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A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
THEWINDOW 1411 BROADWAY | LUBBOCK, TX 79401 | 806.763.4607 | FUMC.COM |APRIL 2022
What’s Inside Page 03 Tenebrae
Page 04 Missions
Page 05 Director of Contemporary Worship
Page 07 Memorials & Honorariums
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH•LUBBOCK
FIRSTLBK
MOVED BY JESUS. LOVING PEOPLE. SERVING ALL.
Our mission is to create a grace-filled environment in which Christ transforms lives.
DO IT AGAIN DADDY, DO IT AGAIN! Most pastors that I know are full of stories… and I suppose I’m no exception! Illustrations, metaphors, and object lesson recollections are simply a part of the toolkit that you learn to carry around with you. I can’t SENIOR PASTOR tell you how many times Todd Salzwedel I’ve had a conversation with someone needing guidance or encouragement only to recall the perfect story thirty minutes after we part ways! But there are some that seem to stay with me always. In fact, I’m pretty sure I mentioned this particular illustration it last Easter. It goes something like this: A father wanted to share a special memory with his daughter, so he woke her early one morning, bundled her up and placed her gently in the car. He packed blankets and other items for the trip, and they began the trip up into the mountains near their home. The little girl slept for most of the trip and was a little grumpy to have been taken from her warm bed for this early morning surprise. After a while, the father stopped the vehicle and gathered the blankets and other items he packed and walked to a high mountain peak, holding his daughter’s hand. As they stood in the darkness overlooking a vast valley below, the daughter became impatient as to what they were doing there. Her father encouraged her to just continue watching, and it could become clear. After a few minutes, the sun began to rise over the horizon and the young girl watched in awe as the whole valley
sprung to life! The dew on the grass, the gentle breeze in the trees and the wildlife below seemed to magically appear before her! As wonder filled her heart, she turned with tears in her eyes towards her father and said, “do it again daddy… do it again!” This Lenten season, we have explored in depth the final week of Jesus’ life as found in the Apostle John’s gospel. We’ve discovered that John adds a theological insight to the life and teachings of Jesus unlike any of the other gospel writers. John had the benefit of hindsight to inform his recollection of the stories he felt necessary to record for the edification of future recipients of his letter, and his commentary of people’s motives (i.e. Judas Iscariot) help to give context and meaning to the narratives that are a part of our biblical heritage and present day personal story. I’ve found myself as of late looking over letters and articles I’ve written for past newsletters, essays for groups I have been a part of, and notes I’ve compiled bout events I’ve witnessed and/or been a part of for the past twenty years of so. If, like John, I were to write about those events today, there is much that I would add in the way of commentary that would fill in so many of the questions those earlier writings asked but could not answer at the time. Over the past month, several questions have been raised regarding the future of the UMC, the Northwest Texas Conference and even our own beloved First UMC. At this time, I don’t have all the answers I would like. To be truthful, I sometimes have difficulty distinguishing whether the questions I am asking have more to do with the church itself on page APRIL 2022 |(continued THE WINDOW 1 2)
Dear church family, How beautiful it has been to see the church at work! I want to say thank you to each of you for the many acts of kindness and service, support and love that have been lavished upon me and my family over the past weeks. Truly, you have blessed me beyond measure. My mother loved this church and appreciated the consistent kindness shown to both of us! Holy week is fast approaching and my prayer is that God will draw us into a deeper understanding of the remarkable love shown to us through Jesus. Please make every
Shera Atkinson Minister of Spiritual Formation and Congregational Care
Holy Week
effort to engage in each of the Holy Week opportunities. Looking ahead, there will be an Easter “Brunch” which will provide an opportunity to visit with one another as you make your way to Sunday school or worship. Also, we are reviving a First LBK tradition and will have a Mother’s Day lunch this year. Reservations will be required for this luncheon and can be made through gashby@fumc.com or by calling 7644607 and asking for Gloria Ashby. Soli Deo Gloria, Shera
Pre-National
Day of Prayer
First United Methodist Church, Lubbock
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
PALM SUNDAY
MAUNDY THURSDAY
GOOD FRIDAY
EASTER SUNDAY
April 10
April 14
April 15
April 17
5:30-6:30 p.m. • CLC Prayer Station Dedication Dinner from Bigham’s Smokehouse Contact Gloria for dinner reservations, gashby@fumc.com
fumc.com/easter COMMUNITY
(continued from page 1) or my personal investment in such issues. So, for now I need to rely on the commitment I made in worship and the letter I sent on March 21 to 1.) relay information while staying away from conjecture, and 2.) to be committed to maintaining the bonds of family and relationship that characterize our church. I suspect that sometime in the future I’ll look back at this article as well. I’m confident that I will be in possession of more information by then that would have been immensely helpful in my conversations and discernment. And I know I will wish I could have gone back in time to have been better equipped, 2 APRIL 2022 | THE WINDOW
COMMUNITY
more informed, and wiser in my leadership. Time seems to offer these gifts, just not always when we need them in the moment.
has risen from the grave! The hope and power of God can and does surpass anything that we might encounter personally or as a church.
I am confident in one thing though. This month, we will celebrate Holy Week. We will experience the joy of the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem for Jesus. The anguish and tension of Holy Thursday will be a reminder that life is not always easy. And Friday will force us to recall the heart wrenching losses we have all experienced in one way or another at some point in our lives. More than anything, though, I am certain we will arrive on Easter morning to witness and testify to the resurrection power of Jesus and proclaim that He is alive! He
On Easter morning – as well as through this entire process we find our church and conference in - I intend to have the awe and wonder of that little girl when I cry out to God, “Do it again daddy… do it again!”. For I believe that in faith, God can and will do amazing things in our lives and the life of our church and community we He is the focus of our energy and devotion. Do it again daddy… do it again! Grace and Peace! Pastor Todd
Tenebrae service at 8 p.m. on Good Friday chronicles seven last words of Christ, leads to joyous Easter Day As we look to conclude Lent and anticipate Easter, the highest point of the Christian year, please make time for the Tenebrae Service in the sanctuary at 8 p.m. Friday, April 15. Everyone is invited — those who attend any of FUMC’s five services, plus all others from the Lubbock area. At the Tenebrae service, the Chancel Choir will present the entire work (English version) of “The Seven Last Words of Christ,” by French composer Theodore Dubois (1837-1924). Tenebrae is from Latin and means ‘darkness’ or ‘obscurity.’ Dating to the ninth century, Tenebrae is practiced in many Prostestant churches and is an adaptation of Medieval Roman Catholic practices during the seven days of Holy Week. Tenebrae is comprised of lessons on the seven last words of Jesus and His crucifixion. Dubois composed “The Seven Last Words of Christ” in 1867 for Basilique Sainte-Clotilde in Paris, the church where he was the choir director. Originally, Dubois scored the work for full orchestra, chorus and soloists, but later revised it for organ and voices only. In 2000, shortly before FUMC Music Director Dr. Gordon A. McMillan retired, the Chancel Choir recorded the full Dubois work on CD (Gothic Label), also sung in English, and accompanied on organ by Dr. Frederick Swann, a longtime friend of the Chancel Choir. The Good Friday Tenebrae service will begin in daylight and with glow from the altar candles, the Christ candle, and seven-light candelabras. Three acolytes will extinguish candles, one after each
The Third word is of relationship, “Woman, hold thy beloved son.” (John 19:26) John is taught as the cousin of Jesus.
lesson. Tradition and ritual show us that during the service, the candles are extinguished from the farthest position from the altar, and move inward to the center light. A crown of thorns is placed upon the altar cross, and the service ends in darkness, except for the large Christ candle which Pastor Todd Salzwedel will take from the sanctuary. The candle symbolizes anticipation of the joy of our redemption and the resurrection we celebrate on Easter. Tenebrae worshipers will exit the sanctuary in the darkness and silence of Christ’s death, atonement for the sins of mankind. Good Friday is followed by Holy Saturday, which ends Lent, the 40 days before Easter, not counting the Sundays. A season of reflection and preparation, Lent began on Ash Wednesday. While observing Lent, we learn of Christ’s death, sacrifice, and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon ‘lencten,’ meaning ‘lengthen.’ It refers both to Spring’s lengthening daylight and to the time of Jesus enduring Satan’s temptation. The Seven Last Words, which Jesus said while He hung on the cross, include the First words, those of forgiveness: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:43) The Second word is of redemption, “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:34)
The Fourth word focuses on abandonment, “Father, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) Christ’s Fifth word symbolizes distress, when he says “I am athirst.” (John 19:28) The Sixth word is of triumph, when Jesus says, “Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) And the Seventh, the last word of Christ, symbolizes reunion. “It is finished.” (John 9:30) At the sixth hour of the day, which goes dark until the ninth hour, the veil in the temple rips apart, and all the earth quakes. (Luke 23:44). Rocks were broken apart and graves were opened. (Matthew 27:52) “The Seven Last Words of Christ” by Dubois ends with Chancel Choir singing, “Christ, we do all adore Thee, and we do praise Thee forever; on the holy cross hast Thou the world from sin redeemed.” On Easter Day, the Christ candle’s light will open the service. Prepare for Easter with the Tenebrae at 8 p.m. on Good Friday. Then, Easter Day will have meaning like never before. Everyone is invited to join FUMC Lubbock music director Seung-Won Cho, organist Bradley Vogel, the Chancel Choir, and Pastors Todd Salzwedel, Shera Atkinson and Bailey Barkley. Tenebrae helps worshipers know the mercy that ends the Lenten journey, and helps us anticipate the fullest joy of the resurrection. He is risen indeed! By Marilyn Murfee APRIL 2022 | THE WINDOW
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MONTHLY MISSIONS FOCUS HELPING HANDS Helping Hands is an outreach of First LBK that partners with Backyard Missions to help homeowners who are in need right here in Lubbock repair their homes so that they can be safe, warm, and dry. Frank and Kathy Philips lead this outreach with passion and compassion for our neighbors. This is an opportunity for you to engage in mission to our neighbors through construction, preparing meals, and prayer. God has given us all unique and valuable gifts to use in this world and in Lubbock to lift our neighbors up and show them the love of Jesus. Prayerfully consider join Helping Hands this coming May 21 in our spring project! Questions? Contact Frank and Kathy Phillips at frankandkathyphillips@gmail.com. Contact Sara Lattimore, slattimore@fumc.com
Activate Mission Conference Recap We had an incredible time of learning and gathering around the Mission of First L BK at our Activate Missions Conference. We had about 25 people participate and share their passion for what First LBK is already doing and dreaming for how we can engage with God in mission in our community and beyond. The conference may be over but our work has only just begun! We have more listening and growing to do and you are invited to join us in this journey. If you would like a presentation in your Sunday School Class or Small Group please contact Sara Lattimore at slattimore@fumc.com to arrange for her to visit and share the details of what we have learned, where we are going, and how you can get involved.
SPRING MISSIONS OFFERING Dear Family, Spring is upon us and after the winter it can feel like an opportunity to break free from the hibernation we have been in. As Christians, spring is also a time we celebrate Jesus, who has risen from the dead, who broke free from the grave. In Matthew 28:6-7, Jesus rises from the grave and an Angel meets the women coming to visit the tomb and tells them Jesus is not there. The Angel says to Come, to See, to Go, and to Tell of Jesus breaking free from the grave. This is also what Jesus tells the disciples through the Great Commission; to go and tell the world. We too are told through the scriptures to Come and See Jesus and to follow him. We must Go and Tell the world. This Spring as we celebrate our risen Jesus who broke free from the grave, may we too break free from our own hibernation and join in the mission in the world as we Go and Tell and serve. God has gifted First LBK with the resources and community to join in His mission right here in our backyard and in the whole world. He is calling all of us to join in His mission through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. This month as we reflect on and celebrate the mission of First LBK please prayerfully consider how you will Come, See, and then Go and Tell as you join First LBK and God in the amazing work of sharing the transformational love that breaks free from the grave and is ever present in Jesus who loves each of us right where we are. Grace and Peace, Sara Lattimore, Director of Missions and Outreach 4 APRIL 2022 | THE WINDOW
NATHAN WHITE - Director of Contemporary Worship Ministries Baptist Church, in Albuquerque, as Assistant Music Director, First Baptist Church Albuquerque, as Interim Music Director, St. Stephens United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, as Director of Music Ministries, First Baptist Church in Tucumcari, NM as Director of Worship and Children’s Ministries and First Baptist Church in Gallup, NM as Director of Music Ministries.
he was given the opportunity to be a Graduate Teaching Assistant, where he taught voice to Music Minors and non-majors, and taught music theory to Music Minors and Freshmen Music Majors. He also has been a teacher for the New Mexico School of Music and as a private instructor. Nathaniel has recorded and released six albums, some of which have received radio play and achieved awards. While serving in eastern and western New Mexico, Nathaniel’s music was also heard live on the air weekly. Nathaniel is also known as the “Musical Chameleon” since he can play several instruments, as well as conduct, arrange, compose, record, mix and master.
Nathaniel received his training and education in Denver, CO at the University of Denver’s Lamont An active singer, musician and worship School of Music. There he achieved leader, Nathaniel White serves as a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music the Director of Contemporary Music Performance with an emphasis in Ministries at First United Methodist Opera. While at Lamont he sang many Church in Lubbock. Prior to his Opera roles such as, “Escamillo” in appointment at FUMC, he served ‘Carmen’, “Papageno” in ‘The Magic at Sandia Presbyterian Church in Flute’, “Valentin” in ‘Faust’, and “Gianni Nathaniel is married to his beautiful Albuquerque, NM, as Contemporary Schichhi” in ‘Gianni Schichhi’. wife of fourteen years, Haley, and Music Director, St. Stephens United Nathaniel also has a considerable they have one daughter, Naomi, age Methodist Church in Albuquerque, amount of experience as a music eleven. as Assistant Music Director, Sandia teacher, while completing his Master’s First Kids
Easter egg Hunt Easter Sunday • April 17, 2022
Wear your Easter clothes, bring your basket and join us for an egg hunt in Memorial Garden during Sunday school on Easter morning. 9:55 a.m. Kindergarten & under 10:20 a.m. 1st-5th grades. Kids can be dropped off in their Sunday school classes at 9:45 a.m. Parents and Grandparents are welcome to join us for the hunt!
HOSPITALITY
EVERYONE IS INVITED
Anita and Silvia always work hard in our Outreach Kitchen with our Second Helpings Ministry. Sign up to serve at Second Helpings this spring https://www.signupgenius.com/go/ secondhelpings
ALL-CHURCH
PICNIC
IN MEMORIAL GARDEN SUNDAY | MAY 1 | 12-2 P.M. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and come join us for a picnic immediately following the 11:00 services! We will grill out and spend time together as a church family. We will have bounce houses, nine-square, and the playground for extra fun. See you there! Contact: Tessa Armes, tarmes@fumc.com
COMMUNITY
APRIL 2022 | THE WINDOW
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FIRSTSTUDENTS UPCOMING
SIGNUPS
ONE WAY CAMP MIDDLE SCHOOL June 13–17 HIGH SCHOOL June 20–24
EVENTS
EASTER ‘22
May 1 Immediately following 11 a.m. worship services
GOOD FRIDAY CROSSWALK
April 15 11:00 A.M. 904 Broadway
SENIOR TRIP
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE
April 17 7:00 A.M. Memorial Garden
June 28–30 Thrall, TX $150/student
GRADUATION SUNDAY CONNECT MAY 15
Seniors & families, the deadline to register for the festivities is April 30.
Our Life Together BIRTHS Congratulations to Jennifer & Alex Yack on the birth of their son, Matthew Courtney Yack. He was born March 1. His sisters are Maisie & Maren.
SYMPATHIES Sympathies to the Neeb family on the death of husband and father, Charles. Charles passed away March 8. A memorial service was held March 11 in Bowman Chapel officiated by Dr. Todd Salzwedel. Charles had been a member of the Ambassadors Sunday school and First Lubbock since April 3, 2016. Sympathies to Evelyn, Ashley, Guias, and Britton McPherson and Rosa Starnes on the death of son, husband, father, and grandson Mike. Mike passed away March 4. A memorial service held March 12 in the sanctuary officiated by Travis Zachary and Dr. Todd Salzwedel. Mike volunteered with Second Helpings and had been a member of First Lubbock since June 15, 2003.
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FAMILY PICNIC
@firststudents_lbk @FirststudentsLBK
Sympathies to Jay and Alicia Thornton, Joel and Carol Ward, and Mary Leonard on the death of mother and sister, Marcia Evans. Marcia passed away March 5. A memorial service was held March 18 in the sanctuary officiated by Dr. Todd Salzwedel. Marcia had been a part of the Chancel Choir over 50 years and was a member of the Friends of Music, and First Lubbock since September 15, 1957. Sympathies to Don and Robin Walker on the deaths of Don’s mother, Gayle Wheeler and stepmother, Martha Walker. Gayle passed away March 15. Gayle will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet, Fort Worth, TX, later. A Celebration of Life was held April 3, in the family home. Martha passed away December 21, 2021. A celebration of Martha’s life was at St. Christopher’s Church on February 19. A light reception followed. Don and Robin have been members of the Pacesetters Sunday school and a member of First Lubbock since October 11, 1981.
Memorials & Honorariums – March 15, 2022 CHANCEL CHOIR In memory of Marcia Evans by Peggy Dyess CHILDREN’S MINISTRY In memory of William Robert Pasewark Sr. by Mitch, Cyndi, and Spencer Morgan
In memory of Rose Jean Griffith by Thomas and Jeanie Lemons FRIENDS OF MUSIC In memory of Mira Jean Kaufmann, by Bryan Smitherman In memory of William Robert Pasewark Sr. by Bryan Smitherman In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Bryan Smitherman
CHOIR MINISTRY In memory of Marcia Evans by Robert and Jean Suddarth
In memory of Marcia Evans by Bryan Smitherman
COUNSELING CENTER In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Joyce Ray
MUSIC MINISTRY In memory of Patsy Harris Middleton by Bob and Martha York
In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Jimmy and Katy Pendergrass In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Mr. and Mrs. G.E. Dawson In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Ambassador Sunday School In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Haney, Tanya, and Patrick Wells
In memory of Marcia Evans by John White
In memory of Pat Nunley by Bob and Martha York In memory of Nancy Virginia Eagan by Bob and Martha York In memory of Marcia Evans by Jim and Wanda White In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Charles and Paula Key In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Jerry and Tobie Bailey
EVERLIVING CHURCH TRUST In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Bobbye Shaw In memory of Mary Helen Jameson by Bobbye Shaw
In memory of Wendell Howard by Sandy Howard
In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Joe and Pam Murfee
SECOND HELPINGS In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Becky Hammonds
In memory of Betty Lowder by John White
In memory of Burt Montgomery by Karen Votavo
In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Laurin and Sharon Prather In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Stephen and Kathleen Faulk In memory of Betty Lowder by Glenn and Lesley Robinson In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Nan Shropshire In memory of Mary Helen Jameson by Mr. and Mrs. Bradley In memory of Charles Neeb by Bernie and Mary Beth Mittemeyer
UMCOR In honor of Sammie Prather by FUMC Quilters WOMEN’S MINISTRY In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Hannah Tipps In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Jerry and Barbara Smith
In memory of William Robert Pasewark Sr. by Lou Connor In memory of Betty Lowder, by Lou Connor In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Lou Connor In memory of Betty Lowder by Jim and Wanda White In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Jim and Wanda White In memory of Mary Helen Jameson by Jane Helmberger In memory of William Robert Pasewark Sr. by Lou Diekemper APRIL 2022 | THE WINDOW
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MOVED BY JESUS. LOVING PEOPLE. SERVING ALL.
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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH•LUBBOCK
FIRSTLBK
MOVED BY JESUS. LOVING PEOPLE. SERVING ALL.
WORSHIP SERVICES Traditional
8:45 a.m. - Sanctuary 9 a.m. Bowman Chapel 11 a.m. Sanctuary
Contemporary
9:30 a.m. Christian Life Center 11 a.m. Christian Life Center 1411 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401 fumc.com The Window is a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church, Lubbock 8 APRIL 2022 | THE WINDOW
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