The Vine - News Blog

Arborlawn Students: Potbelly April 3; Noodles & Doodles April 27

 
Potbelly: Wednesday, April 3
 
Arborlawn Students will be at Potbelly (4825 Overton Ridge, 817-292-0362) on Wednesday, April 3. Drop by anytime from 5-8 p.m. and help support Summer Student Missions.
 

They’ll get 25 percent of the store’s net profit during those hours. The Summer Mission trips do a lot of good for many people, and the students learn a lot about serving. So please come support their efforts.
 
Noodles & Doodles: Saturday, April 27
 
The Arborlawn Students group is holding a Noodles & Doodles Dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 in the Family Life Center.
 

Noodles & Doodles is a fundraising dinner for Summer Student Missions, highlighting different forms of arts, crafts, and skills from the students. There will be a blind silent auction for the goods. Do you have art, photography, crafts, or skills that could be contributed? We need you!
 
Tickets are $5 and will be available after Easter at the Welcome Kiosks or online. This will be a great time of fellowship for the whole congregation.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Children's Ministries: Little Sweetheart Dance Friday, April 12

 
Little Sweetheart Father-Grandfather/Daughter Dance: Friday, April 12
 
Join us Friday, April 12 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Family Life Center for a fun filled night of dancing! Arborlawn will be hosting this event for girls age 2 through 5th Grade who want to dance the night away with their father, grandfather or uncle.
 
The dance is free, and a corsage can be purchased for $10. For event registration and to purchase a corsage, visit our online registration link.
 
For additional details about the Little Sweetheart Dance, contact Melissa Hedger (817-731-0701).
 
Upcoming Children's Ministries Events
 
VACATION BIBLE CAMP: July 15-19, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages 3 years (fully potty trained) through exiting 5th grade. Registration will open in May. CAMP VINE: August 5-9, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages exiting 1st through 5th grades. Registration will open in June.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Anne Lamott speaking and signing books at Arborlawn next Tuesday evening

 
We are excited to introduce a new ministry of outreach at Arborlawn called The Arborlawn Vineyard Series. The Arborlawn Vineyard Series will be a place of connection between the community, church, and everyday life. The series kicks off in our Sanctuary on Tuesday, Apr. 2 at 6:30 p.m. as we welcome the author Anne Lamott. The event is free, and we hope everyone will invite friends and neighbors to hear the talk.
 

Anne will share her personal journey with us in a time of conversation at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. A book signing and reception will immediately follow at 7:30 p.m. in the Lower Commons. Books will be available for purchase, or you can bring your own copies for Anne to sign.
 
She is the author of the New York Times bestsellers “Traveling Mercies,” “Grace (Eventually),” “Plan B,” and “Operating Instructions,” as well as seven novels, including “Rosie” and “Crooked Little Heart.” Her latest book, published last November, is “Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers.”
 
The series will create a format to encourage meaningful conversations about issues and topics relevant to the church and community, featuring a wide variety of guest speakers and presenters who will offer unique insights into community life from the perspective of faith.
 
Free child care for the evening is available by contacting Nell Cantwell (817-731-0701).
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Mission trip to Mount Sequoyah, Arkansas: April 30 through May 4; meeting on April 7

 
A group of Arborlawn adult missionaries are traveling to the Mount Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center outside Fayetteville, Arkansas in late April. The mission work will involve construction, painting, yardwork, or similar light facilities maintenance for the facility. (Specific tasks will be determined the week before the group leaves on the trip.) Read more about Mount Sequoyah.
 

The mission trip is Tuesday, April 30 through Saturday, May 4. A few spaces on the team remain. If you're interested in participating in this mission trip, contact Sandra Corbett.
 
The group is having a planning meeting on Sunday, April 7 after the late worship services at 12:00 p.m. in Room 260.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

United Methodist Women: General Meeting April 2 features Judith Priest

 
The next General Meeting of Arborlawn’s United Methodist Women is this Tuesday, April 2, at 10:00 a.m. in the Worship Center. This month’s speaker is Judith Priest. Topic: How Homelessness Impacts Our Community.
 

A lunch of Subway sandwiches, chips, and dessert will be served in the Gathering Area after the speaker. The meal is $5 and is hosted by the Ruth Circle. The Mission emphasis for April is twofold: Please bring a bar of soap and money for an offering for computer software for the Poly Center.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Concerts at Arborlawn: FWSO, Schola Cantorum, TCU Concert Chorale in April

 
FWSO at Arborlawn: Thursday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.
 
Join us as the renowned Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performs Mozart's Requiem at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11. Under the baton of conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya, the FWSO musicians join with TCU Concert Chorale (Dr. Dennis Shrock, Chorale Director) in this majestic concert. Tickets are $20 and are available at the FWSO box office by calling 817-665-6000.
 

Schola Cantorum: Monday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.
 
Schola Cantorum of Texas presents "Music for Those We Love" here on Monday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. The Faure Requiem highlights this concert with additional music of O’Regan’s Triptych for chorus and strings. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors/educators and may be obtained at ScholaTexas.com.
 
TCU Concert Chorale: Tuesday, April 30, 7 p.m.
 
We welcome the TCU Concert Chorale back to Arborlawn for this spring concert under the baton of Dr. Dennis Shrock, Chorale Director. The Concert Chorale has a reputation for outstanding choral work, and we look forward to hosting these talented students. Watch for more details.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Kids Hope mentoring: being the "one-and-only"

 
[Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of articles from Arborlawn's Kids Hope USA ministry. The program has been in place about a year now with our church partnering with J. T. Stevens Elementary School. Adults from Arborlawn meet one-on-one with the children, and each relationship is covered by prayer from a third person. It's hard to tell who benefits most in this equation, and that's a beautiful side benefit of the mission.]
 
There is a desperate need among America’s at-risk children to be the “one-and-only” in the life of a caring adult. This need for love can only be met one child at a time. You can do something real and be that one caring adult. So when your Kids Hope USA child asks, “How many other children do you see at my school?” you can say, “I'm here, just for you.” When kids feel loved and valued, they are better able to learn, grow and succeed.
 

Evelyn McKimmey shared her experience with her J. T. Stevens Kids Hope child: "We bonded early, and one special memory was when I was arriving at the school. This young man is always at recess when I get to school and obviously not allowed to run up to visitors. He gets as close as he dares and on this occasion told me, "I knew you'd be here today!" What a warm feeling that I was being at least somewhat successful. He has asked whether I would be his mentor next year - in 6th grade - and in high school. He has asked if he can come to my house, at least in the summer. His spelling grades have come up and his reading has improved, at least the reading we do in the Kids Hope room."
 
Watch for more experiences from Kids Hope mentors in the coming weeks. For information on becoming a Kids Hope mentor or prayer partner for Fall 2013, contact Shirley Watkins or Laurie Ryan.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Jesus on Tap: Tuesday, April 2 at Live Oak Lounge

 
If you're looking for some good conversation and community in a relaxed atmosphere, join us for Jesus on Tap. The group meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at Live Oak Lounge (1311 Lipscomb Street, Fort Worth, 76104, 817-926-0968) from 6:30-8 p.m.
 

The next gathering is Tuesday, April 2. Topics range from creation to the missional church to faith and doubt. Casual setting // Real conversation.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Divorce class: six weeks starting Wednesday, April 3

 
Arborlawn's Divorce class is a six-week class meeting Wednesdays, April 3 through May 8 from 6:30-8 p.m. in Room 210. The class is facilitated by Bryan Bellamy (817-731-0701).
 
Separation and divorce can be a painful and stressful experience. It’s a confusing time when you feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues you’ve never faced before. This is a support group for adults in the process of separation and/or divorce. Over the course of six weeks, we will meet and explore aspects of the divorce experience in a supportive and spiritual environment that will help guide you through the healing process.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Central Texas Annual Conference: golf carts; volunteering

 
Golf carts sought for use during Central Texas Annual Conference here in June
 
We're looking for the use of two or three golf carts during the Central Texas Annual Conference. Arborlawn is hosting the Annual Conference June 9-12. We will use the golf carts to transport attendees from remote lots to various places around the Arborlawn campus to help with traffic flow. Responsible team members will drive the carts, or cart owners can drive their own vehicles if they would like to be on the team. Please contact Parking Lot Attendants coordinator Gary Harrell if you would like to help us with this request.
 
Share the spirit of Arborlawn by volunteering at Central Texas Annual Conference in June
 
As Annual Conference approaches – it’s Sunday through Wednesday, June 9-12 – Arborlawn invites its members and attendees to be part of a wonderful opportunity to offer hospitality and Christ’s love to the delegates of the Central Texas Annual Conference.
 
Please prayerfully consider the best way you can share the spirit of Arborlawn with our guests and visitors by volunteering in the following areas: Hospitality, Greeters, Ushers, Parking Lot Attendants, Runners, and Buildings/Grounds Setup and Teardown.   
 
Please sign up at the Welcome Kiosks, in your Sunday School Class, in the church office, or with the online form.
 
After you indicate your interests, a team leader of the area in which you want to serve will contact you about details and training. We thank you in advance for being willing to share and serve in these capacities.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

NICA donations for April and May

 
April is dental care month at NICA (Northside Inter-Community Agency), so please donate toothbrushes and toothpaste. During May, NICA is asking for donations of toilet paper. Please bring donations to Room 230 (small room adjacent to the kitchen) or to the donation area in the SAM Building. For more details, call NICA at 817-626-1102, visit NICAAgency.org, or go by their facility at 1600 Circle Park Boulevard, Fort Worth, 76164.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Easter 2013 Schedule of Worship and Events

 


Children: Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 23, 10-11:30 a.m.
 
Palm Sunday Worship (with Children's Procession of Palms): March 24, 8:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:11 a.m.
 
Maundy Thursday: March 28, 7 p.m.
 
Good Friday: March 29, 7 p.m.
 
Easter Sunday Worship: March 31, 8:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:11 a.m.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Author Anne Lamott speaking and signing books at Arborlawn on Tuesday evening, April 2

 
We are excited to introduce a new ministry of outreach at Arborlawn called The Arborlawn Vineyard Series. The Arborlawn Vineyard Series will be a place of connection between the community, church, and everyday life. The series kicks off in our Sanctuary on Tuesday, Apr. 2 at 6:30 p.m. as we welcome the author Anne Lamott. The event is free, and we hope everyone will invite friends and neighbors to hear the talk.
 

Anne will share her personal journey with us in a time of conversation at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. A book signing and reception will immediately follow at 7:30 p.m. in the Lower Commons. Books will be available for purchase, or you can bring your own copies for Anne to sign.
 
She is the author of the New York Times bestsellers “Traveling Mercies,” “Grace (Eventually),” “Plan B,” and “Operating Instructions,” as well as seven novels, including “Rosie” and “Crooked Little Heart.” Her latest book, published last November, is “Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers.”
 
The series will create a format to encourage meaningful conversations about issues and topics relevant to the church and community, featuring a wide variety of guest speakers and presenters who will offer unique insights into community life from the perspective of faith.
 
Free child care for the evening is available by contacting Nell Cantwell (817-731-0701).
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Children's Ministries news and upcoming events: March 22

 
Procession of Palms this Sunday
 
Calling all kids: Join us this Sunday (March 24) at all services for our annual Procession of Palms.
 

8:45 a.m. service will meet in the Lower Commons at 8:35. 11 a.m. service will meet in the Lower Commons at 10:45. 11:11 a.m. service pick up your palms as you enter the service.
 
A final reminder: Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt: tomorrow (Saturday, March 23)
 
From Melissa Hedger: Come one come all to our Arborlawn Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 23. The event kicks off at 10 a.m.
 

We will have crafts, cookies to decorate, face painting, and a special balloon maker. Between 11 and 11:30 a.m. we will have the Easter egg hunt.
 
Little Sweetheart Father-Grandfather/Daughter Dance: Friday, April 12
 
From Melissa Hedger: Join us Friday, April 12 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Family Life Center for a fun filled night of dancing! Arborlawn will be hosting this event for girls aged 2 through 5th Grade who want to dance the night away with their father, grandfather or uncle.
 

The dance is free, and a corsage can be purchased for $10. For event registration and to purchase a corsage, go here. For additional details about the Little Sweeheart Dance, contact Melissa Hedger (817-731-0701).
 
Upcoming Children's Ministries Events
 
VACATION BIBLE CAMP: July 15-19, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages 3 years (fully potty trained) through exiting 5th grade. Registration will open in May.
 
CAMP VINE: August 5-9, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages exiting 1st through 5th grades. Registration will open in June.

A Word from the Pastor: A good place to start

 
By Ben Disney
 
He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.  John 13:5
 
A strange thing happened a number of years ago in Dallas. It took place at the ordination service of the North Texas Conference. If you’ve attended an ordination service you know it’s a high, holy moment in which those who’ve been called to representative ministry are ordained and set apart for mission and service. Families, friends, members of home churches, and current appointments all gather in a crowded sanctuary to celebrate a meaningful and powerful service. The culmination of the ordination service ends with the Bishop laying hands on the candidates and offering the memorable words of affirmation: "Take authority as an elder in the Church to preach the Word of God and to administer the Holy Sacraments..."
 
At this particular ordination service, the late Bishop Rhymes Moncure did something no one expected. As he came to the line of candidates he took them one by one and led them to a chair. As they were seated he then knelt down and removed their shoes. He then took a towel and basin of water and without saying a single word, gently began to wash their feet. The congregation let out an audible gasp as they witnessed something they had never seen before in the context of an ordination service. In a world that often uses sheer power to control, oppress, defeat, or destroy, the image of someone on his knees washing the feet of another individual is both breathtaking and liberating. It’s also contradictory to everything most people know and believe about how life really works in this world. No wonder they crucified Jesus. It’s dangerous. If you see something like that, it might just start making sense if you’re not careful. And if that happens, God help us, the whole world might start to look different.
 
We’re on the final leg of the journey that began in the wilderness and now leads us straight into Jerusalem. There are numerous ways to get to Jerusalem; meaning you can fly, take a bus, or walk - depending on where you are and how much distance separates you from your destination. I know I’ve done all three. Of course I was interested in learning more about Jerusalem, but I really wanted to know more about the One who headed straight into the city knowing full well there was only one way out.
 
So, if Jerusalem is only a symbol, then the real destination for the pilgrimage we’ve embarked upon must be Jesus. And how best do we get to Jesus? On our knees would be a good place to start.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Arborlawn Students: fundraiser at Potbelly April 3

 
Arborlawn Students will be at Potbelly (4825 Overton Ridge, 817-292-0362) on Wednesday, April 3. Drop by anytime from 5-8 p.m. and help support Summer Missions.
 

They’ll get 25 percent of the store’s net profit during those hours. The Summer Mission trips do a lot of good for many people, and the students learn a lot about serving. So please come support their efforts.
 
Keep up with all of the latest news and events of Arborlawn Students here.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMCOR Sager Brown mission trip April 7-12

 
Arborlawn members going on a mission trip to the UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) Sager Brown Depot near Baldwin, Louisiana from Sunday, April 7 through Friday, April 12. This is your chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a practical and fulfilling way and to experience some great community and relationship building time.
 
We asked that all Arborlawn members and friends pray for these missionaries. Faithful prayers always provide a strong foundation for these efforts.
 

During the trip, the main mission effort will be to pack supplies that are bound for all corners of the earth. The packages include health kits, birthing kits, school kits, and layettes. Community service work is also available in Baldwin - Habitat for Humanity projects and work at elementary schools and a women's shelter.
 
If you're interested in being on this mission team, contact Cindy Jacobs.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Concerts at Arborlawn: Kinderconcerts March 26; FWSO April 11 with choral masterworks

 
Concerts at Arborlawn welcomes Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra as it performs the 2013 edition of the Kinderconcerts series on Tuesday, March 26. Children Ages 3-6 can enjoy "Peter Rabbit and Friends in the Orchestra" that day at 9:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. in Arborlawn's Sanctuary.
 

The concerts are conducted by Andres Franco. The FWSO brings children's classics "The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck" and "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" to life musically with the help of a narrator. The performances include an introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. The cost is $4 per person, and tickets are available online.
 
FWSO at Arborlawn: Thursday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.
 
Join us as the renowned Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performs in its new series at Arborlawn with choral masterworks on Thursday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m.
 

Under the baton of music director Miguel Harth Bedoya, the FWSO musicians join with area choral forces in this majestic concert. Tickets are $20 and are available at the FWSO box office by calling 817-665-6000.
 
Schola Cantorum: Monday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.
 
Schola Cantorum of Texas presents "Music for Those We Love" here on Monday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. The Faure Requiem highlights this concert with additional music of O’Regan’s Triptych for chorus and strings. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors/educators and may be obtained online.
 
TCU Concert Chorale: Tuesday, April 30, 7 p.m.
 
We welcome the TCU Concert Chorale back to Arborlawn for this spring concert under the baton of Dr. Dennis Shrock, Director of Choral Activities. The Concert Chorale has a reputation for outstanding choral work, and we look forward to hosting these talented students. Watch for more details.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Kids Hope going well after one year; mentors tell their experiences

 
Just a year ago Arborlawn joined Kids Hope USA, a nationwide Christian program in which churches enlist and train volunteers to mentor one child each for one hour each week. What a year it's been!
 
Each mentor has a prayer partner from the church to cover each meeting in prayer. The Arborlawn Kids Hope ministry is partnered with J. T. Stevens Elementary in the Fort Worth Independent School District.
 

God's hand is clear in this mission. About 40 children from J. T. Stevens now receive mentoring from Arborlawn volunteers. Andrea Lange, principal at the school, states that she would love a mentor for every child in her school. The Arborlawn Kids Hope facilitators will be conducting training for new mentors in August.  
 
Libby Patterson shared her thoughts on her mentoring experience: "I go to Kids Hope each week because the joy in my heart is expressed in the smile on a child’s face when he sees me. He knows that he will have my undivided attention for the better part of an hour. We will do homework, play games, work puzzles, or just talk. The time flies by, and then we look forward to seeing each other again next week. One of my many highlights has been receiving an email from a third grade teacher telling me how my mentee's attitude toward school and life in general had changed for the better. God smiled. Much of the credit goes to my prayer partner who knows each time I go and then I tell her what has happened that day."
 
Watch for more experiences from Kids Hope mentors in the coming weeks. For information on becoming a Kids Hope mentor or prayer partner for Fall 2013, contact Shirley Watkins or Laurie Ryan.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Divorce class: six weeks - Wednesdays, April 3 through May 8

 
Arborlawn's Divorce class is a six-week class meeting Wednesdays, April 3 through May 8 from 6:30-8 p.m. in Room 210. The class is facilitated by Bryan Bellamy (817-731-0701).
 
Separation and divorce can be a painful and stressful experience. It’s a confusing time when you feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues you’ve never faced before. This is a support group for adults in the process of separation and/or divorce. Over the course of six weeks, we will meet and explore aspects of the divorce experience in a supportive and spiritual environment that will help guide you through the healing process.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org