Share the News

When & Where: Sun  •  Oct 4 and 11  •  4 - 6 pm  •  Room 208, Education Building
Led by: Marilyn Dickson
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations by calling 972.996.0120 at least one week before the group meeting.

Prayer beads are a purposeful tool used by various traditions throughout the centuries as a way to keep our minds & hearts focused during prayer. Join us for this hands-on class as we create our own prayer beads, discuss how they may be used and deepen our understanding of God's work in our lives. 

This class is scheduled to meet Sunday afternoons, October 4 & 11.

An alternative class time, with the same material, will be offered Thursday mornings, October 8 & 15. If you are interested in the Thursday morning class, please check the listing of classes at www.fumcr.com/learn and look for the one titled "Prayer Beads: Thursday Morning" to register. 

We encourage all participants to register for either Sunday afternoons or Thursday mornings, not both.

Registration Fee: $20.00 (includes a bead-making kit with beautiful designs to choose from).

Register July 6 - Oct 4

When & Where: Sun  •  Sep 13 - Nov 15  •  6 - 7 pm  •  Room 203, Education Building
Led by: Scott & Shannon Smith
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations by calling 972.996.0120 at least one week before the group meeting.

In this revealing program, nationally syndicated radio personality and author Dave Ramsey teaches families to communicate about money and equips them with the tools to beat debt and build wealth God’s way.

We all need a plan for our money, and Financial Peace may be your plan! It teaches God's ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, this course presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you've dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!

Registration Fee: $93.00

Register July 6 - Sep 13

When & Where: Sun  •  Sept. 13, 20 and 27  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Room 203, Education Building
Led by: Ed Frantz
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

Christians are becoming increasingly aware of the other great enduring religious traditions, home to millions of followers around the globe. For some Christians, this poses concerns threatening to their own faith. In this study, we will see how Christians may remain committed to their own faith, without viewing the other great traditions as either false or inferior. 

The aim of this study is not to provide quick and easy solutions to the challenges associated with Christianity's encounter with "religious pluralism,” but rather to broaden our perspective and to stimulate deeper thought, to correct certain misapprehensions and to clarify issues. Our hope is to explore how Christian pluralism is possible, at what cost to certain traditional doctrinal views and why it is attractive to a growing number of persons both inside and outside of the church.

Register July 1 - Sep 13

When & Where: Wed  •  Sept. 9- Nov. 18  •  7 - 8:30 pm  •  Owen and Jennifer Smith home.
Led by: Rebekah Gilbert / Katie Kenson
Childcare: No

Married couples doing book study.

When & Where: Wed  •  Sep 2 - Nov 18  •  9 - 11 am  •  Room 205, Education Building
Led by: Lisa Hancock
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations by calling 972.996.0120 at least one week before the group meeting.

This experiential course uses an ancient tool synthesized from many religious traditions for thousands of years, the Enneagram. The Enneagram is an excellent instrument not only for self-awareness but for personal and spiritual growth, as well. It gives us a vision of who we are meant to be, once we experience freedom from the limitations of the habits of our minds. The Enneagram is primarily a spiritual tool and is one of the clearest and most accurate methods for understanding ourselves and those important to us. This insight changes lives and answers questions about our behavior and unconscious motivations. Real self-knowledge assists in our spiritual journey and enables our true and best self to emerge and can transform the way we relate to others.

Register July 2 - Sep 2

When & Where: Tue  •  Sep 1, 2015 - Mar 1, 2016  •  1 - 2:45 pm  •  Room 2B, Bartula Family Life Center
Led by: Bob Diggs and Rev. Mary Howard
Childcare: No

Covenant is a comprehensive, in-depth study of the Bible over the course of several months. In contrast to the learning experience of other groups, this in-depth study of the whole Bible emphasizes the biblical concept of covenant as a unifying pattern through all the books in the Old and New Testaments. It highlights the unique relationship that God chooses to have with us as God’s people. This relationship is grounded in the faithfulness of God’s love and on our ongoing commitment to stay in love with God while we share signs of that love with others.  Three 8-episode segments explore a different aspect of Covenant life. Each will examine what Covenant means, and the progression of a Covenant relationship with God.

 Creating the Covenant: Examines how the Covenant community is created and established.

 Living the Covenant: Focuses on how the community lives out their Covenant in faithful love—how it’s applied to actual relationships in everyday life.

 Trusting the Covenant: Looks at the crises that sometimes call Covenant life into question, and how we are restored to trust in God when troubling things happen.

Covenant represents a relationship—a living, breathing conversation.

Register July 1 - Sep 13

When & Where: Wed  •  Monthly, except June, 3rd  •  7 - 8:30 p.m.  •  Room 211
Led by: Melanie Calvert and Kim Cabeza
Childcare:

Grace is a new evening Circle that formed in March 2015 and organizes programs geared for women of all ages who are occupied during the daytime by work or home responsibilities. Our purpose is to fellowship and support mission within and outside the walls of our church. Are you looking for an opportunity to develop closer friendships with other women? Then come join us.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Wed  •  Monthly, except June and July, 4th  •  10:00 - 11:30 am  •  First Center on Custer Road
Led by: Melanie Cottam and Marta Mountjoy
Childcare: No

Joanna Circle is a new Circle that welcomes women of all ages. This group will learn about UMW, tour local missions, develop friendships, serve and grow spiritually.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Sun  •  Apr 12 - Apr 26  •  11:00 - Noon  •  Room 203, Education Building
Led by: Ed Frantz
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

St. Paul recognized there were babes in the faith, and there were mature. And John Wesley spoke of “an order of salvation”… a sequence of stages inevitably experienced in “the journey of faith.”

Let’s describe this maturation process in contemporary terms… the specific stages and to what end. Let’s compare and contrast the insights of two pioneering developmental psychologists — the humanist Abraham Maslow and Christian James Fowler — the former describing a journey to psychological maturity, the latter to spiritual maturity. This venture can be extremely helpful in locating where we are in our own faith journey, and the likely growth opportunities that lie ahead!

All are welcome!

Please register your attendance by contacting Ed Frantz at or 214-553-0306.

When & Where: Sun  •  Apr 12 - May 10, Weekly  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Room 204, Education Building
Led by: Rev. Fred Trevino
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

Questions are welcome! Both newcomers and life-long United Methodists are invited to join us as we explore Methodist theology, the sacraments of baptism and communion, and how the church is designed to support Christian growth and action. We will also take  look at some of the challenges and opportunities facing the church today.

Register Feb 17 - May 10

When & Where: Sun  •  March 22  •  6:30 - 8:30pm  •  Sanctuary
Led by: Sarah Brooks
Childcare: No

Instagram. Snapchat. Yik Yak. Vine… Oh my! It's enough to make any parent's head spin! Join us as we navigate the ever changing world of social media.

Sarah Brooks is a mom of two young boys by day and a marketer, writer, and social media advocate by night and at nap time. As part of the Millennial generation, she is passionate about mentoring teens and bridging the gap between parents and kids on all things technology and social media. 

All are welcome! Participants are encouraged to "share" the invitation with family, friends and neighbors to join in the discussion!

Please take just a minute to register, so we can save you a seat!

Register Feb 2 - Mar 22

When & Where: Sun  •  Mar 22 - May 3  •  12:30 - 2 pm  •  Room 2B, Bartula Family Life Center
Led by: Rev. Steve Rankin, SMU Chaplain
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations by calling 972.996.0120 at least one week before the group meeting.

Social Principles… General Conference… the Book of Discipline...

Join us for an insightful discussion about how these moving parts come together to provide guidance in the United Methodist Church. Gain a better understanding of how the Social Principles are a prayerful & thoughtful effort to speak into the human issues in the contemporary world. Questions and conversation are welcome!

A light lunch will be provided, and donations are appreciated. Participants are also welcome to "brown bag" and bring their lunch.

Register Jan 1 - Mar 22

When & Where: Mon  •  Mar 1 - May 11, Weekly  •  7:30 - 8:30 pm  •  100 S Central Expy, Richardson, TX 75080
Led by: Taylor Newsom, Jerod Hangartner, and Emory Camp
Childcare: No

Where:  Taco Joint 

When: Mondays at 7:30 - 8:30 

Topic: Book of James 

• Faith Tested by Temptation - Chapter 1
• Faith Vs Works - Chapter 2
• Faith Proven by Behavior - Chapters 3-4
• The Challenges of Faith in Society - Chapter 5

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Sun  •  Mar 8 - Mar 29  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Mays Hall, Education Building
Led by: Rev. Fred Trevino
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

This Old Testament book has proven a strong impact on public life. The book itself seems rather small when compared with other prophetic writings, but we see the emerging biblical themes dominate; Justice, Peace and Messiah. Join us as we unpack this small, but powerful, book. 

 Jan 1 - Mar 8

When & Where: Thur  •  March 5, 2015  •  9 - 11:00 am  •  Room 2A, Bartula Family Life Center
Led by: John Thornburg, Texas Methodist Foundation
Childcare: No

We invite those who have retired or are nearing retirement to join us as we discuss practical tools to offer the gift of preparedness to your families.

Death is a natural end to life, and yet most of us are simply not prepared for it. The end of your life may not be something you want to dwell on, but as we recognize the presence of loved ones in our life, we should consider preparing & sharing information on our personal choices. 

This presentation will dive into legal & financial decisions, legacy giving, and possibilities about funeral planning. 

This seminar is designed to simply open the door for conversation about decisions, which when discussed, can provide a tremendous peace of mind. 

When & Where: Sun  •  Mar 1 - 29  •  11 am - 12 noon  •  Room 214
Led by: Dean Brown
Childcare: Nursery: 0-23 mos. Sunday school: ages 2-5 at 8:45, ages 2-18 at 9:45, ages 2-6 at 11.

A 5-week study of Biblical foundations and stories. Perfect for Bible newcomers and those who would like a short refresher course.

Register Feb 24 - Mar 30

When & Where: Wed  •  Feb 25 - April 1  •  6:30 - 8 pm  •  Harvey Assembly Room 217, Education Building
Led by: Rev. Rich Rindfuss
Childcare: Yes. Please make reservations by calling 972.996.0120 at least one week before the group meeting.

Falling in love is easy, but staying in love takes courage, hard work and lots of grace. In this study by Adam Hamilton, we will explore the ups, downs and how-to's of marriage and how, with God's help, we can make love last. 

Couples are invited to register separately, as they will be provided individual books. 

Register Jan 1 - Feb 25

When & Where: Sun  •  Feb 8  •  6:30 - 8:30pm  •  Bartula Family Life Center Gym
Led by: Kathleen Fischer
Childcare: No

Join us for the first Parent Connections gathering of 2015!

In an increasingly complex and confusing world, more than ever before, family conversation is an important key to helping kids make sense of the cultural pressures surrounding them. These conversations are not always easy, and many parents may find themselves asking… "where do I even start?"

Kathleen will guide us as we consider roadblocks to communication, the natural opportunities for connection, and the skills, which might need a little rehearsing. 

ALL are welcome! Participants are encouraged to extend the invitation to family, friends and neighbors to join the discussion.

Please take just a minute to register, so we can save you a seat!

Register Jan 1 - Feb 8

When & Where: Wed  •  Jan 21 - Apr 1  •  6:30 - 8:00 pm  •  230
Led by: Eric and Heidi Lindh & Jeff and Brandi Thomas
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

About Our Group

This group is comprised of mostly married couples in their 30’s with kids (pre-K-early elementary).  We meet at the church due to the fact that so many of our group members need childcare.  Although we are mainly couples with kids, we welcome anyone interested in joining our group!  We also love digging into the scripture and sharing life together.  Last semester we thoroughly enjoyed doing a service project together and also having a social.

Register Jan 4 - Feb 1

When & Where: Sun  •  Jan 18 - Mar 29  •  12:15 - 1:45 pm  •  Various local restaurant locations. Leaders will be in contact prior to first meeting.
Led by: College-aged Group
Childcare: No

About Our Group

This group is for young adults in college or between age 18 and 23. The group meets once a week on Sunday after morning service at a local restaurant to build relationships and discuss the week's sermon and scripture or study a curriculum. The group also has a social event and participates in a community service project.  

Register Jan 4 - Feb 1

When & Where: Wed  •  Jan 7 - Apr 29  •  12:30 - 2 pm  •  Room 2C. Bartula Family Life Center
Led by: Rev. Mary Howard and Rev. Marilyn Dickson
Childcare: No

Join us for this exciting women's study & discussion group focusing on twelve central, but different, ways we can practice our faith in ordinary and daily life. Rooted in Christian faith and tradition, we will examine these practices to deepen our understanding on our journey of Christian discipleship.

Books will be available to all participants on the first day of class. 

Register Jan 1 - Jan 14

When & Where: Tue  •  Dec. 2 & Dec. 9  •  7 - 8:30pm  •  Room 213, Education Building
Led by: Rev. Dr. Justin Tull
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Joy, excitement, anxiety frustration, happiness, stress... all of these and more may describe our feelings during the holiday season. Whether it is the recent loss of a loved one, changes in life or simply feeling "blah," we understand this season can be a hurdle for some. Come together with others in a supportive, challenging environment as we seek hope for the holidays.

Fee: $10.00

Register Aug 1, 2014 - Dec. 2, 2014

When & Where: Sun  •  Oct 19, 2014  •  5:00 - 6:30 pm  •  Sanctuary
Led by: Kenda Creasy Dean
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Talking about faith with children can be tough, and as a result, most of us just don't. Part of it is that God exceeds human language. Another part is that Christian "God-talk" has often hurt people as much as it has helped them. And part of it - maybe most of it - is that we simply don't have the vaguest idea of how to communicate God's grace with children in a way that feels honest to where we as adults find ourselves spiritually.

Kenda Creasy Dean's discussion will explore concrete steps that families and congregations can take to give young people a faith vocabulary as we share a faith across generations.

Event is open to all - guests & members of FUMCR, members of other churches and the community. Connect to this event and invite others on Facebook.

Books will be available for purchase, and there will be a book signing immediately following the presentation.

For questions, please contact Kristen Ceaser at 972-996-0154 or kristen@fumcr.com.

Childcare is available for children 4 years old and younger.

Registration not Required 

When & Where: Thur  •  Oct. 16 - Nov. 13, Weekly  •  7 - 8:30pm  •  Room 213, Education Building
Led by: Pastor Julie Klossner
Childcare: Yes. Call 972.996.0120 by noon two business days prior to group meeting

Since the time of the early church, Christians have struggled with timeless matters of doubt, fear, weariness, conflict and falling away from faith. In this study, we will look at the different concerns that arise in the book of Hebrews and look into the thought-provoking answers given by the author. Along the way, through the reading of scriptures, we will be guided to new understandings on how we can draw closer to God in our own faith journey. 

Register Aug 1, 2014 - Oct 16, 2014