new member book
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connect @ FirstChurch
It’s been over 168 years since our members began worshiping in the heart of Downtown Dallas, and our calling to be loyal disciples of Jesus Christ has remained steadfast even as our city and world evolved around us.
That calling continues to compel us to grow ever-deeper connections with God and our neighbors. FirstChurch is so much more than the neo-Gothic sanctuary that stands at the corner of Ross and Harwood and the bell tower that rings out over the Arts District.
FirstChurch is a vibrant group of Christians who seek relevant worship in a classical setting. We come together on Sundays and during the week to grow our faith through worship, fellowship, service and study.
It is our prayer that you will use this guide as a way to form a deeper connection with FirstChurch, whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest looking to take the next step in your faith formation.
Welcome to FirstChurch.
life at FirstChurch
Through our doors you will find many ways to make this faith family your home.
Worship With Us. FirstChurch engages in dynamic worship services that are both traditional and relevant. Services are held on Sundays at 8:45 and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. Live streams of our worship service are available Sundays at 11 a.m. at firstchurchdallas.org. WFAA-TV, (Channel 8) re-broadcasts our worship services at 5:30 a.m. each Sunday.
Care With Us. We minister to our members through all ages and stages of life. From a call and note at birth to the support of our staff and members at death, we ensure every member of our family is cared for each step
of the way. Our faith family is excited to celebrate in your joys and provide a prayer for your concerns. On Saturday mornings you might find congregants making prayer shawls to deliver to those recovering from surgery or who have suffered a loss. During the week you will find our note writers and prayer room volunteers working to support those who are ill or have experienced joys or sorrows.
Connect With Us. There are many ways to connect with our faith family, and we hope you will use this guide as a FirstStep to engaging in ministry here. Don’t hesitate to contact staff members listed here or on our website, firstchurchdallas.org. We look forward to becoming part of your story.
What do United
Methodists believe?
We make disciples of
Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the
world by proclaiming the
Good News of God’s grace
and by exemplifying Jesus’
command to love God and
one another. We respect
persons of all religious
faiths. This mission is our
grace-filled response
to the Reign of God in
the world announced
by Christ. God’s grace is
active everywhere, at all
times, carrying out this
purpose as revealed in
the Bible.
FirstChurch is a relevant, traditional and inclusive congregation with opportunities for growth, study, fellowship and mission.
Find out more about life
at FirstChurch from
Jennifer Tolin, Director of
Connectional Ministries.
214-220-2727, ext. 221
Rev. Wally Butts
Associate Minister of
Spiritual Life
214-220-2727
At FirstChurch, we believe Christian
education a is a lifelong process. Our smallest members experience the stories and love of Jesus Christ through the dedicated nursery staff. As children they continue their journey during their time in FirstKids as they engage in programming that is centered around age-appropriate faith goals. Zone56 introduces 5th and 6th graders to the building blocks of faith and lays a spiritual foundation that our youth ministry builds on through Confirmation and beyond.
Adults engage in dynamic Sunday morning classes and Wednesday night FirstChurch University study groups. No matter your age, there is always opportunity for spiritual growth at FirstChurch.
Rev. Blair Thompson
Associate Minister
for Discipleship
214-220-2727, ext. 207
education &group fellowship
Journey
9:45 a.m.UrbanLife Center B
Young professionals interested in discovering what lies ahead in their faith journeys. In-depth and self-led studies are emphasized, and numerous social and service opportunities are offered.
Foundations
9:45 a.m.Room G01
Young parents in their 30s. Offers speakers on marriage and family and engages in Bible and book studies, along with service and fellowship opportunities.
Rise, Shine!
9:30 a.m.Room G07
An inclusive young adults class that meets at 9:30 a.m. A diverse mix of couples, singles, and young families studies a curriculum guided by a vision to grow spiritually through the discussion of relevant issues utilizing a biblical and theological groundwork. We engage in mission, outreach and social events, building strong bonds among our class families.
Agape
9:45 a.m.Room G04
To families and couples who welcome diverse points of view, AGAPE is a loving, Christ seeking community that invites interaction and open interpretation of scripture and beliefs while supporting each other in navigating the balancing act of life.
Early Class
9:30 a.m.Room G09
Concludes before Choir call, about 10:20. Embraces participants of diverse backgrounds. The class is led each week by Dr. Bill Bryan.
Becomers
9:45 a.m.Room G05
Couples and singles in their 40s and 50s gather for coffee and fellowship. Emphasizes knowledge of the Bible, spiritual growth, service, discipleship and fellowship.
Disciples
9:45 a.m.Room G14
An intergenerational discussion group interested in contemporary political, social and economic issues from a Christian perspective. All who like this format are welcome regardless of age or marital status.
Interpreta-tions
9:45 a.m.Room G10
Singles and couples in their 30s and 40s.A variety of Sunday morning programming (Bible study, Christian analysis of current events, and guest teachers) keeps things interesting and fun.
Genesis
9:45 a.m.Crossroads Center East
Singles and couples with school-aged to young-adult children. Emphasizes active support of such ministries as Crossroads Community Services and other projects.
Logos
9:45 a.m.Room G13
Bring your Bible and your questions, and enjoy stimulating discussion of the Scriptures in terms of both their historical contexts and the ways in which they relate to our lives today.
Voyages
9:45 a.m.Room G11
Married couples, most of whom have young children, who enjoy combining fellowship, service activities and spiritual study. Class includes topics of current interest or Bible-based discussions.
The G06 Class
9:45 a.m.Room 213
A non-traditional, discussion-based Sunday morning class comprised of couples and singles in their 40s and over. The primary focus is applying Christian faith to everyday life.
Covenant
9:45 a.m.Room 201
Couples and singles of all ages who enjoy lively discussion and thought-provoking study. Covenant welcomes people of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, disabilities and sexual orientations.
Class, Etc.
9:30 a.m.Room G06
Couples and singles very active in all aspects of FUMC as well as the community. Classes are primarily lecture format and focus on scripture, Christian history and theology. Service is an important part of living our faith and members are involved with many outreach programs throughout the year. Membership varies in age, marital status, theology and politics but we all join as one in caring for each other and growing as Christian disciples.
New Koinonia
9:45 a.m.Room G08
A community of couples and singles in their 50s & 60s with and without children, with a varied program of Bible study, personal growth and social issues that seeks to bring Christian perspective into daily living.
Doubl-Aires
9:45 a.m.Crossroads Center West
A very active and involved membership of couples and singles 55+ which participates in all aspects of the Church’s ministry. Sub-jects range from theology to current events as they relate to the Church’s mission.
Aldersgate
9:45 a.m.Room 212
Mature adults who base their faith on Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason, and who want to live their faith. Socials are frequent & fun.
Meet your new best friends!
Small groups at FirstChurch
offer rich opportunities for
Christian fellowship and
spiritual growth.
firstchurchdallas.org/groups
Adult Education
connect
F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T
C H U R C H O F DA L L A S
G R O U P S
F O R
L I F E
children & youth
DevelopmentalLearning Center
7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday
Providing quality childcare and accredited pre-Kindergarten education, FirstChurch’s Developmental Learning Center is staffed with trained professionals who engage children in individualized educational programs.
Nursery
8:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. First FloorNursery
Childcare is available for Infants through Kindergarten-age children on Sunday morning. During the Sunday school hour, toddlers through Kindergarten learn about the Bible through age-appropriate curriculum.
Camp Big Church
A nine-week study for Kindergartners helps them learn how to worship with their parents and the FirstChurch family and introduces them to the concepts of offerings, baptisms and communion.
FirstKidsGrades 1–4
9:45 a.m.Second FloorChildren’s Wing
Elementary-age children learn the stories of the Bible through age-ap-propriate crafts, music, videos and storytelling.
Zone56Grades 5-6
9:45 a.m.Room 301
This leadership and spiritual development program precedes Confirmation and is built upon new curriculum that includes topics specific to pre-teens shared through engaging discussion and games.
Youth Sunday School
9:45 a.m.Third FloorYouth Room
7th–12th graders meet for fellowship, games, snacks, teaching and small-group discussion that provides them space to study scripture and talk about what they believe and what it looks like to be a person of faith.
Youth Lunch
12:00 p.m.Dining Room
All youth are invited to meet for lunch and relationship building right after worship. We all know how important it is for everyone – youth and adults alike – to feel like they have a place to belong. Students meet in small groups every week, share a meal together and talk about their lives, the good and the bad. Each student has people who know them by name, know what’s going on with them and miss them when they’re not there!
Higher Ground
2:15 – 3:45 p.m.Third Floor
Higher Ground, our weekly youth get together, offers a chance for youth to relax together and really dig into their faith – asking questions, serving together and learning to live a life of Christian discipleship through community builders, service projects, worship times, fun events and more.
Contact Children
and Youth Ministries
Laura McCavit
Director of
Children’s Ministries
214-220-2727, ext. 229
Quenetta Cox
Director, Developmental
Learning Center
Dorian Albert
Assistant Director
of Children and
Youth Ministries
214-220-2727, ext. 222
Brandi Manes
Director of
Youth Ministries
214-220-2727, ext. 227
FirstKids are our focus and future.
FirstKids Sunday morning programs integrate worship, learning and service to build a dynamic community of faith for all ages. Each group of children works toward age-appropriate faith goals consisting of Bible knowledge, Christian spirituality and Methodist beliefs and history. World transformation begins by educating our children, and the FirstChurch family works tirelessly to equip our FirstKids to know the divine love of God and empower them to be instruments in sharing that love with others.
FirstYouth: The faith journey continues.
The junior high and high school years are a defining time in the spiritual livesof young people. FirstYouth provides a friendly, safe space for students to ask questions about their faith and build Christian community. Students are valued and loved by God for who they are, where they are, and we work hard to provide an environment that honors them.
Programs for Children & Youth
mission & outreach
Where is God at work in my life? How well am I responding to God’s work in me? The themes of these questions are elemental to how we choose to live our lives as engaged Christians. The FirstChurch Mission and Outreach Committee works to help members systematically answer God’s call to serve.
Many members and visitors choose to serve through Crossroads Community Services, the flagship urban ministry of FirstChurch, which distributes millions of pounds of nutritious food to our neighbors in need each year. Others devote their resources to the Rise Fund, which supports agencies’ efforts to combat hunger and empower the city’s most
vulnerable populations through a competitive grant application process.
Our vibrant missions and ministries serve not only our members, but embrace the needs of our community as well. Look closely as you exit through many of FirstChurch’s doors, and you’ll see a poignant reminder of our call to serve our neighbors: “Through these doors the church goes to engage the world.” Join us in this story as we grow together, care for each other and push outside of our walls to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Together, we’re answering God’s call to empower our neighbors by fighting hunger and providing holistic education. Our commitment to serve is a critical part of the faith journey we travel.
Rev. Linda Roby
Associate Minister of
Local & Global Missions.
214-220-2727, ext. 214
music & arts
Our tradition of worshiping God through music and the arts continues to grow in new and exciting ways. The combined voice of a 100-member Chancel Choir fills the sanctuary each Sunday morning and is accompanied by a stunning Casavant pipe organ—a combination that richly complements FirstChurch’s classically inspired worship.
Approximately one-fourth of our members are actively involved in music and arts programs. Opportunities include choirs for all ages, handbell ensembles, on-stage and behind-the-scenes theater roles, and monthly art exhibits in the Goodrich Gallery—just to name a few. There is something for everyone who loves and appreciates music and the arts, and we warmly welcome all who wish to participate!
Long before the Dallas Arts District emerged, FirstChurch offered rich programming in music, drama, dance and the visual arts.
Music and Arts Opportunities
Children
3 years – 6th grade
FirstChurch shares the joy of God’s gift of music with our children. Whether singing or playing an instrument, FirstChurch children are instructed by professionals who provide a musical education coupled with Christian teachings.
Youth
7th – 12th grade
Variations is our youth choir for 7th – 12th grade singers, and Carillon Ringers is the youth bells choir. They tour and perform a fully staged musical variety show annually in addition to singing regularly in worship at FirstChurch.
Adults The Chancel Choir is the cornerstone for our 11 a.m. worship service. In addition, we have three other adult ensembles: The FirstMen’s Chorus, FirstWomen’s Chorus and Vox Nova. Our two adult handbell choirs provide music for worship services.
Theatre FirstChurch has a rich history of producing quality plays, musicals and radio and television broadcasts. The Rotunda Theatre offers opportunities both on stage and backstage for those who love theatre.
Goodrich Gallery
Featuring new exhibits each month, The Goodrich Gallery enriches our church while showcasing the work of gifted local and national artists.
Dana Effler
Director of Music & Arts
214-220-2727, ext. 219
welcome home
Dear Friend,
The church is a place to find our Center for ourselves and our family. Megan and I met in a United Methodist Church, where we began our relationship with people surrounding and encouraging us to learn, serve and give. As Megan and I have celebrated milestones and grieved losses, we have been centered by the faithful called the church. Our sons, Alex and Wesley, were baptized, and we imagine their beginnings in church will serve to center their lives and their families. The church could be their home.
In our culture, there are few places where acceptance, forgiveness, accountability and love abide. It is the church where people come to connect to something more than themselves. Having a “church home” means having a place to build on relationships with God and neighbor. A church home is a place where you can celebrate your milestones and grieve your losses. Surrounding you is grace and mercy, hope and wholeness.
When Megan and I came to FirstChurch, we were accepted as we were. Our connection with children, youth and adults at FirstChurch has shaped our faith in God and our faith in humanity. Our sons have found a place where they can share their voices, ask questions and learn about faith. FirstChurch challenges us to be better followers of Jesus, better partners, better parents, better friends and better citizens. Throughout our experience, FirstChurch has shown us a love that points to the greater Love of God. We cannot imagine being people who are without a place to find their Center.
Our fervent prayer is that, by our example, our children will learn that there is a place for them in the church. Our greatest hope is that, by the church’s example, we may find our Center again Sunday after Sunday—so that as we live and work in the world, strangers and the estranged will find us to be generous friends. You are invited to find your Center at FirstChurch. Together, we are held . . .
In God’s Love,
Dr. Andy Stoker, Senior Minister
Membership at
FirstChurch Means...
Prayers: Be in prayer
with and for your church
family. Pray for the
ministries of this church,
for those that we hope
to reach and for your
friends and family.
Presence: Worship with
us and covenant to be
present in the life of this
church.
Gifts: God entrusts all of
us with unique gifts, both
spiritual and financial.
Because everything that
we have, and everything
that we are is a gift
from God, we covenant
together our spiritual
and financial gifts to
support the mission
and ministries of God’s
church.
Service: We respond to
God’s call to transform
the world and actively
participate in the many
opportunities for service
both inside and outside
of the walls of our church.
Witness: Our words and
actions should reflect our
faith, and we covenant to
work with God to make
this a reality in our lives.
1928 ROSS AVE | DALLAS, TX 75201 | 214.220.2727
Dr. Andrew C. Stoker, Senior Minister
firstchurchdallas.org