Weekly e-newsletter
Our Mission: 
Grow in God's grace.
Love with all our heart.
Serve with all our strength.  
A Word from Pastor Tom
Dear Friends in Christ,

Blessing of the Backpacks is this Sunday!! In both services, we will bless our children and educators, as well as their backpacks. Backpack tags with a Biblical blessing will be given out and our beloved CISD Superintendent and FUMC member Brad Hunt will offer a timely word of encouragement. 
 
Encouragement is so important! We need to tap into the positive power of words , particularly given the toxic communication that seems to dominate our culture and news cycle daily. Children need this positive power! We ALL do! 
 
Last week we kicked off a new message series entitled “ Words of Wisdom .” Jesus taught that words of wisdom flow from a heart that is nourished by the good news (Luke 6:45). When we nourish our hearts with grace, we can communicate more wisely, thinking before we speak. Jesus’ brother James underscores this point, comparing our words to fire. “ Think about this: A small flame can set a whole forest on fire” (James 3:5b).  Words of Wisdom use ‘fire’ in a positive way, as fire in a fireplace warms a home. Conversely, careless, thoughtless words can burn a house down. How we need to learn to think before we speak!
 
Last Sunday in the Sanctuary I shared this “T.H.I.N.K. before you speak” acronym that became transformative for another community of faith:
 
T - is it  T RUE?
H  – is it  H ELPFUL?
I  – does it  I NSPIRE?
N  – is it  N ECESSARY?
K  – is it  K IND?
 
As this sister church practiced T.H.I.N.K., it fostered such a positive, encouraging environment that the church began growing! Words of Wisdom became life-giving and contagious. It will happen here as well as we welcome Jesus’ words of wisdom into our hearts and share his grace with others through our actions and words. See you this Sunday! I THINK You are a blessing!
 
Yours warmly in Christ,
Pastor Tom
 
P.S. Don’t miss the Daily “Word of Wisdom” Devo that we are emailing each morning during this series. Yet another way to nourish our hearts with the good news!
 
P.P.S. Unfortunately many have not learned to use their words in a positive way yet. For your awareness, please read the following from the FTC regarding scammers impersonating religious leaders:  consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/worshipers-targeted-gift-card-scam

Sunday
Join us for Worship
on August 18

James 3:5b-10 (CEB)
Brand New Words

9:30 am
Concurrent Services
in Sanctuary & Ministry Center

Click here to listen to last week's sermon.
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.
This Week
Fall Kickoff
Join us this Sunday, August 18 for our annual Blessing of the School Year! Kids are invited to bring their backpacks to worship and receive a special prayer tag for the 2019 school year. We will also take time to recognize our teachers, administrators and volunteer mentors. It’s always a great way to begin another academic year and we hope to see you there!
Learning Groups Administration Meeting ...
will be this Sunday, August 18, 4:30-5:45 pm in Room 306. We are looking at new curriculum.
MomComm will be hosting "Don't Mom Alone Live," featuring Heather MacFadyen, host of the Don't Mom Alone Podcast, and author and speaker Chrystal Evans Hurst on Friday, August 23, 7-9 pm at FUMC in the Ministry Center (425 S Heartz). Bring your mom friends for dessert, coffee, door prizes, and a fun evening together!

Tickets are $10, scholarships available. 
Click here to register for the event.
Starting This Week
  • August 18 - Student Handbells:  Combined Middle and High School Bells from 4-4:30 pm.
  • August 18 - Student Choir: Combined Middle and High School from 4:30-5 pm.
  • August 21 - Student Life Groups
PEARLS Update
Due to busy church schedules and travels, PEARLS will meet once this month, August 22 at 9:30 am in the Church Library. We will be starting a new book "Called" by Robb so this is a perfect time to invite a new friend.
You are invited to be an acolyte. 
As an acolyte you carry in the light to signify the presence of God and the cross reminding us of the sacrifice He made for us. The role of an acolyte is one of great importance and so I ask all 4th and 5th grade children to consider taking part. If interested, please contact Kathy Braem at kbraem@fumccoppell.org .
Upcoming
Take Your Next Step
New to FUMC Coppell or interested in knowing more about the church? The Next Steps class is designed just for you! Join us August 25 to explore Christian essentials, distinctive Methodist practices, the ongoing story of FUMC Coppell, and possibilities for your “Next Steps” in discipleship. Class meets in Room 301 at 10:45 am with a light lunch to follow. Please RSVP to Pastor Rick at rwilliamson@fumccoppell.org . 
Prayer Ministry 140 Days of Prayer
FUMC Coppell is focusing this year on Living in God's Presence as we look forward to celebrating our 140th anniversary on Sunday, September 22. We want to include everyone in our journey as we hope to live more fully in HIS presence. It is our hope that you will consider signing up for a day (or 2 or 3!!) where you will specifically remember this Church in your prayers. Of course, it is our hope that you frequently pray for FUMC Coppell, but this day we ask for special focus. Feel free to return again and again to this signup and add your name to more days! Click here to signup .
Hearing loss...
is the third most prevalent health condition in older adults after arthritis and heart disease. The September meeting of Caregiving Heroes will showcase the technology available to help people of any age live with hearing loss successfully. The meeting will feature assistive listening devices that can augment hearing aids or be used in place of hearing aids when appropriate. Texas also offers free resources for some devices. The speaker, Esther Kelly, is the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Technology Specialist at Deaf Action Center. The meeting will be in the Rotunda on Wednesday, September 4 at 7 pm. For more information contact Marilyn Horton, marhorton@gmail.com or 214-728-5934. 
FaithWorks
Faith Works
Mark your calendars as First Coppell will celebrate its 140 th anniversary next month! Beginning September 11 , we will engage in ambitious FaithWorks projects to serve our neighbors in and around Coppell. There will also be several other mission projects for churchgoers of ALL AGES to participate in. Click here for more information about projects and to sign up.

The week will culminate with a special churchwide worship service on Sunday, September 22 that will include a visit from Bishop Mike McKee, as well as several former Senior and Associate Pastors of First Coppell. This multi-day event promises to be both meaningful and memorable! 
Suppers are a place where we can come together over one of humanity’s most ancient and simple rituals. A place where we can share meaningful stories, good food, and a sense of community. A place where we can build relationships and learn to love our neighbors who might be different from us. We hope to begin the process of connecting with our neighbors and learn more about how we can make disciples to transform the world.
  1. Wednesday, September 11 at 6:30 pm in Wesley Hall, Martha will host a People’s Supper and will walk anyone interested in hosting a dinner or just curious about what these dinners are all about through the process of table discussion and fellowship. Click here to RSVP for dinner.
  2. Looking for individuals and families to host People’s Suppers in their homes and in the community September 12-22. As a host, we are asking that you commit to opening your home or choosing a site to invite six to twelve people from the community to join you in dinner. At the dinner, you will have table discussion to get to know our neighbors better and connect in a different way. Contact Martha at mhagan@fumccoppell.org.
  3. Then on September 18, Martha will host a dinner in the community and would love to have some church members attend to dialog with neighbors and/or host a dinner themselves.
FaithWorks Opportunities: More information on the website .
  • feed the teachers at Wilson Elementary
  • construction projects and yard maintenance
  • community garden project
  • bake cookies
  • blood drive
  • various hands on projects for Sunday morning
  • provide lunch for 100 at Austin Street
  • work at CCA Food Pantry
  • Coppell community trail work
  • bring specific items for Coppell Cares Weekend Backpack Program
  • bring specific items for CCA
  • blood drive

Click here to sign up.
College Care Packages
As a part of our FaithWorks initiative we will be creating College Care Packages for our students. You can write cards showing our support and prayers that will be packed into the boxes we send out on the week of September 13-22.

Email your student’s name and college address to Martha at mhagan@fumccoppell.org  if you would like your college student to receive a special blessing package.

Deadline to submit student name and address is September 11.
Our next First Coppell Blood Drive is September 15, 8:30 am–12:30 pm in Smartt Hall. You can sign up below as a “Guest Donor” if you choose. Click on the sign up and pick a time, then hit the orange “continue to schedule”. You won’t have to remember any passwords and you won’t have to chance a long wait on Sunday! 

Collection List for items needed for the Weekend Backpack Program
 
  • Individually packaged Peanut Butter Crackers
  • 100% Fruit Snacks or Rollups (minimal sugar added)
  • No sugar added Individual Applesauce or Fruit Cups
  • Individual Serving Oatmeal packets
  • 100% Juice Boxes (no sugar added)
  • Boxed or Individual Serving Macaroni & Cheese
  • Single Serving Cheez-its or Pretzels 
  • Single Serving Trail Mix
  • Single Serving Raisins
  • Single Serving Microwave Popcorn
  • Low sugar Protein, Granola or Cereal Bars
  • 5 oz cans of tuna
  • 10 oz cans of soup
Student Ministry
Registration for the Lock In is open!! This will be a fun way for all 6th through 12th graders to kick off the year! Contact Christy at callen@fumccoppell.org with any questions. Click here for more information about Group Dynamix, who will be leading our event.

Confirmation ...
is an amazing time for students entering the 6th grade to grow, ask questions, and learn how to begin choosing to make the faith of their elders their own. At the end of the year, students will make the decision to become full members of the United Methodist Church. If you have a student going into the 6th grade or if you have an older student that didn’t go through confirmation, but would like to, please contact Christy Allen at callen@fumccoppell.org .
Music Ministry
School is just around the corner.
Take note of upcoming start dates. Contact Deanna Goodman at dgoodman@fumccoppell.org with questions.

  •  Student Handbells: Calling all youth who would like to ring handbells! We are gearing up for a great year of ringing bells! Combined Middle and High School Bells will meet on Sundays, 4-4:30 pm. Rehearsals begin August 18. We are hoping that many of our former children’s handbell ringers will get involved again! If you are new to ringing but would like to get involved, please contact Deanna.
  • Wesley Ringers adult handbell ensemble is looking for some new ringers! The Fall is a great time to get involved! 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 8, 5-6 pm in the Choir Loft.   
  • Shalom Ringers adult handbell ensemble rehearsals resume on Sunday, September 8, 6-7 pm in the Choir Loft. 
  • The Children’s Choirs/Kids in Mission Kick-Off is Wednesday, September 4, 5:30-6:30 pm. 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 grade. 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 11. 
  • Children’s Beginner and Intermediate Handbells: Attention all children who are in 4th and 5th Grades! We are looking for some handbell ringers! Our children’s handbell groups begin rehearsals Wednesday, September 11 in the Choir Loft. The beginner group, Alpha Ringers, rehearse from 4:45-5:20 pm. The intermediate group, Celebration Ringers, rehearse from 6:30-7 pm.
Care and Concern
Grief & Healing Support Group
A six-week support group for persons who have experienced the painful death of a loved one. It is designed to help individuals work through the grief process, grow through the loss, and find support from others. New group begins Sunday, September 29 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Library. $15 suggested donation for book, "How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies," by Theresa A. Rando. Led by Carol Sheer and Ron Harrison. Call the church office at 972-462-0471 to register.
Missions
Mission of the Month
The goal of the Coppell Cares Weekend Backpack Program is to help eliminate food insecurity for the children who attend CISD schools. This program, under the Coppell Cares umbrella, provides nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack items to eligible CISD children (and siblings) to feed these children over the weekend during the school year when they are not receiving meals at school. Kids in Mission pack the weekend backpack items and then adult volunteers deliver bins of the bags to each participating CISD school who distribute the bag to each child to take home on Fridays. Approximately $10,000 is needed to enable this program for the 2019-2020 school year. THANK YOU for your support in helping to achieve our goal of eliminating food insecurity. Want to make a donation for this mission? Make checks payable to FUMC with memo “WBPK” or you can TEXT 2 GIVE. Text to 73256 with subject line as FUMCC. You will receive a link and simply follow the instructions. Contact: Sally McCurdy at sallymccurdy@verizon.net .
Coppell Cares provides healthy snacks to students who need them throughout the school year. The following snacks are needed for the 2019-2020 School Year: Prepackaged snacks (No nuts) such as raisins, craisins, fruit snacks, veggie stick, pretzels, chex mix, Goldfish, Cheez-its, popcorn, cheese & crackers, granola bars, breakfast bars. A complete list is available on the website. Please leave them in the bin marked "Coppell Cares" in Wesley Hall.
 
School Liaisons Needed for Denton Creek Elementary and Town Center Elementary. Contact Martha Hagan-Smith at mhagan@fumccoppell.org for information.
Student Mentoring
One + One is a United Methodist partnership that serves children, changes lives, and transforms communities. The concept of One + One is everyone gives 30 minutes, one time per week, to one child. We have two campuses (Wilson and Town Center) that have a need for mentors. Through these one-on-one mentoring relationships here in Coppell, YOU can help by reading with a child, partnering with teachers and administrators, and praying for Coppell ISD. All mentors must complete a background check ( https://www.coppellisd.com/Domain/3443 ) and attend a training session. Contact Martha Hagan-Smith at mhagan@fumcCoppell.org to participate in this powerful ministry!

Training dates are:
  • Wilson Elementary -August 20 at 9 am and August 21 at 1 pm.
  • Town Center (TBD)
Stephen Ministry
Ever Thought about Becoming a Stephen Minister?
FUMC Coppell will be training another class of Stephen Ministers this year . Stephen Ministers work alongside our pastors to care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people who are going through a difficult time, such as divorce, grief, hospitalization, unemployment, terminal illness, relocation, chronic illness, or loneliness. If you have gifts for caring, encouragement, and listening, please begin to prayerfully consider whether you might want to be part of this exciting ministry. If you think you might be interested, contact our Stephen Ministry Leader, Leah Moore at leah@firstlewisville.org .
Let's Connect
Stay connected to our church wherever you go by downloading the free Realm Connect app for iPhone and Android devices. Use it to search the church’s online member directory, communicate with your groups, RSVP to events, manage your giving, and more. It’s as easy at 1 – 2 – 3! Note: you must use Firefox or Chrome to launch this program.

1) From your computer or mobile phone, open the email you recently received from First United Methodist Church inviting you to join our online Realm community. If you are unable to find the email, contact the church office (972-462-7097) or send an email to realm@fumccoppell.org to request an invite.

2) Select the link in your invite email to create an account, then create a password, and press the Register button.

3) From your mobile phone, search the App Store for Realm Connect and download the app. Open the app and select “Already have an account? Sign In” located at the bottom of the screen.