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Church News
For the most up-to-date, detailed information about
what's going on at FUMC Fort Worth
How does anyone capture the essence of a transformational experience?
Collectively, our emotions during the trip ran the gambit from A to Z.
It was exhilarating, it was scary, it was beautiful, it was heart-breaking, it was humbling and it was incredibly inspirational...
Read more.
Galactic Blast Vacation Bible School was out of this world!
Once upon a time, 324 children, 86+ adult volunteers, and 70 youth volunteers blasted-off for an out-of-this-world VBS at FUMC Fort Worth! READ MORE
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 UMW Mission Study Overview
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
The United Methodist Women Overview of Mission Studies for 2010-2011 will be held on Tuesday, August 31, from 10:00 am to noon, in Wesley Hall.
Rev. Phyllis McDougal will introduce studies of “The Epistles of John,” and “Mission in the Age of Global Christianity.” Our two-year study of Sudan will continue with a viewing of the documentary film, “A Great Wonder.”
All UMW members and other women of the church are invited to attend.Lunch will be served ($9.00 per person). Please call Johnye Benepe 817/292-1362 for lunch reservations, and Paula Wagstaff 817/546-4414 for nursery reservations.
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FUMC's First Street Methodist Mission launches new website
Children’s Ministry Announcement:
Cynthia McElrath to retire, Mark Burrows named as her successor
Dr. Bruster announced on Sunday, May 23 that Cynthia McElrath, our Director of Children’s Ministries, has decided to retire at the end of January 2011. Mark Burrows, our current Director of Music Ministries, will become the Director of Children’s Ministries upon her retirement.
 Great Day of Service 2010Despite the threat of thunderstorms and heavy rain, the Great Day of Service on May 15th went off with nary a hitch. Our day began with a communion service in the Sanctuary at El Buen Samaritano... Read More
 FUMC Columbarium: Bringing the past and present together- in body and spirit
On Sunday, May 16, the new FUMC Columbarium was consecrated and dedicated during a brief service following the 11:00 a.m. worship service.
There has been a long standing request for FUMC to offer this to its members. Not only will this ministry satisfy the need for Christian burial, but it will bring the past and present together- in body and spirit. Those who have come before us are once again part of the church community, celebrating with us at Christmas, Easter, Weddings or weekly Sabbath.
The Columbarium includes a prayer garden, a water feature donated by the UMW Wesleyan Circle, and “Christ Rising”, a beautiful statue by Frederick Hart, that was donated by Dwayne Jose and Daphne Motheral-Jose. Read more...
Creative Couples' Class : 35 Years and Counting
On Sunday, February 7, 2010, the Creative Couples Class celebrated 35 years of fellowship with an anniversary reunion and homecoming. Almost all of the current members were in attendance (21) to welcome familiar faces and long time friends, for a total attendance of 46. Former members came from Arlington, Desoto, Grandview, Colleyville, Grand Prairie, Euless, and as far away as Englewood, Colorado.
Everyone reminisced with old photographs, scrapbooks, class newsletters, and favorite stories of class socials and their families growing within this close Christian fellowship. The class was organized with the help of Rev. Lewis Sommermeyer over the summer of 1974, with nine couples chartering the class on February 9, 1975. Two of the charter member couples, John & Mary McCrea and Neil & Ranella Franklin, attended.
Church's New Security System
Many of you may have noticed the keypads at our exterior doors. They are part of the security system that FUMC and the Preschool partnered to have installed in the main building. As a downtown church, we strive to have our doors open and place ourselves in a position to help those in need. Our open door policy is important because it allows us to be accessible to those who are seeking help.
Click here to read the rest of this article.
 FUMC member Speaker Jim Wright shares his thoughts on giving
“I think the strongest church is one in which everyone participates,” he said. “The healthiest climate for a church is one where everyone is giving what he or she thinks is an appropriate amount.”
– Speaker Jim Wright
SPRC announces Clergy Renewal Leave for Dr. Bruster
 Recognizing that clergy renewal is very important not only for clergy, but for the congregation as well, the Staff Parish Relations Committee of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth adopted a sabbatical program for the Senior Pastor in 2003.
The summer of 2008 was the scheduled time for the sabbatical or renewal leave (every five years). Because of General and Jurisdictional Conferences, leading the Central Texas Conference Delegation and the year-long process of candidacy for the episcopacy, it was not possible to take the sabbatical that year nor did it seem appropriate to take the sabbatical in 2009. The main part of Dr. Bruster’s renewal leave will take place June 10th through September 6th. Since some of that time will be vacation time, additional events and retreats in preparation for the main part of the leave will take place throughout the January through May time frame.
“The members of SPRC and I are very excited for Tim as he prepares for his clergy renewal leave. This will be a time of growth and renewal, both for Tim and for our congregation,” Mark Nurdin, Chairman of FUMC’s Staff Parish Relations Committee said.
The word sabbatical has its roots in the biblical concept of Sabbath (“to rest” or “to cease”). Sabbath keeping is setting aside time that God consecrates and makes holy. This sabbatical leave is a time for Dr. Bruster to shift gears in order to rest, study, reflect, and travel in order to return to minister among us refreshed and renewed in body, mind, and spirit. It will serve as a time for him to receive spiritual nourishment and a change in perspective, to deepen his relationship with God, himself, and his family - a season of spiritual growth. This special time will also be a season of growth for the entire congregation.
According to the Alban Institute in its book Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide to Sabbatical Planning by Richard Bullock and Richard J. Bruesehoff a clergy renewal leave, or sabbatical, should have a balance of four components: 1) spiritual renewal, 2) physical rest and refreshment, 3) emotional recharging and 4) intellectual stimulation
The Alban Institute is an ecumenical, interfaith organization that was founded in 1974. The Institute is an independent center of learning and leadership development with a focus on congregations. It is a not-for-profit, membership organization that develops and shares knowledge through consulting, publishing, research, and education programs. The mission of the Alban Institute is to build up congregations and their leaders to be agents of grace and transformation to shape and heal the world.
As we move closer to Dr. Bruster’s clergy renewal leave, we will share the details of the preaching schedule with the congregation, as well as, some of the details of Dr. Bruster’s plans while on leave. As a congregation, we are so blessed to have lay leaders who are on the cutting edge of finding and utilizing ways to ensure our Senior Pastor has time for his own spiritual renewal.
Going out to be God’s people in the world – this is the essence of ministry at First United Methodist Church. Within our walls and outside our walls, First United Methodist Church is committed to living out our faith in a ministry of service and love as exemplified in Jesus Christ.
We have prepared a survey for our church members and visitors. Your answers to the questions in the survey will help us help you find your place in the ministry areas that fit your God given talents.
In addition to the lay ministry survey, we have created a new ministry catalog that outlines the many ministries of our church. We hope that this catalog will help you find your place here at FUMC and lay the ground work to help you go out and be one of God’s people in the world. If you would like a copy of the new catalog - you can pick up a copy at the church or email us and we will mail you one.Send me a catalog (
please include your mailing address)
Our desire at First United Methodist Church is to empower and enable you to grow in every aspect of your life. The church is committed to provide worship experiences, study opportunities and service opportunities to help you grow closer to God.
Carpenters ministry seeks volunteers
As members of the Methodist Church we take vows to support the Church through our time, our talents, our gifts, service and witness. A way to support the church with your time, talent and service is to be a Carpenter. The Carpenter’s group does minor but important repair work around the Church. There are many small jobs that can be performed by members of the congregation saving the Church many thousands of dollars and keeping the beautiful building in good repair. Such repairs are fixing a latch on a window, painting hand rails, removing weeds and vines from flower beds, caulk windows, mounting fire extinguishers, organize closets and many more.
If you would like to join this group, fill out the volunteer survey indicating you are interested in the Carpenter group or contact Byron Baird at 817/294-5490 or email. He will be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Podcasting
If you are interested in listening to Dr. Bruster's sermons online
or if you would like to subscribe to his podcast click here.
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