With Gratitude

There probably aren’t many square feet of the FUMCR campus that Mike and Steve haven’t touched. In the 10 years I have been on staff, I’ve seen them put new roofing and flooring on the First Center building, paint the entire upstairs of the education building, patch walls, install chair rails, build sign displays, construct COVID shields, and complete many other odd jobs. Any ask, whether WITH GRATITUDEFOR STEVE HEALY AND MIKE PROCH a big dream like our new studio or a simple shelf repair, is accepted with a smile and a plan. When I first floated the idea of turning the former choir rehearsal room into a multi-scene video suite, the wheels immediately started turning and the pencil came out. Mike and Steve are both very involved in both Richardson Area and Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, building houses, working in the wall shop, even building corporate-sponsored playhouses to raise funds for the charity. Secretly, I think they discuss our FUMCR projects on the lunch breaks at Habitat, because I had full drawings of the studio and a material list on my desk a week later. And to actually challenge them this time, we asked them to build us a green screen, which to be effective can’t have any corners that would produce shadows. How do you make a three-sided corner, without a corner? I still don’t know, you’ll have to ask Mike and Steve. Both tremendous craftsmen and true servants, I have been extremely blessed to be able to work, learn, and laugh alongside them throughout the past 10 years.

DREW PRESLEY

Have you ever noticed how some people will hear your vision and tell you that it’s impossible, while others will take on that vision and make it a reality? Whenever I see something that needs to be done in the music program, my first call is always to problem solvers and visionaries, Mike Proch and Steve Healy. It amazes me how quickly we go from vision to reality. Their most recent projects include the beautiful rails along the front of our sanctuary choir loft, center rails in Fleming Rehearsal Hall, including Mike’s handcrafted wooden treble clef, and, of course, the beautiful, rustic stable for our Live Nativity in 2020. We are blessed beyond measure to have Mike and Steve working alongside our staff on so many projects. They take all of our dreams and visions and make them happen. We can’t say thank you enough.

MIKE LIGHTFOOT

Steve and Mike are amazing, both in their talent and in their willingness to be so generous to the church with their time. They have such a “can-do” attitude in the projects they approach, whether it’s new rails in the choir loft, a green screen and all the work they have done in the studio, or painting the walls to keep the church looking good. Besides all they do for the church, they are both active participants in Habitat for Humanity. They are the epitome of servant leadership.

serving people with Christ

by Rev. Pavielle Jenkins Pastor of Missions and Community Engagement

Our church has so much to celebrate when it comes to members serving in our community! I honestly could fill this magazine with stories highlighting the many ways members are living out our mission to serve people with Christ in Richardson and beyond. While I don’t have space to write about everyone, I do want to share about a handful of individuals putting their faith into action.

Robin Kelly and a team comprised of Glenda Hanks, Sharon Odell, Gayle Ingle, and Christine Reavis plan, prepare, and serve a meal once a month to senior adults at the Network Senior Day. The Thursday gathering is open to all senior adults in the community and provides a place to socialize, play games, eat a meal, exercise, do art, and more.

Robin not only thoughtfully plans a warm, delicious home cooked meal complete with dessert, but she goes above and beyond by hand crafting themed centerpieces and favors. Robin and her team share the love and compassion of Jesus through their cooking, first class service, and presence each month. David Blanchard and Shirley Sadowski also serve as hosts who guide and care for the seniors in attendance each week. There are also numerous church members who serve in other roles at Network. When you stop by the reception desk, a familiar face you will find is Carol Nance, who sometimes leaves from behind the desk to distribute food in the Network mobile food pantry at Mark Twain Elementary. If you head over to the food pantry or stop by the clothes closet, you will likely see many church members, including Jane Aitchison sorting and organizing food and clothes for clients to shop. Network served over 67,000 individuals and delivered more than 236,000 units of service last year. Network’s ability to serve so many people in need is only possible because of the volume of regular volunteers from FUMCR.

Lisa and Robert Grinsfelder are long time members of Children First and are currently chairs of the committee, which includes Donna Bailey, Tim Griffy, Debbie Smelko, Kim Caston, Joan Neher, Cathy Phillips, Brandi Rucker, and Mary Ellen Szuwalski. This group’s passion for education and underserved children in our community is evident in their weekly presence at our partner schools serving in whatever capacity is needed at the time, as well as the work they put into providing books for students to take home at the end of each semester. It is also apparent in the way that they have walked side by side with staff from Richardson ISD to make the pilot of We Read Together such a success. Eighty students were impacted by We Read Together this spring. These students lit up with joy each week as their volunteers arrived and were grateful to have the attention and presence of another adult who was invested in them and their education.

I celebrate our congregation for sharing the love and compassion of Jesus through service in little and big ways each day! If you are looking for an opportunity to use your time, talents, and gifts to serve others, I encourage you to visit fumcr.com/serve. I am also happy to speak with you individually to find where your passions meet the greatest needs of others in our community and around the world!

Over The Counter Medicine Collection

Support our August medical mission trip to Panama by donating OTC medications in June Supply list and more at fumcr.com/Panama

SUMMER UMYF SCHEDULE

June 5 – Bowling June 12 – Dinner after VBC Setup June 19 – JH Pool Party June 26 – Lake Day July 10 – Sloppy Sunday July 17 – Texas Rangers Game

July 24 – Free Play Arcade July 31 – Ohana Luau Aug 7 – Move Up Sunday Aug 14 – Back to School Sunday Aug 21 – Bob Ross Painting Sept 4 – Whirlyball

GET CONNECTED AT FUMCR.COM/YOUTH

Join us for Music Makers!

Open to all children who have completed grades 1-6 Camp dates: July 11-15, 9am-12:30pm Performances: July 17, 9:45 and 11am More information & Registration: fumcr.com/MusicMakers

a prayer for summer

offered by Cheryl Bishop, Director of Family Ministry

God of love and light, Summer is a gift from you, Holy Creator. Thank you for setting the sun, moon, and stars in the sky and for the seasons that remind us that change is a pattern in life. During this time when students and children have a break from the school routine, we pray that they will find a rhythm of play and relaxation. As they experience learning differently, may they open their eyes to Your movement in the world. As they play with their friends, may they open their hearts to the dreams and hopes of those around them. As they swim in the refreshing water of pools, lakes, or oceans, may they be reminded of Your surrounding love and grace. As they serve others through missions and camps, may they find their calling as Your children who love You and love their neighbors. Everlasting God, we praise You for the opportunity to be Your light shining into the lives of those around us. Just as the sunflowers bloom and turn toward the sun, Your children bloom and turn toward You. We pray that throughout this entire summer that they will feel Your warmth, grow in grace and love, and be a witness for the world of a community that welcomes people for Christ, grows people in Christ, and serves people with Christ. In Jesus' name we pray,

Amen.