First Connections Fall 2021

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 FALL 2021 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

Continuing a Tradition Service With A Smile p.4 From Fear To Freedom p.12 A Resilient Witness p.16 Christmas Market Through The Years p.20

The senior class leads an incredible back-toschool retreat.

join us for worship! traditional worship

sundays, 8:45am, 9:45am & 11:00am sanctuary

503 N. Central Expressway P.O. Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75080 972.235.8385 fumcr.com Senior Pastor Dr. Clayton Oliphint

online worship

Director of Communications Kristen Ceaser

sundays, 9:45am

fumcr.com/live and Facebook

sundays, 11:00am

Managing Editor Tracy Thomas

fumcr.com/live

on demand anytime

youtube.com/fumcr

Graphic Designer Kyle Henson Communications Team Kevin Burns Francy Collins Leslie Kring

modern worship sundays, 11:00am worship & arts center

Contributors Kim Reed Cheryl Bishop Joel Eichler Rev. Joy Anderson Rev. Sarah Marsalis-Luginbill Dr. Dan Flanagan Rohini Drake Olivia & Bobby Ayers Pam Hughes First Connections (USPS 022-024) is published six 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.

A NEW SERMON SERIES BEGINNING OCTOBER 17

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

FALL 2021

2

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

a message from our senior pastor

H

enry Van Dyke was a Presbyterian pastor. He was a college classmate of President Woodrow Wilson, a friend of Helen Keller, and officiated at the funeral of Mark Twain. For all of the sermons he preached, the things he accomplished, and the people he knew, perhaps his greatest legacy are the words he wrote which were set to Beethoven’s music, "Ode to Joy," which became the hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.”

I was reflecting on this beautiful text the other day.

The clouds of sin and sadness and the dark of doubt have been so prevalent in our world. The heaviness and weariness that is this COVID Pandemic has weighed everyone down. Other societal factors are also at play, whether it be divisiveness, anxiety, Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee financial stress, storms, God of glory, Lord of love violence, or other troubles.

Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee Someone said to me recently, Opening to the Sun above “It feels like the whole world Melt the clouds of sin and sadness is off balance.” When we are Drive the dark of doubt away off balance, we are not at our Giver of immortal gladness best. How can we regain our Fill us with the light of day balance?

Thou art giving and forgiving Nehemiah 8:10 reminds Ever blessing, ever blest us that “the joy of the Lord Well-spring of the joy of living is our strength.” The Apostle Ocean-depth of happy rest Paul said in Philippians 4:4, Thou our Father, Christ our Brother “Rejoice in the Lord always; All who live in love are Thine again I will say, Rejoice.”

Teach us how to love each other Van Dyke’s lyrics echo this Lift us to the Joy Divine call to find the joy of God’s goodness. This giving and forgiving God is the well-

spring of the joy of living. In following his ways, and learning how to love one another, we are lifted to the “joy divine.”

At First United Methodist Church Richardson, we continue to rejoice in the Lord.

And as we do, we find a solid foundation to stand on. With that foundation of joy, we can face the ups and downs of life, and we will get through this pandemic and anything else in our path.

There is much to celebrate in our church and in our world. I hope and pray you will find joy as you read about what’s happening at FUMCR. In Christ,

Clayton Oliphint senior pastor We continue to adjust, pivot, and rethink the ways we do ministry as we stay in discussion about the impact of COVID and the ever-changing guidelines from the CDC and local medical community. The information included in First Connections is current as of our publishing date of Friday, September 17. We encourage you to visit fumcr.com or call 972.235.8385 for the most updated information on programs and events.

FALL 2021

3

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

V R I CE E S with a

SMILE

by Kim Reed

W

hen the HEROES Academy was invited to operate the FUMCR cafe, we were SO excited. Not only were we thrilled to have an opportunity to serve the congregation of FUMCR, who has always been so supportive of us, we were thankful to have a new avenue for our HEROES young adults to gain valuable work skills in a real world setting.

As our HEROES “brew crew” has been training and preparing to open, we have seen a tremendous amount of growth in our students’ job skills, confidence, and independence.

A great deal of pride and selfconfidence accompanies being a contributing member of a community, as we see each week when we volunteer with Meals on Wheels, Feed My Starving Children, and SoupMobile.

Being able to add “HEROES Brew Crew” to their list of accomplishments will be life changing for many.

HEROES and FUMCR have been community partners since the summer of 2005 when HEROES Camp began with a few teachers, a few students, and

FALL 2021

a ton of potential for serving families looking for a safe, fun, and educational environment for children with disabilities. It has blossomed and grown into a program that proudly serves over 600 families through seasonal camps, our year-round HEROES Academy day program that serves young adults who have aged out of the school setting, continuing education classes, SibShops for the siblings of children with disabilities, and weekend retreats at our HEROES house in

5

Richardson.

I cannot imagine what any of us would do without HEROES. It is a lifeline for so many families and has fostered friendships among students, parents, and staff. We are a family who supports each other in every aspect of life, and we love coming together to learn and grow.

THANK YOU to FUMCR for giving HEROES this opportunity.

We hope to see you on Sunday, October 17, for our grand opening!

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

With Great Joy It’s our hope that this year will be filled with great joy and that we would find joy, embrace joy, and share joy in our everyday lives.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13 We are saving a seat for you!

Come find your people and enjoy some kid-free time. It's not just about great speakers, fun crafts, service opportunities, and conversations around your table. It's about the real relationships forged as we experience motherhood together and explore faith, family, and fun.

Find out more at fumcr.com/mamas

family ministry

O

ur Family Ministry is celebrating many new faces and some familiar faces in new-ish places!

With a unified developmental curriculum and an increased emphasis on Christian education in partnership with Children’s Ministry, we have entered this new school year with a mission to create an environment and curriculum that provides support for each child's spiritual, emotional, physical, cognitive, and social development. All children in the program will develop an awareness of God’s love and acceptance through discovery and learning.

Along with creating a restructured opening plan, we hired two new amazingly talented and experienced leaders. Patti Puchala, Weekday Kids at First Director, comes to us from Highland Park UMC and has varied and extensive experience in Early Childhood Education.

Wendy Jones, WKAF Assistant

by Cheryl Bishop

Director, has years of experience in church-based preschool programs, most recently as an Enrollment Coordinator at another local childcare center. The leadership of these two experienced educators and administrators is already benefitting our WKAF program in amazing ways!

Our Children’s Ministry staff has also had a few changes in recent months. We said “goodbye” to two beloved staff members, as Courtney Perdue and her family moved to California in June, and Barbie Castellanos stepped down as our Child Care Coordinator. We are incredibly grateful for both of these ladies and the time spent with our FUMCR families.

We’re delighted to welcome Brigit Buff as our Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry.

As an active volunteer previously at FUMCR, Brigit has a gift for volunteer recruitment, management,

and support. Brigit’s primary responsibilities include Sunday school curriculum, volunteer coordinating, and childcare staff scheduling. Natalie Nenovich has adjusted responsibilities as she steps into the role as Director of Children’s Ministry. Natalie’s passion for children continues to be evident in curriculum for Sunday school and activities where children experience God’s love through community, serving, and Bible study.

With Cheryl Bishop’s transition to Director of Family Ministry, she has the privilege of serving with all ministries that support children, youth, college-aged students, and their families. Cheryl Winnenberg, Administrative Assistant supporting WKAF and Children’s Ministry, continues to be the glue that holds us all together.

This team of faithful witnesses and sharers of God’s love are a true gift to our children and their families.

Our fabulous leadership team: Cheryl, Patti, Wendy, Brigit, Natalie

FALL 2021

7

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

blessing of the backpacks

back to school bash

celebrating children and youth really living youth retreat

a look ahead bible retreat

For 3rd and 4th graders Saturday, October 2 9am-2pm

Third and fourth graders are invited to a fun retreat day exploring their new Bibles! Games and activities will help everyone learn about their Bibles and how to make them their own.

fall family funfest

Sunday, October 24 5-7pm FUMCR Parking Lots

Costumes, games, food, and music! Come join FUMCR with all of the festive FUN as we gather to celebrate this season together.

pancake flip

Saturday, October 30 7am-1pm Coleman Family Hall

Bring the entire family to enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes during this annual fundraiser. Proceeds this year benefit HEROES and the Richardson YMCA.

advent workshop Sunday, November 28 2-4pm Bartula Family Life Center

Plan to join us for this FUMCR tradition.

Families will visit different stations to make Advent and Christmas crafts to give as gifts or treasure as special keepsakes for the season.

Don’t forget your camera for a special photo op!

FALL 2021

9

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

"welcome"

BY JOEL EICHLER

IT’S FUNNY HOW GOD WORKS SOMETIMES. Just when you feel like you are in a good groove and feeling comfortable in one place, he calls you out to do something new. I feel extremely blessed that God continues to call me out of my comfort zone to do bold new things for his kingdom and that he has brought me here to First United Methodist Church Richardson.

I have been married to my lovely wife, Lauren, for four years, and five months ago we welcomed our son, Emet, into the world. We also have two rescue pups, Nala and Penny, who might as well be children, too. I enjoy woodworking, grilling, and playing video games in my free time. I am a lover of all things Houston sports as well as the Michigan State University Spartans.

I am passionate about helping students build meaningful relationships with the people of the church, nurturing student leadership, both in youth ministry and the church, and sharing the good news of Jesus and the love and grace he has to offer.

My biggest goals for this ministry are to foster an environment where youth feel comfortable, allow them to be who God created them to be, and open their hearts to what God has in store for them. In this ministry, we will seek to walk alongside students as they discover, develop and own their faith, experience God’s grace, and engage the community to share God’s love.

One of the biggest things that attracted me to FUMCR is the incredible legacy of this youth program. I spent five years working alongside Rev. Jason McConnell, who grew up at FUMCR. I got to hear all about his experiences in youth ministry and how it impacted his life. I am excited to continue this legacy and be a part of some of the great traditions that have been established, and I’m looking forward to the bold new things that God is going to do through us and in us.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of experiencing my first Really Living Retreat, which is a 30+ year tradition in this church. The Class of 2022 was instrumental in planning and running the retreat. They came up with a creative theme and figured out how to craft worship, small group discussions, and whole group fun to reinforce what they believe was important for students to know and take home. At our campfire worship, each senior had the opportunity to share what it means to be a part of FUMCR youth. We heard great stories of feeling like family, feeling the warmth of being welcomed, and feeling accepted. Many seniors took the opportunity to encourage the 7th graders to get involved so they don’t miss out on all of the special things that come with being a member of the youth ministry at FUMCR. With a face full of chocolate pudding and being covered with every color of the rainbow, one of our students approached me and simply said, “Welcome,” and it was my favorite moment of the weekend. The weekend was a perfect blend of carrying on a legacy and letting God do new bold things. It was a meaningful way for us all to start a new school year. It was an even better way for me to kick off my journey here at FUMCR. I am so excited to be a part of this ministry, and I look forward to journeying with not only the students, but all members of FUMCR for years to come.

neon night SAVE THE DATE NOVEMBER 21 // 6-8PM ALL YOUTH INVITED

F ROM F E A R T O F R E E D OM

BY REV. JOY ANDERSON

Ahmed family reunion celebrating Joy's 75th birthday

Thirty years ago on the night of September 23, 1991, an Iraqi Kurdish family of nine disembarked from a plane at DFW Airport after a grueling 20-hour journey from Turkey.

The Ahmed family was beginning an unimaginable new life, safe from Saddam Hussein’s genocidal chemical gassing and war in Iraq, a harrowing escape and hazardous travel over mountains into Turkey, abuse from Turkish officials and teachers, hardship, and hunger. They arrived in the U.S. in native dress with only a few boxes. They were exhausted, scared, and completely disoriented, not knowing what awaited.

The children ranged in age from 12 years to 8 ½ months. They didn’t speak or understand English, didn’t know the customs, food, or conventions of this life. FUMCR was to help with their resettlement.

Our church had resettled refugees previously, and we knew our tasks. Get the family into an apartment that we furnished, complete with a refrigerator and cabinets full of Nezar and Jemal going to camp food (We had no clue at the Richardson YMCA what Kurdish families ate.), get medical exams and shots for school registration, get children enrolled, find a job for the father, teach them English, provide transportation, get clothing for the family.

We found ourselves doing all of this plus teaching them how to use the toilet, shower, the washer and dryer, and acclimate to other conveniences of apartment living. We also had to teach them what was not acceptable in our society.

It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. In our case it took a 6000-member church to raise these seven children and their parents. So many people from our congregation

Arrival at DFW Airport

FALL 2021

12

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

hday

over heels in love with them, particularly all of the beautiful children with the big black eyes. I took them under my wing, and they became “my kids.” Through the years I’ve celebrated birthdays, graduations, weddings, and births of their children with each of them. I’ve experienced the joy of taking the girls on spring break trips, teaching them how to skip rocks in the lake, how to make s’mores, visiting new and fun places they wouldn’t have been able to go otherwise. We’ve been to movies, out to eat, and played lots of miniature golf. I’ve been there for broken bones, braces on teeth, teacher parent meetings, as well as the Kawza’s wedding day bumpy and traumatic times in their lives. My life has been blessed beyond my imagining! This year we celebrate the 30th year of their coming to the U.S., and I celebrate the day my life became so much more than I ever thought it could be!

Evin, Kawza, and Pirjin playing miniature golf with Joy

participated in resettling this wonderful family – tutoring the kids, driving them to medical appointments, providing for summer camp, teaching them English, making sure they had food and other necessities. What an amazing impact FUMCR has had, changing lives for the better and ensuring that the lessons learned will be passed down to children and children’s children.

The Ahmeds weren’t the only ones whose life took a turn for the better that day in 1991. Little did I know that my personal world would change dramatically, too! I fell head

Evin’s wedding day

Many in our congregation have asked what they can do to support the 324 Afghans who are expected to be resettled with assistance from Refugee Services of Texas. Information is available at rstx.org.

Those interested in supporting UMCOR’s response in Afghanistan can give through FUMCR.

FALL 2021

13

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

Learning Communities Theology and Baseball: Fair or Foul Tuesdays, October 5-26, 7-8pm Room 2A & via Zoom Led by Dr. Dan Flanagan

Dr. Flanagan, an avid baseball fan and sometimes theologian, finds the obvious and not-so obvious theological references in the game of baseball. Pitching relies on the edge of the strike zone, as our faith calls us to be concerned about those on the edge.

Baseball integrated in 1947, and we find issues of race throughout Judeo-Christian history. We are called to perfection in our faith, as does the game of baseball. We will explore these topics and more, common to theology and baseball. There is no charge for this class, and all are welcome!

How Your Enneagram Number Impacts Your Relationships Wednesdays, October 13-November 10, 11:30am-1pm Ogden Fellowship Hall Led by Lisa Hancock and Dr. Jason Berman

Use the Enneagram as a practical tool to understand the particular dynamics, relationship challenges, and communication styles among different numbers in intimate and professional relationships. Understand why some numbers relate more easily to each other, how we get into trouble with other numbers, and what steps we can take to strengthen bonds.

Pre-requisite: Enneagram Journey or a good working knowledge of the Enneagram, including knowing your Enneagram number. Cost: $50 per person

How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race Sundays, November 7 & 14, 4-5:30pm Room 203 and via Zoom Led by Dr. April Johnson Bristow

Become equipped to have difficult conversations about racism, cultural diversity, and institutional injustice in ways that are candid, respectful, holy, and transformational.

There is no charge for this class, and all are welcome.

find out more at fumcr.com/learn

FALL 2021

14

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

that's just what we do We love each other. Listen. We like to serve together. We pray for each other. Oh, and we have FUN!

T

hat is how my daughter, Grayton, described our family. “I mean, Mom, that’s just what we do,” as she shrugged her shoulders in a very nonchalant way.

by Rev. Sarah Marsalis-Luginbill

would rather be doing something else. We rush through prayers at times. And some days we do NOT have fun. But every day, we are reminded that we are a family and are drawn together by something greater. We recognize God’s grace in everyday moments; forgiveness, holding hands during the blessing, pouring cups of coffee, hugs, and “I love yous” when it doesn't feel deserved.

It is much like our family, FUMCR. We are a community, drawn together by something greater. We are reminded at every baptism (because we so often forget) who and whose we are. We are reminded that we are part of this covenant of God not by what we do, but because of what God has done and continues to do! And we get the opportunity to experience, recognize, and respond to God’s

grace in everyday moments; the gift of worship together, sharing our struggles through prayer requests, serving our neighbors, seeking forgiveness and forgiving others. And having a lot of FUN! I mean, that's just what we do!

But in all honesty, our family doesn’t always do that. We often behave in ways that don’t look very loving. My kids, 7 and 3, frequently don’t listen. (Shocking, I know!) Sometimes when we commit to serving together, we

FALL 2021

15

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

a

resilient

T

hroughout our history, people of the JudeoChristian tradition have exhibited strength of faith. Jews constantly remember how Yahweh led them through the Red Sea and out of slavery in Egypt, across the wilderness and into the promised land; out of the Babylonian Exile and back to their home. Through persecution and internal strife, the faith of the Christian community has been a strong witness to God’s steadfast love.

That DNA is evident in the mission and ministry of First United Methodist Church Richardson, and especially in its senior adults.

The resilience of the senior adults through the COVID-19 pandemic is a strong witness to faith and love.

One might think that social isolation would be devastating. Being able to hug their grandchildren

FALL 2021

by Dr. Dan Flanagan

witness

became the greatest dream for many senior adults.

A lack of interaction with others and with family left holes in their hearts. But COVID-19 did not destroy them. It made them stronger.

In the midst of being homebound and unable to be with loved ones, our senior adults took it upon themselves to learn new things and to use their resources for the benefit of others. Their ability to remain positive and hopeful during the pandemic has been noticed and emulated by other generations in the church and the community.

Technology became a necessary adventure.

Zoom became the main form of communication with other senior adults and with family members.

Life gave them a challenge, which they took as an opportunity, and senior adults ventured victoriously into an area of their grandchildren’s expertise. Yes, there were times of frustration, but

16

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

every month the senior adults would gather on Zoom for conversation, games, and entertainment. They were learning new skills and enjoying each other. They probably learned more about their smart phones too as much as they were calling each other to check in and calling their neighbors to be sure they were ok. It wasn’t all about them.

On several occasions FUMCR senior adults hosted drive-throughs. These were certainly times to enjoy human connection, but they also used it as a time of giving.

Our senior adults demonstrated selflessness during this pandemic, using the drive-through events to donate food to the Network of Community Ministries. Instead of graveling in self-pity, the senior adults shared their resources, and they became a witness to others.

Once we began to open the doors of the church, the smiles and joyous greetings of senior adults were evident.

They greeted children and re-engaged in volunteer activities while at the same time maintaining safety measures and encouraging others to do the same. The first Gathering in July, a picnic in the park, was attended by more than 100 senior adults. It was experienced as an exciting and hopeful time.

There is an excitement and hope for the future of the mission and ministry of FUMCR, and the senior adults are doing their share to witness. Our senior adults, like our ancestors in faith, those who have known challenges like the pandemic and grown stronger through it, are setting the pace for a future of promise for FUMCR!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Find more information on these and other events at fumcr.com/senioradults

The Gathering

Movie Days

Wally Funk

Monday, October 11 at FUMCR

Movies are free, and all are welcome.

Popcorn will be served. All movies start at 1:30pm in the Worship & Arts Center.

Monday, October 25, 10am Worship & Arts Center

One-Day Retreat at the Prothro Center Monday, November 8 Refresh and relax on a day of spiritual renewal and fellowship surrounded by the peace and beauty of Lake Texoma.

FALL 2021

October 5 - Just Mercy October 26 - The Unfinished Song November 16 - The Bucket List December 7 - A Beautiful Day in

the Neighborhood

17

Wally Funk, 82-year-old Grapevine resident (and United Methodist), headed national news when she made a suborbital flight on July 20 with Jeff Bezos. She is the oldest person to go into space. Come hear her story of determination, enthusiasm, and going to the clouds.

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

When I was part of the Welcoming Team at FUMCR, my Sunday mornings were full of hugs, friendly greetings, and conversations with old and new friends. Building relationships has always been the biggest blessing for me as a part of this church.

Since May, when my son was born, my Sunday mornings have looked a lot different, but one of the things I am still able to do is have those conversations with church friends, old and new, in my new role as Director of Online Ministry. I’m one of the people on the other end of FUMCR’s “Text to Connect” phone number. When someone texts the church on a Sunday morning (or any other time during the week), they’re likely to connect with me as I’m rocking my baby back to sleep, shooing a cat off my laptop, or searching for the perfect pacifier. I’ve texted with people from South Texas, California, Tennessee, Canada, and even Pakistan! Sometimes it gives me a chance to ask how their week has been and what’s new in their life, or see pictures of their pets and family watching the online service, or receive a prayer request, or hear that their week wasn’t the best and they just want their church to know they’re struggling.

As our church family continues to grow through our online worship services and programs, I’m excited to be able to engage with people and help them feel connected! It’s always a joy for me to remind them that their church loves and cares for them.

O M

- Rohini Drake

N L I N I

I S

N T R

E Y

We moved from our home in Oregon to Texas this past June after discussing various relocation options. We knew leaving our community - friends, family, and support system - would be difficult, and finding a place that we hoped could help us build upon our Christian foundations certainly came into play.

Once we decided on the North Texas, Dallas Metro area, we started researching churches in the area. FUMCR immediately caught our eye!

We began watching the services at FUMCR, streamed online, from over 1,600 miles away! We attended our first “in-person” service within days of moving here and very quickly agreed that FUMCR fit what we were looking for in a church, and we officially joined in August.

We are so grateful to be part of the First United Methodist Church Richardson community and look forward to growing in our faith and supporting the church however we can moving forward.

- Olivia and Bobby Ayers

FALL 2021

18

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

council corner

by Pam Hughes

L

ast Wednesday, I wore my HOPE T-shirt from the church for a day that was jam-packed with virtual work meetings and neighborhood errands. When I woke up that morning, I wasn’t aiming to make a statement with my outfit. I was more so just hoping to find something clean, presentable and comfortable for what the calendar held. Over the course of that day, however, the shirt seemed to strike a chord.

It started on my morning coffee run. Things were moving slowly in the Starbucks’ drivethrough line, leading to a few extra minutes of small talk at the pick-up window. I don’t typically enjoy pre-caffeine small talk, but in this case, I muted the radio, smiled and enjoyed a rare face-to-face conversation. As she handed me my coffee, the barista complimented my HOPE shirt, which made me smile as I headed on my way.

That afternoon at school pick-up, I was scattered and distracted, trying to respond to a flurry of work emails while also keeping an eye out for my sons. I was so preoccupied, in fact, that I missed most of the fun afterschool chatter with the other moms. When I did finally tune

FALL 2021

in, a friend commented on how much she liked my HOPE shirt.

I said a quick “thank you” before scooping up the boys and zipping home for the afternoon’s Zoom meetings.

My final meeting of the day was a late afternoon video conference, meeting new partners for a client project. As our conversation was coming to a close, one of their team members commented on my shirt and how much he liked the message.

And finally, after three distinct call-outs, it hit me that while I

19

may not have meant to make a statement with my outfit that day, I had. And it was an important one.

I don’t think it was a coincidence that so many people throughout my day commented on the HOPE shirt. Rather, I think it reflects how hungry we are for hope in our everyday lives. As we head into a season of shorter, darker days, I’d encourage us all to purposefully put on hope each morning (perhaps even literally) and share it freely with everyone we meet.

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

Christmas Market 1988 $2752 was given through sales of bean soup mix, handmade Christmas cards, and shares from Heifer International. We had a cow in Fellowship Hall, and that was just the beginning of imaginative themes and still-popular bean soup! (photo from 2014)

FALL 2021

A petting zoo was added and continues to be an annual highlight. One year children of all ages were excited to ride a camel in the parking lot. (photo from 2014)

1992

2005 “Christmas Around the World”

A giant globe made of painted bed sheets and sewn together over a frame with internal lighting hung from the ceiling.

20

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

through the years With the move to our new campus, the Market doubled in size and became a weekendlong event.

2006

FALL 2021

Don't miss the International Christmas Market this year!

Come shop with a purpose, November 12-14 in Coleman Family Hall.

2018 Our faithful Mission Work Area team and volunteers spend countless hours dreaming, setting up, selling, tearing down, and cleaning up to offer the church and community a better way to spend their Christmas dollars. In 33 years, the Market has raised nearly $2 million for missions!

21

2021

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

Memorial and honorary gifts are a special way to celebrate a life, birthday, anniversary, special occasion, or just to say thank you. Below are the gifts given as of September 15, 2021.

In memory of...

Bobbye Barth by Harold Wheeler, Kathryn Alexander, Gregory and Karen King, Betty Bartula, Vicki Smith Bigham, Kathy Himmelberg, Mike and Liz Vukmir, Bonnie Edwards, Melanie Cottam, Robert and Rae Jewett, Ted and Caren Houston, Ann Brooks, Tim and Missy Griffy, Karen Geletko, UMW Koinonia Circle, Sallie and Nowell Loop, June Mohn, Mary Alice Moore, Paul and Karen Geletko, Kenneth and Nancy Walker, David and Becky Twiss, Bruce and Betty Stahl

Ronald B. Cook by Jay and Carolyn Lawrence Gail Parrigin-Clark’s father Van Parrigin by the Joyful Questers SS Class Joan Cook by the UMW Koinonia Circle, Melanie Cottam, Bonnie Edwards, Pat Hatinger Stan Svedeman by Sallie and Nowell Loop, June Mohn, Melanie Cottam, Bruce and Betty Stahl

Richard Fleming by Barbara Leopard Miller, Hal and Nancy McKay, Tony and Janice Myers, Joe and Madalene Cuglietta, Rick and Dianne Dusold, Gloria Scott, Ida Kaufman, Howard Kennedy and family, Binh and Viet Tran, Phyllis Holton, Pat and Robin Kelly, Nancy Yturri, Benita Belsley, Margie Franks, Ben and Betty Sloan

Jerry Dwight by June Mohn Duane Hirsch by Margie Franks, David and Betty Bookout, the Apostles SS Class

Gere Gleim by Ann Brooks and family, Turner, Shelley and Mac Bettis

Mark Johnston by the Apostles SS Class

Harriet Hughes by Betty and David Bookout, the Apostles SS Class

Jeannette Winkelmann’s sister by the Sophia SS Class, Pat Hatinger

Diane Doud by the Apostles SS Class

John Hamlett by DeeDee Eastwood, Chip and Jennifer Rawlinson, Bonnie Edwards, Sylvia Deadwyler, Pat and Robin Kelly, Anne and Jerry Wilson, Ben and Betty Sloan, John and Donna Evans, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Seward, Melanie Cottam, Judy Nolan, Betty Bartula

Dick Mussett by Melanie Cottam, Sallie and Nowell Loop, Benita Belsley, Ted and Caren Houston, Ann Brooks and family, Chip and Jennifer Rawlinson, June Mohn, Bruce and Betty Stahl

Patricia Avant by Norman and Nina Bennett Peggy Park by Carole Frederick Spike Huddleston by Bonnie Edwards, Betty Nickell, Chip and Jennifer Rawlinson, Melanie Cottam, Betty Bartula, Dick and Jolynne Harvey, Sylvia Deadwyler

Gaye Thomasson by Ken and Mary Langley Dr. April Johnson Bristow's father, Robert Cann, by Stephen Ministry, the Sophia SS Class, Betty Nickell, Bonnie Edwards, Chip and Jennifer Rawlinson, Ken and Dorothy Cheairs, June Delleney, Melanie Cottam, Kathryn Alexander, Joy Turner, Ralph and Susan Holder, Bill and Betty Corbin, Pat and Robin Kelly, Ed and Kay Murray

Mike Patrick’s step-mother by Bonnie Edwards Ann Whitten by Bonnie Edwards, Ken and Dorothy Cheairs, Melanie Cottam,

In honor of...

Clayton, Lori, Grant and Victoria Oliphint by Mary Lightfoot Chris and Dick Guldi by Joy Turner First Richardson Helpers, Joe Olguin, Dale Henderson, Don Heaton, Glenn, John and Keith by Joy Turner Ted and Caren Houston by Joy Turner FALL 2021

22

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

College-Age and Young Adult Gathering October 19, 7-9pm Outside of Coleman Family Hall

// Gather. Meet. Journey together. Know and be known. Love and be loved.

// Dinner will be provided. Register by October 18.

// Questions? Contact Sarah at sarah@fumcr.com

// fumcr.com/DinnerOnUs

FALL 2021

23

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

PERIODICALS

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

garden ministry

Fall Plant Sale orders taken October 1-10 pick up on October 16 proceeds support garden ministry’s mission to provide seasonal produce to network of community ministries

fumcr.com/plantsale