First United Methodist Church Grapevine
CONNECT www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org
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10 youtube.com/FUMCGWorship
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Welcome to the pilot issue of The Church at Work! This new e-zine (electronic magazine) is designed to give you a glimpse into the stories being lived out through the ministries of First United Methodist Church Grapevine. Lives are being touched and changed forever, and we want you to hear the story. We hope to make this a quarterly publication. If you have feedback about the e-zine or a story to tell, please contact Dr. Cindy Ryan (cindyr@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x222) or Melissia Mason (melissiam@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x109).
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4
The Message of Pentecost
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Mariposa! Mariposa!
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Building Community
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Faith for the Moment
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The Church in Balance
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Next Steps
20
The View from Heritage Hill
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Help for Hard Times
27
Serve Over Summer
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The Church at Work || 3
The Message of
Pentecost
By Melissa Lamprich
“... suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.�
4 || The Church at Work
Acts 2:2-4
P
entecost Sunday* is a perfect day to be Methodist, with the wind-driven red flame as the Church’s symbol. As the second chapter of Acts tells us, weeks after Jesus’ resurrection the Holy Spirit brought a strong wind and tongues of fire to fill the house where the believers were gathered, and they began to talk in other languages. The commotion attracted a crowd, people from all parts who had assembled in Jerusalem for a Jewish holiday. The worldly group marveled that each one of them could understand what was said in his own language. When some questioned the disciples’ sobriety, Peter spoke up and said, “No, it’s only nine o’clock in the morning.”
* Pentecost falls on the tenth day after Ascension Thursday, which is traditionally 40 days after Easter. This year, Pentecost is Sunday, May 27.
A few weeks ago, I visited the Culto de Alabanza (Spanish language worship service) in Founders Chapel. The question I had before visiting was whether I would feel like an outsider, one who spoke nada Spanish? Quite the contrary: I was hugged by a complete stranger welcoming me to church; everyone shook everyone else’s hand. In a wonderful personal touch, Rev. Alvarado asked if there were any birthdays or anniversaries to acknowledge. Children and adults used maracas delightfully to augment the singing. I understood the children’s sermon about the Bible as our personal GPS device. Of course, the communion service and the blessings that came with it needed no translation. Nor did the love I felt around me. As an Anglo-American who can’t roll her r’s for the life of her, it was a day of revelation. No flames, no wind, no commotion, but the Holy Spirit was there in full force. It was a day of Pentecost for the Spanish-speaking members of our church community. There were also no questioning doubters. As a GermanAmerican, I thought of my Englishspeaking Michigan grandparents who told that while they heard Mass in Latin they read the Bible in German, the language closest to their hearts. First Methodist Grapevine, indeed, celebrates Pentecostal inclusion every Sunday of the year at 11:15 AM in Founders Chapel and at 12:00 PM at the Heritage Campus. Just like in Acts 2, todo el mundo es bienvenido. Everyone is welcome. • Melissa Lamprich and her husband Larry have been members since 2007. She enjoys working with the Flower Delivery Ministry and Feed Our Kids. She volunteers at the Go Center at the Heritage Campus, and is now a newly commissioned Stephen Minister.
The Church at Work || 5
! a s o p i r a M ! a s o p i r a M
By Carmen Drew
W
hen I retired from teaching Middle School in 2008, I knew that going on a mission trip was one of my long term goals. Also on my “Bucket List” was to continue to work with children, learn Spanish, garden, become a professional artist/quilter, travel and be the best grandmother possible... not necessarily in that order. Only God knows his perfect time. When the youth Costa Rica mission trip was planned for March 2012, I felt a nudge that it was time for me to go. I could also visit one of my best friends and her family who had moved to Costa Rica in July 2011. I was excited, anxious and fearful of traveling part of the trip alone. But, I was assured I wouldn’t contract malaria. The water was drinkable. Costa Rica also has medical services available if needed. Being 61 years old, I wasn’t sure if the youth would want to hang out with me. Could I keep up? Would I need naps? I wrote out a list of fears and gave it to God and Pastor Armando.
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Truly, all my fears were set aside when I met up with Jenny, Pastor Armando, Russell Gravitt, Pastor Roberto and his wife Anna, and the youth in San Jose. Riding on a bus for 3 to 4 hours with teenage rappers, joke tellers and the “adults” on the trip made me realize one more time that FEAR stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. What a God gift I would have missed if I had not pushed my worries off onto God’s plate. He showed me that age doesn’t matter if you can move and serve and “zip line.” We arrived in Las Juntas on Friday night. 24 hours later, we found ourselves in the city park of this little town orchestrating a Vacation Bible School for the community. It was truly a blessing more for me than the people I served that night. In my attempt to explain the rare experience of that Saturday night in the park, I decided to write what happened through the brown eyes of a little 4th grade girl, Yirlan Fabiola Palacios. This might have been her perspective. I hope it was...
March 10 , 2012 at the pa rk Does she understa nd me? M ariposa! I’ll just k Mariposa eep show ! ing her m y bundle o pipe clea f colored ners, tap ping her on her kn attention ee to get ... and m her aybe I ca n be firs t. Now all m y friends want mar iposas! T silver ha he lady w ir seems ith the to unders t a n d . She is s laughing miling an and has d this glow about he the happ r . S he looks iest pers like on in the w o r l d . S he came kids from with the Texas to big our little town of L as Juntas . I keep as king mys elf... why ? Why wo here? She uld she c ome is sitting on the co n crete in park sur our little rounded by my fri ends mak butterfli ing pipe es for us cleaner . I’ve nev er even s before to een a pip day! I wa e cleaner nt to get h er to mak them jus e a hund t for me! red of Now she is trying to teach us how to Spanish i make the s terrible m. Her ! She jus t a s k e d “How is y my friend our pot?” ’s dad, I think sh e m eans, “Ho day?” Ma w is your ybe when she come s again h better. er Spanis h will be Yes! She made my butterfly for me! I me. I hop think she e I get to likes see her a gain!
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ol - at scho 2 1 0 2 , 2 March 1
people ool! The h c s y m o oming t are ey were c h t w o say they n y k e t h ’ T n d . i s I d ig kid like the b I . in n a e m a mounta as, I x n e o T s m n o a r e f “high” m onder if w I . l o o ch in High S a Rica. e in Cost v a h e w like s, laugh ss, hug u e c e r t a with us ay games l p s d i k The big ish! eak Span p s n e v e and some us to be e telling r a o t r e b stor Ro to be a o and Pa d n a m r o young o A t m a I Pastor t. I think for Chris s r e i d l o like s soldier.
lvation. hat is Sa r u O . r o ke arm me to ma t n k pretty a w y e h. We loo t u Now th r T s i r sword appy. Faith. Ou s i d l e nd and h i i h k e r a Our s y ple. The these peo e k i l I t funny! Bu ar my ppy. I he a h s i h t wn are in our to e l obs to p o e p e are few j e r e h Not all th t t a y say th talk. The d ve. a d d n lace to li p mom a a d n a for food y to pay e n o m e k ma t. It nds don’ e i r f y m any of school. M o t o g I rms. I’m lucky and unifo s k o o b e for th 0 to pay costs $10 f we . Maybe i s u p l e h as can from Tex e l p o ers. If e p e our pray r a e Maybe th h l l i , God w et tell us to y e h t I hope I g e , k s i a l x y e a T r p ple from e the peo k i l g n i h yt God is an im too! to meet h
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his began my first friendship with a little girl in Las Juntas, Costa Rica. I would love to go again. Yirlan has changed my life. I hope God has changed hers. •
Carmen and her husband Rocky have been members of FUMC Grapevine since 1990. Carmen works with children in Project Fun on Mondays and the Spanish Service on Sunday mornings. They are also a part of the Open Door Sunday School Class.
The Church at Work || 9
N
estled under tall trees in the shadow of a large municipal
complex lies Shady Oaks Mobile Home Park, one of Grapevine’s poorest
Building
Community
in the Grapevine Village
neighborhoods. This Scribner Street community, located in north Grapevine, is home to several hundred adults and children who are the focus of our Grapevine Village. As programs and services for those living within our Ministry Mile grew,
by Pam Fry
church members served many residents from the Shady Oaks community, and began to develop an understanding of their needs. Then in June of 2008, when Rev. Armando Alvarado joined the staff of First Methodist Grapevine, we were able to offer ESL classes and then a worship service in Spanish. Attendance continued to grow in that service and more relationships were developed with the Shady Oaks residents. Through these efforts, the Grapevine Village was born. This ministry is focused on improving the quality of life for those burdened with poverty right here in our own community. Feed Our Kids and Be Our Guest neighborhood
10 || The Church at Work
meals are just a few of the many
putting a band aid on problems. “In
ministries which focus on helping the
everything Grapevine Village does,” she
Shady Oaks residents and others in need
said, “we want to instill the idea that we
in the immediate area. Some of the other
(FUMC Grapevine) don’t have all the
outreach programs include local mission
answers and we are not going to solve all
days, a casserole ministry, Project Fun,
their problems. But what we can do is let
Project Pass, Project Read, Weekend Food and one of the newest ministries – Project Repair.
Facing Troubles Together Church members knew they were called to help their neighbors, but the “how” was the difficult
them know that if we care
“We don’t have all the answers and we are not going to solve all their problems. But what we can do is let them know that if we care about each other in God’s love, then we never have to face troubles alone.”
part. “There’s not a book or instruction manual,” comments Grapevine Village Lay Leader Donna Price, “we pray about it.” Donna explained that this ministry isn’t about
about each other in God’s love, then we never have to face troubles alone.” One of the troubles Shady Oaks residents face is poor living conditions. Some of their mobile homes have structural issues; others lack safe plumbing and electrical systems. That’s where Project Repair fills a desperate need. Rick Schultz has been overseeing repair work
at Shady Oaks, and along with groups of church members and volunteer help from the Aggie Men’s Club, they have
The Church at Work || 11
completed repairs to five homes since
enough money, it’s about not having
the fall of 2011. Volunteers have painted,
control over your circumstances,” Donna
repaired electrical issues, replaced
added. Through the programs offered by
flooring, leaky roofs and kitchen cabinets
our church, those provided by GRACE
and work surfaces. Through volunteer
and by other community volunteers, the
efforts, the Grapevine Village Team plans
residents of Shady Oaks are building
to continue repair work until all needed
their community. Residents are now
repairs are complete.
meeting together to discuss issues, helping one another with repairs and
Residents who want to
serving others through
participate in Project Repair must submit applications outlining the work needed and, according to Donna Price, they must also agree to help with repair work in their home, or
“Poverty is not just about not having enough money, it’s about not having control over your circumstances.”
volunteering for Feed Our Kids. Working with Francia Arrigan, Director of Programs at GRACE, our church participates in a monthly meeting
on a neighbor’s home.
with City of Grapevine
“Through this program,”
officials and School
she said, “we hope to not only make
District representatives to discuss the
homes livable and safe, but for residents
needs of the Grapevine Village residents
to develop trust and to be there for each
and to connect the neighborhood with
other.”
appropriate social services. Last month, Armando noted, several residents also
Gaining a Voice Donna, Armando and the whole Grapevine Village Team work to build community in the Shady Oaks neighborhood as they focus on relationship-building, education and self-sufficiency as well as sharing our faith. “Poverty is not just about not having
12 || The Church at Work
attended the meeting. These are big steps, Donna added, “In giving people a voice, and control.” While the work for Grapevine Village is serious business, there is also room for fun. The Grapevine Village Team hosts several fiestas each year at Shady Oaks, and has extended our week-long Feed
Our Kids commitment for an additional
residents are needed. There’s a place for
four weeks each summer.
everyone who wants to participate in this
The work of transforming the Grapevine
local ministry.
Village is a large task, but one that has
It’s been two years since the conception
been so successful due to the prayerful
of the Grapevine Village idea, Donna
commitment of church members,
said, and “It’s still an ever-changing
staff, GRACE and local officials and
process, but the intimidation is gone…
volunteers. With so much work left to
every step of the way God has met us
be done, there are many opportunities
where we were and turned a potentially
for church members to help. Additional
nice experience into a deeply powerful
physical volunteers, resources, and use
and often life-changing experience for so
of spiritual gifts to help and educate the
many people.” •
Pam and her husband Herb have been members of the church since 1991. Pam has served in many different capacities at the church over the years, but currently serves on the Board of Trustees, volunteers for Project Read and attends Journey’s Foundation Sunday School class and Kenda’s Serendipity Bible Study.
The Church at Work || 13
Faith for the
“We go to build relationships, visit our friends, and learn what it is really like to see God’s Kingdom and faith acted out on a daily basis...“ 14 || The Church at Work
e Moment M
By Mark and Carol Howe
ost people know that our church has been involved in mission work in Kenya. A team went there in March and another team of five will be going June 30. Our projects are many, including the Methodist Guest House, Ntumburi Village kitchen and dining hall, AIDS Orphans, Evangelists, Families with Disabilities, water projects, and many more. I (Mark) have just completed my fourth trip and I am often asked, “What do you do when you go to Kenya?” The answer continues to change for me. The first time I went I thought I would just be working on construction projects. Boy was I wrong! That is one of the things we do, but today my answer is that we go to build relationships, visit our friends, and learn what it is really like to see God’s Kingdom and faith acted out on a daily basis.
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hen your mind starts to wonder about the things that you need, where does your list start and stop?
For many of our friends in Kenya it starts with water, food, and one or two sets of clothes. Very few have electricity and they hardly think about running water in the home or hut. Yet, when we visit them they are thrilled to see and recognize us from previous visits. They live their lives full of faith for the moment... that God will provide The Church at Work || 15
for them what they need for that day and each person in our church, our community, the next. They work hard to provide for their and our schools. Focus on the things you families. They are thankful for good health have, not the things you don’t have. Isaac and the opportunity to work, encouraged the children to focus on even in conditions that no all the blessings and opportunities “Focus on the one would work under in this they have. They are able to go things you have, country. to school and learn from good not the things teachers, and they must recognize When we visited the school at you do not have.” these blessings and use all their Kambereu, we brought new efforts to reach their goals. ~ Isaac Kinoti sweaters to each student. They sat outside on benches to It seems to me that if the people listen to the presentation and receive their of Kenya can have faith for each moment new sweaters. As we were completing our under these conditions, then it should be visit, Isaac, one of the Synod leaders, spoke easy for us - who are so greatly blessed - to to the children. His message was simple place our daily trust in God. • and eloquent... one that should be heard by
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
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Mark and Carol Howe have been members of FUMC Grapevine since 2001. Both are active in our ministries to Kenya and serve communion at the 11:15 AM worship service. Mark currently serves as our Lay Leader, and Carol serves on the Well committee.
The Church in Balance ill Rogers, speaking about Methodist Annual Conferences, once said, “Methodist ministers are like fertilizer. Spread them around and they do a lot of good. Put them together in one place and they start to stink.” As we approach Annual Conference time, truer words could not be spoken. Just ask any of our lay members who attend Annual Conference.
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Ministers are always better when concentrating on being sent out in ministry, rather than focusing on the place we are being sent to. When we concentrate on the place, we think about the church’s size, prestige and salary. When we concentrate on being sent, we think about service. That is why I like the appointive system of the United Methodist Church. We are not “called” by a local church because they like our preaching or personality or politics. We are “sent” by the bishop
by Rev. John Mollet
to serve the church and community to which we are sent. Every minister should remember, we are a servant to the local church, not the boss. Just as Jesus said, he “came not to be served, but to serve.” (See Matthew 20:20-28.) Those Jesus first called to ministry were labeled “disciples,” which means followers or learners. Later, as Jesus was preparing to leave this world, he called them “apostles,” or ones who are sent. Those two words define Christian ministry. They remind us that, at our very best, we sit at the master’s feet and learn, we follow wherever he leads and are then sent out to do ministry in his name. Remember the story of Mary and Martha? Mary sat at the feet of Jesus while Martha was busy preparing to serve Jesus a meal. Both of the sisters are reprimanded in the story; Mary by Martha and Martha by Jesus. But truth The Church at Work || 17
be a disciple... be a n a postle... be told, the two sisters embody true Christian discipleship, the combination of following and serving. They are the example for all Christians. We believe in the priesthood of all believers. We understand that we all, both lay and clergy, share in the responsibilities of discipleship and being an apostle. When we are at our very best, we hold the two in balance. We follow and learn from the master, then hear the great commission to take what we have learned and share it with the entire world.
Our programming here at First Methodist Grapevine should also reflect that rhythm. We must offer opportunities to sit at the feet of Jesus through small groups for spiritual formation, education and accountability; as well as offering the opportunity for our members to breathe the spirit on the world through our service. We must always keep that balance in our church and in our individual spiritual lives.
“Follow God’s exa mple, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” - Ephesians 5:1-2
I believe this is the rhythm of the Christian faith; the continual movement between sitting at the Lord’s feet and serving in his name. One completes the other. If we attempt to serve without connecting to the Lord, what do we have to offer in our service? If we spend time with God and fail to serve, we selfishly hold onto the grace of God’s presence. It is like breathing. We must both inhale and exhale to live. To stay alive spiritually, we must inhale God’s spirit and exhale it over the world around us. (See John 20:19-23.)
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Let me encourage you to seek to breathe in God’s spirit through personal spiritual formation, then exhale that spirit through your service. For it is in both being a disciple… following, sitting at Jesus’ feet, breathing in; and being an apostle… being sent, serving, exhaling the spirit of God, that we find the rhythm of the faith and become a fragrant offering to the Lord. •
John has served as Senior Pastor of FUMC Grapevine since June of 2011. Read thoughts from John daily on the 10 & 10 blog, which encourages you to read scripture for 10 minutes a day and pray for 10 minutes a day... every day! www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/10and10
N ext Ste ps
In John’s article on “The Church in Balance,” he encourages us to maintain our personal spiritual health, while still serving others. Here are a few practical suggestions to get you started, from two of our congregation’s experts on Spiritual Formation, Pat Laster and Annette Sowell.
Take time daily to sit in silence with God,
even if it is just a couple of minutes. Practice “listening” for what God is saying to you through quiet times of meditation.
Read God’s Word daily.
More than gathering information, ask yourself such questions as, “What are these words saying to me about how God wants me to live my life?” Try to imagine God’s presence with you at this time and consider what He is saying to you.
Practice Prayer.
There is no one method that is better than another – just show up and start talking. God will do the rest.
Join a small group.
Look for people who want to learn about faith and be accountable to each other. If you don’t know of a group you can join, contact one of the pastors for guidance. You may even choose to start your own.
Worship corporately in the company of other spiritual seekers.
Do one thing daily for someone else.
A prayer, a good thought, a telephone call, an e-mail, a mailed card, a smile... they do wonders.
Look for God’s presence in every situation...
...either good or bad. Be reminded that, “...neither life nor death nor angels nor principalities nor anything in all creation shall separate us from the love of God.” (Romans 8:38) Need help with your next steps? Call the church office at 817-481-2559 or contact one of our pastors (see www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/staff). The Church at Work || 19
m o r f w e i V e h T l l i H e g a t i r e H
By Barbie Deborah
I
Campus. Yeah, he’s a member. And so started our experience with the Heritage Campus.
There were hugs and greetings as many had gathered. I introduced myself to another, asking if he was a member of this church or a new parent at the
It’s been a little less than three years now since the merger which created FUMC Grapevine – Heritage Campus, presenting a wonderful opportunity to grow God’s presence and faith in our community. And it’s no wonder that in such a short time a strong family focus has taken shape. Children and families surround the Heritage Campus. Just next
school. All at once there was silence and then a huge roar of laughter. I had just introduced myself to Rev. Louis Carr – the newly appointed pastor of Heritage
door are Heritage Elementary School and Heritage Middle School, and across the street sits Colleyville Heritage High School (CHHS).
was turning around after walking kids to school and saw friendly faces with donuts at the top of the hill. The Heritage Campus was greeting parents from the elementary school as they made their way home after dropping off the kiddos. I thought – friends and free donuts – and quickly made my way up the hill.
20 || The Church at Work
At left: Heritage Campus youth intern Payton Carter says, “Heritage Youth is an AWESOME weekly gathering where junior high and high school students come together to worship Jesus, grow in their relationship with Him, and have a total blast while making new friends. Check it out for yourself and see what the youth at Heritage Campus are up to!
Heritage Campus Youth Video on YouTube www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/hcyvideo
At the Heritage Campus, Rev. Louis Carr asks all members to commit one of his favorite verses to memory...
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. -Hebrews 11:1 KJV It’s the definition of faith in action. And great faith and hope from the Downtown and Heritage Campuses has afforded great rewards beyond imagination…
H
oly week began with morning devotionals and culminated with a
Children’s Time on Easter Sunday. Heritage Campus welcomed almost 160 during Easter Sunday Service this year, combined with another 45 attending Sunrise Service.
vigil fire from the eve of Easter Sunday until the Sunrise Service Easter morning. This tradition was begun by beloved, deceased member Elan Allen. This time allows families to reflect on Jesus and his journey to the cross and ascension into heaven. Another long-standing tradition is the yummy Fifth Sunday Pot Luck. Complete with homemade and store-bought favorites, Ms. Billie Martin’s banana pudding is always a much-anticipated treat! And each Sunday, the Heritage Campus stays busy with worship well into the afternoon with a Hispanic service beginning at noon, led by Pastor Alfredo Medina. The Church at Work || 21
T
he benefits of the merger are apparent in the numbers as well. Attendance continues to grow and is pushing the Heritage Campus to begin conversations of adding additional services beyond the current 10:30 AM service. The first Easter he was here, Rev. Louis Carr remembers having 24 in attendance. This past Easter, there were 157 in attendance... standing room only! Most Sundays at the 10:30 service we see between 80 -100 seated, a dramatic difference from where we were at the start of the merger. Strong numbers are also present mid-week at Worship on Wednesdays (WOW), with music currently being led by the youth. Rev. Louis Carr has spent the spring preaching on Power in the Parables. During the summer, the Wednesday night pulpit will be filled by each of the pastors in turn. The youth presence has risen dramatically, too, through the AWESOME or awe-inspiring guidance of youth leader Payton Carter. Upwards of 20 youth currently meet on Wednesdays, and the Heritage Campus is planning to add a Sunday night youth program that will explore a deeper walk with Christ. Notable also is the Heritage Campus Confirmation Class completed mid-April, with three new members – Mackenzie Edwards, Andy Hackney and Cade Deborah. Recently, 6-year-old Eva Elmore took it upon herself to raise funds to help defer costs of replacing the playground in the back of the campus, which had to be taken down due to old age and much use. In two short weeks, Eva raised more than $3,500 with a lemonade stand and announcements during Wednesday and Sunday services. 22 || The Church at Work
Every month, the K-5 Sunday School class visits the Atria, a local assisted living and nursing home facility.
No matter the age, there are “doers” at the Heritage Campus!
An incredibly hefty undertaking, the Go Center (which operates during the school year on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-5:30 p.m.) found immediate support. Donations poured in, including 25 computers, bus transportation and volunteers to tutor those needing help. The Go Center represents Heritage Campus’ commitment to our community by supporting the Grapevine-Colleyville School District and the betterment of our future leaders through education and career assistance. As the Go Center continues to succeed, we hope to extend the Go Center to Heritage Middle School next year.
W
ith all of these exciting milestones there are more ahead… like the inception of a family mission trip next summer. We welcome you to come visit us on this side of Grapevine and look forward to sharing God’s blessings with you! •
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ith this strong focus on children and youth, the Heritage Campus reached out and took on the implementation of a Go Center, creating a place on the Heritage Campus where students from CHHS can come to explore their future and receive guidance on how to get there.
Barbie and her husband Jim have been members of FUMC Grapevine since 1999. Barbie has served on the Nursery Committee, Angel Food Ministry, Sunday School Staff, Vacation Bible School, and Circle of Friends woman’s group. She and her family have been attending worship at the Heritage Campus since October 2010.
The Church at Work || 23
Help for Hard Times
by Robin Blankenship
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hen I was asked to contribute to The Church at Work, I was more than willing to share my own experiences of how the church has been at work to help my family through the hard times. Our church family at FUMC Grapevine has stood beside our family during various difficulties and personal tragedies in the past years we have been a part of this congregation. And, once again, we found our family in a hard place – and needing the love and support of our church.
My challenge came in the form of a phone call on a regular Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 on January 24. The call confirmed that I indeed had breast cancer at the 24 || The Church at Work
age of 44, after a routine mammogram showed a questionable mass and a biopsy had followed. Shock, fear, disbelief were just some of the emotions that ran through my mind. I was young, I had small children and SURELY this was not happening to ME! After many doctor appointments and double mastectomy surgery on February 29, I began the real journey of treatment of this horrible disease. Since the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes, I am currently in chemotherapy through the end of July and will be having 6+ weeks of radiation following that. In the meantime, I cannot begin to describe the outpouring of support, prayers and love that I felt from so many in our church. Our various pastors have
been wonderful about being there for big medical events, and they have called so many times just to check on me and our family. But they are only our leaders; the people of the church have really gone to work on my behalf. Individuals delivered meals* almost every day for a period of weeks. If you’ve never had a major surgery, you cannot imagine how helpful this was to us, and to my parents who were helping take care of me and our little boys. As soon as word got out about my diagnosis, I was literally FLOODED with cards, Facebook Messages, words of encouragement on Caring Bridge, text messages and e-mails! One of the most amazing things that has happened is God allowing people to reach out to me with just what I needed to hear at a particularly difficult time. I have had so many friends send the perfect scripture verse, an amazingly poignant devotional or very specific words
of encouragement when the senders couldn’t have known how helpful they would be!
Not a day or two passes without a special surprise. It’s not the material things that make the difference. It is the thoughtfulness and perfect timing of each item. Homemade chemo pillows and blankets, flowers and bracelets, bath soaps and spa gift sets, gift cards to restaurants for when I am really sick and nothing sounds good to eat... I have been blessed. One sweet friend saw me fanning myself while getting very hot in church, and an adorable portable pink mister fan was delivered to my porch that afternoon! (I now bring it to church every week.) I’ve received beautiful flowers – both from friends & family and from the wonderful Altar Flower Ministry at our church! Nothing brightens your day
* One of the church’s ministries is called Angel Food. The Angel Food team will deliver a meal to families in need of support due to surgery, birth, illness, etc. In Robin’s case, friends both inside and outside the church stepped up and provided her family with meals. But not everyone is blessed with so many responses! If you would like to be a part of the Angel Food team to provide a meal during crisis for families who need it, contact Cheri Rutledge (cherir@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559 x110).
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more than getting back from a difficult medical appointment, and finding flowers left by your front door!
But – the biggest thing I have found through this journey is seeing the people of this church literally being the hands and feet of Christ to me and my family. Each person has their own gifts and way of helping and they just continue to amaze me! Some close friends now meet with me every Sunday night before a chemotherapy round for “Chemo Coffee with Robin” at a local Starbucks. They are there to let me be “real” about what I’m dealing with and how they can help. For a “doer” like me who is accustomed to being the one helping others, it is a very humbling experience to be ministered to... but one that is truly life-changing.
I believe God gives strength to those who are hurting through the people of this church! I have an army behind me in this battle, and I am eternally grateful. As you see others facing a crisis, REACH OUT in whatever way feels right for you. You will make a difference in someone’s life and will allow Christ to work through your efforts! •
“Without times of adversity, you would miss the powerful experience of God walking with you through the valley times of life.”
~ Charles Stanley
Robin has been a member of FUMCG since 2002. She has served in various capacities, including Staff Parish Relations Committee and Finance Committee. She is currently a member of 2x2 Sunday School Class, UMW, Creative Learning Center Board, Angel Food Ministry, “Never Go Hungry” Casserole Ministry and Campus Angels.
The Cancer Survivor Support Group meets the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM in Room 2010 of the Family Life Center at First United Methodist Church Grapevine’s Downtown Campus (422 Church Street in Grapevine).
Group members are cancer survivors who offer support and encouragement for cancer patients, family members and loved ones whose lives have been impacted in any way by a cancer diagnosis.
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Serve Over Su mmer
Summer is one of the busiest times for outreach in the life of the church. If you’re looking for a place to serve, start here!
Summer Sunday School
Summer Sunday School for children runs from June 3 to August 19. If you would like to teach Sunday School during the summer, contact Linda McClure (lindam@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559 x126).
Vacation Bible School
VBS is June 24-29. We’ll need help with everything from snacks to crafts to recreation to leading kids around! If you would like to help, contact Linda McClure (lindam@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559 x126).
Youth Activities
There’s still time to sign up to be a sponsor on the Middle School Mission Trip to Paris, TX on July 15-20. You can also offer your swimming pool to host summer youth events, volunteer to drive the van, or help with youth retreats. If you would like to help, contact Jenny Davidson (jennyd@fumcg.org or 817-4812559 x116).
Feed Our Kids
Feed Our Kids Big Week is July 9-13. In addition, we will serve Feed Our Kids at the Shady Oaks site for an additional four weeks beyond our big week in order to continue to build relationships with the Grapevine Village. Those dates are: July 16-20, July 23-27, July 30-August 3, and August 6-10. To help, contact Deb Scheiwe (debscheiwe@verizon.net or 817-412-1762).
Project Read
Project Read volunteers go to the Feed Our Kids sites all summer to give books and read to kids. You do not have to work every week, just what works best for your schedule. Volunteers usually get to a site at 11:45 and stay as long/short as they want. (See Feed Our Kids for dates.)
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While you’re out there conquering the world, don’t forget Mission Central! Your budget giving supports every ministry in the church, and keeps our doors open!
www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/give
First United Methodist Church Grapevine Downtown Campus: 422 Church Street | Grapevine, TX 76051 | 817-481-2559 Heritage Campus: 4344 Heritage Avenue | Grapevine, TX 76051 | 817-571-1111
www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org