This is my Son, my chosen one. Listen to him! Luke 9:35

Transcription

1 This is my Son, my chosen one. Listen to him! Luke 9: Arlington Heights United Methodist Church 4200 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth, TX Rev. Mary Spradlin, Senior Pastor At a person s baptism, we pray that having been born by water and the Spirit, they may become a faithful disciple of Jesus the Christ. Become. It s a word that speaks of an ongoing effort. Claiming the name Christian takes place at our baptism or at the point that we make a profession of faith. But becoming a disciple of Jesus is a life-long process. We want the members and guests of Arlington Heights United Methodist Church to be well-prepared for this discipleship journey. Who is this Jesus? What does he want from me? What meaning do his life and teachings have for us, today? We believe studying questions like these will help us better understand our role as disciples. Beginning September 13, we will make the study of Jesus Christ our emphasis in worship, Sunday School and small group studies. We hope you will join us often, as we participate together in The Jesus Project. May God richly bless our time together! Your Clergy Staff: Rev. Mary Spradlin Rev. Dr. Jim Pledger Rev. Grant Palma Rev. Allen Lutes

2 A Red Letter Year The Jesus Project extends beyond worship. We will begin a number of new endeavors during these nine months. A Clergy-led Study will be available every Sunday at 9:40 a.m. in room 110: October: Following Jesus by N.T. Wright, led by Rev. Mary Spradlin November: The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus by Peter Gomes, led by Rev. Grant Palma December: Letting God Bless You by John Killinger, led by Rev. Dr. Jim Pledger January: Jesus Freak by Sara Miles, led by Rev. Allen Lutes February: The Jesus Way by Eugene Peterson, led by Rev. Mary Spradlin March: Jesus Mean and Wild by Mark Galli, led by Rev. Grant Palma April: Parables for Today by Alyce McKenzie, led by Rev. Allen Lutes May: The Greatest Teachings of Jesus by John Killinger, led by Rev. Dr. Jim Pledger Small Home Groups To further our discipleship, we will encourage church members to participate in small groups that will meet in members homes. In the fall, we will study together Dallas Willard s The Divine Conspiracy. What does it mean to apprentice ourselves to Jesus? Using Jesus Sermon on the Mount as his foundation, Willard explores life-changing ways to experience and be guided by God on a daily basis. In the spring, we will study A Disciple s Path by James Harnish. What difference does it make for us to live out our discipleship in the United Methodist Church? This study provides a unique approach to the study of discipleship within the context of a Wesleyan/United Methodist framework. More information about the locations and times of these studies will be available in worship as hosts are confirmed. If you would like to host a small group in your home, please contact Dr. Jim Pledger (jpledger@ahumc.com). Sunday School for All Ages will include a focus on the life and teachings of Jesus. Our Adult Classes will each choose curriculum that provides a different focus for each month. A list of lesson topics will be available each week at the Welcome Center. You are invited to attend any class, even if you are a drop-in for that month s study. All are welcome!

3 Fellowship Opportunities We are all part of the Body of Christ, who calls us to grow as disciples together. Throughout the year, you will be invited to participate in a number of fun, intergenerational fellowship gatherings, as we experience The Jesus Project together: Thanksgiving Dinner Advent Brunch Neighborhood Caroling Chili Cook-Off Fat Tuesday Meal Pentecost Celebration Special Speakers Throughout the year, we will invite speakers to help us better understand the theme of the month. Our first speaker will be Grief Therapist Dr. Patrick O Malley ( who will present Grief as Narrative on Sunday, November 1. Dinner and program will begin at 5:30 p.m. AHUMC Arts Ministry We are created in the image of God, the ultimate Creator. Recognizing our unique location near the heart of Fort Worth s Cultural District, we will use The Jesus Project as an opportunity to enhance our discipleship through the arts. Special Music, including an offering of John Rutter s Magnificat with Orchestra during worship on the first Sunday in Advent Enhanced visual arts in worship Visual Arts Classes for all ages offered at our church Special music offered in worship and during the week Build and strengthen relationships with artists in our community Singles Ministry A new ministry for single adults who are 45+ begins September 13. Singles with Spirit is a group of single adults dedicated to growing as disciples through fellowship, friendship, fun and service. If you or someone you know would like to meet with other singles who desire to grow as disciples, please contact Nancy Smith (jamesnancya@aol.com).

4 21 Days of Spiritual Renewal After calling the crowd together with his disciples, Jesus said to them, All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. Mark 8:34, CEB As we begin the Jesus Project, we ask each member of our congregation to commit to the following for three weeks. Our God expects a lot from us. During these nine months, we invite you to make a significant commitment to learn and live as a disciple of Jesus. A step-by-step guide to a deeper relationship with Jesus: Each Sunday: Attend church at AHUMC or wherever you are (you can view our services via livestream at > worship > livestream) Bring your Bible to church Each Day: Read the scripture selection for each day from this guide. This list includes all of the scriptures we will preach on in the next nine months. Make a list of prayer needs, both joys and concerns Pray for those on your list, for your family, and for your church Do a simple act of kindness each day (a list of suggestions is included in this booklet) Before going to sleep each night, reflect on God s goodness to you each day Begin each morning by saying this simple prayer: God, what can I do for you today? Decide to keep this schedule for the first three weeks of The Jesus Project, keeping each day without fail. ((If you join us after September 13, you can begin your 21 day commitment on the first Sunday you attend.) Attend worship services for the three weeks of September If you are away from AHUMC, attend church wherever you are. Read the listed scripture each day. These passages will be a part of our worship services over the nine months of The Jesus Project. Pray daily. Pray for AHUMC, pray for yourself, and pray for others.

5 Living and Learning As Disciples Random Acts of Kindness: Every day. Try one of these, or one of your own. Make kindness toward others an intentional part of your day. Write family members telling them how important they are in your life Call a friend Write a thank you note, especially to someone whose service may be overlooked Write a note to someone who serves (teacher, policeman, fireman, etc.). Tell that person how much you appreciate his or her dedication Hug a family member Do something for another person each day no matter how inconsequential the deed may seem (hold the door open, etc.) Randomly compliment people you meet For 40 days become less partisan in everything Smile at people you meet Be pleasant to sales people Give someone a flower Visit someone confined to their home or someone in a rest home Bake cookies for someone Resist the urge to snap back Visit an older person you know Thank everyone for the last act of kindness they do for you Pay for a stranger s lunch anonymously Reading Scripture: Every day. These are all of the texts we will use in worship for the next nine months. What do these texts tell us about Jesus? What do they say about our role as disciples of Jesus? John 1:35 51 and John 4:4 30 Matthew 16:21 26 Mark 4:30 32 and Matthew 20:1 16 Matthew 25:14 30 and Luke 18:18 30 John 11:1 44 and Luke 7:31 35 Luke 12:22 34 and John 2:13 25 Matthew 11:1 19 and Matthew 25:1 13 John 2:1 12 Luke 2:8 20 John 9:1 41 and Luke 8:26 39 Luke 5:17 26 and John 5:1 18 Luke 5:12 16 Matthew 4:1 11 John 15:9 17 Matthew 10:16 22 and John 3:16 17 Mark 14:32 42 and John 13:1 20 John 20:1 18 Matthew 6:25 34 and Luke 10:25 37 Luke 15:11 32 and Matthew 7:24 27 John 20: and John 21:15 19 Acts 2:1 41

6 Fall 2015 Worship Guide Each month, our worship services will focus on a different theme related to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. As we journey together, we will learn more about this man who is God s Son; and we will better understand who he calls us to be. September: The Jesus Project Holy Ground Sept. 13: Come and See: The Call of the Disciples. John 1: We will commission our Master Teachers and invite the congregation to begin 21 days of devotion and prayer. Sept. 20: Jesus, the Original Transformer: The Woman at the Well. John 4:4 30. Sept. 27: Losing Control: Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me. Matthew 16: Bell Conte Handbells will perform in Sanctuary services. October: Rededicate Your Life Oct. 4: God s Kingdom: The Parable of the Mustard Seed. Mark 4: We will observe World Communion Sunday in all services, and our Junior Choir will sing at 10:50 a.m. worship. Oct. 11: When the World Isn t Fair: The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. Matthew 20:1 16. Agape Ringers Handbells will perform in Sanctuary services. Oct. 18: Use What You ve Been Given: The Parable of the Talents. Matthew 25: Oct. 25: When You Play the Fool: The Rich Young Ruler. Luke 18: Members are invited to bring their Commitment Cards to worship this day, as we make our commitment together for our support of AHUMC in the coming year. Worship will feature Bell Conte Handbells, Children s Choirs and Chancel Choir. November: What s Eating You? Nov. 1: Death, Grief & Eternal Life: Raising Lazarus from the Dead. John 11:1 44. We will observe All Saints Day and remember the Saints of our church who have died. Nov. 8: Malignancy of the Soul: Rejecting the Will of God. Luke 7: Agape Ringers Handbells will perform in worship. Nov. 15: Worrying About Worry: The Lilies of the Field. Luke 12: Nov. 22: Jesus Anger: Cleansing the Temple. Matthew 21: Children s Choirs will sing at 10:50 a.m. worship. Advent: Celebrate Christmas! Nov. 29: Who is This Jesus? John the Baptist. Matthew 11:1 19. Our Chancel Choir with Orchestra will perform John Rutter s Magnificat at the 10:50 a.m. service. Dec. 6: Be Prepared to Celebrate the Christ of Christmas: The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. Matthew 25:1 13. Children s Choirs will sing at 10:50 a.m. worship, and our Children s Musical will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 13: Celebration of the Arts. Chancel Choir will perform Handel s Messiah at 7 p.m. Dec. 20: Jesus Brings Joy: Turning Water Into Wine. John 2:1 12. Carols By Candlelight Handbell Concert will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 27: The New Normal: Shepherds. Luke 2:8 20.

7 Spring 2016 Worship Guide As we continue The Jesus Project, prayerfully consider how participation in worship, Sunday School and small group study is challenging you to become a more faithful disciple of Jesus the Christ. January: Face Your Demons Jan. 3: Why Do Bad Things Happen? Jesus Heals a Blind Man. John 9:1-41. Jan. 10: What Are Your Demons? The Geresene Demoniac. Luke 8: Jan. 17: Everyone Needs Friends: The Four Friends and the Paralytic. Luke 5: Jan. 24: Do You Want to Be Healed? The Lame Man at Bethsaida. John 5:1-18. Children s Choirs will sing at 10:50 a.m. worship. Jan. 31: Who Are the Lepers in Our Lives? Jesus Heals a Man of Leprosy. Luke 5: Feb. 7: Nine Out of Ten Rule. March 13: The Real Lord s Prayer: Jesus in Gethsemane. Mark 14: March 20: Palm Sunday. Humble Service: Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet. John 13:1-20. Children s Choirs will sing at the 10:50 a.m. service. March 27: Easter Sunday. The Ultimate Lesson in Forgiveness: The Empty Tomb. John 20:1-18. April: Does Your Walk Match Your Talk? April 3: Prescription for Anxiety: Seek First God s Kingdom. Matthew 6:25-34 April 10: What Jesus Expects Us to Do: The Good Samaritan. Luke 10: April 17: Practicing Forgiveness: The Prodigal Son. Luke 15: April 24: Spiritual Architecture: The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock. Matthew 7: Children s Choirs will sing at 10:50 a.m. worship, and our Children s Spring Musical will be at 6 p.m. Lent: Who Do You Say That He Is? Feb. 14: No Shortcuts: Temptation of Jesus. Matthew 4:1-11. Children s Choirs will sing at 10:50 a.m. worship. Feb. 21: The Greatest Love. Jesus Commands the Disciples. John 15:9-17. Feb. 28: Reading the Fine Print: Sheep Among the Wolves. Matthew 10: March 6: Never Forget: For God So Loved the World. John 3: May: Are You Serious? May 1: Do You Believe Jesus?: Jesus & Thomas. John 20: May 8: Do You Love Jesus?: Feed My Sheep. John 21: May 15: Will You Change Your Heart and Life?: Pentecost. Acts 2:1-41.