First Connections, Spring 2025

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 2025 VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1

Celebrating Scouting FUMCR is pleased to partner with Scouts, troops, and volunteers as they grow in their faith, responsibility, and community engagement.

When Reluctance Gives Way To Relationships p.6 An Unwelcome Journey In Grief p.10 A New Way To Worship p.14 Building Dreams Together p.17

JOIN US FOR

WORSHIP TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SUNDAYS 8:45, 9:45, 11AM* SANCTUARY *FUMCR.COM/ONLINE

Senior Pastor Dr. Clayton Oliphint Director of Communications Francy Collins Graphic Designer Kyle Henson Communications Team Kevin Burns Paige Hughes Leslie Kring

ONLINE WORSHIP

Contributors

SUNDAYS, 9:45AM

Sam Ben Asmah Verlene Ballentine Valerie Czechowski Rohini Drake Dr. Dan Flanagan Grace Hall

FUMCR.COM/ONLINE

ON DEMAND YOUTUBE.COM/FUMCR

MODERN WORSHIP SUNDAYS, 11AM

Phyllis Holton Michael Lanham Rev. Scott Luginbill LaRuth Morrow Ed Murray

First Connections (USPS 022-024) is published four 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

WORSHIP & ARTS CENTER

SPRING 2025

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

2

VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1

a message from our senior pastor

H

ave you ever had doubts about your faith? I know people who have shared with me that they’ve never had a doubt about God or faith. I envy them. It’s not been my own experience, and I know many other faithful Christians who occasionally wrestle with doubts or questions about some aspect of their faith. I see this as a normal part of the faith experience.

I remember growing up in my youth group, talking to my youth minister about some things I was struggling to accept or understand. He didn’t make me feel like I was a bad Christian for having questions and, in fact, told me it was good and healthy to think critically through my faith. This continued for me as a Religion major in college, on into seminary, and in my work in the local church. I find many members who wrestle with their faith and really want to come to terms with these questions.

I have also met people in the community who have turned away from faith as a result of being told it was wrong for them to question. For me personally, it has been through wrestling with questions and doubts that I have come to a greater clarity and assurance of the things I believe about God.

SPRING 2025

During the season of Lent, our theme is Wrestling with Doubt – Finding Faith. Lent is a 40-day period of preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 5 this year, and continuing for six Sundays to culminate in Holy Week. Holy Week’s special services of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday remind us of the last week of the earthly ministry of Jesus and his suffering, crucifixion, and death. Then on Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the hope that we experience because of it. To make this Lenten journey each year is to grow deeper in our faith.

Your full participation in this Lenten experience – worship, study opportunities, and the special services – will heighten your experience of Easter, allowing you to wrestle with questions about your faith and deepen your understanding.

These are some of our highest holy days, and I pray they will be a blessing to you.

What an exciting time it is to be a part of the ministries of FUMCR! I think as you look through the pages of this magazine you will agree. With all of the amazing things happening around our church, there is something for everyone. I want to

3

challenge and encourage everyone to take a step toward growing deeper in 2025.

Thank you all for your spirit and faithfulness as a congregation. You are truly striving to live out our mission to welcome people for Christ, grow people in Christ, and serve people with Christ. I see this on both a congregational and individual level as you put your faith in action. Your commitment to Christ and the church is contagious. I’ll see you in worship, around the campus, or out serving in the community.

In Christ,

Clayton Oliphint senior pastor

VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1

MARCH 5

6:30AM - CHAPEL

12PM - WORSHIP & ARTS CENTER

4:30PM - FAMILY SERVICE AT DISCOVERY POINT AT PRAIRIE CREEK PARK

6:30PM - SANCTUARY & FUMCR.COM/ONLINE

ALL DAY - YOUTUBE.COM/FUMCR · VISIT FUMCR.COM/LENT FOR MORE INFO

WRESTLING WITH DOUBT?

by Rev. Scott Luginbill

Doubt is a part of life. At some point, we all wrestle with questions – uncertainty about the future, wondering if things will work out, or even feeling like God is silent in our struggles. You’re not alone in this. Even the disciples faced doubt. Peter questioned his ability to lead (Matthew 14:30-31), and Thomas needed to see Jesus with his own eyes before he could believe (John 20:24-29). Doubt doesn’t mean our faith is failing; it means we’re asking honest questions, and that’s a good place to start.

This Lent, we invite you to join us as we explore the theme of doubt. Through our church-wide study of Wrestling with Doubt: Finding Faith by Rev. Adam Hamilton as well as a worship series based on this book, we will dig into this important topic and some questions many people face. Opportunities to gather in small groups will create space for real conversations about faith and uncertainty. Most of our Sunday school classes and ongoing small groups will dive into this study together, so you have many opportunities to engage.

If you’ve ever had doubts or know someone who has, this series is for you. Scripture reminds us that God meets us in our questions: “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you” (James 1:5). It’s okay to wrestle with doubt – what matters is that we don’t stay there.

Together, we’ll seek answers, lean on scripture, and encourage one another in faith.

We hope you’ll join us on this journey. There’s a place for you in this conversation, and we look forward to growing in faith together.

Wrestling With Doubt Lenten study groups begin the week of March 9.

Details and registration: fumcr.com/doubt

when reluctance gives way to relationships

by Grace Hall 12th Grade

A

fter attending the same church for almost 15 years, my family was suddenly visiting other churches about four years ago. The idea of attending a new church was not one that I supported, but my parents eventually decided that FUMCR was going to become our new church home. So every Sunday, my brothers both went to Sunday school, and I went to the traditional service with my parents. After church, I would applaud myself for going, getting those bonus “Jesus points,” and forget about it for the rest of the week.

One day during my junior year, my brother suggested that I go to Sunday school with him, and I reluctantly agreed. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m not a quiet person. But that day,

SPRING 2025

I sat in the back of the room and didn’t talk to anybody and willed everybody not to talk to me. I recognized several people from school but not well enough to make polite conversation.

That all changed in May of 2024 when Pastor Julia announced that the upcoming seniors were going to start planning the yearly youth retreat known as Really Living.

Suddenly, I was placed in a room with other seniors, and I knew little to nothing about them or what I had been voluntold to help plan.

People started throwing out ideas of what the theme should be, and because I had no idea how the retreat was supposed to work, I mostly stayed silent. In the end, the theme we went with

6

was “Hannah Montana.” To be completely candid, I didn’t care what the theme was, because I had no plans to attend this retreat. However, when somebody said skits needed to be written connecting our theme to stories in the Bible, I instantly spoke up and said I wanted to participate.

I had been in several skits back at my old church, and my first book, Lonely Graffiti, had just been published, so the thought of writing again brought so much joy to my heart. I don’t know if it was the fact that I felt like I was contributing to a project bigger than myself or that I got to know the people planning the retreat with me better and better, but I

VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1

started waking up on Sunday mornings and being absolutely thrilled to go to church. I would even stay after Sunday school was over to work on props for Really Living or just to talk to these people that I had started to grow close to.

Once Really Living came and went in August - I did end up going, preaching about the prodigal son and chickens (yes, they connect), and seeing God in absolutely wondrous ways - I realized that I didn’t want to stop seeing these people that I had gotten to know so well.

Long story short, I’m now in The Journey Youth Choir, I

attend every youth event that I’m able to, I plan to get baptized

before going to UT Austin this fall, and I’ve continued writing books.

God’s desire for us and God’s timing aren’t things we can control, but they are things we can accept. If it wasn’t for God’s timing, I wouldn’t have met the incredible people that I met in FUMCR Youth, and I wouldn’t have grown in my relationship with Christ.

PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

SUPPORTING YOUTH MISSIONS APRIL 11-12

SPRING 2025

7

VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1

LOVE SERVED HERE by rohini drake director, online ministry

Recording at Café Momentum

P

Than Sunday podcast team set out to explore the art of welcome by visiting five of our favorite places that are using food to create spaces where people truly feel at home.

Through every interview, we discovered that each space had rich stories of how their restaurant or organization came to exist. Jeng Chi has roots that began in China and led to anchoring Richardson’s vibrant Chinatown. Dialogue Institute Dallas shared their tradition of Turkish coffee with us, and as part of that tradition, we all now share a 40-year friendship! At La Casita Bakeshop, owner Maricsa Trejo shared the story of how she was inspired to create her famous churro cruffin while she was on a trip to Mexico and had a spoonful of caramel from a street vendor. The owners of Beyond the Bar gave us a glimpse into their vibrant, growing community built around a bar that serves zeroproof beverages. Cafe Momentum inspired us with the transformational and expanding work they do with justice-involved youth.

If you’d like to hear or see these stories, check out season 10 of the More Than Sunday podcast anywhere you get your favorite podcasts or on the FUMCR YouTube Channel. For more information, please visit fumcr.com/morethansunday. Season 11 launches March 12 with a special episode featuring Rev. Adam Hamilton.

icture this: you walk into a neighborhood bakery or family-owned restaurant.

Immediately, you're greeted with a smile, the aroma of a delicious meal wafting from the kitchen, and a cozy, warm atmosphere.

The wait staff remembers your name, offers recommendations, and ensures you feel at home.

This simple but powerful act of hospitality makes you want to return. The experience becomes not just about food but about belonging.

It’s not so different from our mission as a church to welcome people, to foster an atmosphere of connection, community, and belonging.

As I reflected on this, I became curious about what churches could learn from the unique and intentional ways local restaurants create such welcoming spaces. From this curiosity, the More

Recording at La Casita Bakeshop

SPRING 2025

8

VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1

Living Well & Thankful

by sam ben asmah

Good day my fellow Wesleyans! Thank you for the opportunity to be your humble ambassador to the people of Ghana, my country of birth, and to share the progress at the Kafodzidzi School.

I always look forward to going home to share the love of Christ and the blessings my family has received here in America.

On my recent trip, I was overjoyed to see the progress of the teacher’s living quarters and the students utilizing the library and computers. Frankly, I am always humbled in their presence because of God's providential grace and mercies that sustain them. They don't have many material things – even eating twice a day is a daily prayer – but they always welcome me with warmth and excitement. I’m reminded of how far the Lord has brought me, motivating me to continue to invest in and support the children of my home village. Education has the ability to give them hope and opportunity beyond the difficult circumstances of village life – circumstances I know very well.

My mother passed away when I was barely two months old.

She left behind five children. Devastated by the tragedy, my father left us in the care of my grandmother. She was uneducated and didn’t have many resources, but she was a devout follower of God. With God’s help and the help of the local Methodist church,

she was able to navigate and eventually calm the stormy waters of our circumstance.

Church members became active participants in taking care of us and opened the door for me to have the formal education that helped me have a different story for my life than what previously would have been. I'm forever grateful for those saints!

I'm honored to thank everyone who continues to be in this ministry with me, taking care of the “least among us.” My wife, Sharon Agnes Asmah, and our three children for their overwhelming support. The Mission Work Area team for joining hands with me to spread the goodness and love of Christ across the globe. All who have generously donated big and small to Kafodzidzi School through the International Christmas Market and special gifts. And finally to my church, FUMCR, I'm eternally grateful for your unconditional love and friendship! How can I ever thank you all enough!

Some of the 600 K-8th grade students at KafodzIdzi School in Ghana

an unwelcome journey in grief by michael lanham

0515 – A nurse called to report that Joan had just passed away.

0530 – My bedroom lamp went out and then came back on. I sensed that she was there with me. I talked aloud to Joan to let her know that I would be ok even though I would miss her like crazy.

0630 – I arrived in Joan’s room at CC Young and kissed her cheek. Her cheek was cold, but her hands were still warm to my touch. I asked the Lord to take good care of her! Our two-year cancer journey was over.

From that day until the funeral, November 29, 2023, my overall sensation was one of numbness, just going through the motions of preparing for the funeral. We had a beautiful ceremony with Joan’s brothers and our daughters participating. Joan was well-loved and honored for her caring personality and that big smile.

The next several months are a blur. Even though Joan was a planner, and things were very much in order, there was still much to do.

I am blessed with caring family, friends, and neighbors who checked in, pitched in, and showed that they cared. Many shared memories; many shared meals; several invited me to do things to keep me from sitting at home. I needed “three dimensional” experiences to get out of my own house and head. After 48 years of marriage to this wonderful lady, I was used to having someone to talk to, to love and do things with and for, and now she was gone! I am happy to remember her through stories, both my own as well as through the shared memories of our friends. I am so grateful to those who start a conversation with, “I was reminded of Joan today…” or, “I was thinking of Joan today and wondered how you are doing.”

Michael and Joan Lanham

Some long-time friends disappeared. I found this fascinating, and it demonstrated to me how many of us are so uncomfortable discussing death. We aren’t sure what to say or what questions to ask or not ask. I made a conscious decision not to be angry with these friends, and I look forward to rekindling those friendships as time passes.

Grief is not an every second of every minute thing. It comes and goes, and for me the distractions and diversions of friends, family, and varied activities with other people are a blessing. I don’t want to be alone 100% of the day, but I am becoming more accustomed and OK with being alone.

Since the funeral, I have taken flowers to her niche on the 15th of each month, her birthday, Mother’s Day, and our anniversary. 2024 was the year of all the firsts. I talked to her and hoped she heard me. I told her that I was OK – but only just OK. I have prayed often, long and hard, thanking the Lord for the amazing lady that he matched me with at the end of our sophomore year at SMU. I am grateful for the amazing daughters we raised and the strong family connections with our immediate and extended family. She was the key to all of that, and I am the beneficiary of her legacy.

Michael, Joan, Michele, and Emily

Now, I am gradually ready to look ahead to the next chapters of my life and how I can contribute again. I had a long and varied 50-year career which I enjoyed immensely. I planned to retire at the end of 2023 and moved it up two months because of the severity of Joan’s illness. Two weeks later she passed.

I am filling the two holes in my life left by both retirement and her death. I don’t regret allowing myself the time to grieve and adjust to these big events. Frankly, I needed the time and was fortunate to be able to take the time.

The adjustment isn’t over, but I can feel progress. I read somewhere that, in part, “grief is love with no place to go.”

I agree.

I received amazing support from friends, family, FUMCR’s Help for Hurting Hearts group, and now the Men’s Grief Group. Being in a safe place to remember Joan, share openly, talk about her, let my voice quiver and a tear roll down my face with others who are in similar places emotionally in their grief journey has been a blessing.

If you have been touched by grief, FUMCR wants to support you.

One year from Joan’s passing. Joan’s normal Starbucks order – a tall, non-fat, no-foam latte – and flowers. Fittingly, at the sun’s angle, we were but shadows – the way we feel sometimes without her.

fumcr.com/care

eas Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 13 · 4-6pm · Oliphint Field

Story Walk An interactive family activity April 13-18 · Playground Plaza

Maundy Thursday April 17 4:30pm · Family Service Worship & Arts Center 7pm · Sanctuary, fumcr.com/online

Good Friday April 18 7pm · Sanctuary, fumcr.com/online

ster Easter Sunday April 20 Traditional · 8:30, 9:45, 11am* Sanctuary Modern · 9:45, 11am Worship & Arts Center *Online · 9:45, 11am fumcr.com/online, youtube.com/fumcr No Sunday school for children, youth, or adults

Lenten Offering Supporting Children First and RISD Back-to-School Backpack Bash

fumcr.com/easter

A NEW WAY TO WORSHIP

BY VALERIE CZECHOWSKI DIRECTOR, MODERN AND ONLINE MUSIC

I grew up with traditional church music. I attended weekly traditional services with my family, sang in various church choirs, and even went on to study classical music in college. Being surrounded by classical and traditional church music enriched my life greatly, but experiencing only one kind of expression kept me closed off to the beauty in diverse styles of worship.

While pursuing a career in classical performance in Boston, doubt and selfishness replaced my faith, as people became competition instead of friends and career ambitions pushed family, church, and community aside. Any singing I did in

church just became another self-analyzed “performance” with an echo of those voices of constant rejection saying, “You are not and will not ever be good enough.” This was not the life I thought I wanted, but the investment and push from family and teachers made me set aside my doubt to avoid disappointing them. One summer, I was asked for the first time to sing a contemporary Christian song called “You Are For Me” by Kari Jobe for an offertory. As I started to sing, I noticed a woman lean forward with her arms stretched out like she was physically reaching to God for comfort. I hadn’t seen that sort of worship posture before, but I found permission in it to let go. So, I reached for God in the beautiful lyrics and I broke down crying in the middle of the song. In this new-to-me worship style, I found exactly what I needed: God’s gentle reminder of my worth as his beloved child even when I felt like I wasn’t enough. I think the congregation felt something, too, because they stood and sang to help me through as the tears continued to stream down my face.

I will never forget that moment. Soon after, I moved back to Texas and began my journey in modern/contemporary worship.

Modern worship music has helped me grow in my faith and experience a different expression of worship, furthering my love toward God and one another. I love opportunities to speak with people about worship, and would love to share how we approach modern worship at FUMCR:

We know that not all modern worship songs (or traditional hymns) have good theology, but we work to be very intentional in selecting songs that align with our United Methodist beliefs and our values as followers of Jesus.

Many of us may have experienced worship services that feel performance-oriented or “like a rock concert” instead of worshipful.

We put a lot of care and energy into choosing songs that are easy for our congregation to sing and participate with, and we try our best to teach new songs and facilitate congregational singing. Much like stained glass, beautiful organ pipes, and stunning architecture remind us of God’s beauty, our utilization of lighting and screens aims to serve the same purpose in a different context.

Also, we love traditional hymns! I loved singing hymns as a young girl, and I still do today!

They are such an important part of our faith, and singing them together is one of the most beautiful parts of our modern worship services.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to help facilitate worship through song each week in a church that offers and values both styles of worship. If you’ve never worshiped in our modern service, I hope you’ll join us sometime, and if you’ve never worshiped in our traditional services, I want you to experience that as well!

I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and experience a new style of worship.

!

6 2 5 2 0 r2 o f ol n e p o /prescho is

n o i t cr.com a m r t u f s i t a g Re rs · Apply

A

s-5 h t n o m ges 6

yea

Wendy Jones Our licensed, play-based program provides early childhood education in a safe, loving, Christian environment and develops the whole child in partnership with you - our families.

Director

Join us for Burgers, Bubbles, & Bids on Friday, March 28, 6-7:30pm on the Playground Plaza. fumcr.com/bbb

Assistant Director

Erin Oliphint

BUILDING DREAMS TOGETHER

by Ed Murray

Richardson Area Interfaith Habitat completed our 46th house last year, a memorial dedicated to our long-involved house leader, Al Bush.

This beautiful new home was built for Selena Bloe and her five children, ages 7-24, and two young grandchildren, who had been living in a twobedroom apartment. Selena's journey to homeownership has been one of perseverance and determination, having arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Liberia in 2004. Her dream of providing a safe and stable home for her family has become a reality thanks to the tireless efforts of our volunteers and supporters.

The mission of RAIH is simple yet powerful: bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. As the largest of 10 partner congregations, FUMCR plays a vital role. RAIH’s collaboration with Dallas Habitat for Humanity enables us to make a tangible difference by pooling our resources, skills, and passion to construct homes that are more than just buildings - they are foundations for brighter futures.

As always, the build is a true community effort. Volunteers with diverse skills and unyielding enthusiasm come together to help. RAIH builds the frame and exterior in the first phase, and Dallas Habitat finishes the interior. We celebrate this accomplishment with the family at a dedication ceremony. After the family moves in, we hold a “pantry party” to fill their kitchen with household items. Additionally, we collect funds and present a cash card for them to purchase items beyond pantry essentials, and we have talented quilters in the group who craft beautiful quilts for the family.

Our work is sustained by congregational and individual giving as well as our annual fundraiser, the Walkathon, held on the last Saturday in February. The funds raised are crucial in covering the costs of building new homes and ensuring our mission continues.

Our 2025 spring build is scheduled for 10 Saturdays in March, April, and May, and you can help make it a success. Whether you have construction experience or not, there's a place for you on our team. Each hand that lifts a tool and each smile that lifts a spirit contribute to the magic of transforming lives through homeownership. Come and join us!

Learn more: fumcr.com/habitat & raih.org

BY NATALIE NENOVICH, DIRECTOR, CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

ON A MISSION

In the United Methodist Church, we believe in living well - not just for ourselves, but for others. One of the most meaningful ways we do this is through mission work - pouring out love, time, and resources to help those in need. But mission work isn’t just for adults; it’s for families, children, and the whole church community.

Mission work is at the heart of our faith. Jesus himself was on a mission – teaching, healing, feeding, and welcoming people into God’s kingdom. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” When we serve others, we are serving Christ. But mission is not just about giving; it’s about transformation, both for those we serve and for ourselves. When we reach out to help, we grow in compassion, generosity, and faith.

Children have an incredible capacity for love and generosity. By helping others from an early age, children learn that love is active not passive, creating habits of kindness that last a lifetime.

Families grow stronger by working together for a common purpose, building bonds not only with each other but with those they serve. In a world where it’s easy to be pulled in different directions, mission work offers a shared purpose and a chance to practice love in action. When people see families working together, they witness the heart of God. As a church, we are not just individuals; we are a community, a body of Christ, working together to bring healing and hope. We do missions not because we have to, but because it’s who we are. When we serve, we embody the love of Jesus. When we pour into others, we reflect the overflowing grace of God. Let’s teach our children what it means to love with action. Let’s make mission work a family practice, an intergenerational practice. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus - together. Because when we serve as one, we truly live well.

• Everybody Sunday School, May 11 and 25 - Learn and serve together.

• God Squad, monthly - Children, K - 6th grade, complete service projects. Parents provide support.

• Mission Camp Week, mornings, July 7-10 – Children will experience hands-on mission field trips.

• Simple ways we can help: bake cookies for a neighbor, clean and care for community spaces, volunteer at a food bank, assemble a care package, make a card, or send a kind note to someone.

KINDERGARTEN BIBLE PRESENTATIONS SUNDAY, MAY 4 11AM WORSHIP

Ramadan Dinner Sunday, March 23, 7-9pm Coleman Family Hall Enjoy a special program and traditional dinner with Dialogue Institute. Register by Mar 16. fumcr.com/ramadan

MARCH 25 · FU MCR .C OM/SO U LCAR E

APRIL 4-5 PROTHRO CENTER AT LAKE TEXOMA REGISTER NOW HOSTED BY UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH FUMCR.COM/DELIGHT25

SPRING 2025

20

VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1

Perspectives The Senior Adult Ministry at FUMCR has expanded my church experience, providing an additional religious community of fellow believers in the latter stages of our lives. I feel a tight bond by attending the monthly Gathering and sharing a meal.

The day trips and a yearly retreat offer further social opportunities. I get to have a date afternoon at the bi-monthly free movies. Popcorn is provided! The monthly hymn sing is wonderful for those of us who long for more congregational singing.

Being part of Senior Adult Ministry has allowed for many opportunities to be with and care for my fellow senior members.

Shortly after joining FUMCR, my husband passed away after a long illness. I had become isolated and at a loss for what direction to take, but I pushed myself to get involved in Senior Adult Ministry and soon joined the Council. Everyone was such a blessing to me at that point in my life. The 13 years since have been blessed with some of the most caring friends I have ever known. The FUMCR Senior Adults have truly been a major part of my faith life.

As I go over my 50 years at FUMCR, I am so grateful for all I have experienced and gained spiritually.

My life has been built around my family and church, my two greatest blessings. I feel very close to God in my 87th year, and I attribute that to the church. FUMCR is a home away from home for me. I walk in and feel the love and fellowship. I am enjoying volunteering in the library and reading to the preschoolers. It's all love and family here at FUMCR. I am so grateful for having this wonderful church in my life.

LaRuth Morrow

Verlene Balentine

Phyllis Holton

Senior Adult ministry at FUMCR focuses on: Fellowship

The second Monday of each month, The Gathering offers fellowship, a meal, games, and entertainment.

Service

Our annual service project has been a coat and toy drive, and we support ministries of the church throughout the year.

Learning

Trips provide fellowship and new experiences.

The annual Autumn Retreat focuses on a topic to grow in faith and practice. Classes on biblical, faith, and practical issues keep us learning.

The senior adults of FUMCR want to share our life experience, support others, and welcome new people any time. Subscribe to our monthly news: fumcr.com/subscribegazette Dr. Dan Flanagan, Associate Pastor, Senior Adult Ministry

SPRING 2025

21

VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1

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, 2024 to January 31, 2025.

In memory of...

Ralph Barndt by Gary and Glenda Hanks

Bill McMinn by Jennifer Rawlinson, Mark and Lisa Wingate, Pat and Robin Kelly, Tom and Vickie Eckler

Mary Esther Bynum by Bonnie Edwards John Mueller by Elaine Mueller Mitchell “Harrison” Davis by Frand and Carrie Poradish, the family of Harrison Davis, the Bommersbach family, Patricia Burnette, Kathryn Carter, Steven Davis, Jeff Davis and family

Nita Nelson by Elaine Mueller Sandra Pavuk by Janis Geer

Mike Green by Gere Gleim

Chuck Petri by Jerry and Karen Haralson

Mary Frantz by Sallie and Nowell Loop

John Richardson by sisters Jane Kenney and Carol Pitts, the Head family, the Pryor family

Bryn Howard by Mike and Marla Howard Bill Rivers by Dee Bates Danielle Ivey by Gere Gleim Pete Robertson by Bonnie Edwards Joe Johnson by Wesley and Jenna Kennedy and family, the families of David, Henry, and Sharon Johnson

Richard and Joan Shaw by Nancy Shaw/Michael Olvera family

David Krekula by Caroline Mecom Carson Smith by Harriet Garnett, Laura Osta John Mason by Bill Harvey Susan McCarty by Pat Hatinger, Jonathan and Nancy Schair

Dolores Spence by Gloria Scott, Vance and Sandra Bridges, Vonda Flesjer, and Oncor Electric - Debbie Dennis

David McGinnis by Ramarie and Steve

In honor of...

Sam Asmah by Bonnie Edwards

FUMCR by the Tim Kelly family

Rev. Scott Luginbill by Jessica Rood and Alex Stillwell

Amy with Preschool by Lauren Cuddihee

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

Deborah Peavy, Bill Gammons, and Karen Varner by the 2025 Stephen Ministry Class

Creation Care Lunch Sunday, March 30

Featuring a presentation on how to minimize food waste (and maximize grocery dollars) Hosted by The Green Team

C O O K I E M ay SPRING 2025

4

·

C A P E R

S u p p o r t i n g 23

M i s s i o n s VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1

PERIODICALS

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

A N E W WOR SH IP SERIES START ING MARCH 9