Church News
Dinner Bell Menu for November 30, 2022
The Marine Corps League repeats as a Community Partner. We are grateful for the continued support!
Grab and go with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Oven Barbecued Chicken Legs
Macaroni and Cheese
Seasoned Italian Cut Green Beans
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Brownies
BE CAREFUL AS THE PANDEMIC IS STILL IN OUR MIDST–ALSO THE FLU AND OTHER RESPIRATORY DISEASES! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
4 Fields Discipleship Training Seminar to be Held January 2023
Blue Santa Program Kicking Into High Gear
Official Toy Drive Slated Dec. 1-2 At Walmart
Hopkins County, Texas — The 2022 Blue Santa Toy Drive has already kicked into high gear.
Working together with CANHelp, the Sulphur Springs Police Department, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, the Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County Fire Departments, CJ Duffey, Choice Hospice, and members of numerous ministries, businesses, organizations, and individuals work to provide toys for children ages 1 to 14 years who currently reside in Hopkins County.
Sign up applications are available online at www.canhelponline.org until December 2. Distribution will be December 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, located at 301 Church Street in Sulphur Springs.
This year’s official Blue Santa Toy Drive will be held on December 1 and 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Walmart parking lot located on 1750 South Broadway Street in Sulphur Springs.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on December 1, CJ Duffey and Choice Hospice will be selling brisket lunches for $5 each and all of the proceeds will be donated to Blue Santa. These lunches will include a barbeque sandwich, a bag of chips, dessert, and a bottle of water. If you purchase five or more lunches and live within the city limits of Sulphur Springs, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Posse, Sulphur Springs Police and Fire Department, and the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies and Fire Department will deliver them.
Word is the Cowboy Grinch will also be making his appearance too … somewhere, who knows where!
The Blue Santa Toy Program has also placed blue barrels around the community to receive new unwrapped donated toys. These blue barrels will have the Blue Santa seal and a Blue Santa QR code if you would like to make a monetary donation. Locations of these barrels are the following:
- Dollar General Stores:
- Como
- Birthright
- Highway 154
- Main Street in Sulphur Springs
- Grocery Supply
- Burgers and Fries
- Hopkins House
- Atwoods
- Guaranty Bank & Trust (919 S Broadway St)
- Fix and Feed
- City National Bank (201 Connally St)
- Alliance Bank (308 Church St)
- Cash Saver
- Jay Hodge Chevrolet (478 Wildcat Way)
- Brian Toliver Ford (1040 Gilmer St)
- Fire Side BBQ
- West Oaks Funeral Home
- Rock Creek Nursing Home
- Sunny Spring Nursing Home
- Soulman BBQ
- First Baptist Church
- The One Church
- State Farm Insurance (530 North Hillcrest)
- Professional Land and Title
- Red River Credit Union
- Head 2 Toe Nutrition
- County Club
- Cody Drug
For additional information, contact CANHelp at 903-885-9797, ext. 3, or the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at 903-438-4044.
Because of everyone’s generous support, we all help a child receive a toy for Christmas.
Registration For Blue Santa Toy Program Continues Through Dec. 2, 2022
Blue Santa Toy Drive Slated Dec. 1-2, At Walmart
Registration is currently under way for the Hopkins County-Sulphur Springs Blue Santa Toy Program, a partnership of city and county law enforcement and CANHelp, in cooperation with local businesses and community members.
How To Apply
Hopkins County families with a financial need may apply to the local Blue Santa program for assistance in providing toys for their children, ages 1-14 this Christmas. Registration began on Halloween and will end on Dec. 2, 2022. To apply for assistance, go online to the CANHelp website, canhelponline.org, and select “Click here to register” under the Blue Santa logo when it appears on the main banner. Then, follow the instructions to complete the application.
- When signing up online, families will need to provide:
- Proof of Hopkins County residence, such as a current utility bill;
- Birth certificate or proof of school enrollment for each child;
- Proof of income (help is based on 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines);
- Proof of SNAP, Medicaid, TANF or CHIPS (a state benefits letter), if applicable; and
- If not the child’s parent, proof of guardianship must be shown.
All applications must be completed online and an email address is required for the parent/guardian applying for toy assistance for the children in their care. CANHelp is helping to screen applicants, and will be communicating with registered families through email. Families may also receive text reminders about the pick up, so a cell phone number is needed.
Toy distribution will be Saturday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Everyone will line up in their vehicle starting at the City National Bank drive-through at 201 Connally Street, then follow the officers’ directions to pick up location. Sulphur Springs Police officers will control the traffic, Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies and Sheriff’s Posse will provide security. CANHelp will be set up to distribute assigned numbers as the vehicles drive through the designated location at FUMC.
Any additional questions about registration may be directed to CANHelp at 903-885-9797.
How To Help
Blue Santa has been a holiday tradition in Hopkins County for decades. Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County law enforcement work together to see that no child goes without gifts at Christmas. The officials, however, depend on the community to help bless Hopkins County children by contributing toys and monetary donations to apply toward toys.
Toy donations may be made in the labeled Blue Santa barrels being distributed at locations throughout Hopkins County, at the annual 2-day Toy Drive or handed to Santa’s Helpers (look for the people wearing blue Christmas hats alongside Blue Santa’s ride) during the Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade.
Look for Blue Santa barrels (or other designated Blue Santa containers) at the following and other locations throughout the county:
Monetary donations to benefit the Blue Santa program may be made at the Blue Santa Toy Drive, electronically by scanning a QR code on or beside Blue Santa barrels, on the Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Blue Santa Facebook page and on flyers on this page.
Toy Drive
The Blue Santa Toy Drive is an annual event the community looks forward to every year.
Businesses, offices, agencies and sometimes even friends or families have fun challenging each other to contribute to Blue Santa. Kids enjoy going to the store, selecting items they would like or that they think kids of other ages would like, then taking them to drive to children who aren’t as financially fortunate as their families.
Children have been known to bring change they’ve saved up in their piggy banks to donate, because they can’t stand the thought of another kid not having presents to open and enjoy on Christmas. All amounts, big or small are appreciated and will be used to provide toys for Hopkins County children.
This year’s annual two-day Blue Santa Toy Drive will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1-2, 2022, in the corner of Wal-Mart parking lot closest to Super Handy. Look for the law enforcement tents and Blue Santa.
Another annual part of the Toy Drive is the brisket lunch, provided by CJ Duffey and Choice Hospice. Pull up, ask for a lunch, make a $5 donation (or more if you are feeling generous) and someone will bring it to you. Delivery will be available in town for those ordering a minimum of five lunches per location. To reserve a lunch or schedule delivery for 5 or more brisket lunches Dec. 1-2 during lunch time (or until they run out) call 903-366-6629.
Bring the kids to the Toy Drive. The Grinch will be making his appearance with Blue Santa himself at the Toy Drive. A QR Code will be available for purchasing lunches and making donations.
Thanksgiving Dinner Bell Menu for November 16, 2022
The Knights of Columbus are smoking the turkeys and are the Community Partner for our holiday celebration. These men are REPEAT (many years) Thanksgiving partners! Dinner Bell is extremely thankful for their support!!!
The Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Bell Meal will be served inside First United Methodist Church. There will be no food pickup for this meal.
MENU
Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Dressing, and Gravy
Fresh Green Beans with Bacon
Holiday Honeycrisp Salad
Homemade Rolls
Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake
BE CAREFUL AS THE PANDEMIC IS STILL IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
Dinner Bell Menu for November 9, 2022
Dinner Bell is honoring Dr. Omer and Nell Kirkpatrick this week.
Omer Kirkpatrick was born in Sulphur Bluff on May 17, 1912. On November 13, 1943 he married Ruby Lanell (Nell) Ellison. He served in WW II with the rank of Major after graduating from Southwestern Medical School.
The Kirpatricks were the parents of Seba and Bob Kirpatrick, June Finke, Ruth Palmer and Ann Wyatt.
He was a physician in Sulphur Springs for 33 years with 30 of those years being the County Schools physician.
Nell was the ultimate wife, mother and homebody. To know Nell was to love her!
Grab and Go with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Meat Loaf
Rice Pilaf
Mediterranean Roasted Carrots
Garden Salad
Banana Pudding
BE CAREFUL AS THE PANDEMIC IS STILL IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!
The Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Bell Meal will be served inside First United Methodist Church. Keep watching for updates and the menu to be announced.
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
Chamber Connection – Nov. 2: Several Community Events Coming Up
By Butch Burney, CEO/President, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
If you like wings and networking, then take note.
Join us next Wednesday for a fun Business After Hours, hosted by Wingstop of Sulphur Springs.
The Business After Hours will be from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office, 110 Main St.
Stop by for some delicious Wingstop treats as well as a networking meet and greet.
Wingstop will also have a grand re-opening for the local restaurant at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 30.
Heritage Car Show
The Sulphur Springs Downtown Business Alliance invites everyone to attend the 17th Annual Heritage Car Show on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Celebration Plaza.
This is an outstanding display of antique and classic cars set to compete in several classes.
It is a free, family-friendly event in downtown Sulphur Springs surrounded by restaurants and shops.
UPRA Rodeo
Fresh off its season-ending rodeo at the state fair, the UPRA rodeo association will get back to ropin’ and ridin’ on the weekend of Nov. 18-19 at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. each night and will feature team roping, bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, ranch bronc, steer wrestling, ladies breakaway, barrel racing, and tie down roping.
You don’t want to miss the chance to see these cowboys and cowgirls in action.
University Day at TAMU-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce is partnering with Sulphur Springs for the CommUniverCity Day on Saturday, Nov. 5, when the Lions football team hosts Northwestern State.
The Lions will highlight and honor local educators, youth programs and residents. There will be on-field photos, hospitality areas, team interaction and a family fun zone.
For more information, contact Chris Tobiaz at 903-468-8756 or [email protected].
Epilepsy Awareness
There will be an epilepsy awareness fundraiser set for Saturday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church’s The Roc. The fundraiser will include a car show, vendors and a spaghetti lunch.
All proceeds go to the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas.
Be The Service
Do you know of a family in need of a meal this Thanksgiving? Be The Service is here to help. Join the Hopkins County Christian Alliance on Saturday, Nov. 19 as they give out 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to those who are in need. Each box of food comes with a turkey and other items for a Thanksgiving meal.
The food distribution starts at 10 am until 2 pm. The line for the distribution begins in the Sulphur Springs High School Parking Lot. When you arrive, follow the traffic attendant’s directions. Also, please fill out all the information on the registration card that an attendant will give you that morning.
Be The Service is an annual event sponsored by local churches right here in Hopkins County.
Ribbon Cuttings
- Vita Bella Cups and Diner hosted a ribbon cutting on Oct. 27 for the shop at 218 Main Street. Go by for boba tea, iced and hot coffee drinks and refreshments.
- Beauty Grace Lifestyle Shop will host a ribbon cutting at their new address, 224 Connally St., a few doors down from their previous location, at noon on Friday, Nov. 11. Please join us for this event.
- Hampton House Jewelry and Rockshop will host a 30-year ribbon cutting at their shop on Main Street at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Please help us celebrate their achievement!
Community Invited To ‘Be the Service’ By Helping With Thanksgiving Food Program
Area churches have come together again this year, through the Hopkins County Christian Alliance, for the purpose of serving the community through the annual “Be the Service” project. The community, for a number of years, has helped provide for those in need all of the food needed to provide a Thanksgiving meal, completely free. This includes a Thanksgiving turkey with all the fixings and groceries that one might need to put on a Thanksgiving meal for their family.
“To be clear, you’re not going to receive a prepared meal. You are going to receive a frozen turkey and several bags that will go along to help prepare a Thanksgiving meal, and hopefully, some additional food as well, just to get through the season,” noted Jason Dietze, executive minister at First United Methodist Church and treasurer for the Christian Alliance.
“We don’t want anyone going hungry this holiday season, this Thanksgiving,” said Rusty Posey, pastor of Hope Family Fellowship and secretary of Hopkins County Christian Alliance. “And again, as Jason said, we hope to have food for more than a Thanksgiving meal. Last year, I believe we had some pasta and some sauce and different things in there that would provide an additional meal. That is our hope again this year, that we are able to do that.”
Participating churches are selling tickets for a $10 donation to help fund the Thanksgiving food program.
“We call them tickets. It’s just a way for us to sell and funding this project,” Dietze clarified
“They are $10 a piece but you don’t have to give $10 to help. Ten dollars is the amount we’ve kind of set to cover the cost of the food,” said Posey. “Any proceeds we collect and don’t use will actually go to help feed families all year long through the local food bank.”
Posey explained that the partnership with the Community Chest and their affiliation with the area food bank really helps the Christian Alliance procure the food provided to needy families for Thanksgiving. This helps stretch every dollar that is given even further to help even more families at the start of this holiday season. Dietze noted that the Community Chest does much of the “leg work,” another community contributor that makes the Be the Service food project a success each year.
To purchase a ticket or make a donation to Be the Service, contact a local church as nearly all are participating in this effort. Those that aren’t participating can usually help guide potential contributors to the one that is. Community Chest and the food bank can also help those wishing to make donations to Be the Service program.
Be the Service food will begin distributing Thanksgiving meals Saturday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. Simply drive to the Sulphur Springs High School parking lot, where the line will begins. Go through the softball and baseball parking lots into Barbara Bush Parking lot. All volunteers will meet at Bush Primary at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Those who would like to help are more than welcome to meet with the other volunteers at Bush Primary to help with distribution. Children 14 and younger who arrive must be with a parent the entire time. A few people will also be donating their time to deliver meals to people they know of who are in need but are unable to get out to pick up a box of food during distribution.
The food distribution will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m. or until all of the meals are gone on Nov. 19, 2022.
“We will open the line at 10. Theoretically, 10 to 2 o’clock is our scheduled time. We have close to 1,000 meals available. If we were to run out, we run out. There’s no ticket needed, no anything. Just show up in your vehicle at the high school parking lot off of Houston Street, turn right there by the Dairy Museum and they will guide you through the line,” said Dietze. “If that is something that will be of benefit to you and your family, we are honored to help with that.”
Those receiving meals do not need a ticket. They need only show up and go through the line.
“You need nothing but a ride to get you there and they will get you through the line and hopefully bless you with some wonderful, wonderful food. If you want to help out, you are welcome to show up that morning at Barbara Bush Primary to help put boxes together, and if you want to help financially, contact ,” Dietze said.
Greater Emmanuel MBC Presents Friends and Family Day November 6th
Dinner Bell Menu for November 2, 2022
Tim and Michelle Dollison and employees at Diversified Storage are continual supporters of Dinner Bell. Thank you for believing in the mission of Dinner Bell.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Marinated Vegetable Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Apples Baked with Crumble Topping
BE CAREFUL AS THE PANDEMIC IS STILL IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!!
The Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Bell Meal will be served inside First United Methodist Church. Keep watching for updates and the menu to be announced.
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
