Summer Dreams Magazine

fumcr

first united methodist church richardson summer 2010

Senior Pastor - Dr. Clayton Oliphint executive associate pastor - rev. debra hobbs mason editor in chief - gloria scott executive editor - kevin burns senior editor - elizabeth gonzalez contributing editor - allyson george contributing editor - rev. rodney whitfield Published at: First United Methodist Church Richardson 503 N. Central Expressway Richardson, TX 75080 972.235.8385

EXCEPTIONAL SUMMER SERVING OPPORTUNITY Wesley Rankin Community Center

Read to or Listen to Elementary Age Children Read

June 21-24 or July 19-22

9 am–12:30 pm

For Adults (male and female) & Teens (must have completed 8th grade) Transportation Provided

Plan Now to Participate!

Register 972 235 8385 or Sunday Mornings in the Shawver Welcome Center

D r e a m c at c h e r s @ F U M C R

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Summer 2010

CONTENTS

Dream Catchers at FUMCR Individuals Making a Difference in Lives Page 8

Summer Dreams Sermon Series What You Need to Know

Page 6

Spotlight On Summer Dreams Bible Characters for Kids

Page 5

Brain Busters Try Your Hand at Deciphering Cryptic Clues Page 10

By the Numbers You’ll Have to See It, To Believe It

Page 7

Summer Dreams Double Take

Decorative eggs are examined at the Visual Arts Festival held at FUMCR on May 10, 2010.

Answers: 1. No Egg in Hand 2. No Necklace on woman on left 3. Shirt color on woman in right corner 4. Chair leg in background missing 5. Two white eggs on table 6. Color of Egg in Basket

Can you spot the SIX things that are different between these two photos?

Look carefully!! It might be trickier than you think!

have of you y ns of n a M ing. nd visio ren a m a , e y r il d fam hild for grind. C grada time be with y o is il t a r d e s n e m h nt la Sum ams, p apart from t chool! Rece e r d n ives. s vacatio their l ing k time ith no c in a w b e e g id a a t im some l ing of fun t t the next s eams – dream rall u ve dr am ing abo heavier hips, and an o o are dre m a h e r it d w are dealing es, relations a good time t uates le are p o e p financ dream indeed Some elf to health, . Summer is s r d e u v o o y r open f life of imp ality o r life and to u q r e bett you ock of we are take st e future. rdson a g. h ic h t R dreamin ch r r u about e h m C m ione su odist d Meth pend th amers and vis ed e s it o n t U n e t r spir At Firs r congregatio f the great d ill be in am w u e o o w e g t dre om ha invitin plore s y prayer is t hat is God’s enx e l il f P . W e. M We w he Bibl ams for God On the day o about t in s e arie nity ch? t dr r chur m grea commu out my to drea lives? For ou he gathered ur r d t will po hters e u d o I “ in r : m o l e f g r oe and dau visions, phet J , Peter e tecost s of the pro d your sons e s ll rd an en sha ts 2:17). This m g the wo on all flesh, n u (Ac r yo up and you eam dreams” , may God’s Spirit , y s e h r ams st rop ll d enteco eat dre r P shall p old men sha g r e m t a f r on a to dre ave and you in this seas y we h en you a p o m d r , ose n e r summe l upon you a n be. Togeth egin to live th a l fa n and b r life c Spirit at you age to awake h w t our abou lity. h and c y become rea it a f e th he until t dreams ,

ist In Chr

Dr. Clayton Oliphint serves as Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church Richardson.

Summer Dreams for the Family

summer

DREAM list

The summer days are filled with opportunities to discover things both old and new.

Check out our list of what you should be looking for this summer!

dream songs: Dream a Little Dream, 1931 Dream On by Aerosmith

(check out the GLEE tv show version)

Dream Weaver by Gary Wright Day Dream Believer

by James Stewart (popular by The Monkees) I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables (latest cover by Susan Boyle) Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics (#1 on Billboard) All I Have To Do Is Dream

(Everly Brothers made it to #1 in 1958)

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Summer Dreams Sermon Series

Bible Characters for Kids This Summer our church is studying some great Biblical characters as we explore the topic of ‘dreams’ in worship.

Our second through sixth graders will be studying some of these characters also.

Check out the children’s portion of our church website and click on Summer activities. You will find many links to various activities that are just for children.

You can also follow the Sunday morning worship topics.

We will bring the Summer lessons to a close by learning about the Jewish celebration of Purim. One of the requirements for Purim is offering gifts to the poor. This is definitely a wonderful family opportunity for missions. Talk as a family about how to help the poor this Summer through a ‘gift’ or with time and service.

moses Remind your child about the stories of Moses. Explain how faithful Moses was and how much he communicated with God. Ask children: How do we communicate with God today?

dream afternoons

:

Downtown Dallas Outdoor Sculpture Tour (Plan a picnic along the way!)

Butterfly Exhibit www.heardmuseum.org Dallas Heritage Village www.oldcitypark.org Free Family Film Festival www.regmovies.com (tuesdays and wednesdays) Fifty Great Things to Do FREE in Dallas www.tourtexas.com

gideon Gideon was a man who knew that worshipping any other person or thing other than God was against God’s rule. Gideon had to stand up for what he believed and this took courage.

Ask Children: When do you need courage? peter and cornelius Peter was an important disciple of Jesus. Peter and Cornelius became friends and each of their faith in Jesus became even stronger.

Ask Children: Who is a friend or family member that helps you grow closer to God and Jesus? vashti Vashti was a Queen who stood up for her beliefs. Vashti was supposed to attend a party for herself but she needed everyone to know how important her beliefs were so she deliberately missed this big party.

Ask children: How hard might that have been for her?

WORD FIND

Sometimes defining our dreams takes a little bit of looking.

How many of these words can you find?

Caleb Cornelius courage dreams Esther faith Gideon hope Isaiah

Jesus Jacob God Joshua Moses Peter promises Vashti visions

Visit the FUMCR Library www.fumcr.com/library

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Gideon: Courage to Put God First

Moses: Grounded in Faith

Exodus 3:1-8a June 13, 2010 Moses was born at a time when the Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, had given orders that no more male Hebrew children should be allowed to live. The king felt threatened by the possibility of a revolt by the Hebrew slaves. To save the infant, Moses’ mother, a Hebrew slave, made a waterproof vessel to place him in and hid him among the reeds on the banks of the Nile River. By God’s providence Moses was found and adopted by an Egyptian princess, the daughter of the Pharaoh. Therefore, he was trained in the Egyptian ways BUT God also saw that Moses learned from his own mother the faith of his fathers. Drama surrounded his life! Moses experienced a dramatic call to ministry through the burning of a bush. It is Moses who delivered the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and who then became the leader and lawgiver to this group of people.

Judges 6-8 July 4, 2010 Gideon is the fifth of the twelve “judges” whose stories are told in the Book of Judges. The time of the judges is thought to be 1200-1000 B.C. between the conquest under Joshua and Saul being anointed the first King of Israel. He was a military hero and a spiritual leader who delivered Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. He did this very creatively and with God’s help. Since some in Israel had drifted into worship of the god Baal, God sent Gideon to destroy the altars of Baal, even the one his own family used. This took courage. After that, some called him Jerubbaal, which means “let Baal plead.” He had a chance to become king, but declined, saying Israel didn’t need a king; they needed to follow God’s direct rule.

Caleb and Joshua: The Courage to Dream Big

Numbers 13:30-33 June 20, 2010 Caleb and Joshua were two of the 12 spies that Moses sent to investigate Canaan.

When they returned to report to Moses, Caleb and Joshua were the only two that could see the possibilities of the land. They reacted in faith and not in fear to all they had seen. They advised Moses and the Israelites to attack Canaan immediately.

The Israelites did not follow their advice, but rather listened to the fears of the other ten. Caleb and Joshua because of their show of faith were allowed to enter the land of Canaan in their later years of life. Joshua, after the death of Moses became his successor. The story of these two men is one of “risk taking mission”.

Esther: Timely Vision

Summer

DREAMS

Ser mon Series June 11th - August 8th, 2010

by 6

the

n u m b e r s:

Esther 4:13-17 June 27, 2010 The story of Esther takes place in Persia in the time of Artaxerxes II (404-358 B.C.) From many eligible young women, Esther, a Jewess of noble birth, is chosen to be the wife of King Artaxerxes. Trouble arises and her cousin Mordecai, who raised Esther, writes her to say “Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this (Esther 4.14).” With great courage and skill, Esther averts a general massacre of her race planned by the wicked Haman, prime minister. Her story is remembered to this day in the Feast of Purim.

Peter and Cornelius: The Problem of Them and Us!

Acts 10 July 11, 2010 Peter was the most prominent of Jesus’ twelve apostles, the Rock upon which Christ would found his church. Cornelius was a Roman soldier stationed in Caesarea who had become a man of great faith (Acts 10.2). Their encounter took place after Jesus’ resurrection. Peter went to Cornelius because each of them had a vision.

Peter shared the gospel and saw the Holy Spirit fall upon Cornelius and the others who heard the word, so he called for their baptism.

Cornelius became the first recorded Gentile convert to Christianity.

When questioned by the authorities in Jerusalem about baptizing Gentiles, Peter said “The Spirit told me to go with them and not to

total children participating in vacation bible camp 2010: 500 total square footage of fumcr campus: 133,000 ft2

Genesis 28:10-22 July 25, 2010 Jacob was one of the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Jacob from a very early age became a master at wanting and taking other peoples’ possessions – his brother’s birthright, his father’s blessing and his father in law’s flocks and herds. Even with this unattractive, selfish quality, Jacob can also be seen during his lifetime as a man called by God. He acknowledges God’s presence and seeks the assurance that God will always be with him.

The Book of Exodus is believed to have been recorded in 1446 BC

The word genesis means birth, geneology or history of origin

Vashti: When Your Dreams Become a Nightmare Esther 1

August 1, 2010 Vashti preceeded Esther as Queen of Persia in the time of Artaxerxes II (404-358 B.C.). The kingdom of Artaxerxes stretched from India to Ethiopia. Their palace was magnificent with marble pillars, beds of gold and silver, and drinking vessels of gold (Esther 1.6-7). She was a respected woman of nobility and honor and one who had the courage to refuse an unjust command from her husband. The king became so angry that he issued an order that her royal position be given to another.

Fa c t s

Isaiah’s name means the Lord saves and he began his ministry in the year 740 BC

Fa s t

Jacob: The Dreams of the Undeserving

The story of Caleb and Joshua presents an account of the 38 year wandering in the desert after the establishment of the covenant at Mt. Sinai

Jacob was born clinging to the heel of his twin brother’s foot

Isaiah: Dreaming God’s Dream

Isaiah 6:1-8 August 8, 2010 Isaiah, who’s name means “Jehovah has saved,” was a prophet who predicted the coming of the Messiah, “God’s Suffering Servant.” He ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah from 740-700 B.C. He is believed to have been born in Jerusalem of a family related to the royal house of Judah. He received his prophetic calling from God in a stirring vision of God in the Temple (Isaiah 6). In his life, Isaiah served as an official for several kings. In the vision, Isaiah saw the everlasting King, who he would now serve for the rest of his life.

total # of north texas conference pastors from fumcr congregation: 10 rick davis/john fleming/eric folkerth/rebecca frank/holly gotelli/ lisa greenwood/georgia harrison/jason mcconnell/frank rahm/brady waters

Moses is attributed as the author of Genesis and Exodus, however scholars believe that other scribes contributed as well

Luke is believed to be the author of Acts

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Dream Catchers at FUMCR Everyday people allowing their dreams to help them make a difference...

Dreams come to people in many different ways.

Some may set out with a very distinct vision, making plans and working towards a specific goal. Others find themselves in the middle of a realized hope or ambition and say to themselves, “I never would have dreamed I would be here, but I love it!”

The four individuals featured have very different stories in realizing their dreams. One was brought to the realization of their dream when facing death, one wanted to

Terry Brehm

Sunday School Teacher 2-year-old class

Peggy Richey

Author Live, Laugh Love: How I Beat Cancer Three Times

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change up their normal Sunday routine, while another was tired of their friend’s constant invitation to get involved in more than just Sunday School. These individuals are making a contribution to others, inspiring and continuing to dream.

FUMCR is a congregation full of vision and hope for a bright future. We celebrate this month dreaming together, and realizing that God empowers us to make a difference in other people’s lives.

If you asked Terry Brehm how he ended up sitting on the floor teaching two-yearold Sunday School, he would tell you, “My wife and I just wanted to do something different.”

That urge to do something different first came about fifteen years ago, and there’s been no looking back since.

“We felt we needed to do something beyond the traditional Sunday morning experience.”

Terry says that he can’t imagine Sunday mornings

being any different. It is the connections he makes with both children and parents that brings a sense of joy and accomplishment to his job.

Terry and his wife Sandy, who co-teaches the class with him, plan to teach as long as they can. They even have inspired their own adult children to serve beyond the traditional Sunday morning experience.

“We want them to find their place in being involved in other’s lives. It may not be teaching the children’s class, but we have encouraged them to explore.”

Terry has also served FUMCR as the chair of the Building Committee to help our congregation realize the dream of moving to a new church campus. He laughs when it is mentioned that he is helping to build the church in more than one way - through brick and mortar and through supporting our children.

“I never really thought about it that way.”

Terry’s advice to others is to get involved and stay involved.

“The church is a very safe place to do that. Once you find the right spot, you’ll know it.”

Peggy Richey hated writing in high school. But, to be an author today is something she now sees as part of God’s blessing for her life. It just took the commitment of making a change in her life to realize this dream.

After a 20-year ongoing battle with cancer, Peggy found herself in 2008 selling her real estate business and preparing to approach the end of her journey.

However, by May, Peggy’s health had very unexpectedly turned around. Her caretaker was sent home, and Richey,

who was once bed-ridden and on oxygen, was able to live on her own.

It was at this point Peggy was faced with an opportunity to change. She decided to leave her past life in real estate behind and write a book to help others. A personal friend in the publishing business said he would help.

Peggy wanted her book about living life with cancer to be informative but not dry. She wanted to be encouraging and realistic.

Richey had to force herself to write, but she felt God nudging her along the way. She says the more she did it, the more she

learned, and the more she wanted to write.

The book is in the final stages of editing, and will be published soon. She has also begun two new writing projects of different genres.

Peggy hopes her writing will help others in all places on their journey.

“I have found writing to be a therapeutic process for me.”

She says when it comes to living your dreams, you may start out wanting to help others, but you may find out you are helping yourself in the process.

It began with a dream....

The ministries of FUMCR often begin as a dream of one person. The people at FUMCR have proven that one person’s dream, combined with the purpose and passion of one congregation can continue to make a difference in people’s lives.

CANCER SUPPORT NETWORK CANCER/CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Brenda Duckett

Ricky Harrison & Evaline Asmah

Global Young Peoples Convocation and Legislative Assembly Evaline Asmah was just a normal teenager taking part in her Sunday evening youth group. Her friend Ricky saw that there could be so much more for her and other youth caught in the “Sunday Night Only” rut. “[Ricky] just kept calling to invite me to participate in some youth leadership events for the Annual Conference. He said I would have fun.”

Evaline finally agreed, and after several years of increasing involvement at the district, annual conference and jurisdictional level, she now sits on the Design Team for the Global Young Peoples Convocation and Legislative Assembly to be held this summer in Berlin, Germany.

The Convocation is hosted by the Division on Ministries with Young People of the United Methodist Church, and will gather youth and young adult delegates from around the world to decide on the proposed legislation which young people will sponsor and urge others to support during the United Methodist Church General Conference in 2012.

Ricky Harrison will also be attending the convocation, but as a voting delegate from the North Texas Annual Conference, a position he was elected to by his peers, which he says is very humbling and incredibly exciting.

Ricky and Evaline will be graduating from high school this year, and both will begin attending college this fall, with Evaline seeking a Communications degree from University of North Carolina, and Ricky a degree in Religious Studies from McMurry Univeristy in Abilene, TX. While pursuing new dreams for their future, both see continuing to serve in ministry as a high priority. Harrison intends to seek out opportunities to serve in youth ministry as an opportunity to give back to a ministry that has given so much to him.

When asked about how young people can begin to discover new dreams for themselves, both Evaline and Ricky agree: Get involved with something!

“When a new opportunity is in front of you, don’t be afraid to jump in head first. Whatever it is, if you dedicate yourself to it, you will come out of the experience with more than you thought you would. We never would have dreamed we would ever be a part of something so monumental.”

In June of 2005, Brenda Duckett was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and a few short months later was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. While cancer admittedly made her angry, she decided that cancer was not going to totally define her existence.

It was her dream that others would support each other when faced with a cancer diagnosis.

In 2006, the Cancer Support Network was formed to help stay in contact with newly diagnosed persons while connecting them with others who had received similar diagnosis. The Cancer/Caregiver Support Group was formed next to help gather all people dealing with Cancer in their lives and to offer loving support, prayers, education, and to celebrate God. G.E.M.S. HEROES CAMP Pam Newell Allyson George

After answering the call to assist a special needs child during their Confirmation year, Pam Newell realized that our church needed to do more with the special needs community. While researching how to conduct Sunday School classes with special needs children, both Pam and Allyson George (Director of Children’s Ministries) were approached with an opportunity to make the dream of a truly special ministry come true.

G.E.M.S. HEROES CAMP came to FUMCR in the summer of 2006 and is now entering it’s fifth year offering a record 6 weeks of camp with 140 children registered. When facing many new challenges each year, the volunteers in this ministry think creatively to help overcome obstacles and continue to minister by Giving Embracing Mentoring and Serving children.

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Summer Dreams Brain Buster Summer Dreams can often leave us with many clues but not always with the answer. See how many of these clues you can figure out! across:

2. Twelve is the active roster, but there were technically thirteen 4. To become sound or healthy again; correct or to put right 5. It can come in the size of a mustard seed 9. Heel grabber 10. A feast-ive party 12. A hope for the future 14. An experience of seeing while in a dream or trance 15.

- YHWH 16. Charged with sedition against the Roman Empire 18. Contrary to folklore, does not cause body parts to fall off 19. Derived from the Latin word for SPEAKER down:

1. Normally cause to be destroyed by fire, but not in one case 3. 8th Century BC prophet, lived in the Kingdom of Judah 6. Can’t be done 7. The promised prize of a 40-year journey 8. Complete 11. God: “Where are you?” -- A&E: “We were ________.”

13. “Let my people go!”

16. Leaders of the promised land -- there were 12 17. FUMCR has the highest one on Central Expressway across: 2. disciple 4. heal 5. faith 9. Jacob 10. banquet 12. dream 14. vision 15. God 16. Jesus 18. leprosy 19. prophet down: 1. burning 3. Isaiah 6. impossible 7. promisedland 8. whole 11. hiding 13. Moses 16. judge 17. steeple

ANSWERS:

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First United Methodist Church Richardson Purpose. Passion. People.

503 N. Central Expressway Richardson, Texas 75080 www.fumcr.com

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