The Vine - News Blog

Young Professionals: Dinner at Fuzzy's January 28

 
Young Professionals is having dinner at Fuzzy's Taco Shop (5724 Bryant Irvin, Fort Worth, 76132, 817-292-8226) on Tuesday, January 28. Meet there at 7:00 p.m.
 
If you're new to the area, a recent college graduate, or looking to network with other young professionals, come meet us. This ministry is dedicated to young adults who want to grow in their relationship with Christ, meet other young professionals, and have fun.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Immediate Need for WestAid Volunteers

 
From Peggy Grona: There is an immediate need for volunteers to help with food pickup for WestAid. They have a truck but are short on volunteers. If anyone can donate a couple of hours a week to help with food pickup, it will enable WestAid to better serve those in need. Please contact Charlie Stark and he can give you all the information. Thanks for your interest.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Arborlawn Singles January 28: Railhead

 
The monthly Tuesday Night Together (TNT) gathering of Arborlawn Singles is Tuesday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Railhead Smokehouse BBQ (2900 Montgomery Street.
 
Please feel free to invite a friend. Arborlawn Singles Group events are for all ages and stages of singles. Let them know you're coming, and they'll save you a seat. To get the latest emails and more information, email the group.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Place to Belong: "Forgiveness" Study Thursdays in February

 
Place to Belong is a women’s study and fellowship group for those experiencing worship alone. The group meets Thursday nights at the church at 7:00 p.m. During the month of February, the group will be studying the book “Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go” by Adam Hamilton. There is nothing more crippling than holding on to anger. Anger, more than any other emotion, has the power to consume all aspects of our lives, distort our sense of purpose, and destroy our relationship with God. In this study, learn about the invaluable spiritual asset called forgiveness. For more details, contact Bette West.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Moms Group Planning Meeting January 28

 
Moms Group is having a planning meeting on Tuesday, January 28 in Room 224 at 6:00 p.m. Email Stephanie Gravley to reserve a spot in the nursery. Contact Allie Cobb for more information about Moms Group.
 
Tuesday, February 11 will be another Social Night Out to be determined. Watch for more details.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Merrymakers: Bingo January 31; Potluck February 26

 
Merrymakers (Arborlawn's Seniors Group) is playing Bingo on Friday, January 31 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the SAM Building. Enjoy popcorn, cookies, and lemonade. Prizes will be awarded, including the grand prize of two movie tickets. Please bring a friend. For more details, contact Janet Roberson.
 
The next 4th Wednesday potluck lunch is Wednesday, February 26 at 12:00 p.m. in the SAM Building. Come join the fellowship, and stay for games afterward. For more details, contact Marilyn Anderson.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

The Journey Class Animate Bible Series, January 26: Canon

 
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:
 
 
 
Discussion continues on the first module: Canon: Mining for the Word by Eric Elnes. How did these 66 cultural history lessons, collections of poems, family genograms, allegorical stories, and community letters — all gathered from sources that stretch across time and place — become the Bible? Eric Elnes describes a process of canonization that is far messier, subjective, and ongoing that we might imagine. As Eric looks into the methodology used to extract sacred “gold” from the many, many streams of writing and thought that make up the history of our faith, we discover that the shifting and refining might not be complete. What work do we need to do as we seek to uncover the richness of the Bible?
 
See more about Animate Bible 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: Recognizing God at Work

 
By Dave Brower
 
The work of the church is first and foremost about the work of God. When I first came across resources about the missional church, I was both encouraged and discouraged. I was encouraged by the number of stories that were coming out of the communities who were embracing this understanding of the work of the church in the world. At the same time, I was discouraged. How were these people coming up with these great ideas for serving their city? How did they create such transformative outlets to love God through loving others?
 

What I have come to understand is that the work of the church, primarily, isn’t created by the church out of thin air. The most effective ministry in the church is when the church recognizes God at work and simply joins in with that work. The best work we can do to Love God and Serve the City is when we realize that the best work happens when God’s ordinary people live with the faith that God is already at work in our world.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Meeting on January 21 About International Mission Trips

 
Arborlawn is thrilled to announce the expansion of our Mission Ministries and the plans for upcoming International Mission Trips. Please join us on January 21 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 271 to learn about the upcoming plans and opportunities to partner in mission with our brothers and sisters throughout the world. The international trips will be open for participation for older youth through adults. Please join us!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Concerts: Allen/Westhoff Jan. 17; FWSO's "Pinocchio's Adventures" Jan. 18; FWSO Kinderconcerts Feb. 13

 
 
Organist Tim Allen and Soprano Christine Westhoff
Performing Here January 17
 
Join us Friday, January 17 as Concerts at Arborlawn welcomes Tim Allen and Christine Westhoff in a special recital at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Tim Allen, organist, composer, and conductor, and his wife, Christine Westhoff, soprano, will be performing excerpts from Bach, Handel, Mozart, and the British composer Ash Madni.
 

Tim, born and brought up in England, was Organ Scholar at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where he earned his degree in Music and a certificate of Education. He then spent several years teaching, performing organ recitals, and working as an organist and choir director throughout England, Northern Ireland, and the United States. It was in St. Louis, MO that he met Christine Westhoff, and they married in 2004. He then began his time at Trinity Cathedral in Little Rock, AR, and he is currently the accompanist for the Arkansas Chamber Singers.
 
Christine, classically trained as a lyric operatic soprano, is known for her perfect pitch, her radiant passion, and her beautiful singing voice. She has performed all over the world and in the United States, including the St. Columb’s Cathedral in Londonderry, Ireland and as a guest at the Clinton Presidential Library. She is currently working on compositions with Ash Madni and will be touring Rome later this year. More information and audio recordings by Christine can be previewed at ChristineWesthoff.com.
 
Tim and Christine are well known within the artistic community and have performed together on several different tours, even releasing a recording available on iTunes, titled “Ora Pro Nobis.”
 
Join us for this free-admission concert!
 
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra: Pinocchio's Adventures
Saturday, January 18
 
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is performing “Pinocchio's Adventures” here on Saturday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for kids and are available online, at the door, or by calling FWSO at 817-665-6000.
 

This concert is perfect for the young at heart, regardless of age. Enjoy the magical story of Pinocchio's Adventures in Funland and go back to a time when the overtures of Mozart and Rossini accompanied your favorite Saturday morning cartoons.
 
FWSO Kinderconcerts: Peter Rabbit and Friends in the Orchestra, February 13
 
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.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Hospitality and Greeter Ministry Team Training January 26

 
If you have ever had the desire to serve on the Hospitality or Greeting Ministry Teams, please join us for a lunch and brief training from 12:15-1:15 p.m. in the Family Life Center on Sunday, January 26.
 
The Pathways Team will lead us through ways to offer gracious hospitality as well as how to open ourselves to the possibilities of new relationships and transformative opportunities when we greet one another and welcome the guests in our midst.
 
This lunch and training is for those who are currently serving as well as for those who are wishing to serve. Join us as we seek to follow God’s lead in making Arborlawn the church that God is calling it to be. Please RSVP to the church office at 817-731-0701.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

"Crazy Love" Study: 4:00 p.m. on Sundays, January 19-February 23

 
George and Bonny Jenista are leading a study of Francis Chan's book "Crazy Love" starting Sunday, January 19 and going through February 23.
 

The study meets Sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. in Room 224. This study 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

The Journey Class Animate Bible Series Week 2 Topic: 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 Week 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

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

WoW Book Club February 12

 
The next meeting of the WoW Book Club is Wednesday, February 12 at 11:30 a.m. in Room 220. The group will be discussing “The Silver Star” by Jeannette Walls. (Please note: It's a good idea to read the author's book “The Glass House” before reading “The Silver Star.”) If you have any questions about WoW Book Club, please contact Susan Stevenson.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Merrymakers: Potluck January 22; Bingo January 31

 
Merrymakers (Arborlawn's Seniors Group) is starting its activities back up after the recent holiday break. The 4th Wednesday potluck for this month is Wednesday, January 22 at 12:00 p.m. in the SAM Building. Come join the fellowship, and stay for games afterward. For more details, contact Marilyn Anderson.
 

The group is playing Bingo on Friday, January 31 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the SAM Building. Enjoy popcorn, cookies, and lemonade. Prizes will be awarded, including the grand prize of two movie tickets. Please bring a friend. For more details, contact Janet Roberson.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Young Professionals: Planning Meeting January 21

 
Arborlawn's Young Professionals group is having a planning meeting for 2014 on Tuesday, January 21 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 222. Everyone's invited. For more details, contact Mary Nell Boyd.
 

If you're new to the area, a recent college graduate, or looking to network with other young professionals, come meet us. This ministry is dedicated to young adults who want to grow in their relationship with Christ, meet other young professionals, and have fun.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Co-Workers: 4th Tuesday at NICA January 28; Others Invited

 
Members of the Co-Workers Sunday School class volunteer at Northside Inter-Community Agency (NICA) on the 4th Tuesday each month. This month's visit is Tuesday, January 28. Members of other classes are welcome to join in the effort. Meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Arborlawn Parking lot outside of the Family Life Center on the Briarhaven Road side. The group then carpools to NICA. For more details, contact Betty Hairston.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

WestAid: January 2014 Update

 
From Peggy Grona: The first day after the holidays WestAid had 77 heads-of-household come in. Needless to say, the food and hygiene items are going quickly. Presently they are in need of canned beans, canned fruit, and rice. WestAid relies on the generosity of Arborlawn members and other donors to continue its mission of helping to improve the lives of citizens on the west side of town. Donations are appreciated and may be left in the WestAid Baskets in Room 230 (adjacent to the kitchen) and in the SAM Building. Monetary donations may also be made online at WestAid.org.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Fort Worth Police Department CAPA Program Invites Applicants

 
The Fort Worth Police Department is about to start the next class of its CAPA program. CAPA stands for Clergy and Police Alliance. CAPA is a coalition of pastors, ministers, chaplains, and other members of religious organizations who work in partnership with the police department to serve the citizens of Fort Worth. CAPA members attend monthly meetings, attend roll calls, and ride along with police officers and are called on to help citizens in crisis.
 
The threefold CAPA Mission is: 1. Pray over our city, officers, and leaders; 2. Build relationships with Police Officers; and 3. Respond to minister to the citizens of Fort Worth in emergency situations.
 
Participants in this program are usually clergy, but the program is also open to interested church members who have a desire to serve the city and its citizens in this capacity. Arborlawn member Darline Michol is a trained participant in CAPA.
 
The program involves a 12-week course that lasts for three hours each session. The class includes specialized training that introduces trainees to the inner workings of the police department and the criminal justice system. Participants will be introduced to various units of the department including the Crime Scene Search Unit, Homicide Unit, Narcotics Unit, Firearms Training and much more.
 
The next FWPD Minister’s Police Academy starts Tuesday, February 18. More details and the CAPA Application are available at ClergyandPoliceAlliance.com. Anyone who is interested and who has questions is encouraged to contact Sergeant Mark Hukel with the Fort Worth Police Department.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org