Faith Magazine | Spring 2020

SPRING

2020

LENT & HOLY WEEK

ADVOCATES FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE

SPRING MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

SUMMER CAMP PREVIEW

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 Caring and Outreach Ministries Michelle Clark Director of Music & Worship Sean Hale Director of Youth Ministries Loni Fancher Director of Children and Family Ministries Susan Bishara Childrens Ministries Karol Clay & Katie Wesson Director of Communications Mary Gibson Video Production Beth Henkel Linda Barry

Contact the church office for DVDs of the worship service at 817-274-2571.

/FUMCArlington @FUMCArlington @FUMCArlington

Watch Latest Sermons Online Sermons can be found online on our Facebook page and Vimeo.

Direct links to the sermons on Vimeo are below: Traditional Worship arlingtonmethodist.org/Traditional Revive Worship arlingtonmethodist.org/Contemporary

CONTRIBUTORS

Technical Services Coordinator Roger Stephens 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

Maintenance Shawn Dickler

Director of Youth Orchestra Arthur Busby

Sean Hale Director of Music & Worship

Not Pictured: Kay Hale Advocates for Special People

Dir. of Testament Youth Choir & Center313 Greg Haugen Director of Children’s Music Janie Johnson

Sam Emmerson Historical Committee

Mary Gibson Director of Communications

Michelle Clark Caring & Outreach Ministries

Senior Organist Jamila Javadova-Spitzberg 2 • Spring 2020

arlingtonmethodist.org

GOD'S 2020 VISION p. 4

ADVOCATES FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE , p. 8

SEVEN LAST WORDS p. 12

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 GOD'S 2020 VISION

12 SEVEN LAST WORDS

6 RELENTING

13 SPRING MUSIC EVENTS

7 LENTEN & EASTER EVENTS 8 ADVOCATES FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE 9 CHURCH DECORATING TEAM

13 AWAY WE GO 13 SPAGHETTI SUPPER & SILENT AUCTION 14 YOUTH EVENTS & UPDATES 15 SUMMER CAMPS

10 SHELBYNEXT

16 MISSIONS & OUTREACH

11 THE WIDOW'S OFFERING

18 SPRING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

arlingtonmethodist.org

Faith • 3

BY: REV. DR. CHRIS J. HAYES Senior Pastor

Connect boldly with our community Organizational re-structure to energize people for ministry Focus on family & multi-generational ministries Capital improvements to ensure hospitality

4 • Spring 2020

arlingtonmethodist.org

This year we are daring to dream the dreams that God has for us individually and collectively. I know that in the midst of busy lives and constant 24-hour news cycles, it is often difficult to remember that God is always at work in our life and world, and God wants us to be a part of that work. As we continue to consider how God is calling each of us to take part in making the world of God’s imagination come to fruition, I am so thankful for the work we are doing together at First United Methodist Church of Arlington to move us collectively towards God’s dream.

At the beginning of the year, your church lay and staff leadership identified four areas of focus for 2020 that we believe will help us better be the church that God desires for us to be in our community and world.

There are always many other important ministries and ideas for us to consider, but with the leading of the Holy Spirit, we know that if we make strides in these important areas, we will be able to better love God and love neighbor which is always our goal here as God’s church. These four areas of focus are: 1. Connect boldly with our community – meaning we want our immediate residential and business neighbors to know that God and First United Methodist Church of Arlington loves them and we are here for them in the midst of our community.

time and ensure that when we meet or gather we are doing so to enact ministry and be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.

3. Focus on family and multi-generational ministries – meaning we want to give time and attention to how we develop our children, youth, and students, and ensure that we are connected across these areas of discipleship development. In addition, we want to use the amazing resource we have at First UMC and connect across generations to learn and grow with and from each other.

4. Make capital improvements around our facility in order to ensure hospitality to everyone who comes into our church. These projects include, but are not limited to, restroom upgrades, children ministry area updates, better signage inside and outside the building, a new playground area, sanctuary and great hall worship and video upgrades, and expansions of our welcome areas.

All of these things will help us better love God and better love our neighbors and all of them will help us live into the dreams and hopes God has for us as a family of faith. Thank you so much for all that you have done to get us to this wonderful place in ministry, and thank you for the gifts of your presence, prayers, financial support, service, and your sharing of God’s good news about God’s love and our congregation’s love with the world around us. It is only in partnership with one another and with God that we can live into the vision God has for us all.

2. Organizational re-structure to energize people for ministry – meaning we want to value each person’s

May God Bless and Keep, Pastor Chris

HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE? For more information on capital improvements and how you can donate, contact Mary Lobban, Business & Finance Administrator at mlobban@arlingtonmethodist.org or in the office at 817-274-2571. arlingtonmethodist.org

Faith • 5

relenting

BY: REV. RAMIRO RODRIGUEZ Associate Pastor

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines cliché as: 1) a trite phrase or expression, 2) a hackneyed theme, characterization, or situation. I define cliché as starting an article with the words: “the dictionary defines…”

I am not suggesting that clichés are always bad, or that we should avoid beginning anything with the words: “The dictionary defines”. I am merely suggesting that there are more original, creative, and captivating ways to begin, articles, speeches, sermon, eulogies, or stand-up routines than with the words: “The dictionary defines…”

Having said all that, The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Lent as: “the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting”.

6 • Spring 2020

I’m pretty confident that everyone reading this already knew that, but what you may not have known is that the word, Lent, comes from the Old English, lencten, which means spring.

While part of me is tempted to fill the rest of this article with quasipoetical musings on the hope of spring, I think there is more to be gained by looking at the word Lent through a different lens.

A colleague with an excessive fondness for puns recently pointed out to me that the word Lent is right smack in the middle of the word relentless. I am happy to now be aware of this, but for our purposes here, I think we should drop the less and focus on the word relent.

There are two different possible origins of the word relent. The first is from the Latin, lentus, which can mean slow or viscous, but it can also mean supple and

flexible. Since the Latin prefix re means “again” or “back”, relent could mean becoming slow, viscous, supple or flexible again.

It could mean coming back to a time, or place, when we were slow or flexible.

The other possible origin is from the Old French, rallentir, which means to become less cruel, severe, or harsh. It can refer to a hard heart melting with pity. This definition seems closer to how we define the word relent today, but I think both possible origins can help us grow in our faith this Lent.

In a sense, we are all reLenting.

We are all coming back to Lent.

We are all experiencing Lent again, and for many of us we are planning on spending this Lenten season in the same way we have experienced previous Lents. We are planning on giving things up and on becoming more intentional - more serious -about our faith.

arlingtonmethodist.org

LENTEN & EASTER

Events

LENTEN BOOK STUDY

March 4-April 8 | 10 am or 6:30 pm | Room 151 6-Week Study on "Hard to Dance With the Devil On Your Back" by Ray Buckley. Led by Rev. Kay Lancaster. Books available in the office We are planning to make this Lent a time of strict discipline because that is what we have always done. When we treat Lent in this way, it is easy to understand how Lent could come from lentus, because the forty days certainly can seem to drag by slowly.

PALM SUNDAY

Maybe we should relook at our understanding of Lent? Maybe we should view Lent as a time when we become more flexible? Maybe Lent should be a time when we focus on being less severe, and less harsh with those we disagree with? Maybe following Jesus isn’t about getting more serious, maybe following Jesus is about becoming less rigid and more joyous?

HOLY THURSDAY SUPPER & WORSHIP

Maybe we should quit viewing Lent like we always have? Maybe we should all relearn, reframe, and reimagine how we experience Lent? It’s spring, new life is in bloom everywhere we look. Let’s quit treating Lent in tired, cliched ways and let’s see what blooms in us.

April 5 | 11:00 am Sanctuary Service Processional + Children's Choir singing

HOLY WEEK MISSION PROJECT

Sunday, April 5 | 5:30 pm | Banquet Room Creating sensory neck wraps for students with special needs.

See page 17 for more details

April 9 | 6:30 pm | Great Hall Churchwide potluck with worship in remembrance of the Last Supper.

GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP

April 10 | 7:00 pm | Sanctuary The Chancel Choir & Orchestra will present "Seven Last Words" in worship. See page 12 for more details.

UPSIDE DOWN EASTER EGG HUNT

Saturday, April 11 | 9:00-11:00 am | Great Hall A fun-filled morning for children in our church & community to learn the message of Easter with an egg hunt, fun & games, and more!

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 12

8:15, 9:30, & 11 am | Traditional Worship | Sanctuary 9:30 am | All God's Peeps Family Easter Celebration | Hagler Hall 11:00 am | Revive Worship | Great Hall 11:00 am | Spanish-Speaking Service | Chapel

Peace and Blessings, Ramiro

arlingtonmethodist.org

Faith • 7

You may have seen a few new and familiar faces around the church during the week recently.

Advocates for Special People provides a day camp program for adults with intellectual and/ or developmental disabilities at the church's house on North St. and in the church during the week. Find out more about this great program below.

BY: KAY HALE Advocates for Special People

Advocates for Special People, Inc. (ASP) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that supports parents and families of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of intellectually disabled adults and their families by providing programs for socialization, recreation, and habilitation. Our vision for the future is to enrich the lives of intellectually disabled adults.

Center. Each location can serve approximately 25 clients per day with a 1:5 staff to client ratio. Each location is unique, with programs led by experienced and caring staff and volunteers.

ASP began in May 1997 as a small group of concerned parents who wanted their children to continue to be challenged mentally and physically and develop their daily living, socialization, and academic skills. The Special Connexion day camp pr ogram cr eated by ASP in 2003 pr ovides educational, recreational, social, and creative activities for our special population through fun and engaging programs. While most special needs programs end at age 21 and other adult programs focus on vocational options and daily living skills, Special Connexion focuses on enriching the lives of our participants.

We are proud of our friendly and supportive staff and volunteers who work hard every day to build relationships with clients and make them feel valued. We also want families and caregivers to feel supported by the compassionate care provided to their loved ones at Special Connexions.

ASP provides Special Connexion day camp programs at four different Arlington locations, not only at First UMC Arlington, but also Epworth UMC, St. Stephen UMC, and the Hugh Smith Recreation 8 • Spring 2020

arlingtonmethodist.org

We also coach and support an athletic program, the Arlington Eagles, where our special athletes are trained in basketball, volleyball, track and field, bocce, bowling, aquatics, golf, and softball. They compete in Special Olympics competitions at the state and local level.

Advocates for Special People opened our fourth location, Special Connexion 4, in November 2019 with the generous support of First United Methodist Church of Arlington. This newest location is located at 101 E. North Street, across from the church.

Like the other locations, our hours are 9 am to 3 pm. Some of the activities at Connexion 4 include

cooking, arts and crafts, and stretching exercises.

Clients also enjoy dance classes and recreational facilities at the church. Most activities take place at the North Street house or at the church, and some occasional outings such as to perform a dance routine on MLK Day at the Downtown Arlington Library.

Kevin Brazil is the Program Coordinator for Special Connexion 4 and can be reached at (817) 608-6083 or specialconnexion4@advocatesforspecialpeople.org The ASP Executive Director, Steve Brooks, can be reached at (817) 308-6500 or info@advocatessp.org

Left page top to bottom: 101 E. North Street, the house that Advocates for Special People rent for the day camp program; FUMCA member Judy Jones creating some music at the Special connexion day camp; Above left to right: Part of the day camp is spent in recreational time in our Great Hall; Advocates for Special People receiving an award from Derek Kinney at the Rotary Club of Arlington (meets in FUMCA's Great Hall)

Join us!

CHURCH DECORATING TEAM

Please join us as we start a new small group! Our group will design, craft, and display decorations for special church events. The first event we'll be creating for is the Peeps-themed family Easter celebration!

We will be designing table decor and hallway scenery. Next up, we'll be working on scenery for the children's musical this summer!

Some of the decorations created for Unboxing the Joy last December.

Our first meeting is on March 4 from 9:30-11:30 am in Room 100. For more information or to learn about future meeting dates, contact Mary Webster at marywebster10@yahoo.com. arlingtonmethodist.org

Faith • 9

S H E L B Y N E X T

COMING SOON...

We are very excited to be launching a new church website & app! We are in the process of finalizing our conversion to ShelbyNext, which 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.

The new website will be more mobile friendly, 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

10 • Spring 2020

directory information, giving statements, and more. You'll be able to submit your own directory photo but we'll also provide an opportunity to have your photo taken on a Sunday.

Around mid-March you should receive an email with instructions on how to access the ShelbyNext app. If you do not have an email address, we won't be able to send you your username and password. If you're unsure about whether or not your email is on file with us, give us a call in the church office and we can double check for you!

arlingtonmethodist.org

H I S T O R I C A L

C O M M I T T E E

The

WIDOW'S OFFERING The Gospels of Mark and Luke both write about the Widow’s gift to God. Jesus was sitting outside the temple treasury watching people depositing money into the offering box. Jesus saw the rich people depositing large amounts, but then along comes a widow with two small coins in her hand.

The widow put her two small coins into the box and Jesus called out to the disciples and pointed out

BY: SAM EMMERSON FUMCA Historical Committee

her action. “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty put in everything, all she had to live on”

over the loss of the last building that fund raising and donations were non-existent. Rev. Alonzo Monk became our next minister and from the pulpit he pleaded for donations with little success.

Fast forward to the early years of our church. We grew from our first meeting place at Schultz Lumber company to a wooden structure on Division Street and Center. As our church congregation continued to grow, the original wooden structure built in 1885, was moved and Rev. Ed Wallace helped raise funds to build the first brick sanctuary in 1907. The church was located on the northeast corner of Center and Division. The new building had electric lights and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Sitting in church was Mrs. Tucker, who only had two church dresses, a white linen she wore in the summer and a dark serge for the winter. Every Sunday she wore her prize possession, a gold pin that was given to her by her mother and father. After hearing Rev. Monk’s plea and no response, Mrs. Tucker got out of the pew and walked to the front of the congregation and removed the gold pin she was wearing and placed it on the alter and walked back to the pew. After a moment of silence, men started holding their hands up and yelling out amounts of money they would give. In just a few minutes $25,000 was raised. After the building was completed the following year, Rev Monk retuned the gold pin back to Mrs. Tucker.

What sacrifice can you make to help our church grow?

Tragedy struck in 1918 when an electrical fire destroyed the church. The congregation had to meet on the second floor of the Gruber building in downtown Arlington. Plans were made for a new building costing $25,000. The congregation was so distraught

Top left: The first brick sanctuary, built in 1907, which was destroyed by fire in 1918.

Bottom left: The new sanctuary that was built after the 1918 fire arlingtonmethodist.org

Faith • 11

THE CHANCEL CHOIR & ORCHESTRA PRESENT

Seven Last Words SEPTEM ULTIMA VERBA BY: SEAN HALE Director of Music and Worship

Our worship sermon series for Lent this year will focus on the seven last words of Christ. Pastor Chris approached me with the idea of preaching on the seven last words and wondered if the choir could do a musical setting of it for our Good Friday service. I thought it was a great idea and knew of several options that are in the choral/orchestral repertory.

I chose Michael John Trotta’s setting because I think it is very approachable to both the singer and the

listener. The piece has themes that you will hear throughout that refer back to the first movement, “Father, Forgive Them,” and the piece builds upon that theme all the way up to the final movement, “It Is Finished.”

It’s going to be a very exciting season in our church to have all of the sermons and themes of Lent focus on these seven last words and have it culminate with this great musical representation of the text.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 | 7:00 PM | SANCTUARY

12 • Spring 2020

arlingtonmethodist.org

M U S I C

M I N I S T R I E S

SPRIN G MUSIC EVENTS CHILDREN’S CHOIR SINGS Palm Sunday, April 5 | 11:00 am | Sanctuary Our children’s choir will sing for Palm Sunday worship.

SEVEN LAST WORDS BY MICHAEL JOHN TROTTA Good Friday, April 10 | 7:00 pm | Sanctuary The Chancel Choir and Orchestra will present Trotta’s Seven Last Words.

EASTER SUNDAY Sunday, April 21 | 8:15, 9:30 & 11 am The Chancel Choir will join forces with brass for this special Sunday.

We are planning an exciting year full of outings with the Away We Go program! Away We Go is a group outing that meets at the church and takes day trips to various locations in the DFW area. The cost is usually around $25 and includes round trip transporation to and from our church, entry/tickets to the venue, and a meal. Occasionally we meet at the location if the location is here in Arlington. You can reserve your spot and make payment for each trip in the church office. Be sure to RSVP early, as the bus fills up quickly! This is a great way to make new friends and spend time with your Sunday school class or small group... so grab your bag and Away We Go!

THE POWER OF MUSIC Sunday, May 3 | 6:00 pm | Sanctuary If you haven’t had a chance to experience an Awaken Ensemble concert yet, this will be one of the best the choir has done. Sean Hale is the founding artistic director of this chamber choir made up of local music professionals. The choir will be finishing its first concert season with a presentation of much of the music performed this year. You will also get to hear some of the great work we have done partnering with Restoration Threads, Arlington Charities, Arlington Master Chorale, and Water to Life. Look for information to purchase tickets soon.

G

& silent auction

G

Come enjoy some delicious spaghetti while supporting our Youth Ministries! The youth of FUMCA are cooking and hosting a Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction on Saturday, April 4 from 5:30-7:30 pm in the Great Hall. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Drive through to-go plates will be available that evening as well.

If you would like to make a donation to the silent auction, contact Teresa Menard or Annamarie Hall.

2020 DESTINATIONS:

April: Globe Life Field Tour June: Japanese Garden and Lunch at the Tea Room August: U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing October: Dallas Arboretum December: TBD Stay tuned for more information on dates and prices! arlingtonmethodist.org

Faith • 13

Y O U T H

M I N I S T R I E S

NIA, HERE WE COME R O F I L !

CA

JR. HIGH & SR. HIGH MISSION TRIP JUNE 21-27, 2020 | ARKANSAS We're taking teenagers on mission trip this summer!

Cost will be $175 per person (scholarships are available - just contact the youth office). All students who've completed grades 6-12 are invited to join us as we serve in Arkansas, June 21-27. Registration is online now. Please make sure to register with Arlington FUMC & to click "Pay by check" so you're not charged the full cost by CTCYM.

TESTAMENT CHOIR TOUR JULY 8-17, 2020 | ROAD TRIP TO DISNEYLAND The Testament Choir is headed west for the annual choir tour this summer! We'll be singing at churches, nursing homes, the Grand Canyon, and maybe even Disneyland! You won't want to miss this once in a lifetime trip. Come to rehearsal Sunday afternoons at 4:00 pm for more information. Roger Stephens is making lots of plans and needs a final head count soon, so sign up ASAP.!

Register online at arlingtonmethodist.org or contact Loni Fancher for more information.

We're looking for a few good youth leaders!

Do you love teenagers and having fun? Do you love Jesus? Are you over 21? Come be a youth leader! We’re looking for at least three more leaders for Sunday mornings & at least two more for Sunday nights. Interested? Email our fearless leader Loni at lfancher@arlingtonmethodist.org.

If you haven't stopped by the Underground lately, there are all sorts of exciting new additions! We've added new seating in the Underground Cafe and a coffee/hot chocolate bar. Bring a mug to leave on the mug rack and come enjoy a cup!

14 • Spring 2020

arlingtonmethodist.org

SAVE THE DATES!

TREMENDOUS THURSDAYS JUNE 4–JULY 16 | 9:30 AM–2 PM GRADES 4–6 | COST: $15/week or $75 for all 7 weeks In preparation for Music Week, kids meet each Thursday to audition and rehearse speaking parts for the summer musical. In the afternoon, they take a variety of field trips to local places around town.

FOCUS VBS AUGUST 3-6 | 9 AM–5 PM GRADES K–6 | COST: $50

(Free Family Dinner 5-6 PM, Family Experience 6-8 PM)

FINE ARTS CAMP JUNE 15-18 | 9 AM–4 PM GRADES K–6 | COST: $50 Come join us for a fun week of creativity in our Fine Arts camp!

Campers will have a variety of creative areas to explore, including dance, visual arts-(painting, clay, drawing), fiber arts (crochet, knit, weaving, sewing), karate, puppetry, percussion, and more!

MUSIC WEEK JULY 20-23 | 9 AM–12 PM GRADES K–6 | COST: $50 In this week-long camp for children entering grades 1–6, participants prepare for the annual children’s musical. They learn songs, choreography and rehearse speaking parts, culminating in two presentations of the musical for family and friends.

This year, instead of a morningonly VBS, we are amping it up with a full day extreme camp!

Focus VBS will help kids dive deeper into their faith. Kids will have a blast as they discover how to trust in what they can't see because of what they can see by putting the FOCUS on God and His amazing plan for us. We’ll use this week to explore four different ways we can FOCUS on God: Hear, Pray, Talk, Live.

Everything will be big, up close, and personal - the crafts, the games, the movies, the music, and the Bible study! But that’s not all - at the end of the day we want to serve you and your family a dinner as we all share in community. After dinner, stay for a family experience each night Let’s make memories as a community of faith and family wrapping up what we hope has been your best summer ever!

REGISTRATION For more information or to register, contact Susan Bishara at sbishara@arlingtonmethodist.org or in the church office at 817-274-2571.

DISCOUNT PRICING Sign up for all our summer events and save $25 off total camp prices.

K-3: $125; 4th-6th: $200 (save $25); scholarships are available upon request. arlingtonmethodist.org

Faith • 15

M I S S I O N S

&

O U T R E A C H

11TH ANNUAL BOOK CARNIVAL

HABITAT FOR HUM ANIT Y

We are gearing up for our eleventh annual Book Carnival! This is a wonderful outreach opportunity to children and families in our surrounding neighborhoods. Each year, hundreds of local children stop by to fill up a bag full of free books, and enjoy snow cones, t-shirt decorating, and more!

This year, the Book Carnival is on Saturday, June 6 from 9:00 am-12:00 pm (or until we run out of books!).

Men@First are planning a build day at 1419 Stewart St. Fort Worth, TX on Saturday, March 7.

If you're interested in volunteering, contact Michelle Clark at mclark@arlingtonmethodist.org.

Volunteers must be 16 or older. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We can use volunteers of all skill levels! Other work dates for spring & fall are to be determined, stay tuned for more details.

Saturday, June 6 | 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Saturday, March 7 | 7:30 am-3:30 pm

This year we're kicking up the fun a notch by combining the Book Carnival with the Children's Ministry End of School Palooza! In addition to the regularly scheduled Book Carnival activities, there will be lots of fun activities outside, including bounce houses, a foam pit, face painting, and more!

This ministry is only possible through the hard work of our fantastic volunteers. One of the easiest ways you can help out is to donate new and gently used children's books, especially books written in Spanish. Book donations can be brought to the church at any time; there are several donation baskets located around the church, or they can be brought to the church office. Below are a few other ways you can use your talents to contribute to the success of the big day!

• • • • • • • • •

Donate new and gently used children’s books Place book plates in books Help distribute flyers and lawn signs Help serve hot dogs Help with lawn games & other activities Read stories to children Help set up and/or take down Be a docent Be a translator

If you are interested in volunteering, or would like more information, please contact Ann Watley at watleyann@gmail.com 16 • Spring 2020

PROJECT TRANSFORMATION Children. College students. Churches. The mission of Project Transformation Central Texas is to engage young adults in purposeful leadership and ministry, support children in holistic development, and connect churches with communities. Here are a few ways you can help support Project Transformation through First UMC Arlington this summer during June and July.

• • •

Be a reading partner to elementary students Serve dinner at Family Night Feed interns (approx. 30) at various dinners throughout summer

Learn more about Project Transformation online at projecttransformation.org/central-texas arlingtonmethodist.org

M I S S I O N S

&

O U T R E A C H

LENTEN MISSION PROJECT

BIRTHDAY IN A BOX Ongoing through Easter Sunday

For this year's Lenten mission project, we are creating birthday boxes for children at the Arlington Life Shelter and Safe Haven Women's Shelter. These boxes will have everything a child who is celebrating their birthday in the shelter needs for their big day!

Here are the steps to create a birthday box: • •

•

•

•

Pick up a box from the church.

Shop with your friends or family to fill it with the items that will help a boy or girl celebrate their birthday: cake mix, icing, candles, plates, cups, napkins, balloons, party favors, etc.

Label the outside for boy/girl/either and theme (super hero, generic birthday, unicorn, sports, TV character, etc.)

If possible, turn one of the items to the outside so that the theme can be identified without opening the box.

Return to the church office by Easter Sunday.

Example of a birthday box via Pinterest

HOLY WEEK MISSION PROJECT

SENSORY NECK WRAPS Sunday, April 5 | 5:30 pm | Banquet Room

This mission project will benefit local special needs students at Webb Elementary and Kooken Educational Center. Supplies will be provided - no sewing experience is necessary! All ages are welcome.

These homemade sensory neck wraps bring calming, soothing comfort and help reduce anxiety. They can also be used for sensory stimulation.

Examples of sensory neck wrap via SewWeighty on Etsy and especialneeds.com

WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Volunteer for upcoming missions & outreach by contacting Michelle Clark, Director of Caring & Outreach at mclark@arlingtonmethodist.org or in the church office at 817.274.2571 arlingtonmethodist.org

Faith • 17

Spring events & activities

BIBLE STUDY WITH THE PASTORS TUESDAYS | 6:00-7:00 PM | BANQUET ROOM Each Tuesday, Pastors Chris & Ramiro lead a Bible study over the scripture from the previous Sunday's sermon, as well as a preview of the upcoming scripture, and how we can apply them to our lives.

BIBLE JOURNALING 1ST & 3RD TUESDAYS | 6:30-8:30 PM | ROOM 152 Creative Bible Journaling instruction on how to utilize art techniques while studying a bible verse(s). Led by Betsy Eudy on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays in a come and go format.

Join at any time - all you need to bring is a journaling Bible! This class is open to everyone and offered at no cost.

LENTEN BOOK STUDY WEDNESDAYS THROUGH APRIL 8 10-11 AM OR 6:30-7:30 PM | RM 100 This six week Lenten study led by Rev Kay Lancaster is based on the book It's Hard to Dance With the Devil On Your Back" by Ray Buckley. Chapter 1 will be read in preparation for Ash Wednesday services with the following chapters discussed each week up through Holy Week.

There are two identical studies each week at 10:00 am or 6:30 pm. Books available in the office for $10.

CHURCH DECORATING TEAM MEETING MARCH 4 | 9:30-11:30 AM | ROOM 100 Please join us as we start a new small group! Our group will design, craft, and display decorations for special church events. The first event we'll be creating for is the Peeps-themed family Easter celebration! We will be de18 • Spring 2020

signing table decor and hallway scenery. Next up, we'll be working on scenery for the children's musical this summer! For more information contact Mary Webster at or marywebster10@yahoo.com.

FIRST FRIDAYS RESPITE PROGRAM MARCH 6 | 6:00-9:00 PM Families with special needs children are invited to register for our respite program which meets on the first Friday of the month September-May. New families need to submit an application which can be found online. Siblings are also welcomed to attend so that parents can have a few hours of free/respite time.

KID'S MINISTRY PJS AND PANCAKES MARCH 8 | 9:30-10:30 AM | ROOMS 213 & 215 The most fun Sunday Morning in the kid's ministry is back! Wear your pajamas and come eat pancakes! It's Spring Break, so roll out of bed and come join us for a yummy good time!

PARENTING THROUGH THE PHASES/ KIDS IN MISSION MARCH 8 | 12:00-2:00 PM | HAGLER HALL. A study for adults which targets developmental milestones through a Christian perspective. Childcare is available for infants-2nd grade. Grades 3-6 meet for Kids in Mission, a time when kids get together to have fun and do cool mission work for kid-related missions. Both meet on the second and fifth Sundays of each month.

arlingtonmethodist.org

KID'S MINISTRY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY LEPRECHAUN TRAPS CONTEST MARCH 15 | 9:30-10:30 AM | 2ND FLOOR CLASSES This is something fun for the whole family to participate in over Spring Break! Enter your best version of a leprechaun trap for awesome prizes, learn to dance an Irish jig, and have a jolly good time before school starts back up.

EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 12 | 8:15, 9:30, & 11:00 AM Service times: 8:15, 9:30, & 11:00 am services in the Sanctuary, 11 am Revive worship in the Great Hall, and the Spanish-speaking service at 11 am in the Chapel.

At 9:30 am in Hagler Hall, we're celebrating that we are "All God's Peeps" with a special family experience.

This is a collaboration between the childrens and youth ministries with music, games, and more as we learn the Easter story and how knowing Jesus changes everything!

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP MARCH 24 & 25 | ROOM 102 A brief time of respite for caregivers to gather and share experiences as well as helpful resources. The group is facilitated by Sharla Martin. All are welcome to attend. CONFIRMATION RETREAT Meets at 10:30 am on 3/24 and 2:00 pm on 3/25.

APRIL 24-25 | GLEN LAKE CAMP All Confirmation participants are invited to Glen Lake PRAYER SHAWLS Camp for a weekend of faith and fun!

MARCH 26 | 1:00-2:30 PM | HEARTS OF SERVICE ROOM Join us as we make prayer shawls and prayer patches CONFIRMATION SUNDAY for those facing adversity on the fourth Thursday of each MAY 3 | 9:30 AM | SANCTUARY month.

Join us as we celebrate our sixth grade Confirmands as they become members of our church in the 9:30 am SancSPAGHETTI SUPPER & SILENT AUCTION tuary service.

APRIL 4 | 5:30-7:30 PM | GREAT HALL Our youth will be serving up a delicious spaghetti dinner THE POWER OF MUSIC CONCERT and offering great items in a silent auction. All proceeds MAY 3 | 6:00-7:00 PM | SANCTUARY support the youth ministry. Tickets are $10 for adults and Come and be inspired by some incredible music from $5 for children. To go plates will be available.

Awaken Ensemble.

HOLY WEEK MISSION PROJECT APRIL 5 | 5:30 PM | BANQUET ROOM We are creating sensory neck wraps for local students with special needs. Supplies will be provided - no sewing experience is necessary! (See page 17 for more details) HOLY THURSDAY WORSHP APRIL 8 | 6:30 PM | GREAT HALL Worship and potluck supper in remembrance of the Last Supper with Pastor Ramiro preaching and Center313 leading worship. Keep an eye out for a potluck signup.

GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP APRIL 9 | 7:00 PM | SANCTUARY We will worship at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary as we remember the sacrifice and passion of Christ. The Chancel Choir & Orchestra will be presenting "Seven Last Words"

by Michael John Trotta.

UPSIDE DOWN EGG HUNT APRIL 11 | 9:00-11:00 AM | GREAT HALL A fun-filled family festival with egg hunting, music, crafts, face painting, and more! Invite your friends and family to join us - everyone is welcome!

arlingtonmethodist.org

A LOOK AHEAD CONFERENCE MAY 9 | 9:00 AM-2:30 PM The A Look Ahead quarterly conference series brings together expert speakers for training focused on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, the people who support them, and the community at large.

MOTHER'S DAY PHOTO BOOTH MAY 10 | BETWEEN SERVICES | ALCOVE NEAR OFFICE Snap a fun photo and celebrate the special mother figures in our lives!

11TH ANNUAL BOOK CARNIVAL JUNE 6 | 10:00 AM-1:00 PM Children of our community and their families are invited to visit the Book Carnival for books, t-shirt decorating, sno cones, bounce houses, and more - all free! We are kicking the carnival up a notch this year by combining it with our end of school palooza. Contact Ann Watley or Susan Bishara for volunteer opportunities For a full listing of upcoming studies and events, visit arlingtonmethodist.org

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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

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sunday, april 12 8:15, 9:30, & 11 am