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This Sunday’s Worship Opportunities
Traditional Worship | 9:30 & 11:00 am | Sanctuary | Rev. Linda McDermott
Communion Served
DiscipleChurch | Community Breakfast | 7:30 am | Wesley Hall
Chapel | 8:30 am | Rev. Brooks Harrington
Discussion Groups | 9:30 am
Chapel Communion | 10:30 am | Chapel | Dr. Len Delony
Special Music: Dace Sultanov, cello and Jeff Donahue, vocal
eleven:eleven celebration | 11:11 am | Wesley Hall | Elizabeth Ellis
First 7th | Worship | 5:30 pm | Wesley Hall | Rev. Lance Marshall
Social Hangout at Oliver’s | 6:30 pm | 415 Throckmorton Street
The Power To Grasp Love
Rev. Linda McDermott
Ephesians 3:14-21
This week we’ll be looking at select verses from Ephesians 3:14-21 in preparation for my sermon entitled, “The Power To Grasp Love.”
This Sunday we’ll also be celebrating Holy Communion, which brings to mind one of my all-time favorite descriptions of this special time of connection with God and one another. In his book, Keeping the Feast, Milton Brasher-Cunningham writes this about communion:
“Some years ago the radio program All Things Considered ran a series called “Sound Clips” in which they asked people to send in audio clips of meaningful or unusual sounds and then talk about what the sound was and why it was meaningful. One episode featured was the sound of glass communion cups being put in the cup holders after Communion at the Mayflower Congregational Church UCC in Oklahoma City. Vicky Wemeke, who sent in the sound clip, said her pastor liked to refer to the sound as “the clicking sound of solidarity.”
See you Sunday at the Table!
Linda
Click here to see classes meeting on Sunday, July 26
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 who’s blogging this week, posted each Friday!
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 a list of upcoming programs and events
VBS 2015 — What Does God’s Love In Action Look Like?
Mark Burrows
It’s an FUMCFW record 548 children singing about God’s love at the top of their lungs. It’s 84 Youth devoting a week of their summer to being outstanding role models for our kids. It’s 130 caring, patient adult volunteers passing along the great stories of our faith to the next generation. It’s children and families raising thousands of dollars for those in need in our community and around the world. It’s old traditions and new friendships. It’s the look on the face of just one child who truly believes — God Loves Me!
Mark
Click here to see more photos from VBS
Faith in Action: Camp Barnabas 2015
Roger Partridge
In Acts 4:37, Barnabas is nicknamed “son of encouragement.” This week, our FUMCFW youth are the Encouragers at Camp Barnabas, a special needs camp in Purdy, Missouri. All week, our youth will be paired with a special needs child who couldn’t attend camp without the Camp Barnabas medical staff — and their Youth Encourager to assist their camping experience. Sharing God’s love with these special children is another part of the programming your gifts to our church support. While each camper pays his or her own individual expenses for the week at Camp Barnabas, gifts to our church help provide opportunities such as this for our youth. Through your gifts, we as a church Transform Lives — and this week in particular, our youth and all others present at Camp Barnabas are being touched by your generosity. Thank you!
Roger Partridge, Director of Stewardship
7.26 eleven:eleven celebration Welcomes Elizabeth Ellis
“Deep Truths — Sacred Landscape”
Join us this Sunday as we continue our story series with Award-Winning Author, Storyteller, and National Endowment of the Arts Treasurer Elizabeth Ellis. Elizabeth is a frequent favorite at the National Storytelling Festival, more than half a million people, including public defenders and those who work in child abuse prevention, have been mesmerized, energized and inspired by Elizabeth’s stories. Click here for more information on this story series.
8.2 Children First at Lyle Lodge
10:00 am | Lyle Lodge | 7179 Peden Rd | Azle, TX 76020
On August 2 we will have Children First out at Lyle Lodge. This was such a hit last year that we just had to do it again. The service will start at 10:00 am in our outdoor pavilion. Afterwards we will open the swimming pool (lifeguards on duty). And lunch is on us — Salsa Limon taco truck! So come join us next Sunday for meaningful family worship in a beautiful setting, followed by the chance to relax with your family.
New Members
Known Hospitalized
Frank Sherrill
Mary Jean Russell
Memorials
Betty Kelly
Frances (Fran) Stuart
Judith Lokey
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 Caroline Petty (cpetty@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.
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.
August Parents’ Night Out
August 7 | 6:30 – 11:00 pm
3 mo. – 12 yrs. | $30 for first child | $40 for 2 | $45 for 3+ | $20 no show fee
Reservations due 8.5
Aloha! We are having a Luau this month. Bring your grass skirt and lei and be ready to do the hula. Space is limited so make reservations early to Paula Wagstaff (pwagstaff@myfumc.org) at 817/546-4414.
*** Remember if you volunteer for the Children’s Ministry or in the Nursery on Sunday morning you will earn a Free Parent’s Night Out (must have completed the Ministry Safe program). Contact Paula Wagstaff for more info.
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:
July 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.
Food 4 Kids
September – May
Sundays | Pack backpacks for 1 hour between 9:00 am – Noon First Street Methodist Mission
Food 4 Kids is a ministry of First Street Methodist Mission that will send food home for the weekend for 100 students at I.M. Terrell Elementary and 50 students at T.A. Sims Elementary during the school year. Groups of 10 are encouraged to come to First Street Methodist Mission for one hour between 9:00 am and Noon, September through May.
Sign up online now to help fill backpacks!
To learn more, please contact Elizabeth Becker (ebecker@firststreetmission.org).
Visit the Compassion & Justice Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
MorningSong
Every Sunday in August
9:00 & 10:30 am | 2nd Floor Choir Room
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sing in the choir?
Do you enjoy singing, even if it’s only in the shower or along with the radio or your favorite CD?
We invite you to join us for MorningSong, a unique summertime choir experience that extends the entire month of August.
NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!
We will meet each Sunday morning in August, 30 minutes before each service to learn a piece of music and then lead worship in song. It’s really that simple and it’s family friendly — kids and grandkids welcome!
Come and enjoy the view and experience only available from the choir loft. Join us for MorningSong!
For more information, contact Taylor Davis (tdavis@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5074.
What Is Your Favorite Hymn?
Click here to vote now!
All music in worship is special and offered humbly to God. Please join us as we lift our voices together and sing our favorite hymns! Your favorites will be sung in Traditional Worship on August 16 and August 23.
8.7 Alexei Sultanov Tribute Concert
7:00 pm | Sanctuary
You’re invited to a love story — an experience of enduring love, light, and inspiration through cello music and stories shared by cellist Dace Sultanov.
Infusing her special passion for music with a few memories of the love of her life — and her all time inspiration — 1989 Van Cliburn Piano Competition Gold Medalist Alexei Sultanov, Dace will perform this special tribute concert.
46 years ago, on August 7, 1969, a little star, Alexei Sultanov, was born on the other side of the globe. At 2 he was playing his first tune on the piano, by age 7 he was performing with the symphony orchestra, and at 19 Alexei won the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
From that time until a stroke paralyzed the left side of his body, Alexei traveled the world, inspiring and bewitching his audiences with passionate virtuoso performances that, according to a 2001 Fort Worth Star Telegram article by Mary Rogers, sent his audiences “soaring into the uncharted territory of celestial rapture.” His star shined ever more brightly until his untimely death in 2005.
This year, as FUMCFW hosts this annual tribute to Alexei Sultanov’s powerful spirit and beautiful music performed and presented by his beloved wife, Dace, everyone in attendance will be moved once again by the star of Alexei, shining forever in the hearts and minds by all who knew him — and all those lucky enough to experience his music. For more info contact Peggy Graff (pgraff@myfumc.org) at 817/339-2405.
Visit the Music & Worship Arts page for more information on programs and activities.
8.5 Youth Attend Rangers Game
Grades 6 –12 | $15
5:30 pm | Meet at the Justin | Pickup at the Justin
Batter up! The Youth are headed to the Ballpark in Arlington to see the Rangers take on the Astros. We will have dinner at the park so bring money for hot dogs! We will have dinner at the park so bringmoney for hot dogs! Please RSVP to 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:
Dr. Lee Etier III by Susan and Julian Green, Jr.