Summer 2021 First Connections

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

A Rich History From the FUMCR TV station in the 1970s to online ministry today, our mission remains the same.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH RICHARDSON SUMMER 2021 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2

join us for worship!

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

in-person worship

Sundays, 9:45am & 11:00am sanctuary

Senior Pastor Dr. Clayton Oliphint

online worship

Sundays, 9:45am

fumcr.com/live and Facebook

Director of Communications Kristen Ceaser

Sundays, 11:00am fumcr.com/live

on demand anytime

Managing Editor Tracy Thomas

youtube.com/fumcr

DAYBREAK Bring your lawn chair(s) and join us for a casual service that’s perfect for those who want to phase back into the in-person Sunday morning routine. The community is here, and the playground will be open for the kids after the service.

sundays 8am outdoors on the west lawn SUMMER 2021

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Graphic Designer Kyle Henson Communications Team Kevin Burns Francy Collins Leslie Kring Contributors Frances Long Nathan Gray Suzie Lyons Sophie Lawrence Melinda Bogoslavsky Samantha Rindfuss Marsha Mayo NealeyClare Wheat Charles Peavy Ave Fooshee Dawn Parten Audrey O’Malley Pam Hughes Sam Mendenhall First Connections (USPS 022-024) is published six 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

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uring the pandemic Lori and I engaged in a new form of entertainment for us - bingeing television shows - watching multiple episodes in a short time period on Netflix or Disney+ or another streaming service. Watching shows like The Crown, Downton Abbey, and Parks and Rec has been entertaining especially when we couldn’t go out to movies.

We’re inviting our congregation to do some bingeing this summer - specifically the Psalms in the Bible. We’ll kick off the summer with the series Bingeing the Psalms, and we

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have a special opportunity at the beginning and the end of the series to hear from Biblical scholar John Holbert. It should be a great series, and we hope you’ll invite some friends to binge the Psalms with you.

The fog is slowly lifting on this pandemic that has challenged all of us for the last 15 months. It has been frustrating for everyone, tragic for some, inconvenient for all, and wearisome for many. In our recent State of the Church address, I shared how diligently our staff is working to begin phasing in ministry programs, classes, and events.

The newest CDC guidelines have jumpstarted our time table in some areas, and as always we are prioritizing the health and safety of all of our members while moving forward.

In this edition of First Connections, you will read about our celebration of 135 years as a

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church as well as the story of one, Joy Anderson, who has been a part of almost 40 of those years as a staff member. We also celebrate the milestone of young people graduating. It’s been challenging to have a senior year engulfed in a pandemic, but these seniors have been amazingly resilient and have great futures in front of them.

It’s going to be a great summer of ministry at FUMCR, and we hope you will stay involved. In or out of town, you can stay connected through in-person and online worship. Watch for the return of the gratitoads (little green frogs we used several years ago to remind us to be grateful in all circumstances).

Thank you for your faithfulness and strength as a congregation.

In Christ,

Clayton Oliphint senior pastor

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ministry of memory

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limbing up the ladder into the attic at our Belt Line campus, looking for a specific box amongst all the boxes and the dust and cobwebs, there it was! Just a regular cardboard box with "First Methodist Church Archives and History” written on it held treasures saved by our first church historian, Mrs. John Rowland.

Back in the office I carefully started going through the contents with a few others who were eager to glimpse a bit of history. We found a time capsule – items preserved from the 1924 cornerstone of the red brick church that had been at the corner of Polk and Greenville: >> The original 1886 register of the pastor, Thomas Jefferson Milam, with members’ names written in their own hand; >> A list of the charter members with Sarah Wise Greer as the first name; >> Post cards, pictures, Sunday school materials; >> A serving spoon with the name Shakelford on its handle, probably used at a potluck meal sometime; and >> A Bible signed by Rev. E. B. Jackson.

This was the beginning of a journey for me, begun with that research to honor our 90th anniversary, that continues to this day as I walk through the church, seeing and hearing and preserving the stories attached to artifacts, both old and new.

by Frances Long

Church Archivist/Historian

Look closely at the cross in the Shawver Welcome Center. It was moved here from the sanctuary of the Belt Line campus. On it is carved, “Father... forgive them.” Why? That is the way Rev. Middlebrooks wrote the note to the contractor, thinking it would be understood to carve the complete verse on the cross. It was not understood. When the contractor realized the mistake, he offered to correct it, but Brother Bob, as he was known, said no, maybe people will think about it and talk about it.

Another cross made the move from Belt Line to Central Expressway.

The cross in our columbarium, a place of peace and beauty, was atop the steeple on Belt Line. The day it was taken down I made arrangements to watch, expecting drama and hard work. Instead, in a matter of minutes, a builder was up, detached it, and with one arm lifted it above his head!

We clapped and cheered. It is very light weight, made so it could turn with the wind and watch over the congregation from 1958-2006. This cross was carried to the new location and continues to watch over the saints of our church.

For 135 years, the outreach and caring ministries of this church have been built on the strengths of the lay leadership.

Where there is a need, it is met. Stephen Ministry, SPAN, and various support groups grew out of these needs. The television ministry began in a house across the street from the church.

Interviews, church news videos, seminars, and tapings of special events were all produced in our full studio. Friendships that formed through service and study are evidenced in groups such as the Pathfinders’ Texas Reelers square dance club formed in the 1960s as well as bowling teams, baseball teams, softball teams, and basketball teams over the years. In interviewing previous pastors for that 90th anniversary, they all said First Richardson had the strongest and best lay leadership they had ever worked with. Many lifetimes of caring and serving are the foundation of FUMCR. My joy in the history is the people. Those who shared their stories gave me a gift when they revealed their faith journeys or words of wisdom. My faith grows with every story I hear. The Ministry of Memory is more than shuffling paper and cataloging mementos; it is holding the stories of people of faith through their celebrations and despairs, their laughter and their tears.

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What former pastor Dr. John Ogden said many years ago still holds true: "We are not yet finished, nor are we prepared to write the final chapter in the life of this dynamic church. We thank God for bringing us this far and we ask for his wisdom and guidance into the future."

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100book0celebration! funds On Easter Sunday, we challenged our congregation to help us raise so every student at our partner schools, Mark Twain Elementary and over Greenwood Hills Elementary, would have their own book to take home two the summer. Thanks to your generosity, students went home with for books each, and we made a sizeable donation to the literacy initiatives the 2021-2022 school year. Your gifts made a difference!

mentary students at Mark Twain Ele ntary me Ele ls Hil ood enw and Gre

Children First School Year Opportunities

during Because of the educational challenges many of these students faced be the pandemic, we are expecting the needs for volunteers in the fall to rting even greater. Opportunities range from reading with children, suppo the teachers in classroom activities such as making folders or copies, or teachers general work Children First Ministry does in helping students or through PTA activities. Visit fumcr.com/childrenfirst for more info!

behind the... ben chamness is behind the camera filming videos for Sunday worship and special projects, such as Dessert Theater and VBC

tyler payne is behind the audio equipment

mixing sound for online services and Sunday Sanctuary services

shandon klein is behind the keyboard

answering questions and welcoming guests to Facebook Live

kyle henson is behind the screen

editing worship video and audio for a seamless Sunday morning online worship experience

kevin burns is behind the lens

capturing events and special moments at FUMCR

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JOY celebrating

by Suzie Lyons

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lmost forty years ago I met Rev. Joy Anderson when she came to FUMCR. We began working together in elementary Sunday school education and mission programs. We have become dear friends, even more like sisters, during the many hours spent together in those early days, dreaming up new ways to gain the congregation’s interest and support for all kinds of activities.

Joy’s life here has always been a whirlwind of activities and meetings. Sunday mornings may find her in worship in the sanctuary, teaching a Sunday

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school class or providing a listening ear to a troubled soul. Sunday afternoons she may be at St. Paul’s UMC in downtown Dallas feeding homeless individuals.Weekdays are filled with arranging events and trips, visiting ill or grieving church members, and assisting and listening to folks who walk into the church seeking help and care. Many evenings she is found at meetings encouraging volunteers to expand existing programs and envision new ways to serve community and world needs. How Joy has maintained her energy and enthusiasm for

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putting her faith into action is nothing short of a miracle.

A community educator and an activist for social justice and harmony among diverse cultures and personalities, Joy has sponsored educational opportunities with other faith and ethnic groups in Richardson and beyond, providing opportunities for church members to meet and grow in understanding and acceptance of others. More than 70 individuals from other countries, seeking safety and hope, have been resettled in our area by Joy and her volunteers.

She has consistently been the

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A LIFE OF MINISTRY 1970

1975

1981

1982

1987

2021

Graduated from Perkins School of Theology, Youth Director at Spring Valley UMC

Program Coordinator at Garland UMC

Director of Christian Education at Lake Highlands UMC

Missions and Elementary Education at FUMCR

Director of Outreach and Missions at FUMCR

Retirement from full-time ministry!

face of security, knowledge, and love which has helped these refugees become self-sufficient and confident in their new lives.

Some have even become her adopted family!

Joy doesn’t just talk about missions; Joy has always been IN mission. You won’t find her sitting down directing workers on any project; she may swing a hammer, set up displays, cook a meal, all the while be anticipating what else needs to be done. We who have worked with her know that she expects quality as well as

quantity of work. Joy is not just a one-dimensional, narrow minded saint – she is a warm, loving teacher, counselor, and friend who shows others the “Joy” of serving.

Her example has encouraged many people to use their talents in Richardson and in places around the world to build or restore hope one person, one house, or one church at a time.

I could write for a week about Joy’s faith, her character, her accomplishments, and her

friendship. I could recount numerous stories about the changes she has influenced in so many lives (none of which you’d ever hear from her). Even with all the time and effort it would take, I couldn’t begin to do justice to her time at FUMCR. I have been places I never thought I’d go, done things I never thought I’d do, and I've seen God in the unexpected. Congratulations, Rev. Joy Anderson! There’s no one like you!

Rev. Joy Anderson is retiring from full-time ministry at the end of the year. The impact she has had on FUMCR cannot be overstated.

She embodies the phrase "Love Served Here" in every way.

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FUMCR.COM/PSALMS

This summer, instead of binge-watching your favorite shows on any streaming service, we invite you to join us in the challenge to binge-read the Psalms. With 150 "episodes" (chapters) available, ranging in content from drama to reality to music to documentary, don't be surprised if you find yourself thinking, "I can't wait to see what happens next!" This church-wide challenge will include study guides for binge-reading and sharing with others.

Visit the website to see the trailer!

DR. JOHN HOLBERT

Dr. John Holbert, former professor of Old Testament at Perkins School of Theology, will present two lectures on the Psalms to bookend our series, moderated by Dr. Clayton Oliphint and Dr. Josh Fitzpatrick.

THE PSALMS: all the thoughts that faith can bear, and some it hardly can

Mon, June 7, 7:00pm // via Zoom A look at representative psalms from the entire collection in order to examine the amazing variety of faithful thought that the Psalms encompass.

SOME PECULIAR PSALMS AND POSSIBLE REASONS WHY THEY WERE INCLUDED IN THE COLLECTION

Mon, July 19, 7:00pm // via Zoom A close examination of examples of lament psalms and psalms that might be called “off-beat,” poems that do not easily fit into any category, yet played significant roles in the faith life of ancient Israel.

daily readings Daily readings, background, and questions for reflection covering all 150 psalms.

a healing hand

stephen ministry at fumcr

I remember seeing the pamphlet about Stephen Ministry in the back of the pews and thinking someday, when I am retired and the kids have left the house, I can see myself joining this ministry. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I would need care a few years later and move into this role much sooner than expected.

In 2016 I found myself in the disturbing and hurtful realization that I was headed for divorce. My children were 8 and 13 and were engaged in preschool and summer programs/ VBC. I was serving as a lay ministry volunteer helping to coordinate the nursing home visitation team. Given this close association with the church and being very open with some of my church contacts, I was asked if I would like to have a Stephen Minister. I readily agreed. My Stephen Minister and I met weekly to have a cup of coffee, talk, laugh, cry, and pray. My Stephen Minister gave me the space to talk and the permission to grieve. Her coaching presence enabled me to move forward and become a creator for my life and leave my victim mindset.

She helped me focus on the future, which is what I needed at that time. And since I have no immediate family members close, I was grateful for the Christian connection and words of encouragement, sometimes words from her heart, a quote, or scripture. This quote by Rita Zahara reminds me of my Stephen Minister’s gift of encouragement: “One of the greatest things you can do to help others is not just to share and give

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what you have, but to help them discover what they have within themselves to help themselves.”

I joined Stephen Ministry with hopes of helping others just like my Stephen Minister did for me, but I specifically had women in mind that I might encourage through divorce. The application process for Stephen Ministry asks what life events might allow you to relate to those in need. I answered this reflective question by telling the story of my father, a WWII medic in the Air Force. During my childhood my mother and I dealt with my dad’s unpredictable nature of angry and anxious episodes. We later learned his PTSD was probably a catalyst for an onset of bipolar disorder. I also wrote about the heartbreaking journey of watching my mother fade away with dementia and ultimately die from the disease. You never know how your life’s journey will allow you to connect and empathize with someone and their situation.

My walk during training and getting to know our group of Stephen Ministers has been a wonderful experience of learning and fellowship. I appreciate the care and support that those in the program have shown me and the care we provide for each other. I am glad that I decided to join this ministry, and I am proud to be a Christian companion and feel privileged to be in this position to be present for others weathering difficult times.

- melinda bogoslavsky

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I recently lost my husband. While he had had some medical issues, his passing was sudden and unexpected. After almost 30 years of marriage to a man I started dating when I was 18, the loss just days before our wedding anniversary was shocking and devastating. In addition, I have two college-aged children who were suddenly without a father, just days after moving into their college apartments.

Clayton and Josh were extremely supportive and available to answer my questions, but I felt that I would need ongoing, weekly support as I navigated this new chapter of life. Knowing a little about the role of a Stephen Minister, I asked about the possibility of having one for myself.

I knew that this person's role would be one of support and

encouragement. What I didn't know or realize at the time, was that this person would become more than just another person to listen to my struggles. I've been blessed to have several friends and family circle around me and offer support, but my Stephen Minister is different. She's an objective, nonjudgmental third party who earnestly seeks me out and wants to listen to me and my raw feelings. She hears me, validates my feelings, and has become a dear friend.

I never thought I'd lose my husband so early. I never thought that I'd want or need a Stephen Minister. I never thought that a Stephen Minister would become a friend.

I've learned that through things that I never thought would happen, God’s loving presence can be revealed.

Blessed and broken is how I describe my grief journey after the devastating loss of my sister. Never had I felt such unfathomable pain. In my desperate search to understand why God would allow such heartache, I attended a grief workshop led by Stephen Ministers. I sat with tears streaming down my face as a woman much younger than I, with limited life experience, led our small group. She lovingly, patiently, and compassionately walked us through a series of questions and listened as I tried to reconcile the agonizing pain I was feeling, while simultaneously experiencing the awkward peace of the Holy Spirit. It’s hard to comprehend the depths of grief and love, but that Stephen Minister was on the front lines helping me do just that.

I believe God planted the seed for me to become a Stephen Minister at that very moment, but it took me 16 years to get here. I was in a transitional phase of life and praying for God to use me, particularly in service at FUMCR. I was approached

by a church friend with whom I serve in another ministry to consider becoming a Stephen Minister. I immediately said yes.

Surprised by my quick response, she asked me to pray about it, but that wasn’t necessary. I knew instantly this was the answer to my prayer.

I have had the privilege of serving as a Stephen Minister for several months. I still do not have answers for many of the questions about grief and suffering. What I do know is that I have grown to love God in an intimate way through my suffering. I cried out to God, and he saved me. I remind myself of this on the days when I find it hard to believe or try to do things in my own strength. I serve out of love and gratitude for the God who saves me over and over again.

Whatever door you open, I will walk through. That was the promise I made to God after my husband died in 2014.

That promise led me back to church, to FUMCR, to a grief group, and to Stephen Ministry. Now I have the honor of being on our Stephen Ministry Leadership Team. I completed my leadership training in March 2021 with my good friend and Stephen Minister sidekick, Charles Peavy, and about 20 other Stephen Ministers and clergy from all over the US. I am passionate about Stephen Ministry and the holy responsibility of caring for hurting people. As part of the training team for 2021, I look forward to meeting, leading, and encouraging those interested in this ministry when our new training class starts in September. Fulfilling our calling as Christians to care for one another is the heart of Stephen Ministry. Maybe you will join us?

During a challenging time in my life, I turned to FUMCR and requested a Stephen Minister. My Stephen Minister walked with me through that time and was most supportive and helpful. Two years later when I was asked to consider becoming a Stephen Minister, I answered the call in an effort to help bring God’s healing to those in need. After serving as a Stephen Ministry small group facilitator for four years, I was asked to be a part of the Stephen Ministry Leadership Team.

In order to help FUMCR continue to provide high-quality, distinctively Christian care in one-to-one relationships with hurting people, I am honored to serve on this team. Everyone has had particularly stressful times recently, and our Christcentered team is here to listen, care, and walk with anyone wishing to have a Stephen Minister.

- anonymous care receiver

“I cry out to God Most High… God sends forth His love and His faithfulness.” Psalm 57:2-3 Thanks be to God.

- dawn parten

- charles peavy

- marsha mayo

If you or someone you know would benefit from having an extra pair of ears to listen confidentially and someone with whom to pray, or if you feel God is calling you to become a Stephen Minister, please reach out to Karen Varner at kvarner@fumcr.com or 972.996.0138

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a summer of hope and gratitude A few weeks before Easter, when it was clear we would not be able to hold our overflowing Easter services indoors, one of our staff members came up with a plan to raise morale. The HOPE t-shirts were born! These were gifted to our staff and worn for many events during Holy Week and on Easter. The number of people who asked where they could buy this shirt was overwhelming. So we are now offering them to the entire congregation.

HOPE SHIRTS

GRATITOADS Several years ago FUMCR embarked on a Year of Gratitude. During that summer many members and guests took “gratitoads” on their adventures as a reminder of our thankfulness in both the big and small. We know this summer may continue to look different for many, but we also know that God continues to be in both the big and small things.

What better time for our “gratitoads" to make an encore appearance!

We invite you to take a “gratitoad” with you this summer… whether your adventures take you to a local park, another state to visit family, or even reading the Psalms in your own back yard.

Gratitoads and Hope shirts available beginning June 13. fumcr.com/toadsandtshirts

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council corner

by Pam Hughes

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any of us are beginning to face the harsh reality - after 15 months in sweatpants and slippers, our offices are reopening and we’re expected to return in ties, heels, or at least “real pants.” Our FUMCR pastors and staff are navigating office re-entry too, while also weighing the concerns and considerations that come with reopening a 6,000-congregant church.

At a recent State of the Church address, Pastor Clayton shared how thoughtfully and intentionally our staff is working to phase in the many events, programs, and classes that abruptly stopped just over a year ago. (And I’ve since seen the staff gracefully update nearly every last line of those plans, as the CDC issues new guidance based on their updated data.) I know everyone’s health and safety is at the forefront of their minds, and I’d encourage us all to reach out to a staff member (or two) with a simple show of gratitude.

>> Pray for them.

The Hughes Family

We know that God works through his people’s prayers, so let’s lift up the church staff as they lead through this time of rapid change.

>> Share a kind word.

An email, text, or snail mail can go a long way in sharing gratitude. Remember, there’s no wrong way to write your “thanks” - and no one grading your efforts!

>> Share a (fully-vaccinated) hug. >> Volunteer to help.

The time is fast approaching when we’ll be rejoicing together again, and those long-awaited hugs will go so far to say “thank you!”

Restarting the church’s many programs will require volunteers as well as staff.

Volunteering to teach Sunday school, sing in the choir, or serve through a ministry team is a great hands-on way to show our gratitude and support for their efforts to bring us back to “normal.”

I hope you’ll join me in showering our church staff with gratitude and encouragement during this season.

Our words and shows of support could mean so much during this transition.

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On May 22 we celebrated our seniors with a luncheon and scholarship presentation. Over $46,000 was awarded to this class. We send our prayers and support with these students as they continue their journeys.

One of my favorite scriptures is Micah 6:8, 'And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.' This scripture summarizes my goals as a member of FUMCR and the larger community. My experiences at FUMCR help me as I seek to embody this scripture by looking for a piece of God in others and in all that I do. Our church is a very accepting place and I love that FUMCR encourages honest doubt as we grow spiritually."

- Ave Fooshee

Being a part of a church that encourages me to ask questions while continuing to support me has felt incredible. I have learned at FUMCR that moral responsibility, how we interact with one another, and religious teachings can and should be questioned even if there may not always be answers. The youth group in particular has been a huge support throughout my teenage years. I will be forever thankful to this church for introducing me to God’s love and his miracles on earth.

- NealeyClare Wheat

I am filled with gratitude that my family decided to make the Methodist church, and FUMCR, their heart’s home. Looking back on that legacy of faith, particularly on the strong United Methodist women who came before me, gives me confidence that as I take my next steps, there will always be a faith family by my side.

When discussing with my mom about my ideas and intentions of finding a church in college and post-college, I was struck by just how high the bar has been set. I can’t imagine that the sense of community and belonging provided by the student ministries can easily be replicated, and I know that finding another place that feels as much like home as FUMCR does will not be an easy feat.

- Sophie Lawrence

I changed churches to FUMCR before starting 6th grade, just in time to start confirmation. I only knew one or two other kids here, but that changed quickly as everyone was so open and accepting of me.

I am still close to friends I’ve made over the years through Sunday school, The Journey Youth Choir, and youth group. Going on mission trips and choir tours were nothing but fun and helped to strengthen relationships with friends and with God. I love the environment at FUMCR, and I’m so glad I’ve spent the last 7 years here.

- Nathan Gray

What is the most beautiful thing in the world to you? What can’t you live without? For me, the answer is music. My mother tells me that I sang before I could talk, communicating with various volumes of humming to indicate that I wanted something. Music is a part of who I am. The church has contributed greatly to my musicality, and in turn, music has connected me to my spirituality. The first choir I ever joined was a church choir, and I’ve been participating in sacred music since then. My future goal is to spread the love of God through my music by creating songs that make people feel seen, welcomed, and accepted.

- Samantha Rindfuss

Science was an early passion of mine, and while I’m still not sure exactly what I want to do, I know that I want to compassionately help others through the power of science. My passion for science would be just a fruitless hobby if it weren’t for the wonderful people in my life that taught me how to show empathy and compassion: namely the ministers and pastors at my church. My favorite part of my church experience has by far been Bible study on Wednesday nights. Diving deeper into classic bible stories like Jonah or learning about important figures such as Ruth was incredibly interesting and strengthened my relationship with God. Although what I got most from Bible study was a quote that closed every session: “No matter what you do or where you go, there is nothing that can get between you and God.”

- Sam Mendenhall

Out of all of my activities in the church, The Journey Youth Choir has a special place in my heart. I would call the youth choir “my place” in the church. There was never a moment when I doubted the support of everyone around me. I was singing with my best friends.

This choir has given me so much more than music, and I am thankful for its role in giving me a chance to grow, learn, help others, and be myself. What began as an excuse to be on stage and sing and act evolved into a band of my best friends going through life together with God on our side. Far more important than any physics equation I will ever learn is the compassion, dedication, resilience, and love that I have learned from FUMCR.

- Audrey O'Malley

save the dates ukulele choir

youth choir

Summer Strummin’ June 23 and July 21

Fall Kickoff Retreat Sept. 11, 10am-2pm Games, food, and music

Fall Kickoff August 25

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childrens choirs Fall Kickoff September 12

more details at fumcr.com/choirs

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Memorial and honorary gifts are a special way to celebrate a life, birthday, anniversary, special occasion, or just to say thank you. Below are the gifts given as of May 19, 2021.

In memory of...

Richard Fleming by Sarah Nowlin Douthitt, Carolyn Vanaman, Rick and Jeri Chambers, Dick and Jolynne Harvey, Jeff and Gaylynn Cottongame, Betty Sue Hall, Wade and Wanda Thunhorst, Ted and Janet Thompson, Lois Ann Comer, Jim and Marilyn Schwartz, Pat Hatinger, Mark and Cinde Manoel, Mark and Joi Fortney, Mark and Janis Reid, Bonnie Edwards, John and Vickie Housouer, Carolyn and Larry Lesh Mark Johnston by Ruth Anne Osenberg, David and Evelyn Nordeen, Joe Peplow, Robert and Kathleen Frederick, David and Carol Keneway, Ruth Grover and Nancy Hill, Betty Nickell, Bonnie Edwards, Missy and Tim Griffy, Stacey and Melinda Lawrence, Rick and Tracy Shamblin, The Feds Soccer Team, Ramona Kelly, Ian and Kristen Brown, Sylvia Deadwyler, Ken and Dorothy Cheairs, Chris and Buddy Ristow, Doug and Shannon Buncher, Robert and Diana Ramsower, Bill and Betty Corbin, Betty Self, Jennifer and Chip Rawlinson, Margie Franks, Karen Jonaitis, Virginia McMillion, Carolyn and Larry Lesh, Drew and Judith Mohr, Susie McCoy, Carolyn Jones, Sandra Hill, Hugh Johnson Joy Turner’s sister by Margaret Jessen Linda Farrington by Max and Sally Tanner Ann Whitten by Betty Self, Debbie Hoff, Pat Hatinger Dick Mussett by Paul and Kathy Nauschutz Martha Smith by Betty Self, Shannon Littlejohn, Ian Ramseth, Noah Smith Ron Long by Robert and Diana Ramsower, Bill and Betty Corbin, Dick and Jolynne Harvey Sherry Calvert by Bonnie Edwards, Sylvia Deadwyler, Stacey and Melinda Lawrence, Jerry and Jane Smith, Celeste Hamaker, John and Kay Loucks, Sales Solve Everything, Seb and Bonnie Borrello Kay Schafer by Gail Cash, Gloria Scott, Cinde and Mark Manoel Dave Lammers by Marsha Zapp Ammons, Mr. and Mrs. Moran Mildred McClenny by Sallie and Nowell Loop Dan Hoag’s father by Carolyn Jones Ted and Caren Houston’s son-in-law by Bill and Betty Corbin, Dick and Jolynne Harvey Jerry Dwight by Gloria Scott Carol Harris by Walter and Jean Wharton Gene Gleim by Frank and Della Miller Diane Doud by Bonnie Edwards

In honor of...

Rosanna Whitfield’s 100th birthday by Bonnie Edwards, the Koinonia Circle Bobby Cave by the Silber Family Jim Schwartz, Paul McNutt and Paul Vance by Patty Burris

Howard Kennedy by Bonnie Edwards SUMMERBarbara 2021 Silber by Bobby and Teresa Cave, Carolyn Dale

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PERIODICALS

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

JULY 2021

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

$10 BUYS ONE

BACKPACK

SPONSORED BY UMW, BENEFITING NETWORK, SPAN FAMILIES, AND OUR RISD PARTNER SCHOOLS. FUMCR.COM/BACKPACK