Faith Magazine | Spring-Summer 2021

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ARLINGTON

SPRING/SUMMER 2021

[RE]UNITED

BEING EASTER PEOPLE

THE SPIRITUALITY OF PILGRIMAGE

SUMMER CAMPS

UPDATES FROM THE PAST YEAR

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 Rev. Kay Lancaster Associate Pastor Rev. Ramiro Rodriguez Director of Caring Ministries Rev. Michelle Clark Director of Music & Worship Sean Hale Director of Family Ministries Betsy Spencer Director of Youth Ministries Loni Fancher Director of Children's Ministries Susan Bishara Director of Communications Mary Gibson

CHURCHWIDE: /FUMCArlington

YOUTH: /FUMCArlingtonYouth

KIDS: /FUMCAKids

CHURCHWIDE:

YOUTH: @fumca_youth

KIDS: @fumca_kids

CHURCHWIDE:

YOUTH: @fumca_youth

@fumcarlington @fumcarlington CHURCHWIDE:

vimeo.com/FUMCofArlington Sermons can be found on our website at arlingtonmethodist.org/sermons They are also posted weekly to our Vimeo and Facebook pages

Video Production Specialist Beth Henkel

CONTRIBUTORS

Video Production Assistants Andrea Ayers & Jacki Reininga Technical Services Coordinator Roger Stephens Business Administrator Mary Lobban Receptionist/Event Planner Kathy Martin Membership/Office Administrator & Administrative Assistant to Senior Pastor Lori Davis

Rev. Dr. Chris Hayes Senior Pastor

Rev. Ramiro Rodriguez Associate Pastor

Rev. Kay Lancaster Associate Pastor

Mary Lobban Business Administrator

Mary Gibson Director of Communications

Beth Henkel Video Productions Specialist

Betsy Spencer Director of Family Ministries

Rev. Michelle Clark Director of Caring Ministries

Building Superintendent Miguel Galaviz Director of Operations 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

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Loni Fancher Director of Youth Ministries

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BEING EASTER PEOPLE, p. 4

THE SPIRITUALITY OF PILGRIMAGE, p. 8

SUMMER CAMPS, p. 17

4 BEING EASTER PEOPLE

15 MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

6 A NEW HOPE

16 YOUTH MINISTRIES

7 FINANCIAL UPDATE

16 COMMUNITY GARDEN

8 THE SPIRITUALITY OF PILGRIMAGE

17 SUMMER CAMPS

10 THE FLAMINGO NINJAS

18 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE

12 BLUEPRINT FOR FAMILY MINISTRY

19 LOVE IN ACTION

14 NEW DAY ARLINGTON

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Faith • 3

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

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F R O M

The joy and hope that Easter brings is not just something that we celebrate one day per year, but rather, when we take Easter seriously as followers of Jesus Christ, Easter becomes a way of living and seeing the world. Easter is not simply the story of God loving the world so much that God overcame even death in the person of Jesus Christ. Easter is the truth that God will always overcome anything and everything in order to love us and to build relationship with us.

This past year has had so many hurdles for so many people. The loss of routine, financial insecurity, loneliness, divisiveness, and loss of life have become all too commonplace in our collective experience. The story and truth of Easter does not start with the triumphant resurrection over death, the Easter message begins with the pain and difficulty that we as humans experience. Easter is

T H E

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P A S T O R

about the disruption of our suffering, oppression, and self-sabotage because, “God so loved the world.”

While there have been struggles and difficulties that we continue to pray about and seek to redeem with the power of God’s loving Spirit, there have also been many signs of Easter stories and resurrections all around us. I am so thankful for the ministries of our congregation that have continued and even expanded during this past year.

God has been able to overcome so much, and with our help, our world will be able to see that truly, “nothing can separate us from the love of God.” During this year, may we all be more than people that simply celebrate Easter. May we all find meaningful ways to live the Easter truth and proclaim the reality that God is overcoming all circumstances in order to love and save us and our world. How might you individually, and we collectively, live the Easter truth in a way that helps this world see new life and hope, even with the ongoing struggles of the human experience? This is what it means to be Easter people. May it be so!

Thankful to be in ministry with you, Pastor Chris

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BY: REV. RAMIRO RODRIGUEZ Associate Pastor

I’m writing this two days after I noticed the first blooms on the Bradford Pear trees which line our neighborhood.

A couple of hours ago I watched the Chicago Cubs get thrashed in a Spring training baseball game. My head swims with thoughts of baseball and new life; my soul fills with the perennial hopes of Spring.

Hope is foundational to our faith. We place our hope and trust in God. Our ultimate hope is for God’s Kingdom to come, for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our ultimate hope is for God to be with us in a world where every tear has been wiped away by God’s loving hand, a world where there is no longer any mourning, or crying, or pain. Our ultimate hope is for God to make everything new. This is our hope – our old-school hope – but I feel like there is a new hope at hand.

We have been through a lot during the past year.

Some of us have faced illness, some of us have dealt with – and are still dealing with – grief. Some of us have experienced financial devastation. All of us

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have witnessed the fault lines which divide us become deeper, more entrenched. Differences we have always had now seem like yawning chasms which we will never be able to bridge.

During this past year all of us have lost something.

And one of the cruelest parts of this past year is that we had to deal with our losses without being able to find comfort in the smiling faces of the people we worship with. None of us imagined that we would be unable to worship inside our beautiful church for over a year. None of us knew how hard we would have to work at staying connected to each other.

Few of us realized how much we took worshipping together for granted.

This past year was difficult. There were times when many of us felt like we were being engulfed by darkness, times when many of us felt like we are watching everything crumble around us. There were times this past year when many of us felt lost and alone, but if literature and cinema have taught us anything it is that during the darkest of times new hope is born.

There are countless examples I could pick from, but – for those of you who may not know – I am

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partial to the Star Wars franchise of movies. In these movies it isn’t until the bad guys are at their strongest, it isn’t until they have a weapon which can destroy entire planets, it isn’t until the Emperor laughs with evil glee because his sinister plan is about to be fulfilled, that our hero or heroine discovers new hope.

It isn’t until all seems lost that a new hope – a new way – emerges.

This past year was difficult but during those dark days new hope – new ways – emerged. During the past year we realized how much we need each other, we realized how deep our connection to each other is, and we realized that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

We learned lessons this past year. We learned that our church extends far beyond its walls, we learned how amazing it is to worship together, and we learned that the things which unite us are so much more powerful than the things which threaten to tear us apart.

I can honestly say that out of the darkness of this past year I feel more hopeful than ever before and I don’t think I’m alone. As you walk down the halls of our church, as you watch services online, I think there is a palpable feeling of energy and hope. I am hopeful that as 2020 becomes an increasingly distant memory, the lessons we have learned – the new hope which sustained us - will allow this church to flourish in truly remarkable ways.

I thank God that I can work with all of you to make this new hope a reality.

2020 –2021 FINANCIAL UPDATE BY: MARY LOBBAN Business Administrator

We want to thank you for your continued financial support. Even amid uncertainty, what was never uncertain was your commitment to this church. Being debt-free and in a good financial position as we started 2020 allowed us to have some level of confidence that we could financially weather the shutdown.

In May 2020, we were fortunate to receive funding through the Paycheck Protection Program which allowed us to keep our staff in place. We submitted a loan forgiveness application, and we were notified in November 2020 that the SBA has forgiven this loan.

As people began to transition to online giving, we saw our 2020 third and fourth quarter revenues begin to increase. We were in a position each month where revenue was matching expense. In 2020, the church was able to pay our Connectional Mission Giving (apportionments) in full. December giving was strong and revenue for the year exceeded expenses. This allowed us to maintain a strong operating cash position. The first quarter of 2021 has been slightly under what we have budgeted but as we begin to open the church to worship, small groups, and activities, we anticipate that this will change.

We also want to remind you that there are many options for giving beyond writing a check or giving cash. You can set up a recurring or one-time donation with a credit card or checking account, text to give, go to the church Facebook page and find the link, donate stock and for those eligible - consider a direct distribution from your IRA. If you would like additional information about these or any other options for giving please call Mary Lobban in the church office or email at mlobban@arlingtonmethodist.org.

Thank you once again for your continued dedication to our church and for the generous spirit you continue to demonstrate month in and month out, year in and year out.

Peace and Blessings, Pastor Ramiro

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THE SPIRITUALITY OF PILGRIMAGE

BY: REV. KAY LANCASTER Associate Pastor

Our congregation regularly schedules pilgrimages to places selected to enhance our understanding of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God’s word. We travel to destinations such as the Holy Land, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Italy, The British Isles, and Germany. These pilgrimages help us grow spirituality in many ways.

As we journey to the Holy Lands we experience sites familiar from the Hebrew Scriptures and walk the paths that Jesus walked. In Greece, Turkey and Italy we visit the ruins of the towns that Paul and

the early disciples walked. Visiting these places helps to bring the scriptures to life. As you read about the shepherds in Bethlehem, you can imagine the scene as they are visited by the angels announcing the birth of Jesus. As you read the Sermon on the Mount, you can visualize the view of the Galilee that the early followers of Jesus would have seen. As you visit the Garden Tomb you can experience what it might have been like on that first Easter morning.

Visiting the ruins of the cities Paul visited you come to a better understanding of who the Ephesians, Corinthians, and Athenians were. In Rome you also get a better understanding of the early days of the Roman Catholic Church, which are also the roots of United Methodism. In the British Isles, we are able to visit the sites of the Wesleys’ lives from which United Methodism is founded. In Germany we also experience church history. Plus, every 10 years the Oberammergau Passion Play is performed which brings to life the story of Jesus.

In addition to visiting these holy sites and learning about church history, each day begins with a devotion, prayer and singing. Some special worship

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experiences are also planned along the way. Using a pattern of spiritual practices helps to keep us centered and perhaps is inspirational for continuing morning devotion and prayer upon returning home.

Finally, there is the bonus of traveling with fellow church members and other Christians from across the country. Friendships are made that last long after being fellow pilgrims. As we learn of the faith stories of our fellow pilgrims, our lives and spirituality also is enhanced. As we travel by plane, boat, or bus and share meals together, there is time to make new acquaintances and get to know old friends better.

Whether traveling with members of our congregation or on your own, you can practice the Spirituality of Pilgrimage. Begin each day with devotion and prayer. Recognize God’s presence in your daily travel whether in nature or the history of the people in the area of your travel. Give God thanks along the way for your meals, safe travel, the people you have met and the learned experiences along the way. Include worship either by visiting a local church, worshiping online, or being still with God in silence and praise.

Due to the pandemic, our church’s 2021 plans have been postponed to 2022. More information on our Lenten Holy Land Pilgrimage March 15-24 hosted by Rev. Dr. Chris J. Hayes and Rev. Kay Lancaster and/or our trip to see the Oberammergau Passion Play and Danube Cruise hosted by Rev. Kay Lancaster can be found in the church office and on our church website.

Trips can be more than travel, they can be Spiritual Pilgrimages which grow our faith!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TOUR: More info can be found at www.eo.travelwithus.com We'll be taking the "Holy Land Classic 2022" tour.

Brochures are also available in the church office. arlingtonmethodist.org

Photos from past trips to the Holy Land with Rev. Kay Lancaster and First UMC Arlington members.

Faith • 9

BY: BETH HENKEL Video Productions Specialist

When it comes to spreading love, a group from FUMCA takes it one step at a time. Or maybe it’s more accurate to say standing on one leg at a time.

The “Flamingo Ninjas” group, as it has become known, is the brainchild of Betsy Eudy. When the pandemic lock-down began, she looked for ways to stay connected with her church. She remembered she had 25 pink plastic yard flamingos left over from a previous job, and began brainstorming with members of the Bible Journaling Group about how they could use them to bring a smile to the faces of church friends and others who needed some cheering. She shared her idea of “dropping” the flamingos for 24 hours in yards, and things just kind of took off from there.

“We talk about the church and how it is not just the building. But what I’ve missed is walking up and down the hallways and seeing people. We just felt this was a type of safe outreach that we could go to our

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church members and friends”, Eudy explains.

The idea started simply with the first flamingo delivery April 18, 2020. “One thing led to another and we got up early on a Saturday morning and went up to Pastor Chris’, dropped the flamingos and were in and out in no time at all. I was so nervous if this was going to be appreciated,” Eudy said.

FUMCA receptionist and event planner, Kathy Martin, played an important role confirming it was a terrific idea.

"Kathy was intel on everything with the pastors. She sent me a text probably within an hour with a group shot of Chris and his family all in flamingo pose with their legs up, and I said, this is going to do it. Then we moved on to Pastor Ramiro and the Yoda sign was done for him and we started adding signs for the staff that I knew they would appreciate. Greg Haugen had one, I had some teacher signs for his wife and that’s how it started."

Once the one-legged birds adorned the yards of the entire church staff, the Flamingo Ninjas were still on the move. "Our Rainbow Sunday School class has had several deaths in the last two years of spouses, so I said let’s do the spouses of our Rainbow Class." Then they visited the entire class. And more people were added to the list. "I think it was Randy Goode who said, y’all should keep doing this. He came on one drop where he literally had to scale the fence to Kathy Martin’s back yard because she was sitting in her front yard. We are very sly, I will tell you that.”

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Before cold and dangerous weather (remember February?) forced them to stop their deliveries of happiness, the group had placed the flamingos in 65 yards. They have honed their skills to avoid detection. "We are known as the Flamingo Ninjas because we are typically in and out quickly. We were actually timed by someone’s neighbor and did a full drop in 7 minutes. Two things get us into trouble, dogs and us laughing."

Laughter and spreading joy are central themes to the Flamingo Ninjas’ mission, and with flamingos on full display in front yards, that becomes a neighborhood mission as well. "I have more people tell me, oh my gosh, my neighbors were out taking pictures, or people slow down when driving by. So I think it’s an outreach too. With all the challenges people are facing it’s just a fun way to put a smile on someone’s face."

Wearing a flamingo mask, t-shirt and socks, it’s apparent Betsy Eudy is the leader of the group during a December drop, but she’s thankful for the committed FUMCA group that is instrumental to sharing love one yard at a time: Dawn Roper, Rhonda Weddle, Linda Bennett, Betsi Goode, and Denise Gage. Thanks for the smiles Betsy, and for your willingness to spread God’s love in a unique and colorful way.

Picture above & right: Flamingoes en route to their next stop; the flamingo ninjas; some of our staff and members visited by the flock over the past year

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Faith • 11

What a crazy year it has been! In the midst of this global pandemic, ministry is still happening at FUMCA. I had the privilege of joining the staff in July of 2020 as Director of Family Ministries and hit the ground running with the ongoing ministries in place. Since joining the FUMCA family, I have heard several questions about “What exactly is Family Ministry?” and “Is Family Ministry the same as Kids Ministry?” and “What exactly do you do?”

All valid questions and things that I have pondered at length in casting a vision for this thing called Family Ministry.

Family ministry refers not only to family-targeted programs, but also to the ways our congregation supports and strengthens families simply by being a supportive community. Intergenerational friendships develop as people worship, share fellowship, serve others, do the business of the congregation, and play together. These friendships can encourage and sustain members of families in the celebrations, challenges, and crises that family living presents.

We were in need of a vision for faith formation for our families based on understanding, clarity about what is essential, and agility to meet the needs of families as they take forming faith in their kids seriously. So what does that look like for FUMCA? In August, you will see our full presentation of our Faith Growth Pathway, or a birth to grave faith

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formation plan. Until then, here is a bit of what Family Ministry looks like.

From all ages of the church’s membership to all levels of the church’s leadership, everyone needs to be reminded of the importance of engaging with families and their desire to form faith in their kids.

We take congregational vows every time someone joins our congregation or is baptized. Those vows state our active participation in their lives. Parents who present their child for baptism are asked, “Will you nurture this child in Christ’s holy church, that by your teaching and example she may be guided to accept God’s grace for herself, to profess her faith openly, and to lead a Christian life?” And the congregation responds to membership, baptism and confirmation by being asked to “commend to your love and care these persons whom we this day receive... do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their home, and perfect them in love” and “With you we renew our vows to uphold it by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service... surrounded by steadfast love, you may be established in the faith and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.” Those are some big promises and commitments that we make to families!

So how do we do that? What does that look like?

First we create a space that is ripe for listening, learning, and growing. Together.

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BY: BETSY SPENCER Director of Family Ministries

It is important for our congregation to come alongside families and provide support and guidance as families learn to grow together in Christ. We must create space for listening, discovering, and sharing of ideas.

Families need encouragement. Parents are eager to participate in the faith formation of their children & youth, and the church has an opportunity to help them imagine what family faith formation looks like. It is our ministry model to show families how to do faith formation at home and not just tell them what to do.

Families need a variety of ways to engage in family faith formation. Every family is different, and when it comes to faith formation, one size does not fit all. While some families enjoy devotions over the dinner table, other families want something more kinesthetic, such as a “faith walk” out in nature. We want to engage in family faith activities that engage mind, body, and soul. We know that parents need tools that are easy to use. Living in a global pandemic is hard, and trying to balance school, work, and family life under the constant anxiety of Covid-19 is exhausting. We are discovering that, as we engage families, simpler is better, and a variety of easy, fun, family faith activities that parents can choose from is received well.

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We are working on events that keep families learning, playing, serving, and worshiping together. We strive to partner with families and share with them about grace and God’s love. We will support, love, encourage and provide resources to do the hard job of parenting. Learn together. Be together. We underestimate the value of what we learn from being together.

As a congregation we will celebrate milestones with families. Some of those celebrations include baptisms, getting a 3rd grade Bible, participating in Created by God, Confirmation for our 6th graders, mission trips for our youth, youth leadership opportunities, and graduations. We are striving to give parents the tools, the opportunities, the guidance they need to lead their kids.

Susana Wesley, mother of John Wesley, simply describes how God loves us. She said, “He loves us because he loves us.” Not because God needed to or because we deserved it. That is what our kids & youth and families need to hear over and over again.

God loves us because God loves us. As a congregation we will strive to love families well because God loves us. And what fun we will have while doing just that! I am so excited to be a part of the FUMCA family and can’t wait to share more about what Family Ministry is doing and how we are growing.

Thank you for the privilege and honor of learning and growing with you.

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M I S S I O N S

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NEW

DAY ARLINGTON

BY: BETH HENKEL Video Productions Specialist

Reading the statistics can come as a shock. One in seven Texans experience hunger and food insecurity. Among children, that number is even more troubling. And now to help children in Arlington who are experiencing hunger, FUMCA is joining forces with Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. "Childhood hunger is definitely a hidden problem." explains Rev. Molly Hayes, lead pastor at Church of the Good Shepherd.

"It’s one of those things that we don’t always think about, but it’s always pervasive. I think one of the last statistics say 1 in 4 kids in America experiences food insecurity, meaning they don’t know where their next meal is going to come from."

Church of the Good Shepherd recently became one of the sites collecting and packing food for New Day, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing hungry students with food for the weekends. New Day serves more than 1000 AISD students from 49 of the district’s 79 schools.

The problem of childhood hunger is even worse during the pandemic, because it has created more food insecurity in the adult populations. New

statistics indicate that over the last year, one in 6 adults also experience hunger. Rev. Hayes says this makes hunger spread through whole families.

“Historically, when children are hungry, adults give up their meals so the children will have the food that they need. But now that we have a situation where both adults and students are hungry, that means even less for the students to have what they need to be able to thrive and we know God created them to do so."

About 230 bags a week come from the New Day pantry at Church of the Good Shepherd, and each one costs about $4.50 to fill. Packing happens Mondays through Thursdays with deliveries to schools on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Rev. Molly Hayes says there are a variety of things you can do to support New Day. “There are so many ways to help New Day. If you want to give of your time, you can help us by packing bags, you can help us by shopping at Sam’s. You can help us by delivering bags. You can help us by coordinating volunteers."

"We put our faith into action when we do things like this. Because it means we realize, if even for a moment, that it’s not all about us. And there are many things in the world where we are called to be and so we get to do that in this new ministry and I’m excited to see all that God does in it and through it."

Even if you can’t be an in-person participant, there is still a very important role to play. "You can especially pray that the students who get these bags might know there are people in this world that deeply care about them and that God deeply, deeply cares about them."

How you can help:

The next time you are at the grocery store, please pick up an item or two from the list, or organize a food drive. All donated food must be individually packaged.

Please no peanuts or peanut butter products.

• Vienna sausage • 100% juice boxes • Fruit cups - applesauce, peaches, pears, mandarin oranges, etc.

• Single serve meat products • Cheese crackers (no peanut butter) 14 • Spring–Summer 2021

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Protein bars Granola bar/breakfast bars Mac and cheese bowl or pouch Plasticware & napkins Monetary donations

Donate: newdayarlington.org/donate or PO Box 171722 Arlington, TX 76003

Learn more: newdayarlington.org Contact Pastor Molly at molly@cogsumc.org

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M I S S I O N S

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12 TH ANNUAL BOOK CARNIVAL Saturday, June 5 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm

We are gearing up for our twelfth annual Book Carnival! This is a wonderful outreach opportunity to children and families in our surrounding neighborhoods. This year, the Book Carnival is on Saturday, June 5 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm (or until we run out of books!).

This year will look a little different than previous years. We'll have books sorted by age level and ready to go in tote bags for families to drive through and pick up.

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 during office hours there is a green wagon outside the office they can be placed in. Below are a few other ways you can use your talents to contribute to the success of the big day!

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Donate new and gently used children’s books Place book plates in books Help distribute flyers and lawn signs Help set up and/or take down Be a translator

Sign up online to volunteer at tinyurl.com/BookCarnivalVolunteer2021

Project Transformation Central Texas launched in 2017 to address three unique challenges with one program: 1. Meet the academic, physical, social-emotional, and spiritual needs of children from lowincome communities.

2. Provide meaningful ways for college-age young adults to explore ministry opportunities and develop as young principled leaders for the church and the world.

3. Help revitalize churches in underserved communities. Children – College students – Churches. This is a win-win-win formula where relationships are at the heart of everything we do. It is through relationships that lives and communities are transformed.

How can you be a part? Volunteer to be a reading mentor for two hours a day on days of your choice.

Help provide supplies for the camps. Donate food for the families who need it. Look for more opportunities to be part of Project Transformation as we get closer to summer!

Learn more online at projecttransformation.org/central-texas

BAGS TO M ATS

First Wednesday of the month | 9:00–11:00 am Learn more about this outreach project creating sleepings mats for the homeless out of plastic bags, help cut bags, and make “plarn” (plastic yarn) by joining the mat making group on the first Wednesday of each month in the adult mission room. This is a come and go time between 9:00-11:00 am. If you can crochet and would like to learn to make a mat, please contact Michelle Clark and arrangements will be made for someone to teach you! arlingtonmethodist.org

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Y O U T H

M I N I S T R I E S

TESTA M ENT CHOIR REBOOT

Testament Youth Choir has resumed! Our students love taking an active part in leading worship and we’re so glad we can offer them the chance. We're planning for a Testament Tour to southern Missouri June 12-18. We’ll be singing, working and playing in and around Springfield for the week. Students won't want to miss out on this music and mission opportunity. Join Testament so you have all the details! Testament tour registration can be found at tinyurl.com/TestamentTour

SENIOR SENDOFF

Last year brought us so much pain & topsy-turvyness, but one of the great things that came out of it was the drive through senior sendoff. Church members were able to celebrate students and their families (and kids got a lot of swag!). This year, we'll host an outdoor block party after church instead of having folks drive through. We're still working out details like food (food trucks? catering? potluck is

C O M M U N I T Y

probably still out of the question), and exact timing, so be on the lookout for more details.

If you know senior families who are part of our church but aren't part of our youth group (there are bunches), make sure they save the date and also let them know they should be applying for scholarships. We have a lot of money to give away!

Scholarship applications are due April 11. You can find the application on the youth page of our website.

G A R D E N

No matter what the season, something's always growing in our community garden - veggies, fruit trees, and more! The garden is located on the northwest corner of the church's property, next to the shed on our west parking lot. If you'd like to help pull weeds, pick produce, or take produce to local charities, contact Shawn Dickler in the church office at sdickler@arlingtonmethodist.org

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K I D S

S.T.E.A.M. CAMP MONDAY-FRIDAY, JUNE 7–11

M I N I S T R I E S

MISSION ARTS CAMP

MUSIC WEEK

9 AM–3 PM | GRADES K-6 | $80

9 AM–3 PM | GRADES K–6 | $50

MONDAY-FRIDAY, JULY 5–9

MONDAY-FRIDAY, JULY 19–23

Join us as we journey through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math too see how God's love and goodness makes us our creative best!

A fun week of learning about empathy, having a servant's heart, and how God wants us to "Press Play" on sharing our gifts and talents in ways that can serve the church, the community, and the world.

Come join us as we learn a musical in a week and have a ton of fun!

Children entering grades 1–7 in Fall 2021 will experience singing, worshipping, the arts, and making memories.

EXTREME GLEN LAKE VACATION BIBLE CAMP CAMPS

MONDAY-FRIDAY, AUGUST 9–13 PRE-K | 9 AM–12 PM | $20 GRADES K-6 | 9 AM–3 PM | $50

Extreme Vacation Bible Camp is a day of over-the-top fun and loving God! Come learn to press play and focus on God's extreme love! K-6 and Pre-K camps available.

REGISTRATION arlingtonmethodist.org/summer arlingtonmethodist.org

9 AM–3 PM | GRADES 1-7 | $80

AFTER CARE

Can't pick up the kids until later?

Kids can stay for after care, from 3–5 pm, where they'll play games, eat a snack, and watch a movie.

After care is $20 per week or $5 per day. After care registration is available on the camp registration.

VOLUNTEER

Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center is located in Glen Rose, Texas and has a variety of camps for kids and teenagers throughout the summer.

Loni Fancher will be on site June 27July 2 and Betsy Spencer will be on site July 11-16.

Want to volunteer? Fill out the volunteer application form online at arlingtonmethodist.org/summer

Learn more and register at glenlake.org/summer

Scholarships are available for each camp. Contact Susan Bishara for more information.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Registration is available online at arlingtonmethodist.org/summer. You can also pick up a printed copy in the church office. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Bishara at sbishara@arlingtonmethodist.org Faith • 17

CAPITAL CA MPAIGN UPDATE

BY: MARY LOBBAN Business Administrator

At the beginning of 2020, your church lay and staff leadership identified 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. One important area was capital improvements around our facility. At the start of the campaign, we identified needed capital improvements and a priority list was developed.

Our goal was to raise $500,000 in total for capital improvements. At the end of February 2020, we had already raised almost $120,000 of this goal, and then the world shut down. The capital campaign was never stopped, and our hope is to officially re-introduce this fundraising effort sometime in late 2021.

Because we had raised over $120,000 and there were projects already identified, we moved forward with the first two on the list. The first was to add a projection/video system in the Sanctuary, which started in late 2020. All the components of the system have been installed and we are working on training and final tweaking of the system so that it performs at its optimum level. The second on the priority list was the children's area. To date, several improvements have been completed, including a new welcome area and new flooring on the first floor.

As more funds are raised for these improvements, we will begin completing them in order of priority. Church Council approved the following project priority list and estimated costs:

Sanctuary Video & Production

$95,000 Completed

Children’s Downstairs Area

$30,000 80% complete

Children’s Upstairs Area

$30,000

Great Hall Video & Production

$70,000

Wayfinding & Hospitality Signage $65,000 Gathering Area Renovation

$75,000

Downstairs Main Hall Bathrooms

$75,000

Children’s Playground

$60,000

18 • Spring–Summer 2021

Pictured: Flooring being installed in the choir room; work in progress of the children's welcome area (where the crying room was previously); new flooring in children's classrooms; retractable screens installed in the Sanctuary arlingtonmethodist.org

LOVE GOD LOVE PEOPLE LOVE IN A 1 C O R I N T H I A N S 16 :14

Over the past year, our congregation has shown love in action in many ways, including bringing snacks and drinks to first responders, writing cards to healthcare professionals, creating prayer shawls, and more. Thank you for showing God’s love to our local community and beyond!

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Faith • 19

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