First Connections Apr-May 2012

FIRSTConnections First United Methodist Church Richardson

er m Summp Ca ation m e r o f In nsid I

Volume 7, Issue 28

April/May 2012

We are so glad that you have chosen to worship with us, and we hope that you find First United Methodist Church Richardson to be both a welcoming and inspiring community of faith.

There is a sense of excitement and busyness that often arrives when the first flowers bloom! As our days grow longer and may be bursting at the seams with commitments, let us be reminded of a simple spring!

The beautiful sunshine and flowers in bloom.

A walk at the park and a light, cool breeze.

A great sense of hope surrounding the Easter season. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.� Romans 12:12 Whether you are taking your first steps in your Christian journey or you feel like a seasoned veteran, we are blessed to share this time in your life with you. We are available if you have any questions or would like more information. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Elizabeth Wilson, Director Inviting & Involving 972.996.0134 Direct ewilson@fumcr.com

Kristen Ceaser Inviting & Involving Associate 972.996.0154 Direct kceaser@fumcr.com

Join Us for Worship Sundays Service of Communion & Prayer Chapel 8:15 am & 12 noon Traditional 8:45, 9:45, 11:00 am Dr. Clayton Oliphint, preaching 5:00 pm access A Contemporary Worship Experience Dr. Clayton Oliphint, preaching Tune in! WRR 101.1 7:00 am Worship at FUMCR

Asian Ministry Zimbabwe Worship

972.235.8385

Chapel 7 pm Chapel 12:15 pm

fumcr.com

503 N. Central Expressway P.O.Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75083-0877 972.235.8385 fumcr.com Senior Pastor Dr. Clayton Oliphint Director of Communications & Worship Gloria Scott Editor/Graphic Designer Elizabeth Gonzalez Communications Associate Kevin Burns Website Manager Francy Collins Contributors Heather Canny Pavielle Chriss Allyson George Dianne Grandey FOCUS Photo Ministry Mary Lightfoot Taylor Newsome Dianne Weideman Julie Williams Emily Winnenberg Erica Yaeger FIRST Connections (USPS 022-024) is published six times a year, bi-monthly, by First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N Central Expwy, Richardson, Texas 75080. Periodicals postage paid at Richardson, Texas and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FIRST Connections, PO Box 830877, Richardson, TX 75083-0877.

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everal years ago while on a summer vacation our family showed up to worship at a church on a Sunday morning. We had checked out their stated worship times on their website (8:30 and 11) and decided to attend the 11 o’clock service. When we arrived the service was almost over.

The members said to us, “everyone knows in the summer we just have one service at 10.” We didn’t get the memo. That experience said at least two things to me: 1) don’t assume everyone knows, and 2) many churches shut it down in the summer.

In this issue of First Connections I want everyone to see that First United Methodist Church Richardson has a full summer schedule, especially in relationship to our children, youth, and family life ministries. I don’t want to assume you know this, but the church doesn’t take a vacation in the summer! We are blessed with outstanding leadership with Allyson George, Tommy Houghteling, and Heather Canny in these areas. They have planned many camps, mission experiences, and retreats, which will be a blessing to the more than 2,000 children and youth who participate in them this summer. I hope you’ll spread the word to others about the blessings of these ministries.

Don’t assume everyone knows!

First United Methodist Church is not only an active place with ministries for people in our church and community. We are engaged in some significant mission work in the community, in the nation, and in the world. I hope you’ll also be aware of our relationship to the Skuinkloof School in South Africa.

Your gifts have already been a blessing to the kids who call this school home.

You can read more in this issue about Mike Lightfoot, Elizabeth Wilson, and Daniel Burdette, and their extreme adventure to help raise awareness, along with our mission team going over in June to build a new classroom.

This is just one of the ways FUMCR is living out our mission to serve people with Christ.

I look forward to seeing you in worship, around the campus, and about the community.

In Christ, Clayton Oliphint

Dr. Clayton Oliphint, Senior Pastor

Running with God Racing for Skuinkloof W riting by D ianne G randey P hotography by K evin B urns

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n June 3 of this year, while each of us is going about our usual Sunday morning routine, three of our own—Mike Lightfoot (Director of Music Ministries), Elizabeth Wilson (Director of Inviting & Involving) and Daniel Burdette (member of FUMCR Chancel Choir and Genesis Class)—will be in South Africa to run the Comrades Marathon. Comrades Marathon is an ultra-marathon,

56 miles (89 kilometers). This world-class race has been run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, South Africa since 1921 (except for the years during World War II). It was started as a way to commemorate the fallen South African soldiers of World War I. Last year, 14,343 runners came from all over the world to test their endurance in this Guinness World Record-breaking event. Runners have twelve hours to complete the course which is best described as “The Five Big Hills.” Since the first Comrades Marathon, over three hundred thousand runners from all around the globe have competed in this race.

Three years ago, one of those runners was Mike Lightfoot.

You may remember the church participating in “Project 56” in 2009. Church members were asked to give $56 per family which resulted in $23,000 to build water wells in Liberia, to help control disease and hunger. Although Mike was very successful in helping to raise funds, an injury to his Achilles at mile 50, with just six miles to go, prevented him from finishing the course.

Since that day, he has dreamed of returning to run the course and to finish.

Mike has a new purpose for this race. When he learned that Rev. Joy Anderson (Minister of Outreach) and a mission team were going to South Africa to work on the Skuinkloof School—a new goal was formed. This goal is to help raise funds through his love of running and then actually staying to participate in the work taking place at the school. Running this race along with helping the school and the children is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Having them line up at the same time and place was something that seemed to be God’s hand at work.

Mike is taking no chances this time with his training.

He has a trainer—church member and ultra-marathon runner Jennifer Kimble—who has mapped out a schedule for him so that he will be in the best condition possible at race time. Besides eating healthier and doing some weight training, Mike’s training consists of five weekly runs: three runs of 5 to 15 miles, then 30 miles on Fridays and 10 miles on Saturdays. (On Fridays, Mike’s

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wife Mary rides her bike alongside him around White Rock Lake with water and snacks.) Jennifer says this training will prepare him to run with tired legs, which is absolutely essential to this course.

“It’s hard to say which is more exciting—getting a second chance to complete this ultra-marathon or meeting the kids as I help Joy and the mission team continue construction at the school.

Either way it is a very exciting project, and my hope is that everyone will be blessed beyond belief.”

One thing that will be working for Mike this time is the support and camaraderie of two running buddies—Elizabeth Wilson and Daniel Burdette—who will also journey to South Africa to participate in this ultra-marathon. In order to qualify for Comrades, runners must have completed an accredited marathon in five hours or less within the last 12 months. Daniel has already qualified. Mike and Elizabeth will run qualifying marathons this spring.

Elizabeth Wilson is no stranger to running marathons, or running to raise funds for causes she believes in.

In 2008, she ran the Marine Corps Marathon for Fisher House (like Ark House) and raised over $2,500. But running wasn’t her first reason for wanting to go to South Africa. She really just wanted to go on the mission trip. Figuring out how to prepare for the mission trip, while juggling her church responsibilities and three kids (ages eight, six and one) seemed pretty overwhelming at first. Then Mike started talking to her about running in Comrades, and as much as she wanted to do it, the obstacles seemed insurmountable. The mission trip was originally scheduled for July. The marathon was in early June. How could she do both? “So I prayed and asked God to give me an answer

about whether or not this was something I was supposed to do.”

She kept praying things would come together to allow her to do both. After a month of praying and checking with Joy often, Joy received a call that the dates for the mission trip had been changed. The mission trip and race were now going to be back to back in June “I took that answer to my prayers as a yes. YES, you should do this.”

Then the real preparation began. Getting things in order to be gone from her children and husband for two weeks would only be part of her challenge. In order to prepare for running an ultra-marathon, there is much training involved. Endurance training means a lot of time running long distances and hills, eating healthy, weight training, and pushing through even when you’re tired. “But all the preparations seem so insignificant in comparison to the promise God holds for improving and changing the lives of the Skuinkloof children and families. I am blessed to be a small part of the combined efforts between racing the Comrades Marathon, fund raising, and being a part of the FUMCR mission team. I have my husband Randy to thank for helping make it possible for me to participate in this endeavor!”

For Daniel Burdette, the challenge of running in an ultra-marathon was the first attraction.

When Mike returned from his first trip to Comrades in 2009, Daniel told him that if he ever wanted to try it again, Daniel would run it with him. Daniel is always up for a challenge and this was a big one. But even more than that, he admired Mike’s goal to run for the benefit of so many others. When the opportunity to raise funds for the Skuinkloof School became part of the package, Daniel was in. He hopes that his efforts will help raise funds for the benefit of children in this remote part of South Africa.

Comrades Marathon course details.

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Daniel doesn’t use the same training regimens as conventional runners. Most of his training occurs on weekends—running long distances—with each weekend increasing in length. “I have no distractions. It’s just me, the pavement an occasional conversation with God. When you’re running a four-hour plus training run alone, you have lots of time to think, pray, solve problems and come up with new ideas. I anticipate lots of prayer and problem-solving over the next few months.”

One thing is clear. These three dedicated (and slightly crazy) runners are totally committed to finishing this 56-mile ultramarathon. But their real goal is raising funds for this school that will help so many children and their families in South Africa.

South Africa. . .Here We Come!

15 FUMCR members will travel to South Africa the end of May to see first hand the Skuinkloof School. This group will be more than visitors, they have a project list of work to do. They will be joined by 5 members of a Methodist Church in Pretoria to work on tasks for the school such as patching and painting, installing lighting, building bookshelves, expanding an existing playground and vegetable garden and hopefully also building a structure for cooking. They will bring backpacks with them for all the children at the school.

The team will stay at the ranch of FUMCR member, Jim Myer. Jim is the one who introduced the church to this school and its need for support.

We can’t all board the plane in May, but all of us can be a part of this adventure... fumcr.com/lent Team members: Joy Anderson, team leader, Homer Cary, Jan Casner, Harriet Garnett, Charlotte and Dave Grimm, Pat Hatinger, Connie McSpadden, Joe Olguin, Christina Sheroke, George and Susan Sparkman. Comrades Marathon runners: Elizabeth Wilson, Mike Lightfoot, Daniel Burdette. *Mike and Elizabeth will join the work team.

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There is no doubt that God’s hand is in all of this. Their hope is that your support and prayers will be in it as well.

We wish them well (or, appropriately…Godspeed!)

maybe

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T he B est of T imes with P astor D avid S croggin

FUMCR’s newest member of the Pastoral Team, David Scroggin, hadn’t originally planned to go into the ministry.

In fact, this Arkansas native had plans to be a baseball coach.

He received a degree in Physical Education from the University of Central Arkansas. A salvation experience changed David’s course. He felt that God was calling him into the ministry. He attended Perkins School of Theology at SMU and Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta before receiving his first appointment with five, very small rural churches.

as told to

E rica Y aeger

After 45 years of ministry, David retired from the Arkansas Conference in 2011 and moved to Addison. He is married to the love of his life, Eleanor, who is an artist. The Scroggins have two grown children—Brandon and Carmen. He also has a twoyear-old granddaughter, Almaz, who is adopted from Ethiopia.

We asked Pastor Scroggin, who recently joined the Caring Ministry staff, to share a bit about himself through a series of

“bests.”

Best memory of serving in the ministry: I served as Campus

Minister of the Arkansas Tech University Wesley Foundation for 33 years. During that time I had the privilege to help guide many young adults find their calling to ministry—many to ordained ministry, many others to lay leadership within their local churches. My main emphasis was leadership development and empowering people to do ministry.

I had the unique opportunity to marry many young couples who met while attending the Wesley Foundation, baptize their children, then years later, have their children attend Arkansas Tech University and become active in the Wesley Foundation ministry, and then marry the children. It was a wonderful cycle.

Best reason to be happy: I have a wonderful wife who I love very much and a wonderful family that I adore.

Best accomplishment:

yet to be determined.

My best accomplishment is, hopefully,

Best quality:

I found this hard to answer, so I asked my wife. Her answer, “He cares, really cares, about people. He is totally genuine.”

Best advice:

My best advice comes from scripture and the teaching of Jesus: If anyone would come after me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow me. My personal advice is “Always follow your heart.” On a lighter note, my advice is, “Don’t take yourself so seriously!”

Best habit: I am one of those weird people who really enjoys exercise. I work out regularly at the Addison Athletic Club.

Best place to find me when not at church: playing with my granddaughter, Almaz, and enjoying the day with my family.

Best thing so far about FUMCR: Having come from years of very contemporary worship, I am truly enjoying the worship experience offered at FUMCR—both the morning traditional and the evening contemporary services. Every church has its own personality and I would call FUMCR “a praying, caring church”. The staff really cares about every person. Clayton and every staff member have a true heart for ministry. Also, I cannot say enough wonderful things about the choir. They are amazing!

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Walter Wharton:

Honoring Wounded Warriors W riting

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hurch member Walter Wharton loves woodcarving.

A self-taught artist, he began carving 30 years ago after retiring from the U.S. Army. Since then, he has shared tips and techniques with others as both an instructor and a blogger.

His biggest gift of time and passion, however, has gone to Operation Cane of Texas, a program he helped design to give commemorative canes to soldiers wounded since 9/11.

“In 2004, I was at a carving seminar in Glen Rose, Texas,” said Walter, “and I got to talking with a man named Jack Nitz who was making canes for wounded soldiers from Oklahoma. A group of us decided we could do the same thing in Texas.”

In the early days of Operation Cane, the group planned to limit their presentations to Texas soldiers only. By the time they visited their first military hospital in San Antonio, it became apparent that they would need to broaden their scope.

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J ulie W illiams

“There was no way to limit it,” Walter said. “There were soldiers and sailors from all over the country there.”

Another early hurdle was how to get in contact with soldiers who needed the canes, given today’s privacy regulations. It took two years for Operation Cane to get the inroads it needed to make its first presentations. Soldiers’ Angels—a group of volunteers that help at military hospitals—became their liaison to the hospital, and the requests for canes began to pour in.

Since then, the program has gone nationwide as part of the Eagle Cane Project, led by none other than Jack Nitz, the original carver from Oklahoma. Walter said that Nitz receives requests and then assigns them to carvers all over the U.S. based on the soldier’s home state.

Each cane features an elaborate eagle’s head on top, with personal information about the individual soldier running down the side.

A carver might include such information as: the soldier’s name, rank, unit and service details, and date/place of injury. The cane is then ceremonially presented to the soldier—not for daily use—but as a way to honor the soldier and commemorate his or her service. Walter said the tradition of presentation canes for wounded soldiers dates back to the Civil War. Walter has personally created more than 170 canes and visited with countless soldiers and their families. In his blog, Walter recalls how inspirational those soldiers have been: “On my first visit to the Warrior and Family Support Center, as I was taking a box of canes up to the second floor of the facility, I observed a young man in civilian clothes with a young lady in BDU’s; she was a soldier. The young man was on crutches and missing one leg. They were going upstairs as I was. I was getting on the elevator with the box of canes and held the door so they

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could get on. He thanked me and said he would take the stairs.

I met them on the second floor. He had come to get one of the canes. The young lady with him was his wife; they both were soldiers. I was able to have a long conversation with him. He was going to get his prosthesis soon and was working hard to get his body ready to handle it. What did he want for the future? To stay in the Army and get back to his unit.

“I also met a young lady in the Rehab facility. She had lost both of her legs above the knees. We talked for a long time about a lot of stuff. Just before she left to go for her first visit on her prosthesis, I asked her what the future was for her. She broke out into a big smile and said something like: ‘That is easy, I am getting my legs, going home, getting pregnant and raising a family.’ I don’t think you can get more positive than that.”

Other important memories: • a young Marine who suffered burns on 96% of his body but later started his own business and formed a foundation for children of Marines killed in action • wives and husbands bravely supporting their injured spouses through all the surgeries and rehabilitation “This is more of a story about a whole bunch of heroes,” said Walter. “These kids are every bit of what the ‘Greatest Generation’ was. The bravery. There’s no self-pity from these soldiers—just determination.”

To learn more about Operation Cane of Texas and to see samples of Walter’s artwork, go to www.waltswoods.wordpress. com. For more information on the Eagle Cane Project, go to www.eaglecane.com.

Senior Sunday May 27 Seniors will participate in all three Worship services, but special recognition at 11 am.

Lunch 12 noon Bartula Family Life Center Senior recognition & scholarships awarded Scholarship applications are available.

Contact Tammie, thaug@fumcr.com.

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Young Adults: Growing for the Future

W riting by T aylor N ewsome P hotography by Y oung A dult M inistry Writing about young adults is a tough thing to do, but especially if you’re talking about young adult ministries. Try to get a young adult to a meeting every month and you’ll see what I mean. Try to get a young adult to a meeting every week and you’ll really get the picture. Why? Because young adults are the most diverse and fickle group in the church, and are always in motion.

So what’s the point of creating a young adult ministry?

Here are some of their recommendations, and how they apply to First United Methodist Church Richardson:

1. The church should establish a defined age group for “young adults.”

• At FUMCR we define young adults as anyone between the ages 22 and 39.

The reason is as simple as it is obvious: Young adults represent the future of the church, a point that can’t be overstated.

2. Make young adults a focal point of the church via welcome ministries, ushers, greeters, etc.

Samuel Ullman once said “Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.”

• You may have seen more young adults acting as greeters and ushers. If you’re a new member or have visited recently you’ve probably received communication via email from me or other young adults in the church.

Obviously we are not trying to say that everyone in the church is considered a “young adult,” but a strong young adult ministry is only possible if the entire Church embraces it.

This was one of the key points of a survey commissioned last year by Rev. Rodney Whitfield. He asked a group of our church’s young men and women to contact leaders of the nation’s top 25 Methodist churches to find out what they were doing to attract young adults.

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3. Communicate with young adults through newsletters, fliers, and mailings.

• We have a monthly newsletter, which started in December, that is directed to all young adults regardless of frequency of attendance or choice of service. It also provides a platform for exchanging ideas about fellowship, service and fun.

4. Create a young adult community built upon small groups.

• We have two young adult groups that meet on Sunday mornings.

• “Genesis” is comprised of established married couples, both with kids and without.

• “Revelations” includes a variety of young adults, from singles to married couples.

• Another small group has been started by young adults who attend the access service.

• There also are activities outside the church.

• We are a member church of “Reclaim” which is comprised of young adults from Methodist churches around the North Texas Conference that has a monthly rotation of mission work and socials.

• We recently entered into a partnership with the City of Richardson to assist in its volunteer program to help residents of Richardson in a way similar to Amigo’s Days.

• And a new intramural league.

5. Make the young adult ministry a priority of the church.

As you can see, steps have been taken to encourage young adults to make FUMCR their church home. This church has impacted lives both young and old and it has been especially effective at impacting lives when generations have worked alongside each other to fulfill the mission of our church.

“With open hearts and minds, we welcome people for Christ, Grow people in Christ & Serve people with Christ.”

Speaking for myself, I know I have been blessed in so many ways during my time here: blessed with a closer walk with God, with great friends, enlightening Bible studies, a strong support system and the opportunity to have fun in a way that keeps the focus on God. Others, no doubt, have had similar experiences. But how does that happen? In many cases, it is because the young adult ministry opened the door. I know that door has always and will always be open here. But building on our success will require the commitment of every member of our church. If we all do that, I promise you this: We will have an army of disciples leading this church forward.

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t r a e H A or the f Arts “Bonnie called, and of course I said ‘yes.’ You can’t say ‘no’ to Bonnie Perry!”

These were the sentiments repeated by almost everyone who spoke about Bonnie at the Richardson Arts Alliance Heart for the Arts Gala February 4. Bonnie Perry received the 2012 Heart for the Arts award, an annual award given to those in arts leadership and support in Richardson.

My first encounter with Bonnie was when she and her late husband Gayle invited Mike and me to lunch following Sunday church services. We were still new members of the FUMCR staff, but we already knew Gayle as a beloved member of the chancel choir. This was our first chance to visit with Bonnie. Bonnie was so busy telling us about her involvement in and passion for the arts in Richardson that she barely touched her lunch that day. I remember telling Mike on the way home, “I thought I was busy, but Bonnie Perry makes me look like I’m standing still!”

Bonnie has served as president of the Richardson Arts Alliance, and is now chair of the Board. She has been executive director of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, and now heads the new Innovator’s Circle support group for the RSO. Beyond the arts community, she has been active in the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, Richardson Woman’s Club and Altrusa International. She also runs her own business, Perry Creative Business Solutions.

Bonnie’s family includes her son Samuel Perry III and three grandchildren.

Besides her passion for the arts, Bonnie’s gift for recruiting volunteers is what seems to make her stand out as such a valued member of organizations. Her friends and colleagues at the 12

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M ary L ightfoot

Heart for the Arts awards gala enjoyed teasing her about her enthusiastic recruiting style, but they made it clear that Bonnie is highly respected and admired for her gifts of time and talent for the arts in Richardson.

When asked how her faith contributes to her volunteer work and passion for the arts, Bonnie says, “I think my faith is the basis of my volunteer work. I have always been a Methodist and have always been involved in the church. People in the church always encouraged me to use my ability. I started helping in Vacation Bible School when I was ten! We did all kinds of things when I was growing up: art, plays, music. I think the passion comes from the ability to be creative and the beauty of the arts.

I think they really are good for the soul and the quality of life.

We all can participate; either by doing it or appreciating the work of others. For example, music speaks messages so many times when words fail.” She also spoke of her appreciation of the programs and work that FUMCR does related to the arts and the wonderful opportunities people have who worship here.

Bonnie is a member of the Pathfinders Sunday school class and serves with the Inviting & Involving Ministry, helping, as our mission statement says, to welcome people for Christ, grow people in Christ, and serve people with Christ.

Daniel Says... an interview with Daniel Lee, FUMCR youth W riting

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E mily W innenberg

As I’m sitting here on the bus to the annual UMYF ski trip, I can’t help thinking that we’ve got a pretty dedicated youth group. It’s been 12 hours since we set out last night and we’ve still got about 6 more to go. With barely any sleep and a quick breakfast, we’re cruising around in a semi-conscious state taking in all the mountains and snow. It’s here on this bus that I’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with a very active and enthusiastic member of our group and personal friend of mine, Daniel Lee. Here’s a little bit of his story.

Emily: So, to start, why don’t you tell me a little bit about your family?

Daniel: Well, there’s mom, dad, (Holly and James Lee) and my brother J.D., he’s in 5th grade Emily: And where do you go to school?

Daniel: Parkhill Junior High, I’m in 8th grade Emily: What kind of sports/extracurricular activities do you participate in?

Daniel: I play basketball, football, I enjoy running around and

hanging out with my friends, and I love to stay in shape.

Emily: Ok, so what are some of your favorite things to do with your friends?

Daniel: We love going to Burger House, Target, roaming around the neighborhood (not causing any trouble, of course!), playing football, going to see movies, and playing airsoft war.

Emily: Sounds like fun to me! Now that we have a good idea of

what you do outside of church, how long have you been a part of UMYF? Daniel: Two years

Emily: And how are you involved?

Daniel: I’m one of the worship leaders in the mornings before

Sunday School, and I play guitar at youth in the evenings. I’m also a member of CYM (Council on Youth Ministry)

Emily: Tell me more about leading worship. What do you like

about it?

Daniel: Well, I love music, and playing music for God and my friends brings me a lot of joy. I feel like whenever I’m at church and playing guitar or singing, I just feel this strong connection with God. Emily: That’s really cool. I love worship myself and I can definitely

relate to that feeling of connecting with God. On a different subject, do you have favorite memory from a youth trip you want to share?

Daniel: I think it was two years ago on The Weekend Retreat, it was late and we were all sitting around a campfire singing songs.

Some of the seniors were there and it was their last weekend retreat. It was just a really deep, kind of spiritual moment. That’s one if my favorites.

Emily: Is there something you’ve learned since joining the youth group that has really stuck with you personally?

Daniel: It’s something that Tommy’s spoken about a lot, about how

to not base yourself on what others think of you, and to ignore everyone else except God. In middle school, there’s always a lot of pressure to impress people, and it’s exhausting. So, to know that God is the only one I have to answer to, that helps a lot and it’s definitely stuck with me.

Emily: You’ve done an awesome job, thanks for answering all my questions. Now a few last questions for fun…

Cowboys or Rangers?

Daniel: Cowboys Emily: Chipotle or Freebirds?

Daniel: Chipotle Emily: Country or Rock?

Daniel: Country Emily: The Titan or Texas Giant?

Daniel: Texas Giant Emily: Which are you more excited about The Amazing Spiderman

or The Dark Knight Rises?

Daniel: The Amazing Spiderman And there you have it!

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Activity Camps

This camp is great for little artists who love crafts and are just being introduced to various mediums.

All supplies are included.

Date: June 25-29 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Ages: Completed kindergarten through completed 5th grade Cost: $75.00

Cheer

Great for beginners and for those trying out for JH cheer!

Directed by Dede Vehslage and a group of high school competitive cheerleaders. A fun, high energy and loud week!

Performance for families on Friday.

Date: July 30-August 3 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Ages: Completed kindergarten through completed 6th grade Cost: $75.00, includes T-shirt

Dance

Great camp for beginner dancers. Dancers will learn a variety of styles and then share them with parents on Friday.

Date: August 6-10 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Ages: Completed kindergarten through completed 3rd grade

Cost: $75.00, includes T-shirt

Elementary Science

Explosions, messy, and active, this camp challenges elementary scientists to ask how and why—all in amazement of God’s creation!

Date: July 16-20 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Ages: Completed 1st grade through completed 5th grade Cost: $75.00

Pre-School Science

Young scientists will explore God’s world through learning fun experiments and activities.

Date: August 6-10 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Ages: Age 4 by August 31 through completed Kindergarten Cost: $75.00

Register online for Sports & Activities Camps fumcr.com 14

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Vacation Bible Camp

Ready to Dive into Vacation Bible Camp 2012? Operation OVERBOARD dares you to Go Deep with God this summer.

Registration begins May 6 in the Children’s Ministry office.

NO ONLINE REGISTRATION. This popular camp fills up quickly! Be sure to register early! Volunteers needed. Contact

Allyson George ageorge@fumcr.com or 972.996.0120.

Music Makers is a very special summer music camp designed to provide a positive Christian musical experience for all children. For our 10th anniversary, we bring back O, Jonah!, a fun and lively story about the prophet Jonah and his encounters with a whale. Join us for this wonderful week of music, drama, movement, and set building culminating with the Sunday performance.

Ages: Children entering grades 2-7 Fall 2012 Cost: $75.00, includes T-shirt Two Ways to Register: 1. In Person starting May 6 (FUMCR members) May 9 (for all) in Children’s Ministries office.

2. Online: Starting May 9 Questions: Kim O’Neil 972.996.0108 or Mike Lightfoot 972.996.0123.

Date: June 11-15 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Ages: 4 years by June 1 through completed 5th grade Cost: $15.00, includes T-shirt

Music Makers Camp

Date: July 9-13, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Performance: July 15, 9:45 & 11 am Worship services

All Star Sports

Sports Camps

Have a blast in this camp that combines fun P.E. games and a variety of sports.

Coached by Triumph Sports.

Date: July 23-26 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Ages: 5 - 12 years Cost: $85.00, includes T-shirt and snack

Basketball Learn the basics of ball handling, passing and shooting through fundamental drills and scrimmage games. Coached by Jeff Clarkson, Naaman Forest Men’s Varsity Coach.

Dates: June 25-28 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Ages: 4-10 years June 25-28 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Ages: 9-14 years July 16-19 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Ages: 4-10 years Cost: $85.00, includes T-shirt and snack Dodgeball

What child doesn’t love dodgeball? Work on throwing, dodging, catching and overall team strategy.

Coached by Triumph Sports.

Date: June 11-14 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm* Ages: 5 - 12 years

Dazzling Dinosaurs

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1 20

Cost: $85.00, includes T-shirt and snack *Campers may bring sack lunch and attend after VBC

Flag Football

Campers will run, pass, and catch their way to a great time while learning the basics of flag football. Coached by Triumph Sports.

Date: June 18-21 9 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Ages: 5 - 12 years Cost: $85.00, includes T-shirt and snack

Soccer

Learn and improve soccer skills and strategy.

Coached by Luis ZuaZua, FC Dallas Academy.

Date: June 5-8 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Ages: 5 - 12 years Cost: $85.00, includes T-shirt and snack

Volleyball Campers will learn skills and fundamentals including serving, passing, setting and hitting. Coached by Claire Mcgrath, Head Volleyball coach Armstrong Middle school.

Date: August 6-9 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Ages: 3rd - 8th grade, Girls only!

Cost: $85.00, includes T-shirt and snack

Summer Fun Summer Mother’s Day Out

A week of exploring Dinosaurs in a fun and dazzling way.

Session 1: July 9-13 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Session 2: July 16-20 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Ages: 3 years (by 9-1-12) through completed Kindergarten Cost: $75 Registration: Begins May 1 in the Children’s Ministries office. NO ONLINE REGISTRATION. *This is a 1 week program. Children attend either Session 1 OR Session 2

A midsummer break for moms of young children!

Session 1: July 10-12 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Session 2: July 17-19 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Cost: $50 Ages: 1 year old (by 7-1-12) through age 2 Registration: Begins May 1 in Children’s Ministries Office.

NO ONLINE REGISTRATION.

*This is a 1 week program. Children attend either Session 1 OR Session 2 F irst C onnections

April/May 2012

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Church Council

Back row (l to r): Jerod Hangartner, Bob Campbell, Keith Hall, Kevin Knox - Chair, Alex Vandruff, Brad Shipman, Annette Bird, Daniel Burdette. Center row: Jim Montgomery, Debbie Hoff, Jen Martin, Jean Baumann, Hayley Hangartner, Ann Conner, David Gonzales, Lin Chen. Front row: Martha Montgomery, Mary Ellen Szuwalski, Marvilou Walters,Amye Wilson, Kit Mathes, Ida Dwight, Elizabeth Wilson, Linda Campbell.

A FIRST Inspiration Beethoven Symphony No. 9 Concert in D-Minor Saturday May 5 7:30 pm 16

F irst C onnections

Performed by the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, a 200 voice choir, conducted by Anshel Brusilow. The Ninth Symphony is one of Beethoven’s most beloved works and includes the familiar “Ode to Joy.” This concert features the combined choirs of First United Methodist Church Richardson and Highland Park United Methodist Church, Dallas

Purchase tickets online fumcr.com April/May 2012

Our Glorious I

n honor of Bob & Joan Cook from Kathy & Trygve Anderson. In honor of Richard Fleming from Ben King. In honor of Stephanie Rose Heffler from Rose Marie & Don Benton. In honor of Genna Craddock from Dennis & Janene Whitby. In memory of Joan Huddleston’s daughter from Dr. Glen & Ann Hallum. In memory of Milton Newsom from his family. In memory of Amye Wilson’s grandmother from Winnie Mills, Mrs. Vassar Mills. In memory of Gene Fish from Mr. & Mrs. James Bryant, Jr., Mike & Connie & Family, Terry & Becky & Family, Oren & Sharon & Family, Steve & Ginny Brooking. In memory of John Bradford from Charles & Meg Allen, Richard & Kay Fleming, Tim & Gladys Wende, Bob & Linda Campbell, John Buehner, Howard Kennedy, Geneva Thell Williams. In memory of Val Phipps’ father from Dave & Charlotte Grimm.

In memory of Bruce Batman’s mother from Rick Holt & Wanda Wilson. In memory of Kim Davis’ father from Susie & Michael Hatley. In memory of Travis Roten from Judy Matlock.

In memory of Jean Morse’s mother from Barbara Williams & family. In memory of Paul Humphries from Bill & Patty Bonds.

In memory of Sam Thompson from Morning Glory Circle, Dick Alford, Louise & Bud Cramp, Sue Brooks. In memory of Janet Mosley’s daughter from Morning Glory Circle. In memory of Bishop & Mrs. Earl Bledsoe’s granddaughter from Morning Glory Circle. In memory of Ralph Balentine from Sue Brooks.

In memory of George Anderson from Mary Green, Syd & Alberta Hammond, Valerie Rapowitz, Vance & Luanne Payne, Louise & Bud Cramp, Tim & Gladys Wende, Sue Brooks, Carol Leonard, Lois & Roy Lindholm, Jackie & Werner Bayer, Leann & Dan Wilcoxen, Rita & John Kelly, LaVerne Williams, Gloria & Martin Anderson, Mariane & Auldon Mitchell. In memory of Anita Everhart’s mother from David & Sandra Shawver. In memory of Chuck Hester from Dennis & Shelia Weaver. In memory of Dee Weaver’s mother from Dennis & Shelia Weaver.

In memory of Mike Lightfoot’s father from Gene & Martha Aldridge.

From the

Business Office

T

he Large Church Initiative, hosted by FUMCR was a great success as I am sure you heard. As you might guess, those of us involved in finance always find a few numbers of interest and the LCI was no exception. The church provided over 400 volunteers in hosting 532 members of clergy and staff from churches all over the country, almost one volunteer for every attendee. We also learned that FUMCR continues to be a leader, not only in our conference but nationwide, in many key financial indicators. Total annual pledges, the percentage of pledges that are actually collected and the average amount of each pledge for our church continue to be near the top in each category. Our commitment to missions and even to other churches also continues to serve as an example throughout the country. All of these numbers point to a single factor and that is the continued faith and generosity of the members of FUMCR. I am continually amazed by what can be accomplished through faith, and I would like to personally thank each of you, who miraculously translate that faith into reality every single day.

Keith Hall Chair, Finance Committee

NEW MEMBERS February 26, 2012

(Continued from page 19) Marc and Jessica Martin

Memorials/Honorariums 2012:

Weeks 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20 & 2/27/12

Matthew and Jennifer French Children: Andrew and Sarah

Junior High May 26 Senior High May 27

S

Y

H LUA T U U O Hula dancers, fire twirlers, tie die shirts, and more!

Locations and times announced soon.

F irst C onnections

April/May 2012

17

Welcome to Our Newest Members!

January 15, 2012

Justin Mahrer and Michelle Wiersma

Andrew and Gwen Sollenberger

Chelsea Ripley and Kelsey Wright

Marilyn McFatridge

Eve Harrison

January 29, 2012

Lucinda Dobbs and Paulette Gibson

Jared and Ashli Parsons Daughter: Audrey

January 22, 2012 Bill Rivers Daughters: Diana and Julia

Lee McCasland and Donna Edwards

Charles Holcomb Son: Benjamin

18

F irst C onnections

April/May 2012

Pat Warner

February 5, 2012

Bob and Susanne Westphal

Roy and Judy Hohman

Donnie Wade

Bill and Laurie Osborn Son: Nick

Greg and Blair Miller Sons: Grant and Andrew

Scott Smith and Shannon Hulsey

Jon and Pam Hamby Children: Mia and Jett

Jason Lowe Emory Camp Children: Emory, Ashley and Kaitlyn

February 12, 2012 Stephanie Heffler

Sandi Adams

Karlan and Erika Armstrong Children: Jordan and Spencer

Rob and Emma Pinkston Children: Thomas and Laury

February 26, 2012

Joseph Deng and Priscilla Kuer Children: Aguer, Ajak, Ador, Audk Priscilla’s Brother: Manyang

Chris and Kelli Adrian

Aaron and Courtney Devlin Sons: Harrison and Owen

Continued on page 17 F irst C onnections

April/May 2012

19

PERIODICALS

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

503 N. Central Expressway P.O. Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75083-0877 972.235.8385 fumcr.com

April 8 Celebration Worship 7:30 am Chapel

Rev. Rich Rindfuss, preaching

8:30 9:45 11am access 5 pm Sanctuary

Next Issue

June/July 2012 UMC General Conference - Tampa, FL

Confirmation Senior Sunday

Defining Moments HOPE

Luke 24:1-12 Dr. Clayton Oliphint, preaching Magnificent music with brass and strings!

Additional parking in the Post Office lot adjacent to the church property.

Children’s Summer at FUMCR