The Beacon
Blue Mound UMC JULY 2025
I am having a hard time this year finding something to say about our Independence Day July 4th Celebration. Why I am not sure? I still believe in the U.S.A. In God We Trust, In We the People >. But like many of you I am concerned by recent events. I looked back in my files and found the Newsletter Front Page for July 2008. I think it still works for today! -Linda
Let Freedom Ring!
THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God’s child (John 1:12)
I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth ( Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God( Rom.8:35- 39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God’s temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God’s co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God’s workmanship( Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14). I have been adopted as God’s child(Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
who you
are!?
Ruben P. Job wrote a little book titled “Three Simple Rules”. In it he says this.
There are three simple rules that have the power to change the world. While they are ancient, they have seldom been fully put to the test. But when and where practiced, the world of things as they were was shaken until a new formation, a new world was formed.
We live in such a fast-paced, frenzied, and complex world that it is easy to believe we are all trapped into being someone we do not wish to be and living a life we do not desire to live. We long for some way to cut through the complexities and turbulence of everyday life. We search for a way to overcome the divisiveness that separates, disparages, disrespects, diminishes, and leaves us wounded and incomplete. We know deep within that the path we are on is not healthy or morally right and that it cannot lead to a positive ending. We fear that there is no way out.
The path we are on has become so well-worn that only a radical change can jar us out of the deep ruts of our dilemma. And this radical change is possible because we see the devastating cost of going on as we are. Continuing as we are is no longer a viable option. The risks are too high and the results too costly. But where are we to turn, what are we to do?
To seek help we turn to the One who created us, formed us, and loves us as we are and yet always seeks to lead us to become more than we are. When asked which commandment was most important, Jesus responded, “‘… you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31). Here we have the foundation and instruction for the faithful and good life in every age. It is both a simple and profound statement. It is easy to comprehend and challenging to attempt. And it remains a guide to the highest form of faithfulness and continues to hold the promise of a way of life that is both rewarding and fruitful in furthering God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Pastor’s Corner Page 2 of 2
We also turn to our roots and seek what it was in the past that enabled people like us to live courageously and faithfully in their time. What was it that bound them to God and God’s presence and power? What was it that bound them together in a common endeavor that challenged and transformed them into a holy and righteous movement? They needed and obviously found some instrument that, when used, brought them to a place of transformation.
I believe we have reached a place where, as a people of faith, we are ready to give serious consideration to another way, a more faithful way of living as disciples of Jesus Christ. This way must be so clear that it can be taught and practiced by everyone. It must be accessible and inviting to young and old, rich and poor, powerful and weak, and those of every theological persuasion. It is a large order, but we already have in our hands the blueprint for this way of living. And with God’s help and our willingness, it can change our world.
This way of living was given to John Wesley in a time much like our own. He took this blueprint, fleshed it out, taught it, and practiced it. And now it has been passed on to us. Now it is up to us to see if we will take it and practice it until it becomes our natural way of living – a way of living that will mark our life together and our lives as individual Christians. Some already practice this way of living, and I believe many more are ready to try it. I invite you to see if you are ready for this radical change of direction that is marked by these three simple rules:
- Do No Harm
- Do Good
- Stay in Love With God
Next month I’ll continue to expand on this way of living which I hope and pray we will all embrace!
Peace be with you, Buster
JULY SPECIAL DAYS
Birthday
03 Hunter Klein
08 Chris Hardin
Monica Muns
09 Janet Noah
12 Roxanne Haug
14 Cecil Hokamp
15 Wally Trietsch
Jeff Coffman
18 James Lockridge
20 Aubrey Teeter
22 Misao Hokamp
30 Tony Bowland
Anniversary
18 Kris and Stacy Schertz
30 Robert and Alyse Hokamp
Danny Michael Schertz
Home with His Lord. August 18, 1951 – May 28, 2025
There are poems and songs about The Dash Between Birth and Death. Danny was a friend of Dale and Mine in our earlier days at Blue Mound and Serving in Epiphany. When I read in Sanger News about Danny, I learned much more about our friend, he filled the lifetime between the dash very well. In family, community and love of God,
Calling All Youth – Artwork for Sunday Bulletins
A summer special event for young people and children. Artwork for Blue Mound’s Sunday Bulletins. Draw a picture to put on the front cover of the weekly bulletin. You might use a favorite Bible verse or story as an idea for your creation. See Sarah Spikeston for more information, she is coordinating this amazing summer fun event for you to show off your talents.
Another Creative Future Event for All Ages
We just celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday, June 15. In June 2002 a booklet was created to honor all fathers. Looking forward to Father’s Day, Sunday June 21, 2026, Kay Treisch would like to do an updated version for us now. Just write a short or long piece in memory or honoring your father or a father figure/ someone who has influenced your life. You do not have to be a member of Blue Mound to submit. Any age person may submit. More information to come in the future.
Why start so early?
-It gives you time to write your story.
-It takes time to organize all the stories and get the booklet ready to print.
If you have questions, call: Kay Trietsch 940-230-1543.
Thanks for your help.
JULY Calendar
06 Holy Communion
13 Second Sunday Lunch, Noon
It’s A Boy!
Baby Shower for Raquel, our Nursery Worker and Family.
26 Family Fellowship Night, 6:00 pm Fun, Games, and Food.
As always there is more happening.
July 4th Celebration Saturday July 5
6 p.m. at Blue Mound UMC. Come One and All.
Everyone is Welcome. Bring a dish and a Friend.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8: 36
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
Website: www.bluemoundumc.org
Linda Boyer, Newsletter Editor
Need to contact Pastor Buster Noah?
Email: pastor@bluemoundumc.org
