(Click on the name of a section above to skip directly to it)
This Sunday’s Worship Opportunities
Traditional Worship | 9:40 am | Chapel
11:00 am | Sanctuary | Rev. Lance Marshall
Children First | 9:45 am | Sanctuary | Mister Mark Burrows
“Unplug to Reconnect”
DiscipleChurch | Community Breakfast | 7:30 am | Wesley Hall
Chapel | 8:30 am | Dr. Mike Marshall
Discussion Groups | 9:30 am
Chapel Communion | 10:30 am | Chapel | Dr. Bill Longsworth
Special Music: Robbie Higgs, piano
eleven:eleven celebration | 11:11 am | Wesley Hall | Rev. Tom McDermott
First 7th | Worship | 5:30 pm | Wesley Hall | Rev. Lance Marshall
Social Hangout at Oliver’s | 6:30 pm | 415 Throckmorton Street
I Want To Be: Strong
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Rev. Lance Marshall
For the past month, our First 7th evening worship services have focused on selections from the book of 2 Corinthians. The selections have inspired us, encouraged us, and pushed us to persevere in the face of great opposition. We will finish that series this week with a message based on 2 Corinthians 12:2-10. I’ll be honest with you, this scripture selection is difficult. In it the author, the Apostle Paul, uses advanced literary techniques and abstract imagery to address difficult topics. It’s tempting to simply cut it short or to turn to another piece of writing. If we did that, though, what would we miss?
We would miss a piece of writing that is powerful and relevant to our modern lives of faith. In this selection, Paul challenges the church in Corinth to focus less on miraculous revelations of Heaven and more on the presence of God in their midst. Faith isn’t about finding God in the fantastic, mystical experiences of others, he says. It’s about witnessing how an all-powerful God chooses to be active through our very human weaknesses. Paul makes more than a theological point here, he makes an inspirational one; God isn’t stuck in heaven, he says. God’s transforming grace is in the middle of my life and it’s in the middle of yours, too.
All throughout 2 Corinthians we have learned lessons from Paul about how the “good life” and the life of deeply devoted Christian discipleship go hand-in-hand. We’ve discovered how to be focused, confident, and resilient. Join us this week for “I Want To Be: Strong.”
God bless you all!
Lance
Click here to see classes meeting on Sunday, July 5
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!
What You Love Becomes Part of You
Dr. Mike Marshall
Dear DiscipleChurch Friends,
My head is filled with numbers today, which is ironic for a guy who doesn’t have a whole lot of math skills!
One number is “15” . . . It has been exactly 15 years since I lost my car in a flash-flood while driving to FUMCFW early on a Sunday morning. I’ve been tempted to relive that day with you this coming Sunday, but I will pass on that. For show-and-tell benefit, I will bring my front license plate — which is my only remnant from that sweet Honda Civic that rushed away before my very eyes.
Click here to read the rest of Mike’s blog
8 Days and Counting
Mark Burrows
Hello Friends,
We’re approaching the last week you can register for VBS.
VBS registration officially closes July 6 at Midnight.
After that, registration will officially be closed.
We want to make sure each and every child who wants to be a part of VBS can participate!
Click here to read the rest of Mark’s blog
Join Us for the Wilderness Camping and Backpack Training!
Claudia Blalock
Want to update your camping skills for those fly fishing trips or camping in wilderness areas? Want to try backpacking or camping but need guidance in equipment selection or trip planning? FUMCFW Outdoor Ministry is offering a Wilderness Camping and Backpack training class on Saturday, August 22, from 8:30 am – Noon in the Justin Building on the FUMCFW campus.
This class is the perfect opportunity to learn about a variety of camping topics including selection and care of tents, back packs and day packs, stoves, hiking boots, clothing, sleeping bags and pads as well as meal and trip planning. Join experienced Sierra Club trip leaders as they demonstrate equipment, answer questions, and advise on trip planning.
Click here to read the rest of Claudia’s blog
A Place of Holy Ground
Dr. Len Delony
A month ago I was in Memphis because St. Jude Children’s Hospital had asked me to come back for three days of research as a long-term cancer survivor. It was truly a blessing in many ways. I was so amazed by the depth of gratitude, and compassionate, open hearts throughout the whole community. I was without doubt, walking on Holy Ground. Now more than ever, with fresh memories of such a “beloved community,” I’m convinced that by God’s grace, and our genuine gratitude, a clear and fiery vision can emerge that penetrates through our daily busy-ness or boredom. And it can give each of us as individuals and as a community, a renewing spirit and a clarity of calling.
Click here to read the rest of Len’s blog
To Tell the Truth — Mind Blown
Rev. Tom McDermott
The ten year-old boy is beside his mother at the museum, waiting for the performance to begin, though clearly not too concerned with what is about to transpire. He’s buried in a large, hard-bound book — a fantasy novel from the looks of the cover, the latest incarnation of Tolkien or MacDonald or Rowling. It’s clearly advanced reading for a typical kid of his age.
Most of the children are between the ages of 5 and 12 — some of the parents are sitting with their kids, but others are behind them. I begin my performance with a piece I often tell in such family settings, a story about an “off the hook, crazy fun party at my house with so many people you can hardly move around.” The kids smile and I ask them, “But here’s the thing. I was all by myself. Can you have a ‘crazy, off the hook party’ all by yourself?”
Click here to read the rest of Tom’s blog
Throughout each week, our FUMCFW bloggers (staff, lay leaders and others wanting to share thoughts and information related to First Church programs, events, and activities) write on a variety of topics. And, while you can always find the latest posts on our blogs link at the top of every page, we also send each week’s collection out each Friday under the Who’s Blogging This Week subject line.
Click here to see who’s blogging this week, posted each Friday!
Click here to see a list of upcoming programs and events
New Summer Staff Hours
In order to coordinate schedules and streamline staffing to maximize our summer productivity — and to be good stewards of all our summer resources — our FUMCFW staff will be working longer days Monday through Thursday beginning Monday, July 6 through Friday, September 4. In exchange, staff will work half days on Fridays. Clergy and lay staff required to work on Sundays will be off all day on Fridays. The office will be open Monday – Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday 8:00 am to Noon.
Because so many of our staff members are traveling this summer on mission trips, personal vacations, and continuing education — or they may just be out and about locally or elsewhere on campus when not in their offices — if you are looking for someone and can’t find them, please contact Rhonda Gaber in the Church Office at (817/336-7277) or Rev. Page Hines, Executive Pastor, at (817/339-5063). Both Page and Rhonda have the master schedule and everyone’s mobile number and will be glad to help you access the staff member and information you need!
Who Ate All the Cookies?
Last week we celebrated Independence Day with cookies, lemonade, and fellowship in the garden. Click here to see more photos from this wonderful event.
New Library, New Location
One exciting new feature of the first building phase, in our new Master Plan project, is the creation of a brand new, easy-to-access FUMCFW Library. Located on the first floor across from Wesley Hall, our Library’s new, more visible, and centralized location and its resources will be more convenient than ever before, with exciting features including:
• Glass cabinets to showcase thematic, seasonal, or topical displays
• Archive display cabinets now visible from the main first floor hallway, rather than just from inside the library
• An open view into the Library stack areas through the glass display cases
• Spacious entrance and check-out area
• New shelving and more efficient furniture will add functionality and flexibility
• Small meeting space/sitting area in the back will be perfect for quiet conversations
• Television monitor for viewing the live worship services
• AV storage closet with a lavatory to make equipment readily available for checkout
• Relocated book return slot, from the side hall directly into library check-out area cabinet
• Direct connection to the main administrative copier and work room (which also will have its own new hall doorway)
Deep and sincere thanks to the many library volunteers for their tireless work in getting ready for relocation. The projected construction completion of the new library is July 13; relocation soon to follow.
Barry Hudson
Building Committee Chair
Click here to view a floor plan of our new FUMCFW Library!
New Members
Baptisms
Known Hospitalized
Daphne Motheral
Deborah Sanford
Lori Peugh
In Memoriam
Betty Kelly
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!
(Click on the name of a section above to skip directly to it)
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.
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
11:00 am | Room 230 | Led by Rev. Casey Orr
Baptism is a special moment in the life of a church, a family — and an individual! If you’re considering baptism for your child or children in the coming year, 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 Learn how to schedule a baptism at FUMC Fort Worth Consider any questions we may have about baptism Connect with other parents All parents (and their children) or parents-to-be are welcome to this very special hour. 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 817/339-5091, so that we can prepare accordingly.
Visit the Adult Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
VBS Registration Deadline July 6
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. There will be no walk ups this year. 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 | $30
Registration Deadline 7.6 | No walk ups this year
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.
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 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.
If anyone is interested in helping out with the things listed below, please contact Janice Cooper (jcooper@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5093.
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.
July Mission Sundays: Sunscreen, Insect Repellent, and Rain Ponchos
During the month of July, please bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and rain ponchos to the First Street Methodist Mission, Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm or to the Welcome Center on Sunday Morning.
Visit the Compassion & Justice Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
7.14 Rezound! Handbell Choir Concert
7:00 – 8:00 pm | Sanctuary
Admission is free | Donations welcome
FUMCFW is thrilled to welcome Rezound!, an auditioned community handbell ensemble located in the greater Kansas City area. This special engagement is part of the ensemble’s 2015 Tour to Pinnacle, a Handbell Musicians of America event, where they will perform a showcase concert.
Established in June 2001, Rezound! members share a passion for creating exceptional music and promoting the art of this versatile instrument. The group performs a wide range of musical styles, from classical and sacred to folk tunes and original compositions, with a lively and unique sound that integrates a variety of handbell instrumentation. Be sure to mark your calendars for this special performance to hear handbells in a whole new way! Click here for more information.
Visit the Music & Worship Arts page for more information on programs and activities.
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