FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCHVOLUMERICHARDSONFALL202217,ISSUE3STORIES OF LIFE FAITHAND first connections Faithful Following p.15 Now, Let Us PRAY p.12 Fall Growth Opportunities p.16 The Power of Prayer (Blankets) p.10 Mission Panama Sharing healing and hope with a people longing for both.
traditional worship sundays, 8:45am, 9:45am & 11:00am* *livestreamsanctuary worshipsundays,modernavailableworship11:00am&artscenteronlinesundays,worship9:45amfumcr.com/online on demandyoutube.com/fumcranytime join us for worship! 503 N. Central Expressway P.O. Box 830877 Richardson, TX 972.235.838575080fumcr.com Senior Pastor Dr. Clayton Oliphint Director of Communications Kristen Ceaser Managing Editor Francy Collins Graphic Designer Kyle Henson Communications & Media Team Contributors First Connections (USPS 022-024) is published four 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. SendPOSTMASTER:addresschanges to: First Connections, PO Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75083-0877 Rev. Joy CherylAndersonBishopHollisCashChrisGuldiPamHughes Shandon Klein Rev. Marsalis-LuginbillSarahMarkNewcomer Kevin Burns Ben Chamness EricRohiniCzechowskiDrake Shandon Klein Leslie Kring Tyler Payne Tracy Thomas REMEMBERING WHAT WE AS METHODISTS BELIEVE AND HOW IT CAN SHAPE OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD AND OTHERS FALL 2022 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 32
PSALM 100:5
a message from our senior pastor
Clayton Oliphint senior pastor G “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
od is faithful to all generations! One of the things I love about First United Methodist Church Richardson is the way I see generations of people in various stages of life engaged in the life of the church and community. It brings me so much joy to see a couple I have married bring forth their child for baptism. Or to see a child I have baptized now receiving their kindergarten or third grade Bible. Or to see that child who has received a Bible actively engaged in our youth ministry. Or to see that young person who was active in our youth group find a place in our young adult ministry. Or to see a young woman who was in the youth group become the chair of our Church Council. When I look out and see generations of people worshiping together, some new to our church and some here for decades, I am reminded again of those words of Psalm 100. Yes, God’s faithfulness is to all generations. As we enter the fall, I hope you will make a commitment to be engaged in the ministries of FUMCR. We offer opportunities for all age levels to welcome people for Christ, grow people in Christ, and serve people with Christ. Sunday school classes for all ages, worship that speaks to all backgrounds, and learning communities are all designed to help you grow in your faith. Numerous ways for all ages to serve others within and beyond the church are ready for you to get involved. Recently when I saw a child ushering, I was taken back to 4th grade when a man asked me to usher in the balcony at our church. I remember how exciting it was to be a part of something. I hope you will find a place at FUMCR to grow and serve and belong. After a long season of the COVID pandemic, I am encouraging all of us to recommit to being present for worship when we are able, worshiping online when we are not, lifting up one another in encouragement, and striving with our whole hearts to love each other as Christ has loved us. This is a season for renewal! Wherever you are on the generational spectrum, we need you, and God needs you. Our world is hungry for renewal. It begins when we trust in God’s faithfulness, and from generation to generation walk with Christ where he leads us. Let’s be a church that leads with love, welcomes all people, and spreads the joy and hope of our faith throughout our community.
In Christ,
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chancel highbanquetchoirschoolmissiontripread young KaraokeadultNight annual art camp science camp seniorpicnicadult Young TransformationProjectCookingAdultClassDinner
annualYouththeconferenceJourneyChoirTourvacationcampbiblecamp livingSUMMER This summer children, youth, and adults of FUMCR lived out our mission, both near and far! We’re grateful for the learning and laughing that took place each week! As we embark on a new school year and a fall full of potential, Youremember…arestrong. You are courageous. And God is with you wherever you go! Children FirstWork Day
“For the beauty of the Earth, for the glory of the skies, for that love which from our birth, over and around us lies. Lord of all to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.”
Folliott Sandford Pierpoint (1864) By Chris Guldi FUMCR Church & Society Committee
creation care
Exhibits and activities will go on all morning in Coleman Family Hall. The Garden Ministry, Mission Work Area, and United Women in Faith will show the ways their ministries steward the Earth. FUMCR’s Recipe Share Facebook group will offer samples of vegan foods for tasting. Church and Society will promote the ways each of us can help to heal Earth’s atmosphere from pollution damage. Green Careers Dallas and Grow North Texas, both founded by members of Methodist churches in Dallas, will also be represented. We will have activities especially for children as well as encouragement for adults who are ready to do more as stewards of Creation.
HOW CAN WE FAIL TO BE GRATEFUL FOR GOD’S GENEROSITY IN CREATING SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PLACE AND LETTING US LIVE HERE?
CREATION CARE FAIR
On September 11, we will praise God for the beauty of the Earth sharing with our congregation ways in which our church cares for God’s creation. Actions undertaken by FUMCR, by the North Texas Conference, by the General Board of Global Ministries, and by UMC General Conferences will be highlighted. Because we don't always hear about the work being done, prepare for some surprises.
A variety of educational resources, recommended habits, eye-opening assessments, and a 30-day devotional have been compiled for our continued practice of caring for Creation. Learn more at fumcr.com/creationcare
CONTINUE LEARNING
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As staff members of FUMCR, we have a unique vantage point to be able to witness women influencing, supporting, loving, praying, modeling, serving, holding, encouraging, and teaching. We are also able to witness the unique bonds women form with one another, a sisterhood. The fact is, as women, we need each other no matter our age or life stage. We are so excited to be a part of the ways Women’s Ministry is uniting at FUMCR. Please consider this a personal invitation to be a part of it. We need you. You need us. We need each other. In every stage of life, we need other women who empathize, encourage, support, and care. Our commitment is to support women and serve together in love as we seek to change the world together.
W hen we think about the most influential people in our own lives, we immediately think of other women.
Sarah: My grandmother who served as director of Christian education for over 40 years modeling how to commit your life to Christ, lead in the church, and love your family.
Cheryl: I think of the first female elder appointed to my home church. She served in worship and called us into the heart of God deeply and easily. As my own youth pastor, she sat with me and cried with me as I wrestled with the hardest questions of why bad things happen to good people in one of the deepest, darkest parts of my adolescence. Then she officiated Rod’s and my wedding and celebrated with us like there was no greater joy than that one singular day.
sisterhood
by Cheryl Bishop, Director of Family Ministry and Rev. Sarah Marsalis-Luginbill, Associate Pastor of Faith Formation and Young Adults
Cheryl: Two women who were raising their own children but also who surrounded our young couples' Sunday school class as mentors and friends and who were models of Christian friendship, Christian marriage, and sisterhood.
Sarah: A mentor, whom I’ve known since I was three years old and was part of the village to help raise me in Sunday school, youth camp, and still the first person I can call when I don’t know where else to turn, who reminds me who I am and whose I am, who reminds me of the grace of God, who reminds me that I am loved.
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When someone we know is hurting, it can be hard to know what to say, what to do, or how to support them in their grief, their sadness, their waiting, and the unknown of what lies ahead. We feel powerless and helpless. We don’t have the power to make it go away or to turn back the calendar to the day before the diagnosis, the death, the car accident, the divorce. What can we do? We can turn it over to God, and we can pray, and we can ask others to pray for them. At FUMCR, not only can we pray, we can give our neighbor, our friend, our co-worker, our loved one, a prayer blanket that has been prayed over especially for them - a tangible expression of love that says, “I know you’re hurting.”
- Karen Varner, Director of Caring Ministry
the of POWERPRAYER(blankets)
I always thought about the prayer blankets as a tangible way to "give" our prayers to someone. However, I really did not know the true impact of that gift until I needed one. I fully tore my rotator cuff this year and had to have surgery. It was a very painful ordeal and, to be honest, a bit scary. Many people heard my pain and said, "You’re in my prayers," and of course I took comfort in that. My wife, Andra, asked for a prayer blanket for my surgery. It was a bit surreal to see my name on the sanctuary screens under the prayer blanket list and to hear the pastor tell the congregation to go and read the ailment, pray, and tie that prayer into a knot in the blanket. She picked it up that day and held it until the day of the surgery.
To this day, even as I am recovered, I still have my prayer blank with me on my bed. It is a reminder of that gift and how powerful prayer is to all. When the pastor calls during prayer time for the prayer blankets, do not miss your opportunity to be a part of that tangible gift of prayer. It makes a difference.
Thank you, Church! - Hollis Cash
How can you help someone who is hurting? fumcr.com/PrayerBlanket
I love the part of our service that is "Prayer Time." The power of prayer, do you really get it? It is so powerful to have God listen to you as you pray for others and yourself. But how do you know that you were prayed for? Sure, we hear people say, "I'll pray for you,” and we take comfort in that.
I did not expect the feeling I had when I was lying there in pre-op as she pulled out that blanket and laid it on top of me. I felt the power of those prayers envelop me in that moment. It was as if each prayer tied into that blanket began to weave protection and comfort all around me. I wept. It was tangible - a tangible barrage of prayers from my church, my family, my God. Any unease I had at that moment about my surgery melted away. I came though the surgery with flying colors. That blanket covered me as I lay in bed each day and night during my recovery, filling me with hope and comfort.
Do you understand the power of that prayer blanket? Each time one is laid out to be knotted, realize what a gift you are giving when you pray over that blanket and tie the knot. You are leading with love.
he sun melted into the mountains of the Central Panamanian rainforest town of Santa Fe as the 2022 medical team from FUMCR settled into the Mission Panama compound for orientation.
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Partnering with David and Cindy Ceballos, Directors of Mission Panama, the team’s mission would be to serve the indigenous people of the Guabal region. Led by Rev. Joy Anderson, the team included pharmacists Jim Schwartz and Tracie Brugge; nurses Jean von Hoffmann, Judy Cash, and Maggie Cherry; physician assistant Donna Bailey; nurse practioner Shabnam Gill; med tech Greg Graves; children’s activity coordinator Connie McSpadden; patient navigator Jim Twining; my wife, Kelley, an internist; and me, an ENT physician.
now, let us PRAY
T By Mark Newcomer
Photographs by Rev. Joy Anderson
Presence: Establish your presence with humility and grace.
David shared his version of “PRAY,” which provided a context for short term missions and gave us our marching orders for the week.
Relationships: Be all about fostering and strengthening relationships with Christ’s love.
Assess/Adapt: Assess the needs of the community and adapt your offerings to fit the local culture.
Let us PRAY!
Throughout the week, with God’s help, the team strove to live the principles of PRAY in serving the people of Guabal. Our presence was quickly established through the caring and joyful triage work of our nurses; Judy, Maggie, and Jean. Laughing and loving on the patients constantly, this trio set the tone for the patients, embodying Christ’s love. Relationships with the patients were brief, but as Joy put it, “We were there for the people in THAT moment and let them know that they were God’s children.” We definitely had to assess and adapt, particularly the pharmacy crew of Jim, Tracie, and Greg. Setting up a mobile pharmacy and dispensing 725 prescriptions to the 453 patients we saw was no small feat. They adapted with grace and patience, particularly with one ENT physician who was dusting off his pediatric skills! The entire week was filled with moments of saying “Yes.”
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Yes: Yes, Lord, Here am I. Send me!
From Shabnam and Donna becoming a treatment team and allowing us to see more patients, to Connie saying yes ALL DAY to the kids with her coloring books, games, bouncy balls, and the much coveted Slinkys to “Slim Jim Twining” making countless trips “up the hill” to guide patients to their next step, the team tirelessly demonstrated what it means to say yes to the Lord and serve. The people responded with relieved medical concerns and joyful smiles of appreciation.
Each morning we rose at dawn and loaded the van to cross the continental divide and descend into a remote area inhabited by two indigenous tribes, the Bugle and Ngobe people. Many walked for up to four hours to the clinics which serve as their only access to basic primary care services. For Kelley and me, the medicine was basic but very much needed, consisting of mainly community health interventions with vitamins, parasite treatments, and anti-inflammatory meds to combat the grind of daily life. Kelley was able to intervene for a two-year-old child with asthma by giving the family a battery powered nebulizer and preparing her family to manage the dangerous attacks that occur. That said, we knew we weren’t there to cure cancer, but instead to PRAY.
On behalf of the 2022 FUMCR Medical Mission Team, we want to thank God for a safe and wonderful week, the Ceballos for their outstanding hospitality and guidance, and all who supported us with their prayers and donations. As is often the case, we were humbled and blessed. The challenge now is for all of FUMCR to PRAY and see how God can use us to spread his love and grace to a world that so desperately needs it. So on that note…
Many years ago, when Leo Barrios was much younger (and shorter!), a friendship blossomed over the fascination and appreciation of the colorful bow ties that Roger Fortney wore to church each Sunday. Those bow ties would hold a special meaning as they shared stories of family, school, and life with one another. As time passed, Roger would gift Leo bow ties from his collection, and you’d see Leo proudly wearing them to greet guests and members on Sunday mornings. This year, Leo had the privilege of gifting his friend a painting inspired by the stories they had shared and their affinity for a beautiful bow Whethertie. 8 or 80 years old, we are proud and grateful to be a church family that generations.spans
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With faithfulness comes trusting in things unknown. When we put our full faith in God, we may not know or understand the end goal or the steps in between to get there (incredibly frustrating for the “Type A” planning types like me).
faithful following by Shandon Klein, Ministry Associate O ver the past few weeks, my mind has observation:contemplatingbeenthisourprimarycall as Christians is to follow rather than lead.This is a tough pill to swallow in an individualistic society that praises influencers and CEOs, celebrities, and world leaders who are larger than life. Following seems so passive. So dependent. Following in and of itself is not inherently wrong, but whom we follow matters. Whom we follow can make the difference between whether we are empowered or disempowered, the difference between being heard or being silenced.AsChristians, we are to be considered “followers of Jesus.” Following requires a sort of faithfulness, the placement of trust in another outside of yourself. Those who have endured the heartache of broken trust know that following is not so passive. However, there can be powerful agency in choosing who we allow to lead our lives and our future.John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, understood this quite well. He didn’t set out to lead a movement or to create a whole denomination. He was concerned that the Church he loved was not following through with the commitment to love all neighbors, especially the poor. Through his methodical way of studying God’s word, talking with God through prayer, and building accountability groups, he was empowered to follow the nudges from the Holy Spirit: to meet the needy where they were instead of beckoning them to come to the lavish buildings that dismissed them. Wesley remained faithful to his call from God, enabling him to grow deeper as a follower. And guess what? People started following him. He became a leader, an influencer, by following the ultimateWheninfluencer.weaccept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, as the primary influencer over our lives, hate, injustice, and oppressive tendencies are no longer permitted to reign through our actions. Love must be the center of our lives.
At the same time, God doesn’t ask us to trust God blindly. We are free to interrogate and ask questions of our scripture and tradition by engaging them through our experience and reason. Often, through this questioning, a closer relationship with God begins. In this intimate relationship with God, we trust that God will reveal the next steps for us to take despite the unknown. We pray that we will be courageous enough to recognize those next steps and humble enough to follow them. So who is your influencer? Whom do you follow? May we be still enough to seek the guidance of our ultimate influencer in whom we have pledged to put our primary faith and hope. Who knows where (or how) our following might lead?
Delve into instinctual drives, their impact on our behaviors, and differences in people with the same Enneagram number. Led by Dr. Jason Berman and Lisa Hancock. Cost: $55
Tuesdays, Sept 20 - Nov 22, 6:30-8:30 pm
Wednesdays, Oct 12 - Nov 16, Lunch and Learn: 11:30am-1:30pm
Women’s Book Study
Learn to utilize the Enneagram to cultivate self-awareness, spiritual growth, and personal transformation to enable your true self to emerge and improve relationships with others. Led by Lisa Hancock. Cost: $95
Tuesdays, Oct 4 - Nov 1, 6:30-8pm
Join Rev. Sarah Marsalis-Luginbill and Bill Harris for an examination of the early church, how it took ownership of and was shaped by the story of Jesus, and how individuals and communities developed as disciples. Cost $20
Enneagram: Parenting, Family Systems, and Family Secrets
Take inspiration from the story of Esther to step up and stand out for God, to act in a way that will bless others through a study of Max Lucado’s You Were Made for This Moment with leaders, Marsha Mayo and Debbie O’Reilly. Book: $14
Wednesdays, Sept 21 - Oct 5, Lunch and Learn: 11:30am-1:30pm
Explore how the relationships and systems within your family of origin may be impacting your relationships and behavior today. Led by Lisa Hancock. Cost: $30 Adult Confirmation: What Do We as United Methodists Believe?
Enneagram
Fall Growth
Tuesdays, Sept 13 - Nov 15, Lunch and Learn: 11am-12:30pm
Join Rev. Allison Jean in an exploration of our United Methodist theology, traditions, history, and ways we study the Bible through teaching, conversations, and a concluding panel discussion. No cost. Enneagram Subtypes
Journey: Introduction to the Enneagram
Invitation to the New Testament
Mondays, Sept 12 - Nov 14, Lunch and Learn: 11:30am-1pm
Join Joey and Billy Schewee for a one-day workshop learning to apply Enneagram knowledge to parenting. Cost: $15 includes lunch
Mondays, Oct 17 - Nov 7, 7-8:30pm
Looking for a way to meet other young couples at FUMCR? Here is your chance!
Young Couples Dinner Groups
Consider basic struggles and aspirations of human existence - suffering, competition, self-interest, and burdenswith Dr. Justin Tull. Book: $10
Whether you’ve been married two years or two decades, this 10-week workshop will strengthen your marriage, improve your communication, and set your relationship up to thrive.
Couples who have been married less than 15 years or need childcare 5:30-7pm Couples who have been married longer or have children who are teenagers or older
Saturday, Oct 15, 9am-4pm
- Commit to 4 additional gatherings with your group from September to December.
Tuesdays, Sept 20 – Nov 29 (except Nov 22) 6-7:30pm Couples who prefer a weeknight with an option for childcare
Sundays, Sept 18 – Dec 4 (except Oct 23 and Nov 27) 3-4:30pm
- Come on Thursday, September 8, for dinner and to meet your group of four couples! (If you miss this initial gathering, email Sarah@fumcr.com to be added to a group or start a new one.)
Learn more & register at fumcr.com/forbetter
Reflections on Daily Living
The idea is simple: gather together, share a meal, use some questions provided to center your conversation, and grow in relationship with one another and in your faith.
- Host one meal at your home, park, or somewhere else. You can cook the meal for everyone, host a potluck, or buy the pizza!
Opportunites
Complete details and registrations are available at fumcr.com/learn
"For Better" Marriage Enrichment
Saturday with @EnneagramParents
Learn more & register at fumcr.com/dinnergroups
A few can’t-miss autumn celebrations in the Hughes house include: As we enter this season filled with gathering and connection, I’m always happy to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out to me at hughes@ntcumc.org with your questions and ideas, joys and celebrations. Blessings for a beautiful season!
From fresh haircuts and new clothes to the promise held in a clean, crisp notebook, the start of the school year is an exciting time to celebrate our boys, their classmates, and their teachers as they begin another year of growing and learning. You can find us at every Richardson home game, sporting our purple and gold and cheering on the Eagles. Some of my best memories are from the Friday nights I spent at Richardson football games as an Eaglette, and it’s such a joy to see my boys enjoying those moments today.
council corner by Pam Hughes "L ife starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” F. Scott Fitzgerald may not have been a Texan, but I can’t think of a truer or more fitting way to describe how I feel about the current change of seasons.We’re sitting on the cusp of autumn – one of my favorite times in North Texas. I love the way the air takes on a new crispness and the extra coziness that accompanies it. I love the delicious spices and flavors we get to enjoy this time of year: pumpkin, pecan, maple, apple – all best in pie form, of course. And I love the emphasis on family and tradition that serve as a common thread through all of this season’s celebrations.
The church’s annual Halloween trunk-or-treat event has become a favorite seasonal celebration, providing a moment to gather with our own family – bringing our cousins along from Rowlett – and with our extended church family to enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship. (And sometimes, silly string fights!)
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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 July 31, 2022.
Linda and Jerry Farrington by Mike and Dolores Spence
James Hammack by Jill Townsend Sam Asmah’s sister by Bill and Betty Corbin
Jim Henderson by George and Dorthy McKearin, Mike and Sarah Fisher, Jerry and Brenda Monk, Pat and Robin Kelly, Herchel and Patricia Lowery, John and Diane Scovell, Janice and Rick Reaves, Dan Jacks, Susan Henderson’s CFT and Educate Texas Family, Cindy and Pat Mackey, Viva and Culver Wilson, Melissa Macatee, Dana Bailey and Lynette Fitts, Heather and Stephen Candy, Robert and Diana Ramsower, Gloria Scott, David and Helen Blanchard, Tommy Jacks, Oldham Goodwin Eddie Wirt by Debbie Wirt and Stephen Obenshain Suzy Hailstone by D. A. and Eva Dawkins, Carolyn Lanker Dan Lassiter by Peter Vogel and Marguerite Burtis
Marlen Walker by Ross Walker
Ilse Bridges by Doug and Sidne Starnes
Cynthia Rutledge by Durward Rutledge, Betsy and Tom Rutledge, UWF Rejoice Circle, Margie and Gerald Waters, Drex Rutledge Bob Campbell by Betty Self, Charles and Carol Middleton, the Apostles Sunday School Class
Jeannette Winkelmann’s brother by Pat Hatinger, the Sophia Sunday School Class Bob Cooksey by James R. Graham
Patsy Ann Diggs by the Joyful Questers Sunday School Class
Frank Robertson by Jim Schwartz Elaine Christine Tucker by Tracy and Rick Shamblin Ted Houston by the Fellowship Sunday School Class
Paul Dempsey by Meredith and Watson LaForce, The Beddingfields, Tom and Jane Mayo, Brenda Perkins, Jeff and Debbie Jacobson, The Brosseau Family
In memory of... In honor of...
finance update
#summer giving numbers 12 BINS of medicine and supplies donated for Panama Medical Mission Trip $21,000+givenforbackpacks&schoolsuppliesforlocalstudents $3000+collectedforCharity:WaterbyVBCfamilies FALL 2022 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 322
by Dianne Weideman, Director of Finance A s someone who works in finance, I spend much of my days working with numbers and analyzing the known and unknown. Over these past couple of years, while I’ve often stressed about the unknown, I’ve also come to find a beauty in both the numbers and the moments.Stories are being lived and shared every day that are woven together, in part, by your faithful and generous giving. Whether it’s a person in need requesting the last half of a rental payment or the family who came to visit FUMCR after multiple neighbors invited them or the airline waving fees for our medical supplies to Panama, God is busy at work in the unknown. The best part of my job is seeing first-hand how your gifts have a ripple effect impacting the lives of those we know and those we have yet to meet. As I’ve said before, I’m grateful to work beside a strong Finance Committee and staff Executive Team who are constantly working to evaluate and evolve. We discuss everything from building maintenance plans to the engagement of our online ministry, staying true to our mission, while also navigating the unknowns.Asweround out the third quarter, I’m pleased to share that we are in a solid financial position in both income and expenses. In fact, the “summer slump” that we have experienced in years past was minimal, and both pledged and non-pledged giving is on track. In addition, our staff continues to evaluate programs and events to ensure the best stewardship of every dollar. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the finance office. We are happy to help!Always grateful for you all and the opportunity to serve alongside you!
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PERIODICALS ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED 503 N. Central Expressway P.O. Box 830877 Richardson, TX 972.235.838575080fumcr.com A sermon series based on Micah 6:8 Beginning Sunday, October 2
