First Connections Magazine

FIRSTConnections First United Methodist Church Richardson

Volume 7, Issue 20

December 2010/January 2011

Christmas Moments

Join Us for Worship Sundays

FIRSTConnections

Service of Communion & Prayer Chapel, 8:15 a.m. & noon Traditional 8:45, 9:45, 11:00 Dr. Clayton Oliphint, preaching 5:00 p.m. access Service A Contemporary Worship Experience Dr. Clayton Oliphint, preaching Tune in! WRR 101.1 7:00 a.m. Worship at FUMCR

Welcome Guests As a newcomer and guest of First United Methodist Church Richardson, we invite you to make yourself at home! Whether you are here for a weekday program, an evening event, a support group, an educational seminar or a Sunday worship service, we extend our hand to you in friendship.

Be Our Guest We are delighted to have you as our guest! Let us know you are worshipping with us and participating in activities on campus so we can get to know you.

Grow In Friendship You are invited to learn more about Christian Discipleship and participate in church life. We want to share the vision and mission of FUMCR with you so that you can make informed decisions about your presence, participation and commitment to this faith community.

Elizabeth Wilson, Director Inviting & Involving Main 972.235.8385, 972.996.0134 ewilson@fumcr.com

Kristen Ceaser, Inviting & Involving Associate Main 972.235.8385, 972.996.0154 kceaser@fumcr.com

ON THE COVER: Photo of the FUMCR sanctuary, Christmas 2010, courtesy of Earl and Mary Kennard, members of FOCUS photo ministry.

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503 N. Central Expressway P.O.Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75080-5315 972.235.8385 www.fumcr.com Senior Pastor Dr. Clayton Oliphint Director of Communications & Worship Gloria Scott Editor/Graphic Designer Elizabeth Gonzalez Communications Associate Kevin Burns Contributors Tim Griffy Kyle Henson Earl and Mary Kennard Holly Lee Mike Lightfoot Rev. Rodney Whitfield Julie Williams

FIRST Connections (USPS 022-024) is published 6 times a year, bi-monthly by the First United Methodist Church of Richardson, 503 N. Central Exp., 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 75080-5315.

FIRST Connections deadline for February/March 2011 issue: January 1, 2011. Submissions communication@fumcr.com.

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ver had a Christmas Moment? You know, you’re going through the same Christmas routine as other years: office parties, church services and special activities, putting up decorations, lights, making travel arrangements, going to the mall, fighting the traffic, etc. And then, as if out of nowhere, SOMETHING happens – and you realize that you are in the midst of something truly holy and of God. Someone says something or does something, the usual suddenly becomes extraordinary, or something just comes over you. It’s a Christmas Moment! It can’t be manufactured or Dr. Clayton Oliphint, planned. It just happens. Perhaps it was happening all along and we just woke up to it. Senior Pastor Or maybe it’s God’s way, the sudden experience of God’s presence in the midst of our busy world.

Christmas Moments is our theme for Advent and Christmas this year at FUMCR. I want all of our members to be aware, and on the look out, for those holy experiences you have along the way. God may just surprise you with that special moment when you least expect it. Put yourself in position for a Christmas moment by joining us for worship, our special events, and, of course, our beautiful Christmas Eve Candlelight services.

2010 has been a great year of ministry at FUMCR. We have been blessed by the opening of our new education wing, as well as the beautiful new Columbarium. As wonderful as 2010 has been, I am very excited about what our church will be doing in ministry in 2011. With the Super Bowl coming to our area we will begin the year with the sermon series “Game On.” Our Strategic Vision Team will be making their recommendations early in 2011 for the direction our church will be headed in the next five years. I hope you will plan on being part of the team and doing your part as we strive for victory. Our victory is in our faithfulness to God, and the fulfillment of our mission: with Open Hearts and Minds, we welcome people for Christ, grow people in Christ, and serve people with Christ.

The Oliphint family wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed 2011. I pray that God will gift you with a “Christmas Moment” to remind you that you are not alone.

In Christ, Clayton Oliphint

C OMPILED

BY

J ULIE W ILLIAMS

Ryan, Banner, Andrew and Charlie Short Kate Dan, Dawnn,Kahle and Joh “We always travel for the other holidays, so we can be at home for Christmas,” Dawn said. “One of our traditions is to come to the Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve, and then we go home to get ready for Santa.”

“Our longest tradition is going to Christmas Eve service with our entire family,” said Banner. “Our newest tradition is making homemade ornaments for our tree with our kids.”

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he Kahles have lots of great memories from Christmases past. Both kids have performed as angels in the pageant. As a wise man in the Live Nativity scene one year, Dan learned how tricky it can be working alongside a live camel. But their favorite moment to date happened at last year’s pageant: “Our daughter Kate and two other friends—Sophie Haug and Sophie Lawrenz— decided to sit up front with Pastor Clayton during the pageant, because they didn’t want him to have to sit by himself!”

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yan and Banner Short grew up in this church and now have two young sons who are experiencing all the wonderful church traditions for their first time. “In 2008 our family was in the live nativity scene at the church,” Banner said. “Our first son Andrew was 4 months old and played Baby Jesus. It was freezing outside, and Ryan was worried that the real camel was getting too close!”

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ith a December anniversary date, George and Linda Odom have many years of connecting Christmas with happy wedding and anniversary memories. “Our wedding was in Poly Methodist Church on the TWC campus in Ft. Worth in the midst of a beautiful setting of white trees with tiny white lights in the sanctuary—peaceful and lovely,” Linda said.

“This past year, we had our 50th anniversary at our son and daughter-in-law’s farm just a few days before Christmas. All of our family came, and it made for a wonderful anniversary and Christmas memory.”

“Our favorite tradition is getting together with all of our kids and grandkids,” she said. “With everybody in the family so scattered now, that makes Christmas especially meaningful for us when we can all be together laughing and having a jolly good time!”

George and Lin

da Odom

Amy Spence “For as long as I can remember, it has been my family’s tradition to attend the 9:00 Christmas Eve service at FUMCR,” said Amy. “I believe this started when I joined the Chapel Singers. Raising our candles during ‘Silent Night;’ listening to the choir sing ‘The Hallelujah Chorus;’ celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with my loved ones: this is my most treasured Christmas tradition.

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my’s favorite Christmas memory is a new one: “I love being able to celebrate Christmas through the eyes of my three-year-old niece Aiden. Everything is so new to her and brings her such joy and excitement. She makes the holiday come alive.”

Christopher and Lydia Chen

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iblings Christopher and Lydia Chen have grown up in the church and are active in the choir and youth program. “A special family tradition that we have is that during the Christmas season our family likes to sit by the fire and read aloud Christmas stories and drink hot chocolate,” said Christopher.

“A favorite memory of Christmas that we both have is last year when we had a white Christmas,” Lydia said. “Early Christmas morning, before we had opened any presents or stockings, we went out onto the golf course behind our house and went sledding down the freshly snow covered hills and had fun throwing snowballs at each other and making snow angels like little kids.”

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Being Connected…

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he American League Champion Texas Rangers just finished a historic season. The atmosphere around the ballpark in the postseason was electric. Even for a fair-weather baseball fan, I must confess I got caught up in all the excitement. Watching the World Series from my couch, I found myself mysteriously tense and exuberant all at the same time. It is an experience and a season I will never forget.

We have all participated in exciting, memory making, and electrifying gatherings: sporting events, political rallies, theatrical performances, and concerts. We feel the energy of the crowd and many times we are moved by the emotion of what is taking place. It is a moment we share with 100, 200, sometimes 50 thousand of our closest friends… no!

Neighbors or fellow fans is more like it.

Because of our experience in these gatherings, we want to share the story and our experience with others. We need a smaller group than the masses who were at the stadium, concert hall, theatre, or worship service whom we can talk and share with. We need a group of friends we can share these moments with. With our rear entry garages, privacy fences, and busy schedules it is not surprising how many people turn to the internet to connect with others and to share these experiences through facebook and email.

Sharing online still can’t fully take the place of person to person, face to face, human contact.

R EV . R ODNEY W HITFIELD

“Americans are among the loneliest people in the world” –George Gallup, The People’s Religion God created us to be in relationship. In Genesis chapter 2 after a whole chapter marked with all that was created good, God said, “It is not good that man should be alone.” We were not made to be and live in isolation. In fact according to research, the lack of physical contact with other persons is unhealthy. We need friendship, companionship, and connection with others. We were not made to experience the journey of life alone. And when we are going it alone, it is not good.

We need a consistent, authentic group where we can share these inspiring, energizing, and memory making experiences.

A group of people who can help us take steps in living out the challenges and inspiring messages we have heard. A group of friends who will serve with us side by side, hand in hand, in living the in-between days of life, who will also push us, challenge us, and support us. We need a Sunday school class, a women’s circle, a men’s bible study, a choir, or youth group that gathers consistently, for the purpose of the shared experience of life.

We have incredible, moving, and meaningful worship experiences at FUMCR. We are making an intentional decision to be in relationship with God by worshiping each week. However, if this is our only connection point, we are missing the other key relationships. We need our group: A gathering of our peers with whom we can continue the conversation after the worship experience is over. We need a group of people who want to know us and love us. We need a group of people who can be there with us in the highest of high moments, but also in the lowest of lows. We need a group of people who will notice when we don’t show up or will pray when we are not able to pray.

I have heard similar stories as this one from members of Sunday School classes and small groups. A young mother of one child just lost her husband in the Iraq war. Even though she was devastated, grief stricken, and anger, she told her pastor with confidence that she knew she would make it

“40% of adults in the United States belong to some kind of formal small group.”-Robert Wuthnow 6

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through, because her small group (her Sunday School Class) would be there for her.

Being connected in community is critical. Being connected to God and connected to others on the journey is important. Have you made a connection? Do you long for a safe place where you can share the blessing and challenges of being a faithful Christian, discuss tough questions of faith, and seek ways to navigate the complexity of Christian living in the 21st century? Have you intentionally decided to join a group, to share life, to meet consistently, and to continue the conversations?

Discover the Journey in 2011! Take a step towards growing in your faith by joining a group, as we all seek to deepen our relationships with God and others.

For more information about taking a step forward into community and being connected please contact: Rev. Rodney Whitfield rwhitfield@fumcr.com

“God created us with a hunger for relationships —for relationships with him and with our fellow people.”

–Dr Henry Cloud, Boundaries

Lecture Series Spring 2011 Brian McLaren Sunday, January 9 6:15 p.m.

Author of Everything Must Change, speaker, activist, and networker among innovative Christian leaders. He has been profiled in Christianity Today and Christian Century, The Washington Post, and many other print media. Time listed him as one of the twenty-five most influential Evangelicals in America.

Mary Flo Ridley Saturday, February 26, 7 p.m.

Author of Simple Truths with Mary Flo Ridley, a book and video series developed to give parents a plan for shaping their child’s sexual character by giving them simple conversations at an early age.

Bishop Earl Bledsoe Presiding Bishop of the North Texas Conference Holy Week Lecturer, Lent 2011 Bishop Bledsoe will lead the noon lunch series, Monday throughThursday, April 18-21, 2011.

“We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”

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Christmas Music 2010 8

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A First Christmas Celebration

featuring favorite songs of Christmas Presenting the music of the FUMCR Chancel Choir and the Richardson Symphony Orchestra Saturday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Imagine the entire chancel area decorated with poinsettias, garland and lights, and filled to capacity with over 150 musicians, both singing and playing the most familiar and joyful songs of the Christmas season!

Joy to the World; Angels We Have Heard on High; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; Still, Still, Still and beautiful works by Robert Shaw, Randol Bass and Gary Fry will be presented. The orchestra will be featured on Jingle Bells Fantasy; Sleigh Ride and Selections from Tchaikovsky’s famous Nutcracker Suite.

Finally, everyone will have the opportunity to lift their voices in joyous song as we all join together in a holiday sing-a-long.

This is a wonderful way to experience Christmas for the very first time this season. Join us on December 4 for A First Christmas Celebration.

The concert is presented by First Inspiration Concerts and Richardson Symphony Orchestra. Tickets available at www.fumcr.com ($12 per ticket or $10 for groups of 10 or more).

“December Carols” Alison Beck, piano

Elizabeth Beck, violin

Sunday, December 12, 8:45, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m.

We are fortunate to be hosting talented sisters, Alison and Elizabeth Beck.

At each service they will play carols written in original styles. Usually performing in concert, we are honored to welcome them to our Sunday morning worship.

The Beck sisters will perform songs from their new “December Carols” CD during our morning worship services; featuring Alison Beck’s original arrangements of traditional Christmas carols in a broad range of styles from Renaissance to Rachmaninoff, and Argentinean tango to Hollywood film scores.

Pianist, Alison Beck earned her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of North Texas and received her Bachelor degree from Centenary College. She is a prizewinner of various international piano competitions, and has been featured as guest artist with several orchestras.

“December Carols” features Alison’s Christmas arrangements for piano and violin.

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Younger sister, 18 year old violinist, Elizabeth studies in Dallas. She has won solo string competitions and has performed recitals and participated in master classes in colleges and universities.

The sisters often volunteer to play in elementary schools, performing concerts of high-energy classical music for underprivileged children. See more on the Beck sisters at their website www.beckthoven.com.

The Music of Advent and Christmas During the four Sundays of Advent and on Christmas Eve, we will feature bell choirs, children’s choirs, Chapel Singers youth Choir and Chancel Choir.

Strings and brass will play on selected Sundays and every Sunday we will listen to the beautiful Klais pipe organ.

Each Sunday of Advent will feature special music being played from the welcome center balcony.

The children will present their musical, Sunday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Christmas Eve Music As always, Christmas Eve is the highpoint of our celebration. On this special night we sing the great songs of Christmas, accompanied by piano, organ, strings and brass. And, the combined youth and adult choirs will raise our sprits as we all sing together these most beloved carols.

Silent Night, candlelight, communion, the word proclaimed and the most inspirational music of the entire year: Christmas Eve at First United Methodist Church Richardson!

Family Worship

Sunday, December 26

11:00 a.m.*

On the morning following Christmas Day we will gather together for one special hour of worship.

There will be favorite carols sung, and the Klais organ will be accompanied by piano and violin. Our Zimbabwe congregation will be in worship with us on this joyous day as we continue to celebrate the birth of Christ. *Child care for three years and younger.

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Christmas. . . the most wonderful time of the year can also be the busiest!

This Christmas season we invite every individual, family, couple, child to discover a Christmas Moment. We cannot tell you when that moment may happen. . . it will not be on a list or written in your schedule.

Be ready, be watchful, be surprised and discover a celebration moment of the true meaning of Christmas!

December 4, 7:30 p.m.

The Chancel Choir and The Richardson Symphony Orchestra present “A First Christmas Celebration” featuring Favorite Songs of Christmas Tote Bags for the homeless will be handed out December 5.

Return filled bags to sanctuary during worship December 19.

December 12, 6:30 p.m.

Children’s Choir Musical “Away in the Manger” Advent Offering: NETWORK of Community Ministries

NETWORK distributes 2000 lbs. of food a day and 10,000 lbs. a week. In addition they assist with utility bills, rent, and medical prescriptions.

December 19 Service of Hope 6:30 p.m., Chapel Rev. Marilyn Dickson, Meditation A service of worship for those who have suffered loss, through death, divorce, separations, or unemployment. Stephen Ministry will host a reception in the Shawver Welcome Center following the service.

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Advent Offering: Methodist Children’s Home The home in Waco provides a safe, home environment for children and teens who cannot live in their own homes or with their families, providing all the resources they need to grow and learn in a healthy home.

CHRISTMAS EVE 2010

December 24 12 noon, Family Worship with Candlelight Living the Moment Rev. Rodney Whitfield, Meditation We encourage families that are traveling on Christmas Eve to join their church family for this beautiful family worship experience before departing.

4:30 p.m.*

Christmas Pageant

6:00 p.m.*

9:00 p.m.

11:00 p.m.

Traditional Worship with Candlelight

Living the Moment Dr. Clayton Oliphint, Meditation *Child care available 4:30 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. only.

Additional Parking available at the YMCA on Custer Road – Shuttle Service for 6 p.m. & 9 p.m. services only.

Advent Offering: UMCOR UMCOR is working through partners to bring help and relief to the cataclysmic floods in Pakistan that began three months ago.

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Let the Musicians Move You FUMCR Music Ministry Rocks

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H OLLY L EE

FUMCR has a long history of having a dynamic, top-notch music ministry. Our leadership team is instrumental in consistently delivering superb performances. Amidst this team, we have a dynamic couple—Mike and Mary Lightfooot.

Mary grew up in the Midwest and has a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Lamar University. At Baylor, she had private lessons with Don McManus and Mary Preston (organist at the Meyerson), who taught her practical lessons in church service playing. Mary also loves teaching piano but is too busy right now to do so.

Michael Lightfoot

Mary is one of six children, all of whom sing or play instruments. Her dad still plays trombone, and her mom played the accordion. Growing up hearing or playing music is what made her want it to be a permanent part of her life. She grew up in a small church that encouraged youth to play (and make mistakes!) in church. Mary married Michael in 2001, and life has been full of adventure ever since! Mike and Mary recently adopted Oreo, a black and white kitty, whom they adore.

Favorite Hymn: Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart You often see Michael in front of our 135 voice Chancel Choir on Sunday mornings. Important to him as director is his role of shepherd in helping the choir family in times of need. In addition to planning weekly worship music, Mike plans special concert events, such as Christmas concerts with Sandi Patty and Ballet Magnificat, for the Chancel Choir. Mike plans concerts and books artists for the First Inspiration Concert series. Upcoming events include the Richardson Symphony, an organ concert, and The Vienna Boys Choir.

Mike also assists in planning the Chancel Choir tours (every four years). This summer, the choir will cruise from Montreal to Boston, with several stops, including Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia. In addition to his leadership of the Chancel Choir, Mike works actively with other staff to plan weekly worship and major events.

Mike grew up in Odessa, Texas, and is a graduate of Permian High School. He received his bachelor degree from West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas, and has a Masters of Sacred Music from Southern Methodist University. His love for music came in eighth grade when he quit the football team and tried school choir. This demanding and driven group spurred him to make music a big part of his life.

Mike married Mary just eight months before coming to FUMCR. That was the most transforming year of his life.

Mary Lightfoot Favorite Hymn: Be Thou My Vision Also in front of the congregation on Sunday mornings is Mary Lightfoot. She plays the organ and piano for worship and special services. In addition to accompanying the choir and soloists, she oversees the six handbell choirs, plays for memorial services and weddings, is instrumental in organizing our special music performances and conferences, and is an active participant in planning and leading worship.

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Mary is excited that Advent starts soon. There is more beautiful Advent and Christmas music available than could ever possibly be performed. FUMCR has wonderful, talented musicians in our church, and she would love to plug them into musical opportunities during this season of beautiful music. From worship to weddings, even to baseball playoff games, music enhances everyone’s life experience. Mary would like to be more available for those who need a touch of music in their lives.

Kyle Henson • • • •

Director of access contemporary music Attended Southern Methodist University Grew up in Richardson Favorite movie: The Shawshank Redemption

Michael Lysinger • Director of Chapel Singers Youth Choir • Choral Director at J.J. Pearce High School • Attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas • Originally from San Antonio • Married to Cathy. They have 2 children—Abby (9) and Zach (3) • Favorite book: 100 Years of Solitude

Kim O’Neil • Children’s Choir Coordinator • Attended Lon Morris College and Oklahoma City University. Earned degree in Religious/Christian Education • Married 23 years to Stuart. They have 2 children— Rachel (14) and Kyle (13) • Favorite hymn: Amazing Grace

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Across 4. A kissing plant 6. A Christmas color 7. Where did Mary and Joseph live 8. The reason for the journey 10. Name of a reindeer 11. A tree topper 14. Found on the fireplace 17. Who told the shepherds about Jesus 20. Left for Santa 21. Gift of a wise man 22. _____ golden rings!

23. Kissed Santa

Down 1. Name of town where Jesus was born 2. Place where Jesus was born 3. Number of Sundays in Advent 5. Opposite of chaotic morning 8. Christmas singers 9. Joseph's occupation 12. _____ to the world!

13. A Christmas Carol author 14. Character in A Christmas Carol 15. A warm, fragrant beverage 16. Mary's transportation 18. The first _____ the angels sing 19. _____ bells, it's Christmas time in the City.

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The Journey–A Personal Perspective

BY T IM G RIFFY S TRATEGIC V ISIONING C OMMITTEE C HAIRMAN

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hen our daughter Claire left for college a few years ago, following her brother into that great maelstrom of independence and discovery, Missy and I experienced a small moment of accomplishment: raising a child on a journey that is both arduous and thrilling, producing joy and more than occasional anxiety. So when she left home as our last “little one” to fly the nest, we felt that intense emotion of bittersweet happiness—reaching the end of one particular road on our life’s journey.

Then, in another wave of intense emotion was the very real and critical question of... what happens next?

beginning on November 20, 2010, in drafting a seminal strategy that will be presented to the Church Council in the first quarter of 2011.

Relevant for the Future: Critical Conversations, Critical Outcomes. What can you expect of this new strategy? I think you can count on three specific outcomes. First, we have heard loud and clear how much you love FUMCR and the type of church it is. We have well over 100 years of “good things” to build on, and it is wonderful to build on this success tied to God’s kingdom and the resulting overall satisfaction that we, as a congregation, feel about this work.

“How do we create more opportunities to grow God’s kingdom?”

Respectful of the Past. First United Methodist Church of Richardson has, in much the same way, reached a similar “crossroad in life”, ending a series of life events, a transformational process, in moving our campus from Belt Line Road to Central Expressway. We have expanded our physical footprint and our community profile; an “abundance of riches” that demands that the question of “How do we create more opportunities to grow God’s kingdom?” be answered now.

As a result, the leadership of FUMCR—both Clayton and the Church Council—has asked the question of our congregation about what this “crossroad in the life of the church” means for our future.

The Critical Question: What Is Next? It was never the intent of FUMCR to move our church just to create a more beautiful place to worship nor provide a more convenient location. Quite simply, we moved to have a greater opportunity to pursue God’s will for First Methodist. And “what’s next” for us is a structured effort to define and communicate our understanding of that in the form of a Strategic Vision for FUMCR. Recognizing Today. For the last eight months, a Strategic Visioning Committee, formed by our Church Council, has been collecting information from a wide range of sources—the Five Practices work completed earlier in 2010, demographic data, and discussions with senior Methodist leadership, Richardson’s City Council, and most recently over ten town hall meetings with our congregational membership.

We have consequently obtained a deep understanding of what we are doing well, and what opportunities for growth and service are in front of us. We have come to understand how others outside our walls view us, and most importantly what their hopes and aspirations are of us in serving the community at-large.

That is the kind of change we will be talking about, which leads me to the third characteristic of the strategy, which is boldness. You don’t move from good to great without boldness—a willingness to take on challenges that create sustainable impact throughout the community while simultaneously providing for congregational spiritual development.

I fully expect the strategy, when it is finally completed, to embrace the opportunities before us that will perhaps not be entirely comfortable to us, either as individuals nor perhaps even as a congregation. But I know that it will be true to the challenge of the Gospel in the same spirit that Jesus asked Peter and Andrew to leave their home to follow him and become “fishers of men”!

Your Commitment: Prayerful Guidance for the Future.

What we ask of you is the following: Pray for the work we are doing, and for Church leadership as they consider how best to discern and follow God’s will for FUMCR. Continue to share your thoughts, ideas, and recommendations, as it is up to each and every one of us to determine how we Welcome People for Christ, Grow People in Christ, and Serve People with Christ.

Although it seems big and complex they are, after all, simple words . . . “Come, follow me”.

It’s been hard work! It will pay off, since all this information and perspective will inform the conversations and work 14

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The second outcome you can expect from the strategy, even though we are in a good place, is change. Although we are satisfied to be where we are, there is also the opportunity to do better: to pursue, as Clayton referred to in a recent sermon, the Jim Collins’ challenge of “Good to Great”.

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cherished past. bright future.

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Community WinterFest 2011 Saturday, February 5 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Campus-wide Choose two workshops from 27 offerings

$10 includes Continental Breakfast & Lunch

Offerings start at 9:15 & 10:45 a.m.

27 Workshops include: •Health & Fitness •Creative Arts •Just for Fun •Hands-on Classes •Hot Topics

Adults of All Ages Invited Sponsored by Senior Adult Ministries

Food by Jason’s Deli Fellowship Entertainment by Dave Tanner Entertaining Dallas for 39 years Visit over 41 Vendors

Registration begins January 1

www.fumcr.com, Shawver Welcome Center, or Church Office

Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

F ros t B a nk FIRST CONNECTIONS

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n honor of Clayton Oliphint from the Family of Raymon Bynum. In honor of Don & Betty Shipman from Sharon Hendley. In memory

of Rebecca Ann Parks from Melissa & Michael Petty. In memory of Susan Sparkman’s father Bill Kelley from Joyful Questers Sunday School Class.

In memory of John & Jackie Tucker from Donnie & Sisti Harrell, Freeman & Billie Brewer. In memory of Ken Shamblin from Larry & Carolyn Lesh, Mr. & Mrs. John A. Taylor, Ronald & Sally Parks, Gary & Lois Fishback, Woodrow & Freda Smith. In memory of Kay Watson’s mother from Joyful Questers Sunday School Class. In memory of Kody Hughes from Don & Pat Chase, Jason &

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n January, you will receive a packet in the mail asking you to complete a Confirmation Card to let us know your anticipated gifts to the 2011 Operating Budget. Confirmation Cards are not an obligation and you may give more or less than what you state on the card. They are important in that they allow us to better estimate the gifts we will be receiving in the coming year so that we can set our budget. We greatly appreciate everyone completing a card. If you would like to go ahead and complete a card early (and save us some postage!), you may do so online by going to www. fumcr.com and click on Pledge 2011 or you may email your pledge to Dianne Weideman, Director of Finance at dweideman@fumcr.com.

Susan Ware, Terry & Sandy Brehm. In memory

2010 Budget Update

of Judy Perry’s father from Brenda Harris, Jacque

(as of October 31, 2010)

Bryant, Brad & Tammy Harris. In memory of Bob Loftin from Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Sasser, Jr.

Actual Income $3,523,500

In memory of Gayle Ingle’s mother from Joyful

Budget Income $3,635,200

Questers Sunday School Class. In memory of

Budget Shortage ($111,700) 3%

Jim Nickell from Bonnie Edwards, Richard & Carolyn Wallach, Carl & Marjene Werner, Don & Margie Franks, the family of Jean Jordan, Bob & Linda Campbell, A. J. & Bud Carr, Robert & Mary Schallenberg, Tommy Atchison, Charles

We are closer to closing the shortage for 2010.

We still need your help!

Thank you so much for all your gifts!

& Linda Fry, Mary Payne, Ed & Barbara Jordan,

Blessings,

Dana Dudley, Mary Gagliardo.

Dianne Weideman, Director of Finance

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1. Joy Barnes joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. She is retired. 2. Colleen Beachem joins by profession of faith. She is a recruiter for Murray Hill Center. She has two sons, Jayden (6) and Jeremiah (3). 3. Plesene Bell joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. She is retired. 4. Ron Bell joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. He is retired. 5. Zac and Sarah Carroll join by profession of faith. Zac is an accountant with Judd, Thomas, Smith & Co., PC. Sarah is with Cooper Fitness Center. 6. Enoch and Denise Doyle both join by transfer from another denomination. They have two children, Evelyn (3 ½ yrs.) and Evan (2 yrs.). 7. Richard and Leah Fite both join by profession of faith. Richard is a manager with Central Freight and Leah is a manager with AT&T. They have one son, Andrew (4 mos.). 8. Kelley Gatewood joins by transfer from another denomination. She is a massage therapist at Bent Tree Country Club. She has two daughters, Amelia and Alexis. 9. Joe and Susan Grigsby join by transfer from another denomination. They are both retired. 10. John and Cindy Haley join by transfer from another United Methodist church.

John is a supervisor with Home Depot and Cindy is with Tyler Technologies. They have two children, Mara (5) and Jack (7 mos.). 11. Andrew and Pam Harris join by transfer from another denomination. Andrew is with CVS Caremark and Pam is the director of communications with University Park United Methodist Church. They have two children, Anna (6) and Molly (4). 12. Mert and Margaret Jessen join by transfer from another denomination. They are both retired.

13. Kurt and Kaye Johnson both join by transfer from another denomination, along with their daughter Savannah (10th grade). Kurt is with Real Page and Kaye is with Hollander Home Fashions. They also have a son Clayton, who is in 6th grade. 14. Ann Lendvay joins by profession of faith. She is a risk manager with Audit Ready Solutions. She has two grown sons. 15. Bob and Susie Lindholm join by profession of faith. They have 4 grown sons and are retired.

16. Trey and Becky Longbotham join by renewing their professions of faith. Trey is a software engineer with Cirro Energy and Becky is a medical assistant with Walnut Hill OB/GYN. 17. Camille Mauritzen joins by profession of faith.

She is an event coordinator with Children’s Cancer Fund. 18. Chuck Mulkey joins by transfer from denomination.

Joni Mulkey comes by transfer from another United Methodist church. Chuck is an advisor with MetLife and Joni is an escrow officer with James P. Lazar, PC. They have two children, Shannon (6th grade) and Luke (1st grade).

19. Trey and Patti Otte join by transfer from another denomination. Trey is IT Director with Eagle Materials and Patti is a stay-at-home mom. They have one son, Will, who is in 2nd grade. 20. Michael and Angie Rhea both join by profession of faith. Michael is the service supervisor for Town North Mazda and Angie is in IT with Lonestar Plastics.

They have one son, Mason (4). 21. Cynthia Shamblin joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. She is a teacher and the daughter of Pam Shamblin and the late Rev. Ken Shamblin. 22. Joe and Sharon Snayd join by renewing their professions of faith. Joe is an executive with Fujitsu. 23. Mary Ann Whitmire joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. She is retired. 24. Fred Whitmore joins by profession of faith. His wife, Leslie Whitmore, joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. Fred is with Bank of America and Leslie is a homemaker. They have one son, Luke, who is in 6th grade. 25. Lou Wood joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. She has three grown children and is a resident at Highland Springs. 26. Lisa Wyatt joins by transfer from another denomination. She is a realtor with Keller Williams. Lisa has three children: John, Jenna and Chris. *New members as of 11/14/10

FIRST CONNECTIONS

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0 / J a n u a r y 2 0 11

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PERIODICALS

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

503 N. Central Expressway P.O. Box 830877 Richardson, TX 75080-5315 972.235.8385 www.fumcr.com

Next Issue February 2011 Caring Ministries Lent 2011