The Window - October 2022

About seven years ago, my family and I took a road trip in which we shared our vacation time with dear friends. The first half of the trip took us to South Dakota where we met friends from Ruidoso and took in sights like Mt. Rushmore and Sturgis. When we left, we made our way to meet some former neighbors in Milwaukee to begin a week in the countryside of Wisconsin. While we were in Milwaukee, I wanted to attend worship at the church that my mother, father, and I called home at the beginning of my life and in which I was baptized. It was located just across from the University of Wisconsin –Milwaukee campus in a beautiful area of the city.

I did not remember the church. I was too young when we moved away from there. I do remember my parents sharing stories about the life and vitality of the church, though. They recalled that it was a busy place where people came from all over to worship, to serve, and to enjoy the fellowship that was prevalent in that community. I suppose I was expecting something similar when we went to visit that morning.

When we got to church, no one greeted us as we walked through the doors. As we made our way around the campus, we noticed the old classrooms, the obligatory church basement, and a gym that was being used

as a very large storage area. It was obvious that many of these areas hadn’t been used in decades. In fact, when we entered the sanctuary, the large balcony evidently had not been used in a very long time. Between my family and our Albuquerque friends, we ended up comprising a full third of the worship attendance that morning!

I share this because when I spoke with my father about our experience later, our experience did not match his memories of the very same church. As he reminisced, on Sunday mornings the balcony was filled, the classrooms were busy, and joy and laughter filled the halls. There was consistent activity throughout the week, and a sense of purpose permeated the congregation. But, our experience reflected that the church I was baptized in had lost its will to reach people for Christ.

I am grateful that isn’t the case here at First UMC! Instead, we are constantly looking for new ways to engage and impact our community and church for the sake of Jesus Christ! Our growing children’s, youth, and college programs, vibrant small groups, and substantial mission and service outreach point to a healthy and impactful community! And we aren’t stopping there!

For the past several years, the city and private investors have poured significant resources into the renovation of the downtown area. Substantial changes have taken place already (new businesses, the new South Plains

Dear Church family,

Years ago, when I first came to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech, I visited several churches in the area to find the church I believed I could best fit in and find a place of service. When I would visit for the first time, I would sit near the back and watch the church members as they greeted each other, the musicians preparing to sing or play and just sit back and take in the general atmosphere. From time to time, a church member would ask me if I was visiting and say a word of welcome. Rarely, the member would ask me to sit with them or invite me to their Sunday School class or other activity. More often than not, no one spoke to me.

fly under the radar; however, most decide whether they will return within the first ten minutes of being in the building. That decision is often dependent upon the welcome they receive.

Visitors usually sit near an exit and tend to slip out quickly when the service concludes. Therefore, engage the 3 Minute Rule.

Shera Atkinson Minister of Spiritual Formation and Congregational Care

Research shows that people will visit a church to listen to the pastor, but they stay because someone in the laity deliberately tries to establish a connection. Let me introduce you to these two rules: The 15 Foot and the 3 Minute Rule and ask you to adhere to both:

The 15 Foot Rule: When you come to church, look around and greet anyone within 15 feet of you when in the parking lot, halls and in the sanctuary (especially those you do not know). By all means, speak to those you know but keep an eye out for someone you don’t know. First-time visitors often

For the first three minutes after the service ends, visit with those people you don’t know. Seek them out and introduce them to at least one other person. Your family and friends will understand because they (hopefully) will be doing to same.

The first step on the disciple pathway is a step of welcome. You are Christian, most like because you first felt welcomed in a body of believers. Once we have been welcomed, it becomes our privilege to make sure others know the love of Jesus through our loving and gracious welcome!

Soli Deo Gloria, Shera

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College campus, the Buddy Holly Theater, to name a few) with dramatic additions to continue for the foreseeable future. I am aware of plans for many new downtown residences to be developed, graduate student housing facilities, and, of course, the new park that will be right outside our sanctuary doors to the east! Personally, I find all this exciting and full of potential in our efforts to live out our mission to make disciples for Jesus!

We can often become distracted by what was, what we lack, or the way we wish things were. But like the once vibrant church I was born into, that path can easily lead a church or organization that becomes inwardly focused and lacks the desire to be innovative and hospitable.

Our church is uniquely situated to reach a large array of people through a variety of experiences and ministry opportunities! We have the potential in the very near future to have an amazing

impact for the Kingdom of God and the lives of so many in our community!

I invite you to continue to pray for God’s guidance as we discern together the multitude of ways we might reach out into our community and provide a place for people to be introduced to a relationship with Christ! And may God ignite in each of us a fire of invitation to a world in need of the hope of Jesus Christ!

Pastor Todd

Christian Life Center Enhancements

The worship room of the Christian Life Center (CLC) has enjoyed some recent upgrades in our sound and lighting systems. The CLC is now 17 years old and counting, and the time had come to make these changes. Currently, we have completed the first 2 phases of a 3-phase project. The room has new and improved speakers, house lights (LED

cans), sound absorption panels, and stage lights. Furthermore, the original speakers have been secured in the gym for larger meetings. Phase 3 will involved new dimmer cabinets and a greater flexibility with the lighting in the room.

The purpose of these upgrades is to empower our ministries of worship and

other gatherings in the CLC. At some point, I hope you will make your way to the CLC and see (and hear) them for yourself!

Grace and peace, Bailey Barkley

Free Books!

Please stop by the book tables at the intersection the last two Sundays in October to choose the study and reading material of your choice!

BLITZ BUILD - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

In September, members and staff from First LBK volunteered at the Blitz Build in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers and organizations come from all over to help with the build in East Lubbock near North Guava Ave. Volunteers had to be over age 18, but no construction experience was necessary. Being a part of the Blitz Build is a great way to help our community.

Hoodies for Bayless & MORE!

Throughout the month of October, we are collecting brand new hoodies and needed clothing items for students at Bayless Elementary. Please bring items to the building and drop them off in the blue collection bins throughout the church. Thank you for your generosity!

Grey, non-fleece sweat pants with drawstrings unisex fit

Size/quantity:

Youth Small - 20 pairs

Youth Medium - 20 pairs

Youth Large - 10 pairs

Underwear (boys/girls)

Size/quantity:

2-3T - 20 pairs (this helps out pre-K friends and a lot of tiny kindergartners)

4-5T - 20 pairs

Size 6 - 10 pairs

Size 8 - 10 pairs

Size 10 - 10 pairs

Size 14 - 10 pairs

Transportation Ministry

Last month we launched the Transportation Ministry! Rides to and from Sunday morning services/ministries are provided for seniors residing at Carillon and Raider Ranch. The First Lubbock Van will be available at Carillon at the entrance to Windsong at Carillon at 9:15 each Sunday and then at 9:30 at the entrance at Raider Ranch. The vans will also return seniors to both residences after the 11 a.m. service. Please note that the times may be adjusted as the ministry gains new information about the numbers of people utilizing this opportunity.

Thank you to Dennis Satterwhite for his willingness to serve this ministry! For more information, contact Shera Atkinson at 806-763-4607, or satkinson@fumc.com

Hoodies

Size: Youth Medium Youth Large Youth XL

Socks Unisex fit

Size/Quantity: Cotton crew socks size kids large - 20 pack

Questions? Contact Michael Spaulding, Director of Missions, mspaulding@fumc. com

5-7

Hope House • 15th & Ave. M

Vesper Concert Series – 2022-23 Season

For more than 40 years the Vesper Concert Series has presented the finest musicians from around the world and from our own community. We are excited to announce the upcoming season.

All events in the Vesper Concert Series are offered free of charge as a ministry to the people of Lubbock and the South Plains.

The Vesper Concert Series is made possible by contributions of the FUMC Friends of Music. If you would like more information about the Friends of Music, contact Samantha Edgin, sedgin@fumc. com,Administrative Assistant in the music department.

October 16, 2022•5 p.m.

Organ Recital - Ken Kowen

Regarded as one of North America’s finest concert organists and praised for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique, and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike, Ken Cowan maintains a rigorous performing schedule that takes him to major concert venues in America, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

November 6, 2022•5 p.m.

All Saints Concert - Brahms Requiem

The FUMC Chancel Choir, soloists and orchestra present this profound masterwork, Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem), Opus 45, by Johannes Brahms (18331897). It is one of the best-known sacred works of the Romantic era and also known as A Requiem for Humanity with the biblical texts Brahms chose.

Sunday, December 4, 2022•7 p.m.

Delirium Musicum Orchestra

Delirium Musicum is a self-conducted orchestra led by French violin virtuoso Etienne Gara, dedicated to providing impassioned and engaging musical performances that deeply connect the audience to the musicians. This immediate, visceral experience is rooted in L.A.’s bustling artistic mosaic.

January 15, 2023•5 p.m.

Organ Dedication Celebration

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

February 19, 2023•5 p.m.

Sound Session Saxophone Quartet

Sound Session is a professional chamber ensemble based in East Lansing, MI.

Founded at the Michigan State University College of Music in 2021 under the direction of Professor Joseph Lulloff, the quartet quickly took off to become an exciting, captivating ensemble pushing the boundaries of chamber music.

March 26, 2023•5 p.m.

Piano Recital - HaeSun Paik

Top prize winner of Tchaikovsky (Russia), Queen Elisabeth (Belgium), Leeds (England) International Competitions, Piano Professor at New England Conservatory in Boston, MA, HaeSun Paik has been hailed as a “sensitive and thinking musician with stunning virtuosity.”

May 7, 2023•5 p.m.

Chanticleer

The GRAMMY Award-winning vocal ensemble

Chanticleer has been hailed as “the world’s reigning male chorus” by The New Yorker, and is known around the world as “an orchestra of voices” for its wide-ranging repertoire and dazzling virtuosity.

July 2, 2023•6:30 p.m.

God Shed His Grace on Thee - A Patriotic Festival

FUMC combined choirs and the Westwinds Brass Band will present this annual favorite concert to honor America and to salute its military service veterans. Wave the flag, wear red, white and blue, and stay afterward for hot dogs and ice cream.

BAPTISM

Congratulations to Drew and Amanda Cypert on the baptism of their son, Jasper. Dr. Todd Salzwedel baptized Jasper in the 11 traditional service Sunday, September 11.

MeMorials & HonorariuMs –septeMber 15, 2022

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

In memory of Ginger de Tournillon by Bob and Dana Craig

FRIENDS OF MUSIC

Welcome to Jimmy and Susan Wedel on joining First Lubbock August 28 in the 8:45 service by Dr. Todd Salzwedel. The Wedel’s are transferring their membership from Muleshoe UMC.

Welcome David and Kim Wilkerson on joining First Lubbock August 28 in the chapel service by Dr. Shera Atkinson.

In memory of Lou Diekemper by Robert and Kay Salem

In memory of Fran Waters by Tom and Carolyn Neal

In memory of Carolyn Selby by Tom and Carolyn Neal

In memory of Lou Diekemper by Robert and Kay Salem

MISSIONS MINISTRY memory of Kyle McFarren by Gary and Leslie Moss

MUSIC MINISTRY

In memory of Kyle McFarren by Frank and Kathy Phillips

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID

Lubbock, Texas Permit No. 594

1411 Broadway Lubbock, TX 79401

Return Services Requested

WORSHIP SERVICES

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

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The Window is a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church, Lubbock