The Flame - May 2011

First United Methodist Church of Allen Volume 11 Edition 5 May2011

In this issue:Page 1 Worship

Coming soon!August 19-21

Page 2 reCreation

The Cross Country RidersSoftballRunning GroupSpecial Interest GroupsHiking GroupOpen Gym for AdultsSoul Food Café Family Fun NightFrisco Rough Riders Baseball GameSports Camps UPWARD Camps

Page 3 musiC ministry

Celebration of the Arts“Godspell” Homecoming ConcertSing with Chancel Choir at Annual ConferenceMusic, Arts and Drama (M.A.D.) Camp

Page 4 Children’s ministry

Vacation Bible SchoolDay CampVBS & Day Camp RegistrationSPLAT Day campMovie Mondays

Page 5 youth ministry

Youth CalendarBeans ‘n’ JeansYouth Girls Jewelry Party Youth Summer Sunday SchoolMore Volunteer Opportunities for Adults

Page 6 youth ministry Cont’d

Summer UMYF CalendarMission Trips:Bridgeport Camps

missionsAllen Community OutreachSend Hope Update

Page 7 adult ministry

New Sunday School ClassTuesday Morning Bible StudyNew Bible StudyNew Member/ Guest Information LuncheonFinding Your Gifts and TalentsWomen’s Ministry

Page 8 speCial Kid’s ministry

APT G: A Place to GoVolunteers Needed

administrationChurch Wide Work Day

united methodist menSpring Garage Sale

united methodist WomenRuth Circle Mystery TripUMW Spring LuncheonReading Group

Page 9 Caring & support ministries

Grief Recovery WorkshopCaregivers United

neW members

disCipleshipMay Bible Reading Plan

601 S. Greenville Ave. Allen, TX 75002972.727.8261 www.fumcallen.org

WorshipMay 1, 2011

Confirmation SundayRev. Brian McPherson, preaching.

May 8, 2011Communion Sunday

Communion offering benefits Project Transformation

“A Miracle in the Breaking”Luke 24:13-35

May 15, 2011Youth Sunday

May 22, 2011 “It’s in our DNA”

Acts 2:42-47

May 29, 2011 “For a Reason”1 Peter 2:2-10

Coming Soon!

August 19-21Friday, August 19

Community Block PartySaturday, August 20

Morning: Allen Community Outreach Day

Evening: Community Worship Service

Sunday, August 21Morning: Blessing of the Children

Evening: Program Ministry Kick-OffCROSS Section is an end-of-summer celebration and inspirational weekend of fun, music, community service, and worship coming this August. We hope every church member will participate by inviting neighbors to join us at the Friday night block party and concert followed by great worship services on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.We’ll have a guest speaker to inspire us and remind us how the cross intersects every aspect of our life–in good times and bad–and equips us to face the future unafraid. On Saturday, we’ll serve our neighbor by passing out school supplies to ACO clients who are students of Allen, Fairview and Lovejoy schools as well as provide other services and create fun memories.Saturday afternoon we’ll have a fun family picnic followed by a great worship service.On Sunday morning, we’ll celebrate going back to school in worship and bless the students, teachers, and district employees as they prepare to launch another school year.

Happy Mother’s Day

FUMC Allen Page 2 The Flame

Recreation Contact Rev. Maxie Moore, [email protected]

The Cross Country RidersDan Walker leads a dinner ride Saturday, May 7, departing the church at 5:30pm sharp. We’ll be riding to and dining at La Colina, 21 FM 3356, Van Alstyne, TX, 903.712.1502. The riders meet on the east side of the church in the parking lot 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time to review riding rules. Invite your scooter riding friends. Contact Mark Stevenson, [email protected] or 214.668.1529.

Upcoming Rides• May 7 Van Alstyne, TX 5:30pm Dinner Ride• May 21 Muenster, TX 8:00am Full Day• June 4&5 Possum Kingdom 8:00am Overnight

SoftballCongratulations to the FUMC Allen men’s softball team and the co-rec team. Both tied for first place in the City of Allen Recreation League.Interested in signing up for the softball summer league? Contact [email protected].

Running GroupThe FUMC 5K running group has been faithfully training and working toward the goal of completing a 5K fun run. Cheer them on at the “Remembrance Run” at Bob Woodruff Park in Plano, 8:00am on Saturday, May 28. Kids 12 and under can participate in a 1K sprint immediately following the 5K. If you’d like to participate in the fun run, register at the race location that morning. The fee is $10 for the 5K; the 1K is free. For more information on the race, visit www.planopacers.org.

Special Interest GroupsLooking for a fishing buddy? Or someone to play golf? Or a bowling team or dance lessons? As a way to connect people, Recreational Ministries wants to form special interest groups based on similar hobbies and favorite pastimes.We need your help in forming these groups! Email Maxie Moore, [email protected], and tell her your interests. Our goal is to compile that information and form new groups that will enable us get to know one another better.

Hiking GroupThe FUMC Hiking Group travels to Ray Roberts Lake on Saturday, May 28, meeting at the church at 7:45am to form carpool. The group plans to arrive at the trailhead by 9:00am, hike for three hours, and picnic along the trail. They should return to the church between 2:00pm and 2:30pm.

Open Gym for AdultsLooking for a way to stay active this summer while getting to know more of your church family? Starting June 1, the gym will be open for volleyball and 3-on-3 basketball games from 7:00pm-8:30pm, the first and third Wednesdays of the month for adults, high school graduates and older. Come work up a sweat and engage in a little friendly competition!

Soul Food Café Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm Fellowship HallSoul Food Café has gotten off to a fantastic start this year! We will continue serving dinners on Wednesday nights through the month of May. Thanks to Red Stiles, Sally Haynie, Casey Caswell, and other helping hands who have made this endeavor so successful. If you haven’t had the chance to check out the cafe, come see us over the summer during Family Fun Night!

Family Fun NightSecond and Fourth Wednesdays, 6:00pm-6:45pm Dinner at Soul Food CaféFamily Fun Night is a time for families to come together for a meal and an activity on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month throughout the summer. Dinner at Soul Food Café is served from 6:00pm-6:45pm in the Fellowship Hall. The activities begin at 6:45 and end at 8:00pm.

• June 8- Minute to Win It • June 22- VBS Appreciation Night• July 13- Movie Night• July 27- Game Night• August 10- Water Night

Frisco Rough Riders Baseball GameJuly 4Purchase tickets online for a FUMC Family Night with the Frisco Rough Riders. Tickets are $15 and include all you can eat burgers, hot dogs, chips and fireworks after the game!

Sports Camps Triumph Sports Rookies Sports Camp

Monday-Thursday, June 6-9 1:00pm-3:00pm 4 and 5 year oldsHaving fun, learning good sportsmanship, and getting exercise make Rookies a truly awesome program for your beginner athlete. The camp gives the beginner athlete a chance to try different sports including basketball, soccer, and flag football in a fun, non-competitive environment. This program also incorporates other fun games, a PE style parachute and daily story time. The participant/coach ratio is 6:1. Every participant will receive a Triumph Sports T-shirt.

UPWARD CampsIndoor Soccer Camp

Tuesday-Friday, July 5–84 year olds - 1st grade 9:00am-11:00am Cost $70

Cheer Camp Monday-Friday, July 11-15Grades 1-6 9:30-12:00pm Cost $80

Basketball CampsMonday-Thursday, July 11-15Grades 1-3 9:30am-12:00pm Cost $80Grades 2-4 2:00pm-4:30pm Cost $80

Monday-Friday, July 18-22Grades K-1 9:30am-12:00pm Cost $80Grades 4-6 5:30pm-8:00pm Cost $80


Music Ministry Contact Rev. Rusty King, [email protected]

Celebration of the ArtsSunday, May 22 6:30pm SanctuaryJoin us for a year-end music concert celebrating the music programs at FUMC Allen. The evening begins with the children’s musical “Moses and the Freedom Fanatics,” where insects and frogs make their appearance when we cue up the plagues in this delightful musical.Children’s percussion groups, In Beat with God and Jammin’ for Jesus, and the Chimes and Bells for Christ and Harmony handbell choirs perform followed by youth handbell ensembles, Ringers of Christ and God’s Thunder. The Carillon Ringers play a medley from “Phantom of the Opera,” and rounding out the program is “Praise Him with Cymbals and Drums,” a piece that combines God’s Thunder, the Carillon Ringers, and our percussion ensembles. Daisy Miller has created and maintained a strong children’s percussion program for several years. With increased enrollment in the past years, we’ve spent $2,500 on new instruments. We’ll take an offering during the concert to help defray some of the costs associated with replacing percussion instruments.

“Godspell” Homecoming ConcertSunday, June 12 Dinner 6:30pm Gym Performance 7:20pm SanctuaryInvite your friends to see DARING, our youth choir, present the musical “Godspell” as they return home from their summer tour in Corpus Christi, Georgetown and New Braunfels, June 8-12. The group is presenting the word of God in very compelling ways, and you will be blessed by their presentation. “Godspell” is a lively musical that presents Jesus’ teachings as found in the book of Matthew, primarily in the Sermon on the Mount. Through the musical, we watch a ragtag bunch of disciples follow Jesus, express their devotion, and assist Christ as he presents parables and other scenes, such as the Last Supper.This full-stage production includes acting, singing, dancing, costumes make-up, lighting, and great mics for the singers.The music of “Godspell” covers a wide variety of styles, including rock, country, ballad, and soft shoe. One famous song you may recognize from this show is “Day by Day.” The evening starts with a covered dish supper. We are asking families to bring a dish large enough to feed your family and 10 others.Royalty fees alone to present “Godspell” are $1,200. While the event is free, we will receive an offering to offset the expenses incurred in presenting a professional musical. Contact Rev. Rusty King, [email protected].

Sing with Chancel Choir at

Annual ConferenceWednesdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25 and June 1 Rehearsals 7:30pm-8:10pm CLC202Sunday, June 5 Dress Rehearsal 5:30pm-7:00pm Christ UMCMonday, June 6 Pre-service 6:00pm Ordination 7:00pm Christ UMCOn June 6, the Praise Team and Chancel Choir have been given the great honor of presenting the pre-service music for the Ordination Service of the North Texas Annual Conference at Christ United Methodist Church in Plano.If you would like to sing join us Wednesday, May 4, at 7:30pm-8:10pm, in the choir room, CLC202, as we prepare the following songs:

• Mighty King Of Love• Salt And Light• I Have A Hope• Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King• He Reigns• In Christ Alone (with The Solid Rock)• You Are Good• Send Me Out• Your Name

Ordination is a very special service in the life of the North Texas Conference. If you don’t plan to sing, please plan to attend the service at 7:00pm with pre-service music beginning at 6:00pm.

Music, Arts and Drama (M.A.D.) Camp

Monday-Friday, August 1-5 9:00am-1:00pm Grades 2-7 (completed grades 1-6) 9:00am-1:00pm Ages 4 (by 9/1/11) – Grade 1 (completed K) $65Music, Arts and Drama (M.A.D.) Camp combines with S.P.L.A.T. day camp this year to provide children with an experience exploring the God-given creativity that dwells in each person. Older children work on a musical all week and present it on Friday. Activities include rehearsals for the music, drama rehearsal, worship time, prop making, and working on scenery. Daily creativity showcases feature local accomplished artists. We’ll have snacks and class instruction in voice, guitar, handbells, and acting.The younger children have activities that follow the daily themes of the older camp but they will not create their own musical. They will have music time, instrument exposure, scripture memorization, and more.Children can bring a sack lunch to eat together from 12:30pm with parent pick up at 1:00pm. Children without a snack lunch can be picked up at 12:30pm. Contact Rusty King, [email protected], or Susan Hale, [email protected].


Children’s Ministry Contact Mary Freeman, [email protected]

Vacation Bible SchoolJune 20-24 9:00am-12:30pm Ages 4 (by 9/1/11) to grade 3At PandaMania, kids discover that God is wild about them—a fact that will change them forever! Panda Mania is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, touch, and even taste! Bible Point crafts, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the PandaMania activities that help faith flow into real life. (Since everything is hands-on, kids might get a little messy so send your kids in play clothes and safe shoes.We’ll help kids see the evidence of God in everyday life through God Sightings. Get ready to hear that phrase a lot!VBS is housed at the church property for children 4 years old (by 9/1/11) through Grade 3 (as of 9/1/11).

Day CampGrades 4-6 (as of 9/1/11)FUMC Allen offers a day camp program for older kids at a local farm! Parents drop their kids at the church and they are transported to and from the farm.

VBS & Day Camp RegistrationOnline registration begins Sunday, May 1, 2011. Cost is $15 per child with a price increase to $20 per child after June 5, 2011. From May1-15, we accept registrations for people of our community who are not members of our church in an effort to make sure that those children who do not have a church home are able to learn about God’s word. Church members who are also registering a guest with them may sign up when they register their guest. Children of VBS and Day Camp volunteers may also register during these first two weeks. From May 16-June 20, everyone is welcome to sign up. If you are worried that VBS/Day Camp will fill up before you can register your child, we invite you to serve as a volunteer or invite a non-church friend to come to VBS with you. These simple acts of hospitality and service will ensure early registration for your family. Please prayerfully consider who you might invite to learn God’s word.

SPLAT Day campSPLAT will run its regular days and hours in weeks 1 and 3. For week 2, SPLAT is combining with the music department to offer a music, arts and drama camp. The cost for the camp is $65 per week plus a one-time $10 registration fee.

Week 1Tuesday-Thursday, July 26-28

9:00am to 2:00pm Ages 4 (as of 9/1/11) to grade 6

Week 2 SPLAT/ M.A.D. campMonday-Friday, August 1-5

9:00am to 1:00pm ( Ages 4 (as of 9/1/11) to grade 7

Week 3Tuesday-Thursday, August 9-11

9:00am to 2:00pm Ages 4 (as of 9/1/11) through grade 6

Movie MondaysJuly 25, August 8, and August 15

1:00pm-3:00pm 4 years (as of 9/1/11) and older

Grace LandTake a break from the heat and join us for Movie Mondays in Grace Land. $3 per child for snack and craft. Bring blanket or pillows. No preregistration required.


Youth MinistryContact Adam Spore, [email protected] ScholarshipsFUMC 2011 college scholarship applications are now available to high school seniors and college students. With one application, you will be considered for more than $10,000 in scholarship funds offered through FUMC Allen:

• FUMC Allen Memorial Scholarship $900• Gale Acton Memorial Scholarship $4,500• Jessica Sender Memorial Scholarship $1,500• Betty Thompson Memorial Scholarship $1,500• Candyce Ardolino Memorial Scholarship $500• United Methodist Men’s Scholarship $1,500• United Methodist Women’s Scholarship $400

Pick up applications from the youth wing or from kiosks at entrances throughout the church. All applications are due on May 15. Contact Larry Wright, [email protected].

Youth CalendarMay 1 5:00pm Confirmands join UMYF

Parent meeting for all youth parents in the Chapel Games for youth in the gym Dinner 6:00pm Worship 6:45pm

May 8 Mother’s DayUMYF WILL NOT MEET

May 15 Youth SundayYouth lead all worship services. A junior high class and senior high Sunday school class will meet but all youth are encouraged to be in worship that day and serve in some capacity. To find a place to serve, contact Adam Spore, [email protected].

May 22 6:30pm Celebration of the ArtsUMYF WILL NOT MEET

May 29 Senior SundayGraduating seniors recognized at all servicesSeniors please send your full names and post graduation plans to Debbie Meaders, [email protected] by May 15 for publication in The Spark.UMYF WILL NOT MEET

Beans ‘n’ JeansSunday, May 15 5:00pm East Parking Lot $5 per person, $25 family maximum, age 4 and under are freeA FUN raiser barbecue dinner and talent show hosted by FUMC Allen Youth .Bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on.

Youth Girls Jewelry Party Saturday, June 4 1:00pm NYCDesign on Greenville, Allen, TX Hosted by Susan BeanGirls will make two pieces of jewelry from beads and natural stones. All supplies and instructions are included on the Make n’ Take table. No charge for this event unless the girls would like to purchase any other beads. Please RSVP to Susan Bean by May 22, [email protected] or 972.974.8621.

Youth Summer Sunday SchoolSunday, June 5 9:30am and 11:00amWe need summer Sunday school teachers! Please consider serving in this short-term commitment to allow our regular Sunday school teachers to take a short break. At FUMC Allen, our youth Sunday school classes are divided by completed grade level not promoted grade level. Youth promote to next level in August with the start of the new school year. Current sixth graders (incoming 7th graders) join us on June 5 in the Youth Activity Center. They will combine with our current 7th grade (incoming 8th graders). All other classes will remain in their current room.This summer, we’ll use the NOOMA DVD series (www.nooma.com). NOOMA is a series of short DVDs that explore our world from a perspective of Jesus. Each grade level completes a different DVD each week.NOOMA presents an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion. Through this series, youth learn that Jesus lived with the awareness that God is doing something, right here, right now, and anybody can be a part of it. He encouraged his listeners to search, to question, to wrestle with the implications of what he was saying and doing. He inspired, challenged, provoked, comforted, and invited people to be open to God’s work in this world. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Jesus started discussions about what matters most, because for Jesus, God is always inviting us to open our eyes and join in. If you can help, contact Debbie Meaders, [email protected], for questions or information.

More Volunteer Opportunities for AdultsWe need you. Can you help?

All of our programs and activities for our youth do not happen without our adult volunteers. In addition to Sunday school needs, we need you to make things happen for Youth Ministry:

• Chaperone a Sunday evening event• Help with snack supper• Go on a mission trip• Teach a class at Youth Faith Academy this fall • Serve in Wednesday night Bible studies this fall

The list of benefits is endless and limitless. If every parent could serve in some capacity, think about what that would look like for our youth!

• Sunday school classes with 3-4 adults leading small group discussions for youth eager to learn

• Parents having as much fun at our social events as the youth

• Snack supper lines full of friendly faces serving dinner

• Engaging Sunday night classes with teachers who have insight, knowledge, and passion about interesting subjects

• Youth who have a connection to the adults in the congregation

Do you know how cool it is to have a young person come up and hug you on a Sunday morning? You can’t measure that! You will receive such a blessing and be such a blessing to this program. Contact Debbie Meaders, [email protected] or Adam Spore, [email protected].


Youth Ministry Cont’dSummer UMYF Calendar

All times 5:00pm-7:00pm unless otherwise noted.6/5 Hello Summer Pool Party Gallaway home

$5 to cover food and drinks

6/12 Godspell Homecoming FUMC Allen, 6:30pm

6/19 Bowling/Games/Pizza Main Event, Plano $10

6/26 Whirlyball Plano Bring snacks to share. Purchase drinks at Whirlyball $5

7/3 Independence Day UMYF WILL NOT MEET

7/10 Senior High Pool Party Holloway home $5 for food and drinks

7/17 Laser Tag/Games/Pizza Main Event, Plano $10

7/24 Fun at the FUMC Basketball, Youth Activity Center, movies Bring snacks and drinks to share

7/31 Ice Skating Allen Event Center 5:00pm-6:30pm Bring snacks and drinks to share $10

8/7 Pool Party Ford Pool, Allen 6:30pm-8:30pm Bring snacks and drinks to share $5

8/14 Around Town Scavenger Hunt FUMC Allen Bring snacks and drinks to share

Mission Trips:Both junior and senior high youth travel to Heifer Ranch, in Perryville, Arkansas. We will travel in vans which will be driven by our chaperones. Pick up flyers regarding Heifer Ranch from the Youth Wing. Learn more at www.heifer.org. We will have a wait list after all spots are full. Registration and $75 deposit holds your spot if received by the following due dates.

Senior HighJune 27-July1Grades 10-12

(completed grades 9-12)Spots for 27 youth

and 6 adults$150

DEPOSITS DUE JUNE 5

Junior HighJuly 10-15Grades 7-9

(completed grades 6-8) Spots for 29 youth

and 6 adults$175

DEPOSITS DUE JUNE 26

Bridgeport CampsSenior High

July 4-9Grades 10-Graduating

seniors (completed grades 9-12)

Junior HighJune 27th-July 2nd

Grades 7-9 (completed grades 6-8)

MissionsContact Rev. Brian McPherson, [email protected]

Allen Community OutreachServing families in crisis for 26 years, Allen Community Outreach (ACO) is the only local agency to assist families in need. ACO depends on donations from the community and needs your help. You can assist in several ways: • Donate your gently used furniture, household items, clothes and

books to the ACO Resale Shop• Donate summer snack foods, spaghetti & sauce, rice, dried

beans and other pantry staples to the ACO Food Pantry• Donate much needed personal hygiene items, such as toilet

tissue, toothpaste, shampoo, dishwashing soap or paper towels, to the ACO Care & Share Program

• Make a monetary donation online or get more information at www.acocares.org.

Donations are accepted Monday-Saturday at 801 East Main Street. Contact Marjorie Vaneskahian, Director of Volunteer Services, [email protected], or Del Herrod, ACO Resale Shop Manager, [email protected], or call them at 972.727.9131 or 972.727.4751.

Send Hope UpdateA lot of things are going on at the House of Hope in Puerto Lempira, Honduras. Lauren and Steven Hosack are there for a year. Katrina, the full time volunteer there, has said they have been very helpful in caring for the children and giving them some structure, particularly in the evenings and at night.The guest house has been expanded from sleeping 16 people to 30 people. We have 12 groups and 9 individuals planning trips to the House of Hope from May to November 2011. One group from Flower Mound UMC will be coming in June and working with Habitat for Humanity to build houses in Puerto Lempira.The contents from the 18 wheeler trailer/container arrived on April 17. Here is what Katrina wrote in an email to me about the arrival of the container.I have noticed a steady increase in the children’s weight with the rice casserole, and then the gains will stop when we have no rice. The contents from the container were unloaded at 3:00am. At 6:00am, we had families whose children are in the feeding program waiting at the gate for the rice casserole. How did they know it had come in on the container? One family with a great old grandmother--very, very skinny, thread bare clothing, and no shoes--kept patting my arm and thanking me for feeding her grandchildren.Later that afternoon, I had Steven drop me off right in front of the big yellow store in front of my yard, so he would not have to turn in, and lo and behold, the whole family was walking by with the box of rice casserole from Kids Against Hunger. When she turned to wave, it said ‘Send Hope.’ It really blessed me after a hard day’s work.I am glad the beans are coming (they were held up in customs) as we will bag beans up to give to the malnourished children as well, once we save enough back for the home. I also plan on giving some to the prison since they came and cleaned the lot next door for us. Everyone is in high spirits with lots of boxes to open. I emailed Katrina to tell her that I found her words encouraging. I only see one end of a shipment: the sorting and packing of boxes and then loading the container here in Allen. I do not get to see the other end: the excitement of the people unloading and distributing the donated items. Thanks to all who have donated items, made contributions, and prayed for the children at the House of Hope.Without you, this mission could not carry on.


Adult Ministry Contact Rev. Brian McPherson, [email protected]

New Sunday School ClassSunday, May 15 9:30am W159Amos? Builders? Cross Training? We need a name! Join us as we start a new Sunday school class for families with children, elementary-aged and younger, May 15, 9:30am in W159 on the first floor of the Children’s Wing. The class will focus on Bible study and fellowship. At the first meeting, we’ll offer coffee and treats and a chance for us to get to know one another. For information, contact Susan Hale, [email protected] or 972.727.8261, x103.

Tuesday Morning Bible StudyTuesdays, beginning May 3 9:30am CLC209The Tuesday morning women’s bible study group meets through the summer to continue their discussion of the book of Revelation. New and old members are invited to bring your study bible and commentaries. The class is free. Contact Bernie Dickson, [email protected] or 972.509.7951.

New Bible StudySundays, beginning May 1 9:30am Wesley HouseThe Reclaiming Scripture Sunday School class begins a detailed study of the Book of Daniel. Everyone interested in learning more about this book of the Bible, particularly its long-range predictive prophecies, are welcome to attend.

Reclaiming Scripture is a small, multi-generational, singles and couples class that focuses on obtaining a better understanding of scripture and how to apply them to our daily life through an open group discussion atmosphere.

Bring your Bible and meet with us this Sunday in the Wesley House den. For more information, contact David Bouldin at 972.727.3591 or [email protected].

New Member/ Guest Information Luncheon

Sunday, May 22 12:00pm Fellowship HallExplore Christianity, Methodism and what it means to be a part of the body of Christ at FUMC Allen at this meeting for new and prospective members. Contact Jan Dickson 972.207.9527 or email [email protected].

Finding Your Gifts and Talents

Wednesday May 25 and June 1 6:30pm-8:30pm CLC209“What gifts has God given me?”

“How do I best use these God-given gifts for his glory?”

“Am I serving in the right place?”

We are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ and, as such, desire to live a life patterned by his example. In Matthew 20:28, Christ himself says “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

At the same time, our service should bring joy to our hearts. Isn’t it worth investing the time to explore a role that aligns with the way God has gifted you?

Come discover your unique spiritual gifts, and how those plus your talents and abilities, resources, individual style, dreams and experiences add up to your individual call to serve God and your neighbors at FUMC Allen and in the community. Finding Your Gifts and Talents is designed to facilitate the discovery process. At the conclusion of the course, you will have the opportunity to explore areas and ways to grow spiritually and match your special God-given gifts with specific areas in the body of Christ. There are no insignificant gifts or parts. All parts are needed for the body to function properly…especially in a healthy way!

The class is offered as a two-week series on Wednesday, May 25, and June 1, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Childcare available if booked with registration by May 18. To register for this class, visit www.FUMCAllen.org/Registrations.

If you have any questions, contact Greg Cotton, [email protected] or call 469.675.0101.

With JOY…Serve from your heart!

Women’s MinistryWomen of Faith

August 26-27, 2011 American Airlines Center $89A few tickets still remain for this fabulous annual conference named “Over the Top” this year. Women of Faith includes speakers such as Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Sandi Patty, Lisa Whelchel, and dramatist Nicole Johnson. Musical guests are Amy Grant and Mandisa. Contact Dawn Horton, 972.678.0114 or [email protected].


Special Kid’s MinistryContact [email protected] or Rev. Maxie Moore, [email protected]

APT G: A Place to GoSaturday, May 21 Star Wars Night 7:00pm-9:30pm Youth WingAPT. G: A Place to Go is a ministry event held on the third Saturday of each month for special needs youth, grades six and older, to interact and fellowship together with other youth and adult volunteers. The evening also provides an opportunity for their parents to have a much-needed night out. To learn more about the program, call our special needs hotline, 214.385.8850 or email [email protected]. APT G resumes August 20.

Volunteers NeededOur Special Needs Ministry team is blessed with many youth and adult volunteers at APT G, but we urgently need one to two volunteers to coordinate the APT G snack supper and servers. APT G serves approximately 65 people in Fellowship Hall on the third Saturday of each month, except June and July.We offer many thanks to Sarah and Kris Barrett for serving in this capacity for the past year. They have been amazing stewards of God’s love. Unfortunately for us, they are leaving Texas, but before they move, they have offered to provide training for interested volunteers during our April and/or May events. We would love to encourage you to be part of this wonderful ministry. If you are interested in learning more, contact Karen Schindler, 972.742.5804, or email [email protected]

United Methodist WomenContact Rev. June Franck, [email protected]

Ruth Circle Mystery TripWednesday, May 11 9:30amRuth Circle meets at the Greenville Ave (West) parking lot for their annual mystery trip. Ladies are asked to bring shoe boxes filled with donations for Plano Women’s Shelter. Contact Myrtie Herrin 972.390.1199.

UMW Spring LuncheonSunday, May 15 12:15pm Fellowship Hall $10All women are invited to attend the United Methodist Women spring luncheon, an annual event that features a catered lunch, musical entertainment and guest speaker Melinda Smith. Smith has often been described as “little but loud.” She and her husband, Garry, are both little people. Melinda graduated from Texas Tech with a business administration degree and worked for 30 years in the manufacturing field. She has served on two committees in the North Texas Conference and in numerous ministries in her home church, New Covenant UMC of Sunnyvale, TX. She has also been involved with the Lay Teaching Committee at Perkins School of Theology Intern Program. In 1998, she completed the requirements to become a Lay Speaker and has used her skills in many churches throughout North Texas. Melinda believes that we are, indeed, the only Bible some people read, and the only sermon some people see and that we must conduct ourselves in such a way that people may see Him through us as we live our daily lives. She and her husband have been married for 41 years, with two grown daughters and two grandchildren.For additional information, contact Kathyrn Childress, 214.707.0515, or Carole Smithwick 469.675.8225.

Reading GroupSunday, May 1 2:00pm ParlorAll women are welcome to join the UMW Reading Group at their May meeting as Dale Howard leads a discussion of The Real James Herriott by Jim Wright and other James Herriott books.The group meets again on Sunday, June 5, 2:00pm in the parlor with Mary Lou Workman leading a discussion of Little Bee by Chris Cleave.Contact Cindy Robinson, [email protected] or 214.236.5030, for more information.

United Methodist MenContact Bruce Gray, [email protected]

Spring Garage SaleFriday & Saturday, May 20-21 West Parking LotThe UMM is accepting donations now for their annual spring garage sale. Contact Bruce Gray, [email protected].

AdministrationChurch Wide Work Day

Saturday, June 4 9:00am-1:00pmShare in the gift of service by giving just four hours helping out on a variety of repair and improvement projects. We offer jobs both indoors and outdoors and tasks for the skilled and less skilled. Indicate your interest by contacting Larry Wright, [email protected], or Alan Quick, [email protected].

FUMC Allen Page 9 The FlameSenior PastorRev. Todd Harris [email protected]

Executive PastorRev. Brian McPherson [email protected]

Caring MinistriesRev. June Franck [email protected]

Music MinistriesRev. Rusty King [email protected]

Recreational MinistriesRev. Maxie Moore [email protected]

Church Administrator Larry Wright [email protected]

Welcoming Ministries Susan Hale [email protected]

Adult MinistriesRev. Brian McPherson [email protected]

Children’s MinistriesMary Freeman [email protected]

Youth MinistriesAdam Spore [email protected]

Financial AdministratorJackie Campbell [email protected]

Assistant to the Senior and Executive PastorsTeresa Gray [email protected]

CommunicationsAlison Thomas [email protected]

NewsletterMelinda O’Brien [email protected]

Church Phone972.727.8261

Web Site:www.fumcallen.org

Our PurposeTo honor God by seeking, engaging, and encouraging people through a life-changing Christian journey.

Our VisionWe seek to be a relevant Christian family grounded in Scripture, loving God and one another as Christ loves us.

Our MissionIn grateful response to God’s love for us, guided by the Holy Spirit through prayer, we will strive to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ by:

• Worshiping God through prayer, word and action

• Inviting people into relationship with God and one another through Christ

• Nurturing one another in love and fellowship

• Growing in faith, knowledge and spirit by following and teaching God’s Holy Scriptures

• Giving by being faithful stewards with our prayers, presence, gifts and service

• Serving our neighbors, around the corner and around the world

Caring & Support Ministries

Grief Recovery WorkshopMondays, May 2, 9, 16 and 23 7:00 PM Upper Room ChapelGrief is a natural result when someone close to us dies and the process is experienced differently by everyone. Often, we need help as we try to manage, overcome, and understand our sorrow. This workshop helps us explore a healthy recovery process with Russell Bowden, M.Ed, LPC. Russell’s private practice is centered on individual and family counseling. He has been a highly effective counselor for the past 26 years, conducting numerous groups and seminars each year. Russell’s unique combination of sensitivity, humor, and Christian perspective creates an environment that promotes both healing and growth.This Grief Support Workshop is open to everyone. Contact: Rev. June Franck, [email protected], of 972.727.8261, x124.

Caregivers UnitedThursday, May 5 7:00pm Upper Room ChapelCaregivers United meets this month to address the topic of community and internet resources. How do you identify and prioritize what sort of help you might need? How do you go about finding the help? What sources of information are available in the community? How do you research service providers? How do you keep track of all the information you are collecting? How do you manage the internet?Come join us to learn some new strategies for figuring out what you need and where to find it.Contact Beverly Allen, [email protected], to learn more about the group.

New MembersDave and Sheron Taylor

Don and Michelle Zenkner, Blake, Megan, and Grant

Mike and Amy Rueckert, Jack, Olivia, and Caroline

Cathy Secrest

DiscipleshipMay Bible Reading Plan

May 1: 1 Chronicles 3-5May 2: 1 Chronicles 6May 3: 1 Chronicles 7-8May 4: 1 Chronicles 9-11May 5: 1 Chronicles 12-14May 6: 1 Chronicles 15-17May 7: 1 Chronicles 18-21May 8: 1 Chronicles 22-24May 9: 1 Chronicles 25-27May 10: 1/2 Chronicles 28-1May 11: 2 Chronicles 2-5May 12: 2 Chronicles 6-8May 13: 2 Chronicles 9-12May 14: 2 Chronicles 13-17May 15: 2 Chronicles 18-20May 16: 2 Chronicles 21-24May 17: 2 Chronicles 25-27May 18: 2 Chronicles 28-31May 19: 2 Chronicles 32-34May 20: 2 Chronicles 35-36May 21: Ezra 1-3May 22: Ezra 4-7May 23: Ezra 8-10May 24: Nehemiah 1-3May 25: Nehemiah 4-6May 26: Nehemiah 7May 27: Nehemiah 8-9May 28: Nehemiah 10-11May 29: Nehemiah 12-13May 30: Esther 1-5May 31: Esther 6-10

Documents

The Flame - May 2011