First Connections

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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RICHARDSON ADVENT 2023 VOLUME 18, ISSUE 5

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 Leslie Kring Ben Chamness Claire O’Neil Eric Czechowski Tyler Payne Rohini Drake Mallory Pickering Shandon Klein 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

When I was a child, my grandmother Mary Kelley, our Mimi, used to come and stay with us for Christmas. She would tuck us in bed at night and from memory recite O. Henry’s Gift of the Magi. She would act out the different parts, including lowering her voice to say the men’s lines. We were captivated by this magical tale every year. It was always so moving to hear about this young couple exchanging their Christmas gifts to each other, so in love they would sacrifice their prized possessions to bless the other.

I always think of that story at Christmas and marvel at God’s capacity to want to bless the world so much by sending Jesus to us. It is the story of Emmanuel, God with us, that we celebrate at Christmas. The timeless nature of this story makes it fresh and new each year. Upon this story, we build our own family traditions, exchanging gifts, and celebrating the story of God’s love for all the world.

I hope you will join us for a stirring Advent and Christmas season at FUMCR. Our worship series, Gift Exchange, will explore the biblical story of Jesus’ birth.

This is a story you want the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to come and learn. And it is a story we all need in our lives today. In a world with so much uncertainty, the Christmas story gives us the solid ground of faith, hope, and love.

Invite your friends to come for any and all of our inspirational Christmas services and activities, culminating with meaningful Christmas Eve celebrations. When we light and lift those candles, it’s as if God has exchanged all our fear and anxiety for peace and serenity. Even if it’s for a moment, may you experience the gift of God’s presence during this holy season.

In Christ,

Clayton Oliphint

a CHRISTMAS to

REMEMBER A Christmas Concert featuring Chancel Choir, The Journey Youth Choir, Children’s Choir, Modern Worship Band, and Orchestra

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 7PM, SANCTUARY TICKETS: $10 FUMCR.COM/CONCERT

TOTEBAG assembly Sunday, Dec 17

Coleman Family Hall

We are blessed to prepare bags each Advent season as part of our ministry to those facing homelessness. Our congregation 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 at fumcr.com/totebags

PAGEANT 11AM*

MODERN 2PM, 4PM

TRADITIONAL

6PM*, 8PM, 10PM INCLUDES COMMUNION

ONLINE 9:45AM* ON DEMAND – YOUTUBE.COM/FUMCR

* STREAMING AT FUMCR.COM/ONLINE

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 through December 11. fumcr.com/poinsettias

Your Advent Offering will be given to two dynamic organizations that work passionately to make positive impacts in the lives of individuals and families. You may give online at fumcr.com/givenow

Methodist Children’s Home seeks to equip children, youth, and families by offering hope through Christ-centered relationships and support via a residential program, transition care, parenting education, and foster caregiver support. mch.org

Network Mobile Food Pantry

Network of Community Ministries works to care, coach, and empower our neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life. thenetwork.org

ir o h C s ’ n Childre al c i s u M s Christma ember 3 · 3:00pm Dec Sunday, s Center t r A &

ip Worsh

An annual tradition featuring non-traditional gifts.

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

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