WINTER
2019
CHRISTMAS AT FUMCA
WINTER EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
THE YEAR IN PHOTOS
SYMBOLISM IN THE SANCTUARY
STAFF
STAY CONNECTED We post the most recent pictures, news and sermons to share with our members. Connect with us for your daily bit of community.
Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Chris Hayes Associate Pastor of Discipleship Rev. Kay Lancaster Associate Pastor of Evangelism Rev. Ramiro Rodriguez
/FUMCArlington
Caring and Outreach Ministries Michelle Clark
@FUMCArlington
Director of Music & Worship Sean Hale
@FUMCArlington
Director of Youth Ministries Loni Fancher Director of Children and Family Ministries Susan Bishara Nursery and Preschool Coordinator Becky Steimle Director of Communications Mary Gibson Video Production Beth Henkel Linda Barry
Watch Latest Sermons Online The 11:00 am Sanctuary service is live streamed on our Facebook page each Sunday. Past sermons can be found online on our Facebook page, Youtube, and Vimeo. Direct links to the sermons on Vimeo are below: Traditional arlingtonmethodist.org/Traditional Contemporary arlingtonmethodist.org/Contemporary
Technical Services Coordinator Roger Stephens
Contact the church office for DVD copies of sermons at 817-274-2571.
CONTRIBUTORS
Business & Finance Administrator Mary Lobban Receptionist/Event Planner Kathy Martin Membership/Office Administrator & Administrative Assistant to Senior Pastor Lori Davis Building Superintendent Miguel Galaviz
Rev. Dr. Chris Hayes Senior Pastor
Rev. Ramiro Rodriguez Associate Pastor
Rev. Kay Lancaster Associate Pastor
Mary Lobban Business & Finance Administrator
Mary Gibson Director of Communications
Sean Hale Director of Music & Worship
Michelle Clark Caring & Outreach Ministries
Sam Emmerson Historical Committee
Maintenance Shawn Dickler Dir. of Testament Youth Choir & Center313 Greg Haugen Director of Children’s Music Janie Johnson Director of Youth Orchestra Arthur Busby Senior Organist Jamila Javadova-Spitzberg
Not Pictured: Jerrilyn Woodard-Entrekin, Lisha Brock, Keith Harris
Christmas at FUMCA
CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE p. 8
The Year in Photos THE YEAR IN PHOTOS, p.10
SYMBOLISM IN THE SANCTUARY, p. 16
If you would like to continue receiving a hard copy of the magazine, please contact Lori Davis in the church office at 817-274-2571 or ldavis@arlingtonmethodist.org
4 FROM THE PASTOR'S STUDY
12 CHRISTMAS MUSIC AT FUMCA
6 KAIROS PRISON MINISTRIES
13 GOOD FRIDAY CHOIR KICKOFF
7 WOMEN'S RETREAT
14 WELCOME NEW STAFF
8 CHRISTMAS AT FUMCA
15 MISSION & OUTREACH
9 STEWARDSHIP 2020 & SPECIAL OFFERINGS
15 ADVOCATES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
9 SHELBYNEXT
16 SYMBOLISM IN THE SANCTUARY
10 THE YEAR IN PHOTOS arlingtonmethodist.org
18 WINTER EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Faith • 3
HAVING 2020 VISION Can you believe it is almost (or already, depending on when you are reading this magazine) 2020? For most all of my life the year 2020 seemed so far removed and so futuristic. I expected flying cars and frequent recreational trips to the moon by now when I was growing up. No matter what your expectations were, or how you are dealing with the current reality of it being 2020, the most important question for us as people of faith is “what does God imagine for us in 2020,” not so much what did we imagine for 2020. Having God’s 2020 vision means actively seeing things through the lens of God’s love and hope, and not simply relying on our personal perspectives to see things clearly. As people of faith there are so many things we can focus on and so many things that attempt to capture our attention, but we are called to focus in on God’s vision for our life and for the world. So as we enter this New Year, what do you think God imagines for your life and for our church?
BY: REV. DR. CHRIS J. HAYES Senior Pastor
I believe Jesus addressed this same issue when many people around him were worried about all of the things that they might need to focus on. There were so many laws, so many Bible verses, so many traditions, so many needs and problems. The people therefore asked Jesus, how do we focus on what is most important? Jesus clearly responded, love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31). Jesus said if you do these two things, the blurriness of everything else clears up and you can find what is most important. As we live into 2020 we may not have flying cars or recreational space exploration. We do have some chaos and plenty of distraction both good and bad all around us, but we also have a very clear vision from Jesus about the way we can focus in our life of faith. If we love God and love neighbor above all else, everything else is so much clearer. May we strive to find that clarity together at First UMC Arlington so that we might have God’s 2020 vision! May God Bless and Keep, Pastor Chris
JOB & THE JOKER
BY: REV. RAMIRO RODRIGUEZ Associate Pastor of Evangelism
This issue comes out during Advent and will be out until the beginning of Lent. I have a choice: I can write an article which ties these two important seasons together, or I can write something that has nothing to do with either. I think y’all will be able to quickly tell which path I chose… As I write this, I am tantalizingly close to finishing a 9-week long (cont.) 4 • Winter 2019
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study of the book of Job. We were supposed to finish it last week, but I had to conduct a funeral, and we couldn’t finish it this week because I have a mandatory 3-day long conference retreat. The good people who have faithfully shown up at my class week after week have been eagerly anticipating this final class. My class wants closure. They want to feel like the time they have spent exploring this amazing, dense, beautiful- and at times exhausting – book has been well spent. Much like Job, they want answers. Why is this happening? Why is God doing this? Why does God allow needless suffering? My class wants to find these answers, but they are also asking a question Job wasn’t. What motivates people to be good? Are we good because we’re afraid of what might happen to us if we are bad? Are we good because we are chasing after some kind of reward? Are we good because we – not unlike dogs - like to hear people tell us how good we are? Job was described as blameless and upright, he was a man who feared God and turned away from evil. It’s fair to say Job was righteous, but why was he righteous? Was he righteous because he believed his righteousness was rewarded by God? Let’s not forget, in the beginning of this story – before he loathed his life - Job was described as being the greatest man in the arlingtonmethodist.org
East. Job’s righteousness seems to have paid off for him, at least in the beginning. But would Job have been so righteous if he was an outcast? Would he have been blameless and upright if he was someone whom the rich and powerful shunned? Did Job worship God because God is worthy of worship, or did Job serve God because he believed God was serving him? I think this is an important question for all of us. It is a question we should all ask ourselves. Why do we serve God? Do we serve God because we find reward in our service? Would we dedicate our lives to serving God if we didn’t get something out of it? Many of the good people in my Bible study will be disappointed with next week’s class. They will be disappointed because the Book of Job doesn’t really provide us with many answers. In a lot of ways, it’s like the movie Joker. Well, maybe not a lot of ways, but definitely in some ways. Many people went to see Joker because they wanted to see the origin story of this infamous villain. They wanted to see how the Joker became DC Comics' personification of evil. They wanted to see where evil comes from. And without giving away any spoilers, I can say that the origins of evil in this movie are unclear. We leave this movie unsure if this character’s evil came from illness, or from suffering violence. We don’t know if his evil came from being oppressed and shunned by the rich, or from living in an
uncaring, garbage-strewn world. We don’t know if he became evil because he was warehoused with other desperately lost souls. Like Job, Joker has way more questions than answers. And this is a good thing because the truth is we will never know – definitively - where evil comes from. We will never know why good people suffer. We can theorize, we can believe we know the answers, but no one can say with any degree of certainty that they know why bad things happen to good people. Job and Joker bring up questions which are ultimately unanswerable, but that doesn’t mean we should stop asking these question. There is value in asking ourselves questions which we are completely unequipped to answer, but there is even more value in asking ourselves difficult questions which require serious reflection. Questions like: Why do we serve God? There’s value in this question, but we find even more value by simply serving. Good people suffer every single day, and even though some of us are uneasy with the word evil, how can we look out into the world and deny its existence? Evil and suffering exist and while there’s value in contemplating where they come from there’s infinitely more value in asking ourselves a difficult question which all of us are equipped to answer: “What are we going to do about it?” Faith • 5
The mission of Kairos Prison Ministry is to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of incarcerated men, women, and youth, as well as their families, to become loving and productive citizens of their communities. Kairos is an international ministry, and our church supports two units in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system: the men’s Allred Unit in Iowa Park and the women’s Mountain View Unit in Gatesville. The team of Kairos volunteers receives special training prior to entering the unit. The Kairos weekend is a 3 ½ day short course on Christianity. It is an opportunity to make disciples and to help disciples grow in their knowledge of Jesus Christ and the redemption that he offers.
HOW CAN YOU BE A PART OF THIS MINISTRY? 1. Financial contributions are made by our church’s budgeted funds and by our Amazing Grace Class. Additional contributions from individuals or classes are also appreciated. 2. Signing prayer chains and promising to pray for the participants during the weekend. The chains are put together to show the participants how many people are praying for them. 3. Children make placemats to share Christ’s love in Sunday school and at Kids in Mission. 4. Baking homemade cookies—a special treat for the incarcerated. 5. Volunteering to serve on a Kairos Ministry Team. 6 • Winter 2019
BY: REV. KAY LANCASTER Associate Pastor of Discipleship
There are opportunities to serve on either the support team or the inside team. The support team prepares meals and other items for the participants during the weekend. The inside team goes into the prison to share the love and grace of Christ. (women in the women’s unit and men in the men’s unit).
KAIROS WEEKENDS During a weekend on the inside of the unit, the gym is converted into 3 spaces—a dining area, a conference room and a chapel. There are 42 participants seated six to a table with three volunteers at each table. The participants hear ten talks given by volunteers, they discuss the talks and then make posters which illustrate the main idea of the talks. They also sing, worship, and eat specially prepared food which includes lots of cookies and fresh fruit between the meals. The program is nondenominational and focuses on the love of Christ. The motto of the volunteers is to Listen, Listen, Love, Love. At the end of the Kairos Weekend, on Sunday afternoon, there is a Closing Ceremony in the gym during which participants receive a cross. Then they go for a final worship during which visitors are welcome to attend if they have completed paperwork arlingtonmethodist.org
and been approved. During this time visitors will hear participants tell of the condition in which they came to Kairos and in what condition they are leaving. Words often used to express these conditions are coming in broken, lonely, scared, untrusting, cold, and spiritually dry. They describe leaving healed, redeemed, loved, a child of God, trusting, having a new family of faithful brothers/sisters.
HOW IS KAIROS DIFFERENT? How is Kairos different from other prison ministries? Volunteers commit to the continuing ministry of Kairos. They return to the unit the Saturday following a weekend for an “Instructional” which teaches the participants how to conduct prayer and share groups - similar to Emmaus reunion groups. Volunteers also return to the unit for monthly reunions. These reunions include singing, sharing testimonials, worship, scripture readings, and a time of small group discussion and prayer. All of these activities are led by the participants. In addition, volunteers will return to facilitate the prayer and share groups that were formed during the “Instructional”. Volunteers go into the prison hoping to be a blessing to the participants. However, by serving in the Kairos Prison Ministry, the volunteers receive many more blessings than they give. Our Kairos volunteers would love for you to consider being a part of bringing the love of Christ into the darkness of prison. If you would like to know more about this ministry, you can contact Rev. Ramiro Rodriguez or Rev. Kay Lancaster in the church office.
In Matthew 25: 35-36, Jesus describes the responsibilities of the faithful: “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
Take a trip around the world! WOMEN'S RETREAT Fri, February 28: 5–8 pm & Sat, February 29: 9 am–3 pm at FUMC of Arlington
Ladies - you are invited to join together at FUMC of Arlington on Friday Feb 28 at 5:00-8:00 pm and Saturday Feb 29 from 9:00 am3:00 pm for our annual women's retreat. We will be traveling on a virtual adventure around the world to explore God's love and wonder. We will dig into God's Word, worship, sing, serve, and build relationships with lots of fun and laughter. Cost: $50, covers meals and supplies Register online at arlingtonmethodist.org/registration Contact Rev. Kay Lancaster for more information
For more information about Kairos Prison Ministries, visit kairosprisonministry.org arlingtonmethodist.org
Faith • 7
Christmas
ChristmasEve
Join us on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus with candlelight and Communion. Invite your friends and family to join us this holy night. FAMILY-FRIENDLY SERVICE 4 pm | Sanctuary This service was created with families of children in mind. It is child-led and family-friendly. The Children's Choir sings at this earliest service.
TRADITIONAL SERVICES 6, 8, & 11 pm Sanctuary The Chancel Choir sings at the 6:00 & 8:00 pm services, and the Testament youth choir sings at 11:00 pm. Pastor Chris will deliver the sermon at all three services.
REVIVE WORSHIP SERVICE 7 pm | Great Hall Center 313 leads worship and Pastor Ramiro preaches at this Revive-style Christmas Eve worship service.
DECEMBER 29 | ONE WORSHIP SERVICE: Come worship with us as we continue to celebrate Christmas with a special 10:00 am worship service in the Sanctuary. It will be the only worship service on that Sunday. Children’s Sunday school will not be meeting. Adult Sunday school classes can decide if they want to meet. 8 • Winter 2019
arlingtonmethodist.org
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
BY: MARY LOBBAN Business and Finance Administrator
We take up special offerings throughout the year, in addition to other special giving opportunities throughout the year. Below is an overview of giving throughout 2019. Thank you for your incredible generosity!
STEWARDSHIP 2020
If you weren't able to be with us on November 24, pledges can be turned in to the church office (pledge cards are available in the office) or made online at arlingtonmethodist.org/Give Contact Mary Lobban, Business and Finance Administrator, for more information on pledging.
For more information on giving and a look at where our giving goes, a guide to giving can be found online and in bookshelves around the church.
We are very excited to be launching a new website in 2020! We are currently in the process of converting our current Shelby database software over to ShelbyNext. This gives us the ability to integrate our database, website, and calendaring software all onto the same platform, which will make things run more smoothly for both our staff and church members. arlingtonmethodist.org
2019 SPECIAL OFFERINGS: Activity Center Project Holiday Baskets Nursery Shower Waters to Life Haiti Memorial Fund Awaken Choir Boy Scouts Children's Choir Children's Ministry Choir Tour Donation Church Facilities Endowment First Fridays Helping Hands-Communion Honorariums/Memorials Music Scholarship Fund UMCOR Webb Elementary Youth Ministry Youth Stock Sales
$19,500.00 $1,150.00 $675.00 $1,130.66 $5,025.00 $1,350.00 $1,000.00 $490.00 $4,650.00 $4,025.00 $745.00 $500.00 $980.00 $5,410.00 $4,800.00 $4,905.00 $360.00 $1,225.00 $24,351.00
The new website will be much more mobilefriendly, and will be simpler to navigate on your phone and desktop. A ShelbyNext app will also be available to church members which will allow you to access directory information, giving statements, and more. We will also need to update member photos, as the new Shelby requires individual photos, compared to the previous version which used family photos. You'll be able to submit your own photos but we'll also provide an opportunity to have your photo taken on a Sunday. Stay tuned for more information on this transition! Faith • 9
s o t o h P n i r a e Y e h T Chris h for Pastor nc u L e om lc We
Holy Thursday Supper
Blessing of the Pets
Little Dresses for Af rica
Tour Testament Choir
hool Bible Sc n io t a c a V 10 • Winter 2019
Kids in Mission
Halloween in the Nu rsery
Disciple Now
Class 2019 Confirmation
Bible Journaling
Emergency Response Team
Bunny Hop
Chancel Choir & Orchestra
Children’s Choir Field Trip
Youth Leader ship Retreat
arlingtonmethodist.org
Stay up to date on pictures, events, and more online! Facebook.com/FUMCArlington
Tabernacle Festival
hoir Children’s C
Grandparents Day
Music Week
arlingtonmethodist.org
Special N eeds VB S
Senior Class of 2019
@FUMCArlington
Easter Sunday
Away We Go
Trunk or Treat at Webb Homecoming Weekend
Sugar Skull Decorating
Unboxed Family Christmas Experie nce
Food Driv e
Book Carnival
Habitat For Humanity
First Friday Faith • 11
M U S I C
M I N I S T R I E S
Christmas Music at FUMCA BY: SEAN HALE | Director of Music & Worship
Every year, we have many special musical offerings during the Christmas season, but this year is shaping up to be one of the best as we have a wide variety of ensembles and musical groups singing at FUMCA. CHANCEL CHOIR SINGS MESSIAH December 8 | 11 am | Sanctuary On Sunday, December 8, in the 11:00 Sanctuary service ONLY, the Chancel Choir and Orchestra will present a joyous collection of music that shares dif ferent perspectives on the Christmas story highlighted by Francesco Durante’s setting of Magnificat. The worship service will also feature arrangements of more familiar Christmas carols arranged by two of the best American composers today: Dan Forrest and Elaine Hagenberg. ARLINGTON CHILDREN’S CHORUS WINTER CONCERT December 10 | 7 pm | Sanctuary ACC is an auditioned honor choir of elementary-aged students throughout the Arlington ISD. They regularly rehearse at FUMC and will be sharing their Christmas music with us on Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00 pm. It is a free concert.
AMC will be presenting their Holiday Concert in our Sanctuary on Thursday, December 12 at 7:00 pm. The concert is entitled, “The Life of Christmas,” and will also feature the Children’s Chorus from Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through their website (arlingtonmasterchorale.org). CAROLING WITH THE CHOIR December 11 | 7:30 pm We are always looking for ways to connect with those who live near the church and caroling is such a great way to do that. On Wednesday, December 11, join members of the Chancel Choir as we share the joy of Christmas with the neighborhood around the church. Everyone is welcome! We will meet in the choir room at 7:30 pm.
you don’t want to miss this special evening! Admission is free, but everyone is encouraged to bring a new and unwrapped toy. AWAKEN ENSEMBLE CONCERT WITH ARLINGTON CHARITIES December 22 | 4 pm | Sanctuary Come and Awaken to Christmas with Awaken Ensemble in concert on Sunday, December 22 at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Awaken Ensemble is led by Sean Hale and is in its first concert season. The chamber choir is comprised of music professionals across DFW. Tickets are $5 online (through Eventbrite & Facebook) and $10 at the door. Awaken is also partnering with Arlington Charities for the concert and is doing a non-perishable food and hygiene drive. Here are items we are collecting that you can bring to the concert: Cereal Cooking oil Shampoo Toothpaste & Toothbrushes Laundry detergent Toilet paper Razors Bath soap/bath gel Shaving cream Dish soap Diapers-Size 4, 5, 6
Featuring the music of Dan Forrest, Elaine Hagenberg, and Frencesco Durante's CHOIRS SING Magnificat, presented on Sunday,CHILDREN’S December 8 The Children’s Choir will sing on CENTER 313 CONCERT Sunday, December 22 in Revive at 11 am by the Chancel Choir & Orchestra December 15 | 6 pm | Sanctuary at 11:00 am and on Christmas
ARLINGTON MASTER CHORALE CONCERT December 12 | 7 pm | Sanctuary 12 • Winter 2019
Come out and join us for Center313's Christmas Concert! BY: SEAN HALE You’ll hear your favorite Christmas Director of Music & Worship songs and maybe even some new ones. Bring everyone you know,
Eve, the Children’s Choirs will be joined by our Joyful Noise preschool choir at the 4:00 pm service in the Sanctuary. Come celebrate with us! arlingtonmethodist.org
Sing with Us! MICHAEL JOHN TROTTA’S SEVEN LAST WORDS
Every spring the Chancel Choir and Orchestra present a major work. This year, we will be presenting our music as part of the Good Friday service on April 10. Pastor Chris will be leading us through a Lenten sermon series focusing on the seven last words of Christ and it will culminate with the Chancel Choir and Orchestra presenting Michael John Trotta’s Seven Last Words. Our kickoff rehearsal is Saturday, January 25, from 10:00 am-noon, in the choir room. Below you will see a rehearsal schedule of eight rehearsals for anyone who would like to sing with us for Seven Last Words, but cannot commit to chancel choir year-round. Please spread the word. We would love to have you join us! Contact Sean Hale for more information at shale@arlingtonmethodist.org arlingtonmethodist.org
EIGHT REHEARSAL SCHEDULE JANUARY Saturday, 1/25 10:00 am–12:00 pm Choir Room | Kickoff Rehearsal
FEBRUARY Saturday, 2/22 10:00 am–12:00 pm Choir Room | Rehearsal
MARCH Wednesday, 3/11 7:45–9:00 pm Choir Room | Rehearsal
Wednesday, 3/25 7:15–9:00 pm Choir Room | Rehearsal
Wednesday, 3/18 7:30–9:00 pm Choir Room | Rehearsal
Saturday, 3/28 10:00 am–12:00 pm Choir Room | Rehearsal
APRIL Wednesday, 4/1 7:15–9:00 pm Sanctuary | Rehearsal
Wednesday, 4/8 7:00–9:00 | Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra Rehearsal Faith • 13
Welcome new staff! LONI FANCHER
Director of Youth Ministries Loni Fancher spent most of her time at Fuller Theological Seminary studying faith and contemporary culture because she wants to help people see God at work in the world. Now, Loni spends her time with teenagers and refuses to grow up. Her passion is helping students fall in love with Jesus and make their faith their
own. She’s always up for grabbing coffee or tacos with anyone (teens or adults) who wants to chat. As a native Texan, she’s a die-hard Texas Rangers fan...like seriously...it’s a problem. She lives with her two adorable dogs, Desdemona and Mercutio, & has a YouTube channel where she reads novels she thinks everyone should’ve read by now. No matter what anyone says, she was into collecting mustaches before mustaches were cool. Loni will be joining us later in December.
BETH HENKEL
Video Production Specialist Beth Henkel joined the FUMC of Arlington staff in October as part of the Communications Team. Her specialty is video production and she will help tell the stories about our church, our ministries and how we are sharing the love of Christ.
Not Pictured
LINDA BARRY Video Intern
Linda is a broadcast journalism student at the University of Texas at Arlington who you'll see around on Sunday mornings! She helps record 14 • Winter 2019
Beth and her husband Al joined FUMCA in 2005 and their three boys, Alex, Danny, and Steven, were all actively involved in children’s and youth ministries. Al is a member of the Chancel Choir and Beth’s volunteer time at church has been focused in the youth and children ministry areas. They live with Beth’s mom, Lorraine, and a very bossy Australian Shepherd named Ranger.
services, edits the 11:00 am Sanctuary & Revive services, and gets them posted to Vimeo and Facebook so they can be viewed online. arlingtonmethodist.org
M I S S I O N S
&
O U T R E A C H
HAITI MISSION TRIP Pastor Chris, Michelle Clark, Diane Duea, Jonathan Stowe, and Bob Ford will be going on a preliminary mission trip to Haiti this winter. Stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved as we work with Water For Life to provide clean drinking water, irrigation for farming opportunities, education and other means of assistance to the Haitian people. Keep this team in your prayers!
COOKIES FOR THE TROOPS CTC churches are providing homemade cookies to the troops. Your part is easy! Pick out your favorite recipe, bake two dozen cookies, and deliver them to the church on December 15. Mailing boxes will be available so we can transport them to Dyess Air Force Base the next day.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Contact Michelle Clark at mclark@arlingtonmethodist.org to find out how you can get connected with outreach opportunities in our church and local community.
A D V O C A T E S
F O R
S O C I A L
J U S T I C E The Advocates for Social Justice are a group of people who are concerned about social injustice. We meet on the second Sunday of each month to discuss social justice issues, to clarify needs for information and to identify possible actions to accomplish our mission. All are welcome to join us for any or our meetings, events, and ministries. For more information, visit arlingtonmethodist.org/ASJ Top left: Several FUMCA members, led by ASJ, were delighted to participate in this year’s Tarrant County Pride Parade; Bottom Left: Mike Bucek drove his decorated SUV carrying welcoming parade participants who weren’t able to walk the entire route; Bottom Right: Paul Steimle with ASJ-FUMCA wears a smile and carries a sign showing hospitality to all. Captions courtesy of Jerrilyn Woodard-Entrekin
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Faith • 15
H I S T O R I C A L
C O M M I T T E E
Symbolism in the Sanctuary Our church is full of art and symbolism that represents our Christian faith. It is easy to see before you enter and once inside our church. The stained glass windows throughout our House of Worship are symbolic of any church and our church is no exception. Walk down any hall you will find religious and spiritual paintings that can be inspiring hanging on the walls. To quote a past minister of our church, Chet C. Henson (1953-1956), “To create the awareness of the presence of God is the purpose of art in church building, and that awareness transforms an auditorium into a sanctuary.”
I have sat in church for decades listening to the preacher’s sermon not aware of all the symbols that surround us during the service. And, I’m not talking about the obvious stain glassed windows. Next time in church, look around at the different symbols and learn what Rev. Chet C. Henson has written about each symbol in his book, “Religious Symbolism in the Sanctuary”. 1. LATIN CROSS The best known of all Christian’s symbols is the Latin Cross which occupies a central position on the Altar in front of the Sanctuary. Even though the Cross is made of gold; it represents physically only two beams of wood. At the time when Jesus was crucified and for three centuries after, the Cross was a token not of glory but a of shame. There is a beautiful paradox in the Cross being depicted by a beautiful gold Cross. It symbolizes not only the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, but the glorious victory over sin and the triumphant resurrection from the dead. It becomes not a symbol of death but of Life. The familiar combination of letters on the Cross which looks like I H S or I h s does not mean “In His Service” as is sometimes supposed. The I H S represents the Greek characters of iota, eta, and 16 • Winter 2019
BY: SAM EMMERSON FUMCA Historical Committee
sigma, the first letters in Jesus’ name spelled in Greek (Iesous). When the Latin Cross stands on three steps, which signifies faith, hope, and love, it is called the Calvary or Graded Cross. The Calvary Cross is symbolic of finished redemption of Christ risen from the dead and reigning from the throne in heaven. 2. THE CANDLES ON THE ALTAR are regarded as symbols of Jesus Christ, The Light of the World. The use of two candles on each side of the Altar and the lighting during all services emphasize the two natures of Christ, divine and human. 3.COMMUNION TABLE The shock (sheaves) of wheat and the cluster of grapes carved into the Communion Table symbolize the bread and wine of the Holy Communion. The beautiful carving in the Communion Table, of course, represents the Last Supper which Christ had with His Disciples before His crucifixion. 4.THE OPEN BIBLE on the altar refers to the universal aspect of the Gospel and the availability of salvation to “Whomsoever” may come. 5. PEW SYMBOLS The four symbols carved into the ends of the pews: the Open Book and the Shock of Wheat, and the Cluster of Grapes have already been explained. The Maltese Cross is sometimes used as the emblem for John the Baptist and Baptism. You will notice the Maltese Cross used in this aspect atop the Baptismal Font. Next time you are sitting in church, look around at the different symbols that decorate our sanctuary and now you know what they mean. Did I miss the biggest religious symbol in our sanctuary, the stained glass window behind the choir? No, I’m saving that for another day. arlingtonmethodist.org
From top left: The Latin Cross (1), surrounded by the candles on the altar (2) and the open Bible (4); detail of I H S on the Latin Cross (1); the carving on the front of the Communion table (3); the four symbols carved into the pews (5); Photos courtesy of Keith Harris
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Faith • 17
Winter And EVENTS
DECEMBER 7 | BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
9:00 AM-12:00 PM | GREAT HALL Come enjoy a tasty pancake breakfast and take your photo with Santa! Kids of all ages are welcome. Bring your own camera/phone. Cost is free for children ages 0-4; $2 for children ages 5-16, and $4 for 16+. The Arlington Public Library is holding their annual Touch A Truck event in our parking lot at the same time.
DECEMBER 8 | CHANCEL CHOIR & ORCHESTRA CHRISTMAS MUSIC PRESENTATION:
11:00 AM IN THE SANCTUARY Come and worship with us as the Chancel Choir and Orchestra present several familiar Christmas carols as well as Francesco Durante’s Magnificat.
DECEMBER 11 | CAROLING WITH THE CHOIR:
7:30 PM | MEET AT THE CHURCH Come and join the choir as we go caroling in our neighborhood! We’ll meet at the choir room at 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to join us.
*DECEMBER 14 | ARLINGTON PARADE OF LIGHTS:
5:30 PM | MEET AT THE CHURCH Join members of our church family on the FUMCA float decorated by our Men@First. We will meet at 5:30 pm for the 6:00 pm parade. Register online for more details as we get closer to the 14th.
DECEMBER 15 | AMAZING GRACE LIVE NATIVITY:
9:00-11:00 AM IN ROOM 153 Come and walk through the manger scene performed by our very own Amazing Grace members. 18 • Winter 2019
For a full listing of upcoming activities and events, visit arlingtonmethodist.org/events
ACTIVITIES
DECEMBER 15 | HISPANIC MINISTRY DANCE:
3:00 PM IN THE GREAT HALL A combined event with the Hispanic ministry and the traditional Hispanic heritage dance group. Lunch, followed by a dance performance, followed by dessert. All are welcome!
DECEMBER 15 | BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE:
4:00-5:00 PM IN THE CHAPEL Join us for a service of music, scripture, prayer and silence. All are invited especially, those who are finding it difficult to be Joyful during the holidays due to the loss of a loved one, health, job, or other life situation.
DECEMBER 15 | CENTER 313 CHRISTMAS CONCERT :
6:00 PM IN THE SANCTUARY Come out and join us for Center313's Christmas Concert! You’ll hear your favorite Christmas songs and maybe even some new ones. Bring everyone you know - you don’t want to miss this special evening! Admission is free, but everyone is encouraged to bring a new and unwrapped toy.
DECEMBER 22 | AWAKEN ENSEMBLE CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 4:00-5:00 PM IN THE SANCTUARY
Come and hear some beautiful Christmas music as Awaken Ensemble helps to bring in the season! Tickets are $5 online or $10 at the door.
*DECEMBER 23 | SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMP:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM | HAGLER HALL A day packed full of crafting holiday gifts and playing holiday games for ages K-6th grade. Cost is $25/child, bring a sack lunch, snacks are provided. arlingtonmethodist.org
DECEMBER 24 | CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP:
JANUARY 19 | CLARINET & PIANO RECITAL:
4:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, & 11:00 PM Join us for a special evening of worship on Christmas Eve with candlelight and Communion! 4:00 pm is our family & kid-friendly service, 6:00, 8:00, & 11:00 pm are traditional services in the Sanctuary, and 7:00 pm is the Revive worship celebration in the Great Hall.
4:00-5:30 PM IN THE CHAPEL The Azerbaijan American Music Foundation (founded by Dr. Jamila Javadova-Spitzberg) is sponsoring a recital with FUMCA member, Dr. William Hayter (clarinet), and Humay Gasimzade (piano). Come hear some great music that builds cross cultural relationships between USA & Azerbaijan.
DECEMBER 29 | ONE WORSHIP SERVICE @ 10 AM:
JANUARY 25 | GOOD FRIDAY CHOIR KICKOFF:
Come worship with us as we continue to celebrate 10:00 AM-12:00 PM IN THE CHOIR ROOM Christmas with a special 10:00 am worship service The Chancel Choir will begin rehearsing their main the Sanctuary. Children's Sunday school will not jor work for the Good Friday service, Michael John be meeting. Adult classes can decide whether or not Trotta’s setting of “Seven Last Words.” There is an 8 they'll meet. rehearsal schedule for anyone that would like to join the choir for this great music.
JANUARY 5 | CHILDREN'S ACADEMY RESUMES:
10:30 AM | VARIOUS ROOMS The new semester of children's Sunday morning Academy begins on Sunday, January 5. For more information on the different classes available for children, contact Susan Bishara.
FEBRUARY 24 | CHILDREN'S CHOIR SINGS & FIELD TRIP:
The Children's Choir will sing at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary and will take a field trip later on at 2:00 pm. Stay tuned for more details.
*FEBRUARY 28-29 | WONDERFULL WORLD JANUARY 12 | PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: WILLS, WOMEN’S RETREAT: POWERS OF ATTORNEY, AND ADVANCED DIRECTIVES: Ladies, you are invited to join together at FUMCA
9:30-10:30 AM IN ROOM 151 Attorneys (and congregation members) Bill Campbell and Mike Bucek will present information regarding wills, powers of attorney, and advanced directives so that you will be ready for your future!
on Friday Feb 28 at 5:00-8:00 pm and Saturday Feb 29 from 9:00 am-3:00 pm for a weekend of worship, singing, serving, and building relationships with lots of fun and laughter. Cost is $50 to cover meals and supplies.
*JANUARY 12 | PARENTING THROUGH THE PHASES/ *FEBRUARY 27-29 | CREATED BY GOD SEMINAR: KIDS IN MISSION RESUMES: Created By God is a program resource designed to 12:00-2:00 PM | VARIOUS ROOMS Parenting through the Phases is a study for adults which will empower you by targeting the exact developmental milestones through a Christian perspective. It speaks on guiding your family to share God in the most meaningful way. Planned to meet at the same time as the Mission Kids program we will also have “Playdate time” for our infant - 2nd grade childcare. The time will be spent having lunch, study, and community.
communicate to sixth graders that we are a fantastic creation made by God. The topics of human sexuality, values, and relationships are approached in a frank, honest, and Bible-based manner. A parents seminar happens first on 2/27 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Sixth graders will meet from 7:00-9:00 pm on 2/28, and on 2/29 from 9:00 am-2:00 pm, followed by a time where kids and parents meet together from 2-4 pm. Contact Susan Bishara for more information.
*JANUARY 17-19 | DISCIPLE NOW (D-NOW):
Retreat weekend for youth with worship, mission projects, games, fellowship, and more. arlingtonmethodist.org
*Register online at arlingtonmethodist.org/registration Faith • 19
Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 171 Arlington, TX 313 N Center Arlington, TX 76011 p: 817.274.2571 | f: 817.459.0579 arlingtonmethodist.org
TRADITIONAL SANCTUARY SERVICES:
4:00, 6:00, 8:00 & 11:00 PM REVIVE WORSHIP:
7:00 PM in the Great Hall