The Vine - News Blog

Love & Logic Series for Families With Small Children Starts September 14

 
Families with children from infants to age 6, join us for the class “Love and Logic: Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun” Sundays, September 14 through October 12 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
 

Attend all five sessions or come to just one or two. The cost is $30 for a couple and $20 for individuals. The cost includes the book. Register online. A nursery is available. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Cordell.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

The Journey: “The Porch Sessions” Study Starts August 31

 
The Journey Sunday School Class welcomes everyone to its new 11-week series, “The Porch Sessions: Films of Subversive Laughter, Conversations of Faith, and Community,” which begins this Sunday, August 31. The class meets during the Sunday School hour (9:45-10:45 a.m.) in Room 260.
 

In this series, Biblical Theologian and Old Testament professor, Walter Brueggemann and community developer and author, Peter Block engage in conversation about the broad narrative of faith and community that has immediate implications in our particular neighborhoods and churches. Besides the interviewers, the prophet Elisha is the other conversation partner who seeks to show us how empire is to be subverted. This video series demonstrates that the ideas of Brueggemann and Block do not come from untested ideology but the richness of the relationship that they share, as lives lived in community.
 
Session 1 (August 31) is “Restorative Community”: In America, our collective memory of public life and economics needs to be awakened. If not, then the trend will be continued privatization of common resources in a way that will choke what it means to both have values and to be free.
 
Brueggemann is professor emeritus at Columbia Theological Seminary and is an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ (UCC). He received this Ph.D. from St. Louis University and Th.D. from Union Theological Seminary, New York. Block is the founder of The School for Managing of the Association for Quality and Participation, Deigned Learning, a company that teaches consulting skills, and the consulting firm, Block Petrella Weisbord. He received a master’s degree in industrial administration from Yale University.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Nativity Pageant 2014: First Meeting September 14

 
From Buzz Buswell: Attention Arborlawn friends and friends of Arborlawn! It's that time of year again; time for the Christmas Nativity Pageant. We are looking for volunteers; people who want to be part of telling the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. We need shepherds, angels, townspeople, travelers, singers, crew members, behind-the-scenes helpers; any and all are welcome.
 
Please help us create special memories for the Arborlawn community and beyond. Sign up today. Sign-up sheets will be located at the Welcome Kiosk in the Lower Commons, in the main lobby of the SAM Building, and with your Sunday School class.
 
We will have an all-hands meeting in the Worship Center on Sunday, September 14 at 2:00 p.m. Contact Buzz Buswell if you have any questions.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

WestAid Trinity Trek September 6

 
WestAid invites you to participate in its 9th Annual Trinity Trek on Saturday, September 6 at 8:00 a.m. at the Heart of the Ranch (Clearfork Main Street and Edwards Ranch Road) in Fort Worth. This event is the aid agency's annual family- and pet-friendly fundraiser. Sign up for 1-mile walk/run, a 5k race, or just come for fun. Food and tee shirts are available.  
 

Register now at Active.com. (Enter “Trinity Trek” in the site’s search bar. WestAid is located at 7940 Camp Bowie West, Fort Worth, 76116. Call them at 817-737-9338, send an email, or visit their web site.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Merrymakers: “Father of the Bride” September 20; Potluck September 24

 
Merrymakers (Arborlawn’s Seniors Group) is going to see “Father of the Bride” at the Plaza Theater in Cleburne on Saturday, September 20 at the 3:00 p.m. matinee. The ticket cost is $13, and the van cost is $5. You must pay at the time you make your reservation. We will leave the church at 2:00 p.m., and we will carpool. Dinner afterwards is at Caddo Street Grill. For more details, contact Janet Roberson.
 

The group is holding its next 4th Wednesday potluck luncheon on September 24 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

NICA Donations Requests for September and October

 
NICA’s donations requests for the months of September and October: new or gently used coats and non-perishable food for Thanksgiving baskets. 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

Arborlawn Students: BIG Meeting Sunday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m.

 
By Abby Johnson
 
Calling all 7th through 12th grade students, parents, small group leaders, and anyone who’s interested in knowing more about Arborlawn Student Ministry!
 

We have a meeting this Sunday, August 24, at 6:00 p.m. that we call our BIG Meeting, in the SAM Building. This is where we give parents our lineup and program changes for the 2014/2015 School Year. We will be making some pretty major program changes that we’re real excited about so you won’t want to miss out! We’ll serve a meal and present over dinner. (Students can come along to eat and play in the Gym.)
 
Some of the things will talk about include: 1) Cowtown Shakedown – our back-to-school event on August 31 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. – an Amazing Race-type evening and scavenger hunt that will take you all over Fort Worth. 2) Junior High Worship moving to Sunday Mornings. 3) Wired and Anthem (Junior and Senior High Sunday evenings). 4) Fall Retreat. 5) Spring Retreat. 6) Mission Trips.
 
There will also be a mandatory Small Group leader meeting at 5:00 p.m. and a meeting for Seniors and their Parents at 7:00 p.m. Hope you plan to be there!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Pathways Training Continues August 26

 
If you have a passion for connecting with people, then Pathways is for you. Want to know more? Join us for Pathways training in the Worship Center on Tuesday, August 26, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. This will be a continued discussion of what we started on August 19. (You are still invited, even if you could not make it on the 19th.)

In 2012 the Pathways Strategic Team was formed to engage our congregation in living our faith in the everyday intersections of life. Believing we are called by God to care for and connect with one another, Pathways is the intentional effort to create connections between people and be the church wherever we are.
 
Through meaningful, intentional conversation, trust is developed offering the opportunity to simply continue the conversation or connect the person with others who are on a similar journey, points of mission, and opportunities for growth. Pathways is about transforming the culture of Arborlawn in a way that connects us to each other on a deeper level and empowers us to live our faith 24/7. Pathways challenges us to grow in our faith allowing God to work through each of us.
 
For more information or to sign up for the training, please contact DeAndrea Dare or Diane Johnson.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Children's Music Experience Premiers September 7

 
Children’s Music Experience will premier on Sunday, September 7, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Room S-18 in the SAM Building (the Handbell Room).
 


This program for kids in 1st through 5th grades will be an exciting time of singing, handbells, instruments, and acting! C.M.E. will be taught by Karen Gossett and Jerry Westenkuehler. Join us for the fun, fellowship, and learning!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Singles: August 26: La Playa Maya

 
Arborlawn Singles Group is holding its monthly Tuesday Night Together (TNT) event on August 26 at 6:30 p.m. Join in the fellowship at La Playa Maya (6209 Sunset Drive, Fort Worth, 76116, 817-738-3329).
 

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 Study: “When Women Walk Alone” Starts September 4

 
The Place to Belong begins a new study on September 4. Place to Belong is a women’s Bible study and fellowship group for those experiencing the faith journey alone. The group meets Thursdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in Room 231 (The Parlor).
 

The study September 4 through October 16 is “When Women Walk Alone” by Cindi McMenamin. Wouldn’t it be nice to never feel alone again? Turn your alone times into life-changing encounters with God. The book is approximately $10 through Cokesbury.com or at local bookstores. For more details contact Bette West.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

The Journey: Vulnerability Study Concludes August 24; New Study Starts August 31

 
The Journey Sunday School Class welcomes everyone to its current series, The Vulnerable Journey, which concludes this Sunday, August 24. The class meets during the Sunday School hour (9:45-10:45 a.m.) in Room 260. The series is based on the work of Henri Nouwen.
 

Session Three (August 24) is "The Work of the Spirit." Nouwen teaches that the work of the Spirit takes place in liturgy. By sharing our mutual vulnerability, we become a community that belongs together with God.
 
 
 
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The class begins an 11-session study called “Porch Sessions: Films of Subversive Laughter, Conversations of Faith & Community” on August 31 and running through November 9.
 

Biblical Theologian and Old Testament professor, Walter Brueggemann and community developer and author, Peter Block engage in conversation about the broad narrative of faith and community that has immediate implications in our particular neighborhoods and churches. Watch for more details in next week’s issue of The Vine.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Women of the Word (WoW): Fall 2014 Season Starts September 3

 
The fall 2014 season is almost here and your Women of the Word (WoW) Bible Study facilitators have made three very different and always exciting study selections from which you can choose. The groups meet on Wednesday mornings from 10:00-11:30 a.m., and the new term starts on September 3.
 

“A continuous diet of Ladies Bible Studies has fed me with a deepening understanding of His Word, His Love, His Path for me. From this He gifts me with peace and joy. The beautiful sharing among women from so many different walks of life and levels of spiritual maturity add so much to each study. I miss the studies very much when we are on break. How I want to encourage you to come and be fed, know our God in a growing personal relationship. Express your love for Him or your yearning for Him with regular attendance among your sisters in Christ. It is a challenge to select from the diversity of study topics offered. There is something just for you; join us; growing guaranteed!” --G.G.
 
To register, you can either email the presenters or you can use the registration form as part of the special pink worship guide inserts this Sunday (instructions on the form). Child care is provided; please contact Kim Cordell.
 
The three new studies are:
 
1) Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David / Presenters: Dana Cook and Pamela Horton / Book: $11-$17 in Stores and on Amazon
 
Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and Kay Arthur, three beloved Christian authors, explore their lives in concert with the life stages of David, as a young man, a middle-aged man, and as a man facing the final third of his life. You will laugh with these ladies presentations, cry with them, and love God more with them. They pour out everything that God revealed to them so that you will be blessed, encouraged and empowered.
 
This study will open your eyes as to who you are, help you surrender your will to God, and encourage you to move forward because we have been Anointed, are continuously being Transformed, and have been Redeemed!
 
2) Be Ready: A Study of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians / Presenter: Lisa Garrett / Book: $10 Print, $9 Electronic, Lisa will order based on registrations
 
Dr. Warren Wiersbe, a respected pastor and Bible teacher, balances the prophetic with the practical in this updated study, and shares how Christ's powerful promise can impact every aspect of life.
 
During His life and ministry, Christ assured the apostles that He would one day return for His people, but how should this event affect our lives today? In Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, he reveals that the promise of Christ's return is more than a doctrine of our faith. It is a remarkable truth that can shape how we live, how we connect, and how we view ministry. So be encouraged, be revived, and be ready.
 
3) Practice Feeding Yourself from God’s Word / Presenter: Jan Crowell
 
The emphasis will be on our personal reading of Scriptures that remind us of how much God loves us, for example, Ephesians 3:17-19 and Romans 8:28-39. One of the main goals is our changing from self-focus to Christ-focus. The vast majority of Christians focus on their need to improve themselves rather than on God's gracious acceptance of them. How do we take our eyes off of ourselves and fix them on Jesus? By noticing how great He is, looking for His qualities that we can admire, observing the many reasons He is worthy to be our Lord. (Quotations and Scriptures are from “Journey with Jesus” by Larry Warner.)
 
Format for each session will be groups no larger than eight with ample time to share about their Scripture reading, journaling, and prayer journeys of the previous week. Additional time will be spent finding out what the next week's focus will be and looking at new, lively ways to pray for each other.
 
Homework will be to journal, pray, and interact with assigned Scriptures. Participants will set their own time goals from 5 to 50 minutes maximum, four days a week.
 
Materials needed will include Bible; pens, pencils or markers; and one 1/2” or one 1” 3-ring notebook. Handouts will be provided each week. (No books or study guides are required.)
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Caregiver Support Group at Bethel UMC

 
A Caregiver Support Group meets monthly at Bethel UMC (5000 Southwest Boulevard, Fort Worth, 76116). The next meeting will be September 18 at 6:30 p.m. This group is for caregivers who need support and a safe place to talk. If you have any questions, contact Theresa Wright.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Pathways Training Begins This Tuesday!

 
In 2012 the Pathways Strategic Team was formed to engage our congregation in living our faith in the everyday intersections of life. Believing we are called by God to care for and connect with one another, Pathways is the intentional effort to create connections between people and be the church wherever we are.
 

Through meaningful, intentional conversation, trust is developed offering the opportunity to simply continue the conversation or connect the person with others who are on a similar journey, points of mission, and opportunities for growth. Pathways is about transforming the culture of Arborlawn in a way that connects us to each other on a deeper level and empowers us to live our faith 24/7. Pathways challenges us to grow in our faith allowing God to work through each of us.
 
If you have a passion for connecting with people, then Pathways is for you. Want to know more? Join us for Pathways training in the Worship Center on Tuesdays, August 19 and 26, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. For more information or to sign up for the training, please contact DeAndrea Dare or Diane Johnson.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Sunday Greeter Invitation

 
Have you ever thought about being an Arborlawn Greeter? These are the smiling and friendly folks who welcome you at the doors every Sunday. A greeter is the first face that a visitor sees when they enter the doors of Arborlawn.
 
Greeters serve at three different time periods on a rotating basis throughout the year. Greeting takes place on the Balcony Level and at the doors of the Sanctuary Level. One of the great benefits of being a greeter is that you will meet new people and make new friends.
 
The Greeter times are: 8:15–8:50 a.m., 9:30–10:00 a.m., and 10:30–11:00 a.m. If you would like to become an Arborlawn Greeter, please contact Dale Parrent.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Women of the Word (WoW): Fall 2014 Season Starts September 3

 
The fall 2014 season is almost here and your Women of the Word (WoW) Bible Study facilitators have made three very different and always exciting study selections from which you can choose. The groups meet on Wednesday mornings from 10:00-11:30 a.m., and the new term starts on September 3.
 

“We women don’t realize how much we have to share with one another. Being in small groups, talking about our lives over God’s Word is about the most strengthening and mutually enriching thing we can do.” --J.C.
 
Please help us by registering early (before August 20). You can either email the presenters to register or you can use the registration form as part of the special pink worship guide inserts this Sunday (instructions on the form). Child care is provided; contact Stephanie Gravley.
 
The three new studies are:
 
1) Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David / Presenters: Dana Cook and Pamela Horton / Book: $11-$17 in Stores and on Amazon
 
Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and Kay Arthur, three beloved Christian authors, explore their lives in concert with the life stages of David, as a young man, a middle-aged man, and as a man facing the final third of his life. You will laugh with these ladies presentations, cry with them, and love God more with them. They pour out everything that God revealed to them so that you will be blessed, encouraged and empowered.
 
This study will open your eyes as to who you are, help you surrender your will to God, and encourage you to move forward because we have been Anointed, are continuously being Transformed, and have been Redeemed!
 
2) Be Ready: A Study of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians / Presenter: Lisa Garrett / Book: $10 Print, $9 Electronic, Lisa will order based on registrations
 
Dr. Warren Wiersbe, a respected pastor and Bible teacher, balances the prophetic with the practical in this updated study, and shares how Christ's powerful promise can impact every aspect of life.
 
During His life and ministry, Christ assured the apostles that He would one day return for His people, but how should this event affect our lives today? In Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, he reveals that the promise of Christ's return is more than a doctrine of our faith. It is a remarkable truth that can shape how we live, how we connect, and how we view ministry. So be encouraged, be revived, and be ready.
 
3) Practice Feeding Yourself from God’s Word / Presenter: Jan Crowell
 
The emphasis will be on our personal reading of Scriptures that remind us of how much God loves us, for example, Ephesians 3:17-19 and Romans 8:28-39. One of the main goals is our changing from self-focus to Christ-focus. The vast majority of Christians focus on their need to improve themselves rather than on God's gracious acceptance of them. How do we take our eyes off of ourselves and fix them on Jesus? By noticing how great He is, looking for His qualities that we can admire, observing the many reasons He is worthy to be our Lord. (Quotations and Scriptures are from “Journey with Jesus” by Larry Warner.)
 
Format for each session will be groups no larger than eight with ample time to share about their Scripture reading, journaling, and prayer journeys of the previous week. Additional time will be spent finding out what the next week's focus will be and looking at new, lively ways to pray for each other.
 
Homework will be to journal, pray, and interact with assigned Scriptures. Participants will set their own time goals from 5 to 50 minutes maximum, four days a week.
 
Materials needed will include Bible; pens, pencils or markers; and one 1/2” or one 1” 3-ring notebook. Handouts will be provided each week. (No books or study guides are required.)
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

The Journey: Vulnerability Study Continues August 17

 
The Journey Sunday School Class welcomes everyone to its current series, The Vulnerable Journey. The class meets during the Sunday School hour (9:45-10:45 a.m.) in Room 260. The series is based on the work of Henri Nouwen.
 

Session Two (August 17) is “The Way of Jesus.” Nouwen teaches that the way of Jesus is one of vulnerability and relates his personal journey to God through Adam, a man with many special needs.
 
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Labyrinth to Be a Part of the Upcoming Ascension Garden

 
From Charlene Johnston: A labyrinth will be one of the features of the Ascension Garden planned for Arborlawn. Walking a labyrinth is as humbling as bending a knee in prayer. Every walk is unique and meaningful.
 
A labyrinth is used to focus on a closer walk with our Savior. As you walk the winding path you release your control, thoughts, and troubles over to the Lord. During your journey you receive enlightenment, guidance, and encouragement. As you reach the center you feel at peace and are comforted by God. Leaving the center you are then ready to return to the world in union with God.
 
This commune with God is a type of therapy and worship that can benefit our Christian walk and that of others in our community. By providing this sacred space it opens another form of worship to our Lord and the opportunity to watch God transform us and the community around us.  
 
If you would like to help us build this sacred space, donations for construction of the Ascension Garden can be made by sending checks made out to AUMC with “Ascension Garden” in the memo line.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

United Methodist Women General Meeting September 9

 
The Arborlawn United Methodist women will meet on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. in the Worship Center for a program and business meeting. This is the first General Meeting of the fall 2014 season.
 

Mr. Norbert White, President & Chief Executive Officer at Samaritan House will be our speaker. His topic is "Samaritan House: Challenges for the Future."
 
The mission emphasis for September is Samaritan House. The following items are needed for clients of Samaritan House: soap, shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, toothbrushes, dental floss, lotion, Band-Aids, nonprescription medication (decongestants, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, etc.), new socks and underwear for men and women, particularly large sizes. For those who choose, a love offering will also be taken.
 
Lunch carry-in salads and desserts will be served in the Gathering Area outside the Family Life Center after the business meeting concludes. The UMW Hospitality Committee is hosting the September lunch.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org