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 2021 VOLUME 16, 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 Tracy Thomas 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
The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. This Christmas many of us are weary - weary of the pandemic, weary of things changing too fast or not fast enough, weary from loss. But the story doesn’t end here. It’s what comes next that is cause for celebration. The weary world rejoices. We rejoice over the birth of Jesus Christ, the light of the world, God among us. We are awed by the mystical story of his birth to an unlikely mother in an unlikely place over 2000 years ago that continues to offer comfort and hope to us today. In the weariness of our world, we anticipate the light coming into the world, light that shines in the darkness and shows us a way forward. In waiting for the birth of Christ, we’re reminded that we are people of hope. I invite you to experience this season of anticipation, already knowing the end of the story. Our Advent and Christmas Eve worship services will feature beloved music, the lighting of Advent candles, and the Christmas story told through the lens of the popular Christmas song “O, Holy Night” and grounded in Bible stories of the season. Our choirs and modern band will lead a Christmas Sing-along that is sure to delight people of all ages. Our Service of Hope, opportunities to give and serve, and other special events will offer additional depth to this time of waiting. I hope you’ll invite a friend to our glorious Christmas Eve candlelight services or any of the opportunities where we come together in celebration and rejoicing. In Christ,
Clayton Oliphint
Advent Workshop
Sunday, Nov. 28 at 2:00pm Worship & Arts Center This year we have a special start to Advent Workshop as we join in 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 SING-ALONG FRIDAY, DEC. 10 // 7:00PM
SANCTUARY // LIVESTREAM: FUMCR.COM/LIVE
Come enjoy a fun evening singing together with the Chancel Choir, Modern Worship Band, and members of The Journey Youth Choir and Children’s Choir. The most beloved hymns and songs of the season will be included: The Little Drummer Boy, White Christmas, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and so many more. If you’re nostalgic about this Most Wonderful Time of the Year, this will be an event to embrace. There’s no charge, and all are welcome.
totebags TOTEBAGS for for persons that persons who are homeless are homeless Pick up Dec. 5-17 Return by Dec. 19
Totebags are filled and delivered each Advent season as part of our ministry to those facing homelessness.
Sunday, December 12 // 5:00pm // Sanctuary Livestream at 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.
CHRISTM
MAS EVE
in-person at FUMCR
MODERN 1:00pm · 5:00pm
PAGEANT 4:00pm
TRADITIONAL 6:00pm · 8:00pm · 10:00pm* *communion offered
CHRISTMAS EVE at home
PAGEANT 4:00pm · fumcr.com/live
ONLINE
7:00pm · fumcr.com/online and facebook.com/FUMCRichardson
BROADCAST 11:00pm · KTXA-TV
ON DEMAND
December 24 · 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.
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. The six service centers of Refugee Services of Texas offer programs uniquely designed to assist refugees, asylees, survivors of human trafficking, and other displaced populations, helping them to integrate and thrive in their new communities and become self-sufficient as quickly as possible. Their programs are also tailored to meet the needs of the host communities as they welcome their new neighbors.
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/poinsettia
Children’s Choir Musical
Jesus! Oh, What a Wonderful Child! Sunday, December 5, 4:00pm in the Worship & Arts Center
Advent Prayer Stations - Sunday, November 28, 6:00-8:00pm Christmas Party - Sunday, December 12, 6:00-8:00pm
Thank you for your support of International Christmas Market. To date, we have raised just over $2,000,000 to support 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 Join us on December 12 as we celebrate Rev. Joy Anderson’s 40-year ministry at FUMCR and her next chapter of retirement.
Blessing of the Gifts
Sunday, December 26 9:45 Traditional Worship 11:00 Modern Worship No Sunday School Childcare for 3 and younger 9:45 Online Worship
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