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Tim Bruster — Let Faith, Hope, and Love Guide Your Action
Roger Partridge — Faith In Action: What is Stewardship?
Lisa Helm — I’m So Excited for Sunday!
Rev. Chuck Graff — Honoring Our Veterans and Military Personnel
All Warm on Coat Day
Good Book Club Tames the Holiday Crazies
Angel Tree
Blessing Our First Responders
Service of Remembrance
Book Study: Falling Upward by Richard Rohr
Book Study: Walking the Road to Bethlehem by Adam Hamilton
Advent Sermon Series Study
The Wonder of Christmas: A Bible-Focused Advent Study
Polar Express Party
High School Retreat
Parade of Lights Parking Fundraiser
Revolution Weekend 2016: Get Dirty
First Street Methodist Mission New Volunteer Orientation
Food Delivery for Thanksgiving Baskets
November Mission Sundays: Hats, Gloves, and Scarves
The Gathering at the Marty Leonard Chapel
This Sunday’s Worship Opportunities
Traditional Worship | 9:30 & 11:00 am | Sanctuary | Dr. Tim Bruster
DiscipleChurch | Community Breakfast | 7:20 am | Wesley Hall
Chapel | 8:30 am | Rev. Phyllis McDougal
Discussion Groups | 9:30 am
Chapel Communion | 10:35 am | Chapel | Dr. Len Delony
eleven:eleven celebration | 11:11 am | Wesley Hall | Dr. C. Todd Kirk
First 7th | 5:30 pm | Wesley Hall | Rev. Lance Marshall
Let Faith, Hope, and Love Guide Your Action
Dr. Tim Bruster
1 Thessalonians 1:1-4
Dear Friends,
This Sunday, in the last sermon in the series on Paul, I want to turn to the question of what guides our actions. As Paul looked at the Christians in Thessalonica — what they stood for, what they did, and how they viewed the world and their work in it, he could see what guided their actions. In his greeting in the first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul praises them for their “work that comes from faith, [their] effort that comes from love, and [their] perseverance that comes from hope . . .” Faith, love, and hope provided a lens through which they viewed the world. Faith, love, and hope informed their sense of purpose. Faith, love, and hope guided their actions.
President Woodrow Wilson challenged the nation with these words: “You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.”
What is the lens through which you view the world? What informs your sense of purpose? What guides your actions? What motivates you to “enrich the world?”
I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Tim
Click here to see classes meeting on Sunday, November 15
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 every Friday under the “Who’s Blogging This Week” subject line.
Click here to see a list of upcoming programs and events
Faith In Action: What is Stewardship?
Roger Partridge
We toss that word around a lot, especially this time of year. But what does it mean, really, to be a good steward?
For one thing, being a good steward of money — anyone’s money — comes down to the realization that every spending decision is a spiritual decision. Are you spending money in the best way possible? Are you generous? Can you do something better with those dollars? What is the criteria? Overseeing the blessings God has given us through our income is only part of what makes a good steward. Click here to continue reading.
I’m So Excited for Sunday!
Lisa Helm
Two really special things are happening this Sunday, and I want everyone to know so you can make plans to be a part of the festivities! The Garden will be abuzz as FUMCFW honors our veterans, and the ladies of the Mary Martha and Ruth UMW Circles have a special treat planned.
As a thank-you for the sacrifices our veterans have made to uphold the liberties and freedoms so many of us take for granted every day, all veterans and active military personnel are invited to stop by the Welcome Center or the Garden area to pick up a special lapel pin in appreciation of their dedicated service. Click here to continue reading.
Honoring Our Veterans and Military Personnel
Sunday, November 15
10:15 am – 12:15 pm | Welcome Center
I recently had the honor of officiating the memorial service for BV Shaw, father of church member Trish Shaw, at the DFW National Cemetery. BV was a courageous civilian flight instructor for the Army Air Corps in the early years of WWII. He loved God, taught Sunday School, and inspired in his children, Bryan and Trish, a love for flying leading to their flight careers. Prior to the service, I walked around rows and rows of numerous graves of men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, in Vietnam, in Korea, and in WWII. It was humbling to see fresh graves of those just returning from the Mideast — often young men and women in their 20s and early 30s. We continue to pray for peace. Our Lay Ministry Committee and congregation will honor all veterans and active military personnel on the Sunday following Veterans Day with a special gift at a table just outside the Welcome Center. We appreciate this opportunity to honor you all!
Chuck
Methodist Justice Ministry Sunday
Sunday, November 22
8:30 am – 12:30 pm | 5th Street
9:30 & 11:00 am | Traditional Worship | Sanctuary
Join us as we lift up Methodist Justice Ministry in worship, then meet on 5th Street for refreshments and more. This is your chance to learn all about this life-changing ministry.
All Warm on Coat Day
“When we are a blessing to someone else, we are blessed in return.”
— Elizabeth Becker, Director of First Street Methodist Mission
Every year, First Street Methodist Mission distributes coats to help keep people who are homeless warm throughout the winter months. On November 7, a group of 17 students from the University of North Texas Health Science Center worked hard to set up for the coat distribution in the Clothing Bank. Then on November 9, a total of 168 men and women lined up at the Mission to get a warm winter coat.
Elizabeth Becker, Director of First Street Methodist Mission, said she was in awe of the words of kindness and gratitude. “These are men and women who will spend countless hours in the cold, and they are thanking me for a coat. I’m just always amazed by this.”
Our local Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company, the largest workwear manufacturer in the world, provided the majority of the donated coats. And thanks to the generous donors who continue to provide funding, the Mission will be able to purchase additional coats throughout the winter season for those who haven’t received one yet.
What a great way to keep our neighbors — and our hearts — warm for the winter.
Good Book Club Tames the Holiday Crazies
Good Book Club was all fun and no stress last week. The kids talked about all types of role models while the adults discussed how to be good role models for their children.
Speaker Pam Rinn led the adult discussion called “Taming the Holiday Crazies” that dealt with stress and discipline when it comes to the holidays. Stress isn’t good for you or your kids, so it’s important to keep your priorities straight and stay calm.
Parents, if you’re looking for ways to keep the hustle and bustle of the holiday season from driving you crazy, here are a few high points from last week’s discussion to help you tackle stress and tame your holiday crazies to help create happier holidays this year — for you and your children. Click here to read the full story.
Angel Tree
November 22 – December 13
Pick up tags starting on 11.22 | Return gifts by 12.13
Trees located in Narthex, Welcome Center, 2nd Floor Children’s Wing, & Main Church Office
This Advent season, we will collect 500 gifts for children and youth from 0 to 18 years of age in celebration of Las Posadas at El Buen Samaritano UMC. Las Posadas commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for lodging in Bethlehem. Children living near El Buen, many of whom attend T.A. Sims Elementary School, come out for the parade and to receive gifts as part of this traditional celebration.
Please consider supporting this cooperative effort between El Buen and FUMCFW to brighten the holidays for these children. Visit any of the four trees throughout the church to pick up a tag with a child’s age, gender, and gift instructions. Return your gift to the church by Sunday, December 13, 2015.
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Becker (ebecker@firststreetmission.org) at 817/339-5068.
Blessing Our First Responders
Sunday, December 6 & 13
Pick up boxes for treats | 12.6 & 12.13
9:00 – 9:30 & 10:30 – 11:11 am | Welcome Center
Deliver treats to local first responders | 12.6 – 12.19
Share hospitality with others by baking goodies and taking them to local fire and police departments. Come to the Welcome Center on December 6 and 13 to pick up a special box for your treats that includes an invitation to worship with us on Christmas Eve. Let’s bless Tarrant County and beyond with these special holiday treats for those who serve others so generously throughout the year. For more information, contact Sammye Dunn (sammyelou9@gmail.com) or Rev. Chuck Graff (cgraff@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5065.
Service of Remembrance
Sunday, December 6
6:30 – 7:30 pm | Leonard Memorial Chapel
Rev. Phyllis McDougal
This service offers a special time to come together in worship to remember and celebrate lost loved ones.
Baptisms
Known Hospitalized
Francis Batchelor
Byron Folse
Glenn Killman
Yale Lary
Barbara McWhirter
Col. Warner “Tex” Rankin
Ross Sandlin
Ellen Rosenstein
Dr. G. Douglas Tatum Jr.
In Memoriam
Bob Ragsdale
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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Book Study: Falling Upward by Richard Rohr
November 4 – 18, 2015
Wednesdays | 10:00 – 11:00 am | Room 230
November 8 – 29, 2015
Sundays | 1:00 – 3:00 pm | Room 230
Led by Dr. Len Delony
In Falling Upward, Father Richard Rohr seeks to help readers understand the tasks of the two halves of life and show them that those who have fallen, failed, or “gone down” are the only ones who understand “up.” Most of us tend to think of the second half of life as largely about getting old, dealing with health issues, and letting go of life, but the whole thesis of this book is exactly the opposite. What looks like falling down can largely be experienced as “falling upward.” In fact, it is not a loss but somehow actually a gain, as we have all seen with elders who have come to their fullness. Click here to purchase the book on Amazon. For more information, contact Dr. Len Delony (ldelony@myfumc.org) at 817/939-4593.
Book Study: Walking the Road to Bethlehem by Adam Hamilton
November 19, December 2, 9, & 16
Wednesdays | 9:30 – 11:00 am | Room 154 | Book Available for $10
Led by Rev. Phyllis McDougal | Registration Required
Experience the Nativity story in new ways as you take your own journey to Christmas. Walking the Road to Bethlehem combines content from Adam’s travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a summary of both historical and scriptural.
Advent Sermon Series Study
December 2 – 23
Wednesdays | 6:30 – 7:30 pm | Room 350
Led by Dr. Tim Bruster
Join Dr. Tim Bruster as we dig deeper into each week’s scripture in our Advent sermon series.
The Wonder of Christmas: A Bible-Focused Advent Study
December 6 – 20
Sundays | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Room 331
Led by Rev. Chuck Graff | Registration Required
Please join Rev. Chuck Graff in exploring a deeper meaning of Christmas for this Bible based Advent study on preparing and opening hearts to experiencing anew the wonder and joy of Christmas this season. Bring your Bibles and a notebook and pen to take notes to review during the week. You will be given handouts and readings/prayers to reflect upon during the week.
Visit the Adult Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
Polar Express Party
Wednesday, December 2
5:30 – 7:30 pm l Wesley Hall
This December installment of Good Book Club is our Third Annual party and family celebration around The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. We will meet in Wesley Hall to eat dinner, watch the movie, read some passages from the book, drink hot chocolate, and more! Note that we will start earlier (at 5:30 pm) so we can finish up well before bedtime. And YES, the kids are invited to wear their pajamas! For more information, contact Janice Cooper (jcooper@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5093.
Visit the Children’s Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
Visit the FUMC Day School page for more information on programs and activities.
First Street Methodist Mission New Volunteer Orientation
Tuesday, November 17
2:30 pm | First Street Methodist Mission
Please join the staff of First Street Methodist Mission to learn about the services and ministries offered at the Mission and how you can join our volunteer family. Orientation will be held on the third Tuesday of each month. Orientation will include a tour of the facility, information about the various services provided, and how to begin volunteering. For more information, or to sign up for the orientation, please contact Elizabeth Becker (ebecker@firststreetmission.org) at 817/339-5068.
Thanksgiving Baskets
Join hearts and hands to provide 800 local families with a holiday meal.
Food Delivery For Thanksgiving Baskets
Friday, November 20
6:00 pm | Wesley Hall
Thanksgiving Basket Assembly And Pickup
Saturday, November 21
8:00 am – 1:00 pm | Wesley Hall
Food items for Thanksgiving Basket Assembly will be delivered on Friday, November 20, and volunteers are needed to help unload them. On Saturday, November 21, First Street Methodist Mission will assemble 800 Thanksgiving baskets. Volunteers are needed to help assemble boxes of food, package fruit and vegetables, and welcome guests and case managers. For more information or to sign up to volunteer on either day, please contact Linda Murphy (lmurphy@firststreetmission.org) at 817/335-6080, ext. 103.
November Mission Sundays: Hats, Gloves, and Scarves
During the month of November, please bring hats, gloves, and scarves to:
First Street Methodist Mission
Monday – Thursday | 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
OR in the donation bins at the West, East, & Garden Entrances | Sunday mornings
For more information, contact Elizabeth Becker (ebecker@firststreetmission.org) at 817/339-5068.
Small Gifts. Big Difference.
Visit the Compassion & Justice Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
The Gathering at the Marty Leonard Chapel
Sunday, December 6
2:00 – 3:00 pm | Lena Pope Marty Leonard Chapel
3131 Sanguinet St. | Fort Worth, TX 76107
Cornerstone Youth Choir will be singing at The Gathering at the Marty Leonard Chapel. It is a community concert with several choirs coming together to sing. Church member Jeff Donahue coordinates this special musical performance. For more information, contact Jeff at 817/988-625
Visit the Music & Worship Arts page for more information on programs and activities.
High School Retreat
November 14 – 15
Saturday 8:00 am – Sunday 11:00 am | Lyle Lodge | $20
Register and Pay Online Now
High Schoolers! We will be heading back out to Lyle Lodge to unplug from the world, and find rest and peace in the midst of our own slice of community with one another. We come back the next morning in time to put together boxes for Thanksgiving Baskets for First Street Methodist Mission!
Parade of Lights Parking Fundraiser
Sunday, November 22
1:00 – 6:00 pm | FUMCFW Parking Lots | $5
Benefits youth mission trips
The XTO Energy Parade of Lights is on Sunday, November 22. FUMCFW Youth Ministries will be raising money for our summer mission trips by offering $5 parking for the event throughout the FUMCFW Parking Lots. All proceeds will go to our middle school and high school mission trips and our annual high school trip to Camp Barnabas. All lots will be open for $5 parking from 1:00 – 6:00 pm before the parade.
Revolution Weekend 2016: Get Dirty
Crafted by God. Made for a purpose.
January 16 – 18, 2016
Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center | Grades 7 – 12
Youth: $100 11.1 – 11.15 | $125 11.16 – 12.6 | $150 12.7 – 1.3
Adults: $50
Guest Speaker: Dwight Johnson | Musical Guest: Bus Seven
Click here to register and pay as a youth
Click here to register and pay as an adult
It’s that time again! Our big winter retreat, Revolution Weekend, is coming up and we want YOU to join us January 16 – 18 down at Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center! Click here to see what you can look forward to at Revolution Weekend 2016: Get Dirty and why you will want to be a part of it.
Visit the Youth page for more information on programs and activities.
HONORARY GIFTS
First Street Methodist Mission In Honor Of:
Mary Lou Harrington & William Montgomery by Cecile Montgomery
Thanksgiving Baskets In Honor Of:
Tonya Sweezer & Austin Patton in honor of joining FUMCFW by Kay Watkins
MEMORIAL GIFTS
First Street Methodist Mission In Memory Of:
Jeffrey White by Marlene & Manfred Reinecke
Foundation Memorial Fund In Memory Of:
Doris Klabzuba by Mr. and Mrs. John Randolph Thompson Jr.
Loren Hanson by Mr. and Mrs. John Randolph Thompson Jr.
Roy Coleman by Arlie Davenport Jr.
Roy Coleman by Dr. & Mrs. Fred A. Palmer
Roy Coleman by Mr. and Mrs. John Randolph Thompson Jr.
Roy Coleman by Patsy and Arch Van Meter
Thanksgiving Baskets In Memory Of:
Elizabeth McManus by Laura Kent & Laura Riggs
Jean & Glenn Reynolds by Laura Kent & Laura Riggs
Margaret Anne Jennett by Ronald Jennett
Mayo Vick by Laura Kent & Laura Riggs
Nelda Gathings by Laura Kent & Laura Riggs