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Dr. Tim Bruster — What Are You Looking For?
Other Sunday Morning Offerings
Living for Others at Camp Barnabas
Renewal Time for Mark and Phyllis
Baptism 101
FMC Foundation Lunch & Learn
Serving Breakfast at the Ronald McDonald House
Pathway to Peace Interfaith Symposium
Wilderness Camping and Backpacking Training
Fit First Running Group
Monday Musers Summer Study Group
Pastor’s Bible Study
Wednesday Morning Summer Study Group
Children First at Lyle Lodge
Fall Children’s Academy Sunday School
August Mission Sundays
August School Supply Drive
Habitat for Humanity Fall Fellowship Builds
Have You Ever Wondered Where Our Hymns Come From?
New Confirmation Family Orientation
Traditional Worship | 9:40 am | Chapel | 11:00 am | Sanctuary | Dr. Tim Bruster
Children First | 10:00 am | Lyle Lodge | 7179 Peden Road | Azle, TX 76020 | Dr. Mike Marshall
DiscipleChurch | 7:20 am | Community Breakfast | Wesley Hall
8:30 am | Chapel | Rev. Lance Marshall
9:30 am | Discussion Groups
Chapel Communion | 10:35 am | Chapel | Dr. Len Delony
nine:thirty-nine | eleven:eleven celebration | 9:39 & 11:11 am | Wesley Hall | Rev. Linda McDermott
“What Are You Looking For?”
First Sermon in the Series:
Dr. Tim Bruster
John 1:37-42
Other Sunday Morning Offerings
The Gathering | 9:30 am | Room 350 | Rev. Lance Marshall
This new and different First Church Sunday morning offering led by Rev. Lance Marshall offers a casual and relevant opportunity for prayer, study, topical exploration, and high-spirited connection free from typical worship or Sunday School structures.
Connections | 10:30 – 11:00 am & noon – 12:30 pm | Garden & Wesley Hall
Each Sunday, Wesley Hall will be set up and ready to offer members, visitors, and guests from all our different Sunday morning worship and study opportunities a chance to visit, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy a Sunday morning treat.
Click here to see classes meeting this Sunday, August 7
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!
Come Check this Out!
Lisa Helm
I had the opportunity to catch up with Rev. Lance Marshall this week and he shared with me that he is getting ready to start a 9-week series on Christianity this Sunday. I have to tell you that when he gave me the above description I was both excited and intrigued! I want to encourage everyone to come hear Lance “string it all together” in a way that is uplifting, encouraging, and makes sense. The story of Christianity is a connected one — but sometimes it’s difficult for us to do that. Because sermons and Sunday School lessons tend to jump around from Old Testament to New and every combination of the different books in between, it’s easy to ask, “Wait, what does Exodus have to do with the Resurrection?” Click here to continue reading.
Click here to read more posts from Lisa
Sunday!
Mark Burrows
Sunday, August 7, at 10:00 am — Children First Service at Lyle Lodge, followed by lunch from Salsa Limón, Bible Pokémon Go, and swimming until 1:00 pm (lifeguards on duty).
Here is the link and address:
Lyle Lodge
7179 Peden Road
Azle, TX 76020 Click here to continue reading.
Click here to read more posts from Mark
An Ordinary Day in La Villa Real
Rev. Tom McDermott
I am sitting on a tiny patio outside a small adobe casita which is nestled in a series of tiny adobe casitas on top of one another. It’s about 7:00 am and already the narrow streets of this oldest state capital in the U.S. are bustling with people walking to work, artists stretching canvases to capture some previously unseen mystery, and tourists in search of the best burrito de desayuno or huevos rancheros (locals ask for both red and green chile, saying “Christmas, por favor” . . . And it’s rude to return it if it’s too hot — just ask for more sour cream!). Others are just returning from their early morning cycling in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Click here to continue reading.
Click here to read more posts from Tom
Kindness — A Compass for the Pathway to Peace
Dr. Len Delony
In the most recent “On Being” podcast, Naomi Shihab Nye says “your life is a poem.”
She goes on to talk about how each of us can listen, journal about, and learn from our life story.
Her father was a Palestinian refuge journalist, her mother a U.S. citizen. She was raised in Palestine and Ferguson, Missouri. She has lived in San Antonio since she was a religion major at Trinity University many years ago. Click here to continue reading.
Click here to read more posts from Len
HOSPITALIZATIONS
Dorthy Casten
Emma Jean McAllum
Spencer “Monty” Brown
MEMORIALS
Arthur Berger
Ed Petrushka
Click here to see a list of upcoming programs and events.
Living for Others at Camp Barnabas
Last week our FUMCFW Youth headed back to Camp Barnabas for a week of swimming, camping, and playing with amazing campers dealing with mental disabilities. As always, this was an incredible week of experiences that changed perspectives, redefined disability, and spread God’s love in an unforgettable way!
“There are not many places in the world where you can watch teenagers completely give their lives over for another human being, but Camp Barnabas is one of them. All week our teenagers left themselves behind and lived for others, serving God and giving up any sense of selfish want and desire as they were either paired with a camper with a disability or cleaned bathrooms and set out meals. Our teenagers are capable of incredible things, and they once again proved it this week by being agents of hope and light in the life of another. They fought through exhaustion, discomfort, and lack of a cell phone in order to make this one week the best week in the life of a camper. They truly were Christ in the world!”
— Andrew Mochrie, Director of Youth Ministries
Renewal Time for Mark and Phyllis
We could all use a little R&R every now and then. Here at FUMCFW, that means rest and renewal for our dedicated church leaders. Right now it’s that time for Mister Mark Burrows, Director of Children’s Ministries, and Rev. Phyllis Barren, Associate Pastor of Congregational Care. Every six years, eligible clergy and lay program leaders are given the opportunity to apply for renewal leave, an extended period of rest, regeneration, and enrichment. It is not an extension of vacation, but rather time away with a transformative purpose. Here’s a quick look at what Mark and Phyllis have planned:
Mister Mark Burrows
- Church visits to FUMC of Downers Grove’s monthly service for children and families called Messy Church and worship arts for children at Brentwood UMC
- Brainstorming with leaders of Chicago Children’s Museum and Karla Kincannon, the artist-in-residence at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and author of “Creativity and Divine Surprise”
- Puppetry practice at centers that offer workshops in puppet building and manipulation
Rev. Phyllis Barren
- Leader training at The Gottman Institute on The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
- Best practices from pastor of counseling at The UMC of the Resurrection
Phyllis will be on leave until September 6, and Mark will be back on September 15. At the conclusion of their renewal leaves, Mark and Phyllis will likely return with a clearer sense of ministry purpose, vision, and journey, and with renewed energy to work toward accomplishing them. Although we will miss them while they are away, let’s keep Mark and Phyllis in our prayers and wish them all the best during their much-needed (and well-deserved!) rest and renewal.
Baptism 101
Sunday, August 7
11:00 am | Room 230 | Led by Rev. Casey Orr | Registration required
Baptism 101 must be attended by first-time parents and/or parents whose older children were not baptized in a United Methodist Church. At the class, a pastor will discuss the history, theology, meaning, and responsibility of baptism. We will also go over logistics and steps to scheduling. Not to mention it’s a great chance to meet other young families. It is offered the first Sunday of every month at 11:00 am in Room 230. While the nursery is available during class time, babies and children are more than welcome to join! There is no cost to join the class; however, we do ask that you register online, or by contacting Gayle Ammerman (gammerman@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5091, so that we can prepare accordingly.
FMC Foundation Lunch & Learn:
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
Thursday, August 11
Noon – 1:00 pm | Wesley Hall
Free | RSVP by 8.5
Planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. The first step in the process is creating a will that legally protects your heirs — your spouse, children, and others — and your assets.
Join us to learn more about will writing and estate planning and about the value of being a part of the Foundation’s Helen W. Watt Society.
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way: Will Writing and Estate Planning Workshop is from noon until 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 11, in Wesley Hall of the Main Church Building. The event is free, but we do need your reservation by Friday, August 5, so we can order your lunch!
For this workshop, we will be joined by Kelly E. DeBerry, who specializes in wills and estate planning and is a partner at Griffith, Jay & Michel, LLP. For reservations, contact Heather Kopystecki (heather.kopystecki@fmcfoundation.org) at 817/339-5089.
Serving Breakfast at the Ronald McDonald House
Saturday, August 13
7:30 – 10:00 am | Ronald McDonald House
1001 8th Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76104
On Saturday, August 13, everyone 15 years of age and older is invited to come with us to the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth to support and provide breakfast for families through the “Meals from the Heart” program. We will begin cooking for the families at 7:30 am and visit together while serving them a hot breakfast. What a blessing it will be for you to serve with us and meet these wonderful families! Please contact Allison McMahon (allison.mcmahon@hotmail.com) or Rev. Chuck Graff (cgraff@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5065 for more information.
Pathway to Peace Interfaith Symposium
Sunday, August 28
3:00 – 5:00 pm | Wesley Hall
We have invited three excellent speakers to this symposium who will share their faith traditions and perspectives on “How we together can establish peace in our society today” (a much-needed topic for discussion), and it will be a wonderful opportunity for our faith communities and others to hear new information on the true teachings of peace from these faith perspectives.
We are grateful to have Dr. Tim Bruster presenting from our congregation. Harris Zafar serves as National Spokesperson for Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA — among the oldest and largest American-Muslim organizations — and author of the book “Demystifying Islam: Tackling the Tough Questions.” Rabbi Brian Zimmerman is the new rabbi who just came on July 1 to serve at the Beth-El Congregation.
There will be a time for questions and answers, and refreshments and fellowship to follow. Please attend and encourage others to come. It is an opportunity for us to offer proactive leadership in this important area, where others seek to define the faith, teachings, and actions of our faiths. We look forward to seeing you at this symposium. There is no charge for the event, and child care will be provided upon request. For more information, contact Rev. Chuck Graff (cgraff@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5065.
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Wilderness Camping and Backpacking Training
Saturday, August 20
8:30 am – noon | Justin Building
Class limited to 20 people | Register by 8.16
Led by Claudia Blalock and Marcos Jorge
Want to update your camping skills for those fly fishing trips, backpacking, or camping in wilderness areas? This class is the perfect opportunity to learn about a variety of camping topics, including selection and care of tents, backpacks and day packs, stoves, hiking boots, clothing, sleeping bags and sleeping pads, as well as meal and trip planning. Join expert, experienced trip leaders Claudia Blalock and Marcos Jorge as they demonstrate equipment, answer questions, and advise on trip planning. Contact Claudia Blalock (claudia.blalock@att.net) at 817/924-6242 for information and reservations. Please register by August 16.
Fit First Running Group
July 23 – December 31
Saturdays | 6:45 – 9:00 am | The Trailhead at Clearfork
4801 Edwards Ranch Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109
Waiver required
Join us for a four-mile out and back route for all levels of runners and walkers. Children and pets are welcome. Start with stretching and end with breakfast and the Farmers Market. Bring water and sunscreen. For more information, contact Jennifer Stephens (jstephens@myfumc.org) at 817/363-3291.
Monday Musers Summer Study Group
June 13 – August 29
Mondays | 1:00 – 2:15 pm | Foundation Building, Room 271
Led by Dr. Mike Marshall
Pastor’s Bible Study
June 15 – August 31
Wednesdays | 6:30 – 7:30 pm | Room 231
Led by Rev. Lance Marshall
This offering is an open Bible study; no purchase or registration is necessary. The current focus of study is the Gospel of Matthew — with occasional detours into other texts and topic of discussion. This study welcomes both those who have never opened the Bible in their lives, as well as to those who study on a regular basis. Join us!
Wednesday Morning Summer Study Group
June 15 – August 31
Wednesdays | 9:30 – 11:00 am | Room 154
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. Click here for more information, or contact Gayle Ammerman (gammerman@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5091.
Visit the Adult Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
Children First at Lyle Lodge
Sunday, August 7
10:00 am | Lyle Lodge
7179 Peden Road | Azle, TX 76020
Led by Dr. Mike Marshall
On August 7 we will have Children First out at Lyle Lodge. The service will start at 10:00 am in our outdoor pavilion. Afterward we will open the swimming pool (lifeguards on duty). And lunch is on us — Salsa Limón taco truck! So come join us for meaningful family worship in a beautiful setting, followed by the chance to relax with your family.
Fall Children’s Academy Sunday School
Academy begins Sunday, September 11
Click here to register
This Fall we enter the eleventh semester of our Children’s Academy Sunday School for children in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Children will get to enroll in a class of their choosing. They will be in the same room, with the same teachers, all semester. Some courses are designed for younger elementary (K – 2nd) and some for older elementary (3rd – 5th). While the subject areas are varied, each class will work from the same Bible story and same memory verse each month. By the end of the semester, not only will the children have a better grounding in their faith, but they will develop some real skill in a particular area.
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.
August Mission Sundays
During the month of August, please bring bottled water to:
First Street Methodist Mission | Monday – Thursday | 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
OR the donation bins at the East, West, & Garden entrances | Sunday mornings
For more information, contact Linda Murphy (lmurphy@firststreetmission.org) at 817/339-2404.
August School Supply Drive
Bring school supplies to First Street Methodist Mission
Monday – Thursday | 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
OR the donation bins at the East, West, & Garden entrances | Sunday mornings
It’s time to start thinking about back to school and how to help children get the best start possible by stocking supply closets at two local elementary schools, supported by various outreach ministries of FUMCFW.
Recommended Items:
24-Count Box of Crayons
Glue Sticks
8 oz. Bottle of School Glue
Blunt-Tip Scissors
Plastic Supply Box
8-Count Washable Markers
#2 Pencils
Pink Erasers
12-Count Colored Pencils
Pocket Folders of Assorted Colors with Brads
70-Page, Wide-Ruled Spiral Notebooks
100-Page Composition Notebooks
Donations can be brought each Sunday and placed in the donation bins at the East, West, & Garden entrances or in the boxes located in each Sunday School classroom. Donations can also be dropped off at First Street Methodist Mission, Monday – Thursday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Habitat for Humanity Fall Fellowship Builds
Saturdays | September 17 & 24, October 1 & 8, 2016
8:00 am – 3:00 pm | Carver Heights neighborhood, Fort Worth
Ages 18+ | Registration deadline 9.5 | Limit 3 people per day
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Click here to sign up for one of our four upcoming Fall Fellowship Builds with the join code FUMCFW. If you already have an account, log in and click on “Your Account” next to your name. Click “Next,” and then enter the join code FUMCFW. Once registration is complete, you MUST select the day you are volunteering. You will be prompted to read and accept a Liability Waiver online. When sign-up is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with additional information. If you do not receive an email, please contact Jeremy Byrd (jeremy.byrd@trinityhabitat.org).
Visit the Compassion & Justice Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
Have You Ever Wondered Where Our Hymns Come From?
(A History of Methodist Hymns)
Tuesdays | August 16 & 23
10:30 am – noon | Room 154
Robert Stovall, Director of Music & Worship Arts, and Peggy Graff, Organist & Associate Director of Music & Worship Arts, will present a two-part series on the “History of the Methodist Hymnal.” Famous hymn writers, including John Wesley and Fanny Crosby, will be featured in this class. We will have fun talking, singing, and exploring the great hymns of our faith. Bring yourself and your singing voice (singing not required but encouraged).
Visit the Music Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
New Confirmation Family Orientation
Sunday, August 28
9:30 – 10:30 am | Justin Building Gym
At this orientation and information meeting, 6th graders and their parents will receive in-depth information about the school-year program, have an opportunity to ask questions, and meet other families and leaders who will be with you on the journey this year! We hope you join us! For more information, contact Rev. Casey Orr (corr@myfumc.org) at 817/339-5067.
Visit the Youth Ministries page for more information on programs and activities.
HONORARY GIFTS
Choir Fund in Honor of:
Phil Thompson by Mrs. & Rev. Michael Patison
First Street Methodist Mission in Honor of:
Sherry Walters by Kathe & Stephen Goodwin
Kenya Mission in Honor of:
Emily & Tim McDermott by Nancy & Brendan Tully
MEMORIAL GIFTS
First Street Methodist Mission in Memory of:
Liz Joplin by Ann & Wayne Maddox
Foundation Memorial Fund in Memory of:
George Hopkins by Law Offices of Paup, Shutt, & Associates, P.C.
Oates Foundation in Memory of:
Michael Bruster by Mrs. & Rev. Michael Patison