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CONTENTS Answering the Call to Service
Hurricane Harvey
Upcoming Sermon Series: Shadow Boxing
Trevor Kennedy: Our New PATH1 Intern
Why the Church?
A Selfless Service
Altar Guild
Summer Recap
A WHITE’S CHAPEL SERMON SERIES
@1871MAG E K E L L E R @W H I T E S C H A PE LU MC .C OM 2
Note from the Editor Welcome to the first edition of 1871, our seasonal digital magazine – available only through your favorite tablet, computer or cell phone. You may have noticed a new name for this issue and we are very excited to share the beautiful story behind 1871: a redirect from Rhema to get back to our roots and the basics of our faith. As we continue on this journey together to tell these stories, 1871 will rely on the direction and guidance of the Spirit to find those hidden testimonies and accounts of God’s hand here. We are so excited to continue to grow this into a source for you to hear the best, the most moving and some of the most challenging stories happening in our church and in our community. It’s easy to get caught up in the routine of church and faith, but I feel led to help us all stop and magnify those moments where God has moved and spoken to each one of us. Now each of these praises will be told through everything from an article, photos to even videos! So whether you’re a reader or more of a video-lover, we’ve got something for you. Within this first issue, you will find articles on service, new staff additions, how we spent our summer and more! Our hope for this being hosted digitally is that you will be able to peruse it over time, from wherever you are, and share it with your friends and family. We are looking forward to growing on this new journey together with you! Emily Keller Editor-in-Chief
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Mark Your Calendars! We love our community and adore all of the many opportunities to attend something great! Below you will find some of the major events you can put on your calendar for both fall and the winter season. There are family-friendly outings, opportunities for date nights, and of course, things to plan for Christmas this year!
Lewisville Western Days (Sept. 29-30) State Fair of Texas 2017 (Sept. 29 - Oct.22) Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas (Sept. 23 – Oct. 31)
Sept.
Murphy Maize Days (Sept. 30)
Southlake Oktoberfest (Oct. 6-8) Frisco Arts Walk (Oct. 7) Christmas in Cowtown Holiday Market (Oct. 12-15)
Oct.
Red River Shootout: TX Longhorns v. OK Sooners (Oct. 14) Plano International Festival (Oct. 14) Dallas Fan Days 2017 (Oct. 20-22) Boo at the Zoo (Oct. 27 – 29) Treat Street at the Fort Worth Stockyards (Oct. 31)
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The Christmas Season!
12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum (Nov. 6 - Jan.8) North Pole Express (Nov. 9) ICE! At the Gaylord Texan (Nov. 11- Dec. 31) Panther Island Ice at the Coyote Drive-In (Nov. 18 – Jan. 16) The Trains at Northpark (Nov. 19 – Jan. 8) Fort Worth Parade of Lights (Nov. 20) Grapevine Carol of Lights (Nov. 20) Gift of Lights at the Texas Motor Speedway (Nov. 24 – Dec. 30)
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas (Nov. 28 – Dec. 23) Christmas Wine Trains (Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec .14) Twinkle Light Boat Parade (Dec. 2) Christmas in the Stockyards presented by Wells Fargo (Dec. 2) Grapevine Parade of Lights (Dec. 7) The Nutcracker at Bass Hall (Dec. 9 – Dec. 24)
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WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO THIS SUMMER? by Cassidy Williams
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ver the last few months, multiple ministries have been hard at work encouraging and empowering members of the community in faith and fun. Leaders within the church have worked diligently to unite people with outreach events, mission trips and summer-fun events. The church has seen growth and success across multiple ministries and leaders are eager to use this momentum in upcoming months.
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WC Kids
Our Children’s ministry team and 275 volunteers worked hard to put on a successful VBS, for kindergarten - fourth graders, and VBX: fifth and sixth graders. The focus of this summer’s event was Hero Central, discovering your strength in God. About 950 kids attended the June event. Children participating in VBS raised $2,700 for the Shoes that Grow and children in VBX collected about $500 of material in sunscreen, bug repellant and donations, for the CASA Kids Camp. Kids played together and created multiple crafts throughout the hero-themed week. They created slime, made superhero capes, created tie-dye art, learned songs and listened to a daily message about a different hero from the bible. Each story highlighted a characteristic of God’s heroes. God’s heroes have heart, courage, wisdom and power. The VBX kids put their hero skills to work as they made lunches for Feed Our Kids. 7
In a new summer trip, Denise Bennett, Director of Children’s Events, took a group of sixth graders to Heifer Ranch. At the ranch, the kids had the opportunity to spend two full days experiencing what it would be like to live in a third world country. They had minimal food, no electricity and no running water. It was a unique experience for the kids to learn how other people live while teaching them to be thankful for the basic provisions God gives us. Bennett is considering continuing this experience for future sixth graders.
School Splash. At the end of August, WC Kids hosted a ‘What’s New Sunday’ to kick-off the new fall programming. Throughout all the events, WC Kids have seen growth in overall attendance this summer.
The Children’s Ministry team is looking forward to upcoming events that will continue to encourage fellowship in Christ. They believe it is important to encourage children to build a relationship with Christ in an environment where they feel comfortable. WC Kids is currently accepting volunteers to support “Just to see how those 19 kids children in their faith. Sunday reacted to it…the grace that they morning volunteers and Children’s handled it with, their empathy for Council members are needed. Adults people in third world countries and actively participating in bible study are what they learned about them... I encouraged to use their skills to give think it’ll make a big impact on how back to children’s ministry. Upcoming they see the world and how they see events and registration can be found others that don’t live like we do in at WCkids.org. the United States,” Bennett said. WC Kids’ Family Summer Fun Events encouraged fellowship among children and families. The group saw a private showing of Cars 3 and rented out Skate Town in July. Around 200 people were able to attend the movie event and about 65 enjoyed skating at Skate Town. In early August, WC Kids hosted an Amazing Chemistry Show. The speaker gave a gospel message while performing fun and eye-catching science experiments. Club 56 kids were able to go to Hawaiian Falls for a Back to 8
WC Students
The next generation of believers has been working hard to develop relationships both in and outside of the church. The White’s Chapel Youth Group, kids 7 – 12 grade, has focused on the idea of community this summer. The three main summer events for WC Students were the 7th grade Mystery Trip, the Middle School Trip, and the High School Mission Trip.
Over 70 students and 15 adults attended the three-day event packed with fun activities, worship and group talks.
About 80 students and 20 adults attended the Middle School Trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The group worked with Heartwork Missions and individuals were assigned a social or physical task to complete for the day. The kids were on rotation for different The Mystery Trip consisted of volunteer work such as cleaning, secret locations that were not disclosed pantry sorting, interacting with young kids to the kids before they left. and small house repairs. WC Students Although the locations change every had the opportunity to work with other year, this year the group went to the students in the Tulsa area to unite their movies, Group Dynamics, Hawaiian Falls, efforts for those in need. Main Event, and played walleyball, over the course of the three days.
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The High School Mission Trip was also held in Oklahoma. The group of ninth – 12th graders went to Oklahoma City to work with Heartwork Missions. More than 450 people from the community helped on 18 different OKC house projects. Each project not only possessed a physical element for students but also presented a social element of ministry. Each person needing help had his or her own unique story. Students benefited from interacting with and caring for others. Through physical volunteer work, worship and lessons, the students came to better understand the concept of outreach ministry. About five students chose to give their lives to Christ while on the trip. Because of all the amazing outreach events, WC Students are excited to continue their walk with Christ throughout this upcoming school year. Crave, the middle school ministry, and Intersection, the student worship group, will continue to encourage students throughout the year. The next big trips for students consist of the Fall Retreat to Pine Cove for middle school students, and the international spring break trip to Guatemala, for high school students. WC Students are always in need of more group leaders, volunteers and adult leaders. For more information or to volunteer for WC Students, please contact Floyd Joseph.
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WC Arts Academy
This summer, kids interested in the arts were able to participate in a kid’s production of Honk Jr. About 40 kids were involved in the show and over 800 people attended the three-night event in July. The children involved spent two weeks in a camp-like atmosphere in order to put together the successful show. In addition to learning lines and music numbers, the kids also assisted in costume creation and building set pieces.
Kyle Austin, director of WC Arts Academy, was thrilled with how well the students worked together to produce the show. “Honk was very special,” Austin said. “It was such a delight to watch something so complicated come together in such a short time. It was truly a testament to how much a kid can do when supported by a group.”
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The WC Arts Academy also hosted a small Variety Dance Camp in August for first through fourth graders. Kids were able to have fun while learning introductory dance skills. Children learned a variety of basic dance moves and gave a final “performance” for parents on the last day. It was a great opportunity for kids that were interested in taking dance classes in the fall. Fall classes are available for children interested in performing. Dance, theater and creative classes are available for children first through eigth grade. Austin is currently accepting auditions for the next production, “Elf Jr.” which opens Nov. 15. Registration is available online by searching “Arts Academy.” A catalogue of available classes and dates is also available online.
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WC Classic Adults White’s Chapel senior fellowship group, those 50 years and older, has been busy with exciting monthly events and luncheons this summer. These events have encouraged growth while providing a sense of unity within the group. Over the course of the past year, the group has doubled in size. Last summer, monthly luncheon attendance was about 60 and this summer, average luncheon attendance has increased to almost 120 people. Laurie Williams, director for Classic Adult Fellowship, has noticed the increase in event attendance and believes it is due to the connections people make within the group. “This is not a group that just wants to fade away, but wants to go– to live life with new experiences, find joy and connections with each other, and to basically ‘do life’ with others on a similar path,” Williams said. “Through these experiences, God shows his light through all of us.”
The Classic Adults were able to visit The Star, the Dallas Cowboy practice facility, in Frisco over the summer. The group met Jerry Jones and the Cowboy’s linebacker, Sean Lee, while touring the facility. On another trip, the group visited the Arlington Museum of Art to view 1950’s - 60’s photos and magazine covers. Monthly luncheons with the group are always unique and often have guest speakers. Over the summer, the group had a former FBI Investigator speak about working with 9/11 investigations and a retired Seargent gave his testimony in celebration of the 4th of July. Williams is looking forward to the annual kickoff luncheon Sept. 29, and expects the organization’s attendance will keep growing. The luncheon will feature another guest speaker, Illusionist Chris Brent. He is known in Europe for his unique performances and television appearances on popular European shows. Luncheons are free but donations are appreciated. Additional upcoming events can be found online under Classic Adult Fellowship.
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ANSWERING THE CALL TO SERVICE 14
Answering the Call to Service by Emily Keller
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sking someone to step out of their comfort zone and head to a new city with a bunch of brand new friends for a mission trip can be a difficult question to respond to. For men like Jim Stalder, attendee and leader of the men’s trip for nearly 10 years, they understand the benefit of participating in this trip.
is a great way to build a foundation and create a community for yourself.”
Annually, the men’s ministry heads out on a guy’s trip – complete with construction, cooking and community. For the past six years, the group has gone south to San Antonio and partnered with Blueprint Ministries in service. This “By gathering outside of our community, men receive fellowship October, participants will have and experience on the Men’s Mission another chance to spend a weekend Trip that is heightened compared helping fix everything from floors to to our on-campus meetings,” Jim ceilings in homes, to make them Stalder. “There are many men that safer and drier in San Antonio. have never attended before, but this
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Blueprint Ministries is a nonprofit organization, based in urban San Antonio, which was created to be “an expression of Christ’s love through the restoration of homes in the community.” As a city with one of the largest percentages of sub-standard housing in the U.S. (87 percent), those serving with Blueprint Ministries reach many families that are living at, or far below, the national poverty level. Stalder explained that typically, “men often end up going every year because they get to experience the work they’re doing is real – transforming lives for many people, including themselves.”
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With our church being the size that it is, it can be hard, or even intimidating, to find the right group for you. This trip is an awesome opportunity to get away for a few days and truly engage with men of all ages over meals, serving and lots of fun. For those that aren’t the handiest: construction skills: and experience are not required! There are men of all ages and skills, retirement to high school, and there is always a meaningful and needed job to do! “For those who don’t have construction skills, this is an excellent place to learn hands-on from others,” exclaimed Stalder. “Attendees not only work to improve the houses we visit, but the lives we encounter.” It is evident that this trip does not rely on happenstance, but rather an intentional, spirit-filled and life changing mission opportunity for men of all ages. Blueprint Ministries has helped orchestrate a rhythm for each trip, bringing relief to leaders; men bring the skills and manpower, they provide the materials and boarding. Rev. Ramon Smith, the new Pastor for Men’s Ministry, is excited to join this trip for the first time. “While going to San Antonio doesn’t require us to travel very far, we are going far enough to take ourselves away from the comfort
of our homes and the busyness of our lives,” said Smith. “The men are making a sacrifice in laying down their routines, picking up the cross and taking the Great Commission to those living in desperate conditions.”
While there are many benefits to attending a weekend like this, Stalder speaks of the many opportunities to sit back together and see the great ways God is in action. “At the end of each day, we gather in the dining space and s er person they were working alongside, the homeowners or even the children of the homes,” said Stalder. Ultimately, the men are seeking to go to show compassion. “The work done is not just solely physical, it’s a spiritual work of God in our hearts that empowers us and informs the reason for the physical work,” explained Smith. 17
Love and Support for Hurricane Harvey Victims
by Cassidy Williams
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ith the influx of media coverage of recent natural disasters, it’s hard to think of anything else. Images of families being rescued and homes being destroyed are hard to forget. Everyone’s mind is focused on those affected by ongoing tragedies and what can be done to help. In the wake of so much destruction, surrounding Texas residents have embraced those affected by Hurricane Harvey. People of the
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Dallas/Fort Worth area have provided financial support, donations, supplies, food and volunteers to help people with the devastating effects of the storm. Tropical Storm Irma, the most recent storm to drastically affect the United States, has caused extensive flood damage to the Florida Keys and other neighboring islands. New information is being released daily as flooding begins to subside. Hurricane
Harvey, the storm that displaced thousands of people in Texas, has impacted the community in a way we haven’t seen in decades. World Vision estimates first responders rescued as many as 10 thousand people around the Houston area during the storm; about 30,000 people fled to find temporary shelter. About 19 trillion gallons of water fell in Texas and 5.5 trillion gallons in Louisiana, affecting the property value of people’s land and homes. After almost two and a half weeks, flood damage is still a major concern for residents that are starting to clean out their homes. “This is going to be a massive, massive cleanup process,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott told “Good Morning America”. “People need to understand this is not going to be a short-term project. This is going to be a multi-year project for Texas to be able to dig out of this catastrophe.”
more to Hurricane Harvey victims. With so many generous donations, cities will be able to replace damaged material, dispose of garbage, clean up remaining debris and take care of the victims. According to USA Today, Hurricane Harvey is expected to reach around $190 billion in damages. Many of the cities affected, such as Houston, will have to rebuild several of their communities. Families may still be displaced because of damage to their homes. The money donated by generous businesses and organizations will help families rebuild the homes they lost to floodwater and wind. People will be able to start rebuilding their lives once temperatures rise to dry out the previously flooded areas.
The church community has provided much-needed support for victims by uniting in prayer for the people affected by the storms. White’s Chapel has reached out to hurricane victims with both emotional and Local and state organizations have physical support. On Sept. 7, the accepted donations in order to help church hosted a benefit concert, people devastated by the recent featuring The Vocal Majority, to raise storms. The Salvation Army, Higher money for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Education Leaders, local People from the community came businesses and many other to enjoy the White’s Chapel Chancel organizations have donated money by Choir, Orchestra, Cantare, and songs raising money for relief efforts. performed by The Vocal Majority. The According to CNBC, some event brought around 1,200 in major companies such as, Apple, attendance, and between online and Bank of America, Chevron, Verizon, the offering taken, $41,000 was raised. Coca-Cola, Facebook, Hilton and Wal-Mart have donated $1 million or 19
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In addition to prayer and donations, the church is collecting nonperishable food items and will continue collecting needed supplies throughout the upcoming weeks.
“You have to be proud to see the way our fellow Texans have responded,” Abbott said, “whether they be the first responders or just neighbors Gateway Church, First Baptist Church helping neighbors to deal with this of Colleyville, Fellowship Church and overwhelming catastrophe.” The Hill Church are just a few other local faith-based communities that Even though many have only heard have aided those affected by the negative aspects of the storm, it Hurricane Harvey. Members are is important to recognize kindgathering food, taking financial hearted volunteers and the donations and partnering with generosity of relief fund contributors. outreach groups in order to help Businesses, churches and those in need. Gateway Church is communities have united in love for working closely with the the victims of the storms. Minutemen Disaster Response Team, The overwhelming support shown Mercy Chefs and The Goodness to people in and around the Houston Project to provide food and aid. area is amazing but people will still need help and support as more First Colleyville will be packing information is released. It’s important buckets full of cleaning and demoli- to continue to stay united in prayer tion items on Sept. 20. The “Pack the and cultivate a giving spirit. Bucket” event will create 500- 1,000 buckets that will be delivered to people in Beaumont. Fellowship Church is forming two response teams to provide assistance to those in both Texas and Florida. With so many believers actively reaching out to those in need, the United States can only expect more support in response to Hurricane Irma and any future disasters.
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A WHITE’S CHAPEL SERMON SERIES
by Kat Ormsby
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itting in traffic on 1709 is not unusual these days, but it’s always fun to glance over while at the stoplight and see the series that’s coming up next on our monument sign. What’s exciting is the series is always changing and there is always a new one to look forward to.
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Dr. Todd Renner, an avid reader, was struck by an image he saw in a magazine a few years back. It was of a young boy with boxing gloves on, casting his shadow, but the shadow was of an intimidating boxer.
“I had this deep soul connection to it. There were thousands of words in that one image. Many times, our greatest enemy is the one we see staring back at us from the other side of the mirror each morning. I was so moved by the image of this boy that I thought it would make a great sermon series. It’s something we can relate to and implicate in our own lives,” said Renner. Shadows may not always be thought about, but they are there. Boxers utilize their shadows through a form of training, called shadow boxing, where they spar with an imaginary opponent. One can admire the art of it when the fighter moves around by himself, throwing punches at his very own shadow.
do the things I want to do and I do the things I don’t want to do.’ We’re going to learn how we’re called to handle those situations.” Dr. Judy Hunt will be also preaching throughout this series and giving us a different perspective. “I love Hunt’s style of preaching because she brings such a different perspective from the life that she’s lived, and from the experiences that she’s had. There’s a richness and a depth to her words and to her insights that I always enjoy,” explained Renner. Whatever shadows may be casted in your soul, know that there is a light that can shine through and fight within us.
Beginning Oct. 7, the congregation will dive deep into specific shadows like selfishness, temptation, anger, guilt, and shame. Shining light on these shadows and becoming quicker in our fight against these battles each week will help us to continue to walk a stronger journey as Christians. Rev. Trevor Kennedy will be kicking off this series from the Bridge. “I am excited for this series! These messages are going to be a practical look at the fact that all too often, we are our own greatest enemies. It reminds me of that passage when Paul says, ‘I don’t 23
TREVOR KENNEDY Meet our new PATH1 intern and see what he’s doing to prepare for a church of his own.
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White’s Chapel’s new intern: Trevor Kennedy
by Cassidy Williams
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s of July 1, White’s Chapel UMC welcomed 27-year-old Rev. Trevor Kennedy into its church family to start a journey to give him the knowledge to plant a new church community in the future.
thriving church.
“[The church] wants to allow you to jump in at any point,” Kennedy said. “I think White’s Chapel has put in place systems, structures and a culture, the behind-the-scenes that a lot of people don’t know about, “There’s something about this that allows that to happen. The community, there’s a spirit here… day to day and the week-to-week it’s tangible,” Kennedy said. “Peoemails… all the stuff that happens ple are passionate about God and behind the scenes is just incredible.” doing the work of the Holy Spirit. I don’t know if you find that in every church. I hold John and Todd in high Over the summer, Kennedy was able to attend the Student Mission Trip esteem and I really just want to and begin his journey with the young learn from them.” adult ministry, which he will be an integral part of for the next two years. Over the course of the two-year He is eager to become a part of this Path1 program, Kennedy will learn community and continue building from Drs. John McKellar and Todd it up. Kennedy believes millennials Renner while also overseeing the young adult ministry. He will observe desire authenticity and out of a real how the church functions, follow the faith-based community, they can pastors’ routines and meet with them experience God’s grace more daily to understand how they lead this abundantly. 25
Kennedy has also started hosting a new monthly event called Bible and Brew, where young adults meet at a local pub or brewery to discuss the Bible, and other topics that adjoin real life and faith, but also to encourage members in the community. Kennedy wants to further develop life groups, community events, as well as mission trip opportunities for the ministry. “I have a big passion for young adults so we are going to experiment, we are going to play. We may even fail a couple times, but I think in failing we will learn and grow,” Kennedy said. “We want to engage people in a nontraditional setting and allow them to ask questions in an open space.”
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In order to relate to young adults on a more personal level, Kennedy is planning new events to connect members of the church through both faith and community. Thursday night worship services started in September for young adults to experience God through both learning and connected experiences.
Kennedy grew up in faith as a Methodist preacher’s son. After moving throughout the Texas Panhandle over the course of his childhood, he graduated from Abilene High School and pursued his college education in Religion, with a focus in Islam, at Southwestern University.
Kennedy originally learned about the Path1 program through a previous White’s Chapel intern. After seeing how the program and the church pastors impacted the spiritual growth of the previous intern, Kennedy learned how White’s Chapel is a great faith-based community to learn from and helps aspiring pastors trying to follow God.
He first began preaching at the First United Methodist Church in Georgetown after the campus chaplain suggested he apply for an internship in student ministries. Working as an intern until college graduation, the church then offered him a full-time position as the Jr. High Director. 27
Eventually, he worked his way up to overseeing all student ministries, fifth grade to college-aged students. He continued his education at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary where he began preaching once a month in both contemporary and traditional services. During this time, Kennedy found his calling as a hospitality and small group minister.
While Kennedy continues to purse his goal to start a new church, he doesn’t let his vision stand in the way of understanding God’s will.
“At the end of everything, if people say I was a faithful disciple of Christ then I think I did it right,” Kennedy expressed. “I think ambition often gets in the way… but part of letting go of control is asking, ‘How can I “My passion is for people, who have love [God] more today?’” either had a bad experience from church or who have felt Kennedy has grown in his walk with condemnation by the church, to God over the course of his life and experience God’s grace,” Kennedy believes the Holy Spirit is doing said. “There’s a lot of people in our something new within the church. His generation who dismiss church, so goal for the next two years is to better it’s important to find ways to grow understand the work of the Holy in their relationship with Christ and Spirit and be a faithful servant to God. others.” “I’m proof that God can use anyone,” After seminary, Kennedy and his wife, Kennedy said. “God uses each of us, Danielle, found themselves God calls each of us to ministry and looking for a church family. After it doesn’t have to be ordained much prayer, Kennedy began to feel ministry as a pastor, but God calls the Holy Spirit call him to start his each of us to share the love and own church community. He believed grace of Christ… I’m proof of that he needed to learn from another and hopefully [I’ll] be a faithful God-filled place in order to better servant to help shepherd and lead understand all the aspects of leading faith communities into something a church. Rev. Mike Ramsdell of the deeper- something more faithful.” Central Texas Conference of UMC, suggested Kennedy attend the Path1 program at White’s Chapel UMC in order to prepare him for the work God was calling him to do.
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Why the Church? by Debbie McKellar
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ecent events across our state, country, and world have demanded a response to the needs of people who have been in the wake of natural disasters. Hurricanes and earthquakes have commanded immediate attention as many have lost everything they own. Drought and resulting fires, famine,disease, hunger, and lack of drinking water paint a constant palette of urgency for humankind around the world. War-ravaged areas have left a substantial number of homeless families and refugees. Charitable organizations have snapped to action, trying
desperately to provide goods to bandage these needs. In the United States, many seek assistance from our state and federal government to sustain them through these troubled days, weeks, and months to come. With so many organizations eager to help, asking for discretionary charitable funds, why choose the church? White’s Chapel Co-Pastor Dr. Todd Renner believes that what sets the church apart from other charitable organizations is the Gospel. 29
“We are the hands and feet of Jesus,” said Renner, “in all we do, we represent Jesus coming into the lives of people. God needs us and wants us to be that representation.”
that this church does!”
One of the differences between White’s Chapel and many other churches this size, is that statistically most other churches have maybe five Oddly enough, many people don’t families who give the majority of the think of ‘the church’ when they think of money that makes up the budget. The charitable giving. The irony of this, rest of the offerings are donated by according to Renner, is that the everyday people, everyday families. church is not only responsible as a steward to those who give, but also “Our church is different because we responsible to God for how it is used. don’t have those five families. There aren’t a handful of donors who write “So much of giving goes back to massive checks. What we do the idea: people have of what the financially, spiritually, and physically, church does. I think we can get has never relied on just a few peosidetracked into thinking the church ple. We actually build our budget only has a few specific ministries. from the $10 to $100 donations. Our Often, this is a result of personal piggy banks and lemonade stand involvements; if a family has offerings from our children, random children or youth, they are typically offerings from job bonuses -- these involved in those areas of literally are all a family of equality in programming. They know a lot stewardship. It’s important for about those departments and can everyone to have skin in the game see how their contributions are used because we do feel passionate in that area.” about what we are doing and about the role this church plays in the Renner believes that one problem is community and beyond. This church that so many people don’t know exists because of the grace of God.” everything that is going on. In spite of the many means of “This is especially true in a communication, people may not congregation the size of ours,” he realize many of the different things that allowed. “Sometimes, even working White’s Chapel does. Not only does at the church, I will hear about budgetary giving provide money for something and say ‘We’re doing electricity, air conditioning, and – yes, that?!’ -- and it’s truly a surprise those donuts on Sunday, it also because there are so many provides a basis for transitional ministries in so many different areas housing, hunger management, 30
tutoring, education, and counseling and programming for the community in areas such as grief, addiction, and employment. Additionally, it provides a means for volunteers to help others one-on-one in times of crisis.
your love, your talent, your gifts, and your service. Being a part of that is an equally important part of stewardship.
“This is the Gospel. This is doing what we believe Jesus would do; An obvious example is the current being the people that God wanted involvement with victims of Hurricane us to be,” said Renner. “It’s about us Harvey. coming and giving and receiving. It’s about this glorious exchange “There are so many ways that that is experienced in a more powpeople can give and our church is erful way when we come right in the middle of it all. We have together. We are actually touching collected goods and personally lives and making a difference in so delivered them to victims in many of our ministries through local shelters. We have already sent offerings, charitable giving, time, teams of volunteers providing labor and talents.” to help with cleanup. We’ve collected money and held benefits. We have even had children raise money to donate. The work in this area has just begun.” “Oftentimes, people want giving to become personal; they don’t want to just write a check to the Red Cross. They want to do something. They feel a need to be a part of the humanity of the project. I think that’s what we offer as the church. We offer the experience of not just feeling you did your duty by writing a check.” So, why the church? The beauty about the church is that no matter what your heart’s gift is, no matter what your talent or passion, there is a ministry at this church for 31
A Selfless Service by Kat Ormsby
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efore she gets out of bed every morning and puts her feet on the floor, Jane Grazer bows her head and asks God to show her where she can be of service to His people. This is her mission each day. Starting out working in Harlem, Jane has lived her entire life in ministry outreach and serving those in need. Now, Jane lives here in North Texas with her husband Joe, and both are still living lives of service to God’s people.
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Agape Meal is a ministry White’s Chapel has been doing for more than a decade. Jane helped to start it and has had the opportunity to watch it flourish into an enormous group. Each month, a bus full of volunteers drives down to Fort Worth and feeds the homeless in the name of Jesus. The Agape Meal, or Love Feast, is a Christian fellowship meal that is often practiced in small groups. Agape means to love freely – a love that is given without any kind of judgment and wholeheartedly being Christ to those who are in need. Throughout scripture, both feeding the hungry
and clothing the poor are our missions as Christ followers. Agape Meal is a ministry that helps to do just that. The ministry started here about 11 years ago with just two people. After Jane helped take it over, it grew to five people each week and then to 10. The group eventually started a car pool in a church van and when that grew to be too crowded, the group began taking a church bus. Now between 50 and 60 people join together to selflessly serve the fourth Thursday of every month. This mission opportunity is open to any age. Agape Meal includes everyone from children, teens, and adults, elderly, to everyone in-between. “Before we leave on the bus, I always pray first and then explain why we are going. First and foremost, we are not going to judge in any way - we are only going to love. We are totally going to be Christ’s hands and feet. That’s it,” said Jane.
option to serve is through preparing and bringing out food and beverages. No matter which position one takes onto serve, all can experience the heartfelt mission of those who don’t have nearly enough. There have been so many beautiful stories that have come from serving through this community. Once, a seven-year-old boy went to Agape Meal with his father for the first time. He returned that evening and his mom asked him how the experience was and his response was, “Mom, I was Jesus.” As many know, Southlake is a very blessed community. “When the perspective is changed from how much we are blessed, to how much we can in turn bless others, I feel that that’s one of the main reasons we go,” said Jane.
One time, Jane went to visit her son at his house. There was a man working on fixing her son’s garage. The man kept telling Jane she looked familiar, but she could not recall where When the group gets off the bus, the man might have known her. After there are two ways someone can leaving, Jane’s son called her and said serve. One is to be a host of a table. the man remembered where he had At Agape Meal, the meals are served met her before. The man simply said, at the table family-style, different than “You fed me.” just a food line. When sitting together, the theme is to incorporate “That is precisely why I do what I do,” all of the family of Christ together. The said Jane. “My whole life is to be a host helps facilitate conversation and servant and this ministry gives me connects the group. The other an outlet to do that.” 33
An Act of Worship: The Altar Guild
by Emily Keller
T
wo women walk into Hobby Lobby; always recognized and often mistaken for sisters, ready to find inspiration and beauty for the upcoming Christmas season. Brenda Wyatt and Tommie Netzer have been a part of the Altar Guild, the team responsible for beautifying the altar for each big season. Wyatt, a member of White’s Chapel for over 20 years and decorating for nearly 17, simply just saw a need. Netzer joined her team just eight years ago, and quickly was designated as the “chief elf” come Advent season. Altar Guild takes the charge on all things behind-thescenes on decorating the altar for the Lenten season, Fourth of July and the Christmas season. Both
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women giggle in unison to share that
the season, which takes the longest to decorate for, has to be Christmas! “Ecclesiastes speaks about how there is season, a time, and a purpose for everything under heaven. And for us, this is our season, our time, and the decorations that surround us are our purpose,” explained Wyatt. Pieces seen around the campus can be something that has been used year after year, but the team seeks to explore new ideas within traditional items. “We want it to be beautiful. But more than that, we want it to have meaning,” Netzer said. “Every piece has a significance; greenery and wreaths
signify the ongoing love of God, lights and nativities speak to the birth of the Christ child; even the bows express the joy of Christmas!”
Inspired by Colossians 3:23, they believe that in whatever they do, they do it with their whole heart.
“After so many years decorating, I still get so excited to join together Each season, the amount of and decorate for the seasons. As an volunteers can vary. But for Advent, artist, this serving opportunity gives the need is typically much me a big outlet for expression,” said higher because there’s a lot more to Wyatt. do, but finding help can also prove to be very challenging. Since the Volunteers are welcome and season typically begins the week appreciated for any amount of time following Thanksgiving, Altar Guild or skill they can offer – just prepare completes the process before to have lots of laughs, fun, and to Thanksgiving. learn a ton about making spaces beautiful! As the two walk through the campus and enjoy the work that has “Before we come together to been done, they recognize how big decorate the church, my house is this church is and how always decorated head to toe, too!” important it is to find your place agreed Netzer. “If you stand still within it. They hope that through the long enough, I just might put a bow beauty, someone can be inspired to on your head.” step out and join with them in creating a presence of the Lord through decorations. “God has always sent us the people we need when we’ve needed them,” marveled Wyatt. “He sent me my best bow maker almost ten years ago!” motioning to Netzer. Spending just five minutes with these two women, you get to experience the pure joy they have from walking out their calling and giving this gift to God each season. 35
Tremendous thanks to the White’s Chapel Connect team for composing and editing all original photography, videography, design, and content.
White’s Chapel Christmas Schedule December Musical Events Saturday, Dec. 9 & 10 Sat: 5:30 p.m./ Sun: 9 & 11 a.m. • Christmas Worship Experience: “Here With Us”
Christmas and Christmas Eve Saturday, December 23 5:30 p.m. Contemporary Christmas Music service in sanctuary
Sunday, December 24 • 9:30 a.m. Childrens Service • 11 a.m. Candle-lighting Service • 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. Full Choir Services
• 4 & 5:30 p.m. Contemporary services • 11 p.m. High Traditional service
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Look out for the next issue:
January 12, 2018