first connections june-july 2011

First United Methodist Church Richardson Volume 7, Issue 23 June/July 2011

FIRSTConnections

2 F I R s t C o n n e C t I o n s A p r i l / M a y 2 0 11

FIRST Connections (USPS 022-024) is published 6 times a year, bi-monthly by the First United Methodist Church of Richardson, 503 N. Central Exp.,

Richardson, Texas 75080. Periodicals postage paid at Richardson, Texas and

additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to First Connections, PO Box 830877, Richardson, TX 75083-5315.

503 n. Central expresswayP.o.Box 830877

Richardson, tX 75083-0877972.235.8385

www.fumcr.com

Senior PastorDr. Clayton oliphint

Director of Communications & WorshipGloria scott

Editor/Graphic Designerelizabeth Gonzalez

Communications Associate

Kevin Burns

Website ManagerFrancy Collins

ContributorsLisa Greenwood

Dawn KahleKen Presley

Service of Communion & PrayerChapel, 8:15 a.m. & noon

Traditional 8:45, 9:45, 11:00Dr. Clayton oliphint, preaching

5:00 p.m. accessA Contemporary Worship experience

Dr. Clayton oliphint, preaching

Tune in! WRR 101.17:00 a.m. Worship at FUMCR

Join Us for Worship Sundays

elizabeth Wilson, Director Inviting & Involving

[email protected]

Kristen Ceaser Inviting & Involving Associate

[email protected]

972.235.8385 www.fumcr.com

Knock and the door of God’s love and blessing will be opened to you. enter into God’s presence for there you will find refreshment and rest for your soul, and the light of Christ to guide you through your day. Hello...Won’t you come in please? Come in, come in and make yourself at home. I’d like to invite you to walk with me through the rooms of a very special house - a house designed to give everlasting grace, embrace your heart, comfort your soul, challenge your mind, and make-ready your hands. together we will capture the essence of its furnishings, discover some of its hidden treasures and maybe even be invited to dinner. Kick off your shoes, make yourself at home, come sit in a comfy chair. our lives, our love, our joy and our laughter, with you we gladly share. As a guest of First United Methodist Church Richardson we invite you to make yourself at home through our website and in person on our church campus. Whether you are considering coming for a weekday program, an evening event, a support group, a seminar or sunday morning worship service, we put out our welcome mat for you and offer our hand in friendship. We want your visit to be inspiring, refreshing and delightful. Please come along and enjoy yourself.

Inspired! What comes to your mind when you hear the word INSPIRED? A work of art? A great piece of music? A dramatic win for your favorite team? At First United Methodist Church we are focusing around that word this summer to remind ourselves what it means to be inspired and to live life in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God and Jesus Christ, is alive in you. The Holy Spirit inspires us to live for God by caring for others. In our sermons in worship this summer we will look at who the Holy Spirit is, and how the Spirit brings inspiration into our lives. We will focus around how various Biblical characters were inspired by the Spirit to live beyond themselves and begin to dream God’s dreams.

In this issue of First Connections you are going to be inspired by the knowledge that our church is 125 years old! That’s right, in 1886, a small band of faithful, committed charter members, in what was a small farming community, established what is now First United Methodist Church Richardson. I imagine that they wanted the same things we do: a community of people that could grow closer to God through worship and Bible study, support each other in fellowship and caring, and make a difference in the world by reaching out to others. Those that came before us set a standard for this church that continues to bless us today. We pray that those who come behind us will be blessed by our faithfulness today. By the way, have you decided what you’re going to give the church for its birthday?

You’ll also read in this issue about our inspiring Youth Ministries. I am so impressed by the way our students are leaders in their schools and in the community. They are inspirational in the way they are living their faith! They are being shaped by our Youth Ministry leaders Tommy Houghteling, Pavielle Chriss, our interns, and the incredible parents, teachers, and counselors. With two students involved in this ministry, and one who has graduated and been shaped by it, I am grateful for the passion our leaders have in sharing the love of Christ with our students, and the way our students reflect that love. Inspired!

In Christ,

Clayton Oliphint

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Dr. Clayton oliphint,senior Pastor

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4 F I R s t C o n n e C t I o n s J u n e / J u l y 2 0 11 F I R s t C o n n e C t I o n s J u n e / J u l y 2 0 11 5

Writing by Ken Presley

Happy 125TH Birthday!In June, FUMCR will celebrate its 125th Birthday. Isn’t that amazing! 125 years of saving lives and souls, education, mission projects, baptisms at our life’s beginning, joining couples in marriage and memorials at the end of our life’s journey.I was honored when I was asked if I would share what our church has meant to my family. The best way I can tell our story is to share our past, our present, and what I believe will be our future.

PASTMy family’s roots with the church go back five generations to C.B. Reddick – my great-grandfather. Many of you have heard of the beginning – the old white wooden church. C.B. Reddick and his wife Betty attended there. He was active in the choir and later was the building committee chairman for the new red brick church that was built in 1925 at the corner of Polk and Greenville. Betty Reddick was the first President of the Women’s Society of Christian Services in 1940. In 1972, this women’s organization became known as the United Methodist Women.My grandparents, H.G. & Dovie Presley were also very active in the church. Dovie Presley was the 2nd President of the Women’s Society of Christian Service, sang in the choir and the two of them were active members of the John Rowland Sunday School Class.My parents, Hank and Martha Presley were married in the red brick church in 1950. Through the years, they have taught and attended several Sunday School classes, and still attend church every Sunday!

CB & Betty Reddick, 1950 FUMCR Red Brick Sanctuary


PRESENTMy first memories of our church were at its previous location on Belt Line Road. I recall the sanctuary being built and thinking how large and beautiful it was. A few years later, the massive pipe organ began being installed and I would watch each Sunday as its progress was made. I later went through Confirmation and was active in the youth program. In college, I met my wife, Connie, who is currently the Assistant Children’s Director at FUMCR. Anyone who has had children go through our church in the last 20 years has to know Connie! She has been instrumental in so many children’s lives. We have served on many committees through the years, have been active in Sunday School and have been youth counselors while our kids were in school. My most recent responsibility was to serve as the Chair of Church Council.

FUTUREOur children, Drew and Mallary, have also grown up in the church. They are 5th generation members of FUMCR and share the same love for our church that I have. Drew was very active in the youth program, and Mallary found her passion and future career of working with special needs children here at our church teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and our HEROES Camp each summer.

One day, Connie and I look forward to the possibility of our children marrying in our church, and who knows, maybe our future grandchildren will grow up in the church as well! Looking around our Sanctuary on a Sunday morning, I see many of you who could just as easily have written this article. I take comfort in coming to worship and sitting amongst older adults and friends that I have known my entire life. Many of you know my parents, knew my grandparents, and have watched my children grow up.I am also excited and encouraged as I look around the sanctuary because I see so many new faces. The dream for our future as we began building this wonderful new campus was that we would be a thriving church of the future—attracting new members—young families that would come join us, and someday have their 3rd or 4th generations sitting amongst us all.Well, our future is here! Our church is thriving and excitement is in the air for all the possibilities that lie ahead.Through the past, the present and on to the future—I can not think of a better place to know God’s love and work for His glory.

Happy Birthday to FUMCR – 125 Years Strong!

There’s going to be a party and YOU are

invited!

Happy Birthday FUMCR—

Celebrating 125 Years

June 12, 2011 during all

worship hoursLet Us Remember

the Past . . . Celebrate the

Present . . . and Vision the Future

What gift will you give the church for

its birthday? $1.25. . .$12,50 . . .$125.00 or yes

YOU can keep moving the decimal

to the right?

Happy Birthday FUMCR!

Dovie & HG Presley Hank & Martha Presley Wedding 1950


The Confirmation Class of 2011 was confirmed Saturday, April 30, 2011 in a worship service with over 600 family and friends in attendance. Fifty-eight 6th graders made their commitment to Jesus Christ to live a Christian life and to become members of First United Methodist Church Richardson. This commitment was not made in haste, as most of these students have been studying this commitment since September. The students also completed memory work that included the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer and other Christian traditions. Students were also encouraged to complete at least six hours of service hours both in the church and in the community. Finally, the students were confirmed. On May 1st, at the 11:00 a.m. worship service, they recognized their church membership before the congregation.

Preston Abadie

James Turner Austin

Mason Wesley BaDour

Hayley Wilcox Batson

Denver Ray Roberts Baumgartner

Cody William Benton

Rachel Sara Calame

Dillon Carrell

Mallory Ann Cole

Trent Johnson Collins

Macie Nicole Deaton

Kristina Marie Dunham

Emma Dyer*

David Barnes Ekvall

Matthew Stephen Farrell

Abigail Ann Gaines

Alexis MacKenzie Gatewood

Emma Flora Adair George

Alejandra Lane Gonzalez

Alexa Brooke Hallum

Kristen Renee Harrington

Casey Julia Harrison

*Brenna Avery Holley

McNeil Ikui Ito

Zack Tumahkupa Jackson

Clayton Bennett Johnson

Carson Kathryn Kroll

Max Gregory Manoel

Delaney Jane Martin

Jakob Mathews Martinez

Anna Katherine Maupin

Samuel Nathan Pass McFadden

Christian John McGarry

Jay Michael Mendenhall

Shannon Mulkey

Caroline Louise Oakley

Chloe Delin Obert

Grant Marshall Oliphint

Ryan Parker

James Maxwell Parrack

Drew Lauren Parten

Alexandria Ann Pasley

Andrew Lange Patchen

Cameron Michael Potter

Elijah Joshua Recinos

Nicholas Cole Shaddox

Alexandra Elise Smith

Taylor Colette Smith

Matthew B. DeBarros Toler

Madeleine Via

Jack Tyler Watson

Luke Whitmore

Ashlyn Lee Winship

Hope Elizabeth Winters

Paige Helen Winters*Confirmed earlier


Blessings from Above Teaching the Class of 2011 Seniors has been such a blessing. The real joy however is not just being able to look at this year and what they have learned. Rather to step back six years ago when I started with them. Back then they were affectionately known as “Sevies” (7th Graders). The journey had just begun fresh off confirmation classes, and getting to step into the Youth Group. It was amazing to teach them each year, and watch as they grew. With every year, you could see more and more of the love of Christ become real to them. Sunday school lessons, youth retreats, UMYF on Sunday evenings. Each experience building on the next. We have had laughter, shared in each of their accomplishments, held them through hard times, and watched as they took each new step. We give thanks to a great congrega-tion who supports the mission of de-veloping youth. We give thanks to an amazing youth staff who have tire-lessly supported us. We give thanks to God for allowing us to be a part or the journey with these wonderful kids.

~ Hollis & Andra Cash

Shae TomlinsonUniversity of Texas in Austin

I’ve been involved with the church since 6th grade,

and the youth group at FUMCR has made a huge

impact on my life ever since. First off, I’ve been on

many trips with the youth group. Two of my favorites

though would definitely be the mission trip in Juarez,

Mexico and Costa Rica. Mexico was such a mov-

ing trip. We actually built a house completely from

scratch for a family in need. Simply building the house

was incredible because it was an accomplishment that

felt bigger than any other accomplishment I’ve ever

had. The biggest moment of the trip was having com-

munion inside the house when it was finished. The

mother of the family broke down crying, and it’s an

image that I haven’t forgotten to this day. Costa Rica,

a non-mission trip, is just an amazing, unique expe-

rience that I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to go on. We surfed, zip lined

through the jungle, swam in the hot springs near a volcano, and also swam in a water-

fall! It’s by far one of my favorite trips I’ve ever been on in my life!

I’ve made so many friends and memories throughout my times in the youth group

that I would never trade for anything. It has given me a group of people to surround

myself with that are going through things similar to what I am and are trying to live

life in the same way I want to. It helps so much to have a group to “escape” to when

things are rough, and to know that there are people I can count on to be there for me

whenever life gets difficult. I’d never really looked much into my faith until I got more

involved in the youth group, especially with Bible Studies. Bible Study on Wednesday

nights really helps me focus on scripture that I may not have focused on much on my

own. When I go to college, I know what kind of people I want to surround myself with.

I have a much stronger sense of my morals with church in my life.


Emily Jane Winnenberg Johnson and Wales University I joined FUMCR with my family in May of 2009. Now, two years and several retreats, mission trips,

and church councils later, I feel like I’ve always been a part of the FUMCR family. I’ve learned so

much about perspective, and seeing Christianity through the eyes of other people during my time

here. I can recall a moment on mission trip when I was talking with a young girl who asked me,

“Why do you do this? Why do you come to help people you’ve never met?” And to be honest, I didn’t

know what to say at first. I felt like I owed her a more meaningful answer than, “It’s the right thing

to do.” So I thought about it, and finally came to the conclusion that, mission work was something

we wanted to do. Not just because it was the “right” thing, but because we wanted to live our lives as

an example, not just talk about it. I’ve made some of the best friends I will ever have here at church, and FUMCR has only affirmed my

belief that you will always find a home and a family if you let God lead you to place you need to be.

I’m looking forward to attending Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina next

autumn, and this year I plan on taking core classes at Collin College. I plan on majoring in either

Hospitality and Management or Baking and Patisserie, or even both! As my friend described it, I

want to plan the wedding and bake the cake. I look forward to the new experiences (Carolina BBQ

anyone?), but I will also miss my friends and family here at home.

The Student Ministries staff would like to thank all of the adult volunteers, Sunday school teach-ers, UMYF and grade counselors, retreat coor-

dinators, and drivers for our various events. We cannot provide the ministry or opportunities

without you all! A special thank you to Benita Belsley and Hollis and Andra Cash who have

been dedicated to working with the graduating seniors since 7th grade!

Matt RobertsCentenary College of Louisiana

As a senior who is about to part from one of the most influ-

ential aspects of my life, I can say with absolute certainty that

the youth program at FUMCR will be greatly missed. I, along

with the rest of the seniors, will certainly miss the things that

impacted us the most during our time at the youth group;

from mission trips to Mexico (original and New), all the way

to our own brand of mini-road trips to Whataburger at 2 am.

Being a part of the strong community that FUMCR has to

offer provided me with many things that I certainly couldn’t

have hoped to have without it. Growing up in the church

meant I had a second home. If school was getting rough,

or something happened in my life, I could always fall back

on my church friends to help me through what I may have

been going through. Even the pre-k program helped me get a

jumpstart on making friends when I got to elementary school

(and we all know what a struggle those days were).


Taylor AhlfingerNikki Albertson

Dani AustinBecky Bacsik

Laura BallLauren Barnard

Tori BasileHunter Beilharz

Kelsey BissellAshley BobelaEmily Breland

Rebecca BrownErica BucknerBecky BufordJason Caire

Reece CannadyMatthew Cannon

Kendal CarseColton Clement

Jacob CollinsDylan CoyleTyler CoyleKent Curry

Josh DeGeeterCarly Dillon

Caitlin DownsPreston DunlapMarisa DurhamAmy Dutschke

Spencer EdmondsSamantha Edwards

Alexander EliseiTommy FieldsAllen FindleyBri FlemingKeith Forbes

Spencer FrankKayla Frazier

Chase GadberryKaleigh Gaines

Abby GandySarah GardnerKevin Garvey

Jackie GonzalesLana Hall

Haley HamlettRachel Hancock

Max HeimerMichelle Hodges-Schneider

Hailey HolderKelsey HollowellClaire HummelMark IngramDevon Irvin

Caitlin JacksonIan Jackson

Rebecca JonesAshley Kennedy

Alexandra KirbyTaylor KringAshley LantzLauren Lantz

Kimberly LarsonKelly Lawson

Garrett LindholmJulianne LittleMichael Lomax

Branden LuptowskiAshley MalcomIlana MarkeyLogan Marx

Megan McCoyChandler McPhersonMegan Mendenhall

Grace MillerPeyton Millington

Colby MontemayorMorgan Moore

Mac MorseHolley NemerSophie OrlichLaura PappasBrooke Peters

Tim PowellTaylor Rachel

Clay RawlinsonRay Raymos

Micah RehfussMatthew Roberts

Abbey RoggeJoey Schattle

Caitlyn ShupingSarah Sims

Natalie SpeaksGuiseppe Stragapede

Taylor StubbsChase Sutherland

Cloe TalaminiWhit Thompson

Andrea Thorne-ThomsenShae TomlinsonLaura VardellTori Vaulot

Kellie WalkerSarah Walker

Harrison WallaceBen Weaver

Matthew WilliamsEric Wilson

Katie WilsonEmily Winnenberg

Michael WolfJohn Wyatt

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Forrest Orr Memorial Scholarship:Haley Hamlett

Spencer F. DePuy Memorial Scholarship: Haley Hamlett

John Garrett Russell Memorial Scholarship:Matt Cannon

The Rev. and Mrs. Robert Peters Memorial Scholarship:Dylan and Tyler Coyle

Craig Kelly Memorial Scholarship:Matt Roberts

Dorothy L. Davis Memorial Scholarship:Allen Findley and Shae Tomlinson

David M. Bailey Memorial Scholarship:Matt Cannon

Bud and Hazel Green Memorial Scholarship:Dylan Coyle

Henry and Essie Pitcock Memorial Scholarship:Tyler Coyle

Men of Honor Men of Faith Scholarship:Clay Rawlinson

United Methodist Women Ruth Thomasson Heart of a Servant Scholarship:Emily Winnenberg

Seekers Class Scholarship:Rebecca Jones, Matt Roberts, Rachel Hancock

Gene Krautter Memorial Scholarship:Branden Luptowski

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Noting that there is always risk involved when you take 78 junior high schoolers to paint homes for a week, Tommy Houghteling, FUMCR’s director of student ministries, notes that every part of FUMCR’s Youth Group activities support the “5 Practices of

a Fruitful Congregation” study our church completed about a year ago. Tommy together with Pavielle Chriss, who is our associate director for student ministries, have intentionally worked to attract a diverse group of 7th through 12th graders – ensuring that FUMCR’s Youth Group is welcoming to everyone.

Devon, a senior at Berkner High School says, “This is like another family. I feel at home with my friends in Youth Group – really comfortable.” Emily, a senior who is home schooled agrees, saying ”Everyone is open and friendly and non-judgmental.”

Clay, a senior at Pearce High School, says that one of his favorite things about the Youth Group is that it’s so accepting of everyone. “We’re always bringing in new people because we are so accepting.”

Radical Hospitality

Radical is a perfect word to describe FUMCR’s Youth Group activities. “We compete for kids’ time with school, sports, video games and other activities. We’ve found that many kids have joined our Youth Group because we do radical activities,” Tommy noted. Some of these radical activities include:

• Icecreamapalooza: where 350 kids were served ice cream sundaes in rain gutters instead of bowls

• Extreme Eating: Eating a pig’s foot during UMYF

• Steal the Goo Fish: Kind of like “Steal the bacon” except you use a raw Vietnamese Giant Goo fish

• Extreme Sundae Contest: where teams build sundaes on their friend’s face from two-stories high

Andrea, a sophomore at Berkner High School notes that she keeps coming back to Youth Group because it’s not your typical “cookie cutter” group. “Everyone cares about you, but they don’t judge you.” Tatiana, a freshman at Richardson High School agrees, saying “I love coming to Youth Group. It feels like another family.”

Our Youth Group’s radical hospitality finds its way in the local high schools as well. Katie, a junior at Pearce High School, says it’s fun to see her friends from Youth Group at school because “we have memories and experiences we’ve shared. It keeps me wanting to come back to Youth Group.”

Passionate Worship

If you’ve spent much time with a teenager lately, you know that passion comes very naturally to teenagers. Tommy says that FUMCR’s Youth Group is no different and that since teenagers have less barriers, our Youth Group shows strong expressions of faith. The group’s passion and openness during worship has

Writing by DaWn Kahle

12 F I R s t C o n n e C t I o n s J u n e / J u l y 2 0 11


helped many youth members find a home at FUMCR.

Noting that while FUMCR has a large congregation, Alex, who is a sophomore at Richardson High School, says “this church is unique because it bonds around its church family. It may be a big church, but our Youth Group is a small family inside the church,” that worships together in many ways.

Amanda, a volunteer with the Youth Group, noted that she, too, worried FUMCR would seem too big. “It’s just as smooth as the small youth group I grew up in. The kids teach me stuff all the time in worship.”

Intentional Faith Development

Tommy says that intentional faith development is part of everything that FUMCR’s Youth Program does, with three main events that happen every week:

1. Sunday mornings: Sunday School provides an opportunity for the church’s 6th through 12th graders to learn the basics, including the Bible and key stories. “We want our teenagers to have a good understanding of the scriptures by the time they graduate,” Tommy said.

2. Sunday nights: “Just knowing the scriptures isn’t enough. We work with our youth to use the scriptures they’ve learned in Sunday School and apply them to the different issues teenagers face,” Tommy explained. The activities and discussion on Sunday nights are focused on allowing our teenagers to say whatever they need to say and have an open conversation – with no questions off-limits. Our goal is to have a “safe atmosphere to explore their faith in an intentional way,” Tommy said.

3. Wednesday nights: Senior High Bible Study is where the Youth Group takes a true “seminarian” approach to studying scripture. The group takes an entire year to study a book of the Bible in an in-depth way. “It’s a great way to cap off the scriptural and topical knowledge they have about our faith,” Tommy says.

Stephanie, a freshman at North Garland High School says that our Youth Group and Sunday School offer something she’s never

experienced before. “They take the time to teach you and care about what you think of the lessons. They make me feel like we are all a family.”

Risk-Taking Mission

“Our goal is to be open and faithful enough to be willing to take risks. We don’t want to ‘chicken out’ if God presents a challenge; but be open if and ready if the need arises,” said Tommy.

Shae, a senior at Berkner says that she’s had a lot of different and unique experiences at FUMCR. “One of my favorite mission trips was in Juarez, Mexico. We built a house where there was just a pile of dirt a week before.” Shae also noted that there are fun trips, like a trip to Costa Rica last summer. “It was unique because we all had unique experiences, like learning how to surf, zip-lining through the jungle, swimming in a waterfall, and seeing a monkey try to rip out half of Tommy’s hair!”

Extravagant Generosity

While teenagers don’t have a lot of money, our Youth Group members do give extravagantly of their precious vacation time to do service projects for other people. Tommy talked about one Youth Group member who had worked very hard to raise money to go on the annual ski trip. Unfortunately, the student had a conflict and couldn’t go on the trip. Rather than being concerned that he couldn’t get a refund on the money he’d paid, “he asked we use the money to let someone go who couldn’t afford it. What struck me was that he was less concerned about his loss and more concerned about helping someone else,” Tommy noted.


In honor of Frances Long from Ernesto & Jennie Palacios. In honor of Cody Benton from Rose Marie Benton. In honor of Jeff & Susanne Brooks from Richard Crawford. In honor of Grace Elizabeth Lyons from Conrad Hoyle

Sommers. In honor of Nolan Cason from Charlene Jones. In memory of Joan Huddleston’s daughter from Sherry Jaffee, Mike & Mary Lightfoot, Jerry & Mary Collins, Julie Cassidy, Jill McCollum, Debbie Branton, Tony Hernandez, Bud & Louise Cramp, Tom & Linda Boedecker, Kitty Loughridge, Gene & Nedra Francis Howard Kennedy, Ann & Bryant Whitten, Glenn & Susie Straus, Gladys & Tim Wende. In memory of Stephanie Kraus from Mike & Mary Lightfoot, Virginia DeSliva, Nina Morton. In memory of A. R. Howard from Mike & Mary Lightfoot. In memory of Joe Young from Mike & Mary Lightfoot, Rudolph & Alice Prikryl, Francene & Earlene Neely. In memory of Elsie Whitmarsh from Mike & Mary Lightfoot. In memory of Mary Ambrose from Pat & Robin Kelly, Betty Bartula, Ecciesia Sunday School Class, North Texas Conference, Rochelle & Wayne Kelley. In memory of Ken Shamblin from Sara Stultz. In memory of Paul McNutt’s father from Joyful Questers Sunday School Class. In memory of Gene Krautter from Mr. & Mrs. Don Snugas, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Machuda, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Snugas, Mr. & Mrs. James Jasper, Mrs. Alice Anne Krautter. In memory of Leslie Parchman and Gerald Maxey from Annette & Tom Stone. In memory of Andy Szuwalski from Leo Boolos, Jr., Mike & JoAnne Patrick, Don & Lois Robey, Sam & Faye Corson, Le Anne & Robert Langholz, Gordon Youngblood, Michael & Dianne Saslaw, Sharon Hanks, Lee & Elisabeth Butler, Dr. Zeki, Kay & David Demirbilek, Linda Hadala, Louis & Sharon Fontana, Martin & Karen Sosland, The Family of Rob & Lisa Ward, R. A. Morgen, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP-Dallas Office, Sylvia & Robert Anderson, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP-New York Office. In memory of Alyssa Little from Mary & Mike Lightfoot, Bill & Carol Nelson, Pauline T. Neal, Linda, Nelson & Grant Matzen, Martha Notestine, Gwen & Duane Reaves, Susan Watterson, Rick & Linda Burns, David, Patty & Grant Carter, Jane Rackler, Cheryl Robinson, William & Windy Veditelli, Mr. & Mrs. Val Sobieski, Mr. & Mrs. James Martin, Kathy Myers, Loretta Gill, Mike & Melissa Streetman, Bliss, John, Anna Bliss & Andrew Dean, Suzy Gekiere, Terry & Dana Bell, Kim, Bob, Brooks & Wade Caston, David Mitchell, Michael & Elizabeth Martin, Gorden Youngblood, Clay Harley, George & Leslie Umstead, Mr. & Mrs. Leland Stowe, Melissa Akins Rossa & Family. In memory of Derwood Winfree’s mother from Jerry & Nita Swafford. In memory of Penny Farrall’s mother from Joyful Questers Sunday School Class. In memory of Sarah Catherine Cross from Laura Wojan, Cindy Dolan & David Broussal, Melissa Brumfield, Bob & Linda Campbell, Andy & Jane Rooker, Ellen Stevenson, Jim & Gracie McMurrey, Gloria & Gil Scott, Nancy Buschmann, Lisa & Adam Kleiger, Professional Provider Network Department Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Amy Glass, Jean Von Hoffmann, Sheila Ware, Carleton Jones & Katherine Evans, Ronald & Margaret Poff, Bonnie Edwards, Susan Thompson, Leroy & Nancy Howe. Memorials/Honorariums - week of 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/26, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16/11

Most of us share a dream to give a large gift to our favorite charity, but feel only those lucky in life are able to accomplish this dream. I think we all have a different perspective on the definition of luck. Some years ago the famous Dodger shortstop, Maury Wills was asked if he “felt lucky” after he broke the major league record for stolen bases. He replied yes, but that he defined luck as “when preparation meets opportunity”. I like this definition because I too feel the more prepared you are, the more chances you have to ‘get lucky’.

Preparing now for the future through thoughtful disbursements to not only your heirs, but your favorite charities as well, takes careful planning and some work, but the benefits can be great. There are several ways to prepare now for the future such as charitable remainder trusts or charitable gifts of life insurance, but a quick and simple way is to include the Church in your will. While 96% of charitable giving is made in cash, 90% of an individual’s wealth is in the form of non-cash assets making a typical estate plan gift 10 to 20 percent higher than a giver’s annual giving. This allows you to make the largest charitable gift you may dream possibile.

Dianne Weideman, Director of Finance

As always, we recommend you consult your tax advisor for assistance with your individual financial situation.


And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…

Acts 2:2-4

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-22

The Bible is clear. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. But what on earth does that mean?!

This summer, we are going to explore exactly that: what it means to live life in the Spirit, to be inspired….literally in-spirit…in the Spirit.

As Christians we believe in one God who is manifest in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, which is, of course, the Holy Trinity. Though the actual concept of the Trinity is never named in scripture, evidence of its presence is consistent from cover to cover. From the creation story when a wind (spirit) of God swept over the waters to the Spirit resting on Jesus in the form of a dove at his baptism, we find witness of a God who makes effort to be with us in a real way…in human form through Jesus and in a deep and abiding Spirit, which fills us.

I once had a professor who said that when we got into the church we’d find that churches tended to choose their favorite person of the Trinity. Well, if that’s true, we Methodists have leaned toward Jesus. We’ve left the Holy Spirit to the “holy rollers” with their raising of hands and speaking in tongues. But surely we have missed something rich and life-changing if we leave out the power of the Holy Spirit! We don’t have to speak in tongues and wave our hands to be filled with the Spirit.

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as an Advocate, one who is with us in life, beside us along the way, filling us, teaching us, leading

us, interceding for us, motivating us to serve…inspiring us! So, this summer, we’re going to dig into the Bible and discover what it means to be INSPIRED, to live life in the Spirit.

And we want your help! Take some time to look around you perhaps with a new lens and note what inspires you, and then share it with us… through the website and facebook page, with a snapshot or a brief word…we want to hear from you!

Perhaps it’s something you heard at church, or something you experienced on vacation, or something that happened at the kitchen table one Saturday morning… you name it. What inspires you?

Writing by rev. lisa greenWooD

A summer preaching series for FUMCR


Through April 3, 2011.1. Rebecca Wood joins by profession of faith. she provides in-home daycare for children she has two children, Austin who is in 11th grade and shelby who is in 7th grade. 2. David and Mollie Romness join by profession of faith. David is an attorney with Brice, Vanderlinden & Wernick. Mollie is a stay at home mom. they have one child, Claire elizabeth (1 yr.). 3. Doug and Casey Hopkins both join by renewing their professions of faith. Doug is in airfield services with DH Rockbit and Casey is a nurse. they have two children, taylor (5) and Jake (2). 4. Polly Sullivan joins by transfer from another denomination. she is retired and has 3 grown children. 5. Brandon Fulenchek joins by transfer from another denomination, and Rebecca Fulenchek joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. Brandon is with JP Morgan Chase and Rebecca is a teacher with McKinney IsD. 6. Elvin and Nancy Bryant join by transfer from another denomination. they are both retired. 7. Bill and Marcie Crume join by profession of faith. they are retired and have three grown children. 8. Larry DuBroc joins by transfer from another denomination. He is a broker with IBeC. 9. Patrick Jumper is a former member of FUMCR and is reinstating his membership. Kelly Jumper joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. Patrick is with oxy and Kelly is a teacher with RIsD. they have one child, Bridget (3 mos.). 10. Eric and Heidi Lindh join by transfer from another United Methodist church. eric is the executive Director of Project transformation. they have three children: Isaac (5), Clara (3) and owen (9 mos.).

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Through April 17, 2011. 1. Natalie Kifer joins by renewing her profession of faith. she is married to Kullen Kifer, who is a member and grew up here at FUMCR. they have one child, Adalynn, who is 17 mos. old. 2. Bill and Lou Walker join by transfer from another denomination. Bill and Lou are both retired. 3. Eliseo and Elma Saenz join by transfer from another United Methodist church. eliseo is an electrical engineer with Raytheon and elma is an aide at Big springs elementary. they have two grown children. 4. Jaimie and Kathy Morrison join by transfer from another United Methodist church. Jaimie is with travelers and Kathy is a stay at home mom. they have two children, Izzie (3) and Alex (2 mos.). 5. Larry and Val Phipps are returning to FUMCR from another denomination and reinstating their membership. Larry is with Lawrence A. Phipps & Co. Val is a medical secretary at the Carrell Clinic. they are both active in the Chancel Choir.

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Through May 22, 2011.1. Greg and Jaime Lyons join by profession of faith. Greg is a producer with Reel FX and Jaime is a private tutor. they have one daughter, Grace, who is 5 mos. old. 2. Brent and Tiffany Pasley join by transfer from another denomination. Alexandria joins by confirmation and profession of faith. Brent is self-employed in It and tiffany is in It with sloan Wealth Management. they have another child, Hayden, who is 6 yrs. old. 3. Russ, Kelly, Jared and Cayla McFadden join by transfer from another United Methodist church. Sam joins by confirmation and profession of faith. Russ is a VP with At&t and Kelly is a stay at home mom. Jared is in 10th grade, Cayla is in 9th grade, and sam is in 6th grade. 4. Danny and Suzie Chasney join by profession of faith. Danny is

the VP of operations for Idea Construction and suzie is a homemaker. they have 2 grown children, Drew and Amanda. 5. Allanna and Heather McGarry both join by profession of faith. Christian McGarry joins by confirmation, baptism and profession of faith. Allanna and Heather are both with Blue Cross Blue shield of tX. Christian is in 6th grade. 6. Elizabeth Bruffey joins by transfer from another denomination. she is retired. 7. Ashley Sellar joins by baptism and profession of faith. she is with Grace eye Clinic. 8. Matthew Tillinghast joins by profession of faith. 9. Felicia Norvell joins by profession of faith. she is an attorney with Craddock Davis & Krause LLP. she has two children, trentman (11) and nicole (8). 10. Kenneth and Sallie Sue Shipley join by transfer from another United Methodist church. Ken is a self-employed graphic designer and sallie sue is in sales with Quad Photo. 11. Robert, Sharon and Mandi Logan join by transfer from another denomination. Robert is in sales with Kruvand Associates, sharon is an Rn for Baylor Medical, and Mandi is in 9th grade. 12. Tom Brenner joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. He is a systems engineer with Rockwell Collins. 13. Cecilia Schellhase joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. she is retired. emily Barber is her daughter, and Delaney and Hayden Barber are her grandchildren. 14. Emily Barber joins by profession of faith. she is Director of Marketing for tradition senior Living. she has two children, Delaney (10) and Hayden (9). Her mother is Cecilia schellhase. 15. Matt and Christen Lyall join by transfer from another United Methodist church. Matt is with Univar UsA and Christen is with MHBt. they have one son, Luke, who is one year old. 16. Robert Lamb joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. He is retired. His wife Kathleen joined FUMCR in August, 2010.

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503 n. Central expressway P.o. Box 830877

Richardson, tX 75083-5315972.235.8385 www.fumcr.com

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first connections june-july 2011

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spirit of god

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gods dreams

door of gods

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