The Window 07.01 2014Our mission is to create a grace-filled environment in which Christ transforms lives!

A Publication of First United Methodist Church 1411 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401 806.763-4607 www.fumc.com

Parents, grandparents, and other awesome adults who love kids...We need your help volunteering!

Online registration is available now through July 20th at www.fumckids.com/vbs. We are inviting Bayless students, so register now to save your spot.

This year for VBS we are learning what God says and how to do it. By taking in the truths that Jesus taught about and then living by them, we’re living inside out. We will have rockin’ worship, fun and engaging Bible lessons, creative games and crafts, yummy snacks, and meaningful missions projects. It is going to be a BLAST! 

VBS 2014 JULY 28 - AUGUST 19 a.m. - NoonNew Preschool Class: 2s-PreKCurrent Kindergarteners-5th graders

As of Annual Conference, June 10-12, the clergy appointed to serve this church continues to be Rev. Bailey Barkley (now beginning year three), Rev. Shera Atkinson (began year six, Jan. 1st), and myself (now begin-ning year five). Rev. Keith Wiseman is clergy on our staff but not as an appointment since he is retired, and Keith is in year nineteen on this staff!

We are also blessed with Profes-sional Ministry Staff, Administra-tive Staff and Support Staff. Those positions are ongoing, whereas clergy roles are revisited every year by the Bishop and Cabinet. When you get a chance, encourage our Staff with a high five and a thank you! I am blessed to serve with you all!

Pastor Craig

We have decided to move to a more versatile database for how we handle and use our membership data. The new system, Christian Community Builder (CCB), allows us to convert our current data into the new database readily, and then make use of that data in very practical ways.

The needs for a modern and usable system date back almost six years ago. Last year a couple of ad hoc committees reviewing the needs in our Children’s and Youth ministries decided that secure check in and improved communication was a must. Their study and recommendations came to our Executive Staff Team and on to the Trustees. The Trustees agreed to use Ever Living Church Trust proceeds to fund the structural and hardware costs.

One of the primary uses will be in the form of secure check in for our children and youth. Stations will be positioned in practical locations for parents of children to check in their child using a touch screen system that generates labels for the child and the parents. Similar uses in the youth department help us handle youth attendance. Communication with parents in both departments will be enhanced by this new system.

Other benefits of this system are how it will allow groups and committees to communi-cate with each other, how it will assist in giving and tracking giving, how it allows for real time attendance, and its user friendly, online format and training. The plan is to have the changes in place by the beginning of the fall of this year, and it will be good to see a long but healthy process come to its practical stage.

Pastor Craig

Welcome Back Clergy Big Decision, Long in Coming

Rev. Bailey Barkley

Dr. Keith WisemanDr. Shera Atkinson

Dr. Craig Curry

First United Methodist Church of Lubbock

A Publication of First United Methodist Church 1411 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401 806.763-4607 www.fumc.com

MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS MAY - June 2014

GREATER THINGS MINISTRY• In memory of Irene Debnam by Delbert Debnam

EVERLIVING CHURCH TRUST• In memory of Bob Lile by Robert and Paula Brashear• In memory of Bob Lile and Laura McMillan by Jim and Betty Lowder• In memory of Tommy Townsend by Tom and Lindy Jones• In memory of Tommy Townsend by Nancy Margo Carpen-ter• In memory of Russell Gras by William and Romayne Ewan• In memory of J. Davis Armistead by Mr. and Mrs. Kevin McMahon• In memory of J. Davis Armistead by Joe and Pam Murfee• In memory of J. Davis Armistead by C.R. and Virginia Hutcheson• In memory of J. Davis Armistead by Jim and Wanda White• In memory of J. Davis Armistead by Don E. McInturff• In memory of George Hensley by Peggy Boyd, Rick Boyd and Phyllis Clark• In memory of George W. Hensley by Killion Law Firm PC• In memory of George W. Hensley by Claud P. and Jan Elsom, III• In memory of George W. Hensley by Don E. McInturff• In memory of George Hensley by C.G. and Rosemary Dodd, Jr.• In memory of George Hensley by Dialogs Apps, Inc. Dallas, TX • In honor of Dub Harris by the Homebuilders Sunday School Class• In honor of Cindy Harendt’s birthday by Mary Sheridan• In celebration of First United Methodist Church by Dr. and Mrs. Baird Helfrich• In honor of Barbara Tarro, Nancy Wiseman and Martha Webster by the H.I. Robinson Sunday School Class• In honor of the rainfall for our members that farm and ranch: Carl and Linda Andersen, Mickey and Becky Hammonds, Gary and Virginia Evitt, and Harold Bob and Ruth Bennett by Tom and Susan Clark• In honor of Wes Tolley and Keith Rogers by Richard and Billie Tolley

SECOND HELPINGS• In memory of Tommy Townsend by Bruckner’s Truck Sales, Inc. Amarillo, TX• In memory of Tommy Townsend by Terry Jane Wolf• In memory of Tommy Townsend by Gary and Juanice Young• In memory of Tommy Townsend by Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Zahn• In memory of Tommy Townsend by Gailia Tate• In memory of Tommy Townsend by Kelly and Kirstie Sher-man, Debbie and Hope Sherman and Joan Womack• In memory of Tommy Townsend by the McMillan Sunday School class• In memory of Tommy Townsend by Richard Salinas and Nancy L. Herrmann• In memory of Tommy Townsend by Gracie Barnett and Karen Townsend

PRAYER STATION FUND• In memory of Lisa Fancher Fitz by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Fancher

ORGAN MINISTRY FUND• In honor of Jim Reynolds for his 95th birthday by Dr. and Mrs. Bill Edwards and Dr. and Mrs. Keith Wiseman

TV MINISTRY FUND• In memory of Christene Stiles by Don and Chris Jones

MUSIC DEPARTMENT MINISTRY• In memory of Tommy Townsend by W.G. McMillan, Jr.• In memory of Laura McMillan and Pauline McInturff by Carole Collier• In honor of Wes Tolley and Dr. Brooks Rogers by Richard and Billie Tolley

HOSPITAL REPORT: June 23, 2014• Covenant Medical Center: Howard Yandell• Carillon House: Ronnie (Virginia) Hudson; Robena Eppler• Texas Speciality Hospital Betty Doris LaRoe• Dismissals: May 22 - June 22, 2014: Dave Clark; Stewart Dyess; Edith Shobe; Nadine Alderson• Contact Gloria Ashby if your or a family member is admitted into a healthcare facility at gashby@fumc.com.

Read latest news about the FUMC Youth at the new website; click on fumc.com/ youth located at the top of the opening page.

First United Methodist Church of Lubbock

The Serenity Prayer Station in the FUMC Prayer Garden was given in memory of Elizabeth Fancher Fitz by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Fancher and the 12-Step Sunday School Class. Family members attended the dedication on June 15. The prayer garden is located in the cul-de-sac on the north side of the atrium entrance. Pictured above are Edward Fancher III, Shirley Fancher, Taylor Fitz, Ed Fancher and Ann Clary Old.

Serenity Prayer Station Dedicated June15

Wesley Singer 40th Reunion set for Saturday, July 12 at FUMCAll Wesley Singers who went to Romania in 1974 are invited

 Festivities start at 11 a.m. and include sharing lunch, viewing a video of the trip provided by Mrs. Chronister (Newton) and listening to the album of the groups’ performance in Romania.  

If you are a parent, or sibling, or friend of a Wesley Singer from this trip, please contact him or her about the reunion. 

Visit the Facebook page, Wesley Singer Romania Reunion, to see who is posted there and read about them. 

For more information, contact Lorane Ross, 505-705-5121, or Rhonda Toth Shooter, 806-790-4401. 

In early June Dan Smith traveled to Ft. Worth to take a certifica-tion exam through the American Guild of Organists.  This ‘Associ-ate’ exam is the second highest level of certification that the AGO grants (only behind ‘Fellow,’ to which the Associate is a prerequi-site).  It involves a playing test: organ repertoire of various styles and periods, hymn playing, transposition, improvisation--as well as a written exam covering music history, theory, counterpoint, and general music knowledge.

Smith received his test score in mid-June and learned he had the highest score of anyone who took the exam this year. With this achievement, he has won the AAGO (Associate of the American Guild of Organists) prize for scoring the highest on the Associate exam, and he also wins the S. Lewis Elmer Award for the highest score of all the exams the AGO gave at any level (Colleague, As-sociate, or Fellow) this year.

Congratulations to Dan; he continues the FUMC music tradi-tion of having only the most-talented organist performing on the Forrest Memorial Organ in our Sanctuary.

FUMC Assistant Organist Excels on National Organist Exam

Why should you come to this one-day study?• To improve your prayer life• To be in fellowship with the women of FUMC• To enjoy a special time ‘just for you’

Women’s Ministry Summer Book Study

Thursday, July 24, 201410 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Small and Large Group Discussion and Study with Lunch and Fellowship

Cost: $20 (includes book and lunch)

Contact Gloria Ashby to register; and pick up your book at Dr. Shera Atkinson’s office early so you will have time to read Batterson’s book before July 24.

We appreciate all your support and the great volunteers from First UMC. Many thanks to your staff in hosting lunch again this year. May God bless each of you.

Sincerely, Ed Mullins Board of TrusteesFamily Promise of Lubbock, Inc.

FUMC to Host FP in JulyFUMC will host Family Promise the week of July 20 – July 27

in the Outreach Center. Volunteers are needed to serve as day hosts, to provide dinner and to be overnight hosts which includes spending the night at ORC. If you would like to participate as an individual, family or Sunday school class, please contact Zoellen Fields at zoe52@sbcglobal.net.

First United Methodist Church of Lubbock

Boy Scout Troop 402 took Girl Scout Troop 6302 tent camping on June 13 to Buffalo Springs Lake.  Since our Girl Scout Troop is young, the girls had not tent-camped before.  They had “camped” in cabins at Camp Rio Blanco, in a room at the Abilene Zoo, and inside the Science Spectrum for the Penguin Plunge, but never in tents. 

So, leaders Billie Jo Perez and Sherri Mason, took the training and set off with the girls. Scouts Cheyenne, Taylor and Amiya learned how to put up a tent.  The girls braved the elements of that night: one-inch plus of rain with a little hail and lots of wind.  What an introduction!  But the food was great, and they got to eat

just before the rain hit. Thank you Boy Scout Troop 402 for all your help to make this adventure possible!

Now the Girl Scouts are planning other trips, includ-ing some that will include tents!

Thanks in part to the support of our

church, the girls earned enough money from cookie sales this year to pay for several events and trips. If you know someone who would enjoy being a Girl Scout, contact Billie Jo Perez (806-777-5067 or Sherri Mason (806-535-6321).  Have a great summer!

Girl Scout Troop 6302 enjoys first night of tent-camping

By Sherri Mason

By Jim Mason

Boy Scouts spend week in Colorado at summer camp

Boy Scout Troop 402 left in late June for Camp Alexander in Colorado.  Assistant Scoutmaster Jim Mason took eight boys and six adults for a week in the mountains. The camp is close to Lake George. 

The two youngest Scouts on the trip signed up for Trail to First Class awards.  The older scouts took various badges such as Fly Fishing, Environmental Science, Camping and Cooking. All but Fly Fishing are required to be an Eagle Scout.

Recently the Troop did a service project for Challa Goedeke with the Teachers Convention at the Civic Center.  The boys had fun helping the teachers set up booths for their various crafts. At the end of the convention, the Troop helped the teachers pack up.

For more information about the Boy Scouting program at FUMC, contact Jim Mason, Assistanct Scoutmaster, at 806-441-8235.

The Communications Committee is excited to announce that on Sunday, May 18, our church’s TV ministry began airing our 11 a.m. service on KAMC in high-definition (HDTV). This upgrade was made possible by a generous $300,000 grant from the Talking-ton Foundation.

The grant allowed the TV Ministry to upgrade our television equipment to the latest standard in broadcasting. We purchased four remotely-operated HD cameras. One camera is mounted on each side of the Sanctuary. One camera in the back, and the fourth one is mounted over the choir which enables viewers to see the beautiful prayer window and the choir processions. Volunteers operate the cameras from the production room in Memorial Hall. The grant fully funded the new cameras and HD editing equip-ment.

Through the generosity of the Talkington Foundation, FUMC will be able to continue its 35-year legacy of broadcasting our 11 a.m. service to the South Plains, only now our broadcast will be in high-definition. HDTV became the television industry standard in 2008. On behalf of the TV Ministry, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Talkington Foundation for this generous grant as we would not have been able to fund this project without it.

Thank you also to Tom Prather for applying for this grant. Prather knew that Margaret and J.T. Talkington watched the televised service each week when they no longer were able to physically attend worship services in the Sanctuary. Many of our viewers are homebound, and their lives are greatly enriched by this televised service.

Our television ministry is also transforming lives in other ways. Recently a viewer sent a letter to Dr. Craig Curry describing how this service had affected him. His life had taken a turn for the worse, and he had stopped attending church. He started watching our Sunday service and was moved to come join our church. Now he attends weekly and actively participates in our Twelve-Step Ministry.

Through our television ministry, FUMC creates a grace-filled environment in our viewer’s homes and hospital beds, allowing us to establish effective outreach across the South Plains on a weekly basis.

Communications Team Chairman Sherry Saffle dedicated the HD video and editing equipment on Sunday, June 15.

Talkington Grant Upgrades TV Ministry Equipment

By Sherry Saffle

First United Methodist Church of Lubbock

OUR LIFE TOGETHERAPRIL - MAY 2014

CELEBRATIONS...• Congratulations to our 2014 Graduates as each of you embark on this new chapter in your lives.• CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL: Christopher Kyle Cole Jacob Chase Pape, Zachary Ryan Rocha, Julia Pauline Worthy• FRENSHIP HIGH SCHOOL: Kendall Grace Slaughter• LUBBOCK HIGH SCHOOL: Susan Franklin, Christopher Lynn Hogan, Katharine Hope Johnson, Hannah Morgan, George Duncan Pasewark, John Thomas Thrash• MONTEREY HIGH SCHOOL: Camden David Arnold, Meranda Sherrill Bassett, Chloé Diane Bell, Evan Keane Brake, Austin Hays Heinrich, Andrew Shea Nixon, Michael Alex Sanchez• TRINITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL: Bonnie Hatch

BIRTHS...• Congratu-lations to Dennis and Donna Pruss on the birth of their new granddaugh-ter, Elizabeth Mae Perrin on May 19, 2014. Proud parents are James and Robin Perrin; Robin is the Pruss’ daughter.

BAPTISMS• Congratulations to Lindsey Pierce on the baptism of her daughter, Olivia Grayson Davis. Olivia was baptized June 8, 2014 in the 11 a.m. traditional service with Dr. Shera Atkinson.• Congratulations to Don Wainscott and Nicole Pierce on the baptism of their daughter, Briley Kay Wainscott. Briley was baptized on June 8, 2014 in the 11 a.m. traditional ser-vice with Dr. Shera Atkinson.

ANNIVERSARIES• Congratulations to Fuston and Billie Ruth McCarty who celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on June 8. They were married in 1951.• Congratulations to Dr. Robert and Betty Carr who celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on June 18. They were married in 1948.• Congratulations to Rick and Casey Reed who celebrated their eleventh wedding anniversary on June 21, 2014.

SYMPATHIES• Dorothy Filgo on the death of her brother, Harold Filgo, on May 29, 2014. He lived in Dallas, TX• The Gras family on the death of Russell Gras who died on May 30, 2014. He had been a member of FUMC since 1983 and was president of the Friend-ship Sunday School Class. His service was June 3 with Dr. Keith Wiseman officiating.• Pete and Jackie Harland on the death of Pete’s brother, Stephen Paul Harland. He died June 2, 2014; his service was in Texarkana, TX.• The Armistead family on the death of Dr. Jesse Davis Ar-mistead on June 7, 2014. His service was June 9 at FUMC with Dr. Craig Curry officiating. Dr. Armistead joined FUMC in 1949 and was a member of the Rafters Sunday School Class. He served as an usher for more than 50 years and on numer-ous committees for FUMC. He is survived by his wife Cora, daughter Ann Thompson and son-in-law Bob Thompson and grandsons Robert Dan Thompson and Jesse Davis Thompson. Dr. and Mrs. Armistead were married for 72 years. • The Hensley family on the death of George Hensley who died on June 8, 2014. George joined FUMC in 1941 and was a member of the Homebuilders Sunday School Class. His grave side service was June 12 at the City of Lubbock Cemetery followed by a memorial service in Bowman Chapel with Dr. Keith Wiseman officiating.• Dr. and Mrs. Baird Hel-frich on the death of Glenda’s nephew, Kevin Driskill who died on June 8, 2014 in Okla-homa City. His service was June 12. • Dana and Spencer Robertson on the death of their son, Chauncey Robertson. He died on June 10, 2014. He had been a member of FUMC since January 1987. His service was June 14 at Lakeridge Chapel.• The Laughlin family on the death of Pat Laughlin who died on June 12, 2014. Her service was on June 18. Pat had been a member of FUMC for 48 years.• Ed and Suzy Stiles on the death of Ed’s mother Christine Stiles on June 14, 2014.• The May family on the death of Doris May who died on June 16, 2014 in Austin, TX. Doris joined FUMC in 1995. Survivors include her son, Van, daughter-in-law Cindy and granddaughter, Valerie. Her service was June 20 at Resthaven with Dr. Craig Curry officiating.

Dr. Robert and Betty Carr

Rick and Casey Reed with their children , Taylor and Evan

Billie Ruth and Fuston McCarty

Lindsey Pierce, Olivia Grayson Davis, Nancy Pierce, Don Wainscott and Briley Kay Wainscott.

First United Methodist Church of Lubbock

A tutoring program and a lunch–time mentoring program were also started in the 2014 spring semester.  Many volunteers signed up to help with this outreach, also. The tutoring program focuses on reading skills because so many of the Bayless students struggle to read on their grade level. Through the Lunch Mentor-ing Program, students were matched with adults who visited them once a week during the lunch period at school. The child had the mentor’s undivided attention for thirty minutes. Many positive relationships for both sides flourished during the spring semester.

In November 2013, FUMC ‘adopted’ Bayless Elementary. The Local Outreach Ministry, Contemporary  Ministry, College Ministry, Care Ministry, Adult Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Children’s Ministry teamed up to make this mission one that impacts the lives of the students and faculty at Bayless and the congregation at FUMC.

In January the Adult Ministries organized Sunday school classes and other groups at FUMC to provide food backpacks for children to eat on weekends, insuring they had meals on Saturday and Sunday. The response was overwhelming.

In December the Outreach Ministry placed an Angel Tree in the Sanctuary and one in the Christian Life Center decorated with special ornaments featuring a Bayless’ child name and a list of items this child needed.  All of the ornaments were taken and wishes were turned into realities.

Dear First United MethodistThank you for your support on STARR. STARR was really stressful and hard, but with your support it was easy. Sincerely, Sierra

First United Methodist Church of Lubbock

In April the Children’s Ministry and the Youth Ministry organized an Easter Egg Hunt at Bayless. The event was held at the school’s playground on the morning of April 12. Over 500 children registered for age-appropriate egg hunts.  The Children’s Ministry collected 15,000 plastic eggs stuffed with candy and small toys. Sunday school classes, Bible study groups, United Methodist Women, and many members at FUMC provided the filled eggs. FUMC volunteers and staff served 1500 hot dogs to our guests that day plus sent the left-over 1500 to the people at Tent City.

The Youth Ministry helped set up the event, scatter the eggs, orga-nized the children for the hunts and cleaned up afterwards. The attend-ing parents and children thanked our volunteers for the event and lunch; many of the children said they hoped the church would have the event in 2015.

The STAR Test is a challenge for Bayless students. Dr. Shera Atkinson, Belle Duckworth, Outreach Director Allison McGough and her two children, Kate and Aaron, prayed over their desks on the morning of the first test. On the second test, they prayed for the students at the flag pole. The Ambassador Sunday School Class and Through the Bible Sunday School Class prayed over traced handprints of the students’ and teachers and signed each of them. Based on the thank you notes sent by the children and teachers, they appreciated these prayers. The children felt more confident because our church cared how they performed on the test.  

What’s ahead for Fall 2014? Continuation of programs that made an impact this spring with more to be added. If you would like to be part of the Local Outreach Ministry that is helping ‘grow God’s grace-filled community’ in Lubbock, contact Alison McGough at amcgough@fumc.com.

This summer FUMC is collaborating with Bayless, LISD, Texas Hunger Initiative, South Plains Food Bank and Citibus to feed the children and the neighborhood. The FUMC Local Outreach Ministry is distributing SPFB food vouchers at this site each week from June 4 –August 13. On August 21, this ministry team will be at the Bayless Open House.

Dear FUMCThank you so much for praying for us before STARR. You gave me a reason to try.

1411 BroadwayLubbock, TX 79401Return Services Requested

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HAVE YOU REGISTERED YOU CHILD FOR VBS?

July 28th-August 1st, 9 a.m. - NoonNew Preschool Class: 2s-PreKCurrent Kindergarteners-5th graders

VespersVespersVespers For more information: Call (806) 763-0781/ (806) 763-4607 www.fumc.com/music

An American festival

6:30 PM Wednesday July 2 2014

featuring the combined choirs of FUMC and the Westwinds Brass Band

Free Admission ~ Childcare Provided

Free Hotdogs and Ice Cream Following the Concert