The Vine - News Blog

Family 1st at Arborlawn

 
We all know the child’s primary Christian education comes from the home. Arborlawn wants to offer tools to empower parents as they help children along on the journey of faith.
 
In early 2012, Arborlawn's staff discussed the importance of parental involvement in the faith development of children. Soon after this discussion, weekly round-table brainstorming sessions began among staff members from Arborlawn's Children's Ministries, Student Ministries, Young Adult Ministries, Music Ministries, and Adult Discipleship. The group talked about promoting the spiritual development of families, specifically Arborlawn families.
 
So during this next school year and into Summer 2013, watch for many programs and initiatives that celebrate Family 1st at Arborlawn. Whenever you see the Family 1st logo in the coming months, know that the content of the program or activity is centered around putting family first.
 

Two of our initial Family 1st events include a faith-based parenting seminar on Sunday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. in the Worship Center featuring Rev. Christie Robbins and Rev. Joel Robbins; and the Local Fest from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27. Local Fest is a fun day where we'll have a craft fair, Pumpkin Patch games and fun for the kids, Food Trucks from Fort Worth's Food Truck Park around lunch time, and the music of some talented local bands for your entertainment. (Sign up today for a booth in the Craft Fair.)
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org / ArborlawnStudents.com

Two must-hear organ concerts coming Sept. 30 and Oct. 1

 
Arborlawn's Organist, Dr. Jerry Westenkuehler, opens The Year of the Organ Dedication Series (part of Concerts at Arborlawn) on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. as he joins with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in the Guilmant Symphonie for Organ No. 1, Opus 42 and Poulenc's Concerto for Organ in G minor. Westenkuehler, a frequent recitalist, is a published composer known for his organ improvisation.
 

Then, the next night, Monday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m., return to hear The Dedication Recital with Cleveland Organist Todd Wilson. Wilson is head of the Organ Department at The Cleveland Institute of Music and Curator of the E.M. Skinner pipe organ at Severance Hall in Cleveland. He is also Director of Music and Worship at Cleveland's Trinity Cathedral and House Organist for the newly-restored Aeolian organ at the Stan Hywet Home and Gardens in nearby Akron. Critics have indicated he is a "fabulous virtuoso with fleet feet, a prodigious memory and technique to burn." 
 
Both concerts are open to the public without admission fee. Tickets for both events will be distributed beginning Sunday, Sept. 9 on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Prayer Encounter Seminar September 15; early bird registration ends this Sunday

 
Arborlawn's Prayer Ministry is hosting an all-day, CTC-wide prayer seminar on Saturday, Sept. 15. Join us that day from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as we welcome the compelling speaker and author Terry Tekyl and his Prayer Encounter Seminar.
 

The seminar costs $20 per person. Please note early bird registration ends Sunday, Sept. 2. After that, and at the door, the seminar costs $25. Free childcare is available by contacting Nell Cantwell (817-731-0701). Lunch is included in the seminar cost.
 
Read more and register today.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

A Word from the Pastor: "Let my heart be broken…"

 
By DeAndrea Dare
 
One of the most common phrases spoken today is, “I don’t care.” It is an attitude and a mindset that can come across in a variety of ways. It can be spoken with defiance, or it can be a way of gently pushing another to make a decision. Sometimes we are presented with too many choices, and that makes choosing just one a difficult task. Other times we are so overwhelmed we wonder how we can make a difference just being one person.
 
Jesus never said, “I don’t care.” No matter where he was or what he was doing, he consistently served and loved, offered forgiveness and opportunities for new beginnings. Jesus always cared.
 
The Letter of James is a call to action. It is a call to use the faith that we believe deep within by making a tangible difference in the here and now. Being able to recite a creed or pray a prayer is not the concern of James. James issues a challenge of saying that, without action, faith is simply words. James calls us to care and care deeply about those who we share life with, both our loved ones and the strangers among us. 
 

Just this past week we watched Tropical Storm and then Hurricane Isaac rip through countries and states and leave devastation in its wake. Our faith is now calling out to us. Although we may just be one person and we may feel as though we cannot change circumstances or improve conditions overnight, we cannot stand idly by and wait for someone else to do something. In just a week, a missions team from Arborlawn will travel to UMCOR Sager Brown to begin relief work for those who have been touched by this vicious storm. Through the cleaning of debris in south Louisiana and the packing of flood buckets and health kits that will be sent to places like Haiti, the love and faith of the people of Arborlawn will be making a difference throughout our world. 
 
Every day we are bombarded by choices. Every day we can be overwhelmed by the enormity of need in our world. Often times we adopt the “I don’t care” attitude so we can move on; we expect others to do something that we do not have time to do or want to do because we know it will break our hearts to enter into the lives of others who are going through difficult times.
 
The people of Arborlawn are faithful. From trips to UMCOR Sager Brown, to mentoring Kids Hope children, to packing Snack Sacks; Adopt-A-School, the Food Pantry, Styles and Smiles Fashion Show and so much more, we show that we do care. Bob Pierce, the founder of World Vision, once prayed the prayer, “Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.” May that be our prayer today and may our prayer move us to express our faith through all that we are and all that we do.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW Sunday and 3rd Grade Bibles: September 23

 
The annual conference-wide UMW Sunday is Sept. 23, and that's also the Sunday we present Bibles to our 3rd Graders. Third Graders can get a Bible at any of our three worship services. Please let Kim Cordell (817-731-0701) know which service you and your child will be attending that day. Arborlawn's UMW ladies plan to give the kids some supplemental tools to enhance their Bible experiences. We hope everyone can join us on this special Sunday.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Learn some practical ideas on faith-based parenting on Sept. 9

Faith-Based Parenting Seminar:
Practical Ideas for Your Home
Sunday, Sept. 9, 6-7 p.m., Worship Center

 
It has been said, "It takes a village to raise a child." We at Arborlawn recognize the importance of partnering with families to lay a solid foundation of faith for our children. Sunday morning worship and Sunday School are important in faith development. But Sunday mornings are not enough.
 

Join us on Sunday, Sept. 9 from 6-7 p.m. in the Worship Center as Rev. Christie Robbins and Rev. Joel Robbins share practical, day-to-day examples and ideas of ways to instill faith in our future generations while growing closer as families. Whether you have babies, elementary, middle school, or high school children, we'd love to see you take part in this one of a kind, energetic, practical experience.
 
Read more about Family 1st at Arborlawn.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org / ArborlawnStudents.com

Prayer study for this autumn: Prayer: Basics and Beyond

 
By Bonny Jenista
 
Join us this September for a seven-week class on prayer called Prayer: Basics and Beyond. The class will be offered at three different times. The WMAA Wednesday morning ladies groups start the study at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 5. Two additional sessions of the study - for both women and men - begin Sunday, Sept. 16 during the Sunday School hour in the Family Life Center and Thursday, Sept. 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Room 220.
 

The cost of the workbook is $10, and it may be purchased the first day of the study. All proceeds from the workbook sales are given to Arborlawn's Prayer Ministry. Sign up for any session of this study at the Welcome Kiosks or in the church office.
 
Prayer: Basics and Beyond is a study of discovery and of growing in spiritual maturity with regard to prayer. Many who participated last winter as we read The Bible in 90 Days have been looking to grow in the spiritual disciplines. This workshop is for both the person who doesn't know a lot about prayer and for the "prayer warrior." The workshop gives participants the tools needed to help establish an individual prayer and devotional time. For some, a study about prayer might be intimidating or the fear of praying in front of others might be scary. (In this workshop, no one is required to pray out loud!) Others see prayer as boring, or they cannot comprehend all there is to know about this vast subject. Join us as we learn more about prayer.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Singles Group hosting TCU speaker on September 9

 
Arborlawn's Singles Group is hosting a talk by Dr. James Riddlesperger as part of its monthly Coffee and Chat series. The event is at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 9 in the Worship Center, and all are invited.
 
Dr. Riddlesperger is a professor of political science at TCU. His interests are in the presidency, Congress, and Texas politics. He is past president of the Southwestern Political Science Association and the current Chief Reader for the College Board's Advance Placement U.S. Government exam. Riddlesperger and his family are members of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, where he has served on the Church Council, the Staff Parish Relations Committee, as a delegate to Annual Conference, and in many other capacities. 
 
Everyone's welcome to come hear Dr. Riddlesperger's unique perspective on politics and the United Methodist Church.
 
To get the latest Singles Group event updates, email us.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

LocalFest: Craft Fair on October 27; sign up for booths now

 
Do you do crafts? Or do you know someone who is into crafts? Arborlawn is hosting LocalFest on Oct. 27 (watch for more details soon) and part of that is a Craft Fair.
 

We are looking for vendors to exhibit in the Craft Fair. Vendors can register here, and we encourage you and your friends to do so today. Booth space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
Proceeds go toward Arborlawn Summer Student Mission Trips.
 
Be a part of this exciting Family 1st event at Arborlawn on Oct. 27.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org / ArborlawnStudents.com

New study by Mike Slaughter starts September 9 in The Journey class

 
All are invited to attend The Journey Sunday School class, where a new study is slated for Sept. 9 through Oct. 14. The class is watching and discussing Mike Slaughter's video series "Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus." Join them in Room 212 at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
 
Church is verb. Linking Bible study to global mission and local service projects, Mike Slaughter's "Change the World" video and discussion challenges listeners to action.
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org

Line dancing class starting September 13

 
A line dancing class begins Thursday, Sept. 13 from 2-3 p.m. in Room 146. (Room 146 is the area off either side of the Lower Commons and behind the grand staircase.) If you want to be a part of this fantastic and fun exercise and fellowship opportunity, please contact Peggy Hardegree.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

MOMS Group starting autumn semester on September 4

 
Join MOMS Group (Mothers Offering Mutual Support) for our next gathering on Tuesday, Sept. 4 from 6-8 p.m. in Room 224. This will be a casual social week, so come hang out and get to know other moms! Upcoming topics: Sept. 18, Stranger Danger; Oct. 2, Spring planning meeting and mission project; Oct. 16, Social and recipe exchange; Nov. 6, Generations of moms; Nov. 20, No MOMS Group for Thanksgiving week; Dec. 4, Social; Dec. 18, Christmas party, cookie exchange, sharing favorite family holiday traditions.
 
Feel free to bring friends from outside Arborlawn who are looking for support and friendship from fellow moms. You are invited to bring a snack to share if you'd like to. Child care is available by contacting please contact Nell Cantwell (817-731-0701). We look forward to seeing you!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Student Voices: A well in India

 
By Amy Burdette
 
Because of the generosity of the members of Arborlawn, a well in India is being built. This well, named after Arborlawn, will benefit an entire community that did not have access to safe water. We are so thankful for all the Sunday school classes who let us speak and who donated; without them we would not have been successful in our effort to bring clean water to those who need it.
 
During worship on a Sunday night, our youth minister, Dave Brower, talked about an organization called Living Water International. This group drills wells in countries where they have little to no access to clean water.
 
This inspired us, and we had bake sales and spoke to the Saints and Sinners, Ben Feemster, Crossing Point, New Hope, and Connections classes. We raised a grand total of $5,977. That is enough for a well and partial funding for a hygiene project. Griffin Neilson, Josh Feldman, Matthew Milrany and I have all been friends since kindergarten. The boys thought of the idea to build a well, and I figured they could use a girl's help to keep them organized.
 
It was hard work for all of us but so worth it! Fundraising for this well was truly a wonderful experience that we would not have had without such a supportive and generous church family. Thank you to all of Arborlawn for helping us provide clean water to the needy.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

August 30 concert by FWSO musicians to benefit Snack Sack Ministry

 
Make plans to join us Thursday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary for the "Feed the Children, Feed the Soul" concert. The night of music is presented by Concerts at Arborlawn and features musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Paul Haas, guest conductor.
 

We are proud to announce that 11-year-old Claire Wells will be playing in the concert. Claire is Grand Prize winner in the 2012 Collin County Concerto and 2012 Vernell Gregg Young Artist competitions.
 
The concert is free, but donations to the Snack Sack Ministry (financial or with food items listed below) are appreciated.
 
Arborlawn’s Snack Sack Ministry distributes small bags of food assembled by church members and taken to community schools for distribution to children who are at risk of not having enough to eat over the weekend. Typically these children are on a free-lunch program. The children have no idea where the food comes from. They simply know they have some food for the weekend and that someone cares! Requested items are: 100 percent juice boxes (hard sided cartons), small cans of Vienna sausages, small pop-top cans of fruit or pudding cups, individual boxes of cereal or cereal/granola bars, packaged cheese or peanut butter crackers, individual servings of Easy Mac N Cheese, and gallon-sized sealable plastic storage bags.
 
The musicians presenting this concert encourage you to give generously to help the Snack Sack Ministry. This concert is not a production of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Association.
 
Also, mark your calendars for these Concerts at Arborlawn dates in the next few weeks: Saturday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. - Children's Organ Concert - a fun and informative concert by Jerry Westenkuehler. Sunday, Sept. 30 - Organ Dedication Festival - special offerings in morning worship and again at 7 p.m., featuring Jerry Westenkuehler and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Monday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. - Organ Dedication Festival - featuring Todd Wilson.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

A Word from the Pastor: What's next? Not just the possible, but the inevitable

 
By Ben Disney
 
If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll wind up somewhere else. Yogi Berra
 
The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. John Pierpont Morgan
 
Knowing where you’re going is all you need to get there. Carl Frieske
 
I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Don’t you recognize it? Isaiah 43:19
 
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” John 14:6
 
Before Christianity there was The Way. Before it became an institution, the church began as a movement. In its earliest formative stage, the original followers of Jesus were known primarily as a movement called “The Way.”
 
The ongoing challenge for the church is to focus less on institutional survival and more on the life-giving movement that brings us closer to God, closer to one another, and closer to the fullness of what God created and called each of us to be.
 

So the discussion is less about what we’re doing and more about where we’re going. Earlier this year we completed The Bible in 90 Days, in which 450 people in our congregation set out on a collective journey to read the Bible from cover-to-cover in 90 days. We had not yet even finished when people began to ask, “What’s next?”
 
It’s a hard question that deserves a better answer. The easiest thing would have been to rush out and find a new program to fill the void. We could have taken some pre-packaged program to keep ourselves busy and our minds occupied. It would have been easier, and it would have been wrong. The Bible in 90 Days was a movement; a movement of the heart soul and mind. Whatever comes next in this place must also move us inwardly and outwardly.
 
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So here, in part, is where we’re going as a congregation over the next several months:
 
September 9: Looking Back, Moving Forward
 
One year ago, the congregation was asked to express their hopes, dreams, and prayers on cards as we moved into the new facilities and into God’s new future for our people. Those cards have been kept in a special box on the altar for the past year. On Sept. 9 we’ll look back at where we were one year ago and see how our hopes, dreams, and prayers are unfolding as we seek to become the church God calls us to be.
 
September 15: Prayer Encounter Seminar
 
The Prayer Encounter Seminar is a special event on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is designed to help us discover a deeper appreciation and understanding of the power of prayer. The event is led by Dr. Terry Tekyl, author of numerous books on prayer and founder of Renewal Ministries. 
 
September 16, 23, and 30: The “Why?” Sermon Series
 
Join us for a church-wide, three-week sermon series designed to answer the most important questions facing the church as it carries out its mission and ministry.
 
Sept. 16 - Why do people need Jesus?
Sept. 23 - Why do people need the church?
Sept. 30 - Why do people need this church in particular?
 
October 7, 14, 21, 28: Practice Resurrection
 
Practice Resurrection is a 30-day challenge to the people of Arborlawn emphasizing the spiritual disciplines of prayer, scripture, worship, and mission.
 
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So when you ask the question, “What’s next?” think in terms of movement, not management. The truth is, there are tons of programs out there that will occupy our time and fill out our schedules. But if a congregation is asking the deepest questions, intent on learning how to pray, committed to growing through a deeper understanding of the Bible, and committed to serving others in the name of Jesus, then a movement is not only possible, it’s inevitable.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Adult Discipleship catalogs are here for the fall semester

 
The Fall 2012 Adult Discipleship catalogs are in, and you can find them at the Welcome Kiosks and in the church office. This semester's theme is "The Well: Find Your Place," and we're offering opportunities for everyone to find a place to Encounter Christ, Practice Compassion, Build Community, Embrace Diversity, Discover Arborlawn, and Strengthen Discipleship.
 

Look through the printed catalog (or see the classes, groups, events, and communities online) and see what might suit your discipleship needs this autumn.
 
If you have questions about Adult Discipleship at Arborlawn, contact DeAndrea Dare (817-731-0701).
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Kids Hope training on August 30

 
School will be starting soon, and we want to be ready to help the kids at J. T. Stevens Elementary again. We do this best by having Kids Hope mentors trained and ready to help. We will have a training for new mentors on Thursday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room  260.
 
If you are available one hour a week to help just one child, please contact Shirley Watkins or Laurie Ryan for more information. Join us in this rewarding ministry and be the difference in a child's life.
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org

Dub-Mobile drivers sought

 
You've probably seen the Dub-Mobile whizzing around our parking lot, taking riders to and from Sunday School classes, church services, and other events. We all look at that and remember Dub Graves fondly. He taught us so much about service to God through being available to people.
 

Now you can help honor Dub's memory and serve others by being a volunteer driver of the Dub-Mobile. Initially, we are specifically asking for drivers who can pick people up at their cars in the parking lot and drive them to the Sanctuary 15 minutes before the 8:45 a.m. service, the 9:45 a.m. Sunday school hour, and the 11 a.m. service.
 
Are you one of our future drivers? If so, contact Bryan Bellamy (817-731-0701).
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

InSearch Neighborhood Block Party: Friday, August 31

 
Everyone's invited to the InSearch Neighborhood Block Party on Friday, Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. in the Worship Center. Join us for live music from Whisper War, coffee, and dessert. Whisper War is Josh Nix's band. Bring a dessert to share.
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org

Linda Clarke honored by professional group

 
This past July, Arborlawn member Linda Clarke was named statewide Counselor of the Year for 2012 by the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals. The recognition came at the group's annual convention in San Antonio.
 
Linda's husband, Carl, shared with us a poem written by Linda, which we've reproduced below. Carl said, "[Linda's] compassion shows through in everything she does. She's special and I am so very proud of her." We share that sentiment, Carl.
 
OUR CHILDREN
 
By Linda Clarke
Because We Care Specialist at Paschal High School
(copyright 1989)
 
They come to me with their pain and their fears,
Their anger, their rage far beyond their young years.
Children hurt, children wounded
By people who care.
Children crying inside in secret despair.
 
I ask them quietly in a soft gentle way,
What is it you’re needing or wanting today?
I don’t know, just can’t say.
I feel so confused.
Our wonderful children are deeply abused.
 
How do they cope, just how do they manage?
Some think that drugs work to their advantage.
Some with fists, some with language,
Some with violent acts;
Some kill themselves to hide all the facts.
 
I tell them they’re special. I offer protection.
I show them new ways to handle rejection.
Some succeed, some are doubtful
For changing takes courage.
One by one, some are joyful, while others discouraged.
 
I pray that they hear me. I offer support.
They have choices to make and much to report.
Some come back, some will leave me.
They know that I am there.
None are the same, yet their pain I compare.
 
Had I the magic or simply the power,
I’d heal and I’d fix them this very hour.
My limits frustrate me;
Done all I can do,
Dear Heavenly Father, I give them to you.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org