Church News
Bright Star Academy Presents the Annual Winter Band Concert
The Bright Star Christian Academy will present their annual Winter Band Concert Thursday, February 17th, 2022. The concert begins at 7:00pm and will take place in the Bright Star Church Sanctuary. The Concert Band and the Jazz-improv band will perform. The bands are under the direction of Richard Shanks and Jeff Smith. Admission is free.

Dinner Bell Menu for February 9, 2022
Once again Farm Bureau has “stepped to the plate” to be a Community Partner for Dinner Bell. As the Farm Bureau and Texas Agriculture go hand in hand we all need to be aware of the bountiful abundance of food and fiber provided by Texas farmers, ranchers and dairy producers. Thank you Farm Bureau/Thank you Texas Agriculturists.
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 starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Hamburger Steak with Brown Onion Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
California Vegetables with Panko Crumbs
Garden Salad
Yeast Rolls
Strawberry Cake
BE CAREFUL! KEEP DISTANCES! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED!
DINNER BELL CARES!!!

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 Celebrates 10 years
Dinner Bell celebrated 10 years of service in Hopkins County this week. A small reception was held at the First United Methodist Church. This gave everyone to a chance to remember the humble beginning of that first meal.

During the reception, volunteers continued to bake bread, thicken gravy and wash pans. People from various denominations assembled salads and lovingly placed slabs of meatloaf on mashed potatoes. The same work that takes place each week continues to make the community meal a success.
No one can deny that Dinner Bell was a great idea. A great idea without people to move it forward is just that, an idea.
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 February 2, 2022
TODAY WE CELEBRATE OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY!
ON FEBRUARY 1, 2012 DINNER BELL SERVED ITS FIRST MEAL TO 5 PERSONS!!!! Today 200 meals are distributed on Wednesdays!!!
T. C. Hamilton and his lovely wife Sally will be be in Sulphur Springs to celebrate that birthday. It was T. C.’s idea to start this feeding ministry at First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs. He probably never dreamed that ten years later Dinner Bell would still be going strong!!!
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 starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU *
Meatloaf and Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Bacon Infused Green Beans
Yeast Rolls
Garden Salad
Apple Slab Pie
- a menu very similar to this Anniversary meal was served on February 1, 2012
BE CAREFUL! KEEP DISTANCES! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED!
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 Sponsors for January 26th, 2022
Dial Study Club is coming Tuesday evening, January 25 to help prepare this meal. Dial Study Club comes twice a year to help in food preparation as a Service Project of that organization.
Alliance Bank is the Community Partner for this week’s meal. Their continued support is greatly appreciated.
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 starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Mexican Lasagna
Seasoned Pinto Beans
Mexican Corn Salad
Tortillas
Sopapilla Cheesecake
BE CAREFUL! KEEP DISTANCES! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED!
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 Sponsors for January 19th, 2022
The City National Bank is the Community Partner for this week’s meal. For the their continued support we are very grateful.
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 starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Jambalya with Chicken and Sausage
Crunchy Romaine Toss
Buttered French Bread Slices
Lemon Cake To Die For
BE CAREFUL! KEEP DISTANCES! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN!
GET INOCULATED!
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 Sponsors for January 5th, 2022
Mac and Bridget Reed, members of the First United Methodist Church, sponsored the community meal on Wednesday. The couple helped serve a festive News Years inspired meal. The star of the menu was spiral cut hams donated by Clayton Homes.

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 January 5, 2022
Dinner Bell starts the New Year with gratitude to Bridget and Mac Reed for being Community Partners to start 2022.
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 starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU–Contains foods for “Good Luck” in 2022!!!
Ham (PROGRESS/PROSPERITY)- pigs look forward when rooting for food
FRIED CABBAGE (DOLLARS)- the more the merrier
BLACKEYED PEAS (PENNIES)- to jingle in our pockets
CREAMY GRAPE SALAD (12 EATEN AT MIDNIGHT)-good luck for each month in 2022)
CORNBREAD MUFFINS (GOLD)-a precious metal that enriches
ALMOND GOOEY BUTTER CAKE (SWEET)- poetic license for a sweet 2022
BE CAREFUL! KEEP DISTANCES! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!

Chamber Connection – Dec. 29: Grand Opening, Business Before Hours, Banquet Scheduled During First Week Of January 2022
By Butch Burney
As 2021 comes to an end, it is time to get nominations in for those individuals and businesses that have been outstanding this year.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Chamber Directory
Work is continuing on the 2022 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
Business Before Hours
One Church will be hosting a Business Before Hours on Wednesday, Jan. 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. It is a great time to connect with others in the business and social community. There will be breakfast refreshments available. Please make time to join us Jan. 5 at One Church, 1400 Loop 301.
Ribbon Cutting
Rythmic Productions Music Company will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting at noon, Friday, Jan. 7, at 1217 South Broadway, Suite Q. Please join us for this event!
Law Enforcement/First Responders Banquet
The annual Law Enforcement/First Responders Banquet is set for Thursday, Jan. 6, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, where we will say “Thank you” to the men and women who serve and protect us on a daily basis. If your business would like to be a sponsor and/or provide a door prize to go to our local heroes, please contact us at 903-885-6515 or [email protected].
Business Highlight

The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for Dec. 29 is Snap Fitness. You can see more photos and read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Chamber Connection – Dec. 22: Appreciate Each Person In Your Life With Gift Of Time, Memories
By Butch Burney, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, [email protected]

For all that we’ve lost and everything we’ve gained in 2021, Christmas is an annual reminder to appreciate each day and to appreciate each person in your life.
I hope that everyone has family or loved ones that they can connect with this Christmas season. A gift of time is more meaningful that anything wrapped under a tree, so make it your mission to spend time with those significant to you and make memories that can’t be erased.
Have a happy and safe Christmas.
Annual Nominations
As 2021 comes to an end, it is time to get nominations in for those individuals and businesses that have been outstanding this year.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year — Beta Sigma Phi Organization — P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year — The Pilot Club — P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award — Adult Leadership Class — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year — Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau — 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal — DBA — 109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Paraprofessional Educator (Secretary or Aide — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria) —Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year — nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement — civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year — Chamber of Commerce — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Chamber Directory

Work is continuing on the 2022 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.
The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.

Business Before Hours
One Church will be hosting a Business Before Hours on Wednesday, Jan. 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. It is a great time to connect with others in the business and social community. There will be breakfast refreshments available. Please make time to join us Jan. 5 at One Church, 1400 Loop 301.











