FirstNews
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF DALLAS
FEBRUARY 2015
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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
On Ash Wednesday, February 18, we end the season of Epiphany in the Christian year. Epiphany is the season after Christmas where we remember the revelation of who Jesus the Christ was—and is—for the world. The season of Lent is a 40-day period during which we remember the person and work of Christ who was in the form of Jesus. Ash Wednesday is an opportunity to remember the humanity of Jesus by ritualistically placing ashes on our heads. These ashes signify our own understanding of our earthliness. This one day of remembrance sends us on a journey where we walk with Jesus in his own understanding of the human condition and humanity’s deep need for God’s mercy and grace. Christians remember Jesus’ sacrifice as Christ by relinquishing one aspect of our lives for 40 days. Often, we relinquish something that brings us comfort like food stuffs, technology, etc. We “give up” the types of things that require us to conveniently take on without looking to God first. Some Christians dedicate themselves
to some sort of fast like a food fast (not eating from sun up to sun down) or fasting from speaking for a period of time during the day or week. Even other Christians take on something during Lent so that it may become a habit beyond Lent like volunteer work or more fervent and lengthy prayer. This year at FirstChurch, Lent is what you make of it. Obviously, taking on weekly worship services is a way to connect with your faith family to provide encouragement during this season (and the year). In joining a new FirstChurch Connect Group, you may discover how giving up an hour a week for small-group study and fellowship can strengthen your relationship with God (see p. 2 for more details on this). Praying and fasting are still other ways you can choose to engage in Lent. Whatever you take on or let go during Lent, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as, together, we find our Center in Christ Jesus.
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Worship Opportunities During Lent Ash Wednesday Services Feb. 18 12 - 1:30 p.m. Come & Go in Dickerson Chapel 6:30 p.m. Fellowship Dinner in Fiedler Atrium 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Palm Sunday Service March 29 Palm Processional at 11 a.m. worship service
Maundy Thursday Service April 2 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Good Friday Service April 3 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Easter Sunday Services April 5 7, 9 & 11 a.m. First United Methodist Church of Dallas 1928 Ross Avenue | Dallas, Texas 75201 214-220-2727 firstchurchdallas.org Dr. Andrew C. Stoker, Senior Minister
connect GROUPS FOR LIFE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
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FirstChurch is starting a new small-group ministry called Connect Groups. These groups, comprised of 8-12 people, will meet once a week for the purpose of connecting with God and one another. Groups gather in neighborhood locations for five weeks and spend time studying together, praying for one another, and developing deep friendships. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, brought together similar groups of people to help one another live holy lives. He believed that there is “no personal holiness without social holiness.” Our faith is communal. Participating in a group whose focus is growing together in knowledge and love of God is a key part of faith formation.
Why are Connect Groups important to FirstChurch? We believe that Connect Groups help individuals to become more deeply devoted followers of Jesus. They provide the space for people to question, reflect and support one another as they live out their faith in their daily lives. And it is who we are as United Methodists! Methodism began with small groups who met for the purpose of holding one another accountable and building up one another in the faith. Why should I participate? “I have been a part of a small group for years and it has truly changed my life. My relationship with God has deepened because of the time I have spent studying, listening and reflecting in the small group setting. It provides the space for people to develop authentic relationships with one another. Small groups can be a means of grace, for sure!” –Rev. Blair Thompson Why else should I participate? You will get to know your FirstChurch neighbors! The groups will meet once a week in different neighborhood settings. Our hope is that you will meet FirstChurch members who live near you. This is also a way for our church to be more visible in our communities.
What is the difference between Connect Groups and Sunday School? Connect Groups meet throughout the city at different times during the week. People commit to participating in a Connect Group for one session that lasts five weeks. Our ministers write the curriculum that allows for thoughtful and thorough discussion on topics that are most relevant to our congregation. Groups conclude their time with a social or service activity and may choose to continue on together. Sunday school classes meet on Sunday mornings at the church. When do Connect Groups start? Our first session of Connect Groups starts the week of March 1 and meets for five weeks. Additional sessions will start in April and September and each will meet for five weeks. When/where do Connect Groups meet? Connect Groups meet throughout the week at locations throughout the city. Visit firstchurchdallas.org/groups beginning February 9 for information about the times and locations.
sessions or may end after five weeks. Your commitment is for five weeks. You may choose to join another group when a new session begins. How do I sign up? Visit firstchurchdallas.org/groups beginning February 9. You will see each location on a map with details about who the leaders are and when the groups meet. You can also stop by our Connection Points or Welcome Desk on Sundays, or call Elise Daniel at 214-220-2727, ext. 224. What about childcare? Childcare for newborn to elementary school-aged children is provided for groups that meet at the church. You can make a reservation for childcare when you register for a group online. Need more information? Stop by one of Connection Points on Sundays or contact Rev. Blair Thompson, Associate Minister of Discipleship at bthompson@ fumcdallas.org or Jennifer Tolin, Director of Connectional Ministries at jtolin@fumcdallas.org.
Do I have to stay in the same Connect Group for each session? Each session will offer a new set of Connect Groups. Your current group may choose to continue on between
Register at firstchurchdallas.org/groups
Public Education: Why Should I Care? Learn about the work of the Home-Rule Charter Commission by attending the first of a three-part series presented by FUMC’s Church and Society Council. Bob Weiss, the commission’s chair, will speak. You’ll enjoy his candid, intelligent, informative discussion of the findings and recommendations of the HRCC. Tom Dunning, long-time member of FUMC and Co-Chair of Forum for Dallas Public Education, will introduce Mr. Weiss and moderate a brief question and answer session. A catered lunch will be provided for $10. Childcare available. Register at firstchurchdallas.org/public-ed Sunday, Feb. 15. 12 – 2 p.m. Crossroads Center.
@FirstChurch
Women’s Retreat
Saturday, February 7. Springhill Retreat Center 9 a.m – 4 p.m.
Your story matters—and it is part of a much bigger story about God’s redeeming grace! Women of all ages are invited to the Women’s Retreat, sponsored by UMW. Rev. Blair Thompson will be leading us as we explore the theme “Tell Me The Story.” Connect with yourself, others, and God in a way that will inspire and recapture your joy and passion for the spiritual life. Register at firstchurchdallas.org/womens-retreat
Life’s Balance: Loving your kids and each other... at the same time. with Dr. Andy Stoker
Sunday, February 15th 9:45 - 10:45 AM The Fiedler Atrium
Family Enrichment Speaker Series sponsored by Eve: a Circle of Moms
Join Eve Circle as they begin a new series of family enrichment speakers. Dr. Andy Stoker will present “Life’s Balance: Loving Your Kids and Loving Each Other… at the Same Time”. The program introduces concepts for a better life balance with you and your spouse. Take time to love one another with this opportunity… together. 9:45 a.m. in Fiedler Atrium
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1. Prayer Shawl Ministry. On Sunday, Jan. 11, we dedicated more than 70 prayer shawls lovingly prepared by our Prayer Shawl Ministry Team. These handcrafted items are shared with people as a tangible reminder of our prayers and love that surround them. The team first gathered in the spring of 2012 as part of a One Great Gift of Service project. Since that time, more than 170 items have been shared – often in hospital rooms, but wherever our love and prayers can surround someone – even as far away as Costa Rica. “I’m so honored to think that my
handiwork is going to people facing difficult times,” says team leader Sandy Martin. Members of the team don’t know who will be comforted by their handiwork, which makes the prayers they offer during the creation process all the more meaningful. In addition to learning and sharing knitting and crochet talents, the fellowship and friendship the team shares are priceless. Everyone – beginner and expert alike – is invited to join in the ministry, whether you prefer to work from home or with the group, and whether you have time and talent to create one item per year or
many more. Join us 10 a.m.Noon on 2nd & 4th Saturdays in UrbanLife, or 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. on 3rd Mondays at C.C. Young. So many people have been blessed by this ministry, and perhaps you have a story to share about how you have been blessed after receiving a shawl. If you have a story to share – or if you would like to find out how you can join in this labor of love, please contact Sandy Martin at sandy.martin13@att.net. 2. FirstGifts. Thank you to all the great leaders and volunteers who made FirstGifts a wonderful event. Because
of the generosity of our members, over $30,000.00 was distributed to 18 worthy causes in our city and around the world. You made a difference! 3. Chili Cookoff. The annual FirstChurch Chili Cookoff was held Sunday, Jan. 25. The Rise, Shine Class won “Best Traditional & Non Traditional Chili”. With your continued support of this annual event, we raised almost $800 this year towards the Homebound Media Ministry!
Welcome Our Newest Members
Susan Wolfe
Scott & Tammy Childers
Care & Concern DEATHS: Sincere sympathy to the family of: John Neal BIRTHS: Congratulations on the birth of: Perry Eugene Sanderson, son of Perry and Amy Sanderson
Encouraging conversations that build understanding and inspire reconciliation. That’s putting beliefs into action. That’s Church. Selma Movie Event & Discussion Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2:30 p.m. Ticket information and more details coming soon.
Events at FirstChurch Starbright, a Gathering of Light A Concert benefitting the Dallas Bethlehem Center Friday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Eisemann Center Tickets: www.eisemanncenter.com
FCU Spring Second Half Classes Begin Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Senior Issues Forum:
“Residence Choices for Senior Adults” Saturday, Feb. 28 9 a.m. - Noon in Fiedler Atrium Are you caring for an aging parent? Are you a senior adult considering making a residence change? FirstSeniors presents a special edition of our yearly Senior Issues Forum to help seniors and their family members make residence choices:
New Classes Begin such as First Corinthians, led by Dr. Andy Stoker, Women of the Bible: How Their Dynamic Stories Shape Our Story, led by Rev. Blair Thompson and Corporate Worship, led by Diane Bricker. Register at firstchurchdallas. org/firstchurchuniversity.
UMW Unit Meeting Sunday, Feb. 22 at Noon in UrbanLife All inactive UMW members, new members of FirstChurch, and visitors are encouraged to join us for insightful programming, service to missions, and fellowship in 2015.
Experts will answer the following questions: “What does it take for a senior adult to remain at home?” “When should seniors move to a new residence?” “What residence options are available in our community?” “What do we do if a new residence does not meet our expectations?” “How do seniors deal with the spiritual issues of change and loss?” Panelists will each make a brief presentation on what they believe to be the most important issues in residence choices, and then take questions from those attending. Our experts include:
All-Church Costa Rica Taco Lunch Sunday, March 1 at Noon in Fiedler Atrium Enjoy a delicious taco lunch and be a part of changing the lives in Costa Rica. March 8 - 15, our team of 44 - children, youth, and adults - will travel to Costa Rica to work in construction, VBS for local children, and a medical fair in the community supporting the work of the Methodist Church in Costa Rica. Come hear from the team about the ministry, why they are going, and what they hope for!
Dr. Marcela Wentzel, Gerontologist, and member of FirstChurch Courtney Smith, LCSW, Director of Elder Support, The Senior Source Suzanna Sulfstede, LMSW, Director, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, The Senior Source Rev. Tom Downing, Minister to Senior Adults, FirstChurch Free. Register beginning Feb. 8 at firstchurchdallas.org/seniorsforum.
5th Sunday Mission Sunday, March 29 9:45 am in Crossroads Center Sarah Squires, Executive Director of the Wesley Rankin Community Center in West Dallas, will speak on “Mission Today: Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile”. Wesley Rankin has served the Dallas area in mission for 112 years. Hosted by UMW. Project: Easter bags for Wesley Rankin senior citizens.
Ruth Litwin, painter Goodrich Gallery February Exhibit Gallery Hours 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - Noon Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday
The February exhibit in The Goodrich Gallery focuses on the artwork of Ruth Litwin. The exhibit opened with a reception on Sunday, February 1 in the gallery. The artist is hosting a second reception in the gallery on February 22 from 2 - 3 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to view the exhibit and meet the artist. “I use pattern to portray the twists and turns that happen every day in all our lives. We have interruptions not always of our choosing
that change our next moves whether we continue to work or we have to leave. When we come back to the painting the motivation has somewhat changed. The work is now going to be different. As an experimenter and a dreamer I work intuitively. Passion and determination have put more clarity in my art. Instinctively I manipulate shapes and colors with fascination. I use many shapes weaving in and out. Layers of paint and negative spaces signify our times and how we live. The colors are bright and neon. I want the viewer to look and have the shock of the intensity, to come into the experience and see the different layers and go deep into the interior of the work. The painting has become complicated. Every cell as a painting within itself. First you see the overall structure and if you stop and look, you can see the parts that make me whole. Ultimately, on a personal level and with my art, my vision is to have harmony, peace and trust in myself.”
Camp Goodrich: Hands-on arts education. FirstChurch hosts concert by worldrenowned organist and percussionist July 20 – 24, 2015; $200 9 am. – 4 p.m. in the FirstChurch Gym
Know a kid, age 9 to 12, who loves art and wants to learn more? Sign-up for Camp Goodrich today! Filled with hands-on art experiences, museum visits and more! • Photography, sculpture (2D & 3D), screen print. • Tours of the DMA, Crow Collection, and more. • Daily snacks • T-shirt • Art exhibit and reception Sam Williamson, Teaching Artist Beverly Regan, Camp Coordinator Registration capped at 25. Spots held for church members until February 12. Register at firstchurchdallas.org/camp
Monday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m., Free
Percussion and organ, a somewhat unexpected combination with a surprisingly pleasing sound, now has its own duo of performers who were featured at the 2012 National American Guild of Organists convention in Nashville. Organized Rhythm’s appearances have been described with terms such as “absolutely incredible,” “a show-stopper,” and “a stunning program.” Concert organist Clive Driskill-Smith, praised for his “unbelievable virtuosity” currently serves as sub-organist at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford, UK. Playing alongside DriskillSmith is multi-percussionist Christoph Eschenbach, director of the Julliard Summer Percussion Seminar and member of Yo-Yo Ma’s SilkRoad Ensemble.
Presented by Variations Sunday, February 22, 5 PM in the Sanctuary
By Amy Fifer and Lisa Kresl, Variations Fundraiser Co-Chairs
Get ready for jazz hands, high kicks, sequins and silver bowler hats. The Variations youth choir presents “Go Go Chicago” Sunday, February 22, at 5 p.m. The annual musical variety show is under the direction of Dana Effler, Director of Music and Arts. In January and February, the group, aided by their parents, will ask for donations to raise money in support of their summer tour to Chicago. Stops on the tour include performing at retirement centers in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Springfield, Missouri. Variations also will sing at Concord Trinity United Methodist Church in St. Louis and for a communion service at First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple. A highlight will be meeting Keith Hampton, who composed “Praise His Holy Name.” The variety show will be a tribute to the generosity of their donors. Dana, along with Tim Effler, Associate Director of Music/Organist, has planned a musical program that will appeal to all generations. History and culture come alive with ditties from the Depression such as “I Want to be Happy” and “The Charleston”. Wax nostalgic with Chicago boomer ballads “You’re the Inspiration” and “Saturday in the Park”. Variations will give you a show that’s so splendiferous with songs from the musical “Chicago,” including “Razzle Dazzle” and “Roxie.”
Choreographed by Beth Wortley, the show features dancing, ringing and an appearance by the Counterpoint Choir. Variations tour and fundraiser are a FirstChurch tradition. Variations President and senior Ben Howell says one of his favorite tour memories was the trip to Colorado in 2010. “Will Keeter and Kenneth Mount were my hiking buddies. We spent hours playing in the snow, laughing and having a great time.” Alto Section Leader and senior Tate Giddens says, “Despite the long Sunday practices,
show season is my favorite season in Variations. Guided by an effervescent director and surrounded by friends, the fundraiser is a cool experience filled with laughter and memories. Each year my favorite part of the show is the choreography, which is fun, lively, and brightens up the entire song.” After you get a taste of that toddlin’ town at the show, please join Variations for treats at the reception following the performance in the Fiedler Atrium.
Meet Our 2015 Church Council
Leah Bailey
Barbara Boudreaux
Chad Brister
Connectional Ministries Chair leahcbailey@yahoo.com
DLC Oversight Board Chair
Finance Chair
Nancy Fears Congregational Care Chair njfears@cs.com
bmboudreaux@gmail.com
Liza Hameline
Brianna Brown
United Methodist Women President chad.brister@meritenergy.com
Emily Clark
Marsha Edwards
Youth Action Committee Chair
Local & Global Missions Chair marsha@swbell.net
brianna.brown@sbcglobal.net
Vel Hawes
Parent Action Board of Trustees Chair Committee Chair hawescasa@sbcglobal.net liza.hameline@gmail.com
Sarah Mitchell
Rob Ray
Keith Salmon
Adult Education Chair smitchell@jw.com
Media Chair rray5568@sbcglobal.net
UrbanLife President rksalmonjr89@gmail.com
Susan Holloway
Lynne Mabry
Kelvin Meyers
Church & Society Chair scanhol@gmail.com
CCS Missions Chair lmabry85@att.net
History & Archive Chair klm4343@yahoo.com
Jason Schayot
Jean E. Sides
Church Council Chair Children’s Council Chair jason.schayot@richardson. jeanesides@me.com k12.tx.us
Angie Stinnett Senior Adult Ministries Chair bigdfolks@aol.com
Annual Conference Representatives Glenn Ingram t.glenn.ingram@gmail.com Don Hanmer dhanmer@ccsb.com Sandra Osborn sandra-oz@sbcglobal.net Alexis Willis
Michelle Woods
Jennifer Youpa
Church Council Vice Chair alexis.willis@match.com
Music & Arts Chair mdwoods77@gmail.com
Staff-Parish Relations Chair jyoupa@littler.com
Jennifer Tolin jtolin@fumcdallas.org Richard Stephens rkstephens@me.com