FirstNews
a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church, Dallas
May 2014
FirstChurch is spending the summer in Love. Through our summer sermon series, summer speaker series, and summer programming, together we will learn, study and grow in Love. The summer will be a time of renewal and reflection on God’s gift of Love and our responsiveness to that Love. Each week will build on the last as we work through the idea and reality of Love, yet each week will stand alone as an invitation to serve, engage and express Love in the world around us. May 18, Smile! Grab a friend and put on your best smile: FirstChurch will be capturing the essence of Christian Love through photography on May 18. Stop by one of our funloving photo booths and say “cheese.” Photographs will be displayed in the Fiedler Atrium (and in a few surprise locations) throughout the summer.
June 8, Following Love conquers all fear, even in the face of death and hardship. Do you believe this love?
June 1, In the Beginning was Love God’s covenant with humanity begins with love and what God asks in return is just that love. This covenant is as strong as ever; let’s take the summer to love all over again.
June 22, A Friend of a Friend In light of love, we can build the kind of relationships that reflect something greater. Love is that something greater for the sake of our friends.
June 1, FirstChurch Picnic in the Park Join FirstChurch in proclaiming to Dallas that All You Need is Love. The congregation heads to Klyde Warren Park after 11 a.m. worship with sandwiches and special treats for our neighbors.
June 29, Powerful Love The potential for love is incredible. The potential for God’s Love is amazing.
June 15, So Loved John 3:16 is the most often quoted scripture in Christianity but sometimes we miss the bigger picture. Let’s see what love opens up.
July 6, A Most Difficult Path Sometimes love is difficult. Yet the difficulty
is in embracing a new way of living, a new way of learning and a new way of loving ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and even those whom we consider enemies. July 13, At the Heart of It All “Love is …” Hear all over again what love is and is not. There is a definitive way in this world. July 20, And a Hush Fell Absolutely awestruck! That’s what the experience of listening to Jesus’ teaching did for those who heard it. Love silenced the crowd, but it doesn’t have to silence us. July 27, Outside Looking In Love changes our vantage point. After looking and living deeply into love this summer, we close with the different vision altogether.
Summer Reading by Dr. Andy Stoker, Senior Minister
Throughout the summer, I will be reading three texts that will help me to renew my love for FirstChurch and it’s mission. These three texts represent what I believe is our current conversation about loving God and our neighbor given our past, present and future. You are invited to read these with me this summer. I’ll give a review at the end of the month on our Facebook page and website. JUNE The Invention of Wings, by Sue Monk Kidd. Set in Charleston, South Carolina, the story of two young girls beset across racial lines and affected by nineteenth century American history. It is a story of race, racism, friendship, kinship and love. Maybe for FirstChurch The Invention of Wings will give us the courage to face our fears and truly love our neighbors as ourselves. JULY When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself, by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. FirstChurch has taken a bold step in focusing our missional outreach on ending harmful hunger and providing holistic education for Dallas and beyond. Corbett paints a picture of the American way of poverty and how churches and non-profits have forgotten the relational aspects of ministry with people on the margins. Love means engaging with our neighbors for sharing spiritual assets together. AUGUST The Secrets of Happy Families: Improve Your Mornings, Tell Your Family History, Fight Smarter, Go Out and Play, and Much More, by Bruce Feiler. As FirstChurch is a family of faith, our individual families will make up the satisfaction and engagement that makes FirstChurch great. This text will help us to strengthen our families, as we work together to strengthen our faith family. Mr. Feiler will be speaking at FirstChurch on September 6, as part of our engaged family series.
in this issue
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Education News
Music & Arts News
Class of 2014 Seniors
Vacation Bible School
New Members/ Care & Concern
There’s No Place Like Home by Gretchen Combs, Director of Children’s Ministries
Ruby red sequined heels. Could anything be better? Not to millions of movie buffs who watched Dorothy click her heels twice and she’s back in black and white Kansas. Back Home. Home with loved ones all around; home safe and sound from flying monkeys, and a melting witch, unusual friends, one who needs oiling now and then. Each one of us carries the tapestry of our HOME. And the family that helped to weave it. Ragged or
Sunday Worship
patched; pristine or starched. Our home and family will always be a part of us. The United Methodist Church has designated the month of May as Christian Home Month. It is a time to celebrate and encourage family worship in the home and to attend worship as a family each and every
Sunday, May 4 Recognizing the Host Luke 24:13-35 Communion Sunday
Sunday. Christian Family Week, May 5, emphasis is on families, our congregations, expanding communities, and our world. The following week is Festival of Christian Home, and honors our mother’s role in the Christian home; and May 18, Heritage Sunday, reminds us that our home is where we come from. It is the trunk of our family tree, and the
Sunday, May 11 In Praise of “Home” Acts 2:42-47 Mother’s Day
place we hang our hat and our heart. In a wink, we can relive those moments of “coming home”; from school, from war, from hospital, from camp, from work, from disillusionment and anger. “Coming Home” to a God of forgiveness and grace, of strength and courage.
Sunday, May 18 The Risk We Take Acts 7:55-60
And as we go out again, through that
same door, we walk into the future with joy and confidence. May the love of God surround you and your family throughout this marvelous Christian Home Month. We pray you will continue to share faith traditions in your home, and we will see you and your family in
Sunday, May 25 Aren’t Commandments Fun? John 14:15-21 Rev. Jay Cole preaching
worship on Sunday!
Sunday worship: 8:45 & 11 a.m. Sunday school: 9:45 a.m.
Missed a sermon? Click here.
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Rev. Don Underwood Book Signing Wednesday, May 7 5:45 p.m.: Fellowship Dinner 6:30 p.m.: Discussion and Book Signing
Click here to register for dinner. ($10 per person) Book may be purchased at the event ($15 ea.).
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, May 15 Noon in Fiedler Atrium: “The Public School Advantage: Why Public Schools Outperform Private Schools,” by Christopher A. Lubienski & Sarah Theule Lubienski Food trucks will be set up at the Atrium Entrance at 11:30 and offer delicious food for purchase (see story on Page 15)! Or, you may bring your lunch or purchase lunch for $5 (RSVP to Keilah) to be enjoyed during the review.
Continue the Journey...
Paul’s Journeys to Turkey and Greece Oct. 31 - Nov. 10 with Lecturer/Preacher Dr. Andy Stoker Join us May 18 for a lunch & learn session! Over 60 people have registered for the tour of Paul’s journey through Greece and Turkey. Join the group – it’s not too late to sign up! Dr. Andy Stoker will lecture and preach on this wonderful Educational Opportunities tour and cruise. Click here for more information on trip details, or contact Rev. Linda Roby.
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From Age-ing to Sage-ing A Daytime Retreat sponsored by FirstSeniors Friday, May 23, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Springhill Retreat Center Click here for more information and to register. What is a sage? A sage is not just someone who has lived a long time. Sages are people who have analyzed and learned from their lives and are ready and able to share their wisdom with others. What we will learn? Participants will learn about three of the most important tasks of sage-ing from Rev. Tom Downing, Bryan Forrester and Rev. Katherine Lyle. Afternoon sessions will include workshops where participants learn some necessary skills. Why become a sage? “Sages bear witness to the enduring values that transcend individual conflicts and selfishness. Given the authority to exercise leadership through their advisory capacities, they can inspire our society to give up its shortsighted, quarterly “bottom-line” mentality in favor of spiritual values that will help create a more sustainable, Earth-cherishing lifestyle.” – from Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Profound New Vision of Growing Older by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi
Change the World... One Zip Code at a Time On Saturday, May 17, Methodist churches from across the North Texas Conference will converge to serve with our neighbors in the South Dallas ZIP code 75215, one of the regions of our Conference experiencing the most severe extreme asset poverty. Read more to learn how you, your small group, or your church can join this opportunity to listen to, serve with, and celebrate alongside our neighbors on Change the World Day 2014. Please join us for lunch, educational sessions, and a Celebration Service at FirstChurch. Register at changetheworld2014.org by May 10. Dr. Andy Stoker, Rev. Larry James & Rev. Gerald Britt of CitySquare will all be presenting workshops. 5
Music and Arts News The Goodrich Gallery May Exhibit
I am Phillip Kreymer and I have been “diagnosed.” But, aren’t we all? We all live with a different name, a different story, and a different type of diagnosis.
This is my story, this is my diagnosis, and this is my trial. I am blessed with an amazing Gallery Hours wife, fantastic son, and a wonderful family. Phillip Kreymer 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday I always try to be there for others: to show 9 a.m. - Noon Saturday love, care and encouragement. My wife and I try our best to help others; by ways of support, assistance, and prayer. I believe that all of these things 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday should be a part of our life. On April 27, 2007, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor the size of a lemon. I was 29 years old, married for only a year and a half, and we had just bought our first home. Now it was my time that needed all the support mentioned above. I went through two brain surgeries, over a year of chemotherapy, and two months of radiation...and not all of the tumor was removed. So, what have I been diagnosed with now that I’m a seven year brain tumor survivor? I am more passionate about life, my love for family, and the simple things we often neglect. Now, more importantly, my love and faith in our Lord has grown. And since those days in 2007, I have been creating designs. They all have a meaning...They all have a story. My Story. After one of my surgeries, while still in ICU, I told my family, “We will keep the initials, B.T., but NOT for brain tumor. We will keep B.T. for a BLESSED TRIAL!” We all go through trials in our life, each and every one of us. And at times this is difficult to understand, but through those tough times there are also blessings. So open your eyes, open your heart, and open your soul. That is what I have done, and I am able to see the blessings ...and so can you! Please join the Goodrich Gallery for a reception honoring our May artist, Phillip Kreymer Sunday, May 11, 2014 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. in the Gallery 6
2013-2014 Rotunda Theatre presents....
Sherlock Holmes and the Curse of the Sign of Four Written by Dennis Rosa
Directed by Bear Hamilton
May 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 at 7:30 p.m. Wortley-Peabody Theatre in the Rotunda featuring Nick Caldwell, Jason Cox, Grant Gilker, Ryan Glenn, Lindsay Holland Allen Mabry, Russ McCall, Michael Mueller
Based on the novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes fans everywhere will be familiar with this classic tale of stolen treasure and murder. Holmes and Watson (aided after a fashion by the bumbling Inspector Lestrade) are pitted for the first time against the diabolical Professor Moriarty. At stake are the safety and fortune of the lovely Mary Morstan, heir to her late father’s riches of the Agra Treasure. The quest to solve the baffling mystery (and murders) surrounding the whereabouts of the missing booty brings sudden danger to Holmes, romance to Watson and high adventure to all concerned. The taut and fast moving story blends thrills and laughter as it deftly recreates the romantic-melodramatic style of the period in which it takes place. Click here to make your reservation now! or contact Music and Arts: pcummins@fumcdallas.org or 214-220-2727, ext. 218. Counterpoint and Cantate Choirs present
A Technicolor Promise Directed by Meredith Wallace & Kiira Russell Music by Allen Pote Text by Carole McCann
Sunday, May 4, 2014 2:30 p.m. in the Dining Room Please come to see Counterpoint and Cantate’s presentation of A Technicolor Promise, which retells the events surrounding God’s promise of overwhelming love and grace as revealed in the rainbow! FUMC’s youngest musical ensembles -- Joyful Noise and Carol Choir -- will open the program. Free admission. For all ages! 7
Congratulations
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Matthew Boswell Brown
Mark Lewis Burton
Andrew Dalton
Helen Grace Gilker
Matthew Brown is the son of Randy and Brianna Brown. He will graduate from St. Mark’s School of Texas. His school activities include cross country, track and field, Visual Studies, Amnesty International and he is on the Honor Roll. Matthew is a lifelong member of FirstChurch, where he has been active in Higher Ground, mission trips, and serves as a member of the Youth Action Council. He also participated in Variations fundraisers and hit the stage in shows such as And Then They Came for Me, Annie Get Your Gun, Oliver, and Music Man. His favorite memory was his Junior High mission trip to Heifer Ranch. Matthew plans to attend Texas Christian University, to major in Movement Science, and compete on the cross country and track teams.
Mark Burton is the son of Lee and Cricket Burton and older brother to Frances and John. He will graduate from St. Mark’s School of Texas where he has been on the honor roll for four years. He also participated in St Marks Crew, Basketball, and Water Polo. His junior year, he received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Mark has been an active member of Higher Ground, served on the Youth Action Council, attended many mission trips, and been a member of Variations through 11th grade. His favorite memory of FirstChurch is “being a counselor at SEEK camp and all the great friend I have made.” Mark will be attending Baylor University and plans to major in Chemistry/PreMed.
Andrew Dalton is the son of John and Lori Dalton. He will graduate from Highland Park High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and is a National Merit Scholar Commended student. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout by doing his project for Mercy Street Mission. He has been a member of the HPHS choir for four years, and made All District choir. Andrew played on the HPHS football team, received the Cornerstone Athlete award, and is a member of the Young Men’s Service League. He is recipient of the Presidential Service Award. Andrew is a lifelong member of FirstChurch, where he has been active in Variations choir, Higher Ground, and many mission trips. He’s currently undecided on schools, but plans on studying business wherever he goes.
Grace Gilker is the daughter of Chris and Heather Gilker. She will graduate from The Hockaday School. Her school activities include Improv, Student Council, Latin Club Vice President, President of Madrigal Choir, Secretariat of Model United Nations, Varsity Lacrosse, Theater, President of Young Independents, and AP scholar award. Grace is a lifelong member of FirstChurch, where she participates in Variations, Higher Ground, mission trips, Sunday school, Youth Action Council and on the stage in Annie. Her favorite memory was when she was in third grade at the Children’s sermon Gretchen asked if anyone knew what “silly as a goose” meant. I responded “No, but I know it’s a simile!” The media guys offered to give the tape to my parents. Grace plans to “go to college to learn things.”
s Class of 2014!
John Taylor Gordon
Erin Cailin Halford
Will Irby
Mackenzie Johnson
Taylor Gordon is the son of Scott and Libby Gordon. He is graduating from Shelton High School, where he served on Student Council, Peer Helper, Chargers for Change, Recycling Club, and the Theater Guild. Taylors passion is theater, where is has been involved in every theater production while in high school. He received the Shelton Leadership Award in 2011 and 2012. He is a lifelong member of FirstChurch where he was actively involved in Variations, Mission Trips, and VBS. He served on the Youth Action Council for 3 years. Taylor will be attending the University of Texas at San Antonio for his freshman year, then transferring to University of Texas in Austin to major in Radio and Television.
Erin Halford is the daughter of Randall and Darlene Halford. She will graduate from Woodrow Wilson High School. Her school activities include volleyball, softball and cheer. In addition, she underwent the most rigorous program offered by Woodrow - the International Baccalaureate program which requires 150 community, action, and service hours, as well as a service project. She is a member of the Woodrow chapter of NHS, and she will be graduating as a recognized LB student. She is a lifelong member of FirstChurch, where she has been active in Variations, mission trips, and the Easter service. Her favorite memory was either in Arkansas spending time with the children, or in Costa Rica working alongside her friends and having wonderful conversations. Erin plans to attend the University of Mississippi in the fall to major in Biology.
Will Irby is the son of Bob and D’lynn Irby. He will graduate from Lake Highlands High School. His school activities include marching band, drum line, drummer for Espree, Mu Alpha Theta, Student Council, and Eagle Scout in Troop 890. Will is a lifelong member of First Church, where he was active in Higher Ground and all choirs leading up to Variations. His favorite memory was being in The Music Man, Variations shows and tours, and the youth ski trips. Will plans to attend Baylor University in the fall.
Mackenzie Johnson is the daughter of Pat Johnson. She will graduate from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Her school activities include acting as a stage manager in the Theatre program, costume designer, and currently a senior director. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and through her school has gained an internship at the Dallas Theatre Center. Mackenzie joined FirstChurch in 2010, where she has been involved in all choirs leading up to Variations, Higher Ground, President of the Youth Action Council, and in many theatre productions including Oklahoma, Our Town, and The Immigrant. Her favorite memories have been mission trips and youth retreats. Although Mackenzie hasn’t chosen her college, she plans to study Public Relations for non-profit organizations.
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Congratulations
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John Robert Mallick
Kyle Amber Morrissey
Victoria Marie Knight Nord
Charles Michael Smith
Jack Mallick is the son of Chris and Kathy Mallick. He will be graduating from St. Mark’s School of Texas. His school activities include being the captain of the water polo team, swimming captain, and serving on student council. Jack is a lifetime member of FirstChurch and has been involved in all children’s and youth events from VBS, Hanging of the Greens, Children at the Manger, Higher Ground, Bible Study, Mission Trips, S.E.E.K. camp, and hit the stage in Oliver and The Music Man. His favorite memory was a Disciple Now retreat where he spent the long weekend in fellowship with his closest friends from the youth group, including his biggest mentor, Rocky Dwyer. Jack plans to attend Texas Christian University to study business.
Kyle Morrissey is the daughter of Greg and Karen Morrissey. She will graduate from Woodrow Wilson High School. Her school activities include serving on the National Honor Society, Public Relations Chair on Woodrow’s Student Council, homecoming committee, Environmental Club, Varsity Swimming, cheer, water polo, and golf. Kyle joined FirstChurch in 2007, where she has been involved in Variations, including all of the shows and tours, Higher Ground, Sunday school, Youth Action Council, Mission trips and Easter service. Her favorite memory was either the Easter services or Dr. Fiedler’s final sermon in his last service. Kyle plans to attend Stephen F. Austin where she is going to study pre-dentistry.
Victoria Nord is the daughter of Eric and Lovelle Nord. She will graduate from Woodrow Wilson High School. Her school activities include being a member of the NHS, a member of the International Baccalaureate program and ranked in the top 8% of her class, bowling team, and the school mascot for her senior year. Victoria is a lifelong member of FirstChurch, where she has been involved in Variations, Higher Ground, served on Youth Action Council, Easter banner carrier, VBS volunteer, mission trips, Saturday service projects, and a Bible Blast volunteer. Her favorite memory is the mission trip to Costa Rica, the work site was amazing and it was a major bonding experience for everyone on that trip. Victoria plans to attend Texas A&M to study business.
Michael Smith is the son of Kurt and Lisa Smith. He will graduate from Highland Park High School. His school activities include Drum Line, NHS, Ultimate Frisbee, and being an Eagle Scout. Michael is a lifelong member of FirstChurch, where he has been involved in Variations shows, hand bells, Higher Ground, D-Now, and Spring Retreat. His favorite memory was at the Disciple Now retreat held at the Smart’s house a few years ago. He enjoyed getting to spend time with friends, have devotionals, and watch the Mavericks play. Michael plans to attend Dartmouth College, he is currently undecided however, he is looking into Microbiology, Applied Mathematics, or Premed.
s Class of 2014!
Alexander Clements Sobotka
Jane Kirby Young
Alex Sobotka is the son of Melissa and Andrew Sobotka. He will graduate from L.V. Berkner High School. His school activities include Symphony Orchestra, Ramblers Country Western dance team, Bando Buds, Professional Internship Program, National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta math honors club, Exchange Club Student of the Month, and he is an Eagle Scout. His church involvement includes Variations fundraisers, and he hit the stage in Anatomy of Grey, The Music Man, Annie, Oklahoma, and Annie Get Your Gun. His favorite memory was participating in the Rotunda summer musicals. Alexander plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin and complete a double major in Physics and Astronomy.
Kirby Young is the daughter of Erin and Billy Young. She will graduate from The Hockaday School. Her school activities include Academic Headmistress’ List, Community Service Director for Genesis and New Beginning’s Women’s shelters, Vibrato (Literary Magazine) Photography editor, varsity track, Presidential Award for 100+ hours of community service. She is a lifelong member of FirstChurch, where she has been involved in summer mission trips. She had such a wonderful experience throughout all of her years here that she can’t pick just one favorite.
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Join Us for UMW “Summer Save the Dates”
June 10 Serve dinner to the Project Transformation interns at SMU June 16 - July 30 Project Transformation summer READING DATES June 29 5th Sunday Mission Presentation George Battle and Fran Lobpries “Ministry with our neighbors: Dallas Bethlehem Center” July 14 - 17 Join FUMC Dallas youth to read at Grace UMC Individuals or SS classes can schedule to read with a child at any Project Transformation site Monday - Thursday from 6/16 - 7/30, 9:00 - 11:30 am. Contact Janalee at 214-946-3600 to schedule your dates and site.
Let’s Do Lunch! Join us each Thursday from 11:30 – 1 p.m. for an appetizing sampling of Dallas’ best restaurants on wheels. Please your palate, enjoy engaging entertainment from our friends in the Arts District, and find new friends in the serene Fiedler Atrium. Click here for food truck schedule. 12
VBS 2014 June 16 - 20 9 a.m. - Noon Sometimes, in the midst of the routine and the everyday, we suddenly experience the wonder of God. We’re surprised. We’re grateful. We say, “WOW!” at the WORKSHOP OF WONDERS VBS, your children will discover their own “WOW!” moments as they explore how to image and build with God. Click here to register today!
2014 Summer Speaker Series Summer in the City - Loving Our Neighbors 10 - 10:45 a.m. in Fiedler Atrium The series is in conjunction with a “Summer of Love” sermon series, and will focus on how we love our neighbors right here in our own city. Some of the upcoming speakers in this series June 8 - Dr. Theodore Walker, Perkins School of Theology Associate Professor of Ethics and Society: “The Gospel of Luke: Bringing Good News to the Poor” - A theological framework for loving our neighbors June 15 - “Freedom Fighters”: Exonerees from Dallas County jail sharing their stories of wrongful conviction, and their continued work for justice for our neighbors in and beyond the prison system Click here for the full schedule.
One Great Gift of Service Dressed in their Easter finery, FirstKids presented a style show for the residents of C.C. Young as their part in One Great Gift of Service on Sat., April 13.
Rise Mission and Outreach Fund ANSWERING GOD’S CALL TO EMPOWER OUR NEIGHBORS AND ALLEVIATE HUNGER. God has called FirstChurch to alleviate hunger and empower our neighbors in need through holistic education. The Rise Fund draws on the strength of our combined gifts to make impactful change at agencies such as Project Transformation. Your generous communion offering gives children across Dallas and across the world the educational tools they need to say “I Can” to life’s greatest challenges. Click here for additional information.
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Meet Our Newest Members BAPTISM FROM APRIL 7
BAPTISM FROM APRIL 14
NEW MEMBER FROM APRIL 14
BAPTISM FROM APRIL 27
Eleanor Grace Gaudet with her parents Laura Dianne Gaudet & Michael Joseph Gaudet
Hampton Joseph Woods with his parents Wayne & Michelle Woods, siblings Julia & Hudson
Emily Parnell
Stella Monroe Salzman with her parents Kyle & Kristen Salzman, & brother Stone
Church offices will be closed Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. In case of emergency, please call 214-220-2727 and follow the instructions to reach a minister on call.
Join Us for Church Council All FirstChurch members invited. Tuesday, May 20 Light dinner served at 6:00 p.m. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. in Crossroads Center. Click here to RSVP to Sherrye Bass by May 13.
Care & Concern BIRTHS: Congratulations on the births of: Jack Thomas Burns, son of Nellson and Melissa Burns Matthew Vasquez Aguirre, son of FirstChurch staff member Victoria and her husband Victor Aguirre Amelia Elizabeth Hill, daughter of Brent and Angela Hill, granddaughter of Jane Walker and great granddaughter of Bradley Sue Howell Grace Elizabeth Roberts, daughter of Tom and Emily Roberts, and granddaughter of Robert and Boo Owens
DEATHS: Sincere sympathy to the families of: Steven Weber, son of Marjorie Weber Mary Alice Roby, mother of Frank Roby William Prendergrast, brother of Lynn Cromartie Leslie Reddick, sister of Bonnie Starr Wesley Neal, brother of John Neal John W. Cole, Jr., father of Rev. Jay Cole
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