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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. Page Hines
Discussion Groups | 9:30 am
Special Music: Dace Sultanov, cello
Chapel Communion | 10:30 am | Chapel | Dr. Len Delony
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
How is it possible for an adult to be born? It’s impossible to enter the mother’s womb for a second time and be born, isn’t it?
Dear Friends,
Our series Questions People Asked Jesus continues Sunday in our Sanctuary worship at 9:30 and 11:00 with a couple of questions from a secret seeker. His name was Nicodemus. He was a religious leader and, as such, we can assume that he didn’t want to be seen seeking out Jesus for a conversation. We can assume this because he went to see Jesus at night — under cover of darkness. He asked his questions in response to Jesus’ words to him, in which Jesus said, “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.”
Apparently, Nicodemus was a literalist, as many people were in response to Jesus’ teachings and as many people are today. He asked Jesus, ““How is it possible for an adult to be born? It’s impossible to enter the mother’s womb for a second time and be born, isn’t it?” He is stumped by his literal interpretation of Jesus’ words. Perhaps it was his training and religious practice as a Pharisee. He probably did his best to keep every word of the laws of the scriptures and every word of the thousands of words interpreting the laws of scripture. By Nicodemus’ time, more than six hundred new laws had been created interpreting the old law on how you live life day to day and all the little things in life: what you eat, how you prepare food, what’s clean and unclean, what’s appropriate and inappropriate, what’s good and what’s bad, and many others. He did that to justify himself and to be righteous in the eyes of God and to earn righteousness by the way he lived his life. Pharisees were very scrupulous about their practice. Perhaps that kind of scrupulosity can lead to a kind of literalism.
But, I wonder, is it only that Nicodemus was a literalist that had him stumped and questioning the very possibility of being born anew? Perhaps we wonder about the possibility of new life. Perhaps, like Nicodemus, we might want to ask, “How is it possible? How is it possible for us to be born anew, or — as it might also be translated — born from above? How is it possible to start over and have new life? How is it possible for us to live this thing called eternal life when we see death all around us?
The new life Jesus describes doesn’t mean just getting our act together, turning over a new leaf or making a list of resolutions. Jesus is talking about something as radical as new birth, being born again. It’s not something you do or I do; it’s something God does. To be born again also means to be born from above. In other words, it comes from God. It is God’s doing…not yours and not mine. What does that look like for us and for our world? I look forward to exploring this together on Sunday in our sanctuary worship.
In preparation for Sunday, I invite you to read John 3:1-17. Click here to read it John 3:1-17.
I’ll see you on Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Click here to see classes meeting on Sunday, May 24
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!
Blessing The Ronald McDonald House Families Saturday
On Saturday, June 6, our Lay Ministry Committee and I personally invite everyone 15 years of age and older to come with us to the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth, to provide a hot meal for families to help them rest and recharge, and to support them through the “Meals from the Heart” program. We will begin cooking breakfast for the families at 7:30 am, and serve the families beginning at 8:30 am. What a blessing it will be for you and everyone possible to attend from First UMC to serve and bless these families. Please contact me (allison.mcmahon@hotmail.com) or Sammye Dunn (sammyelou9@gmail.com) for more details.
I look forward to seeing you on June 6.
Allison McMahon
Hearing Soulful-Stories and Sacred Callings
Monday morning many of the clergy at our church began the week with an important, even groundbreaking, day-retreat. (Heartfelt thanks to all of you in the Congregational Care Ministries team who have been keeping our clergy, and our whole church in prayer recently!)
With so many things to get done in a typical day, it seems that we can all get caught up in the rush to “use time well” and have no patience for what can seem, in the short run at least, like an utter waste of time. And how we “use” our time is measured primarily in “chronos” clock-time. Unfortunately, our sense of meaning and purpose are often lost in the blur of things that must be done now.
Click here to read the rest of Len’s blog
5.24.15 in DiscipleChurch
DiscipleChurch Family and Friends,
When you were growing up and you got upset about something, did people tell you — you should “count to 10” before reacting or before saying anything? Really, who wants to count when they’re mad! Besides, for me, some of my best “wit” is instantaneously generated when I am mad; it seems a shame to stifle such creativity.
Click here to read the rest of Page’s blog
Click here to see a list of upcoming programs and events
Reflecting A Bridal Legacy
A church Wedding Coordinator is an invaluable asset during the process of planning and enjoying any wedding. For the bride and her family, the Wedding Coordinator is both guide and protector as a family navigates the myriad of details and planning requirements of this exciting but often stressful experience. On the church side, the Wedding Coordinator serves as a checkpoint and overseer that saves time, resolves confusion, and allows the pastor to focus on the wedding couple and ceremony itself before and at the rehearsal.
Anyone who has been involved in a wedding at FUMCFW, either as a guest or participant, has seen firsthand the quiet assurance of our own FUMCFW Wedding Coordinator, Frankie Young. Serving our church as a first rate Wedding Coordinator since 1990, Frankie has overseen an amazing 1,765 weddings!
Anyone who knows Frankie personally or has had the joy of working with her on a wedding will tell you that her gift is making the whole process look easy (and anyone who has ever been part of planning a wedding knows that this experience is anything but easy!) “Frankie has left a wonderful legacy as Wedding Coordinator at FUMCFW, says Organist Peggy Graff. “It has been a unique opportunity for me to see her in this role as she helped couples achieve their vision of the perfect wedding ceremony. Her sincere and kind demeanor, coupled with a confident air and a sense of humor make Frankie one of a kind. I have loved working with her, will miss her greatly and wish her the best in all future endeavors!”
On April 29, the staff of FUMCFW hosted a luncheon to honor Frankie for her 25 years of dedicated services as First Church Wedding Coordinator. As of May 1, you can still find Frankie serving our church in the main office on Sunday mornings, but she has retired as FUMCFW Wedding Coordinator. In her place (and trying to fill those tiny but mighty shoes) will be a team of consultants and coordinators including Suzanne Hickman, Susan Bruster, and Elyse Mueller, all under the direction of our Minister of Worship, Rev. Linda McDermott. Under this new process, please direct initial inquiries to (weddings@myfumc.org), and Ms. Hickman will be in touch with you to provide information and/or help you begin the process of planning your wedding.
As part of the our upcoming building project to expand our children’s division (and the assortment of resulting adjustments to include relocating the library and bride’s room), the new Bridal Room on the 3rd floor will feature a beautiful and fitting tribute to Frankie’s years of service as wedding consultant and coordinator. A decorative mirror purchased in her honor will bear a nameplate recognizing the unique and crucial role Frankie Young has played in each FUMCFW bride’s experience for the past quarter century, offering future generations of brides a reflection that honors this very special legacy.
New Members
Confirmation Class of 2015
Abygail Elizabeth Anderson, Emily Kate Bell, John-Thomas Joseph Bolger, Parker Riley Burross, Grace Campbell Burrows, Haedan Christopher Campbell, Jessica Josephine Clark, Ella Ryals Coleman, Lizzie Grace Day, Lily Suzanne Debenport, Carol Lee Monika Dewar, Hadley Cecilea Dills, Phillip Charles Drez, Liliana Elise Flores, Henry Owen Givens, Sophie Alexandrea Gudimetla, Jackson Pierce Hill, Mason Isabella Hill, William Benoit Holloway III, Michael Austin Johnson, Brenden Mathew Jones, Madeline Elizabeth King, Maria Raquel Martin, Holt Addison Mills, Trigg David Moore, Ashleigh Elizabeth Nader, Jackson Thomas Nethery, Zachary Emerson Neuweiler, William Jackson Parchman, Nathan Guoyao Pedneault, Emma Rose Pyron, Chloe Jacqueline Robbins, Robert Cael Ross, Bennett Grace Schrimpf, Alana Kay Shannon, Caleb Jeffrey Smith, Peyton Ann Tapp, Julia Katherine Todd, Jackson Thai Webb, Abigail Grace Woodcock
Baptisms 
In Memoriam
Jim Jones
Betty McCrary
Joann Durham Honored By Texas A&M Commerce University
Longtime FUMCFW member JoAnn Durham was recently honored by Texas A&M Commerce University with the Distinguished Alumni Award, which is presented to alumni who have achieved outstanding success in their chosen profession. Recognized by Who’s Who in American Art, JoAnn is an international artist whose works have been shown both domestically and internationally. “There were over 200 people in the Sam Rayburn Ballroom. My family and friends were there and it was just such an honor. Dr. Judith Carrier (also a member of FUMCFW) drove me to Commerce and even hosted a breakfast for me the next morning!” said JoAnn. “It was really a very special weekend.” JoAnn has plans to donate the files from all of her exhibits to the school’s archives. This is in addition to the seventeen original paintings JoAnn donated to the school two years ago. “I think it’s the perfect place for my work to live and I’m thrilled to give them all of my files,” explains JoAnn. She has also generously agreed to donate some art books to the Texas A&M Commerce University Library. Congratulations to JoAnn for this prestigious award! Click here for more information and pictures of the event.
FUMCFW Golf Tournament
The annual FUMCFW golf tournament was played on May 11, 2015 at Lost Creek Golf Club. Congratulations to the foursome of Sammy Small, Ken Groce, Dave Jordan and Jack Wiggins on their win!
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!
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6.3 – 8.19 Summer Studies: Movies, Books & Theology
Rev. Phyllis McDougal
Wednesdays | 9:30 – 11:00 am | Room 154
Books are available in the Main Office
This class will examine how God’s presence is always around us and how God moves in and through our world – even through the books we read and the movies we watch! The group is open all summer, so come when you can. To register of for more information contact Gayle Ammerman (gammerman@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5091.
If I had Lunch with CS Lewis
by Dr. Alister McGrath
6.3 & 6.10 Discuss
Still Alice
6.17 Watch | 6.24 Discuss
All the Light We Can Not See
by Anthony Doerr
7.1 & 7.15 Discuss
Woman in Gold
7.22 Watch | 7.29 Discuss
Enchanted Cottage
8.5 Watch | 8.12 Discuss
8.19 Class Field Trip
Location to be determined
Visit the Summer Studies page for brief descriptions of the books and movies covered in this study
6.11 Foundation Summer Lunch Info Series
Noon – 1:00 pm | Room 271 of the Foundation Building
Join us for lunch and a Q & A about the FMC Foundation
Lunch is free, but please RSVP to (lisa.tucker@fmcfoundation.org) or call 817/339-5089.
Visit the Adult Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
We Have Some Volunteer Opportunities This Summer!
Children’s Ministry REALLY needs some help this summer. Please take a look at the following volunteer opportunities:
Sunday Mornings
We need teachers from 9:30 – 10:45 am and 11:15 am – Noon on these dates:
June 14, 21, 28 | July 12, 26 | August 9, 16, 23, 30
No one has to commit to all of the Sundays, just let us know which dates work for you! Nancy Froman will lead our summer film festival — “The Gospel According to Pixar” and Mr. Mark will lead a class on the parables of Jesus — “Once Upon a Parable.” Additionally, we will also have our popular Play Together, Pray Together class — 9:30 am only.
Mission Day Camp 2015
Monday, June 15 – Friday, 19, 2015 | Lyle Lodge
For Children Entering Grades 3 – 6
We need a Games leader for each day. You don’t have to do all five days. If you can do one day, great!
If anyone is interested in helping out with the things listed below, please contact Janice Cooper (jcooper@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5093.
6.15 – 19 Mission Day Camp 2015
Lyle Lodge | For Children Entering Grades 3 – 6 | $125 per child before 6.1, $160 after
Click here to learn more and register!
Children of God, Citizens of the World: A Mission Day Camp for Kids combines a strong mission and outreach core with the kinds of activities that make summer camp so much fun. Activities include swimming (registered life guards on site), mission projects, Bible study, music, camp games, Journey of Faith nature walks, and more. Registration is required and is limited to the first 72 complete registrations. Priority will be given to FUMCFW members.
7.13 – 17 Vacation Bible School 2015
9:00 am – Noon | Meet in Wesley Hall | FUMCFW
Children ages 3 years through 6th grade | $15 per child before 6.8, $30 after
VBS Celebration Sunday | July 19 | 11:00 am | FUMCFW | Sanctuary
Click here to learn more and register!
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 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.
May Mission Sundays: Sheets and Towels
During the month of MAY, please bring sheet and towel sets of all sizes to the First Street Methodist Mission, Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm or to the Welcome Center on Sunday Morning.
Health Kits Needed for UMCOR
Place your assembled kits in the Welcome Center in the Compassion and Justice Ministries bin, May 3 – June 7.
FUMC Fort Worth Compassion & Justice Ministries is collecting assembled health kits for United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), a United Methodist organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering around the globe — and already responding to the devastating earthquake in Nepal. One way we can help now is to assemble health kits to provide basic necessities to those forced to leave their homes because of war or natural disaster. Click here for instructions for purchasing and assembling these kits.
Visit the Compassion & Justice Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
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.
Camp Barnabas
July 18 – 24, 2015 | Purdy, MO
Grades 9 – 12 (In the 2014 – 2015 School Year)
$250 per person | Space is limited
FUMCFW Youth are headed back to Camp Barnabas this summer for a week of swimming, camping, and playing with amazing campers dealing with mental disabilities. This is an incredible week of life-changing experiences sure to change perspectives, redefine disability, and spread God’s love in an unforgettable way!
Questions? Contact Brenda Kegans (bkegans@myfumc.org) at 817/339-3888.
Visit the Youth page for more information on programs and activities.
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Foundation Memorial Fund In Memory Of:
Betty Ambrose by Lisa and David Diffley, Vivienne B. Williams, Lindy and Bill Penny
HONORARY GIFTS
Foundation Honorarium Fund In honor Of:
Letterman, Rev., Mr. President