Crosswinds Newsletter
February 10, 2021 - Volume 553
A Word from the Pastor
Next Wednesday will mark the beginning of the season of Lent. We’ll spend more time on the significance of Lent in my article next week, but I do want to offer the thought today of Lent as a journey. It is a time for “seeking first His (Jesus) Kingdom and His righteousness.” During Lent, we set our sights on Jesus and His grace that enable us to grow in holiness. 

This Lenten season, we are embarking on a church-wide effort to journey through the life of Jesus.  We are asking everyone connected to the church by participation to join us in reading through the gospel of Luke.  We want to walk with Jesus beginning with His first steps to the Road to Emmaus.  Our desire is for every person to participate.  Families are encouraged to carve out time daily to read together, because those read together grow together.  If you’re single, invite a friend to read with you or join a Discipleship Band.

I’m excited for what this Lenten season will hold for us.  I believe God has a unique adventure in store for every one of us who chooses to walk alongside Jesus.  I believe that in looking back at what Jesus did in His earthly life, we will discover the ways in which He is still moving today. 

Pastor Brady Johnston
If you’re interested in meeting with a group of like-minded believers in order to know Jesus and one another better, then consider joining a Discipleship Band.  Discipleship Bands are made up of three to five people who commit to read together, pray together and meet together with the expectation that they will share in God’s love together. 

The concept of the Discipleship Bands goes back to the very beginnings of the Methodist movement.  We use the term “band” as a noun to refer to a group, but it’s more easily understood as a verb.  In other words, it’s a group that bands together, meeting regularly to seek Christ together. 

If you’re interested in more information or want to join a band, please click on and out this Google form below.
Youth Fire Night RESCHEDULED!
Youth Will Meet INDOORS Tonight
6:30 PM in the FLC
Due to the weather forecast for tonight, we are RESCHEDULING Youth Fire Night. Join us tonight for Youth Group INDOORS at 6:30 in the FLC. Then join us Wednesday, February 24th for hot cocoa and fire pits! All youth (6th-12th grade) are invited to both. Download the image below to share with your friends. You may email Keelee with any questions.
Confirmation Classes
Sundays, February 21 - May 23
9:45-10:45 AM in the FLC
6th grade and older
Click below for more information
Ash Wednesday
February 17th
This year for Ash Wednesday, we will offer two in-person services as well as a drive-thru blessing. In-person services will be held in the sanctuary at 10 AM and 6:30 PM. The drive thru blessing will be open from 11:30 AM until 1 PM. We hope to see everyone as we begin the Lenten season.
Holy Spirit Bible Study
Wednesdays at 4:30 PM on Zoom
Starting February 24
All are welcome!
Please email Pastor April for the link to join the bible study.
Choir Rehearsals Tonight
Wednesdays at 6 PM in the Sanctuary
Please join us or contact Paul if you are interested in choir.
ALL ARE WELCOME AND INVITED!
Parsonage on Hillcrest
Please know that the parsonage on Hillcrest will be in use over the next month or two. A local family was in quick need of residence for the next few weeks and we were able to offer the parsonage, thanks to the trustees. This notification is to merely inform you so that you are not surprised to see a movement there. We respect the family’s privacy in the matter. Thank you!
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.
Youth Meets TONIGHT!
Junior & Senior High
Wednesday Nights
6:30-8 PM in the FLC

Stay connected in FUMC Midlo Youth Ministries! Follow us on our Youth Facebook page, FUMC Midlo Youth (public). Youth and Youth parents, join our private Facebook Group, FUMC Midlothian Youth. For Remind 101 for Youth, text @7b2dff6 to the number 81010. If you have any questions, please email Pastor Brady.
Bring a friend!
Nursery and Early Childhood
Infant Through Pre-K is Available
We offer Nursery and Early Childhood care (infant through pre-k) during our Sunday morning worship services. If you would like your children to attend, please visit our Creation Kids Webpage to review our entire policy before bringing your children. Elementary age children will need to stay with their family in worship at this time. If you have any questions, please email Keelee Allen at Keelee. Thank you!
Worship Together
Sunday, February 14
 "If We Love"
1 John 4:11-12
8:30 AM Traditional
11 AM Contemporary
WayPoint is a daily guide to help you grow and expand upon the scriptures we are studying. WayPoints are available at Waypoint and daily at FUMC Facebook.
Church Office Hours & Appointments
Church office visits can be made by appointment only at this time. In effort to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19, church staff will primarily be working remotely. Phones will be forwarded and answered. Please contact the church office at 972-775-3993 to make an appointment for church business.

If you have any personal financial questions, please send an email to finance@fumcmidlo.org. Attach copies of any documents necessary regarding your questions.

Please remember we are practicing social distance and wearing face masks as an act of love for one another while on campus. Face masks are required when you are at the church - in both the Main Building and the Family Life Center. Thank you.
Prayer Requests
New
Laurie Duke - surgery scheduled for March

Continuous Prayer
Karen Wilson, Dorothy Wares, George & Dee Culps, Don Lish, John Lowe, Chelsea Peel, God's Garden Preschool

COVID-19 Crisis, All those who have to make important and wise decisions regarding reopening businesses, churches and all other places
 
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 - Collin Johansen, Josh Dunaway,  Seth Allen, Bradley Perez, Elizia Delapaa  
NATIONAL GUARD - Derek Boots

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
Thank you from Sheila Whatley to the Prayer/Card Ministry of our church for the cards with words of encouragement sent to Darline Whatley and Boyce Whatley. They were much appreciated. At first Darline did not understand why she was getting cards from people she didn't know. I explained to her that they are people who are praying for her, encouraging her to hold fast to her faith and let her know that she is never alone. Christ is always with her. A smile came to her face, a tear to her eye and she told how much she enjoyed the cards and thanks everyone for praying for her.  Gods older children need to be reminded of this I think a little more often when they are alone than we tend to remember. A personal note from me (Sheila), thank you all for caring enough to pray and send a note to them both.
Thank You for Your Generosity
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!
Church Staff
Senior Pastor: Rev. Brady Johnston
Executive Pastor: Rev. Dr. April Fehler
Children's Director: Keelee Allen
God's Garden Preschool Director: Michelle Coffin
Traditional Worship Leader: Paul Martin
Contemporary Worship Leader: Jason Westbrook
Administrative Assistant: Mary Beth Mayo
Finance Coordinator: Cindy Gudgell
Organist: Laurie Duke
Media Director: Valerie Dick
Facilities Director: Matt Sanders 
FUMC Midlothian | 972-775-3993 fumcmidlo.org