TEACHERS & TOPICS | MEMBER NEWS | CHURCHWIDE NEWS
SAVE THE DATE | MINISTRY NEWS | GIFTS AND MEMORIALS
THIS SUNDAY’S WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Traditional | 9:30 & 11:00 am | Sanctuary | Dr. Tim Bruster
DiscipleChurch | Community Breakfast | 7:30 am | Wesley Hall
Worship | 8:30 am | Chapel | Charme Robarts
Discussion | 9:30 am | Foundation Building
Chapel Communion | 10:30 am | Chapel | Dr. Len Delony | Special Music: Laurie Simmons
eleven:eleven celebration | 11:11 am | Wesley Hall | Rev. Tom McDermott
First 7th | Justin Building | Rev. Lance Marshall
Light Family Supper | 5:00 pm
Worship | 5:30 pm
Discipleship Discussion Groups | 6:30 pm
Dr. Tim Bruster
“God Speaks to Us Through the Reading of Scripture”
2 Timothy 3:15 – 17 & Hebrews 4:12 – 16
Friends,
As you may remember, in 2012 we did our first comprehensive congregational survey to gather your insights, observations and overall satisfaction with the many ministries and programs of our church. This instrument was then used as part of our new planning process from which staff and lay leadership derived our three areas of focus for the coming two years.
As we hoped, you responded! And, while it’s hard to believe that those two years have already passed, it’s easy to see the power and significance of this planning process at work in the specific, sometimes dramatic, and exciting changes that came about in response to survey feedback.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF TIM’S BLOG
2014 Congregational Survey
With prayerful consideration of your current interests and concerns, we present our 2014 Congregational Survey. Based on your responses, we will begin shaping our focus for the coming two years. For your convenience, click here to take this survey online now; printed survey forms are also available in the Welcome Center and main Church Office.
The Fifth Pilla
r: Music & Fine Arts
Five Decades of Music & Fine Arts at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth
“Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!”
— Psalm 150: 1-6
Through the ages, God’s message of love and hope, grace and mercy, peace and joy has burst forth in jubilant song. First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth is renowned for its meaningful worship services, music programs and artistic presentations. And in each of these glorious expressions, your First Methodist Church of Fort Worth Foundation plays a part. In fact, our Fifth Foundation Pillar is Music & Fine Arts.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF SID’S BLOG
Please Join Us…
Be sure to RSVP By September 22 for the First Methodist Church Foundation 50th Anniversary Celebration
TEACHERS & TOPICS
Click here to see classes meeting on Sunday, September 21
MEMBER NEWS
NEW MEMBERS
BAPTISMS
9.21 JOIN FUMCFW IN HONORING ALL EDUCATORS
FUMC Fort Worth will join together in honoring active and retired public and private school educators across the Metroplex for ALL they do on Sunday, September 21 during all worship services. You can stop by the Garden (or the hallway by the Welcome Center in case of rain) between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm to purchase a special gift tumbler for $5 to take to your favorite educator from you and our FUMCFW family. Contact Sammye Dunn at (sammyelou9@gmail.com) or Rev. Chuck (cgraff@myfumc.org) for more information.
9.26 An Evening with Ed Kilbourne
7:00 pm | Wesley Hall
Join us for a delightful “coffeehouse” styled evening of music, laughter, and the quirky humor and thought provoking observations of Ed Kilbourne, a popular artist with a reputation for cutting edge “folk-theology” that combines acoustic guitar, singing, and commentary in a storytelling style often compared to the legendary Garrison Keillor. Tickets are free, but donations are welcome to help cover the cost of this very special event in our First Church community. Coffee, tea, and desserts provided by eleven:eleven celebration. For more information, please contact Marianne Wilson (mwilson@myfumc.org) or CLICK HERE.
Lay Leadership Committee Nominations
Know someone who would make a great leader in our church community? Now is the time to make your choices known as our Lay Leadership Committee begins its work early in September. We would love to hear from you about anyone you believe would provide capable leadership for our church. To nominate your ideal candidates for lay leadership in our faith community, please provide the names, the positions recommended and the reasons for your nomination. Click here to submit your suggestion online, or pick up a form in the Main Office or the Welcome Center. Submit your suggestion by mailing or dropping it by the Main Office, attention Pam Erlandson (perlandson@myfumc.org). Click here to view a current list of committee officers and members. Thank you for your prayerful consideration of our 2014 Lay Leadership!
9.28 CAMPING FOR NOVICES
12:15 – 2:00 pm | Justin Building
$15 per person | $25 per couple | $35 per family (3+) | Lunch is provided | Class limited to 20 people
Register by 9.24 | Check payable to First United Methodist Church
Calling all aspiring campers with limited experience in the outdoors! Experienced campers from the Fort Worth Sierra Club will demonstrate use of tents and other camping gear, as well as essentials for car camping or camping next to your car. Bring questions and get the info you need for finding, buying or renting the right equipment to meet your camping needs in this great introduction to camping. It’s all the knowledge you need to join Rev. Chuck Graff’s trips to our fantastic Texas state parks. Lunch provided!
Contact Claudia Blalock (claudia.blalock@att.net) at 817/924-6242 for reservations.
Mail payment to Claudia Blalock, 2905 Benbrook Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76109.
United Methodist Information Class
Rev. Chuck Graff, Rev. Jim Abel, Dr. Lamar Smith, Barry Hudson, and Sammye Dunn
October 26 – November 16 | Sundays
9:45 – 10:45 am | Room 351
Hosted by Genesis Sunday School Class
Guests, new members, and all interested in meeting new people and learning more about our denomination and our church are welcome to join us for any or all of these informative sessions.
Pick up a flyer in the Welcome Center or CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
New Photo Feature on our FUMCFW Website
Look for the new scrolling photo gallery on our homepage, or click here to browse all of our albums now.
At long last, our home page photo gallery is live and ready to receive your photos! This new feature will serve as a giant composite photo library filled with dedicated albums related to the programs, events, and ministries of FUMC Fort Worth. Everyone is welcome to submit photos; our communications team will then review submissions and publish the images we receive to our home page gallery. With a composite storage place for photos taken by all the families, friends, and photographers among us — in addition to those taken by our communications team — we’ll be able to offer 24/7 access to this great collection of photos for our church family to enjoy, keep, and share.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND SHARE YOUR PICTURES
MINISTRY NEWS
(Click on the name of a ministry below to skip directly to their news)
CHILDREN | ADULTS | YOUTH | MISSION | CCT
CCM | MWA | FIRST 7TH | OUTREACH
9.21 Third Grade Bible Presentation
Presentation of Bibles | September 21 | 11:00 am | Sanctuary Worship Service
Third grade is a special year in Children’s Ministry as we celebrate the milestone of gifting children with their very own Bible! This three-day experience begins with an overnight retreat where children learn the importance of using the Bible as a tool in their everyday lives, and will culminate with the special presentation of Bibles that Sunday in the sanctuary.
Visit the Children’s Ministry page for more information on programs and activities.
Preschool and Parents’ Day Out Off to a Great Start
We are off to a great start. The church is a happier place with all of the young children back in the classroom. We are almost 100% full, but have a spot in the 13 – 14 month class and one spot in the 20 – 23 month class, contact Paula Wagstaff 817/546-4414 or Nina Burrows 817/870-9174 if you are interested.
10.3 October Parents’ Night Out
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 10.1
It’s time for our annual Halloween Party! Wear your costume and join us for games, crafts, Halloween snacks, and a movie. Space is limited so make reservations early to Paula Wagstaff (pwagstaff@myfumc.org) at 817/546-4414.
If you volunteer for the Children’s Ministry or in the Nursery on Sunday morning you will earn a Free Parents’ Night Out.
Visit the FUMC Day School page for more information on programs and activities.
Register for 2014 Fall Adult Studies
Welcome fall by joining our new slate of studies and learning opportunities with something for everyone!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
or register in person in the Main Office,
(Weekdays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm).
Purchase books when you register; scholarships and childcare reservations available.
Contact Gayle Ammerman (gammerman@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5091.
10.13 FUMCFW FALL GOLF TOURNAMENT
9:00 am | Lost Creek Golf Club
Shotgun Start | 4 Person Florida Scramble
$40 Entry Fee, Payable at Tournament | Covers green fee, cart & lunch
This semi-annual event is open to all adult men and women, members and guests. To enter, and for directions, contact Tournament Director, Wayne Maddox (waymad@juno.com) at 817/560-7323 with your name, phone/email, handicap (or probable score), and team preferences. You may put together your own foursome, or we will assign you to a team.
Visit the Adult Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
FUMCFW IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES: ANDREW MOCHRIE
Andrew graduated in May 2011 from Georgia College and State University with a Bachelor of Arts in rhetoric. He completed his Masters of Arts in Youth Ministry at Memphis Theological Seminary in May of this year. Andrew received his graduate education through the Center for Youth Ministry Training and served at FUMC in Manchester, Tennessee as the Youth Minister for three years. He has remarkable experience serving youth ministries at a variety of United Methodist Churches in addition to camps and campus ministries.
There will be a reception for Andrew in the garden immediately following the 11:00 worship service. Come meet Andrew and welcome him to FUMC Fort Worth!
Cowtown Brush Up
October 11 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
LIMITED SPACE — 20 volunteers total (15 youth and 5 adults)
Following the closing ceremony of the Carter Work Project, our FUMCFW Youth will join other local youth ministries in Cowtown Brush Up, which will give a new coat of paint to 50 Fort Worth homes. FUMCFW has 20 volunteer slots (15 for youth age 13 and up, 5 for adults).
Fall Youth Retreats
10.17 – 10.19 Middle School Retreat
Lyle Lodge | $25 | CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
11.15 – 11.16 High School Retreat
Lyle Lodge | $25 | CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
All current 7 – 8th graders (10.17 – 10.19) and 9 – 12th graders (11.15 – 11.16) are invited to join us for a weekend out at the lake for some fun, relaxation and worship.
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL AND FALL PROGRAMMING
The Fall Schedule for Youth Ministries at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth will begin in September.
Youth Choir Rehearsal and Youth Sunday school begins THIS SUNDAY, September 7.
Click here to see the new Sunday schedule!
Visit the youth page for more information on programs and activities.
SEPTEMBER MISSION SUNDAYS: ADULT SOCKS AND UNDERWEAR
In September, please bring adult socks and underwear for men and women to:
First Street Methodist Mission
Monday – Thursday | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
OR the Welcome Center Sunday Mornings
For more information, contact Rev. Page Hines (phines@firststreetmission.org) at 817/339-5069.
NEW CLOTHING DONATION GUIDELINES
The Mission will now only accept new or gently used items. For a complete list of items, as well as a listing of other places to donate usable items that the Mission cannot accept, CLICK HERE.
Donations can be brought to FSMM:
Monday – Thursday | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Food 4 Kids is a new ministry of First Street Methodist Mission that will send food home for the weekend for 100 kids at I.M. Terrell Elementary during the school year.
NEW GROUP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
September 7, 2014 – May 31, 2015
Any Sunday, for an hour between 9:00 am – Noon
Get a group together and sign up online now to fill backpacks with food! It’s a great opportunity to spend time with friends and do something meaningful! Each group needs a minimum of 8 volunteers.
Questions? Contact Elizabeth Becker, Mission Director, (ebecker@firststreetmission.org) at 817/339-5068.
Thank you for your help!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO HELP FILL BACKPACKS
Visit the FSMM page for more information on programs and activities.
Visit the Outreach Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
9.21 – 10.23 ROOTS OF CHANGE
Sunday afternoons | 12:30 – 2:30 pm (potluck lunch)
Foundation Building | Room 274 | Led by Sharon West and Mike Phillips
Gandhi once said, “We must be the change we want to see in the world.” In a culture growing less civil and more violent, change often feels impossible. But there are some things we can learn about ourselves, our faith, and our relationships that can radically empower us to deal with the issues facing our world. Roots of Change is a two-hour weekly gathering lasting 10 weeks, designed to expose how patterns in our emotions impact how we work, think, pray and love. It is a life-changing journey into deep community that offers the opportunity to strengthen relationships and discover new insights into our lives. There is no charge but donations are accepted to continue this ministry. Child care is available upon request. Sharon West and Mike Phillips are both FUMCFW members who have participated in previous Roots of Change groups. Sharon has led multiple Roots groups over the last several years and Mike is in the process of changing his career to the field of Restorative Practices, largely as a result of his Roots experience. To register, contact Marianne Wilson (mwilson@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5071.
10.5 – 10.26 PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE
Sunday mornings | 9:00 – 10:30 am | Foundation Building, 2nd Floor
$100 per couple | Limited space | Register by October 1
Led by Joy Allen, LCSW, M.Div
Joy Allen, LCSW, M.Div. is committed to helping couples create positive, respectful relationships with passion and health. This workshop helps couples to quickly recognize and develop strategies for approaching issues in their relationship that may limit their satisfaction. Participants will develop an understanding of the differences in each other’s personality, and explore powerful means of enhancing the intimacy and satisfaction they desire for their lives together. Cost includes materials as well as an individual session with Joy Allen. For more information, contact Marianne Wilson (mwilson@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5071.
Visit the CCT page for more information on programs and activities.
Visit the CCM page for more information on programs and activities.
9.26 An Evening with Ed Kilbourne
7:00 pm | Wesley Hall
Join us for a delightful “coffeehouse” styled evening of music, laughter, and the quirky humor and thought provoking observations of Ed Kilbourne, a popular artist with a reputation for cutting edge “folk-theology” that combines acoustic guitar, singing, and commentary in a storytelling style often compared to the legendary Garrison Keillor. Tickets are free, but donations are welcome to help cover the cost of this very special event in our First Church community. Coffee, tea, and desserts provided by eleven:eleven celebration. For more information, please contact Marianne Wilson (mwilson@myfumc.org) or CLICK HERE.
Hi everybody,
I hope this finds you well, recovering from what was probably an anxious and exciting few days as school kicked off. It doesn’t seem possible that it has been 3 months since our children’s choir musical launched us into summer, but my friends, that’s what a jam packed summer will do to you — erase all notion of time and place.
With great excitement, I am writing to tell you that Claire Binek has been hired as the new director of children’s choirs! She comes with lots of energy, a warm and friendly personality, and musical credentials that glow in the dark. She is itching to get started, and I can’t wait to see what fun things are in store for our kids.
As life with Claire begins, I hope you’ll go out of your way to make her feel at home here — she, a recent graduate of the masters program at Westminster Choir College, and her husband moved from Philadelphia just last week — and I hope you’ll be willing to help pitch in where necessary. I know there are a million things vying for your attention, and your singer’s attention, but the best way we can make this transition successful is to immediately wrap our arms around her, support her, and set her on the right foot from the word go. And I know you will!
Here is a headshot of Claire…so when you see her in the hall on Sunday, you can say hi and greet her by name!
Click here to read more about her.
Taylor Davis
Director of Music and Worship Arts
Visit the MWA page for more information on programs and activities.
FINAL FIRST 7TH PREVIEW SERVICE THIS SUNDAY
Beginning the first Sunday of October First 7th, our radically relevant, modern Methodist community will launch its weekly Sunday evening worship services. Join us in our final First 7th monthly preview service Sunday, September 21 in the Justin Building to learn more. Then, beginning October 1, our weekly First Church Sunday evening schedule will be:
5:00 – 5:30 pm | Light family supper
5:30 – 6:30 pm | First 7th Worship
6:30 – 7:30 pm | Discipleship discussion groups for children, youth, and adults
For more information about First 7th, discipleship groups, or the launch of weekly gatherings, CLICK HERE or contact Rev. Lance Marshall (lmarshall@myfumc.org).
Visit the First 7th page for more information on programs and activities.
10.5 World Communion Day
10.26 Organ Dedication Sunday
GIFTS AND MEMORIALS
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Foundation Memorial Fund In Memory Of:
Margaret Jennett by Ronald Q. Jennett
Arliene Bryant by Bill and Fran Mizell
Betty and Glenn H. Johnston Endowment for Youth Ministries In Memory Of:
Dale Jeffers by Roger Broom
HONORARY GIFTS
Foundation Honorarium Fund In Honor Of:
Dr. Lamar Smith by Eva and Neil Isbell
Rev. Linda McDermott by Nancy Cook
The Organ Fund In Honor Of:
Carol & Jack Benson by Kay Johnson