The highlight at the 36th Annual First United Methodist Church Plano, United Methodist Men’s Sweetheart banquet was naming Lynette Little as the Sweetheart of the Year. She was presented with a beautiful wood carving created by congregation member, Russ Aikins. Lynette will keep the carving for one year and it then will be presented to the Sweetheart for 2009. Lynette volunteers her time each week to decorate the pulpit for Sunday. She also is instrumental in setting out the paraments (the cloths of varying colors set on the Lord’s table, lectern and Baptismal Font on the pulpit) for weddings and funerals as well as prepare all the Communion elements for the first Sunday of each month. Lynette has volunteered her time for many years and is one very busy lady in the life of First United Methodist Church Plano.
Dave Dunbar was awarded the special Annual Handmade “Pancake” by Ed Nalley, President of United Methodist Men. Dave earned this recognition for being the #1 volunteer out 120 who hosted the 35th Annual December 1st Plano Christmas Pancake Feed at the Plano Christmas Parade. Bill Lang was presented a special award for his service as UMM Treasurer.
Special recognition was given to the couple at first United Methodist Church Plano who had been married the longest. Ten couples present were married 50 or more years and the winning couple was John and Lorres Blaze, married for 65 years and counting.
Dinner was provided by Bill Shafer while Katherine Smith and Dale McLain transformed the Gathering Area of the church into a true Sweetheart “spot” for dinner and dancing. Entertainment for the evening was provided by Mark McLain as emcee and BJ McCutcheon as Mr. Peppermint. Love songs from the 70’s and 80’s were performed by the church’s own L.inC. Band who helps to lead worship each Sunday at the 9:45 am Blended Music Worship Service.
Couples danced and enjoyed a special dessert donated from “It’s a Cinch” Chocolatiers who provided two chocolate fondue fountains.
By John Shell, United Methodist Men
