First United Methodist Church
of Coppell
Weekly E-Newsletter
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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,
It seems to me that America has a few relationship challenges. Understatement, right? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to observe that things can get pretty toxic inside and outside the beltway these days. On the home front, a good marriage and family counselor likely has considerable job security for the foreseeable future. And relationship challenges impact workplace productivity, with managers spending an average of 3 hours a week on conflict resolution alone. Even when people mean well, at times we human beings inadvertently step on one another’s toes. Sometimes we make incorrect assumptions about other's motives. Other times we might engage in “casual conversations” and say something that is misunderstood or not intended for all to hear...and someone overhears us. We don’t always communicate clearly or directly, or see one another as God sees us. In the midst of daily stressors, we forget that each person is a blessing and don’t always encourage one-another.
Believe it or not, this even happens on a church staff (what a shock!). So, while our staff meetings looked nothing like a Jerry Springer episode, nonetheless, the consensus of Team FUMC was that we could use a relational tune
-
up and grow to become a more supportive, encouraging community. Consequently, we ‘retreated’ and invited consultant Mike Bonem, who works with church staffs to promote healthier leadership, to join us for a couple of days. The results were some helpful, candid conversations and a commitment to grow in God’s grace together. We developed a staff covenant based on Colossians 3:12-17 (see copy below) and began intentionally working in prayerful covenant with one another. It sounds so obvious, like the golden rule; but as you know, human beings, even in the church, don’t always remember to practice the obvious. Again, healthy relationships take work. So, I invite you to come by the office and see the staff covenant that all of us have signed indicating our willingness to hold each other and ourselves accountable. And pray for your staff, because when a team is prayerfully working together on all cylinders, the church and community can benefit greatly. How privileged and blessed I am to serve with an outstanding group of faithful Christians willing to work on healthier relationships – growing in love and grace together!
How about you? How might God be nudging you toward healthier relationships today in your own circles? Relationship growth is not always easy, but it is worth it. And, the world could use a few positive examples these days!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Tom
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Join us for complimentary coffee and donuts in Wesley Hall or Ministry Center.
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Join us for Worship
on August 12
"A Listening Heart"
Rev. Tom Palmer
8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship in Sanctuary
9:45 a.m.
Elevate Modern Worship in Ministry Center
Click
here to listen to last week's sermon.
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A Community Study, based on the weekly sermon, is available online at
FumcCoppell.org
. The study includes questions that relate to the Scripture used as well as ways you can challenge yourself in the week ahead to implement community and personal action items in your daily life.
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Join us for a special Hospitality Training Event on
August 19
as we kick-off our new church year as we become a church where all people belong! One of our goals for the remainder of 2018 and into 2019 is to have a greeter at every entrance, every Sunday, every service. We are also exploring different ways to help all feel that they belong during our times of Worship.
This event is open to all current and former members of the Hospitality team, as well as those interested in being a part of the Hospitality team at FUMC Coppell by serving as an usher, greeter, parking lot attendant, crossing guard assistance. We are looking for friendly, smiling people that want to help FUMC Coppell continue to grow in being known as a place where ALL belong.
Event will be held on August 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall with supper, John Crist (comedian), videos, testimonials, Kristen Ceaser as guest speaker, and a challenge from Pastor Tom. Childcare will be provided with reservation. Please RSVP to the church office (972-462-0471) or
online
by
August 15.
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Blessing of the Backpacks / Promotion Sunday, August 19
Join us on Sunday, August 19 for the kickoff to the new school. The Sunday school and worship schedules will be held at regular times. During the Sunday school hour at 9:45 a.m., ages 3 - 4 year will meet in Room 104 and K-5
th
grade will meet in the Rotunda for a brief time of music and split to individual classrooms. Confirmation class will be in Room 207 and Grades 7-12 will meet in the Ministry Center. During all three worship services (8:30, 9:45, and 11 a.m.) we will have a special Blessing of the Backpacks.
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Adult Bible Studies & Classes
Classes will be starting in September. We have a variety of opportunities for the fall.
- Scripture and the Life of God
- Following Jesus
- Survey of the New Testament
- Faith Lessons
- Men's Bible Study
- Financial Peace University
- P.E.A.R.L.S.
- MomComm
- Women's Reading Group
- Holy Yoga
Click
here
to check out the new classes online and register.
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FUMC Coppell Women to
Women Kickoff Dinner
All women are invited to our kickoff dinner on Thursday, August 16, 6:30 p.m. at Senor Loco’s (Upstairs Room-no elevator) located at 110 W Sandy Lake Rd #150 in Coppell. Cost is $13 for beef and chicken buffet with all the fixings (does not include beverage). Contact Julie Madden at
madjulie58@gmail.com or text Jen Bunting at 214-676-2841. Click
here to
RSVP by August 14.
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MomComm Fall Kick-off
All women are invited to our fall kick-off meeting on August 30 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Wesley Hall. This community of moms helps one another survive and thrive these blessed (and crazy) years of raising kids.
- Morning group meets 1st and 3rd Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. beginning September 5.
- Evening group meets 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. beginning September 12.
Find more info and register on the church
website
. Childcare is provided at no charge, but reservations are required: email
kbraem@fumccoppell.org
or call 972-462-0471, ext. 226, at least 48 hours in advance.
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Confirmation at FUMC Coppell...
is a journey by which students begin to understand and affirm their Christian beliefs and claim their place in the life of the church. This program is designed primarily for youth entering the sixth grade and runs throughout the school year, ending with the Service of Baptism and Confirmation on the first weekend in May.
Our 2018-2019 Confirmation classes for sixth grade youth will begin meeting 9:45-10:45 a.m. on Sunday, August 19 in Room 207. Registration packets available in church office.
A parent orientation meeting will be held on Sunday,
August 12 at 5 p.m
. in Wesley Hall. Please bring retreat fees and completed forms from your registration packet to this parent meeting. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Kelly Williams at
kwilliams@fumccoppell.org
or 972-462-0471 extension 202.
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Mission of the Month: Metrocrest Social Services
For the month of August, FUMC Coppell will focus on funding to fight food insecurity for Coppell children in need through the school year.
This school year program (backpack food) benefits about 120 Coppell ISD students with a backpack full of food for meals and snacks to have during weekends plus holiday food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It takes about
$10,000 to fund this program for the school year. Your gifts fight food insecurity in our zip code and change lives.
Make checks payable to FUMC with memo "Metrocrest" 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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Austin Street Center
There are openings for members (or occasional substitutes) on our teams. Monthly, you prepare 24 sandwiches, 24 hard-boiled eggs, and 24 pieces of fruit. Three times a year, travel on a Saturday at
5:15 a.m.
to help with food distribution.
For more details, contact
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is needing some
school liaisons
for the 2018-2019 school year. Liaisons are vital to our outreach program. As a liaison you are the face that connects with the school campus counselor and nurse and the hands and feet of Christ when there is a need that arises. The school contacts the liaisons when help is needed and you work with the church to help meet the needs. Currently we need liaisons for: Lee, Town Center and Coppell Middle School West. If you would like more information about this vital mission ministry or to volunteer contact: Brenda Olson at
bbolson86@msn.com
or Martha Hagan-Smith at
mhagan@fumccoppell.org
.
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The 2018-19 Africa mission planning is in full swing!
Is God leading you to another land? Do you want to bring joy into the lives of deserving children? Does your heart want to grow in a deeper way? Our organization is seeking you! From December 27-January 6, this voyage will visit Ghana, Africa where we’ll reach out to the Touch A Life care center. Home to 80+ trafficked/exploited children and the only long term rehabilitation facility in the country, these incredible souls seek your enlightenment and attention as they share their world with you. The primitive, but comfortable and safe journey will inspire your thoughts for years to come. Please consider joining us in person, or supporting this worthy volunteer organization with your gifts and prayers. Our team looks forward to sharing their experience with you!
The deadline to sign up is September 1.
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Faithworks Weekend
is beginning to take shape for September 21-23. We are looking for team leaders to head up work teams on Saturday, September 22 from 9 a.m. until the project is complete. Our hope is to blanket the area working on various light construction projects and yardwork and we need you! Friday, September 21 we will feed the teachers at Wilson, and of course on Sunday we will engage in bagging food for
Stop Hunger Now
, participate in a blood drive, and more.
Look for more details on how to sign up coming in September. If you would like to volunteer to be a team leader please contact Martha Hagan-Smith at
mhagan@fumccoppell.org
.
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Children’s Choirs/Kids in Mission Kick-Off
Wednesday, September 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Make plans now to come join us for our first WOW – Worship on Wednesday! of the school year in the Sanctuary, then, register for Wednesday programming and enjoy a free pizza dinner in Wesley Hall! Children’s choirs are available for four-year-olds (by September 1) through 5th Grades. Mission is for 1st-5th Grades. Parents are encouraged to come and stay for this brief introduction. Then, our first full program is Wednesday, September 12.
Our regular Wednesday programming begins on September 12. Our 4’s and Kindergarten singers will have regular choir rehearsals. Our 1st-5th Graders will have two 30-minute rotations of Choir and Mission.
4’s/Pre K - Joyful Noise Choir 5:30-6:15 in Room 310
K - Cherub Choir 5:30-6:15 in Room 308
1st-2nd - Alleluia Choir/Mission 5:30-6:30 in Choir Room/Room 306
3rd-5th - Mission/Canticle Choir 5:30-6:30 in Room 306/Choir Room
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Handbell Groups
- Children’s Beginner and Intermediate Handbells: Our children’s handbell groups for 4th and 5th graders begin rehearsals Wednesday, September 12 in the Choir Loft. The beginner group, Alpha Ringers, rehearse from 4:45-5:20 p.m. and the intermediate group, Celebration Ringers, rehearse from 6:30-7 p.m.
- Student Handbells (Jesus Posse): Combined Middle and High School bells will meet on Sundays, 4:30-5 p.m. beginning August 19. We are hoping that many of our former children’s handbell ringers will get involved again!
- Wesley Ringers: This adult handbell ensemble is looking for some new ringers! If you are a musician or a former musician and would like to use and share your musical gift, this is the group for you! Handbell experience is helpful but not required. Rehearsals resume on Sunday, September 9, 5-6 p.m. in the Choir Loft.
- Shalom Ringers: This advanced adult handbell ensemble resumes on Sunday, September 9, 6-7 p.m.
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Summertime Stress Slowing You Down?
We like to think of summer as being a relaxing, enjoyable time. But hurts, struggles, crises, and problems don’t take a vacation. Many times our difficulties seem even worse during the summer because everyone else seems to be enjoying life while you are feeling down. If you are experiencing a difficult time - emotionally, spiritually, or relationally - you don’t have to suffer alone. Our Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers, ready to listen, care for and encourage you, pray with and for you, and provide one-to-one Christian care to help you through whatever it is that you are facing. It’s confidential and it will make a difference in your life! To find out more about Stephen Ministry contact: Debbie Burgess at
dlburgess@earthlink.net
or Mike Ridgley at
martoo@verizon.net
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