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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 | Dave Purcell
Discussion Groups | 9:30 am
Chapel Communion | 10:30 am | Chapel | Dr. Len Delony
Special Music: Elizabeth Wills
eleven:eleven celebration | 11:11 am | Wesley Hall | Charme Robarts
First 7th | Worship | 5:30 pm | Wesley Hall | Rev. Lance Marshall
Discipleship Discussion Groups | 6:30 pm
Click here to see classes meeting on Sunday, May 10
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!
Click here to see a list of upcoming programs and events
In Memoriam: Former House Speaker Jim Wright
FUMCFW member and Former House Speaker Jim Wright, the longtime Texas Democrat who served more than three decades in the U.S. House of Representatives, died Wednesday morning at the age of 92. Funeral services for Speaker Wright will be held at FUMCFW on Monday, May 11 at 2:00 pm; Dr. Tim Bruster will officiate, and a reception will follow in Wesley Hall.
Additional details are still pending, but we anticipate very high attendance, heightened security, and likely, remote parking in several locations with continuous shuttle bus access provided between church and designated remote parking areas. We encourage church members and friends wishing to attend the service to watch our church website and emails for special instructions and helpful information. The service will also be available vialive stream. Click here for more information on the life and contributions of Former House Speaker Jim Wright.
Clergy Renewal Leave
Dear Church Family,
Just prior to Dr. Tim Bruster’s appointment here as our Senior Pastor in the summer of 2003 the Staff Parish Relations Committee — recognizing that clergy renewal is very important not only for clergy, but for the congregation as well — put in place a renewal leave policy for the Senior Pastor. The policy we put in place then allows for a renewal leave every five years for the Senior Pastor. The summer of 2008 was the regularly-scheduled time for the first renewal leave, but Tim didn’t feel like either 2008 or 2009 were good times to take the leave. He finally took his first renewal leave in 2010. This summer he will take his regularly-scheduled renewal leave. In considering the timing, Tim and the Staff Parish Relations Committee felt that, with many important event and projects coming up in the life of the church, this summer is the best time for the leave.
Dr. Bruster’s renewal leave will take place during the June 10 through September 8 timeframe, with some of that time also being used for vacation and for the mission trip to Costa Rica. The members of SPRC and I are very supportive of Tim as he prepares for his clergy renewal leave. This will be a time of growth and renewal, both for Tim and for our congregation.
According to the Alban Institute — whose planning guide formed the basis of Tim’s and the SPRC’s planning — a clergy renewal leave, or sabbatical, should have a balance of four components:
- spiritual renewal,
- physical rest and refreshment,
- emotional recharging and
- intellectual stimulation.
A renewal leave is an intentional time of study, reflection, writing, and refreshment of spirit designed in a balanced way in order that the pastor may return refreshed and renewed in body, mind, and spirit and ready to lead afresh. It will serve as a time for him to receive spiritual nourishment and a change in perspective, to deepen his relationship with God, himself, and his family — a season of spiritual growth. The study component of the leave will focus on pastoral leadership, best practices in capital fundraising and stewardship, and learning a new process of journaling.
Summer is a good time to take this leave, since pastoral duties slow down a bit during the summer. During his time away, Senior Associate Pastor Reverend Linda McDermott will do most of the preaching on Sunday morning. Other members of our clergy staff will also preach during the summer months.
Please look for more information to follow in the coming weeks, including a suggested reading list for the congregation’s own renewal.
Because of the success of the program for the Senior Pastor, the Staff Parish Relations Committee created and approved a renewal leave policy for other clergy and program staff. Reverend Linda McDermott will take her renewal leave August 23 – October 17. More information will follow about her leave as that time approaches.
Sincerely,
Jack Benson
Chair, Staff Parish Relations Committee
5.10 Mother’s Day Appreciation
9:00 am – 12:30 pm | Welcome Center
We regret that the “Pancakes In The Garden” Event scheduled between sanctuary services is cancelled this year due to the stormy weather predictions. In appreciation of all mothers on Mother’s Day, this Sunday, May 10, all women attending throughout the morning will receive a colorful rose from our Lay Ministry Committee and Hospitality Team. Please stop by the Welcome Center to receive your special gift and our gratitude for you all!
Congratulations
Rev. Casey Langely and Mr. Michael Orr were married Saturday, May 3, 2015 in Brentwood, Tennessee. FUMCFW wishes the happy couple a lifetime of love and laughter as they begin their new life together.
Congratulations to the Class of 2015!
FUMCFW is proud to celebrate the thirteen graduating seniors and their families who were recognized on Senior Recognition Sunday:
Jackson Davis Adams
Son of Carrie and Kent Adams
Paschal High School
Olivia Grace Augustat
Daughter of Jennifer and Michael Augustat
Home School
Kathleen Noelle Boswell
Daughter of Missy and Rich Boswell
Home School
Elizabeth Ann Estes
Daughter of Kay and Bob Estes
Paschal High School
Makena Leigh French
Daughter of Sherry French and
the late Michael French
Keller Central High School
Jennifer McKenzie Johnson
Daughter of Elaine and Rodney Johnson
James Martin High School
Kenzie Lynn Knox
Daughter of M.C. and Ken Knox
Fort Worth Country Day School
Emily Grace Morgan
Daughter of Veronica and Michael Morgan
Colleyville Heritage High School
Alicia Victoria McLeod
Daughter of Lisa McLeod and
the late Michael McLeod
Northwest High School
Madeleine Ryan Parker
Daughter of Kristi and Blake Parker
Paschal High School
Emily James Riddle
Daughter of Nan and Guy Riddle
Paschal High School
Camryn Mackenzie Russell
Daughter of Joni and Carter Russell
Arlington Heights High School
Alison Paige Starnes
Daughter of Kenna and Skip Starnes
Home School
Best of luck to them as they mark this milestone and go out to be God’s People in the World.
New Members
Baptisms
In Memoriam
Bob Snow
Jim Jones
John Clarke
Betty McCrary
Jim Wright
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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4.26 – 5.17 United Methodist Information Class
Sunday Mornings | 9:45 – 10:45 am
Room 341 | Hosted by the Cornerstone Sunday School Class
Guests, new members, and all interested in meeting new people and learning more about our denomination, beliefs and our local church ministries, are invited to join us for any or all of these extremely informative sessions. There is no cost for materials or sessions.
5.10 “The Rich Heritage of FUMC Fort Worth”
Leader: Barry Hudson, Building Committee Chair
5.17 “There Is a Place For You to Love God. Serve People. Transform Lives.”
Leader: Sammye Dunn, Lay Ministry Chair Includes a facility tour and will last until noon. Following the tour, Dr. Tim Bruster will host a complimentary luncheon for all guests and new members.
Questions? Contact Rev. Chuck Graff (cgraff@myfumc.org) 817/339-5065 or Dr. Lamar Smith (lsmith@myfumc.org) at 817/339-3886 or please attend beginning Sunday, April 26, in Room 341. You may also visit the United Methodist Information Class page.
5.11 Spring Golf Tournament
9:00 am Shotgun Start | Lost Creek Golf Club
$40 per person, includes green fee, cart & lunch | Payable at tournament
Join us for a day of golf at the FUMCFW Golf Tournament, an annual tradition initiated 15 years ago by Mr. Ed Petrushka. The tournament is a Florida Scramble and open to everyone — men, women and guests! To register please contact Tournament Director, Wayne Maddox (waymad@juno.com) at 817/560-7323 or Rev. Chuck Graff (cgraff@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5065. Please include your handicap, or probable score, person(s) you would like to be teamed with, or your preferred foursome, or we will be glad to assign you to a team.
5.16 FUMCFW Senior Ministries Day In Granbury!
To Kill A Mockingbird at Granbury Opera House
Depart FUMCFW at 10:30 am and return at 8:30 pm
$35 covers play and bus ride
Spend the day in the historical city of Granbury where there’s a wide array of activities from historical museums and public park lands, to beautiful wineries and fabulous shopping! Then enjoy the Granbury Opera House’s production of To Kill A Mockingbird. Built in 1886, The Granbury Opera House is in the National Register of Historic Places in Texas. It was restored and reopened in 1975, and it currently hosts Broadway productions under the name of the Texas Star Theatre. Reservations are due by May 1, and 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.
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.
5.11 Claire Binek Voice Recital
7:00 pm | Chapel | Admission is free
Donations welcome to support our Music & Worship Arts Ministry
Join us for an hour of beautiful music with mezzo-soprano Claire Binek, FUMCFW Children’s Choir Director. Claire holds a Masters’ degree in Voice Performance from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, and is currently working with new faculty member Professor Molly Fillmore at the University of North Texas. She has performed chamber music and operatic roles in the United States, Austria, and Italy.
Supported by Fang-Yi Chu, pianist, an accomplished artist from Taiwan who is finishing her doctoral work in piano performance at the University of North Texas, Ms. Chu plays for many graduate recitals of vocalists and solo instruments at UNT. Claire will present new material for this recital, as well as songs of Schubert, Granados, and Heggie, along with sacred songs and arias. We invite you to come and enjoy this hour of song in Leonard Memorial Chapel.
5.12 Jayme Vaughn-Linebarger Voice Recital
7:00 pm | Chapel | Admission is free
Donations welcome to support our Music & Worship Arts Ministry
FUMCFW invites you for this evening of diverse and varied music with Jayme Vaughn-Linebarger. A preview of the program she will present to Trinity College London to receive her ATCL diploma, Jayme will be joined by pianist Keith Critcher, as welI as flautist Hayley Eaker and some duets with vocalist Avary Vaughn in a program that will include pieces by Purcell, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Fauré, Copland, and more. Jayme is a senior at Texas Wesleyan University, a member of FUMCFW and a member of both Choral Union and Adoramus.
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
Memorial Foundation Fund In Memory Of:
Betty Ambrose by Lou Ann Blaylock