The Vine - News Blog

Arborlawn implementing Kids Hope USA ministry

 
Kids Hope USA is a program through which at-risk children are mentored one-on-one by caring adults. The relationships come about through church-school partnerships, and Arborlawn is the exact type of church where Kids Hope flourishes. The ministry is about to begin here.
 

Kids Hope mentors spend just one hour per week with a child at school. Activities during that hour include reading, talking, playing, or just listening. By helping the children feel loved and valued, the mentors help the kids to learn, grow, and succeed.

You can help change the life of a local school child for the better. For more details on Kids Hope USA, contact Laurie Ryan or Shirley Watkins.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Glee Club from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy singing here February 4

 
Concerts at Arborlawn welcomes the United States Coast Guard Academy Cadet Glee Club. The group is performing a free concert here at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4. They will be singing patriotic classics and songs of the sea.
 

The Glee Club is a select group of 50 men and women chosen from the Corps of Cadets by audition. The group’s director and musical arranger is Dr. Robert G. Newton, Director of Cadet Vocal Music at the United States Coast Guard Academy.
   
The Glee Club has performed at Disneyworld, the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the 2005 Super Bowl, and at numerous Presidential Inaugurations.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

A Word from the Pastor: Hurts so much, means so much

 
By Ben Disney

"'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”  Alfred Lord Tennyson
 
It’s a phrase many of us have heard over the years. The line comes from the writings of Alfred Lord Tennyson who also wrote “The Charge of the Light Brigade.” The particular line is from the poem "In Memoriam," which Tennyson wrote after the death of his beloved friend Arthur Hallam. Tennyson had met Hallam in 1829, when they were both students at Trinity College, Cambridge. Hallam's sudden death in 1833 caused Tennyson to enter into a deep and dark period of despair.
 

In essence it means you’re given a choice: 1) to love another person deeply but with the knowledge that you would one day have to bear the pain of saying goodbye; or 2) that you could avoid the pain and agony that comes in losing a loved one but the cost and trade off would be to never fully experience the depth and joy of love. Which would you choose?
 
If you’re looking for a third option there is none. Intentionally or unintentionally we all make the choice. Some, who cannot imagine bearing the pain of losing someone they love, decide instead to close their hearts, shut down their emotions, and refuse to ever get close to another person. Others, knowing full well the cost that comes with giving your heart to another, decide that in the end the exchange is worth it. Whatever pain they may feel when grief comes to them, is overshadowed by the joy they feel in the gift of love and life that can never fully be taken from them.
 
Part of the joy of serving a church is the sheer privilege of getting to know and love some of the most remarkable people God ever created. Part of the pain of ministry comes in having to say goodbye to people you’ve loved deeply. Of course you do that as well. In a church like this, we’re always bound by a higher calling and a deeper commitment. Every week we make a clear choice to open our hearts to God, to life, to others, knowing full well the risk that comes with it. It’s a guaranteed, no questions asked, foolproof way of ensuring that at some point your heart will be broken. And yet, in spite of all the pain, the agony, and the grieving, there’s not a single one of us that wouldn’t still choose option 1.
 
I wish I had a better option for you, but I didn’t make the rules. God did. The One who watched his son die on the cross probably knows more than we do about pain and grief. All that’s to say, after we say goodbye to the people we love, the best thing we can do is fight through the pain and offer a deep prayer of gratitude for the one we have loved and lost. Then at some point we’ll resolve to open up our hearts again because doing anything less would cause us to miss the whole point of life. It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all; which is why it hurts so much, and why it means so much. We’ll miss you Dub.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Faith Community Nurse Ministry bringing discussion about pharmaceuticals on February 23

 
Contributed by Pam Perrine, RN/FCN
 
Angela Hodges, Pharm.D., will present "Getting off Medications the Healthy Way: Pharmacist Brown Bag" on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in Room 231, Main Building. Dr. Hodges serves on the Health and Wellness Team, which is a component of the Faith Community Nurse Ministry.
 

This presentation will offer tips for working with your doctor to reduce the amount of medications you need to take, including the opportunity to consult with a pharmacist on the medications you are taking. The seminar is free and is an excellent opportunity for you to find out more about medications; yours or those of your loved ones.
 
Please contact Pam Perrine if you have any questions or suggestions for additional health issues for the FCN to address and present.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Prayer Ministry recommends coordinators for small groups

 
By Bonny Jenista
 
Are we a loving church? I hope you would answer “Yes!” With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, thoughts turn to love. And there are many ways to show someone you love them. 
 
As the Prayer Ministry has gotten underway, we often send a “Care Note" of encouragement, support, and love. We let people know we are praying for them, their family, and their situation. Often the recipient of the note will call or send a note of thanks in return. One of the things we have heard is how well some of the Sunday School classes are at sending their love to absentee class members. Sometimes the class might send a note saying they are thinking about the class member and are praying for them. Sometimes they take a meal to the class member. Is your Sunday School class or group showing love in this way?
 
Every Sunday School class or group that meets regularly should think about how they are care for and show love to their members. We encourage you to think about having a Prayer/Care Coordinator. This person could call the member who has been absent for more than two weeks to make sure the member is doing okay. Sometimes it's hard for people to attend due to illness, family emergencies, or even work schedules. But it's often hard for them to call the group and ask for help or support. Maybe they don’t have gas money to attend or they are unsure if “anyone really cares.” 
 
Calling a member who is absent is a very easy task. Simply call and say “Hey, we (state your group) haven’t seen you in a couple of weeks and we wanted to call and see if you are doing okay.“ If the class member says, “Yes,” then just tell them that is good and let them know you hope to see them back soon. If they say “No,” then ask if your group can do anything to help. Maybe they need a meal brought in, or perhaps they just need someone to listen to them. Always ask if you can share the need with your group. Also, never hang up without telling them that you care about and miss them. Then, pray for them before you hang up.
 
Sometimes the most important thing we can do as a group of Christians is not just have the meeting or lesson, but learn to reach out to others who need our help and love. Never forget to offer to put in a prayer request to your group and to the Prayer Ministry, Staff, or Pastors. Always check about confidentiality. Always think, "If I were absent, would anyone notice? Would anyone care?"
 
If your class or group does not have a Prayer/Care Coordinator, would you be the one to do it? Remember, it always hurts if we are not shown that others care. Most people want to  belong to a group that cares and prays for them. Show others you care by loving, calling, and praying! One of the main reasons a person leaves a group is because he or she feels unimportant or that no one cares.
 
Our Intercessors and Prayer Room attendees are always ready to pray with or for anyone who is in need. Contact the Prayer Ministry, Staff or Pastors if you need a helping hand for a class or group member.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Feb. 16 FWSO concert at Arborlawn to feature two Stradivari violins

 
A special highlight is in store for those who attend the upcoming Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra concert at Arborlawn on Thursday, Feb. 16: Bach's Concerto for Two Violins will be performed by Michael Shih and Swang Lin on the Fort Worth Symphony's two Stradivari violins. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. that night, with the Fort Worth Symphony under the baton of Miguel Harth-Bedoya.
 

Selections for the evening include: Overture to Suite No. 3 in D major for Orchestra, BWV 1068; Cantata No. 4, "Christ lag in Todes Banden," BWV 4; Concerto in D minor for Two Violins and String Orchestra, BWV 1043; and Cantata No. 196, "Der Herr denket an uns," BWV 196. The TCU Chorale will join the orchestra in the two cantatas.
 
Seating is general admission with tickets priced at $20 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets will be available at the concert or in advance at the FWSO Ticket Office [817-665-6000, 330 E. Fourth Street].
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Three Simple Rules class starts Sunday, February 5

 
What do United Methodists believe? You can learn this during the Three Simple Rules class on Sundays, Feb. 5, 12, and 19. The class meets during the Sunday School hour (9:45 a.m.) in Room 160. United Methodist doctrine is presented as the Three Simple Rules, which are also known as the General Rules of the United Methodist Church. In this class you can ask all your questions about Methodism. The class is led by Judy Williamson, and she is happy to talk to you about it [as well as our three other Connecting Classes].

Also make plans to join us for our next Connecting Class, Introduction to Arborlawn, on Feb. 26, Mar. 4 and 11.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

CSI has productive year in 2011

 
In 2011, the ladies involved with CSI [Christian Service Involvement] made the following: 235 layettes [sacques and blankets], 15 baby quilts, 23 knitted blankets, 120 pillow cases, and 5 layette kits for UMCOR.
 
The layettes go to John Peter Smith Hospital; the flannel blankets, baby quilts, and knitted blankets go to the New Life School; and the pillow cases go to Cook Children's Hospital. 
 
The CSI group - a gathering of wonderful, nimble-fingered ladies - meet on the second Tuesday of the month at the church. Anyone interested in becoming a part of CSI can contact Jean Revercomb.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

MOMS Group packing Snack Sacks January 24

 
By Melissa Hedger
 
MOMS Group [Mothers Offering Mutual Support] is meeting Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 6-8 p.m. We'll begin in Room 224, Main Building from 6 p.m. until about 6:30 p.m. to catch up and talk about our devotional book. After we finish snacking and talking about the book The Power of a Positive Mom, we will move over to the SAM Building to work on Snack Sacks.
 

Please feel free to invite friends from outside Arborlawn who are looking for support and friendship from fellow mothers, or have them check out ArborlawnUMC.org/moms.
 
You are invited to bring a snack to share for a light supper if you are able. Childcare is provided during each gathering, but you need to contact Nell Cantwell [817-731-0701] to make a reservation.
 
We look forward to seeing you!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Classes sought to help take meals to Samaritan House

 
By Don Pope
 
It is estimated this year at the Samaritan House that 350 people will have the opportunity to rebuild their lives ravaged by financial hardship and serious illness.
 
Arborlawn has supported the Samaritan House through our Missions Committee for many years. Specifically, we have volunteered to feed the residents dinner at The House on the fourth Thursday of each month. Sunday School classes and other organizations have provided their own resources - people and money - to make this happen.
 

This year will be another opportunity for us to continue with this support. Two Sunday School classes have already volunteered for the months of January and February 2012. Will your group be the next to take a month? If so please contact Don Pope  for your month of choice.
 
Our mission, in conjunction with the Samaritan House, is to create a supportive community providing housing and resources for positive changes in the lives of persons living with HIV/AIDS and other special needs.
 
Please join other Arborlawn groups by doing God’s work at the Samaritan House.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

The Wyeth String Quartet here in concert this Sunday at 7 p.m.

 
Come hear The Wyeth String Quartet in concert at Arborlawn this coming Sunday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. These skilled musicians will perform the music of Mozart, Philip Glass, and Dvořák.  
 
As with other Community Series concerts, tickets will be available at the door at a cost of $15 for adults, $10 for seniors 62 and older, and $5 for students.The Community Series lets us hear magnificent music and support the work of these outstanding artists at the same time.
 

The Wyeth String Quartet was formed in 2004 when their mutual joy and passion for great quartet literature was unleashed. Formerly known as the Fort Worth Symphony String Quartet, the group is comprised of the orchestra's principal string players. The Wyeth String Quartet has thrilled audiences of all ages with its virtuosic and energetic performances of classical and contemporary chamber music.
 
Discover why performances by The Wyeth String Quartet have been dubbed "stellar," "breathtaking," and "how chamber music should always be played."
 
For more information, contact Karen Gossett [817-731-0701].
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Sunday School classes invited to tour Prayer Room

 
All Sunday School classes [including those for Adults, Young Adults, Students, and Children] are invited to tour the new Prayer Room - The Vineyard of Prayer - to learn more about it and how it operates.
 
Classes can come by any Sunday during January, February, or March during the Sunday School hour. Come see this new addition to Arborlawn sponsored by the Prayer Ministry. Learn about our Intercessory Prayer Team, the PIT Crew, signing up for times in the Prayer Room, checking out books, and how you can pray for Arborlawn's many needs.
 
For more details, contact Bonny Jenista [bjenista@juno.com].
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

A Word from the Pastor: A message waiting for you

 
By Ben Disney
 
At its worst urban graffiti is destructive, unsightly and illegal. It defaces property and often promotes gang violence.
 

There are, however, rare moments of insight and humor that appear in the most unlikely places. Here are a few examples of wisdom scrawled on walls and buildings from those who long to be heard in a world of noise and chaos:
 
“Laughter translates into any language.”
 
“Is there life before death?”
 
“A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.”
 
“Is there intelligent life on earth? Yes, but I'm only visiting.”
 
"I’m bored."
 
“If ignorance is bliss, there should be more happy people.”
 
“You're too good for him.” [A sign over the mirror in a women's rest room, Ed Debevic's, Beverly Hills, CA.]
 
“God is not dead but alive and well and working on a much less ambitious project.”
 
“We are the people our parents warned us about.”
 
It’s one thing to have random thoughts and words scribbled on a wall. It’s something altogether different to have sacred words inscribed on your heart; which is what happens when God holds the pen or when you realize God holds your life.
 
“Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This 'letter' is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.” 2 Corinthians 3:3
 
So the next time you forget who you are, or you’re not sure what to do, my suggestion is don’t look up. Look in; as in inside your heart. There’s a message waiting for you from the One who made you.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

WMAA Book Club meeting Feb. 1

 
The WMAA Book Club will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 11:30 a.m. in Room 220, Main Building. We will discuss Franklin and Eleanor by Hazel Rowley.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Arborlawn welcomes the Coast Guard Academy Glee Club on Saturday, February 4

 
Concerts at Arborlawn welcomes the United States Coast Guard Academy Cadet Glee Club. The group is performing a free concert here on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.
 

The Glee Club is a select group of 50 men and women chosen from the Corps of Cadets by audition. This group specializes in the performance of patriotic music and songs of the sea. The Glee Club’s director and musical arranger is Dr. Robert G. Newton, Director of Cadet Vocal Music at the United States Coast Guard Academy.
 
The Glee Club travels annually to entertain people throughout the country. Appearances have included performances at Disneyworld in Orlando, the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and the 2005 Super Bowl in Jacksonville. The group has also performed for the Joint Chiefs of Staff as well as at numerous Presidential Inaugurations.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Learn some life-saving skills at Heartsaver AED class in February

 
Contributed by Pam Perrine, RN/FCN
 
Do you know what you would do if  someone you loved had a heart attack or if you found someone who had collapsed? Have you heard the news in recent months of several successful CPR/AED resuscitations in Texas given by non-medical people that saved some lives?
   
Arborlawn’s Faith Community Nurse Ministry is, once again, offering the American Heart Association Heartsaver AED class on Saturday, Feb. 25 in Room S-10 of the SAM Building. The group will offer two sessions of the same class; one from 8 a.m. until Noon and the other that afternoon from 1-5 p.m. The fee is $20, and pre-registration is required by Feb. 12. Contact Pam Perrine [pamhug@sbcglobal.net, 817-727-6385] to pre-register.
   
The Heartsaver AED course teaches the new guidelines of how to perform adult, child, and infant CPR; how to use the AED [automatic external defibrillator]; and how to help an adult, child, or infant who is choking. This course is designed to prepare people to provide CPR and AED use in a safe, timely, and effective manner. The course is certified by the American Heart Association and is taught by AHA-certified instructors. Course completion cards are awarded to students after successful completion of the  skills test. No written test is required to pass this course.
    
Join the 39 Arborlawn members who have successfully completed the Heartsaver AED courses we presented here in 2011. The people who went through the class were new parents, grandparents, spouses, aunts, uncles, cousins, ushers, and friends of people who have cardiac problems. They range in age from 19 to 82, and all of them wanted to learn how to help save a life! You too can do it; in fact, you are greatly needed.

FWSO at Arborlawn in all-Bach concert on Thursday, February 16

 
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents an all-Bach evening on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 7:30 p.m. A special highlight is Bach's Concerto for Two Violins performed by Michael Shih and Swang Lin on the Fort Worth Symphony's two Stradivari violins under the baton of FWSO Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya.
 
Selections for the evening include: Overture to Suite No. 3 in D major for Orchestra, BWV 1068; Cantata No. 4, "Christ lag in Todes Banden," BWV 4; Concerto in D minor for Two Violins and String Orchestra, BWV 1043; and Cantata No. 196, "Der Herr denket an uns," BWV 196. The TCU Chorale will join the orchestra in the two cantatas.
 
Seating is general admission with tickets priced at $20 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets will be available at the concert or in advance at the FWSO Ticket Office [817-665-6000, 330 E. Fourth Street].
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Spiritual gifts class this Sunday; other connecting classes soon

 
Contributed by Judy Williamson
 
Learn about your spiritual gifts and ways to use them during Your Spiritual Gifts [one of Arborlawn's four Connecting Classes] on Sundays Jan. 22 and 29 at 9:45 a.m. in Room 160.
   
You may have unclaimed good things from God available to you. Come to the Your Spiritual Gifts class to discover, remember, and consider how to use your spiritual gifts. We will read from the Bible, and we will identify what the spiritual gifts are and which ones each of us have. This class is open to all church guests, new members, and veteran Arborlawn members. Books and materials are provided.
 
Then join us for The Three Simple Rules on Sundays, Feb. 5, 12, and 19 at 9:45 a.m. and Introduction to Arborlawn on Feb. 26, Mar. 4 and 11 at 9:45 a.m. Watch for more details on these two classes.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

"Affect" - Stephen Ministers present seminar this Sunday afternoon; all are welcome

 
What are the behavioral clues that indicate a person is ashamed rather than angry? Discover the Nine Affects to recognize specific emotions in other people this afternoon at 4 p.m. in a seminar sponsored by Arborlawn's Stephen Ministers. The seminar will be led by Rev. Bryan Bellamy in Room 225. This recognition of behaviors is a valuable skill for Stephen Ministers and many other people to develop. In fact, all are welcome to attend.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Brazos Brass Quintet performing here February 26

 
Concerts at Arborlawn welcomes Brazos Brass Quintet to Arborlawn on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. The Brazos Brass Quintet is a newly founded musical group dedicated to bringing quality performances of great brass music to Dallas/Fort Worth. The BBQ, formed in 2010, is committed to performing a variety of musical styles and offers concerts that highlight the group's love of music, youthful spirit, and desire to perform at the highest level.
 
The members of Brazos Brass are active in some of the area’s most prestigious groups. The BBQ is comprised of Oscar Garcia-Montoya and Jeremy Garnett, Trumpets; David Cooper, Horn; Kyle Mullins, Trombone; and Clay Garrett, Tuba.
 
No tickets are required, but an offering will be received at the door.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org