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This Week @ First Methodist Grapevine
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April 22, 2015 | In This Issue:
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| Sunday, April 26 |
CARING
On Sunday, April 26, our message will be centered around our one word for 2015 - CARING. We will feature the Blankets of Hope ministry. We also have several baptisms scheduled for this Sunday. It will be a great Sunday to come together in worship!
Rev. John Mollet will speak in the English services.
Rev. Armando Alvarado will speak in the Bilingual service.
- 8:30 AM - Traditional Worship in Founders Chapel
- 9:00 AM - Contemporary Praise & Worship in the Family Life Center
- 9:45 AM - Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
- 11:00 AM - Blended Worship in the Sanctuary
- 11:00 AM - Culto de Alabanza (Bilingual Spanish/English Worship) en Founders Chapel
Also this Sunday: Discover the Church
 If you are interested in church membership or learning more about the church, please consider joining us at the Discover the Church class this Sunday, April 26, at 10:00 AM in Room 2006 of the Family Life Center. This is a one-time, one-hour class for all who desire to know more about fellowship, mission and service opportunities in our church, and for all who are interested in or have questions about church membership. You will have the opportunity to meet other new members and guests as well as some of our church staff. You also have an opportunity to join the church during this class. Childcare or Sunday school classes are available for children of all ages during this time. Contact Dr. Cindy Ryan at cindyr@fumcg.org or Cheri Rutledge at cherir@fumcg.org for more information.
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MinistrySafe Training
 The Methodist church has adopted a new Safety System: MinistrySafe. Everyone who volunteers for any ministry that reaches out to children or youth in our church or community is required to complete MinistrySafe Training. This includes (but is not limited to) Village activities, Sunday School, Summer Swim Lessons, VBS, all Youth Ministries, all Church Mission Trips, etc. We will have a church-wide MinistrySafe Training Day on Sunday, April 26, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM in the Family Life Center. Lunch will be provided. This is required for all volunteers! We ask that you register your attendance so that we can have plenty of food and materials. RSVP online or to Linda McClure in the church office - lindam@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x126.
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Worship Arts
This Week
This Sunday, the Fishers of Men will share special music in worship.
Worship Archives
If you missed any of the services last week, you can view them on the worship stream archive at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/live. To access past broadcasts, click the "On Demand" tab.
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 are linked on our website at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/didyouknow.
Latvian Pastors Did you know that we have been hosting 16 Latvians here in Grapevine since Wednesday? Ten pastors from Latvia, four spouses, and two lay leaders from the Latvian church have been our guests for the national Friends of Latvia gathering. The pastors have spent the last couple of days in Glen Rose for a spiritual formation retreat. We are thankful to have these committed servants here with us, sharing their passion for the church!
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Church News
New Appointment for Rev. Rick Mang
 For those who may have missed the e-mail announcement on Sunday, Rev. Rick Mang announced that he and Liz will be reappointed to First Methodist Church in Crowley, Texas, effective July 1. Their last Sunday with us will be June 14. We will be sad to see Rick and Liz leave us, but wish them blessings on their new ministry in Crowley. Click here to read Rick's full letter.
The Staff Parish Relations Committee will be consulting with Bishop Lowry on a new appointment for our pastoral staff. We will announce the results as soon as the process is complete. In the meantime, we will be making plans to send Rick and Liz off with many blessings! Watch for more details coming soon.
Best of FUMCG  Rev. John Mollet will be holding a series of meetings to give you more insight into our 10 great things! We encourage everyone to come hear more about the new plans for our future. Meetings will be held on the following dates and times: - Monday, April 27, 6:00 PM in Leach Hall
- Wednesday, April 29, 6:00 PM in Leach Hall (in conjunction with Serendipity Bible Study)
- Thursday, April 30, 9:30 AM in Leach Hall (in conjunction with Serendipity Bible Study)
- Thursday, April 30, 7:00 PM in Leach Hall
- Monday, May 4, 7:00 PM in Leach Hall
- Tuesday, May 5, 6:00 PM in Leach Hall
In case you missed it, last week's edition of The Church at Work (electronic magazine), included 10 great things about FUMC Grapevine. You can read our 10 at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/10best or click here to view the full e-zine (pdf). We'd like to encourage all of you to think about what you love about FUMCG and share it with us! You can do that via email or on social media (be sure to tag it #bestofFUMCG). |
It's Time for Golf!
Registration now for the 2015 Iron Men Golf Tournament! It's time for us to submit a minimum number of players to the golf course, so even if you're not registered, we need to know you're planning to play! Please contact Neil Payne asap ( neil_payne@rocketmail.com) to let him know how many players you'll have.
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. The deadline for player registrations is April 26. Get all the details about sponsorship levels and tournament fees 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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Are We A Community Church?
by Pastor Melburn Sibley
 While we are hesitant to call ourselves a community church, we are aware of others who have seen us in this way. Why would we be seen as a community church? The Bible says "by their fruits you shall know them." Our service must be because we care for others and serve the God who demonstrated such care.
Recently a gift was made to the Permanent Endowment Fund by a person who is not a member of our church. He said he was making the gift because of the things First United Methodist Church is doing for the community. This gift brought us to $743,381 in this important fund. This fund helps to insure the church of usable and attractive facilities for the future. The mentioned donor was added to our list of Legacy members. Legacy members are persons giving $1,000 or more to the Endowment Fund. Such gifts can be given at one time or over a period of time, or an inclusion in a will or by an insurance policy or other usable items.
What a wonderful way to show love for the church and confidence in its future. To date 50 families have become Legacy members. Working together we can reach our goal of $1,000,000 to insure our future.
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Compassion Ministries
Condolences
Christian condolences to...
- Mark and Barbara Maness and family on the loss of Mark's brother, Mitchell Maness, on April 17.
- Karen and Bryan McCurdy and family on the loss of Karen's brother, Russell, on April 18.
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Mission Ministries
Blankets of Hope Work Day
 Do you have a compassionate heart for the Blankets of Hope Ministry to make blankets for the residents of Valley Hope, a substance abuse treatment facility located in Grapevine? If you do and your schedule allows, our next work session is scheduled for Monday, April 27, 1:00 to 3:00 PM, in Leach Hall. Our ministry is a busy one with some of you continuing to work at home sewing, cutting, tying and laundering blankets, while others of you are waiting to join us during organized work sessions at the church. A donation of fleece for our ministry will be appreciated; however, fleece will be available during our work session to make into handmade blankets bathed in prayer. If you have sharp fabric scissors, please bring them. Questions? Contact Carole Lee (carole_lee@verizon.net).
God Can Needs
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.
Start Collecting for Our Troops!
Support Our Military will be collecting items for care packages on May 24 and 31, with a packing party on May 31. Start collecting items now! Visit www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/military for all the details.
Save the Date - Feed Our Kids Big Week! Mark your calendars! Feed Our Kids Big Week will be July 6-10. We need to begin organizing now and get coordinators in place. We'll need site coordinators, site workers, kitchen helpers, shoppers, grillers, arts & crafts, recreation, and much more! If you're interested in helping, please contact Deb Scheiwe now to get the ball rolling (debscheiwe@verizon.net).
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Around the Villages
There will be 11 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!
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 Volunteer Connection
Formation of New ICare Team
This Sunday, April 26, is the day to join a new group who is interested in showing extreme hospitality in a way that really shows we care! You have seen it written about here and in the recent EZINE publication. Meet at 9:15 Sunday morning in Leach Hall, just behind the Founders Chapel, for a quick informational meeting. You will be able to sign up for one Sunday a month to be "manning" one position on our campus during our heaviest indoor traffic times when people are moving from one locale to another. We will walk the campus together allowing your input on additional points of friendly iCare contact which might be offered to our guests and members. I've identified a maximum, optimum 8 positions for each Sunday of the month which would have you scheduled to be on iCare duty just once a month! That means we would need 32 people on this new team to be able to staff the four Sundays each month. If you are a friendly soul, this is YOUR place to share your gift of hospitality! Can't make this meeting at 9:15 Sunday, April 26? That is OK! Contact Bev and we will talk! 817-797-4936.
Volunteers Needed May 2
On Saturday, May 2, the Central Texas Conference will hold a seminar called "Find Us Faithful" (about ministries to older adults) from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM in Leach Hall. We will be the host for this event, and will need volunteers to help set out refreshments, welcome guests, and serve lunch. Guests will be coming from all over the Conference, so we'd love your help to put our best foot forward! Volunteers are needed from 8:00 to 10:00 AM and from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please contact Katherine Hunter at katherineh@fumcg.org if you are available to help. See Adult Ministries news below for more details about the conference.
Church Office Volunteer Needed
Volunteers are needed to work in the Church Office on Friday afternoons, 1:00-5:00 PM. Duties include answering the phone, greeting people as they walk in and helping with various office tasks as needed. Computer skills are preferred, but not a must. Substitutes are available when needed. Perks: working with a great group of people and keeping up with church happenings! NOTE: Both positions could be "Job Shared" by 2 people. Please contact Reneé at reneet@fumcg.org if you would like more information.
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| Adult Discipleship |
The Well with Gwen Smith
 Tickets are now on sale for our next gathering of The Well, featuring Gwen Smith on Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 PM. Gwen will be singing and sharing her heart for girlfriends in God. Gwen's goal is to encourage you to think big thoughts about God by pointing you to His truth and grace through stories, songs and scripture. Tickets are $25, which includes the program and catered dinner. You may purchase tickets online or in the church office. Be sure you buy your tickets early... this will be a sold-out event! Childcare is provided. We'll need volunteers to decorate tables for this special event. We also need a few good men to serve! Contact Ann Hailey ( annhailey3@gmail.com) to decorate a table, volunteer to be a server, or get more information by April 30. Read more at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/gwen.
 Iron Men Golf Tournament
Register now for the 2015 Iron Men Golf Tournament! It's time for us to submit a minimum number of players to the golf course, so even if you're not registered, we need to know you're planning to play! The tournament is on Sunday, May 3. Please contact Neil Payne asap (neil_payne@rocketmail.com) to let him know how many players you'll have. See Special Events above for more details or go to www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/golf2015.
 New Study for Faith Builders
The Faith Builders Sunday School class has begun a new study of the book, "If You Want to Walk On Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat." Deep within you lies the same faith and longing that sent Peter walking across the wind-swept Sea of Galilee toward Jesus. In what ways is the Lord telling you, as he did Peter, "Come"? During the 6-week, DVD/Bible study, we'll consider the incredible potential that awaits you outside your comfort zone. Faith Builders meets at 9:45 AM each Sunday in Room 2001.
 Growing Older Without Fear
What is your greatest fear about growing older? Losing your sense of humor? Losing your looks? Losing your memory? Losing your sense of control? With wisdom and wit, the book Growing Older without Fear by Gary Kindley takes a fresh look at the process of aging. Rev. Annette Sowell will lead a book study on this book starting Tuesday, May 12, at 7:00 PM in Room 2002 of the Family Life Center. The cost of the book is $15. Please RSVP to Annette at annette.sowell@sbcglobal.net by May 3.
Find Us Faithful: Conference Event
The Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church will be hosting a workshop for those who are interested in ministry to older adults. The event will take place here at FUMC Grapevine on Saturday, May 2, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Older members have been faithful leaders in church discipleship for years. Yet, when they are no longer able to lead or attend inside the church, the growth in faith options become dramatically decreased. The purpose of this workshop is to establish the need and provide easy and effective discipleship and worship opportunities for people who are frail. Opportunities will be modeled and participants will develop their own plans to take home. If you are interested, get more details and register at www.ctcumc.org/FindUsFaithful.
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Breath Prayers
by Fred Rigdon
 Breath prayers, sometimes called prayers of the heart, are simple prayers, usually of fewer than eight syllables, that can be repeated to the rhythm of our breathing. They can be said silently or aloud and can be repeated over and over throughout the day. Since they are short and simple prayers, they can help us to follow Paul's command to "pray without ceasing" and to be aware of God's presence throughout the day, even while we are engaged in other activities. Keep reading...
Visit the "Quiet Corner for Spiritual Formation" to read more... www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/quiet.
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| Family Ministries |
MinistrySafe Training
Don't forget this Sunday is the MinistrySafe Training from 12:00 to 3:00 PM in the Family Life Center. See Church News above for all the details.
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 (pattyb@fumcg.org, 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)
Deeper - Youth Bible Studies
TODAY, Wednesday, April 22, 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 Patty's House with snacks (514 W. Nash, Gvine).
Soccer
Soccer this Thursday will meet 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the GMS field.
This Sunday, April 26
- MinistrySafe Training for all volunteers - 12:00-3:00 PM in the Family Life Center
- No Basketball this Sunday
- Hooked - 5:30-7:00 PM in the Family Life Center (meal provided)
Senior Sunday
 Senior Sunday is May 17! The graduating Senior Class of 2015 will be recognized in the 11:00 AM worship service, and seniors are invited to take part in the worship service. Graduating seniors and their families are invited to a lunch in the Family Life Center at 12:15 PM. The Junior class will be hosting. Seniors, you should have received an RSVP card and senior bio form in the mail. If you did not, please contact Linda McClure in the church office as soon as possible ( lindam@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x126). Please fill out the bio & RSVP card and return them to the church office NO LATER than Monday, May 11. We also need pictures of you for the bulletin and the slide show. On the bulletin we will have your baby picture and senior picture. The slide show will include a baby picture, a kid/middle school picture & your senior picture. Please e-mail your pictures to melissiam@fumcg.org or if you cannot send by e-mail you may drop them off in the church office. The 3 pictures are also due May 11! Your pictures will be returned to you. Please write your name on the back of each. If you have any questions, feel free to text, call or email Michael Franklin ( michaelf@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 ext. 116). Summer Mission Trips
Don't forget... get registered for summer mission trips! The final registration deadline for High School is May 7. The on-time registration deadline for Middle School is May 7, and the final (late) registration is June 4. 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.
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 Ministries for Children
Questions about Children's Ministries? Contact:
Amy Gravitt, Children's Director (amyg@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x213)
Monica Vickery, Nursery Director (monicav@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x145)
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 Activities
April has been an exciting month in the life of Tween ministry here at FUMC Grapevine. We can't wait to keep the momentum going in May. We have two Formation/Fellowship events planned in May. Lunch will be served at both events.
- Sunday, May 3, 12:15-2:00 PM - Lunch and fellowship will be in Leach Hall, Worship and Discussion will be in the Founders Chapel
- Sunday, May 31, 12:15-2:00 PM - Lunch and fellowship will be in Leach Hall, Worship and Discussion will be in the Founders Chapel
Questions? Contact Melissa Howell (melissah@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x136).
 VBS Save the Date!
We're excited about our upcoming Vacation Bible School... G-FORCE: God's Love In Action! VBS is June 22-26. Registration opens this Sunday, April 26, for $15/child. Registration forms will be available in the church office, at the check-in areas in the Atrium, and online at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/vbs. Scholarships are available; please contact Linda McClure (lindam@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x126) for details. Sports camps will be offered directly following VBS this year (see details below). We're also looking for wonderful volunteers to help with decorations, crafts, snacks, recreation, music, and all the other prep work to make this week the best VBS yet! 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).
 Summer Sports Camps
New this year, we are hosting a series of Christian sports camps for children ages 5 to 12, in partnership with Triumph Sports. There will be a camp on the afternoons of VBS in June, one in July, and one in August. Visit our website or the Triumph Sports site at www.triumphsports.info for more details and registration information. Click here to download a flyer about the camps (pdf).
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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If you haven't had a chance to read all the stories about people "Caught Caring," be sure you take a moment... you'll be inspired!
The stories in the latest edition of The Church at Work electronic magazine (or e-zine) show how you can be caring through any of our six areas of ministry... discipleship, worship, fellowship, compassion, mission and evangelism. We've also included the stories church members have shared when they have caught someone caring! You'll see pictures of people caught in the act of caring, and read about Bebe Hubbard, Kay Green, Mechal Arnold, Lauren McCarley, Georjean Sherriff, Bruce Herndon, some gardeners, and some random person in the Wal-Mart parking lot... and much more!
READ NOW! (PDF)
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Gifts Given
A gift has been given to Blankets of Hope in memory of Cora Lee Heckman by Dick & Karen Pafford.
Friends of Latvia Volunteers... You WOW Us!
by Bev Campisi
They came from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas AND Latvia! They numbered 58+ and they ALL felt the warmth and CARING of our church congregation! We thank each of you for greeting our new friends in our worship services on Sunday, for attending the Q&A session where some of the pastors shared about their churches and their faith, and for purchasing the beautiful handmade products which will return to fund many outreach programs in Latvia. In preparation for our church hosting this gathering, it was my prayer that each United Methodist who came would see as many of our caring ministries in Christian Action, reaching out to support our gathering and that prayer was certainly answered!
Extra thanks goes to...
- United Methodist Women for providing delicious and abundant breakfast goodies for both mornings
- Serendipity Bible study and adult Sunday School classes and other adult discipleship groups for providing tasty afternoon treats that just never stopped
- Hispanic Ministry members for presenting an incredible Mexican lunch and fiesta with Mariachi band and maracas our friends will never forget
- Be Our Guest cooks, set up team, clean up team for providing the home-cooked meal of Texas chicken fried steak and all the trimmings
- Several hard-working individuals who made our all-church Potluck supper such a success
- The Thrift Shop for helping fund so much of our entrée foods for these meals
- Iron Men for taking on the incredible BBQ supper Saturday night.
The Latvian pastors concluded their Spiritual Formation Retreat this afternoon and if you would like to send them off in prayer, meet in the Family Life Center tomorrow, Thursday, April 23, at 1:00 PM.
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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." 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.
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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