TEACHERS & TOPICS | MEMBER NEWS | CHURCHWIDE NEWS
SAVE THE DATE | MINISTRY NEWS | GIFTS AND MEMORIALS
THIS SUNDAY’S WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Traditional Worship | 9:30 & 11:00 am | Sanctuary | Dr. Tim Bruster
DiscipleChurch |Community Breakfast | 7:30 am | Wesley Hall
Worship | 8:30 am | Chapel | Rev. Brooks Harrington (Click here to read Brooks’ blog)
Discussion | 9:30 am | Foundation Building
Chapel Communion | 10:30 am | Chapel | Dr. Len Delony
Special Music: Laurie Simmons, piano
eleven:eleven celebration
11:11 am | Wesley Hall | Rev. Tom McDermott
First 7th | Light Family Supper ($5) | 5:00 pm | Justin Bldg.
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.
Your Opinion Counts
Friends,
As our new planning cycle begins, our church leaders soon will be working to determine the areas of specific focus for our church in the coming two years. I asked our staff to submit their own assessment of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) for their area of ministry in consultation with the lay leadership in that area. That SWOT analysis is only one part of the biennial planning process. A congregational survey has been designed to gather much of the same information from the perspective of the members of the congregation. The next step will be a series of meetings of staff and the Church Council to examine the composite input from staff and congregation to set our course as a church.
It seems like surveys are everywhere these days; just about everyone wants to know what we think about what they’re doing. If you’re like most busy people, myself included, this constant polling can get annoying. The truth is, a good survey instrument is the best way to gather the vital input of a large group of people quickly and efficiently, and in that respect, this survey is no different. We do want to know what you think about how things are going in every ministry area of the church; and, since everyone doesn’t interact with every ministry, it takes a large number of responses to give us a good idea of what our congregation is thinking and feeling about where we are going and what we are doing as a faith community.
Click here to read the rest of Tim’s blog.
Following up on last week’s announcement of our new Hospitality, Safety, and Security initiative, the Trustees of our church have establish the standing committee that will be working for the next six months on a comprehensive plan for making all our members, guests and visitors feel welcome, safe and secure when on our campus and within the walls of our church. As this is a standing committee, the specific concerns of our church will be represented by individuals appointed from each ministry. Moving forward, although the individuals serving on this committee may change or rotate, the balance of perspectives will be maintained to ensure that the thoughts and concerns of all areas are represented. These include: Staff, Trustees, Finance Committee, SPRC, UMW, Preschool, First Street Mission, Laity Youth/Justin Building, Ushers, and Sunday Children’s area.
Your sister in Christ,
Rev. Page Hines
TEACHERS & TOPICS
Click here to see classes meeting on Sunday, November 16
MEMBER NEWS
NEW MEMBERS
KNOWN HOSPITALIZED
Dr. David Grant
Bill Hollister
Francis Wagner
IN MEMORIAM
Merle Kelly
UNITED METHODIST INFORMATION CLASS
October 26 – November 16 (4 weeks) Sundays | 9:45 – 10:45 am | Room 351
Host: Genesis Sunday School Class
This Sunday — November 16
“There Is a Place For You to Love God. Serve People. Transform Lives.” | Leader: Sammye Dunn, Lay Ministry Chair
Guests, new members, and all interested in meeting new people, learning more about our denomination and our church, are welcome to join us for any or all of these informative sessions. There is no cost for materials or sessions.
Pick up a flyer in the Welcome Center or CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
NOVEMBER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We need you to offer your service to God and others through volunteer opportunities at FUMCFW.
This month we need:
Christmas Eve Greeters
First Street Mission Serving Opportunities
Chrismon Tree Decorators
Video Directors for eleven:eleven celebration and First 7th worship services
FESTIVAL OF TABLES & TREES
Tapas, Tables, & Trees
Noon – 3:00 pm | Wesley Hall
$10 in advance | $15 at the door Festive Hors d’oeuvres Buffet
Come view the tables, browse our fair trade items, purchase tickets for the prize drawing, and enjoy delicious appetizers.
Dinner | 6:00 – 9:00 pm | Wesley Hall
Prize Drawing at 8:00 pm
Holiday Dinner & Entertainment
Sponsor a table individually and invite your friends to see your creation OR get a group of friends together and enjoy the opportunity to decorate and dine together! There are three sponsorship levels this year: $1,000, $500, and $200.
Click here to learn more, buy tickets, sponsor a table, or make a donation.
LAST CALL! 2014 CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY
This survey is your chance to make your voice heard as we begin our planning process for the next two years. Survey is closing soon — please let us hear from you!
Click here to take this survey online; printed survey forms also available in the Welcome Center and main Church Office.
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 | MISSION
CCT | CCM | MWA | OUTREACH
Hello Parents.
One of the reasons I love being in ministry with you is that so many of you are eager to reinforce at home what your children are exploring on Sunday mornings.
Current research is conclusive — a child’s number one place for spiritual formation is the home.
With that in mind, I wanted to share with you what we’re doing.
Below is the Theme, Memory Verse, and Bible story for the month.
At the end are a few ideas for holy conversation starters.
As always, I am honored to serve your children and serve with you.
Mark
Click here to read the rest of Mark’s blog.
Visit the Children’s Ministry page for more information on programs and activities.
Visit the FUMC Day School page for more information on programs and activities.
NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
9:30 am | Room 340
There is a new Adult Sunday School Class led by Tom Hardgrove! This discussion-based class for couples in their 40s – early 50s is geared toward nurturing each other in faith and in life as we navigate — and learn to juggle — being disciples, spouses, and parents. For more information, please contact Rev. Casey Langley (clangley@myfumc.org).
Visit the Adult Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
12.7 CHRISTMAS PARTY!
5:00 – 8:00 pm | Justin Building
Mark your calendar NOW for the Youth Christmas party. More details to follow soon BUT, we will tell you it’s not too early to start shopping for the PERFECT White Elephant Christmas gift! Questions? Contact Brenda Kegans (bkegans@myfumc.org) at 817/339-3888.
Sign up NOW for 2015 Revolution Weekend!
January 17 – 19, 2015
Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center | Grades 7 – 12 | $125 for Youth | $50 for Adults
More details coming soon. Click here to register and pay now!
Share your photos from Youth Events:
Downtown Scavenger Hunt | Middle School Retreat | Cowtown Brush Up | First Wednesday Dinners
Please make sure you allow your photos to finish uploading before exiting the page!
Click here to learn more about our photo sharing feature.
Visit the Youth page for more information on programs and activities.
NOVEMBER MISSION SUNDAYS: SHEETS AND TOWELS
In November, please bring sheets and towels to:
First Street Methodist Mission
Mon. – Thurs. | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
OR the Welcome Center Sunday Mornings 9:00 am – Noon
For more information, contact Elizabeth Becker (ebecker@firststreetmission.org) at 817/339-5068.
MUCH MORE THAN CHILI!
In our long history of being in ministry with our neighbors who are homeless, we’ve developed many, deep and very meaningful relationships between members and guests of this church — those who have a roof over their heads and those who do not.
These relationships have grown out of an atmosphere of hospitality and love, which, during the past 25 years, has included the many blessings of serving Chili Lunches to our neighbors who are homeless during the holidays. This special time has led to countless new and rich ways we, as a congregation, have connected with our neighbors who are homeless.
This year, after talking with many folks now experiencing homelessness, and our volunteers in year-round ministry with these neighbors, we have decided to extend this traditional annual holiday celebration in a new and different way. Rather than just a few days of Chili Lunches this Advent season, we are going to offer a surprise or two each day of Advent during lunchtime at the Mission. These will include many elements of the Chili Lunch holiday gathering, including special things to eat, Christmas cards to send to family and friends, Christmas music, and gifts of much needed personal items such as travel-sized hand sanitizers, Chapstick, and tissues. (Shhhh…it’s a secret!) There could also be a visit from Santa!
Look for sign up instructions for this special extended holiday volunteer opportunity in our First Church Advent Giving Catalog, available beginning November 30.
THANKSGIVING BASKETS
Each Thanksgiving, First Street Methodist Mission works with area social service agencies to provide Thanksgiving Baskets to low income, elderly, and/or disabled families and individuals living in Fort Worth and the surrounding community.
11.22 ASSEMBLY IN WESLEY HALL
Volunteer opportunities for the entire community
Saturday | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Meet in Wesley Hall to receive instructions, and then we’ll work together to assemble, package, and prepare Thanksgiving Baskets for delivery. Families, Sunday school classes, friend groups, neighbors — all are welcome! Volunteer/support opportunities include:
Volunteer to assemble food boxes
Volunteer to deliver boxes to a local school or church (trucks and SUVs needed)
Volunteer to be a part of our hospitality team to help welcome visitors receiving food
Donate $25, $50, or $100 to provide 1, 2, or 4 Thanksgiving Baskets
With your help, we’ll join hearts and hands to provide 1,000 local families with a holiday meal. Click here to sign up.
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.
FESTIVAL OF TABLES & TREES
Tapas, Tables, & Trees
Noon – 3:00 pm | Wesley Hall
$10 in advance | $15 at the door Festive Hors d’oeuvres Buffet
Come view the tables, browse our fair trade items, purchase tickets for the prize drawing, and enjoy delicious appetizers.
Dinner | 6:00 – 9:00 pm | Wesley Hall
Prize Drawing at 8:00 pm
Holiday Dinner & Entertainment
Sponsor a table individually and invite your friends to see your creation OR get a group of friends together and enjoy the opportunity to decorate and dine together! There are three sponsorship levels this year: $1,000, $500, and $200.
Click here to learn more, buy tickets, sponsor a table, or make a donation.
Visit the Outreach Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
Visit the CCT page for more information on programs and activities.
Visit the CCM page for more information on programs and activities.
Visit the MWA page for more information on programs and activities.
GIFTS AND MEMORIALS
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Costa Rica Mission Trip In Memory Of:
Clayton Young by Caron Quevreaux
Discipleship In Memory Of:
Clayton Young by Kay Watkins
First Street Methodist Mission In Memory Of:
Wanda Ballard by Darlene Wallace, Yolanda Howard, & Wesley Bible Class
Jerry Howard by Yolanda Howard
Dale Jeffers by Carolyn & Peter Lombard
Mary Lanelle Padget by Phil Harvey, & Shannon McGrann
James Van Buskirk by Yolonda Howard
Foundation Memorial Fund In Memory Of:
Dolores Cox by Martha Slover
James Van Buskirk by Mary & Steve Thompkins
General Memorial Fund In Memory Of:
James Van Buskirk by Sharon Wynn
Infant Formula In Memory Of:
Wanda Ballard by Charla & Dr. Ronnie McManus
Outreach Ministries In Memory Of:
James Van Buskirk by Gaye Fuller
Leon Taylor by Gaye Fuller
HONORARIUMS
FMC Foundation In Honor Of:
Anne & Hank Paup by Carla & Walter Gates
Dr. Bruster & Rev. Larry Grubb by Kathy Flynn
Kenya Mission Trip In Honor Of :
Nancy Tully by Gaye Fuller, & Sandy Smith