cast, including:

The God's Olympics Choir: Coleman Johnston, Archer Findley, Halen Miller, Sawyer Anderson and Samuel Anderson.

The Medieval Cheerleaders: Chloe Copeland, Rachel Dunn, Sally Hamrick, Emmy Poppy McCament and Claire Rutledge.

Our Beautiful Ladies of Fashion: Mikka Allen, Milo McCament, Lauren Newsome and Amber Oxford.

Trumpeters: Preston Clayton and Jackson Standridge.

Gate Guard: Kreig Stevens.

Tour Group: Brother Daniel-Grant Hammonds; Vacation Mom-Taylor Copeland; Traveling Only-Tour Guide-Sam Lowry.

Bridge Keeper Fee Fee and Shining Knight-Garrett Greenbeg.

Traveling Only-Shining Knight-Emmi Patrick.

As Count Ze Coins-Jon Robert Gekiere and Young Lady Losesome-Jada Henry.

Lady Winsome-Blossom Barnett.

Madame Luxuree and Tour Guide-Sam Lowry.

Traveling Only-And Madame Luxuree-McKay Patrick.

Our Royal Court: Lady Windabag-McKlayne Cook; Sir Court Lee-Brooks Briscoe; And Sir Burlyman-Bailey Floyd; Apprentice and Vacation Dad-Justice Lear; And As Page One-Josh Dunn; Princess Pride-Suzanna Hamrick; And Sir Brags A Lot-Cameron Greenberg; Playing Brooke-Hayley Tullis; And Featuring Zach Hedges as the Carpenter.

And we cannot forget our incredible prop handlers and sound men-Max Rutledge and Jack Floyd.

This presentation included songs such as:
"Far Away Land"
"Incredible"
"Isn't That Amazing"
"He Has A Perfect Plan For Me"
"I'll Trust You, Lord"

All in all, it was a night to remember, with grateful thanx to the Youth Group of Mt. Vernon UMC.

"Moral Rehabilitation" Advocated for Prison Ministry by Johnston Unit Chaplain, Rev. Casey Miner

2011-05-10T20:36:00.001-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of part of the presentation by Johnston Unit Chaplain Rev. Casey Miner. (Apologies for some ambient noise in this video.)

Moral Rehabilitation Is The Key To Successful Prison Ministry

View and hear the video of part of the presentation by Johnston Unit Chaplain, Rev. Casey Miner, an Anglican Priest, now based at Winnsboro's Johnston Substance Abuse Unit. (Apologies for the ambient noise in the background of this video.) Chaplain Miner is a graduate of the Seminary of the Venerable Bede.

Chaplain Miner showed filmed documentaries of successful prison ministry at Angola State Prison in Louisiana, the world's largest maximum security prison, which has seen dramatic improvement with the introduction of faith-based ministry.

One of the startling facts revealed by Chaplain Miner is that, of all those in prison, 70% have been there before, which he views as an alternate way to access the overall prison recidivism rate.

Chaplain Miner has instituted a "faith-based wing" at Winnsboro's Johnston Unit, and this wing has a recidivism rate of less than 1% during its nearly four years of operation, he told the Tinney Chapel Ladies Group today.

"I'm happiest when I'm in prison," added Chaplain Miner, as a testament to the rewarding nature of his work, which he described as giving something to someone who can not repay him. Chaplain Miner references the words of Jesus: When I was in prison, you visited me. Then, he asks, rhetorically: When did I visit you, Lord? To which he provides the answer, again from the words of Jesus: You did it when you did it for the least of these, my brothers.

When you participate in prison ministry in this fashion, Chaplain Miner compares it to standing at the foot of the Cross, at which a prisoner is being executed.

At the Johnson Unit, Chaplain Miner explained that the residents are there for six months, "early in a criminal career," and are in need of so many things that can be supplied only by volunteers from the community.

He emphasized the work of Residents Encounter Christ (REC) which includes several members of Tinney Chapel, but also stressed the need for all kinds of volunteers, including those who are not called to be ministers, but who have secular skills that can be valuable in the rehabilitation of prisoners. "If you can help someone learn to read or deal with basic math, I have a spot for you at the Johnston Unit," he concluded.

To contact Chaplain Casey Miner:
PO Box 921
Winnsboro, TX 75494.

Mothers Day @ Tinney Chapel

2011-05-08T17:42:00.005-05:00

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Jesus Was A Mama's Boy, Too
Lay Sermon by Certified Lay Speaker Joe Dan Boyd

Today's service featured the congregation singing "If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again," an old favorite from the convention song book tradition by James Rowe and J. W. Vaughan along with the Isaac Watts version of "At The Cross."

Certified Lay Speaker Angela Wyle read her original poem, "Grandmothers I Have Known," one of the finest works by this prize-winning poet and life-time member of Tinney Chapel UMC. Angela also served as songleader on this occasion.

Joe Dan began his presentation with a recollection of his own youth after his mother, Dolly Tinney Boyd, died when Joe Dan was two years old, after which he was blessed with three mothers-of-the-heart: A grandmother, a great-aunt, and an aunt who was one of Dolly's sisters.

From this, he moved into the conception, birth and boyhood of Jesus as recorded in the Scriptures. Lay Readers today were Linda Hallman, who read John 2:1-11, the account of the miracle at Cana, and Peggy Boyd, who read John 19:23-27, the account of instructions from Jesus on the Cross to His mother, Mary, and the Beloved Disciple, John.

Joe Dan's focus was to emphasize that, although Jesus was indeed a "Daddy's Boy," in that He was extremely close to His Father, Jesus also enjoyed a close relationship with his mother.

John 19:23-27 (New International Version)

23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

24 “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”

This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,

“They divided my clothes among them
and cast lots for my garment.”[a]

So this is what the soldiers did.

25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman,[b] here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Footnotes:

John 19:24 Psalm 22:18
John 19:26 The Greek for Woman does not denote any disrespect.

Reference link for the above Scripture:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19%3A23-27&version=NIV

Mothers Day Kids Time @ Tinney Chapel

2011-05-08T16:18:00.004-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the sermon for kids by Pastor Sue Gross.

Pastor Sue Gross Delivers Sermon For Kids On Mothers Day.

See and hear it on the video above.

"Grandmothers Of My Past," a poem written & read by Angela Wylie on Mothers Day

2011-05-08T15:47:00.003-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of Angela Wylie reading her poem on Mothers Day.

See And Hear Angela Wylie Read Her Original Poem,
"Grandmothers Of My Past"

(Angela Wylie expects to publish a book of her poems, some of which have won competitive prizes, in the near future.)

Honest Doubt preached today from John 20:19-31

2011-05-01T15:42:00.006-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below, at the very end of this post, to view the video of part 1 of Pastor Sue's sermon (our server limits our file size). Afterward, you may scroll down to the second post for this same date & view part 2 of Pastor Sue's sermon, Honest Doubt.

"Honest Doubt" Preached From John 20:19-31

John 20:19-31 (New International Version, ©2011)

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Jesus Appears to Thomas
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The Purpose of John’s Gospel
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Footnotes:

1. John 20:24 Thomas (Aramaic) and Didymus (Greek) both mean twin.
2. John 20:31 Or may continue to believe

Resource page for the above:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A19-31&version=NIV

Honest Doubt, Part 2, Preached From John 20:19-31

2011-05-01T14:43:00.004-05:00

Click on any image, above, to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow, below, to view Part 2 of the video of Pastor Sue's May 1 sermon, Honest Doubt.

HONEST DOUBT preached from John 20:19-31

The video on this post shows Part 2 of Pastor Sue Gross' sermon, Honest Doubt, from John 20:19-31.

Lay Speaker David Stanton Preaches Repentance & Second Chances

2011-04-20T23:01:00.009-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format or click on the arrow below to view the video of David Stanton's Lenten Homily.

Certified Lay Speaker David Stanton Concludes Lenten Homily Series With Sermon on Repentance And Second Chances

David's homily/sermon was based on one of the Parables of Jesus, from the Gospel of Luke, as have been all of this year's Lenten homilies. Today's Parable (below) was from Luke 13:6-9: Then He told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any.

"So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' "'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'" ---New International Version.
(View the video of David's homily on this parable by clicking the arrow above.)

Easter Pie Sale Annual Fundraiser For Tinney Chapel

2011-04-19T02:27:00.000-05:00

Click on any image to view it in larger format.

Easter Pie Sale At Ganny's Pie Shop @ 108 W. Elm
In Winnsboro To Benefit Tinney Chapel UMC Church:
Place Order By Phone Or In Person

The congregation of Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church invites the public to a special two-day Easter pie sale, sponsored by Ganny’s Pie Shop, 108 W. Elm St., owned and operated by Georgia Goggans, in beautiful downtown Winnsboro.

“Ganny’s Pie Shop Easter Pie Sale will benefit Tinney Chapel Church for in-shop customers on two days, Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” says Georgia, who is donating a portion of proceeds from all Easter pie sales to Tinney Chapel ministries.

Georgia describes her product for sale during this Easter Season as old-fashion homemade whole pies, 9” deep-dish, in all of her top flavors, including pecan, fudge pecan, buttermilk, coconut buttermilk, almond joy, apple, peach, apricot, chocolate, coconut, lemon and banana. See Georgia for more details.

Georgia suggests ordering early by phone, as all pre-orders received by April 21 will be filled first and also benefit Tinney Chapel, or you may shop in person on April 22 and April 23 at Ganny’s Pie Shop, now located right here in Winnsboro.

Call Georgia at 903-243-0992.

Stories From Certified Lay Speaker Roger Schneider @ Tinney Chapel Lenten Worship

2011-04-13T21:53:00.002-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of Certified Lay Speaker Roger Schneider's Lenten Homily.

The Lost Coin and the Lost Son preached today
by Certified Lay Speaker Roger Schneider

Luke 15:8-32 (New International Version, ©2011)

The Parable of the Lost Coin

8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Footnotes:

1. Luke 15:8 Greek ten drachmas, each worth about a day’s wages

Link to resource page for above:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15%3A8-32&version=NIV

"Thank God," Luke 18:9-14, preached at Tinney Chapel Lent Service by Certified Lay Speaker David Stanton

2011-04-06T23:54:00.001-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of David Stanton's Lenten Homily, "Thank God!"

"Thank God!" Preached by Lay Speaker David Stanton
@ Tinney Chapel UMC Lenten Service today

Luke 18:9-14 (The Message Translation)

The Story of the Tax Man and the Pharisee

9-12He told his next story to some who were complacently pleased with themselves over their moral performance and looked down their noses at the common people: "Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax man. The Pharisee posed and prayed like this: 'Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.'

13"Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, 'God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.'"

14Jesus commented, "This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you're going to end up flat on your face, but if you're content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself."

Link to resource page for above:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+18%3A9-14&version=MSG

Lenten Prayer by Peggy Boyd & hymns to accompany homily of Luke 18:9-14 by David Stanton

2011-04-06T22:56:00.005-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of Peggy Boyd's Lenten Prayer for today's homily.

Lenten Prayer By Peggy Boyd
and hymns led by Angela Wylie
and Molly Mathis preface homily
on Luke 18:9-14 by David Stanton

Certified Lay Speaker David Stanton speaks on Jesus' "greed parable," Luke 12:13-21

2011-03-30T23:37:00.004-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of David's Lenten homily.

"Coming, coming, greedy or not!"
David Stanton's Lenten Homily

Luke 12:13-21 (New International Version, ©2011)

The Parable of the Rich Fool
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Resource link to above Scripture:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A13-21&version=NIV

Peggy Boyd explains Residents Encounter Christ Prison Ministry @ Tinney Chapel UMC

2011-03-27T18:18:00.008-05:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of most of Peggy Boyd's REC presentation @ Tinney Chapel.

Peggy Boyd explains Residents Encounter Christ (REC) Ministry at the Johnston Unit prison to congregation at Tinney Chapel UMC, which helped pioneer the program

Pastor Sue Gross introduced Peggy Boyd, a member of Tinney Chapel, and one of the veterans of this REC outreach ministry to clients at the Johnston Substance Abuse Unit in Winnsboro.

Peggy detailed the history of the REC program and Tinney Chapel's early involvement in it, as well as her own personal testimony in the performance of her ministry in REC, which is a prison version of the Walk To Emmaus program, of which Peggy is also a veteran pilgrim and subsequent member of multiple teams.

You may view a video of most of Peggy's presentation by clicking on the arrow elsewhere in this weblog post.

Food, fellowship & fine music @ Tinney Chapel TONIGHT

2011-03-26T12:38:00.003-05:00

Silver Strings Band, a big hit at last fall's Rural Life Sunday event, will perform @ Tinney Chapel's funraiser again tonight.

Click on any image to view it in larger format.

Food, fellowship & fine music @ Tinney Chapel TONIGHT, Sat., Mar. 26

Members of Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church invite the public to share an old-fashioned iron kettle stew at our Family Life Center TONIGHT, Saturday, March 26 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

The menu will include both beef stew and chicken stew, supplemented with plenty of iced tea, cornbread, crackers and homemade desserts provided by members of the congregation.

Entertainment will be provided by the Silver Strings band of Quitman, a group which has performed here before.

Admission is free, but donations will be appreciated to help with the cost of refurbishing floors of the church’s Family Life Center, which occasionally hosts community events of interest to the general public.

Tinney Chapel is located two miles south of Winnsboro, just off FM 312, then one-quarter mile east to 449 CR 4620.

Parable Of The Good Samaritan preached by Certified Lay Speaker Angela Wylie

2011-03-23T19:52:00.007-05:00

Click on any image to view it in larger format and/or click on the arrow below to view the video of part of Lay Speaker Angela Wylie's Lenten devotional.

You Never Know
Lenten Devotional by Certified Lay Speaker Angela Wylie

Luke 10:25-37 (New International Version, ©2011)

The Parable of the Good Samaritan
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Resource site for above:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A25-37&version=NIV

Join Tinney Chapel For Food, Fellowship & Marvelous Music on Saturday, March 26, 5 to 7 pm

2011-03-21T13:43:00.003-05:00

Click on image above to view it in larger format.

Members of Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church invite the public to share an old-fashioned iron kettle stew at our Family Life Center on Saturday, March 26 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

The menu will include both beef stew and chicken stew, supplemented with plenty of iced tea, cornbread, crackers and homemade desserts provided by members of the congregation.

Entertainment will be provided by the Silver Strings band of Quitman, a group which has performed here before.

Admission is free, but donations will be appreciated to help with the cost of refurbishing floors of the church’s Family Life Center, which occasionally hosts community events of interest to the general public.

Tinney Chapel is located two miles south of Winnsboro, just off FM 312, then one-quarter mile east to 449 CR 4620.

Forgive And Live preached @ Tinney Chapel by Lay Speaker Joe Dan Boyd (part 1)

2011-03-16T23:00:00.002-05:00

Click on image above to view it in larger format or click on the arrow below to view part 1 of the Lay Speaker sermon video.

Forgive And Live

A Lay Sermon Devotional for Lent (see video), based on one of the Parables of Jesus found in Luke 7:40-47:

As an introduction, Joe Dan recited an old poem by James Henry Leigh Hunt:

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lilly in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said,
What writest thou?" The Vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."
"And is mine one?" said Abou.
"Nay, not so," replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerily still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow-men."

The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest!

Luke 7:40-47 (New International Version, ©2011)

40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[a] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Resource link for the above:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+7%3A40-47&version=NIV

During today's Lenten Worship service, the congregation sang "Nothing But The Blood" and "My Hope Is Built," with Angela Wylie as song leader and piano accompaniment by Molly Mathis.

After the devotional sermon, Pastor Sue Gross served Holy Communion, assisted by Lay Speaker Joe Dan Boyd.

Please scroll down for part 2 of this Lenten devotional, filmed by fellow Lay Speaker David Stanton, who also made the still photos.

Forgive And Live (part 2)

2011-03-16T22:00:00.002-05:00

Click on the image above to view it in larger format or click on the arrow below to view part 2 of the Lay Speaker devotional video.

Forgive And Live video (part 2)
By Certified Lay Speaker Joe Dan Boyd

With thanx to David Stanton, fellow Certified Lay Speaker, who filmed the video and made the still photos during this event.

Please scroll still further down for the final (part 3) portion of this Lay Speaker video.

Forgive And Live (part 3)

2011-03-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

Click on the image above to view it in larger format or click on the arrow below to view the final (part 3) portion of the Lay Speaker Video.

Forgive And Live Final Portion (part 3) of Lay Speaker Video.

With thanx to David Stanton, fellow Certified Lay Speaker for filming this video and making the still photos of the Lenten event.

Ash Wednesday: Where Is Your Cross Worn?

2011-03-09T22:17:00.002-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format or click on the arrow below to view Pastor Sue's sermon and Imposition of the Ashes.

Ash Wednesday: 03-09-11
Where Is Your Cross Worn?

It's a fair question, but not one that we often ask ourselves: Where do we wear our crosses?

On our necks, hanging by a golden chain? In our pockets, mingling and jingling with our silver coins? On our foreheads, as do we all on this Ash Wednesday evening?

Or, somewhere inside, perhaps in our hearts?

Pastor Sue Gross began her Lenten devotional with a story she heard in seminary. It was the tale of a young child who had been consecrated by a pastor who formed the cross on the baby's forehead, using oil. But the parents didn't think to remove the oil until the baby was home, after sufficient time in the sunlight for the image of a cross to have been "basted," temporarily, on the youngster's forehead.

It could have been an occasion for temporary embarrassment, temporary laughter or any number of temporary emotions, but the lasting thought was that this incident in the child's life might very well become the foundation for the rest of his life.

We can carry the cross in our hearts, declared Pastor Sue, referring to a portion of today's Scripture (Joel 2:12-13):

"Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning: rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful."

"It's harder to rend our hearts than to rend out clothes," added the Pastor. "It's easier to wear a cross around our neck than to carry the actual burden of an actual cross."

The Pastor's point here is that it's easier for us to wear our piety outwardly (such as with a cross necklace) than to wear our piety inwardly, in our hearts. In other words, it's easier to talk the talk than to walk the walk. Easier to tell than to show.

Jesus told us not to pray as the hypocrites do: That is, for show! And, certainly, on this Ash Wednesday evening, it's not a night to practice any kind of false religion.

Rather, Pastor Sue said it's a time over the next 40 days to focus on the cross, and its impact on our individual lives.

She mentioned the movie, The Last Emperor, which tells the story of the last emperor of China, who had a stand-in to take his punishment when he did something wrong. In a sense, that's what Jesus did for all of us by His sacrifice on the cross. He took the punishment for our sins, making it possible for us to have Eternal Life by believing on Him. This, emphasized Pastor Sue, is the Gospel Story, it's the Good News.

Yet, some modern churches are being built without any crosses to be found anywhere: Not inside the sanctuaries and not outside on the church grounds. One church spokesman explained it like this: The cross can be viewed as a sign of weakness or failure.

The cross does have to be explained, declared Pastor Sue, a situation which has always been the case, even in the days of the early church. But, to True Believers, the most precious symbol of our faith is the cross. Among other things, it's a reminder that God is always with us, even in the toughest times.

The Empty Tomb, said Pastor Sue, was God's last victorious word on our lives. It's God's dream, not ours. It's God's ambition, not ours.

By the wounds, said the prophet, we are healed!

Pastor Sue concluded with an anecdote about a golfer named Doug Ford, who won the Masters Golf Tournament in 1957, a feat which earned him a lifetime privilege of playing (without having to make the cut) in all future Masters Tournaments. All because he won it once, long ago!

And, because Jesus went to the cross--for us--all those many centuries ago, we also have a lifetime privilege, an Eternal Lifetime privilege, that no one can take away.

AMEN

Black History Month Worship Service @ Tinney Chapel

2011-02-27T23:51:00.009-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format or click on the arrow below to view the video of Rev. Mayvone Moton & Rev. DeVaughn Moton's musical worship.

It's Black History Month Worship
Time Again At Tinney Chapel UMC

Every year, our church attempts to schedule something very special during February to honor Black History Month, and this often involves our Christian brothers and sisters at Hynson Chapel CME Chuch in downtown Winnsboro.

This year, Hynson Chapel's Rev. DeVaughn Moton had already participated in Tinney Chapel's UMC Pastors Chili Cookoff, an event to benefit the worldwide "Imagine No Malaria" Campaign.

Today, Rev. DeVaughn Moton and his wife, Rev. Mayvone Moton, also of Hynson Chapel CME in Winnsboro, were the main speakers at Tinney Chapel's annual Black History Month Worship service.

Other than participation by our church's pianist Molly Mathis, songleader David Stanton and kids time chair Georgia Goggans, today's entire service was conducted by the Motons after they were introduced by Tinney Chapel Pastor, Rev. Sue Gross.

Perhaps the most welcome surprise of the day came early in the service when both the Motons performed a wonderful musical team testimony, singing, while emphasizing their love for Jesus and their thanks to Him for all He has done for them (and the rest of us).

At one point in this event, Rev. DeVaughn Moton called on the congregation to join in and: "Let's all tell Jesus we love Him."

This unique musical worship may be viewed by clicking the arrow on the video which can be found elsewhere on this Weblog post.

In addition, commentary (including more videos) about each of the two Pastor Moton sermons for this Black History worship service may be found on nearby Weblog posts.

It was an unforgettable day.

Black History Month Sermon by Rev. Mayvone Moton @ Tinney Chapel

2011-02-27T22:55:00.000-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format or click on the arrow below to view the video of Rev. Mayvone Moton's sermon.

God Has A Message For Everyone
Preached Today @ Tinney Chapel

Rev. Mayvone Moton prefaced her message today by explaining how God always speaks to her in her quiet time, often at 4 am and waking her up when she'd rather sleep. But that's when God wants to give her ideas for her preaching topic.

She told how she must get up at that time, when God wants her full attention, and pay close attention, while also taking notes for that day's sermon presentation.

Today, her message for Black History Month Worship was based on John 10:10, which compares the mission of a thief who comes only to steal, while Jesus came with a mission that we might all have life, and--here, she made a strong emphasis--that we might have it more abundantly!

Jesus came, Rev. Moton emphasized, and allowed Himself to be crucified, to die for our sins and to be resurrected. It was not forced upon Jesus. He allowed it to happen.

Rev. Moton believes that God communicates with all of us in different ways that suit His purpose--and ours. The way He communicates with you will doubtless be different from the way He communicates with someone else.

With Rev. Moton, God keeps it simple, direct: Right to the point.

For Rev. Moton, Jesus' intent that we all should have abundant lives can be compared with a baked potato, either plain Jane (with no tasty toppings) or one that is "loaded" with all the extras. Rev. Moton believes that Jesus thinks it's OK for us to have lives like that: loaded with lots of purpose-filled extra toppings. No plain-Jane lives for Rev. Moton, nor for Jesus either, she emphasized. Jesus wants us to learn things at Sunday School, to be inspired at worship service, to enjoy good lives: Abundant lives.

When people ask Rev. Moton how she is, her reply is also simple and to the point: "Blessed."

It's Black History Month, emphasized Rev. Moton, who referred to Rev. Dr. Martin L. King's "I Have A Dream" speech, in which he longed for the day when his own children would be judged not by the color of their skins, but by the content of their characters.

Jesus commands us to love one another! Not to judge one another, added Rev. Moton: Not to judge by skin color, economic status or things of that nature. After all, she noted: We are all created in the image of God.

Meanwhile, Rev. Moton acknowledged that racism is alive and well in the world today, and not just against black people, but also against people's sexuality and other criteria that is off limits when it comes to the command of the Lord Jesus: We are to love one another.

It's up to God's people to change all that racism and lack of love in the world, added Rev. Moton. If allowed to, racism can steal our very spirituality!

So, let's not judge. Instead, let us all love one another, and do so unconditionally, just as Jesus loves. Let's all be a part of something great in this life. This abundant life.

And, never forget that we are all part of One Body!

Amen.

Only 7 pounds of difference between us, preached @ Tinney Chapel

2011-02-27T21:28:00.005-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format or click on the arrow below to view the video of Rev. DeVaughn Moton's sermon.

Only 7 pounds of difference between the races,
preached today @ Tinney Chapel UMC

Rev. DeVaughn Moton's preliminary remarks caught the attention of this primarily white congregation at Tinney Chapel UMC, although several African-Americans were also in attendance: Members of the speaker's church, Hynson Chapel CME, in downtown Winnsboro.

"There's only seven pounds of difference between us, between people of differing races," he emphasized. "And, studies confirm that the average weight of a human being's skin is only about seven pounds."

Otherwise, declared Rev. Moton, we are all the same!

He said that his DNA is similar to the DNA of any male from another race, except for the distinctive markings that make each individual unique.

We are all the same in that all of us have sinned.

We will all die, he added: It's an appointment that everyone must keep.

Meanwhile, God demands the same from each of us, and that's 100%: You can't get by with giving only 99.5% to God. He demands our full 100%.

Further, there are no degrees of sin: No small sins versus big sins. Sin is sin!

Don't forget that one's name can be in the Book of Life at one point, but then erased, and that's Scriptural.

Sin can make you incapable of receiving your blessing.

Sin can modify God's dealings with you.

Jesus' sacrifice was for all, not just for a privileged few.

Further, God makes it possible for us to do all things, and that, too, is Scriptural.

It's important for us to understand when we are under attack by Satan. And, don't forget that racial issues make Satan happy.

Always remember that whether rich, poor, black, white or otherwise, there is really no difference between us. Just that silly seven pounds of difference!

(At this point, Rev. DeVaughn Moton concluded his sermon, and his wife, Rev. Mayvone Moton rose to issue the service's invitation for faith, healing, hope, happiness or anything else. Rev. DeVaughn moved to the piano where he played softly during his wife's invitation call, as she spoke gently: It's time to get your life straight with Jesus Christ, to get your business straight with Him. Come, even if all you need is a little extra strength to get by, she added. Eventually, Rev. Mayvone concluded with: Let the record show that the doors of the church were opened. Now, let's all sing our closing hymn: Blessed Assurance.)

AMEN.

UMC Pastors Chili Cookoff earns over $1,042 for "Imagine No Malaria" Campaign

2011-02-26T21:53:00.003-06:00

Click on image above to view it in larger format.

Methodist Pastors Cook Chili @ Tinney Chapel
to Eradicate Malaria from the face of the earth

Six pastors cooked chili for the big Cookoff at Tinney Chapel on Saturday, Feb. 26, where the public was invited to taste all the offerings and donate money to their favorites, in a blind, numbered event so that no one knew which pastor's chili they were voting for.

All proceeds were earmarked for the United Methodist worldwide campaign, "Imagine No Malaria," intended to eradicate this dreaded disease from the face of the earth:
http://www.imaginenomalaria.org/site/c.4dIBILOnGaIQE/b.5938999/k.C05A/Home.htm

At today's event at Tinney Chapel UMC, the total contributions came to $1,042.00 and change.

Winners in the Cookoff were, first place, Rev. Susan Gross, Tinney Chapel; second place, Rev. Henry Suche, Pickton UMC, and third place, Rev. Reid Fade, FUMC Winnsboro.

Other pastors in the competition: Rev. De'Vaugh Moton, Hynson Chapel CME of Winnsboro, Rev. Pete Adrian of FUMC Mt. Vernon and Rev. Tim Marks of the North Texas Conference's East District.

A "house chili" was prepared by Tinney Chapel member Alicia Moore and a "house stew" was prepared by Tinney Chapel member Carolyn Newton. Desserts and iced tea were provided by the ladies of Tinney Chapel.

Entertainment was provided by the nationally famous gospel group, The Southern Plainsmen.

Southern Plainsmen Assist Tinney Chapel In Campaign To “Imagine No Malaria”

2011-02-26T19:25:00.013-06:00

Click on any image above to view it in larger format or click on arrow elsewhere (at bottom of this post) to view a video of part of the Southern Plainsmen Quartet performance.

Southern Plainsmen Assist Tinney Chapel
In Campaign To “Imagine No Malaria”

The touring Southern Plainsmen Quartet, Marcelle Slaughter, Jordan Mothershed, Allen Doyle and Mike Burkhalter, in their second appearance at Tinney Chapel in as many months, sang to a mixed-church congregation today, Saturday, Feb. 26, at a United Methodist Chili Cookoff, organized to benefit “Imagine No Malaria,” a worldwide campaign to end this dreaded disease once and for all.

The Cookoff featured chili cooked by six pastors from as many churches, and each brought a following to encourage and, hopefully, help them win the title of best chili cook. See separate entry on this Weblog for the results of that competition.

Meanwhile, the Southern Plainsmen brought this diverse crowd to its feet with their patented, jazzed-up, syncopated version of "Love Lifted Me," a unique number they used to warm up the quintessential country church at our Christmas concert a few weeks ago.

As the concert program began to unfold, with Allen Doyle leading his memorable version of “Sweet Beulah Land” and Jordan Mothershed leading “Headed Home,” tonight’s congregation was firmly under the musical spell of this enthusiastic example of Southern sacred group harmony, which has now made its third appearance here.

Once again, many in this United Methodist congregation had ample reason to think of John Wesley, Methodism's founder, when the Plainsmen sang its distinctive version of "It Is Well With My Soul."

This time, let’s just say that their rousing version of “O What A Savior”—a song which could function as the Plainsmen’s group testimony--compensated for any lack of direct reference to the Original Methodist, John Wesley.

Two key people also contributed to the outstanding performance, neither of whom actually sang in the quartet: soundman Aaron Allen and all-around roadie Spencer Fisher, each receiving high praise for his efforts from group leader Slaughter.

Other memorable performances on this evening: “Jesus Has Risen,” “Say A Little Prayer,” “A Personal Savior,” and, one of their special numbers “Come And Get Me Lord And Carry Me Home.”

Marcelle Slaughter, a veteran of 32 years with this group, and the only remaining member of the original aggregation, is the Plainsmen's first tenor, or as they used to say in the old days of gospel quartets, the "high tenor," reminiscent of the sound once championed by "Sister" Loy Hooker, a much earlier exponent. In a post concert conversation two years ago, Slaughter admitted to remembering Hooker, but added: "That really was a LONG time ago!" And, indeed it was.

In a humorous introduction of Slaughter tonight, Plainsmen bass singer Mike Burkhalter said, among other things, that “Marcelle sings the little girl’s part real well.” But this was said not only as humor but also with a great deal of musical respect, as vocalists with Slaughter’s range are few and far between, and his fellow quartet members appear to understand this very well and also to respect him as the group’s business manager.

Group leader Slaughter later told the congregation how to follow the Plainsmen on the Internet:
http://www.southernplainsmen.com/index.html
“If you are on Facebook, we now have a Facebook page called, Southern Plainsmen,” he added.

But, as always with this group, no report of their concert would be complete without mention of the marvelous, unforgettable song, led by Allen Doyle, called “Faces,” which tells us that when we all see Jesus, one of the things He has in store for us is a kind of PowerPoint collage of all the faces each of us have influenced in some Christ-like manner during our Christian walks on this earth.

As if saving the best for last, the final song was a truly over-the-top and very fast-moving song, “Getting Ready To Leave This World,” that highlighted all four harmonic parts of the group.

It was indeed a concert to remember, and you can view a small part of it via the video provided elsewhere, immediately below, on this Weblog post.

David Stanton is Tinney Chapel's Newest Certified Lay Speaker

2011-02-26T18:21:00.004-06:00

Click on any image to view it in larger format.

David Stanton Moves From Local Church Lay Speaker
To Certified Lay Speaker In Record Time @ Tinney Chapel

It seems only yesterday (Dec. 8, actually) that David Stanton proclaimed his debut sermon as a Local Church Lay Speaker at Tinney Chapel.

At that time, David's topic was "Joseph, Father Of Jesus," and was part of our church's 2010 Advent Worship series.

The previous month, November, 2010, David had received his personalized copy of the United Methodist Book Of Worship, a gift from the church for his willingness to serve as a Local Church Lay Speaker. (Each of our church's other Lay Speakers also received this gift earlier: Roger Schneider, Angela Wylie and Joe Dan Boyd.) This presentation ceremony (by Pastor Sue Gross) followed David's successful completion of the North Texas Conference Lay Speaker Basic Course, taught at Bonham.

More recently, David completed an Advanced Course in Lay Speaking, one that focused on Adult Bible Study, something that has occupied much of David's time during his 11-year tenure at Tinney Chapel UMC, the quintessential country church.

David has not only taken every adult Bible Study course offered here, but has led or co-led most of them. Why David tarried so long in obtaining his Lay Speaker credentials is anyone's guess. It's clear that he has been no stranger to Lay Speaking, albeit without portfolio for several years, and is currently scheduled to be in the Tinney Chapel pulpit on April 5 for one of the 2011 Lenten Worship sermons. His topic then will be based on Luke 13:6-9, and you do not want to miss it.

Among David Stanton's many contributions to our church are the following few selected examples: Finance Chair, Building Committee Chair (for our 8000' Family Life Center), Lay Leader of our church and Member of Annual Conference.

In addition, David currently serves as East District Associate Lay Leader and appears destined for even higher positions.

Finally, David Stanton is the ultimate go-to guy when anything goes wrong or needs doing quickly and correctly. He is an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, during which time he served as a pilot, and later taught at Columbia University before going into the food service business, from which he and spouse Mollie only recently retired.

Congratulations, David, on this, your most recent example of Christian Discipleship. You are an inspiration to all, and a treasure beyond price!

Preach it, my brother!

Public Invited: The Great Clergy Chili Cookoff @ Tinney Chapel, Saturday, Feb. 26, 5:30 pm

2011-02-21T22:07:00.000-06:00

Click on the above image to view it in larger format.

To learn more about Imagine No Malaria, go to:
http://www.imaginenomalaria.org/site/c.4dIBILOnGaIQE/b.5938999/k.C05A/Home.htm