TEACHERS & TOPICS | MEMBER NEWS | CHURCHWIDE NEWS
SAVE THE DATE | MINISTRY NEWS | GIFTS AND MEMORIALS
THIS SUNDAY’S WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Traditional Worship | 9:40 am | Chapel | 11:00 am | Sanctuary | Dr. Tim Bruster
Children First | 9:45 am | Sanctuary | Mister Mark Burrows
Theme: “Joyful Noise”
DiscipleChurch | Community Breakfast | 7:30 am | Wesley Hall
Chapel | 8:30 am | Charme Robarts
Discussion | 9:30 am | Foundation Building
Chapel Communion | 10:30 am | Chapel | Dr. Len Delony
Special Music: Robbie Higgs, piano
eleven:eleven celebration | 11:11 am | Wesley Hall | Rev. Tom McDermott
First 7th | Worship | 5:30 pm | Wesley Hall | Rev. Lance Marshall
Discipleship Discussion Groups | 6:30 pm
Click here to view and download PDFs of this Sunday’s worship service bulletins.
TEACHERS & TOPICS
Click here to see classes meeting on Sunday, February 1
Dr. Tim Bruster
“It’s Right There in the Book”
Matthew 6:19-24; II Corinthians 9:6-15
Dear Friends,
You may not know this about me, but I am, to use an unflattering metaphor, a pack rat. It is an inherited family trait that may well go back generations. By that I mean, of course, that I tend to save a lot of stuff, all the while chanting the pack rat motto, “It may come in handy someday.” If you are a fellow sufferer of this affliction or live with one, you know the motto well. You also know that things stored somewhere do come in handy just often enough to reinforce the truth of the motto.
As much of a pack rat as I am, I do not even come close to my father’s mother. Throughout her life, she saved everything! She never threw anything away! She had a couple of old trunks that were full of old papers. Now, to most people this was just a bunch of junk — not worth anything really. Certainly old letters and newspapers and bills and cancelled checks are worthless. They should have been thrown away years before then, but when I was ten or eleven years old, the old trunk that held those things was a treasure chest to me. I loved to sit and go through those old papers and ask my grandmother questions, like “What was this War Rationing Book used for?” or “What kind of car was this registration certificate for? What did it look like?” or “Who is the person in this obituary?” It probably will come as no surprise that I have some of those papers now in my own collection of keepsakes and memorabilia.
Click here to read the rest of Tim’s blog
2015 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN PROGRESS
As of this week, we have 22% of our 2500 member households committed to supporting our 2015 Ministry and Operations with a total of $2.1 million, which is halfway to our $4 million goal. While securing commitments equaling our projected 2015 ministry and operating expenses is key to being able to plan and initiate these programs for the coming year, our primary focus this year is increasing our percentage of households committed to supporting our church. If you have not yet made your commitment, please consider committing something this year so you can be counted among those working together to raise this important bar — and together let’s watch and celebrate as we raise our overall level of participation in the financial support of our many vital ministries.
Click here to make your 2015 Commitment online now!
(Pledge cards are also available int he Welcome Center and Main Church Office.)
For more information or for help with your 2015 commitment, please contact me (rpartridge@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5098.
. . . AND THE SURVEY SAID . . .
YOUR 2014 CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY RESULTS ARE READY FOR REVIEW!
Last fall we invited everyone in our church family to weigh in with opinions, thoughts and comments on all areas of ministry as part of our two-year planning process. And now, just ahead of this Sunday’s leadership planning meeting to set the course for our next two years, your 2014 Survey results are published and ready for your review. Click here to see the results. Printed copies are available in the Welcome Center and Main Church office.
Thank you to all who responded! We ask for your prayers this Sunday afternoon as our church leadership meets to consider a variety of factors (including survey results!) before setting our course and focus for the next two years. If you have questions or would like more detailed information about our survey design, results, or reporting, please don’t hesitate to call or email Melinda Smoot, Director of Communications (msmoot@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5087.
As you may have noticed, for the past two Sundays we have added a new, additional layer to our amazing hospitality at the Welcome Center, exterior sanctuary entrances and mobile carts — New Parking Lot Hospitality Servers!!
And yes, while it was the extra need for exterior hospitality and security these past two weeks that prompted us to do this, recruiting many of our laity and staff to serve together around various locations on our campus offered a warm First Church welcome to everyone as they arrived — and we realized what a nice thing that would be to do every week, regardless!
Guiding our guests to various locations throughout the church (including the Sanctuary, Wesley Hall, the Welcome Center and other locations), directing people to additional parking around our facilities, and smiling and showing how appreciative we are to everyone who attends was met with such rave reviews that we are going to continue offering this additional hospitality every Sunday (rain or shine – we are providing extra umbrellas too!).
Many of those who served these past two weeks (thanks again to you all!!) and who have helped us with this ministry when we have hosted significant community events (Annual and General Conference services and events, Fort Worth community services and other gatherings), know the difference this ministry makes to our church and community (even to those driving by who see how welcoming we are as a congregation before they even enter). Therefore, my staff role is shifting so that I (in collaboration with Larry Ammerman) can oversee and direct this ministry every Sunday.
Please contact me at 817-339-5065 ASAP (we are continuing this Sunday!), e-mail me at cgraff@myfumc.org, or get started greeting with us this week by joining us in Room 154 at 8:45 am for instructions. Times to serve are 9:00 – 9:40 am and 10:30 – 11:11 am so you can still attend your Sunday School class, worship services or other Sunday morning activities in our church. In this brief weekly training meeting, we’ll will go over all the details with you, answer any questions, and assign you to a location (with a magnetic hospitality badge to wear!) to get you started. Families, singles, youth and adults — all are welcome to join us on the Sundays you are available to serve with us. Additional training will be offered in the future as we continue to move forward with our new Hospitality Safety and Security initiative.
Hebrews 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Let’s continue to make First UMC the friendliest and most hospitable place in the universe, welcoming others as Christ welcomes us and everyone!!
Blessings,
Reverend Chuck Graff
MEMBER NEWS
NEW MEMBERS
BAPTISMS
KNOWN HOSPITALIZED
Jim Grissel
Carolyn Corser
Jerry Jirik
Elizabeth McManus
Dan Cooper
IN MEMORIAM
Randy Freeman
2.8 BABY CELEBRATION SUNDAY
11:00 am | Sanctuary | Reception in Children’s Wing Atrium following Ceremony
Hello First Church families! If you or someone you know welcomed a baby in 2014, we would like to celebrate with you on Sunday, February 8! FUMCFW’s annual Baby Celebration will be held in the Sanctuary at 11:00 am, and a special reception for our honored families will take place immediately following the ceremony. Click here to register.
2.1 MONTHLY CHURCH TOUR THIS SUNDAY!
Want to know more about FUMCFW, find a Sunday School class, learn about our library, Television Ministry, Church Archives, Children’s Ministry and more? Join the monthly Tour of the Building on Sunday, February 1, 2015. Meet Dianne Fisher at the front of the Sanctuary at the west side (by the piano), immediately following the 11:00 am Worship Service!
3.1 COWTOWN MARATHON TRAFFIC ALERT
Be sure to allow extra time Sunday, March 1, 2015 as The Cowtown Marathon runners will be passing by FUMCFW between 8:00 and 11:00am. Traffic will be allowed through between groups of runners as directed by the Fort Worth Police Department. The best route to FUMCFW from all directions will be via I-30 to Forest Park Boulevard, heading north on FPB and looping back south to 5th Street and east to FUMCFW. When leaving the church, traffic will be heavier following the 8:30 and 9:30 am services than it will be following the 11:00 am service. To access I-30 in order to go any direction, head back to Forest Park Boulevard which will allow you to bypass the runner traffic on Lancaster and to access I-30. Please avoid the Will Rogers Memorial Center area during race weekend to avoid runner and spectator traffic.
CHARME ROBARTS IS BACK AT FUMCFW ON FEBRUARY 1!
A generous gift from an FUMCFW member has been designated to provide personal coaching for people in the FUMCFW community who are willing to move from homelessness to sustainable housing. Charme Robarts, FUMCFW member and former Assistant Director of First Street Methodist Mission will begin in this position on February 1. As part of the Compassion and Justice Ministries, directed by Rev. Page Hines, she will assume the title Community Advocate. In addition to one-on-one interaction with people in the program, Charme will work to find ways for FUMCFW members and people in the Fort Worth community to engage with the people in the program who need broader social networks as they seek more successful life paths. Welcome back, Charme!
2.7 FUMCFW FIFTH STREET BELLS TO PERFORM AT THE GREATER DALLAS HANDBELL ASSOCIATION SPRING FESTIVAL
3:00 pm | University Park UMC Activity Center — 4024 Caruth Blvd, Dallas, TX
Come see Fifth Street Bells, FUMCFW’s Handbell Choir, directed by Sandy Ritthaler, at the Greater Dallas Handbell Association Spring Festival. At this time, there are seven or eight handbell choirs registered for the Advanced Festival who will rehearse with the Advanced Festival clinician, David Harris, from Raleigh Ringers and present a fabulous concert that afternoon — it will be amazing! All are encouraged to come support our Fifth Street Bells and enjoy a free afternoon of beautiful music. Questions? Please contact Peggy Graff (pgraff@myfumc.org) at 817/339-2405.
2.8 VOCES8 CONCERT
6:00 pm | Sanctuary
Free and open to the public
A freewill offering will be taken
VOCES8 is combining with Choral Union, the Anne S. and Henry B. Paup Sanctuary Pipe Organ, and brass for an unforgettable evening of music on Sunday, February 8 at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary. VOCES8 is one of the most exciting and versatile vocal groups in the world. The multi award-winning ensemble fulfills an international annual touring schedule across Europe, the USA, Asia, and Africa. Performance venues include the Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Tokyo Opera City, Tel Aviv Opera House, National Concert Hall Taipei, Cite de la Musique in Paris, Dijon Opera House, National Centre for the Performing Arts Beijing, and Shanghai Concert Hall. Highlights of the 2013/2014 season include an extensive European concert schedule in addition to tours to the USA, Indonesia, Korea, Dubai, Moscow, and for “La Folle Journee” in Nantes and Tokyo.
For more information about VOCES8 contact Taylor Davis (tdavis@myfumc.org), or CLICK HERE for an exciting preview.
For more information about this exciting must-see performance, please contact Taylor Davis (tdavis@myfumc.org).
2.15 WILL AND ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR LED BY KELLY DEBERRY
4:00 – 5:00 pm | Room 154
Kelly DeBerry is an FUMCFW member and attorney with the Fort Worth firm Griffith, Jay & Michel, LLP. Ms. DeBerry’s practice focuses on wills, estate planning, probate proceedings, trust administration, will contests and related probate litigation, guardianship proceedings, and select family law and divorce matters. This free seminar will answer questions you may have about your estate planning needs. No matter what your age, it’s never too early or too late to begin thinking about your estate plan. As new assets are purchased and new milestones are achieved, you will want to ensure that you have provided instructions regarding the distribution of your assets. Questions? Contact Roger Partridge (rpartridge@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5098.
FIRST PEOPLE
Have some exciting news about an FUMCFW member that you would like to share? This brand new section of the E-news is the perfect place to do just that!
Please send your information to Lisa Helm (lhelm@myfumc.org) and we will include your story!
MINISTRY NEWS
(Click on the name of a ministry below to skip directly to their news)
CHILDREN | ADULTS | YOUTH
COMPASSION & JUSTICE | CCT | CCM | MWA
2.8 BABY CELEBRATION SUNDAY
11:00 am | Sanctuary | Reception in Children’s Wing Atrium following Ceremony
Hello First Church families! If you or someone you know welcomed a baby in 2014, we would like to celebrate with you on Sunday, February 8! FUMCFW’s annual Baby Celebration will be held in the Sanctuary at 11:00 am, and a special reception for our honored families will take place immediately following the ceremony. Click here to register.
THERE’S STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR SPRING ACADEMY!
If you haven’t registered yet for Spring Academy, there’s still time — but spots are going FAST! Click here to register TODAY!
Visit the Children’s Ministry page for more information on programs and activities.
2.13 FEBRUARY PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
6:30 – 11:00 pm | 3 mo. – 12 yrs.
$30 for first child | $40 for 2 | $45 for 3+ | $20 no show fee
Reservations due 2.12
Love is in the air so we’re having a Valentines Party. Games, Crafts, Snacks and a Movie. Space is limited so make reservations early to Paula Wagstaff (pwagstaff@myfumc.org) at 817/546-4414. If you volunteer for the Children’s Ministry or in the Nursery on Sunday morning you will earn a Free Parents’ Night Out.
Visit the FUMC Day School page for more information on programs and activities.
To register or for more information contact Betty Pinkerton (bettypinkerton57@yahoo.com) at 817/625-0902. Childcare provided contact Paula Wagstaff (pwagstaff@myfumc.org).
2.7 GO SHOPPING AND SUPPORT UMW!
The Bridge Boutique | 9108 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, Texas 76116
Looking for some new additions to your Spring wardrobe? The Bridge Boutique carries all clothing from casual, to business, to dressy, in a comfortable and honest environment where women can enjoy their shopping experience.
On UMW Saturday, this fabulous boutique will donate 20% of every purchase to UMW! This is your chance to buy some great things for Spring, as well as support FUMCFW’s UMW!
2.15 WILL AND ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR LED BY KELLY DEBERRY
4:00 – 5:00 pm | Room 154
Kelly DeBerry is an FUMCFW member and attorney with the Fort Worth firm Griffith, Jay & Michel, LLP. Ms. DeBerry’s practice focuses on wills, estate planning, probate proceedings, trust administration, will contests and related probate litigation, guardianship proceedings, and select family law and divorce matters. This free seminar will answer questions you may have about your estate planning needs. No matter what your age, it’s never too early or too late to begin thinking about your estate plan. As new assets are purchased and new milestones are achieved, you will want to ensure that you have provided instructions regarding the distribution of your assets. Questions? Contact Roger Partridge (rpartridge@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5098.
2015 LIVING THROUGH GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Sundays | Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15, & 22
9:30 am | Foundation Bldg., 2nd Floor
Led by Charme Robarts, certified Grief Recovery Specialist, this group is focused on providing participants with tools and basic understanding of ways to handle grief that are healthy and lead to healing. Opportunity is given for sharing personal concerns. Participation is free and you do not need to be a church member to participate. Optional guidebook is $5. For more information or to register, contact Rev. Phyllis McDougal (pmcdougal@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5082.
Visit the Adult Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
2.4 FIRST WEDNESDAY DINNER
Join us at 6:30 pm the first Wednesday of each month for dinner.
Andrew will be at the Zaxby’s on Keller Parkway in Keller
Martin will be at Kincaid’s on Camp Bowie in Fort Worth
Visit the Youth page for more information on programs and activities.
FEBRUARY MISSION SUNDAYS: UNDERWEAR AND SOCKS
Mission Sundays are back!
During the month of February, please bring new adult underwear and socks to the First Street
Methodist Mission, Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm or to the Welcome Center on Sunday Morning.
Small Gifts. Big Difference.
2.8 KENYA INFORMATION MEETING
Room 147 | Noon – 1:30 pm
The 2015 Kenya Mission Trip is fast approaching. If you or someone you know might be interested in FUMCFW’s Kenya ministry or are thinking of attending the 2015 Mission Trip, please join us to learn more about this life changing opportunity!
Food 4 Kids is a ministry of First Street Methodist Mission that will send food home for the weekend for 100 kids at I.M. Terrell Elementary during the school year.
GROUP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
September 7, 2014 – May 31, 2015
Any Sunday, for an hour between 9:00 am – Noon
Get a group together and sign up online now to fill backpacks with food! It’s a great opportunity to spend time with friends and do something meaningful! Each group needs a minimum of 8 volunteers.
Questions? Contact Elizabeth Becker, Mission Director, (ebecker@firststreetmission.org) at 817/339-5068. Thank you for your help!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO HELP FILL BACKPACKS
Visit the First Street Mission Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
Visit the CCM page for more information on programs and activities.
BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE…. BUT CORNERSTONE YOUTH CHOIR IS SELLING HOT CHOCOLATE TO WARM YOU FROM THE INSIDE OUT!
Ward off that winter chill AND help Cornerstone Youth Choir raise money for their Choir Tour to New York, New York this summer! Every Sunday through March 1, you will find choir members by the Welcome Center and just inside the West Entrance with steaming cups of Hot Chocolate for only ONE DOLLAR!! All proceeds go towards the Choir Tour fund so warm up and help out!
2.7 FUMCFW FIFTH STREET BELLS TO PERFORM AT THE GREATER DALLAS HANDBELL ASSOCIATION SPRING FESTIVAL
3:00 pm | University Park UMC Activity Center — 4024 Caruth Blvd, Dallas, TX
Come see Fifth Street Bells, FUMCFW’s Handbell Choir, directed by Sandy Ritthaler, at the Greater Dallas Handbell Association Spring Festival. At this time, there are seven or eight handbell choirs registered for the Advanced Festival who will rehearse with the Advanced Festival clinician, David Harris, from Raleigh Ringers and present a fabulous concert that afternoon — it will be amazing! All are encouraged to come support our Fifth Street Bells and enjoy a free afternoon of beautiful music. Questions? Please contact Peggy Graff (pgraff@myfumc.org) at 817/339-2405.
2.8 VOCES8 CONCERT
6:00 pm | Sanctuary
Free and open to the public
A freewill offering will be taken
VOCES8 is combining with Choral Union, the Anne S. and Henry B. Paup Sanctuary Pipe Organ, and brass for an unforgettable evening of music on Sunday, February 8 at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary. VOCES8 is one of the most exciting and versatile vocal groups in the world. The multi award-winning ensemble fulfills an international annual touring schedule across Europe, the USA, Asia, and Africa. Performance venues include the Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Tokyo Opera City, Tel Aviv Opera House, National Concert Hall Taipei, Cite de la Musique in Paris, Dijon Opera House, National Centre for the Performing Arts Beijing, and Shanghai Concert Hall. Highlights of the 2013/2014 season include an extensive European concert schedule in addition to tours to the USA, Indonesia, Korea, Dubai, Moscow, and for “La Folle Journee” in Nantes and Tokyo.
For more information about VOCES8 contact Taylor Davis (tdavis@myfumc.org), or CLICK HERE for an exciting preview.
For more information about this exciting must-see performance, please contact Taylor Davis (tdavis@myfumc.org).
Visit the MWA page for more information on programs and activities.
SAVE THE DATE
2.16 SPECTRUM CONCERT
2.22 ALAMO HEIGHTS YOUTH CHOIR COMES TO SING WITH FUMCFW CORNERSTONE YOUTH CHOIR
3.26 SENIOR MINISTRIES COUNCIL THURSDAY LUNCH AND TOUR OF BOTANICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TEXAS (BRIT)
GIFTS AND MEMORIALS
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Foundation Memorial Fund In Memory Of:
Robert C. Findlay by Beverly Maynard
James Van Buskirk by Emma Jo McCormack
Bill Scott by Dr. and Mrs. Doyle Beavers