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A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
THEWINDOW 1411 BROADWAY | LUBBOCK, TX 79401 | 806.763.4607 | FUMC.COM |OCTOBER 2021
What’s Inside Page 03 Prayer Strategy
Page 04 Blitz Build
Page 05 Missions
Page 06 Coming Up
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.
CELEBRATING BISHOP BLEDSOE This past month, we celebrated a very long career in youth ministry for Kirk Dana and his ministry partner, Tina. It was a great time to reflect, to reminisce, and anticipate what the next chapter of their journey will be together. SENIOR PASTOR Thank you all for the Todd Salzwedel kind words and actions on behalf of the Kirks!
We will have the privilege this month to celebrate another retirement, though you might not have had the opportunity to get to know this soon-to-be retiree in quite the same manner as we did Kirk. Our own Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe will be retiring at the end of this calendar year. He and Leslie were supposed to begin their retirement last year, but the postponement of General and Jurisdictional Conferences due to the pandemic has pushed the retirement of United Methodist Bishops back. Currently, Bishop Bledsoe serves as the Episcopal Leader of both the Northwest Texas and New Mexico Annual Conferences. He has held that role since February 1st of 2013. In fact, my Associate Pastor and I helped to move him and Leslie into their new residence in Albuquerque over eight years ago. I remember unloading the deep-sea fishing rods and thinking he was going to be sorely disappointed in the opportunities to use that great gear in New Mexico! Looking back now, I’m not sure he’s had much chance to lament that though as he and Leslie immediately jumped into ministry with
the good folks of both conferences and have been on the run since! You might have heard me say about retirement “if you ain’t dead, you ain’t done!” It’s not a saying I coined, but one I picked up from someone else. It’s something I’ve relayed to Bishop Bledsoe many times when we’ve visited about his plans and eagerness to enter a new phase of life. While a bishop can and does retire from active episcopal leadership, they are bishops for life. This is same for clergy and the Christian witness itself. While we may transition to new roles along our journey, the call God has placed on all our lives remains. We serve God and others in various and meaningful ways until we are called home to glory! Honoring the efforts and work of people as they move from a period of life to the next is a sacred practice. On one hand, we intentionally recognize the way in which God has been a part of the work and ministry of individuals and groups. On the other hand, there is a sense of passing the mantle, much in the way that we read about Elisha taking up the mantle after Elijah is taken up to heaven (2 Kings 2). In the case of episcopal leadership here in Northwest Texas, that mantle will be picked up by no other than Bishop Jimmy Nunn, as he leads Oklahoma, Northwest Texas, and Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conferences until a time when new bishops are elected. I’m proud and excited that First Lubbock will be the host for Bishop Bledsoe and Leslie’s retirement celebration on October 22. There will be a come and go reception from 3-5 P.M. onOCTOBER October 22 in |the CLC that we are 2021 THE WINDOW 1 (continued on page 2)
The Lord’s Acre to Help Missions in Zimbabwe Regina and Nyasha Chari are a unique duo. It’s not often to be able to get a perspective of a cross-cultural missionary and an indigenous church leader together. They have two daughters. Regina is originally from the United States, and she serves as a missionary with her husband in Zimbabwe. Nyasha is from Zimbabwe, and they both work with leading and teaching local leaders about trauma care with children and raising up leaders in their communities. They are also working to continue to meet needs through recovery ministry in partnership with a local church. Refuge is a trauma care ministry, and over the past two years have launched The Jacaranda Project to help children overcome trauma.
After the camp, each adult creates a plan of how he/she will use their trauma recovery skills in their schools, churches and children’s homes. Refuge: Zimbabwe follows up with trainees and coaches them as they continue to work with vulnerable children. Revive Ministry is a recovery ministry in Zimbabwe seeking to raise funds to support families seeking mental health care and inpatient treatment for addiction and recovery. This is in response to the increased need due to COVID restrictions. Please partner with us and the Lord’s Acre by buying a ticket to the Friday evening dinner and auction, and visiting the Country Store.
The Jacaranda Program starts with choosing 20 adults from churches, children’s homes and schools who care for children aged 5-12 living with trauma every day. The first stage involves five days of training for these adults to learn about the effects of trauma and how to work with vulnerable children to help them heal. The training is based on the Biblical principle of the worth and dignity of each child made in God’s image. Immediately after the training week, a “healing camp” is run for 40 vulnerable children, many from local orphanages. Trainees have the opportunity to practice the skills they have been taught under supervision, for example leading groups, Biblical storytelling and one-to-one healing play. Many of the children express this was the first time they have been given space to grieve the loss of a parent. It is not unusual for the child’s play to involve a special moment they shared with their parent or acting out a funeral they didn’t get to attend.
(continued from page 1) all invited to. The conference is asking that we RSVP in order that they can prepare for the appropriate number of people. I am aware that family and friends, as well as people impacted by their ministry over the years, have been invited to attend. And every church in the conference has been invited to attend as well. I hope that you will be able to come and personally thank Bishop Bledsoe and his wife Leslie for their ministry among us on the 22nd. They will also join with us here 2 OCTOBER 2021 | THE WINDOW
at First Lubbock on Sunday October 24, and you won’t want to miss that! And wherever you find yourself along that occupational spectrum, remember that God is still working on you, in you, and through you!. Blessings! Pastor Todd
Celebrate Bishop & Leslie Bledsoe! Join us in celebrating the ministry of Bishop and Leslie Bledsoe.
Friday, October 22, 2021 3-5p.m. First United Methodist Church, Lubbock Christian Life Center In celebrating Bishop and Leslie Bledsoe, take some time to reflect on their time in the NWTX Conference and submit a memory you have of them or send them some well wishes at nwtxregistration.org/bishop-bledsoe-retirement-reception You can also RSVP for this event at the same web address.
What am I supposed to do with a Prayer Strategy? I don’t know about you, but I’ve often heard stories of people doing amazing things for God. People who have set up programs to help thousands, heroic adventures to save someone, and so much more. And all throughout scripture, there are stories of miraculous healing, waters parting, people coming back from the dead and the under-dog winning battles he shouldn’t even be in. You name it, it’s in there! When I hear or read these stories, it’s hard to imagine feeling equipped to do great things for God. I mean, how do you really prepare for those kinds of things? Well, if we really look and listen, we will find the common thread of prayer and relationship with God woven throughout these stories. The truth is, the stories we hear about and that our kids learn about come second. They are a result of the deep work, the heart level work that prepares us for the events that the world remembers. “Prayer does not equip us for greater works—prayer is the greater work.” -Oswald Chambers When we devote ourselves to prayer, God begins to do incredible things in us, around us, and when He’s ready, through us. “When the Lord sends us out, He won’t leave us empty-handed: He prepares us, and our path, and our partners as well as the hearts of those he intends for us to minister to.” 100 Days of Joy & Strength As the Lord prepares us, we have work to put in. Here are a few steps you can take:
e M t e e M unch for L
Personal Prayer: What does your personal prayer time look like now? Do you have one? Be honest, whatever it is, that’s your starting point, that’s your comfort level. Now let’s take a next step. Stan Parks, a global Disciple Making Movements coach, encourages personal prayer growth in this way, “Your prayer life now is ordinary for you. Add something to it to make it extraordinary for you. Then, when that becomes ordinary, add something again to make it extraordinary. Keep repeating the process.” Where is He sending us?: God has a plan for where He will use you. It might be your neighborhood, your work, an area you have a past connection to, or some place new. The key is don’t assume you already know. Spend time openly asking the Lord to show you where He wants you to go. Surrender your plans to Him, then listen and let Him direct your path. Who is He sending us with?: Jesus sent the disciples out by 2s, so why should we be any different? Who are you partnering with to pray over the area and the people God directs you to? Is it your Sunday School Class, your family, a friend? And who are you inviting to join you? As you begin to go and pray more, bring new people with you so that they may experience what you do and allow God to speak to their hearts about where He wants them to go. How do we begin praying?: Getting started can be the hardest part! If you’re praying for a neighborhood, maybe start praying house by house, and street by street. If you’re praying
for your work, pray through the names you know to get started. If it’s unknown, start asking God to prepare the hearts of those you will meet soon. The Lord tells us to come boldly before the throne, so let’s do it! Let’s ask for the hearts of those around us. Let’s ask Him to bring unity, healing, reconciliation and salvation! Accountability: Whether it’s with the person you are going out with or someone else, find someone who will hold you accountable for following through. Having a plan to go and pray is nice, but unless you get out there and do it, it’s just a plan. These steps seem pretty simple, and that’s because they are. Prayer really isn’t that complicated, it’s a conversation with God. It doesn’t require fancy words or memorized scripture. All it requires is that we show up regularly, give our hearts and attention to Him, and listen for His response. The hardest part is not letting the world crowd out our time, putting this relationship on a shelf only to be brought out for emergencies. Our biggest encouragement is to get started and to be consistent. Because the more you pray, the more you want to pray. The more you experience the presence of God, the more you want to be in His presence. And when you obey His leading to those who need to encounter His love in an authentic way through you… you will never be the same, your faith will never be the same. by Stephani Parker
Join Stephani Parker (Live from Bangkok) as she discusses life in Thailand and an interface between FirstLBK and their prayer ministry.
Noon to 1 p.m.
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Habitat for Humanity - Blitz Build
First LBK had great participation with the Blitz Build with Habitat for Humanity. We had staff and members working hard during each step of the process, donating time and resources to these three homes. The community of Lubbock came together in partnership to make this possible! God did and is doing amazing work in Lubbock.
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MONTHLY MISSIONS FOCUS SCHOOL OUTREACH First LBK has a long-standing partnership with Bayless Elementary where we support the students and staff through our gifts and our presence. We seek to meet the extra needs that, when not filled, can become a distraction from the learning process. We help by providing weekend snack packs, hoodies, teacher gifts and prayer, and connecting relationally through Beach Club. If you have a heart for teachers and students there are a few ways you can be the hands and feet of Jesus. 1. Become a part of the School Outreach team as we find effective ways the Bless Bayless and the families and students in our community. 2. Please join us in prayer for all the teachers, students and families in Lubbock as they continue to face challenges this school year. 3. Consider donating NEW hoodies for students in need during the month of October. Drop off at First LBK. Contact Sara Lattimore, slattimore@fumc.com
Missions & Outreach Growing Missionally LOOKING AHEAD October Hoodies for Bayless Bring NEW hoodies youth through adult sizes to the drop boxes at the church. We will collect them through October and then deliver them to the students of Bayless elementary. Help a Lubbock child stay warm this fall. 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 SAVE THE DATE 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. Contact Sara Lattimore, slattimore@ fumc.com for more information.
Upcoming Mission Trips Summer 2022 GLOBAL OUTREACH We are looking at travel restrictions and considering where God is calling us to serve. If you feel called to serve beyond our Lubbock community please fill out our Global Outreach Team form to be included on the latest updates on upcoming ways to serve in our global community. If you are interested in more information, please fill out the form at fumc.com/ global-team.
OCTOBER 2021 | THE WINDOW
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Annual FirstLBK Family Night @ the
FIRSTLBK KIDS•YOUTH•COLLEGE Join us for a fun night at the At’l Do Farms Corn Maze 6323 FM 1294 Lubbock, TX 79415 $8 per person; dinner is included.
October 24 | 4:30–7:30 P.M.
Contact: Kids: Tessa Armes, tarmes@fumc.com Youth: Dakota Bybee, dbybee@fumc.com College: Sara Lattimore, slattimore@fumc.com Everyone is welcome!
THE LORD’S ACRE
In 1922, the Reverend Henry Melton of Bluffton, Georgia, asked the farmers in his congregation to set aside one acre of their cotton crop, the proceeds of which would be dedicated to the church. Miraculously, those same acres were spared from a horrible boll weevil infestation. Thus began the international, interdenominational movement known as “The Lord’s Acre”. Today’s version has expanded to include bake sales, auctions, donations of time and service, and the sharing of gifts and talents from the congregation. After many years of absence, The Lord’s Acre will be returning to First LBK November 5 and 6! It will be a fun and rewarding time, meant to bring our entire church together. There will be more detailed information coming soon, so watch for updates in the Window, on the church website and from your Sunday School classes. But for now, how can you get involved? • Donate a new item to the live or silent auction. Contact Laura Sanders, lauraksanders18@gmail.com.
• Purchase a booth in the Country Store for your business (home based to large sized) where you can sell your products or introduce your services to the First LBK family and their guests. Cost is $100 per booth. Saturday, November 6. Doors open for sales from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Leslie Moss, lesliemossnm@gmail.com. • Purchase tickets for the dinner Friday, November 5 at $25 each. Look for our ticket sale tables each Sunday or buy your tickets online at fumc.com/lords-acre. Contact Shera Atkinson, satkinson@fumc.com.
6 OCTOBER 2021 | THE WINDOW
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Lord’s Acre NOVEMBER 5 • 6:00 P.M.
Dinner, Bake Sale, Silent & Live Auction Ticket sales begin soon $25 per person
NOVEMBER 6 • 9:00 A.M. Country Store and Bake Sale Entrance is free
Country Store Booth Rental $100 fumc.com/lords-acre
• Volunteer to help in any way, including with the auctions, ticket sales, the Country Store or bake sale. Contact Rebecca Grattan, grattan90@yahoo.com. • Mark your calendar on November 5 and 6 for these events so you and your family can enjoy the fun and fellowship as we celebrate “The Lord’s Acre”. Soli Deo Gloria, Shera
Scan the QR code to purchase your November 5 Dinner Ticket
Memorials & Honorariums – September 15, 2021 EVERLIVING CHURCH TRUST In honor of Bill and Karen Evans for committed service with the Seekers Sunday School by David and Susan McAlexander
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY In memory of Fred Baker by Sue Baker
In memory of Ross Wyatt Hester by Betty Bowen
MUSIC MINISTRY In memory of Randy Edwards by Shelah Lile
In memory of Robert Reagan by Cornerstone Sunday School
In memory of Pat Nunley by Shelah Lile In memory of Fred Baker by Lillian Thurston
FRIENDS OF MUSIC In memory Lorine E. Daniel by Dr. Jan Daniel Garverick
In memory of John William Loveless by Dave and Harriet Bush
A way to serve students! The Open Table - Wednesday night college meal. We are looking for volunteers to sponsor or supply meals on Wednesday evenings during the school year. Please reach out to Sara Lattimore to sign up to help show the love of Christ to students through a meal. Sara Lattimore, slattimore@fumc.com
Our Life Together BAPTISMS Congratulations to Zachary and Saskia Allen on the baptism of their daughter, Adelaide Lieske. Dr. Todd Salzwedel baptized Adelaide, Sunday, August 29, in the 11 traditional service.
The Senior Adult Ministry invites you to dinner and a movie night in the Wesley Room, October 15, at 5:30 PM.
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NEW MEMBERS Congratulations to Ch’Ree Essary on joining, Sunday, September 12, in the 11 traditional service by Dr. Todd Salzwedel. Ch’Ree is working on her doctorate at Texas Tech. She is transferring from Portales United Methodist.
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COLLEGE NIGHT
Childcare available WITH REGISTRATION BY OCTOBER 77 at fumc.com/childcare-rsvp. Contact Shera Atkinson to register for dinner, satkinson@fumc.com.
Hebrews 13:8
Stewardship Series October 3 - Remember When…? October 10 - Building on the Promises October 17 - The Buddy System October 31 - To Dream Again! OCTOBER 2021 | THE WINDOW
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MOVED BY JESUS. LOVING PEOPLE. SERVING ALL.
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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH•LUBBOCK
FIRSTLBK
FIRSTLBK
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 OCTOBER 2021 | THE WINDOW
1411 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401 fumc.com The Window is a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church, Lubbock