Being Present
The picture on the front page of The Dallas Morning News this morning captured the moment well. There, amidst the river-strewn debris near Camp Mystic in Kerr County, was a hand-painted sign that simply read, “Jesus Wept”—the shortest verse in the Bible (John 11:35). It also captured the moment well when Jesus encounters Mary, Martha, and their grieving community after the death of their brother Lazarus. There is nothing else to do in that moment except cry. No finger-pointing, no what-ifs, no theological rationalization—none of that is of any help. Only crying is—being present with tears and hearts.
Like you, my heart has been heavy all week since the news broke … and continues to break. We immediately contacted longtime friends and members of FUMC Kerrville to confirm they were okay. They were. But they knew people who would never come home. It was heartbreaking. All I could do was affirm that Cammy and I were present with them in their personal and community losses, and in sadness of heart and prayer.
I often tell people that the book of Job is one of the great teachers of how to be both helpful and unhelpful in the face of unimaginable loss. Job loses everything to tragedy; there is nothing to do but sit in the stunned silence of his unspeakable grief. His two friends come, and for a week, simply sit with him—saying nothing. Counselors would tell you they could not have been more helpful to their friend. Then they blow it. They start asking questions about what he could have done to cause this. What did he do to deserve it? It is painful to read, in large part because it captures biblically what we so quickly move to: the blame-and-rationalization game. For people who are hurting, that is nothing but cruel.
No, at the end of the day, we are left gasping in our speechlessness in the face of such tragedy. Yes, there will come a time when hard lessons can be heard—about weather forecasting and warnings, about early response systems that rural counties have difficulty affording, and about the plain human tendency to minimize the importance of such things. But that time is not now. Now is the time to simply be present with those we know affected by this tragedy, and to be present with each other—sometimes in silence and tears that say, “I know.”
Lord, remember them unto your kingdom,
Matt Gaston
Lead Pastor
P.S. FUMC Plano is receiving donations for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). 100% of your gifts will go toward disaster relief in the affected area of our sister Rio Texas Conference. You can give HERE, and select “UMCOR Disaster” from the drop-down menu.
Wearing Shorts and a T-Shirt to Work
It’s not often that I do that—except when I work with the Yardbirds on a Friday morning doing yardwork at the church. But I’m wearing them today as I travel an hour and a half west to spend time with our youth at Conference Camp on Lake Bridgeport—the Mount Horeb for thousands of children, youth, and adults who have met God there over the decades. It is one of the great joys of my calling as a pastor.
During my time there today, I’ll hear stories from the youth about small group study and conversation, time in the pool and on the sand volleyball court, perhaps some shaving cream fights, late nights and tired days (especially toward the end of the week), camp food, silliness, singing—all told with lots of smiles and laughter.
For Courtney White, Matthew Hopson, Riley Hilton, Griffin Shoemaker, and Sarah Bush Henson—our FUMC Plano counselors there with some 150-200 youth—it is work, to be sure. But it is work made lighter by the knowledge that God is at work in all of it.
The leadership team has come together in a spirit of unity, purpose, and joy.
Griffin Shoemaker, our Modern Worship Leader, is not only leading music but also preaching his first sermon at Vesper Point.
Youth have been encountering the depth of God’s love as they sit on benches at sunset, staring at the cross on that same point.
Jaeson Antley, one of our youth, signed up for camp the day before it began—right after returning from South Korea with his family.
New friendships are forming as our youth connect with others from different churches, already making plans to reunite NEXT year at Bridgeport.
Inspired by the Spirit, our youth are reaching out and inviting others to experience what God is doing at camp.
All of these are just some of the energized evidence of God “passing by” at Bridgeport Camp and working wonders in their midst.
So I put on my shorts and t-shirt to go to work today—to see what all God has been doing in these young people’s lives. Hallelujah! Amen.
Connecting God and Grace to Self and Community,
Pardon Our Construction; Lives Being Built
A new view of what’s taking shape — thanks to Ephraim Nitanga for capturing this exciting moment from above!
It has taken longer than anyone anticipated, but we have finally obtained the necessary permits from the City of Plano to begin the construction planned since our land sale a year and a half ago. Heavy equipment is now rumbling, grading dirt for the new driveway and 60-space parking lot. Ground will now be broken for the new Yardbird Shed next to the Gym.
In short, we will experience what I call “construction chaos” for a few weeks this summer as these new things are built. We will work hard to make parking as least inconvenient as possible. But the construction is also a sign—a sign that something else is under construction: people’s lives.
Not visible to all, we have persons among us—new and long-established—whose lives are in various stages of “construction chaos” as the Spirit works to build or rebuild them. We have people grieving the loss of a spouse, struggling with cancer and Alzheimer’s, still seeking employment after a layoff, dealing with mental health challenges, substance abuse, loneliness, setbacks at school, and anxiety about loved ones.
In all these real-life circumstances, God’s healing Holy Spirit is at work—through prayer and through the presence of others among us—to help build new piers, new foundations, new places to stand. It’s messy. It hurts. And it always takes longer than anyone wants.
However, by faith, new life is being built—because God is always in the business of building new life. Christ’s resurrection was the ultimate statement of that truth. Pentecost’s “groundbreaking” for the Church affirmed it again. And 2,000 years later, we claim that truth for ourselves—even as we direct people where to park on the grass and where to park their lives for a time of healing, construction, and new life.
Thanks for your patience.
Connecting God and Grace to Self and Community,
Matt Gaston
Lead Pastor
Letter from Bill Downs
Nowhere to Mail
For the first time in over 14 years, the FUMC PX does not have an address to send our toiletries and snacks.
The most recent recipient, the Base Chaplain at Al Asad Airbase in Iraq, sent me a kind email thanking our church for its support over the past five years. He shared that with the drawdown of troops and better access to supplies through a well-stocked PX, he believes it would be better for us to direct our resources elsewhere.
Following his advice, I’ve recommended to the Missions Committee that we place a moratorium on collecting further donations until we can identify a new way to support our troops or veterans—if one arises. Otherwise, we may consider this the official closing of the FUMC PX ministry.
What began with six boxes and $300 has grown into a ministry that, by God’s grace, has shipped the equivalent of 1,824 large USPS flat-rate boxes to 25 different military units around the world—including Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Bahrain, Germany, South Korea, and Alaska—as well as 40 additional boxes to members of our own church family on active duty.
It has been my great honor and privilege to serve as the messenger on behalf of our church, delivering your generosity to those serving our country. Every donation, every dollar, every note made a difference. And I’m proud to say that, to the best of my knowledge, no church or Missions Committee funds were ever used—this was a ministry funded entirely by YOUR gifts.
The praise and the honor belong to you—the members and friends of our church—who gave so faithfully, and who allowed us to share God’s grace, one peanut at a time, with men and women defending our freedom.
It is YOU who made it all possible.
Thank you for your support, your generosity, and your confidence in this ministry.
God bless our troops and veterans.
Love to all,
Bill Downs
At the Older Adult Luncheon in November, the UMC Plano Quilters honored Bill with a Quilt of Valor, recognizing his many years of dedicated service.
Going Away and Going to God
Last week, our Crossfire Youth Choir returned from its tour to Florida.
This week, we have children at Bridgeport Camp.
Next week, our middle schoolers are going to San Antonio to help with home repairs.
Like going on vacation, our young people are going away. But they are also going to God. There is an intentionality to draw near to God and draw near to the people of God in all the places they are going. It is a time of play, to be sure, but moreover, it is a time of intentional spiritual formation. In the earliest gospel, Jesus calls his disciples to “a place apart” (Mark 6:31) that they might rest with Jesus, talk and laugh with Jesus, learn from Jesus, and pray with Jesus before they re-entered their “real” world. We still do that in the church—in our women’s retreats, Emmaus Walks, even Dinners for Eight. There is something lasting about time spent together with Jesus apart from the daily cycle—even the cycle of church and small group attendance.
Cammy and I are taking the opportunity to go away this summer, and I hope you do too. We all need the change of pace and scenery—even if it’s just an overnight somewhere nearby. But I challenge us to also see that time as going to God. Take some quiet time, and maybe a journal, to observe and record where you encounter God in that different setting—for God is surely there, beckoning. God wants us to find renewal in those spaces so that we might be our better and best selves, representing Christ when we return to our “real” world.
Savor!
Connecting God and Grace to Self and Community,
Matt Gaston
Lead Pastor
From Atlanta to Orlando, Gulf Shores to Baton Rouge — our Crossfire Youth Choir did their own “going away and going to God” by singing, serving, and making memories on an unforgettable tour!
It Wasn’t Jesus
What’s easily lost in the excitement of Pentecost in the upper room two thousand years ago is that in all that followed in that rapid-pace story, Jesus is not present. The excitement, the 3,000 who are converted, the healings that follow, the church pulling their resources together to make sure all have enough—Jesus is nowhere to be found.
It was the Holy Spirit—present in the hearts and lives of the believers—who animated all of that incredible outreach and achievement … and all of them volunteers. There were no clergy, no paid staff, no church buildings; just people who knew the unconditional love of the risen Christ, determined to share that same unconditional love with all. They were doing the miraculous: loving on others!
I think about that as I reflect with thanksgiving on the last two weeks in the life of FUMC Plano:
Dozens of our member volunteers preparing and carrying off a Vacation Bible Camp for 200 kids
A dozen Yardbirds and landscape volunteers beautifying our grounds for company last week (as they do every week)
Dozens of our member volunteers preparing and hosting a successful Clergy Session for some 600 clergy and friends from across Texas
Lay volunteers going to camp, on mission trips, and choir tour
Still more volunteers collecting, organizing, and getting food to neighbors in our community who experience food scarcity
More trained volunteers running a high-quality livestream operation so that hundreds can join us in worship weekly
People volunteering their financial gifts that have cut our debt in half in just six weeks
You begin to get the idea. It wasn’t people waiting for Jesus to do something. It always is faithful people understanding that the Spirit of the living Christ is resting on them taking advantage of their opportunity to be Jesus to those around them, starting with the church–just like those volunteers did at Pentecost 2,000 years ago.
Thank you for being FUMC Plano. Thank you for being a Pentecost church. I am so proud to be among you as your pastor starting my 10th year. Thank you for living the love of the risen Christ for others in his name. Amen.
Matt Gaston
Lead Pastor
Clockwise from top: About 175 women clergy gathered for dinner following the Clergy Session, where FUMC Plano hosted nearly 600 clergy; top right, Carolyn Ellis, Pam Turner, and Sue Hunter prepare for Clergy Session as part of the decorating committee; bottom right, Pastor Matt with Nick Gray and JT Henry attending to final exterior details in preparation for Clergy Session; center, our Crossfire Youth Choir on tour in Atlanta, sharing their gifts and faith through music; bottom left, Lisa Wilson, Barbara Edhlund, and Cammy Gaston welcome campers during last week’s Vacation Bible Camp.
Does the Wind Blow? Yes, but It Helps to Ask
In North Texas, we rarely have to ask the wind to blow; it has a mind, regularity, and velocity all its own—just ask any allergy sufferer. During the summer, we occasionally have “ozone alert days,” when pollution and haze hang in the air due to a lack of wind. But for the most part, because of where DFW is positioned geographically, we receive steady winds: from the northwest in waves during the winter and generally from the south and Gulf southwest the rest of the year. We rarely have to ask.
This Sunday is Pentecost, when we remember the blowing of the wind—the Spirit, the breath of God—into the lives of the believers gathered in prayer in an upper room somewhere in Jerusalem. We imagine it as a dramatic moment where, “suddenly,” the wind began to blow, the believers were animated, and they began speaking in languages not their own. The excitement was bubbling over in the crowd.
But I think there was a precursor to that rush of transformation in their lives. I think they asked for it.
Jesus had told his disciples that he would ask the Father to send them another Companion—one who would be with them forever (John 14:16). He also told the disciples and other believers to go to that upper room in Jerusalem and wait until the Spirit came, when they would be filled with “power from heaven” (Luke 24:49). I can only imagine that as they waited, they prayed ... and they asked precisely for that gift.
Pentecost, like Christmas and Easter, is not a spectacle event or remembrance to take in from the mezzanine. It is, every year, an opportunity to be a participant—especially if our lives feel like an ozone alert day: still and going nowhere. Jesus has asked the Creator of the universe to send a Companion—the Spirit—to blow into each one of our lives and move us in new and live-giving directions.
But it helps to ask.
Connecting God and Grace to Self and Community,
Matt Gaston
Lead Pastor
Good News, Slow News, Best News
GOOD NEWS
Preparation for Vacation Bible Camp is looking perfectly outdoorsy, just in time for summer and for the 200 children and 50 volunteers joining us next week.
Plans are humming along to host our Bishop and about 500 clergy for the first Clergy Session of the new Horizon Texas Annual Conference on June 8. Our Yardbirds and our Landscaping Team are beautifying our grounds, while a volunteer team inside is getting “our house” ready for company.
Kevin Clanahan, Jill Stoel, John Shell, Donna Gaskill, Tim Hopson, and I will represent FUMC Plano at the first full Horizon Texas Annual Conference that will meet at SMU that same week.
We received 7 more commitments for a total of 161 totaling $1,946,000 toward our $2,000,000 Free to Grow goal. We are 97% of the way there!
Over $40,000 came in last week as “first fruits” for our Free to Grow campaign, as our debt quickly drops from the $400K range toward the $300K range.
There is always a place and a time for you to be part of this concerted progress—and the fun!
SLOW NEWS
The City of Plano Permitting Staff continues to find new requirements we must meet before issuing us our permit to proceed with the construction of our parking lot addition and new Yardbird shed. We believe we’re finally close.
Several survey stakes with flags—plus a porta-potty—continue to tease us about this project that will not take long once it begins.
Giving always slows during the summer months. It would help our ministry if it slowed less this summer. There is a lot of goodness going on.
My grass. It seems to take forever to fill in winter’s bare spots.
The coming of the Holy Spirit.
BEST NEWS
Wait
Hardest word to hear. But that is what Jesus told his disciples to do before he left them for the second time – this time, for heaven.
This Sunday is Ascension Sunday—centered around Holy Communion—where we practice slowing down and waiting for the Holy Spirit to come and renew our spirits.
That is hard to do. But then again, the best things in life often require it.
As we slow down to kneel, reflect, pray, and commune with Christ, may we enjoy the anticipation of all that is surely coming—because Christ said so. Amen.
Matt Gaston
Lead Pastor
Getting Together Over a Meal
One of the things Ruben Garza said to me as we were preparing for the wonderful memorial service/fiesta we prepared for his wife—and family matriarch—Mary Alice, was, “I look forward to being back in church with my friends.” That’s not surprising. The Garza family has always centered around being together—especially around a meal.
Son-in-law Eddie Clinton reflected on his and Anna’s wedding, which stretched into four days before they could finally leave on their honeymoon. Every day brought another breakfast, lunch, and dinner with extended family and friends getting together over a meal. “My gosh, Anna—we just SAW these people last night!” Eddie said. Then he smiled and added, “And it never ended.”
This Memorial Day weekend, we will remember those who never made it home for dinner—those who sacrificed their lives so that we might continue to gather as families around the table. And then, on the following Communion Sunday, we will gather as a church family around the Lord’s Table. Jesus told us that this is where we are most connected—to one another, and to him. He promised to be present with us. There is a warmth, a give-and-take, a sharing, an intimacy with Christ, and a joy in the physical presence of one another when we get together over a meal. Jesus told us to remember that every time we do so.
I am so thankful for Mary Alice, who dedicated her life to creating family in the broadest and most beautiful sense of the word—by bringing people together over a meal. Just nine days before she died, she was up at church greeting members of the Multi-Cultural Outreach Roundtable, an organization the mayor of Plano tasked her to establish two decades ago. This gathering of diverse people—across color, language, and religion—met, of course, around a potluck meal. Because that’s what family does: bringing themselves and bringing their best, for each other. Just as Jesus did. That’s what family and friends do.
Thank you, Mary Alice, for lovingly, brilliantly, and always brightly showing us how.
Matt Gaston
Lead Pastor
Representing Our Church; Creating a Conference — Anyone Interested?
Truth be told, our new and larger Horizon Texas Conference was officially created last August in Abilene by a unanimous vote. But June 8 marks the beginning of the first full Annual Conference of this new Conference — which now stretches from Paris to Brownwood and from Amarillo to Round Rock … and it all begins right here at our church, with a gathering of nearly 500 clergy before the opening worship for everyone that evening at SMU and continuing for two days of business.
Kevin Clanahan and I will serve as FUMC Plano’s matching clergy and lay members (United Methodist conferencing always includes an equal number of clergy and laity). In addition, Jill Stoel and John Shell will serve as at-large lay members to help fill in where other churches are short of their required lay representatives.
Together — along with inspiring worship and singing — we will listen to reports, debates, and educational pieces and vote on legislative items and reports. The votes of clergy and laity count equally — one of the great strengths of our polity (system/organization).
Would you like to join us?
We still have room for three more at-large lay members, and the venue at SMU is as close as Annual Conference is likely to get — next year we could be headed to Waco! Jill and John are planning to carpool, and there’s room in the backseat for you! There’s no minimum age, but you do need to be a full member in good standing. If you’re interested, just contact me through the church office.
In the meantime, we’re sprucing up the place even more to welcome all those clergy on Sunday afternoon, June 8. We’ll need volunteers to show some FUMC Plano hospitality. If you’d like to help us host and be part of a “first” (Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr. will be presiding!), please contact Liliana Peña in the church office.
It really is a historic year for us and for our Conference — and we’d love for you to be a part of it. See you around!
Connecting God and Grace to Self and Community,
Matt Gaston
Lead Pastor