Young Adult Ministry

Young Adults are vital to the life and ministry of FUMCR! We want young adults to know community, be known by a community, know they are loved, and deepen ways they love others. If you are between the ages of 18 and 35, we invite you to come, just as you are. Feel free to reach out to me for information. I would love to get to know you! Grace and love, Sarah sarah@fumcr.com

The thing I would like others to know most about the Young Adult Ministry is how accepting the group is. When I joined, I was primarily using it as a way to meet new friends and felt hesitant to engage with the more religious aspects of the group. But I found people willing to discuss issues and topics on a variety of levels, including why I felt hesitant to open up about “God stuff.” Any kind of discussion about scripture or the church

Liam Ellinger can fly, such as examining archaic practices at the time the Biblical text/practice

came about. The group also has plenty of dinners out together, campfire nights, holiday parties, charity volunteering, and more. So if you’re ever thinking you “don’t have enough faith” to join a group like this, this is a perfect place to start. It worked out all right for me!

Marisa Harris

From the time I joined the Young Adult Ministry Bible study, I was challenged to look at scripture in a new way and felt encouraged and supported by our group members’ unique perspectives. In just a few months, Tuesday nights have become a time of laughter, connection, and community as we deepen our relationships and our faith in God. Beyond Bible study, service has become a big part of the Young Adult Ministry. The commitment to showing up and helping

Darby Knox others has been a thread that has woven us all

together, and I’m looking forward to the growth of the group as we expand our presence in mission work. The Young Adult Ministry is an open and inclusive group, a space where varying perspectives are not only encouraged but sought out. We would love to have you join us in service and community!

Over the 2½ years that I’ve been attending FUMCR, I have truly enjoyed being a part of the growing Young Adult Ministry. It has become one of my most important communities here in DFW. The group consists of different ages, experiences, and interests, but we all bring these things to the table for conversations that collectively and individually grow us and create special bonds. Tuesday night meeting topics go all the way from the voice actor of the cartoon character Arthur to hard spiritual questions that we just may not have the answers to – and that’s okay. I’ve been inspired by the ways I’ve seen this group supporting each other through prayer, celebrating highs and lows, and showing up for even the simplest of moments. Having friends standing in front of the congregation with me when I joined the church recently was priceless. As this ministry continues, I hope that it grows even bigger, is an example of the discipline in discipleship, and makes a noticeable change in communities near and far for the glory of God.

Tuesday Afternoon Movies

1:30 pm in the Worship & Arts Center Popcorn & water provided Sponsored by Senior Adult Ministry

Mar 22 - Somewhere in Time April 12 - The Robe April 26 - Forrest Gump May 3 – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner May 17 – Westside Story

Bring a friend!

living a legacy, leaving a legacy by Keith Hall

My wife Debbie and I joined First United Methodist Church Richardson in August of 1992. We were particularly attracted to the church’s commitment to children, and we wanted our kids to be part of that community. In the last 30 years, we’ve watched our kids grow and flourish, and today they have kids of their own. During that same time we have had the honor of serving on the Children’s Council, the Finance Committee, Church Council, and most recently, the FUMCR building committee that helped provide this amazing campus that we all call our church home.

We are all a living legacy to this church and to the community that we serve. During our years of serving with each of you, we have been continually amazed by the generosity of this congregation. Through recessions, debt issues, budget crises, and yes, even pandemics, the people of this church have always answered the call. As we

consider the future and the legacy that we will leave for those who follow, our hope is

to answer one more call. It is our intent to provide a portion of our estate to be dedicated to maintaining this church, its missions, and its commitment to this community.

The formation of the First United Methodist Church Richardson Foundation has given us the opportunity to answer that call. The single goal of the Foundation is to manage and grow a long-term endowment fund that will cover all the costs of operating this amazing campus that we enjoy. Providing for those costs will free up budget dollars to use for serving our countless mission efforts. I dream of the day that every dollar given in faith goes to missions, and none of that dollar goes to carpet or paint or utilities. This is unlike any giving that we have ever done before, and it is a gift that will literally last forever.

Debbie and I began our worship with this church community based on its commitment to our kids. Today, it is my heart’s sincere desire that our church will always have that same commitment to our youth, to our kids, and to our future. Building a long-term endowment fund to provide for that future is critical. I invite you to consider the FUMCR Foundation as part of your long-term estate plan and follow your living legacy with leaving a legacy.

Find out more at fumcr.com/LegacyLeaders

council corner by Pam Hughes

If anything has become a constant lately, it’s living in a state of never-ending change, challenge, and ongoing upheaval.

For two years, we have adopted, assessed, and recalibrated health and safety protocols, following the shifts in guidance from our leading medical experts and changing our understanding of “normal.” Since the spring of 2021, an estimated 33 million Americans - including me - have quit their jobs as part of “the Great Resignation,” in many instances creating both personal and corporate anxiety. And even as I write this piece, I am also watching the latest news out of Ukraine, where Russia is advancing with nuclear forces on alert, creating a sense of uncertainty felt around the globe.

It seems fitting to acknowledge this ongoing change and pervasive unease during Lent, the season we spend in preparation for Easter. The heavy concern of uncertainties around our health, livelihoods, safety, and more can make it feel like we are living in the wilderness and the desolate wasteland that we associate with this liturgical season. But in Isaiah 43:19, the Lord tells us, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” These words still hold a powerful message for us today, just as they did for the Israelites. We know that through Christ, God has made a way and continues to do a new thing.

This year the North Texas Conference has shared Lenten resources centered on this idea of “doing a new thing,” and I’m inspired by the words of their Lenten benediction:

Whatever wilderness the Spirit has brought you to: walk in boldness, as a beloved child of God, walk in peace, under the shelter of the Most High, walk in faith, knowing Christ walks with you.

It’s my hope that during this season of reflection and preparation, we each come to see the places where God is at work in our world and live into the next “new thing” with boldness.

finance update by Dianne Weideman

Iam always grateful when I get the chance to brag on you as a congregation. Your faithfulness and your generosity are a blessing.

I’m proud to share the success of our annual stewardship campaign that resulted in the Finance Committee and Church Council approving our 2022 Operating Budget. When you take the time to share your expected giving with us, our team can plan thoughtfully and strategically for the year. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to participate, we would still love to hear from you. Please visit fumcr. com/pledge to share your plans with us.

The impact of your giving continues to extend beyond the walls of the church. We regularly receive notes of appreciation from our partner organizations thanking FUMCR for your caring support.

Lastly, the FUMCR Foundation Board will be visiting groups and worship services next month. The Foundation was established to manage, sustain, and increase the permanent endowment fund, with a particular focus on the longterm care and maintenance of our physical facilities, so we may allocate more of our operating budget to missions, outreach, and care. These “Legacy Leaders” are investing in FUMCR for the generations to come and are excited to share how you can join them in making a difference in the future of FUMCR!

Dianne Weideman Director of Finance dweideman@fumcr.com 972.996.0106

Tammie Haug Contributions Manager thaug@fumcr.com 972.996.0131

I’m honored to sit on the Methodist Children’s Home Board of Directors, as Clayton did for several years. A few weeks ago, I received a note of appreciation from Trey Oakley, the current CEO. The $18,000 Advent Offering gift was the largest from FUMCR since 2013. The generosity of our congregation will touch thousands of kids and families across Texas and the DFW area. Our church, staff, and congregation are amazing in their service for Christ. Thank you! Tommy Dodson Proud member of FUMCR FUMCR continues to impact the lives of those in our community through Network of Community Ministries. Our congregation generously contributed $101,843.93 in 2021, and 53 volunteers from FUMCR gave 2,316 hours to the food pantry, clothing closet, and Toyland Express. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others.

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 February 28, 2022.

In memory of...

In honor of...

Bob Pitcock’s brother by Lucy Van Kirk, Beverly Vespa

John Hamlett by the Apostles Sunday School Class, Ben and Betty Sloan, John and Donna Evans, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Seward, Melanie Cottam, Judy Nolan, Betty Bartula, Phyllis Holton, Laura and Scott Bartolome, Margie Franks

Patricia Avant by Norman and Nina Lea Bennett

Richard Goode by the Apostles Sunday School Class, Sue and Buck Luetscher, Bonnie Edwards

Richard Fleming by Ben and Betty Sloan, Sharon Jordan

Robert Cann by Ann Brooks

Anita Madison by Marianne Ferguson and Halah Ciafardini

Stan Svedeman by Al and Nancy Naylor

Randy Ochoa by Al and Nancy Naylor

Natalie Nenovich’s father, George Mohrmann, by James Hammack, James and Darla Ashby

Barbara Mussett by Ann Brooks, Sallie and Nowell Loop, June Mohn, Melanie Cottam

Dick and Barbara Mussett by the Mussett Children, Jerry and Carolyn Webb

Pam Shamblin by Sue McAlister

Joy Anderson by Mike and Linda Proch, Sharon Jordan, Jennifer and Chip Rawlinson

Clayton Oliphint by Jennifer and Chip Rawlinson

Carolyn Dale by Bobby and Teresa Cave

Pavielle Jenkins by George and Carole Campbell

Brenda Duckett by the Fellowship Sunday School Class Caroline Mecom’s son by Cynthia Spechler

Norwood Band by James and Lorraine Jackson, Jenny and Paul Rosendahl, Carol and Barry Band, Pat and Robin Kelly, Melanie Cottam

Lee McCasland by Bert and Brenda Duckett

William “Carey” Hardy by Sallie and Nowell Loop, Bruce and Betty Stahl

Sandra Shawver by Tracy and Rick Shamblin, Gloria Scott, John Buehner, Robert and Diana Ramsower

Bob Cooksey by Gwendolyn Grote, Roger and Betsy Gekiere, Bruce and Carol Rahm, Michael and Judith Baer, Ron and Judy Young, Gretchen and Tom Collingwood, Lora and Mike Hess, Bill and Betty Corbin, Ron and Ann Clark, Gloria Scott, Bert and Brenda Duckett, Robert and Diana Ramsower, Degolyer & MacNaughton

Dellana Cook’s mother by Paul and Janis Haydel

Joann Zastoupil by Jan Casner, William Tarrant, Betty Nickell, Bill and Betty Corbin, Carolyn Jones, Betty Bartula, Vance and Sandra Bridges, Paula and Rusty Gentry, Bonnie Edwards, Phyllis Holton, Robert and Diana Ramsower

Jan Cade by Mary Anne Hardison, Beverly Vespa, Lucy Van Kirk

Mike and Dolores Spence by Amy Spence

Jim and Anne Makins by Pat and Suzy Makins, Scott Makins

Bette and Chuck Petri by Jerry and Susie Haralson

Deb and Dan Bourland by Randy and Gail Clark

Ed Murray by Margie Franks

Bobby and Teresa Cave by Mike and Bettye Haynes

Bob Silber by Bobby and Teresa Cave

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

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