Young Wesleyans at FUMC-Denton

spotlights

2009-07-11T13:41:00.004-05:00

A Year of "30 Days"
Exploration Sunday School
A class of theologically progressive young adults & couples who strive to push themselves to consider how our spirituality is reflected in our world. We plan to consider a wide range of topics & our response to them as members of the body of Christ.

wePod to our world

Friday Night Connection
Podcast links will be included in the weekly email to be discussed on Friday night, covering social justice, spirituality & grace in a contemplative & supportive context. Meeting locations vary.

Hello Wesleyans!

In the spotlight this morning, we want to personally invite you to participate in exciting conversations. There are new ideas for Exploration Sunday school & Friday Night Connection study materials, each utilizing technology to dive into societal and environmental issues... and more!

Please review the "spotlights" above and plan to attend Exploration Sunday school tomorrow, Sunday, July 12, at 9:45AM in Flinn Hall Lounge as we tailor the descriptions of the studies to be included in the FUMC Ministry Fair guide (thank you Gloria Thomas!).

In Christ,
Ginny Simank

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"O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Micah 6:8 NRSV

The Wesleyans covenant to study, worship, fellowship & serve. All are welcome.

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Wesley's quadrilateral
scripture: the Holy Bible
tradition: history of the Christian Church
reason: rational thinking & sensible interpretation
experience: a Christian's personal & communal journey in Christ

As Wesleyans, we strive to study & apply Christ's teachings in tangible ways. We are exploring new ways to stretch our own understandings of the world and how we can be the hands and feet of Christ. Join us!

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say," so should we be as bold in our study and active in our community in the name of Jesus Christ.

In Christ,

Ginny Simank
ginnysimank@hotmail.com
940-365-9789 home
940-390-9906 mobile

Thursday - Friday - Sunday

2009-06-10T08:55:00.003-05:00

Friday Night Connection

This week, join the Society of Young Wesleyan's for griled sandwiches at the Simank's home. They will provide the sandwich bread, sliced cheese & drinks. Please bring a sandwich goodie (meat or condiment), chips, an appetizer or a dessert to share.

We plan to discuss the chapter titled, "Shakespeare" in Carlos Fuentes' book, This I Believe, an A to Z of a Life. If you don't have a book, email Ginny and we'll work something out.

Event Details:
Friday, June 12, 2009
6 PM
Simank home
10317 Franklin Dr.
Providence Village, TX 76227

Directions from FUMC Denton to the Simank's home

We are planning the Friday nights through the summer. We are discussing other activities during the summer - restaurant gatherings, pool gatherings, game nights, picnics, baseball game, etc. If you have an idea, please email Ginny. Thanks!

We'll have a calendar available on 6/12 for others to sign up to host. Please check your calendar & sign up for at least one. If you have a menu idea or main dish in mind, please include that also.

Chick Flick Fellowship

It's THIS WEEK!!!

Thursday, June 11, 2009
Chili's in Denton @ 6 PM
"My Life in Ruins" @ 7:25, Cinemark

If you need childcare, please email Ginny (see contact information below) so that we can explore options available.

Exploration Sunday School
Announcements

Sunday, June 14, 2009

This week, we continue our study of Bart Ehrman's Misquoting Jesus. Please read thru Chapter 2 before class. It is our goal to have guidance throughout this study, as we understand that many questions will arise as we read.
We are looking forward to a great Sunday school study!

This is a great discussion group.

Bring a curious friend or seven!
Community of Exploration Sunday School
9:40 a.m.
Flinn Hall Lounge

Experince + Discover God
EVERYWHERE

"... Let the children come to me..."
(Luke 18:15-17)

The question should be asked of one another: What about the children that aren't coming? How are we taking Jesus Christ's message of love and grace to them?

Takin' Camp E.D.G.E. to the Streets

Grab some balloons, hot dogs, chips, craft materials and your passion for sharing God's love... then help us take Camp E.D.G.E. to the streets outside our church, specifically to the children and families around Fred Moore Park in Denton.

The Children's Ministry Council, through Deana Ferguson, has graciously offered to help by donating various extra crafts & snacks. We need YOU & your families and friends to pull it off! If you're able to lead a song, c'mon! If your gift is sitting with kids and assisting with crafts, c'mon! If you just want to be around people who are on fire for spreading the unconditional love of Christ, c'mon! If you are able to help us communicate with parents & children who may encounter English as a second language... C'mon!!! If you'd like to donate hot dogs, chips or drinks, please contact Ginny Simank (ginnysimank@hotmail.com).

VBS 'Round 2' Details
Date: the week of July 26, 2009
Time: (exact days & times to be determined)
Location: Fred Moore Park (directions from FUMC-Denton to park)

Weekend Update, featuring...

2009-05-07T16:54:00.002-05:00

YOU! So, be there or be square.

(I know, not as funny as the SNL writers could make it, but perhaps an A for effort? No?)

May 8, Friday Night Connection

We're having a reunion! Well, we're eating reunion food on Friday night. That's right! Some have already committed to make fried chicken strips, mac 'n cheese, deviled eggs, strawberry & pretzel salad. What can you bring? Let's see... fruit salad, mashed potatoes, rolls, an appetizer, banana puddin', or something else you'd expect to eat at a family reunion.

We are meeting at the Stoker's home this week at 6pm. We'll discuss "reading" from Carlos Fuentes' book, This I Believe, an A to Z of a Life.

May 10, Exploration Sunday school

The class meets at 9:40AM in Flinn Hall Lounge. We will continue our study on Challenging Faith by watching the next segment of Bill Maher's "Religulous." Please come prepared to discuss questions raised in the context of a deeper understanding of defending our faith.

What else???

Saturday, May 9 Industrial Street Bash

We're a downtown church. We're at the corner of Industrial & Mulberry, too. We're participating in the Industrial Street Bash this Saturday. FUMC Youth will be assisting with directing the flow of parking. FUMC Evangelism Committee members have prepared packets of information about our church to give away. FUMC members have agreed to "work" a church booth throughout the bash.
Now.... We want you! We want your family. We want your friends.
C'mon out and enjoy good food, great music and amazing fellowship. Help support our church and the local community. Spread the word!

Thursday, May 14 Chick Flick Fellowship

More information coming on Sunday, May 10. Please email Ginny to receive the Chick Flick email with details! ginnysimank@hotmail.com

Share Your Smarts

Every person has a gift. We'd like to learn from your experiences. Please consider "sharing your smarts" by writing a short article to post on the Young Wesleyan's blog.

It can be as short as a paragraph or as long as you'd like. Think about unique things you do at work. A teacher might write about ways parents might prepare kids for certain situations (bullies, testing, making friends, transitioning to junior high or high school). Perhaps you have an interesting hobby... tell us about that (how you started, how you participate, etc).

Every one of us, as a child of God, is unique and perfect. We all have differences that when shared can strengthen us and help others become more enlightened. Please email your "Share Your Smarts" entry to Ginny to post online. If you're interested in becoming an administrator of the YW blog (especially if you enjoy writing and would like to post regularly), please talk to Ginny as well.

We are excited to learn more from each other!

Speak up!
What do you want?
The pastoral staff and Adult Education & Spiritual Life (AESL) committee in our church are currently brainstorming ideas and areas of study for small groups to begin in the fall.The Young Wesleyans strength is small group study and fellowship. I know there are ideas that would make great studies. Be creative! Please let Ginny Simank or Amy Reed know if you have an idea. If you feel called to attend that small group... great. If you feel called to LEAD that small group... great, too!

Calendars out... pencils ready

2009-04-22T15:33:00.005-05:00

Friday, April 24: Friday Night Connection

We'll gather at the Stoker's home for sloppy tacos, games & fellowship. Please bring an appetizer, taco fixin's (cheese, lettuce, tomato, beans, guacamole, salsa, etc), dessert or drink to share. We plan to discuss "Quixote" from Carlos Fuentes' book, This I Believe, an A to Z of a Life. Bring a unique deck of cards or your favorite board game. Come prepared to have a great time!

Sunday, April 26: Community of Exploration Sunday school

The class meets at 9:40AM in Flinn Hall Lounge. COE will continue a new study on Challenging Faith. We'll watch the remainder of a "30 days" episode and discuss it. In the coming weeks we'll also view clips of a movie, "Religulous," in the context of a deeper understanding of challenging and/or defending our faith.

... In other news

Speak Up! What do you want?

The pastoral staff and lay leadership/adult education committees in our church are currently brainstorming ideas and areas of study for small groups to begin in the fall. The Young Wesleyans strength is small group study & fellowship. Be creative! I know there are ideas within our group that could make great studies. Please let Ginny Simank or Amy Reed know if you have an idea. If you feel called to attend that small group... great. If you feel called to LEAD that small group, great too!!

W.W.W.R.?

What would Wesley Read?

In an attempt to apply the Wesleyan Quadrilateral to life, we read and study scripture, practice tradition, apply reason and share experiences.

One way to widen our reasoning is to read and reflect... something we strive to do in Young Wesleyan fellowship. Please consider reading books, such as those listed below, to help our fellowship grow in grace, love and understanding of how God is working in & through our lives. If you find a book that inspires you, please share it with the group! (email ginnysimank@hotmail.com to add it to the list)

"Three Simple Rules" by Rueben Job

"Why Christianity Must Change or Die" by John Shelby Spong

"Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism" by John Shelby Spong

"Misquoting Jesus" by Bart Ehrman *our next SS study

"Jesus Interrupted" by Bart Ehrman *will follow above as SS study

"The Parents We Mean To Be" by Richard Weissbourd

Camping Trip this Friday!

2009-04-14T11:02:00.002-05:00

FRIDAY April 17-18
Isle of DuBois
at Lake Ray Roberts

We've reserved 4 campsites for Friday, 4/17, which holds up to 32 people. We'll divide the site rental fee among those in attendance.

Everyone is welcome!...
Families, Singles, Couples & Friends

Sleep under the stars...
Eat smores by the fire...
Laugh with good friends...
Let the kids run outside...
Card games, anyone???

NO EXCUSES TO MISS IT!

Don't have a tent?
                    REI rents them.

The forecast looks like it's going to rain Thursday night into Friday morning and then begin to clear for Friday afternoon and Saturday. We're going for it! Please send me an email (ginnysimank@hotmail.com) if you're planning to attend so that we can plan food and if 4 sites are too many, I can adjust the reservation.

We are planning to grill on Friday night. I'll have hot dogs and buns, so others should bring chips or sides. If we have a volunteer to bring fixin's for smores or other traditional fireside treats, please contact me as well.

Our reservation ends on Saturday afternoon at 2PM. We can stay and play as long as we'd like, but our sites need to be clean by then.

This is going to be great fun! I hope you'll come!!!

Friday Night Connection, April 3

2009-03-29T21:07:00.002-05:00

When? 6PM - ?

Where? The Simank's home

What? The grill will be fired up. Bring a meat or veggie to throw on the grill. Appetizers and drinks will be provided.

We're planning to discuss "Politics" from Carlos Fuentes' book This I Believe, an A to Z of a Life.

Bring a friend... or seven!

Friday Night Connection, March 27

2009-03-23T16:27:00.003-05:00

When? 6 PM

Where? The Stoker's home (click here for directions)

Menu? The Stoker's are providing meatball sub sandwiches. Please bring cheese, salad, side or dessert, plus a drink to share.

What will we discuss? "Odyssey" from Carlos Fuentes' book This I Believe an A to Z of a Life.

C'mon! We look forward to visiting with you. Bring yourself, the kids, and a friend.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

2009-03-15T18:49:00.003-05:00

Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Young Wesleyan's are supporting Denton Kiwanis Club's Taste of North Texas, which benefits the Children's Clinic. Come participate with us and enjoy tasting samples from North Texas area restaurants. Purchase your tickets in advance to save $1 each. CLICK HERE for more information. (No Friday Night Connection on 3/20.)

Q: What's up?

2009-02-17T08:07:00.002-06:00

A: Lots! Get your calendars ready.

Friday Night Connection, Feb. 20

Where? The Simank's house (email Ginny for directions, ginnysimank@hotmail.com)

What? Simank's & Stoker's providing BBQ chicken and pork, plus a potato dish and mini corn cobs. Please bring a side, salad or dessert and a drink to share.

Why? For fun & fellowship, but we'll also discuss "Left" from the Carlos Fuentes book, This I Believe.

Y.W. Community of Exploration Sunday School, Feb. 22

We are continuing our study of D. Kinnaman's book, unchristian, by reviewing chapter 4 "get saved." Please bring a friend! We have one more book available.

Something to think about...

Consider your 2009 resolutions and have fun the whole time! Register for the 3P - Paddle, Pound & Pedal Challenge through Denton's Parks & Recreation Department. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 28. You'll need to find a partner or 5, as you register in teams of 2 (for $85) or 6 (for $170) by March 13. Click here for more information.

Also in March... Chick Flick is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10.

Friday Night Connection, Feb. 6

2009-02-04T16:10:00.002-06:00

This week we're meeting at Shelly's house in Providence Village. We are so excited to see her new home! We will have spaghetti for dinner. Please bring an appetizer, garlic bread, salad or dessert, plus a drink to share. We'll discuss the "Jealousy" page (it's a 2 page chapter) from Carlos Fuentes' book, This I Believe, an A to Z of a life.

Please join us!!!

Community of Exploration Sunday School

2009-01-06T12:18:00.002-06:00

Jan 11, 2009

We will discuss the final chapter of N.T. Wright's "Simply Christian." Many thanks to Donna and Jon for leading us through this study!

Jan 18, 2009

We'll begin a new book by David Kinnaman, "unchristian." David will lead weekly discussions, chapter by chapter.

Please join us! We meet Sunday mornings at 9:40 AM in Flinn Hall Lounge.

First United Methodist Church

Friday Night Connection, Jan. 9

2009-01-06T12:12:00.002-06:00

This week we'll gather at the Simank's home for dinner at 6 PM. Spaghetti with sauce, meatballs optional, will be provided. Please bring garlic bread, salad or dessert and a drink to share.

We'll discuss God in Carlos Fuentes' book "This I Believe an A to Z of a Life."

Directions from FUMC Denton to the Simank's home.

Chick Flick Fellowship

2009-01-06T12:02:00.004-06:00

2nd Tuesday of every month...

Meet for dinner.

See a movie.

Tuesday evening, Jan. 13

Chili's in Denton (time TBD)

Movie at Cinemark (time TBD)

2009 brings new ideas and we're gathering the girls! We're creating a monthly, week night event for the girls - of any age - to come together for a meal and a movie. Please join us!

Email ginnysimank@hotmail.com for additional information.

Friday Night Connection

2008-12-18T16:44:00.002-06:00

This week we'll gather at Best Thai in Frisco Town Center at 5:30 PM. Following dinner, we'll participate in all the Christmas season fun right outside the restaurant. They've decorated the buildings with thousands of lights set to music. There's also a 3 lane snow slide, carriage rides ($), and more! We look forward to seeing you & friends!!!

Directions from FUMC-Denton to Best Thai in Frisco Town Center.

Link to information about Frisco's Christmas events.

For more information, please contact Ginny at ginnysimank@hotmail.com.

new to Friday nights?

2008-12-06T16:16:00.002-06:00

Okay, so you haven't come before and you're thinking of many excuses to stay away. Uh, no more! We won't bite, I promise. You can't even use the excuse, "But they're in the middle of a book, and I don't know what it's about, and I can't contribute if I don't have time to read, and..." Uh, I don't think it'll fly!

The greatness of our current book study for Friday nights is that every chapter stands on its own. Carlos Fuentes wrote "This I Believe, an A to Z of life" and I heard about it from a fellow student in Disciple Red last school year. Anyway, it's really awesome. He discusses God and politics, globalization of economies and love, and more. Each chapter averages 4-8 pages, a fairly easy feat even 15 minutes before gathering (yes, I've outed myself). Even if those last 15 minutes of reading time elude you, come anyway. The dynamics of the group are uplifting. It's good for the soul to gather with your community of Christ. Discussions are all over the map until we share thoughts on the current reading material, and even then, the non-readers of the week are drawn into the talk. It's so great!

So, I'm sorry to be the one to shoot down your excuses, one by one. If I've missed an excuse, respond with a comment and someone will persuade you to come anyway & to bring some appetizer with real cream cheese, too. Did I mention we like to eat? You DO eat, right?

going an extra mile

2008-12-06T15:36:00.002-06:00

The Christmas party last night was great! Good food, great friends... we had a total of 26 people attend. Very cool. Thanks for helping to make our angel a priority. We gathered a lot of clothes and a couple of toys to help make his Christmas a special one.

Coming up...

This Friday, Dec. 12, we have another special evening. We're planning to meet at the Stoker's home to organize baggies of cookies to deliver to some of our homebound members as we carol. No, we aren't professional singers and we haven't been practicing our harmony. "It's the thought that counts." ...and I'm counting on that (personally). I'll have songbooks for us, so we all sing the same song, same verse. We would like to meet back at the Stoker's for a soup dinner followed by cookies and cocoa, therefore, we will need to kick off the evening a bit earlier than normal. For anyone who can make it, Megan and I figure we should meet as early as 4PM to begin sorting cookies with the goal of singing at Good Samaritan (I believe) around 5 or 5:30PM. ***Please watch for exact details on Monday or Tuesday.***

Friday, Dec. 19 is open. Anyone interested in hosting our last get together before Christmas? The kids will be finished with school and the holiday's officially begin. After the 19th, our next Community Time is scheduled for January 9th. (Granted, during the mission trip some of you guys may get together for football bowl watching shin-digs.)

Have a great weekend! Remember... we're discussing Ch. 12 "Prayer" in Sunday school tomorrow. And, look forward to the children's choirs during worship!

Ginny

It's a new thing

2008-12-03T21:21:00.002-06:00

Hello friends,

We're trying a new thing... blogging. We'll continue weekly emails, but please keep in contact through our blog as well.

Don't miss the Young Wesleyan Christmas party this Friday night, 12/5 from 6:30-9:30PM at the Providence Clubhouse (809 Oakcrest, Providence Village, TX 76227). Bring the kids and some friends to celebrate the season! Also, mark your calendars for cookies, cocoa & Christmas caroling next Friday, 12/12. We are planning to visit some of our homebound church members. Bring two dozen of your favorite holiday cookie - some to share with the people we visit and others to eat! Perhaps even bring your recipe to share. We're looking forward to a good time!

Please contact Ginny at ginnysimank@hotmail.com for more information on current activities or if you have ideas for future social events.

Merry Christmas! We hope you'll join us in this adventure.