Praying. For some it feels as foreign as learning to speak a new language. For others, it is a natural breathing. For most, it is somewhere in between. With few exceptions, most Christ followers would aspire to experience more in their prayer life.

During the 40 days of Lent, we will launch a sacred journey towards a richer, more meaningful prayer life. During worship, we will enter into a six-week sermon series titled Listen: Praying in a Noisy World.  As a resource companion on this journey, we will take advantage of the work of the same name by Bishop Reuben P. Job who has created this guide so that "...together we will learn and practice the habits that will deepen our relationship with God and enhance our ability to hear and respond to God's guidance...because prayer is the pathway for a vital, growing, and fulfilling relationship with God."

Pick up your copy of LISTEN: PRAYING IN A NOISY WORLD, the companion text for our upcoming Lenten sermon series, which begins next Sunday or contact Susan Hale. Resources are also available for Sunday school classes and small groups that would like to study along with the sermons in the sanctuary. A Kindle version of the book is also available online for download. 

Sun Feb 15

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE. The Red Cross returns to the east parking lot from 9:00am-1:00pm. Make an appointment online at www.redcrossblood.org. Use sponsor code "fumallen" or contact Ruth Swingle.

 Learn more about the beliefs and ministries of the United Methodist Church and the expectations of membership at our METHODISM & MEMBERSHIP CLASS, 9:30am, in the chapel. Contact Rev. Maxie Moore.

The Women in Mission DEBORAH CIRCLE meets at 12:15pm in the parlor to assemble Thinking of You bags for residents of The Belmont at Twin Creeks. All women of the church are invited to join them. Bring a medium-size Valentine or any other gift bag and a collection of items to fill the bag. Contact Burna Faye Kennedy, 972.423.7763. 

MARDI GRAS MADNESS 5:30pm in the labyrinth and gym. Dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions. A good time for the entire family. Proceeds from this event support our youth choir tour and youth summer mission trips. Contact Doris Allen.
 

Mon Feb 16

PRESIDENTS DAY Church Office Closed

Tue Feb 17

Rebuilding Life, a WIDOW SUPPORT GROUP, meets at 5:30pm, in the parlor for a light potluck dinner. Contact Peggy Weygandt, 214.335.3406.

Wed Feb 18

As a community of faith, we invite you to join us as we observe the beginning of the Season of Lent during our ASH WEDNESDAY services: 7:00am in the chapel and 7:00pm in the sanctuary.

Invite a friend and join the Evangelism Team for a PANCAKE SUPPER in the gym at 5:30pm. The meal is free, but a love offering will be collected. Contact Rev. Maxie Moore.

Thu Feb 19

XYZ SENIOR ADULTS! Join us in the gym at 11:30am for a Build Your Own Taco Salad luncheon. Entertainment is the New Horizons Band, so be ready to dance! Cost $5. Contact Karen Griffith, 214.537.6739. 

Fri Feb 20

THE CONNECTIONS BAND is a unique cover band, led by United Methodist clergy, that plays great music for a great cause. Join them at their popular Chicago/Eagles concert, 7:00pm, at Stonebridge United Methodist Church in McKinney. Every show is free; a love offering will be collected to support UMCOR. Contact Rev. Brian McPherson. 

Sat Feb 21

The HALLELUJAH HIKERS travel to Lake Texoma to hike the Cross Timbers Trail at Juniper Point Park West. The lake is approximately 75 miles from Allen; meet at 8:00am at the East entrance with an expected 2:30pm return. Please RSVP to Bill Benjamin, 972.897.8595. 

Fri Feb 27-Sun Mar 1

GREAT ADVENTURE WEEKEND Contact Eric Pugh.

Sat Mar 21

Join the trustees for their quarterly CHURCHWIDE WORKDAY, 9am-1pm. Contact Larry Wright.

Mon Apr 13

FUMC offers SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES for full-time college students and graduating high school seniors. Scholarship applications and recommendation forms (for current college students only) are now available online at www.fumcallen.org/college scholarships. Applications and recommendation forms are due April 13. Contact Brock Fairchild. 

The Gideons International Seeking New Members
Make a difference in Collin County, the USA, and in your world through The Gideons International.

Become a Gideon and enjoy regular opportunities to express your passion for serving Jesus Christ.

This Christian businessmen's organization is seeking new active members.

Contact Barton Black, 972.727.2829, to learn more about an informational meeting on February 26.

Now Hiring Nursery Workers

Love to work with children? Need some extra spending money? Are you at least 18 years old? The nursery is looking for loving people to watch our little ones evening hours during the week. Contact Kim Mathews for more information.

Greeters Needed

Part of the church's Vision 2020 strategic plan is to promote intentional hospitality. We need enthusiastic greeters on Sundays and for special services to welcome all who come through our doors. Visit our sign-up table on Sunday, February 22, and Sunday, March 1, to join our greeters team. Peggy Breeze, our greeter coordinator, will be there to answer any questions you might have. Until then, please prayerful consider how you could commit to a serving at one service once a month. Contact Rev. Maxie Moore.

Basketball Coach Needed for Fifth Grade Team

Recreational Ministries is looking for a coach to lead a select team of fifth grade boys who will play together in the Allen Sports Association, and possibly summer tournaments and leagues. This volunteer will need to know the game of basketball and be comfortable with the spiritual component of leading young athletes. Interested? Contact Greg Schell.