Dear First Frisco Family,
John’s first letter contains this promise: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (5:4) I love that reminder that faith overcomes! Our God is bigger than anything the world can throw at us.
As many of you know, in March of this year, our Church Council authorized the creation of a Task Force for the Study of Future Church Affiliation. That decision was motivated by increasing division in the United Methodist Church. Growing uncertainty about the future of the denomination generally, and the North Texas Annual Conference in particular, prompted our Church Council to be pro-active in exploring next steps of faith and obedience for First Frisco.
Our Task Force worked hard for five months. Jim McClain, Task Force chair, reported their findings to Church Council in August. As a next step, Church Council requested the preparation of a summary of their work (see attached) so that the summary can serve as a foundational resource for churchwide study, prayer and discernment. Our Executive Committee prepared and approved this summary.
The summary is organized with information and links around three questions:
1. How have we arrived at this decision point?
2. Should First Frisco disaffiliate from the UMC?
3. What is First Frisco’s best affiliation option?
I encourage you: read it carefully. Go deep on the issues involved. Cross reference data with scripture. Pray for God’s wisdom to guide you.
Another important part of the discernment process will be the opportunity for you to participate in scheduled small group opportunities facilitated by Pastor Steve, Kevin Walker (Church Council Chair), and Jim McClain (Task Force Chair). You can sign up for a small group meeting here.
The Task Force findings clearly indicate a direction for First Frisco’s next steps. However, we seek to maintain an objective tone as we work to answer this question as a congregation: “Where Does First Frisco Belong?”
To reiterate: this summary of our Task Force’s findings, in combination with small group opportunities, will undergird us in a season of study, prayer and discernment. At the end of our discernment process, our Church Council will consider whether or not to make a recommendation for a churchwide vote.
First Frisco has weathered many such conflicts and turning points in its 175-year history. Rest assured, God isn’t daunted by this present task! In fact, God has called us to leadership specifically “for just such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14) My prayer is that all of us will be able to look back one day and rejoice, “We responded to God’s leading by faith! Look what God has done!”
In Christ,
Pastor Mark
John’s first letter contains this promise: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (5:4) I love that reminder that faith overcomes! Our God is bigger than anything the world can throw at us.
As many of you know, in March of this year, our Church Council authorized the creation of a Task Force for the Study of Future Church Affiliation. That decision was motivated by increasing division in the United Methodist Church. Growing uncertainty about the future of the denomination generally, and the North Texas Annual Conference in particular, prompted our Church Council to be pro-active in exploring next steps of faith and obedience for First Frisco.
Our Task Force worked hard for five months. Jim McClain, Task Force chair, reported their findings to Church Council in August. As a next step, Church Council requested the preparation of a summary of their work (see attached) so that the summary can serve as a foundational resource for churchwide study, prayer and discernment. Our Executive Committee prepared and approved this summary.
The summary is organized with information and links around three questions:
1. How have we arrived at this decision point?
2. Should First Frisco disaffiliate from the UMC?
3. What is First Frisco’s best affiliation option?
I encourage you: read it carefully. Go deep on the issues involved. Cross reference data with scripture. Pray for God’s wisdom to guide you.
Another important part of the discernment process will be the opportunity for you to participate in scheduled small group opportunities facilitated by Pastor Steve, Kevin Walker (Church Council Chair), and Jim McClain (Task Force Chair). You can sign up for a small group meeting here.
The Task Force findings clearly indicate a direction for First Frisco’s next steps. However, we seek to maintain an objective tone as we work to answer this question as a congregation: “Where Does First Frisco Belong?”
To reiterate: this summary of our Task Force’s findings, in combination with small group opportunities, will undergird us in a season of study, prayer and discernment. At the end of our discernment process, our Church Council will consider whether or not to make a recommendation for a churchwide vote.
First Frisco has weathered many such conflicts and turning points in its 175-year history. Rest assured, God isn’t daunted by this present task! In fact, God has called us to leadership specifically “for just such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14) My prayer is that all of us will be able to look back one day and rejoice, “We responded to God’s leading by faith! Look what God has done!”
In Christ,
Pastor Mark