The Beacon

Blue Mound UMC AUGUST 2026
Is School Harder for Kids Today?

The "Back to School" tradition has evolved significantly over the centuries,
reflecting changes in education, social norms, and various standards.
The concept of returning to school has roots that trace back to the early 1700s, when
education was primarily informal and often conducted at home or in small community
settings. As formal schooling became more established, around the 19th century, the
need for specific equipment and supplies emerged. Items like slates, chalk, and
simple writing implements even school buildings became essential for students. Now
the computer is a major part of school supplies.
Reading, writing, and arithmetic—often called the Three Rs—are the core
academic skills taught in schools and form the foundation for lifelong learning, critical
thinking, and problem-solving. The term “Three Rs” dates back to the early 19th
century. It refers to the basic skills of learning a student needs. Over time, modern
considerations have expanded the curriculum to include technical and scientific data,
information and communication technology skills and so much more. As society
advances so must the learning process. Performance standards have risen due to
global competition and the need for a skilled workforce, and standardized testing has
intensified accountability.  This means students must master more material, apply it
in unique ways, and meet higher benchmarks.

Each generation has its own challenge for learning.

Dear Member (s):
As of this writing, I have been with you for four Sundays and currently finishing up
my fourth week as your pastor. It is an honor to come and walk with you as we
dream and vision about our future together as a United Methodist Church and
community of faith.
I have been blessed by your hospitality and warm spirit. I’m convinced that as we
offer others the love of God that you have shown me, others will join us on this
sacred journey. So, I invite all of you to join me as we dream anew.
You are welcome to call, text or email me at any time relative to our ministry. I will
always respond to your messages. I have not experienced it to be good
stewardship of time to respond to threads of text messages and emails. Karan Muns
can give you my contact numbers and personal email. Karan will make sure I receive
information about members wellbeing. Relative to members wellbeing, you may
reach out to me personally with information you deem is important for me to know.
Communion with God and with God’s people is my core value. I cherish the value
and dignity of all God’s people. Accordingly, I’m compelled to see the image of God
in all people and treat all with dignity and respect. I enjoy sermon preparation and
preaching. My sermons speak to me before I share them with you, so I’m always
excited to share God’s Word with you on Sunday mornings.
In the months to come, we will get to know and love each other in Christ. So, let’s
enjoy our sacred journey and experience the mysteries of the Divine.
To be continued,
Ronald D. Henderson

Happy Birthday U.S.A. 250 th
Church 4 th of July Picnic

FUN! FAMILY!

FRIENDS! FOOD!

FACE PAINTING!

AUGUST
Birthday
02 Cindy Coffman
07 Buster Noah
08 J.B. Haisler
09 Tia Hackett
17 Katie Klein
26 Barbara Garrison
27 Luci Hackett
28 Sam Reynolds
29 Karen Reynolds
Anniversary
31 J.B. and Shirley Haisler

Our church family

is a circle of strength and love.

With every new connection, the circle grows.

Every joy shared adds love.
Every crisis faced together
makes the circle
stronger.

School Starts This Month
AUGUST Calendar
02 Holy Communion
09 Second Sunday Lunch, Noon

22 Family Fellowship Night, 6:00 pm Fun, Games, and Food.
23 BMUMC Event Planning Meeting, Sunday 12 -1:30 p.m.

Your Invited !

Join Us in the plans for Church Events

BMUMC Event Planning Meeting, Sun Aug 23, 12pm – 1:30pm

BLUE MOUND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
8421 N. Interstate 35, Denton, TX 76207-1537 (940) 382-0825
Midway between Denton and Sanger at Exit 473
Sunday School: 9:30 am, Sunday Worship: 10:45 am

Pastor Ron Henderson
Website: www.bluemoundumc.org
Linda Boyer, Newsletter Editor
Contact Pastor Ron: pastor@bluemoundumc.org