E ULESS F IRST U NITED M ETHODIST C HURCH

C HURCH M AT TERS V OLUME 4, I SSUE 3

F EBRUARY 3, 2015

A SHES TO G O

Ash Wednesday emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality. The worship service focuses on both themes, helping us to realize that both have been

triumphed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. During Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers. The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship. Historically, ashes signified purification and sorrow for sins. The ash cross on the forehead is an outward sign of our sorrow and repentance for sins. This act is called the imposition of ashes.

If you have ever wished to receive ashes on your way to work so that others can see this outward sign of your sorrow and repentance for sins, drive through the church parking lot, Ash Wednesday, February 18 for Ashes To Go between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Please invite our community to join us for ashes in the morning. We will also have an Ash Wednesday Worship Service at 7:00 p.m.

I NSIDE THIS ISSUE :

L ENT Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, and ends on Holy Saturday, (the day before Easter) April 4. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, which means "spring." The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry. Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. Today, Christians focus on their relationship with God, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of themselves for others. Sundays in Lent are not

Ash Wednesday What: Time to acknowledge sinfulness & mortality When: Wednesday, February 18, 7:008:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. How: Receive ashes in the parking lot early, join us for worship later in the evening.

P RAYER L IST

counted in the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter" and the reverent spirit of Lent is tempered with joyful anticipation of the Resurrection. This year, for Lent, we are offering a focus that will help us all practice self-denial. Or, at least offer us opportunities to take stock of the excess in our lives. Jen Hatmaker is an author and pastor's wife in Austin. Her first book titled 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, formed out of her living the kind of life our society welcomes and encourages us to live; the life of a consumer. We are adopting this book and

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MEMORIALS & HONORARIAMS/ 2 BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES

its topics to guide us through Lent. We are not against consuming. We do believe, however, that we are followers of Jesus before we are consumers. This means our consuming of things should fit with how we understand we ought to be following Jesus. Once again, we will have a variety of opportunities for you to explore letting go of stuff, and letting God into your life. For a full list of events during Lent, please refer to page 6.

FOOD PANTRY NEWS

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BE THE MATCH

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FOLLIES

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YOUTH MINISTRY

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PRESCHOOL

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

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FROM THE PASTOR

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CHURCH COUNCIL

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LENTEN CALENDAR

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HIGHWAY UPDATE

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STEWARDSHIP MOMENT

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BEACH CLUB

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P RAYER L IST If your prayer request has been left off, please resubmit it. All requests are for 30 days only and will need to be resubmitted after that time. Alton and Reta Ray Amber and Jeff Bosher, Kim Jones' family Andrea Miguel, Ollie O'Sallis' daughter Arthur Schirmer Baby Thomas Humison Becky and Woody Kemp, Kim Jones' family Bill Farmer Bob Habgood Bruce Meek, Kent Polenz' friend Burton family Cameron Mode Carol Rust, Dottie Rust's daughter CHHS community Cindy Gravely Claudia, Maria ChicoCorson's daughter-in -law Coats family Cristi Honea, Bill Farmer's daughter Crystal Frier, Janice Kasten's niece Crystal Grau Dawnita, Heidi Graham's friend Diane Sineps' daughter and son-in-law Doris Alexander, Dottie Rust's sister

Dottie Rust Elida Schirmer Family of Kay Washer Family of Pat Allen, Sherwood and Cheri Abbott's friends Family of Phil Kerber, Jerry Maloney Sr.'s friend France Frankie Pate, Randy Pilney's friend Fred Lucas, Larry Lucas' father Gordon and Linda Roberts, Nancy Bickel's friends Gratitude for our Staff Hank O'Neal, Brenda O'Neal's husband Honor Vaughn, Teresa Sprague's mother Hutchins Kairos #19 Iris Elliott Jackie, Ollie O'Sallis' friend James and Ila Gravely Jan King, Jo Kemp's sister Jeremy Jones, Kim Jones' husband Jim Richter, Caro Kenyon's friend Joe Brown, Jackie Robinson's brother

Joe Roberson, Preschool student's grandfather John Connor, Lee Swann's friend John Dendy, Lee and Sandy Swann's neighbor John Lewis Kairos at the Hutchins Unit Kaitlyn Coats Kandi Stewart and Melissa Knights, Sara Taylor's friends Kathy Hooten, Lucille Link's niece Kathy Knowles Kellsey Abbott, Sherwood and Cheri Abbott's granddaughter Kevin Maines Kimberly Massey Lillian DePue, Linda (Larry) Lewis' mother Linda Lively, Kim Jones' family Lisa Moffatt, Lynne and Alan Moffatt's daughter-in-law Lois Weems, Joyce Humphrey's mother Marlene Hill Maxine and Bill

Wallace, Kimberly Knighton's friends Megan Puente Michaeleen Watts, Johnny and Teresa Watts' friend Michele Heroux and family, Amber Hawthorne's friend Michelle and Baker Ingram Mike Sprague, Steve Sprague's brother Milford Roop Monty Oum Muslims living in peace in the U.S.A. Nancy Morrison, Jill Schaneberg's cousin Nick and Lisa Schoenberger, Ron Coats' friends Nolan Hardwick, Barbara Collier's father Olander Barker, Ryane Barker's father Ollie O. Sallis, Christopher, Sean, Steven, Latoya Our Children's Ministry Pat Holland, Cindy Balentine's sister Pat May

Paul Jones, Kim Jones' family Paula Brown Pierre Tshimanga's family Robbie Breaux, Audrey Coats' friend Roger and Charlotte Martin, Kim Jones' family Sandra Johnson, Doug Stapleton's sister Shayla Herigan, Eileen Mode's friend Sheri Gibbs, Tami Polenz' sister Stan Clarke, Sue & Richard Morrow's friend Sue Williams Susan McGehee Sydney Marie Peel, Pat May's great niece Terron Muller, Les Foley's niece Tim and Janna Martin and kids, Kim Jones' family Warner Muirhead Zita Rowell, Marjori Haddock's mother

Charlotte & Larry Everett's nephew Chris Mulford, Pat Bailey's grandson Colton Hardaway and Kayla Davis, son and daughter of Michael and Lore Osborn Devan DeBoyington, Robin Biles' friend Dirk Van Ingen, Katie Lucas' friend Eric Sherrer, Justin Sherrer, Patric Owen, and Alan McCleland, grandnephews of Vic and Judy Torres Gail Worofka James Fiaccone, Sue Fiaccone's grandson Josh Crow, Annette Kelleher's son Justin Knighton Sam Weatherby, Gary and Carol Turner's nephew Stephen Tate Travis Thomas William Crowder, Yvonne Rohlfing's son

Military: Charles Everett,

M EMORIALS

B IRTHDAYS

A NNIVERSARY

In Memory of Ernest Millican Jr./Memorials: Weldon Cannon & Patty Benoit In Memory of Ernest Millican Jr./ Memorials: Elaine Green In Memory of Ken McGinnis, Brenda O'Neal's Stepdad/ Apportionments: Preschool

February

5 –Jim & Beth Gathings

5 –Caitlin Kramer 6 –Gloria Daves, Latonja Ofoduru 8 –Jim Arnold 11 –Michael McGee, Dylan Ratliff, Faye Stinneford 12 –Shane Mullin 13 –Zachary Adcock, Zoey Adcock, Jo Tarrh

14 –Stephen & Teresa Sprague, Robert & Barbara Collier, Lee & Anjalie Gilby

V OLUME 4, I SSUE 3

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F OOD P ANTRY N EWS This month’ s Tarrant County Area Work Day is February 18. This is a great time to give a short amount of time that makes a big difference. Ever person and every hour worked makes money for the Food Pantry. During 2014, our Food Pantry helped 1,490 Families, which turned out to be 5,913 people and we gave them a total of 4,207 bags of groceries. With this great

demand, we need more volunteers, both for the pantry and for Food Bank work days. This also means we could use more food donations to better serve these families. Let's all work together and make 2015 a record year! Here is the Food Pantry schedule: February 6 –Brenda Hurlbut, Linda Lewis, Hedy Taylor, Judy Tribble

13 –Darlene Carter, Kathy Chapman, Gloria Daves, Maggie Lucas 20 –Phyllis Augustus, Marie Bean, Sheri Roberts, Doris Brown 27 –Dottie Rust, Jill Schaneberg, Judy Torres, Trish Franklin Food Pantry needs: Tuna & Chicken Helper.

Match Walk/Run which benefits the Be The Match Foundation in fighting Leukemia. Mark Baker is in complete remission! Praise God! But, leukemia is not yet defeated. Let's continue the battle. We have a team registered. Now is the time for you to join the team! The 5K Walk/Run will be

on Saturday, March 7th at Lone Star Park. Whether you are an avid runner or a couch potato or somewhere in between, this is something we can all do together to help others and to celebrate Mark's recovery.

B E T HE M ATCH A little over a year ago Mark Baker, our beloved Choir Director, was diagnosed with leukemia. Euless First UMC went into care mode and loved and supported and filled in wherever necessary for Mark and Vicki. One of the ways several of us responded was to sign up and participate in the Be The

F OLLIES & C OOK O FF The Euless First United Methodist Church Follies and Cook Offf is scheduled for March 1, immediately following the 11:00 a.m. service in the Family Life Center. Our theme this year will be "Six Flags Around Texas". The 6 flags around us are Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexica, and Mexico. You are invited to submit your favorite dishes from these locations for the cook-off. Types of food could include- Cajun, Southern, Downhome, Southwestern, Mexican,

Tex-Mex, New Mexican, and so much more. There's no entry fee, and no tickets are needed to join this fun event. You will be asked to vote for your favorite dish with dollars and donations. There will also be other contests to help raise funds. Sunday School classes and all members are encouraged to put together an act to participate. The Follies is always a church favorite, with lots of fun laughs and memories made. You won’t want to miss this event, and help raise funds for Music Ministries at Euless

First. If you have more questions, please contact Carla Fink at [email protected] Brush off you dancing shoes, warm up your voices, get ready to cook, and let’s have lots of fun for a great cause. See you there!

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Y OUTH M INISTRY January 25  The Chili was the Category: Leesh annual Ellsaesser Chili/Soup  The Cornbread and Category: Dodie Davis Cornbread Cook off benefiting  The Soup Category: Kent E1ement Students mission Polenz ministries (including summer mission trips, CTCYM). And the Thank you again for all of your participation. With your help we Winners are… raised $2,270. That is great!

P RESCHOOL Family Dinner and Silent Auction, Saturday, February 21, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Cost: $6/adults & $3/children Menu: Choice of Hamburger, Hot Dog, or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Beans, Salad, Chips and Drink. Desserts will be sold separately. Auction donations include family entertainment, restaurants, household items, electronics, toys, jewelry, and more! Vendors will be in the parlor including: jewelry, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Jamberry Nails, Thirty One Bags, Usborne Books

and Tupperware. Children's Activities will be on the playground. Texas Premier Sports will be sponsoring some of the activities. Volunteers are needed to help run Children's Activities. Leftover Happy Meal Toys are needed for prizes. Extra tables are needed. Please let Linda Lewis know if you can help at [email protected] or 817-283-0129. January has been an exciting month. The Mary Lib Saleh Euless Public librarians came out, read winter stories and sang

songs with the students. We had Pajama Day. The students were comfy and cozy showing off their favorite jammies. Mrs. Swientek's class led us in Team Spirit Day. Diamond Photos came out and took Pony pictures and gave the kids pony rides. Parents assisted with our annual rodeo. The PK2 cowhands danced to Old Brass Wagon and The Chicken Dance and ended our day with a Campfire sing-along. Please plan to join us at our 26th annual Dinner and Auction on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

C HILDREN ’ S M INISTRY Do you have a favorite board game you like to play at home? Bring it to Family Game Day on March 7 at 12:00 p.m. in the Swor Parlor and teach everyone how to play it! Another great opportunity is Eggvangelism on March 28 at 10:00 a.m., we will be meeting in the Family Life Center to put together bags with information about Euless First UMC, and an invitation to celebrate Easter with us, along with a few treats. Once

the bags are prepared, we will take them to a nearby apartment complex and hand them out to the residents! This will be a great time for fellowship and service, and a great way to connect with the community! Hope to see you there! The next day, Palm Sunday, March 29, is our annual egg-hunt following the pot-luck lunch in the Family Life Center! Looking ahead to April, mark your calendars for our next Movie Day on April 25, at 1:00

p.m. in the Swor Parlor! If you have a fun suggestion for our next movie, give me a shout at [email protected]. Vacation Bible School is only 5 months away! Please consider helping out the week of June 2226, even if it just for one day, I know you will be blessed by it! -Aubree Marlow

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F ROM THE P ASTOR We are a friendly church. Almost every church thinks of themselves this way, but countless visitors and new members have affirmed this for us. One of my friends, having visited on a Sunday I wasn't here, actually suggested we might be too friendly! Even if we have friendly down, though, it can't hurt us to have a continual conversation about how we can do better. Let's face it; even if you are a polite person, you are not likely polite all the time. So there is room for improvement. I wonder how it might affect our hospitality if we looked at ways to

make guests and visitors feel even more welcome. Something I read recently suggested that if we would sit in the middle of the pew instead of on the end, it would make guests who arrive after we do feel more welcome. Who wants to ask a stranger to move over, or bumble through past them, clobbering knees and stepping on toes? I'd also like to offer a reminder to those who are healthy enough - or who want the extra exercise to become healthier. A good practice is to park as far from the doors of the church as we can comfortably walk. This saves the closest parking

spaces for visitors and guests. I know of one church where people almost have a competition to see who can get there early enough to snag the most distant space. We don't need to get here earlier and park on the dirt, but if you and I would park saving the 'favored' spaces for our guests, it would send a great, welcoming message. What else can we do? What do you do very intentionally to make others feel welcome at our church? Would you share those things with the rest of us?

C HURCH C OUNCIL The purpose of the church council 2015 goals. Here is a list of is to plan a program of nurture, members currently serving: outreach, and witness; implement  Dave Lewis- Church Council the plan; provide an administrative Chair infrastructure; align the plan with  Jim Arnold-Member at Large the mission of the church; evaluate the effectiveness of the plan; act as  Mark and Vicki Baker-Music Director and Organist the administrative agency of the church. Euless First has structured  Carol Bolton-Alternate Member/ Annual Conference the Church Council around the 5 Practices of Fruitful  Lesli Cummings-Hospitality Chair Congregations.  Susan Downey-Member at Large The Church Council exists to  Charlotte Everett- Member at create and supervise the strategic Large plan for your local congregation so  Thomas Hawthorne- Finance that the congregation fulfills its Chair mission of making disciples of  Rachel Heyduck-Communications Jesus Christ. This twofold Minister function includes both leadership  Steve Heyduck- Senior Pastor and management. Leadership is the visionary, "big picture" work  Matt Kelleher- Member at Large that assesses critically where your  Larry Lewis- UMM President congregation is at the present  Linda Lewis- Preschool Director moment, where God is calling it  Larry Lucas- House and Grounds to be in the future, and what Chair resources will be required to move from your current reality into the  Jerry Maloney, Jr.- Member at Large desired future. Management is the essential "detail work" that must  Jerry Maloney, Sr.- Classic Adults be accomplished on a daily basis to  Aubree Marlow- Children's make the congregation effective. Director This committee is already planning

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Mike McGehee- Faith Development Chair Bob Menton- Lay Member/ Annual Conference Lynne Moffatt- Mission and Service Chair Judy Mulholland- Member at Large Michael Mulholland- Mamber at Large Shane Mullin- Youth Director Nancy Pilgrim- Member at Large Tami Polenz- Lay Member/ Annual Conference Ethan Putnam- Youth Representative James Putnam- Staff-Parish Relations Chair Shanna Roggow- Young Adult Coordinator Clay Smith- Trustees Chair Teresa Sprague- Member at Large Beverly Springer- Associate Pastor Mike Springer- Worship Chair Sandy Swann- UMW President Judy Tribble- Lay Member/ Annual Confenerence

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L ENTEN S CHEDULE The season of Lent is one of the most significant seasons in the life of the Church. It is historically a time when we focus on that most-dreaded part of the gospel: self denial. Many people have a practice of giving something up for Lent. Ideally, the money, time, and attention normally focused on that item or action would then be devoted to God. For example, if someone were to give up diet coke, they might pray each time during the day the would have gotten a drink. They might save the money they normally spend on diet coke and donate it to a specific cause. As a congregation we wish to offer you a variety of opportunities to keep God as the focus during this time, therefore we have a number of events available for you to join in. Here is a list of events: 

February 18 is Ashes To Go at 7:00 a.m. and Ash

Wednesday Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. 

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Wednesday Evening Worship with Communion/Activities in the Sanctuary, starting February 25, 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Lunch Study with Dave Lewis from 12:00 –1:00 p.m. in the Swor Parlor. Bring your lunch and join us as we look at Lent from a different perspective. Palm Sunday Services, Pot-luck lunch and Egg Hunt on March 29. Morning worship services will include the beginning of the Choir Passion Week Production. March 28 is Egg-vangelism 2015 from 10:00– 11:30 a.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to let our community know about the ministries of Euless First as well as invite them to Easter

morning happenings. It is great for all ages! Youth Rummage Sale in the morning time, benefiting youth mission opportunities. 

Holy Week Daily Lunch Devotionals with Pastor Steve, March 30-April 3. Bring your lunch and join us!

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Holy Thursday Worship at 7:00 p.m. with a Choir Passion Week Production.

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Good Friday Worship to 7:00 p.m. with a Choir Passion Week Production.

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Easter Services on April 5 will be at 7:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. There will be an Easter Brunch for the entire church during the Sunday School hour, and there will be no Children’s Sunday School that morning.

H IGHWAY U PDATE They say "no news is good news." If this is true, then we have good news. That is to say, we have no news from the highway project that is now officially underway. Our attorney has confirmed that there is no news about the project that effects us, so we are up to date! But we are not resting on our laurels. A small meeting was held last week regarding our next steps. Our intent is to keep working towards our goal of being prepared for the change that is before us.

We know change is coming. We don't know exactly what the change is. How does one prepare for change if one doesn't know what that change is? First, of course, we pray. We seek God's lead. We trust God, who doesn't change, to lead us in the midst of change. Second, we talk. We talk with one another about the life and ministries of our church. We take stock of all the things we are doing, and all the things we want to do.

Third, we ask questions. We encourage you to ask any questions you might have about this project. Feel free to direct these questions to Pastor Steve. While it isn't likely he can answer every question, he probably knows who can. And if it is a question he can't answer, he will want to know the answer as much as you do!

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S TEWARDSHIP M OMENT Raising Cheerful Givers Part 2 of 7 – THE VALUE OF WORK This is the second in a series of articles on “Raising Cheerful Givers”. Helping our children understand financial principles will not only help them manage their money, but also become joyful stewards. According to a 2003 study, students who worked in high school are much more likely to achieve their financial goals and be knowledgeable about money than those who did not. Working in high school and college, to the extent that it doesn’t interfere with schoolwork, seems to pay off later in life. Children can begin to understand the value of reward for work at a very young age. The fact of the matter is that the value of work is much more than just monetary. Teaching your child the value of work builds character. Children will grow

up with more respect for the value of money and what is required to earn it. It also teaches diligence. Diligence is a work ethic that means you do the task set before you to the best of your ability in a timely fashion. Diligence encompasses honesty, purpose, energy, excellence and working heartily. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” (Col. 3:23) When they are too young to “work”, children need a source of money that enables them to learn how to save, spend and share. One such source is an allowance. Sometimes there is debate among parents of whether an allowance is good. Some may feel that children need to understand that as part of a family, they do chores simply for the benefit of the family community. While contributing help to the family unit is very important and right, parents may miss the opportunity of a valuable teaching tool if there is no allowance. Have you

ever been in the store when your child eyes the toy that represents the latest hot “toy craze” or technological gadget that he really needs and he needs it now? Do you hold your ground and simply respond, “No” as you prepare to once again do battle with the crankiness that follows? Or, do you smile and ask your child, “How soon will you have enough money to buy it?” Whether the money is given or earned, the money is theirs. If they choose to blow the money on the ugliest (in your eyes) and most expensive shoes in the store, let them do it. When they are short on cash, they will realize the benefit of a wiser decision. Keep telling yourself that the reason your children are receiving money is because you want them to learn to manage it. In our next issue, we will further discuss the idea of allowances. Reprinted by permission: Barnabas Foundation, Tinley Park, IL

We want YOU to be a part of the WE! This opportunity to reach out into the community is a church wide effort, not just a ministry of a few. There are many ways that you can serve: you can pray for the children and their families; you can give financial support; you can provide snacks or prizes; you can volunteer to give an hour a week helping to share the message of Christ with the children. If you wish to participate in any way, please contact Pastor Beverly at [email protected] or call

the church office (817283- 4421).

B EACH C LUB Kids Beach Club is an after school program for 3rd through 6th grade boys and girls, where children can come together to worship God, learn Bible stories, sing, pray, eat snacks, have fun with friends and build relationships with adults who care about them. WE (Euless First) sponsor the Kids Beach Club at South Euless Elementary School on Tuesday afternoons from 3:00 to 4:00. WE presently are blessed with about 50 children coming each week and hope that number will grow.

The Great Treasure Day is coming! This is when every child in EVERY Kids Beach Club nationwide (10,000+) will be receiving their very own copy of the new KiDs Beach Club Explorer’s Study Bible. The South Euless Great Treasure Day celebration will be February 24, 2015. Plans are being made to make this day special indeed. Please watch for details about how you can be involved.

Online Giving Link

106 N. Main St. Euless, TX 76040 Phone: 817-283-4421 fumceuless.org Twitter.com/EulessFirstUMC Facebook.com/EulessFirstUnitedMethodist Youtube.com/sheyduck Pinterest.com/EulessFirstUMC Instagram.com/EulessFirstUMC Sunday Worship 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Return Service Requested Euless, TX 76039 PO Box 967 Euless First United Methodist Church

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage NPA# 225165 Permit No. 2 Euless, TX 76039