Come, children, listen to me. Let me teach you how to honor the Lord.
~ Psalm 34:11
My apologies to Pastor Lance on my lack of attention during his message Sunday morning in The Gathering.
I was sitting in the very back and in front of me in the last pew were 3 potential new members that I could not take my eyes off: triplet boys, age 6 months. Their mom and dad were perfect; the boys were perfect! Their blissful presence for me was the perfect “exclamation mark” to the Palm Sunday Service which spotlighted 64 third graders who received their Bibles as the culmination of the 3rd Grade Bible Retreat.
This last Sunday FUMCFW Children’s Ministry program was another wonderful example of how we “do church” in downtown Fort Worth!
Every Sunday, Mister Mark and his team take very seriously our children’s discipleship development! Whether they are attending a guitar class in Children’s Academy, participating in the Christmas Story play as one of the 30 “sheep” or the dozen “wise men,” or moving hurriedly through the hallways during Vacation Bible School, you can be sure our youngest disciples in training are experiencing the love of Christ as channeled through the children’s ministry team.
By your generous support of the 2023 Ministry Fund, you are endorsing and expressing appreciation for our robust Children’s Ministry. Thank you!
After the 9:30 service when I thought the morning couldn’t be any more inspiring, a very excited 3rd grader came rushing past me on the sidewalk with his new beautiful red leathered Bible in hand. His smiling face said it all, but his mom confirmed his enthusiasm about receiving this special gift made possible through The Melissa Leighanne Dearden Memorial Bible Fund which was established by Margaret and Craig Dearden and is administered by The First Methodist Church of Fort Worth Foundation.
The takeaway for me this last Sunday is that First Church has been a part of the faith journey of thousands of children over our 150 years of existence. Many of them grew up and brought their own children back here so they could have a similar Christ-filled experience. I hope your heart overflows with joy with the realization that your generosity is impacting thousands of children, including a 3rd grader with a new Bible and a set of triplets who also were not listening to Pastor Lance’s sermon. (BTW, I did hear and enjoy his message at 11:00.)
I look forward to seeing you and your children this Easter Sunday as we come together to celebrate our risen Christ.
With Heartfelt Appreciation,
Nancy Fisher
Director of Stewardship
