FirstNews a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church, Dallas
April 2014
Looking for Signs of New Life by Rev. Linda Roby, Associate Minister of Local & Global Missions Over the past 15 years I’ve led week-long mission worktrips during Lent. For many of the participants it’s a new experience. When we cross borders into other cultures we let go of familiar routines and we see ourselves in light of others, exposing our differences as well as our similarities. Working and living in intentional community, being attentive daily to scripture, and spending more time in reflection and prayer is an invitation to new experiences, new relationships, new perspectives and new understanding. It often causes us to feel stretched and out of our comfort zone. Our hearts and minds are plowed open, exposing new thoughts and feelings, fertile soil for growing in love. Through the Lenten practice of serving, we are invited to let God do a new thing in us. With intentional discipline and practices, we find time and space for deeper understanding and commitment. And it is there that signs of growth lead to more love, more trust, a renewed sense of wonder, and new strength with God’s power and energy flowing through our lives. Have your Lenten disciplines encouraged you to move closer to God? What signs of new life are you sensing as we approach Easter? Recently these words were sung in worship: You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains, You raise me up to walk through stormy seas. I am strong, when I am on your shoulders You raise me up, to more than I can be. On Easter morning we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, which is more than a return to life, it is a new, stronger, neverending life. We partake in Christ’s eternal life, having chosen to make room for our spiritual source of life, God in Christ. God raises us up and transforms us through the hope of resurrection to be more than we can imagine. Do you perceive it?
Join Us for Holy Week
Easter Lilies for the Altar
Sunday, April 13 Palm Sunday Services - 8:45 & 11 a.m. A parade of palms opens the 11 a.m. worship service with children 3 years old and up participating. Dr. Stoker’s message will be “End of the Beginning”. Music provided by our children’s choirs and the Chancel Choir. Broadcast live on www.firstchurchdallas.org at 11 a.m. The annual Easter Egg Hunt and Picnic on the playground at Reverchon Park follows this worship service. Thursday, April 17 Maundy Thursday - 7:30 p.m. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated as we remember the Last Supper and Christ’s sacrifice for us. Rev. Becky Walker delivers the message “Holy Meal to Holy Mystery”. Vox Nova will provide music. Walk the Labyrinth 5:30 - 7:15 p.m. Friday, April 18 Good Friday - Tenebrae Service - 7:30 p.m. The service of Tenebrae, or “Darkness,” depicts Christ’s suffering and death by the reading of scripture with music provided by Chancel Choir, Vox Nova, Variations, string quartet and organ. Walk the Labyrinth 5:30 - 7:15 p.m. Sunday, April 20 Easter Sunrise Service - 7 a.m. Lawn of the Dallas Museum of Art FirstYouth-led service. Traditional Easter Services - 9 & 11 a.m. Dr. Stoker delivers the message “I Have Seen the Lord” at this service with a Traditional Easter Banner Procession and music provided by the Chancel Choir, brass, timpani and organ. Broadcast live on www.firstchurchdallas.org at 11 a.m.
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Honor or remember a loved one or friend by placing a lily on the altar on Easter Sunday, April 20. Each plant is $12. Dedications will be printed in the Easter Sunday worship bulletins. Order forms are available at the Atrium and Harwood Connection Points To place your order online, click here. Deadline: Friday, April 11. Questions? pcummins@fumcdallas.org or 214-220-2727, ext. 218
Palm Sunday Palm Processional & FirstKids Egg Hunt/Family Picnic 11 a.m. - Palm Processional in worship Annual Egg Hunt & Picnic Reverchon Park 7550 Maple Ave, Dallas, 75219 Egg Hunting begins around 1:15 p.m. Pre-Order Jason’s Deli Box Lunch March 30 & April 6 at Ross & San Jacinto Connection Points
Resurrecting Resurrection by Dr. Andy Stoker, Senior Minister I had a mentor who would proclaim from the pulpit on Easter Sunday morning: “Welcome to one of the theologically most difficult days of the year!” Her comment was met with immediate laughter and then thoughtful silence. It is true. On Easter Sunday, we invite the congregation to enter into an at least two-thousand-year-old conflict in the Church over “Resurrection.” For generations, pastors, scholars and even dogmas have affirmed and struggled with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Beyond the struggle there is affirmation; affirmation that there is a promise of something more to this earthly existence. Therein lies the Easter vigil and celebration! Each year, Christians around the world gather to return thanks for God’s promise to love us, in life, in death and life beyond death. Easter is the ritual that calls us to remember the life of Christ Jesus defying death on a cross. United Methodist Christians believe that the violence of the cross ought to be the last violent act and, resurrection is the defining act of God’s grace for all people in all places for all time. We also believe that the Resurrection of Christ is the constant work of renewing all of creation and reconciling humanity to God. Mexican novelist Carlos Fuentes shaped this understanding of Jesus’ resurrection. “The very metaphor of the Resurrection is a way of telling us that we are obligated to complete life, not just continue it, and that the continuity of life, in spite of death, is the reality of eternal life. Salvation is found in the word... Jesus did not revive the dead. He resurrected the living” (from “This I Believe: An A to Z of a Life”). Resurrection is the invitation to really live! At FirstChurch, we respond to Jesus’ resurrection with the Easter celebration and with our very lives in our community. Because of God’s work in and through Jesus Christ, the church captures God’s vision all over again for re-vival, life-to-life, love-to-love and hope-to-hope. So, what is God calling us to revive? Our prayer life? Our relationship with God? Our relationship with our neighbors? Maybe even our church? Easter may be “the most theologically difficult day of the year,” but it will be the easiest day for us to celebrate our life in God together. Because, together we are held... In God’s Love,
Sunday Worship Sunday, April 6 Sneak Peek John 11:1-27 Communion Sunday Palm Sunday, April 13 End of the Beginning Matthew 21:1-11 Easter Sunday, April 20 7 a.m. Easter Sunrise at the DMA FirstYouth-led service 9 & 11 a.m. I Have Seen the Lord John 20:1-18 Sunday, April 27 Stigma John 20:19-31 Sunday worship: 8:45 & 11 a.m. Sunday school: 9:45 a.m.
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Music and Arts News The Goodrich Gallery
The Year of the Horse Anne Linden Hines, artist
The Goodrich Gallery exhibit for April features the mixed media assemblages of Dallas artist, Anne Hines. The show opens with a reception on Sunday, April 6, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the gallery and will be on display through Sunday, April 27. Please join us for the reception and then plan on visiting the gallery again and again! Even as a child Anne Hines knew she was an artist. Let April Exhibit her tell you in her own words: I “saw” things differently from most people and could draw most anything well. Watching Gallery Hours TV episodes of Roy Rogers and Gene Autry provided hours of ideas for drawing horses and cowboys. Midwestern roots 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and life on an Ohio farm were also important influences. My 9 a.m. - Noon Saturday father taught me to love and respect all God’s creatures and 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday appreciate the details and beauty in nature. I hold a BA in Art History and an MA in Environmental Design followed by 35 years as a commercial interior Anne Linden Hines designer. ( In the late 60’s neither being an artist nor having an art degree was considered a “serious” career choice.) Later in life in a conversation with my father just prior to his death, he finally acknowledged me as an “artist and told me to get about living the dream I once had.” That conversation gave me the “permission” I wanted and needed to finally embrace the artist within my soul. I make art with water-based media using a variety of surface materials. While my interests are diverse, my first priority is “the art of the horse.” I also collect “found objects” which is whatever man and nature discard and then create small sculptures. My studio is in an historical building in Deep Ellum, Texas, which is “an art home” to 40 other artists. Twice a year we have OPEN STUDIO events in when we open our doors to the public and display/sell our art. I carry a deep faith in the Lord knowing that I am merely His child using the gift of talent He gave me to honor Him. Artist’s Statement. . . . A work art begins when I pair certain characteristics of the horse with a planned composition with which to tell a story… sometimes a subtle comment, other times an obvious statement about the history of the horse or its relationship with mankind. I may focus on a particular breed or find a photo that recorded a moment of my life with horses I want to relive. Starting with a drawing and lots of paint on my palette, I let the work evolve with its variations of line, color, texture and sometimes collage. This process often goes on for several days, working
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on several pieces simultaneously, before I pronounce “finito.” I honor this of gift of talent from God. I use it to intentionally share the joy of making art with whomever comes along in my walk through life. Coincidentally this is also the Chinese Calendar “Year of the Horse” being celebrated now at the Crow Asian Museum of Art… which makes a perfectly themed association for my presentation of this body of work. Website: www.annehinesart.com
2013-2014 Rotunda Theatre presents....
Sherlock Holmes and the Curse of the Sign of Four Written by Dennis Rosa
Bear Hamilton, director
May 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 at 7:30 p.m. Wortley-Peabody Theatre in the Rotunda featuring Nick Caldwell, Jason Cox, Grant Gilker, Ryan Glenn, Lindsay Holland Allen Mabry, Russ McCall, Michael Mueller
Based on the novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes fans everywhere will be familiar with this classic tale of stolen treasure and murder. Holmes and Watson (aided after a fashion by the bumbling Inspector Lestrade) are pitted for the first time against the diabolical Professor Moriarty. At stake are the safety and fortune of the lovely Mary Morstan, heir to her late father’s riches of the Agra Treasure. The quest to solve the baffling mystery (and murders) surrounding the whereabouts of the missing booty brings sudden danger to Holmes, romance to Watson and high adventure to all concerned. The taut and fast moving story blends thrills and laughter as it deftly recreates the romantic-melodramatic style of the period in which it takes place. Click here to make your reservation now! or contact Music and Arts: pcummins@fumcdallas.org or 214-220-2727, ext. 218.
Paul’s Journeys to Turkey and Greece Oct. 31 - Nov. 10 with Lecturer/Preacher Dr. Andy Stoker
Over 60 people have registered for the tour of Paul’s journey through Greece and Turkey. Join the group – it’s not too late to sign up! Dr. Andy Stoker will lecture and preach on this wonderful Educational Opportunities tour and cruise. Click here for more information on trip details, or contact Rev. Linda Roby.
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Costa Rica “The little jobs like sifting sand and shoveling rocks came together to do the bigger job of building the house. And building the house is really about making a loving home for these children. That’s what it’s all about.” Shared by the elementary team members during devotional time.
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Mission Trip
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Register today for One Great Gift of Service, a variety of service projects that will be a blessing to others in our community. Projects vary from inside our walls to within our community. Events are arranged with CC Young, CCS, Dallas Bethlehem Center, Dallas Ramps, Methodist Hospital and many others, and projects are suitable for participants of all ages, abilities and interests. Individuals, families, friends and classes are encouraged to join us. Click here to register today! For more information or to find a project that best fits your interests, contact Kathy Mallick at kwm321@hotmail.com.
RISE Mission and Outreach Fund ANSWERING GOD’S CALL TO EMPOWER OUR NEIGHBORS AND ALLEVIATE HUNGER.
Your Lenten offering will start the new RISE fund. For more information on RISE and how FirstChurch will continue its commitment to missions and outreach in 2014 and beyond, click here.
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Join Us for UMW Thursday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m. Sarah Circle Social/Planning Meeting La Calle Doce (1925 Skillman St.) Visitors always welcome! Contact Diane Giddens at giddensdiane@hotmail.com Saturday, April 13 OGG of Service UMW Unit Project 2:30 - Easter Tea and Children’s Fashion Show at The Point at C.C. Young Sunday, April 27 Unit Meeting 12:00 in UrbanLife Center Speaker - David Cameron on The Roma People Eve Circle Hosting UMW’s newest circle, the Eve Circle, is looking for some loving arms to help hold and care for their children during their monthly meetings. Eve Circle meets at the the church on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. If you have a passion for children and would like to volunteer to help with childcare for the Eve Circle, please contact Leah Bailey at leahcbailey@yahoo.com or call 214-957-3013. Each member who wants to volunteer will need to be Ministry Safe Certified before working with the children. When you contact Leah, she will let you know the steps needed to get your certification. If you have been certified in the last two years you do not have to recertify at this time.
Rev. Wally Chappell Book Signing Sunday, April 6 “Summa Jr.” by Rev. Wally Chappell Purchase your copy in the Fiedler Atrium for $5. Pre-signed copies available from 9:30–11 a.m., and in-person signings available after the 11 a.m. worship service.
2014 Urban Engagement Book Review Hosted by CitySquare on Third Thursdays FREE event! Review presented by Randy Mayeux. (Not necessary to read book prior to review).
Thursday, April 17 Noon in Fiedler Atrium: “The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper and Fairer Healthcare,” by T.R. Reid Food trucks will be set up at the Atrium Entrance at 11:30 and offer delicious food for purchase (see story on Page 15)! Or, you may bring your lunch or purchase lunch for $5 (RSVP to Keilah) to be enjoyed during the review. 9
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The crossroads of Harwood & Ross boasts one of Dallas’ most elegant buildings. From the neo-Gothic spire to its precise brick work, the church stands to greet stranger and friend on a daily basis. For nearly one hundred years, the church has borne witness to God in the city. The elegance of the building is only the beginning to the powerful witness of the church to the city. Witness comes from the people who call the crossroads of Harwood & Ross home. 2013 was a year of significant accomplishment and transition. The Fiedler Atrium was completed as an internal sign that as we gather we are inspired to serve beyond the walls. Our ministry areas gave inspiration and education so that children, youth and adults were equipped for active service to the community through prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. We also experienced a leadership transition mid-year and our witness continued. A firm foundation was built and we continue to build upon it. Following is our 2013 annual report. Please take time to prayerfully read it. Without you, our church would be lacking significant witness. With you, our church can live into our collective call to our Christ. With Christ, our church can dream big, love deeply and celebrate greatly. Thank you for your role in making FirstChurch a witness of God in this city! Dr. Andy Stoker Senior Minister
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2013 Accomplishments Board of Trustees •
Delivered Fiedler Atrium capital campaign project on time and under budget. Budget: $8,352,903 Actual Expense: $8,311,449
Communications/Media • • •
Launched the new firstchurchdallas.org website. Installed a new state-of-the-art sound system in the sanctuary, complete with new assisted hearing devices. Averaged over 100 additional worship participants weekly between streaming and archives.
Congregational Care • • • • •
Notewriting: Homebound: Prayer: Calls: Prayer Shawl:
Sent 287 notes in 2013. Visited 26 homebound members regularly. Prayed for all on the prayer list every weekday. Assisted church staff as needed. Consecrated 56 shawls and blankets.
Connectional Ministries • • •
Received 96 new members in 2013. Launched FirstStep program for new members/continuing visitors held - 8 new members joined, 2 by profession of faith. Held Blessing of the Animals in Klyde Warren Park in October - a collaboration with The Cathedral, St. Paul UMC and Klyde Warren Park.
Finance • •
Administered and collected pledges for the 2013 Operating Budget. Continued to collect monies for the Gather campaign (collected $6,449,254 or 87%)
History & Archives • •
Moved into expanded space. Put paper member rolls into a e-database – 1885 – current.
Adult Education • • •
Launched FirstChurch University - 100 – 250 adults each Wednesday evening Held Summer Speaker Series Held Education Celebration Luncheon 11
Senior Adult Education • • •
Continued Spirit of Years Banquets with FirstKids - 50 seniors attended with 40 kids and parents. Celebrated Seniors with mixer in Fiedler Atrium - over 100 in attendance. Increased Spiritual Retreat attendance by 70%. theme this year “Passion, Poetry, and Prayer”
Developmental Learning Center • • •
Reviewed and revised (if necessary) all DLC policies and governing bylaws. Re-vitalized and involved Parent Teacher Committee in more opportunities for service. Added weekly chapel Bible story and songs to DLC Facebook page - averaged 40 views per week.
Children’s Education • • •
MinistrySafe Training for all workers with young children, including The Developmental Learning Center staff. Added new parenting education opportunities - 1) Why Children Lie; 2) Simple Discipline; 3) Keeping Christmas Simple Added FirstKids Seasons of the Spirit Sunday school weekly update to FirstChurch Facebook page - averaged 375 viewings per week.
Youth Education: • • •
Attended a summer mission trip (31 – Junior High and 24 – Senior High). Served 2,624 community service hours. Recruited adult volunteers and hired of additional youth ministry staff.
Music and Arts • • •
Chancel Choir was featured at American Choral Directors Association National Convention on March 14, 2013 – performance at Cathedral Guadalupe. Goodrich Gallery Committee offered Camp Goodrich July 22 to 26, 2013 – 15 children attended. Rotunda Theatre Board produced Annie Get Your Gun in the Sanctuary July 12, 13, 14 – Raised $5,000 for Media Ministries.
United Methodist Women • • •
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Hosted an all day women’s retreat on Human Trafficking - 50 women attended Added a new circle of 13 young women to our unit. Surpassed goal of 3,000 hours of service by 2,000 hours with a total of over 5,000 hours.
UrbanLife • • •
Held Successful annual Faith on Tap - worked with three area UMC Young Adult Ministries for 2014 Faith on Tap Identified next generation of leadership and formulation of plan for UrbanLife in 2014 and beyond. Expanded non-Sunday “touch points” - summer and Advent studies, Moore mission trip, Intramurals, Men’s Group, Girl’s Group, Couple’s Group.
Mission & Outreach Crossroads Community Services (CCS): • • • •
Served 55 Community Distribution Partners. Distributed 2.3 million pounds (2 million meals) of nutritious food. Distributed approximately $732,000 (112,678 articles) worth of new and gently used clothing. Served 14,506 unduplicated individuals.
Local/Global Missions: • • • •
Multigenerational Mission Trip to Children’s Home in Costa Rica (5th trip) Two Relief Trips to Moore, Oklahoma Held CCS Back to School Drive - 650 sets of uniforms were collected and distributed with a value of approximately $13,000. Held 4th annual FirstGifts which brings in approximately $25,000 per year.
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Screening of “Chosen” Wednesday, April 30 7 - 9 p.m. in Fiedler Atrium
Modern day slavery? It’s a reality affecting 21 million people, including children, world-wide. And it is happening right here in Dallas. Learn from those on the front lines combating the effects of sex trafficking, watch the screening of the film, “Chosen,” and learn how you can become part of the solution to end modernday slavery. Join FirstChurch’s Human Trafficking Task Force as it hosts an education and volunteer forum for the community. Participating organizations include Dallas District Attorney’s Office, League of Women Voters, LeTot Center for Girls, Mosaic Family Services, and New Friends, New Life. There is no charge for the event, and child care will be provided. Parking in Bryan Tower is free. Contact Rev. Becky Walker for more information. 14
Let’s Do Lunch! Join us each Thursday from 11:30 – 1 p.m. for an appetizing sampling of Dallas’ best restaurants on wheels. Please your palate, enjoy engaging entertainment from our friends in the Arts District, and find new friends in the serene Fiedler Atrium. Click here for food truck schedule. April 3: Welcome to FirstChurch! Dr. Andy Stoker will give an introduction to the life of the church and Tim Effler will play a lunch piano concert. Free Ice Cream! April 10: Colleen Brinkman, Chief Philanthropy Officer from the North Texas Food Bank April 17: Urban Engagement Book Review: “The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care”, by T.R. Reid April 24: AT&T Performing Arts Center Cast of Disney’s Broadway Musical Beauty and the Beast
Rev. Don Underwood Book Signing Wednesday, May 7 5:45 p.m.: Fellowship Dinner 6:30 p.m.: Discussion and Book Signing
Care & Concern BIRTHS: Congratulations on the births of: Jackson Wade Edwards, son of Sam and Wendy Edwards Jacelyn Ann Moses, daughter of Jason and Joan Moses DEATHS: Sincere sympathy to the families of: Jean Speed, mother of Larry Speed and sister to Gay Wolfard Della Mann, mother of Bill Mann Leo Varian, husband Vivian Varian
Click here to register for dinner. ($10 per person)
VBS Save the Date
Book may be purchased at the event ($15 ea.).
At the Workshop of Wonders VBS, discover how the ordinary becomes extraordinary with God!
June 16- 20
Registration begins May 1! 15
Meet Our Newest Members NEW MEMBER FROM MARCH 2
Linda Posner
NEW MEMBER FROM MARCH 2
BAPTISM FROM MARCH 23
NEW MEMBERS FROM MARCH 30
Jim Fremder
Colton Dean Wilson with his parents Bryan & Ginny, & siblings Walker & Ellie
Keith & Michelle Brookshire
NEW MEMBER FROM MARCH 30
NEW MEMBER FROM MARCH 30
Shelby Ball
Ann Allen with children Edie & William Harwood
NEW MEMBER FROM MARCH 30 NEW MEMBER FROM MARCH 30
Barry & Terri Martin
Barry Bryan
NEW MEMBER FROM MARCH 30 NEW MEMBER FROM MARCH 30 NEW MEMBERS FROM MARCH 30 NEW MEMBER FROM MARCH 30
Peggy A. Fremder
Jennifer Fann
David & Ginny Simank with children Andy and Judson
Barbara Allen
NEW MEMBER FROM MARCH 2 not pictured: Lois Blum
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