feb15firstnews
DESCRIPTION
A monthly publication of First United Methodist Church of Dallas.TRANSCRIPT
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF DALLAS
FEBRUARY 2015
FirstNews
First United Methodist Church of Dallas 1928 Ross Avenue | Dallas, Texas 75201
214-220-2727firstchurchdallas.org
Dr. Andrew C. Stoker, Senior Minister
ANSWERTHE
LENT AT FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF DALLAS
On Ash Wednesday, February 18, we end the season of Epiphany in the Christian year. Epiphany is the season after Christmas where we remember the revelation of who Jesus the Christ was—and is—for the world. The season of Lent is a 40-day period during which we remember the person and work of Christ who was in the form of Jesus. Ash Wednesday is an opportunity to remember the humanity of Jesus by ritualistically placing ashes on our heads. These ashes signify our own understanding of our earthliness. This one day of remembrance sends us on a journey where we walk with Jesus in his own understanding of the human condition and humanity’s deep need for God’s mercy and grace.
Christians remember Jesus’ sacrifice as Christ by relinquishing one aspect of our lives for 40 days. Often, we relinquish something that brings us comfort like food stuffs, technology, etc. We “give up” the types of things that require us to conveniently take on without looking to God first. Some Christians dedicate themselves
to some sort of fast like a food fast (not eating from sun up to sun down) or fasting from speaking for a period of time during the day or week. Even other Christians take on something during Lent so that it may become a habit beyond Lent like volunteer work or more fervent and lengthy prayer.
This year at FirstChurch, Lent is what you make of it. Obviously, taking on weekly worship services is a way to connect with your faith family to provide encouragement during this season (and the year). In joining a new FirstChurch Connect Group, you may discover how giving up an hour a week for small-group study and fellowship can strengthen your relationship with God (see p. 2 for more details on this). Praying and fasting are still other ways you can choose to engage in Lent. Whatever you take on or let go during Lent, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as, together, we find our Center in Christ Jesus.
Worship Opportunities During Lent
Ash Wednesday ServicesFeb. 18
12 - 1:30 p.m. Come & Go in Dickerson Chapel
6:30 p.m. Fellowship Dinner in Fiedler Atrium
7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Palm Sunday ServiceMarch 29
Palm Processional at 11 a.m. worship service
Maundy Thursday ServiceApril 2
7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Good Friday ServiceApril 3
7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Easter Sunday ServicesApril 5
7, 9 & 11 a.m.
Register at firstchurchdallas.org/groups
connect
F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T
C H U R C H O F DA L L A S
G R O U P S
F O R
L I F E
Why are Connect Groups important to FirstChurch?We believe that Connect Groups help individuals to become more deeply devoted followers of Jesus. They provide the space for people to question, reflect and support one another as they live out their faith in their daily lives. And it is who we are as United Methodists! Methodism began with small groups who met for the purpose of holding one another accountable and building up one another in the faith. Why should I participate?“I have been a part of a small group for years and it has truly changed my life. My relationship with God has deepened because of the time I have spent studying, listening and reflecting in the small group setting. It provides the space for people to develop authentic relationships with one another. Small groups can be a means of grace, for sure!” –Rev. Blair Thompson Why else should I participate?You will get to know your FirstChurch neighbors! The groups will meet once a week in different neighborhood settings. Our hope is that you will meet FirstChurch members who live near you. This is also a way for our church to be more visible in our communities.
What is the difference between Connect Groups and Sunday School?Connect Groups meet throughout the city at different times during the week. People commit to participating in a Connect Group for one session that lasts five weeks. Our ministers write the curriculum that allows for thoughtful and thorough discussion on topics that are most relevant to our congregation. Groups conclude their time with a social or service activity and may choose to continue on together. Sunday school classes meet on Sunday mornings at the church. When do Connect Groups start?Our first session of Connect Groups starts the week of March 1 and meets for five weeks. Additional sessions will start in April and September and each will meet for five weeks. When/where do Connect Groups meet?Connect Groups meet throughout the week at locations throughout the city. Visit firstchurchdallas.org/groups beginning February 9 for information about the times and locations. Do I have to stay in the same Connect Group for each session?Each session will offer a new set of Connect Groups. Your current group may choose to continue on between
sessions or may end after five weeks. Your commitment is for five weeks. You may choose to join another group when a new session begins. How do I sign up?Visit firstchurchdallas.org/groups beginning February 9. You will see each location on a map with details about who the leaders are and when the groups meet. You can also stop by our Connection Points or Welcome Desk on Sundays, or call Elise Daniel at 214-220-2727, ext. 224. What about childcare?Childcare for newborn to elementary school-aged children is provided for groups that meet at the church. You can make a reservation for childcare when you register for a group online. Need more information? Stop by one of Connection Points on Sundays or contact Rev. Blair Thompson, Associate Minister of Discipleship at [email protected] or Jennifer Tolin, Director of Connectional Ministries at [email protected].
FirstChurch is starting a new small-group ministry called Connect Groups. These groups, comprised of 8-12 people, will meet once a week for the purpose of connecting with God and one another. Groups gather in neighborhood locations for five weeks and spend time studying together, praying for one another, and developing deep friendships. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, brought together similar groups of people to help one another live holy lives. He believed that there is “no personal holiness without social holiness.” Our faith is communal. Participating in a group whose focus is growing together in knowledge and love of God is a key part of faith formation.
Your story matters—and it is part of a much bigger story about God’s redeeming grace! Women of all ages are invited to the Women’s Retreat, sponsored by UMW. Rev. Blair Thompson will be leading us as we explore the theme “Tell Me The Story.” Connect with yourself, others, and God in a way that will inspire and recapture your joy and passion for the spiritual life.
Register at firstchurchdallas.org/womens-retreat
@FirstChurch
Women’s RetreatSaturday, February 7. Springhill Retreat Center9 a.m – 4 p.m.
Learn about the work of the Home-Rule Charter Commission by attending the first of a three-part series presented by FUMC’s Church and Society Council.
Bob Weiss, the commission’s chair, will speak. You’ll enjoy his candid, intelligent, informative discussion of the findings and recommendations of the HRCC. Tom Dunning, long-time member of FUMC and Co-Chair of Forum for Dallas Public Education, will introduce Mr. Weiss and moderate a brief question and answer session.
A catered lunch will be provided for $10. Childcare available. Register at firstchurchdallas.org/public-ed
Sunday, Feb. 15. 12 – 2 p.m. Crossroads Center.
Public Education: Why Should I Care?
Join Eve Circle as they begin a new series of family enrichment speakers. Dr. Andy Stoker will present “Life’s Balance: Loving Your Kids and Loving Each Other… at the Same Time”.
The program introduces concepts for a better life balance with you and your spouse. Take time to love one another with this opportunity… together. 9:45 a.m. in Fiedler Atrium
Sunday, February 15th9:45 - 10:45 AM
The Fiedler Atrium
Family Enrichment Speaker Seriessponsored by Eve: a Circle of Moms
with Dr. Andy Stoker
Life’s Balance:Loving your kids and each other...
at the same time.
Welcome Our Newest Members
DEATHS: Sincere sympathy to the family of:John Neal
BIRTHS: Congratulations on the birth of:Perry Eugene Sanderson, son of Perry and Amy Sanderson
Susan Wolfe Scott & Tammy Childers
1. Prayer Shawl Ministry.
On Sunday, Jan. 11, we
dedicated more than 70 prayer
shawls lovingly prepared by
our Prayer Shawl Ministry
Team. These handcrafted
items are shared with people
as a tangible reminder of
our prayers and love that
surround them. The team
first gathered in the spring of
2012 as part of a One Great
Gift of Service project. Since
that time, more than 170 items
have been shared – often in
hospital rooms, but wherever
our love and prayers can
surround someone – even as
far away as Costa Rica. “I’m
so honored to think that my
handiwork is going to people
facing difficult times,” says
team leader Sandy Martin.
Members of the team don’t
know who will be comforted
by their handiwork, which
makes the prayers they offer
during the creation process
all the more meaningful.
In addition to learning and
sharing knitting and crochet
talents, the fellowship and
friendship the team shares are
priceless. Everyone – beginner
and expert alike – is invited to
join in the ministry, whether
you prefer to work from home
or with the group, and whether
you have time and talent to
create one item per year or
many more. Join us 10 a.m.-
Noon on 2nd & 4th Saturdays
in UrbanLife, or 6:30 - 8:30
p.m. on 3rd Mondays at C.C.
Young. So many people have
been blessed by this ministry,
and perhaps you have a story
to share about how you have
been blessed after receiving
a shawl. If you have a story
to share – or if you would like
to find out how you can join
in this labor of love, please
contact Sandy Martin at
2. FirstGifts. Thank you to
all the great leaders and
volunteers who made FirstGifts
a wonderful event. Because
of the generosity of our
members, over $30,000.00
was distributed to 18 worthy
causes in our city and around
the world. You made a
difference!
3. Chili Cookoff. The annual
FirstChurch Chili Cookoff was
held Sunday, Jan. 25. The
Rise, Shine Class won “Best
Traditional & Non Traditional
Chili”. With your continued
support of this annual event,
we raised almost $800 this
year towards the Homebound
Media Ministry!
Care & Concern
1
2
3
Encouraging conversations that build understanding and inspire reconciliation.
That’s putting beliefs into action.That’s Church.
Selma Movie Event & DiscussionSaturday, Feb. 28 at 2:30 p.m.
Ticket information and more details coming soon.
Events at FirstChurch
Starbright, a Gathering of LightA Concert benefitting theDallas Bethlehem CenterFriday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. at theEisemann CenterTickets: www.eisemanncenter.com
FCU Spring Second Half Classes BeginWednesday, Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
New Classes Begin such as First Corinthians, led by Dr. Andy Stoker, Women of the Bible: How Their Dynamic Stories Shape Our Story, led by Rev. Blair Thompson and Corporate Worship, led by Diane Bricker. Register at firstchurchdallas.org/firstchurchuniversity.
UMW Unit MeetingSunday, Feb. 22 at Noon in UrbanLife
All inactive UMW members, new members of FirstChurch, and visitors are encouraged to join us for insightful programming, service to missions, and fellowship in 2015.
All-Church Costa Rica Taco LunchSunday, March 1 at Noon in Fiedler Atrium
Enjoy a delicious taco lunch and be a part of changing the lives in Costa Rica. March 8 - 15, our team of 44 - children, youth, and adults - will travel to Costa Rica to work in construction, VBS for local children, and a medical fair in the community supporting the work of the Methodist Church in Costa Rica. Come hear from the team about the ministry, why they are going, and what they hope for!
5th Sunday MissionSunday, March 29 9:45 am in Crossroads Center
Sarah Squires, Executive Director of the Wesley Rankin Community Center in West Dallas, will speak on “Mission Today: Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile”. Wesley Rankin has served the Dallas area in mission for 112 years. Hosted by UMW.
Project: Easter bags for Wesley Rankin senior citizens.
Senior Issues Forum: Senior Issues Forum:
“Residence Choices for Senior Adults” “Residence Choices for Senior Adults”
Saturday, Feb. 28 Saturday, Feb. 28
9 a.m. - Noon in Fiedler Atrium9 a.m. - Noon in Fiedler Atrium
Are you caring for an aging parent? Are you a senior adult considering making a residence change? FirstSeniors presents a special edition of our yearly Senior Issues Forum to help seniors and their family members make residence choices:
Experts will answer the following questions:
“What does it take for a senior adult to remain at home?”“When should seniors move to a new residence?”
“What residence options are available in our community?”“What do we do if a new residence does not meet our expectations?”“How do seniors deal with the spiritual issues of change and loss?”
Panelists will each make a brief presentation on what they believe to be the most important issues in residence choices, and then take questions from those attending.
Our experts include:
Dr. Marcela Wentzel, Gerontologist, and member of FirstChurch
Courtney Smith, LCSW, Director of Elder Support, The Senior Source
Suzanna Sulfstede, LMSW, Director, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, The Senior Source
Rev. Tom Downing, Minister to Senior Adults, FirstChurch
Free. Register beginning Feb. 8 at fi rstchurchdallas.org/seniorsforum.
Camp Goodrich: Hands-on arts education.
July 20 – 24, 2015; $2009 am. – 4 p.m. in the FirstChurch Gym
Know a kid, age 9 to 12, who loves art and wants to learn more? Sign-up for Camp Goodrich today! Filled with hands-on art experiences, museum visits and more!• Photography, sculpture (2D & 3D), screen print.• Tours of the DMA, Crow Collection, and more. • Daily snacks• T-shirt• Art exhibit and reception
Sam Williamson, Teaching ArtistBeverly Regan, Camp CoordinatorRegistration capped at 25. Spots held for church members until February 12. Register at firstchurchdallas.org/camp
The February exhibit in The Goodrich Gallery focuses on the artwork of Ruth Litwin. The exhibit opened with a reception on Sunday, February 1 in the gallery. The artist is hosting a second reception in the gallery on February 22 from 2 - 3 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to view the exhibit and meet the artist.
“I use pattern to portray the twists and turns that happen every day in all our lives. We have interruptions not always of our choosing
that change our next moves whether we continue to work or we have to leave. When we come back to the painting the motivation has somewhat changed. The work is now going to be different. As an experimenter and a dreamer I work intuitively. Passion and determination have put more clarity in my art. Instinctively I manipulate shapes and colors with fascination. I use many shapes weaving in and out. Layers of paint and negative spaces signify our times and how we live. The colors are bright and neon. I want the viewer to look and have the shock of the intensity, to come into the experience and see the different layers and go deep into the interior of the work. The painting has become complicated. Every cell as a painting within itself. First you see the overall structure and if you stop and look, you can see the parts that make me whole. Ultimately, on a personal level and with my art, my vision is to have harmony, peace and trust in myself.”
Goodrich GalleryFebruary Exhibit
Gallery Hours
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
9 a.m. - Noon Saturday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday
FirstChurch hosts concert by world-renowned organist and percussionistMonday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m., Free
Percussion and organ, a somewhat unexpected combination with a surprisingly pleasing sound, now has its own duo of performers who were featured at the 2012 National American Guild of Organists convention in Nashville. Organized Rhythm’s appearances have been described with terms such as “absolutely incredible,” “a show-stopper,” and “a stunning program.” Concert organist Clive Driskill-Smith, praised for his “unbelievable virtuosity” currently serves as sub-organist at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford, UK. Playing alongside Driskill-Smith is multi-percussionist Christoph Eschenbach, director of the Julliard Summer Percussion Seminar and member of Yo-Yo Ma’s SilkRoad Ensemble.
Ruth Litwin, painter
By Amy Fifer and Lisa Kresl, Variations Fundraiser Co-Chairs
Get ready for jazz hands, high kicks, sequins and silver bowler hats. The Variations youth choir presents “Go Go Chicago” Sunday, February 22, at 5 p.m.
The annual musical variety show is under the direction of Dana Effler, Director of Music and Arts. In January and February, the group, aided by their parents, will ask for donations to raise money in support of their summer tour to Chicago. Stops on the tour include performing at retirement centers in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Springfield, Missouri. Variations also will sing at Concord Trinity United Methodist Church in St. Louis and for a communion service at First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple. A highlight will be meeting Keith Hampton, who composed “Praise His Holy Name.” The variety show will be a tribute to the generosity of their donors.
Dana, along with Tim Effler, Associate Director of Music/Organist, has planned a musical program that will appeal to all generations. History and culture come alive with ditties from the Depression such as “I Want to be Happy” and “The Charleston”. Wax nostalgic with Chicago boomer ballads “You’re the Inspiration” and “Saturday in the Park”. Variations will give you a show that’s so splendiferous with songs from the musical “Chicago,” including “Razzle Dazzle” and “Roxie.”
Choreographed by Beth Wortley, the show features dancing, ringing and an appearance by the Counterpoint Choir.
Variations tour and fundraiser are a FirstChurch tradition. Variations President and senior Ben Howell says one of his favorite tour memories was the trip to Colorado in 2010. “Will Keeter and Kenneth Mount were my hiking buddies. We spent hours playing in the snow, laughing and having a great time.” Alto Section Leader and senior Tate Giddens says, “Despite the long Sunday practices,
show season is my favorite season in Variations. Guided by an effervescent director and surrounded by friends, the fundraiser is a cool experience filled with laughter and memories. Each year my favorite part of the show is the choreography, which is fun, lively, and brightens up the entire song.”
After you get a taste of that toddlin’ town at the show, please join Variations for treats at the reception following the performance in the Fiedler Atrium.
Presented by VariationsSunday, February 22, 5 PM
in the Sanctuary
Meet Our 2015 Church Council
Leah BaileyConnectional Ministries
Barbara BoudreauxDLC Oversight Board
Sarah MitchellAdult Education Chair
Chad BristerFinance Chair
Brianna BrownUnited Methodist Women
Jean E. SidesChildren’s Council Chair
Nancy FearsCongregational Care
Rob RayMedia Chair
Emily ClarkYouth Action
Committee Chair
Liza HamelineParent Action
Committee [email protected]
Kelvin MeyersHistory & Archive [email protected]
Angie StinnettSenior Adult Ministries
Marsha EdwardsLocal & Global Missions
Lynne MabryCCS Missions [email protected]
Keith SalmonUrbanLife President
Alexis WillisChurch Council Vice
Jason SchayotChurch Council Chair
Michelle WoodsMusic & Arts Chair
Susan HollowayChurch & Society Chair
Vel HawesBoard of Trustees [email protected]
Annual Conference Representatives
Glenn [email protected]
Sandra [email protected]
Jennifer [email protected]
Richard [email protected]
Jennifer YoupaStaff-Parish Relations