Friday, June 19, 2015
Join us this weekend as we continue our sermon series “Road Trips 3: The College Tour.” We look forward to seeing you!
Volume 5, Edition 50
571870
An Amazing Day for Grace
W
hile it is often true that you can’t always get what you want, some people are fortunate enough to have days when they come very close. Grace Hughes has recently experienced such a day—or a twenty-four-hour period, to be more exact. From 8 p.m. on a recent Saturday to 8 p.m. the following day, Hughes rode a roller coaster of excitement in performance opportunity: She participated with her 20-member a cappella University of Texas at Arlington choir in a once-in-alifetime performance as backup to the Rolling Stones, followed the next evening by a solo performance at the Central Texas Conference Annual Conference with the White’s Chapel Choir and Orchestra as her backup. The UTA sophomore, who is studying music education, is no stranger to White’s Chapel. She has attended the church since she was in 3rd grade. A 2014 graduate of Birdville High School, she has used her Godgiven talent in performance for several years in the WC choirs. (Mom Teresa, herself a musician and teacher, has been a leader with the church’s children’s choirs. The two have performed duets as well as solos for various worship services.) At UTA for her opera experience, she has performed in several plays and enjoys Broadway music as well as
Annual Conference
classical, though her self-proclaimed favorite genre is Christian Contemporary. On Monday, Hughes was still in awe of the two experiences. “I almost don’t remember everything happening,” she said of the Saturday
without a musical cue. “We had to come in on key—which is a very difficult thing to do.” The group pulled off the impossible, which was very exciting for Hughes. “We landed on pitch!” she said. “Of course, we had worked very hard to do that, but often people go sharp
performance at Arlington’s ATT stadium, “because you are so excited… it was too much excitement almost to even be able to sing. While waiting back stage during the four songs proceeding our performance, I was so nervous I could hardly breathe.” The challenging part of the performance was that the UTA choir’s performance began
whenever they come in like that. And there were so many elements of the experience that were new for us [crowd noise, sound set, the band playing, the stadium reverberations] so this was something that was very challenging. We were very excited that we were on pitch when we came in!” “I had kept tissue in my ears all evening because I wanted to be able to hear, not just
Recent weeks have brought both the Central Texas Conference annual conference to White’s Chapel, as well as celebrations of the milestone of graduating seniors.
perform. And the screens are huge at the stadium!” she laughed. “Those close-ups, oh, my goodness!” The choir was chosen through their submission of an audition tape. Her choir director, UTA Associate Professor Dr. Karen Kenaston-French, was told of the opportunity through a contact with the Rolling Stones. She told an assistant to “pull together a group” of students, and Hughes was one of a small number asked to participate. The song they were given to audition was “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” and after much practice—both in vocal and in choreography—the group made the tape. “We knew ahead of time that that would be the music,” Hughes recalled, “and we pulled together costumes described as ‘hipster vintage.’ We sent in the tape in early April and found out we got it about a week later. So we got the gig about two months in advance.” The glamour was short-lived. “We were like cattle basically,” she laughed. “They took our bags, they took our phones, we could have no electronics whatsoever. There was no compensation and we went through a full security check. But Keith Richards did stick his tongue out at us! Following the concert, GRACE cont’d on page 4
Graduating Seniors
Agape Meal—June 25—Join us as we help serve the homeless via the Agape Meal at Broadway Baptist in Ft. Worth. We gather at our church in the reception area (The Commons) by 4:20 p.m. and leave White’s Chapel by 4:30 p.m. on the church bus to arrive between 5:15–5:30 p.m. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. For those who are new to serving, a brief training session is provided prior to the meal. Living Fully—Dying Well—Begins Wednesday, July 29, from 10–11 a.m.—This 8-week study invites participants to understand that living fully and dying well requires deep personal faith as well as an inviting, vital, supportive and nurturing community of faith. Facilitated by Rev. Betsy Godbold. Register online.
Friday, June 19, 2015
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The White’s Chapel Herald
A Lesson from Lighthouses… “We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining - they just shine.” —Dwight L. Moody By Dr. Todd Renner
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fter almost a full year of planning and many hours spent in prayer, last week WC hosted the 2015 session of the Central Texas Annual Conference. Over 1,000 clergy and lay members of area churches gathered on our campus to work and worship and dream. More than the new spaces (which were amazing); more than the free softserve (which of course was a big hit), what we heard time and time again was that you—the people of White’s Chapel—made the difference. With over 460 volunteers giving 2,691 hours of service, the warmth, the kindness, and that special “something” that makes us the church we are came through to welcome and to comfort. You truly made everyone who attended feel at home. Together, we sang and ushered; we helped folks with bags and with information; we whisked them from the parking lot to the open doors of the church. And more than just those literal doors, you opened the doors to conversations and to friendships and to the presence of God. And you’d think that after nearly 13 years here, I’d be used to that sort of hospitality, but it never ceases to amaze me! I am always truly humbled by the way that our church shines forth its light, how we reflect God’s light. Whether in the kitchen or in the choir loft, in the Concourse or in the orchestra pit, you were Jesus to so many with your smiles, grace, and unassuming strength! And all we can do is to say thank you—though it seems woefully insufficient! Thank you for letting God use you. Thank you for serving in countless ways. Thank you for giving of your time and of your compassion. In short, thank you for being “living sacrifices” for the good of the Kingdom! Now, though, Conference is over, but be sure that the work continues. In fact, as we continue to slide into these summer months, we know that this is the season when many families will try us out for the first time. For many, it’s kind of like a blind date: They come not knowing what to expect. It is our prayer that the spirit that we shone forth during those days of Conference will continue to define our church family, that people will experience the presence and the grace of God one service, one smile, one act of kindness at a time as they come to know the wonderful folks that God has called White’s Chapel!
Next week we will not publish an issue of the Herald. During the summer we will publish the Herald every other Friday. Enjoy your week!
attendance
Week Worship Ending June 14
2,800
Christian Education 1,966
financials
June Week 1 Week 2
2015
$168,362 $144,714
2014
$149,002 $ 92,851
MTD Actual $313,076 MTD Variance $ (51,694)
$241,853 $ (60,187)
YTD Actual $3,835,257 YTD Variance $ (434,060)
$3,430,096 $ (3,094)
Church office—(817) 481-4147
Editor Debbie McKellar Managing Editor Derek Bennett Copy Editor Cathy Watson Graphics and Design Susanna Cunningham White’s Chapel Herald USPS 25541 is published weekly except for the second week of March, and then changes to alternate weeks beginning the Friday after Memorial Day, changing back to weekly the Friday after Labor day, and skips the week between Christmas and New Year, by White’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 185 S. White Chapel Blvd, Southlake TX 76092-7308. Periodicals Postage is paid at Grapevine, TX and additional mailing offices. Subscription rate: $10 for one year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to White’s Chapel UMC, 185 S. White Chapel Blvd, Southlake, TX 76092-7308
Feed Our Kids—We feed over 600 kids or more each week and need volunteers until the end of June. Contact our FaithWorks ministry for more information.
Flood Waters, Tornados and the Connection
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few years ago, terrible tornados ripped through the Auburn, Alabama area (the northeastern part of Alabama-West Florida). With other United Methodists all across the nation, Central Texas responded in offerings and prayers for those affected. While in Montgomery, the prayers and concerns of the good people of the Alabama-West Florida for those affected by the flooding in Texas was a constant blessing. As I settle back into my office, such a trip into another Conference reminds me again of just how powerful the United Methodist connection is! We do far more together than we could ever do separately. Already the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has sent an immediate financial grant for help plus other support. In coming back to the office, I checked in with the Center for Mission Support. Rev. Laraine Waughtal, the Central Texas Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, reports that our response to the flooding and tornadoes has been immediate not only across our conference but also assisting the Texas and Rio Texas Conferences. As the storms began a month ago in Stephenville, Rio Vista, Italy, Morgan Mill and Hillsboro, the Conference Task Force was on the ground working with city and state officials to make assessments in the communities and to see if our help was needed. Some of ERTs deployed at that time, but most of our communities were fortunate that home flooding and damage was limited. In the meantime our ERTs (Early Response Teams) traveled to Wimberley and Martindale to help in the tragedies that took place in those communities. Those communities are in the Conference I served for over 30 years. The pain of loss is real. As a family we have “tubed” down the Blanco River. I thank God for those who have reached out across the connection to help our brothers and sisters in another area! As the storms progressed through the month our Task Force was continuously on the ground working with communities, local Methodist pastors and others to see what the needs were. Again we were fortunate until recently. Now, we are responding to flooding in Eastland, Cisco, Ranger and Grapevine. We will continue to serve both in the Central Texas Conference and in others areas of Texas which are in need. As the flood waters progress southward, we will be looking at opportunities to respond in DeLeon, Comanche, and Hutto with our ERTs to begin with in this disaster. Multiple trained teams are responding to these areas to help with the muck-outs. When we needed flood buckets we asked FUMC Mansfield to supply us with those since they were already working to make some in the near future. When we asked for 40 they made 110! Health kits that were made and previously given by area churches were also distributed to the families. Many of these homes that are flooding are homes which have never flooded before and are not in flood zones. Therefore, they do not have flood insurance to lean on and especially need our assistance in rebuilding and recovery. We are asking for a Conference-wide appeal to help raise funds in this recovery effort. Money can be sent to the Conference office with the designation Disaster Fund. In time, as the homes dry out, UMVIM teams will be invited to come and help with the rebuild effort. With that in mind for future planning, be thinking about your mission teams organizing to respond! You will be hearing and reading more about various disaster relief efforts from the flooding and tornados. I ask that you follow along using the Central Texas Conference website. I give thanks to God for your faithfulness as a people and your graciousness in response to these disasters. The Lord is with us!
We are asking for a Conference-wide appeal to help raise funds in this recovery effort.
The White’s Chapel Herald
Friday, June 19, 2015
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7th Grade Mystery Trip
T
he 7th Grade Mystery Trip is always an adventure full of teambuilding activities, lots of food, and the question “What are we doing next?” We like keeping what we are doing a secret and seeing the excitement of the students as we move from activity to activity. For our incoming 7th graders it is a great opportunity to get to know WC Students as well as meet and get to know many of their classmates. We love getting to know the students and finding out the many different personalities of the students we will hopefully have for the next six years. When going on a three-day trip with incoming 7th graders, you learn a few things about middle schoolers. Here are 10 things you learn when going on Mystery Trip.
Vacation Bible School
1. They are really good at asking questions (Are we there yet? Where are we going? Can I go to the bus to get my money?) 2. Vending machines will take all of their money. 3. They will always forget something on the bus (or hotel or restaurant or anywhere). 4. They all like the movie Cinderella (even the boys). 5. Some of them like to wear the same clothes multiple days in a row. 6. They are still learning how to budget. 7. They never run out of energy (even after three hours of laser tag). 8. They will get excited about anything (and we mean everything). 9. No matter how much sunscreen is used, they will always get sunburned. 10. They all now have 89 new friends.
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The White’s Chapel Herald
Friday, June 19, 2015
Amazing Day of Grace Cont’d from page 1
July Movie “Fly Boys” starring James Franco Full details on all ACT 55+ activities can be found on the Newsletter page of the White’s Chapel website. A.C.T. 55+ June 26 College Bingo BBQ Luncheon 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Evans Hall Please R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, June 23, so that we have enough food for everyone. Chef Joey’s BBQ Ribs have been described as “the best I have ever had.” Please R.S.V.P. by emailing Amanda Troum or by calling Dianne Will at 817-421-4147. Upcoming Events: July Luncheon “Broadway Baby & Gold Tones” July Trip “Guys & Dolls Dinner & Play Trip”
Support Groups Upcoming Meetings June 23— Compassionate Friends—7 p.m. in room 2129 in Evans Hall. July 7—COAP —(Children of Aging Parents)—7 p.m. in room 3201 of the Adult Ed. Building. July 8—Life After Loss Support Group— 1:30 p.m. in the Center for Spiritual Care. Contact Dianne Will for more information on these classes.
we walked five miles to the bus for the ride home.” Upon arrival at home about 1:30 a.m., Hughes got some sleep before coming up to White’s Chapel for the second half of her “day.” Hughes was only one of the many, many multi-talented musicians that comprised White’s Chapel music department who participated at the Central Texas Annual Conference. Performances were incredible by all: soloists, duets, quartets, instrumentalists, as well as a full White’s Chapel Choir and Orchestra. Hughes performed “No Time,” a duet with her mother, as well as a solo performance. Her rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone/Climb Every Mountain” was an audience favorite. “It is an amazing arrangement,” she admitted. “Andrew Clugston is the one who shared it with me. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is a very moving song—I love it! It’s so much fun and it works with almost any aspect of anyone’s life. That’s what makes it all worthwhile. It makes me want to look for more music that is inspiring like that.” “I get up there and I have to tell myself to calm down or the notes will not come out— that’s how excited I get. I could run around the stage, but I don’t want to freak people out! It’s a spiritual song for me and that’s when I feel most connected with God. It is really my
favorite thing to do. With the choir, it’s such an adrenaline rush and you really hope that people will connect with the music. “ Hughes’ future is a blank page. “I’m hoping after I get my education degree that I can pursue other programs for Christian contemporary performance. It really is my favorite thing to do. There are several avenues
“So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn. As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart.” 2 Samuel 6: 15–16
God has given us freely through the Son. We become so focused on ourselves: OUR acts of obedience (or lack thereof), OUR service (or the lack thereof), OUR attendance, OUR witness, OUR tithing, and on and on the list goes. Somehow, the very “good news” that first endeared our hearts to Christ ceases to fill us with that same excessive joy and sense of freedom we once experienced. David wasn’t thinking about himself on the day the ark returned to the city. The wholeness of his heart and mind was given to the contemplation of the beauty and the glory and the greatness of his God. How could he not dance? As he later wrote in Psalm 11, “God had turned his mourning into dancing. God had girded him with gladness.” How, then, could he not sing and dance and praise His God? In light of God’s faithfulness and grace, what greater gift could he offer Him than his exuberant joy? Our dancing gets transformed into stiff marching when we forget the grace of God in Christ and begin to think that we are responsible, by our own actions, for putting a smile on the Father’s face and keeping it there. Such a thought not only cheapens grace but is an outright betrayal of it. Listen, the only thing we have to offer God is our sin and our gratitude and praise. The very thing He longs to see in us is real joy—joy inexpressible and full of glory—the kind of joy that makes us want to dance in His beloved presence! So let’s dance! May God bless you all.
Michal had her own opinion of what dignified and acceptable behavior before the Lord was to be like—and David simply wasn’t measuring up. Michal had forgotten how to dance. We see it all the time— Christians (who have the most to dance about) forgiving the freedom purchased for them by Christ. They seem to possess an excessive need to see everyone marching to the beat of the same drummer and all bound to the same rules. In reality, what happens is that our eyes have shifted off Christ and become set on ourselves—on our own goodness. We forget how to dance. Ask yourself this: Do you typically have more fun attending a ballgame than you do attending a worship service? If your answer is “Yes,” then it should serve as an indication that something is wrong— you’ve forgotten how to dance. And it isn’t just you—it’s all of us, too! Somehow, somewhere along the line, it’s as if a perverse obsession comes over us to thank God for grace on one hand, while trying with the other to earn the very thing
that I’ve looked into and I’m not sure exactly what I’m going to do. I’ve been fortunate to work with people here at White’s Chapel and they have all been very helpful.” No surprise there. Grace Hughes is, after all, amazing. And with a little luck and a lot of prayer, she may even get everything she wants.
Listen, the only thing we have to offer God is our sin and our gratitude and praise.
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