FirstNews
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF DALLAS
JUNE 2015
The Music of Our Lives If all experienced God in the same way and returned God in identical worship, the song of the Church triumphant would have no symphony, it would be played like an orchestra in which all instruments played the same note. —CS Lewis
Generationally, FirstChurch has made a significant impact on the lives of so many. Countless tens of thousands have been touched by the Church’s ministry through the years, inside and outside our walls. Imagine the children who have uttered the name of Jesus for the first time here. Imagine the adolescents who have discovered their vocation in a Sunday school classroom. Imagine the adults who have gained clarity about their lives in our sanctuary, clarity of their past and hope for their future. This is a place where individuals and families come to discover God’s call on their lives.
‘Go, Go, Chicago!’ Variations Tour. Our Variations Choir will share the work and love of music as they tour to and from Chicago June 7–June 14.
Bible Blast to the Past. Vacation Bible School with a twist. We introduce friends of FirstKids to FirstChurch with an invitation to attend ‘summer camp’ free with their friends, June 15–19. Middle School Mission Trip. June 22–27, FirstYouth serve seniors and vulnerable persons within our city through home repair and upkeep. Our students make Dallas better with their labor of love. Generations Unite! Our FirstSeniors celebrate the joys of intergenerational friendship through food and fellowship before the Americana Concert on June 28.
Americana Concert. Finally, we complete our full generational ministry circle with a concert celebrating community, country and church. Together we unify the freedom we have in Christ. June 28 will be a capstone of our month’s ministry. CS Lewis was right: it takes us all, in all our diversity, in all our difference, in all our pasts, in all our bright futures. We are a symphony, not playing the same note, but playing wondrous chords uniting the Spirit and our humanness into a beauteous movement. I will look forward to the collective and sweet music we will make in June. –Dr. Andy Stoker, Senior Minister
The month of June at FirstChurch gives the best of who we’ve been and who we are to become as a church. Blood and Bone Marrow Donation. We look back at the gift of life through blood and bone marrow donation that affected our church family. There is an opportunity to share in the gift of continued life on June 7.
This Summer: Happy City There is much changing in our neighborhood. We begin a new Sunday series in July: “Happy City.” In worship, Rev. Blair Thompson and Dr. Andy Stoker lead a series focusing on the Christian movement in Ephesus. During the Sunday school hour, the Happy City Speaker Series will explore hunger, education, social welfare, the arts and our connectional impact. We hope you’ll plan on making this series part of your FirstChurch summer connection.
1928 Ross Avenue | Dallas, Texas 75201 214-220-2727 firstchurchdallas.org Dr. Andrew C. Stoker, Senior Minister
Children’s choirs performed “The Life of the Party” musical on Sunday, May 3. Pictured left to right: Julia Wilfong, Spence Gilker, Mackenzie Hameline and Kay-Lee Tharp. Photo: Nick McWhirter
THE SPIRIT BLOSSOMS FO U R O PP O RTU N ITI ES TO
Nurture a Child’s Faith Blast to the Past VBS + Sports & Games Camp This summer, FirstChurch offers an expanded VBS program for FirstKids. Join us each morning for Bible Blast to the Past, and stick around each afternoon for an all-new Sports and Games Camp for boys and girls! To share Christ’s love with as many children as possible, we are making VBS registration for your children’s friends available at no cost. Register by June 10. June 15-19 firstchurchdallas.org/vbs
Become a Project Transformation Reading Volunteer Help a child develop their reading skills! The reading takes place at Grace UMC. All volunteers 18 and up must complete a background check and Ministry Safe on-line training. To sign up or for more information contact Beverly Funk at bevjfunktx@att.net. Our two PT interns are Sara Woodard and Jedidiah Starr. They will both be available to speak to Sunday school classes beginning June 3. June 15-18 9:30 - 12:00 p.m. firstchurchdallas.org/love2read
Mission Possible Kids Led by special agents Manny Martinez and Emily Clark, FirstKids’ (rising 1st through 6th graders) Sunday school is undertaking TOP SECRET missions this summer to target and meet needs near and far. We are excited for all that our mission possible kids will discover and accomplish. More communiqué to follow. June 14-August 16 9:45 a.m. in Cornerstone
Camp Goodrich: Hands-on arts education for kids Know a kid between ages 9 to 12 who loves art and wants to learn more? Join Teaching Artist Sam Williamson, senior instructional specialist at Big Thought, for this camp filled with hands-on art experiences, museum visits and more! $200. Photography, sculpture (2D & 3D), screen print; daily snacks; T-shirt, art exhibit and reception. July 20 - 24, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. firstchurchdallas.org/camp
Meet The Harris Family Three years ago, Terry Harris, member of FirstChurch and Foundations Sunday school class, departed on a routine business trip to Atlanta in seemingly good health, but soon found himself in a three-week coma. Unbeknownst to Terry, his body had been battling an infection so severe that his white blood cells were ripping through blood vessels in defense, leaving them porous and dehydrated.
Dozens of people had given blood to save Terry’s life. Full of gratitude for their generosity and eager to give back, Terry and Toya invite you to donate with their Foundations class. For it is in giving that we receive, as Rob Mitchell well knows. Rob, also a FirstChurch and Foundations member, has answered this call many times before, and even donated bone marrow to save a woman from Leukemia.
After two months in the hospital and countless, life-saving blood transfusions, Terry returned to his wife, Toya, on May 1, 2012. Their son was born two months later.
The need is great, and you have the power to help and heal. Will you be the match that saves someone’s life? Please join Foundations on Sunday, June 7 to be the pint or the match that rescues someone in need.
Blood Drive + Bone Marrow Registry Sunday, June 7, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Fiedler Atrium Donor information: firstchurchdallas.org/match
The Goodrich Gallery brightens FirstChurch with unique exhibits throughout the summer. Painted carved wood by artist Abebe Zelelew graces the gallery in June, and the cardboard sculpture of Ali Golzab appears in July. Receptions Sundays, June 7 and July 5, 12-2 p.m.
The Chancel Choir will be joined by the Imperial Brass 20-piece ensemble with percussion, under the direction of Dana Effler, for an evening of song, celebration and tribute in An Americana Concert. Program highlights include A Salute to the Armed Forces and highlights from Irving Berlin. The evening begins with an All-American Family Hamburger Picnic, Generations Unite! the annual multigenerational dinner (formerly known as Spirit of the Years) at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 7 p.m.
Set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, Steel Magnolias follows an outspoken, wise-cracking hairdresser as she dispenses shampoo and free advice to all of the ladies who are “anybody” in town. Filled with hilarious repartee and heart-stirring tragedy, this classic story will warm your heart. Directed by Tim Effler. Starring Karon Cogdill, Dana Effler, Jill Hall, Juliann Krumbholz, Caitlin Mills-Duree and Beth Wortley. Wortley-Peabody Theatre, July 16, 17 & 18 at 7:30 p.m., July 19 at 2:30 p.m.
S U MM E R
arts
Painted Carved Wood The June Goodrich Gallery exhibit features painted carved wood engravings by Abebe Zelewlew. Join us for a reception June 7 in the gallery from 12 - 2 p.m. Artist’s Statement: I was born in the year 1964 in Addis Ababa. Since I had an ardent interest in the fine arts from the days of my childhood, I was lucky enough to join the Addis Ababa School of Fine Arts to quench my thirst of art in 1982. As time went by, I began to use wood engraving for aesthetic works of art. To this end, the material that I chose was the Africana Cordia (Wanza) for it is a lasting kind for the work that I depict. Most of the American and European artists use canvas as their artistic medium. However, we Africans use what is found by nature, the wood! I use wood engraving because I want the world to know that my country also has diversified mediums for the execution of art works. I firmly believe that adding variety to the mediums currently prevailing in Ethiopia will broaden the scope for art historians and art critics. One has to bear in mind that when museums collect different works of art executed through different mediums, they add variety for visitors and reflect an artistic trend for generations to come. Thereby, a heritage is born. Goodrich Gallery June Exhibit
My composition’s theme revolves around the universal motives of human feelings such as what one encounters in his daily walk of life: sorrow, joy, pain, agony, ambition, natural phenomenon, morality, and the like.
Gallery Hours 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - Noon Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday
And Then There Were None: The Rotunda Theatre’s second show of the season performed to nearly sold out crowds Memorial Day weekend. The play featured Rotunda favorites and a cast of new characters including Stephen Bouldin, Randy Brooks, Craig Hess, Eddie Lee, Johnna Leigh, Margaret Lyman, Allen Mabry, Russell McCall, Jon Morehouse, Michael Mueller and Kay Wallace. Join us for the final production of the season, Steel Magnolias, July 16, 17 & 18 at 7:30 p.m., and July 19 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets available at firstchurchdallas.org/steelmagnolias beginning June 16.
Photos: Nick McWhirter
Will you help us say...
Welcome to FirstChurch! FirstChurch is our church home, and we all look forward to Sundays to recharge and re-create. Whether Sunday school, choir or worship, there are individuals you seek out and individuals who seek you. This is one small part of what it means to “do church.” You might discover a friend is having health issues, that another friend has returned from vacation, or that a new baby (grandbaby) is on the way. These are but a few of the things we as members of the FirstChurch faith community discover on any given Sunday. But what about the visiting person or family that sat nearby during worship? Did you take a minute to introduce yourself and to be hospitable? We come because we care. But more than showing up, it is you that makes the difference at FirstChurch. You are the friendly face, the welcoming face, the one people miss when you are not here on Sunday. We are the church, together. You know what it means to do church. You know what it means to be the church. So I invite you to help me on Sundays in identifying visitors, identifying needs, letting us know your concerns and especially letting us know the concerns of your FirstChurch neighbors. Will you help me by becoming a FirstChurch Ambassador? Your service is invaluable, so let’s be more intentional about our hospitality. Help us identify visitors and continuing visitors. Help us identify congregational care needs of our members. You are already an active member of FirstChurch. I only ask that you communicate with us the people you meet and the needs you discover. Sign up today with me and become a FirstChurch Ambassador. Thank you, Kurt Smith FirstChurch Head Usher
The “Friendly Five” A first-time visitor makes a decision on whether to return to a church within five minutes of arriving. It’s easy to show that FirstChurch is a phenomenal place to call home by demonstrating a welcoming spirit each time you walk through the doors. Here are five steps to making visitors feel welcome: If someone’s asking for directions, recognize they are likely first-time visitors. If possible, escort them to their destination. Provide visitors with the information they seek. If you don’t know the answer to a question, escort them to a Connection Point and introduce them to a volunteer. Actively seek new faces before and after worship, and take the initiative to introduce yourself. Rather than sitting at the end of a pew, move down to allow guests to be seated comfortably. Come to FirstChurch ready to share a smile!
congratulations
Emily Elizabeth Clark
Maximiano Salinas Gamez
Tate Elizabeth Giddens
Elyssa Chastain Halford
Emily Clark is the daughter of Lisa and Hugh Clark and sister of Audra. She will graduate from Richland Collegiate High School. Her school and extracurricular activities include the White Rock Rowing Crew team, Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas, Teen Board, a board of teens who speak out against suicide and bullying, and the Honors Program. A lifelong member of FirstChurch, Emily has participated in Variations Shows, Costa Rica mission trips, youth mission trips, FCU classes and youth small groups and Bible studies. She plans to attend the University of Texas where she will study sociology.
Max Gamez is the son of Elizabet Salinas and Nicholas Gamez, grandson of Cristina and Hermelindo Salinas and brother of Isaac and Karlina Rivera. He will graduate from Woodrow Wilson High School where he was involved in ROTC. At FirstChurch, Max has been involved in youth activities, including retreats and Sunday school. He remembers the youth and leaders being very welcoming to him when he felt like an outsider. Max plans to attend Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, NY, and study criminal justice.
Tate Giddens is the daughter of Brady and Jill Giddens and sister of Grey and Reese. She will graduate from Highland Park High School, where she was the Highland Belles Vice President and HP CASA Club Vice President. She also participated in National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Academic Decathlon, ASTRA Women’s Service Organization, and National Charity League. A lifelong member of FirstChurch, Tate has been involved in choir and musicals since the beginning, including Variations, Counterpoint and Cantante choirs. She plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Elyssa Halford is the daughter of Randall and Darlene Halford and sister of Emily Snider and Erin Halford. She will graduate from Woodrow Wilson High School, where she was a cheerleader and active in the Eco Club. Elyssa participated in several mission trips with the youth at FirstChurch, with Heifer being her favorite. Mission trips always fell on her birthday, and she remembers the youth always making her feel special. Elyssa has always wanted to travel and will be spending a year in the Global Citizen program before starting college at SMU or the University of Mississippi.
s class of 2015
Byron Wesley Hameline
Benjamin Daniel Howell
William James Keeter
Byron Hameline is the son of Wes and Liza Hameline and brother of Mackenzie. He will graduate from Parish Episcopal School, where he was involved in the FIRST Robotic Competition, the NASA Rover Challenge and musical theater. At FirstChurch, Byron has been active in Variations Youth Choir, Carillon Ringers, Higher Ground, Costa Rica mission trips, volunteering with Vacation Bible School, Crossroads Community Services and other organizations. Byron plans to attend Purdue University to study engineering, specifically the field of automated systems.
Ben Howell is the son of Mike and the late Gerri Howell, grandson of George and Ganel Hart, and brother of Sam and Jack. He will graduate from Rockwall High School, where he was involved in Peer Assisted Leadership, played varsity football and competed on the track and field team. At FirstChurch, Ben has been involved in youth and Variations, mission trips and choir tours and serving as Variations president this year. He plans to attend Texas Tech University where he will study marketing.
Will Keeter is the son of Mike and Karen Keeter and brother of Sam and John. He will graduate from Woodrow Wilson High School, where he played varsity football. At FirstChurch, Will has been involved in youth, Variations and mission trips, including serving as the Vice President of Variations and traveling to Costa Rica with his brother. Will plans to attend Texas State University to study finance and business administration.
Lucie Alena Kresl Lucie Kresl is the daughter of Blake and Lisa Kresl and sister of Will. She will graduate with Honors from Ursuline Academy. While at Ursuline she received academic awards in physics and math. Outside of school, Lucie is a competitive figure skater and ballet dancer. She participated in Variations and was Vice President during her junior year, as well as a member of Carillon Bell Ringers. She completed an internship at the Dallas County of Public Works during the summer of 2014 and volunteered at Crossroads Community Services for two hours every week throughout her senior year. Lucie plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of California at Berkeley.
congratulations class of 2015
Hannah Elizabeth Louis
Kenneth Thomas Mount
Jennie Skjerven Noble
Robert William Tharp
Hannah Louis is the daughter of Jim and Lori Louis and the sister of Grant. She will graduate from Woodrow Wilson High School, where she was in the International Baccalaureate Diploma program and participated in musicals, swim team, cross country, National Honor Society and Student Council. Hannah is also a competitive horseback rider, and a JustWorld International Ambassador. At FirstChurch, she has been involved in mission trips, youth advisory council and Variations. She plans to attend the University of Texas Austin McCombs School Of Business in the fall.
Kenneth is the son of David and Alisa Mount and older brother of Kathleen. He will graduate from W.T. White High School, where he was involved in National Junior Honor Society, golf, debate, North Dallas Young Life, and Boy Scouts. Kenneth is an avid hunter and a second degree black belt. A lifelong member of FirstChurch, he has participated in youth and Variations, going on various mission trips and choir tours. Kenneth will attend Texas A&M University this fall, where he will study mechanical engineering.
Jennie is the daughter of Dan and Ann Noble and sister of Riley. She will graduate from Bishop Lynch High School, where she was involved in Student Council, the cross country team, school musicals, Student Leadership, the Art for Change Club, AP Art and the diving team. At FirstChurch, Jennie has been involved in youth Sunday school, Variations and choir tours. Her favorite memory at FirstChurch was the choir trip to Disney World. She plans to attend Tulane University.
Robert Tharp is the son of Will and Leah Tharp, grandson of Wanda Tharp and brother of Josie and Kay-lee. He will graduate from Richland Collegiate High School. At FirstChurch, Robert has been involved in children’s choirs, Variations, handbells and youth activities, including serving on mission trips. He is thankful for the meaningful friendships he has found at church. After graduation, Robert plans to enlist in the United States Navy.
Celebration of Ministry Reception for Rev. Jay Cole Sunday, June 7 Crossroads C d C Center t iimmediately di t l ffollowing ll i 11 a.m. worship hi Rev. Jay Cole has served FirstChurch for 16 years. He heard his call to ministry as a member of FirstChurch and started seminary at Perkins School of Theology. He served FirstChurch as an intern and was commissioned Elder in our Sanctuary June of 2002. His ordination as an Elder of the Church continued his call to Word, Sacrament, Order and Service through Crossroads Community Services (CCS). His focus of ministry has been CCS since his internship. Bishop Michael McKee has appointed Rev. Cole fully to CCS as an Extension Minister, serving Dallas County through food distribution and vocational education beginning July 1. Join Jay and his wife, Joan, for a Celebration of Ministry Reception June 7, immediately following the 11 a.m. worship service.
“Prayer and Social Justice” a Daytime Retreat for FirstSeniors led by Rev. Judith Reedy Friday, June 19 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Springhill Retreat Center Register at firstchurchdallas.org/seniorsretreat Too many Christians are either/or Christians. Either they are dedicated to prayer and individual spiritual growth or they are dedicated to social justice and the church’s call to transform the world. The truth is you can only succeed at one if you practice the other. To be complete disciples, we need to be both/and Christians, followers of Christ’s way of prayer and social justice.
Media Volunteers Seeking volunteers high school age and above to help film Sunday worship. Whether you’ve always wanted to be a producer, or are just curious about how it all works, Media Ministry invites you to join their team. It’s a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and guidance as often as it fits your schedule. No long-term commitment or experience necessary. For more information, please contact Kurt McClinchie at kmcclinchie@ fumcdallas.org.
FirstChurch Welcomes Our Newest Members
Rob and Marilyn Gentry
Jennifer Broos
Perry Eugene Sanderson IV with his parents Perry & Amy
Emma Elizabeth Holt with her parents Daniel & Jamie
Not pictured: Ann Francis Randle with her parents Tonya Meier & Barry Randle, and brother Abe Michael Zeares
Blakely Elisabeth Burton with her parents Casey & Ashley, and Dr. Stoker Congratulations to our newest confirmands: Hannah Lynn Adams, Alexandra Grace Armer, Sydney Grace Denison, James Owen Fifer, Grant Evans Gilker, Henry Spence Gilker, Margaret Grace Gordon, Mackenzie Dandridge Hameline, Joseph Evans Jamison, Jackson Timothy Johnson, Sofia Cortez Mares, Brad Stephen Matthys Jr., Emma Caroline McGuire, Margaret Elizabeth Moseley, Isaac Salinas Rivera (not pictured), Trevor William Rose, Anna Isabella Sanders, Matthew Brucks Schopmeyer, Judson Rhodes Simank, Michael Menke Sowell, Alexander Callahan Stoker, Kay-Lee Rose Tharp and Julia Eleanor Wilfong.
BIRTHS: Congratulations on the birth of:
DEATHS: Sincere sympathy to the families of:
Griffin James Galbreath, son of Stephen and Laura Galbreath
James Martin, husband of Cynthia Martin Delia Hunt, mother of David Hunt Don McWilliams, father of Robb McWilliams Jasper Howell, father of Mike Howell David Polter, son of Daniel and Lucy Polter Joan Whitworth, mother of Mike Holloway Hollis Leddy, grandfather of Hollis Owens Lucy Holcomb, mother of Craig Holcomb
Clark Drennan, son of Shea and Karen Drennan Dashiell and Wesley Bailey, twins of Michael and Brooke Bailey