The Window - January 2023

THEWINDOW

Think back with me for a minute. It wasn’t that long ago that the turn of the new year would cause great frustration for many of us as we constantly wrote the wrong year on each check we tried to pass! For a few months, our checks would have the corrected year along with our initials indicating that we had made the change on the date! Today, many of us use our credit/ debit cards for purchases, eliminating that constant nuisance! Nevertheless, it still takes many of us considerable

time to instinctually write the correct year… and it seems that just when we have it right, the calendar year is over yet again!

As the calendar continues to run, it serves as a reminder that time is not standing still. The world in which we live is constantly changing around us. The cherished memories become further removed from our current reality, and we wonder where the time went. Amid such circumstances, we might wonder what constants we have in our lives.

In the life of the church, the first Sunday of January is dedicated to Epiphany – the recognition of the visit of the magi to the Christ child. In that moment, everything changed in the world, whether people realized it or

not. Mary and Joseph, the shepherds from the fields, and the angelic chorus were aware that a paradigm shift had taken place at Jesus’ birth. For the rest of the region, and ultimately the world, it would take a few more years. The second Sunday marks our remembrance of Jesus’ baptism by John in the desert. Jesus’ public ministry – his triumphs, the challenges, and the obstacles – would be on full display for the next three years. Nothing would be the same though for him, us, or the world from that point forward.

The life of Jesus, and the early church, were a constantly changing landscape. In many ways, those changes fit another definition for

Creating grace-filled environments where Jesus Christ transforms lives.

Pg. 03

Organ Dedication Celebration January 15

Pg. 04

God Answers Prayer Shera and Sergey’s Peruvian adventure Pg. 07 Memorials and Honorariums

SENIOR PASTOR

Todd Salzwedel

(continued from page 1)

epiphany – “a sudden revelation or insight”. For the remainder of years that Jesus walked among us, God continued to be revealed to us in new and revolutionary ways. Insights as to how we incorporate the Law of God in our lives took shape by the teaching and example of Jesus. We understood that it was the grace of God that served to save us. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, God continued, through the Holy Spirit, to reveal ways in which we would become the church. Today, the church, in all its many forms, is a manifestation of that continued revelation. You might say we are the result of continuous epiphanies!

This insight seems apropos to me currently, as our church is in a time of transition and discernment. This is true for the denomination as well as for our beloved home here at First UMC. At this moment in time, our denomination and our church are being asked to make decisions that will profoundly affect what our individual and collective future looks like. Do we remain United Methodist? Do we disaffiliate and become independent? Do we choose to join another Wesleyan body like the newly formed Global Methodist Church? Many perspectives and opinions about what the future looks like have been shared among Sunday School classes, church-wide meetings, and individual conversations. Still, some amongst us believe there are many unanswerable questions for which they would like to have some assurances. We might be able to make some projections of what we think might take place in these

different scenarios, but in the end, we will be making decisions based on our best efforts to look into the future.

During our December Charge Conference and Church Council meeting, the results of the survey were shared and discussion around the next steps for our church took place. Ultimately, about 50% of the more than 400 respondents to the survey indicated they thought our church should have a vote about disaffiliating with the United Methodist Church. Additionally, every member of the Church Council received the written comments that many of you provided in response to the questions. Those are available to the church via our website at fumc.com/survey-results. They are unaltered in their content (typos and everything) in order that we could share this information with you in a transparent fashion. Ultimately, this information is being shared with you because the Church Council agreed that the church needs to move in the direction of having a church-wide vote regarding disaffiliation.

Very soon, you will receive even more information about the church vote. We are also looking for effective ways to get you information about the different options available to the church. This is a time where I would invite you to deep prayer and fasting. The decisions made will have an impact beyond these walls and for generations to come. The process for how our church will vote is clearly defined by our Conference Trustees and will require that people be present at the appointed time to cast your individual vote. The date and time of the vote has not been set, but

you will have ample notice before it takes place. I encourage everyone to make it a priority to be present at the time of the vote.

One of the statements I hear is that we don’t want anything to change. While I understand the sentiment, this is simply not a reality that can be maintained. Regardless of what we do in our individual lives, or here at the church, things change. Our church will not be the same regardless of the result of the vote. There will be some sort of change. Likewise, our lives are never the same year to year… we are in a constant state of change. But we do so with the consistent assuredness that God is with us always!

So, I’m still going to struggle to write down the correct year for a couple of months. I probably still get stuck in ways of being and doing church that are “so last year!” I’m a creature of habit! But I pray like the magi, shepherds and saints before us that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide and direct all of us in new and exciting ways so that we truly will be a part of making the Kingdom of God a reality in our lives and the lives of others! I pray that as we remember Epiphany, it is not just an event that took place in the past, but rather an encouragement that God continues to reveal Himself to us constantly. Remember, Scripture instructs us to be hospitable at all times, for we may be in the company of angels (messengers in the Greek and Hebrew), and those angels may have an audacious new revelation for us all!

God’s grace and peace be with us all!

Pastor Todd

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Organ Dedication Celebration

Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 5 p.m.

This dedication celebration for our Sanctuary’s long-awaited new pipe organ, Letourneau Opus 135, is performed by FUMC’s former guest artists-in-residence and organists, who return to Lubbock for a joyful reunion among Texans and the legacy of Friends of Music.

The organ comprises 97 total stops, 75 ranks, 4,233 pipes on four manuals and pedal, and features five expressive divisions.

Opus 135 is playable from two new consoles. There is a large and traditional four-manual stopknob console in the chancel, and a two-manual console in the gallery with touchscreen controls. The gallery console offers the same stop controls as its larger brother at the other end of the sanctuary, giving organists complete control of the instrument in real time. Both consoles also share the same capture system, allowing the organist to move from one end of the building to the other without concern for registrations.

Former guest artists in residence attending are: Timothy Brown, Christopher Betts, Neil Chippington, Sigurd Ogaard, Phil Walsh, and Ian Wilson.

The chancel choir was invited to sing Christmas carols at the Buddy Holly Center on December 9.

College & Young Adults

College activities are gearing back up for the new semester!

Sunday Lunch After Services: College students and young adults are invited to gather in the atrium after the 11:00 worship services and go out to lunch. Lunch will be free in the month of January, and then about $10-15 the rest of the semester.

Small Group: College students and young adults are invited to meet in room 5 during the Sunday school hour to go through various teaching series.

Wednesday Night Dinner and Bible Study: Join us at Michael Spaulding’s house from 7:30-9 p.m.to share a meal and study a chapter of the bible. Contact Michael for address.

Contact: Michael Spaulding, mspaulding@fumc.com

God Answers Prayer

four, we saw an alpaca farm and took the train to Agua Calliente. We made the trek up Manchu Pichu and made it safely down. The ingenuity and workmanship were amazing and the surroundings spectacular. We had a wonderful trip, just as was expected – to that point.

Dear church family,

This past November, my nephew and I took a trip to Peru. It had Ebenezer moments I would like to share. We arrived in Lima and tried a Peruvian steak house, took a walking tour of the city and were grateful that we were not driving in the traffic which, was generally a threelane road with five cars in those three lanes. We flew from Lima to Cusco, where we acclimated to the elevation (11, 192 ft). We took another walking tour and went to dinner, which resulted in a little food poisoning. The next day we visited the Incan Sacred Valley where we toured Moray, Ollantaytumbay and Maras. At each place, we were reminded of how God planted within the human spirit the desire to create and grow. On day

The next day as we were about to board the plane in Cusco, we were informed that there was an operational issue at the Lima airport and we would be delayed. The issue turned out to be the closing of the Lima Airport due to a plane crash and the delay turned out to be a cancellation. We rebooked our flight to Lima which was promptly canceled. After visiting with Sky Airline, I learned that we would be stranded until at least Thanksgiving day. But… I come from a family that taught me that there is always a way! Leaving the airport, I saw a rental car agency. We learned that it was a 20 hour drive and that if we left quickly, we might make it to Lima in time to board our 4 p.m. Sunday flight to Miami by way of Mexico.

My nephew did respectfully offer his opinion that this was not a smart idea, but then quietly waited as I rented a car. As we were

about to get into the car, he asked, “You do realize this will be a standard transmission car, don’t you? You do know how to drive a standard, right?” Of course I do! Or, at least I did 30 years ago. Off we went into the three lanes of five cars abreast. After an hour in traffic, killing the car twice and many people saying what I can only assume were not nice Spanish words, we made it out of Cusco only to realize we needed gas. That was about the time it dawned on me that we were in a third world country and I had no idea if gas stations were open all night. This was also complicated by the fact that Peru is a Visa country and I have only used Master Card. I called home and shared what we were doing and asked my sister not to call while we were on the road. I let her know that she would hear from me in about 21 hours and we continued on our way.

Our next obstacle occurred when Sergey, who was navigating us through the Andes, mentioned that we were on a oll road with about seven tolls stops. We had almost no Peruvian money, and it was Saturday night with no money exchange stores along the route. He also mentioned that the map looked as

though we might have a few sharp turns. Fifteen and one-half hours late,r having two close calls with the edge of the mountain, we finally left the mountain roads full of hairpin turns without barricades for the dessert straight that lasted about 30 minutes.

During that time in the mountains, we begged our way through toll booths, and learned that our car’s reverse did not work.

After that 30-minute reprieve, we entered the desert mountains where we often had to stop so truckers could get their rigs around the same type of hairpin curves we had just left 30 minutes earlier. We finally made it to the coastal road where we were making great time until we were pulled over by police who were doing a multi-car stop. After being threatened with jail, we were “asked” for money, which we gladly gave and completed our journey through the Lima traffic and to the airport just in time for our flight.

Here is what was going on behind the scenes: three friends stayed up all night to pray. Another who had no idea there was a problem decided Saturday night to pray about a situation I had shared with her that I hoped might be resolved

Shera Atkinson Minister of Spiritual Formation and Congregational Care

“Never

on the trip. The Thursday morning Bible study group, which only knew that we were stranded, were also praying. Very specific prayers were answered! One, the situation was resolved. Further, my sister prayed that I would have peace, and I was indeed calm most of the night. She also prayed for open gas stations that would take MasterCard. People prayed that we did not go over the side of the mountain and in those two cases it did indeed seem miraculous that the car stopped just short. The police only wanted what I had in my

billfold and I had had a sense that I should remove most of the cash from my billfold and had placed it in a different backpack, which they did not search. The traffic in Lima was only bad for three blocks and we made the flight on time.

My trip was fun but more importantly, it reaffirmed what God has shown throughout my life: God answers prayer! He is faithful and is our banner who goes before us into the dark night, into the storms and into the joy of the morning. If God does these things for me… He will be

equally faithful to you! Never stop praying and never discount the importance of friends who will pray! Never give up… with God, there is always a way because God will make a way where there appears to be no way.

Soli Deo Gloria, Shera

Our Life Together

BAPTISMS

Congratulations to to Brandon and Madison Quesada on the baptism of their son, Garrett. Rev. Bailey Barkley baptized Garrett on Sunday, December 11, 2022 in the 11 tradional service.

Congratulations to Alexander and Petra Higby on the baptism of their son, Arie Alexander. Dr. Todd Salzwedel baptized Arie Sunday, November 27 in the 11 traditional service. The proud grandparents are Pieter and Lou Ann Bergstein.

BIRTHS

Congratulations to Zachary and Saskia Allen on the birth of their daughter, Anneliese Saskia born on November 2, 2022. Proud grandparents are Pieter and Lou Ann Bergstein

Congratulations to Will and Carolyn Wilkerson on the birth of their son, Graham Ellis. Graham was born on December 28, 2022. Proud grandparents are David and Kim Wilkerson and Charles and Paula Key.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to Jacob Sanchez on joining First Lubbock Sunday, December 18, 2022 in the 11 traditional service with Rev. Bailey Barkley.

Welcome to Briana Dunn and Matthew O’Neill on joining First Lubbock Sunday, December 18, 2022 in the 11 traditional service with Dr. Todd Salzwedel.

SYMPATHIES

Sympathies to the Hall family on the death of Mark Creel Hall. Mark passed away November 20, 2022. A memorial service was held in the sanctuary December 2 in the sanctuary.

Sympathies to the Carter family on the death of Mary Carter. Mary passed away November 25, 2022. A memorial service was held December 5 in Bowman Chapel officiated by Dr. Shera Atkinson. In 2019, her husband, James preceded her in death. Mary had been a member of First Lubbock since November 1970.

Sympathies to the Streu family on the death of Doris. She passed away December 9, 2022. A memorial service was held at Ted Dickey Funeral Home in Plano December 29. Doris had been a member of the HI Robinson Sunday School and a member of First Lubbock since August 2012.

FIRSTSTUDENTS

UPCOMING

CONFIRMATION SCHEDULE

Confirmation Retreat

Friday, January 13 6–9 p.m. & Saturday, January 14 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Confirmation Banquet Thursday, January 19 6–8 p.m.

Confirmation Sunday January 22

EVENTS

fumc.com/youth

@firststudents_lbk @FirststudentsLBK

SPRING BREAKFAST & DINNER SIGNUPS

Parents, we need your help to provide breakfast on Sunday mornings and dinner on Sunday evenings. To view dates and sign-up, please visit fumc.com/youth

SUNDAY NIGHT

STUDENTS

Resumes January 8 5–7 p.m. in the Wesley Room

*We will NOT have Sunday Night Students on January 15

SAVE THE DATE

Encounter Weekend

*March—exact date TBD Senior Sunday May 21 More info coming soon!

Memorials & Honorariums – December 15, 2022

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

In memory of Robert Taylor by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In honor of Dena Taylor by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Betty Lowder by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In honor of Shera Atkinson by Larry and JoAnna Willis

CHOIR MINISTRY

In memory of Marion Key by Terry and Charlene Key

CHRISTMAS MISSIONS

In memory of Charlene Wulfekamp by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In honor of Beryl Waddell by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Mary Helen Jameson by Larry and JoAnna Willis

EVERLIVING TRUST

In memory of Tillman and Viola Carter by Dr. and Mrs. James Carter

In memory of Gene Rankin by Betty Bruce, Jackie, and Julie

In honor of Betty Bowen and Beverly Bowen by Ron Stroman

In memory of Charles Neeb by Ted and Vicki Neeb

In memory of Joan Sanders by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In honor of Joe Sanders by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Arlan Womble by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Eddie Owens by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Pete Harland by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In honor of Jackie Harland by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Denece Harris by Bob and Kay Salem

In memory of Doris Dust by the Pacesetters Sunday School

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY

begins January 10, 9:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY begins January 11, 12-1 p.m.

THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY begins January 19, 9:30 a.m.

Contact: Shera Atkinson, satkinson@fumc.com 806-763-4607, ext. 240

In memory of Wanda Atkinson by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Shirley Williams by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Robert Taylor by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Pete Harland by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Jack Strong, Jr. by Robert and Sharen Musselman

FORREST ORGAN FUND

In memory of Lynn, Bettye, and Carlene Willis by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Fran Waters by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In honor of Melanie Neal and family by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Tony Ross Smitherman by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In honor of Bryan Smitherman and family by Larry and JoAnna Willis

FRIENDS OF MUSIC

In memory of Raymond, Wilma, and Wallace Johns by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Larry Hagood by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In honor of Nancy M. Edwards by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Robert Francis by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In honor of Shay O’Shea by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Marcia Evans by Larry and JoAnna Willis

GENERAL

In memory of Shelley Hall Nelson by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Les Proffitt by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Phil Lacy by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In honor of Melinda Lacy by Larry and JoAnna Willis

MISSIONS MINISTRY

In memory of Charles Neeb by Larry and JoAnna Willis

NEXT STEPS

Discover your next step!

This is a chance for guests and regular attenders to get to learn more about the United Methodist beliefs, meet staff and others from FirstLBK, and find ways to get involved and serve.

Sunday, January 29, 12-2 p.m., CLC 107 Register: fumc.com/next-steps

Contact: Cally Reeves, creeves@fumc.com

In honor of Cheryl Neeb by Larry and JoAnna Willis

In memory of Betty Carr by Larry and JoAnna Willis

MUSIC MINISTRY

In honor of Ronnie and Dana Madison by Ronnie and Dianne Walton

In memory of Mary Carter by Charles and Paula Key

In memory of Milton and Betty Henson by Don and Robin Walker

In memory of Betty Carr by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Larry Hagood by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Mary Helen Jameson by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Shelley Hall Nelson by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Pat Nunley by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Carolyn Selby by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Tony Ross Smitherman by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Fran Waters by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Bill Pasewark by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Deborah Heflick by Robert and Sharen Musselman

In memory of Denece Harris by Jerry and Tobie Bailey

SECOND HELPINGS

In memory of Mike McPherson by the McPherson family

In memory of Mike McPherson by Gerry and Nancy Etheredge

In memory of Wyley and Mildred Mauldin by Don and Robin Walker

TREASURED TIMES

In honor of Treasured Times Volunteers by Darrell and Mary Vines

ENGAGE

A Family Experience

Join us for some extra fun family activities at ENGAGE! We eat dinner, worship, and play games together.

Sunday, January 22, 29 Sunday, February 5, 19, 26 5:30-7 P.M., Memorial Hall

Contact: Tessa Armes, tarmes@fumc.com

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID

Lubbock, Texas Permit No. 594

1411 Broadway Lubbock, TX 79401

Return Services Requested

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