Share the News

When & Where: Sat  •  Apr 25  •  10 am - 2 pm  •  Ogden Fellowship Hall
Led by: Phil Dieke, Pastor, Highland Park UMC
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

Pew Research Center found that nearly three-quarters of religious “nones” in the US were raised as Christians. Millennials are now being replaced by Gen Z as the least religious generation. While the headlines aren’t very hopeful, and the statistics are there to support their claims, there is an invitation for the church. Will we continue the status quo, hoping they will eventually come? Or, will we engage their questions and concerns with a willingness to adapt? Scripture and tradition suggest the latter is needed for the church to not only survive, but thrive.

Cost: $25 (includes lunch and book)

REGISTER ONLINE Dec 23, 2019 - Apr 25, 2020

When & Where: Tue  •  Apr 21 - May 12  •  7 - 8 pm  •  Room 213
Led by: Ian Gill, Associate Director of Music
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

Learn how music is used in both traditional and contemporary worship services, the history of choral and instrumental music with regard to the church, and how music relates to particular seasons within the church. Learn what goes into choosing music for worship services, and have the opportunity to plan your own worship service.

REGISTER ONLINE Dec 23, 2019 - Apr 21, 2020

When & Where: Mon  •  Mar 23 - Apr 27  •  7 - 8 pm  •  Room 205
Led by: Dr. Scot Bontrager
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

What is unique about the United Methodist witness? Why is it the better option? The United Methodist Church is rooted in great tradition. The work of the Holy Spirit is foremost in the life of the church. Scripture is central to teaching. The central teaching is that Christ’s love saves. No registration fee. No meeting on April 13.

REGISTER ONLINE 12/23/2020 - 3/30/2020

When & Where: Mon  •  Mar 9 - Apr 6  •  7 - 8:30 pm  •  Room 203
Led by: Dr. Justin Tull
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

Using his latest book, Reflections on the Christian Faith, Dr. Justin Tull focuses on the religious concepts that are at the center of a Christian’s religious life: biblical interpretation, salvation, prayer, worship, communion, discipleship, and eternal life. These reflections attempt to address the following issues: What the Bible isn’t and what it is. How are we to use the Bible? How might we understand salvation? How might we approach prayer? What are essential elements of worship? How might we understand communion anew? What are the marks of a good disciple? How might we understand death and resurrection?

The book can be ordered online or purchased at the Welcome Desk for $10.

REGISTER ONLINE Jan 1 - Mar 9, 2020

When & Where: Sun, Fri, Sat  •  Feb 28 - Mar 1  •  7 pm Fri - 11 am Sun  •  Prothro Retreat Center
Led by: Stacey Ruff, M.Ed., LPC, and Dr. April Johnson Bristow
Childcare: No

This three-day, two-night retreat will use Enneagram knowledge to help participants grow personally and spiritually. The retreat, strategically placed at the beginning of Lent, will focus on specific steps and spiritual practices that each Enneagram type can utilize for transformation. Our hope is that the knowledge gained at the retreat will help each participant grow closer to Essence. Participants will leave with a spiritual growth plan to practice during Lent and will culminate virtually after Lent is over. 

Registration

Participants MUST have basic knowledge of the Enneagram and know his/her number.
Open to men and women.
Cost: $275, which includes meals, workshop, and lodging (shared rooms; single rooms available for small extra fee).

REGISTER ONLINE 

When & Where: Thur  •  Feb 27 - Apr 2  •  7 - 8 pm  •  Ogden Fellowship Hall
Led by: Dr. Dan Flanagan
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

A Rob Fuquay video series. With the 2020 United Methodist General Conference approaching, this class will look at how United Methodists interpret scripture, the influence of culture, the Jesus Ethic, and where the United Methodist Church goes from here. No registration fee.

REGISTER ONLINE Dec 23, 2019 - Feb 27, 2020

When & Where: Sat  •  Feb 22  •  8:30 am - 12 noon  •  Mays Hall
Led by: Lisa Hancock
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

This workshop will help parents manage and understand their parenting style and help develop compassion for their children’s differences. As we learn to nurture our children in appropriate ways, we make space to recognize the common traps each of us falls into as we parent through our Enneagram number. When we recognize our children’s unique personality styles, we encourage them along their own path to resiliency and resourcefulness. The course will be most impactful if parents know their Enneagram number prior to the class.

Cost: $50 per individual / $75 per couple
Sign in begins at 8 am.

REGISTER ONLINE Dec 23, 2019 - Feb 27, 2020

When & Where: Tue  •  Feb 11 - Apr 7  •  7 - 8:30 pm  •  Room 213
Led by: James Montgomery
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

I hear it all the time, that God loves me unconditionally, but does He really? Because sometimes I feel like I’m not worth it. And the Bible talks about a wrathful, angry God who metes out vengeance. That scares me. I don’t know how to sort out the dogma and know what is real. So, what is God’s nature, really? Why should he care about me? Author, photographer, and theologian John MacMurray invites us to walk along with him as he unpacks his personal journey of discovering God’s true nature and what His justice really looks like. It is strongly recommended that you read The Shack by Paul Young before this class.

Cost: $15 for the book

REGISTER ONLINE 12/23/2019

When & Where: Mon  •  Feb 10 and 24, Mar 2 and 9  •  7 pm  •  Room 211
Led by: Dr. Ted Campbell, Professor of Church History, Perkins School of Theology
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

United Methodists today are faced with the very real possibility of a denominational division over issues of ordination and marriages of “self-avowed and practicing homosexual persons.” Underlying this conflict is a deep division over the issue of biblical authority. What do our United Methodist doctrinal standards, our Articles of Religion and Confession of Faith, say about biblical authority? How can we understand the scriptures in the light of the “quadrilateral” of authorities (scripture, tradition, experience, and reason) affirmed by United Methodists since 1972? How can we understand particular biblical tests, especially those that speak directly about same-sex relationships?

Cost: $25

REGISTER ONLINE Dec 23 2019 - Feb 10, 2020

When & Where: Sun  •  Feb 9 - Apr 5  •  5 - 6:30 pm  •  Room 203
Led by: Scott and Shannon Smith
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

In debt? Need a plan for your money? Financial Peace University is here to help, with practical, proven advice for dealing with the financial part of your life and the relationships it involves. Cost: $99 per person or family unit

REGISTER ONLINE 12/12/2019 - 2/8/2020

When & Where: Wed  •  Feb 5 - Mar 11  •  11:30 am - 1:30 pm  •  Rm 2C, BFLC
Led by: Lisa Hancock
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

For those who have completed the “Enneagram Journey” curriculum and are looking for a deeper understanding of the different dimensions of the Enneagram, this course provides the space and tools to go beyond just knowing your Enneagram number to greater self-reflection and personal transformation.

Cost: $69

REGISTER ONLINE Jan 1 - Feb 5, 2020

When & Where: Thur  •  Jan 30 - Feb 20  •  7 - 8 pm  •  Room 208
Led by: David Magallanes
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

What Is The Bible?: How an Ancient Library of Poems, Letters, and Stories Can Transform the Way You Think and Feel About Everything by Rob Bell, the beloved author of Love Wins and What We Talk About When We Talk About God, goes deep into the Bible to show how it is more revelatory, revolutionary, and relevant than we ever imagined – and offers a cogent argument for why we need to look at it in a fresh, new way.

Cost: $12 for the book

REGISTER ONLINE Dec 23, 2019 - Jan 30, 2020

When & Where: Tue  •  Jan 28 - Mar 31  •  11:30 am - 1:30 pm  •  BFLC, Rm 2C
Led by: Lisa Hancock
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

Learn while you lunch.  This class is a beginning Enneagram course.  Learn to utilize the Enneagram, an ancient tool from centuries of Judeo-Christian faith and scholarship that teaches us how to cultivate self-awareness, growth, and personal transformation.  Insights from this course can answer life-long questions about our behavior and unproductive patterns.  Self-knowledge assists in our walks with God, enables our true and best self to emerge, and can change the way we relate to others.
Cost: $90

REGISTER ONLINE 12/23/2019 - 1/27/2020

When & Where: Tue  •  Jan 14 - Feb 18  •  11:30 am - 1 pm  •  Ogden Fellowship Hall
Led by: Marsha Mayo and Debbie O'Reilly
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

New York Times bestselling author Lysa TereKeurst unveils her heart amid shattering circumstances and shows readers how to live assured when life doesn’t turn out like they expected.  What do you do when God's timing seems questionable, His lack of intervention hurtful, and His promises doubtful?

REGISTER ONLINE 12/23/19 - 1/21/20

When & Where: Wed  •  Weekly ongoing  •  1 - 2:30 pm  •  Room 214
Led by: Rev. Mary Howard
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations when you register for the class or at www.fumcr.com/reservechildcare at least 4 business days in advance.

Using the lectio divina method for small groups, we will pray various scriptures and even some spiritual classics. Instead of focusing on facts and background information, we will seek to hear God speaking to us through the scriptures.

REGISTER ONLINE 

When & Where: Sun  •  Weekly, Sept-Apr  •  9:45-10:45 am  •  Room 214
Led by:
Childcare: Yes. Nursery (0-23 mos.) & Sunday school (2 yrs - kinder at 8:45, 2 yrs - 12th grade at 9:45, 2 yrs - 5th grade at 11)

The focus of this group is to expose parents to the curriculum the students are learning, understand the Confirmation process, learn more about FUMCR, and discuss how to support and guide 6th graders at this point in their faith journey.

When & Where: Sun  •  Weekly, Sept-May  •  9:45-10:45 am  •  Mays Hall
Led by:
Childcare: Yes. Nursery (0-23 mos.) & Sunday school (2 yrs - kinder at 8:45, 2 yrs - 12th grade at 9:45, 2 yrs - 5th grade at 11)

Most current members have middle/junior high school students, but the class welcomes all parents. Sunday mornings may be youth curriculum, topical discussions infused with biblical application, or simply praying for one another over our joys and concerns. Middle Ground meets during the school year only, beginning on the Sunday after Labor Day through the Sunday before Memorial Day.

When & Where: Sun  •  Weekly  •  9:45-10:45 am  •  Room 205
Led by:
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

On Sundays, short Biblical video/study series are followed with in depth class discussions over a variety of topics. Outside of class, members meet regularly for social gatherings, local community service, and other activities. A focus on intentional Christian community helps bring balance to the many demands of work and life. 

When & Where: Tue  •  Aug-May, 3rd  •  9:30-11:00 am  •  Members Homes
Led by: Nancy Healy & Mary Ellen Szuwalski
Childcare: No

Rejoice Circle has been in existence for many years.  Members number 21 and have a very wide age range.  There are long-time members and newer members.  The group is very mission oriented and supportive of each other and meet in each other's homes.  Their mission focus this year is Dallas Methodist Medical Center.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Mon  •  Sep-Jul, 3rd  •  10:30-12:30  •  First Center
Led by: Ida Dwight
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Koinonia is one of the older Circles.  Members number 27 and ages are the 60's and older.  The Circle has a lot of long-time UMW members who are still very active and are constantly attracting new members with their energetic and caring spirits.  This group enjoys lunch together after the meeting.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Thur  •  Monthly, 2nd  •  7-8:30 pm  •  Members' Homes
Led by: Louise Riley
Childcare: No

Ruth Circle is an intimate group of 13 which meets in members' homes.  In June, July, and August they meet for casual get-togethers.  Ages range from 50's to 70's.  Members are blessed with leadership and dedication.  Several are retired teachers.  The group would welcome women of all ages.  Their mission focus this year is Dallas Bethlehem Center.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Tue  •  Sep-Jul, 1st  •  7-9 pm  •  Room 203
Led by: Karen Morgan & Vesta Umphress
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

The Hannah Circle is a large group of approximately 25 vibrant, active women of all ages and stages of life. Our members serve in multiple roles within the church-wide UMW. We are passionate about serving the people of God through local, national and international mission opportunities. Our primary mission focus for 2016 is the Wesley-Rankin Community Center. We welcome all women to come fellowship and grow with us. Our members provide a light supper during each meeting.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Mon  •  Sep-Jun, 1st  •  10-11:30 am  •  Room 203
Led by: Diana Ramsower & Marta Mountjoy
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Morning Glory Circle has about 30 members with ages ranging from mid 50 to 70's.  All ages are welcome and would fit in.  The ladies are dedicated to supporting each other and to learning about mission.  Education is another interest shared by several of the women.  The Circle's mission focus this year is Bethlehem Center.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Tue  •  Monthly, except June & Aug, 3rd  •  1- 2:30 pm  •  First Center
Led by: Rosanna Whitfield
Childcare: No

Agape Circle is a small, intimate group of long-time, dedicated members with an age range of 60's and above. UMW gives them an opportunity to share fellowship, support one another and they are open to women of all ages. Wesley-Rankin is their local mission for this year. 

Registration not Required