FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF DALLAS

NOVEMBER 2014

FirstNews

Join us for Sunday Worship 8:45 & 11 a.m.

Nov. 2: Start With Why, Rev. Blair ThompsonAll Saints Sunday

Nov. 9: Now Is the Time, Rev. Blair Thompson

Nov. 16: Kingdom Economy, Dr. Andy Stoker

Nov. 23: Kingdom Ecology, Dr. Andy Stoker

Nov. 30: Hanging of the Greens, 8:45 a.m.11 a.m.: What Dreams May Come, Dr. Andy Stoker

Missed a sermon?

Click here for audio, video, and transcripts.

This month, we gather for a celebration of All Saints Sunday. We’ll be naming aloud the members of our FirstChurch family who have died in the last year. And while the loss of these loved ones leaves a void in our lives, we know that All Saints is not a day of death; it is a celebration of the mystery of life in Jesus Christ. All Saints may, in part, feel like we’re dwelling on the past, but in Christ we not only look to the past, but also to the present, and most definitely to the future.

By faith, we believe that those who have gone before us are still a part of us. We are held together in Christ. The dead we name are still bound to us in one communion – in one fellowship – in one family.

We in the present have been given a great legacy of faith. But it’s important to remember that legacy is not a relic; it is alive. We commemorate the lives lived by faithful ones who were mindful of their past, but they were also hopeful for the future, as they lived in a very present state of grace.

For you see, that is the Church. It is past, present and future – all held in a state of grace. And we are the church: past, present and future. We share a life in Christ with those who have died, those who are present now and those who will follow to carry on our legacy.

Sociologist Robert Bellah sums it up beautifully, “It all comes together: with all the company of heaven, the communion of saints, and all of the souls, all enfolded in one time, time out of time, all equally present – past, present, and future, and to come…the eternal now.”

And as we live in that present state of grace – as past, present and future collapse into one another – we remember the most comforting of truths: death has lost its power and hold over us. “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

—Rev. Wally Butts

Our Saints

First United Methodist Church of Dallas 1928 Ross Avenue Dallas, Texas 75201 214-220-2727 www.firstchurchdallas.org

Dr. Andrew C. Stoker, Senior Minister

Robert Packer Joshua & Deanna Lee Sadie Grace Brookshire with her parents Keith & Michelle

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Save the Date for FirstGifts

Welcome Our Newest Members

Care & ConcernDEATHS: Sincere sympathy to the families ofKay Morse, mother of Nathaniel Shell

Father of John Kincade

Chuck Cobbe

Carroll Coleman

Rickey Babers, brother of Gwen Lee

BIRTHS: Congratulations on the birth ofAllison Catherine Shoemaker, daughter of Jeremy & Catherine Shoemaker

Everett Streetman Stevenson, son ofJohn & Tiffany Stevenson

Join Us for Charge Conference

All FirstChurch members invited.

Sunday, November 23

5:00 p.m. in Crossroads Center.

Sunday, Dec. 78:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Fiedler Atrium

With plenty of offerings to choose from, FirstGifts provides something for everyone on your giving list. Fair trade goods, handmade merchandise by third world countries’ artisans, and merchandise donated by FirstChurch members make FirstGifts an event not to be missed.

The missions supported include AIDS Interfaith, CCS, C.C. Young, CitySquare, Costa Rica Mission, Dallas Bethlehem Center, Family Gateway, FirstYouth Missions, Heifer International, Lydia Patterson Institute, Methodist Hospital, New Friends New Life, Project Transformation, Rise Fund, UMCOR and Wesley-Rankin.

Come shop with us Dec. 7, learn about the missions that support our community and world, and consider giving alternative gifts to friends and family this year!

Houston Locke Scripps withhis parents Andy & Jennifer

Something new this year! FirstChurch’s annual Hanging

of the Greens service will

be held during the 8:45 a.m.

worship service.

Sunday, Nov. 30 at 8:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary

FirstChurch once again opens the door for Jesus Christ to become the focal point of the season with our Hanging of the Greens Worship Service. All ages are invited to join in the celebration as we worship, learn and decorate our historic Sanctuary for Advent through liturgy, scripture and song. Children’s Choirs and Orff will provide music for this special worship service that begins our Advent Season. We invite your family to join our faith family for this much anticipated service. Hot wassail and cookies follow in Fiedler Atrium.

Next @ FirstChurchAll Saints SundaySunday, Nov. 2We celebrate the lives on those who have left our faith family this year. The Arts District Chorale, directed by Constantina Tsoulainou, provides music for 11 a.m. worship.

Paul Benson Lecture SeriesSundays, Nov. 2, 9 & 169:45 a.m. in the 3rd floor Gym

Calvin’s Children: Seers, Saints, and Stem-winders - a series about the influence of John Calvin and Calvinism on American culture.

Time-Out for All Ages Friday, Nov. 7 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.Crossroads West

Join us for our monthly meditation group as we learn and practice relaxation techniques that help even the busiest people stress less and laugh more. First Fridays of each month.

UMW Unit Meeting on Social Action Sunday, Nov. 16Noon in UrbanLifeSpeaker: Les Chandler from Grace UMC on “Reconciling Ministries”. Visitors welcome. RSVP to pcummins@fumcdallas.org by Nov. 12.

Urban Engagement Book ReviewThursday, Nov. 21 at NoonFiedler Atrium“Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead,” by Sheryl Sandberg

Christmas PoinsettiasOrder Poinsettias to honor or remember loved ones and friends. They will adorn the sanctuary on Sundays, Dec. 14 & 21 and Christmas Eve. Each plant is $12. Order forms will be available at Connection Points beginning Sunday, Nov. 16 or tap here to order online.

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2014 Advent StudyNov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 & 21

Not a Silent Night, Mary Looks Back to Bethlehemby Adam Hamilton

Imagine Jesus from Mary’s point of view—proud of her son, in awe of his gifts and mission, guided by love for him as a person and so much more. In this book, Adam Hamilton begins at the end, with Mary at the crucifixion

and resurrection; travels back in time as she witnesses his life and ministry; and ends at the beginning, with the Christ child born in a stable.

Nov. 30 – Beginning with the EndDec. 7 – The Piercing of Mary’s SoulDec. 14 – Amazed, Astounded, and AstonishedDec. 21 – Mary, Full of Grace and It Was Not a Silent Night

Rev. Blair Thompson will lead the video-based, 4-week study in the Dining Room. Participants will be seated in small groups to encourage discussion.

Books can be ordered through FirstChurch Education. Deadline to order is Nov. 9. Books will be available for pick up on Nov. 23. Tap here for more info.

Deck the Halls

Sing We Joyous All Together!

Arts District Chorale with the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas

Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

in the Sanctuary

Audience Carols and Holiday favorites, with selections by Mathias, Mendelssohn, Rutter, Wilberg and more! Ticketed event.

www.artsdistrictchorale.org

A Celebration of Christmas Concert featuring The Many Moods of Christmas arranged by Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett

Sunday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.in the Sanctuary

50-piece professional orchestra100 voice choir

Favorite Christmas carols (partial list)O Come All Ye FaithfulSilent NightJoy to the WorldWhat Child Is ThisHark! The Herald Angels SingBring a Torch, Jeanette IsabellaAngels We Have Heard on HighI Saw Three ShipsDeck the Halls with Boughs of Holly Reception to follow in Fiedler Atrium

Childcare available for children 3 and under with reservation. Free valet parking.

Tap here to RSVP.

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The Goodrich Gallery 2014 Membership ShowFUMC artists -- all ages and stages -- are invited to participate in the Goodrich Gallery’s Annual Membership Show! The exhibit will open with a reception on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 12 - 2 p.m. and will be on display through Dec. 28. Entries may be brought to the Reception Desk in the Fiedler Atrium from Sunday, Nov. 9 through Sunday, Nov. 30. Guidelines include:

• Only two entries per member• All work must be original• Work cannot have been previously shown in the Goodrich Gallery. • Work must be suitably framed and ready for hanging, • 3D pieces must be ready to display

Please pick up a Membership Show Brochure with complete guidelines and official entry forms at the Reception Desk or in Goodrich Gallery. The entry form must be fully completed and attached to the artwork. All artwork will be stored in a safe and secure location prior to the hanging of the exhibit. All submissions will be juried by the Goodrich Gallery Committee.

The Goodrich Gallery Committee appreciates all the members who share their artistic talents with our congregation and visitors during the

Annual Membership Show!

For questions or concerns, please contact Phyllis Cummins at 214-220-2727, ext. 218

The Goodrich Gallery exhibit for November showcases the talent of Susan Lecky. Her exhibit, Remembrances of Secret Gardens, opens with a reception in the gallery on Sunday, November 2 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. The gallery committee hopes you will stop by to view the exhibit and meet the artist. The exhibit will remain on display through Sunday, November 30. Susan Lecky was born in Los Angeles, California. She received her BFA Degree from the University of Southern California. She has exhibited extensively around the United States, including over 20 one-person exhibitions. She has shown in 40 invitational exhibitions, 50 national competitive exhibitions including the Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. and over 60 regional competitions and has received 12 awards for her work. She has also had work in eight international exhibitions. She has paintings and works on paper in public and private collections throughout the United States. She has been a visiting artist at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma and has given over 10 public lectures. She is listed in Who’s Who in American Art, Who’s Who in American Women and Who’s Who in America. She was one of ten American women artists asked to participate in Decumano Secondo/Veronamerica 1997 with her work

in Arts Nouveux in Verona and in 1997-’98 at the Villa Carlotti, Caprino Veronese and last year she was invited to show in Procidamerica in Procida, Italy. She is currently president of the Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center and also Chair of their Public Art Committee.

“I am intrigued with the random and fi xed patterning found in nature and how the intrusion of human-made forms interacts with these patterns. I have personalized the natural forms in these paintings so that they hint at something real, but are not. Th erefore the viewers, with their own background of visual experiences, will be sparked to associate memories and feelings with these shapes that are meaningful to them.”

Goodrich GalleryNovember Exhibit

Gallery Hours

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

9 a.m. - Noon Saturday

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday

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Susan Lecky, painter

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In March, 2014, FirstChurch announced a new

way for members to make a greater impact on the

missions that we support – the

Rise Fund.

While our congregation has

always been generous through

individual and class gifts, the

Rise Fund was created to give

us the ability to collectively

make larger, more transformational gifts to the non-

profits who have a proven track record of making

the greatest impact. In addition, by giving through

the Rise Fund, our congregation is better able to

support the strategic mission and outreach goals of

our church – ending harmful hunger and providing

holistic education to children.

The Rise Fund is overseen by a dedicated

committee of FirstChurch members who are

committed to missions. Over this past summer,

they vetted selected agencies, made site visits,

interviewed management and evaluated budgets

– all towards the goal of ensuring that the funds

collected will go to the agencies that will make the

biggest difference in our communities, both near

and far.

On September 13, the Rise Fund Committee met

to allocate over $139,000 that had been donated

by generous members of our congregation over

the previous six months. During the meeting,

the committee weighed the proposals from the

nonprofits against their research and ultimately

made the allocations they determined would be the

most impactful. The 2014 Rise Fund is pleased to

announce the following grants:

$50,000 Crossroads Community Services

$12,000 Dallas Bethlehem Center

$10,000 Family Gateway

$4,500 Lydia Patterson Institute

$10,000 Methodist Children’s Home of Costa Rica

$12,500 MissionNOW

$5,000 New Friends New Life

$20,000 Project Transformation

$15,000 Wesley-Rankin Community Center

To all who have supported the Rise Fund, thank

you for your financial support and time. You are

helping to expand FirstChurch’s impact and respond

to God’s call to serve our neighbors in need.

Rise Fund Update

I WANTI WANT YOUYOUFOR AUTO-DRAFTFOR AUTO-DRAFT

REGISTER AT THE REGISTER AT THE ATRIUM RECEPTION DESK TODAY!ATRIUM RECEPTION DESK TODAY!

When FirstChurch recieves consistent income

throughout the calendar year, it is able to

provide engaging programming while being

good stewards of your gifts. Enrolling in

auto-draft is simple and can be completed at

firstchurchdallas.org/give or by visiting the

Atrium reception desk today.

Thank you for your support.

The FirstChurch staffing structure is built around pods—work groups designed to meet the unique needs of our historic facility and diverse congregation. Over the coming months, FirstNews will introduce you to each pod and its capabilities to serve the congregation.

The Care & Connect Pod encompasses our Congregational Care and Connectional Ministries. We focus on building, nurturing and sustaining our relationships in Christ and one another. Whether it be enabling a first-time visitor to feel welcome, helping a new member connect with meaningful ministries, or praying and uplifting ones who are ill, we seek to not only be present as staff but also to equip everyone in our community to deepen our presence and care for one another.

We share in ministry with our Congregational Care Committee, who coordinate prayer and note-writing volunteers, homebound visits and prayer shawl ministries. If you have interest in being a part of this ministry, please let Wally know. Our Connectional Ministries lay team coordinates greeters, hospitality and worship support opportunities. Please contact Jennifer if you have an interest in being a part of these ministries.

In the year ahead, we intend to implement more intentional ways to invite our downtown neighbors to experience the grace of God alongside us. Regular opportunities to share in support and discussion groups (such as grief and divorce recovery) are also on the horizon, and we will be offering more opportunities for each of us to explore our God-given gifts and talents trough the meaningful resource, Living Our Strengths.

Rev. Wally Butts (pictured far right), Associate Minister of Spiritual Life, oversees our Care & Connect Pod. He keeps the pastoral staff informed and attentive to congregational needs (such as hospital visitations, prayers concerns, etc.); he assists individuals in receiving personal care and support, whether in a group setting or in personal pastoral counseling with him or our other FirstChurch clergy; and he helps new members connect and engage in ministry opportunities.

Dr. Dale Hunt (pictured far left), Pastor Emeritus, extends love and pastoral care to our legacy and homebound members, while also attentive to additional needs and visits as they arise. Dale and Wally also partner in building awareness of our FirstFoundation legacy fund.

Jennifer Tolin (pictured second from left), Director of Connectional Ministries, creates and nurtures connections both beyond and within our church community. This entails building relationships with our surrounding community (including our Arts District partnerships). Jennifer also leads a team of volunteers who meet, greet and connect our first-time and continuing visitors with our numerous ministry opportunities, and nurture them into church membership.

Nancy Woolbright (pictured second from right), Administrative Assistant, collects and distributes prayer concerns and visitation information to our staff, volunteers and our Congregational Care committee. In addition, she coordinates our memorial services and verifies that our membership records are accurate and up to date.

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Meet the FirstChurch Care & Connect Team

For prayer, counseling concerns, information about Living Your Strengths or FirstFoundation:Rev. Wally Butts wbutts@fumcdallas.org

For prayer, counseling concerns, or information about FirstFoundation:Dr. Dale Huntdhunt@fumcdallas.org

For evangelism and visitor information or input:Jennifer Tolinjtolin@fumcdallas.org

For prayer concerns and administrative needs:Nancy Woolbrightnwoolbright@fumcdallas.org

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Save the Date for a Women’s Retreat

at Springhill Retreat Center

Saturday, Feb. 7

8 a.m – 6 p.m.

Retreat Leader: Rev. Blair Thompson

COSTA RICA FAMILY-FRIENDLY MISSION

Join the Costa Rica mission team as they do construction work, VBS, and a

medical fair, March 8 - 15, 2015. Make a difference in the lives of others and in

your own life. Reflect, Renew, and Reconnect.

Contact Rev. Linda Roby at lroby@fumcdallas.org for more information.

Registration and information meeting: Nov. 16 at noon in Fiedler Atrium.

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