First Connections 2023 Winter

fi rs t co n n e c ti o n s STORIES OF LIFE AND FA I T H

Together Singing and serving with the Music Ministry at FUMCR

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RICHARDSON WINTER 2023 VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1

Our Love Speaks p.4 Pretty Like Me p.8 The Future of the UMC p.12 Finding Hope p.14

join us for worship! traditional worship

sundays, 8:45am, 9:45am & 11:00am* sanctuary *livestream available

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

online worship

Director of Communications Kristen Ceaser

sundays, 9:45am

fumcr.com/online

Managing Editor Francy Collins

on demand anytime

youtube.com/fumcr

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

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

Contributors Heidi Lindh Kacie Rendon Caitlin Molechat Tracy Thomas Dr. Clayton Oliphint Karen Varner Kim O'Neil

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

a new sermon series starting february 5

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VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1

a message from our senior pastor

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ne of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 100, which closes in verse 5 with these words: “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” God’s faithfulness from generation to generation, how evident this is in the generations of our church! It is so exciting to see the range of ages in our congregation all learning about and growing in God’s steadfast love.

From the earliest moments a child first enters our nursery, our desire is to help them connect to this good and wonderful God who loves them and is steadfastly present with them. In children’s ministry this connection with God deepens until they reach Confirmation age where they profess their faith in Christ and become full members of the church. In the youth group they wrestle with their faith, questioning and exploring, serving and sharing, being shaped by the God who loves them. Young adults begin to find their footing in the adult world, often discovering that this faith they have professed can make a profound difference in the quality

of their living. Through all of the challenges of the adult stages of life, as people grapple with careers, families, children, aging parents, financial pressures, life’s tragic realities, and life’s amazing blessings, the church provides the stable foundation, helping people find meaning and purpose in the midst of all of it.

Following retirement, many senior adults find deeper meaning in their faith and walk with God than they ever imagined, as they look to live out their days in fullness and blessing.

First United Methodist Church Richardson stands poised to help people of every age and stage of life find hope in our faith and strength for our living, all in a loving, supportive environment.

Our ability to carry out all of these ministries rests on the generosity and faithfulness of our members and friends who believe in our mission and support what we do, day in and day out, by sharing their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. I pray

that your household, at whatever stage of life, will consider how you will help FUMCR continue to reach from generation to generation with the good news of God’s love. Make your financial pledge for 2023 online today at fumcr.com/pledge2023.

2023 is going to be a great year of ministry at FUMCR! It will be all the more so as you invest your time, talent, and treasure into helping us share God’s love across all generations. I’ll see you in worship and around campus!

In Christ,

Clayton Oliphint senior pastor

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VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1

Our Love Speaks EVEN THOUGH WE ARE NOT THERE

BY TRACY THOMAS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MISSIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

S

am Ben Asmah, our Building Services Supervisor, is currently the longest serving staff member at FUMCR. If you have walked the hallways of FUMCR on a Sunday morning, you have seen his smiling face and heard him say “hello” to “his family.”

“My family” and “my people” are part of Sam’s vocabulary whenever he talks about FUMCR or his home country of Ghana, especially the town called Kafodzidzi. Sam grew up in what was then the tiny village of Kafodzidzi in Western Ghana. He attended the village

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school, which was, and still is, the only school within miles of Kafodzidzi and the surrounding areas. This school currently serves about 650 students.

Twelve years ago, Sam visited Kafodzidzi and the school, and he was distressed to see their conditions. He immediately wanted to help. He knew he couldn’t fix everything and worried that what he and his family could do would only be a “drop in the ocean.” But instead of that, Sam created the beginning of a wave of support that included partnering with FUMCR.

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VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1

Sam and his family started by providing tables and chairs so that the students wouldn’t have to sit on the dirt floors as they were learning and doing their classwork. He spoke with clergy and staff at FUMCR, and the church was able to fund furnishings for classrooms and some small renovations, such as painting and repairing steps. As the partnership flourished, FUMCR and Sam’s family were able to fund even larger scale projects that culminated in adding a dining hall and building a second floor to the school building to house a computer lab and library. Most recently, FUMCR held a book drive to fill the library at Kafodzidzi. We shipped books to Ghana, and Sam flew over to deliver them to Kafodzidzi School.

The next project that FUMCR will be supporting is the building of teachers’ quarters for the school. Due to the remote location, teachers have to walk several miles or spend a lot of money on rides to get there. Having a place for teachers to live will help to recruit and retain the best teachers.

I asked Sam what motivates him to continue to support this school and this town. He said, “Now I have to preach,” and then told me two scriptures have been his guideposts in life. The first is 2 Kings 7:9: Then they said to one another, “What we are doing is wrong. This is a day of good news; if we are silent and wait until the morning light, we will be found guilty; therefore let us go and tell the king’s household.”

Sam told me, “By God’s grace I ended up here, and I must tell of that good news to my people. I know how much they need to hear it. I want to be an encouragement to them.” The second scripture is Matthew 25:34-40: Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

Sam believes these verses lay out his obligation as a Christian.

Some people see the word “obligation” as a negative, but Sam sees it as very positive – he calls it “a token of thanksgiving for his life!”

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The

c i s u M f o n o i s s i M

stry ic Mini s u M , l ’Nei d Kim O n a t a h c ole

by Caitlin M

Fall 2022 was an exciting t ime for our children's great participa and youth tion, but ther choirs wi e’s always th room for m what makes mu ore! Join u sic ministry s s o special at F and see to ALL with no UMCR. O audition nec u r c h oirs are o essary. He pen to in 2023... re’s what y ou can loo k forward

Together We Sing Children's Choirs (preschool - 6th grade) will be singing in more worship spaces and performing their annual spring musical.

The Journey Youth Choir (7th-12th grades) will continue to lead worship most Sundays at 8:45am and will practice and perform the Dessert Theater production, "Deep in the Heart," featuring songs by Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Alabama, Kacey Musgraves, and John Denver! Funds raised from Dessert Theater tickets and silent auction will support the annual summer tour, this year to Memphis and Nashville in June.

Together We Serve Serving in worship is a priority, but so is teaching our kids and youth that serving in other ways is also important and fulfilling. We kicked off the fall writing letters of love and sunshine to the senior residents at The Wellington at Arapaho, and we went Christmas caroling there in December. We also collected supplies for Network of Community Ministries' Loads of Love.

This spring, we will continue our service by collecting pet supplies and food, taking different donations each month.

Find out more at fumcr.com/music

We asked a few o f our cho ir mem of the choir and wh bers w y singing hat th for the ey lov glory o ed m f God ost a bout in wo rship being is imp a pa ortan rt t.

Songs help people understand better than just words, and I like making other people happy and giving joy. Addie Sulak - age 8 Singing in church is a different way to connect with God, and it helps to bring up a younger generation in the church.

Courtney Brugge – 12th grade

I am thankful for the opportunity to sing God’s praises. We serve as role models for younger children while we lead the congregation through song to better see and hear God. Taylor Hopkins – 11th grade

I’m kinda proud – all the moms and dads can hear you sing about Jesus. Whitaker Sulak - age 5

I love to sing and feel happy to share about God in a different way than hearing someone talk.

James Hammer – age 10

I love the youth choir because I can be myself and be with friends, and I am a part of something bigger. It uplifts me! WIll Patton – 10th grade

I feel good when I am singing, and it is important to help sing and lead the hymns in church.

Drew Barron – 10th grade

I’ve always loved choir because of the community.

Leading in worship shows that youth believe in God and we are on a journey of faith together.

Becca Patton – 8th grade

I love the community and singing together with my friends. Choir helps us have a better connection to the worship service. Evan Gray – 11th grade

I feel happy to share God’s glory in song. I feel like we are teaching people. Music is easier for kids to understand. Zi Sulak - age 10

I love having a place I can look forward to each week. The choir spreads God’s word in the most touching way – through song!

Sammi Kimble – 11th grade

Deep in the Heart A Celebration of Country, Gospel, Bluegrass, and Old Time Favorites

Presented by The Journey Youth Choir

Saturday, March 4

Shows at 3pm & 7pm

Silent auction prior to each show

Tickets: fumcr.com/DessertTheater

y t t pre e m like R

by Ka c i e

endon

A miracle is defined as a “surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency.” For the majority of my life, I always assumed that miracles happened to other people and other families. However, for the past two years my family has been granted more miracles than I could have ever imagined.

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n 2021, my husband, Mark, and I found out we were expecting our second daughter. Despite a very high risk pregnancy and our doctors informing us that our baby might not survive, we miraculously welcomed Josie Hope Rendon into the world. Josie was born with Down syndrome, weighed under 3 pounds, had several large heart defects, and had ongoing lung disease. We loved her immediately, but did not know if we would have much time with her. We nearly lost her on multiple occasions. We had to make difficult decisions regarding her health, including open heart surgery and a tracheostomy placement, in hopes that one day she would be well enough to finally come home. Our family endured being separated for months and months. This was

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especially taxing on our older daughter, Eleanor. Words will never be sufficient to describe how difficult that time was for our family. We were finally able to bring Josie home after over 250 days in the hospital.

We would not have made it through this incredibly difficult time without the love, time, and

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support of our family, friends, and church community at FUMCR. Visits and phone calls from the pastors and staff helped us maintain our faith when hope seemed lost. Our Sunday school class, family, and friends provided meals, gift cards, encouragement, and childcare for Eleanor while Josie was in the hospital. Even once Josie finally came home from the hospital, FUMCR continued to bless our family. Our initial and long-awaited homecoming in May 2022 was greeted with balloons and banners. Most recently, this Christmas, Josie and Eleanor were afforded the experience of seeing Santa Claus together when an FUMCR staff member dressed in his Santa suit and came to our home. And, above all else, we attribute the privilege of modern day medicine and the countless prayers being lifted over Josie and her life for the reason she is home in our arms today.

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Our family was given the gift of an individual with Down syndrome even before Josie was born.

Mark’s Aunt Loy is a kind and loving 57-year-old woman who also happens to have Down syndrome.

Aunt Loy came to see Josie in the hospital shortly after she had her tracheostomy placement. In a world where most would be frightened to hold a baby so fragile, Aunt Loy held Josie with pride and adoration and exclaimed, “Pretty like me!”

Inspired by Aunt Loy, Josie, and others with Down syndrome, we used her sweet expression to start a bakery out of our home called Pretty Like Me Bake Shop. Our mission is to bring hope and kindness to the world, one cookie at a time.

At Thanksgiving, we sold cookies to raise money for a local organization called Hope Story whose mission is to change the narrative on raising a child with Down syndrome. And at Christmastime, we sold hundreds of cookies to donate pacifiers and gift cards to babies and families in the cardiac

ICU at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, the very unit that saved Josie’s life. What a merciful God we have who brings beauty from the ashes. “Provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy, instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3 Josie continues on her journey to health, and she is getting stronger every day. By all statistics, odds, and predictions, Josie should not have survived.

And yet, she did. Time and time again she has miraculously survived what most would say were unsurvivable circumstances. Fortunately, we believe in a God who doesn’t need the odds in his favor to make the impossible possible. God is loving, merciful, and above all else faithful!

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Serve Teachers and Students in RISD Sign up to complete workroom tasks or provide breakroom treats at Mark

Texas A&M Singing Cadets

Twain or Greenwood Hills Elementary School.

Sat, Feb 18, 6pm, Sanctuary General admission tickets: $20 fumcr.com/ChildrenFirst

Co-hosted by Dallas County Aggie Moms fumcr.com/SingingCadets

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BY DR. CLAYTON OLIPHINT, SENIOR PASTOR

Over the last few months, newspapers have reported that some United Methodist Churches are disaffiliating. Some of those have done this to become independent congregations, while others are joining a new denomination, the Global Methodist Church. The ability to disaffiliate on grounds related to matters of conscience around ministry with LGBTQ persons was established by the special session of General Conference in 2019. As shared with the congregation several times last year, entering a process of discernment to consider disaffiliation is triggered by action of the church council, which is the governing body of the church.

Our Church Council was unanimous that we were not interested in pursuing disaffiliation.

In terms of churches voting on disaffiliation, voting can only take place if the church, after a period of discernment, chooses to have a vote.

While you read about hundreds of churches across the country voting, tens of thousands of churches will not vote. No church has to vote, and I am proud of our church council for recognizing the divisive nature of voting and for choosing to remain who we are. In the North Texas Conference, the vast majority of churches (80% or more) are not voting, and some who have voted have chosen to remain a part of the UMC going forward.

The divisiveness in our United Methodist Church perhaps reflects the divisiveness in our country. In the case of the UMC, it is in regard to human sexuality, specifically to marriage and ordination of LGBTQ persons. Please remember that as we discuss this (in mature conversations rather than rants and tantrums), we are talking about people’s lives. There is deep pain and passion on all sides of these debates, and deeply committed, faithful, Bible-believing Christians have arrived at differing conclusions.

Here is my hope for the future of the United Methodist Church and FUMCR: 1. That we will continue to be a “big tent” church. A "big tent" allows for people of differing opinions about a number of issues to join together in a common mission guided by our common faith in Christ. This is the church I believe the New Testament envisions when it says, “There is neither Jew

nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

2. That we will recommit to our Doctrinal heritage. United Methodists are people who take the Bible seriously and seek to understand how God wants us to live our faith in relation to others. The Doctrinal essentials have not changed and will not change. John Wesley was committed to the idea that God’s grace is available to all and had a passion to share the Good News of God’s love in Christ with everyone. He also coined the term “agree to disagree,” finding that Christians could debate all kinds of issues as long as we keep the main thing the main thing – Jesus is Lord.

3. That we will minimize harm and maximize mission. People have been hurt by the words and actions of the church. I pray that we will remove damaging language and work together to stay focused on our God-given mission. How will we love God and our neighbor and also help make disciples of Jesus Christ? We have answered, “With open hearts and minds, we will welcome people for Christ, grow people in Christ, and serve people with Christ.”

4. That we will allow ministry to be contextual. The New Testament church allowed for contextual ministry. I believe local church leadership can best decide how to live out the faith in their context. We have trusted our local church lay leaders to make wise and faithful decisions regarding our church in the past, and I believe they are capable of doing so now and in the future.

5. That we will embrace our connectional nature. We are better together, joined with other United Methodists to engage in mission, train pastors, encourage laity, and speak out against injustice. Being part of a connectional church gives us an ability to be part of a larger movement of God’s grace in North Texas, across our country, and throughout the world.

I hope you will join me in praying for the United Methodist church and for FUMCR. Let us trust that God is God and will lead us through this process.

We will continue to be a church that believes God’s grace is available to all, and we will continue to minister to our community and surrounding area in Jesus’ name.

a w ord by Hei for th di Lin ose fig dh hti ng

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H O P E F I N D I N G

I may be lonely, but I am never alone.

It was over five years ago, and I was having a tough day. I mean a really tough day. The kind of day where, as someone with a nearly life-long history of mental illness, I wasn’t sure if I could go on. I was on my way out of work when my cell phone rang. It was my mom, and she had met someone at the store in their little town who recognized her by her voice - the voice that sounds just like my grandma’s voice did years ago. This woman had a piece of paper with lyrics from an old hymn written on it by my grandpa nearly 30 years earlier.

He gave it to this woman because she was struggling with mental illness; he gave it to her because they were words that he clung to. And she still had it.

My mom told me she had to call me and read the words to me, too; perhaps I needed them on that day. She read me the lyrics, and I wept. I wept knowing that somehow, in some way, I was seen.

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase; To added affliction He addeth his mercy, To multiplied trials His multiplied peace His love has no limit, His grace has no measure His power has no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth and giveth and giveth again.

- From the hymn “He Giveth More Grace” by Anne Johnson Flint

My journey with mental illness started way before me.

Whether it is nature or nuture (or both) can be debated, but in our family it is something that clusters. My grandpa struggled with severe depression and anxiety for at least the second half of his long life. My grandma used to tell me that she would go off to work and be unsure if she would come home and find him alive or not. My grandpa was a man of great faith. And he is my hero.

I’ve struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember.

In my mid-20s it got bad enough that I went to the medical clinic at my graduate school and begged for help. They put me on medication for depression and anxiety, and it changed my life. Now, in my mid-40s, I can look back at a pretty bumpy road when it comes to my mental health. Early on, I tried going off of medication, and that was a nightmare. For me, medicine keeps me out of the fetal position and puts me in a place where I can actually go to the Lord in prayer and trust what his word says. As Glennon Doyle says, “Jesus loves me this I know, for he created Lexapro.” Let’s be real. Sometimes the best way to treat mental illness is through medication, and that doesn’t make one any less faithful in their walk with God. I used to think that being so much like my grandpa was a negative thing, that I was weak. It wasn’t until just this past year that my perspective started to change. This summer I

went through a medicine change that really brought me down.

It brought me down so low that I called my HR department at work and requested short-term disability for depression and anxiety. It took six weeks to get my new depression medicine figured out, and it was a really rough patch. During that period of darkness, I started to see my grandpa in a new light. He wasn’t weak; he didn’t lack faith; he was BRAVE. He fought the good fight and kept going in this life, even when things seemed hopeless. He was brave; I am brave; and you are brave, too.

Whatever you are going through - anxiety, depression, or other - I really do think you are brave. I think this because I’ve been there, and getting through the low spots to a more stable place takes a lot of courage. It is not an easy road, but you are not alone! (In fact, you can reach out to me if you need someone to talk to - heidilindh@yahoo.com) So these words from the hymn above are what I give to you too. Frame them, write them on a notecard, or tape them to your kitchen cabinet. Look to them as words of hope if you are feeling despair. Living with mental illness is so very hard.

But God goes before you, and God will see you through.

We may be lonely, but we are never alone; God is always with us.

welcome to the caring team!

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ho is the Caring Team at FUMCR? We are ALL the Caring Team!

“We” includes FUMCR staff, our members, our guests, our worshipers in person and online - anyone who is part of our FUMCR family. Throughout 2022 “We are all the Caring Team” was a consistent message to our staff, and we want all of you to feel part of the team, too.

If you had asked me 10 years ago what I would be doing in January 2023, working at my church would not have been part of my answer. My kids were eight and five at the time, and I was focused on them. I already knew 2023 would be a milestone year with my oldest child’s high school graduation, so I probably would have said, “Hopefully I’ll be getting my son ready to graduate and sending him to Texas A&M.” Thankfully, that is a reality, but I never would have answered, “I’ll be working at FUMCR in Caring Ministry.” We just never know where God may lead us and what opportunities God may have for us.

Six years ago, almost to the day of my writing this, my father-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He died three months later on March 26, 2017. I had been working at FUMCR for

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about a year and a half helping with LeadershipFirst. During my father-in-law’s illness, I became one of the main caretakers going to doctor appointments; making a binder of “all the things;” caring for my mother-inlaw, sister-in-law, and husband; and taking the lead on planning the funeral after this unexpected and devastating loss in our family. Throughout those three months, there were tears, sadness, and family dysfunction but also some healing of relationships and many, many holy moments experienced and shared. But the most surprising thing of all for me was the call I felt to Caring Ministry upon my return to work. Dr. Scot Bontrager guided me to just sit with that for a while, to sit with the memories of the holy moments and see where they might lead me. In July 2018, a year and a half later, the call was still there. When I shared it with Lynnita Jessen, her response was something like, “Wow, great timing, because Kay

by Karen Varner director, caring ministry

Schafer is retiring, and her last day is in two weeks. Welcome to the Caring Team.” And here I am, an Enneagram 5 (investigator/ thinker/observer), who 10 years ago, would have been described by friends as “someone who doesn’t like to hug,” which I am working on, in a place I never thought I would be but so happy that I put aside my fears and insecurities to take a step into the unknown. The list is long of people who have helped me grow since I entered this place I didn’t feel equipped or worthy to be.

Sometimes we make things more difficult than they need to be. My word of the year for 2022 was Authentic. My word of the year for 2023 is Simplicity. Caring is simple – help people feel loved, valued, and remembered. We can all do this. Welcome to the Caring Team!

If you feel a call or a tug to Caring, I would love to hear from you and help you find your place.

Email me at kvarner@fumcr.com or call at 972.996.0138.

Opportunities for healing are available to all.

Faith & Grief Support Life After Losing a Husband Christian Survivors of Suicide Loss Becoming One Again Divorce Recovery

Information about these groups and more is available at fumcr.com/care

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LEARNING COMMUNITIES Throughout each spring and fall semester, FUMCR plans short-term classes and seminars on a variety of subjects. These groups form by new or developing interests, offer a chance to meet new people in the church and community, and often span several age levels, thus adding to the richness of the experience. We invite you to sign up for one or more and ask a friend to join you!

FAMILY SYSTEMS: CONCEPTS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FAMILY

>> Tuesdays, Feb 7 – 28 11:30am-1:30pm Led by Lisa Hancock

JUST JESUS

>> Tuesdays, Feb 21 – Apr 4 6-7:30pm Led by Dr. Vic Casad

ENNEAGRAM SUBTYPES

KNOW YOUR NEEDS: STRENGTHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

>> Wednesdays, Feb 8 – Mar 15 6:30-8:30pm Led by Lisa Hancock & Dr. Jason Berman

>> Tuesdays, Apr 4 – 25 11:30am-1:30pm Led by Dr. Jason Berman and Lisa Hancock

MEANS OF GRACE

WALK THE LABYRINTH

>> Thursday, Feb 16 7- 8:30pm Led by Dr. Dan Flanagan

>> Saturday, May 6 9am-4pm Celebrate World Labyrinth Day by taking time to experience the spiritual practice of walking a labyrinth.

Complete details and registration links: fumcr.com/learn

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BUILDING STRENGTH, STABILITY AND SELF-RELIANCE...

You’ve most likely heard of Habitat for Humanity, the national organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. Here are some things you may not know: •Habitat for Humanity was started by Millard and Linda Fuller in 1976.

•The first Habitat house was built in San Antonio, TX. •Since 1984, Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter have been the most famous Habitat volunteers through the Carter Work Project.

•In 1987, Baylor University became the first Habitat campus chapter.

•The first Habitat ReStore opened in Austin, TX, in 1992.

•The fastest Habitat house build was completed in Shelby County, AL, in just three and a half hours.

•Each year since 2007, the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is milled into 2x4 and 2x6 beams and used in the building of Habitat houses.

•This year’s Carter Work Project will last 5 days, and hundreds of volunteers, led by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, will build 20 homes in Charlotte, NC. Did you notice the strong Texas connections? Did you know that First United Methodist Church Richardson is a part of Richardson Area Interfaith Habitat?

Richardson Area Interfaith Habitat (RAIH) is a group of 10 churches, including FUMCR, in the Richardson area that works with Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity to help build houses and make home ownership a reality.

The money for the building of these houses comes from the faith organizations involved, from individuals, and from the one fundraiser held each year – the

ONE HOUSE AT A TIME

BY TRACY THOMAS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MISSIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

RAIH Walk-a-thon. This year’s walk will be held on February 25. Find out how you can support those participating in the Walk-a-thon at fumcr.com/walk.

Fun facts about the 2022 build: •This was RAIH’s 44th house to build.

•The homeowner of the 2021 house build, Tracy Forbs, said, “Being part of a community means we all work to make the community a better place to live. I want to be in a community where I can help make a difference.”

Tracy lived out her words by spending several days helping on the 2022 house build.

•Rev. Sarah Marsalis-Luginbill encouraged our young adult group to participate. The experienced builders thought they did a great job, and some of the young adults even returned to help later in the build.

•The Christian Quilters at Bethel Lutheran Church in Dallas make quilts for missions, and they like to help the local community as well. They contacted Ed Murray, the RAIH chair, and offered to make quilts for RAIH’s 2022 family, Victor Recinos and his daughters.

•As the homeowners move into their house at the end of the build, RAIH throws a pantry-filling party to help them get started.

The 2023 build will begin in March. We want you to be a part of it. We need volunteers to make this happen! This is a great project for individuals, families, small groups, and Sunday school classes. Please consider signing up for ONE Saturday this spring to make a BIG difference in the lives of others.

For more information, visit fumcr.com/habitat

finance update

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by Dianne Weideman, Director of Finance

our heart for ministry never ceases to surprise and amaze me. You are truly a blessing! Thanks to your charitable contributions, we fully funded our 2022 budget and generously supported some worthwhile causes, both locally and around the world. Some of those gifts provided:

$34,000 to the Advent Offering for Methodist Children’s Home and Network of Community Ministries $152,000 to International Christmas Market fair-trade goods and non-profit shares $30,000 for totebags for individuals facing homelessness $32,000 to the Lenten Offering for Richardson Area Interfaith Habitat and UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) $16,000 to the People in Need fund $162,000 in estate gifts toward the FUMCR Foundation $26,000 in gifts toward debt principal $68,000 to UMCOR (in addition to the Lenten Offering)

As we begin 2023, I invite you to participate in our Annual Campaign. Having an idea of your anticipated giving for 2023 helps us prepare a realistic budget for the year. The church budget provides for worship, programming for all ages and stages, missions and community engagement, facilities, and staff. If you haven’t already done so, I hope you’ll visit fumcr.com/pledge23 to confidentially share your plans.

I am overwhelmed every day by the generosity of the FUMCR congregation. The collective spirit of giving is remarkable. Thank you for the faith you show in entrusting your giving dollars to the church. It truly is an honor to work for FUMCR and for you!

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Summer is a great time to be with friends, have fun doing something you love, or try something new. Come join us as we play and create, design and experiment, sing and dance, and serve and worship! FUMCR has something for everyone, so mark your calendars now and get ready to register.

June 12-16

June 19-24

June 20-23

Vacation Bible Camp

High School Mission Trip

Children's Science Camp Weekday Kids Summer Fun 1

June 26-29

June 27 - July 1

July 3-7

Children's Art Camp Weekday Kids Summer Fun 2

Junior High Mission Trip

High School Bridgeport Camp (completing 9th-12th grades)

July 17-21

July 24-28

July 30

Music Makers (completing 1st-6th grades)

Children's Bridgeport Camp (completing 3rd-5th grades)

Ohana Luaua

July 31 - Aug 3

Junior High Bridgeport Camp (completing 6th-8th grades)

GO Camp

Children’s camp registrations will open February 1.

Junior high and high school registrations will open in March.

fumcr.com/summer23

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 August 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022.

In memory of...

Suzy Hailstone by Suzy and Tom Rhodes, Carolyn A. Flock Jeff Robinson by Bill and Betty Corbin, Neil and Martha Gehrig, Steve Robinson, Jean von Hoffmann, Tracy Shamblin, Ted and Caren Houston Gene Hunt by Melanie Cottam, June Mohn, Robert and Shirley Arnold, Leigh Matthews Bob Way by Jim and Kay Hibbetts Jim Henderson by Melanie Cottam, Bill Carter, Ty and Shannon Burton, Carole Graham, Jo and Mike Baggett John Mueller by the Apostles Sunday School Class and Betty Bartula Patti Otte’s father, Dr. Hugh McCrary, by Margaret Godfrey Marlen Walker by Ross Walker Cynthia Rutledge by Durward Rutledge Paul Dempsey by John Stewart Bob Cooksey by Ronnie and Ginger Hubbard Jerry and Linda Niuman’s daughter, Jenny, by the Rejoice Circle Ken Presley by Lisa Wyatt, Betty Bartula, Robert and Diana Ramsower, Carla and Joe Byars, Dolores and Mike Spence, Lynn Alfers, David and Becky Twiss, Bruce and Daisy Batman, Jane Paschal, the family of Robin Thurmond, Terry and Sandy Brehm, Robin Kelly, Jan Casner, Sophia Haug, Cathy and Jim Wills, Chip and Jennifer Rawlinson, Bobby and Teresa Cave, Texas Bank and Trust Richardson Branch, Terry and Vicki Sudderth, Rob Poitevent, Linda and Brandon Pitts, George and Jean Sparkman, Dan and Cathy Murphree, Tom Wyatt, Gloria Scott, Susan Aten, Randy and Vickie Montgomery, Dorothy and Ken Cheairs, Holly and James Lee, Bonnie Perry, Mark and Carol Moran, Vaughn and Janet Dubose, Bonnie Edwards, Ted and Janet Thompson, Rick and Melissa Tucker, Jim and Kim Watson

In honor of...

Jerry Zimmerman by Bonnie Edwards Joan Huddleston by Betty Bartula Barbara and Barb Pitcock by Mary Anne Hardison David and Alisa Mount by David and Rhonda Raines Mary Lightfoot by John and Sarah Hutchison Joy Anderson by Frank and Donna Clem Pam Shamblin by Susan McAlister

Jeanne Brewer by June Mohn, Sallie and Nowell Loop, Dorothy and Ken Cheairs, Holly and James Lee, Chip and Jennifer Rawlinson Pat Hatinger’s son, Kurt, by Carolyn Jones, Gaye Choate, Karen Hines, Nancy Emanuel, Kathy Price, Marilyn and Mike Burgess, Mary Lou Waddell Coughlin Bill Jacob by June Mohn Eddie Wirt by Debbie Wirt and Stephen Obenshain Paul Braziller by Beth Braziller George Campbell by Jerry and Mary Andrlik, Ron and Susan Whitley, Nancy Doxey, Fred and Marie Reed, Julie, Loralei and Koen Wolken, Shane and Debby Stout, Jake and Alice Lickteig, Ken and Marilyn New, Dottie Lickteig Rob Sedwick by Cindy and James Harrington Frankie Houchin by Dolores and Mike Spence, Bonnie Edwards, Sarah and John Hutchison Chuck Petri by Chip and Jennifer Rawlinson, Bonnie Edwards, Jerry and Susie Haralsom Bev Schmer by Bonnie Edwards Joe Musgrove by Bonnie Edwards Bill Connell by Jean von Hoffmann Virginia Howard by the Joyful Questers Sunday School Class, Betty Self, Bonnie Edwards Gerald Landfair by Betty Self Kay Wunderlich by June Mohn, Kate and Lee Wilson, Heather Cooley Robert Yaksick by Bob and Mary Ann Kemmerer Stephen Broussard’s step-father, Errol Veno, by Katie and Stephen Broussard Richard and Joan Shaw by Nancy Shaw and Michael Olvera

Don and Valerie Tarrant by Carolyn Jones Carolyn Dale by the Douet-Wannamaker family Jim and Anne Makins by Scott Makins Ted and Janet Thompson by Teddy, Michelle, Michael, and Meagan Carolyn and John Wiley by the Wheeler Family Dolores and Mike Spence by Amy Spence

Any time is a good time to visit a Sunday school class and see what it’s all about! On February 5, we’ll have a special focus on visiting classes for those not already connected to a class. Children, youth, and adults, alike, benefit from being in an on-going group that grows together in understanding of the Christian faith and serving others in the context of a supportive fellowship.

I SUNDAY

SCHOOL

Kids (of all ages!), cut out this heart or one of your own, and write your first name and age on it. Bring it to church and add it to our display anytime in February. FUMCR loves YOU! WINTER 2023

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PERIODICALS

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

JOIN US THIS EASTER SEASON FEBRUARY 22 - APRIL 9 FUMCR.COM/LENT