Crosswinds Newsletter
May 4, 2022 - Volume 615
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On Sunday, we will celebrate our mothers and all of the amazing women who have loved us as mother-figures. In anticipation of Mother’s Day, I thought I would share a prayer I stumbled upon some years ago. The prayer is a mother’s adaptation of 1 Corinthians 13. While we don’t know who wrote it, it is a fitting way to honor the wonderful women who have made such love come to life for so many of us.
“If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper--not a homemaker. If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love, my children learn cleanliness - not godliness. Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh. Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window. Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk. Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys. Love is present through the trials. Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive. Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood. Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart. Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection. Now I glory in God's perfection of my child. As a mother, there is much I must teach my child, but the greatest of all is love.”
Pastor Brady Johnston
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Town Hall Meeting
Update & Information
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On Sunday, May 1st we hosted a townhall meeting to address the split currently going on in the United Methodist Church (UMC). Global Methodist Church (GMC) officially launched as a denomination on that very same day. The meeting was to get our church up to speed regarding the recent events.
Here is what that means for us. We will enter a time of careful and prayerful consideration of where Jesus is leading us as a church. That decision is ultimately up to the church members. Now, I want to assure you that no immediate decision is needed at this time. We have time on our side.
WHAT WILL THIS TIME OF DISCERNMENT LOOK LIKE?
The Administrative Council has come up with a plan to guide our church through this season. We will take the summer months to inform the church about any developments that take place. We will do this through both townhall-style meetings and email communication. The next townhall meeting is scheduled for June 22 at 6:30pm in the FLC, following the Central Texas Annual Conference gathering.
Beginning in August, we will be hosting a monthly meeting where we will take a deeper look at the theological beliefs and missional values held by the UMC and GMC. In these meetings, we will bring the issues to light, examining them through scripture and praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The two guiding principles in this season will be faithfulness and fruitfulness. What does Jesus want us, His church, to do? And, which denomination will help us best carry out Jesus’ mission? These are critical questions for us to consider in this decision.
OTHER LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION
At Sunday’s townhall meeting, the question came up regarding which news sources we should look at for more information. Below, we have attached several links to information that you might find helpful.
Beliefs of the UMC and GMC – other helpful information available on the same page
Central Texas Conference UMC
Global Methodist Church
Bishop Saenz’s video: (Bishop Saenz’s is currently serving as the bishop over the Central Texas Conference as of January 2022)
Bishop Lowry’s letter to the Council of Bishops: (Bishop Lowry served as the bishop of Central Texas Conference for the past 14 years before retiring in January 2022)
The other document outlines the current UM Book of Discipline language regarding human sexuality and gender, both topics of concern amidst the split. The current language in the UM Book of Discipline is expected to change to be made more inclusive at the 2024 UM General Conference. You may access it at www.fumcmidlo.org/um-book-of-discipline-docx-application/
IN CLOSING
I realize that the news of a split within our denomination stirs up angst in many of us. I urge us to pause and remember that Jesus, the Head of the church, is still on the throne. We are still under His charge and His care. We have every reason to trust Him to guide us through this season as we seek after Him and His wisdom together.
We also need to trust each other. One of my favorite things about our church is how well we love one another. We have loved each other in good times and through bad times. Even recently, we have stuck together through the challenges of COVID when others were torn apart. While we are by no means perfect in love, we are on our way to living into Jesus’ command in John 15:12, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” That is the call that has shaped so much of our life together, and that will not change, in this season or any other.
Pastor Brady Johnston
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Land workday on May 14th from 8 AM to 12 PM.
VBS registration is open to volunteers (and students). Click on VBS Registration.
Help prepare communion 2-3 times per year. Contact Pastor April for more details.
Children's Sunday School volunteers are needed. Please contact Keelee by email or phone, M-Th, 8- 4.
Help with Audio/Visual at 8:30 or 11 AM worship services. Please email Tyler Coherd for more information.
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You're Invited
to a Reception Honoring Paul Martin
Sunday, May 8th at 9:45 AM
in the Family Life Center (FLC)
Join us in celebrating Paul Martin, as his last day as Choir Director is May 8th. We are grateful to know Paul and for all he has done for our church and especially God's Kingdom. He will be greatly missed! Join us in thanking Paul. There will be a money tree.
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This Sunday, May 8th
9:40 AM in the FLC
With Pastor Brady & Pastor April
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"What is FUMC Midlothian about? How do I get connected? What is available for my kids? How can I serve?" You've been coming to church on Sunday mornings, but you know there is more to FUMC and you have questions. Join us This Sunday, May 8th at 9:40 in the FLC for Next Steps with Pastor Brady and Pastor April. Here you can find answers to all your questions and more. Registration is not necessary. We hope to see you there! Contact the church office, M-F/8-4, with any questions regarding Next Steps at 972-775-3993.
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Volunteers and Kids
Register for VBS Today!
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Smell the fresh, warm bread; weave a basket of reeds; make clay pots… Can you hear the music echoing through the Marketplace? Join us for VBS this summer! VBS Returns June 12th-18th from 6-8:30 PM. For ages 3yrs (must be potty trained) through entering 5th Grade. Youth and adults may volunteer, through our volunteer signups. Volunteer Training is June 1st at 6:30 PM. Visit FUMC VBS 2022 for more information
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Church Cookout on May 22nd
Let's picnic together and support VBS!
Stick around to eat burgers and hotdogs after church and help support VBS! Food will be ready and served after each worship service and Sunday school. All proceeds will benefit Vacation Bible School 2022. Let's have some food, fun and fellowship together, while we fundraise!
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Church Land Work Day
Saturday, May 14th
8 AM - 12 PM
Help as you are able!
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Senior Sunday Celebration |
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We had a wonderful time celebrating our high school seniors this past Sunday! We have so many cherished memories with this young adults and our prayer is that they know just how much they are loved by their church! If you weren't able to attend, please take a moment to enjoy their slideshow. Photos will be posting at 10 AM on our Facebook Page. |
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A BIG THANK YOU to Laurie Lundberg for planning and organizing Senior Sunday and to Andrea Newsom for putting together the senior gifts! Everything was perfect! |
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Confirmation Sunday
May 15th at 11 AM
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Mark your calendars! Confirmation Sunday is May 15th! We can't wait to celebrate our confirmands as they have been preparing to become full members in Christ's church. You don't want to miss this special day! Please note, the 11 AM services will be combined in the FLC. The 8:30 AM service will be held as normal in the Sanctuary. |
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High School Senior Scholarships
Applications are due by May 20, 2022
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Graduating seniors, get your scholarship applications turned in by May 22nd. If you have questions or would like more information about scholarship requirements, please contact Laurie Lundberg at 972-877-8838 or email Laurie. Scholarship applications may be downloaded by request to complete by hand or completed online using the button below.
Consider Donating to the Scholarship Fund!
Our goal is to award as many scholarships as God gives us the funds to allow. To donate, you can send a check to the church or give online below. Whichever method you choose, please memo that it is for “Senior Scholarships.” Online, you can check "Other" and write it in.
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GGP Silent Auction
God's Garden Preschool is hosting a silent auction in the FLC through this Friday, May 6th at the GGP Spring Program. You do not need to be a part of GGP to bid on items. Please feel free to peruse the items for auction and place any bids on the bid sheets.
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May 6th: GGP Program
May 8th: Mother's Day
May 8th: Reception honoring Paul Martin
May 8th: Next Steps
May 13th: GGP Graduation
May 14th: Church Land Workday
May 15th: Confirmation Sunday
May 22nd: Care Ministry Blessing
May 22nd: VBS Cookout
June 1st: VBS Training
June 5th: Pentecost
June 12th: Next Steps
June 12th-16th: Vacation Bible School (VBS)
June 19th: Father's Day
June 22nd: Church Town Hall Meeting / UMC Annual Conference Update
August 7th: Carter Blood Drive
August 7th: Back to School Blessings
See weekly information below.
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Godly Play Children's Worship gathers during 8:30 and 11 AM worship services. Elementary age children are invited to go with our Children's Ministry Team to worship together in the Fellowship Hall. Of course, children are always welcome to stay with their parents throughout worship.
Sunday School Classes meet between services from 9:45-10:45 AM.
+Children's Sunday School Classes meet in the Sanctuary building, various rooms
+Youth Sunday School Classes meet in the FLC upstairs, Jr. High room
+Bill Theiss Fellowship Class, FLC room 109
+Adult Bible Class, FLC room 110
+Upper Room Class, FLC room 201
+Open Door Class, FLC room 107
+Servant's Hands, FLC room 204
+New Horizons Class, FLC room 203
Bell Choir meets Mondays 6-7 PM. Contact the church office with any questions.
Men's Monday Night Bible Study meets Monday nights from 7-8:30 PM in the Sanctuary Building Workroom. The study is coordinated by Don Garret.
Pastor April's Bible Study meets Wednesday nights from 4:30-5:45 in the sanctuary. The study is "Gospel According to John" and it is not necessary to attend every week, as each week is a different "study".
Chancel Choir meets each Wednesday at 6 PM. Contact the church office with any questions.
DivorceCare & DivorceCare4Kids meets Wednesdays from 6:30-8 PM in FLC rooms 201 & 203. Please contact Monica Wilson with any questions.
Guided Prayer Hour is a Wednesday night prayer service we will host through May 18th. Join us Wednesdays at 7 PM in the Sanctuary.
Discipleship Groups meet at various times trough out the week. New groups can form at any time! For more information, please contact the church office.
God's Garden Preschool follows the MISD school calendar and is only open on MISD classroom days. GGP hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM.
Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 AM - 4 PM and Friday 8 AM - 12 PM. Pastors are available for non-emergencies, Monday through Thursday during office hours.
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Sunday, May 8th
"Taming the Tongue"
James 3:1-12
8:30 & 11 Traditional in the Sanctuary
11 AM Contemporary in the FLC
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WayPoints are daily devotionals designed to help us prayerfully engage God’s Word so that we might respond in obedience. We encourage everyone to participate in the WayPoints. They are available at Waypoint and FUMC Facebook.
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Sunday School: 9:45-10:35 AM
Godly Play: Children's Worship During all Sunday Morning Services
Creation Kids Links:
Stay connected in Creation Kids Children's Ministry! Follow us on our Facebook page, Creation Kids, and our Instagram page, @creationkidsfumcmidlo, to keep up with resources for connection. For more information, email Keelee Allen.
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Junior & Senior High Youth meet
Wednesday nights during the school year from 6:30-8 and Sunday School from 9:45-10:35 AM
Stay connected in FUMC Midlo Youth Ministries! Follow us on our Youth Facebook page, FUMC Midlo Youth (public) and our Instagram page, @fumcmidloyouth. Youth and Youth parents, join our private Facebook Group, FUMC Midlothian Youth. For Remind 101 for Youth, text @midloyouthto the number 81010. If you have any questions, please email the Youth Team.
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We offer Nursery and Early Childhood Care (infant through pre-k) during our Sunday morning worship services. Please email Keelee with any questions. For information regarding God's Garden Preschool, go to God's Garden. Thank you!
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Though GGP is currently full, you can register to get on the waitlist. Visit God's Garden online to learn more about this program or click below to register!
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Please send your prayer request to MaryBeth or Joy. If you want to join our Prayer/Card Ministry group, send your request to Joy. Not everyone sends cards, but you can pray, thus PRAYER/CARD ministry.
New Prayer Requests:
Continuous Prayer:
Karen Wilson, Dorothy Wares, George & Dee Culps, Don Lish, John Lowe, Chelsea Peel, Jim Sibley
Military:
ARMY - Matt Carroll, Tim Kruettner, Harold Barton, Josh Schenck, Austin Lockwood
NAVY - Matthew Price, Andrew Cantrell, Zachary Tucker, Thomas Shirley, Matthew Watford
AIR FORCE - J.D. Culps, Andrew Miller
MARINES - Josh Dunaway, Bradley Perez, Elizia Delapaa, Cash McAdoo
NATIONAL GUARD - Derek Boots
TEXAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD - John Jackson
Remember in Prayer:
Our world, our country, our community leaders, all our military troops and first responders around the world, our church, our pastors, the staff, church members, visitors, and Midlothian community
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The Prayer/Card Ministry sent cards to Helen when she was in the hospital. Here is her thank you note.
To the Men and Ladies of FUMC Midlothian,
I would like to thank you all for the many cards, filled with encouragements and prayers. It did wonders to brighten my day. I feel much better now after these last weeks of dizziness, now the "dizzies" are gone! I am so happy to know that my son has such lovely people to share our love of Jesus with. Happy Quilting.
Helen Thompson, aka Rob Hopkins's Mother
Men, women and children (with the help of an adult), if you'd like to thank the church in the newsletter and/or become a part of the Prayer/Card ministry, please send an email to Joy Price. Thank You.
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Thank You for Your Generosity |
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Thank you for your generosity! We continue to do great ministry as a church because of you and your faithfulness. We encourage you to continue giving to the church's ministry either by mailing in your financial gifts or giving online by clicking on the button below. Every gift helps us do greater things for God's Kingdom!
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*Please note that we are using a new online giving system. It should be much easier to use, cost effective and will help our staff be more efficient. Thank you! |
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FUMC Midlothian | 972-775-3993
Office Hours: M-Th: 8 AM - 4 PM, F: 8 AM - 12 PM
Pastors are available for non-emergencies Monday - Thursday during office hours.
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