THIS SUNDAY | TEACHERS & TOPICS | CHURCHWIDE NEWS
MEMBER NEWS | MINISTRY NEWS | GIFTS & MEMORIALS | LENT
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THIS SUNDAY’S WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Traditional Worship | 9:30 & 11:00 am | Sanctuary | Dr. Tim Bruster
DiscipleChurch | Community Breakfast | 7:30 am | Wesley Hall
Chapel | 8:30 am | Rev. Brooks Harrington
Discussion | 9:30 am | Foundation Building
Chapel Communion | 10:30 am | Chapel | Dr. Len Delony (click here to read Len’s blog)
Special Music: Elizabeth Wills
eleven:eleven celebration | 11:11 am | Wesley Hall | Rev. Tom McDermott (click here to read Tom’s blog)
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.
A Few More Words on “Where there is Doubt, Let Me Sow Faith” . . .
Many of you know that soon after my 13th birthday, I noticed something that was the beginning of a challenge that would change my life forever. And it led me on a path that became central to my spiritual formation and faith journey.
On that particular Friday in November of 1970, I came home from football practice and saw a lump on my neck. By the next Tuesday a biopsy determined it was Hodgkin’s Disease (cancer of the lymph system). Two days later, on a cold, rainy morning, I was riding in the back seat of our station wagon on I-30 on the way to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis.
It was a sudden turn and what became the beginning of a lifelong journey of challenges, surprises and blessings . . .
Click here to read the rest of Len’s blog
The Space Between: It’s Right There
“Do you see it, boys?” Uncle Mac pointed across an open field toward some mesquite trees. “It’s an 8 point buck!”
It was 6:00 am, still grey outside. Our bodies were cold and our feet were wet from walking (Uncle Mac called it “tracking”) through dew drenched fields for 2 hours. Complaining and hungry.
My younger brother whispered, “He’s kidding us again!”
True, Uncle Mac was a trickster, always messing with us. At one point, early on in the hike, my brother had asked, “Uncle Mac, when are we gonna see something?”
Uncle Mac just said, “Depends on what you’re looking for.”
Click here to read the rest of Tom’s blog
Click here to see classes meeting on Sunday, March 15
Every Sunday morning, groups of adults meet in FUMCFW Sunday School Classes to enhance their spiritual growth and enjoy fellowship with other Christians. We have classes for a variety of demographic groups, with many different class personalities and styles. Visit the Adult Sunday School page to learn more!
This shows the footprint of the entire project: (Click on the image to enlarge it)
FUMCFW MASTER PLAN:
CREATING FACILITIES THAT FACILITATE MISSION
This site plan shows the overall footprint of our $30 million Facilities Master Plan. Click here for detailed images of levels, phases, and more, and follow the Master Plan blog. If you have questions, comments, or input you’d like to share, please email us at (masterplan@myfumc.org). Your opinion matters! In the interest of transparency, questions and comments will be addressed as received in the ongoing Master Plan blog.
While you may or may not have heard rumblings about a major First Church building program on our immediate horizon, our church leadership is excited to roll out our newly updated Facilities Master Plan. Over the past several years our lay leadership has been studying the current and future facilities needs of our faith community. The FUMCFW Trustees contracted the architectural firm of Hahnfeld, Hoffer & Stanford to develop a Master Plan to address the specific building and facility improvement needs in four phases. After the initial version of that plan was developed, the Trustees authorized the formation of a Building Committee. The committee was nominated by the committee on lay leadership and elected by the Church Council. The building committee is chaired by longtime FUMCFW member Barry Hudson and includes many leaders of our church.
“This is not simply a building expansion plan,” Hudson explains in his presentations now scheduled and underway with many different groups in our church, including our Board of Stewards this past week. “This is a plan for addressing current and future needs for our downtown faith community by providing spaces that enable and empower our ministries and mission.”
Click here for details of each phase, diagrams — and more. Be sure to email your comments, questions, and concerns to (masterplan@myfumc.org).
Photo courtesy of PAUL MOSELEY / STAR-TELEGRAM
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, HERE’S HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH FUMCFW!
In light of the recent weather conditions and icy roads, we realized the need to be able to get in touch with you by whatever means you prefer. Please take a moment to answer the following questions so we can include you and your preferred contact information in our database for future use.
If you have questions, or need to update your information, please email (communications@myfumc.org).
In addition to posting to fumcfw.org, how can we let you know of a weather-related closure or delay, as well as other urgent communications? Click here to submit your information.
MEDIA MINISTRY TURNS 40!
In celebration of Media Ministry Month and the tireless work of this amazing volunteer-driven ministry, we’re posting throughout the month a series of interviews, vintage photos and footage, and stories, reflections, and insights gained through 40 years of sharing the message of our church beyond our walls.
Click here to follow this new Sunday Night Serial video series.
NEW MEMBERS
BAPTISMS
KNOWN HOSPITALIZED
Don Dunkin
Lela Mohrbacher
IN MEMORIAM
Marilyn Alsmiller
FIRST PEOPLE
CONGRATULATIONS SCOTT ARNOLD
Scott Arnold, FUMCFW member, recently received Kimley-Horn’s H.D. Vick Community Service Award. Kimley-Horn, a local engineering firm, presents this annual award in honor and recognition of their employee’s outstanding community service. A $1,250 contribution was made in Scott’s name to both The First Street Methodist Mission and Kids Hope USA.
Scott has been a volunteer at First Street Methodist Mission since 2007 and has been a Kids Hope mentor since 2009. Kimley-Horn grants have been awarded to the Mission every year since 2008, and Kids Hope every year since 2009. Congratulations and thank you to Scott for his support of the Compassion and Justice Ministries at FUMCFW!
Have some exciting news about an FUMCFW member that you would like to share?
This 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!
LENT 2015 — OPEN TO PEACE
This year, we will be using the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi as our guide through the work of reckoning during this season of Lent. To enter into the Easter Season of new life, we prepare with Lent’s focus on an honest reckoning of our own lives.
Click here for a complete list of Lenten opportunities.
Click here to download a printable version of the Lent Weekly.
LENT 2015 – OPEN TO PEACE
The Tradition:
Lent has been the time when new converts to the Christian faith were prepared for baptism; a six Sunday season that asked, actually required, new and long-time Christians to enter into a time of honest “reckoning” of who they were in terms of how they lived out their faith. This included soul searching honesty and confessions of both the positive and the negative. Today, we continue to use this season as a time for sincere and honest soul searching.
Click here to read the rest of Linda’s blog
Each Wednesday During Lent:
Noon Chapel Service
Each Wednesday of Lent | February 25 – April 1
11:45 am – 1:00 pm | Leonard Memorial Chapel
We offer this come-and-go opportunity every Wednesday during Lent for prayer, meditation, a moment to yourself — this is your time and you are welcome to spend it in anyway that brings you peace. There is no formal service. However, a minister will be available during each service for prayer and communion. Come when you can, stay for as long as you’d like, and enjoy a reflective break during your midweek workday.
Fourth Week of Lent
March 15 – 21, 2015
Sunday, March 15
Traditional Worship
“Where There Is Despair, Hope”
9:30 & 11:00 am | Sanctuary | Dr. Tim Bruster
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Wednesday, March 18
Noon Chapel Service
11:45 am – 1:00 pm | Chapel
Lenten Studies
During this Lenten season, we invite you to these special studies to deepen your faith as you prepare for the celebration of Easter.
Being Prayerfully Present as Instruments of God’s Peace
Special 5-Week Lenten Discussion Groups
Wednesdays | 3.4 – 4.1 | 10:30 – 11:45 am AND 6:30 – 7:45 pm | Room 230
Looking for a way to deepen your Lenten journey? Join Dr. Len Delony as he discusses how to enter into the silence that is common to all, encounter the source beyond all stories, and come forth with greater compassion, enhanced abilities for non-dual thought, patience, and unshakable hope. Using Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr’s Silent Compassion to help focus conversation, the study gives an honest, and sometimes surprising, look at the richness of an inner life nourished by compassionate silence.
Rohr’s book, which was written after his meeting with the Dalai Lama and other religious leaders at a Summit in Louisville, Kentucky, will help focus conversation. Click here to purchase the book if you would like a copy. But whether you purchase the book or not, all are encouraged to come for the prayerful conversation! Questions? Contact Dr. Len Delony (ldelony@myfumc.org) at 817/939-4593.
In-Depth Bible Study Series: The Seven Words from the Cross
Sundays | 8:30 am | Room 350 | Dr. Lamar Smith
This study offers fresh insight into Jesus’ final words at the Cross through the perspective of those who witnessed the Crucifixion. Join us and make this part of your Lenten journey. Questions? Contact Dr. Lamar Smith (lsmith@myfumc.org) at 817/339-3886.
The Prayer of Saint Francis Lenten Study
Sundays | 9:30 am | Room 271 | Foundation Building
Join the DiscipleChurch formation group for a Lenten study of the book, The Prayer of Saint Francis: A Message of Peace for the World Today, by Leonardo Boff, each Sunday morning during Lent. This study is open to anyone who would like to participate; you may purchase your own copy of the book or use the copies of pertinent chapters we’ll provide for each week’s discussion. Because the Prayer of Saint Francis is our church-wide focus throughout the season of Lent, this study presents a perfect opportunity to experience DiscipleChurch — whether you’re a DiscipleChurch regular or have never attended! Please join us for this thoughtful exploration of the meaning this beautiful prayer offers for our lives today. Questions? Contact Rev. Page Hines (phines@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5063.
2015 LENTEN DEVOTIONAL
Be sure to get your copy of the 2015 Lenten Devotional! This beautiful book will be available at the services on Ash Wednesday, in the Welcome Center, the Narthex and the front office every Sunday during Lent, and every week at the Noon Lent Chapel Services that begin February 25, 2015.
You can also click here to access a digital edition!
Please use this as a traditional daily devotional guide or as a tool for your own reflection as you need it. May this devotional booklet help you experience the depth of God’s love and guidance as you begin this Holy Season of Lent.
ADULTS | CHILDREN | YOUTH
COMPASSION & JUSTICE | MWA
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3.25 – 5.13 COVENANT BIBLE STUDY, SECTION 2
Wednesdays | 8-week study | $20
9:30 am | Rev. Phyllis McDougal | Room 154
6:00 pm | Rev. Lance Marshall | Room 350
Childcare available for the evening study*
This amazing study goes through the bible in eight weeks and helps you understand the one major theme of God’s involvement in the biblical narrative and in your life: covenant, promise, faithfulness. Click here for more information and to register, or contact Rev. Phyllis McDougal (pmcdougal@myfumc.org). *Childcare is free but reservations are necessary. Please contact Paula Wagstaff (pwagstaff@myfumc.org).
3.26 SENIOR MINISTRIES LUNCH AND TOUR OF BRIT
11:30 am | Lunch | RailHead 2900 Montgomery St., Fort Worth, TX 76107
1:30 pm | Guided Tour | 1700 University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Admission to BRIT is Free
Join us for lunch and a guided tour of The Botanical Research Institute of Texas. Founded in 1987 and based in Fort Worth, BRIT documents the diversity of plant life and conducts extensive research around the world. They are driven to find new plant species and research plant life for agricultural, economic, environmental, medical, and social uses and to share that knowledge in the classroom and the research laboratory. Questions? Contact Rev. Phyllis McDougal (pmcdougal@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5082.
4.7 UMW PRESENTS THE COWTOWN DERBY
10:30 am – 1:00 pm | Ridglea Country Club
$40 Individual Tickets | $1500 Legacy Table | $2500 Table of Roses
Tickets are on sale now through March 22
Online and on Sundays in the Welcome Center between worship services
Click here to buy tickets online now!
Luncheon, Entertainment, Auction, Hat Judging & More! Grab Your Hat or Bowtie and Join the Fun as We Spend The Day At The Derby! Click here for Sponsorship Opportunities, Tickets, and More Information!
4.21 & 22 SENIOR MINISTRIES BUS TRIP TO FREDERICKSBURG
Leave church at 7:30 am | Return on April 22 at 9:00 pm
$75 per Person for 2/Hotel Room | $110 per Person for Single Room
Cost covers hotel, breakfast, and bus ride | Reservations due 4.1
Make plans now to spend two days in Fredericksburg, Texas, in the beautiful Texas Hill Country Enjoy scenic wildflowers in bloom on the bus ride followed by a tour of the town, complete with fellowship and fun. Reservations can be made by contacting Gayle Ammerman (gammerman@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5091. Checks payable to FUMCFW. Questions? Contact Rev. Phyllis McDougal (pmcdougal@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5082. Click here to learn more about upcoming senior events.
Visit the Adult Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
7.13 – 17 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
9:00 am – Noon
7.19 VBS CELEBRATION SUNDAY
11:00 am | FUMCFW | Sanctuary
Experience God’s Love in Action! In this mission-focused VBS, kids will learn and live God’s unstoppable love at the G-Force Adventure Park and discover how fueling up on God’s Word will change their lives forever. With tons of movement, action and fun, your child will learn to share God’s great love with the world! Registration will be available soon for children ages 3 years through those entering 6th grade.
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.
MARCH MISSION SUNDAYS:
REGULAR SIZED HYGIENE ITEMS
During the month of MARCH, please bring non-travel-sized toothpaste, bar soap, shampoo, and deodorant to the First Street Methodist Mission, Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm or to the Welcome Center on Sunday Morning.
FOOD 4 KIDS GROUP VOLUNTEER 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. Each group needs a minimum of 8 volunteers to fill backpacks on Sundays for an hour between 9:00 am and Noon, September through May. Sign up online now to help fill backpacks!
Visit the First Street Mission Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
Visit the Compassion & Justice Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
3.22 ORGAN DEDICATORY CONCERT WITH DR. BRADLEY HUNTER WELCH
5:00 pm | Sanctuary
Reception following in Wesley Hall with the Debbie Brooks String Quartet
As a premier concert organist, Dr. Bradley Hunter Welch, who is hailed as “a world-class virtuoso” and “an expert at defining darks, lights, shadows, and colors will perform a special concert to help dedicate our new Anne S. and Henry B. Paup Sanctuary Pipe Organ on Sunday, March 22 at 5:00 pm in our Sanctuary.
Welch’s March 22 dedicatory concert will not only offer an exciting showcase of the full the capabilities of our magnificent new Garland pipe organ, but will also provide an exceptional opportunity to come together once again as a faith community to celebrate and dedicate this instrument.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Bradley Hunter Welch
SPECIAL MUSIC PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
By offering special music opportunities several times each year, FUMCFW Music and Worship Arts ministry creates a sense of community around the shared experience of music, either in performing together or gathering to celebrate the gifts and talents of others. If you would like to be on our email list to receive notice of ALL of the special music events at FUMC, please email Lisa Helm (lhelm@myfumc.org). All Music and Worship Arts events at FUMCFW are free and open to the public.
Click here to follow this Special Music blog for the latest music events coming to First Church Fort Worth!
Visit the Music & Worship Arts page for more information on programs and activities.
Sign up now for the 2015 Summer Mission Trip!
June 21 – 26, 2015
Houston, TX | $275 for Students | $75 for Adults
Click here to sign up now as a Youth
Click here to sign up now as an Adult
Open to all youth grades 7 – 12. Spots are limited with an equal number for middle-school and high-school students until March 1, then it’s first-come, first-serve. We’re working with Center for Student Missions (CSM) and will be doing lots of different types of work with different organizations throughout the city for the week.
Visit the Youth page for more information on programs and activities.
MEMORIAL GIFTS
First Street Methodist Mission In Memory Of:
Randy Freeman by Norma Demetrion
Tom Butler by Painter & Harris Families, Jean Kent
Foundation Memorial Fund In Memory Of:
Billie Sommermeyer by Barbara McMahon
Betty Ambrose by Arch and Pat Van Meter
General Memorial Fund In Memory Of:
G.W. Wilemon by Nan & Foster Nelson
Bill Scott by Jo Anne & Jim Grissel
UMW Endowment Fund Memorial Gifts In Memory Of:
William Scott by Nancy Bryant, Diane Dryden, Gay Ingram, Gail Lewellen, Hannah Circle, Mary/Martha Circle
HONORARY GIFTS
Television Ministry In Honor Of:
TV Volunteer Crew by Carolyn Bellah
UMW Endowment Fund Honorary Gifts In Honor Of:
Dr. Lamar Smith by Mary/Martha Circle
Dr. Mike Marshall by Mary/Martha Circle
Rev. Chuck Graff by Mary/Martha Circle
UMW Endowment Fund Gift by Gaye Fuller