FirstNews
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF DALLAS
DECEMBER 2015
THE 2015 MINISTRY YEAR IN REVIEW. Dear FirstChurch, It was exciting to share many of the highlights from 2015 at Charge Conference as part of the “Lay Servant Update”. It’s hard to believe how much we accomplished in such a short time, and it makes me excited for all we will do in the new year. Taking time to reflect on all the lives touched and changed over the last year, I count mine among them. I hope FirstChurch continues to be a source of growth and community for you and your family. Jason Schayot 2015 Church Council Chair
Last month, I was blessed to have been a part of a very special event here at FirstChurch… the Hanging of the Greens. We invite all the young families and our children to celebrate Advent decorating and witnessing the first lighting of the trees in our Sanctuary. It was so gratifying as the Chair of the Church Council to witness the Holy Spirit at work in our Sanctuary… watching hundreds of young families gather and worship… and await together, the coming of the Christ child. On a personal note, it was also really neat for me, because my oldest daughter performed on oboe and did a wonderful job providing music while the congregation each took a turn to hang an ornament on the Chrismon tree! I witnessed first hand that this church is VIBRANT! This has been a neat year for me as a dad, not only watching my oldest daughter perform in the service, but also that my youngest twin daughters received their Bibles as part of their (continued on next page)
First United Methodist Church of Dallas 1928 Ross Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75201
Dr. Andrew C. Stoker, Senior Minister
214-220-2727
www.firstchurchdallas.org
third grade Sunday school class. FirstChurch is planting seeds with my children, and all of our children among our congregation, watering and nurturing these seeds and giving them sunlight to grow. I stood in front of all of you at the pulpit one month ago and affirmed how I am blessed to have been raised by FirstChurch! There is fertile soil here among our congregation… fertile soil that is cultivated and maintained by our inspired laity. I am proud of what FirstChurch has done this year. Did you know that our church has welcomed 92 new members this year? 92! 28 of these have been professions of faith. This number 28 is significant in that 70% of U.S. United Methodist churches did not receive one profession of faith this year. Not one! For professions of faith, United Methodist churches count youth completing Confirmation and new adult church members who make a profession to follow Christ. The number does not include people who transfer from one church to another. We affirmed 28 professions of faith, and only one of these was from our Confirmation class. So we are reaching out in our urban community and welcoming in adult new Christians! This church is VIBRANT! We had 37 FirstChurch volunteers serve 38 students in over one thousand tutoring sessions at J.J. Rhoads Learning Center through the Reading Partners program. This is significant because our Reading Partners program is completely lay driven. There is not a staff member assigned to coordinate. What started as an idea with Dottie Dunnam, has grown this year as Tom Martin, one of our long-time members and a fellow tenor in the choir, has taken over as program coordinator for the school (not just of our FirstChurch volunteers!). Tom started with one reading partner and enjoyed it so much that he asked to take on a second reading partner. Tom is the driving force behind the amazing work happening in our Zip Code project at J.J. Rhoads. This church is VIBRANT out in the community, giving selflessly for others!
We are a highly connected church, with FirstChurch University enrolling nearly 200 people in evening classes including Wednesday night food and fellowship catered by FirstChurch member, Vince Corona. 83 people have experienced the power of small group ministry through Connect Groups. New members have already credited their Connect Group with fostering lifelong friendships and strengthening their faith and participation in the FirstChurch congregation. The choirs, young and Chancel, have performed in the services, with Joyful Noise (3- and 4-year-old choir) being led by my wife, Molly, so I hear on a weekly basis that choir is VIBRANT! This summer, our Chancel Choir and Imperial Brass performed an Americana Concert in anticipation of the 4th of July! It was a special evening of song, celebration and tribute attended by over 600 people from all over the community! Our Variations youth choir of nearly 50 voices toured this summer to Chicago, performing for congregations in St. Louis, Tulsa and Springfield. Our prayer shawl ministry dedicated more than 70 prayer shawls, each lovingly prepared by our laity to be shared with people in times of need as a tangible reminder of our prayers and love that surround them. This church is VIBRANT! From the Service of Light and Remembrance, to Fall Festival, to Responsible Grace, to FirstSeniors, to Happy City, to Vacation Bible School, to Steel Magnolias in our Rotunda, to the start-up of Zone56 for fifth and sixth graders, to Sing Praise to God at the Meyerson Symphony Center with the Chancel Choir & Mack Wilberg, to the Women’s Retreat, to the Annual Chili Cookoff… WOW! 2015 has been a celebration of God’s love for us and a tangible response in mission and outreach from our congregation here at FirstChurch. It has been my honor to serve as 2015 Chair of the Church Council here, at the church where I LIVE… First United Methodist Church of Dallas.
END-OF-YEAR GIVING Make sure the star of ministry at FirstChurch shines bright this Christmas season! Funding vibrant ministry at FirstChurch becomes especially important at the end of each year. To meet our year-end obligations, FirstChurch is in need of $560,000 before December 31. Please do your part by making a contribution today. For more information call Wendy Westberg at 214-220-2727, ext. 203. Or make your donation at firstchurchdallas.org/give. We will end our year on January 4, 2016.
Goodrich Gallery December 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’s annual exhibit of art by members of FirstChurch opens with a reception on Sunday, December 6, from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. in the gallery. The Goodrich Gallery committee extends a special invitation to the reception and hopes that you will revisit the exhibit many times during the coming
Membership Show
weeks. The art will be on display through Sunday, December 27.
Prepare for the coming of the Christ child with A Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 20, during 11:00 worship. This service will be led by our Chancel Choir and will include music from the Alleluya Ringers and readings from the Old and New Testaments telling the Nativity story. We hope that you will join us for this wonderful day of song and celebration! Hymns and Carols include: Angels from the Realms of Glory I Saw Three Ships The First Noel Adam lay ybounden Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day Let There Be Light
REGENT SQUARE
arr. Jason W. Krug arr. Cathy Moklebust Boris Ord John Gardner Craig Courtney
There is No Rose Ave Maria My Lord has Come Angels in Seven Lully, Lulla, Lullay Silent Night Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
Alan Smith Philip Stopford Will Todd arr. Philip Kern Philip Stopford Peter Anglea In Dulci Jubilo
Advent
at FirstChurch
Sunday, Dec. 6 Our children’s choirs and the Chancel Choir provide music for our 11 a.m. Advent worship service. FirstGifts Christmas Market will offer alternative Christmas gift options supporting 16 local and global missions from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Fiedler Atrium. Advent Study - Interrupted by Hope Rev. Blair Thompson and Rev. Tom Downing lead a compelling video series and discussion. Tuesdays through Dec. 22: Noon - 1 p.m. (bring your own lunch, water and tea provided), or Wednesdays through Dec. 16. All are welcome. No registration required. Childcare available on Wednesday evenings. 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Room G05. Sunday, Dec. 13 Variations Youth Choir, Carillon Ringers and the Chancel Choir will provide music for our 11 a.m. Advent worship service. Dr. Andy Stoker’s message is “Trouble in River City”. Sunday, Dec. 20 Join us for food and fellowship at the All-Church Breakfast in Fiedler Atrium from 8:30 – 11 a.m. Trains will be set up in Crossroads Center. Bring your favorite breakfast dish to share while you enjoy the model train display, see our very own Live Nativity (weather permitting, animals included), grab a craft to do together and even get in a little last minute Christmas shopping at our FirstGifts Mini Market!
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Dr. Andy Stoker’s message at 8:45 a.m. is “The Lord-A-Leaping”. The Chancel Choir and Alleluya Ringers will present A Service of Lessons and Carols during the 11 a.m. Advent worship service. If you’re finding the holidays to be difficult, you’re invited to share in A Service of Light & Hope, a special Christmas service where we are reminded that yes, the Christ child offers light and hope for us in the midst of our struggles. 5 p.m. in Dickerson Chapel. Thursday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Services - New Service Times! 4:30 p.m. – Our traditional, family-oriented Christmas Eve service including Children at the Manger and candlelight. Streaming live on firstchurchdallas.org. 7:30 p.m. – Sacrament of Holy Communion – ongoing until 8:30 p.m. in Dickerson Chapel. 9:30 p.m. – A Candlelight Christmas Eve at FirstChurch – Dr. Stoker’s message is “The Wait is Over” and music for the service will be provided by the Christmas Eve Choir (also streaming live on firstchurchdallas.org and telecast in HD at 11:35 p.m. following Jimmy Kimmell on WFAA-TV, Channel 8).
FirstGifts Sunday, Dec. 6 8:30 - 1 Fiedler Atrium FirstGifts Alternative Christmas Giving Market provides an opportunity to offer tangible missionoriented merchandise and gift donation cards for meaningful Christmas gift giving. Agencies and projects represented: CCS (CCS soup) Project Transformation (cards) Dallas Bethlehem Center (tea cake mix) Wesley-Rankin (pralines) CC Young (wooden cars) Methodist Hospital (pecans) Costa Rica (tamales, coffee) Family Gateway (reindeer cocoa ) New Friends New Life (chain bracelets) Heifer/youth missions (FirstChurch ornaments) Mission Possible Kids/UMCOR (Soap Hope) RISE (re-usable grocery bags) JJ Rhoads school partnership Kairos Prison Ministry (handmade items) Austin Street Center (manna bags) Boy Scout Troop (popcorn)
Save the Date for a
Women’s Retreat
Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 8 a.m – 6 p.m. Several wonderful speakers, including Rev. Dianna Masters, senior pastor of Warren UMC, Thalia Matherson, former UMW National Director and President of the Dallas Retired Teachers Assocation, Rev. Priscilla Pope-Levinson, Associate Dean of External Affairs at Perkins School of Theology and Rev. Cammy Gaston, Metro District Superintendent, who will preside over the communion table at the end of our day together. Hosted by UMW in partnership with Warren UMC.
Children at the Manger Thursday, Dec. 24 at 4:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 Dickerson Chapel
Much of the Christmas music we hear on the radio and in TV ads build up expectations for a happy, merry, joyful season, but Christmas is not always a happy time. If you’re finding the holidays to be difficult, you’re invited to share in this special Christmas service – a service where we are reminded that yes, the Christ child offers light and hope for us in the midst of our struggles. For more information, please contact Rev. Wally Butts at wbutts@fumcdallas.org.
Share the “glitter of angel dust” during one of our most endearing FirstChurch traditions, Children at the Manger. You won’t want to miss our FirstKids Christmas Eve traditional presentation directed by Mrs. Rachel Carter and Mr. Nathaniel Shell. This very informal, family-friendly service includes all the manger animals, angels, potentially a live baby Jesus, and of course Mary, Joseph and the wise men. Don’t forget the candle lighting at the conclusion! Register your child for a part by Dec. 16 at firstchurchdallas.org/childrens-events.
FirstChurch University Classes Begin Week of Jan. 18! Disciple 1 Fast Track Bible Study, led by Rev. Blair Thompson and Katie Corder. Mondays, starting Jan. 18 from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. for 24 weeks Brown Bag Book Study, led by Rev. Wally Butts on “Life of the Beloved� by Henri Nouwen. Tuesdays, starting Jan. 19 from noon to 1 p.m. for five weeks Christianity and World Religions, led by Rev. Tom Downing. Tuesdays, starting Jan. 19 from 6:15-7:30 p.m. for five weeks
TED Talks: Exploring Ideas to Change Attitudes, Lives, and the World, led by Rev. Blair Thompson. Wednesdays, starting Jan. 20 from 6:20 to 7:35 p.m. for five weeks, with a week off for Ash Wednesday. Conscious Aging, led by Dr. Mary Anne Reed. Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 23, 27, and Feb. 13, 27 at Walnut Hill UMC. And more! Registration begins the week of Jan. 4!
The Story of Your Family, led by Kelvin Meyers. Tuesdays, starting Jan. 19 from 6:15-7:30 p.m. for five weeks Discover Your Enneagram Type, led by Lennijo Henderson, Gary Duke, and Susan Holloway. Tuesdays, starting Jan. 19 from 6:15-7:45 p.m. for twelve weeks. An Evening with Dr. Walter Brueggemann, with dinner and discussion before the Perkins lecture, led by Rev. Linda and Frank Roby, on Monday, February 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. General Conference 2016 and You! How Methodism Can Improve Your Heart Health, led by Dr. Andy Stoker. Wednesdays, starting Jan. 20 from 6:20 to 7:35 p.m. for five weeks, with a week off for Ash Wednesday.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP. Lunch. Learn. Connect. Explore membership at FirstChurch during brunch with Senior Minister Dr. Andy Stoker. This informal conversation offers a brief history of FirstChurch along with opportunities to connect with FirstChurch members.
Sunday, January 10. firstchurchdallas.org/firststep
Thank you for your support and for helping to save lives by making transfusion possible! The 41 pints collected may save up to 123 lives!
First Church
COSTA RICA FAMILY-FRIENDLY MISSION Join us for mission in Costa Rica. You’ll be challenged, refreshed, and experience love at work through the faithful people of the Methodist church in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Make this part of your Lenten Journey to grow your understanding of yourself, others and God. March 6 - 13, 2016. Information meeting Dec. 13 in G04. RSVP at firstchurchdallas.org/costa-rica-mission.
UPDATE After careful review of grant applications, financial statements, site visits, and staff interviews, we are proud to announce that the following agencies will receive Rise funding for budget year 2016. Crossroads Community Services - $50,000 Dallas Bethlehem Center - $15,000 Family Gateway - $5,000 JJ Rhoads - $7,000 Methodist Children’s Home of Costa Rica - $10,500 MissionNow - $5,300 Project Transformation - $20,000 Wesley Rankin - $15,000 These agencies continue to address hunger and education, many of which have significant FirstChurch member involvement. We are excited for all the ways our grants will increase the impact these agencies have transforming the lives of our neighbors in need.
Thank you to the 2015 committee: Randall McCleskey (Chair), John Bryant, Bruce Butler, Todd McCavit, Early Denison, John Jenkins, Fletcher Cordell, Jeanne Warren, Joy Mitchell, Lori Louis, Karen Mangum and Ann Pond. Questions: contact Rev. Linda Roby - lroby@fumcdallas.org To all who have supported the Rise Fund, thank you for your financial support and time. You are helping to expand FirstChurch’s impact and respond to God’s call to serve our neighbors in need.
FirstChurch Welcomes Our Newest Members
Nora Shrewsbury with her parents Ben and Melissa
Barrett Lynn Standridge with his parents Nyles & Laura
Jonathan & David Trent-Carlson
Quincy Johan Roberts with his parents Quincy Roberts & Yeni Ventura & sister Sydney
Care & Concern BIRTHS: Elliott Caroline Manes, daughter of Aaron & Brandi Manes DEATHS: Shirley Martin, wife of Lester Martin Ann St.Clair
Jan. 8, March 4 & May 6, 2016 Drop o kids to DLC or Triumph Sports Camp at 6 p.m., attend parenting class from 6-6:45 p.m. led by Lowry Manders, then head out to dinner to talk about your learnings. Be back by 9 p.m. to pick up kids! More information coming soon!
Ed & Carol Nace
John Jenkins pictured with Rev. Linda Roby and fellow Juarez Mission Trip participants
DEATHS (cont.): Travis Ward, husband of Phyllis Ward Alice Hargis, mother of Joan Bexley Maxine Roby, sister of Frank Roby Margaret Griscom, mother of Beverly Kohrs Bud, brother of Janet Orchard
FirstChurch Holiday Schedule Church offices will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 25 and beginning at noon Dec. 31 through Jan. 1, 2016. In case of emergency, please call 214-220-2727 and follow the instructions to reach a minister on call.