The Window - April 2023

THEWINDOW

Dear First UMC family,

Can you believe that spring is already upon us?! If you don’t believe me, just take note of red dirt that is infiltrating every nook and cranny throughout West Texas!

The ubiquitous dust aside, this is also an exciting time in the life of the church. As we continue our preparations for the most significant time of the year for our church (that would be Easter in case you were

wondering!), we are also looking forward to several other events and opportunities.

Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday, will be a joyous time kicked off with the parade of palms led by our children at the 11 Traditional service. If you’ve never had the opportunity to witness such a spectacle, now is your opportunity! That Sunday will simply kick off a week full of remembrance and anticipation of the resurrection of Jesus! On Thursday, we will recall Jesus gathering with his disciples to demonstrate true servanthood as well as transform the Passover feast into a sacred moment of God’s immense grace and mercy in our lives. The next

day the students will lead their annual Crosswalk. That evening, we will be brought to the sense of immense loss as the music ministry leads us in our Good Friday services. This moment is essential, in my mind, to understand the profundity of the resurrection a few days later.

The first Easter was a time of transition for those early followers of Jesus. Such is still the case for us today in our daily walk with Christ. Of course, this Easter will be a time of transition for a family that has meant a great deal to the life and ministry of FUMC for the past 11 years – the Barkley family.

It has been an amazing honor and pleasure to serve alongside Bailey

Creating grace-filled environments where Jesus Christ transforms lives.

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Legacy Keepers Recognition Banquet

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Business Office Staff Update

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Letter from Pastor Bailey Barkley

SENIOR PASTOR Todd Salzwedel

Dear church family, The definition of “legacy” is something that is passed on. However, a legacy can take many forms. A legacy may be of one’s faith, ethics and core values or it may be assets. A legacy may come from one’s character, reputation, and the life you lead by setting an example for others to guide their futures. Legacies often tremendously impact, encourage and leave pathways for future generations and they provide

guidance and inspiration for family members and others to live lives that impact their faith, homes, community and businesses.

First UMC has a long legacy of making disciples and caring for and shaping the lives of those in our church and in our community. This legacy has been accomplished through intentional worship, loving congregational care, compassionate mission, deep spiritual formation, and lifestyle evangelism. We often think of a legacy as something left and therefore as something finite. However, in a church, the legacy is shared from generation to generation and grows, changes and advances while maintaining the core goals and principles. Our Legacy Keepers Ministry, formerly known as our senior adults, continues to play an integral role in the keeping and advancing this church’s legacy through

their engagement in hospitality, community, growth, generosity and service. Please join the Legacy Keepers as they host the First Annual Legacy Keeper’s Recognition Banquet on Tuesday, May 2 at 6 p.m. At the banquet, members of the church will be recognized for their advancement of and commitment to worship, congregational care, evangelism, mission, and spiritual formation. Come, and enjoy fellowship, a good meal, and discover this year’s recognized members.

Reservations can be made by contacting Shera Atkinson at satkinson@fumc.com or calling Shera at 806 796 4607 Ext 240.

Soli Deo Gloria, Shera

the past three years. We have grown close to the entire family over that time and feel blessed to count them as friends. Our sons are roommates at Texas Tech, and we coordinate with one another to drop off and pick up each other’s kids from school. Our lives are deeply intertwined! Maybe that is why I feel so deeply proud for Bailey and his family the opportunity that lies before them as Bailey takes on the mantle of lead pastor at Wolfforth Methodist. Please join me in celebrating and appreciating all that the Barkley family has meant to our church and your lives individually!

After Easter, that means that we will be making a transition in our clergy team at FUMC. I have already been in conversation with Bishop Nunn and the cabinet for possible additions to our church family. I am confident God will provide just the right person to help lead us in this next chapter

for our church! Continue to hold that process in your prayers as well!

I also want to let you know that our church will be hosting the entirety of the Northwest Texas Annual Conference. Annual Conference this year will be held June 1 and 2, and there might be several opportunities for volunteers to assist in this important time for the conference. More details about that will be forthcoming.

Lastly, I want to thank each of you for your prayerful and diligent discernment over the past few months. While the result was undoubtedly large, it also means that there are some who are left with questions moving forward. I understand that immensely. But let me remind you that nothing has changed with respect to the doctrine or practices at our church. I don’t

expect our church to deviate from the path that it has both blazed and consistently maintained for decades. And my expectation is that our church will continue to be the strong witness of God’s undeniable presence and Lordship over our lives. In response, I anticipate we will continue to seek innovative and substantial means for making disciples of Jesus Christ in our community and beyond!

May God continue to bless you throughout the rest of the Lenten season and beyond! And make sure to invite others to be a part of this vibrant and essential community of faith called FUMC!

Grace and Peace, Pastor Todd

Shera Atkinson

Minister of Spiritual Formation and Congregational Care

Dear FUMC congregation,

Now that our church-wide disaffiliation vote on March 5, 2023 has come and gone, we now reflect on our past, while also looking ahead to the future.

To re-cap, for a church to disaffiliate, requires a two-thirds majority vote (66.7%) to carry. Results of the vote came in close to 31.5% to disaffiliate, and the remaining 68.5% voted to remain UMC. As church council chair, I was pleased to see the CLC at a full capacity voter turnout, in hopes of garnering a true reflection of the wishes of our church.

Looking back, this past year or so has seen the surfacing of many concerns, opinions, worries, fears, speculation and unfortunately some unavoidable division amongst our congregation about the issues concerning the United Methodist Church, and furthermore, how FUMC Lubbock might be affected in the future. In my opinion, it has been sad and unfortunate that we, as a congregation, have had to go through the decision process

of having to “pick and choose” for what we think is best for our church. None of us asked for this, but it was laid upon us as a denomination, and we have had to weather through it. Discernment brought on informational meetings from the district level, small group questionand-answer meetings, video links to local and national perspectives, comparison charts, endless emails, prayer and ultimately the decision of a church-wide vote on March 5 that resulted in the numbers I’ve mentioned above.

When entering this situation, I was told by several that had been through this before from outside of our church that there would be no way to make everyone happy, nor a solution that would give everyone what they want. That has been the biggest thing that has been extremely hard for me to swallow… especially in a church environment where we are to always love our neighbor. I know it has been very difficult for others as well.

As Pastor Todd has previously mentioned after the vote results

from March 5, we must realize for some this is a time to rejoice, but for others there are painful wounds. I suspect all of us love and respect people on either side of the issues, and we must recognize and respect the emotions that are there.

No doubt, life gives us challenges that will come and go. I have always believed that what we choose to focus on, whether positive or negative, will indeed grow. May we focus on the good, not the bad… faith, not fear… in unity, not division. In the days ahead, I pray that we lift each other up, shake hands, continue to pray and discern together, so that we keep each other strong, encourage one another, and move forward in ways that will make God proud.

I deeply thank everyone for their input, support and love for this invaluable and beautiful church and the congregation that we are.

In appreciation and prayer,

Stan Cribbs, Church Council Chairman

“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.”

– Colossians 4:2

National Day of Prayer

This year you are invited to participate in the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 4, by engaging in two simple steps. First, order a National Day of Prayer Yard sign that will let your neighborhood know that members of FirstLBK are praying for them. Second, commit to prayer for those in your neighborhood, our community, schools, first responders, and state and national leaders.

The cost for each sign is $5. Signs may be picked up at church or delivered to your yard. If you would like to volunteer to deliver yard signs, please contact Shera Atkinson at satkinson@fumc.com or calling Shera at 806-796-4607, ext 240. The signs will be available for pickup April 23 or delivered the week of the National Day of Prayer.

First UMC Staff Update

We would like to announce that our CFO, James Rotramel, officially retired on December 31, 2022 after 10 years of dedicated service to our church. We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for his contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. James and his wife, Linda, have been members of FUMC since 2012.

As we bid farewell to James, we are excited to announce that FUMC member, Danny Johnston has been officially hired as our fulltime COO/CFO. With his extensive

experience and expertise in finance and operations, we are confident that Danny will continue to be a valuable addition to our staff and congregation. Danny has been a member of FUMC since 1974.

In recognition of James’ service, we will have a special recognition time in the future in one of our services. We will keep you informed about the details as they become available.

Please join us in congratulating James on his retirement and welcoming Danny to our FUMC staff.

Linda and James Rotramel James retired from the FUMC Staff after 10 years of service.

Dear FUMC Family -

By now, you are likely aware that I have accepted an appointment to serve as the Sr. Pastor at Wolfforth Methodist Church. For me, this is an opportunity to serve in pastoral leadership with a greater level of responsibility. I believe that the Lord has led me into this new role.

During this time of transition, I cannot help but remember the blessing this church has been to my family and me. When the Barkleys arrived in the Summer of 2012, our children were 8,6,4, and 6 months old. The older three kid’s names (Dayton, Ella, and Hudson) are on the confirmation banners that annually line the walls of our sanctuary. The youngest (Brennan) has never known another church. Truly, FUMC has been a formative experience for our family!

I have been blessed to grow under the leadership and example set by Todd and Shera. My colleagues on staff have been a great blessing and I have learned much from them as well. Finally, the people of our church have been encouraging and supportive over these years. I have received countless emails, cards, and words of affirmation. Your support has helped to build a foundation of

confidence that I can move forward from. I am grateful to God for each of you.

In my absence, I encourage you to look toward the future with boldness. Looking forward is of utmost necessity, as the tendency during these times is to look back so much as to neglect looking ahead. I pray that the person(s) who takes over my role will be anointed and wise, with fresh vision to lead into the future.

Grace and peace, Pastor Bailey

Our Life Together

BAPTISMS

Congratulations to Robert and Christy Howard on the baptism of their twin boys, Evan and Owen. Dr. Shera Atkinson baptized them February 19 in the Chapel service.

Congratulations to Austin and Jesse Heinrich on the baptism of their daughter, Hallie. Reverend Bailey Barkley baptized Hallie March 12 in the 9:30 Contemporary service

BIRTHS

Congratulations to Carla Oden on the birth of her granddaughter, Mae Madlyn Brinkley born on February 18. Proud parents are Cory Brinkley and Meryl Oden.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to the Howard family on joining First Lubbock February 19. Robert joined in the 11 Traditional service by Dr. Shera Atkinson. Christy, Owen, and Evan joined in the Chapel service by Dr. Atkinson.

Welcome to Stuart Campbell for joining First Lubbock February 19 in

Welcome to the Bybee family, Dakota, Lauren, Harper, and Hudson on joining First Lubbock February 26 in the 11 Traditional service by Dr. Todd Salzwedel. They are transferring from St. Stephens UMC.

Welcome to Olivia Sanborn on joining First Lubbock February 26 in the 11 Traditional service by Dr. Todd Salzwedel. She is joining by Profession of Faith.

Welcome to Courtney Norton on joining First Lubbock March 1 by Dr. Shera Atkinson. She is joining by Profession of Faith.

Welcome to Susie Reynolds on joining First Lubbock March 5 in 9:30 Contemporary by Rev. Bailey Barkley. Susie is transferring from Crowley UMC.

Welcome to Joyce Matei on joining First Lubbock on March 5, in the Chapel service by Dr. Shera Atkinson. Joyce joined by Profession of Faith.

Welcome to Karl Manning on joining First Lubbock on March 5 in the Chapel service by Dr. Shera Atkinson. Karl is transferring from St. Peters in New York.

SAVE THE DATE come serve with us

May 27, 2023

Scan for info

Helping Hands Ministry is a mission at First UMC Lubbock working to help elderly homeowners make their homes safe and dry. Working in partnership with a local organization, Backyard Missions, Helping Hands Ministry uses a list of homeowners who have applied for assistance and been approved based on financial need. Our next workday is May, 27. Contact Frank or Kathy Phillips to sign up, frankandkathyphillips@gmail.com.

Welcome to Jesse Heinrich on joining First Lubbock March 12 in the 9:30 Contemporary service by Rev. Bailey Barkley. She is transferring from New Home Baptist.

SYMPATHIES

Sympathies to the Jones family on the death of Mary Ellen. Mary Ellen passed away February 13. A memorial service was held March 4 in Bowman Chapel officiated by Dr. Shera Atkinson. Mary Ellen was 100 years old and a member of First Lubbock since July 12, 1970.

Sympathies to the Pearson family on the death of Waldeen. Waldeen passed away, March 9. A memorial service was held March 17 at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. Waldeen had been a member of the HI Robinson Sunday School, Friends of Music, and a member of First Lubbock since Sept. 16, 2011.

Sympathies to the Foster family on the death of Bobbie Foster. Bobbie passed away March 16. A memorial service was held on Monday, March 20 in Bowman Chapel officiated by Dr. Shera Atkinson and Reverend Ruby Moultrie. Bobbie was a member of the HI Robinson Sunday School and a member of First Lubbock since October 29, 2000.

Senior Adults

p.m.

VESPER CONCERT

Sunday, May 7, 5 p.m. Chanticleer

The GRAMMY Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer has been hailed as “the world’s reigning male chorus” by The New Yorker, and is known around the world as “an orchestra of voices” for its wideranging repertoire and dazzling virtuosity.

Memorials & Honorariums – March 15, 2023

CHANCEL CHOIR MINISTRY

In memory of Virginia Brackett by Bob and Martha York

COLUMBARIUM FUND

In memory of Bryan Ross

Smitherman by Danny and Pat Johnston

In memory of Bryan Ross

Smitherman by Rebecca Grattan

COUNSELING CENTER

In memory of Lisa and Bryan Ross

Smitherman by Bill and Gwen Morgan

During the past year Flowers on Wheels has continued to deliver banquets of flowers to those members living in retirement, care facilities and those confined to their homes. We are in need of vases so these deliveries can continue. The flowers delivered to memory care units require us to use plastic vases and we are

EVERLIVING TRUST

In honor of Jim and John White’s 90th birthday by Tom and Susan Clark

FRIENDS OF MUSIC

In memory of Bryan Ross

Smitherman by Baird Helfrich

In memory of Bryan Ross

Smitherman by Pitts and Cynthia Davis

In honor of Jim and John White for their 90th Birthday by Ralph Tamper

In memory of Bryan Ross

Smitherman by Dan Smith and Kiki Betts-Dean

having difficulty finding them at this time. If you have either glass or plastic vases that you would like to recycle, please bring them to the church and leave them at the desk. Thanks for always helping with this ministry through your donations.

If you are interested in delivering flowers please email Challa Goedeke, cjgoedeke@ hotmail.com. We can always use more

In memory of Bryan Ross

Smitherman by Beverly Bowen

MUSIC MINISTRY

In memory of Mary Ellen Jones by Dave and Harriet Bush

In memory of Bernhard T. Mittemeyer by Bob and Martha York

TREASURED TIMES

In memory of Delmar Wilson by Vance and Trisha Singleton

volunteers and this is a wonderful way to bring joy to our members that can no longer attend FUMC services in person.

fumc.com/youth HAPPENING

Sunday, April 2

Sunday Night Students

Friday, April 7

Good Friday Crosswalk

Sunday, April 9

Easter Sunrise Service

No Sunday Night Students

Sunday, April 16

Sunday Night Students

Sunday, April 23

Sunday Night Students

Sunday, April 30

Night Students

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR SIGNUPS AND

EVENTS

ONE

@firststudents_lbk @FirststudentsLBK

Grades 7–9

June 12–16

Grades 9–12

June 19–23

Now–April 17 | $360

April 18 & After | $370 Sign up at fumc.com/youth