connect @ FirstChurch
It’s been over 168 years since our members began worshiping in the heart of Downtown Dallas, and our calling to be loyal disciples of Jesus Christ has remained steadfast even as our city and world evolved around us. That calling continues to compel us to grow ever-deeper connections with God and our neighbors. FirstChurch is so much more than the neo-Gothic sanctuary that stands at the corner of Ross and Harwood and the bell tower that rings out over the Arts District. FirstChurch is a vibrant group of Christians who seek relevant worship in a classical setting. We come together on Sundays and during the week to grow our faith through worship, fellowship, service and study. It is our prayer that you will use this guide as a way to form a deeper connection with FirstChurch, whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest looking to take the next step in your faith formation. Welcome to FirstChurch.
life at FirstChurch
FirstChurch is a relevant, traditional and inclusive congregation with opportunities for growth, study, fellowship and mission. Through our doors you will find many ways to make this faith family your home. Worship With Us. FirstChurch engages
in dynamic worship services that are both traditional and relevant. Services are held on Sundays at 8:45 and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. Live streams of our worship service are available Sundays at 11 a.m. at firstchurchdallas.org. WFAA-TV, (Channel 8) re-broadcasts our worship services at 5:30 a.m. each Sunday. Care With Us. We minister to our members
through all ages and stages of life. From a call and note at birth to the support of our staff and members at death, we ensure every member of our family is cared for each step
of the way. Our faith family is excited to celebrate in your joys and provide a prayer for your concerns. On Saturday mornings you might find congregants making prayer shawls to deliver to those recovering from surgery or who have suffered a loss. During the week you will find our note writers and prayer room volunteers working to support those who are ill or have experienced joys or sorrows. Connect With Us. There are many ways
to connect with our faith family, and we hope you will use this guide as a FirstStep to engaging in ministry here. Don’t hesitate to contact staff members listed here or on our website, firstchurchdallas.org. We look forward to becoming part of your story.
Find out more about life at FirstChurch from Jennifer Tolin, Director of Connectional Ministries.
Rev. Wally Butts Associate Minister of Spiritual Life
214-220-2727, ext. 221 jtolin@fumcdallas.org
214-220-2727 wbutts@fumcdallas.org
What do United Methodists believe? We make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by proclaiming the Good News of God’s grace and by exemplifying Jesus’ command to love God and one another. We respect persons of all religious faiths. This mission is our grace-filled response to the Reign of God in the world announced by Christ. God’s grace is active everywhere, at all times, carrying out this purpose as revealed in the Bible.
education & group fellowship
At FirstChurch, we believe Christian education a is a lifelong process.
Our smallest members experience the stories and love of Jesus Christ through the dedicated nursery staff. As children they continue their journey during their time in FirstKids as they engage in programming that is centered around age-appropriate faith goals. Confirmation introduces 6th graders to the building blocks of faith and lays a spiritual foundation that our youth ministry builds on throughout junior and senior high. Adults engage in dynamic Sunday morning
classes and Wednesday night FirstChurch University study groups. No matter your age, there is always opportunity for spiritual growth at FirstChurch.
Rev. Blair Thompson Associate Minister for Discipleship 214-220-2727, ext. 207 bthompson@fumcdallas.org
Adult Education UrbanLife 9:45 a.m. UrbanLife Center
Journey 9:45 a.m. UrbanLife Center B
Foundations 9:45 a.m. Room G01
Rise, Shine! 9:30 a.m. Room G07
Agape 9:45 a.m. Room G04
Early Class 9:30 a.m. Room G09
Becomers 9:45 a.m. Room G05
Disciples 9:45 a.m. Room G14
Interpretations 9:45 a.m. Room G10
Young adults who are new to FirstChurch or have recently returned after college. They engage in a supportive community that is active on both Sunday mornings and throughout the week. Young professionals interested in discovering what lies ahead in their faith journeys. In-depth and self-led studies are emphasized, and numerous social and service opportunities are offered. Young parents in their 30s. Offers speakers on marriage and family and engages in Bible and book studies, along with service and fellowship opportunities. An inclusive young adults class that meets at 9:30 a.m. A diverse mix of couples, singles, and young families studies a curriculum guided by a vision to grow spiritually through the discussion of relevant issues utilizing a biblical and theological groundwork. We engage in mission, outreach and social events, building strong bonds among our class families. To families and couples who welcome diverse points of view, AGAPE is a loving, Christ seeking community that invites interaction and open interpretation of scripture and beliefs while supporting each other in navigating the balancing act of life. Concludes before Choir call, about 10:20. Embraces participants of diverse backgrounds. The class is led each week by Dr. Bill Bryan. Couples and singles in their 40s and 50s gather for coffee and fellowship. Emphasizes knowledge of the Bible, spiritual growth, service, discipleship and fellowship. An intergenerational discussion group interested in contemporary political, social and economic issues from a Christian perspective. All who like this format are welcome regardless of age or marital status. Singles and couples in their 30s and 40s. A variety of Sunday morning programming (Bible study, Christian analysis of current events, and guest teachers) keeps things interesting and fun.
Genesis 9:45 a.m. Crossroads Center East
Logos 9:45 a.m. Room G13
Singles and couples with school-aged to young-adult children. Emphasizes active support of such ministries as Crossroads Community Services and other projects. Bring your Bible and your questions, and enjoy stimulating discussion of the Scriptures in terms of both their historical contexts and the ways in which they relate to our lives today.
connect GROUPS FOR LIFE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Voyages 9:45 a.m. Room G11
The G06 Class 9:45 a.m. Room 213
Covenant 9:45 a.m. Room 201
Class, Etc. 9:30 a.m. Room G06
New Koinonia 9:45 a.m. Room G08
DoublAires 9:45 a.m. Crossroads Center West
Aldersgate 9:45 a.m. Room 212
OF
DALL AS
Married couples, most of whom have young children, who enjoy combining fellowship, service activities and spiritual study. Class includes topics of current interest or Bible-based discussions. A non-traditional, discussion-based Sunday morning class comprised of couples and singles in their 40s and over. The primary focus is applying Christian faith to everyday life. Couples and singles of all ages who enjoy lively discussion and thought-provoking study. Covenant welcomes people of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, disabilities and sexual orientations. A dynamic Sunday morning experience for adults age 45 and above, featuring lively discussion of social and spiritual issues and small-group fellowship opportunities. A community of couples and singles in their 50s & 60s with and without children, with a varied program of Bible study, personal growth and social issues that seeks to bring Christian perspective into daily living. A very active and involved membership of couples and singles 55+ which participates in all aspects of the Church’s ministry. Subjects range from theology to current events as they relate to the Church’s mission. Mature adults who base their faith on Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason, and who want to live their faith. Socials are frequent & fun.
Meet your new best friends! Small groups at FirstChurch offer rich opportunities for Christian fellowship and spiritual growth. firstchurchdallas.org/groups
children & youth
FirstKids are our focus and future.
FirstYouth: The faith journey continues.
FirstKids Sunday morning programs integrate worship, learning and service to build a dynamic community of faith for all ages. Each group of children works toward age-appropriate faith goals consisting of Bible knowledge, Christian spirituality and Methodist beliefs and history. World transformation begins by educating our children, and the FirstChurch family works tirelessly to equip our FirstKids to know the divine love of God and empower them to be instruments in sharing that love with others.
The junior high and high school years are a defining time in the spiritual lives of young people. FirstYouth provides a friendly, safe space for students to ask questions about their faith and build Christian community. Students are valued and loved by God for who they are, where they are, and we work hard to provide an environment that honors them.
Contact Children and Youth Ministries
Programs for Children & Youth Developmental Providing quality childcare and accredited pre-Kindergarten education, Learning FirstChurch’s Developmental Learning Center 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday
Nursery 8:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. First Floor Nursery
FirstKids Grades 1–5 9:45 a.m. Second Floor Children’s Wing
Camp Big Church
Center is staffed with trained professionals who engage children in individualized educational programs.
Childcare is available for Infants through Kindergarten-age children on Sunday morning. During the Sunday school hour, toddlers through Kindergarten learn about the Bible through ageappropriate curriculum.
Confirmation 9:45 a.m. Room 310
Youth Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Third Floor Youth Room
Elementary-age children learn the stories of the Bible through age-appropriate crafts, music, videos and storytelling.
Higher Ground
A nine-week study for Kindergartners helps them learn how to worship with their parents and the FirstChurch family and introduces them to the concepts of offerings, baptisms and communion.
Wednesday Nights
Our 6th grade Sunday morning class, confirmation is a special time to begin a journey of faith that nurtures and challenges kids to discover what it means to be a young Methodist. 7th–12th graders meet for fellowship, games, snacks, teaching and smallgroup discussion that provides them space to study scripture and talk about what they believe and what it looks like to be a person of faith.
7th–12th graders meet to put their faith into action via service projects, worship services, community builders and more.
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Third Sundays Third Floor
6:30 p.m. Third Floor Youth Room
FirstYouth offers Bible study and ageand gender-based small groups on Wednesday nights for students to go deeper in the study of their faith and to provide a place to rest and share life during the week.
Laura McCavit Director of Children’s Ministries 214-220-2727, ext. 229 lmccavit@fumcdallas.org Quenetta Cox Director, Developmental Learning Center qcox@fumcdallas.org Dorian Albert Assistant Director of Children and Youth Ministries 214-220-2727, ext. 222 dalbert@fumcdallas.org Brandi Manes Director of Youth Ministries 214-220-2727, ext. 227 bmanes@fumcdallas.org
mission & outreach
Together, we’re answering God’s call to empower our neighbors by fighting hunger and providing holistic education. Our commitment to serve is a critical part of the faith journey we travel. Where is God at work in my life? How well am I responding to God’s work in me? The themes of these questions are elemental to how we choose to live our lives as engaged Christians. The FirstChurch Mission and Outreach Committee works to help members systematically answer God’s call to serve. Many members and visitors choose to serve through Crossroads Community Services, the flagship urban ministry of FirstChurch, which distributes millions of pounds of nutritious food to our neighbors in need each year. Others devote their resources to the Rise Fund, which supports agencies’ efforts to combat hunger and empower the city’s most
Rev. Linda Roby Associate Minister of Local & Global Missions. 214-220-2727, ext. 214 lroby@fumcdallas.org
vulnerable populations through a competitive grant application process. Our vibrant missions and ministries serve not only our members, but embrace the needs of our community as well. Look closely as you exit through many of FirstChurch’s doors, and you’ll see a poignant reminder of our call to serve our neighbors: “Through these doors the church goes to engage the world.” Join us in this story as we grow together, care for each other and push outside of our walls to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Rev. Jay Cole Exec. Dir., Crossroads Community Services 214-560-2511 jcole@fumcdallas.org ccsdallas.org
music & arts
Long before the Dallas Arts District emerged, FirstChurch offered rich programming in music, drama, dance and the visual arts. Our tradition of worshiping God through music and the arts continues to grow in new and exciting ways. The combined voice of a 100-member Chancel Choir fills the sanctuary each Sunday morning and is accompanied by a stunning Casavant pipe organ—a combination that richly complements FirstChurch’s classically inspired worship. Approximately one-fourth of our members are actively involved in music and arts programs. Opportunities include choirs for all ages, handbell ensembles, on-stage and behind-the-scenes theater roles, and monthly art exhibits in the Goodrich Gallery—just to name a few. There is something for everyone who loves and appreciates music and the arts, and we warmly welcome all who wish to participate!
Dana Effler Director of Music & Arts 214-220-2727, ext. 219 deffler@fumcdallas.org
Music and Arts Opportunities Children 3 years – 6th grade
Youth 7th – 12th grade
FirstChurch shares the joy of God’s gift of music with our children. Whether singing or playing an instrument, FirstChurch children are instructed by professionals who provide a musical education coupled with Christian teachings. Variations is our youth choir for 7th – 12th grade singers, and Carillon Ringers is the youth bells choir. They tour and perform a fully staged musical variety show annually in addition to singing regularly in worship at FirstChurch.
Adults
The Chancel Choir is the cornerstone for our 11 a.m. worship service. In addition, we have three other adult ensembles: The FirstMen’s Chorus, FirstWomen’s Chorus and Vox Nova. Our two adult handbell choirs provide music for worship services.
Theatre
FirstChurch has a rich history of producing quality plays, musicals and radio and television broadcasts. The Rotunda Theatre offers opportunities both on stage and backstage for those who love theatre.
Goodrich Gallery
Featuring new exhibits each month, The Goodrich Gallery enriches our church while showcasing the work of gifted local and national artists.
welcome home
Dear Friend,
Membership at FirstChurch Means...
The church is a place to find our Center for ourselves and our family. Megan and I met in a United Methodist Church, where we began our relationship with people surrounding and encouraging us to learn, serve and give. As Megan and I have celebrated milestones and grieved losses, we have been centered by the faithful called the church. Our sons, Alex and Wesley, were baptized, and we imagine their beginnings in church will serve to center their lives and their families. The church could be their home.
Prayers: Be in prayer with and for your church family. Pray for the ministries of this church, for those that we hope to reach and for your friends and family.
In our culture, there are few places where acceptance, forgiveness, accountability and love abide. It is the church where people come to connect to something more than themselves. Having a “church home” means having a place to build on relationships with God and neighbor. A church home is a place where you can celebrate your milestones and grieve your losses. Surrounding you is grace and mercy, hope and wholeness. When Megan and I came to FirstChurch, we were accepted as we were. Our connection with children, youth and adults at FirstChurch has shaped our faith in God and our faith in humanity. Our sons have found a place where they can share their voices, ask questions and learn about faith. FirstChurch challenges us to be better followers of Jesus, better partners, better parents, better friends and better citizens. Throughout our experience, FirstChurch has shown us a love that points to the greater Love of God. We cannot imagine being people who are without a place to find their Center. Our fervent prayer is that, by our example, our children will learn that there is a place for them in the church. Our greatest hope is that, by the church’s example, we may find our Center again Sunday after Sunday—so that as we live and work in the world, strangers and the estranged will find us to be generous friends. You are invited to find your Center at FirstChurch. Together, we are held . . . In God’s Love,
Dr. Andy Stoker, Senior Minister
Presence: Worship with us and covenant to be present in the life of this church. Gifts: God entrusts all of us with unique gifts, both spiritual and financial. Because everything that we have, and everything that we are is a gift from God, we covenant together our spiritual and financial gifts to support the mission and ministries of God’s church. Service: We respond to God’s call to transform the world and actively participate in the many opportunities for service both inside and outside of the walls of our church. Witness: Our words and actions should reflect our faith, and we covenant to work with God to make this a reality in our lives.
1928 ROSS AVE | DALLAS, TX 75201 | 214.220.2727 Dr. Andrew C. Stoker, Senior Minister firstchurchdallas.org