Weekly e-newsletter
Our Mission:
Grow in God's grace. Love with all our heart. Serve with all our strength.
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Dear Friends in Christ,
Last spring, one of my nieces expressed an interest in learning more about the Christian Faith. I began looking for books or resources to pass on that could offer a fresh take on the Good News.
I shared this with our oldest son, thinking that as a staff member at Perkins School of Theology (SMU), he might have some ideas. Indeed he did. Among other options, he offered up “Falling Upward,” a book that Perkins Dean Craig Hill recommended. I was initially skeptical because it was by an author whom I had not always resonated with in the past. But given my son’s suggestion, I packed the book in my suitcase as something to peruse when we were visiting family in Nashville in late May. As I opened the book, thinking about resources that would be helpful for my niece, I found that this book was FOR ME. When I consider things I’m learning (or relearning) during the pandemic of 2020, “Falling Upward” is one of the most significant insights.
Why “Falling Upward?” You have to join us this Sunday at 9:30 or 11 to find out as we continue the series P.S. 2020 - Things We're Learning...
As always, I’m looking forward to worshipping with you this Sunday at RISE UP (8 a.m. outdoors, informal, in-person, click here to register ), or online at 9:30 or 11.
Yours warmly in Christ,
Pastor Tom
P.S. Our Regathering Team along with health care professionals met by ZOOM this past Tuesday and are continuing to monitor our area given the holiday weekend and in-person opening of schools. Our goal is to offer the 8 a.m. in-person outdoor RISE UP service until we can begin an in-person, indoor service possibility as early as mid-October. Even as we prepare the Sanctuary for re-gathering (sound, air-quality, etc), we will continue to offer on-line worship indefinitely. Stay tuned for updates!
P.P.S. For your prayers. Today has been designated World Suicide Prevention Day. In a time when many struggle with a variety of health issues, let us remember all health professionals, including mental health professionals. Especially today, let us remember those who battle mental illness in its many forms and reach out in care and in prayer as we join together to seek to prevent suicide (If you or someone you know ever needs support, the suicide prevention hotline 1-800-273-8255). In addition, as we mark Patriot Day tomorrow, I trust you will join me in remembering families who lost loved ones and the sacrifices of many that we might experience greater freedom and peace. And may we live into that great pledge, “with liberty and justice for ALL” even as we face difficult days of health, economic, social and racial unrest. How we all need the “peace that the world cannot give” (John 14:27)!
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Join us for Online Worship
this Sunday, September 13
P.S. 20:20 - Lessons We're Learning
"Fall Upward"
Acts 20:20-24 (CEB)
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Remember to click on LIKE to let us know that you are participating.
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We encourage you as an individual or a family unit to dialogue
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Click here to watch the September 6 Traditional service or
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Rise Up Worship
Join us each Sunday at 8:00 am for our RISE UP worship service at the outdoor amphitheater area on the west side of the Ministry Center. Bring your own lawn chair/blanket and bug spray, backyard umbrella for the sun, and prepare to physically distance/mask up as we RISE UP in an informal time of singing, praying and hearing God’s word.
Please note when registering: Be sure to use either Firefox or Chrome browser. You will click NEXT twice, and then REGISTER to complete the process. You will then receive an email thanking you for the registration. Click here to register for September 13.
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Weekly ZOOM Meetings
Pastor Tom's Bible Study - Wednesdays at 10:30 am. "Dynamite in Small Packages." Click here.
Children's Learn and Sing - Sundays at 10:30 am. Click here.
Adult Bible Study - Wednesdays:at 5:30 pm. Currently in the book of Mark. Click here.
Student Ministry - Middle School at 10:30-11 am; High School at 8-9 pm. Click here.
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Backpack Tags
If you were unable to pick up a backpack tag for Blessing of School Year, they are available in the Rosenburg Chapel which is open 24/7.
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Upper Room
If you would like a copy of the September/October Upper Room, limited quantities are available in the Rosenburg Chapel.
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Free Firewood
If you burn wood, or know somebody who does, come by an pick some up. One stack is at the southwest corner of the main sanctuary near the FUMC sign. Another stack is near the corner of Heartz and Van Bebber.
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Our FaithWorks weekend begins Thursday, September 24. This year will look a bit different from year’s past, but we will still be in the community serving our neighbors in and around Coppell with the love of Christ as we represent our church. There are projects available for all ages to participate in, and projects that can be done from home.
Please note: we will be following social distancing protocols and face masks will be required. More information about projects sign-ups will be on the web site beginning Monday.
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FaithWorks Opportunities
Thursday/Friday/Saturday
- Fence construction in community
- Prepare notes of encouragement (can be done at home)
- Food Drive for Snacks for Coppell Cares
- Food Drive for CCA and Metrocrest
Thursday
- Pack bags for Weekend Backpacks
Friday
- Feed the teachers at Wilson Elementary
- Provide a meal for Austin Street Center (prep work can be done at home)
- Community Garden project
Saturday
- Drive-by visit with our seniors
- Coppell Nature Trail work
- Lawn maintenance in community
Sunday
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Bible Study
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Wednesday mornings starting September 16, 10:30-11:45 am. Join Pastor Tom for a study featuring several of the shorter books of the OT and NT, entitled "Dynamite in Small Packages." BYOBible...No other text or cost required. Zoom and hopefully an in-person hybrid experience. Click here to sign up.
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Wednesday evening at 5:30 pm. This is an ongoing study of different books of the Bible. Currently meeting on Zoom. Click here to sign up.
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Looking for a place to connect with other moms? MomComm is a community where we can come together to support each other so we don't "Mom Alone." Small groups can choose to meet in person or as a playgroup, or via Zoom or whatever works for them.
If you would like to learn more or sign up to be in a MomComm Small Group, click here.
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Learning Groups and Life Groups
During this time of social distancing and building closure, many of the groups are meeting by zoom, or outside at a place that can accommodate the social distancing in relationship to the size of the group. Knowing that some of you need the learning and/or the fellowship, We want to encourage you to find a group that will help you develop in your faith as a disciple of Christ. Please contact the following people:
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Children’s Choirs Update
Our Children’s Choirs will move to Sunday morning and begin online September 13 through October 4, during the Children’s Sunday School meeting time from 10:25-11:00 am. We will use the Zoom break out room format for an online music experience for elementary-aged children. We will split the group into K/1st/2nd grades and 3rd/4th/5th grades and will have a 15 minute Sunday School lesson with Ms. Kathy and have a 15 minute music experience with Ms. Deanna. The music time will be using the “Keep on Singing” curriculum from Growing in Grace and will include scripture-based songs, video-based activities, music activity pages and age-appropriate devotionals. The schedule will be as follows:
- 10:25 – everyone log in and gather together
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10:30-10:45 – K/1st/2nd music with Ms. Deanna, 3rd/4th/5th lesson with Ms. Kathy
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10:45-11:00 – K/1st/2nd lesson with Ms. Kathy, 3rd/4th/5th music with Ms. Deanna
We hope all children and families will give this new format a try as we seek to continue to learn what it means to be a Christian, to praise God through music together and to serve God and our church! Participants will have the opportunity to record a song to share during our upcoming online worship service on October 11. Please contact Deanna Goodman at [email protected] or Kathy Braem at [email protected] for more information. All elementary children are welcome!
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Children’s Handbells
Attention all 4th and 5th Graders who are interested in ringing handbells this year! Handbells will meet in person without a virtual option due to the nature of the ensemble, but we feel we can do it safely with limited numbers, wearing masks and observing social distancing. Please email Deanna Goodman at [email protected] if your child is interested in participating and give your child’s name and grade level. Rehearsal time will be decided upon the group’s availability but most likely will be on Sundays or Wednesdays. The group will prepare music that will be shared in our online Sunday morning service on November 8. Ringing handbells is fun! Join us!
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Youth Handbells
Calling all youth who would like to ring handbells! We are gearing up for a great year of ringing bells! Handbells will meet in person without a virtual option due to the nature of the ensemble, but we feel we can do it safely by splitting into a middle school and high school group, which will decrease the number in each ensemble. We will also wear masks and social distance.
- Middle School will meet on Sundays from 3:45-4:15 pm, beginning September 13 through October 18.
- High School will meet on Sundays from 4:30-5:00 pm, beginning September 13 through October 18.
Please contact Deanna Goodman at [email protected] if your student would like to participate so adequate plans can be made. Each group will prepare music that will be shared in our online Sunday morning worship service on October 25.
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Adult Handbells
Our Adult Handbell groups are gearing up for another year of making music – albeit in a new format. If you are a musician or former musician and would like to use and share your musical gift, please contact Deanna Goodman at [email protected]. Handbell experience is helpful but not required. We will limit the number in an ensemble, wear masks and social distance. Come ring with us!
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The goal of Student Ministries during this summer is to give your students the chance to get to come together to learn and have fun, but need your help. Students are asked to follow all rules put in place by Student Ministries so activities don't have to go back to all being online. Even though sports, scouts and camps are allowing students to come together and not always be socially distant, extra care must be taken as the church is called to do no harm.
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Middle and High school Life Groups are back at our "regular" time! For a while, we'll be on Zoom on Wednesdays. Maybe later into the semester we'll switch to a zoom/in person combo. Both groups use the same link. |
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What's Cookin' with Jordan
We're going to cook together on Zoom September 20 at 5 pm and Jordan is teaching us how to make Fettuccine Alfredo from scratch (yes, including noodles!) You'll get everything you need (we'll provide an ingredient list next week) and cook along with us. It's free to cook, friends are invited, and we just want you to sign up so we know who is coming. Email Jordan with any questions. Sign up here.
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Sunday Night
The Table is back - IN PERSON!! We're excited to see you. We'll play some games at 4:30, come if you'd like. Dinner starts at 5. Message will start at 5:45 and will be on Instagram Live (@fumccsm) and Zoom (link here)
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What to bring:
- Mask
- Chair/blanket
- Dinner (or we will have some snacks available)
- Water Bottle
- Recommended: Bible & bug spray
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Mission of Month
September funds are designated for Austin Street Center. Donate money for specific items needed such as coffee, socks, underwear, and trash bags. Make checks payable to FUMC with memo “Austin Street” or you can TEXT 2 GIVE. Text to 73256 with subject line as FUMCC. You will receive a link and simply follow the instructions.
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Also, the Austin Street Center team is in crucial need for volunteers on our weekly teams. Once a month you provide 24 sandwiches, 24 hard boiled eggs, and 24 pieces of fruit. Three times a year you travel to Austin Street on Saturday morning to serve breakfast to the Austin Street Clients. This is a wonderful and very rewarding family opportunity to serve. If you can help with all or any of the volunteer tasks please contact Fawn Marshall at [email protected].
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Coppell Cares Weekend Backback Program
We need volunteers to help assemble and pack the weekend backpack food items. Click here to sign up. If you have a group that would like to volunteer on a different day or time, please contact Julia Moomau at [email protected]. Questions? Contact Sally McCurdy at [email protected].
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