First Connections September-October 2010

FIRSTConnections First United Methodist Church Richardson

Volume 7, Issue 19

October/November 2010

FIRSTConnections

As a newcomer and guest of First United Methodist Church Richardson, we invite you to make yourself at home!

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hether 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.

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 Joy Anderson Kyle Henson Holly Lee Patti Otte Gloria Scott Dianne Weideman Julie Williams Cheryl Winnenberg

Contact: Elizabeth Wilson, Director of Inviting & Involving Main 972.235.8385, 972.996.0134 ewilson@fumcr.com or Kristen Ceaser, Inviting & Involving Associate Main 972.235.8385, 972.996.0154 kceaser@fumcr.com

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 Nov./Dec. 2010 Issue: November 1, 2010. Submissions communication@fumcr.com.

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umerous people have asked me about the wording of our Mission Statement here at First United Methodist Church Richardson: With Open Hearts and Minds, We Welcome People for Christ, Grow People in Christ, and Serve People with Christ. When it comes to that last part I have explained, we believe that Christ is already serving people wherever they are. Christ is waiting for us to go out from the church to be a part of what Christ is doing to alleviate suffering, and help people in need. FUMCR is a very Mission-Focused congregation. We understand as Christians that we have been blessed in order that we might be a blessing to others. Each one of us can and should be involved in Mission Outreach as a part of our faith commitment to Christ. I like to say,“If you are a Christian, it’s just in your DNA to be involved in mission.”

The members of FUMCR are deeply involved both in local mission outreach efforts and in global efforts.

This both/and approach helps keep us grounded with our finger on the pulse of our community. It also Dr. Clayton Oliphint, broadens us to understand that we are part of a larger, global village. We want to be involved in ministries Senior Pastor that will make a qualitative difference in people’s lives. We offer the love of Christ (the bread of life) along with meeting peoples physical needs (bread, shelter, medical needs, etc.). In this issue of First Connections, you will see many of the ways our church is involved in mission outreach. There are many more – but we don’t have enough paper because we’ve invested more in mission!

This is an exciting time in the life of our church. When we built the new campus four Each one of u s can years ago we envisioned the buildings as a “mission station.” The facilities serve to a n d s h ould be involv enhance our ability to be involved in touching lives. When I see all of the children ed here during the weekday programs, all of the young people involved on in Mission Ou treach as a Sunday evenings, and adults of all ages engaged in study and service, I know part of our fait h commitmen that these facilities serve a greater purpose than just beauty and space. They t to Christ. I lik are functionally a part of our mission to our community. e to

say, “If you are a Christia n, it’s just in your DNA to be involved in mission.”

Our new Contemporary Service, Access, is off and running, another way that we are trying to reach out to people with no faith community. Our Strategic Visioning Team is gathering information, attempting to discern how our church can provide greater leadership and focus, so that our church can continue to make strategic choices that transform the lives of people with the grace of God. I invite you to read about some of the things the members at FUMCR are involved in. After reading, I challenge every member to find a way to be involved in growing in your faith and in serving others. If you are a Christian, it’s just in your DNA! In Christ, Clayton Oliphint

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Church on a Mission FUMCR’s passion for giving reflected in its many outreach ministries

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irst United Methodist Church Richardson is a congregation on a mission to change the world one person, one organization, one community at a time.

Under the passionate and committed leadership of Rev. Joy Anderson, Outreach Ministry has become one of the most important foundations of our church.

desiring to participate in ministry. Regardless of their individual gifts and talents, church members can find a place to serve.

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P ATTI O TTE

“We can’t chang world, bute the change th we can the perso e world of n we go to help.”

- Joy Ande

rson

John Wesley’s influence Jesus as leader and teacher During one of the rare quiet moments in Joy Anderson’s incredibly full schedule, she sits down to discuss Outreach Ministries at FUMCR. When asked to explain the keys to FUMCR’s continuing success in this area, Joy states, “Jesus is the ultimate role model for serving others. He helped whoever needed help. Because of his leadership, [outreach] is a big part of the DNA of the Methodist church.” With His example in mind, FUMCR’s outreach programs are designed to offer a “smorgasbord or buffet of opportunities” for those

Pastor Clayton Oliphint makes a connection between outreach ministries at FUMCR and the teachings of John Wesley, who believed that faith should manifest itself in good works. According to Pastor Clayton, Wesley taught that when God gets hold of a person’s heart, and is then transformed by grace, it is natural that he or she would want to reach out in concern to others. Wesley’s concept that “the world is our parish” challenges Methodists to put their faith into action outside the walls of the church.

Biblical Inspiration Both Joy and Pastor Clayton are inspired to serve by favorite Bible scriptures. Joy looks to James 1:22 for inspiration, while Matthew 25:31-46 speaks to Pastor Clayton’s heart. Both encourage Christians to actively serve and to remember that, when serving others, we are ultimately serving Christ.

Education is key

Slidell Workcamp 2010

Joy is passionate about FUMCR’s mission work, and she spreads that enthusiasm by educating church members about the needs of the broader community. According to Joy, “Education is key to everything we do here in our outreach ministries. Our members need to know what we’ve done, what we’re doing and why.” She firmly believes that once our church understands a particular need, they respond willingly, so her main goal is to educate the members of FUMCR regarding the many opportunities that exist to get involved in outreach.

Over the years, Joy has concocted some rather unlikely means of increasing interest in missions at FUMCR. In 1982, she roasted a pig in a pit at the church playground to get folks interested in a UMW and Mission Area Joint Study on the South Sea Islands. Because people were so intrigued by the pig roast, attendance at the joint study was excellent. Another time she brought animals into the fellowship hall to promote the Heifer Project. And then there were the camel rides in the parking lot of the church or the time when Joy had a church member design and build a well that actually pumped water in the sanctuary on Mission Day. The goal was always to educate and to attract people to church ministry.

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Rev. Joy Anderson

Body and Soul

UMCOR Health Kits 2009

Obviously Joy’s approach is working. The church facilitates more than a dozen specific ministry programs ranging from the ever-popular International Christmas Market (one of Joy’s personal favorites) to the overwhelmingly successful Totebag Ministry during the holidays to the Adult Workcamps and Mission Trips overseas and here at home in the United States. The Mission Outreach operating budget is approximately $76,000 annually and covers everything from support of UMC programs such as the Wesley Rankin Center and Golden Cross to agencies associated with the Church and Society arm of outreach. These programs rely on our tithes as well as our time and talents.

One of the church’s most recent success stories is the ESL program. Initiated last fall with just two classes, the ESL outreach has now grown to six classes this fall as well as an off-site class at Springhill Apartments at Midpark and Mayhem. It’s a shining example of what a visionary leader – Joy – can accomplish with the help of a handful of committed volunteers. Pastor Clayton is quick to give Joy the credit for the church’s Outreach Ministry’s continued success. He states, “Joy is the conscience of the church. She keeps us honest.

She keeps us grounded and focused on what we are all about and points us out to the world…she reminds us that it’s not just about being fed by the Word but about feeding others. If we lose that balance, we’ve lost our soul.”

Joy states her philosophy about mission work simply yet elegantly: “We can’t change the world, but we can change the world of the person we go to help.”

The Future of Missions at FUMCR Always searching for outreach opportunities, Joy has set her sights on Haiti and is planning two trips to the country in 2011. The first trip, scheduled for January, will be a learning mission spent with a UMC conference leader. She will then lead a group from our church March 10-17. The adult work camp crew will be directly supporting the UMC in Haiti rather than individual governmental agencies.

In addition to overseas mission work, local outreach ministries will continue to play a vital role in the life of the church. The process of selecting ministries is a dynamic one: Joy constantly evaluates the success of current programs and seeks other opportunities where FUMCR can make an impact. She and her committee then make a decision as to the feasibility of each potential program.

When asked what he envisions for FUMCR’s mission outreach program a decade from now, Pastor Clayton sits thoughtfully for a moment and replies, “In ten years, I hope that we will be able to measure our work by its impact on our community. For example, I hope we’ll see people move from poverty to self-sufficiency. Our church should not just exist for the betterment of the lives of our members. Our being engaged in local mission should make a qualitative and quantifiable difference in the life of our community.”

For more information about current mission and service opportunities, see page 16, pick up one of the Outreach Ministry flyers located throughout the church or email Joy Anderson at janderson@fumcr.com.

Crown Joy Anderson the Queen of Hearts at FUMCR! Joy has a heart filled with a desire to serve; this calling developed many years ago when she went on her first mission trip as a college student to Utila, an island off of Honduras. She has never forgotten that experience and still credits it as a foundation block for her passion to minister to those in need.

Joy arrived at FUMCR in 1982 and served as Director of Children’s Ministries for seven years. In 1989 she moved to her present position as Minister of Outreach Ministry. It is her determined spirit, her strong leadership, and her insight into the possibilities for individuals to make a difference in the world that has given FUMCR a heart of its own for mission work and outreach.

During her tenure, Joy has planned and led 42 adult work trips in the United States and overseas. Under her leadership, opportunities abound at every level for individuals to be involved in service to the greater community.

Ministry work can range from something as simple as bringing a box of cereal for Network of Community Ministries, to placing a dollar on the communion table for the Ark House ministry, to devoting a week of vacation to rebuilding homes in Louisiana, or preparing a recipe for the AIDS Supper Club, or working a station at the International Christmas Market.

The list goes on and on thanks to Joy’s servant spirit (see page 16).

It is Joy’s “heart for mission” that challenges FUMCR to feel the pulse of need in our world!

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Our Eyes, Our Hands, Our Feet and Our Hearts. . .

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he following individuals serve as missionaries both in the United States and around the world and are financially supported by FUMCR.

Shana Harrison Shana is an ordained minister serving in Santiago, Chile as Executive Director of the Foundation Crescendo. Crescendo offers a sheltered workshop and group home for adults who have intellectual disabilities.

Crescendo strives to find the balance between giving the adults with intellectual disabilities the protection that they need while simultaneously integrating them into society.

Christiana Hena Dr. Hena is a medical doctor serving in Eastern Kazakhstan, which is located in central Asia. She is working to establish in this area a comprehensive communitybased primary health care program. She is training local health workers to promote better health practices in their communities. While doing this Christiana also works as a physician at one of the hospitals and provides medical services to several village clinics. These local clinics serve a population of 18,000 inhabitants!

Janet Lahr Lewis “After a typical Holy Land tour and seeing the devastating consequences of the ongoing illegal occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, I knew I needed to go back to that no-so-holy land and do whatever I could to help bring about freedom for the oppressed.�

Janet is serving as a liason between ecumenical groups in Israel and Palestine.

Jerri and Bill Savuto Jerri and Bill Savuto currently serve at the Maua Methodist Hospital in Maua, Kenya. Jerri is presently the Quality Improvement and Staff Development Officer.

Her husband is also working at the hospital. This is a rural hospital that serves one million people. Charges are today about $200 for a seven day stay. One third of the patients are unable to pay for any of their hospital bill.

Ruth A. Wiertzema Ruth serves as a minister and director of Connectional Ministries in the Red Bird Missionary Conference. This is the most comprehensive mission project of the United Methodist Church in United States. The ministry is for the rural Appalachian people in southeastern Kentucky. Her focus is on teaching and enabling persons to develop their potential.

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FUMCR Partner Churches

Haiti Workcamp, March 10-17, 2011 to work with the Methodist Church of Haiti. Estimated cost is $1300 per person. This includes airfare, meals, lodging, interpreter costs, in country transportation.

Project is not known at this time. Team limited to eight people.

Czech Republic Mission Trip, May 19-28 to work with our partner church Horni Pocernice UMC in Prague. Estimated cost is $1,800 per person.

Radek Novotny, pastor of Horni Pocernice UMC, Prague, Czech Republic, with wife Lenka and daughter Karolina

U.S. Workcamp, June, 2010 to a location to be determined to help with disaster recovery or another project.

St. Petersburg Summer 2010

Irina Margulis, pastor of Aspiration UMC, St. Petersburg and her husband Andrei Kim. FIRST CONNECTIONS

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n some churches, “missions” are the realm of adults.

After all, how much can a bunch of kids do? I am happy to say that FUMC Richardson is not one of those places. We have an amazing group of kids and adult leaders who can meet all sorts of challenges.

In June, 49 senior high youth and 10 adults braved the drive through the wilds of west Texas to reach the Mescalero Apache Reservation near Ruidoso, New Mexico. For three days, we worked on a variety of repairs and building projects for three homes. We tore off an old roof and replaced it, built two roofs to cover two handicapped ramps, painted the exteriors of two homes, painted the interior of one home, repaired a large hole in a roof, dismantled a handicapped ramp that was too steep and built a replacement. There were lots of hands and plenty of work to keep them busy! One thing that made doing all those things much easier was the weather! It was beautiful! We had blue skies, temperatures in the low 80s during the day, and NO HUMIDITY! At night, you could clearly see the Milky Way and some native Texans were searching for sweatshirts!

We were also fortunate to be able to make some local connections beyond those we were helping. One evening, the Reformed Church hosted our youth to an Indian Taco supper. Miss Mescalero, Taryn Yuzos, in traditional Apache dress, made fry bread for us. After dinner, she spoke to us about Apache traditions and life on the reservation. Pastor Bob and his wife, Linda also shared with us stories about their ministry to the community over the past 26 years. All three graciously answered as many of our questions as they could. We all left with a better understanding of the people we were there to serve.

Two weeks later, the junior high youth headed south to Galveston for mission work of their own. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and we had to go to plan B, and in some instances, plans C & D! However, our 63 kids were flexible and worked hard, whether they were scraping 8

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C HERYL W INNENBERG

exterior paint, hanging drywall or painting the interior of hurricane-damaged homes, sorting food at the food bank or helping at the Red Cross. Due to the rain, the work was often stop and go. In situations like that, it’s hard to stay motivated. Our 7th and 8th graders never stopped. Many tasks were finished. They all felt they had contributed to whatever project in a meaningful way.

One evening we were able to join Moody Memorial FUMC’s youth for dinner and games. While preparing dinner, I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Gene. Gene is a spritely 80-year-old who is a fixture around Moody. He had just returned from a mission trip to Costa Rica and was preparing for youth camp the following week. He also had the finest fire engine red Mohawk I’ve ever seen! I hope I have his energy and enthusiasm when I reach that age! The following evening, the weather held long enough for us to hold our worship on the beach. After an often trying few days, it was a refreshing way to end our work.

Me? You might be wondering how I came to write this.

Well, I’m the crazy adult that volunteered to go along on both trips as the “chief cook and bottle washer.” I had the privilege of serving our youth as they served others. Yes, I made countless trips to Wal-Mart to shop for mountains of food and supplies. Yes, I endured numerous queries about feeding small armies. Yes, I completely lost track of the number of sandwiches made, gallons of milk drank and Little Debbies consumed. Was it worth it? Of course! I got to know our youth and see them in action in a way that would have been impossible otherwise. Would I do it again? Absolutely!

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Ed Murray—a long-time church member and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity—shares his insights on the group and our church’s involvement.

Q: What is Habitat for Humanity?

A

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization that builds or refurbishes housing for people who can’t afford to buy a house through normal channels. It was started in the mid 1970s by Millard and Linda Fuller in Americus, Georgia with the thought that everyone should have a simple, decent place to lay their heads.

By the early 1990s, President Jimmy Carter got involved and became the “face” of the organization.

Habitat is not a charity, the people we build for have to apply and qualify for a house. They have to have a good credit rating, a job and the ability to pay a mortgage, an annual income that falls within a set range for their family size and be a U.S. citizen.

Our church is a member of Richardson Area Interfaith Habitat (RAIH). RAIH is made up of 11 different church congregations, all based in the Richardson and North Dallas area. RAIH raises funds to cover the cost of building a house and then sponsors and builds houses through a Habitat affiliate. We have always worked with Dallas Habitat as our affiliate. Dallas Habitat buys the land and hires all the subcontractors, who will then pour the slab and put in electricity, plumbing and a few other things. Other than that, the volunteers build basically the whole house, from the slab up.

Q: How much does a family get involved in its own home build?

The family commits to pay for the cost of the house through a mortgage with no interest for the next 25 years. They are responsible for the mortgage, taxes and insurance. For most people, this still means they end up paying less per month than they currently do in rent.

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J ULIE W ILLIAMS

At the end of a build, we have a dedication for each house. We have all the RAIH board members bring a potluck dish to share and we invite ministers from our member congregations to participate in the program.

During the program, we award the family with a plaque about RAIH, and present them with candles, flowers and a Bible. We also encourage everyone who attends the dedication to bring dry goods to help fill the family’s pantry. After that, we present them with the keys to their home, which is ready to move into, and they can move in as soon as they want. Many of them are ready that day. After the program, we all get to mingle over lunch.

The dedication is a neat culmination of the build.You get to experience the joy and the thrill of the family receiving the keys to their new house.

Q: Who volunteers for Habitat for Humanity?

A

We get all levels of expertise. We get people who own their own companies and do this kind of work for a living, and we get newcomers, too. We assign them a supervisor to help them get started. We also get volunteers who start out as one-timers and turn into regular contributors. Our motto is: “We don’t care if you have experience. Just come out and experience the experience!”

The great thing about this program is that it’s a local mission outreach. You can commit to a one-day project, or even just a half-day project.

Q: How long have you been involved in this program?

A

I joined them in 1993. RAIH was just finishing up their first house and Joy Anderson asked me to go and represent our church on their committee. So I’ve worked on every house they’ve built except the first one. The house we just started this September is our 30th house!

They also have to contribute 400 sweat equity hours – time spent working directly on their own house or on other Habitat build projects as their down payment.

One thing we always insist on is that we will not start a house until a family is assigned. We typically build a house over 8 to 9 weekends, so the family often has to work on other projects to finish their hours. Their friends and family can help to earn hours for them as well.

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Did you know?

100 persons have

enrolled in the ESL classes

Since 2006... $254,591 has been given

(English as a Second Language)

from the church Outreach budget to agencies and programs

200 families have

been served by SPAN (Single Parent Action Network)

156,000 meals have

9 adult workcamps

have helped build relationships, houses, and other projects

been served at Body & Soul

$40,690 has been given to the Network of Community Ministries

3,670 totebags have

been distributed to Dallas area homeless men and women

$20,049 given in

school supplies by the UMW 10

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840 AIDS residents

have been served at Aids Services of Dallas

10 United Methodist missionaries and two partner churches have been supported

10 Habitat Houses have been built

3120

Approximately volunteers have worked Body & Soul

288 volunteers have

participated in the summer reading program

30 meals have been cooked and served at AIDS Supper Club (every other month)

$16,950 has been given to Richardson Area Habitat for Humanity

$81,077 given by the UMW

to mission through the Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries to mission agencies and programs

$500

It costs about per Sunday to operate Body & Soul

$32,433 has been given to drill clean water wells in Africa

$34,920 has been

given to Africa University

$316,708 have been raised for missions

through the International Christmas Market

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E

cherished past. bright future.

FUMCR

has a rich and deep foundation of vision connected to “change through leadership� for over 100 years driven by our abiding faith as Christians and United MethodTeam g in n ists, abundant God-given gifts io Vis Strategic r prayers, ideas and congregational members u needs yo input! whose personal spiritual and journeys have greatly afoup Focus Gr er 10 fected the world in which c tob Sunday, O .m. Mays Hall we live. a

1:00 9:45 or 1 Members Invited h rc All Chu n for e the visio ars! p a h s s u e Come help y for the next 5 y tr is in m our

The Challenge: A Transformative World As such, with this rich legacy of leadership and serving, we are once again challenged to think about the future, as we come to rest on yet another firm foundation in which to look to the future as stewards of Jesus Christ. The world in which we live, work, play and worship is undergoing unheard of transformation and together with our commitment to the Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation raises the critical question: what or who is God calling us to be in the future?

Given the unique history, foundation, and world in which FUMCR exists, no one view nor process can

Seated left to right: Mike Renquist, Catherine Burdette, Melinda Lawrence, David Gonzales, Ida Dwight. Standing left to right: Emily Winnenberg, Clayton Oliphint, Holly Lee, Debra Hobbs Mason, Tim Griffy, Mike Massey, Jeff Wright 12

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be used to inform the initiative. Consequently, a strategic visioning team has been appointed by Church Council to provide history, perspective and skills to guide the process and planning for this important step in the life of the Church.

What We Are Responsible For: We are responsible for gathering information, ideas and input from the congregation and community sources in order to develop a strategic plan for the Church Council and Congregation of FUMCR for the next five years that:

Who We Are FUMCR Leadership and Staff: Dr. Clayton Oliphint, Senior Pastor Rev. Debra Hobbs Mason, Executive Associate Pastor Lay Leadership Tim Griffy, Chair Catherine Burdette, Information Gathering Committee

• Will focus the overall mission of the church for the next five years and identify concrete, specific objectives of faithfulness and fruitfulness in response to the mission entrusted by God to FUMCR;

Ida Dwight, Outreach Committee David Gonzales, Communications Committee Melinda Lawrence, Resources Committee

• Will identify and offer strategies to meet current needs of the parish area and world-wide challenges;

Holly Lee, Resources Committee

• Will include standards of accountability, a communication plan, and an implementation strategy;

Mike Renquist, Consultant and Outreach Committee

Throughout this planning process, the Strategic Visioning Team will be sharing with the congregation. For further information, please contact vision@fumcr.com, www.fumcr. com/vision.

Michael Massey, Information Gathering Committee Emily Winnenberg: Information Gathering Committee Jeff Wright: Communications Committee

Worship Sermon Series

Real Relationships in a

World

October 24 - November 21 FIRST CONNECTIONS

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BY

H OLLY L EE

FUMCR In

Five Minutes Ago

Out

Joining friends at Access 5pm Sundays

Missing worship because of a soccer game

Not sharing FUMCR and Access with friends!

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hat’s all the buzz about? We’ve just launched our new contemporary service—access. No longer do you have to miss worship because you’re out of town or have a conflict with Sunday morning services.

Now, you can join your friends in worship at 5 pm on Sundays in the Sanctuary.

What are people tweeting about?

• Clayton preaching in jeans.

His 3-point sermons and Top 10 lists have a new, edgy style!

• access community. This is more than just a worship service. We have a whole community of people building small group opportunities to grow and serve.

- access for Kids will provide high energy learning for kids in Mays Hall.

• Lisa Greenwood.

Our new access team leader is dynamic and experienced in building a contemporary community. And, that welcoming smile of hers just draws you in!

• access Band. The music makes you want to get up and dance.

• Web Presence.

Keep your eyes out for access on Facebook and Twitter. This will soon be set up and will be a cool way to keep up with what’s happening.

How can I help?

•

Come to worship, and bring a friend!

Once it’s all set up, join access on Facebook and Twitter.

•

Commit to attend for a season to help launch this community.

•

Volunteer to make this launch a success. Contact Lisa Greenwood at lgreenwood@fumcr.com to help.

• Pray!

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FIRST Upward Basketball and Cheerleading

• Children 5 years old-6th grade • Early registration (fee $75) ends November 1. After November 1, $90

• Practices start in December; Games start January 15 • Needed: Boys and Girls Basketball Players, Cheerleaders, Basketball Coaches, Cheerleading Coaches

Fitness Bootcamp

A Day for Families!

7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

B a r t u l a Fa m i l y L i fe C e n t e r 37th Annual Pancake Flip sponsored by the Pathfinder and Trinity Classes

$4 adults, $2 children under 10 ($5 & $3 at the door)

Pre-Owned Book Sale

• Instructor- Jessie Dorsey • Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:15 am-7:00 am; Bartula Family

sponsored by the Fellowship Class

Life Center; September 28-October 28 • Cost: $80 • Come try the first week free (September 28 and 30)!

• Needed: Men and Women seeking to get in shape or stay in shape

Bring your old documents and electronic equipment to be disposed of. Donations will be accepted. Proceeds to the Zimbabwe Orphans fund and the HEROES program

The Big Shred Off

Girls Get Fit

• Instructor- Jessie Dorsey • Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 pm; Bartula Family Life Center; October 6-November 10; Girls 6-13 years old

Flu Shots Cost $25 10% of all vaccine costs will be donated to FUMCR

• Cost: $55 • Needed: Girls 6-13 years old who want to have fun with fitness and wellness

Fit For Life & Yoga Stretch

• Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9 am-10 am followed by Yoga Stretch from 10:00-10:30 am; Bartula Family Life Center; YMCA certified instructors • Fitness class designed specifically for senior adults • Cost: Love Offering • Needed: Senior Adults (55+) that are looking to get in shape, stay in shape and improve balance

Yoga

• Instructor: Billie Anderer • Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 pm; Room 202 (Education Building)

• Cost $5 • Needed: Adults who want to practice Yoga. Beginners welcome

Chair Yoga Class

• Instructor: Billie Anderer • Mondays from 7:00-8:00 pm; Room 2E (Bartula Family Life Center)

• Cost $5 • Needed: Senior Adults looking for the benefits of practicing yoga, but with poses modified to be off of the floor Register Online: http://www.fumcr.com/pages/Main_FamilyRec or in the Student Ministries Office Monday- Thursday 9 am-5 pm

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Serve

Welcome, Grow, AIDS Supper Club

Cook or serve at the Oak Cliff Facility, 3rd Friday night every other month, Next opportunity October 15.

International Christmas Market Work a booth selling merchandise, November 12, 13, 14, 2010.

Totebag Ministry Fill and return a totebag during the Advent season for Dallas area homeless men and women.

Body & Soul Ministry to serve the homeless a hot dinner meal every Sunday afternoon at St. Paul UMC downtown Dallas.

Tutor at Northrich Elementary Habitat for Humanity Help build a home for a deserving family, spring and fall for eight Saturdays.

Amigos Days Minor repairs and painting exterior of an elderly homeowner’s home, two weekends each spring.

Project Transformation Summer Reading Program Listen to children read, mornings during the summer.

ESL – English As a Second Language

www.fumcr.com/missions_menu FIRST CONNECTIONS

Teach or assist in classes for adults to learn English.

Big Meals for Little Kids Pass out snack bags to children on free lunch program in Richardson apartment complex during the summer.

Network of Community Ministries Bring food items weekly for the Richardson emergency assistance program.

Volunteer at NETWORK interviewing clients, answering the phone, working the food pantry or clothes closet.

SPAN (Single Parent Action Network) Volunteer to help with single parent program 3rd Monday of each month with children’s activities or parent programs.

Adult Workcamps and Mission Trips Trip opportunities for adults to serve in locations outside the metroplex.

Wesley Rankin Care 4 Kids Christmas Store Sort and work Christmas store at WR center for families affiliated with the center, December 13-18.

Network Santa Program Interview families applying for Christmas gifts, October 16, 23, 30.

Totebag Ministry

Serves those adults in our community whose first language is one other than English. In order for people to be able to function in our society they need to be able to talk to doctors, their children’s teachers, the teller at the bank, etc. We began this ministry in 2009, offering two ESL classes. This fall we have five classes and 45 students. We have also started a class at the Springhill Apartments in Richardson, teaching English to some of the residents. There are 14 teachers and assistants working with the students. What a great way to serve our community!

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English as a Second Language

October/November 2010

The totebag ministry has a fifteen year history at FUMCR. It is an outreach to homeless men and women in the Dallas area. Totebags, with a list of toiletries inside, will be distributed after worship services December 5. Those taking a bag are asked to purchase the items on the list and return the bags to the chancel on Sunday, December 19. These totebags will be distributed to homeless shelters in the metroplex area the following week. This is a unique way to help those who have no resources to purchase everyday items for health and hygiene.

Joy Anderson 972.235.8385

Snapshots St. Petersburg Mission Trip Summer 2010

International Christmas Market Gifts from Around the World... and gifts that truly make a difference!

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ather round the table. . . do a word search together! All these words will be found in this issue and are a part of the “Mission Story� at FUMCR!!!

Serve Work International Local Community USA Experience Giving Projects Opportunity Russia Czech Global Market Chile Palestine Kenya Kazakhstan Kentucky Habitat

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Bartula Family Life Center November 12 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

First Choice Night - $5

November 13 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

November 14 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Petting Zoo 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Open to the Community

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FIRST CONNECTIONS

October/November 2010

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Hey! I Paid for That!

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ave you ever said to someone “Hey, see that light bulb, third from the left…I paid for that” or “Isn’t this air conditioning nice…I paid for that”. Have you ever met someone new on Sunday morning and thought to yourself, I paid for them to come and experience Christ! Have you ever looked at your child’s artwork from Sunday school and thought….I paid to teach the next generation about Christ’s love! Have you ever looked around during worship and thought…I paid for all these people to grow in Christ! Have you ever taken an adult studies class, chaperoned 200 kids to a lock-in, listened to a great sermon, sang with the choir, opened a bulletin, read a newsletter, attended vacation bible school, prayed with a pastor, saw an empty trash can, enrolled a child in Upward, attended the Gathering, gone to Sunday school, supported a missionary, enrolled a child in the weekday programs, attended a new member luncheon, drank a cup of coffee, received a pastoral care visit, attended a funeral, gone on a mission trip,...the list goes on and on!

Well, if you contribute to the Operating Budget, you should be saying “I paid for that!”. Most think of the Operating Budget as ‘keeping the lights on’, but facility costs are only 28% of the annual budget. The Operating Budget supports everything we do!

The 2009 and 2010 budgets were set 5% below our typical budget. It has been tough, but we are not letting that stop us from doing great ministry! We still need your help though! As of August 2010, we are $138,000 (5%) below the year-to-date budget and need your support!

Blessings, Dianne Weideman, Director of Finance

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n honor of Jack Allen from Ben King. In honor of Allyson George and Connie Presley from Janene Whitby.

In memory of Rev. Ken Shamblin from Gerald & Wilene Landfair, David & Holly Sudbury, Don & Margie Franks, Cindi & Greg Wakefield, Don & Carol Furuta, TLT Class Kavanaugh UMC Greenville TX, Dale & Rebecca Abrahamson, Cravens Wealth Advisors LLC, Joe & Marjory Johnson, Gene & Suzanne Hailstone, John & Jeanne Bradford, Lillian & David Riley, William & Jonie Walters, Sid & Ginnie Nolte, Ben King, Gary & Judy Frederick, Kimberly Harlow, Marilyn & Ron Dickson, Mary Frances & Lyelle Palmer, Laura Wojan, Dr. & Mrs. Steve Curtis & family, James & Lorraine Jackson, Nancy & Dr. Jim Shelton, L.K Greer & Keith Porter, Gloria & Gil Scott, Gerald & Cathy Schimeck, Joyce Holder, Gloria Reynolds, Jackie Wilder, Tommy Atchison, Singles Fellowship Sunday School Class, Ann & Bryant Whitten, David & Helen Blanchard, Earnest & Sylvia Deadwyler, Stacy & Melinda Lawrence, Neil & Martha Gehrig, John Buehner, Walter Matzen Family, Senior Singles Sunday School Class, Eugene & Delphia Lawrence, Larry & Patricia Montgomery, Bonnie Edwards, Betty Bartula. In memory of Mary Kay Thompson from Gerald & Cathy Schimeck. In memory of Kody Hughes from Jennifer & Chip Rawlinson, Jean & Gary Sloan, Betty Bartula, Kristen & Eric Stalnaker, Joe & Nancy Wilson, Debbie & Keith Hall, Duane & Carrie Koll, David & Helen Blanchard, Vickie Schmid, Earnest & Sylvia Deadwyler, Ronald & Linda Jo Hatter, Jim & Pat Carmichael, Donald & Beverly Purinton, Barry & LuAnne Orton, Matt & Jo McCollom, Diane & Sandy Lauder, Roger & Rita Parker, Pat & Robin Kelly, Rick & Betty Hart, Vic & LuLa Mae Prince, Tim & Missy Griffy, Covenant Sunday School Class (Custer Road UMC), Scott & Jeri Hamman, Jeff Holloway and Mark & Heather Taylor, Louise Bosco, SmartLooks Window & Wall Décor, Bill & Nadine Prince, Elaine Kobe, Lynn Lambert, Elaine Dixon, Raul Soqui & Jo Linebaugh.

In memory of Susan Sparkman’s father Bill Kelley from Forrest & Ann Sparkman Green. In memory of Bruce Farrall’s father from Joyful Questers Sunday School Class. In memory of Bill Vanderstraaten from John & Carolina Pace, Jan & Trevor Rees-Jones, Beth Lundblade. In memory of Dorothy Ramsey from John & Jeanne Bradford, Gordon & Joyce Goering, Seekers Sunday School Class.

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October/November 2010

We Welcome Our Newest Members!

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1. Jay and Sarah Brosnahan both join by profession of faith. Jay is an analyst with Options Research Group and Sarah is in sales with Glaxe Smith Kline. They have 3 daughters: Elise (3 yrs.), Alexis (18 mos.) and Emily (5 mos.). 2. Dalva Mozzer-Coffey joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. She is retired and has four grown children. (no photo available). 3. Logan Dorman joins by profession of faith. Monica Jones joins by transfer from another denomination. Logan is an analyst with Jones Lang LaSalle and Monica is a real estate appraiser with Jerry Allegro & Assoc. They are engaged to be married at FUMCR in October of this year. 4. Lucile Grubb joins by transfer from another denomination. She has two grown sons. 5. Nelle Guyton joins by transfer from another United Methodist church. She has two grown sons. 6. Resa Jokan is a former FUMCR member who is reinstating her membership. 7. Preston and Jessica Pillsbury both join by renewal of their professions of faith. Preston is in commercial real estate with C B Richard Ellis and Jessica is a homemaker. They have two sons, Pearson (3 yrs.) and Hudson (18 mos.).

8. Kathy and Kirk Dreyer join by transfer from another United Methodist church. Kirk is with Swingle Collins & Assoc. and Kathy is a stay-at-home mom. They have four children: Kyle (5th grade), Luke (3rd grade), Mark (K) and Genevieve (pre-k). 9. Shirangi and Chinthana Fernando join by transfer from another United Methodist church. They are both students at UTD. 10. George and Betty Hyde both join by transfer from another United Methodist church. They are both retired. 11. Ann McGovern joins by transfer from another denomination. She is retired.

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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

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

Next Issue December

Dr. Clayton Oliphint, preaching

Christmas Moments

Tune in! WRR 101.1 7:00 a.m. Worship at FUMCR

Christmas Eve Game On 2011

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