FirstNewsJune 2014a m o n t h l y p u b l i c a t i o n o f F i r s t U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h , D a l l a s

June 8Dr. Theodore Walker, Perkins School of Theology Associate Professor of Ethics and Society: “The Gospel of Luke: Bringing Good News to the Poor” - A theological framework for loving our neighbors

June 15“Freedom Fighters”: Exonerees from Dallas County jail sharing their stories of wrongful conviction, and their continued work for justice for our neighbors in and beyond the prison system

June 22Lynn Parsons, Director of the North Texas Conference Zip Code Connection: “Changing the World, One Zip Code at a Time” - Update on how the UMC is connecting with our neighbors in the 75215 zip code

June 29(5th Sunday Mission) - George Battle and Fran Lobpries: “Ministry with our neighbors through Dallas Bethlehem Center”

July 6Dr. Michael Hawn - Perkins/SMU University Distinguished Professor of Church Music, Director, Master of Sacred Music Program: “Loving Our Neighbors Through Music” - How sacred music opens our hearts and minds to issues of justice and peace

July 13Jessica Brazeal, Assoc. Director of Clinical and Professional Services at Genesis Women’s Shelter: “Domestic Violence in Our Neighborhood - What Can the Church Do?”

July 20Reading Partners – Loving all our children through partnering with our neighborhood public schools living on the margins

July 27Dr. Andy Stoker: “Being Church in the City” - how God calls us to ministry beyond the walls of the church, here in our own backyard

Miss a Sunday? Click here for speaker videos.

In conjunction with the 2014 Summer Speaker Series: Summer in the City - Loving Our Neighbors, will focus on how we love our neighbors right here in our own city. Speakers will present Sundays from 10 - 10:45 a.m. in Fiedler Atrium.

Upcoming This Month

Sunday, June 8Camp Big Church in Worship

11 a.m. in the Sanctuary

FirstStep - New Members & Visitors Lunch-Learn-Connect

Noon in Crossroads West

Monday, June 16Vacation Bible School

9 a.m. - Noon June 16 - 20 in the Dining Room

Thursday, June 19

Food Truck Thursdays - Urban Engagement

Book Review11:30 a.m. food trucks,

Noon program in Fiedler Atrium

Tuesday, June 24Dallas Museum of Art - Arts

& Letters Live featuring author Diana Gabaldon

7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary*Ticketed event.

Inside This Issue

2 New Members/Congregational Care

4 Mission News

6 Music and Arts News

8 Church News

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NEW MEMBERS FROM MAY 18

Tanner Alan Buker with his parents

Keith & Judy Buker

BAPTISM FROM MAY 11

Ben & Melissa Shrewsbury

Care & ConcernBIRTHS: Congratulations on the births of: Alfred Rhyne Kuzov, son of Alfred and Candice Kuzov; Ainsley Taylor Neal, daughter of Jeff and Samantha Neal

DEATHS: Sincere sympathy to the families of: Melanie Patterson, daughter of Pat Patterson; Doris Griffi th

Meet Our Newest Members

Congratulations to our 2014 Confi rmands: Mary Grace SchayotMary Grace Schayot, Samuel Martin Romine,Samuel Martin Romine, William Christopher MallickWilliam Christopher Mallick, Jackson Lee Jackson Lee Hezekiah HarrisHezekiah Harris, Isabella Alice DanielIsabella Alice Daniel, Holden Montgomery DanielHolden Montgomery Daniel, Gracie Bea ToombsGracie Bea Toombs, Reghan Davis BarnettReghan Davis Barnett, Henry Harrison HaasHenry Harrison Haas, Kyra Kyra Grace HolmstrupGrace Holmstrup, Jacqueline Anne MurrayJacqueline Anne Murray, Leo Marcel Sanchez, Hugh Leo Marcel Sanchez, Hugh Robert Smith (pictured with Dr. Andy Stoker, center) andRobert Smith (pictured with Dr. Andy Stoker, center) and Lily Cristina Lily Cristina Finn (pictured at right with faith partner Karen Sanders and Dr. Stoker). Finn (pictured at right with faith partner Karen Sanders and Dr. Stoker).

NEW MEMBER FROM JUNE 1

Mark Holmstrupwith his family Jasmin,

Zach & Kyra, and Jean Jacobs

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I caught myself saying to a colleague a while ago, “I don’t do ‘off’ well.” Do you ever feel like that? We have so much to do that “time off” is a dream and never a reality. We have so many distractions and opportunities for engagement. Our mobile devices beep and buzz. Our television rolls through programs and commercials with no end in sight (and sometimes when we are not there we are still recording what we are missing). Our social media woos us to look into people’s “statuses” and their latest family portraits. So, how do we gain “off-time” amid a busy and buzzing world? This time away in religious terms is called Sabbath.

Much of our thinking in the Judeo-Christian faith started with the interpretation of Genesis 2:2-3: “And on the seventh day God fi nished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation” (New Revised Standard Version). God created, then God rested. The interpretation continues today. I have come to appreciate a more metaphysical interpretation of the Sabbath: the Sabbath is a way of connecting with God-consciousness, instead of my standard self-conscientiousness. I have been convinced by Rabbinic teaching in this line of thinking. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel was one of the most profound thinkers in the twentieth century. Heschel stated, “The meaning of the Sabbath is to celebrate time rather than space. Six days a week we live under the tyranny of things of space; on the Sabbath we try to become attuned to holiness in time. It is a day on which we are called upon to share in what is eternal in time, to turn from the results of creation, from the world of creation to the creation of the world.” Sabbath is not about me, it is about God.

For our busy, hectic, distracting and hyperactive culture, Sabbath needs to be re-imagined. It is not a time for feelings of guilt or shame if we’ve “missed” something. Sabbath is an invitation to fi nd yourself again in God; I call it “reaching for Sabbath.” So, here are a few thoughts for you to “reach Sabbath”:

1. Begin your prayer with silence. Concentrating on your breath. Like your heartbeat, it is involuntary. It reminds you that there are many things out of your control. Return control and power to its rightful Owner.

2. Water plants and smile. (This sounds rather strange, but I heard this once from a bonsai tree salesman. I asked him, Why? He said, Because you ought to be happy when something else is being nourished). Giving and receiving are the same activity.

3. Do nothing. Just be. 1 minute. 1 hour. 1 day. Time is not of consequence here. Just be.

Religion is part of our make-up as humankind, we require habit, discipline and practice. Religion is practicing spiritual nurture of the soul. The most important Rabbinic teaching was from Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath...” God offers us moments to reach Sabbath with our heads, hearts and hands. Breathe and know that you are Loved.

Together we are held... In God’s Love,

Reach Sabbath by Dr. Andy Stoker, Senior Minister

Sunday Worship

Sunday, June 1In the Beginning Was Love

Deuteronomy 6:1-9Confi rmation Sunday

Sunday, June 8FollowingPsalm 23

Communion Sunday

Sunday, June 15So Loved

John 3:16

Sunday, June 22A Friend of a Friend

John 15:2-17

Sunday, June 29Powerful Love1 Peter 4:7-11

Sunday worship: 8:45 & 11 a.m.

Sunday school: 9:45 a.m.

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Summer Fun and Summer Funds by Darrell Armer, Finance Committee

With the school year wound down, graduation ceremonies concluded, and the heat lurking in the distance, my thoughts quickly drift to summer excursions on the horizon – whether it be a day at the lake, an evening at the ballpark, a concert at the Arboretum or a family vacation. To borrow a theme from our graduating seniors – “Oh, the Places We Will Go!” During this time of year, everything seems to take a back seat to summer fun, which isn’t all that bad.

However, during these summer days, the work of FirstChurch continues. As Dr. Seuss might say, “Oh, the Places We Will Go and the People We Will Meet, and the People We Will Serve Despite the Coming Heat!” We witnessed a new class of confi rmands choosing to join the Church, we will continue to nurture our children through Vacation Bible School, we will send youth on mission trips, we will support Project Transformation, we will embark upon a wonderful educational opportunity through the Summer Speaker Series, and we will continue to serve our neighbors through Crossroads Community Services and other outreach efforts – the list goes on and on. The summer provides opportunities that other times of the year simply do not.

Not surprisingly, though, FirstChurch sees a bit of a drop in the payment of pledges as summer approaches. This year is no different, but we are lagging behind a bit more than usual. As a member of the Church’s Finance Committee, and as you consider the wonderful opportunities available through the FirstChurch that can be part of your summer fun, please remember to keep current with your pledge if at all possible. After all, it’s summer – who wants to worry about fi nances at this time of year?

Rise Mission and Outreach FundAfter the energetic and successful launch of the Rise Fund, the new mission and outreach fund, grant applications to 10 potential ministries and agencies have now been sent, and the committee will begin their diligent work of site visits, interviews and thorough research over the coming months in order to do the necessary vetting of these ministries.

Dr. Stoker’s 2014 goal of $300,000 to mission and outreach programs, including Sunday school class giving and direct donations to CCS, while seemingly “beyond possible”, is moving forward with great success! We are grateful to the congregation for your generous response. With $100,000 given to the Rise Fund, plus an additional $20,000 by FirstChurch members direct to CCS, and $25,000 from Sunday school classes, Aldersgate ushering and Taco Lunch giving, we are excited to announce a total of $145,000 to date for ministries that serve our neighbors in need.

Thank you, FirstChurch, for embracing this new initiative that will connect our members to places of transformational service, support programs to make bigger impact on our neighbors, and empower us all in God’s transforming work in the world. We hope you will pay special attention to the Rise features inside the bulletins on communion Sundays,

to learn more about the work being done, and continue to be inspired and encouraged to give generously to the Rise Fund in the future. Click here for additional information on the Rise Fund.

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JUNE 1 to

JULY 27

P I C K A N A P P L E F R O M T H E

FUMC GIVING TREESa n d h e l p

Clothe aChild forSchool.

DONATION DROP

OFF BY JULY 27

Help kids start off the school year with a fresh beginning!

Yes – the kids just got out of school and we are alreadyplanning for when they go back!

Last year’s Back to School Party for clients of Crossroads Community Services was a great success. So we upped the ante. Our goal this year – shirts, socks and school supplies for 650 children.

We are getting an early start. Look for the Apple Trees in June and July. Take an apple and help us Clothe a Child for School.

For each child that you “pick off the tree,” please put 2 uniform shirts and a package of socks in a bagwith the apple attached to the outside. School supplies can be in a separate bag. All donations need to be

placed in FUMC donation boxes by July 27.

Thanks for supporting our neighbors-in-need this school year!

Vacati on Bible

School

June 16 - 209 a.m. - Noon

We say, “WOW!” at the WORKSHOP OF

WONDERS VBS, your children will discover their own “WOW!” moments as they explore how to image and build with God. Click here to register today!

FirstKids Sneak-PeekSunday, June 299-9:30 a.m. - Dining Room

Perfect opportunity for “almost” parents, new parents, “not-so-

new” parents, and “well seasoned” parents to fi nd out what is going on in our FirstKids Ministry area for the next quarter. Become an expert on all of the FirstKids events that happen monthly, how you can be involved, in a relaxed and comfortable manner. Led by members of the Children’s Education Council and FirstChurch’s Director of Children’s Ministries, Gretchen Combs.

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Music and Arts NewsThe Color of Clay: ceramics by Chuck Burton

Beauty and Grit: paintings by Andrea GuayThe June exhibit in The Goodrich Gallery showcases two artists: Chuck Burton and Andrea Guay. Their exhibit opens on Sunday, June 1, with a reception in the gallery from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. The gallery committee invites you to enjoy this unique exhibit of ceramics and old paintings.

Following his graduation from high school in Brady, Texas, Charles (Chuck) Burton attended Texas A&M, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, he resumed his studies in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Texas Tech, ultimately earning his Master of Science Degree in Engineering. Upon retirement, Charles took

up pottery, with his primary interest centering on developing glazes. His technique includes using “found objects” to make impressions in the clay. “The combinations and permutations available from my glazes provide a limitless supply of new things to try and to test -- keeping me excited and moving forward.” A member of the Texas Pottery and Sculpture Guild of Fort Worth, he has received several cash awards for his work and participated in several shows and sales of his work.

Andrea Guay is an oil painter and a bit of a global wanderer. Currently, she splits her time between her creative home in Dallas, Texas and her family home on the California coast. She often takes the scenic route when travelling to and from and her daily paintings are the visual journals of her travels. Recently, during a walk along the train tracks and warehouses in the agricultural heartland of California’s San Joaquin Valley, Guay began to explore ideas about the importance of the trains and their obvious and sometimes radical contributions to society. Her current series of work, “Beauty and Grit”, shows the results of these beginning explorations.

Goodrich GalleryJune Exhibit

Gallery Hours

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

9 a.m. - Noon Saturday

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

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Rotunda Theatre Auditions

Elsie Janis and The Boys: Elsie Janis and The Boys: a musical tribute to the Sweetheart of the A.E.F.a musical tribute to the Sweetheart of the A.E.F.

By Carol Crittenden and John T. Prestianni Directed by Charles A. (Chaz) Wallace

A musical and fact laced tribute to the historical time and the soldiers of America’s First Crusade – WWI, hosted by the sweetheart of the AEF, or American Expeditionary Forces, Elsie Janis. Called the female Bob Hope of WWI, Elsie retells the days of glory “Over There” entertaining the troops and falling in love with “The Boys”.

Roles:

AUDITIONS in the Rotunda Theatre: June 16 at 6:30 p.m. June 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Performances will be August 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 • 2014 in the Wortley-Peabody Theatre

Auditions by appointment only. Please e-mail charles.a.wallace@live.com to make an appointment time.

4 men4 menCharacter Man: 35-55 Versatile actor, performs many accentsWalter: 40-60 Elsie’s pianist – has a crush on her MotherCaptain Hastings: 25-35 Gallant Offi cer who falls for ElsieMale Ensemble: 18-25 plays a soldier and other small roles

4 women4 womenElsie Janis: 25-35Elsie’s Mother: 55-60Lulu: 21-28 Telephone operator – speaks FrenchSally: 21-28 Telephone operator

Born and raised in New England, she received a BA in Architecture with a minor in economics from Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts and was the recipient of a Student Fellowship Award for the 1989 International Design Conference in Aspen: Italy the design of 999 Cities. She has been painting as a full-time career since 2004. She has taught painting to all ages and has volunteered extensively as a teacher in the areas of technology and the arts.

Guay’s gallery exhibit - Beauty and Grit - began with detailed vignettes of “my observations of trains in Visalia, CA, and gradually expanded to include many other places.” Drawn by the shapes and atmospheres, Guay enjoys using “patterns, color and composition to explore beauty in the obvious and the implied.”

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Join Us for UMW

June 10 or 17Serve dinner to the Project Transformationinterns at SMU

June 295th Sunday Mission PresentationGeorge Battle and Fran Lobpries“Ministry with our neighbors: Dallas Bethlehem Center”

If you are interested in having a PT intern speak to your SS Class this summer, please contact Brianna Brown at brianna.brown@sbcglobal.net.

DMA Arts & Letters Live

Dianna GabaldinJune 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the FirstChurch Sanctuary With over 25 million books in print in 23 languages and over 236,000 Facebook fans, Diana Gabaldon’s fi ction is a word-of-mouth phenomenon. Her beloved Outlander series

has been hailed as “historical fi ction with a Moebius twist.”

Tickets: www.dallasmuseumofart.org

Meet Manny, Our FirstChurch Fellow!

Emmanuel Martinez, “Manny” may look familiar; as a Lydia Patterson Institute intern the summer of 2013, he worked with programs such as CCS, Vacation Bible School, Project Transformation, youth mission trips, and teaching Sunday school. We are excited to have him back with us as a college student exploring his call to ministry within the context of our church and in partnership with the North Texas Conference Center for Leadership Development.

As our initial “FirstChurch Fellow” this summer ministry internship experience will be a time of continued learning and discernment to prepare, assist, and develop young leaders like Manny for ministry in the United Methodist Church. It is fi tting with our long tradition as a teaching church, supporting programs such as Perkins internships and more recently, the Lilly Pastoral Residency. It is a strong witness to our commitment to holistic education for our members as well as those beyond us.

This summer, Manny will be participating in a number of additional program areas, so when you see him whether in worship, teaching, or on pastoral calls, please introduce yourself and give him a warm FirstChurch welcome!

A big thank you to the host families for the summer: the McCavits, Browns, Smiths, Robys, and Stokers. If you’d like to help with transportation, or invite him to join you for an evening or weekend activity, please contact Rev. Linda Roby at lroby@fumcdallas.org.