FirstNews
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF DALLAS
MAY 2015
Experience buckets of love. Consider this statement: Every Sunday is Easter Sunday. What does it mean to you? At FirstChurch, it means that we have the potential to experience Christ’s resurrection not only each Sunday during worship, but during every moment of our lives together as a family of faith. In Acts, Chapter 2, Luke shares the story of the disciples becoming a community that cares for each other and the world around them. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts.” Consider this statement again: Every Sunday is Easter Sunday! God has blessed FirstChurch with the potential to love, serve, and grow together with one another and our neighborhood. Throughout the month of May, our program areas will offer relevant ministry opportunities for you and your family.
As the season of Eastertide continues, look back on the story of Christ’s incarnation for inspiration to engage in worship and Christian fellowship so that we can be the body of Christ for our city. Look inside to discover how mission opportunities offer us the potential to partner with our neighbors and spend much time together... with glad and generous hearts. And look beyond the present to build toward a Christ-centered future.
We are called as Christians to share the joy of Christ’s spirit among us. Fulfilling our call can be as simple as sharing a video with friends on Facebook. When you share our new video “Eastertide Buttons” you proclaim the Good News—that Jesus Christ is alive in our hearts and in our church!
Opportunities for Growth in May Support our class of 25 confirmands as they make covenant with our congregation during 11 a.m. worship on May 31. Engage in our new online Bible study on Paul’s letters to the Phillipians. firstchurchdallas.org/biblestudy
facebook.com/fumcdal
Learn how C.C. Young’s ministry impacts our neighbors at Fifth Sunday Mission on May 31. Help your child share Christ’s love by inviting a friend to Vacation Bible School which is free to friends of FirstKids. firstchurchdallas.org/vbs
Inside you’ll find opportunities to: Nurture a Child’s Faith Show Radical Hospitality Find Your Faith Home in the Arts District
First United Methodist Church of Dallas 1928 Ross Avenue | Dallas, Texas 75201 214-220-2727 firstchurchdallas.org Dr. Andrew C. Stoker, Senior Minister
Engage in Meaningful Missions
THE SPIRIT BLOSSOMS TH R EE O PP O RTU N ITI ES TO
Nurture a Child’s Faith Children’s Musical: Life of the Party The children’s music program closes the year with a presentation of a children’s musical by Counterpoint and Cantate Choirs. The program tells the story of Mary and Martha and includes music by Carol Choir. Free admission. May 3, 2 p.m. Dining Room firstchurchdallas.org
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. June 15-19 firstchurchdallas.org/vbs
Camp Goodrich: Hands-on arts education for kids Know a kid, age 9 to 12, who loves art and wants to learn more? Signup for Camp Goodrich today! Filled with hands-on art experiences, museum visits and more! $200. • Photography, sculpture (2D & 3D), screen print • Tours of the DMA, Crow Collection, and more • Daily snacks; T-shirt • Art exhibit and reception Sam Williamson, senior instructional specialist at Big Thought, Teaching Artist
July 20 - 24, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. firstchurchdallas.org/camp
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 community of faith discover on any given Sunday. But what about the visitor or visiting family who 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? I need you to do the things you are already doing, yet being even more intentional because your service is invaluable to FirstChurch. 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!
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 the Americana Stars and Stripes Concert. Program highlights include A Salute to the Armed Forces and highlights from Irving Berlin, and the evening begins with an All-American Family Picnic. 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. 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
For the Love of Birds The May Goodrich Gallery exhibit features the paintings of Shari Hornish and the photography of Jan Partin. Join us for a reception on Sunday, May 3 in the gallery from 12 - 2 p.m.
Shari Hornish: Since there is probably an element of autobiography in every piece of fiction, then my paintings of birds are, to some degree, self-portraits. You may not recognize me up there on those limbs, light as air and free as—well, as a bird. It’s me, nevertheless. I began painting trees about ten years ago because I love their shapes, textures, and colors.They’re very willing sitters and never complain or ask to be compensated for their time. And all trees are dedicated environmentalists. What’s not to admire about these gentle giants? With each new painting, my focus zoomed in, moving closer and closer to the subject. The smallest branches and leaves began to appear. One day a bird asked to be included in the picture, and I reluctantly agreed. And soon there he sat–no, I sat –just as in many of my dreams, no longer a stodgy middle-aged woman but a vibrant creature surveying my leafy new world. It’s not The Picture of Dorian Gray, just the opposite. Down here in the flesh, I’m getting old. Physically limited. Absurdly cautious. Incurably lazy. But up there on canvas, I’m full of life, ready to lift off for another flight over the treetops. The leaves around me rustle. The sky is sunlit, the breeze ruffles my beautiful feathers, and I am master of my domain.
Jan Partin
Goodrich Gallery May Exhibit Gallery Hours 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - Noon Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday
Birds are amazing! They are so delicate, so beautiful, and yet so strong. A hummingbird that weighs merely ounces is able to fly hundreds of miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico to Central America – not only once, but many times during its lifetime. Whooping cranes migrate between the southern part of the US and Canada twice every year. Small songbirds migrate between South America and the Arctic twice each year. The strength and endurance they demonstrate inspire awe. It’s only been within the last several years that I’ve seriously concentrated on photographing birds. Doing so is sometimes a frustrating challenge. I’ve come to learn that birds are much like people when it comes to having their picture taken –some are “posers”, while others flee from the camera as quickly as their wings will carry them. When I first began “shooting” birds, I was happy with the typical portrait shot emphasizing the bird’s beauty. Now I am more interested in catching the action as birds go about their daily routines of flying, hunting, feeding their young, and interacting with each other. I spent several mornings and evenings photographing the Tricolored heron featured here and shot thousands of images of him hunting in order to “capture” Stealth and I’ve Got Moves Like Jagger. Wood Duck Love is also the result of hours of shooting thousands of images. Sometimes great interaction photos come from just being in the right place at the right time. The photographs of the Black-necked Stilts were taken as they performed their mating ritual. And sometimes, you just get lucky—as I did when the Chestnutmandibled Toucan happened to fly into a tree right beside the porch I was standing on in Costa Rica. Birds have long provided inspiration for poets and have been used to represent, among other things, foreboding omens, joy, empowerment, and faith. To me, birds represent the strength to endure whatever life brings, the courage to follow your path, the joy to sing even on a bad day, and the faith that we can rise above whatever obstacles beset us.
Rotunda Theatre presents
And Then There Were None Directed by Bear Hamilton May 15-16, 21-23; 7:30 p.m. Ten guilty strangers are trapped on an island. One by one they are accused of murder; one by one they start to die. Can you guess the killer? Cast: Eddie Lee, Johnna Leigh, Randy Brooks, Kay Wallace, Michael Mueller, Allen Mabry, Russell McCall, Craig Hess, Margaret Lyman, Stephen Bouldin, Jon Morehouse $20 for adults; $10 for students. firstchurchdallas.org/andthen or call 214-220-2727, ext. 218.
The FirstChurch Chancel Choir joined with the choirs of FUMC Richardson and HPUMC to present “Sing Praise to God� at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Accompanied by members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and directed by Mack Wilberg, the 300-voice choir presented inspiring arrangements of traditional favorites.
Summer Mission Trips It’s mission trip time! Summer mission trips are a vital part of the spiritual development of students. They are a chance to get out of their comfort zone and spend concentrated time in Bible study and devotion and in service to the community, all while having a good time with friends. They are an experience not to be missed!
JUNIOR HIGH MISSION TRIP: C2K IN DALLAS Date: June 22 – 26 For: current 6th – 8th graders Price: $275 per person
SENIOR HIGH MISSION TRIP: LYDIA PATTERSON INSTITUTE IN EL PASO Date: July 19 – 25 For: current 9th – 12th graders Price: $300 per person
Connect to the Kingdom (C2K) is located in Oak
The senior high group will travel to El Paso to serve
Cliff. The facility, Bennett Hall, is located on the
at Lydia Patterson Institute, a United Methodist
southern edge of the Tyler Street United Methodist
mission and school that serves students from
Church campus. We will stay on-site at C2K and
across the border.
serve all around Dallas. We will stay and serve on campus, working on A summer mission trip at C2K might involve
the facilities through cleaning, painting, carpentry
reading with children at a local church through
and major repairs. We will also spend time
programs such as Project Transformation or B3X at
learning about the school and its students, as
Wesley-Rankin Community Center in the mornings.
well as exploring the culture of El Paso and the
After lunch, your group could transition to light
surrounding area.
construction work and house repairs with an organization like People Helping People.
Contact Brandi Manes, Director of Youth Ministries, at 214-220-2727 or bmanes@fumcdallas.org. We are so excited about this summer and your student’s role in it. These are great bonding experiences for our group – don’t miss it! Registration is open. All are welcome.
Events at FirstChurch Prayer Services for Healing God offers wholeness in the midst of our brokenness. In the weeks ahead, we have special days that will bring a mix of emotions – from joy and laughter, to sorrow and grief. Join us in Dickerson Chapel for Prayer: Thursday, May 7 - National Day of Prayer 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. This year’s scripture theme comes from 1 Kings 8:28: “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.” Open for anyone who would like to spend part of the day in prayer for the collective needs of our world. Sunday, May 10 - Mother’s Day 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Mother’s and Father’s Day can be times of celebration. They can also be painful times as we grieve the loss of those we’ve loved, or experience regret for what could or should have been.
Sunday, May 24 - Service of Hope and Healing 5:00 p.m. Memorial Day brings to mind those who have sacrificed life itself for others. Join us as we bring our pain, our discomfort and our illness of body, mind, spirit and relationships to share in God’s healing presence together. 5th Sunday Mission Sunday, May 31 9:45 am in Crossroads Center Russell Crews, President and CEO of C.C. Young Retirement Community, will give a brief history of C.C. Young’s 92 years of service, its ties to the Methodist Church, and an update on new improvements to the campus and the exciting renovations and additions ahead. Hosted by UMW. Project: Notes of thanks and /or encouragement for C.C. Young staff and residents Blood Drive Sunday, June 7 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Fiedler Atrium Hosted by the Foundations class.
Welcome Our Newest Members Care & Concern BIRTHS: Congratulations on the birth of: Nora Margaret Shrewsbury, daughter of Ben and Melissa Jim & Susan Pleasant
Alexander & Cheryl Lucero
Shrewsbury
DEATHS: Sincere sympathy to the families of: James Martin, husband of Cynthia Martin Richard Macgowan Kim Broughton, wife of Louis Broughton Maggie Mellady, mother of Ann Smith Tom & Pat Rodgers
Everett Streetman Stevenson with his parents John & Tiffany