The First United Methodist Church
Connection
Getting connected within and beyond the First United Methodist Church of Rockwall
1200 E. Yellow Jacket, Rockwall, TX 75087
www.fumcrockwall.com
Office 972.771.5500
September, 2013
“A Rhythm and Flow...”
I have often described a disciple’s awareness of the Holy Spirit as sensing a rhythm and
flow to life and how we are engaged in our discipleship.
One can sense the rhythm and flow of our church’s engagement in mission (Shoes for
Kids, community garden, school supply drive, blood drives) education (vacation Bible school, Sunday
school, Bible studies, youth activities), administration (the building project, daily maintenance and
upkeep) and worship.
Sometimes the rhythm and flow is tranquil and sometimes it’s like a roaring rapid—but it’s always
moving in a direction which God intends.
I equate our lives in the Holy Spirit to jumping in the river—the water is fine—and flowing in the
direction that God desires. Rhythm and flow—the only way to go!
Your Pastor and Friend,
TRUCK ON OVER SUNDAY
Sunday, September 15th
Churchwide Food, Fun, and Fellowship!
4:00 pm -7:30 pm
Food Trucks, Bounce House, Slides, Open House for
Children's and Youth evening programs, Sunday Evening Bible Studies Kick off for Adults.
Bring your $$ enjoy tacos, sliders, Cajun creations, and gourmet cupcakes! Bring your
chairs or blankets! Re-connect with your First Church Family!
Let's get back into the swing of church!
Food Trucks: “Cajun Tailgators”, M4 Cupcake Garden, Taco Party, “Easy Slider”
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
We would like to welcome the newest members to our church family.
Maggie Dominy joined
May 26, 2013
Barbara Pfenning joined
May 26,2013
Gil Murray joined
May 26, 2013
Joe & Sandy Penn joined
Sandra McMahon joined
David, Robin &
Elizabeth Hunter joined
David Dupre joined
June 16, 2013 also
pictured is Zoe Miller
Bodie, Lisa, Hayes
Landry Sartin joined
June 30, 2013
Larry, Leigh, Michael, TJ
& Paige Lyon joined
Becky Coleman joined
David Hagerdon
joined June 9, 2013
Bernice Norton joined
July 14, 2013
Not pictured Jim
Lueders joined
July 18, 2013
David, Mary Schoen not
pictured Alexander joined
July 21, 2013
Preston Vickers joined
July 21, 2013
Randy & Rebecca Hagerdon
joined August 4, 2013
Additional New Members on
next page
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
We would like to welcome the newest members to our church family.
Bob & Anita McKinney
joined August 4, 2013
A.J., Michelle, Lucas, Oliver Henley &
Josh Bernier joined
August 4, 2013
Lindsay Spencer joined
August 18, 2013
Kay Turner & Addison
joined August, 18, 2013
Matt, Heather, Marshall,
Allyson, Ashleigh Letlow joined
August 11, 2013
Jess, Lara, Avery, Wade &
James Lovell joined
August 25, 2013
Jim, Diana, Maddie &
Maci White joined
August 18, 2013
Louis, Jill & Grace Dickey
joined August 25, 2013
Wesley Arts Presents—Dr. Jaehoon Yu
On Thursday, September 19th, at 7:00 pm, First United Methodist Church of Rockwall, 1200 E. Yellow Jacket Lane, will
host for its Wesley Arts speaker series Dr. Jaehoon Yu, Professor and Associate Chair of the Physics Dept., University of
Texas - Arlington, who will speak on the “God Particle—its Discovery and Significance”. A brief question and answer
session will follow his remarks. The public is invited. Tickets for $5 may be purchased in advance at the church office
or at the door. Complimentary babysitting will be provided with advance reservations (972 771 5500).
Dr. Yu holds a Ph.D. in physics from State University of New York at Stony Brook. He has been a post- Doctoral Fellow at the University
of Rochester, NY and a Staff Scientist at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory near Chicago. His research experience ranges from Gas
Electron Multiplier detection, Large Hadron Collider Higgs Theory Group Panel to World-wide Linear Collider Beams. He is the author of
over 450 peer reviewed papers in these fields.
Thank You! !
We would like to say “Thank You” to everyone for the prayers and lovely cards during the illness and death of my sister, Jane Florence. We
appreciate your thoughtfulness and feel blessed to have a wonderful church family.
Thank you,
David & Pat Hairston and Family
YOUTH MINISTRIES
FUMC Rockwall Youth Group meets weekly on Sunday night for Fellowship from 6:00-8:00 PM
Youth Sunday School is offered from 9:45-10:30 AM Sunday mornings
Other Youth Events happen throughout the year & especially in the summer!
More information & details can be found @ www.fumcrockwall.com/youth
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
Children ages 2 years on or before September 1st - youth entering the 6th
grade will promote to their new Sunday school classrooms.
Children’s Team
Wednesday, September 4th
7:00pm
Bible & Acolyte Dedication Sunday
Sunday, September 15th
11:00am
All 1st graders will receive their Bibles and Acolytes will be recognized
in the traditional service
Kid’s Camp Resumes
Sunday, September 15th
4:00pm-5:30pm
Interactive Bible Study and Children’s Choirs for 3 year olds – 5th graders
Note our new family friendly time
Visit our website www.fumcrockwall.com (under the tabs: connect, children) or pick up our Fall 2013 Dates
to Know flyer at the Children’s Welcome Desk.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS MINISTRY
FIRST IMPRESSIONS CONGREGATION PARTICIPATION
#youhadmeathello- Gifts from God
Each Sunday everyone who enters the doors of First UMC Rockwall is a gift from God.
Our members, regular attenders, and visitors. God set into action the desire to worship Him that day and to share that
experience with others. How lucky that people respond to His call on Sundays. So the next time you say hi to someone at
church remember that person is a gift from God. Enjoy these wonderful gifts on Sunday.
Help to create an atmosphere of worship that honors God and the gifts He sends us each Sunday. Be a part of the Ministry in
your own way so that everyone walks away from First UMC Rockwall saying-"Wow, they had me at hello!” That church is
being the church that God is asking us to be.
Thank you to the UMW from The Genesis Center
Words cannot express how thankful we are to the women of UMW at First United Methodist Church of Rockwall for the generous
monetary donation! Each of you has shown a spirit of love and compassion for the women at The Genesis Center. We are so amazed and
humbled by your goodness to us!
This gift of love will be used to purchase a Whirlpool washer and dryer for the women and children. It will be a blessing to them for
years to come and once again we appreciate all that you do for the Genesis Center. We pray that God richly blesses each of you and your
families!
“Give, and it shall be given unto you;…” Luke 6:38
Sincerely,
Pastor Nancy Schoenel
HELP! ! ! !
JE Wilson Class is again sponsoring a garage sale to benefit the Methodist Children’s Home. We are in need of some wonderful items to place
in the sale. All members, please contact family, friends, or neighbors that could donate to a wonderful cause. The sale will be held at the
Buttgen's home on Oct 10-12. Please contact Claude or Tish Prewitt at 972-564-6111 for additional information.
MISSION & MINISTRIES
Congregational Concerns and Joys
We offer prayers of sympathy for the following families:
Katrina Culberson and family upon the death of her brother Colton
Peggy Westmoreland and family upon the death of her husband, Harold Westmoreland
We celebrate the joy of baptism
Landri Grace Hamilton, daughter of Todd & Danna Hamilton
Linden Emory Lee Lock, daughter of Jonathan & Cynthia Lock
Ryder Manning French, son of Dave & Ivy French
Luke Douglas Hawkins, son of James Douglas Hawkins & Tami Lee Hawkins
Michelle Henley
Oliver and Lucas Henley, sons of Michelle and AJ Henley
Joshua Bernier, nephew of Michelle and AJ Henley
Burke Kekoa Mata, son, and Kai Manawalea, Zoe Manaoio and Leila Manaolana, daughters of Troy & Lisa Mata
Ainsley and Brynley Hergert, daughters of Kody & Adrienne Hergert
Giuliana Maureen Celis, daughter of Pablo and Christen Celis
YoWo Small Group
(Young Women 20 something +)
It's a small group where you can make new friends, laugh, study, eat, laugh, learn, hang out together, laugh, pray. We meet
the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm.
Come join us! Bring friends!
Contact Cathy McCallum 214-505-3027 (athycay@aol.com) or Shirley 469-644-2259 (sawomack79@gmail.com) Like
YoungWomenFumc on FB for more info.
Save the Date- Get Plugged In!
Plugged In Luncheon- Sunday, Sept. 8th
Are you a new member? Are you a regular attender or a visitor? Are you a long time member? Have you been wanting to
get to know the staff, enjoy lunch, and see if or where you might want to plug in to the programs and ministries at First UMC
Rockwall? Then this lunch is for you! Join us after the 11:00 services in the Multi Purpose rooms for lunch and some
"hanging out" time with the staff.
Please contact the church office if you are interested in attending. Hope you can join us.
THE 17TH ANNUAL 2x4 SUNDAY ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2013
Please stop by the “2x4 Sunday” tables set up in the Narthex on September 22 nd for our 17th Annual fundraiser for Rockwall Area Habitat for Humanity. This fundraiser is sponsored by
the Seekers and the J.E.Wilson Sunday School Classes.
These events have raised a total of over $55,000 the previous 16 years.
Come in, put a Bible verse on a 2x4, write a word of encouragement, or just sign a 2x4 that will go into a house that Rockwall
Habitat will build for a deserving family.
We will also have coffee, sweets and juice for purchase. So, come see us on September 22 nd, and bring your checkbook, purse,
billfold or piggy bank. We appreciate your support!
Automatic Bank Draft
The form to complete for Automatic Bank Draft is available now in the Main Office in the “forms rack”. With the form you will be
able to set up weekly, twice a month and monthly gifts to the Stewardship Fund, Building Fund or both. If you wish, you may also set
up debiting through your bank if you use electronic banking. The form is also be available through the website
(www.fumcrockwall.com). If you have any questions, call the office to speak to Greg or Jackie.
MISSION & MINISTRIES
Staff Updates
Rev. Beth LaBella-Foster left our staff effective August 18, 2013. Beth, Greg and Elise are relocating to the Washington
D.C. area. Beth has served us as Associate Pastor since June, 2010. Beth has been the preacher of our Open Door Worship
Service, guided our Adult Education and pastoral care. We wish Beth continued ministry in her new setting.
Bonnie Klein is retiring after twenty years of service on our staff as Finance Manager. Bonnie has served under three
pastors and has been responsible for contributions, payroll, all budget expenditures and offerings. Bonnie was honored on
Sunday, August 25th.
Jackie Metzger will become our new Finance Manager effective September 1, 2013. Jackie has served on our Administrative
Staff and will continue in this new role.
Jenna Morrison will become our new Associate Pastor on September 22, 2013. Jenna will be the preacher of our Open
Door Worship Service and assume general ministry areas of pastoral care and adult education. Jenna is a senior at Perkins
School of Theology and is a certified candidate in the elder track for ordination in the United Methodist Church. Welcome
Jenna!
PRAYER MINISTRY...
" We believe that prayer can and does change us and our circumstances. The Prayer Ministry is always open and welcoming to
anyone who would join them in silent or audible prayer. The prayer hour on Thursday morning at 9:00 includes prayer for
those in our church family with specific requests, our community, nation and global issues. There is a printed prayer agenda
that is updated each week for each person in the group. Come visit us and experience the power of prayer."
CHURCH ATTENDANCE 2013
Date
8:15
9:30
11:00
Open
Door
Total
Yr.
Yr.
Ago
May 19, 2013
105
187
524
93
909
938
May 26, 2013
112
189
346
92
739
888
June 2, 2013
110
214
445
92
865
682
June 9, 2013
106
121
343
93
663
802
June 16, 2013
98
183
347
79
750*
June 23, 2013
98
186
361
99
744
754
June 30, 2013
112
165
454
104
835
807
July 7, 2013
95
203
374
95
767
935
July 14, 2013
124
174
382
85
765
845
July 21, 2013
115
195
370
88
791*
July 28, 2013
98
124
430
84
736
814
August 4, 2013
95
208
442
98
843
767
August 11, 2013
110
202
508
99
990*
August 18, 2013
89
193
431
155
868
848 *Youth Choir Trip 43
768 *Bastrop Mission Trip 23
908 *Mystery Trip 71
788
It's that time again!
Bazaar workshops start up again on Thursdays, at 9:00 a.m. in the R.O.C.K., Building A, second floor. Bring your ideas,
projects, or simply a desire to help. No special talents are needed –– just drop in for the fun, fellowship, and food! For
questions contact Susan Bernal at 972-772-9476 or k.s.bernal@sbcglobal.net.
MISSION & MINISTRIES
Building Committee Update
An all church information/question and answer session was held on Sunday, July 28, 2013. The following information was
shared: 380 pledges totaling $3,799,461.82 have been received.
To date: $629,302.93 has been received.
A potential construction budget of $5,000,000 has been proposed. A possible loan of $1,000,000 will be needed.
Extra principal payments can be used so there is not a budget impact.
The priorities of construction are:
1. Sanctuary and code/utility mandates
2. Additional parking per code
3. Relocation of Open Door Worship service
A charge conference will be held as soon as possible to vote before the project will move to contracts and actual
construction.
Now the work has moved from theoretical and probable to factual. We will always leave room for God to surprise us as
we move through this journey. Continue to pray for our church, the building committee, architect and contractors as we seek
God’s guidance and will for our next steps.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES HAVE NAME CHANGE
There has been a name change for the “Sunday School” classes. They will now be called Sunday Morning Studies. There
has also been a name change in the Adult Education Committee. It is now the Adult Life Ministries Committee. The Adult
Life Ministries Committee needs people interested in helping in several areas. If you are willing to help, please contact Gloria
Bishop.
Wesley Arts Lecture Series: There are programs 3 times a year, each of which needs some people to help with ticket sales.
We need help in coordinating people to sell tickets in the MP rooms 2 Sundays prior to the event. Several volunteers would be
great to contact people to sell in shifts.
Senior Ministry: People interested in helping develop some programs for seniors, as well Sail Setters.
Sunday Morning Studies (formerly Sunday School): We need someone to be in touch with the classes to see if service
projects one class might be planning could be offered to other classes as joint efforts; develop fellowship among the classes
ideas would be appreciated.
Small Interest Groups: We need some people to help Donna Hamil to survey and develop possible periodic groups, such as
something for parents of pre-teens or elementary children ....challenges, questions. These would not be on going, but designed
to help parents with questions and information as needed.
If you have any questions, please contact Gloria Bishop - Adult Ministries Committee Chair .
For Information Please Call
First United Methodist Church
972-771-5500
or
Our Stephen Ministry
Referral Coordinator
214-284-4492
A One on One Care Giving Ministry
Coffee & Fellowship
Donuts & Coffee
A place to meet new people, catch up with friends, find out
about mission, ministries & programs!
Bldg. A, Multi-Purpose Rooms-Before and After Worship
Services
Open Door Worship
CurrentConnectedCommitted
Rev. Christina Hildebrand, preaching, Sunday, September 1st
Katrina Culberson, preaching, Sunday, September 8th & 15th
11:00a.m, ECCEB—2nd Floor
Eliizabeth Cameron Christian Education Building
MISSION & MINISTRIES
New partnership: Nexus Women’s Recovery Center
The Nexus Recovery Center is in need of the following items: toothpaste, deodorant, skin lotions, shampoos, conditioners,
hair bands, combs, tampons, journals, crayons, pens, soaps, body wash, clean and folded clothes, and gently used tennis
shoes. Watch for the Blue Barrel….collection Sunday is September 15 th…..idea…all those hotel/motel soaps and shampoo you
collected on vacation, consider donating them to the Nexus Center.
Shoes for Kids: August 3, 2013
Wow! The twelfth year of Shoes for Kids was tremendous. 1,247 children received shoes, socks, toothpaste, backpacks, prayer,
and love! 179 immunizations were given to 67 children. The surprise of the day, 2 hairstylists worked feverishly and provided
71 haircuts in four hours! 105 volunteers served the day of the event.
Sunday School Class Competition Winners:
1. Fellowship Class (Shine Day is September 8th)
2. Becomers Class
3. Pathfinders Class
Turkey Basket Program returns for 2013! Watch for details in November!
Methodist Children’s Home Christmas Mission returns for 2013! Watch for details in November!
Summer School Supply Drive: New for 2013
Our Mission Committee is sponsoring a Back to School Supply Drive for 2013. It will be a new effort as we will be collecting
supplies to stock a “supply bank” at Dobbs Elementary School, our neighborhood school.
Project Transformation Interns: Tracie Shippy and Emily Sears
First UMC Rockwall was well represented at Project Transformation this Summer. Tracie and Emily were assigned to two
centers for children’s ministries, literacy programs, and day camp activities. Way to go girls!
Adult Trip to UMCOR Depot, Baldwin, LA, October 20-25, 2013
Spend a week in beautiful Louisiana! The UMCOR Depot is one of two depots in America that ship emergency response
packets to disaster sites around the world. The week is spent packaging and prepping containers for shipment. Meals, dorms
and local excursions to Avery Island (the home of Tabasco) and other interesting adventures. Space is available but filling!
Contact Ruth Sears at rsears@fumcrockwall.com for more information.
Drop-a-Dollar….What’s “Drop-a-Dollar?”
Every $1.00 bill dropped into the offering plate is automatically designated for the Mission Committee’s work throughout the
year. Grants have been made to UMCOR following tornadoes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes; missionaries have been assisted
in ministry costs; Project Transformation Interns have been supported; grants have been given to Helping Hands and others!
Remember, only $1.00 bills go to this effort…drop-a-dollar and make a difference! August: October trip to UMCOR
Depot; September: Kairos
Community Garden Updates
As of press time, 1,000 pounds of fresh produce have been distributed to needy families in Rockwall through our Community
Garden! Contact Jerry Rubush jerry.rubush@att.net for more information. You can also just show up on a Saturday morning,
usually about 8:00am to help with weeding, harvesting and soil work. Come join the Garden!
‘Tis the Season Bazaar: November 32 2013: Save the Date
Over $16,000 is raised for Mission programs and agencies through the ‘Tis the season Bazaar! Join the Crafting Group, each
Thursday at 9:00 a.m., Bldg A or come and shop in November!!!!
Recent Mission Committee Grants:
Mission Together (Eva Englert), Boston
Missionaries to Guatemala (Mitchell Blom)
Missionaries to Costa Rica (Diana Blom)
Missionaries to Trinidad (Paige and Zachary Taylor)
Lone Star CASA of Rockwall County
Wesley Rankin Community Center in Dallas
Upcoming Mission Opportunities:
Adult Mission Trip to UMCOR Depot, Baldwin, Louisiana October 20-25, 2013, and “Skills for Christ”
FINANCIAL NEWS
First United Methodist Church of Rockwall, Texas
Income and Expense Comparison, This Year to Last
As of 08/13/2013
Income/Expense
Income
YTD 2013
Building Use
Giving
Total Income
YTD 2012
$32,659.16
$32,968.56
$1,076,788.10 $1,039,757.64
$1,109,447.26 $1,072,726.20
$ Change
% Change
-$309.40
$37,030.46
$36,721.06
-0.9%
3.6%
3.4%
Expense
Conference
Expense
Ministries &
Programs
SPRC
Office Administration
Trustees
Total Expense
Net Income
$118,578.16
$118,236.57
$341.59
0.3%
$89,926.47
$528,343.41
$85,308.24
$479,256.80
$4,618.23
$49,086.61
5.4%
10.2%
$33,706.25
$33,011.73
$444,805.74
$448,421.28
$1,215,360.03 $1,164,234.62
-$105,912.77
-$91,508.42
$694.52
-$3,615.54
$51,125.41
-$14,404.35
2.1%
-0.8%
4.4%
-15.7%
First United Methodist Church of Rockwall, Texas
Income and Expense, Budget vs. Actual
As of 08/13/2013
Income/Expense
Income
YTD 2013
Building Use
Giving
Total Income
Budget
$32,659.16
$48,666.24
$1,076,788.10 $1,960,726.06
$1,109,447.26 $2,009,392.30
$ Remaining
% of Budget
-$16,007.08
-$883,937.96
-$899,945.04
67.1%
54.9%
55.2%
Expense
Conference
Expense
Ministries &
Programs
SPRC
Office Administration
Trustees
Total Expense
Net Income
$118,578.16
$170,504.00
-$51,925.84
69.5%
$89,926.47
$528,343.41
$149,828.00
$906,640.30
-$59,901.53
-$378,296.89
60.0%
58.3%
$33,706.25
$52,640.00
$444,805.74
$729,780.00
$1,215,360.03 $2,009,392.30
-$105,912.77
$0.00
-$18,933.75
-$284,974.26
-$794,032.27
-$105,912.77
64.0%
61.0%
60.5%
61.5% of Year
Elapsed
If you have questions about the finances of First United Methodist Church please contact Paul Bruemmer at
paul5849@yahoo.com or Greg Humphries at ghumphries@fumcrockwall.com.
FALL ADULT MISSION TRIP-BALDWIN, LOUISIANA
October 20-25, 2013
Deadline: $50 deposit due now!
Total Cost—$250
For more information: Contact Ruth Sears, 972-771-5500 or rsears@fumcrockwall.com
LIBRARY NEWS
Beth Urban, Librarian
Our churc has a great library! The work done by Beverly Skalberg and Nina Hartwig has been wonderful. I hope that I can follow in their footsteps
and keep the library enjoyable for you.
There are many fine donations (thank you all so much) as well as purchases. In June we added 3 series to our fiction
collection. They are by Wanda Brunstetter, Colleen Coble and Tracie Peterson. There is also a new book by Karen
Kingsbury, as well a non-fiction by Craig Groeche. These books are on the NEW BOOK table. Come by and look for a
book for your particular needs.
ALTAR FLOWERS
Please remember that you can invite your church family to celebrate a special event with you by sponsoring a floral bouquet
on any given Sunday. The cost is $30 and all you need to do is contact Jennifer Potter at 972-771-5500 to sign up or e-mail
jpotter@fumcrockwall.com. The flowers really help to enhance the worship service, so please sign up so we can all celebrate
with you. You are welcome to take your flowers home following the 11:00am service.
NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE - September 17, 2013
SEND INFORMATION TO: e-letter@fumcrockwall.com