FIRSTConnectionsFirst United Methodist Church Richardson Volume 7, Issue 31 October/November 2012

Season of ChangeFall 2012

503 N. Central ExpresswayP.O.Box 830877

Richardson, TX 75083-0877972.235.8385 fumcr.com

Senior PastorDr. Clayton Oliphint

Director of Communication & WorshipGloria Scott

Editor/Graphic DesignerElizabeth Gonzalez

Communication AssociateKevin Burns

Website ManagerFrancy Collins

ContributorsKevin Burns

Pavielle ChrissFrancy Collins

Brenda DuckettRoger FortneyPam Shamblin

Dee WeaverDianne Weideman

Caitlin WellsJulie Williams

FIRST Connections (USPS 022-024) is published six times a year, bi-monthly, by

First United Methodist Church Richardson, 503 N Central Expwy, Richardson, Texas

75080. Periodicals postage paid at Richardson, Texas and additional mailing

offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FIRST Connections,

PO Box 830877, Richardson, TX 75083-0877.

Service of Communion & PrayerChapel 8:15 am & 12 noon

Traditional 8:45, 9:45, 11:00 amDr. Clayton Oliphint, preaching

access 5:00 pmA Contemporary Worship Experience

Dr. Clayton Oliphint, preachingAsian Ministry Chapel 7 pmZimbabwe Worship Chapel 12:15 pm

972 235 8385 fumcr.com

Elizabeth Wilson, Director Inviting & Involving972 996 0134 Directewilson@fumcr.com

Kristen Ceaser Inviting & Involving Associate

972 996 0154 Directkceaser@fumcr.com

We are so glad that you have chosen to worship with us and we hope that you find First United Methodist Church Richardson to be both a welcoming and an inspiring community of faith.

As the fall season is in full swing, we celebrate all the senses of the season…

the taste of a Starbuck’s pumpkin latte first thing in the morningthe smell of the crisp morning airthe beautiful leaves changing colorsthe giggles of little children at the end of the school day

We are reminded, “for everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

As your days fill with the busyness life brings, we invite you to take a moment to reflect in the beauty of the season. We look forward to walking alongside you on this exciting journey of faith. Whether in worship, small groups, access contemporary service, or through our many ministries, we welcome you to our church campus, and look forward to meeting you soon!

Dr. Clayton Oliphint,Senior Pastor

People join churches for a variety of reasons. At a deep level it usually has to do with a spiritual thirst to be closer to God. The church exists to help people make that “God connection.” Can you be a Christian and not be a part of a church? Interesting question. While it might be possible, through the years people have found that having a community of faith helps faith come alive in tangible ways.

When we join the church there are two major questions asked:

1) do you profess your faith in Jesus Christ?

To paraphrase Romans 5:2, it is through Jesus that we have obtained access to God’s grace. That has to do with spiritual connection and relationship!

2) will you support the church with your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness?

This is about putting faith in action:

• prayingwhichgetsusoutofourownneedsandfocusedonothers

• regularlyattendingworshipandbeingapartofthefamilyoffaith

• supportingtheministriesofthechurchthroughyourfinancialsupport

• usingyourtalentstoserveothers

• sharingwithotherswhattheLordhasdoneforyouandinvitingthemtochurch.

I want to challenge all members of First United Methodist Richardson to recommit to these membership vows and dedicate yourself anew to live them out. God has called us to faithfulness, and the church can only be at its strongest when we are investing ourselves fully in pursuing this God connection.

In Christ,Clayton Oliphint

Writing by Pam Shamblin

Jimmie Mobley

Our own Jimmie Mobley was in tenth grade when he began to feel his call to ministry, but he already had his plans and who was God to derail them? Jimmie’s father was a banker at First National Bank of Fort Worth and Jimmie planned to

follow his father’s footsteps into banking or accounting, so in 1949 after graduating from Paschal High School in Fort Worth, he went to work at South Fort Worth State Bank. By December he was bored out of his gourd!

Mary Frances and Jimmie were already an item, long time sweethearts from the same church, Trinity Methodist. It was one of those loves that was meant to be. So it was no surprise to her that in February of 1950, Jimmie answered God’s call to ministry and was licensed to preach by his local congregation. He enrolled in Texas Wesleyan College and his sophomore year, under the direction of the District Superintendent of the Gatesville District, began serving his first churches. It was the Mosheim Circuit where he moved between three churches each Sunday. Needless to say Jimmie was “wet behind the ears,” but the good people of Mosheim had helped train them up before and this

new preacher was no exception. Cayote (one of the churches on the circuit) had a church, a filling station and mechanics garage. That was it! Jimmie and Mary Frances were married in June of 1952, at the end of the evening worship service at their home church, Trinity Methodist.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Jimmie went on to attend and graduate from Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth in 1958—now he was ready to cut his teeth on a “big church” and the DS heard him, because they were sent to another circuit out ofGranbury:Waples,Lipan,WattsChapelandGrandview.Hehad four churches expecting his ministry each and every Sunday (and weekdays as well). Mary Frances was a trouper through all this. They served another circuit in Dennis and Anetta, but this lasted only one year and then they were on their way to Zion Hill/Bethesda (between Weatherford and Mineral Wells) where they had their first “real” parsonage. They shared the church house with the Baptists and Mellinial Dawnests—the Methodists and Baptists getting two Sundays a month and the Dawnests meeting on the 5th Sunday. Dianna, their oldest, was born while they were here.

A Celebration of Ministry

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Jimmie, Mary Frances,Dianna, Michael, and Cindy, 1975.

The good people of Bethesda raised watermelons for their seed, which they harvested and sold for their livelihood. Jimmie was told not to have a revival in August or September because the whole county “stank” from the fermented watermelons. While at Bethesda, ceiling fans were installed in the church and Jimmie thought he had hit the big time! Godley was their next assignment for one year and then on to a great experience in ministry at Eureka where there were only two houses, the parsonage and one other, on water wells. All of the other wells had salt water. Fresh water had to be trucked in, but the parsonage well produced “sweet” delicious water and they just drank away. There is an oil well on the church property even today.

Cindy was born in 1957 and Michael came along in 1960. Between 1960-1964 Jimmie and Mary Frances served Central Methodist in Mineral Wells, which is still a military base town. It was a mission church of First Methodist and before they even unpacked, the local banker visited Jimmie to fill him in on the finances of the church, mainly that foreclosure was just around the corner as they hadn’t made a loan payment in two years—they owed $23,000. Well, Jimmie took it in hand and they sold church bonds to defray the debt. It took ten years to pay off the note, but the church did it, even though Jimmie wasn’t the pastor there when the note was burned.

In 1964 the Mobley’s moved to Cross Plains, which was a great experience. Jimmie even taught history at Crossplains High School because so many teachers were out with the flu. They were there only one year when the Bishop decided that Jimmie was needed at DeSoto in our own North Texas Conference. So the U-Haul was loaded up and the family moved to DeSoto where they spent the next four years in a happy ministry building a new church.

In 1969 Jimmie was appointed to Wesley in Oak Cliff, and ministered there, amidst a changing neighborhood for five years. When Wesley and Elmwood merged in 1974, Jimmie was appointed to Irwindale for five years, West Shore for only fifteen months and then a pastorate of nine years at Brandon Avenue. It was at Brandon Avenue that Jimmie rallied the other neighboring Methodist congregations to establish the North

West Oak Cliff Parish. This was a full service medical clinic funded by foundations that eventually gave $1.5 million for this clinic. The clinic had an administrator, nurse and doctor. The statistics were appalling in the area: 32 out of 100 births ended in death for babies born in the area. At the time 33 out of 100 births ended in death for babies born in Haiti—right in our own city we had an infant mortality rate equal to that of a third world country. Jimmie, as President, and the other pastors worked tirelessly to conceive and establish the health clinic which was a life saver to the residents. To take time off from work and sit in the clinic at Parkland often meant lost wages and lost jobs and eventually even Parkland used the clinic facilities until they could establish their own. Early on they couldn’t even get insurance, but they opened the clinic anyway, knowing they could be liable, but also knowing that it had to be done.

AfterBrandonAvenue,theMobley’sservedLakewoodforeightyears, a very happy time for them and their family. Guess what Jimmie did? He started a bridge group that just grew and grew to ten tables. Also, Jimmie started an after school ministry for the fifth and sixth graders who needed help with their studies. It was called The Firehouse Ministries because it was housed in an old firehouse on the church property. This vital ministry is still in service.

In 1997, Jimmie and Mary Frances came to FUMC Richardson, and weren’t we all blessed to receive them? Jimmie was in charge of Welcoming Ministries and when we moved to our new campus he became a part of the Pastoral Care area. All of us have felt Jimmie’s touch, heard him speak or teach, received communion from his hand or shared a good joke with him. A man for all seasons, he and Mary Frances have served, loved and been loved, tenfold. They lost their son, Michael, while here at FUMCR and will be forever grateful for the support and caring that accompanied that long and difficult goodbye.

Well, folks, now you know the rest of the story. Married almost as babies themselves, three beautiful children, six amazing grandchildren and six great grands round out this family of servant leadership. We are blessed by both of them and their ministry.

Let the people say Amen and amen.

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Jimmie and Mary Frances, 1998.Jimmie and grandchildren, 2001.

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Writing by Dee Weaver PhotograPhy by Kevin burnS

No Distance Can Change That......She is leaving. She is leaving soon. Very soon. As soon as late September. She is leaving as soon as she gets her visa. In fact, as we sit reading FIRST Connections, she may have already left. She is leaving her home in Fate, which is located in the center of Rockwall county, for a city she has never seen and which is quite different from her Texan home. Her destination is South Africa. Specifically,shewilltraveltothecityofTzaneenintheLimpopoprovince.

LimpopoisSouthAfrica’smostnorthernprovince;onitswesternside is the north edge of Kruger National Park. Kruger National Park is known for the variety of wide game which roams within its boundaries. Tzaneen, the city in which Michelle Wood will work, is known as the “fruit basket of South Africa.” Tzaneen is the largest town in the Mopani District Municipality of the Limpopo province and about 261 miles from Johannesburg.This city lies at the foot of the Wolkberg Mountains. Because of its subtropical climate, not too hot and not too cold, avocados, nuts, citrus fruits, mangoes, bananas and tea grow in abundance. “The special thing about Tzaneen is the scenery—lush vegetation, plantations, mountains, and one of the biggest baobab trees in the world.” (SA-Venues.com) Unlike the Fate area, Tzaneen has above average summer rainfall.

But, who is Michelle Wood? Why is she going so far from home?Michelle Wood, at a young 22 years of age, is one of the Mission Interns who was commissioned on August 3, 2012 by the Board

of Global Ministries. She is a member of FUMCR and attends the access contemporary worship service. Her education at the University of North Texas helped point her in the ministry direction her work has taken. At UNT, Michelle earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree. Her major was in development and family studies. This course work positioned her as a perfect candidate to work for non-profit organizations and to do the ministry she was called to do. Michelle has said that although there was an education tract in her degree plan—leading to certification as a professional educator—that was not her interest. Her heart was in ministry with the poor, with children, and with the disenfranchised. “My father,” Michelle said, “was hesitant to see me go, but he came around. I have talked and talked with him about my plans and desire to be in ministry in South Africa.” Yes, South Africa is far from home, but...“I went to Haiti in 2010, the summer after the earthquake. It was my first time to see people living in poverty at that level. I realized that people are in those situations all over the world and I wanted to be a part of the change.” In very heartfelt statements about her faith journey, Michelle states, “My faith journey has been a constant process of growing. From an early age, I saw my mother helping others and making a difference in people’s lives. I know that her actions resulted from her strong faith. In college, I reexamined my beliefs and came through stronger because of asking the big questions and figuring out what I personally believe about God. “

Unlike US-2s , Michelle was commissioned as a Mission Intern. These interns are young adults, aged 20-30, who serve eighteen months abroad and eighteen months in their home country.

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US-2s serve for two years within the United States. Interns commit to live, work and learn in traditionally marginalized communities. “The General Board of Global Ministries provides financial, logistical, educational, and emotional support for these young adults in mission.” Part of the covenant Michelle and the other interns and US-2s wrote stated, “We remember that many of God’s people are oppressed...Our task is to become co-creators of God’s work of liberation, justice, and faith.” Through her faith, her religious life experiences, her education, her volunteer work and paid employment, Michelle has come to her selected mission field. She will work for the Methodist Church of South Africa in their children’s ministries.

The Limpopo district in which the city of Tzaneen is locatedincludes communities that represent all eleven official languages recognized in South Africa. How does one build community among such varied groups? Her work with Catholic Charities of Dallas has helped Michelle hone the necessary skills she will use to build a community of learners. While working for Catholic Charities, Michelle facilitated the Preemployment Orientation classes for refugee women. In these classes were women from Burma, Nepal and Iraq who had no language in common. As part of the very first lesson with this group of ladies, Michelle used physical response techniques in the form of gestures and motions so they would state their names. To illustrate her request, she would point to herself and repeat her name. Then, she motioned for each one of them to point to themselves and state their own name. After a couple of false starts, everyone got the idea. In fact, many of these refugee ladies had never held a pencil before since they lacked any kind of formal schooling. “The greatest difficulty,” according to Michelle, “was in finding lessons that would be interesting to all members of the class. Sometimes, things we take for granted were obstacles for them,” she said. Michelle remembered a woman who secured a hotel housekeeping job but was said to be too slow in completing the work as assigned. “We found out she could do the housekeeping part of her job, but since she did not know how to use the elevator, she had been taking the stairs in going from floor to floor.” All that walking up stairs from floor to floor with her supplies really slowed her down.

“After seeing their struggles, the look of excitement on their faces when they succeed was wonderful, “ Michelle explained. “Their achievements despite the language barriers were astounding. And they cared for each other.”

Elementary and middle school children, the children of these refugee families, were another group that really resonated with Michelle. Their needs, too, centered around strengthening their English skills. Since the majority of their parents had such limited English skills, schoolwork support was greatly needed. Additionally, they needed to form a cohesive group so they would not feel alone nor isolated. “There were so many things they did not know.” During a math tutoring session, this point came across loud and clear while working on a word problem. The math problem involved balloons at a state fair. After struggling through an explanation about what a state fair might look like, what sights might be seen there, one student asked, “What is a balloon?” Part of the difficulty in working this math problem seemed to come down to the simplest of things—what exactly is a balloon?

“I discovered working with people from different cultures was such a joy. I would say, in America we do things this way? How do you do it in your country?” Michelle has said she was constantly learning and that she was open to learning and listening to others about their cultures and religions. “I love learning about different cultures, as well as sharing my own, and I believe that will be very advantageous to me when I’m in South Africa. I have followed God in leading me to a career that exemplifies my God-given strengths to make the most impact where chance is needed.”

Although she will soon be in Tzaneen South Africa, a subtropical garden town, Michelle has made sure she will keep in contact with her friends and family back home. Her Facebook page, emails and Skype sessions will let everyone know how she is doing. Plus she has shared her blog address so that we, at FUMCR, may also read about her ministry (missiodeiwwc.blogspot.com). Michelle would love to stay in contact with the FUMCR congregation “...so that we may encourage each other in the ministry that we are all a part of. A phrase that has been resonating with me is missio Dei, which is Latin for, God’smission. I believe that God hasone mission, to have a world filled with grace where all of God’s children can live life to the fullest in equity with one another. We are all a part of working towards that mission. We each have different strengths and we participate in different ministries to achieve that mission, but we are all one in that uniting mission. That’s the image that I’m choosing to leave with. Even though I’ll be half way around the world, away from friends and family, we are one and no distance can change that.”

God speed, Michelle Wood!

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G I F T ST H A TG I V E

The FUMCR 2012 Gift Guide

Handcrafted Necklaces, Earrings and BraceletsPick from a large variety of handcrafted jewelry made from unique materials. You’ll want to shop early to get the best selection!

Shop the annual First United Methodist Church Richardson International Christmas Market where you’ll find many things you’ll love to give AND receive. Your gifts will not only delight the recipient, but will make a difference in our community and around the world.

Arpillera Nativity Pillows and Wall Hangings by Threads of Hope

Fabrics of many colors and textures are used to make these arpillera scenes with detailed hand

embroidery, a traditional Peruvian craft.

Woven BasketsChoose from a large selection of handmade, natural baskets

that provide attractive storage solutions and unique gifts. Many made by women who are rebuilding their communities.

Don’t Forget Mission Shares!

Purchase shares to help support mission projects

of the church. Personalized gift cards available.

What a wonderful way to remember or honor a

family member or friend.

Typical mission shares include: Ark

House, Body and Soul, Habitat for

Humanity, Heifer Project International,

Imagine No Malaria, and MORE!

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Beautiful, Handcrafted

Nativity scenesMake the perfect

holiday gift or add to your family’s growing collection.

Equal Exchange Coffee and ChocolateCozy up with this sparkly and light decaf blend that has notes of honey and caramel, and a lingering chocolate

aftertaste. (Other flavors available!) Pair your gift with delicious chocolates.

Sure to be a hit with anyone on your list!

Christmas Ornaments

and DecorationsAllow your children to have a ball picking out

their own ornament or teacher’s gift from a

colorful selection.

International Christmas

Market 2012

Bartula Family Life Center

Friday, November 9 5 – 9 pm*

*$5.00 at the door

Saturday, November 10 10 am to 4 pm

Sunday, November 11 8:30 am to 1 pm

It’s Coming:

the NEW fumcr.com!

The PLAN is becoming a reality. It began with the Communication Team taking time to study websites from all over the country. We took the results of the website survey to

heart. We researched what is current in web design. We looked hard at all the great information on our current site and considered how it could be better organized. There have been many lists of what we liked, many

hours of creative thinking and then weeks of coordination by our website manager, Francy Collins. We all owe a great deal of gratitude to Francy for

her organizational skills and depth of thinking through this process. The team is so excited. . . and so

ready to say, “FUMCR, this is YOUR COMMUNICATION CENTER.”

Watch for the October launch date!

New features of fumcr.com

More intuitive navigationImproved Search capabilities,

both site-wide and within event listings

Twitter feed (@FUMCR)Detailed calendar informationNew tool for advertising and registering for opportunities

to serve within the church and out in the world

The people of FUMCR highlighted throughout the site

Live streaming of 9:45 am worship service

Quick links to online CALENDAR of events/meetings/classes with times and locations, DIRECTIONS to our campus, and CONTACT information

FUMCR in the world: on TWITTER, FACEBOOK, BLOGS (FUMCR, Missions and Leroy Howe’s “Faith Challenges”), SMUG MUG (photo sharing) and LIVE STREAMING of Worship

SEARCH the site by entering a keyword (the fewer words, the better, as an exact match is required to return a result)

MAIN MENU BAR: Mousing over these selections brings up sub-menu choices on the tan sub-menu bar. (Shown are the options for Get Involved.)

SCROLLING ADS featuring upcoming events

COME - Sunday schedule of worship & Sunday school, including children’s and youth opportunities throughout the day, all with links to more information

CONNECT - Joining information

GROW - Group Life (to be added later this fall), Sunday School and Study Opportunities

SERVE - FUMCR Mission efforts, plus easy link to volunteering within the church

RESTORE - Caring Ministry

I’M NEW - Opportunities and information especially for first-time and continuing guests

EVENTS - Promotions for upcoming church happenings (This page will include it’s own Search bar for event listings!)

GIVE ONLINE - Give toward a pledge or special offering, make a pledge, log in to check payment history or change your giving

@FUMCR Twitter Feed

Four upcoming events (see more by clicking Events button)

Faces of FUMCR - Real members with real quotes about what is special to them about FUMCR. See different people each time you visit the site.

Direct links to the most popular internal pages of fumcr.com

F I R S T C O N N E C T I O N S O c t o b e r / N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 11

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What’s on her plate: Not only does this Oklahoma State University grad and Dallas-born mom of two volunteer at FUMCR as a Sunday School teacher—tackling Confirmation this year, Dawn is also president of Terrace Elementary PTA. She does all of this while working as a senior vice president for Weber Shandwick, the world’s largest public relations firm. In her current role, she helps oversee more than 120 employees in the company’s Southwest Region.

You work for a PR firm as an SVP and were recently promoted to Deputy General Manager. How do you manage your hectic career while still being super mom at home? What’s your secret?My secret is my husband, Dan! He’s the world’s greatest husband and dad and an amazing chef! He helps with our kids while juggling his own lawn sprinkler business. Who would you trade careers with if you could?Martha Stewart minus the cooking and jail time!

You’re very passionate about communications and social media. Whose blogs do you follow? While I follow a number of blogs for work, I also enjoy party planning and creative mom blogs. These are a few of my personal favorites:

The Girls at Eighteen 25: eighteen25.blogspot.comGiver’s Log: giverslog.comLil Blue Boo (Choose Joy): lilblueboo.comThe TomKat Studio: thetomkatstudio.comHostess with the Mostess: blog.hwtm.comAmy Atlas Events: amyatlas.com

You served as the Communication liaison on FUMCR’s Church Council. What are the latest trends in the world of corporate communications? The biggest trend in communications is the rise of social media as a key communications platform. Whether you were an early adopter or still wondering about social media, I can tell you that it’s here to stay! You volunteer for many organizations, including FUMCR, in the Richardson area. Which have been the most inspirational?I enjoy teaching Sunday School. My husband and I have taught a range of ages and classes. I like getting to know the many families of FUMCR—and appreciate the opportunity to spend time with many of the FUMCR kids on Sunday mornings. It inspires me to watch kids as they learn about God and how to live a Christian life.Your family likes to frequent Richardson restaurants. What are some of your favorites?We do love to support Richardson! Our family loves Aboca’s, Pizza Villa, Amigo’s and our newest favorite—Sweet Firefly! We’ve taste-tested ice cream during our travels across the United States, and we know first-hand that Sweet Firefly’s ice cream is the best! I recommend

their rocky road and sea salt caramel flavors. Yummy!

We know you have a creative side and throw clever parties for your children, Kate (age 11) and Barrett (age 8). Do you have a favorite?My favorite part of planning parties for my kids is that we plan them together. I love to see my kids use their passion and creativity to dream up fun parties—and then get to make those dreams real! One of my favorite parties was Kate’s 10th birthday with a Harry Potter theme. The front of our house looked like the entrance to Hogwarts. All of the kids were very into the theme and came dressed as their favorite Harry Potter characters. It was fun for our family to share our love for reading and great books, like Harry Potter, with Kate and her friends in a way that brought the books to life!You and your family take an annual summer vacation called “Kahle Quest.” What has been your favorite outing/stop during a past trip, and what is on tap for Kahle Quest 2013?Our family is on a quest to visit all 50 states by the year 2020. We’ve visited 25 states over the last four years. We all have different “favorites” so far, and I highly recommend visiting North Carolina. I loved the Smokey Mountains and touring the Biltmore estate as well as the time we spent at the Outer Banks. A favorite from our 2012 trip was sledding the sand dunes at the Great Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa, Colorado.We are planning to visit the Southeastern U.S. in 2013, and we’d love any recommendations for must-see stops along the way!What’s the last thing you scribbled on a paper napkin?The titles of a couple of book recommendations from my favorite book club friend! A recent recommendation that was a good read is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.

THE PAPER NAPKIN INTERVIEW

Dishing with

We sat down with Dawn Kahle at Aboca’s Italian Restaurant to chat about her busy career and her secrets to being an active, creative mother and volunteer

in the Richardson community.

F I R S T C O N N E C T I O N S O c t o b e r / N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 13

“Retreat!” Far from a defensive battle cry, to the Agape group it is a call to

actively celebrate and build our faith, friendships and families through our annual family retreat every Labor Day weekend.Thisyearmarked#8!WespendthreedaysatLakeviewMethodistConference Center in Palestine, Texas (it’s the camp equivalent of Bridgeport for southeast Texas). Every year the main activities change. Past events include scavenger hunts, rocket launches, team challenges, charades, talent shows and family skits. Sunday mornings always feature a special worship service at the lake. It’s a toss-up on who looks forward to the retreat more: the kids or the adults!

Our group was formed in 1994 when a group of young married couples decided to start a new Sunday school class at the church. They called themselves the Agape Class, based on the Greek word “agape” meaning unconditional love.

Since then, this group has been home to hundreds of self-led lessons and dozens of guest speakers from both inside and outside the church. You can also count on the occasional fun Bible trivia lesson around the holidays. Together we’ve grown in our faith, learned about other denominations

and world religions, and strengthened our relationships with spouses and friends with life application lessons.

Outside of class, we’ve enjoyed picnics, swim parties, playgroups when the kids were younger, mission projects (now many of the kids are big enough to join these!), Super Bowl parties and Christmas parties.

Our members are currently in their 40s and 50s, with kids ranging from elementary to high school age.

If you’re looking for a small group setting within the church, we would love to have you visit the Agape group. We meet at 9:45 am every Sunday morning in Room 209.

AGAPE

Focus on a Sunday School Group

Writing by Julie WilliamS PhotograPhy by Francy collinS

Saturday, October 275 - 7 pm

First Center parking lotin conjunction with Hike for HEROES

to help raise funds forthis special needs ministry

More Information, ageorge@fumcr.com

or 972 996 0121.

Host a trunk or donate candy!

Bring your children in costume!

Bounce houses and lots of fun!

Camp Big ChurchNovember 17

1-2:30For children 4 years and up and parents or caregivers

Registration required at fumcr.comContact Allyson George 972 996 0121

Learn more about children and Worship at FUMCR!

All children must be accompanied by

one adult.

Topics: the bulletin, communion, baptism, music, and prayer.

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Advent WorkshopMark Your Calendar!

December 22 - 4 pm

Bartula Family Life CenterMultiple craft projects for your family to make together to keep

or give as gifts, followed by Christmas cookies and

carol singing.

The perfect way to start the Advent Season!

MORE INFORMATION:Allyson George: 972 996 0121ageorge@fumcr.comJosh Schilling: 214 924 5768 joshschilling.heroes@yahoo.com

REGISTER ONLINEfumcr.comIndividual – $40 Team (max of 5) – $150 (add $25 for each additional member of the team above 5)

Begins at FUMCR & Ends at Trunk or Treat

Each participant will receive a Hike for HEROES shirt and bag

Hike for Heroes Walk-a-Thon

October 27 4 - 6 pm

Katie Kring is a very talented singer who attends Pearce High School and has already had some amazing musical opportunities by age fifteen. She is heavily involved in both UMYF youth Group and The Journey youth choir here at First UMC Richardson. Those who attend the 8:45 am service will be able to hear her angelic solo singing from time to time. Katie’s energy, positive spirit, and smile are contagious!

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I sing in the A Cappella Choir at Pearce, play basketball, and am on the NationalCharityLeaguewhichisamother/daughtervolunteerorganization.MyparentsareScottandLeslie,my older sister is Taylor, and we have two dogs (Max and Ellie), and two cats (Cabo and Zoe).

How long have you been singing? I went to a church-based preschool called Discovery School. We would put on little shows during the year, and I loved singing in the productions.

How long have you been at First UMC Richardson? I did the Confirmation program here at the church starting in 6th grade and have been involved here ever since!

What are your hobbies? I like to play guitar and hang out with my friends at the park or go out to eat with them.

What is your favorite musical moment? Opening a show for a band of neighborhood dads at Marcus Cafe when I was fourteen. I sang some country songs and all of my friends and family were there to support me.

What was it like to sing in the Dallas Opera? It wasaLOTofworkandverytimeconsuming,butalsovery rewarding. In 8th grade, I was in the children’s chorus for Boris Godunov by Modest Mussorgsky . In 9th grade, I had a principal role in The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The rehearsals for that opera began in August and the performances were not until April!

A few weeks ago, you were one of six female singers who performed the National Anthem at the Cowboys stadium. What was that experience like? It was surreal. When I walked out on the field, I got goose bumps. The stadium is huge. While we were warming up on the field, the players were warming up as well. We were surrounded on all sides by these amazing athletes, so we snuck pictures with our phones!

What kind of music do you like to listen to? Countrymusicismyfavorite.IlikeBradPaisley,LukeBryan, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood.

What is your favorite youth trip memory? The senior high mission trip this summer—helping restore the oldest active church in America!

What are you most excited about this year for youth choir? Doing new things and having a great time!

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be? Jesus.

Okay, now for the list of favorites:

Color? Red

Sports team? I watch sports, but I don’t care who wins.

Broadway show? The Lion King

Actor? Well, if we are talking the best looking actor, I would have to say Zac Efron.

Animal? Monkey

Subject? Math, only because I am good at it.

Thing about coming to FUMCR? This church is all about family. There is always someone great to talk to and to hang out with.

Favorite scripture? Proverbs 31:30

Talented.

intervieW by caitlin WellS

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16 F I R S T C O N N E C T I O N S O c t o b e r / N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2

JUNIOR HIGHYOUTH

LOCK-OUT

at Laserquest$30

Register at fumcr.com by 10/19

October 26-27

Opening the Doors Commemorative Books

Senior High Camping Trip

November 16-18

Register fumcr.com by 11/9

Writing by brenDa DucKett PhotograPhy by roger Fortney

Dick Mussett

Kathryn Alexander Brenda Duckett

In 2004, during the planning phase for the Opening the Doors furnishing campaign for the new church campus, it was determined that all gifts received would be recognized and recorded in a commemorative gift book and be displayed for all to enjoy. Since that time, Brenda Duckett, Kathryn and Woody Alexander, Frieda Wyatt and Dick Mussett have spent countless hours organizing and recording the list of gifts, donors and recipients.

The engrossing of the names of the donors and recipients into two commemorative volumes was accomplished by hand by Dick Mussett and Frieda Wyatt in the Hand (alphabet) Copperplate. Frieda is a member of the Dallas Calligraphy Society and Dick is a Member-for-life in the Dallas Calligraphy Society, “Kaligrafos,” and served as president in 2003-2004. Our church has been blessed by Dick and Frieda as they have shared their talents in such a beautiful and lasting way.

Since there are two volumes, one at a time is on display in the beautiful case donated by Brenda and Jerry Monk in the Shawver Welcome Center. The other one is in the church library. In the near future the directory for the two volumes will be completed, and details available for arranging to view this wonderful piece of history.

Freida Wyatt

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In memory of Bob Holton from Sharon Boutte; Al Tingley;PhyllisHolton;HowardKennedy; Jerry andAnneWilson. Inmemory of June’s brother Jim from June White. In memory of Allison Jacobs’ grandfather from Paul & Kit Mathes. In memory of Christy McWhorter’s grandmother from Paul & Kit Mathes. In memory of Jennifer French’s grandmother from Paul & Kit Mathes. In memory of Sherri Hawkins’ grandmother from Paul &KitMathes.InhonorofSuzieLyonsfromtheFUMCRstaff.In memory of Helen Blanchard’s brother-in-law from Bert & Brenda Duckett. In honor of Carl Tinch from Bobbie Hammer. InmemoryofVirginiaVinesfromJeanneBradford;theMaddoxfamily; Jeanette Pullen; The Edge Family; Linda and LarryCamin. In memory of Tim Wende from Jerry and Anne Wilson. InmemoryofPeggyRicheyfromBonnieEdwards;EarnestandSylviaDeadwyler;JeanVonhoffmann;JaneandAndyRookerIn honor of son Beau Grant Henson by Grant and Miranda Henson. In honor of Deloy Snow by the Fellowship Sunday School Class. In memory of Mary Lightfoot’s father by JackandMarlaOrr; Pam Shamblin; Gerald andWilene Landfair;EarnestandSylviaDeadwyler;RichardandKayFleming;LindaandMikeProch;JaneneandDennisWhitby.InhonorofMike

and Mary Lightfoot by Pat and Robin Kelly. In memory ofAnn Diveley by Terry Diveley. In memory of Margie Griffin by FrancesGant.InmemoryofCecilRippybyMildredHuffines;RebeccaHughey;RussellandVangelaCosby;JohnBailey;SarahAdams;MaryandTomMoe;JackieWilder;GeneandGeorgiaStephens;SeekersSundaySchoolclass.InhonorofBishopGaryand Wink Mueller by Jane Ogden and Suzanne Ogden-Gould. In memory of Pat Henderson by Bonnie Edwards; Douglasand Judith Engel; John and Joan Transue; Salian Chieppor.In memory of Jeri Wakefield’s mother by Kathryn Alexander. In memory of Jeri Wakefield’s mother by Ross and Judith Capawana. In memory of their fathers by Rick Holt and Wanda Wilson.InmemoryofLoisThompsonbyRodneyandCarolynClark. In memory of Roberta Madden by the Seekers Sunday School class.

Memorials/Honorariums - July 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27

Usually, we come out of summer in a deficit, so I am happy to report that we are slightly ahead of our budgeted goal as of August 31st! Thanks to all of you who have been thoughtful in keeping up your giving or even paying ahead during the summer months. We greatly appreciate it! Your faithful giving makes ministry and missions possible! One area that was in full swing this summer and early fall was the youth ministry. On October 9th, they had had 330 youth participate in “Icecream-a-Palooza,” 160 attend “Really Living”and160participateinmissiontrips!Godisatwork!

August 2012 YTD:Actual YTD Income $3,201,700Budgeted YTD Income 3,099,500Overage 102,200

As always, please contact me should you have any questions or concerns.

Blessings,Dianne Weideman, Director of Finance dweideman@fumcr.com

Purchase fragrant, fresh wreaths and evergreens harvested from the mountains

in the Pacific Northwest to decoratefor the Christmas season.

All greens are guaranteed to stay fresh through the month of December.

The Journey Youth ChoirAnnual Fundraiser

Christmas Greenery Sales

Table Sales in theShawver Welcome Center

October 14, 21, 28 & November 4

*Available for pick up December 2

From the Business Office

THANK YOU

July 1

Karen PalmerPictured with her husband, Jim

July 8

Sean Young Pictured with his wife, KristaChildren: Brittin & Chatham

Heather GrahamChildren: Annemarie, Christopher & Cooper

Daniel and Loren Meager

Cheri Stanwix

July 29

Susan RobertRanil Sylvester and Merub SalmanChildren: Keziah & Sameer

Harry and Heather HenryChildren: Elinor, Amelia & Charlotte

August 5

Barbara Jones

August 12

Gene and Ruth Hunt

August 19

George and Rosemary Celia

Richard (Dick) LuthansPictured with his wife, Virginia

Amy DawsonChildren: Emma (pictured) & Katherine

Lee Forland

Scott and Alicia GilmoreChild: Amelia

Cassy Hartman

Joe and Pam HuntChildren: Caroline & Claire

18 F I R S T C O N N E C T I O N S O c t o b e r / N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 F I R S T C O N N E C T I O N S O c t o b e r / N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 2 19

Berkley ShofnerPictured with his wife, Martha

Travis and Martha Summerlin

Curtis and Michelle WhiteChildren: Sam (pictured) & Jack

Keith and Alicia WilsonChild: Anna Grace

August 26

Tom and Nita Ulaszek

Dean Burroughs

September 2

Mark Hampton and Deb SawyerChildren: Chloe, Elizabeth & Allison

Jean Kuettle

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fumcr.com/speakers

SPEAKERS CORNEROctober

Suffering and Soul WorkDr. Fred Schmidt

Thursday, October 187:00 – 9:00 pm

Ogden Fellowship Hall

November Bullying & Cyber Safety

Melanie C. Gordon

Wednesday, November 77:00 pm Mays Hall

Melanie is the Director of Ministry with Children for the General Board of Discipleship of the United

Methodist Church.

503 N. Central Expressway P.O. Box 830877

Richardson, TX 75083-0877972.235.8385 fumcr.com

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PERIODICALS

fumcr.com

“You’re Invited...”Christmas Eve Worship Services

Group Life rollout

Family Life Fitness 2013

A Celtic ChristmasSaturday, December 8

7:00 pm

Tickets $12.00 fumcr.com

“A Celtic Mass”new work by R. Daniel Holt

featuring the Chancel Choir andChamber Orchestra with Irish Instruments

followed by

Popular Irish band SOLAS