Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

“I know! You are connected!” one of my husband’s fellow superintendents shouted across the room to me when we arrived in Hartford, Connecticut for our July conference. Yes, I am connected, as is any United Methodist.

I felt that connection when Rick and I attended

worship services at United Methodist Church of Hartford on Sunday, July 15, and were welcomed as if we were going to be there the rest of our lives!

I felt that connection when I was able to fly to Omaha, Nebraska for a young woman’s funeral (one I had baptized and married) the day after we returned from the conference, knowing that all United Methodists understand why this is important.

I felt that connection when FUMC, The Colony, gave generously above and beyond to help our brothers and sisters in Cooke and Grayson County one Sunday AND THEN gave just as generously the very next Sunday to help our brothers and sisters who are a part of the single most impoverished place in the United States – the mesas near

Albuquerque, New Mexico! I felt that connection when I played back the videos from our media center of our youth witnessing to you on July 8, about miracles they had seen in their young lives.

I felt that connection as we happily marched in the 4^th of July parade once again. I am so grateful to be a part of the connection and so happy that each of you is a part of that connection. I look forward to seeing you, especially on Sunday.

Grace and Peace,

Judith

Judithreedy@fumcthecolony.org

STROKE SCAN

Stroke Scan, Inc. will be here at FUMC

Saturday, August 11, 11:00am-7:00pm in room B-7. They offer 3 different screening tests: Stroke Screening $45, Abdominal

Aortic Aneurysm Screening $45, and Ankle Brachial Index Screening $45, or all 3 for $110.00. In addition, they offer Bone Density tests for ladies, $25.00. The church will receive a 2% donation after the event. Please reserve your appointment in the narthex on

August 5, following all three services or call Stroke Scan toll free at 1-866-935-7226.

NOTES FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

CROSSROADS

FUNDRAISERS!!!!

Crossroads is holding a Bake Auction again on Sunday, August 12^th after the 11am service. We will have the best desserts in town! We will also be selling hot dogs, nachos, frito pie, drinks, and slushes!!!! Save your appetite and your sweet tooth. The best part is that these are all fundraisers to raise money for our mission trip this summer to help the victims of Hurricane Rita and to help rebuild a school and hospital in Africa next summer. Thanks for your support---we’ll see you on the 12^th!

Crossroads will be selling breakfast burritos before the 9:45 and 11am services on Sunday, August 19---so come hungry to church!

THE “E” WORD

Evangelism is gearing up for some wonderful spirit-filled opportunities here at First Church, The Colony. Discussions about an old-fashioned mini-revival with church parking lot dance and an evening of faith

sharing and potluck dinner are just some of the possibilities. We are always looking for ways to reach out and tell others about our church and our GOD! If you would like to be a part of The “E Team,” contact Becky Aduddell, chairperson, at 214-762-2750 or email at rbkaplus@swbell.net.

Summertime is upon us and vacation is the word of the day. Don’t let your faith go on vacation this summer! Remember to attend church wherever you are and take time to share Jesus Christ with others!!

If you have any questions or need more information, contact Becky Aduddell, chairperson, at 214-762-2750 or email at rbkaplus@swbell.net.

Share Jesus Christ today…………BE AN EVANGELIST!

Becky Aduddell, Evangelism Chair

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Sometimes It's Hard to Ask for Help.

We're brought up to be strong, self-sufficient, independent people. We tend to think that if we ask for help, it is a sign of weakness. So we try to keep our struggles hidden, stuffed deep inside. However, that's not God's plan. Galatians 6:2 says "Bear one another's burdens, and so

fulfill the law of Christ." God wants us to care for others--and allow others to care for us in our time of need. If you're sad or struggling inside, don't suffer alone. Ask for help. We've got a team of Stephen Ministers who are ready to listen, care, encourage, pray, and help you through a tough time. (It's confidential, too!) Call the church office 972-625-1281 for more information.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE

The Worship Committee is in need of volunteers to assist in the areas of worship during all Sunday services. Help is needed in setting up and serving communion, ushering and sanctuary set-up. If you are interested in volunteering to help in these areas, please contact Kathy Perry, 972-668-6711 or email kperry@advantexmail.net.

You will have an opportunity to sign up as a volunteer during the month of August when the Worship Committee has “Volunteer Sign-Up Sunday.” Coming soon in the Narthex!!

STEWARDSHIP

MOMENTS

What is Stewardship? Did you know that you have probably been seeing it and living it all of your Christian life? It’s true.

You see, Stewardship is an attitude. It’s not so much what we do, as it is why we are doing something.

Stewardship is an ongoing happening or process. It is a

continuous revelation that God has given each of us special “gifts,” special talents. By these gifts or talents, we can

reveal God to the world. The touch of God can be felt in another’s life, and sensitivity to the needs of others is the healing, helping hand of God. Does this sound like a

definition of Christian charity? If so, it is because that’s Stewardship.

He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

It stands to reason that the bigger the investment, the bigger the opportunity to gain.

Another way of saying it: You get out of something in

proportion to what you put in. Think about it. How much

do you put in your envelope each Sunday? The specific amount isn’t important. How much of YOU do you put in? How much as a representation of your love and thanksgiving? How much as a sacrifice? Do you give a dollar or two because it’s easy to give? Or do you give a meaningful,

significant amount?

The next question: What do you expect to get in return? You might think you shouldn’t expect anything; after all, you don’t make deals with Almighty God. But can we ignore our Lord’s own words: “Give and it shall be given to you.” And it would follow that the more you give the more will be given to you. Try it. See if it’s possible to out-do Almighty God in generosity.

Blessings from the Stewardship Committee,

Russell van Holsbeke, Chair

YOUTH CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sunday, Aug. 5 5:00pm Meeting

Sunday, Aug. 12 5:00pm Meeting

Saturday, Aug. 18 8:00am Garage Sale

Sunday, Aug. 19 2:00pm Fish Camp 101

4:00pm 6th Grade Parent Meeting

5:00pm Pool Party @ Miller Home

Tuesday, Aug. 21 4:20pm Union Gospel Mission

Friday, Aug. 24 Six Flags

Saturday, Aug. 25 Hurricane Harbor

Sunday, Aug. 26 5:00pm Meeting

Two New Adult Christian Living Classes Begin

In today’s fast-paced world, we can get anything we want from anywhere we want it. That is how it is and how we want it to be. Our lives are really no different from the generations before us. We are always looking for more, yet never seem to find what that more is. What about our relationship with God? What are we looking for? Do we take time to talk to God? Do we take time to listen to what God has to say? Or do we just rush through our church services, our prayer life and our Christian perspectives, with no time for reflection?

On Sunday, August 19, at 9:45 am in Room C1 Jerry Graham will facilitate a class based on the Nooma video series by Rob Bell. Each week consists of a 10 to 15 minute video followed by a discussion of what we have seen. Each week will cover a new topic with a new challenge for us to think about. Our first eight challenges are: Rain, Flame, Trees, Sunday, Noise, Kickball, Luggage and Dust.

On Sunday, August 19, at 9:45 am in Room C6 Marce and Paula Ward will facilitate a class for adults thirty something plus. Marce and Paula are strong members of this church and both have been involved in many areas of the church. Their strength will be teaching as a couple who have experienced parenthood, working, responsibilities of children in school (not to mention the extracurricular activities…..can anyone not say “carpool?”) and the continued experience of marriage and family.

Rev. Rebecca Grogan, Associate Pastor

YOU'RE INVITED!

to hear an up and coming

Seminary student

at the 9:45am service only.

Sunday, August 12 - Mary Miriti

“Personal Testimony:

From Kenya to the United States.”

Student Ministry Nooz

Fish Camp 101

For those of you who are beginning sixth grade, this event is for you! We will let you know what UMYF is all about! We will meet Sunday, August 19 at 2 pm in the Sanctuary. At 4 pm your parents are invited to come and find out what you will be doing and what they can do too. UMYF is a great time of fellowship, games, food, talking, and worship. It is a place where all youth are welcome.

Food!!!Swimming!!!Fellowship!!!Worship!!!

Can’t beat that, can you? When: Sunday, August 19,

6-8 pm at the home of Amanda and Emily Miller (oh yeah, Mike and Karen live there too), 2105 Golden Spurs, Frisco. This is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make a few new ones as we begin to get real close to the beginning of school. Join us!

Youth Daze!!!

What? Youth Daze? Yeah, it’s sort of a good-bye to summer and hello to the fall and school and all that school entails (like football, soccer, tests, parties, more tests, homework, more homework…okay I’m done).

This year we are starting out with a trip to SIX FLAGS on Friday, August 24. We’ll leave from the church

parking lot at 11 am.

We will be going to HURRICANE HARBOR on Saturday, August 25. We’ll leave from the church parking lot at

11 am. Be sure you have filled out a medical release form for either event.

Crosswalk gets Hard-Core

Crosswalk (which is hard for me to remember, I think

it’s age-related brain activity) is going HARD-CORE with

Bible Study. We will be studying a book of the Bible (it’s a library of 66 different books) which you as a group will choose. Then we will read, discuss, research (don’t panic, its not hard or for a grade), discover, and pray our way through the text. Remember, it’s HARD CORE! Crosswalk is Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the Youth Building.

God bless, Rebecca

Preschool & Parent’s Day Out

will start the new school year on

Tuesday, September 4, 9:00am.

Open House will be on

Thursday, August 30, from 6-7:00pm.

For more information, the PDO office will be open again on Tuesday, August 14. 972-625-2891.