First United Methodist Church Grapevine

Transcription

CONNECT
www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org
facebook.com/fumcgrapevine
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4
@grapevinefumc
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10
youtube.com/FUMCGWorship
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firstmethodistgrapevine.org/truthcast
Welcome to the pilot issue of The Church at Work!
This new e-zine (electronic magazine) is designed to give you a
glimpse into the stories being lived out through the ministries of
First United Methodist Church Grapevine. Lives are being touched
and changed forever, and we want you to hear the story. We hope to
make this a quarterly publication.
If you have feedback about the e-zine or a story to tell, please
contact Dr. Cindy Ryan (cindyr@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x222) or
Melissia Mason (melissiam@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x109).
6
4
The Message of Pentecost
6
Mariposa! Mariposa!
10
Building Community
14
Faith for the Moment
17
The Church in Balance
19
Next Steps
20
The View from Heritage Hill
24
Help for Hard Times
27
Serve Over Summer
24
The Church at Work || 3
The Message of
Pentecost
By Melissa Lamprich
“... suddenly from heaven there came
a sound like the rush of a violent wind,
and it filled the entire house where they
were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire,
appeared among them, and a tongue
rested on each of them. All of them were
filled with the Holy Spirit and began to
speak in other languages, as the Spirit
gave them ability.”
4 || The Church at Work
Acts 2:2-4
P
entecost Sunday* is a perfect
day to be Methodist, with the
wind-driven red flame as the
Church’s symbol. As the second chapter
of Acts tells us, weeks after Jesus’
resurrection the Holy Spirit brought a
strong wind and tongues of fire to fill
the house where the believers were
gathered, and they began to talk in other
languages.
The commotion attracted a crowd,
people from all parts who had
assembled in Jerusalem for a Jewish
holiday. The worldly group marveled
that each one of them could understand
what was said in his own language.
When some questioned the disciples’
sobriety, Peter spoke up and said, “No,
it’s only nine o’clock in the morning.”
* Pentecost falls
on the tenth day
after Ascension
Thursday, which is
traditionally 40 days
after Easter. This
year, Pentecost is
Sunday, May 27.
A few weeks ago, I visited the Culto
de Alabanza (Spanish language
worship service) in Founders Chapel.
The question I had before visiting was
whether I would feel like an outsider,
one who spoke nada Spanish?
Quite the contrary: I was hugged by
a complete stranger welcoming me
to church; everyone shook everyone
else’s hand. In a wonderful personal
touch, Rev. Alvarado asked if there
were any birthdays or anniversaries
to acknowledge. Children and adults
used maracas delightfully to augment
the singing. I understood the children’s
sermon about the Bible as our personal
GPS device. Of course, the communion
service and the blessings that came with
it needed no translation. Nor did the love
I felt around me. As an Anglo-American
who can’t roll her r’s for the life of her, it
was a day of revelation.
No flames, no wind, no commotion,
but the Holy Spirit was there in full
force. It was a day of Pentecost for
the Spanish-speaking members of our
church community. There were also no
questioning doubters. As a GermanAmerican, I thought of my Englishspeaking Michigan grandparents who
told that while they heard Mass in Latin
they read the Bible in German, the
language closest to their hearts.
First Methodist Grapevine, indeed,
celebrates Pentecostal inclusion every
Sunday of the year at 11:15 AM in
Founders Chapel and at 12:00 PM at
the Heritage Campus. Just like in Acts 2,
todo el mundo es bienvenido. Everyone
is welcome. •
Melissa Lamprich and her husband Larry have been
members since 2007. She enjoys working with the Flower
Delivery Ministry and Feed Our Kids. She volunteers at
the Go Center at the Heritage Campus, and is now a newly
commissioned Stephen Minister.
!
a
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o
p
i
r
a
M
!
a
s
o
p
i
r
a
M
By Carmen Drew
W
hen I retired from teaching Middle
School in 2008, I knew that going
on a mission trip was one of my long
term goals. Also on my “Bucket List” was
to continue to work with children, learn
Spanish, garden, become a professional
artist/quilter, travel and be the best
grandmother possible... not necessarily
in that order.
Only God knows his perfect time. When
the youth Costa Rica mission trip was
planned for March 2012, I felt a nudge
that it was time for me to go. I could
also visit one of my best friends and her
family who had moved to Costa Rica in
July 2011.
I was excited, anxious and fearful of
traveling part of the trip alone. But, I was
assured I wouldn’t contract malaria. The
water was drinkable. Costa Rica also has
medical services available if needed.
Being 61 years old, I wasn’t sure if the
youth would want to hang out with me.
Could I keep up? Would I need naps?
I wrote out a list of fears and gave it to
God and Pastor Armando.
Truly, all my fears were set aside when
I met up with Jenny, Pastor Armando,
Russell Gravitt, Pastor Roberto and his
wife Anna, and the youth in San Jose.
Riding on a bus for 3 to 4 hours with
teenage rappers, joke tellers and the
“adults” on the trip made me realize one
more time that FEAR stands for False
Evidence Appearing Real. What a God
gift I would have missed if I had not
pushed my worries off onto God’s plate.
He showed me that age doesn’t matter if
you can move and serve and “zip line.”
We arrived in Las Juntas on Friday night.
24 hours later, we found ourselves in the
city park of this little town orchestrating a
Vacation Bible School for the community.
It was truly a blessing more for me than
the people I served that night.
In my attempt to explain the rare
experience of that Saturday night in the
park, I decided to write what happened
through the brown eyes of a little 4th
grade girl, Yirlan Fabiola Palacios. This
might have been her perspective. I hope
it was...
March 10
, 2012 at the pa
rk
Does she
understa
nd me? M
ariposa!
I’ll just k
Mariposa
eep show
!
ing her m
y
bundle o
pipe clea
f colored
ners, tap
ping her
on her kn
attention
ee to get
... and m
her
aybe I ca
n be firs
t.
Now all m
y friends
want mar
iposas! T
silver ha
he lady w
ir seems
ith the
to unders
t
a
n
d
. She is s
laughing
miling an
and has
d
this glow
about he
the happ
r
.
S
he looks
iest pers
like
on in the
w
o
r
l
d
.
S
he came
kids from
with the
Texas to
big
our little
town of L
as Juntas
.
I keep as
king mys
elf... why
? Why wo
here? She
uld she c
ome
is sitting
on the co
n
crete in
park sur
our little
rounded
by my fri
ends mak
butterfli
ing pipe
es for us
cleaner
. I’ve nev
er even s
before to
een a pip
day! I wa
e cleaner
nt to get
h
er to mak
them jus
e a hund
t for me!
red of
Now she
is trying
to teach
us how to
Spanish i
make the
s terrible
m. Her
! She jus
t
a
s
k
e
d
“How is y
my friend
our pot?”
’s dad,
I think sh
e
m
eans, “Ho
day?” Ma
w is your
ybe when
she come
s again h
better.
er Spanis
h will be
Yes! She
made my
butterfly
for me! I
me. I hop
think she
e I get to
likes
see her a
gain!
ol
- at scho
2
1
0
2
,
2
March 1
people
ool! The
h
c
s
y
m
o
oming t
are
ey were c
h
t
w
o
say they
n
y
k
e
t
h
’
T
n
d
.
i
s
I d
ig kid
like the b
I
.
in
n
a
e
m
a mounta
as, I
x
n
e
o
T
s
m
n
o
a
r
e
f
“high” m
onder if
w
I
.
l
o
o
ch
in High S
a Rica.
e in Cost
v
a
h
e
w
like
s, laugh
ss, hug u
e
c
e
r
t
a
with us
ay games
l
p
s
d
i
k
The big
ish!
eak Span
p
s
n
e
v
e
and some
us to be
e telling
r
a
o
t
r
e
b
stor Ro
to be a
o and Pa
d
n
a
m
r
o young
o
A
t
m
a
I
Pastor
t. I think
for Chris
s
r
e
i
d
l
o
like s
soldier.
lvation.
hat is Sa
r
u
O
.
r
o
ke arm
me to ma
t
n
k pretty
a
w
y
e
h. We loo
t
u
Now th
r
T
s
i
r sword
appy.
Faith. Ou
s
i
d
l
e
nd and h
i
i
h
k
e
r
a
Our s
y
ple. The
these peo
e
k
i
l
I
t
funny! Bu
ar my
ppy. I he
a
h
s
i
h
t
wn are
in our to
e
l
obs to
p
o
e
p
e
are few j
e
r
e
h
Not all th
t
t
a
y say th
talk. The
d
ve.
a
d
d
n
lace to li
p
mom a
a
d
n
a
for food
y to pay
e
n
o
m
e
k
ma
t. It
nds don’
e
i
r
f
y
m
any of
school. M
o
t
o
g
I
rms.
I’m lucky
and unifo
s
k
o
o
b
e
for th
0 to pay
costs $10
f we
. Maybe i
s
u
p
l
e
h
as can
from Tex
e
l
p
o
ers. If
e
p
e
our pray
r
a
e
Maybe th
h
l
l
i
, God w
et
tell us to
y
e
h
t
I hope I g
e
,
k
s
i
a
l
x
y
e
a
T
r
p
ple from
e the peo
k
i
l
g
n
i
h
yt
God is an
im too!
to meet h
T
his began my first
friendship with a
little girl in Las Juntas,
Costa Rica. I would
love to go again.
Yirlan has changed
my life. I hope God has
changed hers. •
Carmen and her husband Rocky have been
members of FUMC Grapevine since 1990.
Carmen works with children in Project Fun on
Mondays and the Spanish Service on Sunday
mornings. They are also a part of the Open
Door Sunday School Class.
N
estled under tall trees in the
shadow of a large municipal
complex lies Shady Oaks Mobile
Home Park, one of Grapevine’s poorest
Building
Community
in the Grapevine Village
neighborhoods. This Scribner Street
community, located in north Grapevine,
is home to several hundred adults
and children who are the focus of our
Grapevine Village.
As programs and services for those
living within our Ministry Mile grew,
by Pam Fry
church members served many residents
from the Shady Oaks community, and
began to develop an understanding
of their needs. Then in June of 2008,
when Rev. Armando Alvarado joined
the staff of First
Methodist Grapevine,
we were able to offer
ESL classes and then
a worship service in
Spanish. Attendance
continued to grow in
that service and more
relationships were
developed with the
Shady Oaks residents.
Through these efforts, the Grapevine
Village was born. This ministry is
focused on improving the quality of life
for those burdened with poverty right
here in our own community. Feed Our
Kids and Be Our Guest neighborhood
meals are just a few of the many
putting a band aid on problems. “In
ministries which focus on helping the
everything Grapevine Village does,” she
Shady Oaks residents and others in need
said, “we want to instill the idea that we
in the immediate area. Some of the other
(FUMC Grapevine) don’t have all the
outreach programs include local mission
answers and we are not going to solve all
days, a casserole ministry, Project Fun,
their problems. But what we can do is let
Project Pass, Project
Read, Weekend Food
and one of the newest
ministries – Project
Repair.
Facing
Troubles
Together
Church members knew
they were called to help
their neighbors, but the
“how” was the difficult
them know that if we care
“We don’t have all
the answers and
we are not going
to solve all their
problems. But what
we can do is let
them know that if
we care about each
other in God’s love,
then we never have
to face troubles
alone.”
part. “There’s not a book
or instruction manual,”
comments Grapevine Village Lay Leader
Donna Price, “we pray about it.” Donna
explained that this ministry isn’t about
about each other in God’s
love, then we never have to
face troubles alone.”
One of the troubles Shady
Oaks residents face is poor
living conditions. Some of
their mobile homes have
structural issues; others
lack safe plumbing and
electrical systems. That’s
where Project Repair
fills a desperate need.
Rick Schultz has been
overseeing repair work
at Shady Oaks, and along with groups
of church members and volunteer help
from the Aggie Men’s Club, they have
completed repairs to five homes since
enough money, it’s about not having
the fall of 2011. Volunteers have painted,
control over your circumstances,” Donna
repaired electrical issues, replaced
added. Through the programs offered by
flooring, leaky roofs and kitchen cabinets
our church, those provided by GRACE
and work surfaces. Through volunteer
and by other community volunteers, the
efforts, the Grapevine Village Team plans
residents of Shady Oaks are building
to continue repair work until all needed
their community. Residents are now
repairs are complete.
meeting together to discuss issues,
helping one another with repairs and
Residents who want to
serving others through
participate in Project
Repair must submit
applications outlining
the work needed and,
according to Donna
Price, they must also
agree to help with repair
work in their home, or
“Poverty is not just
about not having
enough money, it’s
about not having
control over your
circumstances.”
volunteering for Feed Our
Kids.
Working with Francia
Arrigan, Director of
Programs at GRACE,
our church participates
in a monthly meeting
on a neighbor’s home.
with City of Grapevine
“Through this program,”
officials and School
she said, “we hope to not only make
District representatives to discuss the
homes livable and safe, but for residents
needs of the Grapevine Village residents
to develop trust and to be there for each
and to connect the neighborhood with
other.”
appropriate social services. Last month,
Armando noted, several residents also
Gaining a Voice
Donna, Armando and the whole
Grapevine Village Team work to
build community in the Shady Oaks
neighborhood as they focus on
relationship-building, education and
self-sufficiency as well as sharing our
faith. “Poverty is not just about not having
attended the meeting. These are big
steps, Donna added, “In giving people a
voice, and control.”
While the work for Grapevine Village is
serious business, there is also room for
fun. The Grapevine Village Team hosts
several fiestas each year at Shady Oaks,
and has extended our week-long Feed
Our Kids commitment for an additional
residents are needed. There’s a place for
four weeks each summer.
everyone who wants to participate in this
The work of transforming the Grapevine
local ministry.
Village is a large task, but one that has
It’s been two years since the conception
been so successful due to the prayerful
of the Grapevine Village idea, Donna
commitment of church members,
said, and “It’s still an ever-changing
staff, GRACE and local officials and
process, but the intimidation is gone…
volunteers. With so much work left to
every step of the way God has met us
be done, there are many opportunities
where we were and turned a potentially
for church members to help. Additional
nice experience into a deeply powerful
physical volunteers, resources, and use
and often life-changing experience for so
of spiritual gifts to help and educate the
many people.” •
Pam and her husband Herb have been
members of the church since 1991. Pam
has served in many different capacities at
the church over the years, but currently
serves on the Board of Trustees,
volunteers for Project Read and attends
Journey’s Foundation Sunday School class
and Kenda’s Serendipity Bible Study.
Faith for the
“We go to build relationships, visit our friends,
and learn what it is really like to see God’s
Kingdom and faith acted out on a daily basis...“
e Moment
M
By Mark and Carol Howe
ost people know that our church has
been involved in mission work in
Kenya. A team went there in March
and another team of five will be going June 30.
Our projects are many, including the Methodist
Guest House, Ntumburi Village kitchen and
dining hall, AIDS Orphans, Evangelists,
Families with Disabilities, water projects, and
many more.
I (Mark) have just completed my fourth trip and
I am often asked, “What do you do when you
go to Kenya?” The answer continues to change
for me. The first time I went I thought I would
just be working on construction projects. Boy
was I wrong! That is one of the things we do,
but today my answer is that we go to build
relationships, visit our friends, and learn what
it is really like to see God’s Kingdom and faith
acted out on a daily basis.
W
hen your mind starts to wonder about
the things that you need, where does
your list start and stop?
For many of our friends in Kenya it starts with
water, food, and one or two sets of clothes. Very
few have electricity and they hardly think about
running water in the home or hut. Yet, when we
visit them they are thrilled to see and recognize
us from previous visits. They live their lives full
of faith for the moment... that God will provide
for them what they need for that day and
each person in our church, our community,
the next. They work hard to provide for their
and our schools. Focus on the things you
families. They are thankful for good health
have, not the things you don’t have. Isaac
and the opportunity to work,
encouraged the children to focus on
even in conditions that no
all the blessings and opportunities
“Focus on the
one would work under in this
they have. They are able to go
things you have,
country.
to school and learn from good
not the things
teachers, and they must recognize
When we visited the school at
you do not have.” these blessings and use all their
Kambereu, we brought new
efforts to reach their goals.
~ Isaac Kinoti
sweaters to each student.
They sat outside on benches to
It seems to me that if the people
listen to the presentation and receive their
of Kenya can have faith for each moment
new sweaters. As we were completing our
under these conditions, then it should be
visit, Isaac, one of the Synod leaders, spoke
easy for us - who are so greatly blessed - to
to the children. His message was simple
place our daily trust in God. •
and eloquent... one that should be heard by
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s
will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Mark and Carol Howe have been
members of FUMC Grapevine since
2001. Both are active in our ministries
to Kenya and serve communion at
the 11:15 AM worship service. Mark
currently serves as our Lay Leader, and
Carol serves on the Well committee.
The Church in
Balance
ill Rogers, speaking about
Methodist Annual Conferences,
once said, “Methodist ministers are like
fertilizer. Spread them around and they
do a lot of good. Put them together in
one place and they start to stink.” As we
approach Annual Conference time, truer
words could not be
spoken. Just ask any
of our lay members
who attend Annual
Conference.
W
Ministers are
always better when
concentrating on
being sent out in
ministry, rather than
focusing on the place
we are being sent to.
When we concentrate
on the place, we think about the church’s
size, prestige and salary. When we
concentrate on being sent, we think
about service.
That is why I like the appointive system
of the United Methodist Church. We are
not “called” by a local church because
they like our preaching or personality
or politics. We are “sent” by the bishop
by Rev. John Mollet
to serve the church and community to
which we are sent. Every minister should
remember, we are a servant to the local
church, not the boss. Just as Jesus said,
he “came not to be served, but to serve.”
(See Matthew 20:20-28.)
Those Jesus first called to
ministry were labeled
“disciples,” which
means followers or
learners. Later, as
Jesus was preparing
to leave this world, he
called them “apostles,”
or ones who are sent.
Those two words define
Christian ministry.
They remind us that,
at our very best, we
sit at the master’s feet
and learn, we follow wherever he leads
and are then sent out to do ministry in his
name.
Remember the story of Mary and
Martha? Mary sat at the feet of Jesus
while Martha was busy preparing to
serve Jesus a meal. Both of the sisters
are reprimanded in the story; Mary by
Martha and Martha by Jesus. But truth
be a disciple... be a n a postle...
be told, the two sisters embody true
Christian discipleship, the combination
of following and serving. They are the
example for all Christians.
We believe in the priesthood of all
believers. We understand that we
all, both lay and clergy, share in the
responsibilities of discipleship and
being an apostle. When we are at our
very best, we hold the two in balance.
We follow and learn
from the master,
then hear the great
commission to take
what we have learned
and share it with the
entire world.
Our programming here at First
Methodist Grapevine should also
reflect that rhythm. We must offer
opportunities to sit at the feet of
Jesus through small groups for
spiritual formation, education and
accountability; as well as offering
the opportunity for our members to
breathe the spirit on the world through
our service. We must always keep
that balance in our church and in our
individual spiritual
lives.
“Follow God’s exa mple,
therefore, as dearly loved
children and walk in the
way of love, just as Christ
loved us and gave himself
up for us as a fragrant
offering and sacrifice to
God.” - Ephesians 5:1-2
I believe this is
the rhythm of the
Christian faith; the
continual movement
between sitting at
the Lord’s feet and
serving in his name.
One completes the other. If we attempt
to serve without connecting to the Lord,
what do we have to offer in our service?
If we spend time with God and fail to
serve, we selfishly hold onto the grace
of God’s presence. It is like breathing.
We must both inhale and exhale to live.
To stay alive spiritually, we must inhale
God’s spirit and exhale it over the
world around us. (See John 20:19-23.)
Let me encourage you
to seek to breathe in
God’s spirit through
personal spiritual
formation, then exhale
that spirit through your
service. For it is in
both being a disciple…
following, sitting at
Jesus’ feet, breathing in;
and being an apostle…
being sent, serving, exhaling the spirit
of God, that we find the rhythm of the
faith and become a fragrant offering to
the Lord. •
John has served as Senior Pastor of
FUMC Grapevine since June of 2011.
Read thoughts from John daily on the
10 & 10 blog, which encourages you to
read scripture for 10 minutes a day and
pray for 10 minutes a day... every day!
www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/10and10
N ext Ste ps
In John’s article on “The Church in Balance,” he encourages us to maintain our
personal spiritual health, while still serving others. Here are a few practical
suggestions to get you started, from two of our congregation’s experts on Spiritual
Formation, Pat Laster and Annette Sowell.
Take time daily to sit in silence with God,
even if it is just a couple of minutes. Practice
“listening” for what God is saying to you through
quiet times of meditation.
Read God’s Word daily.
More than gathering information, ask yourself such
questions as, “What are these words saying to me
about how God wants me to live my life?” Try to
imagine God’s presence with you at this time and
consider what He is saying to you.
Practice Prayer.
There is no one method that is better than another –
just show up and start talking. God will do the rest.
Join a small group.
Look for people who want to learn about faith and
be accountable to each other. If you don’t know of
a group you can join, contact one of the pastors for
guidance. You may even choose to start your own.
Worship corporately in the company of other
spiritual seekers.
Do one thing daily for someone else.
A prayer, a good thought, a telephone call, an
e-mail, a mailed card, a smile... they do wonders.
Look for God’s presence in every situation...
...either good or bad. Be reminded that, “...neither
life nor death nor angels nor principalities nor
anything in all creation shall separate us from the
love of God.” (Romans 8:38)
Need help with your next steps? Call the church
office at 817-481-2559 or contact one of our pastors
(see www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/staff).
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By Barbie Deborah
I
Campus. Yeah, he’s a member. And so
started our experience with the Heritage
Campus.
There were hugs and greetings as many
had gathered. I introduced myself to
another, asking if he was a member
of this church or a new parent at the
It’s been a little less than three years
now since the merger which created
FUMC Grapevine – Heritage Campus,
presenting a wonderful opportunity to
grow God’s presence and faith in our
community. And it’s no wonder that in
such a short time a strong family focus
has taken shape. Children and families
surround the Heritage Campus. Just next
school. All at once there was silence and
then a huge roar of laughter. I had just
introduced myself to Rev. Louis Carr –
the newly appointed pastor of Heritage
door are Heritage Elementary School
and Heritage Middle School, and across
the street sits Colleyville Heritage High
School (CHHS).
was turning around after walking
kids to school and saw friendly
faces with donuts at the top of the hill. The
Heritage Campus was greeting parents
from the elementary school as they made
their way home after dropping off the
kiddos. I thought – friends and free donuts
– and quickly made my way up the hill.
At left: Heritage Campus youth intern
Payton Carter says, “Heritage Youth is
an AWESOME weekly gathering where
junior high and high school students
come together to worship Jesus, grow
in their relationship with Him, and have
a total blast while making new friends.
Check it out for yourself and see what
the youth at Heritage Campus are up to!
Heritage Campus Youth Video on YouTube
www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/hcyvideo
At the Heritage Campus, Rev. Louis Carr
asks all members to commit one of his
favorite verses to memory...
Faith is the substance
of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen.
-Hebrews 11:1 KJV
It’s the definition of faith in action. And
great faith and hope from the Downtown
and Heritage Campuses has afforded
great rewards beyond imagination…
H
oly week began with morning
devotionals and culminated with a
Children’s Time on Easter Sunday. Heritage Campus
welcomed almost 160 during Easter Sunday Service this
year, combined with another 45 attending Sunrise Service.
vigil fire from the eve of Easter Sunday
until the Sunrise Service Easter morning.
This tradition was begun by beloved,
deceased member Elan Allen. This time
allows families to reflect on Jesus and his
journey to the cross and ascension into
heaven.
Another long-standing tradition is the
yummy Fifth Sunday Pot Luck. Complete
with homemade and store-bought
favorites, Ms. Billie Martin’s banana
pudding is always a much-anticipated
treat!
And each Sunday, the Heritage Campus
stays busy with worship well into the
afternoon with a Hispanic service
beginning at noon, led by Pastor Alfredo
Medina.
T
he benefits of the merger are apparent in the numbers
as well. Attendance continues to grow and is pushing
the Heritage Campus to begin conversations of adding
additional services beyond the current 10:30 AM service.
The first Easter he was here, Rev. Louis Carr remembers
having 24 in attendance. This past Easter, there were 157
in attendance... standing room only! Most Sundays at the
10:30 service we see between 80 -100 seated, a dramatic
difference from where we were at the start of the merger.
Strong numbers are also present mid-week at Worship
on Wednesdays (WOW), with music currently being
led by the youth. Rev. Louis Carr has spent the spring
preaching on Power in the Parables. During the summer,
the Wednesday night pulpit will be filled by each of the
pastors in turn.
The youth presence has risen dramatically, too, through
the AWESOME or awe-inspiring guidance of youth leader
Payton Carter. Upwards of 20 youth currently meet on
Wednesdays, and the Heritage Campus is planning to
add a Sunday night youth program that will explore a
deeper walk with Christ.
Notable also is the Heritage Campus Confirmation
Class completed mid-April, with three new members –
Mackenzie Edwards, Andy Hackney and Cade Deborah.
Recently, 6-year-old Eva Elmore took it upon herself
to raise funds to help defer costs of replacing the
playground in the back of the campus, which had to be
taken down due to old age and much use. In two short
weeks, Eva raised more than $3,500 with a lemonade
stand and announcements during Wednesday and
Sunday services.
Every month, the K-5 Sunday School
class visits the Atria, a local assisted
living and nursing home facility.
No matter the age,
there are “doers” at the
Heritage Campus!
An incredibly hefty undertaking, the
Go Center (which operates during
the school year on Mondays and
Wednesdays from 4-5:30 p.m.) found
immediate support. Donations poured
in, including 25 computers, bus
transportation and volunteers to tutor
those needing help.
The Go Center represents Heritage
Campus’ commitment to our community
by supporting the Grapevine-Colleyville
School District and the betterment of
our future leaders through education
and career assistance. As the Go Center
continues to succeed, we hope to extend
the Go Center to Heritage Middle School
next year.
W
ith all of these exciting milestones
there are more ahead… like the
inception of a family mission trip next
summer. We welcome you to come visit
us on this side of Grapevine and look
forward to sharing God’s blessings with
you! •
W
ith this strong focus on children
and youth, the Heritage
Campus reached out and took on the
implementation of a Go Center, creating
a place on the Heritage Campus
where students from CHHS can come
to explore their future and receive
guidance on how to get there.
Barbie and her husband Jim
have been members of FUMC
Grapevine since 1999. Barbie
has served on the Nursery
Committee, Angel Food
Ministry, Sunday School Staff,
Vacation Bible School, and
Circle of Friends woman’s group.
She and her family have been
attending worship at the Heritage
Campus since October 2010.
Help for
Hard
Times
by Robin Blankenship
W
hen I was asked to contribute
to The Church at Work, I was
more than willing to share my own
experiences of how the church has been
at work to help my family through the
hard times. Our church family at FUMC
Grapevine has stood beside our family
during various difficulties and personal
tragedies in the past years we have
been a part of this congregation. And,
once again, we found our family in a
hard place – and needing the love and
support of our church.
My challenge came in the
form of a phone call on a
regular Tuesday afternoon
at 4:00 on January 24. The call confirmed
that I indeed had breast cancer at the
age of 44, after a routine mammogram
showed a questionable mass and a
biopsy had followed. Shock, fear,
disbelief were just some of the emotions
that ran through my mind. I was young, I
had small children and SURELY this was
not happening to ME!
After many doctor appointments and
double mastectomy surgery on February
29, I began the real journey of treatment
of this horrible disease. Since the cancer
had spread to my lymph nodes, I am
currently in chemotherapy through the
end of July and will be having 6+ weeks
of radiation following that.
In the meantime, I cannot begin to
describe the outpouring of support,
prayers and love that I felt from so many
in our church. Our various pastors have
been wonderful about being there for
big medical events, and they have
called so many times just to check on
me and our family. But they are only
our leaders; the people of the church
have really gone to work on my behalf.
Individuals delivered meals* almost
every day for a period of weeks. If
you’ve never had a major surgery, you
cannot imagine how helpful this was to
us, and to my parents who were helping
take care of me and our little boys.
As soon as word got out about my
diagnosis, I was literally FLOODED with
cards, Facebook Messages, words of
encouragement on Caring Bridge, text
messages and e-mails!
One of the most
amazing things that
has happened is God
allowing people to
reach out to me with just
what I needed to hear
at a particularly difficult
time. I have had so
many friends send
the perfect scripture
verse, an amazingly
poignant devotional
or very specific words
of encouragement when the senders
couldn’t have known how helpful they
would be!
Not a day or two
passes without a special
surprise. It’s not the material things
that make the difference. It is the
thoughtfulness and perfect timing of
each item. Homemade chemo pillows
and blankets, flowers and bracelets,
bath soaps and spa gift sets, gift cards
to restaurants for when I am really sick
and nothing sounds good to eat... I
have been blessed.
One sweet friend saw me fanning
myself while getting very hot in church,
and an adorable
portable pink mister
fan was delivered to my
porch that afternoon! (I
now bring it to church
every week.)
I’ve received beautiful
flowers – both from
friends & family and
from the wonderful
Altar Flower Ministry
at our church! Nothing
brightens your day
* One of the church’s ministries is called Angel Food. The Angel Food team will deliver a meal to
families in need of support due to surgery, birth, illness, etc. In Robin’s case, friends both inside and
outside the church stepped up and provided her family with meals. But not everyone is blessed with
so many responses! If you would like to be a part of the Angel Food team to provide a meal during
crisis for families who need it, contact Cheri Rutledge (cherir@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559 x110).
more than getting back from a difficult
medical appointment, and finding
flowers left by your front door!
But – the biggest thing
I have found through
this journey is seeing the
people of this church
literally being the hands
and feet of Christ to me
and my family.
Each person has their own gifts and
way of helping and they just continue
to amaze me! Some close friends now
meet with me every Sunday night before
a chemotherapy round for “Chemo
Coffee with Robin” at a local Starbucks.
They are there to let me be “real” about
what I’m dealing with and how they
can help. For a “doer” like me who is
accustomed to being the one helping
others, it is a very humbling experience
to be ministered to... but one that is truly
life-changing.
I believe God gives strength to those
who are hurting through the people of
this church! I have an army behind
me in this battle, and I am eternally
grateful. As you see others facing a
crisis, REACH OUT in whatever way
feels right for you. You will make a
difference in someone’s life and will
allow Christ to work through your
efforts! •
“Without times of
adversity, you would miss
the powerful experience
of God walking with you
through the valley times
of life.”
~ Charles Stanley
Robin has been a member of
FUMCG since 2002. She has served
in various capacities, including Staff
Parish Relations Committee and
Finance Committee. She is currently
a member of 2x2 Sunday School
Class, UMW, Creative Learning
Center Board, Angel Food Ministry,
“Never Go Hungry” Casserole
Ministry and Campus Angels.
The Cancer Survivor Support Group meets the second Monday
of each month at 7:00 PM in Room 2010 of the Family Life Center at First United
Methodist Church Grapevine’s Downtown Campus (422 Church Street in Grapevine).
Group members are cancer survivors who offer support and encouragement for cancer
patients, family members and loved ones whose lives have been impacted in any way
by a cancer diagnosis.
Serve Over Su mmer
Summer is one of the busiest times for outreach in the life of the church. If
you’re looking for a place to serve, start here!
Summer Sunday School
Summer Sunday School for children runs
from June 3 to August 19. If you would
like to teach Sunday School during
the summer, contact Linda McClure
(lindam@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559
x126).
Vacation Bible School
VBS is June 24-29. We’ll need help with
everything from snacks to crafts to
recreation to leading kids around! If you
would like to help, contact Linda McClure
(lindam@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559
x126).
Youth Activities
There’s still time to sign up to be a
sponsor on the Middle School Mission
Trip to Paris, TX on July 15-20. You can
also offer your swimming pool to host
summer youth events, volunteer to drive
the van, or help with youth retreats. If
you would like to help, contact Jenny
Davidson (jennyd@fumcg.org or 817-4812559 x116).
Feed Our Kids
Feed Our Kids Big Week is July 9-13. In
addition, we will serve Feed Our Kids at
the Shady Oaks site for an additional
four weeks beyond our big week in order
to continue to build relationships with
the Grapevine Village. Those dates are:
July 16-20, July 23-27, July 30-August 3,
and August 6-10. To help, contact Deb
Scheiwe (debscheiwe@verizon.net or
817-412-1762).
Project Read
Project Read volunteers go to the Feed
Our Kids sites all summer to give books
and read to kids. You do not have to work
every week, just what works best for your
schedule. Volunteers usually get to a site
at 11:45 and stay as long/short as they
want. (See Feed Our Kids for dates.)
While you’re out there conquering the world, don’t forget
Mission Central! Your budget giving supports every
ministry in the church, and keeps our doors open!
www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/give
Downtown Campus: 422 Church Street | Grapevine, TX 76051 | 817-481-2559
Heritage Campus: 4344 Heritage Avenue | Grapevine, TX 76051 | 817-571-1111
www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org

First United Methodist Church Grapevine

Transcription

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