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This Week @ First Methodist Grapevine
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September 9, 2015 | In This Issue:
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| Sunday, September 13 | |
Worship at 8:30, 9:00, 9:45, 11:00 AM | Sunday School at 9:45 AM
"All in the Family"
This Sunday, September 13, our pastors continue the sermon series, "All in the Family," with a message on "Story Time & Meaning." This series takes us through a day in the life of the Family of God. We all have rituals throughout each day that can be used to point us to God and help us grow in faith. Each week of this six-week series, our pastors will guide us through a holy part of each day and give us tools to help us grow - individually and as families - into a closer connection with God. Each Sunday, you will come away with another item for your toolbox of practical ways you can incorporate your faith into your daily life.
- 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 - Bilingual Worship in Founders Chapel
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, September 13, at 10 AM in Room 2005 of the Family Life Center. This is a one-time, one-hour class that is offered monthly 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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Upcoming Sundays
"All in the Family" Series Continues
- September 20 - Rev. Armando Alvarado: "Midnight & Fear"
- September 27 - Dr. Cindy Ryan: "Bedtime & Trust"
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Worship Arts
Join the Choir!
Nothing is quite as moving as a choir singing the Word of God, and nothing more fulfilling than singing in that choir! Our Chancel Choir is such an important part of our worship here at FUMC Grapevine, and we are back after our short summer recess. The Chancel Choir rehearses in the Choir Room each Wednesday at 7 PM and/or Sunday at 9 AM, and sings most weeks in either or both the 9:45 and 11 AM services. Please come join us and experience the blessing for yourself! Of course, there are also seasonal opportunities for you to join on a temporary basis if that better fits your schedule. We look forward to worshiping with you soon! If you would like more information, contact Director of Worship Arts Wren Robinson at wrenr@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559 x133.
Worship Arts Rehearsal Schedule
Wednesdays:
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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Church News
Grapefest Opportunities Grapefest is coming up September 17-20. We have two opportunities for you to serve, that will also help support our ministries: - Volunteer in the Church Parking Lots: This year the Youth are responsible for two days -- Friday and Sunday (9/18 and 9/20). The Costa Rica Mission group will be in charge on Thursday and Saturday (9/17 and 9/19). All four days, we are in charge of the top lot. We welcome your help in manning the lots, so please sign up as soon as possible so that we can more accurately assess the manpower still needed. Click here to sign up on SignUp Genius.
- Volunteer at the Gates: Our new Mariachi Christian Praise Band is trying to raise funds for instruments. They have been presented an opportunity to do so by volunteering to man one of the gates during Grapefest. We have had a great response, but if you are still interested in donating a few hours of your time, please contact Joe Krimm at 817-706-0993.
Gala Tickets Go On Sale Sunday!
 Starting this Sunday, September 13, get your tickets for the CAREibbean Cruise Gala & Auction! Tickets will be available before and after each Sunday Service under the covered walkway outside the Sanctuary and outside the Founders Chapel Atrium. You may also buy them online. Tickets are $45 per person until September 30. After that, they are $50 per person. Get your tickets early and save!
Ready to Set Sail? One of our Live Auction items is a 7-Day Western Caribbean Cruise for 2 Over Valentine's Day!! This special package includes a balcony stateroom with your choice of 4 different add-ons, sailing from the Port of Houston February 13-20, 2016. Plan ahead and get ready to bid on this Sweetheart Cruise! Get more information about the gala www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/gala.
2016 Guidebook & Directory
Each year, we mail a Ministry Guidebook and Membership Address Directory to all church members on our roles. This publication is produced by a company called Guide Book Publishing. We are in the process of updating content and advertising for next year's book. If you own a business and are interested in advertising to our congregation, contact Melissia (melissiam@fumcg.org). The ad sales are handled by representatives from Guide Book Publishing, and Melissia will pass on your information to them. Also, if you have updates to your contact information or wish to be unlisted, please contact Cheri (cherir@fumcg.org). Note that this is not the same publication as our photo directory, which you can access online any time at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/directory.
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 Compassion Ministries
Congratulations
A gift has been given in celebration of the following births...
- Harrison Thomas Jackson Hudspeth, son of Hud and Julie Hudspeth, born September 2.
- Avery Ann Weston, daughter of Billy and Kristin Neunaber Weston, granddaughter of Greg and Judy Weston born August 24, 2015.
Condolences
We would like to extend Christian condolences to...
- Rod and Harley Hendrickson, on the recent loss of mother/grandmother.
- Robert and Stacy Collins and family on the loss of Robert's mother, Ann Collins, on September 1.
- Andy Howland and family on the loss of his father, John Howland, on September 1.
- Patty and Grace Bandy and family on the loss of Patty's grandmother, Evelyn Bandy, on September 8. Services will be Friday in Amarillo.
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Mission Ministries
Community Clean-Up / Fall Into Missions
 In lieu of our one-Saturday Fall into Missions this year, we are taking part in a community-wide effort to clean up Lake Grapevine after the spring flooding. The first Keep Grapevine Beautiful clean-up day is set for Saturday, September 12, from 8 AM to noon. All volunteers will meet at Oak Grove Park soccer fields at 8 AM this Saturday! Wear your church shirts, and come help out our community! Sign up on the Check-In, online, or by contacting Joe or Linda Krimm (817-430-4286, jkrimm6@mac.com) or Ed Crater ( edcrater@gmail.com). Visit our website for more details about the clean-up. Neighbor Needs
We still have neighbors in need of a full size mattress set and frame, baby items, a car suitable for a young woman who is overcoming abuse and has 3 children. We have also been made aware of two families who need almost everything to furnish their apartments - furniture, household items, kitchen items, etc. Contact Diane Bishop if you can help with any of these (817-239-5298 or dianebishopdbd@gmail.com).
VAST Volunteers
 We are still taking new volunteers for VAST! The more volunteers we have, the more children we can serve. What does it take to be a volunteer? It takes a willingness to commit to one day a week from 3-6 PM for six weeks. (Six weeks gives you the chance to see if this is a good fit for you.) It takes the ability to show love to a child, help with homework, be a listening ear and be willing to make a commitment to be a consistent presence in a child's life. This doesn't mean you can't miss or go on vacation! It just means you will make your one day a week a priority. Contact Debbie Price at debbiep@fumcg.org to volunteer or fill out the application on the Outreach Center website.
Missions By Falling in Love  A few weeks ago in worship, we shared missions updates from this summer. When we work in missions, we have a choice of whether we do a "good deed" and leave, or whether we go deeper and build relationships. Our goal is to "fall in love" with the people we meet and make missions more about the relationship and less about the good deeds. If you have participated in a mission trip and would like to share your story about your experience with building relationships with the people there, please fill out our brief survey at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/mission-survey. Printed copies are available in the church office as well. Questions? Contact Pat Laster (patlaster@verizon.net). Be Our GuestBe Our Guest is our monthly neighborhood meal where we feed anyone who wants to come to a heartwarming, family-style meal. We are in need of additional volunteers to serve as table hosts and eat with our guests, as well as volunteers who will serve the meal. The next Be Our Guest is on September 15, but you can sign up for any of the upcoming BOG dates using our Sign-Up Genius form. Volunteers are asked to be at the Family Life Center at 5:30 PM, and the meal is from 6 to 7 PM. Questions? Contact Sandra Nasr at bogvolunteers@gmail.com.
God Can Needs
We collected 267 items for God Can this week. Don't forget to pick up a few extra items when you do your grocery shopping! The GRACE Food Pantry has recently updated their needs list. They are currently low on or out of the following items: juice boxes, snacks, canned soup, condensed milk, ramen noodles, canned fruit, dry beans, evaporated milk, vienna sausages, toothpaste, diapers (size 4,5,6), toilet paper, tissues, hygiene items. 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.
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| Adult Discipleship |
Sunday School Class News
Sunday School Class Tours
Return to study and service this fall! During the month of September, we encourage you to take a tour of our Adult Sunday School classes. Pick a class each Sunday to visit. These are great groups to connect with if you are looking for spiritual growth and ways to serve. View a list of all of our Sunday School classes at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/adult-ss. Questions? Contact Nancy Johnson at pajnaj@verizon.net.
Pathfinders Fall Kick-Off
 Join the Pathfinders Sunday School Class this Sunday, September 13, for their annual Fall kick-off! There will be a meet-and-greet with brunch, giveaways, and we'll hear about the fall line-up, including info for our next study, "Gospeled Lives: Encounters with Jesus" beginning September 20. Pathfinders meets Sundays in Room 2008 at 9:45 AM. The members of Pathfinders are in their thirties through mid-forties, married or single. Their studies involve the application of biblical teachings for today's adults and families. This class offers fellowship, support, involvement with missions, and gaining a deeper understanding of the Bible and how it relates to our generation.
Seekers
 Please join the Seekers Class in Leach Hall at 9:45 AM this Sunday. Seekers will have a guest speaker from White's Chapel UMC, Frank Gabriel. Frank is a member of an Emmaus accountability group of 10 men - five from FUMC Grapevine and five from White's Chapel. Frank last led Seekers class before and is an excellent teacher. This week's topic is, "The Gospel of the Table... Communion." Keep up with upcoming Seekers events and studies online at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/seekers. Faith Builders Events  On September 7, Faith Builders is hosting a Fantasy Football Draft Party at 6 PM at the Merklin home (2133 Branchwood Dr. - Grapevine). Their league is open to all (regardless of class affiliation). No fees or prizes, just plenty of food and fun! Come with your most creative team name and get ready for an entertaining season! Click here to join the league. Then, on September 13, Faith Builders will host a brunch at 9:45 AM in Room 2001. In addition to enjoying great food and connecting with friends, they will discuss plans for study, community, and service for the coming school year. Starting September 20, Faith Builders will begin a new study by Adam Hamilton, "Why? Making Sense of God's Will." Topics include: why do the innocent suffer, why do prayers go unanswered, why can't I see God's will, and why God's love prevails.
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Iron Men Dinner featuring Dr. Gene Getz
 Iron Men will host a fall dinner on Thursday, September 10, at 6 PM in Leach Hall, followed by guest speaker Dr. Gene Getz at 7 PM in Founders Chapel. We will also hear about a new fire and police outreach. There is no cost to attend, but offerings are appreciated. RSVPs are also appreciated - online or to Russell Gravitt. Dr. Gene Getz is a well-known pastor and author of "The Measure of a Man" and more than 60 other books. Dr. Getz is host and teacher of Renewal Radio, is the Chairman Emeritus for CCBT and has been a Senior Pastor. Gene is President of the Center for Church Renewal. Read more about Gene at www.bibleprinciples.org. Questions? Contact Russell Gravitt (jgravitt@gmail.com).
New Horizon with Richard Barry
 New Horizons welcomes you back after the summer to enjoy an evening with Richard Barry, the guest performer we missed last May due to the weather. The New Horizons will meet Tuesday, September 22, at 6:30 PM for a catered meal and entertainment by Richard Barry, who is a seasoned performer aboard cruise ships all over the world. Richard has been performing everywhere from New York to Las Vegas for many years. You will travel down memory lane as he sings songs that have survived the passing of time. Richard accompanies himself on the keyboard and is known for his impressions of famous singers, great humor, and musical skill. Come enjoy an evening of fun, Christian fellowship! All persons of age 55-plus are invited to come to Leach Hall for a catered dinner followed by entertainment. The cost is $14 per person. Please RSVP online or by calling Judy at 817-488-4136 or Nancy at 817-354-1881, by Monday, September 21.
Link Football Fellowship
 The Link Ministry invites you to come and cheer for your favorite team! We will share food and fellowship in the Family Life Center on Sunday, September 27, for the Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys game. Kick off is at 12 noon. The purpose of Link is to provide adults (age 18+) with disabilities a closer connection to God through his church. All are invited to come join the fellowship, regardless of age, ability or situation. Please RSVP online or to Joyce King (817-488-9141 or fumcdt@gmail.com) so that we'll know how much food to prepare. Learn more about Link at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/link.
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Studies and Classes
Serendipity Bible Study Wednesdays 6 PM or Thursdays 9:30 AM | Leach Hall
This is an informal group Bible study led by Kenda Diehm. This fall we will finish up the Gospel of Luke and then dive into the book of Hosea. Starting September 9, the group meets on Wednesday evenings 6-7 PM and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11 AM (you choose your time). There is no need to RSVP; just bring your Bible!
Sacred Rhythms
Tuesdays, September 15 - November 3 | 10 AM or 6 PM | Rm 2007It's not too late to participate in the next offering of Sacred Rhythms! The first session will be next Tuesday, September 15. Sacred Rhythms is a curriculum designed to help us arrange our lives around a regular pattern of spiritual practices that God can use to nourish our souls and transform our lives. The morning class will be led by Marissa Neil, and the evening class by Pat Laster. To sign up, contact Pat at patlaster@verizon.net or Marissa at marissaneil@nofences.net.
Bible Study Fellowship: Revelation Wednesdays, Welcome session is Sept. 16, 9:20 AM in Founders Chapel Jonah & Ruth w/ Rev. Jenn Pick Wednesdays, 9/16-10/21 | 10 AM | Rm 2010
This fall, Rev. Jenn Pick will lead her first Bible Study since joining our staff! Join us on a journey through the books of Jonah and Ruth on Wednesday mornings, 10-11:30 AM, September 16-October 21. No need to RSVP... just bring your Bible!
Beth Moore Study of Esther Wednesdays, 9/16-12/2 | 6 PM | Rm 2008
Just as it was tough being a woman in Esther's day, it's tough today. If you've ever felt inadequate, threatened, or pushed into situations that seemed overpowering, this is the Bible study for you. No need to RSVP. Contact: Julie Doty, 214-724-1949.
La Copa Del Nuevo Pacto Wednesdays, 9/16, 6 PM | Rm 214
Spanish Bible Study will study the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) on Wednesdays, starting 9/16, led by Rev. Armando Alvarado.
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More Fall Bible Studies and Spiritual Formation Groups
We have a great variety of groups and studies gearing up for the fall. Please visit our website for more information about these upcoming groups (listed in order by the date they begin):
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Practicing a Life Verse
by Fred Rigdon
 A couple of weeks ago I recommended on this blog the book Simplify by Bill Hybels, the senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church. In his book, Hybels says that many of us have allowed our lives to become so busy and frenetic that our spiritual lives have drifted off course and our relationship with God has suffered. A powerful tool that Hybels uses to simplify and keep his life on course is to practice a "life verse." Keep reading...
Read more posts to help you with your personal spiritual formation at the Quiet Corner for Spiritual Formation - www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/quiet.
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| Family Ministries |
Serve with Family Ministries!
We still have places for people who want to teach Sunday School at any age level within Family Ministries. Curriculum is provided. For children, the age groups are: 3 Year Old, 4 & 5 Year Old, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade. We also need teachers in tweens, youth and confirmation. If you would like to volunteer or have questions, please contact any of our Family Ministries staff:
Patty Bandy, Director of Family Ministries ( pattyb@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x129) Michael Franklin, Youth Director (michaelf@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x116)
Melissa Howell, Tweens/Early Teens Director (melissah@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x136)
Amy Gravitt, Children's Director (amyg@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x213)
Monica Vickery, Nursery Director (monicav@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x145)
 Acolyte Training for ALL AGES!
New this year... we have expanded the ages for Acolytes! All children 3rd grade through 12th grade are invited to serve as Acolytes. Following the worship service on Sunday, September 20, please join us in the Family Life Center for an Acolyte pizza lunch and orientation. RSVP by Thursday, September 17, to Linda McClure at lindam@fumcg.org if your child plans to attend.
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 Nursery Ministries
Questions about Nursery Ministries? Contact:
Monica Vickery, Nursery (monicav@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x145)
Patty Bandy, Family Ministries ( pattyb@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x129)
Baby and Me | STEM
Don't forget that you are welcome each week through November 19 for these Nursery Ministry activities:
- Baby and Me Story Time: Thursdays, 10:00-10:30 AM, ages 6 months - 2 yearsClasses begin with a few songs, include a new sign language component, and of course, a very special book to bed read aloud to the class! Each session will also feature a small craft or sensory activity for the children to enjoy. The class is not limited to mommies! It is a great opportunity to spend special bonding time with the little ones in your life.
- Preschool STEM - Thursdays, 10:45-11:30 AM, ages 3-5 yearsThis class will provide a collaborative, project-based learning environment and allow your child to use hands on techniques to solve real world problems, fostering creative, critical, intellectual learning. Join us for an exciting, noisy, stimulating class for you and your child!
Childcare is provided. Please RSVP to Monica Vickery at monicav@fumcg.org.
 Musikgarten Resumes Register now for Musikgarten Fall Classes for ages newborn through age 7. Classes are taught by Mary Diane Morley, early childhood educator for over 20 years. Musikgarten helps young children develop a love of music and the skills to play it through a series of activity-filled age-appropriate lessons. Weekly classes are held in room 2001. For more information, please visit www.msmorleysmusic.com or call Mary Diane at 817-291-8516. |
 Children's Ministries
Questions about Children's Ministries? Contact:
Amy Gravitt, Children (amyg@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x213)
Patty Bandy, Family Ministries ( pattyb@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x129)
Children's Worship Arts
 Children's Worship Arts will resume rehearsals TONIGHT (Wednesday, September 9) at 6 PM in Room 2001. This ministry, for children Kindergarten through Fifth Grade, focuses on choral music, movement and drama. Children sing in worship occasionally and will also participate in the Christmas Candlelighting program in December as well as a Spring Musical. There is no cost to participate, but your online registration will help us plan. Questions? Contact Val Sellers at Valerie.sellers@hotmail.com or 214-236-7307.
Third Grade Bible Presentation
Third graders will be presented with a Bible during the 11 AM worship service this Sunday, September 13. Families, meet on the Family Life Center floor at 10:45 AM for instructions. We will then go to the Sanctuary for the Bible presentation to take place during the 11 AM worship service. RSVP with your child's name as you want it to appear in the Bible to Linda McClure (lindam@fumcg.org) by Thursday, September 10. Questions? Contact Amy Gravitt at amyg@fumcg.org.
Bible Camp for 3rd & 4th Grades
We are taking a group of 3rd and 4th graders to Bible Camp at Glenlake on September 18-19. We still have a couple of spots left, so if your child would like to go please call Linda McClure at 817-481-2559 x126 to make sure space is still available. Then sign them up at the Glenlake website, choose pay by check and then make your $45 check out to FUMCG and bring to Linda. Registration ends Monday, September 14, or when all slots are filled whichever comes first. For further information please contact Amy at amyg@fumcg.org or Linda at lindam@fumcg.org. |
Tween Ministries
Questions about Children's Ministries? Contact:
Melissa Howell, Tweens (melissah@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x136)
Patty Bandy, Family Ministries ( pattyb@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x129)
Faith & Formation
Our 4th and 5th grade Tweens gather on designated Sundays throughout the year for lunch, fellowship, worship and discussion. The next Faith & Formation is this Sunday, S eptember 13, from 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM Founders Chapel & Room 2001. Questions? Contact Melissa at melissah@fumcg.org. |
 Youth Ministries
Questions about Youth Ministries? Contact:
Michael Franklin, Youth (michaelf@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x116)
Melissa Howell, Early Teens (melissah@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x136)
Patty Bandy, Family Ministries ( pattyb@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x129)
NEW: September Youth Calendar (pdf)
Deeper (Youth Bible Studies) - TONIGHT (Sept. 9)
Deeper Service Project Intro | 6:45-8:15 PM in the HUB All youth can come to this. Our 2nd Wednesday Service Projects are starting with a bang. Tonight we will play some team building games, develop some ideas for service projects, continue our back-to-youth theme of the month, and talk about this Saturday and Sunday.
This Sunday, September 13
- 9 am service: We are going to start sitting together. Please come sit with me and the other youth.
- 9:45-10:45 - Confirmation Starts: We are excited to begin the new 8.5 month program! We will be located in room 1009.
- 9:45-10:45 - High School Sunday School: All HS will be in the HUB to get a taste of the experience from that class.
- 11 am Service - Confirmation Commissioning: They will get commissioned just like a mission trip team. Come support them.
- 5:30-7:30 - CTC closing worship (drive time included): Please bring an item or two to restock our weekend food supplies. After that we will load up in the van and head to UMC Bedford for a closing worship service with lots of other churches. Again, were an FUMC grapevine shirt or a mission trip shirt. We might need some another driver or two. Please volunteer as a back up.
Confirmation Begins! This year, Confirmation will be a full, fun-filled, and awesome eight-month program. We will kick it all off on Sunday, September 13, and conclude with Confirmation Sunday on May 1. We will learn all sorts of awesome stuff from how to use your Bible to our own church's unique history and to actually experiencing services of other religions/denominations. We will also have a confirmation retreat. The Confirmation Class will be "commissioned" for their confirmation journey this Sunday, September 13, at the 11 AM worship service. The first class is this Sunday at 9:45 AM in Room 1009. Questions? Contact Melissa (melissah@fumcg.org) or Michael (michaelf@fumcg.org).
Grapefest Parking Lot Fundraiser It's that time again and we need your help! This year the Youth are responsible for two days -- Friday and Sunday (9/18 and 9/20). The Costa Rica Mission group will be in charge on Thursday and Saturday (9/17 and 9/19). All four days, we are in charge of the top lot. Please sign up as soon as possible on our Sign-Up Genius page.
Pumpkin Patch Volunteer Sign-Up
The youth pumpkin patch is coming up fast! The Pumpkin Patch will be open October 1-31. The pumpkins will be delivered on Sunday, September 27. All proceeds will go to youth missions and we have a lot of volunteer spots to fill. We now have our SignUp Genius link active, and we encourage anyone who wants to help out to sign up online now! If you or a group you are a part of would like to host an event at the patch please let Michael, michaelf@fumcg.org, Linda, lindam@fumcg.org, or Patty, pattyb@fumcg.org know as soon as you can. Please let us know the group, type of event, and date. If you have any questions contact Michael, Patty, or Linda. Get more details about the Pumpkin Patch at www.fumcgyouth.org/pumpkins.
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Concerts at Stonebridge UMC in McKinney
Featuring Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris!
The church that John Mollet used to pastor in McKinney, Stonebridge UMC, is celebrating their 20th anniversary. They are welcoming back former pastors, and holding special concerts during their celebration. John has the honor of preaching at their service on September 27 (Dr. Cindy Ryan will preach here that day). There are still some tickets available for the concerts, featuring Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris! The concerts are Saturday, September 19, 7 PM, Sunday, September 20, 2 PM and 6 PM. Visit www.mysumc.org/events for details and to purchase tickets. |
Love from Latvia
A small team of four headed to Latvia in August to attend the 2015 Latvia Annual Conference. Mark and Julie Croft, Jesse Sowell, and Melissia Mason represented FUMC Grapevine at the meetings, in support of our partner church, Riga First, and all of our friends in Latvia. The worship times were touching, and the hard work of the Latvian church was evident in each of the reports we heard. In addition to the business meetings, we also got to enjoy Latvian cooking and culture. All of our Latvian friends asked that we send their love back to everyone here at FUMC Grapevine!
After the work of Conference was over, we visited with our friends at Riga First about the progress of renovations in the basement, needs for the winter, and ways we can grow our relationships. Most of the young people in Latvia speak English, and there are many who are willing to translate for the older generations. Here are some ways you can connect:
- Connect with an individual. If you would like to connect with a member of Riga First on a personal level, please contact Melissia Mason at melissiam@fumcg.org and we can work to match you with someone in their congregation.
- Connect your class or study group. We are interested in connecting Bible Study groups that would like to either study the same lessons as the group in Latvia or develop relationships through email or Skype.
- Go to Latvia! The tentative dates for next year's trip are June 24-July 4. We would be helping with renovations in the basement of Riga First Church and participating in the annual Friends of Latvia gathering (it was held at our church this year, and will be in Latvia next year). We need to begin gathering an estimate of how many people will be attending for planning purposes... please let Melissia know if you are considering it.
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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. |
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