The Vine - News Blog

Love God, Serve the City: What’s Holding You Back?

 
By Dave Brower
 
“I assure you that whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. They will do even greater works than these...” John 14:12
 
Really, Jesus? Greater works than you? I know Jesus says a lot of shocking and alarming things in his ministry, but this may be the most shocking. Jesus tells his disciples (those who choose to follow him) that they will do even greater things than he did. Can you believe that? Maybe the question should be, do you believe that?
 

We hold Jesus in the highest regard. He is the revelation of God with us for us. He shows us what it is to be truly human and he exemplifies God’s love for us in his life, death, and resurrection. Jesus’ teachings form our moral understandings as well as our ethical understandings of caring for the poor and looking out for those in need. We claim to have faith in what Jesus said and did. But how many of us believe that we can not only do the work that Jesus did, but maybe even do greater? That seems sacrilegious.
 
We are taught from an early age that we should have faith in Jesus – that’s true and that’s good. What I am finding out more and more though is that Jesus has faith in us. Jesus calls us to be his physical presence in the world. Through the acts of being formed into the living temple of God (1 Peter 2:5) and discerning where the Holy Spirit is at work in the world (John 14:19) we begin to take on the identity as God’s people and Jesus’ disciples. The final step is what springs us forward into God’s mission. That is the act of joining in where God is already at work.
 
As we live with an awareness that has been formed in us we are able to discern where God is at work in the world. From that point we must have faith in Jesus that what he believes about our abilities is true. God can do amazing and miraculous things through people who are aware and willing to join in with God’s mission.
 
So, what is it that’s holding you back?
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Lil' Sweetheart Dance February 7; Register Today

 
This year's Lil' Sweetheart Dance for girls and their fathers or grandfathers is Friday, February 7 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center. 
 

The event is free, but please register online (or call the church office at 817-731-0701) so we can plan for refreshments of cookies and punch. Registration is available up until the day of the dance. The dance will feature a DJ, and we'll have photos for each family! Corsages can be purchased for $15. Please order a corsage at the online registration link before February 4. The girls (and their dates!) really enjoy this dance.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Connecting with Arborlawn: February 9, 16, and 23

 
The Arborlawn Story. Your Story. The Points of Connection That Bring Us Together. Be a part of Connecting with Arborlawn (formerly Introduction to Arborlawn) on Sundays, February 9, 16, and 23 during the Sunday School hour (9:50-10:40 a.m.) in the Gathering Area outside of the Family Life Center.
 
During these three weeks we will spend time getting to know one another, sharing our stories, offering a background of Arborlawn and the United Methodist Church, and helping you to find points of connection to spiritual growth, service, and fellowship. Please RSVP by calling the church office at 817-731-0701. The class is facilitated by Rev. Ben Disney and Rev. DeAndrea Dare.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Helping Hands Collection Sunday, February 2 During Communion

 
Helping Hands is a ministry of Arborlawn that provides limited, one-time financial assistance to help people pay portions of utility and housing bills. Those seeking assistance must live within the five zip code areas near Arborlawn and reach the ministry by calling the Helping Hands Hotline (817-731-0701, ext. 115).
 

Our Helping Hands Ministry is donation dependent, with most contributions given at the altar rail during our monthly communion Sundays on the 1st Sunday each month. The next Communion Sunday is February 2. Contributions are also welcome at any time in the church office or during any offertory; just mark checks with “Helping Hands Fund” in the memo line.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Samaritan House Supper Club: 4th Thursdays Covered; Groups Needed for New 2nd Tuesdays Slots

 
As we said in last week's Vine, Sunday School classes at Arborlawn are continuing to reach out to residents of Samaritan House through the organization's Supper Club. Our church has had volunteers contributing to this mission since 1998.
 

The Samaritan House helps individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS with housing and resources for positive change. On designated days of each month, outside groups are responsible for preparing or purchasing food for the evening meal for the residents.
 
Our standing commitment of bringing meals on 4th Thursdays is now filled up for this year! Our hats are off to the following Sunday School Classes for serving in this ministry for 2014: Sojourners, Open Door, Beyond 90 Days, Saints and Sinners, Friendship (two months), Bible Study, Ben Feemster New Testament, The Journey, Cornerstone, and Faith Bible.
 
And it's not just Sunday School classes who can contribute. This service opportunity is open to any interested small group. (Please note that this mission is not paid for by Arborlawn; each participating group donates from its own resources to help fund the mission. On average, about 40 residents are served per evening.)
 
If your Bible study or other ministry group is interested, please consider joining us in this fulfilling endeavor. Samaritan House has informed us of a new night when meals are needed, due to another group in the city having to back out of its standing commitment. From March through December, the 2nd Tuesdays are now available. For more details, please contact Don Pope or Harold Ard.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Concerts at Arborlawn: FWSO's Kinderconcerts Feb. 13: Peter Rabbit and Friends; Wyeth String Quartet Mar. 2

 
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra comes to Arborlawn bringing a childhood classic to life: Beatrix Potter's “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” Join us on Thursday, February 13 at either 9:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.
 

Follow Peter on his adventure through Mr. McGregor's garden with mezzo soprano Amanda Robie and musicians led by conductor Mischa Santora. The program will also feature an introduction to the instrument families of the orchestra. Kinderconcerts are appropriate for children ages 3 through 6. Tickets are $5 for all (adults and children) and are available at FWSymphony.org or by calling the FWSO Box Office at at 817-665-6000.
 
Wyeth String Quartet Sunday, March 2
 
The Wyeth String Quartet is performing a concert here on Sunday, March 2 at 3:00 p.m.
 

Join us for the inaugural concert in our Elizabeth Cramer Chapel and hear this talented ensemble. This concert is free and open to the public.
 
Other Upcoming Concerts
 
Mark your calendars for the following upcoming concerts, and read more in the coming weeks. Schola Cantorum is performing "The Peaceable Kingdom" in the Sanctuary Monday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. Fort Worth Community Band is in concert in the Sanctuary Sunday, March 9 at 3:00 p.m.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Branch Out: Friday, March 28

 
We hope you'll join us on Friday, March 28 for Branch Out. This missions event is sponsored by The Journey Sunday School Class, and everyone's welcome to take part.
 


The event starts with visiting at 6:00 p.m. followed at 6:30 p.m. with dinner. During the meal, you will hear Mission Moments presentations and have the opportunity to help decide the distribution of missions funds to the groups. The missions will be announced as the date draws nearer.
 
Rooted by faith, strengthened by the intertwined vines of Arborlawn, it’s time to Branch Out and impact our community in ever growing ways. Branch Out is a chance for friends to gather together for some fun, food, and fellowship while hearing about three specific missions that need funds and volunteers to further the great work they are already doing in the community.
 
The cost is $20 per person, and tables of eight can be sponsored for $150. Dinner sponsorships are available for $250 and also include a table of eight. Watch for more registration details in the coming weeks.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

First Things First: March 2 After Church

 
Arborlawn guests are invited to join us for First Things First on Sunday, March 2 from 12:00-12:30 p.m. in Room 160. 
 

This is a brief and informal gathering for guests to get acquainted with our clergy, share stories, and ask questions.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

The Journey Class Animate Bible Series, February 2: History

 
The Journey Sunday School Class welcomes everyone its study series, Animate Bible. The class meets during the Sunday School hour (9:45-10:45 a.m.) in Room 260.
 


See more about Animate Bible in this video:
 
 
 
The February 2 topic is History: Parchment to Pixel by Phyllis Tickle. Does the way we access the Bible change the way we read and interpret the Bible? Phyllis Tickle believes this question is paramount as technology makes it easier for us to carry the Bible in our pockets or look up a verse online and out of context. By tracing the history of the Bible from its origins as a set of oral stories passed down from community to community, to the days of the Bible being read to the illiterate masses in Latin, to our current open-source approach to the Bible, Phyllis suggests that access is everything.
 
See more about the History topic in this video:
 
 
For more details about The Journey Class in general or this study in particular, contact Tom Harkrider or visit the class blog.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Love God, Serve the City Through the Arborlawn Food Pantry

 
As part of our Love God, Serve the City series, we're focusing on the Arborlawn Food Pantry this week. One of the most robust mission efforts in our church, the Food Pantry provides supplemental food service to people living in proximity to our church in southwest Fort Worth.
 

Arborlawn's Food Pantry is located in the SAM Building and operates Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Many volunteers give of their time to this mission, but there's always room for more help. If you're interesting in participating as a volunteer, contact Dawn Henderson or Rev. DeAndrea Dare.

 

Stop by the Food Pantry this Sunday for a tour and get a feel for this outreach effort. Your donations of food are also welcomed and encouraged. Download a Food Pantry Shopping List and bring your donations to the Food Pantry or to the church office any time.
 
This Sunday, January 26, we will have special collections areas for Food Pantry donations in the Lower Commons, in the Upper Commons outside the Worship Center, in the church office, and in the Food Pantry in the SAM Building.
 
Thank you for helping us serve our fellow residents of Fort Worth. Providing food to our neighbors is an excellent way we Love God and Serve the City!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Lil' Sweetheart Dance February 7; Register Today

 
This year's Lil' Sweetheart Dance for girls and their fathers or grandfathers is Friday, February 7 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center. 
 

The event is free, but please register online (or call the church office at 817-731-0701) so we can plan for refreshments of cookies and punch. Registration is available up until the day of the dance. The dance will feature a DJ, and we'll have photos for each family! Corsages can be purchased for $15. Please order a corsage at the online registration link before February 4. The girls (and their dates!) really enjoy this dance.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Connecting with Arborlawn: February 9, 16, and 23

 
The Arborlawn Story. Your Story. The Points of Connection That Bring Us Together. Be a part of Connecting with Arborlawn (formerly Introduction to Arborlawn) on Sundays, February 9, 16, and 23 during the Sunday School hour (9:50-10:40 a.m.) in the Gathering Area outside of the Family Life Center.
 
During these three weeks we will spend time getting to know one another, sharing our stories, offering a background of Arborlawn and the United Methodist Church, and helping you to find points of connection to spiritual growth, service, and fellowship. Please RSVP by calling the church office at 817-731-0701. The class is facilitated by Rev. Ben Disney and Rev. DeAndrea Dare.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Samaritan House Supper Club: A Missions Opportunity for Small Groups and Sunday School Classes

 
An ongoing missions effort at Arborlawn is our participation in the Samaritan House Supper Club. The Samaritan House helps individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS with housing and resources for positive change. On designated days of each month, outside groups are responsible for preparing or purchasing food for the evening meal for the residents. Arborlawn's standing commitment is the 4th Thursday of each month.
 

Several Sunday School classes have already signed up to bring meals for 2014, but we have some openings available. And this project is not just for Sunday School classes. Any small group can join in. The January 2014 commitment has already been met by Sojourners Class, and the next immediate need is for us to fill the February date of Thursday, February 27. This mission is not paid for by Arborlawn; each participating group donates from its own resources to help fund the mission. On average, about 40 residents are served per evening.
 
Volunteers from Arborlawn have been supporting the Samaritan House Supper Club since 1998, and we look forward to another great year of serving the residents there. If your class or small group can help, please contact Don Pope.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

SWFW Career Search Network on January 27: LinkedIn: Be Effective, Not Busy

 
Arborlawn hosts Southwest Fort Worth Career Search Network on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. The next meeting is Monday, January 27. The group meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Rooms 270 and 271.
 

The topic for this meeting is “LinkedIn: Be Effective, Not Busy” by Steve Rogers. Rogers has been a recruiter for Lockheed, and he also does engineering consulting. His presentation was created to help job-seekers be more effective with their time and shorten their job search. Many job seekers spend a great deal of time and have kept busy trying to get their Linkedin profiles up to 100 percent because they think that is necessary to help them find a job quicker. That 100 percent profile target is actually for the benefit of the Linkedin owners and advertisers and has little to do with the job-seeker. The good news is that there are some ways to use Linkedin that are very effective for job seekers, and they take very little time. Linkedin is a fantastic resource tool for job-seekers if it is used properly.
 
Southwest Fort Worth CSN is for the unemployed, the underemployed, and those seeking general career changes. Everyone is welcome! For more details, contact Patricia Johnson.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Helping Hands Collection Sunday, February 2 During Communion

 
Helping Hands is a ministry of Arborlawn that provides limited, one-time financial assistance to help people pay portions of utility and housing bills. Those seeking assistance must live within the five zip code areas near Arborlawn and reach the ministry by calling the Helping Hands Hotline (817-731-0701, ext. 115).
 
Our Helping Hands Ministry is donation dependent, with most contributions given at the altar rail during our monthly communion Sundays on the 1st Sunday each month. The next Communion Sunday is February 2. Contributions are also welcome at any time in the church office or during any offertory; just mark checks with “Helping Hands Fund” in the memo line.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW General Meeting February 4; Topic: "Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly"

 
Arborlawn's United Methodist Women group is holding its next General Meeting on Tuesday, February 4 at 10:00 a.m. in the Worship Center. The speaker is Dr. Chauncey Nealy of Christ UMC, and the topic is "Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly." For more details, contact Hanna Huff.
 

The Mission Emphasis for February is Snack Sacks. Financial donations to this ministry are appreciated, since ministry volunteers can best buy the foods needed at the moments needed.
 
After the speaker's presentation, lunch will follow in the Gathering Area outside the Family Life Center. Jeanne Ntambo circle is hosting a lunch of soup, crackers, and dessert for $5.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Never Alone Ministry Expands Scope

 
From John Reed: The Never Alone Ministry of Arborlawn wants to remind the congregation that this ministry is open to all persons within the church who live alone and who may be in need of some light assistance around the home. We have a wonderful group of volunteers with a wide range of skill sets who are willing to change light bulbs, replace sprinkler heads, and make other minor repairs if homeowners do not have other family or friends who are able to help. The Never Alone Ministry also has a list of reputable service people who can be called upon in case of an emergency or if the job requires more skill than what is provided by the volunteers. If you could benefit from the Never Alone Ministry, please feel free to contact John Reed.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Concerts at Arborlawn: FWSO's Kinderconcerts Feb. 13: Peter Rabbit and Friends; Other Offerings Coming in March

 
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra comes to Arborlawn bringing a childhood classic to life: Beatrix Potter's “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” Join us on Thursday, February 13 at either 9:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.
 

Follow Peter on his adventure through Mr. McGregor's garden with mezzo soprano Amanda Robie and musicians led by conductor Mischa Santora. The program will also feature an introduction to the instrument families of the orchestra. Kinderconcerts are appropriate for children ages 3 through 6. Tickets are $5 for all (adults and children) and are available at FWSymphony.org or by calling the FWSO Box Office at at 817-665-6000.
 
Mark your calendars for the following upcoming concerts, and read more in the coming weeks. Wyeth String Quartet is playing in the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel Sunday, March 2 at 3:00 p.m. Schola Cantorum is performing "The Peaceable Kingdom" in the Sanctuary Monday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. Fort Worth Community Band is in concert in the Sanctuary Sunday, March 9 at 3:00 p.m.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Crazy Love Study Starts January 26

 
George and Bonny Jenista are leading a study of Francis Chan's book “Crazy Love” this winter. 
 

The study is starting Sunday, January 26 at 4:00 p.m. in Room 224. The study will last for several weeks. “Crazy Love” looks at how God is Love. Have you ever wondered how you're missing it? It’s crazy if you think about it. The God of the Universe - the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor - loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. For more details, contact George or Bonny.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Red Cross Blood Drive February 16

 
The Red Cross is sponsoring a blood drive called Every Pint Counts on Sunday, February 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center.
 

We hope you will consider donating blood to help save lives. The last blood drive we had was very successful and helped replenish blood supplies used during the tragic events in West, Texas and Moore, Oklahoma. We learned that each unit of blood donated saves three lives. Our Arborlawn donors saved approximately 90 lives!
 
Schedule an appointment online today. Or contact our Red Cross Blood Drive Representative, Sheila Winans to make an appointment.
 
The need for blood is constant. Every day, patients in our communities are helped by donors who give their blood at blood drives. These are just a few examples of individuals Red Cross blood drives have recently helped: a liver transplant patient was treated with 75 units of red blood cells, platelets, and plasma; a bone marrow patient required 21 units of red blood cells; an artificial heart transplant patient was given more than 140 units of red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate; a lung transplant patent needed 38 units of red blood cells; a surgery patient received 39 units of red blood cells, seven units of platelets, and 28 units of plasma; a trauma victim required 15 units of red blood cells, 15 units of plasma, and three units of platelets in just one day. Thanks to the dedication and commitment of donors, blood products were available for these patients and many others like them.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org