Longest Night Worship Service
Join us for a special "Longest Night Worship Service" this December 21st in recognition of the Winter Solstice, a day that holds a unique significance for those who may find themselves feeling "blue" during the holiday season.
The Christmas season is not always a time of joy for everyone. Many among us are navigating through personal struggles, coping with loss, and facing challenges that cast a shadow over the festivities. Our Longest Night Service acknowledges and embraces the reality of these emotions, offering a sacred space for reflection and healing.
On this day, we draw inspiration from the feast day of Saint Thomas the Apostle, whose journey to believe in the resurrection mirrors the struggles we face in times of darkness. Together, let's honor the longest night of the year by coming together as a community to share, reflect, and find hope amid the challenges.
Date: December 21st
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Spring Valley UMC, Dallas, TX
You are not alone. Join us as we stand together, offering solace, acceptance, and a glimmer of hope to those who may be feeling the weight of the season. Let's find strength in our shared journey and light a candle of hope together.
Christmas Eve at SVUMC
We invite you to embrace the spirit of the season with us on Christmas Eve at Spring Valley United Methodist.
We will have 3 service times for you to choose from:
Family Christmas Service - 10:00 am
Candlelight Service (Spanish Version) - 5:00 pm
Candlelight Service - 7:00 pm
Come together with friends, family, and neighbors as we rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ. Everyone is welcome, and we can't wait to share this special evening with you! Spread the love and invite others to experience the magic of Christmas at Spring Valley UMC. See you there!
Laity Sunday - November 12th
Dear Spring Valley Family,
This Sunday in worship is Laity Sunday. Our Lay Leader, Cheryl Servais, has coordinated the day- you will see and hear from many of our members who serve in a variety of ways. Pat Christley, who is a certified Lay Servant, will preach. Laity Sunday is a special Sunday defined by General Conference “to celebrate the ministry of all Christians” (2016 Book of Discipline, ¶ 264.2). Laity Sunday is one way we express the core Christian conviction that all are called to participate in God’s mission to create healthy, flourishing life in the world. It is a day set aside to remember and lift up a constant reality: the priesthood and ministry of all. Every person on the planet is invited to share in God’s community of healing, love, justice, and world repair.
Laity Sunday celebrates the ministry of all Christians as they love God and neighbor. As God’s people grow in grace to become “all-love” disciples in community, we gather with others and connect all to God’s saving love in Jesus Christ. We continue to lift up the vocation of all to follow the way of Jesus and lead others to him – particularly as we consider what it means to hold fast to the pattern of healthy, sound words that bring life to all our relationships.
How can you grow in your ministry? The first step is to learn your spiritual gifts. Click here to begin the process of discovery: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/spiritual-gifts-inventory/en It shouldn’t take too long- just don’t overthink! Even if you have taken an inventory before- gifts may change over time. Finding where you are gifted helps to point you to places you can serve that will be fruitful and rewarding to you. When you know your gifts, let’s find a time to sit down and discern your best opportunity! The images below are linked to several opportunities to learn more about how lay people serve in various capacities- including training.
While I am thinking about ministry of the church, mark your calendars for November 28, 7:00 p.m.: our annual Charge Conference. This is sort of the annual shareholders meeting of the church. Our Lay Leadership team will present the slate for the leadership for the years 2024-2026. It’s a meeting to celebrate all that God has done, and is doing, at Spring Valley UMC and its community this year.
Celebrating the priesthood of all believers,
Pastor Frank
Youth Night Out - Adventure Landing
Youth - in lieu of our youth-lock out we will be going to Adventure Landing this Saturday, November 4th from 6-8pm. We'd love to have you! Go karts, laser tag, mini golf and more! Cost is $20 cash or check. Contact Shea for more details: sharrington@svumc.org
New Sermon Series: Plugged In
Join us for our next sermon series for the month of November! With school, sports and other activities, there’s a lot to do. We’re going to reflect about being “Plugged In,” and make sure that we’re filling our lives with community, purpose and service to others.
Commitment Sunday
The other day, I quoted from the great Christian theologian Henri Nouwen in the sermon. I actually had several paragraphs in my hand, but I didn’t want to spend the entire message quoting from someone else! Here’s something else Nouwen said on generosity as we prepare for Commitment Sunday this week:
“Jesus counsels: ‘Put your security in God.’ We have to decide whether we want to belong to the world or to God. Our trust, our basic trust, Jesus teaches, has to be in God. As long as our real trust is in money, we cannot be true members of the kingdom. All those questions I asked were simply to help us consider whether we are, perhaps, still putting our security in money. ‘Those who trust in their riches will wither, but the righteous will flourish like green leaves’ (Prov. 11:28). What is the true base of our security?”
- Excerpt From A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri J. M. Nouwen
When we are clear about our spirituality of giving, then generosity is possible- and that leads to new ministries. On Sunday, we heard from our Dreamcasters, a small group of folks who met me for coffee a couple of times to dream about ministry in 2024. We were charged with discerning opportunities to serve locally, nationally, and internationally. Of course, our congregation is already active in all three areas through existing ministries, and this was not meant to diminish or replace any of them; I want to be clear about that.
After a couple of hours, here’s where we want to invest new energy next year:
• Local- Spring Valley Elementary. Through the initiative of Cynthia Pharr Lee, a new ministry is already being birthed there. Next week, a team from Spring Valley UMC will host a luncheon for teachers and staff. We want to explore deepening the relationship further.
• National- Build an online ministry beyond streaming a worship service. Create opportunities for people to gather online for Bible study, fellowship, and spiritual growth. You probably heard John Wesley said, “The world is my parish;” the internet has unlimited potential to bring the gospel to more people.
• International- We have a relationship with Gibraltar Methodist Church in Sierra Leone, the home church of Johannes Sechyi. Several years ago, Spring Valley sent the congregation choir robes; in exchange, Gibraltar sent the custom tie-dye parament that graced our altar table in worship this month. We want to find new ways to deepen these spiritual friendships next year.
Thank you to the Dreamcasters who invested time and creative energy in this process: Alan and Betsy Willis, Jim Bates, Cheryl Servais, Florence Campbell, and Jim Wright.
This Sunday will be special. It’s Commitment Sunday, where we offer our 2024 financial commitments as an act of worship. Our guest preacher is the Rev. Edlen Cowley, Metro District Superintendent. We will also hear the personal witness of Florence Lewis.
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow,
Pastor Frank
Save the Date: Youth Night Friendsgiving
Youth - please join us and bring a side dish or dessert!
State Fair Fun & Compassionate Conversations
Dear Spring Valley Family,
A few months ago, I instructed our staff to mark their calendars for a staff development day on October 18. The only information I shared was that they should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking. On Wednesday, the long-awaited day arrived! Tony, Shea, Suzan, Shirley, Allison, John, and our newest staff member, Worship Leader Derrada Rubell-Asbell, carpooled to the Spring Valley DART station (of course) and headed south on the Orange Line. At Pearl Street/ Arts District, we switched to the Green Line. We departed the train at Fair Park for the Great State Fair of Texas! Pastor Rosedanny met us there, having designed and picked up new Spring Valley UMC t-shirts! If you'd like to purchase one, several of us will wear them on Sunday, November 12. You can sign up for yours, then!
The trip to the Fair was my way of showing appreciation for our great team; they are faithful in the areas they serve. They bring great passion, energy, and enthusiasm to the church's work. I appreciate every one of them and am fortunate to serve alongside them! I know you appreciate them as well. Several hours later, full of corny dogs and other treats, having sampled massage chairs, air purifiers, mini-vans at the car show, a magic show, and a petting zoo, it was time for us to return to the work of ministry.
After resting up and showering, I attended a meeting of several area business owners, housing association representatives, staff of the City Council, and even code enforcement and Dallas Police. For nearly an hour, we discussed issues related to individuals panhandling at the corner of Spring Valley and Coit Road. One possibility going forward is to create a Public Improvement District, a partnership between businesses and community groups who share the cost. The Lake Highlands PID (Public Improvement District) was mentioned as a great example of how this could benefit our community.
From their FAQ page, this is how the LHPID is described: "The primary goal of the LHPID is to enhance public safety services and provide aesthetically pleasing streetscapes within the district and along the Skillman corridor. While the non-profit board will decide how PID funds are allocated, specific examples of services may include security patrols, litter and graffiti management, pedestrian lighting, signage, landscape enhancements in public right-of-way areas and street medians, promotional communications, and grant funds."
Read more here: https://lhpid.org, and begin to imagine how this kind of emphasis would greatly benefit the area and another tangible way for Spring Valley UMC to partner with others. I hope it comes to fruition. In the meantime, you will see signs going up at the intersection of Coit and Spring Valley in a couple of weeks, encouraging people not to give cash or other items to people at traffic intersections. Instead, we should support charitable and non-profit organizations that offer more holistic and lasting solutions for those in need. The City of Dallas created www.dallashomelesssolitions.com as part of this effort, and of course, Spring Valley UMC has long supported the Network of Community Ministries.
I was grateful for our compassionate conversation about homelessness, drug use, and other challenges impacting our neighbors. After a morning of fun and team building with our staff, it was a good reminder of the ultimate work we are called to sharing the love of Jesus with a broken and hurting world.
Bless this neighborhood,
Pastor Frank
From Pastor Frank
Do you recognize these words?
"With God's help, we will proclaim the good news
and live according to the example of Christ.
We will surround these persons
with a community of love and forgiveness,
that they may grow in their trust in God,
and be found faithful in their service to others.
We will pray for them,
that they may be true disciples
who walk in the way that leads to life."
You should! They are the congregation's response when a child is baptized or confirmed. As the service concludes, we unite our voices once again:
"We give thanks for all that God has already given you
and we welcome you in Christian love.
As members together with you
in the body of Christ
and in this congregation
of The United Methodist Church,
we renew our covenant
faithfully to participate
in the ministries of the Church
by our prayers, our presence,
our gifts, our service, and our witness,
that in everything God may be glorified
through Jesus Christ."
As far as I know, we do not have a baptism this Sunday, but we are giving our third graders Bibles- one way we fulfill our commitment to the children of Spring Valley UMC. I still have my Bible, which I received as a gift from the Fellowship Class of First UMC Bay City, Texas, in 1979. It is a Revised Standard Version—not as many ‘thees’ and ‘thous’ and male-centric language as the King James version, but more than enough for my personal taste. Still, my 3rd grade Bible will be in use this Sunday! It is a reminder of the commitment of that congregation to my parents and me from my baptism to when I received a college scholarship as a graduating senior from high school. The dedication page of the Bible says, "Look to this book for guidance." I wrote the same thing in the Bibles we will present to each child on Sunday. I encourage everyone to be present in worship for this observance, assuming it is possible for you to do so. In addition to the 3rd graders, we will celebrate all of our children and youth. You will see them in action, ushering and greeting, leading the liturgy, and praying. Remember: children and youth are not the future of the Church; they are the present. God is already active in their lives, shaping and molding them. They become the future of the Church only with the support and encouragement of the whole congregation today. Helping to build a foundation for them is one of the most essential tasks of the Church, which means showing up for them at significant moments in their faith development.
Walking in the way that leads to life,
Pastor Frank
Austin Street Center
When: Sunday, October 15th (Usually the third Sunday in January, April, July & October.) We leave the church at 6:20 A.M. sharp.
Where: Meet @ SVUMC @ 6:00 A.M. (Door by Wesley Hall & kitchen) and leave by 6:20 A.M. We will caravan to ASC using personal vehicles. The Shelter is located at 1717 Jeffries Street, east of Downtown Dallas. We will be back at the church by 8:00 A.M. Dress casually.
What do I bring? (EACH VOLUNTEER IS TO PROVIDE 24 SANDWICHES/ 24 FRUIT/ 24 EGGS/ 24 BAGS)
24 Sandwiches Example: Salami/Cheese, Ham/Cheese, Peanut Butter/Jelly, etc. Please place the sandwich in individual sandwich bags. Please do not use mayonnaise, mustard, or other spreads. Many people save their sandwiches for later, and sandwich spreads can quickly spoil. Please be generous with portions, as this may be the only meal the person will have all day. Mustard and mayo packets may be placed in the sandwich bag. Hamburger buns are suggested for use as sandwich bread. Please do not put lettuce and tomato on the sandwich, as this will make the bread soggy. You are encouraged to label the sandwich bag with the type of sandwich. Like you and me, the Shelter residents have personal preferences, and labeling makes the selection process easier for both the residents and the volunteers.
24 Pieces of "Soft" Fruit Example: Bananas, Oranges, Plums, Grapes, etc. Many people have dental problems and cannot chew hard fruits like apples.
24 Hard-boiled eggs Tip: Save your carton to bring your eggs. 24 Plastic Grocery Sacks: These are used by residents to carry their meal items. Optional items include bottled water, cookies, candy, and cereal bars. FOOD ITEMS MAY BE DROPPED OFF AT THE CHURCH KITCHEN (BY WESLEY HALL) ON SATURDAY BEFORE NOON. PLEASE MAKE SURE ITEMS ARE CLEARLY MARKED “Austin Street.”
What to expect: Once at the Shelter, SVUMC volunteers will group sandwiches, fruits together, etc. People at the Shelter will proceed through a line and select one egg, one fruit, and one sandwich of their choice. Sacks will be used for them to carry their meal. "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25: 45-46 SVUMC participates with other area churches in providing a meal every quarter for those homeless persons who need ASC services. The following is some background information on ASC, as excerpted from the ASC website (at www.austinst.org) Austin Street Centre for the Homeless continues its mission as a residential, pastoral care program offering help and hope to 350+ men, women, and children each day. The Centre centers on an atmosphere of a Christian caring community. It is a safe, clean, comfortable environment for those who wish to escape the streets and need help returning to the larger community. People staying at the Centre are provided with basic needs such as food, showers, clothing, personal items, and over-the-counter medications. One hundred twenty different churches, schools, and service organizations provide food. In addition to the basics, Austin St. offers medical and psychiatric clinics. Please let me know if you plan on delivering and serving the food this weekend.
Yours in Christ, Jim Veach.
Annual Halloween Concert and Trunk-or-Treat
Coming Soon – another exciting Halloween MusicFest and Trunk-orTreat! The behind-the-scenes work for Music Fest 2023 is in full swing – music is being prepared, plans are being made for the hot dogs, and once again, it’s time to sign up for trunks and candy. Signups for both will be available in all the Sunday School rooms and at the Welcome Desk in the Loggia beginning this Sunday.
Once again, there will be a prize for the best-decorated trunk, so encourage all your friends to join you in signing up and helping us to have the best Music Fest and Trunk or Treat ever!
Daylight Savings Time Ends November 5th
Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday, Nov 5 There is nothing worse than showing up an hour early for church. But on a more positive note, you’ll be right on time for Sunday School!
All Saints 2023
All Saints Sunday is November 5th. This year, in addition to members of Spring Valley UMC, we will recognize immediate family of our members. If you would like to participate in this observance, please complete this form.
Preschool Veteran's Day Program
Please join us for a special day honoring our Veterans. Our 3 and 4 year olds will sing to the Veterans and we’d love to include any Veterans in your families and community!
UPDATED: Sunday Schedule
UPDATED Sunday Schedule - Starting this Sunday, October 8th
Thank you all for your flexibility. We want to make sure the Sunday schedule works for all our families.
Sundays:
9:00-9:45 AM – Children’s Sunday School (and Camp Big Church)
Led by Shea Harrington
9:00-9:45 AM - Youth & Parent Bible Study
Led by Pastor Frank Drenner and youth parents
10-11 AM – Worship
11-12 PM – Adult Small Groups
Childcare available for children
Youth Leaders can earn service hours by helping with childcare
5:30-7 PM – Youth Night
Pastor Frank invites you to a new worship series beginning Sunday!
Sunday our next sermon series kicks off - this is a series about stewardship. It's all about realizing our potential as a church, as a community of faith. Potential that is realized by our approach to financial stewardship. We know there is a stigma in today's culture talking about money...but Jesus talked about money more than any other subject in the kingdom of God.
There's a reason for that.
Take our Motivation Quiz here:
https://docs.google.com/.../1qsRAjo5hQhIL6DwVneyp13X.../edit
Camp Bible was a blast!
Our 3rd Graders (from Camp Big Church) had aBLAST at Camp Bible! From family groups, SpaHour, board games, s'mores, worship time, crazydance time, and so much more.
Our students learned that “God is Light”. They explored scripture that used the concept of light tohelp them relate to God.
We can’t wait to go back next year!
Upcoming Youth Night
Join us for fellowship and our youth service project. We will be creating BOO Baskets for the people in our community inviting them to the upcoming Halloween Music Fest. Then, we will also make BOO Baskets for our preschool teachers.
Invite your friends!
As always we NEED parent volunteers to chaperone or help provide food.
If you are available this night or the upcoming youth activities please sign up here:
Welcome to the SVUMC Team!
We are pleased to announce the hiring of Derrada Rubell-Asbell as Spring Valley’s new Worship Leader/Director of Worship Ministries. He currently serves as the Director of Music Ministries at Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church. Derrada is a graduate of Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Music in Choral/Vocal Education.
We believe Derrada will bring an energy and enthusiasm to worship, and a passion for the surrounding community, that will help us grow into a new vision for ministry. Derrada will start October 30, meaning his first Sunday will be All Saints Sunday, November 5, a fitting day as we celebrate the enduring legacy of the Spring Valley UMC witness. Please pray for him, the music ministry, and the congregation as we move into an exciting new chapter of our congregational life.
Bless this Neighborhood,
Rev Dr Frank Drenner, Lead Pastor