The Vine - News Blog

Summer Student Missions Fundraiser

 
From Abby Johnson: The kids and their families pay a good chunk of what it takes to get us on a Mission Trip. We look for your help to get us the rest of the way. 
 
We are incredibly thankful and blessed for the support this congregation gives our young people when they are on mission and we look for creative ways to raise money each year. Senior High travels to Midland/Odessa area and the Junior High will work locally and stay in Aledo. 
 

Both trips are partnered with Texas Ramp Project, and we will build as many linear feet as money and time allows us in order to free people from the confines of their homes for reasons of disability.
 
Any questions about our trips, please ask! Our doors, phone lines, and emails are always open.
 
The contents of the envelopes you will find in your Sunday School classes this week give you a glimpse into some of the things that cost money each year. The categories of giving for this summer: Sponsor a youth for $25 per day and receive a personalized letter about the trip from you sponsored student; $15 per linear foot of Wheelchair Ramp Materials; $50 for a week's worth of meals for a participant; $100 for the van gas tank; $200 for a Junior High Scholarship; $300 for a Senior High Scholarship; and $1000 for van rental. Instructions are given on the envelopes about where to return them.
 
We are so thankful for your support of Summer Student Missions.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Prayer Walk on June 5 for Annual Conference (June 9-12)

 
From Kathy Wilcox: In advance of the Central Texas Annual Conference, the Prayer Ministry invites everyone to join a Prayer Walk of the Arborlawn campus on Wednesday, June 5 at 6:00 p.m.
 
You might be asking, "What is a prayer walk, and why are we doing it?"
 
Prayer walking has been described as “praying on-site with insight.” It’s simply praying in the very places that we expect God to bring forth His answers. Rev. Ben Disney opens with a prayer, and then each participant walks the various rooms and spaces throughout the building where Annual Conference meetings and gatherings will take place. While walking, participants will silently talk to the Lord, asking Him to bless and guide each delegate, every meeting, and every decision. This focused intercessory prayer time can be a very moving spiritual experience. Many people have expressed awareness of the Lord’s Presence and a "knowing" that He has heard and will answer the prayers.
 
Committees have been very busy, physically preparing and organizing the Arborlawn campus for this great event, so that it runs smoothly and all delegates are comfortable and welcomed. But now it is time to prepare for the spiritual aspect of Annual Conference, as we walk and pray for God’s hand to be over all details. May He receive all honor and glory... Amen.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

InSearch Worship: Bible Stories Seldom Animated

 
There are Bible stories that we've heard since we were children; stories like Jonah and the Whale, David and Goliath, and Adam and Eve. These stories have a certain nostalgia. They bring smiles to our faces when we hear them told. They've been made into animated classics and are shown to generations of children throughout the world.
 

And then there are these stories... Bible Stories Seldom Animated. A series in InSearch Worship.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Flour Power: Snickerdoodles for Father's Day benefitting Habitat

 
Arborlawn's Flour Power mission is planning Snickerdoodles cookies for Father's Day to benefit Habitat for Humanity.
 

Look for sales at the Welcome Kiosk on June 2. Bags of six cookies for $5 will be available on Father's Day, Sunday, June 16.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Independence Day concert Thursday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m.

 
Concerts at Arborlawn presents the Festival Chorus in the 24th Annual “A Salute to America” concert on Thursday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
 

The entertaining evening includes the traditional standards: "God Bless America," "The Star-Spangled Banner," "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy," "The Stars and Stripes Forever," and, of course, "America the Beautiful" among others.
 
Under the direction of Tom Stoker, the choir will be accompanied by Jerry Westenkuehler on the organ. The choir is open to anyone who wants to sing that evening. Singers, please wear your favorite red, white, and blue, and come to rehearse from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  Singers will enjoy a light dinner at 6:00 p.m., and the choir will then sing at the 7:00 p.m. concert. 
 
The “A Salute to America” concert was started 24 years ago by Robert MacDonald, former organist and choir master at Fort Worth’s First Presbyterian Church. Stoker and MacDonald teamed up for these annual patriotic concerts for many years.
 
There is no admission charge for the concert. The public is invited to attend.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Habitat: getting there with commitments; fulfillment requested

 
The Habitat for Humanity model home in the Lower Commons has only 66 "bricks" left. The bricks represent financial commitments to the build project, which will start in September.
 

Be a part of this important mission, and help a deserving family build a home through their own sweat and hard work. (Plus the same from many other members of the Arborlawn family.) Stop by and talk to Roy Rambo and Patricia Johnson in the Lower Commons this Sunday.
 
If you've already made a commitment to the Habitat Project, please fulfill it with the church finance office by Monday, July 1.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Children’s Ministries: Vacation Bible Camp July 15-19

 
Vacation Bible Camp (Arborlawn Fun Fair) is July 15-19 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. Come join us for this exciting week for kids Ages 3 years (and potty trained) through exiting 5th Grade. For the younger preschool kids we will have storytelling, crafts, music, snacks, and games.
 

For the older kids we will have crafts, science, missions, story, snacks, games, and more. On the last day of VBC we will have a Fun Fair! There will be face painting, a bounce house, carnival games, cotton candy, prizes to win, and many more surprises. You won’t want to miss this fun week. Mark it on your calendars and invite a friend. VBC is free. Register today. For more details on Vacation Bible Camp, contact Melissa Hedger.
 
We also need numerous volunteers to make this the best VBC ever. If you can help all week or one day, we need you. Check out the opportunities and sign up today. For more details on volunteering, contact Kristen Harford.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Camp EPIC for Kids Hope and UCC children: July 8-12

 
From Karen Gossett: Sometimes dreams do come true. The vision for Camp EPIC came as I was peeking into the Family Life Center during the renovation stages from sanctuary to gymnasium. I was actually thinking how blessed our Arborlawn kids are: they have so many amazing opportunities for spiritual growth, mission trips, personal travel, and families who love and care for them. And then I wondered what the Kids Hope and United Community Center children would be doing this summer. Would they travel? Would they read books? Would they go to the swimming pool?
 

Arborlawn people are generous, caring, and mission-minded. Through the generosity and creativity of individuals, Sunday School classes, and United Methodist Women Circles, we will be offering Camp EPIC, a one-week transformational opportunity to address systemic socio-economic challenges faced by at-risk children. 
 
During the week of July 8-12 we will host between 50 and 70 children on the Arborlawn campus. We will be providing transportation between J. T. Stevens Elementary and Arborlawn each day. 
 
Planned activities include:
 
* Daily devotions and EPIC stories from the Bible by Dave Brower, camp pastor.
* Expressing emotions through art.
* Healthy bodies and healthy minds emphasis through: Zumba (a dance and aerobics fitness program led by Melissa Austin-Weeks); a visit from a chef to talk about healthy food choices; kids will learn easy lunch recipes and prepare their own lunches each day.
* Academic support and fun: Reading, Mathematics, Science.
* Ceramics with Jerry Westenkuehler.
* Gym activities.
* Special field trips to the Fort Worth Zoo and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
 
As an added benefit, many of the Arborlawn teenagers will be gaining leadership experience and earning service hours by serving as small-group leaders during Camp EPIC.
 
There has been a groundswell of support and a huge volunteer base already in place for Camp EPIC. But there are still some specific needs:
 
* Van Rentals: Renting a 15-passenger van for the week costs $800. There is a possibility we will need two additional vans to supplement the church’s vans.
* Drivers: We will need drivers for transportation to and from J. T. Stevens Elementary as well as field trips.
* Food Preparation and Supervision.
* People who pray for the “surprises” – the stuff we haven’t even imagined yet!
* Camp EPIC is not a part of the church budget. There is no registration fee for the children involved, but it will cost $100 for each child to participate. If you would like to support Camp EPIC, please bring a check made out to Arborlawn UMC with Camp EPIC on the memo line to the church office.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

WoW study for women and men this summer; starting June 19

 
Lisa Garrett is leading a special class called “How to Study the Bible” this summer. The study, while sponsored by WoW (Women of the Word) is open to women and men of all ages. It will meet on Wednesday mornings from 10:00-11:00 a.m., June 19 through August 14.
 

Garrett adapted the study from the book “How to Study the Bible for Yourself” by Tim LaHaye. Some of the things up for discussion are how to intentionally read scripture and look for truths about God (His character, attributes, who scripture says He is), promises from God, and commands from God (instructions on how we are to live as followers of Christ). The study is easy to follow and very rewarding because it not only gets the Bible students in the scriptures, but teaches them what to look for when reading Gods word and how to apply it to their lives.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Special MOMS Group July 23; mark calendars to hear Michelle Groff

 
Michelle Groff of Parenting by Design will be speaking to the MOMS Group on Tuesday, July 23, at 6:00 p.m. Please mark your calendars for this special night.
 

Parenting is a ministry, prepared by God for each parent. And, the mission of parents is the Great Commission: to make disciples of their kids. How does that happen? Parenting by Design examines the parenting method of the Perfect Parent, God, and applies biblical methods to children of all ages. Parents are encouraged to imitate God, using the “three E’s” (experience, example, exploration) to help their children grow into the adults God designed them to be. Learning to communicate unconditional love through the parenting process makes all of the lessons easier for kids (and parents) to learn.
 
Moms with children of all ages are welcome to join us in exploring this perspective on parenting.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Bible Study Class News: June 2013

 
Ernestine Reeves – a longtime class member - went to join her husband, Raymond, in heaven on Thursday, May 23. In late April, another long time class member, Keith Gillespie, passed. Keith had been living in Dallas for several years.
 
The Bridge Group will meet at the Tuomey’s on Sunday, June 9. The 42 Group will meet at the Southern’s on Saturday, June 15.
 
Class members are reminded to bring items for the Food Pantry to class each Sunday.
 
We had 27 members and one visitor on Sunday, May 26. Class members, wear your name tags so the newer members can get to know you. Be sure to sign in each week.
 
Rev. Ben Disney, our teacher, has just completed his series on the “The Apostles’ Creed.” He will begin a new topic next Sunday. Libby Patterson volunteered to teach the Class on Sundays June 9 and June 16 to allow Ben to concentrate on the Central Texas Annual Conference at our church.
 
Join us for fellowship, a goodie or two, singing, prayer, and an excellent lesson.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Summer Student Missions Fundraiser

 
From Abby Johnson: The kids and their families pay a good chunk of what it takes to get us on a Mission Trip. We look for your help to get us the rest of the way. 
 
We are incredibly thankful and blessed for the support this congregation gives our young people when they are on mission and we look for creative ways to raise money each year. Senior High travels to Midland/Odessa area and the Junior High will work locally and stay in Aledo. 
 

Both trips are partnered with Texas Ramp Project, and we will build as many linear feet as money and time allows us in order to free people from the confines of their homes for reasons of disability.
 
Any questions about our trips, please ask! Our doors, phone lines, and emails are always open.
 
The contents of the envelopes you will find in your Sunday School classes this week give you a glimpse into some of the things that cost money each year. The categories of giving for this summer: Sponsor a youth for $25 per day and receive a personalized letter about the trip from you sponsored student; $15 per linear foot of Wheelchair Ramp Materials; $50 for a week's worth of meals for a participant; $100 for the van gas tank; $200 for a Junior High Scholarship; $300 for a Senior High Scholarship; and $1000 for van rental. Instructions are given on the envelopes about where to return them.
 
We are so thankful for your support of Summer Student Missions.
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

Prayer Walk on June 5 for Annual Conference (June 9-12)

 
From Kathy Wilcox: In advance of the Central Texas Annual Conference, the Prayer Ministry invites everyone to join a Prayer Walk of the Arborlawn campus on Wednesday, June 5 at 6:00 p.m.
 
You might be asking, "What is a prayer walk, and why are we doing it?"
 
Prayer walking has been described as “praying on-site with insight.” It’s simply praying in the very places that we expect God to bring forth His answers. Rev. Ben Disney opens with a prayer, and then each participant walks the various rooms and spaces throughout the building where Annual Conference meetings and gatherings will take place. While walking, participants will silently talk to the Lord, asking Him to bless and guide each delegate, every meeting, and every decision. This focused intercessory prayer time can be a very moving spiritual experience. Many people have expressed awareness of the Lord’s Presence and a "knowing" that He has heard and will answer the prayers.
 
Committees have been very busy, physically preparing and organizing the Arborlawn campus for this great event, so that it runs smoothly and all delegates are comfortable and welcomed. But now it is time to prepare for the spiritual aspect of Annual Conference, as we walk and pray for God’s hand to be over all details. May He receive all honor and glory... Amen.
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

Timely help going to Moore, Oklahoma on Monday, May 27

 
Some Arborlawn volunteers are gathering specific supplies to take to Moore, OK to help in the aftermath of the devastating tornado.
 
If you want to contribute, look over the list below and bring what you can to Room 222. The supplies will be leaving for Oklahoma on Monday, May 27. (Please note May 27 is Memorial Day, and the church building will be closed on that day. If you cannot get your supplies here before then, it's okay to leave them on the portico area of the building entrance nearest the church offices - near where the bell tower cross was recently repositioned).
 
Requested Items: bottled water, Gatorade, gently used toys, protein bars (and other items that can be eaten immediately that aren't in cans), diapers, baby formula, feminine hygiene products, work gloves and masks, individually packaged snacks, and 35-gallon plastic bins with lids.
 
Bring what you can, and thanks for your help!
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org

Kids Hope: More people in red shirts for the same reason

 
“I get out of bed and put on my Kids Hope t-shirt. It is red. I go to the school to meet with my child and see more people in red shirts all there for the same reason, to love on a little child and hopefully make a difference in the life of that child. To show them that people care. To show them we will always be there. I sometimes pretend that I am happy just to keep up appearances. But after an hour with the child I mentor, my smile is genuine."
 

"My child teaches me what true love looks like. My heart began this process of mentoring heavily guarded. But it did not take long for this child to break down those walls. I am so grateful for the opportunity to know that I can make a difference, if only for a little while. I learned I have what it takes to love a child. I have learned how to celebrate the small things and that showing up is so powerful. It seems so easy, but for a child whose parents do not show up for an event, it means the world when their mentor shows up."  
 
Can you spare some love for a child in need of a little TLC? Mentor training for Kids Hope USA at Arborlawn and J. T. Stevens Elementary for the fall semester will be Wednesday, July 24. We would love for you to join us. Contact Laurie Ryan or Shirley Watkins to sign up.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

United Methodist Reporter ceasing publication after May 31; The Vine to carry on in other formats

 
Finding no viable plan for reversing financial losses of recent months, UMR Communications will cease operations on May 31. UMR Communications (UMRC) publishes the United Methodist Reporter in print and digital formats and online and provides printing and communication services to churches and other nonprofits. Arborlawn's church newspaper, The Vine, has been a part of the United Methodist Reporter on a monthly-issue basis.
 
The final print Reporter will carry the date June 7, but will be mailed and printed by May 31. The UMRC board reluctantly but unanimously voted to close on Thursday, May 16 at the nonprofit’s Dallas office.
 
Arborlawn plans to continue producing church news in The Vine with its weekly email and Sunday Vine versions and with special reports and notifications via Facebook. Those who formerly received the monthly newsprint version and who do not have email or who cannot attend worship services will be given the opportunity to opt-in to a monthly mailed version of the Sunday Vine.
 
For those who haven't done so already, please "Like" our page on Facebook. Also, if you need to sign up for our weekly email, please use this form.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Flour Power: Snickerdoodles for Father's Day

 
Arborlawn's Flour Power mission is planning Snickerdoodles cookies for Father's Day to benefit Habitat for Humanity.
 

Look for sales at the Welcome Kiosk on May 26 and June 2. Bags of six cookies for $5 will be available on Father's Day, Sunday, June 16.
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

Habitat project: getting there with commitments; fulfillment requested

 
The Habitat for Humanity model home in the Lower Commons has only 67 "bricks" left. The bricks represent financial commitments to the build project, which will start in September.
 

Be a part of this important mission, and help a deserving family build a home through their own sweat and hard work. (Plus the same from many other members of the Arborlawn family.) Stop by and talk to Roy Rambo and Patricia Johnson in the Lower Commons this Sunday.
 
If you've already made a commitment to the Habitat Project, please fulfill it with the church finance office by Monday, July 1.
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org

Arborlawn Singles: May 28 at Esperanza's

 
Arborlawn Singles holds Tuesday Night Together (TNT) on the 4th Tuesday each month to share great food and conversation.
 

For May the group will be at Esperanza's Mexican Bakery & Cafe (1601 Park Place Avenue; 817-923-1961) at 6:30 p.m. on May 28. Please invite your friends. Arborlawn Singles events are for all ages and stages of singles. Let them know you're coming, and they'll save you a seat! Send a note and ask to get on the email list.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Children’s Ministries: FaithWalk; Vacation Bible Camp

 
FaithWalk Rotation: This coming Sunday (May 26) in FaithWalk Sunday School Rotation is Movie Day. Come join us in the theater and have some popcorn as we watch a movie.
 
Vacation Bible Camp (Arborlawn Fun Fair) is July 15-19 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. Come join us for this exciting week for kids Ages 3 years (and potty trained) through exiting 5th Grade. For the younger preschool kids we will have storytelling, crafts, music, snacks, and games.
 


For the older kids we will have crafts, science, missions, story, snacks, games, and more. On the last day of VBC we will have a Fun Fair! There will be face painting, a bounce house, carnival games, cotton candy, prizes to win, and many more surprises. You won’t want to miss this fun week. Mark it on your calendars and invite a friend. VBC is free. Register today. For more details on Vacation Bible Camp, contact Melissa Hedger.
 
We also need numerous volunteers to make this the best VBC ever. If you can help all week or one day, we need you. Check out the opportunities and sign up today. For more details on volunteering, contact Kristen Harford.
 
# # #
 
ArborlawnUMC.org