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A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
THEWINDOW 1411 BROADWAY | LUBBOCK, TX 79401 | 806.763.4607 | FUMC.COM |NOVEMBER 2021
What’s Inside Page 02 New Organist
Page 04 Engage
Page 05 Missions
Page 07 Our Life
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.
“FROM HERE WE GO” It’s been about a month since our first group of pilgrims returned from the Holy Land. I hope that you’ve had the opportunity to visit with some of them and hear about our adventures! As with every trip I’ve made SENIOR PASTOR to the Holy Land, our there was unique Todd Salzwedel time to any other group. First and most noticeable was the extreme lack of other pilgrims. In fact, for the first six days of our travels, we were the only tourists in a country that usually has about 350,000 people touring each month! Given the absence of other people, our group had completely unfettered access to sites that usually have thousands of visitors every day. The other thing that made this trip so unique had to do with one of the sites we visited. Every trip I take there, I try to make a point of seeing or doing something that I have never experienced before. On this trip, I began making inquiries and preparations to visit an area I have tried to gain access to for eleven years. This particular area sits at the lowest point of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
– the church most traditionally thought to contain the mount Jesus was crucified on as well as the grave “loaned” to Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea. For many years prior to my first trip to Israel with Alice, I was aware of a chapel within the Church that was generally closed to those outside the Armenian Orthodox Church. It is called the Chapel of Saint Vartan. It wasn’t the fact that the chapel was difficult to access that made it appealing to me… it was what was contained within it. As you enter the chapel accompanied by an Armenian priest, you are atop a constructed walkway that is built upon ancient waste piles that contained pottery, coins, and artifacts from the first century prior to the destruction of the temple! But the real treat is in the chapel itself! Upon entering the chapel, you are given some orientation to understand where you would be standing had there not been a massive structure built above you. The slope you see directly in front of you is the base of the mount we called Golgotha - or Calvary – the place of Jesus’ crucifixion. As our group listened to our guide Mike talk about the significance of this place on this trip, my eyes were searching for what I longed to see for a very long time – an ancient drawing of a ship from the early second century! This drawing is clear and prominent almost two thousand years later. It serves as evidence of the disciples and pilgrims that have recalled and shared the stories of Jesus over the millennia! And while it surely connects us to our spiritual ancestors, it also contains an important message for us today! At the bottom, in ancient Greek, it says, “from here we go”. Since this drawing was discovered and dated, this has been viewed as an ancient paraphrase of |the Great Commission NOVEMBER 2021 THE WINDOW 1 (continued on page 2)
Bradley earned the Mu Phi Epsilon scholarship for his organ playing in 2015. He was also fortunate to premier a number of original compositions through the New Music Concert series. Bradley gained additional experience as an organ technician at Leek Pipe Organ Co. where he tuned, restored, and cared for several church organs in the Northeast Ohio area. His first church organist position was at First United Methodist Church of Elyria. As a church musician, Bradley understands the spiritual power music can channel and strives to bring that to the congregation on a weekly basis. He has the same devotion when it comes to his compositions. Inspired by the life and works of J.S. Bach, Bradley seeks to glorify God with his music and advocate for the pipe organ.
Welcome to our new Organist and Assistant Choir Director, Bradley Vogel, and his wife Grace and daughter, Eleanor. Bradley Vogel is a multifaceted artist, composer, and performer. His upbringing in First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, instilled in him a profound appreciation for music. Bradley attended Baldwin Wallace University, where he studied Organ Performance and Composition with Professor Nicole Keller, Dr. Clint Needham and Dr. Jonathan Sokol respectively. At BW, Bradley performed on multiple occasions with the BW Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and was an active member of BW Singers as well as the BW Jazz Ensemble in which he honed his skills on the piano. (continued from page 1) to go out into all the world, baptizing in the name of Jesus (Matthew 28:16-20). This simple addition to our trip was meaningful to me in a way I find difficult to put into words. In the end, each of us entered that small chapel as disciples… and we left, continuing in our discipleship. But somehow, we were 2 NOVEMBER 2021 | THE WINDOW
After receiving his Bachelor of Music degree, Bradley was fortunate to be accepted into the graduate program at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. He studied with renowned organist and pedagogue, David Higgs. He also studied clavichord and improvisation with William Porter and organ history with Nathan Laube. In 2019, Bradley collaborated with Eastman composer, Charles Berofsky, and was selected for the AGO Student Commissioning Project. While studying at Eastman, Bradley served as the music director and organist of St. Mary’s and St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Parish in Holley, NY. It was through this position that Bradley was blessed to meet his future wife, Grace. They were soon married and now have a beautiful daughter, Eleanor. Bradley and Grace are thrilled to start a new chapter of their lives and careers in Lubbock. Bradley is excited to be a part of the prestigious music ministry at FUMC and Grace is eager to start her own massage therapy practice. Bradley’s interests don’t stop at music. He is also a gifted artist and a bit of a gearhead who loves driving and tinkering with his 2001 Mustang Bullitt. Nowadays, his free time mostly consists of playing with his toddler, but he is looking forward to becoming a part of the community at FUMC Lubbock.
also sent out into the world following those who, for so long, had traveled before us to share all that we had seen and learned.
the lives of others!
Each week when we leave our corporate worship, it might be good to remember that “from here we go” into the world to share the love of Jesus in our lives and his desire to be present in
Blessings! Pastor Todd
Be blessed this month, and give thanks for all that God has done and continues to do in our lives!
Dear Church Family As we read through scripture or stop to count our blessings, we find that we have much for which to be grateful. God’s word is filled with promises that He is at work restoring was lost, rusted and moth eaten. Tears will be replaced with joy and our needs will be provided. He is at work giving His providential care. His word does not promise that a life Shera Atkinson without problems. However, He Minister of Spiritual Formation and is clear that He is with us in the Congregational Care problems and working through the problems. I recently read the following parable. “There was once a king who ruled a kingdom on the edge of the then-known world. The king used to spend a lot of his time with his best friend. This dear friend had a habit of looking at every situation, be it positive or negative, with optimism. To every situation that happened, he usually responded, “This is good, this happened for a reason!” The king even after all these years was still surprised by his friend’s perspective. One day, the king and his friend were out on a hunting expedition and went into a dense forest just outside the borders of their kingdom. While hunting, the friend would load and prepare the guns for the king. When the king felt his aim was just right, he fired the gun. At that instance, the gun misfired and blew off the thumb of the king. His friend had apparently done something wrong while loading and preparing the gun, or at least that was the first thing that came to the king’s mind. The king’s friend immediately performed first aid on the wound. After he was done, he examined the king and remarked as usual about the situation, “You are ok my friend. And this is good, everything happens for a good reason.” The king got angry that his thumb has been blown off, due to his friend’s mistake, and that his friend believed there was a good reason that this happened. Finally, the king had enough of his friends nonsense and yelled at him, “No, this is NOT good!” That was the last straw, and the king immediately
All-Church Sunday School Breakfast Please make your plans to attend our Sunday School Breakfast on November 14 from 9:45 to 10:45 in Memorial Hall. This will be a lovely time of fellowship between classes, a great breakfast, a chance to gain information about our classes, and to hear an inspiring message from Pastor Todd.
ordered his guard to throw his friend to jail. Two months later, the king was hunting in an area beyond the borders that he knew he should have avoided. Cannibals captured him and took him to their village. They tied his hands, collected some wood, set up a stake and fire, and bounded him to the stake. As they were about to throw the king into the fire, they noticed that the king was missing a thumb. Being superstitious cannibals, they never ate anyone that wasn’t whole. So, the cannibals untied the king and sent him on his way. As the king returned home, He started to feel sad about how he treated his friend. So he immediately went to the jail to apologize and set his friend free. Once there, the king requested his friend to forgive him and said, “You were right, my friend! It was good that my thumb was blown off on that day during our hunt.” The king proceeded to share with his friend about what had just happened and how cannibals freed him due to his missing thumb. He again apologized, ”I am very sorry for sending you to jail after getting annoyed on that day. Please forgive me, my dear friend.” “No need for that, my dear friend,” the king’s friend replied. “It was good that you have sent me to jail! Can’t you see the positive side of your action?” The king was baffled by his friend’s positivism and asked, “What do you mean, how was that good? How could it be good in any way that I sent my best friend to jail for a couple of months?” His friend smiled and replied, “If I had not been in jail, I would have been with you on your last hunt. Since I am not missing any body parts the cannibals would have killed me and ate me. So you see my dear friend there is a positive side to your action. You just need to see the whole context.” While this story is just a fictional tale, it does remind us to learn to ask different questions than what we may typically ask. Questions such as, “Since God has promised to never leave us, to provide all that we need, to restore that which has been lost, and never waste a sorrow, what is God doing in the midst of this situation? What can I learn and how will God grow me? How will He use this for good?” God will never leave or forsake you! I invite you this week to cease worrying and instead begin to ask different questions. Soli Deo Gloria, Shera
Serve with Treasured Times Treasured Times, a ministry providing respite to caregivers and socialization for those with dementia, is full! We have clients and a wait list, but cannot serve those waiting until we have more volunteers. Each Wednesday, from 9:30-1:30, clients and volunteers are paired for a time of fellowship, chair exercise, music, crafts and games. Please prayerfully consider becoming a volunteer or a substitute for this fun and fulfilling ministry. Please contact Challa Goedeke at 799-7421 or cjgoedeke@hotmail.com. NOVEMBER 2021 | THE WINDOW
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Engage - A Family Experience
The carnival came to First LBK! Kids and parents alike were excited to finally have Engage back this fall. Engage is a five-week family experience where kids and parents hang out together and do cool stuff, like play games, such as hungry hippo, and in keeping with the carnival theme, build roller coasters out of pool noodles! Families enjoy singing, dancing, and eating dinner and snacks like spaghetti, popcorn, and cotton candy.
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MONTHLY MISSIONS FOCUS COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING MEAL For over 25 years, First Lubbock has provided a community Thanksgiving Meal for our neighbors. Last year during Covid lock downs, we found innovative ways to continue serving our community. This year we will again host the Community Thanksgiving Meal in a drive-through format. This meal doesn’t happen without volunteers and support from the First Lubbock community. This year, we are planning to serve up to 1,500 meals again. We need your help to make this possible, so please consider joining us in prayer that Jesus is revealed in the plate of food we offer to our neighbors, and then also consider ways you can help serve. Online sign-ups are now live at fumc.com/thanksgivingvolunteer. Some families and individuals in our community won’t have access to food or even be able to celebrate Thanksgiving this year join us in being a part of sharing the love of Christ and a hot meal to our neighbors as we all reflect on the blessings and gratitude we have in our lives. Contact Sara Lattimore, slattimore@fumc.com
Missions & Outreach Growing Missionally
SAVE THE DATE
November 13 Community Thanksgiving Meal Mark you calendars and sign up to volunteer to serve a Thanksgiving meal to our neighbors. We are planning to host a drive-through meal again this year. Last year we served 1500 meals. We will need volunteers to make this ministry possible so please sign up to help. Sign ups can be found here at fumc.com/ thanksgivingvolunteer DECEMBER Missions Offering December is Mission Offering month this is the time of year we ask for your help to support missions for the next year!
December 18 Christmas Box Distribution at the South Plains Food Bank. Families are invited to pass out Christmas food boxes to our neighbors at the Food Bank. Sign up information coming soon. Contact Sara Lattimore, slattimore@fumc.com for more information.
Bayless Hoodies Recap GLOBAL OUTREACH Thank you for your support of the students at Bayless we had a great response to our hoodie drive and we were able to deliver over 100 hoodies to students in need of a way to stay warm this fall. Please continue to Bless Bayless by joining us in prayer for the students and teachers right here in Lubbock.
Calling all Bakers the
Lord’s Acre NOVEMBER 5 • 6:00 P.M.
Dinner, Bake Sale, Silent & Live Auction Tickets on sale now - $25 per person Raffle Tickets - $5 each
fumc.com/lords-acre Scan to purchase a ticket Please note: the Saturday Marketplace event has been canceled.
The Lord’s Acre Team needs all Bakers to share and show off your baking skills. Your contributions will benefit the Lord’s Acre, whose proceeds this year will support the Jacaranda Ministry in Zimbabwe. This ministry provides counseling and refugee services for children displaced and orphaned by political violence and unrest. Please text Leslie W. Moss at: 505-328-3735 or email Lesliemossnm@gmail.com to have your items picked up, or deliver your baked goods to the church between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on November 5. The bake Sale will begin at 6 p.m. and last throughout the evening. Please pre-package your items for sale. If you would like to share your secrets, please include your recipe and tips. NOVEMBER 2021 | THE WINDOW
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Hi! My name is Abigail Eugenis and I am super excited to be a part of First LBK as the First Students Associate Director! I have a huge heart for missions and student ministry. Ive always found myself called into ministry in every season of life and I’m so blessed by that. Also, I just recently got married to my high school sweetheart, Jacob! He is my very best friend and we are so excited to be on this new journey with FUMC together! 6 NOVEMBER 2021 | THE WINDOW
November Vesper Concerts Hymn Festival for All Saints
Spanish Brass
Sunday, November 7, 2021, 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 21, 2021, 5:00 p.m.
Led by the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir, favorite anthems and hymns for All-Saints Day will honor the memory of loved ones gone before us, as well as those who died during the COVID pandemic.
For more than 30 years in the world of chamber music, Spanish Brass is one of the most dynamic and celebrated brass quintets to perform on the international musical stage. Please join us for a dynamic brass music program with this award-winning ensemble.
Memorials & Honorariums – October 15, 2021 EVERLIVING CHURCH TRUST In honor of Rev. Dr. Todd Salzwedel by Generations Sunday School
In memory of Mira Jean Kaufmann by Bobbye Shaw In memory of Sandra Kirksey by Ambassadors Sunday Schooll
In memory of Naomi Johnston by Scott and Cathy Porter In memory of Patsy Middleton by John White In memory of Naomi Inez Johnston by Dwight and Gwen Sanders
Our Life Together BAPTISMS Congratulations to Patrick and Julia Hebisen on the baptism of their son, Phillip Lee. Dr. Todd Salzwedel baptized Phillip, Sunday, October 10 in the 11 traditional service. NEW MEMBERS Congratulations to Patrick and Julia Hebisen on joining First Lubbock by Profession of Faith Sunday, October 10 in the 11traditional service by Dr. Todd Salzwedel. SYMPATHIES Sympathies to Barry and Jana Johnston and family on the death of Barry’s mother, Naomi Inez Johnston. Naomi passed away Tuesday September 14. A celebration of life was held September 20 at Southcrest Baptist Church with Dr. Jerry Newman officiating. Graveside services held at Lockney cemetery. Barry and Jana have served on various committees and members of First Lubbock since 1986 and 1996.
MUSIC MINISTRY In memory of Patsy Middleton by Jim and Wanda White
Sympathies to Janet Devine and family on the death of Jim Devine. Jim passed away September 18. Sympathies to Mira Jean Kaufmann’s family on her death. Mira passed away September 2. She was a member of the Homebuilders Sunday School, Friends of Music, and a member of First Lubbock since April 28, 1968. Visitation was October 1 at Resthaven. A memorial service was held at Resthaven, October 2, with Dr. Shera Atkinson officiating. Sympathies to the Womble family on the death of Arlan. Arlan passed away October 5. He was residing in North Carolina. Arlan had been a member of First Lubbock since September 13, 1987. Sympathies to Cindy Harendt, Lisa Sheridan and family on the death of their mother, Mary Belle Sheridan. Mary passed away October 7. Jeff McCreight officiated the memorial service held on October 12, at Sanders Memorial Chapel. Mary was an active member of Oakwood Methodist Church.
Coming Up! My Favorite Things - The FirstLBK Women’s Ministry Advent Luncheon is December 2 from11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Our Time together will include lunch, music, fellowship, a short devotion and discussion, and a few surprises! Please register by November 23. Contact Shera Atkinson, satkinson@fumc.com Reminder: Meet me for Lunch with Dr. Todd Salzwedal will meet November 16 at 12 non in the Open Door Welcome Center Don’t Miss this year’s Senior Adult Thanksgiving Luncheon. This event will be held on Thursday, November 18 from 11:30 to 1:30 in the CLC. Please register by November 11. Contact Gloria Ashby at gashby@fumc.com or 763-4607 x 222.
FirstLBK – Praying for the Hubs The Great Commission calls us to reach into all the world, making disciples first at home and then throughout the earth. It is easy enough to be a witness through our words and action each day, but for many; it is hard to leave for foreign nations. The good news is that we can begin to fulfill the great commission through prayer. Amazing things happen when God answers the prayer of men and women. First United Methodist Church is seeking people willing to commit to pray for two hubs. First, Lubbock is the hub city and we ask that you pray for the families, businesses, services and needs that you see in your own zip code. Simply begin to pray for the homes and businesses you pass as you drive through your own zip code. Ask God to open your eyes to the needs in your area and then share those with the prayer team at church. You can send your thoughts to satkinson@fumc.com. Second, to begin to reach the world, , pray for Bangkok, the hub of Thailand. Pray that their businesses and economy would open up, that there would be an end to the pandemic and that their citizenry would come to know Christ. Also, please pray for Josh and Stephani Parker, missionaries living in Bangkok. As we pray, please share the ways you see God answering. Stephani will be sharing the news of how God is working in Bangkok. Remember, when men and women work, men and women work. But when men and women pray, nothing can defeat the work of God! -Shera Atkinson NOVEMBER 2021 | THE WINDOW
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MOVED BY JESUS. LOVING PEOPLE. SERVING ALL.
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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 NOVEMBER 2021 | THE WINDOW
1411 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401 fumc.com The Window is a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church, Lubbock