Mar15firstnews

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF DALLAS

MARCH 2015

FirstNews

First United Methodist Church of Dallas 1928 Ross Avenue | Dallas, Texas 75201

214-220-2727firstchurchdallas.org

Dr. Andrew C. Stoker, Senior Minister

THE PROMISE OF LENTMy faith has been strengthened in the last few months. We completed our commitment campaign last Autumn and I was overwhelmed by the response from our church financially. Together, we had come together for the common good. But that is only part of the story . . .

This year, there were two pledge cards with every “Promises Kept” book: one for financial planning (gifts to the church) and the other for spiritual discipline planning. Individuals were invited to share how they were going to enter into a spiritual discipline to respond to God and neighbor through prayer, presence, service and witness. I was overwhelmed with those who responded! We received 83 “pledge cards” with responses to these spiritual disciples. Prayers. We received individual and collective prayers for family members and for the world, and many shared they were going to dedicate more intentional time to their prayer life.

Presence. Many of the respondents committed to increasing their worship attendance on Sundays. A few mentioned their being more present with their families and friends would make a difference in their lives and in the lives around them.

Service. The overwhelming response in this section was to dedicate themselves to greater active service with time to Crossroads Community Services and to J.J. Rhoads Learning Center.

Witness. So many persons responded to this section with the commitment to share about FirstChurch with family and friends.

I like to think of Lent as 40-days of taking on a new holy habit. During this season of Lent, you are invited to join these members of FirstChurch by engaging in prayers, presence, service and witness. Develop the holy habit of extending this Body of Christ to those around you through these spiritual disciplines. What are the ways in which you will take the next step in your discipleship in Jesus Christ? If you like, answer the questions at right and send me your responses to that I can add to my holy habit of holding you in prayer as we walk this journey together.

We are held . . .In God’s Love,

[email protected]

Prayers

My commitment to prayer in the coming year is as follows:

I would like members of the FirstChurch faith family to pray for me in these ways:

Presence

I commit to seeking spiritual growth by engaging in ministry with FirstChurch in these ways:

[ ] Please help me identify a study or support group within the FirstChurch family.

Service

I commit to seek spiritual growth by engaging in service in these ways:

[ ] I would like to participate in the spiritual strengths assessment offered by FirstChurch.

Witness

I commit to sharing Christ’s love for me in these ways:

Easter Lilies for the Altar

Honor or remember a loved one or friendby placing a lily on the altaron Easter Sunday, April 5.

Each plant is $12.

Dedicati ons will be printed in theEaster Sunday worship bulleti ns.

Order forms are available at the Atrium and Harwood Connecti on Points.

Order online: fi rstchurchdallas.org/fl owers.Deadline: Friday, March 27.

Questi ons? [email protected] 214-220-2727, ext. 218

SuSuSuSuSundndndndndayayayayay,,, March 29PaPaPaPaPalmlmlmlmlm SSSSunndadaaaay y y y y SeSeSeSeServrvrvrvvicicicicices - 88888888:4:4:4:4:4:455555 5 &&& &&& & 111111 aaaaa.m...

A pap rade of palms opopopopopenenenenenssss thththe e e ee 11111111111 a.mm. wowowowoworsrsrsrsrsrshihihihihihihip pp pp p seseseseervice with children 3 yyyeaaaarsrsrsrsrsrs oooldldld aaaaandndndndnd uuuup p p p p p papapapapartrttrttrticicicicicicipipipippatatatatatatininninngggg.g.g

Dr. Stoker’s message will be “A SeSeSeSeSeeerirr eses ooof f fff ShShShhShS ouououououtststtst ””””.”. MuMuMuMuMuM sissss c provided by our children’s choirs andd d the ChChChChChChananananaa ceeccc lll ChChChChChoioioioo r.r.Broadcast live on www.fi rstchurchdallalalas.sss org atatatatat 1111111111 a.m.m.m.m.m.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt and d PiPiPiiiccncncncnic ooooonnnnn thhhheeeeeplayground at Scottishhhh RRRRRitititeeeefollows this worship service.

Thursday, April 2Maundy Thursday - 7:30 p.m.y

The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be ceeeelelelelelebrbrbrbrbbratataatata edededededdas we remember the Last Supper aaaaaand CCCChrhhrhrhrisisisisist’t’t’t’t ssssss sasasasasacrcrcrcrc ifiifiifiifificccccce

for us. Rev. Blaaaair Thompson deliiiveveveeversrrsrssrs tttttheehehehe mmmmesesesesessasasasagegegegegge “We Can Do the e HaHHH rd Thinggggs”s”s”ss . VoVoVooVoVooxx x x x x NoNoNoNoNovvavavava wwwwwililillilillllll prprprprpp ovvvvididididide eee e

music. WWWWWWalalalalala kkkk k thtt e Laaaabybybybybybyririririr nnnnth h h 6:6:6:6:6:0000000000 ---- 77777:1:11:1:15 5 5 5 5 pppp.p.p.m.m.m.m.m

FrFrFrFrF ididididdayyy,,, ApApApApApApriiririririlllll 33333Goooooooddddd FFFFririririr dadadadaday y y y y - TeTeTeTeTeeenenennenenn brbrbrbrbraeaeaeaeae SSSSSererererererrvivivivivvvv cecececece ---- 77777:30 p.m.mmm

ThThThThThTThe seseseseseervrvrvrvrvicicicicice e eee ofofofofof TTTTTenenenennebebebebebbrararaaraarae,e,e,e,e, oooor r “D“D“D“D“Darararararknknknknkness,” dededededepipipipipictcccc s CChC rist’s sususuusuffffffffffereereerininininggggg ananananaandddddd dededededeatatatatath h h h h bybybybyby ttttthehehehehe readdiddidingngnggng oof ffff scsss ripture wiwiwiwith music prprprprprovovovovovidididididededededed bbbbby y y y y ChChChChChancel Chhhhhoir, Voxxxxx NNNNNova, Variations, string quartet anananandddd d organ. Walk the Laaaabbbbyb rinth 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.

Sunday, April 5Easter Sunrise Service - 7 a.m.

Lawn of the Dallas Museum of ArtFirstYouth-led service.

Traditional Easter Services - 9 & 11 a.m.Dr. Stoker delivers the message “The Answer to Fear”

at this service with a Traditional Easter Banner ProcessionTTand music provided by the Chancel Choir, brass, timpani

and organ. Broadcast live onwww.fi rstchurchdallas.org at 11 a.m.

Palm SundayPalm Processional

& FirstKidsEgg Hunt/Family

Picnic

March 29

11 a.m. - Palm Processional in worship 12:30 p.m. - FirstChurch Eggstravaganza

Pack a lunch or pre-order lunch onMarch 15 or 22 at Narthex and San Jacinto Connecti on Points. Place a dozennon-chocolate fi lled eggs per parti cipati ng child in baskets located near the stairs in the kiosk hallway on Sunday, March 29. Egg Hunti ng begins around 1:15 p.m. at Texas Scotti sh Rite Playground,2222 Welborn Street.

JOIN US FOR HOLY WEEK

SERVICEI N T O

MIS S ION & O UTR EA CHCALENDAR OF EVENTS

Spring 2015

ORGANIZATION / EVENT DATES *VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Amigos Days Volunteers needed· Construction Team· Hospitality Team· Prayer Team· Communication to the congregation · Complete work on a home renovation per People Helping People specifications For more information contact Jay and Elizabeth Smith at [email protected]

Fri, April 17 Sat, April 18Fri, April 24 Sat, April 25

Provide andserve meals

Family friendly/ children’s activities

Great for Sundayschool classes

Physical labor such aspainting/light construction

Projects focused on the75215 and 75426 zip codes

ZIPCODE

For years, FirstChurch has organized a day of service – One Great Gift of Service – where members and classes come together to serve various ministries. This year, we’re encouraging members to do outreach all spring long with “Spring into Service.” Members and classes are encouraged to find the organization(s) they’d like to serve and coordinate a time that works best for them. Please use this resource as inspiration to help you find your passion for serving and then “spring into service” all spring long.

One new opportunity for service this spring is Amigos Days, a hands-on ministry of the United Methodist Church and People Helping People (a City of Dallas Housing Revitalization Program). FirstChurch is partnering with inner-city Methodist Host Churches to repair and restore homes to make a positive difference in their neighborhoods. Contact Jay and Elizabeth Smith at [email protected] for more information.

Methodist Hospital Auxiliary Host a Baby ShowerHelp host a baby shower for young, unwed moms through the Golden Cross. Contact Leah Bailey at [email protected]

Flexible

Crossroads Community ServicesAn urban outreach of First United Methodist Church, CCS nourishes people and powers change in the Dallas community by distributing clothing and nutritious groceries to those in need.

Produce DropsHelp CCS sort and bag produce for distribution to satellite pantries. Occurs on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month from 9-11am.For details contact Lacy Montgomery at [email protected]

March 7March 21April 4April 18

9 am – 11 am

ORGANIZATION / EVENT DATES *VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

C.C. YoungFounded in 1922 with Methodist roots, C.C. Young senior living and senior care center is dedicated to helping seniors enjoy an active, fulfilling lifestyle while providing personalized care and support.

EducationChurch and Society: Focus on Education

Host a Worship ServiceHelp host a 1st Monday worship service for residents of CCY at the Point by providing refreshments.Contact Betty Watson at [email protected]

Public School: Why Should I Care?William McKenzie will share the work of the Bush Center for Public Policy on school leadership and moderate a panel discussion with three DISD principals.

April 6

Sun, March 22

CrossroadsCenter ZIP

CODE

Project Transformation is a United Methodist affiliated ministry that supports underserved children through high-quality summer and after-school programs at 11 sites around Dallas.

5th Sunday MissionWesley-Rankin partners with our neighbors providing educational enrichment to drive transformation within our West Dallas community.

Annual LuncheonShow your support of Project Transformation at their annual fundraising luncheon.Contact Brianna Brown at [email protected]

Sarah Squires: “Mission Today –

Volunteer Opportunity: After discussion, make Easter bags for seniors.

Thursday,March 26

at UPUMC

March 29Crossroads

AIDS Services of Dallas (ASD) ASD is the largest licensed provider of medically supportive housing for people living with HIV/AIDS in Texas.

Supper Club Program is a potluck dinner served to the residents of the housing units at ASD. There are three Supper Club Programs and volunteers can cook meals, serve meals or underwrite cost of meal.

at [email protected]

March 2March 3March 30April 6

SERVICEI N T O

MIS S ION & O UTR EA CHCALENDAR OF EVENTS

Spring 2015

Provide andserve meals

Family friendly/ children’s activities

Great for Sundayschool classes

Physical labor such aspainting/light construction

Projects focused on the75215 and 75426 zip codes

ZIPCODE

Presented by VariationsSunday, February 22, 5 PM

in the Sanctuary

Join the Choirs of FUMC Dallas, FUMC Richardson, Highland Park UMC and members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for An evening of traditi onal favorites, featuring the choral music of and directed by Mack Wilberg, Music Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Sunday, April 12 @ 7:30 pmThe Meyerson Symphony Center Dallas, Texas

Tickets available directly through fi rstchurchdallas.org/singpraise

Variations presented Go Go Chicago! on Sunday, February 22 at 5 p.m. in the sanctuary to say THANK YOU to all who contributed funds to support their choir tour to Chicago in June!For more photos visit firstchurchdallas.org/youth-music.

Camp Goodrich:Hands-on arts education.

July 20 – 24$2009 am. – 4 p.m.FirstChurch Gym

Know a kid, age 9 to 12, who loves art and wants to learn more? Sign-up for Camp Goodrich today! Filled with hands-on art experiences, museum visits and more!

• Photography, sculpture (2D & 3D), screen print.• Tours of the DMA, Crow Collection, and more. • Daily snacks; T-shirt• Art exhibit and reception

Sam Williamson, Teaching ArtistBeverly Regan, Camp CoordinatorRegistration capped at 25. Register at firstchurchdallas.org/camp.

The March exhibit in The Goodrich Gallery focuses on the artwork of Todd Fox. The exhibit opens with a reception on Sunday, March 1 in the gallery from12 - 2 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity to view the exhibit and meet the artist.

Todd Dayton Fox was born in Phillipsburg, Kansas in 1972. Fox works predominantly in the medium of painting, but is also skilled in design, drawing, cartooning, and 3D modeling and lighting.

After graduating high school in 1991, Fox was unable to successfully continue his art education due to a brain operation. A successful Flight Dispatcher in aviation, Fox continues his art education as a self-taught artist, spending many hours creating new ways to bring fine art to a new generation of art lovers.

Todd’s recent collection of Surrealisms are catching attention in the art world, named March Artist of the Month in 2013 for the Alpha & Omega Arts organization.

Recently he has brought his Portrait of the Passion Collection to his native state of Kansas where he is introducing his work to his fellow Kansans. In March of 2013 Fox was a featured artist at the Shafer Memorial Art Gallery at Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas.

Goodrich GalleryMarch Exhibit

Gallery Hours

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

9 a.m. - Noon Saturday

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday

AuditionsAuditionsfor And Then for And Then There Were NoneThere Were None

March 16 & 177:00 p.m.

Three females

(mid-20s to 60s).

Seven males

(mid-20s to 60s).

All must be able to

do British dialect.

Performances:

May 15, 16, 21, 22 & 23 at 7:30 p.m.

firstchurchdallas.org/audition-information

Todd Fox, painter

TAKE THE FIRST STEP.The Christian journey is one that lasts a lifetime.

Whether you’re straight out of college, starting a

new family, experiencing a transition in your life,

or just looking for a new place to call your faith

home, FirstStep is a dynamic forum for taking

the first step to membership at First United

Methodist Church of Dallas.

Join us Sunday, March 8 for lunch with Senior

Minister Dr. Andy Stoker. We’ll share together

how becoming part of a faith family can lead to

personal and spiritual growth. The interactive

forum shows how FirstChurch’s rich history

and promising future present us with numerous

opportunities to connect with you in ministry.

firstchurchdallas.org/firststep

Did you know?• An effective school principal can impact student achievement by as much as 20%.• A school district can create the conditions that enable principals to be effective.

Please join us for the second in a series of three education events presented by the Church and Society Council of First United Methodist Church of Dallas.

William McKenzie - former editorial columnist for The Dallas Morning News, Pulitzer Prize Winner and Editorial Director of the George W. Bush Institute - will share the Institute’s initiatives to prepare and empower principals and moderate a panel discussion with current DISD principals from Bryan Adams High School, Stockard Middle School and Dunbar Elementary School.

Sunday, March 22, 12 – 2 p.m. Free parking in Bryan Tower garage.Lunch, $10. Childcare available.

Register at firstchurchdallas.org/public-ed

Public Education: Why Should I Care?

Food Trucks Are Back!

Join us each Monday in March from

11:30 – 1 p.m. for an appetizing sampling of

Dallas’ best restaurants on wheels. Please

your palate and find new friends in the serene

Fiedler Atrium.

First ProtectFirst United Methodist Church DA L L A S

A holistic protection policy to provide a safe ministry environment for the most precious among us. You are safe at FirstChurch.

All clergy, staff, and volunteers who may interact with children and youth receive mandatory MinistrySafe training every two years.

Potential volunteers must pass a criminal background and supply personal references every two years.

A minimum of two adults must be present at all times with children and youth.

Strict criteria for who may serve with children and youth help to ensure we provide an environment of focused, secure disciple-making.

firstchurchdallas.org/firstprotect

Welcome Our Newest Members

DEATHS: Sincere sympathy to the families of:

Oretha Wilton, sister of Vernie Crabtree

Marvin Hlavenka, son-in-law of Bradley Sue Howell

Al Smith, father of Rev. Linda Roby

Dr. Maurice Herring, husband of Grayce Herring

Susan Wolfe Scott & Tammy Childers Emily Jane Stutsman with her parents Don &

Becca, sister Laine& Dr. Stoker

Courtney Carroll

Bill Curtiss

Would you like a weekend away from the hustle and bustle? Ever wanted to know more about God’s grace or wanted to really focus on strengthening your Christian discipleship? Would you like to feel the immense power of God’s love? If the answer to any or all of those questions is yes, then the Walk to Emmaus may be for you.

Join the FirstChurch Emmaus community for afree lunch on Sunday, March 22, following the11 a.m. worship service when we’ll be sharing how this experience has led to more faithful lives of discipleship. During lunch, we’ll hear from two

FirstChurch members – Jeff Chesnut and Glenn Ingram – who will share what their recent Walk has meant to them.

The Walk to Emmaus is a 3-day weekend retreat for church members who would like to grow spiritually and build their faith and discipleship. It is sponsored by the Upper Room of the United Methodist Church. It is a short course on Christianity and is non-denominational, where lay and clergy speakers lead discussions and studies on topics such as Means of Grace, Discipleship, Priorities, Prevenient Grace, Justifying Grace, Piety, Changing our World, Sanctifying Grace, Perseverance and other topics.

It starts slow on a Thursday night, quickly picks up steam and finishes strong Sunday evening. The Dallas Emmaus Community offers both men’s and women’s retreats in the North Texas area. There is a small fee for the accommodations and food.

For almost all, it is a very meaningful religious weekend (full of prayer, meditation, fun, fellowship, study, special worship opportunities, daily communion, etc.).

Sunday, March 22UrbanLife A

following 11 a.m. worship

RSVP to [email protected]

Greyson Stoltz with his parents Brad &

Ann, & brother Colin