Lake Palestine U.M.C.
by Barb Cade

It is with great regret that we have accepted the retirement of our Lake Palestine UMC news editor, Mrs. Dorothy Birdwell. Due to health and her other writing activities, she has decided to pass this column on to someone else. We hope she will still continue to contribute as she has time, but in the meantime, we will try to do our best to carry on her excellent tradition, and we want to thank her for all she has done for us.

The youth of the church had a spaghetti luncheon fundraiser immediately after Youth Sunday services on Feb. 11th. Sunny Farley led the service whose participants included Brittany Newsom, Holly Skrobinski, Donna Sullivan, Alex Martin, and Andrea Skipper.

Everyone was excited about Valentine's Day. Members of the church were invited to meet at Traditions Restaurant in Tyler for a nice Valentine meal last week. Over 50 people decided to come on what turned out to be an extremely cold evening. Aside from the great food, there were lots of door prizes and entertainment. Bill and Joyce Martin were honored as the longest married with 48 years, and Jeff and Lynn Davis were honored as the newest married at 11 years.

Dale and Mary Ann Whisenhunt were busy taking last minute orders for the Angel Food boxes last Sunday. Those that want to get in on this program of buying a $25 box of food for those who need it, can contact Mary Ann about the menu for March.

The Whisenhunts were also hosts to a visit by two of their grandchildren. They had with them at church Macy Baty and Tyler Whisenhunt.

The Cape Tranquility Bible Study will be starting a Lenten series of lessons starting on February 25th. It will be led by Rev. Prather and open to anyone who wants to attend.

Bob Hitt's mother was admitted to the hospital last week, but she is doing so much better that she is now going home after spending some time with Bob and June in their home.

The Methodist Men can be proud of themselves. Word has it that their Valentine breakfast for the ladies was a big success.

Congratulations to Lisa Powell on her new job at Ashley Furniture Company. She hopes everyone will come by and see her there, and who knows, maybe see some great furniture too.

Joyce Martin wants to let everyone know not to worry. The new church directory will be ready soon.

We also want to congratulate Ann Blackmon on her new granddaughter. We'll tell you more about her later.

Also, don't forget that next Sunday, the 25th, after church, there will be a baby shower for Doug and Amy Williams. They are having twins, a boy and a girl. They are registered at Babies R Us and Target.

We are happy that Lillian Stegall is settling in nicely in her new house at Emerald Bay. She is very grateful for the moving help that she had from church members.

It's good to have Don Kiser back in church after his very long visit in Washington.

Mary Chudleigh thanked everyone for their support and prayers while she has been sick this past year. The doctor has recently given her an excellent report.

The after-church lunch bunch decided to go to Coffee Landing this past week.

We want to welcome Michael Johnson to our community. He has recently moved here from California. He is hoping to start a tree trimming business, a business in which he has had 18 years of experience. He also does carpentry and is an airplane mechanic. For those who might need his services, his number is 903-258-2753.

We wish to send condolences to Chris Moore and his family on the loss of his mother, Carolyn Mae Moore. Her funeral was at the church last Saturday.

Many, many members havc been sick with the flu these past weeks. Our prayers are with them all for a speedy recovery.