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| News from First United Methodist Church of Allen |
September 2012
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Greetings!
Living Life is the name of our satellite church scheduled to launch on October 21. But more than just the name of a faith community, Living Life points to the very reason that Jesus came to earth.
In John 10:10, Jesus says I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
In other words, Jesus came that we might be fully alive and experience all that God hopes for humanity.
What does that mean for the Christian? What does it mean for those who are not Christians but are searching for more?
These questions cause us to pause and reflect on the very lives we are leading even now: are our habits, paths, attitudes, and beliefs life-giving or life-sucking? Is our life life-giving to others? Are our relationships genuine and life-giving?
As we move toward the October 21 launch of Living Life Church, we'll be spending six weeks in worship looking at the abundant life Christ came to offer and how we as Christ-followers experience this life and offer it to others.
Will we see you in worship this week? |
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Sermon Series
Living Life
 September 9-October 14
8:15am 9:30am 11:00am
The goal of this sermon series is to look at the core beliefs and practices of the life of faith and examine how it gives life to us so that we can offer it to others.
There are those in our church and community who crave an authentic faith that is life-giving and life-changing. Listen to the people around you, and if you hear someone saying, "I'm hungry for more," invite them to this series.
September 9
Back to Church Sunday
Living Life
John 1-:1-10
September 16
What I Have I Give to You
Acts 3:1-10
September 23
Get Real
Acts 2:42-47
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
September 30
Music Ministry Sunday
You've Got to Be Kidding
John 13:4-17
October 7
World Communion Sunday
Humility Brings Life
Philippeans 2:1-10
Clay Horton, Preaching
October 14
It's Not What I Expected
Luke 14:15-24
Rev. Abe Smith, Preaching |
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A Jubilee year is coming to FUMC Allen in 2013.
What is Jubilee? FUMC Allen's Jubilee is a Biblically-based financial discipleship initiative designed to bring into clear focus God's teaching on how we are to live in relation to our money and possessions.
In short, Jubilee is
Jubilee is not a capital campaign, pledge drive, or stewardship scheme. The only pledge you will be asked to make in our Jubilee year is to live according to the Biblical principals we will learn. These are principals we believe will last a lifetime.
God has given us more than 800 scriptures that apply to how we as Christians are to relate to our money and material possessions. Jesus talked more about money than any other subject while He was on earth, including heaven, hell, sin or love!
His approach to money is what Jubilee is all about. At FUMC Allen, we are no longer going to be shy or embarrassed to talk about God's principals as they relate to money and our material possessions.
You will hear more about Jubilee in the coming weeks and months as your leaders continue their training to prepare for the 2013 roll out.
Get Ready! Get Excited! A Jubilee is coming! |
 IMPACT:
How a Thought Impacts Hundreds By Larry Fessenden
Pastor: Lord , what would it take to impact people and children in places we have not seen?
Lord: This ought to do. I have a school in the Philippines picked out and here are some items you will need to impact 400 kids, 9 teachers, local governments, and regional officials.
400 backpacks, 2,400 pencils, 480 pencil sharpeners, 2,400 pencil erasers, 400 large erasers, 400 3-ring binders,400 pencil pouches, 400 sets of colored pencils, 6,000 sheets of loose leaf paper, 408 3-subject spiral notebooks, 23 one-subject notebooks, 10 composition books, 200 kindergarten handwriting tablets, 400 custom T-shirts with logo, 432 rain ponchos, 200 folders, 900 ball point pens, 10,000 crayons, 47 bottles of glue, 39 mini clipboards, 146 packages of construction paper, and 400 Bible story books so they will know Me.
Pastor: Who will make all this happen?
Lord: We will start with you, impact a few believers, then impact the whole congregation, then other organizations, people from coast to coast, companies, and corporations.
Pastor: How we going to get all that stuff over there?
Lord: We start with cars, trucks, vans, ships and planes, even use three-wheeled bikes and a caribou (water buffalo) for the flooded paths.
Pastor: When can we expect this to happen?
Lord: Start with your message Sunday and We ought to have this wrapped up by the end of July. Get started!
Pastor: Consider it done. We love you!! |
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Junior Youth Fellowship
Wednesday Night Programming
Drop Off between 6:30pm-7:00pm Gym
Pick Up at 8:00pm in Grace Land
Join us for a new year of Junior Youth Fellowship, beginning September 5. This Wednesday night will start with fun games in the gym for children in kindergarten-sixth grade. From there, we move to classrooms to learn God's word, fellowship, pray and do crafts. Invite your friends and join us for a great time. Contact Mary Freeman for details. |
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Created By God
October 4, 5 & 6, 2012
Human sexuality is one of God's greatest gifts to people. Created By God is a program resource designed to communicate to fifth-seventh graders that we are a fantastic creation made by God. The curriculum approaches the topics of human sexuality, values, and relationships in a frank, honest, and Bible-based manner.
If you have a child in the fifth-seventh grade that you want to enroll in Created By God, plan to attend a mandatory parent meeting on Thursday, October 4. The students will attend classes on Friday evening and Saturday. Fee is $45 for books and supplies.
Please contact Mary Freeman for questions. |
Fall Festival
Sunday, October 28, 2012 12:15pm
This event is a fun time of fellowship with our church family and guests. Get out your best costume and join us to have a yummy lunch, play games and trunk or treat! Would you like to sponsor a trunk? Contact Mary Freeman
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Third Grade Bible Sunday
Sunday, October 21
8:15am 9:30am 11:00am
All third graders are encouraged to receive the gift of God's word during worship on October 21.
Email Mary Freeman with your child's name and which service you would like to attend no later than October 7. |
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Children's Creative Playday Preschool
Classes begin Sep 4 9:00am-1:45pm
Playday is gearing up for a fantastic new school year. School begins on Tuesday, September 4. We will have a make-up day on Friday, September 7 for the Labor Day holiday.
Playday still has some openings in our preschool program. Our program operates Monday through Thursday from 9:00am-1:45pm for children ages 18 months to 6 years.
Contact the Playday Office for more information, 972 396-7575, or check us out on the web at www.playday.fumcallen.org. |
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What We Did On Our
Summer Vacations
By Adam Spore
Most kids will find something fun to do over their summer break. What we saw was the youth of FUMC Allen having fun while they served.
This past summer, our youth participated in camps, mission trips, and other service opportunities. Fifteen youth worked as counselors at Seek Camp, a summer camp for special needs children and youth. Fifty-six youth and adults attended mission trips in Kentucky and inner city Dallas. Seven youth and three recent youth graduates traveled to Honduras with Dr. Tom Brian to serve at Send Hope. Ninety of our youth served as VBS and Day Camp volunteers.
On August 31, the evangelism committee partnered with the youth program to host a tailgate party before the first AHS football game. We'll do this again on September 14 at 5:30pm in the parking lot near the corner of Rivercrest and Station Park (the parking lot near the tennis courts). Come help and enjoy a free hotdog before the game.
We are truly blessed as a congregation to be able to witness how the young generation of Christians can make an impact in the world through their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.
It is now time to look toward youth programming during the 2012-2013 school year.
Susan Hale and I have been working diligently with our youth adult council to determine how we can best encourage youth in their journey of Christian discipleship. On Sunday nights, we will have a minor adjustment to our programming schedule. At 5:00pm, youth can come to the church for snack supper. This is one hour earlier than last year's schedule.
After snack supper, youth will move into our programming for the evening. Sunday nights this year will have an intentional focus on building relationships and inviting others. We will accomplish this by providing opportunities of relationship building, service, worship, fellowship, and learning. We will begin our regular Sunday night programming for the fall on September 9 at 5:00pm.
Finally, mark your calendars for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity right here in the metroplex. Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth is housing an exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the most significant archaeological and spiritual discoveries of our time. On October 7, the youth program will sponsor a field trip to the exhibit following Sunday morning worship. We'll offer online registration, and families are welcome to attend.
We are so excited about the possibilities of this school year. It never ceases to amaze us how the youth grow emotionally and spiritually over a short period of time. We know that this year will provide a great opportunity for the youth of our congregation to rise up and be the voice of their generation for Christ in the world. |
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United Methodist
Youth Fellowship (UMYF)
Sundays 5:00pm-7:00pm
Now that summer is behind us, it's time to look toward youth programming for the 2012-2013 school year. The youth department and youth adult council have been working diligently to determine how we can best encourage youth in their journey of Christian discipleship. On Sundays, beginning September 9, we'll kick off a new year of UMYF with a minor adjustment to our programming schedule:
- 5:00pm Snack Supper
- 5:40pm Worship or programming (game, team building, mission project etc.)
- 6:20pm Devotion/small group discussion
- 7:00pm Dismissal and parent pickup
UMYF this year will intentionally focus on building relationships and inviting others. We will accomplish this by providing opportunities of relationship building, service, worship, fellowship, and learning.
This year, we'll offer our Faith Academy classes as mid-week programming. |
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Senior Adults
XYZ
Wednesday, Sep 20 12:00pm
Fellowship Hall
Do you know about the XYZ? XYZ stands for Xtra Years of Zest. This inspiring group of seniors gather once a month for lunch and fellowship. At our September luncheon, we welcome a trumpet playing financial player! You don't want to miss this one! Please share this invitation with any seniors you know. We'd love to see you there!
For more info contact Karen Griffith. |
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Men's Ministry
Men Talking
Wednesdays 10:00am-12:00pm
Parlor
This group of retired men meet every week, but on September 19, they welcome guest speaker Greg Willis, Collin County prosecuting attorney, for an informal presentation and discussion.
All who are interested are welcome to attend. Contact Don Snyder. |
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Women's Ministry
Reading Group
Sunday Sep 9 2:00pm
Parlor
The UMW Reading Group meets to discuss The Pioneer Woman: From Black Heels to Tractor Wheels: A Love Story by Ree Drummond. Our October 7 book selection is Pearl of China by Anchee Min. Contact Cindy Robinson for more information.
Lydia Circle
Tuesday Sep 11 6:30pm
Lydia was a New Testament woman who ran a business, a family, yet still made time for her spiritual life. In today's hectic world, we all need a break. The Lydia Circle is a group of women trying to balance it all. Join us this month for dinner, fellowship, and a devotion on LOVE. We're a group of women...busy women of the world. We invite you to join us. Contact Susanne Means for more information.
Ruth Circle
Wednesday Sep 12 10:00am-12:00pm
The UMW Ruth Circle is a group of working and retired women who volunteer their time to the mission of women, children, and youth at hospitals, Allen Community Outreach, FUMC Allen, and other organizations in the community. Contact Myrtie Herrin, 972.390.1199, to learn more.
Deborah Circle
Sunday Sep 16 10:00am-12:15pm
Parlor
This UMW Circle is actively supporting local ministries--Plano Children's Medical Clinic, Hope's Door--and writing letters of encouragement to our college women. We support and participate in the UMW annual bake sale, fall bazaar, reading club, and other FUMC Allen ministries. We continue to learn about an active Christian witness by sharing and hearing from others who love the Lord. Contact Circle Leader, Burna Kennedy, to learn more about this circle.
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Brandon Weber
Scott and Jamie Armstrong, Austin |
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New Member/Guest Luncheon
New members and guests who are interested in joining the church are invited to our Member/Guest Luncheon Sunday, September 16, at 12:15pm in the Fellowship Hall. Come and meet our staff and get an overview of the ministries of the church. Please RSVP either online or by email. |
Administration
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If you need assistance logging into your member database, EngagingOnline, email Engagingonlinehelp@fumcallen.org or call Margo Naramore at 512.810.2755. |
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Send Hope
 Help the children in Honduras with their school supplies. As our school year approaches, many stores put their school supplies on sale. Walmart and Target have notebooks for 17 cents each. Students in Honduras need a one subject, spiral notebook and pencils for each class. Please buy as many spiral notebooks and pencils as possible, bring them to the church, and place them in the tubs marked "SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS and PENCILS- HONDURAS". Thank you for helping the children in Honduras.
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Habitat for Humanity
Pre-Construction Meeting
Tuesday Sep 18 6:00pm-7:00pm
2060 Couch Dr.
McKinney, TX 75069
FUMC Allen is participating in a Habitat build that begins in October 2012.
At this pre-construction meeting, leaders will meet our newest Habitat family, Pablo Torres Gomez and Maria Tinjaca Medina, review the plans, schedule the wall-raising ceremony, review letters of intent, and schedule the build dates.
Other churches involved in this "Methodist" build include FUMC McKinney, FUMC Frisco, FUMC Celina, Creekwood UMC, and Stonebridge UMC
Questions? Contact David Wuensch, 214.470.5599. |
| Hallelujah Hikers Camping Trip
Friday, Sept 21-Sunday, Sept 23
Beaver's Bend, Oklahoma
Join the Hallelujah Hikers this month for a camping trip in Oklahoma. We'll have tent camping at the Dogwood Camp Site, which is near the trailheads and the closest tent campground to the cabins and RV sites. Tent sites are $12 a day.
The park only accepts reservations for cabins and RV sites. To hold a tent site, contact Lisa and Barton Black, 972.727.4999, who will arrive early to save tent sites.
To reserve a cabin or RV site, call the park office at 580.494.6300.
For a map of the park visit this link.
For more information, contact Glenn and Karen Elstoen. |
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Upward Mission
At a recent Upward training session, we learned that 90 percent of the population is plugged into sports and recreational activities. As a ministry designed to reach the un-churched, Upward is an awesome opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ with children who might not hear the message any other way but through a sports environment.
This ministry gives us the opportunity to touch lives through our indoor soccer, basketball, and cheerleading programs while teaching and improving skills and emphasizing that every child is a WINNER.
Upward is staffed primarily by volunteers. By using something as simple as a ball, these volunteers impact children and families by sharing the love of Christ.
The success of our Upward program depends on our volunteers to serve as coaches, referees, and concessions. In other words, we need YOU! To find your place in this vital ministry, contact Jimmy Ward
Visit us on Facebook or on Twitter @FUMCA_Upward. |
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UPWARD Indoor Soccer League
Player Evaluations
Thursday Sep 6 5:00pm-7:00pm
Saturday Sep 8 9:00am-11:00am
The very last day to register for our Upward Indoor Soccer League is Saturday, September 8! Players will be sized for uniforms and given three skill tests that should take about 15 minutes. |
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F-4s
Thursday, Sep 20 6:30pm Parlor
Faith, fellowship, fun, and food describes this group of women who meet the third Thursday evening of each month to share a covered dish supper and play games in the parlor or in member's home. We open and close with prayer and pray for our prayer buddies during the coming month. All women are welcome to join the F4s as they strengthen their faith and friendships with one another. If you have questions, contact Sally Haynie. |
The Cross Country Riders
Friday, Sep 14-Sunday, Sep 16
Eureka Springs, AR
Our motorcycle riders have planned a ride to Fort Smith on Friday, September 14 that includes a loop up to Eureka Springs on Saturday, and ride back from Fort Smith on Sunday. The ride to Fort Smith is an all day ride of about 300 miles, but the group will make frequent stops to keep it pleasant for everyone.
We'll be staying at the Baymont Inn & Suites 2123 Burnham Road Fort Smith, AR 72903 479.484.5770. Make your reservation now if you plan to come. AARP discounts available.
Don't be shy to trailer if you can't/don't want to ride for three days. Contact ride leader, Jeff Gilstrap, if you plan to go. |
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Apt G
September 15 7:00pm-9:30pm
Youth Wing/Fellowship Hall
APT G: A Place to Go is a monthly respite program for special needs youth in grades 6 and older. Every third Saturday of the month, September to May, APT G provides a safe place for an evening of fun. Each guest is paired with a buddy, usually a youth or adult volunteer from our church. We provide a meal as well as video games and crafts.
We're always in need of volunteers to help with this ministry. We are blessed that many of our youth come and buddy-up with a special needs teen for the evening. We would love to have more adult volunteers available to assist and supervise the activities. If you can help, contact Rev Maxie Moore for more information. |
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Grief Support
Mondays Sep 17-Oct 15
7:00pm Chapel
The Grief Recovery Workshop allows participants to share and explore their grief experiences and learn healthy coping strategies under the guidance of Russ Bowden, M.Ed., LPC. To register, contact Rev. June Franck. |
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Stephen Ministry Training
Mondays beginning Sep 10
7:00pm-9:00pm CLC209
This trained group of committed Christians give one-on-one confidential Christian care to others in crisis on a long-term and short-term basis. Application required. Contact Bonnie Wallace for more information. |
CareGivers United
Tuesday Sep 18 7:00pm
Parlor
Join this group of caregivers as they welcome guest speaker, Lori Leu, who focuses her law practice on legal issues affecting seniors. She specializes in long-term planning, from simple wills to more complicated estate planning, as well as financing of long-term care, including Medicaid eligibility, Veteran's benefits, advance directives, guardianships, probate, and estate administration.
Lori graduated from Kansas State University with an honors degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, summa cum laude, in 1984. She received her law degree from Harvard University in 1987 and is licensed to practice in Texas, Kansas, and Missouri.
For more information about CareGivers United, contact Beverly Allen. |
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Visit the Get Connected tab and register as a member of our Prayer Wall.
To read the August 26 issue, click here.
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