First Connections, Advent 2022

fi rs t co n n e c ti o n s STORIES OF LIFE AND FA I T H

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RICHARDSON ADVENT 2022 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 4

503 N. Central Expressway P.O. Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75080 972.235.8385 fumcr.com Senior Pastor Dr. Clayton Oliphint Director of Communications Kristen Ceaser Managing Editor Francy Collins Graphic Designer Kyle Henson Communications & Media Team Kevin Burns Shandon Klein Ben Chamness Leslie Kring Eric Czechowski Tyler Payne Rohini Drake Mallory Pickering First Connections (USPS 022-024) is published five times a year by First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080.

Periodicals postage paid at Richardson, TX and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: First Connections, PO Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75083-0877

I love a good story - the characters, the setting, the plot, the anticipation of what will happen next. Some stories never get old, and we often see young children happily listening to classic stories again and again. This Christmas, you’re invited to hear the retelling of a familiar story with child-like wonder: Jesus Christ will be born, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lain in a manger. This reminder of the miracle we receive in the arrival of Christ is at the core of our faith and offers new perspectives every year.

I hope you’ll experience The Christmas Story with fresh eyes and ears in 2022. Our Advent and Christmas Eve worship services will feature cherished music, the lighting of candles, and the themes of Advent highlighted through the experiences of those who lived it: Isaiah’s Hope, the Shepherd’s Peace, Mary’s Joy, and Joseph’s Love. Beyond worship services will be a variety of occasions to be inspired by the season. Our Chancel Choir will present a concert with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra at the Eisemann Center. Our Service of Hope, opportunities to give and serve, and other special events for all ages will offer additional meaning and depth to the story. I hope you’ll invite a friend to our glorious Christmas Eve candlelight services or any of the opportunities to join together in anticipation and celebration of this holy season.

In Christ,

Clayton Oliphint

Families are invited to kick off the Advent season together! We’ll start with family worship to hear the Christmas story and learn more about the Advent candles. After worship, families will enjoy creating handmade treasures to celebrate the season.

Register online at fumcr.com/adventworkshop

CHRISTMAS

CONCERT with the

Richardson Symphony Orchestra

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 · 8:00PM AT THE EISEMANN CENTER ‘Tis the season! Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the jubilant sounds of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra and our very own Chancel Choir as they bring this beloved holiday tradition to the Eisemann Center. Ring in the holidays with timeless carols and cherished melodies that call to mind reindeer, snowmen, angels, and a babe lying in a manger.

EISEMANN CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 2351 PERFORMANCE DRIVE RICHARDSON, TX 75082 TICKETS: FUMCR.COM/RSOCHRISTMAS

TOTEBAG assembly Sunday, Dec 18 9:30am-1:00pm

Coleman Family Hall

New twist on an old tradition!

We are blessed to prepare bags each Advent season as part of our ministry to those facing homelessness. Our congregation members generously donated funds throughout October allowing us to purchase items in bulk for 1000 bags and customize them to the needs of recipient organizations.

Children, youth, and adults are invited to join us as we prepare the bags to be delivered to local shelters the week before Christmas.

Sign up to help fill bags: fumcr.com/totebags

Sunday, December 11 · 5:00pm Sanctuary Livestream: fumcr.com/live

In this season of expectation, decorations, and parties, the sense of loss can be profound. We look to God for light and comfort, for the Spirit’s presence even in our empty places, and for hope.

MODERN 1PM & 5PM

PAGEANT 4PM

TRADITIONAL

6PM, 8PM, 10PM (WITH COMMUNION)

PAGEANT LIVESTREAM

4PM · FUMCR.COM/LIVE

TRADITIONAL LIVESTREAM

6PM · FUMCR.COM/LIVE

ON DEMAND

YOUTUBE.COM/FUMCR

Our special Advent Offering will be given to these dynamic organizations who are working passionately every day to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families. You may give online at fumcr.com/givenow

Founded in 1890, Methodist Children’s Home serves children and youth through residential programs on the Waco campus and Boys Ranch, transition services, foster care, and a variety of community-based programs throughout Texas and New Mexico.

Founded in 1985, Network of Community Ministries began during an economic downturn when several churches and community organizations came together to form an alliance to assist families in need. Network strives to live out its mission to care, coach, and empower our neighbors as they seek an improved quality of life.

Network Mobile Food Pantry

poinsettias A gift in honor or memory of a loved one Beautiful poinsettias will decorate our campus during Advent and Christmas. If you’d like to make a special gift, envelopes can be found in the pew and seat backs, or you may give online. fumcr.com/poinsettias

Children’s Choir Christmas Children’s Choir Musical Musical

Sunday, December 4 · 3:00pm Worship & Arts Center

Annual White Elephant Christmas Party Sunday, Dec 11 5:15pm to 7:0 pm Coleman Family Hal

al youth invited!

Thank you for your support of International Christmas Market and its local, national, and international missions.

Market Shares are gifts made in honor of a loved one to a non-profit agency whose mission is to improve the lives of those they serve. Shares are available through December 31. fumcr.com/shares

PERIODICALS

503 N. Central Expressway P.O. Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75080 972.235.8385 fumcr.com

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

For information on all FUMCR worship services and events this Christmas season, visit

fumcr.com/christmas