James Meier – Administrative Board Chair 11/11/2012  

Christ United Methodist Church – Farmers Branch, TX

2012 Charge Conference Ministry Reports Sharing the Love of Christ

November 11, 2012 It’s hard to believe another year has gone by. But what a year it has been! We have welcomed in a new senior pastor, Rev. Kenny Dickson, shared with him our hope and dreams in a series of town hall style meetings, then watched in amazement as he and our leadership team turned those hopes and dream into reality. From a return to child-like faith as we hear Kenny decipher the riddles of “the mystery box” each Sunday during children’s time, to a rejuvenation of Family Ministries, to Pixar Palooza, wonderful things have begun at CUMC. And what’s the best part? I firmly believe this is just the tip of the iceberg. Greater things are still ahead! But we won’t be without challenges as well. By the time to read this letter, our Director of Children’s Ministries for the past 8 ½ years will have officially retired from CUMC leaving a void that will need to be filled quickly. Katheryn Storey’s leadership and faithfulness to our children will be deeply missed. However, even in the midst of change I have hope. I have faith that Kenny and our SPR committee will be able to find a talented, dynamic leader to fill that void and bring with them new life and energy to a program that is vital to the sustainability and growth of our church. I pray that we find someone that, much like Kenny, we can reflect upon at this time next year and tout their many accomplishments and new ideas they have brought to us and our children. With that, I present to you the 2012 annual reports of our ministry programs here at CUMC. My hope as you read through the many reports offered within is that you discover the many ways in which Christ is at work, connect with each of the ministries, and find a place where you can serve CUMC and its principal mission: to Share the Love of Christ! Our church staff is only one small piece of the leadership puzzle. The success of these ministries is determined by the devoted volunteers that are willing to answer God’s call. Have you heard your calling today? Faithfully Yours, James Meier Administrative Board Chair

Board of Trustees 

Items Addressed in 2012  

 1.) Replacement of first floor heat exchanger  

 

2.) Repair of air handling units   

3.) Repair of sewage line   

4.) Addressing water under the gym  

 

5.) Installation of tri room ceiling speakers and A/V   

6.) Installation of spotlight on new exterior cross   

7.) Installation of children’s garden   

8.) Installation of firewall   

9.) Repair of parking lot   

10.) Installation of new phone system   

11.) Security system installed in 2011 ‐ being used  

12.) Columbarium project   

13.) Painting of Christ4Kids wing   

14.) Installation of external LED sign at corner of Valwood and Dennis, (by 12/1/2012  

15.) Installation of bistro type tables and chairs in the narthex, (by December, 2012  

16.) Balance of anonymous donations ‐ status on separate sheet  

 

 

October 11, 2012 

Ray Gruszecki 

Board of Trustees Chair   

Finance Committee

Finance chairman reports the following activities as requested: CUMC is on track to complete the 2012 budget year as planned with 100% of apportionment payments made by year-end. Cash flow is adequate at this time to complete the year of planned programs and budget. A current financial statement is enclosed. A complete audit of CUMC financials has been completed and will be submitted to Finance committee for approval and adoption. Financial internal control and procedure documents have been completed and will be considered by the finance committee for approval before year-end. We began our 2013 Stewardship Campaign on October 21. This campaign will be completed in November. A proposed preliminary 2013 budget will be prepared prior to the Charge Conference. This budget will be revised at the completion of our 2013 Stewardship drive. Submitted by, Hector Escamilla Jr., Chairman

Administrative Board/Council on Ministries/Sending Servants 10/10/2012

GLOBAL MISSIONS REPORT – “Faith Promise”

We operate under the authority of SENDING SERVANTS and the discerning guidance of Rev. Bob Spencer.

OUR PURPOSE: To spread the love of Christ by aiding worthy programs that address basic human needs – hunger, health care, education, and spiritual formation – generally within the guidelines of the UMC-General Board of u Ministries (GBGM).

FISCAL YEAR & FUNDING: Our expenditures are totally funded by independent means in a once a year campaign known as “FAITH PROMISE”. These funds are outside the annual budget of CUMC-FB, but accounted for within the CUMC-FB accounting system.

Cumulatively over the years, we have contributed approximately $240,000 to Global Missions. Our budget and expenditures grew substantially over the years from 2003 through 2008. During 2009-2011 we experienced shrinkage due to the general economic conditions. Nevertheless, we were able to stay well within our budgeted guidelines. During the first half of this fiscal year (thru July) we have contributed in excess of $37,500 toward the following global missions:

Encounter for Christ Russian Minister Salary support Amity Printing-Bibles, China Imagine No Malaria Maranatha UMC, Czech Mother-Child Health, Afghanistan HIV/AIDS, Florinopolis Brazil Generous Hands Ministries, Cntrl Am Cameroon Hymnal, Thornberg Global Mission Intern Mercy Ships, Africa Africa University Scholorships Shade & Fresh Water, Bzl.

Our budget includes further funding (~$11,000) in the second half of this fiscal year to include:

Maranatha, Czech Republic Mother & Child Health, Afghanistan Mercy Ships, Africa Imagine No Malaria, N TX Conf

OTHERS: MICRO-LOANS – Over the past year we have made and received in repayment in excess of $1,500 in 5 Micro-Loans. We currently have some $2,500 on loan and re-paying.

Additionally, we are an active contributor to the CUMC-FB Christmas Market. This year we will sponsor two items: Micro-Loans & Africa University as Scholarship Grants

Respectfully ….. Harry & Johnette Currie – Chairpersons

Christ 4 Kids Preschool

Staff and Enrollment Christ 4 Kids Preschool has been a ministry at Christ United Methodist Church for 35 years. We offer preschool for ages 2 l/2 years to pre-kindergarten. The program days are optional. We offer preschool hours from 9-12pm with optional extended care from 8am until 3pm. Children’s Day Out is offered on Wednesday and Thursday from 9-2 pm for toddlers and infants. Preschool and Children’s Day Out classes began after Labor Day with all our teachers returning. The school has a staff of fifteen teachers and assistants. There are 70 children enrolled in the preschool and Children’s Day Out programs. .

Scholarships Christ 4 Kids Preschool is providing two full scholarships and four partial scholarships. We are grateful to everyone who has helped with the scholarship program. It is more important than ever that children be prepared to enter elementary school.

Missions The school will support the Metrocrest Service Center with a food donation in the fall and again after Christmas. The children of Christ 4 Kids Preschool collect s gifts for the children of soldiers stationed at Fort Hood. This is done through the organization Project Once in a Lifetime. Soldiers in uniform come and pick up the collected gifts. It is a wonderful way for them to say “thank you “ to an assembly of the children.

Christ 4 Kids Preschool (Continued)

Community Outreach Each year the school participates in Halloween in the Park .This is sponsored by the City of Farmers Branch. We have asked that the school be a part of Christmas in the Park. A chili cook off and dinner will be sponsored by the school on November 9th. The chuch is invited to join the parents of the school for a fun evening of fellowship.

Fundraising

September 4th was the kick off for our fall fundraiser. This year the school sold bags of pecans. Our gross sales were approximately $5000. We were pleased to make close to $2000.00 for our part. The school Open House Program and Auction will be March 1st.

Council on Ministries Report Kitchen Committee

2012 2012 has continued the success of prior years for the Wednesday night meal program although there is some concern building due to a steady decline in attendance. Our attendance for the Wednesday Night Family Meals is down to around 65-85 people per night. The attendance varies depending on menu and programming scheduled for the night. The decline appears to be caused by the passing of a number of our older, more faithful members and the difficulty of their surviving spouses to get out at night combined with the movement of some of the Youth activities previously held on Wednesday night to off-site locations. If this decline continues through next May, then an evaluation of the effectiveness of the program will need to be made along with a decision on whether to continue it. We have also continued to serve All-church dinners on those Sundays where the three services are consolidated into one. The primary one of these is our traditional Turkey and Dressing Dinner on the Sunday before Thanksgiving (Pledge Sunday). We also provide all kitchen supplies for other groups using the kitchen. Additionally, out of the surpluses generated, we fund part of the coffee program for Sunday morning. Working with the Local Missions Committee we provide hot meals on Wednesday evening to people who cannot get out. Through the efforts of Darren Gardner, we continue to have a set schedule of groups to help us clean up after every meal. This assistance is greatly appreciated by the people on the committee.

CUMC Local Missions Committee 2012 Review

Wesley-Rankin

Continued second year of commitment to be a part of the Wesley-Rankin “Baker’s Dozen” of partner churches. A group of CUMC volunteers put on a hot dog cookout at W-R in conjunction with the West Dallas community celebration of the opening of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in March.

Amigos Days

Participated in our fourth Amigos Days event in April as a partner church, and spruced up Mrs. Williams’ home in the Fair Park area of Dallas. 30 volunteers from Christ church pitched in over several weekends, rebuilding a wheelchair ramp, re-decking the front porch, shoring up the foundation, replacing the front door, and painting the exterior of her home.

Project Transformation

Coordinated CUMC’s Project Transformation activities, including adopting an intern, providing two meals for the group of 100 interns, and providing volunteers for the reading program at Walnut Hill UMC.

Meals On Wheels Volunteers delivered meals to elderly residents on several holiday weekends.

Interfaith Housing Coalition

Our tireless supporter of IHFC, Linda Phelps, supports this ministry weekly by stocking and organizing the linen closet. She requests donations of gently-used household items to furnish the apartments for homeless families on the bridge to stability.

EQUIP Continued our support of the EQUIP program at CUMC (affiliated with IFHC), which provides support to families on the brink of homelessness through volunteer family coordinators and mentors. Two pairs of CUMC volunteers have completed the program with families.

Blood Drive Coordinated the annual Carter BloodCare blood drive in August, with 26 units collected from CUMC donors. This year’s drive was in memory of Holly Manna.

Sack Summer Hunger

Kicked off a new food distribution project in conjunction with Metrocrest Social Services. 23 volunteers assisted on 8 summer Saturdays in providing meals to families with children on the free/reduced school lunch program, who struggle during the summer months when school is out.

Christ’s Foundry Participated in the dedication celebration of Christ’s Foundry’s new building on May 6. We assisted with the meal, ran two mini-bus shuttles for parking and provided a docent for the building tour.

CUMC PRAYER MINISTRY We have two prayer groups and a prayer shawl group that respond to requests for prayers. Our goal is to answer God's call to pray for those in need so that they might be comforted knowing someone is praying for them, and cares about what is happening in their lives. We pray daily to the needs we receive, lifting the request to our faithful loving God. The prayer groups are responding to God's call to love others, to become aware of whom our neighbors are, then reach out to them helping where there are needs. It is our prayer that those people will sense a nurturing awareness of God's activity in their life, as He walks with them during this journey. As we pray it is our hope that we may bring comfort to them by inviting God's power and love into their lives. Our prayer groups meet monthly to lift by name and pray for each request that has been given to us. In between, e-mails are sent out to the group to update our requests and to add new requests. We average 55 persons that we pray for each month. Half of the requests are for current members and the other half to people that are outside the congregation that members have requested prayers for. Our prayer shawl group meets once a month and work throughout the month prayerfully creating prayer shawls. While creating the shawl we ask for God’s blessing for the ones who will be receiving. May they feel God’s strength, comfort, healing and peace. We hope the shawl will be tangible reminder that they are loved, never forgotten, or alone in their struggles. We ask God’s blessing on them as they cope with their life situations, and that they will feel the warmth of our prayers. Once shawls are complete we as a congregation pray for the recipients, saying a blessing over them during a church service. Since Jan 2012 to Oct 20 we have given out 159 shawls. Our overall total of recipients since March 2009 is 445. In addition we also make baptismal blankets to be given at baptism as a reminder of our congregational pledge. Our group also makes a pocket with a crocheted cross for door stop visits to our first time guests. Prayer baby blankets are made and available upon request for newborns. Our mission for the prayer groups is to reach out to our congregation, our community, and outside of our community. It is a way for our church to share the love of Christ by offering our prayer group to those we come in contact with that are facing difficult life situations. It is a blessing for the person bringing the request and for the person receiving our prayers to have a place to help each other through the gift of prayer. The response from the people that we're praying for has been overwhelming. They express gratitude saying that they have felt our prayers and found comfort knowing we care and are praying for them. Often we do not know the person we are praying for. They are very surprised and touched by our offer to pray, often saying I don't know how I would have managed without knowing you were praying for me. Others that are not part of our church have said it is so wonderful to know I have Christian brothers and sisters reaching out to me in my need and supporting me reminding me we are all children of God bonded by our faith. The response to receiving a prayer shawl is very humbling as we see that people truly do feel close to God and embraced by God's love as they use their shawl and lap covers. God has blessed our ministry and us as we dedicate time for him each day, it is through our prayers that we discover intimate relationship with him. Jan Patterson

Legacy Committee Our goal has not changed. We would like to reach $1 million dollars in endowed funds so that different missions of CUMC can be funded with the yearly interest. We are investigating a “Giving Tree” which allows for non-testementary gifts on an on-going basis. While the gifts would be smaller, every dollar given will help us reach our goal. We would like to coordinate the unveiling of the “Giving Tree” with a Legacy Sunday. We’ll organize this through Kenny. We continue to go to the local North Texas Endowment Leader’s meetings to learn what other churches are doing to build their Endowment Funds. We continue to advertise in every printed bulletin to CUMC members. Jerry Russell will be taking over as Chairperson in January, 2013.

Chris Tobey

Member Care  Member Care receives a weekly report which lists members who have not registered worship attendance for three consecutive weeks.   This report is proofed for circumstances previously known and being addressed by Congregational Care, as well as for members who have requested that Christ UMC does not call them.   If the remaining names have not been called within the last quarter, they are divided into groups and contacted by four callers.  These callers not only check on well‐being and reasons for absence; they encourage those who don’t register to do so, and help spread the word regarding upcoming events. If after two or three call attempts, members are not reached, caller leaves voice mail where possible or sends e‐mail.     Callers encourage members to contact our Church office with changes in their information and/or situations in their lives wherein they request assistance or prayer.    Any information pertinent to church records or to Congregational Care is passed along to the appropriate committee chairperson.   All call information is entered weekly on a master spread sheet, and by year’s end, these callers will have made at least 1,000 calls to Christ UMC members;  next year I can furnish the exact number.   We see this effort make a difference monthly, perhaps even weekly, in members’ attendance.    Respectfully submitted, Linda Phelps Member Care Chair   Mary Keith, Mary Lavender, Doris Thomas, Faithful Callers 

Prime Timers 2012 Yearly Report

The purpose of the Prime Timers is to bring the “mature members” of CUMC together each month for fun, food, and fellowship and to visit places of interest in the Dallas area. In this calendar year, we have gone to Coppell (two great plays at Theatre Coppell); Ennis (annual craft show and bluebonnet fields); Farmersville (Fancy Fiber Farm Tour); Tyler (79th Annual Rose Festival and Rose Garden Museum); and Fort Worth (Gaither Music Concert). In Dallas, we visited permanent and temporary art at the Biblical Arts Museum; went to the Dallas Arboretum for Dallas Blooms; and in January and July had game days at our church. We look forward to this Christmas Season when we have a trip scheduled (Saturday, Dec. 1) to see Truman Capote’s A Holiday Memory at One-Thirty Productions and also are planning a visit to a special Christmas program at First Baptist Church of Carrollton (Friday evening, Dec. 14). Each month this year, we have had 20 plus attend; and four of these times, 30 plus members, members’ friends and visitors have joined our group activities. We are most appreciative of our dedicated Prime Timers’ Committee members who chose our events and who always willingly helped each month. Also, we appreciate our skilled bus drivers who made each of our trips comfortable and safe. We encourage the senior members of our church to join us for these monthly occasions, as well as any/all members, members’ families and friends and CUMC visitors. Everyone is always welcome! From: Yvonne and Herman Hill Prime Timers Committee Chairs

Stephen Ministry is a strong and supportive presence in CUMC. This past year, our Stephen Ministers provided confidential one-to-one Christian care to 21 people who have been experiencing difficulties in their lives. If every visit averages just 1 hour, this is 1,092 hours of care and encouragement given this past year. Our Ministry has 13 active Stephen Ministers. We have 4 Stephen Leaders overseeing its direction. In addition to being a listening ministry, we offer events that provide outreach to our church and community. In December 2011 our Service of Remembrance was held with Rev. JoNell Lindh, pastor of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, bringing the meditation. In August 2012, we continued our annual All Church Seminar. This year’s seminar was entitiled “Forgive and Forget: Can We? Should We?” Since 1992, CUMC Stephen Ministry has carried the Lord’s Supper to persons who are homebound or hospitalized. Stephen Leader Connie Bouas recruited and trained 16 teams from the congregation for this ministry. Another 2 teams are being trained in October. To care for and support our Stephen Ministers, we have 2 meetings a month. One of those monthly meetings consists of continuing education for our Stephen Ministers on a timely caregiving skill or requested topic. One of our Stephen Leaders, Linda Ross, heads the Dallas Area Stephen Ministry Alliance. DASMA coordinates encouragement and assistance to member churches in order to enhance and nurture their Stephen Ministry. Plans are set for our next Service of Remembrance on December 3, with Rev. Sherry Ward giving our meditation. We thank CUMC for supporting this very important ministry. Respectfully submitted: Connie Bouas, Ann Haynes, Linda Ross, Catherine Threlkeld

United Methodist Men

We gave out one $500 scholarship in 2012. This can change depending upon how many apply. We have had as many recently as 3 awarded in the same year totaling $1,500, so a bit of a moving target. Part of our issue is that the money raised and endowed was strictly for the scholarships so we are limited in what we can support.

Paul Walden

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN 2012

The United Methodist Women currently has a membership of 66, plus 9 members-at-large. The District UMW again recognized CUMC UMW as a 5-Star Unit. There are 3 traditional Circles: The Starlight Circle, The Sunlight Circle and the Candlelight Circle. In Spring, 2012 there were 3 activity Circles: Book Club, Dance Circle, and the Scrapbooking Circle. This Fall, the Dance Circle ceased, but the Craft Circle was added. In addition to the activities of each of the Circles, the UMW has had numerous events that are open to all women of the church and guests. In March, 2012 we held an overnight retreat at the Bridgeport Camp and Conference Center. We had a speaker, sharing time, a call to prayer and self-denial, and fun activities/crafts. In April, we served a UMW Tea at the church. In May, new officers were installed. They are: President: Laurie Lewis Vice-president: Kathy Johnson Secretary: Soila Escamilla Corresponding Secretary/Communications: Paula Bouas Treasurer: Buff Schmid Secretary of Program Resources: Treon Kirby, Karen Johnigan Membership: Barby Matous Spiritual Growth: Paula Bouas Mission Coordinator for Social Action: Elizabeth Nelson Mission Coordinator for Education: Paula Bouas Ways and Means Chairperson: Diana Lea Yearbook Chairpersons: Erin van Compernolle, Nancy Trimble Nominating Committee: Kathy Johnson, Treon Kirby, Nancy Trimble Four members attended the School of Christian Mission during the summer at St. Andrew’s UMC. Four members attended the North Texas Conference Annual Meeting in October at First UMC Plano. On October 7, during the three church services, the UMW showed a film and had a speaker talk about UMW, as well as holding a membership drive and activity sign-up. The Communion offering that day went to our Pledge to Mission Giving. On October 27, we are sponsoring a trip to the Dallas Arboretum. In December, we will again place a Christmas tree in the narthex with $25 gift cards that can be purchased to donate to the Wesley Rankin Center. Also in December, the church will be having a church-wide brunch between two church services, and the UMW was asked to cook and serve brunch for that event.

Communications Committee This year Communications has had 2 main goals: 1) to come up with a new logo design to be used throughout all communications and advertisements for CUMC. After going through several different graphic designers and receiving disappointing results, we have contacted the Miller Group, who designed the City of Farmers Branch logo, and the Richards Group to pursue design efforts through a more professional means. The goal is to have the logo completed this year. It will then be applied to our website, Facebook page, all print media/communications going forward, on our exterior directional signage (which we planned to be installed by Easter 2013) and eventually on internal signage throughout the church. 2) to maintain a consistent presence on Facebook through paid ads and more frequent postings. We have had good success with our many Facebook Ad campaigns, typically budgeted around $200-350 each. These are "pay per click" ads, meaning we only pay when someone clicks on our ad. We had used nearly 100% of each campaign budget when running the ads. Additionally, we make it a point to post on our Facebook page at least once weekly, if not daily during busier seasons, to keep activity and conversations flowing and the church top of mind. Our on-going objectives include looking for new and more effective way to communicate with our congregation. This is a constant topic for us, and will likely continue to change as technology changes. With such a diverse congregation we realize there is no one way to reach everyone, so we strive to find the best ways to reach as many on a consistent basis as possible. Additionally, keeping our website current and meaningful is a top priority. We are so pleased that each area of ministry who has the capacity to update their information has continued to do so. Blessings, Sara Texada

HOSPITALITY  

The Hospitality teams were coordinated by Mary Eisenmann for greeters, Doris Thomas for the welcome center and Al Overholt for the ushers. Randy Talbert and Roger Darland have continued to coordinate and supply the coffee bars at the Dennis entrance and the entrance near the choir room. Our last Sunday in the Park event was on Palm Sunday . It was a fun event for all ages. A table was set up with information about the church and a drawing, for an Easter-themed, family basket, was offered for non members. The next event will be Trunk or Treat on October 28. Shuttle service was provided on Easter Sunday and Christmas Eve. It continues on an as needed basis. For a few months, Randy Talbert coordinated shuttle driver for those being picked up and dropped off at Lakeview. It was discontinued over the summer due to the shuttle buses being out of town on mission trips. We will evaluate the need for the service in the future.

Judy Bronaugh

Young Adult Student Ministry

But all the students go away to school… When discussing the value or merit of an active Young Adult Student Ministry here at CUMC I have been faced with this thought before. I can only say that as we think of the church we need to remember that its makeup and importance is in the people and relationaships, not so much the buildings or programs. We have students that are spread out all over America at different college campuses and Military branches – wanting and needing the connection of being part of the church family. Some of the ways we try and remain in contact with our students throughout the year are by phone calls, text messaging, Facebook, email, land mail and care packages. We also put together fellowship opportunities such as our Christmas Party, Game Nights, and Camping outings on those long weekends when they come home to visit. In addition to these ministry pieces we offer a YASM Sunday School class called Crossroads (Facilitated by Karen Woodward) for the students that are staying local as we look to keep in strong connection with them as well. Currently our Young Adult Student Ministry does not have a working budget so we host various fund raising programs such as our annual Garage Sale fundraiser and the CUMC’s Got Talent Spaghetti Dinner Extravaganza! The funds our students raise not only help pay for a year’s worth of ministry curriculum and supplies, but it also helps pay for the summer ASP Mission Trip. I know that with the continued support of this congregation and some Extraordinary Adult Volunteers our Young Adult Student Ministry will flourish in Christ! If you would like a list of students to stay in connection with please contact me at chris@christ4u.org Chris Boyle Young Adult Student Ministry

Youth Ministry “23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the HOPE we affirm, for GOD can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another in acts of LOVE and GOOD WORKS. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but ENCOURAGE one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25 No one really likes to be alone for very long. The reality is that if we isolate ourselves from others for TOO long we tend to go crazy! (Ever seen the movie “Cast Away”?) It is this need for relationships that pushes us to join sports teams, band, choir, clubs, cliques and go on dates. Yet, in todays iCulture (hyper technological social media) we are finding that it is becoming easier to stay “connected” while at the same time remaining isolated… This new breed of isolation is not just effecting relationships between friends and families, but it also strains our relationship with God and the church. In this passage, Verse 24 calls us to motivate each other to ACT in Love and Good Works. Verse 25 calls us to never neglect our meeting together… especially now! This includes times of fellowship, study, mission and worship! The Youth Ministry has a battle cry of LIVE LOUD. With this battle cry we try to lead our youth in developing the spiritual disciplines necessary to be Diciples of Jesus Christ in school, at home, at church, on the perfomance field, within their peer group, and in social media. The way we attempt do this is by offoring a wide veriety of Christ Centered opportnities for students to have their faith in Christ affirmed, challenged and deepened… Here is a list of some of the wonderful activities of our Youth Ministry!

Christ FUCUS Sunday School Sunday Night Youth Fellowship Monthly Community Mission & Outreach Projects World Mission Projects (Example The Soles4Souls Shoe Drive & Sponsorship of a

Child in Haitti to go to School) Small Group Bible Study Variety of Worship Experiences Team Building Training Youth Council (Student Led Leadership) Wednesday Night JAM Session (Community Fellowship) CUMC Youth Winter Retreat at Pine Cove Camp North Texas Conference Youth Mid-Winter Retreat North Texas Conference: Youth Annual Conference Retreat Lock-Ins High School ASP Mission Trip Middle School San Marcos Mission Trip JC Monday Nights Gatherings for our 12th Grade Students

Chris Boyle Youth Pastor

Confirmation For the first time in MANY years, we are embarking on a Confirmation Journey with a new curriculum! The new Confirmation road map is called CREDO. CREDO Confirmation students will be led in a very intentional study plan that will have them first understand our biblical foundation so that they can Know Their Story. Students will then be urged to connect the gospel message of Jesus Christ to their own lives so that they can then Confirm Their Faith. Finally, students will take their foundation of faith and connection to Christ’s story and begin to put what they have learned into action as they Live Their Commitment. The goal is that by the end of the year our Confirmation Students will make two public affirmations.

1. To confess Jesus Christ as their Savior, put their whole trust in His grace, and promise to serve Him as their Lord, in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races.

2. To be loyal to the United Methodist Church and in particular Christ United Methodist Church, doing all in their power to strengthen its ministries, by their prayers, their presence, their gifts, their service, and their witness.

Throughout the year our students will study scripture, journal their journey, participate in mission/outreach, visit other churches to experience the different languages of worship, and have opportunities to grow closer to each other and God during lock-ins and retreats! All of these activities are made possible to our students through the support of our Senior Pastor, Confirmation Parents, Adult Mentors, Congregation, and by the strength of our Savior. I know that through our connection as the body of Christ, God can and will do amazing miracles in the lives of our young Confirmation Students! Chris Boyle Youth Pastor

Family Ministries This year we worked very hard at trying to reenergize this vital ministry of CUMC. When we vision the future of this church we see families filling the halls, we hear the voices of children’s choirs singing beautiful songs about Jesus, and we feel the classrooms and the sanctuary filled with not only the Spirit of a Living God – but also the excitement of our congregation as we celebrate God’s Amazing Grace. We also have visions of a church that engages in fellowship outside of its walls. This is the role of our Family Ministry. We have planned and will continue to plan exciting activities for the church family to gather in fellowship as we have fun and grow with each other. Some of the activities we have been involved in over the past few months include:

Frisco Roughriders Baseball Game with All You Can Eat Food and Soda Family Movie Night: "The Incredibles" with Popcorn and Goodies Family Game Night and Ice Cream Social Hawaiian Falls Water Park Hosted the Ice Cream Social following the Gospel Hymn Sing

Keep your eyes and your ears open as we continue to plan exciting and fun activities!!! Kristin Boyle Chair of Family Ministry

Congregational Care shares the love of Christ in the following ways:

Hospital visitation, chaired by Sandy Weatherby, has 5 people assisting in seeing members who are hospitalized or in rehabilitation facilities. This past year 112 visits were made.

Good Shepherd, chaired by Ann Davis, has 8 teams of 8 people each providing meals at times of accidents, illness, and joyful celebrations such as birth of babies. Last year approximately 52 contacts were made and 47 meals provided. We sometimes call on other groups to assist, such as Sunday School, choir and Christ Care.

Christ Tele-Touch, chaired by Laura Boyles has 3 assistants who help the church stay in touch with members who would like to have someone to visit with on a short-term basis by telephone.

Christ Touch Friend, chaired by Linda Phelps has 2 assisting with visiting our homebound and there were 5 this past year. They also celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays.

Bereavement Committee, chaired by Nancy Trimble, has 4 working with her to provide lunch or a reception for funeral services. This past year there were 5 . They also use the help of classes/groups in the church in which the member was involved.

We are blessed to have so many giving of their time and love for our members.

Frances Atkins, Chair

Staff Parish Relations Committee We have another very eventful year. Let me thank all of the committee members for their hard work during 2012. Connie Bouas, Danie Allen, Kathy Nieberding, Dot Stewart, Kathy Johnson, Brian Allen, C.W. Eaker, Blake Langley, myself-Colby Ross and of course Rev. Kenny, make up the SPPR. The contributions of all are greatly appreciated. The year started with a retirement and will now end with a retirement. Gerald Blase retired at the beginning of the year after many year of service as the Facilities manager. The committee hosted a reception for Gerald to thank him for his many years of dedicated service. Kathryn Storey will also retire at the end of October. Kathryn served as the Director of Children’s Education for 8 years. She too had a reception on the 21st of October to thank her for her hard work and contribution to our children’s education.

The SPPR committee hosted the annual staff appreciation luncheon in May. The church staff were taken out for a BBQ lunch at Marshall’s. It was good to be able to express our thanks in a small way, and get to visit with the staff.

Rev. Kenny Dickson has now completed his first year and has become well integrated into the busy life of CUMC. He has brought a new preaching style and weaves images into his sermons from his background in film in unique ways. Kenny has provided guidance and support across a broad range of ministries and has provided leadership to help guide the churches future.

Rev. Dickson and the staff put together detailed job descriptions of all staff positions within the church. This will assist all future ministers and S P R committees with hiring and staffing properly. This was completed and was reviewed by the committee in 2012.

The SPPR committee is in the process of developing a new job description for a Children’s and Family coordinator. The job will encompass the previous responsibilities of the Director of Children’s Education with expanded responsibilities over Family ministry and activities.

The S P R has had many challenges this year. We have undertaken the needs of the church prayerfully, and hope that we have faithfully carried out God’s will for his church. The year 2013 will bring new opportunities and changes designed to help the church grow and develop our Christian community, to carry the great tradition of Christ United Methodist – Farmers Branch into the future.

Colby Ross – SPPR Chairman