The Vine - News Blog

Two vital prayer and scripture events coming up

The time for our move into the new facilities is approaching, and the most important thing we can do to prepare is embrace prayer and scripture. In fact, we put those two items at the top of our priorities list. Please join us for a couple of important events in that regard, as described here.
 
The Spoken Word in a Sacred Place
Aug. 22-26, 6-8 p.m. each night 
Volunteers will read selected scriptures aloud in the new Worship Center and new Sanctuary. In fifteen minute intervals, volunteers will read aloud passages and proclaim God’s Word into the sacred and holy space now being prepared for God’s people. The schedule of available time slots is available in the Gathering Area on Sunday morning or by contacting the church office at 817-731-0701.
 
A Prayer, A Hope, A Dream
During our final worship services in the current Sanctuary and in the SAM Building, everyone will be invited to write specific prayers, hopes, and dreams for Arborlawn and place them on the Chancel rail (Sanctuary) or in baskets on the prayer table (InSearch) during worship. The cards will be gathered and placed in a wooden box. On the morning of our first worship service in the new facilities, the box will be carried in as part of the processional and placed on the altar in our new Sanctuary. One year from now the box will be opened and we will share the prayers, hopes, and dreams with the congregation and community. 
 

Important Dates
 
Look for the Light
Continue to check the light tower of our new Sanctuary. The illuminated tower is the signal that we will worship in our new facility that Sunday. We encourage you to register your email through the form at the bottom right side on our main page and check Arborlawn’s Facebook page in the coming weeks for breaking news on the lighting of the tower. 
 
Church Picnic
Tickets are now on sale for our barbeque picnic on Sunday, Sept. 4. Tickets must be pre-purchased so we can coordinate with the caterers. A large tent will provide the venue for the church to come together for fellowship on the lawn of the SAM building. We will even have golf carts to provide rides from the Sanctuary to the picnic. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children.  
 
Community Open House
Invite your friends to explore our new facilities and meet the people of Arborlawn on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 6-8 p.m. We are still in need of individuals to serve as hosts for this event. Please let us know if you can help.  
 
Robbie Seay Band in Concert
The InSearch community will host a concert with Robbie Seay Band on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. Seating is limited, so get your ticket soon.
 
Celebration Worship
Celebration services will be held on Sept. 11 at 8:45, 11 and 11:11 a.m. Music will be led by the Chancel Choir and The Orchestra at Arborlawn at the 8:45 and 11 a.m. services. Guest worship leaders from Robbie Seay band will lead at 11:11 a.m. in the InSearch services. Throughout all three services, we will join together to give thanks and praise for the blessings God has given to the Arborlawn community. 
 
Concerts at Arborlawn: A Concert of American Music
Featuring Arborlawn’s Chancel Choir and The Orchestra at Arborlawn on Sunday evening, Sept. 11, 2011 at 7 p.m. Concert offerings include Aaron Copland’s “Zion’s Walls,” as well as favorites arranged by Mack Wilberg featuring “Bound for the Promised Land,” “Deep River,” “Shenandoah” and many others.
 
We still need plenty of volunteers. We’ve added some new categories, so go read about what we need.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org 

Preparing God's house for God's people

“My House will be called a house of prayer” Isaiah 56:7
 
It all begins with a word. In Genesis, God speaks creation into existence with the power of words, “Let there be light.” In John’s prologue to the gospel, we are reminded that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” As we prepare to move into God’s new future, it’s important to prepare God’s house for God’s people. Join us in our effort to help make our new space “A House of Prayer.” Here’s how you can help:
 
Creating A House of Prayer
Tuesday, Aug. 16, 7 p.m.  
Come and join us as teams of volunteers walk the building covering every part of the church in prayer. Teams will walk throughout the building praying and reading scriptures over classrooms, hallways, entrances, pews, chairs, worship areas, and throughout every corner of the facilities. Our hope is to prepare a holy place inviting God to welcome, bless, and change the lives of all who enter our doors. It will be a powerful and memorable evening as we move into God’s new future of hope and promise. “My house will be called a house of prayer” Isaiah 56:7
 

A Prayer, A Hope, A Dream
During our final worship services in the current Sanctuary and in the SAM Building, everyone will be invited to write their particular prayers, hopes, and dreams for Arborlawn and bring them to the Chancel rail (Sanctuary) or to baskets on the prayer table (InSearch) during worship. The cards will be gathered and placed in a wooden box. On the morning of our first worship service in the new facilities, the wooden box will be carried in as part of the processional and placed on the altar in our new Sanctuary. One year from now the box will be opened and we will share the prayers, hopes, and dreams with the congregation and community. 

The Spoken Word in a Sacred Place
Aug. 22-26, 6-8 p.m. 
Volunteers will be called upon to read selected scriptures aloud in the new Worship Center and new Sanctuary. In fifteen minute intervals, volunteers will read aloud passages and proclaim God’s Word into the sacred and holy space now being prepared for God’s people. The schedule of available time slots is available in the Gathering Area on Sunday morning or by contacting the church office at 817-731-0701.
 
Important Dates
First Worship Service in the New Sanctuary
The date is still unknown, but we hope you will Look for the Light as the day is fast approaching! We will have one service at 11 a.m., as the entire community joins to praise God and give thanks for the wonderful opportunities before us.
 
Church Picnic
Sunday, September 4. Tickets will be on sale beginning this Sunday, Aug. 14. Tickets must be purchased in advance so we can coordinate with the caterers.
 
Community Open House
Thursday, Sept. 8, Come-and-go 6-8 p.m.
 
Robbie Seay Band in Concert
Saturday, September 10 7 p.m.
Get your tickets online today.
 
Celebration Worship
Sunday, September 118:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:11 a.m
 
Concerts at Arborlawn: A Concert of American Music
Sunday, September 11, 7 p.m.
We still need plenty of volunteers. We've added some new categories, so go read about all we need.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org 

Opening Our New Doors - Volunteer Opportunities - July 31, 2011

In just a few weeks we will be Opening Our New Doors and moving into our new facilities. The anticipation is building as we dream about the possibilities we have in store at Arborlawn. There is still a lot of work to be done to prepare  for the transition. In fact, there are numerous volunteer opportunities for everyone.
 

We encourage you to explore the service options detailed below. You will note the wide variety of needs in this list — from prayer time to hosting at events to physical labor; we have a need for everyone to contribute. When you find somewhere you would like to serve, please email Diane Lochtrog Johnson or call Beth Evers at the church (817-731-0701). We will get you signed up and provide additional information. 
 
We are so grateful for the willing spirit of the people of Arborlawn to serve as we move into the next phase of our journey!
 
CREATING A HOUSE OF PRAYER
Come and join us as teams of volunteers walk the building covering every part of the church in prayer. Teams will walk throughout the building, praying and reading scriptures over classrooms, hallways, entrances, pews, chairs, worship areas, and throughout every corner of the facilities. Our hope is to prepare a holy place inviting God to welcome, bless, and change the lives of all who enter our doors. (If a volunteer is unable to come to the church and walk through the building, he or she is invited to pray at home.)

* DATE - Tuesday, Aug. 16, 7:00 p.m.
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Prayer; ability to walk within the  facilities or ability to pray at home
 
THE SPOKEN WORD IN A SACRED PLACE
Volunteers will read selected scripture passages aloud in the new Worship Center and Sanctuary. In fifteen minute intervals, volunteers will read aloud passages and proclaim God's word into the sacred and holy space now being prepared for God's people. To schedule your time to read in these sacred places, sign up in the Gathering Area or call the church office at 817-731-0701.
 
* DATES
Aug. 22-26, 6-8 p.m.
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS
A heart for God's word
 
PARKING LOT GREETERS
Greet guests and members in the parking lot; provide first welcome to the church; assist individuals to find parking spots.
 
* DATES - Sundays, Sept. 4 and Sept. 11
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Welcoming personality; ability to stand outside in warm temperatures
 
PHONE CALLERS
Make phone calls to inactive members and guests; invite them to Celebration Week activities; check in on them.
 
* DATES - Aug. 15-26 (as needed, times flexible)
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Good phone skills; welcoming personality; ability to listen and report information
 
DOCENTS
Serve as a docent for the Symbols in the Arborlawn Sanctuary tour. A training session will be held Thursday, Aug. 18 at 1:00 p.m. Email Karen White-Dacy (or call 817-346-1494) for more details.
 
* DATES - Sept. 18 and thereafter; rotating pairs schedule during Sunday School hour
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Attend training session Aug. 18
 
WELCOME DESK ATTENDANTS
Staff the welcome desks in the Lower Commons; greet individuals; answer questions regarding ministries; provide basic information on Sunday mornings.
 
* DATES - Sunday mornings beginning Sept. 4; regular schedule thereafter — commitment of one Sunday per month
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Attend informational training; become familiar with Arborlawn ministries and events; greet individuals; answer questions; listen and respond to individuals’ needs
 
FURNITURE MOVERS
Move furniture (chairs, tables, lecterns, etc.)  from/to meeting rooms in existing and new facility.
 
* DATES - Immediately after receiving Certificate of Occupancy (chairs and tables going into new facility) and during the week after first service (chairs and tables being moved within existing facility)
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Ability to lift and move heavy items; ability to walk long distances; additional ability to move furniture outside (between SAM Building and Main Building) required for some furniture movers
 
SACRISTY MOVERS
Move worship equipment, decorations, etc. from existing sacristy into new sacristy.
 
* DATE - Immediately after receiving Certificate of Occupancy
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Ability to lift and move boxes andmoderately heavy items; ability tomove fragile, breakable items with care
 
PEW BACK MATERIAL MOVERS
Move hymnals, Bibles, registration information, etc. from existing pew backs into new pews.
 
* DATE - Immediately after receiving Certificate of Occupancy
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Ability to lift and move books and paper across distance from Sanctuary to Sanctuary; ability to replace items in an orderly manner
 
INSEARCH WORSHIP EQUIPMENT MOVERS
Move worship tables and equipment from SAM building to Worship Center.
 
* DATE - Immediately after receiving Certificate of Occupancy
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Ability to pack, lift, and move fragile worship materials and technological equipment; ability to lift and move in warm temperatures
 
WEDNESDAY EVENING LOCKING TEAM
Walk the building, locking all perimeter doors; ensure everyone remaining in the building has a purpose in their presence.
 
* DATES - Wednesdays beginning Sept. 14
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Ability to walk the entire building
 
WEDNESDAY EVENING CHILDREN GUIDES/ATTENDANTS
Assist children in getting to Wednesday evening choir rehearsals and/or nursery while parents are in Bible studies and small groups.
 
* DATES - Wednesdays beginning Sept. 14
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Ability to supervise children for a short period of time between dinner and beginning of Children’s Choir; ability to transport children to their appropriate choir room; ability to move children from Choir to nursery at the end of choir; ability to coordinate with parents; ability to complete and pass criminal background check
 
ON-CALL/MISC. VOLUNTEERS
Assist in last minute/unexpected tasks during transition into new facilities; wide range of tasks may be necessary.
 
* DATES - Unknown, primary opportunity for service will be between receipt of Certificate of Occupancy and Sept. 11
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Flexibility, ability to come to church with limited notice
 
GOLF CART DRIVERS
Transport individuals from the new Sanctuary to the church picnic on the lawn of the SAM Building.
 
* DATE - Sunday, Sept. 4
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Ability to safely drive a golf cart; welcoming personality; valid Texas driver’s license; over the age of 18
 
COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE HOSTS
Welcome individuals to the Community Open House; answer questions about Arborlawn; be willing to be assigned to designated area of the building during the Open House.
 
* DATE - Thursday, Sept. 8
 
* NECESSARY SKILLS - Welcoming personality; ability tostand for two hours or more; ability to answer questions about Arborlawn
 
TECHNOLOGY TEAMS
We need volunteers to help with sound, media, and lighting for both the Traditional and InSearch worship services. Training and mentoring will be provided to all volunteers.
 
DATES
After receipt of Certificate of Occupancy and ongoing thereafter
 
NECESSARY SKILLS
Ability to operate AV equipment
 
SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE HOSTS
A beautiful coffee bar has been installed in the Lower Commons of the new facility. We are looking for individuals who are willing to help refresh and host the coffee bar on Sunday mornings.
 
DATES
After receipt of Certificate of Occupancy and ongoing thereafter
 
NECESSARY SKILLS
Cheerful, warm personality
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org 

Current Sanctuary pews soon to be available

Another tangible milestone in our move into the new facilities is the coming need to do something with our current Sanctuary pews. Once we hold our final service in the Sanctuary, the pews will be available for a church or other organization that could use them. We have 50 pews, each measuring 19-feet long, and the price is negotiable. If you know of any groups that might be in need of pews, have them call us at 817-731-0701.
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org 

Opening Our New Doors - Q & A - July 24, 2011

Our weekly updates are designed to keep you informed of the progress of construction and update you on our plans as we move closer to the completion of our new facilities. It’s an exciting time to be a part of what God is doing at Arborlawn! Here are some commonly asked questions — and answers — related to the transition:
 
Q. When is the date for our first worship service in the new facilities? 
A. We’re in the final weeks of construction, but the exact date of completion has not been finalized. Once the building is finished and all the safety inspections have been completed, we’ll receive our Certificate of Occupancy. When that is received we’ll announce the date and plans to host our first worship service — an important service in which the entire congregation will gather as one body at 11:00 a.m. Please continue to Look for the Light in the new Sanctuary’s tower for the signal the building is ready.
 
Q. What are the plans for current Sanctuary after we move into the new Sanctuary? 
A. We have a limited amount of funding available to transform the Sanctuary into a multi-purpose space where we can host special gatherings, youth activities, and recreational events. As funding allows, we plan to remove the existing pews and install multi-purpose flooring.
  
Q. Where can we host events and meetings in which food will be served? 
A. We’re excited about the variety of options we have for dinners and events that will include food. In addition to all meeting rooms, we’ll continue to use the current Gathering Area for dinners and receptions. The Upper Commons (located outside the new Sanctuary at the top of the Grand Staircase) will also provide a wonderful area for meals, receptions, and meetings. Additionally, after the transformation of the current Sanctuary into a multi-purpose room, this space will allow large groups to gather and enjoy food and beverage. Because the Sanctuary and Worship Center are set aside as places of worship, food and beverage will not be served in these rooms.
 

Q. There are several important pieces of art from our current facilities as well as the Westcliff campus. Will these be used in the new facilities? 
A. We’ve been  very intentional in our efforts to preserve and include pieces of art from our Westcliff and Overton Park United Methodist Church heritage. “Thorwaldsen’s Christ” (currently located in the Sanctuary narthex) and the statue called “Hope” (presently in the Gathering Area behind the Welcome kiosk) will be highlighted in the Upper Commons between the doors of the balcony outside the Sanctuary. The bronze “Christ, the Good Shepherd” will grace our garden outside the new doors on the Briarhaven Road side of the building. Twelve of the tall, narrow stained glass windows depicting the life of Jesus (from the Westcliff campus) will be installed in the new Sanctuary, six on each side. Very soon, the cross that adorns our current Sanctuary will be taken down and placed on the wall of the Grand Staircase.
  
Q. Will we have hearing devices available in the new Sanctuary? 
A. Yes! The hearing devices we currently use will work in the new Sanctuary and we plan to purchase additional devices. 
 
Q. Where will the valet parking service be? 
A. When we open the doors to the new Sanctuary, we will have two valet locations. Service will be available at both sets of doors facing Briarhaven Road — the current main entrance as well as the main entrance for the new Sanctuary.
 
Q. Where should I plan to park? 
A. We anticipate an influx in the number of guests after Opening Our New Doors. We encourage everyone who is able to park in the lot behind the church that faces International Parkway as well as in the parking lot outside the Freese & Nichols office building. We hope to reserve as many parking spaces as possible in the front of the building for guests and those unable to walk greater distances.
 
Q. What can I do to help prepare for the move? 
A. Pray! We hope to fill this campus with prayers for God’s direction and blessing on the congregation and our ministries. Be generous! Continue to be good stewards of all that God has given. Volunteer! We have a tremendous need for volunteers in a wide array of tasks and responsibilities ranging from moving furniture into new classrooms to setting up welcome areas. Look for additional information and a listing of volunteer opportunities beginning in the July 31 weekly update in the worship guide (and then on the web) and in subsequent weekly updates.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org 

Opening Our New Doors - Spruce It Up Week - July 17, 2011

[ See all of the photos from Spruce It Up Week here. ]
 
We’re so grateful to all those who helped during Spruce It Up Week in June! While everyone’s excited about Opening Our New Doors and moving into the new facilities, we consider that our existing buildings will remain sacred spaces as we all journey through the experience of finding and knowing God at Arborlawn; as we Embrace, Aspire, Seek, and Commit to our calling here.
 

God is blessing us with extra space, and we plan on continuing to use every square inch of it for God’s glory. May all who enter our special church feel and know the love of Jesus Christ as it emanates from our walls, floors, ceilings, and doors. And from us!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org 

Opening Our New Doors - Good Things Are Worth the Wait - July 10, 2011

Two years ago on a warm July morning, the people of Arborlawn gathered to pray God’s blessing as we broke ground on the addition to our church facilities. We laid stones symbolizing the altars we would build in our new sanctuary and worship center. We dedicated ourselves to the mission and ministries that will help us share God’s light in this world. In the time before and after the ground breaking, we have all imagined what the day will be like when we gather together in our new facilities. 
 

We have pictured the beauty of the Arborlawn cross soaring above the sanctuary. We have imagined the dramatic transformation of the former fellowship hall into a sacred space dedicated for worship. We have had visions of brides walking down the aisle, parents declaring their intent to raise their newly baptized infant in the faith, and the light of Christmas candles breaking through the darkness as we celebrate the birth of the Light of the World. Sunday School classes have planned for new members and exciting Bible study in classroom spaces that better meet their needs. Indeed, God has provided us with great hope for future ministries and growth through the expansion of our facilities. We are all eager to open the new doors and begin to see those visions become reality.
  
As we prepare for the move, we should also be prepared that some items will not be completely finished when we gather together for our first worship service. You’ve heard the saying: “Good things are worth the wait.” With any major construction project, some projects are intentionally scheduled to be completed after the move- in. For us, those projects include:
 
* The installation of the Old and New Testament stained glass windows from the Westcliff campus in the new sanctuary. These windows will be installed in the weeks following our initial opening.
 
* The sanctuary organ is scheduled for completion approximately six to eight weeks after our first worship service. The delay is due to the requirement of a dust-free and sterile environment for the final interior work. A special organ dedication will be held to mark the completion of the project. 
 
* The placement of the monument sign on the corner of Briarhaven Road and Arborlawn Drive. The sign will be completed soon after the move. 
 
* The acoustical work and sound treatment in the sanctuary, although in place, will not be finalized until after the organ is completed and the room equalized to the instrument. Though we don’t anticipate major problems in the opening weeks, we need to be reminded that the acoustics in the room will not be fully in place until the organ is finished and the acoustical treatments are finalized. 
 
Much like us, the church is always a work in progress. We never fully arrive. Our task, then, is to believe deeply, hope expectantly, and wait patiently as God reveals a new and remarkable future for our congregation and community. We know, though, that when we gather together as one body for our first worship service in the new sanctuary, we will see the beauty of God’s blessing through the facility and through the people of Arborlawn. May we all continue to seek God’s vision for Arborlawn and for our own lives.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org 

Opening Our New Doors - New Room Numbers - July 3, 2011

The expansion of our facilities means we will have more space for study, fellowship, and worship. The big move also means we must draw new maps with new room numbers. 
 
The new sanctuary is the ground level, so we are numbering the rooms there as the 100 series. Continuing this logic, the balcony level contains the 200 series of rooms. The room numbers in the SAM Building are preceded by the letter S. See the new maps online. 
 


We will begin using the new numbering system in this season of Opening Our New Doors so we can be prepared to welcome guests effectively and efficiently to these sacred halls; to God’s house.
  
Over the next few weeks, we will edit our printed information to reflect the new numbering system. Please be patient as we make this shift and everyone gets accustomed to the new room numbers.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org 

Opening Our New Doors - Honor the Past, Look for the Light - June 26, 2011

We are growing closer to a series of firsts as we open our new doors. Together, we will experience the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism in the beauty of our Sanctuary and Worship Center. A couple will begin their lives together as husband and wife as we celebrate our first wedding under the shadow of the Arborlawn cross. Friends and family members will gather to honor the life and ministry of a saint, and we will remember our call to live faithfully in service to God. The excitement is growing as we anticipate these first celebrations of ministry. Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost will take on new meaning as we establish traditions and memories in our new worship spaces.
 
Yet, in this time of anticipation, we are also moving through a series of lasts. We have already celebrated our last Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost in the sacred spaces that hold important memories. We may only celebrate Holy Communion together one or two more times in these holy rooms. We hope you will pause and capture these memories in your hearts. Reflect on the work God has done within the walls of these spaces. These moments are precious and they give us the opportunity to listen for God’s voice calling us to honor the past as we look for the light.
 

Join us as we Look for the Light to shine for the first time in our new tower. This light will signal the beginning of a new chapter for Arborlawn. When we see the tower shine, we will all know the facility is finished; we can then gather in the new facilities for our first worship services. We will continue living the vision God has set for us. 
 
To celebrate this time in the life of our church, Look for the Light T-shirts are now available for you to purchase. They will be available this Sunday in the Gathering Area for $10. Please make checks payable to Arborlawn United Methodist Church and list “Opening Promotions” in your memo line. 
 
We also hope you will join us as the concert A Salute to America is hosted in the current sanctuary for the final time on Monday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m. We will gather for stirring music in observance of Independence Day, so please bring your friends for this festive evening.
 
Celebration Week invitations will be given out at the July 4 concert detailing the exciting September events planned in our new facilities.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org 

Opening Our New Doors - Look for the Light - June 19, 2011

We are getting closer to opening our new doors. Have you wondered how you will know when the new facilities are open? We encourage you to Look for the Light.  
 

A major component to our new facilities is the incredible, soaring tower. We will use light in the tower to communicate God’s presence to those who pass our facilities. Through the use of light and color, this tower will be a beacon that identifies Arborlawn as a place of hope and grace. 
 
When you first see the shining tower, it will be the signal that we are ready to worship in our new facilities beginning the following Sunday! The entire Arborlawn family will gather to worship together in the new sanctuary. It will be a powerful service as we give thanks to God and celebrate the ministry opportunities before us. With the current construction timeline, we anticipate moving into our new facilities in late July or early August. 
 
We invite you to Look for the Light with excitement, anticipation, and joy. As you drive past Arborlawn, check to see if the tower is illuminated. If it is, you know the building is ready and we will worship in the new sanctuary for the first time the following Sunday. We also hope you will look for the light of Christ that illuminates the work we will do to build the Kingdom of God. Continue to pray for the church, our leaders and those who will experience God’s presence through the work and ministry of Arborlawn.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org 

Opening Our New Doors - Getting Read - June 12, 2011

The day is fast approaching. The doors of our new facilities will be opening soon. Given the magnitude of what God is about to do and the incredible opportunities we’re about to experience, the truth is we’re not ready... yet. Thankfully, the people of Arborlawn are hard at work preparing us for the changes and opportunities of this remarkable time in the life of our church!  
 


Over the next few weeks, our Communications Team will be working diligently to inform you of the activities and opportunities associated with our transition. We are excited to provide weekly updates in the worship guides and in The Vine (print, email, and blog), and will use this as one avenue to communicate construction updates and other exciting information.  
 
Upcoming Events:
 
* With the current construction timeline, we now anticipate moving into our new facilities sometime in late July or early August. The actual date will be determined when we receive our certificate of occupancy. 
 
* During the week following our first Sunday worship service in the new facilities, all Sunday School classes scheduled to move will transition into their new classroom space.
 
* As part of our first Sunday together in the new facility, we’ll host one special service bringing together all the people of Arborlawn in an unforgettable moment of worship as we give thanks to God and celebrate this remarkable journey. 
 
* We’re still preparing the new playground for the kids, and we’ll keep everyone posted on the dedication date. When we hold the dedication, the United Methodist Men group will provide a hot dog lunch for the special event.  
 
* Look for additional information each week regarding the special events and plans scheduled for our church and community as we open our new doors and celebrate a new beginning. 
 
We ask you to be in prayer during this very important time. Pray for the church, our members, our leaders, and especially all those who will experience the grace of God through the work and ministry of Arborlawn. With God’s help, together we can be ready!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org 

UMM raises money for Building Fund

By Gary Harrell
 
Arborlawn's United Methodist Men would like to thank all who participated in purchasing the plants we have been selling the past few weeks. The plants were delivered the Wednesday of Easter week, and 99 percent have been picked up.
  
The profits for this project are being donated to Arborlawn's Building Fund. The plant sales generated about $1,000 for the cause.
 
A big thanks also goes to the men and women who helped sell the plants, unload the truck, organize the plants, and pass them out to Arborlawn members who participated. This would not have been such a big success without the help. 

The Arborlawn family is special, and we thank you for your support in helping make this Spring Plant Sale the most successfulone yet.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org 

Beyond the Building... Building the Kingdom

Make plans now to be here this coming September as we celebrate our new facilities!
 


Save the dates Sept. 4-11, 2011. Beyond the Building... Building the Kingdom. Watch for more details as the coming weeks unfold.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org 

Almost Home! In Reach of Our Goal

Thank you for your extraordinary generosity and faithfulness in helping us reach our goal. As we draw closer to the completion of our new facilities, it’s increasingly important that we all do our part in response to what God has done as we continue to fulfill our commitments and pledges. Please continue to be generous and faithful in your giving so we can reach our goals and move forward into the future God has in store for all of us. 
 
Total amount pledged from capital funds campaign: $7.3 million. Total amount received to date: $5,933,116 (pledged and non-pledged contributions). Remaining outstanding pledges: $1,366,884.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org 

Save the dates: Sept. 4-11, 2011

Make plans now to be here this coming September as we celebrate our new facilities! Mark Sept. 4-11 on your calendars. This year, consider staying in town for Labor Day weekend.
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org