FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF DALLAS

JANUARY 2015

FirstNews

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL IN 2015

Experience “Higher” Education with FirstChurch UniversityFirstChurch University provides us all with a mid-week boost! Choose from

Tuesday- or Wednesday-night classes to fit your schedule. firstchurchdallas.org/firstchurchuniversity

Connect (or re-connect) on Sunday morningsStart with discussing the foundations of our faith over coffee with FirstChurch

ministers, then use our Connect@FirstChurch guide to find a Sunday class.firstchurchdallas.org/firstcoffee

Build a Faith CommunityNew in 2015, FirstChurch Connection Groups meet in members’ homes

weekly from February 22-March 22 and offer a dynamic way to connect deeper with God and others in our congregation.

Sign up starting January 25.

Take the First StepWe want you to have a church home—not just for Sunday morning worship,

but a place where you can find meaningful connections and continuous opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Join Senior Minister Dr. Andy Stoker

for lunch on January 11 to learn more about FirstChurch. firstchurchdallas.org/firststep

@FirstChurch

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

214-220-2727firstchurchdallas.org

Dr. Andrew C. Stoker, Senior Minister

INSIDE: THE FIRSTCHURCH DISCIPLESHIP TEAM IS READY

TO HELP YOUR FAITH BLOSSOM IN THE NEW YEAR.

On Monday mornings, members of the Discipleship Pod come with their coffee in hand and pull a chair up to the round table in Rev. Blair’s office. They begin each week by spending time in devotion and prayer together. After reading scripture or a reflection or poem, they take a moment of silence and then they share their reactions to the written work. They discuss: “What is God’s word for you, for us, for our church today?” And then they pray together.

“We believe that we cannot effectively lead others to become more deeply devoted followers of Jesus if we are not intentionally working on our own discipleship,” says Rev. Blair Thompson, Associate Minister of Discipleship. “And it is amazing to see what God does when we spend time in prayer and devotion together!” This experience—of receiving God’s grace through study, prayer, and faithful relationships in community—is what the Discipleship Pod wants for every person in our church.

The practice of growing in grace takes intentionality. Faith development

happens when we overcome our excuses and say “yes” to being part of a group that meets regularly for the purpose of helping one another to deepen our relationship with God. We commit to being an active participant. We get to know people and let them know us and together we study and share ideas, questions, and experiences in faith. All of this opens us up to knowing and loving God more.

The Discipleship Pod is committed to help you to find a group where you and your family can delve deeper. This year, say “yes” to taking a course through FirstChurch University, or sign up to participate in one of our new Connection Groups that will meet in homes during Lent, or try a Sunday school class, or come on the Women’s or Senior Retreat, or become a part of a missions group, or meet with a pastor to talk about your next step in discipleship. Bring your children to Sunday school regularly, and to our Wednesday night FCU Bible Story Workshops that will use art, drama, music and science to teach our kids about faith, and sign them up for Vacation Bible Camp in June.

Encourage your youth to participate in Sunday school, Higher Ground, monthly fellowship gatherings, and our mission trips this summer. Talk with your family about what you all are learning, and share your faith experiences with one another.

This year, make faith development a priority in your life, in your home, and in our church. “Our hope,” Rev. Roby, Associate Minister of Missions, says, “is that we can help to cultivate a culture where we are all encouraging one another to grow in our faith.” May our growth in grace make all the difference in our lives and in the life of the world.

Meet the FirstChurch Discipleship Team

Members of the FirstChurch Discipleship Team are ready to be in ministry with you. All are available by email (addresses below) or by calling the church at 214-220-2727.

(Listed left to right)

Brandi ManesDirector of Youth Ministriesbmanes@fumcdallas.org

Rev. Blair ThompsonAssociate Minister of Discipleshipbthompson@fumcdallas.org

Dorian AlbertDirector of Confirmation Ministriesdalbert@fumcdallas.org

Elise DanielAssistant to Discipleshipedaniel@fumcdallas.org

Rev. Linda RobyAssociate Minister of Local & Global Missionslroby@fumcdallas.org

Rev. Tom DowningAssociate Minister to Senior Adultstdowning@fumcdallas.org

Laura McCavitInterim Director of Children’s Ministrieslmccavit@fumcdallas.org

@FirstChurch

Experience “Higher” Education through FirstChurch University

There’s something for everyone at FCU – including FirstKids too! Join the entire FirstChurch family for a fellowship dinner Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m., followed by Adult Classes, Children’s Programs, and Choir Rehearsal at 6:30 p.m.

New this year – Tuesday night classes which begin with a gathering time from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for conversation, coffee, and cookies.

Tuesday Nights: New this Spring!Fellowship, dessert and coffee at 6 p.m.

Living Your Strengths, led by Rev. Wally ButtsJanuary 20-Feb. March 3 (4 weeks) from 6:30-8 p.m.

Do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day? Chances are, you don’t. All too often, our natural talents go untapped while we devote more time to fixing our shortcomings. We are at our best when we do what we naturally do best. Everyone has a purpose, and God’s greatest desire is for you to live the life for which you were created. Join us for Living Your Strengths, a class designed to equip you with resources to discover and explore your unique, God-given talents and strengths, along with ways to apply them to your personal, work and church life. Together we’ll discern how God has uniquely created you to live into your strengths as a vital part of the body of Christ.

Making Sense of the Bible, led by Dr. Bill BryanJan. 20-March 10 (8 weeks) from 6:30-8 p.m.

Denominations from evangelical to mainline continue to experience deep divisions over universal social issues. The underlying debate isn’t about a particular social issue, but instead it is about how we understand the nature of scripture and how we should interpret it. The world’s bestselling, most-read, and most-loved book is also one of the most confusing. In Making Sense of the Bible, Adam Hamilton, one of the country’s leading pastors and Christian authors, addresses the hot-button issues that plague the church and cultural debate, and answers many of the questions frequently asked by Christians and non-Christians alike.

The Will of God, led by Rev. Wally ButtsFeb. 17-March 10 (3-weeks) from 6:30-8 p.m.

When bad things happen, we very quickly say, “It was God’s will.” But is an earthquake God’s will? Or the death of a child? Or losing a job? Those who take this study will be able to see how the events of our lives and our world fit into God’s will. The phrase “the will of God” is used loosely, says Leslie Weatherhead, and the consequence of that looseness to our peace of mind is serious. It was during the tumultuous era of World War II that Leslie Weatherhead preached five sermons on understanding the will of God for the congregation at City Temple in London. These sermons became the classic book, The Will of God, which has helped hundreds of thousands of Christians explore how God’s will is related to God’s character and ultimate intentions for us.

Meet John Wesley, led by Dr. Ted CampbellMarch 17-March 31 (3-weeks) from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Who was John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement? Why are his ideas relevant to the present-day identity of The United Methodist Church? This class will seek to answer these questions by discussing the life of John Wesley and by reading a few of his most significant written works. Join Dr. Ted Campbell, a leader in Wesleyan scholarship and Associate Professor of Church History at Perkins School of Theology, for this dynamic look at the life and impact of John Wesley.

Click here to register or visit firstchurchdallas.org/firstchurchuniversity

@@FFFFiiiirrrrssssttttttCCCCChhuuuurrrrccch

Experience “Higher” Education through FirstChurch University

Wednesday Nights (First half)Fellowship dinner at 5:45; Classes at 6:30.

Redeeming Paul: Confronting the Stuff We Don’t Like About Paul, led by Dr. Andy StokerJan. 21-Feb. 11 (4 weeks) from 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Have you heard these questions: Why did Paul say that?! Does the Church really think what Paul thinks?! Am I supposed to believe this to be a Christian?! In this four-week course, we will discuss some of the more difficult passages of Paul’s letters. We will see Paul in his context and see the letters through the lens of Paul’s worldview. Women, sexuality and spirituality will be within the realm of our discussion. Requirements: an open mind, a forgiving heart and a whole-lotta grace.

Daring Greatly: Living Wholehearted and Courageous Lives as Women of Faithled by Rev. Blair Thompson Jan. 21-Feb. 11 (4 weeks) from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

This class for women of all ages will offer a powerful vision that can transform the way we live, love, parent, and lead. The class will explore these themes through essays from today’s most inspiring women of faith, including: Anne Lamott, Glennon Doyle Melton, Nadia Bolz-Weber, and Brene Brown. This discussion-based class is a great way to connect with other women in the church and aims to be a means of grace, a way through which you connect with the Spirit and experience transformation.

Transforming Missions, led by Rev. Linda Roby Jan. 21-Feb. 11 (4 weeks) from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Whether you’re reaching across the street or across the world, mission transforms. Join us as we explore the topics of God’s mission, the Church’s mission history, cultural intelligence, and when helping hurts. We’ll learn together ways to offer hope that can transform the world.

Enneagram: Continuing on the Journey, led by Susan Holloway, Lennijo Henderson and Gary Duke Jan. 21-Feb. 11 (4 weeks) from 6:30-8 p.m.

This is the next step for those who completed the course in the fall. Enneagram is a Christian tool to guide people along an exploratory path of self-knowledge toward spiritual growth. Video, lecture and discussion will help us identify our individual

personality traits and behavioral motivations. Together we will journey beyond our ego selves toward spiritual transformation into who we are in God.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy,led by Rev. Tom Downing Jan. 21-Feb. 11 (4 weeks) from 6:30-8 p.m.

Eric Metaxas has written a study of the life of this twentieth century martyr killed by the Nazis. He seeks to understand how this scholarly pastor came to be one of the chief opponents of Hitler, and how his understanding of the Christian faith can inspire us in today’s world. Rev. Tom Downing will lead and supplement with his reading of Bonhoeffer’s works including Life Together, The Cost of Discipleship and Letters from Prison.

Children’s Programming: Dive deep with Bible story workshops!, led by Laura McCavit and Dorian AlbertJan. 21-Feb. 11 (4 weeks)

Kids will explore a handful of stories in the Bible in new and exciting ways! Each week, children will attend a different workshop. In every workshop, kids open the Bible and dig into the story in lively, age-appropriate ways. Workshop formats include: art, Bible skills and games, creative drama, music, science, and cooking! Our focus story for these four weeks will be the Last Supper. Grades 1st – 6th welcome. A preschool and Kindergarten component is provided in the DLC classroom.

Way of Prayer, led by John Bryant Jan. 21-Apr. 1 (10 weeks with a week off for Ash Wednesday) from 6:30-8 p.m.

This class is for those who have completed Companions in Christ. It’s said that prayer is so primal an urge for humankind that we’re born into the world praying. Yet, something so natural and seemingly so easy comes hard sometimes. The Way of Prayer is a 10-week small group study about the nature, practice and results of prayer. Some forms of prayer arise in our lives spontaneously, some are learned by rote and others are stumbled upon as we move through life. Honor the ways you were taught to pray while expanding your understanding to include new ways to pray.

February 18Ash Wednesday: Supper only at 5:45 p.m. followed by Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday Nights (Second half)

First Corinthians, led by Dr. Andy Stoker Feb. 25-Mar. 25 (5 weeks) from 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Set on a pivotal point on the northern Aegean Sea, Corinth is the perfect place for a budding Christian community. Why? Because of diversity. Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth is one of the most studied books of the New Testament, because it represented a thriving community in a very diverse context. What does the letter say to us today? Let’s learn together what this letter has to say about building FirstChurch Dallas.

Women of the Bible: How Their Dynamic Stories Shape Our Story, led by Rev. Blair Thompson Feb. 25-Mar. 25 (5 weeks) from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

This class for women of all ages will look at stories of women in the Bible who are strong and faith-filled, including: Ruth, Queen Esther, Rahab, Mary the Mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Priscilla. Their stories will enrich our stories—we will gain encouragement, draw from their wisdom and leadership, and learn from them how to live more faithfully.

Preparation for Corporate Worship, led by Diane Bricker Feb. 25-Mar. 25 (5 weeks) from 6:30-7:45 p.m.

During this Lenten season take time on Wednesday nights to engage in preparation for the spiritual discipline of corporate worship. In this small group class we will explore a variety of ways for you to deepen your relationship with God by preparing for corporate worship. Our discussion will focus on the upcoming service, as well as on practices for you to follow on your own during the week and on Sunday during worship.

A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, led by Dr. Robert Hemfelt Feb. 25-Mar. 25 (5 weeks) from 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Dr. Robert Hemfelt will review and summarize portions of Karen Armstrong’s New York Times Best Seller book by the same title. In this book, Karen Armstrong traces the history of how men and women have perceived and experienced God, from the time of Abraham to the present. The class will explore questions such as: Why does God exist? How have the three dominant monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – shaped and altered the conception of God?

Science and Religion in Quest of Truth, led by Tom Downing Feb. 25-Mar. 25 (5 weeks) from 6:30-8 p.m.

John Polkinghorne is a nuclear physicist who retired and became an Anglican Priest. He offers key insights into how science and religion can work together to provide a world view which is both realistic and meaningful for our times. Rev. Tom Downing, former Director of Academic Computing at SMU, will be supplementing this book with his own knowledge of astro-physics and evolutionary biology.

Children’s Programming: Dive deep with Bible story workshops!, led by Laura McCavit and Dorian Albert Feb. 25-Mar. 25 (5 weeks) from 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Kids will explore a handful of stories in the Bible in new and exciting ways! Each week, children will attend a different workshop. In every workshop, kids open the Bible and dig into the story in lively, age-appropriate ways. Workshop formats include: art, Bible skills and games, creative drama, music, science, and cooking! Our focus story for these five weeks will be Jesus and the beggar woman. Grades 1st – 6th welcome. A preschool and Kindergarten component is provided in the DLC classroom.

Additional Classes:Monday nights from 6:30-7:45 p.m. at Walnut Hill United Methodist ChurchStarting January 26

Disciple Bible Study—Fast Track, led by Rick Horch.

This beloved Bible study enjoyed by millions is now available in a time frame that fits your busy life! We are partnering with Walnut Hill UMC to offer this 24-week week study (12 weeks on the Old Testament/12 weeks on the New Testament). Our class will meet at Walnut Hill UMC (North Dallas, at Walnut Hill and Marsh). As one member recently said: “Disciple Bible changed my life. My faith is so much deeper now.” Join this study in January and grow deeper in your faith!

Click here to register or visit firstchurchdallas.org/firstchurchuniversity

PERK UP YOUR

FAITH!

Join the Ministers of FirstChurch for a four-week series designed to help answer

some common questions about our faith. Refreshments and coffee will be provided.

Feb. 1–22, 9:45–10:30 a.m., Fiedler Atrium

firstchurchdallas.org/firstcoffee

@@@@FFFFiiiirrrrssstttCChhuuuurrrrccchFFiiirrrssssttttttCCCCChh

Discover a new side of Sunday Morning

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, January 11 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

Life Satisfaction. It sounds fancy (and rather hard to achieve!), but did you know that research shows that church members who engage in small-groups such as Sunday school classes report leading more fulfilled lives? FirstChurch offers classes for every age and interest, and our connect @ FirstChurch guides will help you find a class to fit your personality. Available at all Connection Points and at firstchurchdallas.org/firststep.

The Goodrich Gallery begins a new year with an exhibit by Patrick Closser. His exhibit, opens with a reception in the gallery on Sunday, January 4 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. The gallery committee hopes you will stop by to view the exhibit and meet the artist. The exhibit remains on display through Sunday, January 25.

Born in San Diego, Mr. Closser’s resume lists an extensive array of radio and television work including KBFI-TV, KVTT, KTXO, TCI Cablevision Network, and AM-FM shortwave broadcasts, including Religious Broadcasts for Pan Am Broadcasting.

“I am trying to tell stories about people I have known – unusual people. I am trying to paint “behind-the-scenes” stories, with all kinds of characters, some of which are unusual. I am painting six different races: Asians, White, Blacks, Hispanics, American Indian Tribes, Arabs, etc. I knew a lot of these people, and lived on blocks with them and they were also at my work place. I’ve been places where people have never been; I’ve seen things people never see, have never seen; and I’ve known people that most people never know.”

Goodrich GalleryJanuary Exhibit

Gallery Hours

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

9 a.m. - Noon Saturday

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

Patrick Closser, painter Variations present Go Go Chicago!

Sunday, February 22, 5 PM

Take a virtual trip with us to Chicago as Variations sing and dance the

sights and sounds of the windy city! This is their way of saying thank you to everyone who contributed funds to help send them on choir tour to

Chicago this June!

Welcome Our Newest Members

Care & ConcernDEATHS: Sincere sympathy to the families of:Twila Stowe Bryan, step-mother to Lucy Barlow

Marcelline Watson, wife of Billy (B.W.) Watson

Tommie Childers, wife of Bill Childers

Mary Byrd, wife of Jim Byrd

Gordon Peadon, husband of Carolyn Peadon

BIRTHS: Congratulations on the births of:George William Weedon, son of Luke and Lauren Weedon

Piper Caton and Ryan Louise Santa Maria, twin daughters of Ford and Leah Santa Maria

Women’s Retreat at Springhill Retreat Center

Saturday, Feb. 79 a.m – 4 p.m.

Retreat Leader: Rev. Blair Thompson

Attention women of all ages!

Come to the Women’s Retreat, sponsored by United

Methodist Women, where Rev. Blair Thompson will be

leading us through the theme: “Tell Me The Story.”

Your story matters—and it is part of a much bigger story

about God’s redeeming grace. Discover the power of

your story and develop a way of seeing your everyday

that will help you to live a deeper life with God.

This retreat will help you to connect with yourself, others,

and God in a way that will inspire and recapture your joy

and passion for the spiritual life.

Join Us for Church Council

All FirstChurch members invited.Tuesday, Feb. 3

6:30 p.m. in Crossroads Center.

Henry James Lee with his parents Joshua and Deanna and big brother Benjamin

Bo Cogdell Oudt with his parents Kyle and Katie, siblings Wesley and Conrad