First United Methodist Church Richardson, Texas

God Notices You - A Lesson I Learned in Bethlehem

December 23, 2016

Modern-day Bethlehem is not a place where “all is calm, all is bright.” When a group from our church visited a few days after Christmas last year I saw signs of conflict and poverty. But in nearby Jericho a Palestinian told me, “You being here brings hope.” It seemed that the tougher the situation had gotten, the more people had left and stopped visiting. Those that remained felt forgotten. As I consider the similarities between 1st century Bethlehem and the Bethlehem of today, I believe God chose that birthplace in part to communicate to everyone feeling forgotten, “God notices you.”

Can't Wait to See What the Future Holds - Scott and Shannon's Story

December 19, 2016

We joined FUMCR in January of 2012 and attend worship in the mornings. After having our first child, we started coming to Access because the evening time worked better with our daughter’s naptime. The relaxed style and more intimate services kept us coming back...

Something Different, Something Close-Knit, Something Authentic - Owen & Jennifer's Story

December 12, 2016

We were told about Access a few years after we were married- and at a point where we were looking for community. After being members and visitors of other churches, we knew we were wanting something different, something close-knit, something authentic...

Theologically, Metallica gets it right (to a point)

December 09, 2016

My music tastes have changed a bit over the years. As a preteen I had a Lionel Richie cassette. On Saturdays I would drop it into my imitation Walkman and soft-rock out to “Hello” and “Stuck on You” as I mowed the yard. I’m not entirely sure what caused the change, but over time Lionel got pushed aside by people with names like Axel and Ozzy, and the color palette of my cassettes shifted towards that of Metallica’s “black” album. Speaking of which, Metallica has a new album, and the title track has some solid theology.

The Blessings I Receive in Return - Randy's Story

December 05, 2016

Like many things in our 30+ years of marriage, it was my wife Vonnie, who lead me to the Access service. We had been members of First United Methodist Church Richardson (FUMCR) for many years and our son, Sam, grew up in the church. However, over the years with lots of changes occurring in our life, life’s many challenges and blessings and changes within the church we had drifted away from regular worship attendance.

I love Coming to Access Because of the People - Amy's Story

November 22, 2016

I had been with First United Methodist Church Richardson for 1 1/2 years when I was invited to Access by someone I first met in Sunday School class to come and join her small group...

Coming to Access was like Coming Home - Cori's Story

November 14, 2016

I came across Access in a bulletin during a traditional service at First United Methodist Church Richardson. I attended church services alone, as my husband has another commitment on Sunday mornings. As much as I enjoyed the morning worship, I was always a little self-conscious about attending alone. I decided to try Access in the evenings to see what that was like...

How to Work Together When Separated By Politics

November 10, 2016

We have evidence that Jesus’ inner circle contained at least two people with strongly opposite political beliefs. Matthew worked as a tax collector, collaborating with the Roman occupiers of Judea. Simon was known as the Zealot, a term used to describe people strongly against any kind of collaboration. As far as we know these two managed to work together and get along despite their political differences. I believe that’s still possible today, and we can help make it happen by following two principles we see in Jesus’ life and teaching.

A Community that is Real and Raw, Open and Honest - Carl & Shannon's Story

November 07, 2016

What I love about Access is it’s a church within a church. It is a place where we can come as we are, real and raw, open, honest; while being accepting and loving...

Election Next Week - It'll Be Ok

November 04, 2016

At multiple points during this year’s presidential campaign I’ve found myself feeling like the little boy whose voice was caught on video when one of the nominees visited his classroom: “I’m nervous. I’m nervous. I’m nervous.” News reports about both major candidates continue to make me nervous; however, I also keep reminding myself of several things from the Bible that assure me, it’ll be ok.

Blessed to Serve Others - Paul's Story

October 31, 2016

I’ve always liked Proverbs 11:25, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” I live a blessed life, with my beautiful wife, two healthy children, and two very patient, loyal dogs. In this fast-paced world, where we are encouraged to take care of ourselves at any cost, it’s easy to forget that God blesses those who devote themselves to others...

I've Got Some Strings On Me

October 28, 2016

The day after last week’s presidential debate I went to the Internet, curious to read people’s responses to it. On Twitter I found that the back-and-forth over which candidate is a puppet had spawned a flurry of tweets with the hashtag #GotNoStrings. While I understand the desire not to be thought of as a puppet, there’s Biblical wisdom in acknowledging, “I’ve got some strings on me.”