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A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
THEWINDOW What’s Inside
GREETINGS FUMC! I want to take a moment to thank you, on behalf of my family and myself, for the warm welcome and amazing hospitality you’ve already expressed! It’s been nothing short of amazing, and we are so appreciative!
Page 03 Matt Johnston
Page 05 Curry Farewell
Page 04 Seniors 2020
Page 07 Memorials
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH•LUBBOCK
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MOVED BY JESUS. LOVING PEOPLE. SERVING ALL.
Your efforts are all the more extraordinary given the circumstances we find ourselves in as a society and global community. Just as my family and I experienced the awkwardness of saying goodbye to our church family in Odessa in a way we had never imagined, I know that the way in which you expressed your love and appreciation for SENIOR PASTOR Craig and Kathy was not in line with how you would have preferred. But it’s evident that the care and concern of this Todd Salzwedel amazing community of faith is abundant. I know we have already benefited from it and I’m confident that Craig and Kathy know your hearts as well! There is so much going on in our world and all of our lives right now. Pandemics, economic upheaval, and deep social hurt have shaken us in ways none of us imagined six months ago. We certainly didn’t expect to be making a transition like this in the midst of such an environment. But somehow, the faith that we all hold in common comforts us and reminds us that throughout it all, God has us in his loving arms. The relationship cultivated between us and God provides hope in our anxiety, promise in our loss, and love that is capable of transforming lives. And I believe those same attributes are available to each of us in our relationships with one another – I’ve witnessed it! In the end, relationships are the foundation of our faith and how we live that out. It begins with our relationship with Jesus and extends to our relationships with each other and the world. Relationships obviously take work, but it is work that is well worth the effort! And my family and I are excited to begin that journey with each of you! We are excited – as safety and prudence permit – to meet you face to face. We look forward to worshiping together, outreach opportunities, and serving our community side by side! And we eagerly anticipate expanding our family with each of you in our daily lives! I can tell you we are always ready to go to a ball game or simply gather for fellowship! And I’ve been working on “getting my guns up”! Thank you again, and I’m looking forward to what God will do through each of us for His glory and Kingdom! Grace and Peace!
Our mission is to create a grace-filled environment in which Christ transforms lives.
Pastor Todd Salzwedel July 2020 | The Window
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Dear Church Family, Don’t you just love election year commercials? said no one ever! And this year promises to be an especially rancorous season.
Shera Atkinson Minister of Spiritual Formation and Congregational Care
What is most concerning to me is the apparent inability of our fellow citizens to agree to disagree. Civility seems to have been replaced with contempt for those with whom we disagree. Contempt embodies the expression of the sheer worthlessness of the other person and complete disregard for the open exchange of competing ideas which is one of the hallmarks of a democracy. When
we move past disagreement and debate to the total devaluation of another, we tread on quicksand, which, in the end, will swallow us both. As followers of Christ, we are called to behave differently from the world. We are to be the light on the hill. Whichever side of a debate we stand on, as Christians, we are called to stand in love, seeing the inherent worth in the other person. The Apostle Paul writing to fellow believers in Rome said “Insofar as it depends on you, be at peace with all others.” (Romans 12:18) For a moment, consider the times in which Paul wrote these words: Christians faced daily persecution and the real possibility of torture and death. Into that maelstrom Paul told believers to behave differently from the world around them and to live in peace with all others. Even during that difficult time, Christians were to be seen as people who loved the unlovable and to be the embodiment of Christ upon
Women’s Ministry Retreat: July 30, 2020 2020 has been a year of change, stress and new challenges. Joel 2:25 says, “I will restore to you the years that the Locust has eaten.” Mark your calendars today for the Women’s Ministry Summer retreat which emphasizes the theme of restoration. This year, the event will be offered in two ways. We will meet live in the CLC from 9:30 to 1:00. For those who
cannot attend in person, the event will be available on zoom so that we can interact. We will be sure to deliver your retreat materials prior to July 30. Presenters include Joyce Ray, Clarissa Bell and Shera Atkinson. Can’t wait to see you!
WOMEN’S
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Contact Shera Atkinson, satkinson@fumc.com, or Gloria Ashby, gashby@fumc.com
this earth. In our day we are not exempt from the mandate to provide the world with an example of what it looks like when we die to self and live for Him. We are to provide a path of peace and a way to live in harmony with others. It’s hard, isn’t it? But I ask myself and you: Are we willing to be the light? Are we willing to provide an example to the world of how believers act versus the actions of unbelievers? Will we be the ones who take the lead in restoring civility and courteous discourse throughout this year? Will others be able to see Jesus in us? Perhaps John Wesley summed it up best when he wrote: “Though we cannot all think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite.” Soli Deo Gloria, Shera
Sandra Richter: August 29 & 30 Internationally known Old Testament scholar and author, Sandra Richter, is the guest speaker for the Welborn-Payne Christian Life Conference, rescheduled for August 29 and 30. Sandra is recognized for her series: The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament, Epic of Eden: Isaiah, Epic of Eden: Ruth, Epic of Eden Jonah and is currently working on another installment of the Epic of Eden Series. We are excited to announce that we, at First Lubbock, will be the first to hear Sandra Richter preview her newest study on the Book of Psalms. For more information and to sign up for lunch please visit fumc.com/sandra-richter. Contact: Shera Atkinson, satkinson@fumc.com or Gloria Ashby, gashby@fumc.com.
WELCOME MATT JOHNSTON AND FAMILY
Matt Johnston
Assistant Director of Traditional Music and Organist
A
native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Matt Johnston serves as the new Assistant Director of Traditional Music and Organist at First United Methodist Church, Lubbock. Graduating with honors from IPFW (Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne; now PFW) in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Organ Performance, Matt taught general and vocal music to Kindergarten through 8th graders at charter and public schools in the Fort Wayne area. During this time he also served as part-time Director of Music and Organist at Our Hope Lutheran Church in Huntertown, Indiana. In 2015, he began full-time ministry as the Minister of Music and Organist at Suburban Bethlehem
Lutheran Church in Ft. Wayne where he directed the children’s and adult choirs, handbell choirs, and taught vocal music to Kindergarten through 8th graders. From 2017-2020, he also served on the Indiana Music Educators Association All-State Handbell Choir Committee fostering middle and high-school students’ involvement in handbell music. Matt is an active member of the Church Music Institute and the American Guild of Organists where he has earned both the Service Playing Certificate and Colleague accreditations as well as serving on a regional leadership committee and has hosted workshops for church organists. He has appeared as a guest organist for recitals, concerts, worship services, and hymn
festivals in Indiana and also served as an accompanist for the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir. Matt is married to his wife Elizabeth, who is a middle school teacher. Daughter, Eleanor, and son ,Benjamin, are aspiring musicians here in Lubbock, while oldest son, Caleb, lives in Ft. Wayne. As a family, they enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling to the beach, trying new foods, and playing board games.
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Thank You! Max De Pree wrote in his book, Leadership is an Art, that the first responsibility of a leader is to define reality and the last is to say “thank you.” My last communication to you is to do just that. Thank you First LBK for letting this West Texas boy into the driver’s seat for a spin. Amazing that it has been ten years of driving together through some beautiful, inspirational, stretching, and fun times. We pastors are seldom ready to tackle the challenges of our next appointment, but God is good and so are the people. You helped and supported as we migrated through some touch-and-go times for our church. You gave and served as we
Where Did Craig & Kathy Go? Craig and Kathy came to First LBK in 2010 from FUMC of Farmington, NM where their kids all finished school. They had served that church for nine years (2001-2010), and they had connection to that area for a couple of decades prior to that through skiing, hunting, backpacking, and golf. Craig accepted an offer to work on the executive team of PESCO, Inc. of Farmington, NM as the Employee Success Manager. Craig will oversee the leaders who are in charge of employee operations and he will help build systems and process to lead the employees toward better teamwork and longer tenure. You can “google” PESCO and see the products and projects in which they are invested across the U.S. Kathy will practice her specialty in therapy once they are settled into Farmington. She had a well known practice there in the past, and they are excited to have her return. When these two are not working and contributing to the community, you can bet they will be outdoors enjoying the beauty, working on their health, staying connected to family, and finding replenishment. Craig invites you to keep up with their journey through Facebook! 4
July 2020 | The Window
expanded the ministries of First LBK. And you prayed and encouraged as Kathy and I walked through some of our own down times both in health and in grief. Thank you for helping us stretch into the work here that has led to many, many joys. Thank you for your patience as we have walked through an extended organ rebuild and COVID-19 season. These have been unprecedented times, and this Staff has been exceptional in its work through all of these years and especially in the last six months. My hat is off to the Staff and leadership of the church for showing what “team” can do together and for sacrificial service to God and church.
Thank you for your loving reception of Kathy and our family. It would be my prayer and expectation that Todd, Alice, Braeden, and Paege will receive the same. I believe there are new sets of “greater things” in store for First LBK, and I can’t wait to see those play out in impact on our community. Know that we will be forever grateful and connected both by our intersecting stories and love and by His mission! Grace and peace, Pastor Craig
From Pastor Craig (Pastor Craig shared this in his June 7th message, and invites all to join the prayer and work against racism.) “Before we begin this message it is important for us to make clear that • Black lives do matter! • And Native American lives matter! • And Latino lives matter! • And Asian lives matter! • And White lives (along with any other race I may have missed)…you matter. • And racism of whatever form is destructive and not from God. Let’s rise above and let’s heal and let’s bring peace. Join me as I pray the Prayer of St. Francis…may this become our nation’s prayer… Lord, make me an instrument of your peace Where there is hatred, let me sow love Where there is injury, pardon Where there is doubt, faith Where there is despair, hope Where there is darkness, light And where there is sadness, joy O Divine Master, grant that I may Not so much seek to be consoled as to console To be understood, as to understand To be loved, as to love For it is in giving that we receive And it’s in pardoning that we are pardoned And it’s in dying that we are born to Eternal Life Amen Let’s continue to pray that prayer and live its calling.
Farewell Craig & Kathy!
Because of the global pandemic, we didn’t get to say goodbye to Craig and Kathy in the way we had envisioned when he first announced his retirement. But during this time, we saw the rise of the drive-by party. Drive-by parties are a perfect way to greet friends and give well wishes while social distancing and staying safe. A great number of our members said goodbye to Craig and Kathy one last time. It also worked out well for Kathy as she could stay seated and prop her broken foot up! Craig came in ten years ago wearing a boot, and ten years later, Kathy leaves wearing a boot. They came full circle! Kathy reads the inscription on the James Avery cross necklace given to her from the church. On behalf of the church, Bill deTournillon presents Craig with a set a customized golf clubs. Craig and Kathy were also gifted a stay at the luxurious Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, CO, as well as airline miles to go see their grandchildren in Austin.
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A Note from the Business Office: Second Quarter Statements First LBK Family, The business office will email second quarter statements in July. The emailed statement will come from us through our Shelby database. If you did not receive an emailed April statement, and believe you should have, please update your email address, at fumc. com/update-contact. If we do not have an email address on file in our Shelby database, your statement will be mailed. Please contact Stephanie Davis at sdavis@fumc.com if you have any questions. Thank you! The Business Office
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WAYS TO
GIVE
While we are all practicing social distancing, the mission and ministry of the church is continuing. Now, as always, your tithes and offerings given to God through First United Methodist Church, Lubbock are greatly appreciated.
NEW! 806-256-6004 TEXT “TITHE” TO 806-256-6004
ONLINE
fumc.com/giving
SMART PHONE
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To donate, text “tithe”, a space, and amount to 806-256-6004. For example: if you would like to donate $5, you would text “tithe 5”. If you are Please wash or sanitize donating through TTG for the first time, you will receivehands a textfrequently. containing a link to login or create your SecureGive account.
worship In-person
In-person worship options 9:00 Chapel Service 9:30 Contemporary Service 11:00 Services (Sanctuary and CLC). Live stream worship options 9:00 Chapel 9:30 Contemporary 11:00 Traditional.
The wearing of masks is welcome and encouraged. Please stay home if you are sick.
6 Ft.
Please maintain social distancing.
Bulletins can be found at fumc.com/live -stream Please register your attendance at fumc.com/connect-card Give online at fumc.com/giving
God Shed His Grace on Thee: A Patriotic Festival July 2, 2020, 7 p.m. • KTTZ (FM89.1) July 3-5, 2020 • fumc.com/patriotic In-person concert canceled.
However, music selections from past concerts will be available for you to listen to. On July 2 at 7 p.m. tune in to KTTZ (FM 89.1). The music will also be available on fumc.com/patriotic from July 3 through July 5. The music comes from past concerts of the FUMC combined choirs and the Westwinds Band.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH•LUBBOCK
FIRSTLBK
MOVED BY JESUS. LOVING PEOPLE. SERVING ALL.
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July 2020 | The Window
Vesper
CONCERT SERIES
Memorials & Honorariums – June 15, 2020 EVERLIVING CHURCH TRUST In honor of Jeremy and Alison Schwartz celebrating their 10th anniversary May 22 by Ben and Robin Lock
GORDON MCMILLAN MEMORIAL In memory of Monta Jean Smitherman and Sylvia Louise Taylor by Bryan Smitherman
In memory of Layton Margaret Bibb for the precious but short time she was with us, by Ben and Robin Lock
MUSIC MINISTRY In memory of Monta Jean Smitherman by John White
In honor of Logan Matthew Bibb celebrating your 4th birthday May 29 by Ben and Robin Lock
In memory of Sylvia Louise Taylor by Mary Cato In honor of Craig and Kathy Curry by Charles and Paula Key
In honor of Brad and Cate Bibb on their 14th anniversary June 10 by Ben and Robin Lock
In memory of Mary Ruth West by Tim and Tommie Hatch
In memory of George Morris by Jeff and Helen Smith
In memory of Catherine Royalty by John and Challa Goedeke
In memory of George Morris by Quentin and Sue Hancock FRIENDS OF MUSIC In memory of Sylvia Louise Taylor by Peggy Dyess
ORGAN RENOVATION In memory of Sylvia Louise Taylor by John and Challa Goedeke
In memory of Sylvia Louise Taylor by David and Harriet Bush
Our Life Together – June 2020
Congratulations Class of 2020
BAPTISMS Congratulations to Brian and Allison Hirth on the baptism of their daughter, Mason Kay Hirth June 14, by Dr. Craig Curry. Brian and Allison have been members of First Lubbock since January 2020. BIRTHS Congratulations to Chris and Erin Hornaday on the birth of their daughter, Landry North Hornaday June 3. Landry has an older sister, Lily.
CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Brooke Gayler for graduating Magna Cum Laude from Texas Tech University with a Master in accounting. She is the daughter of Melanie and Kyle Gayler and the granddaughter of Nell Gayler and Sue Willhoit.
First Row: Elise Headrick, Avery Myatt, Payton Props, William McKibben, Garrett Matthews, Jodi Powell, Mia Cantu, Ross Smitherman; Second Row: Kate King, Ellyn Brashear, Kathryn Bell, Wesley Pasewark, Colby Flathers, Parker Lipetska, Britton McPherson United Methodist Women presented a Special Mission Recognition to Dr. Craig Curry for his support and encouragement to FUMC Methodist Women. Pictured: Vi Zeeck, Wanda White, Zoellen Fields, Craig Curry, Pam Allison, and Pat Purvis.
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WORSHIP SERVICES Traditional
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Contemporary
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July 2020 | The Window
1411 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401 fumc.com The Window is a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church, Lubbock