Crosswinds Newsletter
March 24, 2021 - Volume 558
A Word from the Pastor
He is risen…He is risen indeed Ok, I might be getting ahead of myself, but Easter is on the horizon.  Soon and very soon, God’s people will gather together, either online or in-person, to celebrate our Risen Savior Jesus Christ.
    
I know many people are looking forward to worshiping in-person this year.  It will indeed be a great day.  As we get ready for that day, I want to hold a couple of things before you. 

The first is that we will be opening up some seating in the sanctuary.  Beginning this Sunday, you will notice that every other pew will be open for seating.  We just ask that you maintain a distance of 6 feet between households if you’re sharing a pew.  Seating in the sanctuary will be first come, first serve.  Once we hit capacity, we will have people move to the overflow seating in the Family Life Center, where the service will be streamed live. 

The second thing I want us to be mindful of is that Easter is one of the highest attended Sundays for un-churched people.  Many who have yet to come to faith in Jesus will come with family out of tradition, curiosity, or politeness (because who can say no to their grandmother).  This means Easter is one of our best opportunities to reach people for Christ. 

I bring this to your attention so that we can be aware of how we can create the best experience for our guests.  You play a pivotal role in their experience by helping people feel welcome, and in today’s world, also safe.  So be on the lookout for those you can greet with a fist bump, wave, or smile so big it can be seen even under a mask.  Seating could very well be an issue in each service as well, so be willing to give up your seat or move to the overflow seating.  That may seem like a lot to ask, but as we’ve seen in Luke’s gospel, Jesus wasn’t bashful about asking a lot from His followers.  Maybe this is one way we can “deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.”  

I know many of us are already thinking about getting the Easter experience we missed last year, but if we want to be a church who reaches new people for Christ, then we must also be intentional about helping others experience the love of Jesus--some for the first time.  I encourage you to join me in praying for the un-churched guests who will hear God’s Word on Easter Sunday that they may encounter God’s life-changing grace given to us in Christ.

Pastor Brady
Choir Returns Tonight
We resume tonight in preparation for Holy Week and will continue to rehearse on Wednesdays at 6 PM. If you are interested in joining the choir, please come tonight or email Paul Martin.
Last Week to Order Easter Lilies
Order Easter lilies in honor or memory of a loved one and help decorate the church for Easter! Easter lilies will be placed around the altar in both the Sanctuary and the FLC. They may be taken home after service on Easter Sunday or they can be donated to someone in the community through the church.

The cost is $10.00 per plant. To order, complete and submit this form. Payment can be made by cash, check made out to FUMC Midlothian or online at fumcmidlo.org/give. Please memo your payment “Easter Lilies”. Checks may be mailed to 800 S. 9th St., Midlothian, TX. 76065. Orders must be placed by March 28th!
Godly Play
Godly Play returns this Sunday, March 28 during the 11 AM worship service only. Children who want to attend will be released during the By the Well Service to worship together through parables, sacred stories and liturgical lessons. The Godly Play team will bring them back to the Family Life Center at the end of service.
God's Garden Preschool Registration
Registration for God's Garden Preschool opens to church members on Thursday, March 25. If you would like to register your pre-school age child for the 2021-2022 school year, please click on the button below starting tomorrow. Register early as we fill up quickly each year and registration will open to the public soon.
Youth Guys Game Night
Attention all Jr. and Sr. High GUYS! We'll have a fun night, just for you this Sunday, March 28 from 4:30-7 PM. Meet in the FLC to play dodgeball, kickball, nerf guns and other games. BYONG (Bring your own nerf gun)! Pizza and drinks will be provided. Hope to see all you guys there!
Meals for First Responders
For the past two Sundays we have mentioned some upcoming efforts to bless our community. The first is that we will be providing a meal for our local first responders beginning with our fire department. Cheryl Weadon is organizing the meals so that we are able to serve those on different shifts. If you are interested in helping serve the meal, please email Cheryl Weadon. This is a great opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who look out for us.  
High School Seniors
We want to celebrate you and all that you have accomplished on Senior Sunday. But we need pictures of you and some basic info, including your name, parents names and your plans for after graduation. Pictures and information can be sent to Valerie Dick, Media Director. More details about Senior Sunday coming soon!
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This Week at FUMC
Holy Spirit Bible Study resumes tonight, March 24! We meet on Zoom, each Wednesday at 4:30 PM. To connect to the Holy Spirit Bible Study, click on Zoom at the time of the meeting.

Youth Group returns from Spring Break tonight, March 24. Youth Group meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM in the FLC and is open to students 6th-12th grade. Bring a friend!

Confirmation Classes meets each Sunday through May from 9:45-10:45 AM. You must be registered to attend. If you have questions or need more information, please email Keelee.

Choir resumes today, March 24, at 6pm to prepare for Holy Week. Please add back to the calendar and newsletter. Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings. Contact Paul for more info.

Discipleship Bands meet at various times throughout the week. New Discipleship Bands can form at any time! For more information, please contact the church office.
Worship Together Sunday, March 28, In-Person & Live on Facebook
"The King has Arrived"
Luke 19:28-48
8:30 AM Traditional in the Sanctuary
11 AM Contemporary in the FLC
Holy Week Services
Lenten Reading
This Lent we are leaning hard into scripture study and prayer as a means of examination. God’s Word often acts like a mirror, allowing us to see in ourselves what we might not otherwise. Prayer is a time when we listen to Spirit’s prompting. This is why we are encouraging you to participate in the WayPoint daily devotional throughout Lent. The WayPoints are designed to help you prayerfully engage God’s Word so that we might respond in obedience. Click on Waypoint or FUMC Facebook to find the WayPoints.
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.
Junior & Senior High Youth Group
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) and our Instagram page, @fumcmidloyouth. 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!
Church Office Hours & Appointments
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.

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.

Thank you!
Prayer Requests
New
Joyce Hardy - death of husband Don

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 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