Church News
Children's Revival at the First United Pentecostal Church of Sulphur Springs
A Children’s Revival is happening this weekend hosted by the First United Pentecostal Church of Sulphur Springs. It is a three day event from the 7th to the 9th.
The times are as follows:
- Feb. 7th @ 7 pm
- Feb. 8th @ 6 pm
- Feb. 9th @ 10 am.
GREATER EMMANUEL M.B.C. 19th ANNIVERSARY
The GREATER EMMANUEL M.B.C. at 901 Como St. Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482 will be celebrating a 19th ANNIVERSARY.
On Sunday, February 9th, 2020 at 3:00 pm
Special Guests: Rev. C. J. Shelton Piney Missionary B.C.
Mt. Pleasant, Tx.
All Surrounding Churches, Friends and Family are Welcome
Pastor-Founder: Rev. D.K. Young
Assistant Pastor: Rev. B.W. Neal
…and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which,
being interpreted is God with us. Matt. 1:23b
Dinner Bell Menu for February 5, 2020
V F W Post 8560 is the Community Partner
No matter the weather outside, it is always warm and comfortable in Fellowship Hall!
Ham with Balsamic Glaze
Macaroni and Four Cheeses
Fried Cabbage and Kale
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread
Peach Cobbler Crisp
Peach Gelatin Dessert (the no added sugar dessert)
Same time (11:45 a.m.). Same place (Fellowship Hall of The First United Methodist Church). Hope to see you as ALL are welcome who NEED a meal.
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 Wednesday, January 29th, 2020
City National Bank is the Community Partner
Whether sunny or cloudy this Menu will surely comfort and please you.
Hamburger Steak with Brown Onion Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread
Assorted Cookies (sugared and lightly sugared)
Same time (11:45 a.m.). Same place (Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church).
The makings for hot chocolate will be available. Come early and visit while enjoying a cup of chocolate. Hope to see you!
Dial Study Club members are helping prepare the meal on Tuesday evening.
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
First Baptist Church is Hosting a Free Concert January 23rd.
First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs is hosting a free concert Thursday, January 23rd, beginning at 7PM, in the FBC Worship Center. The East Texas Singing Men of East Texas, comprised of Ministers of Music, Pastors, other Church and associate staff, teachers, and laymen actively involved in the music ministry, is scheduled to perform. The concert is free to the public. A love offering will be taken to offset the expenses of their mission and recording projects. All churches and the community are invited to come and enjoy the concert.
Presbyterian Church Receives Approval For Sign
First Presbyterian Church‘s request for a variance from the downtown design guidelines sign requirements was approved Tuesday night by the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
The request marked the second time FPC members requested permission to put up a digital sign. However, the request was denied the first time at a Nov. 19 meeting due to the size of the sign and the fact that it would or could have animated images, which was not thought consistent with the historical appearance for the property.
City staff in November recommended the request not be approved because it didn’t meet requirements. However, Tuesday, Jan. 21, after speaking with church members and further investigation into the matter, city staff recommended granting the request to allow the church to place the sign on their property.
Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski told the ZBA that letters h ad been sent to the 12 property owners around the church who would be most impacted by the sign. Only two returned letters regarding the request, and one was undecided.
Niewiadomski said church members were not represented at the November meeting, but were present Jan. 21 to discuss the matter.
It was also pointed out that First United Methodist Church has a sign similar to the sign the Presbyterians wanted to install. The location of FUMC’s sign is just outside the map for requirements regarding downtown signs. FPC is located about the same distance from downtown, but on the map within the restricted zone. It’s a short distance to the railroad tracks on College Street, and owns the property to the tracks. The church is not within what is considered easy walkable distance to downtown, according to Niewiadomski.
City Attorney Jim McLeroy told the board that he believed had there not been a breakdown at the meeting, which the church members did not attend, the request never would have been presented to the ZBA.
ZBA member James Litzler asked the church members if they were willing to make adjustments to meet the qualifications, including reducing the sign to six feet and asked if it would be a color to match the brick on the building.
Lee Teetes said the sign would be pretty close in color, although the exact color of the building would be hard to match. The brick on the building is more than 100 years old, the length of time the church has been on the property.
Teetes said unfortunately, the sign, which is 6.27 feet can’t be reduced in size because it has already been purchased and is stored inside the building. The $10,000 was donated and the sign was purchased and given to the church.
The sign that was at the church was in such bad shape that it had to be taken down. He promised the new sign would be “something that looks good.”
ABA member Jay Julian said the based on the guidelines given to them for downtown towns, in Chapter 8.14 of the design guidelines, the church doesn’t meet the size guidelines and could be construed as “out of character historically” as an “attention getting signs are inappropriate.”
McLeroy pointed out that the Presbyterian church property is about the same distance down College Street as the Methodist church is on Church Street. However, half of FUMC’s property is outside the district. The sign is on the half just outside the district.
The city attorney said the boundary lines, which include overlays for the tax reinvestment zone, were established 10-15 years ago with the intent that additional funds would be raised from improved property values within the reinvestment zone to pay for bonds used to fund improvements on the square.
“We tried to identify properties that would have enhanced value. The whole city was affected, but some properties were more directly affected,” McLeroy said.
The church doesn’t fit into that category for increased tax value, even if significant changes were made to increase the property value because it is a church, McLeroy explained.
Litzler pointed out that any lighted sign would be out of character historically for the building due to the age of it.
Teetes presented the ZBA with a printouted image of the sign.
“It looks like a tasteful sign to me,” Litzler said, adding that he had no problem with a church being allowed to advertise service times and functions on a sign on their property.
ZBA Chairman Brad Burgin said he agreed. He said he doesn’t think the church’s location within the overlay boundaries is inside the line intended for the sign design guidelines, considering the location of the FUMC property and sign on the map.
Burgin recommended, and Kevin Mohl seconded the motion, that the sign be allowed. Litzler also agreed to the request. Jay Julian would neither approve nor decline the request, opting to abstain from voting on the matter.
Discussion continued, with the church and other council asking him about his decision.
Julian said the church is on the map in the district. The rules should not be left for interpretation. He said he applied the same method to all matters presented. He said the rules and ordinances were in place, and he tried to follow them.
Julian also pointed out that animated signs are prohibited.
Burgin pointed out that one business on the square has a sign that is lighted and could be considered movement in the window.
Church members Red Cross and Myra Grant asked if the lights on the courthouse which change colors would fall into that category as that isn’t keeping with the historic look for the area and about First Baptist Church’s lighted sign. Also suggested was building a structure on the property and putting the sign under it so it meets the terms like signs in business windows.
McLeroy pointed out that the colored lights on the square are just that, lights, so the sign guideline doesn’t apply to them. Lizler conceded that historically, the courthouse was not flooded with purple lights. It was pointed out the FBC sign is a neon sign, not a digital animated one.
Mohl asked what it’d take to change the boundary or clarify the design guidelines. The DRB would have to approve it, then it would likely be presented to the City Council.
After further discussion a second vote was called. Three members of the ZBA voted to allow the sign. Julian again abstained.
McLeroy said it is his legal opinion that the 3-1 vote should allow the measure. He said he was reminded that while state statues stipulate an underlying majority of four must approve appeals, the matter is a request for a local regulations variance. It’s not in the city ordinances, so agreement of a super majority should be enough to approve the sign design variance guideline request, McLeroy said.
The 30th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Ceremony
The community came together in a spirit of togetherness Monday night to celebrate nearly 90 people in the Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County community who have demonstrated the spirit of the Reverend/Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Individuals honored at the 30th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Ceremony demonstrated Dr. King’s legacy of raising public consciousness to social justices, securing progress on civil rights and loving and serving humanity. Each received a medal to commemorate their voice on social issues, outstanding achievements, personal standard of spiritual excellence and community involvement as they sought justice and total equality for everyone.
Numerous community leaders as well as elected officials and special guests had roles in the program, hosted by East Caney Missionary Baptist Church and the Hopkins County African America Leadership Conference, at Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist church, Monday, Jan. 20.
Deacon Ricky Godbolt served as master of ceremony. Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace B.J. Teer helped open the program with scripture. Hopkins County Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley lead a prayer.
W.C. Pryor, “mayor of Birch Creek” and HCAALC Board member, gave the official welcome.
Jatavion Hall lead the gathering in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag.
The musical selections performed by the choir had people singing, clapping, tapping their toes and praising in a shared spirit of togetherness. Sister Della Cleveland had people on their feet in response to her singing of “God Bless America.” A community member played the harmonica while an offering was taken for HCAALC, to be used to continue offering programs such as Monday’s awards night.
County Judge Robert Newsom said something that struck him recently about Dr. King was his crediting his father’s Christian character and integrity for his strong sense of justice. Newsom said there are a lot of fatherless men and women who need someone to look up to. Providing that Christian character as an example is a way all can make a difference. Newsom said all are family in Christ, and we can all make a difference by standing up for our family.
Silvesta Alexander introduced four students from Sulphur Springs Elementary selected to read essays they wrote about the Rev./Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how they plan to meet his legacy. Lindsey Hayes, Samara Clayton, Jamarion Hall and James Winnett-Moore spoke of careers which would allow them to help fight hunger, make sure everyone has a roof over their head, the medical care they need and to become a leader who encourages others to live in peace together with racial equality for all.
Mick Trusty introduce keynote speaker Dr. Mark Rudin, president and CEO of Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Rudin said Dr. King’s desire for all people to live, learn and work together was represented in the “amazing diversity in the crowd” at the awards celebration and in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, where he said diverse people are able to come together to worship one God.
Rudin said achieving more diversity by representing all people in the administration, staff and leaders on campus is a goal TAMUC is already working on. He said he met with different groups after becoming TAMUC president, to see what’s on their minds and assess voiced needs of each. He reported more women and more people of color are being placed in leadership roles as TAMUC works toward more equality. An Adversity and Equity Improvement Committee was formed.
Goals for TAMUC are for more diversity in all levels of administration, faculty and work staff, more cultural sensitivity and civility, according to Rudin.
Rudin said we should treat others with kindness, putting aside little civil matters. A person’s greatness doesn’t matter if they do not treat others with kindness. We should lead by example, working to communicate and with compassion, Rudin said.
The medallions that were presented at the celebration signify the role each played as advocates for social justice, and the job isn’t done, Rudin said. Like commencement for students, the job has just started.
Dr. Harold Nash, on behalf of Sulphur Springs City Council, recognized the late Jimmie Lurleene Harrison for a life of service. Mrs. Harrison educated numerous generations of people during her 40 years as an educator in Sulphur Springs. She died Dec. 16, 2019. Nash asked prayer for Harrison’s family. He presented the printed recognition of her excellence in education to Harrison’s family.
East Caney Missionary Baptist Church in conjunction with HCAALC established a scholarship in Mother Jimmie Harrison’s name to help a young person in Hopkins County go to TAMUC to become a teacher, HCAALC President LaVelle Hendricks announced.
Dr. Rudin pledged TAMUC will match that up to $1,000. Also Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church pledged to contribute $500 toward the scholarship in Harrison’s honor.
Hendricks Monday thanked the Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County community for embracing the program, which started years ago with just nine people in attendance at East Caney Missionary Baptist Church, growing into the program it has become. He noted that approximately one-fifth of the city’s resident have been recognized during the program. That, he said speaks volumes about who the city and county are. He said while no one is perfect, people strive in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County to make a difference, a part of Dr. King’s legacy. People in larger metropolitan cities often talk about the way the community comes together for prayer, it was noted.
Before concluding, Hendricks announced Monday was his final night to put on the annual program. He is stepping down, to allow someone to “put new set of eyes on the program.” He asked the community over the next few years to collectively work on a program to address reading needs of children here, so that all children develop the effective reading skills fundamental for success in all areas of education and life.
Nash also presented Hendricks an award in appreciation of his dedication, leadership and vision for HCAALC.
C.J. Duffey recognized Hendricks as a recipient of a Fruit of the Spirit Award he was unable to present to him at that annual program.
“We love you and thank you. Whoever walks behind you has big footsteps to fill,” Duffey said.
HCAALC invites the community to a special appreciation program for Dr. LaVelle Hendricks at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at East Caney Missionary Baptist Church.
Those honored during the ceremony included:
Dinner Bell Menu For Wednesday, January 22th, 2020
Alliance Bank is the Community Partner for this weeks Dinner Bell.
Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms over Rice
Mediterranean Carrots
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread
Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
Baked Apples (the no added sugar dessert)
Same time (11:45 a.m.). Same place (Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church).
Hope to see you!
Click here to view past Dinner Bell Articles.
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 Wednesday, January 15th, 2020
Christus Mother Frances Hospital is the Community Partner
We are serving a hearty winter meal!
Shepherd’s Pie
Bacon Infused Green Beans
Garden Salad
Yeast Rolls and Butter
Butter Cake with Pineapple Topping
Cottage Cheese Mandarin Orange Dessert (the no added sugar dessert)
Same time (11:45 a.m.). Same place (Fellowship Hall of The First United Methodist Church).
We hope to see you on Wednesday!
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
New Beginnings Healing and Deliverance Ministries International Event Will be Held February 9th
