Church Matters. Lent. A Plan to Move Forward. Inside this issue:

Transcription

1 March 2018 E u l e s s F i r s t U n i t e d M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h Inside this issue: Prayer List 2 Birthdays / Anniversaries Food Pantry 3 Leadership 3 Memorials 3 Around the Facility 3 From the Pastor 4 Helping our Children s Director Abundance Café 4 Discipleship Journey 5 Euless First Preschool 5 Lenten Schedule 6 Wednesday Rhythm Events Weight Watchers 6 Small Groups 7 Belize Mission Trip Update E1ement Students 8 Euless First Kids 8 Church Work Day 8 March Calendar 9 Important Church Dates 7 10 Stewardship Moment 11 Finances 11 Peace Together 12 Sharing our Stories 12 Spring Flower Sale 13 Change in the Church 13 Lent Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 14, with No Rhythm, No Life. And for the next month we are looking for ways to make this season of Lent meaningful. Richard Rohr says in Wondrous Encounter, There are two moments that matter. One is when you know that your one and only life is absolutely valuable and alive. The other is when you know your life, as presently lived, is entirely pointless and empty. Lent is about both. The first such moment gives you energy and joy by connecting you with your ultimate Source and Ground. The second gives you limits and boundaries, and a proper humility, so you keep seeking the Source and Ground and not just your small self. A Plan to Move Forward I m writing this the morning after the all-church meeting February 18th. The presentations were helpful and a lot of you had really good questions! Writing this column before a Church Conference at which we ll vote to decide whether or not to sell our property is challenging. I don t think it is fair for me to predict the outcome of the vote, though I am fairly confident of the outcome. Instead, I want to focus on this angle: For more than four years we have been dealing with various aspects of property and building To help us find these two moments this season, Euless First is having Wednesday Rhythm services, and we are collecting a special Lenten offering. The Wednesday Rhythm schedule is as follows: March 7 Respiration Rhythm, March 14 Our Wake/Sleep Rhythm, March 21 Mondo Drummers Presentation! We have also provided a Lenten offering folder for giving $1 a day. All proceeds from this offering will go beyond our walls to Mondo Drummers. Music has a way of speaking to our souls in magical and different ways. There is story after story of people s affect and demeanor decisions. Emotions have run high. Friendships have been stressed. Through it all, one of my ongoing hopes has been that this process would energize us as a congregation to seek God s will and direction. And I don t mean just whether or not God wants us to move, to rebuild, etc. I mean that we, as a congregation, need to get serious about following Jesus. And following Jesus doesn t depend on land or a building. Following Jesus depends on our trust in God s faithfulness and promises. drastically changing due to rhythm. The list of Mondo Drummers programs and benefits goes on and on. Sadly, local schools and libraries often have little to no funding for arts clinics, and in a community as diverse as ours, the arts serve as an essential bridge across language and cultural differences. Join in helping others for Lent by giving to an awesome non-profit organization. As we learn to respond to God s faithfulness and promises, we will very likely have certain preferences about buildings and properties; but these will flow out of our vision for serving God rather than the other way around. What we really have to do next, no matter how the vote goes (time of writing this article) or went (time of reading this article), is seek God s direction for how we, as God s people, can follow Jesus and serve our neighbors. -Steve

2 Prayer List New Concerns: Amanda Richards Anne Bolton Adams, Carol Bolton's cousin Arthur Schirmer's coworker Charles Farris, Charlotte Everett's son Charlie Baker Chris Biles, Jo Kemp's son-in-law, Robin Biles' husband Colby Hensley, Leslee Hensley's nephew Dave and Erica Semonian, Johnny and Teresa Watts' friends Debbie Donley, Eileen Rillo's co-worker Donna Taylor and her six grandchildren Dottie Rust Families and friends of Florida shooting victims and the community of Parkland, FL Heather Capshaw Jay Gilley Jenny Murphy, Eileen Mode's friend Katy Hurlbut Ken Klasen Laura Lowrey, Rex and Paula Wood's niece Lee Swann Mel Aloway, Jo Kemp's brother Melvin Aloway, Robin Biles' aunt Ollie O'Sallis and family Our country in our time of grief Our U.S. Military personnel Pastor Andre Schirmer and his church in Brazil Praise--Adam and Noel Mason, and daughter Stella, Carol Bolton's daughter and family RD Garrett, Janice Kasten's uncle Rhys and his parents, Jim and Susan Hoge's grandson Rita-Rose Everett and Lillyann, Charlotte Everett's daughter Schirmer family Shelia Tompkins, Jessica Cox Tompkins' mother-in -law Shirley Maggard, Wayne Maggard's wife The Sister Survivors William and Ellen Gass, Zita Rowell's friend Continued Strength and Healing: Alissa D'Amore, Marjorie Haddock's friend Ann Burns Ann Keller Arthur Schirmer Baker and Michelle Ingram Burton family Cameron Mode and family Candy Klasen Carol Rust, Dottie Rust's daughter Charlotte Everett Denise Foley Donna Smith, Denise Foley's sister Doug Graham Ed Zachow Frank and Honor Vaughn, Teresa Sprague's mother Glada Rose, Gordon and Linda Roberts, Nancy Bickel's friends Gwynn Herrick Isabel Family Janice Vernon, Don Wilson's sister Joe and Jennifer Paradise and their unborn daughter, Savannah, Ginger Miller's co-worker Joe Brown, Jackie Robinson's brother John Lewis Judy Mulholland Julia Freeman, Linda Martin's friend Julie Belcastro, Donna Bertram's daughter June Ivey Kay Urfer, Michelle Barker's mother Kellsey Abbott, Sherwood and Cheri Abbott's granddaughter Kevin Maines Landon Power Lilia Olvera and her family Lillian DePuy, Linda (Larry) Lewis' mother Mac Ledbetter Mark Rust, Dottie Rust's son Marlene Hill, Vic and Judy Torres' friend Mary Esping, Amber Hawthorne's Mom Mary Lib Saleh Michele Heroux and family, Amber Hawthorne's friend Mike Sprague, Stephen Sprague's brother Miss Johnnie, Patsy Brown's friend Nick and Lisa Schoenberger, Ron Coats' friends Nolan Fisher Nolan Hardwick, Barbara Collier's father Pierre Tshimanga's family Rev. Bud Sprague, Steve Sprague's father Richard and Sue Morrow Richard Worofka Robbie Breaux, Audrey Coats' friend Rose Marie Barnes, Patsy Brown's friend Sam Stearns and parents Shirley Mercer Stan Clarke, Sue & Richard Morrow's friend Sue Martin Sydney Marie Peel, Pat May's great niece Terron Muller, Les Foley's niece Vicki Smith Vickie Denne During a Time of Loss: Family of Elmer Kiontke, Brenda Hurlbut's uncle Family of Paul Jackso,n, Gelnn Best's stepmother's son Protection: Allen McCleland (Army), Vic & Judy Torres' grandnephew Colton Hardaway (Army) and Zack Pulver, Michael and Lore Osborn's son and son-in-law Daniel Collier (Air Force), Bob Collier's grandson Eric Sheer (Marines), Vic & Judy Torres' grandnephew Gavin Haubrich (Air Force) Jim Orsund, Ellen and Aaron Garcia's friend Josh Crow (Navy), Annette Kelleher's son Justin Knighton (Army) Kayla Brown (Army), Jackie Robinson's niece Kevin Balentine (Army), Cindy Balentine's son Mason Vaughn (Marines), Stephen and Teresa Sprague's nephew Matthew Lee (Air Force), Michelle Barker's brother Nicholas Best (Navy), Glenn and Kaye Best's son Sam Weatherby (Army), Gary and Carol Turner's nephew Stephen Tate (Army), Janet Ledbetter's son Tracy Wood (Peace Corps), Rex and Paula Wood's daughter If your prayer request has been left off, please resubmit it. All requests are for 30 days only and will need to be resubmitted after that time. Page 2 Birthdays March 02 Kevin McGehee 03 Robert Sims, 05 Audrey Coats, Ginger Miller 06 Candy Klasen, Dottie Rust, Amanda Richards 07 G.A. Cox, 09 Joe Cannon 11 Phyllis Augustus 12 Vickie Denne 14 Billie Pallett 16 Heath Israel 17 Brian McGarry 20 Tara McMillon, Helen Payton, Rita Young 21 Esmerelda Garcia, Joe Roberts 23 Buddy Hamm, John Elder 25 Steve Phillips, Nathan Tribble 26 Joyce Humphrey, Matt Kelleher 29 Jon Brooks, Tara Mullin, Shanna Roggow 30 Ellen Garcia, Mike Springer, Jennifer Tindel 31 Evan Elder, Bill Farmer, Mae Rogers Anniversaries March 05 Brad & Judy Tribble 12 Robert & Sonia McMillon 14 Curtis & Barbara Borland 17 Jerry Maloney Jr. & Michelle Singleton, Michael & Lore Osborn 19 Ric & Sheldra Grant 25 Jerry & Mimi Maloney

3 Food Pantry March Food Pantry Volunteers: 02 Doris Brown, Janice Kasten, Linda Lewis, Hedy Taylor 09 Nancy Bickel, Darlene Carter, Teresa Sprague, Rita Young 16 Marie Bean, Doris Leadership Euless First United Methodist Church Council met on February 19 to set goals for The Central Texas Conference has asked each congregation to set goals to reflect the Wildly Important Goal or WIG which is about getting more professions of faith and greater attendance in worship. Euless First has set two goals for 2018: 1. To increase the average worship attendance from 212 to To increase the number of professions of faith from an average of 10 to 12. After these two goals were set, the chairs of the committees for Hospitality, Worship, Mission, Generosity, and Faith Development presented Memorials In Honor of Jimmy & Helen Payton/General Budget: Harmony Class Brown, Janice Kasten, Paula Wood 23 Darlene Carter, Georgia Hill, Joe Tindel, Judy Torres Euless FUMC Food Pantry needs: saltine crackers, canned soups & canned fruit. actions they wish to take this year to support these two goals: Finance committee will be adding text giving Missions is looking to create a Sunday of Service where we will go out and serve our community. Worship Committee is taking actions to distinguish the two services and to create a new worship community. Discipleship wants to update the Discipleship Journey and create small groups that do not meet at the church. Hospitality is working to establish a plan for all new members to get connected in the congregation. In Memory of Anjalie Gilby's Father/Pastor s Emergency Fund: Dale Wooley The Food Pantry volunteers wish to give a great big thank you to our Food Pantry Angels, Johnnie Giod, and Brenda Dacus. Good wishes and good health in the months to come. Church Council also voted to approve the Trustees recommendation to move forward with the selling of our property. Our Church Council at Euless First is working hard to grow our congregation and faithfully follow where God is leading us. We fully know that a new building will be amazing, but in order to grow our congregation we need to work on our ministries as well. Join us in 2018 as we grow like the mustard seed, from a small seed into the largest plant in the garden! If you would like to read the complete minutes to any leadership meeting they are kept in the church office. Around the Facility In an effort to conserve energy and expenses, we want to give a friendly reminder to make sure when you or your group leaves the building to make sure any lights that were turned on are turned off. There have been several mornings that we have found or been told of lights being on from the night before. If you are not sure if anyone else is in the building go ahead and turn the lights out. Also, please check that the glass doors shut firmly behind you as you leave the building. Page 3

4 From the Pastor The Olympics have just ended. For most of us, this means we won t watch figure skating, skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding, etc., again until This is one of many 4 year rhythms we have. Presidential elections, gubernatorial elections, United Methodist General Conferences, are a few others. Four years is a long rhythm for most of us. Many of the rhythms that first come to our attention are things like heartrate, the beat of music, the rate at which we breath; all of which happen multiple times every minute. Between several times a minute and 4 years, the rhythm of the season of Lent invites us to stretch our focus for a period of time. Lent offers us this 40 day window to consider the faster and the slower rhythms of our lives and how we might like them to be different. One of the rhythms I talked about on the first Sunday of Lent was the rhythm of giving thanks. How often do you think to thank someone? How often do your prayers begin with thanksgiving to God? Whether or not you or I could find the actual people who were present for our baptism and thank them, we can develop a rhythm of thankfulness, a rhythm of gratitude. I believe that if we will do this, somehow God will take care of letting those people know their efforts were appreciated. Practicing a rhythm of gratitude will change your life! Are you willing to try? For now, let s focus on this season of Lent. Page 4 Helping our Children s Director You may already know but our very own, Jamie Nalley, Children s Director was diagnosed April 2017 with Chiari Malformation. Simply put, her brain is hanging too low into her spinal cord area. Jamie is set to leave February 27, with her children on a plane to Florida (Billy is driving down a couple days earlier). Then March 2 she will undergo decompression Abundance Cafe Abundance Cafe is our weekly breakfast on Sundays in the Family Life Center Café. We just simply ask for a donation. This is a great time to have a cup of coffee and enjoy fellowship with our fellow churchgoers. We want to thank surgery. Recovery is said to be rough and she will be gone a minimum of 4 weeks, but most likely 6-8 weeks. She will be back. To help support her and her family as they take this trying adventure to help her medically we want to make sure you know how you can help. Friends of Jamie have set up a sight where people can donate the cooks for all the great breakfast goodies in February! All donations from this ministry support Euless First s Missional Giving (previously known as Apportionments). Please join us each Sunday morning from 9:15 to 10:00. money for them during this time. If you would like to help, go to jamienalley March cooking schedule: 04 New Beginnings Class 11 Fresh Start - Group A 18 No one signed up 25 Genesis Class

5 Discipleship Journey Euless First is continuing with our expanded Discipleship Journey small -group study program this Winter/Spring to help persons Know, Grow, Go and Glow in their Alpha Alpha will be coming soon! What is Alpha? Alpha is a ten week course that creates an environment of hospitality where people can bring their friends, family and work colleagues to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and share their relationship with God. We understand that our journey with Christ is one that takes action, and we hope that you will find a topic that interests you. point of view. Each session includes time for a large group meal, a short teaching talk, and small group discussion. This is an opportunity to explore life s biggest questions in a safe and respectful way. All are welcome! Keep your eyes peeled for this small group study coming soon: Watch for more details regarding lessons, date, time and location. Euless First Preschool The Preschool wants to thank Mike Springer for helping us with the auction and TJ and Michelle Pepper for helping in the kitchen. Thank you to the church members who made our preschool families feel welcome and for supporting our efforts to raise money to replace our playground one day. As this goes to print, we can t give you an update on how much money the Preschool auction and Luncheon raised, but we will give that update in the April newsletter. Registration begins March 1 for currently enrolled students and church members. It will open to the public on March 5. If you know of families in the area with small children please have them call for more information or send them to our website at: We offer half-day programs 2-days (TTh), 3-days (MWF) or 5-days (M-F) with extended hours available until 2 PM. We serve children 18 months through 5 years old. In March our Toddlers, Cherubs, and PK1 classes will be performing in our Circus as tigers, bears, monkeys, acrobats and clowns! We will also have our annual Easter Parade. All students will show off their home-made Easter bonnets and sing for their parents. Please continue to save Box Tops for us and deposit them in the Campbell s soup container near the Preschool office. Each Box Top is valued at 10 cents. You wouldn t throw away a dime, so please save your box tops for us!!! 10 Box Tops is $1 and they all add up! It s an easy way to raise money for our playground fund! Page 5

6 Lenten Schedule Our lives are full of rhythm; rhythm of our days, rhythm of our nights. We have rhythms of highs and lows in our lives. They all come and go and repeat. Sometimes the rhythm is expected and sometimes it is unexpected. Yet, God is always present in the rhythms of life. Join us this Lenten Season as we take time to reflect and embrace Rhythm. Here is what is coming: March 2 Men s Mission Project Dinner at 6:30 p.m. At Miguelito s Restaurant at 209 Bedford Euless Rd, Hurst, TX March 3 Men s Mission Project will meet in the Church parking lot at 8:30 a.m. March 3 E1ement Students Spaghetti Dinner and Cake Auction at 5:00pm March 7- Lenten Service at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary March 14- Lenten Service at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary March 21- Lenten Service at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary Wednesday Rhythm Events As a part of our rhythm of Lent and worship we will focus on a form of rhythm each Wednesday of Lent at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Here is a list of some of the Rhythms we will be focusing on: March 7 Respiration Rhythm March 14 Our Wake/ Sleep Rhythm March 21 MONDO Drummers will be coming to do a demonstration and presentation. Join us March 25 Palm Sunday Service with Pot-Luck Lunch and Egg Hunt following the 11:00 a.m. service March 29 Holy Thursday Worship service in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m., followed by a Foot Washing in the Café March 30 Good Friday Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary April 1 Easter Sunday Worship Services with Easter Cantata at 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. (No Sunday School) Easter Pot-Luck Breakfast at 9:45 a.m. in the Family Life Center. for drums and tap dancing. This will be a fun final Rhythm event! Be sure to join us. Weight Watchers Page 6 Euless First has a new guest in our midst each week, Weight Watchers! Weight Watchers is now hosting meetings on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. in the Swor Parlor. Go online to for more information.

7 Wesley Groups/Small Groups Wesley started a Methodist revolution with small groups, known as Band s. These groups were set by gender and met weekly. They looked at what was going on in their lives and focused on answering the question, Is it well with your soul? Euless First United Methodist Church knows the power and impact that a small group like this can have on your life. In many ways it is similar to the Fourth Day groups associated with Emmaus. If you have ever been in a powerful group like this, you know how important it is to provide a place for people to get connected and evaluate regularly the health of our souls. We have been advertising for some months now the beginning of Wesley Groups at Euless First. And many of you have expressed interest. We are ready for the next step, who will lead these groups and where will they be? We are looking for people who have compassion for others. You do not need to be the most outgoing person, but you should have a willing heart to listen to others. While this is designed to speak to the health of our souls, if a group wishes to do a small group Bible study as a part of their group, awesome. We want to encourage creativity and adaptability. If you are interested in hosting a small group, will you please contact Nancy Pilgrim, Faith Development Chair or Pastor Steve Heyduck. The power of community and being connected is strong. When we know our belonging, even in the midst of those that are different, we comprehend the love of God more fully. Everyone at Euless First belongs, and we want to find a place for everyone to live into this belonging. Belize Mission Trip Euless First United Methodist Church is planning a mission trip to Belize April 14-21, The team will be working in Belize City building a fence around the Wesley Upper School (grades 5-8). Our plans are taking more and more shape! With your help we have raised $1200 (thank you to the Methodist Men, for the Pancake supper). We have lost a couple of participants, but are gearing up for a great week of work. We are still looking at some additional items that we will need to take with us, so keep an eye out for items that we will be collecting in the weeks to come. Page 7

8 E1ement Students Thanks to Everyone who supported our Chili-Soup- Cornbread Cookoff! We raised almost $1500 dollars toward our CTCYM Mission Experience - about the cost of a van and its gas. If you were there, you know how difficult it was to choose a winner! We need you! There are a ton of events coming up in the approaching months that really need the presence of additional adults. In particular, we are in need of adults to accompany our teenagers on their CTCYM Mission Experience from June 18-23, so if you have ever participated with us on an a mission trip or if you are interested in seeing what all the 'hubbub' is about, please visit with Shane before he shows up on your doorstep with a sad teenager who won't be able to attend because we don't have enough work team adults to go with us to accomplish our work in New Mexico this summer. :) March 3 2nd Annual Cake Auction & Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser LOVE. March 4 UMCYouth.NET Gathering BE. LOVE. March 11 NO E1ement Table / Spring Break March 18 E1UMC Food Pantry SERVE. March 25 God in the Movies LOVE. March 29 Maundy Thursday Worship LOVE. March 30 Good Friday Worship LOVE. Coming up April: Rummage Sale Fundraiser (Tentative), Arbor Daze For further details on any of these events, please visit our website: e1ementstudents.com. Euless First Kids In March, the Children s Ministry will focus on the Bible verse, Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! What a wonderful sentiment during this Lent season! Starting with Mary honoring Jesus, then Bartimaeus shouting for Jesus to have mercy on him, followed by Jesus breaking bread with his disciples at the Last Supper and ending with the story of Palm Sunday, the kids will explore these stories in preparation for Easter, the most joyous time in our Christian history. While Lent is mostly thought of as a time to give up something to represent the fasting that Jesus went through during this time, it can also be a time of gaining something, like a devotion to more prayer time and a deeper understanding of one s spiritual self. Either way, what can we either give up to focus inward on our spiritual selves, or what can we do more of to focus more on our inward spiritual selves? Looking inward at our spiritual selves can also help us look more outward for ways to make the world around us a better place. What will we discover about ourselves this Lent season? -Jamie Nalley Church Work Day Page 8 It's time to spruce up our church and grounds again. Please mark your calendars for the All Church Work Day on Saturday, March 24th from 8:00 a.m. until 12noon. We will be trimming all the shrubbery, cleaning all of the outside windows (first floor only), picking up trash and general clean up so bring your rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, rags, ladders, extension cords, and anything else you might think would come in handy. Let's get our campus looking good for our Easter visitors.

9 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :30 Men s Coffee 10:00 Weight Watchers 10:30 Pastor s Bible Study 7:00 Keeping Love Alive 9:00 Food Pantry Open 12:00 Teacher Appreciation Lunch at South Euless Elem. 6:30 Men s Mission Project dinner at Miguelitos 7:00 Bunco 8:30 Men s Mission Project 10:00 Al-Anon 5:00 Spaghetti Dinner and Cake Auction :30 Worship 9:00 Abundance Cafe 9:45 Sunday School 11:00 Worship 4:00 Pastor s Bible Study 5:00 E1ement Students 6:00 Girl Scouts 6:30 Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts 6:30 Trustees Committee 6:30 Building Committee 10:00 Harmony Hope-United Methodist Women 12:00 Mom s Book and Bible Study 3:00 Beach Club 12:00 Preschool Bible Study 6:00 Handbell Choir 6:00 Wednesday Rhythm Service 7:00 Choir Practice 6:30 Men s Coffee 10:00 Weight Watchers 10:00 Preschool Circus 10:30 Pastor s Bible Study 6:00 Thoughtful Friends United Methodist Women 7:00 Keeping Love Alive 9:00 Food Pantry Open 10:00 Preschool Circus 10:00 Al-Anon HEB Spring Break 13 HEB Spring Break 14 HEB Spring Break 15 HEB Spring Break 16 HEB Spring Break 17 8:30 Worship 9:30 Abundance Café 9:45 Sunday School 11:00 Worship 12:15 Belize Mission Trip 4:00 Pastor s Bible Study 5:00 E1ement Students 5:30 The Story Bible Study 6:30 Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts 7:00 Finance Committee 10:00 HEB Mom s 12:00 Preschool Bible Study 6:00 Handbell Choir 6:00 Wednesday Rhythm Service 7:00 Choir Practice 6:30 Men s Coffee 10:00 Weight Watchers 7:00 Keeping Love Alive 9:00 Food Pantry Open 10:00 Al-Anon :30 Worship 9:30 Abundance Cafe 9:30 Blood Pressure Screening 9:45 Sunday School 11:00 Worship 4:00 Pastor s Bible Study 5:00 E1ement Students 5:00 Food Pantry Open 5:30 The Story Bible Study 6:00 Girl Scouts 6:30 Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts 6:00 UMW Executive Board 6:30 Building Committee Scouts Belize Mission Trip 10:00 Caring Crafters 12:00 Mom s Book and Bible Study 3:00 Beach Club 12:00 Preschool Bible Study 6:00 Handbell Choir 6:00 Wednesday Rhythm Service w/ Mondo Drummers 7:00 Choir Practice 6:30 Men s Coffee 10:00 Weight Watchers 10:30 Pastor s Bible Study 6:00 Caring Crafters 7:00 Keeping Love Alive 9:00 Food Pantry 8:00 All Church Work Day 10:00 Al-Anon :30 Worship 9:30 Abundance Café 9:45 Sunday School 11:00 Worship 12:00 Palm Sunday Potluck and Egg Hunt 4:00 Pastor s Bible Study 5:00 E1ement Students 6:30 Boy Scouts and Cub 12:00 Mom s Book and Bible Study 3:00 Beach Club 6:30 United Methodist Men Dinner and 8:45 Preschool Easter Parade 12:00 Preschool Bible Study 6:00 Handbell Choir 7:00 Choir Practice 6:30 Men s Coffee 8:45 Preschool Easter Parade 10:00 Weight Watchers 10:30 Pastor s Bible Study 7:00 Maundy Thursday Worship Service 7:00 Good Friday Worship Service 10:00 Al-Anon Page 9

10 Important Church Dates March 2- South Euless Elementary Teacher Appreciation Lunch at 12:00 p.m.. Volunteers are needed to provide food and come help serve. Men s Mission Project Dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Miguelitos at 209 Bedford Euless Rd, Hurst, TX Men s Mission Project 8:30 a.m. (pg. 6) E1ement Students Spaghetti dinner and Cake Auction at 5:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center (pg. 8) 5- Trustees at 7:00 p.m. in the Swor Parlor Building Committee at 6:30 p.m. in the Synergy Classroom United Methodist Women Harmony Hope at 10:00 a.m. in the Swor Parlor 7- Wednesday Rhythm Service at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary (pg. 6) 8- Preschool Circus at 10:00 a.m. United Methodist Women Thoughtful Friends at 6:00 p.m. in the Swor Parlor 9- Preschool Circus at 10:00 a.m. 11- Belize Mission Trip at 12:15 in the Swor Parlor 12 - Finance Committee 7:00 p.m. in the Swor Parlor 12 thru 16- HEB ISD and Preschool Spring Break 14- HEB Moms at 10:00 a.m. in the Swor Parlor Wednesday Rhythm Service at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. 18- Blood Pressure Screening between services in the hall next to Swor Parlor Food Pantry Open 5:00-7:00 p.m. 19- United Methodist Women Executive Board at 6:00 p.m. in Room 205 Building Committee at 6:30 p.m. in the Synergy Rm Caring Crafters at 10:00 a.m. in the UMW Mission Room Wednesday Rhythm Service at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary with Mondo Drummers (pg. 6) 22- Older Adult Fellowship at 1:00 in the Swor Parlor Caring Crafters at 6:00 p.m. in the UMW Mission Room All Church Work Day from 8:00 a.m. to noon (pg. 8) 25- Palm Sunday Potluck and Egg Hunt following the 11:00 worship service in the Family Life Center 28- Preschool Easter Parade at 8:45 a.m. 29- Maundy Thursday Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, followed by a Foot Washing in the Café 30- Preschool Easter Parade at 8:45 a.m. Good Friday Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary Page 10 Regular Events: Sundays Mondays- Tuesdays- Wednesdays Worship at 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Abundance Café at 9:30 in the Family Life Center Café Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. E1ement Students at 5:00 p.m. Pastor s Bible Study at 4:00 p.m. in the Swor Parlor (except the 15th and 29th) The Story Bible Study at 5:30 in the Swor Parlor ends March 18 (except Mar. 4) Food Pantry on the 3rd Sunday evenings 5:00-7:00 p.m. Al-Anon meets at 7:00 p.m. in the Library Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts at 6:30 Girl Scouts every other Monday at 6:00 p.m. Mom s Book and Bible Group at 12:00 p.m. in the Swor Parlor Beach Club at 3:00 p.m. at South Euless Elementary School (except March 13). Handbell Practice at 6:00 p.m. in the Bell Choir Room Choir Practice at 7:00 p.m. in the Choir Room/Sanctuary Thursdays Men s Coffee at 6:30 a.m. Weight Watchers at 10:00 a.m. in the Swor Parlor Pastor s Bible Study at 10:30 a.m. in the Church Office Conference Room, 1010 W. Euless Blvd. Suite 230 (moving to the church in mid-late March Al-Anon meets at 7:00 p.m. in the Library Keeping Love Alive at 7:00 p.m. in Harmony Rm. 106 Fridays Food Pantry from 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. except 5th Fridays (March 30) Saturdays- Al-Anon meets at 10:00 a.m. in the Library

11 Stewardship Moment a Member s Story This months testimonial is from Carol Bolton: When asked to write a message about why I give to Euless First United Methodist Church, I began to reminisce about the 25+ years I have been a member, and realized I actually had several "seasons" of giving over this time. I joined the church as the mom of a blended family of 8 (just moved to DFW with NO support network!). I Greetings from your finance chair Dave Lewis and thank you for starting out the year with great generosity. Our January donations were up 5% over the prior year! We increased our staff this year and our overall budget has increased 9%, so we need to see nice increases year after year! Here are a couple of questions and answers I am regularly asked: How do memorials work? Life events sometimes find us not knowing the right gift to give. Many folks donate to the church in honor or in memory of a church member, family friend, or relative. Sometimes the person who is being honored is a part of our church and sometimes not! Also, sometimes folks give money in honor of a special anniversary or birthday! All you have to do is drop a check in the mail or in the offering plate or go on line and fill out a credit card donation. We will list these donations in the desperately needed a VILLAGE and I was blessed to find one that has been there through joys and sorrows. All of those (now grown) children were ingrained with a significant measure of faith and service...and my grandchildren are now the beneficiaries! Some of my seasons were giving of time and service and $1 each Sunday. Some seasons were $20 per week or $100 per month. Some Finances at Euless First monthly newsletter, and send acknowledgment cards. While we understand people really want to designate funds, we also know that if we are giving to God, our designation is not needed. What is the $1 donation in the collection plate all about? You may or may not have noticed that some people stick a dollar in the offering plate each week. There is a reason why! For some people there is something spiritual about placing something in the collection plate every time it passes by. We understand that many folks give monthly or may give online, but physically placing that extra $1 is a symbol of the discipline of giving. Regardless, if you can only put $1 in or the $1 is a symbol and not your entire offering, any amount adds up over a year and helps our church expand our ministries! We know that were a share of a windfall or bonus. Sometimes it was intentional giving to a specific mission. Whatever I have given, it has been easily 10% of what I have received in hugs, mission donations, prayer, laughter, tears, enlightenment, kindness, friendship, chicken soup, charged car batteries, patience, support, heavenly food. Did I mention hugs...? I give because I cannot possibly begin to pay back what I have already received. giving is a part of becoming a disciple of Christ. Start where you can and continue to grow into the practice of tithing (a Biblical principle of giving 10% of your income). Is it too late to sign a pledge card for 2018? No! We have Good Works Pledge cards near the welcome desk and you can put it in the offering plate or bring it to the church office any time! You can make a commitment to pay weekly, monthly or annually. We have many folks who are new members that sign up with a pledge mid-year! When do I get my summary of giving statement for 2017? The 2017 statements were sent out in late January-- please contact the church office if you did not receive yours. Each Quarter the church office mails a statement summarizing your giving as it relates to your pledge. -Thanks, Dave Lewis, Finance Committee Chair Online Giving Link Page 11

12 Peace Together The mission of Peace Together is to build relationships across differences with our neighbors. Our initial steering committee is an interfaith coalition that includes Jews, Christians, Muslims, Baha'i, Humanists, and more. It comes from a belief that no matter one s background, building relationships with our neighbors strengthens our community by increasing understanding and compassion, while reducing negativity and hatred. We plan on accomplishing this mission in two ways. The first was a major community introduction to Peace together on Sunday, February 11 at 4pm at FUMC Colleyville (the Big Event ). It was a wonderful event with a dozen Euless First Members in attendance (with over 300 people there!). The second initiative lies at the heart of Peace Together. We plan on organizing numerous smaller events where neighbors can really get to know their neighbors in a more intimate setting. Here is a small sample of upcoming events that you can currently sign-up to participate in at peacetogetherevents.com: Saturday, March 24th- Peace Together Family Game Night hosted by the Islamic Association of Mid Cities Wednesday, April 4th- Share Your Story of Freedom hosted by Congregation Beth Israel. Saturday, April 14th- Habitat For Humanity Build Multicultural Alliance Table Talks, Interfaith Dialogue, and Camp CommUNITY all at various dates and times You will find a link on the Peace Together events site to sign up and get a listing of all coming events. Please join us as we seek to understand our differences and foster peace in our community. Sharing our Stories Page 12 Do you remember these places and events? Images of Euless First in the past are awesome. What are these of, why were all the kids just sitting there? Do you have a story of Euless First from the past? Do you remember the Baptism of a child, or a children s musical? We want to hear your stories. Telling your story is not hard, We are not asking you to remember the history of when our building was built. We are just looking for stories about your favorite memories at Euless First United Methodist Church. It could be the time you got married or the support you felt when a loved one died. Tell a story that touched you about the people and ministries of this place. We are looking for you to record a story on your phone and send it in, or write it down and share it with Pastor Rachel. We remember the hymn: The church is not a building; the church is not a steeple; the church is not a resting place; the church is a people. Together we are the church, no matter where we meet on Sunday mornings!

13 Spring Flower Sale Spring is coming! And your yard is in need of an update. Euless First is here to help. We will be holding our 7th annual Spring Flower Sale on Saturday, April 14th. You will be able to preorder flats of your favorite annuals including: Change in the Church We have said this before, Euless First is in the midst of a great deal of change. Building and dreaming of our future means looking at making things different. Change is really hard. Sometimes harder at church then in the rest of the world (or so it seems). We make church into our safe place away from the world, and then we go and make a bunch of changes at church, how dare we! Glenn C. Daman writes about change in the church this way: The story is told of an old man who lived in a dilapidated house that was no longer fit to live in. The roof leaked, the plumbing was rusted and the foundation was rotted. Finally the plight of the old man was brought to the attention of authorities who then stepped in to help this individual. They build a brand new house with all the modern conveniences. The house, while small, was more than sufficient for the needs of the man. The day finally arrived when the house was finished and the old man could move in. To the surprise of those marigolds, begonias, vincas, coleus, Mexican heather, petunias, geraniums, impatiens, zinnias. The cost is $15 per flat We will also have hibiscus, esperanza, planters, and hanging baskets available. Preorders will begin in mid March, but we will have a involved the man refused to move. The fear of change prevented him from moving, even though the move would have been for his benefit. In some ways the church is often like the old man. The fear of change is greater than the crisis that they are facing in ministry. The reality is that change is necessary. We know that if we do not change, we will die as a congregation. We also know that change is often resisted. There are several reasons we resist. We have a lot of ownership in Euless First. We know the people who built these buildings and grew our ministries. It was our own money, sweat, and tears that made all that we have today. We do not want to lose the history and traditions that created this wonderful place we call our church home. For us to change this building (in what ever way that looks like), means getting rid of the way things are now. Finally, we have to acknowledge the fear of failing! What if moving and changing means we do not grow? It few extra available if you would like to add to your order that Saturday, or missed the pre-order. All proceeds go toward Euless First United Methodist Church s Missional Giving (previously called Apportionments). seems safer just to stay the way we are even if it, too, means potential failure. This all leads us to many unknowns. So how are we going to respond? With patience, gentleness, and sensitivity. We are working hard to follow Jesus. There is story after story in the Bible of characters dealing with change. Psalms remind us of the feelings often faced with change. Acts is about the changing church. Paul writes to Corinth about the changes they have taken and need to take. Change is ever present. Euless First is going to face a lot more change. May we continue to pray and love each other with respect. May we watch our words so that they help, not hurt. May we seek counsel so we understand and not assume. Anne Lamott said, You can safely assume you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do. So remember who God is as we observe our emotions rising up. Are we in our world or God s world? Peace. Page 13

14 106 N. Main St. Euless, TX Phone: fumceuless.org Twitter.com/EulessFirstUMC Facebook.com/EulessFirstUnitedMethodist Youtube.com/sheyduck Pinterest.com/EulessFirstUMC Instagram.com/EulessFirstUMC Mission: Euless First United Methodist Church strives to follow Jesus Christ a bit better today than yesterday. Through these efforts we develop a relationship with Christ and thus transform people, their lives, our community and the world. Purpose: We seek to follow Jesus better by moving people from knowing God, to growing in relationship with God, to going forth with God to serve others, and finally, glowing for God by witnessing to their faith to others. Vision: Our vision is to be a community of God's love and grace so that the larger community and world see God by our actions and outreach. Sunday Worship 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. L e a r n i n g t o F o l l o w J e s u s a B i t B e t t e r T o d a y t h a n Y e s t e r d a y Euless First United Methodist Church PO Box 967 Euless, TX Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage NPA# Permit No. 2 Euless, TX Return Service Requested