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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
Chapel Communion | 10:30 am | Chapel | Dr. Len Delony
Special Music: Jeff Donahue & Trish Hill, vocalists
eleven:eleven celebration | 11:11 am | Wesley Hall | Dr. Todd Kirk
First 7th | Worship | 5:30 pm | Wesley Hall | Rev. Lance Marshall
Discipleship Discussion Groups | 6:30 pm
Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?
Then who can be saved?
Dear Friends,
Our series, Questions People Asked Jesus continues this Sunday in our Sanctuary worship at 9:30 and 11:00 with a couple of questions found in Matthew 19:16-26 — one from a searching, wealthy young man and the other from Jesus’ confounded disciples.
The young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus said, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There’s only one who is good. If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments.” The man said, “Which ones?” Jesus answered, “Don’t commit murder. Don’t commit adultery. Don’t steal. Don’t give false testimony. Honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as you love yourself.” The young man replied, “I’ve kept all these. What am I still missing?” Jesus said, “If you want to be complete, go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away saddened, because he had many possessions. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I assure you that it will be very hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. In fact, it’s easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.” When his disciples heard this, they were stunned. “Then who can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them carefully and said, “It’s impossible for human beings. But all things are possible for God.”
What a difficult and important conversation for that young man and for those disciples — and for us! Go and sell what we own? Do we really have to give up our stuff to enter the kingdom, to inherit eternal life, and to have treasure in heaven? For that young man at that point in his life, this was too much even to consider. So, what about us?
And then there’s the whole notion of what is possible. Jesus’ answer to the who can be saved disciples’ question of is such good news: “It’s impossible for human beings. But all things are possible for God.” But, do we hear that good news? Does it impact our lives?
I look forward to exploring this together on Sunday in our sanctuary worship. In preparation for Sunday, I invite you to read Matthew 19:16-26. Click here to read Matthew 19:16-26.
I’ll see you on Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Click here to see classes meeting on Sunday, May 31
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!
Greetings from St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis
I’m here this week as part of the “St Jude Life Study” Program started here several years ago. Click here to learn more about this program.
What a joy and privilege it is to be here! It is a kind of homecoming for me. The depth of hope, care and compassion here is palpable. To paraphrase John Wesley, my heart is strangely warmed in this place.
Speaking as an alumnus who started my journey here over 45 years ago, this place is Holy Ground.
Though it’s been a rough road at times, my call to ministry started here.
Click here to read the rest of Len’s blog
5.31.15 in DiscipleChurch
DiscipleChurch Family and Friends,
I hope you have had a chance to look at, contemplate on, and immerse yourself into, the beautiful art piece that has been at the top of the order of worship in DiscipleChurch during this past month. The primary colors in the picture of red, blue and yellow each swirl around and flow in, out, and over each other with no clear beginnings or endings. They appear to be dancing together with such graceful individuality. The name of this art piece is “Blessed Trinity”.
Click here to read the rest of Page’s blog
Last Testament Class
Hi 2nd and 5th Grader Families.
It’s hard to believe, but Sunday is our last Testament class of the year.
That means . . .
The kids get to take their Testaments home with them.
If your child absolutely can’t be here on Sunday, okay.
Click here to read the rest of Mark’s blog
Click here to see a list of upcoming programs and events
All Weather Giving
While we have certainly welcomed the much needed rain, recent Sunday morning storms seem to have had a significant impact on our attendance and member giving. As we enter our busy summer months of programs, activities and mission trips, it is crucial to be sure our giving stays current. Among our many activities that rely on congregation support are:
• Children’s Musical
• Adult Summer Studies
• Children’s Mission Day Camp
• Vacation Bible School
• Youth Mission Trips, including Camp Barnabas
• Youth Choir Trip to New York
• REZOUND! Handbell Choir Concert
• Children’s Sacrament School
To ensure that these and other programs, as well as our Church operating budget stay funded as projected, please send your check to our business office or drop it in the offering plate on Sundays. Click here to make a credit card payment. For information or assistance or to make payment arrangements, please contact Steve Fagan (sfagan@myfumc.org), at 817/339-5085.
Welcome Don Lee!
We extend a warm First Church welcome to Don Lee, who joins our church staff June 1 as our new Manager of Security. Don, who previously worked at Broadway Baptist Church as its Director of Security for nearly 14 years, says he is excited about his transition to this new role in helping guide and direct the security of our church. In addition to serving as our weekday onsite security, Don will serve on our newly formed Hospitality Safety and Security Committee to help guide its security planning and assist with training volunteers to assist with Sunday morning security. Don will be on duty here each week, Monday – Thursday from 7:30 am – 4:00 pm and 7:30 – 12:30 pm on Sundays. He will also be tasked with scheduling any additional security coverage needed on his days off and evenings.
Don says what he enjoys most about his work is the interaction he gets to have with all kinds of different people — getting to know them and helping them out however he can while still holding the line in terms of compliance with rules, regulations and policies. “You can be nice and compassionate and helpful,” he says, “and still be as firm as you need to be.”
And, in even the most challenging situations he faces, Don says that he has found that kindness and follow-through are key to establishing himself as a protector of our church who is also looking out for all the people who enter our doors. “Once people know me, they know they can trust me to be fair — and when I say I’ll do something, I’ll do it,” he adds.
As an ex-military, ex-border patrol officer, Don says the difference between what he does now as a church security officer and the more hands-on law enforcement he has done in the past is that “this is the Lord’s work — much more about compassion and helping all kinds of different people.” Expressing gratitude and appreciation for his time at Broadway Baptist Church, Don says that he views joining our staff as a new blessing and a challenge he gladly embraces as the next step on his professional and personal journey. “The Lord has opened this door for me,” he says, “how could I not go through it?”
Preschool Graduation 2015
Congratulations to the FUMCFW Day School Preschool Class of 2015. We are proud of you and excited about your bright futures. Click here to see more photos from this event.
New Members
Baptisms 
KNOWN HOSPITALIZED
Bill Fisher
Gaye Fuller
Lee Johnson
Highest Wesleyan Honors for Louella and Nick Martin
At the graduating ceremonies of Texas Wesleyan University this month, longtime First Church member Mrs. Louella Baker Martin not only delivered the Commencement Address, but she and her husband, Nicholas Martin Jr., received the prestigious Law Sone Award, which is the highest, most prestigious award granted by Texas Wesleyan, given to honor individuals whose efforts on behalf of Texas Wesleyan University and whose achievements have significantly advanced the welfare of the University. Nick and Lou have been leaders in the Fort Worth community and at Texas Wesleyan for decades.
As a member of the Texas Wesleyan University Board of Trustees for more than 20 years, with more than 10 of those years on the Executive Committee, Lou Martin is a third-generation Trustee of Texas Wesleyan University. Before her, both her father, Edward Baker, Sr., and her grandfather, J.B. Baker, Sr., also served on the Texas Wesleyan Board. In fact, as an interesting First Church side note, provided by fellow Texas Wesleyan honoree, our own Dr. Lamar Smith, “when the Bishop laid the cornerstone of our current building, he then handed the trowel to Lou’s grandfather, J.B. Baker, Sr., who at that time was serving as chairman of our church building committee.
A Fort Worth native, Lou graduated from Paschal High School, and has been a leader with numerous community organizations including Fort Worth Country Day School, the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History, the Van Cliburn Foundation and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Boys and Girls Club of Fort Worth, and the Jewel Charity Ball benefiting Cook Children’s Medical Center. She received an honorary doctorate from Texas Wesleyan University in 2003.
Nick arrived in Fort Worth in 1967 to pursue business interests and recently has concentrated on investments in the national real estate market. He is a graduate of Denison University and served in combat in Europe as a member of the U.S. Army during World War II. He also received an honorary doctorate degree from Texas Wesleyan in 2003 and has been a very generous contributor and friend to Wesleyan.
To continue this great leadership legacy, Nick and Lou together have seven children, 19 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Congratulations Jeannine and Roy Eaton
Roy and Jeannine Eaton have received the 2014 Kate Warnick Award from the Texas United Methodist Historical Society for their book “A Century of Serving” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the sanctuary building of the First United Methodist Church of Decatur. The award is named in honor of Kate Warnick, the long-time librarian of Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. The award was presented at the Northwest District meeting of the North Texas Annual Conference at First United Methodist Church in Nocona on May 17. The Eatons, who live in Decatur, have been members of FUMCFW for 12 years and are members of the Inquirers Class. Roy also serves on the Board of Trustees. They are parents of Brian and Felecia Eaton, also members of FUMCFW.
Joining the Eatons were Annual Conference Members Dwight Reeves, Sharon Meyer, Virginia Caraway, and Pastors Zack Landis and Brian Bosworth.
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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Summer Studies 2015
6.3 – 8.19 Movies, Books & Theology
Wednesdays | 9:30 – 11:00 am | Room 154
Rev. Phyllis McDougal
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
Summer Book Study
Every MONDAY in July | 6:00 – 7:00 pm | Room 154
Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen,
Take a break from the July heat and read a book to refresh your faith. Led by Rev. Casey Orr, this group will discuss a powerful, yet simple little book; it invites rich conversation starting with the affirmation that everyone is loved by God and can enjoy “the life of the beloved.” To register or for more information contact Gayle Ammerman (gammerman@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5091
Click here to for more information about our Summer Studies opportunities
Baptism 101
Offered the First Sunday of every Month beginning Sunday, June 7
11:00 am | Room 230 | Led by Rev. Casey Orr
All are welcome to this very special hour designed just for parents (or parents-to-be!) considering baptism. Baptism is a special moment in the life of a church, a family — and an individual! Please join us for this single one-hour class where we will Define the sacrament of baptism. Explore the United Methodist Church’s understanding of baptism. Discuss the logistics of a baptism at FUMC Fort Worth. Discover how to schedule a baptism at FUMC Fort Worth. Consider any questions we may have about baptism. Connect with other parents.
There is no cost to join the class; however, we do ask that you register online below, or by contacting Gayle Ammerman (gammerman@myfumc.org) at 817/336-5091, so that we can prepare accordingly.
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.
6.7 Children’s Musical: Big Shot! Facing Down Our Giants, Looking Up to God
9:30 am | Sanctuary | During Children First
We can do anything through God who gives us strength! The zany characters and exciting plot of Big Shot — the latest kid’s musical from Lillenas — will remind you of this timeless truth.
When a hapless band of garden insects face extermination by Goliath, a humongous bug sprayer, it takes the faith and courage of a little spider to listen to God and implement an ingenious plan. With a clever script written by the much-loved Deborah Craig-Claar, dynamic music and lyrics by multiple dove-award winning composer Celeste Clydesdale and show-stopping arrangement by the highly acclaimed David T. Clydesdale.
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.
VBS Registration Update
This year we will have a registration deadline for Vacation Bible School. Monday, July 6th is the last day you can register your child for VBS. That will give our volunteers a very important week’s cushion to gather the right amount of supplies and curriculum, not to mention T-shirts, CDS, snacks. We want VBS to feel truly special and personalized for each child who comes through our doors.
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 | Registration Deadline 7.6
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.
June Mission Sundays: Backpacks
During the month of JUNE, please bring your gently used backpacks to the First Street Methodist Mission, Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm or to the Welcome Center on Sunday Morning.
6.6 Blessing Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth Families
7:30 am | Ronald McDonald House
1004 7th Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
On Saturday, June 6, our Lay Ministry Committee invites everyone 15 years of age and older to come with us to the RonaldMcDonald 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 at 8:30 am. What a blessing it will be for all our FUMCFW volunteers to serve these families. Please contact Allison McMahon (allison.mcmahon@hotmail.com) or Sammye Dunn (sammyelou9@gmail.com) for more details.
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
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