FirstNews
a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church, Dallas
August 2014
Get in the Boat! An Invitation to Christian Discipleship by Rev. Blair Thompson, Associate Minister of Discipleship After four days of working in the Oklahoma heat at the Methodist Children’s Home in Tahlequah, our group of senior high students and sponsors stood by the shore of the Illinois River, ready to jump in the three red river rafts and begin our float trip. The scene reminded me of the story of Jesus calling the first disciples. Jesus stands by the boats on the shoreline. Peter is there with the crowd listening to Jesus teach, when suddenly—Jesus walks over and jumps in Peter’s boat. Can you imagine Peter’s surprise?! Peter joins him in the boat, and when Jesus asks Peter to go fishing— Peter says yes. Even though Peter is the more experienced fisherman, he lets Jesus teach him how to fish. Peter’s humility allows him to experience grace upon grace and it changes him. He becomes a part of God’s work in the world. It seems to me that our journey to become disciples of Jesus begins when we realize that Jesus is in our boat and we decide to get in with him and let him lead us in what we thought we already knew. If you are ready to get in the boat, we can help you take the first step. Here are some other observations about discipleship from our float trip. Everyone grabbed a life jacket and a paddle and jumped in the boat. The guide smiled at us and instructed us to leave some of our paddles behind. “Not everyone needs a paddle,” he said. “Two per boat.” We took turns paddling down the four-mile stretch of river. Some of us steered the raft through the shallow waters. Others navigated the faster currents. When our raft got caught on a log, a few of us jumped out to push it back into the stream. There was napping and singing and laughter as we made our way.
in this issue
In the journey of becoming a disciple, we need people to go with us. We help one another to navigate through life. Through our Sunday school classes, Wednesday night FirstChurch University classes, mission teams and other groups, we are making our way together. If you are not yet a part of a group, we need you! When the river widened, we latched two of our boats together and let the current take us. Then the singing started. Everyone sang. Those whom I would not expect to sing belted out a song. Loudly. When we came up to another raft of people, they smiled
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CCS Back to School Party
New Members/ Care & Concerns
Music & Arts News
FCU/5th Sunday Mission
Bruce Feiler Event
at us—and then they started singing too! We made a joyful noise going down that river because we were just being ourselves, each of us joining our voice in the chorus. This is what happens when we become disciples: we become who we were made to be. We live as we were created to live—this is our deepest purpose and the deepest praise we can give to our Creator. Our church is a means of grace, a way through which you can experience God’s transforming love. I hope you will participate in the opportunities our church offers to help you to grow as a disciple this year. How grateful I am to be on the boat with you at FirstChurch! As your Associate Minister of Discipleship, I’m here to help you to get on the boat, connect you with others to paddle with, and travel with you as we make our way through life together. The rest of Peter’s story involves more water, more boats and more grace. Peter steps off a boat to walk out on the water to Jesus. When he takes his eyes of Jesus and focuses on the wind and waves, he starts to sink. Jesus reaches out and saves him. After Peter denies Jesus three times and Jesus dies on the cross, Peter goes out on his boat to fish. I guess he figures that he failed as a disciple and it’s over. Jesus doesn’t see it that way. Jesus calls out to Peter on the shore with more fishing advice. Peter follows it and participates in another miracle. When Peter makes his way to the shore, Jesus forgives him and calls him to become a leader of the church. What is so comforting to me about Peter’s story is that Jesus comes to Peter and reaches out to him again and again. May we, like Peter, receive God’s amazing grace, and say, “yes!” to becoming a disciple of Jesus again and again. So may it ever be. Amen. Rev. Blair Thompson
Call me at 214-220-2727, ext. 207 or email me at bthompson@fumcdallas.org. I want to hear from you!
Sunday, August 24 Are you ready to grow as a disciple? Come to the Discipleship Celebration! We are celebrating our discipleship ministries and the opportunities we have to grow in our love for God and others this coming year! Let love bloom in you! At this event, you will have the opportunity to: 1) connect with new people; 2) learn about classes and experiences this fall that can help you to grow as a disciple; 3) hear personal stories of people who have experienced growth and transformation this past year; and 4) meet with pastors, directors, teachers, and lay leaders who can help you to assess where you are and choose the best next step for you in your faith journey Discipleship Fair in Fiedler Atrium 9 - 10:45 a.m. Lunch and celebration after 11 a.m. worship ($5 for lunch) RSVP to Elise Daniel Childcare available.
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Hope Springs Eternal at FirstChurch by Dr. Andy Stoker, Senior Minister Baptisms, commissions, communion, anniversaries, and memorial celebrations have really helped me to reflect on the depth of active ministry at FirstChurch. Nearly every week we have signs of hope that Life abounds here at FirstChurch. Baptisms have been a true blessing in my ministry at FirstChurch: seeing the family gather, naming the immediate family, holding the child and introducing them to their new FirstChurch family. Imagine how many children have been baptized and introduced to this congregation. Imagine the lives that have been led in light of the love shared and hope endured. Commissioning disciples of Jesus Christ to act as our ambassadors all over the region is humbling. As we speak the words of grace and encouragement, we are speaking to them the words of Life that will affect positive change in them and the world. Communion is a special time at the table of the Lord. People bring all that they are and all that they have to the give and receive Life and Love: looking into the eyes of the receiver, pressing the bread into their palm, naming the moment with “Bread of Life” and holding them in prayer. Anniversaries of ministries that have meant so much to FirstChurch has been particularly powerful. The Rotunda 50th Anniversary Gala was a celebration of where we have been and where we are going as a church. The legacy of Love helps us to envision what we are to give for our future. Memorial services give us the sense that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses inspiring us for Eternal Hope. We remember those who have given of themselves to FirstChurch, so that the proclamation of their life has been “on earth, as it is in heaven.” Our ministry together tells the story of Christ’s Love for all people, in all places and in all times starting right here at Harwood and Ross in Dallas. Together we are held... In God’s Love,
Sunday Worship Sunday, August 3 Inspiring Responsiblilty John 14:11-14 Communion Sunday Rev. Jay Cole preaching Sunday, August 10 Why did Jesus and the Disciples Cross the Sea? Matthew 14:22-36 Rev. Linda Roby preaching Sunday, August 17 What Do I Do Now? Genesis 45:1-15 Dr. Andy Stoker preaching Sunday, August 24 Pray for Harvest Hands Matthew 9:35-10:1, 7-9 Rev. Blair Thompson preaching Sunday, August 31 Take Off Your Shoes Exodus 3:1-15 Rev. Wally Butts preaching Sunday worship: 8:45 & 11 a.m. Sunday school: 9:45 a.m. 3
Be a part of something new! Become a Rhoads Reading Partner! This fall we’re beginning a partnership with Joseph J Rhoads Learning Center. Through a program called “Reading Partners” members can help boost a child’s reading and comprehension. Consider a commitment of once a week, for 3 months and see what a difference you’ll make in a child, and what an impact they will have on you! Contact Dottie Dunnam for more information at dotteach@swbell.net.
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Welcome Our Newest Members BAPTISM FROM JUNE 8
BAPTISM FROM JUNE 8
BAPTISM FROM JUNE 29
BAPTISM FROM JULY 13
Rachel Alice Borrelli with her parents Nick & Sara (brother Ryan not pictured)
Amelia Elizabeth Hill with her parents Travis & Angela
BAPTISM FROM JULY 27
BAPTISM FROM JULY 27
NEW MEMBER FROM JULY 27
NEW MEMBER FROM JULY 27
Jack Thomas Burns with his parents Nellson & Melissa
James Callahan Lee with his parents Langston & Britney
Eugene Johnson (pictured right) with his partner Shawn Maynard
Julie McKinney
NEW MEMBER FROM JULY 27
Care & Concern
William Braxton Drennan with his parents Shea & Brayden Nelson Timmerman Karen with his parents Brent & Amy, & sister Kallie
DEATHS: Sincere sympathy to the families of: Wilma Vinson, mother of Connie Suhren and Jay Vinson
Manny Martinez
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Rise Mission and Outreach Fund Imagine that you have ten friends and each one needs your help. Now imagine that somehow you could make a real difference by giving each friend $100. For $1,000 you could improve 10 friends’ lives in a dramatic way. Your challenge is you only have $500. What do you do? This is both the opportunity and the challenge for the Rise Fund Committee. Over the past 6 months, the Rise fund has collected a generous $100,000, a truly amazing and generous response, to distribute to various mission efforts. The challenge is the potential beneficiaries have requested a total of $200,000. So the work begins for the Rise Fund Committee, vetting potential beneficiaries to determine how to distribute the money. The committee has begun to review the grant request applications, visit the ministries, interview the management, get feedback from FirstChurch volunteers, and evaluate the budgets and financial state-ments. The 2014 requests have come from Crossroads Community Services, Dallas Bethlehem Center, New Friends New Life, Family Gateway, Project Transformation, Lydia Patterson Institute, Methodist Children’s Home of Costa Rica, and Wesley-Rankin Community Center. These missions are making significant impact in meeting human needs and changing the trajectory of lives for the betterment of individuals and the world in which we live. On September 13 we will meet for an all day work session. At the end of the day, and after prayerful deliberations, we’ll reach a consensus that represents the collective perspective of the Rise Fund Committee to distribute among these ministries all the funds received to date. The results will be announced to the congregation immediately. A special thanks to each of you who have donated to the Rise Fund. Your generosity will make a huge difference to a lot of people who need our help. If you or your Sunday School class has not yet supported the 2014 Rise fund, September 7 is the end date for this years’ cycle. I hope you will consider a gift to the Rise Fund to expand FirstChurch’s impact, and responding to God’s call to serve our neighbors in need. Click here for additional information on the Rise Fund.
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, Aug. 21 Noon in Fiedler Atrium: “NAFTA and the Politics of Labor Transnationalism,” by Tamara Kay Food trucks will be set up at the Atrium Entrance at 11:30 and offer delicious food for purchase! 6
Music and Arts News Michael Ledoux: Resin
Goodrich Gallery August Exhibit Gallery Hours 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - Noon Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday
The Goodrich Gallery is delighted to showcase the artwork of Michael Ledoux during the month of August. A reception was held for the artist on Sunday, August 3. This will be great opportunity to browse the exhibit and meet this talented artist. Michael Ledoux is a mixed media artist whose works revel with color. His pieces explode with texture and color, and pulse with sculptural qualities. An abstract expressionist, his sense of color and balance and a tendency to stack layers of resin on board in vivid color make his work optimistic and unique. What gives his work an exciting edge is his fascination with process. Ledoux’s love affair with technique and materials makes his oeuvre quite varied; some works fold in relief and depth over the canvas, while in others a misty or lustrous tone and always an engrossing sense of detail, a staple with Ledoux’s plastic work. Ledoux creations are a unique intermingling of painting and casting. Ledoux began showing his work in 1995. Since then, he has continued to push art by studying and working in a number of art styles at all times. Ledoux has exhibited in many galleries and locations and is collected by a world class clientele. He has also supported Dallas area charities, reaching highest auctioned item of the event on several occasions, supporting mostly childhood disease research. Michael Ledoux expands art by grafting creation through the art of practice. His cultivation of art, industrial design and architectural design creates a hybrid art form of which he is the preeminent force. “I look at the paint and then I look at the structure. I practice the artwork like someone who practices yoga. I am studying, enjoying and living it.” His “practice” comes from his insatiable curiosity of how things work. Though his foundation is realism, his expression as an artist falls in the abstract portion of creation with a love affair of architecture. With a unique intermingling of painting and casting, It is an interesting lifestyle that he readily admits he had chosen. “ Emotionally it is the cycle of life.” “ A person wakes up with hopes and everyday ends up with something that they did not anticipate whether it be loved or hated.” His passion of this basic human process propagates Ledouxart. 7
Elsie Janis and The Boys: a musical tribute to the Sweetheart of the A.E.F. By Carol Crittenden and John T. Prestianni Directed by Charles A. (Chaz) Wallace August 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 • 2014 in the Wortley-Peabody Theatre The Rotunda Theatre is pleased to present the premiere of Elsie Janis and the Boys: a musical tribute to the Sweetheart of the A.E.F. A musical and fact laced tribute to the historical time and the soldiers of America’s First Crusade – WWI, hosted by the sweetheart of the A.E.F., or American Expeditionary Forces, Elsie Janis. Called the female Bob Hope of WWI, Elsie retells the days of glory “Over There” entertaining the troops and falling in love with “The Boys”. This ticketed production opens the 2014-2015 Rotunda Theatre Season, which also includes “And Then There Were None” (May 2015) and “Steel Magnolias” (July 2015). Click here for individual tickets for “Elsie Janis and the Boys”. Season tickets are still on sale as well.
2014-2015 Rotunda Season Tickets on Sale
Register NOW for Children & Youth Music Programs! Kickoff Sunday: September 7 Children: Carol Choir (K-1): 9:00-9:45 a.m. Cantate Choir (2nd-3rd): 12:35 - 1:35 p.m. Counterpoint Choir (4th-6th): 12:35 - 1:35 p.m. Orff Ensemble (2nd-3rd): 1:35 - 2:20 p.m. Steeple Ringers (4th-6th): 1:35 - 2:20 p.m. Joyful Noise (3 & 4 year olds) will continue this year as part of the Sunday school hour. No registration is required.
To register for children’s music programs, click here.
Angel: $200 Patron: $100
Subscriber: $60
Click here for details and to order your season tickets today!
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Youth (7th-12th grades): Carillon Ringers: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Variations Youth Choir: 12:35 - 2:00 p.m.
Never been in Variations or Carillon before, but want to join this year? Click here. Returning Variations and rising 7th graders, watch your email for registration information!
New Classes Starting Sep.17! Our fall semester of FCU begins soon and will bring children, youth and adults together for food, fellowship, study and FUN! If you missed out on our classes last session, don’t miss the excitement on Wednesday nights this fall! Register on Sundays beginning this month. Classes for this session will include: Parenting Class led by Jennifer Tolin Stewardship/Membership Class Sessions led by: Dr. Andy Stoker, Rev. Linda Roby, Rev. Blair Thompson and Rev. Wally Butts Covenant Bible Study led by Rev. Wally Butts Enneagram Class led by Susan Holloway, Lennijo Henderson and Gary Duke Core Christianity (Part 3 of 3) led by Rev. Tom Downing Way of Prayer led by John Bryant Companions in Christ led by John Bryant Disciple 1 Bible Study led by Rick Horch Register beginning August 10!
Join Us for the 5th Sunday Mission Program Sunday, August 31 at 9:45 a.m. in Fiedler Atrium
Volunteer at Crossroads Community Services This Summer
Graciously hosted by UMW Sarah Circle
Come hear Executive Director of Dallas Bethlehem Center, Fran Lobpries, talk about the new vision and strategy for operating, and learn of the wonderful successes this year.
We are short in volunteers at CCS due to summer vacations and volunteer schedule fluctuations. If you can help, please contact Jean Jones at jjones@fumcdallas.org.
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Above: FirstYouth took 11 students and 4 adults to serve the community of Tahlequah, OK, July 20-25. The group served the Methodist Children’s Home there through building repair, grounds maintenance, construction and much more for children and young adults living in foster care.
Right: Grant Gilker, son of Chris and Heather Gilker, guides Spirit of Years guest Lillian Sills to her table for dinner, Sunday, July 13. Spirit of Years Dinner is just one way our FirstKids and their families celebrate FirstChurch’s senior members for all of their contributions to our faith family.
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Left: Our FirstKids and Dr. Stoker had a blast at Bridgeport summer camp the week of July 21! From playing games, singing songs, and having a giant shaving cream fight, our kids had an amazing time at Children’s camp at Bridgeport Camp and Conference Center!
Left: Clay Tolin, Julie Hagen, Emily Clark, Heather Brestle, Linda Roby and Jennifer Tolin deliver supplies to our mission partners on the Texas border. FirstChurch members and downtown community partners donated much needed supplies. In addition, over $4,500 was donated to UMCOR. 11
The secret is out. New York Times Bestselling Author BRUCE FEILER FirstChurch Family Toolkit Series September 6, 2014 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. All participants receive catered lunch and engage in hands-on sessions designed to unlock happiness at home.
SECRETS OF HAPPY FAMILIES THE
Register today at firstchurchdallas.org/happy
(use discount code FUMCDAL)
GATHER together Capital Campaign All of us have been enjoying our great new Fiedler Atrium for some time now. This new space has been a blessing to our church family in so many ways, thanks to the generosity of you, our members. Many of you have completed your campaign pledges and we thank you for that. We are nearing the end of our campaign pledge period and some are still on time, others are not. Your Board of Trustees asks that you review your commitment and endeavor to bring it up to date, or pay it early should you be able. Unpaid commitments at the end of the campaign will be a very problematic issue for your church. Thanks to all of you who have supported the project with your efforts, prayers and financial gifts. Clearly this project will bring energy and inspiration to our congregation and staff for years to come. If you are new to FirstChurch, we invite you to be a part of this campaign. Please contact Wendy Westberg at wwestberg@fumcdallas.org for information. Vel Hawes Chair, FUMC Board of Trustees
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