First Connections 2023 Spring

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 SPRING 2023 VOLUME 18, ISSUE 2

Meet Abbie p.6 Most Important Verse p.11 Holy Moments p.13 Heart For Community p.15

H.E.R.O.E.S. Serving coffee and smiles on Sunday mornings

JOIN US FOR

WORSHIP

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

TRADITIONAL WORSHIP

Senior Pastor Dr. Clayton Oliphint

SUNDAYS 8:45, 9:45, 11AM*

Director of Communications Kristen Ceaser

SANCTUARY *AND AT FUMCR.COM/LIVE

Managing Editor Francy Collins Graphic Designer Kyle Henson Communications & Media Team Kevin Burns Shandon Klein Ben Chamness Leslie Kring Eric Czechowski Tyler Payne Rohini Drake Mallory Pickering

ONLINE WORSHIP SUNDAYS, 9:45AM FUMCR.COM/ONLINE

Contributors Dr. Dan Flanagan Rev. Pavielle Jenkins Rev. Sarah Marsalis-Luginbill Kim Reed

ON DEMAND YOUTUBE.COM/FUMCR

MODERN WORSHIP SUNDAYS, 11AM WORSHIP & ARTS CENTER

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First Connections (USPS 022-024) is published five times a year, by First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N. Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080.

Periodicals postage paid at Richardson, TX and additional mailing offices.

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

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a message from our senior pastor

E

aster is a joyous day of celebration for Christians around the world. This is a day to proclaim the good news that Christ is risen! The Good Friday realities of suffering, death, and evil cannot ultimately defeat us. We have been given the eternal gift of Easter!

The good news of the resurrection of Christ was the central message of the early church, and it is our central message today. The evidence of Easter is in the lives of those who encountered the Risen Christ then and in those who still encounter him here and now.

When we encounter the Risen Christ, our lives are transformed and renewed. We find a new boldness, a source of eternal hope, and a greater capacity to love and forgive. Because of the resurrection, you and I live as citizens of hope and, thus, in a spirit of constant gratitude.

What happens after Easter is as important as Easter itself.

The challenge for us is to put that Easter faith into action in our lives. In our sermon series, Bouncing Back, we will look at stories from the Bible of those

who lived that resurrection faith and bounced back from adversity through faith. I hope you will join us and invite a friend!

This is an exciting time in the life of our church. I continue to be amazed by the talented laity and staff in our church and the ways you are using your gifts for good in the world. So many people in our area need the

community and strength the church offers. Let’s see through Easter eyes and be aware of opportunities to connect others to this life-changing power we have experienced.

In Christ,

Clayton Oliphint senior pastor

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MORE THAN SUNDAY SEASON 7 PREMIERES APRIL 12!

WATCH ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL OR LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLAYER

FUMCR.COM/MORETHANSUNDAY

HABITAT BUILD Saturdays through June 3

All skill levels - from willing learner to professional builder - are welcome.

fumcr.com/habitat

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senior adult ministry

women's ministry

young adult ministry

GROWING FAITH AND

BUILDING COMMUNIT Y THROUGH RETREATS "So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another." Romans 12:5

men's ministry SPRING 2023

agape class 5

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MEET ABBIE KAUFFMAN

BY R E V. PAV I E L L E J E N K I N S, MISSIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Abigail “Abbie” Kauffman is living out her call to ministry as the President and CEO of Network of Community Ministries. She was born and raised in Dallas and is a lifelong United Methodist. Abbie’s heart and passion are helping, empowering, and walking alongside people in need. Abbie has served a number of social service agencies over the past decade in a variety of roles, including as Development Director for Midland/Odessa’s Centers for Children and Families, Director of Communications and Director of Development for Jewish Family Services of Greater Dallas, Senior Director of Strategy for CitySquare, and

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most recently as Director of Special Projects and Information Services at Catholic Charities Dallas.

When asked what brought her to Network, she told me, “This is my home. These are my neighbors.” As a Richardson resident, Network’s mission is deeply personal. It is a privilege for her to lead the team “to care, coach, and empower our neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life.”

Abbie began at Network on September 19, 2022, and hit the ground running. With rising inflation, Network continues to face increased need beyond that during the pandemic. Many of our neighbors are in a worse financial state than they were three

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years ago. The average Network neighbor has a monthly income of $1,300, and their housing cost is approximately $1,100 a month. “These are retail workers, hospitality staff, people who keep up our facilities, and paraprofessionals who care for our children and youth in our schools.” They see families who at the end of the month simply cannot make ends meet. Many of the people they serve are working and trying hard to overcome barriers.

Abbie shared that “food pantries [and clothing closets] are the most effective ways for families to stretch their budgets.” It is hard to get assistance for gas or rent. If people are not spending money on groceries or clothes, they have money for these other necessary items.

Abbie is currently evaluating how Network could offer more wraparound services to support people in numerous aspects of their lives. Federal data shows there is a deficit of over half a million mental health visits a year for low-income residents in Network’s service area. One of the greatest unmet needs identified in our community is for increased capacity and access to mental health resources.

There is also significant need for basic primary healthcare. Abbie and her team are seeking ways to form partnerships to provide these services to our neighbors.

Abbie and all of the staff greatly appreciate our past, present, and future support of Network. She told me, “Network truly could not do it without First United Methodist Church Richardson’s partnership

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and generosity.” Our ongoing food and monetary donations are critical. The North Texas Food Bank is not sending much variety right now, so our donations provide options for our neighbors when they shop in the food pantry. As we clean out our closets, Abbie encourages us to donate our gently used clothing and shoes of all sizes to their clothing closet. They also constantly have a need for new underwear and socks as well as gently used/new children’s shoes. Additionally, time is an incredible gift and resource. Network served more than 21,000 neighbors last year with only 21 full-time staff members. It takes about 80 volunteers a day to keep Network going. They have opportunities for volunteers during the day, evening, and on Saturdays.

Adults and older youth may volunteer. Monetary donations are always welcome and are used for a variety of purposes including providing rental and utility assistance, microloans, and the educator market for RISD teachers. For more information on how you can give of your time, money, or resources to support Network, please visit thenetwork.org or contact Caroline Taglioli, Manager of Volunteers and Community Engagement, at 972.234.8880 or cwold@thenetwork.org.

We are blessed to be a blessing. Thank you for sacrificially using your blessings to benefit neighbors in need in our community. You are sharing God’s love and grace through your faithful service and generous donations!

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Learning Communities These groups come together for a common interest, offer opportunities to meet new people in the church and community, and often span generations.

Bouncing Back* Choose one: Sun, April 30, 3-5pm or Tue, May 2, 6:30-8:30pm Stacey Ruff, LPC, M.Ed., will help participants identify and recognize times of stress and grief and offer tools to navigate a way though.

Walk a Labyrinth Sat, May 6, 10am-4pm Celebrate World Labyrinth Day by experiencing the spiritual practice of walking a labyrinth. Several will be available on the Playground Plaza and West Lawn, including one specifically for children.

Using the Enneagram to Navigate Tough Times* Sun, May 7, 3-5pm Learn specific triggers and reactivity management patterns using the Enneagram for self-care, self-observation, and growth.

Led by Stacey Ruff, LPC, M.Ed. *These sessions complement our Bouncing Back worship series.

Details & Registration: fumcr.com/learn

Serve with Missions

& Community Engagement

"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." John 13:34 Volunteer as an individual (I), family (F), or group (G).

Upcoming Opportunities Ongoing Opportunities Saturdays through June 3 Habitat Spring Build (I, F, G) Assist with building a home.

(Ages 16 and older welcome.)

May 6 Cookie Caper Drop Off (I, F, G) Collect cookie donations and arrange on tables.

May 7 Cookie Caper (I, F, G) Replenish cookies, hand out boxes, and clean up post event.

May 17 New Friends New Life Lunch (G) Prepare a meal, deliver, and serve to a group of about 30 women.

June/July Panama Over-the-Counter Medication Drive (I, F, G) Collect specific medications for the medical mission. Contact Tracy Thomas for further details.

July 17 -28, weekday mornings Read with Me (I, F, G) Assist with recreation or crafts, or read with elementary-age children.

(8th grade and older welcome.)

Body and Soul (I, F, G) Serve a Sunday afternoon meal and provide a devotion at St. Paul UMC. New Friends New Life (F, G) Collect specific items and assemble hygiene kits. Contact Pavielle for the list.

Prison Entrepreneurship Program (G) Assist with making and serving dinner to 11 men.

Single Parent Action Network (F, G) Provide and serve a monthly Monday dinner to 20-30 people at FUMCR. Network of Community Ministries (F, G) Collect gently used/new shoes, new underwear and socks for the clothes closet. Assist with putting together emergency food boxes at Network.

To learn more or get involved, visit fumcr.com/missions or contact:

Rev. Pavielle Jenkins Pastor, Missions & Community Engagement pjenkins@fumcr.com // 972.996.0132

Tracy Thomas Assistant Director, Missions & Community Engagement tthomas@fumcr.com // 972.996.0147

Church & Society will serve a plant-based meal in honor of Earth Day. $5 per person / $20 per family

fumcr.com/earthday

FUMCR at the

Ballgame0 Texas A&M Singing Cadets Sat, Feb 18, 6pm, Sanctuary General admission tickets: $20 Co-hosted by Dallas County Aggie Moms

April 23 - 4pm Enjoy a Frisco RoughRiders baseball game with your FUMCR friends!

Get your free tickets: fumcr.com/ballgame

fumcr.com/SingingCadets

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departure, independence, and maturity

by Dr. Dan Flanagan, Pastor, Senior Adult Ministry

I

am convinced the most important verse in scripture is Matthew 28: 20b, the ending of the gospel of Matthew.

“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

It mitigates the deepest fear of human beings, specifically of Christians, the fear of abandonment.

The fear of abandonment is evident from birth as babies move from the nurture of the womb to a dependence on the warmth and care of their parents in a hostile environment. The skill of independence is the most difficult for children and youth to develop, and yet one of the most important. A mature adult is formed by community and able to live into a fully formed and independent identity.

These lessons of social context are apparent in the stories of the early Christian movement.

Jesus began calling people to community, teaching them the moral and theological foundation of this community which his disciples were able to witness in his ministry. And then, Jesus sent

them forth from the womb to make disciples.

“Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves.” (Luke 10: 3) The Christian movement required them to become mature, independent disciples, formed from the call of Christ.

While we celebrate Easter as a resurrection and for its promise of new life, the Holy Week experience can reflect the theme of abandonment. We share the warmth of the Christian womb with those called by Christ. The church has nurtured us in His name. And then Holy Week comes, reminding us of Jesus’ departure. He dies on a cross, and then ascends. He leaves us.

The foundation of our faith is forever physically absent, in a way similar to our maturation into adulthood. At some point, those who taught us the foundations of the Christian faith no longer have a physical presence. Jesus

calls us, and our teachers call us, to an independent life as a Christian disciple, grounded in our faith community. As we mature in faith we realize that physical presence is only the beginning. After Easter comes Pentecost. After resurrection and ascension comes the promise from Christ that he will be with us “always, to the end of the age.”

We have never been abandoned

by Christ and never will be. In that realization is the definition of Christian maturity.

Senior Adult Ministry is a faith community within FUMCR that offers friendship and support through the monthly Gathering, games, book club, and hymn sing as well as periodic afternoon movies, studies, outings, and retreats. Find out more at fumcr.com/senioradults

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Spend Your Summer with Us! Vacation Bible Camp: Under the Stars // June 12-16, 9 am - 12 noon Youth Mission Trips: High School // Denver, CO, June 25-30

Junior High // Paris, TX, July 9-14 Children’s Camps: Sports, art, science, and music Read With Me: Adult and teen volunteers needed

fumcr.com/summer23

COOKIE CAPER BAKE, BUY, BUILD BETTER LIVES MAY 6 & 7 · FUMCR.COM/COOKIE

Weekday Kids At First - Parent’s Day Out - Preschool - Transitional Kindergarten

Dedicated to providing early childhood care and education in a Christian environment that focuses on developing the whole child.

fumcr.com/wkaf SPRING 2023

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Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

By Rev. Sarah Marsalis-Luginbill Adult Faith Formation & Young Adults

Will you join me on a journey to experience moments that will forever change your faith?

When I stepped off the bus at the Mount of Beatitudes, my life changed. I am different after sitting on the same hillside as thousands did that day Jesus preached. I sat there, reading those same words, but reading them differently than ever before.

Something awoke within my soul when I took a sip from Jacob’s well, the same well that Jesus drank from when he asked the Samaritan woman for a drink. That day, I almost audibly heard her words inviting me, “Come and see!”

Standing in the Jordan River, surrounded by water, similar to how Jesus would have been on the day he was baptized by John… well, words just cannot adequately describe the emotional and physical response I experienced in that moment. But I better understand John’s testimony of the “Spirit descending like a dove….”

And I will never forget the first time I stopped at the falafel guy’s cart outside my hotel in Bethlehem before I spent an afternoon wandering. I am not sure what was more transformative, chatting with him or the delicious falafel-in-a-pita. Taste and see that the Lord is good!

I have the opportunity to be part of the FUMCR leadership team on a pilgrimage (not a tour or a trip) to the Holy Land December 27, 2023, through January 7, 2024. Fr. Richard Rohr defines pilgrimage as an interior journey enacted exteriorly. This journey will help you deepen your faith and know God in a more personal way. These ten days will help you better know Jesus the Christ who offers you life.

Will you join me on this pilgrimage? Will you come and see?

If you are interested, come to one of our information meetings or connect with me for coffee or a phone call! (And don’t forget to ask me about how riding a camel for five minutes helps you better understand the kingdom of God!) Contact me: 972.996.0110 // sarah@fumcr.com Details & Registration: fumcr.com/HolyLand Information Sessions: Sun, Apr 16, 11 am - 12 pm

Mon, Apr 17, 7-8 pm

BOY ON BILLBOARD On October 1, 2010, James Apple, died of accidental suicide due to an undiagnosed mental illness, the day after his 24th birthday. Six months prior he had climbed to the top of a billboard in downtown Fort Worth. For seven hours he paced back and forth, sat and stood, threatened to jump, and conducted an orchestra he saw in his mind. The family stood in a trailer watching while the police and rescue team tried to coax him down.

Boy on Billboard aims to provide hope, healing, and a call to action in a gripping, true story about James Apple and troubles that went unseen.

May 12 at 7pm May 13 at 1pm and 6pm FUMCR Worship & Arts Center Tickets: fumcr.com/boyonbillboard

RESOURCES & SUPPORT FOR MENTAL WELLNESS

fumcr.com/mentalhealth

988 316 – For every one person who dies by suicide annually, 316 people seriously consider suicide but do not kill themselves.

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The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is local, effective, and for everyone.

Help, hope, and healing are happening every day.

23,044,100 - The Lifeline has received over 20 million calls from people in distress looking for support when they needed it most.

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a heart for

COMMUNITY We built our new facility 17 years ago to facilitate our mission, the first aspect being to “welcome people for Christ.” With that as our foundation, we are pleased to open our doors not only for our weekly worship services and church groups but also for our community to meet, gather, learn, pray, and play. We host Scouts, YMCA basketball, and volunteer organizations. We host HEROES camps and our own community engagement groups like pickleball, SPAN, and Read with Me. We host faith-based groups, community band and choral practices, and even a fly fishers group. We host occasional concerts, blood drives, and city events like Trash Bash and Richardson Reads One Book. We are truly invested in our community and are blessed to be a blessing with and for our neighbors.

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Caring Ministry Adult Ministry

Community Groups

Online Ministry Music Ministry

Weekday Kids at First

Administration

Welcoming Ministry

Sports, Rec, & Family Life Children & Youth Ministries

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Worship Missions & Community Engagement

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HEROES IN OUR MIDST

BY KIM REED, H.E.R.O.E.S. DIRECTOR

HEROES plays an important part not only in the lives of the families that we serve but also in our community.

Working in the Café offers HEROES adults a real-world environment that is safe, friendly, and allowing of the time it takes to learn a job. The congregation has been incredibly supportive, patient, and kind, which means so much to us. Our workers love seeing their regular customers, remembering their names, and having conversations with them. Families can see growth in their loved ones in terms of confidence, pride, interpersonal skills, and job abilities. Participants benefit greatly from the social life and the true friendships formed over time and through common experiences. Community

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members come to see our HEROES not just as people with disabilities receiving services but as contributors who enjoy giving back through their weekly volunteer commitments.

We are so appreciative that FUMCR helped us begin in 2005 and continues to bless us with a summer day camp home serving hundreds of families. Many of the church's members have become regular donors, and we couldn't continue what we do without financial support. Over 250,000 people in the DFW metroplex live with a disability, and we are proud to serve those we do with thanks to FUMCR and our community for being our partners in this great program!

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Ask me about: HEROES and why I love going there.

I love going to the weekend retreats and spending time with my friends and getting to try new things and trying out different places around the community. I also get to go to HEROES Camp in the summer when I am not working. I enjoy being with my friends and volunteering with them at Meals on Wheels, Feed my Starving Children, and Soup Mobile. I have worked at Westwood Junior High Cafeteria for 11 years.

Kyle Hoover

My favorite part about working Sunday morning is: pleasing the customers, giving them their coffee, and making sure they are happy.

Ask me about: Meals on Wheels.

I deliver meals every week, and I have enjoyed getting to know all of the people I deliver meals to. It makes me happy to know they are getting the food that they need.

Tyler Polchow

My favorite part about working Sunday morning is: taking orders, greeting customers with a smile, and seeing all of my regular customers come by. It has also helped me at my job by learning new skills and building my confidence. I have worked at Home Goods for one year.

Ask me about: HEROES Academy.

I enjoy going there every week. It is a great place to be because we are out in the community a lot and get to do a lot of fun things. One of my favorite things at HEROES is helping deliver food for Meals on Wheels because it is good to help Seniors, and I am good at remembering how to get to each apartment that we deliver to. I also have a job at The Original Pancake House and have worked there for seven years.

Britton Burt

My favorite part about working Sunday morning is: seeing all of the people that I have met working here. I like to greet the people before they go into church and say hello, show them the menu, and ask them to come get a cup of coffee.

Ask me about: my job at Whataburger.

I have worked there for two years. I clean tables and help keep the restaurant clean for the customers. I also deliver food to the tables and make sure the customers get ketchup if they need it.

Ryan Parker SPRING 2023

My favorite part about working Sunday morning is: working at my church, seeing people I know, and going to church after the coffee shop is finished.

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finance update by Dianne Weideman, Director of Finance

T

hank you for your contributions to our Lenten/Easter Offering! Your gifts will bless children attending public schools in our community through two initiatives. First, the Richardson ISD Back-to-School Backpack Bash will provide students and families the opportunity to get the supplies and services they need to start the school year well. Second, our own Children First Ministry offers ongoing support to our partner elementary schools, Mark Twain and Greenwood Hills. This special offering will provide new books for every student at both schools to take home in the spring and fall semesters!

Your generosity will greatly bless the children in our community!

As we move into the second quarter, be assured that the leadership team and finance committee are carefully monitoring both income and expenses in order to be the best stewards of your faithful and generous giving.

We were pleased to hear from so many continuing pledgers as well as a significant number of new pledgers during our 2023 Annual Campaign. Our FUMCR family is thriving!

If you haven’t had a chance to participate in the campaign and would like to, you can learn more at Partner school students with books donated by FUMCR, December 2021 fumcr.com/annual.

I’m honored to serve alongside you as we support one another and our community at large through our financial gifts, time and talents, prayers, and presence. As always, we’re available to answer questions you may have or provide additional information. Please feel free to contact Stachia or me.

Dianne Weideman

Stachia Brothers Contributions Manager sbrothers@fumcr.com 972.996.0131

Director of Finance dweideman@fumcr.com 972.996.0106

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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 January 1 - February 28, 2023.

In memory of...

Ken Presley by Phyllis Holton, Marjorie Franks, Melanie Cottam, Debbie Hoff, Glenda and Gary Hanks, Janet and Paul Vance, Tim and Missy Griffy, Pat and Robin Kelly, Rick and Tracy Shamblin, John and Lela Luxen, Max and Valerie Whitfield, Michael and Susie Hatley Lynn Townsend by Stephanie and Bob Elliott, Vanessa and Gary Haffman, Diana and Sam Self, Gary and Jean Huselton, Clifford and Marsha Miller, Tom Bentley, Royce and Mike Cooper Jimmy Maddox by the Fred Parsons and Julee Rosales Families; Charlie and Mary Browning; ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company Facilities Engineering Group; Hilda, Massey, Laura, and Rick Caudill; Sara Graham; Mike and Vickie Jackson; Sue Elaine Smith; Dub and Betty Womble; John Hendrick; LeAnn and Jeff Hampton; Kevin Harris

Pat Hatinger’s son, Kurt, by the Sophia Sunday School Class, Phyllis Holton Bill Connell by Melanie Cottam Sherrie Burns’ stepbrother, Robert Duke, by the Sophia Sunday School Class Sue Gobin by Bonnie Edwards George Campbell by Jan Casner Jim Henderson by Marjorie Franks Frankie Houchin by Marjorie Franks Virginia Howard by Sherri White Gene Jacob by Melanie Cottam, Tom Calvert, Elisa Harris, Marsha Band

Dr. Philip Del Rosario by the Banzon Family Anita Beathard by Carillon Ringers

Gerald Landfair by Marlene Dibrell and Dr. Jill D. Nennmann, Bonnie Edwards

Jimmie Whitfield by Pat and Robin Kelly, Bonnie Edwards

Jeannette Winkelmann’s brother, Donald Sherfey, by the Sophia Sunday School Class

Charles & Kathy Terry by Roseanne and Lyn Terry

Chuck Petri by Melanie Cottam, Elisa Harris

Marlen Walker by Gary and Glenda Hanks

John Roberts by Mary Esther, Kathleen, Susan, and Les Bynum; The Dinner Club - Anne Hubbard, Dottie Holliday, Shirley Mitchell, and Emily Secker; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Eaton

Cynthia Rutledge by Gary and Glenda Hanks Marsha Mayo’s mother, Charlotte Whitesides, by Bonnie Edwards Gene Hunt by Phyllis Holton Bobbie Clark by Melanie Cottam

Joni Mulkey’s mother, Jo Willis, by Sarah Mulkey Kay Wunderlich by John Frankovich, 1200 Block of Cherokee Drive Neighbors

PERIODICALS

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

a new worship series starting sunday, april 16