connect@firstchurch
DESCRIPTION
Connect@FirstChurch, a guide designed to help new and returning visitors find a home at FirstChurch.TRANSCRIPT
connect @ FirstChurch
find your sanctuary
Welcome to FirstChurch. In the 168 years since our members began worshipping in the heart of Downtown Dallas, the neighborhood, the city and the world evolved around us.
But our calling to be loyal disciples of Jesus Christ remained steadfast. It’s what continues to compel us to grow ever-deeper connections with God and our neighbors. FirstChurch is so much more than the four walls that stand at the corner of Ross and Harwood and the Gothic belltower that rings out over the Arts District: FirstChurch is the collected stories of our faith family.
From the eight Bishops this congregation has sent forward to serve the denomination to the delegates that sat in the pews of our sanctuary at the General Conference of 1968 and voted to form The United Methodist Church, we all have a story to tell. The 44 babies born into this congregation in 2013 are a living testament to the vitality of this church and the continuing of its mission for countless generations to come.
The next chapter of FirstChurch’s story begins with you.
life at FirstChurch
Through our doors you will find many ways to make this faith family your home.
Worship With Us. FirstChurch has a tradition of 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 broadcasts 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 want to make sure that all 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 praying, making telephone calls and writing notes to 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 belive?
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, connects
you with ministry
opportunities throughout
FirstChurch.
214-220-2727
good works
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 foods 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.
Everyone finds their
point of connection in
different ways. For some,
a Sunday morning class
or a small group is their
first entry point into the
life of FirstChurch but for
many, missions is where
the connection to the
church begins. We invite
all visitors, members
and friends to join us as
we serve our local and
global community.
Together, we’re answering God’s call to empower our neighbors and alleviate hunger. As members of the FirstChurch family, our commitment to serve is a critical part of the faith journey we travel.
To learn how FirstChurch
serves Dallas and the
world, contact Rev.
Linda Roby, Associate
Minister of Local and
Global Missions.
214-220-2727, ext. 214
Rev. Jay Cole, Executive
Director of Crossroads
Community Services, can
show you how to serve
Dallas families in need.
214-560-2511
ccsdallas.org
Since the Methodist Church’s inception, it has emphasized Christian living—putting faith and love into action. This continues to be a hallmark of United Methodism today.
At FirstChurch, we believe Christian education and spiritual formation 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. Confirmation introduces 6th graders to the building blocks of faith and lays a spiritual foundation that
our youth ministry builds on throughout junior and senior high.
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.
Sunday morning
programs aren’t the
only opportunity to
connect with small
fellowship groups. Our
UrbanLife ministry
presents opportunities
to young adults and
young professionals for
service and fellowship
throughout the week, and
Higher Ground provides
youth with direction
as they prepare for
adulthood. FirstChurch’s
strong mission and
outreach focus provides
numerous opportunities
to serve the community
and fellowship with
neighbors.
Contact Rev. Blair
Thompson, Associate
Minister for Discipleship,
for information on small-
group fellowship and
Christian education.
214-220-2727, ext. 207
education and group fellowship
UrbanLife Seekers
9:45 a.m.UL Center
Young adults who are new to FirstChurch or have recently returned after college. They engage in a supportive community that is active on both Sunday mornings and throughout the week.
UrbanLife Journey
9:45 a.m.UL Center
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.UL Center B
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
A choir-friendly class of young couples and families. Meets early to enable those who sing in the Chancel Choir to participate in the lesson and choir each Sunday.
Agape
9:45 a.m.Room G04
Geared toward couples in their 20s – 40s. “Agape,” which is Greek for love, focuses on developing relationships with spouses, families and neighbors.
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
A dynamic Sunday morning experience for adults age 45 and above, featuring lively discussion of social and spiritual issues and small-group fellowship opportunities.
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.
Looking for directions?
Visit a volunteer
stationed at a Connection
Point near FirstChurch’s
main entrances for
assistance finding a
Sunday morning class.
Adult Education
FirstKids Sunday morning programs are based on curriculum from Seasons of the
Spirit, a lectionary-based program, that integrates 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, Methodist beliefs and history, and
developing an understanding of our own FirstChurch history and traditions. World
transformation will begin with 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.
As we engage with each other and the world, FirstChurch recognizes the
importance of our smallest family members and their journeys.
FirstKids are our focus—and our future.
Contact Gretchen
Combs, Director of
Children’s Ministries, to
learn how FirstKids can
serve your family.
214-220-2727, ext. 229
Children and Youth
Nursery
8:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. First FloorNursery
Childcare is available for Infants through Kindergarten age children on Sunday morning for both the 8:45 and 11 a.m. service. During the Sunday school hour, toddlers through Kindergarten learn about the Bible through age-appropriate curriculum.
FirstKidsGrades 1–5
9:45 a.m.Second FloorChildren’s Wing
Elementary-age children learn the stories of the Bible through age-appropriate crafts, music, videos and storytelling.
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.
Confirmation
9:45 a.m.Room 301
Our 6th grade Sunday morning class, confirmation is a special time to begin a journey of faith that nurtures and challenges kids to discover what it means to be a young Methodist.
Youth Sunday School
9:30 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.
Higher Ground
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.Third SundaysThird Floor
7th–12th graders meet to put their faith into action via service projects, worship services, community builders and more.
Wednesday Nights
6:30 p.m.Third FloorYouth Room
FirstYouth offers Bible study and age- and gender-based small groups on Wednesday nights for students to go deeper in the study of their faith and to provide a place to rest and share life during the week.
FirstYouth offers
many opportunities for
teenagers to find their
place in the church
community. Sunday
School is a gathering
place for learning and
discussion, focusing on
a different themes each
month. They can also
visit Higher Ground, a
monthly event designed
to give teens ways to put
Sunday School lessons
into action in their daily
lives. Wednesday Nights
offer a chance to take
a break from a busy
week to dive deeper
into their faith through
a Bible Study or build
relationships in a small-
group setting.
The junior high and high school years are a defining time in the spiritual lives
of young people. They are working out their identities in all areas of their lives,
including their faith. In FirstYouth, we strive to provide a friendly and safe space for
students to ask questions, build community, have fun, and both study their faith
and put that faith into action. We believe that 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.
Through Confirmation, Sunday School, small groups, service projects and mission
trips, retreats and more, FirstYouth is working to help young people develop into
spiritually engaged and socially active adults.
FirstYouth: The faith journey continues. Contact Brandi Manes,
Director of Youth
Ministries, to learn how
FirstYouth can serve
your family.
214-220-2727, ext. 227
Contact Dorian Albert,
Director of Confirmation
Ministries, to learn
how FirstChurch walks
alongside teens on their
faith journey.
214-220-2727, ext. 222
raise your voices
The tradition continues to grow in new and exciting ways as the neighborhood around us grows. Approximately twenty-five percent of our members are actively involved in our music and arts program. There are choirs for all ages, handbell ensembles, opportunities to be on stage and to work behind the scenes, monthly art exhibits in the Goodrich Gallery, opportunities to serve the church with the Altar Guild, and First Fine Arts will host a variety of guest artists to share their gifts within our walls beginning fall of 2014. There is something for everyone who loves and appreciates music and the arts, and we warmly welcome all who want to participate!
Often called “The Heart
of the Arts District”,
FirstChurch embraces
its dual role as a spiritual
and performing arts
destination in Downtown
Dallas. A 100-voice
Chancel Choir graces
the sanctuary with
its presence each
Sunday morning and
is accompanied by a
stunning Casavant pipe
organ—a combination that
perfectly complements
FirstChurch’s classically
inspired worship services.
Long before the Dallas Arts District emerged, FirstChurch offered rich programming in music, drama, dance and the visual arts.
Music and Arts opportunities at FirstChurch
Children 3 years – 6th grade
FirstChurch shares the joy of God’s gift of music with our children in a variety of musical offerings. 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 members and non-members who share a love of theatre.
Goodrich Gallery The Goodrich Gallery enriches our church with a new art exhibit each month featuring the work of gifted local and national artists.
Good arts make good neighbors.
Opportunities abound to
share your artistic gifts.
Dana Effler, Director of
Music & Arts, can show
you how.
214-220-2727, ext. 219
tomorrow starts today
Friend of FirstChurch,
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. Our covenant is to continue to support the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness. You are invited to find your Center at FirstChurch. Together, we are held . . .
In God’s Love,
Dr. Andy Stoker, Senior Minister
Membership 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.
We covenant to share
our story.
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