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The Church at Work e-zine (electronic magazine) is designed to give you a glimpse into the stories being lived out through the ministries of First United Methodist Church Grapevine. Lives are being touched and changed

forever, and we want you to hear the story.

4 Blessed to Serve

8 And the Floods Came...

10 Who is “WE”?

14 Suddenly Single

16 CONNECTing God’s Grace

20 The View from Heritage Hill

22 Justice For Our Neighbors

25 Mission Central

27 Why Worship?

29 A Look Ahead14

If you have feedback about the e-zine or a story to tell, please contact:

Dr. Cindy Ryancindyr@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x222

or Melissia Mason

melissiam@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x109

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The Church at Work || 3

Blessed to Serve

By Addie Schmitz

4 || The Church at Work

Every summer, hundreds of the church’s youth and tweens join together to serve

on three summer mission trips. Every summer, they pay money to give up a

week of their summer to work in the heat for other people. Every summer, they come

home with countless memories and friendships. And every summer, God works

through these youth in unimaginable ways. This summer was no exception.

On June 10, 87 senior high youth set out to Springfield, Missouri for a

seven-day mission trip with First Methodist of Watauga. Their projects included building wheelchair ramps, house clean-ups, and painting.

“By being representatives of God while working on every site, we were able to show so many people what it means to be Christian and give to others what God truly wants us to give. I know our particular client was touched by our actions and was very grateful for what we all were able to do,” said graduate and CTCYM* rookie Jacob Jonas. “I believe

that the younger kids on the trip were able to grow from being around some of the older students and learning from their examples of how to act and work for God. These learning experiences will spread through the rest of their lives.”

In early July, 13 fourth and fifth grade tweens and six adult volunteers

attended the Group “Week of Hope” Preteen Mission Trip in Austin, TX. The kids worked as reading and math tutors, did grounds-keeping work, and led backyard Bible clubs as well as worshipped through the week’s theme ‘Made In God’s Image.’

* Central Texas Conference Youth Missions The Church at Work || 5

“It was a great mission trip,” said Children’s Pastor Nathan Firmin. “I saw God working with kids that had never been away from home, as their confidence began to grow. I saw God in the way the tutoring kids formed relationships with those they tutored, showing that they were doing more than teaching reading - they were sharing God’s love. Finally, I saw God in the excitement of the new 6th graders who, after getting a taste of the mission life, so look forward to going on construction missions next summer.”

Then, on July 15-20, 39 junior high youth traveled to Paris, TX to join

youth from Genesis United Methodist and First Methodist Georgetown for a week of serving, worship, and fellowship. As the youth learned what it meant to work and live for God’s glory, they too built wheelchair ramps, repaired porches, cleaned up lawns, and completed various other projects.

6 || The Church at Work

Going into the week as the trip’s photographer, a part of me was disappointed that I wasn’t going to be a part of a work team. But God blessed me so much with the chance to visit every worksite every day. I got to know every team and client, see every project progress, and see God do big things on every single site. I was so proud of each volunteer and youth on this trip because at the end of the week, the community of Paris knew God’s love a little more because of this group.

And isn’t that the beauty of mission trips? We pay to do this because there is truly nothing like being a blessing to a community and in turn, being blessed in incredible ways. Even after seven mission trips and graduating, I still can’t picture my summers without a CTCYM trip and plan on participating on many more in the future. There aren’t enough words to describe the joy trips like these bring to my heart.

“ We pay to do this because there is truly nothing

like being a blessing to a community.”

Director of Youth Ministries, Jenny Davidson, reflects, “One of the most

exciting things for me this past summer, was to see so many of our graduates come back to serve as adult leaders on our mission trips. It was fun to see them grow from participant to leader. I believe that this shows the impact that CTCYM has on our students. We also had many adults volunteer who didn’t even have youth-age students on the trip. Their children have graduated but the impact that these trips have on adults and youth alike is life-changing. They keep coming back for more!” •

Addison Schmitz has been a member of FUMCG since 1998. She has grown up through the church and now studies Youth and Family Ministry at Abilene Christian University. She was very active in the Youth group, serving on the Youth Leadership Team and the Central Texas Conference Youth in Mission Advisory Board. She attended six CTCYM mission trips and the 2011 Costa Rica youth mission trip. She continues to serve by working in the church nursery, volunteering with Feed Our Kids and Vacation Bible School, and working this past summer as the Children’s Ministry Intern and helping with the Youth Group.

The Church at Work || 7

As people of faith, we are acquainted with floods. From the very first book of the Bible, we’ve been dealing with the problem

of too much water. Genesis 7:11 says, “The fountains of the great deep burst open and the floodgates of the sky were opened and the rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights.”

So, maybe we should not have been surprised in the wee hours of June 12, when our “fountains of the great deep burst open….” A grease clog in the pipes outside our kitchen formed and water backed up, up, up and overflowed through the showers, drains and men’s toilets in the Family Life Center, sending a huge wave of waste water through one nursery room, a youth Sunday School classroom, the Weekend Food room, my office and throughout our entire kitchen.

By Dr. Cindy Ryan

Waste water is evidently not what you want permeating furniture, cabinets, carpets, floors and walls. All the rooms had to be totally redone, including floors, paint, new furniture and more. Our kitchen has been rendered 100% unavailable for use since June.

What has amazed me has been the “can do,” non-complaining attitude of our ministry leaders and staff (with the exception of me—I complained a lot about losing my office for two months). No one used this as an excuse, however, to stop ministries. Almost immediately after the flood, teams began re-grouping and thinking outside of the box about how to do ministry anyway.

Throughout the summer, as guests or people from other churches would come and see our damage, they would ask, “Did you just have to stop everything?” I said,

And the Floods Came...

8 || The Church at Work

“No, we just kept doing everything.” “How?” they would say, astonished. “I don’t know…we just did.”

We had Vacation Bible School in June for hundreds of children. We had our big Feed Our Kids week in July, making 750 lunches a day. We continued serving lunch daily at the Grapevine Village for a month after that. We missed our June Be Our Guest meal but resumed feeding our hungry neighbors in July, August and September. Sunday School and Youth Ministry has continued. Weekend Food will not miss feeding any hungry school children now that school has started.

Teresa Agler, our lead cook for Be Our Guest comments, “We asked our friends at the Senior Activities Center to host the dinner. Their kitchen is limited so we got creative and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs one month. We had pizza the second month and in September we had fried chicken. Our members made side dishes and desserts. As for the new kitchen, we can’t wait! The flood has created an opportunity to improve the kitchen so that we can cook more efficiently. We are hoping to be back in the kitchen and serve around 200 people for Thanksgiving. God is good and always provides.”

Cindy Baldwin, Children’s Coordinator, reflected on Vacation Bible School, “VBS planning was a new adventure every day after the flooding. We changed the plans so many times that on start day we were almost certain we had left something out. When the children arrived on Monday and we had a great week, we knew that God had been with us every step of the way.”

Feed Our Kids was another ministry challenged by the flood. Deb Scheiwe, Feed Our Kids Coordinator, comments, “Our Feed Our Kids Big Week was the best ever. How did we serve lunch each day to that many children without a kitchen? We relied on flexibility and heavy use of our elevator. The Leach Hall kitchen became our prep area. Carts were used to load up food and we made many trips back and forth. Boxes and

bags of food went upstairs and washed fruit, meat and cheese on platters and filled water jugs came down. A corner of the Family Life Center became our makeshift “storage pantry” and we were in business as usual.” In February of 2011, when our church so suddenly lost our Senior Pastor, Ken Diehm, we experienced real loss, real grief, real upendedness. Even that tragedy, with God’s help, did not slow our vision or stop our ministries. This flood, to most of us, was not a tragedy… it was just an inconvenience. We’ve had unimaginable loss and the chaos and sadness that goes with it. A flood? It seems almost easy to handle.

I am proud to be a pastor in a church that doesn’t allow obstacles to hamper ministry. I’m proud we don’t waste time feeling sorry for ourselves. We just keep sloshing through, with God’s help. •

Dr. Cindy Ryan and her husband Robin have been members of FUMCG since 1996. Cindy was on the church staff from 1996 to 2004, then rejoined the staff in 2007. She is responsible for Evangelism and New Members, along with serving as staff liaison for many mission ministries.

The Church at Work || 9

By Sue Schultz

Who is “WE”?

10 || The Church at Work

I remember the February meeting in Cindy Ryan’s office. “Yes! We are definitely on board for Feed our

Kids again this year.” Church staff and volunteers eagerly and excitedly planned and strategized for the coming summer. “The kids love pizza Fridays,” someone remembered. “And Chicken Express. Don’t forget Chicken Express!“

Soon the subject of Grapevine Village came up. We would need back-to-school shoes and necessary supplies. What should we do during the four weeks between Feed Our Kid’s Big Week and back-to-school? A crazy idea was proposed that we feed the kids of Grapevine Village for those four weeks.

Hey! Let’s not go crazy here. Think of the expense. Too many volunteers will be needed. We’ll wear out our volunteers. It could rain. It will definitely be too hot!

But do you know how far off July seems in February? Someone uttered the words, “leap of faith,” and I knew it was a done deal. We were going to feed the kids of Grapevine Village for an additional four weeks.

But who is “WE”?

Sunday after the bi-lingual church service, Adelina, her young sons and I went Sam’s shopping. Adelina

knows what the kids like to eat. “Not many sandwiches, and no PB&J. The kids toss the PB&J. They like to have different food every day. Nachos? Yes. Don’t forget the jalapeños.” Jason wants cheese balls. Mom says, “No.” Santiago wants ranch dressing for the carrots, and recommends that we buy dipping cups. Wish we didn’t have to buy 3,500 of them, but… oh, well. Out comes the calculator. 80 kids times 5 days, times 4 weeks, times bags for cookies, chips, carrots, and sandwiches. Never mind. Just buy a couple of giant boxes of ziplocks. They don’t go bad.

Santiago lights up. “Sue, I saw your son at Wal-Mart. Did he tell you? Did he? Did he tell you that it was my brother’s birthday? Is that the son that went to Oklahoma State University? Does he have a truck?”

Adelina loads $400 worth of groceries into the truck as if she is working a jigsaw puzzle. The boys and I steer clear.

Adelina and the boys shopped every Sunday for four weeks. Terri Lane and I shared the task. Terri is a pro.

The Church at Work || 11

12 || The Church at Work

Monday morning Adela walks from the village to the church in the heat. She pushes a stroller with young Evelyn

and Alyson onboard. Her older boys ride bikes. It’s hot. She joins the other ladies counting, spreading, folding, opening, closing, making, washing and packing. Transportation arrangements are made for Adela and her kids.

Luckily, experienced pros from Feed Our Kids Big Week are working, too. Hugs and smiles and hand signals are exchanged. Some words, but the language is different. Thank goodness for the kids; they translate. Oh, yeah, the kids also get assignments. Soon, they are pros, too.

The truck with food, drinks, toys, books, and supplies pulls up to GRACE. There is already a line of hungry kids. We work together. The older kids pitch in to unload

Sue Schultz and her husband Rick have been members of FUMCG since 1985. They have 3 children and a daughter-in-law. Sue volunteers with Feed Our Kids, Project Swim, Project Repair, Angel Food, Justice For Our Neighbors and Senior High Mission Trip. Rick and Sue also teach 7th and 8th grade Sunday School.

and set up. Strong teenage boys lug the heavy stuff. Two middle school sisters help the moms serve lunch to their friends and neighbors. Up goes the craft table. Oh, the kids love crafts! Often a volunteer from Project Read is present to read stories and distribute books. A group of middle school boys get a ball game going. Too often the balls get stuck in the bricks of the building - always the hard-to-reach bricks.

Terri Lane remembers the day Dale King was trying to make friends with a toddler girl. She’d have nothing to do with him. The next day, the little girl wanted to play with Dale. Soon, Dale asked Terri how you say “bathroom” in Spanish. Terry looked at the group of ladies and said “baño.” It took a minute, but Terri pointed at the toddler, the toddler’s mom gave a startled look and knew what the little girl needed. Dale threw his hands up in the air and said, “I’m not going there.”

So, who are “WE”? We are Hispanic and we are Anglo. We are young and we are not so young. We are those

that have enough and those who could use more. We are working and we are retired. We are school teachers and we are stay-at-home moms. We are moms and we are kids. We are church members and we are not. We are hungry and we are fed. We are serving and we are being served. We are new friends working together on a single task: Feed Our Kids.

They are worth the effort. •

The Church at Work || 13

As I sat down to begin to write this all I could think is, “Where do

I begin and what do I say?” Then it was like I heard God say, “Just tell about your journey.”

It dawned on me - it wasn’t just my journey but our journey. God has been with me all the way! My family and many of you - my church family - have been as well.

On February 19, 2011, our church’s Senior Pastor, Dr. Ken Diehm, became suddenly ill with a brain bleed caused by previously undiagnosed leukemia. He died within hours of his first symptoms, much to the shock of his family and our congregation.

His wife, Kenda Diehm, has continued to be a vital part of our congregation, serving and leading a variety of ministries here. This is her story about how God has provided for her during her grief and even helped turn an unthinkable loss into a new ministry.

Suddenly SingleBy Kenda Diehm

14 || The Church at Work

One of God’s greatest gifts to me (besides His Son and Holy Spirit) is the gift of relationships. All the people

God has brought into my life have made life so awesome. But at times relationships can also make it hard, especially when you lose the very one who you thought would be your partner for the rest of your life.

I can’t imagine how much harder this would have been had it not been for all of you here at First Methodist Grapevine, other Methodist Churches and the greater community. It definitely helped me see the importance of the connectional system. Being connected in Christ to others adds so much more strength and support that otherwise wouldn’t be there.

The outpouring of love has been overwhelming and come so many ways that I could never recount them all. I just thank God and all of you for being there for me and my family. This wasn’t a journey I (or any of us for that matter) would have chosen to be on. However here I was, and so my question to God was, “Where do we go from here?”

As I was wrestling with that question, Cindy Ryan mentioned to me the possibility of starting a widow’s

group. That thought had already been in the back of my mind but I just hadn’t acted on it. Besides, I was afraid to mention it to any of the staff because having lived with Ken so long I knew what that would mean: ”God gave you the idea, not me, so you are in charge.” So having Cindy bring it up first kind of let me off the hook per se.

As I was running later that week the words “Suddenly Single” kept ringing in my ears. It was at that point I knew God was answering, at least in part, my question of “Where do we go from here?”

We have now begun a recently-widowed group and have met a few times. It has

been very helpful just hearing others’ experiences, what they are learning and how God is at work amidst it all.

At some point I hope we can incorporate those who have experienced divorce also. None of us had planned or even imagined when we married that we would find ourselves “suddenly single” - no matter how it happened.

I have learned that even though we may find ourselves single, we are never alone. God is always there to

walk with us on this journey and at times even carry us!

All through my life I’ve adopted various songs as my theme song for that period in my life. Today’s is “He Said” by Group 1 Crew. If you have a chance, get on YouTube and listen to it. I pray it will serve as a reminder to you as it has for me that God is always with us! •

Kenda Diehm has been a member of FUMCG since she and Ken came to pastor here in 2005. She leads two weekly Bible Studies and teaches Youth Sunday School. Kenda volunteers in the Thrift Shop, on local mission days, Feed Our Kids, Weekend Food, Angel Food and went on the Kenya Mission Trip in March 2012. She is also serving on the Kitchen Planning team.

If you or someone you know is interested in Suddenly Single widows group, contact Kenda (817-310-3034) or

Dr. Cindy Ryan (cindyr@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x222).

The Church at Work || 15

The Methodist doctrine states that, “The grace of God is seen by people through the

work of the Holy Spirit in their lives and in their world.” On Saturday, August 11, the work of the Holy Spirit was on display en masse and God’s grace was clearly visible to hundreds.

That Saturday morning, many came to Grapevine High School as the sun was rising to illuminate the beauty of the day.

They were hopeful. They were faithful. They were gracious. They were excited. They were curious. They were relieved. They were weary. They were encouraged. They were cared for. They were noticed. They were asked. They were uplifted. They were warmed by the light of Christ, by His love and grace. They were struggling families. They were school children. They were God’s children…over a thousand of them.

God’s Graceing

By Carolyn Ann Walgren

Connecting student needs with community resources...

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Through the efforts of CONNECT, this first-ever Back-to-School Fair was held for economically-

disadvantaged students in GCISD. For Cindy Ryan and me, this event was a true picture of what we envisioned in forming CONNECT—the community coming together to provide the resources to meet the needs of GCISD students.

We were aware that in the past several years, efforts to provide school supplies to children who couldn’t easily afford them were graciously constructed and received, but not always efficient.

The Women’s Division of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce had always partnered with GRACE to distribute backpacks and school supplies to about 600 students. Churches and organizations held drives for random supplies and would deliver the collections to the counselor at a campus they felt needed them. The counselors would spend hours sorting supplies, identifying kids, responding to requests, and trying to figure out what was available and what was needed.

In our own church in the previous two years, we’ve gathered around a table to brainstorm ways in which to help our Grapevine Village with back-to-school needs. What do they need and how could we find this out? What should we collect and how should we collect it? How should we distribute what we collect? It’s all been a blind effort to do what we thought was needed in the way in which we thought was best.

Connecting student needs with community resources...

The Church at Work || 17

L ike Cindy has taught frequently in her speaking, “What if” we knew exactly which students to serve and what was needed? “What if” we asked those who have donated in the past to donate on a broader scale? “What if” we provided other resources to these families such as school and social services, health exams and information, and gift cards to purchase what wasn’t acquired? “What if” we got a better sense of their struggles so we could help more? “What if” these families had a sense that the district and community supported them in a deliberate, orchestrated effort to educate the whole child?

CONNECT did just that. Almost 3,000 children were identified as economically-disadvantaged and invited to register for the fair. Over 1,052 registered, and that many school supply packs were purchased. Our own Thrift Shop and the Seekers Sunday School class made donations to the Women’s Division to purchase additional supplies.

Those families who didn’t register but came to the fair weren’t turned away but were assisted by GRACE in the days following. Every family received a gift card to Target

or Wal-Mart from our wonderful and always-generous church congregation.

Under that blue tent with our church name so boldly displayed and through you, the hands of Christ touched the lives of 500 families. In addition, so many of our church members volunteered to help at the fair in many ways and seemed to be present at every turn and in every way.

Additionally, our church and especially the Open Door Sunday School Class, pitched in to purchase additional school supplies that became necessary in the days after the fair, as campuses and families were preparing for the start of school. That’s God’s grace; that’s the Holy Spirit; that’s the light of Christ. Don’t you feel it and see it? You certainly exemplify it!

CONNECT’s work isn’t just about the fair and didn’t stop with the fair. We continue to assess the information

received on these students’ needs so we can help them prevent a crisis rather than always responding to one. We’ve

That’s God’s grace; that’s

the Holy Spirit; that’s the

light of Christ. Don’t you feel it and see it? You certainly exemplify it!

18 || The Church at Work

cemented a partnership between GCISD and Big Brothers Big Sisters to provide mentors on every campus and are working to recruit them. We’re looking toward the holidays with the hope of streamlining and simplifying campus efforts through GRACE rather than (again) individual donations and various “Angel Trees.” We’re working on making changes within the district and on campuses to better identify and equip economically-disadvantaged students with tools they need to focus on their education. We’re meeting new people, organizations, and publicizing our work in order to acquire additional resources. We’re working to identify obstacles, assess needs, locate resources and partner with these students, their parents and the community. In our efforts to further connect with and to existing resources and to further similar missions, just last week CONNECT became a program under the umbrella of and supported by donations through the GCISD Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation.

We’re hoping to make a difference. We’re CONNECT-ing every day.

“ Do all the good you can By all the means you can In all the ways you canIn all the places you canTo all the people you can

As long as ever you can.”

This famous quote by John Wesley, founder of Methodism, has been hugely evident to me in the visions

and missions of First Methodist Church Grapevine in the last several years. Many of us have seen and been involved in ministries demonstrating Wesley’s philosophies. Wouldn’t he be proud to see our work, over 300 years after he began it!

One of the three principles of Wesley’s teaching that formed the Methodist tradition, according to About.com, was to “perform kind acts as much as possible.” You have, fellow First Methodist members. I’m proud to be one of you.

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, though Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV) •

Carolyn Ann Walgren and her husband Mark have been members of FUMCG since 2007. She was instrumental in the development of the Be Our Guest neighborhood meals and has volunteered with Feed Our Kids, the Funeral Reception Team and Never Go Hungry casserole ministry. Her latest project has been to found and manage CONNECT.

For more information about CONNECT, go to www.connectgcisd.org.

The Church at Work || 19

The View from Heritage Hill

We have welcomed Elyse Hahne to the Heritage Campus Children’s Ministry! Elyse has been busy at work, creating a custom-made approach to learning specific to the Heritage Campus and K-5. Please join her and the Sunday School Staff at 9:30 AM each Sunday.

Elyse received a Bachelor of Behavioral Science in education and special education in May 2011 from Hardin Simmons University. Graduating Magna Cum Laude, she was on both the Dean’s List and President’s List.

“It is with great pleasure and excitement that I integrate my teaching knowledge and experience into the Children’s

Heritage Go-CenterThe Heritage Campus Go-Center is now open for the Fall Semester! This location offers free tutoring and career, college and life-planning services to Colleyville Heritage Students on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:30 PM.

Great News for Kids & Families!Ministry,” Hahne said. “Teaching children Bible basics, parables and verses provides a solid Godly experience to build a lifetime of worship. I’m looking forward to seeing your children, preschool-aged through fifth grade, at 9:30 AM in Sunday School at the Heritage Campus!”

Join us not only welcoming Elyse as an addition to Heritage Campus Children’s Ministries, but as a continued assistant and tutor at the Heritage Campus Go-Center.

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Wednesday Night YouthCome join Heritage Youth Coordintaor Payton Carter in the totally AWESOME youth experience every Wednesday night at the Heritage Campus from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. If you are in grades 6-12, come take a break in your week with God! Reconnect with Him through intense games, passionate worship and a relevant message. Bring a friend and collect 100 points toward the 2,000 point goal needed to have Payton shave his head - which may happen as early as November. So, we’ll see you AND A FRIEND there!

New P layground Ordered!The equipment has been ordered and the plans are underway – the new Heritage Campus playground is moving forward! To help fund the efforts, two fundraisers are planned over the next few months. The Heritage Youth will be hosting a car wash on Sunday, October 7. And all FUMCG children and youth are invited to join in a Fun Run Fundraiser on Sunday, November 4. Details are being ironed out now, so look for more information coming soon in E-News and on the web! •

Youth Band members Hannah Henderson, Matt Rosenblatt, Alyssa Jones, Taylor Quinlan, Hailey Justice and Erin Zapor lead worship

Wednesday Night Youth compete in a modern art contest, creating something unique - just as God created you!

The Heritage Leadership Team has been established as a central location to address Heritage Campus development and growth. The team consists of the following members: Paul Bielss, Rebecca Bielss, Louis Carr, Barbie Deborah, Jim Deborah, Elyse Hahne, Paul Hudson, Sarah Hudson, Hal O’Brien, Joan O’Brien, Carolyn Sims. Questions, ideas and concerns can be addressed to any of these team members.

The Church at Work || 21

It was a tearful reunion. A father, his child, and his wife were together once again after two years. This time it was on American soil.

I watched as Anderson Cooper interviewed Jason Puracal, a United States citizen that was wrongfully accused and incarcerated in Nicaragua. His sister, an attorney, fought tirelessly to bring together resources and support until finally the Nicaraguan justice system looked his case over one more time and released him due to lack of evidence.

The man tried not to break down but as he sat next to his sister and reached over to touch her, he could hardly contain his emotion as he expressed how helpless he had been in that jail cell and knowing that he would still be there had it not been for his sister’s and the other attorney’s time and resources on his case.

U nfortunately, legal services are a luxury to those who cannot afford it. Those

who have family members and friends, like Jason, who are willing to commit to their legal cause for no charge, are blessed. FUMC Grapevine is so blessed.

As of June, Justice for Our Neighbors, a non-profit legal service for immigrants and

their families, has moved into Forbes House. This organization first began through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). The primary goals

of Justice For Our Neighbors are to “provide professional legal services to immigrants for free and help immigrants to reunite their families, secure immigration status, and enjoy the right to work.” The organization also encourages churches to extend radical hospitality by providing places for community gathering and fellowship.

I n 1999, Dallas formed its JFON chapter and began providing legal services to

the communities of Southeast Dallas. As the need quickly grew, legal support was then extended to other North Texas cities.

Mary Beth Garcia is the only staff attorney in the North Texas chapter of JFON. Up until recently, she and her assistant, Catalina Lizalde, were operating out of two separate offices - one in Fort Worth and the other in Dallas. Moving from office to office and shuffling paperwork between the two was not the most efficient use of time. When the opportunity presented itself, the idea was proposed to merge the two sites to a more central location. Thus, the

Justicefor our Neighbors by Mariella Alvarado

22 || The Church at Work

perfect opportunity was created for FUMC Grapevine to step in.

The mission to always provide support to those in need in our community is our Christ call! With the help of volunteers, Justice For Our Neighbors moved to FUMC Grapevine in June.

S ince the move, Mary Beth reports that JFON has added 85 new clients to their

already long list of prior clients.

An additional 40 were introduced once the Deferred Action through the Dream Act was approved by President Obama.

Under the Dream Act, children who have been in the United States for 5 years as of this June, that are at least 14 years of age and in school, have an opportunity to apply for deferred status. Simply stated, this act allows them to study, get a driver’s license, go on to higher education and be productive as they reside here in the United States without being fearful of deportation.

Adults that are 30 years of age or younger as of this June are likewise eligible to apply for deferred action. The requirements include that they not have

any felony convictions and that they have completed High School or are in the process of receiving the equivalency. This act is not a path to citizenship and never will be, but rather a pathway to remain in good legal standing every two years.

Mary Beth and Catalina cannot possibly manage the entire load.

They have some of the most committed volunteers that return year after year as well as those that are just beginning. Some of our members have already jumped right in helping to provide snacks or light lunches during back-to-back appointments and clinics or by helping

Pastor Carlos Carriaga and Rev. Dean Reed show support at Annual Conference this past June.

The Church at Work || 23

clients fill out paperwork before they meet with Mary Beth.

Mary Beth says volunteers like Socorro Garcia “jump right in and do whatever is asked.” Kenda Diehm is another member that has jumped right in. Kenda shares, “Volunteering makes me realize how privileged I am to be on this side of it! With that privilege comes a responsibility to help.”

Mary Beth knows that JFON is providing a priceless service to families that are separated by borders and even Pastors around the world that are persecuted for their faith. Recent success stories include a father who was reunited with his wife and two small children after leaving and waiting in Mexico for half a year for his paperwork to be filed and waived. Another, a Burmese Pastor that was persecuted by the Burmese government for preaching the resurrection of Christ, was granted asylum in the United States through JFON. They are now currently working on bringing his wife to the United States.

Catalina, Mary Beth and Pastor Armando in front of Forbes House

“And now three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Our love in action here at FUMC Grapevine now includes JFON. Keep on spreading the love! •

Mariella Alvarado and her husband Rev. Armando Alvarado came to serve at FUMC Grapevine in 2008. They have three children, and Mariella works as a Counselor at Cross Timbers Middle School. Mariella is a member of United Methodist Women Hispanic Circle, helps lead worship in the bilingual worship service and supports the work of Hispanic Ministries. She volunteers with Bryan’s Buddies, Feed Our Kids, Weekend Food and CONNECT. Mariella is also the chair of the Lay Teaching Committee for our Perkins Intern.

24 || The Church at Work

MISSIONCENTRAL

By Rev. John Mollet

I t was the summer before my senior year in high school when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin left the

lunar module of Apollo 11 and walked on the moon. I have the vivid memory of watching the broadcast in the den of a friend’s house with several members of my church youth group.

We were watching not only the achievement of three astronauts (don’t forget Mike Collins stayed in Apollo 11 while the other two took “one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind”), but also the accomplishment of the ground crew, the engineers, the doctors and all those in mission control.

Walking on the moon was the culmination of several successful missions and one failed one (remember the fire on Apollo I). Without what was learned from those previous missions, the tasks of Apollo 11 would not have been possible.

From mission central they had planned, trained, tested, prepared, enlisted a team and funded the project. What we watched that evening on the black and white television at my friend’s house was the final stage of a long list of events that enabled it to happen.

The Church at Work || 25

S o why all the reminiscing about NASA? A few months ago, the church staff was discussing our

church’s “Villages”; asking ourselves what makes them work and how we can help them work better. It was Rev. Nathan Firmin who said we should consider the work of “Mission Central.”

Mission Central is where we plan, train, enlist and fund the work in our Villages.

Mission Central is where we request, collect and pack the gifts we take to the AIDS orphans in our Kenyan Village.

Mission Central is where we plan the Vacation Bible School that we hold on the town square of our Costa Rican Village.

Mission Central is where the Feed Our Kids food is brought and packed to be delivered to the children of our Grapevine Village.

Mission Central is where we provide the Be Our Guest meal, store the food for Weekend Food, have our blood drives, gather our Blankets of Hope and mats for the homeless. It is where we have

John has served as Senior Pastor of FUMC Grapevine since June of 2011. Read thoughts from John daily on the 10 & 10 blog, which encourages you to read scripture for 10 minutes a day and pray for 10 minutes a day... every day!

www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/10and10

Project Fun, store and distribute the “Never Go Hungry” casseroles, have our Go Center and give from our Benevolence Fund to those in need every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. It is where the plates are passed to fund all of the above.

The list goes on and on, but you get the point. Without Mission Central none of the other missions could take place.

To continue to provide the ministry of our Villages, we must keep the facilities of Mission Central working well and up-to-date, use Mission Central’s worship services and small groups to train our missioners, and give to Mission Central so funds will be available for the work of Christ in our Villages.

Mission Central is the launch pad from which all our missions begin. •

www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/give26 || The Church at Work

Church member Donna Price shared the following anecdote about her daughter listening in worship. Being together in worship is not only important for the individual, but also for families. Our staff have also shared some of the reasons why they prioritize worship. Is worship a priority in your family? Why? Why not?

Just when you think she’s not listening… My 5-yr-old is quite fidgety in church. She always needs a snack, a tissue, a hug, a drink, a crayon, to bug her sister, or to go the bathroom. A few weeks ago John told a story about when he was little and he asked his mom if he could run away from home. Since then, Elliot has asked me, only half jokingly, if she could run away from home. This was our most recent discussion:

“Mommy, can I run away from home?”“Well, I guess so. Will you go far?”“I don’t know, maybe across the street.”“Will you need a lot of things?”“I have my purse and I’ll take some snacks.”“Who will take care of you?”“Well, you could come with me…..?”“Why would you run away from home, if you

wanted me to come, too?”“I think I’ll just go all the way to church?” (which

is 4 blocks from our house)“Oh, yeah? Why there?”“Because there’s always someone there who

wants to take good care of me.”

I guess she’s been listening more than I thought. And I think she’ll be just fine.

~ Donna Price

Even though I believe that God

is with me wherever I am, I still need the Christian

fellowship that worship provides. When I gather with others to

praise God, it soothes my heart and soul like few things do. It makes me feel “right” again.

~ Cheri Rutledge

I worship because I have learned that if I simply place myself where God can reach me, God is always faithful. Worship is a place where I get still and open myself to God’s presence.It also makes me feel connected to our community of faith.

~ Dr. Cindy Ryan

Why Worship?

The Church at Work || 27

The two scriptures that come to mind are John 4:21-24 and Romans 12:1. Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that the time is now for true worship in spirit and truth which is what God seeks. Paul calls on us to offer ourselves, holy and pleasing to God which he says is our spiritual act of worship.

A.W. Tozer - a theologian who wrote extensively on worship and our relationship with God - said, “God wants worshippers before workers; indeed the only acceptable workers are those who have learned the lost art of worship. It is inconceivable that a sovereign and holy God should be so hard up for workers that He would press into service anyone who had been empowered regardless of his moral qualifications. The very stones would praise Him if the need arose and a thousand legions of angels would leap to do His will. Gifts and power for service the Spirit surely desires to impart; but holiness and spiritual worship come first. (That Incredible Christian)

~ Wren Robinson

Worship is important

to me because it’s a time where my family can join with

other families to bring praise to our God.~ Jenny Davidson

My personal mission is to “make a joyful

noise” (or to cause one to be made) wherever I am for God’s

glory. I first learned to “make a joyful noise” by attending and participating in

worship with others.Worship gave me my mission!

~ Rev. Rick Mang

I worship for many reasons: to

glorify God, to give Him praise and thanksgiving, to feel His presence clearly in my soul, for

guidance and joy and peace, to fellowship with the love of my life. A simple definition of worship is to give worth to something….and He is definitely

worth everything.

I worship because the scriptures tell us that we should...

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all

wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your

hearts to God.Colossians 3:16 ESV

~ Lorie Payne

Worship is a time I see God speaking to the family of faith. I know I am not alone.

~ Rev. Nathan Firmin

I am God’s creation. I feel he delights as we bring our worship to him,

grateful for all he has done in and for us. While I can and do worship God outside of a Sunday morning church building experience, I feel bringing glory to God at Sunday morning

worship is more of an offering when I place my presence alongside the hearts and spirits of others.

~ Bev Campisi28 || The Church at Work

A Look Ahead...October

10/6 Fall Into Missions10/7 Communion Sunday - Special Music by Hugworks in Worship10/14 “Oh, the Places We’ll Go!” - Stewardship Sermon / Sunday School Lesson10/21 “Oh, the Places We’ll Go!” - Commitment Sunday10/21 New Sermon Series Begins... Split Ticket: Facing Divisions with Love10/28 Family Mission & Matinée (movie & service project for Operation Christmas Child)

November11/4 Communion Sunday11/10 Giddyup! Gala & Auction at the Austin Ranch11/17-19 Thanksgiving Mini Mission11/22-23 Thanksgiving Holiday

December12/2 Communion Sunday12/7-8 Christmas Camp (for kids)12/9 The 76th Annual Candlelighting12/16 Las Posadas12/20 Traveler’s Service at Heritage (Christmas Eve early... for those who will be traveling)12/23 Regular Worship Schedule12/24 Christmas Eve Worship - NOTE NEW SCHEDULE!

Downtown Campus 4:00 PM - Kid-Friendly Worship (Downtown Sanctuary) 5:30 PM - Traditional Candlelight Worship (Downtown Sanctuary) 7:00 PM - Traditional Candlelight Worship (Downtown Sanctuary) 7:00 PM - Bilingual Candlelight & Communion (Downtown Founders Chapel) 9:00 PM - Traditional Candlelight & Communion (Downtown Sanctuary)

Heritage Campus 6:00 PM - Traditional Candlelight & Communion (Heritage Sanctuary) 8:00 PM - Spanish Candlelight & Communion (Heritage Sanctuary) 12/30 ONE English Service at 10:10 AM (Downtown Sanctuary) ONE Bilingual Service at 11:15 AM (Downtown Founders Chapel)

Watch E-News, Bulletin and website for full details!

The Church at Work || 29

www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/stewardship

First United Methodist Church GrapevineDowntown Campus: 422 Church Street | Grapevine, TX 76051 | 817-481-2559

Heritage Campus: 4344 Heritage Avenue | Grapevine, TX 76051 | 817-571-1111

www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org

This fall our stewardship focus will be “Oh, the Places We’ll Go!” We will look at the places we’ve been, the places we

are, and then look forward to the places we’ll go!

Coming this fall...