The Vine - News Blog

Reintroduction to Student Ministry: Did you know...?

 
By Abby Johnson
 
* We have a website with a wealth of information: ArborlawnStudents.com
 
* We seek to provide an environment where students can come together to establish and nurture positive, God-centered relationships.
 
* We constantly work to guide students to walk and grow in the love that God desires for them to know, through Jesus Christ.
 

* We try our best to help students develop a heart for service and mission across the community and across the world.
 
* On any given Sunday, there are at 15-20 volunteers working with our students. They help teach Sunday School, lead small groups, and feed dinner during Wired and Anthem.
 
* Wired is a place for our 7th and 8th graders to get plugged in to each other and to God. We are created to be in community with each other. Here we discover what that means by exploring God, Jesus, and the Church and how we are affected and shaped by those things when we let them into our lives. At Wired, we learn what it means to be plugged in to God for life. Wired meets Sunday evenings from 6-8:15 p.m.
 
* Anthem serves our 9th through 12th graders and is all about different lives rising up as one. One people, together for a purpose greater than ourselves.  At Anthem we discover, no matter where you are in your faith, that we are called to live beyond ourselves. Here we discover just what it looks like to live as a Christian and discover how full life can be when we rise up as one, guided by God’s love. Anthem meets Sundays from 6-8:30 p.m.
 
* The SAM Building, where the youth meet, has been in the midst of renovation for a little over a year thanks to generous donations. It looks entirely different from when we bought the building, and you should come check it out if you haven’t been this way lately.
 
* We have a leadership program for our 11th and 12th graders. It works to help our older students realize how important the church community is and how essential it is to find a place to serve within the church. We want them to feel that the church needs them, so that they will reach out for that connection in their next life journey.
 
* Several of our Middle School students have raised over $5,000 for a water well, to be built in a community without clean water, on their own.
 
* We took about 100 students and adults on our Summer Mission Trips last year, and will do so again this year.
 
* There are needs that can be met for Student Ministries during the week by volunteers. You might even have some skills we’re looking for!
 
* We are in constant need of scholarships for students who want to participate, but find it financially troubling.
 
* Our small group leaders often make multi-year commitments to our students, and the relationships built are life long connections. 
 
* We often put on special interest presentations. Just recently we did a program for our Senior High and parents about alcohol abuse and awareness.
 
* There are three people that make up your Student Ministries staff and support team: Abby Johnson, Director of Student Ministries; Dave Brower, Director of Student Worship and Education; and Thomas Mitchell, Intern and Praise Band Leader.
 
We would love for you to plug into Student Ministries. Studies show that the number of mentoring adults within a program often corresponds to the number of active students. We each have different personalities that stand out and bond us to others. Maybe you would reach a student and help serve a need in a way that we haven’t yet. There are a lot of opportunities and I can promise you that the students will enrich your life!
   
Over the next few weeks/months, we will be taking the opportunity to reintroduce you to Arborlawn Student Ministries. We want to shed some light on the ever-changing and essential ministry that happens here with our teenagers. Look for articles and stories from all aspects of the ministry, including expanding on many of the statements above.
 
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ArborlawnStudents.com / ArborlawnUMC.org

Two WMAA Bible studies begin Wednesday April 18

 
The latest Bible studies from Women’s Ministries at Arborlawn begin Wednesday, Apr. 18.
 
“James: Mercy Triumphs” by Beth Moore runs through June 6. Join us from 9:45-11:45 a.m. in Room 225.
 

James, Jesus’ own brother, started as a skeptic. See in this study how one glimpse of the Savior turned an unbeliever into a disciple. Using Beth Moore’s newest study and DVD-based lessons, we explore the spiritual journey of James. Contact Shirley Watkins to reserve your workbook for this study.
 
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"Walk as Jesus Walked" by Ray Vander Laan is also starting Apr. 18 (9:30-11:30 a.m. in Room 222) and runs through May 16. This is a DVD-based study through which we will "learn how the culture and politics of the first century influenced the imagery and stories of the Bible, and see the text through the eyes of God’s chosen people, the Jews." (Zondervan) 
 

Please complete the first lesson prior to our first class. For more information, contact Marty Sieverling. Hope to see you on Apr. 18!
 
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Child care is available for either study with advance notice by contacting Nell Cantwell (or 817-731-0701).
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Young Professionals group: first meeting April 10 at Uncle Julio’s

 
Arborlawn’s Young Professionals group is kicking off on Tuesday, Apr. 10 at 7 p.m. with dinner at Uncle Julio’s. Please RSVP by Monday, Apr. 9 to Bryan Bellamy (or 817-731-0701).
 
Are you new to the area, a recent college graduate, or looking to network with other young professionals? If so, check out Arborlawn’s Young Professionals group. This ministry is dedicated to young adults who want to grow in their relationship with Christ, meet other young professionals, and have fun!
 
Starting April 10, we’ll meet every Tuesday at 7 p.m. We alternate the program, so some weeks we meet at the church and other Tuesdays we meet in town for a social activity. If you are interested, we would love to have you participate in our group.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

A Word from the Pastor: The resurrection explains you

 
By Ben Disney
 
“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one - as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” John 17:21
 
A man was stranded on a deserted Pacific island for years. Finally one day a boat comes sailing into view, and the man frantically waves and draws the skipper’s attention. The boat comes near the island and the sailor gets out and greets the stranded man. After a while the sailor asks, “What are those three huts you have here?”
   
“Well, that’s my house there.”
   
“What’s that next hut?” asks the sailor. “I built that hut to be my church.”
   
“What about the other hut?”
   
“Oh, that’s where I used to go to church.”
   
It was his hope and prayer. How well has it worked out? Well, according to the Dictionary of Christianity in America there are approximately 20,800 Christian denominations worldwide. One of the great historical conundrums is the desire for unity in the Body of Christ over and against the reality of a splintered and fragmented Christian community.
 

The issues that keep us separated from one another are innumerable, ranging from essential differences in doctrine and theology to petty arguments and trivial disagreements. If there is a contradictory hope, maybe it’s Easter. Perhaps the most unifying force for the vast majority of Christians across the world is Easter. The resurrection and mystery of what God has done in Christ Jesus on the cross is what most followers point to as the foundational truth of our faith. The resurrection forever separates Jesus from being defined simply as a learned teacher, wise rabbi, miracle worker, or social revolutionist.
   
Why Easter? Because it’s bigger than any of us. It transcends the little truths we try to patch together on our own to make sense of our lives. Nothing about the resurrection makes any logical sense; which is why I like William Willimon’s take on it: “You don’t explain the resurrection. The resurrection explains you.”
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Palm Procession Sunday, April 1

 
Kids, join us this Sunday for our annual Palm Procession. All children are welcome to participate as we wave our palms before each service.
 

Meet in the Lower Commons at 8:30 a.m. to wave palms at the 8:45 a.m. service. Gather at 10:45 a.m. in the Lower Commons to wave palms at the 11 a.m. service. Or, meet outside of the InSearch service at 11 a.m. to wave palms at the 11:11 a.m. service. We will process down the aisle and then return to sit with our families.
 
If you have any questions please contact Kim Cordell.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

MOMS Group on April 10: Raising confident kids

 
Join MOMS Group (Mothers Offering Mutual Support) for our next meeting on Tuesday, Apr. 10 from 6-8 p.m. in Room 222. Please note the room change. 
 
We’ll welcome back radio personality and motivational Christian speaker Rebecca Carrell to present to us about raising confident kids. Please note we’ll be taking a love offering to show Rebecca our appreciation.
 

Feel free to bring friends from outside Arborlawn who are looking for support and friendship from fellow mothers. You are also invited to bring a snack to share for a light snack supper if you are able. Childcare is provided during each gathering, but please call Nell Cantwell at 817-731-0701 to make a reservation.
 
We look forward to seeing you!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Place to Belong starts new study on April 19: “Invitation to the Old Testament”

 
By Bette Smith
 
Place to Belong, a Bible study for single women or any woman worshiping alone, is beginning a new session on Thursday, Apr. 19 at 7 p.m. in Room 231 (Parlor). The book is “Invitation to the Old Testament” by Celia Brewer Sinclair and James D. Tabor.
 
While we have spent almost two months reading through the Old Testament in the church-wide Bible in 90 Days study, this will give us a much closer examination of the main historical events and voices that are spoken in the Old Testament and “highlight the relationships between Israel and other Ancient Near Eastern societies as found in extra-biblical literature and law codes, in art and artifacts, in archeological findings and excavations.” The discussion time will be supplemented by an excellent DVD series. Books may be purchased at Cokesbury for $11.50 or ordered online new or used.
 
Here’s what members of the group are saying about Place to Belong:
 
Pat: Place to Belong is so aptly named! I’ve not felt out of place coming to church by myself since I joined this great group of friends.
 
Bette: Our group has begun to join up with others in the Singles Ministry in sitting together during services or events and going out to lunch on Sundays. Last week we took an impromptu visit to the Kimbell Art Museum for lunch and a tour of the current Impressionists exhibit. On Thursday, Apr. 12, we will be meeting for dinner at Abuelo’s restaurant (at Hulen Mall) at 6:30 p.m. Those interested in the new session are welcome to attend and get to know other members. We also occasionally attend movies or cultural events in the city. I have never had to pass up an opportunity because I didn’t want to go alone. Someone in the group always wants to join in the fun.
 
Linda: Place to Belong has been a Godsend. It has been a wonderful opportunity for growth, support, and sharing with other women who love the Lord.
 
Bette: We generally study four or five texts throughout the year. Group members give input as to what they would like to learn. Topics are varied and include texts covering both the Old and New Testaments. Whenever possible, guest speakers are invited to join us. Our ministers joined us this past fall in a study on Methodism.
 
Ellen: What a wonderful group! We laugh, we cry, we share, and we learn about God and his purpose in our lives! I have been in PTB about two months. From the start, I was comfortable and had a new group of friends.
 
Bette: Support for one another spiritually, emotionally, and socially are extremely important among group members. I feel like I have so many close friends that I can call on for anything. I’ve only been in Fort Worth a few years but feel like I’ve lived here for years. ¬†
 
All ages are involved in Place to Belong. Childcare is available by calling the church office 24 hours in advance. Contact Bette Smith to enroll for the next session or ask questions about upcoming events.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Merrymakers seeing “Pete ‘n’ Keely” on April 20

 
Merrymakers (Arborlawn’s Seniors Group) is going to see the play “Pete ‘n’ Keely” at Theatre Arlington on Friday, Apr. 20. The play is about Eydie Gorme and Steve Lawrence. The cost is $17.50 per person, and the group is going to dinner at Catfish Sam’s after the show. The church vans leave Arborlawn at 5 p.m., and gas is $5 per person. Reservations and payment are required by Thursday, Apr. 12. Contact Janet Roberson for more details or to reserve your ticket.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

WMAA Book Club meeting April 4

 
The WMAA Book Club meets on Wednesday, Apr. 4 in Room 220. We will discuss “Sarah’s Key” by Tatiana de Tosnay. Claire Brown will lead the discussion. We would love to have visitors!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

North District UMW Spiritual Growth: April 21

 
The North District UMW Spiritual Growth event is Saturday, Apr. 21 from 9 a.m. until Noon at University UMC (2416 W. Berry Street, Fort Worth). Enter the church parking lot from Forest Park Boulevard.
 
The topic is “Women of Faith: Sharing Their Stories” and it will be facilitated by Rev. Dr. Lisa Neslony.
 
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Please bring a light refreshment to share at the break. Beverages will be provided. RSVP to the University UMC church office at 817-926-4626. Childcare and UMW resources are available.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

A Word from the Pastor: When does a church become a church?

 
By Ben Disney
 
When does a church actually become a church? It depends, of course. Do you mean theologically, administratively, or procedurally? In the United Methodist Church, a congregation becomes a church when it’s officially chartered and recognized by the Conference.
   
Years ago I helped organize a new church start that met in a local elementary school cafeteria. We met together as a congregation for three years before becoming an official chartered and recognized church. Come to think of it, I’m not sure what we were in those three years if we weren’t an officially recognized church. Technically, I suppose we were just seen as a loose collection of believers devoid of any official status; sort of in a theological no man’s land for church wannabes. Trust me, I know what we were. And frankly, I’ve always thought official titles are somewhat overrated.
   
So, when does a church actually become a church? Consider a couple of things I’ve observed over the last week. A family experiences the unimaginable pain and grief of losing their beautiful 21 year old daughter in a tragic car accident. There are no called meetings or official administrative board decisions or resolutions. People just begin to respond. Knowing there are no simple explanations or actions that can possibly explain or take away the intense pain the family is enduring, they begin to show up. They deliver meals to the home. They offer whatever words of comfort they can to the family. Another couple comes to mow their yard. Others come to hold their hands, pray with them, cry with them.
 

When the service is held at the church, Prayer Ministry partners arrive early to walk the sanctuary praying for the all those who will come; that God might heal the broken hearts of people who one week ago could never have imagined being in this place and having to say goodbye to one who was so young and full of life. Choir members come back on a Sunday afternoon to offer their unique gift of ministry; music so beautiful and powerful that it can heal a broken heart. Other members of the church, many who did not even know the family or the young lady who died, show up for the service simply to stand with the family and to be fully present with them in their deepest pain and grief.
   
When does a church become a church? I think you know; which is why I’ve never been more proud to call this place my church.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Curves of Wedgwood in middle of annual Snack Sacks drive

 
Janet Culbertson, a longtime Arborlawn member and owner of Curves of Wedgwood, is celebrating the 14th Annual Food Drive by encouraging members to donate to the Snack Sack mission of Arborlawn.
   
For the past six years, the Snack Sack mission has been the grateful recipient of donations from this Food Drive. Throughout March, Curves of Wedgwood members are bringing in cases of cereal bars, fruit cups, peanut butter bars, and the other items that go into the Snack Sacks. Their generosity helps Arborlawn continue to provide food to elementary school children who have little to nothing to eat over the weekends.
 

Arborlawn currently provides Snack Sacks to children in five elementary schools—Oakmont, Waverly Park, Tanglewood, and Nash Elementary Schools as well as Chapel Hill Academy.
   
The Snack Sack ministry at Arborlawn continues to grow and develop its outreach to children. Through the support of our congregation and groups like Curves of Wedgwood, we have been able to expand our mission to two new schools this year. We will also continue to provide 200 Snack Sacks each week to children in the programs at the United Community Centers. The Snack Sack mission has been completely supported by donations from Sunday School classes, individuals, and other groups in the community. We are grateful for those who have answered the call to serve children through their gifts to Snack Sacks.
 
For more information about the Snack Sack mission, contact Beth Evers at the church. For more information about Curves of Wedgwood, contact Janet Culbertson (WedgwoodCurves.com, 817-292-0027).
   
As part of the 14th Annual Food Drive (running through the end of March), Curves of Wedgwood will waive the enrollment fee for anyone who donates food for the Snack Sack mission.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Positive Psychology workshop Tuesday evening, March 27; take online pre-assessment

 
The Positive Psychology discussion sponsored by the Stephen Ministry (but open to all who are interested!) is Tuesday, Mar. 27, from 6:30-8 p.m. in Room 262. The session will include hands-on assessments and interventions.
 

Don’t worry if you didn’t make it to the intro session earlier this month; it’s easy to get up to speed. And for those of you who were present last Sunday, we will have some new information to consider.
 
PRE-WORKSHOP ASSESSMENT
 
Participants in this workshop might enjoy taking the assessment at AuthenticHappiness.com prior to attending. Instructions follow:
 
1. Register on this website. (It is owned by University of Pennsylvania and does not contact you or sell your information.)
 
2. Once into the Testing Center, scroll down to about mid-page and select the VIA Survey of Character Strengths - Measures 24 Character Strengths.
 
3. Select this assessment. Allow yourself about 30 minutes to complete it, and come to the workshop with the list of your top five strengths.
 
If you are unable to take this assessment prior to coming, do not let that discourage you from attending. Some allowance for gathering information of this nature will be made in the workshop itself. Taking this prior to the event will be more helpful and specific, though.
 
This assessment represents only one of the activities that will be provided for the evening.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Lenten Noonday Recitals: Roths Mar. 21, Westenkuehler on Mar. 28

 
We hope you can make it on Wednesday, Mar. 21 at Noon in the Sanctuary for a Lenten Noonday Recital by Sherry and Jaris Roth.
 
Then, Concerts at Arborlawn concludes the 2012 Lenten Noonday Recitals season on March 28 with Jerry Westenkuehler playing the Sanctuary organ.
 
Invite your friends and come enjoy the music. Then stay for a light luncheon in the Gathering Area after the concerts.
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW General Meeting April 3 in the Sanctuary

 
The April UMW General Meeting is Tuesday, Apr. 3 at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Kay Nader is presenting a program about the Arborlawn Sanctuary Windows. The mission emphasis for April is a love offering for UMCOR. After the General Meeting, lunch of baked potatoes and all the trimmings ($3) will be served in the Gathering Area. Ruth Circle is providing desserts.
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org

United Community Centers: Annual Dinner April 19 at Meadowbrook UMC; catered by Riscky's

 
Ministries in Motion - the Annual Dinner for United Community Centers - is Thursday, Apr. 19 from 6-8 p.m. at Meadowbrook UMC. Tickets are $15 per person, and the event is catered by Riscky's Barbeque. Read more and register. This event replaces the Metropolitan Board of Missions dinner.
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org

Children’s Easter Mission Project: “Bless My Sole”

 
“Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”  John 13:14-15
    
Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, a humble gesture, generally performed by lowly servants. To help us remember to serve others, as imitators of Christ, Arborlawn children are collecting new pairs of socks to be given to the clients of United Community Centers.  A clean pair of socks will bless the man who has none!
   
Look for the “Bless My Sole” collection station in the Children’s area outside of the Circuit Riders rooms. We will collect new socks through Easter Sunday, Apr. 8.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Lenten Noonday Recitals continue March 21 and 28

 
Concerts at Arborlawn invites everyone to a favorite Arborlawn tradition: our Lenten Noonday Recitals. The concerts are in our Sanctuary on Wednesdays at Noon on Mar. 21 (Melissa Mullins on the flute), and Mar. 28 (Jerry Westenkuehler on the organ). Invite your friends and come enjoy the music. Then stay for a light luncheon in the Gathering Area after the concerts.
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org

A Word from the Pastor: Who was Jesus addressing?

 
By Ben Disney
 
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
 
Ironic, isn’t it? The #1 grossing movie in the U.S. is “The Lorax,” based on a children’s book by Dr. Seuss. It’s a book written primarily for children, but adults will discover a deeper meaning buried in the animation.
 
Someone recently gave me a book entitled “Lessons Kids Need to Learn” by David Staal. The book is a practical guide to raising healthy children and nurturing their emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
 

Briefly, here are the chapter titles: 1. Believe That You Matter / Live Like Others Matter More. 2. Appreciate Those Who Serve You / Make Serving Others a Priority. 3. Forget Unimportant Stuff / Remember Life Has Consequences. 4. Be a People Person / Be Your Own Person. 5. Find Your Unique Fit / Find Out You Can Fail. 6. Always Speak Up / Only Speak the Truth. 7. Faith, Hope, and Love.
   
It’s a list of simple lessons that can make a world of difference for any child. Sadly, some children will never hear these words spoken or see them modeled by any influential adult in their lives.
   
But as you read the list, you’ll discover that, although it’s written with children in mind, it’s the adults who need to hear it the most. Makes me wonder who Jesus was talking to when the children started gathering around Him. Ironic, isn’t it?
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Candy-filled eggs sought for Egg Hunt on March 31

 
The annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids is coming up on Saturday, Mar. 31, and we need your help. Boxes are located throughout the church for Easter candy donations. If you can, please donate pre-filled candy eggs for the hunt. (No chocolate, please; it melts!)
 
We appreciate all of your help!
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org