Lent & Easter 2024
Growing Deeper
Grow bigger, grow stronger, grow better! Growth is an ideal for our careers, our families, our finances, and so many other things. Bigger is always better. But as followers of Jesus, we don’t just strive to grow bigger. We are called to grow deeper. Over the next six weeks, we look forward to the resurrection of Jesus on Easter, and along the way, we will grow deeper roots in the teachings, life, and death of our savior.
We invite you to scroll through the special opportunities below and choose some that will help you experience the season more fully.
The Journey Youth Choir Christmas Greenery Sales
It’s that time of year again! Time to order your fresh, beautiful, Sherwood Forest Farms holiday evergreens and support the annual Youth Choir Tour. Wreaths, centerpieces, and garlands will smell amazing and last all holiday season long.
How to order:
• Visit the table on the Concourse on Oct 13, 20, or 27
• Order online through Nov 3
• Order directly from a youth choir member
The greenery will be delivered to the church the first week in December for pick up, or you can choose to have it shipped directly to your house.
Thank you for supporting these amazing singers!
Angel Tree
Nov 8 - Dec 2, Shawver Welcome Center
The Angel Tree provides Christmas gifts for low-income seniors in our community who participate in the Network of Community Ministries Seniors’ Net program. We also collect $30 Walmart gift cards for single parents involved in Arms of Hope and the Single Parent Action Network (SPAN) at FUMCR.
Please return all gifts and gift cards by Monday, December 2.
To participate:
1. Take an ornament from the tree.
2. Purchase the designated items or gift cards.
3. Return the unwrapped items no later than Monday, December 2.
Designated drop-off boxes will be by the Welcome Desk and in Shawver Welcome Center. Gift cards will be collected at the Welcome Desk.
International Christmas Market 2024
An annual tradition featuring non-traditional gifts
Fri, Nov 8, 5-9 pm, First Choice Night - $10 entry ($5 for volunteers) and desserts
Sat, Nov 9, 10 am - 4 pm
Sun, Nov 10, 8:30 am - 1 pm
Coleman Family Hall
Find special and unique gifts for your loved ones amongst the many fair-trade goods and crafts made by artisans around the world as well as the "shares" of agencies and ministries that serve others. All money spent at the Market goes outside FUMCR to help others provide better lives for themselves and their families.
The International Christmas Market is open to the community, so invite your friends to come with you!
Willing to help during Market? Sign Up Online
Market Merchandise
• Bean Soup & Chili Mixes
• Equal Exchange Coffee and Chocolate
• Fair Trade Winds - fair-trade crafts and goods
• Fair & Square Imports - fair-trade crafts and goods
• Marfa Ministry - art prints
• Outreach Uganda - jewelry and bags
Angel Tree
The Angel Tree will provide Christmas gifts for low-income seniors in our community who participate in the Network of Community Ministries Seniors’ Net program. We will also collect $30 Walmart gift cards for single parents involved in Arms of Hope and FUMCR's Single Parent Action Network (SPAN).
The Angel Tree will be available from November 8 through December 1. Take an ornament from the tree. Purchase the designated items or gift cards. Return unwrapped gifts and gift cards by Monday, December 2. Designated drop-off boxes will be by the Welcome Desk and in Shawver Welcome Center. Gift cards will be collected at the Welcome Desk.
Shares
Shares are financial donations to a non-profit agency or FUMCR ministry bought as a tribute to a loved one. It's a gift that reaches beyond giver and receiver to benefit and serve those in need. We're featuring 10 ministries and agencies this year.
GIVE ONLINE Nov 11 - Dec 31
CHOOSE ONE OR MORE OF THESE RECIPIENTS:
• Ark House provides low-cost, fully furnished apartments to persons and their caregivers who come to Dallas area hospitals for long term medical care.
• Healthy Women Healthy Liberia! offers medical and dental exams, over-night stays, pharmacy, labs and imaging, and education.
• Heifer Project International provides livestock and training that transforms the lives of 23 million hungry and impoverished men, women, and children.
• H.E.R.O.E.S. programs provide therapy, recreation, social development, and vocational training for children and young adults with special needs.
• Kafodzidzi School serves 650 students in Ghana. Shares will support ongoing projects and needs of the school.
• Panama Medical shares will provide supplies, medicines, and vitamins to be distributed during FUMCR medical mission trips.
• Richardson Area Interfaith Habitat provides quality housing for stable, low income families.
• Skuinskloof School in South Africa serves over 200 students and has need of new lavatories, new roofing in the original school building, and remodeling a structure to house teachers
• Stovebuilders of Guatemala construct safe, externally vented, concrete block stoves for indigenous women.
• Youth Mission Trips serve others across the U.S. through home & community improvement projects.
Advent Offering
Our special Advent offering will be given to these dynamic organizations who are working passionately every day to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families.
Methodist Children's Home
Methodist Children’s Home seeks to equip children, youth, and families by offering hope through Christ-centered relationships and support via a residential program, transition care, parenting education, and foster caregiver support. Learn more about MCH
Network of Community Ministries
Network of Community Ministries works to care, coach, and empower our neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life. Learn more about Network
Advent Workshop
Sun, Dec 1, 2-4pm, Worship & Arts Center
Join us for an afternoon of crafts and stories as we prepare for Advent and Christmas. We will begin with Family Worship in the Worship & Arts Center at 2:00.
Cost: $30 per family
Registration open 11/1 -11/30
Children's Choir Christmas Musical
Sun, Dec 8, 3-4pm, Worship and Arts Center
Come and celebrate the season with the children's choir of FUMCR as they present the nativity story in Light of the World.
Children's choir includes children in PreK4 through 6th grade.
Service of Hope
Sun, Dec 15, 5 pm, Sanctuary & Livestream
In this season of expectation, decorations, and parties, the sense of loss can be profound. In this service, we look to God for light and comfort, for the Spirit’s presence even in our empty places, and for hope.
Additional Resource
Faith & Grief has shared some helpful coping strategies as well as ideas for taking care of yourself if you're grieving a loss this holiday season. View/Download
All Youth Christmas Party
Sun, Dec 15, 5:30-7:30pm, Bartula Family Life Center
Join us for our annual FUMCRYouth and JYC Christmas party! This fun night includes a Christmas sweater contest, holiday games, a sing-along, yummy food, prizes, and a gift exchange. Please bring a gift valued no more than $15 (gently used items are great, too). We will start the night with dinner in the gym, and end it in Coleman Family Hall.
Young Adult Christmas Party
Tues, Dec 17, 7-9pm, Meet at West Side Playground
Join us for an evening with coffee, cocoa, treats, and Christmas lights on a trolley! Space is limited.
Cost: $10 per person
