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This Week @ First Methodist Grapevine
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April 1, 2015 | In This Issue:
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Holy Week Worship
Take some time this Holy Week to reflect on the powerful last days of Christ's life...
Maundy Thursday, April 2
 First Sundays are normally when we have Holy Communion, but because of the Easter Celebration, April's Communion will be served on Maundy Thursday. In light of this, we have added an additional come-and-go time of communion from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM in Founders Chapel. Worship will be at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary (English) and 7:00 PM in Founders Chapel (Spanish). Our Communion Offering for April will go to the Easter offering, which benefits the World Service Fund and FUMC Grapevine Food Ministries. Childcare will be provided for the evening services.
Good Friday, April 3
On Good Friday, we will commemorate the sacrifice of Christ with a service of darkness. The Chancel Choir and Orchestra will present "Song of the Shadows," a powerful invitation to contemplate the love and sacrifice of Christ, at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary. Please invite friends, family and neighbors to join us for this moving service in preparation for a joyful Easter! Childcare will be provided.
 Holy Saturday, April 4
You are invited to end your season of Lenten observances at the Service of Healing & Wholeness at 6:00 PM in Founders Chapel. Communion will also be served in this service. Whatever your need for wholeness - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or relational - come and allow God to work in you. If you will need childcare for Saturday evening, please contact Amy Gravitt (amyg@fumcg.org).
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 Easter Sunday, April 5 |
After experiencing the depth of emotion and Jesus's sacrifice during Holy Week, we invite you to celebrate a joyful resurrection Sunday! Here are the details of our worship services:
 Sunrise Service The Sunrise service will be at 7:00 AM in the Grapevine Botanical Gardens, led by the youth with Melissa Howell speaking. We invite you to bring fresh flowers to put on the cross, symbolizing beauty and life in Christ. You may also want to bring a chair or blanket to sit on. In the event of questionable weather, we'll worship in Founders Chapel. If you are unsure, please drive by the Gardens first to see if we're at the Pavilion... if not, we'll be in Founders Chapel.
Easter Worship - 8:30, 9:00, 9:45, 11:00 AM
 There will be three services on Easter Sunday, at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary. These services will be identical to one another in style and content, featuring Rev. John Mollet preaching. If you have to park further away from the Sanctuary than usual, look for the church's golf cart in the parking lot starting at 8:45 AM to assist you in getting to the Sanctuary. There will NOT be a service in Founders Chapel at 8:30 AM on Easter Sunday.
The Contemporary Praise & Worship service will be at 9:00 AM in the Family Life Center, featuring Dr. Cindy Ryan preaching. Because there is no Sunday School Easter Sunday, this service will be a little longer than usual.
The Bilingual Worship service will be at 11:00 AM in Founders Chapel, featuring Rev. Armando Alvarado preaching.
Please note that there will not be Sunday School this Sunday. Childcare is provided at all worship services except the Sunrise service.
 Special for Easter On Easter Sunday, you will notice a sculpture of the head and shoulders of Mary, mother of Jesus, on display in the foyer of the Sanctuary. The Grapevine Foundry on Main Street has generously provided this bronze sculpture to us for our Easter celebration. The mold for the sculpture, called "Madonna della Pietá," is based on Michelangelo's "Pietà" and is one of only seven with the Vatican Seal on it. The original "Pietà" shows Mary looking down upon the body of Christ. It is on display in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
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Worship Arts
This Week
We want to extend a special invitation for you to join us for the Good Friday worship service this week. The Chancel Choir and Orchestra have prepared a powerful musical experience to allow you to relive Jesus' last moments before the crucifixion. The "Song of the Shadows" service will be at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary.
This Sunday, Agape Voice and the Chancel Choir and Orchestra will provide music for our Easter celebrations!
Rehearsal Schedule
If you would like more information, contact Director of Worship Arts Wren Robinson (wrenr@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559 x133).
Wednesday:
6:00 - 6:50 PM Grace Notes (Women's Chorus) - Sanctuary
6:00 - 6:50 PM Fishers' Of Men (Men's Chorus) - Music Room
6:00 - 7:00 PM Children's Worship Arts - Room 2001
7:00 - 8:30 PM Chancel Choir - Music Room
7:00 - 8:00 PM Orchestra - Sanctuary
Sunday:
7:50 - 8:15 AM Chapel Ensemble - Founders Chapel (1st and 3rd Sundays)
9:00 - 9:35 AM Chancel Choir - Music Room
9:15 - 9:35 AM Orchestra Warm-up - Sanctuary
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DID YOU KNOW?
"Did You Know" is a series of feature articles that highlight various aspects of ministry in the church. Be on the lookout for the "Did You Know" inserts in Sunday's bulletin each week. If you miss Sunday, the articles will be linked here and you can read them on our website at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/didyouknow.
Spiritual Gifts for Serving
 Did you know God has gifted you with specific spiritual gifts for serving? Both Romans 12:1-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-12 give us the assurance that God is at work in all of us in different ways. Did you know you can take an online assessment to discover your spiritual gifts? Go to www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/spiritualgifts to begin. The assessment gives you areas where your gifts might be put to use in caring ministries in our church. Keep reading...
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Mission Ministries
 God Can Needs - UPDATED
The GRACE Food Pantry has updated their list of needs. They are currently OUT of cooking oil, tuna, evaporated milk, canned soup/stew, spaghetti sauce, condensed milk, ramen noodles, children's cereal and syrup. The are currently LOW on condiments, vienna sausages, canned fruit and juice. Click here for GRACE's full updated list of needs (pdf). Please bring your donations to the God Can bins outside the church office or in the Sanctuary Foyer/Atrium.
Serve at the Grapevine Job Fair
 Every week, we see people who are in dire financial situations, looking for work. You have the opportunity to help these individuals in a very practical way! On Saturday, April 11, the Grapevine Community Outreach Center will host a Job Fair from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Timberline Elementary. Volunteers will be needed to put out yard signs before the event, help set up the morning of the event, and serve in many different ways during the event itself. Click here to sign up online to volunteer! For assistance with Volunteer Registration or any other questions regarding the Grapevine Job Fair, please contact the Grapevine Community Outreach Center at 817-421-2192 or GCOCjobfair@gmail.com.
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Around the Villages
Friends of Latvia
 We have the honor of hosting the national gathering of Friends of Latvia here at FUMC Grapevine on April 16-18. We will also be welcoming 16 visitors (pastors, spouses, lay leaders) from Latvia, plus visitors from other churches all over the country! We would like to invite you all to join in on any of the informational meetings and worship during the Friends of Latvia conference... but we'd like to draw your attention especially to Friday evening, April 17. Come worship with us at 5:00 PM in Founders Chapel. Then, we will have a potluck dinner at 6:00 PM in the Family Life Center. Please bring a side dish to share! All are welcome and encouraged to come meet our Latvian guests, as well as friends from other churches all over the U.S.! We'll need to be sure and provide plenty of food, as our guests will be here from out of town and not able to contribute to the potluck. To see more about all of the opportunities during the Friends of Latvia weekend, click here to view the full itinerary (PDF). Questions? Contact Bev Campisi (beverlyc@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x140).
Spring Into Missions - Grapevine Village!
Save the date for Saturday, April 18. We are now making plans to have our Spring Into Missions that day in the Grapevine Village. Watch for more details coming soon!
Kenya Mission Trip
There will be 12 people going on the Kenya trip this summer (June 15-27). We are planning to take t-shirts as we do every year to our AIDS orphans. If you would like to provide your child a t-shirt, the recommended donation is $15 per child. Just note "Kenya t-shirts" in the memo line of your check. The team will also be taking at least six laptop computers for the Synod staff. If you would like to help purchase a laptop (or a part of one), the cost is $336 per unit. Please note "Kenya Laptops" in the memo line. We will also be conducting two medical camps while there. The dispensary is always in need of gauze pads... either 2x2 or 4x4. We appreciate your help with all these things and will keep you updated on our itinerary as it firms up!
 Latvia Mission Trip We are currently planning our next mission trip to Latvia for September 11-21. We'll be building relationships with our covenant congregation at Riga First Church and attending the Apple Festival at Wesley Camp to help winterize the camp and harvest apples. If you are interested in going on this trip, please contact Melissia Mason ( melissiam@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x109). We hope to make a decision as to whether this trip will make by mid-April.
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 Volunteer Connection
Could you be the Donations Coordinator we need?
You are such a generous bunch of folks! We thank you for always wanting to give your extras to the homes of folks who can enjoy them. We get calls and emails throughout each week offering working washers and dryers, mattresses, dining tables, etc.
It is usually quite easy to learn who might be able to use an item, and often that family can pick it up with their own truck, but I even have a list of folks with pick ups or muscles or both who help facilitate these placements. Through the years, a first call had been to our contact with the Grapevine Housing Authority who knows the needs of her residents there. And now more than before, Armando knows his families well through our Grapevine Village.
It is time to find a lay person who can be the coordinator and scheduler for this amazing exchange to continue! Ideally, speaking a bit of Spanish would be helpful, so if you are interested, but like me, speak NO Spanish, this might even be a role shared by two people! If you are that person, or those persons, let me know! It is such a blessing to give knowing others will benefit!
Bev Campisi (beverlyc@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x140)
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Latvia Panel Discussion
 On Sunday, April 19, at 9:45 AM we would like to invite ALL youth and adults - Sunday School classes AND those who don't attend Sunday School - to attend a panel discussion in the Family Life Center with the Latvian pastors who will be visiting. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about our Latvia Village! We have the privilege of welcoming 16 Latvians - 10 pastors, 4 spouses and 2 lay persons - for the National Friends of Latvia gathering April 16-18, held here at FUMC Grapevine. Many of the pastors will be with us on Sunday morning, and we want to take this opportunity to hear their stories. See more about how you can be a part of their visit in Missions News above.
Link Event - Bingo!
 The next Link fellowship event for adults is coming up Sunday, April 19. Link is a ministry aimed at providing a safe and accepting place for people ages 18 and up with all levels of unique abilities - physical or intellectual - to come together for fellowship and fun! No matter who you are or what your story is, we welcome you to come enjoy the connection of Christian fellowship. Our next gathering will be on Sunday, April 19, at 12:30 PM in Leach Hall. Lunch will be served at 12:45 PM, then we'll play Bingo! All are welcome, whether you are connected with First Methodist Grapevine or not! There are limited spaces available, so please RSVP online or call 817-481-2559 x130 by April 14. If you are registering a group, please indicate the number of people attending in the "Group Size" field on the online registration form. If you have questions about Link or would like to volunteer to help, contact Joyce King (817-488-9141 or fumcdt@gmail.com ).Visit www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/link to RSVP.
It's Time for Golf!
 Registration is now underway for the 2015 Iron Men Golf Tournament! This annual event helps fund various ministries of the church. In the past year, Iron Men have supported Costa Rica Youth Missions, Motorcycles for the Kenyan Evangelists, Latvian Pastors' Retreat, Weekend Food, Be Our Guest, Benevolence Fund, Softball Teams, and the Link Ministry! The golf tournament will be on Sunday, May 3, at Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine. You can be a part of the fun by becoming a sponsor or by golfing. To get all the details about sponsorship levels and tournament fees, visit our website at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/golf2015. Click here to download a printable brochure (pdf) that you can share with your friends and colleagues.
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| Adult Discipleship |
How Is It With Your Soul?
 The United Methodist Women invite you to join them for their next Unit Study, "How Is It With Your Soul?" Mary Knowles, East District UMW Officer and member of UMW FUMC North Richland Hills, will present the study on Tuesday, April 7, 7:00-9:00 PM in Leach Hall. "How Is It With Your Soul?" This question from early Methodism's class meeting reminds us of our roots as well as goals we may set for ourselves as active 21st century Christians. The study of this question is organized around four verbs: pray, learn, mentor, and transform. The program will focus on praying and learning in ways that restore, revive, and revitalize who we are. Please bring your Bible and join us for a time of sharing and celebrating relationships with each other. All are welcome!
The Way of Forgiveness
 It takes a lot of willingness and practice to see life from God's perspective. Perhaps nothing goes more against the grain of human nature than the ideas of forgiving those who wound us and accepting forgiveness from others. In April, we will be offering a class called Companions in Christ, The Way of Forgiveness to deal with these issues. In this eight-week study, Pat Laster and Gail Hoggatt will guide participants through the transformational process of forgiveness by examining shame, guilt, and anger. Join us on Wednesdays, starting April 8, at 6:30 PM (room TBA). The cost of the study guide is $11. Please contact Pat (patlaster@verizon.net) or Gail (gail.hoggatt@sbcglobal.net) by Thursday, April 2, to request a book.
Sisters in Faith... Sacred Rhythms: Creating Space for God
 Annette Sowell will be leading Sisters in Faith on our journey through the second of six Sacred Rhythms topics with a Guided Meditation on Thursday, April 9, 7:00-8:00 PM in Leach Hall. We will be supporting our Costa Rica Village need for clothing for infants and expecting mothers, so please bring new or gently used items that will be taken on the Spring Mission trip. We will also be launching our new Sisters In Faith Forum & Online Bible Study! Please join us to learn more! Questions? Contact Nicole Wilson (817-307-7190, nicole.wilson22@verizon.net).
All Seasons Begins New Study
 The All Seasons Sunday School Class will begin a new study the Sunday after Easter, April 12. If you've been looking for a class to join, this is a great time to jump in! All Seasons is open to adults of all ages and stages, and meets at 9:45 AM in the Game Room of the Senior Activity Center (across Church Street from Founders Chapel). The new study will be on the book Forgotten God by Francis Chan, an invitation to understand, embrace, and follow the Holy Spirit's direction in our lives. "Could it be that we've forgotten the One who distinguishes us from every religion and cult in the world?" Come learn more about the "forgotten God" - the Holy Spirit.
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The Desert Fathers and Mothers
by Fred Rigdon
The Desert Fathers and Mothers were Christian hermits, ascetics, and monks who lived in the Egyptian desert beginning in the third century. They have had a profound effect on the history of Christianity. The most well-known was Anthony of Egypt, the founder of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, who was the first known ascetic to go into the wilderness in order to focus all of his thoughts on God, and is also considered the founder of organized Christian monasticism. Keep reading...
Visit the "Quiet Corner for Spiritual Formation" to read more... www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/quiet.
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| Family Ministries |
Introducing... Monica Vickery!
We are excited to announce the completion of our Family Ministries team, with the addition of Monica Vickery as Nursery Director. Here's a little introduction from Moncia...
 My name is Monica Vickery, and I am thrilled to be joining your Children's Ministries team! I absolutely love working with children, and I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to share God's love with your little ones. I have been working with kids for almost 10 years at church, in preschools, and as a nanny. Last year I was certified as a NAC accredited preschool teacher, which is one of the highest certifications available. I have a beautiful 6 month old son, who brings his father and I so much joy and shows us more about God's love every day! In my free time, I love playing my guitar, being outdoors, crafting, and spending time with my sweet family. I feel honored to serve and grow with you and your children!
Parenting Seminar: Faith, Friendships, and Belonging
 Being a parent in today's world is tough! Youth and children do not come with a manual, and parents don't have divine foreknowledge to be aware of every situation their child will face. On Wednesday, May 13, from 6:00-7:30 PM, FUMC Grapevine will host a free seminar for parents. Dena Kohleriter, LCSW/Family Therapist from the Momentous Institute, will lead us in "Faith, Fellowship and Belonging: Dealing with acceptance, rejection and bullying." This seminar is for parents of youth, pre-teens and children. As a community of faith, it is our responsibility to help strengthen families throughout our community. We are dedicated to helping families grow together while balancing parenting, family life and work. Please join us for this exciting learning opportunity. Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP online or by contacting Linda McClure in the church office (lindam@fumcg.org 817-481-2559 x126). Childcare will be provided; please indicate your need for childcare on your RSVP. Questions about Family Ministries? Contact:
Patty Bandy, Director of Family Ministries, at pattyb@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559 x129.
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 Youth Ministries
Questions about Youth Ministries? Contact:
Michael Franklin, Youth/Students (michaelf@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x116)
Melissa Howell, Tweens/Early Teens (melissah@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x136)
Patty Bandy, Director of Family Ministries ( pattyb@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x129)
APRIL YOUTH CALENDAR (pdf)
Soccer
Soccer this Thursday will meet 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the GMS field.
Deeper - Youth Bible Studies
TODAY, Wednesday, April 1, Middle School Deeper meets 5:45 to 7:00 PM in the HUB. High School Deeper meets from 7:00 to 8:15 PM at the Vaughan's house (5306 Maple Lane in Colleyville).
We will not have Hooked on Easter Sunday.
Confirmation Classes  Confirmation is designed to teach youth 6th grade or older who have not attended previously about the foundations of the Christian Faith and membership in our Church. Confirmation classes will begin with a road trip on April 11. We'll spend the day with other confirmands (class of 2014 or 2015) at Central UMC in Waco, where Bishop Lowry will join us in worship!! Workshops will be led by leaders from around our conference. Then Confirmation Classes will be every Sunday (except Memorial Day weekend, May 24) starting April 12 at 9:45 AM. Want to sign up for Confirmation Class and the Kick-Off Road Trip? Please contact Linda McClure at lindam@fumcg.org or call the Church office 817-481-2559 x126 or click this link for Road Trip Confirmation Road Trip or this link Confirmation Class to be a class participant or mentor. To attend the road trip, you'll also need to complete our standard Medical Release Form (pdf). The deadline to sign up is Tuesday, April 7.
Summer Mission Trips
Don't forget... get registered for summer mission trips! Register at www.ctcym.org. The 2015 High School Mission Trip is June 14-20 to Lake Charles, Louisiana. The 2015 Middle School Mission Trip is July 12-17 to Central Texas. |
 Ministries for Children
Questions about Children's Ministries? Contact:
Amy Gravitt, Children's Director (amyg@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x213),
Melissa Howell, Tweens Director (melissah@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x136)
Patty Bandy, Director of Family Ministries (pattyb@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x129)
Tween Fellowship and Formation
Tweens (4th-5th graders) are invited to a time of worship, word, and fellowship on Sunday, April 12, 3:30 to 5:00 PM in Leach Hall. Come learn ways to grow in your relationship with God. Rumor has it that a certain dancing bunny may participant in the fellowship activity. You don't want to miss it!
Tween Lock-Ins  Family Ministries will be hosting lock-ins for fourth and fifth grade boys and girls. We will be using this as a time to build relationships and discuss the future of the Tween Ministry at FUMC Grapevine.
- Minecraft Adventure BOYS LOCK-IN: Friday, April 17, at 6:00 PM to Saturday, April 18, at 7:00 AM in the HUB (Room 2013 of the Family Life Center). The BOYS ONLY Minecraft Adventure Lock-In will help us build relationships with each other and engage in discussions on the future of Tween ministry at FUMC Grapevine.
- Duct Tape Fashion GIRLS LOCK-IN: Saturday, April 18, at 6:00 PM to Sunday, April 19, at 7:00 AM in the HUB (Room 2013 of the Family Life Center). The GIRLS ONLY Duct Tape Fashion Lock-in for tween girls... be a part of an extravagant fashion show featuring ground-breaking duct tape fashions created by the girls themselves. Duct tape will be provided, but girls are encouraged to bring a roll or two of their favorite patterned duct tape. Decorative duct tape can be found at Wal-Mart or most craft stores.
Lights out for the lock-ins will be at 1:00 AM! Everyone will need a sleeping bag. If desired a cot or air mattress may be brought as well. Questions? Contact Melissa Howell (melissah@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x136).
 VBS Save the Date!
VBS is just around the corner... June 22-26! Our theme this year will be G-Force, centered around Acts 17:28 - "In God we live, move, and exist." There will be daily action words like Act, Move, and Care and correlating scriptures to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ! Mark your calendars. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Amy Gravitt (amyg@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x213) or Karen Seals, our VBS Coordinator (karen.seals@verizon.net, 817-329-5479).
Tween Missions - Save the Date!
FUMCG Grapevine is hosting a Tween mission trip August 2-6. More information will be available in the next couple of weeks.
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Thanks for Eating Pizza!
The Gala & Auction Committee would like to thank you for eating pizza last Tuesday at California Pizza Kitchen! We received a $300 donation to the gala thanks to your patronage! For more details about the CAREibbean Cruise Gala, go to www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/gala. Watch for more fundraisers coming soon!
Easter Fiesta Fun!
Thanks to all who came out to the Fiesta last Sunday. What a beautiful day to be with our friends and neighbors in Shady Oaks! We had 24 volunteers, along with five Fire Department volunteers and five Firemen who brought their truck for the kids to tour. Over 50 children enjoyed the egg hunts while their parents played Bingo and learned how to replace a window. The Window Replacement Workshop went great and we are ready to order 45+ windows for the residents of Shady Oaks. Thanks to all who came and all who prayed for the Fiesta. Visit our Facebook page for more photos! If you are interested in helping with the window installation during Spring Into Missions - Grapevine Village on April 18, please email Debbie Price at debbiep@fumcg.org.
 
  
Easter Picnic
What a great day for an Easter Picnic! We had a great time having snowcones, doing crafts, hunting for eggs and having lunch with our families! Visit our KidsTown Facebook page for more photos!
 
 
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CAUGHT CARING
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 As we continue to keep our focus on "Our One Word" for 2015 - CARING - we'd like to encourage you to keep your eyes open for people "caught caring."Our next edition of The Church at Work, our church electronic magazine, will include your stories. We hope to publish the e-zine next week! If you catch someone caring, send us a story! It can be just a few words, a picture, etc. Send your "caught caring" stories and photos to Melissia at melissiam@fumcg.org over the next few weeks.
If you didn't purchase a "Get Caught Caring" t-shirt, we have a few extras available in the church office. Contact Melissia ( melissiam@fumcg.org) to see if we have your size. The cost per shirt is $10, which goes to missions. |
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