Youth Ukes – Starts Sunday, August 13th 10:00-10:30 AM
Do you play the ukulele? Or have you always wanted to learn how to play the ukulele? Or do you have a ukulele that is collecting dust?
Well, then Youth Ukes is for you! The fun begins Sunday, August 13th.
The group will meet Sundays during the first part of the Sunday School hour.
If you are interested in joining, please contact Brock Johnson - musicdirector@svumc.org. This way we can make sure we have enough instruments for everyone.
Youth & Parent Fall Bible Study – Stories that Jesus Told
*Starts August 13th
Youth and parents join us for our next Bible Study Series – Stories that Jesus Told - 6 Sessions.
Jesus was a storyteller. He used parables to teach us important lessons. This study will dive into the most memorable teachings in scripture, providing inspiration and hope.
Youth Ukes or Fellowship: 10:00-10:30 AM
Bible Study: 10:30-10:50 AM
Location: Youth Room
Dates: 8/13, 8/20, 8/27, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24
Bring your parents and Bible!
Spring Valley UMC at work!
This morning I attended Network of Community Ministries (NETWORK) annual Convocation of Stakeholders. This was an organization I knew nothing about before last week when I ran into Tom Purcell outside of my office. Tom’s passion for Network is obvious, so when he invited me to attend the meeting and take a tour of the new facility I was happy to go. I had no idea what was in store!
Also attending the meeting was the Rev Cathey Sweeney, a colleague of mine in the North Texas Conference and one of the associate pastors at Arapaho UMC, and dozens of other community leaders. I met the CEO, Abbie Kauffman, who started there last September. I met several Board members. I learned that Spring Valley UMC is an official stakeholder. There was so much amazing information offered- I wish there had been a handout so that I could articulate to you the range of services Network makes possible. Even if you know, you don’t know. Like the demand for many services doubled over the last year.
On the tour, I saw meeting rooms where neighbors learn life skills or receive job training. We walked through the food market, which is designed to look like a store, so that guests can actually shop and choose which foods best meets their family’s tastes or dietary requirements. The clothing store is tremendous. The site is even an emergency center for the City of Richardson should a catastrophic event happen. It was all overwhelming but in the best way. It’s great to see people in the community- 14 zip codes of Richardson ISD, the fifth most inclusive school district in Texas- hearing and meeting so many diverse needs. And doing so that neighbors- obviously that word is intentional- are helped in a way that empowers them and ensures their dignity.
I know Spring Valley has many people who volunteer at Network in a variety of ways, so I let me say thank you for living out your faith there. If you would like to get plugged in, start here: https://thenetwork.org/volunteer/
The night before, I attended my first Missions Committee meeting at the church. Again… I had no idea! Spring Valley supports, serves, helps so many groups and ministries locally and beyond, in addition to the denominational support we give through our United Methodist connection. I loved hearing from everyone around the table and over Zoom where and how people are serving. I tried to take notes, but I know I missed some. Just check out the breadth of ministries we support: Network, Salud y Paz, Sisters of Sierra Leone, North Texas Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, several elementary schools, Restoration Team (not just funding; the youth mission trip has traveled to Houston the last two years, and they plan to return next year). The group decided to send financial support to: Network ($1000), Close to Home, the North Texas Conference partnership with UMCOR to assist Jack County following the tornado a couple of years ago ($1000); North Texas Food Bank ($500). I am very grateful for David Smith’s leadership of this team, and for everyone who serves there.
Borrowing from the sermon text for this Sunday, “Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ; Let’s work together for the good of all whenever we have an opportunity…” (Galatians 6:2, 10). There is a vital connection between what we believe and what we do. I am proud to be part of a congregation with a long history of commitment to meet the needs of those we are called to serve and love in our neighborhood, city, and world.
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Frank
Blessing of the Backpacks – Sunday, August 13th
Kick off back to school with us for the Blessing of the Backpacks.
Students, please bring your backpacks to the 11 AM Services (Traditional and Common Ground) to be blessed. The students will receive a backpack tag to be a reminder of their blessing, and that their church family will be praying for them to have a safe and successful school year.
We also, want to invite all teachers and educators to join us this day for a special recognition and blessing.
A couple of weeks ago I was nearing the end of my office decorating. I remembered how many Zoom calls I had participated in over the previous three years- how the background behind my head communicated so much to the people on the other end of the video call. Put something visually interesting there; think about lighting, etc. I turned on my computer’s camera to look behind me- and I saw an empty corner. I need a plant! Where can I find an unused plant around here? Upstairs!
There is a room up there that is used for storage. I stashed my office stuff there for the month or so before Pastor Paul moved out. I found a plant! But then… hello. What’s in this box?? T-shirts. T-shirts from youth choir tours. From 2012. Or 2011. These were brand new, never worn. I grabbed three XLs: my favorite is the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from 2008. Seriously, find me at Kroger or someplace and there is a good chance I will be wearing a Spring Valley UMC t-shirt from a dozen or more years ago! What were those tours like? Who attended? Is anyone from those tours still around the church?
I read an article today by Dr. Bill Wilson, founder and director of the Center for Healthy Churches in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, called “Four Traps for Clergy When Moving to a New Congregation.” He said,
A new minister coming into a congregation is a wonderful season of new beginnings and possibilities. People await a new pastor with great expectations. Often those expectations are exaggerated and grandiose. The new pastor is seen as the one who will reverse decades of decline, inspire apathetic congregants, make everyone happy at all times, and never disappoint. Sometimes the grandiosity is in the mind of the new minister. She or he thinks this church is everything the last church was not. The grass looks so green on this side of the fence! Personal foibles and bad habits are overlooked in the infatuation with a new opportunity.
Unrealistic expectations, wherever they originate, are a setup. They lead us away from God’s design for us and His church. And they trap us in impossible situations. A new minister will never succeed as the Messiah, and the congregation will soon expose its cracks and fissures, reminding everyone that it really isn’t heaven on earth. Talking about this and anticipating the inevitable disappointments is an essential component of a healthy relationship between minister and congregation. The humility that comes when we acknowledge that we are all earthen vessels and deeply flawed is a great place to begin a relationship between minister and congregation.
Dr Wilson also mentioned the importance of the new pastor’s first 100 days: “The first 100 days offer a never-to-be-repeated opportunity for a new minister to define himself or herself and establish some trajectories for ministry.” I am now at my 15th day at Spring Valley, meaning I have another 85 days to go (I’m not counting the week I will spend in Florida at the end of this month with a group of students from Grace UMC; more on that next Friday!). Throughout August and September there will be many times for me to hear from you and you from me- sometimes in small to medium sized groups, sometimes one on one. I am always available Tuesday-Friday for coffee, lunch, chats in the office.. only call the church or email fdrenner@svumc.org to make sure I am around. We can also connect via social media; find me at pastorfrankdrenner.com or Frank Drenner III on Facebook and Instagram.
The experience of the hidden t-shirts made me think of all the forgotten, untold or undertold Spring Valley UMC stories. I want to hear all of them, and over the next three months I hope to take every opportunity to hear and celebrate as a new vision for our ministry together forms. In the meantime, yes, there are absolutely more shirts up there in the box if you want one!
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Frank
📢 Attention everyone! 🎒📚
Join us for the Back to School Drive, taking place from July 7 to August 7 in partnership with the Network of Community Ministries! We're dedicated to supporting families in need and ensuring their children have the necessary supplies for school success.
We're excited to sponsor the Richardson ISD's Backpack Bash once again. This incredible event provides school supplies and essentials to families in need, ensuring students are well-prepared for the upcoming school year.
In addition to school supplies, we're also collecting school uniform pieces and children's clothing for our Clothing Closet. Your generous donations will help students feel confident and ready to tackle the school year.
Moreover, we're gathering food donations to support students and their families. While they receive breakfast and lunch during the school week, the collected food will help provide dinner and weekend meals.
Here's how you can contribute to this meaningful cause:
1️⃣ Make a financial contribution: Your support will enable us to participate in the Backpack Bash and provide backpacks and supplies to families in need. Donate today at www.thenetwork.org/donate and select "Tools for Schools" in the drop-down menu. If you prefer, you can also donate cash or checks made out to Network of Community Ministries. In the MEMO line, please write "Tools for School."
2️⃣ Donate children's clothing to the Clothing Closet: Help students attend school in new clothing by donating items such as khaki pants, polo shirts, new socks, and underwear.
3️⃣ Contribute food for families: We are currently requesting canned meat and fish, baking items (oil, sugar, flour, etc.), and single-serve snack items like cookies, chips, crackers, and fruit snacks.
For clothing and food donations, please contact Shea Harrington at sharrington@svumc.org. Drop off your contributions outside of Shea's office.
Let's come together as a community to make a difference in the lives of students and their families. Your support will pave the way for a brighter future! 🌟
God’s mercies are new every morning! But sometimes it is easy for us to get stuck in the same old routine. Let’s hit the “reset button,” so we can claim the fresh start God makes available to us. As we rediscover our true identity in the love of God, we will discover new purpose and, guided by the compass of God’s values, head off in an exciting God-given direction!
Week 1: Soul Reset | Luke 3:21-23
Resetting your soul begins with remembering who you are. In baptism, God calls us beloved.
Week 2: Reset Purpose | Mark 1:32-39
Spending time with God enables us to start each day with intention. Centered living comes from understanding God’s purpose in this season.
Week 3: Reset Values | Galatians 5:24-6:10
What does it mean to live by God’s Spirit and not our own, to live according to God’s values and not those of the world?
Week 4: Reset Direction | Acts 9:1-15
Whether we’ve been in the church for a long time or are exploring the faith, Jesus sometimes calls us to move in a new direction, even when we think we are already heading in the right direction.
📣 Join us for an incredible Sunday at SVUMC on August 6th! Pastor Frank will deliver an inspiring sermon on "Life Lessons from Baseball." Wear your favorite Rangers gear and worship with us at 11 AM, followed by an exciting Rangers game at 1:35 PM. Don't forget to grab a delicious box lunch from Jason's Deli for the road. Carpooling is encouraged, so if you're interested in helping, contact Shea Harrington. Tickets are just $30 and include the game ticket and lunch. Let's have an amazing day together! ⚾🙏
Pastor Paul Gould’s Farewell Reception – Sunday, June 25th
After the church, all are welcome to attend our Senior Pastor Paul Gould’s Farewell Reception.
His wife Julie will be there as well.
It will be held at 12pm after church in Wesley Hall. We encourage you to extend your personal thanks and best wishes.
Deadline for Paul’s Love Offering – June 16th
Love Offerings – Cash, Check or Online (through Clover)
Bert Johnson’s Farewell Reception – Sunday, May 21st
After the Te Deum, all are welcome to attend our Director of Music Ministries, Bert Johnson’s Farewell Reception.
His wife Julie and daughter Ava will be there as well.
It will be held at 12pm after church in Wesley Hall. We encourage you to extend your personal thanks and best wishes.
Deadline for Bert’s Love Offering – May 12th
Love Offerings – Cash, Check or Online (through Clover)
Would you join us on May 21st? One of the final things I’d like to do while I’m at SVUMC is perform “Te Deum” in a worship service. We will be rehearsing Wednesday evenings specifically for this piece from 7-8pm on 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, and 5/17. Saturday 5/13 from 1-3pm, and 5/20 9am-12pm. If you would like to join us but are unable to be with us Wednesday evenings, you could join us for the two Saturday rehearsals. There will be a link below to prepare at home with rehearsal aids. We so look forward to sharing “In Praise of God”….
Join us as we celebrate our graduating seniors Class of 2023 during the 11 AM Services.
There will be a light reception in the logia area following the service. This will be a wonderful time to congratulate our graduates and celebrate with them.
Come celebrate Mother’s Day with us! Our Next Generation Choir (Children’s and Youth students) will be putting on a Mother’s Day Concert for all the Moms, Aunts, Grandmothers in our church family.
The concert will be in the sanctuary. Be sure to invite all the Moms in your life!
Join us as we celebrate and confirm our Confirmation students during the 11 AM Services.
There will be a light reception in the logia area following the service. This will be a wonderful time to congratulate our students and celebrate with them.
Pastor Rosedanny and her family invites you to join them in celebrating the soon arrival of their third baby, Luis Daniel. We will have some games and snacks for everyone to enjoy!
It will be on April 23rd after worship, at 12:30 PM in Wesley Hall!
The greatest gift is your presence, but if you want to bring something for the baby, you can purchase it from our registry.
https://www.babylist.com/list/rosedanny
We hope to see you there!
"As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 20:21
This summer our Youth Students will be serving the Houston, TX area with The Restoration Team restoring homes affected by recent storms. To help make this possible, our fundraising goal is $6,000.
This week of mission work and projects will impact the lives of those we serve, and the lives of our students. Serving someone is the best way to show they are loved and cared for!
Would you be willing to support our projects, transport, food costs, a fun day, and students who want to attend? We appreciate any giving to help us fund this trip and any scholarships needed for students. Thank you for supporting our student ministries!
Please give online via REALM (use the QR code or CLICK HERE) ALL giving is tax deductible.
Resurrection Walk – Sunday, 9th during Sunday School
Our children celebrate Holy Week in a special way with a Resurrection Walk. Retracing the events of the last week of Jesus' life, they fill their Easter baskets with symbols of Christ's sacred love. Have your children bring their baskets and join in this wonderful witness of faith.
It’s already time to start thinking about your kiddos’ summer plans! (How is that possible?) Please plan for this year’s 2023 Worship Arts Camp at SVUMC! This weeklong camp encourages children to tap into various fine arts as a tool for worship.
Ages: Completed Kindergarten - entering 7th grade.
June 19th - 23rd
9:00am-12:00pm Mon- Fri.
Children will be participating in a full staged musical that they will put together in 5 days. This year we will perform, "Tell Me The Truth".
It’s 1970, and time for the grooviest game show on television, “Tell Me the Truth”. Host Jane Cheese, and intrepid announcer Johnny Glibb guide our 3 contestants Skip (a catch and release mosquito wrangler), Mildred (an amateur surgeon) and Adrian (a freelance astronaut) through what should be a simple array of Bible questions. The answers are surprising, and seemingly wrong, until the judges, and all of us, take a fresh look and discover the real meaning and message — Jesus! A bit shorter than most of our musicals, fast-paced, and fun!
Tuition is $80 and covers the cost of craft supplies, snacks, t-shirts, and staff costs.
Scholarships are available, we want all to be able to participate in all that God does during this amazing week.
Click HERE to Register Registration is Limited!!
Preschool siblings? Contact Suzan Meyer: smeyer@svumc.org
We will have two opportunities to celebrate Ash Wednesday on February 22nd. We will have a drive-in/walk-in for ashes from 11:30am-1:00pm. Everyone is invited to come for the imposition of ashes. There are two ways to participate - you can drive-thru, and one of the pastors will be outside, or you are welcome to park and walk into the sanctuary.
That evening we will have our Ash Wednesday Service at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary as well.
