The Vine - News Blog

Concerts: Jerry Westenkuehler, June 8; Wyeth String Quartet, June 17; "A Salute to America," July 4

 
Jerry Westenkuehler: Sunday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m.
 
Jerry Westenkuehler will be performing a concert on the 106-rank Garland organ on Sunday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. He will be playing works by J. S. Bach, Cesar Franck, Joseph Haydn, and Louis Vierne.
 

Jerry will also share the organ bench with Michael Plantz in an organ duet by Canadian composer Denis Bedard. The concert will also premier a newly written, seven movement piece entitled “Partita on a Chinese Hymntune” written by Westenkuehler for his upcoming concerts in Indonesia this July.
 
Wyeth String Quartet: Tuesday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m.
 
Concerts at Arborlawn welcomes The Wyeth String Quartet, the principal strings of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, in concert on Tuesday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m. This is the inaugural concert in Arborlawn’s Elizabeth Cramer Chapel.
 
The ensemble is comprised of the principal strings of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra: Michael Shih and Adriana Voirin DeCosta, violins, Laura Bruton, viola, and Leda Dawn Larson, cello.
 

Admission to the concert is free, but seating is limited to 150. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to hear this exquisite quartet on Tuesday, June 17.
 
“A Salute to America”: Friday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m.
 
Join us for Arborlawn’s cherished annual Independence Day tradition - the “A Salute to America” concert - on Friday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This year we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of this crowd favorite.
 

The concert features the 200-voice Festival Chorus. The entertaining evening includes singing of all military anthems with veterans and families standing for their respective branch of the service, as well as audience participation in singing “God Bless America,” “You're a Grand Old Flag,” “My Country ’tis of Thee,” “America the Beautiful,” and other favorites.  
 
The choir will be singing favorites including Wilhousky's “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “This is My Song,” “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” and others. Under the direction of Arborlawn’s minister of worship arts Tom Stoker, the choir will be accompanied by Dr. Jerry Westenkuehler, organist, on Arborlawn’s 106-rank Dan Garland Organ.  
 
The choir is open to anyone who wants to sing that evening. Singers are asked to wear their favorite red, white, and blue, and come to rehearse from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Singers will be served a light dinner, and the choir will then sing for the 7:00 p.m. concert.
 
There is no admission charge for the concert, and the public is invited to attend.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Ascension Garden: Town Hall Meetings June 1 and 3; Everyone Invited

 
Volunteers from the Columbarium design team and the Prayer Ministry team have been working together to develop plans for the construction of an Ascension Garden at Arborlawn. The proposed Ascension Garden would be located outside in the area and space between the Sanctuary and the Elizabeth Cramer Chapel. It would include a prayer labyrinth, meditative garden, and columbarium. The Ascension Garden would also incorporate and feature the Resurrection Window, a stained glass piece originally displayed at Westcliff UMC.
 

We are holding two consecutive Town Hall meetings for the members of Arborlawn. It will be an opportunity to learn more about the proposed project and to see the initial plans and drawings. Please join us after worship services on Sunday, June 1 at 12:15 p.m. in the Worship Center for a conversation. If you cannot make it to the meeting that day, we are holding another Town Hall on Tuesday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m., also in the Worship Center.
 
Everyone's invited, and we welcome your input.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Blessings in Stitches Kids' Night June 24, 6:30-8:00 p.m.; Caps for Infants

 
Blessings in Stitches invites 3rd through 6th graders to an evening of stitchery on Tuesday, June 24 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in Room 225. Materials and instruction will be provided.
 

Each child attending will receive a small loom and yarn and will be taught the simple skill of loom knitting a baby hat. Children may take their work home to complete and turn in any donations they have to the church office when completed.
 
The evening is designed to coordinate with a mission project in conjunction with Texas Health Southwest Fort Worth (Bryant Irvin and Oakmont; formerly Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest) and Click for Babies, which spreads awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome through this program. Every November, the hospital gives a handmade purple knit cap to every newborn to remind parents of the importance of protecting their babies from being shaken by a care provider.  
 
If you're planning to bring your child to this event, please contact the church office (817-731-0701) or email Kim Cordell and let us know by Thursday, June 19. If you have any questions about Blessings in Stitches Kids' Night, please contact Martha Darwin.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Vacation Bible Camp: July 21-25

 
Vacation Bible Camp is July 21-25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. It’s free, but registration is required and is available here. Those who register will be guaranteed a t-shirt and CD. For more details, contact Melissa Hedger.

The Vacation Bible Camp theme this year is “Weird Animals: Where Jesus’ Love is One-of-a-Kind.” This theme teaches us that no matter how different you may be, you are unique and special in God’s eyes.
 

VBC is for kids 3 years and fully potty trained through exiting 5th Grade. This year for those who have younger children, if you volunteer for the week with us, your child can participate in VBC also.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

VBC Volunteers Needed

 
Our volunteers make Vacation Bible Camp a success by sharing their love for Jesus, neighbors, and the children of Arborlawn. Weird Animals VBC will be July 21-25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you would be interested in serving as a shepherd or helping in some other capacity, please contact Kristen Harford.
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org

United Methodist Women: Summer 2014 Reading Program

 
For this year’s United Methodist Women Summer Reading program, Jo McCormack will be in the Gathering Area outside of the Family Life Center on Tuesdays, June 3, June 17, July 1, and July 15. She will be there from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on those days.
 

Participants must read five books on the official list (in a variety of topics) to get credit for United Methodist Women Missions work. Please call Jo if you have any questions.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Northside Inter-Community Agency: June and July Donations Requests

 
NICA’s donations requests for the months of June and July are socks for children (all sizes) and underwear for children (all sizes). Please bring donations to the bins in Room 230 (adjacent to the kitchen) or in the SAM Building. Or you can take them by NICA at 1600 Circle Park Boulevard, Fort Worth, 76164. Phone: 817-626-1102.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Helping Hands Collection Sunday, June 1 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 June 1. 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

The Journey Class Animate Bible Series, Sunday, June 1: Grace, Part 3

 
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 June 1 topic is Part 3 of the segment Grace: Love Is the Bottom Line by Jay Bakker. How do you love a book that’s caused you nothing but pain? Jay Bakker takes us through his journey from hard-line fundamentalist kid to faithless rebel young man to grace-filled pastor. Jay offers a new vision of the Bible for all those who have been hurt by well-meaning Christians, who have suffered at the hands of those who use the Bible to wound, who have doubted that there’s anything worth reading in a book that has brought about so much struggle.
 
See more about the Grace 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

Southwest Fort Worth Career Search Network: Monday, June 9

 
The Southwest Fort Worth Career Search Network meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays each month at Arborlawn in Room 271 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The next meeting is Monday, June 9.
 

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 or Foster Williams.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Concerts: Jerry Westenkuehler June 8; Wyeth String Quartet June 17; “A Salute to America” July 4

 
Jerry Westenkuehler: Sunday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m.
 
Jerry Westenkuehler will be performing a concert on the 106-rank Garland organ on Sunday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. He will be playing works by J. S. Bach, Cesar Franck, Joseph Haydn, and Louis Vierne.
 

Jerry will also share the organ bench with Michael Plantz in an organ duet by Canadian composer Denis Bedard. The concert will also premier a newly written, seven movement piece entitled “Partita on a Chinese Hymntune” written by Westenkuehler for his upcoming concerts in Indonesia this July.
 
Wyeth String Quartet: Tuesday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m.
 
Concerts at Arborlawn welcomes The Wyeth String Quartet, the principal strings of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, in concert on Tuesday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m. This is the inaugural concert in Arborlawn’s Elizabeth Cramer Chapel.
 
The ensemble is comprised of the principal strings of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra: Michael Shih and Adriana Voirin DeCosta, violins, Laura Bruton, viola, and Leda Dawn Larson, cello.
 

Admission to the concert is free, but seating is limited to 150. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to hear this exquisite quartet on Tuesday, June 17.
 
“A Salute to America”: Friday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m.
 
Join us for Arborlawn’s cherished annual Independence Day tradition - the “A Salute to America” concert - on Friday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This year we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of this crowd favorite.
 

The concert features the 200-voice Festival Chorus. The entertaining evening includes singing of all military anthems with veterans and families standing for their respective branch of the service, as well as audience participation in singing “God Bless America,” “You're a Grand Old Flag,” “My Country ’tis of Thee,” “America the Beautiful,” and other favorites.  
 
The choir will be singing favorites including Wilhousky's “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “This is My Song,” “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” and others. Under the direction of Arborlawn’s minister of worship arts Tom Stoker, the choir will be accompanied by Dr. Jerry Westenkuehler, organist, on Arborlawn’s 106-rank Dan Garland Organ.  
 
The choir is open to anyone who wants to sing that evening. Singers are asked to wear their favorite red, white, and blue, and come to rehearse from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Singers will be served a light dinner, and the choir will then sing for the 7:00 p.m. concert.
 
There is no admission charge for the concert, and the public is invited to attend.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

“Soul Keeping” Study This Summer; All Women and Men Welcome

 
A Bible study is coming this summer (starting July 2 and 3) based on John Ortberg’s book “Soul Keeping.” Lisa Garrett is facilitating the study on Wednesday mornings from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the church and on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. off campus.
 

The soul is not “a theological and abstract subject.” The soul is the coolest, eeriest, most mysterious, evocative, crucial, sacred, eternal, life-directing, fragile, indestructible, controversial, expensive dimension of your existence. Jesus said it’s worth more than the world.
 
The book is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and ChristianBook.com. Find links on these sites for this specific book on John Ortberg’s web site.
 
Women and men are invited to participate in this study. Please contact Lisa Garrett for more details.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

The Journey Class Animate Bible Series, Sunday, May 25: Grace, Part 2

 
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 May 25 topic is Part 2 of the segment Grace: Love Is the Bottom Line by Jay Bakker. How do you love a book that’s caused you nothing but pain? Jay Bakker takes us through his journey from hard-line fundamentalist kid to faithless rebel young man to grace-filled pastor. Jay offers a new vision of the Bible for all those who have been hurt by well-meaning Christians, who have suffered at the hands of those who use the Bible to wound, who have doubted that there’s anything worth reading in a book that has brought about so much struggle.
 
See more about the Grace 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

May Is Melanoma Awareness Month; Protect Yourself

 
May is Melanoma Awareness Month. This terrible form of cancer is quite treatable if you catch it early enough. Here are some tips for prevention of melanoma:
 
1) Seek the shade, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
 
2) Do not burn.
 
3) Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
 
4) Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
 
5) Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
 
6) Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
 
7) Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
 
8) Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
 
9) See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.
 
Read more at SkinCancer.org.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Fellowship Sunday School Class: 9:45 a.m. in Family Life Center

 
We are excited to announce a new class led by John and Marty Sieverling, the Fellowship Class, meets Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. in the Family Life Center. If you are looking for a group of believers who share the same interest in building strong families and friendships through Bible studies, book studies, fellowship, and missions, and are not already connected to a Sunday school class, then this is a great opportunity to be a part of a new ministry here at Arborlawn.
 

The Fellowship class is studying Adam Hamilton’s new book, “Making Sense of the Bible.” Come be a part of where God is leading us. If you have questions or are interested in learning more please contact Bryan Bellamy.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Adam Hamilton Speaking at Arborlawn Wednesday, May 21

 
Arborlawn and the Central Texas Conference welcome pastor and best-selling author Adam Hamilton for an evening of teaching and conversation around his new book - “Making Sense of the Bible” - on Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. in Arborlawn's Sanctuary.
 

During his presentation, Adam will focus on the nature of scripture exploring the human and divine - what it is and is not, how it was written and canonized, why we don’t consider it inerrant, and what a “high view of scripture” might mean. He will then tackle the questions people often ask about the Bible:
 
* Do I have to choose between evolution and the Bible?
* Were Adam, Eve, and Noah real people?
* How do we make sense of the violence of God in the Old Testament?
* Suffering and God in the Bible
* Does the Bible really teach that only Christians go to heaven?
* Homosexuality and the Bible
* Is Revelation really a roadmap of the end times?
 
The evening will end with an opportunity for Q&A and a book signing with the author. A book display with Adam Hamilton's books, including this new title, will be open before and after the presentation.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Congratulations, Graduating Seniors!

 
Seniors of 2014, members of your church family are so proud of all of you and wish you tremendous success in the future!

Ashley Ainsworth

Ashley is the daughter of Laura & Tom Raney and sister to Matthew.

She is graduating from Paschal High School where she participated in band and served as president and section leader. She was also a member of the National Honor Society.
 

Her favorite memories from her time in the youth group were mission trips and being a part of the praise band.

She will be attending Texas Tech University and plans on going to law school afterwards. “I have truly enjoyed my time at this church. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am without the guidance and support of my church family.”

Avery Barber

Avery is the daughter of Kim & Tony Barber.

She attended Paschal High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Legacy Student Ambassador, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Students. She was a cheerleader in high school and on a competitive squad for three years. Avery was in the top 4 percent of her class, spent time with community service opportunities such as a Cool Children’s volunteer and mission trips and loved her summers at Pine Cove Christian camps since the 6th grade.
 

She plans to attend Texas A&M and major in Allied Health with the hopes to become an Occupational Therapist. Her favorite memories at Arborlawn include Easter egg hunts, the great cooks on mission trips, and the valuable lessons learned through helping those in need.

Alex Boggs

Alex is the daughter of Sue Lyon-Boggs and Matt & Jess Boggs and sister to Hunter.

She is graduating from Paschal High School a year early.
 

Some of her favorite memories from the time she spent in youth group are mission trips which she has been attending since 2011.

“I’m so grateful to have been part of the Arborlawn family for so many years. Thank you to Abby and Dave for all of the guidance and advice you have given me. To all three of my wonderful parents for their constant support in the challenges and obstacles that I have faced, you have been the biggest blessing of my life. Lastly, to my amazing small group leaders, Becky Hubbard and LeaAnn Benton, for guiding me in my walk with Christ and all of the love you have given me.”

She is attending the University of Arkansas and planning to major in business.
 
Brady Boller

Brady is the son of Ben & Lisa Boller and a brother to Reid, Kate, and Jack.
 

He is graduating from Trinity Valley School where he was a National Merit Commended Scholar, on the varsity soccer and varsity baseball teams for three years. His favorite memories from his time with the Arborlawn youth were the junior high mission trips and painting houses in Dallas.

He is attending Texas A&M University in the fall and will major in accounting.  

Ben Border

Ben is the son of Bruce & Barrett, grandson of Barbara Kent.

He will be graduating from Paschal High School where he participated in Paschal Society of Academic Excellence, National Honor Society, Junior State of America, Varsity Golf, and was an AP Scholar with honors.
 

Some of his memories from his time in the youth group are mission trips, Trinka food, and the expert use of the chop saw thanks to Hugh’s tutelage.

The next step for Ben is to attend Hendrix college, where he hopes to become a well respected man, and an ambassador to the EU.

Claire Culbertson

Claire is the daughter of Janet & Jim Culbertson.

She will be graduating from Paschal High School where she was active on the Tennis Team, National Honor Society, and Paschal Society for Academic Excellence. Her accomplishments include being an AP scholar with honor, FWISD Superintendent Scholar, Radio Shack Scholar, FWISD Director of Athletics Scholar, PEO Star Scholarship recipient. She was also a part of Kids Who Care Musical Theater Company and was the Secretary of Kid Power Leadership Board.
 

In Claire’s words, “I have volunteered in a two year old Sunday school class and have helped with after-school tutoring on Wednesday evenings. My favorite church activity by far is Mission Trip. I have been on 6 mission trips across the United States and I can’t wait for the Roswell Mission Trip this summer! I cherish the Sunday evenings with my small group, playing birdy on a perch, youth luncheons, the Trinkas’ cooking, the mission trip photo scavenger hunts, Superbowl parties, retreats, all the friends that I’ve made while at Arborlawn, and many more amazing memories. Arborlawn has been, and will always be, my church home. I am so grateful to have had this amazing family with me on my faith journey.”
    
Claire will be attending University of Texas at Austin as a biology major. She eventually plans on attending medical school to become a pediatrician.

Katie Dillard
 
Katie is the daughter of Preston & Kelly Dillard and sister to Mason.

She is graduating from Paschal High school where her accomplishments include National Merit Scholar, Yale Book Award Recipient, she was elected senior class representative, Head of Fundraising for the Paschal Legacy Student Ambassadors, and Secretary of Play it Forward.
 

Katie has been very active in the youth group and has been a (soon to be) 7-time mission trip volunteer. She has fond memories of ski trips, uncomfortable encounters at Alabama Baptist Churches, driving back from Tuscaloosa in June with no AC and only an Arby’s milkshake to stay cool, ski trip bus breaking down outside a federal prison in rural Colorado, being amazed every time they built a functional wheelchair ramp and crying way too hard at all the senior speeches.

She will be attending Texas A&M in the fall, majoring in Accounting. She hopes to graduate with an MBA and CPA certification and go into an accounting career.
 
In her words, “To my phenomenal small group leaders, youth ministers, and the friends I’ve made over the 6 years I’ve been at Arborlawn- thank you for giving me such a perfect place to grow up. I feel so blessed that I have become a part of this family. I truly don’t know what I’ll do without you next year, but I have faith that you all have prepared me well for the future.”

Miller Doby

Miller Doby is the son of Rob & Page Doby and the brother of Jack and Wyatt.

He’s graduating from Paschal High School. While at Paschal, Miller was involved in National Honor Society, was co-president of Paschal Legacy Student Ambassadors, was a member of the Student Council, played four years of basketball, and was inducted into the Paschal Society of Academic Excellence.
 

His favorite church memories were the conversations from small groups at youth with Kelly Dillard, Mike Trinka and the other guys in the group. “They were awesome and they made Sunday nights a fun experience.”
 
Miller plans to attend University of North Carolina Chapel Hill where he plans to study business or journalism and hopefully start his own business.

Taylor Fox

Taylor is the daughter of Eric and Karen and sister to Reilly and Ryan.
    
She is graduating from Paschal High School where she participated in Paschal Academic Society, National Honor Society, Paschal Varsity Soccer, and Impact Futbol Club. She was also involved in Kids Who Care Musical Theater. Her achievements include Anne Brannon Award in Science, Radio Shack Scholar, and Academic All State Second Team.
 

She was involved in Mission trips from 6th to 12th grade and the youth group.
 
“Mission Trip has always been one of my favorite weeks, mostly because of the food (thank you Trinkas!) but also because of all the lives we were able to touch, even if it was in a small way.  I have loved getting to grow up with my other amazing seniors. It seems like just yesterday we were back in Sunday school arguing over who was going to read the Bible passage. Thank you to everyone who has helped me grow in this church, especially Abby Johnson and Dave Brower.”
    
Taylor will attend West Virginia Wesleyan College to play soccer and earn a degree in nursing.

Ryan Hamilton

Ryan is the son of Kris & Shelley and brother to Kacy.
 
He will graduate from Arlington Heights High School where he has been on the Tennis Team for three years and has been active in the NHS and FCA. He received both the Yellow Jacket Scholar and the Radio Shack Award.
 

Some of his favorite memories are from mission trips and small groups with Kelly Dillard and Mike Trinka.
 
He plans to attend Texas Tech to study Mechanical Engineering.

Jessica Juenger

Jessica is the daughter of Phyllis & Bill Juenger and sister to Katelyn.
    
She graduates from Brewer High School where she has been very active in varsity tennis, National Honor Society, and girl scouts. Her accomplishments include the Girl Scout Silver award, Girl Scout Gold is in progress, tennis team captain, academic distinction, and recipient of the McKnight Scholarship.
 

Jessica has enjoyed participating in youth mission trips and Vacation Bible School and she has spent time serving in the nursery with the two and three year olds.
    
Jessica plans on attending Oklahoma State University in the fall, majoring in Geology.

Victoria Lacon

Victoria Lacon is the daughter of Gregory & Carol Lacon and attends Paschal High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and has participated in Paschal Legacy, Charity Water Club as well as Student Council. Cheerleading also has played an important part in her high school life, where Ms. Lacon lettered in cheer, was an NCA All American Nominee, and was part of a select award winning competition squad. Carmen Rose Photography also chose her to be a senior Spokes Model.
 

Victoria’s church activities began at a very young age where she attended Mother’s Day Out and Preschool at Arborlawn, formerly as Westcliff UMC. Vacation Bible School at the church was another fun activity she feels was critical in her development of her faith. She participated in the youth Mission trips to Tennessee, Alabama and Waco. “Those experiences deeply contributed to my understanding of God’s love for all people and the importance of service to others.” She is very thankful for the time she has spent meeting friends and growing in her faith at Arborlawn.  Victoria volunteers for various elementary and middle school activities, including field days and pep rallies as well as assisted living facilities.

This fall Victoria plans to attend the University of Mississippi. Her major is Integrated Marketing Communications through the Meek School of Journalism and New Media. She has been awarded an Academic Excellence Scholarship and Holmes Scholarship.
    
Both Moo and Kitty will miss her this fall, but are excited for her new journey.
 
Kennan Marino

Kennan’s parents are Chuck & Lisa. His sister and brother-in-law are Krista & Rhett Grimes.
     
He is graduating from Arlington Heights High School where he was involved in Soccer, National Honor Society, and is a Yellow Jacket Scholar.
 

His favorite activity from his time in the youth group is Junior High Mission Trip.
 
Kennan is planning on studying Mechanical Engineering at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. After graduation, he hopes to work in the petroleum industry.  
 
Nicole McDowell
 
Nicole is the daughter of Gaylen & Vicki McDowell. She is a sister to Tyler, Cody and Colton.
    
She is graduating from North Crowley High School where she was a cheerleader for three years, played soccer her freshman year and was in FFA for all four years. She has received the Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree, and Lone Star Degree.
 

“I have looked forward to going on the summer mission trips and have gone for the past five summers. I also helped teach the three year olds during Vacation Bible School one summer which was a lot of fun. I went on the ski trip to Crested Butte this year and absolutely fell in love with Colorado. Sunday night youth activities and the summer youth activities are always so much fun and I enjoyed going to all the different events and just hanging out at the Church.”
 
Nicole will be attending Hill College in Hillsboro in the fall to get her Animal Science Associates Degree and then transfer to either Tarleton State University or Texas A&M University to continue pursuing an Agricultural degree.
 
Colin Merritt

Colin is the son of Mike & Cindy Merritt and brother to Victoria.
     
He is graduating from Paschal High School, where he participated in two years of basketball, 4 years of baseball, and Student Council. His achievements include the Lockheed Martin Academic Award, National Honor Society. He was also awarded Varsity Baseball Newcomer of the Year for District 3-5A in 2013.
 

Colin is a lifetime member of Westcliff and Arborlawn UMC. He has participated in Youth Choir, Handbells, church basketball, mission trips and Sunday night activities.
     
He plans on attending Stephen F. Austin to study business and play baseball.
     
In his own words, “I want to thank Abby, Dave, my small group leaders, all the youth interns, the youth gang, and countless other church members for an incredible journey of faith. I also want to thank my parents and sister for always being there for me.”
 
Morgan Milrany
 
Morgan is the son of Mark & Cindy Milrany and brother of Matthew.
     
He will graduate from Paschal High School. He has participated in Boy Scouts and golf.
 

Some of Morgan’s favorite memories have been from mission trips, VBS, confirmation class with Mr. Shirley, and accolyting. He has enjoyed going to church with his family and forming relationships with special people like Jud Cramer.
     
He plans on attending Belmont University in Nashville to study music engineering and business.
 
Sam Pfrang
 
Sam is the son of Keith & Tammy Pfrang and brother to Olivia.
     
He is graduating from Paschal high school where he has played varsity baseball and participated in Play it Forward and Paschal Legacy. Sam is an AP Scholar and in the National Honor Society, as well as Paschal Society of Academic Excellence.
 

In Sam’s words, “I have many memories of Westcliff and Arborlawn UMC and the people who guided me along the way. Vacation Bible School, summer choir camps, Sunday school, confirmation, retreats, hang times, lock-ins, and mission trips, all gave me memories I will never forget. Our group of boys will always be known as the group that destroyed the Xbox, but in our defense the Xbox was dying anyways and we just wanted to put it out of its misery.”
     
Sam plans on attending Texas A&M in the fall, majoring in Civil Engineering. He hopes to work in Structural Engineering upon graduation.
 
Ryan Raines
 
Ryan is the son on Tim & Amy Raines and brother to Kyle and Shannon.
 
He is graduating from Paschal High School where he has been a part of the baseball team, National Honor Society, and the AP program. He was selected for and attended the 2013 E12 Engineering Summer Program.
 

Ryan has been active in the youth group since confirmation and was the first in his family to be an official member of AUMC and got the rest of the family to follow suit! His favorite youth activities are the mission trips taken every summer. Ryan has been a quiet but consistent youth participant and volunteer.
     
Ryan will be attending the University of Houston (where his grandfather and great grandfather graduated from) and majoring in Civil Engineering.
 
Reed Simpson
 
Reed is the son of Dina & Joel Simpson, brother of Rachel Simpson, and grandson of Polly Simpson.
 

Reed is graduating from Fort Worth Country Day where he is an A/B honor roll student and an active member of the student body. He is a four year starting Varsity letterman in baseball and a two year letterman in football. He pitched his first no-hitter this spring against Greenhill School in Dallas and has been awarded many baseball honors during his youth and high school career. He is a four year member of the Country Day Flight yearbook staff. This year he served as Co-editor in Chief, and is contributing writer for the school newspaper, the Quill. He served as a link Crew Leader at FWCD, mentoring freshman students. Reed’s favorite volunteer position has been working with the University Little League Challenger Division for the past six years.

This coming fall, Reed will be attending the University of Missouri, where he will study Sports Journalism and Sports Management.
    
Reed is thankful to the Lord for his family, especially his loving grandmother, and all the opportunities that life has presented him thus far.
    
David Tieding
 
David is the son of Troy & Jana Tieding, and brother to Matthew.
     
He is graduating from Paschal High School where he has been a member of the Paschal Society of Academic Excellence, Varsity Baseball Team, and a member of the leadership team of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Students.
 

Some of his favorite memories from this time in the youth group were small groups, the 2010 ski trip, Sam losing his phone out of the window of the church van while it was on the highway, hiding from Dave in a plywood bunker during paintball, and playing frisbee golf at TCU.
 
He plans on attending The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and study Engineering.
     
In his own words, “Thank you all so much. You have made this place my home and I am so grateful that God gave me such a great place to grow up.”

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We also congratulate graduating seniors Emily Cunningham, Mallory Grandey, and Rachel Ruffu.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Fellowship Sunday School Class Begins This Sunday, May 18

 
We are excited to announce a new class led by John and Marty Sieverling, the Fellowship Class, will begin this Sunday, May 18 at 9:45 a.m. in the Family Life Center. If you are looking for a group of believers who share the same interest in building strong families and friendships through Bible studies, book studies, fellowship, and missions, and are not already connected to a Sunday school class, then this is a great opportunity to be a part of a new ministry here at Arborlawn.
 

The Fellowship class will begin with a study on Adam Hamilton's new book, Making Sense of the Bible. If you don't have the book yet, don't worry. Come be a part of where God is leading us. If you have questions or are interested in learning more please contact Bryan Bellamy.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

May Is Melanoma Awareness Month; Get Free Screenings Saturday, May 17

 
May is Melanoma Awareness Month. This terrible form of cancer is quite treatable if you catch it early enough. This Saturday, May 17, you can get a free melanoma and skin cancer screening. The screenings are available at Texas Oncology, 1450 8th Avenue, Fort Worth, 76104. No appointment is necessary, and free parking is available.
 

Here are some tips for prevention of melanoma:
 
1) Seek the shade, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
 
2) Do not burn.
 
3) Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
 
4) Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
 
5) Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
 
6) Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
 
7) Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
 
8) Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
 
9) See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.
 
Read more at SkinCancer.org.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Vacation Bible Camp July 21-25

 
Vacation Bible Camp is July 21-25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. It’s free, but registration is required and is available here. Those who register will be guaranteed a t-shirt and CD. For more details, contact Melissa Hedger.

The Vacation Bible Camp theme this year is “Weird Animals: Where Jesus’ Love is One-of-a-Kind.” This theme teaches us that no matter how different you may be, you are unique and special in God’s eyes.
 

VBC is for kids 3 years and fully potty trained through exiting 5th Grade. This year for those who have younger children, if you volunteer for the week with us, your child can participate in VBC also.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org