First Connections 2024 Fall

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 2024 VOLUME 19, ISSUE 3

All My Stripes VBC kids colored stripes representing their unique God-given gifts onto FUMCR letters after learning with friends from To Be Like Me.

Who We're Becoming p.4 More Than Music p.8 Prison Outreach p.16 Uncontainable Love p.20

JOIN US FOR

WORSHIP TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SUNDAYS 8:45, 9:45, 11AM* SANCTUARY *FUMCR.COM/LIVE

503 N. Central Expressway P.O. Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75080 972.235.8385 fumcr.com Senior Pastor Dr. Clayton Oliphint Director of Communications Francy Collins Graphic Designer Kyle Henson Communications Team Kevin Burns Paige Hughes Leslie Kring

ONLINE WORSHIP SUNDAYS, 9:45AM

Contributors

FUMCR.COM/ONLINE

Jennifer Balch Ian Gill Cathy Chen Chris Guldi Bob Diggs Andy Moore Haven Emery Kim O’Neil Nick Fooshee Marc Stern Janet Hanks, cover photo

ON DEMAND YOUTUBE.COM/FUMCR

MODERN WORSHIP SUNDAYS, 11AM WORSHIP & ARTS CENTER

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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.

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

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VOLUME 19, ISSUE 3

a message from our senior pastor

S

ummer is winding down, and it has been a busy and productive one at FUMCR. In worship we started with the Gone Fishin’ series, followed by the Wonderful World of Jesus, where we looked at the message of Jesus through some of the most iconic animated movies. We watched hundreds of campers come through our doors this summer. One of my highlights each summer is leading the Vacation Bible Camp kids in a rousing version of the song, “My God is So Big.” Seeing our HEROES participants have a camp experience here can melt the coldest heart. The joy I have witnessed on their faces must have been something like the joy the children had when Jesus took them up in his arms and blessed them. Youth have gone out on a choir tour and on mission trips, and they will be impacted for life by these experiences of serving others. The spirit and love of God is evident.

We are in an exciting season at FUMCR. In this issue of First Connections, you will see amazing things happening both inside and outside our walls. With the start of school, we are once again poised to impact our partner schools, Mark Twain Elementary and Dover Elementary. New guests continue to show up and find a warm welcome. Many

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young families are finding a spiritual home for themselves and their children at FUMCR. Our youth group is thriving and doing great ministry. God’s Spirit is alive and moving through the ministries of our church.

As summer winds down and fall approaches, this is a good time for all of us to renew our commitment to support the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. The church connects us to our spiritual foundation in God. There has never been a more important time than now to have that connection.

Regular participation in a faith community has a positive impact on the balance of our lives, our

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mental health, our spiritual health, and our wellness as human beings. All of this comes from the heart of God, as God gives us our true identity and showers us with goodness, grace, and strength for the demanding journey of life.

I hope to see you soon as we welcome, grow, and serve in our community. God has given us a great mission. Let’s embrace it and pursue it with God’s help.

In Christ,

Clayton Oliphint senior pastor

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 3

Who We're Becoming

by Jennifer Balch, Dover Elementary School Principal

As we embark on another exciting school year, I find myself reflecting on the hopes and aspirations we have for our students at Dover. Each new academic year brings with it renewed opportunities for growth, learning, and achievement. It is in this spirit of optimism and possibility that I wish to share with you my vision for our school and the profound impact that dedicated volunteers can have in shaping this vision into reality. I am proud to be the principal of Dover Elementary School. This is my 6th year at Dover and my 24th year in RISD. Our primary goal at Dover is to foster an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Dover is now the wonderful home for more than 700 students.

With the addition of new students, families, and staff, our focus will be looking deeper into who are we becoming - honoring the legacy of Dover’s past and recreating our image for Dover in the future. We aim to cultivate not only academic excellence but also personal development, character building, and a strong sense of community responsibility. This holistic approach to education requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders – teachers, parents, administrators, and especially volunteers.

Volunteers are the backbone of any successful school community. They bring with them a wealth of skills, experiences, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of our students. Whether it’s reading to students each week through We Read Together, tutoring students, organizing extracurricular activities, or providing administrative support, volunteers play a crucial role in supplementing the efforts of our dedicated staff. By fostering positive relationships and creating inclusive spaces, we can all help build a supportive network where every student feels safe, respected, and encouraged to thrive.

As we look ahead to the coming year, I invite all members of our community to consider how they can contribute to our shared vision. Whether through volunteering your time and talents, participating in school events, or simply offering words of encouragement, each contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Together, we can nurture an environment where our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. With the support of our dedicated volunteers, I am confident that we can realize our collective aspirations for our school and our students.

FUMCR is proud to live out our mission to serve people with Christ in our local community. This school year, we’re excited that this mission has led to strengthening our long-time partnership with Mark Twain Elementary and welcoming a new school partner, Dover Elementary.

When we invest in our schools, we’re not just investing in children; we’re investing in the future of our community. Never underestimate the difference a single smile, high five, or word of encouragement can make. We are blessed to be a blessing.

We encourage you to choose one way to serve this fall semester!

On Campus

Off Campus

Provide weekly teacher support Read with a student through RISD’s We Read Together

Serve on the Children First committee Bake cookies for the teachers and staff Provide high-demand supplies or wish list items Join PTA – JoinPTA.org

Details and registration: fumcr.com/ChildrenFirst Thank you for your commitment to our schools and our community!

3rd Grade Bibles Sunday, Sept 8 11:00am traditional and modern worship services

Engaging curriculum about the Christian faith and United Methodist history for 7th graders

Please register: fumcr.com/3rd

Beginning Sept 8 at 9:45am Info and registration: fumcr.com/confirmation

Friday for the Fellas

New Member

Lunch

Oct 13, 7:45-9am Ogden Fellowship Hall Have questions or want to learn more about FUMCR?

Inviting all those who have joined FUMCR in the past year and those interested in joining!

Join us for lunch on Sunday, Sept 15 or Nov 17!

Sunday, Oct 20 · fumcr.com/lunch

fumcr.com/discover

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VOLUME 19, ISSUE 3

Learning Communities

Pastor’s Book Study: Ephesians Sundays, Sept 1-29, 8:30-9:30am

Dig into the book of Ephesians with Dr. Dan Flanagan.

Pastor’s Book Study: This We Believe Sundays, Sept 8-29, 9:45-10:45am

New to Methodism or interested in the fundamentals? Read and discuss Bishop William H. Willimon’s This We Believe: The Core of Wesleyan Faith and Practice with FUMCR pastors.

Becoming Disciples: Mark Mondays, Sept 9 - Nov 25 (not meeting Oct 14), In Person 11:30am - 1pm, via Zoom 8-9pm

Dive into Mark with daily reading and weekly small group discussion. Mark for Everyone by N.T. Wright will guide this study with Rev. Sarah MarsalisLuginbill. Cost: $20 for book

Pastor’s Book Study: The Universal Christ Mondays, Sept 9-Oct 21, 9:30-11am, via Zoom Tuesdays, Sept 10-Oct 22, 6-7:30pm

Drawing on scripture, history, and spiritual practice, Richard Rohr describes Jesus Christ as God’s constant, unfolding work in the world. Read and reflect with Dr. Dan Flanagan.

Enneagram: Subtypes Wednesdays, Sept 11-Oct 16, 6-8pm

Learn about subtypes - Self Preservation, Social, and One-on-One – and how they help explain differences in people with the same Enneagram number. Led by Lisa Hancock and Dr. Jason Berman. Cost: $60

Women’s Book Study: Parables Tuesdays, Sept 17 - Nov 19, 11:30am - 1pm

See Jesus' teachings in a brand new light through Parables: The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told by John F. MacArthur.

Enneagram: Stress and Security Wednesdays, Sept 18-Oct 2, 11:30am - 1:30pm

This advanced course with Lisa Hancock will focus on recognizing behavior in stress and security as associated with your core Enneagram number and learning to choose behavior linked to health and growth. Cost: $30

Retreat: Using the Enneagram for Transformation Sept 27-29, Prothro Retreat Center

Delve into motivations, personality patterns, childhood patterns, defense mechanisms, instincts and subtypes, using your arrows for growth, and more in this interactive weekend with Stacey Ruff, LPC, and Rev. Sarah Marsalis-Luginbill.

Cost: $225/$275

Woven Sundays, Nov 3-24, 9:45-10:45am

Join Rev. Cheryl Bishop for a look at Meredith Miller’s Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From as a tool to help parents and caregivers nurture faith in their family and help connect to a God who loves them.

Visit fumcr.com/learn to find out more.

c i s u m n a h t e mor FUMCR Music Ministry inspires people of all ages, builds community, and gives participants ways to serve beyond sharing their musical talents with our congregation.

leading the way

by Kim O’Neil, Director of Children’s Choirs

FUMCR children’s choirs lead not only with their voices but also with their hearts. The congregation sees and hears our children lead by singing in worship services several times throughout the year. What you don’t see is how they lead in service to others.

Children’s choir families supported to two special organizations in the Richardson community over the 2023-24 school year with donations they brought to their Sunday afternoon choir rehearsals. For Network of Community Ministries’ Loads of Love program, they collected household items such as laundry detergent, paper towels, body wash, and sponges. For Carolyn Bukhair Elementary School, they collected shampoo and conditioner.

By working together and discussing our calling as Christians to love our neighbors, our children are learning about mission work and serving others in practical ways.

We are proud of the leadership we see among the youngest of FUMCR! We look forward to supporting their continuing efforts to lead and serve in our church and in our community.

from bassoons to ukuleles

by Ian Gill, Associate Director of Music Ministry

The FUMCR Instrumental Ministry is composed of individuals who love to play and serve. They graciously give of their time and talents to present beautiful music for our congregation and beyond. Beginning in the fall of 2022, our brass, woodwind, and percussion ensembles as well as our ukulele choir have provided music for worship services, special church events, Christmas Music from the Shawver Welcome Center balcony, and assisted living facilities around Richardson.

All told, this talented group of instrumentalists plays over 20 different instruments ranging from ukuleles and guitars to flutes and tubas.

"It is a true joy to play in the FUMCR brass ensemble throughout the year. Opening a worship service with exciting brass music is a praise moment for the congregation. We hope to inspire younger players to share their musical gifts through us and other instrumental music ministries at FUMCR."

-Archie Beckett

“I've loved being part of this group. The ukulele choir is a great way to learn about music and serve our church and community. The best part, though, has been making new friends across all ages.”

-Julie Williams For more information about our instrumental ensembles, contact Ian Gill: igill@fumcr.com

choir tour impacts

Reading my letter from my mom was a really special moment. This trip showed me the power of kindness and of music. I saw firsthand the impact that singing for different groups of people had, and it was really beautiful.

The Journey Youth Choir ventured to Los Angeles and San Diego this summer to share their love of music and spread good cheer.

- Claire Casey 10th grade

Listening to the stories of people at the homeless shelter in L.A. made me realize that we are all in this together, we have the power to help people, and we are all made equal in the eyes of God.

- Madeline Beluso 8th grade

“Walking on Sunshine” brought smiles to people’s faces every time we sang it.

- Piper Grzych 11th grade

The night we read letters from our parents was meaningful. I also got a college recommendation letter, and reading about myself was very powerful.

“Child of God” is my favorite song to perform. I love the message and the notes, and it's a song that our choir sounded really good singing.

- Evan Gray 2024 graduate

I enjoyed singing and spending time at the homeless shelter.

To incoming 7th graders: stick with it even if you don’t really know anyone because you will make friends.

- Drew Barron 12th grade

I could see how we made people’s day when we sang at the Union Rescue Mission. My favorite song to perform was “Praise His Holy Name” because of the harmonies and how upbeat it was. I would definitely tell incoming 7th graders to go on tour. The choir gets so much closer and does so many cool things.

- Katherine Dunbar 9th grade

the challenge of kindness

by Nick Fooshee 2024 graduate

What is kindness? What makes it so powerful? Why do we do it?

We were challenged to think about these questions on The Journey Youth Choir summer tour when our director, Caitlin Molechat, issued the “Kindness Challenge.”

Throughout the tour in our worship times, we dug deeper into this challenge. Our first step was defining kindness, which caused us to establish that kindness should not be done for personal gain.

This understanding led us to a definition arguably more difficult to swallow: kindness should be done for the sake of kindness. Acting on this was step two.

This message sank in overnight and as we sang for an audience in various stages of Alzheimer’s. We realized how difficult it is to redefine kindness in action. Luckily we found the first two steps of this challenge to be easier once we hit the third: personalizing our kindness. Some of us love to give hugs or give a compliment or write cards to say thank you. We explored matching the challenge of kindness to our own individual strengths.

Carrying these experiences with us through the second half of the trip, we were given the opportunity to share our successes, but then we were issued the final challenge. Simply put, we were urged to keep going. We were asked to choose kindness in every moment we could. Not just the moments when we are in the mood but in times when we are worn and frustrated.

Some may be thinking this sounds like a whole lot of effort. To that I say, well, that is why it’s called a challenge. The intent of kindness is not to serve yourself, but when you achieve it, you will be served.

As you find yourself in a center for those facing homelessness, holding a young girl in your arms singing “Amazing Grace,” you will be served. As you rocket her and her sister into the air and remind them that they are loved, you will be served.

You may find yourself blinking back tears, wishing you could do more, but, as someone reminded me, every act of kindness you put into the world is more.

Your acts can change lives. That’s the power.

Do you accept the challenge?

you're invited

Chancel Choir (adults) – Wednesdays, 7pm The Journey Youth Choir (7th-12th graders) – Sundays, 4pm Ukulele Choir (5th graders - adults) – resumes Sept 4, 6-6:45pm Children’s Vocal & Handbell Choirs Kickoff (K-6th graders) – Sun, Sept 8, 3pm Modern Choir (9th graders - adults) – resumes Sept 8, 3-4pm Handbell Choirs – resume Sept 9 (adults) and 15 (2nd-12th graders)

fumcr.com/music

OUR YOUTH TRAVELED TO NEW ORLEANS, LA, AND PARIS, TX, THIS SUMMER TO SERVE OTHERS AND GROW CLOSER TO GOD AND EACH OTHER.

"My favorite project was rebuilding a front porch. We came across some difficulties, but we managed to get over them together. Everyone had something they could do well, and that helped us work together as a team better. The day we finished was the best.

We got to sign our names on the bottom of the last plank. I will forever remember working with that amazing group of people and all the fun we had. That project showed how team work really makes the dream work."

Emma Breazeale, 11th grade

"Tearing up a big portion of a rotted floor was my favorite project.

Why? First, I enjoyed getting to rip something up, but second, the family in the house was so sweet and wouldn’t hesitate to lend us anything they could. Third, Mark, our construction helper, was amazing. He was a great teacher and a funny guy, and he let us do most of the work. I want to remember the feeling I got when I realized I was truly making a difference to the people we were helping. The smiles on their faces really made all the work worth it. Even what may seem like a small act to you can drastically change someone else’s entire life. So I’ll be kind whenever I can, no matter how insignificant it may seem to me.

To new youth group members: come to every youth group activity that you can. You may want to play games or do other things instead, but youth group is some of the most fun I’ve ever had, and this is where you’ll make friends for life."

Marcus Burk, 10th grade "I liked helping to clear 2½ miles of hiking trails for Cultiv8, a UMC camp that builds kids’ passion for caring for nature by first encouraging them to enjoy nature.

To the new 7th graders: make sure you connect with not only the people in your grade, but with the people older than you.

They are some of the best people ever."

Audrey Singleton, 9th grade

"My favorite service activity was knocking down some old wooden stairs. Talking with the home owner and watching Deal or No Deal with her was a tiny, silly time, but it let me get to know the sweet woman we were helping.

To new youth group members: go on mission trip. You make so many memories and get to experience the great love of God first hand."

Will Patton, 12th grade "Getting to meet the sweet people we were serving had a positive impact on me.

We helped a lady fix things around her house, and she served us some good gumbo for lunch. From this trip, I want to remember that we are all people, all the same just in different situations."

Abby Garnett, 11th grade

Friday for the Fellas

Oct 13, 7:45-9am Ogden Fellowship Hall

Senior Adults Retreat Tuesday, Oct 8 with optional overnight on Oct 7 Prothro Center at Lake Texoma Register by Sept 9 fumcr.com/senioradults

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by Cathy Chen, chair, creating a just and with contributions Andy Moore, compassionate community from Church and Society

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s Christians, we are called to love one another. I live a comfortable life, having everything I need and more.

However, I can't help but notice those who struggle with life's demands and face hardships that I seldom think about—providing food for their families, shoes for their children, transportation to work, paying for utilities, securing affordable housing, ensuring physical safety, and maintaining mental and relational wellness.

These individuals are God's children, my brothers and sisters.

I feel a strong urge to understand their obstacles and needs better and to make an impact that

helps them achieve security and equitable opportunities in their lives.

That is why I joined Church and Society.

Church and Society meets monthly to organize and sponsor programs and events that raise awareness about social justice issues, grounded in the biblical and theological foundations of our UMC Social Principles.

Established in 1980 at FUMCR, this ministry focuses on systemic issues including poverty, racism, education, the environment, homelessness, hunger, health, and mental wellness, as well as civil and human rights. You can learn

more about the General Board of Church and Society at umcjustice. org.

Through FUMCR’s efforts aiding the homeless, the Single Parent Action Network, the Prisoner Entrepreneurship Program, and New Friends New Life, I see our neighbors finding community and support from each other and church volunteers.

They feel recognized, valued, and supported. Their self-confidence is raised, their hope inspired, and they receive resources that help them stand tall and secure in their lives. These are things I often take for granted. I want to seek justice – to make things right – by helping my neighbors, God's children, build the same security, support, opportunity, and confidence in their lives. Church and Society is the place where I can help explore, incubate, and implement ideas for action and equitable opportunities within our community.

We invite you to join us as we address today’s important social justice issues in practical ways, so that all of God’s children may live fuller lives with equitable opportunities!

For more information, please contact me at 214.208.2414 or Rev. Pavielle Jenkins at pjenkins@fumcr.com or 972.235.8385.

Mental health panel discussion co-sponsored by Church and Society, Adult Faith Formation, Children's Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Stephen Ministry

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Listen, Listen, Love, Love

by Marc Stern

I have been volunteering with Kairos since 2009 when my father, Andy Stern, invited me to a winter celebration. However, my journey with Kairos began in 2005 as an inmate when I encountered the ministry’s transformative power during a Kairos weekend. The "listen, listen, love, love" philosophy profoundly changed my life.

Receiving a bag of letters from strangers stood out as especially heartwarming and unexpected during my experience. Those letters reminded me that I wasn’t alone and that God loved me. This simple act of kindness, after years of feeling unloved and making poor decisions, showed I was still cherished by the church and many others. It helped set me on a better path.

Through the program, I fostered a stronger friendship with God, heightened my accountability, and boosted my self-esteem. The most profound change is that I am no longer ashamed to show my face in church. Knowing that God forgives all sins has filled my life with purpose.

A standout memory from all my years volunteering is the first time a participant pulled me aside to ask how to pray and accept God as his Lord and Savior. Initially I felt a tinge of confusion, thinking, "Who doesn’t know how to pray?" But I quickly realized this was his journey; I had the privilege of guiding him. It felt incredible that God placed me in a position to teach someone how to pray and ask for forgiveness, just as I had once learned.

Despite growing up in the church and being active in the youth group, Kairos introduced me to a kind of love I had never truly experienced before: the love of God, offered by God’s people. After making a mess of my life and ending up in prison, I felt worthless and alone.

The Kairos volunteers fed me with the Word of God, and now I hunger for God. I am forever grateful to Kairos for showing me the way to freedom through the cross of Christ.

Each link in a prayer chain represents someone praying for Kairos participants.

Changing the Trajectory b

y Bob Diggs

At some point, an encounter with God may change the trajectory of our lives. This is the hope of Kairos Prison Ministry: that through their systematic, structured program, participants, who are identified leaders from key environments, will experience a religious renewal and accept God's call to a life of Christian witness and service to one another during their stay in the institution.

Real change happens, some seen during the initial three-day weekend, some over time.

Carl came to Kairos a “lifer,” thinking he would die in prison. He had no hope, no purpose. In Kairos, he realized he was loved and found real life and purpose. His artwork has been shared throughout the program worldwide.

Linda kept her head down and never spoke during the weekend. No one pushed her to participate. One week later, she came to the follow-up with a new haircut and her chin up, smiling and fully participating. Being in a caring environment allowed the Holy Spirit to work within her.

One participant received a card from a weekend volunteer with a small child's hand on the front. He had been burdened with guilt because he was not there when his two young children died. He saw the hand as that of his children waving from heaven, telling him, "God loves you,” and that they were OK. The pain of guilt was lifted.

Men move away from gangs. Diverse participants affirm each other. Those who were hopeless remember how to laugh. Men and women with deeply-embedded hatred forgive grievances and make new commitments.

The love of God breaks barriers and woos the hardest hearts.

You can participate.

Bob Diggs was awarded the Carol Vance Volunteer of the Year Award from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Decorate placemats - art from children is especially moving.

Bake cookies – straight to the heart. Pray – at any time, by any age. Attend a Sunday closing ceremony – see the ministry in action. And if you feel the tug to learn more or get involved, let one of us know.

fumcr.com/kairos

Direct from grower to you Order online Sept 27 – noon on Oct 6 Pick up Saturday, Oct 12, 9-11am at the Greenhouse fumcr.com/plantsale

Friday for the Fellas

Oct 13, 7:45-9am Ogden Fellowship Hall

Sawdust Brothers Show & Sale Sunday, Oct 6 FALL 2024

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Caring for Creation at FUMCR

by Chris Guldi, Green Team Chair

Growing up in a beautiful place surrounded by trees, flowers, birds, skies, and even roly-polies, I was constantly inspired to thank God. In Sunday school, I learned that God had created it all and entrusted us with its care. However, where I grew up, industry sometimes made the air smell bad and creeks were often filled with suds and litter, indicating we hadn't done the best job.

This awareness has led me on a lifelong journey to become a better steward of our environment.

FUMCR has embraced God’s call to stewardship in various ways.

Our facilities management team has successfully reduced the buildings’ electrical usage and supported recycling initiatives.

United Women in Faith has studied climate change and environmental justice. Our Missions Ministry, Garden Ministry, Earth Day lunches, and Creation Care Fairs have provided opportunities to learn about and expand upon this type of stewardship.

While these efforts are commendable, there is still more work to be done. My personal passion for better care of the earth led me to become a Global Ministries Earthkeeper and form a Green Team at FUMCR last year. The Green Team is dedicated to helping our church operate more sustainably and to providing resources and education to our congregation on how to do so in their own lives. We are currently working on reducing disposable product usage across the church and planning a Creation Care Fair focused on renewable energy.

The Green Team would love for you to join us in our efforts as we live out our call to care for God’s creation! We hope to see you at the Creation Care Fair on September 22. Reach out to me at 214.830.5230 to discuss how you may get involved.

CREATION CARE FAIR Sunday, September 22 9:30am-12:30pm Concourse

Join us as we explore the utility and benefits of renewable energy!

: e v o L e l b a in a t n o Unc reading, faith, and transformation

by Haven Emery, Summer Pastora

l Intern

Do you remember when you first learned how to read? I have dyslexia, a learning disability, which made learning to read a challenging and daunting experience. I remember how scary it was and know firsthand how lacking this foundational skill can set a child back in their educational journey. I also remember all of the people who sat with me, encouraging and believing in me. Their support made all the difference.

They shared their courage and hope, helping me to succeed.

FUMCR partnered with Project Transformation this summer to help children from low-income, underserved neighborhoods maintain their reading levels while school was out.

For many of the children at PT, English is not the primary language spoken at home. These challenges can pose significant barriers to reaching their full educational potential.

At Project Transformation, children have the opportunity to sit oneon-one with volunteers and practice their reading skills out loud.

I had the privilege of serving a week at PT, reading with students and teaching them about God’s love for them. I found myself tearyeyed as I listened to students conquer new words and light up with pride afterward. I remember one child munching on some cucumbers as we read together. It was not long before cucumber juice uncontainably spilled all over the sanctuary pew. I can tell you that cucumber juice will forever be a part of that pew.

As funny as it sounds, that moment made me think this is what Jesus intended for the Church. Loving people does not always look like what we expect.

Sometimes, love can be a little messy because it is uncontainable. Love leaves a mark.

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the

more than sunday

podcast

season 10: "love served here" In this season of the FUMCR podcast, we’re visiting some of your favorite local restaurants to learn about their secrets to building community and being good neighbors.

Launches October 16 Everywhere you get podcasts youtube.com/fumcr fumcr.com/morethansunday

fumcr foundation Estate Planning Goals: Leaving a Lasting Legacy Sunday, Oct 27, 12-1:30pm OR Tuesday, Oct 29, 5:30-7pm Mays Hall

Blessing of the Animals

Hosted by the FUMCR Foundation Board Register at fumcr.com/estate

October 20

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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 May 1 to July 31, 2024.

In memory of...

Laura Bray’s sister by Carolyn Jones

Bill Rivers by Hal and Nancy McKay

Mary Esther Bynum by Nancy and Jim McCord

Joan Siebeling-Otten by Bonnie Edwards

Anna Jo Carr by Betty Self

Dolores Spence by Bonnie Edwards, The Hockaday Alumnae Association, Jessica and Doug Epperson, Missy and Tim Griffy, Carole Jordan, Joel and Linda Robuck, Marcia Shurtleff, Max and Judith Martin, Dan and Linda Farell, Tina Noah, William and Mary Harper, George and Lynda Dailey, Robert and Diana Ramsower, James and Jo Ree Fancher, Patricia Keene, Pat and Robin Kelly, Beth Fancher, Susan Bynum, Edwin and Carolyn Smith, Susan Alt, Erle and Alice Nye, Adamson High School Scholarship Foundation, Ted and Caren Houston, Minnie Titsworth, Bill and Frankie Houchin, Ray Noah, R.M. and Sylvia Nugent, John Whiting, Lisa and Christopher Fox, Dick and Jolynne Harvey

Carolyn Foster by Alene Poindexter and Family Dave Harrison by Sharon Cooper John Lomax by Gere Gleim Patricia Lyle by Mark and Lynn Solomon Cliff Morse by Ashlee and Chris Kleinert, Andy and Jim Martin, Barbara Williams Donald Obert by Andrea Martin

In honor of...

Sam Asmah by Bert and Brenda Duckett Jim & Kathy Carter's 50th Wedding Anniversary by Jim and Marilyn Schwartz Teresa Cave’s birthday by Kay Fisk, Bettye and Mike Haynes

We're praying for...

Members and guests alike are invited to submit prayer requests for the public list, church staff, or pastors/caring team only. fumcr.com/prayer

Mike and Bettye Haynes’ 68th Wedding Anniversary

by Mike and Bettye Haynes Mike Henderson by Susan Bynum Jim McConnell by Susan Bynum

Our family of faith is honored to lift up the names on our public prayer list as a way to love one another. fumcr.com/prayerlist

Friday for the Fellas

Oct 13, 7:45-9am Ogden Fellowship Hall

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PERIODICALS

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

A new worship series on unity starting September 8