September 2009

“Reclaiming the city through the love of Christ”

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX PERMIT NO. 2371

927 West Tenth Street Dallas TX 75208 927 WEST TENTH STREET

9:30 a.m.

DALLAS, TEXAS 75208

Traditional Worship Blended Worship Sunday School for all ages

Ed Lantz Senior Pastor

Tyler Street Christian Academy

Summer camp and first day of school The Yearbook Staff attended Yearbook Camp in early August. We began the school year on August 24 with an opening day celebration in the gymnasium at 8:20 am. There was lots of enthusiasm and excitement as a new adventure begins for students, teachers and faculty.

This summer, our students enjoyed a much needed respite-- well, some of them anyway. Summer at the Street (TSCA Summer Camp) was in full operation beginning the second week of June. The campers enjoyed learning and having fun at the same time! They attended TSUMC Vacation Bible School and went on several field trips including visiting a Dallas Fire Department Station. Camp ended with a

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September, 2009

Local...Regional...Global

Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 a.m. 10:50 a.m.

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special presentation and luncheon with parents. Our high school athletes spent a lot of personal time during the summer working on their strength and conditioning. The Middle School and Varsity Cheerleaders attended ACA Cheer Camp held at the University of North Texas in Denton during the last week of July. The Middle School Squad returned as Camp Champions!

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) I’ve had the privilege now of serving Tyler Street for two months. During this time I have tried to prayerfully listen, observe, participate and get a sense of Tyler Street’s identity. “Who Are we?” is the question I’ve been pondering. Over the past few weeks, three words have been stewing in my soul: LOCAL…REGIONAL… GLOBAL. Almost every church will claim to be local, regional and global. I believe Tyler Street truly is distinctively local, regional and global. We are LOCAL. For ninety-seven years Tyler Street has been a vital part of Oak Cliff. Many of our members reside close to the church. Some are within walking distance. Our Community Service Outreach (CSO) is a lifeline to those in our neighborhoods. Vacation Bible School reminded us that there are vast numbers all around us who don’t have a church home. We are LOCAL. We are also REGIONAL. Many of our members do not live in Oak Cliff. Rather, they drive from all over the Metroplex. They come from the south, north, east and west. You should see our mailing list! In addition, Tyler Street has a vital connection with the North

Texas Annual Conference through ministries like C2K and Project Transformation. Recently I met a waiter in a restaurant in Bishop Arts. He asked what brought us to Oak Cliff to eat and I mentioned that I was serving at Tyler Street. He quickly said, “I’ve known of Tyler Street for years. I grew up Methodist on the north side of Dallas and always went to the IMPACT camps. Tyler Street used to have a big part in those camps.” I smiled and said, “We still do.” (p.s., Jon Farrer would enjoy talking to you about IMPACT). We are REGIONAL. We are GLOBAL. We’re global in two ways. Number one, we’re global by virtue of being United Methodist. Our connectional giving (i.e., “apportionments”) goes around the world (as well as North Texas) to further ministry. Number two, Tyler Street is uniquely global. We have a close relationship and a long history of supporting missionaries all over the world. This extended family serves Jesus Christ throughout the globe. Several times a year missionaries share the work they’re doing with Tyler Street. They keep us informed and inspired. When on furlough some of these servants worship with us and call Tyler Street their home. Tyler Street’s impact reaches some of the most remote, poor and spiritually hungry people on earth. We are GLOBAL. Jesus says, “and you will be my witnesses…” How are we witnessing in each of these places? How are we witnessing LOCALLY? What is our church currently doing? Also, what do we need to do to reach people for Christ? How can we make a

difference in the lives of those who live here? Oak Cliff is very unique because many residents have lived here for decades, yet many are new to the area and more are coming. If you live in Oak Cliff, you can be great witness for your church. May our local impact be so deep that it would be impossible to live in Oak Cliff without knowing of Tyler Street. How are we witnessing REGIONALLY? What are we currently doing that would be worth it for someone to drive to Oak Cliff? What keeps you coming? Also, what do we need to do to reach people for Christ? I believe that every member who lives outside of Oak Cliff can be a witness to his or her neighborhood, friends, family and co-workers. Imagine if everybody who does not live in Oak Cliff brought someone else who doesn’t live in Oak Cliff to Tyler Street. WOW. How are witnessing GLOBALLY? What are we currently doing? What do we need to do to reach more people for Christ? In this life we may never meet the recipients of our global impact, but we will meet them in heaven. May Tyler Street become an even more effective vessel for the Lord around the world. The beauty of LOCAL… REGIONAL…GLOBAL is that these three areas are not in competition with each other. Rather, they all work together for the same mission – “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” I am so thankful to be at Tyler Street. Thank you. Blessings, Ed

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Tyler Street Financial Update

To the Soul

Here is the final year-to-date information through July 31, 2009: Annual budgeted receipts $766,000 Month-to-date budgeted receipts for July $ 63,833 Month-to-date actual receipts for July $ 54,347 or 15% under budget Year-to-date budgeted receipts thru July 31 $446,833 Year-to-date actual receipts thru July 31 $428,368 or 96% of budgeted receipts Jan-July 2009 receipts under budget $ 18,465 or 4% under budget

Tyler Street’s future looks good by Frank Fosdick In his sermon on the mount, Jesus said in part “do not worry about tomorrow...” In spite of this excellent advise, I have been worried about the future of Tyler Street. For many years, I have been attending the early church service at 8:30 am. Most of the members attending this service are elderly. At Tyler Street, two of our older classes have been discontinued because the membership has dwindled to almost zero, and the Wedding Ring Class attendance has fallen. Some of our neighboring Methodist churches have had to close their doors because, as their members grew older and died, the church also died. And others appear to be struggling to stay open. Thus, I was worried about Tyler Street. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I did not have to worry very much about Tyler Street’s future. The recent ice cream and pounding party for our new pastor was attended by a large number of exuberant people, many children, teens, and adults of

all ages. Here was the future of our beloved church. Perhaps our many outreach programs have helped to sustain us: the Tyler Street Christian Academy, Tyler Street Manor and Tyler Street Community Service Outreach across the street have all played a part in our success. In scanning through the back of our weekly church bulletin, we can see that Tyler Street is a busy place with many programs where we can participate and/or serve. Our pastor, Ed Lantz, will be holding classes during September to discuss the basic beliefs of Methodism. They will be during the Sunday School hour in the Anniversary Classroom. So many people have expressed a desire to attend that he will also offer the series in October in the Wedding Ring Classroom. Our associate pastor, John Wilks, is spearheading a new educational and evangelistic program called “Alpha” and this provides many more opportunities for service. Because of some evangelistic work

that was done in November of 2007, I am convinced that many people in the areas surrounding our church need what we have to offer. These areas include Winnetka Heights, the Bishop Arts District, Stevens Park, Kessler Park and other outlying locations in Oak Cliff. I am constantly being told by nonmembers how much they have enjoyed attending our Summer Classics Series on Sunday nights. Usually, they are pleasantly surprised and very complimentary about the beauty of our sanctuary. This series opens the doors of our church to people from all over the Dallas area who otherwise would not realize that we have one of the most spectacular sanctuaries in all of Methodism. I look forward to the time when all Christian churches, with God’s help, will be able to share in our success as we all work to reverse the current trend toward atheism and apathy in our country. We will then be able to truthfully refer to our country as “one nation under God.”

We are thankful for our Tyler Street family As the month of September greets us, I have to ask, “Where did 2009 go?” With the fall season upon us, I am reminded that everything in life is for a season. Even life itself is but only a brief season. Amber and I are thankful for the season in our lives with you at Tyler Street and are saddened that the season has ended. You all have been a blessing to this Baptist country boy from Coleman, Texas. Since 2007, I have learned much about life in the city, serving in an inner city area, Methodism, and working with a top-notch choir, praise band, and instrumentalists. After setting foot on the TSUMC campus in October 2006, Amber and I have loved this church wholeheartedly and have made it a goal to serve faithfully and without reservation despite any challenges we faced. I believe we have been able to accomplish this goal despite the dissonant harmony encountered in our first several months with you, which by the grace of God beautifully resolved into melodious consonance. Excitement lies on the horizon for you at

TSUMC. You can rejoice and praise God for a wonderful pastor and staff. The ministries are strong at Tyler Street and lives are being changed through the many programs. I hope you will continue to lift up the church staff in your prayers and begin praying for the new Director of Music and Fine Arts. To Ed Lantz, John Wilks, Jon Farrer, Ray Truesdell, Julia Engel, Kay Talbert, Donna Reed, Delfina Esquivel: I praise God for you. I am thankful for your friendship and the lessons learned together. I appreciate your encouragement and guidance. To Ed Logan and Mary Anne Montgomery, I am at a loss for words. Thank you seems too simple. Without your talents, expertise, and faithfulness, the Department of Music and Fine Arts would look totally different. I am humbled and honored to serve with you. I cherish your friendship more than you know and I will deeply miss you. To each and every person who participates in the music ministries at TSUMC: Thank you! Amber and I love you in the

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Lord. I thank you for your patience and kindness and I marvel at your talents and your willingness to use them for the glory of God. I look forward to returning to Tyler Street in the future and rejoicing with you at the work that God has done and will do in the days ahead. PraSing Him, Billy and Amber Woods September, 2009

Mexico Missions Trip Nov. 22-28 Quotable Quotes It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you … yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand. ~ Mother Teresa What you do not understand, treat with reverence and be patient, and what you do understand, cherish and keep. ~ Augustine of Hippo

Children’s Haven in Reynosa was the destination for our trip last year and the experience was fantastic! You will have a great experience this year as you participate in this ministry to children and the surrounding community. Ask God if this is your time to go. Families are welcome. Work to be done includes remodeling windows, doors, plumbing, kitchen, bathrooms, walls and ceilings for children’s home # 3 and other painting and repair work. Another church has asked for the same date. If you are interested contact Don Lindholm 972-708-7154 or email [email protected]. A firm commitment is not needed yet, just let him know of your possible interest.

Blest Be the Tie that Binds ANNIVERSARY The class was opened on August 16 with the singing of “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee.” Carolyn Cunningham brought our devotion singing “He Touched Me.” Patsy Thompson’s lesson was if “Tomorrow Canceled.” We wish Mary Margaret a happy birthday on Thursday. Our visitor was Kay Harden. Thanks to John and Mozell for refreshments and the prayer. On August 30, the Anniversary Class joined the other adult Sunday School Classes to hear Scott and Lorna Burford. The Burfords are home from the mission field where they are stationed in the Philippines. They will be state side for about 6 months while they learn more about audio and visual capabilities in teaching the Bible in the native languages of the people they serve. They brought a very informative account of their work with the people in the Philippines and surrounding Asian area. CHALLENGE Aug. 16, Jere brought us another lesson to make us think: “Do you know who you are?” You are a child of God! In Christ, you are His. It was great to have the Satres visiting today! We also welcome visitors Ellen Berent and Larry West back. We hope they return again next week. Remember the retreat to

Lake Texoma Nov.13-15. Prayer requests: David Jones, Erin Jeter’s mother-in-law, Sean and Amy, and Shirley’s sister Sharon. COVENANT “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). We combined with other Sunday school classes on Sunday, August 30 to hear missionaries from South Asia, Scott and Lorna Burford. Kris Williams will continue with part two of her lesson on revival the following Sunday, September 6. Read Nehemiah 8 to review. Anthony will teach September 13 and 20, and Martha and Tim Matzke will share with us on Sundays, September 27 and October 4. Welcome to our visitors, Robyn Vrabel, Karoline Fisher, and Robert Brooks. Happy September birthday to Mike and Melissa Vrabel. TWO BY TWO Carl Schoonover gave our announcements on August 16. Shirley Jackson brought our devotion and prayer. Freddy Boswell taught a good lesson on feeding of the five thousand. Good lesson Freddy. On August 23, JoAnn Schroeder gave our announcements and led the class in singing. Mary Miller brought our prayer and Don Lindholm taught a good lesson on the scriptures. WEDDING RING Class opened on August 16 with Ed Logan at the piano as we sang “He Lives” followed by “America the Beautiful.” Thank you Ed, welcome back.

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Evelyn reported that Marie Bourell was in the hospital in Austin due to a very serious fall. It is thought that she had another “TIA” and fell backwards. When she is able to leave the hospital she will go to rehab. Keep her in your prayers. Joe had the prayer this morning and LaVerne followed with a devotion. Frank had another outstanding lesson. It is remarkable how he can do so well with no notes what so ever! He always says something that makes us have several good laughs. We were delighted to have Ed Lantz visit our class today. Class opened on August 23rd with wonderful Ed Logan at the piano as we sang “More About Jesus” and “Near the Cross.” Evelyn reported that Marie Bourell is still in rehab in Austin in quite a bit of pain and has trouble with her eyes. Helen is still home due to health problems. Linda Wheeley is having some tests done, also. Mary Etta gave a devotion on “Sitting on the Front Porch and Swinging.” Just like the old days. August birthdays for Ed Thomas, Peggy Wilbur, Mary Etta and our very own Ed Logan! Ace continued his outstanding lesson in the book of Acts Chap. 6 and 7 with the twelve disciples saying they would not give up preaching the word of God. They devoted themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. September, 2009

Reception for Billy and Amber Woods

Evangelism by Sandy Flair MYTH #1: It is the responsibility of the church staff to win souls for Christ. While it is true that pastors are called to preach the gospel, in reality, most of their teaching is presented to the church family and those few who may have come to church seeking God. But it is not humanly possible for pastors to reach all the lost souls in our community. Ephesians 4:11-12 tells us that church leaders are responsible for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry. Therefore, since the work of ministry is not exclusive to our pastors, it’s up to each one of us to share the gospel with non-believers. That’s why Jesus told His disciples to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15) In the Book of Acts, Christ’s authority and mission to spread

the good news was transferred to His followers. The purpose of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as presented in Acts is to empower the Church (you and me) for ministry. Acts 1:8 says: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The term witness means a person who gives testimony. The believer’s life and word serve as a witness to the world about the hope that is found in Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:19 tells us that when we (all Christians) have been reconciled with Christ, we are given the ministry to lead the lost to come to peace with God. Psalm 96:2 tells us to “Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” If we believe God is great, we cannot help

telling others about Him. As you can see, the Scriptures are full of challenges to each one of us to tell the wondrous story. God has called us and expects us to be obedient. In His word He has given us the instructions we need to carry out His command. We must not neglect this foundational principle of the Church. While we have the responsibility to put this challenge into action, it’s God’s responsibility to produce results by drawing people to Himself through the Holy Spirit. Sitting back and doing nothing is not an option. People really do matter to God. The time is short. PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for providing shepherds for your flock. Help us to join them in reaching out to the non-believers in our communities.

Our Church Family t Sunday, September 13, Scott and Vicky Satre, Tyler Street missionaries with Wycliffe to Cameroon, Africa, will be speaking on their work at both Sunday morning services. t You are invited to a baby shower for Donald and Erin Montgomery Ward on Sunday, September 6 from 2-4 pm in the Sanctuary Parlor. Come and meet baby Caleb Aaron Ward who is now two months old. The Wards are registered at Target. Hostesses are Ann Foster and Kimberly Montgomery. t There will be a training session for Children’s Church workers in Yeats Hall on Sunday, September 13 after the 10:50 am worship service. Anyone who is interested is invited. Lunch will be provided. t The monthly meeting of The Heart to Heart women’s group will be held on Saturday, September 19, at 10 a.m. at the home of Lynn Chapman. All ladies are invited. Come early for refreshments and fellowship. t Methodist Hospital’s Cancer Center is in need of caps, hats and turbans for newly

diagnosed cancer patients. If anyone has a knack for knitting or loves to sew and would be willing to help with this project, please contact Carla Boss at 214-942-2166. t Congratulations to Kay Bruner who graduated in August from Dallas Baptist University with a Master’s Degree in Counseling. t Our love and sympathy to Bob and Carole Bogart in the loss of Carole’s mother, Evelyn Ginske. t Heart to Heart Women’s Bible Study will NOT meet on Sunday evening, September 6 due to Labor Day weekend. t Charlton Methodist Hospital will host an open house on Saturday, September 12 from 12 noon to 4 pm to celebrate the opening of their New Bed Tower. Enjoy entertainment, refreshments and prizes. t The Church Office will be closed on Monday, September 7 for Labor Day. t The Evangelism/Discipleship Committee will meet Thursday, September 10 at 7 pm in the Conference Room.

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t The Lay Leadership (Nominating) Committee will meet on Sunday, September 13 at 5 pm in the Covenant Classroom. t The Finance Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 15 at 7 pm in the Conference Room t The Church Council will meet on Tuesday, September 29 at 6:30 pm in Yeats Hall. t Our back parking lot is getting a new face lift. Thank you to all who made this possible.

MEMORIALS In memory of Mary Young given by Carol Bilz, Butch and Carla Boss, Marie Bourell, Alice Hargis, Chastine Wieting, John and Betty Dodd, Dr. Bill and Anna Lawhorn, Dwain and Marilyn Smith. In memory of Jack Bilz given by Chastine Wieting. In honor of Frank Fosdick’s 90th birthday given by Frances Grimes. In honor of Beatrice Truesdell given by Dorothy West. September, 2009

There will be a reception this Sunday, September 6 in Yeats Hall following the 10:50 am worship service to honor Billy and Amber Woods. Join us in saying good-bye and thank you for their ministry here at Tyler Street. You may also bring a gift for baby Luke. Billy and Amber are registered at Target and Babies ‘R Us

God answers prayer! Laurie and I would like to thank all of you for your prayers and support over the past week. Little Ian is home and expected to make a full recovery. The night before the surgery, I asked Laurie how she was holding up. She looked at me and said, “God is giving me strength. I can feel how people are praying for us.” I cannot explain the hope and encouragement your prayers and support gave to us. Thank you, thank you, thank you! When we talk about the sickness and the surgery from now on, we will always be quick to tell how God’s people stood in the gap for us. Your faithfulness in prayer is just one more way that Tyler Street keeps showing the power of the Gospel. May our church continue to be a house of prayer, and may we all continue to love one another just as Jesus has taught us to do. Grace and peace, John Wilks

Tom Thumb Good Neighbor Program If anyone would like to add the Tyler Street United Methodist Church number to their reward card at Tom Thumb, Randalls, Simon David or Safeway, we would receive 1% of every dollar you spend there as a contribution. Our church number is 1051. You can link Tyler Street to your Reward Card by completing a Reward Application Form at any Courtesy Booth at the store. Fill in the top portion and the “Good Neighbor Program” section, indicating what account number to link to your card. to keep up to date with V isitall thewww.tsumc.org activities happening at Tyler Street. Associate Pastor John Wilks has added new features to our website. Visit the Tyler Street Blog Spot by visiting the website and clicking on “TSUMC Blog.” Also on the blog, you can listen to morning messages and interact on our online community.

Practical Faith (For the next five Sundays, Pastor Ed will present a short sermon series from the book of James) August 30 ............... James 1:19-25 ............ “Who Wants to Be Blessed?” September 6 ........... James 2:1-13 .............. “No Playing Favorites” (September 13 is Missions Sunday with the Satres) September 20 ......... James 3:1-12 .............. “Taming the Tongue” September 27 ......... James 4:4-10 .............. “Getting on God’s Good Side” October 4 ................ James 5:7-12 .............. “Be Patient”

Celebrating Stewardship “Stewardship is primarily God’s economy for the world. Whoever is God’s steward is on a journey with Jesus Christ to serve God’s redemption of the world in the manifold places where the world is threatened by sin, evil and death….Stewards are not simply born. We are created and molded as stewards by the Holy Spirit in a lifelong process that includes conversion to the shape of life we see in Jesus Christ and many experiences of losing and finding our way in the Way of the Lord.” (M. Douglas Meeks, in Stepping Stones of The Steward, xiii-xiv)

Tyler Street: Who We Are Beginning Sunday, October 4, Pastor Ed will lead a new class on the history, beliefs and mission of the United Methodist Church and Tyler Street. This four-week class may be helpful to inquisitive visitors and new members, as well as long time members wanting a refresher. „ „ „ „

Week 1 (October 4) – Our History Week 2 (October 11) – Our Beliefs Week 3 (October 18) – Our Beliefs Week 4 (October 25) – Our Mission and Ministries

When: Where: Time:

October 4 - October 25 (Sunday mornings) The Wedding Ring Class which meets in Anderson Hall Parlor 9:40 am – 10:40 am

& Tyler Street: Who We Are If interested in attending the October class, please fill out this form and place it in the offering plates. Name __________________________________________________________ Mailing address _________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Phone _________________________________________________________ Email __________________________________________________________

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September, 2009

Why I attend Tyler Street

July report from missionary David Beevers

by Susan Remele

Greetings from a much warmer Bulawayo. It has been a long cold winter for us this year but at least it is getting warmer. July has been a very good month for ministry. The main event was the Davidic School of Ministry from Australia. Lyn Keating, the dean of the school, came over and we team taught, never having met before. It was absolutely great. We just flowed together. We had an international group – one from Malawi, three from Zambia and three from Zimbabwe. In four days we completed the first stream – the overview. It was just a bit hectic as I was the host as well – which meant organizing the food and doing the buying, not to mention meeting the guys as they arrived sometimes very late at night, cold and hungry. One of the pastors from Zambia arrived around 10:30 p.m. so I brought him home, fed him and put him to bed. The next night, two more arrived late so I bought them pies and coke before taking them to the conference centre. All the guys did very well, absorbing the teaching and being fully involved in the activities. It was pretty intensive – from 0845 to 2100 most days. Not much time for anything else. We really got to see the heart of David and the heart of God. The Davidic School of Ministry kicks off in Zimbabwe next month and two more should be on stream by the end of the year. The approach is very different from most schools as it is a school of the Spirit and carries no academic qualification. Tuesday I leave for Gwanda South for our pastors conference followed by church conference over the weekend. We are really looking forward to it as we did not have one last year due to the death of my wife, Nola, and me being in England. I leave England October 14 for Canada and the USA. I will be traveling for the next 8 weeks visiting Wilmington, DE, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Atlanta, Houston, Port Lavaca and Dallas. If you are anywhere near the route and would like to be in contact or see me, please email as soon as possible at [email protected]. It has been a busy time in Bulawayo, preaching and counselling. I will be in England again for Christmas staying with Darren and Cheryl. The Lord bless you all. In His service, David Beevers

The short answer: I feel it is where God wants me to be. I have left Tyler Street several times during my life but have always returned. God lives and breathes at Tyler Street and I can always feel his presence and love. I truly believe God has blessed Tyler Street more than we’ll ever know. The long answer: I am a Tyler Street baby, born and raised. Tyler Street is my family. My

connections go way back to 1933 when my grandparents came to Tyler Street (Nelle & Ward Remele) and my dad (Laird) was 6 years old. My parents married in 1953 at Tyler Street and my sisters both attended TSCA. Having this kind of background and roots rarely exists today. I am very proud of my Tyler Street Christian heritage. The Crosswise play which I was honored to participate in, entitled “Stained” pretty much sums up my years of member-

ship at Tyler Street; one generation after another serving God and loving each other. Although I do not live in Oak Cliff, the fact that Tyler Street is in Oak Cliff, makes me extremely proud; a church with a heart for God serving Him in the heart of the city. Our church is almost 100 years old and I am very proud to be part of its unbelievable history. I love being part of the big picture and Tyler Street is definitely part of God’s big picture.

Give Them Christ! “But we preach Christ, crucified.” – 1 Corinthians 1:23 NIV John Wesley was mightily used by God to set off a great revival that swept England and America. Wesley realized the Methodist movement in the American colonies needed able leadership. He decided to send Thomas Coke on a ship to his new assignment. The future of the revival

in America would rest squarely in the shoulders of Coke. Tradition tells us that Mr. Wesley spoke only these three words of instruction to the new missionary, “Give them Christ!” Is your spiritual life feeling a little off-center lately? Perhaps you have been trifling on tangents. The latest religious phase or fad will not last. Jesus is the center of the Christian

life. Make him the hub of each day. If Christ is the center of our lives, the circumference will take care of itself. – Unknown

John Wesley

Summer Is Over…. But it was a good one! School is finally here (insert collective groaning here) but its not too late to take one last look back at the final weeks of summer. July 29th – August 1st many youth attended IMPACT Camp at Camp Bridgeport. The theme was “Peace, Love, Guts” and was centered around overcoming our fears as Christians. While there, the youth engaged in daily worship, devotion, and small group discussion. The very next week the youth had their annual Youth Week where each night a different fellowship event was held. Various youth pastors from around the area came and spoke. Afterwards the youth engaged in activities such as roller skating, a mall man hunt, and a movie night. The week ended with a laser tag lock-in (see picture at left). It was a great way to close out an eventful summer. Monthly news at Tyler Street United Methodist Church

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September, 2009

Top left: Making out a time line of the life of David. One of the many activities on the course. Top right: L-R Back row: Johnnnn Kiseba, Tristain Lusambo, Nkosilathi Ndlovu, Nathan Nyorongo. Front row. Elisha Musoni, Davies Nderema, Vulindlela Ndlovu, Lyn Keating. Bottom: Graduates with their certificates at the end of the course.

Alpha is a ten-week introduction to the Christian faith. Alpha stands for: n Anyone can come. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Christian faith is welcome. n Learning and laughter. Join others in a relaxed atmosphere. n Pasta (or other great food.) Each weekly session begins with a home-cooked meal. n Helping one-another. Dinner is followed by a large group presentation and then a small group discussion. n Ask anything. Here’s your chance to ask your questions and express your opinions. Come learn more at our Introductory Dinner on Monday, September 14 @ 7:00 in Yeats Hall. Please RSVP below so we can prepare enough food.

&

Alpha RSVP

Name(s): _______________________________________________________ Phone and/or e-mail: ______________________________________________ ______ Yes- save me a seat at the table for the Introductory Dinner ______ Go ahead and register me for the Alpha Course I need childcare for ______ children, age(s) _____________________

Monthly news at Tyler Street United Methodist Church

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September, 2009