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| Dear Friends:
I want to take the rare opportunity to write to you as our Church is undergoing a momentous transition. As you are most likely aware, Rev. Lamar Oliver has received new appointment and Rev. Laraine Waughtal is moving boxes as I write this. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that while I am pensive with Lamar's leaving, I am very enthusiastic to get to work with Laraine.
I have never written to the Church in this way before, and I don't plan to do it again as I am very out of practice with writing. Still, I felt I would be amiss if I did not update you on the upcoming Sunday. It will be a very special Sunday as we will be having communion with Rev. Laraine on her first Sunday with us. You may recall that last month we delayed communion on the first Sunday to have communion with Rev. Lamar on his last Sunday. There is a theological reason for this. As someone is saying farewell and leaving it is customary to have a meal with them. Just as when we are welcoming someone to our home we again have a meal with them as we will with Laraine. Communion is just that, a meal at God's Table. All are welcome to God's Table. In the United Methodist tradition, you do not have to have been baptized, said vows of membership, or attend a church regularly. When we have Communion we are not setting our table but God's table and there are no exceptions to those who are welcome at God's Table. In that spirit I invite you to come this Sunday to have communion and to help us welcome Rev. Laraine to our Church and Community.
We also invite you to join us for a meal after worship service next Sunday, July 7th in the Fellowship Hall. We will be having one of our wonderful potluck style meals in honor of Rev. Laraine. Please bring a covered dish or just yourself. Below you will find a letter from Rev. Laraine and her biography. If you have any questions or concerns please give me a call in the church office at 337-463-4491 or email me at camille@fumcderidder.org. As always, it is my privilege to serve this Church and Community and each of you are a blessing in my life.
May God's Grace and Peace be with you all!
Camille Winningham
Administrator of First United Methodist Church of DeRidder
Office: 337-463-4491
Fax: 337-463-9971
406 W. Shirley St.
DeRidder, LA 70634
www.fumcderidder.org
camille@fumcderidder.org
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| | Sunday, July 7th Scripture Lesson Luke 22:7-27 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” They asked him, “Where do you want us to make preparations for it?” “Listen,” he said to them, “when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.” So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.
When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.
A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
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| | | | Hello DeRidder!
As I write this, I am surrounded by boxes in my living room and two dogs laying at my feet wondering when this move is going to take place. Nothing like being a PD (Pastor’s Dog! LOL!). The beauty of dogs is that they are so trusting and loving. They trust that no matter what happens they will be ok and that I will be with them wherever they go. Their names are Autumn and Sage, by the way. They are trusting that I will bring all of their belongings – chew bones, kennel, food, snacks, bedding and toys! They have also been very good at supervising the packing. They inspect most of the boxes making sure all is well and then giving it their lick of approval. They are also very loving. They give me kisses as I lay on the floor for a while tired from packing and giving me lots of encouragement to finish. They are loving and welcoming to all of my friends who come and help me pack because they really know they are here to see them and play with them. They are trusting that on moving day I will be loading them up and taking them with me wherever I go.
Now, honestly, I am having some fun with this, however, what I have said is also very true. And, it also parallels what our relationship with God needs to be like. God has called me to move several times in my ministry and each and every experience has always been amazing, filled with wonderful people, wonderful opportunities and God has been with me wherever I have gone (after all, God promised to never leave us nor forsake us in both the Old and New Testaments). And, even though I don’t know and you don’t know what all is before us, we can claim this promise and know that God has gone before us preparing the way. Finally, our God is a loving God. Change is hard for everyone. However, we need to remember that God always wants what is best for his children. God has great things in store for all of us as long as we keep our hearts and minds open in EVERYTHING we do. God wants us to trust him and know that God loves us deeply and completely.
My faith ride with God has been truly amazing and I have never been disappointed. Every step of the way of my life and my ministry has been filled with so many exciting experiences and opportunities. I am so excited that the next step is bringing me to DeRidder. I had no idea this move was coming, however, as I have told so many of my friends and family, I have no doubt this is where God wants me next. I can’t wait to get to know you and be in ministry with all of you. And, Autumn and Sage can’t wait to see their huge wonderful back yard. They will have many adventures in front of them also!
See you soon!
Blessings,
Laraine
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A “cradle Methodist” originally from Richardson Texas, Rev. LaraineWaughtal is an elder in the United Methodist Church, receiving her Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School after earning a degree in Sociology/Business from Stephen F. Austin. At 19, she heard her call to ministry. “However, I was also active in the Girl Scouts and wanted to give back to them. I worked for the Girl Scouts for three years designing older girl programs and training the adults. I also owned an antique business. In the late 1990’s I finally answered my call to ministry and went off to get my Masters of Divinity. This year is my 20th anniversary in ministry - 16 years, of which were in the local congregation. I have been active in Disaster Ministry for 18 of those years.” For the last 2 years Laraine has served as the Director of the Office Of Missional Engagement for the Louisiana Annual Conference.
When asked to describe her ideal appointment Laraine responded: A church that is open to making disciples and welcoming all people to all parts and life of the church. A church that believes and either centers or is open to centering everything they do in prayer. A church that believes in mission or is willing to learn that mission is everywhere in our lives. From the parking lot of the grocery store, to a food pantry, to serving in the community and beyond. A church that does not see church as a building. That church is the people inside the church and, most importantly, outside the church. A church that believes in studying and learning God’s Word and how that impacts our own lives in how we live every moment of every day- to be willing to grow not just in knowledge - to grow spiritually. A church that believes in sharing the Sacraments of the church with one another and the world. A church that is willing to welcome all people into the church community. They are welcome to serve in the church and on committees and not just the same people serving over and over again.
Laraine also says of herself: I am a relational person. I love being around people and bringing people together. I love to help people learn and discover what their gifts are and how they can make a difference and help make disciples. It takes everyone and everyone has a part in building the Body of Christ. The church is never just about the pastor. It is about Christ being the head of the church. And, as the administrator of the church, the pastor, and a teacher, it is my work to help empower others and to bring people together to serve through their gifts and graces.
I also believe strongly that if we learn to focus on others and not ourselves that is when ministry begins to happen and positive change takes place. A church that focuses inward dies. A church that focuses outward thrives. We have to get past ourselves and focusing on our mission, our calling in the world, and then we are truly being the church.
She goes on to describe her major gifts for ministry: Preaching/worship, making and growing disciples, building relationships in the church, missions, pastoral care, seeing/hearing the interest/gifts of the overall church, empowering people to utilize their gifts in ministry (an encourager), and listening. Also, in my sixteen years of ministry in the local church - facilitating and overseeing the administration of the church. I have a heart for preaching God’s Word and for serving as Christ taught us to do - which helps me lead others to do the same.
She also shares, “I have two wonderful dogs that are Labrador mixes, two brothers, one sister, 6 nieces and nephews, eight great-nieces and nephews and two great-great nieces and nephews.” She is looking forward to her shared ministry with the great people of FUMC, DeRidder.
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