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A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
THEWINDOW 1411 BROADWAY | LUBBOCK, TX 79401 | 806.763.4607 | FUMC.COM | DECEMBER 2020
What’s Inside Page 03 Discipleship
Page 04 Missions & Outreach
Page 05 Christmas Missions Offering
Page 07 First Youth
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.
CHRISTMAS As a child, I remember my parents stating that time seemed to go by faster the older they got. I thought this was preposterous, especially when it came to the time leading up to Christmas. Fast forward several decades and as SENIOR PASTOR a parent and a pastor, Todd Salzwedel I am fully aware of the wise words that they were conveying! It is hard for me to believe that Advent is now upon us! Even as the staff and I have been discussing different plans and opportunities, I’m amazed – and somewhat nervous! – that there is so much to get done in such a short period of time! First Lubbock has a long and storied tradition around worship for the Advent and Christmas seasons. We are committed to continuing this, even in the midst of such uncertainty. We are equally committed to the safety and security of our church and the community we serve. So, I want to share with you our plans as well as our thinking thus far. Please note that in such a time as we find ourselves, the best laid plans could be upended and need to be modified at a moment’s notice. But this is what we are planning at this time. During Advent, we will continue with the four Sunday services we are currently offering. At each, we will explore Advent from a different perspective, or lens, to better understand the most significant event in history - the birth of Jesus Christ - and what that means in our world now. The music, liturgies, and messages
will focus on the coming of the Messiah and help us to see this in a different light. The title of the series is Christmas 20/20 and we will elevate the hope this child brings in the midst of turmoil, confusion, and anxiety. We have a role to play in that as well in our society today! Of course, Christmas Eve here at First Lubbock is a tradition for so many near and far! This year, we expect nothing less. We also understand that there are anxieties this year that we have never contended with as a church. In the past, our 6:00 traditional service has been packed. Given the restrictions for group safety, we have limited seating available. Trying to assess just how many people to expect at our Christmas Eve services has resulted in as many varied opinions as you can imagine! As such, we are asking for some help from you. First, we are sending out a survey to get a sense of what service you and your family/ guests are likely to attend. The options will include a 4:00 Contemporary service in the CLC, a 6:00 Traditional service, and a 9:00 Traditional service. Both traditional services will be held in the sanctuary. There is also an option to attend the 4:00 or 6:00 services at home via livestream (either on our website, our Facebook page, or through the TV broadcast of the 6:00 Traditional service). Please complete the short survey to give us an idea of what your intentions are on Christmas Eve. It will be available on our website and you will receive an email. Given that we have limited seating available, and the history of high turnout on Christmas December 2020 | The Window 1 2) (continued on page
(continued from page 1) Eve, we are preparing for an overflow option as needed in the CLC. The live service will be shown on the screens. We are encouraging people to attend then via livestream or to consider attending the 9:00 Traditional Service or the earlier Contemporary service. Please understand that we have no way of fully communicating to visitors in the community and abroad that make Christmas Eve at First Lubbock a tradition in their families aware of the seating limitations. Further, we don’t have a definitive way to begin to adequately know what attendance will be like, especially if the rise in COVID cases continues at such a high level. So we need your help to make plans accordingly.
that our church continues to do to provide a welcoming and safe place for people to experience the love of Christ! I am confident that this year, we will make those who have come before us proud for our witness of the undying faith that they have handed down to us that will guide us boldly into the future… and it begins this Advent! Grace and Peace! Pastor Todd Salzwedel
I am excited to join in worship this Advent season and welcome the birth of the Christ child again this year in a time when the world so needs the hope that only God can provide! And I am proud of the amazing work
CHRISTMAS EVE FIR ST UNIT ED ME T H O D IST CH UR CH , LU BBOC K
Seating is limited to 50% capacity Face coverings are highly encouraged. 4:00 p.m. Contemporary Service – Christian Life Center 6:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. – Sanctuary
Watch live from home at 4:00 and 6:00, fumc.com/livestream or facebook.com/lubbockfumc 2
December 2020 | The Window
Advent Devotional: Travel the Highways of Advent Can you believe it? Advent began on November 29! However, it is not too late to grow as we read “Travel the Highways of Advent”. The book is organized with each chapter correlating to a week of Advent. Its premise is that we are on a journey and multiple highways can get us where God is leading. Take a trip down highways of reversal and enthusiasm, straightening and merriment. You are invited to stop and linger at the end of each week on questions that will bring you closer to God and strengthen you and your journey. You may pick up your book at the main intersection of the church or call Shera Atkinson at 763-4607.
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Dear church family, What does it mean to be a disciple or to participate in discipleship? The literal answer is to be a learner. The dictionary defines discipleship as:
· A person who is a pupil or adherent to the doctrines of another.
· One who embraces and assists in spreading the teaching of another.
· Any follower of another person.
What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ, much less to make more disciples? It means we are not only called to learn the teachings of Jesus Christ; we are also called to live them. As we read God’s Word, we learn about Jesus and how He lived. We begin to understand what it means to be like Jesus. We learn to put Him first in all things. We become equipped to listen to the Holy Spirit, who lives within us. He helps us resist temptation and overcome trials. We learn how to examine our thoughts, actions, and words—always comparing them with Scripture. We want to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. We begin to understand what it means to “abide in Christ” and the Holy Spirit produces fruit
Lisa Harper Event Postponed Due to the rising covid numbers, the Women’s Ministry Team has made the decision to postpone Lisa Harper for a later date.
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in our lives — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We start loving other people through action. We long to share our faith with others and tell unbelievers about the changes Jesus has made in our lives. Everything we read, each relationship we engage in, Shera Atkinson each prayer we pray and every Minister of Spiritual decision we make should move Formation and us further on our discipleship Congregational Care pathway. This year I invite you to consider Advent not just as a time ready yourself for a commercial Christmas, but a time to prepare for a deeper walk with Christ. To this end, I invite you to use this year’s Advent devotion as a tool to grow in your discipleship. Be sure to read about the book and make your plans to pick it up at the church. Soli Deo Gloria, Shera
Order your Poinsettias Remember or honor loved ones this Christmas Season. Help us decorate the Sanctuary, Chapel, and CLC with poinsettias during Advent and Christmas with your purchase of these beautiful flowers. Order forms can be found in the bulletins, or order online at fumc.com/poinsettias. For questions, contact Hollon Meadors in the Music Department, hmeaders@fumc.com. Poinsettias are $20 each, and the deadline is Monday, December 14.
December 2020 | The Window
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Missions & Outreach Ways to Serve BAYLESS SNACK BAGS/ FOOD2KIDS WORK DAY December 5 Take your family or join some of your church family in packing snack packs with Food2Kids. Sign up online at signupgenius.com/go/baylesssnackbags The warehouse is located at: South Plains Food2Kids - 12516 Chicago Ave. CHRISTMAS FOOD BOX DISTRIBUTION December 19 South Plains Food Bank Sign Up online at fumc.com/first-missions or signupgenius.com/go/spfbworkday HURRICANE RELIEF PHONE CALL TEAM Volunteers needed ASAP As many of you know, a record 10th Hurricane struck the Gulf Coast within the week. There is great need and we intend to respond. In fact, we have been presented with an opportunity to help from right here in the Northwest Conference. If you have access to a computer with internet and any phone, you can help with the estimated 10,000-15,000 calls that will need to be made starting ASAP. Persons suffering damage or needing assistance will need to be contacted and offered compassion and assistance so a team of people need to be assembled to help. I understand all will be handled online with a need to contact about 20 people a day. Please contact Sara Lattimore, slattimore@fumc.com for more details and to get on a list of those who are available to start making calls.
HURRICANE RELIEF MISSION TRIP December 12-17 Location: Jasper, TX Lodging is staying on cots at the First United Methodist Church in Jasper. The church would provide breakfast and lunch, dinner would be out. The church would help with in town transportation for assessments. Projects: Damage Assessment in partnership with Texas Department of Emergency Management. Ten people max, teams of 2-3 will go into the community to survey damage and needs on homes. A couple of people willing to help collate data to pass along are also needed. This trip is not repairing damage, but preparing the way for repairs to begin, and building relationships and partnership in the community for future teams. Volunteer skills: Flexibility! Must be willing to try a new model and adapt as needed. Ability to talk to people is needed. Attention to detail and able to follow instructions and complete assessments on home, reporting the repair needs are also important. Participants must be 18 or older. If you have any questions please contact Sara Lattimore, slattimore@fumc. com. Sign up at fumc.com/hurricane-relief. GROWING MISSIONALLY MISSION STUDIES New Studies coming in January 2021! SMALL GROUPS FAMILIES IN MISSION (Small Group) Mondays 6:00-7:30 (Ongoing) Lattimore House
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December 2020 | The Window
A small group for families of all shapes, sizes, and ages. Build community with families that desire to serve, grow, learn, and love others together. Contact Sara Lattimore, slattimore@ fumc.com for more information December Mission Offering Month Mission Trip Sign Ups Begin: Summer of 2021- Alaska 12/5 Bayless Snack Bags/Food2Kids Work Day 12/19 Christmas Food Box Distribution/ Food Bank Work Day January 2021 Roxanne Turnipseed from Tranquilidad Children’s Home in Honduras will be speaking in Memorial Hall at 9:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Recap Let me start by saying a very loud THANK YOU! This year’s Community Thanksgiving was possible because of all the hard work, innovation, and teamwork from volunteers and staff. We adapted constantly and came to a drive-thru set up that fulfilled its purpose of sharing food and love with our community. We served 1058 meals to our neighbors. We had a total of 100 volunteers who helped at various times and in various ways. Despite challenges along the way, we found ways to persevere and overcome. Your prayers, your gifts, your service helped make this mission a success. So, thank you church family! Sara Lattimore Director of Missions & Outreach slattimore@fumc.com fumc.com/first-missions
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MOVED BY JESUS. LOVING PEOPLE. SERVING ALL.
CHRISTMAS MISSIONS OFFERING Dear Church Family, With excitement, we are entering into December and our Mission Offering Month. It has been said before, but it bears repeating that 2020 has been a very different year. As we finish celebrating Thanksgiving and we turn to Advent and Christmas we are reminded that despite our struggles of the past year Christmas is coming. The Christ child was born to bring us peace and love. In the midst of the struggle of 2020, our church family has stepped in and helped to meet the needs of our community and partner with what God is doing in Lubbock and beyond. Your prayers, gifts, and presence have made it possible for those in need in Lubbock and other places to feel the love of Christ through the missions of First LBK. This December you are invited to continue to be a part of what God is doing through the missions of First LBK. Missions seeks to continue to be present and sharing the love of Christ in our community and beyond for the remainder of 2020 and into 2021. 2020 Highlights • Second Helpings served meals to those in need in our community every Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday and was never shut down due to COVID.
• Bayless received school supplies and hoodies for the students as well as appreciation gifts for the teachers and staff.
• We continued to work with the Food Bank to help provide food to families in need.
• Support funds were sent to missionaries in Spain and Honduras to support their efforts in those communities.
• Our Annual Thanksgiving Meal was hosted as a drive-thru and served 1058 meals to our community.
• Missions Studies explored what it looks like to love our neighbors and live missionally.
• Missions found innovative ways to share the love of Christ, partner with other organizations in our community, and meet needs in our community throughout our COVID lockdowns. How is God calling you to partner with him in missions and loving your neighbors in Lubbock and around the world? Your gifts and service to missions will help First LBK fulfill its calling and purpose. We invite you to prayerfully consider how you will be a part of showing the love of Christ in our community and world through 2021. December 2020 | The Window
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Our Life Together BAPTISM Congratulations to Toby and Krysta Cecil on the baptism of their daughter, Brecklyn Kate, Sunday, October 25 in the 11 Traditional service by Pastor Todd Salzwedel. BIRTHS Congratulations to William David and Carolyn Corinne Wilkerson on the birth of their daughter, Charlotte Corinne Wilkerson, born on October 21.
NEW MEMBERS Congratulations to Jim Dines and Nancy Wood on joining First Lubbock, Sunday, October 4 in the 11Tradtional service by Pastor Todd Salzwedel. Jim and Nancy are transferring from Central UMC in Albuquerque. Congratulations to Max and Jordan Campbell on joining First Lubbock, Sunday, November 8 in the 11 Tradtional service by Pastor Todd Salzwedel.
SYMPATHIES Sympathies to Fuston McCarty and family on the death of his wife, Billie Ruth McCarty. Billie Ruth passed away October 15. A time of fellowship and remembrance was held November 1 at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. The memorial service was held November 2 in the sanctuary officiated by Dr. Shera Atkinson. Billie Ruth had been a part of the Friends of Music, the HI Robinson Sunday school class, and a member of First Lubbock since February 2, 1975. Sympathies to Mike and Marilyn Riley on the death of Mike’s father, Claude Verne Riley. Claude passed away October 18. Mike and Marilyn are a part of the Pathfinder’s Sunday School class. Sympathies to the Winton family on the death of Alison Winton. She passed away October 27. A Celebration of Life was held October 30 at Lake Ridge Chapel. Alison had been a member of First Lubbock since August 5, 1990. Her husband George had passed away
October 10, 2018, and her mother Sylvia Taylor had passed away April 23, 2020. Sympathies to the family of John Akeley. John passed away November 3. A memorial service will be held at a later date. John was a part of the Friends of Music, HI Robinson Sunday School class, and a member of First Lubbock since July 4, 2010. Sympathies to Curry Blackwell and Sherry Cate on the death of their mother, Jan Blackwell. She passed away November 5. Sympathies to Betty Henson on the death of her husband, Milton Henson. Milton passed away November 17. There will be a memorial service at a later date. Milton was a member of the Friends of Music, Homebuilders Sunday School class, and a member of First Lubbock since October 14, 1958.
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER
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December 2020 | The Window
Memorials & Honorariums – November 15, 2020 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY In memory of E.Hadley Phillips by Becky Hammonds In memory of Betty Suelick by Becky Hammond
In honor of Pastor Appreciation Pastor Todd Salzwedel, Dr. Shera Atkinson, Reverend Bailey Barkley, and Reverend Auggie Aguilera by Ambassador Sunday School class
EVERLIVING CHURCH TRUST In memory of Billie Ruth McCarty by Patricia Enloe
In memory of Dr. Robert Carr by Larry and Su Hess
In memory of Bill McMillan by Shannan Lile
FRIENDS OF MUSIC In memory of Billie Ruth McCarty by Betty Bowen
In memory of William G. and Laura McMillan by Roger and Ann Key A gratitude donation by Starla Ewan In memory of Becky Davis by Tommy and Norma Cooke
In memory of Bill McMillan by Tom and Carolyn Neal
MUSIC MINISTRY In memory of Marion T. Key by Terry and Charlene Key and Keith and Lauren Cioci
In memory of Dr. Robert Carr by Tom and Sammie Prather
ORGAN FUND In memory of Bill McMillan by Monte and Mary Ann Hasie
In memory of Billie Ruth McCarty by Giles M. and Lynn Forbess
SECOND HELPINGS In memory of Claude Riley by Becky Hammonds
In memory of Todd Quisenberry by Karen Havins
In memory of Claude Riley and Billie Ruth McCarty by Hannah Tipps
In memory of Jan Blackwell by Gary and Diane Gillit In memory of Dr. Robert Carr by Alfred Coffern
SUNDAY SCHEDULE SMALL GROUPS 9:45 A.M.
FIRST YOUTH GATHERING December 6 | December 13 NEW TIME: 5:30-7:30 P.M. Wesley Room *Please note: we will not have our First Youth Gathering on December 20 or December 27
COMMUNITY GROUPS MIDDLE SCHOOL December 9 6:45-8:00 P.M. First LBK Church | Wesley Room
TV MINISTRY In memory of Billie Ruth McCarty by Bob and Dana Craig
UPCOMING EVENTS CHARLIE’S COAT DRIVE Donate new or gently used coats from Now - December 13 Drop-off locations will be available throughout the church. Other drop-off locations are Wentz Orthodontics / Ready-Set-Go / Best In-Home Care / The Dance Gallery / Triple J
SKI TRIP 2021 Wolf Creek Ski Resort, CO NEW DATES: March 17-21, 2021
HIGH SCHOOL December 2 | December 16 6:45-8:00 P.M. FirstLBK Church | Wesley Room December 2020 | The Window
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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH•LUBBOCK
FIRSTLBK
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MOVED BY JESUS. LOVING PEOPLE. SERVING ALL.
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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH•LUBBOCK
FIRSTLBK
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MOVED BY JESUS. LOVING PEOPLE. SERVING ALL.
WORSHIP SERVICES Traditional
8:30 a.m. Connect - Sanctuary 9 a.m. Bowman Chapel 11 a.m. Sanctuary
Contemporary
9:30 a.m. Christian Life Center 11 a.m. Christian Life Center @fumclbk @fumclbk 8
December 2020 | The Window
1411 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401 fumc.com The Window is a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church, Lubbock